bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does female participation in strategic decision‐making roles matter for corporate social responsibility performance?
Authors: Bose Sudipta , Hossain Sarowar , Sobhan Abdus , Handley Karen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe examine the association between female participation in strategic decision‐making roles and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance using a sample of United States firms from 2001 to 2018. Female participation in strategic decision‐making roles is measured using: (i) the female presence in different positions on the board of directors, such as female board member, independent board member, chairperson and audit committee member; and (ii) the female presence in top management roles, such as chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO). We find that female participation in strategic decision‐making roles is positively associated with CSR performance. In investigating the ‘tokenism’ aspect of female participation on the board, our results contradict the ‘tokenism’ argument for appointing females to boards, instead supporting their real influence on CSR performance. These findings are important to regulators, policy makers, company management and other stakeholders with an interest in how increased female participation in strategic decision‐making roles influences CSR performance.
Histological, histochemical, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical identification and characterization of the neurosecretory cells of the adult rabbit's adrenal medulla
Authors: Moawad Usama Kamal , Soliman Shehata Mohamed Mohamed , Mazher Khaled Mohamed , Hassan Randa Mohamed , Nabil Taghreed Mohamed 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe present investigation was conducted on the adrenal glands of 40 adult New Zealand rabbits of both sexes to characterize and identify the histological, histochemical, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features of the neurosecretory cells of the adrenal medulla. The obtained specimens of adrenal medulla were subjected to routine histological techniques and then stained with different histological stains, including general, non‐specific, specific, and highly specific stains for neurosecretory cells, in addition to immunohistochemical reactions. The obtained results showed two types of adrenal medullary neurosecretory cells containing secretory granules (SGs) of different electron densities: adrenaline and noradrenaline (NA) secreting cells. These secretory granules showed a strong positive reaction to the Grimelius silver impregnation technique. Sections stained with Gomori's chrome alum haematoxylin stain, and the secretory granules showed a strong dark blackish‐blue positive colour. The medullary cells showed typical chromaffin reactions when stained by H&E and Giemsa stains after formol dichromate ‘Ortha's fluid’ fixation. The noradrenaline secretory granules gave a strong positive Schmorl's test, while the adrenaline ones showed a moderate reaction. Immunohistochemically, the adrenal medullary cells were subjected to anti‐chromogranin A (CHGA) antibody using the PAP technique, which gave positive reactions.
Historical underground quarrying: A multidisciplinary research in the Caumont quarry (c. 13th–19th centuries), France
Authors: Ballesteros Daniel , Nehme Carole , Roussel Bastien , Delisle François , Pons‐Branchu Edwige , Mouralis Damase 
Published: February 2022

AbstractQuarries represent ‘landscapes archives’ as they supplied the stone required for historical buildings. Among them, the Caumont ancient quarry stands out in northern France, with its huge dimensions and its historical role, providing building stones at a regional scale since at least the Middle Ages. The present study aims to approach the quarrying methods used over time in Caumont by means of an optimized methodological approach. The designed methodology combines (1) the 3D modelling of the quarry, (2) archaeological prospection, (3) stratigraphical and microscopical study of the quarried bedrock, and (4) the geochronological approach in stalagmites precipitated inside the quarry. The studied quarry of Caumont was excavated as an open‐cast quarry beginning with the escarpments along the River Seine and transformed later to an underground quarry supported by contoured bedrock pillars. The underground quarry with its 12 km of galleries shows a chambers‐and‐pillars pattern style excavated using two methods, producing an inferred volume of 273,529 m3 of building stone. The U–Th dating of two stalagmites suggests that quarrying activity had begun since at least the early medieval period and agrees with the excavation techniques and historical documents.
Higher anticholinergic burden from medications is associated with significant increase in markers of inflammation in the EPIC‐Norfolk prospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Sanghavi Ria , Pana Tiberiu A. , Mamayusupova Hulkar , Maidment Ian , Fox Chris , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Mamas Mamas A. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Myint Phyo K. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundHigher medication anticholinergic burden is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. A mechanistic pathway has not been established. We aimed to determine whether inflammation may mediate these associations.MethodsParticipants were drawn from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer, Norfolk cohort (40‐79 years at baseline). Anticholinergic burden score (ACB) was calculated at first (1HC) (1993/97) and second (2HC) (1998/2000) health checks. Fibrinogen and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured during 1HC and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) during 2HC. Cross‐sectional associations between ACB and inflammatory markers were examined for both health checks. Prospective associations were also examined between 1HC ACB and 2HC inflammatory markers. Models were adjusted for age, sex, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and medications.ResultsIn total, 17 678 and 22 051 participants were included in cross‐sectional analyses for CRP, and fibrinogen, respectively. Furthermore, 5101 participants with data on TNF‐α and IL‐6 were included in the prospective analyses. Cross‐sectionally, compared to ACB = 0, ACB ≥ 4 was associated with higher fibrinogen, beta (95% confidence interval) = 0.134 g/L (0.070, 0.199), CRP 1.175 mg/L (0.715, 1.634), IL‐6 0.593 pg/mL (0.254, 0.932) and TNF‐α 0.137 pg/mL (0.033, 0.241). In addition, a point increase in ACB was associated with higher levels of all markers. Prospectively, compared to ACB = 0, ACB ≥ 4 was associated with higher IL‐6(pg/mL) of 0.019 (−0.323, 0.361) and TNF‐α (pg/mL) of 0.202% (0.81, 0.323). A unit increase in ACB was associated with a significantly higher TNF‐α and IL‐6.ConclusionHigher ACB was associated with higher inflammatory markers. Inflammation may mediate the relationship between anticholinergic medications and adverse outcomes.
Analysis of chromatin accessibility in p53 deficient spermatogonial stem cells for high frequency transformation into pluripotent state
Authors: Liu Sitong , Wei Rui , Liu Hongyang , Liu Ruiqi , Li Pengxiao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wei Wei , Zhao Xiaodong , Li Xiaomeng , Yang Yang , Fu Xueqi , Zou Kang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the germline stem cells (GSCs) committed to spermatogenesis in niche, can transform into pluripotent state in long‐term culture without introduction of exogenous factors, typically in p53 deficiency condition. As the guardian for genomic stability, p53 is associated with epigenetic alterations during SSCs transformation. However, the mechanism is still unknown, since complicated roles of p53 baffle our understanding of the regulating process.Materials and MethodsThe chromatin accessibility and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed in p53+/+ and p53−/− SSCs using the Assay for Transposase‐Accessible Chromatin with high‐throughput Sequencing (ATAC‐seq) and RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq), to explore the connection of p53 and cell fate at chromosomal level.ResultsSeveral transcription factors (TFs), such as CTCF, SMAD3 and SOX2, were predicted as important factors mediating the transformation. Molecular evidence suggested that SMAD3 efficiently promoted pluripotency‐associated gene expression both in fresh and long‐term cultured SSCs. However, p53 knockout (KO) is insufficient to induce SMAD3 expression in SSCs.ConclusionsThese observations indicate that SMAD3 is a key factor for SSCs transformation, and an unknown event is required to activate SMAD3 as the prerequisite for SSCs reprogramming, which may occur in the long‐term culture of SSCs. This study demonstrates the connection of p53 and pluripotency‐associated factors, providing new insight for understanding the mechanisms of SSCs reprogramming and germline tumorigenesis.
The difficulties of context: An exploratory study of learning transfer from a business simulation game
Authors: Scherpereel Christopher M. , Williams Susan K. , Hoefle Scott 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStudies show that learning is situated—or that learning in one context does not easily transfer to a new context. Because business simulations are often used to provide a learning context, we wondered if this context‐specific learning would transfer. To explore this issue, we used situated learning theory to ask undergraduate students in an operations management class to apply their learning in both familiar, simulation contexts, and unfamiliar, nonsimulation contexts. Using contextually based exam questions, we empirically measured learner performance on low and high cognitive effort questions. We were able to provide some support for the constructivist learning theory's hypothesis that learners can take the principles constructed in a business simulation and apply them in other contexts. Additionally, we explored the implications of confidence/self‐efficacy theory and demonstrated that transfer may differ based on cognitive effort.
A non‐European European Union
Authors: Harb Siba 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe European Union (EU) is a union among some of the wealthiest and most powerful states in the world. It is desirable to become part of it; indeed, many states would want to be part of it. However, only a handful of states are eligible to be considered for membership. We are normally wary of unions of powerful individuals that exclude less powerful individuals. And we ought to have concerns about the permissibility of having an exclusive union like the EU. Yet, and to the best of my knowledge, its status as an exclusive union has not been subject to question, certainly not in the philosophical literature on EU justice. In this paper, I focus on the legitimacy of one particular EU exclusion rule: For a state to be eligible for membership it must be European. I argue that this criterion is illegitimate.
Deriving Decisions from Disrupted Data
Authors: Sireci Stephen G. , Suarez‐Alvarez Javier 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic negatively affected the quality of data from educational testing programs. These data were previously used for many important purposes ranging from placing students in instructional programs to school accountability. In this article, we draw from the research design literature to point out the limitations inherent in “disrupted” educational testing data, suggest questions and criteria to be considered in evaluating the use of such data for decision making, and indicate how such data may be valid or invalid for specific purposes. Six criteria are proposed for evaluating the degree to which educational testing data are valid for specific decisions. These criteria suggest data from COVID‐disrupted school years are not likely to be valid for accountability purposes, but may be valuable for making decisions at the individual student level. Thus, we encourage researchers and policy makers to focus on how decisions derived from such disrupted data affect children.
Capturing indirect genetic effects on phenotypic variability: Competition meets canalization
Authors: Marjanovic Jovana , Mulder Han A. , Rönnegård Lars , de Koning Dirk‐Jan , Bijma Piter 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPhenotypic variability of a genotype is relevant both in natural and domestic populations. In the past two decades, variability has been studied as a heritable quantitative genetic trait in its own right, often referred to as inherited variability or environmental canalization. So far, studies on inherited variability have only considered genetic effects of the focal individual, that is, direct genetic effects on inherited variability. Observations from aquaculture populations and some plants, however, suggest that an additional source of genetic variation in inherited variability may be generated through competition. Social interactions, such as competition, are often a source of Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE). An IGE is a heritable effect of an individual on the trait value of another individual. IGEs may substantially affect heritable variation underlying the trait, and the direction and magnitude of response to selection. To understand the contribution of IGEs to evolution of environmental canalization in natural populations, and to exploit such inherited variability in animal and plant breeding, we need statistical models to capture this effect. To our knowledge, it is unknown to what extent the current statistical models commonly used for IGE and inherited variability capture the effect of competition on inherited variability. Here, we investigate the potential of current statistical models for inherited variability and trait values, to capture the direct and indirect genetic effects of competition on variability. Our results show that a direct model of inherited variability almost entirely captures the genetic sensitivity of individuals to competition, whereas an indirect model of inherited variability captures the cooperative genetic effects of individuals on their partners. Models for trait levels, however, capture only a small part of the genetic effects of competition. The estimation of direct and indirect genetic effects of competition, therefore, is possible with models for inherited variability but may require a two‐step analysis.
Seeing the forest for the trees: Assessing genetic offset predictions from gradient forest
Authors: Láruson Áki Jarl , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Keller Stephen R. , Haller Benjamin C. , Lotterhos Katie E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGradient Forest (GF) is a machine learning algorithm designed to analyze spatial patterns of biodiversity as a function of environmental gradients. An offset measure between the GF‐predicted environmental association of adapted alleles and a new environment (GF Offset) is increasingly being used to predict the loss of environmentally adapted alleles under rapid environmental change, but remains mostly untested for this purpose. Here, we explore the robustness of GF Offset to assumption violations, and its relationship to measures of fitness, using SLiM simulations with explicit genome architecture and a spatial metapopulation. We evaluate measures of GF Offset in: (1) a neutral model with no environmental adaptation; (2) a monogenic “population genetic” model with a single environmentally adapted locus; and (3) a polygenic “quantitative genetic” model with two adaptive traits, each adapting to a different environment. We found GF Offset to be broadly correlated with fitness offsets under both single locus and polygenic architectures. However, neutral demography, genomic architecture, and the nature of the adaptive environment can all confound relationships between GF Offset and fitness. GF Offset is a promising tool, but it is important to understand its limitations and underlying assumptions, especially when used in the context of predicting maladaptation.
Impact fatigue life improvement of bonded structures using the bi‐adhesive technique
Authors: Akhavan‐Safar Alireza , Eisaabadi B. Ghasem , Jalali Shahin , Beygi Reza , da Silva Lucas F. M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOne of the most efficient methods of improving the strength of adhesive bonds is the bi‐adhesive technique. The main aim of the current study is to investigate the fatigue life of bi‐adhesive joints under cyclic impact loads based on the J‐N (impact energy vs. fatigue life) methodology. To achieve this, single lap joints were subjected to cyclic low energy impacts. The J‐N curves were constructed using the experimental data considering Basquin's equation. According to the results, the durability of the joints against impact fatigue loads can be improved significantly (up to 17 times higher for the tested joints) using the bi‐adhesive technique. The results also showed that the impact fatigue life is very sensitive to the length ratio of the ductile to the brittle adhesives in bi‐adhesive joints. It was found that the total absorbed energy of the joints increases significantly by the reduction of the impact energy.
Association between neighborhood walkability and social participation in community‐dwelling older adults in Japan: A cross‐sectional analysis of the keeping active across generations uniting the youth and the aged study
Authors: Matsumoto Daisuke , Takatori Katsuhiko , Miyata Akiho , Yamasaki Naomi , Miyazaki Makoto , Imanishi Aya , Moon Jong‐Seong 
Published: February 2022

AimThis study investigated neighborhood walkability using Walk Score® and social participation in districts within a city among older Japanese adults.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional study using baseline data of older adults from the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study. In total, 2750 participants (1361 men and 1389 women, mean age 72.8 ± 6.4 years) were included in the analysis. The questionnaire included socioeconomic status, self‐rated health, medical history, depressive symptoms, instrumental activities of daily living and social participation. We used the Walk Score® as neighborhood walkability and a walk score <50 was categorized as a “car‐dependent” area and a score ≥50 as a “walkable” area. A Poisson regression analysis stratified by sex was performed to investigate the association of neighborhood walkability with social participation. Prevalence ratios were calculated and their 95% confidence intervals.ResultsWe found that dwelling in car‐dependent areas (prevalence ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.94) had a significant negative effect on women's social participation, unlike men.ConclusionsOur study showed that neighborhood walkability and social participation were associated with older Japanese women after adjusting for the covariates. These findings might provide helpful information for public health interventions targeted to promote social participation among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 350–359.
Existential Theodicy as a Response to the Limits of Classic Theodicy on the Basis of Kierkegaard’s Religious Writings
Authors: Słowikowski Andrzej 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe aim of this article is to reconstruct an existential vision of theodicy from the religious writings of Kierkegaard – one which could constitute a response to the limits of classic theodicy. As distinct from classic theodicy, which has an immanent and theoretical dimension, Kierkegaard’s considerations take a transcendent and practical form. Good and evil are not here objective and moral markers of a human’s life, but first and foremost determine the subjective and spiritual relationship of a human being with God. With this transcendent and spiritual account of good and evil it becomes possible to revalue their immanent vision and to show that what people consider good and evil in temporality constitutes not ultimate reality, but the possibility for spiritual reality – one in which what is ultimately good and evil for a human being is only decided in relation to God. Kierkegaard’s transcendent account of evil on the one hand provides a clear explanation of the problem of evil and suffering in the world, and on the other hand points out to the relativity of all immanent attempts to answer this question.
Effect of sleep on alertness at work among fixed night shift nurses: A prospective observational study
Authors: Seong Jinsol , Son Sungtaek , Min Ari 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimsTo identify patterns of declining alertness at work among fixed night shift nurses using an objective measure and to determine the effect of sleep parameters on the decline in alertness at work.DesignA prospective observational study.MethodsData were collected from 65 fixed night shift nurses who provided direct nursing care for patients in Korean hospitals between September 2020 and March 2021. Participants wore an actigraph for 14 days on their non‐dominant hand to measure sleep parameters and predict their hourly alertness scores. They completed an online survey to provide their demographic information. Mixed‐effect models were employed to determine the association between sleep parameters and the decline in alertness.ResultsThe alertness scores of fixed night shift nurses constantly dropped every working hour. Scores dropped below 20% after 4 h from the beginning of the shift and below 30% after 6 h. Increased minutes in bed, minutes asleep and sleep efficiency reduced the risk of decreased alertness scores below 70. Increased sleep latency was associated with an increased risk of alertness scores dropping below 70.ConclusionThe alertness of fixed night shift nurses drops steeply during regular hours and remains low during overtime. Sleep parameters contribute to the decline in alertness at work among fixed night shift nurses.ImpactThis study identified patterns of decline in alertness among fixed night shift nurses and the contributing factors for this decline, using an objective measure. The findings have important implications for the development of future interventions to improve the sleep hygiene of fixed night shift nurses to enhance their alertness at work.
Masking ability of different ceramics upon various underlying structures
Authors: Juntavee Niwut , Juntavee Apa , Phetpanompond Sirintana 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate masking ability of different types and thicknesses of ceramics upon various substructures.Materials and MethodsDiscs (Ø 12 mm, thickness 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 mm) were prepared from Bruxzir‐Anterior® (Bc), Celtra‐DUO® (Cc), and Vita‐Suprinity® (Vc) (n = 15/group). Substructures (2 mm thickness) were prepared from natural dentine (Ds), tetracycline‐stained dentine (Ts), zirconia (Zs), resin composite (Rs), and cast metal (Ms). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the CIE L*a*b* color coordinates of a specimen. Masking ability was determined from the color difference (∆E00) of ceramics between before‐ and after combining with substructure using ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). ∆E00 value was compared with acceptable clinical threshold (∆E00 = 1.8) and an ideal threshold (∆E00 = 0.8).ResultsType‐thickness of ceramics and substructures were significantly affected ∆E00. Ts significantly influenced ∆E00 more than Rs, Ms, Zs, and Ds. No significant ∆E00 upon Ms and Zs was indicated. Bc completely masked Ts and Rs if thickness was ≥0.6 mm, and Zs, Ms, and Ds if ≥0.4 mm. Cc completely masked Ts and Rs if thickness was >1.6 mm, and Zs, Ms, and Ds if >1.4 mm. Vc completely masked Ts if thickness was >1.4 mm, Rs and Ms if >1.2 mm, and Zs and Ds if >1 mm.ConclusionTs is the most influential substructure impact on color appearance, requiring a minimum thickness of 0.6 mm Bc, 1.2 mm Vc, or 1.6 mm Cc to be perfectly masked.Clinical SignificanceMasking ability was significantly influenced by the type and thickness of ceramic material and underlying structure. Monolithic zirconia had a significantly higher masking ability than lithium silicate/phosphate glass ceramic. Ts indicated the most influencial substructure impacting the color appearance of ceramic restoration, which require a minimum thickness of 0.6 mm Bc, 1.2 mm Vc, or 1.6 mm Cc to achieve ideal masking capability.