bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk‐reducing strategies after a product‐harm crisis: The moderating role of controllability attribution
Authors: Zhimei Yuan , Yi Guo
Published: September 2022

Extant research on crisis communication underexplored firm responses in terms of risk‐reducing strategies. When a product‐harm crisis occurs, a focal firm can use strategies targeted at repairing the damage that has already happened (i.e., to reduce consequence) or preventing the recurrence of the crisis (i.e., to reduce recurrence likelihood) to mitigate potential damage and assuage public concern. This paper reveals that the effectiveness of risk‐reducing strategies is influenced by consumers' controllability attribution. Controllability attribution refers to whether or not consumers perceive that a focal firm could have prevented an event from happening. Results of the study indicate that consequence‐reducing strategies lead to better attitudes, but not greater worry reduction than likelihood‐reducing strategies when controllability attribution is low. However, likelihood‐reducing strategies result in greater worry reduction, but not better attitudes than consequence‐reducing strategies when controllability attribution is high. Message credibility perceptions fully mediate the effects of risk‐reducing strategies on attitudes and worry reduction in the case of low firm controllability. The results highlight the role of controllability attribution in affecting the relative effectiveness of the two risk‐reducing strategies.
The characterization of disperse dyes in polyester fibers using DART mass spectrometry
Authors: Millbern Zoe , Vinueza Nelson R.
Published: September 2022

Textile fibers alone are highly prevalent in our environment, and not only are there a wide variety of fibers, but generally, consumer textiles are colored. Given the variety of crime locations where dyes are encountered and the potential circumstances, a rapid, preparation free analysis of samples is highly beneficial. This study has characterized a collection of commercially available textiles dyes by verifying the chemical structure, collecting reference spectra, and developing a method to analyze dyed fibers via Direct Analysis in Real‐Time (DART) mass spectrometry. A methodology for direct analysis of pieces of fabric and single thread samples of polyester fibers dyed with disperse dyes was developed. The presence of 31 target dyes on fibers whose structures were previously established via high‐resolution mass spectrometry was confirmed. Dyed fabrics containing mixtures of dyes in varying concentrations were also evaluated to determine whether each dye in the composition could be detected. The DART‐MS methodology was sensitive and positively characterized disperse dyes in polyester fibers, allowing for blind identification of mixtures with the assistance of a high‐resolution mass spectrometry database.
Virtual navigation bronchoscopy‐guided intraoperative indocyanine green localization in simultaneous surgery for multiple pulmonary nodules
Authors: Yang Qingjie , Han Kaibao , Lv Shenghua , Li Qingtian , Sun Xiaoyan , Feng Xinhai , Kang Mingqiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Accurate localization of pulmonary nodules is the main difficulty experienced in wedge resection. Commonly used localization methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, clinical work has demonstrated that intraoperative indocyanine green localization under electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy/virtual navigation bronchoscopy (VNB) is more advantageous than conventional methods for patients with multiple pulmonary nodules undergoing simultaneous surgery, especially for those undergoing bilateral lung surgery.

Methods

Data of patients undergoing simultaneous surgery for multiple pulmonary nodules with preoperative methylene blue localization by computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous lung puncture (methylene blue group) or intraoperative indocyanine green localization under VNB (virtual navigation group) were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, pulmonary nodule features, localization time, preoperative location time, location success rate, operation time, complication incidence, visceral pleural staining rate after localization, and pulmonary nodule primary resection success rate were compared between the two groups.

Results

The methylene blue and virtual navigation groups comprised 39 and 20 patients with 119 and 67 pulmonary nodules resected, respectively. Sex, age, number of pulmonary nodules resected simultaneously, unilateral/bilateral lung surgery, pulmonary nodule size, distance between pulmonary nodules and the visceral pleura, pulmonary nodule consolidation‐to‐tumor ratio, location of pulmonary nodules in the pulmonary lobe, postoperative pathology, visceral pleura staining rate, primary pulmonary nodule resection success rate, and surgical duration did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). The localization time of the virtual navigation group was significantly shorter than that of the methylene blue group (p < 0.05), regardless of unilateral or bilateral multiple nodules. In the methylene blue group, 25.64% (10/39) of patients presented complications, all of which were pneumothorax, whereas no complications were found in the virtual navigation group.

Conclusions

For patients with multiple pulmonary nodules undergoing simultaneous surgery, indocyanine green injection under VNB can achieve a similar effect on pulmonary nodule localization as classical methylene blue injection under CT‐guided percutaneous lung puncture, with shorter localization time and fewer complications.
Balancing structural complexity with ecological insight in Spatio‐temporal species distribution models
Authors: Laxton Megan R. , Rodríguez de Rivera Óscar , Soriano‐Redondo Andrea , Illian Janine B.
Published: September 2022

The potential for statistical complexity in species distribution models (SDMs) has greatly increased with advances in computational power. Structurally complex models provide the flexibility to analyse intricate ecological systems and realistically messy data, but can be difficult to interpret, reducing their practical impact. Founding model complexity in ecological theory can improve insight gained from SDMs.

Here, we evaluate a marked point process approach, which uses multiple Gaussian random fields to represent population dynamics of the Eurasian crane Grus grus in a spatio‐temporal species distribution model. We discuss the role of model components and their impacts on predictions, in comparison with a simpler binomial presence/absence approach. Inference is carried out using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) with inlabru, an accessible and computationally efficient approach for Bayesian hierarchical modelling, which is not yet widely used in SDMs.

Using the marked point process approach, crane distribution was predicted to be dependent on the density of suitable habitat patches, as well as close to observations of the existing population. This demonstrates the advantage of complex model components in accounting for spatio‐temporal population dynamics (such as habitat preferences and dispersal limitations) that are not explained by environmental variables. However, including an AR1 temporal correlation structure in the models resulted in unrealistic predictions of species distribution; highlighting the need for careful consideration when determining the level of model complexity.

Increasing model complexity, with careful evaluation of the effects of additional model components, can provide a more realistic representation of a system, which is of particular importance for a practical and impact‐focused discipline such as ecology (though these methods extend to applications for a wide range of systems). Founding complexity in contextual theory is not only fundamental to maintaining model interpretability but can be a useful approach to improving insight gained from model outputs.
Migration Mapper: Identifying movement corridors and seasonal ranges for large mammal conservation
Authors: Merkle Jerod A. , Gage Josh , Sawyer Hall , Lowrey Blake , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: September 2022

Modern tracking technology has facilitated a novel understanding of terrestrial mammal movement while revealing that movements are being truncated and lost. The first step towards conserving mobile animals is identifying movement corridors and key seasonal ranges. Yet, the identification and subsequent mapping of these important areas has remained a challenge due to the analytical skills necessary to conduct such analyses.

Migration Mapper (MM) is a user‐friendly software that provides tools to analyse global positioning system (GPS) collar data to create season‐specific, population‐level polygons representing areas where most of a population moves (i.e. movement corridors) and areas where most of a population spends time (e.g. high‐use areas, seasonal ranges).

MM consists of six standalone modules including data cleaning and review, seasonal movement delineation, movement model application, calculation of population‐level outputs and visualization of results.

Analysis of GPS data using MM can provide the spatial polygons necessary to facilitate conservation and policy planning. New initiatives at the local and global levels are already beginning to use MM to facilitate conservation of large, terrestrial mammals.
The role of the peat seed bank in plant community dynamics of a fire‐prone New Zealand restiad bog
Authors: Wilson Clara Renée , Lusk Christopher H. , Campbell David Ian
Published: September 2022

New Zealand restiad bogs have histories of natural fire, which is reflected in the presence of plant species with adaptations such as serotiny and fire‐stimulated flowering. The possibility of fire‐cued germination has not been investigated in restiad bogs, despite its widespread occurrence in other fire‐prone environments, globally. We performed a glasshouse experiment to assess the role of peat seed banks in post‐fire regeneration at Kopuatai Bog in northern New Zealand. Peat samples collected were either (a) heated until they reached 70 °C, (b) exposed to wood smoke for 30 min, (c) heated and smoked consecutively, or (d) left untreated. The emergence of vascular plants was then monitored for 105 days in a glasshouse. Mean seedling density was highest in the control treatment (7228 ± SE 1040 m−2); it was lowest in the heated samples, suggesting that the heat treatment may have been excessive. Smoke did not significantly increase emergence. Epacris pauciflora accounted for 76.7% of total seedlings, consistent with our hypothesis based on vegetation surveys that this species relies on synchronous post‐fire seed bank germination. E. pauciflora was most abundant in the control, suggesting that emergence is in response to some disturbance‐related cue other than heat or smoke. The restiad Sporadanthus ferrugineus was abundant in the control and smoke treatments. Its emergence following heating was reduced, but still considerable enough to cast doubt on its classification as a fire‐sensitive species. In contrast, the dominant peat‐forming restiad Empodisma robustum showed low levels of emergence. Our overall findings demonstrate that substantial quantities of viable seed are stored in the upper peat layers of a restiad bog and are capable of germinating in response to disturbance‐related environmental changes. These findings contribute to our understanding of restiad peatland plant community dynamics, particularly explaining the mechanism behind increased E. pauciflora dominance post‐fire.
Antimicrobial resistance in patients with endodontic infections: A systematic scoping review of observational studies
Authors: Ardila Carlos‐M. , Bedoya‐García Jader‐Alexander , González‐Arroyave Daniel
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and proportions of antimicrobial‐resistant species in patients with endodontic infections. A systematic scoping review of scientific evidence was accomplished involving different databases. Nine investigations were selected including 651 patients. Enterococcus faecalis was resistant to tetracycline (30%–70%), clindamycin (100%), erythromycin (10%–20%), ampicillin (9%) and azithromycin (60%). On the contrary, Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, metronidazole and clindamycin in different proportions. Fusobacterium nucleatum showed high resistance to amoxicillin, amoxicillin plus clavulanate and erythromycin. Prevotella oralis presented a predisposition to augment its resistance to clindamycin over time. Tanerella forsythia exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. Lactococcus lactis presented robust resistance to cephalosporins, metronidazole, penicillin, amoxicillin and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. It was observed high levels of resistance to antimicrobials that have been utilised in the local and systemic treatment of oral cavity infections.
Tube thoracostomy for trauma at Counties Manukau District Health Board, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Coomarasamy Christin , Henshall Kevin , MacCormick Andrew D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Tube thoracostomy (TT) in trauma is lifesaving. A previous audit at Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB), New Zealand, showed a 22% complication rate for trauma TT. Subsequently CMDHB introduced a procedural guideline to reduce complications. The Health and Disability Commission published a report concerning oversights in TT removal. This led us to evaluate complications, documentation and procedural monitoring to identify ways to improve patient safety.

Method

A 30‐month retrospective audit of patients presenting to CMDHB, with injuries which may require TT. Those who had a TT in situ, did not require a TT or whose presentation was not secondary to trauma were excluded.

Results

One hundred and forty‐three TTs were performed in one hundred and fifteen patients. About 87% had injuries secondary to blunt mechanism. Penetrating injuries were more likely to require TT (P = 0.015). Non‐accidental injuries were more likely to need TT (P = 0.025). The complication rate was 25.2%. TT prior to imaging had a 31% complication rate (P < 0.03). About 23% had no TT insertion note. 40% had no TT removal note. About 9% TT insertions had no tertiary information to identify the proceduralist and a complication rate of 46%. About 22% of insertions and 4% of removals documented consent. About 2% of insertions documented anticoagulation status. Interventional radiology had the best documentation of data points assessed (P < 0.0001). Post‐procedural monitoring recommendations were documented in 1% insertions and 11% removals.

Conclusions

The complication rate has not reduced despite introduction of a guideline. Procedural documentation and monitoring were inadequate, potentially impacting patient safety.
Retinal ganglion cell topography and spatial resolution in the smelt Hypomesus japonicus (Brevoort, 1856)
Authors: Kondrashev Sergei , Pushchin Igor , Gatilova Svetlana , Kamenev Yaroslav
Published: September 2022

The present study deals with the topography of retinal ganglion cells (GCs) and spatial resolution in the smelt Hypomesus japonicus. The eyes and retinae were examined by light microscopy and computerized tomography. DAPI labelling was used to visualize cell nuclei in the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers. Two zones of increased GC density in the nasal and temporal retina were bridged by a horizontal streak with the GC density ranging from 5600 to 8000 cells/mm2. The maximum cell density (area retinae temporalis) ranged from 9492 to 14,112 cells/mm2, and the total number of GCs varied from 286 x 103 to 326 x 103 cells in three individuals. The theoretical anatomical spatial resolution (the anatomical estimate of the upper limit of visual acuity) was minimum in the ventral periphery (smaller fish, 1.43 cpd; larger fish, 1.37 cpd) and maximum in area retinae temporalis (smaller fish, 2.83 cpd; larger fish, 2.41 cpd). The relatively high density of GCs and presence of the horizontal streak and area retinae temporalis in the H. japonicus are consistent with its highly visual behaviour. The present findings contribute to better understanding of the factors affecting the topography of retinal ganglion cells and mechanisms of visual adaptation in fish.
Estimating Tree-Based Dynamic Treatment Regimes Using Observational Data with Restricted Treatment Sequences
Authors: Zhou Nina , Wang Lu , Almirall Daniel
Published: September 2022

A dynamic treatment regime (DTR) is a sequence of decision rules that provide guidance on how to treat individuals based on their static and time-varying status. Existing observational data are often used to generate hypotheses about effective DTRs. A common challenge with observational data, however, is the need for analysts to consider “restrictions” on the treatment sequences. Such restrictions may be necessary for settings where (1) one or more treatment sequences that were offered to individuals when the data were collected are no longer considered viable in practice, (2) specific treatment sequences are no longer available, or (3) the scientific focus of the analysis concerns a specific type of treatment sequences (eg, “stepped-up” treatments). To address this challenge, we propose a restricted tree–based reinforcement learning (RT-RL) method that searches for an interpretable DTR with the maximum expected outcome, given a (set of) user-specified restriction(s), which specifies treatment options (at each stage) that ought not to be considered as part of the estimated tree-based DTR. In simulations, we evaluate the performance of RT-RL versus the standard approach of ignoring the partial data for individuals not following the (set of) restriction(s). The method is illustrated using an observational data set to estimate a two-stage stepped-up DTR for guiding the level of care placement for adolescents with substance use disorder.
Job‐related well‐being of sexual minorities: Evidence from the British workplace employment relations study
Authors: Wang Jing , Wicks David , Zhang Chris
Published: September 2022

Despite the increasingly liberal views toward sexual orientation and the evolution of legal rights worldwide, sexual minorities have been an understudied demographic group, especially in mainstream management scholarship. Using a national representative employer and employee linked survey, this study examines the relationship between sexual minority identity and job‐related well‐being. Multi‐level regression analysis reveals that bisexual employees have higher levels of anxiety and depression at work than their heterosexual counterparts. The difference is greater in industries that are not friendly to sexual minorities. When bisexual employees believe their managers are trustworthy and supportive, that difference disappears. No differences are found in well‐being between lesbians, gay men and their heterosexual counterparts. This study provides initial evidence on the effect of sexual minority identity on job‐related well‐being. It also sheds light on the different workplace outcomes between bisexual employees, lesbian women and gay men.
Structural controls on the pathways and sedimentary architecture of submarine channels: New constraints from the Niger Delta
Authors: Pizzi Marco , Whittaker Alexander C. , Mayall Mike , Lonergan Lidia
Published: September 2022

In submarine settings, the growth of structurally influenced topography can play a decisive role in controlling the routing of sediments from shelf‐edge to deep water, and can determine depositional architectures and sediment characteristics. Here we use well‐constrained examples from the deep water Niger Delta, where gravity‐driven deformation has resulted in the development of a large fold and thrust belt, to illustrate how spatial and temporal variations in the rate of deformation have controlled the nature and locus of contrasting depositional styles. Published work in the study area using 3D seismic data has quantified the growth history of the thrust‐related folds at multiple locations using line‐length‐balancing, enabling cumulative strain for individual structures over time and along‐strike to be obtained. We integrate this information with seismic interpretation and facies analysis, focusing on the interval of maximum deformation (15 to 3.7 Ma), where maximum strain rates reached 7%/Ma. Within this interval, we observe a vertical change in depositional architecture where: (1) leveed‐confined and linear channels pass upward in to (2) ponded lobes with erosionally confined channels and finally (3) channelised sheets. Our analysis demonstrate that this change is tectonically induced and diachronous across the fault array, and we characterise the extent to which structural growth controls both the distribution and the architecture of the turbidite deposits in such settings. In particular, we show that leveed‐confined channels exist when they can exploit strain minima between growing faults or at their lateral tips. Conversely, as a result of fault linkage and increased strain rates submarine channels become erosional and may be forced to cross folds at their strain maxima (crests), where their pathways are influenced by across‐strike variations in shortening for individual structures. Our results enable us to propose new conceptual models of submarine channel deposition in structurally complex margins, and provide new insights into the magnitude of fault interaction needed to alter depositional style from leveed to erosionally confined channels, or to deflect seabed systems around growing structures.
An insight into therapeutic efficacy of heterocycles as histone‐modifying enzyme inhibitors that targets cancer epigenetic pathways
Authors: Basha N. Jeelan , Basavarajaiah S. M.
Published: September 2022

Histone‐modifying enzymes are the key regulators involved in the post‐translational modification of histone and non‐histone. These enzymes are responsible for the epigenetic control of cellular functions. However, deregulation of the activity of these enzymes results in uncontrolled disorders such as cancer and inflammatory and neurological diseases. The study includes histone acetyltransferases, deacetylases, methyl transferases, demethylases, DNA methyl transferases, and their potent inhibitors which are in a clinical trial and used as medicinal drugs. The present review covers the heterocycles as target‐specific inhibitors of histone‐modifying enzyme, more specifically histone acetyltransferases. This review also confers more recent reports on heterocycles as potential HAT inhibitors covered from 2016 to 2022 and future perspectives of these heterocycles in epigenetic therapy.
A cross‐sectional study on fatigue, anxiety, and symptoms of depression and their relation with medical status in adult patients with Marfan syndrome. Psychological consequences in Marfan syndrome
Authors: van Andel Mitzi M. , Graaumans Kim , Groenink Maarten , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , van Kimmenade Roland R. J. , Scholte Arthur J. H. A. , van den Berg Maarten P. , Dickinson Michael G. , Knoop Hans , Bosch Jos A. , Mulder Barbara J. M. , de Waard Vivian , Bennebroek Evertsz' Floor
Published: September 2022

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder affecting the cardiovascular, ocular, and skeletal system, which may be accompanied by psychological features. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue, anxiety, and symptoms of depression in MFS patients, and to assess the degree to which sociodemographic and clinical variables are associated with fatigue and psychological aspects. The prevalence of fatigue, anxiety, and symptoms of depression were assessed in two cohorts of MFS patients and compared with healthy controls. The checklist individual strength (CIS), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaires were utilized. Medical status was assessed (family history of MFS, aortic root dilatation >40 mm, previous aortic surgery, aortic dissection, chronic pain, skeletal involvement, and scoliosis). Severe fatigue was experienced by 37% of the total MFS cohort (n = 155). MFS patients scored significantly higher on the CIS questionnaire, concerning severe fatigue, as compared with the general Dutch population (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in HADS anxiety or depression scores. In older MFS patients, with a more severe cardiovascular phenotype, chronic pain, and a higher unemployment rate, significantly more symptoms of depression were observed, when compared with the general population (p = 0.027) or compared with younger MFS patients (p = 0.026). Multivariate analysis, showed that anxiety was associated with chronic pain (p = 0.022) and symptoms of depression with unemployment (p = 0.024). MFS patients report significantly more severe fatigue as compared with the general population. Since the cause of fatigue is unclear, more research may be needed. Psychological intervention, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy, may contribute to a reduction in psychological symptoms.
School teachers' perceptions of the bystanders' role in school bullying: A study in the Finnish context
Authors: Triantafyllou Aikaterini
Published: September 2022

At school, teachers routinely evaluate and intervene in bullying incidents. To develop effective prevention plans and strategies and better tackle bullying, it is important to analyse the teachers' views. This small‐scale qualitative study draws from teacher expertise to explore the bystander role. The perceptions of 10 teachers were investigated through semi‐structured interviews. Using a phenomenological approach, the study revealed that students change roles during or even after the incident or in other incidents. Teachers noted that educating outsiders to become defenders in bullying situations is impossible without adequate parental involvement. In light of these findings, ideas for future intervention and prevention plans are presented.
Assessment of the predictive value of carotid color Doppler ultrasound Crouse score combined with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein in elderly diabetics with cerebral infarction
Authors: Wu Yuee , Xin Xin , Guo Ainan , Dan Haijun
Published: September 2022

Background

Both the carotid Crouse score and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels are commonly used to evaluate atherosclerosis and vascular inflammatory response. This study was to investigate the correlation between the Crouse score and hs‐CRP and cerebral infarction (CI) in elderly diabetics.

Methods

We compared the carotid Crouse scores and hs‐CRP levels between two groups of diabetic patients with and without CIs (n = 100 each) and the relationship between changes in these indices and CI.

Results

Between the four groups (control, diabetic with a large CI, diabetic with a small CI, and diabetic with a lacunar CI) there was a significant difference in the age, sex, Crouse scores and hs‐CRP levels, as well as fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis with CI as the dependent variable showed that the age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.114, 95% confidence interval [CFI]: 1.063–1.167, p = 0.000), FBG (OR = 1.260, 95% CFI: 1.102–1.570, p = 0.039), HbA1c (OR = 2.036, 95% CFI: 1.348–3.703, p = 0.001), Crouse score (OR = 2.721, 95% CFI: 1.800–4.114, p = 0.000) and hs‐CRP level (OR = 3.364, 95% CFI: 2.185–5.180, p = 0.000) were risk factors for a CI in combination with diabetes mellitus. Significant differences were found in age, diastolic blood pressure, Crouse scores and hs‐CRP levels between the male diabetic‐non‐CI subgroup, female diabetic‐non‐CI subgroup, male diabetic‐CI subgroup and female diabetic‐CI subgroup (All p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The carotid Crouse score method has high reliability and reflects the severity of carotid atherosclerosis. The age, sex, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, Crouse score, an elevated hs‐CRP level, and the occurrence of CI in elderly with diabetes mellitus are closely related.
Foreign lobbying through domestic subsidiaries
Authors: Lee Jieun
Published: September 2022

How much of lobbying activities disclosed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) actually represent foreign clients? What are their interests? By identifying the global ultimate owners of all corporate clients filing with the LDA, I find that majority‐owned subsidiaries of foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) account for nearly 20% of corporate lobbying spending in 2015–2016. This amount is comparable to the entire foreign lobbying spending reported under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Domestic subsidiaries of foreign MNCs are also found to lobby more frequently and spend more lobbying than American multinationals, after controlling for firm size, industry, and PAC contributions. These subsidiaries actively lobby on issue areas that clearly benefit their foreign parents. The findings suggest that foreign MNCs may actively influence U.S. policies through their domestic subsidiaries, and that the FARA captures only part of foreign lobbying in the United States.
Effects of climate change on forest plantation productivity in Chile
Authors: Carrasco Gonzalo , Almeida Auro C. , Falvey Mark , Olmedo Guillermo Federico , Taylor Peter , Santibañez Fernando , Coops Nicholas C.
Published: September 2022

Forest plantations in Chile occupy more than 2.2 million ha and are responsible for 2.1% of the GDP of the country's economy. The ability to accurately predictions of plantations productivity under current and future climate has an impact can enhance on forest management and industrial wood production. The use of process‐based models to predict forest growth has been instrumental in improving the understanding and quantifying the effects of climate variability, climate change, and the impact of atmospheric CO2 concentration and management practices on forest growth. This study uses the 3‐PG model to predict future forest productivity Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus radiata. The study integrates climate data from global circulation models used in CMIP5 for scenarios RCP26 and RCP85, digital soil maps for physical and chemical variables. Temporal and spatial tree growth inventories were used to compare with the 3‐PG predictions. The results indicated that forest productivity is predicted to potentially increase stand volume (SV) over the next 50 years by 26% and 24% for the RCP26 scenario and between 73% and 62% for the RCP85 scenario for E. globulus and P. radiata, respectively. The predicted increases can be explained by a combination of higher level of atmospheric CO2, air temperatures closer to optimum than current, and increases in tree water use efficiency. If the effect of CO2 is not considered, the predicted differences of SV for 2070 are 16% and 14% for the RCP26 scenario and 22% and 14% for RCP85 for the two species. While shifts in climate and increasing CO2 are likely to benefit promote higher productivity, other factors such as lack insufficient availability of soil nutrients, events such as increasing frequency and duration of droughts, longer periods of extreme temperatures, competing vegetation, and occurrence of new pests and diseases may compromise these potential gains.
Forest structure and composition alleviate human thermal stress
Authors: Gillerot Loïc , Landuyt Dries , Oh Rachel , Chow Winston , Haluza Daniela , Ponette Quentin , Jactel Hervé , Bruelheide Helge , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , De Frenne Pieter , Muys Bart , Verheyen Kris
Published: September 2022

Current climate change aggravates human health hazards posed by heat stress. Forests can locally mitigate this by acting as strong thermal buffers, yet potential mediation by forest ecological characteristics remains underexplored. We report over 14 months of hourly microclimate data from 131 forest plots across four European countries and compare these to open‐field controls using physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) to reflect human thermal perception. Forests slightly tempered cold extremes, but the strongest buffering occurred under very hot conditions (PET >35°C), where forests reduced strong to extreme heat stress day occurrence by 84.1%. Mature forests cooled the microclimate by 12.1 to 14.5°C PET under, respectively, strong and extreme heat stress conditions. Even young plantations reduced those conditions by 10°C PET. Forest structure strongly modulated the buffering capacity, which was enhanced by increasing stand density, canopy height and canopy closure. Tree species composition had a more modest yet significant influence: that is, strongly shade‐casting, small‐leaved evergreen species amplified cooling. Tree diversity had little direct influences, though indirect effects through stand structure remain possible. Forests in general, both young and mature, are thus strong thermal stress reducers, but their cooling potential can be even further amplified, given targeted (urban) forest management that considers these new insights.
Utility of SARC‐F in daycare facilities for older people
Authors: Kera Takeshi , Saida Kosuke , Higuchi Daisuke , Shinohara Tomoyuki , Onozawa Hiroshi , Kawai Hisashi , Obuchi Shuichi
Published: September 2022

Aim

SARC‐F, a sarcopenia screening tool, has limited use but may be beneficial for detecting sarcopenia in frail older people. This study aimed to clarify the validity of the SARC‐F questionnaire in older people.

Methods

In this validation study, 74 (36 men; age, 81.9 ± 6.7 years, 38 women; age, 83 ± 6.2 years) community‐dwelling older people who attended a daycare facility participated in our study. Participants completed the SARC‐F and SARC‐calf circumference (SARC‐CalF) questionnaires, and their body composition, walk speed and grip strength were measured. Sarcopenia was determined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and the participants were divided into non‐sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups. SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF scores were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for sarcopenia considering the area under the curve. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia, defined by physical characteristics, was 60.0% in men and 48.1% in women. The area under the curve of the SARC‐F for sarcopenia was 0.703 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.585–0.821, P = 0.001). Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, and the internal consistency was high. SARC‐F had lower sensitivity (0.47; 95% CI: 0.31–0.64) but higher specificity (0.78; 95% CI: 0.60–0.89) than the sensitivity and specificity of SARC‐CalF, respectively, and the sensitivity of SARC‐F was higher than that reported in previous studies.

Conclusion

The SARC‐F questionnaire is more sensitive in assessing sarcopenia in low‐functioning populations and can be used as a screening tool for sarcopenia in long‐term daycare facilities for older people rather than in community‐based healthcare activities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 889–893.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on the expression of tight junction proteins in the gastric epithelium in relation to gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Choi SooIn , Kim Nayoung , Park Ji Hyun , Nam Ryoung Hee , Song Chin‐Hee , Lee Hye Seung
Published: September 2022

Background

Tight junction proteins (TJPs) play a role in epithelial defense mechanisms. However, the effect of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) on TJPs remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of TJPs in relation to Hp infection and eradication in gastric carcinogenesis.

Methods

In total, 510 subjects (284 controls and 226 gastric cancer [GC] patients) were prospectively enrolled in the study. The expression of claudin‐1 and ‐2 (CLDN‐1, ‐2), occludin (OCLN), and tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) was measured based on their Hp infection status in normal corpus mucosa and evaluated following Hp eradication using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

The expression of TJP1 in Hp+ controls was significantly lower than that in Hp− controls (p = 0.006), whereas it was higher in Hp+ than in Hp− GC patients (p = 0.001). Moreover, the increased expression of TJP1 in Hp+ GC patients was reduced to levels in Hp−within a year after Hp eradication and was maintained for more than 5 years. Furthermore, IHC results for TJP1 were similar to qPCR results. In particular, the higher IHC staining intensity of TJP1 in the cytosol of GC patients (p = 0.019) decreased after Hp eradication (p = 0.040).

Conclusion

Hp infection affects TJP expression. The high expression of TJP1 in Hp+ GC patients was restored to control levels after Hp eradication, suggesting that TJP1 plays a role in gastric carcinogenesis.
Effects of regulatory enforcement style and audit firm remedial actions on investors' perceptions of audit quality
Authors: Huang Xiaowen , Ko John C. W. , Phang Soon‐Yeow
Published: September 2022

We examine how investors perceive audit quality when regulators adopt different enforcement styles to communicate audit inspection findings, and when the audit firm responds to the inspection findings. We employed a 2 × 3 between‐subjects experimental design, with regulatory enforcement style (critical or supportive) and audit firm response (defensive actions or remedial actions or control) as the independent variables. We find that investors perceive a relatively high level of audit quality when the audit firm chooses to take remedial actions, regardless of regulators' enforcement styles. In contrast, investors perceive a relatively low level of audit quality when the audit firm chooses to take defensive actions in response to regulators that impose a critical enforcement style. Additional analyses show that investors' perception of audit quality mediates the joint effects of regulatory enforcement styles and audit firm response on willingness to invest. Our findings suggest implications for the ways that regulators adopt different enforcement styles, which should be of interest to audit practitioners and regulators, as the findings show the potential consequences of different firm response strategies to inspection findings.
Influence of different oilseed cake incorporation on batter rheology, proximate composition, texture, antioxidant and sensory properties of wheat flour muffins
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Singh Balwinder , Kaur Amritpal
Published: September 2022

Oilseed cake flour (OCF) can be incorporated into baked foods to improve nutritional properties and solve problems related to the food sustainability. In this study, wheat flour muffins were prepared by incorporating flaxseed (FCF), sesame (SCF), mustard (MCF), nigella (NCF) and groundnut (GCF) cake flour at 10%, 20% and 30% levels. The batters prepared by incorporating different OCF were evaluated for viscoelasticity (G′, G″ and tan δ) and the changes in proximate composition, texture, antioxidant activity, sensory properties and shelf life of muffins were studied. The OCF incorporation had increased the batter viscoelasticity (increased G' and G"), hardness, springiness and gumminess while decreased the cohesiveness of muffins. The ash, fat, protein, phenolic content and radical scavenging activity increased, while moisture content, colour values (crust and crumb), bake loss, specific volume and height of muffins decreased with OCF incorporation. The 30%NCF‐incorporated muffins had longer shelf life and lower sensory scores for colour, taste, odour, texture and overall acceptability. The 10%FCF‐ and 10%SCF‐incorporated muffins had better texture, nutritional profile and shelf life while wheat‐alone muffins had comparable hardness, cohesiveness, specific volume and sensory properties.
A review on amaranth protein: composition, digestibility, health benefits and food industry utilisation
Authors: Rivero Meza Silvia Leticia , Hirsch Ramos Adriano , Cañizares Lázaro , Raphaelli Chirle de Oliveria , Bueno Peres Betina , Gaioso César Augusto , Egea Isabel , Estrada Yanira , Flores Francisco Borja , de Oliveira Mauricio
Published: September 2022

Amaranth grains are a source of proteins such as albumins and globulins with well‐balanced amino acids profile since they are rich in lysine and methionine, which are scarce in other cereals. Amaranth proteins also show a great bioavailability that contributes to their high quality and, consequently, become a potential substitute for animal‐based foods. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent research on screening of amaranth proteins as well as their isolation, fractionation, amino acid composition and digestibility. In addition, we carried out an important overview of the nutritional benefits of amaranth proteins and its application as ingredients in food systems. The amaranth has an excellent balance of amino acids and bioactive peptides, with potential health benefits. The consumption of amaranth proteins can promote human health due to their potential to reduce the risk of suffering chronic diseases, while their bioactive peptides play a fundamental role as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐hypertensive and antimicrobial activities. This review makes an important contribution and approaches the potentiality of using amaranth as a plant protein source, addresses its digestibility and the beneficial health effects brought mainly by the bioactive peptides present in grains.
Hydrogel with the network structure fabricated by anthocyanin–gelatin crosslinking and improved mineral encapsulation ability
Authors: Chen Yun , Cao Xuejiao , Chen Qiqi , Ye Xueying , Zeng Qingzhu , Yuan Yang , Dong Lihong , Huang Fei , Su Dongxiao
Published: September 2022

In this study, four polyphenols (tea polyphenol, procyanidin, anthocyanin and gallic acid) were applied to crosslink with gelatin (G), in order to explore the crosslinking mechanisms of polyphenol–gelatin hydrogels with desirable properties and its potential applications. The results showed that the crosslinking effect of polyphenols with gelatin was affected by pH and the types and concentration of polyphenols. The network of polyphenol–gelatin on the microscopic level was ordered with 0.075% polyphenol (anthocyanin, tea polyphenol and procyanidin). The polyphenol–gelatin hydrogel exhibited the highest system stability and the best freeze‐dried network structure at pH 8. According to the results of circular dichroism (CD), ultraviolet (UV), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), both the solutions and freeze‐dried samples of polyphenol–gelatin under optimised conditions showed more ordered microstructure than pure gelatin. The addition of polyphenols posted significant impacts on changed the secondary structure of polyphenol–gelatin complexes. Also, the anthocyanin–gelatin hydrogel generally showed the higher encapsulation efficiency than pure gelatin and other polyphenol–gelatin samples, of which the highest mineral loading capacity (Mg, Mn and Cu) was 7.04% higher than that of pure gelatin, where anthocyanin acted as a crosslinker under alkaline condition that greatly improved the microstructure, stability and nutrition encapsulation efficiency of gelatin.
Role of hydrocolloids in improving the rheology, quality characteristics, and microstructure of gluten‐free proso millet bread
Authors: Tamilselvan T. , Sharma Shivani , Thomas Pinchu Elizabath , Goyal Kanchan , Prabhasankar Pichan
Published: September 2022

The effect of xanthan gum (XG), guar gum (GG), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 g/100 g) on the development of gluten‐free proso millet bread was studied. HPMC and GG addition showed a remarkable increase in the loss and storage modulus, indicating the viscoelastic behaviour of batter. With increasing frequency, loss tangent values decreased <1, denoting gel‐like behaviour. Shear stress increased, and apparent viscosity decreased with shear rate denoting pseudoplastic non‐Newtonian fluid behaviour. HPMC and GG added batter showed improvement in stickiness, adhesion, cohesiveness, and vice versa observed in XG. HPMC2.0 and GG2.0 showed higher loaf and specific volume (450, 446.67 cm3 and 2.88, 2.85 cm3 g−1). It signifies increased gas holding capacity, which reduces the hardness of the crumb than control. HPMC breads showed higher number of cells, uniform cell size, thin cell wall, and lower porosity with the highest overall acceptability (7.33). Microstructure exhibited continuous network formation in HPMC2.0 crumb compared to web‐like structures in XG and GG breads. Immunological validation showed that the developed bread was gluten free. The results implied that the addition of 2 g/100 g HPMC improved the overall quality of proso millet bread.
Effect of refrigeration storage on functional properties and structure of egg white after defrosting treatments
Authors: Dai Yan , Xia Zi‐Qiao , Huang Zhong , Cheng Xu , Zhang Jing , Chang Hai‐jun
Published: September 2022

The changes in refrigeration storage after defrosting treatments on functional properties and structure of egg white (EW) were investigated in this study. The foaming properties and surface hydrophobicity decreased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the free thiol content of EW increased during prolonged refrigeration storage after defrosting treatments. The values of emulsifying activity index were slightly higher in EM subjected to refrigeration storage for 20–30 days after defrosting treatments (P < 0.05). The texture profiles showed that the cooked EW gel subjected to refrigeration storage for 20 days after defrosting treatments, reached the minimum hardness, springiness and gumminess values vs. that of Control and Group 1. Additionally, scanning electron microscope (SEM) reflected that more and larger protein aggregates as well as irregular structure in EM during prolonged refrigeration storage after defrosting treatments. The increase in free sulfhydryl group and decrease in surface hydrophobicity tended to cause protein oxidation, aggregation and degradation, leading to deterioration of functional properties in EW following refrigeration storage after defrosting treatments. The results of this study indicate that it is important to use the EW of Control and Group 1 without any detrimental effects on functional and morphology properties in food processing industry.
Extraction of xyloglucan from tamarind industrial waste by different methods and their potential application in the food sector
Authors: Thivya Perumal , Bhanu Prakash Reddy Nalla , Vadakkepulppara Ramachandran Nair Sinija
Published: September 2022

Xyloglucan (XG) is an under‐utilised mucoadhesive hemicellulosic biopolymer extracted from tamarind industrial waste (tamarind seed), a commercial source. XG is a low‐cost, non‐toxic, biocompatible, and stable biopolymer at a wide range of pH, temperature, and ionic solutions. It is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by FDA and used as a food additive as a gelling agent, emulsifier, thickener, stabiliser, etc. This review aims to explore the utilisation of tamarind industrial waste for the production of XG and their application in the food industry as alternative hydrocolloids by providing adequate knowledge in production, extraction, properties, chemical modification, and interactions. It is also highlighted that XG has been extensively studied recently in manufacturing gluten‐free foods (rice bread), food quality assessment, and packaging film production.