bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trading behavior of Swedish retirement investors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hagen Johannes , Malisa Amedeus , Post Thomas 
Published: March 2022

PurposeHow did investors in the Swedish Premium Pension System (PPS) react to the stock market shock ignited by the COVID-19 pandemic?Design/methodology/approachThe authors use fund-level data from the Swedish Pensions Agency on investment choices in the PPS. For each fund, the authors use monthly information on the number of investors and holdings' market value up to November 2020. The authors also use information on the total number of portfolio changes per day. For analyzing whether PPS investors reacted to the pandemic with claiming their pension, the authors use monthly data on the number of investors of a certain age group who initiate their public pension payment.FindingsTrades more than doubled, and shifted capital from equity funds to low risk interest funds. In economic terms, however, trading stayed at low levels–less than two percent of investors traded in March 2020 and there was no effect on pension withdrawals. The increased trading during the market tumult was disproportionately concentrated among investors in the top of the pension capital distribution.Research limitations/implicationsWith fund-level data, the authors cannot investigate what in particular made retirement investors stay calm in the midst of a severe market decline. Either, those investors have a long-term investment horizon as they save for their pension or particular features of the system's choice architecture induce inertia and discourage from trading. The sub-group analyses are more consistent with the explanation that PPS-induced inertia is responsible for the relatively small increase in trading activity, but future research could exploit individual level data to explore this in more detail.Practical implicationsThe often-criticized PPS choice architecture provided positive side effects in times of a severe market shock by shielding retail investors from committing trading mistakes when trying to outsmart the market.Originality/valueThe study complements previous evidence on the effects of COVID-19 on investor activity. The small response of PPS investors to COVID-19 is in line with earlier US findings on 401(k) accounts during the 2007 financial crisis (Tang et al., 2012) and industry reports about the COVID-19 period (see, e.g. Mitchell, 2020). The authors find no effects at all on public pension withdrawals in Sweden, while evidence from US 401(k) plans indicates a small share of workers taking COVID-related early withdrawals.
Lean management practices perception and their influence on organizational performance in a public Higher Education Institution
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Marçal Diego Russowsky , Pereira Jeferson Roberto Lima 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of Lean management practices by public servants of a Higher Education Institution (HEI) and its influence on the organizational performance. The underlying assumption is that Lean management practices may have perceived even without a whole dissemination of the Lean Thinking way in the institution, and they exercise a positive influence on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire of Lean management practices applicable to HEIs was developed and a survey was carried out in a public HEI in Brazil. A valid sample of 748 respondents was obtained.FindingsThe results demonstrate that some Lean management practices (leadership support and employee involvement, focus on the internal customers, long-term thinking, community services value, elimination of waste and continuous improvement) have a positive influence on the organizational performance of the studied HEI. These results extend the applicability and foster the initiation of Lean management practices in the public service scenario and HEIs.Practical implicationsThis study supports HEI leaders and managers in developing and/or promoting better management practices to improve organizational performance. In addition, it promotes the advancement of Lean initiatives in the organizational environment of the HEI, allowing for a better quality to the “beneficiaries” of the services provided.Originality/valueDespite the broad evidence of Lean in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, this study advances by exploring the perception of Lean management practices in the HEIs context and their influence on organizational performance. This paper also initiates and fosters the discussion of internal costumers and community services value as basic practices of an HEI.
Broad spectrum artificial light at night increases the conspicuousness of camouflaged prey
Authors: McMahon Oak , Smyth Tim , Davies Thomas W. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The growing global prevalence of energy efficient broad spectrum lighting threatens to disrupt an array of visually guided ecological processes. Broad spectrum lighting likely better enables the discrimination of colour, yet it is potential to increase the conspicuousness of camouflaged prey at night remains little explored.

Using a well‐established visual model, we quantified the impacts of four spectrally distinct narrow and broad spectrum lighting technologies on the conspicuousness of three different polymorphic colour variations of intertidal littorinid snail, as viewed by three model predators.

Modern broad spectrum lighting technologies increased the conspicuousness of prey compared to 20th‐century narrow spectrum lighting. This effect was most prominent in the yellow colour morphs due to greater contrast with their natural fucoid seaweed background.

Synthesis and applications. Our results provide evidence that the global transition to broad spectrum lighting will decrease the efficacy of camouflage at night in nature, potentially altering selective predation, population dynamics and the genetic structure of polymorphic populations. These findings highlight the need for further consideration in environmental management and planning, to ensure habitats are protected from unnecessary exposure to artificial light.
Nitrogen increases early‐stage and slows late‐stage decomposition across diverse grasslands
Authors: Gill Allison L. , Adler Peter B. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Buyarski Christopher R. , Cleland Elsa E. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Davies Kendi F. , Gruner Daniel S. , Harpole W. Stanley , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , MacDougall Andrew S. , McCulley Rebecca L. , Melbourne Brett A. , Moore Joslin L. , Morgan John W. , Risch Anita C. , Schütz Martin , Seabloom Eric W. , Wright Justin P. , Yang Louie H. , Hobbie Sarah E. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

To evaluate how increased anthropogenic nutrient inputs alter carbon cycling in grasslands, we conducted a litter decomposition study across 20 temperate grasslands on three continents within the Nutrient Network, a globally distributed nutrient enrichment experiment

We determined the effects of addition of experimental nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium plus micronutrient (Kμ) on decomposition of a common tree leaf litter in a long‐term study (maximum of 7 years; exact deployment period varied across sites). The use of higher order decomposition models allowed us to distinguish between the effects of nutrients on early‐ versus late‐stage decomposition.

Across continents, the addition of N (but not other nutrients) accelerated early‐stage decomposition and slowed late‐stage decomposition, increasing the slowly decomposing fraction by 28% and the overall litter mean residence time by 58%.

Synthesis. Using a novel, long‐term cross‐site experiment, we found widespread evidence that N enhances the early stages of above‐ground plant litter decomposition across diverse and widespread temperate grassland sites but slows late‐stage decomposition. These findings were corroborated by fitting the data to multiple decomposition models and have implications for N effects on soil organic matter formation. For example, following N enrichment, increased microbial processing of litter substrates early in decomposition could promote the production and transfer of low molecular weight compounds to soils and potentially enhance the stabilization of mineral‐associated organic matter. By contrast, by slowing late‐stage decomposition, N enrichment could promote particulate organic matter (POM) accumulation. Such hypotheses deserve further testing.
Correlation of patient‐reported routine assessment of patient index data with clinical measures of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Ward Louise , Oliffe Michael , Kane Barry , Chessman Diana , Meaney Donna , Briggs Fiona , Gibson Kathryn , Barnsley Les , Sumpton Daniel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimA treat‐to‐target strategy is recommended for management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), although there is lack of agreement regarding the best measure of disease activity to target. Physician assessments included in traditional indices can be complex and time consuming to complete and cannot be readily conducted by telehealth. This study compares the routine assessment of patient index data 3 (RAPID3), an efficient tool comprising patient self‐assessment, with traditional clinician‐led composite measures in the PsA clinic setting.MethodsData were collected prospectively from July 2016 to March 2020 in 2 dedicated PsA clinics in Sydney, Australia. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created for comparison of RAPID3 score with composite scores minimal disease activity (MDA), very low disease activity (VLDA) and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) in low disease activity or remission.ResultsNinety‐three patients had simultaneous collection of RAPID3 and MDA measures. Mean (SD) age was 49.9 (13.5) years, 50.5% were male and 23 (24.7%) had erosive disease at baseline. RAPID3 scores ≤3.2 and ≤2.7 (range 0‐30) had high sensitivity and specificity for VLDA and DAPSA remission respectively, with ROC curve area under the curve (95% CI) of 0.94 (0.91‐0.97) and 0.96 (0.93‐0.99).ConclusionRAPID3 has good agreement with physician‐led composite scores of MDA, VLDA and DAPSA, and provides a viable alternative to composite scores. This is particularly helpful in settings that do not allow for clinical examination, for example telehealth.
Development of a rating scale for objective assessment of performance in laparoscopic appendicectomy surgery
Authors: Sirimanna Pramudith , Boyce Stephen , Gunanayagam Prashanth , Gladman Marc A. , Naganathan Vasi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundsLaparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) is the most common index procedure for junior surgical trainees. Despite the shift towards competency‐based training, there is no method of quantitatively assessing performance during LA. This study aimed to obtain expert consensus regarding the items required to create a LA Rating Scale (LARS).MethodsA list of steps required for LA surgery, as well as descriptors of “poor”, “average” and “excellent” performance for each of these steps were created for potential inclusion into an objective assessment tool for LA surgery. Using a Delphi method, 20 experts from multiple institutions rated on a Likert scale from 1 to 5 the suitability of these steps and descriptors of performance. Responses were obtained until consensus (Cronbach's α > 0.8) was achieved.ResultsFifteen experts participated in the study. Consensus was achieved for all items during the first iteration of the Delphi with a Cronbach's α of 0.96. The Cronbach's α for the steps was 0.87 and 0.92 for the descriptors of performance. Steps and descriptors of performance that >80% of experts rated as ≥4 were used to create the final LARS tool.ConclusionMulti‐institutional expert consensus was obtained regarding the steps and, for the first time, descriptors of performance for LA, demonstrating their face and content validity, as well as generalisability. Subsequently, the LARS tool was created that can be used to quantitatively assess intra‐operative performance. This instrument can be used to identify weaknesses in performance and facilitate deliberate practice, thus shifting training in LA to a competency‐based approach.
Risk factors for hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy in cases of severe acidosis: A case–control study
Authors: Lorain Perrine , Bower Alexandra , Gottardi Elsa , Dommergues Marc , Foix L’Helias Laurence , Guellec Isabelle , Kayem Gilles 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the study was to identify the obstetric risk factors for hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in infants with asphyxia at birth.Material and methodsThis multicenter case–control study covered the 5‐year period from 2014 through 2018 and included newborns ≥36 weeks of gestation with an umbilical pH at birth ≤7.0. Cases were newborns who developed moderate or severe HIE; they were matched with controls with pH ≤7.0 at birth over the same period without moderate or severe HIE. The factors studied were maternal, gestational, intrapartum, delivery‐related, and neonatal characteristics. A multivariable analysis was performed to study the maternal, obstetric, and neonatal factors independently associated with moderate or severe HIE.ResultsOur review of the records identified 41 cases and 98 controls. Compared with controls, children with moderate or severe HIE had a lower 5‐min Apgar score, lower umbilical artery pH, and higher cord lactate levels at birth and at 1 h of life. Obstetric factors associated with moderate or severe HIE were the occurrence of an acute event (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–22.5), maternal fever (aOR 3.5; 95% CI 1.0–11.9), and thick meconium during labor (aOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.0–8.6).ConclusionsHIE is associated with a lower 5‐min Apgar score and with the severity of acidosis at birth and at 1 h of life. In newborns with a pH <7.0 at birth, the occurrence of an acute obstetric event, maternal fever, and thick meconium are independent factors associated with moderate or severe HIE.
Effect of liver cirrhosis on theophylline trough concentrations: A comparative analysis of organ impairment using Child–Pugh and MELD scores
Authors: Kurata Yasuo , Muraki Shota , Hirota Takeshi , Araki Hiroshi , Ieiri Ichiro 
Published: March 2022

AimsTheophylline clearance is known to be reduced in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) such as chronic hepatitis (CH) and liver cirrhosis (LC). The Child–Pugh (CP) score is generally used for pharmacokinetic evaluation, whilst a model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) has not yet been fully evaluated. This study aimed to predict theophylline clearance in patients with LC classified based on CP and MELD scores by population pharmacokinetic (PPK) analysis.MethodsPPK analysis included 433 steady‐state trough concentrations from 192 Japanese bronchial asthma patients with and without CLDs and was performed using NONMEM. The severity of LC was assessed by CP and MELD scores.ResultsThe final CP and MELD models which described apparent theophylline clearance (CL/F) were obtained. The CP model showed that the mean CL/F in patients without CLDs, CH patients and LC patients with CP class A, B and C was 0.0473, 0.0413, 0.0330, 0.0280 and 0.0209 L/h kg−1, respectively. The MELD model predicted that CL/F in patients without CLDs, CH patients and LC patients with MELD scores of <10, 10–14, 15–19, 20–24 and ≥25 was 0.0472, 0.0413, 0.0324, 0.0268, 0.0230, 0.0197 and 0.0155 L/h kg−1, respectively.ConclusionsCL/F in various stages of LC was evaluated, and a change in CL/F was highly dependent on the severity of CLDs in both models. The MELD model provided a more accurate and precise description of theophylline clearance in LC than the CP model, which may be due to the wider dynamic range of the MELD score.
Effects of temperature and precipitation on litterfall phenology in four evergreen broad‐leaved forests of southern China
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Chen Xiaoqiu , Kim Jin‐Soo , Williams Mathew 
Published: March 2022

AbstractVegetative and reproductive growth of subtropical and tropical forests plays an important role in regulating carbon cycle and maintaining food web dynamic balance. Here, we used litterfall and climatic data during 1998–2017 at four evergreen forest sites in southern China to analyze temporal variations of community phenology and their climate drivers. Results show that two southwest forests have unimodal patterns with leaf litterfall peaks during dry season, while two southeast forests have bimodal patterns with the first peaks during rainy season and the second peaks during rainy and dry seasons respectively. Peaks of flower litterfall for the four forests occurred during the transitional period between dry and rainy seasons, while peaks of fruit litterfall appeared either at the end of the rainy season at the two southern sites or in the dry season at the two northern sites. Leaf litterfall correlates significantly positively with preseason maximum temperature at the four sites, but significantly negatively with preseason precipitation at two southwest sites. By contrast, flower and fruit litterfall correlates significantly positively with preseason temperature and precipitation at only three and two sites. Moreover, leaf, flower, and fruit litterfall exhibits a 12‐month cycle, which is consistent with the 12‐month cycle of monthly temperature and precipitation. Flower and fruit litterfall displays also multiyear cycles between 18 and 48 months, however, it is inconsistent with the multiyear cycles of monthly temperature and precipitation. Our study highlights that temperature and precipitation are key factors affecting litterfall variations in different time scales in southern China.Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.
LRRFIP1, an epigenetically regulated gene, is a prognostic biomarker and predicts malignant phenotypes of glioma
Authors: Ma Wenping , Bao Zhaoshi , Qian Zenghui , Zhang Kenan , Fan Wenhua , Xu Jianbao , Ren Changyuan , Zhang Ying , Jiang Tao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor with an adverse prognosis in the central nervous system. Traditional histopathological diagnosis accompanied by subjective deviations cannot accurately reflect tumor characteristics for clinical guidance. DNA methylation plays a critical role in GBM genesis. The focus of this project was to identify an effective methylation point for the classification of gliomas, the interactions between DNA methylation and potential epigenetic targeted therapies for clinical treatments.MethodsThree online (TCGA, CGGA, and REMBRANDT) databases were employed in this study. T‐test, Venn analysis, univariate cox analysis, and Pearson's correlation analysis were adopted to screen significant prognostic methylation genes. Clinical samples were collected to determine the distributions of LRRFIP1 (Leucine Rich Repeat of Flightless‐1 Interacting Protein) protein by immunohistochemistry assay. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox analysis were adopted to evaluate the prognostic value of LRRFIP1. Nomogram model was used to construct a prediction model. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway were performed to explore functions and related mechanisms of LRRFIP1 in gliomas.ResultsOur results showed that 16 genes were negatively connected with their methylation level and correlated with clinical prognosis of GBM patients. Among them, LRRFIP1 expression showed the highest correlation with its methylation level. LRRFIP1 was highly expressed in WHO IV, mesenchymal, and IDH wild‐type subtype. LRRFIP1 expression was an independent risk factor for OS (overall survival) in gliomas.ConclusionLRRFIP1 is an epigenetically regulated gene and a potential prognostic biomarker for glioma. Our research may be beneficial to evaluate clinical efficacy, assess the prognosis, and provide individualized treatment for gliomas.
Higher serum occludin after successful reperfusion Is associated with early neurological deterioration
Authors: Li Weili , Yuan Shuhua , Sui Xueqin , Bian Hetao , Wei Ming , Chen Zhiying , Shao Haitao , Shi Wenjuan , Shi Shuhai , Ji Xunming 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsEarly neurological deterioration (END) is an important factor that affects prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We explored the relationship between serum occludin levels after successful reperfusion and END in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 120 stroke patients who underwent EVT with successful reperfusion. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum occludin levels on admission and within 1 h after successful reperfusion. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and regression analysis were used to compare the relationship between serum occludin and END after thrombectomy.ResultsAmong the 120 patients, 36 (30%) experienced END. The END group had higher serum occludin levels than the non‐END group after successful reperfusion [4.31 (3.71–5.38) vs 6.32 (5.88–6.99), p < 0.001]. The ROC curve showed that postoperative serum occludin levels had a significant prediction value for END (AUC: 0.86, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that serum occludin was an independent risk factor for END in EVT patients (adjusted odds ratio: 4.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.92–10.32; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe higher serum occludin levels were strongly related to END after successful reperfusion. Serum occludin may be an independent risk factor for END in EVT patients.
The greatest threats to species
Authors: Hogue Aaron S. , Breon Kathryn 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe growing human population is responsible for a massive decline in species, biodiversity, and ecosystems across the globe. If we are to significantly slow these losses, the attention and resources devoted to individual causes should be commensurate with the magnitude of their contribution to the problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative magnitude of five major threats to species identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as threatened with extinction. Specifically, we analyzed the entire IUCN Red List database to determine the percentage of threatened species affected by overexploitation, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and invasive species, diseases, and genes. We also randomly sampled a portion of the database to estimate the percentage of species for which each threat was the dominant threat placing them at risk of extinction. Of the 20,784 species for which data were available, 88.3% were impacted by habitat destruction, 26.6% by overexploitation, 25% by invasives, 18.2% by pollution, and 16.8% by climate change and weather. Focusing on dominant threats, the percentage of species for which a given threat was the main factor pushing them toward extinction was as follows: habitat destruction 71.3%, overexploitation 7.4%, invasives 6.8%, pollution 4.7%, climate change, and weather 1.8%. Regardless of how percentages are calculated, habitat destruction threatens more species than all other categories combined, climate change the fewest. From the perspective of species and biodiversity conservation, these data suggest that a significant change in global environmental priorities is needed. Habitat destruction should become a greater focus of global environmental efforts and receive the attention and resources appropriate to the extraordinary magnitude of its impact. Moreover, while it is important to address all environmental problems, given the disproportionate impact habitat destruction has on species, care should be taken to avoid solutions to other problems that exacerbate this destruction.