bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The contemporary role of varicocele repair: why operate when in-vitro fertilization results are so good?
Authors: Gal Jonathan , Goldstein Marc 
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review
A male factor is either the primary cause or is contributory in at least half of all couples with infertility. Currently, many male factor problems may be disregarded, as reproductive technology has advanced so much that in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows the use of even a single sperm to achieve pregnancy.

Recent findings
Varicocele is the most commonly diagnosed correctable cause. Microsurgical repair is considered the gold standard for repair. Research has shown that varicocele repair can impact the outcome of reproductive management and upgrade male infertility from adoption or donor sperm only to IVF/ICSI and microTESE, or IVF/ICSI with ejaculated sperm, or from IVF/ICSI to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or often naturally conceived.

Summary
Varicocele diagnosis and repair is an essential part of infertility evaluation. Not only does it potentially impact antiretroviral therapy choices, but it can also increase testosterone levels benefiting long-term male health.
T-cell receptor specific protein language model for prediction and interpretation of epitope binding (ProtLM.TCR)
Authors: Essaghir Ahmed , Sathiyamoorthy Nanda Kumar , Smyth Paul , Postelnicu Adrian , Ghiviriga Stefan , Ghita Alexandru , Singh Anjana , Kapil Shruti , Phogat Sanjay , Singh Gurpreet 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe cellular adaptive immune response relies on epitope recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs). We used a language model for TCRs (ProtLM.TCR) to predict TCR-epitope binding. This model was pre-trained on a large set of TCR sequences (~62.106) before being fine-tuned to predict TCR-epitope bindings across multiple human leukocyte antigen (HLA) of class-I types. We then tested ProtLM.TCR on a balanced set of binders and non-binders for each epitope, avoiding model shortcuts like HLA categories. We compared pan-HLA versus HLA-specific models, and our results show that while computational prediction of novel TCR-epitope binding probability is feasible, more epitopes and diverse training datasets are required to achieve a better generalized performances inde novoepitope binding prediction tasks. We also show that ProtLM.TCR embeddings outperform BLOSUM scores and hand-crafted embeddings. Finally, we have used the LIME framework to examine the interpretability of these predictions.
Can blood at adult age predict epigenetic changes of the brain during fetal stages?
Authors: Strawn Monica , Safranski Timothy J. , Behura Susanta K 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCorrespondence in DNA methylation between blood and brain is known in humans. If this pattern is present in pig has not been examined. In this study, we profiled DNA methylation of blood from pigs at adult ages, and compared those with the methylation profiles of fetal brain. Neural network regression modeling showed specific methylations in the adult blood that can reliably predict methylation of the fetal brain. Genes associated with these predictive methylations included markers of specific cell types of blood and brain, in particular, markers of bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors, and glial cells primarily the ependymal and Schwann cells of brain. The results of this study show that developmental methylation changes of the brain during fetal stages are maintained as an epigenetic memory in the blood in adult life. Thus, pig models may be harnessed to uncover potential roles of epigenetic memory in brain health and diseases.
SELECTIVE INHIBITION OF SOLUBLE TNF ATTENUATES HIPPOCAMPAL NEUROINFLAMMATION AND PSD-95 EXPRESSION TO IMPROVE NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTIONS IN A RAT MODEL OF GULF WAR ILLNESS
Authors: Janakiraman Udaiyappan , Larson Katelyn , Nixon-Lee Nancy , Damon Melissa , Biscardi Andrew , Hawkins Elisa , Deshpande Laxmikant S. , Dixon Kirsty J. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSystemic inflammation is a major contributor to poor brain pathology across many disease conditions. Specifically, the upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF in the hippocampus activates its receptor TNFR1, reducing AMPA receptor trafficking to impair LTP and associated behavioral outcomes. Studies using animal models of GWI have shown both a chronic upregulation of TNF and impaired neurological function. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether selectively inhibiting only the soluble form of TNF (solTNF) that preferentially activates TNFR1 can reverse neuroinflammation to improve neuroplasticity and neurological function.METHODSGWI was induced in rats by treating with DFP (or vehicle) for 5 consecutive days. Six months later, the rats were treated with XPro1595 (or vehicle) for 2 weeks to selectively inhibit solTNF, after which they were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests (cognition, anxiety-related, depressive-like behavior, and neuropathic pain). MRI brain scans were performed, and the animals were euthanized for brain pathological analysis.RESULTSThe hippocampus of the GWI rats had significantly increased neuroinflammatory levels, resulting in edema and reduced AMPA receptor trafficking to the post-synaptic membrane that collectively promoted impairments in memory, anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and neuropathic pain. However, treating the rats with XPro1595 in the chronic environment attenuated the neuroinflammatory response, that reduced edema and impaired AMPA receptor trafficking, allowing for improvements in all areas of neurological function.CONCLUSIONOverall findings suggest that selectively inhibiting solTNF using XPro1595 reduces neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and overall function when administered in the chronic setting of a rat model of GWI. This data supports the use of XPro1595 in Veterans with GWI.
The simulation of functional heterogeneity in procedurally generated fibrotic atrial tissue
Authors: Kalinin A.I. , Kovalenko S.G. , Berezhnoy A.K. , Slotvitsky M.M. , Shcherbina S.A. , Syrovnev V.A. , Tsvelaya V.A. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common and socially significant arrhythmias, is associated with the presence of fibrosis sites. Fibrosis is the presence of non-conductive fibroblast cells, separating cardiomyocytes and introducing heterogeneity into the conducting atrial tissue. Thus fibrosis may be a substrate of spiral-wave reentry, provoking the occurrence of AF and is often associated with its persistent form. In this work, we propose for the first time a fundamentally new approach to modeling the fibrotic heart that takes into account the cellular structure of the tissue: a realistic texture of atrial tissue remodeled by fibroblasts is generated by the Potts model, and the local membrane potential of individual cells is calculated by the Courtemanche model. We have shown the occurrence of conductive pathways in such a system with a low proportion of fibroblasts (up to 10%) and revealed the connection of the form of the action potential (AP) of cells with their location in the tissue and the direction of the propagating wave front. The combination of these effects creates dynamic heterogeneity of the conducting tissue and affects the migration and pinning of spiral waves, which makes the model a potential tool for prognostic modeling of AP and search for ablation targets. The computer prediction of ablation targets (reentry nodes) will help to increase the efficiency of treatment of patients with persistent form of AF.
Addiction recovery stories: Lauren Wearing in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie
Authors: Wearing Lauren , Ogilvie Lisa 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
This purpose of this paper is to contribute to a series of recovery stories that examine candid accounts of addiction and recovery. Shared components in the recovery process are considered, along with the change and growth needed to support the transition from addiction to recovery.

Design/methodology/approach
The connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment (CHIME) framework comprises five elements important to recovery. CHIME provides a standard to qualitatively study recovery. As a model, it has been extended to include growth (G-CHIME), an element that is important for sustained addiction recovery. In this paper a first-hand account of addiction recovery is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account that is based on the G-CHIME model.

Findings
This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectually explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each element in the model is apparent from the biography and e-interview presented.

Originality/value
Each account of recovery in this series is unique, and as yet, untold.
Acuver: social media strategy for visibility
Authors: Sringeswara Sharada , Singh Jang Bahadur , Sharma Sujeet K. 
Published: November 2022

Learning outcomes
■ Understand the functionalities of various social media platforms. ■ Choose social media platforms to align various business goals. ■Consider how to develop strategies for monitoring, understanding and responding to different social media activities.

Case overview/synopsis
Acuver Consulting Private Limited (Acuver) is a niche, self-funded IT consulting services start-up. Founded in 2013 with the aim of providing IT consulting services in the supply chain domain, Acuver delivers IT solutions to the world’s leading IT conglomerates, Fortune 500 companies and emerging players across multiple geographies and industries. Changing consumer buying patterns in recent years has forced retailers and supply-chain businesses to invest in digital transformation projects, providing ample growth opportunities for Acuver. To meet increased demand, Acuver needs to acquire direct engagements with clients and hire the right talent to help it ride this growth wave. This case described challenges faced by the start-up in building visibility to expand its reach. The case provided an overview of the IT consulting services industry and Acuver’s vision. It then detailed the reasons for the company’s lack of visibility, which was curtailing its growth opportunities. It described the dilemma and possible strategies to overcome the problem statement. It also discussed the limitations associated with the potential strategies, which needed to be contemplated by the reader.

Complexity academic level
This case is appropriate for MBA and Executive MBA courses on Management of Information System, Digital Governance, Strategic Management of IT and Managing Digital Transformation.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
A machine learning approach on analysing the sentiments in the adoption of telemedicine application during COVID-19
Authors: M. Dhanya , S. Sanjana 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the customer sentiment towards telemedicine apps and also to apply machine learning algorithms to analyse the sentiments in the adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachText mining that uses natural language processing to extract insights from unstructured text is used to find out the customer sentiment towards the telemedicine apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Machine learning algorithms like support vector machine (SVM) and Naïve Bayes classifier are used for classification, and their sensitivity and specificity are found using a confusion matrix.FindingsThe paper explores the customer sentiment towards telemedicine apps and their adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Text mining that uses natural language processing to extract insights from unstructured text is used to find out the customer sentiment towards the telemedicine apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Machine learning algorithms like SVM and Naïve Bayes classifier are used for classification, and their sensitivity and specificity are found using a confusion matrix. The customers who used telemedicine apps have positive sentiment as well as negative sentiment towards the telemedicine apps. Some of the customers have concerns about the medicines delivered, their delivery time, the quality of service and other technical difficulties. Even a small percentage of doctors feel uncomfortable in online consultation through the application.Originality/valueThe primary value of this paper lies in providing an overview of the customers’ approach towards the telemedicine apps, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact of key audit matter reporting on analyst forecast accuracy and forecast dispersion: evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Hu Zhiying , Li Yan , Lin Beixin , Kleinman Gary 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the decision usefulness of key audit matters (KAMs) disclosures from the perspective of financial analysts.

Design/methodology/approach
Using data from two groups of Chinese-listed firms subject to different audit standards, the authors use a quasi-natural experiment and the difference-in-differences approach to examine the impact of KAMs on analyst forecasts. The authors also conduct a textual analysis on management disclosures as well as on the content of KAM disclosures.

Findings
The results of this study show that both forecast errors and dispersion have significantly declined for the firms disclosing KAMs compared to the firms without such disclosures. Further analysis presents evidence that KAM disclosures have resulted in simultaneous increase in management disclosures and audit quality. In addition, auditor characteristics, such as auditor’s dependence on client fees and its industry specialization, and firm’s characteristics, such as its ownership structure and its social connection with the auditor, appear to affect the informativeness of KAM disclosures. The authors also perform content analysis of KAMs to provide additional insight.

Research limitations/implications
As AH firms are required to adopt the expanded audit report one year before A shares firms, by design, there is only one year in which these two types of companies differ. Therefore, the results without overgeneralizing the impact of KAM disclosures should be interpreted. In addition, this study involves the Chinese market alone and, therefore, may be affected by factors peculiar to the functioning of the Chinese economy and financial markets.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this study lies in highlighting the salience of KAM context in shaping the relationship between auditors, managers and analysts and its collective impact on information environment. The findings of this study are significant in that they help establish the importance of KAM disclosures in helping to assure that higher quality financial information is available to capital markets, as well as information that is otherwise unavailable given disclosure mandates in China. This study adds to the literature on the importance of providing additional means of safeguarding auditor independence and on the value of auditor expertise in providing useful content in audit disclosures. Moreover, the findings suggest that the expanded audit report can help reduce the level of asymmetric information, especially for state-owned entities. They provide insight on how the new audit rule influences managers and auditors communicating complex accounting matters as well as the moderating effect of the social connections between auditors and firm executives.
Pension discount rate, executive stock-based compensation and investor sentiment
Authors: Sun Fang , Wei Xiangjing 
Published: November 2022

PurposeIn this paper, the impact of stock-based compensation and further the joint effects of stock-based compensation and investor sentiment on pension discount rate choice is examined.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses is tested using fixed effects models and instrumental variable analysis where pension discount rate is the dependent variable, and stock-based compensation and investor sentiment are our variables of interest.FindingsIt was found that pension discount rate is negatively associated with managers' stock-based compensation. Further analysis indicates that managers with larger stock-based compensation tend to adjust down their pension discount rates in higher (smaller) degree, responding to high (low) investor sentiment.Practical implicationsThe findings provide important insights into how managers use pension discount rates to engage in earnings management. Understanding these relationships has implications for interpreting pension numbers reported in the financial statements and designing pension accounting rules that minimize the possibility that managers take advantage of the complexity associated with pension accounting to influence the reported earnings and executive compensation. Moreover, the findings suggest the need for increased attention from boards of directors, auditors and regulators to reported pension liabilities and service costs, especially for firms paying higher proportion of stock-based compensation to managers and during periods of high investor sentiment.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to the extant literature by identifying the joint impacts of stock-based compensation and investor sentiment as incentives for pension discount rate manipulation. The empirical results of this study also have important implications for corporate governance and regulation.
Essential internal control: evidence from the executive branch of the State of Ceará
Authors: Gadelha Ana Lúcia Lima , Gouveia Luis Borges , Sarmento Anabela Mesquita 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis article aims to identify management practices that evidence how internal control have been considered essential, from the edition of the State Constitutional Amendment no. 75 of 2012, within the public administration of the executive branch of the State of Ceará, during the period 2012–2021.Design/methodology/approachThe study relates the identified management practices to COSO (The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations) methodology “Internal Environment” component categories. The research is classified as basic, exploratory and bibliographic, on the theme of internal control in scientific articles published between 2015 and 2021, and documental, carried out through official documents, including the 27 Brazilian constitutions.FindingsExistence of management practices that corroborate the essentiality of internal control in Ceará.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to evidencing the control practices implemented in Ceará, not evaluating them as to their quality.Practical implicationsContributions on control on constitutional-legal bases for other Brazilian Federation States.Social implicationsPossibility of introducing the research theme into various branches of scientific knowledge, such as political science and contributing to public organizations to implement policies with the proper application of resources for the benefit of society.Originality/valueThe originality of the research is in demonstrating the essentiality of internal control in the State of Ceará, from the edition of management acts performed by the executive branch, based on Constitutional Amendment 75 of 2012, which did not become a dead letter of the law, enabling other states of the federation to do the same.
Middle East tourism – Opportunities and solutions
Authors: Vij Mohit , Nadkarni Sanjay 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to review the contribution made by the theme issue to the body of knowledge on tourism growth drivers and challenges in the Middle East and the subsequent impact of tourism growth drivers in the region in developing and promoting tourism.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis of the contributing articles featured in this theme issue was undertaken. Additionally, industry white papers and government portals were consulted to identify the historical relevance, current proceedings and future scope of tourism in the Middle East.FindingsThis summary article highlights the key outcomes relating to the tourism growth drivers and challenges in the Middle East that will assist in policy and decision-making by the pertinent stakeholders, especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Originality/valueDespite steep growth in international arrivals, tourism development in the Middle East has not been adequately addressed in academia. This theme issue highlights the region's tourism-related background, problems and constraints, thereby addressing a critical gap in the literature.
Growth of the invasive Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) under competitive interaction with pasture species and simulated grazing conditions: Implication for management
Authors: Shi Boyang , Osunkoya Olusegun O. , Soni Abhishek , Campbell Shane , Dhileepan Kunjithapatham 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNavua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial monocot plant native to tropical Africa, is a major weed in pasture and cropping areas in the wet tropical regions of Australia and South Pacific countries. In grazing pasture lands, rapid growth and reproduction of unpalatable Navua sedge leads to displacement of co‐occurring pasture species and depletion of livestock carrying capacity and production. Understanding the interspecific competitive ability of Navua sedge with co‐occurring desirable grasses and in response to varying ecological scenarios (e.g., grazing and plant density) is critical for the management of the weed in pasture situations. In a glasshouse setting, two co‐occurring pasture species—humidicola (Urochloa humidicola) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) were grown with Navua sedge, in pots using a replacement series model. For each Navua sedge weed–pasture species pair, the experimental setup comprised of four ratios in two densities under simulated grazing and nongrazing conditions of the pasture grasses. Navua sedge growth and reproduction was highest when it grew as a monoculture or when co‐occurring pastures were exposed to simulated grazing as this action, reduced the competitiveness of the pasture grasses. Overall and using biomass gained, tiller production and relative yield as indices of growth dynamics, Rhodes grass was more competitive against Navua sedge than humidicola in both grazed and nongrazed conditions especially under high plant density. These results suggest the potential to include competitive pastures in integrated management strategies for Navua sedge, but species selection and grazing practices may influence the effectiveness of this approach.