bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On tasks and soft skills in operations and supply chain management: analysis and evidence from the O*NET database
Authors: Fantozzi Italo Cesidio , Di Luozzo Sebastiano , Schiraldi Massimiliano Maria 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to identify the soft skills and abilities that are crucial to success in the fields of operations management (OM) and supply chain management (SCM), using the O*NET database and the classification of a set of professional figures integrating values for task skills and abilities needed to operate successfully in these professions.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the O*NET database to identify the soft skills and abilities required for success in OM and SCM industries. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine the tasks required for the job roles and their characteristics in terms of abilities and soft skills. ANOVA analysis was used to validate the findings. The study aims to help companies define specific assessments and tests for OM and SCM roles to measure individual attitudes and correlate them with the job position.FindingsAs a result of the work, a set of soft skills and abilities was defined that allow, through correlation analysis, to explain a large number of activities required to work in the operations and SCM (OSCM) environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is inherently affected by the database used for the professional figures mapped and the scores that are attributed within O*NET to the analyzed elements.Practical implicationsThe information resulting from this study can help companies develop specific assessments and tests for the roles of OM and SCM to measure individual attitudes and correlate them with the requirements of the job position. The study aims to address the need to identify soft skills in the human sphere and determine which of them have the most significant impact on the OM and SCM professions.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its approach to identify the set of soft skills and abilities that determine success in the OM and SCM industries. The study used the O*NET database to correlate the tasks required for specific job roles with their corresponding soft skills and abilities. Furthermore, the study used ANOVA analysis to validate the findings in other sectors mapped by the same database. The identified soft skills and abilities can help companies develop specific assessments and tests for OM and SCM roles to measure individual attitudes and correlate them with the requirements of the job position. In addressing the necessity for enhanced clarity in the domain of human factor, this study contributes to identifying key success factors. Subsequent research can further investigate their practical application within companies to formulate targeted growth strategies and make appropriate resource selections for vacant positions.
Oaths of Fidelity: Loyalty and Officeholding in Late Medieval Durham
Authors: Brown A.T. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOaths of fidelity, homage and fealty were ubiquitous in late medieval England. Variously given by tenants, officeholders and retainers, such oaths represented a promise of loyalty and goodwill towards a lord. Individuals might make many such professions, perhaps as a tenant of one lord, an officer of another or a hired retainer of yet a third. Such multiple loyalties can be difficult to recover, especially as many oaths would have been given verbally and left little documentary evidence. The nature of such social relations has been seen as vital to our understanding of the emergence of ‘bastard feudalism’ and attempts to understand the texture of late medieval politics. This article explores these issues through the unusual situation that arose in medieval Durham whereby the incoming officials of the bishops of Durham swore oaths of fidelity to the monks of Durham priory, an entirely separate landowner. Who were these individuals, what were they promising and why were the incoming officers of one lord swearing fidelity to another? This local arrangement likely arose to avoid conflict between the two major landowners in the region and demonstrates the ways that oaths and the resultant ties they created could aid in the social stability of late medieval England.
Restricting bioenergetic efficiency enhances longevity and mitochondrial redox capacity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Taylor Analisa L. , Dubuisson Olga , Pandey Pritika , Zunica Elizabeth R. M. , Vandanmagsar Bolormaa , Dantas Wagner S. , Johnson Alyssa , Axelrod Christopher L. , Kirwan John P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMitochondria are essential for survival and as such, impairments in organelle homeostasis significantly accelerate age‐related morbidity and mortality. Here, we determined the contribution of bioenergetic efficiency to life span and health span in Drosophila melanogaster utilizing the mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15. Life span was determined in flies fed a normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD) supplemented with vehicle or BAM15. Locomotor function was determined by negative geotaxis assay in middle‐aged flies fed vehicle or BAM15 under ND or HFD conditions. Redox capacity (high‐resolution respirometry/fluorometry), citrate synthase (enzyme activity), mtDNA content (qPCR), gene expression (qPCR), and protein expression (western blot) were assessed in flight muscle homogenates of middle‐aged flies fed vehicle or BAM15 ND. The molar ratio of H2O2 and O2 (H2O2:O2) in a defined respiratory state was calculated as a measure of redox balance. BAM15 extended life span by 9% on ND and 25% on HFD and improved locomotor activity by 125% on ND and 53% on HFD. Additionally, BAM15 enhanced oxidative phosphorylation capacity supported by pyruvate + malate, proline, and glycerol 3‐phosphate. Concurrently, BAM15 enhanced the mitochondrial H2O2 production rate, reverse electron flow from mitochondrial glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) to Complex I, mGPDH, and Complex I without altering the H2O2:O2 ratio. BAM15 upregulated transcriptional signatures associated with mitochondrial function and fitness as well as antioxidant defense. BAM15‐mediated restriction of bioenergetic efficiency prolongs life span and health span in Drosophila fed a ND or HFD. Improvements in life span and health span in ND were supported by synergistic enhancement of muscular redox capacity.
Prevalence of functional limitations in older remote‐living Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Smith Kate , Hyde Zoë , Flicker Leon , Atkinson David , Malay Roslyn , LoGiudice Dina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionTo better tailor prevention and care strategies, there is a need to identify modifiable factors associated with functional impairment in older Aboriginal people, and related service needs.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and associated factors for functional impairment in older Aboriginal people, and related service needs.DesignCross‐sectional survey of 289 Aboriginal people aged ≥45 years living in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. Factors associated with functional impairment were explored with logistic regression.Findings41.2% (95% CI 35.6%–47.0%) of participants required assistance with at least one I/ADL, and 26.0% (95% CI 21.2%–31.3%) required assistance with two or more I/ADLs. A core activity limitation (required assistance with showering, dressing or cooking) was reported by 15.9% (95% CI 12.1%–20.6%). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, older age, diabetes, difficulty walking, head injury, higher depression score and worse cognition were associated with needing help with two or more I/ADLs, while older age, history of stroke, higher depression score and worse cognition were associated with the presence of a core activity limitation. The proportion of participants receiving support with I/ADLs ranged from 71.2% to 97.6%. Support was generally provided by family and friends rather than service providers.DiscussionThe key modifiable factors associated with functional impairment in older Aboriginal people living in remote regions are diabetes, depression and cognitive impairment. Services required are transport and socio‐cultural activities, and ensuring support for family providing the majority of care.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for holistic prevention strategies and care for older Aboriginal people with functional limitations and their families.
DeepAlienorNet: A deep learning model to extract clinical features from colour fundus photography in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Mathieu Alexis , Ajana Soufiane , Korobelnik Jean‐François , Le Goff Mélanie , Gontier Brigitte , Rougier Marie‐Bénédicte , Delcourt Cécile , Delyfer Marie‐Noëlle 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) model, named ‘DeepAlienorNet’, to automatically extract clinical signs of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) from colour fundus photography (CFP).Methods and AnalysisThe ALIENOR Study is a cohort of French individuals 77 years of age or older. A multi‐label DL model was developed to grade the presence of 7 clinical signs: large soft drusen (>125 μm), intermediate soft (63–125 μm), large area of soft drusen (total area >500 μm), presence of central soft drusen (large or intermediate), hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and advanced AMD (defined as neovascular or atrophic AMD). Prediction performances were evaluated using cross‐validation and the expert human interpretation of the clinical signs as the ground truth.ResultsA total of 1178 images were included in the study. Averaging the 7 clinical signs' detection performances, DeepAlienorNet achieved an overall sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC of 0.77, 0.83, and 0.87, respectively. The model demonstrated particularly strong performance in predicting advanced AMD and large areas of soft drusen. It can also generate heatmaps, highlighting the relevant image areas for interpretation.ConclusionDeepAlienorNet demonstrates promising performance in automatically identifying clinical signs of AMD from CFP, offering several notable advantages. Its high interpretability reduces the black box effect, addressing ethical concerns. Additionally, the model can be easily integrated to automate well‐established and validated AMD progression scores, and the user‐friendly interface further enhances its usability. The main value of DeepAlienorNet lies in its ability to assist in precise severity scoring for further adapted AMD management, all while preserving interpretability.
Self‐reported mental health difficulties were of limited use when screening for psychiatric diagnoses in adults born small for gestational age at term
Authors: Mehl Cathrin Vano , Lærum Astrid Merete Winsnes , Reitan Solveig Klæbo , Indredavik Marit S. , Evensen Kari Anne I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimBeing born small for gestational age (SGA) at term increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. We examined whether self‐reported mental health differed between adults born SGA and non‐SGA at term and could be used to screen for psychiatric diagnoses.MethodsWe used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to gather data from 68 participants born SGA and 88 non‐SGA controls at a mean age of 26.5 years. Group differences were analysed by linear regression. We calculated the area under the curve and the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for psychiatric diagnoses.ResultsThe mean total difficulties score was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 0.4–3.5) points higher for participants born SGA. They also reported more internalising and emotional problems (p < 0.05). The areas under the curve were 0.82 and 0.68 in the SGA and control groups, respectively. Among participants born SGA, the 90th percentile cut‐off had a sensitivity of 0.38, a specificity of 0.93 and positive and negative predictive values of 0.75 and 0.71. The 80th percentile cut‐off had higher sensitivity and lower specificity.ConclusionAdults born SGA reported more mental health difficulties than non‐SGA controls. The low sensitivity using the 90th percentile cut‐off suggests that a lower cut‐off should be considered.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery for asymptomatic incidental renal stones: a retrospective, real‐world data analysis
Authors: Ong William Lay Keat , Somani Bhaskar Kumar , Fong Khi Yung , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Sarica Kemal , Chai Chu Ann , Ragoori Deepak , Tailly Thomas , Hamri Saeed Bin , Heng Chin Tiong , Biligere Sarvajit , Emiliani Esteban , Gadzhiev Nariman , Tanidir Yiloren , Chew Ben Hall , Castellani Daniele , Traxer Oliver , Gauhar Vineet ,   from The FLEXible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR)
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo determine surgical outcomes and stone‐free rates (SFRs) when offering upfront retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to patients with asymptomatic incidental renal stones (AIRS), as active surveillance, shockwave lithotripsy or upfront intervention in patients with AIRS is still a debate among urologists.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective FLEXible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR), supported by the Team of Worldwide Endourological Researchers (TOWER), examines adult patients who underwent RIRS. We analysed a subset of asymptomatic patients with renal stones on imaging who were treated with RIRS. Data includes patient characteristics, stone specifications, anaesthesia type, perioperative details, complications, and SFR. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with the SFR.ResultsAmong 679 patients with AIRS, 640 met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 55 years, with 33.4% being female. In all, 22.1% had positive urine cultures. The median stone diameter was 12 mm, commonly in lower and interpolar locations. RIRS was preferentially performed under general anaesthesia using a reusable scope in 443 cases. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered to 314 patients. The median operation time was 58 min and the median laser time was 24 min. The SFR was 68.8%. The use of holmium laser (odds ratio [OR] 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.63; P < 0.01) and multiple stones (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19–0.76; P < 0.01) were factors associated with lower odds of being stone free. Overall complications were minimal, with sepsis in 1.6% of patients. Re‐interventions were performed in 76 cases (11.8%), with RIRS being the most common in 67 cases (10.6%).ConclusionOur multicentre real‐world study is the first of its kind that highlights the pros and cons of offering RIRS to patients with AIRS and demonstrates a favourable SFR with acceptable complications. Pre‐emptively discussing potential re‐intervention helps patients make informed decisions, particularly in cases involving large and multiple stones.
Instream barriers contribute to population isolation of a small‐bodied, benthic, headwater‐specialist fish (Percidae)
Authors: Watson River A. , Culley Alexis V. , Haase Catherine G. , Thomas Matthew R. , Brandt Stephanie L. , Floyd Michael A. , Blanton Rebecca E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGenetic differentiation in aquatic systems is often driven by geographic distance (isolation by distance) due to the linear and hierarchical distribution of populations, but habitat fragmentation often exacerbates this effect by decreasing population connectivity, leading to isolation by resistance. Stronghold populations of the Kentucky Arrow Darter (Etheostoma spilotum) in the South Fork Kentucky River system within the Daniel Boone National Forest of eastern Kentucky, USA have a high population structure not explained by distance alone. Higher than expected levels of genetic differentiation among proximate populations were hypothesized to be driven by land‐use change, but this was not previously tested. Here we use a riverscape genetics approach to test for the effects of natural landscape features including slope, elevation and stream size, and anthropogenically altered habitat features, including specific conductance (conductivity), culverts and forest cover, on population connectivity and genetic diversity of E. spilotum. We found isolation of populations among all tributary systems and a strong, positive relationship between genetic and geographic distances as expected. However, high conductivity levels due to surface coal mining best explain the population structure observed. We also found signatures of low genetic diversity overall and indicators that culverts may limit upstream movements of E. spilotum. This study provides a novel fine‐scale view of the effects of instream and landscape features on connectivity among, and genetic diversity within populations of an imperilled, small‐bodied, benthic fish.
Outcomes with ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: Results from the German multicentre REALITY study
Authors: Gerhardt Anke , Dörfel Steffen , Schulz Holger , Schlag Rudolf , Vornholz Lukas , Nejad‐Asgari Sonja , Welslau Manfred 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess treatment adherence, effectiveness and safety outcomes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) receiving ibrutinib in a real‐world setting.MethodsPatients enrolled in REALITY were ≥18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of CLL and were receiving ibrutinib as a first‐line (1L), 2L or ≥3L therapy. Treatment retention, adherence, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and time to next therapy were assessed at 1 and 2 years overall, by typology and by cytogenetic subgroups. PFS and OS were analysed using Kaplan–Meier methods.ResultsExactly 302 patients were enrolled across 57 sites in Germany, from January 2017 to July 2021. One‐year retention rates were 69.9% overall (primary endpoint), 77.9% for 1L patients, and 77.6%/78.8% for high‐risk patients with del17p/TP53. At 2 years, PFS/OS rates were 77.8%/90.7% overall (1L, 82.7%/90.4%), and were consistent across cytogenetic subgroups. PFS rates were higher for 1L versus ≥3L patients. Patients with the low‐acceptance/low‐control typology at baseline were less likely to retain treatment at 1 year versus the high‐acceptance/high‐control typology. No new safety signals were observed.ConclusionsThe REALITY study provides further evidence of the effectiveness and safety of ibrutinib in patients with CLL in a real‐world setting, particularly in earlier treatment lines.
Contrasting impacts of non‐native and threatened species on morphological, life history, and phylogenetic diversity in bird assemblages
Authors: Toussaint Aurele , Pärtel Meelis , Carmona Carlos P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman activities have altered the species composition of assemblages through introductions and extinctions, but it remains unclear how those changes can affect the different facets of biodiversity. Here we assessed the impact of changes in species composition on taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity across 281 bird assemblages worldwide. To provide a more nuanced understanding of functional diversity, we distinguished morphological from life‐history traits. We showed that shifts in species composition could trigger a global decline in avian biodiversity due to the high number of potential extinctions. Moreover, these extinctions were not random but unique in terms of function and phylogeny at the regional level. Our findings demonstrated that non‐native species cannot compensate for these losses, as they are both morphologically and phylogenetically close to the native fauna. In the context of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, such alterations in the functional and phylogenetic structure of bird assemblages could heighten ecosystem vulnerability.
Aggressiveness overcomes body‐size effects in contests between native and invasive cichlid fishes
Authors: Aranda Dejanira , Arce Elsah , Mercado‐Silva Norman , Burciaga Luis M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn animal fights, there are often size asymmetries between opponents. Although larger individuals typically dominate smaller ones, size is not the sole determining factor, as the competitors' motivation, aggressiveness, resource value, physiological characteristics, and strength also play crucial roles in fighting outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the influence of body size on dominance hierarchy and contest success during intra‐ and inter‐specific contests in two fish species: the native mojarra of the Balsas basin Amphilophus istlanus and the invasive convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata. We used size‐asymmetric males to carry out experimental contests. The number and type of aggressive behaviors, time to contest outcome, and dominant individual at the end of the contest were determined. In contests between two native mojarra, the smaller individual always lost. In contests between convict cichlids, the smaller contestants lost in all contests where size asymmetry was greater than 20%. In interspecific contests, the native mojarra performed more aggressive behaviors than the invasive convict cichlid and dominated convict cichlids despite a size disadvantage. This suggests that in terms of competition via interference, the native mojarra can counter the arrival of the invasive convict cichlid.
Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nirmatrelvir in Chinese patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Zeng Liyan , Chen Rui , Jiang Xuhua , Li Feng , Zhu Zhaoqin , Jiao Zheng , Ling Yun , Zhang Lijun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of nirmatrelvir (NMV) are unknown in Chinese patients with COVID‐19.ObjectivesTo understand the PK, as well as PK–PD characteristics of NMV for optimizing the dose in Chinese patients with COVID‐19.MethodsWe enrolled 141 participants who received NMV 300 mg/ritonavir (RTV) 100 mg b.i.d. for 5 days. The NMV concentrations were analyzed using 251 blood samples. PK/PD of NMV was investigated in these COVID‐19 patients using a nonlinear mixed‐effects model.ResultsThe patients had a mean age of 82 years (range, 34–97). The absorption rate constant and apparent clearance of NMV in this Chinese cohort were 0.253 h−1 and 6.83 L/h, respectively, similar to Caucasian patients. No covariates affected NMV clearance. Predicted peak (Cmax) and trough concentration (Cmin) under 300 mg NMV/100 mg RTV b.i.d. were 4004 and 1498 ng/mL, respectively. Although higher AUC and Cmin were weakly associated with a slight increase in the number of cycle threshold (CT) of viral genes, no significant correlation was found, indicating a weak relationship between drug exposure and efficacy (CT).ConclusionsIn all, our findings suggest no ethnic PK differences, a weak and clinically insignificant relationship between drug exposure and efficacy, suitable dosage for Chinese patients (including the elderly) based on PK parameters, and the need for further studies to determine optimal regimens for high‐risk patients due to inter‐individual variability.