bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ownership structure and financial constraints – Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Humayon Asad Afzal , Khan Muhammad Imran , Ali Sarmad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of corporate governance proxies by ownership structure on financial constraints for a sample of 215 non-financial Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) listed firms between 2010 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator is used to determine the influence of ownership structure on financial constraints. The ownership structure of sample enterprises is measured using seven variables: managerial, family, institutional, foreign, associated, presence of block holder, and concentrated ownership, while financial limitations are determined using the KZ Index. The WW Index is used to assess the robustness of the results. In addition, for robustness, we also used OLS and FE.

Findings

Based on the system GMM results, it was discovered that firm ownership structure has a significant impact on the likelihood of financial constraints. In the case of Pakistan, the results show that institutional ownership, foreign ownership, and the presence of a block holder in the ownership structure have a significant negative impact on financial constraints, whereas family ownership and ownership concentration have a significant positive impact. This finding remains true when financial constraints are measured using the WW Index.

Practical implications

The findings of the study provide business managers and investors with more information regarding the relationship between corporate governance quality and the degree of financial constraint in Pakistani firms. Furthermore, this study contributes new information from emerging nations like Pakistan to the existing literature, which will help regulatory bodies and policymakers build long-term corporate governance solutions to manage financial constraints. It is well established that improving the quality of corporate governance practices improves capital market efficiency and lowers the likelihood of financial constraints.

Originality/value

The study adds to the body of existing work on corporate governance and the possibility of financial constraints, with a focus on Pakistan. The findings show that when projecting company financial constraints, regulators should pay special attention to the quality of corporate governance, specifically ownership structure.
Disclosed qualitative factors and underpricing: an empirical evidence from Indian IPO market
Authors: Sahoo Seshadev , Raj Rishita
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The academic research into underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) offers many explanations, i.e. signalling, financial and market hypothesis. However, another set of information, namely, “Qualitative Factors” (along with financial and others), are largely reported by the issuing firms in the prospectus. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge no such systematic study has been carried out on how firms’ qualitative factors impact the IPO valuation. This paper aims to addresses this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 82 IPOs issued from 2014 to 2020, we investigate the issuing firm’s pattern of reporting qualitative factors. These qualitative factors are subjected to factor analysis. The authors classify all reported factors across firms into a few categories using principal component analysis. The authors also investigate the impact of these factors on IPO underpricing using OLS regression.

Findings

The authors find that the qualitative information relating to market leadership, established brand image and modern scalable information technology infrastructure significantly influences underpricing. The authors also document that market leadership and brand image are the influential reported quality factors that reduce underpricing. Moreover, location advantage, good customer relationship, established relationship with a client, track record of growth and profitability, experienced promoter and management team failed to influence underpricing.

Originality/value

The outcome of this piece of research offers additional signalling as an attestation of quality for the issue. The authors further argue that the amount of qualitative information disclosed by the managers in the prospectus to support the pricing should not be ignored.
Being held accountable: why attributing responsibility matters
Authors: Josephides Lisette
Published: May 2022

Debates over reconciliation, atonement, forgiveness, and forgetting involve political and personal elements, with substantial investments and commitments. I contrast two perspectives: one stresses unconditional forgiveness independent of atonement; the other reflects on the importance of moral responsibility for the formation of the person. Being held accountable, for Ricoeur, matters for the development of the self. For Derrida, forgiveness is a defining aspect of being human, becoming debased when seen as a legal form of justice. I use philosophical arguments and ethnographic writings from Papua New Guinea, Cyprus, and the Holocaust to examine reconciliation and irreconciliation as strategies for either reaffirming or reimagining a common world.
Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus enteritis: A literature review
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Yu Fang
Published: May 2022

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (CAEBV) enteritis is a rare disease that has not been well described. Owing to the similarities between CAEBV enteritis and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, it is easy to be misdiagnosed and mistreated in clinical practice, resulted in complications and even death in severe cases. Through a literature review, this study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics, pathological features, examinations, and treatment strategies of CAEBV enteritis and its similarities and differences with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Knowledge‐Production in a Provincial Network of the 1790s: The Educational Work of Thomas Beddoes, Thomas Wedgwood, Maria Edgeworth, and S. T. Coleridge
Authors: Fulford Tim
Published: May 2022

I delineate in this article the knowledge‐production of a male/female provincial network that did not perpetuate traditional gender roles. Centred on Clifton, Bristol, it involved sociable conversation, correspondence, circulation of manuscript and privately printed material, publication, and practical pedagogy. Committed to social and political reform, it was an expression of middle‐class liberal dissent, the more radical successor to the Midlands Enlightenment. By 1808, it had made contributions to educational theory and practice. It is worth studying for this reason and because it reveals the development of Midlands Enlightenment projects by the next generation, updating our picture of knowledge‐production and network operation among liberal dissenters in the 1790s. Moreover, the educational schemes of two of its central figures, Thomas Beddoes and Thomas Wedgwood, have been relatively neglected by scholars owing to their inaccessibility. I revalue Beddoes's and Wedgwood's schemes based on my intensive study of their manuscript letters and notes. In the process, I recontextualize the educational publications of other network members who have hitherto mostly been considered separately, Maria Edgeworth and S. T. Coleridge.
Micro‐synteny conservation analysis revealed the evolutionary history of bacterial biphenyl degradation pathway
Authors: Ullah Raqeeb , Zhu Bo , Kakar Kaleem U. , Nawaz Zarqa , Mushtaq Muhammd , Durrani Taimoor Shah , Islam Zia Ul , Nawaz Faheem
Published: May 2022

Phenolic compounds have been enlisted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the European Union (EU) as pollutants of priority concern. The biphenyl degradation pathway plays an essential role in prokaryote polychlorinated biphenyls degradation. Our understanding of prokaryotic pathways and their evolution has dramatically increased in recent years with the advancements in prokaryotic genome sequencing and analysis tools. In this work, we applied bioinformatics tools to study the evolution of the biphenyl degradation pathway focusing on the phylogeny and initiation of four representative species (Burkholderia xenovorans LB400, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans CJ2, Pseudomonas putida F1 and Rhodococcus jostii RHA1). These species contained partial or full concatenated genes from bph gene cluster (i.e. bphRbphA1A2A3A4BCKHJID). The aim was to establish this pathway's origin and development mode in the prokaryotic world. Genomic screening revealed that many bacterial species possess genes for the biphenyl degradation pathway. However, the micro‐synteny conservation analysis indicated that massive gene recruitment events might have occurred during the evolution of the biphenyl degradation pathway. Combining with the phylogenetic positions, this work points to the evolutionary process of acquiring the biphenyl degradation pathway by different fragments through horizontal gene transfer in these bacterial groups. This study reports the first‐ever evidence of the birth of this pathway in the represented species.
A taxonomy of occupational and organisational stressors and protectors of mental health reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia
Authors: Connolly CE , Norris K , Martin A , Dawkins S , Meehan C
Published: May 2022

Aim

To develop a taxonomy of positive and negative occupational and organisational factors reported that impact the mental health of veterinary professionals.

Methods

Veterinary professionals working in Australasia were surveyed between February and June of 2021. The survey comprised two questions related to participants' perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of their job role that impact their mental health and wellbeing. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the responses and generate two taxonomies of occupational and organisation stressors and protectors reported by participants.

Results

Fifty‐three responses from veterinary professionals were analysed. The final stressor taxonomy generated contained 9 overarching themes and 36 subthemes. The most common of these were negative work conditions, challenging relationships with clients, and adverse events and patient outcomes. The taxonomy of protectors contained 11 overarching themes and 32 subthemes, with the most common including fulfillment and satisfaction, positive work conditions, and relationships with colleagues.

Conclusion

This study is the first to examine both positive and negative factors in the veterinary industry reported by veterinary professionals in Australasia. The results highlighted stressors that can be addressed on both an individual and organisational level to promote the mental and health well‐being of professionals working in the animal care industry.
A comparison of two techniques to identify the sex of the eastern blue‐tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides)
Authors: McKenzie A. , Li T. , Doneley B.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The eastern blue‐tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), native to eastern Australia, is commonly kept as both a pet and for breeding. As a sexually monomorphic species, it is important to develop reliable techniques for sex identification, both for breeding and health purposes. Numerous techniques have been developed for the identification of sex in other reptile species but, other than possibly morphometric analysis, none have proven to be reliable in this species. Two techniques showing promise are contrast radiography of the hemepenes/hemeclitores, and morphometrical analysis. This study looks at both techniques and compares them for accuracy.

Methods and Materials

Twenty captive eastern blue‐tongued skinks (of known sex) were sedated, contrast radiography of their hemepenes /hemeclitores was performed, and physical measurements were taken for morphometric analysis. The radiographs were examined by a panel of three researchers (blinded to the known sex) to identify sex. The morphometric data were statistically analysed, following a previously published methodology, and the individual sex identified. Again, the researchers were blinded to the known sex.

Results

The contrast radiography technique was 100% accurate in correctly identifying the sex of all the skinks. Morphometric analysis was, by contrast, only 70% accurate.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Physical differences between wild and captive skinks, as well as different environmental and nutritional factors, may have contributed to the lower accuracy of morphometric analysis in identifying the sex of eastern blue‐tongued skinks. While contrast radiography was more accurate, the need for specialised equipment may render this technique impractical for field researchers, but more suitable for owned animals. More research is needed to assess the impact of captivity on eastern blue‐tongued skinks' physical morphometrics.
Nibble, cut, stomp and burn: Biodiversity effects of disturbances in fen grassland
Authors: Fløjgaard Camilla , Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine , Andersen Dagmar Kappel , Dalby Lars , Lehmann Louise Juhl , Bruun Hans Henrik , Ejrnæs Rasmus
Published: May 2022

Aims

We assessed biodiversity effects of disturbance in meadows and rich fens. We hypothesized that disturbances and their timing affect plant and bryophyte species richness and other indicators of conservation success. More specifically, we expected conservation status to improve with disturbances that mimic natural grazing processes, that is, that extensive year‐round grazing with trampling had a more positive effect than intensive summer grazing or mowing.

Location

Kastbjerg wetlands, Jutland, Denmark.

Methods

In a three‐year field experiment, we applied trampling, season‐specific defoliation with biomass removal and burning in a randomized design in nine wetland sites. We recorded species richness and community composition. Bayesian generalized linear mixed‐effects models were built with treatment as fixed effect, site as random effect and species richness or species composition as responses. Leaf N and P, and soil moisture were included as covariables. Further, a quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) was applied to test for discrimination between treatments based on a set of biodiversity indicators.

Results

Environmental and biotic differences among sites were considerable and significant indicating a considerable effect of historical contingency (local species pool). We found only minor and mostly insignificant effects of disturbance on vegetation. However, a QDA revealed significant differences among treatments based on five indicators for conservation status. Simulated grazing and trampling were generally associated with higher vascular plant richness, bryophyte richness, number of indicator species and stress‐tolerant species and decreasing abundance of competitive species.

Conclusion

We found small, but positive effects of disturbance on biodiversity indicators of wetland vegetation after three years of experimental treatments. Initial site differences explained most variation, indicating strong historical contingency. Our results support the need for restoration of disturbances in fens and meadows, and the importance of prioritizing areas with near‐natural biotas.
A review of trial and real‐world data applying elements of a realist approach to identify behavioural mechanisms supporting practitioners to taper opioids
Authors: Bhattacharya Debi , Whiteside Hattie , Tang Emma , Kantilal Kumud , Loke Yoon , Atkins Bethany , Hill Caroline
Published: May 2022

This evidence synthesis applying realist concepts and behavioural science aimed to identify behavioural mechanisms and contexts that facilitate prescribers tapering opioids. We identified relevant opioid‐tapering interventions and services from a 2018 international systematic review and a 2019 England‐wide survey, respectively. Interventions and services were eligible if they provided information about contexts and/or behavioural mechanisms influencing opioid‐tapering success. A stakeholder group (n = 23) generated draft programme theories based around the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. We refined these using the trial and service data. From 71 articles and 21 survey responses, 56 and 16 respectively were included, representing primary care, hospital, specialist pain facilities and prison services. We identified 6 programme theories comprising 5 behavioural mechanisms: prescribers' knowledge about how to taper; build prescribers' beliefs about capabilities to initiate tapering discussions and manage psychological consequences of tapering; perceived professional role in tapering; the environmental context enabling referral to specialists; and facilitating positive social influence by aligning patient: prescriber expectations of tapering. No interventions are addressing all 6 mechanisms supportive of tapering. Work is required to operationalise programme theories according to organisational structures and resources. An example operationalisation is combining tapering guidelines with information about local excess opioid problems and endorsing these with organisational branding. Prescribers being given the skills and confidence to initiate tapering discussions by training them in cognitive‐based interventions and incorporating access to psychological and physical support in the patient pathway. Patients being provided with leaflets about the tapering process and informed about the patient pathway.
Outcomes of right lobe donors with BMI≥30 for living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Andacoglu Oya , Tokat Yaman , Malamutmann Eugen , Adali Gupse , Emre Anilalp , Oezcelik Arzu
Published: May 2022

Background

Donor BMI above 30 is generally considered contraindication for donor hepatectomy. We compared the donor outcomes based on BMI threshold and weight loss.

Patients and methods

All potential donors were identified and data were collected retrospectively. Steatosis was assessed based on liver‐spleen Hounsfield unit difference and absolute liver intensity values. We compared BMI≥30 (n = 53) and BMI < 30 (n = 64) donor outcomes. Donors with weight loss (WL) prior to surgery were also analyzed separately. Complications were graded by Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

All donors underwent open right donor hepatectomy. There was no difference between BMI≥30 and < 30 groups except female predominance in BMI≥30 group (P = .006). Both groups had similar rates of complication rates in all categories, similar remnant volume, operative time, length of stay and similar postoperative liver function recovery (all P > .05). On the other hand, donors with WL were more commonly male, had smaller graft size, and higher biliary complications rates compared to no‐WL donors (all P < .05). Multivariate binary logistics regression analysis revealed no association between BMI or WL and outcomes.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that donors with BMI≥30 have similar outcomes compared to BMI < 30 donors with our defined selection criterion, therefore BMI≥30 is not an absolute contraindication to donate right liver, provided that there is no significant steatosis and remnant liver is satisfactory. For potential overweight donors, WL down to BMI < 30 is a reasonable target. Higher biliary complication rates after WL should be investigated further.
Flexible inclusion of dialogue about psychosocial aspects of life with type 1 diabetes in routine consultations: A study of a questionnaire‐based dialogue tool to promote person‐centred support
Authors: Joensen Lene Eide , Schultz Astrid Andrea , Madsen Kristoffer Panduro , Persson Frederik , Nørgaard Kirsten , Kristensen Peter Lommer , Pedersen Jens , Willaing Ingrid
Published: May 2022

Aims

To explore (1) experiences among people with type 1 diabetes and diabetologists of using a questionnaire‐based dialogue tool in routine consultations to identify and address psychosocial challenges and (2) experiences of person‐centredness in this group compared with a group who did not use the tool.

Methods

In all, 42 people with type 1 diabetes (mean age 54 years, mean diabetes duration 31 years and 60% women) were interviewed and completed an evaluation questionnaire following a routine consultation with the use of a dialogue tool including PAID‐5, WHO‐5 and open‐ended questions. A comparison group of 42 people with type 1 diabetes attending routine consultations without the use of dialogue tools completed evaluation questionnaires. All consultations were audio recorded. Diabetologists were interviewed after completing all test consultations. Interviews were analysed using thematic text condensation. Evaluation questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square tests and Student's two‐sided t‐tests.

Results

Most participants found questions in the dialogue tool relevant to discuss with the diabetologist, and two‐thirds were satisfied with the time spent on that. Experiences of people with type 1 diabetes and diabetologists were related to three pathways: (1) the tool supported valuable conversations with the diabetologist, (2) conversations with the diabetologist were unchanged and (3) the tool derailed conversations. All participants reported high levels of person centredness; however, significantly more in the comparison group reported that the diabetologist made them feel at ease (80 vs. 55%) and discussed and planned specific changes with them (93 vs. 67%).

Conclusion

A questionnaire‐based dialogue tool in consultations can support the discussion of psychosocial issues of people with type 1 diabetes. However, flexible and tailored use of the dialogue tool is crucial as consultations may otherwise be derailed.
Modulation of sensory cortical activity by deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Korsun Olesia , Renvall Hanna , Nurminen Jussi , Mäkelä Jyrki P. , Pekkonen Eero
Published: May 2022

Despite optimal oral drug treatment, about 90% of patients with Parkinson's disease develop motor fluctuation and dyskinesia within 5–10 years from the diagnosis. Moreover, the patients show non‐motor symptoms in different sensory domains. Bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) applied to the subthalamic nucleus is considered the most effective treatment in advanced Parkinson's disease, and it has been suggested to affect sensorimotor modulation and relate to motor improvement in patients. However, observations on the relationship between sensorimotor activity and clinical improvement have remained sparse. Here, we studied the somatosensory evoked magnetic fields in 13 right‐handed patients with advanced Parkinson's disease before and 7 months after stimulator implantation. Somatosensory processing was addressed with magnetoencephalography during alternated median nerve stimulation at both wrists. The strengths and the latencies of the ~60‐ms responses at the contralateral primary somatosensory cortices were highly variable but detectable and reliably localized in all patients. The response strengths did not differ between preoperative and postoperative DBSON measurements. The change in the response strength between preoperative and postoperative condition in the dominant left hemisphere of our right‐handed patients correlated with the alleviation of their motor symptoms (p = .04). However, the result did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Magnetoencephalography appears an effective tool to explore non‐motor effects in patients with Parkinson's disease, and it may help in understanding the neurophysiological basis of DBS. However, the high interindividual variability in the somatosensory responses and poor tolerability of DBSOFF condition warrants larger patient groups and measurements also in non‐medicated patients.
Patient‐specific structural connectivity informs outcomes of responsive neurostimulation for temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Charlebois Chantel M. , Anderson Daria Nesterovich , Johnson Kara A. , Philip Brian J. , Davis Tyler S. , Newman Blake J. , Peters Angela Y. , Arain Amir M. , Dorval Alan D. , Rolston John D. , Butson Christopher R.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Responsive neurostimulation is an effective therapy for patients with refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. However, clinical outcomes are variable, few patients become seizure‐free, and the optimal stimulation location is currently undefined. The aim of this study was to quantify responsive neurostimulation in the mesial temporal lobe, identify stimulation‐dependent networks associated with seizure reduction, and determine if stimulation location or stimulation‐dependent networks inform outcomes.

Methods

We modeled patient‐specific volumes of tissue activated and created probabilistic stimulation maps of local regions of stimulation across a retrospective cohort of 22 patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We then mapped the network stimulation effects by seeding tractography from the volume of tissue activated with both patient‐specific and normative diffusion‐weighted imaging. We identified networks associated with seizure reduction across patients using the patient‐specific tractography maps and then predicted seizure reduction across the cohort.

Results

Patient‐specific stimulation‐dependent connectivity was correlated with responsive neurostimulation effectiveness after cross‐validation (p = .03); however, normative connectivity derived from healthy subjects was not (p = .44). Increased connectivity from the volume of tissue activated to the medial prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and precuneus was associated with greater seizure reduction.

Significance

Overall, our results suggest that the therapeutic effect of responsive neurostimulation may be mediated by specific networks connected to the volume of tissue activated. In addition, patient‐specific tractography was required to identify structural networks correlated with outcomes. It is therefore likely that altered connectivity in patients with epilepsy may be associated with the therapeutic effect and that utilizing patient‐specific imaging could be important for future studies. The structural networks identified here may be utilized to target stimulation in the mesial temporal lobe and to improve seizure reduction for patients treated with responsive neurostimulation.
Towards mapping biodiversity from above: Can fusing lidar and hyperspectral remote sensing predict taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic tree diversity in temperate forests?
Authors: Kamoske Aaron G. , Dahlin Kyla M. , Read Quentin D. , Record Sydne , Stark Scott C. , Serbin Shawn P. , Zarnetske Phoebe L.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Rapid global change is impacting the diversity of tree species and essential ecosystem functions and services of forests. It is therefore critical to understand and predict how the diversity of tree species is spatially distributed within and among forest biomes. Satellite remote sensing platforms have been used for decades to map forest structure and function but are limited in their capacity to monitor change by their relatively coarse spatial resolution and the complexity of scales at which different dimensions of biodiversity are observed in the field. Recently, airborne remote sensing platforms making use of passive high spectral resolution (i.e., hyperspectral) and active lidar data have been operationalized, providing an opportunity to disentangle how biodiversity patterns vary across space and time from field observations to larger scales. Most studies to date have focused on single sites and/or one sensor type; here we ask how multiple sensor types from the National Ecological Observatory Network’s Airborne Observation Platform (NEON AOP) perform across multiple sites in a single biome at the NEON field plot scale (i.e., 40 m × 40 m).

Location

Eastern USA.

Time period

2017–2018.

Taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

With a fusion of hyperspectral and lidar data from the NEON AOP, we assess the ability of high resolution remotely sensed metrics to measure biodiversity variation across eastern US temperate forests. We examine how taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic measures of alpha diversity vary spatially and assess to what degree remotely sensed metrics correlate with in situ biodiversity metrics.

Results

Models using estimates of forest function, canopy structure, and topographic diversity performed better than models containing each category alone. Our results show that canopy structural diversity, and not just spectral reflectance, is critical to predicting biodiversity.

Main conclusions

We found that an approach that jointly leverages spectral properties related to leaf and canopy functional traits and forest health, lidar derived estimates of forest structure, fine‐resolution topographic diversity, and careful consideration of biogeographical differences within and among biomes is needed to accurately map biodiversity variation from above.
Piagetian's principles on moral development and its influence on the oral hygiene practices of Indian children: An embedded mixed‐method approach
Authors: Asokan Sharath , GeethaPriya PR , Natchiyar Nambi , Viswanath Sudhandra
Published: May 2022

Background

Moral principles in children can influence their oral hygiene practices and can be beneficial in providing better oral health care.

Aim

To assess the consistency of Piaget's moral development principles in Indian children aged 7 to 11 years and evaluate its influence on their oral hygiene practices.

Design

The first phase of the embedded mixed‐method approach included telephone interviews of 50 children on eight situations of moral development as suggested by Jean Piaget. Children were categorised into heteronomous and autonomous moralities based on the content analysis. The second phase of the study included a semi‐structured qualitative interview on knowledge and practice behaviour of children on oral hygiene maintenance.

Results

There was no significant difference in the overall moral development of children aged 7 to 9 years and 9 to 11 years (p = .57). Only 4.8% of girls had heteronomous morality, and a significant difference was noted between boys and girls (p = .014). There was a significant difference in the oral hygiene practices observed between heteronomous morality and autonomous morality children.

Conclusion

Children were autonomous in their morality at 7 to 9 years of age. Children with autonomous morality performed better oral hygiene practices than children with heteronomous morality.
Gypsum amendment influences performance and mineral absorption in wheat cultivars grown in normal and saline‐sodic soils
Authors: Morsy Sabah , Elbasyoni Ibrahim S. , Baenziger Stephen , Abdallah Ahmed M.
Published: May 2022

In arid and semi‐arid regions, soil salinity and sodicity are the most common constraints to agriculture production, in particular in North Africa. The effect of gypsum application has been widely studied in saline‐sodic soils. However, the gypsum amendment's influence on the performance, productivity and mineral absorption of salt‐sensitive and tolerant wheat cultivars in both saline‐sodic and normal soils under field conditions has not yet been investigated. A two‐season (2016–17 and 2017–18) field experiment was undertaken to investigate the impact of gypsum on wheat growth, yield and minerals uptake for salt‐tolerant and sensitive cultivars grown in normal(EC = 1.3 dS m−1, pH = 8.4 and ESP = 7.1–8.0%) and saline‐sodic soils (EC = 5.8–6.2 dS m−1, pH = 8.8 and ESP = 19.3–22.4%) in the western Nile delta, Egypt. The gypsum requirement was applied to decrease the initial ESP from 19.3–22.4 to 10.0% was calculated for 0.3 m soil depth. Gypsum application (6.0 and 4.7 ton ha1, for the first and second season, respectively) reduced soil pH, EC and ESP of saline‐sodic soil by 31.6, 7.3 and 39.0%, respectively (two‐season mean). Furthermore, gypsum application increased Ca2+, Mg2+and K+in the flag leaf by 54.7, 24.5 and 45.7%, respectively (2‐season mean) under saline‐sodic soil. While, in the normal soil, gypsum application increased Ca2+, Mg2+and K+by 67.3, 32.7 and 78.7%, respectively. In contrast, gypsum applications decreased Na+and Cl−content by 17.2 and 15.0% and by 40.0 and 35.5%, respectively, in the saline‐sodic and normal soil, respectively. Under saline‐sodic and normal soils, gypsum application significantly increased the K/Na ratio by 90.0 and 175.2%, respectively (2‐season mean). Interestingly, across cultivars, gypsum amendment increased grain yield by 20.7% (6.9 to 8.3 t ha−1) for normal soil and by 8.0% (5.8 to 6.3 t ha−1) for saline‐sodic soil. The positive impact of gypsum was more pronounced under the normal soil and for the salt‐sensitive cultivars than in saline‐sodic soil and for salt‐tolerant cultivars. Growers can cultivate salt‐tolerant cultivars and use gypsum as a precaution to reduce saline‐sodicity build‐up and to increase nutrient absorption.
Soft tissue phenotype modification predicts gingival margin long‐term (10‐year) stability: Longitudinal analysis of six randomized clinical trials
Authors: Barootchi Shayan , Tavelli Lorenzo , Di Gianfilippo Riccardo , Shedden Kerby , Oh Tae‐Ju , Rasperini Giulio , Neiva Rodrigo , Giannobile William V. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2022

Aim

To assess the prognostic value of soft tissue phenotype modification following root coverage procedures for predicting the long‐term (10‐year) behaviour of the gingival margin.

Materials and Methods

Participants from six randomized clinical trials on root coverage procedures at the University of Michigan were re‐invited for a longitudinal evaluation. Clinical measurements were obtained by two calibrated examiners. A data‐driven approach to model selection with Akaike information criterion (AIC) was carried out via multilevel regression analyses and partial regression plotting for changes in the level of the gingival margin over time and interactions with the early (6‐month) results of soft tissue phenotypic modification.

Results

One‐hundred and fifty‐seven treated sites in 83 patients were re‐assessed at the long‐term recall. AIC‐driven model selection and regression analyses demonstrated that 6‐month keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) influenced the trajectory of the gingival margin similarly in a concave manner; however, GT was the driving determinant that predicted significantly less relapse in the treatments, with stability of the treated gingival margin obtained beyond values of 1.46 mm.

Conclusions

Among a compliant patient cohort, irrespective of the rendered therapy, the presence of at least 1.5 mm KTW and 1.46 mm GT was correlated with the long‐term stability of the gingival margin.
Foreign Investment under the Spotlight of Home Media
Authors: Liu Wai‐Man , Yu Jing , Zhang Bohui
Published: May 2022

This study examines the informational role of home media for foreign equity investment. Using a large sample of 38 host countries, we document a positive association between U.S. mutual fund ownership in a local stock and the coverage of U.S. major news providers on that stock. In addition to the conventional information dissemination and attention‐grabbing media effects, we provide evidence of a novel home media effect that professional investors tend to entrust their home media in their foreign investments. Our findings help explain the international finance anomaly regarding the dependence of firm returns on home and foreign market factors.
Identification through the Manchester Triage System of the older population at risk of delirium: A case–control study
Authors: Soler‐Sanchis Angela , Martínez‐Arnau Francisco Miguel , Sánchez‐Frutos José , Pérez‐Ros Pilar
Published: May 2022

Objective

To identify the flow charts and discriminators of the Manchester Triage System that are most likely to identify the onset of delirium in older people.

Background

Delirium is an underdiagnosed geriatric syndrome, and up to 80% of all cases of delirium go undetected in emergency departments. Patient triage seeks to manage clinical risk with a view to safely and appropriately managing patient flows.

Design

A case–control study was performed according to the STROBE checklist.

Setting

The emergency department of a secondary hospital.

Participants

Older adults aged ≥65 years and admitted from 1 January to 31 December 2020.

Methods

Older patients were identified from the emergency department research database. Cases were defined as patients diagnosed with delirium (n = 128), excluding cases of delirium due to alcohol or substance abuse. Controls were randomised from the remaining patients (n = 128).

Results

A total of 29.35% of the subjects admitted to the emergency department were older adults with an incidence of delirium of 0.7%. The flow charts with the highest probability of delirium were ‘unwell adult’ [OR = 3.04 (95%CI:1.82–5.1)] and ‘behaving strangely’ [OR = 16.06 (95%CI:3.72–69.29)], and the discriminators were ‘rapid onset’ [OR = 3.3 (95%CI:1.85–5.88)] and ‘new neurological deficit less than 24 h old’ [OR = 4.76 (95%%CI:1.01–22.5). The area under the curve for ‘unwell adult’ in the presence of dementia, previous stroke and fall in the previous 30 days was 0.73 (95%CI: 0.67–0.79), and that for ‘behaving strangely’ in the presence of diabetes was 0.75 (95%CI: 0.69–0.81).

Conclusions

Knowing which flow charts, discriminators and risk factors are most likely to predict delirium allows the identification of the older population at risk for triage screening in emergency departments.

Relevance to clinical practice

Risk factors such as diabetes, dementia, previous stroke and recent fall among ‘unwell adult’ or ‘behaving strangely’ triaged older persons should be assessed for the probable presence of delirium.
Physicochemical and sensory properties of biscuits formulated with Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus flours
Authors: Ortolá María Dolores , Martínez‐Catalá Miguel , Yuste Del Carmen Alberto , Castelló María Luisa
Published: May 2022

The use of insects is considered by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as an alternative source of protein for human and animal food in order to reduce the carbon footprint caused by meat production and to supply the expected population increase with food. In this regard, the aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical aspects (water activity, protein and fat content, size, optical and mechanical properties) of biscuits prepared with two different insect powders (Tenebrio molitor [TM] and Alphitobius diaperinus [AD], in different percentages [0, 13, 17, 20, and 25%]) based on total weight. In addition, the biscuits formulated with the highest insect powder content were subjected to sensory analysis. The results revealed that all the biscuits formulated with insect powders may be labeled as “high in protein” products following Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006, although they were not as thick as the control biscuits. The L* and b* coordinates were significantly lower when the insect powders were included, which implied a darkening of the biscuits, which were also harder than the control biscuits, regardless the concentration used. According to the sensory analysis, most panelists perceived the biscuits containing insects as too dark and not crunchy enough and an increase in sweetness might improve their acceptability. Finally, further studies should be carried out to analyze the influence of different structural components and flavorings, such as chocolate, in the formulation of biscuits with insect powders to improve their sensory attributes.
Diverse effects of shorter potential unemployment benefit duration on labor market outcomes in Germany
Authors: Petrunyk Inna , Pfeifer Christian
Published: May 2022

This paper explores diverse effects of an unemployment benefit (UB) reform in Germany on labor market outcomes of individuals with health impairment. The reform induced substantial reductions in potential duration of regular UB for older workers, which is exploited in a difference‐in‐differences setting. The results provide evidence for a decrease in days in UB, an increase in days in employment, and an increase in days in unemployment assistance. The effects on UB and employment are smaller and the effects on unemployment assistance are larger for unemployed and non‐employed individuals than for individuals who were employed before medical rehabilitations.
Chromosome‐level genome of Pedinomonas minor (Chlorophyta) unveils adaptations to abiotic stress in a rapidly fluctuating environment
Authors: Xu Yan , Wang Hongli , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Li Linzhou , Liang Hongping , Günther Gerd , Wong Gane Ka‐Shu , Melkonian Barbara , Melkonian Michael , Liu Huan , Wang Sibo
Published: May 2022

The Pedinophyceae (Viridiplantae) comprise a class of small uniflagellate algae with a pivotal position in the phylogeny of the Chlorophyta as the sister group of the ‘core chlorophytes’. We present a chromosome‐level genome assembly of the freshwater type species of the class, Pedinomonas minor.

We sequenced the genome using Pacbio, Illumina and Hi‐C technologies, performed comparative analyses of genome and gene family evolution, and analyzed the transcriptome under various abiotic stresses.

Although the genome is relatively small (55 Mb), it shares many traits with core chlorophytes including number of introns and protein‐coding genes, messenger RNA (mRNA) lengths, and abundance of transposable elements. Pedinomonas minor is only bounded by the plasma membrane, thriving in temporary habitats that frequently dry out. Gene family innovations and expansions and transcriptomic responses to abiotic stresses have shed light on adaptations of P. minor to its fluctuating environment. Horizontal gene transfers from bacteria and fungi have possibly contributed to the evolution of some of these traits.

We identified a putative endogenization site of a nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus and hypothesized that endogenous viral elements donated foreign genes to the host genome, their spread enhanced by transposable elements, located at gene boundaries in several of the expanded gene families.
Uncovering the effects of Müllerian mimicry on the evolution of conspicuousness in colour patterns
Authors: Sculfort Ombeline , Maisonneuve Ludovic , Elias Marianne , Aubier Thomas G. , Llaurens Violaine
Published: May 2022

Variation in the conspicuousness of colour patterns is observed within and among defended prey species. The evolution of conspicuous colour pattern in defended species can be strongly impaired because of increased detectability by predators. Nevertheless, such evolution of the colour pattern can be favoured if changes in conspicuousness result in Müllerian mimicry with other defended prey. Here, we develop a model describing the population dynamics of a conspicuous defended prey species, and we assess the invasion conditions of derived phenotypes that differ from the ancestral phenotype by their conspicuousness. Such change in conspicuousness may then modify their level of mimicry with the local community of defended species. Derived colour pattern displayed in this focal population can therefore be either exactly similar, partially resembling or completely dissimilar to the local mimicry ring displaying the ancestral colour pattern. We assume that predation risk depends 1) on the number of individuals sharing a given colour pattern within the population, 2) on the occurrence of co‐mimetic defended species and 3) on the availability of alternative edible prey. Using a combination of analytical derivations and numerical simulations, we show that colour patterns that are less conspicuous than the ancestral one are generally favoured within mimicry rings, unless reduced conspicuousness impairs mimicry. By contrast, when a mutation affecting the colour pattern leads to a shift toward a better protected mimicry ring, a more conspicuous colour pattern can be favoured. The selected aposematic pattern then depends on the local communities of defended and edible prey, as well as on the detectability, memorability and level of mimicry of the colour patterns.
Survival of the sickest: selective predation differentially modulates ecological and evolutionary disease dynamics
Authors: Gutierrez Stephanie O. , Minchella Dennis J. , Bernal Ximena E.
Published: May 2022

Predators and parasites are critical, interconnected members of the community and have the potential to shape host populations. Predators, in particular, can have direct and indirect impacts on disease dynamics. By removing hosts and their parasites, predators alter both host and parasite populations and ultimately shape disease transmission. Selective predation of infected hosts has received considerable attention as it is recognized to have important ecological implications. The occurrence and consequences of preferential consumption of uninfected hosts, however, has rarely been considered. Here, we synthesize current evidence suggesting this strategy of selectively predating uninfected individuals is likely more common than previously anticipated and address how including this predation strategy can change our understanding of the ecology and evolution of disease dynamics. Selective predation strategies are expected to differentially impact ecological dynamics and therefore, consideration of both strategies is required to fully understand the impact of predation on prey and host densities. In addition, given that different strategies of prey selectivity by predators change the fitness payoffs both for hosts and their parasites, we predict amplified coevolutionary rates under selective predation of infected hosts compared to uninfected hosts. Using recent work highlighting the critical role that predators play in disease dynamics, we provide insights into the potential mechanisms by which selective predation on healthy individuals can directly affect ecological outcomes and impact long‐term host–parasite coevolution. We contrast the consequences of both scenarios of selective predation while identifying current gaps in the literature and future research directions.
CstMYB14 links ROS signaling, apocarotenoid metabolism, and stress response in Crocus sativus L.
Authors: Hussain Khadim , Kumar Amit , Fayaz Mohd , Misra Prashant , Ashraf Nasheeman
Published: May 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) behave as signaling molecules and induce biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites, including apocarotenoids, which play critical roles in stress tolerance through radical scavenging. However, the mechanism that regulates ROS responsive apocarotenoid metabolism and subsequent stress response is unknown. In this study, an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor (CstMYB14) was identified from Crocus sativus L., which acts as a regulator of apocarotenoid biosynthesis. CstMYB14 expression increases in response to H2O2 in a concentration and time‐dependent manner. CstMYB14 localizes to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional activator. Over‐expression of CstMYB14 in Crocus stigmas enhanced apocarotenoid biosynthesis. Yeast‐one‐hybrid demonstrated binding of CstMYB14 to promoters of two apocarotenoid pathway genes (phytoene synthase and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2). Nicotiana benthamiana plants overexpressing CstMYB14 showed better growth and higher stress tolerance than wild type plants. Higher antioxidant activity in CstMYB14‐Ox plants indicated that stress tolerance might be due to ROS scavenging. These results establish a molecular link between ROS signaling, apocarotenoid metabolism and stress tolerance. Further, CstMYB14 is shown to act as a key regulator which modulates ROS responsive biosynthesis of apocarotenoids which in turn impart stress tolerance through ROS scavenging.