bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Women MSMEs in times of crisis: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Sultan Suhail , Sultan Wasim I.M. 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis study addresses the impact of the corona crisis on the performance of women small- to medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and explores the adopted innovative strategies by these women to stay in their businesses.Design/methodology/approachBoth quantitative and qualitative methods are used in this cross-sectional country-level survey. A representative sample of 260 Palestinian women businesses completed the questionnaire. As well, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with 15 female entrepreneurs who succeeded to survive to collect qualitative data. Frequencies, cross-tabulations and Chi-Square tests are used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis is used to analyze the qualitative one.FindingsThe main findings show that the corona crisis harms the performance of many women MSMEs in terms of production, turnover profit. To reduce their lost sales during the crisis, women are more likely to benefit from social media and promotions than other methods. This study highlights the innovation strategies applied by the women MSMEs who managed to survive such as, among others, cash management and digital marketing.Practical implicationsThe innovation strategies could be a road map for other women struggling MSMEs businesses to re-enter businesses again.Originality/valueSo far, little research has focused on women MSMEs in developing countries. The identified innovation strategies will potentially help aspiring women MSMEs to survive during the economic crisis.
The impact of seismic inversion methodology on rock property prediction
Authors: Martinho Mariana , Tylor‐Jones Timothy , Azevedo Leonardo 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTSeismic inversion is a central step within the seismic reservoir characterization workflow. In seismic inversion, seismic amplitudes are inverted to predict the spatial distribution of the subsurface elastic properties. In subsequent steps of the geomodelling workflow, the inverted models are then converted into rock properties and facies. The methodology to perform the seismic inversion does have an impact on the predictions about the spatial distribution of the rock properties of interest. Each method has advantages and limitations depending on data quality, availability and the objective of the study. This work compares the application of deterministic and stochastic elastic inversion in a challenging real dataset. The deterministic approach is based on a sparse spike approximation, while the stochastic one is a global geostatistical seismic amplitude‐versus‐angle inversion. Both methods are applied to a real dataset acquired over a producing field located offshore Greece. Both the complex geological setting, where one target is close to seismic resolution, and data quality affect the performance of the seismic inversion methods. The results of both inversion methods are compared in terms of facies probability using Bayesian classification over the inverted elastic models and by comparing predictions to direct measurements at a blind well location. This application example shows the ability of deterministic inversion to retrieve an inverted solution with broader geological predictions which matched gross features in the wells. On the other hand, geostatistcal inversion was able to predict thin continous sand bodies, which correspond to the finer details at and below the seismic resolution of the observed data.
Effect of Model Setup Complexity on Flood Modeling in Low‐Gradient Basins
Authors: Saad Haitham A. , Habib Emad H. , Miller Robert L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe flat topography, large natural storage features, backwater effects, and boundary conditions all play different roles in the flood response of rivers in low‐gradient environments. The combined effects of these factors result in frequent episodes of reverse flows, slow recession of flood waters, and complex flow interactions. This study investigates the value of varying degrees of model complexity and setup features on the model ability to reproduce some of the unique flooding characteristics in low‐gradient basins. The study focuses on (1) effect of streamflow routing techniques; (2) effect of incorporating large natural storage areas; (3) effect of model dimensionality; and (4) effect of downstream boundary conditions. The study assessed six different model setups for the Vermilion River in south Louisiana, during a series of flood‐inducing storm events in May–June 2014. A successful simulation of the repetitive reverse flows in the river was only possible after incorporating the large swamp areas within the basin. The slow recession of the flood peaks was accurately reproduced with the use of a two‐dimensional representation in characterizing the swamp areas. The results of this study have implications for understanding flood dynamics in low‐gradient basins, and for guiding the development of reliable flood models that take advantage of available technologies and information without adding unwarranted complexities that require extensive, yet typically unavailable calibration data.
Mg deficiency interacts with the circadian clock and phytochromes pathways in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rivière Quentin , Xiao Qiying , Gutsch Annelie , Defrance Matthieu , Webb Alex A. R. , Verbruggen Nathalie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLittle is known about the relationship between nutrition and the circadian clock in plants. The first global transcriptomic study in plants of the response to magnesium deficiency (–Mg) revealed that the circadian clock was affected in the Arabidopsis thaliana model species. Interactions between the circadian clock and Mg status were here investigated in the light of recent knowledge. We highlight the wide disturbances caused by –Mg within the central oscillator and, reciprocally, the probable pervasive influence of the circadian clock on the response to –Mg. We provide evidence that light signalling pathways are likely to be involved in the input of Mg status to the circadian oscillator and that they interact with the circadian clock to coregulate an important part of the transcriptomic response. We further studied PIF3 LIKE 1 (PIL1) because it strongly and early responded, before the core genes of the circadian oscillator, and was a representative regulator of light signalling that interacts with the circadian oscillator. Furthermore, the far‐red light‐responsive genes, which are related to PIL1, were more enriched among the –Mg‐deregulated genes than those responding to red, blue and intense lights. Finally, pil1 mutants had an altered response to –Mg notably by losing the upregulation of PSEUDO‐RESPONSE REGULATOR 9, a core circadian oscillator. In short, we have further characterised the interactions between the Mg status and the circadian clock and identified the involvement of light signalling pathways in the response to Mg status. In particular, we have illustrated the role of a light‐signalling component in the regulation of the circadian oscillator and physiological processes during Mg starvation.
Time trial of dry box laparoscopic surgical training improves laparoscopic surgical skills and surgical outcomes
Authors: Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Miyamoto Yuji , Akiyama Takahiko , Daitoku Nobuya , Sakamoto Yuki , Tokunaga Ryuma , Eto Kojiro , Nagai Yohei , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe present study assessed the utility of a dry box time trial during laparoscopic surgical training to improve laparoscopic surgical skills and surgical outcomes.MethodsIn a monthly time trial, surgeon trainees twice completed a set task that involved grasping a suture, aligning a needle with a needle holder, passing the suture, making three knots, and cutting the two tails of the suture. The mean suturing time was then analyzed. To assess the utility of this time trial, we analyzed the short‐term outcomes of patients with stage I to III colon cancer who had undergone laparoscopic colectomy before and after the introduction of the time trial.ResultsThe monthly time trial was introduced in October 2018, and 52 surgeon trainees participated in the trials examined in this study. Within 6 months of the program's introduction, the mean suturing time had significantly declined to less than 70% of the time trial, while the standard deviations had declined to less than 30%. In comparisons of the short‐term outcomes of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery before (n = 49) and after (n = 46) the introduction of the time trial, the operative time tended to decline (P = .074) after the introduction of the time trial, and blood loss was significantly reduced (P = .018). The rate of postoperative complications was similar before and after the introduction.ConclusionRegular time trials of laparoscopic surgical suture training using a dry box can be useful for improving laparoscopic surgical skills and surgical outcomes. Moreover, time trials can keep trainees motivated.
Novel IM‐associated protein Tim54 plays a role in the mitochondrial import of internal signal‐containing proteins in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Singha Ujjal K. , Tripathi Anuj , Smith Joseph T. , Quinones Linda , Saha Aparajita , Singha Tanusree , Chaudhuri Minu 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM) imports most of the nucleus‐encoded proteins that are destined for the matrix, inner membrane (IM) and the intermembrane space (IMS). Trypanosoma brucei, the infectious agent for African trypanosomiasis, possesses a unique TIM complex consisting of several novel proteins in association with a relatively conserved protein TbTim17. Tandem affinity purification of the TbTim17 protein complex revealed TbTim54 as a potential component of this complex.ResultsTbTim54, a trypanosome‐specific IMS protein, is peripherally associated with the IM and is present in a protein complex slightly larger than the TbTim17 complex. TbTim54 knockdown (KD) reduced the import of TbTim17 and compromised the integrity of the TbTim17 complex. TbTim54 KD inhibited the in vitro mitochondrial import and assembly of the internal signal‐containing mitochondrial carrier proteins MCP3, MCP5 and MCP11 to a greater extent than TbTim17 KD. Furthermore, TbTim54 KD, but not TbTim17 KD, significantly hampered the mitochondrial targeting of ectopically expressed MCP3 and MCP11. These observations along with our previous finding that the mitochondrial import of N‐terminal signal‐containing proteins like cytochrome oxidase subunit 4 and MRP2 was affected to a greater extent by TbTim17 KD than TbTim54 KD indicating a substrate‐specificity of TbTim54 for internal‐signal containing mitochondrial proteins. In other organisms, small Tim chaperones in the IMS are known to participate in the translocation of MCPs. We found that TbTim54 can directly interact with at least two of the six known small TbTim proteins, TbTim11 and TbTim13, as well as with the N‐terminal domain of TbTim17.ConclusionTbTim54 interacts with TbTim17. It also plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial import and complex assembly of internal signal‐containing IM proteins in T. brucei.SignificanceWe are the first to characterise TbTim54, a novel TbTim that is involved primarily in the mitochondrial import of MCPs and TbTim17 in T. brucei.
Balancing transferability and complexity of species distribution models for rare species conservation
Authors: Helmstetter Nolan A. , Conway Courtney J. , Stevens Bryan S. , Goldberg Amanda R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are valuable for rare species conservation and are commonly used to extrapolate predictions of habitat suitability geographically to regions where species occurrence is unknown (i.e., transferability). Spatially structured cross‐validation can be used to infer transferability, yet, few studies have evaluated how delineation of cross‐validation folds affects model complexity and predictions. We developed SDMs using multiple cross‐validation approaches to understand the implications for predicting habitat suitability for northern Idaho ground squirrels, a rare, federally threatened species that has been extensively surveyed in regions where known populations occur, resulting in >8000 presence locations.LocationIdaho, USA.MethodsWe delineated cross‐validation folds by mimicking the manner in which predictions would be geographically extrapolated or by using existing dispersal barriers. We varied the distance between, number, and directionality of folds. We conducted a grid search on statistical regularization parameters to optimize model complexity, covering a range of values exceeding that typically implemented. For each cross‐validation approach, we selected optimal regularization and model complexity based on out‐of‐sample predictive ability.ResultsDelineation of cross‐validation folds substantially affected resulting model complexity and extrapolated predictions. All cross‐validation approaches resulted in models with apparently high out‐of‐sample predictive ability, yet optimal model complexity varied substantially among the approaches. Regularization demonstrated a noisy relationship between model complexity and prediction, where local optima in predictive performance were common at small values.Main conclusionSubtle modelling decisions can have large consequences for predictions of habitat suitability and transferability of SDMs. When transferability is the goal, cross‐validation approaches should be considered carefully and mimic the manner in which spatial extrapolation will occur, else overly complex models with inflated assessments of predictive accuracy may result. Further, spatially structured cross‐validation may not guard against over‐parameterization, and assessing a broader range of regularization parameters may be necessary to optimize model complexity for transferability.
Genetic consequences of long‐term small effective population size in the critically endangered pygmy hog
Authors: Liu Langqing , Bosse Mirte , Megens Hendrik‐Jan , de Visser Manon , A. M. Groenen Martien , Madsen Ole 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIncreasing human disturbance and climate change have a major impact on habitat integrity and size, with far‐reaching consequences for wild fauna and flora. Specifically, population decline and habitat fragmentation result in small, isolated populations. To what extend different endangered species can cope with small population size is still largely unknown. Studies on the genomic landscape of these species can shed light on past demographic dynamics and current genetic load, thereby also providing guidance for conservation programs. The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the smallest and rarest wild pig in the world, with current estimation of only a few hundred living in the wild. Here, we analyzed whole‐genome sequencing data of six pygmy hogs, three from the wild and three from a captive population, along with 30 pigs representing six otherSuidae. First, we show that the pygmy hog had a very small population size with low genetic diversity over the course of the past ~1 million years. One indication of historical small effective population size is the absence of mitochondrial variation in the six sequenced individuals. Second, we evaluated the impact of historical demography. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis suggests that the pygmy hog population has gone through past but not recent inbreeding. Also, the long‐term, extremely small population size may have led to the accumulation of harmful mutations suggesting that the accumulation of deleterious mutations is exceeding purifying selection in this species. Thus, care has to be taken in the conservation program to avoid or minimize the potential for further inbreeding depression, and guard against environmental changes in the future.
Verbal communication of effect‐sizes, possible comparators, and uncertainty of evidence in the Finnish clinical practice guidelines: Omitting effect‐sizes and comparators without expressing much uncertainty
Authors: Raittio Eero , Raittio Lauri 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesOur aim was to investigate verbal representations of intervention effect‐size, uncertainty of evidence, and possible intervention comparators in statements concerning effects of interventions in Finnish clinical practice guidelines.MethodWe selected 10 clinical practice guidelines on common diseases and risk factors published by The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim. All the statements that considered beneficial effects of interventions and that were graded with a level of evidence (levels A, high, to D, very low) were included in analyses. We assessed whether the statements verbally represented intervention effect‐size, uncertainty of evidence or a possible comparator, and the reported outcome.ResultsOf 385 statements, verbal representation of beneficial effect‐sizes occurred in 25 (6%) statements. Most (72%) statements indicated that intervention had a beneficial effect, but did not specify effect‐size. Less than half (42%) of the statements represented uncertainty verbally. Comparisons to placebo or no‐treatment were rare (3%) and 18% of the statements compared interventions to other treatments. Against instructions, a considerable part (35%) of statements with B‐level evidence did not represent uncertainty.ConclusionCommunicating beneficial intervention effects, effect‐sizes, possible comparators, and uncertainty of evidence require much broader attention in the clinical practice guideline context.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals hidden issues in the plant response to arthropod herbivores
Authors: Santamaria M. Estrella , Garcia Alejandro , Arnaiz Ana , Rosa‐Diaz Irene , Romero‐Hernandez Gara , Diaz Isabel , Martinez Manuel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlants experience different abiotic/biotic stresses, which trigger their molecular machinery to cope with them. Besides general mechanisms prompted by many stresses, specific mechanisms have been introduced to optimize the response to individual threats. However, these key mechanisms are difficult to identify. Here, we introduce an in‐depth species‐specific transcriptomic analysis and conduct an extensive meta‐analysis of the responses to related species to gain more knowledge about plant responses. The spider mite Tetranychus urticae was used as the individual species, several arthropod herbivores as the related species for meta‐analysis, and Arabidopsis thaliana plants as the common host. The analysis of the transcriptomic data showed typical common responses to herbivory, such as jasmonate signaling or glucosinolate biosynthesis. Also, a specific set of genes likely involved in the particularities of the Arabidopsis‐spider mite interaction was discovered. The new findings have determined a prominent role in this interaction of the jasmonate‐induced pathways leading to the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and tocopherols. Therefore, tandem individual/general transcriptomic profiling has been revealed as an effective method to identify novel relevant processes and specificities in the plant response to environmental stresses.
Advancement in female sports medicine and preventive medicine
Authors: Nose‐Ogura Sayaka 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSport plays a major role in maintaining and improving physical function and health of women from adolescence to sexual maturity, through to menopause and old age, and it also plays a key role in social productivity and medicine from the perspective of preventive medicine. However, in routine clinical practice, there are many gynecological problems that affect the condition and performance of female athletes due to a lack of appropriate medical intervention, such as neglect of amenorrhea and menstruation‐related symptoms. In addition, the number of athletes aiming to return to competition post‐partum has been increasing in recent years, but there is little medical data on the well‐being of female athletes during pregnancy and the post‐partum period. I previously conducted clinical research on three separate topics, with the aim of clarifying the current issues unique to female athletes, mainly in terms of conditioning and injury prevention. The goal was that clinical research was to examine the situation of athletes with and without disabilities and provide feedback from the survey results to athletes and coaches. This paper divides the clinical studies conducted to date into three topics that will be explored herein: (i) research on the female athlete triad (Triad); (ii) research on oral contraceptives/low‐dose estrogen‐progestin; and (iii) research on pregnancy and post‐partum period.
VVI pacing with normal QRS duration and ventricular function: MOST trial findings relevant to leadless pacemakers
Authors: Loring Zak , North Rebecca , Hellkamp Anne S. , Atwater Brett D. , Frazier‐Mills Camille G. , Jackson Kevin P. , Pokorney Sean D. , Lamas Gervasio A. , Piccini Jonathan P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundLeadless pacemakers (LPs) provide ventricular pacing without the risks associated with transvenous leads and device pockets. LPs are appealing for patients who need pacing, but do not need defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy. Most implanted LPs provide right ventricular pacing without atrioventricular synchrony (VVIR mode). The Mode Selection Trial in Sinus Node Dysfunction (MOST) showed similar outcomes in patients randomized to dual‐chamber (DDDR) versus ventricular pacing (VVIR). We compared outcomes by pacing mode in LP‐eligible patients from MOST.MethodsPatients enrolled in the MOST study with an left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >35%, QRS duration (QRSd) <120 ms and no history of ventricular arrhythmias or prior implantable cardioverter defibrillators were included (LP‐eligible population). Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the association between pacing mode and death, stroke or heart failure (HF) hospitalization and atrial fibrillation (AF).ResultsOf the 2010 patients enrolled in MOST, 1284 patients (64%) met inclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics were well balanced across included patients randomized to DDDR (N = 630) and VVIR (N = 654). Over 4 years of follow‐up, there was no association between pacing mode and death, stroke or HF hospitalization (VVIR HR 1.28 [0.92‐1.75]). VVIR pacing was associated with higher risk of AF (HR 1.32 [1.08‐1.61], P = .007), particularly in patients with no history of AF (HR 2.38 [1.52‐3.85], P < .001).ConclusionIn patients without reduced LVEF or prolonged QRSd who would be eligible for LP, DDDR, and VVIR pacing demonstrated similar rates of death, stroke or HF hospitalization; however, VVIR pacing significantly increased the risk of AF development.
Atypical pediatric presentation of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis: Diagnostic difficulties and recent nosological clarification
Authors: Juan‐Carpena Gloria , Palazón‐Cabanes Juan Carlos , Silva‐Ortega Sandra , Blanes‐Martínez Mar , Betlloch‐Más Isabel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA 4‐year‐old girl presented with a 2‐month history of round, hypopigmented, slightly scaly patches measuring 1‐6 cm and encircled by an erythematous halo, first appearing on the lower limbs then spreading to the whole body. Three biopsies were taken as the condition progressed, each showing a lymphocytic infiltrate affecting a medium‐sized artery at the dermal‐subcutaneous junction, with a concentric fibrin ring. These findings are characteristic of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA). The young age of our patient and the type of skin lesions she developed make this an atypical presentation of LTA, which usually manifests as hyperpigmented macules on the lower extremities, predominantly in dark‐skinned women.