bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
La négociation collective dans le secteur du travail domestique et son rôle dans la réglementation et la formalisation de cette activité en Italie
Authors: SEIFFARTH Marlene 
Published: September 2023

RésuméLa négociation collective étant rare dans le secteur du travail domestique, la recherche ne s'est pas encore intéressée à son rôle dans la réglementation et la formalisation de cette activité. L'Italie, qui est l'un des pays d'Europe comptant le plus de travailleurs domestiques, est aussi l'un des rares pays dotés d'une convention collective, négociée depuis 1974 par les syndicats et les associations de ménages employeurs. L'analyse qualitative par entretiens présentée ici décrit les difficultés et limites rencontrées, mais aussi le processus de formalisation permis par la négociation collective et l'engagement des partenaires sociaux dans une profession où les femmes immigrées sont surreprésentées.
Green and eco‐friendly biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Calendula officinalis flower extract: Wound healing potential and antioxidant activity
Authors: Aydin Acar Cigdem , Gencer Muhammet Abdurrahim , Pehlivanoglu Suray , Yesilot Sukriye , Donmez Soner 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles with Calendula officinalis flower extract (Co‐ZnO NPs) using the green synthesis method. In addition, the antioxidant and wound healing potential of synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated. The absorbance band at 355 nm, which is typical for ZnO NPs, was determined from the UV–Vis absorbance spectrum. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements revealed a high zinc content of 42.90%. The x‐ray diffractometer data showed Co‐ZnO NPs with an average crystallite size of 17.66 nm. The Co‐ZnO NPs did not have apparent cytotoxicity up to 10 μg/mL (IC50 25.96 μg/mL). C. officinalis ZnO NPs showed partial cell migration and percent wound closure (69.1%) compared with control (64.8%). In addition, antioxidant activities of Co‐ZnO NPs with 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2 diphenyl‐1 picrylhydrazil (DPPH) were evaluated and radical scavenging activity of 33.49% and 46.63%, respectively, was determined. These results suggest that C. officinalis extract is an effective reducing agent for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs with significant antioxidant and wound healing potential.
Clawbacks, Holdbacks, and CEO Contracting
Authors: Gillan Stuart L. , Nguyen Nga Q. 
Published: September 2023

“Clawbacks” are much discussed in the context of senior executive compensation, yet the discussion has largely ignored the presence of holdbacks that are already in place in many firms. Holdbacks are deferred compensation that is potentially foregone in the event that the CEO leaves the firm without good reason or they are dismissed for wrong‐doing. They are explicit or written features of a CEOs employment contract.Holdbacks are already in use at 70% of S&P 500 firms and average $18.4 million each. Firms with higher CEO replacement costs, greater information asymmetry, a recent bad experience (fraud, lawsuit, or restatement), or in more certain environments are more likely to have a holdback. In contrast, clawback adoptions are mainly driven by firms' bad experiences and external pressure from shareholders. Holdbacks and incentive‐based compensation are substitutes, as termination incentives can reduce the need for incentive compensation. As managers reasonably demand a premium for accepting risky compensation, a measure of abnormal compensation is positively associated with holdbacks, but there is no significant association between clawbacks and holdbacks.These findings suggest that the holdbacks many firms already have in place could help an “ex‐post settling up” in the event of financial misconduct, or even simply misstated financials. As companies have more control over the amounts held back ex‐ante, holdbacks are potentially more efficient.
How to Evaluate Risk Management Units in Financial Institutions?
Authors: Gelman Michael , Greenberg Doron , Rosenboim Mosi 
Published: September 2023

Based on the existing Enterprise Risk Management framework and current government regulations, “banks are required to establish risk management units (RMUs) to review and evaluate their risks, monitor them, and to advise top management.” Currently an integral part of the risk governance and management process, RMUs in financial institutions have become increasingly important since the 2007–2008 financial crisis.This article details the authors' creation of an index to evaluate the performance of risk management units in financial institutions, and then examines some of their findings. The index transforms twelve parameters into a simple and convenient index that isolates the RMU's activities from the rest of the organizational risk management process, its risk preferences and the activities of the rest of the units. The index's parameters are divided into three dimensions of the RMU's performance: professionalism, organizational status and relationship with top management and the board.The authors found a positive relationship between their RMUI and some important risk governance characteristics: CROs who are among the five highest paid executives at the bank, banks with at least one independent director serving on the board's risk committee having banking and finance experience and boards with greater efficacy.
Corporate Finance and Sustainability: the Case of the Electric Utility Industry
Authors: Kihm Steven , Cappers Peter , Satchwell Andrew , Graffy Elisabeth 
Published: September 2023

The electric utility industry is in transition but needs to move even faster if the country is to meet its emissions goals. The industry has historically moved cautiously, but policies and regulatory approaches must avoid unintentionally reinforcing the status quo. Incentive‐oriented policies and redesigned regulations must balance environmental sustainability with economic sustainability.The authors draw on well‐established corporate finance principles to guide more effective policies. Shareholder‐focused utility executives must make investments conditioned by three elements: (1) the return on equity the utility can expect to make on each project; (2) the investors' required return on equity capital for each project; and (3) the size of the investment.The well‐established economic value added (EVA) model can assist policy analysis: V=(r‐k)I; where V is the shareholder value created, r is the return on equity, k is the return investors require if they are to invest in the stock, and I is the scale of the project. Any new incremental V translates into higher stock prices.All three elements of their model (i.e., risk, return, and scale) require attention by regulators and policymakers to create value for shareholders. The authors show how the right state policies could create powerful incentives for shareholder focused utility executives to support such transitions.
Conditioning on the causal network prevents indirect response to selection
Authors: Bonamy Martin , Fernández María Elena , Giovambattista Guillermo , Munilla Sebastián 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMultiple trait animal models (MTM) allow to estimate the breeding values (BV) of several traits simultaneously while accounting for genetic and environmental correlations among them. However, relationships among traits may not be reciprocal but rather causal in nature. In these cases, and given a causal network, structural equations models (SEM) arise as a more appropriate methodology. Although MTM and SEM have been shown to be parametrically equivalent, the estimated breeding value (EBV) obtained from either one or the other should be interpreted differently. In this study, we investigated the impact of using these estimates on the response to selection for a causal network comprising five different traits through a stochastic simulation experiment. Three different selection targets were assayed, involving traits located upstream, midstream and downstream this causal network. We first considered the case in which traits were causally related but not genetically correlated. The current results support our hypothesis that MTM will absorb causal relationships as genetic correlations and, consequently, change the response to selection achieved as compared with SEM. We found no differences on the response to selection when the target trait was located at the top of the causal network, but noticeable differences were detected on upstream traits when selection pressure was placed on midstream or downstream traits. We also assayed a scenario in which causal effects and genetic correlations act simultaneously and found that selection based on BVs estimated using SEM diminished the indirect response in traits upstream the causal network.
Association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension risk in native Tibetans at high altitude
Authors: Liu Xueting , Yang Changqiang , Zhang Xin , Ye Runyu , Li Xinran , Zhang Zhipeng , Jia Shanshan , Sun Lirong , Meng Qingtao , Chen Xiaoping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPrevious studies examining the association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension have yielded inconsistent results. There is still a lack of evidence regarding the association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension risk in native Tibetans at high altitude. We performed this cross‐sectional study in Luhuo County of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (average altitude of 3500 m). In this study, we enrolled 1547 native Tibetans. The association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension risk was examined by multivariate binary logistic regression and smooth curve fitting. Native Tibetans with hypertension had significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations than those without hypertension (165.9 ± 21.5 g/L vs. 157.7 ± 19.2 g/L, P < 0.001). An increase in hemoglobin concentration of 1 g/L was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.02) after confounder adjustment. The highest hemoglobin concentration group (exceeding 173 g/L) was associated with an increased hypertension risk compared with the bottom quartile of hemoglobin concentration (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.48–3.85). Hemoglobin concentration (per 1 g/L change) exceeding 176 g/L was significantly associated with an increased hypertension risk (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06). Additionally, high‐altitude polycythemia significantly increased the hypertension risk compared with a normal hemoglobin concentration (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.25–6.86). A similar result was observed for mild polycythemia (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.29–2.34). In conclusion, hemoglobin concentration was associated with hypertension risk in native Tibetans. When the hemoglobin concentration exceeded a certain value (approximately 176 g/L), the risk of hypertension was significantly increased.
Interactive effects of CDKN2B‐AS1 gene polymorphism and habitual risk factors on oral cancer
Authors: Yeh Jung‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Tzu , Chou Ying‐Erh , Su Shih‐Chi , Chang Lun‐Ching , Chen Yen‐Lin , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Yang Shun‐Fa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant disease associated with a high mortality rate and heterogeneous disease aetiology. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B‐AS1), is a long noncoding RNA that has been shown to act as a scaffold, sponge, or signal hub to promote carcinogenesis. Here, we attempted to assess the effect of CDKN2B‐AS1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the susceptibility to OSCC. Five CDKN2B‐AS1 SNPs, including rs564398, rs1333048, rs1537373, rs2151280 and rs8181047, were analysed in 1060 OSCC cases and 1183 cancer‐free controls. No significant association of these five SNPs with the risk of developing OSCC was detected between the case and control group. However, while examining the clinical characteristics, patients bearing at least one minor allele of rs1333048 (CA and CC) were more inclined to develop late‐stage (stage III/IV, adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.129–1.940; p = 0.005) and large‐size (greater than 2 cm in the greatest dimension, adjusted OR, 1.347; 95% CI, 1.028–1.765; p = 0.031) tumours, as compared with those homologous for the major allele (AA). Further stratification analyses demonstrated that this genetic correlation with the advanced stage of disease was observed only in habitual betel quid chewers (adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.076–2.035; p = 0.016) or cigarette smokers (adjusted OR, 1.531; 95% CI, 1.136–2.063; p = 0.005) but not in patients who were not exposed to these major habitual risks. These data reveal an interactive effect of CDKN2B‐AS1 rs1333048 with habitual exposure to behavioural risks on the progression of oral cancer.
In vitro wear resistance of conventional and flowable composites containing various filler types after thermomechanical loading
Authors: Turk Sabri , Erden Kayalidere Ezgi , Celik Esra Uzer , Yasa Bilal 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo comparatively assess the wear resistance of conventional and flowable composites containing different filler types using thermomechanical chewing simulation.Materials and MethodsSix different composite resin materials were used: a conventional and flowable composite from each of three manufacturers respectively classified by different filler characterizations: (1), a nanohybrid conventional (G‐aenial Posterior, GC) and flowable (G‐aenial Universal Injectable, GC), (2) a nanofilled conventional (Filtek One Bulk‐fill Restorative, 3M) and flowable (Filtek Ultimate Flow, 3M), and submicron‐filled conventional (Estelite Posterior Quick, Tokuyama) and flowable (Estelite Bulk‐Fill Flow, Tokuyama). The buccal surfaces of extracted human premolars were planarly abraded and used as control (n = 12). The prepared surfaces were subjected to wear using a thermocycler chewing simulator against 6‐mm diameter steatite balls for 240,000 cycles, simulating 1 year of in vivo use. Digital profiles of treated sample surfaces were scanned using a laser scanner, and the volume loss and maximum depth of loss were calculated. Two‐way MANOVA was used to compare the wear volume loss and depth according viscosity (conventional/flowable) and filler type (nanohybrid, nanofilled, submicron‐filled), and multiple comparisons were performed using Duncan's test.ResultsWear volume loss and loss depth were significantly lower in enamel than in all composite resin groups. The wear volume loss and loss depth of nanofilled composites were significantly higher than the other composite filler types, with no significant difference in either parameter between the nanohybrid and submicron‐filled composite groups. With respect to apparent viscosity, wear volume loss and loss depth of conventional composites were significantly lower than the flowable composites.ConclusionsThe type of composite filler and its apparent viscosity significantly influence the in vitro wear resistance of the material. All composite materials tested demonstrated a susceptibility to simulated wear that was two to three times greater than that of human enamel.Clinical SignificanceFlowable composite resins provide a level of convenience in clinical application. Despite advancements in their wear characteristics, they continue to display inferior wear resistance compared to conventional composite resins. Nevertheless, all tested composite resins exhibited a significantly higher potential for wear than human enamel.
Gene editing of putative cAMP and Ca2+‐regulated proteins using an efficient cloning‐free CRISPR/Cas9 system in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Chiurillo Miguel A. , Ahmed Milad , González César , Raja Aqsa , Lander Noelia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTrypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, must adapt to a diversity of environmental conditions that it faces during its life cycle. The adaptation to these changes is mediated by signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular responses to the new environmental settings. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and Calcium (Ca2+) signaling pathways regulate critical cellular processes in this parasite, such as differentiation, osmoregulation, host cell invasion and cell bioenergetics. Although the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology prompted reverse genetics approaches for functional analysis in T. cruzi, it is still necessary to expand the toolbox for genome editing in this parasite, as for example to perform multigene analysis. Here we used an efficient T7RNAP/Cas9 strategy to tag and delete three genes predicted to be involved in cAMP and Ca2+ signaling pathways: a putative Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CAMK), Flagellar Member 6 (FLAM6) and Cyclic nucleotide‐binding domain/C2 domain‐containing protein (CC2CP). We endogenously tagged these three genes and determined the subcellular localization of the tagged proteins. Furthermore, the strategy used to knockout these genes allows us to presume that TcCC2CP is an essential gene in T. cruzi epimastigotes. Our results will open new venues for future research on the role of these proteins in T. cruzi.
“Taking from Peter to pay Paul”: The experience of people in receipt of fuel and food vouchers from a UK foodbank
Authors: Hanson Sarah , Belderson Pippa , Player Emily , Minihane Anne‐Marie , Sweeting Anna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFor people on very low incomes, household fuel and food environments are increasingly uncertain. Many live in precarious situations with little control over their lives. In addition to food parcels, many foodbanks also supply emergency fuel payments. There has been a surge in demand due to the cost of living crisis in the United Kingdom. This qualitative study, using semi‐structured interviews, explored the lived experience of people who received a fuel voucher via a foodbank to gain insights into food preparation, eating practices and heating and appliance use in their homes. All participants (n = 6) described a change in life circumstances leaving them at crisis point with overwhelming uncertainty. Using Thematic Analysis, we identified four themes: (1) Bewilderment in using foodbank services; (2) The need to make trade‐offs between food and fuel; (3) Feeling shame at using the services and (4) Missing out on pleasurable eating practices. Three case studies give fuller insights and context. All interviewees had acute and complex needs and described being ‘at rock bottom’, with fuel vouchers viewed as a ‘lifeline’ to address essential cooking, heating and electrical appliance needs. We, therefore, suggest the need for extra support and follow‐up for first‐time users who are in a state of denial and shock when seeking help. Further research is needed on how to best help organisations develop strategies to address and ameliorate a sense of powerlessness and shame felt by their clients which likely limits them from seeking help, despite being in acute, complex and dire need.
High‐density mapping for ablation of atypical atrial flutters – procedural characteristics related to outcome
Authors: Abeln Bob G. S. , Balt Jippe C. , Klaver Martijn N. , Maarse Moniek , van Dijk Vincent F. , Wijffels Maurits C. E. F. , Boersma Lucas V. A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐density (HD) mapping is increasingly used to characterize arrhythmic substrate for ablation of atypical atrial flutters (AAFl). However, results on clinical outcomes and factors that are associated with arrhythmia recurrence are scarce.MethodsSingle‐center, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients with catheter ablation for AAFl using a HD mapping system and a grid‐shaped mapping catheter. Procedural characteristics, rates of atrial flutter recurrence, and factors that were associated with atrial flutter recurrence were evaluated.ResultsSixty‐one patients with a total of 94 AAFl were included in the cohort. HD mapping was used to successfully identify the flutter circuit of 80/94 AAFl. The circuit was not identified for 14/94 AAFl in 11 patients. Critical isthmuses were identified and ablated in 29 patients (48%). Acute procedural success was achieved in 52 patients (85%), and 37 patients (61%) remained free from atrial flutter recurrence during a follow up of 1.3 [1.0–2.1] years. Atrial flutter recurrence was univariably associated with presence of a non‐identified flutter circuit (HR:2.6 95% CI [1.1–6.3], p = .04) and critical isthmus‐targeted ablation (HR:0.4 [0.15–0.90], p = .03). In multivariable regression analyses, critical isthmus ablation remained significant (HR:0.4 [0.16–0.97], p = .04), whereas presence of a non‐identified flutter did not (HR:2.4 [0.96–5.8], p = .06).ConclusionHD mapping was successfully used to identify the majority of AAFl circuits. Ablation resulted in freedom from atrial flutter recurrence in 61% of the cohort. Successful identification of all flutter circuits and critical isthmuses appears to be beneficial for long‐term outcomes.
The separation and identification of circulating small extracellular vesicles from endurance‐trained, strength‐trained and recreationally active men
Authors: Darragh Ian A. J. , McNamee Niamh , Daly Róisín , Pacheco Sarai Martinez , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Egan Brendan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSmall extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane‐encapsulated particles that carry bioactive cargoes, are released by all cell types and are present in all human biofluids. Changes in EV profiles and abundance occur in response to acute exercise, but this study investigated whether individuals with divergent histories of exercise training (recreationally active controls – CON; endurance‐trained – END; strength‐trained – STR) presented with varied abundances of small EVs in resting samples and whether the abundance of small EVs differed within each group across two measurement days. Participants (n = 38, all male; CON n = 12, END n = 13, STR n = 13) arrived at the lab on two separate occasions in a rested, overnight fasted state, with standardisation of time of day of sampling, recent dietary intake, time since last meal and time since last exercise training session (∼40 h). Whole blood samples were collected and separated into plasma from which small EVs were separated using size exclusion chromatography and identified in accordance with the Minimal Information For Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV) guidelines. No differences in the abundance of small EVs were observed within or between groups across multiple methods of small EV identification (nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry, immunoblot of specific EV markers). Targeted metabolomics of the small EV preparations identified 96 metabolites that were associated with the structure and function of small EVs, with no statistically significant differences in concentrations observed across groups. The results of the current study suggest that the abundance and metabolomic profile of small EVs derived from men with divergent histories of exercise training are similar to those in resting blood samples.
imageKey points
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane‐encapsulated particles that are present in circulation and carry bioactive materials as ‘cargo’.
The abundance and profile of small EVs are responsive to acute exercise, but little is known about the relationship between small EVs and exercise training.
This study examined the abundance, and a targeted metabolomic profile, of small EVs separated from the blood of endurance athletes, strength athletes and recreationally active controls at rest (∼40 h after the most recent exercise session) on two separate but identical lab visits.
No differences were observed in the abundance or metabolomic profile of small EV preparations between the groups or between the lab visits within each group.
Further research should determine whether the bioactive cargoes (e.g. RNA, protein and additional metabolites) carried within EVs are altered in individuals with divergent histories of exercise training or in response to exercise training interventions.