bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plagiarism conundrum in Kenyan universities: an impediment to quality research
Authors: Nakitare Joel , Otike Fredrick
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Plagiarism has been on the rise, mainly because of increased access to the internet and digital sources. To combat the threat of plagiarism, various universities have implemented countermeasures such as capacity building, anti-plagiarism policies and the purchase of anti-plagiarism software. In Kenya, there appears to be a lack of cohesion among universities in combating plagiarism, a situation that threatens teaching, learning and research if not addressed adequately. This paper aims to review and identify anti-plagiarism practices in Kenyan universities; it further proposed various best practices and policy actions that ought to be adopted to win the fight and the misperception of plagiarism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed-method approach by surveying the librarians and interviewing the graduate school directors or deans to establish the strength and challenges in implementing plagiarism measures in the universities in Kenya. Before collecting data, the researcher checked the reliability of the tools by pretesting and readjusting the tools based on input from the participants.

Findings

This study established that most universities in Kenya appreciate the fact that plagiarism negatively affects the quality of teaching, learning and research. However, despite the fact that there is goodwill in the effort to combat plagiarism, there were no unified mechanisms, strategies and implementation policies in solving plagiarism issues among universities in Kenya. Different universities have adopted different strategies in terms of policy, software and capacity. Further, it was noted that the well-established/funded universities had clear stipulated mechanisms as opposed to the ill-funded universities with limited funding and budget.

Practical implications

This research provides an opportunity for universities to make an informed choice about the policies, required capacity and software to tackle plagiarism. The findings from the study will be used to improve the quality of academic writing and standardize procedures on plagiarism by proposing policy actions needed to maximize the benefits of the investments in this venture. This study recommends a collaborations approach among universities in the fight against plagiarism. Because the Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium already supports many university cooperation, they ought to take the initiative in formulating policy, choosing the appropriate software to use and developing the necessary ability in the battle against plagiarism.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first effort to evaluate the anti-plagiarism strategies being applied in different universities in Kenya. This study demonstrates the gaps and variations in university strategies in combating academic plagiarism. The findings can be applied to improve academic communication and indeed the quality of research output at other universities in Kenya and beyond.
Conceptual cost estimation of highway bid items – A systematic literature review
Authors: Awuku Bright , Asa Eric , Baffoe-Twum Edmund , Essegbey Adikie
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Challenges associated with ensuring the accuracy and reliability of cost estimation of highway construction bid items are of significant interest to state highway transportation agencies. Even with the existing research undertaken on the subject, the problem of inaccurate estimation of highway bid items still exists. This paper aims to assess the accuracy of the cost estimation methods employed in the selected studies to provide insights into how well they perform empirically. Additionally, this research seeks to identify, synthesize and assess the impact of the factors affecting highway unit prices because they affect the total cost of highway construction costs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically searched, selected and reviewed 105 papers from Scopus, Google Scholar, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Transportation Research Board (TRB) and Science Direct (SD) on conceptual cost estimation of highway bid items. This study used content and nonparametric statistical analyses to determine research trends, identify, categorize the factors influencing highway unit prices and assess the combined performance of conceptual cost prediction models.

Findings

Findings from the trend analysis showed that between 1983 and 2019 North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East contributed the most to improving highway cost estimation research. Aggregating the quantitative results and weighting the findings using each study's sample size revealed that the average error between the actual and the estimated project costs of Monte-Carlo simulation models (5.49%) performed better compared to the Bayesian model (5.95%), support vector machines (6.03%), case-based reasoning (11.69%), artificial neural networks (12.62%) and regression models (13.96%). This paper identified 41 factors and was grouped into three categories, namely: (1) factors relating to project characteristics; (2) organizational factors and (3) estimate factors based on the common classification used in the selected papers. The mean ranking analysis showed that most of the selected papers used project-specific factors more when estimating highway construction bid items than the other factors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by analyzing and comparing the performance of highway cost estimation models, identifying and categorizing a comprehensive list of cost drivers to stimulate future studies in improving highway construction cost estimates.
Effect of innovative practices on the growth of quantity surveying firms in Nigeria
Authors: Famakin Ibukun Oluwadara , Moyanga Dorcas Titilayo , Agboola Ajoke Aminat
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Although the overall impacts of innovation and innovative practices have been emphasized in recent years, the effect on the growth of firms in Nigeria have not been proven. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of innovative practices on the growth of quantity surveying firms (QSFs) in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the quantitative correlational research design in which a well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from QSFs in South-West, Nigeria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to investigate the effect of innovative practices on the growth of QSFs.

Findings

The study reveals that there is a significant increase in the growth indices used for assessing QSFs, while all the innovation variables were found to be reliable. Based on the result of multiple regression analysis, the relationships were identified as follows: quantity surveying (QS) software influenced the size growth of QSFs; QS software and services affected client growth and profit growth; and all innovation practices impacted asset growth of QSFs.

Practical implications

Although the use of software tools has been found to negatively affect the size of QSFs and other growth indices, there is need for them to embrace innovative software applications for more quality service delivery. In addition, QSFs should formulate strategic objectives that will guide them in taking informed decisions for diversification.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study provides information and direction for innovation practices required to bring about the growth of QSFs.
The influence of lean thinking on philanthropic organisations' disaster response processes
Authors: Mogotsi Keratiloe , Saruchera Fanny
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal the philanthropy landscape processes for dealing with disasters and examine the influence of lean thinking in managing philanthropy for disasters. It sought to leverage continuous improvement and maximise disaster response and humanitarian logistics efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential quantitative, qualitative research methods strategy was utilised involving data collection with literary analysis and two sets of online surveys with 212 NGO staff members in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In addition, in-depth key informant interviews were conducted with 23 staff members at various management levels from these countries.

Findings

The study found that lean thinking had a positive, statistically valid influence at a 95% confidence level. Community incorporation, government support and collaboration with other philanthropic organisations were critical success factors. When lean thinking tools were applied (any tools), philanthropic organisations experienced waste reduction and value addition, where waste reduction accounted for 67% variation, and value-addition accounted for 58%, respectively. These were the same benefits experienced in other industries, thus, justifying lean thinking's applicability in the non-profit sector. Lean was most helpful about the communication and duplication of efforts challenges humanitarian or philanthropic organisations face when responding to a disaster.

Practical implications

The study equips leaders and philanthropic organisations with suggestions to manage and respond to disasters in a lean and effective manner. The study helps philanthropy leaders rethink their funding and response models to pursue lean policies catering to humanitarian organisations and the communities they serve.

Originality/value

The study closes significant gaps in the literature and practice by adopting a multi-sectoral lens that borrows from business and manufacturing tools into a non-profit context. It enables documentation of processes and logistical management by philanthropy organisations for continuous improvement and elimination of waste to ensure efficiency in the philanthropic role of alleviating the impact of disasters. The study also affirms the need for philanthropic organisations to incorporate community feedback, use lean tools to collaborate with other responding organisations and work closely with the local authorities to fulfil the government's supportive role: the primary source and executor in disaster response.
Does shared leadership always work? A state-of-the-art review and future prospects
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Jun-Hui
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to sort out the potential dark sides of shared leadership so as to promote a more comprehensive and balanced views of the impact of shared leadership and provide directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Through extensive database and manual searches, 766 literature records were obtained. After three rounds of literature screening, 17 studies were retained. On this basis, the 17 studies were coded and analyzed.

Findings

From the perspectives of individual motivation, hierarchical functionalism and leadership role configuration, the existing studies have explored the negative impacts of shared leadership on team members, formal team leaders and the overall work teams. Specifically, for team members, shared leadership may cause negative consequences like power struggle, role stress and knowledge hiding. For formal team leaders, shared leadership may cause negative consequences like psychological territorial loss, leadership motivation declines and the dualistic paradox of self and group. For the overall work teams, shared leadership may cause negative consequences like team performance inhibition, low decision-making efficiency, team responsibility dispersion and team creativity decline. Meanwhile, contextual factors play a key role in determining the effects of shared leadership.

Originality/value

Through a systematic review of the negative impact of shared leadership, this study responds to the research calls for exploring the dark sides of shared leadership, provides the academic community with a more comprehensive and balanced view of the impact of shared leadership and identifies several directions for future research.
How hospital top managers reason about the central leadership task of balancing quality of patient care, economy and professionals’ engagement: an interview study
Authors: Bååthe Fredrik , von Knorring Mia , Isaksson-Rø Karin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to deepen the understanding of how top managers reason about handling the relationships between quality of patient care, economy and professionals’ engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative design. Individual in-depth interviews with all members of the executive management team at an emergency hospital in Norway were analysed using reflexive thematic method.

Findings

The top managers had the intention to balance between quality of patient care, economy and professionals’ engagement. This became increasingly difficult in times of high internal or external pressures. Then top management acted as if economy was the most important focus.

Practical implications

For health-care top managers to lead the pursuit towards increased sustainability in health care, there is a need to balance between quality of patient care, economy and professionals’ engagement. This study shows that this balancing act is not an anomaly top-managers can eradicate. Instead, they need to recognize, accept and deliberately act with that in mind, which can create virtuous development spirals where managers and health-professional communicate and collaborate, benefitting quality of patient care, economy and professionals’ engagement. However, this study builds on a limited number of participants. More research is needed.

Originality/value

Sustainable health care needs to balance quality of patient care and economy while at the same time ensure professionals’ engagement. Even though this is a central leadership task for managers at all levels, there is limited knowledge about how top managers reason about this.
Lived experiences of successful women entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Iran: a feminist phenomenological study
Authors: Sadrnabavi Fatemeh , Daneshvar Hanieh
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the entrepreneurial actions of successful Iranian women entrepreneurs. It is an attempt to find the roots, motivations, challenges and strategies of successful actions of these women, despite the unequal and masculine structure of the society.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted through the theoretical framework of poststructuralist feminism and the qualitative method. By purposive sampling, the researchers selected 10 women entrepreneurs living in Khorasan Razavi province for in-depth interviews. These women have created many jobs based on local potential and become recognized as top entrepreneurs. The narratives of these women were analyzed phenomenologically.

Findings

The actions of these women are fertilized under the influence of family background and early socialization and in the combination of internal motivations and external stimuli. These women resist social barriers such as widespread patriarchy, gender division of labor in society and complex bureaucratic processes through the “strategic cycle” resulting from the interaction of “reliance on intertwined social networks,” “social entrepreneurship,” “gradual formation of social capital” and “reliance on local potentials.”

Social implications

The strategies to overcome gender inequalities at the micro (family) and macro (society) levels introduced in this research can inspire women entrepreneurs who seek success in their businesses.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative research that, by studying the actions of successful Iranian women entrepreneurs, describes how they overcome structural inequalities and their success strategies.
What affects the turnover intention of civil servants: Evidence from Bhutan
Authors: Mussagulova Assel , Demircioglu Mehmet Akif
Published: December 2022

Research utilising self‐determination theory (SDT) and, in particular, the concept of need satisfaction in public organisations has been increasing in recent years. At the same time, most studies are using insights from SDT, and are not really testing them. In fact, we still have limited knowledge on the outcomes of need satisfaction for civil servants. In this study, we aim to understand how need satisfaction affects the intrinsic motivation of civil servants, as well as their intention to leave the organisation in which they currently work. Using original data from 580 civil servants in Bhutan, this study finds that need satisfaction matters for intrinsic motivation and turnover intention. More specifically, this study finds that while need satisfaction has a positive effect on intrinsic motivation, it has a negative effect on turnover intention. Intrinsic motivation also mediates this relationship. To reduce turnover intention, policymakers may need to enhance public sector employees’ need satisfaction and their intrinsic motivation. These findings are consistent with Bhutan's context, in which happiness and human connection and fulfilment are more important than economic values.

Points for practitioners

Civil servants of Bhutan whose needs are satisfied are more likely to be intrinsically motivated and less likely to express an intention to quit their jobs.

To reduce turnover intention, policymakers may need to enhance public sector employees’ need satisfaction and their intrinsic motivation.
‘Ladder’‐based safety culture assessments inversely predict safety outcomes
Authors: Boskeljon‐Horst Leonie , Sillem Simone , Dekker Sydney W. A.
Published: December 2022

There is little empirical evidence on the predictive value of safety culture assessments (SCAs) in relation to how accident‐prone an organisation might be. Recently, Antonsen not just demonstrated how a quantitative SCA mispredicted future safety outcomes, but actually showed an inverse relationship between the assessment and subsequent critical incident investigation findings. To add to our understanding, this article presents research on whether a SCA has a predictive capacity for safety outcomes. Like in Antonsen's research, an opportunity emerged when a helicopter taxiing accident, resulting in a rotor strike occurred for a helicopter squadron that had just undergone a SCA. The assessment used ‘culture ladder’ rubrics for its findings, which allowed us to look for specific features in the subsequent independent accident investigation (in which the researchers were not involved). As with Antonsen's findings, our research shows that a ‘ladder’‐based assessment has little predictive value. Any predictive value it has is in the inverse of the assessment findings. For instance, where the SCA showed that the safety culture was very mature regarding finding a balance between safety and the mission at hand or the breaking of rules, the accident investigation pointed these out as the causes of the accident.
Value addition to frozen yoghurt through the use of orange peel solids as flavour adjunct
Authors: Adil Shaikh , Jana Atanu H , Mehta Bhavbhuti M , Darji V B
Published: December 2022

Frozen yoghurt rich in β‐carotene and dietary fibre was developed through incorporation of orange peel products. The suitability of two forms of peel viz., candied orange peel (COP) and orange peel powder (OPP), was studied as flavour adjunct in frozen yoghurt. The medium‐fat frozen yoghurt mix was prepared by blending yoghurt base with ice cream mix (25:75, w/w). COP and OPP were used as flavour adjuncts at levels of 8.0 and 2.5% by weight of mixes, respectively. The control (C) frozen yoghurt was devoid of the fruit peel. Incorporation of peel solids yielded frozen yoghurts which had markedly higher protein, carbohydrates, ash and total solids content. OPP used at 2.5% level was preferred over use of COP at 8.0% level as a valued ingredient in the preparation of ‘medium‐fat orange frozen yoghurt’. Such product had superior total sensory score when compared to the rest of the samples. The recommended frozen yoghurt was higher in terms of β‐carotene and dietary fibre by 37.20 and 240.0%, respectively, compared to control product.
Preferences for deinfibulation (opening) surgery and female genital mutilation service provision: A qualitative study
Authors: Jones Laura L. , Costello Benjamin D. , Danks Emma , Jolly Kate , Cross‐Sudworth Fiona , Byrne Alison , Fassam‐Wright Meg , Latthe Pallavi , Clarke Joanne , Adbi Ayan , Abdi Hodo , Abdi Hibaq , Taylor Julie
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the views of female genital mutilation (FGM) survivors, men and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the timing of deinfibulation surgery and NHS service provision.

Design

Qualitative study informed by the sound of silence framework.

Setting

Survivors and men were recruited from three FGM prevalent areas of England. HCPs and stakeholders were from across the UK.

Sample

Forty‐four survivors, 13 men and 44 HCPs. Ten participants at two community workshops and 30 stakeholders at a national workshop.

Methods

Hybrid framework analysis of 101 interviews and three workshops.

Results

There was no consensus across groups on the optimal timing of deinfibulation for survivors who wished to be deinfibulated. Within group, survivors expressed a preference for deinfibulation pre‐pregnancy and HCPs antenatal deinfibulation. There was no consensus for men. Participants reported that deinfibulation should take place in a hospital setting and be undertaken by a suitable HCP. Decision making around deinfibulation was complex but for those who underwent surgery it helped to mitigate FGM impacts. Although there were examples of good practice, in general, FGM service provision was suboptimal.

Conclusion

Deinfibulation services need to be widely advertised. Information should highlight that the procedure can be carried out at different time points, according to preference, and in a hospital by suitable HCPs. Future services should ideally be developed with survivors, to ensure that they are clinically and culturally appropriate. Guidelines would benefit from being updated to reflect the needs of survivors and to ensure consistency in provision.
Preconception, Interconception, and reproductive health screening tools: A systematic review
Authors: Ren Megan , Shireman Hannah , VanGompel Emily White , Bello Jennifer K. , Carlock Francesca , McHugh Ashley , Stulberg Debra
Published: December 2022

Objective

To identify and describe the standardized interconception and preconception screening tools for reproductive health needs that are applicable in general outpatient clinical practice.

Data Sources and Study Setting

This systematic review identifies research on pregnancy intention screening and counseling tools, and standardized approaches to preconception and interconception care. We focus on tools designed for clinical settings, but also include research tools with potential for clinical implementation. These tools may include a component of contraceptive counseling, but those focusing solely on contraceptive counseling were excluded. Data were collected from studies done in the United States between January 2000 and March 2022.

Study Design

We performed a systematic literature search to generate a list of unique tools, assessed the quality of evidence supporting each tool, and described the peer‐reviewed clinical applications of each. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool to appraise the quality of individual studies.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases for standardized preconception and interconception health screening tools published in English from January 2000 through March 2022. We used keywords “preconception care,” “interconception care,” “family planning,” “contraception,” “reproductive health services,” and “counseling.” Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines, we screened titles and abstracts to identify studies for full text review.

Principal Findings

The search resulted in 15,399 studies. After removing 4172 duplicates, we screened 11,227 titles/abstracts and advanced 207 for full‐text review. From these, we identified 53 eligible studies representing 22 tools/standardized approaches, of which 10 had evidence from randomized clinical trials. These ranged widely in design, setting, and population of study.

Conclusions

Clinicians have a choice of tools when implementing standard reproductive screening services. A growing body of research can inform the selection of an appropriate tool, and more study is needed to establish effects on long‐term patient outcomes.
Real‐world effectiveness of regorafenib in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: A retrospective, observational study
Authors: Wang Hailing , Liu Weiling , Zhao Yan , Hu Hongtao , Zhang Bin , Yang Shujun
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluate the real‐world usage pattern and factors associated with the effectiveness of regorafenib in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data for 209 patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib as third or later line of therapy. TheKaplan–Meier method was used to draw the survival curves. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the prognostic value for overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 209 patients, 156 (75%) were treated with regorafenib, and 53 (25%) were given regorafenib combined with programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitors. About 182 (87%) patients had a dose record of regorafenib. The initial daily doses of regorafenib were 160, 120, 80, and 40 mg, accounting for 29%, 17%, 48%, and 6% of patients, respectively. The median follow‐up time was 11.3 months, and the median OS was 12.0 months (95% CI: 9.7–14.3). Patients treated with PD‐1 inhibitors plus regorafenib had a longer OS than the non‐PD‐1 group (13.5 vs. 10.1 months, hazard ratio [HR] = .534, 95% CI: .325–.879; p = .014). A total of 49 patients with microsatellite stable or mismatch repair‐proficient genotype treated with PD‐1 inhibitors plus regorafenib had a longer OS than the non‐PD‐1 group (13.5 vs. 9.7 months; HR = .563, p = .027). The median OS of patients continuing treatment with regorafenib after progression (n = 19, with five patients receiving additional immunotherapy) was marginally longer than patients discontinuing regorafenib after progression (12.7 vs. 11.9 months, p = .425) observed in a smaller cohort.

Conclusion

In real‐world practice, patients with mCRC in whom standard regimens had failed have a good survival benefit with regorafenib. Combination with PD‐1 inhibitor may further prolong survival of the patients.
The characteristics of a 12‐lead electrocardiogram measuring premature ventricular contractions originating from the tricuspid annulus using the clock position method
Authors: Qu Li‐juan , Guo Min , Zhang Nan , Sun Meng , Wang Rui
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the conventional surface electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the tricuspid annulus and to investigate the efficacy of locating their origins according to ECG results.

Methods

Eight patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation in the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (China) were included in the study. Pace mapping (PM) was used to analyze the characteristics of the PVCs originating from the tricuspid annulus recorded via 12‐lead body surface ECGs.

Results

An R‐wave was found in leads I, V5, and V6. The QRS wave was narrower when the PVCs originated from the septum and shifted in lead V3 (R‐wave amplitude/S‐wave amplitude in the precordial lead—1). The QRS wave was broadest when the PVCs originated from the 7 to 9 o'clock position. The augmented vector left lead showed RS, QS, or RSR‐type waves with a low amplitude when the PVCs originated from the upper part of the annulus. When the PVCs originated from the lower part of the annulus, the augmented vector right lead reflected multidirectional and QS‐type waves.

Conclusion

The ECG‐lead characteristics related to the origin of PVCs in the tricuspid annulus indicate some level of significance and can be used to formulate a specific diagnosis.
NOTCH1 mutation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is associated with an enhanced cell cycle G1/S transition and specific cyclin overexpression: Preclinical ground for targeted inhibition
Authors: Carrillo‐Tornel Salvador , Chen‐Liang Tzu Hua , Zurdo María , Puiggros Anna , Gómez‐Llonín Andrea , García‐Malo María Dolores , Cuenca‐Zamora Ernesto José , Ortuño Francisco José , López Ana María Hurtado , Espinet Blanca , Jerez Andrés
Published: December 2022

Studies prior to next‐generation sequencing (NGS) showed that the frequent indolent course of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is related to most cells remaining quiescent in the G0–G1 cell cycle phase, due to the expression of dysregulated cyclin genes. Of note, the activating nature of the NOTCH1 mutation in T lymphoblastic leukaemia also drives the dysregulation of cell cycle genes. Our goal was to comprehensively revisit the cell cycle in NOTCH1‐mutated CLL (NOTCH1MUT) to test for potential therapeutic targets. Among 378 NGS‐annotated CLL cases, NOTCH1MUT cells displayed a unique transcriptome profile of G0–G1 cell cycle components, with an overexpression of early‐phase effectors, reaching a 38‐, 27‐ and ninefold change increase for the complex elements CCND3, CDK4 and CDK6, respectively. This NOTCH1MUT cells’ profile was related to more cells traversing through the cell cycle. In‐vitro targeted inhibition of NOTCH1 gamma‐secretase and CDK4/6 reversed the distribution of cells through the cycle phases and enhanced the killing of NOTCH1MUT CLL cells, suggesting new therapeutic approaches.
An evidence‐base for developing ambitious yet realistic national biodiversity targets
Authors: Bane Miranda S. , Cooke Rob , Boyd Robin J. , Brown Andy , Burns Fiona , Henly Lauren , Vanderpump Jemilah , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: December 2022

Biodiversity targets are a key tool, used at a global and national policy level, to align biodiversity goals, promote conservation action, and recover nature. Yet most biodiversity targets are not met. In England, the government has committed to legally‐binding targets to halt and recover the decline in species abundance by 2030 and 2042. We present evidence from recent population trends of 670 terrestrial animal species (for which abundance time series are available) as a species abundance indicator, together with a synthesis of case studies on species recovery, to assess the degree to which these targets are achievable. The case studies demonstrate that recovery is possible through a range of approaches. The indicator demonstrates that theoretically targets can be achieved by addressing severe declines in a relatively small number of species, as well as creating smaller benefits for many species through landscape‐scale interventions. The fact that multiple pathways exist to achieve the species abundance targets in England presents choices but also raises the possibility that targets might be reached with perverse consequences. We demonstrate that evidence on achievability is a necessary but not sufficient condition for determining what is required to deliver conservation outcomes and restore biodiversity.
Divergent climate impacts on C3 versus C4 grasses imply widespread 21st century shifts in grassland functional composition
Authors: Havrilla Caroline A. , Bradford John B. , Yackulic Charles B. , Munson Seth M.
Published: December 2022

Aim

Grasslands cover a third of Earth's landmass and provide critical ecosystem services. Anticipating how perennial C3 (cool‐season) and C4 (warm‐season) grasses respond to climate change will be key to predicting future composition and functioning of grasslands. Here, we evaluate environmental drivers of C3 and C4 perennial distributions and assess how C3 and C4 grass distributions shift in response to future climate change.

Location

Western United States.

Methods

We developed integrated species distribution models to identify climate and soil drivers of relative abundance of C3 and C4 perennial grasses. We then created projections of species abundances under future climate and evaluated when and where projected shifts in relative abundance were robust across climate models.

Results

Historically, C3 grasses occupied areas with lower temperature and more variable precipitation regimes, while C4 grasses occupied areas of higher temperature, greater temperature variability and greater warm‐season precipitation. C4 species also occupied narrower soil texture niches. In response to future climate change, C3 grass abundance declined across 74% of areas, while C4 abundance increased across 66% of areas. C3 grasses expanded in mid‐ to higher‐latitude areas with increasing temperature and decreasing seasonality of precipitation. In contrast, C4 grasses increased in higher‐latitude regions, but declined in lower‐latitude, dryer regions. Results were surprisingly robust across climate scenarios, suggesting high confidence in the direction of these future changes.

Main Conclusions

Findings imply C3 and C4 perennial grasses will have highly divergent responses to climate change that may result in grassland functional compositional changes. Increasing temperatures and precipitation variability may favour some C4 grasses, but C4 habitat expansion may be constrained by soil conditions in western USA. Results provide actionable insights for anticipating the impacts of climate change on grass‐dominated and co‐dominated ecosystems and improving large‐scale conservation and restoration efforts.
Two‐stage endoscopic resection of a huge duodenal tumor
Authors: Takeuchi Nao , Ohata Ken , Chiba Hideyuki
Published: December 2022

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Monopsony, wage discrimination, and public policy
Authors: Alderman Brianna L. , Blair Roger D. , Saygin Perihan Ö.
Published: December 2022

A vast number of empirical studies have found that monopsony power is pervasive in labor markets. In some circumstances, the exercise of monopsony results in wage discrimination that is not taste‐based. Instead, it results from profit maximization in the presence of different labor supply functions of two distinct groups of workers. This paper examines the profit maximizing employment decisions of a monopsonist under these conditions, as well as the public policy regarding wage discrimination. The economic effects of the current statutes are also examined, as well as some policy recommendations to strengthen the prohibition of wage discrimination.
Estimated prevalence of facial injury‐related mortality in the United States pediatric population
Authors: Hebballi Nutan B. , Xie Luyu , Kane Alex A. , Brown Eric L. , Mathew Matthew S. , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: December 2022

Background/Aims

In pediatric populations, the epidemiology of facial trauma, their injury patterns, distribution, and outcomes are well known, However, little is known about the risk factors and impacts of minor and moderate facial injuries on in‐hospital mortality among children in the United States of America (USA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for in‐hospital mortality among pediatric patients following facial injuries in the USA.

Material and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with data from the National Trauma Data Bank's pediatric hospitalized patients (<18 years) with facial injuries (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 802.00 to 802.9 and Tenth Revision codes S02.2 to S02.92) between January 01, 2016–December 31, 2019. A multivariable logistic regression model was utilized to identify the risk factors for in‐hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 61,294 pediatric patients (mean age 11.9 years, 69.6% males) were included in the analysis. The estimated prevalence of in‐hospital mortality following facial injuries was 2.4% (n = 1480). In terms of mortality, compared to those who sustained minor facial injuries, patients with (1) moderate injuries had 43% higher odds (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.25–1.64, p < .0001), (2) serious injuries had seven times higher odds (OR = 7.81; 95% CI: 6.67–9.14, p < .0001), (3) severe injuries had 16 times higher odds (OR = 16.07; 95% CI: 12.62–20.46, p < .0001), and (4) critical/maximum injury virtually unsurvivable had 145 times higher odds (OR = 145.24; 95% CI: 113.82–185.33, p < .0001) of death after controlling for age, race, insurance status, comorbidities, and hospital complications.

Conclusions

The severity of facial injury, age 5–17 years, uninsured status, and those with a mental/personality disorder were risk factors for in‐hospital mortality among pediatric patients following facial injuries in this population‐level analysis. A better understanding of these risk factors is needed for clinical management of pediatric patients to prevent in‐hospital mortality following facial injuries.
A robust and readily implementable method for the meta‐analysis of response ratios with and without missing standard deviations
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Noble Daniel W. A. , Lagisz Malgorzata , Spake Rebecca , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Senior Alistair M.
Published: December 2022

The log response ratio, lnRR, is the most frequently used effect size statistic for meta‐analysis in ecology. However, often missing standard deviations (SDs) prevent estimation of the sampling variance of lnRR. We propose new methods to deal with missing SDs via a weighted average coefficient of variation (CV) estimated from studies in the dataset that do report SDs. Across a suite of simulated conditions, we find that using the average CV to estimate sampling variances for all observations, regardless of missingness, performs with minimal bias. Surprisingly, even with missing SDs, this simple method outperforms the conventional approach (basing each effect size on its individual study‐specific CV) with complete data. This is because the conventional method ultimately yields less precise estimates of the sampling variances than using the pooled CV from multiple studies. Our approach is broadly applicable and can be implemented in all meta‐analyses of lnRR, regardless of ‘missingness’.
Effect of age at training initiation on hoof morphology and lameness in juvenile American Quarter Horses
Authors: Kawahisa‐Piquini Gabriella , Bass Luke D. , Pezzanite Lynn M. , Moorman Valerie J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Lameness, discipline, training intensity, environmental variability, and shoeing are all factors demonstrated to affect hoof loading and therefore act as adaptive stimuli to alter hoof morphology.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of age at training initiation on hoof morphology and lameness incidence and determine if specific hoof morphology measurements correlate with lameness in juvenile American Quarter Horses.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

American Quarter Horses (n = 42; 29 two‐year‐olds, 13 three‐year‐olds) entering training were monitored for hoof morphology and lameness over 6 months (months 0, 2, 4, and 6). Hoof measurements (palmar/plantar angles, frog base width/length, toe length/angle, heel length/angle, heel and foot width, wall height/angle) from radiographs and photographs were recorded. Lameness was graded subjectively and objectively (Lameness locator®). Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact test and repeated measures ANOVA withp < 0.05.

Results

25/42 horses developed subclinical lameness (16/42 forelimb, 19/42 hindlimb), with 3‐year‐olds developing lameness more frequently compared to 2‐year‐olds overall (p = 0.04; 84.6 vs. 48.3%) and in forelimbs (p = 0.05; 61.5% vs. 27.6%); no difference was noted between 2‐ versus 3‐year‐olds in hindlimbs (p = 0.2; 61.5% vs. 37.9%). In lame versus sound forelimbs, 3‐year‐olds had decreased foot width (p = 0.03; 11.48 cm [CI 10.68–12.28] vs. 12.21 cm [CI 11.99–12.42]), decreased toe length (p = 0.03; 6.02 cm [CI 5.69–6.36] vs. 6.45 cm [CI 6.32–6.58]), shorter lateral wall height (p = 0.03; 4.64 cm [CI 4.31–4.96] vs. 5.11 cm [CI 5.03–5.2]), and shorter medial wall height (p = 0.02; 4.58 cm [CI 4.06–5.10] vs. 5.15 cm [CI 4.99–5.30]).

In lame versus sound hindlimbs, horses overall (p = 0.05; 3.74, CI 3.53–3.96 vs. 3.55, CI 3.48–3.61) and 3‐year‐olds had longer heelsp = 0.01; 3.90 cm (CI 3.5–4.3) vs. 3.50 cm (CI 3.39–3.61).

Main limitations

Small sample size, lack of control group not entering training.

Conclusions

Three‐year‐old American Quarter Horses entering training were more likely to develop forelimb lameness than 2‐year‐olds. This subclinical lameness was associated with specific hoof morphology characteristics (decreased foot width, toe length, heel length, and lateral/medial wall height; greater toe angle).
Sales and race performance of juvenile Thoroughbreds with surgically corrected large colon displacements
Authors: Edwards Veronica Lynn , Loux Shavahn , Embertson Rolf
Published: December 2022

Background

Juvenile Thoroughbreds can be expensive to raise and train to race. Part of the economic return in these juveniles are the weanling, yearling and 2‐year‐old in training sales at which major surgeries must be declared.

Objectives

To determine if surgically corrected large colon displacements were associated with a reduction of sales price and racing performance. We hypothesised that the surgery would be associated with a reduced sales price but would not be associated with a reduction in race earnings or starts.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The medical, sales and racing records of horses less than 2 years old that had a surgical diagnosis of large colon displacement were examined (n = 110). Surgical cases were compared with a control group (n = 299) whose sales and racing data were evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference in median sale price overall between the two groups. Horses undergoing surgery had a reduced number of starts in the 2‐year‐old year (1 start;p < 0.001) when compared with control horses (2.32 starts), but no significant difference over the 2‐ to 4‐year‐old period. There was no significant association with surgery on earnings within the 2‐ to 4‐year‐old period of racing when compared with controls.

Main limitations

The main limitations for this study were the retrospective design, relatively small number of horses and covering only the 2‐ to 4‐year‐old period of the horses' racing career.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of this study suggest that if the juvenile Thoroughbred requires surgery for a large colon displacement, there is minimal association with sales price or race performance compared with their siblings. With this information, it will be easier to make informed decisions to take young horses to surgery.
Pharmacokinetic properties of pergolide mesylate following single and multiple‐dose administration in donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: Xue Cynthia , Davis Jennifer , Berghaus Londa J. , Hanafi Amanda , Vaughn Sarah A. , Hart Kelsey A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Donkeys with clinical signs of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction are treated with oral pergolide mesylate despite the lack of species‐specific pharmacokinetic data.

Objective

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of intragastric and oral pergolide mesylate in healthy donkeys (Equus asinus).

Study design

Pharmacokinetic study.

Methods

Six healthy donkeys were administered pergolide mesylate (Prascend®) at 2 μg/kg bodyweight (bwt) intragastrically once, then once daily per os (PO) for 5 days. Blood samples were collected at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 45 min and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after the single intragastric dose, once daily immediately before the PO dose, and then again at the above times after Day 5 of once daily oral dosing. Plasma pergolide concentration was quantified via ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Pergolide concentration versus time data after the first and last doses were analysed based on noncompartmental pharmacokinetics using commercial software. Pairedt‐tests were used to compare single and multiple doses (p < 0.05). In a follow‐up study, a single oral dose was then administered to two donkeys followed by concurrent blood sampling from the jugular and cephalic veins to evaluate the effect of route of administration on pergolide pharmacokinetics.

Results

Cmax,TmaxAUC, andt½λzdiffered significantly (p ≤ 0.03) after single and multiple doses, with significantly lowerCmax(0.16 ± 0.16 ng/ml) andt½λz(9.74 ± 1.35 h) after intragastric dosing on Day 1 than after 5 days of oral dosing (3.74 ± 2.26 ng/ml and 16.35 ± 5.21 h, respectively). Pergolide plasma concentrations were higher in jugular vein samples compared to cephalic vein samples after a single oral dose.

Main limitations

Small sample size; varied administration routes.

Conclusions

Pergolide mesylate (dosed at 2 μg/kg bwt) is bioavailable in donkeys after intragastric and PO administration. Differences in pharmacokinetics were noted after multiple doses, related to different routes of administration and sublingual absorption of pergolide.
Detection of Mycoplasma spp. in horses with respiratory disorders
Authors: Martineau Matthieu , Castagnet Sophie , Kokabi Elena , Tricot Agnès , Jaÿ Maryne , Léon Albertine , Tardy Florence
Published: December 2022

Background

Bacteria belonging to the genus Mycoplasma are small‐sized, have no cell walls and small genomes. They commonly cause respiratory disorders in their animal hosts. Three species have been found in the respiratory tract of horses worldwide, that is., Mycoplasma (M.) equirhinis, M. pulmonis and M. felis, but their role in clinical cases remains unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to i) develop and validate tools to detect, isolate and identify different Mycoplasma spp. strains in clinical equine respiratory‐tract specimens and ii) subsequently define the prevalence of the three species in France depending on sample types and horse characteristics (age, breed, sex).

Study design

Validation of a workflow for mycoplasma diagnosis and subsequent prevalence study.

Methods

Mycoplasma‐free tracheal wash samples spiked with numerated strains and DNA dilutions were used to validate the culture methods and real‐time PCR (rt‐PCR) assay. Isolated strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Prevalences were determined on a population of 616 horses with respiratory disorders, sampled in France in 2020.

Results

In total, 104 horses (16.9%) were found to be positive for Mycoplasma spp. by at least one method. M. equirhinis was the predominant circulating species, accounting for 85% of the rt‐PCR‐positive samples and 98% of the 40 cultured strains.

Main limitation

The proposed pre‐enrichment procedure improves the sensitivity of detection but hinders the quantification of the initial mycoplasma load in the clinical specimens.

Conclusions

Prevalence of mycoplasma varied with age, breed, and type of sample.