bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ants integrate proprioception, visual context and efference copies to make robust predictions
Authors: Dauzere-Peres Océane , Wystrach Antoine 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTFeedforward models are mechanisms enabling an agent to predict the sensory outcomes of its actions. It can be implemented in the nervous system in the form of efference copies, which are copies of motor signals that are subtracted from the sensory stimulation actually detected, literally cancelling the perceptual outcome of the predicted action. In insects, efference copies are known to modulate optic flow detection for flight control in fruit flies. Much less is known, however, about possible feedforward control in other insects. Here we investigated whether feedforward control occurs in the detection of horizontal optic flow in walking ants, and how the latter is integrated to modulate their locomotion. We mountedCataglyphis veloxants within a virtual reality set-up, allowing us to manipulate the relationship between the ant’s movements and the optic flow it perceives. Results show that ants do compute a prediction error by making the difference between the expected optic flow according to their own movements and the one it perceived. Interestingly, this prediction does not control locomotion directly, but modulates the ant’s intrinsic oscillator, which produces continuous alternations between right and left turns. What’s more, we show that the prediction also involves proprioceptive feedback, and is additionally modulated by the visual structure of the surrounding panorama in a functional way. Finally, prediction errors stemming from both eyes are integrated before modulating the oscillator, providing redundancy and robustness to the system. Overall, our study reveals that ants compute robust predictions of the optic flow they should receive using a distributed mechanism integrating feedforwards, feedbacks as well as innate information about the structure of the world, that control their locomotion through oscillations.
Plasma Proteome Variation and its Genetic Determinants in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Niu Lili , Stinson Sara Elizabeth , Holm Louise Aas , Vonsild Lund Morten Asp , Fonvig Cilius Esmann , Cobuccio Leonardo , Meisner Jonas , Bæk Juel Helene , Thiele Maja , Krag Aleksander , Holm Jens-Christian , Rasmussen Simon , Hansen Torben , Mann Matthias 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe levels of specific proteins in human blood are the most commonly used indicators of potential health-related problems1. Understanding the genetic and other determinants of the human plasma proteome can aid in biomarker research and drug development. Diverse factors including genetics, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), growth and development including puberty can affect the circulating levels of proteins2–5. Affinity-based proteomics can infer the relationship between blood protein levels and these factors at a large scale6–10. Compared to these methods, mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics provides much higher specificity of identification and quantification11–13, but existing studies are limited by small sample sizes or low numbers of quantified proteins14–17. Here we aim to elucidate to which extent genomic variation affects plasma protein levels across diverse age ranges and cohort characteristics. Employing a streamlined and highly quantitative MS-based plasma proteomics workflow, we measured the plasma proteome of 2,147 children and adolescents. Levels of 90% of these proteins were significantly associated with age, sex, BMI or genetics. More than 1,000 protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) – a third of which were novel – regulated protein levels between a few percent and up to 30-fold. These replicated excellently in an independent cohort of 558 adults, with highly concordant effect sizes (Pearson’s r > 0.97). We developed a framework to eliminate artefactual pQTLs due to protein-altering variants, paving the way for large-scale interrogation of pQTLs using MS-based proteomics. Our data reveal unexpectedly extensive genetic impacts on plasma protein levels, consistent from childhood into adulthood. These findings have implications for biomarker research and drug development.HighlightsFirst large-scale proteome-wide and genome-wide association study in children and adolescentsMS-based proteomics achieves very high specificity and quantitative accuracyRobust plasma protein trajectories during development predict age and body mass indexLargest set of pQTLs for plasma proteome by MS-based proteomicspQTLs are highly replicable between children and adultsLarge-scale pQTL identification enables generic drug target validation
A qualitative approach to investigate stakeholders' engagement in construction projects
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Ramotshela Mantoa 
Published: March 2023

PurposeStakeholder engagement in construction projects is an ingredient that contributes to project optimal performance. Many developing countries have a paucity of literature about stakeholders' engagement in construction projects. Therefore, the study investigated South Africa's shareholders' engagement in construction projects and recommended possible measures to mitigate potential limitations.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers collated data from South African experts in stakeholder engagement via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design. They explored the “perceived hindrances” facing stakeholders' engagement in construction projects and proffer measures to mitigate them. The study analysed collected data via thematic analysis and achieved saturation. Three themes emerged from the analysed data.FindingsFindings show that efficient stakeholder engagement will enhance team collaboration and integrated construction project delivery. Results identified the perceived limitations facing stakeholders' engagement in South Africa's construction projects and categorised them into individual perceived hindrances, organisational perceived hindrances and government-related perceived hindrances. Also, findings proffer measures to mitigate perceived hindrances via policies and programmes within the sector.Practical implicationsBesides enhancing policymakers and other stakeholders in South Africa's construction industry to understand the benefits of stakeholder engagement better, the study may stir up the construction sector's stakeholders to embrace enhanced and effective stakeholders' management.Originality/valueThis study contributes to construction project practice that involves stakeholders, as it reveals the underlying causes of perceived hindrances facing stakeholders' engagement in construction projects. Also, it proffers feasible solutions to mitigate these hindrances and enhance stakeholders' engagement within South Africa's construction projects.
A comparative study of the work–life balance experiences and coping mechanisms of Nigerian and British single student-working mothers
Authors: Mordi Tonbara , Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Adekoya Olatunji David , Sani Kareem Folohunso , Mordi Chima , Akhtar Muhammad Naseer 
Published: March 2023

PurposeRecent gender-related research has focused on how gender affects work–life balance (WLB), particularly whether men and women have similar difficulties balancing work and family demands. However, to broaden WLB research beyond its concentration on employees to a different population, this study investigates the WLB experiences of single student-working mothers.Design/methodology/approachThis article uses a qualitative study using three focus groups to compare Nigerian and British single student-working mothers' WLB experiences and coping strategies or mechanisms adopted in these two contexts.FindingsThe findings indicate that, regardless of nationality, single student-working mothers are affected by inter-role conflict, role ambiguity, role strain, role overload and external role pressures, which make achieving WLB a herculean task. Nevertheless, given the different political, economic and socio-cultural landscapes of the two countries, the extent to which the aforementioned factors impact single student-working mothers varies and influences the range of coping mechanisms adopted in the two contexts.Practical implicationsThe insights gleaned from this study suggest that there are huge challenges for single student-working mothers in terms of achieving WLB due to their status as students, workers and mothers. Combining these roles negatively affect their WLB and level of productivity and effectiveness, at home, at work and at university. This poses significant implications for human resource structures, policies and practices. The authors suggest that single student-mothers should learn from their counterparts' experiences and coping mechanisms, and that organisations and government should also provide adequate support to help them combine their challenging roles. This would ease the tension associated with combining multiple roles and enhance their well-being and WLB.Originality/valueThe study calls for a re-examination of WLB policies and practices at organisational and national levels to ensure that single student-working mothers are well supported to enhance their productivity and WLB.
Green Lean Six Sigma for sustainability improvement: a systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Yadav Vishwas , Kaswan Mahender Singh , Gahlot Pardeep , Duhan Raj Kumar , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Rathi Rajeev , Chaudhary Rekha , Yadav Gunjan 
Published: March 2023

Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to explore different aspects of the Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) approach, application status and potential benefits from a comprehensive review of the literature and provide an avenue for future research work. This study also provides a conceptual framework for GLSS.

Design/methodology/approach
To do a systematic analysis of the literature, a systematic literature review methodology has been used in this research work. From the reputed databases, 140 articles were identified to explore hidden aspects of GLSS. Exploration of articles in different continents, year-wise, approach-wise and journal-wise was also done to find the execution status of GLSS.

Findings
This study depicts that GLSS implementation is increasing year by year, and it leads to considerable improvement in all dimensions of sustainability. Enablers, barriers, tools and potential benefits that foster the execution of GLSS in industrial organizations are also identified based on a systematic review of the literature.

Originality/value
The study’s uniqueness lies in that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that depicts the execution status of GLSS, and its different facets, explores different available frameworks and provides avenues for potential research in this area for potential researchers and practitioners.
Effect of subprime crisis on financing decisions and capital structure of Indian firms: a pre- and post- crisis study using system GMM methodology
Authors: Sinha Pankaj , Vodwal Sandeep 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe subprime crisis (SPC) (2007–2008) has severely affected the economies across the globe. The Indian economy was also troubled because the SPC led to a sharp reduction in foreign trade and investment, a rise in the exchange rate volatility and disproportionate foreign-currency reserves. The present paper analyzes the financing pattern of Indian listed companies during the SPC. This study aims to ascertain the impacts of the SPC-2008 on the long-term and short-term financing decisions of Indian listed companies using novel data set and appropriate robust methodology.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses fixed effect model autoregressive of order 1 (FEM AR (1)) and system generalised method of moments (GMM) methodology on a sample data of 1,032 Indian non-financial listed companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for the period 1999 to 2019 to analyze the financing pattern during the crisis.FindingsThe study finds that the Indian firms opted for de-leveraging, shortening the maturity of debt and short-term borrowing. This significant decline in the leverage and maturity of debt indicates that the companies in India generally followed the “rat race” model of the financing mix in the crisis. After the crisis, the firms have re-leveraged and expanded the maturity of debt up to 90%. This considerable expansion in leverage and maturity implies that the Indian firms are exposed to the “rollover risk.” This re-leverage risk is asymmetrically distributed for manufacturing and services firms. Manufacturing firms are found to be more exposed to this risk. Furthermore, tangibility, free cash flows and the liquidity available within the firms are the compelling elements of the financing decision during the crisis.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has not included the private firms and unorganized sectors in India. Moreover, the study has not analyzed disasters such as the Asian liquidity crisis, the information technology (IT) bubble crisis, the euro bond crisis and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Practical implicationsThe study finds that Indian firms are exposed to higher risk during the financial crisis and this risk is further aggravated by the rollover risk. Therefore, investors and creditors should consider these additional risks in the financial decisions and take more precautions. The study suggests that the regulators should make necessary adjustments in lending policy, corporate restructuring and tax policy to deal with the menace of a financial crisis.Social implicationsIndian firms should avoid following the rate race financing model.Originality/valueThis study aims to ascertain the impacts of the SPC-2008 on the long-term and short-term financing decisions of Indian listed companies using novel data set and appropriate robust methodology.
Linking paradoxical leadership and individual in-role and extra-role performance: a multilevel examination
Authors: Kundi Yasir Mansoor , Aboramadan Mohammed , Abualigah Ahmad 
Published: March 2023

PurposeLeaders in the hospitality industry encounter daily conflicting demands and paradoxes which call for adjusting their leadership philosophy from “either/or” to “both/and” leadership style. Therefore, drawing upon paradox, self-determination, social learning and job demands-resources perspectives, the purpose of this article is to examine the relationships between paradoxical leadership and employee in-role and extra-role performance outcomes. It also aims to explore the mediating effect of work engagement on the aforesaid linkages.Design/methodology/approachMultilevel analyses in Mplus 8.0 software were conducted on three-wave data from 238 employees working in 19 Pakistani hotels.FindingsThe authors found that paradoxical leadership influences employee in-role (job performance) and extra-role (innovative work behavior and voice behavior) performance directly and indirectly through employee work engagement.Originality/valueThis study addresses recent calls by highlighting the role of paradoxical leadership, an important yet underexplored leadership style in the hospitality literature. In addition, this is the first study examining the multilevel effect of paradoxical leadership on employees’ in-role and extra-role performance via work engagement.
Volatile sensation: The chemical ecology of the earthy odorant geosmin
Authors: Garbeva Paolina , Avalos Mariana , Ulanova Dana , van Wezel Gilles P. , Dickschat Jeroen S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGeosmin may be the most familiar volatile compound, as it lends the earthy smell to soil. The compound is a member of the largest family of natural products, the terpenoids. The broad distribution of geosmin among bacteria in both terrestrial and aquatic environments suggests that this compound has an important ecological function, for example, as a signal (attractant or repellent) or as a protective specialized metabolite against biotic and abiotic stresses. While geosmin is part of our everyday life, scientists still do not understand the exact biological function of this omnipresent natural product. This minireview summarizes the current general observations regarding geosmin in prokaryotes and introduces new insights into its biosynthesis and regulation, as well as its biological roles in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Antenatal detection of large‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses following implementation of the Growth Assessment Protocol: secondary analysis of a randomised control trial
Authors: Relph Sophie , Vieira Matias C. , Copas Andrew , Winsloe Chivon , Coxon Kirstie , Alagna Alessandro , Briley Annette , Johnson Mark , Page Louise , Peebles Donald , Shennan Andrew , Thilaganathan Baskaran , Marlow Neil , Lees Christoph , Lawlor Deborah A. , Khalil Asma , Sandall Jane , Pasupathy Dharmintra ,   the DESiGN trial team
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) affects the antenatal detection of large for gestational age (LGA) or maternal and perinatal outcomes amongst LGA babies.DesignSecondary analysis of a pragmatic open randomised cluster control trial comparing the GAP with standard care.SettingEleven UK maternity units.PopulationPregnant women and their LGA babies born at ≥36+0 weeks of gestation.MethodsClusters were randomly allocated to GAP implementation or standard care. Data were collected from electronic patient records. Trial arms were compared using summary statistics, with unadjusted and adjusted (two‐stage cluster summary approach) differences.Main outcome measuresRate of detection of LGA (estimated fetal weight on ultrasound scan above the 90th centile after 34+0 weeks of gestation, defined by either population or customised growth charts), maternal and perinatal outcomes (e.g. mode of birth, postpartum haemorrhage, severe perineal tears, birthweight and gestational age, neonatal unit admission, perinatal mortality, and neonatal morbidity and mortality).ResultsA total of 506 LGA babies were exposed to GAP and 618 babies received standard care. There were no significant differences in the rate of LGA detection (GAP 38.0% vs standard care 48.0%; adjusted effect size −4.9%; 95% CI −20.5, 10.7; p = 0.54), nor in any of the maternal or perinatal outcomes.ConclusionsThe use of GAP did not change the rate of antenatal ultrasound detection of LGA when compared with standard care.
The association between anastomotic leakage and health‐related quality of life after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Arron Melissa N. N. , Custers Jose A. E. , van Goor Harry , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. B. , Kampman Ellen , Kouwenhoven Ewout A. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Kok Dieuwertje E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimColorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication. Studies on the impact of AL on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) are scarce. We aimed to investigate the association between AL and HRQoL in colorectal cancer patients up to 2 years after diagnosis, and to evaluate whether AL is associated with a clinically relevant decrease in HRQoL over time.MethodsPatients diagnosed with Stage I–III colorectal cancer undergoing elective surgical resection with primary anastomosis between 2010 and 2017 were included. HRQoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30, represented by the summary score, and analysed at diagnosis and at 6 months and 2 years post‐diagnosis. Multivariable linear regression was performed to assess the association between AL and HRQoL, while multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between AL and a clinically relevant HRQoL decrease (≥10 points) during follow‐up compared to the time of diagnosis.ResultsIn total, 1197 patients were included of whom 63 (5%) developed AL. AL was not associated with HRQoL at 6 months post‐diagnosis nor at 2 years post‐diagnosis. However, having AL was associated with an increased risk of a clinically relevant decrease in HRQoL at 6 months post‐diagnosis (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.62–8.21) but not at 2 years after diagnosis (OR 1.91, 95% CI 0.62–5.93).ConclusionAlthough AL was not associated with HRQoL at 6 months or 2 years post‐diagnosis, AL was a determinant of a clinically relevant decrease in HRQoL at 6 months after diagnosis. Future work should identify feasible and effective strategies to prevent declines in QoL in this patient population.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: state of the art, perspectives and unmet needs
Authors: Heppt Markus V. , Leiter Ulrike 
Published: March 2023

SummarySquamous cell carcinoma of the skin (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers of the Caucasian population and accounts for 20% of all cutaneous tumors. An S3 guideline from the German Guideline Program in Oncology has been available since 2019 and was updated in 2022. The diagnosis of cSCC is based on clinical examination. Excision and histological confirmation are required for clinically suspicious lesions to allow for prognostic assessment and correct treatment. The treatment of first choice is excision with complete histological assessment of the surgical margins. Adjuvant radiation therapy may be considered if there is a high risk of recurrence. The immune checkpoint inhibitor cemiplimab is approved and recommended as the treatment of first choice for locally advanced or metastatic cSCC in Europe. If contraindications are present, chemotherapy, EGFR inhibitors, or palliative radiation therapy may be used. Surveillance should be performed in a risk‐stratified manner and includes a dermatological control supplemented by sonography examinations in high‐risk patients. Much research is still needed for solid organ transplant patients, concomitant hematologic diseases, and cSCC showing primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapies. Current developments include new drug combinations, intralesional therapies alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and neoadjuvant approaches.
A dynamic segmentation of U.S. women during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ackerman Joshua M. , Borinstein Andrew , Kaji Joel , Bekier John , Wrinn Chase , Dockendorf Tatiana 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a vast, but uneven, influence on consumers. Diversity in consumer reactions, and the extent to which those reactions lead to lasting preference and lifestyle changes, present challenges for implementing effective marketing strategies during a period of societal crisis. To address this, we conducted a dynamic segmentation analysis involving over 14,000 U.S. women by assessing relevant psychological, experiential, and other personal factors at multiple time points during the pandemic. This analysis identified seven unique consumer segments who varied in their current and future degree of change, and who indicated responsiveness to specific forms of brand and advertising content. This seven‐segment clustering was highly stable over time, suggesting that certain segmentation approaches hold continuing value for marketers even as widespread events like pandemics evolve.