bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fazenda Ninho da Águia (Eagle’s Nest Farm) case
Authors: Pires Vitor , Dourado Cotta de Mello Renato , Secches Kogut Clarice
Published: April 2023

Research methodology

This teaching case was based on both primary and secondary sources of information. An interview with the entrepreneur and protagonist of the case was conducted, recorded and fully transcribed. Also, secondary data (digital and print media) were obtained from the interviewee, before, during and after the interview, as well as on governmental, institutional and company websites.

Case overview/synopsis

The Ninho da Águia Farm is a family business located in Minas Gerais and specialized in coffee production. Although founded in 1969 by Aides Gomes Monteiro, it was only when his surfer son Clayton Barbosa Monteiro took over the business that the small farm started focusing on specialty coffee, quality beans and international markets. With no formal education, Clayton managed to implement several managerial, organizational and strategic changes in the company, including its internationalization. Understanding the logic behind the development of the farm can help students understand several important concepts in International Business in relation to international entrepreneurs and effectuation/causation decision-making logics.

Complexity academic level

This teaching case was designed for graduate courses in international business/international strategy. But because of the richness of the case, it could also be used in other courses (e.g. marketing or international marketing). However, should this be the case, different teaching notes would be necessary.
Aerodynamic slotted SIW-to-MS line transition using mitered end taper for satellite and RADAR communications
Authors: Varshney Atul , Sharma Vipul
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design development and measurement of two aerodynamic slotted X-bands back-to-back planer substrate-integrated rectangular waveguide (SIRWG/SIW) to Microstrip (MS) line transition for satellite and RADAR applications. It facilitates the realization of nonplanar (waveguide-based) circuits into planar form for easy integration with other planar (microstrip) devices, circuits and systems. This paper describes the design of a SIW to microstrip transition. The transition is broadband covering the frequency range of 8–12 GHz. The design and interconnection of microwave components like filters, power dividers, resonators, satellite dishes, sensors, transmitters and transponders are further aided by these transitions. A common planar interconnect is designed with better reflection coefficient/return loss (RL) (S11/S22 ≤ 10 dB), transmission coefficient/insertion loss (IL) (S12/S21: 0–3.0 dB) and ultra-wideband bandwidth on low profile FR-4 substrate for X-band and Ku-band functioning to interconnect modern era MIC/MMIC circuits, components and devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Two series of metal via (6 via/row) have been used so that all surface current and electric field vectors are confined within the metallic via-wall in SIW length. Introduced aerodynamic slots in tapered portions achieve excellent impedance matching and tapered junctions with SIW are mitered for fine tuning to achieve minimum reflections and improved transmissions at X-band center frequency.

Findings

Using this method, the measured IL and RLs are found in concord with simulated results in full X-band (8.22–12.4 GHz). RLC T-equivalent and p-equivalent electrical circuits of the proposed design are presented at the end.

Practical implications

The measurement of the prototype has been carried out by an available low-cost X-band microwave bench and with a Keysight E4416A power meter in the microwave laboratory.

Originality/value

The transition is fabricated on FR-4 substrate with compact size 14 mm × 21.35 mm × 1.6 mm and hence economical with IL lie within limits 0.6–1 dB and RL is lower than −10 dB in bandwidth 7.05–17.10 GHz. Because of such outstanding fractional bandwidth (FBW: 100.5%), the transition could also be useful for Ku-band with IL close to 1.6 dB.
Electronic nose as a tool for early detection of diseases and quality monitoring in fresh postharvest produce: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ali Asgar , Mansol Aiman S. , Khan Ayesha Ashraf , Muthoosamy Kasturi , Siddiqui Yasmeen
Published: April 2023

Postharvest diseases and quality degradation are the major factors causing food losses in the fresh produce supply chain. Hence, detecting diseases and quality deterioration at the asymptomatic stage of produce enables growers to treat the diseases earlier, maintain quality and reduce postharvest food losses. With the emergence of numerous technologies to detect diseases early and monitor the quality of fresh produce, such as polymerase chain reaction, gas chromatography‐mass spectrophotometry, and near‐infrared spectroscopy, electronic nose (EN) has also gained acknowledgement and popularity in the past decade as a robust and non‐invasive analysis tool to detect odor profile and establish volatile biomarkers for metabolomics databases. However, literature reviewing the EN research on the early detection of diseases in produce after harvest is scarce. The fundamental concept of EN working principles (odor sampling, gas detection, and data acquisition method), as well as the application of EN as a whole, are covered in the first section of the review. An in‐depth discussion of the application of EN analysis in the early identification of postharvest diseases and quality monitoring is provided in the subsequent sections, which is the key objective of this comprehensive review. The prospect, limitations, and likely future developments of EN in the postharvest sector are further highlighted in the last section.
Soft power in global governance: fsQCA of thematic specialization strategies of European think tanks
Authors: Roger‐Monzó Vanessa , Castelló‐Sirvent Fernando
Published: April 2023

This article analyzes the strategies designed after the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) by European think tanks specialized in economic policy and evaluates the main issues that served to boost their capacity for international influence between 2009 and 2018. It studies the 19 European think tanks in the economic policy category highlighted by the 2018 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report. 91,393 news items published on the think tanks evaluated during the decade after the GFC are analysed and a causal model is proposed to understand the thematic specialization strategies of think tanks in the media sphere. The model includes economic and media diffusion attributes and was tested using Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). The results confirm that the main areas of specialization of economic policy think tanks include emerging issues related to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The stability of the Eurozone is a cross‐cutting issue that is integrated into the internal policy discourse. The solution to the proposed model reveals five strategies followed by European think tanks.
Clinical features and risk factors of lung cancer in elderly patients with dermatomyositis
Authors: Zhou Baiyu , Li Shu , Xie Xi , Xu Suqing , Li Fen , Long Liuxin
Published: April 2023

Background

Although there are concerns about the association between dermatomyositis (DM) and malignancy, the clinical features in elderly DM patients with lung cancer are largely unknown. Here, we elucidated the clinical features and risk factors of lung cancer in elderly DM patients.

Methods

The data of elderly DM patients (≥65 years old) with or without lung cancer admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2016 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Male patients with elderly onset DM (EODM) symptoms were found to be prone to lung cancer (p < 0.001). Elderly DM patients with lung cancer had a higher ratio of a history of smoking and were more likely to present with heliotrope rash, V sign and dysphasia and elevated monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and there was a higher ratio of anti‐TIF1‐γ‐Ab‐positive patients (all p < 0.05). Occurrence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and anti‐aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase (anti‐ARS)‐antibody positive rates were less common in elderly DM patients with lung cancer than those without lung cancer (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed smoking history (p = 0.011, OR = 4.532), elevated MLR (p = 0.018, OR = 1.159) and anti‐TIF1‐γ‐Ab‐positive status (p = 0.034, OR = 8.529) were independently associated with the presence of lung cancer, while ILD might be a protective factor (p = 0.024, OR = 0.179) for lung cancer in elderly patients with DM.

Conclusions

Lung cancer is more common in male patients with EODM symptoms. Smoking, elevated MLR and being anti‐TIF1‐γ‐Ab‐positive were associated with higher frequencies of lung cancer in elderly DM patients. It is necessary to screen lung cancer in elderly DM patients with a history of smoking, elevated MLR or being anti‐TIF1‐γ‐Ab‐positive.
Novel subgroups in acute respiratory failure based on the trajectories of three endotheliopathy biomarkers: A cohort study
Authors: Schønemann‐Lund Martin , Itenov Theis S. , Larsson Johan E. , Lindegaard Birgitte , Johansson Pär I. , Bestle Morten H.
Published: April 2023

Baseline levels of endotheliopathy are associated with worse respiratory outcomes and mortality in undifferentiated acute respiratory failure (ARF), but knowledge is lacking on the development of endotheliopathy over time in ARF. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of trajectories of endotheliopathy during the first days of ARF. We performed a secondary, exploratory analysis of a single‐center prospective cohort including 459 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Based on Days 1–3 Syndecan‐1, soluble Thrombomodulin (sTM), and Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), we divided patients into subgroups using latent class mixed modeling and correlated subgroups with clinical outcomes using Cox regression. Based on Syndecan‐1 and sTM, respectively, we identified two subgroups. Based on PECAM‐1, we identified three subgroups. Subgroups based on Syndecan‐1 and sTM were identifiable from the baseline levels, but subgroups based on PECAM‐1 were not. Patients with persistently high levels of both sTM and PECAM‐1 were liberated from mechanical ventilation more slowly (Group high vs. Group low, sTM: hazard ratio [HR]: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–0.88, p = .01, PECAM‐1: HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.93, p = .02) and had higher 30‐day mortality (sTM: HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.20–3.01, p = .01, PECAM‐1: HR: 4.25, 95% CI: 1.99–9.07, p < .01). In ARF requiring mechanical ventilation, patients in subgroups with persistently high levels of sTM and PECAM‐1 had lower rates of liberation from mechanical ventilation and higher 30‐day mortality. However, patients with persistently high levels of sTM were identifiable based on the baseline level, and only the trajectory of PECAM‐1 added information to that of the baseline level.
A critical review of effects on ethanol intake of the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system in the extended amygdala: From inhibition to stimulation
Authors: Pirino Breanne E. , Kelley Abigail M. , Karkhanis Anushree N. , Barson Jessica R.
Published: April 2023

The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has increasingly been investigated as a possible pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder, but findings on the direction of its effects have been mixed. Activation of KORs by DYN has been shown to elicit dysphoric effects, and the DYN/KOR system has canonically been considered particularly important in driving alcohol intake through negative reinforcement in dependent states. However, this review also highlights its activity in opposing the positive reinforcement that drives alcohol intake at earlier stages. Both DYN and KORs are concentrated in the extended amygdala, a set of interconnected regions that includes the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central nucleus of the amygdala, and nucleus accumbens shell. This review focuses on the role of the DYN/KOR system in the extended amygdala in ethanol use. It begins by examining the effects of ethanol on the expression of DYN/KOR in the extended amygdala, expression of DYN/KOR in alcohol‐preferring and alcohol‐avoiding animals, and the effects of knocking out DYN/KOR genes on ethanol intake. Then, it examines the effects on ethanol use in both dependent and nondependent states from systemic pharmacological manipulations of DYN/KOR and from specific manipulation of this system in regions of the extended amygdala. We propose that greater expression and binding of DYN/KOR, by reducing the positive reinforcement that drives early stages of intake, initially acts to prevent the escalation of ethanol drinking. However, prolonged, binge‐like, or intermittent ethanol intake enhances levels of DYN/KOR in the extended amygdala such that the system ultimately facilitates the negative reinforcement that drives later stages of ethanol drinking. This review highlights the potential of the DYN/KOR system as a target that can affect different outcomes across different stages of ethanol drinking and the development of alcohol use disorder.
A trunk‐nesting form of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) restricted to a single host species Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae), with some comparisons to the ground‐nesting form
Authors: Perkins Lynda E. , Uemura Mizuki , Zalucki Myron P.
Published: April 2023

The Bag‐shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae: Thaumetopoeinae) is an endemic species of medical and veterinary importance that occurs throughout Australia. The gregarious species is variable with four phylogenetic clades recently identified. One clade comprises trunk‐nesters restricted to one host: the Moreton Bay Ash, Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae). Here, we describe aspects of the biology and ecology of this distinctive nesting form dupped the ‘tree‐hugger’ due to its flattish, thick silk nests that hug the trunk and larger branches. The form is univoltine; egg masses are laid in spring and the gregarious larvae develop through seven instars until the mature larvae stop feeding in autumn and later leave the nest (in a procession). The larvae over‐winter in the ground as pre‐pupae in a loose cocoon of silk. Pupation occurs in late winter and adults emerge in spring. Forty‐six per cent of monitored egg masses succeeded in developing through the lifecycle. Tachinids were common parasites of older larvae. Tree‐hugger nests provided some insulation against summer heat during the mornings, but the physical characteristics of the nests and tree trunks and the average southern orientation of the nests likely protect larvae against extreme heat. The tree‐hugger form of O. lunifer appears morphologically similar to the more ubiquitous ground‐nesting form, but there are differences in the colour of egg masses and adults, and in the behaviour and ecology of the larvae and adults. This information adds to the body of evidence supporting the definition of separate species within what is currently known as O. lunifer.
Genome‐wide association study reveals candidate genes for pollution excreta traits in pigs
Authors: Wang Junjian , Yang Huawei , Chen Shaokang , Li Weining , Yu Jian , Hu Zhengzheng , Zhuo Yue , Huang Qianqian , Liu Zhen , Zhou Lei , Wu Jianliang , Wang Zhaojun , Guo Feng , Yun Peng , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Jian‐Feng
Published: April 2023

Excreta traits comprise a very important characteristic in breeding that have been neglected for a long time. With the growth of intensive pig farming, plenty of environment problems have been raised, and people have begun to pay attention to pig excreta behaviors from genetics and breeding perspectives. However, the genetic architecture of excreta traits remains unclear. To investigate the genetic architecture of excreta traits in pigs, eight excreta traits and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were analyzed in this study. We performed genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) on 213 Yorkshire pigs and estimated genetic parameters for a total number of 290 pigs, comprising 213 Yorkshire, 52 Landrace and 25 Duroc. After analysis, eight and 22 genome‐wide significant SNPs were detected for FCR and the eight excreta traits in single‐trait GWASs separately, and 18 were detected in a multi‐trait meta‐analysis for excreta traits, six of which were detected in both the single‐trait and the multi‐trait GWAS. Eighty, 182 and 133 genes were detected within 1 Mb of the genome‐wide significant SNPs for FCR, excreta traits and multi‐trait meta‐analysis, respectively. Five candidate genes (BCKDC, DBT, ANKRD7, SHPRH and HCRT) with biochemical and physiological effects relevant to feed efficiency and excreta traits might be interesting markers for future breeding. Meanwhile, functional enrichment analysis indicates that most of the significant pathways are associated with the glutathione catabolic process, DNA topological change and replication fork protection complex. This study reveals the architecture of excreta traits in commercial pigs and offers an opportunity for decreasing the pollution from excreta using genomic selection in pigs.
Role of mechanotransduction mediated by YAP/TAZ in the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction with low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound
Authors: Liu Yang , Pan Xiao‐ying , Zhang Xiang‐xiang , Sun Ji‐lei , Mao Yin‐hui , Yang Yong , Wei Zhi‐tao
Published: April 2023

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and weakness of the penis are processes related to hemodynamic alteration. Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), as a new mechanical modality for the treatment of ED, deserves to be explored in depth for the biomechanical mechanisms it exerts.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the role of YAP/TAZ‐mediated mechanotransduction in mechanical therapy for the treatment of neurogenic erectile dysfunction (NED).

Materials and methods

Forty‐two male SD rats (12 w old) were randomly divided into sham‐operated (n = 14), bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI, n = 14), and LIPUS‐treated (n = 14) groups. Intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) was measured 14 and 28 days after treatment. Penile tissue specimens were collected for pathological examination, and the changes in YAP, TAZ, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), CYR61, LATS1, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase expression levels were assessed by Western blot, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) and immunological staining.

Results

Compared with BCNI, LIPUS significantly improved ICP/MAP levels and enhanced histopathological changes. The penile expression levels of YAP, TAZ, CTGF, and CYR61 were significantly downregulated in the BCNI group (p < 0.01), and LIPUS upregulated the expression levels of these proteins (p < 0.05). The expression levels of p‐LATS1 and LATS1 were not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the expression level of p‐p38/p38 significantly increased in BCNI rats (p < 0.05), which was reversed by LIPUS treatment (p < 0.05). However, the p38 inhibitor SB203580 did not change the expression of YAP/TAZ in rat primary smooth muscle cells or mouse MOVAS cells (p > 0.05).

Discussion and conclusion

LIPUS can effectively improve penile erectile function in NED rats. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of YAP/TAZ‐mediated mechanotransduction. However, the upstream regulatory signal may differ from the classical Hippo pathway.
Introducing robotic oesophagectomy into an Australian practice: an assessment of the early procedural outcomes and learning curve
Authors: Narendra Aaditya , Barbour Andrew
Published: April 2023

Background

Robotic oesophagectomy (RAMIO) is a novel procedure in Australia and New Zealand. We aimed to report the early operative and clinical outcomes achieved during the introduction of RAMIO into the practice of a single Australian surgeon and benchmark these against outcomes of patients receiving conventional minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) by the same surgeon.

Methods

Data on all patients undergoing RAMIO, performed by a single high‐volume Australian surgeon, were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Operative, clinical and surgical quality outcomes were benchmarked on a univariable basis against those of patients receiving MIO. Learning curves were computed using quadratic and linear regression of operating times on case‐numbers and compared using Cox regression modelling.

Results

290 patients (237 MIO, 53 RAMIO (47% Ivor‐Lewis, 53% McKeon oesophagectomy)) were included. Compared with MIO, the median thoracic operating time was 20 min longer for RAMIO (P = 0.03). Following RAMIO, there was less blood loss (P < 0.01) and a shorter length of stay (P < 0.01).There were no differences in morbidity and quality of surgery following RAMIO compared with MIO. There were no deaths following RAMIO. Having progressed from MIO, the operating times for RAMIO improved after 22 cases compared with MIO (110 cases) (HR 0.70 (0.51–0.93), P = 0.01).

Conclusion

With careful implementation, RAMIO may be safely performed within the Australian setting and is associated with a modest increase in procedure duration, but less blood loss and shorter length of stay compared with conventional MIO.
Investigating the hemodynamics of Berlin Heart EXCOR support in Norwood patients across diverse clinical scenarios with computational modeling
Authors: Yuan Victoria , De Gaetano Francesco , Osouli Kasra , Marsden Alison L. , Costantino Maria Laura
Published: April 2023

Background

Infants with single‐ventricle (SV) physiology undergo the 3‐stage Fontan surgery. Norwood patients, who have completed the first stage, face the highest interstage mortality. The Berlin Heart EXCOR (BH), a pediatric pulsatile ventricular assist device, has shown promise in supporting these patients. However, clinical questions regarding device configurations prevent optimal support.

Methods

We developed a combined idealized mechanics‐lumped parameter model of a Norwood patient and simulated two additional patient‐specific cases: pulmonary hypertension (PH) and post‐operative treatment with milrinone. We quantified the effects of BH support across different device volumes, rates, and inflow connections on patient hemodynamics and BH performance.

Results

Increasing device volume and rate increased cardiac output, but with unsubstantial changes in specific arterial oxygen content. We identified distinct SV–BH interactions that may impact patient myocardial health and contribute to poor clinical outcomes. Our results suggested BH settings for patients with PH and for patients treated post‐operatively with milrinone.

Conclusions

We present a computational model to characterize and quantify patient hemodynamics and BH support for infants with Norwood physiology. Our results emphasized that oxygen delivery does not increase with BH rate or volume, which may not meet patient needs and contribute to suboptimal clinical outcomes. Our findings demonstrated that an atrial BH may provide optimal cardiac loading for patients with diastolic dysfunction. Meanwhile, a ventricular BH decreased active stress in the myocardium and countered the effects of milrinone. Patients with PH showed greater sensitivity to device volume. In this work, we demonstrate the adaptability of our model to analyze BH support across varied clinical situations.
Introducing the Philippine Electoral Violence (PEV) data set: Uncovering trends, targets, and perpetrators of election‐related violence during the 2013–2019 elections
Authors: Deinla Imelda , Ballar Kier Jesse , Refani Renner Paul , Yap Jurel
Published: April 2023

Election‐related violence (ERV) is a recurring concern in the Philippines—considered to be one of the most violent countries in Asia. National and midterm elections which happen every 3 years are the most violent. As such, a thorough analysis on the nature of ERVs in the country is necessary to address the causes facilitating electoral violence. While there have been several ERV studies in the Philippines after the post‐1986 democratization period, this article is the first that looks at electoral violence data at both the individual and aggregate levels. This study examines incidences of ERV in the Philippines from 2013 to 2019 by creating a novel incident‐level data set, the Philippine Electoral Violence data set, constructed from online media reports. A total of 394 incidents were found over the three election periods covered in the data set, which includes at least one incident in 65 out of the 81 provinces in the country.
Development and structure of the skin in the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) in relation to epidermal adaptation of tetrapods
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

Analysis of skin development in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, indicates that keratinocytes form 2 to 3 irregular layers in tadpoles of 2–5 cm in length and are fully stratified (7–12 layers) in juveniles of 16.5–26 cm in length. The epidermis produces mucus and mainly contains intermediate filament keratins of acidic nature but also a minute amount of neutral‐basic keratins (pI 7.0–7.3), which is unique among fish. The latter keratins of 60–62 kDa, are generally present in tetrapods but the specific gene structure and amino sequence of acidic, neutral and basic keratins in N. forsteri are presently unknown. No other epidermal proteins are detected although biochemical data suggest the presence of non‐keratin proteins, including a basic type (pI 8.0–8.2) of around 32 kDa of molecular weight. The spinulated bony layer of elasmoid scales contains glycoproteins involved in mineralization, such as osteonectin and osteopontin. Also, alkaline phosphatase, involved in calcium precipitation onto the collagen matrix, has been detected in scales of juveniles up to 26 cm in length. The present review concludes that the knowledge of the data derived from epidermal and dermal protein annotation from the recently sequenced genome of this fish species will contribute to address the study on the evolution of tetrapod skin.
Asynchronous and Error-Prone Longitudinal Data Analysis via Functional Calibration
Authors: Chang Xinyue , Li Yehua , Li Yi
Published: April 2023

In many longitudinal settings, time-varying covariates may not be measured at the same time as responses and are often prone to measurement error. Naive last-observation-carried-forward methods incur estimation biases, and existing kernel-based methods suffer from slow convergence rates and large variations. To address these challenges, we propose a new functional calibration approach to efficiently learn longitudinal covariate processes based on sparse functional data with measurement error. Our approach, stemming from functional principal component analysis, calibrates the unobserved synchronized covariate values from the observed asynchronous and error-prone covariate values, and is broadly applicable to asynchronous longitudinal regression with time-invariant or time-varying coefficients. For regression with time-invariant coefficients, our estimator is asymptotically unbiased, root-n consistent, and asymptotically normal; for time-varying coefficient models, our estimator has the optimal varying coefficient model convergence rate with inflated asymptotic variance from the calibration. In both cases, our estimators present asymptotic properties superior to the existing methods. The feasibility and usability of the proposed methods are verified by simulations and an application to the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a large-scale multisite longitudinal study on women's health during midlife.
The importance of domain‐specific number abilities and domain‐general cognitive abilities for early arithmetic achievement and development
Authors: Träff Ulf , Skagerlund Kenny , Östergren Rickard , Skagenholt Mikael
Published: April 2023

Background

Children's numerical and arithmetic skills differ greatly already at an early age. Although research focusing on accounting for these large individual differences clearly demonstrates that mathematical performance draws upon several cognitive abilities, our knowledge concerning key abilities underlying mathematical skill development is still limited.

Aims

First, to identify key cognitive abilities contributing to children's development of early arithmetic skills. Second, to examine the extent to which early arithmetic performance and early arithmetic development rely on different or similar constellations of domain‐specific number abilities and domain‐general cognitive abilities.

Sample

In all, 134 Swedish children (Mage = 6 years and 4 months, SD = 3 months, 74 boys) participated in this study.

Method

Verbal and non‐verbal logical reasoning, non‐symbolic number comparison, counting knowledge, spatial processing, verbal working memory and arithmetic were assessed. Twelve months later, arithmetic skills were reassessed. A latent change score model was computed to determine whether any of the abilities accounted for variations in arithmetic development.

Results

Arithmetic performance was supported by counting knowledge, verbal and non‐verbal logical reasoning and spatial processing. Arithmetic skill development was only supported by spatial processing.

Conclusions

Results show that young children's early arithmetic performance and arithmetic development are supported by different cognitive processes. The findings regarding performance supported Fuchs et al.'s model (Dev Psychol, 46, 2010b, 1731) but the developmental findings did not. The developmental findings align partially to Geary et al.'s (J Educ Psychol, 109, 2017, 680) hypothesis stating that young children's early arithmetic development is more dependent on general cognitive abilities than number abilities.
Improved outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia infected during the omicron BA.5 subvariant surge
Authors: Bronstein Yotam , Levi Shai , Herishanu Yair
Published: April 2023

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 are at increased risk of severe COVID‐19 and death. The outcomes of CLL patients with COVID‐19 during the omicron subvariants and in particular with BA.5 are not fully elucidated. Here, we report the outcomes of 128 CLL patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 from December 2021 through November 2022. The hospitalization and 30‐day mortality rates were 26.6% (n = 34) and 4.7% (n = 6), respectively. Both hospitalizations and mortality were lower during the outbreaks of the BA.2 and BA.5 subvariants (17.2%, 0% vs. 15.2%, 0%, respectively) compared with the period dominated by the BA.1 subvariant (41.5%, 11.3%).
Dental healthcare costs of children living in Amsterdam and associated socio‐demographic characteristics
Authors: van Ligten T. S. , Schmitz D. , Volgenant C. M. C. , Donken R. , van der Heijden G. M. J. G. , Duijster D.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess associations between socio‐demographic characteristics and dental costs of children living in Amsterdam. Having incurred dental costs was an indicator for having visited the dentist. Having incurred low or high dental costs may indicate the type of dental care provided (periodic examination, preventive care or restorative treatment).

Methods

This study followed a cross‐sectional, observational design. The research population contained all children up until 17 years living in Amsterdam in 2016. Dental costs from all Dutch healthcare insurance companies were obtained via Vektis, and socio‐demographic data were obtained from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The study population was stratified into age groups: 0–4 and 5–17 years. Dental costs were classified as no dental costs (0 euros), low dental costs (>0 to <100 euros) or high dental costs (≥100 euros). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to study the distribution of dental costs and associations with socio‐demographic child and parent variables.

Results

In the population of 142 289 children, 44 887 (31.5%) incurred no dental costs, 32 463 (22.8%) incurred low dental costs and 64 939 (45.6%) incurred high dental costs. Among children of 0–4 years, a much larger proportion (70.2%) incurred no dental costs, compared to those of 5–17 years (15.8%). In both age groups, migration background (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) range 1.23–1.98), low(er) household income (aOR range 0.45–0.93), low(er) parental educational level (aOR range 0.51–0.87) and living in a single‐parent household (aOR range 0.89–0.91) were strongly associated with incurring high (vs. low) dental costs. Furthermore, in 5‐17‐year‐old children, a lower level of secondary or vocational education (aOR range 1.12–1.17) and living in households receiving social benefits (aOR 1.23) were associated with incurring high dental costs.

Conclusions

Among children living in Amsterdam in 2016, one in three children did not visit a dentist. For children that did visit a dentist, those with a migration background, low parental educational level and from a low household income were more likely to incur high dental costs, which could be indicative for additional restorative treatment. Hence, patterns of oral healthcare consumption, specified by type of dental care over time, and their association with oral health status, are targets for future research.
Global assessment of the biodiversity safeguards of development banks that finance infrastructure
Authors: Narain Divya , Sonter Laura J. , Lechner Alex Mark , Watson James E. M. , Simmonds Jeremy S. , Maron Martine
Published: April 2023

Infrastructure development is a major driver of biodiversity loss globally. With upward of US$2.5 trillion in annual investments in infrastructure, the financial sector indirectly drives this biodiversity loss. At the same time, biodiversity safeguards (project‐level biodiversity impact mitigation requirements) of infrastructure financiers can help limit this damage. The coverage and harmonization of biodiversity safeguards are important factors in their effectiveness and therefore warrant scrutiny. It is equally important to examine the extent to which these safeguards align with best‐practice principles for biodiversity impact mitigation outlined in international policies, such as that of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. We assessed the biodiversity safeguards of public development banks and development finance institutions for coverage, harmonization, and alignment with best practice. We used Institute of New Structural Economics and Agence Française de Développement's global database to identify development banks that invest in high‐biodiversity‐footprint infrastructure and have over US$500 million in assets. Of the 155 banks, 42% (n = 65) had biodiversity safeguards. Of the existing safeguards, 86% (56 of 65) were harmonized with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 6 (PS6). The IFC PS6 (and by extension the 56 safeguard policies harmonized with it) had high alignment with international best practice in biodiversity impact mitigation, whereas the remaining 8 exhibited partial alignment, incorporating few principles that clarify the conditions for effective biodiversity offsetting. Given their dual role in setting benchmarks and leveraging private finance, infrastructure financiers in development finance need to adopt best‐practice biodiversity safeguards if the tide of global biodiversity loss is to be stemmed. The IFC PS6, if strengthened, can act as a useful template for other financier safeguards. The high degree of harmonization among safeguards is promising, pointing to a potential for diffusion of practices.
Supporting conservationists’ mental health through better working conditions
Authors: Pienkowski Thomas , Keane Aidan , Castelló y Tickell Sofia , de Lange Emiel , Hazenbosch Mirjam , Khanyari Munib , Arlidge William N. S. , Baranyi Gergő , Brittain Stephanie , Kapoor Vena , Mohan Vik , Papworth Sarah , Ravi Roshni , Smit Izak P. J. , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: April 2023

Biodiversity conservation work can be challenging but rewarding, and both aspects have potential consequences for conservationists’ mental health. Yet, little is known about patterns of mental health among conservationists and its associated workplace protective and risk factors. A better understanding might help improve working conditions, supporting conservationists’ job satisfaction, productivity, and engagement, while reducing costs from staff turnover, absenteeism, and presenteeism. We surveyed 2311 conservation professionals working in 122 countries through an internet survey shared via mailing lists, social media, and other channels. We asked them about experiences of psychological distress, working conditions, and personal characteristics. Over half were from and worked in Europe and North America, and most had a university‐level education, were in desk‐based academic and practitioner roles, and responded in English. Heavy workload, job demands, and organizational instability were linked to higher distress, but job stability and satisfaction with one's contributions to conservation were associated with lower distress. Respondents with low dispositional and conservation‐specific optimism, poor physical health, and limited social support, women, and early‐career professionals were most at risk of distress in our sample. Our results flag important risk factors that employers could consider, although further research is needed among groups underrepresented in our sample. Drawing on evidence‐based occupational health interventions, we suggest measures that could promote better working conditions and thus may improve conservationists’ mental health and abilities to protect nature.
Setting recovery targets for a charismatic species in an iconic protected area complex: The case of tigers (Panthera tigris) in Chitwan–Parsa National Parks, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Bhagawan Raj , Amin Rajan , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Giri Sailendra Raj , Acharya Haribhadra , Acharya Hem Raj , Harihar Abishek
Published: April 2023

The Global Tiger Recovery Program has identified enhancing prey populations as a crucial component in achieving its target of doubling wild tiger (Panthera tigris) numbers, as prey density is a key determinant of tiger density. We estimate prey abundance and ecological carrying capacity (ECC) of tigers in the 1579 km2 Chitwan–Parsa source site complex within a globally significant tiger conservation landscape in south‐central Nepal. Surveying 605.1 km of line transects in the Terai plains and Chure hills of Chitwan–Parsa, we estimated an overall density of 55.43 (36.98–83.45) ungulates/km2, and a biomass of 244,630 (151,520–334,270) kg/100 km2 of five abundant ungulates. Chitwan supports 71.58 (49.02–104.71) and Parsa 30.91 (18.70–51.19) ungulates/km2. The prey base can support 177 (119–263) adult tigers based on energetic requirement models. The tiger ECC was ~3.5× higher in Chitwan than in Parsa at a park level. Although opportunities for further recovery of tiger and prey through targeted habitat management exist, the current population of 170 tigers indicates that this population has likely reached its current ECC. We recommend that policymakers and park managers change focus from increasing tiger numbers to developing pre‐emptive conflict mitigation strategies to allow the site to retain the successes it has realized.
Clinical research resource support for off‐site research coordinators in intensive and specialty care units
Authors: Castaneda Ismael , Marder Karen , Kashyap Sudha , Rosenbaum Michael
Published: April 2023

Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) are vital collaborators in a clinical research project. They often are the primary liaisons between investigators and human participants in studies and are involved in every aspect of many protocols, including participant recruitment, care (both usual medical care and specific study‐related monitoring and procedures), data collection, specimen processing, and follow‐up. The Clinical Translational Science Award program, which was created by the National Institutes of Health in 2006, has significantly expanded the venues in which Clinical Research Resource (CRR) – based CRCs are embedded. CRCs functioning in these areas, outside of the research‐focused in‐patient environment of the CRR, are designated as “off‐site” CRCs. Many of these locations, such as intensive care units and emergency departments, require that CRCs interact regularly with healthcare providers whose primary functions are focused on providing optimal patient care rather than research and often involving very complex patients. These off‐site CRCs require additional training and support outside of the usual research‐oriented environment of the CRR. They are required to function within the context of the patient‐care team while fostering implementation of collaborative research. This is a description of such a program specifically geared to off‐site CRCs with the goal of enhancing the quality of research and experiences of CRCs.
Model‐informed approach to support pediatric dosing for the pan‐PI3K inhibitor copanlisib in children and adolescents with relapsed/refractory solid tumors
Authors: Morcos Peter N. , Schlender Jan , Burghaus Rolf , Moss Jonathan , Lloyd Adam , Childs Barrett H. , Macy Margaret E. , Reid Joel M. , Chung John , Garmann Dirk
Published: April 2023

Copanlisib is an intravenously administered phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor which was investigated in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors. A model‐informed approach was undertaken to support and confirm an empirically selected starting dose of 28 mg/m2 for pediatric patients ≥1 year old, corresponding to 80% of the adult recommended dose adjusted for body surface area. An adult physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was initially established using copanlisib physicochemical and disposition properties and clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) data and was shown to adequately capture clinical PK across a range of copanlisib doses in adult cancer patients. The adult PBPK model was then extended to the pediatric population through incorporation of age‐dependent anatomical and physiological changes and used to simulate copanlisib exposures in pediatric cancer patient age groups. The pediatric PBPK model predicted that the copanlisib 28 mg/m2 dose would achieve similar copanlisib exposures across pediatric ages when compared with historical adult exposures following the approved copanlisib 60 mg dose administered on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28‐day cycle. Clinical PK were collected from a phase I study in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors (aged ≥4 years). An established adult population PK model was extended to incorporate an allometrically‐scaled effect of body surface area and confirmed that the copanlisib maximum tolerated dose of 28 mg/m2 was appropriate to achieve uniform copanlisib exposures across the investigated pediatric age range and consistent exposures to historical data in adult cancer patients. The model‐informed approach successfully supported and confirmed the copanlisib pediatric dose recommendation.
Evaluation of the cytochrome P450 2C19 and 3A4 inhibition potential of the complement factor 5a receptor 1 antagonist ACT‐1014‐6470 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Anliker‐Ort Marion , Dingemanse Jasper , Delahaye Stephane , Janů Luboš , van den Anker John , Berger Benjamin , Kaufmann Priska
Published: April 2023

ACT‐1014‐6470 is an orally available complement factor 5a receptor 1 antagonist and a novel treatment option in auto‐inflammatory diseases. The in vitro inhibition potential of ACT‐1014‐6470 on cytochrome P450 isozymes (CYPs) and its effect on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 substrates omeprazole and midazolam, respectively, in humans were assessed. In vitro assays were conducted with isoform‐specific substrates in human liver microsomes. In an open‐label, two‐period, fixed‐sequence cocktail study, single doses of 20 mg omeprazole and 2 mg midazolam were administered concomitantly to 20 healthy male subjects alone (treatment A) and after a single dose of 100 mg ACT‐1014‐6470 (treatment B) under fed conditions. Safety and PK assessments were performed. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of noncompartmental PK parameters of treatment B versus treatment A were calculated. In vitro, no time‐dependent inhibition was observed and the lowest inhibition constant of 4.3 μM ACT‐1014‐6470 was recorded for CYP2C19. In humans, GMRs (90% CI) of omeprazole PK were 1.9 (1.5–2.5) for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and 1.9 (1.5–2.3) for area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0‐12 h). Midazolam PK showed GMRs (90% CI) of 1.1 (1.1–1.2) for Cmax and 1.5 (1.4–1.6) for AUC0‐24 h. All treatments were well‐tolerated. In line with in vitro results and regulatory risk factor calculation, the increased exposure to omeprazole and midazolam in humans after concomitant administration with a single dose of 100 mg ACT‐1014‐6470 reflected a weak inhibition of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4.
Duration of stay and rate of subsequent criminal conviction and hospitalisation for substance use among young people admitted to a short‐term residential program
Authors: Whitten Tyson , Cale Jesse , Nathan Sally , Hayen Andrew , Williams Megan , Shanahan Marian , Ferry Mark
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study examined the association between program duration and rate of criminal conviction and hospitalisation for substance use up to 15 years later among young people admitted to a short‐term residential program for drug and alcohol use.

Methods

Data were derived from linked administrative records of all clients referred to a modified therapeutic community for young people from January 2001 to December 2016 in New South Wales, Australia (n = 3059). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses examined the rate of conviction (separately for any offence, violent offence, non‐violent offence and administrative offence) and hospitalisation for substance use, up to 15 years post‐program among young people who attended treatment for 1–29 days, 30–59 days, 60–89 days and 90–120 days.

Results

Thirty days or more in treatment was independently associated with a lower rate of conviction for any offence and a non‐violent offence, as well as hospitalisation for substance use, while 60 days or more was associated with a lower rate of conviction for a violent and administrative offence, relative to those who spent 1–29 days in the program. Additional months in the program were also associated with reduced rates of conviction and hospitalisation, although 90–120 days appeared to confer no additional benefits than 60–89 days.

Discussion and Conclusions

At least 60 days may be the minimum duration needed for short‐term, therapeutic community programs to reduce the risk of conviction across all crime types and hospitalisation for substance use.