bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DFT+U study of structural, electronic and optical properties of Ag- and Cu-doped ZnO
Authors: Hamzah N. , Samat M.H. , Johari N.A. , Faizal A.F.A. , Hassan O.H. , Ali A.M.M. , Zakaria R. , Hussin N.H. , Yahya M.Z.A. , Taib M.F.M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural, electronic and optical properties of pure zinc oxide (ZnO) and transition metal (Tm)-doped ZnO using Tm elements from silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) by a first-principles study based on density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in the pseudo-potential plane wave in CASTEP computer code.

Design/methodology/approach

The calculations based on the generalized gradient approximation for Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof for solids with Hubbard U (GGA-PBEsol+U) were performed by applying Hubbard corrections Ud = 5 eV for Zn 3d state, Up = 9 eV for O 2p state, Ud = 6 eV for Ag 4d state and Ud = 9.5 eV for Cu 3d state. The crystal structure used in this calculation was hexagonal wurtzite ZnO with a space group of P63mc and supercell 2 × 2 × 2.

Findings

The total energy was calculated to determine the best position for Ag and Cu dopants. The band structures and density of states show that Tm-doped ZnO has a lower bandgaps value than pure ZnO because of impurity energy levels from Ag 4d and Cu 3d states. In addition, Ag-doped ZnO exhibits a remarkable enhancement in visible light absorption over pure ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO because of its lower energy region and extended wavelength spectrum.

Originality/value

The results of this paper are important for the basic understanding of the 3d and 4d Tm doping effect ZnO and have a wide range of applications in designing high-efficiency energy harvesting solar cells.
Influential dynamic capabilities and small and medium enterprises' internationalization success: mediating role of international entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: AlShehhi Moza Rashed , Cherian Jacob Poopada , Farouk Sherine , Al Nahyan Moza
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how international entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship between influential dynamic capabilities and the internationalization success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a quantitative approach, the researchers designed a questionnaire based on an extensive literature review and used structural equation modeling to ascertain the mediating role of international entrepreneurial orientation in the relationship between influential dynamic capabilities and SMEs' internationalization success.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that international entrepreneurship orientation mediates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and internationalization success, as the indirect impact value is greater than the direct effect value for the relationship. Because the existence of the mediator in the model has no significant impact on the model's direct effects, full mediation is the most appropriate mediation type.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. One of the major limitations of this study relates to the limited finances of the incumbent, as the questionnaires were delivered to the respondents via email, but the incumbent had to follow up with phone calls and reminders. Second, this study mainly relied upon primary data and analysis based on the use of qualitative techniques; in future, researchers can incorporate qualitative aspects using interviews and other qualitative analysis tools and techniques. Third, limitation relates to sample size, as the sample size of research was above 500 but was limited to just UAE. Future researchers can conduct a cross-sectional analysis to determine the mediating role of different factors for the promotion of internationalization.

Practical implications

This study highlights the fundamental factors affecting the internationalization of SMEs in the UAE context, which has rarely been discussed. This study broadens the scope of internationalization by discussing its impact on SMEs' financial and non-financial performance.

Social implications

This study will contribute to the advancement of current information about the elements that impact the internationalization of SMEs and develop a new framework for analyzing SMEs' internationalization in the UAE.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by developing and testing a framework based on a comprehensive literature review to include different factors and their constructs that impact the potential internationalization of SMEs in developing economies. This study identifies and addresses a research gap regarding the relationship between internationalization and company performance among UAE SMEs.
The effect of innovation on tourists’ revisit intention toward tourism destinations
Authors: Lyu Jiaying , Li Yao , Mao Zhenxing , Huang Huan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Drawing on Schumpeter’s theory of innovation and stereotype content model, this study aims to arrive at an integrated model that relates destination innovation type, destination innovativeness and revisit intention to uncover more about the drivers and outcomes of destination innovativeness from a consumer-centric perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies, including content analysis of news media, an onsite survey and an online survey in Chinese special featured towns, were conducted.

Findings

This study develops a consumer-centric destination innovation measure. The results reveal that input innovation and product innovation positively influence revisit intention through the serial mediation of destination innovativeness and perceived competence.

Research limitations/implications

As the data was collected from tourists in China, any generalization of the results to other regions should be made with caution; accordingly, replication is needed to test the proposed model in different cultural contexts. Second, during the onsite data collection period, special featured town destinations were still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected the perceptions of tourists. Third, the second round of data was collected using an online survey, which may have introduced bias due to a potential lack of representativeness. Fourth, some potential missing variables could also influence the links among innovation, destination innovativeness and revisit intention.

Originality/value

This study presents the first empirical test of the impact of innovation type and innovativeness on tourists’ response to tourism destinations. The results of this study could guide destinations to deliver more effective consumer-centric innovations to generate competitiveness.
Wine tourism in rural areas – hopes and fears amongst local residents
Authors: Kastenholz Elisabeth , Paço Arminda , Nave Ana
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The study analyses residents' impact perceptions and attitudes towards wine tourism development in a Portuguese hinterland region. It additionally assesses heterogeneity within the community regarding these perceptions and attitudes to inform wine route managers about possible implications and to aid adequate intervention for sustainable regional tourism development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from February to August 2020 among the residents of Beira Interior Region (n = 272), via a survey, regarding tourism development and impact perceptions (social, economic, cultural and environmental) of the emerging wine route.

Findings

Results reveal that the residents have rather positive attitudes towards tourism development with perceived and anticipated social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits. Some negative perceptions were also observed. Differences amongst residents, based on age, education and sector of activity, are also assessed and implications discussed. The latter lie mostly in suggestions regarding sensitization of residents, particularly the older and less educated, and community inclusion in engaging, endogenous-resource-based, co-created wine tourism experience development.

Originality/value

The paper provides an analysis of the community's view of rural wine tourism development, going beyond the generally studied business and market perspectives. The community's perspective is important not only due to its central stake in place development, but also its role in preserving local culture, specifically food and wine traditions, providing a welcoming atmosphere and possibly engaging in innovative, co-creative tourism experiences, permitting the generation of benefits to all involved. Community involvement is relevant from the very beginning of the destination development cycle, and hence pertinent for this emergent wine tourism route as well.
Optimum prediction model of remaining useful life for rolling element bearing based on integrating optimize health indicator (OHI) and machine learning algorithm
Authors: Nistane Vinod
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Rolling element bearings (REBs) are commonly used in rotating machinery such as pumps, motors, fans and other machineries. The REBs deteriorate over life cycle time. To know the amount of deteriorate at any time, this paper aims to present a prognostics approach based on integrating optimize health indicator (OHI) and machine learning algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposed optimum prediction model would be used to evaluate the remaining useful life (RUL) of REBs. Initially, signal raw data are preprocessing through mother wavelet transform; after that, the primary fault features are extracted. Further, these features process to elevate the clarity of features using the random forest algorithm. Based on variable importance of features, the best representation of fault features is selected. Optimize the selected feature by adjusting weight vector using optimization techniques such as genetic algorithm (GA), sequential quadratic optimization (SQO) and multiobjective optimization (MOO). New OHIs are determined and apply to train the network. Finally, optimum predictive models are developed by integrating OHI and artificial neural network (ANN), K-mean clustering (KMC) (i.e. OHI–GA–ANN, OHI–SQO–ANN, OHI–MOO–ANN, OHI–GA–KMC, OHI–SQO–KMC and OHI–MOO–KMC).

Findings

Optimum prediction models performance are recorded and compared with the actual value. Finally, based on error term values best optimum prediction model is proposed for evaluation of RUL of REBs.

Originality/value

Proposed OHI–GA–KMC model is compared in terms of error values with previously published work. RUL predicted by OHI–GA–KMC model is smaller, giving the advantage of this method.
Identifying mechanisms underlying individual body size increases in a changing, highly seasonal environment: The growing trout of West brook
Authors: Letcher Benjamin H. , Nislow Keith H. , O'Donnell Matthew J. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Coombs Jason A. , Dubreuil Todd L. , Turek Daniel B.
Published: November 2022

As air temperature increases, it has been suggested that smaller individual body size may be a general response to climate warming. However, for ectotherms inhabiting cold, highly seasonal environments, warming temperatures may increase the scope for growth and result in larger body size.

In a long‐term study of individual brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and brown trout Salmo trutta inhabiting a small stream network, individual lengths increased over the course of 15 years. As size‐selective gains and losses to the population acted to reduce body sizes and mean body size at first tagging in the autumn (<60 mm) were not observed to change substantially over time, the increase in body size was best explained by higher individual growth rates.

For brook trout, increasing water temperatures during the spring (when both trout species accomplish most of their total annual growth) was the primary driver of growth rate for juvenile fish and the environmental factor which best explained increases in individual body size over time.

For brown trout, by contrast, reduction in and subsequent elimination of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar midway through the study period explained most of the increases in juvenile growth and body size.

In addition to these major trends, a considerable amount of interannual variation in trout growth and body size was explained by other abiotic (stream flow) and biotic (population density) factors with the direction and magnitude of these effects differing by season, age‐class and species. For example, stream flow was the dominant growth rate driver for adult fish with strong positive effects in the summer and autumn, but flow variation could not explain increases in body size as we observed no trend in flow.

Overall, our work supports the general contention that for high‐latitude ectotherms, increasing spring temperatures associated with a warming climate can result in increased growth and individual body size (up to a point), but context‐dependent change in other factors can substantially contribute to both interannual variation and longer‐term effects.
Effect of metronidazole resistance on Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens
Authors: Losurdo Giuseppe , Pricci Maria , De Bellis Margherita , Celiberto Francesca , Russo Francesco , Riezzo Giuseppe , D'attoma Benedetta , Iannone Andrea , Rendina Maria , Ierardi Enzo , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Guidelines suggest bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (BQT) or concomitant therapy (CT) as first‐line therapy in our geographic area. Both schedules contain metronidazole. We aimed to evaluate the effect of metronidazole resistance to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy.

Methods

We recruited treatment‐naïve subjects with H. pylori infection who received either CT or BQT during January 2020 and December 2021. Before therapy, a fecal sample was collected using the THD fecal test device from each patient. H. pylori DNA was extracted and mutations of rdxA and frxA genes and A2143G for metronidazole and clarithromycin resistance were investigated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction with a high‐resolution melting curve.

Results

Ninety‐six patients were enrolled, including 29 received BQT and 67 received CT. The overall eradication rate was 94.8% (100% for BQT and 92.5% for CT). Metronidazole resistance was found in 18 (18.8%) subjects, while clarithromycin resistance was found in 19 (19.8%). All 18 patients with metronidazole resistance achieved successful eradication (five treated with BQT and 13 with CT). The eradication rate in metronidazole‐sensitive strains was 93.6%. Of these, 24 received BQT with 100% success, and 54 had CT with five failures (successful eradication in 90.7%). Two patients with treatment failure were resistant to clarithromycin, and the remaining three were susceptible to both clarithromycin and metronidazole. No statistical significance was observed in the eradication rate between metronidazole‐resistant and ‐sensitive strains (100% vs 93.6%, P = 0.58).

Conclusion

Metronidazole resistance does not influence the eradication rate of BQT and CT regimens in our geographical area, even if such results need to confirmed in a larger sample.
Does corporate social responsibility protect shareholder value from the shock of COVID‐19? Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Danni , Chen Xue , Sun Huiying
Published: November 2022

Our study examines whether and how increased engagement in social responsibility activities by a firm affects movements in its stock prices during the COVID‐19 public health crisis, which is regarded as an exogenous shock to economic ties between focal firms and their customers, employees, and suppliers. We find that corporate social responsibility has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with shareholder value. The nonlinear relationship is more dominant at firms with higher cash‐flow constraints and weaker cost‐adjustment capabilities. Our research also generates meaningful implications for business practices.
Body mass index interacts with sex to predict readmission in in‐patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Hoffmann Sabine , Gerhardt Sarah , Koopmann Anne , Bach Patrick , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Kiefer Falk , Mazza Massimiliano , Lenz Bernd
Published: November 2022

A previous highly controlled pilot study revealed that body mass index (BMI) predicts outcome of in‐patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in a sex‐specific manner. We here provide translational evidence from a daily clinical routine setting and investigated whether BMI and sex interact to predict 24‐month readmission risk in four naturalistic cohorts of a specialized addiction clinic (i.e., all patients admitted to the clinic from 2016 to 2020): (i) in‐patients (443 males and 197 females) and (ii) day clinic patients (241 males and 103 females) with a primary diagnosis of AUD; (iii) in‐patients (175 males and 98 females) and (iv) day clinic patients (174 males and 64 females) with a primary substance use disorder (SUD) other than alcohol. In the in‐patients with AUD, BMI interacted with sex to predict the 24‐month readmission risks (p = 0.008; after adjustment for age and liver enzyme activities: p = 0.012); with higher BMI, the risk increases significantly in males, whereas for females, the risk tends to decrease. In the group of overweight in‐patients, we found higher readmission rates in males relative to females with an odds ratio of 1.8 (p = 0.038). No such significant effects were found in the other cohorts. This study's findings support previous results, suggesting that the easily accessible BMI may serve as a predictive and sex‐sensitive biomarker for outcome in in‐patients with AUD. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying aetiopathological mechanisms.
Acquired causes of eyebrow and eyelash loss: A review and approach to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Mumford Blake Phillip , Eisman Samantha , Yip Leona
Published: November 2022

Eyebrows and eyelashes serve important anatomical and social functions, and hair loss at these sites can impact patients significantly. Acquired eyebrow and eyelash loss (madarosis) may be due to a variety of underlying local or systemic disease processes; in other cases it may be idiopathic. There is a dearth of literature relating to eyebrow and eyelash loss, and there is limited guidance to help clinicians treat these clinical presentations in comparison with scalp alopecia. Here, we discuss the acquired causes of eyebrow and eyelash alopecia, our clinical approach to diagnosis and review treatment options for clinicians.
Pelvic inlet area is associated with birth mode
Authors: Starrach Teresa , Schmidhuber Lisa , Elger Luisa , Franz Marie , Buechel Johanna , Hübener Christoph , Kolben Thomas , Koliogiannis Vanessa , Mahner Sven , Hasbargen Uwe , Fischer Barbara
Published: November 2022

Introduction

To determine whether a pelvis is wide enough for spontaneous delivery has long been the subject of obstetric research. A number of variables have been proposed as predictors, all with limited accuracy. In this study, we use a novel three‐dimensional (3D) method to measure the female pelvis and assess which pelvic features influence birth mode. We compare the 3D pelvic morphology of women who delivered vaginally, women who had cesarean sections, and nulliparous women. The aim of this study is to identify differences in pelvic morphology between these groups.

Material and methods

This observational study included women aged 50 years and older who underwent a CT scan of the pelvis for any medical indication. We recorded biometric data including height, weight, and age, and obtained the obstetric history. The bony pelvis was extracted from the CT scans and reconstructed in three dimensions. By placing 274 landmarks on each surface model, the pelvises were measured in detail. The pelvic inlet was measured using 32 landmarks. The trial was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS (DRKS00017690).

Results

For this study, 206 women were screened. Exclusion criteria were foreign material in the bony pelvis, unknown birth mode, and exclusively preterm births. Women who had both a vaginal birth and a cesarean section were excluded from the group comparison. We compared the pelvises of 177 women between three groups divided by obstetric history: vaginal births only (n = 118), cesarean sections only (n = 21), and nulliparous women (n = 38). The inlet area was significantly smaller in the cesarean section group (mean = 126.3 cm2) compared with the vaginal birth group (mean = 134.9 cm2, p = 0.002). The nulliparous women were used as a control group: there was no statistically significant difference in pelvic inlet area between the nulliparous and vaginal birth groups.

Conclusions

By placing 274 landmarks on a pelvis reconstructed in 3D, a very precise measurement of the morphology of the pelvis is possible. We identified a significant difference in pelvic inlet area between women with vaginal delivery and those with cesarean section. A unique feature of this study is the method of measurement of the bony pelvis that goes beyond linear distance measurements as used in previous pelvimetric studies.
Altered gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma: Insights into the pathogenic mechanism and preclinical to clinical findings
Authors: Das Bhrigu Kumar
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. It is usually the result of pre‐existing liver damage caused by hepatitis B and/or C virus infection, alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), aflatoxin exposure, liver cirrhosis, obesity, and diabetes. A growing body of evidence suggests that gut microbes have a role in cancer genesis. More research into the microbiome gut–liver axis has recently contributed to understanding how the gut microbiome facilitates liver disease or even HCC progression. This review focuses on the preclinical results of gut‐related hepatocarcinogenesis and probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics as therapeutic interventions to maintain gut microbial flora and minimize HCC‐associated symptoms. Understanding the mechanistic link between the gut microbiota, host, and cancer progression could aid us in elucidating the cancer‐related pathways and drive us toward preventing HCC‐associated gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Impact of potent nucleos(t)ide therapy on hepatitis B hospitalisations in Spain
Authors: Ramos‐Rincon José‐Manuel , Pinargote‐Celorio Héctor , de Mendoza Carmen , Ramos‐Belinchón Clara , Barreiro Pablo , Treviño Ana , Corral Octavio , Soriano Vicente
Published: November 2022

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. Newborn HBV vaccination was implemented in Spain two decades ago, and potent oral antivirals entecavir and tenofovir were introduced around 2007.

Aim

To assess the clinical benefits of these interventions nationwide.

Methods

Including HBV as a diagnosis, we performed a retrospective study of all hospitalisations in Spain the Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges. Information was retrieved from 1997 to 2017.

Results

From 73,939,642 nationwide hospital admissions during the study period, 129,634 (0.17%) included HBV as diagnosis. Their number doubled from 2007 to 2017 and the median age increased from 44 to 58 years. Most HBV admissions recorded chronic hepatitis B. In‐hospital death occurred in 6.4%. Co‐infection with HIV or hepatitis C virus occurred in 11.9% and 23.3%, respectively. Patients with HIV‐HBV co‐infection had significantly greater mortality than individuals with HBV mono‐infection. The rate of HBV hospitalisations significantly increased over time with a transient drop around 2007, coincident with the arrival of new potent oral antivirals. Although the proportion of HBV hepatic decompensation events has declined, the rate of liver cancer continues to rise. The small subset of patients with hepatitis delta superinfection increasingly and disproportionately accounts for hepatic decompensation events and liver cancer.

Conclusion

Hospital admissions of individuals with HBV infection are increasing in Spain. While hepatic decompensation events declined following the introduction of potent oral nucleos(t)ide therapy, HBV‐related liver cancer is rising. No benefit of oral antiviral therapies is seen on hepatitis delta.
Industrial and cultural heritage of the Ma On Shan Iron Mine landscape and the making of industrious Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Mee Kam
Published: November 2022

Ma On Shan (MOS, literally ‘Saddle Hill’) is an extension of Shatin new town in Hong Kong. This area embeds the site of the now closed MOS Iron Mine and several related settlements at the Peak, Mid‐Level and Pier Districts. The history of the MOS Iron Mine landscape sheds important light on the city's post‐WWII development. The MOS is a typical historic urban landscape, a product of transnational urbanism, a joint‐venture of local and Japanese investments made possible by the Cold War, and the retreat of faith‐based organisations and poor refugees fleeing Chinese rule after 1949 practicing mutual support in a laissez‐faire colonial city. The Japanese trained miners, explosive operators, mechanics and construction workers of the MOS Iron Mine contributed to infrastructure developments of modern Hong Kong. The associated settlements also epitomise the industrious spirit of Hong Kongers in the face of international and regional political volatilities, absence of government support, material shortage and economic hardship. Embedded in the MOS Iron Mine landscape is not only valuable industrial heritage bequeathed by multi‐scalar transnational socio‐economic and political developments but also the cultural heritage of reciprocity and mutuality among community members in local economic development, knowledge with continuing relevance for city‐building today.
Added value of patient‐ and drug‐related factors to stratify drug‐drug interaction alerts for risk of QT prolongation: Development and validation of a risk prediction model
Authors: Muylle Katoo M. , van Laere Sven , Pannone Luigi , Coenen Samuel , de Asmundis Carlo , Dupont Alain G. , Cornu Pieter
Published: November 2022

Aims

Many clinical decision support systems trigger warning alerts for drug‐drug interactions potentially leading to QT prolongation and torsades de pointes (QT‐DDIs). Unfortunately, there is overalerting and underalerting because stratification is only based on a fixed QT‐DDI severity level. We aimed to improve QT‐DDI alerting by developing and validating a risk prediction model considering patient‐ and drug‐related factors.

Methods

We fitted 31 predictor candidates to a stepwise linear regression for 1000 bootstrap samples and selected the predictors present in 95% of the 1000 models. A final linear regression model with those variables was fitted on the original development sample (350 QT‐DDIs). This model was validated on an external dataset (143 QT‐DDIs). Both true QTc and predicted QTc were stratified into three risk levels (low, moderate and high). Stratification of QT‐DDIs could be appropriate (predicted risk = true risk), acceptable (one risk level difference) or inappropriate (two risk levels difference).

Results

The final model included 11 predictors with the three most important being use of antiarrhythmics, age and baseline QTc. Comparing current practice to the prediction model, appropriate stratification increased significantly from 37% to 54% appropriate QT‐DDIs (increase of 17.5% on average [95% CI +5.4% to +29.6%], padj = 0.006) and inappropriate stratification decreased significantly from 13% to 1% inappropriate QT‐DDIs (decrease of 11.2% on average [95% CI −17.7% to −4.7%], padj ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The prediction model including patient‐ and drug‐related factors outperformed QT alerting based on QT‐DDI severity alone and therefore is a promising strategy to improve DDI alerting.
Moving beyond the moral status of organoid‐entities
Authors: Barnhart Andrew J. , Dierickx Kris
Published: November 2022

Ethical deliberations are unfolding for potentially controversial organoid‐entities such as brain organoids and embryoids. Much of the ethical deliberation centers on the questionable moral status of such organoid‐entities. However, while such work is important and appropriate, ethical deliberations may become too exclusively rooted in moral status and potentially overshadow other relevant moral dilemmas. The ethical discussion on organoid models can benefit from insights brought forth by both Judith Jarvis Thomson and Don Marquis in how they attempted to advance the abortion debate. To discuss other abortion ethical issues more fully, both Thomson and Marquis assumed differing moral status positions of the conceptus and followed lines of reasoning based on these moral status assumptions. We suggest a similar approach with controversial organoid‐entities like brain organoids and embryoids. To avoid overshadowing or overlooking other relevant ethical issues, ethicists ought to first assume an organoid‐entity moral status position (such as a high moral status or no moral status) and explore any possible arguments that may result from such a position. While we ought not to copy the content of Thomson and Marquis' arguments exactly for organoid‐entities, it is worthwhile to translate their arguments' overarching structures. This paper explores the relevant insights of Thomson and Marquis, how they can be translated into the organoid ethics debate, and what possible lines of inquiry may be worth exploring based on particular moral status assumptions.
Stratigraphy and age of a Neoglacial sedimentary succession of proglacial outwash and an alluvial fan in Langedalen, Veitastrond, western Norway
Authors: Nesje Atle , Rüther Denise C. , Yde Jacob C.
Published: November 2022

This study presents the sedimentary succession of an outwash plain and an alluvial fan located along the valley Langedalen at the south‐eastern side of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap in inner Sogn, western Norway. A newly exposed ~2.8‐m‐high section along the southern riverbank of Langedøla river shows alternating layers of minerogenic sediments and peat layers with tree logs, identified as Salix sp. The section is situated in the distal part of an alluvial fan built out from the southern slope of Langedalen. Six AMS radiocarbon dates of tree fragments indicate that the accumulation of the fine‐grained sediments in the lower part of the section was initiated earlier than the basal radiocarbon date of 914–976 calibrated years CE (1σ age range). These basal, fine‐grained sediments are interpreted as proglacial outwash deposited in a floodplain depression or abandoned river channel in a low‐energy glaciofluvial environment. Periods of low glacier cover, low river discharge or low‐water stands over the floodplain allowed peat formation and the growth of trees and shrubs in the valley. The radiocarbon dates further indicate relatively rapid sediment accretion (~2.7–3 cm a−1) between 190 and 125 cm below the sediment surface, equivalent to approximately 1220 to 1250 cal. a CE (1σ age range). At ~60 cm depth below the surface, dated to approximately 1590 to 1620 cal. a CE (1σ age range), a transition to more coarse‐grained, sandy and gravelly sediments indicates increased sediment supply and distal expansion of the alluvial fan. This occurred most likely as a consequence of increased sediment yield from expanding glaciers along the southern valley side of Langedalen as a response to the initial Little Ice Age glacier growth. Based on these results, the accretion and progradation of glacier‐fed alluvial fans mainly occur during periods of glacier advance rather than during glacier recession.
In vitro effects of eslicarbazepine (S‐licarbazepine) as a potential precision therapy on SCN8A variants causing neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Bayraktar Erva , Liu Yuanyuan , Sonnenberg Lukas , Hedrich Ulrike B. S. , Sara Yildirim , Eltokhi Ahmed , Lyu Hang , Lerche Holger , Wuttke Thomas V. , Lauxmann Stephan
Published: November 2022

Background and Purpose

Variants in SCN8A, the NaV1.6 channel's coding gene, are characterized by a variety of symptoms, including intractable epileptic seizures, psychomotor delay, progressive cognitive decline, autistic features, ataxia or dystonia. Standard anticonvulsant treatment has a limited impact on the course of disease.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the therapeutic potential of eslicarbazepine (S‐licarbazepine; S‐lic), an enhancer of slow inactivation of voltage gated sodium channels, on two variants with biophysical and neuronal gain‐of‐function (G1475R and M1760I) and one variant with biophysical gain‐of‐function but neuronal loss‐of‐function (A1622D) in neuroblastoma cells and in murine primary hippocampal neuron cultures. These three variants cover the broad spectrum of NaV1.6‐associated disease and are linked to representative phenotypes of mild to moderate epilepsy (G1475R), developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (M1760I) and intellectual disability without epilepsy (A1622D).

Key Results

Similar to known effects on NaV1.6 wildtype channels, S‐lic predominantly enhances slow inactivation on all tested variants, irrespective of their particular biophysical mechanisms. Beyond that, S‐lic exhibits variant‐specific effects including a partial reversal of pathologically slowed fast inactivation dynamics (A1622D and M1760I) and a trend to reduce enhanced persistent Na+ current by A1622D variant channels. Furthermore, our data in primary transfected neurons reveal that not only variant‐associated hyperexcitability (M1760I and G1475R) but also hypoexcitability (A1622D) can be modulated by S‐lic.

Conclusions and Implications

S‐lic has not only substance‐specific effects but also variant‐specific effects. Personalized treatment regimens optimized to achieve such variant‐specific pharmacological modulation may help to reduce adverse side effects and improve the overall therapeutic outcome of SCN8A‐related disease.
Adolescents’ developing awareness of inequality: Racial and ethnic differences in trajectories
Authors: Wray‐Lake Laura , Alvis Lauren , Plummer Jason A. , Shubert Jennifer , Syvertsen Amy K.
Published: November 2022

To advance knowledge of critical consciousness development, this study examined age‐related change in awareness of inequality by race and ethnicity, gender, parent education, generation status, and their interactions. With longitudinal data (2013–2017) from 5019 adolescents in grades 6–12 (55.0% female) from California, Minnesota, and West Virginia, multigroup second‐order latent growth curves were estimated for Black (13.7%), Latinx (37.0%), Asian (8.1%), and white (41.3%) youth. Black, Latinx, and Asian adolescents increased awareness of inequality longitudinally; white youth showed no change. Multiracial youth accelerated awareness of inequality in mid‐adolescence; changes in race and ethnicity predicted decline, followed by increases. Girls with more educated, immigrant‐origin parents started out more aware of inequality. Results signal the need for race‐specific and intersectional approaches to studying critical consciousness development.
A triple blind, placebo controlled, randomised controlled trial of betahistine dihydrochloride in the treatment of primary tinnitus
Authors: Castilho Gustavo Leão , Dias Norimar Hernanes , Martins Regina Helena Garcia
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of betahistine in the treatment of primary tinnitus.

Design

To evaluate the effectiveness of betahistine in the treatment of primary tinnitus.

Setting

Universidade estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu Medical School, São paulo, Brazil.

Participants

Adult patients with primary tinnitus who had not undergone treatment for tinnitus in the last 6 months were included. Patients with profound sensorineural deafness, hearing aid users and patients with metabolic, neurological, psychiatric or decompensated cardiovascular diseases were excluded. Study groups: in the betahistine group, patients received betahistine 24 mg every 12 h for 90 days; in the control group, patients received placebo tablets every 12 h for 90 days.

Mean Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measure: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Secondary outcome measures: Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI‐I) and a question of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to participants about their perception of improvement in symptoms.

Results

Of 284 participants initially identified, 62 were randomised (betahistine group n = 31; control group n = 31). Median age (IQR) 54 (48–60) years, with a balanced number of men and women. There was no difference in THI outcome between the study groups (median difference, −2 points; 95% CI, −8 to 6 points); the THI after the intervention was a median (IQR) 4 (−4 to 14) lower points in the betahistine group, and a median (IQR) 2 (−6 to 10) in the control group. There was no statistical difference in secondary outcome measures. Adverse events were mild and there was no statistical difference between groups.

Conclusions

Betahistine dihydrochloride was ineffective in the treatment of primary tinnitus in adults.
Mental models reveal diverse perspectives on marine resources management across racial/ethnic and gender social identities
Authors: King Brittany D.
Published: November 2022

As marine resource management fields continue to move toward more inclusive and collaborative processes, it is important to also examine the value of promoting the diverse perspectives of scientists and managers from different backgrounds throughout the decision‐making process. An important objective of diversity initiatives is to acknowledge the value of diversity while providing opportunities to increase the representation of diverse communities in professional settings. However, focusing on diversity only at the surface can potentially overshadow benefits existing at a deeper level. This study used a mental model approach to explore the potential value of racial/ethnic and gender diversity in marine and fisheries science professions from a cognitive deep‐level diversity perspective. The study included 112 participants across gender, who self‐identified as one of the following racial/ethnic social identity groups: Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Multiracial, White, Asian/Asian American or /Pacific Islander, American Indian or/ Alaska Natives. Results revealed differences in how members of underrepresented groups and white men incorporated concepts associated with diversity into their mental models and distinctions in how racial/ethnic and gender social identity groups organized similar concepts within their mental model structures. These findings on diverse perspectives related to marine resources management across social identity groups, highlight the value of understanding diversity beyond just a numerical or surface level and the utility of incorporating deep‐level diversity in the management and decision‐making process.
Sexual competitiveness of sterile Ceratitis capitata males exposed to essential oils from non‐host plant species native to Argentina
Authors: Barud Flavia Jofré , Gómez María Pía , Ruiz María Josefina , Bachmann Guillermo E. , Goane Lucía , Segura Diego F. , Lara Natalia , Murúa Fernando , Asfennato Alejandro , Gómez Erica , Ruiz Cynthia , Garavelli Esteban , Vera María Teresa , López María Liza
Published: November 2022

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is used to control fruit fly pests, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Enhancing sexual competitiveness of mass‐reared sterile males can contribute to making this technique more effective. It has been shown that exposure to volatiles from essential oils (EOs), such as ginger root oil (GRO) and those from host fruits, increases male mating success. We evaluated the effect of EOs from non‐host species native to Argentina, Schinus polygama (Cav.) Cabrera (Anacardiaceae) and Baccharis spartioides (Hook. & Arn.) Remy (Asteraceae), on the sexual competitiveness of sterile C. capitata males. In field cage experiments, sterile males exposed to S. polygama EO increased their mating success. In addition, sterile males exposed to this EO achieved more matings on trees than non‐exposed males, thus suggesting the former are more prone to locate and defend the pheromone‐calling territory. Deprivation of water and/or food significantly reduced males' life span, but exposure to S. polygama EO and GRO did not affect their survival. Schinus polygama EO is composed of mono‐ and sesquiterpenes with behavioral and electroantennographic responses in medflies, indicating that semiochemicals that boost medfly sexual competitiveness combine in this EO.
The healthcare needs and general practice utilization of people with acquired neurological disability and complex needs: A scoping review
Authors: Oliver Stacey , Douglas Jacinta , Winkler Dianne , Pearce Christopher , Minter Ella‐Rose , Jarman Hannah K. , Topping Megan
Published: November 2022

Background

For people with acquired neurological disabilities and complex needs, general practitioners (GPs) play an important role in health management and early intervention for the prevention of comorbidities and health complications. People with disability are a vulnerable group who need and have the right to, quality general practice services. It is therefore important to understand the health needs and service use of this group. The aim of this review was to identify the healthcare needs and general practice utilization of people with acquired neurological disabilities and complex needs.

Methods

A scoping review methodological framework was utilized. Six databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library) were searched. Articles were included if they reported on general practice service utilization of people with acquired neurological disabilities and complex needs aged between 18 and 65. Articles were required to be peer‐reviewed, written in English and published between 2010 and 2021.

Results

Thirty‐one articles were included in the review. Studies originated from Canada (9), the United States (8), Australia (4), Switzerland (4), the United Kingdom (2), England (1), Norway (1), France (1) and Denmark (1). For many people, GPs were the main healthcare provider. People with disability consult multiple healthcare providers and navigate complex healthcare systems. Commonly presented healthcare needs were bladder, bowel and skin problems, pain and chronic pain, medication needs and mental health concerns.

Conclusions

People with acquired neurological disabilities and complex needs were vulnerable to receiving suboptimal healthcare. The literature highlighted issues regarding the accessibility of services, the fragmentation of health services and inadequate preventative care. GPs were challenged to offer adequate disability‐related expertise and to meet the mental health needs of people with disability within time constraints.

Patient and Public Involvement

This manuscript was prepared in collaboration with a GP, who is one of the authors. A person with lived experience of acquired neurological disability was engaged to check the alignment of the findings with their personal experience and provide feedback.
Effect of nanoemulsion to minimise undesirable odour and colour of cinnamon bark oil and to improve sensory properties of refrigerated Asian seabass fillets
Authors: Chuesiang Piyanan , Ryu Victor , Siripatrawan Ubonrat
Published: November 2022

The use of cinnamon bark oil (CBO) to inhibit fish spoilage causes undesirable changes in sensory properties of fish fillets. This research prepared CBO nanoemulsion (CBON) and studied its effects on the volatile profile and sensory properties of Asian seabass fillets. Changes in volatile profile, colour and odour scores, and overall likeness scores of CBON‐treated fillets were determined during storage in comparison to the control (CTRL) and bulk cinnamon bark oil (BCBO)‐treated ones. After treatment, CBON and BCBO were able to mask the natural odour of fish fillets. However, CBON did not change the fillets' colour. During storage, CBON‐treated fillets contained relatively higher cinnamaldehyde content and higher colour score but less cinnamon oil‐like odour score than those of BCBO‐treated ones. CBON‐treated fillets also had higher acceptance scores than those of CTRL and BCBO‐treated fillets after storage. These results demonstrated the efficiency of the nanoemulsion system to minimise undesirable effects of CBO and maintain sensory acceptance of the fillets during storage.
Changes in the physicochemical property and sensory quality of heat‐processed beef flavour in the storage process
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Zeng Hong , Wang Bei , Zhang Dong , Cao Yanping
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate changes in the quality of heat‐processed beef flavour (HPBF) during 168‐day storage period at 4, 20 and 50 °C through evaluating 10 physicochemical indexes and sensory profiles. The sensory score of HPBF reduced dramatically at 50 °C compared with those at other temperatures. The correlation analysis indicated that among the 10 physicochemical indexes, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), which is positively correlated to lipid oxidation, possessed the strongest association with the total sensory score of HPBF. The kinetic analysis showed that the increasing rate of ORP during the first 50‐day period at 50 °C was more than 10 times larger than those at 4 and 20 °C. These results suggested that lipid oxidation played a major role in affecting the quality of HPBF, especially during the early storage period. Reducing lipid oxidation via for instance maintaining a relatively low storage temperature should be given better attention for obtaining high‐quality HPBF.
On the determinants of bargaining‐free membership in German Employers' Associations
Authors: Jirjahn Uwe
Published: November 2022

In the 1990s, German employers' associations started offering bargaining‐free membership. Firms can be members without the obligation to adhere to a collective agreement. This study examines the characteristics of firms choosing a bargaining‐free membership. It shows the influence of works councils, union density, foreign ownership, firm size and firm age.
Sourcing strategies of manufacturers with customer returns and product design efforts
Authors: Li Wei , Li Dongyan , Tian Ruimiao , Tian Junfeng
Published: November 2022

We develop game‐theoretic models to study the sourcing strategies of the two competing manufacturers who face customer returns due to product design mismatch. The manufacturers have opportunities to reduce the likelihood of customer returns by putting efforts into improving product design. Each manufacturer has the option to outsource product design and production to an upstream supplier or keep product design and production internally. We show that the sourcing decisions of the two manufacturers depend on the level of relative return from design investment (determined by the cost of design efforts, degree of horizontal product differentiation, and expected costs related to returns). We identify the sourcing strategy equilibrium and show that the higher cost of design effort and/or the higher degree of horizontal product differentiation expand, while the higher costs related to returns shrink, the range in which symmetric outsourcing is an equilibrium. Furthermore, as compared to symmetric insourcing, symmetric outsourcing not only softens the price competition but may also increase design effort levels, and thus both manufacturers are better off from outsourcing. However, symmetric outsourcing may hurt both consumer surplus and social welfare.