bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BioSAXS on the SWING beamline at Synchrotron SOLEIL
Authors: Thureau Aurélien , Roblin Pierre , Pérez Javier
Published: November 2021

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of proteins in solution has become a key tool for biochemists and structural biologists, thanks especially to the availability of beamlines with high-throughput capabilities at synchrotron sources. Despite the large spectrum of scientific disciplines tackled on the SWING beamline since its opening in 2008, there has always been a strong commitment to offering state-of-the-art biological SAXS (BioSAXS) instrumentation and data reduction methods to the scientific community. The extremely reliable in-vacuum EigerX-4M detector allows collection of an unlimited number of frames without noise. A small beamstop including a diamond diode-based monitor enables measurements of the transmitted intensity with 0.1% precision as well as a q
max/q
min ratio as large as 140 at a single distance. The parasitic scattering has been strongly reduced by the installation of new hybrid blades. A new thermally controlled in-vacuum capillary holder including fibre-optics-based spectroscopic functionalities allows the simultaneous use of three spectroscopic techniques in addition to SAXS measurements. The addition of a second high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) circuit has virtually eliminated the waiting time associated with column equilibration. The easy in-line connection of a multi-angle light scattering spectrometer and a refractometer allows for an independent determination of the molecular mass and of the concentration of low-UV-absorption samples such as detergents and sugars, respectively. These instrumental improvements are combined with important software developments. The HPLC injection Agilent software is controlled by the SAXS beamline acquisition software, allowing a virtually unlimited series of automated SAXS measurements to be synchronized with the sample injections. All data-containing files and reports are automatically stored in the same folders, with names related to both the user and sample. In addition, all raw SAXS images are processed automatically on the fly, and the analysed data are stored in the ISPyB database and made accessible via a web page.
Development and performance evaluation of a multi-layer boron-lined detector for the CPHS-SANS instrument
Authors: Jiang Zhigang , Gong Hui , Li Jianmin , Wang Xuewu , Wang Yongqiang
Published: November 2021

A position-sensitive thermal neutron detector module based on multi-layer boron-lined tubes has been developed. It is designed for the CPHS (compact pulsed hadron source) SANS (small-angle neutron scattering) instrument [Loong et al. (2012). Phys. Procedia, 26, 8–18]. The detector module consists of 64 boron-lined tubes, arranged into an eight row by eight column structure. Several key aspects of the development of the detector prototype are briefly covered, including the detector module structure design, the readout electronic system and the digital filter of neutron waveforms. Preliminary characterization reveals that the detector module could achieve an average axial spatial resolution of 5.62 mm and a good position linearity. The detection efficiency measurement shows that more than 30% efficiency can be achieved for thermal neutrons on the CPHS. A virtual experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the multi-layer boron-lined tubes in SANS measurement; the effect of inside detector scattering of the multi-layer detector was simulated. The result shows that, by implementing proper data reduction, the impact of inside detector scattering on the Q (momentum transfer) value and Q resolution is negligible.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the anionic tetrakis-complex of lanthanum(III) NMe4LaL
4 with the CAPh-ligand dimethyl (2,2,2-trichloroacetyl)phosphoramidate
Authors: Struhatska Mariia B. , Kariaka Nataliia S. , Amirkhanov Vladimir M. , Dyakonenko Viktoriya V. , Seredyuk Maksym
Published: November 2021

The anionic tetrakis-complex of lanthanum(III) NMe4LaL
4 with the CAPh-ligand dimethyl (2,2,2-trichloroacetyl)phosphoramidate (HL), namely, tetramethylammonium tetrakis{2,2,2-trichloro-1-[(dimethoxyphosphoryl)imino]ethanolato}lanthanum(III), (C4H12N)[La(C4H6Cl3NO4P)4], has been synthesized, crystallized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The lanthanide ion is surrounded by four anionic, bis-chelating CAPh ligands forming the complex anion with a coordination number of eight for La3+ and NMe4
+ as the counter-ion. The coordination polyhedron of the La3+ ion was interpreted as a triangular dodecahedron.
Crystal structure of 1,1′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis[N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)methanaminium] dichloride dihydrate
Authors: Merabet Layachi , Tassé Marine , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Kaboub Lakhemici , Malfant Isabelle
Published: November 2021

In the title compound, C19H23N5
2+·2Cl−·2H2O, the two pyridine side arms are not coplanar, with the terminal pyridine rings subtending a dihedral angle of 26.45 (6)°. In the crystal, hydrogen bonds, intermolecular C—H...Cl contacts and a weak C—H...O interaction connect the molecule with neighbouring chloride counter-anions and lattice water molecules. The crystal packing also features by π–π interactions with centroid-centroid distances of 3.4864 (12) and 3.5129 (13) Å.
Osmotic dehydration as a pre-treatment for jackfruit berries (Artocarpus heterophyllus): effect on physico-chemical properties, shelf life and sensory acceptability
Authors: Alves Evaristo Raquel , Costa Gilmar Freire da , Grisi Cristiani Viegas Brandão , de Sousa Solange
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of osmo-convective dehydration using two drying temperatures (50 and 60°C) on the physico-chemical properties, shelf life and sensory acceptability of jackfruit berries.

Design/methodology/approach

Four treatments were used as follows: T1 – Jackfruit berries dried in an oven at 50°C; T2 – Jackfruit berries dried in an oven at 60°C; T3 – Jackfruit berries pre-treated with an osmotic-sucrose solution (60 Brix concentration) and oven-dried at 50°C and T4 – Jackfruit berries pretreated with osmotic solution (60 Brix concentration) and oven-dried at 60°C. Berries' shelf life was monitored by moisture analysis, water activity (Wa) and microbiological analysis. The influence of treatments on physico-chemical properties and sensory quality was also investigated.

Findings

Osmo-convective dehydration at 50 and 60 C significantly (p = 0.001) reduced moisture content and Wa. All treatments increased the shelf life of jackfruit berries within 30 days of storage. Regarding sensory analysis, the T3 treatment was significantly (p = 0.001) the most preferred by the tasters.

Originality/value

In general, the results indicated that osmo-convective dehydration at 50 C has great potential to be a maid in the processing of minimally processed jackfruit berries, as, in addition to providing the product with high stability, it was the one with the greatest acceptability by the tasters.
The influence of risks on the outturn cost of ICT infrastructure network projects
Authors: Almarri Khalid , Boussabaine Halim , Al Nauimi Hamad
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The internet of things (IoT) is becoming an increasingly inescapable part of society. IoT paradigm cannot function without the networking infrastructure. High-speed data networks are essential to enable the IoT future. Thus, the purpose of this study is on the identification of risks that influence the development, installation and operation of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure network project cost outcomes. So far, there has been little attention has been paid to risks problems in these types of IoT enabling projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows a quantitative analysis approach. Data for this study were collected by a survey from 209 professionals. Multiple regression analysis was used to model the relationship between risks and outturn cost of infrastructure needed to enable the operation of IoT technologies.

Findings

The main risk factors that were identified were planning and development, people and management, operations, technology and hardware.

Research limitations/implications

This research has expanded the existing literature by documenting and clustering ICT infrastructure network project risks into themes, and has developed a scale (risk statements) for measuring such risks. Further, the research has advanced the understanding by identifying the most likely risks that will contribute to the overrun of these projects.

Originality/value

This research establishes a reliable regression method for the assessment of the risks that influence the development, installation and operation of ICT infrastructure network projects outturn cost. No other research has measured or studied the risks in this type of project.
The architecture of the phygital customer journey: a dynamic interplay between systems of insights and systems of engagement
Authors: Mele Cristina , Russo-Spena Tiziana
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on how companies shape the architecture of a phygital customer journey through the exploitation of smart technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative method using a grounded theory approach involving leading players in digital customer solutions and service providers from different industries.

Findings

The shaping of the architecture of the phygital customer journey comes from the interplay between systems of insights and systems of engagement activated by multiple customer-provider interactions in an entanglement of physical and digital contexts.

Practical implications

Companies need to design a blended approach to bridge disconnected contexts, capture new opportunities and provide customer engagement along the entire journey.

Originality/value

This study depicts the “phygital customer journey” under systems of insights and systems of engagement: These systems operate as dynamic architectures to capture insights and engage customers.
An adaptive wavelet collocation method for the optimal heat source problem
Authors: Khaksar-e Oshagh Mahmood , Abbaszadeh Mostafa , Babolian Esmail , Pourbashash Hossein
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new adaptive numerical method to find more accurate numerical solution for the heat source optimal control problem (OCP).

Design/methodology/approach

The main aim of this paper is to present an adaptive collocation approach based on the interpolating wavelets to solve an OCP for finding optimal heat source, in a two-dimensional domain. This problem arises when the domain is heated by microwaves or by electromagnetic induction.

Findings

This paper shows that combination of interpolating wavelet basis and finite difference method makes an accurate structure to design adaptive algorithm for such problems which usually have non-smooth solution.

Originality/value

The proposed numerical technique is flexible for different OCP governed by a partial differential equation with box constraint over the control or the state function.
Gathering pre-purchase information for a cruise vacation with virtual reality: the effects of media technology and gender
Authors: Martínez-Molés Víctor , Jung Timothy Hyungsoo , Pérez-Cabañero Carmen , Cervera-Taulet Amparo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to apply theory on consumer learning in virtual experiences to compare how media technologies (i.e. virtual reality [VR] and standard websites) and users’ gender influence the ways in which tourists gather pre-purchase information.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment with fully immersive VR was conducted to examine consumers’ behavior in gathering pre-purchase information. The sample comprised 128 consumers who had taken a cruise vacation or who were considering purchasing a cruise package in the near future.

Findings

The results generally reveal the central role of the feeling of presence, which, in turn, positively impacts users’ enjoyment and aspects of consumer learning (i.e. brand attitude, product knowledge and purchase intent). In particular, the results suggest that compared with standard websites, VR facilitated the tourists’ learning as consumers, especially among women, who tend to dominate the information-gathering stage of planning family vacations.

Practical implications

The results imply that travel agencies and tourism centers working with cruise vacation companies should incorporate VR to make their offers more attractive, especially to women.

Originality/value

The study was the first to apply theory on consumer learning in the cruise tourism industry, specifically to compare fully immersive VR devices versus standard websites and gauge the effect of gender.
Artificial intelligence and creative activities inside organizational behavior
Authors: Paesano Andrea
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) (man machine relationship) regarding organizational behavior. The aim of this research paper is to analyze whether the current AI is used also to replace man in “creative” activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a qualitative and explorative approach. It is made a review of the literature with “Scopus” and “Web of Science” databases. The research fields are AI, organizational behavior, man-machine relationship and creativity.

Findings

Analyzing whether the intensive use of AI in organizational behavior can replace human work in creative activities.

Research limitations/implications

The connection of AI with creative activities within the organization is only just beginning. For this reason, other sources, like Harvard Business Review, public reports and professional papers found on the internet have been considered. The most important limitation of this paper is that all the results presented here do not concern a single case study.

Practical implications

In this paper, there are some examples that can show the use of AI in creative activities; however, this does not complete the situation facing companies in any sector because the AI technologies used within enterprises are constantly evolving. It is possible to continue to do research in this field.

Originality/value

The paper is meaningful because highlights the development of AI toward creative activities typically of human resources. It is also interesting because it analyzes the exploratory use of AI in increasingly human work, generating positive and negative externalities.
Global knowledge centrality: co-inventor collaboration with China
Authors: Salmon Jessica , Zaman Salma , Satoglu Emine Beyza , Sanchez-Henriquez Fernando , Velez-Calle Andres
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the role of co-inventor collaboration with China and/or the USA on a country's increase in centrality in global knowledge networks. It also explores the role of specific institutional factors – corruption and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection – on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, co-inventor data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) applications have been used to construct networks of technological knowledge collaboration at the country level over the years 2002–2015. Using eigenvector centrality as the dependent variable, the study uses fixed effect regression analyses on a panel of 171 countries, contributing to recent debates on knowledge networks and international cooperation.

Findings

Building on research in economic development, innovation and social network theory, this research finds that co-patenting with Chinese inventors is positively related to a country's centrality in global knowledge networks and that this relationship is negatively moderated by collaboration with the current most central knowledge network – namely that of the USA – suggesting a substitution effect. It also finds a partial substitution between institutional factors, IPRs protection and transparency, and collaboration with China on a country's knowledge centrality.

Practical implications

Regarding policymakers, the findings can be used to encourage international collaboration for increased access to new sources of knowledge that fosters innovation while keeping a close eye on local institutions, especially emerging economies that want to increase their international knowledge network centrality.

Originality/value

This study creates a unique panel data set and extends the social networks approach in international business literature, focusing on institutional characteristics related to participation in knowledge networks.
Performance improvements in logistics outsourcing relationships: the role of LSP and customer organizational culture archetypes
Authors: Nevries Fabian , Wallenburg Carl Marcus
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The study aims to develop an organizational culture typology and explore how different logistics service provider (LSP) and customer archetypes interact to generate performance improvements in logistics outsourcing relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study approach with 12 dyads was employed. Interviews as well as public and internal data from LSPs and customers were analyzed.

Findings

The results reveal four archetypes each for LSPs and customers, characterized by two dimensions: “activeness” and “openness”. Furthermore, analyzing the interaction among the archetypes, three relationship patterns are identified (“static”, “restrained”, and “progressive”) that differ in the exploratory and exploitative improvement outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to theory development at the intersection of organizational culture and logistics outsourcing.

Originality/value

The study provides a typology of organizational culture in logistics outsourcing and how different archetypes interact to generate improvements.
Heritage potential's mobilisation: challenges and development prospects the case of Guelma in Algeria
Authors: Zerti Mouna , Benrachi Bouba Lezzar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The region of Guelma, located in the northeast of Algeria, is characterised by its important natural and cultural heritage. This heritage is ignored and abandoned, which leads to its degradation and even its disappearance. Thus, it is imperative to seek to know and understand the reasons for this situation. This study aims to reveal the constraints of heritage promotion and its staging through its insertion in the development process.

Design/methodology/approach

A hypothetical–deductive approach based on a qualitative method using surveys was carried out on the knowledge of the heritage of Guelma by the actors concerned. The laws and classification procedures were interpreted to identify the heritage's stakes to ensure sustainable local development through tourism.

Findings

The results show the lack of recognition of the natural and cultural heritage by the region's population, the cumbersome, long and complex classification procedure. The weakness of the offer in terms of tourist infrastructures constitutes a handicap to the valorisation of the heritage and prevents the enhancement and development of tourism. Systematically, heritage does not contribute to the local and territorial development of the Guelma region.

Originality/value

The article underlines the importance of raising awareness among the various heritage stakeholders and actors, and first, the population, of the value of their natural and cultural heritage to make it profitable and a driving force for local and territorial development.
Does holding offshore jurisdictions to higher AML standards really assist in preventing money laundering?
Authors: Perkins Andrew James
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to contend that when tackling financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing, international regulators are seeking to hold offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands to higher standards and that this detracts from the pursuit of detecting and prosecuting money launders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will deal with the following perceived issues: firstly, to offshore jurisdictions as a concept; secondly, to outline the efforts made by the Cayman Islands to combat money laundering and to rate these changes against Financial Action Task Forces’ (FATAF’s) technical criteria; thirdly, to demonstrate that the Cayman Islands is among some of the world’s top jurisdictions for compliance with FATAF’s standards; and finally, to examine whether greylisting was necessary and to comment upon whether efforts by international regulators to hold offshore jurisdictions to higher standards detracts from the actual prosecution of money laundering within the jurisdiction.

Findings

Greylisting the Cayman Islands in these authors’ view was something that should have never happened; the Cayman Islands is being held to standards far beyond what is expected in an onshore jurisdiction. There is a need for harmonisation in respect of international anti money laundering rules and regulations to shift the tone to prosecution and investigation of offences rather than on rating jurisdictions technical compliance with procedural rules where states have a workable anti-money laundering (AML) regime.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this research are to show that offshore jurisdictions are being held by FATAF and other international regulators to higher AML standards than their onshore counterparties.

Practical implications

The author hopes that this paper will begin the debate as to whether FATAF needs to give reasons as to why offshore jurisdictions are held to higher standards and whether it needs to begin to contemplate higher onshore standards.

Originality/value

This is an original piece of research evaluating the effect of FATAF's reporting on offshore jurisdictions with a case study involving primary and secondary data in relation to the Cayman Islands.
Employee ownership – pros and cons – a review
Authors: Mygind Niels , Poulsen Thomas
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an updated overview of the research on employee ownership. What does the scientific literature reveal about advantages and disadvantages? What can be learned from different models used in Italy, France, Mondragon (Spain), UK and US with many employee-owned firms in contrast to Denmark.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured review of the literature on employee. The paper identifies different mechanisms leading to effects on productivity, job stability, distribution, investment etc., and reviews the empirical evidence. The main barriers and drivers are identified and different models for employee ownership in Italy, France, Mondragon (Spain), UK and US are reviewed to identify potential models for a country like Denmark with few employee-owned firms.

Findings

The article gives an overview over the theoretical predictions and the main empirical evidence of the effects of employee ownership. The pros are greater employee identification with the firm and increased productivity reinforced by increased participation. Employee-owned firms have more equal distribution of wages and more stable employment, and they have greater mutual control between employees and fewer middle managers. The motivation effects may be smaller for large firms and lack of capital may lead to lower levels of investments and capital per employee.

Originality/value

Comprehensive and updated literature review on the effects and successful formats of employee ownership to identify models for implementation in countries with few employee-owned firms.
A measurement framework for assessing the digital transformation of cultural institutions: the Italian case
Authors: Agostino Deborah , Costantini Chiara
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Public and private sector organisations are widely endorsing digital transformation processes, but little is known about the level of digitalisation of an organisation as a whole. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to assess an organisation’s level of digital transformation as a whole, taking the field of museums as an exemplary case of application.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework draws upon a scoping literature review of studies examining dimensions, metrics and methods for the assessment of the digital transformation of organisations. The framework has been validated by applying it to a sample of 400 Italian museums and further interviews with museum directors.

Findings

The authors propose an assessment framework composed of five main dimensions: people, technology, process, customer and strategy and investment. These dimensions are further deployed in sub-dimensions measured through a set of questions. The weighted average of results per dimension and sub-dimension supported the development of a composite index of organisational digital readiness.

Originality/value

The developed framework contributes to the current debate on the measurement of an organisation’s level of digital transformation as a whole, and it can offer practitioners a managerial tool to assess the organisation’s digital readiness.
Analysing the criteria for measuring the determinants of virtual reality technology adoption in real estate agency practice in Lagos: a DEMATEL method
Authors: Adegoke Ayodele Samuel , Oladokun Timothy Tunde , Ayodele Timothy Oluwafemi , Agbato Samson Efuwape , Jinadu Ahmed Demola , Olaleye Sulaimon Olawale
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the criteria used in measuring the determinants of the adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology in real estate agency practice in Lagos, with a view to providing information with which the practice can be enhanced.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were elicited using a questionnaire which was administered to eight real estate firms (REFs). The firms were those that have been operating in Lagos for at least five years, and the data collected were analysed using the DEMATEL method.

Findings

The findings revealed that perceived utility and relative advantage were the most important criteria for determining REFs' performance expectancy with VR technology. The two most important criteria to measure effort expectancy were “perceived ease of use” and complexity. “Subjective norms” was the most important criterion for measuring social influence, while “perceived behavioural control” was the most important criterion to measure facilitating conditions. Under “price value”, output quality was the only significant criterion. Finally, the frequency of use, the actual number of use and the amount of time spent utilising the technology were significant for measuring the REFs' use behaviour.

Practical implications

The study offers insights into the criteria that can assist REFs in integrating VR technology into real estate agency practice. The results are also helpful to the Nigerian real estate professional bodies to organise workshop programmes for REFs on the use of VR technology and other disruptive technologies. The results will also serve as a guide for REFs to gain a competitive advantage in this trying time of pandemic and help them measure up to global standards and the expectations of their clients.

Originality/value

Before this study, efforts have not been made to study the criteria for measuring the determinants of VR technology adoption in the Nigerian real estate agency practice.
Expression and diversity of the sialic acid–binding adhesin and its homologs associated with oral streptococcal infection
Authors: Ishikawa Yuiko , Saiki Keitarou , Urano‐Tashiro Yumiko , Yamanaka Yuki , Takahashi Yukihiro
Published: November 2021

Streptococcus gordonii, one of the early colonizers of oral biofilms, is involved in the development of dental caries, periodontal disease, and infective endocarditis. The Hsa adhesin of S. gordonii DL1 has the ability to bind strongly to the terminal sialic acid groups of host glycoproteins via the binding region, nonrepetitive region 2 (NR2), which is important for the pathogenicity of S. gordonii DL1. Low similarity with the NR2 of Hsa homologs among other streptococcal species has been reported. However, the reports have been limited to certain strains. This study attempted to assess frequency of the expression on the bacterial cell surface and to analyze the diversity of Hsa homologs among different wild strains of oral streptococci. We isolated 186 wild‐type strains of oral streptococci from healthy volunteers and analyzed their hemagglutinating (HA) activity on human erythrocytes and their Hsa homologs and NR2 homologous regions by dot immunoblotting using anti‐Hsa and anti‐NR2 antisera, respectively. We found 30 strains reacted with anti‐NR2 antiserum (NR2 positive) and determined the sequence of the NR2 regions. Many strains with high HA activity were also NR2 positive, suggesting that the NR2 region may be associated with HA activity. Among the NR2‐positive strains, four different amino acid sequence patterns were observed, demonstrating diversity in the NR2 region. Notably, S. gordonii strains frequently possessed Hsa homologs and NR2‐like antigens compared with other streptococci. It is speculated that the possessing frequency of Hsa homologs and the amino acid sequence of NR2 region may vary among streptococcal species.
Positive forest cover effects on coffee yields are consistent across regions
Authors: González‐Chaves Adrian , Carvalheiro Luísa G. , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: November 2021

Enhancing biodiversity‐based ecosystem services can generate win–win opportunities for conservation and agricultural production. Pollination and pest control are two essential agricultural services provided by mobile organisms, many depending on native vegetation networks beyond the farm scale. Many studies have evaluated the effects of landscape changes on such services at small scales. However, several landscape management policies (e.g. selection of conservation sites) and associated funding allocation occur at much larger spatial scales (e.g. state or regional level). Therefore, it is essential to understand whether the links between landscape, ecosystem services and crop yields are robust across broad and heterogeneous regional conditions.

Here, we used data from 610 Brazilian municipalities within the Atlantic Forest region (~50 Mha) and show that forest is a crucial factor affecting coffee yields, regardless of regional variations in soil, climate and management practices. We found forest cover surrounding coffee fields was better at predicting coffee yields than forest cover at the municipality level. Moreover, the positive effect of forest cover on coffee yields was stronger for Coffea canephora, the species with higher pollinator dependence, than for Coffea arabica. Overall, coffee yields were highest when they were near to forest fragments, mostly in landscapes with intermediate to high forest cover (>20%), above the biodiversity extinction threshold.

Coffee cover was the most relevant management practice associated with coffee yield prediction. An increase in crop area was associated with a higher yield, but mostly in high forest covers municipalities. Other localized management practices like irrigation, pesticide use, organic manure and honeybee density had little importance in predicting coffee yields than landscape structure parameters. Neither the climatic or topographic variables were as relevant as forest cover at predicting coffee yields.

Synthesis and application. Our work provides evidence that landscape relationships with ecosystem service provision are consistent across regions with different agricultural practices and environmental conditions. These results provide a way in which landscape management can articulate small landscape management with regional conservation goals. Policies directed towards increasing landscape interspersion of coffee fields with forest remnants favour spillover process, and can thus benefit the provision of biodiversity‐based ecosystem services, increasing agricultural productivity. Such interventions can generate win–win situations favouring biodiversity conservation and increased crop yields across large regions.
Delays in Banks’ Loan Loss Provisioning and Economic Downturns: Evidence from the U.S. Housing Market
Authors: KIM SEHWA
Published: November 2021

I study whether banks’ loan loss provisioning contributes to economic downturns, by examining the U.S. housing market. Specifically, I examine the aggregate effects of banks’ delayed loan loss recognition (DLR) on house prices during the Great Recession and the channels through which these potential effects arose. I construct ZIP‐code‐level exposure to banks’ DLR before the crisis and compare high‐ and low‐exposure ZIP codes during the crisis to examine the aggregate effects of banks’ DLR on the housing market. I find that high‐exposure ZIP codes experienced larger decreases in mortgage supply, larger increases in distressed sales, and larger decreases in house prices during the crisis. In addition, I conduct individual bank‐level analyses and find that high‐DLR banks reduced their mortgage supply more than low‐DLR banks, and mortgages issued by high‐DLR banks were more likely to become distressed during the crisis. Taken together, these findings suggest that banks’ DLR was associated with nontrivial effects on the housing market during the Great Recession, and the effects of DLR on house prices were likely driven by both the credit‐crunch and distressed‐sales channels.
Willingness to Accept for Perennial Crop Adoption: The Influence of Trust in Environmental and Government Organizations
Authors: Levers Lucia R. , Pradhananga Amit K. , Peterson Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2021

Replacing corn crops with perennial species can decrease sedimentation, increase soil health metrics, and of particular importance for the reduction of dead zones downstream, reduce agricultural nitrate pollution. Farmers can be paid to grow perennial species, but how much they are willing to accept to do so, as well as what factors influence the amount they want, are key. Using a mail survey administered to 3,000 farmers in Minnesota, home of the headwaters of the Mississippi, we show that farmers with a higher trust of environmental organizations and state agencies are willing to accept less to replace their crops with perennial crops, particularly for longer contracts, which produce more environmental benefits.
Genome‐wide re‐sequencing reveals population structure and genetic diversity of Bohai Black cattle
Authors: Liu Z. , Sun H. , Lai W. , Hu M. , Zhang Y. , Bai C. , Liu J. , Ren H. , Li F. , Yan S.
Published: November 2021

Bohai Black (BHB) cattle, one of eight representative indigenous breeds in China, is well known for its high resistance to disease, endurance under unfavorable feeding conditions and excellent meat quality. Over recent, the number of BHB cattle has decreased sharply. To investigate the population structure and genetic diversity of this breed, the whole‐genome data of 35 individuals from a conservation farm were obtained using the Illumina 150 bp paired‐end platform. The results of the genetic structure and diversity analyses showed that BHB cattle had mixed Bos taurus and Bos indicus ancestry, close phylogenic relationships with Jiaxian Red and Luxi cattle and abundant genetic diversity. The bulls tested here could be divided into six families. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the genetic structure and diversity of the BHB cattle, and lays the theoretical basis for conservation and utilization of the valuable germplasm resource.
A survey of ovarian reserve and quality of life in female survivors of pediatric cancer
Authors: Nilsson Sofia , Jarfelt Marianne , Järvholm Stina , Kluge Linda , Thurin‐Kjellberg Ann
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Childhood cancer is rare; the incidence in Sweden is approximately 16 new cases/100 000 children each year. Reduced reproductive function and fertility are well‐known side effects of cancer treatment. Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been shown to correlate well with antral follicle count in healthy women but is currently not recommended as the primary surveillance modality for evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency in this patient group. Psychological wellbeing related to fertility could affect quality of life and should be included in long‐term follow‐up. The aim of the study is to present the baseline data from inclusion for a prospective follow‐up study of fertility surveillance where both medical and psychological aspects of fertility in female childhood cancer survivors are considered.

Material and methods

These are the first results from this longitudinal follow‐up cohort study. Female adolescent and young adult survivors of pediatric cancer in Western Sweden were included from January 2016 to December 2018, a total of 54 participants. Median age at inclusion was 21 (15–29) years and median age at cancer diagnosis was 10 (1–17) years. AMH levels, antral follicle count, and data on fertility were recorded at inclusion and will be prospectively followed up. The study includes questionnaires and interviews concerning quality of life. This study is planned to continue until the participants reach the age of 40 years.

Results

Eighteen of 54 (33%) participants had AMH levels below 1.0 µg/L and were considered to have high or very high risk of infertility. Median AMH level was 2.50 µg/L. Six women had immediate need of oocyte cryopreservation. Psychological assessment showed that more than one‐third of participants (n = 20) had elevated anxiety scores.

Conclusions

One‐third of female survivors of pediatric cancer in the study had high risk of low ovarian reserve, measured by a combination of AMH and antral follicle count, and many had signs of anxiety. The longitudinal study could contribute to better knowledge in the changes of AMH over time for this patient group. Psychological follow‐up with questionnaires and interviews evaluating signs of depression and anxiety may serve as a model for future screening programs.
Prevalence of impaired kidney function in patients with long‐term lithium treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schoretsanitis Georgios , de Filippis Renato , Brady Brian M. , Homan Philipp , Suppes Trisha , Kane John M.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Although lithium renal effects have been extensively investigated, prevalence rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in lithium‐treated patients vary. Our aim was to provide prevalence estimates and related moderators.

Methods

We performed a systematic review in PubMed/Embase until November 01, 2021, conducting a random effects meta‐analysis of studies evaluating CKD prevalence rates in lithium‐treated patients calculating overall prevalence ±95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta‐regression analyses included sex, age, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lithium‐treatment dose, duration, and blood levels. Subgroup analyses included sample size, diagnoses, and study design. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were estimated for studies including patients receiving nonlithium treatment. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

Five, nine, and six trials were rated as high, fair, and low quality, respectively. In 20 studies (n = 25,907 patients), we estimated an overall prevalence of 25.5% (95% CI = 19.8–32.2) of impaired kidney function; despite lack of differences (p = 0.18), prevalence rates were higher in elderly samples than mixed samples of elderly and nonelderly (35.6%, 95% CI = 21.4–52.9, k = 2, n = 3,161 vs. 25.1%, 95% CI = 19.1–31.3, k = 18, n = 22,746). Prevalence rates were associated with longer lithium treatment duration (p = 0.04). Cross‐sectional studies provided lower rates than retrospective studies (14.5%, 95% CI = 13.5–15.5, k = 6, n = 4,758 vs. 29.5%, 95% CI = 22.1–38.0, k = 12, n = 17,988, p < 0.001). Compared with 722,529 patients receiving nonlithium treatment, the OR of impaired kidney function in 14,187 lithium‐treated patients was 2.09 (95% CI = 1.24–3.51, k = 8, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

One‐fourth of patients receiving long‐term lithium may develop impaired kidney function, although research suffers from substantial heterogeneity between studies. This risk may be twofold higher compared with nonlithium treatment and may increase for a longer lithium treatment duration.
When is cultural input central? The development of ontological beliefs about religious and scientific unobservables
Authors: Davoodi Telli , Clegg Jennifer M.
Published: November 2021

Across diverse cultural contexts, children and adults believe in the existence of religious and supernatural unobservables (e.g., gods, angels) as well as scientific and natural unobservables (e.g., germs, oxygen). In this article, we explore the role of cultural input and testimony in children’s developing beliefs in supernatural and natural unobservables as real. We review cross‐cultural research with children and adults on their beliefs about the ontological status of religious and scientific unobservables and the epistemic patterns associated with these beliefs. Based on this evidence, we argue that cultural input plays a central role in the development of belief about supernatural unobservables as real, whereas it plays a less critical role in the development of belief about natural unobservables as real. In the latter case, we argue that direct experiences with the natural world combine with children’s naive theories to generate beliefs about natural unobservable entities and processes as real.
Early manifestations of intellectual performance: Evidence that genetic effects on later academic test performance are mediated through verbal performance in early childhood
Authors: Austerberry Chloe , Fearon Pasco , Ronald Angelica , Leve Leslie D. , Ganiban Jody M. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Shaw Daniel S. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Reiss David
Published: November 2021

Intellectual performance is highly heritable and robustly predicts lifelong health and success but the earliest manifestations of genetic effects on this asset are not well understood. This study examined whether early executive function (EF) or verbal performance mediate genetic influences on subsequent intellectual performance, in 561 U.S.‐based adoptees (57% male) and their birth and adoptive parents (70% and 92% White, 13% and 4% African American, 7% and 2% Latinx, respectively), administered measures in 2003–2017. Genetic influences on children's academic performance at 7 years were mediated by verbal performance at 4.5 years (β = .22, 95% CI [0.08, 0.35], p = .002) and not via EF, indicating that verbal performance is an early manifestation of genetic propensity for intellectual performance.
Oral sulfate solution versus low‐volume polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation: Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ali Ijlal Akbar , Roton Daniel , Madhoun Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Oral sodium sulfate (OSS) solution and low‐volume polyethylene glycol‐based solutions are two of the more common low‐volume purgatives used as colonoscopy preparations. Data on how these different low‐volume solutions compare are mixed. Our aim was to conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare OSS with low‐volume polyethylene glycol solutions (PEG) plus ascorbic acid (PEG + Asc) solution with respect to (i) satisfactory bowel preparation, (ii) excellent bowel preparation, and (iii) tolerability.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching 10 medical databases for reports published from 1974 until 2019. Only fully published RCTs comparing OSS and low‐volume PEG‐based products with regard to overall satisfactory bowel preparation were included. Pooling was conducted by both fixed‐effects and random effects models; results are presented from the random effects model when heterogeneity was significant.

Results

Seven studies (involving 2049 subjects) met the inclusion criteria. There was no difference between OSS and PEG + Asc with respect to adequate bowel preparation (risk ratio [RR] 1.02 [0.99–1.06]; P = 0.16). OSS did result in a higher chance of excellent bowel preparation (RR 1.18 [1.06–1.31]; P = 0.03). OSS was associated with a 30% increased risk of nausea (RR 1.35 [1.03–1.77]; P = 0.03) and more than double the risk of vomiting (RR 2.30 [1.63–2.23]; P < 0.05) compared with PEG + Asc. Begg's funnel plot indicated low probability of publication bias.

Conclusions

Individuals at low risk of inadequate bowel preparation who use OSS for bowel preparation are more likely to achieve excellent bowel preparation, but are more likely to experience nausea and vomiting than are individuals using low‐volume PEG‐based solutions.
Class I HDAC modulates angiotensin II–induced fibroblast migration and mitochondrial overactivity
Authors: Huynh Tin Van , Rethi Lekha , Chung Cheng‐Chih , Yeh Yung‐Hsin , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: November 2021

Background

Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) attenuates cardiac fibrosis. In this study, we evaluated whether the inhibition of class I HDACs can attenuate angiotensin II (ANG II)–induced fibrogenesis and mitochondrial malfunction through its effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium dysregulation in human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).

Methods

Seahorse XF24 extracellular flux analyser, fluorescence staining, Western blotting, HDAC activity assays and Transwell migration assay were used to study mitochondrial respiration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, mitochondrial calcium uptake and ROS, HDAC expression and activity and fibroblast activity in CFs without (control) or with ANG II (100 nM) and/or MS‐275 (HDAC class 1 inhibitor, 10 μM) for 24 h.

Results

ANG II increased HDAC activity without changing protein expression in CFs. Compared with controls, ANG II‐treated CFs had greater migration activity, higher ATP production, maximal respiration and spare capacity with higher mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and ROS generation, which was attenuated by the administration of MS‐275. ANG II activated CFs by increasing mitochondrial calcium content and ATP production, which may be caused by increased HDAC activity. Inhibition of HDAC1 attenuated the effects of ANG II by reducing mitochondrial ROS generation and calcium overload.

Conclusions

Modulating mitochondrial function by regulation of HDAC may be a novel strategy for controlling CF activity.
History as heresy: Unlearning the lessons of economic orthodoxy
Authors: O'Sullivan Mary A.
Published: November 2021

Unprecedented liquidity injections by central bankers have gained legitimacy in recent years to stave off economic crisis and enjoy strong support from prominent economists and economic historians. Such radical action by central bankers is underpinned by a remarkable agreement on a specific interpretation of the Great Depression of the 1930s in the US, an interpretation proposed by Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz in A monetary history of the United States (1963). This article explores the origins, the limits, and the influence of A monetary history’s interpretation of the Great Depression for the insights it offers on theory and history in the study of economic life. The book was inspired by Wesley Clair Mitchell's mobilization of historical research to insist on the inherent instability of capitalism. Friedman and Schwartz exploited the heretical potential of historical research to dismiss any claim that the crisis reflected a systemic dysfunction of the US economy. Now that their interpretation has become our orthodoxy, this article shows how we can develop the fertile link between history and heresy to open up new lines of research on the causes of the greatest crisis in the history of capitalism.