bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panx1 channels promote both anti- and pro-seizure-like activities in the zebrafish via p2rx7 receptors and ATP signaling
Authors: Whyte-Fagundes Paige , Taskina Daria , Safarian Nickie , Zoidl Christiane , Carlen Peter L , Donaldson Logan W , Zoidl Georg R
Published: June 2021

The molecular mechanisms of excitation-inhibition imbalances promoting seizure generation in epilepsy patients are not fully understood. Experimental evidence suggests that Pannexin1 (Panx1), an ATP release channel, modulates excitability of the brain. In this report, we have performed behavioral and molecular phenotyping experiments on zebrafish larvae bearing genetic or pharmacological knockouts of panx1a or panx1b channels, each highly homologous to human PANX1. When Panx1a function is lost or both channels are under pharmacological blockage, treatment with pentylenetetrazol to induce seizures causes reduced ictal-like events and seizure-like locomotion. These observations were extended by transcriptome profiling, where a spectrum of distinct metabolic and cell signaling states correlates with the loss of panx1a. The pro- and anticonvulsant activities of both Panx1 channels affects ATP release and involves the purinergic receptor p2rx7. We propose that Panx1 zebrafish models offer opportunities to explore the molecular and physiological basis of seizures and assist anticonvulsant drug discovery.
Elastic Network Modeling of Cellular Networks Unveils Sensor and Effector Genes that Control Information Flow
Authors: Acar Omer , Zhang She , Bahar Ivet , Carvunis Anne-Ruxandra
Published: June 2021

The high-level organization of the cell is embedded in long-range interactions that connect distinct cellular processes. Existing approaches for detecting long-range interactions consist of propagating information from source nodes through cellular networks, but the selection of source nodes is inherently biased by prior knowledge. Here, we sought to derive an unbiased view of long-range interactions by adapting a perturbation-response scanning strategy initially developed for identifying allosteric interactions within proteins. We deployed this strategy onto an elastic network model of the yeast genetic network. The genetic network revealed a superior propensity for long-range interactions relative to simulated networks with similar topology. Long-range interactions were detected systematically throughout the network and found to be enriched in specific biological processes. Furthermore, perturbation-response scanning identified the major sources and receivers of information in the network, named effector and sensor genes, respectively. Effectors formed dense clusters centrally integrated into the network, whereas sensors formed loosely connected antenna-shaped clusters. Long-range interactions between effector and sensor clusters represent the major paths of information in the network. Our results demonstrate that elastic network modeling of cellular networks constitutes a promising strategy to probe the high-level organization of the cell.
A viral ADP-ribosyltransferase attaches RNA chains to host proteins
Authors: Wolfram-Schauerte Maik , Pozhydaieva Nadiia , Grawenhoff Julia , Welp Luisa M. , Silbern Ivan , Wulf Alexander , Billau Franziska A. , Glatter Timo , Urlaub Henning , Jäschke Andres , Höfer Katharina
Published: June 2021

The mechanisms by which viruses hijack their host’s genetic machinery are of current interest. When bacteriophage T4 infectsEscherichia coli, three different ARTs (ADP-ribosyltransferases) reprogram the host’s transcriptional and translational apparatus through ADP-ribosylation using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as substrate1,2. Recently, NAD was identified as a 5’-modification of cellular RNAs3–5. Here, we report that T4 ART ModB accepts not only NAD but also NAD-capped RNA (NAD-RNA) as substrate and attaches entire RNA chains to acceptor proteins in an “RNAylation” reaction. ModB specifically RNAylates ribosomal proteins rS1 and rL2 at defined arginine residues, and a specific group ofE. coliand T4 phage RNAs is linked to rS1in vivo. T4 phages that express an inactive mutant of ModB show a decreased burst size and slowed lysis ofE. coli. Our findings reveal a distinct biological role of NAD-RNA, namely activation of the RNA for enzymatic transfer to proteins. The attachment of specific RNAs to ribosomal proteins might provide a strategy for the phage to modulate the host’s translation machinery. This work exemplifies the first direct connection between RNA modification and post-translational protein modification. As ARTs play important roles far beyond viral infections6, RNAylation may have far-reaching implications.
An alignment free approach confirms semantic properties of species proteomes
Authors: Starcevic Antonio , Melvan Ena , Cvrljak Toni , Diminic Janko , Zucko Jurica , Long Paul F.
Published: June 2021

Alignment-based methods dominate molecular biology. However, by primarily allowing one-to-one comparisons, these methods are focused on a gene-centered viewpoint and lack the broad context essential to analyze how complex biological systems function and evolve. In actuality, a gene is part of genome where more than one sequence contributes to the functional network and evolutionary trajectory of the cell. The need for conservation of established interactions, is arguably more important to the evolutionary success of species than conservation of individual function. To test whether such contextual information exists, a distributional semantics method - Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), was applied to thousands of species proteomes. Using natural language processing, Latent Taxonomic Signatures (LTSs) were identified that outperformed existing alignment-based BLAST methods when random protein sequences were being mapped to annotated taxonomy according to GenBank. LTSs are a novel proteome distributed feature, suggesting the existence of evolutionary constraints imposed on individual proteins by their proteome context. Even orphan proteins are exhibiting LTSs, which makes their uniqueness linked to a specific taxonomic level questionable. Unlike more simple bias, LTSs represent a self-similarity pattern, where random sets of species proteins show the same statistical properties of a complete proteome at many scales. Natural language processing and machine learning provide insights not easily discernable using alignment based methods suggestive there is more to species related differences than just translational optimization.
Genome-scale CRISPR Screens Identify Host Factors that Promote Human Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Grodzki Marco , Bluhm Andrew P. , Schäfer Moritz , Tagmount Abderrahmane , Russo Max , Sobh Amin , Rafiee Roya , Vulpe Chris D. , Karst Stephanie M. , Norris Michael H.
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in 153 million infections and 3.2 million deaths as of May 2021. While effective vaccines are being administered globally, there is still a great need for antiviral therapies as potentially antigenically distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge across the globe. Viruses require host factors at every step in their life cycle, representing a rich pool of candidate targets for antiviral drug design. To identify host factors that promote SARS-CoV-2 infection with potential for broad-spectrum activity across the coronavirus family, we performed genome-scale CRISPR knockout screens in two cell lines (Vero E6 and HEK293T ectopically expressing ACE2) with SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold-causing human coronavirus OC43. While we identified multiple genes and functional pathways that have been previously reported to promote human coronavirus replication, we also identified a substantial number of novel genes and pathways. Of note, host factors involved in cell cycle regulation were enriched in our screens as were several key components of the programmed mRNA decay pathway. Finally, we identified novel candidate antiviral compounds targeting a number of factors revealed by our screens. Overall, our studies substantiate and expand the growing body of literature focused on understanding key human coronavirus-host cell interactions and exploit that knowledge for rational antiviral drug development.

One Sentence Summary

Genome-wide CRISPR screens identified host factors that promote human coronavirus infection, revealing novel antiviral drug targets.
Analysing and evaluating environmental information disclosure in universities: the role of corporate governance, stakeholders and culture
Authors: Flórez-Parra Jesús Mauricio , Lopez-Perez Maria Victoria , López Hernández Antonio M. , Garde Sánchez Raquel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the internal and external factors related to the disclosure of environmental information in universities which reflect the actions carried out in these universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking as reference the first 200 universities in the Shanghai ranking, several factors associated with the degree of environmental information disclosure in universities – governance dimension, the relationship and participation of stakeholders, position and prestige as signs of the quality of the institution and cultural concern in the university’s country for the environment – are analysed.

Findings

The results obtained show that the size of the leadership team, stakeholder participation, the position of the university in rankings and cultural concern in the university’s country for the environment are determining factors in the university’s environmental actions and, consequently, in their disclosure. Other factors – such as the size of the university, the level of self-financing and financial autonomy – do not affect the disclosure of environmental information.

Originality/value

Scant research exists on the environmental commitments of universities; this paper aims to fill that gap. Their role as the main channel of research and as instructors of future professionals makes them points of reference in society. Research on university ranking has traditionally focussed on teaching and research results, but environmental issues are becoming increasingly important. This paper enumerates the factors that influence the dissemination of environmental information in the most prestigious universities. This research also provides an original approach by considering not only top-down but also bottom-up strategies through communication channels and the incidence of cultural factors.
Investigating the impact of personality traits on perceived usability evaluation of e-learning platforms
Authors: Vlachogianni Prokopia , Tselios Nikolaos
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of personality traits on the perceived usability evaluation of e-learning platforms. In specific, perceived usability levels of the educational platforms and tools used in primary and secondary education in Greece are demonstrated. The impact which personality traits and other individual-related factors have on the perceived usability were also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 2,239 Greek primary and secondary education teachers participated in the study through an online survey. The system usability scale (SUS) and Big 5 personality test questionnaires were adopted, as well as a demographics questionnaire and nine platforms were examined: e-me, eclass, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Edmodo, Padlet, Skype and Zoom.

Findings

Most platforms were rated as satisfactory in terms of perceived usability as measured by SUS. SUS scores were not found to be significantly related with participants’ age, gender, private/public school, working relationship. Furthermore, openness to new experience and extraversion demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with perceived usability evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

The current study used a sample of Greek teachers as participants, so the generalizability of results without considering cultural or organizational issues is of questionable validity. The Big 5 personality test is widely adopted; however, it seems that it does not capture comprehensively all possible dimensions of personality.

Practical implications

Acknowledging the correlations between personality traits and perceived usability for each platform, teachers may now choose the most user-friendly one depending on the personality traits. Designers can adapt their systems to meet users’ needs accordingly. Moreover, the reported results provide a frame of reference for the respective organizations and companies to compare the quality of user experience of their products and services. Thus, development costs of an e-learning platform/tool can be reduced accordingly.

Social implications

Text.

Originality/value

Perceived usability of a technological system affects the way users interact with it and consequently the whole learning experience. Thus, factors which may affect perceived usability and, in turn, the learning outcomes are of paramount importance and should be exhaustively examined. Giving that personality affects or is related to, other parameters related with technology (technology adoption, perceived and actual use, acceptance, interaction, perceived ease of use), this study addresses a significant research gap and sheds light to the before-mentioned issues.
The effects of green brand equity on green word of mouth: the mediating roles of three green factors
Authors: Mehdikhani Rasoul , Valmohammadi Changiz
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of green brand equity (GBE) on green brand attachment (GBA), green self-brand connection (GSBC), green brand attitude (GBAT) and green word of mouth (GWOM). Moreover, the mediating role of three main factors, namely, GBA, GSBC and GBAT.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth review of the relevant literature, a conceptual model was developed and a questionnaire was designed. Out of 600 distributed questionnaires among customers of disposable tableware brands in Tehran, 265 questionnaires were returned. Data were analyzed for measuring the proposed model using the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The obtained results showed that GBE has positive impacts on GBA, GSBC, GBAT and GWOM. GBA, GSBC and GBAT have positive impacts on GWOM. Also, GBA, GSBC and GBA partially mediate the relationship between GBE and GWOM.

Research limitations

This study has been done in the context of Iran, so caution should be taken to generalize the results.

Practical implications

This study provides a clear insight for brand managers and marketers about the mechanism of enhancing green signals, which a brand can transfer to consumers through GBE. Also, the study suggests that companies should design their advertisement in a way that demonstrates the environmental responsibility of the brand and environmentally friendly features of products to increase consumer awareness of environmental concerns.

Social implications

The obtained results might increase green awareness among the people which is hoped other industries, particularly manufacturing ones make necessary efforts toward promoting the implementation of green manufacturing.

Originality/value

The results provide important environmental concepts in the field of green marketing and use sustainable development and signaling theories to enhance the attraction of disposable tableware in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer contexts. This study also adds a new concept of GSBC to the marketing literature.
Investigating key dimensions for the development of women-owned enterprises: interpretive structural modeling and MICMAC approach
Authors: Agarwal Sucheta , Agrawal Vivek , Srivastava Anugamini Priya
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Women-owned enterprises (WOEs) are one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial sectors in the world. Therefore, this study aims to identify and develop the structural cause and effect relationship among the various strategic dimensions that affect the performance of WOEs in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of the questionnaire survey, the data has been gathered. Further, the experts’ opinions are considered, which is followed by interpretative structural modeling and the impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) approach to explore the 13 dimensions associated with the development of WOEs such as work–life balance (WLB), entrepreneurial learning (EL), competencies, social identity (SI) and culture.

Findings

WLB and support of financial institutions are the dominant independent dimensions and EL and competencies have emerged as dominant dependent dimensions, which impact the development of WOEs. The other linkage dimensions are experience, entrepreneurship education and training, SI, government, non-government organizations, family, friends, culture, role models, etc.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual model can be validated for any type of WOEs in India and in other countries.

Practical implications

Through this study, the academicians, decision-makers and policymakers must become aware of the importance of each dimension and their relatedness with each other, which provides the direction for designing and implementing appropriate policies to enhance the growth of WOEs.

Originality/value

This is the foremost research that provides an interpretive structural conceptual model to develop a map of the complex relationships and magnitude among the identified dimensions of WOEs.
The role of the Palestine monetary authority in combating money laundering
Authors: Alshaer Husameddin , Md. Said Muhamad Helmi , Rajamanickam Ramalinggam
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the role of the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) in combating money laundering. The discussion will focus on the sectors under the PAM authority by examining the issued instructions.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is a pure legal study. The methodology used in this paper is the qualitative approach by focussing on the doctrinal mechanism. Thus, it focussed on procedures, processes, laws, and regulations.

Findings

This paper found serious organisational inefficiencies within the governance framework of anti-money laundering (AML) for both the currency exchange and specialised lending institutions sectors. Moreover, the PMA’s role in combating money laundering is insufficient where its efforts are limited by random inspection visits and the installation of surveillance cameras in the money changers shops.

Practical implications

The findings may influence both the currency exchange and specialized lending institutions sectors to adopt a more vigilant approach to prevent the occurrence of money laundering in Palestine and to undertake more responsibility in ensuring compliance with the current AML legal framework. The study also highlighted that their current practice might place them in danger of non-compliance.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrated in, an exceptional way, the role of the PMA in combating money laundering by focussing on both legal and regulatory requirements for the three sectors under the PMA supervision authority. This paper made a valuable contribution to the study of combating money laundering in Palestine, where it is one of the first studies dealing with this issue involving this country.
Governance quality and public sector procurement of infrastructure projects in developing countries: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Asuquo Christian , Lashinde Adeniran , Adu Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In developing countries, governance structures are reputed to be weak, and infrastructure procurement is largely achieved through public sector financing. This study aims to examine the impact of governance quality on public sector infrastructure procurement in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on public infrastructure expenditure (CAPEX), revenue (REV) and debt burden (DEBT) were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the period 2000–2017. In addition, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Nigeria for the period was obtained from Transparency International. Data were analysed using Ordinary Least Square regression and Granger Causality Test.

Findings

Results indicate that CPI and DEBT have negative effects on public infrastructure procurement, whereas REV has a significant positive impact. The findings suggest that an increase in public sector corruption leads to increase in the share of public budget allocated to infrastructure procurement. Moreover, an increase in the amount allocated to debt burden lowers the share of public resources available for infrastructure procurement. Findings also show that revenue is a leading indicator of infrastructure procurement, and public expenditure for infrastructure procurement is leading cause of public sector corruption.

Social implications

In Nigeria, resources for financing infrastructure are scarce, and there have been reports of poor governance in infrastructure procurement. The establishment of a relationship between governance quality and infrastructure procurement will help in more efficient allocation of scarce public resources.

Originality/value

To resolve the governance-infrastructure question, the study established causal relationships between governance quality variables and public expenditure on infrastructure.
Contamination fear and ABS during COVID-19
Authors: Jayasimha K.R. , Srivastava Himanshu Shekhar , Manoharan Sivaraman
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Access-based services (ABS) have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to validate customer barriers to ABS focusing on the contamination barrier. As service employees’ presence violates the COVID-19 physical distancing norms and heightens contamination fear, this paper tests its effects on continued use intentions of ABS. This study also empirically examines the role of conspicuous virtue signaling and organizational response.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in the context of scooter sharing and uses a mixed-method to explore the relatively under-researched problem of contamination fear in ABS. Study one uses the survey method and study two uses a 2 × 2 matrix between-subject design.

Findings

The results reveal that perceptions of resource sufficiency positively affect continued use intentions of ABS. The presence of a service employee hurts continued use intentions. Further, there are a three-way interaction between ABS type (service employee presence/absence), organizational response (solution-oriented/general information) and resource sufficiency perceptions. Organizational response mitigates the negative effect of service employee presence on the link between resource adequacy perceptions and ABS continued use intentions.

Originality/value

In contrast with prior research, this study shows that contamination fear invokes protection motivation, resulting in better preparedness and continued use intentions of ABS. The predicted difference is primarily between customers who attribute responsibility and ABS type differently (presence/absence of service employee). This study also explores the role of organizational response to COVID-19.
Synthesis of benzothiazole-azo disperse dyes for high resistance to alkaline treatments and peroxide bleaching
Authors: Yu Jiaxue , Tang Jinglin , Wang Xiaoyan , Du Jinmei , Xu Changhai , Zhang Shansheng
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize benzothiazole-azo disperse dyes which can be applied not only for dyeing and alkaline reduction of polyester fabric in one bath, but also for dyeing and peroxide bleaching of cotton/polyester blend fabric in one bath.

Design/methodology/approach

The synthesized benzothiazole-azo disperse dyes were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy (MS) and UV–visible spectrophotometry. The performance on resistance to alkaline treatment and peroxide bleaching was tested by measuring the color strength of polyester fabric dyed with the synthesized benzothiazole-azo disperse dyes under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.

Findings

Increasing the electron-withdrawing ability of the substituents in the diazo component and the electron-donating ability of the substituents in the coupling component resulted in a significant bathochromic shift of the maximum absorption wavelength. Except that the disperse dyes synthesized from the coupling components containing the hydroxyethyl group were unstable in alkaline solution, all others exhibited high resistance to alkaline treatment and peroxide bleaching.

Practical implications

The synthesized benzothiazole-azo disperse dyes provide the opportunities to combine dyeing and alkaline reduction of polyester fabric into one bath, and combine dyeing and peroxide bleaching of cotton/polyester blend fabric into one bath.

Originality/value

The synthesized benzothiazole-azo disperse dyes help to establish short processes of polyester and polyester/cotton blend fabrics so as to reduce energy consumption and raise production efficiency.
The ‘Dual Circulation’ development model of China: Background and insights
Authors: Javed Saad Ahmed , Bo Yu , Tao Liangyan , Dong Wenjie
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Global supply chains experienced unprecedented changes in 2020 and the relationship between domestic and global markets needed adjustments considering the long-term impacts of the changes that are unfolding around these markets. China has become the first country to announce a formal strategy – “Dual Circulation” Strategy (DCS) – to guide its self-reliant economic development in the post-COVID era. However, what exactly is the DCS and what drove China to publicize this strategy is not yet clear. This study aims to answer these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive review of literature and media reports, a background has been constructed that justifies the DCS as a long-overdue historic necessity.

Findings

A novel definition of “Dual Circulation” is introduced. A novel construct to visualize the domestic circulation in light of international and domestic markets and international circulation has been presented. The study argues that maintaining optimum levels of consumption and saving rates is crucial to the DCS’s success.

Originality/value

The study pioneers the first scientific definition of the “Dual Circulation” that will pave way for future debate on the topic. Also, it is the first time an academic study on the DCS has been executed.
An aerodynamic perspective on hurricane‐induced selection on Anolis lizards
Authors: Debaere Shamil F. , Donihue Colin M. , Herrel Anthony , Van Wassenbergh Sam
Published: June 2021

Studies have demonstrated that hurricanes can drive selection in Neotropical anoles. In a recent study, it was shown that post‐hurricane survivors showed longer toepad areas and, surprisingly, shorter femurs.

One potential explanation for the reduction in femur length is that increased drag on individuals with longer femurs causes them to be blown off their perch. Consequently, lizards with shorter femora might survive better in hurricanes.

To gain insight into the form–function relationships of drag reduction in perched lizards exposed to high‐velocity winds, we quantified drag forces on Anolis lizard models in realistic grasping positions using computational fluid dynamics.

We showed that overall drag, as well as the relatively high drag at the hindlimbs strongly increase with the distance of the pelvic region from the perch. As optimal postures to resist sustained arboreal pulling involve extended limbs, longer hindlimbs increase the chance of having the limbs and pelvic region positioned outside the zone in which efficient shielding from the wind by the perch occurs.

Our study underlines the complexity of performance trade‐offs on the evolution of limb morphology in arboreal lizards, and emphasizes the importance of generally ignored functions such as aerodynamic drag reduction in arboreal ecosystems.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Age matters: Demographic senescence in the moss Polytrichastrum formosum
Authors: Tholstrup Ditte Wiig , Halvorsen Rune , Dahlgren Johan Petter
Published: June 2021

It is known that many animal species senesce demographically, showing a decrease in survival and/or fertility with age. Although there is mounting evidence for and against senescence in various flowering plant species, the question of whether senescence also occurs in other plant taxa, such as mosses and other bryophytes, remains unanswered.

We used GAMMs (generalised additive mixed models) and GLMMs to assess the effects of age on survival, size and the monocarpic female ramets' sexual reproduction in Polytrichastrum formosum using demographic, ramet‐level data collected over 25 years in Solhomfjell nature reserve, Norway.

Survival was found to be negatively correlated with ramet age, with 1‐year survival decreasing from 83% in 1‐year‐old to 43% in 10‐year‐old plants. Stem growth was positively correlated with survival but accounting for it in our models did not change the relationship between age and survival qualitatively. Annual growth decreased during the first years of the ramets' life but then stabilised. Sexual reproduction in the monocarpic females peaked at ramet age 2–4 years but was observed at ages up to 13 years. The longest‐living (non‐reproducing) ramet died at age 14.

Synthesis. Our findings indicate that Polytrichastrum formosum ramets experience constant actuarial senescence, at least in terms of survival. This finding improves our understanding of age‐dependent demography in mosses, as well as in plants in general. This new knowledge about moss demography may also aid in management decisions for threatened species, as it can improve the precision of predictions of population longevity.
Evaluating grazing response strategies in winter annuals: A multi‐trait approach
Authors: Kurze Susanne , Bilton Mark C. , Álvarez‐Cansino Leonor , Bangerter Sara , Prasse Rüdiger , Tielbörger Katja , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J.
Published: June 2021

Plants minimize fitness losses through grazing by three fundamental strategies: tolerance, avoidance and escape. Annual species have been traditionally assumed to escape grazing through their short life cycle and seed dormancy; however, their grazing response strategies remain almost unexplored. How traits and their coordination affect species' grazing responses, and whether the generalized grazing model, which posits convergent filtering by grazing and drought, is applicable to this ecologically and economically important species group thus remain unclear.

We used a trait‐based approach to evaluate grazing response strategies of winter annuals from the Middle East. Across 23 species, we examined the coordination of 16 traits hypothesized to be relevant for grazing responses, and linked them to species' fecundity responses, as proxy for fitness responses, to simulated grazing in controlled conditions, to species' abundance responses to grazing in the field and to species' distribution along a large‐scale rainfall gradient.

Winter annuals exhibited both grazing escape and to a lesser extent tolerance indicated by (a) independent coordination of escape and tolerance traits, and (b) maintenance of higher fecundity in species with more pronounced escape or tolerance traits under simulated grazing. In the natural habitat, species with a more pronounced escape but not tolerance strategy maintained higher abundance under grazing in dry habitats, indicating convergent favouring of escape by both grazing and drought. However, this finding at the local scale was not mirrored by a strategy shift along a large‐scale rainfall gradient.

Synthesis. The convergent favouring of escape traits by grazing and drought in annuals is consistent with the generalized grazing model. This model, which has been developed for perennials based on the avoidance strategy, can thus be extended to annuals based on escape, a finding that should facilitate projecting consequences of global change in drylands dominated by annuals.
Prediction of changing predator–prey interactions under warming: A simulation study using two aphid–ladybird systems
Authors: Lee Minyoung , Kim Yongeun , Park Jung‐Joon , Cho Kijong
Published: June 2021

Predator–prey interactions are key factors for understanding ecosystem structure and function. Global warming alters the dynamics and stability of predator and prey populations in the long term. Extreme temperatures can also lead to short‐term population outbreaks and collapses. Thus, it is necessary to consider time scales when predicting warming effects on predator–prey interactions. Two aphid–ladybird systems, Myzus persicae–Coccinella septempunctata (M‐C) and Aphis gossypii–C. septempunctata (A‐C), were investigated. Using a temperature‐dependent predator–prey model, the short‐ (SIS, daily interactions) and long‐term interaction strength (LIS, interactions after reaching a persistent state) were quantified under different temperatures based on a dynamic index. SIS and LIS increased with temperature, but the patterns and magnitudes of the two systems differed. SIS increased linearly and exponentially in the A‐C and M‐C system, respectively. However, the SISs in the A‐C system were stronger than those in the M‐C system under most temperature ranges. LIS increased linearly with temperature in both systems; its values in the M‐C system were always larger than those in the A‐C system. The abruptly increasing SIS in the M‐C system caused population collapse, which was the main reason for the magnitude reversal between the SISs and LISs of the two systems. The A‐C system did not collapse, but a decoupled SIS and subsequent aphid outbreak were temporarily observed under extreme temperatures. Understanding how time scales influence interaction strengths may be critical to predicting population stability and fluctuations in ecosystems.
The critique of ethnocentrism in retrospect
Authors: Benthall Jonathan
Published: June 2021

This article opens with a review of the origins of the term ‘ethnocentrism’ as the linchpin of modern anthropology despite the discipline's background in the colonial past. The author is stimulated by Step Stuurman's The invention of humanity: Equality and cultural difference in human history (2017) to ask to what extent the critique of ethnocentrism, which gradually gathered strength in the West, has had parallels in non‐Western civilizations. His conclusion is that the astonishing sophistication of a Persian and a Chinese polymath in studying cultures alien to their own does not seem, according to records available, to have influenced their respective civilizations in the same way that modern ‘anthropological intelligence’ (to borrow Gillian Tett's term) was extensively foreshadowed in Europe. Counter‐ethnocentrism as a principle has now become indispensable to all the social sciences that aspire to be cosmopolitan, though it still has to compete with the baleful legacy of scientific racism.
Therapeutic support for young people with learning difficulties: what enables effective practice?
Authors: Attwood Samantha , Atkinson Cathy
Published: June 2021

Supporting children and young people’s mental health is a central aim of the UK government policy, with those with learning difficulties a particularly vulnerable group. This systematic review of research uses published literature to explore how access and participation in therapy might be facilitated for young people with learning difficulties. Twelve studies published 2000‐2019 were identified, which described the experiences of access to, and participation in therapy for people with learning difficulties, although notably most of these involved adults. Findings indicated eight themes: pre‐therapy, careful contracting, therapy is hard, idiosyncratic needs, therapeutic relationship, group therapy, reviewing therapy and it changed my life. These were organized into three chronological stages: setting up of therapy; therapeutic processes; and therapeutic outcomes. A number of strategies that can promote access and participation are suggested for professionals working therapeutically with young people with learning difficulties, around contracting, clear communication, the therapeutic alliance and the ending of therapy.
In need of review: Developing Sensory Provision in Northern Ireland’s Mainstream Primary classrooms
Authors: Beck Gillian J. , O’Connor‐Bones Una , Gracey Jackie , Kelly Greg , Walsh Glenda
Published: June 2021

The impact of Sensory Processing Difficulties across a range of Special Educational Needs is well researched. More recently, the impact on children’s mental health and well‐being, linked with anxiety, depression and self‐injurious behaviours, have redirected international research to consider the holistic benefits of sensory provision, for those with special educational provision and the wider classroom population. A SMART SURVEY was designed to collate empirical evidence regarding current sensory awareness and provision in mainstream primary schools throughout Northern Ireland, in a time efficient manner. Out of 809 schools, 164 (20.27%) fully completed the online survey. Findings indicate that Special Educational Needs Coordinator confidence in developing practice, supporting staff and children was limited and impaired by insufficient and inconsistent training opportunities. While healthcare research recommends provision by trained professionals, Occupational Therapy input was limited (n = 34; 24.8%), resulting in practice that could be detrimental rather than beneficial to children’s progress. Respondents identified a need for sensory training for teachers (n = 124; 93.94%) to ensure that the impact of Sensory Processing Difficulties on the holistic development of all children is understood. Pupil voice was undervalued (n = 5; 3.6%). Active involvement of children in the process of evaluation and intervention is recommended to enhance pupil autonomy and well‐being.
Improving target price calculations in Medicare bundled payment programs
Authors: Cher Benjamin A. Y. , Gulseren Baris , Ryan Andrew M.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare the predictive accuracy of two approaches to target price calculations under Bundled Payments for Care Improvement‐Advanced (BPCI‐A): the traditional Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) methodology and an empirical Bayes approach designed to mitigate the effects of regression to the mean.

Data sources

Medicare fee‐for‐service claims for beneficiaries discharged from acute care hospitals between 2010 and 2016.

Study design

We used data from a baseline period (discharges between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2013) to predict spending in a performance period (discharges between October 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016). For 23 clinical episode types in BPCI‐A, we compared the average prediction error across hospitals associated with each statistical approach. We also calculated an average across all clinical episode types and explored differences by hospital size.

Data collection/extraction methods

We used a 20% sample of Medicare claims, excluding hospitals and episode types with small numbers of observations.

Principal findings

The empirical Bayes approach resulted in significantly more accurate episode spending predictions for 19 of 23 clinical episode types. Across all episode types, prediction error averaged $8456 for the CMS approach versus $7521 for the empirical Bayes approach. Greater improvements in accuracy were observed with increasing hospital size.

Conclusions

CMS should consider using empirical Bayes methods to calculate target prices for BPCI‐A.
COVID‐19 versus influenza A/B supeRInfectionS in the IntenSive care unit (CRISIS): Protocol for a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Mikkelsen Vibe S. , Helleberg Marie , Haase Nicolai , Møller Morten H. , Granholm Anders , Storgaard Merete , Jonsson Andreas B. , Schønning Kristian , Reiter Nanna , Sigurðsson Sigurður Þór , Voldstedlund Marianne , Christensen Steffen , Perner Anders
Published: June 2021

Background

Superinfection following viral infection is a known complication, which may lead to longer hospitalisation and worse outcome. Empirical antibiotic therapy may prevent bacterial superinfections, but may also lead to overuse, adverse effects and development of resistant pathogens. Knowledge about the incidence of superinfections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is limited.

Methods

We will conduct a nationwide cohort study comparing the incidence of superinfections in patients with severe COVID‐19 admitted to the ICU compared with ICU patients with influenza A/B in Denmark. We will include approximately 1000 patients in each group from the time period of 1 October 2014 to 30 April 2019 and from 10 March 2020 to 1 March 2021 for patients with influenza and COVID‐19, respectively. The primary outcome is any superinfection within 90 days of admission to the ICU. We will use logistic regression analysis comparing COVID‐19 with influenza A/B after adjustment for relevant predefined confounders. Secondarily, we will use unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses to assess six potential risk factors (sex, age, cancer [including haematological], immunosuppression and use of life support on day 1 in the ICU) for superinfections and compare outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 with/without superinfections, and present descriptive data regarding the superinfections.

Conclusion

This study will provide important knowledge about superinfections in ICU patients with severe COVID‐19.
Early post‐operative nausea and vomiting: A retrospective observational study of 2030 patients
Authors: Johansson Emma , Hultin Magnus , Myrberg Tomi , Walldén Jakob
Published: June 2021

Background

The overall risk of post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after general anaesthesia is reportedly 20%–40%. The first episode of PONV may occur early in the post‐anaesthesia care unit (PACU) or later at the ward or after discharge at home in an ambulatory setting. This study aimed to investigate and describe the risk of early PONV in a PACU, and we hypothesised that patients and perioperative factors were associated with early PONV.

Methods

This single‐centre retrospective observational study was conducted in a Swedish county hospital from January to June 2017 and included adult patients who underwent surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Perioperative data were obtained by reviewing the local registry for surgical procedures, medical records and anaesthesia and post‐operative charts. Early PONV was defined as PONV occurring up to 4 hours post‐operatively at the PACU. Any notification in the medical records, perioperative charts or the registry regarding nausea, vomiting or PONV treatment was regarded as PONV. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for factors associated with early PONV.

Results

A total of 2030 patients were included in the study, of which 9.6% (n = 194) experienced early PONV. Factors associated with a high risk of early PONV were suboptimal PONV prophylaxis, need for opioids, female sex, body mass index >35 kg m−2 and major surgery and anaesthesia time ≥60 minutes.

Conclusion

We found that every 10th patient under general anaesthesia experienced early PONV. Suboptimal PONV prophylaxis and previously acknowledged risk factors for PONV were associated with early PONV.
Habitat disturbance trumps moonlight effects on the activity of tropical insectivorous bats
Authors: Appel G. , López‐Baucells A. , Rocha R. , Meyer C. F. J. , Bobrowiec P. E. D.
Published: June 2021

Changes in moonlight intensity can affect predation risk and induce changes in habitat use and activity of nocturnal species. However, the effect of moonlight on animal activity is rarely evaluated in human‐modified landscapes and can be of vital importance to understand possible changes in ecosystem services provided by light‐sensitive taxa, such as insectivorous bats. Fragmentation changes forest structure and affects light penetration across the landscape. In this case, the effects of fragmentation on bat activity can be modulated by cyclical variations of moonlight intensity. We acoustically quantified the activity of nine aerial insectivorous bat species in relation to moonlight at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, Central Amazonia. We aimed to understand species‐level variation in activity across habitats (continuous forest, fragments and secondary forest) at different temporal scales: lunar cycle, dark vs. bright nights and within nights. Amazonian aerial insectivorous bats responded more to habitat type than to moonlight, with two and six species showing reduced activity in fragments and secondary forest, respectively, compared to continuous forest. The lower activity in secondary forest suggests that despite c. 30 years of secondary forest regeneration, it is still less attractive as foraging habitat. An interactive effect of habitat type and moonlight on bat activity was most evident when contrasting dark and bright nights. Our results indicate that fragments have reduced bat activity on extremely bright nights, probably due to higher predation risk in small fragments. Species that emit constant‐frequency calls (Pteronotus spp.) were the ones that most modulated their responses to habitat disturbance and moonlight. Otherwise, moonlight had little effect on hourly activity levels, irrespective of habitat type. Moonlight is capable of modulating the responses of some bat species in disturbed habitats, particularly in fragments.
Topography‐derived variables provide insight into habitat occupancy of a cryptic snake, Bitis atropos
Authors: Jordaan Adriaan , Heideman Neil J. L. , Buschke Falko T.
Published: June 2021

Understanding species’ habitat use is fundamental for conservation and management. However, quantifying habitat use for small cryptic species is limited by imperfect detection during field surveys and the lack of habitat data at meaningful spatial scales. Topographically‐derived habitat variables from digital elevation models (DEMs) have the potential to overcome these limitations. Here we used DEM‐derived topographic variables as fine‐scale proxies for abiotic conditions to study site‐occupancy patterns of the berg adder (Bitis atropos), a small‐bodied cryptic viper. We carried out seven repeated field surveys across 219 hectares in a mountainous protected area in north‐eastern South Africa to estimate snake detection probability and occupancy using maximum likelihood methods. Although snakes occurred across a third of the surveyed habitat, they were only detected 40% of the time during the springtime when detection was highest. Results showed that these snakes preferred north‐west facing, mid and upper slopes, which are exposed to afternoon sun and presumably higher ambient energy. Our results demonstrate the value of using DEM‐derived topographic variables for ecological studies where habitat data are either unavailable or inappropriate, thereby providing valuable insights into habitat use of cryptic and difficult to detect species.
Positioning and Positioned Apart: Mathematics Learning as Becoming Undesirable
Authors: Sengupta‐Irving Tesha
Published: June 2021

Neoliberal logics, a form of racial capitalism, adjudicate children as smart, able, and desirable (or not) in schools. I explore the social processes and structural arrangements by which such logics position a Latina mathematics student as “undesirable” in her class. Drawing on data collected over a year, the analysis lays bare how undesirability is both a requirement of neoliberalism and an emergent position that she, her low‐track class, and her school come to occupy.