bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico screening and testing of FDA approved small molecules to block SARS-CoV-2 entry to the host cell by inhibiting Spike protein cleavage
Authors: Ozdemir E. Sila , Le Hillary H. , Yildirim Adem , Ranganathan Srivathsan V.
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, but it is still active. The development of an effective vaccine reduced the number of deaths; however, a treatment is still needed. Here, we aimed to inhibit viral entry to the host cell by inhibiting Spike (S) protein cleavage by several proteases. We develop a computational pipeline to repurpose FDA-approved drugs to inhibit protease activity and thus prevent S protein cleavage. We tested some of our drug candidates and demonstrated a decrease in protease activity. We believe our pipeline will be beneficial in identifying a drug regimen for COVID-19 patients.
Intermittent Fasting Activates AMP-Kinase to Restructure Right Ventricular Lipid Metabolism and Microtubules in Two Rodent Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Kazmirczak Felipe , Hartweck Lynn M. , Vogel Neal T. , Mendelson Jenna B. , Park Anna K. , Raveendran Rashmi M. , O-Uchi Jin , Jhun Bong Sook , Prisco Sasha Z. , Prins Kurt W.
Published: March 2022

Intermittent fasting (IF) extends lifespan via pleotropic mechanisms, but one important molecular mediator of the beneficial effects of IF is AMP-kinase (AMPK). AMPK enhances lipid metabolism and modulates microtubule dynamics. Dysregulation of these two molecular pathways causes right ventricular (RV) failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In two models of rodent PAH, we show IF activates RV AMPK, which restores mitochondrial morphology and peroxisomal density and restructures mitochondrial/peroxisomal lipid metabolism protein regulation. IF also increases electron transport chain (ETC) protein abundance and activity in the RV. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic measures of RV function are positively associated with fatty acid oxidation and ETC protein levels in correlational heatmapping analyses. IF also combats heightened microtubule density, which normalizes t-tubule structure. In summation, we demonstrate IF-mediated AMPK signaling counteracts two key molecular drivers of RV failure. Thus, IF may be a novel treatment approach for RV dysfunction, a currently untreatable and lethal consequence of PAH.

Highlights

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Intermittent fasting activates AMPK to restructure right ventricular mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid fatty acid metabolism in two rodent models of PAH.

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Intermittent fasting prevents downregulation of multiple electron transport chain proteins in both monocrotaline and Sugen-hypoxia RVs.

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Pathological microtubule-mediated junctophilin-2 dysregulation and subsequent t-tubule remodeling is mitigated by intermittent fasting.

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Intermittent fasting suppresses the induction of both the canonical and peroxisomal ferroptosis pathways in RV failure.
Lipocalin 2 dictates cancer cell plasticity elicited by therapy-induced senescence
Authors: Morales-Valencia Jorge , Lau Lena , Martí-Nin Teresa , Ozerdem Ugur , David Gregory
Published: March 2022

The acquisition of novel detrimental cellular properties following exposure to cytotoxic drugs leads to aggressive and metastatic tumors that often translates into an incurable disease. While the bulk of the primary tumor is eliminated upon exposure to chemotherapeutic treatment, residual cancer cells and non-transformed cells within the host can engage a stable cell cycle exit program named senescence. Senescent cells secrete a distinct set of pro-inflammatory factors, collectively termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Upon exposure to the SASP, cancer cells undergo cellular plasticity resulting in increased proliferation, migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The molecular mechanisms by which the SASP regulates these pro-tumorigenic features are poorly understood. Here, we report that breast cancer cells exposed to the SASP strongly upregulate Lipocalin 2 (LCN2). Furthermore, we demonstrate that LCN2 is critical for SASP-induced increased migration in breast cancer cells, and its inactivation potentiates the response to chemotherapeutic treatment in mouse models of breast cancer. Finally, we show that neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment leads to LCN2 upregulation in residual human breast tumors, and correlates with worse overall survival. These findings provide the foundation for targeting LCN2 as an adjuvant therapeutic approach to prevent the emergence of aggressive tumors following chemotherapy.
Returnable transport packaging as a company value driver
Authors: Taschner Andreas
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Returnable transport packaging (RTP) solutions have found increasing attention in the recent past. It is not clear, however, under what conditions an RTP system improves a company's financial performance. This paper investigates the operational factors that influence the financial attractiveness of an RTP solution in a manufacturing environment and discusses how these factors are related to each other.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of five empirical RTP use cases and compares the case study findings with the results found in literature in order to develop a taxonomy of RTP cost effects. Drawing on the concept of value-based management (VBM), the operational drivers of these RTP cost effects are systematized and categorized in a value driver model that relates RTP cost effects to overall economic value added (EVA).

Findings

Based on the use case findings, additional cost factors are identified that have not been previously discussed in literature. The amended taxonomy of influence factors is further operationalized in a value driver model.

Originality/value

The present paper is the first one providing a taxonomy of RTP cost effects and putting these effects in a conceptual framework that can be used for decision-making and performance benchmarking.
Principal self-efficacy, mindset and performance outcomes: exploring the connection
Authors: Justus Kristen , Arghode Vishal , Barker David
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between principals’ performance on the Pennsylvania Framework for Leadership evaluation tool and the corresponding self-reported degree of self-efficacy and growth mindset.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analysis involved linear regression of principal performance on principals’ mindset, moral leadership self-efficacy and instructional self-efficacy scores. Additionally, correlation matrices identified the presence and direction of relationships between self-efficacy levels and the degree of growth mindset reported by principals.

Findings

The results demonstrated a positive association between principals’ instructional self-efficacy reports and their overall performance evaluation. Alternatively, both growth mindset and moral leadership self-efficacy evidenced a negative association. There was no association reflected between growth mindset and either the overall self-efficacy measure or the sub-scale self-efficacy measures. A secondary relationship revealed a negative association between school performance profile and growth mindset. This relationship held true in subsequent regression analyses.

Originality/value

The study adds to the limited research available on examining the relationship between principals’ self-efficacy levels and their performance ratings on a common tool.
Examining teamwork competencies and team performance in experiential entrepreneurship education: emergent intragroup conflict as a learning triggering event
Authors: Pazos Pilar , Pérez-López María Carmen , González-López María José
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Although the importance of teamwork competencies and effective conflict management in entrepreneurship education is recognised, we have limited knowledge of how these factors interact to influence performance in entrepreneurial teams. This research explores teamwork competencies as a predictor of entrepreneurial team performance and the moderating effect of emerging cognitive and interpersonal team conflict as levers in entrepreneurship learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged survey method was used to collect data from 49 teams (156 individuals) of undergraduate students in an experiential new venture creation course. A predictive model of entrepreneurial team performance through hierarchical regression analyses and moderated-moderation analyses was tested.

Findings

Results reveal that teamwork competencies have a significant and direct influence on entrepreneurial team performance and that intragroup conflict strengthens that relationship when high levels of cognitive conflict and low levels of interpersonal conflict emerge.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for the design of entrepreneurial training programs, which will benefit from interventions aimed at teamwork competency development that incorporate strategies promoting constructive cognitive conflict while preventing the emergence of interpersonal conflict.

Originality/value

This study is a step forward in entrepreneurship education research from the perspective of social and interpersonal processes by identifying the patterns of intra-team conflict that lead to more effective entrepreneurial teams and more productive use of teamwork competencies in a learning-by-doing entrepreneurial context.
A novel miniaturized, multiband, AMC-integrated CPW-fed antenna operating at millimetric wave frequencies suitable for IoT applications
Authors: Shaik Khader Zelani , Siddaiah P. , Satya Prasad K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Planar periodic metallic arrays behave as artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) surfaces when placed on a grounded dielectric substrate, and they introduce a zero-degree reflection phase shift to incident waves. The antenna designers have new challenges while designing the AMC structure. The steps followed in designing the structure are as follows: 1) Designing the antenna, aimed to operate at millimetric wave frequencies, (2) Designing the AMC at desired frequencies, (3) Integrating the antenna design and AMC to resonate at millimetric wave frequencies and (4) Validate the output parameters of the antenna to be suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The antenna is integrated with artificial material known as high impedance surface (HIS) for performance enhancement. A miniaturized, multiband, enhanced gain, AMC-integrated CPW-fed antenna is proposed and aimed to operate at millimetric wave frequencies, which is most suitable for IoT applications. The developed antenna operates at an extremely high range (30–300 GHz), i.e. from 40 to 60 GHz with the return loss values at lesser than −20 dB, and gain is greater than 10. The antenna is developed and simulated by using HFSS software.

Findings

An extensive research study has been carried out to develop a low profile, high gain and optimized antenna. The first two steps are separately designing the antenna and the AMC unit cell at the desired frequencies. The third step is finding the antenna or AMC radiating parts responsible for each resonant frequency by analysing the surface current distribution. CPW fed along with AMC integration has made the antenna feasible to achieve the extremely high frequency (EHF) range, i.e. 40–60 GHz, which is highly adoptable in IoT applications.

Originality/value

The result represented that the developed antenna is resonating at EHF rank with high gain and good imped matching when it is being compared with the previous models and has only CPW fed without having AMC structure integration. It is evident that the antenna which has only CPW fed has resonated at lower frequency than EHF range and justified output characteristics. But when it is embedded with the AMC structure, it resonates at the EHF range, which makes the antenna highly suitable for IoT applications, with more accuracy and high data rate possibility.
Corporate R&D spending, subsidies and stock market reactions to seasoned equity offering announcements: evidence from China
Authors: Xiang Xin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study focuses on an emerging market, China, and investigates the effects of corporate research and development (R&D) spending and subsidies on stock market reactions to seasoned equity offering (SEO) announcements.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of SEOs announced over the period of 2003–2018 in the Chinese A-share market. The cumulative abnormal stock returns (CARs) are adopted to measure the stock market response to SEOs. The R&D spending-to-sales ratio (R&D subsidies) in 2 years before SEO announcements is used to measure the pre-SEO R&D spending (R&D subsidies). The instrumental variable (IV) regression method is applied to address the endogeneity problem in the robustness test.

Findings

This study demonstrates that firms with high R&D spending suffer stock overpricing and experience a negative market reaction when they announce SEOs, but R&D subsidies alleviate stock overpricing and mitigate the negative relationship between R&D spending and SEO market reactions.

Originality/value

Although the prior studies have demonstrated that information asymmetry, which causes stock overpricing, explains negative stock market reactions to SEOs, it is unclear if a certain factor that causes information asymmetry affects SEO market reactions. This study fills this gap and focuses on R&D spending, demonstrating that R&D spending is negatively related to SEO performance.
Mobile learning adoption continuance: role of locus of control on its determinants
Authors: Magsayo Roche Tumlad
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors affecting (i.e. determinants) the continuance of mobile learning adoption in an informal setting among higher education learners from a rural region in the Philippines. It assesses the extent of the determinants of mobile learning adoption continuance and their interrelationships and the role of a personality trait (e.g. locus of control) on its determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a rigorous literature review method that led to a mobile learning adoption continuance model. This proposed model analyzed the perceptions of higher education learners’ experiences on mobile learning adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. informal setting). The data collection was self-administered using an online survey from a convenience sample size of 434 using adapted questionnaire instruments. The study used factor analysis by using a structural package for social sciences (SPSS) and analysis of the moment of the structure. The effect sizes of the direct effect, simple and serial mediation and interaction effects in a path model were analyzed by using user-defined estimand and orthogonalized approaches.

Findings

The findings indicate that the effect of perceived security risks along with perceived functional benefit and learner value affect the mobile learning adoption continuance. The perceived learner value mediates the perceived functional benefit relationship on mobile learning adoption continuance. Perceived security risk indirectly affects mobile learning adoption continuance through perceived functional benefit and learner value. In addition to this, the internal locus of control strengthens the positive relationship between perceived functional benefit and mobile learning adoption continuance. However, it dampens the positive relationship of perceived learner value.

Originality/value

The study provides an essential foundation on the mobile learning adoption model that focuses on its continuance. This model integrated perceived security risks, functional benefits and learner value aspects of continuance intention that higher education institutions may consider in their mobile learning initiative. It further provides evidence to intensify the important moderating role of locus of control that intervenes on the determinants of mobile learning adoption continuance.
Choosing the most economically advantageous tender using a multi-criteria decision analysis approach
Authors: Lehtonen Juha-Matti , Virtanen Kai
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach based on an additive value function (AVF) to select the most economically advantageous tender under European Union public procurement regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study in which the AVF tender evaluation model is constructed by the procurement personnel and the results of the original, real-life public procurement evaluation model are compared to those discovered by the MCDA approach.

Findings

The AVF model captures the preferences of the procurement authority in a more reliable and transparent manner than commonly used evaluation models based on scoring formulas.

Practical implications

While commonly used in public procurement, relative scoring formulas can neither present the preferences of a procurement unit accurately nor do they enable bidders to draft bids according to these preferences. The proposed MCDA approach can achieve both.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, the successful construction of the AVF model with procurement personnel is introduced. Second, the model is used in an actual, real-life case. Third, a thoughtful comparison of features, structures and results of the AVF model and the evaluation model using scoring formulas is presented.
Evaluation of a technical information systems module for distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aryal Arun , Balan Shilpa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In the wake of the pandemic (COVID-19) throughout the United States, many educators had to promptly switch to online modality to continue to provide education to students with safety through physical distancing requirements. This study mainly focuses on delivering an Information Systems module aligned with the information systems curriculum model during a pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data collection techniques from student assignments and course tasks. These data are used for the purpose of academic assessment for the Information Systems program. The student performance is assessed on a 5-point scale (1 being low and 5 being high) for the synchronous and the asynchronous tasks related to the course. The authors compared the student performance during the pandemic to the pre-pandemic semester.

Findings

This study revealed that the technical module of an information systems course can be successfully delivered during a pandemic in a remote session. However, the authors found that there is a decline in the student performance in synchronous tasks and asynchronous tasks. But the decline of the student performance in the synchronous tasks is greater than that of the asynchronous tasks. The result of this study helps the Information Systems program with their assessment and to improve their course delivery during a pandemic.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors examine the delivery of a technical module in the field of information systems via online learning models. The authors particularly examine the synchronous and asynchronous online learning models in the delivery of the technical module. The lessons learned from transitioning to the online modality can help universities better prepare for the future during unprecedented times.
A volatile mind? Experimental evidence on dealers' biases and market volatility
Authors: Roy Trivedi Smita
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study tests the hypothesis that following the arrival of news in the forex market, the trader/dealers demonstrate two kinds of biases which makes markets volatile: “Recurrence bias,” the belief that news which formerly led to volatility, will again generate volatility (i.e. volatility is recurring), and “Volatility Perception Bias,” the belief that increased volatility following the arrival of a news would persist.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses a preliminary survey and three simulated trading game experiments involving professional foreign exchange dealers to understand these heuristic-led biases and the biases' impact on market volatility.

Findings

The paper finds evidence supporting the presence of both “Recurrence Bias” and “Volatility Perception Bias” and a statistically significant, positive impact of participant biases' on market heterogeneity.

Originality/value

The paper makes two important contributions: first, the use of simulated trading game experiment involving professional dealers and second, the incorporation of dealers' biases and heuristics in understanding forex volatility.
Genome and proteome analyses show the gaseous alkane degrader Desulfosarcina sp. strain BuS5 as an extreme metabolic specialist
Authors: Chen Song‐Can , Ji Jiaheng , Popp Denny , Jaekel Ulrike , Richnow Hans‐Hermann , Sievert Stefan M. , Musat Florin
Published: March 2022

The metabolic potential of the sulfate‐reducing bacterium Desulfosarcina sp. strain BuS5, currently the only pure culture able to oxidize the volatile alkanes propane and butane without oxygen, was investigated via genomics, proteomics and physiology assays. Complete genome sequencing revealed that strain BuS5 encodes a single alkyl‐succinate synthase, an enzyme which apparently initiates oxidation of both propane and butane. The formed alkyl‐succinates are oxidized to CO2 via beta oxidation and the oxidative Wood–Ljungdahl pathways as shown by proteogenomics analyses. Strain BuS5 conserves energy via the canonical sulfate reduction pathway and electron bifurcation. An ability to utilize long‐chain fatty acids, mannose and oligopeptides, suggested by automated annotation pipelines, was not supported by physiology assays and in‐depth analyses of the corresponding genetic systems. Consistently, comparative genomics revealed a streamlined BuS5 genome with a remarkable paucity of catabolic modules. These results establish strain BuS5 as an exceptional metabolic specialist, able to grow only with propane and butane, for which we propose the name Desulfosarcina aeriophaga BuS5. This highly restrictive lifestyle, most likely the result of habitat‐driven evolutionary gene loss, may provide D. aeriophaga BuS5 a competitive edge in sediments impacted by natural gas seeps.

Etymology: Desulfosarcina aeriophaga, aério (Greek): gas; phágos (Greek): eater; D. aeriophaga: a gas eating or gas feeding Desulfosarcina.
DO‐SRS imaging of diet regulated metabolic activities in Drosophila during aging processes
Authors: Li Yajuan , Zhang Wenxu , Fung Anthony A. , Shi Lingyan
Published: March 2022

Lipid metabolism plays crucial roles during aging processes, but how it is regulated by diets and how it interplays with aging still remain unclear. We proposed a new optical imaging platform by integrating heavy water (D2O) probing with stimulated Raman scattering (DO‐SRS) microscopy, for the first time, to directly visualize and quantify lipid metabolism regulated by different diets and insulin signaling pathway in Drosophila fat body during aging. We found that calorie restriction, low protein diet, and (moderately) high protein and high sucrose diets enhanced lipid turnover in flies at all ages, while (moderately) high fructose and glucose diets only promoted lipid turnover in aged flies. The measured lipid turnover enhancements under diverse diets were due to different mechanisms. High protein diet shortened the lifespan while all other diets extended the lifespan. Downregulating the insulin signaling pathway enhanced lipid turnover, which is likely related to lifespan increase, while upregulating insulin signaling pathway decreased lipid turnover that would shorten the lifespan. Our study offers the first approach to directly visualize spatiotemporal alterations of lipid turnover in aging Drosophila in situ, for a better understanding of the interconnections between lipid metabolism, diets, and aging.
Taking advantage of multiple identities to reduce defensiveness to personally threatening health messages
Authors: Blondé Jérôme , Easterbrook Matthew J. , Harris Peter R. , Girandola Fabien , Khalafian Achot
Published: March 2022

A host of studies have shown that self‐relevant health messages may result in increased defensiveness and rejection of protective recommendations. Drawing on research showing that multiple identities offer psychological resources to deal with identity threats, we sought to examine whether the salience of an alternative identity before people are exposed to a personally relevant health message may buffer the threat and reduce defensive responses. Two studies were conducted on samples of daily smokers asked to read an antismoking message before completing a range of measures of defensiveness. Half of the participants had an alternative identity made salient beforehand (vs. no salience condition). Consistent with our hypotheses, Study 1 (N = 90) showed that this manipulation significantly reduced defensiveness to the message. Study 2 (N = 95) additionally showed that such effects only occurred when the alternative identity overlapped highly with the threatened identity. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
How to effectively communicate your code of ethics: An empirical study using a cluster randomized control trial experiment
Authors: Gómez‐Alatorre Eugenio , Cuñado Juncal , Ferrero Ignacio
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a method to measure the effectiveness of an ethics program at one of the most prominent pawnshop chains in Mexico, surveying a sample of 519 workers. This research presents a novel approach to the investigation of business ethics by conducting a cluster randomized control trial experiment to assess effectiveness. No evidence of an enhanced understanding of the existing code of ethics from the communication and explanation of the code was apparent. This could indicate an example of a failed ethics program, suggesting the possibility of additional ineffective ethics programs and companies could be wasting resources on them. We demonstrate that it is possible to implement a cluster randomized control trial, which is considered to be the gold standard in impact evaluation. This should lead to the application of more effective methodologies in the field of business ethics, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of ethics programs.
Quality of governance and corporate real investment: Assessing the impact of foreign aid
Authors: Wen Jun , Farooq Umar , Anagreh Suhaib , Tabash Mosab I.
Published: March 2022

Developing economies are the main recipients of foreign aid. Nonetheless, such countries must face trade‐offs regarding poor governance due to the inflow of foreign aid because aid hampers governance situations. Given that, the current study aims to examine the role of country governance in defining corporate investment decisions and to ascertain how this effect varies across those countries that receive substantial amounts of foreign aid. To test the hypotheses, we collect the financial information of non‐financial sector enterprises from seven economies and apply the generalized method of moments and two‐stage least square models. The statistical results reveal that governance has a positive influence on corporate investment choices. This positive effect is consistent across individual effects of foreign aid. However, foreign aid systematically deteriorates the governance quality of the host country, referring to donor agencies’ unnecessary interruption of the host country's institutional proceedings. This factor reduces institutional efficiency, which further deteriorates corporate investment. Our empirical analysis suggests that all the countries analysed should focus on better governance situations to promote industrial growth. Policymakers from these economies should ensure the effectiveness of foreign aid and introduce better governance practices to expediate industrial growth.

HIGHLIGHTS

Country level governance has a positive and significant impact on CI decisions.

Foreign aid affects CI decisions positively.

Foreign aid deteriorates the host country's governance quality.

The interaction effect of country governance and foreign aid on CI is negative.
Exposure, access, and inequities: Central themes, emerging trends, and key gaps in Canadian environmental justice literature from 2006 to 2017
Authors: Giang Amanda , Boyd David R. , Ono Aspen J. , McIlroy‐Young Bronwyn
Published: March 2022

Environmental injustices—in the form of inequitable distribution of environmental risks and benefits, uneven access to decision‐making processes, and misrecognition of communities—have been documented globally. However, in Canada, many have argued that the story of environmental injustice is less widely known, with more fragmented research that has produced little in terms of public policies intended to alleviate injustice. This paper uses a meta‐narrative review approach to map the evolution of environmental justice research in Canada between 2006‐2017, and characterize how central themes, emerging trends, and gaps in the literature have changed since the last review of this kind was completed. We conducted a systematic search of publications addressing environmental justice in Canada, yielding 820 publications. We coded abstracts to assess patterns of coverage across space, time, topics, and populations of focus. We find that Canadian environmental justice literature has continued to grow in quantity and scope, addressing more dimensions of environmental harms and benefits, and from an increasingly integrated perspective. However, there remain important and persistent gaps in its coverage. Future research that more fully addresses these geographic (e.g., Atlantic and Prairie regions), topical (e.g., focus on prevention), and recognitional (e.g., racialization) gaps is needed to inform policy‐making and promote justice.
Concrete Blocks, Bollards, and Ha‐ha Walls: How Rationales of the Security Industry Shape Our Cities
Authors: Ilum Stine
Published: March 2022

Security measures take up more and more space in our cities. In parallel, the security industry is growing. To understand these developments, we must take a step back and unfold the rationales and theories that lie behind such security measures and their materiality, specifically in the security industry. This article uses the case of the newly developed counterterrorism industry in Copenhagen to unpack some of the general dynamics that enable growth in the security industry and an increase in security measures. Building on ethnographic fieldwork among security companies, architecture firms, the Municipality of Copenhagen, the national security service, and others, this article shows how theories about counterterrorism develop in an interplay between this diverse group of security actors. The article zooms in on a security company and an architecture firm, and their divergent approaches to counterterrorism measures, and shows how both develop in conflict with local city values and security‐skeptical actors. The two companies work hard to establish and promote theories not only about counterterrorism but also about what is best for the city and its citizens, which help legitimize their work in Copenhagen and shape public opinion on counterterrorism, and, ultimately, the materiality of the city.
Animal agency in wildlife conservation and management
Authors: Edelblutte Émilie , Krithivasan Roopa , Hayek Matthew Nassif
Published: March 2022

Wildlife conservation and management (WCM) practices have been historically drawn from a wide variety of academic fields, yet practitioners have been slow to engage with emerging conversations about animals as complex beings, whose individuality and sociality influence their relationships with humans. We propose an explicit acknowledgement of wild, nonhuman animals as active participants in WCM. We examined 190 studies of WCM interventions and outcomes to highlight 3 common assumptions that underpin many present approaches to WCM: animal behaviors are rigid and homogeneous; wildlife exhibit idealized wild behavior and prefer pristine habitats; and human–wildlife relationships are of marginal or secondary importance relative to nonhuman interactions. We found that these management interventions insufficiently considered animal learning, decision‐making, individuality, sociality, and relationships with humans and led to unanticipated detrimental outcomes. To address these shortcomings, we synthesized theoretical advances in animal behavioral sciences, animal geographies, and animal legal theory that may help conservation professionals reconceptualize animals and their relationships with humans. Based on advances in these fields, we constructed the concept of animal agency, which we define as the ability of animals to actively influence conservation and management outcomes through their adaptive, context‐specific, and complex behaviors that are predicated on their sentience, individuality, lived experiences, cognition, sociality, and cultures in ways that shape and reshape shared human–wildlife cultures, spaces, and histories. Conservation practices, such as compassionate conservation, convivial conservation, and ecological justice, incorporate facets of animal agency. Animal agency can be incorporated in conservation problem‐solving by assessing the ways in which agency contributes to species’ survival and by encouraging more adaptive and collaborative decision‐making among human and nonhuman stakeholders.
Integration of optimized local directional weber pattern with faster region convolutional neural network for enhanced medical image retrieval and classification
Authors: Mahesh Dhupam Bhanu , Madhuri Bindu , Lakshmi D Rajya
Published: March 2022

With a broad usage of digital imaging data in hospitals, the medical image repository size is growing in a very rapid manner. This creates difficulty in querying and managing these vast databases that in turn leads to the requirement of Content‐Based Medical Image Retrieval (CBMIR) systems. The CBMIR is considered as the major ambiguous and challenging task for reducing the semantic gap among the human queries and images in the datasets having more information content. The main intention of this paper is to enhance medical image retrieval and classification using the improved pattern descriptor and deep learning. For the medical image retrieval, this paper develops the Optimized Local Directional Weber Pattern with a multi‐objective similarity function. This similarity function focuses on the measures like Structural Similarity Index Measure, Peak Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio, Mean Squared Error MSE, and correlation. Likewise, the development of an improved Faster‐Region Convolutional Neural Network (Faster‐RCNN) is adopted in the classification phase. Both the retrieval and classification are enhanced by the Modified Wind Speed‐based Deer Hunting Optimization Algorithm. Considering classification and retrieval tasks, the experiments on benchmark datasets reveal an enhancement from the introduced algorithm when compared over the existing methods.
The role of graft to recipient weight ratio on enhanced recovery of the recipient after living donor liver transplantation – A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Patel Madhukar S. , Egawa Hiroto , Kwon Yong Kyong , Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Vij Vivek , Chaudhary Abhideep , Genyk Yuri ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background

There continues to be debate about the lower limit of graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) for living donor liver transplant (LDLT).

Objectives

To identify the lower limit of GRWR compatible with enhanced recovery after living donor liver transplant and to provide international expert panel recommendations.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

Methods

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. Studies assessing how GRWR affects recipient outcomes such as small for size syndrome, other complications, patient and graft survival, and length of stay were included. Protocol registration: CRD42021260794.

Results

Twenty articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, and all were retrospective observational studies. There was heterogeneity in the definition of study cohorts and key outcome measures such as small‐for‐size syndrome. Most studies lacked risk adjustment given limited single‐center sample size. GRWR of ≥ .8% is associated with enhanced recovery. Recipients of grafts with GRWR < .8%, however, were found to have similar outcomes as those with ≥ .8% when appropriate consideration is made for portal flow modulation and recipient illness severity.

Conclusions

GRWR ≥ .8% is often compatible with enhanced recovery, but grafts < .8% can be used in selected LDLT recipients with optimal donor‐recipient selection, surgical technique, and perioperative management (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong).
Rehabilitation after paediatric acquired brain injury: Longitudinal change in content and effect on recovery
Authors: Forsyth Rob J. , Roberts Liz , Henderson Rob , Wales Lorna
Published: March 2022

Aim

To describe cross‐sectional and longitudinal variation in neurorehabilitation content provided to young people after severe paediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) and to relate this to observed functional recovery.

Method

This was an observational study in a cohort of admissions to a residential neurorehabilitation centre. Recovery was described using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability – Computer Adaptive Testing instrument. Rehabilitation content was measured using the recently described Paediatric Rehabilitation Ingredients Measure (PRISM) and examined using multidimensional scaling.

Results

The PRISM reveals wide variation in rehabilitation content between and during admissions primarily reflecting proportions of child active practice, child emotional support, and other management of body structure and function. Rehabilitation content is predicted by pre‐admission recovery, suggesting therapist decisions in designing rehabilitation programmes are shaped by their initial expectations of recovery. However, significant correlations persist between plausibly‐related aspects of delivered therapy and observed post‐admission recovery after adjusting for such effects.

Interpretation

The PRISM approach to the analysis of rehabilitation content shows promise in that it demonstrates significant correlations between plausibly‐related aspects of delivered therapy and observed recovery that have been hard to identify with other approaches. However, rigorous, causal analysis will be required to truly understand the contributions of rehabilitation to recovery after pABI.

What this paper adds

Rehabilitation content varies widely between, and during, admissions for neurorehabilitation after paediatric acquire brain injury.

Strong correlations are seen between plausibly‐related aspects of rehabilitation content and observed recovery, though careful interpretation is necessary.
Pain and functional disability amongst adults with moderate and severe haemophilia from the Irish personalised approach to the treatment of haemophilia (iPATH) study
Authors: Kennedy Megan , O’ Mahony Brian , Roche Sheila , McGowan Mark , Singleton Evelyn , Ryan Kevin , O’ Connell Niamh M. , Pipe Steven W. , Lavin Michelle , O’ Donnell James S. , Turecek Peter L. , Gormley John ,   on behalf of the iPATH study group
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To establish the prevalence of pain and functional disability in Irish adults with moderate and severe haemophilia, and to examine demographic and lifestyle influences.

Methods

Males ≥18 years with moderate or severe haemophilia participated. Pain and function were examined using the PROBE questionnaire.

Results

Of 49 participants [median age 44 (IQR 32, 52) years], most had severe haemophilia (Factor VIII = 30; Factor IX = 13) and were on regular prophylaxis (88%). Those with moderate haemophilia (Factor VIII = 5; Factor IX = 1) treated on demand (12%). Acute (72%) and chronic pain (71%), functional difficulties (58%), and analgesic requirements (92%) were prevalent. Age was significantly associated with more advanced haemophilic arthropathy (p = .002), chronic pain (p = .029) and functional difficulties (p = .036). Adults who reported chronic pain commenced prophylaxis significantly later in life [32 (20, 51) vs. 8 (1, 23) years; p = .004]. Physical activity was significantly lower in those with functional difficulties (p < .05). A disparity between self‐perceived ‘target joints’ and clinically defined target joints was also identified (76% vs. 23%).

Conclusion

Haemophilic arthropathy, pain and functional disability were prevalent amongst Irish adults with moderate and severe haemophilia. Age‐dependent lifestyle, analgesic and treatment influences on pain and function warrant further investigation.
What is the most effective treatment in horses with chorioptic mange?
Authors: Kondratjeva Jevgenija , Combarros Daniel , Pressanti Charline , Cadiergues Marie Christine
Published: March 2022

Chorioptic mange is a common pruritic skin disease in horses and can cause chronic pastern dermatitis. Many to all horses in one stable can suffer simultaneously and transmit the disease to one another through contact or by using the same areas. Treatment often is challenging, and failure and relapses are common. This paper reviews the evidence comparing different types of treatment of chorioptic mange in horses and found that although some protocols are partially effective, further comparisons are required.
Predictors of laminitis development in a cohort of nonlaminitic ponies
Authors: Knowles Edward J. , Elliott Jonathan , Harris Patricia A. , Chang Yu‐Mei , Menzies‐Gow Nicola J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Quantifying risk factors for laminitis development requires improvement.

Objectives

To identify the most useful physical examination, metabolic and management factors to predict laminitis development in client‐owned, nonlaminitic ponies.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Physical examination, metabolic and management data were collected from a pony cohort 6 monthly for up to 4 years. Ponies were monitored for the development of laminitis. Metabolic data included basal plasma concentrations of ACTH ([ACTH]), adiponectin ([adiponectin]), triglycerides and glucose. Serum insulin concentrations ([insulin]) were measured in the unfasted basal state ([insulin]T0) and 60 minutes ([insulin]T60) after administration of corn syrup (0.3ml/kg). Separate multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards models were developed for physical, management/signalment and metabolic data and later combined into two final models. Low‐, medium‐ and high‐laminitis risk categories were defined based on basal or T60 [insulin].

Results

Overall, 374 ponies (age 5‐32 years) and 891 pony‐years were included in the main analysis. Laminitis incidence (95% confidence interval (CI)) was 4.8 (3.5‐6.5) cases/100 pony‐years. Laminitis development was associated with numerous univariable factors. Significant (P < .05) factors retained in the final multivariable models included [insulin]T0, [insulin]T60, [adiponectin] and divergent hoof growth. [ACTH] was not independently associated with laminitis. Based on [Insulin]T0, low‐ (<21.6 µIU/ml), medium‐ (21.6‐45.2 µIU/ml) and high‐risk (>45.2 µIU/ml) categories encompassed 70, 20 and 10% of the population and had estimated 4‐year laminitis incidences (95%CI) of 6 (2‐9)%, 22 (10‐33)% and 69 (48‐82)% respectively. Based on [Insulin]T60 the low‐ (<53.4 µIU/ml), medium‐ (53.4‐153 µIU/ml) and high‐risk (≥153 µIU/ml) categories comprised 60, 30 and 10% of the population and had estimated 4‐year laminitis incidences (95%CI) of 3 (0‐6)%, 20 (10‐29)% and 73 (52‐84)% respectively.

Main limitations

Results may not apply to different insulin assays, geographical regions, breeds or management types.

Conclusions

[Insulin]T0 or [insulin]T60 best quantify the risk of future laminitis development in nonlaminitic ponies.
Exploring knowledge benchmarking using time‐series directional distance functions and bibliometrics
Authors: Nepomuceno Thyago Celso C. , de Carvalho Victor Diogho H. , Nepomuceno Késsia Thais C. , Costa Ana Paula C. S.
Published: March 2022

For strategic reasons, benchmarking best practices from efficient competitors is not usual in many data envelopment analysis (DEA) applications. Even for industries composed of multiple branches, providing information about efficient practices for their peers can jeopardize results for those branches if they compete for market, resources or recognition by the central administration. In this work, a time‐series adaptation for the DEA directional model is proposed as an alternative for coping with this problem. The methodological approach has three stages for this benchmarking to occur: Data, Information and Knowledge Extraction. In the first stage, we compare the same unit in different moments to identify efficient periods instead of efficient competitors. As a result, successful performance strategies are investigated using the bibliometric coupling of employees' relevant statements in the second and third stages. The application in a branch of the Brazilian Federal Savings Bank allowed an internal benchmarking of efficient periods when specific performance incentives, innovative processes, competitive strategies, and human resource changes were adopted for improving the unit's performance.
Regulation of early cerebellar development
Authors: Lowenstein Elijah David , Cui Ke , Hernandez‐Miranda Luis Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

The study of cerebellar development has been at the forefront of neuroscience since the pioneering work of Wilhelm His Sr., Santiago Ramón y Cajal and many others since the 19th century. They laid the foundation to identify the circuitry of the cerebellum, already revealing its stereotypic three‐layered cortex and discerning several of its neuronal components. Their work was fundamental in the acceptance of the neuron doctrine, which acknowledges the key role of individual neurons in forming the basic units of the nervous system. Increasing evidence shows that the cerebellum performs a variety of homeostatic and higher order neuronal functions beyond the mere control of motor behaviour. Over the last three decades, many studies have revealed the molecular machinery that regulates distinct aspects of cerebellar development, from the establishment of a cerebellar anlage in the posterior brain to the identification of cerebellar neuron diversity at the single cell level. In this review, we focus on summarizing our current knowledge on early cerebellar development with a particular emphasis on the molecular determinants that secure neuron specification and contribute to the diversity of cerebellar neurons.