bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk management in guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contracts
Authors: Palihakkara Asha Dulanjalie , Perera B.A.K.S. 
Published: January 2022

PurposeGuaranteed maximum price (GMP) contracts are becoming an increasingly popular contract solution; however, many projects experience higher levels of risk and exceed predetermined GMPs, failing to accomplish the main motive behind the concept. Thus, the study identified a risk management process for GMP projects.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach consisting of three Delphi rounds. The collected data were analysed using statistical data analysis tools.FindingsThe study identified 17 highly significant risk factors in GMP projects and determined their levels of severity. Subsequently, risk allocation amongst the client, contractor and consultant and strategies to handle the most significant risk factors were determined. The study identified poorly defined scope and design changes as the most critical risks in GMP projects. Moreover, strategies such as clearly defining the project scope, preparing precise documentation, early involvement of the contractor and using a partnering approach can be deployed to reduce the risk in GMP projects. Each risk has to be assigned to the party who can best manage it, depending on its nature.Originality/valueThe study addresses the literature gap pertaining to risk management of GMP contracts by identifying its overall process, including the identification of significant risks based on the severity levels; risk allocation amongst the client, contractor and consultant; and identification of risk handling techniques suitable for each significant risk factor. The study contributes to the industry by identifying a systematic risk management process to implement GMP projects successfully within the stipulated time, cost and quality.
Olfactory training for olfactory dysfunction in COVID‐19: A promising mitigation amidst looming neurocognitive sequelae of the pandemic
Authors: Ojha Pooja , Dixit Abhinav 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOlfactory dysfunction (OD) is a recognized symptom of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and is independently associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, the central nervous system manifestations in patients infected with the coronavirus‐2019 (COVID‐19) have demonstrated cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Hence, OD in COVID‐19 necessitates perusal of its mechanism and available treatment options to avert possible development of neurocognitive sequelae of the pandemic. The article presents a literature review organized from the published information about olfactory training (OT) for OD during COVID‐19. The methodology comprised retrieval of available literature from database searches and subsequent scrutinization of relevant information. Inferentially, injury to the sustentacular cells, possessing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) receptors, is an important mechanism causing OD in COVID‐19. Olfactory dysfunction may be prolonged in severe cases of anosmia predisposing to neurodegenerative and cognitive impairment in COVID‐19 infection. Olfactory training demonstrates an effective treatment for OD based on human and animal‐derived evidence through recent studies. It curtails the progression of OD, besides inducing neural rearrangement and changes in functional connectivity in patients receiving OT. Additionally, contemporary reports support that the administration of OT for COVID‐induced anosmia is effective and encompasses no significant adverse effects. The present review highlights the prominence of olfactory training as a recommended intervention for OD in COVID‐19. This review can guide the clinicians in curbing neurological repercussions of COVID besides enhancing cognitive rehabilitation through olfactory training.
Access to finance and rural youth entrepreneurship in Benin: Is there a gender gap?
Authors: Senou Melain Modeste , Manda Julius 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRural entrepreneurship is an important employment generation intervention for the fast‐growing young labour force in developing countries. Many bottlenecks including access to finance impede rural youths from performing in their new ventures. This paper examines the impact of access to finance on rural youths' entrepreneurship in Benin using data from the second wave of the School‐To‐Work Transition Survey, involving over 900 youths. The paper employs the endogenous switching regression technique, combined with propensity score matching, to investigate the drivers of rural youths' access to finance and its impact on entrepreneurship intention and performance. The results indicate that age, education, poverty status, experience, working in the agricultural sector and the existence of a bank branch are important determinants of rural youths' access to finance. The results also show that access to finance increases the probability of youth entrepreneurship by 15.2% on average. Moreover, the study shows a significant gender gap in rural entrepreneurship of 5.24% among youths with access to finance in Benin. These results suggest that policymakers should facilitate the access of youth, especially young women, to finance by encouraging formal financial institutions to reduce their credit eligibility conditions for those who do not have collateral.
Rights‐Restricting Rhetoric: The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021
Authors: Mallory Conall 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article considers the role of rhetoric in British political discourse with a particular focus on how it aids the construction of legislation that restricts human rights. Using the parliamentary debates concerning the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021 as an extensive example, it demonstrates how the rhetorical theatrics of legislating in the Westminster parliament play a fundamental role in justifying restrictions on rights to the public. Rhetoric fulfils three functions in this process: persuasion of the need for rights‐restricting legislation; obstruction of scrutiny of such plans, and the perpetuation of national myths and tropes upon which such policies are debated. Arguing that such rhetorical functions are immovable from British political discourse, the article concludes by proposing how they can best be diluted.
The prevalence and severity of mental health problems and sexual dysfunction in hemodialysis patients before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Duru Huseyin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of mental health problems and sexual dysfunction in hemodialysis patients before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA total of 84 hemodialysis patients were evaluated in terms of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).ResultsPoor sleep quality (79.8%) and poor mental health status (62.7%) and higher likelihood of having depression (31.0 vs. 61.9%, p < 0.001) were noted. The IIEF‐5 (10.5 [5–25] vs. 7.5 [5–23], p < 0.001) and FSFI (12 [4–78] vs. 6 [4–66], p < 0.001) scores were significantly decreased during the pandemic with an increase in the likelihood of having erectile dysfunction (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues, an impaired quality of life and an increase in prevalence and severity of suspected depression during pandemic in hemodialysis patients along with deterioration in erectile dysfunction among males.
Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months postpartum: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Qian , Tang Nan , Wacharasin Chintana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThis systematic review aims to identify factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to 6 months.MethodsThe databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANFANG were searched to retrieve studies. Quantitative research were extracted and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews were followed. Critical appraisal checklists of Joanna Briggs Institute were used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.FindingsA total of 16 papers were eligible for this systematic review, comprising five cohort studies and 11 cross‐sectional studies. Moderate to strong evidence supported that 6‐month exclusive breastfeeding is affected by maternal working status, breastfeeding knowledge, delivery mode, parity, perception of insufficient human milk, mothers’ infant feeding attitude, breastfeeding self‐efficacy, and intention.ConclusionsFactors influencing EBF up to 6 months postpartum play a key role in promoting mothers’ health and reducing diseases in their infants.Implications for nursing practiceInterventions based on related factors should be developed and taken into practice to assist mothers in exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. Additional studies from different countries in different populations with high quality are needed to provide more reliable and richer findings.
Sex‐ and strain‐specific effects of mitochondrial uncoupling on age‐related metabolic diseases in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Goedeke Leigh , Murt Kelsey N. , Di Francesco Andrea , Camporez João Paulo , Nasiri Ali R. , Wang Yongliang , Zhang Xian‐Man , Cline Gary W. , de Cabo Rafael , Shulman Gerald I. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation is an intrinsic property of all mitochondria and may have evolved to protect cells against the production of damaging reactive oxygen species. Therefore, compounds that enhance mitochondrial uncoupling are potentially attractive anti‐aging therapies; however, chronic ingestion is associated with a number of unwanted side effects. We have previously developed a controlled‐release mitochondrial protonophore (CRMP) that is functionally liver‐directed and promotes oxidation of hepatic triglycerides by causing a subtle sustained increase in hepatic mitochondrial inefficiency. Here, we sought to leverage the higher therapeutic index of CRMP to test whether mild mitochondrial uncoupling in a liver‐directed fashion could reduce oxidative damage and improve age‐related metabolic disease and lifespan in diet‐induced obese mice. Oral administration of CRMP (20 mg/[kg‐day] × 4 weeks) reduced hepatic lipid content, protein kinase C epsilon activation, and hepatic insulin resistance in aged (74‐week‐old) high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed C57BL/6J male mice, independently of changes in body weight, whole‐body energy expenditure, food intake, or markers of hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis. CRMP treatment was also associated with a significant reduction in hepatic lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and inflammation. Importantly, long‐term (49 weeks) hepatic mitochondrial uncoupling initiated late in life (94–104 weeks), in conjugation with HFD feeding, protected mice against neoplastic disorders, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in a strain and sex‐specific manner. Taken together, these studies illustrate the complex variation of aging and provide important proof‐of‐concept data to support further studies investigating the use of liver‐directed mitochondrial uncouplers to promote healthy aging in humans.
Tricyclic antipsychotics and antidepressants can inhibit α5‐containing GABAA receptors by two distinct mechanisms
Authors: Bampali Konstantina , Koniuszewski Filip , Silva Luca L. , Rehman Sabah , Vogel Florian D. , Seidel Thomas , Scholze Petra , Zirpel Florian , Garon Arthur , Langer Thierry , Willeit Matthäus , Ernst Margot 
Published: January 2022

Background and PurposeMany psychotherapeutic drugs, including clozapine, display polypharmacology and act on GABAA receptors. Patients with schizophrenia show alterations in function, structure and molecular composition of the hippocampus, and a recent study demonstrated aberrant levels of hippocampal α5 subunit‐containing GABAA receptors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of tricyclic compounds on α5 subunit‐containing receptor subtypes.Experimental ApproachFunctional studies of effects by seven antipsychotic and antidepressant medications were performed in several GABAA receptor subtypes by two‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology using Xenopus laevis oocytes. Computational structural analysis was employed to design mutated constructs of the α5 subunit, probing a novel binding site. Radioligand displacement data complemented the functional and mutational findings.Key ResultsThe antipsychotic drugs clozapine and chlorpromazine exerted functional inhibition on multiple GABAA receptor subtypes, including those containing α5‐subunits. Based on a chlorpromazine binding site observed in a GABA‐gated bacterial homologue, we identified a novel site in α5 GABAA receptor subunits and demonstrate differential usage of this and the orthosteric sites by these ligands.Conclusion and ImplicationsDespite high molecular and functional similarities among the tested ligands, they reduce GABA currents by differential usage of allosteric and orthosteric sites. The chlorpromazine site we describe here is a new potential target for optimizing antipsychotic medications with beneficial polypharmacology. Further studies in defined subtypes are needed to substantiate mechanistic links between the therapeutic effects of clozapine and its action on certain GABAA receptor subtypes.
TSH receptor specific monoclonal autoantibody K1‐70TM targeting of the TSH receptor in subjects with Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy—Results from a phase I clinical trial
Authors: Furmaniak Jadwiga , Sanders Jane , Sanders Paul , Li Yang , Rees Smith Bernard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesIn Graves' disease (GD), autoantibodies to the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) cause hyperthyroidism. The condition is often associated with eye signs including proptosis, oedema, and diplopia (collectively termed Graves' orbitopathy [GO]). The safety profile of K1‐70TM (a human monoclonal TSHR specific autoantibody, which blocks ligand binding and stimulation of the receptor) in patients with GD was evaluated in a phase I clinical trial.Patients and Study DesignEighteen GD patients stable on antithyroid drug medication received a single intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) dose of K1‐70TM during an open label phase I ascending dose, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) study. Immunogenic effects of K1‐70TM were also determined.ResultsK1‐70TM was well‐tolerated in all subjects at all doses and no significant immunogenic response was observed. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. Increased systemic exposure to K1‐70TM was observed following a change to IV dosing, indicating this was the correct dosage route. Expected PD effects occurred after a single IM dose of 25 mg or single IV dose of 50 mg or 150 mg with fT3, fT4, and TSH levels progressing into hypothyroid ranges. There were also clinically significant improvements in symptoms of both GD (reduced tremor, improved sleep, improved mental focus, reduced toilet urgency) and GO (reduced exophthalmos measurements, reduced photosensitivity).ConclusionsK1‐70TM was safe, well tolerated and produced the expected PD effects with no immunogenic responses. It shows considerable promise as a new drug to block the actions of thyroid stimulators on the TSHR.
Validation of the Chinese version of the colostomy impact score in rectal cancer patients with permanent colostomy
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhong ChangKun , Kristensen Helle Ø. , Christensen Peter , Liu Jin , Pang Dong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the colostomy impact score (CIS) among patients with a permanent colostomy in China.MethodsA total of 218 patients completed the survey either in the clinic or remotely and mailed their responses. Reliability was estimated based on test‐retest reliability. Validity was evaluated based on content validity, construct validity, and discriminative validity. The sensitivity and specificity of the score were analysed. The area under the curve was analysed by drawing the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve; the optimal cutoff point was calculated to assess the impact of a stoma on domestic patients.ResultsThe test‐retest reliability of the CIS was 0.967. The content validity was 0.98, and the construct and discriminative validities were good; sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve were 100, 48.53, and 0.806%, respectively. The optimal cutoff point for the Chinese version of the Colostomy Impact Score was 11.5.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the CIS indicated good reliability and validity, making it suitable for the evaluation of the impact of a permanent colostomy.
The Earned Income Tax Credit as supplementary food benefits and savings for durable goods
Authors: Fisher Jonathan , Rehkopf David H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) transferred more than $67 billion to taxpayers in 2016. We estimate changes in spending that occur following EITC disbursement. We make three key advances in identifying the effect: using estimated EITC dollar benefits to differentiate the impact of low from high benefits; estimating the impact by liquid assets; and, employing a triple‐difference model around the 1993 expansion and a separate triple‐difference model over the number of children. We find that the EITC acts as supplementary SNAP benefits for those with small EITC benefits, while those with larger benefits increase spending on durables, particularly automobiles.
An endemic‐rich island through the eyes of children: Wildlife identification and conservation preferences in São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea)
Authors: Panisi Martina , Pissarra Vasco , Oquiongo Gabriel , Marques Palmeirim Jorge , Faustino de Lima Ricardo , Nuno Ana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSpecies that the public knows and is willing to protect often do not align with international conservation priorities. Assessing perceptions on wildlife is thus essential to guide conservation initiatives, especially in island developing states where native and introduced species often have contrasting values for biodiversity. We used a game to assess the ability of third class students in São Tomé Island (São Tomé and Príncipe, central Africa) to identify wildlife and their conservation preferences. Students correctly identified 28% of the animals shown. Children who were poorer, male or from rural schools were more likely to correctly identify species. Urban children were less successful identifying species endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe than rural children. Conservation preferences were not associated with species identification and instead were justified by subjective species‐specific traits, such as attractiveness or profitability. Despite the low identification rates for endemic (10% correct identifications) and threatened birds (2%), children were keen on preserving endemic species, indicating that these might become effective flagships for the unique biodiversity of the island. These results illustrate the need to consider separately the attributes that affect knowledge and willingness to protect, and how both can be used to guide conservation strategies.
Good intentions with adverse outcomes when conservation and pest management guidelines are ignored: A case study in rabbit biocontrol
Authors: Taggart Patrick L. , O'Connor Tiffany W. , Cooke Brian , Read Andrew J. , Kirkland Peter D. , Sawyers Emma , West Peter , Patel Kandarp 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo mitigate the negative impacts of invasive rabbits in Australia, land managers are permitted to release the biocontrol virus, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), to reduce rabbit numbers. However, it is strongly recommended that RHDV is not released when young rabbits are present in the population as infection in this cohort is sublethal and induces life‐long virus immunity. The recruitment of these rabbits into the breeding population may make the population harder to control in future, potentially leading to increasing rather than decreased population size. To investigate whether the recommended release guidelines are followed, we obtained data on the supply and release of RHDV by land managers. We then used generalized additive models to investigate Australia‐wide and state‐specific annual and long‐term temporal trends in the supply and release of RHDV. Half of all RHDV supply (47%) and three quarters of reported releases (74%) Australia‐wide occurred during the anticipated major rabbit breeding seasons and when the risk of immunizing young rabbits is greatest. We found evidence of both RHDV supply and release during the anticipated major rabbit breeding seasons in almost all states for which data existed. RHDV supply increased with below average annual rainfall. This may indicate a tendency for land managers to notice, and want to control, rabbits and their impacts more following drier years when both rabbits and their impacts are potentially more damaging. Our study raises concerns regarding the inappropriate release of RHDV by land managers and whether its supply should be restricted to ensure ongoing and effective management of invasive rabbits. More broadly, our study serves as a warning to other conservation and pest management activities reliant on land managers or citizens following implementation guidelines. In some cases, good intentions may have adverse outcomes.
Forecasting species distributions: Correlation does not equal causation
Authors: Sirén Alexej P. K. , Sutherland Chris S. , Karmalkar Ambarish V. , Duveneck Matthew J. , Morelli Toni Lyn 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimIdentifying the mechanisms influencing species' distributions is critical for accurate climate change forecasts. However, current approaches are limited by correlative models that cannot distinguish between direct and indirect effects.LocationNew Hampshire and Vermont, USA.MethodsUsing causal and correlational models and new theory on range limits, we compared current (2014–2019) and future (2080s) distributions of ecologically important mammalian carnivores and competitors along range limits in the northeastern US under two global climate models (GCMs) and a high‐emission scenario (RCP8.5) of projected snow and forest biomass change.ResultsOur hypothesis that causal models of climate‐mediated competition would result in different distribution predictions than correlational models, both in the current and future periods, was well‐supported by our results; however, these patterns were prominent only for species pairs that exhibited strong interactions. The causal model predicted the current distribution of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) more accurately, likely because it incorporated the influence of competitive interactions mediated by snow with the closely related bobcat (Lynx rufus). Both modeling frameworks predicted an overall decline in lynx occurrence in the central high‐elevation regions and increased occurrence in the northeastern region in the 2080s due to changes in land use that provided optimal habitat. However, these losses and gains were less substantial in the causal model due to the inclusion of an indirect buffering effect of snow on lynx.Main conclusionsOur comparative analysis indicates that a causal framework, steeped in ecological theory, can be used to generate spatially explicit predictions of species distributions. This approach can be used to disentangle correlated predictors that have previously hampered understanding of range limits and species' response to climate change.
Three‐dimensional echocardiographic assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta
Authors: Smer Aiman , Urja Prakrity , Anugula Dixitha , Dulal Subash , Elmarzouky Zeyad M. , Gill Edward , Nanda Navin C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe describe the role of three‐dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of the aortic valve and the aorta. The manuscript is heavily illustrated with figures and movie clips.