bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body, carcass, and steak dimensions of straightbred Holstein calves and Angus-sired calves from Holstein, Jersey, and crossbred beef dams
Authors: Fuerniss Luke K , Young James Daniel , Hall Jerica R , Wesley Kaitlyn R , Bowman Sydney M , Felizari Luana D , Woerner Dale R , Rathmann Ryan J , Johnson Bradley J
Published: November 2023

Beef genetics are used with increasing frequency on commercial dairies. Although use of beef genetics improves calf value, variability has been reported in beef × dairy calf phenotype for traits related to muscularity and carcass composition. The objective of this study was to characterize morphometric and compositional differences between beef, beef × dairy, and dairy-fed cattle. Tested treatment groups included Angus-sired straightbred beef steers and heifers (A × B; n = 45), Angus × Holstein crossbreds (A × H; n = 15), Angus × Jersey crossbreds (A × J; n = 16), and straightbred Holsteins (H, n = 16). Cattle were started on trial at mean BW of 302 ± 29.9 kg and then fed at 196 ± 3.4 d. Morphometric measures were recorded every 28 d during the finishing period, ultrasound measures were recorded every 56 d, and morphometric carcass measures were recorded upon slaughter. Muscle biopsies were collected from the longissimus thoracis of a subset of steers (n = 43) every 56 d. Strip loins were collected from carcasses (n = 78) for further evaluation. Frame size measured as hip height, hip width, and body length was greatest for H cattle (P < 0.05), and A × H cattle had greater hip height than A × J cattle (P < 0.05). Relative to BW as a percentage of mature size, ribeye area of all cattle increased at a decreasing rate (negative quadratic term: P < 0.01), and all ultrasound measures of fat depots increased at an increasing rate (positive quadratic term: P < 0.01). Although no difference was observed in muscle fiber area across the finishing period from the longissimus thoracis (P = 0.80), H cattle had a more oxidative muscle phenotype than A × B cattle (P < 0.05). Additionally, H cattle had the smallest area of longissimus lumborum in the posterior strip loin, greatest length-to-width ratio of longissimus lumborum in the posterior strip loin, and least round circumference relative to round length (P < 0.05). Beef genetics improved muscularity in portions of the carcass distal to the longissimus thoracis.
Three new identifications of extended UV emission around AGB stars
Authors: Guerrero M A , Ortiz R
Published: November 2023

Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars experience heavy episodes of mass-loss through a slow stellar wind during the thermal pulse phase that form large, pc-scale structures around them. As the AGB stellar wind interacts with the interstellar medium (ISM), the otherwise isotropic ejecta gets distorted, resulting in asymmetric shapes, bow-shock structures and, in the case of fast motion relative to the surrounding ISM, extended wakes and tails as unexpectedly detected in GALEX ultraviolet (UV) images of o Cet, also known as Mira. Since that discovery, another fourteen AGB stars have been reported to exhibit extended UV emission around them. Here, we present the discovery of extended UV emission around another three AGB stars, namely R For, R Hor, and DM Tuc. The analysis of the overall properties of the regions of extended UV emission indicates that these are preferentially detected in closer AGB stars far away from the Galactic plane, i.e. sources less extincted. Faster AGB stars tend to have more elongated shapes, with bow-shocks and wakes or tails of material, while AGB stars farther away from the Galactic plane tend to be surrounded by larger regions of UV emission.
Using helium 10 830 Å transits to constrain planetary magnetic fields
Authors: Schreyer Ethan , Owen James E , Spake Jessica J , Bahroloom Zahra , Di Giampasquale Simone
Published: November 2023

Planetary magnetic fields can affect the predicted mass-loss rate for close-in planets that experience large amounts of ultraviolet irradiation. In this work, we present a method to detect the magnetic fields of close-in exoplanets undergoing atmospheric escape using transit spectroscopy at the 10 830 Å line of helium. Motivated by previous work on hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic photoevaporation, we suggest that planets with magnetic fields that are too weak to control the outflow’s topology lead to blueshifted transits due to dayside-to-nightside flows. In contrast, strong magnetic fields prevent this day-to-night flow, as the gas is forced to follow the magnetic field’s roughly dipolar topology. We post-process existing 2D photoevaporation simulations, computing synthetic transit profiles in helium to test this concept. As expected, we find that hydrodynamically dominated outflows lead to blueshifted transits of the order of the sound speed of the gas. Strong surface magnetic fields lead to unshifted or slightly redshifted transit profiles. High-resolution observations can distinguish between these profiles; however, eccentricity uncertainties generally mean that we cannot conclusively say that velocity shifts are due to the outflow for individual planets. The majority of helium observations are blueshifted, which could be a tentative indication that close-in planets generally have surface dipole magnetic field strengths $\lesssim \!\! 0.3$ G. More 3D hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic simulations are needed to confirm this conclusion robustly.
Cleaning Up UK Politics: What Would Better Lobbying Regulation Look Like?
Authors: Crepaz Michele , Worthy Ben
Published: November 2023

The UK has a fragmented, partial and weak system of lobbying regulation. The system creates a self-reinforcing cycle of ‘exposure’ and worsening public attitudes. In order to make the case for reform and indicate possible paths, this article reviews the system’s faults and weaknesses and then analyses how the lack of political will for reform in Westminster has contributed to a transparency and integrity regime which falls below international standards. Finally, it examines how this cycle can be broken. While the UK lobbying law needs reform, we must look beyond the letter of regulation, taking into account the levels of use and political support, as well as the transparency and ethics ecosystem in which lobbying sits. Only by improvements to all of these areas can there be the possibility of stronger, more positive feedback loops, which can shift behaviour and, ultimately, attitudes.
Patterns of Plunder: Corruption and the Failure of the Indian Reservation System, 1851–1887
Authors: Hall Ryan
Published: November 2023

Between the reservation system’s creation in 1851 and its partial dismantling in the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887, the Office (now Bureau) of Indian Affairs tasked Indian agents with administering a complicated mixture of goods and services known as “annuities,” which were designed to make reservations viable and survivable for Native people. This article demonstrates that Indian agents instead systematically swindled Native people of their promised payments, intensifying crippling poverty at a crucial moment in Native history and deepening a climate of distrust and acrimony across much of the American West. Rather than strengthening Native communities, federal expenditures enriched the settler communities that surrounded them, becoming in effect a backdoor subsidy for westward expansion and a key source of economic power in frontier communities. Meanwhile, the supposed failure of reservations to become economically viable in these early decades provided justification for reformers who sought to impose more coercive forms of control and assimilation on Native people, such as boarding schools and land allotment. By focusing on the financial workings of the underexamined early reservation period, this article demonstrates how corruption in the Office of Indian Affairs shaped both Native American and western history in profound and irreversible ways.
Don’t Throw Away the Handout: Efficacy of Patient Education in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma
Authors: Chi Hannah , Katyal Toshali , Carrillo Laura A. , O’Donnell Jennifer , Swarup Ishaan
Published: November 2023

Background:

Printed educational materials (PEMs) have been used for patient education in various settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the readability, understandability, and actionability of trauma-related educational material from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA, Orthokids), as well as determine its efficacy in educating pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients and caregivers.

Methods:

The readability, understandability and actionability of PEMs was assessed using the Patient Education materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Five reviewers ranging in experience independently evaluated the educational materials. The efficacy of PEMs was assessed prospectively by randomizing patients into 2 groups. The first group (Education) received the OrthoKids educational material related to the patient’s fracture. The second group (No Education) did not receive the educational material. At the first follow-up visit, parents/guardians in both groups completed surveys. Statistical analyses included descriptive and univariate statistics.

Results:

The understandability of PEMs was similar (68% to 74%); however, the educational materials had varying actionability scores ranging from 20% for femoral shaft fractures to 60% for elbow fractures. In total, 101 patients were randomized to assess the efficacy of educational materials (Education=51, No Education=50). There were no significant differences in sex, age, race/ethnicity, and level of education between caregivers in both groups (P > 0.05). Only 61% (31/51) participants in the Education group reported using the educational material; however, 67% to 68% of participants in either group reported wanting PEMs. Participants in the group that did not receive PEMs were significantly more likely to use the internet to find more information (74% vs. 51%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that participants that did not receive PEMs were significantly more likely to search the internet for more information. Improving the quality and actionability of educational resources on electronic platforms is needed to improve patient education. A multi-modal approach using PEMs that includes a list of high-quality online sources would likely be most effective in educating pediatric trauma patients and caregivers.

Level of Evidence:

I
Trends in Spinal Orthosis Utilization Among Patients Insured through Medicare Part B
Authors: Dholaria Nikhil , Bauer Isabel , Kelbert James , Barbagli Giovanni , Pico Annemarie , Deaver Courtney , Quiceno Esteban , Nosova Kristin , Hussein Amna , Mayeku Julie , Soto Rubio Diego T. , Alhalal Ibrahim A. , Heinzmann Endgel , Pacheco Niels , Al-Arfaj Abdullah , Li Chao , Prim Michael , Baaj Ali
Published: November 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective population-based database analysis from the Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Medicare/Medicaid Dataset.

Objective.

To provide a comprehensive analysis of trends in spinal orthosis utilization over a 12-year period.

Summary of Background Data.

Widespread prescription of spinal orthosis persists, despite evidence suggesting equivocal efficacy in many spinal conditions. The utilization of spinal orthosis on a national level, including prescribing specialty data, has not been previously analyzed.

Methods.

Healthcare common procedure coding system (HCPCS) codes for cervical (CO), thoracic-lumbar-sacral (TLSO), lumbar (LO), lumbar-sacral (LSO), and cervical-thoracic-lumbar-sacral (CTLSO) orthosis were used to determine spinal orthosis utilization from 2010 to 2021. Provider specialty codes were utilized to compare trends between select specialties. Additionally, a neurosurgical CO analysis, based on subclassifications of cervical bracing, was performed. Linear trendlines were implemented to elucidate and present trends by slope (β).

Results.

Among 332,241 claims, decreases in CO (β=−0.3387), TLSO (β=−0.0942), LO (β=−0.3485), and LSO (β=−0.1545) per 100,000 Medicare Part B enrollees and CTLSO (β=−0.052) per 1,000,000 Medicare Part B enrollees were observed. Decreases among neurosurgery (β=−7.9208), family medicine (β=−1.0097), emergency medicine (β=−2.1958), internal medicine (β=−1.1151), interventional pain management (β=−5.0945), and chiropractic medicine (β=−49.012), and increases among orthopedic surgery (β=5.5891), pain management (β=30.416), physical medicine and rehabilitation (β=4.6524), general practice (β=79.111), and osteopathic manipulative medicine (β=45.303) in total spinal orthosis use per 100,000 specialty claims were observed. Analysis on subclassifications of cervical orthosis among neurosurgeons revealed decreases in flexible (β=−1.7641), semi-rigid (β=−0.6157), and collar bracing (β=−2.7603), and an increase in multi-post collar bracing (β=2.2032) per 100 neurosurgical cervical orthosis claims.

Conclusions.

While utilization of spinal orthosis decreased between 2010-2021, increased utilization was observed among a subset of specialties. Identifying these specialties allows for focused research and educational efforts to minimize unnecessary durable medical equipment use for effective healthcare spending.
Intensive blood pressure control on arterial stiffness among older patients with hypertension
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Zhong Yixuan , Wu Shouling , Wu Hailei , Cai Jun , Zhang Weili ,   On behalf of the STEP Study Group
Published: November 2023

Background:

Arterial stiffening increases with age and blood pressure and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the relationship between blood pressure lowering and arterial stiffening is still uncertain, especially in older people. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intensive blood pressure treatment on the progression of arterial stiffness and risk of CVD in older patients with hypertension.

Methods:

The Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients (STEP) trial was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial performed at 42 clinical centers throughout China, and 8511 patients aged 60–80 years with essential hypertension were enrolled and randomly assigned to systolic blood pressure (SBP) target of 110 mmHg to <130 mmHg (intensive treatment) or 130 mmHg to <150 mmHg (standard treatment). Patients underwent repeated examinations of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) at baseline, and the arterial stiffness was evaluated at the 3-year follow-up. A total of 5339 patients who had twice repeated measurements were included in this study. Changes in arterial stiffness between the intensive and standard treatment groups were analyzed using a multivariate linear regression model. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the effect of intensive treatment on primary CVD outcomes.

Results:

The changes in baPWV were 61.5 cm/s (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49.8–73.2 cm/s) in the intensive treatment group and 98.4 cm/s (95% CI: 86.7–110.1 cm/s) in the standard treatment group (P <0.001). Intensive treatment significantly delayed the progression of arterial stiffness, with an annual change of 23.1 cm·s–1·year–1
vs. 36.7 cm·s–1·year–1 of baPWV in the intensive and standard treatment groups, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 3.36 years, primary CVD outcomes occurred in 77 (2.9%) patients in the intensive treatment group compared with 93 (3.5%) in the standard treatment group. Intensive treatment resulted in a significantly lower CVD risk in patients aged 70–80 years or with SBP <140 mmHg.

Conclusion:

Intensive blood pressure control with an SBP target of 110 mmHg to <130 mmHg could delay the progression of arterial stiffness and reduce the risk of CVD in older patients with hypertension.

Clinical trial registration:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; No. NCT03015311.
A Prospective Follow-up Study of Fingertip Amputation Treatment With Semi-occlusive Dressing
Authors: Rautio Sanni , Paukkunen Antti , Jokihaara Jarkko
Published: November 2023

Background:

The aim of this prospective cohort was to evaluate the conservative treatment of fingertip amputation with exposed bone, with a semi-occlusive dressing.

Methods:

Ten patients with an amputation distal to the distal interphalangeal joint were treated via secondary healing under a semi-occlusive film dressing. We followed up the patients weekly until the fingertip had healed, then a final clinical visit at 6 months, and a patient-reported outcome assessment at 2 years after the injury.

Results:

All 10 patients completed the 6-month clinical follow-up, and seven patients completed the final patient-rated outcome assessments at 2 years. There were no complications during the study period, all the patients were satisfied with the results, and all answered “fully agree” on choosing the same treatment method again in a similar injury.

Conclusion:

Our results show that conservative treatment of fingertip amputation is feasible and can provide good results.
SARS-CoV-2 Parainfectious Optic Neuropathy: 3 Case Reports and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Gluckstein Jeffrey A. , Chwalisz Bart K. , Gilbert Aubrey L. , Bouffard Marc A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Parainfectious optic neuritis is an inflammatory reaction that occurs shortly after an infection without direct invasion by a pathogen. The clinical profile depends on the infectious organism. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis have been reported in the literature, but there are no reviews that have applied strict inclusion criteria to more definitively establish the clinical profile associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods:

We present 3 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis. We also review the literature for definite cases by selecting only those with unambiguous clinical features and MRI findings of optic neuritis, positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction or serology, and the absence of myelin oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein or aquaporin-4 antibodies or other diseases associated with optic neuritis.

Results:

We report 2 cases of monophasic, unilateral SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis with optic disc edema and nadir visual acuities of finger counting. We report 1 case of mild SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis that featured cotton wool spots, peripapillary wrinkles and hemorrhages, and recurrence after an initial steroid taper. We identified 6 cases of unambiguous SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis from the literature. Combining our case series with the case reports in the literature, the average age was 42.8 years, 3/9 had bilateral disease, 6/8 had optic disc edema, 8/9 had nadir visual acuity of finger counting or worse, and all recovered visual acuity to 20/40 or better after therapy with steroids.

Conclusions:

SARS-CoV-2 parainfectious optic neuritis has a clinical profile that is atypical for idiopathic optic neuritis but fairly typical of parainfectious forms of optic neuritis with a severely reduced nadir visual acuity, high likelihood of bilaterality, high incidence of optic disc edema, and prompt and significant response to corticosteroids. Further study with long-term follow-up and epidemiologic investigation will be needed to further characterize this clinical entity.
Blautia parvula sp. nov., isolated from Japanese faecal samples
Authors: Miura Takamasa , Shimamura Mamiko , Yamazoe Atsushi , Kawasaki Hiroko
Published: November 2023

Two Gram-positive, anaerobic, non-spore-forming and coccoid or oval-shaped bacterial strains, namely, DN0138T and DN0266, were isolated from faecal samples of healthy Japanese people. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DN0138T clustered with a species of the genus

Blautia

and was closely related to

Blautia producta

JCM 1471T,

Blautia coccoides

JCM 1395T,

Blautia hominis

KB1T and ‘

Blautia marasmi

’ Marseille-P2377, with sequence similarities of 98.6, 98.5, 98.8 and 98.2 %, respectively. The average nucleotide identity values were 85.3 % for

B. producta

JCM 1471T, 85.0 % for

B. coccoides

NCTC 11035T, 84.3 % for

B. hominis

KB1T and 84.3 % for ‘

B. marasmi

’ Marseille-P2377. The major end products of glucose metabolism were acetic acid, lactic acid and succinic acid. The genome length of strain DN0138T was 6 247 046 bp with 46.7 mol% G+C content of genome sequence. Based on their phenotypic, cellular fatty acid and phylogenetic characteristics, the three isolates represent a novel species within the genus

Blautia

, for which the name Blautia parvula sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DN0138T (=NBRC 113351T=BCRC 81349T).
Long-term cold selection leads to increased thermal plasticity of male body size and thermal canalization of fecundity inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Roy Rishav , Chattopadhyay Aradhya , Deb Sharma Sreebes , Mondal Aharna , Biswas Payel , Ghosh Shampa M.
Published: November 2023

From laboratory populations ofDrosophila melanogastermaintained at 25°C for many decades, new populations were derived and maintained at 17°C for over 60 generations. Fitness traits such as body size and fecundity of the cold and warm selected populations were quantified at both 17°C and 25°C. Flies from both selection regimes had similar body weight when grown at 25°C, but 17°C selected males had greater dry weight and less relative water content than 25°C selected males, when grown at 17°C. Cold selected males thus evolved greater thermal plasticity of body weight and density compared to controls. Fecundity data showed, 25°C selected females laid less eggs at 17°C compared to 25°C treatment, but 17°C selected females did not show significant difference in fecundity between 25°C and 17°C. Cold evolved flies thus showed thermal canalization of fecundity, possibly buffering the repressing effect of cold. Whether or not (i) greater body mass and density of cold evolved males, and (b) unrepressed fecundity of cold evolved females, both observed when reared at cold, are causally related, remain to be investigated. The study thus shows thermal selection can lead to evolution of greater thermal plasticity in a trait, while result in thermal canalization of another.
Synthesis and crystal structures of two related Co and Mn complexes: a celebration of collaboration between the universities of Dakar and Southampton
Authors: Orton James B. , Diouf Ngone , Gueye Rokhaya S. , Gaye Mohamed , Thiam Ibrahima Elhadji , Coles Simon J.
Published: November 2023

We report the synthesis and structures of two transition-metal complexes involving 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (2hpbi – a ligand of interest for its photoluminescent applications), with cobalt, namely, bis[μ-2-(1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-yl)phenolato]bis[ethanol(thiocyanato)cobalt(II)], [Co2(C13H9N2O)2(NCS)2(C2H6O)2], (1), and manganese, namely, bis[μ-2-(1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-yl)phenolato]bis{[2-(1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-yl)phenolato](thiocyanato)manganese(III)} dihydrate, [Mn2(C13H9N2O)4(NCS)2]·2H2O, (2). These structures are two recent examples of a fruitful collaboration between researchers at the Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination Organique/Organic Coordination Chemistry Laboratory (LCCO), University of Dakar, Senegal and the National Crystallography Service (NCS), School of Chemistry, University Southampton, UK. This productive partnership was forged through meeting at Pan-African Conferences on Crystallography and quickly grew as the plans for the AfCA (African Crystallographic Association) developed. This article therefore also showcases this productive partnership, in celebration of the IUCr's 75 year anniversary and the recent inclusion of AfCA as a Regional Associate of the IUCr.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of trans-bis(2-{1-[(6R,S)-3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl]ethylidene}-N-methylhydrazinecarbothioamidato-κ2
N
2,S)palladium(II) ethanol monosolvate
Authors: Melo Ana Paula Lopes de , Bresolin Leandro , Tirloni Bárbara , Farias Renan Lira de , Oliveira Adriano Bof de
Published: November 2023

The reaction between the (R,S)-fixolide 4-methylthiosemicarbazone and PdII chloride yielded the title compound, [Pd(C20H30N3S)2]·C2H6O {common name: trans-bis[(R,S)-fixolide 4-methylthiosemicarbazonato-κ2
N
2
S]palladium(II) ethanol monosolvate}. The asymmetric unit of the title compound consists of one bis-thiosemicarbazonato PdII complex and one ethanol solvent molecule. The thiosemicarbazononato ligands act as metal chelators with a trans configuration in a distorted square-planar geometry. A C—H...S intramolecular interaction, with graph-set motif S(6), is observed and the coordination sphere resembles a hydrogen-bonded macrocyclic environment. Additionally, one C—H...Pd anagostic interaction can be suggested. Each ligand is disordered over the aliphatic ring, which adopts a half-chair conformation, and two methyl groups [s.o.f. = 0.624 (2):0.376 (2)]. The disorder includes the chiral carbon atoms and, remarkably, one ligand has the (R)-isomer with the highest s.o.f. value atoms, while the other one shows the opposite, the atoms with the highest s.o.f. value are associated with the (S)-isomer. The N—N—C(=S)—N fragments of the ligands are approximately planar, with the maximum deviations from the mean plane through the selected atoms being 0.0567 (1) and −0.0307 (8) Å (r.m.s.d. = 0.0403 and 0.0269 Å) and the dihedral angle with the respective aromatic rings amount to 46.68 (5) and 50.66 (4)°. In the crystal, the complexes are linked via pairs of N—H...S interactions, with graph-set motif R
2
2(8), into centrosymmetric dimers. The dimers are further connected by centrosymmetric pairs of ethanol molecules, building mono-periodic hydrogen-bonded ribbons along [011]. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the major contributions for the crystal cohesion are [atoms with highest/lowest s.o.f.s considered separately]: H...H (81.6/82.0%), H...C/C...H (6.5/6.4%), H...N/N...H (5.2/5.0%) and H...S/S...H (5.0/4.9%).
Examination of the effects of value creation, intellectual property and organizational creativity on artificial intelligence focused enterprises
Authors: Pinarbasi Fatih , Sonmez Cakir Fatma , Güner Gültekin Duygu , Yazici Merve , Adiguzel Zafer
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Aritificial intelligence (AI)-focused enterprises purpose to provide value-creating and differentiated products and services using innovative technologies. For this reason, it is aimed to examine the effects of value creation, intellectual property and organizational creativity variables to make evaluations to increase the success of such enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Random sampling method was used in the research. The population of the research consists of AI-oriented enterprises in technoparks. On the specified days, short-term visits and surveys were conducted face-to-face. Name and similar personal information was not taken in the research and participation was made on a voluntary basis. A sample size of 500 units is a sufficient size at the 0.05 significance level. SmartPLS (4.0.8.4) licensed software was used in the research.

Findings

As a result of the collected data, it has been supported by hypotheses that value creation, intellectual property and organizational creativity have positive effects so that artificial intelligence-oriented enterprises can be successful in performance criteria.

Research limitations/implications

Since the research was conducted by collecting data from artificial intelligence-oriented enterprises in technoparks in Istanbul, it would not be correct to evaluate the analysis results by making generalizations. For this reason, it is recommended that similar studies planned to be conducted in the future should contribute to the literature by developing the research model, taking into account the limited situation in the sample.

Practical implications

According to the results of the analysis of the effects of value creation, intellectual property and organizational creativity in artificial intelligence-oriented enterprises, in order to increase the success of such enterprises, they should offer more value to their customers, protect their technologies and increase their innovation capacity.

Originality/value

Value creation, intellectual property, and organizational creativity in AI-focused enterprises are important topics in a rapidly growing industry such as AI-focused enterprises. Therefore, a research investigating these variables together offers a different perspective than previous studies.
Combatting the “great discontent”: the impact of employability culture and leadership empowerment on career growth, loyalty and satisfaction
Authors: LaGree Danielle , Olsen Katie , Tefertiller Alec , Vasquez Rosalynn
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Motivated by the organizational challenge coined the great discontent, employees are dissatisfied with their jobs, see minimal opportunities for growth and are actively searching for new roles. This research aims to take a novel approach to internal communication strategy by introducing employability culture and leadership empowerment as mechanisms for supporting employees' career growth and additional positive workplace outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was designed and administered in the United States. The final sample size includes 425 full-time employees working in a variety of roles, industries and work arrangements.

Findings

Findings point to the inherent need for revised internal communication strategy that goes beyond managing and disseminating information. Organizations must develop cultures and their leaders in ways that empower employees and help them understand the meaning of their work. Employability culture, or an organization's support for developing employees' adaptive skills as work roles change, positively predicted employees' perceptions of their career growth opportunities at their current place of employment, employee loyalty and engagement, and job satisfaction. Leadership empowerment behaviors also positively predicted all previously listed workplace variables. These perceptions as influenced by work arrangement (onsite, hybrid, fully remote) and younger versus older generations were also analyzed.

Originality/value

Research findings offer new strategies for internal communications. Internal communication teams can partner alongside executive leadership to develop a culture that helps employees envision how their skills and expertise translates to different areas of the organization, empowering them to find meaning in their work, and be driven to support organizational growth.
Job satisfaction in Europe: a gender analysis
Authors: Nappo Nunzia , Lubrano Lavadera Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The main aim of this study was to examine gender differences in job satisfaction in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

For the empirical analysis, data from the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey were used. Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition with a principal component analysis (PCA) aggregated variable, after unconditional quantile regressions in a multiple imputation background, was implemented.

Findings

Women report higher job satisfaction than men do. Women were significantly more satisfied than men for the middle levels of the job satisfaction distribution.

Originality/value

This study expands the evidence on the determinants of job satisfaction in the European labour market by applying a recent form of decomposition that invests in unconditional quantile regression (UQR). To the best of this study knowledge, this is the first time that the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition with a PCA aggregated variable after unconditional quantile regression has been employed to study gender-based differences in job satisfaction.
Pattern analysis of auto parts failures in the after-sales service network; an interconnected approach of association rules mining and Bayesian networks in the automotive industry
Authors: Ebrahimi Ahmad , Mojtahedi Sara
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Warranty-based big data analysis has attracted a great deal of attention because of its key capabilities and role in improving product quality while minimizing costs. Information and details about particular parts (components) repair and replacement during the warranty term, usually stored in the after-sales service database, can be used to solve problems in a variety of sectors. Due to the small number of studies related to the complete analysis of parts failure patterns in the automotive industry in the literature, this paper focuses on discovering and assessing the impact of lesser-studied factors on the failure of auto parts in the warranty period from the after-sales data of an automotive manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The interconnected method used in this study for analyzing failure patterns is formed by combining association rules (AR) mining and Bayesian networks (BNs).

Findings

This research utilized AR analysis to extract valuable information from warranty data, exploring the relationship between component failure, time and location. Additionally, BNs were employed to investigate other potential factors influencing component failure, which could not be identified using Association Rules alone. This approach provided a more comprehensive evaluation of the data and valuable insights for decision-making in relevant industries.

Originality/value

This study's findings are believed to be practical in achieving a better dissection and providing a comprehensive package that can be utilized to increase component quality and overcome cross-sectional solutions. The integration of these methods allowed for a wider exploration of potential factors influencing component failure, enhancing the validity and depth of the research findings.
Green intellectual capital and competitive advantage: the moderating role of corporate philanthropy during COVID-19
Authors: Naseem Muhammad Akram , Battisti Enrico , Salvi Antonio , Ahmad Muhammad Ishfaq
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between green intellectual capital (GIC) and competitive advantage (CA) and proposes the moderating role of corporate philanthropy types (cash, in-kind and both) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this study investigates the types of corporate philanthropy, strengthening the link between GIC and CA for Chinese listed firms during a pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data were collected from 248 chief executive officers (CEOs) of Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange through a structured questionnaire. Regression analysis was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that all types of GIC positively influence a firm's CA. Furthermore, all three types of philanthropy – cash, in-kind and both – moderate the relationship between GIC and CA. However, the intensity of moderation was higher in the case of in-kind philanthropy than in the other two types.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first empirical study to examine the relationship between GIC (considering its three components: human, structural and relational capital) and CA in China. The study finds different types of philanthropy as moderating variables to better explain the relationship between GIC and CA. Further, it contributes to a new line of research that aims to study philanthropic aspects connected to the GIC debate.
A framework for the prioritization of industry 4.0 and lean manufacturing technologies based on network theory
Authors: Vargas Gabriel Bertholdo , Gomes Jefferson de Oliveira , Vargas Vallejos Rolando
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical data-based framework for the prioritization of investment in manufacturing technologies, methods and tools, and to demonstrate its applicability and practical relevance through two case studies of manufacturing firms of different industrial segments.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework is based on network theory applied on technology adoption. For this, the database of Industry 4.0 maturity assessments of SENAI was used to develop data visualization tools named “Technology Networks”. Thus, this study is descriptive research with correlational design. Besides, the framework was applied in two companies and semi-structured interviews were carried out with domain experts.

Findings

The technology networks highlight the technological adoption patterns of six industrial segments, by considering the answers of 863 Brazilian companies. In general, less sophisticated technologies were positioned in the center of the networks, which facilitates the visualization of adoption paths. Moreover, the networks presented a well-balanced adoption scenario of Industry 4.0 related technologies and lean manufacturing methods and tools.

Research limitations/implications

Since the database was not built under an experimental design, it is not expected to make statistical inferences about the variables. Furthermore, the decision to use an available database prevented the editing or inclusion of technologies. Besides, it is estimated that the technology networks given have few years for obsolescence due to the fast pace of technological development.

Practical implications

The framework is a tool that may be used by practicing manufacturing managers and entrepreneurs for taking assertive decisions regarding the adoption of manufacturing technologies, methods and tools. The proposition of using network theory to support decision making on this topic may lead to further studies, developments and adaptations of the framework.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the topics of lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in an unprecedented way, by quantifying the adoption of its technologies, methods and tools and presenting it in network visualizations. The main value of this paper is the comprehensive framework that applies the technology networks for supporting decision making regarding technology adoption.
Spatial heterogeneity of nitrification contributes to tree–grass coexistence in West African savannas
Authors: Konaré Sarah , Koffi Kouamé Fulgence , Boudsocq Simon , Gignoux Jacques , Lata Jean‐Christophe , Raynaud Xavier , Barot Sébastien
Published: November 2023

In savannas, the coexistence between trees and grasses is determined by complex mechanisms based on water partitioning and disturbances. But little is known about the contribution of other resources, such as soil nitrogen (N). In West African savannas, nitrification inhibition by grasses and nitrification stimulation by trees create spatial heterogeneity in nitrification fluxes and N stocks. Savanna trees can also extend part of their roots in the surrounding open area to absorb N.

To investigate the role of the spatial heterogeneity of nitrification in tree–grass coexistence, we used a two‐patch model that simulates N dynamics between an open patch (without trees) and a tree clump patch (trees with grasses under their canopy). The open patch was characterized by a low nitrification rate, while the tree clump patch was characterized by a high nitrification rate. Both patches were connected through horizontal fluxes due to soil horizontal exploration by tree roots. We tested coexistence for different spatial tree distributions, as they are known to strongly influence savanna dynamics.

Our results show that the spatial heterogeneity of nitrification induces spatial partitioning between ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) promoting tree–grass coexistence. As nitrification inhibition by grasses leads to high NH4+ availability in the open, the possibilities of coexistence are optimized when trees have different preferences in the open versus under their canopy. Thus, tree–grass coexistence is observed when grasses prefer NH4+, while trees prefer NH4+ in the open and NO3− under their canopy.

Contrary to random tree distribution, tree clumping enhances tree–grass coexistence. Intraspecific aggregation strengthens the effect of spatial heterogeneity, which decreases interspecific competition and favours tree–grass coexistence. On the contrary, increasing the surface explored by tree roots in the open tends to increase tree–grass competition. This enhances the competitive ability of trees for N acquisition and consequently favours tree invasion.

Synthesis. This study shows that this new coexistence mechanism based on mineral N partitioning into NH4+ and NO3− can be determinant in the functioning of West African humid savannas. This mechanism likely interacts with mechanisms based on disturbances, but such interactions should be studied using new models.
Microbial symbionts are shared between ants and their associated beetles
Authors: Valdivia Catalina , Newton Justin A. , von Beeren Christoph , O'Donnell Sean , Kronauer Daniel J. C. , Russell Jacob A. , Łukasik Piotr
Published: November 2023

The transmission of microbial symbionts across animal species could strongly affect their biology and evolution, but our understanding of transmission patterns and dynamics is limited. Army ants (Formicidae: Dorylinae) and their hundreds of closely associated insect guest species (myrmecophiles) can provide unique insights into interspecific microbial symbiont sharing. Here, we compared the microbiota of workers and larvae of the army ant Eciton burchellii with those of 13 myrmecophile beetle species using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We found that the previously characterized specialized bacterial symbionts of army ant workers were largely absent from ant larvae and myrmecophiles, whose microbial communities were usually dominated by Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Rickettsiella and/or Weissella. Strikingly, different species of myrmecophiles and ant larvae often shared identical 16S rRNA genotypes of these common bacteria. Protein‐coding gene sequences confirmed the close relationship of Weissella strains colonizing army ant larvae, some workers and several myrmecophile species. Unexpectedly, these strains were also similar to strains infecting dissimilar animals inhabiting very different habitats: trout and whales. Together, our data show that closely interacting species can share much of their microbiota, and some versatile microbial species can inhabit and possibly transmit across a diverse range of hosts and environments.
Survivals and the persistence of the past
Authors: Lucas Gavin
Published: November 2023

This article explores the latent potential in the anthropological concept of survival, especially through Tylor's usage of the term. Once a core concept of anthropological theory in the late nineteenth century, the idea was critiqued and abandoned in the wake of the structural and functional anthropology of the early twentieth century. However, the concept implies many different things, and in clearing away some of the more problematic meanings, this article focuses on the core of the idea: namely the persistence of the past in the present. The intention is to examine the concept in terms of what it tells us about the relation between the past and the present and, by implication, the historical process itself. By drawing on the distinctions between survival and related terms of relics, persistent practices, and revivals, this article suggests a reappraisal of the concept and its relevance to contemporary anthropology and archaeology.
Development and validation of a scoring system to predict esophagogastroduodenoscopy necessity
Authors: Yang Jing , Yan Jing Shuang , Xiong Cen Xi , Zhang Xiao Mei , Shen Lei , Zhi Jun Li , Ma Shu Yun , Dong Hong Xia , Yang Yun Sheng
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a scoring system for predicting the need for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in clinical practice to enhance accuracy and reduce misapplications.

Methods

From February 2021 to April 2022, outpatients scheduled for EGD at the Department of Gastroenterology in our hospital were recruited. Patients completed the system evaluation by providing clinical symptoms, relevant medical history, and endoscopic findings. Patients were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts (at 2:1 ratio). The optimal algorithm was selected from five alternatives including a parallel test. Six physicians participated in a human‐computer comparative validation. Sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio (−LR) were used as the primary indicators.

Results

Altogether 865 patients were enrolled, with 578 in the training cohort and 287 in the validation cohort. The scoring system comprised 21 variables, including age, 13 typical clinical symptoms, and seven medical history variables. The parallel test was selected as the final algorithm. Positive EGD findings were reported in 54.5% of the training cohort and 62.7% of the validation cohort. The scoring system demonstrated a sensitivity of 79.0% in the training cohort and 83.9% in the validation cohort, with −LR being 0.627 and 0.615, respectively. Compared to physicians, the scoring system exhibited higher sensitivity (84.0% vs 68.7%, P = 0.02) and a lower −LR (1.11 vs 2.41, P = 0.439).

Conclusions

We developed a scoring system to predict the necessity of EGD using a parallel test algorithm, which was user‐friendly and effective, as evidenced by single‐center validation.
E‐PoSa: A novel and effective tool for sampling pollen directly from flowers
Authors: Pioltelli E. , Guzzetti L. , Tonietti L. , Copetta A. , Biella P. , Campone L. , Galimberti A.
Published: November 2023

Pollinator insects are declining worldwide, also due to the alteration of their diet with severe implications on their health status. Pollinators diet relies mainly on flower rewards (i.e. pollen and nectar), and a precise characterization of their chemical composition is crucial in defining pollinators' nutritional ecology. In this context, the pollen represents a challenging source to investigate, especially due to operative challenges during collection operations and to the small amounts produced per flower.

Here, we designed and tested a novel, easy‐to‐assemble tool for pollen sampling: E‐PoSa (Electronic Pollen Sampler), based on the use of a portable vacuum cleaner. We compared it with some of the most used sampling methods for pollen (i.e. anthers sieving and sampling of the whole anthers) by looking at the differences in their quantitative recovery and nutritional profile. Its applicability in ecological studies was also corroborated by an assessment of its recovery rate obtained from a panel of wildflower species in an operational environment.

The data obtained showed a significantly higher pollen recovery capacity of E‐PoSa compared with the conventional sieving approach and the success in retrieving enough pollen to conduct phytochemical analyses from a broad range of flower morphologies in the field. Our results also demonstrated that high purity pollen can be collected with E‐PoSa and that the device does not introduce any significant variation in the nutritional analysis compared with the conventional sieving.

This new sampling approach represents a cheap and easy‐to‐assemble tool encouraging its future use not only in the field of pollen nutrition but also in a wide variety of other contexts related to pollination ecology. Acknowledging the potential influences of the sampling techniques and moving towards shared standardized field protocols will advance the comprehension of species interactions and foraging patterns of pollinators and their nutritional needs.