bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of emotional attachment in IPA continuance intention: an emotional attachment model
Authors: Mamun Md Rasel Al , Prybutok Victor R. , Peak Daniel A. , Torres Russell , Pavur Robert J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional attachment (EA) and intelligent personal assistant (IPA) continuance intention. While existing theories emphasize purely rational and goal-oriented factors in terms of information technology (IT) continuance intention, this research examines how users' EA toward technology impacts their continuance intention in the absence of cognitive and habitual factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study contextualizes attachment theory from the social psychology/consumer psychology literature to an IT application and formulates and tests a new model that is proposed in the context of IPA continuance. Five research hypotheses developed from contextualization and application of the theory were posited in a structural model and empirically validated using survey results from IPA users.

Findings

The results show that users' EA to IPA use significantly influences their IPA continuance intention, along with emotional trust and interaction quality with the IPA.

Originality/value

This study contextualizes attachment theory developed in the social psychology/consumer psychology literature to formulate and test a new model in the context of IPA continuance. This work contributes to the theoretical understanding by investigating IPA continuance intention in the absence of cognitive or habitual factors and fills a critical research gap in IT post-adoption literature. IPA is just one example of technologies to which individuals can form attachments and this research provides an important foundation for future research by positing and testing the value of EA in IT post-adoption behavior. This research also contributes to practical knowledge by inferring that IPA manufacturers, managers and vendors could extend their revenue streams by integrating product features that capture emotion.
Supply chain management practices, retail outlets attributes and organisational performance: a case of organised food retailers in India
Authors: Kumar Anil , Singh Rohit Kumar
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices and retail outlet attributes on the performance of organised food retailers in India during COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors conducted empirical research with SCM practices and retail outlet attributes to evaluate the retailers’ performance. The authors present the results from 321 valid responses from the Indian food retailers. The study used structured equation modeling to present the analysis and the results.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that most of the SCM practices (i.e. information technology, level of information sharing, customer relationship, supplier relationship and goal congruence) have a positive impact on performance except the quality of information sharing. The results show that in the time of the pandemic, the retail outlet attributes (image, service quality and convenience) have no significant relationship with the food retailer’s performance while SCM practices are necessary to achieve better performance of the food retailers.

Research limitations/implications

A proactive approach is needed from retailers at the time of pandemic situations to manage the supply chains. The retailers must be extra careful in screening the suppliers for the short and long run. The reason being that in the situation of pandemic, customers might be more demanding and hence, food retailers need to pay special attention to gain growth. It is also required that the policymakers should give importance to the implementation of these SCM practices to be positioned differently.

Originality/value

The research can be valued in terms of its original contribution towards companies in overcoming the disruption caused by COVID-19 to maintain a balance between demand and supply and proposes a completely new theoretical framework. The proposed theoretical model would add value to the existing literature to help the retailers in process of their performance improvement. The study has provided insights for retail organisations, suppliers and government departments to manage their SCs more effectively and efficiently during the pandemic.
Job insecurity as a barrier to thriving during COVID-19 pandemic: a moderated mediation model of knowledge hiding and benevolent leadership
Authors: Chhabra Bindu , Pandey Pallavi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Drawing upon the conservation of resource (COR) theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating role of knowledge hiding in the relationship between job insecurity and two dimensions of thriving at work, i.e. learning and vitality. The study further aims to investigate the moderating role of benevolent leadership in the aforementioned mediating relationship by applying the moderated mediation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for the study consisted of employees working in service sector in India. The hypotheses were tested with two wave survey data collected from 365 employees during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Indian Government was lifting phase wise restrictions. Data was analyzed using mediation and moderated mediation analyses on PROCESS v 3.0 macro.

Findings

Results showed that knowledge hiding mediated the relationship between job insecurity and both dimensions of thriving at work. Further, benevolent leadership was seen to moderate the mediated relationship providing support for the moderated mediation framework.

Practical implications

The results highlight the significance of providing benevolent leadership training to the managers to help them cope with the anxiety arising out of job insecurity. Further, employees need to be cautioned regarding the deleterious effects of knowledge hiding, which can impede their own learning and vitality.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the mediating role of knowledge hiding in the relationship between job insecurity and thriving. Further, the role played by benevolent leadership in mitigating the harmful effects of job insecurity especially during COVID-19 pandemic is a unique contribution of the study.
Modeling combined economic emission dispatch for renewable energy system via Levy-based glowworm swarm optimization
Authors: Acharya Srinivasa , Sivarajan Ganesan , Kumar D. Vijaya , Srikrishna Subramanian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Currently, more renewable energy resources with advanced technology levels are incorporated in the electric power networks. Under this circumstance, the attainment of optimal economic dispatch is very much essential by the power system as the system requires more power generation cost and also has a great demand for electrical energy. Therefore, one of the primary difficulties in the power system is lowering the cost of power generation, which includes both economic and environmental costs. This study/paper aims to introduce a meta-heuristic algorithm, which offers an solution to the combined economic and emission dispatch (CEED).

Design/methodology/approach

A novel algorithm termed Levy-based glowworm swarm optimization (LGSO) is proposed in this work, and it provides an excellent solution to the combined economic and emission dispatch (CEED) difficulties by specifying the generation of the optimal renewable energy systems (RES). Moreover, in hybrid renewable energy systems, the proposed scheme is extended by connecting the wind turbine because the thermal power plant could not control the aforementioned costs. In terms of economic cost, emission cost and transmission loss, the suggested CEED model outperforms other conventional schemes genetic algorithm, Grey wolf optimization, whale optimization algorithm (WOA), dragonfly algorithm (DA) and glowworm swarm optimization (GSO) and demonstrates its efficiency.

Findings

According to the results, the suggested model for Iteration 20 was outperformed GSO, DA and WOA by 23.46%, 97.33% and 93.33%, respectively. For Iteration 40, the proposed LGSO was 60%, 99.73% and 97.06% better than GSO, DA and WOA methods, respectively. The proposed model for Iteration 60 was 71.50% better than GSO, 96.56% better than DA and 95.25% better than WOA. As a result, the proposed LGSO was shown to be superior to other existing techniques with respect to the least cost and loss.

Originality/value

This research introduces the latest optimization algorithm known as LGSO to provide an excellent solution to the CEED difficulties by specifying the generation of the optimal RES. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work that utilizes LGSO-based optimization for providing an excellent solution to the CEED difficulties by specifying the generation of the optimal RES.
Does the concept of “creating shared value” make sense for multinational firms?
Authors: Nandi Santosh , Nandi Madhavi Latha , Sindhi Sumita
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to explore how Porter and Kramer’s “Creating shared value” (CSV) framework supports the multinational corporation’s business model to turn social problems into business opportunities in two contextually different international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptually, the paper uses the CSV framework to argue that evaluation of business models in different societal contexts (geographically, culturally and economically) might be able to shed more light on the firm-societal needs. Empirically, the paper conducts a comparative content analysis of the business models of an international brand of a three-wheeler vehicle – Piaggio Ape – in Italy and India since its launch right after World War II. The content for qualitative analysis was identified using the Nexis Uni database.

Findings

Findings reveal that CSV outlines the strategy for firms to integrate societal concerns uniquely into their business models, rather than solving them in isolation. However, the business model performances resulting from these firm–society linkages may vary in an emerging market and a developed market. Regulatory fit is yet another factor that decides how well CSV could be applied.

Research limitations/implications

Given CSV’s contradictory perception in corporate governance literature, the study empirically establishes its theoretical value in explaining the actions and success of strategic decisions that large multinational firms take. The interactions between the underlying attributes of four CSV strategies, the regulatory fit and business model success are articulated in the form of propositions and an integrated CSV framework. Given the paper’s two-case comparative analysis, the generalizability of the identified attributes of the four CSV strategies is limited and therefore calls for future research using larger samples of firms practicing shared value perspectives.

Practical implications

Corporate and international business managers can use the study findings and the proposed framework to comprehend scenarios beyond business systems and to apply CSV as a tool to address market needs in concurrence with addressing environmental and societal concerns.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the initial attempts to evaluate and extend the “CSV” perspective in the international business context and, thus, promises a broad future research scope.
Green CEO, managerial ability and environmental performance
Authors: Putra Adhitya Agri , Mela Nanda Fito , Putra Ferdy
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This research aims to examine the moderating role of green chief executive officer (CEO) in the effect of managerial ability (MA) on environmental performance (ENV).

Design/methodology/approach

This research’s sample consists of 197 manufacturing firm-years that are listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange and the Program Penilaian Peringkat Kinerja Perusahaan Dalam Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (PROPER) participants. Data analysis use industry- and year-effect regression analysis.

Findings

The result shows that MA improves ENV when led by a green CEO. It indicates that a green CEO with higher MA considers environmental responsibilities as a valuable investment to create business competitive advantages and sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

First, this research only uses the PROPER participants as the research sample. Second, by nature, MA measurement errors might still exist because it is hard to determine the MA with qualitative factors. Third, this research does not split the environmental responsibilities into a wider spectrum, such as environmental–business, environmental–regulation or environmental–ethical spectrum.

Originality/value

This research provides new evidence that higher MA by green CEO increases ENV in Indonesia. This research also gives a contribution to fill the inconsistent previous findings of MA and ENV.
Study on temperature cycling reliability of Sn-5Sb-0.5Cu-0.1Ni-0.5Ag/Cu micro solder joints
Authors: Xu Meng , Sun Fenglian , Pan Zhen , Liu Yang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the temperature cycling reliability of Sn-5Sb-0.5Cu-0.1Ni-0.5Ag/Cu micro solder joints compared with Sn-5Sb/Cu and SAC305/Cu micro solder joints, which has important engineering and theoretical significance for the research of micro solder joint reliability. This paper also aims to provide guidance for the selection of solder for third-generation semiconductor power device packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

The shear strength, plasticity, bulk solder hardness and creep performance of three kinds of micro solder joints before and after temperature cycling were studied by nanoindentation and micro shear experiments. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry were used to analyze the fracture mode, fracture position and compound composition of the solder joints.

Findings

The bulk solder hardnesses and shear strengths of Sn-5Sb-0.5Cu-0.1Ni-0.5Ag/Cu solder joints were higher than those of Sn-5Sb/Cu and SAC305/Cu solder joints before and after temperature cycling. The indentation depth, creep displacement and creep rate of bulk solders of Sn-5Sb-0.5Cu-0.1Ni-0.5Ag/Cu solder joints were the smallest compared with those of Sn-5Sb/Cu and SAC305/Cu solder joints after the same number of cycles. In addition, the fracture mode and fracture position of the micro solder joints changed before and after temperature cycling.

Originality/value

A new type of solder was developed with excellent temperature cycling performance.
Convolutional neural network‐based classification of microseismic events originating in a stimulated reservoir from distributed acoustic sensing data
Authors: Liu Youfang , Huff Owen , Luo Bin , Jin Ge , Simmons James
Published: April 2022

This study presents a workflow of using a convolutional neural network to automatically classify microseismic events originating from a more productive oil and gas‐bearing formation (the Eagle Ford Shale), as compared to events originating in less productive formations (the Austin Chalk and Buda Limestone). These microseismic events occur due to hydraulic stimulation and are recorded by fibre optic–distributed acoustic sensing measurements from a horizontal monitoring well. The convolutional neural network is trained to recognize guided wave energy in distributed acoustic sensing seismograms, since microseismic events originating within or close to a low‐velocity reservoir (such as the Eagle Ford) generate significant guided wave energy. The training of convolutional neural network is conducted using synthetic seismograms overlain with real noise profiles from field data. Field events with guided waves are then classified by the convolutional neural network as occurring within or close to the Eagle Ford, while events without guided waves are classified as occurring far outside the Eagle Ford. Noise attenuation steps (including a bandpass filter, median filter and non‐local means filter) are implemented to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the field data and improve the classification accuracy. The accuracy of the convolutional neural network is measured by comparison with labels of the events determined by human inspection of guided wave presence. We also evaluate the impact of different network architectures and noise attenuation methods on classification accuracy. The accuracy and F1‐score of the final classification are both 0.85 when tested on a high signal‐to‐noise ratio subset of the field data. On the complete dataset including low signal‐to‐noise ratio events, an accuracy and F1‐score of 0.80 are achieved. These results demonstrate the high effectiveness of the trained convolutional neural network on guided wave detection and classification of microseismic events inside and outside the Eagle Ford formation.
Rebuilding green infrastructure in boreal production forest given future global wood demand
Authors: Moor Helen , Eggers Jeannette , Fabritius Henna , Forsell Nicklas , Henckel Laura , Bradter Ute , Mazziotta Adriano , Nordén Jenni , Snäll Tord
Published: April 2022

Global policy for future biodiversity conservation is ultimately implemented at landscape and local scales. In parallel, green infrastructure planning needs to account for socioeconomic dynamics at national and global scales. Progress towards policy goals must, in turn, be evaluated at the landscape scale. Evaluation tools are often environmental quality indicators. How developments of different organism groups will relate to developments of these indicators is unclear.

We evaluated three management scenarios for a 100,000 hectare boreal forest landscape in the coming 100 years in terms of their effects on the future habitat suitability/occupancy of four bird species, six wood‐decaying fungi and one lichen, most of them red‐listed. The scenarios optimize financial returns and account for downscaled projected global demand of wood given a middle‐of‐the road Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP2). We contrast a reference scenario meeting the wood demand against an economy scenario with no upper harvest limit, and a green infrastructure scenario optimizing the levels of environmental indicators.

Environmental indicators generally reached the highest and lowest levels in the green infrastructure and economy scenarios, respectively. Most indicators increased further in set‐asides. The profit was 14% lower in the green infrastructure and 2% higher in the economy than in the reference scenario.

In the green infrastructure scenario, the species increased on average by 135%, followed by the reference scenario (+65%), and the economy scenario (+47%). All bird species increased in the green infrastructure scenario, while in the other scenarios, only hazel grouse increased and Siberian tit instead decreased. Most fungi increased in the production forest of the green infrastructure scenario but decreased in the economy scenario. All increased in set‐asides. In all scenarios, the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria increased, owing to host tree retention.

Synthesis and applications. Effects of global socioeconomic developments can be downscaled and accounted for in planning landscape‐scale forest and conservation management. Accounting for indicators of environmental quality identified forest management scenarios for reaching targets on both revenue and conservation. Rebuilding green infrastructure in the production forest was possible at a relatively minor economic cost and to the benefit of species of conservation concern.
New insights into the energy metabolism and taxonomy ofDeferribacteresrevealed by the characterization of a new isolate from a hypersaline microbial mat
Authors: Spring Stefan , Rohde Manfred , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Will Sabine Eva , Neumann‐Schaal Meina
Published: April 2022

Strain L21‐Ace‐BEST, isolated from a lithifying cyanobacterial mat, could be assigned to a novel species and genus within the classDeferribacteres. It is an important model organism for the study of anaerobic acetate degradation under hypersaline conditions. The metabolism of strain L21‐Ace‐BESTwas characterized by biochemical studies, comparative genome analyses, and the evaluation of gene expression patterns. The central metabolic pathway is the citric acid cycle, which is mainly controlled by the enzyme succinyl‐CoA:acetate‐CoA transferase. The potential use of a reversed oxidative citric acid cycle to fix CO2has been revealed through genome analysis. However, no autotrophic growth was detected in this strain, whereas sulfide and H2can be used mixotrophically. Preferred electron acceptors for the anaerobic oxidation of acetate are nitrate, fumarate and dimethyl sulfoxide, while oxygen can be utilized only under microoxic conditions. Aerotolerant growth by fermentation was observed at higher oxygen concentrations. The redox cycling of sulfur/sulfide enables the generation of reducing power for the assimilation of acetate during growth and could prevent the over‐reduction of cells in stationary phase. Extracellular electron transfer appears to be an essential component of the respiratory metabolism in this clade ofDeferribacteresand may be involved in the reduction of nitrite to ammonium.
One substrate, many fates: different ways of methanol utilization in the acetogen Acetobacterium woodii
Authors: Litty Dennis , Kremp Florian , Müller Volker
Published: April 2022

Acetogenic bacteria such as Acetobacterium woodii use the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) for fixation of CO2 and energy conservation. This pathway enables conversion of diverse substrates to the main product of acetogenesis, acetate. Methyl group containing substrates such as methanol or methylated compounds, derived from pectin, are abundant in the environment and a source for CO2. Methyl groups enter the WLP at the level of methyltetrahydrofolic acid (methyl‐THF). For methyl transfer from methanol to THF a substrate‐specific methyltransferase system is required. In this study, we used genetic methods to identify mtaBC2A (Awo_c22760‐Awo_c22740) as the methanol‐specific methyltransferase system of A. woodii. After methyl transfer, methyl‐THF serves as carbon and/or electron source and the respiratory Rnf complex is required for redox homeostasis if methanol + CO2 is the substrate. Resting cells fed with methanol + CO2, indeed converted methanol to acetate in a 4:3 stoichiometry. When methanol was fed in combination with other electron sources such as H2 + CO2 or CO, methanol was converted Rnf‐independently and the methyl group was condensed with CO to build acetate. When fed in combination with alternative electron sinks such as caffeate methanol was oxidized only and resulting electrons were used for non‐acetogenic growth. These different pathways for the conversion of methyl‐group containing substrates enable acetogens to adapt to various ecological niches and to syntrophic communities.
After the catastrophe: working with the intergenerational transmission of collective trauma in Jungian analysis
Authors: Feldman Brian
Published: April 2022

The psychological/emotional impact of the collective traumas and psychic catastrophes of the Jewish holocaust, Stalin’s Gulags, and China’s Cultural Revolution upon the second and third generation of survivors in the U.S., China and Russia is explored through the lens of Jungian analysis and infant observation. Infant observation research in Russia and China provides a scaffolding for the study of the transmission of collective trauma. Parent/infant interactions that may indicate that the intergenerational transmission of trauma is taking place will be explored. Analytical and infant observation research indicate that trauma can be transmitted from one generation to the next, often unconsciously, and that the impact of collective trauma creates tears and holes in the emergent cultural and personal psychic skins of the infant that can impede the development of a coherent individual identity, as well as secure attachment relationships. These tears and holes in the cultural and personal psychic skins can later become the focus of analysis in the second and third generation of survivors. Analysis can become a space for both collective/personal mourning and healing as coherent symbolic, historical and personal narratives are co‐constructed and integrated within the analytical temenos.
Latin America – a civilization in transition viewed from the angle of the emotions
Authors: Raydan Pablo , Vargas Mireya
Published: April 2022

Latin America is a civilization in transition, a kind of ‘in‐between’, as Rafael López‐Pedraza would coin the expression: it is associated not only with various levels of pre‐existing consciousness, but also with the emotional life of its inhabitants. This Latin American baroque speaks not only of the cultural complexes which pertain to all of the peoples in this vast territory, but also of why certain emotions – cruelty, intolerance, anxiety, sadness, resentment, joy, rage, envy, suffering, fear, indignation, jealousy, sorrow and shame, to name a few – move these complexes and acquire certain shades in each region and in each inhabitant. Let us remember the relationship that Jung establishes between the emotions and the complexes. For him, although the emotions are the same in their content, they cluster in the complexes of each individual or collective in such a specific, automatic, spontaneous and involuntary way that they possess their own energy, and no one can ignore them. Taking into account these notions of emotion and complex, we analyze some emotions proposed by López‐Pedraza (2008) in his book, Emotions: A List, to draw a picture of the collective emotions that predominate among Latin Americans.
Clinical algorithms for the management of intrapartum maternal urine abnormalities
Authors: Cheung KW , Tan LN , Meher S ,   the WHO Intrapartum Care Algorithms Working Group
Published: April 2022

Aim

To develop evidence‐based clinical algorithms for management of common intrapartum urinary abnormalities.

Population

Women with singleton, term pregnancies in active labour and immediate postnatal period, at low risk of complications.

Setting

Healthcare facilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Search strategy

A systematic search and review were conducted on the current guidelines from WHO, NICE, ACOG and RCOG. Additional search was done on PubMed and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to May 2020.

Case scenarios

Four common intrapartum urinary abnormalities were selected: proteinuria, ketonuria, glycosuria and oliguria. Using reagent strip testing, glycosuria was defined as ≥2+ on one occasion or of ≥1+ on two or more occasions. Proteinuria was defined as ≥2+ and presence of ketone indicated ketonuria. Oliguria was defined as hourly urine output ≤30 ml. Thorough initial assessment using history, physical examination and basic investigations helped differentiate most of the underlying causes, which include diabetes mellitus, dehydration, sepsis, pre‐eclampsia, shock, anaemia, obstructed labour, underlying cardiac or renal problems. A clinical algorithm was developed for each urinary abnormality to facilitate intrapartum management and referral of complicated cases for specialised care.

Conclusions

Four simple, user‐friendly and evidence‐based clinical algorithms were developed to enhance intrapartum care of commonly encountered maternal urine abnormalities. These algorithms may be used to support healthcare professionals in clinical decision‐making when handling normal and potentially complicated labour, especially in low resource countries.

Tweetable abstract

Evidence‐based clinical algorithms developed to guide intrapartum management of commonly encountered urinary abnormalities.
Evaluation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase polymorphisms for distinguishing between marijuana and hemp
Authors: Roman Madeline G. , Cheng Ya‐Chih , Kerrigan Sarah , Houston Rachel
Published: April 2022

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies marijuana (Cannabis sativa) as a Schedule I illicit drug. However, the recent Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (U.S. Farm Bill) removed hemp from the definition of marijuana in the CSA, making it a legal crop. As a result, many hemp products are now available, including strains of hemp buds high in other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG). The genetic inheritance of chemical phenotype (chemotype) has been widely studied, with the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase gene at the forefront. Previous studies have speculated that there are two forms of the THCA gene, one that produces an active enzyme (present in marijuana) and one that cannot produce a functional enzyme (present in hemp). A DNA analysis method is desirable for determining crop type in sample types inconducive to chemical analysis, such as immature crops, trace residues, small leaf fragments, seeds, and root material. This study optimized and evaluated a previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay for determining C. sativa crop type. Furthermore, the presence or absence of 15 cannabinoids, including THC and THCA, was reported in cannabis reference materials and 15 legal hemp flower samples. The SNP assay correctly identified crop type in most samples. However, several marijuana samples were classified as hemp, and several hemp seeds were classified as marijuana. Two strains of legal CBG hemp flowers were also classified as marijuana, indicating that factors other than the genetic variation of the THCA synthase gene should be considered when determining crop type.
Asymmetric competition for seeds between two sympatric food hoarding rodents: implications for coexistence
Authors: MENG Xin , HUANG Guangchuan , WANG Zhiyong , NIU Hongyu , ZHANG Hongmao
Published: April 2022

Asymmetric competition occurs when some species have distinct advantages over their competitors and is common in animals with overlapping habitats and diet. However, the mechanism allowing coexistence between asymmetric competitors is not fully clear. Chinese white‐bellied rats (Niviventer confucianus, CWR) and Korean field mice (Apodemus peninsulae, KFM) are common asymmetric competitors in shrublands and forests west of Beijing city. They share similar diet (e.g. plant seeds) and activity (nocturnal), but differ in body size (CWR are bigger than KFM), food hoarding habit (CWR: mainly larder hoarding; KFM: both larder and scatter hoarding), and ability to protect cached food (CWR are more aggressive than KFM). Here, we tested seed competition in 15 CWR–KFM pairs over a 10‐day period under semi‐natural enclosure conditions to uncover the differences in food hoarding, cache pilferage, and food protection between the 2 rodents, and discuss the implication for coexistence. Prior to pilferage, CWR harvested and ate more seeds than KFM. CWR tended to larder hoard seeds, whereas KFM preferred to scatter hoard seeds. Following pilferage, CWR increased consumption, decreased intensity of hoarding, and pilfered more caches from KFM than they lost, while KFM increased consumption more than they hoarded, and they preferred to hoard seeds in low and medium competition areas. Accordingly, both of the 2 rodent species increased their total energy consumption and hoarding following pilferage. Both rodent species tended to harvest seeds from the source, rather than pilfer caches from each other to compensate for cache loss via pilferage. Compared to CWR, KFM consumed fewer seeds when considering seed number, but hoarded more seeds when considering the seeds’ relative energy (energy of hoarded seeds/rodent body mass2/3) at the end of the trials. These results suggest that asymmetric competition for food exists between CWR and KFM, but differentiation in hoarding behavior could help the subordinate species (i.e. KFM) hoard more energy than the dominant species (i.e. CWR), and may contribute to their coexistence in the field.
Investigation of sorption isotherms of wheat germ for its effect on lipid oxidation
Authors: Koç Andaç , Erbaş Mustafa
Published: April 2022

This research aimed to investigate the oxidation and sorption isotherm properties of wheat germ and to determine monolayer moisture content (m0) in particular, because it has a limiting effect on lipid oxidation. This research comprised two stages. The first stage was the determination of sorption properties and m0 at three temperatures (15, 25, and 35°C). The second stage of the research was to investigate lipid oxidation properties of stored wheat germ at two different temperatures (4 and 25°C) and m0 for 28 days. As a result, it was determined that wheat germ has a Type II sorption isotherm, Halsey is the best fitting sorption equation, and the average m0 is 4.25 g moisture per 100 g dry matter. Furthermore, the free fatty acid and peroxide value of wheat germ oil increased with increasing storage moisture content and temperature, determined as 12.63% and 5.01 mEqO2/kg on average, respectively. In conclusion, storage of impermeably packaged wheat germ at low temperature and m0 content is an applicable method for decreasing rancidity and prolonging shelf‐life.
bdc: A toolkit for standardizing, integrating and cleaning biodiversity data
Authors: Ribeiro Bruno R. , Velazco Santiago José Elías , Guidoni‐Martins Karlo , Tessarolo Geiziane , Jardim Lucas , Bachman Steven P. , Loyola Rafael
Published: April 2022

The increase in online and openly accessible biodiversity databases provides a vast and invaluable resource to support research and policy. However, without scrutiny, errors in primary species occurrence data can lead to erroneous results and misleading information.

Here, we introduce the Biodiversity Data Cleaning (bdc), an R package to address quality issues and improve the fitness‐for‐use of biodiversity datasets. Thebdcpackage brings together several aspects of biodiversity data cleaning in one place. It is organized in thematic modules related to different biodiversity dimensions, including (a) Merge datasets: standardization and integration of different datasets; (b) Pre‐filter: flagging and removal of invalid or non‐interpretable information, followed by data amendments; (c) Taxonomy: cleaning, parsing and harmonization of scientific names from several taxonomic groups against taxonomic databases locally stored through the application of exact and partial matching algorithms; (d) Space: flagging of erroneous, suspect and low‐precision geographic coordinates; and (e) Time: flagging and, whenever possible, correction of inconsistent collection date. In addition, the package contains features to visualize, document and report data quality—which is essential for making data quality assessment transparent and reproducible. The modules illustrated, and functions within, were linked to form a proposed reproducible workflow that can also integrate functions from other R packages.

We demonstrated thebdcpackage's applicability in cleaning more than 30 million occurrence records for terrestrial plant species in Brazil. We found that around one‐fifth of the original datasets hold the standard quality requirements.

Compared to other available R packages, the main strengths of thebdcpackage are that it brings together available tools—and a series of new ones—to assess the quality of different dimensions of biodiversity data into a single and flexible toolkit. The functions can be applied to many taxonomic groups, datasets (including regional or local repositories), countries, or world‐wide. We hope thebdcpackage can facilitate the data cleaning process and catalyse improvements to allow the wise and efficient use of primary biodiversity data.
Optimizing antimicrobial use by improving medication adherence among pig producers
Authors: Toya Ryohei , Sasaki Yosuke , Uemura Ryoko , Sueyoshi Masuo
Published: April 2022

In Japan, many pig producers buy antimicrobials using veterinarians' prescriptions. Even if veterinarians prescribe antimicrobials for treatments and metaphylaxis, producers may be using them for prophylaxis on farms with a high incidence of chronic diseases. To reduce the frequency of antimicrobial use, we applied the concept of medication adherence and launched an intervention in eight farrow‐to‐finish farms. For the intervention farms, we attempted to implement measures for preventing the repeated onset of chronic infections that interfered with adherence, confirmed the need to continue medications, and discontinued medications if possible. For each farm, these interventions began at different time points after 2017 and continued until 2020. We evaluated the effectiveness of this intervention based on the amount of active ingredients/population correction unit and the total number of defined daily doses for the weight group/slaughter pig. The ratio of antimicrobial use for both indicators in the year 2020 compared with the start of the intervention decreased on all farms. Among the eight non‐intervention farms, six showed an increase in both indicators. These results suggest that interventions for chronic diseases administered by producers and veterinarians lead to high adherence to prescriptions and responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials on pig farms.
Visual Analytics of Multivariate Intensive Care Time Series Data
Authors: Brich N. , Schulz C. , Peter J. , Klingert W. , Schenk M. , Weiskopf D. , Krone M.
Published: April 2022

We present an approach for visual analysis of high‐dimensional measurement data with varying sampling rates as routinely recorded in intensive care units. In intensive care, most assessments not only depend on one single measurement but a plethora of mixed measurements over time. Even for trained experts, efficient and accurate analysis of such multivariate data remains a challenging task. We present a linked‐view post hoc visual analytics application that reduces data complexity by combining projection‐based time curves for overview with small multiples for details on demand. Our approach supports not only the analysis of individual patients but also of ensembles by adapting existing techniques using non‐parametric statistics. We evaluated the effectiveness and acceptance of our approach through expert feedback with domain scientists from the surgical department using real‐world data: a post‐surgery study performed on a porcine surrogate model to identify parameters suitable for diagnosing and prognosticating the volume state, and clinical data from a public database. The results show that our approach allows for detailed analysis of changes in patient state while also summarizing the temporal development of the overall condition.
Contact sensitization to essential oils: IVDK data of the years 2010–2019
Authors: Geier Johannes , Schubert Steffen , Reich Kristian , Skudlik Christoph , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara , Brehler Randolf , Weisshaar Elke , Uter Wolfgang ,   for the IVDK
Published: April 2022

Background

Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, massage fluids, aroma therapy and natural medicine. Some EOs contain contact sensitizers.

Objectives

To describe the frequency of sensitization to EOs in dermatitis patients presenting in skin clinics including concomitant reactions, to evaluate the EO patch test preparations and to identify patient groups with an increased risk of EO sensitization.

Patients and methods

Retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2010–2019.

Results

Twelve EOs were patch tested in an aimed manner in 10 930 patients, of whom 908 (8.3%) reacted to at least 1 EO. Only 6 EOs elicited more than 1% positive patch test reactions: ylang ylang (I + II) oil (3.9%), lemongrass oil (2.6%), jasmine absolute (1.8%), sandalwood oil (1.8%), clove oil (1.6%) and neroli oil (1.1%). Concomitant reactions among EOs or to EOs and fragrances were frequent. Among EO‐positive patients, women, leg dermatitis patients, patients aged 40 years or more, masseurs and cosmeticians were over‐represented.

Conclusions

Sensitization to EOs occurs, albeit infrequently in most cases. Masseurs and cosmeticians have an increased risk of sensitization to EOs.
Tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil in elderly kidney transplant recipients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Witek Stephanie , Malat Gregory , Sawinski Deirdre , Sammons Chelsea , LaFratte Christopher , Forte Abigail , Samudralwar Rahul , Lyle Sandra , Rashid Jamal , Trofe‐Clark Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Background

Optimal immunosuppression in elderly kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is not well defined, with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) being poorly tolerated. Study aim was to compare MMF dose reduction incidence and reason(s) in elderly vs. nonelderly KTRs in the 1st year after transplant with a protocol dose of 1 g/day.

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, first or repeat KTRs receiving rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), MMF 1 g/day, tacrolimus, and prednisone, were stratified by age [≥60 (elderly) or <60 years (nonelderly)]. Primary outcome was MMF dose reduction incidence in the first year. Secondary outcomes included dose reduction rationale, 1‐year patient and graft survival, graft function, rejection, infection, hospital presentation, and time to dose reduction. Of 335 KTRs, dose reduction incidence was significantly greater in the elderly group (66% and 54%, p = 0.04), though this did not remain significant when adjusted for sex, race, and valganciclovir use. Most common rationale was leukopenia in the elderly group and CMV in the nonelderly group. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Mycophenolate mofetil 1 g/day was poorly tolerated in both elderly and nonelderly KTRs receiving lymphocyte‐depleting induction with a high incidence of dose reductions; however, no short‐term adverse graft outcomes were identified.
Association between RAC1 gene variation, redox homeostasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Azarova Iuliia , Klyosova Elena , Polonikov Alexey
Published: April 2022

Background

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are known to play a key role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the relationship between genes encoding a multi‐subunit ROS‐generated enzyme NADPH oxidase and disease susceptibility remains unexplored.

Aims

The present pilot study investigated whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at the RAC1 gene (Rac family small GTPase 1), a molecular switcher of NADPH oxidase, are associated with the risk of T2D, glucose metabolism and redox homeostasis.

Materials & Methods

DNA samples from 3206 unrelated Russian subjects (1579 T2D patients and 1627 controls) were genotyped for six common SNPs rs4724800, rs7784465, rs10951982, rs10238136, rs836478 and rs9374 of RAC1 using the MassArray‐4 system.

Results

SNP rs7784465 was associated with an increased risk of T2D (p = .0003), and significant differences in the RAC1 haplotypes occurred between the cases and controls (p = .005). Seventeen combinations of RAC1 genotypes showed significant associations with T2D risk (FDR <0.05). Associations of RAC1 polymorphisms with T2D were modified by environmental factors such as sedentary lifestyle, psychological stresses, a dietary deficit of fresh fruits/vegetables and increased carbohydrate intake. RAC1 polymorphisms were associated with biochemical parameters in diabetics: rs7784465 (p = .015) and rs836478 (p = .028) with increased glycated haemoglobin, rs836478 (p = .005) with increased fasting blood glucose, oxidized glutathione (p = .012) and uric acid (p = .034). Haplotype rs4724800A–rs7784465C–rs10951982G–rs10238136A–rs836478C–rs9374G was strongly associated with increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Thus, polymorphisms in the RAC1 gene represent novel genetic markers of type 2 diabetes, and their link with glucose metabolism and disease pathogenesis is associated with the changes in redox homeostasis.
Lianas decelerate tropical forest thinning during succession
Authors: Medina‐Vega José A. , van der Heijden Geertje M. F. , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: April 2022

The well‐established pattern of forest thinning during succession predicts an increase in mean tree biomass with decreasing tree density. The forest thinning pattern is commonly assumed to be driven solely by tree‐tree competition. The presence of non‐tree competitors could alter thinning trajectories, thus altering the rate of forest succession and carbon uptake. We used a large‐scale liana removal experiment over 7 years in a 60‐ to 70‐year‐old Panamanian forest to test the hypothesis that lianas reduce the rate of forest thinning during succession. We found that lianas slowed forest thinning by reducing tree growth, not by altering tree recruitment or mortality. Without lianas, trees grew and presumably competed more, ultimately reducing tree density while increasing mean tree biomass. Our findings challenge the assumption that forest thinning is driven solely by tree‐tree interactions; instead, they demonstrate that competition from other growth forms, such as lianas, slow forest thinning and ultimately delay forest succession.
Seizure detection with deep neural networks for review of two‐channel electroencephalogram
Authors: Hartmann Manfred , Koren Johannes , Baumgartner Christoph , Duun‐Henriksen Jonas , Gritsch Gerhard , Kluge Tilmann , Perko Hannes , Fürbass Franz
Published: April 2022

Ultra‐long‐term electroencephalographic (EEG) registration using minimally invasive low‐channel devices is an emerging technology to assess sporadic seizure events. Highly sensitive automatic seizure detection algorithms are needed for semiautomatic evaluation of these prolonged recordings. We describe the design and validation of a deep neural network for two‐channel seizure detection. The model is trained using EEG recordings from 590 patients in a publicly available seizure database. These recordings are based on the full 10–20 electrode system and include seizure annotations created by reviews of the full set of EEG channels. Validation was performed using 48 scalp EEG recordings from an independent epilepsy center and consensus seizure annotations from three neurologists. For each patient, a three‐electrode subgroup (two channels with a common reference) of the full montage was selected for validation of the two‐channel model. Mean sensitivity across patients of 88.8% and false positive rate across patients of 12.9/day were achieved. The proposed training approach is of great practical relevance, because true recordings from low‐channel devices are currently available only in small numbers, and the generation of gold standard seizure annotations in two EEG channels is often difficult. The study demonstrates that automatic seizure detection based on two‐channel EEG data is feasible and review of ultra‐long‐term recordings can be made efficient and effective.