bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nexus between Southeast Asian stock markets, bitcoin and gold: spillover effect before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kakinuma Yosuke
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the return and volatility spillover effects between Southeast Asian stock markets, bitcoin and gold in the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interdependence among different asset classes, the two leading stock markets in Southeast Asia (Singapore and Thailand), bitcoin and gold, is analyzed for diversification opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The vector autoregressive-Baba, Engle, Kraft, and Kroner-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model is used to capture the return and volatility spillover effects between different financial assets. The data cover the period from October 2013 to May 2021. The full period is divided into two sub-sample periods, the pre-pandemic period and the during-pandemic period, to examine whether the financial turbulence caused by COVID-19 affects the interconnectedness between the assets.

Findings

The stocks in Southeast Asia, bitcoin and gold become more interdependent during the pandemic. During turbulent times, the contagion effect is inevitable regardless of region and asset class. Furthermore, bitcoin does not provide protection for investors in Southeast Asia. The pricing mechanism and technology behind bitcoin are different from common stocks, yet the results indicate the co-movement of bitcoin and the Singaporean and Thai stocks during the crisis. Finally, risk-averse investors should ensure that gold constitutes a significant proportion of their portfolio, approximately 40%–55%. This strategy provides the most effective hedge against risk.

Originality/value

The mean return and volatility spillover is analyzed between bitcoin, gold and two preeminent stock markets in Southeast Asia. Most prior studies test the spillover effect between the same asset classes such as equities in different regions or different commodities, currencies and cryptocurrencies. Moreover, the time-series data are divided into two groups based on the structural break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study offer practical implications for risk management and portfolio diversification. Diversification opportunities are becoming scarce as different financial assets witness increasing integration.
Hazards of wood sawmills in Nigeria’s cities: the role of fourth industrial revolution technologies
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbedion Marvelous , Duru Okechukwu Saviour Dominic , Udeagwu Oguike Hyginus , Aginah Ibeabuchi Lawrence
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Studies have proved that wood sawmill workers are exposed to high occupational risks if not well managed. In developing countries, many wood sawmills are found in urban and semi-urban areas. Studies exploring how residents near these wood sawmills perceive and react to these risks is scarce in Nigeria. The application of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology is possibly one of the ways to manage the likely hazards. This study aims to investigate the possible hazards associated with timber sawmills in residential areas and the role of 4IR technologies in proffering feasible solutions to mitigate them in Nigeria’s cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from three cities and nine sawmills across Nigeria. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with authoritative participants (residents, environmentalists, government agencies, sawmill owners, 4IR technology experts and medical experts) who have been championing the regulation and safety of timber sawmill locations within the cities (Lagos, Benin City and Owerri) via a phenomenology type of qualitative research and supplemented by secondary sources.

Findings

Findings show that timber sawmills are located across the three cities in Nigeria and may have contributed to the health and environmental challenges of the people living in the neighbourhood. The identified hazards were grouped into three sub-themes (physical, health and environmental hazards). Findings identify robots, modularisation, cyber-physical systems, the internet of things and services and human-computer interaction as the digitalised technology that can be used in sawmills to mitigate hazards for the benefit of mankind.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to hazards that residents in timber sawmills locations may face in Nigeria’s cities and data collected via face-to-face 23 interviews. The paper’s referral to past publications in the findings and discussion section compensated for the small sample size.

Practical implications

As part of this paper’s implications, the emerged recommendations will strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders regarding control measures via the use of 4IR technologies in timber sawmills. This will stir up policymakers to develop possible policies that will promote and create the platform for the implementation of 4IR technologies in city sawmills.

Originality/value

Apart from probably being the first paper to explore the hazards of residents in timber sawmill locations and proffer solutions via the usage of the 4IR technology, this paper’s contribution emphasis the need for in-depth future studies regarding the risk perceptions of Nigeria’s residents living in timber sawmill area.
Intraorganization conflicts of interest in hospitals adapting to a changing ecosystem
Authors: Naamati-Schneider Lior
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Health systems function in an ecosystem that is turbulent and competitive because of demographic, economic, political, technological and lifestyle changes and sociopolitical influences, requiring hospitals to adopt comprehensive business strategies. Failure to do so may result in duplication, waste and deficits. This original article uses the prism of agency theory to examine differences in approach at two levels of hospital management and the consequent problems in the incorporation of necessary changes. Agency theory posits an inherent conflict of interest in organizations, including health organizations: the managers (agents) always aim to maximize their profit or personal interest instead of that of the owner or organization (principal), potentially causing difficulty in managing the organization. The aim is to generate recommendations for policymakers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on 30 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with key figures in the health system and on two levels of hospital management: senior managers and heads of selected departments. The analysis used a categorical qualitative methodology.

Findings

The main findings are five key themes: views of business behavior, asymmetry of interests, asymmetry of information, transparency and cooperation between various levels of management and ambivalence toward business in hospitals. The two levels of management are clearly divided in terms of interests, information and activity, leading to difficulty in cooperation, efficiency and achievement of organizational goals.

Originality/value

Using agency theory, this study provides a systemic and organizational view of hospitals' management and environmental adaptation. Understanding the processes and increasing cooperation at various managerial levels can help make the system more efficient and ensure its survival in a dynamic market.
Modeling a maintenance management framework for asset management based on ISO 55000 series guidelines
Authors: da Silva Renan Favarão , de Souza Gilberto Francisco Martha
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Maintenance management is perceived as fundamental for ensuring that physical assets contribute to business outcomes. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to elaborate a novel maintenance management framework for asset management (MMFAM) based on ISO 55000 series guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an MMFAM that intends to translate the technical requirements set out in the ISO 550001 standard to the maintenance stage of asset management. First, the framework is modeled using consideration based on the analysis of the ISO 55000 series and the review of previous maintenance management frameworks. Then, support tools are presented that collaborate for the implementation of the processes and activities provided for in the MMFAM.

Findings

The proposed MMFAM was modeled using a Business Process Model and Notation since it is a standardized graphical notation for process modeling and contributes to the understanding of the framework. In addition, the applicable tools were presented for the practical implementation of MMFAM processes and activities.

Practical implications

The paper is expected to contribute to maintenance practitioners and researchers in understanding and disseminating a novel maintenance management framework that is in line with asset management through the international ISO 55000 series.

Originality/value

As it is essentially multidisciplinary and complex, asset management has still been little explored. Moreover, the requirements for implementing an asset management system, as explained in the ISO 55001 standard, only provide what needs to be done, but not how to do it. Accordingly, the paper fills a gap in maintenance management literature, as it addresses the ISO 55000 series for asset management in depth.
Models for maintenance planning and scheduling – a citation-based literature review and content analysis
Authors: Raza Syed Asif , Hameed Abdul
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The findings of this study have lightened the focal research areas in maintenance planning and scheduling. These also served as effective guidelines for future studies in this area. This research, therefore, contributes in fulfilling the gap by carrying out an SLR of contemporary research studies in the area of models for maintenance planning and scheduling. At present, SLR rooted in BA has not been carried focusing on a survey over models for maintenance planning and scheduling. SLR uses advanced scientific methodologies from BA tools to unveil thematic structures.

Design/methodology/approach

We have systematically reviewed over 1,021 peer-reviewed journal articles. Advanced contemporary tools from Bibliometric Analysis (BA) are used to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). First, exploratory analysis is presented, highlighting the influential authors, sources and region amongst other key indices. Second, the large bibliographical data is visualized using co-citation network analyses, and research clusters (themes) are identified. The co-citation network is extended into a dynamic co-citation network and unveils the evolution of the research clusters. Last, cluster-based content analysis and historiographical analysis is carried out to predict the prospect of future research studies.

Findings

BA tools first outlined an exploratory analysis that noted influential authors, production countries, top-cited papers and frequent keywords. Later, the bibliometric data of over 1,021 documents is visualized using co-citation network analyses. Later, a dynamic co-citation analysis identified the evolution of research clusters over time. A historiographical direct citation analysis also unveils potential research directions. We have clearly observed that there are two main streams of maintenance planning and scheduling applications. The first has focused on joint maintenance and operations on machines. The second focused on integrated production and maintenance models in an echelon setting for unrealizable production facilities.

Originality/value

There are many literature review-based research studies that have contributed to maintenance scheduling research surveys. However, most studies have adopted traditional approaches, which often fall short in handling large bibliometric data and therefore suffer from selection biases from the authors. As a result, in this area, the existing reviews could be non-comprehensive. This study bridges the research gap by conducting an SLR of maintenance models, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been carried out before this study.
Interaction value formation spaces: configurations of practice-theory elements in service ecosystems
Authors: Echeverri Per
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Contemporary service and marketing research on value co-creation and value co-destruction assume a one-dimensional view on value, ranging from positive value co-creation, alignment and high value to negative value co-destruction, misalignment and low value. This limitation has recently led researchers to conceptually develop more dynamic spatial-temporal models of how value is formed during the interaction, e.g. in terms of different relationships between practice elements (procedures, understandings and engagements) both within and between actors in “value formation spaces”. However, much of this research awaits validation and is in need of more details. This study aims to address this limitation with the purpose of detailing how and why the mechanisms in such spaces are formed.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different and interlinked typologies were analytically derived from previous research and applied on ethnographically-inspired multi-perspective empirical data from a service combining health care and transport service ecosystems, using a combination of interviews, observations and service design methodologies. The design in combination with a practice theory perspective was used to articulate crucial aspects related to understanding the dynamics of value co-formation for elaborative and illustrative purposes.

Findings

The study contributes to service theory by conceptualizing as follows: a typology consisting of nine different configurations of practice elements (within and between such elements) and eight possible directions that value formation can take, suggesting a theory that explains value co-creation, value co-destruction and mixed cases.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings have been developed in a specific empirical context, they articulate a conceptualization applicable to many other service and marketing value co-formation settings.

Practical implications

The typologies are conceptual tools to be used in identifying and measuring the alignment/misalignment of practice elements in complex organizations. The empirical findings uncover service problems faced by disabled customers.

Originality/value

The suggested typologies can guide research and practitioners in understanding and analysing value co-formation mechanisms in complex service settings.
Operation decision of logistics service supply chain: considering interruption probability in emergencies
Authors: Zhang Guangsheng , Wang Xiao , Meng Zhiqing , Zhang Qirui , Wu Kexin
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To remedy the inherent defect in current research that focuses only on a single type of participants, this paper endeavors to look into the situation as an evolutionary game between a representative Logistics Service Integrator (LSI) and a representative Functional Logistics Service Provider (FLSP) in an environment with sudden crisis and tries to analyze how LSI supervises FLSP's operations and how FLSP responds in a recurrent pattern with different interruption probabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Regarding the risks of supply chain interruption in emergencies, this paper develops a two-level model of single LSI and single FLSP, using Evolutionary Game theory to analyze their optimal decision-making, as well as their strategic behaviors on different risk levels regarding the interruption probability to achieve the optimal return with bounded rationality.

Findings

The results show that on a low-risk level, if LSI increases the degree of punishment, it will fail to enhance FLSP's operational activeness in the long term; when the risk rises to an intermediate level, a circular game occurs between LSI and FLSP; and on a high level of risk, FLSP will actively take actions, and its functional probability further impacts LSI's strategic choices. Finally, this paper analyzes the moderating impact of punishment intensity and social reputation loss on the evolutionary model in emergencies and provides relevant managerial implications.

Originality/value

First, by taking both interruption probability and emergencies into consideration, this paper explores the interactions among the factors relevant to LSI's and FLSP's optimal decision-making. Second, this paper analyzes the optimal evolutionary game strategies of LSI and FLSP with different interruption probability and the range of their optimal strategies. Third, the findings of this paper provide valuable implications for relevant practices, such that the punishment intensity and social reputation loss determine the optimal strategies of LSI and FLSP, and thus it is an effective vehicle for LSSC system administrator to achieve the maximum efficiency of the system.
Accounting comparability and cash flows versus accruals
Authors: Cheng Mengyao
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether accounting comparability between two firms, as measured by De Franco et al. (2011), reflects closeness in the amounts of cash flows and accruals between the firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 278,452 pair-year observations over the years 2003–2019, the author evaluates the research question using regression models.

Findings

Closeness in cash flows and closeness in accruals both increase accounting comparability and the effect of closeness in cash flows is greater. The effect of closeness in earnings is greater than the combined effects of closeness in cash flows and accruals. Earnings quality strengthens, while product closeness weakens, the effects of closeness in earnings and closeness in cash flows.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically test the link between the closeness in earnings components and accounting comparability. This study is also the first to examine cash flows versus accruals in the context of accounting comparability.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly reveals genomic architecture of northern range expansion in the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Keeling Christopher I. , Campbell Erin O. , Batista Philip D. , Shegelski Victor A. , Trevoy Stephen A. L. , Huber Dezene P. W. , Janes Jasmine K. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: October 2021

Genome sequencing methods and assembly tools have improved dramatically since the 2013 publication of draft genome assemblies for the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). We conducted proximity ligation library sequencing and scaffolding to improve contiguity, and then used linkage mapping and recent bioinformatic tools for correction and further improvement. The new assemblies have dramatically improved contiguity and gaps compared to the originals: N50 values increased 26‐ to 36‐fold, and the number of gaps were reduced by half. Ninety per cent of the content of the assemblies is now contained in 12 and 11 scaffolds for the female and male assemblies, respectively. Based on linkage mapping information, the 12 largest scaffolds in both assemblies represent all 11 autosomal chromosomes and the neo‐X chromosome. These assemblies now have nearly chromosome‐sized scaffolds and will be instrumental for studying genomic architecture, chromosome evolution, population genomics, functional genomics, and adaptation in this and other pest insects. We also identified regions in two chromosomes, including the ancestral‐X portion of the neo‐X chromosome, with elevated differentiation between northern and southern Canadian populations.
Late discolouration of root‐treated teeth and subsequent restorative retreatment: three case reports
Authors: Cardoso Paula de Carvalho , Chaves Gustavo Silva , Decurcio Daniel de Almeida , Decurcio Rafael de Almeida , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , de Magalhães Ana Paula Rodrigues
Published: October 2021

Root‐filled teeth that receive ceramic veneers may experience subsequent coronal discolouration, which will likely negatively affect the quality of life of patients and their relationship with the clinician. This manuscript describes three cases of this undesirable aesthetic consequence in anterior teeth of young patients and the subsequent restorative reintervention, with satisfactory results. In all three reports, the root canal filling was performed using cements containing bismuth oxide that likely disassociated into reduced metallic crystals when in contact with LED light. The discolouration observed after veneer cementation was most likely caused by the accumulation of these bismuth metallic crystals. These cases highlight the importance of preventing this undesirable complication, which may also result in the potential subsequent further sacrifice of sound coronal dental structure, and the role of recall in aesthetically demanding clinical cases.
Adult liver transplant anesthesiology practice patterns and resource utilization in the United States: Survey results from the society for the advancement of transplant anesthesia
Authors: Crouch Cara , Sakai Tetsuro , Aniskevich Stephen , Damian Daniela , De Marchi Lorenzo , Kaufman Michael , Kumar Sathish , Little Michael , McCluskey Stuart , Pivalizza Evan , Sellers Daniel , Sridhar Srikanth , Stoll William , Sullivan Cinnamon , Hendrickse Adrian
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Liver transplant anesthesiology is an evolving and expanding subspecialty, and programs have, in the past, exhibited significant variations of practice at transplant centers across the United States. In order to explore current practice patterns, the Quality & Standards Committee from the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA) undertook a survey of liver transplant anesthesiology program directors.

Methods

Program directors were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. A total of 110 program directors were identified from the 2018 Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database. Replies were received from 65 programs (response rate of 59%).

Results

Our results indicate an increase in transplant anesthesia fellowship training and advanced training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We also find that the use of intraoperative TEE and viscoelastic testing is more common. However, there has been a reduction in the use of veno‐venous bypass, routine placement of pulmonary artery catheters and the intraoperative use of anti‐fibrinolytics when compared to prior surveys.

Conclusion

The results show considerable heterogeneity in practice patterns across the country that continues to evolve. However, there appears to be a movement towards the adoption of specific structural and clinical practices.
Primary cutaneous epithelioid mesenchymal neoplasm with ACTB‐GLI1 fusion: a case report
Authors: Rollins Benjamin T. , Cassarino David S. , Lindberg Matthew
Published: October 2021

Mesenchymal tumors harboring GLI1 gene abnormalities are a rare but distinctive group of neoplasms whose clinicopathologic features are currently evolving. In particular, examples of this tumor with ACTB‐GLI1 gene fusion, tentatively termed ACTB‐GLI1 epithelioid mesenchymal neoplasm (EMN), show a distinctive monomorphic round‐to‐epithelioid morphology, nested to trabecular pattern of growth, and S100+/SOX10−/SMA– immunophenotype. We report the first case of this entity arising exclusively in the skin. A 69‐year‐old man with no prior history of neoplasia presented with a 1.5‐cm raised lesion on the left buttock. Histopathologic examination revealed a diffuse dermal proliferation of small, monomorphic, round‐to‐ovoid cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, focally enlarged nucleoli, and minimal eosinophilic to clear‐staining cytoplasm. These cells were arranged in confluent nests and trabeculae in a background of fibrocollagenous to focally myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong positivity for S100 and CD56, and negativity for SOX‐10, SMA, Melan‐A, HMB‐45, and a variety of other markers. Based on the morphology and immunophenotype, molecular studies were performed, which revealed the presence of an ACTB‐GLI1 fusion transcript, confirming the diagnosis. Given the morphologic overlap of this tumor with other cutaneous round cell neoplasms and its potential for malignant behavior, ACTB‐GLI1 EMN is an important entity for pathologists to recognize.
Efficacy of cenobamate for uncontrolled focal seizures: Post hoc analysis of a Phase 3, multicenter, open‐label study
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Aboumatar Sami , Bhatia Perminder , Biton Victor , Klein Pavel , Krauss Gregory L. , Vossler David G. , Wechsler Robert , Ferrari Louis , Grall Mindy , Rosenfeld William E.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To report long‐term post hoc efficacy and safety data from 10 US study sites from an open‐label Phase 3 study of adjunctive cenobamate (NCT02535091).

Methods

Patients with uncontrolled focal seizures taking stable doses of 1–3 antiseizure medications (ASMs) were administered increasing daily doses of cenobamate (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 mg/day) over 12 weeks at 2‐week intervals (target dose = 200 mg/day). Further increases to 400 mg/day by 50‐mg/day increments biweekly were allowed during the maintenance phase. Dose adjustments of cenobamate and concomitant ASMs were allowed. Data were assessed until the last clinic visit on or after September 1, 2019.

Results

Of 255 patients, 240 with focal aware motor, focal impaired awareness, or focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizure data while on treatment were evaluated (median [maximum] exposure = 30.2 [43.0] months across the entire study). Median baseline seizure frequency/28 days was 2.8 (mean = 18.1). Of the 240 patients, 177 (73.8%) were continuing cenobamate treatment at data cutoff. The ≥50% responder rate for the total treatment duration was 71.7% (172/240). During titration, the ≥50% responder rates were 48.1% during Weeks 1–4 (12.5–25 mg/day cenobamate) and 61.7% during Weeks 5–8 (50–100 mg/day cenobamate). Among all patients who received a dose of cenobamate in the maintenance phase (n = 214), 13.1% (28/214) and 40.2% (86/214) achieved 100% and ≥90% seizure reduction during their entire maintenance treatment duration (median = 29.5 months). Among all patients, 87 (36.3%) had any consecutive ≥12‐month duration of 100% seizure reduction. Common treatment‐emergent adverse events among all 240 patients included fatigue (34.6%), dizziness (32.1%), and somnolence (29.6%).

Significance

This post hoc analysis of a subset of patients from the long‐term open‐label study showed high rates of sustained 100% and ≥90% seizure reduction, with many achieving response early during titration. These findings suggest durable seizure frequency reduction with cenobamate in adults with uncontrolled focal seizures.
The impact of health information management professionals on patient safety: A systematic review
Authors: Kemp Trixie , Butler‐Henderson Kerryn , Allen Penny , Ayton Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Background

The importance of high‐quality health information for patient safety has been established in the literature, yet the impact of the professionals who are the custodians of health information is absent.

Objectives

This article presents the results of a systematic literature review examining the impact of the Health Information Management (HIM) profession on patient safety.

Methods

A PRISMA approach was adopted for the review of selected databases and specific journals. Titles identified as relating to HIM and patient quality were screened using Covidence ® by title and abstract, followed by full text. The quality of selected articles was assessed and thematically analysed.

Results

Analysis of the 8 included articles found that the key themes from the non‐empirical research were data quality, information governance, corporate governance, skills and knowledge required for HIM professionals.

Discussion

Most publications focussed on HIM professional involvement in maintaining standards for data quality and health records, but not the professional qualifications themselves.

Conclusions

There are links between patient safety and health records, and between health records and HIM professional work. More empirical research is needed to demonstrate how qualified HIM professionals contribute to patient safety.
Tissue‐specific transcriptional patterns underlie seasonal phenotypes in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Bresnahan Sean T. , Döke Mehmet A. , Giray Tugrul , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: October 2021

Faced with adverse conditions, such as winter in temperate regions or hot and dry conditions in tropical regions, many insect species enter a state of diapause, a period of dormancy associated with a reduction or arrest of physical activity, development and reproduction. Changes in common physiological pathways underlie diapause phenotypes in different insect species. However, most transcriptomic studies of diapause have not simultaneously evaluated and compared expression patterns in different tissues. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) represent a unique model system to study the mechanisms underpinning diapause‐related phenotypes. In winter, honey bees exhibit a classic diapause phenotype, with reduced metabolic activity, increased physiological nutritional resources and altered hormonal profiles. However, winter bees actively heat their colony by vibrating their wing muscles; thus, this tissue is not quiescent. Here, we evaluated the transcriptional profiles of flight muscle tissue and fat body tissue (involved in nutrient storage, metabolism and immune function) of winter bees. We also evaluated two behavioural phenotypes of summer bees: nurses, which exhibit high nutritional stores and low flight activity, and foragers, which exhibit low nutritional stores and high flight activity. We found winter bees and nurses have similar fat body transcriptional profiles, whereas winter bees and foragers have similar flight muscle transcriptional profiles. Additionally, differentially expressed genes were enriched in diapause‐related gene ontology terms. Thus, honey bees exhibit tissue‐specific transcriptional profiles associated with seasonal phenotypes, laying the groundwork for future studies evaluating the mechanisms, evolution and consequences of this tissue‐specific regulation.
Investigating the origins and evolution of a glyphosate‐resistant weed invasion in South America
Authors: Gaines Todd A. , Slavov Gancho T. , Hughes David , Küpper Anita , Sparks Crystal D. , Oliva Julian , Vila‐Aiub Martin M. , Garcia M. Alejandro , Merotto Aldo , Neve Paul
Published: October 2021

The global invasion, and subsequent spread and evolution of weeds provides unique opportunities to address fundamental questions in evolutionary and invasion ecology. Amaranthus palmeri is a widespread glyphosate‐resistant (GR) weed in the USA. Since 2015, GR populations of A. palmeri have been confirmed in South America, raising questions about introduction pathways and the importance of pre‐ vs. post‐invasion evolution of GR traits. We used RAD‐sequencing genotyping to characterize genetic structure of populations from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and the USA. We also quantified gene copy number of the glyphosate target, 5‐enolpyruvyl‐3‐shikimate phosphate synthase (EPSPS), and the presence of an extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) replicon known to confer glyphosate resistance in USA populations. Populations in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay were only weakly differentiated (pairwise FST ≤0.043) in comparison to USA populations (mean pairwise FST =0.161, range =0.068–0.258), suggesting a single major invasion event. However, elevated EPSPS copy number and the EPSPS replicon were identified in all populations from Brazil and Uruguay, but only in a single Argentinean population. These observations are consistent with independent in situ evolution of glyphosate resistance in Argentina, followed by some limited recent migration of the eccDNA‐based mechanism from Brazil to Argentina. Taken together, our results are consistent with an initial introduction of A. palmeri into South America sometime before the 1980s, and local evolution of GR in Argentina, followed by a secondary invasion of GR A. palmeri with the unique eccDNA‐based mechanism from the USA into Brazil and Uruguay during the 2010s.
The mRNA‐binding proteome of a critical phase transition during Arabidopsis seed germination
Authors: Sajeev Nikita , Baral Anirban , America Antoine H. P. , Willems Leo A. J. , Merret Rémy , Bentsink Leónie
Published: October 2021

Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination is marked by extensive translational control at two critical phase transitions. The first transition refers to the start of hydration, the hydration translational shift. The second shift, the germination translational shift (GTS) is the phase between testa rupture and radicle protrusion at which the seed makes the all or nothing decision to germinate.

The mechanism behind the translational regulation at these phase transitions is unknown. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are versatile players in the post‐transcriptional control of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and as such candidates for regulating translation during seed germination.

Here, we report the mRNA binding protein repertoire of seeds during the GTS. Thirty seed specific RBPs and 22 dynamic RBPs were identified during the GTS, like the putative RBP Vacuolar ATPase subunit A and RBP HSP101. Several stress granule markers were identified in this study, which suggests that seeds are prepared to quickly adapt the translation of specific mRNAs in response to changes in environmental conditions during the GTS.

Taken together this study provides a detailed insight into the world of RBPs during seed germination and their possible regulatory role during this developmentally regulated process.
In vitro antiviral activity of stabilized chlorine dioxide containing oral care products
Authors: Shewale Jaiprakash G. , Gelhaus H. Carl , Ratcliff James L. , Hernandez‐Kapila Yvonne L.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine the in vitro antiviral activity of oral care products containing stabilized chlorine dioxide toward infectious viruses that harbor in the oral cavity. Specfically, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), SARS‐CoV, human coronavirus (HCoV) 229E, influenza A (H3N2), rhinovirus type 14, adenovirus type 5, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 were examined.

Methods

Validated in vitro suspension virucidal assays were used. Test product was mixed with the test virus for 30, 60, or 120 s, neutralized with sodium thiosulfate, serially diluted in dilution medium in a 96‐well plate and incubated in a carbon dioxide incubator for 7 days. The 50% Tissue Culture Infectious Dose per milliliter was determined.

Results

Two rinses, one oral spray and one fluoride toothpaste showed log reduction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 ranging from 1.81 to 2.98 and of influenza A from 2.58 to 4.13, respectively, within 30 s of contact time; similar results were obtained at 60 s. Further, the Ultra Sensitive rinse showed 0.19, 0.75, 1.58, 1.75, 2.66, and 3.24 log reduction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, human coronavirus 229E, rhinovirus type 14, adenovirus type 5, and herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, respectively, within 30 s of contact time.

Conclusion

Stabilized chlorine dioxide containing ClōSYS® oral care products reduced the viral load of multiple viruses within 30 s. The results warrant further investigation for potential in vivo applications.
Effects of blood‐flow restricted resistance training on mechanical muscle function and thigh lean mass in sIBM patients
Authors: Jørgensen Anders N. , Jensen Kasper Y. , Nielsen Jakob L. , Frandsen Ulrik , Hvid Lars G. , Bjørnshauge Mette , Diederichsen Louise P. , Aagaard Per
Published: October 2021

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is an idiopathic inflammatory muscle disease associated with skeletal muscle inflammation and a parallel progressive decline in muscle strength and physical function. Eventually, most sIBM patients require use of wheelchair after about 10 years of diagnosis and assistance to perform activities of daily living. This study presents data from a randomized controlled intervention trial (NCT02317094) that examined the effect of 12 weeks low‐load blood‐flow restricted (BFR) resistance training on maximal muscle strength, power, rate of force development (RFD), thigh lean mass (TLM), and voluntary muscle activation (VA) in sIBM patients. A time‐by‐group interaction in knee extensor strength was observed in the stronger leg (p ≤ 0.033) but not the weaker leg. Within‐group changes were observed with BFR training (BFR) manifested by increased knee extensor strength in the strongest leg (+13.7%, p = 0.049), whereas non‐exercising patients (CON) showed reduced knee extensor strength (−7.7%, p = 0.018). Maximal leg extensor power obtained for the stronger leg remained unchanged following BFR training (+9.5%, p = 0.37) while decreasing in CON (−11.1%, p = 0.05). No changes in TLM were observed. VA declined post‐training (p = 0.037) in both BFR (−6.3% points) and CON (−7.5% points). The present data indicate that BFR resistance training can attenuate the rate of decline in mechanical muscle function typically experienced by sIBM patients. The preservation of muscle mass and mechanical muscle function with BFR resistance training may be considered of high clinical importance in sIBM patients to countermeasure the disease‐related decline in physical function.
Two‐fold increase in the HIV viral load suppression rate along with decreased incidence over six years in Ndhiwa sub‐county, Kenya
Authors: Conan Nolwenn , Badawi Mahmoud , Chihana Menard L. , Wanjala Stephen , Kingwara Leonard , Mambula Christopher , Ngugi Catherine , Okomo Gordon , Opollo Valarie , Salumu Leon , Nesbitt Robin , Szumilin Elisabeth , Huerga Helena
Published: October 2021

Background

HIV‐positive individuals who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to others. In 2012, an HIV population‐based survey was conducted in Ndhiwa sub‐county (Kenya) to provide information on the HIV local epidemic. We carried out a second survey 6 years after the first one, to assess progress in HIV diagnosis and care and differences in the HIV prevalence and incidence between the two surveys.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, population‐based survey using cluster sampling and geospatial random selection was implemented in 2018, using the same design as 2012. Consenting participants aged 15–59 years were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. HIV‐positive individuals received viral load testing (viral suppression defined as <1000 copies/ml) and Lag‐Avidity EIA assay (to measure recent infection). The 90–90–90 UNAIDS indicators were also assessed.

Results

Overall, 6029 individuals were included in 2018. HIV prevalence was 16.9%. Viral suppression among all HIV‐positive was 88.3% in 2018 (vs. 39.9% in 2012, p < 0.001). HIV incidence was 0.75% in 2018 vs. 1.90% in 2012 (p = 0.07). In 2018, the 90–90–90 indicators were 93%–97%–95% (vs. 60%–68%–83% in 2012).

Conclusion

A two‐fold increase in the HIV viral load suppression rate along with a decreasing trend in incidence was observed over 6 years in Ndhiwa sub‐county. Achieving high rates of viral suppression in HIV populations that can lead to reducing HIV transmission in sub‐Saharan contexts is feasible. Nevertheless, we will need further efforts to sustain this progress.
Hemolytic anemia blunts the cytokine response to transfusion of older red blood cells in mice and dogs
Authors: Callan Mary Beth , Thawley Vincent J. , Marryott Kimberly A. , Shabro Aidin , Fernando Sebastian , Kahn Stacie , Hudson Krystalyn E. , Hod Eldad A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) stored for longer durations induces hemolysis and inflammatory cytokine production in murine and canine models. Despite immune system activation by stored RBCs, human randomized trials suggest that fresher RBC transfusions do not improve clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that underlying recipient hemolysis may affect cytokine responses to older RBC transfusions.

Study design and methods

C57BL/6 mouse cohorts were infused with anti‐TER119 antibody to induce hemolysis, rabbit anti‐platelet antiserum to induce immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), or appropriate control antibodies. Two days later, mice were transfused with fresh or stored RBCs. Furthermore, in a prospective, randomized, blinded trial, 38 client‐owned dogs with primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and two dogs with ITP, requiring RBC transfusion, were enrolled and randomized to receive fresh (≤7 days) or old (≥21 days) stored RBC transfusions. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 levels were assessed at defined times after transfusion.

Results

Prior immune‐mediated hemolysis blunted the MCP‐1 response to stored RBC transfusion in mice (361 ± 111 pg/ml vs. 6836 ± 1528 pg/ml in mice with immune hemolysis vs. ITP, respectively; mean ± SD; p < .0001). Although hemolysis markers increased after transfusion of older RBCs, the cytokine response was also muted in dogs with AIHA. No differences in morbidity or mortality were evident comparing dogs randomized to fresh or old RBCs.

Conclusion

These data suggest that underlying hemolysis blunts inflammatory responses to old RBC transfusions. The canine data support randomized trial results suggesting a lack of clinical benefit with fresh RBC transfusions in subjects with underlying, baseline hemolysis.
Protective and Thermophysical Characteristics of Plasma-Electrolytic Coatings on the Ultralight Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Grigoriev S. N. , Kondratsky I. O. , Krit B. L. , Ludin V. B. , Medvetskova V. M. , Morozova N. V. , Suminov I. V. , Apelfeld A. V. , Wu R. Z.
Published: October 2021

Magnesium alloys are now widely used for various purposes due to their unique properties despite the significant disadvantage associated with low corrosion resistance. The plasma-electrolytic oxidation (PEO), which allows the formation of ceramic coatings on the surface of magnesium alloys, is the most advanced and effective method for their protection. But first, PEO process of magnesium alloys has some difficulties, and second, PEO coatings affect the thermophysical characteristics of the modified materials; in particular, they reduce thermal diffusivity. The presented work is devoted to the development of the technological parameters for formation of protective coating on the ultralight alloy Mg–8Li–1Al–0.6Ce–0.3Y by the PEO method. The results analyses of electrolytes acidity and specific electrical conductivity before and after PEO process and also investigation data of the coatings structure and surface morphology are presented. An integral assessment of the ability of thermal diffusivity and corrosion resistance of the modified alloy was made. Studying of protective and thermophysical characteristics of the obtained coating showed that it provides a sufficiently high corrosion protection, despite the relatively small thickness, and the presence of pores and slightly (not more than 5%) reduces the thermal diffusivity of the magnesium ultralight alloy.
A Review on the Use of Chemicals as Steam Additives for Thermal Oil Recovery Applications
Authors: Du Xuan , Xi Changfeng , Shi Lanxiang , Wang Bojun , Qi Zongyao , Liu Tong , Zhou You , Lee Jungin , Babadagli Tayfun , Li Huazhou
Published: October 2021

This study conducts a literature survey on the chemical steam additives tested in both lab and field settings from 1982 to present (2020). We summarize the major recovery mechanisms of both steam-based recovery process and steam-chemical-based recovery process. Next, we review the previous lab-scale/field-scale studies examining the applications of surfactants, alkali, and novel chemicals in the steam-based oil recovery process. Among the different surfactants studied, alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS) and linear toluene sulfonate (LTS) are the recommended chemicals for their foam control/detergency effect. In particular, AOS was observed to perform especially well in residual oil saturation (ROS) reduction and sweep efficiency improvement when being co-injected with alkali. Application of organic alkali (alone or with a co-surfactant) has also drawn wide attention recently, but its efficacy in the field requires further investigation and the consumption of alkali by sands/clay is often an inevitable issue and, therefore, how to control the alkali loss requires further investigation. Novel chemical additives tested in the past five years include fatty acids (such as tail oil acid, TOA-Na+), Biodiesel (o/w emulsion), along with other types of chemical additives including switchable hydrophilicity tertiary amines (SHTA), chelating agents, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), graphite and SiO2 particles, ionic liquids and urea. High thermal stability of some of the novel chemicals and their potential in increasing displacement efficiency and ROS reduction efficiency in the lab studies require further investigation for their optimized application in the field settings to minimize the use of steam while improving the recovery effectively. This review reveals that when being properly applied, chemical additives can improve oil recovery via steam foam control, detergency effect (IFT reduction and wettability control), and viscosity reduction. In certain cases, microemulsion generation could be observed (o/w or w/o) with the addition of chemical additives at steam condition (which leads to recovery improvement), but the microemulsion effect on the conformance control (separate from the foamy effect), is lacking detailed investigation.
Passive acoustic characterization of sub-seasonal sound speed variations in a coastal ocean
Authors: Tan Tsu Wei , Godin Oleg A.
Published: October 2021

Acoustic noise interferometry is applied to retrieve empirical Green's functions (EGFs) from the ambient and shipping noise data acquired in the Shallow Water 2006 experiment on the continental shelf off New Jersey. Despite strong internal wave-induced perturbations of the sound speed in water, EGFs are found on 31 acoustic paths by cross-correlating the noise recorded on a single hydrophone with noise on the hydrophones of a horizontal linear array about 3.6 km away. Datasets from two non-overlapping 15-day observation periods are considered. Dispersion curves of three low-order normal modes at frequencies below 110 Hz are extracted from the EGFs with the time-warping technique. The dispersion curves from the first dataset were previously employed to estimate the seabed properties. Here, using this seabed model, we invert the differences between the dispersion curves obtained from the two datasets for the variation of the time-averaged sound speed profile (SSP) in water between the two observation periods. Results of the passive SSP inversion of the second dataset are compared with the ground truth derived from in situ temperature measurements. The effect of temporal variability of the water column during noise-averaging time on EGF retrieval is discussed and quantified.
Estimating global biomass and biogeochemical cycling of marine fish with and without fishing
Authors: Bianchi Daniele , Carozza David A. , Galbraith Eric D. , Guiet Jérôme , DeVries Timothy
Published: October 2021

The global biomass of fish in the ocean leaves a significant imprint on ocean biogeochemistry and the biological pump.
GLUT4-overexpressing engineered muscle constructs as a therapeutic platform to normalize glycemia in diabetic mice
Authors: Beckerman Margarita , Harel Chava , Michael Inbal , Klip Amira , Bilan Philip J. , Gallagher Emily J. , LeRoith Derek , Lewis Eli C. , Karnieli Eddy , Levenberg Shulamit
Published: October 2021

GLUT4-overexpressing engineered muscle constructs improve mice diabetic state and show a potential as a therapeutic tool.