bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural business-to-business communication – the experiences of Polish companies with the Chinese and Americans
Authors: Bartosik-Purgat Małgorzata , Rakowska Wiktoria
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to identify the differences and similarities in the communication between B2B participants in cross-cultural environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methods used in the study are two-fold: the literature analysis is complemented by primary qualitative research conducted in small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland and doing business internationally. The research was focused on two culturally different markets: China and the United States. In the empirical research, the authors used one of the qualitative methods – Individual Depth Interview (IDI).

Findings

General findings showed that the strongest influence of culture was identified among older (+50 years old) business partners. The younger ones are eager to adapt and try to understand others' viewpoints. The research results may be used in creating business communication models in the countries researched for companies that plan to enter both American and Chinese markets.

Practical implications

The results of the study may have useful applied managerial value and be used in cooperation between SMEs' B2B business partners, not only from Poland but also from the whole region of Central and Eastern Europe and the United States and China.

Social implications

The findings may help to understand and communicate with culturally different social groups such as co-workers, students, teachers, etc.

Originality/value

The research presented in the paper covers the gap in the literature because it relates to some new factors (like cultural heritage, age and type of industry) which determine the effectiveness of personal business communication between partners in the international marketplace.
Measuring the economic performance of transition economies: DEA-bootstrapping approach
Authors: Jakšić Milena , Srejović Ana Krstić , Milanović Marina , Mimović Predrag
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The paper analyzes the relative technical efficiency of the transition economies of the Western Balkans in the period 2007–2021, in comparison with the former countries with a socialist state system, today members of the European Union (EU), based on selected macroeconomic indicators and panel data.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA), i.e. its extension, DEA Window analysis, is applied. Total technical efficiency, as a prerequisite of economic efficiency, is decomposed into pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE). Bootstrapping method and Mann–Whitney U test were used to check the robustness of the obtained results, i.e. efficiency values.

Findings

The results show that in 2020, all observed countries recorded a significant drop in economic efficiency as a result of a general, disproportionate drop in the value of selected macroeconomic variables, which occurred due to the global economic crisis and the slowdown in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This drop in efficiency was significantly greater in the former socialist states, now members of the European Union, which showed their greater sensitivity to global crises. None of the observed economies in the observed period was relatively efficient, that is, at the level of best practice, which occurred primarily as a consequence of the inefficiency of business conditions expressed in the economies of scale.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study stems from the very nature of the concept of DEA efficiency, which is relative in nature. Also, the results and their interpretation are also significantly influenced by the choice of model variables, as shown by Lábaj et al. (2013), as well as a small number of decision-making units (DMUs). The mentioned limitations prevent unambiguous interpretation and generalization of the obtained results.

Practical implications

The study may be of importance to economic policy makers in macroeconomic decision-making. The application of the DEA concept in measuring the technical efficiency of national economies is a useful tool in the analysis of macroeconomic performance and a benchmarking approach for positioning and achieving competitive advantage on the international market.

Originality/value

Since research of this type is very limited, the results of this study make a theoretical and empirical contribution to the literature, creating a basis for future research and reexamination. The application of the DEA concept in measuring the technical efficiency of national economies is a useful tool in the analysis of macroeconomic performance and a benchmarking approach for positioning and achieving competitive advantage in the international market.
Safety in a public library: the perspective of visitors and staff
Authors: Ceccato Vania , Ercin Emrah , Hazanov Julia , Elfström Sara , Sampaio Adriana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In this study, the authors report visitors' and personnel's safety experiences and concerns in order to understand the safety conditions of a library.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on answers from a small sample survey of library visitors, interviews with the personnel and incidents recorded in a library in Stockholm the capital of Sweden.

Findings

Dealing with visitors under influence of drugs/alcohol or feeling intimidated by groups of young individuals are examples of situations in which the staff feel most unsafe. Visitors declare witnessing problems of public disturbance and disorderly conduct, fights and other types of aggression. Although the vast majority of visitors declare feeling safe in the library, their perceptions vary according to the library's environment and their individual characteristics, including their previous victimization.

Practical implications

The study is novel because it indicates the importance of the environment to ensure the safety conditions of the library for both visitors and staff. Finally, research on safety in libraries is often from North America and Western European contexts, while this study contributes to the international literature by illustrating libraries in a Nordic European context.

Social implications

The study indicates that more social control, both formal and informal, is at the top of the list of recommendations for visitors. Among personnel, recommendations include the need for cooperation with other local actors to solve problems in surrounding areas as well as better education for librarians in dealing with the current safety challenges of libraries as multifunctional public facilities.

Originality/value

Combine visitors' and personnel's safety experiences to better understand the safety conditions of a public library.
Enhanced abundance of generalist and litter saprotrophs explain increased tropical forest soil carbon with long‐term nitrogen deposition
Authors: Lu Zhe , Li Hui , Sayer Emma J. , Liu Zhanfeng , Li Luhua , Chen Yao , Qin Guoming , Li Jintian , Zhou Jinge , Huang Xingyun , Zhang Jingfan , Wu Jingtao , Thapa Poonam , Wang Faming
Published: May 2023

Nitrogen (N) deposition is a pervasive anthropogenic change that can alter the dynamics and storage of carbon (C) in tropical soils by altering the transformation of plant litter C to soil organic C (SOC). The response of fungi may be particularly important for explaining how N deposition affects SOC storage in tropical forests because they are the primary decomposers of plant litter. Fungi can be grouped into different ecological guilds, or functional groups, which often have contrasting responses to the same environmental change. However, little is known if shifts in fungal guilds and their functions explain increased tropical forest SOC storage under N deposition.

We addressed this knowledge gap by assessing the effects of long‐term (6 years) experimental N addition (+N) on fungal guilds, their functions and SOC fractions in a tropical forest.

Total SOC, dissolved organic C (DOC), particulate organic C and fungal necromass C were all higher in +N soils. The fungal community in +N soils was dominated by generalist saprotrophs, and leaf saprotroph abundance increased nearly 93‐fold compared to controls. These changes were accompanied by an increase in lignocellulolytic enzymes, indicating accelerated decomposition of recalcitrant litter C compounds. Chitosanase, which catalyses synthesis of glucosamine, was 1.37× higher in +N soils than controls; correspondingly, fungal necromass C contributed 1.42× more to SOC. Greater abundance of saprotrophic enzymes involved in organic acid synthesis in +N soils was associated with higher concentration of Ca2+ and DOC.

We propose that N deposition increases SOC storage by enhancing saprotroph abundance and activity, whereby increased organic acid production supports fungal growth both directly and indirectly via the release of nutrients and DOC, resulting in greater inputs of necromass to the soil. Our findings highlight the importance of considering shifts in guild‐level fungal abundance and function to investigate changes in SOC dynamics and storage.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Outcomes of dose‐escalated IMRT and ADT in Octogenarians with prostate cancer
Authors: Le Tue , Armstrong Shreya , Shakespeare Thomas P
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We evaluated long‐term outcomes for octogenarians with localised prostate cancer treated using dose‐escalated image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at our institution.

Methods

The charts of octogenarians treated for localised prostate cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS), prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCaSS), toxicity rates and changes from baseline were collected.

Results

The median follow‐up was 97 months. Of 107 eligible patients, 27.1% had intermediate‐risk and 72.9% had high‐risk localised prostate cancer. Median dose was 78Gy, and 97.2% received ADT. OS was 91.4% and 67.2% at 5 and 10 years. PCaSS was 98.0% and 88.7% at 5 and 10 years. In all, 39 (36.4%) of patients died, with the cause of death known in 30: in 26.7% of these patients, prostate cancer was the cause of death. Grade ≥ 2 late GI and GU toxicity was 0.9% and 24.3% respectively. In all, 11.2% and 22.4% of patients reported worsening of GI or GU function from baseline, and 13.1% and 21.5% reported improvement in GI and GU function compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Selected octogenarian patients with localised prostate cancer appear to benefit from radiation therapy and ADT. Despite excellent long‐term PCaSS, 26.7% of patients died of prostate cancer. Rates of GI and GU toxicity were acceptable, and deterioration of urinary and bowel function compared to baseline was just as common as improvement in function from baseline.
miaSim: an R/Bioconductor package to easily simulate microbial community dynamics
Authors: Gao Yu , Şimşek Yağmur , Gheysen Emma , Borman Tuomas , Li Yi , Lahti Leo , Faust Karoline , Garza Daniel Rios
Published: May 2023

Microbiomes never stop changing. Their compositions and functions are shaped by the complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, such as growth and migration rates, species interactions, available nutrients and environmental conditions. Mathematical models help us make sense of these complex drivers and intuitively explain how, why and when specific microbiome states are reached while others are not. To make simulations of microbiome dynamics intuitive and accessible, we present miaSim.

miaSim provides users with a wide range of possibilities to match their specific assumptions and scenarios, starting from a core implementation of four widely used models (namely the stochastic logistic model, MacArthur's consumer‐resource model, Hubbell's neutral model and the generalized Lotka‐Volterra model) and several of their derivations. The diverse model implementations share the same data structures and, whenever possible, share state variables, which significantly facilitates cross‐model combinations and comparisons.

We combined and simulated some published examples of microbiome models in miaSim and performed cross‐model comparisons and tested diverse model assumptions. Our examples illustrate the reliability, robustness and user‐friendliness of the package. In addition, miaSim is accompanied by miaSimShiny, which allows users to explore the parameter space of their models in real‐time in an intuitive graphical interface. miaSim is fully compatible with the ‘miaverse’, an R/Bioconductor framework for microbiome data science, allowing users to combine and compare model simulations with microbiome datasets. The stable version of miaSim is available through Bioconductor 3.15, and the version for future development is available at https://github.com/microbiome/miaSim. miaSimShiny is available at https://github.com/gaoyu19920914/miaSimShiny.

We anticipate that miaSim will significantly facilitate the task of simulating microbiome dynamics, highlighting the role of ecological simulations as important tools in microbiome data science.
Identification of multiple symptoms of huanglongbing by electronic nose based on the variability of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Xu Qian , Bai Junwen , Ma Lixin , Li Ziqi , Tan Bin , Sun Li , Cai Jianrong
Published: May 2023

Huanglongbing (HLB) is highly contagious and cannot be cured, resulting in a decrease in the commercial value of citrus. Timely detection and removal of diseased trees is an effective way to reduce losses. Complex symptoms of HLB, such as nutrient deficiencies often accompany HLB; as a result effective and accurate identification of HLB remains a challenge. In this study, 175 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in three categories (healthy, HLB, and Zn‐deficiency) of samples using headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC/MS), highlighting the variability of VOCs present in different categories of samples. In order to simplify the testing steps and reduce the cost in practical agricultural production, a method based on electronic nose technology to collect VOCs from citrus leaves for HLB detection was proposed. Among them, limiting value features and linear discriminant analysis were identified as the best combination of feature extraction and pattern recognition methods. Multiple sets of comparison experiments were set up and the collection conditions of VOCs were optimized. The results showed that the best classification performance was achieved for a 0.2 g sample at a collection time of 20 min when the collection temperature was 40°C and the headspace volume was 200 mL. Four types of samples (healthy, HLB‐positive, Zn‐deficiency, Zn‐deficiency and HLB‐positive) were used for model reliability validation, with an accuracy of 97.79% for HLB samples for multiple symptoms (including HLB‐positive and Zn‐deficiency and HLB‐positive) identification. In addition, the accuracy of samples with a combined effect of Zn‐deficiency and HLB was 96.43%. The results show that the E‐nose‐based HLB detection method is conducive to suppressing the spread of HLB, which can ensure the quality of citrus products and reduce the economic loss to horticulturists, and has good practical value.
Lithic and stone industries of Bahra 1, an Ubaid‐related site in northern Kuwait
Authors: Kozłowski Stefan Karol , Białowarczuk Marcin
Published: May 2023

Bahra 1 is a large site in the north of the Arabian Peninsula that provided an assemblage of nearly 100,000 lithic artefacts. The whole lithic industry of Bahra 1 represents a set of well‐thought‐out flint, quartz and stone tools for the mass production of shell jewellery, with only a small share of typical household tools. They mostly relate to the Ubaid tradition with Arabian Neolithic influences. However, limited excavations of the oldest occupational layers of the site also revealed an Epipalaeolithic Zarzian tradition. This paper presents a techno‐typological, functional and cultural characteristic of the whole Bahra 1 chipped and ground stone industry identified during the excavations at the site in 2009–2019.
Rabies postexposure prophylaxis: What the U.S. emergency medicine provider needs to know
Authors: Gibbons Kyle , Dvoracek Kyle
Published: May 2023

Approximately 55,000 patients per year in the United States are exposed to potentially rabid animals and receive rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and these patients commonly present to the emergency department (ED) for wound care and PEP. Despite the number of rabies exposures seen in EDs each year, there appears to be a knowledge gap among health care providers with regard to prescribing and administering rabies PEP. The following review aims to bridge that knowledge gap by discussing the importance of obtaining a comprehensive exposure history to determine the category of the encounter, the type of animal, and the location of the bite and of consulting outside expert resources to determine whether the rabies PEP series is indicated. In addition, this article will discuss dosing, administration, and schedule of the rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin to ensure patients are fully protected from developing rabies. Lastly, this article discusses the potential cost associated with rabies PEP and provides information on managing this barrier.
Binge drinking alcohol and circadian misalignment in night shift nurses is associated with decreased resiliency to COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Swanson Garth R. , Schwartz Benjamin A. , Joyce Cara , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: May 2023

Background

Nurses and other first responders are at high risk of exposure to the SARS‐CoV2 virus, and many have developed severe COVID‐19 infection. A better understanding of the factors that increase the risk of infection after exposure to the virus could help to address this. Although several risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have been associated with an increased risk of infection, many first responders develop severe COVID‐19 without established risk factors. As inflammation and cytokine storm are the primary mechanisms in severe COVID‐19, other factors that promote an inflammatory state could increase the risk of COVID‐19 in exposed individuals. Alcohol misuse and shift work with subsequent misaligned circadian rhythms are known to promote a pro‐inflammatory state and thus could increase susceptibility to COVID‐19. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective, cross‐sectional observational survey‐based study in nurses using the American Nursing Association network.

Method

We used validated structured questionnaires to assess alcohol consumption (the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and circadian typology or chronotype (the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire Shift ‐MCTQ‐Shift).

Results

By latent class analysis (LCA), high‐risk features of alcohol misuse were associated with a later chronotype, and binge drinking was greater in night shift workers. The night shift was associated with more than double the odds of COVID‐19 infection of the standard shift (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.18 to 6.07). Binge drinkers had twice the odds of COVID‐19 infection of those with low‐risk features by LCA (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 0.75 to 5.79).

Conclusion

Working night shifts or binge drinking may be risk factors for COVID‐19 infection among nurses. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these risk factors could help to mitigate the impact of COVID‐19 on our at‐risk healthcare workforce.
Early life experience with predators impacts development, behavior, and post‐translocation outcomes in an endangered amphibian
Authors: Hammond T. T. , Jacobs L. E. , Curtis M. J. , Trotman E. M. , Swaisgood R. R. , Shier D. M.
Published: May 2023

Pre‐release training is becoming a standard practice in conservation breeding and translocation programs for mammals and birds, but is still relatively neglected for herpetofauna, likely stemming from widespread beliefs that amphibians are “hard‐wired” and are thus predicted to benefit little from experiential learning. However, experience during development can drive both morphological and behavioral modifications that could benefit post‐translocation survival. Here, we developed an anti‐predator training program for the endangered mountain yellow‐legged frog Rana muscosa and evaluated its impact on morphometrics, developmental rates, behavior, and post‐release outcomes. Using a controlled, balanced factorial experimental design, we exposed individuals at two developmental stages (tadpoles and post‐metamorphic) to visual and olfactory cues from one of its principal predators, the two‐striped garter snake Thamnophis hammondii. We found that exposure to predators during the tadpole stage impacted tadpole development, morphology, and behavior. However, we found no evidence that post‐metamorphic behavior or post‐release outcomes were influenced by tadpole predator exposure, either on its own or in interaction with post‐metamorphic training treatments. Training of post‐metamorphic frogs, however, yielded evidence of learning, with downstream effects on behavior and apparent survival after release into the wild. Our findings produce novel insights on the value of anti‐predator training in amphibian conservation translocation programs, bolster recent evidence re‐evaluating the importance of learning and developmental experience for amphibian species, and provide guidance for selecting optimal developmental windows for training.
Dirty care in the transfronterizo experience: Walking with Mexicali/Calexico teachers through their youth
Authors: O'Donnell Jennifer Lee
Published: May 2023

Many educators living near the United States and Mexico border were transfronterizo students—young people with familial and institutional ties to both countries, who crossed the border each day to attend United States schools. This study is concerned with how these teachers’ identities formed within distinct sociocultural contexts like the Borderlands and how this can serve education institutions invested in teacher identity work.
Effects of land cover changes and forest fragmentation on three species of east African mini‐antelopes
Authors: Said Mohamed K. , Misana Salome B.
Published: May 2023

Human beings have continued to decline and fragment mini‐antelopes habitats. We studied the effects of land cover change on the conservation of the endangered Ader's Duiker (Cephalophus adersi), the Zanzibar blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola sundevalli) and the Suni (Neotragus moschatus zanzibaricus) in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Data were obtained from the 1975, 2009 and 2014 satellite images and geographical information systems, focus group discussions, transect‐walk and observation. We found that the habitat of mini‐antelopes had declined from 87.3% to 58.5% between 1975 and 2014 and become fragmented. The forest fragments increased from 35 to 139 patches while shrubs increased from 41 to 199 patches. Community members had the perception that the decline and fragmentation of the habitat had caused the numbers of mini‐antelopes and their forage to decline. We also found that there were incidences of mini‐antelopes eating crop plants such as cowpeas, yams and tomatoes in the farms during the night as an adaptive mechanism for forage decline. Conclusively, land cover changes from human activities have caused negative effects on the mini‐antelopes. There is, therefore need for the local people, the government and private individuals or corporations to introduce collective conservation initiatives, including the establishment of conservation areas to conserve the mini‐antelopes.
Breeding and demographic aspects of Montemys delectorum, an East African endemic rodent
Authors: Gebrezgiher Genet B. , Meheretu Yonas , Katakweba Abdul A. S. , Sabuni Christopher , Makundi Rhodes H.
Published: May 2023

Montemys delectorum is the only member of the genus Montemys within the family Muridae, which is an endemic rodent of the Eastern Africa Highlands. It is a threatened species due to habitat loss, and its current conservation status is uncertain. We studied the breeding pattern and population size of M. delectorum, two of the most important factors in understanding the conservation status of a species. Capture–mark–release studies were conducted from February 2021 to June 2022 in open patchy forests and dense forest habitats. Montemys delectorum showed bimodal breeding seasonality: a low rate for the short interval between December and February and a pronounced rate for May–July, following the high rainfall in April. This shows that rainfall promotes vegetation availability, which stimulates breeding activity and adds offspring to the population, resulting in increased population abundance. The population of M. delectorum is not stable in this landscape, as indicated by the significant differences in population size between the two forest types, with a significantly greater population in the patchy open forest. This indicates that the patchy open forest should be considered an essential refuge for the species.
Deep learning in optical coherence tomography: Where are the gaps?
Authors: Li Dawei , Ran An Ran , Cheung Carol Y. , Prince Jerry L.
Published: May 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive optical imaging modality, which provides rapid, high‐resolution and cross‐sectional morphology of macular area and optic nerve head for diagnosis and managing of different eye diseases. However, interpreting OCT images requires experts in both OCT images and eye diseases since many factors such as artefacts and concomitant diseases can affect the accuracy of quantitative measurements made by post‐processing algorithms. Currently, there is a growing interest in applying deep learning (DL) methods to analyse OCT images automatically. This review summarises the trends in DL‐based OCT image analysis in ophthalmology, discusses the current gaps, and provides potential research directions. DL in OCT analysis shows promising performance in several tasks: (1) layers and features segmentation and quantification; (2) disease classification; (3) disease progression and prognosis; and (4) referral triage level prediction. Different studies and trends in the development of DL‐based OCT image analysis are described and the following challenges are identified and described: (1) public OCT data are scarce and scattered; (2) models show performance discrepancies in real‐world settings; (3) models lack of transparency; (4) there is a lack of societal acceptance and regulatory standards; and (5) OCT is still not widely available in underprivileged areas. More work is needed to tackle the challenges and gaps, before DL is further applied in OCT image analysis for clinical use.
From dissonant dominance to synchronic sanctity: Relational extraction as counter‐resonance to extractivism
Authors: Woods James E.
Published: May 2023

There is a growing tendency within various disciplines of the humanities to conflate the terms extraction and extractivism. While the first word has many everyday uses—tooth extraction, vanilla “extract”—the latter term was specifically coined to identify a malevolent imaginary that indemnifies the removal of so‐called “resources,” especially when that displacement involves layers of violence and/or looks solely to satisfy a particular economic aim. Given these disparate denotations, the unqualified use of “extraction” synonymously with “extractivism” introduces unnecessary ambiguity, inviting divergent arguments that ultimately diminish an otherwise worthy discussion and losing sight of the grave issues that underlie the conversation's original intent. As such, this essay investigates the biblical origins of this false equivalency and suggests how this usage might be disentangled to properly recenter the malevolence its users are attempting to describe.
Inhibition of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition augments antitumor efficacy of nanotherapeutics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jin Kai‐Zhou , Wu Ying , Zheng Xiao‐Xiao , Li Tian‐Jiao , Liao Zhen‐Yu , Fei Qing‐Lin , Zhang Hui‐Ru , Shi Sai‐Meng , Sha Xin , Yu Xian‐Jun , Chen Wei , Ye Long‐Yun , Wu Wei‐Ding
Published: May 2023

Intrinsic drug resistance mechanisms of tumor cells often reduce intracellular drug concentration to suboptimal levels. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal process in tumor progression and metastasis that confers an aggressive phenotype as well as resistance to chemotherapeutics. Therefore, it is imperative to develop novel strategies and identify new targets to improve the overall efficacy of cancer treatment. We developed SN38 (active metabolite of irinotecan)‐assembled glycol chitosan nanoparticles (cSN38) for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Furthermore, cSN38 and the TGF‐β1 inhibitor LY364947 formed composite nanoparticles upon self‐assembly (cSN38 + LY), which obviated the poor aqueous solubility of LY364947 and enhanced drug sensitivity. The therapeutic efficacy of cSN38 + LY nanotherapeutics was studied in vitro and in vivo using suitable models. The cSN38 nanoparticles exhibited an antitumor effect that was significantly attenuated by TGF‐β‐induced EMT. The cellular uptake of SN38 was impeded during EMT, which affected the therapeutic efficacy. The combination of LY364947 and cSN38 markedly enhanced the cellular uptake of SN38, increased cytotoxic effects, and inhibited EMT in PDAC cells in vitro. Furthermore, cSN38 + LY significantly inhibited PDAC xenograft growth in vivo. The cSN38 + LY nanoparticles increased the therapeutic efficacy of cSN38 via repressing the EMT of PDAC cells. Our findings provide a rationale for designing nanoscale therapeutics to combat PDAC.
Selectivity ofBacillus thuringiensis(Bacillales: Bacillaceae) to the polyphagous predatorCeraeochrysa claveri(Navás, 1911) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Daquila Bruno Vinicius , Moi Dieison André , Scudeler Elton Luiz , Oliveira João Arthur dos Santos , Polanczyk Ricardo Antonio , Conte Helio
Published: May 2023

Bioinsecticides based onBacillus thuringiensis(Bt) are widely used to control agricultural pests. However, there are concerns about their impact on non‐target organisms, with for example, the green lacewingCeraeochrysa claveri, a polyphagous predator with important value in the biological control of insect pests in agroecosystems. This study aimed to analyse the effects of Agree®bioinsecticide (containing Bt serovaraizawaiGC‐91) on the post‐embryonic development ofC. claveri. For this, neonate larvae ofC. claveriwere fed withDiatraea saccharaliseggs contaminated with different concentrations of Agree®(0.62, 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 g L−1) until their pupation. Samples of the midgut of larvae were collected for histological and ultrastructural analysis. The larval and pupal inviability data were collected at the end of the respective developmental stages. After the emergence of adult insects, were considered inviable those with morphological alterations. To evaluate the reproduction, adult insect couples were formed, and the oviposition was collected. No significant differences in the viability of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults ofC. clavericontaminated with Agree®were reported. Midgut analyses did not reveal cellular damage in the epithelium, indicating a possible lack of insecticidal proteins receptors. The oviposition and their viability were similar between treated and control groups. Our results demonstrated that Agree®bioinsecticide did not affect the post‐embryonic development ofC. claveri. This illustrates that the combined use of Bt andC. claverifor the biological control of arthropod pests can be a sustainable strategy for integrated pest management.
Identification of antibacterial activity of LEAP2 from Antarctic icefish Chionodraco hamatus
Authors: Fei Yueyue , Wang Qin , Lu Jigang , Ouyang Linyue , Li Wei , Hu Ruiqin , Chen Liangbiao
Published: May 2023

Liver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a small peptide, which is consisted of signal peptide, pro‐peptide and the bioactive mature peptide. Mature LEAP2 is an antibacterial peptide with four highly conserved cysteines forming two intramolecular disulfide bonds. Chionodraco hamatus, an Antarctic notothenioid fish that lives in the coldest water, has white blood unlike most fish of the world. In this study, the LEAP2 coding sequence was cloned from C. hamatus, including a 29 amino acids signal peptide and mature peptide of 46 amino acids. High levels of LEAP2 mRNA were detected in the skin and liver. Mature peptide was obtained by chemical synthesis in vitro, displayed selective antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. Liver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 showed bactericidal activity by destroying the cell membrane integrity and robustly combined with bacterial genomic DNA. In addition, overexpression of the Tol‐LEAP2‐EGFP in zebrafish larva showed stronger antimicrobial activity in C. hamatus than in zebrafish, accompanied by lower bacterial load and expression of pro‐inflammatory factors. This is the first demonstration of the antimicrobial activity of LEAP2 from C. hamatus, which is of useful value in improving resistance to pathogens.
Testing a model for person‐centred pain management: A systematic review and synthesis guided by the Fundamentals of Care framework
Authors: Avallin Therese , Muntlin Åsa , Kitson Alison , Jangland Eva
Published: May 2023

Aims

To test a model for person‐centred pain management using qualitative evidence in the literature and refine it based on the results.

Design

A qualitative systematic review with thematic synthesis using the Fundamentals of Care framework.

Methods and Data Sources

A literature search in February 2021 in six scientific databases: CINAHL, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus, Social Science Premium Collection and Web of Science, reported using ENTREQ and PRISMA. Quality assessment was performed for the individual studies. Thematic analysis and the GRADE‐CERQual approach were used in the synthesis including the assessment of confidence in the evidence.

Results

The model was tested against the evidence in 15 studies appraised with moderate or high quality and found represented in the literature but needed to be expanded. A refined model with a moderate/high confidence level of evidence presents elements to be used in a holistic care process; The nurse is guided to establish a trusting relationship with the patient and enable communication to identify and meet pain management needs using pharmacological and non‐pharmacological management. Nurse leaders are guided to support this process by providing the right contextual conditions.

Conclusions

The strengths of the confidence level in the refined model, and that it is represented from the nurse and patient perspectives in nursing research across countries and cultures, support our recommendation for empirical evaluation.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The model links the knowledge of pain management elements from individual studies together into actions to be performed in clinical practice. It also outlines the organizational support needed to make this happen. Nurses and nursing leaders are suggested to test the model to implement person‐centred pain management in clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Impact

What Problem Did the Study Address? There is a need to transfer available evidence of person‐centred pain management into practice to relieve the patient from pain. What Were the Main Findings? Person‐centred pain management is of high priority for patients and nurses around the world and can be performed in a holistic care process including patient–nurse trust and communication, supported by contextual conditions to deliver timely pharmacological and non‐pharmacological pain management addressing the patient's physical, psychosocial and relational care needs. Where and on Whom will the Research Have an Impact? The model is to be tested and evaluated in clinical practice to guide the providers to relieve the patient from pain.

Reporting Method

Relevant EQUATOR guidelines were used to report the study: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Statement.
Living well or not? Quality of life of parental living liver donors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wu Xiaxin , Chen Jing , Fan Yaru , Shi Yuexian , Gao Wei
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain comprehensive insight into the quality of life of parental living liver donors after liver donation.

Background

Several studies reported good quality of life of living liver donors with the SF‐36 scale. Care demand from the recipient and responsibility of being parent might make a difference in parental donors' personal experienced quality of life after transplantation surgery.

Methods

It is a cross‐sectional study. The parental donors' demographics, clinical data and post‐donation complications were obtained. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study SF‐36 and the Quality of Life Scale of Living Organ Donors‐Common Module.

Patient or Public Contribution

The enrolled participants were contacted by electronic questionnaires and telephonic interview.

Results

A total of 345 parental donors were included, with recruited period ranging from 3 to 85 months post‐donation. 8.1% of donors had post‐operative complications, mostly classified as Clavien grade II. Donors' general quality of life was higher than the Chinese general norm. Issues related to surgical incision, fatigue, worries about income and personal health, effects on work capability, increased medical expenses and difficult reimbursement and suspected donation decision were the prominent problems among donors. Mother–son relationship (OR = 1.87) and equal or less than 2 years after donation (OR = 3.08) were the influencing factors for poor physical quality of life, while unmarried status (e.g. divorced or widowed) was found negatively associated with mental quality of life (adjusted OR = 3.61).

Conclusions

General health among parental donors is good but those female, unmarried and near post‐donation might in low life quality. Incision, fatigue, finance, reimbursement and donation decision are prominent problems.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Post‐donation care of living donors should cover social and financial domain besides physical and mental dimension. Providing follow‐up care and counselling is necessary to ensure their life quality.
Using dinoprostone slow release vaginal insert for cervical ripening in term‐pregnancy with oligohydramnios
Authors: Nguyen To Nhu Thi Ngo , Vuong Anh Dinh Bao , Nguyen Phuc Nhon , Nguyen Ngoc Tran Thi , Ho Quang Nhat , Le Quang Thanh
Published: May 2023

Aims

The study purposed to evaluate the success rate of cervical ripening using dinoprostone controlled‐release vaginal insert and reveal some factors relating to successful cervical ripening.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted at Tu Du Hospital in Vietnam from December 2021 to August 2022. The study enrolled 200 pregnant women with gestational age ≥37 weeks diagnosed with oligohydramnios. These candidates underwent dinoprostone cervical ripening (DCR) according to the local protocol. The Bishop score ≥7 after 24 h was determined for the successful cervical ripening (SCR).

Results

In total, the success rate of DCR achieved at 57.5% and the cesarean delivery rate was 46.5%. None of the severe side‐effects and complications was present. Using multivariable logistic regression, the study found that the body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and oxytocin infusion drip related to SCR with adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.67 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.78–7.57) and aOR: 4.68 (95% CI: 1.84–11.93), p < 0.001. Using the Kaplan–Meier curve, the present study revealed a significant difference between Bishop <3 and ≥3 following the duration time of cervical ripening, with hazard ratio: 1.38 (95% CI: 1.19–1.59), p < 0.001. The time duration of cervical ripening was not significantly different following amniotic fluid index from 3 to 5 cm.

Conclusions

Cervical ripening using a dinoprostone vaginal insert is a potentially acceptable method in term pregnancy accompanying with oligohydramnios. The probability of SCR can be predicted on a careful assessment of relative factors by obstetricians. Further studies are required to strengthen these findings.
How do grand challenges determine, drive and influence the innovation efforts of for‐profit firms? A multidimensional analysis
Authors: Pereira Vijay , Temouri Yama , Wood Geoffrey , Bamel Umesh , Budhwar Pawan
Published: May 2023

While raising concerns, the recent proliferation of grand challenges has sparked interest in the role played by innovation in causing them, and in how the attempts made to fix them may cause even greater challenges that present themselves down the line. This article provides an analysis of the bibliographic metadata, published between 2002 and 2020, focusing explicitly on the private‐for‐profit sector. By identifying common themes from 66 documents, a framework highlighting the shared concerns and research trajectories was derived. Our results are illustrated and discussed along 11 research themes. We contribute theoretically by identifying the innovation efforts of for‐profit firms that directly relate to grand challenges, through two cases of carbon capture and storage and deep‐sea mining. We conclude that a more holistic understanding of innovation and its many possible consequences needs to be developed. We highlight the limitations of perspectives that do not always take full account of the potential divergence of interests between stakeholders, and, how fuller input by a greater cross‐section of stakeholders may help identify any negative effects of innovations at an earlier stage. Informed by recent extensions of social innovation theory, we explore the potential for synthesis around a pragmatic understanding of institutions, stakeholders, and the nature and quality of ties that bind them.
Hidden in plain sight: unveiling the distributions of green‐winged grasshoppers (Aiolopus spp.) with citizen‐science data
Authors: Pélissié M. , Nabholz B. , Labadessa R. , Ancillotto L.
Published: May 2023

Understanding the geographical distribution of phenotypically highly similar species (i.e. cryptic species) represents a challenge to biogeographers, due to the obvious difficulties in identifying such taxa without specific expertise. Besides, citizen science is increasingly emerging as a key approach for supporting biodiversity data collection, but remains hard to apply in the case of cryptic species. Here we aim to test the combination of community records and photography‐based quantitative methods, for assessing the distribution of cryptic taxa, by using two grasshopper species of the genus Aiolopus as models. To achieve these objectives, we first assess the reliability of photography‐based diagnostic criteria to differentiate between A. thalassinus and A. puissanti without ambiguity from correctly identified records, and then apply such criteria to geographical regions of potential range overlap between the two species, in order to clarify their respective distributions. By applying a multivariate classification approach based on ratio measurements taken from photographs, we provide a quantitative tool to successfully identify the two species, and disclose that A. puissanti widely occurs outside of its currently known range, and outline potential research avenues on the biogeography of these poorly studied species. Our results also point at how some types of cryptic species may be effectively identified by adopting a quantitative photography‐based approach, with applicability for clarifying species' distributions at wide scales by exploiting publicly available citizen‐science records. Our study thus, besides shedding light onto the biogeography and distributions of Aiolopus grasshoppers across the Mediterranean, represents an effective and repeatable framework to disentangle the distributions of poorly studied cryptic species.
Meso‐habitat distribution patterns and ecological requirements of two Mediterranean vipers depict weak competition in a contact zone
Authors: Scaramuzzi A. , Freitas I. , Sillero N. , Martínez‐Freiría F.
Published: May 2023

Disentangling the multiple factors that shape the ecological niche of a species is often difficult, especially when in contact with other similar and potentially competing species. Ecological niche models (ENMs), albeit originally developed for environmental factors only, can help in assessing competition by comparing the niches of ecologically similar species. Here, we use ENMs and niche overlap tests to compare the ecological niches of the Western Mediterranean vipers, Vipera aspis and V. latastei, in the secondary contact zone of the High Ebro (Northern Spain), partitioning the species occurrences in sympatric and allopatric subsets. We considered nine geomorphological and landcover variables, obtained from remote sensing, and gathered at the meso‐habitat scale (100 × 100 m). Our ENMs showed partial interspecific divergence in habitat requirements between these two closely related species, with V. aspis selecting more canopied areas and V. latastei preferring more open habitats. No intraspecific differences in ecological requirements were found when sympatric and allopatric subsets were compared, that is, the two species are not experiencing ecological shift when in contact, which suggests weak competition in habitat use. Our findings, therefore, suggest that species distributions in this contact zone are mainly determined by the environmental conditions, with almost no contribution of competitive pressure. Still, a localized competition might exist due to minor differences in the ecological niches and a marked and unequal reduction of suitable areas for the sympatric populations, which could be favouring V. aspis in small regions of the contact zone.
Report of the Science Community Workshop on the proposed First Sample Depot for the Mars Sample Return Campaign
Authors:   Prepared by the MSR Campaign Science Group (MCSG), Czaja A. D. , Zorzano M.‐P. ,   the rest of the MCSG team, with Chairs, Kminek G. , Meyer M. A. ,   Members, Beaty D. W. , Sefton‐Nash E. , Carrier B. L. , Thiessen F. , Haltigin T. , Bouvier A. , Dauphas N. , French K. L. , Hallis L. J. , Harris R. L. , Hauber E. , Rodriguez L. E. , Schwenzer S. P. , Steele A. , Tait K. T. , Thorpe M. T. , Usui T. , Vanhomwegen J. , Velbel M. A. , Edwin S. , Farley K. A. , Glavin D. P. , Harrington A. D. , Hays L. E. , Hutzler A. , Wadhwa M.
Published: May 2023

The Mars 2020/Mars Sample Return (MSR) Sample Depot Science Community Workshop was held on September 28 and 30, 2022, to assess the Scientifically‐Return Worthy (SRW) value of the full collection of samples acquired by the rover Perseverance at Jezero Crater, and of a proposed subset of samples to be left as a First Depot at a location within Jezero Crater called Three Forks. The primary outcome of the workshop was that the community is in consensus on the following statement: The proposed set of ten sample tubes that includes seven rock samples, one regolith sample, one atmospheric sample, and one witness tube constitutes a SRW collection that: (1) represents the diversity of the explored region around the landing site, (2) covers partially or fully, in a balanced way, all of the International MSR Objectives and Samples Team scientific objectives that are applicable to Jezero Crater, and (3) the analyses of samples in this First Depot on Earth would be of fundamental importance, providing a substantial improvement in our understanding of Mars. At the conclusion of the meeting, there was overall community support for forming the First Depot as described at the workshop and placing it at the Three Forks site. The community also recognized that the diversity of the Rover Cache (the sample collection that remains on the rover after placing the First Depot) will significantly improve with the samples that are planned to be obtained in the future by the Perseverance rover and that the Rover Cache is the primary target for MSR to return to Earth.