bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐lethal sampling for the stable isotope analysis of the critically endangered European eel Anguilla anguilla: how fin and mucus compare to dorsal muscle
Authors: Boardman Rose M. , Pinder Adrian C. , Piper Adam T. , Roberts Catherine Gutmann , Wright Rosalind M. , Britton J. Robert 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEcological studies on the critically endangered European eel Anguilla anguilla often incorporate stable isotope analysis that typically uses dorsal muscle sampled from euthanised eels. To minimise the lethal sampling of imperilled populations, fin tissue and/or epidermal mucus can provide non‐lethal alternatives to muscle. The results here indicate that δ13C and δ15N values of both eel fin and mucus are not significantly different from those of muscle and can be applied directly in comparative SI studies.
Do institutions, religion and the economic cycle impact bank stability in dual banking systems?
Authors: Bektas Eralp , Elbadri Marei , Molyneux Philip 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe investigate the relationship of institutional quality, religion, and economic cycles to bank stability using a sample of 254 banks, including Islamic (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs), located in nine countries (QISMUT+3) that follow dual banking systems. We use a comprehensive model and adopt a stronger econometric methodology compared with previous literature. Our findings reaffirm the significant positive influence of institutional quality on bank stability as proxied by a bank's Z‐score. Institutional quality variables including financial freedom, voice and accountability, the rule of law, and political stability positively influence bank stability. On the other hand, other institutional quality variables such as economic freedom, government effectiveness, RQ, and corruption negatively affect bank stability. Overall, our empirical evidence shows that IBs are relatively less stable than CBs, due to banking practices, riskier products, and immature legal frameworks. Our analysis also suggests that IBs operate in a similar manner as CBs. New to this study, results suggest that religious orientation has no significant effect on bank stability in our sample countries with dual banking systems. Importantly, we find that the legal system, in particular the Sharià‐based legal system, has no significant effect on stability for IBs. Furthermore, customer religiosity measured as the share of Muslim population does not appear to have a differential impact on stability for IBs compared to CBs except when the Muslim share in population exceeds 85%.
Effect of Lumenato oral supplementation on plasma carotenoid levels and improvement of visual and experiential skin attributes
Authors: Tarshish Elizabeth , Hermoni Karin , Sharoni Yoav , Muizzuddin Neelam 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCellular metabolism and exposure to solar irradiation result in generation of free radicals which are destructive and can lead to premature aging. Antioxidants and free radical scavengers such as carotenoids successfully protect from these free radicals by quenching and neutralizing them thereby strengthening skin barrier which leads to improved skin moisturization, desquamation, and a more youthful look. This study was designed to evaluate the consumer‐perceived efficacy of an oral supplement (Lumenato™) containing a mix of tomato carotenoids and oil‐soluble vitamins in improving skin appearance after 12 weeks of supplement use.Materials and MethodsPlasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, zeta‐carotene, and lycopene were quantitated before and after 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐week administration of Lumenato by 24 healthy volunteers. Part II of the study addressed skin visual attributes as assessed by validated tools (questionnaires). A total of 60 females, aged 35 to 55 years, completed part II of the study. The subjects answered questionnaires pertaining to their assessment of skin appearance before and after 12 weeks of taking the supplement.ResultsThere was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, and zeta‐carotene after 1‐ to 4‐week treatment with Lumenato. After 12 weeks of using the supplement, the score of different skin parameters was reported to significantly improve (p < 0.001). Improvement was recorded in skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles. A significant (p < 0.001) improvement in overall skin condition after using the supplement was observed. The subjects noticed statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles after 12 weeks of using the supplement. The overall skin condition also exhibited a significant improvement (p < 0.001). Self‐assessed improvement of the face was identified at the first time point (4 weeks) and improved significantly (p < 0.001) for the 12 weeks of use. Interestingly, these improvements persisted even after treatment was stopped.ConclusionBased on the confines and conditions of this study, the use of oral supplement containing a mix of tomato carotenoids significantly increased plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, and zeta‐carotene, and continuous use resulted in improved facial skin attributes which were palpable by the consumers and continued even after treatment was stopped.
Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone
Authors: Charoo Naseem Ahmad 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHyperpigmentation is the most common complaint in the age group 40–45 years, seeking consultation for skin disorders. Hydroquinone is a commonly used depigmenting agent in clinical practice for treating hyperpigmentation. Prolonged use of hydroquinone has been associated with cancer risk and exogenous ochronosis. The CARES (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Act of 2020 has instituted significant changes to hydroquinone containing OTC (over the counter) products, and consequently, many hydroquinone‐based OTC products had to be withdrawn from the market. Henceforth, products containing hydroquinone would need US Food and Drug Administration approval via new drug application pathways for commercialization. Alternative treatment options to hydroquinone in clinical practice are reviewed in this paper with regard to their safety and efficacy vis a vis hydroquinone. Also, new potential treatment options such as thiamidol,Polypodium leucotomos, and glutathione are discussed. The review shows that these alternative depigmenting agents can be rationally combined to achieve desired treatment goals in the management of hyperpigmentation.
Impact of COVID‐19 public health restrictions on hospital admissions for young infants in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Licheni Shane H , Devaraja Latha , Watson Benjamin , Simeonovic Marcelle , Cheng Daryl R , Hoq Monsurul , Standish Jane , Gawler Louise , McNab Sarah , Danchin Margie 
Published: January 2022

AimStrict public health measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic led to less support for infants and their parents. We aimed to characterise the frequency and nature of infant admissions to the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Melbourne in 2020, compared to the previous year.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records identified infants ≤3 months admitted to the general medicine unit, RCH from March to September in 2019 and 2020. Diagnoses potentially related to the impact of public health measures and reduced family and community supports were identified and compared to all infant diagnoses across both years. Clinical characteristics and need for referral for additional supports or mental health services were also ascertained.ResultsThere were fewer admissions for infants ≤3 months in 2020 (n = 411) compared to 2019 (n = 678), with a threefold increase in admissions with a primary or secondary diagnosis of feeding difficulties, growth disturbance, infant irritability or maternal mental health concerns (191/411; 46% vs. 97/678; 14%). There were more infants of first‐time parents (112/191; 59% vs. 44/97; 45%) and a reduction in the number of admissions due to infection (145/411; 35%; vs. 467/678; 69%).ConclusionDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a threefold increase in admissions for infants ≤3 months due to poor growth, feeding difficulties, irritability and maternal mental health concerns in 2020 compared to 2019. These findings may inform future pandemic planning and policy development to ensure maintenance of community supports such as maternal child health nurse (MCHN) service delivery for young infants.
Supply chain innovation: Conceptualization, instrument development, and influence on supply chain performance
Authors: Wong David T. W. , Ngai Eric W. T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA supply chain (SC) is seen as a source of competitive advantage, and SC innovation has become a critical research topic in business‐to‐business marketing and production. However, the main obstacle to empirical research on SC innovation is a lack of validated and well‐developed scales to measure it. Therefore, developing a measurement scale for the SC innovation construct is necessary. This paper describes the development and validation of a third‐order SC innovation scale based on the collection of primary quantitative and qualitative data. SC innovation was then operationalized as a multidimensional construct with three aspects, namely, marketing, technology development, and logistics‐oriented innovation activities, resulting in 31 measurement items. The developed SC innovation scale applies to the textile and apparel industry primarily. Business‐to‐business marketers can apply this empirically validated scale to evaluate their SC innovation efforts and identify areas for improvement.
Envisioning innovation opportunities through science fiction
Authors: Michaud Thomas , Appio Francesco Paolo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe inherent uncertainty of the innovation process, along with the fast‐changing world of technology, presents significant difficulties to modern companies. As a result, product managers and engineers are under growing pressure to come up with better, more effective, more inventive solutions faster. Science fiction is one of the various approaches available, although it is yet relatively unexplored. Despite the fact that science fiction has demonstrated its promise in a variety of areas, it is sometimes seen as little more than an escapism. In this Catalyst, we show how to use science fiction into the innovation process to help product managers and engineers envision new opportunities. We provide a preliminary explanation of how science fiction may be implemented by showcasing evidence from inventors and pioneering companies and demonstrating examples of utopian technology transformed into reality. Finally, we offer a set of actionable research directions to promote debate and discussion among product managers, engineers, and academics.
Towards reflexivity in police practice and research
Authors: Koerner Swen , Staller Mario S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn their recent article, Bennell et al. (2021) address the ongoing series of critical incidents within law enforcement across the globe and the amplified public debate that ensured. The team of renowned international police scholars and practitioners intend to ‘provide insights into the fundamental issues related to police use of force’ (Bennell et al., 2021, p. 1) and work out what they perceive to be ‘urgent issues and prospects (p. 1)’. Since the author's proposal is likely to influence future debates, we feel warrants that foremost the issue on how the issue of urgency is handled in the paper at hand deserves scientific attention. While Bennell et al. (2021) emphasize the importance of evidence‐based policing for the further professionalization of policing, we advocate for reflexivity in modern police practice and research. Reflexivity calls for the analysis on preconditions and consequences of scientific perspectives themselves, thus touching issues of evidence of evidence.
Deformation forecasting of a hydropower dam by hybridizing a long short‐term memory deep learning network with the coronavirus optimization algorithm
Authors: Bui Kien‐Trinh T. , Torres José F. , Gutiérrez‐Avilés David , Nhu Viet‐Ha , Bui Dieu Tien , Martínez‐Álvarez Francisco 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe safety operation and management of hydropower dam play a critical role in social‐economic development and ensure people's safety in many countries; therefore, modeling and forecasting the hydropower dam's deformations with high accuracy is crucial. This research aims to propose and validate a new model based on deep learning long short‐term memory (LSTM) and the coronavirus optimization algorithm (CVOA), named CVOA‐LSTM, for forecasting the deformations of the hydropower dam. The second‐largest hydropower dam of Vietnam, located in the Hoa Binh province, is focused. Herein, we used the LSTM to establish the deformation model, whereas the CVOA was utilized to optimize the three parameters of the LSTM, the number of hidden layers, the learning rate, and the dropout. The efficacy of the proposed CVOA‐LSTM model is assessed by comparing its forecasting performance with state‐of‐the‐art benchmarks, sequential minimal optimization for support vector regression, Gaussian process, M5' model tree, multilayer perceptron neural network, reduced error pruning tree, random tree, random forest, and radial basis function neural network. The result shows that the proposed CVOA‐LSTM model has high forecasting capability (R2 = 0.874, root mean square error = 0.34, mean absolute error = 0.23) and outperforms the benchmarks. We conclude that CVOA‐LSTM is a new tool that can be considered to forecast the hydropower dam's deformations.
Disruption of carbon for nutrient exchange between potato and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhanced cyst nematode fitness and host pest tolerance
Authors: Bell Christopher A. , Magkourilou Emily , Urwin P. E. , Field Katie J. 
Published: January 2022

Summary

Plants simultaneously interact with a range of biotrophic symbionts, ranging from mutualists such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to parasites such as the potato cyst nematode (PCN). The exchange of mycorrhizal‐acquired nutrients for plant‐fixed carbon (C) is well studied; however, the impact of competing symbionts remains underexplored.

In this study, we examined mycorrhizal nutrient and host resource allocation in potato with and without AMF and PCN using radioisotope tracing, whilst determining the consequences of such allocation.

The presence of PCN disrupted C for nutrient exchange between plants and AMF, with plant C overwhelmingly obtained by the nematodes. Despite this, AMF maintained transfer of nutrients on PCN‐infected potato, ultimately losing out in their C for nutrient exchange with the host. Whilst PCN exploited the greater nutrient reserves to drive population growth on AMF–potato, the fungus imparted tolerance to allow the host to bear the parasitic burden.

Our findings provide important insights into the belowground dynamics of plant–AMF symbioses, where simultaneous nutritional and nonnutritional benefits conferred by AMF to hosts and their parasites are seldom considered in plant community dynamics. Our findings suggest this may be a critical oversight, particularly in the consideration of C and nutrient flows in plant and soil communities.
Two R2R3‐MYB genes cooperatively control trichome development and cuticular wax biosynthesis in Prunus persica
Authors: Yang Qiurui , Yang Xianpeng , Wang Lu , Zheng Beibei , Cai Yaming , Ogutu Collins Otieno , Zhao Lei , Peng Qian , Liao Liao , Zhao Yun , Zhou Hui , Han Yuepeng 
Published: January 2022

Summary

The fruit surface has an enormous impact on the external appearance and postharvest shelf‐life of fruit. Here, we report two functionally redundant genes, PpMYB25 and PpMYB26, involved in regulation of fruit skin texture in peach.

PpMYB25 can activate transcription of PpMYB26 and they both induce trichome development and cuticular wax accumulation, resulting in peach fruit with a fuzzy and dull appearance. By contrast, nonfunctional mutation of PpMYB25 caused by an insertional retrotransposon in the last exon in nectarine fails to activate transcription of PpMYB26, resulting in nectarine fruit with a smooth and shiny appearance due to loss of trichome initiation and decreased cuticular wax accumulation.

Secondary cell wall biosynthesis in peach fruit pubescence is controlled by a transcriptional regulatory network, including the master regulator PpNAC43 and its downstream MYB transcription factors such as PpMYB42, PpMYB46 and PpMYB83.

Our results show that PpMYB25 and PpMYB26 coordinately regulate fruit pubescence and cuticular wax accumulation and their simultaneous perturbation results in the origin of nectarine, which is botanically classified as a subspecies of peach.
Prevalence of myopia among urban and suburban school children in Tamil Nadu, South India: findings from the Sankara Nethralaya Tamil Nadu Essilor Myopia (STEM) Study
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Aparna , Hussaindeen Jameel Rizwana , Sivaraman Viswanathan , Swaminathan Meenakshi , Wong Yee Ling , Armitage James A , Gentle Alex , Backhouse Simon 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo report the baseline prevalence of myopia among school children in Tamil Nadu, South India from a prospective cohort study.MethodsChildren between the ages of 5 and 16 years from 11 schools in two districts of Tamil Nadu underwent vision screening. All children underwent visual acuity assessment using a Pocket Vision Screener followed by non‐cycloplegic open‐field autorefraction (Grand Seiko WAM‐5500). Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) refraction of ≤−0.75 D and high myopia was defined as SE ≤ −6.00 D. Distribution of refraction, biometry and factors associated with prevalence of myopia were the outcome measures.ResultsA total of 14,699 children completed vision screening, with 2% (357) of them having ocular abnormalities other than refractive errors or poor vision despite spectacle correction. The remaining 14,342 children (7557 boys; 52.69%) had a mean age of 10.2 (Standard Deviation [SD] 2.8) years. A total of 2502 had myopia in at least one eye, a prevalence of 17.5% (95% CI: 14.7–20.5%), and 74 (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9%) had high myopia. Myopia prevalence increased with age (p < 0.001), but sex was not associated with myopia prevalence (p = 0.24). Mean axial length (AL; 23.08 (SD = 0.91) mm) and mean anterior chamber depth (ACD; 3.45 (SD = 0.27) mm) positively correlated with age (p < 0.001). The mean flat (K1; 43.37 (SD = 1.49) D) and steep (K2; 44.50 (SD = 1.58) D) corneal curvatures showed negative correlation with age (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the multivariable logistic regression, older age and urban school location had higher odds for prevalence of myopia.ConclusionThe baseline prevalence of myopia among 5‐ to 16‐year‐old children in South India is larger than that found in previous studies, indicating that myopia is becoming a major public health problem in this country.
Sarcoidosis‐related mortality and the impact of corticosteroid treatment: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Sikjær Melina Gade , Hilberg Ole , Ibsen Rikke , Løkke Anders 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe aims of this national cohort study were: (1) to evaluate mortality in patients with sarcoidosis, stratified by gender, age and systemic corticosteroid (SC) treatment and (2) to characterize comorbidities in this cohort.MethodsPatients diagnosed with sarcoidosis from 2001 to 2015 were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Subgroup analyses were performed on cases treated/not treated with SCs within 3 years of the initial sarcoidosis diagnosis (as a proxy for disease severity). The Deyo–Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to evaluate pre‐diagnostic comorbidity. Cases were matched (1:4) with controls from the general population.ResultsWe identified 9795 cases with sarcoidosis. Mean age was 46.5 ± 15.9 years and 55% were male. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death was 1.48 (95% CI 1.31–1.68). Mortality was higher than for controls in all age groups and in both genders. HR for death for cases treated with SCs was 1.78 (95% CI 1.49–2.13) and, for cases receiving no treatment, 1.24 (95% CI 1.04–1.48). Sarcoidosis was the most commonly registered cause of death (13.3%).ConclusionPatients with sarcoidosis have an increased mortality compared with matched controls. Mortality is particularly high in patients treated with SCs.
Deriving the anaphor–agreement effect and the violations of it
Authors: Murugesan Gurujegan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe termanaphor–agreement effectrefers to the descriptive generalization that anaphors cannot control agreement on the verb. The general consensus in the literature is that the anaphor–agreement effect is a universal phenomenon. Contrary to that consensus, in this article, I present data from a set of languages where an anaphor does indeed control agreement on the verb, in violation of the anaphor–agreement effect. To explain this dual nature of anaphors in the world's languages, I propose a derivational‐timing analysis that derives not only the anaphor–agreement effect but also those problematic cases in which it seems to be violated.
Polymorphism of the HLA system and weak antibody response to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Crocchiolo Roberto , Gallina Anna Maria , Pani Arianna , Campisi Daniela , Cento Valeria , Sacchi Nicoletta , Miotti Valeria , Gagliardi Oscar Matteo , D'Amico Federico , Vismara Chiara , Cornacchini Giorgia , Lando Giuliana , Cuppari Irene , Scaglione Francesco , Rossini Silvano 
Published: January 2022

The polymorphism of the HLA system has been extensively studied in COVID‐19 infection, however there are no data about the role of HLA on vaccine response. We report here the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and DRB1 allelic frequencies of n = 111 individuals after BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, selected on the basis of lower antibody levels (<5% percentile) after the second dose among a total of n = 2569 vaccinees, and compare them with the frequencies of a reference population. We found that differences in the frequencies of the alleles HLA‐A*03:01, A*33:03, B*58:01 and at least one haplotype (HLA‐A*24:02~C*07:01~B*18:01~DRB1*11:04) are associated with a weaker antibody response after vaccination, together with the age of vaccinees. Our results might suggest a role played by some HLA alleles or haplotypes in antibody production after the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, giving insights into the tracking of potentially susceptible individuals across populations. Further studies are needed to better define our exploratory findings and dissect the role of HLA polymorphism on response to anti‐COVID‐19 vaccines.