bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis of Xiluodu Hydropower Station right bank slope based on discontinuous deformation analysis method
Authors: Ma Ke , Li Yu , Liu Guoyang , He Gang , Sha Chun , Peng Yilin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the deformation characteristics and failure modes of the right bank slope of Xiluodu Hydropower Station after excavation.

Design/methodology/approach

Micro-seismic monitoring technology is applied to obtain the microfracture information and study the internal damage evolution law of the slope rock mass. A numerical model for discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) is established to analyse the deformation characteristics and failure mode of the slope. Micro-seismic monitoring and DDA can verify and supplement each other's results in the investigation of slope failure.

Findings

The results show that the slope has a downhill displacement along the weathered zone under natural conditions; the maximum resultant displacement at the monitoring point is 380 mm. The micro-seismic events are concentrated in an area located 30–100 m horizontally away from the slope surface and at an elevation of 390–470 m. The distribution of these micro-seismic events is consistent with the location of the unloading and weathered zones; it is the same as the DDA simulation result.

Originality/value

The study is anticipated to be used as reference for the stability analysis of rock slopes. By combining the continuous (micro-seismic monitoring technology) and discontinuous (DDA) methods, the entire process starting from the gradual accumulation of internal rock micro-damage to the macroscopic discontinuous deformation and failure of the slope can be investigated.
Convergence of testing and positivity rates for the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Germany and Italy
Authors: Kılcı Esra N.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the convergence of the testing and positivity rates for the COVID-19 pandemic focusing on Germany and Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the two-regime threshold autoregressive (TAR) panel unit root test by using the weekly data in the period of 2020:03-2021:04.

Findings

Following finding out that the testing and positivity rates are nonlinear, the authors determine that the transition country between the two regimes is Italy for the testing rates and Germany for the positivity rates. Their findings support the partial convergence for the testing rates for Germany and Italy. On the other hand, the authors could not find any convergence for the positivity rates of these two countries.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to academic literature in several ways. Firstly, to the best of their knowledge, this paper is the first study that analyzes the convergence of testing and positivity data. This paper further focuses on two Euro-Area countries which have suffered significantly from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the authors employ the two-regime threshold autoregressive (TAR) panel unit root proposed by Beyaert and Camacho (2008) in their empirical analysis. This recent panel data methodology aims to test real convergence in a nonlinear framework by incorporating the threshold model, panel data unit root test and the calculation of critical values by bootstrap simulation.
The determinants of IPO initial returns in emerging markets: a quantile regression
Authors: Ahmed Amira Akl , Fathy Bosy Ahmed Gamaleldin , Samak Nagwa Abdl-Allah
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This article investigates the determinants of cross-section variation of initial public offerings' (IPOs) first-day returns in a sample of 710 issues across seven emerging markets between 2013 and 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary least squares regression (OLS) and the semi-parametric quantile regression (QR) technique are employed. QR enables to analyse beyond the explanatory variables' relative mean effect at various points in the endogenous variable distribution. Furthermore, parameter estimates under QR are robust to the existence of outliers and long tails in the data distribution.

Findings

Underpricing varies across countries with an average of 78%. According to the OLS results, independent variables explain 26% of the variation of IPOs' first-day returns. Findings show that employing QR is important, given the non-normality of the data and because each quantile is associated with a different effect of explanatory variables.

Originality/value

In addition to firm-specific, market-specific and issue-specific factors, the paper extends IPOs' underpricing literature through studying the impact of country-specific characteristics, largely neglected by literature, on IPO underpricing.
Financial literacy and quality of life: a moderated mediation approach of fintech adoption and leisure
Authors: Kakinuma Yosuke
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study explores the relationship between financial literacy and quality of life (QoL). The study further examines the mediating effect of fintech adoption and the moderating effect of leisure on the relationship between financial literacy and QoL.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience sampling, 345 respondents participated in a cross-sectional survey. To test the moderated mediation hypotheses, the PROCESS macro was used.

Findings

The results reveal the mediating effect of fintech adoption on the relationship between financial literacy and QoL, highlighting the importance of digital literacy in an increasingly digitalized society. Moreover, leisure moderates the mediating relationship. Individuals with high leisure are more likely to perceive the uncertainties and risks associated with new technology optimistically – an observation supported by existing literature on the relationships among leisure, perceived freedom, and internal locus of control.

Practical implications

Financial literacy must incorporate digital literacy in order to utilize innovative technology for more efficient financial management. Additionally, having a sense of control over life outcomes can lead to well-being.

Originality/value

Previous research on fintech adoption is mostly related to financial inclusion for the unbanked population in underprivileged rural areas. Here, fintech usage by the general public is the focus. The study also reveals the significance of leisure, as those who have high financial literacy are more likely to adopt fintech when they have more freedom in their lives, which leads to higher QoL.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0633.
Friction and wear characteristics of brake friction materials obtained from fiber and huntite blends
Authors: Yavuz Hicri , Bayrakceken Hüseyin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, brake friction material samples with six different contents were produced using three different fiber types consisting of variable proportions of huntite mineral and basalt, glass and steel fibers. The friction properties and formation of the transfer film in these friction materials were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction materials were produced using a hot molding method from materials containing 10%–15% huntite in varying proportions, consisting of basalt, glass and steel fibers. The densities and hardness values of the samples were measured. Friction tests were performed using a brake pad friction material tester to determine tribological properties. After the friction tests, microscopic examination of the sample surfaces was performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and three-dimensional (3D) surface profilometer devices.

Findings

Huntite mineral content and fiber type affected the friction coefficient. With an increase in the amount of huntite, the friction coefficient increased in the friction material samples formed with glass and steel fibers. The fiber type and amount of huntite also affected the transfer film formation. The surface roughness values of all the friction materials decreased with an increase in the amount of huntite. The surface roughness values of the samples with glass fibers were higher than those of other samples.

Originality/value

The importance of using huntite minerals and different fiber types in automotive brake friction materials is emphasized. This will help industrial companies and academics study the tribological properties of friction materials.
Unveiling the dark side in smartphone addiction: mediation of strain and moderation of hedonic use on well-being
Authors: Moqbel Murad , Nevo Saggi , Nah Fiona Fui-Hoon
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The research purpose is to investigate the mediating and moderating relationships between smartphone addiction and well-being (i.e. health-related quality of life).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 236 smartphone users was used to test the research model.

Findings

The structural equation modeling analysis results show that smartphone addiction negatively impacts well-being by draining a key personal resource, energy, thus creating strain. The adverse effect of smartphone addiction on users' well-being is found to be more intense when smartphones are used for hedonic purposes.

Research limitations/implications

Through the conservation of resources theory lens, this study increases our understanding of the role of strain in mediating the negative effect of smartphone addiction on well-being. This study also has practical implications. By exploring the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying when and how smartphone addiction can be detrimental to well-being, interventions can be carried out to mitigate the adverse effects on well-being.

Originality/value

Past research has focused on the antecedents and consequences of smartphone addiction while ignoring the contextual factors of smartphone addiction effects as well as the intervening mechanism through which smartphone addiction impacts well-being. Through the lens of the conservation of resources theory, we close this gap in the literature by providing a better understanding of the mechanism by which smartphone addiction reduces well-being and identifying a relevant contextual factor (i.e. hedonic use) that can worsen the impact of smartphone addiction on well-being.
Assessing social capital and knowledge sharing in the high-tech industry: a moderating role of hypercompetition
Authors: Lin Chieh-Peng , Huang Tse-Yao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Although the literature has somewhat discussed social capital and knowledge sharing, the mediating and moderating mechanisms that influence team workers to move from connecting with one another to building social capital and consequently engaging in knowledge sharing still remain largely understudied. For that reason, this study aims to develop a holistic research framework that links social capital to knowledge sharing with positive affective tone as a mediator and hypercompetition as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the social capital theory and the affective events theory (AET), this study proposes a research framework to assess how social capital factors influence knowledge sharing with the mediation of positive affective tone and the moderation of hypercompetition in high-tech teams. This study obtains survey data based on 330 questionnaires of working professionals from 66 high-tech teams in Taiwan, in which each team comprises four members and their team leader.

Findings

The empirical results of this study show that social interaction, shared vision and trust are positively related to knowledge sharing via the mediation of positive affective tone. Moreover, hypercompetition has positive moderating effects on the relationships between social interaction and positive affective tone as well as between trust and positive affective tone.

Originality/value

This study expands the previous literature to study through what mediating mechanism the effects of different social capital factors on knowledge sharing can be effectively realized and whether there exists any critical moderator that influences these effects.
Study on room-temperature effect of a superconducting gravimeter prototype
Authors: Huang Xing , Hu Xinning , Niu Feifei , Wang Qiuliang , Cui Chunyan , Wang Hao , Chen Xiaodong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the room-temperature effect of a superconducting gravimeter prototype, which will guide its subsequent optimization to improve its gravimetric measurement accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

Without leveling, the prototype output signal, tilt data and room temperature were measured under steady operating conditions. After analyzing the correlations of the three data sets, the residuals of the prototype’s output signal were compensated using the tilt data and the geodynamic effects (ocean tide loading, atmospheric loading and the gravitational effect of polar motion) were then corrected.

Findings

The remaining residuals after correction may be caused by small tilt variations that are due to the sensor chamber temperature and radiation shield temperature changes. These small tilt variations were submerged in the tilt signal noise. Although the peak-to-peak noise of the tiltmeter does not exceed 15 µrad, it can still produce gravimetric deviations above 60 µGal when the prototype is significantly tilted.

Originality/value

This study analyzes in detail the room-temperature effect of a superconducting gravimeter prototype, introduces the tilt effect of the relative gravimeters to compensate for the gravimetric deviations and emphasizes that the improvement of fine leveling and the accuracy of the tiltmeter are key requirements for the prototype to perform high-accuracy gravity measurement tasks.
Quality and costs in health care: using target costing in support of bundled payment programs
Authors: Sedevich-Fons Leonardo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to provide healthcare institutions with a management accounting framework that helps them achieve their quality goals and cost targets when providing services under bundled payment schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a theoretical framework on both bundled payments and target costing, the success factors of the former are compared with the principles of the latter in order to analyze the compatibility and complementarity of these models. Afterwards, an example of their potential combination in practice is introduced and ideas for future research are suggested.

Findings

It is concluded that, apart from presenting similar underlying goals as regards quality and cost, bundled payments and target costing display elements in common that make them compatible from a theoretical standpoint.

Originality/value

Because bundled payments models are relatively new, studies on their compatibility with managerial techniques emerging from industries other than healthcare do not abound in the literature.
The impact of Google Trends index and encompassing tests on forecast combinations in tourism
Authors: Hu Yi-Chung , Wu Geng
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Given that the use of Google Trends data is helpful to improve forecasting performance, this study aims to investigate whether the precision of forecast combination can benefit from the use of Google Trends Web search index along with the encompassing set.

Design/methodology/approach

Grey prediction models generate single-model forecasts, while Google Trends index serves as an explanatory variable for multivariate models. Then, three combination sets, including sets of univariate models (CUGM), all constituents (CAGM) and constituents that survive the forecast encompassing tests (CSET), are generated. Finally, commonly used combination methods combine the individual forecasts for each combination set.

Findings

The tourism volumes of four frequently searched-for cities in Taiwan are used to evaluate the accuracy of three combination sets. The encompassing tests show that multivariate grey models play a role to be reckoned with in forecast combinations. Furthermore, the empirical results indicate the usefulness of Google Trends index and encompassing tests for linear combination methods because linear combination methods coupled with CSET outperformed that coupled with CAGM and CUGM.

Practical implications

With Google Trends Web search index, the tourism sector may benefit from the use of linear combinations of constituents that survive encompassing tests to formulate business strategies for tourist destinations. A good forecasting practice by estimating ex ante forecasts post-COVID-19 can be further provided by scenario forecasting.

Originality/value

To improve the accuracy of combination forecasting, this research verifies the correlation between Google Trends index and combined forecasts in tourism along with encompassing tests.
Natural selection favours drought escape and an acquisitive resource‐use strategy in semi‐arid Mediterranean shrubs
Authors: Blanco‐Sánchez Mario , Ramos‐Muñoz Marina , Pías Beatriz , Ramírez‐Valiente José Alberto , Díaz‐Guerra Laura , Escudero Adrián , Matesanz Silvia
Published: June 2022

Natural selection is the major force driving adaptive evolution in natural populations, varying in strength, direction, and form through space and time, especially in highly variable environments such as Mediterranean ecosystems. Although a conservative resource‐use strategy has been hypothesized to be adaptive in Mediterranean taxa, patterns of selection at the intraspecific level, that is, the suite of traits determining individual fitness, are largely unknown.

Using a phenotypic selection experiment in natural semi‐arid conditions, we measured direct and indirect selection acting through two different fitness components (survival and reproduction), to assess the adaptive value of 20 ecophysiological traits on individuals of two gypsum endemic species,Centaurea hyssopifoliaandHelianthemum squamatum, dwelling in environments with contrasting abiotic conditions (south‐ and north‐facing slopes) during two climatically contrasting years (dry and mesic). This allowed quantifying the magnitude and direction of natural selection at different spatiotemporal scales.

Our results revealed that different abiotic conditions did not alter selection patterns, being the magnitude of selection more strongly affected by temporal environmental variation. Selection through reproduction indicated consistent selection for early phenology, low water use efficiency, high specific leaf area, low leaf dry matter content, and high leaf N across slopes and years in both species. In contrast, phenotypic trait variation was not linked to survival in either species. Furthermore, while individual reproductive output was higher or similar in environments with higher abiotic stress in both species and years, survival was similar across environmental conditions, and it was neither affected by plant size nor reproductive output.

Contrary to our expectations, natural selection via reproductive fitness consistently favoured a drought‐escape, acquisitive resource‐use strategy in Mediterranean semi‐arid plants, rather than a conservative resource‐use strategy, even under conditions of higher abiotic stress (i.e. south slopes and dry year). Such acquisitive strategy could allow rapid development by maximizing resource assimilation and reproduction before the most limiting climatic conditions of mid‐late summer. Our results shed light on adaptive functional strategies of Mediterranean taxa at the intraspecific level, providing insight on future responses to environmental change, and highlight remarkable differences in selection acting through different fitness components.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Epigallocatechin gallate for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sergi Consolato M.
Published: June 2022

In the last couple of decades, we have experienced increased use of nutraceuticals worldwide with a demand for organic foods, which has been elevated to an extent probably unmatched with other periods of our civilization. One of the nutraceuticals that gained attention is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol in green tea. It has been suggested that diseases of the central nervous system can benefit from consuming some antioxidants, despite current results showing little evidence for their use in preventing and treating these diseases. ECGC may be beneficial in delaying the neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra regardless of the origin of Parkinson's disease (PD). This review covers the effect of EGCG on vitro and animal models of PD, the potential mechanisms of neuroprotection involved and summaries recent clinical trials in human PD. This review also aims to provide an investigative analysis of the current knowledge in this field and to identify putative crucial issues. Environmental factors such as dietary habits, drug use and social interaction are all factors that influence the evolution of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the use of nutraceuticals requires further investigation.
Low molecular weightNGFmimeticGK‐2 normalizes the parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and exhibits a hepatoprotective effect on a prediabetes model in obese Wistar rats
Authors: Ivanov Sergei V. , Ostrovskaya Rita U. , Koliasnikova Ksenia N. , Alchinova Irina B. , Demorzhi Marina S. , Gudasheva Tatiana A. , Seredenin Sergei B.
Published: June 2022

Signs of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes preceding type 2 diabetes are modelled in an experiment using a high‐fat diet (HFD). The aim of this work was to study the effect of a low molecular weight systemically active nerve growth factor mimetic, compound GK‐2 (hexamethylenediamide bis[N‐monosuccinyl‐L‐glutamyl‐L‐lysine]), on indicators of abdominal obesity, basal blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels, as well as the morphological structure of the liver in maleWistarrats fed a HFD. Rats were divided into three groups: one of them received standard food (control) and two others were fed a HFD containing 45% fat, 35% carbohydrates and 20% protein, with a total caloric value of 516 kcal/100 g, over 12 weeks. Starting from the ninth week, for the next 4 weeks, one of the HFD groups was treated orally with saline whilst the other group was treated orally with GK‐2 at a dose of 5 mg/kg. GK‐2 was found to reduce the basal glycaemia level and improve glucose tolerance, as well as to reduce the blood level of cholesterol by 30% and that of triglycerides by 28% in comparison with the saline‐treated HFD animals. GK‐2 reduced the degree of abdominal obesity to the level of the healthy animals and eliminated morphological abnormalities in the liver caused by the HFD. The results of the study determine the feasibility of further GK‐2 research as a potential agent for prediabetes treatment.
Expression of ethical principles in Australia's disaster plans
Authors: Cocco Annelise , Patel Bhavik , Jansen Melanie , Ranse Jamie
Published: June 2022

Objective

This qualitative study explores whether Australian mass casualty and disaster plans explicitly acknowledge or implicitly draw upon ethical principles.

Methods

Federal, state and territory governmental websites were searched to identify mass casualty incident and/or disaster plans. The authors examined the documents to identify whether ethical principles were overtly stated or implied, and what those values or principles were.

Results

Ten governmental documents were identified – two federal and one for each of the eight States and Territories. One of the documents had an explicit statement of the ethical values that informed the mass casualty and disaster planning decisions which were present. Utilitarianism was the dominant ethical principle informing the document in another seven documents.

Conclusion

In Australian government documents for mass casualty and disaster management, although ethics is definitely considered, the ethical principles on which decisions are made are rarely explicit. Mass casualty and disaster decision‐making could be improved by making the ethical basis for decision‐making clear, transparent and comprehensively reasoned.
The perception of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis in Turkey
Authors: Dogan Ibrahim , Ucar Emel , Oruc Aysegul , Ates Kenan
Published: June 2022

Background

We aimed to evaluate the perceptions of nephrologists about peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Turkey.

Materials and Methods

An anonymous survey was conducted to a total of 150 nephrologists. Demographic data, perceptions, PD indications, contraindications, and possible reasons for low preference of PD were questioned.

Results

In decision making, 93.4% of all stated that patients prioritized the doctor's opinion and 80.7% considered PD is the best initial dialysis option. The presence of many HD facilities (70.7%), inadequate knowledge, and education of patients (70%), physicians' reluctance to practice PD (70%), unwillingness of patients (68.7%), negative effect of other patients (67.3%), inadequate experience of PD staff (58.7%), and nonencouragement of PD by the state (58.7%) were the leading reasons of low prevalence.

Conclusion

Implementation of comprehensive predialysis education programs for patients, informing government and hospital officials about PD advantages, and reinforcing PD principles to the nephrologists could improve the low prevalence of PD in Turkey.
Living Labs as an Approach to Strengthen Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems
Authors: Potters Jorieke , Collins Kevin , Schoorlemmer Herman , Stræte Egil Petter , Kilis Emils , Lane Andy , Leloup Heloise
Published: June 2022

Climate and ecosystem changes, economic and policy imperatives, food system pressures, and multiple societal expectations pose complex challenges for sustainable farming. A key problem is determining an effective and efficient approach to enable innovation in complex, multi‐stakeholder settings. One approach currently receiving much policy attention and investment in the EU is ‘Living Labs’ which bring together public and private stakeholders to co‐create, validate, and test new services, business ideas, markets and technologies. However, the analysis, monitoring and evaluation of Living Labs and their effectiveness and policy value in different contexts is limited. The AgriLink Living Labs were undertaken between 2018 and 2021 in Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania and Spain to co‐create innovation support for improving agricultural sustainability. Our evaluation suggests that four inter‐related critical conditions are needed for the success of Living Labs. These relate to the complexity of the challenge, the enabling environment, the proficient facilitation and the energy to move. These conditions influence the functioning of the Living Lab and we discuss the implications for policymakers and practitioners for the deployment of Living Labs in agricultural settings.
New Entrants Need Tailored Farm Advice
Authors: Žabko Oksana , Tisenkopfs Talis
Published: June 2022

Supporting new entrants in farming is an increasingly important political and practical issue in European agriculture. This article looks at a specific group of new entrants – career changers – who move into agriculture from other occupational and educational backgrounds. As they bridge several worlds, they are often important innovators. One of the main challenges encountered by this group is the lack of tailored advice and insufficient capacity of the existing agricultural advisory services to respond to their specific innovation needs. The article examines how career changers use the knowledge from their background and access new knowledge on agriculture. The research is based on biographical interviews with individuals who have changed their careers and in‐depth interviews with advisors in Latvia. The results suggest that the gap between knowledge needs and knowledge services is being filled through the creation of professional networks by new entrants with each other and with industry experts and customers and to a lesser degree with formal advisory services. We discuss how in this situation various actors in the EU’s agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS) may better help the career changers to professionalise in farming and undertake sustainability‐oriented innovations.
Investigating the prevalence of nutritional abnormalities in patients prior to and following bariatric surgery
Authors: Zarshenas Nazy , Tapsell Linda Clare , Batterham Marijka , Neale Elizabeth Phillipa , Talbot Michael Leonard
Published: June 2022

Aims

Bariatric surgery remains an effective treatment for the condition of obesity. However it predisposes patients to nutritional deficiencies and related complications. The aim of this study was to identify nutritional abnormalities, weight loss, adherence to supplements, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in a cohort of bariatric surgical patients.

Methods

An analysis of the electronic medical records of patients attending a multidisciplinary private clinic in Sydney, Australia from August 2020 to August 2021 was conducted. Data on anthropometric measures, nutritional indices, adherence to supplements and gastrointestinal symptoms preoperatively and then at ≤6 months, 1 and 2 years or more postoperatively were collected.

Results

A total of 231 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were female (76.2%), with a sleeve gastrectomy (78.8%). Average preoperative BMI was 43.4 ± 7.1 kg/m2. Weight loss ≥2 years postsurgery was 33.5 ± 12.4 kg. The most common abnormalities preoperatively were: C‐reactive protein (47.7%), vitamin D (39%), B12 (31%), parathyroid hormone (27.6%) and ferritin (12.7%). Vitamin B12 (23.2%), parathyroid hormone (23%), vitamin D (17.7%) and ferritin (15.9%) remained common abnormalities postoperatively.

Adherence to multivitamins was 90% in the first year following surgery, declining to 77% at ≥2 years. Gastrointestinal symptoms were predominantly present in the initial stages following surgery, manifesting thiamin deficiency in 6.5% of patients.

Conclusions

Despite achieving durable weight loss, nutritional and related abnormalities remain an ongoing challenge for bariatric surgery. Adherence to nutrient supplements, gastrointestinal symptoms and related complications are important considerations in addressing the problem.
Switzerland: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: STADELMANN‐STEFFEN ISABELLE , RIHM MANUELA
Published: June 2022

In 2021, as in the previous year, political dynamics in Switzerland were strongly influenced by the Covid‐19 pandemic. Institutionally, the ‘special situation’ according to the Federal Law of Epidemics affected the power distribution between federal government and the subnational units. Moreover, compared with the first pandemic year, 2021 was marked by strong polarization of society and the political parties on several pandemic‐related issues. One consequence of this were two referendums held on the Covid‐19 law, which served as a legal basis for the Federal Council to mitigate the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on society and the economy. While voters supported the federal government in both cases, the rich direct‐democratic year in Switzerland was otherwise dominated by a rejection of the other main governmental proposition, namely the revised CO2 law.
Long‐term cognitive and functional status in Danish ICU patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Weihe Sarah , Mortensen Camilla B. , Haase Nicolai , Andersen Lars P. K. , Mohr Thomas , Siegel Hanna , Ibsen Michael , Jørgensen Vibeke R. L. , Buck David L. , Pedersen Helle B. S. , Pedersen Henrik P. , Iversen Susanne , Ribergaard Niels , Rasmussen Bodil S. , Winding Robert , Espelund Ulrick S. , Bundgaard Helle , Sølling Christoffer G. , Christensen Steffen , Garcia Ricardo S. , Brøchner Anne C. , Michelsen Jens , Michagin George , Kirkegaard Lynge , Perner Anders , Mathiesen Ole , Poulsen Lone M.
Published: June 2022

Background

ICU admission due to COVID‐19 may result in cognitive and physical impairment. We investigated the long‐term cognitive and physical status of Danish ICU patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We included all patients with COVID‐19 admitted to Danish ICUs between March 10 and May 19, 2020. Patients were the contacted prospectively at 6 and 12 months for follow‐up. Our primary outcomes were cognitive function and frailty at 6 and 12 months after ICU admission, estimated by the Mini Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Clinical Frailty Scale. Secondary outcomes were 6‐ and 12‐month mortality, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by EQ‐5D‐5L, functional status (Barthel activities of daily living and Lawton–Brody instrumental activities of daily living), and fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale). The study had no information on pre‐ICU admission status for the participants.

Results

A total of 326 patients were included. The 6‐ and 12‐month mortality was 37% and 38%, respectively. Among the 204 six‐month survivors, 105 (51%) participated in the 6‐month follow‐up; among the 202 twelve‐month survivors, 95 (47%) participated in the 12‐month follow‐up. At 6 months, cognitive scores indicated impairment for 26% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4–12.4) and at 12 months for 17% (95% CI, 12.0–12.8) of participants. Frailty was indicated in 20% (95% CI, 3.4–3.9) at 6 months, and for 18% (95% CI, 3.3–3.8) at 12 months. Fatigue was reported by 52% at 6 months, and by 47% at 12 months. For HRQoL, moderate, severe, or extreme health problems were reported by 28% at 6 months, and by 25% at 12 months.

Conclusion

Long‐term cognitive, functional impairment was found in up to one in four of patients surviving intensive care for COVID‐19. Fatigue was present in nearly half the survivors at both 6 and 12 months. However, pre‐ICU admission status of the patients was unknown.
Waterbirths were associated with low pain relief during delivery, high breastfeeding success and healthy newborn infants
Authors: Hautala Maiju , Smeds Marika , Taittonen Leena
Published: June 2022

Aim

Our aim was to compare the outcomes of waterbirths and conventional births in a Finnish hospital setting for the first time.

Methods

This retrospective study compared waterbirths with conventional low‐risk deliveries from September 2018 to March 2021 at a level‐two hospital in Finland. Cases and controls were collected from the patient records database.

Results

The study comprised 78 waterbirths and 1623 matched conventional births. Mothers in the waterbirth group only required a quarter of the amount of pain medication required by those in the control group. Babies born in water had slightly lower birth temperatures than those born conventionally (36.6 versus 36.8°C). Umbilical cord artery and vein pH were slightly higher in the waterbirth group than in the control group (artery 7.31 versus 7.28 and vein 7.38 versus 7.35). The Apgar scores did not differ. Hospital stays were shorter in the waterbirth group than in the conventional birth group (1.90 versus 2.33 days). Babies in the waterbirth group were significantly less likely to require formula than those in the conventional birth group during their hospital stay.

Conclusion

Waterbirth decreased the requirement for maternal pain medication and favoured greater breastfeeding and earlier discharge. Prospective studies must confirm these findings.
Editorial: the CTA on EGIDs
Authors: Jodorkovsky Daniela , Katzka David A.
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Genta et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16971 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17047
Editorial: optimising hepatitis B vaccine response in inflammatory bowel disease—time to get some skin in the game
Authors: Gill Madeleine , Majumdar Avik
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ko et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16970 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17069
Editorial: intravenous to subcutaneous vedolizumab—switch without glitch! Authors' reply
Authors: Bergqvist Viktoria , Holmgren Johanna , Klintman Daniel , Marsal Jan
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Bergqvist et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16927 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16989
Nivalenol affects Cyclin B1 level and activates SAC for cell cycle progression in mouse oocyte meiosis
Authors: Lu Ping‐Shuang , Wang Yue , Jiao Le , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Nivalenol (NIV) is a secondary metabolite of type B trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium genera, which is widely found in contaminated food and crops such as corn, wheat and peanuts. NIV is reported to have hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. Previous studies indicate that NIV disturbs mammalian oocyte maturation. Here, we reported that delayed cell cycle progression might be the reason for oocyte maturation defect caused by NIV exposure.

Methods and Results

We set up a NIV exposure model and showed that NIV did not affect G2/M transition for meiosis resumption, but disrupted the polar body extrusion of oocytes. Further analysis revealed that oocytes were arrested at metaphase I, which might be due to the lower expression of Cyclin B1 after NIV exposure. After cold treatment, the microtubules were disassembled in the NIV‐exposed oocytes, indicating that NIV disrupted microtubule stability. Moreover, NIV affected the attachment between kinetochore and microtubules, which further induced the activation of MAD2/BUBR1 at the kinetochores, suggesting that spindle assemble checkpoint (SAC) was continuously activated during oocyte meiotic maturation.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study demonstrated that exposure to NIV affected Cyclin B1 expression and activated microtubule stability‐dependent SAC to ultimately disturb cell cycle progression in mouse oocyte meiosis.
Systemic D1‐R and D2‐R antagonists in non‐human primates differentially impact learning and memory while impairing motivation and motor performance
Authors: Marino Robert A. , Gaprielian Pauline , Levy Ron
Published: June 2022

Dopamine (DA) modulates cognition in part via differential activation of D1 and D2 receptors within the striatum and prefrontal cortex, yet evidence for cognitive impairments stemming from DA blockade or deficiency is inconsistent. Given the predominance of D1 over D2 receptors (R) in the prefrontal cortex of primates, D1‐R blockade should more strongly influence frontal executive function (including working memory), while D2‐R blockade should impair processes more strongly associated with the dorsal striatum (including cognitive flexibility, and learning). To test how systemic DA blockade disrupts cognition, we administered D1‐R and D2‐R like antagonists to healthy monkeys while they performed a series of cognitive tasks. Two selective DA receptor antagonist drugs (SCH‐23390 hydrochloride: D1/D5‐R antagonist; or Eticlopride hydrochloride: D2/D3‐R antagonist) or placebo (0.9% saline) were systemically administered. Four tasks were used: (1) ‘visually guided reaching’, to test response time and accuracy, (2) ‘reversal learning’, to test association learning and attention, (3) ‘self‐ordered sequential search’ to test spatial working memory, and (4) ‘delayed match to sample’ to test object working memory. Increased reach response times and decreased motivation to work for liquid reward was observed with both the D1/D5‐R and D2/D3‐R antagonists at the maximum dosages that still enabled task performance. The D2/D3‐R antagonist impaired performance in the reversal learning task, while object and spatial working memory performance was not consistently affected in the tested tasks for either drug. These results are consistent with the theory that systemic D2/D3‐R antagonists preferentially influence striatum processes (cognitive flexibility) while systemic D1/D5‐R administration is less detrimental to frontal executive function.
Independence of the Court of Justice of the European Union: Unchecked Member States power after the Sharpston Affair
Authors: Kochenov Dimitry V. , Butler Graham
Published: June 2022

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the apex of the EU legal order, and is the supreme arbiter of EU law. For decades, it has delivered judgments, collectively shaping European integration and ‘integration through law’. It has undoubtedly been an authoritative leader in entrenching a European judicial culture, and has benefited from the cardinal principle of judicial independence enshrined in the EU Treaties, which in turn, it has insisted on being upheld as regards national courts. Questions have rarely arisen, however, about judicial independence of the CJEU. The Sharpston Affair of 2020–2021 opened the door to questioning such judicial independence. Is the CJEU at the mercy of the Member States? If so, what are the consequences for the EU legal order? This article reflects on the judicial independence of the CJEU, and offers reflections on how it can be preserved in the future.
The cost of host genetic resistance on body condition: Evidence from divergently selected sheep
Authors: Douhard Frédéric , Doeschl‐Wilson Andrea B. , Corbishley Alexander , Hayward Adam D. , Marcon Didier , Weisbecker Jean‐Louis , Aguerre Sophie , Bordes Léa , Jacquiet Philippe , McNeilly Tom N. , Sallé Guillaume , Moreno‐Romieux Carole
Published: June 2022

Trade‐offs between host resistance to parasites and host growth or reproduction can occur due to allocation of limited available resources between competing demands. To predict potential trade‐offs arising from genetic selection for host resistance, a better understanding of the associated nutritional costs is required. Here, we studied resistance costs by using sheep from lines divergently selected on their resistance to a common blood‐feeding gastro‐intestinal parasite (Haemonchus contortus). First, we assessed the effects of selection for high or low host resistance on condition traits (body weight, back fat, and muscle thickness) and infection traits (parasite fecal egg excretion and loss in blood haematocrit) at various life stages, in particular during the periparturient period when resource allocation to immunity may limit host resistance. Second, we analysed the condition–infection relationship to detect a possible trade‐off, in particular during the periparturient period. We experimentally infected young females in four stages over their first 2 years of life, including twice around parturition (at 1 year and at 2 years of age). Linear mixed‐model analyses revealed a large and consistent between‐line difference in infection traits during growth and outside of the periparturient period, whereas this difference was strongly attenuated during the periparturient period. Despite their different responses to infection, lines had similar body condition traits. Using covariance decomposition, we then found that the phenotypic relationship between infection and condition was dominated by direct infection costs arising from parasite development within the host. Accounting for these within‐individual effects, a cost of resistance on body weight was detected among ewes during their first reproduction. Although this cost and the reproductive constraint on resistance are unlikely to represent a major concern for animal breeding in nutrient‐rich environments, this study provides important new insights regarding the nutritional costs of parasite resistance at different lifestages and how these may affect response to selection.
Optimizing time delay in cloud using enhanced multi‐hold inherited maximization algorithm to reduce cost and improve bandwidth
Authors: Manoj Kumar Dharmalingam Sundaram , Sriramya Premkumar
Published: June 2022

Optimizing the time delay in the cloud is one of the essential parameters to be considered for providing an efficient environment for the user to work. Virtual machine (VM) allocation is performed on various heuristic and genetic algorithms (GAs) to schedule the VM to the users in lesser time. However, the scheduling mechanisms do not provide the best serving VM among different data centres. This paper proposes an Enhanced multi‐hold inherited maximization (Enhanced MHIM) algorithm to provide an optimal allocation of VMs across multiple geographically distributed data centres. Based on load information shared between the various data centres, the algorithm computes the best performing machine among the data centres and shares the template for allocating the new device to the user. As a result, the workload is completed quicker by assigning to each user optimally. Heuristic scheduling algorithms, including Min‐Min, Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and GA, are compared with the proposed algorithm. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm is efficient by maximum reduction of 12.63% of the makespan time, 13.06% of execution time, 3.89% of computational cost, and producing the 3× times best serving VM.
Expectile regression forest: A new nonparametric expectile regression model
Authors: Cai Chao , Dong Haotian , Wang Xinyi
Published: June 2022

Classical nonlinear expectile regression has two shortcomings. It is difficult to choose a nonlinear function, and it does not consider the interaction effects among explanatory variables. Therefore, we combine the random forest model with the expectile regression method to propose a new nonparametric expectile regression model: expectile regression forest (ERF). The major novelty of the ERF model is using the bagging method to build multiple decision trees, calculating the conditional expectile of each leaf node in each decision tree, and deriving final results through aggregating these decision tree results via simple average approach. At the same time, in order to compensate for the black box problem in the model interpretation of the ERF model, the measurement of the importance of explanatory variable and the partial dependence is defined to evaluate the magnitude and direction of the influence of each explanatory variable on the response variable. The advantage of ERF model is illustrated by Monte Carlo simulation studies. The numerical simulation results show that the estimation and prediction ability of the ERF model is significantly better than alternative approaches. We also apply the ERF model to analyse the real data. From the nonparametric expectile regression analysis of these data sets, we have several conclusions that are consistent with the results of numerical simulation.
ESG Issues and Career Prospects of Directors: Evidence from the International Director Labor Market
Authors: Colak Gonul , Hickman Kent , Korkeamäki Timo , Meyer Niclas O.
Published: June 2022

Using an international sample of firms, we investigate the career prospects of directors of firms experiencing negative ESG issues. By tracking the same director at the same firm over time, we document a significant drop in seats held at other public firms’ boards following intense negative media coverage of an ESG problem occurring at a given director's focal firm. Losses of seats at other firms are concentrated among executive directors, among directors of firms located in countries with high environmental and social norms, and among directors of firms located in countries with bank‐based systems. Nonexecutive directors and directors of firms located in less stakeholder‐oriented countries are not penalized for ESG issues by the director labor market.