bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebellar nuclei cells produce distinct pathogenic spike signatures in mouse models of ataxia, dystonia, and tremor
Authors: van der Heijden Meike E. , Brown Amanda M. , Kizek Dominic J. , Sillitoe Roy V.
Published: May 2023

The cerebellum contributes to a diverse array of motor conditions including ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The neural substrates that encode this diversity are unclear. Here, we tested whether the neural spike activity of cerebellar output neurons is distinct between movement disorders with different impairments, generalizable across movement disorders with similar impairments, and capable of causing distinct movement impairments. Usingin vivoawake recordings as input data, we trained a supervised classifier model to differentiate the spike parameters between mouse models for ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The classifier model correctly assigned mouse phenotypes based on single neuron signatures. Spike signatures were shared across etiologically distinct but phenotypically similar disease models. Mimicking these pathophysiological spike signatures with optogenetics induced the predicted motor impairments in otherwise healthy mice. These data show that distinct spike signatures promote the behavioral presentation of cerebellar diseases.
Downregulation of the silent potassium channel Kv8.1 increases ALS motor neuron vulnerability
Authors: Huang Xuan , Lee Seungkyu , Kawaguchi Riki , Wiskow Ole , Ghosh Sulagna , Frost Devlin , Perrault Laura , Pandey Roshan , Chen Kuchuan , Klim Joseph R. , Boivin Bruno , Hermawan Crystal , Livak Kenneth J. , Geschwind Dan , Wainger Brian J. , Eggan Kevin , Bean Bruce P. , Woolf Clifford J
Published: May 2023

The Kv8.1 potassium ion channel encoded by the KCNV1 gene is a “silent” subunit whose biological function is unknown. In ALS patient-derived motor neurons carrying SOD1(A4V) and C9orf72 mutations, its expression is highly reduced, yielding increased vulnerability to cell death without a change in motor neuronal firing. Our data suggests that Kv8.1 modulates Kv2 channel function to impact neuronal metabolism and lipid/protein transport pathways, but not excitability.
A global meta-analysis of effects of green infrastructure on COVID-19 infection and mortality rates
Authors: Phogole Bopaki , Yessoufou Kowiyou
Published: May 2023

Evidence of the benefits of greenspaces or greenness to human wellbeing in the context of COVID-19 is fragmented and sometimes contradictory. This calls for a meta-analysis of existing studies to clarify the matter. Here, we identified 621 studies across the world, which were then filtered down to 13 relevant studies covering Africa, Asia, Europe, and USA. These studies were meta-analysed, with the impacts of greenspaces on COVID-19 infection rate quantified using regression estimates whereas impacts on mortality was measured using mortality rate ratios. We found evidence of significant negative correlations between greenness and both COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. We further found that the impacts on COVID-19 infection and mortality are moderated by year of publication, greenness metrics, sample size, health and political covariates. This clarification has far-reaching implications on policy development towards the establishment and management of green infrastructure for the benefits of human wellbeing.
Synthesis and structure of two noveltrans-platinum complexes
Authors: Vinci Doriana , Chateigner Daniel
Published: May 2023

Here for the first time the synthesis and characterization of two newtrans-platinum complexes,trans-[PtCl2{HN=C(OH)C6H5}2] (compound1) andtrans-[PtCl4(NH3){HN=C(OH)tBu}] (compound2) [withtBu = C(CH3)3] are described. The structures have been characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In compound1the platinum cation, at the inversion center, is in the expected square-planar coordination geometry. It is coordinated to two chloride anions,transto each other, and two nitrogen atoms from the benzamide ligands. The van der Waals interactions between the molecules produce extended two-dimensional layers that are linked into a three-dimensional structure through π...π intermolecular interactions. In compound2the platinum cation is octahedrally coordinated by four chloride anions and two nitrogen atoms from the pivalamide and ammine ligands, intransconfiguration. The molecular packing is governed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions.
Crystal structure of 4-[(4-methylbenzyl)oxy]-N′-(4-nitrobenzylidene)benzohydrazide: a new hydrazone derivative
Authors: Banna Md. Hasan Al , Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta , Howlader Md. Belayet Hossain , Zangrando Ennio
Published: May 2023

The molecular structure of the title compound, C22H19N3O4, shows a non-coplanar conformation, with dihedral angles between the phenyl rings of 73.3 (1) and 80.9 (1)°. These deformations are induced by the crystal packing that is mainly governed by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a mono-periodic arrangement parallel to the b axis.
Performance funding and the academic profession: a New Zealand case study
Authors: Sarpong Joshua
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In recent times, universities have been faced with the challenge of implementing neoliberal ideas as a survival tactic. For instance, there is increasing pressure on academics globally to publish because of performance funding and other metrics like global rankings, which consider where and how much academics publish. This study explores how neoliberalism in higher education has influenced the academic profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used two New Zealand universities as case studies to understand how the universities' academics respond to government formula for allocating public funding to universities and also how the universities respond to the changing higher education system in New Zealand. In total, 21 academics were interviewed and documents such as the strategic plans of the universities; policies, guidelines and procedures; Tertiary Education Union reports and media reports were analysed.

Findings

The study finds that neoliberal practices could lead to occupational stress that comes with the pressure to publish, increased teaching workload and casualisation of the academic job, especially amongst emerging academics.

Originality/value

Whilst the topic is not entirely original, this study is pertinent and offers the following advice to stakeholders. A university's success is a function of its academics, and academics perform at an exceptional level because academics want to, not because academics are being made to. Unless governments and universities address the intense competition that results from funding allocation procedures, the less well-off academics will fail and some will be forced to compromise the duties that academics have. A collaborative and collegial higher education system that focuses on serving the public good can be an alternative.
Fintech and contactless payment: Help or hindrance? The role of invasion of privacy and information disclosure
Authors: Alalwan Ali Abdallah , Baabdullah Abdullah M. , Al-Debei Mutaz M. , Raman Ramakrishnan , Alhitmi Hitmi Khalifa , Abu-ElSamen Amjad A. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

There is always a need to discover how a paradox between a customer’s desire for a more personalized experience and their privacy and security concerns would shape their intention to continue using contactless payment methods. However, personalization–privacy paradox has not been well-covered over the area of contactless payment. Therefore, this study aims to empirically examine the impact of personalization–privacy paradox on the customers’ continued intention (CIN) to use contactless payment.

Design

/methodology/approach – The empirical part of the current study was conducted in Saudi Arabia by collecting the primary data using online questionnaire from a convenience sample size of 297 actual users of contactless payment methods.

Findings

Based on structural equation modeling, personalization and privacy invasion were approved to significantly impact perceived value of information disclosure (PVD). Strong causal associations were confirmed between perceived severity, structural assurance and response cost with privacy invasion. Finally, both PVD and privacy invasion significantly predict CIN.

Research limitations/implications

There are other important factors (i.e. technology interactivity, technology readiness, social influence, trust, prior experience, etc.) were not tested in the current study. Therefore, future studies would pay more attention regarding the impact of these factors. The current study data were also collected using a convenience sample of actual users of contactless payment methods. Therefore, there is a concern regarding the generalizability of the current study results to other kind of customers who have not used contactless payment.

Originality/value

This study has integrated both personalization–privacy paradox and protection motivation theory in one model. The current study holds value in providing a new and complete picture of the inhibitors and enablers of customers’ CIN to use contactless payment, including new types of inhibitors. Furthermore, personalization–privacy paradox has not been fully examined over the related area of Fintech and contactless payment in general. Therefore, this study was able to extend the theoretical horizon personalization–privacy paradox to new area (i.e. contactless payment) and new cultural context (Saudi Arabia).
Emotional factors of bra that effect satisfaction and attractiveness
Authors: Wen Xingyu , Zhang Jing , Whang Mincheol
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between affect space and bra design factors based on the observer's vision judgment.

Design/methodology/approach

First, using two dimensions of attractiveness and satisfaction to define the bra emotion space based on literature. Then, the mapping relation between bra design factors and emotional space is analyzed in visual perception. Finally, the model of bra emotion recognition based on design factors is established using the neural network BRP.

Findings

Users' emotions stimulated by bras can be automatically recognized based on their visual design factors. (1) attractiveness and satisfaction which are used to define bra emotions space show a linear correlation between each other in the human visual domain. (2) The design factors that cause attractiveness can also cause satisfaction. However, the factors that stimulate satisfaction do not necessarily attract users' interest, such as the ratio, location of embellishments, hollowed, core decoration and contour lines.

Practical implications

The analysis of bra emotion space may help designers to understand the relationship between bra visual appearance and emotion, and ask them to pay attention to empathic design factors. With the provided results, designers can also carry out and evaluate emotional bra design with high attractiveness and satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the emotional attributes of bra visual design factors based on bra emotion space and explores the methods of bra emotion design.
Awareness and perception of the environmental sustainability of the UAE University campus: a case study of sustainability course
Authors: Albattah Mohammed , Bande Lindita
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the entry-level student’s awareness of environmental sustainability focussing on the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) campus and measure the effectiveness of the course materials. A comparison between the students who took the general education sustainability (GESU 121) course face to face and the ones who tool it online was applied.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was descriptive in nature, and the data is obtained using a cross-sectional survey of the students attending the UAEU in 2020. The data collection was done in two semesters, Spring 2020 [face-to-face class] and Fall 2020 [online class, after COVID-19 effect]. A total of 160 participants responded to the survey. The Pearson’s Chi-square test for independence was conducted and used to identify if any statistical differences exist between the studied variables.

Findings

This study revealed that the awareness of environmental sustainability was increased in both groups [face-to-face students and online students], after taking the course. In addition, around 80% of the students were interested to participate in sustainability initiatives on the UAEU campus. The students’ perception of the statements about the UAEU campus environmental sustainability varied from Spring 2020 (53.3% were not sure that the UAEU campus is environmentally sustainable) to Fall 2022 (63% of the online students believed that the campus is environmentally sustainable).

Originality/value

Students’ awareness and perception are very important to improve the environmental sustainability of the University campus. The novelty of this study is to examine the awareness of entry-level students among the environmental sustainability focussing on the UAEU campus and examine the effect of COVID-19 [online classes] on delivering the course knowledge. The findings of this study provide the information for the improvement of the course for the future semesters.
Values and interventions: dynamic relationships in international doctrines
Authors: Lin Mi , Pereira Roders Ana , Nevzgodin Ivan , de Jonge Wessel
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Even if there is a wealth of research highlighting the key role of values and cultural significance for heritage management and, defining specific interventions on built heritage, seldom the relation to their leading values and values hierarchy have been researched. How do values and interventions relate? What values trigger most and least interventions on heritage? How do these values relate and characterize interventions? And what are the values hierarchy that make the interventions on built heritage differ?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic content analysis of 69 international doctrinal documents – mainly adopted by Council of Europe, UNESCO, and ICOMOS, during 1877 and 2021. The main aim is to reveal and compare the intervention concepts and their definitions, in relation to values. The intensity of the relationship between intervention concepts and values is determined based on the frequency of mentioned values per intervention.

Findings

There were three key findings. First, historic, social, and aesthetical values were the most referenced values in international doctrinal documents. Second, while intervention concepts revealed similar definitions and shared common leading values, their secondary values and values hierarchy, e.g. aesthetical or social values, are the ones influencing the variation on their definitions. Third, certain values show contradictory roles in the same intervention concepts from different documents, e.g. political and age values.

Originality/value

This paper explores a novel comparison between different interventions concepts and definitions, and the role of values. The results can contribute to support further research and practice on clarifying the identified differences.
Shariah governance disclosure and its effect on Islamic banks' financial performance: evidence from Malaysia and GCC countries
Authors: Abdul Rahim Memiyanty , Shaharuddin Nur ’Ain Syahirah , Mohd Suki Norazah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of Shariah governance disclosure among Islamic banks in Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (i.e. Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia). On top of that, the effect of Shariah governance disclosure on Islamic banks financial performance is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data underwent quantitative content analysis and a mean comparison of the Shariah governance disclosure mechanisms as well as multiple regression analysis. Shariah governance information is obtained from the Islamic banks' official websites and the Bursa Malaysia Exchange.

Findings

The results of the content analysis revealed that the level of Shariah governance disclosure among Malaysian Islamic banks has been more pronounced than in the GCC countries. Additionally, the multiple regression analysis results specified that of the five Shariah governance disclosure mechanisms, the Shariah committee emerged as the strongest determinant in the financial performance of the Islamic banks, followed by transparency and disclosure.

Practical implications

Islamic banks should emphasise publishing Shariah governance information in annual reports to reflect superior accounting practices as assessed by certified Shariah auditors with an effective monitoring system.

Originality/value

The empirical findings are vital for serving as a guideline for Islamic banks in Malaysia and the GCC countries to disclose their practice of Shariah governance and gain empirical insights into its effect on firms’ financial performance. Following that, Islamic banks would improve their accounting practices while adhering to Shariah principles, strengthen internal controls and boost their brand reputation.
A case study in innovation policymaking: standard contracts as a tool to improve university–industry collaboration
Authors: George A.J. , Tarr Julie-Anne
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To increase university–industry collaboration and research commercialisation, the Australian government recently introduced the Intellectual Property (IP) Framework, a set of online standard contracts. This follows a predecessor standard contract initiative, the IP Toolkit, which has not previously been evaluated. This paper aims to examine standard contracting in the innovation sector, tracing the policymaking behind the IP Toolkit using the lens of Macneil’s relational contract theory, to assess prospects of success for the new IP Framework, and similar initiatives in other jurisdictions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a disciplined-configurative case study, drawing on qualitative secondary data analysis and applying Macneil’s relational contracting theory to guide case construction and generate hypotheses around likely success of standard contracting initiatives (stakeholder sentiment, stakeholder adoption). Within-case analysis process-traces development of the IP Toolkit, to discover what the policymakers wanted, knew and computed – and to detail observable implications Macneil’s theory predicts. Its themes are triangulated with multiple sources.

Findings

The case study, via Macneil’s theory, confirms the first hypothesis (resistant stakeholder sentiment) and partly validates the second hypothesis (low levels of adoption), demonstrating limited suitability of standard contracting in the dynamic and highly uncertain space of university–industry collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides insights into the limited role that standard contracts can play in improving national collaborative research and development performance.

Originality/value

This is a novel theory-driven case study triangulated with previously unpublished data on the IP Toolkit’s website usage, and data from recent consultations on the new IP Framework. It has broader implications for other jurisdictions considering adoption of the standard contract model.
Citation Gecko technology for research and entrepreneurship
Authors: Gupta Varun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how Citation Gecko technology might help libraries provide better research support services. The paper explains specifically how Citation Gecko can help libraries provide more precise and thorough references, save time and enable methodical literature reviews and scoping studies amid the constantly evolving nature of research domains. The paper also considers how businesses and libraries can gain from implementing the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper’s conceptual study of the function of librarians in assisting researchers – particularly in the setting of exhaustive literature reviews and scoping studies – forms the foundation of the piece. The authors talk about the difficulties in guaranteeing the authenticity and comprehensiveness of the literature review process and the significance of adopting tools like Citation Gecko to help with this process. The possible adoption of Citation Gecko in libraries is also forecasted using the technological adoption model paradigm.

Findings

Libraries that use Citation Gecko technology provide better research support services by providing accurate and comprehensive references, saving time and assisting systematic literature surveys and scoping studies. The tool is simple to use and does not require professional training due to its user-friendly interface and ability to produce references fast. Using Citation Gecko technology can enhance libraries’ capacities to support researchers, faculty and students in their research projects by making a significant contribution to systematic surveys and referencing efforts.

Originality/value

This study adds to the continuing discussion about how libraries may use technology to improve the services they provide to users who need research support. It had never been looked into how citation Gecko might help libraries with their reference and systematic review study offerings.
Association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, handgrip strength and nutritional status in geriatric patients
Authors: Epçaçan Elif , Gönül İdil , Bayram Hatice Merve , Gürbüz Murat
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), handgrip strength (HGS) and nutritional status in non-critically ill patients and outpatients.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 geriatric patients. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, some anthropometric and biochemical parameters. NLR was calculated from the complete blood count results. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0.

Findings

While 38.3% of patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, 61.7% had normal nutritional status. Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form was not correlated with NLR, whereas it showed a weak positive correlation with HGS. According to the logistic regression analysis, age, HGS, hemoglobin and platelet to lymphocyte ratio were significant independent factors for predicting malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimum HGS cut-off point for patients with malnourished or at risk of malnutrition was 13.2. In conclusion, HGS was associated with the nutritional status. NLR was not associated with nutritional status but associated with nutritional risk.

Originality/value

It is well known that malnutrition is a serious health problem among older adults, and it is important to assess the nutritional status of older adults because of the adverse health effects. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to determine the relationship between NLR, HGS and nutritional status in non-critically ill patients and outpatients.
Evolutionary history and intraspecific competition mediate ballistic seed dispersal
Authors: Kaproth Matthew A. , Eppinga Maarten B. , Molofsky Jane
Published: May 2023

Dispersal plays an important role in the survival and spread of plant populations. However, when grown under stress, a plants' architecture and fecundity may be modified, which can compromise seed dispersal. While populations within a species exhibit trait variation in response to their environment, a mechanistic understanding of how trade‐offs between dispersal ability and competitive ability vary across species' ranges is currently lacking.

Using a common garden design, populations of a widespread weedy species (Cardamine hirsuta) were grown to (1) characterize how traits that influence dispersal differ between populations and (2) identify whether a trade‐off between dispersal ability and competitive ability varies among populations in response to intraspecific competition. We measured trait differences between populations and characterized dispersal kernels through exhaustively capturing seeds.

In the absence of competition, populations exhibited differences in fecundity and height. Of these traits, fecundity varied more strongly between populations and had a stronger influence on dispersal capacity.

The experimental data were then used to parameterize cellular automaton models to explore the consequences of these trait‐mediated dispersal responses for long‐term population dynamics. These simulations identified intraspecific competitive effects on fecundity as the primary driver of variation in spread and patch density among populations.

Within‐species variation of dispersal traits occurs among populations across the range of C. hirsuta. In response to conspecific competition, populations also have unequal fecundity and long‐distance dispersal (LDD). Model simulations suggest predictions of species spread are highly modified by characterization of metapopulation life‐history traits such as high fecundity and maintenance of LDD. These mechanisms creating within‐species variation would be important to incorporate in population models of species range expansion and stability.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Soil nutrients cause threefold increase in pathogen and herbivore impacts on grassland plant biomass
Authors: Zaret Max , Kinkel Linda , Borer Elizabeth T. , Seabloom Eric W.
Published: May 2023

A combination of theory and experiments predicts that increasing soil nutrients will modify herbivore and microbial impacts on ecosystem carbon cycling.

However, few studies of herbivores and soil nutrients have measured both ecosystem carbon fluxes and carbon pools. Even more rare are studies manipulating microbes and nutrients that look at ecosystem carbon cycling responses.

We added nutrients to a long‐term, experiment manipulating foliar fungi, soil fungi, mammalian herbivores and arthropods in a low fertility grassland. We measured gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER), net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and plant biomass throughout the growing season to determine how nutrients modify consumer impacts on ecosystem carbon cycling.

Nutrient addition increased above‐ground biomass and GPP, but not ER, resulting in an increase in ecosystem carbon uptake rate. Reducing foliar fungi and arthropods increased plant biomass. Nutrients amplified consumer effects on plant biomass, such that arthropods and foliar fungi had a threefold larger impact on above‐ground biomass in fertilized plots.

Synthesis. Our work demonstrates that throughout the growing season soil resources modify carbon uptake rates as well as animal and fungal impacts on plant biomass production. Taken together, ongoing nutrient pollution may increase ecosystem carbon uptake and drive fungi and herbivores to have larger impacts on plant biomass production.
Business continuity management and organizational resilience: A small and medium enterprises (SMEs) perspective
Authors: De Matteis Jacopo , Elia Gianluca , Del Vecchio Pasquale
Published: May 2023

In the current complex and uncertain scenarios, organizations are increasingly subjected to hazardous events and threats, which can be critical for their business operations and performance. In these settings, organizations are likely to experience high‐cost impact if they are unprepared when a crisis strikes. This is more challenging for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that, due to their limited organizational and financial resources, are called to be resilient providing an effective response to such threats to safeguard the interests of key stakeholders and protect their reputation and brand. Business continuity management (BCM) is commonly known as one of the most effective processes used by organizations to cope with emergencies to continue or resume business operations, thus contributing to strengthen the organizational resilience (OR). Based on a critical literature review, this study provides an overview of BCM by highlighting the main implementation requirements, challenges, and contribution to enhance the OR. It also proposes a conceptual framework that shows how BCM is functional to and strongly connected with OR, especially for SMEs. Finally, implications for scholars, practitioners, and policy‐makers are provided to recall the main research evidence and inspire future investigations.
Generative artificial intelligence: Can ChatGPT write a quality abstract?
Authors: Babl Franz E , Babl Maximilian P
Published: May 2023

ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot which may have a role in medicine and science. We investigated if the freely available version of ChatGPT can produce a quality conference abstract using a fictitious but accurately calculated data table as applied by a non‐medically trained person. The resulting abstract was well written without obvious errors and followed the abstract instructions. One of the references was fictitious, known as ‘hallucination’. ChatGPT or similar programmes, with careful review of the product by authors, may become a valuable scientific writing tool. The scientific and medical use of generative artificial intelligence, however, raises many questions.
Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples help to investigate transcriptomic responses in wildlife disease
Authors: Miller Allison K. , Brosnahan Cara L. , Pande Anjali , Baker Cindy F. , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Kitson Jane , Gemmell Neil J. , Dowle Edwina J.
Published: May 2023

Infectious diseases impact numerous organisms. Knowledge of host‐pathogen interactions and host responses to infection is crucial for conservation and management. Obtaining this knowledge quickly is made increasingly possible by a variety of genomic approaches, yet, for many species the bottleneck to understanding this, remains access to appropriate samples and data. Lack of sample availability has also limited our understanding of how pathogens and the immune responses of hosts change over time. Archival materials may provide a way to explore pathogen emergence and host responses over multiple—possibly hundreds—of years. Here, we tested whether formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples could be used to understand an unknown pathology, lamprey reddening syndrome (LRS), affecting pouched lampreys (Geotria australis). Our differential expression analyses of dermal tissues from four unaffected lampreys and eight affected lampreys collected in 2012 alluded to several potential agents associated with LRS. Interestingly, the pathways associated with viral infections were overrepresented in affected versus unaffected lamprey. Gene ontology analyses of the affected and non‐affected lampreys also provided new insights into the largely understudied immune responses of pouched lampreys. Our work confirms that FFPE samples can be used to infer information about the transcriptional responses of a wildlife species affected by unknown historical pathologies/syndromes. In addition, the use of FFPE samples for transcriptomics offers many opportunities to investigate the genomic responses of a species to a variety of environmental changes. We conclude with a discussion about how to best sample and utilize these unique archival resources for future wildlife transcriptomic studies.
Development and internal validation of nomograms based on plasma metabolites to predict non‐small cell lung cancer risk in smoking and nonsmoking populations
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Cuicui , Li Chenwei , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2023

Background

Lung cancer has significantly higher incidence and mortality rates worldwide. In this study, we analyzed the metabolic profiles of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and constructed prediction models for smokers and nonsmokers with internal validation.

Methods

Plasma was collected from all patients enrolled for metabolic profiling by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The total population was divided into two groups according to smoking or not. Statistical analysis of metabolites was performed separately for each group and prediction models were constructed.

Results

A total of 1723 patients (1109 NSCLC patients and 614 healthy controls) were enrolled from the affiliated hospital during 2018 to 2021. After grouping by smoking history, each group was statistically analyzed and prediction models were constructed, which resulted in eight indicators (propionylcarnitine, arginine, citrulline, etc.) significantly associated with lung cancer risk for smokers and eight indicators (dodecanoylcarnitine, hydroxybutyrylcarnitine, asparagine, etc.) for nonsmokers (p < 0.05). The smoker model indicated an AUC of 0.860 in the training set and 0.850 in the validation set. The nonsmoker model showed an AUC of 0.783 in the training set and 0.762 in the validation set. Further calibration tests for both models indicated excellent goodness‐of‐fit results.

Conclusions

In this study, we found a series of metabolites significantly associated with lung cancer incidence and constructed respectively prediction models for NSCLC risk in smokers and nonsmokers, with internal validation to confirm the efficiency to discriminate lung cancer risk in both smoking and nonsmoking states.
A Knowledge Synthesis of Anti‐Black Racism in Accounting Research*†
Authors: Ufodike Akolisa , Egbe Inya , Ogharanduku Bridget Efeoghene , Akinyemi Temitope Edward
Published: May 2023

This structured literature review synthesizes studies that have investigated questions related to anti‐Black racism—namely, the discrimination and marginalization of Black people—in the accountancy literature and identifies opportunities for future research. This study is part of a larger research project that reviewed 161 articles and identified four themes relevant to accounting research on discrimination in general: anti‐Black racism, imperialism and postcolonialism, intersectionality, and diversity. Based on the 25 anti‐Black racism articles reviewed, this paper finds four key subthemes: demand for accountancy services and racial discrimination in accountancy practice, the racialization of professional accounting qualifications, Black professionals in academia, and the supply‐side fallacy. Furthermore, because studies at the intersection of anti‐Black racism and accounting are limited, this study proposes future research directions that will advance knowledge on various topics related to anti‐Black racism.
The unmarked R package: Twelve years of advances in occurrence and abundance modelling in ecology
Authors: Kellner Kenneth F. , Smith Adam D. , Royle J. Andrew , Kéry Marc , Belant Jerrold L. , Chandler Richard B.
Published: May 2023

Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely applied to understand the processes governing spatial and temporal variation in species abundance and distribution but often do not account for measurement errors such as false negatives and false positives.

We describeunmarked, a package for the freely available and open‐source R software that provides a complete workflow for modelling species distribution and abundance while explicitly accounting for measurement errors. Here we focus on recent advances inunmarkedfunctionality to support multi‐species, multi‐state, and multi‐season data, as well as support for fitting models with random effects.

For illustration, we present an analysis of Acadian FlycatcherEmpidonax virescensabundance on Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina, USA, over 18 years. We found that Acadian Flycatcher abundance was initially greater in hardwood plantation habitat relative to bottomland hardwood forest along river levees but that abundance declined over time in both habitats.

We plan forunmarkeddevelopment to keep pace with advances in hierarchical modelling in ecology, including better handling of continuous‐time data from camera trap and automated recording units and integrated models for multiple data streams.
Latvia: Political Developments and Data in 2022
Authors: IKSTENS JĀNIS
Published: May 2023

The intensification of Russia's war in Ukraine heavily conditioned Latvian politics in 2022. Not only did politicians become more responsive to public calls to proceed with the de‐Russification of the public sphere but also major resources were committed to supporting Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid. In the run‐up to the parliamentary elections in October, which drastically altered the political landscape, the war overshadowed issues related to the management of the COVID‐19 pandemic and rampant inflation.
Effect of various factors on energy drinks consumption, and their connection with alcohol consumption
Authors: Nowak Dariusz , Czarnecki Damian , Świątek Agnieszka , Ziółkowski Marcin
Published: May 2023

Energy drinks (EDs) have become widely popular among adolescents and young adults. Excessive consumption of EDs can lead to ED abuse and alcohol abuse. Therefore, this study has aimed to analyse the consumption of EDs in a group of patients suffering from alcohol dependence and among young adults, considering such issues as the amounts consumed, underlying reasons and threats arising from excessive consumption of ED and their mixing with alcohol (AmED). The study included 201 men (101 patients treated due to alcohol dependence and 100 young adults/students). Each research participant responded to questions in a survey designed by the researchers (socio‐demographic data, clinical data, including consumption of ED, AmED and alcohol), the MAST and SADD. The participants also had their arterial blood pressure measured. EDs were consumed by 92% of the patients and 52% of young adults. A statistically significant dependence was confirmed between consumption of ED and tobacco smoking (p < 0.001), as well as the place of residence (p = 0.044). For 22% of the patients, ED consumption had an effect on alcohol consumption, where 7% admitted to feeling an increased urge to drink alcohol, and 15% said ED consumption decreased it. A statistically significant relationship (p < 0.001) was also shown between ED consumption and the consumption of EDs mixed with alcohol (AmED). This study may implicate that widespread consumption of EDs predisposes to the consumption of alcohol mixed with ED or separate.
Seasonal changes in the dietary compositions of rusa deer in Pangandaran Nature Reserve, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Takatsuki Seiki , Tsuji Yamato , Widayati Kanthi Arum , Suryobroto Bambang
Published: May 2023

Information regarding the food habits of tropical cervids is limited. We studied the food habits of rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), a tropical cervid in the Pangandaran Nature Reserve, West Java, Indonesia. The faecal composition of the rusa deer collected over a year was analysed using microscopy of plant fragments. The results showed marked seasonal changes: in the rainy season, the rusa deer mainly fed on Cynodon dactylon, a lawn‐like grass, which accounted for approximately 50% of the faecal composition. During the dry season, C. dactylon in the faeces decreased to approximately 20%, while the composition of fruits increased, suggesting that food conditions for the deer were better in this season. This pattern differs from that of temperate cervids which can feed on abundant plant leaves during summer but are forced to consume low‐quality foods such as bark and dead leaves during winter.
Circadian and seasonal flight activity differences between the sexes of the biocontrol agent Eadya daenerys (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the impact of host size on adult emergence
Authors: Smart Rebekah , Quarrell Stephen R. , Corkrey Ross , Withers Toni M. , Pugh Andrew R. , Satchell Dean , Allen Geoff R.
Published: May 2023

Since its accidental introduction into New Zealand in 1916, the invasive eucalypt leaf beetle Paropsis charybdis remains a pest of economic significance to Eucalyptus forestry. For this reason, the braconid parasitoid Eadya daenerys has been approved for release as a classical biological control agent. To aid in field monitoring using hand netting of biocontrol releases and laboratory rearing protocols, the flight activity over 6 a year field research program of E. daenerys and the relationships between the parasitoid and the size of its beetle hosts were evaluated in the country of origin. Wasps were observed flying over 32 days from mid‐November to mid‐December in Tasmania. E. daenerys was found to exhibit a morning‐based scramble competition mating system. Females flying in the early morning had lower mature egg loads (134.2 ± 27.6) than at other times of the day. In the first half of the season, male flight was most often seen in the early morning, whereas in the second half of the season, there was a 4.5‐fold decrease in any wasps flying. Female flight activity significantly increased to 70% female in the evening hours from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, which by the second half of the season was almost exclusively female. Wasps were caught flying across a wide range of air temperatures (10.7–23.8°C), humidity and light levels, but even light winds reduced flight when average wind speed exceeded 0.27 m/s for males and 0.73 m/s for females. Beetle prepupal weight was a predictor of E. daenerys parasitism success with mean beetle prepupal weights significantly higher for stung but unsuccessfully parasitised larva (62.09 mg) than those successfully parasitised (52.94 mg). The chance of an emerged wasp larva spinning a pupal cocoon was found to increase by 5% with every 1‐mg increase in its beetle prepupal weight. Heavier beetle prepupae produced bigger parasitoids. Field‐collected adult E. daenerys had larger (12%) head capsule widths (mean of 1.42 mm) than those reared in the laboratory (mean of 1.27 mm), suggesting that improving host nutrition and laboratory rearing conditions for increasing host size may help optimise E. daenerys rearing success.
Fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis initially presenting with a cutaneous lesion
Authors: Gramp Prudence E. , Dooley John , O'Brien Blake , Jones Andrew , Tan Leong , Robson Jennifer , Robertson Thomas , Simos Peter , Fuller Robert , Gramp Dallas V. , Meumann Ella M.
Published: May 2023

We present a case of a 66‐year‐old man with a cutaneous Balamuthia mandrillaris lesion that progressed to fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. We provide a summary of Australian cases and describe the clinical features and approach to diagnosing this rare but devastating condition, including the importance of PCR for diagnosis.
The role of line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) in the diagnosis of eccrine poroma: A case report
Authors: Maione Vincenzo , Bighetti Stefano , Bettolini Luca , Zambelli Claudia , Calzavara‐Pinton Piergiacomo
Published: May 2023

Poroma is skin cancer that arises from the sweat gland cells. Its diagnosis could be difficult. Line‐field optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a novel imaging technique that has shown promise in the diagnosis and monitoring of various skin conditions. We report a case of poroma diagnosed by LC‐OCT.
Nine cases of chronic hand and foot eczema treated with baricitinib
Authors: Lee Sang‐Doo , Ahn Hye‐Jin , Shin Min Kyung
Published: May 2023

Chronic hand and foot eczema (CHFE) is a common inflammatory disorder that generally lasts for over 3 months. If it is intractable to topical agents, systemic immunomodulators can be considered; however, they are not suitable for long‐term management because of their adverse effects. Baricitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis. However, its effect on CHFE has rarely been described. Herein, we report nine cases of recalcitrant CHFE that were treated with baricitinib after an inadequate response to low‐dose ciclosporin. All patients had more than moderate improvement within 2–8 weeks without serious adverse effects.
Effects on radius of curvature and refractive power of the cornea and crystalline lens by atropine 0.01% eye drops
Authors: Wang Yuliang , Liu Fang , Zhu Xingxue , Liu Yujia , He Ji C. , Zhou Xingtao , Qu Xiaomei
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The morphological changes in the cornea and crystalline lens have not been closely evaluated after the administration of atropine 0.01%. This study aims to evaluate the radii of curvature and refractive power of the cornea and lens in myopic eyes during atropine 0.01% treatment.

Methods

Children aged 6–14 years with myopia <−6.0 D were randomized to receive atropine 0.01% once nightly with single vision lenses or simply wear single vision lenses. Ocular biometric parameters were measured using the IOLMaster 700 biometry and the radii of corneal and lenticular curvature were simulated using a customized program.

Results

At the 9‐month visit, 69 atropine‐treated eyes and 50 control eyes were included in the final analyses. In atropine‐treated eyes, the posterior corneal surface steepened (−0.05 ± 0.13 mm) and the anterior lenticular surface flattened (0.20 ± 0.69 mm) significantly within 3–6 months, whereas the posterior corneal surface and anterior lenticular surface gradually flattened (0.07 ± 0.23 and 0.32 ± 0.80 mm respectively) in the control eyes over 9 months. The difference in the change of corneal refractive power was significant between groups (−0.03 ± 0.18 D vs. 0.11 ± 0.24 D, p = 0.001), while that in the change of lenticular refractive power was statistically insignificant (0.01 ± 0.92 D vs. −0.22 ± 0.86 D, p = 0.161).

Conclusions

The administration of atropine 0.01% exhibited a clinically short and subtle impact on the cornea and lens, which may shed light on new targets of action for atropine in inhibiting myopia.
Prevalence of optic disc drusen: A systematic review, meta‐analysis and forecasting study
Authors: Mukriyani Hiwa , Malmqvist Lasse , Subhi Yousif , Hamann Steffen
Published: May 2023

Optic disc drusen (ODD) are calcium‐containing deposits in the optic nerve head, capable of causing visual field defects and sudden visual loss. The underlying pathophysiology remains inadequately understood and treatment options are missing. In this paper, we systematically reviewed prevalence studies of ODD in non‐selected populations to provide an overview of its prevalence, conducted meta‐analyses to determine modality‐specific prevalence estimates and performed a forecasting study to estimate current and future global population number of individuals with ODD. We searched 11 literature databases on 25 October 2022 for prevalence studies of ODD in non‐selected populations. Eight eligible studies provided data from a total of 27 463 individuals. Prevalence estimates were stratified according to diagnostic modalities: ophthalmoscopy 0.37% (95% CI: 0.10–0.95%), fundus photography 0.12% (95% CI: 0.03–0.24%), spectral domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging 2.21% (95% CI: 1.25–3.42%) and histopathology 1.82% (95% CI: 1.32–2.38%). Using histopathology‐based summary prevalence estimate, we forecast 145 million individuals with ODD currently, a number expected to increase further due to world population growth. These numbers underscore the importance of including ODD in health education and highlight the necessity of continuing research in ODD.