bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The match and mismatch between providers and customers in accommodation sharing: a cognitive style perspective
Authors: Chen Aihui , Yu Ying , Lu Yaobin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation-sharing market has developed rapidly on the strength of information technology in recent years. Matching providers and customers in an information technology (IT)-enabled platform is a key determinant of both parties' experiences and the healthy development of the platform. However, previous research has not sufficiently explained the mechanism of provider–customer matching in accommodation sharing, especially at the psychological level. Based on field cognitive style theory, this study examines how the match and mismatch affect customers' online and offline satisfaction and whether a significant difference exists between online and offline satisfaction under different matching patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test the proposed theoretical model using 122 provider–customer dyad data collected through a field study.

Findings

The results suggest that customers' online and offline satisfaction under match is significantly higher than that under mismatch. In addition, customers' online satisfaction is significantly higher than their offline satisfaction under mismatch, but there is no significant difference between the two under match. The perceived price fairness also plays a moderating role in the case of mismatch.

Originality/value

In summary, these findings provide a novel understanding about the matching patterns and their outcomes in the accommodation-sharing context and expand the contents and applications of field cognitive style theory and matching theory. This study will help these IT-enabled platforms to provide personalized matching services at the psychological level, thereby enhancing user experience and corporate competitiveness. 10; 10;
The role of trust in innovation ecosystems
Authors: Steinbruch Fernanda Kalil , Nascimento Leandro da Silva , de Menezes Daniela Callegaro
Published: April 2021

Purpose

There are indications that trust is essential in innovation ecosystems relations. However, studies have not yet focused on deeply exploring such connection. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the influence of trust among actors in the context of innovation ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a conceptual framework and a set of propositions. We raised a discussion based on the intertwining of three widely known dimensions of trust (ability, benevolence and integrity) and four dimensions of innovation ecosystems (network collaboration, interdependency, value co-creation and innovation objectives).

Findings

This paper suggests that trust contributes to the development of innovation ecosystems’ dimensions. In addition, it sheds light on the need to consider all three dimensions of trust together and simultaneously, because, by itself, none of them is sufficient to build trust in innovation ecosystems. Also, we argue that the different connections between the dimensions of trust and those of innovation ecosystems lead to the development of such ecosystems.

Originality/value

Through the approach of an underexplored area of research, this paper contributes to a broad understanding of the role of trust in innovation ecosystems toward the pursuit of creating innovation. It also proposes a novelty to the field, by suggesting four dimensions of innovation ecosystems to help managers analyze ecosystems through a more practical perspective.
The missing middle phenomenon in Indian manufacturing sector: myths or realities?
Authors: Parida P. C. , Mitra Arup , Pradhan Kailash Ch.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study attempts to examine the missing middle (MM) phenomena in the context of the Indian manufacturing sector using the unit level information from the database of Ministry of Corporate Affair, Government of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike the previous studies, the present study first bifurcated the missing enterprises into two categories such as “permanently” dropped and “reappeared,” in order to pursue a meaningful analysis and derive conclusions with policy insights. Various financial indicators were used to explain the causes of MM phenomena during 2009–2010 and 2016–2017, in a logistic framework.

Findings

The study found that profit margin ratio is higher for the group of medium sized enterprises which continued in comparison to the units which dropped out permanently. Similar is the case with the ratio of investment turnover. The econometric results, however suggest that the relationship between the chances of a firm being dropped out and financial indicators is weak as the coefficients of various financial indicators are found to be statistically significant only for a few years.

Originality/value

The study suggests that the missing middle phenomenon is not a myth in India as very large number of medium-sized firms have been disappearing from the market over the years. Based on firm level data it identifies the factors which resulted in such a phenomenon.
Analysis of the scientific literature's abstract writing style and citations
Authors: Hu Haotian , Wang Dongbo , Deng Sanhong
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The citation counts are an important indicator of scholarly impact. The purpose of this paper is to explore the correlation between citations of scientific articles and writing styles of abstracts in papers and capture the characteristics of highly cited papers' abstracts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research selected 10,000 highly cited papers and 10,000 zero-cited papers from the WOS (2008-2017) database. The Coh-Metrix 3.0 textual cohesion analysis tool was used to quantify the 108 language features of highly cited and zero-cited paper abstracts. The differences of the indicators with significant differences were analyzed from four aspects: vocabulary, sentence, syntax and readability.

Findings

The abstracts of highly cited papers contain more complex and professional words, more adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions and personal pronouns, but fewer nouns and verbs. The sentences in the abstracts of highly cited papers are more complex and the sentence length is relatively longer. The syntactic structure in abstracts of highly cited papers is relatively more complex and syntactic similarities between sentences are fewer. Highly cited papers' abstracts are less readable than zero-cited papers' abstracts.

Originality/value

This study analyses the differences between the abstracts of highly cited and those of zero-cited papers, reveals the common external and deep semantic features of highly cited papers in abstract writing styles, provide suggestions for researchers on abstract writing. These findings can help increase the scientific impact of articles and improve the review efficiency as well as the researchers' abstract writing skills.
Dual mass MEMS gyroscope temperature drift compensation based on TFPF-MEA-BP algorithm
Authors: Cao Huiliang , Cui Rang , Liu Wei , Ma Tiancheng , Zhang Zekai , Shen Chong , Shi Yunbo
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To reduce the influence of temperature on MEMS gyroscope, this paper aims to propose a temperature drift compensation method based on variational modal decomposition (VMD), time-frequency peak filter (TFPF), mind evolutionary algorithm (MEA) and BP neural network.

Design/methodology/approach

First, VMD decomposes gyro’s temperature drift sequence to obtain multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMF) with different center frequencies and then Sample entropy calculates, according to the complexity of the signals, they are divided into three categories, namely, noise signals, mixed signals and temperature drift signals. Then, TFPF denoises the mixed-signal, the noise signal is directly removed and the denoised sub-sequence is reconstructed, which is used as training data to train the MEA optimized BP to obtain a temperature drift compensation model. Finally, the gyro’s temperature characteristic sequence is processed by the trained model.

Findings

The experimental result proved the superiority of this method, the bias stability value of the compensation signal is 1.279 × 10–3°/h and the angular velocity random walk value is 2.132 × 10–5°/h/vHz, which is improved compared to the 3.361°/h and 1.673 × 10–2°/h/vHz of the original output signal of the gyro.

Originality/value

This study proposes a multi-dimensional processing method, which treats different noises separately, effectively protects the low-frequency characteristics and provides a high-precision training set for drift modeling. TFPF can be optimized by SEVMD parallel processing in reducing noise and retaining static characteristics, MEA algorithm can search for better threshold and connection weight of BP network and improve the model’s compensation effect.
Research on risk assessment of high-speed railway operation based on network ANP
Authors: Cheng Leyi , Wang Yinghan , Peng Yichuan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The causes of high-speed railway failures are complex, and it is difficult to quantitatively and accurately describe safety evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to construct a model to ensure the safety of high-speed railway operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a high-speed railway operation safety evaluation index system from four aspects: personnel, equipment, environment and management and analyze the inter-coupling relationship of various safety factors. Based on the evaluation index system, the use of network analytic hierarchy process (ANP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation will be used to establish a high-speed railway operation safety evaluation model.

Findings

Through the literature investigation and field investigation, combined with high-speed railway safety key points and system composition, 4 first-level indicators and 17 second-level indicators were selected to construct a high-speed railway operation safety evaluation index system. It can be seen from the results that the personnel management system and the signal and control system have the largest weight.

Originality/value

On the basis of establishing an evaluation index system, comprehensively considering the internal coupling relationship between evaluation indexes and the fuzziness of high-speed railway operation safety evaluation, high-speed railway uses ANP fuzzy network analysis method to construct high-speed railway operation, and the safety evaluation model has certain advantages and practicability in the case of the relative lack of high-speed railway operation data and fault data.
Artificial Intelligence and Liability in Medicine: Balancing Safety and Innovation
Authors: MALIHA GEORGE , GERKE SARA , COHEN I. GLENN , PARIKH RAVI B.
Published: April 2021

Policy Points

With increasing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in medicine, there are concerns that algorithm inaccuracy could lead to patient injury and medical liability.

While prior work has focused on medical malpractice, the artificial intelligence ecosystem consists of multiple stakeholders beyond clinicians. Current liability frameworks are inadequate to encourage both safe clinical implementation and disruptive innovation of artificial intelligence.

Several policy options could ensure a more balanced liability system, including altering the standard of care, insurance, indemnification, special/no‐fault adjudication systems, and regulation. Such liability frameworks could facilitate safe and expedient implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in clinical care.
Analyzing the Impact of Subsidies on Beef Production Efficiency in Selected European Union Countries. A Stochastic Metafrontier Approach
Authors: Martinez Cillero Maria , Wallace Michael , Thorne Fiona , Breen James
Published: April 2021

The European Union Common Agricultural Policy reforms since the early 2000s allowed for the implementation of different types of agricultural subsidies, such as direct support in the form of decoupled and coupled payments, or agri‐environmental payments. As a result, there are significant differences in agricultural subsidies granted in each member state of the European Union. However, there is limited cross‐country comparative empirical evidence regarding the effects of the implementation of different levels and types of subsidies on farm efficiency. Using farm level data for beef farms in Ireland, France, Great Britain, and Germany between 2005 and 2012, we implement the stochastic metafrontier proposed by Huang et al. (2014) and attempt to correct for endogeneity applying the method in Shee and Stefanou (2015). Using these approaches, we contribute to the literature by consistently comparing cross‐country farm performance, as well as exploring the disaggregated effects of different types of subsidies on farm level technical efficiency and on the technology gaps. Our estimates show that although beef farms included operate on average close to the global frontier, there is scope to improve farm level managerial performance. However, they do operate close to the global frontier, although not on it. We also find evidence that implementing full decoupling benefited efficiency, whereas implementing partial decoupling might have hindered technical efficiency improvements for beef farms, as well as technology catch up.
Improvement of sperm morphology after surgical varicocele repair
Authors: Morini Daria , Spaggiari Giorgia , Daolio Jessica , Melli Beatrice , Nicoli Alessia , De Feo Gaetano , Valli Barbara , Viola Domenico , Garganigo Simona , Magnani Elena , Pilia Annalisa , Polese Alessandra , Colla Rossana , Simoni Manuela , Aguzzoli Lorenzo , Villani Maria Teresa , Santi Daniele
Published: April 2021

Background

A causative relationship between varicocele and impairment of semen quality has been largely investigated in the context of male infertility, although its clinical benefit remains controversial.

Objective

To investigate the effect of varicocele correction on detailed morphologic microscopic semen parameters in a large homogeneous cohort of patients and to evaluate which factors could predict semen improvement after the surgical treatment.

Materials and methods

An observational, retrospective cohort study was carried out including all patients undergoing surgical treatment for varicocele from September 2011 to March 2020 in the same clinical centre. Enrolled males performed at least one semen analysis before and one after surgical varicocele correction. Primary outcome was the detailed morphologic microscopic sperm evaluation. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen analyses.

Results

A total of 121 males (mean age 24.6 ± 6.1 years) were enrolled. Using detailed morphologic microscopic sperm evaluation, a significant morphological improvement was recorded, with a reduction in head and tail abnormalities. Moreover, a significant increase in sperm concentration (p = 0.015) and percentage of progressive and total motility (p = 0.022 and p = 0.039) were observed after surgery. The multivariate logistic analysis identified the ultrasonography varicocele degree before surgery as a main predictor of the sperm concentration improvement (p = 0.016), with the highest improvement for varicocele of I and II degree.

Discussion

For the first time, the detailed morphologic microscopic sperm evaluation highlights a relevant reduction in sperm abnormalities after varicocele surgery, showing its potential application in clinical practice.
Tracheostomy in free‐flap reconstruction of the oral cavity: can it be avoided? A cohort study of 187 patients
Authors: Dawson Rebecca , Phung Daniel , Every James , Gunawardena Dulan , Low Tsu‐Hui , Ch'ng Sydney , Clark Jonathan , Wykes James , Palme Carsten E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Head and neck surgeons are moving away from routine tracheostomy in free‐flap reconstruction. We reviewed prophylactic tracheostomy use in patients undergoing oral cavity or oropharynx free‐flap reconstruction to identify patient groups who avoided tracheostomy. Secondary aims were to describe complications associated with and without tracheostomy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken, using a prospectively maintained database. Inclusion criteria was free‐flap reconstruction for an oral cavity or oropharyngeal defect, excluding partial or total laryngectomy. Variables collected included demographics, comorbidity, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tumour site and subsite, extent of resection, surgery duration, tracheostomy, complications, return to theatre and re‐intubation.

Results

A total of 344 head and neck free‐flap reconstructions were performed between January 2017 and July 2019. A total of 164 (87.7%) oral cavity and 23 (12.3%) oropharyngeal reconstructions were included totalling 187 free flaps. A total of 107 (57.2%) were males and 80 (42.8%) females, mean age 62.4 years (range 21–89). Of 187 patients, 100 (53.5%) underwent prophylactic tracheostomy at time of reconstruction. Longer operative time (P < 0.001), resection site (P < 0.001), number of subsites resected (P = 0.007), segmental mandibulectomy (P = 0.04), lip‐split (P = 0.05), floor of mouth resection (P < 0.001), lingual release (P = 0.007), glossectomy (P < 0.001), extent of tongue resection (P < 0.001), extent of hard palate resection (P = 0.04), soft palate resection (P < 0.001) and double free‐flap reconstruction (P = 0.04) were associated with tracheostomy use.

Conclusion

A personalized approach to postoperative airway management allowed almost half of our cohort to avoid tracheostomy. In high‐volume institutions with the necessary expertise and support, appropriately selected patients may be safely managed without routine tracheostomy.
The intention was good: How promoting strategy use does not improve multimedia learning for secondary students
Authors: Hoch Emely , Scheiter Katharina , Stalbovs Kim , Gerjets Peter
Published: April 2021

Background

It is well established that successful learning with multimedia is challenging, especially for younger learners.

Aims

It was investigated whether students would profit from instructional support regarding the use of multimedia learning strategies.

Sample

Participants were high school students in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade (N = 168).

Methods

Participants were assigned to a no‐support control group or one of four experimental groups. In the experimental groups, students received either only a multimedia strategy training before learning (training group) or the training was enriched by prompts (prompts before or during learning) or if‐then plans (implementation intentions). In the training, multimedia learning strategies were introduced (e.g., linking information from text and picture). The prompts and implementation intentions were aimed at enhancing the application of the multimedia strategies conveyed through the training. Students learned about the process of mitosis by studying multimedia instructions and were tested regarding the acquired knowledge. It was expected that solely training students to use adequate multimedia learning strategies would not promote learning compared with the control group, rather, that additional support like prompts or implementation intentions would be necessary to enhance learning.

Results

Although in the experimental groups, multimedia learning strategies were used more frequently especially in the beginning of the instructional unit, there were no effects on learning outcome.

Conclusions

Promoting multimedia strategy use did not improve learning. The quality of the different instructional support measures and their suitability for the target groups are discussed as possible explanations for these findings.
Patient‐reported outcome measures of abdominal wall morbidity after flank incision for open partial nephrectomy
Authors: Inkiläinen Aapo , Blomqvist Lennart , Ljungberg Börje , Strigård Karin
Published: April 2021

Objective

To compare patient‐reported outcome measures in patients with and without abdominal wall complications after open partial nephrectomy (OPN) via flank incision.

Patients and Methods

Patient‐reported outcome measures were collected in 2017 from all patients operated on with OPN via flank incision between 2004 and 2016 in Västerbotten County, Sweden. Patients were mailed the ventral hernia pain questionnaire (VHPQ) and an abdominal wall asymmetry (AWA) questionnaire to evaluate postoperative AWA, attributed to bulge or incisional hernia. Demographic and follow‐up data were retrieved from patient records.

Results

A total of 198 patients were eligible for the study, and 146 questionnaires were returned (74%). Forty‐five patients (31%) reported postoperative AWA and 27 (18%) reported ongoing pain. Three patients who reported AWA had a known incisional hernia. Pain and abdominal wall stiffness were more common in patients with AWA than in those without (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Of the 45 patients with AWA, 25 (56%) reported this as being negative cosmetically and 16 (36%) as negative regarding activities. Patients that reported AWA were younger and had a higher body mass index at surgery (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Abdominal wall asymmetry is a common sequel of flank incision for OPN and is associated with a higher incidence of chronic pain and abdominal stiffness compared to absence of postoperative AWA. Some patients reported that the effect on daily activities and the cosmetic effect caused by AWA had a negative impact on their quality of life.
Reduction in miR‐219 expression underlies cellular pathogenesis of oligodendrocytes in a mouse model of Krabbe disease
Authors: Inamura Naoko , Go Shinji , Watanabe Takashi , Takase Hiroshi , Takakura Nobuyuki , Nakayama Atsuo , Takebayashi Hirohide , Matsuda Junko , Enokido Yasushi
Published: April 2021

Krabbe disease (KD), also known as globoid cell leukodystrophy, is an inherited demyelinating disease caused by the deficiency of lysosomal galactosylceramidase (GALC) activity. Most of the patients are characterized by early‐onset cerebral demyelination with apoptotic oligodendrocyte (OL) death and die before 2 years of age. However, the mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis in the developing OLs before death and the exact causes of white matter degeneration remain largely unknown. We have recently reported that OLs of twitcher mouse, an authentic mouse model of KD, exhibit developmental defects and endogenous accumulation of psychosine (galactosylsphingosine), a cytotoxic lyso‐derivative of galactosylceramide. Here, we show that attenuated expression of microRNA (miR)‐219, a critical regulator of OL differentiation and myelination, mediates cellular pathogenesis of KD OLs. Expression and functional activity of miR‐219 were repressed in developing twitcher mouse OLs. By using OL precursor cells (OPCs) isolated from the twitcher mouse brain, we show that exogenously supplemented miR‐219 effectively rescued their cell‐autonomous developmental defects and apoptotic death. miR‐219 also reduced endogenous accumulation of psychosine in twitcher OLs. Collectively, these results highlight the role of the reduced miR‐219 expression in KD pathogenesis and suggest that miR‐219 has therapeutic potential for treating KD OL pathologies.
Rapid exome sequencing as the first‐tier investigation for diagnosis of acutely and severely ill children and adults in Thailand
Authors: Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Phowthongkum Prasit , Boonsimma Ponghatai , Kuptanon Chulaluck , Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee , Chanvanichtrakool Mongkol , Phuaksaman Chutima , Wiromrat Pattara , Srichomthong Chalurmpon , Ittiwut Chupong , Phokaew Chureerat , Ittiwut Rungnapa , Assawapitaksakul Adjima , Chetruengchai Wanna , Buasong Aayalida , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: April 2021

The use of rapid DNA sequencing technology in severely ill children in developed countries can accurately identify diagnoses and positively impact patient outcomes. This study sought to evaluate the outcome of Thai children and adults with unknown etiologies of critical illnesses with the deployment of rapid whole exome sequencing (rWES) in Thailand. We recruited 54 unrelated patients from 11 hospitals throughout Thailand. The median age was 3 months (range, 2 days–55 years) including 47 children and 7 adults with 52% males. The median time from obtaining blood samples to issuing the rWES report was 12 days (range, 5–27 days). A molecular diagnosis was established in 25 patients (46%), resulting in a change in clinical management for 24 patients (44%) resulting in improved clinical outcomes in 16 patients (30%). Four out of seven adult patients (57%) received the molecular diagnosis which led to a change in management. The 25 diagnoses comprised 23 different diseases. Of the 34 identified variants, 15 had never been previously reported. This study suggests that use of rWES as a first‐tier investigation tool can provide tremendous benefits in critically ill patients with unknown etiology across age groups in Thailand.
Validation of the modified weight bias internalization scale in a Spanish adult population
Authors: Macho Sergio , Andrés Ana , Saldaña Carmina
Published: April 2021

Weight bias internalization has received considerable attention in recent years and has been associated with serious psychological and physical consequences in Westernized societies. The modified weight bias internalization scale (WBIS‐M) is one of the most frequently used instruments for assessing internalized weight stigma across different body weight categories. The aim of this study was to adapt the WBIS‐M for use in Spanish adult populations. The sample consisted of 678 participants from the Spanish general population recruited through the internet, 79.6% of whom were women. The scale was translated into Spanish and then backtranslated. To study the internal structure, a cross‐validation analysis was carried out including both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to assess the scale's psychometric properties. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega and a test‐retest was conducted to assess one‐month stability. Results confirmed that the Spanish adaptation of the WBIS‐M is an 11‐item unidimensional scale, like the original version and shows excellent psychometric properties. In conclusion, the Spanish WBIS‐M version seems to be a robust psychometric tool for use in clinical and research settings.
Clinical relevance of emphysema in patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia: Clinical features and prognosis
Authors: Seo Hyewon , Cha Seung‐Ick , Shin Kyung Min , Lim Jae Kwang , Lee Won Kee , Park Ji‐Eun , Park Sunji , Choi Sun Ha , Lee Yong‐Hoon , Yoo Seung‐Soo , Lee Shin‐Yup , Lee Jaehee , Kim Chang‐Ho , Park Jae‐Yong
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Few studies have investigated the influence of emphysema on clinical features of patients presenting with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and microbiological features of patients with both CAP and emphysema.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with CAP who underwent computed tomography (CT) scan at the time of presentation. Patients were allocated into emphysema and control groups, and clinical variables were compared between the two groups. The emphysema group was further divided into three subgroups (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the extent of emphysema on CT scan. The clinical variables of each subgroup were compared with the control group.

Results

Of 1676 patients, 431 patients (25.7%) were classified into the emphysema group. CAP patients with emphysema were more likely to have a high CURB‐65 score and pneumonia severity index and a lower incidence of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. The emphysema group exhibited longer hospital stay. In addition, 30‐day mortality in the severe emphysema group was significantly higher compared with the control group. As etiological agents, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae, and multidrug‐resistant pathogens were significantly more common in the emphysema group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The presence of emphysema in CAP patients was associated with a more severe form of CAP, a longer hospital stay, and a lower incidence of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Moreover, CAP patients with severe emphysema exhibited higher 30‐day mortality than those without emphysema.
Mid‐arm muscle circumference as an indicator of exercise tolerance in chronic heart failure
Authors: Miyazaki Shinjiro , Hayashino Shusei , Matsumoto Ichiro , Kurozumi Mizuki , Namba Tsunetatsu , Takagi Yuichiro , Kunikata Jun , Minamino Tetsuo
Published: April 2021

Aim

Skeletal muscle mass is associated with exercise tolerance in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Anthropometric indicators are used to evaluate skeletal muscle mass, as these can be easily assessed in clinical practice. However, the association between anthropometric indicators and exercise tolerance is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between anthropometric indicators and exercise tolerance in CHF patients.

Methods

We evaluated 69 patients with CHF. Mid‐arm circumference, mid‐arm muscle circumference (MAMC), calf circumference and body mass index were measured as the anthropometric indicators. Exercise tolerance was evaluated according to the peak oxygen uptake (VO2). Correlation analyses were carried out to determine the association between peak VO2 and anthropometric indicators. Furthermore, univariate and multiple regression analyses were carried out using peak VO2 as the dependent variable, and age, male, left ventricular ejection fraction, angiotensin II receptor blocker or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, diuretics, B‐type natriuretic peptide, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin and anthropometric indicators as the independent variables.

Results

There were significant positive correlations between the peak VO2 and mid‐arm circumference (rs = 0.378, P = 0.001), MAMC (r = 0.634, P < 0.001) and calf circumference (r = 0.292, P = 0.015). In multiple regression analysis, MAMC (β = 0.721, P < 0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = 0.279, P = 0.007) were independent factors associated with peak VO2.

Conclusions

MAMC is independently associated with peak VO2 in CHF patients. Thus, MAMC could be an indicator of exercise tolerance, which is closely related to the severity and prognosis of CHF. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 411–415.
Digestion and nutrition in freshwater bryozoans (Phylactolaemata)
Authors: Wood Timothy S.
Published: April 2021

As suspension feeders, freshwater bryozoans (Phylactolaemata) ingest a wide variety of particles. After this material is processed in the gut, the remaining wastes are ejected in a pellet. Curiously, fecal pellet contents appear perfectly intact, often still alive, and apparently unharmed. This raises questions about the true sources of bryozoan nutrition and the entire digestive process itself. This article summarizes the results of controlled feeding experiments as well as findings from gut examination by scanning electron microscopy. Extensive feeding tests with bryozoan species in three families show that colonies ingesting protozoans and small rotifers grow much faster than those on any other diet. There is no evidence for digestion of green algae or bacteria, including cyanobacteria. Close observations reveal muscular contractions of the stomach crushing and abrading fragile prey organisms, with possible assistance from indigestible algal particles. A dense carpet of microvilli lines the walls of the stomach and intestine. In most instances, these are organized in a three‐dimensional matrix that offers an extensive surface area. Because all food is handled in sequential batches, there is limited time for many particles to be digested.
Cascading effects of composts and cover crops on soil chemistry, bacterial communities and the survival of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Devarajan N. , McGarvey J.A. , Scow K. , Jones M.S. , Lee S. , Samaddar S. , Schmidt R. , Tran T.D. , Karp D.S.
Published: April 2021

Aims

Recent foodborne disease outbreaks have caused farmers to re-evaluate their practices. In particular, concern that soil amendments could introduce foodborne pathogens onto farms and promote their survival in soils has led farmers to reduce or eliminate the application of animal-based composts. However, organic amendments (such as composts and cover crops) could bolster food safety by increasing soil microbial diversity and activity, which can act as competitors or antagonists and reduce pathogen survival.

Methods and Results

Leveraging a study of a 27-year experiment comparing organic and conventional soil management, we evaluate the impacts of composted poultry litter and cover crops on soil chemistry, bacterial communities and survival of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. We found that bacterial community composition strongly affected pathogen survival in soils. Specifically, organic soils managed with cover crops and composts hosted more macronutrients and bacterial communities that were better able to suppress Salmonella and Listeria. For example, after incubating soils for 10 days at 20°C, soils without composts retained fourfold to fivefold more Salmonella compared to compost-amended soils. However, treatment effects dissipated as bacterial communities converged over the growing season.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that composts and cover crops may be used to build healthy soils without increasing foodborne pathogen survival.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our work suggests that animal-based composts do not promote pathogen survival and may even promote bacterial communities that suppress pathogens. Critically, proper composting techniques are known to reduce pathogen populations in biological soil amendments of animal origin, which can reduce the risks of introducing pathogens to farm fields in soil amendments. Thus, animal-based composts and cover crops may be a safe alternative to conventional fertilizers, both because of the known benefits of composts for soil health and because it may be possible to apply amendments in such a way that food-safety risks are mitigated rather than exacerbated.
Pulmonary vein and left atrial posterior wall isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: Comparable outcomes for adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Moore Jeremy P. , Gallotti Roberto , Su Jonathan , Nguyen Heajung L. , Bedayat Arash , Prosper Ashley , Buch Eric
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Optimal treatment strategies for ACHD with AF are unknown. This study sought to assess outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ± left atrial (LA), posterior wall isolation (PWI) for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

A retrospective review of all cryoballoon (CB) PVI ± PWI procedures at a single center over a 3‐year period were performed. Clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients with and without ACHD were compared. The primary outcome was the occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia at 12‐months postablation after a 90‐day blanking period.

Results

Three‐hundred and sixteen patients (mean: 63 ± 12 years, [63% male]) underwent CB PVI ± PWI during the study, including 31 (10%) ACHD (simple 35%, moderate 39% complex 26%; nonparoxysmal AF in 52%). ACHD was younger (51 vs. 64 years; p < .001) with a lower CHADS2DS2‐VASc score (1.2 vs. 2.1; p = .001) but had a greater LA diameter (4.9 vs. 4.0 cm; p < .001) and a number of prior cardioversions (0.9 vs. 0.4; p < .001) versus controls. 12‐month freedom from recurrent AF was similar for ACHD and controls (76% vs. 80%; p = .6) and remained nonsignificant in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 0.7–5.1; p = .22). At 12‐months postablation, 75% of ACHD versus 93% of control patients were off antiarrhythmic drug therapy (p = .07).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates younger age and lower conventional stroke risk, yet clinically advanced AF for ACHD relative to controls. CB PVI ± PWI was an effective strategy for the treatment of AF among all forms of ACHD with similar 12‐month outcomes as compared to controls.
Establishment and characterization of an immortalized epicardial cell line
Authors: Jiang Haobin , Song Shen , Li Jiacheng , Yin Qianqian , Hu Shengshou , Nie Yu
Published: April 2021

Recently, the increasing significance of the epicardium in cardiac development and regeneration is beginning to be recognized. However, because of the small proportion of primary epicardial cells and the limited cell culture time, further research on the mechanism of epicardial cells is hindered. Here, we transfected simian virus 40 Large T (SV40‐LT) into primary epicardial cells to establish an immortalized cell line, named EpiSV40. We further demonstrated that EpiSV40 can be easy to culture and has the proliferation, migration and differentiation capacities comparable to primary epicardial cells. EpiSV40 can serve as an ideal in vitro model for epicardial cell research, which will booster the study of the epicardium in cardiac development and heart regeneration.
Using PIT‐tags and portable antennas for quantification of fish movement and survival in streams under different environmental conditions
Authors: Saboret Grégoire , Dermond Philip , Brodersen Jakob
Published: April 2021

While PIT‐tag tracking using mobile antennas is being increasingly used to study fish movement and survival in streams, little is known about the limitations of the method, especially over longer periods of time and under different environmental settings. We used 6 years of data combining tagging, mobile antenna tracking and recaptures of Salmo trutta in multiple small streams in the Lake Lucerne drainage area in Switzerland to evaluate the relative importance of different environmental and intrinsic factors affecting the efficiency of the method. Our study system and experimental design allowed us to accurately verify the continuous presence and survival of recaptured fish in the stream after tracking, which meant that we could estimate detection probability with high confidence. The mean detection probability of tagged trout was 43%, but we found that fish length had a strong negative effect on detection probability, especially in males. Multivariate axes of stream environmental features did not predict efficiency but stream width alone was significantly positively correlated with efficiency. Additionally, stream temperature when tracking had a positive effect on fish detectability. Tag loss at recapture was globally rare (<8%) but common in large postspawn females (>30%). Based on the escape response of fish after detection, we could estimate the proportion of ghost tags, which reached a plateau of around 80% 2 years after tagging. We finally showed that our models of tag loss, fish detection and escape response are needed to interpret detection events. Our results highlight that individual variation in detection probability and tag loss is high and has to be considered for analysis.
Reproductive biology and ecology of Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) and black hagfish (Eptatretus deani)
Authors: Fleury Aharon G. , MacLennan Eva M. , Command Rylan J. , Juanes Francis
Published: April 2021

The reproductive biology of Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii (Lockington, 1878) and black hagfish Eptatretus deani (Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907) was assessed using current and historical data. Our results found that the reproductive characteristics of both hagfish species reflect those of K‐selected species, which tend to live long and exhibit slow growth rates, low fecundity (approximately 20 eggs per female) and late maturity. Additionally, females of both species commence maturation prior to males. This study provides a population profile for both species of hagfish, but further assessments are needed to effectively manage a sustainable hagfish fishery.
Using linked administrative data to determine the prevalence of intellectual disability in adult prison in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Trofimovs J. , Dowse L. , Srasuebkul P. , Trollor J. N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Studies of the representation of people with intellectual disability (ID) in custody report widely inconsistent findings that reflect variation in how ID is defined and the methods employed for identification. Using linked administrative data may be of utility in studies of the representation of people with ID in custody. However, this approach requires an understanding of the purpose of and factors influencing identification in disparate administrative datasets.

Methods

This study uses linked administrative data encompassing disability, health and corrections data for the year 2014 to estimate the prevalence of ID in adult custody and explore how ID representation within administrative data impacts prevalence estimates and what patterns of identification reveal about support service access for this group.

Results

This study finds that 4.3% of the New South Wales adult custody population had an identified ID. Prisoners with ID were younger, more likely to have had a previous custodial episode and more likely to be Indigenous than the general prison population. Identification of ID across linked administrative datasets is uneven, which, if used in isolation, would result in variation in prevalence estimates according to source data.

Conclusions

The utilisation of linkage data from a broad range of health and support services including custody offers a comprehensive identification methodology. Inconsistency in the identification of ID across datasets indicates a potential disjuncture between prisoners with ID and support services, which may have relevance for efforts to reduce reincarceration of those in this population.
Shikimic acid in the light of current knowledge
Authors: Batory Mirella , Rotsztejn Helena
Published: April 2021

Shikimic acid (SA) has been mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry for production of drugs, however, recently it has also appeared in the world of cosmetics. So far, there have not been many publications on cosmetics containing SA or research studies on the compound, especially those that would involve testing cosmetic products on subjects. The main source of SA is star anise. The recommended concentration of SA in cosmetic preparations ranges between 1 and 5%. The pH of a 5% solution of SA in water is 3. SA at a concentration of 5% has a similar exfoliative effect to that of 50% glycolic acid. It shows antiviral, exfoliating, deodorizing, anti‐acne, anti‐dandruff, whitening and moisturizing activity. It also regulates the amount of secreted sebum, moreover, it has antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, hair‐growth stimulating, anti‐aging effect and antifungal properties.
Global functional variation in alpine vegetation
Authors: Testolin Riccardo , Carmona Carlos Pérez , Attorre Fabio , Borchardt Peter , Bruelheide Helge , Dolezal Jiri , Finckh Manfred , Haider Sylvia , Hemp Andreas , Jandt Ute , Korolyuk Andrei Yu , Lenoir Jonathan , Makunina Natalia , Malanson George P , Mucina Ladislav , Noroozi Jalil , Nowak Arkadiusz , Peet Robert K , Peyre Gwendolyn , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Šibík Jozef , Sklenář Petr , Vassilev Kiril , Virtanen Risto , Wiser Susan K , Zibzeev Evgeny G , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja
Published: April 2021

Questions

What are the functional trade‐offs of vascular plant species in global alpine ecosystems? How is functional variation related to vegetation zones, climatic groups and biogeographic realms? What is the relative contribution of macroclimate and evolutionary history in shaping the functional variation of alpine plant communities?

Location

Global.

Methods

We compiled a data set of alpine vegetation with 5,532 geo‐referenced plots, 1,933 species and six plant functional traits. We used principal component analysis to quantify functional trade‐offs among species and trait probability density to assess the functional dissimilarity of alpine vegetation in different vegetation zones, climatic groups and biogeographic realms. We used multiple regression on distance matrices to model community functional dissimilarity against environmental and phylogenetic dissimilarity, controlling for geographic distance.

Results

The first two PCA axes explained 66% of the species’ functional variation and were related to the leaf and stem economic spectra, respectively. Trait probability density was largely independent of vegetation zone and macroclimate but differed across biogeographic realms. The same pattern emerged for both species pool and community levels. The effects of environmental and phylogenetic dissimilarities on community functional dissimilarity had similar magnitude, while the effect of geographic distance was negligible.

Conclusions

Plant species in alpine areas reflect the global variation of plant function, but with a predominant role of resource use strategies. Current macroclimate exerts a limited effect on alpine vegetation, mostly acting at the community level in combination with evolutionary history. Global alpine vegetation is functionally unrelated to the vegetation zones in which it is embedded, exhibiting strong functional convergence across regions.
An island‐hopping bird reveals how founder events shape genome‐wide divergence
Authors: Sendell‐Price Ashley T. , Ruegg Kristen C. , Robertson Bruce C. , Clegg Sonya M.
Published: April 2021

When populations colonize new areas, both strong selection and strong drift can be experienced due to novel environments and small founding populations, respectively. Empirical studies have predominantly focused on the phenotype when assessing the role of selection, and limited neutral‐loci when assessing founder‐induced loss of diversity. Consequently, the extent to which processes interact to influence evolutionary trajectories is difficult to assess. Genomic‐level approaches provide the opportunity to simultaneously consider these processes. Here, we examine the roles of selection and drift in shaping genomic diversity and divergence in historically documented sequential island colonizations by the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis). We provide the first empirical demonstration of the rapid appearance of highly diverged genomic regions following population founding, the position of which are highly idiosyncratic. As these regions rarely contained loci putatively under selection, it is most likely that these differences arise via the stochastic nature of the founding process. However, selection is required to explain rapid evolution of larger body size in insular silvereyes. Reconciling our genomic data with these phenotypic patterns suggests there may be many genomic routes to the island phenotype, which vary across populations. Finally, we show that accelerated divergence associated with multiple founding steps is the product of genome‐wide rather than localized differences, and that diversity erodes due to loss of rare alleles. However, even multiple founder events do not result in divergence and diversity levels seen in evolutionary older subspecies, and therefore do not provide a shortcut to speciation as proposed by founder‐effect speciation models.
When I Say…Human
Authors: MacLeod Anna , Luong Victoria , Cameron Paula , Kovacs George , Patrick Lucy , Tummons Jonathan , Kits Olga
Published: April 2021

What makes us human? Is it a question that matters? Luong et al. explore these questions in the latest instalment of “When I Say…”