bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AccountAbility’s AA1000AP standard: a framework for integrating sustainability into organisations
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Bilal , Zaman Rashid , Nadeem Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate corporate sustainability integration by evaluating corporate practices against the sustainability principles of inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact outlined in AccountAbility’s AA1000 Accountability Principles (AA1000AP) standard.Design/methodology/approachData comprise 12 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of listed New Zealand companies. Findings are evaluated against AccountAbility’s principles of inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact, which are based on a normative view of stakeholder theory.FindingsIn terms of inclusivity, stakeholder engagement is primarily monologic and is directed more towards traditional stakeholder groups. However, social media, which is gaining popularity, has the potential to facilitate greater dialogic stakeholder engagement. While most companies undertake a materiality assessment (with varying degrees of rigour) to support sustainability reporting, only some use it to drive planning and decision-making. Companies demonstrate responsiveness to stakeholder concerns through corporate governance and sustainability initiatives. Companies are monitoring and measuring their impact on stakeholders using sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs). However, measuring traditional metrics is easier than measuring areas such as the community. In rare instances, the executive’s remuneration is linked to these sustainability KPIs.Practical implicationsThe study findings offer useful examples of the integration of sustainability into corporate processes and systems. Practitioners may find the insights useful in understanding how sustainability is currently being integrated into corporate practices by best practice New Zealand companies. Regulators may consider incorporating AA1000AP into their corporate governance guidelines. Finally, academics may find the study useful for teaching business and accounting courses and to guide the next generation of business managers.Originality/valueFirst, the study brings together four streams of research on how sustainability reports are prepared (inclusivity, materiality, responsiveness and impact) in a single study. Second, the findings offer novel insights by evaluating corporate sustainability against the requirements of a standard that has received little academic attention.
Identification of genes required for gold and silver tolerance in Burkholderia cenocepacia H111 by transposon sequencing
Authors: Gualdi Stefano , Agnoli Kirsty , Vitale Alessandra , Higgins Steven , Eberl Leo 
Published: March 2021

SummaryMembers of the genus Burkholderia show remarkable abilities to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions and is frequently isolated from soils contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, we used a transposon sequencing approach to identify 138 and 164 genes that provide a benefit for growth of the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia H111 in the presence of silver and gold ions respectively. The data suggest that arginine metabolism and citrate biosynthesis are important for silver tolerance, while components of an ABC transporter (BCAL0307‐BCAL0308) and de novo cysteine biosynthesis are required for tolerance to gold ions. We show that determinants that affect tolerance to both metal ions include the two‐component systems BCAL0497/99 and BCAL2830/31 and genes that are involved in maintaining the integrity of the cell envelope, suggesting that membrane proteins represent important targets of silver and gold ions. Furthermore, we show that that the P‐type ATPase CadA (BCAL0055), which confers tolerance to cadmium contributes to silver but not gold tolerance. Our results may be useful for improving the antibacterial effect of silver and gold ions to combat drug‐resistant pathogens.
Understanding the secondary supply of alcohol as a wicked policy problem: The unique case of the Banned Drinker Register in the Northern Territory
Authors: Adamson Elizabeth , Smith James A. , Clifford Sarah , Wallace Tessa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn an effort to tackle the exceptionally high level of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, there are a suite of alcohol policies and new legislation that have been introduced. These include restricted purchasing and consumption for certain individuals. In 2017, the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) was (re)introduced – a policy that involves placing persons who consume alcohol at harmful levels to themselves or others onto a register which prohibits the purchase of alcohol from take‐away liquor outlets. As a result, there is an incentive for banned drinkers to obtain alcohol through friends, family, and through the black market – referred to as secondary supply. Though the phenomenon of secondary supply is not new, the recent evaluation of the BDR highlighted a number of challenges of tackling the secondary supply of alcohol. Informed by Head's framework for assessing ‘wicked’ policy problems, this policy analysis uses data from interviews with stakeholders undertaken as part of two studies on alcohol policy and services. The findings present the limitations of the policy design and implementation context in preventing secondary supply of alcohol to banned drinkers. The paper concludes with implications for policy and research that better recognise the implementation context.
Understanding recent HECS–HELP price misunderstandings
Authors: Chapman Bruce , Khemka Gaurav 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn October 2020, the Australian Parliament legislated what appear to be significant changes in HECS–HELP prices, the tuition charges levied on domestic undergraduate students. Through this policy change, the Government aims to influence student choices in order to help deliver the skill changes presumed to be required for the economy's post‐COVID make‐up. This paper examines, in conceptual and empirical terms, a key aspect of the motivation for the reform, the true meaning of prices in the HECS–HELP world of an income‐contingent loan (ICL). We explain the conceptual basis of ICL charges and, with 2016 Census data, illustrate the meaning of the price changes between disciplines, by gender, and for a suite of expected future graduate lifetime income distributions. Our analysis points strongly to the conclusion that the true price changes are far less than they appear to be, highlighting the potential of there being quite muted consequences for student discipline choices.
Diversification, Khashoggi, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund
Authors: McPherson‐Smith Oliver 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite the sizeable economic clout of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the academic literature on the PIF is relatively nascent. How do domestic and international political considerations shape the PIF’s investment policies? This article contends that the PIF’s current domestic investments constitute the latest incarnation of an historic pattern of development policies in Saudi Arabia. This pattern challenges the PIF with balancing market‐driven development and satiating the preferences of political leaders. Meanwhile, the PIF’s international investments are subject to a novel form of political risk. While international political risk has previously emanated from public regulation and oversight, the Khashoggi incident has given rise to unparalleled private sector‐led, non‐regulatory political risk. For other sovereign wealth funds, the PIF’s experience is indicative of potential future non‐regulatory political risk in western markets. By using the PIF as a case study to explore how domestic and international factors influence the behavior of a sovereign wealth fund (SWF), this article contributes to a growing literature on the non‐economic drivers of SWF investments.
The capacity of neurological pupil index to predict absence of somatosensory evoked potentials after cardiac arrest—A study protocol
Authors: Lilja Linus , Thuccani Meena , Joelsson Sara , Nilsson Josefin , Redfors Petra , Lundgren Peter , Rylander Christian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnoxic‐ischemic brain injury is the most common cause of death after cardiac arrest (CA). Robust methods to detect severe injury with a low false positive rate (FPR) for poor neurological outcome include the pupillary light reflex (PLR) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). The PLR can be assessed manually or with automated pupillometry which provides the neurological pupil index (NPi). We aim to describe the interrelation between NPi values and the absence of SSEP cortical response and to evaluate the capacity of NPi to predict the absence of cortical SSEP response in comatose patients after CA.MethodsA total of 50 patients will be included in an explorative, prospective, observational study of adult (>18 years) comatose survivors of CA admitted to intensive care in a university hospital. NPi assessed with a hand‐held pupillometer will be compared to SSEP signals recorded >48 hours after CA. Primary outcomes are sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratio for NPi to predict bilateral absence of the SSEP N20 signal, with NPi values corresponding to <5% FPRs of SSEP absence. Secondary outcomes are the PLR and SSEP sensitivity, specificity, and odds ratio for poor neurological outcome at hospital discharge and death at 30 days.DiscussionThe PLR and SSEP may have a systematic interrelation, and a certain NPi threshold could potentially predict the absence of cortical SSEP response. If this can be concluded from the present study, SSEP testing could be excluded in certain patients to save resources in the multimodal prognostication after CA.
Editorial commentThe interrelation between loss of the pupillary light reflex (PLR) and the loss of cortical response to a somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) in comatose cardiac arrest patients is not known. This exploratory prospective study is designed to evaluate whether a specific degree of attenuated PLR, as measured by semiautomated pupillometry, can predict the bilateral loss of cortical SSEP response in severe anoxic/ischemic brain injury. Such an interrelation between the two methods would enable the use of pupillometry rather than the more resource demanding SSEP for neurologic prognostication in post cardiac arrest patients.
Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04720482, Registered 21 January 2021, retrospectively registered.
Safety and efficacy of an oral misoprostol standard‐dose regimen vs a low‐dose regimen for induction of labour in Papua New Guinean women: An open‐label randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bolnga John W. , Mola Glen D. L. , Totona Catherine , Ao Paula , Lufele Elvin , Laman Moses 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundOral misoprostol is widely used for induction of labour (IOL) in developing countries because of its many advantages. However, limited data exist concerning its safety and efficacy when lower doses are used.AimTo determine the safety and efficacy of a low‐dose oral misoprostol regimen (commencing at 12 μg) compared to a standard‐dose regimen (commencing at 25 μg) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) women undergoing IOL.Materials and MethodsThis was an open‐label non‐inferiority randomised controlled trial conducted at a provincial hospital in PNG. Women with singleton pregnancies ≥36 weeks with cephalic presentation and a Bishops score of <6, requiring IOL were enrolled. Both regimens were incremented second‐hourly to a maximum required dose within 24 h or until commencement of labour. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who delivered within 24 h of drug administration without any severe adverse events.ResultsOf the 262 women induced (130 standard‐dose vs 132 low‐dose), rates of successful induction were high for both regimens (120/130 (92%) vs 118/132 (89%); P = 0.52). Fourteen women (11%) in the standard‐dose regimen and 20 (15%) in the low‐dose regimen had severe adverse events. There was no significant difference in the safety profile of the two regimens (106/130 (82%) vs 98/132 (74%); P = 0.18). The induction‐to‐delivery time was significantly shorter in the standard‐dose arm (15.2 ± 8.7 h vs 18.0 ± 9.1 h; P = 0.01).ConclusionThe standard‐dose regimen for IOL has greater efficacy in reducing induction‐to‐delivery time compared to the low‐dose regimen. There was no significant difference in the number of adverse events between the two regimens.
A pilot study of short‐term hemodynamic effects of negative pressure ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessed using electrical cardiometry
Authors: Chao Ke‐Yun , Nassef Yasser 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary rehabilitation combined with negative pressure ventilation (NPV) demonstrated benefits in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effect of NPV remains unknown. This study aims to clarify the short‐term response of the hemodynamic outcome of NPV in patients with COPD undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation program by electrical cardiometry.MethodsThis is an observational retrospective study of COPD patients who had been treated in a pulmonary rehabilitation unit with NPV between January 2018 and December 2019 that were enrolled to analyze the hemodynamic outcomes.ResultsThirty patients with COPD that were undergoing a pulmonary rehabilitation program and were regularly receiving NPV were enrolled. Cardiac output (p < .001) and heart rate (p < .001) showed a significant decrease after NPV. Stroke volume did not demonstrate significant change (p = .15). There was a significant decrease in thoracic fluid content (p = .016) and a significant increase in stroke volume variation (p = .038) systemic vascular resistance (p < .001) and left ventricular ejection time (p < .001). Other hemodynamic parameters were all comparable before and after NPV.ConclusionsNegative pressure ventilation demonstrated an impact on hemodynamics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. Electrical cardiometry is a feasible method of determining the hemodynamic effects of negative pressure ventilation. Thoracic fluid content significantly decreased immediately after the NPV.
Optimal pin position in supraacetabular external fixation
Authors: Krassnig Renate , Hohenberger Gloria M. , Schimmerl Paul , Schwarz Angelika , Pichler Wolfgang , Puchwein Paul , Wildburger Renate 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study focuses on (i) the length of the intraosseous part of the supraacetabular pin using the insertion technique from the spina iliaca anterior inferior to the cortical part of the incisura ischiadica major, (ii) the angle of insertion of the supraacetabular pin in the transversal plane and (iii) gender‐specific differences of the measured results.MethodsImages of uninjured pelves from 49 patients (64‐line computed tomography scanner) were evaluated, and virtual external fixator pins were positioned using a three‐dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography scans. The length of the pins and the insertion angle were investigated. Descriptive statistics were used, and gender‐specific differences were calculated. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe results showed significant differences between male and female pelves concerning both pin length and insertion angel. For male pelves, the mean screw length was 82.7 mm (SD 5.1; range 72.9–94.3). For females, this was statistically significantly shorter (P ≤ 0.001), with an average of 74.1 mm (SD 5.0; range 63.1–81.9). In the male subgroup, the insertion angle was a mean of 22.6° (SD 3.4; range 12.4–31.8), and the female pelves had an average angle of 19.7° (SD 4.0; range 11.7–24.5). These values differed statistically significantly (P = 0.0032).ConclusionBased on our measurements, we can confirm that both the length of the Schanz screws and the angle of insertion for the supraacetabular external fixator show a statistically significant difference between males and females.
Novel knock‐in mouse model for the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of human podoplanin–targeting agents
Authors: Ukaji Takao , Takemoto Ai , Shibata Harumi , Kakino Mamoru , Takagi Satoshi , Katayama Ryohei , Fujita Naoya 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPodoplanin is a key molecule for enhancing tumor‐induced platelet aggregation. Podoplanin interacts with CLEC‐2 on platelets via PLatelet Aggregation–inducing domains (PLAGs). Among our generated antibodies, those targeting the fourth PLAG domain (PLAG4) strongly suppress podoplanin–CLEC‐2 binding and podoplanin‐expressing tumor growth and metastasis. We previously performed a single‐dose toxicity study of PLAG4‐targeting anti‐podoplanin–neutralizing antibodies and found no acute toxicity in cynomolgus monkeys. To confirm the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of podoplanin‐targeting antibodies, a syngeneic mouse model that enables repeated dose toxicity tests is needed. Replacement of mouse PLAG1‐PLAG4 domains with human homologous domains drastically decreased the platelet‐aggregating activity. Therefore, we searched the critical domain of the platelet‐aggregating activity in mouse podoplanin and found that the mouse PLAG4 domain played a critical role in platelet aggregation, similar to the human PLAG4 domain. Human/mouse chimeric podoplanin, in which a limited region containing mouse PLAG4 was replaced with human homologous region, exhibited a similar platelet‐aggregating activity to wild‐type mouse podoplanin. Thus, we generated knock‐in mice with human/mouse chimeric podoplanin expression (PdpnKI/KI mice). Our previously established PLAG4‐targeting antibodies could suppress human/mouse chimeric podoplanin–mediated platelet aggregation and tumor growth in PdpnKI/KI mice. Repeated treatment of PdpnKI/KI mice with antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity activity–possessing PG4D2 antibody did not result in toxicity or changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Our results suggest that anti‐podoplanin–neutralizing antibodies could be used safely as novel anti‐tumor agents. Our generated PdpnKI/KI mice are useful for investigating the efficacy and toxicity of human podoplanin–targeting drugs.
Evaluating unintended consequences of intentional species introductions and eradications for improved conservation management
Authors: Pearson Dean E. , Clark Tyler J. , Hahn Philip G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIncreasingly intensive strategies to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function are being deployed in response to global anthropogenic threats, including intentionally introducing and eradicating species via assisted migration, rewilding, biological control, invasive species eradications, and gene drives. These actions are highly contentious because of their potential for unintended consequences. We conducted a global literature review of these conservation actions to quantify how often unintended outcomes occur and to elucidate their underlying causes. To evaluate conservation outcomes, we developed a community assessment framework for systematically mapping the range of possible interaction types for 111 case studies. Applying this tool, we quantified the number of interaction types considered in each study and documented the nature and strength of intended and unintended outcomes. Intended outcomes were reported in 51% of cases, a combination of intended outcomes and unintended outcomes in 26%, and strictly unintended outcomes in 10%. Hence, unintended outcomes were reported in 36% of all cases evaluated. In evaluating overall conservations outcomes (weighing intended vs. unintended effects), some unintended effects were fairly innocuous relative to the conservation objective, whereas others resulted in serious unintended consequences in recipient communities. Studies that assessed a greater number of community interactions with the target species reported unintended outcomes more often, suggesting that unintended consequences may be underreported due to insufficient vetting. Most reported unintended outcomes arose from direct effects (68%) or simple density‐mediated or indirect effects (25%) linked to the target species. Only a few documented cases arose from more complex interaction pathways (7%). Therefore, most unintended outcomes involved simple interactions that could be predicted and mitigated through more formal vetting. Our community assessment framework provides a tool for screening future conservation actions by mapping the recipient community interaction web to identify and mitigate unintended outcomes from intentional species introductions and eradications for conservation.
England’s municipal waste regime: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Gregson Nicky , Forman Peter J. 
Published: March 2021

This paper provides a synthetic account of England’s municipal waste regime at the end of the 2010s. In technical‐material terms, the regime, previously heavily dependent upon landfill, is now characterised by energy‐from‐waste and recycling and/or composting in fairly equal measure. This infrastructural transformation, enacted over some 20 years, has been underpinned by the financialisation and marketisation of England’s municipal waste. Residual waste has been constituted as a financial asset whilst both residual waste and materials collected for recycling are the basis for further commodity production. The corporate landscape is dominated by large, European‐based transnationals. As well as documenting the regime and its emergence, the paper highlights, and accounts for, the multiple challenges it now faces – chiefly, the technical failure of residual waste solutions which necessitate a continued reliance on landfill for some councils, the collapse of the export markets on which England’s resource recovery has depended, and a radically changed policy landscape that seeks to move England towards a more circular economy. We suggest that local authorities’ waste infrastructure, procured in response to a linear economy, threatens and is threatened by these new policy directions.
City planning and floods: The strategy of Montpellier
Authors: Brun Alexandre , Volle Jean‐Paul 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLocated between Marseille and Barcelona, Montpellier is one of the most attractive cities of the Mediterranean coast. It has more than 460,000 inhabitants and grows by 7,500 more inhabitants every year. This is largely due to its positive image and its freshly constructed neighbourhoods “Antigone” and “Port‐Marianne.” From the late 1970s, the municipality’s strategy was to organise the urban sprawl to the east and then towards the sea in the south of the city. The Lez, a small coastal river, well known for its spectacular flash floods, was the spine of this new urban growth. Internationally renowned architects and planners have been recruited to build these new “green” neighbourhoods (in French “éco‐quartiers”) located on lands that used to be flooded regularly. This urban policy is largely due to the Montpellier’s former mayor Georges Frêche and his deputy, the geographer Raymond Dugrand. The “urban planning” concept, or “urban design” projects, have largely been used by the local experts and officials to describe this development, but seem to be misused in this case. It has being mostly a political city‐project, still having the same objective as more than 30 years ago: to turn Montpellier towards the seaside. This paper will return to the strategy used at that time and, in retrospect, all the interrogations that have followed in terms of sustainable development and flood risk management.