bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility: a cluster analysis of manufacturing firms in India
Authors: Dawar Gaurav , Polonsky Michael J. , Bhatia Shivangi 
Published: March 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the corporate social responsibility (CSR) patterns of Indian manufacturing firms using a CSR index based on ISO26000 and India’s National Voluntary CSR Guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 121 manufacturing enterprises in the national capital region (NCR) were surveyed. The questions related to the involvement of CSR in business strategy, involvement in CSR planning, involvement in environmental activities, involvement in social activities, monitoring, evaluation and involvement in CSR, reporting and policy and deployment of CSR. A two-step cluster analysis using log-likelihood measures was used to identify groupings in the data set based on their performance across the seven issues.

Findings
The two distinctive segments identified adopted intermediate CSR activities, and one undertook advanced CSR activities.

Research limitations/implications
This study has several limitations. First, the survey data were drawn exclusively from medium-sized enterprises in the NCR. Second, all the indicators in the CSR index were equally weighted.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature by grouping manufacturers’ CSR activities based on seven dimensions suggested in ISO26000 and India’s National Voluntary Guidelines. The results of this study can help managers, boards and regulators better understand CSR and identify ways to improve it further.
Molecular mechanism of Streptococcus pneumoniae–targeting xenophagy recognition and evasion: Reinterpretation of pneumococci as intracellular bacteria
Authors: Ogawa Michinaga , Shizukuishi Sayaka , Akeda Yukihiro , Ohnishi Makoto 
Published: March 2023

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae is a major, encapsulated Gram‐positive pathogen that causes diseases including community‐acquired pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. This pathogen colonizes the nasopharyngeal epithelia asymptomatically but can often migrate to sterile tissues and cause life‐threatening invasive infections (invasive pneumococcal disease). Although multivalent pneumococcal polysaccharides and conjugate vaccines are available and effective, they also have major shortcomings with respect to the emergence of vaccine‐resistant serotypes. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches are needed, and the molecular analysis of host–pathogen interactions and their applications to pharmaceutical development and clinical practice has recently received increased attention. In this review, we introduce pneumococcal surface virulence factors involved in pathogenicity and highlight recent advances in our understanding of host autophagy recognition mechanisms against intracellular S. pneumoniae and pneumococcal evasion from autophagy.
Partial substitution of whey protein concentrate by zein in high‐protein nutrition bars: An effective method to reduce hardening during storage
Authors: Yu Ningxiang , Xu Jinhua , Huang Baozhu , Nie Xiaohua , Lu Yuanchao , Ye Qin , Meng Xianghe 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWhey protein concentrate‐based high‐protein nutrition bars (WPC‐based HPN bars) are prone to hardening during storage, which limits their shelf life. In this study, zein was introduced to partially substitute WPC in the WPC‐based HPN bars. The result of storage experiment revealed that the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars was significantly reduced with increasing zein content from 0% to 20% (mass ratio, zein:WPC‐based HPN bar). Subsequently, the possible anti‐hardening mechanism of zein substitution was studied in detail by determining the change in microstructure, patterns, free sulfhydryl group, color, free amino group, and Fourier transform infrared spectra of WPC‐based HPN bars during storage. The results showed that zein substitution significantly blocked protein aggregation by inhibiting cross‐linking, the Maillard reaction, and protein secondary structure transformation from α‐helix to β‐sheet, which reduced the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars. This work provides insight into the potential utilization of zein substitution to improve the quality and shelf life of WPC‐based HPN bars.Practical ApplicationIn the preparation of whey protein concentrate‐based high‐protein nutrition bars, the introduction of zein to partially replace WPC can effectively reduce the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars during storage by preventing protein aggregation between WPC macromolecules. Therefore, zein could act as an agent to reduce the hardening of WPC‐based HPN bars.
Colonoscopy in the nonagenarian population
Authors: Chen Michelle Zhiyun , Tan Min , Walter Tim , Rich Graeme , Barto Walid 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundWith increasing life expectancy, there is an increasing proportion of nonagenarians undergoing both elective and emergency surgical procedures. The decision as to whom will benefit from surgical procedures is however difficult to ascertain and still remains a challenge to clinicians. This study is aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of colonoscopy in the nonagenarian population, and to determine if the outcomes are acceptable for us to continue to offer such interventions.MethodsRetrospective study of patients of Dr. G.R (Gastroenterologist) and Dr. W.B (Colorectal Surgeon) between 1 January 2018 and 31 November 2022. All patients who were ≥90 years old and had a colonoscopy was included in the study. Exclusion criteria were patients who were less than 90 years old, had a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy as part of their surgical procedure. Primary outcome measures: post‐colonoscopy complications and length of stay. Secondary outcome measures: reasons for colonoscopy, significant colonoscopy findings, 30‐day morbidity and mortality.ResultsSixty patients were included in the study. Median age was 91 (90–100) years old. 33.3% of the patients were males. Seventy percent of the patients were ASA 3. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day. 11.7% of patients were found to have colorectal malignancy. There were no complications after the colonoscopy. There were no 30‐day re‐admission, morbidity or mortality.ConclusionColonoscopy can be performed safely in carefully selected nonagenarian patients with acceptable low complication rates.
Reforming Canada's federal health‐care funding arrangements
Authors: Béland Daniel , Tombe Trevor 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFederal health‐care funding has long been a source of policy debate in this country, a situation exacerbated recently by the COVID‐19 pandemic and the premiers' calls for a large expansion of the Canada Health Transfer. In this article, we explore four potential pathways policy‐makers might consider in order to improve federal health‐care funding. These potential pathways should allow policy‐makers to consider how to adapt to changing circumstances while addressing citizens' concerns and the demands of provincial/territorial governments. We do not support one or another of these policy pathways. Instead, we explain what they are and what impact they could have.
Effects of dietary Euphorbia heterophylla extract on the growth performance, physiological, antioxidative and immune responses of Clarias gariepinus juveniles
Authors: Adeniyi Olarinke V. , Adeshina Ibrahim , Setufe Seyramsarah B. , Jarikre Theophilus , Albarka Shehu M. , Attahiru Fauziyat 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEffects of dietary Euphorbia heterophylla extract (EH) on growth performance, feed utilization and haemato‐biochemical parameters in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, juveniles were evaluated in this study. Diets fortified with EH at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg were fed to the fish to apparent satiation for 84 days before challenging it with Aeromonas hydrophila. The weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed EH‐supplemented diets were significantly higher but lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) than the control group. The villi height and width at the proximal, mid and the distal of the guts rose significantly with the increasing levels of EH from 0.5 to 1.5 g than the fish fed basal diet. Dietary EH enhanced (p < 0.05) the packed cell volume and haemoglobin, whereas 1.5 g EH boosted white blood cell, in relation to their counterpart in the control group. There were significant increase in the activities of glutathione‐S‐transferase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) in the fish that were fed diets supplemented with EH than the control. Dietary EH also enhanced phagocytic activities, lysozyme activities and relative survival (RS) of C. gariepinus than the control group, with the highest RS obtained in fish that were fed diet containing EH at 1.5 g/kg level. These results revealed that the fish fed 1.5 g/kg dietary EH promoted growth performance, antioxidant and immune profiles, as well as protection against A. hydrophila infection.
Assessing Mbiotisho: A smartphone application used to collect high‐frequency health and nutrition data from difficult‐to‐reach populations
Authors: Jensen Nathaniel , Lepariyo Watson , Alulu Vincent , Sibanda Simbarashe , Kiage Beatrice N. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThere is an urgent need for improved and timely health and nutrition data. We developed and tested a smartphone application that caregivers from a pastoral population used to measure, record and submit high‐frequency and longitudinal health and nutrition information on themselves and their children. The data were assessed by comparing caregiver‐submitted measurements of mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC) to several benchmark data sets, including data collected by community health volunteers from the participating caregivers during the project period and data generated by interpreting photographs of MUAC measurements submitted by all participants. We found that the caregivers participated frequently and consistently over the 12‐month period of the project; most of them made several measurements and submissions in at least 48 of the 52 weeks of the project. The evaluation of data quality was sensitive to which data set was used as the benchmark, but the results indicate that the errors in the caregivers' submissions were similar to that of enumerators in other studies. We then compare the costs of this alternative approach to data collection through more conventional methods, concluding that conventional methods can be more cost‐effective for large socioeconomic surveys that value the breadth of the survey over the frequency of data, while the alternative we tested is favoured for those with objectives that are better met by high‐frequency observations of a smaller number of well‐defined outcomes.
Encouraging news for in situ conservation: Translocation of salamander larvae has limited impacts on their skin microbiota
Authors: Fieschi‐Méric Léa , van Leeuwen Pauline , Denoël Mathieu , Lesbarrères David 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe key role of symbiotic skin bacteria communities in amphibian resistance to emerging pathogens is well recognized, but factors leading to their dysbiosis are not fully understood. In particular, the potential effects of population translocations on the composition and diversity of hosts' skin microbiota have received little attention, although such transfers are widely carried out as a strategy for amphibian conservation. To characterize the potential reorganization of the microbiota over such a sudden environmental change, we conducted a common‐garden experiment simulating reciprocal translocations of yellow‐spotted salamander larvae across three lakes. We sequenced skin microbiota samples collected before and 15 days after the transfer. Using a database of antifungal isolates, we identified symbionts with known function against the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a major driver of amphibian declines. Our results indicate an important reorganization of bacterial assemblages throughout ontogeny, with strong changes in composition, diversity and structure of the skin microbiota in both control and translocated individuals over the 15 days of monitoring. Unexpectedly, the diversity and community structure of the microbiota were not significantly affected by the translocation event, thus suggesting a strong resilience of skin bacterial communities to environmental change—at least across the time‐window studied here. A few phylotypes were more abundant in the microbiota of translocated larvae, but no differences were found among pathogen‐inhibiting symbionts. Taken together, our results support amphibian translocations as a promising strategy for this endangered animal class, with limited impact on their skin microbiota.
Effect of age on wingbeat frequency of Aedes aegypti and potential application for age estimation of mosquitoes
Authors: Park Doyeon , Bowles Joy , Norrid Kate , Dobson F. Stephen , Abebe Ash , Narayanan Haripriya Vaidehi , Prakash Manu , Blagburn Byron , Starkey Lindsay , Zohdy Sarah 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo combat mosquito‐borne diseases, a variety of vector control tools have been implemented. Estimating age structure in populations of vector species is important for understanding transmission potential. Age‐grading techniques have been used as critical methods for evaluating the efficacy of vector control tools. However, methods like mark‐release‐recapture and ovarian dissection are laborious and require a high level of training. For decades, scientists have discussed the wide array of acoustic signatures of different mosquito species. These distinguishable wingbeat signatures with spatiotemporal classification allow mosquitoes of the same species to locate one another for mating. In recent years, the use of sensitive acoustic devices like mobile phones have proved effective. Wingbeat signatures can be used to identify mosquito species without the challenge of intensive field collections and morphological and molecular identifications. In this study, laboratory Aedes aegypti (L.) female and male wingbeats were recorded using mobile phones to determine whether sex and age differences with chronological time, and across different physiological stages, can be detected. Our results indicate significantly different wingbeat signatures between male and female Ae. aegypti, and a change of wingbeat frequencies with age and reproduction stage in females.
Autoimmunity to voltage‐gated calcium channels
Authors: Motomura Masakatsu , Yoshimura Shunsuke , Shiraishi Hirokazu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeveral review articles on voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) classify VGCCs into five electrophysiological types and 10 genotypes. Each VGCC is distributed in different organs and specialized cells, and various organ‐specific human genetic diseases have been reported. Most of the human diseases caused by abnormalities in the VGCCs are genetic diseases. To the best of our knowledge, Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) appears to be the only autoimmune disease for VGCCs. Approximately 90% of LEMS patients are positive for autoantibodies against P/Q‐VGCCs in the active zone of nerve endings. On the other hand, about 50% of LEMS patients a tumor‐associated neurological syndrome with small cell lung cancer. Neurological symptoms in LEMS patients include weakness of proximal limb muscles, reduced tendon reflexes, autonomic neuropathy, and in 9%–14% of patients, cerebellar ataxia, and paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration. In the second half of this manuscript, we provide a clinical review with reference to the recently published Practical Guideline for Myasthenia gravis and LEMS 2022 in Japan.
An outpatient model of care for COVID‐19 infected kidney transplant patients – The hospital‐at‐home
Authors: Liew Ian Tatt , Tan Woei Jen Michelle , Ho Quan Yao , Chung Shimin Jasmine , Thangaraju Sobhana , Yong Jinhua , Ng Eleanor , He Xia , Kwan Natelie , Kee Terence 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic is protracted and episodic surges from viral variants continue to place significant strain on healthcare systems. COVID‐19 vaccines, antiviral therapy and monoclonal antibodies have significantly reduced COVID‐19 associated morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, telemedicine has gained acceptance as a model of care and a tool for remote monitoring. These advances allow us to safely transit our inpatient‐based care for COVID‐19 infected kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) to a hospital‐at‐home (HaH) model of care.MethodsKTRs with PCR‐proven COVID‐19 infection were triaged by teleconsult and laboratory tests. Suitable patients were enrolled into the HaH. Remote monitoring via teleconsults were conducted daily until patients were de‐isolated based on a time‐based criterion. Monoclonal antibodies were administered in a dedicated clinic where indicated.ResultsEighty‐one KTRs with COVID‐19 were enrolled into the HaH between February and June 2022, 70 (86.4%) completed HaH recovery without complications. Eleven (13.6%) patients required inpatient hospitalization for medical issues (n = 8) and weekend monoclonal antibody infusion (n = 3). Patients requiring inpatient hospitalization had longer transplant vintage (15 years vs. 10 years, p = .03), anaemia (haemoglobin 11.6 g/dL vs. 13.1 g/dL, p = .01), lower eGFR (39.8 vs. 62.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < .05) and lower RBD levels (<50 AU/mL vs. 1435 AU/mL, p = .02). HaH saved 753 inpatient patient‐days with no deaths observed. Hospital admission rates from the HaH programme was 13.6%. Patients who required inpatient care had direct access admission without utilization of emergency department resources.ConclusionSelected KTRs with COVID‐19 infection can be safely managed in a HaH programme; alleviating strain on inpatient and emergency healthcare resources.
Dimensions of value
Authors: Hedden Brian , Muñoz Daniel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractValue pluralists believe in multiple dimensions of value. What does betterness along a dimension have to do with being better overall? Any systematic answer begins with the Strong Pareto principle: one thing is overall better than another if it is better along one dimension and at least as good along all others. We defend Strong Pareto from recent counterexamples and use our discussion to develop a novel view of dimensions of value, one which puts Strong Pareto on firmer footing. We conclude by defending Dimensionalism, the hypothesis that overall value relations are determined solely by how things compare along value dimensions. These are first steps towards a more systematic value pluralism.
Gastric emptying times of obese and non‐obese school‐aged children after preoperative clear fluid intake: A prospective observational study
Authors: Korkusuz Muhammet , Basaran Betul , Et Tayfun , Bilge Aysegul , Yarimoglu Rafet , Osmanoglu Usame Omer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundLiberal fasting regimens, which support clear fluid intake up to 1 h before surgery in children scheduled for elective surgery, are taking their place in guidelines. However, because of the lack of publications that investigate the gastric emptying time in preoperative obese children, the practice of 1‐hour clear fluid fasting in obese children remained at the level of recommendation with weak evidence.AimsThe primary aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in gastric emptying times between obese and non‐ obese children after preoperative intake of 3 mL/kg clear liquid containing 5% dextrose by using ultrasound.MethodsA total of 70 children were included in the study in two groups, 35 obese and 35 non‐obese, aged 6–14 years, who were scheduled for elective surgery. The baseline antral cross‐sectional area measurements of the children in the groups were made using ultrasound. 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose was consumed. Ultrasound was repeated immediately after fluid intake and every 5 min until the antral cross‐sectional area was at the baseline level.ResultsThe difference in median (IQR [range]) gastric emptying times (minutes) of non‐obese {35 [30.0–45.0 (20–60)]} and obese children {35 [30.0–40.0 (25–60)]} were not statistically significant (median of differences 0.0, 95% CI –5.0 to 5.0; p = .563). The antral cross‐sectional area and weight‐adjusted gastric volumes returned to the baseline level within 60 min after the intake of clear liquid with 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose in all children in both groups.ConclusionsObese and non‐obese children have similar gastric emptying times, and these groups can be offered clear fluids containing 3 mL/kg 5% dextrose 1 h before the surgery.
Emerging adult romantic relationship narratives during COVID‐19: Understanding relational challenges and opportunities
Authors: Feiring Candice , O'Dell Jessica , Cortright Faith 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis cross‐sectional study sought to understand how emerging adult college students currently in relationships experienced and dealt with COVID‐19 stress during a key time for romantic relationship development. Using a relational turbulence theory (RTT) framework, we examined romantic relationship narratives in three different groups of students for indicators of uncertainty (break‐up anxiety [BUA]), interference (conflict and negative emotion), facilitation (support), and coping strategies. Of particular interest was whether these indicators would vary as a function of when the stress of the pandemic was assumed to be more compared to less disruptive to relationships (Group 1 Fall 2020 and Group 2 Spring 2021, off campus/unvaccinated; Group 3 Fall 2021, on campus/vaccinated). As expected, students interviewed during periods when pandemic stress was assumed to be higher showed more break‐up anxiety, increased conflict, and angry word use to describe conflict events. However, contrary to expectations, sad emotions and support did not vary as a function of when students were interviewed. Regardless of when students were interviewed, there were several strategies they used to cope with the stresses of COVID‐19. The most frequent strategies students described were using technology/media to stay connected and taking steps to keep themselves and their families healthy.
‘Sharpshooter’ in Botanic Garden: the tale of a rare plant‐insect interaction
Authors: Nair S. N. A. , Johnson A. J. , Sabu T. , Gokul B. S. , Yeshwanth H. M. , Sabulal B. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Here we report a unique plant‐insect interaction between the leafhopper Aloka depressa (tribe Phlogisini) and the host liana, Diploclisia glaucescens, from a Botanic Garden located at the southern edge of Western Ghats in India.

Field observations and SEM micrographs were employed to derive evidences on this rare plant‐insect interaction. 20‐Hydroxyecdysone (20E), insect moulting hormone, was detected and quantified in the host plant D. glaucescens using HPTLC‐densitometry. 20E was isolated and characterized from D. glaucescens using column chromatography, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR and HR‐MS. 20E was also detected in A. depressa excrement using HPTLC‐densitometry.

The leafhopper A. depressa is functioning as a ‘sharpshooter’ drawing nutrients from the host liana, D. glaucescens, and flinging the waste fluid as droplets through their tail ends. SEM micrographs of A. depressa revealed its external morphological features, characteristic of a sharpshooter. We quantified 20E (0.44–1.44%, dry wt.) in various parts of D. glaucescens. 20E (1.47%, dry wt.) was also detected in the excrement of A. depressa.

This plant (D. glaucescens)‐insect (A. depressa) association crucially is not damaging the host liana. Considering the diseases caused by sharpshooting leafhoppers in the Americas, this association and the survival of the host plant (D. glaucescens) is illustrating a unique plant‐insect interaction.