bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aids to Improve Statistical Risk Communication in Patients Consenting for Surgery and Interventional Procedures: a Systematic Review
Authors: Jalal Arif HB , Chatzopoulou Despoina , Marcus Hani J , Pandit Anand S
Published: January 2023

Objective

Evaluate the effect of risk communication tools on the understanding of statistical risk of complications occurring in patients undergoing a surgical or interventional procedure.

Summary Background Data

Informed consent is an essential process in clinical decision-making, through which healthcare providers educate patients about the benefits, risks and alternatives of a procedure. Numerical risk information is by nature probabilistic and difficult to communicate. Aids which support statistical risk communication and studies assessing their effectiveness are needed.

Methods

A systematic search was performed across Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science until July 2021 with a repeated search in September 2022. Studies examining risk communication tools (e.g. informative leaflets, audio-video) in adults (age>16) patients undergoing a surgical or interventional procedure were included. Studies only assessing understanding of non-statistical aspects of the procedure were excluded. Both randomised control trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included. Cochrane risk-of-bias and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to assess the quality of studies. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis was performed (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022285789).

Results

A total of 4348 articles were identified and following abstract and full-text screening a total of 11 articles were included. 8 studies were RCTs and 3 were cross-sectional. The total number of adult patients was 1030. The most common risk communication tool used was additional written information (n=7). Of the 8 RCTs, 5 showed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group in outcomes relating to recall of statistical risk. Quality assessment of RCTs found some concerns with all studies.

Conclusions

Risk communication tools appear to improve recall of statistical risk. Additional prospective trials are warranted which can compare various aids and determine the most effective method of improving patient understanding.
A Moving Target: Impacts of Lowering Viral Load Suppression Cutpoints on Progress Towards HIV Epidemic Control Goals
Authors: Rosen Joseph G. , Reynolds Steven J. , Galiwango Ronald M. , Kigozi Godfrey , Quinn Thomas C. , Ratmann Oliver , Ndyanabo Anthony , Nelson Lisa J. , Nakigozi Gertrude , Nalugemwa Margaret , Rucinski Katherine B. , Kennedy Caitlin E. , Chang Larry W. , Kagaayi Joseph , Serwadda David , Grabowski M. Kate
Published: January 2023

Redefining viral load suppression (VLS) using lower cutpoints could impact progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. We assessed impacts of lowering the VLS cutpoint on achieving the 95-95-95 VLS target in the Rakai Community Cohort Study. Population VLS fell from 86% to 84% and 76%, respectively, after lowering VLS cutpoints from <1,000 to <200 and <50 copies/mL. The fraction of viremic persons increased by 17% after lowering the VLS cutpoint from <1,000 to <200 copies/mL.
circRNA-sponging: a pipeline for extensive analysis of circRNA expression and their role in miRNA sponging
Authors: Hoffmann Markus , Schwartz Leon , Ciora Octavia-Andreea , Trummer Nico , Willruth Lina-Liv , Jankowski Jakub , Lee Hye Kyung , Baumbach Jan , Furth Priscilla , Hennighausen Lothar , List Markus
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) often associated with diseases and considered potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Among other functions, circRNAs have been shown to act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, preventing the role of miRNAs that repress their targets. However, there is no pipeline to systematically assess the sponging potential of circRNAs.

Results

We developed circRNA-sponging, a nextflow pipeline that (1) identifies circRNAs via backsplicing junctions detected in RNA-seq data, (2) quantifies their expression values in relation to their linear counterparts spliced from the same gene, (3) performs differential expression analysis, (4) identifies and quantifies miRNA expression from miRNA-sequencing (miRNA-seq) data, (5) predicts miRNA binding sites on circRNAs, (6) systematically investigates potential circRNA-miRNA sponging events, (7) creates a network of competing endogenous RNAs, and (8) identifies potential circRNA biomarkers. We showed the functionality of the circRNA-sponging pipeline using RNA sequencing data from brain tissues, where we identified two distinct types of circRNAs characterized by a specific ratio of the number of the binding site to the length of the transcript. The circRNA-sponging pipeline is the first end-to-end pipeline to identify circRNAs and their sponging systematically with raw total RNA-seq and miRNA-seq files, allowing us to better indicate the functional impact of circRNAs as a routine aspect in transcriptomic research.

Availability

https://github.com/biomedbigdata/circRNA-sponging

Contact

markus.daniel.hoffmann@tum.de;markus.list@tum.de

Supplementary Material

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatic Advances online.
Functional characterization of the language network of polyglots and hyperpolyglots with precision fMRI
Authors: Malik-Moraleda Saima , Jouravlev Olessia , Taliaferro Maya , Mineroff Zachary , Cucu Theodore , Mahowald Kyle , Blank Idan A. , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: January 2023

How do polyglots—individuals who speak five or more languages—process their languages, and what can this population tell us about the language system? Using fMRI, we identified the language network in each of 34 polyglots (including 16 hyperpolyglots with knowledge of 10+ languages) and examined its response to the native language, non-native languages of varying proficiency, and unfamiliar languages. All language conditions engaged all areas of the language network relative to a control condition. Languages that participants rated as higher-proficiency elicited stronger responses, except for the native language, which elicited a similar or lower response than a non-native language of similar proficiency. Furthermore, unfamiliar languages that were typologically related to the participants’ high-to-moderate-proficiency languages elicited a stronger response than unfamiliar unrelated languages. The results suggest that the language network’s response magnitude scales with the degree of engagement of linguistic computations (e.g., related to lexical access and syntactic-structure building). We also replicated a prior finding of weaker responses to native language in polyglots than non-polyglot bilinguals. These results contribute to our understanding of how multiple languages co-exist within a single brain and provide new evidence that the language network responds more strongly to stimuli that more fully engage linguistic computations.
Evolution of protease activation and specificity via alpha-2-macroglobulin-mediated covalent capture
Authors: Knyphausen Philipp , Rangel-Pereira Mariana , Brear Paul , Hyvönen Marko , Jermutus Lutz , Hollfelder Florian
Published: January 2023

Tailoring of the activity and specificity of proteases is critical for their utility across industrial, medical and research purposes. However, engineering or evolving protease catalysts is challenging and often labour intensive. Here, we describe a generic method to accelerate this process based on yeast display. We introduce the protease selection system A2Mcapthat covalently captures protease catalysts by repurposed alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2Ms). To demonstrate the utility of A2Mcapfor protease engineering we exemplify the directed activity and specificity evolution of six serine proteases. This resulted in a variant ofStaphylococcus aureusserin-protease-like (Spl) protease SplB, an enzyme used for recombinant protein processing that no longer requires activation by N-terminal signal peptide removal. SCHEMA-based domain shuffling was used to map the specificity determining regions of Spl proteases leading to a chimeric scaffold that supports specificity switching via subdomain exchange. The ability of A2Mcapto overcome key challengesen routeto tailor-made proteases suggests easier access to such reagents in the future.
Evidence for a competitive relationship between executive functions and statistical learning
Authors: Pedraza Felipe , Farkas Bence C. , Vékony Teodóra , Haesebaert Frederic , Phelipon Romane , Mihalecz Imola , Janacsek Karolina , Anders Royce , Tillmann Barbara , Plancher Gaën , Nemeth Dezso
Published: January 2023

The ability of the brain to extract patterns from the environment and predict future events, known as statistical learning, has been proposed to interact in a competitive manner with prefrontal lobe related networks and their characteristic cognitive or executive functions. However, it remains unclear whether these cognitive functions also show competitive relationship with implicit statistical learning across individuals and at the level of latent executive function components. In order to address this currently unknown aspect, we investigated, in two independent experiments (NStudy1= 186, NStudy2= 157), the relationship between implicit statistical learning, measured by the Alternating Serial Reaction Time task, and executive functions, measured by multiple neuropsychological tests. In both studies, a modest, but consistent negative correlation between implicit statistical learning and most executive function measures was observed. Factor analysis further revealed that a factor representing the verbal fluency and complex working memory seemed to drive these negative correlations. Thus, an antagonism between implicit statistical learning and executive functions might specifically be mediated by updating component of executive functions or/and long-term memory access.
Cas9-induced nonhomologous recombination inC. elegans
Authors: Zdraljevic Stefan , Walter-McNeill Laura , Marquez Heriberto , Kruglyak Leonid
Published: January 2023

Identification of the genetic basis of phenotypic variation within species remains challenging. In species with low recombination rates, such asCaenorhabditis elegans, genomic regions linked to a phenotype of interest by genetic mapping studies are often large, making it difficult to identify the specific genes and DNA sequence variants that underlie phenotypic differences. Here, we introduce a method that enables researchers to induce targeted recombination inC. eleganswith Cas9. We demonstrate that high rates of targeted recombination can be induced by Cas9 in a genomic region in which naturally occurring recombination events are exceedingly rare. We anticipate that Cas9-induced nonhomologous recombination (CINR) will greatly facilitate high-resolution genetic mapping in this species.
Glutathione transferase photoaffinity labeling demonstrates GST activation by safeners and NPR1-independent activation by BTH
Authors: Farre Maria Font , Brown Daniel , König Maurice , Killinger Brian J. , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Wright Aaron T. , Burton Jonathan , van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: January 2023

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) represent a large and diverse enzyme family involved in detoxification of small molecules by glutathione conjugation in crops, weeds and model plants. Here, we introduce an easy and quick assay for photoaffinity labeling of GSTs to study global GST activation in various plant species. The small molecule probe contains glutathione, a photoreactive group, and a minitag for coupling to reporter tags via click chemistry. Under UV irradiation, this probe quickly and robustly labels GSTs in crude protein extracts. Enrichment and MS analysis of labeled proteins from Arabidopsis identified ten GSTs from the Phi(F) and Tau(U) classes. Photoaffinity labeling of GSTs demonstrated GST activation in wheat seedlings upon treatment with safeners, and in Arabidopsis leaves upon infection with avirulent bacteria. Photoaffinity labeling and proteomics identified six Phi- and Tau-class GSTs that are induced upon treatment with salicylic acid (SA) analog benzothiadiazole (BTH) and these were tested for enhancing immunity in disease assays. Our data confirm that BTH-induced GST activation is independent of NPR1, the master regulator of SA signaling.
Towards personalised early prediction of Intra-Operative Hypotension following anesthesia using Deep Learning and phenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Garmendia Anna Tselioudis , Gkouzionis Ioannis , Triantafyllidis Charalampos P. , Dimakopoulos Vasileios , Liliopoulos Sotirios , Vuckovic Dragana , Paseiro-Garcia Lucas , Chadeau-Hyam Marc
Published: January 2023

Intra-Operative Hypotension (IOH) is a haemodynamic abnormality that is commonly observed in operating theatres following general anesthesia and associates with life-threatening post-operative complications. Using Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) models applied to Electronic Health Records (EHR) and time-series intra-operative data in 604 patients that underwent colorectal surgery we predicted the instant risk of IOH events within the next five minutes. K-means clustering was used to group patients based on pre-clinical data. As part of a sensitivity analysis, the model was also trained on patients clustered according to Mean artelial Blood Pressure (MBP) time-series trends at the start of the operation using K-means with Dynamic Time Warping. The baseline LSTM model trained on all patients yielded a test set Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.83. In contrast, training the model on smaller sized clusters (grouped by EHR) improved the AUC value (0.85). Similarly, the AUC was increased by 4.8% (0.87) when training the model on clusters grouped by MBP. The encouraging results of the baseline model demonstrate the applicability of the approach in a clinical setting. Furthermore, the increased predictive performance of the model after being trained using a clustering approach first, paves the way for a more personalised patient stratification approach to IOH prediction using clinical data.
Active enhancers strengthen insulation by RNA-mediated CTCF binding at chromatin domain boundaries
Authors: Islam Zubairul , Saravanan Bharath , Walavalkar Kaivalya , Farooq Umer , Singh Anurag Kumar , Radhakrishnan Sabarinathan , Thakur Jitendra , Pandit Awadhesh , Henikoff Steven , Notani Dimple
Published: January 2023

Vertebrate genomes are partitioned into chromatin domains or topologically associating domains (TADs), which are typically bound by head-to-head pairs of CTCF binding sites. Transcription at domain boundaries correlates with better insulation; however, it is not known whether the boundary transcripts themselves contribute to boundary function. Here we characterize boundary-associated RNAs genome-wide, focusing on the disease-relevantINK4a/ARFandMYCTAD. Using CTCF site deletions and boundary-associated RNA knockdowns, we observe that boundary-associated RNAs facilitate recruitment and clustering of CTCF at TAD borders. The resulting CTCF enrichment enhances TAD insulation, enhancer–promoter interactions, and TAD gene expression. Importantly, knockdown of boundary-associated RNAs results in loss of boundary insulation function. Using enhancer deletions and CRISPRi of promoters, we show that active TAD enhancers, but not promoters, induce boundary-associated RNA transcription, thus defining a novel class of regulatory enhancer RNAs.
An integrated model for international market and entry mode selections for Chinese contractors
Authors: Li Liping , Chen Chuan , Martek Igor , Li Guanghua
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Given their interrelationship, international market selection (IMS) and entry mode selection (EMS) must be considered jointly if an optimal entry strategy is to be realized. However, researchers in the field of international construction have the tendency to consider IMS and EMS independently or sequentially. Therefore, this paper aims to explore a holistic framework that can accommodate IMS and EMS concurrently and test it using empirical data.

Design/methodology/approach

his study includes theoretical and empirical research. In theoretical part, an integrated decision model of IMS and EMS is proposed adopting literature review and theoretical derivation, then hypotheses are developed for the impact of decision-making factors. In the latter part, the IMS and EMS of 54 Chinese contractors in 67 countries were investigated, empirical data are collected according to hypotheses, an ordinal logistic regression model is established for statistics analysis. Finally, findings are drawn by comparing literature-based hypotheses with data-based analysis results.

Findings

Results show that empirical data fit theoretical model well. Findings are: IMS and EMS can be integrated into a holistic decision-making framework when be properly sequenced. When IMS and EMS are determined simultaneously, the decision can benefit from a sharing of common information. And the roles of at least 13 common factors are empirically demonstrated in this study.

Research limitations/implications

The integrated decision sequence proposed in this study is applicable for a specific market, and cannot compare multiple alternative markets directly. The decision-making factors identified in this paper do not cover the enterprise strategic objectives and some other factors. Empirical data and some theoretical assumptions are based on the international market entry strategy of Chinese contractors. Therefore, the conclusions may not be completely applicable to global contractors though have certain reference value.

Originality/value

Based on the idea of holistic decision-making of IMS and EMS, this study proposes an international market entry strategy (IMES) sequence and an explicit model for determinants, then tests them with empirical data. This paper provides a new idea to manage IMS and EMS concurrently, which can improve the efficiency of IMES decision-making and avoid missing optimal alternatives. This study paves the way for a practical model and provides reference for contractors' international market entry strategy.
Comparison of flow structures for vane and rod type vortex generators on a wind turbine airfoil
Authors: Tiwari Nishchay , Flaszynski Pawel , Suresh Thanushree , Szulc Oskar
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the effects of rod and vane-type vortex generators for wind turbine applications. In large wind turbine rotors, an attached flow at all sections along the span direction is difficult to achieve which leads to an increase in aerodynamic losses, noise generation, and fatigue stress. Therefore, flow control strategies such as vortex generators (VGs) are beneficial to improve performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The benefits of the application of rod-type vortex generators (RVGs) to control flow separation on a wind turbine airfoil are assessed numerically using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The validation of the computational model is conducted against the experimental data available for the DU96-W-180 wind turbine airfoil equipped with 44 RVGs. In addition, a revised wind tunnel angle of attack (AoA) calibration procedure (based on CFD) is proposed that is applicable for separated flows. A comparison of the RVGs to the conventional vane-type vortex generators (VVGs) is presented for inflow velocity of 30 m/s and AoA leading to significant flow separation. A parametric evaluation of the geometric characteristics of both types of VGs is conducted to quantify the generated streamwise vortices.

Findings

The comparison of the induced flow structures and aerodynamic efficiency enhancements proves that RVGs may be used as an alternative to the more conventional VVGs applied on wind turbine blades for boundary layer separation control.

Originality/value

A new type of VG (rod) has been investigated and compared against conventional VG (vanes) for wind turbine applications.
Public administration education towards Sustainable Development Goals: psychometric analysis of a scale
Authors: Lendínez-Turón Ana , Domínguez-Valerio Cándida María , Orgaz-Agüera Francisco , Moral-Cuadra Salvador
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to adapt and validate a useful instrument to diagnose the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and intention to participate (KABIP) towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education institutions (HEIs) from the public administration in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out using the Delphi technique, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). For the Delphi method, 30 experts participated in three rounds. For the EFA and CFA, a sample of 790 people was selected. The instrument items were extracted from relevant scales on the topic.

Findings

The reliability and internal consistency of the instrument were tested and confirmed. Therefore, this study gives a scientific tool to measure the KABIP towards SDGs in different sectors of the public administration, and it can be used in developing countries.

Originality/value

The new questionnaire with 66 items and four dimensions can be used to diagnose KABIP towards SDGs at HEIs in developing countries. It has a very important implications because, although attention for SDGs around the world is increasing, only a limited number of valid scientific instrument that measure aspects related to it is available. Furthermore, the knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and intention to participate scale can facilitate the creation of new strategies regarding SDGs in developing countries.
Enhancing supply chain competences through supply chain digital embeddedness: an institutional view
Authors: López-Morales Beatriz , Gutierrez Leopoldo , Llorens-Montes Francisco Javier , Rojo-Gallego-Burin Araceli
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test how three types of institutional pressure (normative, coercive, and mimetic) influence supply chain digital embeddedness (SCDE) and how SCDE benefits supply chain (SC) competences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop and test hypotheses through structural equation modeling (SEM) based on data from 201 European firms. Institutional theory is applied to determine the reasons that lead SCs to embed digitally. SCDE is assessed through three dimensions: technology, infrastructure and culture. The data were analyzed using SEM-partial least squares (PLS-SEM) modeling with SmartPLS software.

Findings

The findings show a positive relationship of normative and coercive pressures to SCDE but no relationship between mimetic pressures and SCDE. Additionally, results confirm a positive relationship between SCDE and SC competences that contribute to SC competitive advantage obtaining.

Practical implications

The results underscore the importance of analyzing the environment when undertaking digital projects. Key issues include SC culture and infrastructure in these projects and the advisability of anticipating potential influence of digitalization projects on SC competences that support the chain’s competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study contributes to institutional theory by providing empirical evidence of the individual effect of the three types of institutional pressure, with noteworthy lack of influence from mimetic pressures. The paper also contributes a conceptualization of SCDE composed of three dimensions: digital technologies, digital infrastructure and digital culture. Finally, the study advances the literature on SC competences.
Pricing and green promotion effort strategies in dual-channel green supply chain: considering e-commerce platform financing and free-riding
Authors: Li Mengwan , Shan Miyuan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore product pricing and green promotion effort policies and further analyzes the influences of financing interest rate, green promotion effort and free-riding behavior on the optimal strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Research will be conducted with the aid of Stackelberg game research method, considering that the manufacturer has financial constraints and financing from e-commerce platform, and consumers have dual preferences, based on the two models of no green promotion effort for physical store and green promotion effort for physical store to explore dual-channel green supply chain strategies.

Findings

This research puts forward the following findings, in the two models: the rise in financing interest rate leads to an increase in wholesale and selling prices of dual channels and a decrease in demand of dual channels. The green promotion effort has a positive impact on wholesale prices, selling prices and demand of dual channels. The rise of free-riding rate makes offline wholesale and selling prices fall, whereas online wholesale and selling prices rise.

Originality/value

This research results can provide reference for the decision-making in the context of supply chain financing and free-riding.
The contributions of scale-appropriate farm mechanization to hunger and poverty reduction: evidence from smallholder systems in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Gokul P. , Gartaula Hom , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Justice Scott E. , Krupnik Timothy J. , McDonald Andrew J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study examines the adoption drivers of scale-appropriate mechanization in Nepal's maize-based farming systems. The authors also assess the contribution of scale-appropriate mechanization to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of zero hunger (SDG2) and no poverty (SDG1).

Design/methodology/approach

Propensity score matching and doubly robust inverse probability-weighted regression adjusted methods were applied to estimate the effects of mini-tiller adoption. These methods control the biases that arise from observed heterogeneities between mini-tillers users and nonusers.

Findings

The study findings show that farm size, labor shortages, draft animal scarcity, market proximity, household assets and household heads' educational level influence the adoption of mechanization in Nepal. Mechanized farms exhibited enhanced maize productivity, profits and household food self-sufficiency. Reduced depth and severity of poverty were also observed. Nevertheless, these effects were not uniform; very small farms (≤0.41 ha) facing acute labor shortages benefited the most.

Research limitations/implications

The study results suggest that policymakers in developing nations like Nepal may wish to expand their emphasis on scale-appropriate mechanization to improve farm productivity and household food security, reduce poverty and contribute to the SDGs.

Originality/value

This first-of-its-kind study establishes the causal effects between scale-appropriate farm mechanization and SDG1 (no poverty) and SDG2 (zero hunger) in a developing nation.
Diversity in Iranian upstream educational documents
Authors: Hassanpour Ali , Azizi Nematollah , Ahmadi Abbas , Gholizadeh Isa , Ramezani Seyedeh Golafrooz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Considering the role that students’ diverse identifications play in education, this paper aims to contribute to the developing discourse on multicultural education concerning the status of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity in Iranian upstream educational documents (UEDs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the status of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity in Iranian UEDs through quantitative and qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Findings show that three continuous patterns are repeated throughout the documents. (1) The so-called diversity: although there are promising and positive statements about diversity in the documents, they are indirect, and this level of attention is very superficial and limited. (2) Affirming assimilation: the documents are covered by presenting the Islamic-Iranian identity, and somehow almost all the issues raised in the documents end up in this pattern. (3) Pattern of contradictions: content analysis shows that the content of documents does not have intellectual and logical coherence.

Practical implications

This research paper points to the need for a systematic analysis of ignoring diversity operating in UEDs in Iran.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper broadens the document analysis as one of the first research to critically explore the depiction of diversity in important UEDs in Iran.
Double-sided silicon vias (DSSVs) interconnection for large-sized interposer fabrication
Authors: Yang Haibo , Dai Fengwei , Cao Liqiang , Cao Guofu , Fang Zhidan , Wang Qidong
Published: January 2023

Purpose

A large-scale detection system with more data in short time bins, small dead space and small signal identification is the ideology the scientists pursuing. These proposed demands are able to be solved by 2.5 D integration. The substance of a 2.5 D integration is called silicon interposer, which consists of the through silicon via (TSV) and redistribution layer. However, the state-of-the-art silicon interposer is not able to sustain its own mechanical strength with the detector/readout array often sitting as standalone in large science facilities and fails to reduce the expansions on the installation of the components due to its insufficient thickness and size. This study aims to propose a moderation of current interposer with large-sized, standalone properties.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an interposer based on double-sided silicon vias (DSSVs) interconnection. Unlike conventional interposer that is interconnected by TSVs, DSSVs interposer is interconnected by top vias (T-vias) and bottom vias (B-vias).

Findings

The fabrication process of DSSVs interposer is introduced, and the superiority of the double-sided interconnection process with two etch-stop layers is described in detail. The impact of different T-vias depth on DSSVs interconnections in the same wafer is discussed and two times PI opening processes are proposed to eliminate air bubbles in the B-via. The relationship between the interposer thickness and warpage is studied by finite element analysis simulation and experiment. The prototype of the DSSVs interposer with a size of 100  × 100 mm and a thickness of 318.2 µm is fabricated, and electrical tests including short tests and continuity tests are carried out.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a large-sized and stand-alone interposer based on DSSVs interconnection.
A neuro-cognitive perspective on urban behavior of people with different moods
Authors: Erkan Ilker
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the neurocognitive status of people with different moods (depressed and non-depressed) both in a typical urban environment (TUE) and in an urban green environment (UGE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with the participation of 210 individuals in a real environment. Heart rates of the participants were measured together with EEG and eye-tracking measurements while they were walking in a real urban environment (TUE and UGE). The participants were divided into depressed and non-depressed groups according to different moods. Movements within the city based on these two distinctions and different cognitive moods were investigated, together with the effects of the city plan on these people.

Findings

As a result, the green urban fabric was found to have a positive effect even on people with depression. Yet, it was found that the non-depressed group also spent more time in a green urban environment.

Originality/value

The study shows that urban planners and designers should assume an important role in the design of green spaces, which have a more intense visual and cognitive impact than structures.
Market reaction to the Russian Ukrainian war: a global analysis of the banking industry
Authors: Boubaker Sabri , Nguyen Nga , Trinh Vu Quang , Vu Thanh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the market reactions of the banking industry to the Russian–Ukraine war.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an event study methodology, regression analyses and interaction effects to study the effect of the war on banks stock prices and analyze factors that explain the cumulative abnormal return.

Findings

First, this study finds a significant decline of almost 1.5% in return on the war date. Similar patterns were observed for all continents, but Europe had the most severe drop of about 4%. Second, after excluding the contemporaneous influence of the whole market using the market model, global bank equities returns fell by about 1% on the war date, indicating that bank stocks were more severely impacted by the war than the average stock market. Net-of-market return approach further reveals that bank stock prices decreased 1.4% more on the event day compared to the prewar market average. Third, the impacts of the war and sanctions were persistent when the war continued. Banks stocks were most hit in Europe, Asia and North America.

Originality/value

This paper pioneers the study of the effect of the Russia–Ukraine war on the banking industry. This paper also analyzes the reaction pattern of bank stocks before, during and after the war to explain the behavior and expectations of investors toward the war.
Synthesis and optimization for shape memory behaviour of 4D printed GNPs reinforced shape memory photopolymer composite
Authors: Borra N. Dhanunjayarao , Neigapula Venkata Swamy Naidu
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Shape memory materials are functional materials having a good number of applications due to their unique features of programmable material technology such as self-stretching, self-assembly and self-tightening. Advancements in today’s technology led to the easy fabrication of such novel materials using 3D printing techniques. When an external stimulus causes a 3D printed specimen to change shape on its own, this process is known as 4D printing. This study aims to investigate the effect of graphene nano platelet (GNPs) on the shape memory behaviour of shape memory photo polymer composites (SMPPCs) and to optimize the shape-changing response by using the Taguchi method.

Design/methodology/approach

SMPPCs are synthesized by blending different weight fractions (Wt.%) of flexible or soft photopolymer (FPP) resin with hard photopolymer (HPP) resin, then reinforced with GNPs at various Wt.% to the blended PP resin, and then fabricated using masked stereolithography (MSLA) apparatus. The shape memory test is conducted to assess the shape recovery time (T), shape fixity ratio (Rf), shape recovery ratio (Rr) and shape recovery rate (Vr) using Taguchi analysis by constructing an L9 orthogonal array with parameters such as Wt.% of a blend of FPP and HPP resin, Wt.% of GNPs and holding time.

Findings

SMPPCs with A3, B3 and C2 result in a faster T with 2 s, whereas SMPPCs with A1, B1 and C3 result in a longer T with 21 s. The factors A and B are ranked as the most significant in the Pareto charts that were obtained, whereas C is not significant. It can be seen from the heatmap plot that when factors A and B increase, T is decreasing and Vr is increasing. The optimum parameters for T and Vr are A3, B3 and C2 at the same time for Rf and Rr are A1, B3 and C1.

Research limitations/implications

Faster shape recovery results from a higher Wt.% of FPP resin in a blend than over a true HPP resin. This is because the flexible polymer links in FPP resin activate more quickly over time. However, a minimum amount of HPP resin also needs to be maintained because it plays a role in producing higher Rf and Vr. The use of GNPs as reinforcement accelerates the T because nanographene conducts heat more quickly, releasing the temporary shape of the specimen more quickly.

Originality/value

The use of FPP and HPP resin blends, fabricating the 4D-printed SMPPCs specimens with MSLA technology, investigating the effect of GNPs and optimizing the process parameters using Taguchi and the work was validated using confirmation tests and regression analysis, which increases the originality and novelty.
Adjustable children’s clothing: preferences of children and their parents in Sri Lanka
Authors: Seram Niromi , Maduwanthi Dulshani Nimesha
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Adjustable children’s clothing is being acknowledged as the best solution worldwide to reduce the unnecessary squandering of money and accumulation of waste materials in landfills because provision for size adjustment helps to increase the lifespan of a garment. There are no studies on the preferences of both children and their parents for adjustable children's clothing, although they are equally involved as consumers in the children’ clothing market. Thus, this paper aims to explore the preferences of children and their parents about adjustable children’s clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Five children’s wear fashion outlets in the Colombo District were studied to explore the types of children’s clothing that are available in the Sri Lankan market. A questionnaire survey was conducted with parents who have children between the ages of 8 and 12 years to determine their perceptions on the use of adjustable children’s clothing. Five children living in the Colombo District were also interviewed.

Findings

According to the questionnaire survey results, 53% of the respondents who have children in the age group 8–12 years were unaware of the existence of adjustable children's clothing, whereas 47% had at least some knowledge of them. Interviews with the five children showed that only two children were aware of garments with adjustment features. As it turned out though, four children were indeed wearing them but did not realize those were adjustable garments. It was found that if adjustable children's clothing were freely available in the Sri Lankan market, 79.5% of the respondents would prefer to buy them because they could appreciate the financial and environmental benefits that would result. Clothing made of standard, high quality, durable and comfortable materials were all in demand. In addition, parents expected adjustable children's clothing products to be available at affordable prices.

Originality/value

This study provides important knowledge that can fill the gap in the existing literature on adjustable children’s clothing. The findings will be beneficial for the children’s clothing product designers and developers, as well as academia.
COVID‐19 infection‐ and vaccination‐related exacerbation of Darier's disease in a single patient
Authors: Fukaura Ryo , Takeichi Takuya , Ebata Aoi , Muro Yoshinao , Akiyama Masashi
Published: January 2023

Darier's disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder. DD patients usually present with widespread keratotic eruptions with itching in the seborrheic regions that are exacerbated by various factors, including heat, sweat, and physical trauma. The SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic has stirred confusion among the medical community, including dermatologists, as this infection has been implicated in various skin conditions. Only a handful of reports have documented DD associated with COVID‐19. Here, we report a 30‐year‐old male with Darier's disease whose symptoms were exacerbated following both COVID‐19 vaccination and COVID‐19 infection. The patient had noticed slight eruptions 7 years prior, but was not particularly concerned. After COVID‐19 vaccination and infection, he had erythematous maculopapular lesions in large areas of the trunk and extremities. The previously reported pathogenic variant c.2255_2257del (p.(Ile752_Tyr753delinsAsn)) in ATP2A2 was detected in the present patient. Oral etretinate greatly improved his DD manifestations. As far as we know, the present patient is the first genetically confirmed DD case who showed both COVID‐19 infection‐ and vaccination‐related DD exacerbations independently. We think that the further accumulation of DD cases exacerbated by COVID‐19 infection/vaccination is needed to clarify the mechanisms of DD aggravation.
A three‐dimensional approach to general plant fire syndromes
Authors: Jaureguiberry Pedro , Díaz Sandra
Published: January 2023

Plant fire syndromes are usually defined as combinations of fire response traits, the most common being resprouting (R) and seeding (S). Plant flammability (F), on the other hand, refers to a plant's effects on communities and ecosystems. Despite its important ecological and evolutionary implications, F has rarely been considered to define plant fire syndromes and, if so, usually separated from response syndromes.

We propose a three‐dimensional model that combines R, S and F, encapsulating both plant response to fire regimes and the capacity to promote them. Each axis is divided into three possible standardized categories, reflecting low, medium and high values of each variable, with a total of 27 possible combinations of R, S and F.

We hypothesized that different fire histories should be reflected in the position of species within the three‐dimensional space, and that this should help assess the importance of fire as an evolutionary force in determining R‐S‐F syndromes.

To illustrate our approach, we compiled information on the fire syndromes of 24 dominant species of different growth forms from the Chaco seasonally dry forest of central Argentina, and we compared them to 33 species from different Mediterranean‐type climate ecosystems (MTCEs) of the world.

Chaco and MTCEs species differed in the range (7 syndromes vs. 13 syndromes, respectively) and proportion of extreme syndromes (i.e. species with extreme values of R, S and/or F) representing 29% of species in the Chaco vs. 45% in the MTCEs.

In addition, we explored the patterns of R, S and F of 4032 species from seven regions with contrasting fire histories, and found significantly higher frequencies of extreme values (predominantly high) of all three variables in MTCEs compared to the other regions, where intermediate and low values predominated, broadly supporting our general hypothesis.

The proposed three‐dimensional approach should help standardize comparisons of fire syndromes across taxa, growth forms and regions with different fire histories. This will contribute to the understanding of the role of fire in the evolution of plant traits and assist vegetation modelling in the face of changes in fire regimes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Multiscale assessment of oviposition habitat associations and implications for management in the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an emerging invasive pest
Authors: Ramirez Victoria A. , De Bona Sebastiano , Helmus Matthew R. , Behm Jocelyn E.
Published: January 2023

Control of incipient invaders—established invasive species in the early stages of spreading—can be inhibited by incomplete knowledge of the species' habitat use. By identifying consistent habitat associations for incipient invaders early, control efforts can be more effective. Yet, because habitat associations are the result of multiscale processes, approaches are needed for integrating data collected across scales to identify them.

We employed a hierarchical, multiscale approach to identify oviposition habitat associations in the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an incipient invasive species of high concern in the United States. We targeted four oviposition habitat spatial scales most likely to be used by lanternflies and the spatial scales of explanatory habitat variables most easily used by managers to locate egg masses to control.

Spotted lanternflies exhibited oviposition habitat associations at the landscape, site, and tree scales. Overall, lanternflies oviposited more frequently at sites and on trees with low canopy cover in the surrounding landscape indicating higher use of human‐impacted habitat. Additionally, they oviposited more frequently on trees from the Acer genus and in the crowns of larger trees beyond the reach of managers without special equipment. The duration a site had been invaded had opposing effects on oviposition at the site and tree scales.

Despite high variation in the number of eggs per egg mass, no habitat variables explained this variation, suggesting more work is needed to understand spotted lanternfly reproductive output.

Synthesis and applications: Our results indicate that a multiscale approach is needed for spotted lanternfly control with unique strategies for locating egg masses at sites and on trees that vary in invasion duration. Specifically, at younger sites at the invasion edge, managers should expect patchy colonization of sites, yet when a site is colonized, many trees will have egg masses. Comparatively, older sites at the invasion core are more likely to have egg masses present, yet often at a lower density, which may make them difficult to find on individual trees. Based on our results, we assert that multiscale investigations of habitat associations would likely inform the control of other incipient invasive species as well.
Dynamics and recovery of forest understory biodiversity over 17 years following varying levels of retention harvesting
Authors: Bartels Samuel F. , Macdonald S. Ellen
Published: January 2023

Retention harvesting is advocated as an alternative to intensive timber harvesting, such as clear‐cutting, to better maintain or facilitate recovery of biodiversity and other ecological values in managed forests. However, it is not clear how long the benefits of retention harvests persist.

We investigated responses of understory vascular plant cover, richness, diversity (inverse Simpson index) and composition to a gradient in dispersed retention (2% [clear‐ cut], 10%, 20%, 50% and 75% retention; unharvested reference [100% retention]) at 3, 6, 11, and 17 years after harvest, in four boreal mixedwood forest types (deciduous (broadleaf)‐dominated, deciduous‐dominated with conifer understory, mixed, and conifer‐dominated) in western Canada.

Understory cover and richness tended to increase in the short‐term (3 years), peaked at 6–11 years with differences following the gradient of harvesting intensity, then plateaued or declined in the second decade (17 years), by which time there were minimal or no differences among harvesting levels, including the reference. Responses for diversity were minimal. In contrast, composition varied along the gradient of harvesting intensity and showed little recovery towards the unharvested condition over the 17‐year period. Generally, for plant community composition, clear‐cut and lower retention treatments (10%, 20%) were similar to one another but differed from the higher retention and unharvested reference treatments.

Synthesis and applications: Retention harvests can moderate the negative impacts of harvesting and facilitate the recovery of biodiversity. Our results suggest that for the cover, richness and diversity of understory vascular plants, this moderating influence is weak and short‐lived. However, higher levels of retention can temper changes in understory composition relative to the unharvested forest, but full recovery is likely to be slow and will be complicated by post‐harvest regeneration dynamics.