bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19, a crossroads for female directors
Authors: Garcia-Sanchez Isabel-Maria , Uribe Bohorquez Maria Victoria , Aibar-Guzmán Cristina , Aibar-Guzmán Beatriz
Published: December 2023

Purpose

For almost half a century, society has been aware of the existence of a glass ceiling, a term that describes the invisible barriers that hinder women’s access to power positions despite having equal or greater qualifications, skills and merits than their male counterparts. Nowadays, although there are signs of slow progress, women are still underrepresented in the upper echelons of large corporations and the risk of reversing the progress made in gender parity has increased because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper contributes to previous literature by analysing the impact that the uncertainty and cognitive effects associated with COVID-19 in 2020 had on the presence of women on the board of directors and whether this impact has been moderated by the regulatory and policy system on gender quotas in place at the time.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the authors' research hypotheses, the authors selected the major global companies worldwide with economic-financial and non-financial information available in the Thomson Reuters EIKON database over the 2015–2020 period. As a result, the authors' final sample is made up of 1,761 companies from 52 countries with different institutional settings that constitute an unbalanced data panel of 8,963 observations. The nature of the dependent variables requires the use of logistic regressions. The models incorporate the terms to control for any unobservable heterogeneity and the error term. Any endogeneity issues were addressed by considering the explanatory variables with a time lag.

Findings

The authors find that almost 30% of the companies downsized their boards in 2020. This decision resulted in more female than male directors being made redundant, causing a reversal in the fulfilment of gender quotas focussed on ensuring balanced boards with a female presence of 40% or more. This effect was enhanced in countries with hard-law regulation because the penalty for non-compliance with gender quotas had led to a significant increase in the size of these bodies in previous years through the inclusion of the required number of female directors. In contrast, the reduction in board size in soft-law countries does not differ from that in laissez-faire countries, lacking any moderating effect or impact on the number of female board members dismissed as a result of the pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute to current knowledge by analysing the impact that the countries' regulatory and normative systems on gender parity on boards of directors have had on the decisions made in relation to leadership positions, moderating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality at a global level.
How are frontline managers supported in the performance management process?
Authors: Lee Qian Yi , Wilkinson Adrian , Townsend Keith
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Existing research has ignored the perspectives of frontline managers (FLMs) in relation to the support they receive. This study aims to understand the extent to which and how other organisational actors support FLMs in their implementation of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This article used a qualitative method (57 semi-structured interviews) in two Singapore public sector organisations to understand the types of support provided to FLMs. The interviewees came from various levels and the hierarchical sampling frame allowed for comparisons to be made across the cases.

Findings

The authors found that the HR department, superiors and peers signalled to FLMs the custom and practice of performance management (PM) that led to the FLMs not prioritising their PM responsibilities. Notably, the focus of the FLMs was on meeting operational needs rather than the PM process.

Originality/value

The authors add to the literature by examining the how the support from other organisational actors signalled to FLMs the importance of PM within their work group. This paper also explores how FLMs seek support and the type of support they want in their role.
Multi‐model stacked structure based on particle swarm optimization for random noise attenuation of seismic data
Authors: Zhang Qing , Liao Jianping , Luo Zhikun , Zhou Lin , Zhang Xuejuan
Published: December 2023

Random noise attenuation is a fundamental task in seismic data processing aimed at improving the signal‐to‐noise ratio of seismic data, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent seismic data processing and interpretation. To this end, model‐based and data‐driven seismic data denoising methods have been widely applied, including f–x deconvolution, K‐singular value decomposition, feed‐forward denoising convolutional neural network and U‐Net (an improved fully convolutional neural network structure), which have received widespread attention for their effectiveness in attenuating random noise. However, they often struggle with low‐signal‐to‐noise ratio data and complex noise environments, leading to poor performance and leakage of effective signals. To address these issues, we propose a novel approach for random noise attenuation. This approach employs a multi‐model stacking structure, where the parameters governing this structure are optimized using a particle swarm optimizer. In the model‐based denoising method, we choose the f–x deconvolution method, whereas in the data‐driven denoising method, we choose K‐singular value decomposition for shallow learning and U‐Net for deep learning as components of the multi‐model stacking structure. The optimal parameters for the multi‐model stacking structure are obtained using a particle swarm optimizer, guided by the proposed novel hybrid fitness function incorporating weighted signal‐to‐noise ratio, structural similarity and correlation parameters. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified with three synthetic and two real seismic datasets. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective in attenuating random noise and outperforms the benchmark methods in denoising both synthetic and real seismic data.
Insurance coverage and discontinuity during pregnancy: Frequency and associations documented in the PROMISE cohort
Authors: Booman Anna , Stratton Kalera , Vesco Kimberly K. , O'Malley Jean , Schmidt Teresa , Boone‐Heinonen Janne , Snowden Jonathan M.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe insurance patterns and discontinuity during pregnancy, which may affect the experiences of the pregnant person: their timely access to care, continuity of care, and health outcomes.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Data are from the PROMISE study, which utilizes data from community‐based health care organizations (CHCOs) (e.g., federally qualified health centers that serve patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay) in the United States from 2005 to 2021.

Study Design

This descriptive study was a cohort utilizing longitudinal electronic health record data.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Insurance type at each encounter was recorded in the clinical database and coded as Private, Public, and Uninsured. Pregnant people were categorized into one of several insurance patterns. We analyzed the frequency and timing of insurance changes and care utilization within each group.

Principal Findings

Continuous public insurance was the most common insurance pattern (69.2%), followed by uninsured/public discontinuity (11.8%), with 6.4% experiencing uninsurance throughout the entirety of pregnancy. Insurance discontinuity was experienced by 16.6% of pregnant people; a majority of these reflect people transitioning to public insurance. Those with continuous public insurance had the highest frequency of inadequate prenatal care (19.5%), while those with all three types of insurance during pregnancy had the highest percentage of intensive prenatal care (16.5%). The majority (71.7%–81.2%) of those with a discontinuous pattern experienced a single insurance change.

Conclusions

Insurance discontinuity and uninsurance are common within our population of pregnant people seeking care at CHCOs. Our findings suggest that insurance status should be regarded as a dynamic rather than a static characteristic during pregnancy and should be measured accordingly. Future research is needed to assess the drivers of perinatal insurance discontinuity and if and how these discontinuities may affect health care access, utilization, and birth outcomes.
Unlocking the potential of pasting properties to predict extrudate characteristics of corn grits blends with high amylose corn starch, potato starch, or rice flour
Authors: Debonne Els , Van de Velde Louise‐Marie , van den Navoij Camilla , Fratte Elia Dalle , Eeckhout Mia
Published: December 2023

The development of new production lines of extruded ready‐to‐eat (RTE) snacks often results in high losses of edible food due to the trial‐and‐error approach in industry. Being able to predict extrudate characteristics of new formulations before having to run trials on industrial scale would be beneficial for reducing waste and having a more efficient development process. With this study, the correlation between pasting properties of seven blends of flours/starches and extrudate characteristics was investigated (100% corn grits, 25% and 50% replacement of corn grits with high amylose starch, potato starch, and rice flour). The predictive power of pasting characteristics on extrudate's moisture content, water absorption and solubility index, sectional expansion index (SEI) and hardness was studied. Results indicated the potential of predicting SEI, water solubility index (WSI), and water absorption index (WAI) of RTE‐snacks. WSI and WAI were, respectively, negatively correlated with peak temperature (R2 = 0.897), and positively with peak temperature and positively with trough viscosity (R2 = 0.855). One can conclude that the rheometer can be a useful tool to gain insight into the characteristics of the extrudate, although further research with enlargement of the dataset is necessary to make the rheometer effectively deployable for potentially other extrudate characteristics.
The effect of modified atmosphere packaging at an early postmortem stage on lamb meat quality during subsequent aging
Authors: Zhao Yingxin , Wang Zhenyu , Bruce Heather L. , Roy Bimol C. , Yang Wei , Zhang Dequan , Hou Chengli
Published: December 2023

This study explores the influence of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on fresh lamb meat quality with respect to gas concentration, rigor state, and post‐mortem aging time. A comparison was done for the quality characteristics of lamb Longissimus thoracis lumborum chops that had been packaged separately in air, 75%O2 + 25%CO2 MAP or 50%O2 + 50%CO2 MAP at 1, 6, and 24 h post‐mortem and then stored for 6, 12, 24, 72, and 144 h post‐mortem, and the quality of lamb chops had been evaluated at each post‐mortem period separately. Chops packaged at 1 and 6 h post‐mortem in MAP had reduced pH decline, less purge loss, and enhanced redness at early post‐mortem storage times. Lamb color stability was evidently greater in 75%O2 + 25%CO2 MAP than in 50%O2 + 50%CO2 MAP during the early storage period when a* and R630/R580 were taken into account. Shear force values were lowest in lambs packaged at 1 h post‐mortem with 75%O2 + 25%CO2 MAP at 12 h post‐mortem and then increased until 72 h post‐mortem, suggesting that rigor has been delayed by such a high O2 MAP. Thus, fresh lamb quality was maintained most effectively when packaged at 1 h post‐mortem in 75%O2 + 25%CO2 MAP for consumption at 12 h post‐mortem. The exact mechanisms and optimization of MAP based on Chinese retail conditions should be considered in future studies.

Practical Application

In this study, three slaughter patterns in the meat industry involving boning immediately after dressing (hot‐boning) and chilling for a short period (warm‐boning) or overnight (cold‐boning) are considered, as well as the behavior of non‐immediate consumption after purchase. Modified atmosphere packaging provides an effective preservation of early post‐mortem muscles with enhanced color stability, water holding capacity, and texture during refrigerated storage. This could provide new insights into how to process lamb muscles in the early post‐mortem period to improve and stabilize lamb quality.
slimr: An R package for tailor‐made integrations of data in population genomic simulations over space and time
Authors: Dinnage Russell , Sarre Stephen D. , Duncan Richard P. , Dickman Christopher R. , Edwards Scott V. , Greenville Aaron C. , Wardle Glenda M. , Gruber Bernd
Published: December 2023

Software for realistically simulating complex population genomic processes is revolutionizing our understanding of evolutionary processes, and providing novel opportunities for integrating empirical data with simulations. However, the integration between standalone simulation software and R is currently not well developed. Here, we present slimr, an R package designed to create a seamless link between standalone software SLiM >3.0, one of the most powerful population genomic simulation frameworks, and the R development environment, with its powerful data manipulation and analysis tools. We show how slimr facilitates smooth integration between genetic data, ecological data and simulation in a single environment. The package enables pipelines that begin with data reading, cleaning and manipulation, proceed to constructing empirically based parameters and initial conditions for simulations, then to running numerical simulations and finally to retrieving simulation results in a format suitable for comparisons with empirical data – aided by advanced analysis and visualization tools provided by R. We demonstrate the use of slimr with an example from our own work on the landscape population genomics of desert mammals, highlighting the advantage of having a single integrated tool for both data analysis and simulation. slimr makes the powerful simulation ability of SLiM directly accessible to R users, allowing integrated simulation projects that incorporate empirical data without the need to switch between software environments. This should provide more opportunities for evolutionary biologists and ecologists to use realistic simulations to better understand the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes.
A record of the parasitic mite Hemimyialges macdonaldi (Evans et al. 1963) (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in the Orange‐bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster (Latham, 1790) (Psittaciformes: Psittaculidae) in Australia
Authors: Halliday B , Taggers A , Herrod A
Published: December 2023

The subcutaneous parasitic mite Hemimyialges macdonaldi was found in a specimen of the Orange‐bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster that died in captivity. A review of the host range and geographic distribution of this mite shows it is cosmopolitan and occurs in a very wide range of birds. It does not appear to be a cause of significant mortality in its hosts.
Effect of intraoral administration of parathyroid hormone on osseous and soft tissue healing around implants in ovariectomized rat maxillae
Authors: Al‐Omari Farah A. , Kuroshima Shinichiro , Uto Yusuke , Uchida Yusuke , Sawase Takashi
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases systemic bone mass. However, the effect of PTH on osseous and soft tissue healing around implants in osteoporosis patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PTH on tissue healing around implants in ovariectomized rats and to compare systemic and intraoral administration routes.

Material and Methods

Implants were placed at the healed sites of ovariectomized rats 3 weeks after maxillary first molar extraction. Rats were randomly divided into two groups that received either daily systemic subcutaneous or local intraoral PTH administration. Maxillae were dissected to examine bone architectures with micro‐computed tomography images. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate osseous and soft tissue healing around the implants.

Results

Regardless of the administration route, PTH significantly increased bone area and the numbers of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes in the first and second inside and outside areas of implant threads, in addition to decreasing the number of sclerostin+ osteocytes. However, the intraoral PTH administration route was superior to the systemic route by significantly improving bone quality and promoting collagen production in the connective tissue around implants.

Conclusions

Parathyroid hormone administration promoted both osseous and soft tissue healing around implants, irrespective of administration route. Interestingly, intraoral administration improved the evaluated parameters more than systemic administration. Thus, the intraoral route could become a useful treatment strategy for implant treatment in osteoporosis patients.
Sacred forest biodiversity conservation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sullivan Megan K. , Browne Luke , Penagos Zuluaga Juan Carlos , Liu Jasmine , Surendra Akshay , Estrada‐Villegas Sergio
Published: December 2023

Sacred forests offer co‐benefits of protecting both cultural traditions and forested areas. However, sacred forests' contribution to biodiversity conservation is often undervalued. Several reviews discuss biodiversity conservation in sacred forests, but large‐scale studies that quantify the effect of sacred forests on biodiversity conservation are scarce. Many studies on the effectiveness of sacred forests in protecting biodiversity are limited to single‐location censuses or lack comparisons against non‐sacred forests that serve as controls. To quantify the impact of sacred forests on biodiversity conservation, we conducted a global meta‐analysis that compares sacred forests with nearby non‐sacred forests (i.e., control areas). Using 35 studies from 17 different countries, we found that sacred forests harbored similar levels of biodiversity as nearby forested areas. When comparing taxonomic groups, we found that the positive benefits to biodiversity in sacred forests compared to non‐sacred forests were higher for plants compared to non‐plant taxa. Our meta‐analysis provides quantitative evidence that sacred forests can be effective areas of biodiversity conservation. Based on our results, we suggest that researchers interested in sacred forest biodiversity compare sacred forests with other land use types, collect standardized metadata from sacred forests and nearby areas that serve as comparisons, and extend monitoring to include more non‐plant taxa. Sacred forests can preserve ecosystem function, provide social benefits, and play a role in fighting against climate change, and should not be overlooked.
Participatory research with carers: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Bowness Bryher , Henderson Claire , Akhter Khan Samia C. , Akiba Mia , Lawrence Vanessa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

As patient and public involvement (PPI) in research has become increasingly common, research‐based recommendations on its principles and impacts have been established. The specifics of conducting PPI are likely to differ when involving different groups. Family/informal carers for those with health conditions or disabilities have a lot to contribute to research, but instances of their involvement have yet to be reviewed.

Objective

To systematically review and synthesize studies where family/informal carers have been involved in the research process, to develop an understanding of the benefits, barriers and facilitating factors.

Methods

A search of five electronic databases was conducted using a combination of terms relating to carers, involvement and research. A grey literature search, expert consultation and hand‐searching were also used. Following screening, data extraction and quality assessment, a narrative synthesis incorporating thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings

A total of 55 studies met the inclusion criteria, with diverse design and participatory approaches. Four themes were identified, relating to the outcomes, challenges, and practicalities of involving carers: (re) building relationships with carers; carers as equals not afterthoughts; carers have unique experiences; carers create change. Full involvement throughout the research was not always possible, due to barriers from the research world and responsibilities of the caring role. The literature demonstrated ways for carers to contribute in ways that suited them, maximizing their impact, while attending to relationships and power imbalances.

Conclusion

By summarizing the reported instances of carer involvement in research, this review brings together different examples of how successful research partnerships can be built with carers, despite various challenges. Carers are a heterogeneous group, and participatory approaches should be tailored to specific situations. Wider understanding of the challenges of conducting empowering research with carers, and the resources required to address these, are needed.

Patient and Public Involvement

The initial findings and themes were presented to a group of carers who had been involved in research and whose reflections informed the final synthesis.
Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale
Authors: Aci Ozgur Sema , Gencbas Dercan , Ciydem Emre , Kackin Ozlem
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) among a sample of Turkish university students.

Methods

This study was conducted with 291 university students. The SHIS was evaluated in terms of language equivalence, validity and the reliability. Content validity was assessed with the content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was determined by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was used for the analysis of internal consistency, a Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for parallel form reliability, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for the test–retest technique.

Results

The CVI of the SHIS was between 0.80 and 1.00. When the results of the CFA were examined, the factor loadings of all items were above 0.50. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between the SHIS and the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scores for parallel form reliability (r = 0.489). Within the scope of the test–retest analysis, an ICC = 0.762 was determined (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings obtained from this validity and reliability study carried out on a sample of Turkish university students showed that the SHIS was both valid and reliable.
Blood‐ and muscle‐O2 storage capacity in North American diving ducks
Authors: Schell Elizabeth R. , White Jeff , McCracken Kevin G.
Published: December 2023

Breath‐hold diving presents air‐breathing vertebrates with the challenge of maintaining aerobic respiration while exercising underwater. Adaptive increases in the oxygen (O2) storage capacity in the lungs, blood, or muscle tissues can enhance these reserves and greatly extend aerobic foraging time underwater. Here, we report blood‐ and muscle‐O2 storage parameters (blood hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit, and myoglobin concentration ([Mb]) in the pectoralis and gastrocnemius) for 16 species of diving and dabbling ducks found in North America, and investigate which parameters are correlated with the diving behaviors reported in both the sea ducks (Mergini) and the pochards (Aythini). Both [Hb] in the blood and [Mb] in the gastrocnemius, a major leg muscle used in propulsion for these predominantly leg‐propelled divers, were significantly higher in the sea ducks compared to the dabblers (Anatini). The pochards also showed a significant increase in [Hb] and were intermediate between the sea ducks and the dabblers in hematocrit and [Mb] in the gastrocnemius. Among these four variables and total body mass, [Mb] in the gastrocnemius was the most significant predictor of mean species dive time, and these two variables were correlated across the phylogeny. Our results indicate that the observed changes in O2 storage capacity in the blood and muscles are positively correlated with diving behavior in two clades of ducks, such that larger increases are correlated with longer dive times.
A network approach to the investigation of childhood irritability: probing frustration using social stimuli
Authors: Thompson Khalil I. , Schneider Clayton J. , Lopez‐Roque Justin A. , Wakschlag Lauren S. , Karim Helmet T. , Perlman Susan B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Self‐regulation in early childhood develops within a social context. Variations in such development can be attributed to inter‐individual behavioral differences, which can be captured both as facets of temperament and across a normal:abnormal dimensional spectrum. With increasing emphasis on irritability as a robust early‐life transdiagnostic indicator of broad psychopathological risk, linkage to neural mechanisms is imperative. Currently, there is inconsistency in the identification of neural circuits that underlie irritability in children, especially in social contexts. This study aimed to address this gap by utilizing a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm to investigate pediatric anger/frustration using social stimuli.

Methods

Seventy‐three children (M = 6 years, SD = 0.565) were recruited from a larger longitudinal study on irritability development. Caregivers completed questionnaires assessing irritable temperament and clinical symptoms of irritability. Children participated in a frustration task during fMRI scanning that was designed to induce frustration through loss of a desired prize to an animated character. Data were analyzed using both general linear modeling (GLM) and independent components analysis (ICA) and examined from the temperament and clinical perspectives.

Results

ICA results uncovered an overarching network structure above and beyond what was revealed by traditional GLM analyses. Results showed that greater temperamental irritability was associated with significantly diminished spatial extent of activation and low‐frequency power in a network comprised of the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) and the precuneus (p < .05, FDR‐corrected). However, greater severity along the spectrum of clinical expression of irritability was associated with significantly increased extent and intensity of spatial activation as well as low‐ and high‐frequency neural signal power in the right caudate (p < .05, FDR‐corrected).

Conclusions

Our findings point to specific neural circuitry underlying pediatric irritability in the context of frustration using social stimuli. Results suggest that a deliberate focus on the construction of network‐based neurodevelopmental profiles and social interaction along the normal:abnormal irritability spectrum is warranted to further identify comprehensive transdiagnostic substrates of the irritability.
Corporate cash holdings and industry risk
Authors: Lee Jinsook
Published: December 2023

I conjecture that a firm's sensitivity to industry shocks escalates its need to retain a cash buffer. Consistent with this conjecture, I find that a 1 SD increase in a firm's industry risk exposure increases cash holdings by 10%. In fact, industry risk has a greater effect on corporate cash holdings than does economywide and idiosyncratic risk in my sample. The effect of industry risk exposure on corporate cash holdings is greater for firms in highly competitive industries, as well as for firms with high leverage, a greater fraction of short‐term debt, and few tangible assets.
The role of the dual holder in mitigating underinvestment
Authors: Bohdan Roman , Mukherjee Tarun
Published: December 2023

The literature on dual holding focuses exclusively on cases where the holder is primarily a creditor and buys the firm's stocks to reduce potential wealth transfer. However, wealth transfer is not a concern when the dual holder is a stockholder first and becomes a bondholder later. We hypothesize that the principal motive behind such dual holdings is to provide debt funding to an otherwise successful firm that cannot fund good projects because of internal capital allocation problems coupled with external capital constraints. We select samples from multinational corporations based on evidence that these firms are exposed to domestic underinvestment because they are reluctant to bring back foreign profits to avoid repatriation taxes. We choose hedge funds (HFs) as dual holders. The treatment group comprises firms where HFs are dual owners, and the control group comprises firms in which HFs own stocks only. The treatment group experiences steeper financial constraints, leading to deeper underinvestment problems and causing target firms to seek HF funding. The funding corresponds well to the amount of underinvestment. Targets improve investment efficiency by alleviating underinvestment, surpassing their predual performance and the control group's postdual performance.
Forced to be a good citizen: Exploring the bright‐ and dark‐side effects of daily compulsory citizenship behaviours on subsequent proactive helping and interpersonal deviance
Authors: Chi Nai‐Wen , Lin Chieh‐Yu , Bruning Patrick F. , Hung Yu
Published: December 2023

Compulsory citizenship behaviour (CCB) refers to extra‐role behaviours that are not necessarily voluntary or driven by goodwill, and are often conducted under duress or performed in response to supervisor or coworker pressure. The literature is currently unclear about whether these behaviours have negative, positive, or a nuanced combination of outcomes. We address this confusion by drawing on Conservation of Resources Theory to explain employees' daily depletion and organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE) mechanisms that capture respective costs and benefits of daily CCB. We also explain how employees' extraversion and leader–member exchange (LMX) are critical boundary conditions of these effects. Using an experience sampling method, we collected data twice per day from 186 full‐time employees across 10 working days, yielding 1551 valid daily responses. The results of multilevel path analyses showed that: (a) daily CCB had a positive indirect effect on next‐day interpersonal deviance via increased ego depletion, with extraversion buffering this positive indirect effect; and (b) daily CCB had a positive indirect effect on next‐day proactive helping via increased OBSE, with LMX strengthening this positive indirect effect. These results suggest that employees' daily CCB has both costs (i.e., resource depletion) and benefits (i.e., positive self‐focused beliefs).
The Arrival 64${6 \atop 4}$ Chord in Wagner's Die Walküre: Types, Function, and Dramatic Meanings
Authors: LEE JI YEON
Published: December 2023

This article applies Hatten's (1994) concept of the ‘arrival ’ – a cadential that resolves tonal or thematic instabilities without necessarily proceeding to V(7) – to cadences and cadential gestures in Wagner's Die Walküre. It identifies and describes three essential types of arrival chord: a cadential becoming I and launching a new leitmotivic passage (type 1); one continuing in the cadential progression and initiating a new leitmotivic passage (type 2) and one continuing in the cadential progression and becoming a rhetorical highpoint (type 3). Ultimately, it demonstrates that examples of each type produce an aurally illuminating, ‘marked’ effect within Wagnerian ‘musical prose’ in conjunction with the dramatic circumstances.
Pathogenic DPAGT1 variants in limb‐girdle congenital myasthenic syndrome (LG‐CMS) associated with tubular aggregates and ORAI1 hypoglycosylation
Authors: vanden Brande Laura , Bauché Stéphanie , Pérez‐Guàrdia Laura , Sternberg Damien , Seferian Andreea M. , Malfatti Edoardo , Silva‐Rojas Roberto , Labasse Clémence , Chevessier Frédéric , Carlier Pierre , Eymard Bruno , Romero Norma B. , Laporte Jocelyn , Servais Laurent , Gidaro Teresa , Böhm Johann
Published: December 2023

Aims

Limb‐girdle congenital myasthenic syndrome (LG‐CMS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterised by muscle weakness and fatigability. The LG‐CMS gene DPAGT1 codes for an essential enzyme of the glycosylation pathway, a posttranslational modification mechanism shaping the structure and function of proteins. In DPAGT1‐related LG‐CMS, decreased glycosylation of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) reduces its localization at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and results in diminished neuromuscular transmission. LG‐CMS patients also show tubular aggregates on muscle biopsy, but the origin and potential contribution of the aggregates to disease development are not understood. Here, we describe two LG‐CMS patients with the aim of providing a molecular diagnosis and to shed light on the pathways implicated in tubular aggregate formation.

Methods

Following clinical examination of the patients, we performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to identify the genetic causes, analysed the biopsies at the histological and ultrastructural levels, investigated the composition of the tubular aggregates and performed experiments on protein glycosylation.

Results

We identified novel pathogenic DPAGT1 variants in both patients and pyridostigmine treatment quantitatively improved muscle force and function. The tubular aggregates contained proteins of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and structurally conformed to the aggregates observed in tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM). TAM arises from overactivation of the plasma membrane calcium channel ORAI1, and functional studies on muscle extracts from our LG‐CMS patients evidenced abnormal ORAI1 glycosylation.

Conclusions

We expand the genetic variant spectrum of LG‐CMS and provide a genotype/phenotype correlation for pathogenic DPAGT1 variants. The discovery of ORAI1 hypoglycosylation in our patients highlights a physiopathological link between LG‐CMS and TAM.
Psammogeton hirsutus (Apiaceae; Pimpinelleae), a new species from India
Authors: Lal Bhellum Bachan , Magotra Rani
Published: December 2023

Psammogeton hirsutus Bhellum and Magotra (Apiaceae), a novel species collected from the lowlands of Jammu and Kashmir, north‐west India's subtropical region, is described and illustrated. Psammogeton hirsutus resembles one its close relatives P. canescens and P. shivalikense; however, it differs significantly in terms of the plant being hirsute, sheaths of leafbases, ciliate peduncle degree of pubescence, bracts and bracteoles, and fruit shape. We provide data on phenology, distribution map, a comparison of species with comparable morphologies, and a key to closely related species.
Skeptic, enthusiast, guarantor or believer? Public managers' perception of participatory budgeting
Authors: Manes‐Rossi Francesca , Orelli Rebecca Levy , Sicilia Mariafrancesca
Published: December 2023

Participatory budgeting (PB) aims to enhance citizens' participation in local government. While there is a significant body of literature on PB, few studies investigate the role of internal actors in its management. This study aims to understand public managers' perceptions of the whole PB process. Using the Q‐methodology on a sample of Italian local governments experienced in PB, we analyze the perspectives of public managers, revealing four approaches to PB, which we classify as skeptics, enthusiasts; guarantors; and believers. We find that managers have different approaches to how PB works and its potential effects, based on their role in managing the process. We also find that their attitude may influence citizens' participation in and perception of PB. Further research should consider the nexus between managers' perceptions and citizens' involvement in PB.
Rice Yellow Mottle Virus resistance by genome editing of the Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica nucleoporin gene OsCPR5.1 but not OsCPR5.2
Authors: Arra Yugander , Auguy Florence , Stiebner Melissa , Chéron Sophie , Wudick Michael M. , Miras Manuel , Schepler‐Luu Van , Köhler Steffen , Cunnac Sébastien , Frommer Wolf B. , Albar Laurence
Published: December 2023

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) causes one of the most devastating rice diseases in Africa. Management of RYMV is challenging. Genetic resistance provides the most effective and environment‐friendly control. The recessive resistance locus rymv2 (OsCPR5.1) had been identified in African rice (Oryza glaberrima), however, introgression into Oryza sativa ssp. japonica and indica remains challenging due to crossing barriers. Here, we evaluated whether CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of the two rice nucleoporin paralogs OsCPR5.1 (RYMV2) and OsCPR5.2 can be used to introduce RYMV resistance into the japonica variety Kitaake. Both paralogs had been shown to complement the defects of the Arabidopsis atcpr5 mutant, indicating partial redundancy. Despite striking sequence and structural similarities between the two paralogs, only oscpr5.1 loss‐of‐function mutants were fully resistant, while loss‐of‐function oscpr5.2 mutants remained susceptible, intimating that OsCPR5.1 plays a specific role in RYMV susceptibility. Notably, edited lines with short in‐frame deletions or replacements in the N‐terminal domain (predicted to be unstructured) of OsCPR5.1 were hypersusceptible to RYMV. In contrast to mutations in the single Arabidopsis AtCPR5 gene, which caused severely dwarfed plants, oscpr5.1 and oscpr5.2 single and double knockout mutants showed neither substantial growth defects nor symptoms indicative lesion mimic phenotypes, possibly reflecting functional differentiation. The specific editing of OsCPR5.1, while maintaining OsCPR5.2 activity, provides a promising strategy for generating RYMV‐resistance in elite Oryza sativa lines as well as for effective stacking with other RYMV resistance genes or other traits.
A Response to Dehnel's ‘Defending Wittgenstein’
Authors: Wheeler Samuel J.
Published: December 2023

This is a reply to ‘Defending Wittgenstein’, Piotr Dehnel's critique of my article, ‘Defending Wittgenstein's Remarks on Cantor from Putnam’. I first show that my position is much more in agreement with Felix Mühlhölzer than Dehnel takes it to be, and that his criticism of me is nothing more than a failure to recognize this. I then show how Dehnel incorrectly reads Wittgenstein as rejecting set theory as false. It is an overemphasis on and a much too narrow picture of ‘applicability’ which leads him to this view. Finally, I conclude by rejecting Dehnel's view that Wittgenstein was a finitist about mathematics.
Effect of hydrocolloid dressings on preventing air leakage when applying negative pressure wound therapy to the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Rui , Su Xiangpeng , Zhang Jixun , Liu Zhenzhong
Published: December 2023

Maintaining a vacuum when applying negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the key to its function, which is a challenge in the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the effect of hydrocolloid dressings on preventing air leakage when applying NPWT in these regions. There were 61 patients in Group A (without the aid of hydrocolloid dressings) and 65 patients in Group B (with the aid of hydrocolloid dressings). The hydrocolloid dressing‐assisted NPWT significantly reduced the incidence of air leakage compared with conventional NPWT placement (24.6% vs. 7.7%; risk ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–8.27; p = 0.009), while decreasing the number of open NPWT applications (2.2 vs. 1.7; difference, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.66; p < 0.001), shortening hospital stays (20.1 vs. 16.1; difference, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–6.46; p = 0.01), and reducing the incidence of adverse skin events (18.0% vs. 4.6%; risk ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–13.34; p = 0.017). These findings support the routine use of hydrocolloid dressing‐assisted NPWT placement in the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region.
Simultaneous Characterization of Both Coefficients of Thermal Expansion and Thermal Warpages of Flip-Chip Packages With a Cap Using Strain Gauges
Authors: Wang Y. W. , Tsai M. Y. , Chou Y. S.
Published: December 2023

A relatively low-cost and easy-to-use strain gauge measurement is proposed here as an alternative method for simultaneously determining the thermally induced warpages and the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the flip-chip packages with a cap (or lid). The feasibility of the strain gauge method is evaluated by the shadow moiré experiment and the finite element analysis. The stiffness effect of the thermal interface materials (TIMs) in the flip-chip packages with a cap is also considered. The result suggests that the general back-to-back gauge measurement method on the top and bottom of the specimen would cause significant errors as the TIM is relatively compliant, but not for stiff TIMs. This study also proposes a modified gauge method with a few related strain equations for those cases with compliant TIMs to effectively determine their thermal warpages and CTEs by the gauge measurement. The finite element method (FEM) simulation, consistent with shadow moiré, has further validated the effectiveness of the modified gauge method. Therefore, the newly developed and modified method of strain gauges is found to be feasible and workable for simultaneously determining both thermal warpages and CTEs of the flip-chip packages with a cap, especially with a compliant TIM.
Research Status and Progress on Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Defect Inspection of Micro-Electronic Packaging
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wang Zhongyang , Fan Yuhui , Dong Ming , Liu Dengxue
Published: December 2023

In a highly competitive and demanding micro-electronics market, non-destructive testing (NDT) technology has been widely applied to defect detection and evaluation of micro-electronic packaging. However, the trend of micro-electronic packaging toward miniaturization, high-density, ultrathin, ultralight, and with small chip footprint, poses an urgent demand for novel NDT methods with high-resolution and large penetration depth, which is utilized for internal defect detection and identification of advanced complicated packages. The conventional NDT methods for micro-electronic packaging mainly include optical visual inspection, X-ray inspection, active infrared thermography, scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), laser Doppler vibration measuring technique, scanning SQUID microscopy (SSM), electrical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and so on. This paper aims to provide a review of addressing their basic principles, advantages, limitations, and application researches in the field of defect inspection of micro-electronic packaging. Moreover, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing NDT methods, this paper emphasizes a novel NDT approach, called hybrid ultrasonic-laser digital holographic microscopy (DHM) imaging inspection method, and discusses its basic principle, merits, key techniques, system construction, and experimental results in detail. When some key technical problems can be solved in further research, this method will become a potentially promising technique for defect detection and evaluation of advanced complicated packages.
Effects of visible light wavelength on development and demographic parameters of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Pakyari Hajar , Zemek Rostislav
Published: December 2023

Environmental factors, such as the wavelength of light, can have a crucial impact on mite development. Little is, however, known about the effect of visible light quality on demographic parameters of Phytoseiidae. We therefore conducted series of laboratory experiments in which development and reproduction of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot feeding on Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs was investigated under various light conditions (white, blue, green, yellow, and red light). The results revealed that different light wavelengths influenced each developmental stage, with the green light conditions promoting longest pre-adult development. The longevity of both male and female mites varied significantly across light wavelengths, with the shortest lifespan observed under red light. The highest mean total fecundity, 16 eggs per female, was observed under white light conditions. Population parameters (R0, r, and λ) were also highest under white light and decreased with increasing light wavelength. These findings suggest that light wavelength plays a significant role in development, survival, and reproduction of the predatory mite, with white light being identified as providing the best light conditions for commercial production of P. persimilis.
DC power transported by two infinite parallel wires
Authors: Boulé Marc
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the calculation of the electrical power transported by the electromagnetic fields of two parallel wires carrying opposite DC currents. The Poynting vector is developed in bipolar coordinates and symbolically integrated over different surfaces. For perfectly conducting wires, the purely longitudinal power in the space surrounding the wires is shown to be equal to that which is produced by the battery (and consumed by the load resistor). For resistive wires, the longitudinal power transported by the fields is shown to diminish according to the distance traveled, and the loss is proved to be equal to the power entering the wires via the fields at their surfaces.
Receptive vocabulary predicts multilinguals' recognition skills in adverse listening conditions
Authors: Suite Lexia , Freiwirth Galia , Babel Molly
Published: December 2023

Adverse listening conditions are known to affect bilingual listeners' intelligibility scores more than those of monolingual listeners. To advance theoretical understanding of the mechanisms underpinning bilinguals' challenges in adverse listening conditions, vocabulary size and language entropy are compared as predictors in a sentence transcription task with a heterogeneous multilingual population representative of a speech community. Adverse listening was induced through noise type, bandwidth manipulations, and sentences varying in their semantic predictability. Overall, the results generally confirm anticipated patterns with respect to sentence type, noise masking, and bandwidth. Listeners show better comprehension of semantically coherent utterances without masking and with a full spectrum. Crucially, listeners with larger receptive vocabularies and lower language entropy, a measure of the predictability of one's language use, showed improved performance in adverse listening conditions. Vocabulary size had a substantially larger effect size, indicating that vocabulary size has more impact on performance in adverse listening conditions than bilingual language use. These results suggest that the mechanism behind the bilingual disadvantage in adverse listening conditions may be rooted in bilinguals' smaller language-specific receptive vocabularies, offering a harmonious explanation for challenges in adverse listening conditions experienced by monolinguals and multilinguals.
Using an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Approach for Fear of (Re)Injury With a Competitive Figure Skater
Authors: Wood Samuel , Turner Martin J.
Published: December 2023

This case study outlines the sport psychology service delivery provided to an 18-year-old competitive figure skater. The client reported fearing (re)injury in training following her return to sport, which hindered her performance and concentration in training. An acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention was implemented over six sessions across a 3-month period. The ACT matrix was used to conceptualize the client’s “stuckness” and provide a foundation for the strategies and techniques implemented. The aim of our work was to increase psychological flexibility, helping the client sit with, rather than change or remove, her unhelpful thoughts, moving her toward the athlete she wanted to be. This case reports how psychological flexibility was achieved through exercises to help the client “unhook” from her thoughts around fear of injury. Reflections from the client and practitioner capture the evaluation of the service delivery process.