bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes among people with HIV and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Krishnan Arunkumar , Sims Omar T. , Surapaneni Phani Keerthi , Woreta Tinsay A. , Alqahtani Saleh A.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To examine and compare the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) between people with HIV (PWH) with and without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Design:

Population-based, multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Data on PWH between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2020 were extracted from the TriNetX database. Primary outcomes were defined as the first incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), MACE, new-onset heart failure (HF), and a composite of cerebrovascular disease. Cox models were used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

A total of 151 868 patients were identified as having HIV. After exclusions, 4969 patients were identified as having NAFLD. Of them, 4463 (90%) were propensity matched to a non-NAFLD control. Patients with NAFLD were older (42.9 versus 40.8 years). Among the NAFLD cohort, most participants were male and had a smoking history (12.3 versus 9.8%) than non-NAFLD. The mean follow-up was 4.8 ± 1.1 years for the NAFLD group and 5.3 ± 1.2 years for the non-NAFLD group. The risk of all outcomes was statistically significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared to those without NAFLD: MI (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11–2.01) MACE (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.25–1.79), HF (HR, 1.73; 95% CI 1.37–2.19) and, cerebrovascular diseases (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05–1.48) and sensitivity analysis showed similar magnitude to the one generated in the primary analysis.

Conclusions:

Patients with NAFLD have an elevated risk of adverse cardiovascular events (CVEs). The results indicate the need for targeted efforts to improve awareness of risks factors associated with adverse CVEs risk in PWH with NAFLD.
Definition of New Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis of Maxillomandibular Sagittal Relationship for Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery: Normative Data Based on 700 CBCT Scans
Authors: Ertty Ertty , Méndez-Manjón Irene , Haas Orion Luiz , Hernández-Alfaro Federico , Meloti Fernanda
Published: March 2023

The objective of the study was to define the norm of new 3-dimensional cephalometric analysis of maxillomandibular sagittal relationship with the patient in Natural Head Position. A cross-sectional study was performed using 700 consecutives cone beam computed tomography datasets of pre-orthodontic patients received for three-dimensional craniofacial analysis. To stablish the clinical norm of the new sagittal reference (linear distance A-B), the correlation with the gold standard (ANB angle) was estimated with the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Subsequently, the prognostic values of the linear distance A-B was calculated to define the clinical norm. The sample was composed by 463 women (66.1%) and 237 men (33.9%). The mean age was 30 ± 14,5 years old (range 6–71 y old). According to the skeletal class classification (ANB), 46.1% (323) were class I, 42% (294) class II, and 11.9% (83) class III. The regression model found that each additional grade of the ANB angle imply a mean increase of 1.24 mm of the distance A-B (P<0.001). The normative value of the linear distance A-B was obtained through the prognostic values of the distance for the limits of the ANB norm 0 to 4. These values were on the range of 0.52 to 5.48 mm. Therefore, the clinical norm for cephalometric maxillomandibular sagittal relationship using linear distance from point A-B is: 3±2.48 mm. With this new approach, we can define the skeletal sagittal relationship of the patient in natural head position overcoming the limitations of using intracranial or occlusal plane references improving the diagnosis and orthognathic surgical planning process.
Education-based grant programmes for bottom-up distance learning and project catalysis: antimicrobial resistance in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Graham Chris L. B. , Akligoh Harry , Ori Joy King , Adzaho Gameli , Salekwa Linda , Campbell Patrick , Saba Courage K. S. , Landrain Thomas E. , Santolini Marc
Published: March 2023

International development and aid are often conducted through the allocation of funding determined by decisions of non-locals, especially in the west for those in the global south. In addition, such funding is often disassociated from local expertise, therefore providing little long-term developmental impact and generating distrust. This is particularly true for conservation, as well as environmental and educational programmes. We hypothesize that by granting local people the educational tools and the necessary funding to develop their own projects through the use of an applicant-driven peer-review approach, it is possible to relocalize the decision-making process to the programme participants, with the potential to generate and select more relevant projects with developmental outcomes of higher quality. Here we created an online curriculum for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) education that was followed by 89 participants across Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda. We then created an open research programme that facilitated the creation of eight de novo projects on AMR. Finally, we organized an applicant-driven grant round to allocate funding to the ‘Neonatal Sepsis in Nigeria’ project to conduct a pilot study and awareness campaign. This work opens perspectives for the design of frugal educational programmes and the funding of context-specific, community-driven projects aimed at empowering local stakeholders in the global South.
Description of Alkalimarinus coralli sp. nov., isolated from tissue of the coral Pocillopora damicornis
Authors: Li Qiqi , Liu Cong , Zhang Si , Li Jie
Published: March 2023

Three novel strains, SCSIO 12582T, SCSIO 12638 and SCSIO 12817, were isolated from tissue of the coral Pocillopora damicornis collected from Hainan province, PR China. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA genes revealed that these three isolates showed nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequences (99.86 %−99.93 %), forming a separate monophyletic cluster within the genus

Alkalimarinus

and closely related to

Alkalimarinus sediminis

FA028T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) relatedness values among the three strains were 99.94 %−99.96 % and 100 %, respectively, indicating that these three isolates were affiliated with the same species. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that SCSIO 12582T (representative of the novel isolates) exhibited 98.49 % sequence similarity to

A. sediminis

FA028T. The ANI and dDDH values between SCSIO 12582T and

A. sediminis

FA028T were 74.81 % and 18.90 % respectively. These three isolates were facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod shaped and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The DNA G+C content of SCSIO 12582T was 45.82 %. The major respiratory quinone was Q-9. The main cellular fatty acids were C16  : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 1ω9c. The polar lipids present were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. On the basis of the results of the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and genomic analysis, it was evident that isolates SCSIO 12582T, SCSIO 12638 and SCSIO 12817 represent a novel species of the genus

Alkalimarinus

, for which the name Alkalimarinus coralli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SCSIO 12582T (=JCM35228T=GDMCC1.3061T).
Development of multiplex real-time PCR for detection of clarithromycin resistance genes for the Mycobacterium abscessus group
Authors: Pedace Carolina Salgado , Gonçalves Maria Gisele , Souza Andréia Rodrigues , dos Santos Simeão Fernanda Cristina , de Carvalho Natalia Fernandes Garcia , Gallo Juliana Failde , Chimara Erica
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The

M. abscessus

molecular identification and its drug-resistance profile are important to choose the correct therapy.

Aim. This work developed a multiplex real-time PCR (mqPCR) for detection of clarithromycin resistance genes for the

Mycobacterium abscessus

group.

Methodology. Isolates received by Adolfo Lutz Institute from 2010 to 2012, identified by PCR restriction enzyme analysis of a fragment of the hsp65 gene (PRA-hsp65) as

M. abscessus

type 1 (n=135) and 2 (n=71) were used. Drug susceptibility test (DST) for CLA were performed with reading on days 3 and 14. Subespecies identification by hsp65 and rpoB genes sequencing and erm(41) and rrl genes for mutation detection and primer design were performed. erm(41) gene deletion was detected by conventional PCR. Primers and probes were designed for five detections: erm(41) gene full size and with deletion; erm(41) gene T28 and C28; rrl gene A2058.

Results. In total, 191/206 (92.7 %) isolates were concordant by all methods and 13/206 (6.3 %) were concordant only between molecular methods. Two isolates (1.0 %) were discordant by mqPCR compared to rrl gene sequencing. The mqPCR obtained 204/206 (99.0 %) isolates in agreement with the gold standard, with sensitivity and specificity of 98 and 100 %, respectively, considering the gold standard method and 92 and 93 % regarding DST.

Conclusion. The mqPCR developed by us proved to be an easy-to-apply tool, minimizing time, errors and contamination.
Dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in Ireland from 2012 to 2017: a retrospective genomic surveillance study
Authors: Hadjirin Nazreen F. , van Tonder Andries J. , Blane Beth , Lees John A. , Kumar Narender , Delappe Niall , Brennan Wendy , McGrath Elaine , Parkhill Julian , Cormican Martin , Peacock Sharon J. , Ludden Catherine
Published: March 2023

The spread of carbapenemase-producing

Enterobacterales

(CPE) is of major public health concern. The transmission dynamics of CPE in hospitals, particularly at the national level, are not well understood. Here, we describe a retrospective nationwide genomic surveillance study of CPE in Ireland between 2012 and 2017. We sequenced 746 national surveillance CPE samples obtained between 2012 and 2017. After clustering the sequences, we used thresholds based on pairwise SNPs, and reported within–host diversity along with epidemiological data to infer recent putative transmissions. All clusters in circulating clones, derived from high-resolution phylogenies, of a species (

Klebsiella pneumoniae

,

Escherichia coli

,

Klebsiella oxytoca

,

Enterobacter cloacae

,

Enterobacter hormaechei

and

Citrobacter freundii

) were individually examined for evidence of transmission. Antimicrobial resistance trends over time were also assessed. We identified 352 putative transmission events in six species including widespread and frequent transmissions in three species. We detected putative outbreaks in 4/6 species with three hospitals experiencing prolonged outbreaks. The bla
OXA-48 gene was the main cause of carbapenem resistance in Ireland in almost all species. An expansion in the number of sequence types carrying bla
OXA-48 was an additional cause of the increasing prevalence of carbapenemase-producing

K. pneumoniae

and

E. coli

.
'Candidatus Megaira' are diverse symbionts of algae and ciliates with the potential for defensive symbiosis
Authors: Davison Helen Rebecca , Hurst Gregory D. D. , Siozios Stefanos
Published: March 2023

Symbiotic microbes from the genus 'Candidatus Megaira' (

Rickettsiales

) are known to be common associates of algae and ciliates. However, genomic resources for these bacteria are scarce, limiting our understanding of their diversity and biology. We therefore utilize Sequence Read Archive and metagenomic assemblies to explore the diversity of this genus. We successfully extract four draft 'Ca. Megaira' genomes including one complete scaffold for a 'Ca. Megaira' and identify an additional 14 draft genomes from uncategorized environmental metagenome-assembled genomes. We use this information to resolve the phylogeny for the hyper-diverse 'Ca. Megaira', with hosts broadly spanning ciliates, and micro- and macro-algae, and find that the current single genus designation 'Ca. Megaira' significantly underestimates their diversity. We also evaluate the metabolic potential and diversity of ''Ca. Megaira' from this new genomic data and find no clear evidence of nutritional symbiosis. In contrast, we hypothesize a potential for defensive symbiosis in 'Ca. Megaira'. Intriguingly, one symbiont genome revealed a proliferation of ORFs with ankyrin, tetratricopeptide and leucine-rich repeats such as those observed in the genus

Wolbachia

where they are considered important for host–symbiont protein–protein interactions. Onward research should investigate the phenotypic interactions between 'Ca. Megaira' and their various potential hosts, including the economically important Nemacystus decipiens, and target acquisition of genomic information to reflect the diversity of this massively variable group.
Latin-American Registry of Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19: Final Results
Authors: Gómez-Mesa Juan Esteban , Galindo Stephania , Escalante-Forero Manuela , Rodas Yorlany , Valencia Andrea , Perna Eduardo , Romero Alexander , Mendoza Iván , Wyss Fernando , Barisani José Luis , Speranza Mario , Alarco Walter , Flórez Noel Alberto
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 is a global disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients with a severe or critical illness can develop respiratory and cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to describe a Latin American and Caribbean (LA&C) population with COVID-19 to provide information related to this disease, in-hospital cardiovascular complications and in-hospital mortality.

Methods

The CARDIO COVID-19-20 Registry is an observational, multicenter, ambispective, and hospital-based registry of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection that required in-hospital treatment in LAC. Enrollment of patients started on May 01, 2020, and ended on June 30, 2021.

Results

The CARDIO COVID-19-20 Registry included 3260 patients from 44 institutions of 14 LA&C countries. 63.2% patients were male and median age was 61.0 years old. Most common comorbidities were overweight/obesity (49.7%), hypertension (49.0%), and diabetes mellitus (26.7%). Most frequent cardiovascular complications were cardiac arrhythmia (9.1%), decompensated heart failure (8.5%), and pulmonary embolism (3.9%). 53.5% of patients were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and median length of stay at the ICU was 10.0 days. Support required in ICU included invasive mechanical ventilation (34.2%), vasopressors (27.6%), inotropics (10.3%) and vasodilators (3.7%). Rehospitalization after 30-day post discharge was 7.3%. In-hospital mortality and 30-day post discharge was 25.5% and 2.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The LA&C population with COVID-19 patients and hospitalization, has a considerable burden of cardiovascular diseases related to a worse prognosis. It is necessary to carry out a more specific analysis to determine risk factors for cardiovascular outcome.
Fast extraction of three-dimensional nanofiber orientation from WAXD patterns using machine learning
Authors: Sun Minghui , Dong Zheng , Wu Liyuan , Yao Haodong , Niu Wenchao , Xu Deting , Chen Ping , Gupta Himadri S. , Zhang Yi , Dong Yuhui , Chen Chunying , Zhao Lina
Published: March 2023

Structural disclosure of biological materials can help our understanding of design disciplines in nature and inspire research for artificial materials. Synchrotron microfocus X-ray diffraction is one of the main techniques for characterizing hierarchically structured biological materials, especially the 3D orientation distribution of their interpenetrating nanofiber networks. However, extraction of 3D fiber orientation from X-ray patterns is still carried out by iterative parametric fitting, with disadvantages of time consumption and demand for expertise and initial parameter estimates. When faced with high-throughput experiments, existing analysis methods cannot meet the real time analysis challenges. In this work, using the assumption that the X-ray illuminated volume is dominated by two groups of nanofibers in a gradient biological composite, a machine-learning based method is proposed for fast and automatic fiber orientation metrics prediction from synchrotron X-ray micro-focused diffraction data. The simulated data were corrupted in the training procedure to guarantee the prediction ability of the trained machine-learning algorithm in real-world experimental data predictions. Label transformation was used to resolve the jump discontinuity problem when predicting angle parameters. The proposed method shows promise for application in the automatic data-processing pipeline for fast analysis of the vast data generated from multiscale diffraction-based tomography characterization of textured biomaterials.
Capturing invisibility: child welfare social worker's interventions and assessment planning in presentations of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder(s)
Authors: Curran William C. , Danbrook Matt C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Child welfare services (CWSs) globally continue to absorb high rates of children living with or suspected of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Such high prevalence rates render CWS with major ethical and moral dilemmas of meeting complex needs. Currently, many jurisdictions are challenged by diagnostic capacity and cost implications of formal FASD diagnosis. This paper aims to recommend a screening protocol to address management gap between FASD initial presentation and formal diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a follow-up paper from a grounded-theory study of a sample (N = 18) of child welfare social workers (CWSWs), allied health professionals and foster parents. A stepwise protocol was developed through systematical interpretation of the final data.

Findings

The application of a five-step screening protocol would greatly support CWSW in meeting the needs of children with suspected FASD. This CWSWs-led assessment model incorporates a clinical evaluation to exclude neurodevelopmental conditions caused by known genetic disorders, followed by behavioral and neurocognitive psychosocial assessments.

Research limitations/implications

This study had several limitations. Firstly, as a specific social work-based sample, it is not necessarily representative of the wider population of social workers globally due to different cultural responses to FASD in CWSs. The transferability of findings will have to be considered due to cultural variations concerning FASD.

Practical implications

By offering a management and nonlabeling approach, this five-step screening protocol offers a delineated pathway for CWSW and addresses the major professional frustrations while seeking to plan safe care for a child suspected of having FASD.

Social implications

The research offers a pragmatic low-cost to society to alleviate the mounting social and monetary implications of FASD. A large percentage of children impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure do not qualify under formal clinical diagnostic guidelines. Leaving these children without intervention is problematic. The recommendation of this study addresses this critical gap in services. The primary aim is to alleviate the burden on this cohort of vulnerable children by offering nonlabeling neurodevelopmental screening.

Originality/value

The direct implications of FASD and how it impacts CWS are well documented. However, few studies focus on the critical interface of FASD and the role of CWSW responsible for planning their safe care. This paper offers a novel pragmatic and functional multistep protocol to aid CWSW in this complex area of practice.
Establishing ties or strengthening friendships? Students' use of online social networks in intercultural friendship development
Authors: Yu Baohua , Leung Yick Wah
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study was conducted to achieve the following objectives: (1) determine the differences and reasons for using outgroup OSNs by gender, age and student groups (Mainland and Hong Kong [HK] students); (2) uncover the impact of online social networks (OSNs) on the development of Mainland–HK friendships and (3) determine the roles of different OSNs (social networking sites [SNSs] and instant messaging platforms [IMPs]) in the development of intercultural friendships in the real world.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore how OSNs facilitate (or inhibit) intercultural interactions, 198 students completed a questionnaire and 24 students participated in follow-up semi-structured interviews examining the role of OSNs in intercultural friendship development.

Findings

Results revealed that demographic and motivational preferences for using outgroup-OSNs differed among students. Both IMPs and SNSs helped students maintain friendships using little effort, whereas it tended to strengthen their existing social networks, rather than helping to start new friendships. IMPs helped develop a sense of “presence awareness”, strengthening pre-existing friendships and solidifying offline connections. SNSs also assisted students in exploring their shared interests while revealing their values and cultural differences.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ findings offered empirical evidence on social exchange theory and anxiety-uncertainty management theory regarding the perceived benefit of OSNs on students' friendship development.

Practical implications

The study sheds light on the differences between Mainland Chinese and HK students, including participants' perceptions of different friendship stages.

Originality/value

This study is interested in the roles of different SNSs and IMPs in intercultural friendship development, especially their strengths and weaknesses as perceived by students. Also, the authors are curious about how students select and use IMPs and SNSs differently according to their individual preferences and needs. To the authors’ knowledge, the dynamic link between online communication and intercultural friendship development has not been thoroughly examined in the field of intercultural communication.
Teacher role of learners in a mobile learning environment: practice in higher education
Authors: Chen Sheng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Available research on mobile learning all stand on the viewpoint of teachers. However, as mobile learning is learner-centric, learners' roles must be understood clearly from the learners' viewpoint, particularly considering its self-directed learning feature. It is well-known learners for self-directed learning must bear some teachers' core responsibilities. The knowledge gap on this important issue inspires the present work which tries to answer two questions: which “teacher roles” can learners play and how will learners play their “teacher roles” in a mobile learning context. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel research approach integrating an action research model and a teaching presence scale analysis is proposed to answer the questions. The mobile learning courses conducted by the present authors for engineering undergraduate students, during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided the experimental data for this study.

Findings

The experimental results reveal that the learners could play a number of “teacher roles” actively for mobile learning. Some of this research studies are consistent with available studies but a discrepancy is also observed. Discussion is conducted for such discrepancy.

Originality/value

The findings will contribute to improve the pedagogy of mobile learning theoretically and practically.
Brain science in American courts: the culpable neurotransmitters
Authors: Brewer Janet K.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how novel homicide defences predicated on contemporary neuroscience align with legal insanity.

Design/methodology/approach

Doctrinal analysis, systematic investigation of relevant statutes and cases, was used to elucidate how the law of insanity is evolving. Cases represent the first recorded instance of a particular neuroscientific defence. US appellate cases were categorised according to the mechanism of action of neurotransmitter relied upon in court. A case study approach was also used to provide a contextualised understanding of the case outcome in depth.

Findings

Findings broadly depict how the employment of expert testimony runs parallel with our contemporary understanding of key neurotransmitters and their function in human behaviour. Generally, medico-legal evidence concerning neuromodulating agents and violent behaviour was inconclusive. However, the outcome of defence strategy may depend on the underlying neurotransmitter involved.

Practical implications

This study shows that as more discoveries are made about the neurobiological underpinnings of human behaviour; this new knowledge will continue to seep into the US court system as innovative defence strategies with varying success. Medical and legal practitioners may gauge the success of a defence depending on the neuromodulating agent.

Originality/value

Many scholars have focused on the role of neuroimaging as neuroscientific evidence and how it is used is shaping US criminal jurisprudence. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no study has incorporated the true origin of neuroscientific evidence as being underpinned by the understanding of neurotransmitters.
Conservation at the National Library of Greece: the transition's aftermath
Authors: Gkinni Zoitsa , Sarris Nikolas
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The National Library of Greece (NLG) was founded in 1832 and since 1903 it had been housed at the Vallianeio building, a landmark in the center of Athens. With a history of nearly two centuries and significant collections, the library moved its headquarters to its new building at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in 2018. This transfer marks its transition to a new era, a restart for the library and an opportunity for upgrades, improvements and expansion of its services, redefinition of its role and connection to society. In this context, the conservation department contributed greatly to this program, to the successful transfer of collections and paved the way for its upgraded role at its new facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reflects on the transition program and part of the projects executed, in terms of expectations and the new reality, under the scope of conservation of collections'. With a critical view, the authors present the Conservation Department's contribution during relocation and the transition's aftermath on the reality of their everyday professional routine.

Findings

Conservators' role emerged during this transition. Lessons learned, new challenges, opportunities and growth in conservation actions, improved communication with departmental liaisons; and targeted communication with the public and end users.

Practical implications

The NLG designed and undertook a broad and complicated transition program under a collaborative scheme between the public and private sectors. Time, budget and human resource limitations did not allow for in-depth documentation and research on the collection status prior to transfer.

Originality/value

The transition of the NLG was a multidimensional program with short and long-term outcomes. The project design and on time and budget execution provided a new set of standards and services for the library and re-established its connections with the public. As such, this case study can contribute to a better understanding and management of actions and expectations in related large-scale projects.
Speicherverbund Nord - A regional print archiving cooperative in northern Germany
Authors: Herkt-Januschek Claudius
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Speicherverbund Nord is a print archiving cooperative of seven academic libraries from Northern Germany. Its scope is the shared archiving of print serials with multiple holdings. This article presents the history and key events from the start of the initiative till today and gives a report of the main questions and fundamental decisions and definitions that have been made during the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of Speicherverbund Nord is to identify a common stock of journal titles and to assign one site each to be responsible of future archiving. The local capacities are exploited to establish a joint archiving environment.

Findings

Speicherverbund Nord is a pragmatic, not too complex cooperative for shared archiving. It has reached a stable routine operation since four years now and gains a small but steady output of archive commitments that is focused on key areas. Additional resources are not required.

Practical implications

The cooperation partner can share the loads of archiving, gain freedom for weeding out print stocks and implement a framework to identify and document archive titles. Foreign libraries can find and rely on the archiving commitments, too. With its efforts Speicherverbund Nord has come to be a kind of precursor for other archiving initiatives in Germany.

Originality/value

The cooperative is the first of its kind in Germany. As it is a regional initiative for Northern Germany, other regional initiatives can follow.
A systematic review of socio-technical gender bias in AI algorithms
Authors: Hall Paula , Ellis Debbie
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Gender bias in artificial intelligence (AI) should be solved as a priority before AI algorithms become ubiquitous, perpetuating and accentuating the bias. While the problem has been identified as an established research and policy agenda, a cohesive review of existing research specifically addressing gender bias from a socio-technical viewpoint is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the social causes and consequences of, and proposed solutions to, gender bias in AI algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive systematic review followed established protocols to ensure accurate and verifiable identification of suitable articles. The process revealed 177 articles in the socio-technical framework, with 64 articles selected for in-depth analysis.

Findings

Most previous research has focused on technical rather than social causes, consequences and solutions to AI bias. From a social perspective, gender bias in AI algorithms can be attributed equally to algorithmic design and training datasets. Social consequences are wide-ranging, with amplification of existing bias the most common at 28%. Social solutions were concentrated on algorithmic design, specifically improving diversity in AI development teams (30%), increasing awareness (23%), human-in-the-loop (23%) and integrating ethics into the design process (21%).

Originality/value

This systematic review is the first of its kind to focus on gender bias in AI algorithms from a social perspective within a socio-technical framework. Identification of key causes and consequences of bias and the breakdown of potential solutions provides direction for future research and policy within the growing field of AI ethics.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-08-2021-0452
Stock price crashes in China: an artificial neural network approach
Authors: Wang Le , Zou Liping , Wu Ji
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to use artificial neural network (ANN) methods to predict stock price crashes in the Chinese equity market.

Design/methodology/approach

Three ANN models are developed and compared with the logistic regression model.

Findings

Results from this study conclude that the ANN approaches outperform the traditional logistic regression model, with fewer hidden layers in the ANN model having superior performance compared to the ANNs with multiple hidden layers. Results from the ANN approach also reveal that foreign institutional ownership, financial leverage, weekly average return and market-to-book ratio are the important variables when predicting stock price crashes, consistent with results from the traditional logistic model.

Originality/value

First, the ANN framework has been used in this study to forecast the stock price crashes and compared to the traditional logistic model in the world’s largest emerging market China. Second, the receiver operating characteristics curves and the area under the ROC curve have been used to evaluate the forecasting performance between the ANNs and the traditional approaches, in addition to some traditional performance evaluation methods.
Experiential research as a methodological framework for studying consumer behaviors in phygital settings
Authors: Batat Wided
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In this viewpoint article, the author proposes “experiential research” as a comprehensive and integrative methodological framework researchers can apply for data collection and analysis in a hybrid setting: “phygital,” combining physical places and digital spaces. This thought piece aims to advance existing research methodology frameworks by proposing a comprehensive methodological framework that allows marketing researchers to examine consumer behaviors in phygital settings.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiential research methodology framework is proposed by reviewing existing methodologies, along with considering the phygital as a new consumption context. The proposed framework can help marketing researchers use multiple data collection processes to create rich insights and develop an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviors in hybrid settings, such as the phygital.

Findings

The experiential research framework emphasizes the shift in methodological thinking by considering four main types of methods – i.e. experiential screening, experiential interaction, experiential immersion and experiential reflexivity – marketing researchers can use to examine consumer behaviors in phygital settings.

Originality/value

By embracing experiential research as a more flexible and adaptable methodological framework to examine phygital settings, marketing and consumer behavior scholars can develop deep knowledge of the examined phenomenon while shifting from online to offline fields, and inversely.
High, Low, and Beyond: The Question of Popular Art in Peru
Authors: Sullivan Megan A.
Published: March 2023

This essay traces the emergence and development of the category of ‘popular art’ in Peru between the 1920s and the 1970s, and the relationship of that category to the formations of both modern and postmodern artistic practices in that country. Taking the awarding of the 1975 national prize of art to the retablista Joaquín López Antay as its fulcrum, it argues that this key event, which has been traditionally regarded as a watershed in the history of Peruvian art, was indeed the logical consequence of how indigenist painters framed the field of artistic production in Peru. It also analyses the simultaneous emergence of an alternative view of popular art that did away with notions of cultural authenticity and national representation.
A secreted phospholipase A2 (BmsPLA2) regulates melanization of immunity through BmDDC in the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Li Tian , Wang Gemin , He Wei , Li Guiqin , Wang Chunyang , Zhao Jiamei , Chen Pan , Guo Meiwei , Chen Ping
Published: March 2023

Insect immune‐associated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an important target of pathogen invasion. Melanization, an effective defense response, has significant correlations with other immune responses to coordinate immune attack against invaders. However, the effect of PLA2 on melanization has not yet been reported in insects or other arthropods. In this work, we cloned a PLA2 gene (BmsPLA2), and its protein had characteristic features of secreted PLA2 (sPLA2). After injection of bacteria, BmsPLA2 expression and sPLA2 activity in hemolymph significantly increased. BmsPLA2 fluorescence was transferred from the cytoplasm to the cell membranes of circulating hemocytes. These results indicated that BmsPLA2 was related to hemolymph immunity in silkworms. Interestingly, reducing BmsPLA2 by RNA interference decreased melanosis (melanistic hemocytes) levels in vivo and in vitro, while BmsPLA2 overexpression had the opposite effect. The larval survival and melanization rate in the hemocoel both slowed depending on the PLA2 inhibitor dosage. These results demonstrated that BmsPLA2 plays a role in melanization during the immune process of silkworms. Surprisingly, the level of BmDDC matched the degree of melanization in various observations. BmDDC expression showed a significant increase, with the peak occurring later than that of BmsPLA2 after injection of bacteria, implying that BmsPLA2 was activated prior to BmDDC. Moreover, the alteration of BmsPLA2 by RNA interference or overexpression led to altered BmDDC levels. These results suggested that BmsPLA2 regulates the melanization response in silkworms through BmDDC. Our study proposes a new regulatory mechanism of the melanization response and new directions for understanding the complex immune networks of insects.
Effects of roasting on the chemical compositions, color, aroma, microstructure, and the kinetics of changes in coffee pulp
Authors: Lu Tingting , Sun Yu , Huang Yuanyuan , Chen Xiumin
Published: March 2023

Roasting is a critical process that affects the quality attributes of coffee beans; however, how roasting conditions affect the physical, chemical, biological, and organoleptic changes of coffee pulp needs more research. In the present study, we investigated the effects of roasting temperatures and times on chemical compositions and quality attributes of coffee pulp. The results showed that the contents of total soluble sugar (TSS) and free amino acid (FAA) followed a temporal pattern of first increasing and then decreasing under the roasting temperatures between 100 and 160°C. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of coffee pulp significantly (p < 0.05) increased after roasting, reaching the maximum values of 83.09 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) /g and 360.45 µM 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (Trolox) /g, respectively, when coffee pulp was roasted at 160°C for 18 min. Drying rates of coffee pulp fitted the Logarithmic kinetic model, while color (L*, a*, and b*) changes and 5‐caffeoylquinic acid degradation followed the first‐order kinetic model. Electronic nose analysis showed that the main aroma compounds of the coffee pulp are sulfur‐containing organics that were reduced with the extended roasting time. Scanning electronic microscopy analysis presented the loosened, shrunk, and cracked microstructure on the surface of the roasted coffee pulp, which might contribute to the increased TSS, FAA, TPC, and antioxidant activity of coffee pulp roasted under specific conditions. In conclusion, our research provides valuable information for preparing high‐quality coffee pulp tea.

Practical Application

This article investigates the effects of roasting on the chemical composition, color, flavor, microstructure, and the kinetics of changes in the moisture, color, and 5‐caffeoylquinic acid (5‐CQA) of the coffee pulp. We have found that high‐temperature and short‐time roasting helps retain the total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and aroma. The drying kinetic fits the Logarithmic model, and the changes in color and 5‐CQA fit the first‐order kinetic model. This study provides meaningful information for preparing coffee pulp tea with high‐quality attributes and antioxidant activity.
Senescence‐associated transcriptional derepression in subtelomeres is determined in a chromosome‐end‐specific manner
Authors: Rey‐Millet Martin , Pousse Mélanie , Soithong Chan , Ye Jing , Mendez‐Bermudez Aaron , Gilson Eric
Published: March 2023

Aging is a continuous process leading to physiological deterioration with age. One of the factors contributing to aging is telomere shortening, causing alterations in the protein protective complex named shelterin and replicative senescence. Here, we address the question of the link between this telomere shortening and the transcriptional changes occurring in senescent cells. We found that in replicative senescent cells, the genes whose expression escaped repression are enriched in subtelomeres. The shelterin protein TRF2 and the nuclear lamina factor Lamin B1, both downregulated in senescent cells, are involved in the regulation of some but not all of these subtelomeric genes, suggesting complex mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. Indeed, the subtelomeres containing these derepressed genes are enriched in factors of polycomb repression (EZH2 and H3K27me3), insulation (CTCF and MAZ), and cohesion (RAD21 and SMC3) while being associated with the open A‐type chromatin compartment. These findings unveil that the subtelomere transcriptome associated with senescence is determined in a chromosome‐end‐specific manner according to the type of higher‐order chromatin structure.
Additional malignancies and mortality in uveal melanoma: A 20‐year follow‐up of a Norwegian patient cohort
Authors: Robsahm Trude E. , Falk Ragnhild S. , Eide Nils A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the frequency of additional primary malignancies in uveal melanoma (UM) patients and cause‐specific mortality, to help guide surveillance strategies after UM.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with UM at Oslo University Hospital during 1990–2017 were eligible for inclusion. Linkage to the Cancer Registry of Norway obtained information on additional malignancies and cause of death throughout 2019. UM patients were categorized according to timing of additional malignancy (prior/simultaneously or after UM) or no additional cancer, and by UM stage at diagnosis. Age‐adjusted mortality rates were presented per 1000 person‐years with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The study population included 960 UM patients: 77% were diagnosed in stage and I/II and 56% were men. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 years. Additional malignancies were observed in 152 patients prior/simultaneous to UM, and in 120 patients >1 year after UM. Overall, mortality per 1000 person‐years was 3.5 (95% CI 3.1–3.9) for UM and 3.0 (2.6–3.4) for other causes. Lowest UM mortality [1.3 (0.60–2.1)] was seen in patients with a second malignancy after UM, regardless of stage. Highest UM mortality was seen for UM patients in stage III/IV, both without [16.1 (13.2–19.1)] and with any additional malignancy [16.9 (6.6–27.3)].

Conclusion

Our results support that UM patients frequently have additional malignancies, both before and after UM. Low‐UM mortality in patients with a primary malignancy after UM, might indicate less aggressive UM. The cumulative UM mortality flattens about 10 years after diagnosis and annual follow‐up of patients for 10 years seems adequate.
Longitudinal association between overweight years, polygenic risk and NAFLD, significant fibrosis and cirrhosis
Authors: Ajmera Veeral , Wang Na , Xu Hanfei , Liu Ching‐Ti , Long Michelle T.
Published: March 2023

Background

Adiposity amplifies the genetic risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Aim

We evaluated the association between overweight‐years, a cumulative exposure based on the product of the duration and severity of excess body weight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2), and genetic risk on liver fat and fibrosis.

Methods

This is a longitudinal analysis derived from a prospective cohort of adults in the Framingham Heart Study who underwent genotyping and vibration‐controlled‐transient‐elastography with controlled attenuation parameter. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between overweight‐years and liver fat and fibrosis. The association between genetic variants of liver fat (PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR) and fibrosis (PNPLA3, TM6SF2, HSD17B13) was also assessed using a polygenic risk score.

Results

Our sample included 2478 participants (54% women) with mean age and BMI of 40 (±8.5) years and 26.5(±5.1) kg/m2, respectively. The mean follow‐up was 14(±0.9) years, and each participant underwent three study visits. The prevalence of NAFLD was 28.3% (n = 700), and 207 (8.4%) had clinically significant fibrosis. In age‐, sex‐ and diabetes‐adjusted multivariable analyses, overweight‐years (per SD) had a strong association with NAFLD (aOR 3.53 [95% CI: 3.10–4.02], p < 0.001), clinically significant fibrosis (aOR 1.60 [95% CI: 1.40–1.84], p < 0.001) and cirrhosis (aOR 1.81 [95% CI: 1.38–2.37], p < 0.001). High‐polygenic risk was significantly associated with liver fat and clinically significant fibrosis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overweight‐years is strongly associated with NAFLD and clinically significant fibrosis and combined with polygenic risk may assist in defining the trajectory of NAFLD.
Caveolae‐associated protein 3 promotes adipogenic differentiation of porcine preadipocytes by promoting extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation
Authors: Shi Mingyue , Yang Shuai , Huang Xiaoyu , Wang Shouyuan , Li Wenxia , Yun Jiale , Lu Chang , Yang Yang , Cai Chunbo , Gao Pengfei , Guo Xiaohong , Li Bugao , Cao Guoqing
Published: March 2023

Fat deposition is one of the key factors affecting the economic development of pig husbandry. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression characteristics of caveolae‐associated protein 3 (CAVIN3) and to elucidate its effect and mechanism on adipogenic differentiation of porcine preadipocytes. Cell transfection, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), western blot, and oil red O staining were used to detect the effect of CAVIN3 on the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes. The results showed that CAVIN3 was expressed in various tissues, with higher expression in adipose tissue, differentially expressed during cell adipogenic differentiation, and mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Functional studies showed that, after CAVIN3 interference in preadipocytes, the expression of adipogenic factors and the content of lipid droplets were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The results were reversed after CAVIN3 was overexpressed. The mechanism research showed that LY3214996 inhibited the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and further inhibited lipogenic factors expression. Overexpression of CAVIN3 attenuates the inhibitory effect of LY3214996 on ERK phosphorylation and attenuates its inhibitory effect on adipogenic differentiation. Therefore, this study demonstrated that CAVIN3 promotes the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes by promoting ERK phosphorylation. The present study can lay a theoretical foundation for further studying the molecular mechanism of porcine fat deposition.
Peasant Agency and Local Orders in Post‐Agreement Colombian Marginalised Regions
Authors: Valencia Inge Helena , Castaño Cristian , Silva‐Ojeda David Alonso
Published: March 2023

With the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement in Colombia, in particular with the Programas de Desarrollo con Enfoque Territorial (PDETs, Development Programmes with a Territorial Focus), Colombia has been characterised by the development of differentiated processes of state construction, configuration of the armed conflict and territorial transformations. However, from being one of the great promises of peace, the PDETs have become instead an element of conflict by not including community governance initiatives in their implementation, nor have they recognised the legacies of rebel governance in marginalised regions, as occurs in Argelia (Cauca) and in Pradera (Valle del Cauca), Colombia.