bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring mining multinational resettlements and corporate social responsibility in emerging economies: the case of the company VALE, SA in Mozambique
Authors: Machanguana Constâncio A. , Dias Sardinha Idalina
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the scientific and societal debates about the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and particularly on the resettlements’ processes as part of extractive multinational companies (MNCs)’s commitments where the host country is an emerging extractive economy.

Design/methodology/approach

It is an exploratory study based on the analysis of secondary data, few interviews and on-site observation and deals with the description of the assessment of VALE, SA resettlement processes and assumed CSR practices of VALE, SA, an MNC operating in the Moatize district, Tete province in Mozambique.

Findings

The MNC assumes resettlement processes to be part of the CSR arena and reveals that VALE, SA follows a reactive poor approach as to CSR. The weak institutional context in Mozambique is like others described in the literature. The empirical data together with the sense of an ethical responsibility approach associated with resettlement processes and the paradigm shift in aid for trade as to development supported by the MNC’s CSR leads to the conclusion that resettlement can be considered part of the CSR of a mining MNC.

Research limitations/implications

The difficult access to key informants of the resettled communities, local government and little interest in interview participation by VALE, SA, showed a current lack of confidence and communication limitations by the company as to this issue.

Practical implications

The failure of VALE, SA and other mining companies to meet their resettlement responsibilities and the inability of government supervision, requires local and national, as well as social and scientific communication processes and debate on this issue to be maintained on an ongoing basis during the mining life cycle to guaranty accomplishments of CSR.

Social implications

The controversy over whether mining MNCs will benefit Africa’s emerging economies as to their socio-economic development will continue until MNCs commit themselves and act to be economically, legally and ethically responsible for contributing to the sustainable development of the countries where they operate.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate on whether CSR frames the resettlement process based on literature review and key stakeholder views.
Stakeholders’ perception of the sustainability of a tourism destination: a methodological framework to find out relationships and similarity of opinions
Authors: Damian Ionela Mihaela , Navarro Enrique , Ruiz Francisco
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the similarity of opinions regarding the stakeholder’s perception about the importance of the different aspects considered when measuring the sustainability of a tourism destination (through the assignment of weights to a previously established system of indicators). Besides, the use of stakeholder analysis networks is validated as a means to understand the different perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of techniques is used. The stakeholders have been identified using a snowball sample. The network analysis examines the relationships. A power measure based on resource dependency theories is proposed. Possible tensions, as results of different perceptions among individual stakeholders in the context of the measurement of sustainability, are examined using a degree of similarity of opinions based on the Euclidean distance.

Findings

Although a large number of stakeholders communicate quite frequently to carry out their activities and believe that they greatly share viewpoints regarding sustainability, the social network analysis reveals that there are significant diversities of opinion. The power indicator and the degree of similarity measure proposed are found to be useful tools for studying the similarities of opinions among the stakeholders.

Practical implications

This approach is applied to sustainability governance conditions. Democratic processes are enhanced to measure sustainability. Directions to improve the sustainability of a tourist destination can be provided by achieving a consensus about sustainability policies. The conclusions about the similarities and differences among the perceptions of different stakeholders can be considered in decision-making processes about sustainability.

Originality/value

No previous studies have identified and analyzed the stakeholder network from the perspectives of measurement of sustainability of a tourism destination and the degree of similarity of their opinions.
Initiation of efficient C4 pathway in response to low ambient CO2 during the bloom period of a marine dinoflagellate
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhou Youping , Liu Tian‐Qi , Yin Xi‐Jie , Lin Lin , Lin Qiang , Wang Da‐Zhi
Published: May 2021

Dinoflagellates are important primary producers and major causative agents of harmful algal blooms in the global ocean. Despite the great ecological significance, the photosynthetic carbon acquisition by dinoflagellates is still poorly understood. The pathways of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in a marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense under both in situ and laboratory‐simulated bloom conditions were investigated using a combination of metaproteomics, qPCR, stable carbon isotope and targeted metabolomics approaches. A rapid consumption of dissolved CO2 to generate high biomass was observed as the bloom proceeded. The carbon assimilation genes and proteins including intracellular carbonic anhydrase 2, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and RubisCO as well as their enzyme activities were all highly expressed at the low CO2 level, indicating that C4 photosynthetic pathway functioned in the blooming P. donghaiense cells. Furthermore, δ13C values and content of C4 compound (malate) significantly increased with the decreasing CO2 concentration. The transition from C3 to C4 pathway minimizes the internal CO2 leakage and guarantees efficient carbon fixation at the low CO2 level. This study demonstrates the existence of C4 photosynthetic pathway in a marine dinoflagellate and reveals its important complementary role to assist carbon assimilation for cell proliferation during the bloom period.
Distinctive features of the Gac‐Rsm pathway in plant‐associated Pseudomonas
Authors: Ferreiro María‐Dolores , Gallegos María‐Trinidad
Published: May 2021

Productive plant–bacteria interactions, either beneficial or pathogenic, require that bacteria successfully sense, integrate and respond to continuously changing environmental and plant stimuli. They use complex signal transduction systems that control a vast array of genes and functions. The Gac‐Rsm global regulatory pathway plays a key role in controlling fundamental aspects of the apparently different lifestyles of plant beneficial and phytopathogenic Pseudomonas as it coordinates adaptation and survival while either promoting plant health (biocontrol strains) or causing disease (pathogenic strains). Plant‐interacting Pseudomonas stand out for possessing multiple Rsm proteins and Rsm RNAs, but the physiological significance of this redundancy is not yet clear. Strikingly, the components of the Gac‐Rsm pathway and the controlled genes/pathways are similar, but the outcome of its regulation may be opposite. Therefore, identifying the target mRNAs bound by the Rsm proteins and their mode of action (repression or activation) is essential to explain the resulting phenotype. Some technical considerations to approach the study of this system are also given. Overall, several important features of the Gac‐Rsm cascade are now understood in molecular detail, particularly in Pseudomonas protegens CHA0, but further questions remain to be solved in other plant‐interacting Pseudomonas.
Fungi populate deep‐sea coral gardens as well as marine sediments in the Irish Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Marchese Pietro , Garzoli Laura , Young Ryan , Allcock Louise , Barry Frank , Tuohy Maria , Murphy Mary
Published: May 2021

Fungi populate deep Oceans in extreme habitats characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, low temperature and absence of sunlight. Marine fungi are potential major contributors to biogeochemical events, critical for marine communities and food web equilibrium under climate change conditions and a valuable source of novel extremozymes and small molecules. Despite their ecophysiological and biotechnological relevance, fungal deep‐sea biodiversity has not yet been thoroughly characterized. In this study, we describe the culturable mycobiota associated with the deepest margin of the European Western Continental Shelf: sediments sampled at the Porcupine Bank and deep‐water corals and sponges sampled in the Whittard Canyon. Eighty‐seven strains were isolated, belonging to 43 taxa and mainly Ascomycota. Ten species and four genera were detected for the first time in the marine environment and a possible new species of Arachnomyces was isolated from sediments. The genera Cladosporium and Penicillium were the most frequent and detected on both substrates, followed by Candida and Emericellopsis. Our results showed two different fungal communities: sediment‐associated taxa which were predominantly saprotrophic and animal‐associated taxa which were predominantly symbiotic. This survey supports selective fungal biodiversity in the deep North Atlantic, encouraging further mycological studies on cold water coral gardens, often overexploited marine habitats.
Cyber resilience during the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis: A case study
Authors: Groenendaal Jelle , Helsloot Ira
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis around the world and the resulting unprecedented measures taken by governments required organizations to quickly adopt new ways of (remotely) working. At face value, this would suggest a higher vulnerability for cyber threats. This research note analyses how a global financial institution dealt with this challenge by using Hollnagel's four abilities for resilient performance as a theoretical lens. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with eleven key actors were conducted. Three findings stand out. First, the interviews suggest that the organization performed cyber resiliently in the sense that the number of incidents and impact were not significantly higher. Second, the interviews show that all four abilities of resilience were formally developed prior to the COVID‐19 outbreak, but rarely resulted in anticipatory adjustment. Third, the interviews indicate that the ability to respond contributed most to the organization's cyber resilience during the pandemic crisis. To conclude, our research note raises the question to what extent the four potentials should be developed beforehand in order to perform resiliently during crises.
Metabolic regulation adapting to high methanol environment in the methylotrophic yeast Ogataea methanolica
Authors: Cai Hao‐Liang , Doi Ryohei , Shimada Masaya , Hayakawa Takashi , Nakagawa Tomoyuki
Published: May 2021

Since methylotrophic yeasts such as Ogataea methanolica can use methanol as a sole carbon feedstock, they could be applied to produce valuable products from methanol, a next‐generation energy source synthesized from natural gases, using genetic engineering tools. In this study, metabolite profiling of O. methanolica was conducted under glucose (Glc) and low and high methanol (L‐ and H‐MeOH) conditions to show the adaptation mechanism to a H‐MeOH environment. The yeast strain responded not only to the presence of methanol but also to its concentration based on the growth condition. Under H‐MeOH conditions, O. methanolica downregulated the methanol utilization, glycolytic pathway and alcohol oxidase (AOD) isozymes and dihydroxyacetone synthase (DAS) expression compared with L‐MeOH‐grown cells. However, levels of energy carriers, such as ATP, were maintained to support cell survival. In H‐MeOH‐grown cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly elevated. Along with increasing ROS levels, ROS scavenging system expression was significantly increased in H‐MeOH‐grown cells. Thus, we concluded that formaldehyde and H2O2, which are products of methanol oxidation by AOD isozymes in the peroxisome, are overproduced in H‐MeOH‐grown cells, and excessive ROS derived from these cells is generated in the cytosol, resulting in upregulation of the antioxidant system and downregulation of the methanol‐utilizing pathway to suppress overproduction of toxic intermediates.
U.S. Monetary Policy and Commodity Prices: A SVECM Approach
Authors: Siami‐Namini Sima
Published: May 2021

This article discusses how U.S. monetary policy shocks can influence commodity prices. Historically, a lot of studies in the literature have investigated the impact of short‐term interest rates on different types of commodity prices. This article takes a more comprehensive approach and contributes to the literature by analysing the effect of both short‐ and long‐term interest rates as well as M2 money stock on commodity prices at aggregate and sub‐indices levels. The “B‐model” variant of structural vector error correction models (SVECMs) is used to estimate the restricted contemporaneous impact matrix (SR) and the restricted long‐term impact matrix (LR). Furthermore, SVECMs impulse response functions are used to evaluate the extent to which monetary policy shocks explain commodity prices. In contrast with the results of previous studies, we do not find evidence of a strong response pattern of commodity prices to monetary policy shocks in the short term. However, monetary policy shocks can explain commodity prices and their components in the long term. From a policy point of view, monetary authorities should exercise caution in using short‐term effects of monetary policy instruments on commodity prices, given their long‐term impact is inflationary while there are no beneficial short‐term effects.
Characteristics of Li‐Fraumeni syndrome in Japan: A review study by the special committee of JSHT
Authors: Funato Michinori , Tsunematsu Yukiko , Yamazaki Fumito , Tamura Chieko , Kumamoto Tadashi , Takagi Masatoshi , Kato Shunsuke , Sugimura Haruhiko , Tamura Kazuo
Published: May 2021

Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome, and the majority of patients with LFS have been identified with germline variants in the p53 tumor suppressor (TP53) gene. In the past three decades, considerable case reports of TP53 germline variants have been published in Japan. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no large‐scale studies of Japanese patients with LFS. In this study, we aimed to identify Japanese patients with TP53 germline variants and to reveal the characteristics of LFS in Japan. We collected reported cases by reviewing the medical literature and cases diagnosed at the institutions of the authors. We identified 68 individuals from 48 families with TP53 germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Of the 48 families, 35 (72.9%) had missense variants, most of which were located within the DNA‐binding loop. A total of 128 tumors were identified in the 68 affected individuals. The 128 tumor sites were as follows: breast, 25; bones, 16; brain, 12; hematological, 11; soft tissues, 10; stomach, 10; lung, 10; colorectum, 10; adrenal gland, 9; liver, 4; and others, 11. Unique phenotype patterns of LFS were shown in Japan in comparison with those in a large national LFS cohort study in France. Above all, a higher frequency of patients with stomach cancer was observed in Japanese TP53 germline variant carriers. These results may provide useful information for the clinical management of LFS in Japan.
Dental caries and psychosocial factors: Testing a conceptual model in adolescents
Authors: Baxevanos Konstantinos , Menexes Georgios , Lazaridou Asimina , Coolidge Trilby , Topitsoglou Vasiliki , Kalfas Sotirios
Published: May 2021

Objectives

A conceptual model was designed to examine interrelations among psychosocial factors, oral health behaviour, and dental caries in a sample of adolescents.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study design of 531 Greek families included an oral examination and a survey completed by adolescents, and a survey completed by mothers. The outcome measure was dental caries experience. Additionally, dental sealants were recorded. The participants provided information which comprised the Sense of Coherence (SoC) scale and 11 psychosocial and behavioural variables that formed 6 composite variables (life‐course experiences, socio‐economic status, perceived parental support, perceived parental punishment, preventive measures, sugar intake frequency). The composite variables of preventive measures and sugar intake formed the latent variable of oral health behaviour. The interrelations of the above factors were included in a conceptual model and tested using a Structural Equation Modelling analysis.

Results

Data fit the proposed conceptual model (χ2 = 23.338, df = 14, P = .055, RMSEA = 0.036). Among psychosocial variables, adolescent's SoC was the best predictor of both dental caries (Standardized Regression Coefficient ‐ Std. RC ± Standard Error (SE) = −0.178 ± 0.04) and oral health behaviour (Std. RC ± SE = −0.378 ± 0.09). All psychosocial factors were associated with SoC (Std. RCs ± SE between −0.162 ± 0.04 and 0.211 ± 0.04) and via SoC with oral health behaviour (Std. RCs ± SE between −0.080 ± 0.03 and 0.061 ± 0.02).

Conclusions

A conceptual model was tested that integrated SoC with the psychosocial factors theoretically shaping it and clarified all factors’ predictive abilities on dental caries via oral health behaviour.
Screw stability of CAD‐CAM titanium and zirconia abutments on different implants: An in vitro study
Authors: Yilmaz Burak , Çakmak Gülce , Batak Burcu , Johnston William M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Limited information is available regarding the removal torque values (RTVs) of screws of different abutment materials when used with different implants.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of implant type and abutment material (zirconia; Zir and titanium; Ti) on the RTVs of abutment screws after cyclic loading.

Materials and methods

Internal conical connection implants (CC, OsseoSpeed TX) and modified internal conical connection implants (MCC, OsseoSpeed EV) (n = 10) were clamped in resin dies. Zir and Ti (N = 20) custom abutments were tightened to implants (20 Ncm for CC and 25 Ncm for MCC) as specified by their manufacturers. The abutments were cyclically loaded by using a sequentially increased loading protocol; 2‐million cycles under 100 N, 3‐million cycles under 200 N, and 2‐million cycles under 300 N loads with 2 Hz. After 7 million cycles, RTVs (Ncm) were measured by using a torque gauge. The data were analyzed with ANOVA by using the restricted maximum likelihood estimation method. Tukey–Kramer adjustment was used for any significant interaction of implant‐abutment pairs (α = 0.05).

Results

Two CC implants, 1 with Ti and 1 with Zir abutment, fractured during cyclic loading (under 300 N loads within the 6th and 7th million cycles) and discarded for statistical analysis. Only implant type had a significant effect on RTVs (p <0.001). Screws of Ti abutments on MCC implants had significantly higher RTVs than the screws of Ti (p = 0.003) and Zir (p = 0.005) abutments on CC implants.

Conclusions

Implant type affected the RTVs, however, the RTVs were higher than the initial torque values for all groups. Screws of Ti abutments on implant, which required greater initial torque values had higher RTVs than the screws of Ti and Zir abutments on the implant that required smaller initial torque values. RTVs were similar for Zir and Ti abutment screws within each implant type.
Assessing the prevalence of protected species consumption by rural communities in Makira Natural Park, Madagascar, through the unmatched count technique
Authors: Spira Charlotte , Raveloarison Rivo , Cournarie Morgane , Strindberg Samantha , O'Brien Tim , Wieland Michelle
Published: May 2021

In tropical Africa, wild meat consumption by rural communities who live in or near protected areas can be a major challenge in the conservation of threatened species. Lemurs and the fossa are among the species consumed in Makira Natural Park, Madagascar. Because of their low reproductive rates and the high human population density, these species are known to be hunted unsustainably. We estimated the prevalence of lemur and fossa meat consumption in villages within and around Makira Natural Park using an indirect questioning method, the unmatched count technique (UCT), and compared it with results from direct questioning. The UCT revealed that 53.0% of households had eaten lemur meat over the previous year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.0–64.1%) and 24.2% had eaten fossa meat (95% CI: 14.2–34.2%). The percentage of households that ate lemur meat estimated through the UCT was more than 3.3 times higher than that obtained from direct questioning, and 12 times higher for fossa. Our estimates will be used to define the scale needed for a behavior change campaign to be conducted in the study area and will serve as a baseline to assess the impact of conservation activities aimed at reducing the consumption of lemurs and fossas.
A Shift in Authority: Applying Transformational and Distributed Leadership Models to Create Inclusive Informal STEM Learning Environments
Authors: Letourneau Susan M. , Bennett Dorothy , McMillan Culp Katherine , Mohabir Priya , Schloss Dana , Liu ChangChia James , Honey Margaret
Published: May 2021

Research across fields has converged on the importance of grounding STEM learning in learners’ personal, social, and cultural experiences. This article describes how distributed and transformational leadership models in science centers can enable a paradigm shift away from unidirectional communication of scientific information from institution to visitor, and toward practices that prioritize the diversity of visitors’ own experiences and their agency as learners and thinkers. Three case studies (on exhibit design, facilitation, and activity development) illustrate how adopting elements of distributed and transformational leadership models allowed project teams at the New York Hall of Science to operationalize the theoretical foundations of our museum’s educational philosophy across multiple areas of the organization. Across the three projects, supporting visitors’ agency and centering their diverse perspectives and prior knowledge required a parallel shift toward increased collaboration and agency among staff with diverse roles and areas of expertise.
Patent foramen ovale closure in stroke patients with migraine in the CLOSE trial. The CLOSE‐MIG study
Authors: Mas Jean‐Louis , Guillon Benoît , Charles‐Nelson Anaïs , Domigo Valérie , Derex Laurent , Massardier Evelyne , Arquizan Caroline , Vuillier Fabrice , Timsit Serge , Béjot Yannick , Detante Olivier , Sablot Denis , Guidoux Céline , Sibon Igor , Dequatre‐Ponchelle Nelly , Touzé Emmanuel , Canaple Sandrine , Alamowitch Sonia , Aubry Pierre , Teiger Emmanuel , Derumeaux Geneviève , Chatellier Gilles ,   the CLOSE investigators
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

The efficacy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks remains controversial.

Methods

This was a planned sub‐study in migraine patients enrolled in a randomized, clinical trial designed to assess the superiority of PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy over antiplatelet therapy alone to prevent stroke recurrence in patients younger than 60 years with a PFO‐associated cryptogenic ischaemic stroke. The main outcome was the mean annual number of migraine attacks in migraine patients with aura and in those without aura, as recorded at each follow‐up visit by study neurologists.

Results

Of 473 patients randomized to PFO closure or antiplatelet therapy, 145 (mean age 41.9 years; women 58.6%) had migraine (75 with aura and 70 without aura). Sixty‐seven patients were randomized to PFO closure and 78 to antiplatelet therapy. During a mean follow‐up of about 5 years, there were no differences between antiplatelet‐only and PFO closure groups in the mean annual number of migraine attacks, both in migraine patients with aura (9.2 [11.9] vs. 12.0 [19.1], p = 0.81) and in those without aura (12.1 [16.1] vs. 11.8 [18.4], p > 0.999). There were no differences between treatment groups regarding cessation of migraine attacks, migraine‐related disability at 2 years and use of migraine‐preventive drugs during follow‐up.

Conclusions

In young and middle‐aged adults with PFO‐associated cryptogenic stroke and migraine, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy did not reduce the mean annual number of migraine attacks compared to antiplatelet therapy alone, in migraine patients both with and without aura.
Temporal encephaloceles in epilepsy patients and asymptomatic cases: Size may indicate epileptogenicity
Authors: Tsalouchidou Panagiota‐Eleni , Mintziras Ioannis , Biermann Louise , Krause Kristina , Bergmann Marc‐Philipp , Belke Marcus , Nimsky Christopher , Schulze Maximilian , Strzelczyk Adam , Rosenow Felix , Menzler Katja , Knake Susanne
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to identify temporal encephaloceles (TEs) and examine their characteristics in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE), as well as in asymptomatic cases.

Methods

Four hundred fifty‐eight magnetic resonance imaging scans were examined retrospectively to identify TE in 157 patients with TLE, 150 patients with ETLE, and 151 healthy controls (HCs).

Results

At least one TE was identified in 9.6% of the TLE patients (n = 15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3%–15.3%), in 3.3% of patients with ETLE (n = 5, 95% CI = 1.1%–7.6%), and in 2.0% of the HCs (n = 3, 95% CI = .4%–5.7%), indicating a significantly higher frequency in patients with TLE compared to ETLE and HC subjects (p = .027, p = .005). Examining the characteristics of TEs in both asymptomatic and epilepsy patients, we found that TEs with a diameter of less than 6.25 mm were more likely to be asymptomatic, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 73.3% (area under the curve = .867, 95% CI = .723–1.00, p = .001).

Significance

Temporal encephaloceles may occur without presenting any clinical symptoms. Patients with TLE show a higher frequency of TEs compared to the ETLE and HC groups. According to our study, TE size could be used to suggest potential epileptogenicity.
Attitudes Toward Stepfamily Relationships and Biological Relatedness: The Role of Family Experiences in Youth
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: May 2021

Objective

This research describes the attitudes that people have toward biological and nonbiological parenting and examines how living arrangements during youth affect people's attitudes as adults.

Background

It is generally believed that people have negative beliefs about nonbiological (i.e., step) family relationships, but there is little systematic research on such attitudes, and even less is known about how these come about. This topic is important given the long‐term increase in the number of stepfamilies, a trend that raises concerns as to whether attitudes toward stepfamilies can become more positive over time.

Method

We used Dutch survey data from 5,949 respondents aged 25 to 45 years with an oversample of people who grew up with a stepparent. The respondents' parents also were interviewed. Attitudes were measured in the same way for the two generations, and elaborate retrospective questions were asked about respondents' living arrangements in youth.

Results

People who grew up in a stepfamily had more positive attitudes about stepfamily relationships and more negative views on the relevance of biological relatedness. This effect was only present for stepfather and not for stepmother families. Part of this effect was due to parental attitudes, but even after these were taken into account, the effect of living arrangements in youth remained.

Conclusion

The general public is divided about the relevance of biology for family relationships. Value socialization and observational learning in youth are both important for understanding people's attitudes toward stepfamily relationships.

Implications

As the number of stepfamilies keeps growing, normative support for stepparents may increase.
Species' traits drive amphibian tolerance to anthropogenic habitat modification
Authors: Liu Gracie , Rowley Jodi J. L. , Kingsford Richard T. , Callaghan Corey T.
Published: May 2021

Anthropogenic habitat modification is accelerating, threatening the world's biodiversity. Understanding species' responses to anthropogenic modification is vital for halting species' declines. However, this information is lacking for globally threatened amphibians, informed primarily by small community‐level studies. We integrated >126,000 verified citizen science observations of frogs, with a global continuous measure of anthropogenic habitat modification for a continental scale analysis of the effects of habitat modification on frogs. We derived a modification tolerance index—accounting for anthropogenic stressors such as human habitation, agriculture, transport and energy production—for 87 species (36% of all Australian frog species). We used this index to quantify and rank each species' tolerance of anthropogenic habitat modification, then compiled traits of all the frog species and assessed how well these equipped species to tolerate modified habitats. Most of Australia's frog species examined were adversely affected by habitat modification. Habitat specialists and species with large geographic range sizes were the least tolerant of habitat modification. Call dominant frequency, body size, clutch type and calling position (i.e. from vegetation) were also related to tolerance of habitat modification. There is an urgent need for improved consideration of anthropogenic impacts and improved conservation measures to ensure the long‐term persistence of frog populations, particularly focused on specialists and species identified as intolerant of modified habitats.
A by‐product from virgin olive oil production (pâté) encapsulated by fluid bed coating: evaluation of the phenolic profile after shelf‐life test and invitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Bellumori Maria , De Marchi Laura , Mainente Federica , Zanoni Francesca , Cecchi Lorenzo , Innocenti Marzia , Mulinacci Nadia , Zoccatelli Gianni
Published: May 2021

Pâté is a by‐product of virgin olive oil production presenting a high phenolic content and beneficial health effects. This research aims to evaluate the storage stability of phenolic compounds of pâté and a coated formulation, and to verify the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds. An accelerated shelf‐life test at 40 °C/75% relative humidity was carried out for 75 days. Different combinations of degradative and hydrolytic reactions impacted the results. Indeed, at the end of the storage period, 84% of phenols was recovered in pâté with free tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol showing an increase due to secoiridoids hydrolysis. The total phenolic content of coated pâté did not significantly decrease, showing a higher increment of free tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Simulated digestion led to the liberation of 15% of phenols by both samples. In conclusion, the coating process improved the stability of pâté phenolic compounds without affecting their bioaccessibility.
A bacteriophage JN02 infecting multidrug‐resistant Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichiacoli: isolation, characterisation and application as a biocontrol agent in foods
Authors: Li Ya‐Ke , Wu Xin , Chen Hu , Zhao Yuan‐Yang , Shu Mei , Zhong Chan , Wu Guo‐Ping
Published: May 2021

Bacteriophages are increasingly considered as novel biocontrol agents against Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In this study, a virulent phage JN02 capable of infecting MDR STEC was isolated, characterised and evaluating its efficacy in reducing MDR STEC in foods. One‐step growth and stability assay showed that JN02 had a relatively short latent period (15 min), large burst sizes (69 PFU/cell), and high physicochemical stability (temperature (30–60°C), pH (2–11), 0.1%, 1% pig bile salt, biocides and food additives (100% chloroform, 0.1% acetic acid, 1% potassium sorbate). In spot tests, 18 E. coli strains were sensitive to JN02. In efficiency of plating (EOP), 4 E. coli strains were sensitive to JN02. Electron microscopy and genome sequencing showed that JN02 belongs to the family Myoviridae. Importantly, no known virulence‐associated, lysogenic and antibiotic genes were identified in the genome of JN02. Viable cell counts of MDR STEC were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in milk (no viable counts) and beef samples (1.0–1.9 log10 CFU cm−2 reduction) when treated with JN02 at 4 °C. The results indicated that JN02 might be a new potential natural biological control agent for MDR STEC in foods.
Enhancing oxidative stability of frying oils by low‐frequency radio wave treatment
Authors: Hong JiHee , Choi HyungSeok , Lee YoonHee , Lee JaeHwan
Published: May 2021

Radio wave treatment (approximately 50 kHz frequency) on the oxidative stability was evaluated in corn oil at 180 °C and chicken frying oil for 150 cycles. Radio wave treatment decreased moisture content and critical micelle concentration of lecithin in corn oil. Moisture content in frying oil remained higher when radio wave was treated for the first 30 frying cycles. Radio wave treatment prevented lipid oxidation significantly in corn oil heated at 180 °C when moisture was not added (P < 0.05). p‐Anisidine value and total polar material in chicken frying oils treated with radio waves were significantly lower than those of frying oils without radio wave treatment (P < 0.05). Radio wave treatment enhanced the stability of tocopherols in corn oil heated at 180 °C in the absence of moisture, while the reverse result was observed with moisture addition. Overall, radio wave treatment can be a useful tool to enhance the oxidative stability of frying oils by modifying their moisture content and tocopherol stability.
Effects of ultrasound‐assisted resting on the qualities of whole wheat dough sheets and noodles
Authors: Xing Jun‐Jie , Qiao Ju‐Yuan , Yang Zhen , Guo Xiao‐Na , Zhu Ke‐Xue
Published: May 2021

The effects of resting under ultrasonic treatment on the properties of whole wheat dough sheets and noodles were investigated. Compared with the control group, the resting time to reach the maximum breaking force and extensibility of whole wheat dough sheets treated with ultrasound was shortened by 20 min. The proportion of strongly bound water (T21) decreased, while the proportion of weakly bound water (T22) increased during resting, and the ultrasonic treatment could accelerate this moisture redistribution in the dough. The extent of the increase in gluten macropolymer and the decrease in –SH content of ultrasound‐treated wheat dough was higher than that of the control one during the initial 5–15 min resting, which could be related to the improvement of whole wheat dough extensibility. Whole wheat noodles showed a better breaking distance for 10 min of ultrasonic‐assisted resting. Ultrasonic treatment could be used to reduce the resting time of whole wheat dough sheets and improve the texture properties of noodles.
An optimization model for the management of green areas
Authors: Daniele Patrizia , Sciacca Daniele
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present an optimization model for the management of the green area in order to find the optimal green surface to absorb CO2 emissions of industrialized cities. We obtain a minimization problem and the related variational inequality. We study the Lagrange theory to better understand the process that regulates the possible increase in green space. Then, we propose a computational procedure, based on the Euler method, to find the optimal solution to the variational inequality associated with our minimization problem and, finally, some numerical examples based on real scenarios.
Postoperative healing in the diabetic foot is impacted by discharge destination
Authors: Burmeister Rebecca A. , Jarocki Christine , Holmes Crystal M. , Rothenberg Gary M. , Munson Michael E. , Schmidt Brian M.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of discharge destination on diabetes‐related limb salvage surgery outcomes post‐hospitalisation. This was a single‐centre, observational, descriptive study of 175 subjects with diabetes who underwent limb salvage surgery of a minor foot amputation or wide incision and debridement for an acutely infected diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Comparisons were made between subjects discharged home vs a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for 12 months postoperatively. Univariate, multivariate, and time‐to‐event analyses were performed. The SNF discharge group (n = 40) had worse outcomes with longer healing time (P = .022), more rehospitalisations requiring a podiatry consult (P = .009), increase of subsequent ipsilateral major lower‐extremity amputation (P = .028), and a higher mortality rate (P = .012) within the 12‐month postoperative period. There was no significant difference between the cohorts in surgically cleared osteomyelitis (P = .8434). The Charlson Comorbidity Index values for those discharged home and those in a short‐term nursing facility were similar (P = .3819; home =5.33 ± 2.84 vs SNF =5.75 ± 2.06). The planned discharge destination after limb salvage surgery among people with an acutely infected DFU should be an added risk factor for healing outcomes. Patients discharged to SNFs experience additional morbidity and mortality compared with patients discharged home post‐hospitalisation.
Outcomes in patients with chronic leg wounds in Denmark: A nationwide register‐based cohort study
Authors: Madsen Ulla Riis , Hyldig Nana , Juel Knud
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate incidence and predictors of wound healing, relapse, major amputation, and/or death among patients with chronic leg wounds who were referred to specialist treatment at hospital for their condition. A nationwide register‐based cohort study design was applied with 5 years of follow‐up. All patients with diagnoses of chronic leg wounds in Denmark between 2007 and 2012 were included (n = 8394). Clinical, social, and demographic individual‐level linked data from several Danish national registries were retrieved. Incidence rate per 1000 person‐years (PY) was calculated. Predictors were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Incidence rates of having a healed wound was 236 per 1000 PY. For relapse, the incidence rate was 75 per 1000 PY, for amputation 16 per 1000 PY, and for death 100 per 1000 PY. Diabetes, peripheral arteria disease, or other comorbidities were associated with decreased chance of wound healing and increased risk of relapse, major amputation, and death. Regional differences in all four outcomes were detected. Basic or vocational education independently predicted risk of amputation and death. This study provides epidemiological data that may help identify patients at particular risk of poor outcomes. It also elucidates social inequality in outcomes.
Age, gender, and risk‐taking: Evidence from the S&P 1500 executives and market‐based measures of firm risk
Authors: Peltomäki Jarkko , Sihvonen Jukka , Swidler Steve , Vähämaa Sami
Published: May 2021

This paper contributes to the literature by examining whether the age and gender of the firm's top executives influence market‐based measures of firm risk. Using data on the S&P 1500 firms, we document that chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO) age and gender have a direct effect on market‐based firm risk measures in addition to the indirect influence they may have through corporate policy choices. Specifically, we find that firms led by older CEOs and CFOs have less volatile stock returns and lower idiosyncratic risk. Although the relationship between executive gender and firm risk is more equivocal, our results suggest that female‐led firms are associated with lower levels of total and idiosyncratic risks after controlling for firm‐specific attributes, policy choices, and managerial risk‐taking incentives. We also document that CEO and CFO age and gender do not influence the level of systematic risk. Overall, our empirical findings demonstrate that the age and gender of the firm's top executives may have important implications for firm riskiness.
Inhibition of autophagy‐dependent pyroptosis attenuates cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhao Zongbo , Wu Tao , Zhang Qiu , Lu Fenying , Gu Jie , Jiang Tingwang , Xue Jianzhong
Published: May 2021

Autophagy is closely associated with cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated whether Spautin‐1 ameliorates cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting autophagy and whether its derived pyroptosis is involved in this process. We explored the mechanism of Spautin‐1 in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion. To answer these questions, healthy male Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. We found that cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion increased the expression levels of autophagy and pyroptosis‐related proteins. Treatment with Spautin‐1 reduced the infarct size and water content and restored some neurological functions. In vitro experiments were performed using oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation to model PC12 cells. The results showed that PC12 cells showed a significant decrease in cell viability and a significant increase in ROS and autophagy levels. Spautin‐1 treatment reduced autophagy and ROS accumulation and attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent pyroptosis. However, these beneficial effects were greatly blocked by USP13 overexpression, which significantly counteracted the inhibition of autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent ferroptosis by Spautin‐1. Together, these results suggest that Spautin‐1 may ameliorate cerebral ischaemia‐reperfusion injury via the autophagy/pyroptosis pathway. Thus, inhibition of autophagy may be considered as a promising therapeutic approach for cerebral ischaemia‐reperfusion injury.
mGPDH Deficiency leads to melanoma metastasis via induced NRF2
Authors: Li Xing , Zhou Ling , Zhang Yiming , He Xuan , Lu Hao , Zhang Linlin , Tian Yongfeng , Liu Xiufei , Zheng Hongting , Shao Jiaqing , Long Min
Published: May 2021

Oxidative stress critically influences carcinogenesis and the progression of melanoma, and aggressive malignant melanoma activity is due to its high metastatic ability. Some findings in several cancer cell lines have indicated that mGPDH, a component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, also modulates oxidative stress. However, the role of mGPDH in melanoma remains elusive. Here, we report that the mGPDH protein level is decreased in human skin melanoma compared to normal skin and decreased in metastatic melanoma compared to primary melanoma. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that mGPDH depletion accelerated melanoma migration and invasion without affecting proliferation or apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found elevated NRF2 protein levels in human skin melanoma and mGPDH‐knockout (ko) metastatic xenografts in the lungs of nude mice. Moreover, in A375 melanoma cells, the loss of mGPDH‐induced NRF2 expression but did not affect NRF2 protein degradation. Additionally, melanoma metastasis induced by the loss of mGPDH was rescued by the further down‐regulation of NRF2 in vivo and in vitro. Consistently, mGPDH overexpression (oe) depressed NRF2 expression and attenuated the malignant properties of melanoma cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that mGPDH suppresses melanoma metastasis by inhibiting NRF2 and downstream oxidative signals, highlighting the therapeutic potential of mGPDH for melanoma treatment.
Effectiveness, safety and utilization of vismodegib in locally advanced basal cell carcinoma under real‐world conditions in Germany – The non‐interventional study NIELS
Authors: Gutzmer R. , Schulze H.‐J. , Hauschild A. , Leiter U. , Meier F. , Haferkamp S. , Ulrich C. , Wahl R.U. , Berking C. , Herbst R. , Häckl M. , Schadendorf D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can arise by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells from multiple epidermal compartments due to aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway. Vismodegib, a small‐molecule inhibitor of this pathway, is approved for treatment of patients with locally advanced (la) BCC inappropriate for surgery or radiotherapy or patients with symptomatic metastatic (m) BCC.

Objectives

The aim of this non‐interventional study was to assess effectiveness with a special focus on duration of response (DOR), safety and utilization of vismodegib for treatment of laBCC in daily practice in Germany.

Methods

This non‐interventional study (NIS) observed treatment of laBCC with vismodegib according to the German label in clinical practice. All available patients who had received at least one dose of vismodegib between commercial availability of vismodegib in Germany (02 August 2013) and 3 years before end of study (31 March 2016) could be included and were documented retrospectively and/or prospectively for up to 3 years. Primary effectiveness variable was DOR. Assessment of tumour response was carried out by the treating physicians. Exploratory variables included utilization of vismodegib, decision makers for therapy and method of tumour response evaluation. All statistical analyses were descriptive.

Results

Between September 2015 and March 2019, 66 patients were observed at 26 German centres. The objective response rate (ORR) was 74.2% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 90.9%. The median DOR was 15.9 months (95% CI: 9.2; 25.7; n = 49 patients with response). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 19.1 months and the median time to response (TTR) 2.7 months. A total of 340 adverse events were reported in 63 (95.5%) patients; no new safety signals were identified.

Conclusions

The NIS NIELS shows effectiveness and safety of vismodegib in patients with laBCC. It confirms the transferability of the results of the pivotal trial into routine clinical practice.
Nonstandard Employment, Gender, and Subjective Well‐Being in Japan
Authors: Wang Jia , Raymo James M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study examines how relationships between nonstandard employment (NSE) and subjective well‐being (SWB) differ by gender in Japan, paying particular attention to employees' motivation for engaging in NSE, their marital status, and their spouses' employment status.

Background

The expansion of nonstandard work is a gendered phenomenon that has contributed to increasing economic uncertainty and insecurity and may have differential implications for the SWB of men and women. Japan's rapid increase in nonstandard work, rigid labor market, and strong gender norms provide a valuable context in which to investigate the interrelationships between NSE, gender, and SWB.

Method

Fixed effects regression models with data from the Keio Household Panel Survey, a panel survey of a nationally representative sample of men and women, were used.

Results

Involuntary nonstandard work was associated, on average, with significantly lower SWB for both men and women. This pattern was held for men, regardless of marital status, whereas it was observed for unmarried women, but not for married women. Within married couples, no significant relationships between spouses' involuntary nonstandard work and respondents' own SWB were found.

Conclusion

The expansion of NSE in Japan has negative consequences for individuals' subjective life evaluation, except for married women, who shoulder domestic responsibilities and thereby types of employment may be less salient to SWB.