bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why are geographical indications unevenly distributed over Europe?
Authors: Joosse Sofie , Olders Pepijn , Boonstra Wiebren J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Through geographical indications, the European Union aims to stimulate economies, especially in lagging rural regions, and to help consumers recognise and locate quality products from specific regions. The highly uneven distribution of geographical indications, and with that the unequal benefits of this policy, have been identified and discussed in the scientific literature on food and rural development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a statistical analysis of the distribution of geographical indications, the paper tests the validity of several theoretical explanations that are offered in the literature for the uneven spatial distribution.

Findings

From this assessment, the paper concludes, amongst others, that common single-cause explanations for the uneven distribution of labels in Europe have weak explanatory value. Rather, the uneven distribution is based on a complex set of causes, with different effects at national and regional level. Moreover, the findings highlight that in contrast to its aim, the policy does not seem to benefit especially lagging rural regions.

Originality/value

The analysis of the uneven distribution of labels in Europe offered here suggests that a distinction should be drawn between the mechanisms resulting in regional food products versus the mechanisms resulting in regional food labels, such as geographical indications.
Predictors of subjective career success amongst women employees: moderating role of perceived organizational support and marital status
Authors: Agrawal Swati , Singh Sonali
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between subjective career success (SCS) and proactive career behavior as well as family support, with a focus on women professionals in India. The study also investigates the moderating role of perceived organizational support and marital status on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 363 women professionals working in the information technology-enabled services industry in India. The study is cross-sectional in design.

Findings

Findings from this study posit the positive moderating role of perceived organizational support on the relationship between proactive career behavior and SCS and on the relationship between family support and SCS. As a moderator, marital status has a positive impact on the relationship between proactive career behavior and SCS but has a negative impact on the relationship between family support and SCS.

Practical implications

The results from this study will help organizations understand the predictors of career success of women employees. Another practical implication is that this study establishes knowledge of perceived organizational support, a controllable organizational factor as a moderator in positively influencing the success of women’s careers. Leaders and managers can, therefore, use organizational factors to facilitate the success of women employees.

Originality/value

This study is perhaps the first to examine the relationship between antecedents of career success for women professionals in the context of India.
Large US bank takeovers in 2008: performance and implications
Authors: Song Guoxiang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Because systemically important banks' takeovers in the US were expected to contain the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) but were found to have imposed large cost on shareholders, this paper examines the effectiveness of these acquisitions during the GFC and investigates what went wrong with the market for corporate control of large banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a model of the disciplinary takeover based on the efficient market hypothesis which provides appropriate measures for it to examine the financial performance of acquiring banks after takeover.

Findings

The results indicate that the takeover market for large banks was ineffective in two aspects: the market did not distinguish strong banks from weak banks before the crisis and acquirers performed worse after takeover. Such ineffectiveness reflects the fundamental deficiencies of large bank takeovers arising from some key distinguishing characteristics of large banks.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of systemically important banks' takeovers is small so large-sample standard statistical inferences cannot be used.

Practical implications

The deficiencies of large bank takeovers need to be rectified in order to aid in resolving future crises.

Originality/value

This paper provides rare and detailed insight based on case studies of large US bank takeovers during the GFC.
Supply chain agility in third-party logistics providers: its relationship with institutional and cultural geographical traits in a developing country
Authors: Tukamuhabwa Benjamin R. , Mutebi Henry , Kwagala Rebecca
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between geographical traits consisting of institutional traits and cultural traits, and supply chain agility in third-party logistics providers.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed and assessed through a structured questionnaire survey using cross-sectional data from 170 third-party logistics providers registered in Uganda. To validate the suggested model, data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, correlations and regressions.

Findings

Correlation results revealed that all institutional and cultural geographical traits in the model, i.e. infrastructural frameworks, regulatory frameworks, organisational culture and national culture are positively and significantly associated with supply chain agility. However, a further analysis using regression revealed that regulatory framework and organisational culture are the only significant predictors of supply chain agility and together, all the four traits account for 28.1% variance in supply chain agility.

Research limitations/implications

This study applies the institutional theoretical framework to provide an empirical understanding of the role of institutional and cultural factors in supply chain management practice. Furthermore, it confirms and expands on the existing theories about supply chain agility.

Practical implications

The findings provide firm ground for managerial decisions regarding emphasis on external factors in building firms' supply chain agility. Managers should scan the macro-environment and make conscious firm decisions regarding institutions and culture in certain geographical locations. The host countries should also be aware of their role in building firms' supply chain agility.

Originality/value

Distinctive from the literature on antecedents of supply chain agility, which predominantly focuses on the firm and supply chain capabilities, this study utilises the paradigm of institutional fit to empirically show how managers in a developing country wishing to build supply chain agility should not only focus on their supply chains and internal operations, but go beyond and consider geographical traits when making firm location and/or operational decisions for certain geographical contexts in order to achieve fit.
Fraudulent loans and the United States paycheck protection program
Authors: Bailey Cristina , Brody Richard , Sokolowski Matias
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Despite lessons learned from prior disaster relief funding programs, billions of dollars in fraudulent loans were issued by the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. The misuse of funds prevented business owners and their employees who are in true financial need from accessing program funds. The purpose of this paper is to identify techniques perpetrators used to obtain funds from the program illegally since its inception in March 2020 and concludes with suggestions on internal controls to reduce fraud occurrences in future relief packages.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze 106 loan fraud cases reported by the US Department of Justice and compiled by the Project on Government Oversight to examine methods individuals used to illegally obtain funds from the program. The authors complement the data with lender characteristics from Call Reports and Business Insights. They further compare the fraud sample to the entire population of PPP loans, which is available on the US Small Business Administration website. The authors report descriptive statistics, correlations and multivariate regressions.

Findings

The authors find that most fraud cases falsify tax data to access program loans and inflate payroll numbers to obtain larger loan amounts. Applicants who sought large amounts applied using multiple companies and across multiple lenders, consistent with the use of multiple loans to avoid the scrutiny of a single large loan with a single lender. The authors find that cases with larger amounts relied on less regulated lenders, such as lending companies, rather than more regulated lenders.

Originality/value

The PPP is part of the largest ever US stimulus in which the private sector allocated funds. This study provides novel evidence of how fraudsters adapted to the program's rules to defraud the government.
Doing Business and capital flight: role of financial development
Authors: Mawutor John Kwaku Mensah , Gborse Freeman Christian , Sogah Ernest , Mensah Barbara Deladem
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of financial development on the Doing Business and capital flight contagion. And further, this study determines the threshold beyond which financial development reduces capital flight.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step system generalized methods of moment empirical model with linear interaction between Doing Business and financial development was estimated. This study used data on 26 countries over 12 years (2004–2015).

Findings

The main results indicated that, although Doing Business had a significant positive effect on capital flight, the interactive term had a significant adverse effect on capital flight. This outcome suggests that to reduce capital flight, a well-reformed and efficient business environment should be embedded with an efficient, stable and well-developed financial sector. In addition, the authors found only South Africa has a robust financial framework beyond the threshold of 0.383, whereas Congo, Rep., Rwanda, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Congo, Dem. Rep. had the weakest financial system and sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends that policymakers should initiate policies that would enhance financial development.

Originality/value

This study’s main contributions are that the authors estimated the threshold beyond which financial development helps the business environment reduce the rate of capital flight. Further, the authors have shown that financial development is a catalyst to propel the deterioration powers of the business environment against capital flight. Also, the authors have estimated the long-run effect of the variables of interest on capital flight.
Bank capital, liquidity and risk in Ghana
Authors: Carsamer Emmanuel , Abbam Anthony , Queku Yaw N.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Capital, risk and liquidity are the vitality of the banking industry, which can improve the efficiency of banking and promote the efficiency of resource allocation. The purpose of this study is to examine how Basel III new liquidity ratios affect bank capital and risk adjustments and how banks respond to the new liquidity rules.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted the system generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine how Basel III new liquidity ratios affect bank capital and risk adjustments and how banks respond to the new liquidity rules. Based on the call reports data from banks, GMM was used to test the hypotheses that new liquidity ratios affect bank capital and risk adjustments, as well as how banks respond to the regulation.

Findings

The results indicate banks targeted capital, risk and liquidity and simultaneously coordinate short-term adjustments in capital and risk. New liquidity measures enable banks to coordinate risk and liquidity decisions. Short-term adjustments in new liquidity rules inversely impact bank capital. Short-term adjustments in new liquidity rules inversely impact bank capital and capital adjustments adversely affect changes in the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR).

Research limitations/implications

The primary results revealed that Ghanaian banks simultaneously coordinate and target capital, risk exposure and liquidity level. Also, capital adjustments positively influence risk adjustments and vice versa while bidirectional negative coordination exists between bank capital and risk on one hand and liquidity on the other hand. Short-term adjustments in new liquidity rule inversely impact bank capital and capital adjustments adversely affect changes in the LCR. The findings partially confirm the theoretical predictions of Repullo (2005) regarding the negative links between capital, risk and liquidity but the authors have higher capital induces higher risk.

Practical implications

Banks should balance off their targeted risk and liquidity in order not to sacrifice capital accumulation for liquidity.

Originality/value

This research offers new contributions in the research of bank management of capital and liquidity toward banks during a financial crisis from a theoretical perspective and trust management from an applicative perspective.
Decoding VC exit returns: the Indian experience
Authors: Dominic James , Gopalaswamy Arun Kumar
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the effect of the investment duration, the overall market condition and the industry to which the investee firm belongs on exit returns realised by venture capital (VC) firms invested in Indian market, using hierarchical regression models.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines the relationship that exist among the variables of interest by analysing all the 210 exits that happened in the Indian VC market over the period 2004–2017 by using analytical tools such as moving averages, hierarchical regressions and pooled ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

Exit return has an approximate U-shaped relationship with investment duration, and the turning point in the convex relationship happens around seven to eight years after investment. Returns are weakly related to the market condition, discarding the market timing hypothesis. Relationship patterns are found to be generally unvarying during the time period under study.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate VC funds in the Indian market tend to exit in a brief time span and gain substantial returns from the immediate exits beyond, which returns start dipping. This points to the illiquidity of the Indian VC market wherein the exits from “lemons” are quite tricky, which make them remain invested for longer durations and eroding the value substantially in the process. VC funds may make rational investment/exit decisions in the Indian market capitalising this knowledge.

Originality/value

This study empirically connects the value creating factors in a VC process to the established theories about the early stage investments and analyse the applicability and relevance of those theories in a market with high growth potential like India.
Thiamidol® in moderate‐to‐severe melasma: 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled clinical study with subsequent regression phase
Authors: Roggenkamp Dennis , Sammain Adel , Fürstenau Manuela , Kausch Martina , Passeron Thierry , Kolbe Ludger
Published: October 2021

Thiamidol® was the most potent inhibitor of human tyrosinase out of 50 000 screened substances. In vivo, it was well tolerated and improved melasma significantly. This was the first 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, cosmetic clinical study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of thiamidol in moderate‐to‐severe melasma of phototype III–V subjects with subsequent regression phase. Females allocated to verum (n = 23), applied daily Dual Serum followed either by Day Care SPF30 in the morning or by Night Care in the evening, all containing Thiamidol. The vehicle group (25 females) followed the same skin care routine using the corresponding vehicle formulations. Subjects came back for a follow‐up visit 13–20 weeks after treatment (regression phase). Assessments included clinical photography, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), skin lightness, quality of life, and tolerability. Baseline demographics and hyperpigmentation were well balanced across the treatment groups. Clinical photography and MASI improved with Thiamidol significantly versus baseline (p < 0.001) and vehicle (p < 0.001–0.043) at all time points up to treatment end. At follow‐up, the MASI was still significantly lower than at baseline but similar for verum and vehicle. Skin lightness and quality of life improved significantly versus baseline without significant differences between verum and vehicle. This study demonstrated that Thiamidol is well tolerated and superior in improving melasma compared to baseline and vehicle over a treatment period of 24 weeks.
Nutrient enrichment increases invertebrate herbivory and pathogen damage in grasslands
Authors: Ebeling Anne , Strauss Alex T. , Adler Peter B. , Arnillas Carlos A. , Barrio Isabel C. , Biederman Lori A. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bugalho Miguel N. , Caldeira Maria C. , Cadotte Marc W. , Daleo Pedro , Eisenhauer Nico , Eskelinen Anu , Fay Philip A. , Firn Jennifer , Graff Pamela , Hagenah Nicole , Haider Sylvia , Komatsu Kimberly J. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Mitchell Charles E. , Moore Joslin L. , Pascual Jesus , Peri Pablo L. , Power Sally A. , Prober Suzanne M. , Risch Anita C. , Roscher Christiane , Sankaran Mahesh , Seabloom Eric W. , Schielzeth Holger , Schütz Martin , Speziale Karina L. , Tedder Michelle , Virtanen Risto , Blumenthal Dana M.
Published: October 2021

Plant damage by invertebrate herbivores and pathogens influences the dynamics of grassland ecosystems, but anthropogenic changes in nitrogen and phosphorus availability can modify these relationships.

Using a globally distributed experiment, we describe leaf damage on 153 plant taxa from 27 grasslands worldwide, under ambient conditions and with experimentally elevated nitrogen and phosphorus.

Invertebrate damage significantly increased with nitrogen addition, especially in grasses and non‐leguminous forbs. Pathogen damage increased with nitrogen in grasses and legumes but not forbs. Effects of phosphorus were generally weaker. Damage was higher in grasslands with more precipitation, but climatic conditions did not change effects of nutrients on leaf damage. On average, invertebrate damage was relatively higher on legumes and pathogen damage was relatively higher on grasses. Community‐weighted mean damage reflected these functional group patterns, with no effects of N on community‐weighted pathogen damage (due to opposing responses of grasses and forbs) but stronger effects of N on community‐weighted invertebrate damage (due to consistent responses of grasses and forbs).

Synthesis. As human‐induced inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus continue to increase, understanding their impacts on invertebrate and pathogen damage becomes increasingly important. Our results demonstrate that eutrophication frequently increases plant damage and that damage increases with precipitation across a wide array of grasslands. Invertebrate and pathogen damage in grasslands is likely to increase in the future, with potential consequences for plant, invertebrate and pathogen communities, as well as the transfer of energy and nutrients across trophic levels.
Accounting for waste management: a study of the reporting practices of the top listed Indian companies
Authors: Adler Ralph , Mansi Mansi , Pandey Rakesh
Published: October 2021

This study examines the extent to which India’s leading 30 companies disclose information about the solid and liquid wastes they produce. Guided by a 35‐item waste disclosure index, companies' 2012–2018 annual reports, sustainability reports and business responsibility reports were content analysed. Although a significant increase in reporting occurred, especially following the Indian government’s national waste management campaign in 2014, this increase proceeds from a very low starting point. Over 85 percent of the companies provide limited disclosures. The study’s waste disclosure index should prove valuable to researchers and policymakers wishing to measure firms' waste disclosures at and across points in time.
Parental socioeconomic status and asthma in children: Using a population‐based cohort and family design
Authors: Caffrey Osvald Emma , Gong Tong , Lundholm Cecilia , Larsson Henrik , BK Brew , Almqvist Catarina
Published: October 2021

Background

The observed association between the parental socioeconomic status (SES, measured as education/income) and asthma or wheezing in offspring may be explained by confounding of unmeasured factors (shared genes and family environment). We aimed to study the association between parental SES and asthma/wheeze using cousin comparison.

Method

Data were collected on individuals born in Sweden 2001–2013. Parental SES (education and income) was gathered from Statistics Sweden. Asthma/wheeze was identified using national health registers. The association between parental SES at birth and incident asthma/wheeze was estimated using Cox regression also comparing differently exposed cousins. The association between parental SES at 5 years and current asthma was estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Included were 955,371 individuals. Mothers with compulsory school only (lowest education group) compared with those with further education (highest education group) was associated with incident asthma/wheeze below 1 year of age HRadj = 1.45 (1.38–1.52) and over 1 year of age HRadj = 1.17 (1.13–1.20). The corresponding estimates for the lowest income group were HRadj = 1.61 (1.54–1.69) and HRadj = 0.94 (0.92–0.97), respectively. In maternal cousin comparisons, the associations for asthma/wheeze over 1 year of age was HRadj = 1.21 (1.05–1.40) for compulsory school only and HRadj = 0.94 (0.84–1.07) for the lowest income group. The ORadj for current asthma at 5 years was 1.05 (1.00–1.11) for mother's compulsory school only and 0.98 (0.94–1.02) for mother's lowest income group. Results for estimates were similar for father's SES.

Conclusion

We confirm an association between low parental SES (measured as education) and asthma/wheeze. Cousin comparison suggests that this association is not wholly due to confounding of unknown familial factors, therefore supporting a causal relationship. The relationship between parental income and asthma/wheeze is less clear. This study is important for understanding risk factors for asthma/wheeze and for future prevention strategies. Further research is warranted to investigate the possible mechanisms for association between parental education and asthma/wheeze.
Use of an autoinflation device does not lead to a clinically meaningful change in hearing thresholds in children with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Cooper Hannah E. , Grifa Ilaria , Bryant Catriona
Published: October 2021

Design

The objective of this study was to establish whether autoinflation was an effective intervention in a paediatric audiology service. This was a pragmatic retrospective study with historical controls using a paired availability design.

Setting

The study took place at a single paediatric audiology service in England.

Participants

All children seen in the clinic over a two‐year period who were aged between 3 and 11 years and who had a type B tympanogram in at least one ear were included. The Otovent autoinflation device was available as a treatment option over the second year (Cohort B) but not the first (Cohort A). There were 976 children included in the study: Cohort A comprised 513 children, Cohort B comprised 463 children.

Main outcome measures

The aims were to evaluate whether there was improvement in hearing thresholds following introduction of an autoinflation device, and whether there was a reduction in further audiology follow‐ups, and in referrals to an ear, nose and throat specialist for consideration of ventilation tube insertion.

Results and conclusions

There was a statistically significant improvement in hearing thresholds in Cohort B compared to Cohort A, however the improvements were clinically minimal with small effect sizes. There was no significant difference in improvement of tympanometry results between the two cohorts. Significantly more children in Cohort B (autoinflation group) were referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist after their second appointment compared to Cohort A.

It was feasible to introduce autoinflation into the care pathway, however there was no evidence of clinically meaningful improved outcomes for patients.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of interventions to preserve insulin‐secreting β‐cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: Results from intervention studies aimed at improving glucose control
Authors: Narendran Parth , Tomlinson Claire , Beese Sophie , Sharma Pawana , Harris Isobel , Adriano Ada , Maggs Fiona , Burrows Martin , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Thomas Neil , Price Malcolm J. , Andrews Robert C. , Moore David J.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Type 1 diabetes is characterised by the destruction of pancreatic β‐cells. Significant levels of β‐cells remain at diagnosis. Preserving these cells improves glucose control and protects from long‐term complications. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analyses of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to preserve β‐cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This paper reports the results of interventions for improving glucose control to assess whether they preserve β‐cell function.

Methods

Searches for RCTs in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. Eligible studies included newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes, any intervention to improve glucose control and at least 1 month of follow‐up. Data were extracted using a pre‐defined data‐extraction sheet with 10% of extractions checked by a second reviewer.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies with 1662 participants were grouped by intervention into six subgroups (alternative insulins, subcutaneous and intravenous insulin delivery, intensive therapy, glucose sensing, adjuncts). Only three studies demonstrated an improvement in glucose control as well as β‐cell function. These interventions included intensive insulin therapy and use of an alternative insulin.

Conclusions

This is the largest comprehensive review of RCTs in this area. It demonstrates a lack of robust evidence that interventions to improve glucose control preserve β‐cell function in new onset type 1 diabetes, although analysis was hampered by low‐quality evidence and inconsistent reporting of studies. Development of guidelines to support the design of trials in this field is a priority.
The evaluation of efficacy of atmospheric pressure plasma in diabetic ulcers healing: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Samsavar Shirin , Mahmoudi HamidReza , Shakouri Reza , Khani Mohammad Reza , Molavi Behnam , Moosavi Jamal , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Etesami Ifa , Shokri Babak
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a novel therapy for diabetic foot ulcers. This was an investigator‐blinded, randomized controlled trial of 14 weeks (6 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks of follow‐up). Twenty patients with diabetic foot ulcers were divided into two groups: the control group receiving standard wound care and the plasma group, which received CAP twice a week for six consecutive weeks in addition to standard wound care. The ulcer size, amount of exudate, and wound grading were determined weekly. Cold plasma was produced by applying a high voltage (4.5 kV) and a high frequency (22 kHz) to helium gas. Exudate from wounds treated with CAP showed a significant reduction in the third week after complete treatment (p = 0.039). The wound grading of the ulcers improved by the sixth week (p = 0.019), and the sizes of ulcers significantly decreased in the plasma group at the end of the treatment period (p = 0.007). In this randomized clinical trial, CAP was an effective treatment option for diabetic foot ulcers in terms of wound surface reduction and antibacterial effects.
A more just union: Euro‐dividend or reinsurance?
Authors: Sangiovanni Andrea
Published: October 2021

What principles of social justice apply to the European Union? This paper has three parts that together challenge Philippe Van Parijs's most recent proposals for how to think about justice in Europe. For Van Parijs, the EU represents an opportunity to begin globalizing a universal basic income that should, in time, be extended to the whole planet. In the first part of this paper, I recapitulate Van Parijs's main line of argument. In the second, I query the philosophical grounds for Van Parijs's argument that the EU must become a fully‐fledged federal transfer union—a union, that is, that aims to attain an egalitarian distribution across all European citizens taken as individuals (rather than as members of nation‐states). In the third, I challenge whether a European Basic Income—the euro‐dividend—would work, as a policy, in quite the way envisaged by Van Parijs. I then conclude with some implications for how to think about justice for the EU.
Use of real‐world evidence in translational pharmacology research
Authors: Charvériat Mathieu , Darmoni Stephan J. , Lafon Vincent , Moore Nicholas , Bordet Régis , Veys Julien , Mouthon Franck ,   SFPT Translational Research in Pharmacology group
Published: October 2021

Real‐world evidence (RWE) refers to observational data gathered outside the formalism of randomized controlled trials, in real life situations, on marketed drugs. While clinical trials are the gold standards to demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of a medicinal product, the generalizability of their results to actual use in real‐life is limited by the biases induced by the very nature of clinical trials; indeed, the patients included in the trials may differ from actual users because of their concomitant diseases or treatments, or other factors excluding them from the trials. Clinical researchers and pharmaceutical industries have hence become increasingly interested in expanding and integrating RWE into clinical research, by capitalizing on the exponential growth in access to data from electronic health records, claims databases, electronic devices, software or mobile applications, registries embedded in clinical practice and social media. Meanwhile, applications of RWE may also be used for drug discovery and repurposing, for clinical developments and post‐marketing studies. The aim of this review is to provide our opinion regarding the use of RWE in translational research, including non‐clinical and clinical pharmacology research, at the different step of drugs development use.
Development of spark plasma sintered conductive SiC–TiB2 composites for electrical discharge machining applications
Authors: Chodisetti Surya Prakasarao , Malik V. K. , Kumar B. Venkata Manoj
Published: October 2021

Highly dense electrically conductive silicon carbide (SiC)–(0, 10, 20, and 30 vol%) titanium boride (TiB2) composites with 10 vol% of Y2O3–AlN additives were fabricated at a relatively low temperature of 1800°C by spark plasma sintering in nitrogen atmosphere. Phase analysis of sintered composites reveals suppressed β→α phase transformation due to low sintering temperature, nitride additives, and nitrogen sintering atmosphere. With increase in TiB2 content, hardness increased from 20.6 to 23.7 GPa and fracture toughness increased from 3.6 to 5.5 MPa m1/2. The electrical conductivity increased to a remarkable 2.72 × 103 (Ω cm)–1 for SiC–30 vol% TiB2 composites due to large amount of conductive reinforcement, additive composition, and sintering in nitrogen atmosphere. The successful electrical discharge machining illustrates potential of the sintered SiC–TiB2 composites toward extending the application regime of conventional SiC‐based ceramics.
Implications of COVID‐19 Regulations for People With Visual and Intellectual Disabilities: Lessons to Learn From Visiting Restrictions
Authors: Honingh Aline K. , Koelewijn Angelique , Veneberg Bert , ter Horst Francis , Sterkenburg Paula S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, governments of many countries announced regulations to prevent the virus from spreading. For people with a disability living in a sheltered care facility in the Netherlands, this meant that they were not able to receive any visitors for almost 3 months.

Aim

This study examines how people with an intellectual and visual disability and their families experienced the period in which it was mandated not to have any physical contact. The aim is to examine the experiences of this target group and gain insight in the way measures were taken in order to be able to advise care organizations about adequate care with respect to possible restrictive measures in the future.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with two groups of people: (1) fourteen people with an intellectual and visual disability, living in sheltered care facilities and (2) twelve people being relatives of residents of these same sheltered care facilities. In the interviews, the participants were questioned about their experiences with respect to the adjusted visiting regulations and with respect to the relation with their family during this period. A thematic analysis was performed first separately and then combined.

Results and Discussion

A number of themes resulted from the analysis that were related to (1) the instructed regulations of the sheltered care facilities and the government; (2) the relation with family and friends; and (3) the consequences of COVID‐19 and the regulations. Both relatives and residents were understanding of the difficult situation, but also expressed criticism about the chosen regulations, the communication thereof, and the practical implementation. Both groups have experienced the interruption of close contact as emotional and difficult. However, also positive consequences of the restrictions due to COVID‐19 were mentioned. The results provide a list of recommendations for sheltered care facilities.
Evidence for mixotrophy in pico‐chlorophytes from a new Picochlorum (Trebouxiophyceae) strain
Authors: Pang Mengwen , Liu Kailin , Liu Hongbin
Published: October 2021

Mixotrophs are increasingly recognized for their wide distribution in aquatic ecosystems and significant contributions to biogeochemical cycling. Many taxa within the phyla Chrysophyta, Cryptophyta, and Haptophyta are capable of phago‐mixotrophy, however, phagotrophy in the Chlorophyta remains controversial due to insufficient research and solid evidence. In this study, we identified a new strain, Picochlorum sp. GLMF1 (Trebouxiophyceae), using 18S rRNA gene analysis and morphological observations. It displayed multi‐cell division through autosporulation (two‐ or four‐cell daughters) and has two unequal flagella that have never been reported in the genus Picochlorum. By using multiple methods, including 3D bioimaging analysis, acidic food vacuole‐like compartment staining, and prey reduction calculation, we discovered and confirmed bacterivory in Picochlorum, which provided strong evidence for phago‐mixotrophy in this green alga. In addition, we found that Picochlorum sp. GLMF1 cannot grow under complete darkness or prey‐depleted conditions, suggesting that both light and bacteria are indispensable for this strain, and its mixotrophic nutrition mode is obligate. Like other phago‐phototrophs, Picochlorum sp. GLMF1 is capable of regulating their growth and ingestion rates according to light intensity and inorganic nutrient concentration. The confirmation of mixotrophy in this Picochlorum strain advances our understanding of the trophic roles of green algae, as well as the photosynthetic picoeukaryotes, in marine microbial food webs.
A German online survey of people who have experienced sleep paralysis
Authors: Mayer Gerhard , Fuhrmann Max
Published: October 2021

We present some key findings from an online survey on isolated sleep paralysis. The aim of our study was to get a differentiated picture of the correlation between the frequency of sleep paralysis and several phenomena (symptoms, experiences) as well as factors correlated with these phenomena. We also investigated the role of gender in relation to the experience of sleep paralysis. We used a selected sample of subjects who had had at least one sleep paralysis experience, with a total of 380 subjects. On average, the participants experienced 10–20 sleep paralysis episodes. We found high and expected positive correlations between the frequency of sleep paralysis experiences and the amount of phenomena, emotions, and perceived shapes and forms experienced during sleep paralysis. An increased frequency of sleep paralysis also appears to lead to habituation and de‐dramatization in some affected individuals. Interestingly, significant correlations are missing where one would have suspected them based on the previous hypotheses. Neither self‐perceived general stress nor poor sleep hygiene appeared to influence the frequency of sleep paralysis. We found highly significant gender differences in some items. Women reported more experienced phenomena and emotions overall, had more frequent sleep paralysis experiences of theintruderandincubustype, and were significantly more likely to perceive concrete forms such as human figures or people they know. They were also more likely than men to report experiencing fearful emotions, especially the fear of going crazy. Most of these findings were based on exploratory questions; they require replication for validation.
Dynamic Effects of the Third Generation Bisphosphonate of Risedronate on Rat Osteoporotic Fractures for Clinical Usage Guidance
Authors: Ke Cheng‐hui , Li Hong‐yun , Yang Dan , Ying Hao , Xu Jun , Wang Jian , Zhu Hong‐wen , Wang Lin
Published: October 2021

Objective

To better understand the risks of bisphosphonates in order to develop guidance for appropriate clinical usage, to compared femoral fracture healing at different time points and to explore the effects of Residronate on fracture healing.

Methods

Osteoporosis model was achieved by ovariectomy surgery, followed by surgical incision of left femoral shaft 4 weeks after ovariectomy surgery. Three days after fracture surgery, risedronateor saline was fed by intragastric administration. X ray examination was used to check the callus formation, Bone Mineral Density (BMD), Bone Mineral Content (BMC), biomechanical, imaging and micromorphological of bone tissue as well as the trabecular bone parameters were all examined. The femoral pathology tissue of each rat was used to analyze trabecular bone parameters, including trabecular bone volume/tissue volume (Tb. BV/TV), bone surface to tissue volume ratio (BS/TV), trabecular bone mineral density (Tb. BMD), trabecular bone number (Tb. N), trabecular bone thickness (Tb. Th) and small bone Trabecular bone space (Tb. Sp).

Results

Via X‐ray and pathologically, risedronate treatment promoted the callus forming at the fracture site during the following 6 weeks after osteoporotic fracture by X‐ray (P < 0.01), increased the local bone mineral density (P < 0.01), and accelerated the fracture healing during the first 3 weeks (P <0.01), but delayed facture healing in the later 3 weeks (P < 0.01). Risedronate increased the bone continuity of fracture at 7th week, but this phenomenon was not found at the 10th week (P < 0.01). Delayed fracture healing occurred locally at the fracture site. At 7th week, Risedronate may promote cartilage cells proliferating at fracture site, increase the dense of bone trabeculae and the connection of bone trabeculae, thicken the bone cortex showing better fracture healing than OPF‐Saline groups (P < 0.01). However, these parameter did not continue during the 7th and 10th weeks. Comparing the first and the later 3 weeks, the rats in group Osteoporotic Fracture‐Risedronate (OPF‐RD) accelerated the local fracture healing in the first 3 weeks but not in the last 3 weeks, which is consistent for the BMD and BMC among each group (P < 0.05). Through evaluation of bone mineral density and bone mineral content, risedronate dramatically increased the BMD at the fracture site and resulted in reduction of BMC by risedronate at the fracture site (P < 0.05) among each group still exist, indicating dramatic (P < 0.05). Through load testing, Risedronate increased the structural strength and mechanical indexes of the new callus (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Risedronate can improve the structural strength and mechanical index of newborn callus. Longer than 7 weeks usage of third generation bisphosphonate of risedronate does not contribute to osteoporotic fracture.
Prevalence of gastric hypomotility after additional cryoballoon ablation of the left atrial roof
Authors: Shigeta Takatoshi , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Oda Atsuhito , Tachibana Shinichi , Hirao Tatsuhiko , Nakamura Rena , Yoshida Hiroshi , Okishige Kaoru , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Gastric hypomotility (GH) is a major complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed to clarify whether additional cryoballoon ablation (CBA) of the left atrial (LA) roof is associated with GH.

Methods and Results

This study included 54 patients with non‐paroxysmal AF who underwent CBA for pulmonary vein isolation and of the LA roof line. GH was defined according to the results of esophagogastroscopy performed 2 days after ablation. GH was observed in 10 patients. There were significant differences in LA diameter (LAD), right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) diameter, and the height of the LA roof from the point where the LA posterior wall and esophagus make contact between patients with (GH+) and without GH (GH–) (LAD: 41.0 [36.3–41.8] mm vs. 46.5 [42.8–50.0] mm, p < .01; RIPV diameter: 19.7 [19.0–20.5] mm vs. 23.2 [21.2–24.9] mm, p < .01; height of LA roof: 5.7 [5.1–6.1] mm vs. 8.8 [7.1–11.2] mm for, p < .01, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that LA roof height was a predictor of GH. Moreover, Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders‐Symptom Severity Index (PAGI‐SYM) scores increased significantly 1 week after ablation (from 1.0 [0.0–2.8] to 5.0 [3.0–11.0], p = .03) in patients with GH.

Conclusion

The height of the LA roof may be a predictor of GH after CBA of the LA roof line. Additionally, GH‐related symptoms may still appear 1 week after ablation.
The m6A reader MhYTP2 regulates MdMLO19 mRNA stability and antioxidant genes translation efficiency conferring powdery mildew resistance in apple
Authors: Guo Tianli , Liu Changhai , Meng Fanxin , Hu Liu , Fu Xiaomin , Yang Zehua , Wang Na , Jiang Qi , Zhang Xiuzhi , Ma Fengwang
Published: October 2021

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) reader protein plays an important role in trichome morphology, developmental timing and morphogenesis in Arabidopsis. However, the function of m6A readers in plant‐microbe interaction remains unclear. Here, a Malus YTH‐domain family protein MhYTP2 was initially characterized as an m6A reader. MhYTP2 overexpression increased mRNA m6A modification level and translation efficiency. The m6A in the exon regions appeared to destabilize the mRNAs, whereas m6A in the untranslated regions positively correlated with the associated mRNA abundance. MhYTP2 overexpression enhanced apple powdery mildew resistance, possibly by rapidly degrading the bound mRNAs of MdMLO19 and MdMLO19‐X1 and improving the translation efficiency of the antioxidant genes. To conclude, the results shed light on the apple m6A profile, the effect of MhYTP2 on m6A profile, and the m6A roles in MdMLO19 and MdMLO19‐X1 mRNAs stability and glutamate dehydrogenase 1‐like MdGDH1L mRNA translation efficiency.
Cover Image
Authors: Nolan Rachael H. , Collins Luke , Leigh Andy , Ooi Mark K.J. , Curran Timothy J. , Fairman Thomas A. , Resco de Dios Víctor , Bradstock Ross
Published: October 2021

The cover image is based on the Invited Review Limits to post‐fire vegetation recovery under climate change by Rachael H. Nolan et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14176.

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Detection and Quantification of UV‐irradiation‐induced DNA Damages by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Immunoassay†
Authors: Lai Weiyi , Wang Hailin
Published: October 2021

Solar ultraviolet (UV)‐induced DNA lesions are associated with skin carcinogenesis. The detection of these DNA lesions is important to understand their genotoxicity and health effects. However, sunlight exposure‐relevant DNA damage measurement is still a challenge. Here, we summarize our recent progresses on the related analytical techniques, including synthesis of dimeric lesions, the optimization of procedures for ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–coupled mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS), and the maturation of anti‐T(6‐4)T photoproduct antibodies and their potential applications for immunoassay.
The value of human values: The importance of government performance towards security
Authors: Patrício Lurdes , Figueiredo Natália , Gouveia Rodrigues Ricardo , Silva Rui
Published: October 2021

This study investigates whether there is an influence of welfare values on the importance of Government being Strong and Ensuring Security (GSES). Based on secondary data obtained from the European Social Survey database, gathered in 2016 (N = 44.387), eighth round, to measure the 10 values from Schwartz's study in 1992, value theory, containing responses from 23 countries. A linear model regression was used to obtain a parsimonious model that could explain the dependent variable GSES by independent variables benevolence, universalism and self‐direction, power and achievement, conformity, tradition and security and hedonism and stimulation. All dimensions were statistically significant to explain the dependent variable. This study contributes to a reconfiguration of values circumplex developed by Schwartz's study in 1992, adding a new layer that reflects each factor's importance weight, centred on explaining the importance of GSES.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*42:01:05 allele by two next‐generation sequencing methods
Authors: Calvo De Olmos Orane , Bonneville Francoise , Blanchet Gaelle , Walencik Alexandre
Published: October 2021

The novel HLA‐B*42:01:05 allele was characterized using two next generation sequencing technologies.