bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Once again about the Steinmetz transformer model and the ongoing subdivision of its leakage inductance
Authors: Zirka Sergey E. , Moroz Yuriy I. , Arturi Cesare Mario
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Despite its well-founded criticism and lack of proper justification under core saturation conditions, the T-equivalent transformer model (Steinmetz scheme) is obviously championing in the literature. This educational paper aims to explain in a simple manner the limitations of the T-model of a low-frequency transformer and critically analyses some attempts to improve it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a simplified examination of magnetic fluxes in the core and windings and using the modeling in ATPDraw, it is shown that transient transformer models with the indivisible leakage inductance allow circumventing the drawbacks of the T-model.

Findings

The authors show the absence of valid grounds for subdividing the leakage inductance of a transformer between its primary and secondary windings. The connection between the use of individual leakage inductances and inaccurate prediction of inrush current peaks is outlined as an important example.

Practical implications

The presented models can be used either as independent tools or serve as a reference for subsequent developments.

Social implications

Over generations, the habitual transformer T-equivalent is widely used by engineers and Electromagnetic Transients Program experts with no attention to its inadequacy under core saturation conditions. Having studied typical winding configurations, the authors have shown that neither of them has any relation to the T-equivalent.

Originality/value

This educational paper will contribute to the correct understanding of the transients occurring in a transformer under abnormal conditions such as inrush current or ferroresonance events, as well as during an out-of-phase synchronization of step-up generator transformers.
A graph-based approach for representing, integrating and analysing neuroscience data: the case of the murine basal ganglia
Authors: Parnas Gulnes Maren , Soylu Ahmet , Roman Dumitru
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Neuroscience data are spread across a variety of sources, typically provisioned through ad-hoc and non-standard approaches and formats and often have no connection to the related data sources. These make it difficult for researchers to understand, integrate and reuse brain-related data. The aim of this study is to show that a graph-based approach offers an effective mean for representing, analysing and accessing brain-related data, which is highly interconnected, evolving over time and often needed in combination.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an approach for organising brain-related data in a graph model. The approach is exemplified in the case of a unique data set of quantitative neuroanatomical data about the murine basal ganglia––a group of nuclei in the brain essential for processing information related to movement. Specifically, the murine basal ganglia data set is modelled as a graph, integrated with relevant data from third-party repositories, published through a Web-based user interface and API, analysed from exploratory and confirmatory perspectives using popular graph algorithms to extract new insights.

Findings

The evaluation of the graph model and the results of the graph data analysis and usability study of the user interface suggest that graph-based data management in the neuroscience domain is a promising approach, since it enables integration of various disparate data sources and improves understanding and usability of data.

Originality/value

The study provides a practical and generic approach for representing, integrating, analysing and provisioning brain-related data and a set of software tools to support the proposed approach.
Does XBRL help improve data processing efficiency?
Authors: Rao Yanchao , Guo Ken Huijin
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires public companies to file structured data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). One of the key arguments behind the XBRL mandate is that the technical standard can help improve processing efficiency for data aggregators. This paper aims to empirically test the data processing efficiency hypothesis.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the data processing efficiency hypothesis, the authors adopt a two-sample research design by using data from Compustat: a pooled sample (N = 61,898) and a quasi-experimental sample (N = 564). The authors measure data processing efficiency as the time lag between the dates of 10-K filings on the SEC’s EDGAR system and the dates of related data finalized in the Compustat database.

Findings

The statistical results show that after controlling for potential effects of firm size, age, fiscal year and industry, XBRL has a non-significant impact on data efficiency. It suggests that the data processing efficiency benefit may have been overestimated.

Originality/value

This study provides some timely empirical evidence to the debate as to whether XBRL can improve data processing efficiency. The non-significant results suggest that it may be necessary to revisit the mandate of XBRL reporting in the USA and many other countries.
Socio-economic determinants of smallholder mixed crop-livestock farmers’ choice of climate change adaptation in the drylands of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Menghistu Habtamu Taddele , Tesfay Girmay , Abraha Amanuel Zenebe , Mawcha Gebrehiwot Tadesse
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the perception of smallholder farmers on climate change, identify major livestock related climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies and their determinants in selected neighboring districts of Tigray and Amhara regions of Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 416 household heads were involved in a questionnaire survey using a multistage sampling approach. To understand the socio-economic factors that influence farmers’ perception on climate change (CC) and/or variability, a binary logit model was used. Multinomial logit model was used to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers’ choices of adaptation strategies.

Findings

Milk reduction, weight loss, feed shortage and frequent animal disease outbreak were indicated as major impacts of CC on livestock production. About 86.2% of the farmers’ exercise CCA measures where livestock health care and management (25%), followed by livelihood diversification (21.5%) and shifting and diversification of livestock species (20.9%) were the top three adaptation measures implemented. Education, knowledge on CCA strategies, access to veterinary service and extension, market access, annual income, non-farm income, total livestock unit, sex of household head and household size were the major determinant factors to farmers’ choice of CCA.

Research limitations/implications

Concerned authorities working in CC related sectors should give due attention to improve smallholder farmers’ access to extension and veterinary services, market access and climate information to enhance their adaptive capacity to CC impacts. In addition, incorporating climate change awareness trainings into the existing extension packages is crucial to enhance the awareness of farmers on climate change and implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it is very essential to provide appropriate herd management and marketing strategy based on the production system to avoid the significant price reduction during drought periods.

Practical implications

Concerned authorities working in CC related sectors should give due attention to improve smallholder farmers’ access to extension and veterinary services, market access and climate information to enhance their adaptive capacity to CC impacts. In addition, incorporating climate change awareness trainings into the existing extension packages is crucial to implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it is very essential to provide appropriate herd management and marketing strategy based on the production system to avoid the significant price reduction during drought periods.

Originality/value

This research is focused on smallholder crop-livestock farmers, livestock-based CCASs and presents the determinant factors to their choice of adaptation.
Work–family conflict, family well-being and organizational citizenship behavior: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Lin Quan , Guan Wanchao , Zhang Nana
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the consequences of work–family conflict and explore the mechanism by which it influences organizational citizenship behavior from the perspective of changes in and preservation of family well-being (emotional resources).

Design/methodology/approach

Work–family conflict has always been an important research topic in the field of organizational behavior; scholars have studied the relationship between it and organizational citizenship behavior from different perspectives. To better understand the mechanism of work–family conflict on organizational citizenship behavior, we use a longitudinal design and analyze the multi-stage matching data of 209 employees and their superiors from six cities in southern China. The authors construct a theoretical model based on the conservation of resources theory to explore the mechanism by which work–family conflict influences organizational citizenship behavior when taking employees’ family well-being as a mediator and work–family segmentation preference as the boundary condition.

Findings

Work–family conflict has a significant negative effect on family well-being and this effect is moderated by work–home segmentation preferences. Work–family conflict also has a significant indirect effect on organizational citizenship behavior through family well-being and this indirect effect is enhanced by an increase in the level of preference for work–home segmentation.

Originality/value

This study enriches our knowledge of the moderating variables in the study of work–family relationships from the perspective of individual personality traits. It also provides a new perspective for the study of such relationships in the context of Chinese family culture.
Determinants of shadow economy in OIC and non-OIC countries: the role of financial development
Authors: Khan Shabeer , Abdul Hamid Baharom , Rehman Mohd Ziaur
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the determinants and the impact of financial development on shadow economy in OIC countries and then compared with non-OIC countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies advanced panel GMM technique.

Findings

The study finds that macro-variables (unemployment, economic growth, money supply and foreign trade) and institutional variables reduce shadow economy both in OIC and non-OIC countries. The study also explores that financial development mitigates shadow economy; however, its impact is significantly less in case of OIC economies compared to the non-OIC countries.

Research limitations/implications

Since the focus of this study is OIC countries vs non-OIC countries, the research only includes discussion about shadow economy in 42 OIC member states and 99 non-OIC economies. The decision to restrict the study to 42 OIC economies and 99 non-OIC nations is due to the availability of data.

Practical implications

The study suggests that free market and good business environment in the formal economy are the keys to have less shadow economy. Good institutional setup and ease in regulations can attract firms and businesses from informal sector to the official economy, while political instability is one of the main factors for having large size of shadow economy.

Social implications

The OIC member countries should implement policies which improve accessibility to finance of every citizen of the country.

Originality/value

Despite the growing importance of shadow economy, the literature investigating determinants and the role of financial development in shadow economy is scarce. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no literature that examined the shadow economy in the context of OIC member countries. Furthermore, this study has covered a large number of OIC and non-OIC economics over time and across different groups using largest data and advanced panel GMM techniques.
Factors contributing to Gen Z's deep learning: investigating undergraduates' course experience in Malaysian private higher education institutions
Authors: Thien Lei Mee , Leong Mi-Chelle , Por Fei Ping
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between undergraduates' course experience and their deep learning approach and to identify areas of improvement to facilitate students' deep learning in the private higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 844 Malaysian undergraduate students who studied in six private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Penang and Selangor. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that good teaching and appropriate assessment have no significant relationship with deep learning. Generic skills, clear goals and standards, appropriate workload and emphasis on independence are positively related to deep learning. Generic skills and emphasis on independence are two domains that deserve attention to enhance deep learning among undergraduates.

Practical implications

Lecturers need to focus on to the cultivation of generic skills to facilitate students' deep learning. Student autonomy and student-centred teaching approaches should be empowered and prioritised in teaching and learning.

Originality/value

The current study has its originality in providing empirical findings to inform the significant relationship between dimensions of course experience and deep learning in Malaysian private HEIs. Besides, it also identifies the areas of improvement concerning teaching and learning at the private HEIs using importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) in a non-Western context.
Exoskeleton for lower extremities based on Indian anthropomorphism with gait allowance: design and development
Authors: C.R. Abhilash , Murali Sriraksha , Haq M. Abdul , Bysani Tanay N. , Narahari N.S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In certain industrial operations, workers are required to stand for a prolonged duration. This leads to muscular fatigue in the legs, posing a threat to the productivity and well-being of the workers. This paper aims to address this problem of women in the clothing industry with an exoskeleton designed for lower extremities and improve productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Ulrich’s product design approach has been followed with suitable modifications. The methodology involves a study to justify the need for this product and terminating at the physical and virtual evaluations of the product. Required anthropometric parameters are considered along the design process.

Findings

The exoskeleton discussed in this paper is an innovative product made of Aluminium 6061 alloy. During the simulation phase of the product, total von-mises stresses to a part bearing 1 leg were 31.5 MPa, 94.7 MPa and 284 MPa for aluminium, SS308 and springs, respectively. These values are below the yield limit by a great margin. Based on a user survey of this product, 72% of the targeted customers were interested in buying. Also, comparing electromyography (EMG) mean value of the voltage between workers’ leg with and without exoskeleton revealed that there was an improvement in the voltage by 2.5% when exoskeleton was used.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes, for the first time – the necessity of an exoskeleton indigenized for the Indian population and the process of realizing it by designing an exoskeleton.
Comparative analysis on rheological characteristics of different modified asphalt based on DSR and BBR evaluation
Authors: Wu Guangyuan , Zhang Haitao , Sun Junfeng , Yu Tengjiang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In order to evaluate the rheological properties of asphalt more comprehensively and effectively, and to explore and discuss the practicability of relevant models in the evaluation of the rheological properties of asphalt.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the rheological and viscoelastic theories, temperature scanning, frequency scanning and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests of different modified asphalt were carried out by dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to obtain relevant viscoelastic parameters and evaluate the high temperature properties of different modified asphalt. Based on the time-temperature equivalence principle, the main curve was constructed to study the viscoelastic properties of asphalt in a wider frequency domain. The main curve was fitted with the CAM model, and the rheological properties of different modified asphalt were evaluated through the analysis of model parameters. The creep stiffness and creep velocity of different modified asphalt were obtained through the rheological test of bending beam (BBR), and the low-temperature performance of different modified asphalt was analyzed by using Burgers model to fit the creep compliance.

Findings

The results show that the high temperature rheological properties of several modified asphalt studied in the test are ranked from best to worst as follows: PE modified asphalt > SBS modified asphalt > SBR modified asphalt. Short-term aging can improve the high temperature performance of asphalt, and different types of modifiers can promote or inhibit this improvement effect. Based on BBR test and Burgers model fitting analysis, SBR modified asphalt has the best low temperature performance, followed by SBS modified asphalt, while PE modified asphalt has poor low temperature performance, so it is not suitable to be used as road material in low temperature area.

Originality/value

Combined with effective evaluation methods, the rheological properties of asphalt at different temperatures and angles were systematically evaluated, and the evolution of rheological properties of asphalt characterized by model parameters was further analyzed by advanced model simulation.
Numerical study on modelling perforated elements using porous baffle interface and porous region
Authors: Kyaw Oo D’Amore Giada , Mauro Francesco
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze simplified methods for modelling the flow through perforated elements (i.e. porous baffle interface and porous region), searching for a faster and easier way to simulate these components. The numerical simulations refer to a muffler geometry available in literature as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The installation of scrubber onboard ships to satisfy the International Maritime Organization emissions regulations is a reliable and efficient solution. However, scrubbers have considerable dimensions, interfering with other exhaust line components. Therefore, scrubber installation in the funnels requires integration with other elements, for example, silencers. Perforated pipes and plates represent the main elements of scrubber and silencers. The study of their layout is, therefore, necessary to reduce emissions and noise. Numerical simulations allow evaluating the efficiency of integrated components.

Findings

The study highlights that velocity and pressure predicted by the simplified models have a strong correlation with the resistance coefficients. Even though the simplified models do not accurately reproduce the flow through the holes, the use of such models allows a fast and easy comparison between concurrent muffler geometries, giving aid in the early design phases.

Originality/value

The lack of general guidelines and comparisons in the literature between different modelling strategies of perforated elements supports the novelty of the present work and its impact on design applications. Study the flow inside scrubbers and mufflers is fundamental to evaluate their performances. Therefore, having a simple numerical method is suited for industrial applications during the design process.
Effects of Gongronema latifolium Benth and Celosia argentea Linn supplemented diet on the hepatic and cardiac functions of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Adeyemi-Doro Abimbola Abiodun , Salawu Sule Ola , Akindahunsi Akintunde Afolabi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of two green leafy vegetables (Gongronema latifolium and Celosia argentea) on the hepatic biomarkers [Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)], cardiac biomarkers [Creatine Kinase (CK) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)] and histopathology of the heart of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats, with the aim of evaluating the vegetables as functional foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental diets consisted of Control Diet (CD), High-Fat Diet (HFD), High-Fat Diet with Blanched Celosia argentea (HCB), High-Fat Diet with Unblanched Celosia argentea (HCU), High-Fat diet with Blanched Gongronema latifolium (HGB) and High-Fat Diet with Unblanched Gongronema latifolium (HGU). Seventy-five albino male rats (weighing 180–200 g) were used. The animals were divided into 15 groups of five albino rats each. Animals in Groups 1, 2 and 3 were fed with CD, HFD only and HFD with Atorvastin (5 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Animals in Groups 4, 5 and 6 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% HCB, respectively. Animals in Groups 7, 8 and 9 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% HCU, respectively, whereas animals in Groups 10, 11 and 12 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% HGB, respectively, and animals in Groups 13, 14 and 15 were fed with 5, 10 and 15% diet-inclusion of HGU, respectively.

Findings

The incorporation of the vegetal matter into the diet brought about a significant reduction (p = 0.05) in the activities of ALT, AST, CK and LDH when compared with HFD. However, the histological examination showed no pathological lesion, only at 15% inclusion of the vegetables.

Originality/value

The paper established that the incorporation of Celosia argentea and Gongronema latifolium into diet, most especially at 15% inclusion, may serve as functional food in the management of hyperlipidemia and associated complications.
Labor waste in housing construction projects: an empirical study
Authors: Nassri Soraya , Talebi Saeed , Elghaish Faris , Koohestani Kayvan , McIlwaine Stephen , Hosseini M. Reza , Poshdar Mani , Kagioglou Michail
Published: October 2021

Purpose

High-level labor waste is a major challenge in construction projects. This paper aims to identify, quantify and categorize labor waste in the context of Iranian housing construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a case study approach, with empirical data collected through direct observations and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Having triangulated the findings from the literature review and empirical studies, a list of eight types of waste was derived for the thirteen observed laborers in ten case study projects. The empirical studies allowed the labor waste identified from the literature to be verified and refined by considering it in the context of the observed activities, and led to two new types of waste being identified which were not considered in the literature. Findings indicate that nearly 62% of laborers' time is spent on non-value-adding activities. It appeared that “unnecessary movement,” “waiting” and “indirect work” make up the highest labor waste.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses only on onsite resource flows in a housing construction site. It does not include offsite flows such as material delivery to site.

Originality/value

The findings have provided substantial evidence on type and amount of labor waste and provide a solid basis to stimulate construction actors to participate in reducing labor waste and improving productivity.
Identification of two‐phase recovery for interpretation of coral reef monitoring data
Authors: Warne David J. , Crossman Kerryn A. , Jin Wang , Mengersen Kerrie , Osborne Kate , Simpson Matthew J. , Thompson Angus A. , Wu Paul , Ortiz Juan‐C.
Published: October 2021

The world's coral reefs are under threat as climate change causes increases in frequency and severity of acute thermal stress. This is compounded by chronic pressures including rises in sea surface temperature, overfishing and decline in water quality. Monitoring to understand the recovery dynamics of corals is paramount to enable effective management of coral reefs. While detailed mechanistic models provide insight into reef recovery patterns, colony scale monitoring is not viable for reefs over a large geographical extent, such as the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Consequently, aggregated coral cover data are utilised in practice and phenomenological analysis directly applicable to these monitoring programmes is essential for reef health reporting. These analyses are especially challenging for assessment of recovery potential of reefs reduced to very low coral cover (<10%) after disturbance since standard modelling assumptions may not hold.

Through the application of an innovative diagnostic approach modified from methods used in cancer cell biology, we found that almost 50% of reefs recovering from low cover exhibited a previously undocumented initial phase of slower growth per unit cover before sigmoid coral cover recovery trajectories were observed. Without properly accounting for these reduced growth periods, the expected performance of reefs may be overestimated immediately after disturbance events.

The presence of two‐phase recovery patterns has a profound negative impact on the continued provision of ecological services from these reefs as major disturbance frequencies increase. Projections show that if the time between major disturbances is <5 years, then reefs with two‐phase growth are never likely to reach 15% cover.

Synthesis and applications. This work provides a method to detect two‐phase recovery, the tendency for observed reef recovery to be slower than expected after a major disturbance. This phenomenon is observed across the Great Barrier Reef with serious implications for recovery potential as major disturbances occur more frequently due to climate change. Identification of reefs prone to two‐phase recovery can assist the triage of reefs for intervention actions in response to disturbances. Understanding mechanisms will inform interventions and management actions targeted towards the unique marine ecosystems across the world's reefs.
Prevalence, complete genome, and metabolic potentials of a phylogenetically novel cyanobacterial symbiont in the coral‐killing sponge, Terpios hoshinota
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hsiang , Chen Hsing‐Ju , Yang Cheng‐Yu , Shiu Jia‐Ho , Hoh Daphne Z. , Chiang Pei‐Wen , Chow Wenhua Savanna , Chen Chaolun Allen , Shih Tin‐Han , Lin Szu‐Hsien , Yang Chi‐Ming , Reimer James Davis , Hirose Euichi , Iskandar Budhi Hascaryo , Huang Hui , Schupp Peter J. , Tan Chun Hong James , Yamashiro Hideyuki , Liao Ming‐Hui , Tang Sen‐Lin
Published: October 2021

Terpios hoshinota is an aggressive, space‐competing sponge that kills various stony corals. Outbreaks of this species have led to intense damage to coral reefs in many locations. Here, the first large‐scale 16S rRNA gene survey across three oceans revealed that bacteria related to the taxa Prochloron, Endozoicomonas, SAR116, Ruegeria, and unclassified Proteobacteria were prevalent in T. hoshinota. A Prochloron‐related bacterium was the most dominant and prevalent cyanobacterium in T. hoshinota. The complete genome of this uncultivated cyanobacterium and pigment analysis demonstrated that it has phycobiliproteins and lacks chlorophyll b, which is inconsistent with the definition of Prochloron. Furthermore, the cyanobacterium was phylogenetically distinct from Prochloron, strongly suggesting that it should be a sister taxon to Prochloron. Therefore, we proposed this symbiotic cyanobacterium as a novel species under the new genus Candidatus Paraprochloron terpiosi. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that ‘Paraprochloron’ and Prochloron exhibit distinct genomic features and DNA replication machinery. We also characterized the metabolic potentials of ‘Paraprochloron terpiosi’ in carbon and nitrogen cycling and propose a model for interactions between it and T. hoshinota. This study builds a foundation for the study of the T. hoshinota microbiome and paves the way for better understanding of ecosystems involving this coral‐killing sponge.
Hamada’s equation and the beta of debt under CAPM
Authors: Johnstone David , Tulig Steve
Published: October 2021

The Hamada equation based on Miller–Modigliani (MM) Proposition I shows the ‘no arbitrage’ relationship between the firm’s levered and unlevered beta. This relationship can be obtained from a capital asset pricing model (CAPM). MM is not required because asset prices under CAPM are inherently additive under any arbitrary slicing or securitisation of the firm’s cash flows (the size of the pie is unaffected by how it is cut). Our CAPM theory shows why the market rate of return on debt increases when the firm takes risks that increase its probability of default, even when the risk is idiosyncratic and unconnected to market conditions.
Framing Unpopular Foreign Policies
Authors: Tobin Jennifer L. , Schneider Christina J. , Leblang David
Published: October 2021

How can governments implement foreign economic policies that are popular among political elites but unpopular among their voters? Studying international financial rescues, we argue that governments strategically frame policies in an attempt to minimize their expected political costs, which increases their ability to implement those policies successfully. We theorize that framing strategies allow governments to offer financial bailouts, and we test the resulting hypotheses using an integrative mixed‐methods approach. We trace the underlying causal mechanism of our argument with a typical case study of the U.S. bailout of Mexico during the 1995 peso crisis, test whether a credible threat of migration increases the likelihood of bailouts using an original data set of bailouts by 36 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries to 108 crisis countries over a span of 40 years and analyze a central assumption of our theory with a survey experiment on over 3,000 U.S. residents.
Eliciting preferences for redistribution across domains: A study on wealth, education, and health
Authors: Macchia Lucía , Ariely Dan
Published: October 2021

People's preferences for redistribution are a key component of redistributive policy design, yet how to elicit these preferences is still a matter of debate. We recruited a nationally representative sample of more than 5000 US respondents. We used an approach based on principles of justice to elicit people's preferences for redistribution across different domains. We compared people's preferences for the distribution of wealth, good educational resources, and good health status. We found that people have different preferences across domains: they accept higher inequality in wealth whereas they prefer more equal distributions in education and health. These preferences are consistent across different demographic groups. We discuss policymaking implications: when designing redistributive policies, policymakers should take this approach into account to trigger more favorable reactions to such policies.
Emapalumab in primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and the pathogenic role of interferon gamma: A pharmacometric model‐based approach
Authors: Jacqmin Philippe , Laveille Christian , Snoeck Eric , Jordan Michael B. , Locatelli Franco , Ballabio Maria , de Min Cristina
Published: October 2021

Aim

Primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life‐threatening, hyperinflammatory syndrome generally occurring in early childhood. The monoclonal antibody emapalumab binds and neutralises interferon γ (IFNγ). This study aimed to determine an emapalumab dosing regimen when traditional dose‐finding approaches are not applicable, using pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analyses to further clarify HLH pathogenesis and confirm IFNγ neutralisation as the relevant therapeutic target in pHLH.

Methods

Initial emapalumab dosing (1 mg/kg) for pHLH patients participating in a pivotal multicentre, open‐label, single‐arm, phase 2/3 study was based on anticipated IFNγ levels and allometrically scaled pharmacokinetic parameters estimated in healthy volunteers. Emapalumab dosing was adjusted based on estimated IFNγ‐mediated clearance and HLH clinical and laboratory criteria. Frequent dosing and emapalumab dose adaptation were used to account for highly variable IFNγ levels and potential target‐mediated drug disposition.

Results

High inter‐ and intra‐individual variability in IFNγ production (assessed by total IFNγ levels, range: 102‐106 pg/mL) was observed in pHLH patients. Administering emapalumab reduced IFNγ activity, resulting in significant improvements in clinical and laboratory parameters and a reduced risk of adverse events, mainly related to pHLH. Modelled outcomes supported dose titration starting from 1 mg/kg, with possible increases to 3, 6 or 10 mg/kg based on re‐evaluation of parameters of disease activity every 3 days.

Conclusions

The variable and unanticipated extremely high IFNγ concentrations in patients with pHLH are reflected in parameters of disease activity. Improved outcomes can be achieved by neutralising IFNγ using frequent emapalumab dosing and dose adaptation guided by clinical and laboratory observations.
Peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity in cassava genotypes infested with Phenacoccus manihoti
Authors: Barilli Diandro Ricardo , Rhenheimer Ana Raquel , Wengrat Ana Paula Gonçalves da Silva , Gazola Diego , Pietrowski Vanda , Alves Luis Francisco Angeli
Published: October 2021

The cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Matile‐Ferrero) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), has become an important pest with major potential to damage cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae), around the world. To find new sources of plant resistance, the development of P. manihoti on 18 cassava genotypes was evaluated (duration of embryonic, nymphal, egg–adult, pre‐oviposition, and oviposition periods, longevity, and fecundity), and the defense‐related peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities in the leaves were measured. The fecundity of P. manihoti was the parameter most affected by the cassava genotype that the insect was fed. POD activity was negatively correlated with the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of P. manihoti. PPO activity was negatively correlated with insect fecundity, net reproductive rate (R0), and rm and positively correlated with population doubling time. According to hierarchical groupings of the genotypes tested, three genotypes were resistant to P. manihoti, five were moderately resistant, nine were susceptible, and one was highly susceptible. This information could aid future genetic breeding programs, leading to development of more resistant commercial cassava varieties which could be used in integrated pest management systems.
Testing competing hypotheses about the behaviour of floral visitors in mixed‐flower stands
Authors: Ramos‐Fabiel Melbi Alejandro , Martorell Carlos
Published: October 2021

1. Plants occur in mixed stands and flower simultaneously. Most hypotheses about how flowers affect the visitation rates of conspecific or heterospecific neighbours involve attractiveness. Attractive flowers are thought to monopolise visitors, but also to act as magnets increasing visits to unattractive neighbours. Attractiveness may be density‐dependent: Visitors could profit from focusing on abundant species, sometimes forming search images that make rare flowers less detectable.

2. We tested four hypotheses using data on visitation rates by honeybees (Apis melifera) and bee flies (Bombyliidae) to 1072 stands comprising six plant species in different densities. Hypotheses were compared through multi‐model inference using the disc equation (a functional response model) modified for co‐flowering species and density‐dependent attractiveness.

3. We found that the most attractive flowers had attributes (colour, position, mobility) that elicit strong responses in the sensory apparatus of each type of visitor.

4. Attractiveness usually increased with conspecific floral density, indicating that visitors focus on abundant species. The most attractive flowers strongly reduced the attractiveness of their neighbours, reinforcing visitor monopolisation. However, mildly attractive species increased the attractiveness of less alluring flowers, acting as magnets.

5. In bombyliids, flowers increased the attractiveness of same‐coloured heterospecifics but reduced it when colours differed, suggesting search‐image formation. The results were similar for both types of visitors but were weaker and less consistent in honeybees. This suggests thatApisbehaviour is not as rapidly adjusted to local densities as that of bombyliids, perhaps because of longer‐term memory or a strong role of sociality in determining individual behaviour.
Climate‐driven, but dynamic and complex? A reconciliation of competing hypotheses for species’ distributions
Authors: Schultz Emily L. , Hülsmann Lisa , Pillet Michiel D. , Hartig Florian , Breshears David D. , Record Sydne , Shaw John D. , DeRose R. Justin , Zuidema Pieter A. , Evans Margaret E. K.
Published: October 2021

Estimates of the percentage of species “committed to extinction” by climate change range from 15% to 37%. The question is whether factors other than climate need to be included in models predicting species’ range change. We created demographic range models that include climate vs. climate‐plus‐competition, evaluating their influence on the geographic distribution ofPinus edulis, a pine endemic to the semiarid southwestern U.S. Analyses of data on 23,426 trees in 1941 forest inventory plots support the inclusion of competition in range models. However, climate and competition together only partially explain this species’ distribution. Instead, the evidence suggests that climate affects other range‐limiting processes, including landscape‐scale, spatial processes such as disturbances and antagonistic biotic interactions. Complex effects of climate on species distributions—through indirect effects, interactions, and feedbacks—are likely to cause sudden changes in abundance and distribution that are not predictable from a climate‐only perspective.
Serious consequences of Epstein‐Barr virus infection: Hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis
Authors: Xu Lingyue , Guo Xiaofang , Guan Hongzai
Published: October 2021

Human is the host of the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) especially in childhood and adolescence. Most of them are asymptomatic infection and self‐limiting. However, for those patients who suffer from immune dysfunction, EBV infection will be life‐threatening. Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (EBV‐HLH) is one of the severe effects. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of EBV‐HLH and other EBV infectious diseases are mentioned in this paper. The molecular biology mechanism and complications of EBV‐HLH are equally briefly presented. It also provides a practical method for the genetic diagnosis of such diseases and the differential diagnosis with other human immunodeficiency diseases for medical scientists in routine clinical practice.
Targeting DYRK1A/B kinases to modulate p21‐cyclin D1‐p27 signalling and induce anti‐tumour activity in a model of human glioblastoma
Authors: Massey Andrew J. , Benwell Karen , Burbridge Mike , Kotschy Andras , Walmsley David Lee
Published: October 2021

The dual‐specificity tyrosine‐regulated kinases DYRK1A and DYRK1B play a key role in controlling the quiescence‐proliferation switch in cancer cells. Serum reduction of U87MG 2D cultures or multi‐cellular tumour spheroids induced a quiescent like state characterized by increased DYRK1B and p27, and decreased pRb and cyclin D1. VER‐239353 is a potent, selective inhibitor of the DYRK1A and DYRK1B kinases identified through fragment and structure‐guided drug discovery. Inhibition of DYRK1A/B by VER‐239353 in quiescent U87MG cells increased pRb, DYRK1B and cyclin D1 but also increased the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27. This resulted in exit from G0 but subsequent arrest in G1. DYRK1A/B inhibition reduced the proliferation of U87MG cells in 2D and 3D culture with greater effects observed under reduced serum conditions. Paradoxically, the induced re‐expression of cell cycle proteins by DYRK1A/B inhibition further inhibited cell proliferation. Cell growth arrest induced in quiescent cells by DYRK1A/B inhibition was reversible through the addition of growth‐promoting factors. DYRK inhibition‐induced DNA damage and synergized with a CHK1 inhibitor in the U87MG spheroids. In vivo, DYRK1A/B inhibition‐induced tumour stasis in a U87MG tumour xenograft model. These results suggest that further evaluation of VER‐239353 as a treatment for glioblastoma is therefore warranted.
Evaluative theories in psychology and philosophy of emotion
Authors: Teroni Fabrice
Published: October 2021

In contemporary psychology and philosophy, influential theories approach the emotions via their relations to values and evaluations. My aim is to contribute to our understanding of how these evaluative theories in psychology and philosophy relate to one another. I first explain why this presupposes that we make up our minds about the relations between “molecular” and “molar” properties. The rest of my discussion explores some ways of understanding the relation between the molar and the molecular: as a relation of epistemological support, of identity or of the determinable‐determinates type.
The dietary inflammatory index, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors and diseases
Authors: Hariharan Rohit , Odjidja Emmanuel Nene , Scott David , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Hodge Allison , de Courten Barbora
Published: October 2021

An unhealthy diet is a recognized risk factor in the pathophysiology of numerous chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD), including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This is, at least in part, due to unhealthy diets causing chronic low‐grade inflammation in the gut and systemically. To characterize the inflammatory potential of diet, we developed the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®). Following this development, around 500 papers have been published, which examined the association between the DII, energy‐adjusted DII (E‐DII™), and the children's DII (C‐DII™) and many chronic NCDs including obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Although a previous narrative review published in 2019 briefly summarized the evidence in this area, there was a significant increase in papers on this topic since 2020. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to provide an in‐depth updated review by including all papers until July 2021 on DII and its relationship with obesity, T2DM, and CVD. Furthermore, we aim to identify potential gaps in the literature and provide future directions for research. Most studies found that DII was associated with an increased risk of obesity, T2DM, and CVD with some relationships being sex‐specific. However, we identified the paucity of papers describing associations between dietary inflammation and T2DM and its risk factors. Few studies used gold‐standard measures of cardiometabolic risk factors. We also identified the lack of interventional studies designed to change the inflammatory potential of diets and study its effect on cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases. We recommend that such interventional studies are needed to assess if changes in DII, representing the inflammatory potential of diet, independently of changes in body composition can modulate cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases.
Desafíos de medición para la investigación de la obesidad infantil en y entre América Latina y Estados Unidos
Authors: Berrigan David , Arteaga S. Sonia , Colón‐Ramos Uriyoán , Rosas Lisa G. , Monge‐Rojas Rafael , O'Connor Teresia M. , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Roberts Elizabeth F. S. , Sanchez Brisa , Téllez‐Rojo Martha Maria , Vorkoper Susan ,   the Cross Borders Working Group
Published: October 2021

La obesidad infantil es un grave problema de salud pública en Latinoamérica y Estados Unidos y para luchar contra ella se precisan instrumentos de medición válidos y fiables y que tengan en cuenta los aspectos culturales. Para avanzar en este campo sería útil mejorar las mediciones en los distintos grupos de edades y países del continente americano, tanto en las comunidades de origen como en las de acogida. Además, una mayor precisión y comparabilidad de las mediciones contribuiría a acelerar la colaboración y el aprendizaje transfronterizos. En este documento presentamos (1) los marcos conceptuales que han influido en nuestra perspectiva sobre la obesidad infantil y las necesidades relacionadas con su medición en el continente americano; (2) un resumen de los recursos y guías existentes sobre los instrumentos de medida y su adaptación a la investigación de la obesidad infantil; (3) tres áreas clave que plantean desafíos y oportunidades para avanzar en la medición de la obesidad infantil, incluidas las conductas parentales, la aculturación y el potencial de utilizar métodos etnográficos para identificar los factores clave relacionados con la economía y la globalización. El progreso para reducir la obesidad infantil en las Américas podría acelerarse mediante mayor colaboración transnacional destinada a optimizar la medición para una mejor vigilancia, desarrollo y evaluación de intervenciones, investigación de implementación y evaluación de los experimentos naturales. Además, es necesario mejorar la formación sobre los instrumentos de medición y el acceso a medidas válidas y fiables tanto en español como en otros idiomas de uso frecuente en las Américas.