bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protest events as institutions: stakeholder perceptions of the changing role of Serbia's EXIT festival
Authors: Đurić Luna , Kennell James , Vujičić Miroslav D. , Stamenković Igor , Farkić Jelena 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis research explores how protest events can change and develop over time, through an analysis of stakeholder perceptions of the EXIT festival in Serbia. In doing this, it builds on previous research into protest events from a critical events studies perspective and has implications for the management and understanding of events linked to social movements.Design/methodology/approachThis research took a neo-institutionalist perspective and is based on 18 stakeholder interviews, which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Purposive sampling in the highly-networked city of Novi Sad, Serbia, allowed for the inclusion of diverse participants from politics, NGOs, media and the festival itself.FindingsThe findings reveal that the EXIT festival has departed significantly from its original protest roots. Although it is now perceived as part of the dominant political culture in Serbia, it still has the potential to campaign on issues of relevance to the region, which is unrealised. This research demonstrates that the neo-institutionalist perspective can offer fresh insights for research into protest events. Taking this perspective suggests practical implications for the managers of events with protest roots and for social movements seeking to use protestival-style methods to achieve social change.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new theoretical perspective on protest events and proposes a new model that can be used in future research into protest events that persist over time. It also suggests implications for the management and development of protest events within social movements.
Awareness and participation in input credit scheme: evidence from smallholder rice farmers in Ghana’s North East region
Authors: Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera , Abudu Alhassan , Abdul-Rahaman Awal , Ennin Joel Atta , Awunyo-Vitor Dadson 
Published: November 2022

PurposeOutgrower scheme as a contractual agreement between farmers and some funding entities has in recent times found proliferation among resource poor farmers in Ghana, especially in northern Ghana. This contractual arrangement, which involves the provision of farm inputs, and in some cases, technical support by the implementing company and the repayment by farmers with portions of their harvest, is often regarded as an effective way to mutually improve the outcomes of both smallholder farmers and outgrower companies. The study aims to analyse. the level of awareness, nature of input package, determinants of participation and intensity of participation in input credit scheme by smallholder rice farmers in the Mamprugu Moagduri District of Ghana’s North East Region, using the Integrated Water Management and Agriculture Development (IWAD) scheme as a case.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative analytical approach, the study gathers information from 233 randomly selected smallholder rice farmers consisting of 150 participants and 83 non-participants using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, as well as the Tobit model, are the methods used in the analysis.FindingsThe results show that while factors such as age, marital status, number of dependents and farming experience only influenced participation in the scheme, religion, age, sex, number of dependents and farming experience influenced intensity of participation.Originality/valueThis study calls for the adoption of sustainable approaches by input credit companies in their credit support to smallholder farmers rather than the current ad hoc support during each cropping season.
Investigation of ABS–oil palm fiber (Elaeis guineensis) composites filament as feedstock for fused deposition modeling
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Nazri , Ishak Mohamad Ridzwan , Mohammad Taha Mastura , Mustapha Faizal , Leman Zulkiflle 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, dimensional stability and porosity of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)–oil palm fiber composite filament for fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach
A new feedstock material for FDM comprising oil palm fiber and ABS as a matrix was developed by a twin screw extruder. The composite filament contains 0, 3, 5 and 7 Wt.% of oil palm fiber in the ABS matrix. The tensile test is then performed on the fiber composite filament, and the wire diameter is measured. In this study, the Archimedes method was used to determine the density and the porosity of the filament. The outer surface of the wire composite was examined using an optical microscope, and the analysis of variance was used to assess the significance and the relative relevance of the primary factor.

Findings
The results showed that increasing the fiber loading from 0.15 to 0.4 MPa enhanced tensile strength by 60%. Then, from 16.1 to 18.3 MPa, the Young’s modulus rose by 22.8%. The density of extruded filament decreased and the percentage of porosity increased when the fiber loading was increased from 3 to 7 Wt.%. The diameter deviation of the extruded filaments varied from −0.21 to 0.04 mm.

Originality/value
This paper highlights a novel natural resource-based feedstock material for FDM. Its mechanical and physical properties were also discovered.
Indirect effects of trophic interactions govern carbon circulation in two beech forest soil ecosystems
Authors: Lozano Fondón Carlos , Scotti Marco , Innangi Michele , Bondavalli Cristina , De Marco Anna , Virzo De Santo Amalia , Fioretto Antonietta , Menta Cristina , Bodini Antonio 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Forest soils harbour a vast array of organisms that govern the processing of organic matter. Through their trophic interactions, they give rise to carbon flows that sustain soil ecosystem functioning. Understanding how soil food webs shape carbon flows may enhance our knowledge about the role of biodiversity on soil processes.

In this work, we assembled trophic networks representing soil food webs of two beech forests during spring and autumn, and compiled mass‐balanced models quantifying carbon flows between their components. These models were investigated using network analysis to identify the role of the components on carbon flow, cycling and functional trophic relationships. Moreover, we explored how the structure of carbon exchanges promote efficiency and stability.

Results indicate the importance of indirect interactions. Most trophic groups exhibit a diffuse dependency on all the compartments for their carbon requirement although certain groups such as Collembola play the role of hubs in distributing carbon. Indirect interactions often reverse the impacts of direct trophic relationships being antagonistic to the direction of change predicted based on predator–prey interactions. The high incidence of generalist feeding habits increases the redundancy of energy channels thereby making such food webs more resilient against perturbations but at the expense of carbon transfer efficiency.

Although differences can be observed across sites and periods, food web structure rather than environmental variability seems to be the main factor responsible for patterns of carbon flows in the two beech forests.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Australian occupational therapists' perspectives of consumers authentically contributing to student learning during practice placements: ‘It just makes sense!’ but ‘we need a process’
Authors: Bevitt Thomas , Isbel Stephen , Pereira Robert B. , Bacon Rachel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionCollaborating with consumers in designing, delivering, and evaluating curricula is an ongoing initiative within occupational therapy tertiary courses in Australia. Within the Australian educational context, consumers are involved in on‐campus educational activities. Student occupational therapists must complete 1000 hours of practice placements as part of their education. To date, no research has explored how consumers could contribute to student occupational therapists' learning during practice placements. This study aimed to explore Australian occupational therapists' perceptions of consumers providing feedback to students during practice placements.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to engage with the diversity of practice contexts and gain a rich dataset from the occupational therapy profession. A qualitative questionnaire was developed and distributed using snowballing techniques. The questionnaire asked recipients to reflect on the risks, challenges, and benefits of consumers providing feedback to student occupational therapists from all stakeholders' perspectives. Demographic data were collated, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to construct themes.FindingsResponses were received from 81 participants. Most respondents identified as experienced occupational therapists from metropolitan locations across Australia. Reflective thematic analysis was used to construct three themes: Personal capability of consumers and students will enable, inhibit, and be developed by engaging in a feedback process; an educator‐controlled process to ensure safety for all stakeholders is required for time‐poor practice contexts; and us versus them: Shifting control to consumers can disempower practice educators.ConclusionEngaging with consumers throughout all aspects of student occupational therapists' educational programme is required, including practice placements. New educational initiatives need to consider all stakeholders' concerns to ensure that authentic contribution from consumers is made within the various practice contexts. A co‐design approach that involves all stakeholders to develop a feedback process may result in high‐quality learning experiences that assist students to become safer, consumer‐centred health professionals.
Different pathways for preterm birth between singleton and twin pregnancies: a population‐based registry study of 481 176 nulliparous women
Authors: Tingleff Tiril , Räisänen Sari , Vikanes Åse , Sandvik Leiv , Sugulle Meryam , Murzakanova Gulim , Laine Katariina 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the contribution of pregnancy‐related complications on the prevalence of extremely, very and late preterm births in singleton and twin pregnancies. To study the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies compared with singleton pregnancies.DesignPopulation‐based registry study.SettingMedical birth registry of Norway and Statistics Norway.PopulationNulliparous women with singleton (n = 472 449) or twin (n = 8727) births during 1999–2018.MethodsPrevalence rates of pregnancy‐related complications for extremely, very and late preterm birth in twin and singleton pregnancies were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess odds ratios for preterm birth, adjusted for obstetric and socio‐economic factors.Main outcome measuresExtremely preterm (<28+0 weeks of gestation), very preterm (28+0–33+6 weeks of gestation) and late preterm (34+0–36+6 weeks of geatation) birth.ResultsPreterm birth was significantly more prevalent in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies in all categories: all preterm (54.7% vs 6.1%), extremely preterm (3.6% vs 0.4%), very preterm (18.2% vs 1.4%) and late preterm (33.0% vs 4.3%) births. Stillbirth, congenital malformation and pre‐eclampsia were more prevalent in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies, but the prevalence of complications differed in the three categories of preterm birth. Pre‐eclampsia was more prevalent in singleton than in twin pregnancies ending in extremely and very preterm birth. The adjusted odds of spontaneous preterm live birth were between 19‐ and 54‐fold greater in twin pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies.ConclusionsSingleton and twin pregnancies seem to have different pathways leading to extremely, very and late preterm birth.
Cytoskeletal protein SPTA1 mediating the decrease in erectile function induced by high‐fat diet via Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Lei , Huang Zhan‐Sen , Feng Jia‐Xin , Li Shi‐Xiong , Du Zi‐Jun , Zhang Ze‐Bo , Liu Jing , Yang Jian , Hu Zhi‐Ming , Wang Zhi‐Lin , Chen Jun 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced decrease in erectile function has not been elucidated, and in previous studies, spectrin alpha, erythrocytic 1 (SPTA1) is a cytoskeletal protein that regulates cellular function, which belongs to a family of proteins that can affect cell and tissue growth and development by regulating YAP, an effector on the Hippo signaling pathway, but its particular role has not been elucidated.ObjectiveTo explore the role of SPTA1 in the abnormality of erectile function induced by HFD.MethodsWe analyzed the penile tissues of mice on normal diet and HFD by transcriptomics and screened for differentially expressed genes, further identified closely related target genes in rat penile tissues, and verified target gene expression in in vitro construction of high‐glucose (HG)‐treated corpus cavernosum endothelial cells (CCECs) and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) models. The distribution of target genes in various cell populations in penile tissues was retrieved by single‐cell sequencing Male Health Atlas database. Moreover, interfering with target genes was further applied to explore the mechanisms involved in erectile function decline.ResultsTranscriptomic analysis screened out down‐regulated differential gene SPTA1; Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that SPTA1 expression significantly decreased in the penile tissues of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats in the HFD group. Immunofluorescence staining showed a positive expression of CD31 and VWF in CCECs and a positive expression of α‐SMA in CCSMCs. The expression level of SPTA1 protein significantly decreased in the HG group of CCECs and CCSMCs. The expression of SPTA1 mRNA significantly decreased in CCSMCs while significantly increased in CCECs. SPTA1 may have various expression patterns and biological functions in different cell populations. Real‐time quantitative PCR results showed that the siSPTA1 transfected in CCSMCs had a significant interference effect compared with the control siNC. Transfection of siSPTA1 into CCSMCs resulted in the significant down‐regulation of mRNA and protein expression of eNOS, and significant up‐regulation of YAP, Caspase‐1, GSDMD, GSDMD‐N IL‐18, and IL‐1β protein expression levels. The expression level of CCSMCs contractile‐type protein α‐SMA was significantly down‐regulated.ConclusionsThe down‐regulation of SPTA1 in SD rats fed with HFD may induce cell pyroptosis and lead to the decrease of erectile function by activating the Hippo pathway; these findings may provide new therapeutic targets for improving erectile function.
Androgen receptor polyQ alleles and COVID‐19 severity in men: A replication study
Authors: López‐Rodríguez Rosario , Ruiz‐Hornillos Javier , Cortón Marta , Almoguera Berta , Minguez Pablo , Pérez‐Tomás María Elena , Barreda‐Sánchez María , Mancebo Esther , Ondo Lorena , Martínez‐Ramas Andrea , Fernández‐Caballero Lidia , Taracido‐Fernández Juan Carlos , Herrero‐González Antonio , Mahillo Ignacio ,   The STOP_Coronavirus Study Group, Paz‐Artal Estela , Guillén‐Navarro Encarna , Ayuso Carmen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundAmple evidence indicates a sex‐related difference in severity of COVID‐19, with less favorable outcomes observed in men. Genetic factors have been proposed as candidates to explain this difference. The polyglutamine (polyQ) polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene has been recently described as a genetic biomarker of COVID‐19 severity.ObjectiveTo test the association between the androgen receptor polyQ polymorphism and COVID‐19 severity in a large cohort of COVID‐19 male patients.Materials and methodsThis study included 1136 male patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 as confirmed by positive PCR. Patients were retrospectively and prospectively enrolled from March to November 2020. Patients were classified according to their severity into three categories: oligosymptomatic, hospitalized and severe patients requiring ventilatory support. The number of CAG repeats (polyQ polymorphism) at the androgen receptor was obtained by PCR and patients were classified as either short (<23 repeats) or long (≥23 repeats) allele carriers. The association between polyQ alleles (short or long) and COVID‐19 severity was assessed by Chi‐squared (Chi2) and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe mean number of polyQ CAG repeats was 22 (±3). Patients were classified as oligosymptomatic (15.5%), hospitalized (63.2%), and severe patients (21.3%) requiring substantial respiratory support. PolyQ alleles distribution did not show significant differences between severity classes in our cohort (Chi2 test p > 0.05). Similar results were observed after adjusting by known risk factors such as age, comorbidities, and ethnicity (multivariate logistic regression analysis).DiscussionAndrogen sensitivity may be a critical factor in COVID‐19 disease severity. However, we did not find an association between the polyQ polymorphism and the COVID‐19 severity. Additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanism underlying the association between androgens and COVID‐19 outcome.ConclusionsThe results obtained in our study do not support the role of this polymorphism as biomarker of COVID‐19 severity.
Inhibition of multidrug resistance proteins by MK571 restored the erectile function in obese mice through cGMP accumulation
Authors: de Oliveira Mariana Gonçalves , Passos Gabriela Reolon , de Gomes Erick de Toledo , Leonardi Guilherme Ruiz , Zapparoli Adriana , Antunes Edson , Mónica Fabiola Zakia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides can also be controlled by the action of multidrug resistance protein types 4 (MRP4) and 5 (MRP5). To date, no studies evaluated the role of their inhibition in an animal model of erectile dysfunction (ED).ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of a 2‐week treatment with MK571, an inhibitor of the efflux of cyclic nucleotides in the ED of obese mice.Materials and methodsMice were divided in three groups: (i) lean, (ii) obese, and (iii) obese + MK571. The corpus cavernosum (CC) were isolated, and concentration–response curves to acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and tadalafil in addition to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were carried out in phenylephrine pre‐contracted tissues. Expression of ABCC4 and ABCC5, intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the protein levels for pVASPSer157 and pVASPSer239, and the intracavernous pressure (ICP) were also determined. The intracellular and extracellular (supernatant) ratios in CC from obese and lean stimulated with a cGMP‐increasing substance (BAY 58‐2667) in the absence and presence of MK571 (20 μM, 30 min) were also assessed.ResultsThe treatment with MK571 completely reversed the lower relaxing responses induced by EFS, ACh, SNP, and tadalafil observed in obese mice CC in comparison with untreated obese mice. Cyclic GMP and p‐VASPSer239 expression were significantly reduced in CC from obese groups. MK571 promoted a sixfold increase in cGMP without interfering in the protein expression of p‐VASPSer239. Neither the cAMP levels nor p‐VASPSer157 were altered in MK571‐treated animals. The ICP was ∼50% lower in obese than in the lean mice; however, the treatment with MK571 fully reversed this response. Expressions of ABCC4 and ABCC5 were not different between groups. The intra/extracellular ratio of cGMP was similar in CC from obese and lean mice stimulated with BAY 58‐2667.ConclusionsThe MRPs inhibition by MK571 favored the accumulation of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells, thus improving the smooth muscle relaxation and the erectile function in obese mice.
Optic disc drusen in patients diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Ahmadi Hamid , Fotesko Kyrylo , Ba‐Ali Shakoor , Hamann Steffen , Kolko Miriam 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the prevalence of optic disc drusen (ODD) and optic nerve head (ONH) morphology in patients diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).MethodsIn this prospective cross‐sectional study, we included patients diagnosed with NTG from two glaucoma units. In both eyes, dense enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography volume scans of the ONH by means of standardized scanning guidelines were performed to examine for presence of ODD, and radial ONH scans were used for investigating parameters such as scleral canal diameter, cup/disc ratio and cup depth.ResultsWe found ODD in 7 (3.6%) of 195 eyes, in 6 (6.1%) out of 98 patients diagnosed with NTG. The ODD were not ophthalmoscopically visible in five out of six patients. Eyes with ODD had lower cup/disc ratio, 0.44 ± 0.4 (p = 0.040), and less‐prominent cup depth, 236.6 ± 204.4 μm (p = 0.041) compared to eyes without ODD, 0.81 ± 0.2 and 437.8 ± 139.1 μm, respectively. We found no significant difference in scleral canal diameter between the eyes without (1602.8 ± 193 μm) and those with ODD (1492 ± 123.4 μm, p = 0.057).ConclusionThe prevalence of ODD in patients diagnosed with NTG is substantially higher than in the background population. A low cup/disc ratio correlates with ODD presence. Therefore, due to the challenges associated with NTG diagnosis, we recommend examining the deep layers of the ONH in NTG patients with a cup/disc ratio lower than 0.5 to avoid misdiagnosing ODD as NTG.
An evaluation of data processing when using the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in non‐ambulant children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Jakobsson Trille , Lauruschkus Katarina , Tornberg Åsa B. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate vertical acceleration, vector magnitude, non‐wear time, valid day classifications, and valid period classifications in the data processing phase when using the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in non‐ambulant children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).Material and MethodsAccelerometer data retrieved from 33 non‐ambulant children and adolescents (4–17 years) with CP were analysed. Comparisons of (i) vertical acceleration versus vector magnitude, (ii) two different non‐wear times, (iii) three different settings to classify a day as valid and (iv) two different settings to classify a period as valid were made.Results and ConclusionsVector magnitude and a non‐wear time of at least 90 consecutive minutes statistically significantly increased minutes recorded per day, especially for sedentary time. There was a statistically significant difference in numbers of valid days depending on time criteria set to determine a valid day, whereas there was no statistically significant difference in valid periods using 3 compared to 4 days. This study suggests using the pre‐settings in ActiLife; vector magnitude, non‐wear time of 90 consecutive minutes, 500 min recorded per day with periods of at least 3 valid days when assessing physical activity objectively by the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in non‐ambulant children and adolescents with CP.