bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic policy uncertainty and firm propensity to invest in corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Mian Rehman Uddin , Suleman Muhammad Tahir 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on firm investment in corporate social responsibility (CSR)’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions. Additionally, the study examines whether firm size moderates the EPU–CSR relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe sample includes 2,017 US. firms from 2002 to 2018. Data on ESG scores are drawn from the Asset-4 database in Thomson Reuters to measure CSR investment. ordinary least square regression, including fixed effects at the year and industry level, is used as the main econometric specification. Moreover, the study employed the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments to address the endogeneity concerns.FindingsThe findings reveal that firms increase their CSR investment in response to high EPU. The results are consistent in all the three ESG/CSR dimensions: ESG. Moreover, the positive association between EPU and CSR is driven by firm size, indicating that large-sized firms have the resources and incentives to invest more in CSR. Our main findings remain consistent after addressing the endogeneity concerns and controlling for the effect of omitted variable biasness.Originality/valueUsing a unique sample of US firms, this study empirically contributes to the current literature on the association between EPU and CSR investment. Moreover, firm size plays a vital role in moderating this relationship.
The very long‐chain fatty acid elongase FgElo2 governs tebuconazole sensitivity and virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Wang Haixia , Chen Yun , Hou Tingjun , Jian Yunqing , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: September 2022

AbstractVery long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), the precursors for the synthesis of sphingolipids (SLs), play pivotal roles in the development and stress response in eukaryotes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, VLCFAs are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through a four‐step elongation cycle. However, the functions of VLCFA elongases in phytopathogenic fungi remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified a single copy of the VLCFA elongase gene FgELO2 in Fusarium graminearum that causes Fusarium head blight worldwide. FgElo2 localized to ER membrane, and deletion mutant of FgELO2 exhibited serious defects in vegetative growth and conidiation. Importantly, ΔFgElo2 led to ergosterol content reduction and disrupted the ER‐localization of 14‐α‐demethylase FgCyp51s, indicating that the scarce of SLs reduced ergosterol, which ultimately elevated the sensitivity of ΔFgElo2 to tebuconazole. Fluorescent microscopic examination suggested that FgElo2 was degraded upon cell membrane stress. ΔFgElo2 showed decreased phosphorylation of high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway and subsequently exhibited remarkable sensitivity to osmotic stress. In addition, fungal virulence was dramatically reduced in ΔFgElo2 via inhibiting deoxynivalenol production and formation of infection structures. Together, this study demonstrates that the VLCFA elongase FgElo2 modulates fungal development, tebuconazole sensitivity, stress responses and virulence, which may advance our understanding of pathogen–host interactions mediated by VLCFAs.
Evaluating the Effects of Riparian Habitat Type on Nutrient Concentrations in Agricultural Headwater Streams
Authors: Balcerzak Ashlee M. , Smiley Peter C. , Kalcic Margaret M. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTGrass filter strips and other riparian buffer types are frequently used in agricultural watersheds to reduce nonpoint source pollution, but there is only limited information available on their long‐term watershed scale effects. Our research questions were as follows: (1) does nutrient concentrations differ among agricultural headwater streams with different riparian habitat types? and (2) does the effect of riparian habitat type differ annually or seasonally? Eight streams in central Ohio were selected based on watershed size, proportion of watershed agricultural land use, and riparian habitat type. Three streams possessed unplanted riparian habitats, three streams had grass filter strips, and two streams had forested riparian habitats. Water samples for the measurement of ammonia, nitrate + nitrite, total nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon concentrations were collected weekly from two sites in each stream from March 2007 to February 2017. Mean nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05) among riparian habitat types. Mean dissolved organic carbon concentrations exhibited different (p < 0.05) annual and seasonal trends among riparian habitat types. Our results indicated that planting grass filter strips alone may not decrease nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and highlighted the influence of riparian woody vegetation on the temporal dynamics of dissolved organic carbon concentrations.
Evaluation of a coastal acoustic buoy for cetacean detections, bearing accuracy and exclusion zone monitoring
Authors: Palmer Kaitlin J. , Tabbutt Sam , Gillespie Douglas , Turner Jesse , King Paul , Tollit Dominic , Thompson Jessica , Wood Jason 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

There is strong socio‐political support for offshore wind development in US territorial waters and construction is planned off several east coast states. Some of the planned development sites coincide with important habitat for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Both exclusion zones and passive acoustic monitoring are important tools for managing interactions between marine mammals and human activities. Understanding where animals are with respect to exclusion zones is important to avoid costly construction delays while minimizing the potential for negative impacts. Impact piling from construction of hundreds of offshore wind turbines likely require exclusion zones as large as 10 km.

We have developed a three‐hydrophone passive acoustic monitoring system that provides bearing information along with marine mammal detections to allow for informed management decisions in real‐time. Multiple units form a monitoring system designed to determine whether marine mammal calls originate from inside or outside of an exclusion zone. In October 2021, we undertook a full system validation, with a focus on evaluating the detection range and bearing accuracy of the system with respect to right whale upcalls. Five units were deployed in Mid‐Atlantic waters and we played more than 3500 simulated right whale upcalls at known locations to characterize the detection function and bearing accuracy of each unit. The modelled results of the detection function error were then used to compare the effectiveness of a bearing‐based system to a single sensor that can only detect a signal but not ascertain directivity.

Field trials indicated maximum detection ranges from 4–7.3 km depending on source and ambient noise levels. Simulations showed that incorporating bearing detections provide a substantial improvement in false alarm rates (6 to 12 times depending on number of units, placement and signal to noise conditions) for a small increase in the risk of missed detections inside of an exclusion zone (1%–3%).

We show that the system can be used for monitoring exclusion zones and clearly highlight the value of including bearing estimation into exclusion zone monitoring plans while noting that placement and configuration of units should reflect anticipated ambient noise conditions.
Can Close Election Regression Discontinuity Designs Identify Effects of Winning Politician Characteristics?
Authors: Marshall John 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPolitician characteristic regression discontinuity (PCRD) designs leveraging close elections are widely used to isolate effects of an elected politician characteristic on downstream outcomes. Unlike standard regression discontinuity designs, treatment is defined by a predetermined characteristic that could affect a politician's victory margin. I prove that, by conditioning on politicians who win close elections, PCRD estimators identify the effect of the specific characteristic of interest and all compensating differentials—candidate‐level characteristics that ensure elections remain close between candidates who differ in the characteristic of interest. Avoiding this asymptotic bias generally requires assuming either that the characteristic of interest does not affect candidate vote shares or that no compensating differential affects the outcome. Because theories of voting behavior suggest that neither strong assumption usually holds, I further analyze the implications for interpreting continuity tests and consider if and how covariate adjustment, bounding, and recharacterizing treatment can mitigate the posttreatment bias afflicting PCRD designs.
Domain‐specific and domain‐general neural network engagement during human–robot interactions
Authors: Hogenhuis Ann , Hortensius Ruud 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTo what extent do domain‐general and domain‐specific neural network engagement generalize across interactions with human and artificial agents? In this exploratory study, we analysed a publicly available functional MRI (fMRI) data set (n = 22) to probe the similarities and dissimilarities in neural architecture while participants conversed with another person or a robot. Incorporating trial‐by‐trial dynamics of the interactions, listening and speaking, we used whole‐brain, region‐of‐interest and functional connectivity analyses to test response profiles within and across social or non‐social, domain‐specific and domain‐general networks, that is, the person perception, theory‐of‐mind, object‐specific, language and multiple‐demand networks. Listening to a robot compared to a human resulted in higher activation in the language network, especially in areas associated with listening comprehension, and in the person perception network. No differences in activity of the theory‐of‐mind network were found. Results from the functional connectivity analysis showed no difference between interactions with a human or robot in within‐ and between‐network connectivity. Together, these results suggest that although largely similar regions are activated when speaking to a human and to a robot, activity profiles during listening point to a dissociation at a lower level or perceptual level, but not higher order cognitive level.
Standing osteosynthesis of an accessory carpal bone fracture in a Warmblood mare with a 6‐hole 3.5 talonavicular fusion plate and 3.5‐mm screws
Authors: Aßmann Anton D. , Fürst Anton E. , Bischofberger Andrea S. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryA 9‐year‐old Warmblood, high‐level showjumping mare sustained an acute, closed, vertical, comminuted fracture of the left accessory carpal bone (ACB) during a fall. The fracture was repaired under standing sedation and local anaesthesia, using a 6‐hole APTUS® 3.5 TFP and 5 × 3.5‐mm self‐tapping TriLock© screws. The mare recovered from surgery without complications. Upon follow‐up examination 9 months post‐operatively the mare was sound in all gaits and back to full athletic activity. The ACB fracture had completely healed. The displaced dorsoproximal fracture fragment was in a stationary position and there was evidence of mild nonprogressive osteoarthritis of the antebrachiocarpal joint.
Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis related miRNA‐expression in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Noone Stephanie , Schubert Ralf , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Hilberg Thomas , Alesci Sonja , Miesbach Wolfgang , Klophaus Nils , Wehmeier Udo F. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionElevated markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation indicate worse endothelial function in the aging haemophilia population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. Several miRNAs have been shown to be involved in the process of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the underlying molecular pathways of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in haemophilia patients.MethodsA total of 25 patients with severe or moderate haemophilia A (20 patients) or B (5 patients), 14 controls and 18 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after myocardial infarction were included in this study. Expression of miRNA‐126, ‐155, ‐222, ‐1, ‐let7a, ‐21 and ‐197 were analysed using a real time polymerase chain reaction. Network‐based visualisation and analysis of the miRNA‐target interactions were performed using the MicroRNA ENrichment TURned NETwork (MIENTURNET).ResultsExpression of miRNA‐126 (p < .05) and miRNA‐let7a (p < .05) were significantly higher in CAD patients compared to haemophilia patients and controls. MiRNA‐21 (p < .05) was significantly elevated in CAD patients compared to controls. MiRNA‐155 (p < .05), miRNA‐1 (p < .05) and miRNA‐197 (p < .05) were significantly higher expressed in CAD and haemophilia patients compared to controls and showed a strong correlation with increased levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1). The network analysis revealed interactions in the cytokine signalling, focal adhesion and VEGFA‐VEGFR2 pathway (Vascular endothelial growth factor, ‐receptor).ConclusionThis study characterises miRNA expression in haemophilia patients in comparison to CAD patients and healthy controls. The results imply comparable biological processes in CAD and haemophilia patients.
Contributions of animal models to mechanistic understandings of antibody‐dependent disease and roles of the amplification loop
Authors: Holers V. Michael 
Published: September 2022

SummaryThe complement system plays an important pathophysiologic role in human diseases associated with immune or ischemic insults. In addition to understanding the effector mechanisms that are important for the biological effects of the system, substantial efforts have gone into understanding which specific complement activation pathways generate these potent effects. These approaches include the use of gene‐targeted mice and specific pathway inhibitors, as well as the integration of human disease genetic and biomarker studies. In some disease states, it is quite clear that the alternate pathway plays a unique role in the initiation of the complement system. However, although initially a widely unexpected finding, it has now been shown in many tissue‐based disease models and in initial human studies that engagement of the amplification loop is also essential for tissue injury when the classical and/or lectin pathways initiate pathway activation through pathogenic autoantibodies. This review provides evidence for such a conclusion through animal models, focusing on pathogenic antibody passive transfer models but also other relevant experimental systems. These data, along with initial biomarkers and clinical trial outcomes in human diseases that are associated with pathogenic autoantibodies, suggest that targeting the alternative pathway amplification loop may have near‐universal therapeutic utility for tissue‐based diseases.
The prevalence of significant cognitive delay among 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children growing up in low‐ and middle‐income countries: results from 126 nationally representative surveys undertaken in 73 countries
Authors: Emerson E. , Llewellyn G. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to (1) update estimates of the prevalence of significant cognitive delay (SCD) among nationally representative samples of young children overall, and in upper‐middle, lower‐middle and low‐income countries; (2) investigate whether variation in prevalence between countries was systematically associated with national wealth and other country characteristics; (3) investigate the stability of prevalence estimates over time; (4) examine the correlation between SCD and 2019 Global Burden of Disease estimates on the prevalence of the impairment of developmental intellectual disability under 5 years of age; and (5) investigate the extent to which risk of SCD within countries varies with child age and gender, maternal education and household wealth.MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected in 126 nationally representative Multiple Cluster Indicators Surveys (MICS) conducted under the supervision of UNICEF in 73 countries involving a total of 396 596 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children.ResultsThe overall prevalence of SCD was 9.7% (95% CI 8.6–10.9%). Between‐country variation in prevalence was strongly related to national wealth, the Human Development Index, the Human Inequality‐adjusted Development Index and the Multidimensional Poverty Index, but not income inequality. In the 46 countries in which more than one survey was available prevalence estimates were reasonably stable over time (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). There were strong independent associations between increased risk of cognitive delay and younger child age, lower levels of maternal education and lower levels of household wealth (but not male gender). There was only a weak association across countries between the estimated prevalence of SCD and Global Burden of Disease estimates of the under 5 prevalence of the impairment of developmental intellectual disability.ConclusionsUNICEF's MICS data are readily (and freely) available to researchers and provide a cost‐effective opportunity for researchers who are concerned about better understanding the situation of young children growing up in the world's LMICs with a marked loss of developmental potential in areas of cognition and learning.
Healthcare needs and assets of gender diverse older adults: A systematic integrative review
Authors: Catlett Lauren 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionGender diverse older adults often endure health disparities, encounter discrimination in healthcare settings, and experience lack of access to healthcare. However, members of this population also have assets that help to mitigate these healthcare challenges. A systematic integrative review was performed to synthesize recent studies of the healthcare needs and assets of gender diverse older adults living in the United States.MethodsA search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted. Findings from selected studies were organized by theme and subtheme.ResultsThirty‐five articles met inclusion criteria. Seven themes were identified: (1) Inclusivity and acceptance, (2) Antidiscrimination protections, (3) Community, (4) Care of mind, body, and spirit, (5) End of life preparations, (6) Financial security, and (7) Intersectionality. These themes were further divided into 20 healthcare needs and 9 healthcare assets.ConclusionThe findings call for increased training for healthcare providers to provide safe, gender‐inclusive care environments; policy to combat discrimination across all healthcare settings; supportive community resources and healthcare advocacy; empowerment of gender diverse older adults through acknowledgment of their healthcare assets; and more research to discern the role of intersectionality in the applicability of the identified themes to gender diverse older adults of various sociodemographic backgrounds.Clinical relevanceThis review benefits clinicians by suggesting practice changes to address healthcare needs of gender diverse older adults while describing healthcare assets of this population for integration into health promotion initiatives.
Gradient symbolic representations in Harmonic Grammar
Authors: Hsu Brian 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of Harmonic Grammar with gradient symbolic representations (a.k.a. Gradient Harmonic Grammar), a weighted‐constraint model of grammatical computation in which language structures are mentally represented with numerically continuous levels of activity, or degree of presence. In this system, the penalty of each constraint violation is proportional to the activity of the structure that incurs it. The adoption of gradient activity permits unique advances in generative approaches to key types of idiosyncratic patterns in language. I review the main proposals that have been made in the framework, and outstanding issues such as the existence of gradient activity in output structures.
Comparison of risk factors and outcome of patients with and without COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis from Pakistan: A case–control study
Authors: Nasir Nosheen , Farooqi Joveria , Zubair Syed Muhammad , Ayub Maaha , Khan Shahmeer , Wiqar Muhammad Hassaan , Mahmood Syed Faisal , Jabeen Kauser 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundEarly identification of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is particularly challenging in low‐ middle‐income countries where diagnostic capabilities are limited, and risk factors for CAPA have not been identified. It is also essential to recognise CAPA patients who are likely to have a poorer outcome to decide on aggressive management approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to identify risk factors and outcomes for CAPA among admitted moderate to critical COVID‐19 patients at our centre in Pakistan.MethodsAn unmatched case–control study with ratio of 1:2 was conducted on hospitalised adult patients with COVID‐19 from March 2020–July 2021. Cases were defined according to European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology consensus criteria. Controls were defined as patients hospitalised with moderate, severe or critical COVID‐19 without CAPA.ResultsA total of 100 CAPA cases (27 probable CAPA; 73 possible CAPA) were compared with 237 controls. Critical disease at presentation (aOR 5.04; 95% CI 2.18–11.63), age ≥ 60 years (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.20–3.35) and underlying co‐morbid of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (aOR 3.78; 95% CI 1.57–9.08) were identified as risk factors for CAPA. Patients with CAPA had a significantly greater proportion of complications and longer length of hospital stay (p‐value < .001). Mortality was higher in patients with CAPA (48%) as compared to those without CAPA (13.5%) [OR = 6.36(95% CI 3.6–11)].ConclusionsCAPA was significantly associated with advanced age, CKD and critical illness at presentation, along with a greater frequency of complications and higher mortality.
Algeria: A three‐sector macrofiscal model for debt sustainability and growth policy analysis
Authors: Pinto Moreira Emmanuel , Alpaslan Barış 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we present a dynamic general equilibrium (DGE) model to address the macrofiscal vulnerabilities and the effects of fiscal policy on growth and employment in Algeria. We first discuss the baseline scenario over the period 2021–2040. According to our baseline results, without fundamental changes in fiscal policies, even relatively high growth will not be sufficient to put public debt on a sustainable path. We then conduct four experiments and assess their impact on fiscal accounts, growth, and unemployment: an increase in the efficiency of public spending on infrastructure investment, a gradual reduction in the share of noninterest government spending in GDP, the same gradual reduction in spending combined with a permanent increase in the share of investment in infrastructure in total noninterest government expenditure, and a composite fiscal reform program that combines these individual policies, respectively. The results suggest that public debt sustainability can be achieved, and growth and employment can be promoted, as long as an ambitious fiscal reform program involving tax, spending, and governance reforms is implemented. Importantly, our quantitative analysis shows that, with a well‐designed fiscal program, there may be no trade‐off between fiscal consolidation and economic growth.