bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of personal and organisational attributes on ethical attitudes of professional accountants: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Onumah Regina Mensah , Simpson Samuel Nana Yaw , Kwarteng Amoako 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effects of personal attributes (greed and desire for personal gains, behaviour of peers and superiors, personal values, family influences and pressures, religious background, ego strength, etc.), organisational attributes (company policies, codes of conduct and visionary leadership, etc). and the moderating role of ethical codes of conduct on the ethical attitudes of professional accountants.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses data from a survey of 340 professional accountants in Ghana, using the ordinary least square regression analysis to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings
The results suggest that personal attributes collectively have positive and significant influence on ethical attitudes. Similarly, organisational attributes collectively have positive and significant influence on ethical attitudes. Moreover, ethical codes of conduct moderate the positive relationship between personal and organisational attributes and ethical attitudes of accountants.

Originality/value
In the light of the social contingent theory, the findings imply that personal and organisational attributes, when interacted with professional code of conduct strengthens ethical attitudes of accountants. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first paper to have examined the moderating effect of professional code of conduct on ethical attitudes of accountants from a developing country context.
Advantages and disadvantages of non‐starter lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented foods: Potential use as starters or probiotics
Authors: Grujović Mirjana Ž. , Mladenović Katarina G. , Semedo‐Lemsaddek Teresa , Laranjo Marta , Stefanović Olgica D. , Kocić‐Tanackov Sunčica D. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTraditional fermented foods are a significant source of starter and/or non‐starter lactic acid bacteria (nsLAB). Moreover, these microorganisms are also known for their role as probiotics. The potential of nsLAB is huge; however, there are still challenges to be overcome with respect to characterization and application. In the present review, the most important steps that autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented foods need to overcome, to qualify as novel starter cultures, or as probiotics, in food technology and biotechnology, are considered. These different characterization steps include precise identification, detection of health‐promoting properties, and safety evaluation. Each of these features is strain specific and needs to be accurately determined. This review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of nsLAB, isolated from traditional fermented foods, discussing safety aspects and sensory impact.
Nitrate leaching and efficiency measurement in intensive farming systems: A parametric by‐production technology approach
Authors: Tsagris Michail , Tzouvelekas Vangelis 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper develops a novel empirical framework for estimating individual emission levels in a nonpoint source (NPS) pollution problem. For doing so, we build upon the sequential GME model suggested by Kaplan et al. using a specific theoretical structure describing both crop production technology and nature's residual generating mechanism in line with the multiple production relations model suggested by Murty et al. Our empirical model is fitted into a parametric stochastic framework and it is applied to a nitrogen leaching problem in a sample of 257 small‐scale greenhouse farms in Crete, Greece during the 2005–2006 cropping period. Empirical results indicate a great dispersion of individual nitrate leaching levels, which are associated with low‐ and high‐profit margins. Improvements in nitrate leaching and fertilizer application efficiency can decrease significantly individual leaching levels providing a more cost effective way to improve water quality in the area.
Exposure‐response relationship of ramucirumab in RANGE, a randomized phase III trial in advanced urothelial carcinoma refractory to platinum therapy
Authors: de Wit Ronald , Powles Thomas , Castellano Daniel , Necchi Andrea , Lee Jae‐Lyun , van der Heijden Michiel S. , Matsubara Nobuaki , Bamias Aristotelis , Fléchon Aude , Sternberg Cora N. , Drakaki Alexandra , Yu Evan Y. , Zimmermann Annamaria H. , Long Amanda , Walgren Richard A. , Gao Ling , Bell‐McGuinn Katherine M. , Petrylak Daniel P. 
Published: January 2022

AimsPatients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) who progress after platinum‐based chemotherapy have a poor prognosis, and there is a medical need to improve current treatment options. Ramucirumab plus docetaxel significantly improved progression‐free survival but not overall survival (OS) in platinum‐refractory advanced UC (RANGE trial; NCT02426125). Here, we report the exposure‐response (ER) of ramucirumab plus docetaxel using data from the RANGE trial.MethodsPharmacokinetic (PK) samples were collected (cycle 1‐3, 5, 9 [day 1] and 30 days from treatment discontinuation), and PK data were analysed using population PK (popPK) analysis. The minimum ramucirumab concentration after first dose administration (Cmin,1, or trough concentration immediately prior to the second dose) was derived by popPK analysis and used as the exposure parameter for ER analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression models and matched case‐control analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between Cmin,1 and OS. The Cmin,1 relationship with safety was assessed descriptively.ResultsSeveral poor prognostic factors (ECOG 1, haemoglobin concentration <100 g/L, presence of liver metastases) appeared more frequently in the lower exposure quartiles, suggesting a possible disease‐PK interaction. A significant association was identified between Cmin,1 and OS (P = .0108). Higher exposure quartiles were associated with longer survival and smaller hazard ratios compared to placebo. No new exposure‐safety trends were observed within the exposure range (ramucirumab 10 mg/kg once every 3 weeks).ConclusionsThis prespecified ER analyses suggests a positive relationship between efficacy and ramucirumab exposure, with an imbalance associated with disease prognostic factors. Further investigation may elucidate a possible disease‐PK relationship.
The UN special tribunal for Lebanon (2009–2021): Who cares?
Authors: Muller Benjamin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMore than 15 years after the assassination of Lebanese PM Rafik al‐Hariri, the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) delivered its judgement in the Ayyash et al. Case (STL‐11‐01) in August 2020. Reflecting on earlier critical scholarship on the STL, this essay considers the role of the STL in the regional and global geopolitical architecture, and the domestic context, in terms of justice, politics, economy and society. Despite the devastating impact of the assassination, persistent crises over the past decade and a half, have eroded the importance and relevance of the STL to Lebanon, its citizens, and even regional geopolitics. Within this context, this brief intervention considers who does and does not care about the STL and why it has or has not had the desired impact, socially, geopolitically, legally, and even within academic scholarship.
First report of the invasive crop pest Stenocranus pacificus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in temperate Asia
Authors: Yashiro Toshihisa , Sanada‐Morimura Sachiyo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNumerous delphacid planthopper species are major pests of economically important and widely cultivated crops (i.e. rice, corn, and sugarcane). These insects have the potential to become serious crop pests in areas where they have either naturally migrated or been newly introduced. The white‐bellied planthopper, Stenocranus pacificus Kirkaldy, 1907, originally known from tropical South Pacific islands, appeared in tropical and subtropical Asia in the early years of the 21st century. Since then, S. pacificus has become a serious pest of corn in some Southeast Asian countries, although it also feeds on rice, sugarcane, sorghum, and other grasses. Here, we report the presence of S. pacificus in mainland Japan, representing the first record of this species in temperate Asia. Seven male and 17 female adult individuals collected in Kumamoto Prefecture in 2019 and 2020 were identified as S. pacificus based on their morphological characteristics and mitochondrial COI sequences. In addition, molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that S. pacificus formed a distinct clade from other Stenocranus species, indicating uncertainty in its generic assignment. Although crop damage by S. pacificus has not yet been reported from temperate regions, given its wide range of plant hosts and the potential for future range expansions, damaged crops in Asia, including in temperate regions, should be monitored for the presence of this species.
A critical review ofin vitroresearch methodologies used to study mineralization in human dental pulp cell cultures
Authors: Arora Shelly , Cooper Paul R. , Ratnayake Jithendra T. , Friedlander Lara T. , Rizwan Shakila B. , Seo Benedict , Hussaini Haizal M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe pulp contains a resident population of stem cells which can be stimulated to differentiate in order to repair the tooth by generating a mineralized extracellular matrix. Over recent decades there has been considerable interest in utilizing in vitro cell culture models to study dentinogenesis, with the aim of developing regenerative endodontic procedures, particularly where some vital pulp tissue remains.ObjectivesThe purpose of this review is to provide a structured oversight of in vitro research methodologies which have been used to study human pulp mineralization processes.MethodThe literature was screened in the PubMed database up to March 2021 to identify manuscripts reporting the use of human dental pulp cells to study mineralization. The dataset identified 343 publications initially which were further screened and consequently 166 studies were identified and it was methodologically mined for information on: i) study purpose, ii) source and characterization of cells, iii) mineralizing supplements and concentrations, and iv) assays and markers used to characterize mineralization and differentiation, and the data was used to write this narrative review.ResultsMost published studies aimed at characterizing new biological stimulants for mineralization as well as determining the effect of scaffolds and dental (bio)materials. In general, pulp cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion, although the pulp explant technique was also common. For enzymatic digestion, a range of enzymes and concentrations were utilized, although collagenase type I and dispase were the most frequent. Isolated cells were not routinely characterized using either fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) approaches and there was little consistency in terming cultures as dental pulp cells or dental pulp stem cells. A combination of media supplements, at a range of concentrations, of dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and beta‐glycerophosphate, were frequently applied as the basis for the experimental conditions. Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining was the method of choice for assessment of mineralization at 21‐days. Alkaline phosphatase assay was relatively frequently applied, solely or in combination with ARS staining. Further assessment of differentiation status was performed using transcript or protein markers, with dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), osteocalcin and dentine matrix protein‐1 (DMP ‐1), the most frequent.DiscussionWhile this review highlights variability among experimental approaches, it does however identify a consensus experimental approach.ConclusionStandardization of experimental conditions and sustained research will significantly benefit endodontic patient outcomes in the future.
Emulsifying properties of pea protein/guar gum conjugates and mayonnaise application
Authors: Shen Yanting , Babu Karthik Sajith , Amamcharla Jayendra , Li Yonghui 
Published: January 2022

SummaryModified plant protein may be used as a healthy and more functional emulsifier in food products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the emulsifying properties of functionally enhanced pea protein (i.e. pea protein conjugated with guar gum, G‐PPI) and its potential application to mayonnaise, compared with unmodified pea protein. Emulsions containing G‐PPI were prepared at different pH, salt concentrations, protein concentrations and oil/water ratios. Mayonnaise samples were prepared using the pea proteins or egg yolk powder. Various characteristics of the emulsions, including droplet size, apparent viscosity, viscoelasticity and microstructure, were analysed. The emulsions with G‐PPI had significantly increased stability of up to 89.4% and apparent viscosity of up to 48.62 mPa.s. The G‐PPI emulsion had a smaller average droplet size of 934.4 nm at pH 7 compared with the PPI emulsion (stability 62.7%, apparent viscosity 22.8 mPa.s and droplet size 1664.8 nm). The pH, NaCl concentration, protein concentration and oil/water ratio greatly affected the emulsifying properties. The G‐PPI mayonnaise at higher protein concentrations (6 or 8%) exhibited excellent emulsifying and rheological properties. The modified pea protein through the green modification process with natural polysaccharides could be used as a safe and functional emulsifier in different emulsified foods.
Wait times in an Australian emergency department: A comparison of mental health and non‐mental health patients in a regional emergency department
Authors: Pascoe Sharene E. , Aggar Christina , Penman Olivia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWorldwide, emergency departments in regional and remote areas have a higher per capita mental health presentation rate than their metropolitan counterparts. Evidence suggests that mental health presentations to metropolitan or city emergency departments are exposed to longer waiting times, extended length of stays, and higher rates of access block than non‐mental health presentations. However, there is little research investigating the experiences for mental health and non‐mental health presentations in the emergency department in regional and remote areas. The aim of the current study was to explore wait time and length of stay for mental and non‐mental health patients at a regional emergency department. Audit data from 38,782 presentations to a regional emergency department in NSW over a 12‐month period in 2019 were reviewed. The STROBE cross‐sectional research checklist was adhered to for reporting of results. Time to be seen, length of stay, and access block (length of stay longer than 8 hours) were described and compared for mental and non‐mental health patients. It was found that mental health patients in this study disproportionately experience longer wait times and length of stay in a regional emergency department. Future research is needed to identify whether this issue is present across other Australian regional emergency departments and review funding models to address the discrepancy. These findings make a unique contribution to the literature as previous research focussed on metropolitan emergency departments and only identified time to be seen and length of stay, largely ignoring differences in access block between mental health and non‐mental health patients.
Selection and outcome of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator patients with and without cardiac resynchronization therapy: Comparison of 4384 patients from the German Device Registry to randomized controlled trials
Authors: Köbe Julia , Willy Kevin , Senges Jochen , Hochadel Matthias , Kleemann Thomas , Spitzer Stefan G. , Andresen Dietrich , Jehle Joachim , Steinbeck Gerhard , Szendey Istvan , Butter Christian , Brachmann Johannes , Hoffmann Ellen , Eckardt Lars 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundRegistry data add important information to randomized controlled trials (RCT) on real‐life aspects of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) patients with and without cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT‐D). This analysis of the prospectively conducted German Device Registry aims at comparing mortality rates, comorbidities, complication rates to results from RCT.MethodsThe German Device registry (DEVICE) prospectively collected data on ICD and CRT‐D first implantations from 50 German centres. Demographic data, details on cardiac disease, electrocardiogram (ECG), medication, and data about procedure, complications, and hospital stay were stored in electronic case report forms. One year after device implantation patients were contacted for follow‐up.ResultsDEVICE included n = 4384 first ICD/CRT‐D implantations (29.3% CRT‐D devices). We found a strong adherence to guidelines with over 90% of patients being on ß‐blocker and ACE‐inhibitor medication and adequate QRS width in the majority of CRT‐D patients. Patients receiving a CRT‐D were older (67.6 ± 11.0 years vs. 63.9 ± 13.4 years, p < .001) and had lower ejection fractions (mean 25% vs. 30%, p < .001) compared to ICD patients. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the predominant underlying heart disease in CRT‐D (53.3%), coronary artery disease in ICD patients (64.7%). Compared to RCT our DEVICE patients had more comorbidities (17.9% chronic kidney disease [CKD]) and higher 1‐year mortality rates (10.7% ICD group, 12.3% CRT group). In multivariate analysis, CKD patients had an almost 2‐fold higher risk of 1‐year mortality.ConclusionDespite relevant limitations of registry data, DEVICE highlights important differences between RCT and real‐world registry data and the impact of comorbidities on mortality of ICD and CRT‐D recipients.
Deep‐sea nodules versus land ores: A comparative systems analysis of mining and processing wastes for battery‐metal supply chains
Authors: Paulikas Daina , Katona Steven , Ilves Erika , Ali Saleem H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo meet UN Sustainable Development goals, a clean‐energy transition with minimal ecological impact from its raw‐material supply chain is essential. Polymetallic nodules lying unattached on the abyssal seafloor of the Pacific Ocean's Clarion Clipperton Zone contain four critical metals (nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper) in large quantities, and the International Seabed Authority may soon enact regulations to allow their commercial exploitation. There are complex global ecological implications of doing so. Nodule exploitation would damage abyssal habitats and may impact midwater‐column organisms; but in the absence of nodule exploitation, terrestrial mining's environmental and social impacts would intensify. This paper adds to the growing systems‐based literature on nodule collection by contributing a preliminary material flow analysis of global‐average cradle‐to‐gate waste streams using either nodules or terrestrial sources as part of a preliminary life cycle assessment, as well as integrated risk assessments of those waste streams. System endpoints are battery precursors (nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate), copper cathode, and a 40% or 75% manganese product. Overburden, tailings, and processing and refining wastes from terrestrial mining are compared to the nodule industry's anticipated offshore and onshore wastes, including sediment disrupted by nodule‐collection machines. Robustness to offshore technology assumptions is tested using Monte Carlo simulation, while onshore mass‐flow scenarios incorporate a “negligible‐waste” flowsheet and high‐waste flowsheets where manganese is not recovered. A billion‐EV scenario incorporates the effects of declining terrestrial copper and nickel ore grades. Results imply that metal production from nodules may produce less waste of lower severities, caveated by uncertain impacts of disrupted sediment.
The root microbiome: Community assembly and its contributions to plant fitness
Authors: Bai Bo , Liu Weidong , Qiu Xingyu , Zhang Jie , Zhang Jingying , Bai Yang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe root microbiome refers to the community of microbes living in association with a plant's roots, and includes mutualists, pathogens, and commensals. Here we focus on recent advances in the study of root commensal community which is the major research object of microbiome‐related researches. With the rapid development of new technologies, plant–commensal interactions can be explored with unprecedented breadth and depth. Both the soil environment and the host plant drive commensal community assembly. The bulk soil is the seed bank of potential commensals, and plants use root exudates and immune responses to build healthy microbial communities from the available microbes. The plant microbiome extends the functional system of plants by participating in a variety of processes, including nutrient absorption, growth promotion, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Plants and their microbiomes have evolved adaptation strategies over time. However, there is still a huge gap in our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of plant–commensal interactions. In this review, we summarize recent research on the assembly of root microbial communities and the effects of these communities on plant growth and development, and look at the prospects for promoting sustainable agricultural development through the study of the root microbiome.
Complicated wound closure following mastectomy and breast reconstruction
Authors: Olshinka Asaf , Shay Tamir , Amir Aharon , Meshulam‐Derazon Sagit , Icekson Michael , Wadhawker Sonya , Lvovsky Alex , Ad‐El Dean , Yaacobi Dafna Shilo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBreast reconstruction incidence increased, including preventive surgery. In this context, providing women best surgical care and results is crucial, with minimum complications, such as wound dehiscence and skin flap necrosis. Tension‐free closure of skin flaps is mandatory for successful healing. However, since this is not always possible, various techniques have been developed to reduce tension from wound margins, facilitate primary wound closure, and minimize and improve scarring. These techniques have not been investigated in breast surgeries. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with the Tension‐Relief System in mastectomy and breast reconstructive patients, and the advantages of using this technique.The retrospective cohort consisted of 13 breasts of 11 women aged 29–74 years who underwent surgery with primary wound closure using the System, in 2019–2020 in our department. It was applied averagely 19.7 days, demonstrated effectiveness in preventing complications and as secondary treatment following complications. This enabled avoiding further and more extensive surgeries, including donor‐site morbidity when needed.In mastectomy and breast reconstruction, the system minimizes complications and yields satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes, with minimal inconvenience to the patient, and good pain control. The technique is low‐cost, simple to use, and does not require special settings, surgical equipment, or particular skills.