bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emergence of audit data analytics in existing audit spaces: findings from three technologically advanced audit and assurance service markets
Authors: Kend Michael , Nguyen Lan Anh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to better understand the interactions between external auditors, their audit clients and audit regulators when considering the supply of and demand for high-level audit technology. The authors examine the developed markets of Australia, New Zealand and the UK to better understand: how high-level audit technology has started to become embedded into existing audit spaces and any emerging issues this technology has created for the audit profession.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the theoretical lens of the socio-technical (ST) systems of innovation theory, the present study involved semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders in Australia and New Zealand from 2019 to 2020 and 21 stakeholders in the UK from 2016 to 2018.

Findings

Advancements are revitalizing the technologies of not only the external auditors and their firms but also of their audit clients. Although the audit model is changing, external auditors are reported to be reluctant to fully engage with new audit technologies. In this setting, the authors find audit rules are yet to become embedded in the objects or practices of ST systems and that keeping up with the pace of change for regulators and standard setters is a major challenge.

Practical implications

The findings of this study raise call for regulators to be more up to speed with these new technological changes, as audit standards need to be amended accordingly. Although the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board deliberates, both clients and auditors need to lobby for specific audit data analytics regulations.

Originality/value

The present study provides perspectives about new audit practices that emerge due to high-level technological advancements and then embed themselves into existing audit spaces. The authors draw on several different stakeholder groups, not just the Big Four firms. The ST systems theoretical lens we adopt better helps us understand how audit firms at the organisational level are adapting to these new technological changes in existing audit spaces.
The underground explosion point high precision measurement method based on multidimensional information fusion of vibration sensors
Authors: Li Jian , Yan Xinlei , Zhao Feifei , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem that the location of the initiation point cannot be measured accurately in the shallow underground space, this paper proposes a method, which is based on fusion of multidimensional vibration sensor information, to locate single shallow underground sources.

Design/methodology/approach

First, in this paper, using the characteristics of low multipath interference and good P-wave polarization in the near field, the adaptive covariance matrix algorithm is used to extract the polarization angle information of the P-wave and the short term averaging/long term averaging algorithm is used to extract the first break travel time information. Second, a hybrid positioning model based on travel time and polarization angle is constructed. Third, the positioning model is taken as the particle update fitness function of quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization and calculation is performed in the hybrid positioning model. Finally, the experiment verification is carried out in the field.

Findings

The experimental results show that, with root mean square error, spherical error probable and fitness value as evaluation indicators, the positioning performance of this method is better than that without speed prediction. And the positioning accuracy of this method has been improved by nearly 30%, giving all of the three tests a positioning error within 0.5 m and a fitness less than 1.

Originality/value

This method provides a new idea for high-precision positioning of shallow underground single source. It has a certain engineering application value in the fields of directional demolition of engineering blasting, water inrush and burst mud prediction, fuze position measurement, underground initiation point positioning of ammunition, mine blasting monitoring and so on.
Change in dominant genotype of Microsporum canis, a causative fungus of zoonotic dermatophytosis, in Japan over the past 40 years
Authors: Mochizuki Takashi , Yamada Shigeo , Hironaga Masaki , Futatsuya Taketoshi , Anzawa Kazushi
Published: April 2022

Multilocus microsatellite typing was performed on 124 strains of Microsporum canis, which is the most prevalent causative fungus of zoonotic dermatophytosis, isolated in Japan between 1974 and 1981. The strains had been enclosed in glass ampoules by freeze dried process. Genotypes were detected by capillary electrophoresis targeted on six microsatellite regions, and 19 genotypes were found among these 124 strains. The most frequent genotype, which had been reported as genotype L in a previous study, comprised 56 of the 124 strains (45.2%), although genotype L was reported to comprise only six of 165 strains (3.6%) isolated between 2010 and 2017. A decrease in the prevalence of genotype L may have led to the retreat of M. canis infection in 1996 to 2006. On the other hand, genotype A, the second most predominant genotype in the aforementioned studies of strains isolated between 2010 and 2017, comprised just four of 124 strains (3.2%) in the present study. Thus, these studies reveal that prevalences of some major genotypes have changed over the last 40 years. Genotype consistency of strains was proven in all of 12 familial cases, each of which was infected with a single genotype. We emphasize the importance of fungal culture collection for further studies with new techniques in the future.
DNA‐based assessment of environmental degradation in an unknown fauna: The freshwater macroinvertebrates of the Indo‐Burmese hotspot
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Burian Alfred , Creedy Thomas J. , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: April 2022

New methods are required for biomonitoring of poorly known tropical ecosystems, but biological assessments of environmental status are limited by insufficient information on taxonomy, composition and ecology of local communities. The current work applies DNA‐based assessment to establish the impact of various types of anthropogenic disturbances on the freshwater macroinvertebrates in an understudied biodiversity hotspot in South Asia, an area that attracts increasing attention for the loss of aquatic ecosystems.

We sampled 16 river systems in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh and characterised habitat intactness based on a set of 14 environmental parameters associated with habitat quality and human activities. Whole‐community metabarcoding was used to investigate the distribution of hypothetical species‐level clusters (Operational Taxonomic Units, OTUs) across sites of different impacts.

We found >900 DNA clusters of insects, decapods and molluscs, dominated by Diptera, which revealed significant variation (p < 0.001) in richness across sites. The presumed sensitive Ephemeroptera‐Plecoptera–Trichoptera (EPT) represented 15.6% of total OTU richness. The type and strength of anthropogenic stressors varied greatly across streams but did not affect total OTU diversity. In contrast, EPT richness decreased by ~50% in response to habitat degradation. Partial‐network analysis revealed 26 OTUs that may serve as potential indicators for either good or poor ecological status. Overall, our results document high diversity, local endemicity and pronounced responses to disturbance in these largely unexplored but threatened habitats.

Synthesis and applications. The proposed methodology combines local habitat surveys across sites of various degrees of disturbance with species‐level metabarcoding, as a model for biological evaluation of water bodies in poorly known and inaccessible places across the world. Implemented here for the Indo‐Burmese hotspot, the approach will have great value for applied conservation management as a step towards building a biomonitoring system in this region where currently little is known about the taxonomy, diversity and endemicity in both intact and disturbed ecosystems.
Clinical algorithms for management of third stage abnormalities
Authors: Marcus JK , Fawcus S. ,   the WHO Intrapartum Care Algorithms Working Group
Published: April 2022

Aims

To develop algorithms for identifying, managing and monitoring postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and other third stage of labour abnormalities after vaginal delivery.

Population

Women with low‐risk singleton term pregnancies who have had a vaginal delivery.

Setting

Hospital settings with a particular focus on healthcare facilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Search strategy

Searches for international and national guidance documents, research databases (Cochrane, Medline and CINAHL) and published systematic reviews. Searches were limited to work published in English between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018.

Case scenarios

Four interlinked case scenarios were identified for algorithm development: (1) an approach to PPH after vaginal delivery, (2) uterine atony, (3) genital tract trauma and (4) retained placenta/placental products.

Conclusions

The development of clear approaches to the assessment, resuscitation, treatment and monitoring of the four case scenarios are presented as algorithms, based on available evidence. They need to be field tested and evaluated for effectiveness, and may be adapted for electronic decision support tools using artificial intelligence in different settings. Further research is needed around multimodal sequential packages of care for PPH, conservative surgical measures, resuscitation in LMICs, and how a respectful maternity care focus can be incorporated into the algorithms.

Tweetable abstract

Algorithm development for standardised approaches to managing PPH in low‐resource settings.
As the number falls, alternatives to the Hagberg–Perten falling number method: A review
Authors: Hu Yang , Sjoberg Stephanie M. , Chen Chunpen (James) , Hauvermale Amber L. , Morris Craig F. , Delwiche Stephen R. , Cannon Ashley E. , Steber Camille M. , Zhang Zhiwu
Published: April 2022

This review examines the application, limitations, and potential alternatives to the Hagberg–Perten falling number (FN) method used in the global wheat industry for detecting the risk of poor end‐product quality mainly due to starch degradation by the enzyme α‐amylase. By viscometry, the FN test indirectly detects the presence of α‐amylase, the primary enzyme that digests starch. Elevated α‐amylase results in low FN and damages wheat product quality resulting in cakes that fall, and sticky bread and noodles. Low FN can occur from preharvest sprouting (PHS) and late maturity α‐amylase (LMA). Moist or rainy conditions before harvest cause PHS on the mother plant. Continuously cool or fluctuating temperatures during the grain filling stage cause LMA. Due to the expression of additional hydrolytic enzymes, PHS has a stronger negative impact than LMA. Wheat grain with low FN/high α‐amylase results in serious losses for farmers, traders, millers, and bakers worldwide. Although blending of low FN grain with sound wheat may be used as a means of moving affected grain through the marketplace, care must be taken to avoid grain lots from falling below contract‐specified FN. A large amount of sound wheat can be ruined if mixed with a small amount of sprouted wheat. The FN method is widely employed to detect α‐amylase after harvest. However, it has several limitations, including sampling variability, high cost, labor intensiveness, the destructive nature of the test, and an inability to differentiate between LMA and PHS. Faster, cheaper, and more accurate alternatives could improve breeding for resistance to PHS and LMA and could preserve the value of wheat grain by avoiding inadvertent mixing of high‐ and low‐FN grain by enabling testing at more stages of the value stream including at harvest, delivery, transport, storage, and milling. Alternatives to the FN method explored here include the Rapid Visco Analyzer, enzyme assays, immunoassays, near‐infrared spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging.
DINED (Delivery‐related INjuries in the Emergency Department) part 2: A chart review of risk factors and injuries affecting food delivery riders
Authors: Bertenshaw Claire , Mitchell Gary , McKinlay Andrew , Cameron Cate , Vallmuur Kirsten , Smyth Tanya , Witts Morgan
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to examine patterns of injury, the impact of these injuries on patients and identification of potentially modifiable contributing factors through industry regulation reforms and education.

Methods

Food delivery rider (FDR)‐related presentations to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Emergency and Trauma Centre for a year from September 2020 were identified. Data collected included patient and incident demographics: time, type and location of injuries, investigations and care required, length of stay, admission requirements and follow up.

Results

The cohort included 81.8% male with a mean age of 25.2 years. Most injuries occurred on the road from a collision with a vehicle. The most common injury was fractures. Incidence increased on weekends and during the evening. More than half the cohort were admitted to hospital. Only 22.7% of patients were eligible for workers compensation and less than half were covered by Medicare. The majority (72.7%) of cases involved non‐resident riders from other countries.

Conclusion

The majority of FDRs presenting with injuries are not Australian citizens and less than half were Medicare eligible potentially contributing to inadequate access to care especially fracture follow up. There were spikes in injuries occurring at night, weekends and during periods of pandemic associated lockdowns demonstrating an increased usage of delivery services during these times. Results highlight injury patterns experienced by delivery riders and potentially modifiable risk factors for this rapidly growing area of employment within the gig economy.
Functional characterization of a low‐density lipoprotein receptor in the lepidopteran model, Bombyx mori
Authors: Li Gui‐Yun , Liu Xiao‐Jing , Fang Gang‐Qi , Yang Jie , Zhan Shuai , Li Mu‐Wang
Published: April 2022

The growth and development of metabolous insects are mainly regulated by ecdysone and juvenile hormone. As a member of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family, megalin (mgl) is involved in the lipoprotein transport of cholesterol which is an essential precursor for the synthesis of ecdysone. Despite extensive studies in mammals, the function of mgl is still largely unknown in insects. In this study, we characterize the function of mgl in the silkworm Bombyx mori, the model species of Lepidoptera. We find that mgl is broadly present in the genomes of lepidopteran species and evolved with divergence between lepidopterans and Drosophila. The expression pattern suggests a ubiquitous role of mgl in the growth and development in the silkworm. We further perform clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9‐based mutagenesis of Bmmgl and find that both the development and the silk production of the silkworm are seriously affected by the disruption of Bmmgl. Our results not only explore the function of mgl in Lepidoptera but also add to our understanding of how cholesterol metabolism is involved in the development of insects.
Occurrence of isoflavones in soybean sprouts and strategies to enhance their content: A review
Authors: Wang Su‐Yan , Zhang Yun‐Jiao , Zhu Gui‐Yang , Shi Xin‐Chi , Chen Xin , Herrera‐Balandrano Daniela D. , Liu Feng‐Quan , Laborda Pedro
Published: April 2022

Sprouting is a common strategy to enhance the nutritional value of seeds. Here, all the reports regarding the occurrence of isoflavones in soybean sprouts have been covered for the first time. Isoflavones were detected with concentrations ranging from 1 × 10–2 to 1 × 101 g/kg in soybean sprouts. Isoflavone concentration depends on the cultivar, germination time, part of the sprout, light, and temperature. Aglycon isoflavones increased during germination, especially in the hypocotyl, while 6″‐O‐malonyl‐7‐O‐β‐glucoside isoflavones decreased in the hypocotyl and increased in the cotyledon and root. Cooking reduced total isoflavone content. Regarding the strategies to enhance isoflavone contents, fermentation with Aspergillus sojae and external irradiation with UV‐A or far‐infrared were the methods that caused the greatest increases in aglycon, 7‐O‐β‐glucoside, and total isoflavones. However, the largest increases in 6″‐O‐malonyl‐7‐O‐β‐glucoside and 6″‐O‐acetyl‐7‐O‐β‐glucosides isoflavones were detected after treatment with chitohexaose and calcium chloride, respectively.

Practical Application

Soybean sprouts are widely consumed and provide essential proteins, antioxidants, and minerals. They are rich in isoflavones, which exhibit numerous health benefits, and have been studied as alternative therapies for a range of hormone‐dependent conditions, such as cancer, menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Despite numerous reports being published to date regarding the occurrence of isoflavones in soybean sprouts, the publications in this field are highly dispersed, and a review has not yet been published. This review aims to (1) highlight the particular isoflavones that have been detected in soybean sprouts and their concentrations, (2) compared the effects of temperature, light, cooking and soybean cultivar affect the isoflavone levels on the different parts of the sprout, and (3) discuss the efficacy of the methods to enhance isoflavone contents. This review will provide a better understanding of the current state of this field of research by comparing the general trends and the different treatments for soybean sprouts.
A Safe Governance Space for Humanity: Necessary Conditions for the Governance of Global Catastrophic Risks
Authors: Fisher Len , Sandberg Anders
Published: April 2022

The world faces a multiplicity of global catastrophic risks (GCRs), whose functionality as individual and collective complex adaptive networks (CANs) poses unique problems for governance in a world that itself comprises an intricately interlinked set of CANs. Here we examine necessary conditions for new approaches to governance that consider the known properties of CANs—especially that small changes in one part of the system can cascade and amplify throughout the system and that the system as a whole can also undergo rapid, dramatic, and often unpredictable change with little or no warning.
Calcification accretion units (CAUs): A standardized approach for quantifying recruitment and calcium carbonate accretion in marine habitats
Authors: Johnson Maggie D. , Price Nichole N. , Smith Jennifer E.
Published: April 2022

Standardized metrics that quantify a component of ecosystem functioning are essential for evaluating the current status of coastal marine habitats and for monitoring how ecologically important ecosystems are changing in response to global and local environmental change. Calcification accretion units (CAUs) are a standardized tool for quantifying net calcium carbonate accretion, early successional community structure, recruitment of algae and sessile invertebrates and other response metrics that can be determined from image analyses in coastal marine habitats.

CAUs are comprised of paired‐settlement tiles that are separated by a spacer. This design mimics the presence of different representative habitats that are common in most marine systems such as exposed benthic surfaces, cryptic spaces inaccessible to grazers and shaded overhangings. The protected space between the tiles facilitates recruitment and inclusion of cryptic taxa in community assemblage estimates. After a period of deployment, CAUs are photographed for image analysis and then decalcified to quantify calcium carbonate accretion rates.

The CAU methodology provides a cost‐effective, standardized protocol for evaluating structure and function in marine benthic habitats. We illustrate how CAU data can be used to compare accretion rates and the relative proportion of carbonate polymorphs in ecosystems across the globe.

Here we provide a comprehensive standard operating procedure for building, deploying and processing CAUs, to ensure that a consistent protocol is used for accurate data collection and cross‐system comparative studies.
Theẓllof ancient Dadān: Ritual and documentary practice
Authors: Kootstra Fokelien
Published: April 2022

In and around the site of ancient Dadān (modern‐day al‐ʿUlā), located in the Northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, many inscriptions are found in the local North Arabian script variety called Dadanitic (6th–1st centuries BC). Many of the Dadanitic inscriptions mention theẓllceremony for the main local deity Ḏūġābat, both unique to Dadān. While theẓllinscriptions are the most common type of monumental inscriptions in the Dadanitic script, their function is still little understood. Previous interpretations of theẓllinscriptions have primarily relied on the etymology of the rootẓll, ‘to cover’ or ‘shade’ (compare Arabicẓulal‘shade’). This article takes a broader approach to the inscriptions and considers their formulaic structure, phrasing, the distribution of attested personal names in them, and the use of the root in other genres and corpora to arrive at a new interpretation of the ritual, suggesting that theẓllinscriptions are better understood as documenting land leases. In this context the root ẒLL should be understood as ‘to write, to put down in writing; to record’.
The limits of bodies: Gatherings and the problem of collective presence
Authors: Zuckerman Charles H. P. , Mathias John
Published: April 2022

Modern social collectivities—such as nations, publics, and political movements—depend upon the capacity of media technologies to transcend bodily proximity. The contemporary proliferation of such remote sociality may seem to render physical gatherings superfluous. But at times, people go to great pains to manifest collectivities by assembling bodies in one place. This article explores what we should make of cases in which it is not enough for collectivities to be projected, abstracted, imagined, or invoked—times when bodies together are all that will do. Presenting research from India and Laos, and in dialogue with reflections on the COVID‐19 pandemic, we consider those cases in which bodies are thought to be essential for making collectivities. We show that it is the limits and weaknesses of bodies—that they require sleep and food, that they are vulnerable to police batons and thrown stones, that they can usually only be in one place at a time—that often make them potent materials for building mass actors. Sketching a comparative anthropology of gathering, we reflect on what these limits afford and rethink what bodies might mean for future modes of social connection.
The impact of obesity on Singaporean trauma patients and their venous thromboembolism risk
Authors: Goh Serene Si Ning , Chan Kai Siang , Tay Wee Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

The impact of obesity on trauma outcomes had been equivocal and the majority of these studies were conducted in the Western population. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of obesity on morbidity and mortality in Singaporean patients after trauma.

Methods

A retrospective case control study of trauma patients admitted to a tertiary institution was performed. Patients admitted for both blunt and penetrating trauma who are aged 16 years and above were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias.

Results

A total of 5239 patients were reviewed (obese 648, non‐obese 4591). Median age was 76 (IQR 63–83) years. Median BMI was 22.8 kg/m2 (IQR 20.4–25.2). The overall median ISS was 10 (IQR 9–14). Median ISS was higher in non‐obese patients, 10 (IQR 9–14) as compared to obese patients of ISS 9 (IQR 9–13), p = 0.003. Obese patients had more abdominal injuries, n = 27/648 (4.2%) than non‐obese n = 114/4591 (2.5%), p = 0.013. Non‐obese patients had more head injuries, n = 1698/4591 (37%) as compared to the obese n = 195/648 (30.1%), p = 0.001. In‐hospital mortality was comparable in the matched cohort (obese n = 11/645 (1.7%), (non‐obese, n = 39/1290 (3.0%), OR 0.56 [0.28–1.09], p = 0.085). ICU admission was shorter for the obese (n = 36/645 (5.6%) versus n = 108/1290 (8.4%), OR 0.65 [0.44–0.96], p = 0.027). Obese patients had higher incidence of venous thromboembolism (n = 16/645 (2.5%) versus n = 12/1290 (0.9%), OR 2.71 [1.27–5.76], p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Obese trauma patients had fewer head injuries, fewer ICU admissions but comparable mortality rates. Obesity was also associated with higher incidence of venous thromboembolism in the matched cohort.
Digital proficiency: Sorting real gaps from myths among higher education students
Authors: Lucas Margarida , Bem‐haja Pedro , Santos Sandra , Figueiredo Hugo , Ferreira Dias Marta , Amorim Marlene
Published: April 2022

Digital competence is among the basic key competences for digital learning and employability. For this reason, its acquisition and development should be on the agenda of higher education institutions (HEIs) who wish to prepare their students to thrive in an ever faster evolving digital labour market. However, the existence of a valid instrument that can help HEIs measuring and further integrating digital competence into pedagogical and organisational practices with sufficient precision is yet to be accomplished. This article provides a valid and reliable instrument to measure higher education students' digital competence on the basis of the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens, also known as DigComp. The instrument was applied to a sample of 411 students from a mid‐large public HEI and the results attest its validity and reliability. In addition, the study explores proficiency differences among students from different fields of education and training, and gender. Results demystify the idea that ICT students are more digitally competent than those in other fields of study, but suggest males score higher than females, which feeds into the ongoing debate of gender differences in relation to digital technologies and the readiness of females for the digital labour market. The results lead to clear implications for research and practice.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Digital competence is critical for higher education (HE) students to benefit from digital learning, strive in a digital society and increase employability prospects.

There is a lack of valid instruments to measure higher education (HE) students' digital competence and facilitate the identification of digital competence gaps.

Few studies focus on the relationship between HE students' digital competence, gender and fields of education and training (FET).

What this paper adds

A valid and reliable instrument based on a common European framework for digital competence.

HE students lack the necessary digital competences to effectively cope with digital environments.

Digital proficiency is particularly low regarding “Safety”, “Problem solving” and “Digital content creation” competence areas.

ICT students show less proficiency than those from other FET.

Male students score higher than females.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The instrument can be adopted by different stakeholders to assess students/future job seekers' digital competence.

HE institutions could benefit from such an instrument as a diagnosis to design specific teaching and learning strategies and target students' proficiency and particular needs.

Tackling specific FET and competence areas can better support the development of students' digital competence and facilitate their employability prospects.
Compulsive alcohol seeking and relapse: Central role of conditioning factors associated with alleviation of withdrawal states by alcohol
Authors: Kozanian Olga O. , Nedelescu Hermina , Kufahl Peter R. , Mayford Mark , Weiss Friedbert
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

Learned associations between environmental stimuli and drugs of abuse represent a major factor in the chronically relapsing nature of drug addiction. In drug dependent subjects these associations must be presumed to include associations linked to reversal of adverse withdrawal states by drug use—“withdrawal‐associated learning” (WDL). However, their significance in drug seeking has received little experimental scrutiny.

Experimental Approach

Using alcohol as a drug of abuse, the behavioural consequences of WDL were investigated in animal models of relapse and compulsive drug seeking by comparing the effects of WD L‐associated stimuli versus stimuli associated with alcohol without WDL experience in nondependent and post‐dependent rats. Brain sites activated by exposure to the respective stimuli were identified by c‐fos immunohistochemistry.

Key Results

(1) WDL‐associated stimuli elicited significant alcohol seeking. In rats with WDL experience, stimuli associated with alcohol in the nondependent state no longer elicited robust alcohol seeking. (2) Responding elicited by WDL‐associated stimuli, but not stimuli conditioned to alcohol in the nondependent state, was resistant to footshock punishment and increased response effort requirements for presentation of WDL‐related stimuli. (3) Stimuli conditioned to alcohol in rats with a dependence but not WDL history did not sustain punished responding or tolerance of increased effort. (4) The central nucleus of the amygdala was identified as a site selectively responsive to WDL stimulus exposure.

Conclusion and Implications

Environmental stimuli associated with reversal of adverse withdrawal states by alcohol elicit compulsive‐like alcohol seeking and establish WDL as a major, not well‐recognized factor, in relapse vulnerability.
Oil price shocks, firm entry and exit in a heterogeneous firm model
Authors: Patra Soma
Published: April 2022

Oil price shocks are considered to be one of the important factors behind US recessions, yet little is known about the transmission channels of oil price shocks. What complicates the matter further is the small share of oil in production. To address the issue the literature has incorporated amplifying channels such as endogenous depreciation or variable markups. I build a DSGE model with heterogeneous firms and show that inclusion of firm entry and exit amplifies the effect of oil price shocks. Using US firm‐level data, I see that oil shocks are negatively correlated with firm entry and positively correlated with firm exit as predicted by the model. Further, the DSGE model suggests it is the bigger and more‐productive firms that survive after an oil price shock.
LINC01605 promotes aerobic glycolysis through lactate dehydrogenase A in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , He Xionghui , Wang Yiqing , Liu Haiying , Zhang Fan , Wu Zhong , Mo Shaowei , Chen Dong
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in women and the major malignancy that threatens women health, thus we explored the role of long noncoding RNA LINC01605 in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). We collected tissue samples from TNBC patients and cultured breast cancer cells to detect LINC01605 levels by RT‐PCR. We then constructed LINC01605 knockdown and LINC01605 overexpressed TNBC cell lines, cell proliferation was measured by CCK‐8 and colony formation assays, cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell assay, and aerobic glycolysis of cells was detected. Furthermore, a downstream target gene was found, and its role was confirmed by mouse allogeneic tumor formation. It discovered that LINC01605 expression was significantly increased in TNBC patients, and its high expression predicted a low survival prognosis for TNBC patients. Stable knockdown of LINC01605 remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as aerobic glycolysis by inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase A in TNBC cell lines. Notably, knockdown of LINC01605 suppressed in vivo tumor formation and migration in TNBC transplanted mice. In conclusion, targeting long noncoding RNA LINC01605 might serve as a therapeutic candidate strategy to treat patients with TNBC.
Hypothesis: Enhanced glucose availability and insulin resistance enhances an activated immune system and accounts for the obesity paradox
Authors: Bradley Patrick
Published: April 2022

Many studies have demonstrated an ‘obesity paradox’ where people with obesity have reduced mortality in the context of acute critical illnesses compared to people of normal weight. In contrast, obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy in the population in general and is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. However, the absence of the metabolic syndrome is associated a lower mortality than when the metabolic syndrome is present regardless of body mass index status and the obesity paradox appears to only occur in association with the metabolic syndrome, but cardiorespiratory fitness modifies these outcomes. Enhanced glucose availability is important when the immune system is activated not only because it has an acute onset, a high consumption of glucose and is substantially an obligate glucose utilizer but also because it has priority over most other tissues and cells for the available glucose. Thus, for vulnerable populations, such as children with severe infections, this increases the risk of hypoglycaemia and death. The obesity paradox may be substantially a consequence of two features associated with obesity. One is endogenous glucose production (EGP). Obesity is associated with an increased capacity for EGP and thus is associated with enhanced glucose availability. Second is insulin resistance that reduces the amount of glucose metabolized by cells that are not obligate glucose utilizers and increases the release of fatty acids and glycerol from adipose stores that are alternative fuels for tissues and cells.
“Discoursing sectarianism” approach: What and how to analyse in sectarian discourses
Authors: Alghashian Abdulaziz , Menshawy Mustafa
Published: April 2022

This article puts forth ‘discoursing sectarianism’ as an approach helping overcome gaps in essentialism, instrumentalism and constructivism as the three main lines of analysing sectarianism. The approach takes language as a point of departure, showing how it can dually describe reality as a ‘neutral’ medium of communication and also create reality as constitutive component of practices sectarianisation. The approach also focuses on workings of ideology and power relations as part of linking language, texted in variable formats such as written speeches, monuments or images, with contexts shaping or being shaped with them. Thus, we have to study manifestations or articulations sectarianism, e.g. a speech or an image, within the broader process of their actualisation or materialisation (e.g. the context in which these articulations are enforced, transformed, challenged or falsified). This broader process of discoursing sectarianism within language and beyond can thus accommodate elements predominating analyses in the three other lines of enquiry such as religion and history. The final section of the paper maps a practical and analytical toolkit for researchers and analysts seeking to investigate sectarian discourses by offering the three mutually inclusive levels of textual practices, discursive practices and political practices.
Decentralization and local pollution activities: New quasi evidence from China
Authors: Qi Yu , Yu Jinliang
Published: April 2022

Traditional fiscal federalism theory holds that decentralization may improve the provision of public goods and services. However, the social welfare field with strong externalities may face different incentives and behavioural logics. This paper provides novel empirical evidence for the causal relationship between decentralization and local pollution. In this paper, we focussed on China's widely spread decentralization reform, which substantially expanded the economic and social management autonomy of county governments. Using the difference‐in‐differences method and a panel dataset from 1998 to 2007, we found that the reform would compel affected counties to loosen environmental regulation, adopt financial and fiscal policies that would actually support heavy‐pollution industries' rapid economic growth. Overall, the reform led to a significant increase in local pollution, thus worsening the overall environmental quality. Moreover, cost‐benefit analysis indicated that the reforms generated net gains in social welfare, but the substantial environmental costs cannot be ignored.
Diving behavior in a Neotropical spider (Trechalea extensa) as a potential antipredator tactic
Authors: Swierk Lindsey , Petrula Macy , Esquete Patricia
Published: April 2022

Threat of predation often requires animals to seek refuge in unusual or suboptimal habitats. While aquatic refugia are thought to be used by many terrestrial animal species, there are challenges associated with aquatic refugia that could preclude their actual usefulness, particularly to air‐breathing ectotherms. Consequently, observations that can shed light on the evolution of antipredator strategies that cross the air–water interface are particularly valuable. “Semi‐aquatic” spiders in the family Trechaleidae have not been documented using diving as part of their antipredator behavior and, indeed, they are rarely known to submerge themselves at all, as their aquatic foraging occurs from a terrestrial location. The lack of diving behavior is hypothesized to be due to the high potential costs (e.g., thermal and respiratory) of submergence. Despite this, we document the prolonged underwater refuge use (>30 min) of Trechalea extensa following pursuit by a perceived threat (humans). We also identify some morphological adaptations that may potentially help counterbalance these costs and permit underwater antipredator behavior, specifically the ability of cuticular hairs to provide a hydrophobic surface, allowing the formation of a plastron that, in turn, may facilitate respiratory function and reduce heat loss. These observations expand our overall understanding of habitat use in this genus and, more generally, antipredator adaptations of spiders.
Dried fish at the intersection of food science, economy, and culture: A global survey
Authors: Belton Ben , Johnson Derek S. , Thrift Eric , Olsen Jonah , Hossain Mostafa Ali Reza , Thilsted Shakuntala Haraksingh
Published: April 2022

Dried fish—here defined broadly as aquatic animals preserved using simple techniques, such as sun‐drying, salting, fermentation, and smoking that permit storage as foods at ambient temperature for extended periods without specialized packaging—have received little direct attention in fisheries research. This lack of visibility belies their historical and contemporary importance. Prior to the introduction of refrigeration, dried fish were the main form in which fisheries catches were traded and consumed. Dried fish products remain a core component of production, trade, diets, and cuisines across the world, particularly in the Global South. The dried fish sector provides employment for millions of people, particularly women, who comprise most of the fish‐drying workforce in many locations. However, the sector also confronts and creates significant challenges including food safety concerns and exploitative labour conditions. This paper is the first systematic assessment of the global literature on dried fish, comprised of a sample of >1100 references. In contrast to the general fisheries literature, which is dominated by studies of ecology and governance and focusses mainly on primary production, the dried fish literature is dominated by studies from food science and concentrates on the processing segment of fish value chains. As such, it offers valuable reference point for fisheries research, which is becoming increasingly attentive to food systems. This paper uncovers a wealth of insights buried in this largely unheralded literature, and identifies key thematic intersections, gaps and research questions that remain to be addressed in the study of dried fish.
Biological functions of α2‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Maehara Shiori , Kume Kazuhiko , Ohta Hiroto , Tomita Jun
Published: April 2022

Octopamine regulates various physiological phenomena including memory, sleep, grooming and aggression in insects. In Drosophila, four types of octopamine receptors have been identified: Oamb, Oct/TyrR, OctβR and Octα2R. Among these receptors, Octα2R was recently discovered and pharmacologically characterized. However, the effects of the receptor on biological functions are still unknown. Here, we showed that Octα2R regulated several behaviors related to octopamine signaling. Octα2R hypomorphic mutant flies showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity. We found that Octα2R expressed in the pars intercerebralis, which is a brain region projected by octopaminergic neurons, is involved in control of the locomotor activity. Besides, Octα2R hypomorphic mutants increased time and frequency of grooming and inhibited starvation‐induced hyperactivity. These results indicated that Octα2R expressed in the central nervous system is responsible for the involvement in physiological functions.
Moisture content estimation and senescence phenotyping of novel Miscanthus hybrids combining UAV‐based remote sensing and machine learning
Authors: Impollonia Giorgio , Croci Michele , Martani Enrico , Ferrarini Andrea , Kam Jason , Trindade Luisa M. , Clifton‐Brown John , Amaducci Stefano
Published: April 2022

Miscanthus is a leading perennial biomass crop that can produce high yields on marginal lands. Moisture content is a highly relevant biomass quality trait with multiple impacts on efficiencies of harvest, transport, and storage. The dynamics of moisture content during senescence and overwinter ripening are determined by genotype × environment interactions. In this paper, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based remote sensing was used for high‐throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) of the moisture content dynamics during autumn and winter senescence of 14 contrasting hybrid types (progeny of M. sinensis x M. sinensis [M. sin x M. sin, eight types] and M. sinensis x M. sacchariflorus [M. sin x M. sac, six types]). The time series of moisture content was estimated using machine learning (ML) models and a range of vegetation indices (VIs) derived from UAV‐based remote sensing. The most important VIs for moisture content estimation were selected by the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm and were BNDVI, GDVI, and PSRI. The ML model transferability was high only when the moisture content was above 30%. The best ML model accuracy was achieved by combining VIs and categorical variables (5.6% of RMSE). This model was used for phenotyping senescence dynamics and identifying the stay‐green (SG) trait of Miscanthus hybrids using the generalized additive model (GAM). Combining ML and GAM modeling, applied to time series of moisture content values estimated from VIs derived from multiple UAV flights, proved to be a powerful tool for HTPP.
Associated comorbidities, healthcare utilization & mortality in hospitalized patients with haemophilia in the United States: Contemporary nationally representative estimates
Authors: Day Jonathan R. , Takemoto Clifford , Sharathkumar Anjali , Makhani Sarah , Gupta Ashwin , Bitner Stephanie , Josephson Cassandra D. , Bloch Evan M. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Krishnamurti Lakshmanan , Goel Ruchika
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Current in‐hospital burden and healthcare utilization patterns for persons with haemophilia (PWH) A and B, including both children (ages < 18 years) and adults (ages ≥ 18 years), in the United States (US) are lacking.

Aim

To evaluate healthcare utilization, the prevalence of comorbidities, and mortality in hospitalized paediatric and adult PWH using a contemporary nationally representative cohort.

Methods

Hospitalizations of PWH either as the primary reason for admission (principal diagnosis) or one of all listed diagnoses were identified using ICD‐10 codes from the 2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest publicly available all‐payer inpatient discharge database in the US. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates.

Results

The contemporary cohort included 10,555 hospitalizations (paediatrics, 18.3%; adults, 81.7%) among PWH as one‐of‐all listed diagnoses (n = 1465 as principal diagnosis). Median age (interquartile range) was 46 (24–66) years overall; adults, 54 (35–70) years and paediatric, 4 (1–11). The most common comorbidities in adults were hypertension (33.4%), hyperlipidaemia (23.6%), and diabetes (21.1%). In children, hemarthrosis (11.4%), contusions (9.6%), and central line infections (9.3%) were the most common. The overall mortality rate was 2.3%. Median hospital charges per haemophilia admission were $52,616 ($24,303–$135,814) compared to $26,841 ($12,969–$54,568) for all‐cause admissions in NIS.

Conclusion

Bleeding and catheter‐related infections are the significant reasons for paediatric haemophilia admissions. Adult haemophilia admissions tend to be associated with age‐related comorbidities. Costs for haemophilia‐related hospitalizations are higher than the national average for all‐cause hospitalizations.