bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato Jos: launching a tomato paste brand in Nigeria
Authors: Maritz Jaco , Peters Mark
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

The teaching objectives of the case are as follows: to develop an understanding of the scope and complexity of strategy and marketing; to examine what is meant by purpose, direction, objectives and consider how these might be set and used; to help students think and act in a strategic way; to give faculty the opportunity to illustrate the strategist’s and marketer’s toolbox, namely, tools and frameworks, such as Porters 5 Forces – The attractiveness of the industry, Porter’s Generic Marketing Strategies, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats analysis, the 4P’s – with a focus on product and distribution. The case is intended for use in MBA and Executive education courses in strategy, marketing and leadership. The case offers relevant experiences and instructive lessons in formulating and implementing business strategies. The case highlights the importance of contextual leadership intelligence and competence in enabling entrepreneurial business activities.

Case overview/synopsis

Tomato Jos (Nigeria) is a large tomato processing business in Kaduna, Nigeria. Nigeria is the second-largest producer of tomatoes in Africa, with Egypt as the largest. The country ranks 14th overall as a world producer. In Africa, and specifically Nigeria, there is a strong push to support small-scale farmers as a source of employment creation, as well as meeting the needs of food security. The CEO, Mira Mehata, is an ex-pat graduate from the USA with strong Agri sector experience. The business has received extensive support from the Kaduna Government as the business has secondary objectives to assist small-scale farmers in the region. Farmers need consistent off takers and reasonable set prices to see a return on their investment and Tomato Jos plays that role of being the middle-man. This results in less wasted produce – the bane of farmers globally. The price for fresh tomatoes is about three times that of processed tomatoes IE in paste or sauce – so that is an added challenge for farmers to see the value in processed tomatoes. The business currently has a 2% Market Share in Nigeria with a target of 10% over the next five years. The business so far has invested three billion Naira and plans a further five billion Naira over the next few years. The business is seen as a high-profile success story with a supportive eco-system with a push from both the Nigerian Government and some major private sector players example Dangote.

Complexity academic level

The case is intended for use in MBA and Executive education courses in Strategy, Marketing and Leadership.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 11: Strategy.
Odisha Craft – crafting the right expansion strategy
Authors: Datta Soumyajyoti
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

Familiarize with the retail operations of handicrafts, facility location problem, apply multi-criteria decision through the goal programming approach and solving the same with MS Excel.

Case overview / synopsis

The case portrays a dilemma in the context of retail operations of a small-scale handicraft company known as Odisha Craft. Located in Odisha, Susanta Mohanty, the owner, was finding it a challenge to decide on the most promising location for his new retail outlet in the neighbouring city of Kolkata. He had five choices for the locations. Odisha craft was established by his father-in-law in 2009 with an objective to preserve and promote the rich culture of the handicrafts designed by the local artisans and ensure sustainable rural livelihood. The company had been facing numerous challenges and the pandemic has given a very formidable blow to the monthly revenues. The case brings out the multi-faceted dilemma of deciding on the facility location in 2020, involving a set of conflicting criteria. The case unfolds a systematic solution approach resolving the dilemma using MS Excel.

Complexity academic level

Courses such as operations research, operations management, service operations and retail operations for MBA students and trainings for junior-middle level executives.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 09: Operations and Logistics
The drip footwear brand: managing a successful start-up launch and rapid expansion during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Zwane Steven , Mathibe Motshedisi Sina , Mamabolo Anastacia
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to: describe the entrepreneurial traits required for successful business venturing; evaluate the entrepreneurial risks associated with a rapid business expansion in the early start-up phase of an entrepreneurial venture, especially in crisis; select and defend appropriate management systems that will contribute to the sustainability of a business post the crisis and rapid expansion; and evaluate the online social media optimisation strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

In July 2019, Lekau Sehoana launched branded sneakers called Drip. It took Lekau six weeks to sell the first 600 pairs of shoes from his car boot, not having applied any robust marketing strategies. During the interactions with customers, it became clear that there was a demand for a new South African sneakers brand. In December of the same year, he manufactured and within a few days, sold 1,200 sneakers. This rapid achievement was enough confirmation for Lekau that there was a need for locally manufactured and branded shoes. Based on this success, Lekau started to consider the launch of his own business. However, during the process of the formal launch, the world was suddenly experiencing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the planning stage regarding the mode of operation and the full business launch, in March 2020, South Africa was placed into the Covid-19 Alert Level 5 lockdown, complicating the decision-making process even further. Despite the extremely severe lockdown regulations that lasted more than a year, in May 2021, Lekau had already managed to open 11 stores in reputable malls and sold hundred thousands of his sneakers. This instant success, putting pressure on the manufacturing ability, distribution and costing structure, led to Lekau becoming concerned about having grown and still growing too fast too soon during a pandemic. His concern was what would happen when the country would move back to normal, without the constraints caused by the lockdown, would he be able to sustain the growth and how would he achieve this, and how would he be able to manage the fast-growing venture?

Complexity academic level

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, General Management and Marketing courses at the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters level.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Developing a competitiveness index at sub-national level for India: an economic growth measure
Authors: Moirangthem Nirmalkumar Singh , Nag Barnali
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study is threefold–first, to develop a Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) for measuring competitiveness of sub-national regions for India; second, to test this index for its ability to explain regional growth, which validates usage and applicability of this index; and third, to further investigate if the competitiveness of states is in turn caused by economic growth, i.e. it is tested if there is a bidirectional causality between competitiveness and regional growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of indicators used in the index are from sources available freely in public domain. The competitiveness index is constructed using equal weightage supported by principal component analysis (PCA) technique. The causal relationship analysis is done using panel data of 10 years from 2008 to 2017 for 32 Indian states/union territories. The generalized method of moments (GMMs) is used for this dynamic regression estimation.

Findings

Based on RCI score, states have been ranked and through rank analysis, the authors observe the performance status of these sub-national regions and are able to categorize them as improving, no change or deteriorating in regional competitiveness. Using the GMM estimation, the association between RCI and economic growth is found to be significant at 10% level. This shows that regional competitiveness as captured through the RCI score is able to explain regional economic growth and economic disparity among the sub-national units. Further, that RCI score is found to Granger-cause growth, while growth does not lead to better RCI scores. This establishes the usefulness of RCI as an important policy variable to compare states and provide direction for sectoral reforms.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study include (1) broad assumption that these sub-national regions belong to a uniform macro-economic and technology environment, and (2) data constraints as it is a longitudinal study. The study implies that the composite index could capture differences in regional competitiveness explaining regional economic disparity and that competitiveness causes higher economic growth and not vice versa.

Practical implications

The RCI score can prove to be a useful indicator of economic performance of different states and can be used by national and state policymakers to compare and assess regional disparity among different states. The pillar-wise scores will be useful for in-depth study of weakness and strength of the sub-national territories.

Originality/value

Construction of an RCI for sub-national territories and analysis of panel data for longitudinal study of ten years is unique in the regional competitiveness literature.
A call for the library community to deploy best practices toward a database for biocultural knowledge relating to climate change
Authors: Lerski Martha B.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In this paper, a call to the library and information science community to support documentation and conservation of cultural and biocultural heritage has been presented

Design/methodology/approach

Based in existing Literature, this proposal is generative and descriptive—rather than prescriptive—regarding precisely how libraries should collaborate to employ technical and ethical best practices to provide access to vital data, research and cultural narratives relating to climate.

Findings

COVID-19 and climate destruction signal urgent global challenges. Library best practices are positioned to respond to climate change. Literature indicates how libraries preserve, share and cross-link cultural and scientific knowledge. With wildfires, drought, flooding and other extreme or slow-onset weather events presenting dangers, it is imperative that libraries take joint action toward facilitating sustainable and open access to relevant information.

Practical implications

An initiative could create an easily-accessible, open, linked, curated, secure and stakeholder-respectful database for global biocultural heritage—documenting traditional knowledge, local knowledge and climate adaptation traditions.

Social implications

Ongoing stakeholder involvement from the outset should acknowledge preferences regarding whether or how much to share information. Ethical elements must be embedded from concept to granular access and metadata elements.

Originality/value

Rooted in the best practices and service orientation of library science, the proposal envisions a sustained response to a common global challenge. Stewardship would also broadly assist the global community by preserving and providing streamlined access to information of instrumental value to addressing climate change.
Humanitarian actions of a cultural center during the Covid-19 pandemic: an analogy with supply chain business processes
Authors: Vivaldini Mauro , Iglesias Maria da Penha Melo Malda
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study intends to map the supply chain and characterize the business processes of a cultural center in an aggregated and coordinated operation to serve families in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. This case study analyzes distinct aspects of humanitarian management capable of contributing to the management of commercial supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a case study approach, this research contextualizes the view on humanitarian supply chains related to the importance of participating organizations' engagement and the relationship and similarity with business organizations.

Findings

The study presents the model adopted to undertake the aid operations, maps the cultural center's humanitarian supply chain, clarifies the relationships and operations developed and compares the business processes with those of commercial chains. Possibilities and initiatives are discussed that can contribute to business organizations' greater engagement in humanitarian actions.

Research limitations/implications

Restricted to one case involving the cultural center and the other agents researched, the information and considerations are limited, and any generalization should be treated with caution.

Practical implications

The study is a practical example that clarifies how business organizations can engage in the supply chain of humanitarian institutions. It also illustrates ways to help these institutions improve their fund-raising initiatives.

Social implications

This study is justified by the representativeness of humanitarian actions in critical periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also presents potential ways to contribute to operations of this nature and to encourage business organizations to improve participation in humanitarian movements.

Originality/value

Many studies on the subject have highlighted the importance of comparing humanitarian and business supply chains through real case research.
The impacts of CEO leadership behaviors on employees' affective commitment and scouting behavior: the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication
Authors: Lee Yeunjae , Kim Jarim
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to examine how senior leadership influences corporate communication and employees' attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. Using two-way symmetrical communication model in public relations and leadership theory, it investigated the effects of CEOs' task- and relationship-oriented leadership on symmetrical internal communication, employees' organizational commitment and communicative behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 417 full-time employees working in various industries in the United States.

Findings

The results showed that CEOs' relationship-oriented leadership significantly influenced symmetrical internal communication, which, in turn, increased affective commitment and employees' scouting behavior. CEOs' task-oriented communication had no significant effect on symmetrical communication.

Originality/value

This study advances theoretical understanding of two-way symmetrical communication in relation to senior leadership and provides practical insights for corporate leaders and public relations practitioners regarding how to improve employee outcomes through CEOs' strategic leadership and internal communication practices.
A high‐quality chromosome‐level genome of the endangered roughskin sculpin provides insights into its evolution and adaptation
Authors: Xue Dong‐Xiu , Xing Teng‐Fei , Liu Jin‐Xian
Published: January 2022

The cottids (Cottidae) are a taxonomically diverse and ecologically important component of many marine and freshwater ecosystems. Despite recent breakthroughs in long‐read sequencing, high quality genomic resources are still limited for studies of ecological and evolutionary processes in cottids. Here, we generated a high‐quality, chromosome‐scale genome assembly (521.26 Mb) of the catadromous roughskin sculpin (Trachidermus fasciatusHeckel) with a contig N50 of 2.93 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 24.06 Mb. Approximately 21.97% of the genome was composed of repetitive elements. A total of 21,872 protein‐coding genes were predicted, of which 19,900 genes (90.98%) were functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analysis supported the validity of Scorpaenoidei and Cottioidei as two suborders of the Perciformes. Chromosome‐scale collinearity analyses identified four chromosome fusions leading to the reduction of chromosome number inT.fasciatus. Gene families related to cell apoptosis and cell death were expanded and those related to immune system were contracted, suggesting that these gene families might be relevant to a host of phenotypic differences betweenT.fasciatusand other teleosts. Gene families associated with osmoregulation were also expanded, which might be associated with its catadromous life history. A total of 50 aging‐associated genes were found to be under positive selection, which might be associated with the short lifespan ofT.fasciatus. The high‐quality genome assembly and annotation will promote researches into the evolution of catadromous life history and short lifespan forT.fasciatusand facilitate comparative genomic studies of cottids in the near future.
Neuromuscular fatigability at high altitude: Lowlanders with acute and chronic exposure, and native highlanders
Authors: Ruggiero Luca , Harrison Scott W. D. , Rice Charles L. , McNeil Chris J.
Published: January 2022

Ascent to high altitude is accompanied by a reduction in partial pressure of inspired oxygen, which leads to interconnected adjustments within the neuromuscular system. This review describes the unique challenge that such an environment poses to neuromuscular fatigability (peripheral, central and supraspinal) for individuals who normally reside near to sea level (SL) (<1000 m; ie, lowlanders) and for native highlanders, who represent the manifestation of high altitude‐related heritable adaptations across millennia. Firstly, the effect of acute exposure to high altitude‐related hypoxia on neuromuscular fatigability will be examined. Under these conditions, both supraspinal and peripheral fatigability are increased compared with SL. The specific mechanisms contributing to impaired performance are dependent on the exercise paradigm and amount of muscle mass involved. Next, the effect of chronic exposure to high altitude (ie, acclimatization of ~7‐28 days) will be considered. With acclimatization, supraspinal fatigability is restored to SL values, regardless of the amount of muscle mass involved, whereas peripheral fatigability remains greater than SL except when exercise involves a small amount of muscle mass (eg, knee extensors). Indeed, when whole‐body exercise is involved, peripheral fatigability is not different to acute high‐altitude exposure, due to competing positive (haematological and muscle metabolic) and negative (respiratory‐mediated) effects of acclimatization on neuromuscular performance. In the final section, we consider evolutionary adaptations of native highlanders (primarily Himalayans of Tibet and Nepal) that may account for their superior performance at altitude and lesser degree of neuromuscular fatigability compared with acclimatized lowlanders, for both single‐joint and whole‐body exercise.
The gut microbiota can orchestrate the signaling pathways in colorectal cancer
Authors: Bennedsen Astrid L. B. , Furbo Sara , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Raskov Hans , Gögenur Ismail , Kvich Lasse
Published: January 2022

Current evidence suggests that bacteria contribute to the development of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), partly by stimulating chronic inflammation. However, little is known about the bacterial impact on molecular pathways in CRC. Recent studies have demonstrated how specific bacteria can influence the major CRC‐related pathways, i.e., Wnt, PI3K‐Akt, MAPK, TGF‐β, EGFR, mTOR, and p53. In order to advance the current understanding and facilitate the choice of pathways to investigate, we have systematically collected and summarized the current knowledge within bacterial altered major pathways in CRC. Several pro‐tumorigenic and anti‐tumorigenic bacterial species and their respective metabolites interfere with the major signaling pathways addressed in this review. Not surprisingly, some of these studies investigated known CRC drivers, such as Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Bacteroides fragilis. Interestingly, some metabolites produced by bacterial species typically considered pathogenic, e.g., Vibrio cholera, displayed anti‐tumorigenic activities, emphasizing the caution needed when classifying healthy and unhealthy microorganisms. The results collectively emphasize the complexity of the relationship between the microbiota and the tumorigenesis of CRC, and future studies should verify these findings in more realistic models, such as organoids, which constitute a promising platform. Moreover, future trials should investigate the clinical potential of preventive modulation of the gut microbiota regarding CRC development.
The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with concurrent training on body composition, glycaemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Hooshmand Moghadam Babak , Rashidlamir Amir , Attarzadeh Hosseini Seyyed Reza , Gaeini Abbas Ali , Kaviani Mojtaba
Published: January 2022

Aims

Chronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti‐inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM.

Methods

Sixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training and no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X‐Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions.

Results

All three interventions significantly (P < .05) decreased TNF‐α (CT = −4.22, S = −1.91, CTS = −9.69 pg/mL), hs‐CRP (CT = −0.13, S = −0.1, CTS = −0.32 ng/mL), IL‐6 (CT = −6.84, S = −6.36, CTS = −13.55 pg/mL), IL‐1β (CT = −8.85, S = −6.46, CTS = −19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = −6.97, S = −2.45, CTS = −13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = −0.13, S = −0.03, CTS = −0.21 mU/L), HOMA‐IR (CT = −0.12, S = −0.04, CTS = −0.21), HbA1c (CT = −0.17, S = −0.11, CTS = −0.26%), and increased IL‐10 (CT = 1.09, S = 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs‐CRP, IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α, and IL‐10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S and CON groups (P < .05).

Conclusion

It seems that an interaction of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on anti‐inflammatory status compared to saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.
Incentives matter: An experiment in participant engagement from a family‐centred adolescent HIV prevention programme in South Africa
Authors: Spyrelis Alexandra , Taylor Tory M. , Thurman Tonya R.
Published: January 2022

Engaging beneficiaries in family‐centred interventions is a well‐documented challenge. Programme engagement evidence is limited for low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study assessed the effect of incentives on participant engagement in a family‐centred HIV prevention programme among caregiver and adolescent groups in KwaZulu Natal. Incentive packages were randomly assigned by site, ranging from optimal (to address major structural barriers) to basic (routinely provided by organisations serving vulnerable youth). Attendance rates for 490 caregivers and their 583 adolescents were measured. Cross tabulations of attendance and incentive data demonstrated the highest level of caregiver attendance and programme completion among groups receiving optimal incentives.
EEG microstates suggest atypical resting‐state network activity in high‐functioning children and adolescents with autism spectrum development
Authors: Takarae Yukari , Zanesco Anthony , Keehn Brandon , Chukoskie Leanne , Müller Ralph‐Axel , Townsend Jeanne
Published: January 2022

EEG microstates represent transient electrocortical events that reflect synchronized activities of large‐scale networks, which allows investigations of brain dynamics with sub‐second resolution. We recorded resting EEG from 38 children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Development (ASD) and 48 age, IQ, sex, and handedness‐matched typically developing (TD) participants. The EEG was segmented into a time series of microstates using modified k‐means clustering of scalp voltage topographies. The frequency and global explained variance (GEV) of a specific microstate (type C) were significantly lower in the ASD group compared to the TD group while the duration of the same microstate was correlated with the presence of ASD‐related behaviors. The duration of this microstate was also positively correlated with participant age in the TD group, but not in the ASD group. Further, the frequency and duration of the microstate were significantly correlated with the overall alpha power only in the TD group. The signal strength and GEV for another microstate (type G) was greater in the ASD group than the TD group, and the associated topographical pattern differed between groups with greater variations in the ASD group. While more work is needed to clarify the underlying neural sources, the existing literature supports associations between the two microstates and the default mode and salience networks. The current study suggests specific alterations of temporal dynamics of the resting cortical network activities as well as their developmental trajectories and relationships to alpha power, which has been proposed to reflect reduced neural inhibition in ASD.
Histological tissue healing following high‐power laser treatment in a model of suspensory ligament branch injury
Authors: Pluim Mathilde , Heier Annabelle , Plomp Saskia , Boshuizen Berit , Gröne Andrea , van Weeren René , Vanderperren Katrien , Martens Ann , Dewulf Jeroen , Chantziaras Ilias , Koene Marc , Luciani Antonio , Oosterlinck Maarten , Van Brantegem Leen , Delesalle Cathérine
Published: January 2022

Background

High‐power laser therapy gained popularity recently as a regenerative treatment for tendinitis and desmitis in the horse. However, studies evaluating the effects of laser therapy on tissue repair at the histological level in large mammals are lacking.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of high‐power laser therapy on suspensory desmitis healing, using a model of suspensory ligament branch injury.

Study design

In vivo experiments.

Methods

Standardised lesions were surgically induced in all four lateral suspensory branches of 12 healthy Warmblood horses. Laser therapy (class 4, 15W) was applied daily on two of four induced lesions for four consecutive weeks. Horses were randomly assigned to either short‐term study (horses were sacrificed after 4 weeks) or long‐term study (6 months). Suspensory ligament samples were scored after staining with haematoxylin‐eosin and immunostaining for collagen 1‐ collagen 3‐ and factor VIII.

Results

In the short‐term study, significantly better (lower) scores for variation in density (17% above cut‐off score in treated lesions vs. 31% above cut‐off score in controls, P = .03), shape of nuclei (54% vs 92%, P = .02), fibre alignment (32% vs 75%, P = .003) and fibre structure (38% vs 71%, P = .02) were found in laser‐treated lesions when compared to controls. Collagen 3 expression was significantly higher (32% vs 19%, P = .006) in control lesions. In both short‐ and long‐term studies combined, parameters lesion size (44% vs 56%, P = .02) and shape of nuclei (53% vs 84%, P = .05) scored significantly better in treated lesions. Long‐term, significantly better (lower) scores were found in the laser‐treated group for lesion size (15% vs 45%, P = .008) and a higher percentage above cut‐off score for density of the nuclei (27% vs 9%, P = .02), compared to controls.

Main limitations

The model of suspensory branch injury is not an exact representation of clinical overstrain lesions.

Conclusions

These results suggest that high‐power laser therapy enables better lesion healing than conservative treatment.
Small and slow is safe: On the drought tolerance of tropical tree species
Authors: Guillemot Joannès , Martin‐StPaul Nicolas K. , Bulascoschi Leticia , Poorter Lourens , Morin Xavier , Pinho Bruno X. , le Maire Guerric , R. L. Bittencourt Paulo , Oliveira Rafael S. , Bongers Frans , Brouwer Rens , Pereira Luciano , Gonzalez Melo German Andrés , Boonman Coline C. F. , Brown Kerry A. , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Niinemets Ülo , Onoda Yusuke , Schneider Julio V. , Sheremetiev Serge , Brancalion Pedro H. S.
Published: January 2022

Understanding how evolutionary history and the coordination between trait trade‐off axes shape the drought tolerance of trees is crucial to predict forest dynamics under climate change. Here, we compiled traits related to drought tolerance and the fast‐slow and stature‐recruitment trade‐off axes in 601 tropical woody species to explore their covariations and phylogenetic signals. We found that xylem resistance to embolism (P50) determines the risk of hydraulic failure, while the functional significance of leaf turgor loss point (TLP) relies on its coordination with water use strategies. P50 and TLP exhibit weak phylogenetic signals and substantial variation within genera. TLP is closely associated with the fast‐slow trait axis: slow species maintain leaf functioning under higher water stress. P50 is associated with both the fast‐slow and stature‐recruitment trait axes: slow and small species exhibit more resistant xylem. Lower leaf phosphorus concentration is associated with more resistant xylem, which suggests a (nutrient and drought) stress‐tolerance syndrome in the tropics. Overall, our results imply that (1) drought tolerance is under strong selective pressure in tropical forests, and TLP and P50 result from the repeated evolutionary adaptation of closely related taxa, and (2) drought tolerance is coordinated with the ecological strategies governing tropical forest demography. These findings provide a physiological basis to interpret the drought‐induced shift toward slow‐growing, smaller, denser‐wooded trees observed in the tropics, with implications for forest restoration programmes.
Transforming mutations in the development of pathogenic B cell clones and autoantibodies*
Authors: Reed Joanne H.
Published: January 2022

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by serum autoantibodies, some of which are pathogenic, causing severe manifestations and organ injury. However, autoantibodies of the same antigenic reactivity are also present in the serum of asymptomatic people years before they develop any clinical signs of autoimmunity. Autoantibodies can arise during multiple stages of B cell development, and various genetic and environmental factors drive their production. However, what drives the development of pathogenic autoantibodies is poorly understood. Advances in single‐cell technology have enabled the deep analysis of rare B cell clones producing pathogenic autoantibodies responsible for vasculitis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome complicated by mixed cryoglobulinaemia. These findings demonstrated a cascade of genetic events involving stereotypic immunoglobulin V(D)J recombination and transforming somatic mutations in lymphoma genes and V(D)J regions that disrupted antibody quality control mechanisms and decreased autoantibody solubility. Most studies consider V(D)J mutations that enhance autoantibody affinity to drive pathology; however, V(D)J mutations that increase autoantibody propensity to form insoluble complexes could be a major contributor to autoantibody pathogenicity. Defining the molecular characteristics of pathogenic autoantibodies and failed tolerance checkpoints driving their formation will improve prognostication, enabling early treatment to prevent escalating organ damage and B cell malignancy.
Phase equilibria in the Nd2O3–BaO–Fe2O3 system: Crystal structure, oxygen content, and properties of intermediate oxides
Authors: Aksenova Tatiana V. , Volkova Nadezhda E. , Maignan Antoine , Cherepanov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2022

The phase equilibria in the ½Nd2O3–BaO–½Fe2O3 system were systematically studied at 1373 K in air and presented in the form of a phase diagram. By X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of quenched samples, the homogeneity ranges and crystal structure were determined for the following intermediate oxides: Nd1‐xBaxFeO3‐δ with 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05 (space group (SG) Pnma) and with 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 (SG Pm‐3m), Ba6+yNd2‐yFe4O15‐δ with 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.4 (SG P63mc), and Ba1.1Nd1.9Fe2O7‐δ (SG P42/mnm). The structural parameters of single‐phase oxides were refined by the Rietveld method. The changes in oxygen content for Nd1‐xBaxFeO3‐δ (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7), Ba6Nd2Fe4O15‐δ, and Ba1.1Nd1.9Fe2O7‐δ versus temperature in air were determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Gradual substitution of neodymium by barium in the Nd1‐xBaxFeO3‐δ (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) oxides leads to a decrease of oxygen content. Partial ordering via formation of separate domains with ap × ap × 5ap superstructure in Nd0.4Ba0.6FeO3‐δ, which cannot be detected by XRD, noticeably influence its thermal expansion and electrical conductivity.
Consolidation and high‐temperature strength of monolithic lanthanum hexaboride
Authors: Demirskyi Dmytro , Suzuki Tohru S. , Yoshimi Kyosuke , Vasylkiv Oleg O.
Published: January 2022

In this study we explored the densification, microstructure evolution, and high‐temperature properties of bulk lanthanum hexaboride. LaB6 bulks were consolidated using spark‐plasma sintering only in the temperature range between 1400°C and 1700°C. We adopted flash spark plasma sintering (SPS) of LaB6 using a direct current heating without a graphite die. We observed a peculiar grain‐size gradient when coarse grains exceeding 300 μm were observed on the top side of the specimen, while the bottom side had a grain size of 15–20 μm. Such large grain was not observed using SPS at 2000°C, suggesting that these might originate from a local overheating.

Based on the three‐point flexural tests, it was observed that the toughness and strength of the LaB6 were acceptable at room‐temperature (3.1 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2, 300 ± 20 MPa). However, at 1600°C, these parameters would decrease to 1.3 ± 0.1 MPa m1/2 and 120 ± 40 MPa, respectively.
Correlates of geoxyle diversity in Afrotropical grasslands
Authors: Meller Paulina , Stellmes Marion , Fidelis Alessandra , Finckh Manfred
Published: January 2022

Aim

Tropical old‐growth grasslands are increasingly acknowledged as biodiverse ecosystems, but they are understudied in many aspects. Geoxyle species are a key component in many of these ecosystems, their belowground storage organs and bud banks are functionally diverse and contribute to the grasslands’ resilience. However, the drivers of the geoxyles’ evolution and (belowground) diversity are little understood. Thus, we combined analyses on the key aspects of diversity, belowground functionality, ancestry, and ecology of geoxyles to provide the first comprehensive understanding of this often overlooked growth form.

Location

Southern hemisphere Africa, particularly Angola as a part of the Zambezian phytochorion.

Taxon

Geoxyle species.

Methods

We assessed belowground bud bank types and biogeographic origins of geoxyles in grass‐dominated vegetation types on the Angolan plateau, covering a broad altitudinal, climatic and geological range. Geoxyles were sampled extensively at three different sites, yielding 118 taxa covering about 59% of the Angolan geoxyle flora. Based on the current distribution of these species in Africa below the equator, we analysed their origins and environmental correlates in a taxonomic, functional and biogeographic context.

Results

Geoxyle species numbers and species communities differed strongly among sites, but functional types showed very similar spectra. Geoxyles evolved in multiple lineages and originated in different biomes, and functional types were unevenly associated with lineages and biomes. Furthermore, functional types correlate to specific environmental driver combinations.

Main conclusions

Functional diversity is not directly linked to species diversity, but is a result of multiple biogeographic origins that contributed functionally differently preadapted lineages to the Zambezian flora. Thus, geoxyles can occur under different environmental conditions, but require seasonal climates, and open grassy ecosystems subjected to fire, frost and likely herbivory. We highlight the importance of frost as a correlate of geoxyle diversity and emphasize the need for further studies to understand this important and complex growth form.
Hearing assessment—The challenges and opportunities of self report
Authors: Chodosh Joshua , Blustein Jan
Published: January 2022

This editorial comments on the article by Kim et al.
Tariff simplification, privatization, and welfare superiority
Authors: Yang Ya‐Po , Zhang Qidi , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: January 2022

In importing trade model, Cournot competition occurs between domestic semi‐public and foreign firms in domestic market; the government implements specific/ad valorem tariff. We examine the welfare effect of tariff simplification. Under general demand function, when semi‐public firms are more efficient than foreign firms with low/high privatization, tariff simplification hurts/benefits the domestic country. When semi‐public firms are less efficient than foreign firms with medium privatization, tariff simplification hurts the domestic country; else, it benefits the domestic country. When the government adopts optimal tariff rate and optimal privatization, and domestic semi‐public firms are less efficient than foreign firms, optimal privatization increases after tariff simplification.
An autopsy case of amyloid angiopathy‐related cerebellar hemorrhage
Authors: Okamoto Koichi , Amari Masakuni , Iwai Tomoyuki , Fukuda Toshio , Suzuki Keiji , Takatama Masamitsu
Published: January 2022

An 80‐year‐old man with dementia demonstrated cerebellar hemorrhage. Autopsy revealed pathology compatible with Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). CAA was more prevalent in the occipital lobe than in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes; however, amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐containing senile plaques were less abundant in the occipital cortex than in the other cortices. In the cerebellum, abundant CAA‐involved vessels were observed in the subarachnoid space and molecular layer and to a lesser extent in the Purkinje and granule layers. On consecutive sections, Aβ1–42 immunohistochemistry revealed senile plaques and CAA‐involved vessels with strong immunoreactivity whereas Aβ1–40 immunohistochemistry identfied CAA‐involved vessels with strong immunoreactivity and senile plaques with weak immunoreactivity in the cerebellar cortices.
An instrument assessing attitudes and beliefs toward human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Bertulfo Tara F. , Heo Seongkum , Troyan Patricia , Randolph Justus , An Minjeong
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a brief attitudes and beliefs toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination instrument in college students.

Design

Cross‐sectional, observational study.

Sample

Eighty‐six nursing students.

Measurements

The Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination was used to test the reliability (Cronbach's alpha), homogeneity (item‐analyses), and validity (factor analysis and correlations).

Results

The reliability of this 8‐item instrument was supported by a Cronbach's alpha of .854. Item homogeneity was supported by coefficients for all items > .30. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations of attitudes and beliefs assessed by this instrument to attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control assessed by different instruments (all ps < .001). Construct validity was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (all factor loadings ≥ .40). Predictive validity was supported by a significant relationship of attitudes and beliefs to completion of the vaccination (p < .001).

Conclusions

The Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Questionnaire was a reliable and valid instrument. This short instrument can be used to assess and improve attitudes and beliefs toward HPV vaccination, and, in turn, to facilitate the completion of the vaccination.
A suggestion for the quantification of precise and bounded probability to quantify epistemic uncertainty in scientific assessments
Authors: Raices Cruz Ivette , Troffaes Matthias C. M. , Sahlin Ullrika
Published: January 2022

An honest communication of uncertainty about quantities of interest enhances transparency in scientific assessments. To support this communication, risk assessors should choose appropriate ways to evaluate and characterize epistemic uncertainty. A full treatment of uncertainty requires methods that distinguish aleatory from epistemic uncertainty. Quantitative expressions for epistemic uncertainty are advantageous in scientific assessments because they are nonambiguous and enable individual uncertainties to be characterized and combined in a systematic way. Since 2019, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends assessors to express epistemic uncertainty in conclusions of scientific assessments quantitatively by subjective probability. A subjective probability can be used to represent an expert judgment, which may or may not be updated using Bayes's rule to integrate evidence available for the assessment and could be either precise or approximate. Approximate (or bounded) probabilities may be enough for decision making and allow experts to reach agreement on certainty when they struggle to specify precise subjective probabilities. The difference between the lower and upper bound on a subjective probability can also be used to reflect someone's strength of knowledge. In this article, we demonstrate how to quantify uncertainty by bounded probability, and explicitly distinguish between epistemic and aleatory uncertainty, by means of robust Bayesian analysis, including standard Bayesian analysis through precise probability as a special case. For illustration, the two analyses are applied to an intake assessment.
The novel HLA‐B*46:85 allele identified by sequencing‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Jiang Wenjin , Zheng Zhong‐zheng , An Lin , Zhai Xiaowen , Qian Xiaowen
Published: January 2022

HLA‐B*46:85 differs from HLA‐B*46:01:01:01 in exon 3 at position 560 by a single non‐synonymous mutation.
Network‐adjusted market share and the currency denomination of trade
Authors: Arioldi Davide , Ventura Luigi , Witte Mark David
Published: January 2022

The currency denomination of trade has been shown in many recent contributions to have far‐reaching effects on different macroeconomic phenomena, such as inflation and the international transmission of nominal shocks. In this work, we apply a novel index of bargaining power, which incorporates the network dimension of trade and brings fresh evidence as to the relevance of network‐related features (and implied bargaining power) in the choice of invoicing currency, which has received relatively little attention in the empirical literature, so far. By using a highly disaggregated, almost transaction level, data set of Italian imports and exports, we contribute to the existing empirical literature by documenting a very significant impact of trade network asymmetries, captured by our adjusted index of market share, on the choice of an invoice currency.
Comparative gene expression study highlights molecular similarities between triple negative breast cancer tumours and feline mammary carcinomas
Authors: Sommerville Lara , Howard Jane , Evans Shane , Kelly Pamela , McCann Amanda
Published: January 2022

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a rare, highly metastatic subtype of breast cancer that typically develops tumours of a high histological grade. As TNBC is negative for the oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors it is also not eligible for targeted hormonal therapies. Therefore, those diagnosed with TNBC are faced with a very poor prognosis. Feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs) have been shown to share key characteristics of TNBC and are being investigated as novel animal models of this disease. A study by Granados‐Soler et al., investigating prognostic markers of FMCs provided the basis of this research, and their prognostic value in TNBC was evaluated using a ‘data‐mining’ research approach. Overall, the comparative genomic aspect of this research identified several potential prognostic markers translatable across TNBC and FMCs. These prognostic markers warrant further investigation in comparative oncology studies.
Acidic chemical corneal ulceration secondary to nail polish spill in a puppy
Authors: Lo Stephanie K. , Uhl Lisa , Lee Jack , Cavanagh Amanda , Henriksen Michala de Linde
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To describe the treatment of an acidic chemical corneal ulceration in a puppy secondary to nail polish spilling on and adhering to the cornea.

Case Summary

A 12‐week‐old neutered male Australian Shepherd mix dog was presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's (CSU‐VTH) Emergency and Urgent Care service acutely after exposure to nail polish spilling on the left eye (OS). Initial ophthalmic examination revealed nail polish adhered to approximately 80% of the cornea with moderate diffuse corneal edema and chemosis, and green nail polish adhered to the skin and fur of the periocular area. Copious flushing with eye wash was performed, but no areas of reduced nail polish adherence were noted. The patient was treated with 1 drop of topical ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution OS and hospitalized overnight, receiving hyaluronic acid ophthalmic lubrication every hour OS. The treatment plan was carried out for 6 h until time of transfer. In the morning, CSU‐VTH's Ophthalmology service removed a nonadhered nail polish plaque in 1 piece using Bishop–Harmon tissue forceps. Following removal, a superficial ulcer secondary to an acidic chemical burn covering 100% of the corneal surface was noted, as well as moderate diffuse corneal edema. Following topical treatment for 8 days, the superficial ulcer healed completely, with no significant long‐term consequences.

Unique Information Provided

This is the first report of management of an acidic chemical corneal ulceration secondary to nail polish spill in a puppy. Early assessment and vigilance in treatment was essential for a good prognosis and outcome.