bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purchasing performance of engineering procurement and construction companies using a fuzzy quality function deployment approach
Authors: Chavan Gitesh , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Johnston Wesley J. , Garner Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically validate an integrated model, combining fuzzy analytical hierarchy processing and quality function deployment, used to construct a purchasing performance (PP) matrix for engineering procurement and construction companies (EPCs). The relationship is established by linking internal customer needs (“whats”; product-related factors), with engineering requirements (“hows”; buyer-related factors [BRFs] and organization-related factors). Three different of buying types are included: new task, straight rebuy and modified rebuy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to determine the factors affecting PP and the extent of their influence. Evaluation of the factors affecting the PP of EPC companies is based on 32 industry experts’ opinions, supported by the academic literature.

Findings

The most significant finding is that researchers should explicitly consider BRFs like buyer knowledge, which has been missing in earlier PP models. BRFs appear to be a link between different types of buying; ignoring their importance can lead to less optimized PP and erroneous findings.

Originality/value

This research is unique, as PP models of EPC firms have neither been published nor validated empirically, either nationally or internationally. This exploratory study adds to the body of knowledge both by identifying the emerging factors that constitute the construct of the PP of EPCs and by filling the gap between theory and practice concerning an evaluation of the PP of EPCs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Corporate governance and the choice to take on the hybrid organizational model of the benefit company: evidence from Italy
Authors: Corsi Christian , Prencipe Antonio , Boffa Danilo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role assumed by corporate governance mechanisms in guiding a corporate organization to take on benefit company (BC) model using the theoretical models of agency theory and stakeholder theory applied to the corporate social responsibility activities of the firm. In detail, it has been hypothesized that the phenomenon of chief executive officer (CEO) duality, independent directors and female directors has a positive effect on the likelihood of a firm taking the model of a BC.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel sample of 354 Italian firms taking the institutional model of BC and a control group of 600 firms extracted from the Aida BvD database were analysed. Data covers a period from 2009 to 2018. To empirically validate the advanced research hypotheses, four non-linear probit regression models were estimated.

Findings

The results show that CEO duality seems to have a positive influence on the company’s likelihood of taking the model of a BC. Similarly, the independence of the board of directors and the gender diversity within the board of directors have a positive impact on the company’s likelihood of assuming the model of a BC.

Originality/value

The research work contributes at integrating the emerging debates into the literature about the relationship between corporate governance and corporate responsibilities by expanding them into new and emerging business context of the hybrid organizational model. Further, the systematic use of the theoretical models of agency theory and stakeholder theory applied to socially responsible activities will improve the understanding of the heterogeneous relationships between corporate governance and choice for the institutional model of BC.
Antecedent factors that affect restaurant brand trust and brand loyalty: focusing on US and Korean consumers
Authors: Kwon June-Hyuk , Jung Seung-Hye , Choi Hyun-Ju , Kim Joonho
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to empirically analyze the effects of marketing communications, such as advertisement/promotion and social network service (SNS) content, on consumer engagement (CE), brand trust and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s participants were 230 US and 376 Korean consumers who have used (i.e. contacted) a food service establishment (i.e. family restaurant) at least once before and who continue to use an SNS (e.g. Facebook and Instagram). This study conducted a hypothesis test using structural equation modeling analysis. In addition, hierarchical analysis was performed to further generalize and support the statistical analysis results.

Findings

Advertisement/promotion and SNS content have a statistically significant positive effect on CE. Advertisement/promotion has a statistically significant positive effect on brand trust, and SNS content has a statistically significant negative effect on brand trust. CE has a statistically significant positive effect on brand trust, and CE and brand trust have a statistically significant positive effect on brand loyalty. No statistically significant differences were shown between the US and Korean consumer groups (critical ratios for difference of path coefficient < ± 1.96). The hypothesis test results of the structural equation model analysis and hierarchical analysis were the same for the entire group.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that the overall mediating role of CE is important. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate which marketing communication channels are most effective in the restaurant sector.
Law enforcement worker suicide: an updated national assessment
Authors: Violanti John M. , Steege Andrea
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to update the assessment of national data on law enforcement worker suicide based on the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance database (NOMS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Design/methodology/approach

Death certificate data for 4,441,814 decedents, age 18–90 who died in one of the 26 reporting states were the source of NOMS data. Utilizing proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs), the ratio of suicides in law enforcement occupations in those who are 18–90 years old with a designated usual occupation was calculated.

Findings

Findings indicate a significantly higher proportion of deaths from suicide for law enforcement officers (PMR = 154, 95% CI = 147–162), compared to all the US decedents in the study population who were employed during their lifetime. Law enforcement personnel are 54% more likely to die of suicide than all decedents with a usual occupation. PMRs were highest for African-Americans, Hispanic males and for females. PMRs were similar for detectives, corrections officers and all law enforcement jobs, when not stratified by race, ethnicity and sex.

Research limitations/implications

Bias may arise because a PMR can be affected by disproportionate increased or decreased mortality from causes of death other than suicide.

Practical implications

A better understanding of the scope of law enforcement suicide can inform policy focused on the planning and initiation of prevention programs.

Originality/value

The use of a national database to study law enforcement worker suicide adds to other information available on law enforcement worker suicide in specific geographic areas. The discussion on prevention in this paper presents ideas for policy.
Endemicity and land‐use type influence the abundance–range‐size relationship of birds on a tropical island
Authors: Sreekar Rachakonda , Sam Katerina , Dayananda Salindra K. , Goodale Uromi Manage , Kotagama Sarath W. , Goodale Eben
Published: October 2020

A single adverse environment event can threaten the survival of small‐ranged species while random fluctuations in population size increase the extinction risk of less‐abundant species. The abundance–range‐size relationship (ARR) is usually positive, which means that smaller‐ranged species are often of low abundance and might face both problems simultaneously.

The ARR has been reported to be negative on tropical islands, perhaps allowing endemic species in such environments to remain extant. But there is a need to understand how endemism and land‐use interact to shape ARR.

Using 41 highly replicated transects along the full elevational gradient of Sri Lanka, we determined the following: (a) the direction of ARR, (b) if endemism affects ARR and (c) if land‐use (rainforest, buffer and agriculture) changes ARR differently for endemics and non‐endemics. Additionally, (d) we identified endemics that had both lower abundances and smaller range sizes, and ranked them from most threatened (specific to rainforests) to least threatened using a weighted‐interaction nestedness estimator.

(a) We found a positive relationship between species abundances and range size. This positive ARR was maintained among endemic and non‐endemic species, across land‐use types and at local and regional scales. (b) The ARR interacted with endemicity and land‐use. Endemics with smaller range sizes had higher abundances than non‐endemics, and particularly higher in rainforests compared to agriculture. In contrast, species with larger range sizes had similar abundances across endemicity and land‐use categories. Many endemics with smaller range sizes are globally threatened; therefore, higher abundances may buffer them from extinction risks. (c) Nine (29%) endemics had both below average abundance and elevational range size. The nestedness estimator ranked the endemics Sri Lanka Whistling ThrushMyophonus blighi, Red‐faced MalkohaPhaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus, Sri Lanka ThrushZoothera imbricataand White‐faced StarlingSturnornis albofrontusas the four most vulnerable species to local extinction risk, which corresponds to their global extinction risk.

We demonstrate that ARR can be positive on tropical islands, but it is influenced by endemism and land‐use. Examining shifts in ARR is not only important to understand community dynamics but can also act as a tool to inform managers about species that require monitoring programmes.
Designing an intervention process that embeds work‐focussed interventions within inpatient rehabilitation: An intervention mapping approach
Authors: O’Keefe Sophie , Stanley Mandy , Sansonetti Danielle , Schneider Emma J. , Kras Marni , Morarty Jacqui , Lannin Natasha A.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Returning to work is a goal for many people after brain injury. The failure to return to work after injury brings both economic and personal (quality of life) costs to those living with stroke or brain injury, their families, and society. This study explored the barriers to providing work‐focused interventions during hospital‐based rehabilitation and co‐created solutions with rehabilitation providers to increase the provision of work‐focused intervention during inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

This study used an Intervention Mapping approach (a six‐step protocol that guides the design of complex interventions) based on an action research methodology. Focus group data, in addition to best evidence from systematic reviews, practice guidelines and key articles were combined with theoretical models for changing behaviour and clinician experience. This was then systematically operationalised into an intervention process using consensus among clinicians. The process was further refined through piloting and feedback from key stakeholders, and group consensus on the final process.

Results

A detailed five phase return to work intervention process for inpatient rehabilitation was developed. The key features of the process include; having one key allied health clinician to coordinate the process, choosing assessments based on pre‐injury work demands, emphasising the importance of core work skills and considering the most appropriate service for referral at the conclusion of rehabilitation.

Conclusion

We used a systematic approach, guided by the intervention mapping approach and behaviour change theory to tailor existing workfocused interventions to the inpatient setting.
Adaptive evolution of a melanized fungus reveals robust augmentation of radiation resistance by abrogating non‐homologous end‐joining
Authors: Romsdahl Jillian , Schultzhaus Zachary , Chen Amy , Liu Jing , Ewing Alexander , Hervey Judson , Wang Zheng
Published: October 2020

Fungi have been observed to exhibit resistance to high levels of ionizing radiation despite sharing most DNA repair mechanisms with other eukaryotes. Radioresistance, in fact, is such a common feature in fungi that it is difficult to identify species that exhibit widely different radiosensitivities, which in turn has hampered the identification of genetic elements responsible for this resistance phenotype. Due to the inherent mutagenic properties of radiation exposure, however, this can be addressed through adaptive laboratory evolution for increased ionizing radiation resistance. Here, using the black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis, we demonstrate that resistance to γ‐radiation can be greatly increased through repeated rounds of irradiation and outgrowth. Moreover, we find that the small genome size of fungi situates them as a relatively simple functional genomics platform for identification of mutations associated with ionizing radiation resistance. This enabled the identification of genetic mutations in genes encoding proteins with a broad range of functions from 10 evolved strains. Specifically, we find that greatly increased resistance to γ‐radiation is achieved in E. dermatitidis through disruption of the non‐homologous end‐joining pathway, with three individual evolutionary paths converging to abolish this DNA repair process. This result suggests that non‐homologous end‐joining, even in haploid cells where homologous chromosomes are not present during much of the cell cycle, is an impediment to repair of radiation‐induced lesions in this organism, and that the relative levels of homologous and non‐homologous repair in a given fungal species may play a major role in its radiation resistance.
Survival of Lactobacillus casei and functional characteristics of reduced sugar red beetroot yoghurt with natural sugar substitutes
Authors: Ozcan Tulay , Ozdemir Tugce , Avci Halil Riza
Published: October 2020

In this study, probiotic gel fermentation and functional characteristics of reduced sugar yoghurt with red beetroot bioactive components and steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana extracts as natural source of noncaloric sweeteners were investigated. A significant increase in Lactobacillus casei viability and fermented gel network and a decrease in syneresis were determined in yoghurt sweetened with steviol glycosides and high content of red beetroot bioactive components such as total phenolics, anthocyanins and total antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP). The survival of L. casei was maintained within probiotic and therapeutic levels (>9 log10 CFU/g), due to the possible prebiotic effect of steviol glycosides and fermentable fibres and phenolic compounds of red beetroot during 28 days of cold storage of the probiotic yoghurts. Colour properties (L*, a*, b*, ΔE*, C*, h*) and such sensory properties as smoothness, sweetness astringency were significantly affected. The highest organic acid content was found in red beetroot enriched yoghurt with stevia, while the most dominant organic acids were butyric, lactic, malic and citric. As a result, it was determined that fermented milk products, which are supported by phytochemical and steviol glycoside interactions, have adequate nutritional effects, high probiotic viability and acceptable sensory properties
Ovarian stiffness increases with age in the mammalian ovary and depends on collagen and hyaluronan matrices
Authors: Amargant Farners , Manuel Sharrón L. , Tu Qing , Parkes Wendena S. , Rivas Felipe , Zhou Luhan T. , Rowley Jennifer E. , Villanueva Cecilia E. , Hornick Jessica E. , Shekhawat Gajendra S. , Wei Jian‐Jun , Pavone Mary Ellen , Hall Adam R. , Pritchard Michele T. , Duncan Francesca E.
Published: October 2020

Fibrosis is a hallmark of aging tissues which often leads to altered architecture and function. The ovary is the first organ to show overt signs of aging, including increased fibrosis in the ovarian stroma. How this fibrosis affects ovarian biomechanics and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using instrumental indentation, we demonstrated a quantitative increase in ovarian stiffness, as evidenced by an increase in Young's modulus, when comparing ovaries from reproductively young (6–12 weeks) and old (14–17 months) mice. This ovarian stiffness was dependent on collagen because ex vivo enzyme‐mediated collagen depletion in ovaries from reproductively old mice restored their collagen content and biomechanical properties to those of young controls. In addition to collagen, we also investigated the role of hyaluronan (HA) in regulating ovarian stiffness. HA is an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that maintains tissue homeostasis, and its loss can change the biomechanical properties of tissues. The total HA content in the ovarian stroma decreased with age, and this was associated with increased hyaluronidase (Hyal1) and decreased hyaluronan synthase (Has3) expression. These gene expression differences were not accompanied by changes in ovarian HA molecular mass distribution. Furthermore, ovaries from mice deficient in HAS3 were stiffer compared to age‐matched WT mice. Our results demonstrate that the ovary becomes stiffer with age and that both collagen and HA matrices are contributing mechanisms regulating ovarian biomechanics. Importantly, the age‐associated increase in collagen and decrease in HA are conserved in the human ovary and may impact follicle development and oocyte quality.
Resilient responses by bats to a severe wildfire: conservation implications
Authors: Ancillotto L. , Bosso L. , Conti P. , Russo D.
Published: October 2020

Wildfires shape ecosystems globally, yet little is known on their effects on wildlife distribution and spatial behaviour. We used bats as models to test the effects of fire on ecosystems because they are multi‐habitat specialists and feature ecological and life traits such as behavioural plasticity and longevity that make them able to respond to both short‐ and long‐term environmental changes. We aimed at testing the effects of a severe wildfire on a Mediterranean bat assemblage in terms of occupancy, activity and individual fitness. Here, we measure the effects of fire on activity levels and occupancy by a Mediterranean bat assemblage at the Vesuvius National Park, in Southern Italy, over 4 years, encompassing a year when a severe wildfire occurred. By comparing bat occurrence and activity at burnt versus unburnt sites with a Before‐After/Control‐Impact approach, we found that bat responses to wildfires are species specific and depend on the time elapsed since the fire. Species that rely more strongly on forest areas showed a strong short‐term adverse response in terms of occupancy and activity, while species adapted to open habitats showed no response 1 year after the wildfire. However, most species showed a general positive effect due to the passage of fire 2 years after its occurrence, probably because of vegetation regrowth. The wildfire event was also associated with reduced reproduction in at least one species, and to worse individual body conditions 1 year after the wildfire. Our results show that most bats in a Mediterranean ecosystem show resilience to the occurrence of fire, yet many species show negative short‐term responses by altering their spatial behaviour and decreasing their investment in reproduction. Future increases in fire occurrence and intensity due to climate change may alter bat assemblages and impair population viability in the long term, hampering the fundamental ecosystem services provided by structured bat communities.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in acral melanoma: A Korean single‐center experience with 107 patients (2006–2018)
Authors: Sohng Chihyeon , Sim Hyun Bo , Kim Jun Young , Lim Yangsoo , Han Man Hoon , Lee Hoseok , Ahn Byeong‐Cheol , Huh Seung , Lee Seok‐Jong
Published: October 2020

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) of primary cutaneous melanoma as an important staging method has not been popularly undertaken in Korea and only a few studies with small patient numbers have been published.

Aim: We examined the clinical feasibility and overall outcomes of SLNB in acral melanoma (AM) of Korean in Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH) over the past 13 years.

Methods: SLNB in AM patients during 2006–2018 were analyzed retrospectively for sentinel lymph node (SLN) harvesting rate, positivity rate, positivity‐relevant overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS), and its side effects.

Results: A total of 109 AM patients who underwent SLNB were enrolled. Harvested nodes were identified from 107 patients and SLN harvesting rate was 98.2%. The mean Breslow thickness (±standard deviation) was 3.38 ± 3.03 mm, and the proportion of ulcerated melanomas was 64%. Twenty‐two (20.6%) had a tumor‐positive SLN and, among them, 82% (18/22) underwent immediate complete lymph node dissection (CLND). The metastasis‐positive nodal basin after CLND was detected in 16.7% of cases (3/18). Tumor‐negative SLN cohorts showed significantly better OS and DFS than tumor‐positive ones (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001 for each). Two side effects, one seroma and one lymphocele, were observed without major sequelae.

Conclusion: SLNB, crucial management of melanoma, proved its efficacy to predict patients’ prognosis and could be performed successfully and safely in Korean AM patients by interdisciplinary cooperation between dermatology and other surgical departments. SLN(−) showed significantly better OS and DFS than SLN(+). Significant risk factors for DFS were Breslow thickness, the presence of ulceration and the presence of SLN metastasis. SLNB should be encouraged in order to stage melanoma accurately and direct the proper management in Korean AM.
Factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence in breast and colorectal cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study of cancer survivors
Authors: Nahm Sharon H. , Blinman Prunella , Butler Sue , Tan S. Y. Cindy , Vardy Janette
Published: October 2020

Aim

To define the prevalence and severity of fear of cancer recurrence and identify factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer and colorectal cancer survivors attending the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Clinic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed using prospectively collected data. Survivors completed questionnaires assessing quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General and symptoms (Distress Thermometer, Patient's Disease and Treatment Assessment Form)). Survivors were assessed by a clinical psychologist for the presence of fear of cancer recurrence. Clinical and quality of life variables were evaluated for associations with fear of cancer recurrence.

Results

Overall, 315 survivors (181 breast cancer, 134 colorectal cancer) were included. In total, 201 survivors (64%) had fear of cancer recurrence according to psychology assessment, and of the 118 that had fear of cancer recurrence severity recorded, 64 (54%) were rated as moderate‐severe. On univariate analysis, fear of cancer recurrence was associated with younger age (P < 0.001), higher distress thermometer score (P = 0.001) and poorer overall wellbeing (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.043), being bothered by side effects of treatment (P = 0.023), feeling sad (P = 0.020) and greater worry that their condition will get worse (P = 0.017) were independently associated with fear of cancer recurrence.

Conclusions

Fear of cancer recurrence is common in breast and colorectal cancer survivors, and moderate‐severe in over half. Fear of cancer recurrence was independently associated with younger age, feeling sad, being more bothered by side effects.
Responsibility For Financial Crises
Authors: Wiedenbrüg Anahí
Published: October 2020

How is the unjust global order reproduced, and how are we to think about individual responsibility therefor? Social and global justice scholars have devoted much thought to these two interrelated questions. In this article I argue that to capture the multifaceted responsibility picture for the reproduction of the unjust global order, an integrated responsibility model is needed, which builds on, integrates and revises existing responsibility theories. To do so, I analyze one set of complex social processes through which the unjust global order is reproduced, namely financial crises. The integrated responsibility model defended offers three heuristic categories to think through the full responsibility picture for the reproduction of the unjust global order via financial crises: the structural‐agential level, structural processes proper, and the structural‐systemic level.
Psychoanalytic infant observation in China‐The mental health of children separated from parents
Authors: Sze Maranda Yee Tak , Ba Tong , Dai Alice Aifang
Published: October 2020

Through the lens of psychoanalytic infant observation, the authors introduce some characteristics of Chinese urban families, most of which have grandparents to participate in the caretaking of infants. In some cases, infants may be separated from parents. These phenomena are understood in terms of cultural, political, social, economic and psychological dimensions. The observational frame is compared to the clinical frame and the patient's handling of the frame throws light to his/her internal world. In some cases, this internal world may be populated by absent objects. Related mental health difficulties are illustrated by two clinical vignettes of adult patients who experienced long‐term parental absence in childhood.
Relation between non‐infectious factors and neonatal calf health status in dairy herd
Authors: Karslıoğlu Kara Nurcan
Published: October 2020

The aim of this research was to determine some non‐infectious factors (sex of calf, calf birth weight, calving season and dam parity and dam body condition score at dry and calving) that can under control by breeders affecting calf health status (CHS) in neonatal period. A total of 517 calves (from delivery of calf until 28 days) and their dams (at dry and calving) were assessed according to study criteria. Relationship between CHS and dam parity (DP), body condition score at calving (BCSC), body condition score at dry (BCSD), sex of calf (SC), calf birth weight (CBW), and calving season (CS) was examined and connection between CHS and BCSD, CS, and CBW was found important. Also, influences of DP, SC BCSC, and BCSD on CBW were examined and while effects of DP and SC on CBW were found important, effects of others were not. These results show that relation between CHS and CBW, CS, and BCSD is important and CHS is higher in female calves or calves born to multiparous dams. As a conclusion, it can be said that planning the herd management practices according to these results will be beneficial for the healthier completion of the neonatal period.
Effects of oat hay and leguminous forage mixture feeding on enteric methane emission, energy utilization, and feed conversion efficiency in male crossbred Simmental beef cattle
Authors: Du Wuchen , Hou Fujiang , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Peng Fei , Ichinohe Toshiyoshi
Published: October 2020

Dietary manipulation has the potential to mitigate methane (CH4) emission and to maintain or enhance livestock productivity. We conducted two experiments to investigate the effects of replacing oat hay by leguminous forages (alfalfa hay [AH], 0, 8, 16, and 24%, experiment 1; common vetch hay [CVH], 0, 10, 20, and 30%, experiment 2) on energy metabolism of crossbred Simmental cattle. In experiment 1, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations increased quadratically with increasing AH proportions (p = .006) with a forage‐to‐concentrate ratio of approximately 50:50, whereas the CH4 energy to gross energy intake ratio (CH4‐E:GEI) was significantly lower with 16% AH compared with 24% AH diet (p < .05). In experiment 2, there were no differences in the total VFA concentrations among the four diet groups with a forage‐to‐concentrate ratio of around 60:40 (p > .05); however, CH4‐E:GEI was significantly lower in the 30% CVH diet compared with the 10% CVH diet (p < .05). There was no significant difference in feed conversion efficiency among the four diet groups in each experiment. The results suggest that substituting 16 and 30% oat hay by AH and CVH provide optimal diets with forage‐to‐concentrate ratios of 50:50 and 60:40, respectively, which may reduce CH4 emission without compromising the feed conversion efficiency of crossbred Simmental cattle.
Effect of pomegranate by‐product silage on feed intake, blood metabolites, inflammatory responses, and prostaglandin F2α metabolites in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Choupani Mohammad , Riasi Ahmad , Kowsar Rasoul , Khorsandi Simin
Published: October 2020

Dairy cows often suffer metabolic disorders due to the challenges of the transition period. The aim of study was to determine the effects of feeding pomegranate by‐product silage (PBS) on feed intake and some blood parameters, such as non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), serum amyloid‐A (SAA), prostaglandin F2α metabolites (PGFM), and progesterone (P4) in fresh Holstein cows. The experimental groups were as follows: CON (0 g PBS of DM) and PBS (120 g PBS of DM). Results showed that replacing corn silage with PBS had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) throughout the study. The CON group had highest (p < .05) NEFA at 14 d postpartum and serum BHBA was decreased by feeding PBS, especially on days 21 (p < .05) and 28 (p < .05) and the entire study (p < .01). Cows fed PBS had lower (p < .05) serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) than CON cows at different times. Feeding PBS decreased (p < .01) serum IL‐1 compared to CON group (216.7 versus. 515.5 Pg/ml) at 28 d postpartum, and also cows fed 120 g PBS had higher (p < .01) serum P4. It was concluded that feeding PBS had no adverse effect on feed intake, milk production, and some reproductive parameters. Moreover, PBS positively affected serum metabolites in fresh dairy cows.
Preliminary investigation of the use of dietary supplementation with probiotic Bacillus subtilis strain QST713 shows that it attenuates antimicrobial‐induced dysbiosis in weaned piglets
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Kimura Yutaka , Inoue Ryo , Iwata Takashi
Published: October 2020

Growth performance of pigs has been associated with healthy gut microbiota. To improve production, pigs are usually treated with antimicrobials. Nonetheless, while antimicrobials harm the gut‐indigenous microbiota, probiotic supplementation seems to help keep it healthy. Here, using antimicrobials, we artificially induced dysbiosis in pigs and evaluated a possible preventive effect of probiotic supplementation. Three 6‐week‐old piglets were given a basal feed, and 3 more the feed supplemented with 2.0 × 106 CFU of Bacillus subtilis QST713/g of feed. After 14 days, antimicrobial enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg B.W.) was injected intramuscularly to all pigs on days 14–16. Feces were collected on days 14, 17, 19, 21, and 23. Total bacteria count was unaffected by enrofloxacin or QST713. However, Lactobacillus spp. and, in particular, Escherichia coli were affected by enrofloxacin, the latter not being observed in the feces on days 17 and 19. Interestingly, a reciprocal increase in E. coli was observed in control pigs on days 21 and 23, although in QST713‐supplemented piglets, this increase was attenuated. While the gut microbiota composition did not return to initial levels in antimicrobial‐administered piglets, it did in QST713‐supplemented piglets. QST713 supplementation was likely crucial to keep the microbiota of piglets healthy.
Piglet production by non‐surgical transfer of vitrified embryos, transported to commercial swine farms and warmed on site
Authors: Tajima Shigeyuki , Motoyama Sawako , Wakiya Yuichiro , Uchikura Kenzo , Misawa Hiroyasu , Takishita Rie , Hirayama Yuri , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: October 2020

We investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns‐ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns‐ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1‐day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns‐ET using recipients with a 1‐day delay and vitrified embryos after one‐step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns‐ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns‐ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns‐ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms.
Exosomes and extracellular vesicles as liquid biopsy biomarkers in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: Current state of the art and unmet clinical needs
Authors: Ofori Kenneth , Bhagat Govind , Rai Alex J.
Published: October 2020

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, and it constitutes biologically heterogeneous entities. Standard first‐line therapies cure ~60% of patients, the rest being either refractory or experiencing relapse. Currently, there are no robust predictive biomarkers of therapeutic response. Heterogeneity of DLBCL is partly explained by the cell of origin (COO), ie, germinal centre B cell or activated B cell, with the latter exhibiting worse prognosis. While gene expression profiling (GEP) is the gold standard for determining COO, surrogate immunohistochemical algorithms are used clinically, but show significant discordance with GEP. Recently, additional genetic subgroups with different prognoses have been reported. However, the tools/expertise required for analysis prohibit widespread deployment. Liquid biopsy‐based assays show promise in providing clinically actionable information, are noninvasive and facilitate serial sampling to assess mechanisms of therapy resistance. Circulating, cell‐free DNA analysis has shown enhanced sensitivity for detecting molecular alterations, but this modality cannot determine alterations of the tumor proteome or on signalling pathways. Exosomes are endosomally derived vesicles, are found in high abundance in body fluids and are readily isolated using a variety of methods. Tumour‐derived exosomes can yield data regarding genetic, transcriptional, and proteomic changes useful for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of DLBCL. At present, standardized techniques for isolating exosomes are lacking and discriminating between exosomes from neoplastic and normal B cells is challenging. Refinements in isolation procedures are required to realize their full potential as precision medicine tools to provide comprehensive information on disease subtypes, identify prognostic factors, allow real‐time monitoring of therapy response and delineate novel drug targets.
Screening for liver X receptor modulators: Where are we and for what use?
Authors: Buñay Julio , Fouache Allan , Trousson Amalia , de Joussineau Cyrille , Bouchareb Erwan , Zhu Zhekun , Kocer Ayhan , Morel Laurent , Baron Silvere , Lobaccaro Jean‐Marc A.
Published: October 2020

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that are canonically activated by oxidized derivatives of cholesterol. Since the mid‐90s, numerous groups have identified LXRs as endocrine receptors that are involved in the regulation of various physiological functions. As a result, when their expression is genetically modified in mice, phenotypic analyses reveal endocrine disorders ranging from infertility to diabetes and obesity, nervous system pathologies such Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, immunological disturbances, inflammatory response, and enhancement of tumour development. Based on such findings, it appears that LXRs could constitute good pharmacological targets to prevent and/or to treat these diseases. This review discusses the various aspects of LXR drug discovery, from the tools available for the screening of potential LXR modulators to the current situational analysis of the drugs in development.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
Skill transferability and the earnings of immigrants
Authors: Manuel Nick , Plesca Miana
Published: October 2020

Using data on immigrants from the Canadian Census, we compare immigrants who received a bachelor's degree from a Canadian university to immigrants who receive a bachelor's degree in their home country, in order to investigate the returns to skills acquired in Canada versus skills acquired abroad. Our measure of skill is based on postsecondary fields of study linked to the O*NET matrix of skills and competencies. We find that immigrants educated in Canada receive higher returns to their communication skills than those educated abroad. To a lesser degree, they also receive higher returns to their logical and technical skills. These gaps in skill returns explain the entirety of Canadian‐educated immigrant's 10% earnings advantage. Our results are robust to controlling for the quality of universities in the immigrant's country of study and for occupation and industry choice. The gaps are stable across time and across quantiles of the immigrant earnings distribution.
COVID‐19: Impact of obesity and diabetes on disease severity
Authors: Al‐Sabah Salman , Al‐Haddad Mohannad , Al‐Youha Sarah , Jamal Mohammad , Almazeedi Sulaiman
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is straining the healthcare system, particularly for patients with severe outcomes requiring admittance to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study investigated the potential associations of obesity and diabetes with COVID‐19 severe outcomes, assessed as ICU admittance. Medical history, demographic and patient characteristics of a retrospective cohort (1158 patients) hospitalized with COVID‐19 were analysed at a single centre in Kuwait. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the associations between different variables and ICU admittance. Of 1158 hospitalized patients, 271 had diabetes, 236 had hypertension and 104 required admittance into the ICU. From patients with available measurements, 157 had body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2. Univariate analysis showed that overweight, obesity class I and morbid obesity were associated with ICU admittance. Patients with diabetes were more likely to be admitted to the ICU. Two models for multivariate regression analysis assessed either BMI or diabetes on ICU outcomes. In the BMI model, class I and morbid obesities were associated with ICU admittance. In the diabetes model, diabetes was associated with increased ICU admittance, whereas hypertension had a protective effect on ICU admittance. In our cohort, overweight, obesity and diabetes in patients with COVID‐19 were associated with ICU admittance, increasing the risk of poor outcomes.
Bringing owners back on board: A review of the role of ownership type in board governance
Authors: Federo Ryan , Ponomareva Yuliya , Aguilera Ruth V. , Saz‐Carranza Angel , Losada Carlos
Published: October 2020

Research Question/Issue

In this comprehensive literature review, we synthesize and analyze the current state of academic research regarding the relatively understudied relationship between the type of owners and board governance.

Research Findings/Insights

Our review of the existing literature at the intersection of ownership and board governance research discusses how six distinct ownership types—pertaining to family, lone founder, corporation, institutional investor, state, and venture capitalist—shape board governance, defined as board structure, composition, and processes. We also uncover the influence of ownership type on board functional performance (i.e., monitoring, resource provision, and strategic involvement) and the implications of these owner–board relationships for a variety of firm outcomes (related to performance and compliance).

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We present identifiable patterns in board governance and functional performance associated with each ownership type and their respective implications for a wide range of firm outcomes. We then propose seven core emerging themes that deserve further scholarly attention.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our analysis cautions against the application of the “one‐size‐fits‐all” best‐practices approach in board governance advocated by policy makers, scholars, and corporate governance activists and underscores the need to consider the contingent effects of different owners' behaviors and interests in shaping and assessing board governance.
Focal nonmotor versus motor seizures: The impact on diagnostic delay in focal epilepsy
Authors: Pellinen Jacob , Tafuro Erica , Yang Annie , Price Dana , Friedman Daniel , Holmes Manisha , Barnard Sarah , Detyniecki Kamil , Hegde Manu , Hixson John , Haut Sheryl , Kälviäinen Reetta , French Jacqueline ,   the Human Epilepsy Project Co‐Investigators
Published: October 2020

Objective

To test the hypothesis that people with focal epilepsy experience diagnostic delays that may be associated with preventable morbidity, particularly when seizures have only nonmotor symptoms, we compared time to diagnosis, injuries, and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in people with focal nonmotor versus focal seizures with motor involvement at epilepsy onset.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the enrollment data from the Human Epilepsy Project, which enrolled participants between 2012 and 2017 across 34 sites in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia, within 4 months of treatment for focal epilepsy. A total of 447 participants were grouped by initial seizure semiology (focal nonmotor or focal with motor involvement) to compare time to diagnosis and prediagnostic injuries including MVAs.

Results

Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. There were 246 participants (55%) with nonmotor seizures and 201 participants (45%) with motor seizures at epilepsy onset. Median time to diagnosis from first seizure was 10 times longer in patients with nonmotor seizures compared to motor seizures at onset (P < .001). The number and severity of injuries were similar between groups. However, 82.6% of MVAs occurred in patients with undiagnosed nonmotor seizures.

Significance

This study identifies reasons for delayed diagnosis and consequences of delay in patients with new onset focal epilepsy, highlighting a treatment gap that is particularly significant in patients who experience nonmotor seizures at epilepsy onset.
Fenfluramine HCl (Fintepla®) provides long‐term clinically meaningful reduction in seizure frequency: Analysis of an ongoing open‐label extension study
Authors: Sullivan Joseph , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Lagae Lieven , Nabbout Rima , Pringsheim Milka , Talwar Dinesh , Polster Tilman , Galer Bradley , Lock Michael , Agarwal Anupam , Gammaitoni Arnold , Morrison Glenn , Farfel Gail
Published: October 2020

Objective

Fenfluramine has been shown to provide clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in convulsive seizure frequency in children and adolescents (aged 2‐18 years) with Dravet syndrome in two randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials. The objective of this analysis was to assess longer‐term safety and efficacy of fenfluramine in patients who completed one of the double‐blind studies and entered an open‐label extension (OLE) study.

Methods

Patients enrolling in the OLE study initiated fenfluramine at 0.2 mg/kg/d regardless of their treatment assignment in the double‐blind study. After 4 weeks, the fenfluramine dose could be titrated based on efficacy and tolerability to maximum of 0.7 mg/kg/d (absolute maximum 27 mg/d) or maximum of 0.4 mg/kg/d (absolute maximum 17 mg/d) in patients receiving concomitant stiripentol. The number and type of seizures were recorded daily in an electronic diary, and safety, including echocardiography, was assessed at Months 1, 2, and 3, and at 3‐month intervals thereafter.

Results

A total of 232 patients were enrolled as of March 13, 2018. During this analysis period, patients were treated for a median 256 days (range = 46‐634 days). Over the entire OLE analysis period, the median decrease in convulsive seizure frequency compared to baseline in the double‐blind studies was −66.8% (range = −100% to 234.9%; P < .001). The median reduction in seizure frequency was similar in patients <6 (−75.7%) and ≥6 years old (−64.7%). The most commonly reported adverse events included pyrexia (21.6%), nasopharyngitis (19.4%), and decreased appetite (−15.9%). No valvular heart disease (VHD) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was observed.

Significance

Study results demonstrate that fenfluramine provides clinically meaningful (≥50%) seizure frequency reduction over an extended period in patients with Dravet syndrome. No patient developed VHD or PAH, and fenfluramine was generally well tolerated.
Development of behavioral and physiological thermoregulatory mechanisms with body size in juvenile bigeye tuna Thunnus obesus
Authors: Hino Haruhiko , Kitagawa Takashi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Aoki Yoshinori , Kimura Shingo
Published: October 2020

Changes in the thermoregulatory mechanisms of juvenile bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) as body size increases were investigated by comparing associative (fish associated with floating objects) and characteristic (non‐associative) behaviors using archival tag data from 15 fish released in Japanese waters [49–72 cm fork length (FL) at release, 3–503 days]. The thermal excess (body temperature minus ambient temperature) during characteristic behavior was about 0.7–2.3°C higher than that during associative behavior in equally sized fish, and both increased with body size. Heat budget models indicated that the increases in the thermal excess of both behaviors could be attributed to decreases in the whole‐body heat transfer coefficient (λ) while descending. Thermoregulatory mechanisms appear to develop with body size by controlling λ during descents and ascents, especially in characteristic behavior (associative: 50 cm FL, 2.6‐fold; 95 cm FL, 6.4‐fold; characteristic: 55 cm FL, 5.5‐fold; 95 cm FL, 15.8‐fold). The λ increases while ascending to allow rapid body temperature recovery by absorbing the ambient heat in warmer, shallower water and is restricted for thermoconservation while descending to deeper, cooler water. The heat production results and calculated body temperatures for both behaviors suggest that associative behavior is the inactive state, so physiological thermoregulatory energy may be less necessary than during characteristic behavior. As body bulk λ decreased with body size, it appears that physiological thermoregulation, by controlling arterial blood flow and/or vasoconstriction, develops to adapt to deeper, offshore waters for better exploitation of prey, in turn supporting the increasing energy demands of larger fish.