bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of strategy for reverse logistics implementation
Authors: Prajapati Himanshu , Kant Ravi , Shankar Ravi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Reverse logistics has attracted many industries due to product recalls, enormous waste generation, competitive reasons, vast opportunity in the waste management market, and to get the maximum value out of waste recovery. Selection of the right implementation strategy is vital for reverse logistics to function efficiently. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the criteria for selecting reverse logistics strategy and help to choose the preferred strategy for its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Three reverse logistics implementation strategies, namely, in-house, joint venture and outsourcing, are proposed. A novel hybrid fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and fuzzy measurement of alternatives and ranking according to COmpromise Solution (F-MARCOS) based framework is developed to fulfil the research objective. A survey is performed on Indian manufacturing industry to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework.

Findings

The result shows that government policy and regulations, reverse logistics risks and reduced emission have prime importance for a manufacturing industry which needs to implement reverse logistics into its supply chain. Outsourcing is the preferred reverse logistics strategy followed by joint venture and in-house that a manufacturing firm in India can implement.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are based on the responses of the survey received. This research considers various industry sectors to test the applicability of the framework. However, for actual implementation, this survey must first be limited to a particular industry as the results will apply to that industrial sector only.

Practical implications

This developed framework simplifies the procedure of selecting the strategy when the industry needs to implement reverse logistics. For industries working with a smaller set of criteria, this framework is a powerful and dynamic approach for reducing and choosing the most pertinent one that helps accomplish their objectives of reverse logistics implementation strategy selection.

Originality/value

Based on the literature and current applicability of reverse logistics, this research proposes three models to implement reverse logistics in Indian industries. A novel hybrid F-AHP and F-MARCOS based framework is developed to handle the selection of suitable reverse logistics strategy.
Economics of savings-based finance: an interest-free model of rotating savings and credit association in Turkey
Authors: Dinç Yusuf , Jahangir Rashed , Nagayev Ruslan , Çakır Fahrettin
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The emerging markets have been witnessing a remarkable revival of rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) serving as alternative informal financing and investment platforms, also known as savings-based finance (SBF) in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to present the SBF model mathematically, analyse the performance of the SBF sector and propose a new Sharīʿah-compliant SBF model for the acquisition of durables.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper thoroughly reviews the concept and practice of ROSCA across the globe, mathematically models and empirically analyses the performance of Turkish SBF companies using a unique data set.

Findings

The study formulates a two-person SBF model and proposes a Mudarabah-Wakalah hybrid model with a new investment feature. It is found that the concept of ROSCA is being operationalized in 105 countries across the globe under different names with slight business model modifications. The research also reveals that the demand for financing of durables in Turkey significantly increased in recent years with the demand for housing is twice greater compared to vehicles. Most importantly, a strong significant inter- and intra-comovement is observed between these durables implying that the success of the sector in one segment has attracted the customers to other SBF products. It shows that the SBF institutions can effectively serve as the alternative financing houses for pooling savings and financing the durables, and they have strong potential to capture a larger financial market share in Turkey and even globally.

Originality/value

The study constructs mathematical models and proposes a new investment wing to an existing SBF wealth fund.
Industry 4.0 transition: a systematic literature review combining the absorptive capacity theory and the data–information–knowledge hierarchy
Authors: Ardito Lorenzo , Cerchione Roberto , Mazzola Erica , Raguseo Elisabetta
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The effect of the transition toward digital technologies on today’s businesses (i.e. Industry 4.0 transition) is becoming increasingly relevant, and the number of studies that have examined this phenomenon has grown rapidly. However, systematizing the existing findings is still a challenge, from both a theoretical and a managerial point of view. In such a setting, the knowledge management (KM) discipline can provide guidance to address such a gap. Indeed, the implementation of fundamental digital technologies is reshaping how firms manage knowledge. Thus, this study aims to critically review the existing literature on Industry 4.0 from a KM perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors defined a structuring framework to highlight the role of Industry 4.0 transition along with absorptive capacity (ACAP) processes (acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation), while specifying what is being managed, that is data, information and/or (actual) knowledge, according to the data-information-knowledge (DIK) hierarchy. The authors then followed the systematic literature review methodology, which involves the use of explicit criteria to select publications to review and outline the stages a process has to follow to provide a transparent and replicable review and to analyze the existing literature according to the theoretical framework. This procedure yielded a final list of 150 papers.

Findings

By providing a clear picture of what scholars have studied so far on Industry 4.0 transition, in terms of KM, this literature review highlights that among all the studied digital technologies, the big data analytics technology is the one that has been explored the most in each phase of the ACAP process. A constructive body of research has also emerged in recent years around the role played by the internet of things, especially to explain the acquisition of data. On the other hand, some digital technologies, such as cyber security and smart manufacturing, have largely remained unaddressed. An explanation of the role of these technologies has been provided, from a KM perspective, together with the business implications.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to revise the literature on Industry 4.0 transition from a KM perspective, and it proposes a novel framework to read existing studies and on which to base new ones. Furthermore, the synthesis makes two main contributions. First, it provides a clear picture of the different digital technologies that support the four ACAP phases in relation to the DIK hierarchy. Accordingly, these results can emphasize what the literature has looked at so far, as well as which digital technologies have gained the most attention and their impacts in terms of KM. Second, the synthesis provides prescriptive considerations on the development of future research avenues, according to the proposed research framework.
Corporate social responsibility and biotechnological foods: an experimental study on consumer’s behaviour
Authors: Boccia Flavio , Covino Daniela
Published: December 2021

Purpose

New food technologies based on biotechnological organisms are increasingly becoming a cause for debate and conflicting discussions. This paper aims to investigate hypothetical consumer behaviour, and the willingness to pay (WtP), towards a specific type of genetically modified food in relation to particular indications on the label about the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose a choice experiment was used on a representative sample of more 1,300 Italian families, interviewing the component in charge of the buying choices within the selected household. A random parameter logit-error component model allows for heterogeneity in consumer preferences and potential correlation across utilities and across taste parameters. Beyond investigating consumers’ preferences regarding that product through a choice experiment, the aim was to detect the drivers of that purchase and preference heterogeneity across consumers’ choice, and the WtP, for the products with those features.

Findings

Results also offer a topic for further discussion and are useful for companies’ strategies to understand how to address such concerns through appropriate CSR policies. The main results are: CSR initiatives always have a strong effect on consumer choice; the price is consistently important, exerting a negative influence in the decision-making process for individuals; consumers may also know possible effects of genetically modified foods, but that does not always translate into purchase behaviour.

Originality/value

The research considers a particular link between genetically modified food and CSR not addressed in details; moreover, it is also based on the author’s own previous research and is its natural continuation and development, but also important for future researches.
Antecedent factors of violation of information security rules
Authors: Cappellozza Alexandre , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Perez Gilberto , Simões Alessandra Lourenço
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of moral disengagement, perceived penalty, negative experiences and turnover intention on the intention to violate the established security rules.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used involves two stages of analysis, using techniques of structural equation modeling and artificial intelligence with neural networks, based on information collected from 318 workers of organizational information systems.

Findings

The model provides a reasonable prediction regarding the intention to violate information security policies (ISP). The results revealed that the relationships of moral disengagement and perceived penalty significantly influence such an intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents a multi-analytical approach that expands the robustness of the results by the complementarity of each analysis technique. In addition, it offers scientific evidence of the factors that reinforce the cognitive processes that involve workers’ decision-making in security breaches.

Practical implications

The practical recommendation is to improve organizational communication to mitigate information security vulnerabilities in several ways, namely, training actions that simulate daily work routines; exposing the consequences of policy violations; disseminating internal newsletters with examples of inappropriate behavior.

Social implications

Results indicate that information security does not depend on the employees’ commitment to the organization; system vulnerabilities can be explored even by employees committed to the companies.

Originality/value

The study expands the knowledge about the individual factors that make information security in companies vulnerable, one of the few in the literature which aims to offer an in-depth perspective on which individual antecedent factors affect the violation of ISP.
How preferences for types of appreciation differ across employee age groups
Authors: White Paul , George Gene
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Organizational leaders and human resource professionals affirm that to have (and keep) an effective workforce, understanding one’s employees is critical. Thus, understanding the differences between employees of different age groups is important. Simultaneously, studies have demonstrated the significant positive impact appreciation has on the functioning of organizations. When team members feel truly valued, numerous positive benefits result, including lower staff turnover, less absenteeism, higher customer ratings and greater profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Because individuals prefer to be shown appreciation in different ways and prior research has shown some age differences, this study examined how appreciation preferences differ across seven employee age groups. Over 190,000 individuals completed an online assessment based on the five languages of appreciation, which identifies employees’ preferred ways of receiving appreciation. The respondents were separated into seven age groups, from 19 years old and younger to 70 years old and above.

Findings

The results of an analysis of variance found that there were significant differences across groups. Although the patterns of preferences were largely the same across many groups, post hoc analyses found both the youngest and oldest age groups differed from employees in their 30s with regards to their desire for quality time. Additionally, older employees were extremely low in their desire for tangible gifts.

Originality/value

As the proportion of employees shifts from older to younger groups of employees, these results raise important implications for organizations’ approaches regarding how appreciation and other motivators should be adjusted for different groups of employees.
Biogeography of culturable marine bacteria from both poles reveals that ‘everything is not everywhere’ at the genomic level
Authors: Qin Qi‐Long , Wang Zhi‐Bin , Cha Qian‐Qian , Liu Sha‐Sha , Ren Xue‐Bing , Fu Hui‐Hui , Sun Mei‐Ling , Zhao Dian‐Li , McMinn Andrew , Chen Yin , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Zhang Yu‐Zhong , Li Ping‐Yi
Published: December 2021

Based on 16S rRNA gene analyses, the same bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) are common to both the Arctic and Antarctic oceans, supporting the concept ‘everything is everywhere’. However, whether the same OTUs from both poles have identical genomes, i.e. whether ‘everything is still everywhere’ at the genomic level has not yet been examined systematically. Here, we isolated, sequenced and compared the genomes of 45 culturable marine bacteria belonging to three genera of Salinibacterium, Psychrobacter and Pseudoalteromonas from both polar oceans. The bacterial strains with identical 16S rRNA genes were common to both poles in every genus, and four identical genomes were detected in the genus Salinibacterium from the Arctic region. However, no identical genomes were observed from opposite poles in this study. Our data, therefore, suggest that ‘everything is not everywhere’ at the genomic level. The divergence time between bacteria is hypothesized to exert a strong impact on the bacterial biogeography at the genomic level. The geographical isolation between poles was observed for recently diverged, highly similar genomes, but not for moderately similar genomes. This study thus improves our understanding of the factors affecting the genomic‐level biogeography of marine microorganisms isolated from distant locations.
Organizational Behaviour in the COVID‐19 Context: Effects of Supervisor‐Directed Deviance on Retaliation against Subordinates
Authors: Kakarika Maria , Lianidou Theano , Qu Yuanmei (Elly) , Bligh Michelle C.
Published: December 2021

Previous research mostly examines supervisor‐directed deviance as a subordinate's reaction to the supervisor's abusive behaviour while ignoring the perspective of supervisors as potential victims of deviant behaviour. Additionally, COVID‐19 has deeply affected organizational climate and workplace behaviour. Therefore, drawing on the affective events theory, we examined the COVID‐19 pandemic as a context shaping the effects of supervisor‐directed deviance on retaliation against subordinates in the United States. We conducted two quasi‐experiments with pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 (Study 1, n = 97) and Wave 1–Wave 3 pandemic study designs (Study 2, n = 94), respectively, and found that supervisor‐directed deviance triggered felt leader identity threat, consequently leading to retaliation against subordinates; this indirect effect strengthened as the pandemic progressed. We replicated these findings using a field study during the third wave of the pandemic (Study 3, n = 190), which established external validity by expanding the types of deviant and retaliatory behaviours examined. The results further showed that low COVID‐19‐induced empathic concern strengthened the effect of felt leader identity threat on retaliatory responses. Overall, our paper contributes to the literatures on retaliation and supervisor‐directed deviance and opens avenues for research on the pandemic's impact on organizational behaviour.
Triggered and controlled release of active gaseous/volatile compounds for active packaging applications of agri‐food products: A review
Authors: Zaitoon Amr , Luo Xiaoyu , Lim Loong‐Tak
Published: December 2021

Gaseous and volatile active compounds are versatile to enhance safety and preserve quality of agri‐food products during storage and distribution. However, the use of these compounds is limited by their high vapor pressure and/or chemical instability, especially in active packaging (AP) applications. Various approaches for stabilizing and controlling the release of active gaseous/volatile compounds have been developed, including encapsulation (e.g., into supramolecular matrices, polymer‐based films, electrospun nonwovens) and triggered release systems involving precursor technology, thereby allowing their safe and effective use in AP applications. In this review, encapsulation technologies of gases (e.g., CO2, ClO2, SO2, ethylene, 1‐methylcyclopropene) and volatiles (e.g., ethanol, ethyl formate, essential oils and their constituents) into different solid matrices, polymeric films, and electrospun nonwovens are reviewed, especially with regard to encapsulation mechanisms and controlled release properties. Recent developments on utilizing precursor compounds of bioactive gases/volatiles to enhance their storage stability and better control their release profiles are discussed. The potential applications of these controlled release systems in AP of agri‐food products are presented as well.
Comparative Fortunes of Ecosystem Services as an International Governance Concept
Authors: Allan Jen Iris , Auld Graeme , Cadman Timothy , Stevenson Hayley
Published: December 2021

Conservation biologists and environmental economists popularized ecosystem services as a governance concept in the 1990s. The concept, it was hoped, would valorize biodiversity conservation to place it on a level playing field with the economic concerns of the world's finance ministers and private sector. Has this valorization promise been realized within the international community? We examine this question by interrogating a constructed dataset of 272 international activities undertaken by international actors (e.g. non‐governmental organizations, inter‐governmental organizations, and other international organizations) that invoke or use the ecosystem services concept. We find that ecosystem service practice is dominated by capacity‐building not the valuation of nature. This suggests that the international community is not extensively using the concept to value nature in order to inform governance decisions. We posit that budget and management pressures facing international organizations along with priorities of countries help explain the dominance of capacity‐building. But we also suggest that a deeper understanding of the concept of ecosystem services – particularly its implied programme of action – is necessary to account for its unfulfilled promise to date. We close with implications from this study for broader work on global environmental governance.
Tumor‐associated macrophages: An important player in breast cancer progression
Authors: Huang Xinqun , Cao Jingsong , Zu Xuyu
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer is the most common form of malignant tumor in females, accounting for the second highest mortality among cancer patients. In the breast tumor microenvironment, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells, which regulate the progression of breast cancer. During breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression, TAMs support breast tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and cancer cell metastasis, inducing cancer stemness, regulating energy metabolism, and supporting immune system suppression. TAMs exhibit a high degree of cellular plasticity. Repolarizing tumor‐related macrophages into M1 macrophages can promote tumor regression. This study reviews the role and mechanism of action of TAMs in the development of breast cancer and establishes TAMs as effective targets for breast cancer treatment.
Baseline type 2 biomarker levels and response to tezepelumab in severe asthma
Authors: Corren Jonathan , Pham Tuyet‐Hang , Garcia Gil Esther , Sałapa Kinga , Ren Pin , Parnes Jane R. , Colice Gene , Griffiths Janet M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks activity of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). In the phase IIb PATHWAY study (NCT02054130), tezepelumab significantly reduced annualized asthma exacerbation rates (AAERs) versus placebo in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma. We evaluated the effects of tezepelumab in reducing type 2 (T2) inflammatory biomarker levels in the PATHWAY population, and the relationship between baseline T2 biomarker levels and AAER.

Methods

Adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma (n = 550) were randomized to tezepelumab (70 mg or 210 mg every 4 weeks, or 280 mg every 2 weeks) or placebo for 52 weeks. Blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and serum total immunoglobulin (Ig)E, interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐13, periostin, thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), and TSLP were measured at baseline and over 52 weeks. AAERs were analyzed by baseline threshold (high/low) biomarker levels.

Results

Positive correlations were observed between T2 inflammatory biomarkers (blood eosinophil count, FeNO, IL‐5, IL‐13 and periostin) at baseline. At Week 52, treatment with tezepelumab 210 mg reduced all biomarker levels measured from baseline versus placebo. Exacerbations were reduced by 55–83% in the pooled tezepelumab cohort versus placebo, irrespective of baseline blood eosinophil count, FeNO, or serum total IgE, IL‐5, IL‐13, periostin, TARC, or TSLP, when these biomarkers were assessed individually.

Conclusion

At baseline, positive correlations between specific T2 inflammatory biomarkers were observed. Tezepelumab reduced multiple T2 inflammatory biomarkers, which indicates decreased airway inflammation, and reduced exacerbations irrespective of baseline T2 biomarker profiles in patients with severe asthma.
National nostalgia and prostalgia predict support toward the Black Lives Matter movement and creating a new normal following the pandemic
Authors: Armenta Angel D. , James Kityara U. , Bray Jessica R. , Zárate Michael A.
Published: December 2021

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and the COVID‐19 pandemic are two distinct forces that have introduced cultural change around the world by respectively challenging or amplifying the status quo. Past research demonstrates that cultural change can be perceived as threatening. Thus, the change brought upon by the BLM movement and the pandemic may be reducing support toward the BLM movement and reducing support for creating a new normal following the pandemic (i.e., creating new social norms). Based on the Cultural Inertia Model, we predicted that highlighting the BLM protests and the COVID‐19 pandemic as agents of change would hinder support toward each agent of change. In essence, two agents of change might be too much change. We also hypothesized that national nostalgia and prostalgia would serve as psychological anchors or propellers that hinder or facilitate support toward each agent of change. Our findings demonstrated that highlighting the BLM protests and the pandemic as agents of change did not cause differences in support toward the BLM movement or creating a new normal. However, national nostalgia and prostalgia served as individual difference measures that respectively reduced and facilitated support toward the BLM movement and the creation of new social norms.
Zanubrutinib for treatment‐naïve and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: long‐term follow‐up of the phase I/II AU‐003 study
Authors: Cull Gavin , Burger Jan A. , Opat Stephen , Gottlieb David , Verner Emma , Trotman Judith , Marlton Paula , Munoz Javier , Johnston Patrick , Simpson David , Stern Jennifer C. , Prathikanti Radha , Wu Kenneth , Novotny William , Huang Jane , Tam Constantine S.
Published: December 2021

The phase I/II AU‐003 study in patients with treatment‐naïve (TN) or relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma demonstrated that zanubrutinib therapy results in clinically meaningful and durable responses with acceptable safety and tolerability. We report updated safety and efficacy data for 123 patients with a median follow‐up of 47·2 months. Patients received zanubrutinib 160 mg twice daily (81 patients), 320 mg once daily (40), or 160 mg once daily (two). Discontinuations due to adverse events or disease progression were uncommon. The overall response rate (ORR) was 95·9% (TN, 100%; R/R, 95%) with 18·7% achieving complete response (CR). Ongoing response at 3 years was reported in 85·7%. The ORR in patients with del(17p)/tumour protein p53 mutation was 87·5% (CR 16·7%). The 2‐ and 3‐year progression‐free survival estimates were 90% (TN, 90%; R/R, 91%) and 83% (TN, 81%; R/R, 83%) respectively. The most reported Grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (15·4%), pneumonia (9·8%), hypertension (8·9%) and anaemia (6·5%). The annual incidence of atrial fibrillation, major haemorrhage, Grade ≥3 neutropenia and Grade ≥3 infection decreased over time. With a median follow‐up of ~4 years, responses remain clinically meaningful and durable and long‐term tolerability to zanubrutinib therapy continues.
Middle Albian provenance, sediment dispersal and foreland basin dynamics in southwestern Montana, North American Cordillera
Authors: Rosenblume Justin A. , Finzel Emily S. , Pearson David M. , Gardner Cole T.
Published: December 2021

The Lower Cretaceous Blackleaf Formation in southwestern Montana records sedimentation in the Idaho‐Montana retroforeland basin of the North American Cordillera. Regional‐scale sedimentology suggests that during Albian time southwestern Montana was partially flooded by an early marine incursion of the Western Interior Seaway during deposition of the Blackleaf Formation. We use sandstone petrography, large‐n (n = 600) U‐Pb detrital zircon geochronology and mixture modelling to determine the provenance of these strata. Our analysis suggests three distinct provenance groups: Group 1 sandstones occur in the eastern region of the study area, are quartz‐rich and have zircon age‐probability peaks of ca. 110, 160, 420–450, 1050 and 1160 Ma; these sandstones match with a primarily Appalachian provenance. Group 2 sandstones occur in the western region of study area, are lithic‐rich and have peaks of ca. 110, 160, 1780, 1840, 1920, 2080 and 2700 Ma; the primary source for these sandstones was exhumed lower‐middle Palaeozoic strata from the Idaho sector of the Sevier belt. Group 3 sandstones occur in the western region of the study area, are lithic‐rich and have prominent peaks of ca. 115, 170, 430, 600, 1085, 1170, 1670 and 1790 Ma; the primary source for these sandstones was exhumed Triassic‐upper Palaeozoic strata from the Idaho sector of the Sevier belt. Our provenance data record a sharp change that coincides with the western shoreline of the seaway, and we infer that it may indicate the position of an irregular, submarine forebulge depozone influenced by dynamic subsidence during a period of reduced thrusting in the adjacent fold‐thrust belt. Albian‐aged sediments in southwestern Montana were delivered by rivers with headwaters in the Sevier belt as well as transcontinental river systems with headwaters in eastern North America. In southwestern Montana, west‐flowing transcontinental fluvial systems were flooded by the Western Interior Seaway as it encroached from the north.
Pyrimidine: An elite heterocyclic leitmotif in drug discovery‐synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Nadar Sahaya , Khan Tabassum
Published: December 2021

Heterocyclic compounds bearing the pyrimidine core are of tremendous interest as they constitute an important class of natural and synthetic compounds exhibiting diverse useful biological activities that hold attractive potential for clinical translation as therapeutic agents in alleviation of a myriad of diseases. Heterocycles possessing a pyrimidine scaffold have piqued tremendous interest of organic and medicinal chemists owing to their privileged bioactivities. Drugs having the pyrimidine motif have manifested to exhibit gratifying biological activity like anticancer, antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities. This heterocycle, being a significant endogenous component of the body, the pyrimidine derivatives can easily interact with enzymes, genetic materials, and bio components within the cell. The landscape of FDA approved drugs, presently marketed incorporating the pyrimidine scaffold continues to evolve in number and diversity. There is a tremendous surge in discovery of new targets across many diseases especially those involving emerging resistance to clinically used battery of drugs. Pyrimidine scaffolds will continue to be explored expanding their chemical space portfolio in an effort to find novel drugs impacting these targets. This review aims to provide an elaborate recapitulation of the recent trends adopted to synthesize propitious pyrimidine incorporated hits and also focuses on the clinical significance reported for functionalized pyrimidine analogues that would quintessentially aid medicinal chemists for new research explorations in this arena.
Active site‐based analysis of structural proteins for drug targets in different human Coronaviruses
Authors: Ahmadi Khadijeh , Zahedifard Farnaz , Mafakher Ladan , Ali Einakian Mohammad , Ghaedi Tayebeh , Kavousipour Soudabeh , Faezi Sobhan , Karmostaji Afsaneh , Sharifi‐Sarasiabi Khojasteh , Gouklani Hamed , Hassaniazad Mehdi
Published: December 2021

Seven types of Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been identified that can cause infection in humans, including HCoV‐229E, HCoV‐NL63, HCoV‐OC43, HCoV‐HKU1, SARS‐CoV, HCoV‐MERS, and SARS‐CoV‐2. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure, the homology of the structural protein sequences, as well as the investigation of the active site of structural proteins. The active site of structural proteins was determined based on the previous studies, and the homology of their amino acid sequences and structure was compared. Multiple sequence alignment of Spike protein of HCoVs showed that the receptor‐binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2, SARS‐CoV, and MERS‐CoV was located at a similar site to the S1 subunit. The binding motif of PDZ (postsynaptic density‐95/disks large/zona occludens‐1) of the envelope protein, was conserved in SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 according to multiple sequence alignment but showed different changes in the other HCoVs. Overall, spike protein showed the most variation in its active sites, but the other structural proteins were highly conserved. In this study, for the first time, the active site of all structural proteins of HCoVs as a drug target was investigated. The binding site of these proteins can be suitable targets for drugs or vaccines among HCoVs.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child behaviour problems in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Nazareth Meaghan L. , Kvalsvig Jane D. , Mellins Claude A. , Desmond Chris , Kauchali Shuaib , Davidson Leslie L.
Published: December 2021

Background

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are associated with negative health effects in adulthood. Despite knowledge of these later impacts, little is known about the earlier effect of ACEs on later child behaviour in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Methods

The population‐based Asenze cohort study was implemented in a peri‐rural area of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, comprising five Zulu tribal areas. Two waves of data were examined: family information and ACEs exposure when children were on average 5 years old and child behaviour problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]) approximately 2 years later (average age 7 years). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine unadjusted and adjusted relationships between cumulative ACEs experienced and the SDQ total scores (dichotomized as top 10% vs. the rest) as well as selected SDQ subscales.

Results

A significant relationship between increased ACE exposure and SDQ total score was observed. The same relationship was also seen for the SDQ emotional symptoms and conduct problem subscales, but not for hyperactivity. The results of a sensitivity analysis excluding intimate partner violence from the ACEs measure demonstrated similar results.

Conclusions

There is an association between exposure to ACEs and later child behaviour problems within this LMIC population demonstrating an early negative impact for ACEs. While previous research has focused on the effects of ACEs on adult health, this study provided evidence for an earlier relationship between ACEs and child behaviour problems that may be a part of the mechanism through which later health effects arise.
The Effect of Context and Individual Differences in Human‐Generated Randomness
Authors: Biesaga Mikołaj , Talaga Szymon , Nowak Andrzej
Published: December 2021

Many psychological studies have shown that human‐generated sequences are hardly ever random in the strict mathematical sense. However, what remains an open question is the degree to which this (in)ability varies between people and is affected by contextual factors. Herein, we investigated this problem. In two studies, we used a modern, robust measure of randomness based on algorithmic information theory to assess human‐generated series. In Study 1 (), in a factorial design with task description as a between‐subjects variable, we tested the effects of context and mental fatigue on human‐generated randomness. In Study 2 (), in online research, in experimental design, we further investigated the effect of mental fatigue on the randomness of human‐generated series and the relationship between the need for cognition (NFC) and the ability to produce random‐like series. Results of Study 1 show that the activation of the ability to produce random‐like series depends on the relevance of the contextual cues (), whether they activate known representations of a random series generator and consequently help to avoid the production of trivial sequences. Our findings from both studies on the effect of mental fatigue (Study 1 – ; Study 2 – ) and cognitive motivation () demonstrate that regardless of the context or task's novelty people quickly lose interest in the random series generation. Therefore, their performance decreases over time. However, people high in the NFC can maintain the cognitive motivation for a longer period and consequently on average generate more random series. In general, our results suggest that when contextual cues and intrinsic constraints are in optimal interaction people can temporarily escape the structured and trivial patterns and produce more random‐like sequences.
Does early drug use‐related police contact predict premature mortality and morbidity: A population register‐based study
Authors: Ellonen Noora , Pitkänen Joonas , Miller Bryan L. , Remes Hanna , Aaltonen Mikko , Oksanen Atte , Martikainen Pekka
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The aim was to analyse whether age at first drug offense predicts premature mortality and morbidity due to substance use and violence among adolescents and young adults.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal register‐linkage study based on a total population sample from Finland including individuals born between 1987 and 1992 and aged 15–25 years during follow‐up in 2002–2017 (n = 386 435). Age‐specific rates of deaths and health‐care admissions (morbidity) during a 5‐year follow‐up were calculated from the first drug offense. Cox regression models were used to estimate differences in mortality and morbidity at ages 21–25.

Results

Of all 15‐ to 20‐year‐olds, 1.4% (n = 5540) have had a police contact. The 5‐year mortality rates (per 1000 person‐years) among those with first drug offense at ages 15–16 was 2.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–6.18], and 5.26 (CI 4.00–7.07) and 5.05 (CI 4.06–6.38) at ages 17–18, and 19–20, respectively. The rates of morbidity varied between 61.20 (CI 52.43–71.76) and 87.51 (CI 82.11–93.33). Both mortality and morbidity rates were over 10 times higher than among the general population. In models adjusted for family background, first police contact at an early age (15–16) did not increase the risk of mortality at ages 21–25 compared with first police contact at ages 17–18 (hazard ratio 1.55, CI 0.77–3.09) or 19–20 (hazard ratio 1.52, CI 0.78–2.98). The results were similar for morbidity.

Discussion and Conclusions

Adolescents with drug‐related police contacts have high risk of mortality and morbidity due to substance use and violence regardless of age of first contact.
Ecological interactions mediate projected loss of kelp biomass under climate change
Authors: Davis Tom R. , Champion Curtis , Coleman Melinda A.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Climate change has precipitated loss of kelp in temperate regions globally, with further losses projected in response to ocean warming. Projected climate‐driven changes to kelp are commonly derived from responses to sea surface temperature and neglect the effects of important ecological interactions, such as herbivory. Here, we use a stacked species distribution model to project impacts of future climate scenarios on kelp distribution and biomass incorporating the effects of key ecological interactions.

Location

The eastern Australian coastline (28.0–37.5°S).

Methods

A stacked species distribution model, incorporating ecological interactions with urchins, was used to project future effects of climate change on kelp. This model incorporated key drivers of kelp occurrence and cover (habitat availability, light and in situ temperatures) that are rarely considered when projecting the effects of climate change on kelp.

Results

Consistent with previous research, we find range contractions of kelp (~275 km) at lower latitudes (<32°S), due to ocean warming under RCP 8.5 (~3.4°C) by 2100. However, in contrast to previous studies, we find range contractions will not occur under RCP 2.6 (~0.8°C), and only moderate contractions are projected (~55 km) under RCP 6.0 (~2.3°C). Instead, vertical migration of kelp, from shallow areas to cooler deep water refugia, is likely under future change. Interestingly, range contractions at lower latitudes are projected to be offset by increased kelp biomass at higher latitudes (32–37.5°S) resulting from reductions in urchin herbivory. Consequently, a net gain in kelp biomass is projected for mainland eastern Australia by 2100 under RCPs 2.6 and 6.0 (up to 29.4%), while relatively small net losses are projected under RCP 8.5 (−3.5%).

Main conclusions

Considering key ecological interactions when developing species distribution models can significantly change projections of habitat loss and must be integrated into assessments to accurately evaluate future change and enable evidence‐based management.
Northward shift of a biogeographical barrier on China’s coast
Authors: Hu Li‐sha , Dong Yun‐wei
Published: December 2021

Aim

Understanding the formation and maintenance of biogeographical breaks is fundamental for developing analyses related to biodiversity and conservation. Biogeographical patterns along China's coast are changing dramatically in the face of climate change and alterations in land‐use. In this paper, we sought to clarify the mechanisms responsible for the formation and maintenance of a biogeographical barrier on China's coast.

Location

Coastline of northern China.

Methods

We have reviewed literature of research related to biogeographical and phylogeographical patterns of intertidal macrobenthos along the coast of Jiangsu Province and adjacent areas, summarized the distribution patterns and biogeographical breakers. We have also reviewed literature about the processes and drivers on coastal biogeographical breaks, to clarify the mechanisms acting to the northward shift of the biogeographical break.

Results

The Yangtze (Changjiang) River Estuary Biogeographical Barrier (YREBB) at 30°–31°N, which serves as a coastal biogeographical boundary for the Cold Temperate Northwest Pacific Province and the Warm Temperate Northwest Pacific Province for marine species, has moved northward to ~33°–34°N due to the changes in habitat continuity, oceanographic circulation and climate factors. Consequently, a new biogeographic barrier for intertidal macrobenthos, the Subei Biogeographical Barrier (SBB) on the central coast of Jiangsu Province, has emerged.

Main conclusions

The formation and maintenance of the SBB are closely related to the larval dispersal potential, larval settlement success and post‐settlement population establishment, all of which have been profoundly influenced by anthropogenic environmental changes. The northward shift of the YREBB and the appearance of the SBB provide an excellent model system for investigating the impacts of climate change and land‐use change on coastal biogeographic patterning and for clarifying the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of biogeographical barriers in the face of the unprecedented environmental changes.
A study of 399 cardiac tumors: Characteristics of echocardiography and pathological features
Authors: Ma Hui , Niu Yicui , Tian Mingjun , Liu Lu , Gong Wenqing , Zheng Minjuan
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study aimed to summarize the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) characteristics of cardiac tumors with different pathologies.

Methods

The data of 399 patients with cardiac tumors confirmed by pathology, who had undergone surgical resection were consecutively collected in our hospital between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019. The TTE characteristics were summarized and compared with the pathology.

Results

Mean patient age was 49.8±15.7 years (22 children and 377 adults), and 62.2% were female. Of the tumors, 90.5% (361) were primary and 9.5% (38) were secondary. Further, 88.7% (354) were benign and 11.3% (45) were malignant. Of the primary tumors (96.1% benign and 3.9% malignant), 84.2% were myxomas, followed by 3.5% lipomas and 1.5% fibromas in adults, while in children, 31.8% were rhabdomyomas and 22.7% were fibromas. The most common type of secondary cardiac tumor was malignant liver carcinoma metastasis (39.5%) and benign intravenous leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension from the uterus (18.4%). TTE features of myxoma showed four variation types among 8.9% of myxomas: liquefaction (anechoic region mostly), calcification (hyperechoic range with a shadow), multiple nodules, and high proliferative activity (a large irregular mass with a wide base and a high Ki67 index). The TTE characteristics of some common benign non‐myxoma tumors had specific findings. The TTE features of malignant tumors mostly showed hypoechogenicity, an unclear boundary, a wide basement, and multi‐chambers or tissue invasion.

Conclusions

Most cardiac tumors have typical ultrasonic manifestations. Preoperative echocardiography could roughly judge cardiac tumor type and may be helpful for guiding clinical treatment decisions.
The many paths to diagnose diaphragmatic paralysis: Cardiopulmonary ultrasound on stage
Authors: Fontoura Alexandre , Cunha Gonçalo , Horta Eduarda , Andrade Maria João
Published: December 2021

Abnormal diaphragmatic motion (ADM) due to phrenic nerve injury is a recognized complication of cardiac surgery and several diagnostic techniques can be used to determine the diagnosis. Due to its relationship with the diaphragm, cardiac kinetics is affected by the abnormal movement of the diaphragm in cases of left hemidiaphragm paralysis. The authors present a case of diaphragmatic paralysis in which the initial diagnosis is made through echocardiography.
Transesophageal echocardiography simulation: A review of current technology
Authors: Huang Gary S. , Sheehan Florence H. , Gill Edward A.
Published: December 2021

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has experienced tremendous increase in interest and demand alongside the rapid growth of transcatheter structural cardiac interventions. TEE instruction prolongs the procedure, increasing the risk of probe malfunction from overheating and patient complications from prolonged sedation. Echocardiographic simulation programs have been developed to hone the procedural skills of novice operators in a time‐unrestricted, low‐pressure environment before they perform TEEs on real patients. Simulators likely benefit training in interventional TEE for the same reasons. We searched PubMed, basic Google, and Google Scholar for currently marketed TEE simulators, including foreign as well as US companies. We queried the vendors regarding features of the simulators that pertain to effective instructional design for diagnostic TEE. We also queried regarding the simulators’ applicability to training in interventional TEE. The vendors’ responses are reported here. In addition, we discuss the specific training needs for structural heart interventions, for which echocardiographic simulation could be a powerful educational tool. Lastly, we discuss the role of simulation for formative and summative assessment, and the advances required to improve training in complex procedures within the field of interventional echocardiography.
A quantitative review of abundance‐based species distribution models
Authors: Waldock Conor , Stuart‐Smith Rick D. , Albouy Camille , Cheung William W. L. , Edgar Graham J. , Mouillot David , Tjiputra Jerry , Pellissier Loïc
Published: December 2021

The contributions of species to ecosystem functions or services depend not only on their presence but also on their local abundance. Progress in predictive spatial modelling has largely focused on species occurrence rather than abundance. As such, limited guidance exists on the most reliable methods to explain and predict spatial variation in abundance. We analysed the performance of 68 abundance‐based species distribution models fitted to 800 000 standardised abundance records for more than 800 terrestrial bird and reef fish species. We found a large amount of variation in the performance of abundance‐based models. While many models performed poorly, a subset of models consistently reconstructed range‐wide abundance patterns. The best predictions were obtained using random forests for frequently encountered and abundant species and for predictions within the same environmental domain as model calibration. Extending predictions of species abundance outside of the environmental conditions used in model training generated poor predictions. Thus, interpolation of abundances between observations can help improve understanding of spatial abundance patterns, but our results indicate extrapolated predictions of abundance under changing climate have a much greater uncertainty. Our synthesis provides a road map for modelling abundance patterns, a key property of species distributions that underpins theoretical and applied questions in ecology and conservation.