bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation in species‐specific catch and size structures across a large‐scale and diffuse freshwater recreational‐only fishery
Authors: Ochwada‐Doyle Faith , Miles Nathan , Stark Kate , Hughes Julian , Murphy Jeffrey , Lowry Michael , West Laurie
Published: August 2021

In areas where commercial fishing is prohibited, demographic metrics obtained from recreational fisheries and fishery‐independent methods can be integral to population ecology and management. For Australian bass Percalates novemaculeata (Steindachner) and Murray cod Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell), two key finfish species native to the recreational‐only fresh waters of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, recreational fishing surveys were combined with electrofishing methods to capture information on spatial patterns of exploitation and variation in size. The species’ catch across NSW fresh waters (2013–2014) was estimated using a telephone‐diary longitudinal panel survey and examined for spatial effects using generalised linear mixed effects models. Length data, collected through electrofishing (2013–2015), were compared among geographic zones using Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests and kernel density estimate tests. Catch patterns for each species were mainly spatially static, but significant regional differences in the size composition of both species were detected. The findings are discussed in the context of current catch‐and‐release practices for Australian bass and the application of size limits for Murray cod to illustrate the value of quantitative spatial information from recreational surveys and fishery‐independent methods in developing evidence‐based management and conservation initiatives.
Impact of institutional governance and state determinants on foreign direct investment in Asian economies
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ahsan Ali , Yan Chen , Abbas Hafiz Syed Mohsin , Ullah Atta
Published: August 2021

Asian economies are experiencing issues of governance and economic deprivation. Further, the lack of good governance itself is a considerable hurdle to economic development and growth. This study analyses the relationship of control of corruption, state fragility index, external intervention, and the corruption prevalence index with foreign direct investment (FDI) in 25 Asian economies by considering institutional governance and economic causation the time horizon from 2009 to 2019. By application of the two‐step system generalized method of moments estimation, results show that a corruption‐free economic environment acts as a stimulus to FDI, as it depicts good governance practices toward economic progress. Simultaneously, state fragility discourages the FDI because it obstructs FDI in the economic cycle as a state becomes vulnerable. This study suggests that the exchange of bilateral expertise and investment supports from stable economies can play a vital role in its development. Further, it recommends that countries with good governance practices should assist with investment and bilateral contracts to poor and less developed (weak governance) countries to strengthen their economic structure, which takes nations toward the path of prosperity and development.
The value of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Evidence from 265 cities in China
Authors: Yang Junping , Zhang Mengjie
Published: August 2021

Entrepreneurship scholars consider the benefits of entrepreneurial activities to include regional innovation, employment, and growth. In recent years, the entrepreneurship literature has begun to focus on entrepreneurial contexts, especially the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which may exist at different levels, such as cities and countries. This study analyzes whether the entrepreneurial ecosystem promotes regional development and if so, how. Using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis, we employ the most recent available full data, for 2018, to conduct research on 265 urban entrepreneurial ecosystems in China and reveal the conditions that can stimulate regional entrepreneurship and development. Overall, our results indicate that the entrepreneurial ecosystem can well explain employment and innovation in the region, while there is only one configuration to promote economic growth, which emphasizes the impacts of formal institutions and finance. Our research explains how the elements within the entrepreneurial ecosystem interact to promote regional short‐term and long‐term development. The results have rich implications for policies on entrepreneurship and urban planning as well as practice.
‘Citizen identification’: online learning supports highly accurate species identification for insect‐focussed citizen science
Authors: Perry Jessica R. , Sumner Seirian , Thompson Cris , Hart Adam G.
Published: August 2021

Citizen science is widely used in ecological research. Data verification of citizen collected data continues to be an issue, and confirming accurate species identification reported by citizens can be especially difficult.

Here, we determine the efficacy of using remote learning to identify UK social wasp (Vespinae) species. Citizen scientists (N = 559) collected wasps and identified specimens to species level using a series of online videos and support material.

A pre‐ and post‐identification questionnaire, and a post‐identification assessment test, obtained both qualitative and quantitative data for engagement and changes in identification skills. Some (13.5%) of the participants sent their samples in for expert verification of species identification.

Self‐assessed skill ratings increased from 2.2/5 pre‐identification to 3.5/5 post‐identification process. Identification accuracy was high, with 85.6% of assessment test images and 96% of the verified specimens being identified correctly. In previous years, face‐to‐face public ID workshops with expert trainers yielded an identification accuracy of 91.3%. Eighty‐seven percent of participants reported enjoying the experience and would take part again.

Remote learning of identification skills in non‐specialists can produce greater identification accuracy than face‐to‐face expert‐led workshops, with lower resource requirements and enhanced engagement.
Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Davis Michael G. , Piliang Melissa P. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Caterino Tamara L. , Fisher Brian K. , Sacha Jarek P. , Carr Gregory J. , Moulton Laura T. , Whittenbarger Deborah J. , Schwartz James R.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Increasing hair fullness is a global unmet need for many men and women. An approach to the problem is to decrease hair fall or shedding by reducing scalp stratum corneum oxidation and barrier damage to increase hair retention. This study evaluated a combination of functional antioxidants and barrier‐enhancing cosmetic ingredients to improve scalp condition thereby enabling stronger hair anchorage and longer retention.

Methods

Male and female subjects with normal scalp condition and self‐perceived hair thinning participated in a 24‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical study assessing either a regimen of treatment shampoo and leave‐on treatment containing functional antioxidant and barrier‐enhancing agents or an identical placebo chassis shampoo control. The functional ingredients were piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, niacinamide, panthenol and caffeine. At baseline and after 8, 16 and 24 weeks of product use, several measurements were taken: hair shedding, total hair count (by phototrichogram), hair samples, TEWL and evaluation of biomarkers of scalp and hair conditions. Subjects also completed self‐assessment questionnaires.

Results

Statistically significant effects for functional ingredient‐containing treatment regimen versus a placebo control shampoo formulation were observed for reduced hair shedding, increased total hair count, reduced TEWL and improvement in scalp biomarker values. Subjects also noticed these improvements assessed via self‐assessment questionnaires.

Conclusions

These results establish that the use of functional antioxidant and barrier‐enhancing agents to further improve scalp condition can enable a reduction in hair shedding and thus an increase in perceived hair fullness. The underlying improvements in scalp condition suggest the hair benefits were achieved as a result of improved scalp skin barrier and scalp condition leading to a viable preventative approach for hair thinning.
Oxidative stress and its impact on skin, scalp and hair
Authors: Trüeb Ralph M.
Published: August 2021

Oxidative stress is an unbalanced condition in which the tissues of the body are not sufficiently able to counteract either exogenous or endogenous sources of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress is strongly associated with ageing, both local and systemic, as well as a wide range of local health conditions. This review focuses on the oxidative stress data known for skin, scalp and hair. This oxidative stress may be the ‘currency’ by which an unhealthy scalp leads to deleterious consequences to the hair. The ramifications of this scalp oxidative stress to normal hair elongation, retention and replacement are discussed.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: a clinical update
Authors: Connelly Kathryn , Morand Eric F.
Published: August 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi‐system autoimmune disease known for its complexity and heterogeneity. Striking diversity can be observed between individual patients, in terms of clinical manifestations, serological abnormalities, disease progression and response to therapy. Furthermore, dysfunction of a broad range of immune pathways underlies disease development and expression. An appreciation of this diversity is vital in order to diagnose accurately and appropriately treat patients with SLE as there is no one‐size‐fits‐all diagnostic test or treatment. Optimal management involves identifying affected organs, assessing severity, differentiating activity from irreversible damage and tailoring immunosuppressive treatment accordingly. Non‐pharmacological interventions, attention to disease and treatment‐related comorbidities and addressing the significant impact on health‐related quality of life are also crucial to maximising patient outcomes.
Hyponatraemia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in adults with respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Smale Matthew , Freckelton Julia , Waters Mary , Grill Vivian
Published: August 2021

We present a case of severe hyponatraemia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in a patient with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. A retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to our hospital with RSV in the preceding 3‐year period revealed hyponatraemia in 41 (28%) cases, of which 13 (8.9%) were moderate or severe. SIADH was explored and confirmed in five (3.4%) patients, raising this as an important, previously unrecognised, complication of RSV infection in adults. Physician awareness of SIADH as a potential complication of RSV will facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal disorder.
Quality of life in cancer patients with different preferences for nurse spiritual therapeutics: The role of psychological capital
Authors: Guo Yu‐Fang , Wang Ke‐Fang , Cross Wendy , Lam Louisa , Plummer Virginia , LI Jing
Published: August 2021

Aim

To explore the status of quality of life and psychological capital and analyse the different effects of psychological capital on the quality of life of cancer patients with different preferences for nurse spiritual therapeutics.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was used.

Methods

Two hundred and eight cancer patients were recruited using convenience sampling from a tertiary Chinese hospital, between March and July 2019. Data on preferences for nurse spiritual therapeutics (PNST), psychological capital (PsyCap) and quality of life (QoL) were collected using paper questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression was employed to investigate the different influences of PsyCap on QoL of cancer patients with various levels of PNST.

Results

Compared with patients having high PNST, patients with mild‐moderate PNST experienced lower self‐efficacy, hope, optimism, PsyCap and social/family well‐being. PsyCap significantly explained the variance on QoL of patients with various levels of PNST. Age, gender, presence of caregiver were significant factors influencing physical, social/family and emotional well‐being of patients with high PNST.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates disparities in PsyCap and QoL between cancer patients with mild‐moderate and high PNST. It is essential to be aware of the positive influences of PsyCap on QoL and develop effective interventions for patients to improve their QoL, especially for those with mild‐moderate PNST.

Impact

It is necessary to realize the benefits of PsyCap on QoL of cancer patients with various levels of PNST. Appropriate training for nurses needs to be developed to promote their spiritual care competencies. Moreover, supportive interventions should be developed for cancer patients to improve their PsyCap and QoL.
Is the human movement effect stable over time? The effects of presentation format on acquisition and retention of a motor skill
Authors: H'mida Cyrine , Kalyuga Slava , Souissi Nafaa , Rekik Ghazi , Jarraya Mohamed , Khacharem Aïmen
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to investigate the robustness of the human movement effect and its stability over time by comparing the effectiveness of dynamic and static presentations on acquisition and retention of a gross motor skill.

Methods

One hundred and seven first‐year students studying for the certificate in Physical Education course were randomly divided into three groups: (i) static pictures (N = 32), (ii) enriched static pictures with arrows (N = 34), and (iii) video (N = 41). They were instructed to observe the demonstration of the Ippon‐Seoi‐Nage (a Judo technique) and reproduce it during the acquisition phase or after a delay of 1 week during the retention phase.

Results and Conclusions

The results showed that enriched static pictures (with arrows) resulted in more efficient learning than the static pictures (without arrows). Most importantly, it was shown that learners receiving the video presentation outperformed learners receiving the static presentations, with regard to acquisition and retention, indicating therefore a robust human movement effect.

Implications

These findings provide confirmation of the superiority of video presentations for teaching and learning motor skills involving the entire human body.
Effects of new coopetition designs on learning performance in robotics education
Authors: Zhong Baichang , Xia Liying
Published: August 2021

Background

Although some researchers have applied both cooperation and competition in the practice of robotics education, most of these practices were not systematic, and there was no integration design for intra‐group cooperation and inter‐group competition.

Objectives

The study aims to examine the effects of different coopetition designs on students' intragroup cooperation and intergroup competition.

Methods

A two‐stage study was conducted in two elementary schools. In the pilot study, two coopetition designs were developed by combining rewarded and unrewarded competition. In the follow‐up study, three coopetition designs (i.e., zero‐sum with real‐time reward, zero‐sum with delayed reward, and social‐comparison) were examined.

Results and Conclusions

The study showed that both social‐comparison coopetition and zero‐sum real‐time reward coopetition can be more effective than zero‐sum delayed reward coopetition in teaching knowledge and skills in robotics education. Social comparison coopetition turned out to have a larger effect on affective outcome than the zero‐sum delayed reward coopetition.

Implications

Social comparison coopetition seems to be a more advantages method for both cognitive and affective learning. However, more research is needed to confirm the difference in effectiveness between the three models of coopetition.
Advanced therapeutic modalities in hepatocellular carcinoma: Novel insights
Authors: Shokoohian Bahare , Negahdari Babak , Aboulkheyr Es Hamidreza , Abedi‐Valugerdi Manuchehr , Baghaei Kaveh , Agarwal Tarun , Maiti Tapas Kumar , Hassan Moustapha , Najimi Mustapha , Vosough Massoud
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is usually a latent and asymptomatic malignancy caused by different aetiologies, which is a result of various aberrant molecular heterogeneity and often diagnosed at advanced stages. The incidence and prevalence have significantly increased because of sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, chronic infection with hepatotropic viruses and exposure to aflatoxins. Due to advanced intra‐ or extrahepatic metastasis, recurrence is very common even after radical resection. In this paper, we highlighted novel therapeutic modalities, such as molecular‐targeted therapies, targeted radionuclide therapies and epigenetic modification‐based therapies. These topics are trending headlines and their combination with cell‐based immunotherapies, and gene therapy has provided promising prospects for the future of HCC treatment. Moreover, a comprehensive overview of current and advanced therapeutic approaches is discussed and the advantages and limitations of each strategy are described. Finally, very recent and approved novel combined therapies and their promising results in HCC treatment have been introduced.
The magnitude and management of functional constipation at pediatric gastroenterology clinics: A survey study of various countries
Authors: Osatakul Seksit , Benninga Marc A. , Thapar Nikhil , Treepongkaruna Suporn , Puetpaiboon Areeruk
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

There have been no large‐scale epidemiological study of functional constipation of pediatric gastroenterology services. This survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of functional constipation and magnitude of related problems in hospital settings of various countries as well as the practice of pediatric gastroenterologists in management of these conditions.

Methods

The survey was conducted by sending questionnaires to members of Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition of various continents.

Results

A total of 274 pediatric gastroenterologists from 41 countries participated in this study. Functional constipation accounted for overall 30% of patients attending pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinics. In comparison with non‐western countries, respondents from western countries reported significantly higher median annual numbers of new patients with intractable functional constipation (10 [4,25] vs 5 [2,10], P < 0.001), dyssynergic defecation (3 [0,15] vs 1 [0,4], P < 0.001), and colonic inertia (2 [0,5] vs 0 [0,1], P < 0.001). The use of high dose polyethylene glycol for fecal disimpaction was significantly more commonly among respondents from western countries, whereas rectal enema was significantly more favored in non‐western countries. Respondents from different continents reported significant discrepancies in choices of investigations and management of patients with dyssynergic defecation and colonic inertia.

Conclusions

Functional constipation is a major problem for pediatric gastroenterology outpatient services worldwide. There were significant variations in the investigations of choice and therapeutic management of functional constipation, intractable functional constipation, and related problems among pediatric gastroenterologists of different geographic regions.
Women's and Employers’ Experiences and Views of Combining Breastfeeding with a Return to Paid Employment: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Chang Yan‐Shing , Harger Laura , Beake Sarah , Bick Debra
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Returning to paid employment is one of the reasons women stop breastfeeding earlier than they planned to. This systematic review aimed to provide insight into the experiences and views of women and employers on breastfeeding and returning to paid employment, with findings used to inform practice and policy.

Methods

The review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published in English. JBI's meta‐aggregative approach informed data analysis. The studies in this analysis included women who stopped breastfeeding before, and those who continued breastfeeding after, returning to paid employment and the employers, work managers, or supervisors of women who continued breastfeeding after returning to paid employment.

Results

Twenty‐six articles presenting findings from 25 studies were included and critically appraised. Synthesized findings showed that women experienced physical and emotional difficulties and described gender and employment inequalities in accessing and receiving the support they needed. Women reported that the importance of their own motivation and having workplace legislation in place facilitated breastfeeding during employment. Support from employers, colleagues, and family members, as well as access to convenient child care, helped women continue breastfeeding on return to paid employment. Employers’ personal experiences influenced their views on breastfeeding and working, and the need for more education and communication between employers and employers on breastfeeding in the workplace was recognized.

Discussion

Support from family, work colleagues, and employers was important to reduce the physical and emotional challenges women experienced when combing breastfeeding with return to paid employment. Gender inequalities, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries, in accessing support exacerbated the difficulties women experienced. Limited data were identified regarding employers’ experiences and views, suggesting an urgent need for further research to explore employers’ and work colleagues’ experiences and views.
Implication of COVID‐19 on the mental health of Egyptian dermatologists: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Elsaie Mohamed L. , Hasan Mohamed S. , Zaky Mohamed S. , Hussein Sherief M. , Kadah Ahmed S. , Omar Ahmed M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Major epidemic outbreaks create an increased demand for healthcare workers (HCWs) and pose increased health risk and psychological distress to them as well.

Aim

The aim of this cross sectional study was to find out the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among Egyptian dermatologists and their possible predictor factors.

Patients/Methods

A cross sectional study was designed and data were collected using structured self‐administered online depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS‐21).

Results

The depression scale of DASS was 18.98 ± 9.56 among which 38% of dermatologists had either severe or extremely severe depression and 34.2% complained of moderate depression. Meanwhile, the anxiety scale was 12.92 ± 7.75 and 35.4 % of surveyed dermatologists had either severe or extremely severe anxiety. Thirty three percent of dermatologists were normal on stress score. Female dermatologists possessed more significant depression and stress than males (19.70 ± 9.71 vs. 16.62 ± 8.68, p = 0.003; 21.42 ± 9.53 vs. 17.40 ± 8.49, p <0.001 respectively). On the contrary, male dermatologists expressed more anxiety than female dermatologists however this was not statistically significant (13.26 ± 7.99 vs. 12.82 ± 7.69, p = 0.625).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the differential impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Egyptian dermatologists. Mental health care and support are of extreme importance to physicians mid this pandemic.
The role of sonication in preparing injectable poly‐l‐lactic acid
Authors: Hong Eun Hye , Baek Eun Joo , Suh Suk Bae , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: August 2021

Background

Injectable poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) carries the risk of nodule or microlump formation. Various methods including sonication have been tried to minimize these adverse effects of PLLA.

Aims

This study investigated the change in size, distribution, and properties of PLLA particles after sonication, and the duration of sonication needed to reach the ideal particle size.

Methods and Materials

Two indicators, the average size of PLLA particles and diameter at 90%, were measured at each timepoint: at 0, 10, 60, 120, and 240 minutes of sonication. The characteristics and particle shape were assessed at 0 and 240 minutes.

Results

The average particle size and the diameter at 90% decreased drastically until 10 minutes of sonication and then increased slightly at 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, the average size and the diameter at 90% gradually decreased over time and reached 42.2 μm and 75.7 μm, respectively, at 120 minutes. After 240 minutes of sonication, the average particle size was 35.9 μm, much smaller than the smallest proper size required (40 μm). Standard deviation decreased gradually over time, which means that a more even distribution was obtained. Crystalline remnants were significantly less left with 120 minutes sonication compared to those with 120 minutes hydration only. PLLA particles were more cracked at the center, and microcrystals were more loosely distributed at the periphery after 120 minutes sonication.

Conclusion

Sonication help reduce the average size of PLLA particles and achieve more even distribution. Therefore, we believe sonication may attribute to the safer use of PLLA.
Knowledge, perception and prevention performance of intensive care unit nurses about medical device‐related pressure injuries
Authors: Erbay Dalli Öznur , Kelebek Girgin Nermin
Published: August 2021

Aim and Objective

To examine intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ knowledge, perceptions and prevention performance about medical device‐related pressure injuries (MDRPIs).

Background

Prevention of MDRPIs has been an important part of nursing care, and there is a limited number of studies on nurses’ level of knowledge or perception about MDRPIs.

Design

This study was designed as a cross‐sectional survey and conducted according to STROBE Guidelines.

Method

The data of the study were collected with the Nurse Information Form and the MDRPI Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire. In the first phase, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated (content validity, internal consistency and test‐retest). A pilot study was conducted with 20 nurses for the test‐retest phase. These nurses were excluded from the general sample.

Results

The study was conducted with 142 ICU nurses. The average percent knowledge score of ICU nurses on MDRPIs was 68.4%. In the survey, the highest rate of correct response was found in the expressions about MDRPIs skin assessment (83.6%), and the lowest was in those about follow‐up (50.8%). There was no significant relationship between the total score and age, work experience and specialties (p > .05 for each). However, scores were significantly higher in females than males (65.5 vs. 47.8, p = .020) and in those with a postgraduate degree than those with a bachelor's degree (81.8 vs. 57.9, p = .008).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that nurses do not have sufficient perception of MDRPIs. The findings of the study can be used to improve nursing policies and practices in acute care settings. Additional studies will be needed with nurses and healthcare professionals working in different clinical settings.

Relevance to the clinical practice

This study demonstrates the nurses’ need for more knowledge about MDRPIs and will help inform healthcare institutions and their management teams in developing programs and improving protocols to reduce the incidence of MDRPIs.
The Mediterranean diet and health: a comprehensive overview
Authors: Guasch‐Ferré M. , Willett W. C.
Published: August 2021

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), one of the most studied and well‐known dietary patterns worldwide, has been associated with a wide range of benefits for health. In the present narrative review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the relation of the MedDiet to important health outcomes, considering both observational and intervention studies with both risk factors and clinical diseases as outcomes. In addition, we considered the clinical and public health impacts of the MedDiet on both human and planetary health. Earlier research confirmed by recent studies has provided strong evidence for the benefits of the MedDiet on cardiovascular health, including reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes as well as risk factors including obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidaemia. There is also evidence that MedDiet is associated with lower rates of incident diabetes, and better glycaemic control in diabetic patients compared to control diets. In prospective studies, adherence to the MedDiet reduced mortality, especially cardiovascular mortality, hence increased longevity. In addition, it has been associated with less age‐related cognitive dysfunction and lower incidence of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, the relatively low environmental impacts (water, nitrogen and carbon footprint) of the MedDiet is an additional positive aspect of the Mediterranean dietary model. It is likely that the combination of a healthy diet with social behaviours and the way of life of Mediterranean regions makes the MedDiet a sustainable lifestyle model that could likely be followed in other regions with country‐specific and culturally appropriate variations.
Effects of supplementation of graded level of glutamic acid to crude protein reduced diets on the performance of growing pigs
Authors: Upadhaya Santi Devi , Lee Sang Seon , Kim Young Hwa , Wu Zhenlong , Kim In Ho
Published: August 2021

A total of 150 growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial average body weight (BW) of 24.45 kg were used in a 6‐week trial to estimate the optimum lysine to glutamic acid ratio in pigs fed low‐protein diets supplemented with increasing level of synthetic glutamic acid (Glu). Pigs were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments consisting of either control diet (CON) formulated to have 157 g crude protein (CP) or negative control diets (NC, NC1, NC2 and NC3) with 20 g CP reduction and addition of Glu (1.1, 3.9, 6.8 and 9.6 g/kg feed respectively). Supplementing the increasing level of Glu to low CP diets did not exert any linear or quadratic responses in the growth performance parameters as well as nutrient digestibility. The serum creatinine concentration in pigs receiving CON diet showed trends (p = 0.063) in increment compared with pigs receiving NC diet. However, with the increase in the supplementation of Glu, there were no linear or quadratic responses on serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations. There was a tendency in the reduction (p = 0.088,p = 0.064) of backfat thickness and lean percentage, respectively, at week 3 and a trend in the reduction (p = 0.092) in lean percentage at week 6 in pigs fed NC diet compared with those fed CON diet. The increase in the supplemental level of Glu tended to show quadratic responses in the backfat thickness and lean percentage at week 3 and 6. In conclusion, the growth performance parameters as well as carcass traits with Lys: Glu ratio 1: 2.71 were very close with the mean values of CON diet indicating that 6.8 g Glu when supplemented to 2% CP reduced diet could achieve the comparable growth performance and carcass trait as that of standard basal diet.
Adjusted calcium concentration as a predictor of ionized hypocalcemia in hypoalbuminemic dogs
Authors: De Witte Fiamma , Klag Alan , Chapman Peter
Published: August 2021

Background

Ionized calcium (iCa) is the biologically active fraction of total calcium (tCa) with clinical relevance to evaluate calcium homeostasis, but not all primary veterinarians have access to serum iCa. Formulas that adjust tCa to correct for variability in serum protein concentrations were not designed to predict iCa and are considered unreliable surrogates for iCa.

Objectives

To determine whether adjusted calcium concentration (aCa) can predict ionized hypocalcemia in hypoalbuminemic dogs without hyperphosphatemia.

Animals

A total of 262 hypoalbuminemic dogs without hyperphosphatemia.

Methods

Retrospective review of paired tCa and iCa. Patients were included if serum albumin concentration was ≤2.5 g/L and serum phosphorus concentration was ≤5 mg/dL. The aCa was calculated using tCa (mg/dL) − serum albumin concentration (g/dL) + 3.5 (g/dL). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPVs) and negative (NPVs) predictive values, and accuracy were determined for tCa and aCa at predicting any (<1.13 mmol/L) and moderate (<1.02 mmol/L) ionized hypocalcemia. Patients also were stratified into mild‐to‐moderate (2.0‐2.5 g/dL) and severe hypoalbuminemia (<2.0 g/dL).

Results

A total of 4296 dogs had paired results of which 262 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 35 (13.4%) dogs had iCa < 1.13 mmol/L and 13 dogs (5.0%) had concentrations <1.02 mmol/L. The sensitivity, specificity, NPVs and PPVs of a decreased tCa and aCa for detecting moderate ionized hypocalcemia were 100% and 92.3%, 57.8% and 94.8%, 100% and 99.6%, and 11.0% and 48.2%, respectively, and accuracy was 60.0% and 94.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

A low aCa was useful to detect ionized hypocalcemia in hypoalbuminemic nonhyperphosphatemic dogs. A normal aCa indicated that moderate ionized hypocalcemia was unlikely.
Price discrimination and market concentration: Evidence from the laundry detergent market
Authors: Cacicedo Thiago
Published: August 2021

I analyse the relationship between price discrimination, with respect to the package size of the product, and market concentration in the liquid laundry detergent market. Specifically, I study how quantity discounts change with market concentration. I estimate a fixed effects model and find that this relationship is non‐monotonic and I provide evidence that it is U‐shaped. These results suggest that firms offer more quantity discounts in less and more concentrated markets, while they offer less quantity discounts in moderately concentrated markets.
Cophylogenetic analyses ofTrachymyrmexant‐fungal specificity: “One to one with some exceptions”
Authors: Beigel Katherine , Matthews Alix E. , Kellner Katrin , Pawlik Christine V. , Greenwold Matthew , Seal Jon N.
Published: August 2021

Over the past few decades, large‐scale phylogenetic analyses of fungus‐gardening ants and their symbiotic fungi have depicted strong concordance among major clades of ants and their symbiotic fungi, yet within clades, fungus sharing is widespread among unrelated ant lineages. Sharing has been explained using a diffuse coevolution model within major clades. Understanding horizontal exchange within clades has been limited by conventional genetic markers that lack both interspecific and geographic variation. To examine whether reports of horizontal exchange were indeed due to symbiont sharing or the result of employing relatively uninformative molecular markers, samples ofTrachymyrmex arizonensisandTrachymyrmex pomonaeand their fungi were collected from native populations in Arizona and genotyped using conventional marker genes and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Conventional markers of the fungal symbionts generally exhibited cophylogenetic patterns that were consistent with some symbiont sharing, but most fungal clades had low support. SNP analysis, in contrast, indicated that each ant species exhibited fidelity to its own fungal subclade with only one instance of a colony growing a fungus that was otherwise associated with a different ant species. This evidence supports a pattern of codivergence betweenTrachymyrmexspecies and their fungi, and thus a diffuse coevolutionary model may not accurately predict symbiont exchange. These results suggest that fungal sharing across host species in these symbioses may be less extensive than previously thought.
Social media: Powering open access collaboration and global knowledge exchange
Authors: Gokulakrishnan Dhikshitha , Butler Sarah E. , Proctor Dominic W. , Ferry Maarja‐Liis , Sethi Rajiv
Published: August 2021

Offering a variety of examples, Sethi et al. discuss #SoMe role in empowering open access collaboration and global knowledge exchange.
A self‐sparse generative adversarial network for autonomous early‐stage design of architectural sketches
Authors: Qian Wenliang , Xu Yang , Li Hui
Published: August 2021

This study develops an autonomous design method for architectural shape sketches by a novel self‐sparse generative adversarial network (self‐sparse GAN), thereby overcoming the problems regarding excessive reliance on sufficient aesthetic knowledge and excessive time consumption in traditional human design. First, a new architectural shape dataset denoted “Sketch” is built by using the eXtended difference‐of‐Gaussians operator. Second, a self‐adaptive sparse transform module (SASTM) is designed following each deconvolution layer of the proposed self‐sparse GAN to utilize the sparsity of sketch images by the sparsity decomposition and feature‐map recombination. Third, the Frechet inception distance (FID) is adopted to evaluate the quality of the generated sketches by comparing the distribution of the real and generated datasets. Finally, two common image generation approaches, Wasserstein GAN with gradient penalty and self‐attention GAN, are compared with the proposed self‐sparse GAN, and results show the proposed method achieves the best performance with a relative decrease in the FID score of 11.87%. The proposed autonomous design method can give tens of thousands of sketches for a class of buildings in a few seconds using the trained network, which can help architects to choose the architectural form and/or inspire architects to consider unique schemes in the early stages of design.
Structure‐PoseNet for identification of dense dynamic displacement and three‐dimensional poses of structures using a monocular camera
Authors: Zhao Jin , Hu Fangqiao , Xu Yang , Zuo Wangmeng , Zhong Jiwei , Li Hui
Published: August 2021

This study proposesStructure‐PoseNet to recognize three‐dimensional (3D) poses and dense dynamic displacement of a structure with known geometry using a monocular camera. The 3D poses are employed to calculate the structural displacement of both visible and invisible elements in videos. The proposed framework consists of two consecutive deep learning modules, CompNet and ParaNet, to provide semantic image segmentation and extract pose parameters, respectively. CompNet converts natural video images into semantic classification masks. ParaNet uses the recognized masks from CompNet as input and outputs the pose parameters. The dense dynamic displacement at measurement points with an intervaldistance of 2% of the size of the structure (along the direction with the maximum size) is then obtained using the coordinates of each 3D model vertex. The identification accuracy is discussed for different cases. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed method was validated through the shaking table test results of the two scale models. Finally, the proposed method was applied to a full‐scale suspension bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940) using Internet videos.
Clinical outcomes associated with anti‐obesity medications in real‐world practice: A systematic literature review
Authors: Ahmad Nadia N. , Robinson Susan , Kennedy‐Martin Tessa , Poon Jiat Ling , Kan Hong
Published: August 2021

Anti‐obesity medications (AOMs) are efficacious and well tolerated in randomized controlled trials, but findings may not be generalizable to routine clinical practice. This systematic literature review aimed to identify real‐world (RW) evidence for AOMs to treat adults ( ≥ 18 years) with obesity or overweight (BMI  ≥  27 kg/m2). Searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Database, National Health Service (NHS) Economic Evaluation Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies of relevant FDA‐approved AOMs yielded 41 publications. Weight loss (WL) was consistently observed, with 14% to 58.6% of patients achieving ≥ 5% WL on orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, phentermine, or liraglutide in studies of 3–6 months' duration where this was measured. When cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed, AOMs reduced or had no impact on blood pressure, lipids, or glycemia. RW data on the impact of AOMs on existing obesity‐related comorbidities and mortality were generally lacking. AOMs were associated with various adverse events, but these were of mild to moderate severity and no unexpected safety signals were reported. A pattern of poor adherence and persistence with AOMs was observed across studies. Overall, the review confirmed the effectiveness of AOMs in RW settings but demonstrated large gaps in the evidence base.
Relationship form and function: Exploring meaning‐making in young adults' romantic histories
Authors: Jamison Tyler B. , Sanner Caroline M.
Published: August 2021

Forming stable, supportive romantic relationships is an important determinant of well‐being for adults. Yet, there has been limited research about if and how prior romantic experiences help individuals develop the capacity to enter into such unions. Using grounded theory methods, relationship history interviews were conducted with 35 young adults who provided data about 256 romantic and sexual relationships. The different relationship forms (e.g., hooking up, casual dating, committed partnering) were found to contribute in nuanced ways to romantic development. Specifically, romantic development was characterized by gaining romantic experience, identifying preferences for partners and partnership, and learning to maintain healthy relational boundaries through a variety of romantic and sexual relationships. These findings contribute to existing knowledge by highlighting the meaning‐making processes that promote development through tangible experiences and self‐discovery.
The longitudinal relations between disciplinary practices and emotion regulation in early years
Authors: Liu Chao , Younkin Felisha , Hardman Moriah , Buchanan Brynn , Nugent Nicole , Pettus Matthew , Lawrence Breanna
Published: August 2021

This article examines the reciprocal relationships between parental disciplinary practices and child emotion regulation in the first 3 years of life. Using three‐wave cross‐lagged panel models, more salient effects are found from parent to child than from child to parent at the very first stage. The stronger parent–child effects hold for both corrective and harsh disciplinary practices. Furthermore, the results indicate significant gender differences in the bidirectionality across time: for girls a parent–child–parent association is found in which corrective discipline significantly predicts child emotion regulation and child emotion regulation in turn predicts corrective discipline, whereas for boys, only a child–parent link emerges such that emotion regulation at time 2 is associated with corrective discipline at time 3. These findings portray the early transactional characteristics of parental disciplinary action and child emotion development as well as the gender‐differentiated effects in reciprocity.
Spontaneous rapid leaf movements and action potentials in Mimosa pudica L.
Authors: Stolarz Maria , Trębacz Kazimierz
Published: August 2021

Movements and action potentials of Mimosa pudica L. plants, commonly known for their sensitivity to touch, were measured using time‐lapse photography and extracellular electrical potential recording methods in 4‐day experiments. In intact plants, spontaneous rapid leaf movements (RLMs) were revealed. The rapid downward movement of the leaf lasted approx. 1 s and the return to the previous position took approx. 17 min. Additionally, spontaneous action potentials (SAPs) with amplitudes of 3–100 mV and half‐time of approx. 15 s were observed for the first time in M. pudica. Spontaneous APs propagated basipetally or acropetally with a velocity of 3–75 cm min−1. 36% of SAPs passing along the shoots were accompanied by RLMs. There was a delay between the appearance of SAP and RLM, indicating that SAPs may trigger the RLMs.
Need of transdisciplinary research for accelerating land restoration during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Edrisi Sheikh Adil , Abhilash Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil
Published: August 2021

The United Nations has declared 2021–2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to gear up the restoration of degraded ecosystems worldwide and thereby facilitating the timely realization of the UN‐SDGs and post‐2020 biodiversity targets. The UN Decade will also further the targets of the Bonn Challenge and several other ongoing restoration initiatives. While restoration is often viewed as a branch of applied ecology, transdisciplinarity is essential for implementing restoration on the ground successfully. The present article is therefore aimed to propose a transdisciplinary framework consisting of three defined phases ‐such as (1) the problem identification phase, (2) its analysis, and (3) finally the integration and application of transdisciplinary approaches for effective land restoration. This integrated framework would help in drawing strategic measures by crossing various disciplinary boundaries to accelerate land restoration efforts globally while deriving co‐benefits during restoration for maintaining the continuity of the restoration drive. We conclude that the implementation of the proposed framework along with due consideration of the regional and location‐specific attributes, management strategies as well as the successful involvement of various stakeholders will lead to a successful restoration Decade.
The short‐run impact of COVID‐19 on the activity in the insurance industry in the Republic of North Macedonia
Authors: Stojkoski Viktor , Jolakoski Petar , Ivanovski Igor
Published: August 2021

Recent studies suggest that the COVID‐19 pandemic will induce drastic changes in the business models of the insurance industry. However, despite an abundance of predictions, the literature still lacks empirical investigations of the impact of the pandemic. In this paper, we perform a first of a kind analysis and investigate the short‐run impact of COVID‐19 on the activity in the insurance in one country—North Macedonia. By utilizing a seasonal autoregressive model, we find that during the first half of 2020, the activity in the insurance industry shrank by more than 10% to what was expected. The total loss in the industry amounted to approximately 8.2 million euros. This was much less than the volume of reserves that the Insurance Supervision Agency made available as funds for dealing with the potential crisis. In addition, the pandemic induced changes in the insurance activity structure—the share of motor vehicles class in the total industry activity fell at the expense of the property classes. Our results suggest that the insurance industry in North Macedonia was well prepared to tackle the consequences of the pandemic and that automatic stabilizers had a major influence on weakening the overall negative impact.