bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic finance in the post-Soviet Central Asia and Transcaucasia: the evidence from Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Nagimova Almira Z.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Over the past decades, Islamic finance has expanded its presence to many countries including Muslim-majority post-Soviet Central Asian and Transcaucasian region. Undoubtedly, this expansion has aroused keen interest among the representatives of a range of areas such as science, politics and business. The purpose of this paper is to describe the scope, the key players and the main investment strategies of the Islamic finance market based on the evidence obtained from Kyrgyzstan.

Design/methodology/approach

The main empirical corpus was formed from Bureau van Dijk’s databases (Zephyr and Orbis) and includes approximately 80 deals involving Shariah-compliant investments in Kyrgyzstan from 1991 to 2020. The initial corpus was then significantly expanded by means of content analysis of open media sources. Being still insufficient for deeper generalization, these data were further complemented by the analysis of an array of corporate information (press releases, presentations and financial reports) related to the identified deals. To ensure the credibility of the conclusions to be made on the nature of Islamic finance in Kyrgyzstan, the desk analysis was also complemented with field research using qualitative method of in-depth expert interviews.

Findings

This paper has shown that despite the yet modest market volumes represented by Islamic bank, Islamic windows, Islamic leasing company and microfinance companies, Islamic finance in Kyrgyz Republic has further growth prospects, which are associated with the arrival of large foreign Islamic banks that bring innovative financial products, the issuance of Islamic securities (sukuk) and launch of Islamic insurance (takaful). Being more open and consistent in the development of Islamic finance industry, the authorities of Kyrgyzstan understand the need for the initial development of the market by their own forces.

Originality/value

This paper is original and up-to-date, as it contains new and significant information. Suggesting a new approach to studying Islamic finance in post-Soviet area, this paper identifies the most active Islamic investors in Kyrgyzstan, classifies them, reveals their investment strategies and assesses the financial performance of Islamic investors as well as the total volume of Shariah-compliant capital in Kyrgyzstan. The findings of this paper can contribute to shaping policies toward Islamic finance in the post-Soviet region and, therefore, may be beneficial to the development of Islamic finance industry.
The reciprocity of soil, soul and society: the heart of developing regenerative tourism activities
Authors: Mathisen Line , Søreng Siri Ulfsdatter , Lyrek Trine
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate how tourism actors' methodologies fuel the development of regenerative activities anchored in the reciprocity of nature and humans directed at bringing well-being for all living beings.

Design/methodology/approach

To shed light on micro-scale regenerative creation processes in tourism, the authors engage in co-creative case study research with the owners of a small value-driven tourism firm in Arctic Norway in their creation of activities that strengthen the human–nature relation.

Findings

The authors found that the values of the tourism firm's owners constitute the soul creating regenerative activities based on the reciprocity of soil and society. Thus, the authors posit that soil, soul and society are at the core of developing regenerative tourism activities. A key finding identified is that it is challenging for small eco-centric driven firms to co-create regenerative tourism activities within a capitalocentric system. For regenerative activities to become regenerative tourism practices, multiple actors across levels of operations must act as responsible gardeners.

Originality/value

The study extends current literature on regenerative tourism by providing in-depth insights into the methodology, illustrated through soil, soul and society, guiding one small tourism firm's development of regenerative tourism activities and what drives these processes. The study also contributes knowledge that broadens the use of well-being in tourism to better address current capitalocentric challenges limiting the development of regenerative practices.
Overcoming the preparedness paradox: five initiatives to ready businesses for an uncertain future disruption
Authors: Day George S. , Dennis Roger
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The crippling lack of attention to potentially apocalyptic alerts also afflicts specific warnings about more common serious threats to the supply chain when there can be no certainty about their occurrence. Instead of mobilizing an organization to prepare for threats, inaction often prevails when leaders filter warning signals through eyes clouded by cataracts of self-deception, myopia and inertia. 10;

Design/Methodology/Approach

The corrective to the preparedness paradox: five attention-getting actions that prompt low-cost readiness for potential disruptions.

Findings

The route to preparedness starts when the leadership team is collectively curious about anomalies in the business market, emerging technology or social environment.

Practical/Implications

Pursuing the significance of an anomaly requires the exercise of curiosity.

Originality/Value

The authors offer time-tested ways to improve an organization's attention to potential threats and new opportunities. Their recommended approaches include: learning from good and bad past experience, staying alert to anomalies, narrating credible stories about the future and creating engaging experiences through simulations.
Simulated winter warming negatively impacts survival of Antarctica's only endemic insect
Authors: Devlin Jack J. , Unfried Laura , Lecheta Melise C. , McCabe Eleanor A. , Gantz Josiah D. , Kawarasaki Yuta , Elnitsky Michael A. , Hotaling Scott , Michel Andrew P. , Convey Peter , Hayward Scott A. L. , Teets Nicholas M.
Published: June 2022

Antarctic winters are challenging for terrestrial invertebrates, and species that live there have specialised adaptations to conserve energy and protect against cold injury in the winter. However, rapidly occurring climate change in these regions will increase the unpredictability of winter conditions, and there is currently a dearth of knowledge on how the highly adapted invertebrates of Antarctica will respond to changes in winter temperatures.

We evaluated the response of larvae of the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica, to simulated winters at three ecologically relevant mean temperature scenarios: warm (−1°C), normal (−3°C) and cold (−5°C). Within each scenario, larvae were placed into three distinct habitat types in which they are commonly observed (decaying organic matter, living moss, and Prasiola crispa algae). Following the simulated overwintering period, a range of physiological outcomes were measured, namely survival, locomotor activity, tissue damage, energy store levels and molecular stress responses.

Survival, energy stores and locomotor activity were significantly lower following the Warm overwintering environment than at lower temperatures, but tissue damage and heat shock protein expression (a proxy for protein damage) did not significantly differ between the three temperatures. Survival was also significantly lower in larvae overwintered in Prasiola crispa algae, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Heat shock proteins were expressed least in larvae overwintering in living moss, suggesting it is less stressful to overwinter in this substrate, perhaps due to a more defined structure affording less direct contact with ice.

Our results demonstrate that a realistic 2°C increase in winter microhabitat temperature reduces survival and causes energy deficits that have implications for subsequent development and reproduction. While our Warm winter scenario was close to the range of observed overwintering temperatures for this species, warmer winters are expected to become more common in response to climate change. Conversely, if climate change reduces the length of winter, some of the negative consequences of winter warming may be attenuated, so it will be important to consider this factor in future studies. Nonetheless, our results indicate that winter warming could negatively impact cold‐adapted insects such as the Antarctic midge.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Experience as a Double‐Edged Sword: The Relationship Between Prior Management Experience and Job Performance
Authors: Desai Malay N.
Published: June 2022

The inter‐firm mobility of managers is a common feature in modern‐day employment, yet the understanding of the relationship between prior management experience and performance remains ambiguous in the literature. The received wisdom suggests that prior management experience will have either a positive or a negative influence on performance, highlighting the positive role of novice managers or managers with expertise. In contrast, this study views these perspectives as being complementary, and suggests that a positive and negative effect of experience can operate concurrently with the level of prior management experience. Using a domain‐expertise lens, this study finds a curvilinear U‐shaped relationship between the level of prior management experience and performance, which implies that both novice and highly experienced managers have a positive effect on performance. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the curvilinear U‐shaped relationship is more pronounced when prior management experience is more closely related to the focal job. The main contribution of this study is to reconcile some of the ambiguity in the literature by providing a nuanced conceptualization of how and why prior management experience impacts performance.
Comments of the AFAANZ auditing and assurance standards committee on proposed international standard on auditing ISA for LCE
Authors: Coram Paul J. , Fu Yi (Dale) , Garg Mukush , Harding Noel , Hay David C. , Khan Mohammad Jahanzeb , Muñoz‐Izquierdo Nora , Prasad Ashna , Sultana Nigar , Tong Jamie
Published: June 2022

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) issued for public comment Proposed International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE). The Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) and New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (NZAuASB) also called for comments. The Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee of the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ) prepared a submission, based on the findings reported in extant research, informing a number of the questions asked by the IAASB (and AUASB/NZAuASB). This commentary presents the formal submission made to the IAASB.
The Space of Hope: Experiences of Pregnancy and Vaccination During a Pandemic
Authors: Wynfield Anna
Published: June 2022

In this flash ethnography, I explore affective tensions between uncertainty and hope amid experiences of pregnancy and vaccination during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Drawing on ethnographic interviews with forty‐two people who were pregnant, lactating, and conceiving during the initial months of the Covid‐19 vaccine rollout, I consider how questions about vaccination underpin existing anxieties about control, fear, loss, and hope. I suggest that such contextual and personal affective histories are deeply embedded within expressions of choice. Yet people also seek guidance and reassurance through the experiences of others—in stories and data. Using the genre of flash ethnography to sketch out these affective entanglements, I consider how uncertainty sheds light on experiences of choice and unfolds across new iterations of the pandemic. I reflect on these stories of pandemic pregnancy in relation to my own, suggesting flash ethnography as a way to make sense of personal as well as collectively lived affects.
Laparoscopic versus open caudate lobe liver resections: a 1:2 propensity score‐matched controlled study based on a single institution experience
Authors: Wang Zhongkai , Linn Yun‐Le , Chong Yvette , Chung Alexander Y. , Chan Chung‐Yip , Goh Brian K. P.
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite the wide use of laparoscopy for liver resection, laparoscopic caudate lobe resections(L‐CLR) remain technically challenging, only attempted by experts in the field. The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety and compare the perioperative outcomes of L‐CLR with O‐CLR based on our single institution experience in a 1:2 propensity score‐matched controlled study based on our single institution experience.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2020, 67 consecutive patients who underwent CLR at Singapore General Hospital were identified. Propensity score matching (PSM) of laparoscopic versus open caudate lobe resections(O‐CLR) was performed in a 1:2 ratio with no replacements using nearest neighbour matching method.

Results

L‐CLR was associated with a significantly decreased median blood loss (150 mL versus 500 mL, P = 0.001) and a decreased median post‐operative stay (3 days versus 7.5 days, P = <0.01) in the unmatched cohorts. After 1:2 propensity score matching, these results were again demonstrated with a significantly lower blood loss (150 mL versus 400 mL, P = 0.016) and a shorter postoperative stay (3 days versus 7 days, P = <0.01) in favour of L‐CLR. 30‐day readmission and major morbidity (Clavien–Dindo grade > 2) rates were all in favour of L‐CLR as well but could not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

L‐CLR can be safely performed by experienced surgeons. It is associated with decreased blood loss and shorter perioperative stay compared to O‐CLR.
Implementation science to design, test and scale up effective Kangaroo Mother Care in Oromia region, Ethiopia
Authors: Estifanos Abiy Seifu , Haile Mariam Damen , Fikre Addisalem , Kote Mesfin , Tariku Abraham , Chan Grace J.
Published: June 2022

Aim

To develop a locally tested and optimised Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) scale‐up model to achieve high population‐based effective coverage of KMC in Oromia region.

Method

We conducted an implementation research study to design and test KMC scale‐up models from March 2017 to March 2019 in five hospitals and 39 health centres covering a population of 1.1 million in Oromia region, Ethiopia. We evaluated the models by measuring effective KMC coverage (at least 8 hours of skin‐to‐skin care plus exclusive breastfeeding) for newborns weighing <2000 g in the 24 hours before discharge from the KMC facility and on the 7th‐day post‐discharge.

Results

After three cycles of iterative model implementation, we developed a KMC scale‐up model that resulted in increased population‐based effective KMC coverage. We enhanced the existing health system by strengthening the health system, reinforcing the linkages between the health system and communities and improving community engagement. Our final model achieved effective KMC coverage of 54%: 95% CI [49, 60] in the 24 hours before discharge from the facility and 38%: 95% CI [32, 43] on the 7th‐day post‐discharge.

Conclusion

Through iterative testing and adaptations, a model to scale up KMC that achieves 54% population‐based effective coverage of KMC can be developed.
Effects of forest fragmentation on the weight of understory birds at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in Amazonia
Authors: Kazo Lara , Lovejoy Thomas , Luther David
Published: June 2022

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation are known as the chief drivers of biodiversity loss. Less is known about the condition of species and individuals that remain in disturbed habitats. Theory predicts that resources are more limited after compared with before fragment isolation. Thus, we assessed how body condition of individual birds' changes in response to forest fragment isolation. We compared weights of the same individually banded birds caught in mist nets within 5 years before and after fragment isolation and assessed the population‐level changes of three species at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in the Brazilian Amazon. We predicted that fragment isolation would result in reduced weight for all bird species. Out of the 3466 bird mist net captures before and after isolation in the 1980s and the 2150 birds captured before and after re‐isolation of fragments in the 2010s, only 73 adult individuals from 36 different species were recaptured, suggesting that few individuals stay in fragments. Contrary to predictions, insectivorous species that remained in fragments gained weight (3.43%) after fragment isolation while frugivorous birds maintained a stable weight. While recent studies report long‐term declines in body mass of birds in tropical unfragmented tropical forests, our results provide a novel analysis into how avian body mass responds to habitat fragmentation. Further studies on the body condition of individuals that remain in fragments and the ultimate consequences of fluctuations in body condition are needed to better understand why some individuals and species are more susceptible to forest fragmentation than others.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material
Value of human‐modified forests for the conservation of canopy epiphytes
Authors: Parra‐Sanchez Edicson , Banks‐Leite Cristina
Published: June 2022

Human‐modified forests—HMFs—now cover more area worldwide than primary forests and could help buffering the ongoing species loss. However, their role in protecting canopy epiphytes remains unclear, partially because these communities require large trees, high humidity, and shade, conditions which are rare in HMFs. Here, we assessed how canopy epiphytes, in different ontogenetic stages, are structured in HMFs. Specifically, we evaluated how species richness, total abundance, and community composition, and how abundance of seedlings and juveniles, are affected by the local and landscape context in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Across all sites, we found 82.9% of species and 75.5% of individuals exclusively in old‐growth forest, while HMFs hosted only 15.5% of all species, sharing 75% of their species with old‐growth forests communities, and pastures hosted 1% of species richness and 2.8% of individuals sharing 60% of their species with old‐growth forest communities. We also found that seedling and juveniles were twice as abundant than adults in old‐growth forest, similarly abundant to adults in HMFs and absent from pastures. Low numbers of individuals in early ontogenetic stages in HMFs and pastures are likely to impact future generations of epiphytes in these areas. Although HMFs provide important refuge for many species, our results show that they do not provide suitable conditions for the maintenance of current or future canopy epiphyte communities. Our findings suggest that conserving large continuous old‐growth forests is the only viable conservation option for protecting most vascular epiphytes.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Transplantation of Roxadustat‐preconditioned bone marrow stromal cells improves neurological function recovery through enhancing grafted cell survival in ischemic stroke rats
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Lin Xiao , Yao Chaojie , Bingwa Lebohang Anesu , Wang Hao , Lin Zhongxiao , Jin Kunlin , Zhuge Qichuan , Yang Su
Published: June 2022

Aims

The therapeutic effect of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation for ischemic stroke is limited by its low survival rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Roxadustat (FG‐4592) pretreatment could promote the survival rate of grafted BMSCs and improve neurological function deficits in ischemia rats.

Methods

Oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) were constructed as stroke models in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis and expression of Bax and Bcl‐2 were detected to evaluate BMSCs apoptosis. Infarct volume and neurobehavioral score were applied to evaluate functional recovery. Inflammatory cytokine expression, neuronal apoptosis, and microglial M1 polarization were assessed to confirm the enhanced neurological recovery after FG‐4592 pretreatment.

Results

FG‐4592 promoted autophagy level to inhibit OGD‐induced apoptosis through HIF‐1α/BNIP3 pathway. GFP and Ki67 double staining showed an improved survival rate of BMSCs in the FG‐4592 group, whereas infarct volume and neurobehavioral score verified its enhanced neurological recovery activity simultaneously. NeuN and Iba‐1 fluorescence staining showed improved neural survival and decreased microglial activation, along with decreased IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels through the TLR‐4/NF‐kB pathway.

Conclusions

FG‐4592 pretreated BMSCs improve neurological function recovery after stroke and are likely to be a promising strategy for stroke management.
Introducing a common taxonomy to support learning from failure in conservation
Authors: Dickson Iain , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Catalano Allison , Gibbons David , Jones Julia P. G. , Lee‐Brooks Katie , Oldfield Thomasina , Noble David , Paterson Stuart , Roy Sugoto , Semelin Julien , Tinsley‐Marshall Paul , Trevelyan Rosie , Wauchope Hannah , Wicander Sylvia , Sutherland William J.
Published: June 2022

Although some sectors have made significant progress in learning from failure, there is currently limited consensus on how a similar transition could best be achieved in conservation and what is required to facilitate this. One of the key enabling conditions for other sectors is a widely accepted and standardized classification system for identifying and analyzing root causes of failure. We devised a comprehensive taxonomy of root causes of failure affecting conservation projects. To develop this, we solicited examples of real‐life conservation efforts that were deemed to have failed in some way, identified their underlying root causes of failure, and used these to develop a generic, 3‐tier taxonomy of the ways in which projects fail, at the top of which are 6 overarching cause categories that are further divided into midlevel cause categories and specific root causes. We tested the taxonomy by asking conservation practitioners to use it to classify the causes of failure for conservation efforts they had been involved in. No significant gaps or redundancies were identified during this testing phase. We then analyzed the frequency that particular root causes were encountered by projects within this test sample, which suggested that some root causes were more likely to be encountered than others and that a small number of root causes were more likely to be encountered by projects implementing particular types of conservation action. Our taxonomy could be used to improve identification, analysis, and subsequent learning from failed conservation efforts, address some of the barriers that currently limit the ability of conservation practitioners to learn from failure, and contribute to establishing an effective culture of learning from failure within conservation.
Tourism may threaten wildlife disease refugia
Authors: Kok Philippe J. R. , Laking Alexandra , Smith Carl , Berti Arturo , Martel An , Pasmans Frank
Published: June 2022

The remoteness and isolation of South American tabletop mountain (tepui) summits may protect against infections that underpin global amphibian declines. Increases in recreational pressure in such unspoiled destinations, and in isolated ecosystems globally, pose a poorly understood risk of wildlife disease introduction, especially in supposedly immunologically naïve communities. We here report the first observed chytrid infections in the Pantepui biogeographical region. Infections significantly correlate with proximity to the nearest basic tourist infrastructure in four endemic amphibians occurring on tepui summits and their slopes. Phylogenetic relationships and environmental context suggest a high risk of severe and irreversible population declines in unique, early branching amphibians. These findings advocate for an urgent control of recreational pressure in isolated, highly vulnerable ecosystems.
Sequential liver and kidney living donors: Making the ultimate gift twice
Authors: Al Harakeh Hasan , Emmanuel Bishoy , Hughes Christopher , Tevar Amit , Steel Jennifer Lynne , DiMartini Andrea , Ganesh Swaytha , Sood Puneet , Humar Abhinav
Published: June 2022

There are nearly 150 living donors in the United States who donated more than one solid organ. Using our divisional database, we found 20 individuals who donated a liver and a kidney at different times. We performed a retrospective chart review of these donors, studying their motivating factors, complications and outcomes. The donors included 11 (55%) males and nine females. Thirteen (65%) donated the kidney before the liver. Fourteen (70%) were nondirected donors at the first donation, and four of the six directed donors in the first donation became nondirected in the second donation. Seventeen (85%) were nondirected at the second donation. Common reasons for donating the second time were a good experience with the first donation and knowing that one can donate again. Outcomes and the incidence of early complications were not significantly different after the 2nd versus the 1st donation. All donors recovered and currently are doing well. Our results show a significant number of dual organ donors are nondirected and motivated by their strong desire to help. A positive experience with the 1st donation often was the driving factor for the 2nd. A history of previous organ donation did not negatively impact the 2nd donation.
1027. TROPAEOLUM PENTAPHYLLUM subsp. MEGAPETALUM: Tropaeolaceae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Moore Richard , King Christabel
Published: June 2022

Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. subsp. megapetalum (Buchenau) Sparre (Tropaeolaceae) is described and illustrated; the subspecies is endemic to Bolivia, but is relatively widespread in montane areas between 1900 and 3100 m. Cultivation and related notes are provided. The presence of thread‐like pollenkitt has been observed amongst the pollen in dehiscing anthers of T. pentaphyllum subsp. megapetalum, T. pentaphyllum subsp. pentaphyllum, T. austropurpureum (J. M. Watson & A. R. Flores) J. M. Watson & A. R. Flores, T. brachyceras Hook. & Arn., T. tricolor Sweet, a proposed hybrid (originating at Kew), T. tricolor × brachyceras and T. majus L., and in herbarium material of T. minus L. and T. speciosum Poepp. & Endl., although viscin‐like threads have never been reported in Tropaeolum before. The likelihood that this is connected with the ornithophilous pollination biology is discussed as is the potential for further research. The distinction of the subspecies is discussed in relation to the other two subspecies. A perspective on the Tropaeolaceae is provided, and a brief history of Tropaeolum outlined. Tropaeolum sect. Chilensia subsect. Chymocarpus (within which T. pentaphyllum is placed) is now validated after previous attempts failed, and a new combination provided.
Decoding violated sensory expectations from the auditory cortex of anaesthetised mice: Hierarchical recurrent neural network depicts separate ‘danger’ and ‘safety’ units
Authors: O'Reilly Jamie A. , Angsuwatanakul Thanate , Wehrman Jordan
Published: June 2022

The ability to respond appropriately to sensory information received from the external environment is among the most fundamental capabilities of central nervous systems. In the auditory domain, processes underlying this behaviour are studied by measuring auditory‐evoked electrophysiology during sequences of sounds with predetermined regularities. Identifying neural correlates of ensuing auditory novelty responses is supported by research in experimental animals. In the present study, we reanalysed epidural field potential recordings from the auditory cortex of anaesthetised mice during frequency and intensity oddball stimulation. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and hierarchical recurrent neural network (RNN) modelling were adopted to explore these data with greater resolution than previously considered using conventional methods. Time‐wise and generalised temporal decoding MVPA approaches revealed previously underestimated asymmetry between responses to sound‐level transitions in the intensity oddball paradigm, in contrast with tone frequency changes. After training, the cross‐validated RNN model architecture with four hidden layers produced output waveforms in response to simulated auditory inputs that were strongly correlated with grand‐average auditory‐evoked potential waveforms (r2 > .9). Units in hidden layers were classified based on their temporal response properties and characterised using principal component analysis and sample entropy. These demonstrated spontaneous alpha rhythms, sound onset and offset responses and putative ‘safety’ and ‘danger’ units activated by relatively inconspicuous and salient changes in auditory inputs, respectively. The hypothesised existence of corresponding biological neural sources is naturally derived from this model. If proven, this could have significant implications for prevailing theories of auditory processing.
Effects of different organic amendments on soil pore structure acquired by three‐dimensional investigation
Authors: Xuan Kefan , Li Xiaopeng , Yu Xiuling , Jiang Yifei , Ji Jingchun , Jia Renhao , Wang Can , Liu Jianli
Published: June 2022

The application of organic amendments is an important way to improve soil structure. However, the differences in soil pore properties after adding various organic materials are not fully available, which is important for selecting the most suitable material for soil improvement. In this study, soil pore structures in a field experiment amended with different organic materials (maize straw [MS], cattle manure, mixture of MS and cattle manure, biochar, woody peat, and polyacrylamide [PAM]) were determined by digital image analysis and three‐dimensional (3D) investigation, and their changes were quantitatively evaluated. The results showed that all organic material applications reduced the soil bulk density and increased the field capacity and water‐stable macroaggregate content. The 3D information about the soil pore structure showed that MS return was closely related to pore shape parameters. Soil treated with PAM had a low channel and throat number, long channel length and large throat area, all of which affect soil solute migration and crop root growth. A straw and organic fertiliser mixture changed the medium and large porosity (>500 μm) percentage from 1.1% to 9.7%, and the connected/isolated porosity ratio (C/I ratio) increased by 4.7 times. Taken together, our results indicate that the application of organic amendments can effectively improve the soil microstructure in fluvo‐aquic soils of the Huanghuaihai Plain in China, which is consistent with macroscopic physical properties such as bulk density and field capacity. PAM addition can promote the redistribution of air, water and nutrients in the soil. Straw returning can significantly affect the soil pore shape. Among all organic amendments, a straw and organic fertiliser mixture had the most obvious effects on the soil structure, especially on improving soil connectivity.

Highlights

Computed tomography and digital image processing used to visualise and quantify pore structure of soil treated with organic materials.

Applications of various organic amendments reduced bulk density of fluvo‐aquic soil.

Field capacity and water‐stable macroaggregates were increased.

Straw and organic fertiliser improved soil porosity and connectivity and increased numbers of macropores.
Using the modified Schirmer test for dry mouth assessment: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Schoppmeier Christoph Matthias , Helpap Juliane , Hagemeier Anna , Wicht Michael Jochen , Barbe Anna Greta
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to establish whether the modified Schirmer test could serve as a diagnostic tool for dry mouth, that is, whether it could reliably measure salivary film at selected locations within the oral cavity, and to identify levels of sensitivity/specificity and determine reference values. Therefore, a cross‐sectional study (N = 120, mean age 63.5 [SD 13.9] years) was performed. The test was used at five locations (hard palate; buccal mucosa in molar region at 4 mm above occlusal plane; anterior tongue; lower lip; mouth floor), and results were recorded after 1, 2 and 3 min. A statistically significant discriminatory ability of the Schirmer test for the unstimulated salivary flow rates could be shown for the palate (at 3 min), buccal mucosa (at 1 min), mouth floor (at 1 min), and tongue (at 2 and 3 min) (areas under the curve 0.64–0.68), with individual sensitivity/specificity values depending on test location/time points. Thus, the modified Schirmer test has potential to become a simple and reproducible instrument for the detection of dry mouth based on low unstimulated salivary flow rates in dentistry and especially outreach care. Care must be taken concerning intraoral test location and measurement time.
A survey of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use in the post‐operative period following equine colic surgery
Authors: Gibbs Rachel , Duz Marco , Shipman Emma
Published: June 2022

Background

There is currently a lack of evidence surrounding the factors that contribute towards a clinician's decision to discontinue non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration during the post‐operative period following equine colic surgery, as well as the drugs and dosages commonly administered to these patients.

Objectives

To survey clinicians involved in the care of colic patients as to their use of NSAIDs and to investigate the factors associated with the decision to discontinue their administration.

Study design

An online questionnaire was created using Jisc Online Surveys, designed to record information about the use of NSAIDs by equine clinicians who regularly manage post‐operative colic patients.

Methods

The questionnaire was distributed to boarded equine veterinarians from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS).

Results

Responses were obtained from 60 clinicians. Flunixin and phenylbutazone were the most administered NSAIDs and were also the most widely available drugs. 83% of clinicians ranked the absence of active colic signs as an important factor to consider when deciding the timepoint for NSAID discontinuation following colic surgery, in addition to 81% for pain score evaluation, and 78% for the absence of fever. NSAIDs were typically discontinued 5–7 days post‐operatively in the absence of complications but were often continued for longer where complications occurred.

Main limitations

Free text answer boxes provided in the questionnaire meant that some answers were difficult to interpret alongside the rest of the data and, therefore, had to be omitted. The case scenarios were fictitious, potentially altering the clinicians’ treatment decisions compared with real‐life cases, where more clinical information would be available.

Conclusions

There is variation in NSAID usage in the post‐operative colic patient, but agreement among clinicians about which factors are influential when considering NSAID discontinuation.
Smart decision for device selection in D2D‐assisted multi‐path video transmission network
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Liu Bowen , Jiang Xutong , Tang Wenda , Dou Wanchun
Published: June 2022

Watching the live video on a bus/train/tram has become an important pattern for people to enjoy their travel time. Due to the complex environment changes and obstacles caused by the rapid movement, the network state of the user device is often unstable. A large number of interruptions and resolution reductions seriously affect the user's watching experience. Through direct transmission between devices, Device‐to‐Device (D2D) can effectively improve video quality. Accurate decision for helper device selection is the key to optimize video streaming services based on D2D technology. However, the existing methods through D2D rarely consider the states and the intention of the helper devices when selecting cooperative devices, such as the watching status, the state of charge, the state of cache, and the connection quality. This is highly probable to reduce the efficiency of D2D transmission and the cooperation enthusiasm of helper devices. In addition, the existing methods seldom consider the multiple network interfaces in the device. In view of these challenges, we propose a dynamic smart decision method for device selection in D2D‐assisted multi‐path video transmission network (named DS‐DAMP). Specifically, this method takes the current states and the resource constraints into consideration to select the appropriate helper devices for video cooperative transmission, so as to improve the cooperation satisfaction of helper devices and optimize the video quality of the requesting device. Besides, we make full use of multiple network interfaces to realize multi‐path parallel transmission between devices. A large number of experiments have proved the good performance of our method in terms of video quality and network utility.
Incorporation of high‐altitude environmental effects in the linear elastic fracture mechanics‐based modeling of aluminum alloy 7075
Authors: Brown Luke B. , Dorman Sarah Galyon , Burns James T.
Published: June 2022

Airframe structural components experience coupled load–environment spectra that are currently not captured in traditional damage‐tolerant management approaches. The effect of incorporating fatigue crack growth kinetics relevant to high‐altitude flight environments into LEFM‐based predictions of fatigue progression for aluminum alloy 7075‐T651 was quantitatively assessed for a variety of load–environment spectra using AFGROW. The results of this study demonstrated that in all conditions, the incorporation of high‐altitude‐relevant growth kinetics enhanced the fatigue life predictions. However, the magnitude of the impact on the overall life is dependent upon the subtleties of the coupled load–environment spectrum, despite the fact that environmental effects are most potent in the near‐threshold regime of the da/dN versus ΔK relationship. The potential impact to the structural integrity management community is discussed, and remaining challenges and opportunities are identified.
Khan River and Bear Lake: Two Natural Titanite Reference Materials for High‐Spatial Resolution U‐Pb Microanalysis
Authors: Mazoz Ariela , Gonçalves Guilherme O. , Lana Cristiano , Buick Ian S. , Corfu Fernando , Kamo Sandra L. , Wang Hao , Yang Yue‐Heng , Scholz Ricardo , Queiroga Gláucia , Fu Bin , Martins Lorena , Schannor Mathias , de Abreu Adriana Trópia , Babinski Marly , Peixoto Eliza , Ventura Santos Roberto
Published: June 2022

The Khan River (Namibia) and Bear Lake (Canada) titanites are investigated as potential reference materials (RM) for LA‐ICP‐MS applications. The Bear Lake titanite is texturally and compositionally homogeneous. The Khan River titanite is texturally heterogeneous and characterised by variable trace element compositions and total rare earth element contents. However, both titanites have consistent U‐Pb and Nd‐isotope ratios. U‐Pb isotope dilution‐thermal ionisation mass spectrometry analyses yielded Pbc‐uncorrected intercept ages of 516.3 ± 1.3 Ma (2s, n = 5, MSWD = 2.4) and 1067.81 ± 0.74 Ma (2s, n = 4, MSWD = 0.35) for Khan River and Bear Lake titanites, respectively. Multiple U‐Pb LA‐SF/MC‐ICP‐MS analyses gave consistent Pbc‐uncorrected intercept ages for both, Khan River (517 ± 1/5 Ma, 2s, n = 262, MSWD = 1.5) and Bear Lake (1070 ± 1/11 Ma, 2s, n = 325, MSWD = 0.88). U‐Pb SHRIMP analyses on the same material returned identical (within uncertainty) ages. Khan River and Bear Lake gave internally consistent solution MC‐ICP‐MS 143Nd/144Nd ratios of 0.511587 ± 0.000027 (2s, n = 2) and 0.512321 ± 0.000004 (2s, n = 2), respectively. The 143Nd/144Nd ratios via solution‐MC‐ICP‐MS and LA‐ICP‐MS all agree within uncertainty and suggest that both titanites can be used as RMs for Nd‐isotope analyses.
Correlation between the intensity of Helicobacter pylori colonization and severity of gastritis: Results of a prospective study
Authors: Souissi Salma , Makni Cyrine , Belhadj Ammar Leila , Bousnina Olfa , Kallel Lamia
Published: June 2022

Helicobacter pylori infection is strongly associated with chronic gastritis and is probably the main course of chronic inflammation in the gastric mucosa. Gradually, H. pylori gastritis will result in gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. Identifying the relationship between intensity of colonization and activity of gastritis helps the clinician in more effective treatment and post‐treatment follow‐ups. The aim of our work was to analyze the relationship between the density of H. pylori colonization of the gastric mucosa and the severity of histological parameters of gastritis (inflammation activity, gastric atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia). This was a prospective monocentric study conducted from January 2020 to December 2020, collecting patients naive to any anti‐H. pylori treatment and having a chronic H. pylori infection documented by histological examination. Epidemiological, endoscopic, and anathomopathological data were collected. Ninety‐seven patients with a mean age of 42.6 years [18–65 years] and a sex ratio of M/F = 0.64 were included. The density of H. pylori colonization was mild (+) in 43.3% of patients, moderate (++) in 47.4% of patients, and significant (+++) in 9.3% of patients. Nearly, ten per cent of patients had no gastritis, 33% had mild gastritis, 50.5% had moderate gastritis, and 6.2% had severe gastritis. Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were found in 44.3% and 10.3% of our population, respectively. Patients with mild H. pylori colonization rates had the highest level of mild activity (59.5%). There was a statistically significant association between the severity of H. pylori infection and gastritis activity (p < .001). Gastric atrophy was significantly associated with the intensity of H. pylori colonization (p = .049). No significant relationship was found between the intensity of colonization and metaplasia (p = .08). Our study shows that there is a statistically significant association between the density of H. pylori and histopathological findings including gastritis activity and intestinal atrophy.
Carbon‐ion radiotherapy for urological cancers
Authors: Ishikawa Hitoshi , Hiroshima Yuichi , Kanematsu Nobuyuki , Inaniwa Taku , Shirai Toshiyuki , Imai Reiko , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Akakura Koichiro , Wakatsuki Masaru , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Carbon‐ions are charged particles with a high linear energy transfer, and therefore, they make a better dose distribution with greater biological effects on the tumors compared with photons and protons. Since prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and retroperitoneal sarcomas such as liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma are known to be radioresistant tumors, carbon‐ion radiotherapy, which provides the advantageous radiobiological properties such as an increasing relative biological effectiveness toward the Bragg peak, a reduced oxygen enhancement ratio, and a reduced dependence on fractionation and cell‐cycle stage, has been tested for these urological tumors at the National Institute for Radiological Sciences since 1994. To promote carbon‐ion radiotherapy as a standard cancer therapy, the Japan Carbon‐ion Radiation Oncology Study Group was established in 2015 to create a registry of all treated patients and conduct multi‐institutional prospective studies in cooperation with all the Japanese institutes. Based on accumulating evidence of the efficacy and feasibility of carbon‐ion therapy for prostate cancer and retroperitoneal sarcoma, it is now covered by the Japanese health insurance system. On the other hand, carbon‐ion radiotherapy for renal cell cancer is not still covered by the insurance system, although the two previous studies showed the efficacy. In this review, we introduce the characteristics, clinical outcomes, and perspectives of carbon‐ion radiotherapy and our efforts to disseminate the use of this new technology worldwide.
Community mental health interventions for people with major depressive disorder: A scoping review
Authors: Tan Ronel Xian Rong , Goh Yong Shian
Published: June 2022

People with major depressive disorder continue to be marred by chronically pernicious yet preventable outcomes in the biopsychosocial aspects. With the reallocation of healthcare resources towards the fight against the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, much emphasis has been placed on existing community mental health interventions to ameliorate the disruption of mental health services. Moreover, the recent propulsion of community mental health services by the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 ignited the need to bolster existing community interventions by providing comprehensive, responsive and integrated mental healthcare. The enhanced emphasis on mental healthcare in the community and the heightened demands of people with major depressive disorder underscores the need to explore the current state of community mental health interventions. This scoping review examined 51 primary studies published from year 2010 to 2020 using Arskey & O′Malley's five‐stage framework and provided an overview of the impact of existing community mental health interventions for people with major depressive disorder. Findings using thematic analysis have recommended the adoption of person‐centred community mental healthcare via the biopsychosocial approach for people with major depressive disorder. Enablers of community mental health interventions were driven by culturally appropriate care and augmented by technology‐driven modalities. Challenges and gaps of community mental health interventions include the perpetuation of stigma and misconception, complex demands of persons with major depressive disorder and lack of holistic and long‐term outcomes. Given the impact of major depressive disorder on the various biopsychosocial aspects, it is envisioned that our insights into the enablers and barriers of community mental health interventions will guide prospective interdisciplinary and nurse‐led interventions in holistically improving the care of persons with major depressive disorder in the community settings.
Prediction of atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertension: A comprehensive comparison of office and ambulatory blood pressure measurements
Authors: Huang Pin‐Hsiang , Huang Chin‐Chou , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chen Jaw‐Wen
Published: June 2022

Hypertension is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Evidence has shown that reverse dipping pattern, an abnormal increase of night‐time blood pressure (BP) comparing to daytime BP, is associated with cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between diurnal changes in BP and AF has not been sufficiently explored. This paper aims to cross‐sectionally explore the relationship between AF and ambulatory BP parameters, especially reverse dippers to the others, and further longitudinally analyze how BP patterns are associated to the risk of developing new‐onset AF. Between February 2012 and March 2021, five out of 412 patients were identified of AF at baseline; four were reverse dippers (3.7%) and one was from the others (.3%). Cross‐sectionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that reverse dippers were significantly more likely to have AF (odds ratio: 12.39,p = .030). After excluding patients with baseline AF, during the mean follow‐up of 4.6 ± 3.0 years, seven patients developed AF. Longitudinally, the multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that 24‐h systolic BP (hazard ratio per 10 mmHg: 2.12,p = .015), night‐time systolic BP (hazard ratio per 10 mmHg: 2.27,p = .002), and presentation of reverse dipping (hazard ratio: 5.25,p = .042) were independently associated with new‐onset AF. None of the office BP measurements were associated with new‐onset AF. While ambulatory BP measurements were better predictors for the incidence of AF, careful management is necessary for reverse dippers as they are at high risk of developing AF.