bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of fried peanut cracker coated with wheat–cassava composite flour
Authors: Abiola Omowumi Temitope , Idowu Michael Ayodele , Shittu Taofeek Akinyemi , Onabanjo Oluseye Olusegun , Oke Emmanuel Kehinde
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of fried peanut cracker snacks coated with wheat (80%) and cassava (20%) composite flours.

Design/methodology/approach

The peanuts were sorted, boiled, drained, roasted, coated and fried at temperature of 150–180°C for 154.6–240 s. The fried peanut cracker-coated (FPCC) snacks produced were analyzed for proximate composition (moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, total ash and carbohydrate contents), rancidity indices (peroxide value, free fatty acid and iodine value), physical properties, colour (lightness, redness and yellowness), texture (hardness, fracturability, adhesiveness and cohesiveness) and sensory qualities (taste, crispiness, colour, odour and overall acceptability).

Findings

There were significant differences in moisture (p = 0.000), crude fat (p = 0.001), crude protein (p = 0.000), crude fibre (p = 0.001), total ash (p = 0.00) and carbohydrate (p = 0.001). The range of values for moisture content, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, total ash and carbohydrate contents were 2.6%–4.9%, 27.1%–34.7%, 21.0%–26.3%, 3.1%–4.1%, 2.1%–2.5% and 33.9%–36.4%, respectively, while peroxide, free fatty acid and iodine values ranged from 1.2 to 2.0 mEq/kg, 32.8–47.0 mg KOH/g and 1.2–2.0 gI2/100 g, respectively. The physical properties of the FPCCs showed decrease as the frying temperature and time increased. The values for lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) ranged from 26.5 to 52.2, 11.4 to 22.0 and 37.0 to 42.5, while the texture attributes such as hardness (p = 0.001), fracturability (p = 0.023), adhesiveness (p = 0.001) and cohesiveness (p = 0.011) were significantly different and it ranged from 28.7 to 53.4 N, 28.6 to 48.3 N, 1.0 to 2.4 N/s and 0.0–0.1, respectively. The sensory score for wheat–cassava composite flours used for coating the snacks decreased as the frying temperature and time increased. The study shows that 20% of cassava flour incorporated into the formulation of coated snacks does not affect its overall acceptability.

Research limitations/implications

There are scanty information/published works on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of fried peanut cracker coated with wheat–cassava composite flour.

Practical implications

This research work helps in producing fried peanut cracker coated with composite wheat–cassava flours.

Originality/value

The study shows that 20% of cassava flour incorporated into the formulation of coated snacks does not affect its overall acceptability.
Individual differences in reactions to work location decisions
Authors: Kim Mee Sook , Misra Kaumudi , Phillips Jean M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to apply reciprocity theory to understand how hypothetical work location decision outcomes and individual differences affect employees’ trust in their employer and willingness to engage in organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

Three vignettes were used to manipulate work location decision outcomes and hypotheses were tested using Hayes’ (2008) PROCESS in a sample of 378 adults who worked in the USA during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Participants reported greater OCB intentions through higher trust in the employer when given their hypothetical choice of work location compared to being assigned one, and when assigned to their preferred compared to nonpreferred location. External work locus of control (EWLC) moderated the effects of work location on trust in the employer. The relationship between trust and OCB intentions was weakened when employees perceived greater difficulty in leaving their jobs.

Originality/value

This study examined the roles of felt reciprocity, individual differences, choice and hypothetically receiving one’s preferred work location, on trust in the employer and willingness to engage in OCBs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emotional intelligence, organizational justice and work outcomes
Authors: Mustafa Micheal James , Vinsent Claudia , Badri Siti Khadijah Zainal
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the associations between emotional intelligence (EI), organizational justice (OJ) perceptions and work outcomes. The study proposes a model where EI is linked to job satisfaction and turnover intentions through the three dimensions of organizational justice.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 556 employees in the Malaysian service sector were used as samples for this study. Analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS structural equation modelling (SEM) path analysis to test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate that EI had a significant direct effect on all organizational justice sub-dimensions (distributive, procedural and interactional justice) as well as on job satisfaction and turnover intentions. However, only distributive justice was found to partially mediate the relationship between EI, job satisfaction and turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This study provides further insights into the mechanisms through which trait EI impacts service sector employee workplace attitudes. It also investigates the role of trait EI in deciphering why employees may differ in their OJ perceptions and deepens understanding of the discrete roles that organizational justice sub-dimensions perform.
Bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability: evidence from the UK
Authors: O’Connell Michael
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability amongst domestic UK commercial banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an empirically driven single equation framework that incorporates the traditional structure–conduct–performance (SCP) hypothesis. A generalised method of moments technique was applied to a panel of UK banks covering the period 1998–2018 to account for profit persistence.

Findings

The estimation results show that all bank-specific determinants, with the exception of credit risk, significantly affect bank profitability in the anticipated way. However, no evidence was found in support of the SCP hypothesis. Interest rates, especially longer-term interest rates, and the rate of inflation has a significant effect on bank profitability, with the business cycle having a symmetric insignificant effect once other variables have been accounted for. Profitability persists to a moderate extent within the UK banking market, indicating that there exists a departure from a perfectly competitive market structure.

Originality/value

The literature that examines the actual underlying determinants of UK domestic bank profitability is limited.
Thermal and mechanical analysis of low-temperature and low-pressure silver-based sintered thermal joints
Authors: Stojek Krzysztof Jakub , Felba Jan , Nowak Damian , Malecha Karol , Kaczmarek Szymon , Andrzejak Patryk Tomasz Tomasz
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to perform thermal and mechanical characterization for silver-based sintered thermal joints. Layer quality affects thermal and mechanical performance, and it is important to achieve information about how materials and process parameters influence them.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal investigation of the thermal joints analysis method was focused on determination of thermal resistance, where temperature measurements were performed using infrared camera. They were performed in two modes: steady-state analysis and dynamic analysis. Mechanical analysis based on measurements of mechanical shear force. Additional characterizations based on X-ray image analysis (image thresholding), optical microscope of polished cross-section and scanning electron microscope image analysis were proposed.

Findings

Sample surface modification affects thermal resistance. Silver metallization exhibits the lowest thermal resistance and the highest mechanical strength compared to the pure Si surface. The type of dynamic analysis affects the results of the thermal resistance.

Originality/value

Investigation of the layer quality influence on mechanical and thermal performance provided information about different joint types.
A methodological guide to observe local‐scale geodiversity for biodiversity research and management
Authors: Hjort Jan , Tukiainen Helena , Salminen Henriikka , Kemppinen Julia , Kiilunen Petteri , Snåre Henna , Alahuhta Janne , Maliniemi Tuija
Published: April 2022

Current global environmental change calls for comprehensive and complementing approaches for biodiversity conservation. According to recent research, consideration of the diversity of Earth's abiotic features (i.e. geodiversity) could provide new insights and applications into the investigation and management of biodiversity. However, methods to map and quantify geodiversity at local scale have not been developed although this scale is important for conservation planning. Here, we introduce a field methodology for observing plot‐scale geodiversity, pilot the method in an Arctic–alpine tundra environment, provide empirical evidence on the plot‐scale biodiversity–geodiversity relationship and give guidance for practitioners on the implementation of the method.

The field method is based on observation of geofeatures, that is, elements of geology, geomorphology and hydrology, from a given area surrounding a location of species observations. As a result, the method provides novel information on the variation of abiotic nature for biodiversity research and management. The method was piloted in northern Norway and Finland by observing geofeatures from 76 sites at three scales (5, 10 and 25 m radii). To explore the relationship between measures of biodiversity and geodiversity, the occurrence of vascular plant species was recorded from 2 m × 2 m plots at the same sites.

According to the results, vascular plant species richness was positively correlated with the richness of geofeatures (Rs = 0.18–0.59). The connection was strongest in habitats characterized by deciduous shrubs. The method has a high potential for observing geofeatures without extensive geological or geomorphological training or field survey experience and could be applied by conservation practitioners.

Synthesis and applications. Consideration of geodiversity in understanding, analysing and conserving biodiversity could facilitate environmental management and ensure the long‐term sustainability of ecosystem functions. With the developed method, it is possible to cost‐efficiently observe the elements of geodiversity that are useful in ecology and biodiversity conservation. Our approach can be adapted in different ecosystems and biodiversity investigations. The method can be adjusted depending on the abiotic conditions, expertise of the observer(s) and the equipment available.
Understanding the participation outcomes for persons with disability when partnered with assistance dogs: A scoping review
Authors: Futeran Nicola , Mackenzie Lynette , Wilkes‐Gillan Sarah , Dickson Claire
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Assistance dogs are trained to support persons living with disability and mitigate limitations that hinder their participation in everyday activities. Despite participation being a frequent challenge for people with disabilities, evidence linking assistance dog provision to improved participation outcomes is underdeveloped. This scoping review aimed to improve understanding by mapping the participation outcomes claimed in research on assistance dogs using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability and Health framework.

Methods

Using the Arksey and O′Malley's six‐step framework, this scoping review searched six databases. Data were collected, mapped and summarised in accordance with the domains outlined in the ICF.

Results

In total, 38 studies across 41 papers met the inclusion criteria. Included studies investigated assistance dogs who were partnered with people living with physical disabilities, mental illness, autism and chronic conditions that require alerting (e.g., epilepsy and diabetes). Mapping of participation outcomes suggested that assistance dogs can have a positive impact on participation in many areas of daily life.

Conclusion

Findings can assist practitioners, funders and policymakers to recognise the value of assistance dogs as a support for people with disability. However, further research is needed to address limitations regarding study designs, for example, the outcome measures used.
Do opportunistic snap elections affect political trust? Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: TURNBULL‐DUGARTE STUART J.
Published: April 2022

Snap elections, those triggered by incumbents in advance of their original date in the electoral calendar, are a common feature of parliamentary democracies. In this paper, I ask: do snap elections influence citizens’ trust in the government? Theoretically, I argue that providing citizens with an additional means of endorsing or rejecting the incumbent – giving voters a chance to ‘have their say’ – can be interpreted by citizens as normatively desirable and demonstrative of the incumbent's desire to legitimise their agenda by (re)‐invigorating their political mandate. Leveraging the quasi‐experimental setting provided by the coincidental timing of the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May's, shock announcement of early elections in April 2017 with the fieldwork for the Eurobarometer survey, I demonstrate that the announcement of snap elections had a sizeable and significant positive effect on political trust. This trust‐inducing effect is at odds with the observed electoral consequences of the 2017 snap elections. Whilst incumbent‐triggered elections can facilitate net gains for the sitting government, May's 2017 gamble cost the Conservative Party their majority. Snap elections did increase political trust. These trust‐inducing effects were not observed symmetrically for all citizens. Whilst Eurosceptics and voters on the right of the ideological spectrum – those most inclined to support the incumbent May‐led Conservative government in 2017 – became more trusting, no such changes in trust were observed amongst left‐wing or non‐Eurosceptic respondents. This study advances the understanding of a relatively understudied yet not uncommon political phenomenon, providing causal evidence that snap elections have implications for political trust.
Separation of principal component dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography and its interaction with corn starch
Authors: Xue Hongkun , Cui Pengshan , Tan Jiaqi , Zhang Guowei , Ge Shaoqin , Cai Xu
Published: April 2022

Ampelopsis grossedentata (AG) is an industrial crop in the grape family, which has been used as a dual‐purpose plant for medicine and tea with high medicinal values. However, little is reported on the separation technology of active components from AG and processing technology of AG products. High‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) was applied to separate the principal component dihydromyricetin (DMY) from AG. DMY is added to starch‐based products to improve food quality. The interaction between corn starch (CS) and DMY was investigated to predict and control the structure and function of starch‐based foods. Results show that DMY with 97.13% purity was successfully obtained by HSCCC using a solvent system composed of light petroleum–ethyl acetate–methanol–water–trichloroacetic acid (1:3:1:3:0.01, v/v/v/v/v). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) exhibits that the interactions between CS and DMY included hydrogen bond and noncovalent bond. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that DMY could increase the relative crystallinity of CS. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance results (LF–NMR) imply that DMY decreased the spin relaxation time (T2) and inhibited the mobility of free water. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results suggest that DMY changed the surface morphology of CS through hydrogen bond interaction. Moreover, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that DMY could enlarge the pores and change the microstructure of CS–DMY complexes. The findings promote the development of industrial CS‐based products and utilization of corn crop.
Human papillomavirus vaccination in women undergoing excisional treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and subsequent risk of recurrence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eriksen Dina Overgaard , Jensen Pernille Tine , Schroll Jeppe Bennekou , Hammer Anne
Published: April 2022

Introduction

In this review and meta‐analysis we aimed to investigate whether human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination administered after excisional treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence of CIN grade 2 or worse (CIN2+).

Material and methods

We performed a systematic literature search in three online databases through June 2021. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion if the prophylactic HPV vaccine was administered after excisional treatment for histologically verified CIN. Only English language literature was included. The primary outcome measure was recurrence of CIN2+ after treatment. A meta‐analysis was performed using fixed and random‐effects models, and results were reported as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Quality assessment was performed using ROB2‐tool for RCTs and ROBINS‐I for observational studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021238257).

Results

A total of 1561 studies were identified, of which nine, including 19 971 women, were included. Two studies were RCTs and seven were observational studies. Using the fixed‐effect model on the two RCTs, the OR for recurrence of CIN2+ was 0.29 (95% CI 0.16–0.53). Due to considerable heterogeneity in observational studies, the random‐effects model was used to estimate pooled OR for CIN2+ recurrence in these studies. Thus, using unadjusted data from observational studies, the OR for CIN2+ recurrence was 0.35 (95% CI 0.18–0.67), whereas when using adjusted data, the OR for CIN2+ recurrence was 0.54 (95% CI 0.21–1.35). However, quality assessment revealed a serious risk of bias for the majority of the studies included.

Conclusions

HPV vaccination post‐treatment was associated with a significantly reduced risk of CIN2+ recurrence when using unadjusted estimates from observational studies and RCTs. We found no significant effect of HPV vaccination on risk of CIN2+ recurrence when using the outcome measure from observational studies with the least risk of bias. Large, well‐designed randomized placebo‐controlled trials are needed to determine whether post‐treatment HPV vaccination should be recommended to all women undergoing excisional treatment for CIN.
Risk of glaucoma after vitreoretinal surgery – Findings from a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Gucciardo Erika , Korhonen Ani , Virtanen Aapo , Harju Mika , Haukka Jari
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To investigate the association between different types of vitrectomy and risk of different types of glaucoma and to determine the effect of systemic medication and diabetes status on this risk.

Methods

A population‐based nested case–control study included individuals of age ≥ 18 years who had undergone single vitrectomy, vitrectomy with retinal procedure, or combined phaco‐vitrectomy between 2001 and 2010. End of follow‐up was 2017. Odds ratio (OR) for the development of glaucoma after different types of vitrectomy and 95% confidence interval (CI) were based on conditional logistic regression models. For every glaucoma case, five controls were matched by age, sex, start of follow‐up year, and hospital district.

Results

The cohort (n = 37 687), of which 52.8% was female, consisted of 6552 individuals diagnosed with glaucoma and 31 135 controls matched by age, sex, and hospital district. Vitrectomy was performed on 103 eyes in the glaucoma group and 158 eyes in the control group. As regards the risk of any glaucoma, the risk was lowest in eyes that underwent combined phaco‐vitrectomy (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8–4.1), followed by single vitrectomy (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 2.1–4.8), and highest in eyes that underwent vitrectomy with retinal procedure (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.7–7.4). Diabetes had no effect (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–1.01), but 5‐year systemic statin use slightly decreased glaucoma risk (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97).

Conclusions

Vitreoretinal surgery was associated with an increased glaucoma risk; the risk being related to the complexity of vitrectomy. Long‐term systemic statin therapy may decrease glaucoma risk, while diabetes had no association.
The COLO‐COHORT (Colorectal Cancer Cohort) study: Protocol for a multi‐centre, observational research study and development of a consent‐for‐contact research platform
Authors: Hampton James S. , Koo Sara , Dobson Christina , Stewart Christopher J. , Neilson Laura J. , Montague Kyle , Mitra Suparna , Whelpton John , Addison Caroline , Kelly Phil , Rushton Stephen , Hull Mark A. , Sharp Linda , Rees Colin J.
Published: April 2022

Aim

The COLO‐COHORT study aims to produce a multi‐factorial risk prediction model for colorectal neoplasia that can be used to target colonoscopy to those at greatest risk of colorectal neoplasia, ensuring that people are not investigated unnecessarily and maximizing the use of limited endoscopy resources. The study will also explore the link between neoplasia and the human gut microbiome. Additionally, the study aims to generate a cohort of colonoscopy patients who are ‘research ready’ through the development of a consent‐for‐contact (C4C) platform, to facilitate a range of colorectal cancer prevention studies to be conducted at scale and speed.

Methods and analysis

This is a multi‐centre observational study involving sites across the UK. Recruitment is over a 6‐year period (2019–2025). Patients recruited to the study are those attending for colonoscopy. Patients are recruited into two groups, namely observational group A (10 000 patients) and C4C group B (10 000 patients), known as COLO‐SPEED (Colorectal Cancer Screening Prevention Endoscopy and Early Diagnosis; https://colospeed.uk). Patients complete a health questionnaire, provide anthropometric measurements and submit biosamples (blood and stool—depending on the part of the study they are recruited into). Patients' colonoscopy and histology findings are also recorded. Models of factors associated with the presence of neoplasia at colonoscopy will be developed using logistic or multinomial regression. For internal validation, model discrimination and calibration will be assessed and bootstrapping and cross‐validation approaches used. To enable long‐term follow‐up for outcomes related to colorectal cancer and polyps, patients are asked to consent to follow‐up through data linkage with national databases.

Dissemination

In keeping with good research practice, following analysis by the study team the study investigators will make the anonymized dataset available to other researchers. The C4C platform will also be accessible to other researchers. The study findings will be submitted for publication in peer‐reviewed journals and lay summaries will be disseminated to participants and the wider public.
Strengthening monitoring and evaluation of multiple benefits in conservation initiatives that aim to foster climate change adaptation
Authors: Oakes Lauren E. , Peterson St‐Laurent Guillaume , Cross Molly S. , Washington Tatjana , Tully Elizabeth , Hagerman Shannon
Published: April 2022

As the need to monitor and evaluate progress on climate change adaptation is increasingly recognized, practitioners may benefit from applying lessons about effective monitoring from the conservation field. This study focuses on monitoring conservation interventions that aim to foster climate change adaptation by assessing: what ways practitioners are adopting best practices from monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in conservation; what practitioners are monitoring in relation to reported outcomes; how monitoring comprehensiveness varies in practice and what factors enable more comprehensive monitoring; and practitioner views on what could improve M&E of adaptation actions. We conducted this study using a portfolio of 76 adaptation projects implemented across the United States and employed a mixed‐methods design that included document analysis, an online survey, and semi‐structured interviews. The majority (84%) of projects reported social outcomes at project completion in addition to ecological outcomes (100%), but monitoring plans focused primarily on ecological and biophysical changes. Only 21% of projects connected monitoring metrics to a theory of change linking actions to expected outcomes. Involvement of an external research partner was identified as a key factor in supporting more comprehensive monitoring efforts. Results provide applied insights for enhancing delivery of social and ecological outcomes from adaptation projects, and suggest research pathways to improve monitoring and effectiveness of climate‐informed conservation.
Technical change and wage premiums amongst skilled labour: Evidence from the economic transition
Authors: Alexeev Sergey
Published: April 2022

I present reduced‐form and structural evidence that the reorganization of the Russian economy in the post‐transitional period increased the demand on law and business graduates. This demand shock provides a novel unified explanation of the Russian wage structure for 1985–2015. I then show that this shock is a common feature of all transitional economies, and it contributed to the transformational recession. The demand behaviour is identified with a new skill‐biased technical change model of demand for skills with three production inputs (high school graduates and bachelor‐level educations with two majors), showing that a technology shift that favours a particular skill might emerge within the skilled group rather than between skilled and unskilled. This is relevant because similar shifts (e.g., data scientists vs. liberal arts) emerge today in the frontier economies that adopt new general‐purpose technologies (e.g., machine learning). Thus, this paper informs policymakers today on tools to counteract a potential drop in economic equality and performance that result from this adoption. Lastly, because of similarities between the mechanics of the transition and the 2022 sanctions to discourage Russia's war effort, my results highlight the importance of additional sanctions against the education system to prevent the regime's structural adaptation and preservation.
Coexistence mechanisms of Colocasiomyia species (Diptera: Drosophilidae) sharing inflorescences of Alocasia odora (Araceae) as a host plant: Comparison between two‐ and three‐species systems
Authors: Toda Masanori J. , Takano Kohei Takenaka , Katoh Toru , Xiao Ling , Gao Jian‐Jun , Yafuso Masako
Published: April 2022

There are two pollination‐mutualistic systems between Colocasiomyia flies and Alocasia odora. The two systems are different in the number of fly species involved. One is a two‐to‐one system, where C. xenalocasiae and C. alocasiae share inflorescences/infructescences of A. odora in the Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Taiwan, Guangdong, and Guangxi (China). The other system, which additionally involves the third species, C. grandis, is seen from southern Yunnan (China) to northern Vietnam. To reveal coexistence mechanisms in these systems, we compared breeding habits of the component species between the two‐ and three‐species systems in natural conditions, and undertook a field experiment to test a hypothesis whether oviposition sites of the component species are affected by interference competition between them. The observations under natural conditions confirmed the breeding niche separation of component species in the two‐species system: C. xenalocasiae uses mostly the pistillate region of spadix, whereas C. alocasiae uses mostly the staminate region, with partial overlap of their oviposition sites in the lower intermediate region. In the three‐species system, however, these two species separated their oviposition sites nearly completely from each other, suggesting that they are excluded from the lower intermediate region by the third species, C. grandis, which monopolizes there. The result of field experiments did not support this hypothesis: neither C. xenalocasiae nor C. alocasiae changed oviposition behavior regardless of the absence or the presence of C. grandis. Therefore, we propose an alternative hypothesis that the oviposition site segregation among the three species has evolved as a consequence of the past and/or ongoing competition of larvae.
Influence of bonding agent application method on the dentin bond durability of a two‐step adhesive utilizing a universal‐adhesive‐derived primer
Authors: Katsuki Shun , Takamizawa Toshiki , Yokoyama Munenori , Sai Keiichi , Tamura Tomohiko , Ishii Ryo , Kamimoto Atsushi , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effect of the bonding agent application method on the dentin bond durability of a two‐step adhesive utilizing a universal‐adhesive‐derived primer. The bonding durability of a universal adhesive was compared with those of two conventional two‐step adhesives by shear bond strength testing after thermal cycling. The primer was applied (with or without phosphoric acid pre‐etching), and the specimens were divided into three groups based on the bonding agent application method used as follows: (i) strong air‐flow application, (ii) gentle air‐flow application, and (iii) gentle air‐flow + second bonding application. The shear bond strength was determined after thermal cycling. All the factors (bonding agent application method, adhesive system, and storage condition) significantly influenced the dentin shear bond strength both with and without phosphoric acid pre‐etching. The specimens exposed to gentle air‐flow showed a higher shear bond strength than did those exposed to strong air‐flow and gentle air‐flow + second bonding. The bond durability of the tested adhesive systems was influenced by the bonding agent application method, and this trend was material dependent. The G2‐Bond Universal exhibited the same or greater dentin bond durability to the other two‐step adhesive systems.
Ten years of marine evolutionary biology—Challenges and achievements of a multidisciplinary research initiative
Authors: Johannesson Kerstin , Leder Erica H. , André Carl , Dupont Sam , Eriksson Susanne P. , Harding Karin , Havenhand Jonathan N. , Jahnke Marlene , Jonsson Per R. , Kvarnemo Charlotta , Pavia Henrik , Rafajlović Marina , Rödström Eva Marie , Thorndyke Michael , Blomberg Anders
Published: April 2022

The Centre for Marine Evolutionary Biology (CeMEB) at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, was established in 2008 through a 10‐year research grant of 8.7 m€ to a team of senior researchers. Today, CeMEB members have contributed >500 scientific publications, 30 PhD theses and have organised 75 meetings and courses, including 18 three‐day meetings and four conferences. What are the footprints of CeMEB, and how will the centre continue to play a national and international role as an important node of marine evolutionary research? In this perspective article, we first look back over the 10 years of CeMEB activities and briefly survey some of the many achievements of CeMEB. We furthermore compare the initial goals, as formulated in the grant application, with what has been achieved, and discuss challenges and milestones along the way. Finally, we bring forward some general lessons that can be learnt from a research funding of this type, and we also look ahead, discussing how CeMEB’s achievements and lessons can be used as a springboard to the future of marine evolutionary biology.
Chloroplast protein import machinery and quality control
Authors: Rochaix Jean‐David
Published: April 2022

Most chloroplast proteins are nucleus‐encoded, translated on cytoplasmic ribosomes as precursor proteins, and imported into chloroplasts through TOC and TIC, the translocons of the outer and inner chloroplast envelope membranes. While the composition of the TOC complex is well established, there is still some controversy about the importance of a recently identified TIC complex consisting of Tic20, Tic214, Tic100, and Tic56. TOC and TIC form a supercomplex with a protein channel at the junction of the outer and inner envelope membranes through which preproteins are pulled into the stroma by the ATP‐powered Ycf2 complex consisting of several FtsH‐like ATPases and/or by chloroplast Hsp proteins. Several components of the TOC/TIC system are moonlighting proteins with additional roles in chloroplast gene expression and metabolism. Chaperones and co‐chaperones, associated with TOC and TIC on the cytoplasmic and stromal side of the chloroplast envelope, participate in the unfolding and folding of the precursor proteins and act together with the ubiquitin–proteasome system in protein quality control. Chloroplast protein import is also intimately linked with retrograde signaling, revealing altogether an unsuspected complexity in the regulation of this process.
Optimization of differentiated regional land development patterns based on urban expansion simulation—A case in China
Authors: Gao Yang , Shen Zhen , Liu Yuexin , Yu Chaoyue , Cui Lihan , Song Cuiling
Published: April 2022

The advancing global urbanization puts great pressure on the society and ecosystem, especially in developing countries. Reasonable land‐use policies adapted to local conditions are the key issues to prevent disordered urban expansion. Multi‐scenario simulation provides a new perspective for differentiated policy formulation based on regional heterogeneity. Regarding the Shaanxi Province, a rapid urbanized area with high spatial heterogeneity in western China, as the study case, we tracked its past land‐use changes and predicted the characteristics of urban expansion using the Future Urban‐Regional Environment Simulation model. We found that (1) during the past 35 years, built‐up land evidently increased accompanied by the loss of cropland, grassland, and unused land. (2) The urban expansion mainly will occur in the areas with flat terrain under three scenarios. (3) The urban expansion will transit into the “requiring land from mountains” pattern in the future, which means that it will gradually spread to areas with higher slopes. (4) Differentiated and optimal development patterns are proposed for different subregions by accounting the loss of ecosystem service in the procedure of urban expansion. This research can help local governments formulate differentiated future macro control of territorial spatial planning to optimize subregional land development.
Mpeg1 is not essential for antibacterial or antiviral immunity, but is implicated in antigen presentation
Authors: Ebrahimnezhaddarzi Salimeh , Bird Catherina H , Allison Cody C , Tuipulotu Daniel E , Kostoulias Xenia , Macri Christophe , Stutz Michael D , Abraham Gilu , Kaiserman Dion , Pang Siew Siew , Man Si Ming , Mintern Justine D , Naderer Thomas , Peleg Anton Y , Pellegrini Marc , Whisstock James C , Bird Phillip I
Published: April 2022

To control infections phagocytes can directly kill invading microbes. Macrophage‐expressed gene 1 (Mpeg1), a pore‐forming protein sometimes known as perforin‐2, is reported to be essential for bacterial killing following phagocytosis. Mice homozygous for the mutant allele Mpeg1tm1Pod succumb to bacterial infection and exhibit deficiencies in bacterial killing in vitro. Here we describe a new Mpeg mutant allele Mpeg1tm1.1Pib on the C57BL/6J background. Mice homozygous for the new allele are not abnormally susceptible to bacterial or viral infection, and irrespective of genetic background show no perturbation in bacterial killing in vitro. Potential reasons for these conflicting findings are discussed. In further work, we show that cytokine responses to inflammatory mediators, as well as antibody generation, are also normal in Mpeg1tm1.1Pib/tm1.1Pib mice. We also show that Mpeg1 is localized to a CD68‐positive endolysosomal compartment, and that it exists predominantly as a processed, two‐chain disulfide‐linked molecule. It is abundant in conventional dendritic cells 1, and mice lacking Mpeg1 do not present the model antigen ovalbumin efficiently. We conclude that Mpeg1 is not essential for innate antibacterial protection or antiviral immunity, but may play a focused role early in the adaptive immune response.
Endotoxin removal by anion‐exchange polymeric matrix
Authors: Hou KC , Zaniewski R.
Published: April 2022

The effects of anion‐exchange polymeric matrices on endotoxin removal from albumin and gamma‐globulin solutions are evaluated. The positively charged cellulose acrylic media carrying DEAE or QAE functional groups remove significant amounts of endotoxin from tap water, but are less effective in protein solutions. With properly controlled pH levels and salt concentrations, the endotoxin level in a protein solution can be reduced; however, low endotoxin concentrations, less than 100 pg/ml, are more difficult to remove. The endotoxin removal capacity depends on the number of functional groups existing in the matrix, expressed as the number of milliequivalents (meq), and on the pH operable range, which is directly related to the pK alpha value of the matrix. The effects of pH and salt on endotoxin removal from albumin and gamma‐globulin solutions by an anion‐exchange polymeric matrix were evaluated statically in test tubes. In addition, a dynamic flow was performed under statically defined conditions on a 250‐ml DEAE cartridge for the removal of endotoxin from albumin at a flow rate of 40 ml/min. A greater than 75% reduction in the endotoxin can be achieved, with protein loss occurring only in the early stage of removal. Such processes are useful for the reduction of endotoxin from biological solutions produced by natural sources or recombinant DNA technology.
Low‐temperature Pr3Si2C2‐assisted liquid‐phase sintering of SiC with improved thermal conductivity
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhou Xiaobing , Zou Shunrui , Chen Lu , Tatarko Peter , Dai Jian‐Qing , Huang Zhengren , Huang Qing
Published: April 2022

A novel Pr3Si2C2 additive was uniformly coated on SiC particles using a molten‐salt method to fabricate a high‐density SiC ceramics via liquid‐phase spark plasma sintering at a relatively low temperature (1400°C). According to the calculated Pr–Si–C‐phase diagram, the liquid phase was formed at ∼1217°C, which effectively improved the sintering rate of SiC by the solution–reprecipitation process. When the sintering temperature increased from 1400 to 1600°C, the thermal conductivity of SiC increased from 84 to 126 W/(m K), as a consequence of the grain growth. However, an increasing amount of the sintering additive increased the interfacial thermal resistance, resulting in a decrease of thermal conductivity of the materials. The highest thermal conductivity of 141 W/(m K) was obtained for the material having the largest SiC grains and an optimized amount of the additive at the grain boundaries and triple junctions. The proposed Pr3Si2C2‐assisted liquid‐phase sintering of SiC can be potentially used for the fabrication of SiC‐based ceramic composites, where a low sintering temperature would inhibit the grain growth of SiC fibers.
Comparison of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion treatment and multiple daily injection treatment on the progression of diabetic complications in Japanese patients with juvenile‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Masuda Takafumi , Katakami Naoto , Taya Naohiro , Miyashita Kazuyuki , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Kato Ken , Kuroda Akio , Matsuhisa Munehide , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: April 2022

To evaluate whether continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion attenuates the progression of diabetic complications, we retrospectively extracted data from 35 individuals who had developed type 1 diabetes mellitus aged ≤20 years and whose treatment had been changed from multiple daily injections to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. The annual changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin excretion rate, carotid intima‐media thickness and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity during each treatment period were calculated. Although mean glycated hemoglobin under the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion treatment was lower than that under the multiple daily injection treatment, there were no significant differences in annual changes in diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis between the two treatment periods. This pilot study showed that, in Japanese patients with juvenile‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, there was no significant difference in the progression of diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis, at least in the early stage, between the two treatments.
Adapting an integrated care pathway for implementing electronic patient reported outcomes assessment in routine oncology care: Lessons learned from a case study
Authors: Bamgboje‐Ayodele Adeola , Avery Sandra , Pearson Joanne , Mak May , Smith Kylie , Rincones Orlando , Vinod Shalini , Bray Victoria , Ducinoska Ivana , McCarthy Karina , Williamson Kimberley , Delaney Geoff P. ,   the PROMPT‐Care Implementation Authorship Group, Girgis Afaf
Published: April 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objective

Details of the development and implementation of integrated care pathways (ICPs) in the context of electronic collection of patient reported outcomes (ePROs) for cancer patients are largely lacking in the literature. This study describes what, why and how decisions were made to adapt and implement an ePROs ICP for patients with lung cancer.

Methods

A consensus process was utilized, with the implementation advisory group including multidisciplinary representation from three participating hospitals, to identify local champions and adapt and incorporate the ePRO ICP into the local contexts. Engagement meetings were documented via meeting transcripts, and detailed notes from October 2019 to November 2020 were content‐analysed to identify decision‐making themes based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research; workflows and process maps were reviewed and modified to integrate ePROs.

Results

In total, 55 engagement activities were held (24 meetings, 20 workshops 11 educational sessions), with n = 96 staff from multiple disciplines participating in the ePROs implementation through advisory meetings, process mapping, change management and staff education. Decisions were made regarding eligible patient cohorts to include, the process for onboarding patients onto the ePRO system, and follow‐up and referral pathways. Rationales for decisions included alignment with existing workflows, utilizing available staff, minimizing staff and patient burden and maximizing patient engagement.

Conclusion

Existing resources, staff input and technical and logistical reasons often guided the ICP decisions, highlighting the need for in‐depth engagement across all stakeholders for optimal implementation of ePRO ICPs. The ePRO implementation required substantial dialogue and systematic resolution to reach agreement on the final processes. Adapting the local ICP through rigorous engagement facilitated the successful implementation of ePROs as business‐as‐usual at all three cancer centres. Involving all relevant stakeholders is critical to the successful adaptation of ICPs before their introduction into routine care.
Flexible insurance for long‐term care: A study of stated preferences
Authors: Wu Shang , Bateman Hazel , Stevens Ralph , Thorp Susan
Published: April 2022

Aging societies need efficient and flexible systems to finance care for the frail elderly. We study pre‐retirees' demand for flexible insurance that can finance informal long‐term care by paying income in poor health states instead of reimbursing formal care costs. We collect and analyze stated preferences for this long‐term care income product, and preferences for informal care. When asked to allocate wealth to a life annuity, a liquid investment and flexible long‐term care insurance, around 75% of our sample of 1008 pre‐retirees choose some long‐term care cover. Study participants treat long‐term care income insurance as a complement to informal care from their families. Females who expect to rely exclusively on extensive care from family members prefer more cover than similar males. We also find that if long‐term care income insurance were available, some healthier seniors would purchase additional longevity insurance, using liquid funds otherwise set aside to self‐insure long‐term care risk.
Estimating baseline kidney function in hospitalized adults with acute kidney injury
Authors: Larsen Thomas , See Emily J. , Holmes Natasha , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: April 2022

Aim

Baseline serum creatinine values are required to diagnose acute kidney injury but are often unavailable. We evaluated four conventional equations to estimate creatinine. We then developed and validated a new equation corrected by age and gender.

Methods

We retrospectively examined adults who, at first hospital admission, had available baseline creatinine data and developed acute kidney injury ≥24 h after admission. We split the study population: 50% (derivation) to develop a new linear equation and 50% (validation) to compare against conventional equations for bias, precision, and accuracy. We stratified analyses by age and gender.

Results

We studied 3139 hospitalized adults (58% male, median age 71). Conventional equations performed poorly in bias and accuracy in patients aged <60 or ≥75 (68% of the study population). The new linear equation had less bias and more accuracy. There were no clinically significant differences in precision. The median (95% confidence interval) difference in creatinine values estimated via the new equation minus measured baselines was 0.9 (−3.0, 5.9) and −0.5 (−7.0, 3.7) μmol/L in female patients 18–60 and 75–100, and −1.5 (−4.2, 2.2) and −7.8 (−12.7, −3.6) μmol/L in male patients 18–60 and 75–100, respectively. The new equation improved reclassification of KDIGO AKI stages compared to the MDRD II equation by 5.0%.

Conclusion

Equations adjusted for age and gender are less biased and more accurate than unadjusted equations. Our new equation performed well in terms of bias, precision, accuracy, and reclassification.