bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teleworking in Portuguese communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tavares Fernando , Santos Eulália , Diogo Ana , Ratten Vanessa
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Human beings spend about a third of their day working, so it is very important that they are integrated into a good community work environment. When the setting is teleworking in a family and housing context, it is important to keep a good environment and also a good physical, psychological and ergonomic aspects to attain job performance. The purpose of this paper is to characterize teleworking carried out in Portuguese communities in the context of the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was used, which analyzed general information about teleworking and the individual’s adaptation process and the difficulties they faced during the teleworking period. The sample consists of 359 individuals aged 18 years or over, who were teleworking in their homes and in a family environment.

Findings

The results show that adapting to teleworking was easy or very easy and that it happened very quickly. The main difficulties encountered by the individuals were the lack of professional interaction/communication with coworkers, the lack of resources related to support infrastructures, such as the internet or a printer, and the reconciliation of teleworking with family life/household chores/dedication to children and time/schedule management.

Originality/value

This study hopes to contribute to the increase of the scientific knowledge in the teleworking field and to allow companies to rethink the teleworking strategies to optimize resources and costs and to improve the organization’s productivity without harming the quality of life and well-being of their workers.
“What's next? Calling beer-drinking a sport?!”: virtual resistance to considering eSport as sport
Authors: Tjønndal Anne
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study virtual resistance towards the introduction of Norway's first professional eSport league in the category of sport video games (SVGs), Eserien – the professional FIFA league and its inclusion in the Norwegian Football Federation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis of texts published from the first season of Eserien was launched (December 2018) and during the first season of Eserien (April 2019 to December 2019) in Norwegian online spaces. Based on this approach, a total of 23 texts were subjected to a qualitative content analysis. The theoretical framework for the analysis of the material is Guttmann's (1978/2004) characteristics of modern sport and processes of sportification, as well as conceptualizations of the sport-health ideology in national and international sport policies today.

Findings

The arguments made against the inclusion of the professional FIFA league Eserien as part of the Norwegian Football Federation revolves around three main themes: (1) eSport as something unhealthy and inactive, (2) issues of cheating and match fixing in professional eSports and (3) threats professionalized eSport poses for traditional football clubs and players in terms of securing sponsorship and gaining media attention.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is the small sample size consisting of data from the first season of the first professional FIFA league organized by a Norwegian governing sport body. More research is needed to support the results found here, and readers should be careful to transfer the findings from this study to other sporting contexts.

Originality/value

This study is an empirical exploration of resistance towards eSport expressed by traditional sport fans. These insights expand on existing sport management research on spectators, commercialization and professionalization of eSport.
Interorganizational learning in the tourism industry: conceptualizing a multi-level typology
Authors: Buhagiar Kristina
Published: September 2020

Purpose

While the importance of interorganizational learning (IOL) as a resource for strategic renewal has been acknowledged in research, limited attention has been placed on exploring IOL in complex networks or ecosystems. This paper aims to bridge this gap in literature through conceptualizing IOL in the tourism industry at the micro, meso and macro levels of the ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a narrative literature review to explore the tourism industry and IOL. Through insights which evolved from literature, exploratory typologies and propositions were developed forming the basis of the multi-level typology of interorganizational learning in the tourism industry.

Findings

Based on the multi-level typology of interorganizational learning in the tourism industry, market actors may develop in isolation, in clusters or networks, with the aggregate output of these formations constituting the basis of the tourism ecosystem. Within the multi-layers of the tourism ecosystem, IOL may be subdivided into seven distinct typologies, with learning ranging from active, passive, interactive to asymmetric. Each typology of IOL is subsequently influenced by relational ties, which may range from collaborative to competitive, and power distribution, which may lead to symmetric or asymmetric relationships.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in an ecosystem perspective of IOL in the tourism industry, outlining the multi-level nature of IOL in a destination.
Serendipita besciipromotes winter wheat growth and modulates the host root transcriptome under phosphorus and nitrogen starvation
Authors: Ray Prasun , Guo Yingqing , Chi Myoung‐Hwan , Krom Nick , Saha Malay C. , Craven Kelly D.
Published: September 2020

Serendipita vermiferassp.bescii, hereafter referred to asS. bescii, is a root‐associated fungus that promotes plant growth in both its native switchgrass host and a variety of monocots and dicots. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), a dual‐purpose crop, used for both forage and grain production, significantly contributes to the agricultural economies of the Southern Great Plains, USA. In this study, we investigated the influence ofS. besciion growth and transcriptome regulation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) metabolism in winter wheat.Serendipita besciisignificantly improved lateral root growth and forage biomass under a limited N or P regime. Further,S. besciiactivated sets of host genes regulating N and P starvation responses. These genes include, root‐specific auxin transport, strigolactone and gibberellin biosynthesis, degradation of phospholipids and biosynthesis of glycerolipid, downregulation of ammonium transport and nitrate assimilation, restriction of protein degradation by autophagy and subsequent N remobilization. All these genes are hypothesized to regulate acquisition, assimilation and remobilization of N and P. Based on transcriptional level gene regulation and physiological responses to N or P limitation, we suggestS. besciiplays a critical role in modulating stress imposed by limitation of these two critical nutrients in winter wheat.
CXCL5‐CXCR2 signaling is a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype in preimplantation embryos
Authors: Kawagoe Yuta , Kawashima Ikko , Sato Yorino , Okamoto Naoki , Matsubara Kazuei , Kawamura Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

Pregnancy rate of women decreases with age due to declining quality of oocytes and embryos. However, there is no established method to improve pregnancy rate in aging women. In this study, we identified a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factor partially responsible for the decline in embryo implantation potential. Based on microarray analysis using young and aging human embryos at the same morphological grade, 702 genes showed >fivefold increases in aging human blastocysts. Among these genes, C‐X‐C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) showed 7.7‐fold increases in aging human blastocysts. However, no‐age‐dependent changes in expression of the CXCR2, the cognate receptor for CXCL5, were found. In aging mice, Cxcl5 transcript levels were also increased in oocytes and embryos. Treatment of young mouse embryos with CXCL5 decreased implantation rates, together with increased expression of aging markers (P53, P21, Pai‐1, and Il‐6). Moreover, CXCL5 treatment suppressed trophoblast outgrowth in young mouse blastocysts. Conversely, suppression of CXCL5‐CXCR2 signaling in aging mouse embryos using neutralizing antibodies and a receptor antagonist improved the implantation rate, leading to increases in pregnancy and delivery of normal pups. The gene expression pattern of these embryos was comparable to that in young mouse embryos showing enriched cell proliferation‐related pathways. In conclusion, we identified CXCL5 as a SASP factor in human and mouse embryos and suppression of CXCL5‐CXCR2 signaling during embryo culture improved pregnancy success in aging mice. Future analysis on CXCL5‐CXCR2 signaling suppression in human embryos could be the basis to improve embryo development and pregnancy outcome in middle‐aged infertile patients.
Nalmefene alleviates the neuroimmune response to repeated binge‐like ethanol exposure: A TSPO PET imaging study in adolescent rats
Authors: Tournier Nicolas , Pottier Géraldine , Caillé Fabien , Coulon Christine , Goislard Maud , Jégo Benoit , Negroni Julia , Leroy Claire , Saba Wadad
Published: September 2020

A large body of preclinical research has shown that neuroimmunity plays a key role in the deleterious effects of alcohol (ethanol) to the brain. Translational imaging techniques are needed to monitor the efficacy of strategies to prevent or mitigate neuroinflammation and alleviate ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity. Opioid receptor antagonists such as nalmefene are antagonists of the toll‐like receptor 4, which may block the proinflammatory signaling cascade induced by ethanol at this specific target. Male adolescent rats received a validated protocol of ethanol injection (i.p, 3 g/kg daily for two consecutive days followed by two resting days) during 14 days. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) radioligand [18F]DPA‐714 was performed at day‐15. Toxicity induced by repeated binge‐like ethanol exposure (71% mortality) was drastically reduced by nalmefene pretreatment (0.4 mg/kg, 14% mortality). No mortality was observed in animals that received vehicle (control) or nalmefene alone. Compared with control animals (n = 10), a significant 2.8‐fold to 4.6‐fold increase in the volume of distribution (VT) of [18F]DPA‐714 was observed among brain regions in animals exposed to ethanol only (n = 9). Pretreatment with nalmefene significantly alleviated the neuroimmune response to ethanol exposure in all brain regions (1.2‐fold to 2.5‐fold increase in VT; n = 5). Nalmefene alone (n = 6) did not impact [18F]DPA‐714 VT compared with the control group. Nalmefene may protect against the neuroinflammatory response and overall toxicity associated with binge drinking. [18F]DPA‐714 PET imaging can be used to noninvasively address the neuroimmune impact of ethanol exposure and its modulation by pharmacological strategies in vivo, with translational perspectives.
Measuring price discovery between nearby and deferred contracts in storable and nonstorable commodity futures markets
Authors: Hu Zhepeng , Mallory Mindy , Serra Teresa , Garcia Philip
Published: September 2020

Using price discovery measures, including Putniņš’ (2013) information leadership share and intraday data, we quantify the proportional contribution of nearby and deferred contracts in price discovery in the corn and live cattle futures markets. On average, nearby contracts reflect information more quickly than deferred contracts in the corn market, but have a relatively less dominant role in the live cattle market. In both markets, the nearby contract loses dominance when its relative volume share dips below 50%, which typically occurs when the nearby is close to maturity. Regression results indicate that the share of price discovery is mainly related to trading volume and time to expiration in both markets. In the corn market, price discovery share between nearby and deferred contracts is also related to inverse carrying charges, crop year differences, USDA announcements, market crashes, and commodity index position rolls. Differences between corn and live cattle markets are consistent with differences in the contracts’ liquidity and commodity storability.
Adjuvant electrochemotherapy after debulking in canine bone osteosarcoma infiltration
Authors: Martins Taques Maurício , Guedert Raul , Moreno Kleber , Monte Mor Rangel Marcelo , Ota Hisayasu Suzuki Daniela
Published: September 2020

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer considered rare to humans, but common in dogs. Dogs and humans share genetic homology and environmental risk factors. Improving the treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs could also be relevant to improve procedures in humans. Traditional treatments of osteosarcoma involve surgery and chemotherapy. Such treatments are commonly aggressive and not possible for many patients. Electrochemotherapy emerges as a minimally invasive, effective, and safe treatment alternative. Electrochemotherapy combines applications of high‐intensity electric fields during short periods with anti‐cancer drugs to improve its medicine cytotoxicity. Analyzing the electric field distribution, as well as electric current density, are essential to electrochemotherapy success. This paper brings the first case of a canine osteosarcoma treatment performed with bleomycin and electrochemotherapy. We performed in silico studies with finite element method software to observe the electric field distribution. In silico experiments help to verify possibilities and limitations of treating bone destruction and macro or micro tumor infiltrations around the primary tumor mass. Results show that both needle or plate electrodes are feasible to remove the tumor even with invasion into the bone. Plate electrodes perform well in treating micro infiltrations when associated with conductive gel and direct contact between electrode and bone (without soft tissues). Needle electrodes are effective in treating tumor infiltration on external cortical bone. Multiple applications are needed to cover all cranium layers with sufficient electric field intensity. Electrochemotherapy protocol with needle or plate electrodes does not present sufficient electric current density capable of affecting brain tissue, even in cases of bone destruction.
Dehumanization of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST): Evidence from Implicit, Moderate, and Blatant Measures
Authors: N. A. Baby Ziliya , Manjaly Jaison A.
Published: September 2020

Evidence for perceptual bias toward the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST)—a community historically oppressed and treated as untouchables in India—was found through a series of studies. We hypothesized that the SC/ST are perceived as less human in comparison to the dominant castes (General Category), leading to adverse consequences to the dehumanized group. Studies were designed to measure the effect of Caste on social perception by including participants belonging to General and SC/ST categories. Study 1 used an implicit association test and found that SC/ST are subjected to subtle dehumanization. Study 2 extended the findings using a moderately explicit measure of dehumanization and the results indicated biased perception of humanness in the SC/ST targets, albeit a valence effect. Study 3 demonstrated blatant dehumanization of SC/ST using an explicit measure. Overall the results indicate the dehumanization of the marginalized community that can have implications on attitudes and behaviors toward them.
Outcome prediction from the first examination in clinical mastitis using ultrasonography in dairy cows
Authors: Suzuki Naoki , Kurose Tomoyasu , Kaneko Souhei , Haraguchi Asako , Isobe Naoki
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to examine whether ultrasonography can be used to predict the outcome of clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Forty‐seven mastitic quarters of Holstein‐Friesian cows were examined using ultrasonography at the time of the first examination. In mastitic mammary tissue, three sonographic signs indicating tissue abnormality were found: a hyperechoic spot in the parenchyma area, structural changes to the milk duct, and non‐homogeneous parenchyma. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether the abnormal findings in the sonographic images can be used to predict the outcome of clinical mastitis. The outcomes of clinical mastitis were defined by the return, or failure to return, to marketable milk production. The sonogram finding of non‐homogeneous parenchyma in the first examination did predict the outcome of clinical mastitis, whereas the type of systemic symptoms (severe or moderate) was not a predictor in this regression model. Therefore, ultrasound examinations of mammary glands in the first examination could be a useful method for predicting outcome of clinical mastitis. There is an economic benefit if ultrasound examination in first examination helps in the decision of whether or not to treat the mastitic cows.
Clinical and neuroimaging correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents with bipolar disorder
Authors: Popel Najla , Kennedy Kody G. , Fiksenbaum Lisa , Mitchell Rachel H. B. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Goldstein Benjamin I.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is exceedingly prevalent, and occurs prematurely in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), arguably the most important modifiable CVD risk factor, is also associated with brain structure and function. There is a gap in knowledge regarding CRF in BD, particularly in relation to brain structure.

Methods

Adolescents with BD (n = 54) and healthy controls (HC; n = 53) completed semi‐structured diagnostic interviews, self‐report questionnaires, and 20 minutes of cardiorespiratory exercise at 60‐80% of estimated maximum heart rate (HR) on a bicycle ergometer. Average power (watts/kg) within this HR range served as a previously validated proxy for CRF. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) structural analysis was done using FreeSurfer. Analyses controlled for age and sex.

Results

CRF was significantly lower in BD vs HC (0.91 ± 0.32 vs 1.01 ± 0.30, p = 0.03, F = 4.66, df=1, η2=0.04). Within BD, greater depression symptoms were associated with lower CRF (P = .02), and greater physical activity (PA) was associated with greater CRF (P < .001). In multivariable analyses, there were significant main effects of diagnosis (HC>BD; P = .03) and sex (M > F; P < .001) on power. Significant predictors of power within BD included male sex (P = .02) and PA (P = .002) but not depression symptoms (P = .29). Significant diagnosis by CRF interaction effects was found in frontal, parietal, and occipital cortical regions.

Conclusion

CRF was reduced among adolescents with BD, particularly women, related in part to depression symptoms and inactivity and was differentially associated with regional brain structure. Studies seeking to improve CRF as a means of reducing psychiatric symptoms of BD are warranted.
Semiparametric models and inference for the effect of a treatment when the outcome is nonnegative with clumping at zero
Authors: Cheng Jing , Small Dylan S.
Published: September 2020

The outcome in a randomized experiment is sometimes nonnegative with a clump of observations at zero and continuously distributed positive values. One widely used model for a nonnegative outcome with a clump at zero is the Tobit model, which assumes that the treatment has a shift effect on the distribution of a normally distributed latent variable and the observed outcome is the maximum of the latent variable and zero. We develop a class of semiparametric models and inference procedures that extend the Tobit model in two useful directions. First, we consider more flexible models for the treatment effect than the shift effect of the Tobit model; for example, our models allow for the treatment to have a larger in magnitude effect for upper quantiles. Second, we make semiparametric inferences using empirical likelihood that allow the underlying latent variable to have any distribution, unlike the original Tobit model that assumes the latent variable is normally distributed. We apply our approach to data from the RAND Health Insurance Experiment. We also extend our approach to observational studies in which treatment assignment is strongly ignorable.
Overpressure evolution controlled by spatial and temporal changes in the sedimentation rate: Insights from a basin modelling study in offshore Suriname
Authors: Nifuku Ko , Kobayashi Yuki , Araki Yasuhiko , Ashida Takafumi , Taniwaki Takashi
Published: September 2020

This study investigates overpressure evolution and its relationship to the spatial and temporal changes in the sedimentation rate in the passive continental margin of offshore Suriname. We analysed well data to estimate pore pressure at the well locations and to interpret relevant overpressure‐generating mechanisms. Three‐dimensional basin modelling was performed to reconstruct overpressure evolution in the area. The well data indicated disequilibrium compaction as the main overpressure‐forming mechanism. The results of the modelling indicated a temporal variation in the sedimentation rate caused cycles of overpressure formation in the region. Periods of high sedimentation lead to overpressure formation, and this overpressure dissipates during periods of quiescent sedimentation. The latest overpressure development since the Middle–Late Miocene was triggered by a notable increase in the siliciclastic supply to the basin, which reflects the Andean uplift and reorganization of the drainage system. Spatial changes in the sedimentation rate resulted in a lateral variation in the amount of overpressure. Disequilibrium compaction generated large overpressure in the area with a high‐sedimentation rate because of the fast increasing rate of overburden load. In addition, the high‐temperature condition beneath the rapid sedimentation area could cause additional mechanisms for overpressure formation in the deeper part of the basin. This study reveals that the complex overpressure history and its lateral variation in offshore Suriname were mainly caused by a single controlling factor (i.e. the sedimentation rate). This article gives an insight into overpressure evolution in sedimentary basins by considering the perspective of the spatio‐temporal variation in the sedimentation rate and its connection with hinterland evolution.
Extraction, separation, modification, structural characterization, and antioxidant activity of plant polysaccharides
Authors: Huang Hualiang , Huang Gangliang
Published: September 2020

Polysaccharide is an important macromolecule with biological activity, and its biological activity is closely related to its structure. The extraction methods and modification methods of polysaccharides directly affect the structure of polysaccharides and then affect the biological activities of polysaccharides. In this paper, the extraction, separation, and modification of polysaccharides and their advantages and disadvantages were reviewed, and the research methods of structure characterization and antioxidant activity were discussed. This not only provides ideas for optimizing the extraction, separation, and modification methods of plant polysaccharides, but also provides the basic theoretical basis for the structural analysis and antioxidant activity research of plant polysaccharides.
Allergic contact dermatitis due to the liquid skin adhesive Dermabond® predominantly occurs after the first exposure
Authors: Asai Chika , Inomata Naoko , Sato Megumi , Koh Nao , Goda Seiko , Ishikawa Hideyuki , Tanaka Masako , Aihara Michiko
Published: September 2020

Background

The clinical characteristics of patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) due to a skin adhesive containing 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate, Dermabond®, have not yet been elucidated.

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with ACD caused by Dermabond® application.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 577 patch tested patients were included. We identified patients with positive patch test results for Dermabond® and evaluated their results concerning (meth)acrylates and ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive.

Results

Nine patients had positive patch test results to Dermabond®; six had developed secondary generalization.The mean time between Dermabond® application and ACD onset was 34 days (range, 27‐44) in six patients with ACD after the first use, whereas, in the other three patients, it was 5.6 days (range, 4‐8) after the second use. The time was significantly different between the two groups (P < .01). Positive reactions to ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive (Aron Alpha) occurred in seven of nine patients, to ethyl cyanoacrylate 10% pet. in four of eight patients tested, and to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate in one of eight patients tested.

Conclusions

Dermabond®‐induced ACD is apparently characterized by a high prevalence of primary sensitization at first exposure to Dermabond®, secondary generalization is frequent, and most patients show cross‐reactivity to ethyl cyanoacrylate.
The elusiveness of representativeness in general population surveys for alcohol: Commentary on Rehm et al.
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K.
Published: September 2020

Concurring with the authors of Rehm et al., this comment endorses their recommendations, but points out that adult household population surveys will still be valuable in cross‐sectional and panel series long based on this frame, recognising too that to fully account for heavy drinkers beyond this frame, though valuable, is onerous (by providing one rigorous example from a county study). Last, the importance of attending to improved alcohol pattern measurement to partly close the gap in population survey coverage is essential as well.
Future of surveys in the alcohol field
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Kilian Carolin , Manthey Jakob
Published: September 2020

Responding to the commentaries on a recent paper on the elusiveness of representativeness in general population alcohol surveys, we can summarise that there is agreement that the status quo of current alcohol surveys is scientifically no longer defensible. Current surveys cannot per se be assumed to yield representative results for the general populations of countries based on a probabilistic sampling alone. Alternatives are discussed and—as for any survey—creative ideas on validating key results on indicators or hypotheses need to be developed and used. This will inevitably lead away from omnibus surveys to more focused studies requiring more complex methodological tools. While there may not be obvious solutions for every problem related to alcohol use prevention and policy or treatment use disorders, and it may take years to find solutions for some of the issues, continued use of the methodology of the status quo will surely fail to answer the questions posed by modern societies concerning these issues.
Early neurological deterioration following thrombolysis for minor stroke with isolated internal carotid artery occlusion
Authors: Boulenoir N. , Turc G. , Henon H. , Laksiri N. , Mounier‐Véhier F. , Girard Buttaz I. , Duong D.‐L. , Papassin J. , Yger M. , Triquenot A. , Lyoubi A. , Ter Schiphorst A. , Denier C. , Baron J.‐C. , Seners P. ,   the MINOR‐STROKE Collaborators
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Better understanding the incidence, predictors and mechanisms of early neurological deterioration (END) following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute stroke with mild symptoms and isolated internal carotid artery occlusion (iICAo) may inform therapeutic decisions.

Methods

From a multicenter retrospective database, we extracted all patients with both National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <6 and iICAo (i.e. not involving the Willis circle) on admission imaging, intended for IVT alone. END was defined as ≥4 NIHSS points increase within 24 h. END and no‐END patients were compared for (i) pre‐treatment clinical and imaging variables and (ii) occurrence of intracranial occlusion, carotid recanalization and parenchymal hemorrhage on follow‐up imaging.

Results

Seventy‐four patients were included, amongst whom 22 (30%) patients experienced END. Amongst pre‐treatment variables, suprabulbar carotid occlusion was the only admission predictor of END following stepwise variable selection (odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–12.2; P = 0.015). On follow‐up imaging, there was no instance of parenchymal hemorrhage, but an intracranial occlusion was now present in 76% vs. 0% of END and no‐END patients, respectively (P < 0.001), and there was a trend toward higher carotid recanalization rate in END patients (29% vs. 9%, P = 0.07). As compared to no‐END, END was strongly associated with a poor 3‐month outcome.

Conclusions

Early neurological deterioration is a frequent and highly deleterious event after IVT for minor stroke with iICAo, and is of thromboembolic origin in three out of four patients. The strong association with iICAo site—largely a function of underlying stroke etiology—may point to a different response of the thrombus to IVT. These findings suggest END may be preventable in this setting.
Are mutual fund investors loss averse? Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Jie , Shrider David G. , Ting Huangwen , Wu Yanran
Published: September 2020

Research shows that many investors are loss averse (reluctant to sell investments that have lost value). However, there is open debate about whether mutual fund investors suffer from loss aversion. We use over 300,000 Chinese mutual fund investor accounts from five open‐end funds to test for loss aversion using survival analysis controlling for time‐varying covariates (Cox analysis). We find strong evidence of loss aversion as these investors are between 60% and 91% less likely to sell a fund that is down in value across the five funds. We also find that more sophisticated investors are less loss averse.
‘Would you like to eat an insect?’—Children's perceptions of and thoughts about eating insects
Authors: Nyberg Maria , Olsson Viktoria , Wendin Karin
Published: September 2020

Interest in eating insects has increased in Western countries; however, substantial challenges exist regarding acceptability and cultural ideas. Researchers have widely studied the acceptance of eating insects, but few studies have focused on children's thoughts. The aim of this study is to explore young children's perceptions about eating insects and how this insight might help understanding of ways to increase the willingness to eat insects. Three focus group interviews were conducted with children aged 4–5 years in a public preschool in Sweden. Each focus group consisted of four to five children; in total 13 (eight girls and five boys) participated. In exploring their perceptions of eating insects, the children were balancing between fantasy and reality, and between curiosity and fear, showing many, sometimes contradictory, emotions and relationships to insects as food. The children expressed a clear normative picture of what was considered food, illustrated by ideas about insects being something that are not allowed to eat. They were also concerned about whether the insect was dead before being eaten. Using children's fantasy and curiosity for new things, experimenting with insect‐based products and ingredients in well‐known dishes and contexts, and discussing different ways of eating them, acceptance of eating insects might increase.
Agreement between a single, self‐defined burnout item and the ProQOL burnout subscale for behavioural health staff
Authors: Wolf Chelsea , Schwarz John , Thurstone Christian , Rylander Melanie
Published: September 2020

Burnout in the field of behavioural health care is widespread. Occupational burnout can negatively impact providers’ well‐being and patient care, as well as lead to substantial fiscal cost to healthcare institutions. The objective of this quality improvement project was to develop a single‐item survey to rapidly assess individual burnout and workforce well‐being among behavioural health staff in our urban, safety‐net hospital. We examined the degree of agreement between a single, self‐defined burnout item from the Mini‐Z and the ProQOL burnout subscale among one hundred and thirty‐five nurses, behavioural technicians and administrative staff. Our findings indicate that ProQOL and Mini‐Z have a low‐to‐moderate correlation at a baseline (k = 0.52, 95% CI 0.26, 0.69). However, using a modified ProQOL cut‐off score with a binary classification of both surveys yields a moderate‐to‐high agreement (K = 0.67, 95% CI 0.54, 0.80). To our knowledge, this is the first published comparison of the Mini‐Z with the ProQOL instrument. The project adheres to the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) 2.0 reporting guidelines for quality improvement (Ogrinc et al., 2016). A single, validated question measuring burnout allows for more rapid assessment and the maximization of response rates, both of which are important steps in evaluating the level of burnout of the collective whole.
Optimizing forage production in double‐annual cropping systems under irrigated Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Maresma Ángel , Santiveri Francisca , Chocarro Cristina , Lloveras Jaume
Published: September 2020

Double‐annual cropping systems can increase the productivity of farmland and simultaneously confer environmental benefits, but the optimal combination of crops and cultivation strategies is likely to be region‐specific. For instance, because of the low precipitation and specially in the summer, in Mediterranean environments irrigation is usually needed to grow two crops within a year. In the present 3‐year study, a double‐annual cropping system for forage production (winter crops and maize) was evaluated under irrigated Mediterranean conditions. Eight winter varieties (including barley, Italian ryegrass, oats, oats plus vetch, triticale and wheat) were harvested in April or May. Maize was sown few days after each harvest time. The average forage yield of the winter crops harvested in April was 6.3 Mg/ha dry matter (DM), with an average crude protein (CP) content of 16.4% and a digestibility of 63.4%. The average yield was significantly higher for the crops harvested in May (10.0 Mg/ha DM) but with lower forage quality and digestibility (10.8% CP and 52.8%, respectively digestibility). Maize yields were higher (27.6 Mg/ha DM) in the May than in the April (25.1 Mg/ha DM) sowing date, while the forage quality was similar (7.1% CP, 64.5% digestibility). The total annual forage yield was 31.3 Mg/ha DM for April harvest/sowing date (weighted quality = 8.7% CP, 64.9% digestibility) and 37.6 Mg/ha DM for May harvest/sowing date (weighted quality = 8.2% CP, 60.5% digestibility). Therefore, under conditions of the present research in Mediterranean environments, the May harvest/sowing date was the most convenient strategy to produce forage in double‐annual cropping systems and specially the triticale–maize rotation.
Thermal stability of the nanolayered Fe2AlB2 in nitrogen and argon atmospheres
Authors: Kota Sankalp , Verger Louisiane , Natu Varun , Sokol Maxim , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: September 2020

The thermal stability and decomposition mechanisms of Fe2AlB2 powders, synthesized by reactive powder metallurgy, were studied under nitrogen (N2) or argon (Ar) atmospheres. The effects of using different FeB precursors to synthesize the Fe2AlB2 and hydrochloric acid (HCl) purification treatments on the thermal stability were also investigated. When as‐synthesized Fe2AlB2 powders are treated in dilute HCl to dissolve impurity phases, decomposition in N2 atmospheres occurs readily above 1200 K. The decomposition reaction involves β‐FeB precipitation and the liberated Al atoms reacting with the ambient N2 to form AlN. Under Ar environments, HCl‐treated Fe2AlB2 powders decompose and precipitate β‐FeB, by the out‐diffusion of Al from the nanolaminated structure. Interestingly, isothermal annealing under N2 atmospheres revealed that Fe2AlB2 was more thermally stable when synthesized from lab‐synthesized, instead of commercially available, FeB precursors and when the HCl treatment was avoided. The effects of the various factors on the decomposition temperature and decomposition mechanisms are discussed herein.
Becoming creatures of habit: Among‐ and within‐individual variation in nesting behaviour shift with age
Authors: Delaney David M. , Hoekstra Luke A. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: September 2020

The quantification of repeatability has enabled behavioural and evolutionary ecologists to assess the heritable potential of traits. For behavioural traits that vary across life, age‐related variation should be accounted for to prevent biasing the microevolutionary estimate of interest. Moreover, to gain a mechanistic understanding of ontogenetic variation in behaviour, among‐ and within‐individual variance should be quantified across life. We leveraged a 30‐year study of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to assess how age contributes to variation in the repeatability of nesting behaviours. We found that four components of nesting behaviour were repeatable and that accounting for age increased the repeatability estimate for maternal choice of canopy cover over nests. We detected canalization (diminished within‐individual variance with age) of canopy cover choice in a reduced data set despite no shift in repeatability. Additionally, random regression analysis revealed that females became more divergent from each other in their choice of canopy cover with age. Thus, properly modelling age‐related variance should more precisely estimate heritable potential, and assessing among‐ and within‐individual variance components in addition to repeatability will offer a more mechanistic understanding of behavioural variation across age.
Generation and characterization of aptamers against grass carp reovirus infection for the development of rapid detection assay
Authors: Yu Qing , Liu Mingzhu , Wu Siting , Xiao Hehe , Qin Xinling , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2020

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) causes devastating viral haemorrhagic disease in farmed grass carp (Ctenopharyngon idellus). As novel molecular probes, aptamers have been widely applied in rapid diagnosis and efficient therapies against virus or diseases. In this study, three single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamers were selected against GCRV‐infected CIK cells via SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology). Secondary structures predicted by MFOLD indicated that aptamers formed stem‐loop structures, and GVI‐11 had the lowest ΔG value of −30.84 KJ/mol. Three aptamers could specifically recognize GCRV‐infected CIK cells, with calculated dissociation constants (Kd) of 220.86, 176.63 and 278.66 nM for aptamers GVI‐1, GVI‐7 and GVI‐11, respectively, which indicated that they could serve as specific delivery system for antiviral therapies. The targets of aptamers GVI‐1, GVI‐7 and GVI‐11 on the surface of GCRV‐infected cells could be membrane proteins, which were trypsin‐sensitive. Furthermore, FAM‐labelled aptamer GVI‐7 could be applied to detect GCRV infection in vivo. It is the first time to generate and characterize aptamers against GCRV‐infected cells. These aptamers have great potentials in development of rapid diagnosis technology and antiviral agents against GCRV infection in aquaculture.
Suppression of DRR1 results in the accumulation of insoluble ubiquitinated proteins, which impairs drought stress tolerance
Authors: Yu Seong Gwan , Cho Na Hyun , Kim Jong Hum , Oh Tae Rin , Kim Woo Taek
Published: September 2020

Drought stress has detrimental effects on plants. Although the abscisic acid (ABA)‐mediated drought response is well established, defensive mechanisms to cope with dehydration‐induced proteotoxicity have been rarely studied. DRR1 was identified as an Arabidopsis drought‐induced gene encoding an ER‐localized RING‐type E3 Ub ligase. Suppression of DRR1 markedly reduced tolerance to drought and proteotoxic stress without altering ABA‐mediated germination and stomatal movement. Proteotoxicity‐ and dehydration‐induced insoluble ubiquitinated protein accumulation was more obvious in DRR1 loss‐of‐function plants than in wild‐type plants. These results suggest that DRR1 is involved in an ABA‐independent drought stress response possibly through the mitigation of dehydration‐induced proteotoxic stress.
Facilitating individuals and families affected by fragile X syndrome to participate in medication trials
Authors: Eley S. E. A. , McKechanie A. G. , Campbell S. , Stanfield A. C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Recently, there has been an increasing number of trials of medications for fragile X syndrome (FXS). In order to be adequately powered, trials have involved many centres around the world with relatively small numbers of participants recruited at each site. This study aims to understand the barriers to, and how best to facilitate participation in, medication trials in order to improve recruitment and the experience of participants with FXS.

Methods

A mixed methods design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Participants were invited to participate through the UK Fragile X Society, a local mailing list and through social media. Those who agreed to participate completed a quantitative questionnaire and indicated whether they would be willing to participate in a follow‐up focus group.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 328 individuals who either had FXS, or were a parent, carer or family member of an individual with FXS. Over two‐thirds of participants reported concern about side effects, while over one‐third mentioned swallowing tablets, blood tests, financial aspects and travel as barriers to participation. Focus groups with 12 individuals highlighted themes of trial challenges, strategies to overcome these and motivating factors to participate.

Conclusions

Many of the factors, which potentially negatively influence participation in a clinical trial for FXS, could be mitigated in relatively simple ways. Easily accessible information, particularly about safety issues, the research team and the trial environment should be standard practice. Desensitisation programmes for blood testing, provision of different preparations of medication (e.g. liquid) and use of a combination of local, remote and site visits to reduce travel and time should also be considered.
Androgen Receptor signaling promotes the neural progenitor cell pool in the developing cortex
Authors: La Rosa Piergiorgio , Bartoli Giulia , Farioli Vecchioli Stefano , Cesari Eleonora , Pagliarini Vittoria , Sette Claudio
Published: September 2020

Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) are multipotent cells that are able to self‐renew and differentiate into neurons. The size of the initial pool of NPCs during the brain development strongly affects the number of neurons that compose cortical multi‐layer during development. Gonadal hormones can influence the balance between self‐renewal and differentiation processes. Herein, we investigated the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the active metabolite of testosterone, in the regulation of NPC stemness and differentiation. First, we evaluated the expression of the androgen receptor (AR), the transcription factor activated by DHT that mediates the physiological effects of androgens, in NPCs. Western blot analysis showed that DHT‐mediated activation of AR induces mitogenic signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK) in NPCs, whereas luciferase activity assays demonstrated the induction of AR transcriptional activity. AR activation mediated by DHT treatment strongly increased the proliferation of NPCs and reduced their propensity to differentiate into neurons. Furthermore, the effects of AR activation were mediated, at least in part, by increased expression of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A3 enzyme (ALDH1A3). Pharmacological inhibition of ALDH activity with N,N‐diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB) reduced the effect of DHT on NPC proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, inhibition of AR activity by Enzalutamide reduced the NPC pool in the developing cortex of male C57/BL6 mouse embryos. These findings indicate that androgens engage an AR‐dependent signaling pathway that impact on neurogenesis by increasing the NPC pool in the developing mouse cortex.

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Systemic dexpanthenol as a novel treatment for female pattern hair loss
Authors: Kutlu Ömer , Metin Ahmet
Published: September 2020

Background

There are only a few drugs that have been used for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL).

Aims

Through use of the Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a modified hair growth questionnaire, we aimed to evaluate the effect of dexpanthenol (DXP) as a new option for FPHL.

Methods

Women who received 500 mg intramuscular DXP weekly for FPHL were included in this study. They were evaluated in terms of DLQI and laboratory characteristics, before and after DXP treatment, and were examined with a modified hair growth questionnaire.

Results

Overall satisfaction with the appearance of the hair was described by the patients as 57.1% “ I am satisfied,” 28.6% “I am very satisfied,” and 14.3% “I am neutral (neither satisfied nor dissatisfied).” There was a statistical difference between the mean DLQI scores before and after DXP treatment (P < .001). No statistical difference was found in the laboratory characteristics of the patients before and after DXP treatment (P > 0.05). No side effect was reported during DXP treatment.

Conclusion

Dexpanthenol is a safe and novel drug that may increase the quality of life in patients with FPHL.
Investigating the effects of two volatile phenols on aroma perception of four red wine cultivars using Projective Mapping
Authors: McKay Marianne , Bauer Florian F. , Panzeri Valeria , Buica Astrid
Published: September 2020

Perception of aroma compounds in wine is the result of complex phenomena, in which the compounds, their concentrations, the matrix, and their interactions play a role. In order to evaluate the impact of compounds and matrices on red wine aroma perception, a two‐part study was conducted. First, the work evaluated Projective Mapping (PM) and Descriptive Analysis (DA) in assessing olfactory interactions in a large (n = 18) set of red wine samples. Both methods generated a rich and comparable set of descriptors (21 and 28 for DA and PM, respectively), indicating that the rapid method was fit for purpose. Subsequently, PM was used to test the olfactory effects of 4‐ethyl phenol (4‐EP) and o‐cresol in four red cultivars by a trained panel of twelve judges. There were marked similarities in the impact of these compounds in all cultivars regarding aspects such as loss of fruitiness. However, important differences in the sensory profiles of similarly spiked samples were also observed, highlighting the importance of matrix effects.

Practical Applications

The results confirm that work related to wine matrices can be carried out with a trained panel using PM rather than DA. This finding suggests that limiting aspects of DA (e.g., the large number of samples generated through experimental design) can be addressed through careful choice of evaluation method, while taking into account the fine balance between gain and loss of relevant information. The study furthermore emphasizes the need to carefully consider the composition of the matrix when determining and comparing olfactory perceptual interactions in wine, and when evaluating the effects of treatments on wine aroma.