bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Value‐relevance of Fair Value Measurement for Inventories
Authors: Badenhorst Wessel M , von Well Rieka
Published: August 2022

The objective of this paper is to determine if fair value measurement for inventories is value‐relevant. Inventories are measured at historical cost and investors will have to estimate the fair value for themselves. For a sample of firms listed in the UK and reporting from 2009 to 2018, multivariate regression results show that the historical cost component of inventories on the balance sheet is value‐relevant, but that the fair value component is not. By contrast, both historical cost earnings and changes in the fair value of inventories are value‐relevant. Results therefore imply that investors need both historical cost earnings and fair value movements to make decisions. By extension, fair value measurements complement, rather than replace, historical cost information.
The influence of ownership structure on the extent of CSR reporting: An emerging market study
Authors: Al Fadli Amer , Sands John , Jones Gregory , Beattie Claire , Pensiero Dom
Published: August 2022

To examine how different ownership structures, varying from diverse ownership bases to narrow ownership bases, influence the extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting by companies in emerging market. The motivation for this study is the reported inconsistent results for this association in developing countries and the lack of research in emerging markets. Eight hundred observations of 80 nonfinancial sector listed companies in the Amman Stock Exchange for the period 2006 to 2015 were used for a content analysis to assess the extent of CSR reporting. Ordinary least square multiple regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between five different ownership structures and their extent of CSR reporting. The results reveal three separate associations between the types of ownership and the extent of CSR reporting. First, the two types of ownership (foreign and government) have a significant and positive influence on the extent of CSR reporting. Second, another two types of ownership (Family and managerial) have a significantly negative association. Finally, institutional ownership has an insignificant and negligible influence on the extent of CSR reporting. These findings provide insights into how ownership structure influences the CSR reporting extent by emerging market companies such as Jordan. These findings suggest that policy makers, regulatory bodies, companies, and investors should increase their awareness about how different concentration of company ownership influences the extent companies voluntarily disclose CSR reporting. The evidence adds to the limited body of knowledge about different ownership groups' influence on the extent of CSR reporting in a developing country because few empirical studies have undertaken such a comprehensive analysis of this association.
‘Good Intentions’ that ‘Do Harm’: Canada's state multiculturalism policy in the case of Black Canadians
Authors: Kihika Maureen
Published: August 2022

This essay identifies Canada's recognition of the United Nations Declaration for People of African Descent (UNDPAD) as a multiculturalist iteration. In this scope, the essay discusses the Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti‐Racism Initiatives (CSMARI) program as a central element of state multiculturalism, through which Canada plans to meet commitments to Black Canadians—and by extension, the UNDPAD. Although the CSMARI program is well intended, it causes harm to Black Canadians by reinscribing stereotyped material lack and other forms of racialized scarcity. Rather than address longstanding social‐economic histories that sustain racialized poverty, state multiculturalism policy inadvertently reinforces these. The CSMARI program's focus on material lack as opposed to the systemic aspects that underpin these, amplifies Canada's multicultural myth of inclusivity while leaving unquestioned the cultural barriers that block Black citizens. State multiculturalism policy maintains the status quo by commodifying and depoliticizing anti‐racism, while also neutralizing the language of naming experiences of exclusion. This essay adapts an anti‐Black racism feminist theory to recast state multiculturalism as, implicitly, a cause of harm. The paper questions ‘good intentions’ that ‘do harm’ as a critical reflection that speaks to the dissonance expressed by Black Canadians, despite state multiculturalism policy.
Activation of the pattern recognition receptor NOD1 in periodontitis impairs the osteogenic capacity of human periodontal ligament stem cells via p38/MAPK signalling
Authors: He Yuying , Wu Zuping , Chen Sirui , Wang Jiahe , Zhu Li , Xie Jing , Zhou Chenchen , Zou Shujuan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Nucleotide oligomerization domain receptor 1 (NOD1) mediates host recognition of pathogenic bacteria in periodontium. However, the specific role of NOD1 in regulating osteogenesis is unclear. Therefore, this study focused on the activation status of NOD1 in periodontitis and its effect on the osteogenic capacity of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) as well as the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Histological staining and Western blot were utilized to assess NOD1 expression in the periodontium of people with or without periodontitis. HPDLSCs were cultured under NOD1 agonist or antagonist treatment. Q‐PCR and Western blot were employed to assess the expression of osteogenic marker genes and proteins. Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were used to determine the osteogenic capability of hPDLSCs. The activation of downstream signalling was determined and specific inhibitors were utilized to confirm the signalling pathway in NOD1‐regulated osteogenesis.

Results

NOD1 expression is significantly elevated in periodontitis. With NOD1 activated by particular agonist tri‐DAP, the osteogenic potential of hPDLSCs was impaired. NOD1 antagonist co‐incubation partially restored the decreased osteogenesis in hPDLSCs. P38/MAPK was phosphorylated in tri‐DAP‐induced NOD1 activation. The inhibitor of p38 rescued the suppression of osteogenesis induced by tri‐DAP in hPDLSCs.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the expression status of NOD1 in periodontitis. Its activation greatly decreased the osteogenic capacity of hPDLSCs which was mediated by the phosphorylation of p38 downstream signalling.
An untargeted metabolomics analysis of exogenous chemicals in human milk and transfer to the infant
Authors: Thomas Sydney , Gauglitz Julia M. , Tripathi Anupriya , Vargas Fernando , Bertrand Kerri , Kim Jae H. , Chambers Christina , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Tsunoda Shirley M.
Published: August 2022

Human milk is the optimal infant nutrition. However, although human‐derived metabolites (such as lipids and oligosaccharides) in human milk are regularly reported, the presence of exogenous chemicals (such as drugs, food, and synthetic compounds) are often not addressed. To understand the types of exogenous compounds that might be present, human milk (n = 996) was analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. This analysis revealed that lifestyle molecules, such as medications and their metabolites, and industrial sources, such as plasticizers, cosmetics, and other personal care products, are found in human milk. We provide further evidence that some of these lifestyle molecules are also detectable in the newborn's stool. Thus, this study gives important insight into the types of exposures infants receiving human milk might ingest due to the lifestyle choices, exposure, or medical status of the lactating parent.
High‐commitment HRM, organizational engagement, and deviant workplace behaviors: The moderating role of person‐organization fit
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed , Boon Corine , Abouarghoub Wessam , Cai Ziming
Published: August 2022

This study examines the relationship between perceptions of high‐commitment HRM, person‐organization (P‐O) fit, organizational engagement, and deviant workplace behaviors. Drawing on social exchange theory (SET) and P‐O fit theory, a mediated moderation model is proposed in which P‐O fit moderates the relationship between high‐commitment HRM and organizational engagement, which, in turn, relates to deviant behaviors. Using two multilevel multisource datasets, from a shipping management company (Study 1) and an international seaport (Study 2), the results of generalized multilevel structural equation modeling (GSEM) revealed that the relationship between high‐commitment HRM and deviant behaviors was mediated by organizational engagement. Furthermore, a significant indirect relationship was found from high‐commitment HRM perceptions to deviant behaviors through organizational engagement for low, but not for high, P‐O fit. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Designing international public sector accounting standards: An analysis of constituents’ participation through comment letters
Authors: Bisogno Marco , Manes‐Rossi Francesca , Sicilia Mariafrancesca
Published: August 2022

Harmonization of public sector accounting is attracting increasing attention from scholars and practitioners. A focal component of this phenomenon is the setting of accounting standards, whose legitimacy is paramount to their application. As participation by constituents is considered fundamental for ensuring this legitimacy, in this study, we focus on participation through comment letters in the due process. In particular, we explore the type of respondents, their geographical area, their agreement/disagreement with the documents prepared by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) and the issues of importance to them, through an analysis of the comment letters submitted for six projects launched over the period 2017–2020 by the IPSASB. Furthermore, we analyze some factors that may affect countries’ participation in the due process. The analysis enriches our understanding of the IPSASB's due process and provides relevant insights for the growing research into accounting standard‐setting.
Densification behaviors of Al2O3 ceramics during flash sintering
Authors: Yang Sirui , Yang Shoulei , Pang Rui , Zhao Xin , Fan Lei , Zhang Mengwen , An Linan
Published: August 2022

The densification behaviors of MgO‐doped‐Al2O3 ceramics in the flashing stage and the steady stage were investigated using the classic kinetic model. The results show that the most densification of MgO‐doped Al2O3 was completed during the flashing stage. The densification mechanism transferred from particle rearrangement resulted from Columbic force among particles under the effect of electrical field in the flashing stage to the lattice diffusion in the steady stage. Therefore, the densification rate in the steady stage dramatically decreased. Additionally, the estimated densification activation energy in the steady stage of flash sintering is 396 kJ/mol, much lower than the activation densification of lattice diffusion measured from conventional sintering, likely due to the effect of electric field/current‐induced point defects on the diffusion.
Fabrication and characterizations of Tb3Al5O12‐based magneto‐optical ceramics
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Zhang Lixuan , Hu Dianjun , Zhu Danyang , Chen Penghui , Dai Zhengfa , Wu Lexiang , Xie Tengfei , Chen Haohong , Liu Qiang , Li Jiang
Published: August 2022

Transparent terbium aluminum garnet (TAG)‐based ceramics were fabricated by vacuum pre‐sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) posttreatment from the co‐precipitated TAG powders with different stoichiometric ratios. After component optimization, the transparent ceramics with TAG single‐phase and attractive optical quality were obtained. The in‐line transmittance of optimal Tb(1+x)3(Al0.996255Si0.003745)5O12.0093625+3x/2 (x = −.004, −.002) ceramics (1.7‐mm thick) pre‐sintered at 1700°C for 20 h with HIP posttreatment at 1700°C for 3 h under 176‐MPa Ar reaches 82.6% at the wavelength of 1064 nm. With increasing terbium components, the secondary phase TAP appears in ceramics, which significantly degrades the optical quality of TAG‐based ceramics. The Verdet constant of the TAG‐based ceramics at 632.8 nm is about −181 rad T−1 m−1 at room temperature, which is about 33% higher than that of the TGG single crystals (−134 rad T−1 m−1).
Epigenetics: An opportunity to shape innate and adaptive immune responses
Authors: Liotti Antonietta , Ferrara Anne Lise , Loffredo Stefania , Galdiero Maria Rosaria , Varricchi Gilda , Di Rella Francesca , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Belardo Martina , Vastano Roberta , Prencipe Rosaria , Pignata Laura , Romano Roberta , Spadaro Giuseppe , de Candia Paola , Pezone Antonio , De Rosa Veronica
Published: August 2022

Epigenetics connects genetic and environmental factors: it includes DNA methylation, histone post‐translational modifications and the regulation of chromatin accessibility by non‐coding RNAs, all of which control constitutive or inducible gene transcription. This plays a key role in harnessing the transcriptional programs of both innate and adaptive immune cells due to its plasticity and environmental‐driven nature, piloting myeloid and lymphoid cell fate decisions with no change in their genomic sequence. In particular, epigenetic marks at the site of lineage‐specific transcription factors and maintenance of cell type‐specific epigenetic modifications, referred to as ‘epigenetic memory’, dictate cell differentiation, cytokine production and functional capacity following repeated antigenic exposure in memory T cells. Moreover, metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming occurring during a primary innate immune response leads to enhanced responses to secondary challenges, a phenomenon known as ‘trained immunity’. Here, we discuss how stable and dynamic epigenetic states control immune cell identity and plasticity in physiological and pathological conditions. Dissecting the regulatory circuits of cell fate determination and maintenance is of paramount importance for understanding the delicate balance between immune cell activation and tolerance, in healthy conditions and in autoimmune diseases.
Ta(B, C, N) and (Ta, Mi)(B, C, N) (Mi = Nb, W) ceramics by high‐energy ball milling: processing and solution mechanisms
Authors: Guan Jingyi , Li Daxin , Yang Zhihua , Wang Bingzhu , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2022

In order to study the solid‐solution process between amorphous BCN and metal Ta, Ta(B, C, N), (Ta, Nb)(B, C, N), and (Ta, W)(B, C, N) ceramics were prepared by high‐energy ball milling, and their phase composition, microstructures, and binding bonds have been analyzed. The results show that all the three ceramics are hard agglomeration state, formed by stacking of nanoparticles. The mechanical alloying process is accompanied by the formation of chemical bonds, such as B–Ta, N–Ta, C–Ta, and O–Ta for Ta(B, C, N) ceramic, and the order of solid solution is C > N > B. When heated at 1500°C, a second diboride phase precipitates from (Ta, Nb)(B, C, N) ceramic, whereas the second phase of WC gradually dissolved from (Ta, W)(B, C, N) ceramic. This work provides theoretical and data supporting to analyze the solid‐solution process of Ta(B, C, N) ceramic.
Dissecting learning tactics in MOOC using ordered network analysis
Authors: Fan Yizhou , Tan Yuanru , Raković Mladen , Wang Yeyu , Cai Zhiqiang , Shaffer David Williamson , Gašević Dragan
Published: August 2022

Background

Select and enact appropriate learning tactics that advance learning has been considered a critical set of skills to successfully complete highly flexible online courses, such as Massive open online courses (MOOCs). However, limited by analytic methods that have been used in the past, such as frequency distribution, sequence mining and process mining, we lack a deep, complete and detailed understanding of the learning tactics used by MOOC learners.

Objectives

In the present study, we proposed four major dimensions to better interpret and understand learning tactics, which are frequency, continuity, sequentiality and role of learning actions within tactics. The aim of this study was to examine to what extent can a new analytic technique, the ordered network analysis (ONA), deepen the understanding of MOOC learning tactics compared to using other methods.

Methods

In particular, we performed a fine‐grained analysis of learning tactics detected from more than 4 million learning events in the behavioural trace data of 8788 learners who participated in a large‐scale MOOC ‘Flipped Classroom’.

Results and Conclusions

We detected eight learning tactics, and then chose one typical tactic as an example to demonstrate how the ONA technique revealed all four dimensions and provided deeper insights into this MOOC learning tactic. Most importantly, based on the comparison with different methods such as process mining, we found that the ONA method provided a unique opportunity and novel insight into the roles of different learning actions in tactics which was neglected in the past.

Takeaway

In summary, we conclude that ONA is a promising technique that can benefit the research on learning tactics, and ultimately benefit MOOC learners by strengthening the strategic support.
One night of sleep deprivation induces release of small extracellular vesicles into circulation and promotes platelet activation by small EVs
Authors: Wang Chongyue , Li Lulu , Yang Chao , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Li Xiao , Wang Yun , Lv Xiang , Qi Xufeng , Song Guohua
Published: August 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key players in intercellular communication. Few studies have focused on EV levels in subjects with sleep disorders. Here, we aimed to explore the role of acute sleep deprivation on the quantity and functionality of circulating EVs, and their tissue distribution. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation from the plasma of volunteers and animals undergoing one night of sleep deprivation. Arterio‐venous shunt, FeCl3 thrombus test and thrombin‐induced platelet aggregation assay were conducted to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro bioactivity of small EVs. Western blotting was performed to measure the expression of EV proteins. The fate and distribution of circulating small EVs were determined by intravital imaging. We found that one night of sleep deprivation triggers release of small EVs into the circulation in both healthy individuals and animals. Injection of sleep deprivation‐liberated small EVs into animals increased thrombus formation and weight in thrombosis models. Also, sleep deprivation‐liberated small EVs promoted platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. Mechanistically, sleep deprivation increased the levels of HMGB1 protein in small EVs, which play important roles in platelet activation. Furthermore, we found sleep deprivation‐liberated small EVs are more readily localize in the liver. These data suggested that one night of sleep deprivation is a stress for small EV release, and small EVs released here may increase the risk of thrombosis. Further, small EVs may be implicated in long distance signalling during sleep deprivation‐mediated adaptation processes.
Housing Rents and Inflation Rates
Authors: AMBROSE BRENT W. , COULSON N. EDWARD , YOSHIDA JIRO
Published: August 2022

This paper develops a quality‐adjusted measure of marginal housing rents using a monthly statistic of landlord net rental income. The marginal rent index (MRI) exhibits deflation during recessions and leads the official rent index by 7 months. The modified inflation rate based on MRI suggests that the annual official inflation rate was overestimated by 1.7–4.1% during the Great Recession but underestimated by 0.3–0.7% during the subsequent expansionary period.
Cross‐country data on skills and the quality of schooling: A selective survey
Authors: de la Fuente Ángel , Doménech Rafael
Published: August 2022

Scores in standardized international student achievement tests and some recent adult literacy studies provide interesting data on the quality of educational outputs and on the skill level of the population that can be a useful complement to the data on the quantity of schooling which have been most commonly used in the growth literature. This paper describes the most recent available primary data on the subject, reviews different attempts to organize, standardize, and summarize them, and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the existing indicators and their potential usefulness as explanatory variables in empirical analyses of the determinants of income and welfare levels and growth rates. A final section investigates the distribution of these indicators across a sample of 21 OECD countries.
Low erythrocyte folate levels and increased risk of invasive cervical cancer in Chinese women
Authors: Jiang Yucen , Huang Xuan , Liang Ping , Qian Hong , Yu Jia , Guan Chaojiao , Han Shuang , Tong Xiao
Published: August 2022

Aim

To investigate the relationship between erythrocyte folate levels and cervical lesions.

Methods

Using a case–control method, patients with cervical lesions from September 2021 to February 2022 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangnan University Hospital were selected as study subjects. After cervical biopsy, 40 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) CIN3 and 65 cases of cervical cancer as case group. The normal population of 120 cases attending the same period served as the control group. A competitive model was used to establish a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for human erythrocyte folate. Erythrocyte folate levels of 225 subjects were determined.

Results

Serum folate levels were 7.82 ± 3.13, 8.04 ± 3.58, and 7.58 ± 4.30 ng/ml in the control, CIN3, and cervical cancer groups, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.959). Erythrocyte folate levels were 307.27 ± 122.95, 306.52 ± 189.77, and 285.42 ± 125.74 ng/ml, respectively, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

In a population of middle‐aged Chinese women, the lower the erythrocyte folate value, the greater the risk of cervical cancer. In addition, serum folate levels were not associated with cervical lesions.
Pervasive and diffuse muscle activity during REM sleep and non‐REM sleep characterises multiple system atrophy in comparison with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Silvani Alessandro , Baldelli Luca , Giannini Giulia , Guaraldi Pietro , Sambati Luisa , Cecere Annagrazia , Mignani Francesco , Cortelli Pietro , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Provini Federica
Published: August 2022

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) may share overlapping features particularly at early disease stage, including sleep alterations, but have profoundly different prognoses. Certain sleep phenomena and disorders of motor control are more prevalent in multiple system atrophy, such as REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). We quantitatively tested whether pervasive muscle activity during sleep occurs in subjects with multiple system atrophy versus Parkinson's disease. Laboratory polysomnographic studies were performed in 50 consecutive subjects with Parkinson's disease and 26 age‐ and gender‐matched subjects with multiple system atrophy at <5 years from disease onset. The distributions of normalised electromyographic activity of submentalis, wrist extensor, and tibialis anterior muscles in different wake–sleep states during the night were analysed. Subjects with multiple system atrophy had significantly higher activity of submentalis, wrist extensor, and tibialis anterior muscles than subjects with Parkinson's disease during non‐REM sleep, including separately in stages N1, N2, and N3, and during REM sleep, but not during nocturnal wakefulness. The activity of wrist extensor and tibialis anterior muscles during non‐REM sleep and the activity of tibialis anterior muscles during REM sleep were also significantly higher in subjects with multiple system atrophy and RBD than in subjects with Parkinson's disease and RBD. In conclusion, with respect to Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy is characterised by a pervasive and diffuse muscle overactivity that involves axial and limb muscles and occurs not only during REM sleep, but also during non‐REM sleep and between subjects with comorbid RBD.
Effect of oral or injectable supplementation with cobalamin in dogs with hypocobalaminemia caused by chronic enteropathy or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Chang Chee‐Hoon , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Joerg M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Recent studies have shown similar efficacy of oral supplementation of cobalamin compared to injectable supplementation in dogs, but few prospective, randomized studies have been published.

Objectives

To evaluate efficacy of oral or injectable supplementation with cobalamin in normalizing serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in dogs with hypocobalaminemia caused by either chronic enteropathy (CE) or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Animals

Forty‐six client owned dogs with hypocobalaminemia.

Methods

Prospective randomized clinical trial. Dogs were divided into 2 groups (CE or EPI), and randomized to receive oral or injectable supplementation of cobalamin. Each dog had 3 visits and serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations were measured at each visit.

Results

In dogs with CE, serum cobalamin concentrations increased with oral (P = .02; median 149 [range 149‐231] to 733 [166‐1467] ng/L, median difference 552 [95% CI: 181‐899] ng/L) or injectable (P < .01; 168 [149‐233] to 563 [234‐965] ng/L, 367 [187‐623] ng/L) supplementation. In dogs with EPI, serum cobalamin concentrations increased with oral (P = .01; 162 [149‐214] to 919 [643‐3863] ng/L, 705 [503‐3356] ng/L) or injectable (P = .01; 177 [149‐217] to 390 [243‐907] ng/L, 192 [89‐361] ng/L) supplementation. Serum MMA concentrations decreased with oral or injectable supplementation in dogs with CE, but only with oral supplementation in dogs with EPI.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Oral supplementation is an alternative for cobalamin supplementation in dogs with hypocobalaminemia caused by CE or EPI.
Susceptibility to a sexually transmitted disease in a wild koala population shows heritable genetic variance but no inbreeding depression
Authors: Cristescu Romane H. , Strickland Kasha , Schultz Anthony J. , Kruuk Loeske E. B. , de Villiers Deidre , Frère Céline H.
Published: August 2022

The koala, one of the most iconic Australian wildlife species, is facing several concomitant threats that are driving population declines. Some threats are well known and have clear methods of prevention (e.g., habitat loss can be reduced with stronger land‐clearing control), whereas others are less easily addressed. One of the major current threats to koalas is chlamydial disease, which can have major impacts on individual survival and reproduction rates and can translate into population declines. Effective management strategies for the disease in the wild are currently lacking, and, to date, we know little about the determinants of individual susceptibility to disease. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of variation in susceptibility to chlamydia using one of the most intensively studied wild koala populations. We combined data from veterinary examinations, chlamydia testing, genetic sampling and movement monitoring. Out of our sample of 342 wild koalas, 60 were found to have chlamydia. Using genotype information on 5007 SNPs to investigate the role of genetic variation in determining disease status, we found no evidence of inbreeding depression, but a heritability of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.06–0.23) for the probability that koalas had chlamydia. Heritability of susceptibility to chlamydia could be relevant for future disease management, as it suggests adaptive potential for the population.
Effect of creatinine metrics on outcome after transplantation of marginal donor kidneys
Authors: Scurt Florian G. , Ernst Angela , Hammoud Ben , Wassermann Tamara , Mertens Peter R. , Schwarz Anke , Becker Jan U. , Chatzikyrkou Christos
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Predicting outcome after transplantation of marginal kidneys is a challenging task. Donor creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are integral components of the respective risk scores. However, there is uncertainty on which of their values obtained successively during procurement is the most suitable.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective study of 221 adult brain death donors with marginal kidneys, transplanted in 223 recipients. We applied logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between initial (at hospital admission), nadir (lowest), zenith (highest) and terminal (at recovery) donor eGFR with primary non‐function (PNF), delayed graft function (DGF), 3‐ and 12‐month graft function and 1‐ and 3‐year patient‐ and death‐censored graft survival.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, admission, terminal, and the lowest donor eGFR could most accurately predict DGF. The respective ORs [95% CI] were: 0.875 [0.771–0.993], 0.818 [95% CI: 0.726–0.922] and 0.793 [0.689–0.900]. Although not being significant for DGF (OR 0.931 [95% CI: 0.817–1.106]), the highest eGFR was the best predictor of 3‐month graft function (adjusted b coefficient 1.161 [95% CI: 0.355–1.968]). Analysis of primary nonfunction showed that determination of initial and the highest eGFR proved to be the best predictors. The respective ORs [95% CI] were: 0.804 [0.667–0.968] and 0.750 [0.611–0.919]. There were no differences in the risk associations of each of the four eGFR recordings with patient‐ and graft survival.

Conclusion

The various eGFR recordings determined during the procurement process of marginal donors can predict PNF, DGF and 3‐ and 12‐month graft function. Regarding short‐term patient‐ and graft survival, there appears to be impacted by recipient factors rather than donor kidney function.
In search of a (Sufi) ethics of vulnerability and care: Treason, friendship, and the First World War in Stephen Daisley’s Traitor
Authors: Branach‐Kallas Anna
Published: August 2022

The article offers an analysis of the representation of an enemy encounter in Traitor (2010), a novel by Stephen Daisley, which depicts the relationship between a young New Zealander, David, and a Turkish doctor, Mahmoud, during the First World War. In my interpretation, I show the multiple facets of Sufi ethics as embraced by David under the influence of his Ottoman friend. Applying theoretical approaches rooted in the philosophy of politics, I argue that friendship between enemies in Daisley's novel is a political claim that challenges dichotomous ways of thinking and questions the meaning of such concepts as traitor, friend and enemy. Furthermore, I approach the protagonist's dissent and conscientious objection as deeply ethical acts of embodied resistance. Finally, I demonstrate that the novel represents an intriguing intervention in Australia and New Zealand's Anzac commemorative discourse, thus contributing to a twenty‐first‐century reassessment of the memory of the First World War.
Lateral Compression Type 2 Pelvic Fractures—A Clinical Study of Fracture Displacement Measurement and Closed Reduction
Authors: Wu Yan , Chen Hua , Zhou Xuefeng , Tang Peifu
Published: August 2022

Objective

To evaluate the displacement in four lateral compression type 2 (LC2) fracture subtypes (iliac wing and three kinds of crescent fractures) and to investigate the appropriate closed reduction for treatment using a pelvic reduction frame.

Methods

A total of 71 patients with LC2 pelvic fractures from February 2014 to November 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Preoperative X‐ray and computed tomography data were used to assess the direction of the fracture displacement and the sacroiliac joint dislocation. The fractures in all patients were reduced with a pelvic reduction frame and fixed with percutaneous screws as well as an anterior subcutaneous pelvic ring internal fixator. Two different closed reduction strategies were adopted, one was first longitudinal traction and then transverse traction, the other was first transverse traction then longitudinal and LC2 traction. The Matta score system was used to evaluate the postoperative X‐ray and the Majeed score system was used for follow‐up evaluation.

Results

A total of 13 iliac wing fractures (86.7%) and 16 Day type 1 fractures (94.1%) were vertically stable with only internal displacement, the ring width displacements were 5 (3, 8.75) and 8 (4, 12) mm, the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) differences were 0 (0, 0) mm and 0 (0, 0) mm. A total of 21 Day type 2 fractures (95.5%) and 16 Day type 3 fractures (94.1%) were characterized by cephalic and dorsal fracture dislocation on the basis of internal displacement, the ring width displacements were 6 (4.25, 12) and 4 (0, 7.5) mm and the PSIS differences were 4 (2, 5) and 0 (0, 3.75) mm. Based on the Matta scores, excellent reduction was achieved in 51 patients, good reduction in 17 patients, and poor reduction in three patients. The average Majeed score was 91.6, with a minimum outpatient follow‐up of 12 months (average 31.6 months).

Conclusion

LC2 fractures involve two different kinds of fracture displacement: internal displacement only and a combination of internal, cephalic, and dorsal dislocation through the sacroiliac joint. Good clinical outcomes can be achieved for LC2 fractures using two different closed reduction strategies.
From reciprocity to welfare: Rerum Novarum, Catholicism, and early social security in Latin America
Authors: Biehl Andrés , Pérez de Arce Rodrigo
Published: August 2022

This article explores the role of Catholicism after the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), in shaping early Latin American social security. While social security is often interpreted as the outcome of organized distributional struggles, recent scholarship has begun to pay attention to the religious origins of a variety of social security systems. Building on this “religious turn”, the article reviews how research on religious traditions and the welfare state illuminate Latin American early developments of social security. By placing these experiences within welfare research at the beginning of the 20th century, this review aims to shed light on two understudied themes. First, new questions emerge connecting cultural understandings to their institutionalization through social policy. Second, Rerum Novarum and the social doctrines of the Catholic Church provided a vocabulary to nurture and legitimize secular state interventions in line with traditional ideas of reciprocity and charity. Social security models inspired by early German and French experiences, through the recommendations of the International Labour Organization, were adapted to local realities without challenging previous forms of social organizations that favored Catholic notions of in‐kind support and encouraged personal relationships. Building on recent scholarship, the article ends by calling for further research on how Catholic in‐built conceptions of reciprocity shape secular policies.
Trend effects on perceived avalanche hazard
Authors: Terum Jens Andreas , Mannberg Andrea , Hovem Finn Kristoffer
Published: August 2022

Hazard‐level forecasts constitute an important risk mitigation tool to reduce loss of economic values and human life. Avalanche forecasts represent an example of this. As for many other domains, avalanche risk is communicated using a color‐coded, categorical risk scale aimed at informing the public about past, current, and future risk. We report the results from three experiments in which we tested if an irrelevant past trend in forecasted avalanche danger affects perceptions of current and future avalanche risk. Our sample consisted of individuals from three different populations targeted by national avalanche warning services. All three experiments showed that the perception of avalanche risk is influenced by the trend, but that the effect is opposite for perceptions of current and expectations of future avalanche risk. While future avalanche risk is extrapolated in the same direction as the change from the previous day, we found that perceived current risk appears to be based on an average of past and current risk. These effects diminish when we provide participants with a scale indicating the exact level of avalanche danger. For most of our measurement instruments, however, the effects remain significant. These results imply that targeted populations may consider historic information more than was intended by the sender. As such, our results have implications for both avalanche warning services and risk communication in general.
On the determinants and interrelationship of components of government spending
Authors: Obeng Samuel K.
Published: August 2022

The paper examines the determinants and interrelationship of components of government spending using data for up to 142 countries over the period 1990–2017. We make use of two‐way fixed effect estimator with Driscoll‐Kraay standard errors, which accounts for cross‐sectional dependence and a system generalized method of moments estimator to examine the determinants of components of spending. We then adopt the seemingly unrelated regression estimation technique to examine the interrelationship between government spending types. From our results, there is little evidence of Wagner's Law as the coefficient of income is negative and statistically significant for most measures of spending. Further, we find that a reduction in overall government spending tends to reduce the share of almost all components of government spending except spending on economic services, non‐productive spending, and spending on transfers. In examining the interrelationship between government spending types, we find that government spending types under the Classification of Functions of Government (COFOG) classification, which may be described as “pure public goods” and “merit public good provision,” have complementary relationships. However, government spending on pure public good vs merit public goods, pure public goods vs economic services, and pure public goods vs transfers could be considered substitutes.
Analyzing vulnerability to poverty and assessing the role of universal public works and food security programs to reduce it: Evidence from an eastern Indian state
Authors: Khosla Sunil , Jena Pradyot Ranjan
Published: August 2022

Social protection (SP) programs have become a widespread intervention to strengthen coping strategies in developing countries to improve the well‐being of vulnerable households. Past studies have identified the positive impact of SP on ex‐post poverty reduction. However, there is relatively scant evidence of the role of SP in reducing vulnerability to poverty (VtP). This study estimates the role of SP, in particular, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and public distribution system (PDS) in reducing household VtP in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Firstly, the household VtP was estimated using the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) method. Secondly, the role of SP in reducing household VtP was analyzed using the quantile regression (QR) approach. This study utilizes cross‐sectional data of 1506 rural households from the State of Odisha. The FGLS estimates show that the household VtP rate is 42.43% as opposed to the current poverty rate of 32.87% in the state. The QR results demonstrate that the households that participated in the MGNREGA program are less likely to fall into poverty than those without it. However, household access to the PDS is observed to have no significant association with vulnerability.
Tau‐function formulation for bright, dark soliton and breather solutions to the massive Thirring model
Authors: Chen Junchao , Feng Bao‐Feng
Published: August 2022

In the present paper, we are concerned with the link between the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Toda (KP–Toda) hierarchy and the massive Thirring (MT) model. First, we bilinearize the MT model under both the vanishing and nonvanishing boundary conditions. Starting from a set of bilinear equations of two‐component KP–Toda hierarchy, we derive multibright solution to the MT model. Then, considering a set of bilinear equations of the single‐component KP–Toda hierarchy, multidark soliton and multibreather solutions to the MT model are constructed by imposing constraints on the parameters in two types of tau function, respectively. The dynamics and properties of one‐ and two‐soliton for bright, dark soliton and breather solutions are analyzed in details.
Response‐dependence and normativity
Authors: Sun Yifan
Published: August 2022

A non‐normative, response‐dependent view about morality can avoid metaphysical extravagance and explain why the extension of some non‐normative concepts can non‐accidentally match the extension of moral concepts. These features make it a plausible reductive account of moral properties. However, some philosophers believe that a response‐dependent account of morality must contain an irreducibly normative component. I argue that it is impossible to defend such a position while retaining the response‐dependent nature of morality in the ordinary sense. However, I believe that philosophers' motivation for engaging in such a philosophical project should be taken seriously. The underlying concern is that the plausibility of a response‐dependent view makes people's strong commitment to irreducible normativity a puzzle that requires an explanation. I explain why people systematically fail to give up this commitment without claiming that they rationally cannot give it up, which means a non‐normative response‐dependent view is immune from such a challenge.
Freedom's values: The good and the right
Authors: Intropi Pietro
Published: August 2022

How is freedom valuable? And how should we go about defining freedom? In this essay, I discuss a distinction between two general ways of valuing freedom: one appeals to the good (e.g., to freedom's contribution to well‐being); the other appeals to how persons have reason to treat one another in virtue of their status as purposive beings (to the right). The analysis of these two values has many relevant implications and it is preliminary to a better understanding of the relationships between freedom and justice. First, it contributes to shed light on the relationship between trust and the value of freedom, and on two attitudes towards freedom – promoting and respecting freedom. Second, it disambiguates between two versions of the claim that freedom has non‐specific/content‐independent value: one appeals to the good, the other to the right. And third, I show that certain implications concerning the definition of freedom follow from assuming an account of the value of freedom that exclusively appeals to the right, illustrating how the value of freedom can shape what freedom is.
DEFECTIVELY ORGANIZED TRIBUTARIES 5 is not required for leaf venation patterning in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Vlad Daniela , Langdale Jane A.
Published: August 2022

The search for genetic regulators of leaf venation patterning started over 30 years ago, primarily focused on mutant screens in the eudicotyledon Arabidopsis thaliana. Developmental perturbations in either cotyledons or true leaves led to the identification of transcription factors required to elaborate the characteristic reticulated vein network. An ortholog of one of these, the C2H2 zinc finger protein DEFECTIVELY ORGANIZED TRIBUTARIES 5 (AtDOT5), was recently identified through transcriptomics as a candidate regulator of parallel venation in maize (Zea mays) leaves. To elucidate how AtDOT5 regulates vein patterning, we generated three independent loss‐of‐function mutations by gene editing in Arabidopsis. Surprisingly, none of them exhibited any obvious phenotypic perturbations. To reconcile our findings with earlier reports, we re‐evaluated the original Atdot5‐1 and Atdot5‐2 alleles. By genome sequencing, we show that reported mutations at the Atdot5‐1 locus are actually polymorphisms between Landsberg erecta and Columbia ecotypes, and that other mutations present in the background most likely cause the pleiotropic mutant phenotype observed. We further show that a T‐DNA insertion in the Atdot5‐2 locus has no impact on leaf venation patterns when segregated from other T‐DNA insertions present in the original line. We thus conclude that AtDOT5 plays no role in leaf venation patterning in Arabidopsis.
Comparison of chlorhexidine and alcohol‐based antisepsis on the paralumbar fossa in cattle
Authors: Doyle Aimie J. , Saab Matthew E. , McClure J Trenton
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine skin reaction, post‐treatment reduction (immediate effect), and 1 hour post‐treatment reduction (sustained effect) of aerobic bacterial colony forming units (CFU) following three antiseptic protocols in cattle.

Study design

Prospective, randomized experimental study.

Animals

Eighteen cows.

Methods

Three sites in each paralumbar fossa were clipped and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 5 minute 4% chlorhexidine gluconate scrub (CHG); 90 second 80% ethanol scrub (ET); 90 second 70% isopropyl alcohol scrub (IPA). All sites were monitored at all sampling time points and at 24 hours following treatment for adverse skin reaction. Samples were collected pre‐, immediately post‐, and 1 hour post‐treatment and plated in duplicate. Bacterial counts were shifted to eliminate zeroes, log10transformed, and averaged. ANOVA was used to compare differences in mean reduction in log10CFU/ml between groups.

Results

Reduction in log10CFU/ml was more pronounced immediately after application of IPA (p = .001) and ET (p = .001) than CHG. This reduction was better sustained after preparation with CHG than ET (p = .005) but not IPA. Immediate and sustained reductions in bacterial loads did not differ after application of IPA or ET. No adverse skin reactions were noted.

Conclusions

Skin preparation with alcohol‐based antiseptics was well tolerated and improved immediate bacterial reduction compared to CHG. This reduction was better sustained 1 hour after application of CHG than ET, but no difference was detected between CHG and IPA.

Clinical relevance

Lack of adverse skin reaction and performance provide evidence to support skin preparation with alcohol‐based antiseptics in cattle.
Responses to nutrient addition, shading and clipping in a range expanding invasive plant, Mikania micrantha
Authors: Zhu Bin , Huang Fangfang , Fan Zhiwei , Huang Qiaoqiao
Published: August 2022

Invasive plants often spread in their new range. During range expansion, the population density at the invasion front may be low compared to that at the invasion centre, and this may select for an acquisitive growth strategy, such as rapid growth, stronger responses to nutrient addition, less tolerance to shading and more tolerance to biomass removal. In this study, we tested this idea using 27 populations of an invasive plant, Mikania micrantha, which is spreading on Hainan island of China in the past 20 years. Nutrient addition increased biomass of M. micrantha, and shading and clipping reduced it. Population density, frequency of occurrence and their interaction with nutrient addition, shading or clipping did not influence plant biomass and root to shoot ratio (RSR). For the western populations, both population density and frequency of occurrence were negatively correlated with RSR in the shading treatment. Overall, populations of M. micrantha differed little in growth. The reasons for these results may be that the spread distance and residence time of M. micrantha on Hainan island are too short to drive any evolutionary change, strong interspecific invaders may prevent M. micrantha from acquiring abundant resources when population density and frequency are low, and long distance dispersal of seeds and pollen may potentially mix genes, preventing adaptive evolution. These results indicate that M. micrantha may not evolve to be more invasive during range expansion. Future studies can examine if populations of M. micrantha differ in other aspects, such as seed dispersal ability and competitive ability.