bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a ruminally protected blend of pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12 on finishing steer growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, carcass trait responses, and liver abscess prevalence and severity
Authors: Ribeiro Thiago Lauro Maia , Francis Forest L , Heldt Jeff S , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the influence that a ruminally-protected B-vitamin (RPBV) blend (containing vitamin B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) had on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, carcass trait responses, and liver abscess severity and prevalence in beef steers fed a finishing diet. Steers (n = 246; initial shrunk body weight [BW] = 411 ± 25.8 kg) from two different sources, were used in a 126-d RCBD experiment. Within 48 h after arrival, steers were individually weighed and allotted to 1 of 24 pens (n = 8 to 12 steers; 8 pens per treatment) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) No RPBV; (2) RPBV1 at 1 g/steer d−1; 3) RPBV2 at 2 g/steer d−1. During the first 14 d, cattle received two transition diets with increasing concentrate. From days 15 to 126, cattle were fed the final diet containing 53% dry-rolled corn; 23% corn silage; 20% MDGS; and 4% suspended supplement. On the first 28 d, steers of RPBV1 had a greater average daily gain (ADG) and better feed conversion (G:F), both by 9% (quadratic effect, P ≤ 0.02). However, cumulatively, no differences (P ≥ 0.13) among treatments were found for dry-matter intake (DMI), live final BW, ADG, or G:F. Carcass-adjusted final BW, ADG, and G:F were not influenced by treatment (P ≥ 0.59). Additionally, carcass weight, dressing percentage, marbling score, kidney–pelvic–heart fat, or BW at 28% empty body fat did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.11). Ribeye area (REA) was altered (quadratic effect, P = 0.02) by treatment; steers from RPBV1 had decreased REA compared to others. Additionally, calculated yield grade (YG) and calculated retail yield (RY) were altered (quadratic effect, P ≤ 0.01) by treatment; steers from RPBV1 had increased YG and decreased RY compared to others. Estimated empty body fatness tended (P = 0.06) to be greater from steers-fed RPBV compared to control. Overall USDA YG distribution was altered by dietary treatment (P = 0.01). The proportions of YG1 and YG5 carcasses were unaffected by treatment, but there was a shift in the proportion of carcasses that graded YG2, YG3, and YG4 among treatments. Distribution of USDA Quality Grade was not altered by treatment (P = 0.53). No treatment differences in liver abscess incidence or severity were observed (P = 0.13). The use of RPBV altered carcass muscularity and rib fat accumulation affecting the overall YG distribution. However, RPBV did not appreciably influence any cumulative growth performance measures or liver abscess outcome.
The push-pull factor model and its implications for the retention of international students in the host country
Authors: Nikou Shahrokh , Luukkonen Monika 
Published: July 2023

PurposeDue to high demand for international talents and skilful workforces, many countries around the world, especially the ageing populations are now looking for new ways and strategies to attract more international talent. Drawing on push-pull factor theory, integrated with theory of reasoned action (TRA), this research examines international students' intention to stay or to leave the host country after completion of the students' studies.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model has been proposed and evaluated aimed at understanding the factors that influence the decision-making of international students studying in Finland. Data were collected from a sample of 292 international students in Finland and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and examine the relationships between various constructs in the model.FindingsThe SEM results show that several factors influence students' decision to stay or leave the host country after graduation. Aspects related to host country, institutional and economic factors and social influence (norms) directly impact students' attitude towards staying. In addition, attitude towards staying not only has a direct impact on the intention to stay, but also mediates the relationship between different pulling factors and students' intention to stay in the host country. Moreover, challenges and barriers (such as local language, challenge of finding employment and challenge of assimilating into the community or making friends) have a negative impact on the decision to stay in the host country.Originality/valueThis study uses push-pull theory in the Finnish context, contributing to the growing body of literature on international education policies and practices. The findings highlight the need for a more holistic approach to supporting international students, one that considers the students' unique needs and experiences in the host country and provides the students with the necessary resources and support to succeed.
An exploratory study of the relationships between Lean practices and team performance in higher education
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Moyano-Fuentes José , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Marçal Diego Russowsky 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the causal relationship between Lean practices and team performance. Specifically, the authors tried to demonstrate which practices act as enablers of continuous improvement and waste elimination and what is their impact on team performance.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey was carried out in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Southern Brazil. The authors obtained a sample of 785 respondents. The data analysis procedures involved confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling.

Findings
The results of the research provided support for the positive influence of continuous improvement on waste elimination and of these two practices on team performance. In addition, empirical support was obtained for the effect of leadership support, employee involvement and internal process customers on continuous improvement.

Research limitations/implications
Data collection was carried out online, so we were not able to maintain full control of the research respondents. This research generates relevant insights for decision-makers in the HEI environment, especially concerning Lean practices and team performance. The effects analyzed are even more relevant given the pandemic context.

Practical implications
This study shows how some higher education Lean practices can positively affect continuous improvement and better team performance. The results raise important insights for decision-makers to offer better higher education public services, especially given the context and changes imposed by the pandemic situation.

Originality/value
This paper initiates the discussion about enablers of continuous improvement and waste elimination in HEI and demonstrates their impact on team performance.
Mingling business and politics in China – Does it build value? The relationship between political connection and firm performance
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Dong Longzhu , Nahm Abraham 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine how business executives' political connections are associated with government subsidies and strategic change, and how they, in turn, influence firm performance, measured by return on assets (ROA) and market share.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses were tested using the large firm-level dataset provided by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China for the period 2003–2013. This is one of the most comprehensive datasets of Chinese manufacturing companies and includes 321,722 firms on average per year, which spans over 37 industries.FindingsThe authors found that political connections, measured by senior executives' membership in the National People's Congress of China (NPC), were positively associated with government subsidies but were not associated with strategic change. Also, government subsidies, as the underlying mechanism, mediated the relationships between NPC membership and firm performance but strategic change did not.Research limitations/implicationsBy examining the possible mediators between corporate political strategies and firm performance, the authors confirmed the thought that the impact of political connections on firm performance is a complex phenomenon and goes beyond a simple direct effect. However, future research could explore other mediators in this relationship.Originality/valueWhile the direct relationship between political connections and firm performance has been examined in management literature, the results are mixed. For the first time, the authors addressed the gap and opened the “black box” – the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. This study's findings contribute to the literature on corporate political activity, strategic change, and their influences on firm performance.
A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of elderly individuals with chronic wounds
Authors: Abdalrahim Asem , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Mohammad Khitam , Al-Amer Rasmieh , Al Omari Omar , Ayed Ahmad , Al-Dwaikat Tariq , Oweidat Islam , Khatatbeh Haitham , Alsaraireh Mahmoud , ALbashtawy Sa'ad , Al Dameery Khloud 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the lived experience of people with a chronic non-healing wound and to explore what it means to live with a chronic wound.

Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive phenomenological study design was adopted to explore the living experience of person with chronic wound. A sample of 15 individuals of both genders was selected using a purposive sampling technique. To collect data, in-depth interviews were conducted, and all the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the seven-step process described by Colaizzi (1978).

Findings
The findings were organized into 6 themes clusters and 12 themes. The six themes clusters were limiting mobility; receiving care; explaining causes of wounds; contending with chronic illnesses; adapting and mal-adapting; and economic burden of the wound.

Research limitations/implications
Chronic wound had a profound impact on participants’ lives by affecting their activities of daily living, their mobility, their income and their personal relationships.

Originality/value
Understanding the lived experiences of people with chronic wounds is crucial for health-care providers, including nurses. Investigating the chronic wound experience has become even more pressing given the projected increase in the number of elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. In Jordan, for example, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is 17.1%, and it is projected to increase by 2050.
What explains the gender gap in unpaid housework and care work in India?
Authors: Janiso Athary , Shukla Prakash Kumar , Reddy A Bheemeshwar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMotivationAlthough women continue to bear an unequal burden when it comes to unpaid housework and care work regardless of the level of economic progress, a systematic analysis of the gender gap in terms of the time allocated to these responsibilities has not been carried out in the context of India so far, primarily due to the lack of national‐level data.PurposeThis article measures how the burden of unpaid housework and care work is shared between men and women and investigates the factors associated with the allocation of time.Methods and approachWe use the first nationally representative Time Use Survey (2019) data of India and employ Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition analysis to explain the gender gap in unpaid housework and care work.FindingsAfter accounting for individual characteristics and household factors, the regression analysis shows that women spend a little over three hours more per day on unpaid housework and 20 minutes more on unpaid care work than men. The decomposition analysis reveals that the differences in socioeconomic and demographic factors between men and women only contribute a small part of the average gender gap in unpaid housework and care work. In other words, most of the gap in unpaid work at home between men and women in India can be attributed to structural factors, including inadequate infrastructural support and social programmes to alleviate the burden of housework and childcare, as well as the prevalence of unobserved gender norms and practices that pin the responsibility of unpaid housework and care work on women.Policy implicationsTo achieve equitable distribution of unpaid work between women and men, there is a need to provide more opportunities for women to participate in remunerative paid employment. Infrastructural support and policies that can reduce the burden of time spent by women in day‐to‐day unpaid housework and care activities are crucial to reduce the gender gap.
Is reflectance confocal microscopy useful in the differential diagnosis of extra facial lentigo maligna? A retrospective multicentric case–control study
Authors: Licata Gaetano , Brancaccio Gabriella , Ronchi Andrea , Borsari Stefania , Longo Caterina , Piana Simonetta , Cinotti Elisa , Dragotto Martina , Rubegni Pietro , Argenziano Giuseppe , Moscarella Elvira 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundExtra facial lentigo maligna (EF‐LM) arises outside the head and neck area. EF‐LM presents the classic histological features of lentigo maligna. The dermoscopic aspects of EF‐LM have been poorly studied.ObjectiveThe primary aims of our study were to analyse and describe the clinical, dermoscopic and confocal microscopy features of a series of histologically confirmed EF‐LM.MethodWe conducted a retrospective and multicentric study. From our database, we selected 48 cases of thin melanomas on photodamaged skin with histological features of EF‐LM of which clinical, dermoscopic and confocal microscopy images were available, and a control group of 45 lesions, that can be subjected to differential diagnosis such as solar lentigo, lichenoid keratosis, seborrheic keratosis and melanocytic nevi, of which dermoscopic and confocal microscope images were available.ResultsExtra facial lentigo maligna had a higher prevalence of lentigo‐like pigment patterns, angulated lines and zigzag structures. At confocal microscopy, LM‐EF cases showed a higher prevalence of pagetoid spreading, round cells, dendritic cells in the epidermis, atypical cells at the dermo‐epidermal junction, dendritic cells at the junction, meshwork pattern and elastosis. Our study shows that reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 97% for the differential diagnosis of this type of melanoma.ConclusionsExtra facial lentigo maligna does not have the classic dermoscopic features of superficial spreading melanoma, the most observed dermoscopic criteria are angulated lines and lentigo‐like pigment patterns without lentigo‐like border. RCM can be a valuable imaging tool for the evaluation of all those suspicion skin lesions at dermoscopy highlighting cellular atypia suggestive for melanoma.
Circ_0001955 promotes non‐small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating MiR‐29a‐3p/NKIRAS2 axis to activate the nuclear factor‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhou Xia , Qiu Guoqin , Yang Yang , Bao Wuan , Zhang Danhong , Du Xianghui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been widely reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of various tumors. Nevertheless, the function of circ_0001955 in NSCLC progression has not been explored yet. This study aims to explore the functions of circ_0001955 in NSCLC and investigate its regulatory molecular mechanism. First, we determined that circ_0001955 was upregulated in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that knockdown of circ_0001955 restrained cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo experiments further proved the suppressive effect of circ_0001955 silence on tumor growth. Mechanism assays revealed that circ_0001955 enhanced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor interacting Ras‐like protein 2 (NKIRAS2) expression by sponging microRNA‐29a‐3p (miR‐29a‐3p). Upregulation of NKIRAS2 led to the deceased level of IκBβ but increased levels of nuclear p65, thus activating the NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, Circ_0001955 activates the NF‐κB pathway to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion by regulating miR‐29a‐3p/NKIRAS2 axis.
SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 6 from Alpha to Omicron: evolution of a transmembrane protein
Authors: Feng Shuchen , O'Brien Amornrat , Chen Da-Yuan , Saeed Mohsan , Baker Susan C. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
We recently reported that mutations in both the spike glycoprotein and nonstructural protein 6 (nsp6) were associated with attenuation of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 variant. While mutations in spike allow evasion of neutralizing antibodies and promote specific modes of viral entry, the role of nsp6 mutations in pathogenesis is less clear. Nsp6 is essential for modifying the endoplasmic reticulum and generating double-membrane vesicles, the site of viral RNA replication. To investigate the evolution of nsp6, we evaluated 91,596 high-confidence human SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences across 19 variants and lineages. While nsp6 of early variants of concern, such as Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, carried a triple amino acid deletion (106–108, termed ΔSGF), the Delta, Epsilon, and Mu lineages retained the ancestral nsp6 sequence. For nsp6 in the emerging Omicron variants, we report a transition from an amino acid 105–107 ΔLSG deletion in BA.1 to increased dominance of the ΔSGF in BA.2 and subsequent lineages. Our findings indicate that deletion within nsp6 was independently selected in multiple lineages of SARS-CoV-2, both early and late in the pandemic. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses in bats and pangolins revealed nsp6 sequences similar to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus, indicating that the deletion in nsp6 may be an adaptation to replication in humans. Analysis of nsp6 sequences from multiple coronaviruses predicts a multipass transmembrane protein with a conserved C-terminal domain. Monitoring and evaluating changes in nsp6 and other nonstructural proteins will contribute to our understanding of factors associated with the attenuation of pandemic coronaviruses.

IMPORTANCE

There is an ongoing need to evaluate genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 for effects on transmission and pathogenesis. We recently reported an unexpected role for replicase component nsp6, in addition to changes in spike, in the attenuation of Omicron BA.1. In this commentary, we document a triple-amino-acid deletion in a predicted lumenal domain of nsp6 that was found in multiple, independent variants of SARS-CoV-2, including all recent Omicron lineages. Furthermore, we modeled the predicted structure of nsp6, implicating a multipass transmembrane architecture as conserved in members of the
Coronaviridae
family. This information can guide future studies investigating the role of nsp6 in the pathogenesis of existing and emerging coronaviruses.
Factors associated with use of opioid rescue medication after surgery
Authors: Meier Isabell M , Eikemo Marie , Trøstheim Martin , Buen Kaja , Jensen Eira , Gurandsrud Karlsen Siri , Reme Silje E , Berna Chantal , Leknes Siri , Ernst Gernot 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundOpioid exposure after surgery increases risk of persistent opioid use. Here, we characterize at-home use of opioid rescue medication during 1–2 days after outpatient surgery (N=270) in a postoperative opioid-sparing context at a Norwegian hospital.MethodsThe postsurgical pain management plan included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and up to six pills of 5 mg oxycodone as rescue analgesics. In this observational study we assessed risk factors for taking rescue opioids after surgery, by comparing patients who did, with those who did not.ResultsOnly 35% (N=228) of patients reported taking rescue opioids 1–2 days after discharge. Patients taking rescue opioids after surgery (opioid-takers) differed from non-takers by prevalence of preoperative chronic pain (>3 months; 74% vs 48%), higher pain severity and interference before and after surgery, reporting lower ability to cope with postsurgical pain, higher nervousness about the surgery, being younger, and having received more opioid analgesics in the recovery room. Exploratory predictive modeling identified opioid administration in the recovery room as the most important predictor of at-home rescue medication use. Follow-up after >4 months indicated low acute pain levels (mean±SD = 1.1±1.8), with only four patients (2%, N=217) reporting opioid analgesic use.ConclusionFactors related to at-home rescue medication use closely mirrored known risk factors for persistent opioid use after surgery, such as prior chronic pain, prior substance use, affective disturbances, and pain severity before surgery. These findings are potential targets in patient-centered care. Nevertheless, and reassuringly, findings are consistent with the idea that opioid-sparing postsurgical care can prevent large-scale chronic opioid use.
Microwave-assisted citrate extraction (MaCE) as an alternative to autoclave citrate extraction (ACE) of a soil protein fraction
Authors: Wu Qianyi , Congreves Kate A. , Farrell Richard E. 
Published: July 2023

Soil protein is an important indicator of soil health and for soil health assessments is usually determined using autoclaved citrate extraction (ACE) followed by protein quantification using the Bradford or bicinchoninic acid assay. Here, we investigated an alternative extraction process using microwave-assisted citrate extraction. We show that protein yield increases as the extraction time increases, but that yields comparable to those obtained using the standard ACE method can be obtained with an extraction time as short as 15 min. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of microwave-assisted extraction being used to determine this soil protein pool.
The World Is Burning, Urgently and Irreparably – a Plea for Interim Protection against Climatic Change at the ICJ
Authors: Nedeski Nataša , Sparks Tom , Hernández Gleider 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
As climate negotiations fail to deliver the progress that States, activists, and others desire to see in tackling climate change, attention is rapidly turning to potential legal responses. This article investigates the potential of the ICJ’s contentious procedure as a forum for climate-related complaints, and focuses in particular on the provisional measures phase of a case. We consider the potential for a climate-related application for interim protection to meet the test set down by the Court for the issuing of a provisional measures order: prima facie jurisdiction, plausibility, and an urgent risk of irreparable prejudice. We conclude that a carefully constructed climate application could meet these criteria, but that it would be important to foresee and take account of a future application for interim protection from the outset in designing a case.
That Unexpected Margin of Capital
Authors: Hulme Peter 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
For many years, a weapon in the armory of those advocating for Eric Williams’s thesis that the profits from slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution in Britain has been a speech made by Winston Churchill making that very point. Williams himself referred to the speech in 1942, as did George Padmore in 1953, but neither provided chapter and verse. Subsequently, a whole raft of commentators has followed suit, but always only via a reference to Williams or Padmore. This research note provides the original date and context for Churchill’s words.