bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eco-innovation analysis of OECD countries with common weight analysis in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Kiani Mavi Reza , Kiani Mavi Neda , Farzipoor Saen Reza , Goh Mark 
Published: August 2021

PurposeDespite unanimity in the literature that eco-innovation (EI) leads to sustainable development, evidence remains limited on measuring EI efficiency with the Malmquist productivity index (MPI). In conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, decision-making units (DMUs) are inclined to assign more favorable weights, even zero, to the inputs and outputs to maximize their own efficiency. This paper aims to overcome this shortcoming by developing a common set of weights (CSW).

Design/methodology/approachUsing goal programming, this study develops a CSW model to evaluate the EI efficiency of the organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD) countries and track their changes with MPI during 2010–2018.

FindingsAchieving a complete ranking of DMUs, findings show the higher discrimination power of the proposed CSW compared with the original DEA models. Furthermore, results reveal that Iceland, Latvia and Luxembourg are the only OECD countries that have incessantly improved their EI productivity (MPI > 1) from 2010 to 2018. On the other hand, Japan is the OECD country that has experienced the highest yearly EI efficiency during 2010–2018. This paper also found that Iceland has the highest MPI over 2010–2018.

Practical implicationsMore investment in environmental research and development (R&D) projects instead of generic R&D enables OECD members to realize more opportunities for sustainable development through minimizing energy use and environmental pollution in any form of waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Originality/valueIn addition to developing a novel common weights model for DEA-MPI to measure and evaluate the EI of OECD countries, this paper develops a CSW model by including the undesirable outputs for EI analysis.
Remittance–institutional quality nexus: curse or blessing
Authors: Lacheheb Zakaria , Ismail Normaz Wana , Naseem N.A.M. , Slesman Ly 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aims to examine the linear and nonlinear remittance–institutional quality link in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the nonlinear relationship between remittance and political institutional quality in a panel of 97 developing countries using annual data of over nine years from 2009 to 2017. The estimated model uses system generalized method of moments for three political institutions indicators, namely, democracy, political stability and civil liberties.FindingsThe results revealed that remittance has a significant inverted U-shape impact on political institution’s indicators. Therefore, before the turning point, remittance is associated with high level of democracy, more stable political system and more civil freedom. While moving after the turning point indicates low level of political institution in the country.Originality/valueThe authors certify that this is the original paper. It has not been previously published and is not currently under submission or in press elsewhere.
Genetic variation is associated with differences in facilitative and competitive interactions in the Rhizobium leguminosarum species complex
Authors: Fields Bryden , Moffat Emma K. , Harrison Ellie , Andersen Stig U. , Young J. Peter W. , Friman Ville‐Petri 
Published: August 2021

SummaryCompetitive and facilitative interactions influence bacterial community composition, diversity and functioning. However, the role of genetic diversity for determining interactions between coexisting strains of the same, or closely related, species remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the type (facilitative/inhibitory) and potential underlying mechanisms of pairwise interactions between 24 genetically diverse bacterial strains belonging to three genospecies (gsA,C,E) of the Rhizobium leguminosarum species complex. Interactions were determined indirectly, based on secreted compounds in cell‐free supernatants, and directly, as growth inhibition in cocultures. We found supernatants mediated both facilitative and inhibitory interactions that varied greatly between strains and genospecies. Overall, gsE strains indirectly suppressed growth of gsA strains, while their own growth was facilitated by other genospecies' supernatants. Similar genospecies‐level patterns were observed in direct competition, where gsA showed the highest susceptibility and gsE the highest inhibition capacity. At the genetic level, increased gsA susceptibility was associated with a non‐random distribution of quorum sensing and secondary metabolite genes across genospecies. Together, our results suggest that genetic variation is associated with facilitative and competitive interactions, which could be important ecological mechanisms explaining R. leguminosarum diversity.
Newly identified proviruses in Thermotogota suggest that viruses are the vehicles on the highways of interphylum gene sharing
Authors: Haverkamp Thomas H. A. , Lossouarn Julien , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Lyu Jie , Bienvenu Nadège , Geslin Claire , Nesbø Camilla L. 
Published: August 2021

SummaryPhylogenomic analyses of bacteria from the phylum Thermotogota have shown extensive lateral gene transfer with distantly related organisms, particularly with Firmicutes. One likely mechanism of such DNA transfer is viruses. However, to date, only three temperate viruses have been characterized in this phylum, all infecting bacteria from the Marinitoga genus. Here we report 17 proviruses integrated into genomes of bacteria belonging to eight Thermotogota genera and induce viral particle production from one of the proviruses. All except an incomplete provirus from Mesotoga fall into two groups based on sequence similarity, gene synteny and taxonomic classification. Proviruses of Group 1 are found in the genera Geotoga, Kosmotoga, Marinitoga, Thermosipho and Mesoaciditoga and are similar to the previously characterized Marinitoga viruses, while proviruses from Group 2 are distantly related to the Group 1 proviruses, have different genome organization and are found in Petrotoga and Defluviitoga. Genes carried by both groups are closely related to Firmicutes and Firmicutes (pro)viruses in phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, one of the groups show evidence of recent gene exchange and may be capable of infecting cells from both phyla. We hypothesize that viruses are responsible for a large portion of the observed gene flow between Firmicutes and Thermotogota.
Protein acetylation and deacetylation in plant‐pathogen interactions
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Chao , Chen Yun , Zhao Youfu , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: August 2021

SummaryProtein acetylation and deacetylation catalysed by lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and deacetylases (KDACs), respectively, are major mechanisms regulating various cellular processes. During the fight between microbial pathogens and host plants, both apply a set of measures, including acetylation interference, to strengthen themselves while suppressing the other. In this review, we first summarize KATs and KDACs in plants and their pathogens. Next, we introduce diverse acetylation and deacetylation mechanisms affecting protein functions, including the regulation of enzyme activity and specificity, protein–protein or protein‐DNA interactions, subcellular localization and protein stability. We then focus on the current understanding of acetylation and deacetylation in plant–pathogen interactions. Additionally, we also discuss potential acetylation‐related approaches for controlling plant diseases.
Dr Ambedkar and the ‘Prostitute’: Caste, Sexuality and Humanity in Modern India
Authors: Paik Shailaja 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTDalits’ (Untouchables) most democratic and productive politics relentlessly returns to questions of caste violence, sociality, sexuality and ‘inclusion/exclusion’ in the larger Indian body politic, thus producing a new matrix and mode of power within the category of the human itself. This article analyses the intellectual and anti‐caste leader Dr B. R. Ambedkar's (1891–1956) multi‐pronged – social, cultural and political – strategies of creating manuski (human dignity), dharmantar (religious conversion) and respectable samaj (community) in a doubly colonial – British and brahmanical – context. It offers the first analysis of Ambedkar's hitherto under‐examined speech of 16 June 1936 and other fragmentary evidence in Marathi by focusing on the changing contexts, complex conjunctures of socio‐sexual and material forces and political transformations that Dalit women engaged with to carve out their womanhood and humanity. The article examines the unmitigated contingencies of particular interlocked social, political, cultural, economic, emotional and moral battles of constituting a new political Dalit. It illuminates the ways the most stigmatised, ‘immoral,’ ‘corrupt’ and multi‐dimensional ‘prostitute’ emerged as a conceptual and categorical limit and embarrassment to Ambedkar's strategies of building Dalit power. The article's focus shifts away from imperial and European contexts and discourses to write histories of caste, gender and colonial sexuality from the vantage point of local Dalit women. This approach highlights the importance of writing histories of transnational and multilingual epistemologies that reorganize social and sexual norms in colonial and postcolonial societies.
Intracervical intracapsular myomectomy using loop ligation: a proposed technique
Authors: Wang S , Wang D , Huang Q , Zhao F 
Published: August 2021

Performing laparoscopic myomectomy for an intracervical myoma, especially a single giant myoma, is challenging. Only skilled surgeons attempt this operation. Surgeons frequently encounter cases of massive intraoperative bleeding, difficulty suturing the cervical incision, risk of injuring the neighbouring tissues, haematoma formation and conversion to laparotomy or hysterectomy. We previously developed a the technique of loop ligation of the pseudocapsule and have been using it to treat sizeable intracervical myomas laparoscopically. Its advantages include less blood loss, lower risk of injuries to the neighbouring tissues, maintenance of the cervical canal and sparing of the pseudocapsule. This technique is safe and feasible, and facilitates fertility.Tweetable abstractThe loop ligation technique is safe and feasible for laparoscopic myomectomy involving intracervical myomas.
The effect of mode of delivery and duration of labour on subsequent pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Van Winsen KD , Savvidou MD , Steer PJ 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo assess whether delivery mode and duration of labour in a first labour of spontaneous onset is associated with gestational length, delivery mode and neonatal outcome in the subsequent pregnancy.Study designRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.Setting15 Maternity units in North West London (1988–2000).Population30 840 women with spontaneous onset of labour in pregnancy 1 and a subsequent birth reported in the same database.MethodsAssessment of outcomes by mode of delivery in pregnancy 1, restricting the analysis to the difference in the gestational length between pregnancy 1 and 2.Main outcome measuresGestational length, mode of delivery and neonatal unit admission in pregnancy 2.ResultsCaesarean section (CS) in the first or second stage of labour in pregnancy 1 was associated with pregnancy 2 being a median of 5 and 8 days shorter and a preterm birth rate of 6.0% and 10.1%, respectively, whereas following a normal or instrumental vaginal birth in pregnancy 1, the median duration was similar, with preterm delivery rates of 4.5% and 3.9%. In all, 56.2% of women with a CS in pregnancy 1 had a repeat CS and 12.5% of their babies were admitted to a neonatal unit, compared with 5.3% of women with vaginal birth. Longer labours were associated with shorter gestations in pregnancy 2.ConclusionsCompared with vaginal birth, an emergency CS in the first‐term pregnancy is associated with a shorter gestational length, increased rate of repeat CS and increased risk of NNU admission in the next pregnancy.Tweetable abstractAn emergency caesarean section in the first‐term pregnancy affects the duration and outcome of the next pregnancy.
The relationship between institutional quality and ecological footprint: Is there a connection?
Authors: Uzar Umut 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAlthough researchers have made significant efforts to explain the influence of institutions on environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions, the relationship between institutional quality and the ecological footprint has been neglected. The gap in the literature reveals an outstanding question: can institutions reduce their countryʼs ecological footprint? As a result, this study aims to investigate the effects of institutional quality and control variables on the ecological footprint for the period 1992–2015 in E‐7 countries through the AMG and CCEMG estimators. The findings show that institutional quality reduces the ecological footprint for the entire panel. Conversely, economic growth and energy consumption increase ecological pressure on E‐7 countries. In addition, the impact of institutional quality on the ecological footprint demonstrates heterogeneity at the country level. While institutions decrease the ecological footprint in China, India, Indonesia, and Russia, the study does not find such a relationship in other countries. Besides, energy consumption seems to be the most important factor in increasing ecological pressure in all countries. As drawn from the results, it can be said that improving institutional quality and increasing renewable resources in the energy portfolio are strategic actions in terms of improving environmental quality in E‐7 countries.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of hydrogel spacer for rectal toxicity reduction in prostate external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Jones Scott , White Nicole , Holt Tanya , Graves Nicholas 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionContemporary methods of external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer have reduced toxicity rates through beam modulation and image guidance, however, rectal injury has not been eliminated completely in this population. For patients at greatest risk of developing rectal toxicities, hydrogel spacers are a viable option for risk reduction. Translation of clinical trial results into routine clinical practice relies on an understanding of the economic implications. This study completed a cost‐effectiveness analysis of hydrogel spacers in the Australian healthcare setting.MethodSimulation of possible health states following treatment was performed using a Markov model. Model outcomes included the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio and the net monetary benefit (NMB) at three published willingness‐to‐pay thresholds derived from literature. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were provided on these results. A baseline cohort without hydrogel spacer use was compared to treat all and selective use cohorts. Cost variation scenarios were also investigated to assess the impact of hydrogel spacer cost on outcomes.ResultsUsing hydrogel spacers in a selective cohort was more likely to be cost‐effective than giving to all patients (NMB −$43 versus −$997, respectively); however, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was not below the $28 000 willingness‐to‐pay threshold for a healthcare provider perspective. These outcomes were influenced by large parameter uncertainty. Cost variation strategies are worth investigating further as a method to achieve willingness‐to‐pay threshold targets.ConclusionThe influence of parameter uncertainty currently limits the cost‐effectiveness of this intervention in the Australian public health setting. However, a cost variation solution has been demonstrated to improve cost‐effectiveness estimates for selected patients and should be examined further.
The Interactive Use of Management Control Systems and Information Technology Project Performance: A Conceptual Framework*
Authors: Mir Farzana Asad , Rezania Davar 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTThe objective of this review is to examine how the interactive use of project‐level management control systems (PMCS) impacts information technology (IT) project performance. To answer this research question, we focus on the mechanisms of team learning behavior, expertise integration, and the notion of the project manager's stakeholder analysis efficacy to develop a conceptual framework that explains the relationship between the interactive use of PMCS and IT project performance. The contextual influence of an organization's emphasis on process accountability is also considered. The conceptual framework is based on the theoretical underpinnings of organizational information processing theory, organizational learning theory, and the knowledge‐based view of the firm.
Onychomycosis in older adults: The age and associated factors affecting the complete cure rate
Authors: Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Srinonprasert Varalak , Kiratiwongwan Rungsima , Wongdama Supisara , Leeyaphan Charussri 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLimited studies exist on the factors associated with a complete cure of onychomycosis in older adults.ObjectivesTo determine the age and factors associated with a complete cure among older adults diagnosed with toenail onychomycosis.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of 95 older adult patients (aged ≥ 60 years) diagnosed with toenail onychomycosis between January 2016 and December 2017. Demographic data, mycological findings, treatments and durations to a complete cure were reviewed.ResultsThe complete cure rates of the patients aged < 70 years and ≥70 years were 67.4% and 44.9%, respectively (P = 0.027). Patients aged ≥ 70 years were significantly higher in male gender, had higher history of smoking, peripheral arterial disease, impaired renal function, antihypertensive drug and amorolfine nail lacquer usage, and polypharmacy. A multivariate analysis revealed that being aged ≥70 years and having a nail thickness >2 mm were associated with failure to achieve a complete cure. The median times to a complete cure for older adults aged <70 years and ≥70 years were 20 months and 47 months, respectively (P = 0.007).ConclusionsAn age ≥ 70 years was related to a lower cure rate and delays in achieving a complete cure. A nail thickness > 2 mm was a poor prognostic factor for a complete cure. Moreover, very old adults were more likely to suffer side effects arising from the use of systemic antifungal medications.
Making Justice the Subject of Resettlement Planning
Authors: Otsuki Kei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn development and conservation projects that induce displacement and resettlement, proponents increasingly focus on procedural justice. They assume that this focus leads to recognition of displaced people’s expressed needs and distributive justice. By critically applying Robert Lake’s conceptualisation of “justice as the subject of planning”, this paper examines ways the current framing of justice in resettlement planning assumes that justice is a technically achievable object and prevents a new social imaginary in which justice is the subject that enables a collective pursuit of quality life. The paper analyses a resettlement project as a set of physical infrastructure where resettled people are corporeal citizens as opposed to static, one‐time beneficiaries. Through this framing of a resettlement project, justice needs to be constantly ensured, even after promises agreed in consultations have been fulfilled. The case of the resettlement project of Limpopo National Park in Mozambique is used to illustrate the discussion.
Intergenerational educational mobility over the past century in Canada
Authors: Chow Alex , Guppy Neil 
Published: August 2021

AbstractYoung adults born at the end of the 20th century attend colleges and universities at much higher rates than did previous generations, which might give the impression of greater upward educational mobility and in turn, greater class mobility. This impression occurs, however, only because of structural expansion of the Canadian education system. In contrast to structural change, exchange mobility highlights the linkage between one's social origins and destinations. This speaks more directly to questions of equality of educational opportunity and social fairness. Greater fairness or social progress occurs when, over time, destinations become less contingent on origins. We examine intergenerational exchange mobility in Canada by investigating how, if at all, the linkage between parents’ and their children's education has changed over the past century. We construct a longitudinal dataset covering the 20th century by merging fifteen cross‐sectional surveys from Statistics Canada's General Social Survey (GSS) between 1986 and 2014. Comparing across synthetic birth cohorts we focus on transition probabilities, odds ratios, and logistic regression estimates to measure change. We contribute to a growing gap in the Canadian literature since social mobility has been largely neglected by sociologists as of late. We compare our results to recent findings of economists who examine intergenerational income mobility, another indicator of class mobility. Consistent with earlier sociological and economic research, our results show that despite the tremendous expansion of Canada's education systems, intergenerational exchange mobility for both women and men has been stagnant in Canada over the past century.
Toxic stress in children and youth: Exploring the role of community‐based programming to support health and well‐being in the United States
Authors: Clifton Maribeth , Boden Laura , Milton Lauren E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChildren and youth exposed to toxic stress are at a greater risk for negative outcomes on health, well‐being and occupational performance. Focus groups were conducted to gain understanding of the experiences and perspectives of youth at‐risk who were currently receiving services from a community‐based agency in a small city in the Western United States. Participants discussed acquiring life skills through agency programming including social skills and coping/self‐regulation skills. Participants also reported a positive culture of the agency, expressing feelings of safety, trust and supportive relationships. Community‐based programming may be in a pivotal position to provide services and supports that act as buffering protection against the effects of toxic stress.
“All is Normal”: Sports Mega Events, Favela Territory, and the Afterlives of Public Security Interventions in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Oosterbaan Martijn 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article discusses the changes in Visionário, a favela located near the affluent neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, to assess the effects of the Sports Mega Events (SMEs) on the political and economic conditions in the favela. Following Harvey’s (2005) description of “accumulation by dispossession,” several authors have highlighted that the UPP policing program, implemented before the SMEs, was part of neoliberal efforts to colonize favela territory with the prospect of future gain. Visionário has witnessed two consecutive policing programs (GPAE and UPP) in the past twenty years. Both were aimed at disarming the drugs‐gang members who attempt to rule the favela by force. The ethnography in this article shows that both policing programs started ambitiously, yet gradually police officers withdrew and gang members reoccupied strategic positions in the favela. As a result, residents learnt to deal with ongoing territorial shifts in a highly dense urban space and with the liminal presence of police officers. In my analysis, I argue that in terms of neoliberal strategies to accumulate favela territory by dispossession, this case suggests a failure, and I analyze the struggle over favela territory as the outcome of contradictory forces connected to global neoliberalization.