bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Tracking Measures of Speech Intelligibility: Manipulating Intelligibility while Keeping Acoustics Unchanged
Authors: Karunathilake I.M Dushyanthi , Kulasingham Joshua P. , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: May 2023

Neural speech tracking has advanced our understanding of how our brains rapidly map an acoustic speech signal onto linguistic representations and ultimately meaning. It remains unclear, however, how speech intelligibility is related to the corresponding neural responses. Many studies addressing this question vary the level of intelligibility by manipulating the acoustic waveform, but this makes it difficult to cleanly disentangle effects of intelligibility from underlying acoustical confounds. Here, using magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings, we study neural measures of speech intelligibility by manipulating intelligibility while keeping the acoustics strictly unchanged. Acoustically identical degraded speech stimuli (three-band noise vocoded, ∼20 s duration) are presented twice, but the second presentation is preceded by the original (non-degraded) version of the speech. This intermediate priming, which generates a ‘pop-out’ percept, substantially improves the intelligibility of the second degraded speech passage. We investigate how intelligibility and acoustical structure affects acoustic and linguistic neural representations using multivariate Temporal Response Functions (mTRFs). As expected, behavioral results confirm that perceived speech clarity is improved by priming. TRF analysis reveals that auditory (speech envelope and envelope onset) neural representations are not affected by priming, but only by the acoustics of the stimuli (bottom-up driven). Critically, our findings suggest that segmentation of sounds into words emerges with better speech intelligibility, and most strongly at the later (∼400 ms latency) word processing stage, in prefrontal cortex (PFC), in line with engagement of top-down mechanisms associated with priming. Taken together, our results show that word representations may provide some objective measures of speech comprehension.

Significance Statement

Electrophysiological studies have shown that brain tracks different speech features. How these neural tracking measures are modulated by speech intelligibility, however, remained elusive. Using noise-vocoded speech and a priming paradigm, we disentangled the neural effects of intelligibility from the underlying acoustical confounds. Neural intelligibility effects are analyzed at both acoustic and linguistic level using multivariate Temporal Response Functions. Here, we find evidence for an effect of intelligibility and engagement of top-down mechanisms, but only in responses to lexical structure of the stimuli, suggesting that lexical responses are strong candidates for objective measures of intelligibility. Auditory responses are not influenced by intelligibility but only by the underlying acoustic structure of the stimuli.
The cholesterol pathway of the Golgi stress response induces cell death and transcription of Golgi-related genes through metabolic dysregulation of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate
Authors: Sasaki Kanae , Adachi Takuya , Morishita Fumi , Toide Marika , Watanabe Yuto , Sakurai Hajime Tajima , Wakabayashi Sadao , Kusumi Satoshi , Yamaji Toshiyuki , Sakurai Kaori , Koga Daisuke , Hanada Kentaro , Yohda Masafumi , Yoshida Hiderou
Published: May 2023

The Golgi stress response is an important cytoprotective system that enhances Golgi function in response to cellular demand, while cells damaged by prolonged Golgi stress undergo cell death to ensure the survival of organisms. OSW-1, a natural compound with anticancer activity, acts as a potent inhibitor of OSBP that transports cholesterol and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) at contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. Previously, we reported that OSW-1 induces the Golgi stress response, resulting in Golgi stress-induced transcription and cell death. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has been unknown. To reveal the mechanism of a novel pathway of the Golgi stress response regulating transcriptional induction and cell death (the cholesterol pathway), we performed a genome-wide knockout screen and found that transcriptional induction as well as cell death induced by OSW-1 was repressed in HeLa cells deficient in factors involved in the PI4P metabolism, such as PITPNB and PI4KB genes. Our data indicate that OSW-1 induces Golgi stress-dependent transcriptional induction and cell death through dysregulation of the PI4P metabolism in the Golgi apparatus.
Myeloid Cell Derived IL1β Contributes to Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Agrawal Vineet , Kropski Jonathan A. , Gokey Jason J. , Kobeck Elizabeth , Murphy Matthew , Murray Katherine T. , Fortune Niki L. , Moore Christy S. , Meoli David F. , Monahan Ken , Su Yan Ru , Blackwell Thomas , Gupta Deepak K. , Talati Megha H. , Gladson Santhi , Carrier Erica J. , West James D. , Hemnes Anna R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common and highly morbid syndrome, but mechanisms driving PH-HFpEF are not well understood. We sought to determine whether a well-accepted murine model of HFpEF also displays features of PH in HFpEF, and we sought to identify pathways that might drive early remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature in HFpEF.

Methods

Eight week old male and female C57/BL6J mice were given either L-NAME and high fat diet (HFD) or control water/diet for 2,5, and 12 weeks. Bulk RNA sequencing and single cell RNA sequencing was performed to identify early and cell-specific pathways that might regulate pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH-HFpEF. Finally, clodronate liposome and IL1β antibody treatments were utilized to deplete macrophages or IL1β, respectively, to assess their impact on pulmonary vascular remodeling in HFpEF.

Results

Mice given L-NAME/HFD developed PH, small vessel muscularization, and right heart dysfunction after 2 weeks of treatment. Inflammation-related gene ontologies were over-represented in bulk RNA sequencing analysis of whole lungs, with an increase in CD68+ cells in both murine and human PH-HFpEF lungs. Cytokine profiling of mouse lung and plasma showed an increase in IL1β, which was confirmed in plasma from patients with HFpEF. Single cell sequencing of mouse lungs also showed an increase in M1-like, pro-inflammatory populations of Ccr2+ monocytes and macrophages, and transcript expression of IL1β was primarily restricted to myeloid-type cells. Finally, clodronate liposome treatment prevented the development of PH in L-NAME/HFD treated mice, and IL1β antibody treatment also attenuated PH in L-NAME/HFD treated mice.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that a well-accepted model of HFpEF recapitulates features of pulmonary vascular remodeling commonly seen in patients with HFpEF, and we identified myeloid cell derived IL1β as an important contributor to PH in HFpEF.
Micropipette aspiration as a tool for single-particle X-ray imaging and diffraction
Authors: Bruns Hendrik , Hoeppe Hannes , Bellec Ewen , Leake Steven , Osterhoff Markus , Salditt Tim
Published: May 2023

A sample environment and manipulation tool is presented for single-particle X-ray experiments in an aqueous environment. The system is based on a single water droplet, positioned on a substrate that is structured by a hydrophobic and hydrophilic pattern to stabilize the droplet position. The substrate can support several droplets at a time. Evaporation is prevented by covering the droplet by a thin film of mineral oil. In this windowless fluid which minimizes background signal, single particles can be probed and manipulated by micropipettes, which can easily be inserted and steered in the droplet. Holographic X-ray imaging is shown to be well suited to observe and monitor the pipettes, as well as the droplet surface and the particles. Aspiration and force generation are also enabled based on an application of controlled pressure differences. Experimental challenges are addressed and first results are presented, obtained at two different undulator endstations with nano-focused beams. Finally, the sample environment is discussed in view of future coherent imaging and diffraction experiments with synchrotron radiation and single X-ray free-electron laser pulses.
Understanding the effects of personality traits on the quality of individual ideas on open innovation platforms: a mediated empirical investigation
Authors: Zhou Lixin , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhao Laijun , Yang Pingle
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Online open innovation platforms provide opportunities for product users to participate in the innovation process and contribute their ideas to the platform. Nonetheless, they also present a significant challenge for platform managers, who select high-quality innovations from a massive collection of information with diverse quality.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors employed a machine learning method to automatically collect a real dataset of 2,276 innovations and 30,004 detailed comments from the online platform of IdeaExchange and then conducted empirical experiments to verify the study hypothesis.

Findings

Results show that extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience positively and directly influenced the quality of their innovation. Furthermore, an individual's social network position mediated among extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness and openness to experience and the quality of an innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Results showed that extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience positively and directly influenced the quality of their innovation. Furthermore, an individual's social network position mediated among extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, openness to experience and the quality of innovations.

Originality/value

This study combined the Big Five personality traits theory and social network theory to examine the association between user intrinsic personality traits, social network position and the quality of their innovative ideas in the context of online innovation platforms. Additionally, the findings provide new insights for platform managers on how to select high-quality innovation information by considering user personality traits and their social network position.
Barriers to environmental impact assessment implementation for construction projects in Nigeria
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Nnodu Chinedu Valerie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is one of the best approaches to identifying, preventing, minimising, compensating for any unfavourable impacts on the environment and also encouraging sustainability. This paper aims to investigate the barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a survey research technique. The snowball sampling approach was adopted to identify key stakeholders in EIA practice for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 187 questionnaires were administered and a response rate of 60% (113 questionnaires were adequately filled and returned) was achieved. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised in analysing elicited data.

Findings

The results from data analysis showed that, “failure to influence the decision-making process/multiple conflicting decision-making”, “unstable regulatory regime”, “lack of available, accessible and fit-for purpose data”, “inadequate public knowledge of legal issues” and “poor provision of information” were the top most five barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects in Nigeria. Also, the results from the research show a statistically significant degree of agreement on the rankings by the groups of key stakeholders in EIA concerning the barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects.

Originality/value

This paper contributed to more effective EIA studies by drawing attentions to barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects. An understanding of these barriers can help key stakeholders in the construction industry of developing countries such as Nigeria to facilitate development of methods required in reducing barriers to EIA implementation in the construction sector.
A fuzzy AHP study of barriers for circularity in the wine sector in Bulgaria
Authors: Dimitrova Vesselina , Gallucci Teodoro , Marinov Georgi , Boshnakov Petyo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Identifying the barriers that hinder the circularity in the wine industry in Bulgaria and proposing a preliminary circular economy (CE) index for ranking in order of importance the barriers for providing a suitable and replicable model through the contextualization of the study applied at the territorial level.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts a Fuzzy AHP methodology based on 6 main barriers and 19 sub-barriers to find the weights of the barriers and rank them. The study was conducted in Bulgaria, and it consists of a questionnaire with pairwise comparisons to ask for expert opinions of members of the Executive Board of the National Association of Bulgarian Vinegrowers and additional members of the regional vine and winegrowing chambers.

Findings

The study identifies training and education and environmental barriers as the most important among the main barriers whereas, economic barriers are assessed as low impact. Considering the sub-barriers, lack of consumer awareness and interest, unclear taxation for CE, lack of knowledge about environmental emissions (carbon, water etc.) within the supply chains, and lack of digital trends are determined as the most significant sub-barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The preliminary CE index can be practically used and tested, when necessary, by each winemaker according to their understanding and opinion of CE barriers and sub-barriers. The ranking within the CE index can lead winemakers also to decisions related to the company's social policy.

Originality/value

The study uses the Fuzzy AHP methodology with expert opinions to analyze and weigh the main barriers to achieving CE at the micro-level.
A non-parametric synthesis measure for board quality: empirical evidence from Indian banks
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Sharma Supran Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to craft a non-parametric composite value for the board quality of Indian banks where the weights can be assigned endogenously.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA)-based novel extension known as the benefit of doubt approach. To measure the strength of the Indian bank corporate board in terms of board efficiency (BEF), the study used a mixed approach, i.e. first, the study calculates the percentile ranks of the five attributes that the study assumes are the characteristics of the strong board including board size, number of outside directors, frequency of meetings, non-duality leadership and board gender diversity. Thereafter, the study performs the benefit-to-doubt approach to finally measure the efficiency of the board.

Findings

The findings of the study establish that the methodological framework present in the study to measure the strength of the board in terms of BEF has been a much superior method over the other weighted and non-weighted linear average methods.

Practical implications

This methodology aids the shareholders, investors and regulatory bodies in rating the Indian banks based on their strength in terms of better monitoring boards and ensuring a smooth agent–owner relationship.

Originality/value

The benefit of doubt approach has been a unique and novel methodology to craft the composite value for any multidimensional phenomenon. One of the major benefits of using this approach is that it assigns the weights endogenously to each dimension and thereafter collectively determines the efficiency of such a phenomenon.
Impact of COVID-19 on logistics sector companies
Authors: Vilko Jyri , Hallikas Jukka
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The scale and measure of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on economic development has been a popular topic in the literature. The global pandemic has posed challenges to the supply chains and logistics in many countries, causing delays and disrupting supply chains and decreasing the volume of logistics flows. To ensure economic growth in the future, it is essential to acknowledge the impact the COVID-19 in order to increase the accuracy of anticipating changes during widespread pandemic. In this study, the linkage between economic development and the COVID-19 estimated and real impact is illustrated in a case study comparison between the Finnish and German logistic companies' viewpoints. The study shows how the international COVID-19 pandemic has affected to logistics organization perceptions on the changes in operational environment and continuity of business.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical part of the study relies on mixed methods approach using panel data from logistics companies and expert group discussion. The panel data participants were logistics sector actors and the data was collected through a questionnaire. Numerous sources found from the literature are used to gain a holistic understanding of the attributes and impact of change in the logistics field.

Findings

This study provides an important, yet sparsely addressed viewpoint to the supply chain management literature by illustrating the changes caused be a widespread pandemic can cause to the logistics sector companies. Furthermore, the findings illustrate how different roles in supply chain actors perceived the COVID-19 in their operations, before and during the pandemic. The findings of the paper illustrate how drastic uncertainty and changes in the operational environment is seen in the logistics organizations. The findings suggest that increased uncertainty and changes in the operational environment can cause significant drop in expectations of the business development in the logistics sector depending on the actor’s role in the supply chain and international perspective.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the supply chain management and logistics literature with insights into how widespread pandemic is perceived in different roles of the supply chain as well as in different countries where the pandemic has spread in different pace. Analyzing the differences between the expected and realized impact from the business environment can give valuable information for academics and managers in the field, and thus give insights to improve the planning and decision-making in logistics field during a global pandemic.
The nexus between economic policy uncertainty and access to finance: a study of developing countries
Authors: Farooq Omar , Jabbouri Imad , Naili Maryem
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper attempts to document the effect of economic uncertainty on financing constraints faced by private firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordered logistic regression is used to analyze the data of private firms from 101 developing countries. The data was provided by the World Bank's Enterprise Surveys and was gathered during the period between 2006 and 2019.

Findings

The findings show that firms headquartered in countries with high economic uncertainty face more financing constraints than firms headquartered in countries with low economic uncertainty. The authors argue that the increase in economic uncertainty allows capital providers to adjust their lending decisions by reducing the provision of capital to firms. The paper also shows that firms headquartered in countries with strong institutional infrastructure and well-functioning firms are less likely to be affected by economic uncertainty while accessing finance.

Practical implications

The findings would help managers, investors, regulators, and policymakers better understand the implication of economic policy uncertainty on the real economy. This study also sheds the light on the importance of minimizing volatility, ambiguity, and randomness in governmental decisions and policies. Regardless of the pertinence of these policies, arbitrariness surrounding their development and communication can limit their effectiveness and produce unwanted effects.

Originality/value

This paper is closely related to prior literature that documents the behavior of credit providers and investors (the supply side) during the periods of economic uncertainty. The authors differ from this strand of literature by taking the perspective of firms – the demand side.
Educational metaverse: an exploration and practice of VR wisdom teaching model in Chinese Open University English course
Authors: Yuan Jing , Liu Yongquan , Han Xichun , Li Aiping , Zhao Liling
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a virtual reality (VR) wisdom teaching model in open university English course from the perspective of “Metaverse”. The study aims to testify the stimulation for English learning and the effectiveness of English-expressing with VR tools for adult learners from the practice in a pilot reform project.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using ICARE Design Model as the framework, under the grounded theories of constructivism and multi-modal teaching. The study compared the evaluation data of one-semester English learning performance between the experimental class (67 students) with VR practice and the controlled class (67 students), including speaking test score, qualitative feedback and in-depth experience analysis. The data were complemented by reflection paper analysis, including manual evaluation (the criteria of semantics, pronunciation, fluency and completeness), questionnaire survey (in the form of five-point Likert scale) and semi-structured interview.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about the VR wisdom teaching model in English language teaching and learning in a Chinese Open University. The empirical results suggest that “3I” features of VR technology could make up for the shortcomings of traditional English classes in open universities in China, and VR resources designed with curriculum teaching materials could also be helpful for students’ command of knowledge points and language skills. What’s more, the sense of authentic experience in virtual could promote the teaching and learning effect in college English classes.

Research limitations/implications

The present study focuses on a wisdom mode of foreign language teaching and learning for adult learners in open education, so the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further explore the deep integration of VR/artificial intelligence in foreign language teaching and learning.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how VR tools provide an engaging, fun and immersive language learning environment, to enhance autonomous learning and learning engagement.
Small arms combat modeling: a superior way to evaluate marksmanship data
Authors: Biggs Adam , Huffman Greg , Hamilton Joseph , Javes Ken , Brookfield Jacob , Viggiani Anthony , Costa John , Markwald Rachel R.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Marksmanship data is a staple of military and law enforcement evaluations. This ubiquitous nature creates a critical need to use all relevant information and to convey outcomes in a meaningful way for the end users. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how simple simulation techniques can improve interpretations of marksmanship data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses three simulations to demonstrate the advantages of small arms combat modeling, including (1) the benefits of incorporating a Markov Chain into Monte Carlo shooting simulations; (2) how small arms combat modeling is superior to point-based evaluations; and (3) why continuous-time chains better capture performance than discrete-time chains.

Findings

The proposed method reduces ambiguity in low-accuracy scenarios while also incorporating a more holistic view of performance as outcomes simultaneously incorporate speed and accuracy rather than holding one constant.

Practical implications

This process determines the probability of winning an engagement against a given opponent while circumventing arbitrary discussions of speed and accuracy trade-offs. Someone wins 70% of combat engagements against a given opponent rather than scoring 15 more points. Moreover, risk exposure is quantified by determining the likely casualties suffered to achieve victory. This combination makes the practical consequences of human performance differences tangible to the end users. Taken together, this approach advances the operations research analyses of squad-level combat engagements.

Originality/value

For more than a century, marksmanship evaluations have used point-based systems to classify shooters. However, these scoring methods were developed for competitive integrity rather than lethality as points do not adequately capture combat capabilities. The proposed method thus represents a major shift in the marksmanship scoring paradigm.
Do impact of cash flows and working capital ratios on performance of listed firms during the crisis? The cases of EU-28 and Western European countries
Authors: Akgün Ali İhsan , Memiş Karataş Ayyüce
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examines investigating the relationship between cash flows, working capital ratios and firm performance during the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the relationship between cash flow, working capital ratios and firm performance for EU-28 or Western European Countries (Norway, Turkey and Switzerland) listed firms, both panel and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model are used to analyze the data obtained from sample.

Findings

The study empirical findings suggest that global financial crisis has negative effect on firm performance for all sample. In addition, our interaction term result shows that cash flows variables such as cash holding level (CHL) × Crisis, cash interactive effect (CIE) × Crisis and gross working capital ratio (GWC) × Crisis not contributed to firm performance for EU-28 listed firms. However, the authors find that net working capital ratio (NWC) × Crisis have statistically significant and positive effects on firm performance with return on assets (ROA).

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide evidence for managers that listed firms have reduced working capital expenditures to increase cash holdings level during the financial crisis. The authors find that cash flow variables with CHL have positive effect on firm performance with return on equity (ROE) in Western European Countries and these results are consistent with Opler et al. (1999)'s empirical results, while CIE have a negative impact on firm performance such as ROE and earnings before interest tax margin (EBITM).

Originality/value

Global financial crisis emphasizes the importance of working capital and liquidity that suggests an efficient cash holdings policy in response to the uncertainty following the crisis.
Social media users’ attitudes toward pervasiveness of fake news in Arab countries and its negative effects: Kuwait as a case study
Authors: Alqahs Khaled , Al-Kandari Yagoub Y. , Albuloushi Mohammad S.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the respondents’ evaluation of the pervasiveness of fake news through various SM platforms in Kuwait. The authors also examined the respondents’ attitudes toward most fake news on SM. A total of 1,539 Kuwaitis were selected.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire was the major tool for this study. The respondents, from whom demographic information was obtained, were asked about which SM platforms most frequently spread fake news, their attitudes toward the subjects most frequently involved in spreading fake news, their degree of use of the six SM platforms and interest in various subjects, and the attitudes toward the negative nature of SM news. SPSS was used for the data analysis.

Findings

The results showed that WhatsApp was the most likely to be used to disseminate fake news; Twitter and Instagram ranked second. The younger subjects were affected more by text and voice clips than the older ones.

Originality/value

The study, hopefully, produces new knowledge on the subject of fake news in social media, especially in the Arab world, since there are few studies conducted in the region. The study showed that WhatsApp was the SM tool most likely to be responsible for disseminating fake news in Kuwait, which may shed light on the usage of this application to be a news tool, rather than merely an interpersonal communication medium.
First three decades of cause-related marketing: building a deeper understanding through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Singh Akansha , Pathak Govind Swaroop
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The recent development in the scholarship of cause-related marketing (CRM) highlights the growing popularity of this field of research. CRM is one of the forms of communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR). Although CSR is being extensively studied as a field of research, researchers have made limited efforts to review the development and progression of CRM research. Being an embryonic research field, a deeper understanding of the current state of CRM research and future research propositions is required. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a bibliometric review of the CRM research published in the Web of Science (WoS) database.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric literature review has been conducted of the papers published in WoS database to map the field of research in CRM. Various techniques, namely, citation analysis, co-citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, co-occurrence analysis and bibliographic coupling have been incorporated, and analysis has been provided.

Findings

The findings highlight the important themes and research areas focused by CRM researchers. The study throws light on the important research avenues present in the field of CRM.

Originality/value

The findings offer both academic and practical implications. The present study is a novel study exploring the scholarship of CRM using the bibliometric analysis technique.
Auditing during a pandemic – can continuous controls monitoring (CCM) address challenges facing internal audit departments?
Authors: Singh Kishore , Best Peter
Published: May 2023

Purpose

During a pandemic, with businesses implementing social distancing protocols and work-from-home strategies, the use of continuous controls monitoring (CCM) may add value to the internal audit function. This study aims to examine the use of CCM technologies and the impact on the internal audit function during a pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a case study approach for this study because it focuses on questions of “how” and “what.” Case studies provided an opportunity for an in-depth analysis of the phenomena being investigated. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. This study did not use sampling. Instead, multiple case studies were used for data collection.

Findings

Based on the findings, this study makes several contributions to the literature, for example, in health-care evidence suggests the pandemic has caused internal audit to focus on risk areas. Other industries, such as retail, have invested in CCM. However, in all cases, education and preparedness (or the lack thereof) appeared to significantly influence uptake of CCM. Organizations that made prior investments in CCM technologies experienced greater acceptance in the face of changing demands. Training in emerging technologies is a key competency in supporting audit operations in changing environments.

Research limitations/implications

As the study was conducted with a small sample of cases, findings cannot be extrapolated nor generalized beyond the case study organizations.

Practical implications

This study found that several factors limit adoption, exploitation and further development of CCM technologies, such as lack of top management support, acceptance of CCM technologies and suitable education and training of internal audit staff.

Originality/value

This study addresses the issue of the value that CCM offers organizations and whether it is a silver bullet that the internal audit profession needs, particularly when physical access to organizations may be restricted. The COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable focus on digital access. Better IT systems and more data will allow organizations to better support employees, inform strategic and financial decisions and engage stakeholders. During the recovery phase, leveraging investments in CCM technologies will contribute to internal audits’ ability to help clients to manage organizational risk.
Mapping and litho‐geophysical classification of potential mining areas by spatial remote sensing and helicopter‐borne gamma‐ray spectrometry (Tikirt, Anti‐Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Achkouch Lahsen , Miftah Abdelhalim , Ouchchen Mohammed , Mamouch Younes , Attou Ahmed , Boutaleb Said , Dadi Bouchra
Published: May 2023

The primary focus of this study is to explore the potential mineral areas. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer images and radiometric data were combined in the Tikirt region to map hydrothermal alteration zones associated with mineralized deposits. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer images were analysed using band ratios, principal component analysis and a fuzzy logic model to discover argillic, phyllic, propylitic and iron oxide alterations and to generate a mineral prospectivity map. In addition, mono‐element maps of radiometric elements (K in %, eU in ppm, eTh in ppm) and their behaviour in the ternary image have been elaborated to determine the concentrations of radiometric elements and the variation of radiometric character along the exposed terrains. The F parameter was calculated to target high potassium concentration areas associated with hydrothermal alteration zones. Combining the two methods highlighted four hydrothermal alteration zones considered very promising from a mining point of view. These zones are generally linked to the magma bodies affected by normal faults and exhibit a clear spatial correlation with mineral occurrences.
Efficient prestack time migration velocity analysis: A correlation‐based global optimization approach
Authors: Xu Jincheng , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: May 2023

An accurate migration velocity model is vital to seismic imaging. Conventional time‐domain migration velocity analysis techniques commonly obtain the velocity model by iteratively picking the velocity spectra of common reflection point gathers or scanning selection, which is usually laborious and computationally expensive. To solve these issues, we propose a more effective migration velocity analysis method for prestack time migration. This method is based on cross‐correlation stacked time shift functions of local migrated gathers and uses the very fast simulated annealing algorithm to semi‐automatically invert the migration velocity parameters. This new correlation‐based objective function can catch subtle bending features of the reflector in the local migrated gather. The proposed approach applies an efficient global optimization algorithm that does not depend on the initial parameter value and is easy to extend to the multiparameter complex case. Moreover, the strategy of using local migrated gathers can incorporate prior information in the inversion to avoid the effects of misidentifying reflection events and the interference of multiples. Furthermore, applying a dynamic parameter constraint strategy for the very fast simulated annealing algorithm improves the convergence speed. Both synthetic and real data examples demonstrate that the proposed migration velocity analysis method can efficiently build an accurate time migration velocity model, which can also provide a good initial velocity model for depth migration.
Seasonality regulates the structure and biogeochemical impact of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities across environmentally divergent neotropical dry forests
Authors: Beidler Katilyn V. , Powers Jennifer S. , Dupuy‐Rada Juan M. , Hulshof Catherine , Medvigy David , Pizano Camila , Salgado‐Negret Beatriz , Van Bloem Skip J. , Vargas G German , Waring Bonnie G. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: May 2023

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbioses support forest functioning globally, yet both the structure and function of ECM fungal communities in seasonally dry neotropical forests (SDTFs), known for extreme heterogeneity in vegetation and edaphic properties, remain under characterized.

Here, we evaluated the relative influences of seasonal versus spatial variation in ECM fungal community structure in soils from four environmentally divergent SDTFs. We also assessed the importance of biotic and abiotic drivers of SDTF ECM fungal community structure at regional scales, as well as ECM impacts on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling.

ECM fungal frequency, relative abundance and richness all increased in the wet season, but spatial rather than seasonal effects explained more variation in community composition. Across the four SDTFs investigated, differences in tree communities drove ECM fungal community turnover more than geographic distances, site abiotic conditions or soil chemistry. Although soil moisture and ECM tree basal area were stronger predictors of soil biogeochemistry, incorporating ECM fungal community composition and relative abundance added explanatory power to models of soil C and N cycling in the wet season.

Synthesis: Our results highlight the importance of seasonality and plant community composition in shaping different aspects of SDTF ECM fungal community structure and diversity as well as the potential for both the plant and fungal components of ECM symbioses to impact soil functioning across heterogenous SDTFs. Furthermore, our findings suggest that alterations in SDTF plant community composition due to climate or land‐use change will have important consequences for ECM fungal diversity and associated effects on soil biogeochemical cycling.
Mit dem Kreidestift und Farben: Revolutionizing Grünewald in the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Golan Tamara
Published: May 2023

In 1952, the director of East Berlin's Märkisches Museum discovered three drawings by Matthias Grünewald pasted into a Luther Bible. This remarkable find set off a fascinating tale of art‐historical espionage, but also served as a generative moment for the construction of the well‐worn cliché of Grünewald as a revolutionary and peasant sympathizer. I examine the artist's transformation into an embodiment of the GDR's socialist ideals by interrogating East German art historian W. K. Zülch's analyses of the newly discovered drawings, which used formal analysis – rather than historical evidence – to figure Grünewald as an ideological accomplice in the German Peasants' War of 1525. Significantly, Zülch presented the tools of the artist's trade (‘Kreidestift und Farben’) as a way to reconcile form and political content, offering an alternative Socialist model to the SED's state‐sponsored culture.
Are non‐fungible token coins a good hedge against the stock market volatility?
Authors: Kumar Anoop S. , Rao Balaga Mohana
Published: May 2023

We test the hedge property of non‐fungible token (NFT) coins against equity market fluctuations and compare it with the hedge property of Bitcoin. We employ daily the returns of Bitcoin; three NFT coins, namely Theta, Enjin Coin and Decentraland, and three equity market indices: S&P 500, NASDAQ and CAC 40, ranging from 18 January 2018 to 12 January 2021. We estimate the hedge effectiveness of the three NFT coins and Bitcoin against stock market fluctuations. Our results suggest that NFT coins are a better hedge against equity market fluctuations than Bitcoin.
Outcomes in children after mild neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Törn Anna E. , Hesselman Susanne , Johansen Kine , Ågren Johan , Wikström Anna‐Karin , Jonsson Maria
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate whether mild neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in term born infants is associated with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation and death up to 6 years of age.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Sweden, 2009–2015.

Population

Live term born infants without congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities (n = 505 075).

Methods

Birth and health data were retrieved from Swedish national health and quality registers. Mild HIE was identified by diagnosis in either the Swedish Medical Birth Register or the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main outcome measures

A composite of the outcomes cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation and death up to 6 years of age.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 3.3 years after birth. Of 414 infants diagnosed with mild HIE, 17 were classified according to the composite outcome and incidence rates were 12.6 and 2.9 per 1000 child‐years in infants with and without HIE respectively. Infants with mild HIE was four times as likely to be diagnosed with the composite outcome (HR 4.42, 95% CI 2.75–7.12) compared with infants without HIE. When analysed separately, associations were found with cerebral palsy (HR 21.50, 95% CI 9.59–48.19) and death (HR 19.10, 95% CI 7.90–46.21). HRs remained essentially unchanged after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

Mild neonatal HIE was associated with neurological morbidity and mortality in childhood. Challenges include identifying infants who may develop morbidity and how to prevent adverse outcomes.
Metabolic changes during larval–pupal metamorphosis of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Gao Xinxin , Zhang Jihong , Qin Qilian , Wu Peipei , Zhang Huan , Meng Qian
Published: May 2023

Energy metabolism is essential for insect metamorphosis. The accumulation and utilization of energy is still not completely clear during larval–pupal metamorphosis of holometabolous insects. We used metabolome and transcriptome analysis to reveal key metabolic changes in the fat body and plasma and the underlying metabolic regulation mechanism of Helicoverpa armigera, an important global agricultural insect pest, during larval–pupal metamorphosis. During the feeding stage, activation of aerobic glycolysis provided intermediate metabolites and energy for cell proliferation and lipid synthesis. During the non‐feeding stages (the initiation of the wandering stage and the prepupal stage), aerobic glycolysis was suppressed, while, triglyceride degradation was activated in the fat body. The blocking of metabolic pathways in the fat body was probably caused by 20‐hydroxyecdysone‐induced cell apoptosis. 20‐hydroxyecdysone cooperated with carnitine to promote the degradation of triglycerides and the accumulation of acylcarnitines in the hemolymph, allowing rapid transportation and supply of lipids from the fat body to other organs, which provided a valuable reference for revealing the metabolic regulation mechanism of lepidopteran larvae during the last instar. Carnitine and acylcarnitines are first reported to be key factors that mediate the degradation and utilization of lipids during larval–pupal metamorphosis of lepidopteran insects.
First uterine transplant case at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Authors: Georgevsky Dana , Ying Li , Krishnan Surya , Laurence Jerome , Robinson David , Campbell Neil , Wyburn Kate , Marinelli Tina , Davis Rebecca , Narayan Rajit , Lutz Tracey , Chan Agnes , Heaney Sally‐Ann , Kitzing Yu Xuan , Anderson Lyndal , Liyanagama Keith , Robson Jacqueline , Carter Jonathan , Testa Giuliano , Johannesson Liza , Marren Anthony
Published: May 2023

Uterine transplantation (UT) is an emerging medical treatment for women affected by absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). To date there have been over 90 documented cases of UT performed worldwide, with over 50 live births. UT allows women affected by AUFI the opportunity to carry and deliver a childd. The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) introduced a UT study in 2019; however, due to the impacts of the COVID pandemic the study was placed on hold for two years. In February 2023, RPAH performed the centre's first UT from a living unrelated donor to a 25‐year‐old woman with Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser syndrome. The donor and recipient surgeries were uncomplicated and both are recovering well in the early post‐operative period.
Effectiveness of fluconazole as antifungal prophylaxis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramírez‐Carmona Wilmer , Fernandes Gabriela Leal Peres , Díaz‐Fabregat Beatriz , Oliveira Evelyn Carmo , do Prado Rosana Leal , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Monteiro Douglas Roberto
Published: May 2023

This review assessed the effectiveness of fluconazole as antifungal prophylaxis on the incidence of oral fungal diseases in patients undergoing cancer treatment. The secondary outcomes evaluated were the adverse effects, discontinuation of cancer therapy due to oral fungal infection, mortality by a fungal infection, and the mean duration of antifungal prophylaxis. Twelve databases and records were searched. The RoB 2 and ROBINS I tools were used to assess the risk of bias. The relative risk (RR), risk difference, and standard mean difference (SMD) were applied with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The certainty of the evidence was determined by GRADE. Twenty‐four studies were included in this systematic review. In randomized controlled trials pooling, fluconazole was a protective factor for the primary outcome (RR = 0.30; CI: 0.16, 0.55; p < 0.01, vs placebo). Compared to other antifungals, fluconazole was only more effective than the subgroup of amphotericin B and nystatin (alone or in combination) (RR = 0.19; CI: 0.09, 0.43; p < 0.01). Fluconazole was also a protective factor in non‐randomized trials pooling (RR = 0.19; CI: 0.05, 0.78; p = 0.02, vs untreated). The results showed no significant differences for the secondary outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was low and very low. In conclusion, prophylactic antifungals are necessary during cancer treatment, and fluconazole was shown to be more effective in reducing oral fungal diseases only compared with the subgroup assessing amphotericin B and nystatin, administered alone or in combination.
Misogyny, authoritarianism, and climate change
Authors: Kaul Nitasha , Buchanan Tom
Published: May 2023

Globally, democratic politics are under attack from Electorally Legitimated Misogynist Authoritarian (ELMA) leaders who successfully use misogyny as a political strategy and present environmental concern in feminine and inferior terms. The ascendancy of such projects raise questions involving socioeconomic structures, political communication, and the psychological underpinnings of people's attitudes. We offer misogyny, conceptualized in a specific way – not simply as hatred or disgust for women, but as a way of accessing a gendered hierarchy whereby that which is labeled “feminine” is perceived as inferior, devalued, and amenable to be attacked – as a relevant transmission mechanism in how ELMAs like Trump may connect with public opinion by systematically investigating the interplay between misogyny, authoritarianism, and climate change in the context of the United States. Using a survey methodology (N = 314) and up‐to‐date questionnaires, we provide a concrete empirical underpinning for recent analytical and theoretical work on the complexity of misogyny. We analyze how misogynist and authoritarian attitudes correlate with climate change, adding to the literature on opposition to climate change policy. An additional exploratory aspect of our study concerning US voter preferences clearly indicates that Trump supporters are more misogynist, more authoritarian, and less concerned with the environment.