bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obliterating rating distortions: role of rater disposition and rating context
Authors: Ikramullah Malik , Khalil Ammad Ahmed Khan , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Ul Hassan Faqir Sajjad
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Recent performance appraisal (PA) literature suggests that alongside cognitive biases, rating distortions may stem from rater disposition and PA context. The study investigated the role of social value orientation (rater disposition), PA purposes and rater accountability (PA context) toward rating distortions at both performance levels, i.e. good and poor.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed an experimental study and elicited data from N = 110 undergraduate students about two video-taped performances of good and poor performers. In these videos, two managers conducted assessment interviews of two different employees for the job of a sales representative at an information technology organization. To ensure the validity of performance ratings, the authors invited 10 senior managers to provide benchmark ratings of the video-taped performances. While being placed in two separate groups, the study participants gave performance ratings on both the video-taped performances. The authors used repeated-measures analysis to analyze data.

Findings

The results revealed that rating distortions took place not because of rater social value orientation, but the PA context. Different rating distortion patterns emerged for different levels of ratees' performance.

Originality/value

This study’s findings furnish new insights for assessing rating distortions for poor as well as good performers. Moreover, the results support previous findings that for good performers, accountable raters are tempted toward accurate ratings and refrained from deflation. Similarly, for poor performers, accountable raters do not inflate ratings. The findings will open research avenues to examine the role of PA purposes in rating distortions for different performance levels.
Millennials and the motivation to lead: is a transformational leader a catalyst or barrier?
Authors: Porter Tracy , Heath Michele , Messina Nicholas , Bible Scott C.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Leaders influence individuals to understand and agree upon goals and methods to accomplish shared objectives. However, how leaders motivate others to assume a leadership role is an open question. This paper aims to examine how employee perceptions of their supervisors’ transformational leadership behaviors might affect a millennial and their motivation toward leadership. This paper also investigated the relationship within a spiritually based organizational context since workplace spirituality has become increasingly popular within contemporary corporate cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper offers propositions, which examine two areas: first, the impact of a spiritual work context on a millennial’s motivation to lead and, second, the proposed moderating impact of a transformational leader on these relationships.

Findings

These linkages are important for organizational leaders to examine, as millennials will be the largest portion of the workforce by 2025. In addition, the influence of a transformational leader may not be as powerful as previous research has demonstrated. This difference is based on aspects of millennials, which are different from previous generations. Organizations spend thousands of dollars on the development of transformational leaders and spiritual (meaningful) workplaces; however, this may not be useful in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, to date no research has examined the impact of a transformational leader on a millennial’s motivation toward leadership in a spiritual work context.
What should the university of the future look like?
Authors: Mairal Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the author has tried to outline the main ideas in connection with what the author conceives to be the university of the future, a university that should not only educate people within the university system but also prepare them to fill specific job positions at both local and global levels, apart from necessarily providing them with the critical thinking and competences in autonomous learning that will make them flexible and capable of adapting to the job market and to a fast-changing world in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has revised some of the major issues that are going to determine the direction of the university of the future, i.e. the employment opportunities of tomorrow; the role of new technologies, especially the impact of artificial intelligence (AI); quality in higher education; and internationalization.

Findings

The author has also pointed out the importance of the technologies and the great role they indisputably play in present and future education at all levels, a fact that has been particularly and hugely enhanced and promoted by the COVID-19 pandemic situation, thereby facilitating and fostering distance learning. This is very much connected to the application of AI to higher education, another unavoidable issue of utmost importance for the university of the future. While these technological advances present a challenge to universities, which must determine which are necessary and desirable and how to implement them, it is, ultimately, our responsibility to use them, in an ethical way, to the benefit of our students. The university of the future also has to be of high quality, and this involves carrying out important and decisive action having to do with matters of inclusion, hiring policies and the expansion of international opportunities for all parties involved.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the main ideas in connection with what the author conceives to be the university of the future, a university that should not only educate people within the university system but also prepare them to fill specific job positions at both local and global levels, apart from necessarily providing them with the critical thinking and competences in autonomous learning that will make them flexible and capable of adapting to the job market and to a fast-changing world in general. Moreover, the role of new technologies (especially the impact of AI), quality and internationalization are also discussed as relevant factors in this view of the university of the future.
Effect of annealing on physio-mechanical properties and laser parameter selection of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V orthopedic implants
Authors: Gaur Bhanupratap , Sagar Samrat , Suryawanshi Chetana M. , Tikekar Nishant , Ghyar Rupesh , Bhallamudi Ravi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Ti6Al4V alloy patient-customized implants (PCI) are often fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and annealed to enhance the microstructural, physical and mechanical properties. This study aims to demonstrate the effects of annealing on the physio-mechanical properties to select optimal process parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Test samples were fabricated using the Taguchi L9 approach by varying parameters such as laser power (LP), laser velocity (LV) and hatch distance (HD) to three levels. Physical and mechanical test results were used to optimize the parameters for fabricating as-built and annealed implants separately using Grey relational analysis. An optimized parameter set was used for fabricating biological test samples, followed by animal testing to validate the qualified parameters.

Findings

Two optimized sets of process parameters (LP = 100 W, LV = 500 mm/s and HD = 0.08 mm; and LP = 300 W, LV = 1,350 mm/s and HD = 0.08 mm) are suggested suitable for implant fabrication regardless of the inclusion of annealing in the manufacturing process. The absence of any necrosis or reaction on the local tissues after nine weeks validated the suitability of the parameter set for implants.

Practical implications

To help PCI manufacturers in parameter selection and to exclude annealing from the manufacturing process for faster implant delivery.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is probably a first attempt that suggests LPBF parameters that are independent of inclusion of annealing in implant fabrication process.
Does GRI compliance moderate the impact of sustainability disclosure on firm value?
Authors: J. Sreepriya , K.R. Suprabha , Prasad Krishna
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the moderating role of global reporting initiative (GRI) compliance in the association between sustainability reporting and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates a sample of 223 manufacturing firms, encompassing 11 industries from 2010 to 2019. Using GRI compliance as a moderator, the authors employed a generalized method of moments model to study how sustainability disclosure impacts firm value.

Findings

The results indicate a positive and significant association between sustainability disclosure and firm value. This study reveals that GRI compliance moderates the relationship between sustainability disclosure and firm value, such that firm value increases when the firm adopts GRI in sustainability reporting.

Originality/value

No prior studies have examined GRI compliance's direct and moderating effects on the association between sustainability disclosures and firm value in the Indian manufacturing sector. This study is also valuable for the managers and industry to understand the significance of implementing voluntary sustainability disclosure practices and being GRI compliant.
Fast least‐squares reverse time migration based on stable pseudo‐acoustic wave equations for tilted transverse isotropic media
Authors: Mojica Oscar , Pestana Reynam C. , Souza Alan
Published: December 2022

Conventional tools for seismic imaging normally ignore the anisotropy of the media to produce images of the subsurface, and such omission reduces the quality of the images. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods which account for subsurface anisotropic properties in order to produce more accurate images. In this paper, we present a least‐squares reverse time migration based on the coupled pseudo‐acoustic equations for tilted transverse isotropic media. Thus, from the stable pseudo‐acoustic wave equation for such media, we derive the linearized modelling (Born modelling) and adjoint migration operators to implement a least‐squares reverse time migration. Then, to save time and effort on development, while ensuring optimal performance of the inversion, we based our implementation on the domain‐specific language Devito, which, in turn, allowed us to easily verify the correctness of the developed operators. Synthetic examples demonstrate the validity of our approach in dealing with tilted transverse isotropic media.
Extracting high‐resolution P‐wave reflectivity of the shallow subsurface by seismic interferometry based on autocorrelation of blast mining signals
Authors: Imam Tarek S. , Ikeda Tatsunori , Tsuji Takeshi , Uesugi Jiro , Nakamura Takeshi , Okaue Yoshinori
Published: December 2022

Body‐wave reflections are sensitive to sharp velocity contrasts, making them useful for lithological imaging. We analysed seismic data from natural earthquake, ambient noise and mine blasts to map P‐wave reflection profiles at the Hishikari mine area by autocorrelation analysis. Because fissure‐filled gold veins are dominant in this area, we evaluated the potential of autocorrelation analysis for investigating the shallow subsurface, including the ore deposits. Seismic interferometry is commonly performed based on the autocorrelation of ambient noise or natural earthquake signals; here, we instead used blasting in the mine because blast events include high‐frequency signals that boost the spatial resolution of the imaging. To effectively extract P‐wave reflections from seismic signals including blast events, we applied Gaussian smoothing and spectral whitening to remove source effects and then investigated the optimum frequency band. We successfully obtained auto‐correlograms showing high‐resolution seismic reflectors at shallow formation depths. These reflections are interpreted to be lithological boundaries shallower than 500 m. A comparison with profiles obtained from ambient noise and earthquake data showed that blasting signals yielded highly spatially consistent reflections that would not be achievable with natural or ambient seismic sources. This study highlights the potential of using blast autocorrelation seismic analysis during short survey periods. By using single‐blast shots and dense seismic station spacings, we successfully achieved higher resolution 3D reflection images of lithological interfaces, possibly including ore veins.
vcfpop: Performing population genetics analyses for autopolyploids and aneuploids based on next‐generation sequencing data sets
Authors: Huang Kang , Li Wenkai , Yang Bing , Wang Dan , He Shujun , Shen Yujia , Ao Jincuo , Li Yuhang , Cui Yunxia , Kong Yuchen , Li Wei , Li Nianlong , Dunn Derek W. , Li Baoguo
Published: December 2022

Polyploids are cells or organisms with a genome consisting of more than two sets of homologous chromosomes. Polyploid plants have important traits that facilitate speciation and are thus often model systems for evolutionary, molecular ecology and agricultural studies. However, due to their unusual mode of inheritance and double‐reduction, diploid models of population genetic analysis cannot properly be applied to autopolyploids. To overcome this problem, we developed a software package entitled vcfpop to perform a variety of population genetic analyses for autopolyploids, such as parentage analysis, analysis of molecular variance, principal coordinates analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis and Bayesian clustering. We used three data sets to evaluate the capability of vcfpop to analyse large data sets on a desktop computer. This software is freely available at http://github.com/huangkang1987/vcfpop.
Increasing Australian Lithium Production to Meet Electric Vehicles and Net Zero Global Targets: A Decarbonisation Tax Discount?*
Authors: Smyth Russell , Vespignani Joaquin
Published: December 2022

Current commitments with net zero 2050 require that more than two billion electric vehicles (EVs) be produced globally by 2035. Australia produces more than 55% of the global lithium in the world. We argue that Australia's most significant contribution to realising net zero 2050 could be to increase lithium production 10‐20‐fold by 2035. A similar case could equally be made for increasing other critical minerals. This would also contribute to securing Australia's energy and national security. To realise these benefits current investment in lithium is much lower than the production of lithium batteries used in EVs requires, reflecting suboptimal tax rates. We conclude by proposing that a decarbonisation tax discount for critical minerals is needed.
Effect of ensiled total mixed rations containing sake lees on digestion, nitrogen use, and plasma metabolite concentrations in sheep
Authors: Ding Lanlan , Nishioka Shinji , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa
Published: December 2022

Sake lees are a byproduct of Japanese rice wine and used as ruminant feed with high protein and ethanol contents. This study aimed to explore the effects of ensiled total mixed ration (TMR) containing sake lees on rumen fermentation, digestion, nitrogen (N) use, and plasma metabolites in sheep. Four mature wethers were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a factorial arrangement of ensiling treatment (non‐ensiled or ensiled TMR) and types of sake lees (traditional or liquefied). Although dietary ethanol consumption was higher in sheep fed ensiled TMR, ruminal and plasma concentrations of methanol and ethanol increased after feeding in all dietary treatments, which was accompanied by the increased plasma concentrations of formate. The intake and digestion of dry matter and N were lower in sheep fed ensiled TMR than in those fed non‐ensiled TMR. The plasma concentrations of most amino acids decreased in sheep fed ensiled TMR. Although plasma methionine, serine, and glycine concentrations were not altered by diet, homocysteine concentration was the highest in sheep fed ensiled TMR containing traditional sake lees. The negative impacts of ensiling treatment on N digestion and amino acid utilization should be considered for formulating ensiled TMR containing sake lees.
Aspirational leaders help us change: Ingroup prototypicality enables effective group psychotherapy leadership
Authors: Robertson Alysia M. , Cruwys Tegan , Stevens Mark , Platow Michael J.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Research suggests that leaders are effective when they are ingroup prototypical (represent the identity of the group they seek to lead). However, it is unclear whether leaders should represent the group's current identity (“who we are”) or aspired identity (“who we want to be”). This study investigated which of these forms of prototypicality best predicted leadership effectiveness in group psychotherapy.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Methods

519 questionnaire responses were obtained from 112 women attending a four‐session body acceptance program. Focal measures included participant ratings of how often they thought their psychotherapy leaders and fellow group members would (a) engage in dieting thoughts and behaviours and (b) approve of dieting. Given the program's body acceptance focus, leader prototypicality was conceptualized as the difference between participants' perceptions of how often their leaders, versus group members, would diet at the start of therapy. Leadership effectiveness was conceptualized as reductions in perceived group approval of dieting across therapy. Two therapeutic outcomes were considered: body satisfaction and dieting intentions.

Results

A mixed‐effects repeated measures analysis indicated that group approval of dieting decreased more rapidly when participants perceived their leaders to be aspirational (thought that group leaders dieted less frequently than group members) than when they perceived them to be exemplary (thought that group leaders dieted as frequently as group members). Changes in group approval of dieting mediated the relationship between leader prototypicality and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that group psychotherapy leaders may increase their effectiveness by striving to embody their group's aspired identity.
Long‐term fire and vegetation change in northwestern Amazonia
Authors: Heijink Britte M. , Mattijs Quinten A. , Valencia Renato , Philip Annemarie L. , Piperno Dolores R. , McMichael Crystal N. H.
Published: December 2022

Amazonian forest plots are used to quantify biodiversity and carbon sequestration, and provide the foundation for much of what is known about tropical ecology. Many plots are assumed to be undisturbed, but recent work suggests that past fire, forest openings, and cultivation created vegetation changes that have persisted for decades to centuries (ecological legacies). The Yasuní Forest Dynamics plot is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, yet its human history remains unknown. Here, we use charcoal and phytolith analysis to investigate the fire and vegetation history of the Yasuní forest plot, and compare results with nearby forest plots in Colombia (Amacayacu) and Peru (Medio Putumayo‐Algodón [MPA]) to explore the spatial variability of past disturbances and ecological legacies in northwestern Amazonia. Three 14C dated charcoal fragments provided evidence for a modern (1956 CE) and a past fire event ca. 750 years ago at Yasuní, compared with fire ages of 1000–1600 years ago documented at Amacayacu and MPA. Small‐scale disturbances and localized canopy openings also occurred in the Yasuní plot. Phytolith assemblages from Yasuní and Amacayacu showed more variability in past vegetation change than MPA. Low‐intensity, non‐continuous disturbances occurred at all three plots in the past, and our results highlight the variability of past human activities both in space and time in northwestern Amazonia. Our data also suggest that post‐Columbian human disturbances from the Rubber Boom (AD 1850–1920) and subsequent oil exploration have likely left stronger ecological legacies than those left by pre‐Columbian peoples in our studied regions.
A systematic review of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the vulva: The most important allergens/irritants and the role of patch testing
Authors: Vandeweege Sander , Debaene Britt , Lapeere Hilde , Verstraelen Hans
Published: December 2022

Vulvar allergic contact dermatitis (vACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (vICD) are common and accompanied by a great burden on the patient's life. We aimed to review the existing literature on vACD and vICD in order to provide a comprehensive reference list of potential vulvar allergens and irritants, as well as to establish the role of patch testing therein. A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase and Web of Science using a search string based on the PICO‐format. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021239527). Multiple allergens were identified and included metals, topical drugs, fragrances, preservatives, cosmetic constituents and rubber components. Not all positive reactions were, however, considered to be relevant. Patch testing is the primary tool for the identification of the causal allergens. Testing with standard series alone was proven to be insufficient. Little information about irritants was found. In the future, additional series and late readings should be considered in standard practice. Studies on vICD are scarce and further research is necessary. More population‐based research should be performed.
The retrocolic fascial system revisited for right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision based on anatomical terminology: do we need the eponyms Toldt, Gerota, Fredet and Treitz?
Authors: Wedel Thilo , Heimke Marvin , Fletcher Jordan , Miskovic Danilo , Benz Stefan , Stelzner Sigmar , Heinze Tillmann
Published: December 2022

Aim

Right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision (CME) requires the removal of an intact mesocolic envelope. The study aimed to determine, on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic anatomical studies, the optimal surgical dissection planes for CME to preserve fascial integrity. Unequivocal anatomical nomenclature was applied to describe the retrocolic fascial system and compared to frequently used eponyms (Toldt, Gerota, Fredet, Treitz).

Method

Stepwise macroscopic dissections, cross‐section studies and histological analysis were performed on body donors to identify the components of the retrocolic fascial system. Based on these anatomical findings, the optimal surgical dissection planes for CME were validated in laparoscopic training courses on body donors and in robot‐assisted surgical procedures in patients.

Results

The mesocolic tissue and lymphovascular pedicles were enveloped by the ventral and dorsal mesocolic leaf (mesocolic fascia). The mesocolic fascia was attached to the parietal peritoneal fascia (‘fascia of Toldt’) along the parieto–mesocolic interface, and further cranially to the pre‐duodenopancreatic fascia along the mesocolic–duodenopancreatic interface (‘space of Fredet’). Dorsally, the parietal peritoneal fascia was separated from the anterior renal fascia (‘fascia of Gerota’) by the parieto–renal interface. Dissection along this interface in front of the anterior renal fascia followed by incision of the parietal peritoneal fascia at the duodenal border and opening the mesocolic–duodenopancreatic interface yielded the best macroscopic appearance of specimens and was considered optimal for CME.

Conclusion

The retrocolic fascial system as well as the surgical dissection planes for CME can be described by clearly defined anatomical terms rather than potentially confusing eponyms.
Age‐dependent prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk profiles and use of diabetes drugs in Germany using health claims data
Authors: Otto Thorsten , Diesing Joanna , Borchert Julia , Heitmann Elke , C. Schloot Nanette , Lebrec Jeremie , Müller‐Wieland Dirk , Haeckl Dennis
Published: December 2022

Aims

This study evaluates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence in Germany, focusing on patients at risk for, or with already established, cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as their antidiabetic and cardiovascular treatments.

Materials and Methods

Using anonymized claims data from the WIG2 database, we calculated 2018 T2DM prevalence, extrapolating rates to the German statutory health insurance population. In the study period, 3 376 228 patients were eligible in the database. Forming antidiabetic medication groups, we evaluated treatment regimens of patients at risk for, or with already established CVD, based on the REWIND study criteria. We also evaluated their CVD medication prescriptions.

Results

Statutory health insurance extrapolated T2DM prevalence was estimated at 11.9%, with higher prevalence rates in older patients. When only patients with prescriptions of antidiabetic drugs were included, prevalence was 7.6%. At least 94% of patients with T2DM medication had at least one risk factor (without considering age) according to REWIND criteria, while 67%‐80% had at least two risk factors depending on treatment received. Patients taking insulin combined with oral therapy comprised the largest proportion of patients with at least two REWIND risk factors. Approximately 85% of all patients with T2DM in the population were treated with antihypertensive medication.

Conclusions

T2DM is widespread and affects older patients particularly. Most patients with T2DM had at least one CV risk factor, and about half already had established CVD. Early prevention of CVD, which disproportionately affects patients with T2DM, is necessary. Furthermore, the treatment of older patients with T2DM with insulin is still common and needs further evaluation.
ITS3/ITS4 outperforms other ITS region and 18S rRNA gene primer sets for amplicon sequencing of soil fungi
Authors: Yu Yongjie , Yang Qinyu , Petropoulos Evangelos , Zhu Tongbin
Published: December 2022

The primer sets of 18S rRNA genes and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions are universal primers for amplicon sequencing in soil fungal diversity studies. The selection of proper primer sets has been identified as one of the main drivers affecting effective cross‐study comparisons in various types of soils. However, few studies have provided guidance for the selection of fungal primers in soil fungal biodiversity studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimise fungal sequencing methods with three primer sets in desert, forest, grassland and farmland soils. Melting curve analyses were used to evaluate the specificity of each primer set in different soil ecosystems. The quality of fungal sequencing with three primer sets was assessed with the same conditions on the Illumina platform. The melting curve analysis showed that both the FR1/FF390 and the ITS3/ITS4 primer sets have better specificity than the ITS1/ITS primer set. 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing produced less fungal phylotypes compared to the amplicon sequencing data of the ITS1/ITS2 and ITS3/ITS4 primer sets. Our study suggests that the ITS3/ITS4 primer set was more suitable for the analysis of soil fungal biodiversity in desert, forest, grassland and farmland soils on the Illumina sequencing platform.

Highlights

Comparison of three existing primer sets for soil fungal amplicon sequencing.

ITS region has better performance than 18S rRNA gene in amplicon sequencing.

ITS3/ITS4 primer set is more suitable for the analysis of soil fungal biodiversity.
Topical application of imatinib mesylate suppresses vitamin D3 analog‐induced dermatitis in Balb/c mice
Authors: Seshimo Harutaka , Egusa Chizu , Maeda Tatsuo , Numata Takafumi , Okubo Yukari , Harada Kazutoshi , Ito Tomonobu
Published: December 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic disease mediated by Th2 cells. In AD, externally stimulated keratinocytes release inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐33 and TSLP. Inflammatory cells infiltrate skin tissue and increase vascular permeability. Therefore, we hypothesized that imatinib mesylate (IMT), which suppresses vascular permeability, may be a candidate therapeutic agent for AD. A vitamin D3 analog (MC903) was administered daily to both ears of Balb/c mice to create a murine AD model to which IMT was applied. The skin lesions were evaluated histopathologically and by immunostaining. Cytokine expression in the skin was assessed by using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunostaining and was investigated using Evans Blue to determine whether IMT suppressed vascular permeability due to histamine. The suppressive effect of TNF‐α/IL‐4‐induced TSLP expression in primary mouse keratinocytes (MKCs) treated with IMT was then investigated. Tslp gene and protein expression in the lesion was measured using real‐time PCR and ELISA. The activation of signal transduction was analysed by western blotting. Topical application of IMT significantly reduced ear thickness, Evans blue leakage, and scratch onset. IMT suppressed the number of infiltrating cells (CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, and basophils), and the expression of IL‐13, IL‐33, and TSLP in a MC903‐induced, murine AD model and inhibited TNF‐α/IL‐4‐induced TSLP expression via downregulation of ERK phosphorylation in MKCs. IMT reduced the skin symptoms in a MC903‐induced, murine AD model, suggesting that it may have potential as a new treatment for AD.
Annual apparent survival across species is lower in juvenile than adult birds but has similar ecological correlates
Authors: Beauchamp Guy
Published: December 2022

Annual survival is a key demographic trait influencing population growth and viability. Variability among species in annual survival tends to reflect different life history trajectories. In adult birds, greater annual survival has been shown to be associated with larger body mass, smaller clutch size, lower latitude, island living, flocking and cooperative breeding. Less attention has focused on the ecological correlates of survival in birds during the first year of life. Using a phylogenetic framework, I explored the correlates of annual juvenile survival across species worldwide. When measured concurrently at the same study sites, annual apparent survival in a sample of 338 species was strongly and positively associated with body mass and was typically at least half of adult survival. Lower annual survival in juveniles probably arises through inexperience, but mortality might be overestimated as juveniles tend to disperse more extensively than adults. In a separate analysis involving 610 survival estimates from 342 species, I examined the ecological correlates of annual apparent survival in juveniles. With the exception of migration, most ecological correlates of annual apparent survival in adults, such as body mass, latitude and island living also prevailed in juveniles. The findings support the idea that the ecological factors associated with greater survival in adults are similar in juveniles.
Tideglusib enhances odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cellsin vitro
Authors: Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Tompkins Kevin A. , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: December 2022

Aim

Tideglusib is a small molecule agonist of the canonical Wnt pathway. The present study investigated the influence of Tideglusib on human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) proliferation, apoptosis, migration and odonto/osteogenic differentiation.

Methodology

hDPSCs were treated with 50, 100 nM or 200 nM Tideglusib. β‐catenin accumulation was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Colony‐forming unit ability was assessed by staining with Coomassie blue. Cell cycle progression and cell apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry. Cell migration was examined using anin vitrowound‐healing assay. Osteogenic differentiation was examined using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red S staining and osteogenic‐related gene expression. The gene expression profile was examined using a high‐throughput RNA sequencing technique. All experiments were repeated using cells derived from at least four different donors (n = 4). The Mann–WhitneyU‐test was used to identify significant differences between two independent group comparisons. For three or more group comparisons, statistical differences were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by pairwise comparison. The significance level was set at 5% (p < .05).

Results

Tideglusib activated the Wnt signalling pathway in hDPSCs as demonstrated by an increase in cytoplasmic β‐catenin accumulation and nuclear translocation. Tideglusib did not affect hDPSC proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis or cell migration. In contrast, 50 and 100 nM Tideglusib significantly enhanced mineralization and osteogenic marker gene expression (RUNX2,ALP,BMP2andDSPP;p < .05).

Conclusions

Tideglusib enhanced the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Therefore, incorporating this bioactive molecule in a pulp‐capping material could be a promising strategy to promote dentine repair.
CREDIT, DEFAULT, AND OPTIMAL HEALTH INSURANCE
Authors: Jang Youngsoo
Published: December 2022

I study how credit and default affect optimal health insurance, constructing a life‐cycle model of health investment with a strategic default option on emergency room bills and financial debts. The model is calibrated to the U.S. economy and used to compare the optimal policy for Medicaid by the availability of the default option and credit. I find that strategic default induces the optimal policy to be more redistributive. With (Without) the option, the optimal income threshold for Medicaid eligibility is 44% (25%) of the average income. In these findings, the interaction between strategic default and preventative medical spending is important.
The puzzles of daily life: The temporal orders of families when parents have non‐standard work schedules
Authors: Siippainen Anna , Närvi Johanna , Alasuutari Maarit
Published: December 2022

This article investigates the temporal orders of families as the daily rhythms and schedules when one or both parents work non‐standard hours. Our focus is especially on the often asynchronous times of non‐standard work, on one hand, and of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and other institutions, on the other hand. The data consist of semi‐structured qualitative interviews of Finnish parents with a four‐year‐old child. The results show that the asynchronous times generated by non‐standard working hours cause a wide range of collisions both in relation to childcare and ECEC and to the division of labour between parents. The parents are ‘wrestling’, not only because of the asynchrony of their own work but also because of the ‘pedagogical rhythm’ created by ECEC professionals. However, the parents also find ways to manage time, facilitated by workplace flexibility or spousal negotiations over the sharing of responsibilities.
Experiences of undergoing venous leg ulcer management: A reflective lifeworld research study
Authors: Rosenburg Marcus , Lindqvist Gunilla , Tuvesson Hanna , Fagerström Cecilia
Published: December 2022

Venous leg ulcers have multiple consequences for the patient. Ulcer management can be lengthy and recurrence is common. As the patient is the expert on their experiences and life, the aim of the present study was to describe patients' lived experiences of undergoing management for a venous leg ulcer. The study encompassed 16 phenomenological interviews. The analysis led to a description of the phenomenon's essence, further described by three constituents. The essential meaning of the phenomenon is described as being in an oscillation between hope and despair. Ulcer management is challenging for the patient, who feels unseen and lives with doubts during the management period. This study is considered enriching as it puts words to the patients' suffering during ulcer management and shows that reliable relationships and competence can reduce patient doubts. This knowledge should enable improvement of patient care and treatment during ulcer management.
Threatened by wildfires: What do firms disclose in their 10‐Ks?
Authors: Griffin Paul A. , Jiang Yijing , Sun Estelle Y.
Published: December 2022

We examine the determinants of firms’ 10‐K disclosures on the threat of and exposure to wildfires. We match the location of wildfires in the United States to firms in the same county as the wildfire. We first establish that wildfire disclosure is far from widespread. On average, 6.1% of firms with wildfires in their headquarters county mention wildfire information in their 10‐Ks. Second, we find that the number of wildfire days in a company's headquarters county is a key determinant of wildfire disclosure. The sensitivity of wildfire disclosure to wildfire exposure has also increased in recent years, emanating mainly from firms having experienced wildfires impacting their past operations and in the western states and the utility and banking industries, and from those exhibiting a high level of tangible assets. Third, we find that wildfire exposure has no bearing on stock price, whereas more wildfire‐related disclosure lowers stock price.
Proxy contests and debt contracting behavior: The interplay of managerial, shareholder and creditor incentives
Authors: Chen Jun , Jain Bharat A. , Huang Jian
Published: December 2022

We evaluate how heterogeneity in the strategic interplay among shareholder, creditor and manager incentives influences debt contracting behavior around proxy contests. We find that, after proxy contests, new loan originations have significantly higher spreads and more stringent non‐pricing contracting terms. The effect, however, occurs largely in contest firms where Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are provided with risk‐taking incentives. Further, creditors’ simultaneous equity holdings and credit default swaps (CDS) trading attenuate the impact of proxy contests on debt contracting costs. Finally, proxy contests that culminate in voting and dissident victory experience the largest increase in loan pricing. Overall, our results suggest an increase in the agency cost of debt occurs after proxy contests, particularly when managerial risk‐taking incentives are high, and when creditors do not simultaneously hold target firms’ equity or CDS.
Bacteroides plebeius improves muscle wasting in chronic kidney disease by modulating the gut‐renal muscle axis
Authors: Pei Tingting , Zhu Daoqi , Yang Sixia , Hu Rong , Wang Fujing , Zhang Jiaxing , Yan Shihua , Ju Liliang , He Zhuoen , Han Zhongxiao , He Jinyue , Yan Yangtian , Wang Mingqing , Xiao Wei , Ma Yun
Published: December 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the global population. Muscle atrophy occurs in patients with almost all types of CKD, and the gut microbiome is closely related to protein consumption during chronic renal failure (CRF). This study investigated the effects of Bacteroides plebeius on protein energy consumption in rats with CKD, and our results suggest that Bacteroides plebeius may combat muscle atrophy through the Mystn/ActRIIB/SMAD2 pathway. A total of 5/6 Nx rats were used as a model of muscle wasting in CKD. The rats with muscle wasting were administered Bacteroides plebeius (2 × 108 cfu/0.2 ml) for 8 weeks. The results showed that Bacteroides plebeius administration significantly inhibited muscle wasting in CKD. High‐throughput 16 S rRNA pyrosequencing revealed that supplementation with Bacteroides plebeius rescued disturbances in the gut microbiota. Bacteroides plebeius could also enhance the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa. Bacteroides plebeius may modulate the gut microbiome and reduce protein consumption by increasing the abundance of probiotics and reducing damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. Our findings suggest that Bacteroides plebeius may combat muscle atrophy through the Mystn/ActRIIB/SMAD2 pathway.
Novel insights into molecular mechanisms of vegetative cell cycle and resting cyst formation in Apodileptus cf. visscheri (Alveolata, Ciliophora)
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Shen Zhuo , Yu Minjie , Sheng Yalan , Yi Zhenzhen
Published: December 2022

Ciliates usually with big cell sizes, complex morphological structures, and diverse life cycles, are good model organisms for studying cell proliferation regulation of eukaryotes. Up to date, the molecular regulation mechanisms for the vegetative cell cycle and encystment of these ciliates are poorly understood. Here, transcriptomes of Apodileptus cf. visscheri, which has an asexual vegetative cell cycle and is apt to encyst when environmental conditions become unfavorable, were sequenced to enrich our related knowledge. In this study, three replicates were sequenced for each of four cell stages, including initial period of growth, morphogenesis, cell division, and resting cyst. The significant transcription differences, involving cell cycle, biosynthesis, and energy metabolism pathways, were revealed between the resting cyst and vegetative cell cycle. Further investigations showed that the cell cycle pathway was enriched during morphogenesis stage and cell division stage. Compared to the initial period of growth stage, the differentially expressed genes involved in cellular components and molecular function were significantly enriched during cell division stage, while cellular components and biological processes were significantly enriched during morphogenesis stage. These provide novel insights into a comprehensive understanding at the molecular level of the survival and adaptive mechanism of unicellular eukaryotes.
Effect of different thermal and non‐thermal pre‐treatments on bioactive compounds of aqueous ginger extract obtained using vacuum‐assisted conductive drying system
Authors: Lakshmipathy Kavitha , Thirunavookarasu Nirmal , Kalathil Najma , Chidanand Duggonahally Veeresh , Rawson Ashish , Sunil Chikkaballapur Krishnappa
Published: December 2022

The current study investigates the effect of microwave (MW), Ohmic heating (OH), and ultrasound (US) pre‐treatments on the extraction of bioactive compounds and the drying kinetics of ginger using a vacuum‐assisted conductive drying system. The US pre‐treatment produced acoustic cavitation, and microstreaming in ginger slices which enhanced the total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (i.e., 14.83 ± 0.03 mg GAE/ml and 57.37 ± 0.00%) in obtained aqueous ginger extract (AGE). Similarly, OH pre‐treatment improved the total flavonoids content (i.e., 8.99 ± 0.01 mg QE/ml) of the acquired AGE. The pre‐treatments modified the surface of ginger which eventually led to better moisture diffusivity ratio of 2.58E−08 and 2.01E−08. Furthermore, the GCMS analysis of OH pretreated AGE reported more bioactive compounds compared to MW, US, and control. The major bioactive compounds reported were linalool, neral, geraniol, endo‐borneol, and 2,4 di‐tert‐butyl‐phenol which possess several therapeutic benefits. Thus, the US and OH pre‐treatments effectively enhanced the drying and extraction of bioactive compounds from ginger. Further studies are warranted on the obtained extract to understand its maximum potential for application in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Practical applications

The ginger extract collected while drying can be used as a flavoring agent or can be incorporated into drinks to enrich the bioactive compounds. The GCMS results indicate that volatile compounds entrapped in the condensate collected contains bioactive components with antioxidant properties. These bioactive compounds can be further studied for their potential health benefits in humans. Thus, this condensate obtained using vacuum‐assisted conductive drying system helps in utilizing the nutrients that are lost and goes unutilized during drying in many industries.
Is it really that important to you? How the topics of conflict and emotional reactions to conflicts explain the associations between attachment insecurities and relationship satisfaction
Authors: Dugal Caroline , Brassard Audrey , Lussier Yvan , Péloquin Katherine
Published: December 2022

This study sought to examine the intermediary roles of different topics of conflict and negative emotions following conflicts in the associations between attachment insecurities and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 253 mixed‐gender couples from the community. Results from path analyses based on the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model showed that attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were associated with the perception, in both partners, of experiencing more conflicts in the relationship. In turn, the more participants perceived conflicts related to major issues and daily annoyances, the more they reported negative emotions following conflicts and lower relationship satisfaction. Participants’ report of conflicts related to major issues was also related to their partner's lower relationship satisfaction. Findings highlight the significance of accounting for the topics on which couples argue and of using an attachment‐based framework to help couples deal with the negative emotions that they experience following conflicts.
Association between cash transfer programs and oral health—A scoping review
Authors: Colvara Beatriz Carriconde , Singh Ankur , Gupta Adyya , Celeste Roger Keller , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The aims of this scoping review are to assess the literature investigating the association between cash transfer programs and oral health; and to identify the theoretical frameworks applied to guide this literature.

Methods

A search strategy to identify studies published until December 2020 was applied to a range of databases. Observational and interventional studies that had cash transfer programs as exposure/intervention and oral health as outcome were considered. Dental health services utilization, as well as access to dental health services, were considered secondary outcomes. Cash transfer programs were considered programs based on conditional or unconditional cash transfer carried out as part of national social protection schemes, and interventional studies on the impact of cash transfer on oral health were also considered eligible. Data charting was performed in two steps and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Of 6344 articles identified, four articles were included. These articles investigated three different conditional cash transfer programs, Universal Child Allowance (Argentina), Bolsa Família (Brazil) and Family Rewards (USA). Inconsistencies were identified in findings on the effect of conditional cash transfer programs on the prevalence of dental caries and these differences may be due to the comparison group selected for each study. Concerning dental visits, the results point in different directions, which makes these findings still inconclusive. No explicit theoretical framework was reported in the articles to guide the expected association.

Conclusion

Although cash transfers play an important role in improving certain health outcomes, there is limited evidence to suggest an association between cash transfers and oral health.