bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generic skills of future built environment practitioners in South Africa: unexplored mechanism via students’ perception
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Aliu John , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Researchers and policymakers have given attention to generic skills development in higher institutions. One of the intentions is to broaden graduate employability with generic skills. In South Africa, there is a paucity of research concerning future built environment practitioners’ (FBEP) generic skills development from the students’ perspective. Thus, this paper aims to investigate South Africa’s FBEP generic skills and suggest feasible solutions to improve FBEP generic skills from the students’ perception.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers collated the views of FBEP via a phenomenology type of qualitative research design. It covered selected South African public universities and investigated the discourses that underpin “perceived hindrance” in developing generic skills for FBEP. Selected 30 FBEP were engaged in the virtual interviews across three public universities. Data saturation was achieved. Three themes emerged and were analysed through a thematic analysis.

Findings

Findings show that FBEP generic skills development will enhance integrated productivity and higher value for money in construction project delivery. But developing these skills demands a holistic approach. Findings have raised concern with the perceived hindrances facing FBEP in developing generic skills. Findings suggest the need to revisit and revamp the curricula to develop these skills and strengthen policies that will “nip” possible hindrances.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to South Africa’s FBEP generic skills from students’ perception. In line with the limited resources, three public universities were covered from the selected provinces in South Africa. Future research with a more diverse sample is needed to ensure a better representative and generalisation of findings.

Practical implications

Findings show that apart from academic knowledge system thinking skills, civic responsibility skills and critical thinking skills are germane for intending construction industry professionals. Others are integrated teamwork skills, good attitude and communication skills, entrepreneurship skills and resources management skills. Findings from this paper may stir up the education sector’s stakeholders to revamp the curricula in enhancing these skills among students from the basic to higher institutions. The outcome will improve productivity in the construction industry.

Originality/value

Although few scholars have discussed generic skills in the built environment, there are limited studies from the students’ context in developing countries, a South Africa case study, a gap this research aims to fill. Also, it proffers ways to mitigate perceived hindrances facing FBEP in developing generic skills.
Liquidity risk and bank financial performance: an application of system GMM approach
Authors: Yahaya Adamu , Mahat Fauziah , M.H. Yahya , Matemilola Bolaji Tunde
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of liquidity risk on deposit money banks’ (DMBs) performance in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study also tests the interaction effect of liquidity risk and nonperforming loans on the performance of DMBs’ in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a two-step system generalized method of moment to test the influence of liquidity risk on DMBs’ performance in Sub-Saharan Africa. A sample of 50 listed banks across six Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania, were used. The bank performance proxy used are return on asset and return on equity, while net interest margin is used for robustness check.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal a significant and negative association between liquidity risk and bank performance. Moreover, the relationship between the nonperforming loan and bank performance is negative and significant. Furthermore, the interaction effect of liquidity risk and nonperforming loans on bank performance is found to be significantly negative for the two proxies of bank performance. The result is robust for the alternative bank performance measurements and econometric model, which adequately addresses endogeneity tendency.

Originality/value

To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is one of the earliest empirical studies that examine the effect of liquidity risk on DMBs’ performance across Sub-Saharan African countries. This study further differs from previous studies with the interaction term of liquidity risk and nonperforming loan included in the model.
Many common presentations of obsessive-compulsive disorder unrecognized by medical providers in a Pacific Island community
Authors: Gouniai Jacquelin Meno , Smith Kyle David , Leonte Kimberly Glazier
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious mental health condition that is frequently misdiagnosed and left untreated for extended periods. A contributing factor may be the lack of awareness regarding OCD’s heterogeneous symptom presentations in nonpsychiatric medical providers (MPs). Nonpsychiatric MPs are often consulted by those with OCD and are thus in a key position to first identify the symptoms in a person. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess nonpsychiatric MPs’ ability to recognize varying symptom presentations of OCD.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study examined OCD recognition rates in 105 nonpsychiatric MPs practicing on Guam – a rural island community with limited mental health resources. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of six vignettes describing a common obsessional theme within OCD (i.e. contamination, symmetry, religion, homosexuality, pedophilia or aggression) and asked to provide their diagnostic impressions.

Findings

Over half of participating MPs (58.1%) did not recognize the condition in the vignettes as OCD. As groups, vignettes describing taboo obsessions were significantly less likely to be recognized as OCD than those describing contamination and symmetry obsessions. Overall, results reveal that MPs are largely unaware of the diversity of OCD symptoms.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined nonpsychiatric MPs’ awareness of varying OCD symptom presentations, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies to date have been conducted on MPs practicing in rural settings. The findings of this study can inform training programs for MPs to help decrease OCD misdiagnoses in medical settings.
Linking incremental and radical creativity to product and process innovation with organisational knowledge
Authors: Bulut Cagri , Kaya Tugberk , Mehta Ahmed Muneeb , Danish Rizwan Qaiser
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study examines the effects of incremental and radical creativity on both product and process innovation by considering the moderating roles of knowledge sharing in intensity and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary research is conducted over 250 employees from service and manufacturing firms operating in Pakistan. Principal component analyses are conducted for the data reduction process, and multiple regression analyses are performed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Knowledge sharing intensity and the quality of knowledge sharing moderate the effects of radical creativity on product and process innovation that predicts firm performance. Besides, the research presents the differences in the impacts of incremental and radical creativity with the moderations of organisational knowledge on product and process innovations between the service and manufacturing firms and implications for practitioners and researchers.

Research limitations/implications

This work represents a sample from manufacturing and service firms operating in Pakistan. Still, caution is the generalising specific results to other organisations in either service or manufacturing domains or manufacturing.

Practical implications

While boosting creativity in organisations, knowledge sharing practices differ for sector domains. For service firms, knowledge intensity is essential, while knowledge quality is meaningful for manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature at the crossroads of organisational creativity and innovation twofold; the first is to investigate the combined effects of incremental and radical creativity on product and process innovation separately. The second is to examine the moderator roles of knowledge sharing practices of knowledge quality and intensity while predicting product and process innovation with incremental and radical creativity.
Tolerate to innovate: an expectancy-value model on error management culture and radical creativity
Authors: Geng Zizhen , Xiao Mengmeng , Tang Huili , M Hite Julie , J Hite Steven
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study develops a cross-level moderated mediating model based on expectation-value theory to extend the knowledge on how and when organizational culture motivates employee radical creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on longitudinal, multisource data for 584 R&D employees in 73 organizations, the research hypotheses were tested by a multilevel analysis using hierarchical linear model.

Findings

The results showed that error management culture had a positive effect on employees' psychological safety and radical creativity; psychological safety mediated the effect of error management culture on employee radical creativity. Further, moderated path analysis revealed that employees' promotion focus moderated the positive effect of psychological safety on employee radical creativity and thus strengthened the indirect effect of error management culture on employee radical creativity via psychological safety.

Originality/value

Literature on how organizational culture motivates workplace creativity pays little attention to employees' radical creativity. This study fills this gap by empirically examining the role of error management culture as a critical organizational culture that secures employee radical creativity. It also provides a novel mechanism, i.e., an expectancy-value mechanism to explain the link between organizational context and radical creativity by elucidating the underlying psychological process whereby error management culture drives employee radical creativity and identifying the pivotal moderating role of employees' regulatory focus in the function of error management culture.
Exploring how online responses change in response to debunking messages about COVID-19 on WhatsApp
Authors: Chen Xingyu Ken , Na Jin-Cheon , Tan Luke Kien-Weng , Chong Mark , Choy Murphy
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a concurrent outbreak of false information online. Debunking false information about a health crisis is critical as misinformation can trigger protests or panic, which necessitates a better understanding of it. This exploratory study examined the effects of debunking messages on a COVID-19-related public chat on WhatsApp in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the effects of debunking messages about COVID-19 on WhatsApp conversations, the following was studied. The relationship between source credibility (i.e. characteristics of a communicator that affect the receiver's acceptance of the message) of different debunking message types and their effects on the length of the conversation, sentiments towards various aspects of a crisis, and the information distortions in a message thread were studied. Deep learning techniques, knowledge graphs (KG), and content analyses were used to perform aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) of the messages and measure information distortion.

Findings

Debunking messages with higher source credibility (e.g. providing evidence from authoritative sources like health authorities) help close a discussion thread earlier. Shifts in sentiments towards some aspects of the crisis highlight the value of ABSA in monitoring the effectiveness of debunking messages. Finally, debunking messages with lower source credibility (e.g. stating that the information is false without any substantiation) are likely to increase information distortion in conversation threads.

Originality/value

The study supports the importance of source credibility in debunking and an ABSA approach in analysing the effect of debunking messages during a health crisis, which have practical value for public agencies during a health crisis. Studying differences in the source credibility of debunking messages on WhatsApp is a novel shift from the existing approaches. Additionally, a novel approach to measuring information distortion using KGs was used to shed insights on how debunking can reduce information distortions.
Corporate social responsibility and financial accounting concepts: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Mohammadi Shaban , Saeidi Hadi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on financial accounting concepts (including the stock return, real earnings management, information asymmetry and financial performance) in Iranian companies listed in stock exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

This is descriptive-correlational and applied research. The statistical population of this research is all companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange, and the research period is from 2012 to 2018. Using the screening method a sample of 150 companies was selected. Multivariate regression and the software Eviews 10 were used for data analysis and hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results indicated that CSR has a significant effect on stock return; however, it does not have a significant effect on real earnings management. CSR has a significant effect on information asymmetry and financial performance.

Originality/value

The present study is the first research conducted on CSR and financial concepts in Iran. The results of this study contribute to the literature by introducing social responsibility to financial accounting variables and provide suggestions for capital market participants. Social responsibility has received growing attention from many companies and managers, as it influences the interests of indirect stakeholders in addition to direct ones. CSR reporting can enhance the development of scientific and cultural skills by promoting a culture of knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation, leading to a reduced gap between the expectations of economic enterprises and the community.
Extinction, climate change and the ecology of Homo sapiens
Authors: Tilman David
Published: January 2022

Because of human domination, the world faces two major environmental problems—species extinctions and climate change.

The still‐elusive solutions to these global problems must address interlinked ecological, economic, political, ethical and cultural constraints and trade‐offs, and will require unprecedented international cooperation. Major advances in ecological research will be essential and will require that ecology become a more mechanistic and predictive science.

Research advances in disciplines ranging from evolution and population ecology to community and ecosystem ecology could greatly contribute to the formulation of viable, sustainable solutions.

Synthesis. Because solutions must also be equitable, ethical, economically viable and societally sustainable, it will be increasingly important for ecologists to be part of multidisciplinary teams that evaluate the full range of interlinked environmental and societal impacts of alternative potential policies.
Production of Agu piglets after transfer of embryos produced in vitro
Authors: Isa Tsunemitsu , Somfai Tamas , Oyadomari Motoharu , Fusho Kyota , Touma Shihei , Suzuki Naoto , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Katagiri Yoshito , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: January 2022

The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility of in vitro embryo production and transfer technologies for producing piglets of Agu, an Okinawan indigenous pig breed. After collection of oocytes from surgically dissected ovaries, they were subjected to in vitro maturation. After in vitro maturation/fertilization, a total of 616 putative embryos were transferred into four commercial Western pig recipients, one of which became pregnant and farrowed a total of eight Agu piglets. These results demonstrate that in vitro embryo production using ovaries from Agu females is useful for breeding management and conservation of indigenous breeds.
Non convulsive refractory status epilepticus induced by thiocolchicoside (TCC) intrathecal injection: A case report
Authors: Evangelista Giacomo , Dono Fedele , Consoli Stefano , Pozzilli Valeria , Calisi Dario , Russo Mirella , D'Orazio Claudia , D'Andreagiovanni Anna , Montesano Giovanna , Rapini Sabina , Caulo Massimo , Onofrj Marco , Anzellotti Francesca
Published: January 2022

TCC is a semisynthetic molecule widely used in clinical settings as a pain killer and myorelaxant. Several neurological side effects have been reported in association with TCC treatment including somnolence, confusion and seizure, the latter in a lower percentage of patients. Some previous reports described seizure onset after TCC intake in adulthood. However, major epileptological complication, namely status epilepticus, has never been previously reported in association with TCC treatment. In our report, we describe a case of acute refractory non‐convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in the context of a TCC‐induced acute toxic encephalopathy (ATE) in a woman without any previous neurological or physical comorbidities.
Statin treatment effectiveness and the SLCO1B1*5 reduced function genotype: Long‐term outcomes in women and men
Authors: Türkmen Deniz , Masoli Jane A. H. , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Bowden Jack , Melzer David , Pilling Luke C.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To estimate the effect of rs4149056 (SLCO1B1*5) genotype (decreases statin transport) on cholesterol control and treatment duration in male and female primary care patients prescribed common statin medications.

Methods and Analysis

This study comprised 69 185 European‐ancestry UK Biobank cohort participants prescribed simvastatin or atorvastatin (aged 40‐79 years at first prescription, treatment duration 1 month to 29 years, mean 5.7 years). Principal outcomes were clinically high total cholesterol (>5 mmol/L) at baseline, plus treatment discontinuation.

Results

A total of 48.4% of 591 females homozygous for SLCO1B1*5 decreased function genotype had raised cholesterol vs 41.7% of those with functioning SLCO1B1 (odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1‐1.55, P = .001). Fewer males had high cholesterol and the genotype effect was attenuated. In primary care prescribing, females homozygous for SLCO1B1*5 were more likely to stop receiving these statins (29.5%) than women with normal SLCO1B1 (25.7%) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.03‐1.37, P = .01), amounting to five discontinuations per 100 statin‐years in the SLCO1B1*5 group vs four in the normal SLCO1B1 function group. This remained significant after the first year of treatment (HR for discontinuing >1 year after first prescription 1.3, 95% CI 1.08‐1.56, P = .006). In men SLCO1B1*5 was only associated with treatment discontinuation in the first year.

Conclusions

In this large community sample of patients on commonly prescribed statins, the SLCO1B1*5 decreased function variant had much larger effects on cholesterol control and treatment duration in women than in men. Efforts to improve the effectiveness of statin therapy in women may need to include SLCO1B1*5 genotype‐guided statin selection.
Rifampicin‐induced fever during treatment against staphylococcal biofilm in a patient with periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Sreckovic Svetlana , Ladjevic Nebojsa , Jokanovic Maja , Vracevic Dragana , Milovanovic Darko , Simic Marko , Korica Stefan , Kadija Marko
Published: January 2022

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty remains a challenging complication. The treatment options for PJI include different procedures; however, regardless of the strategy, antibiotics are required. The combination of different antibiotics increased the rates of PJI eradication. For almost 3 decades, rifampicin has been used as part of antibiotic therapy for PJI. Drug fever, a febrile response that coincides with the onset of drug administration and disappears after drug discontinuation in the absence of other underlying conditions that could cause fever, is frequently misdiagnosed. We present the case of a 72‐year‐old man with PJI 6 months after total knee arthroplasty. Two‐stage revision surgery was followed by culture‐directed antibiotic treatment (ciprofloxacin and rifampicin) against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the periprosthetic tissue. On the fifth day of antibiotic treatment, the patient became febrile and, in the next 5 days, he had an intermittent fever of up to 40°C, although he showed clinical improvement. The patient was normotensive without a maculopapular rash, urticaria or clotting abnormalities. A drug fever was suspected, and rifampicin was discontinued. A re‐challenge test was performed, and the fever recurred. Antibiotic treatment with ciprofloxacin was continued and, after 12 months of follow‐up, the patient was doing well. Clinicians should be aware that fever could be a clinical presentation of drug fever. If it occurs during an infection, drug fever could necessitate additional diagnostic procedures for further evaluation, inadequate antibiotic therapy and prolonged hospitalisation.
Why are beliefs in different conspiracy theories positively correlated across individuals? Testing monological network versus unidimensional factor model explanations
Authors: Williams Matt N. , Marques Mathew D. , Hill Stephen R. , Kerr John R. , Ling Mathew
Published: January 2022

A substantial minority of the public express belief in conspiracy theories. A robust phenomenon in this area is that people who believe one conspiracy theory are more likely to believe in others. But the reason for this “positive manifold” of belief in conspiracy theories is unclear. One possibility is that a single underlying latent factor (e.g. “conspiracism”) causes variation in belief in specific conspiracy theories. Another possibility is that beliefs in various conspiracy theories support one another in a mutually reinforcing network of beliefs (the “monological belief system” theory). While the monological theory has been influential in the literature, the fact that it can be operationalised as a statistical network model has not previously been recognised. In this study, we therefore tested both the unidimensional factor model and a network model. Participants were 1553 American adults recruited via Prolific. Belief in conspiracies was measured using an adapted version of the Belief in Conspiracy Theories Inventory. The fit of the two competing models was evaluated both by using van Bork et al.’s (Psychometrika, 83, 2018, 443, Multivariate Behavioral Research, 56, 2019, 175) method for testing network versus unidimensional factor models, as well as by evaluating goodness of fit to the sample covariance matrix. In both cases, evaluation of fit according to our pre‐registered inferential criteria favoured the network model.
Aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis after knocking down the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor pathway
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Mao , Tsai Jaw‐Ji , Pan Hung‐Chuan , Arbiser Jack L. , Elia Leonardo , Sheu Meei‐Ling
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating disease with multiple contributing factors. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), with a reciprocal function to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), is involved in airway inflammation. The exact relationship between IGF1R and AhR in lung fibrogenesis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the cascade pathway involving IGF1R and AhR in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

The AhR and IGF1R expressions were determined in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and in a rodent fibrosis model. Pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced lung injury in wild type and AhR knockout (Ahr−/−) mice. The effects of IGF1R inhibition and AhR activation in vitro on TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Beas2B cells and in vivo on BLM‐exposed mice were also examined.

Key Results

There were increased IGF1R levels but AhR expression decreased in the lung of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and BLM‐induced mice. Knockout of AhR aggravated lung fibrosis, while the use of IGF1R inhibitor and AhR agonist significantly attenuated such effects and inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in Beas2B cells. Both TGF‐β1 and BLM markedly suppressed AhR expression through endoplasmic reticulum stress and consequently, IGF1R activation. The IGF1R inhibitor and specific knockdown of IGF1R reversed the activation of the TGF‐β1 signal pathway.

Conclusion and Implications

In the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, AhR and IGF1R play opposite roles via the TGF‐β/Smad/STAT signalling cascade. The AhR/IGF1R axis is a potential target for the treatment of lung injury and fibrosis.
Silent screams: Listening to and making meaning from the voices of abused children
Authors: Iorfa Steven Kator , Effiong James Edem , Apejoye Alice , Johri Tanya , Isaiah Uwemedimo Sunday , Eche Grace Oyikowo , Ottu Iboro F. A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Sexual violence against children is a major clinical, public health and human rights concern globally. Specifically, child sexual violence (CSV) is one of the world's leading causes of trauma in children. In extreme cases, victims of CSV grow up with a plethora of maladaptive behaviours, which may be salient in the course of growth but later present in adulthood as severe cases of comorbid psychopathologies. It is expected therefore that CSV cases be treated with urgency and policies/laws against perpetrators be translated into visible outcomes. However, many CSV cases go unreported; and where there are attempts at reporting, the manner and approach of handling these cases is discouraging and futile. In this study, we explored the lived experiences of CSV survivors in Nigeria who tried reporting and opening up their experiences.

Method

Using the hermeneutic phenomenological approach, responses from 11 girls aged 15 to 17 years at the time of the study and 8 to 16 years at onset of abuse were obtained. Data were gathered through interviews, and the victims' experiences were aggregated using content analysis.

Results

The major findings were summarized under the following themes: (a) silent screams, (b) trauma and the search for a therapeutic ear, (c) stigma and (d) withdrawal: our last resort. Respondents reported crying out and begging perpetrators to stop the act. They also reported experiencing trauma and related physical/mental health issues after the act. As they sought whom to disclose to, they reported feeling stigmatized and eventually having to withdraw and recoil.

Conclusions

Implications of the study cut across medical practice, social work, therapeutics and policy formation/implementation for the prevention of CSV and attending to CSV victims in hospitals, homes and schools. The importance of empathic therapeutic processes was discussed. The need for a multisectoral and multistakeholder approach in tackling CSV was also highlighted.
Stress hyperglycemia is associated with in‐hospital mortality in patients with diabetes and acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Mi Donghua , Li Zixiao , Gu Hongqiu , Jiang Yingyu , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun
Published: January 2022

Background and Objective

Stress hyperglycemia may occur in diabetic patients with acute severe cerebrovascular disease, but the results regarding its association with stroke outcomes are conflicting. This study aimed to examine the association between stress‐induced hyperglycemia and the occurrence of in‐hospital death in patients with diabetes and acute ischemic stroke.

Research Design and Methods

All data were from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) database and were collected between 2016 and 2018 from >300 centers across China. Patients’ demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory data were extracted from the database. The primary endpoint was in‐hospital death. The ratio of fasting blood glucose (FBG) to HbA1c was calculated, that is, the stress‐induced hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), to determine stress hyperglycemia following acute ischemic stroke.

Results

A total of 168,381 patients were included. The mean age was 66.2 ± 10.7, and 77,688 (43.0%) patients were female. The patients were divided into two groups: survivors (n = 167,499) and non‐survivors (n = 882), as well as into four groups according to their SHR quartiles (n = 42,090–42,099/quartile). There were 109 (0.26%), 142 (0.34%), 196 (0.47%), and 435 (1.03%) patients who died in the Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 quartiles, respectively. Compared with Q1 patients, the death risk was higher in Q4 patients (odds ratio (OR) = 4.02) (adjusted OR = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–2.92, p = 0.018 after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors). The ROC analyses showed that SHR (AUC = 0.667, 95% CI: 0.647–0.686) had a better predictive value for mortality than that of fasting blood glucose (AUC = 0.633, 95% CI: 0.613–0.652) and HbA1c (AUC = 0.523, 95% CI: 0.504–0.543).

Conclusions

The SHR may serve as an accessory parameter for the prognosis of patients with diabetes after acute ischemic stroke. Hyperglycemia in stroke patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher risk of in‐hospital death.
The next generation of conservation research and policy priorities for threatened and exploited chondrichthyan fishes in the United States: An expert solicitation approach
Authors: Shiffman David S. , Elliott Jessica N. , Macdonald Catherine C. , Wester Julia N. , Polidoro Beth A. , Ferry Lara A.
Published: January 2022

Chondrichthyan fishes are ecologically and economically important, yet many are overfished or at elevated risk of extinction. Researchers report a desire to perform policy‐relevant science that can generate data in support of effective conservation and management plans, but also report a lack of clarity about how to most effectively to do that. To address this gap, we created a list of research and policy priorities for chondrichthyan species of conservation concern in US waters using a modified expert solicitation horizon scan approach. Thirty‐five policy‐relevant research priorities and twenty‐seven policy priorities are presented here, a list which can help to guide scientists and conservationists to maximize the effectiveness of their research and policy advocacy.
Perinatal foreign body aspiration in a Thoroughbred foal
Authors: Migliorisi Alessandro C. , Metcalfe Laurie , Gilsenan William F.
Published: January 2022

A newborn Thoroughbred colt was referred after dystocia delivery and with clinical signs compatible with neonatal encephalopathy secondary to acute perinatal asphyxia. Appropriate treatment was started. Although this was followed by gradual and significant clinical improvement, persistent signs of upper respiratory disease warranted further diagnostic investigation. Upper respiratory tract endoscopic examination revealed the presence of an aspirated foreign body (believed to be a fragment of fetal membranes).
Quantitative thermographic method for fatigue life prediction under variable amplitude loading
Authors: Feng Ensheng , Wang Xiaogang , Jiang Chao , Crupi Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

Quantitative thermographic methodology (QTM), which takes energy dissipation as a fatigue indicator, has been successfully applied to predict the fatigue life of materials and welded joints under constant amplitude loading. This study advances the QTM approach for predicting the fatigue life under variable amplitude loading in both low and high cycle fatigue regimes. Experimental data, obtained by fatigue tests under variable amplitude loading, were used in order to apply the developed QTM approach and to demonstrate that it is able to take into account the loading sequence effect. Good predictions of the fatigue life were achieved.
Views on migration partnerships from the ground: Lessons from Nigeria
Authors: Olakpe Oreva
Published: January 2022

What is the current situation of migration partnerships and governance and how has it evolved? The perceived rise in migratory movement of African migrants towards Europe created legal and policy chain reactions in Europe focused on stemming irregular migration. These changes include the establishment and externalisation of an EU‐led migration governance in Africa and increased EU–African political engagement through migration dialogue and partnerships. This study investigates the state of play of EU–Africa migration partnerships to unpack lessons learned on transnational migration governance, using Nigeria as an example (The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.).
The characteristics of Australian Maternal and Child Health home visiting nurses undertaking family violence work: An interpretive description study
Authors: Adams Catina , Hooker Leesa , Taft Angela
Published: January 2022

Aims

To explore the family violence practice of home visiting nurses and identify the personal and professional characteristics of nurses undertaking family violence work.

Design

A qualitative research design using interpretive description.

Methods

The family violence nursing practice and characteristics of home visiting nurses in Victoria, Australia, were explored by analysing semi‐structured interviews (n = 37) conducted over 4 months in 2019–2020. Twenty‐five nurses and 12 nurse managers worked in urban, regional city and rural/remote settings. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

We categorized the characteristics of home visiting nurses into two broad themes with sub‐themes: ‘Things you can learn’; and ‘You just bring yourself’.

Conclusion

By researching the characteristics of home visiting nurses undertaking family violence work, this study has identified the personal characteristics managers should consider when recruiting nurses to this specialist role. Identifying the personal and professional skills required will improve nurses' working experience by reducing the risk of a potential skill/role mismatch. These insights may enhance the effectiveness of home visiting nurses so that the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health program contributes effectively to the support of women experiencing family violence.

Impact

Interviewing home visiting nurses and their managers has enabled a clearer insight into this specialist practitioner’s previously unexplored work. Identifying the nurses’ personal, professional, and clinical characteristics should inform the development of position roles and identify nurses who are best suited for this role. This knowledge will ensure that the Maternal and Child Health program effectively supports women experiencing family violence.
Mortality associated with COVID‐19 and hypertension in sub‐Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bepouka Ben , Situakibanza Hippolyte , Sangare Modibo , Mandina Madone , Mayasi Nadine , Longokolo Murielle , Odio Ossam , Mangala Donatien , Isekusu Fiston , Kayembe Jean Marie , Nachega Jean , Mbula Marcel
Published: January 2022

Hypertension is a common comorbidity in COVID‐19 patients. However, little data is available on mortality in COVID‐19 patients with hypertension in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Herein, the authors conducted a systematic review of research articles published from January 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021. Our aim was to evaluate the magnitude of COVID‐19 mortality in patients with hypertension in SSA. Following the PRISMA guidelines, two independent investigators conducted the literature review to collect relevant data. The authors used a random effect model to estimate the odds ratio, or hazard ratio, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, the authors used Egger's tests to check for publication bias. For mortality analysis, the authors included data on 29 945 COVID‐19 patients from seven publications. The authors assessed the heterogeneity across studies with the I2 test. Finally, the pooled analysis revealed that hypertension was associated with an increased odds of mortality among COVID‐19 inpatients (OR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13–1.50). Our analysis revealed neither substantial heterogeneity across studies nor a publication bias. Therefore, our prespecified results provided new evidence that hypertension could increase the risk of mortality from COVID‐19 in SSA.
The association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with hypertension: A cross‐sectional study in a Chinese middle aged‐old population
Authors: Xuan Yan , Shen Ying , Wang Sujie , Gao Ping , Gu Xi , Tang Dou , Wang Xun , Zhu Fanfan , Lu Leiqun , Chen Ling
Published: January 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype and hypertension. We undertook a cross‐sectional study with a sample of 9015 adults from China. The HTGW phenotype was defined as elevated waist circumference (WC) and elevated triglyceride (TG) concentration. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the HTGW phenotype and hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in individuals with the HTGW phenotype, than in those with the normal waist normal triglyceride (NWNT) phenotype (89.9% vs 75.3%, respectively, P < .001). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, current smoker, and current alcohol consumption, the HTGW phenotype was associated with hypertension (Odds Ratio (OR)1.53; 95% CI 1.25–1.87). After further adjustment for potential confounders, the HTGW phenotype was still significantly associated with hypertension (adjusted OR1.28; 95% CI 1.04‐1.58) regardless of sex. The subgroup analyses generally revealed similar associations across all subgroups. This study indicated that the HTGW phenotype was strongly associated with hypertension, and blood pressure should be clinically monitored in individuals with the HTGW phenotype. We suggested a combined use of hypertriglyceridemia waist phenotype in identifying participants who are at high risk of hypertension.
Understanding the impact of ZBTB18 missense variation on transcription factor function in neurodevelopment and disease
Authors: Heng Julian I.‐T. , Viti Leon , Pugh Kye , Marshall Owen J. , Agostino Mark
Published: January 2022

Mutations to genes that encode DNA‐binding transcription factors (TFs) underlie a broad spectrum of human neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we highlight the pathological mechanisms arising from mutations to TF genes that influence the development of mammalian cerebral cortex neurons. Drawing on recent findings for TF genes including ZBTB18, we discuss how functional missense mutations to such genes confer non‐native gene regulatory actions in developing neurons, leading to cell‐morphological defects, neuroanatomical abnormalities during foetal brain development and functional impairment. Further, we discuss how missense variation to human TF genes documented in the general population endow quantifiable changes to transcriptional regulation, with potential cell biological effects on the temporal progression of cerebral cortex neuron development and homeostasis. We offer a systematic approach to investigate the functional impact of missense variation in brain TFs and define their direct molecular and cellular actions in foetal neurodevelopment, tissue homeostasis and disease states.

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A chitinase involved in the mycoparasitism of Trichoderma atroviride on aeciospores of Cronartium ribicola
Authors: Li Jing , Kong Lei , Ma Changle , Bao Zeran , Zhang Dengyun , Chen Yuhui , Wang Changming
Published: January 2022

Trichoderma atroviride SS003 is a mycoparasite of Cronartium ribicola, and it has a significant destructive effect on rust aeciospores. Based on transcriptome sequencing results and qPCR validation, the expression of a chitinase gene named CHI10 was upregulated after induction for 24, 72 and 120 h. A 1.3‐kb cDNA of CHI10 was obtained by RT‐PCR from SS003 mycelium co‐cultured with the cell walls of the aeciospores for 24 h. After the prokaryotic expression of CHI10 gene in Escherichia coli, a recombinant 46.0 kD protein was obtained, and the target fusion protein was partially purified, which was shown to have destructive effects on the cell wall of aeciospores at 40–55°C. This chitinase may be associated with the mycoparasitism of T. atroviride on aeciospores of C. ribicola.
Surgical management of intrathoracic wooden skewers migrating from the stomach and duodenum in dogs: 11 cases (2014–2020)
Authors: Garcia‐Pertierra S. , Das S. , Burton C. , Barnes D. , Murgia D. , Anderson D. , Kulendra N. , Harris K. , Forster K.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation, management and outcome of cases presenting with intrathoracic wooden skewers originating from the abdominal gastrointestinal tract.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records of dogs presented and treated for an intrathoracic wooden skewer were reviewed from June to August 2020. Data included signalment, clinical presentation, duration of clinical signs, haematological and biochemical abnormalities, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical procedure, postoperative complications and outcome.

Results

Eleven dogs were included in the study. In all cases, the foreign body was identified as a wooden skewer. The most common clinical signs were anorexia/hyporexia (n=7), vomiting/regurgitation (n=7), lethargy (n=6), pyrexia (n=4) and gait abnormalities/lameness (n=3). CT correctly identified a wooden skewer in all cases when performed (n=7). A coeliotomy combined with transdiaphragmatic thoracotomy was performed in six of 11 cases (55%), a coeliotomy combined with median sternotomy in four of 11 cases (36%) and a median sternotomy alone was performed in one case. Foreign bodies penetrated from the stomach (n=10) or the duodenum (n=1). Intrathoracic trauma was most commonly identified to the lungs (n=3) and pericardium (n=3). Complications occurred in three of 11 cases (27%), two minor and one resulting in death. Ten of the 11 cases (91%) survived to discharge. Long‐term outcome was available for seven of 11 cases (66%), all of them excellent.

Clinical Significance

Despite the challenges of managing wooden skewers penetrating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal gastrointestinal tract, the majority of the patients are stable to undergo diagnostic procedures, surgical exploration and management with low morbidity and excellent short‐ and long‐term prognosis.
‘9th May 2017 is OUR DAY’: The Homeland Study Group Foundation and contested national imaginaries in postindependence Ghana
Authors: Adotey Edem
Published: January 2022

Ghana has been held up as an oasis of stability in a highly volatile region of Africa due to its peaceful decolonisation process, absence of serious civil conflict and successful change of governments. However, in Ghana as in parts of postindependence Africa, there are lingering secessionist movements that are a legacy of colonialism. The latest comes from the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) which declared the former British Togoland, a former United Nations trust territory administered by the United Kingdom, as an independent state called Western Togoland. Through the prism of competing or alternative national imaginaries rather than the weak and dysfunctional state paradigm, this article seeks to explain the roots of a form of Togoland nationalism in Ghana in events of 1956 that remains relevant today. The paper argues that an apparently successful integration can stimulate/give sustenance to alternative nationalist imaginaries.
Ritual in practice: Creating epistemic friction and overcoming ideological imperviousness in an introductory religious studies class
Authors: Hotham Matthew R.
Published: January 2022

The Ritual in Practice Project, adapted from Elizabeth Corrie's Ascetic Withdrawal assignment, asks students in an introductory Religious Studies course at a public university to create a unique ritual practice, engage in it for a month, reflecting on it throughout the project. This activity attempts to circumvent what Jeanine Weakes Schoer calls “ideological imperviousness” by forcing students to encounter what Jose Medina has termed “epistemic friction” as they encounter their own “meta‐blindness” about religious difference. Students realize that the class requires them to do more than acquire object‐level information about religions, it asks them to examine how their own positionality shapes their perceptions of religion and religious difference. The Ritual in Practice Project is a form of “controlled failure” where students encounter the limitations of their own presuppositions about religious freedom in the U.S. and the relationship between belief in practice through an activity that seems low‐stakes and even playful.
KLB dysregulation mediates disrupted muscle development in intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Cortes‐Araya Yennifer , Stenhouse Claire , Salavati Mazdak , Dan‐Jumbo Susan O. , Ho William , Ashworth Cheryl J. , Clark Emily , Esteves Cristina L. , Donadeu F. Xavier
Published: January 2022

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in humans and domestic animals. Developmental adaptations of skeletal muscle in IUGR lead to increased risk of premature muscle loss and metabolic disease in later life. Here, we identified β‐Klotho (KLB), a fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) co‐receptor, as a novel regulator of muscle development in IUGR. Using the pig as a naturally‐occurring disease model, we performed transcriptome‐wide profiling of fetal muscle (day 90 of pregnancy) from IUGR and normal‐weight (NW) littermates. We found that, alongside large‐scale transcriptional changes comprising multiple developmental, tissue injury and metabolic gene pathways, KLB was increased in IUGR muscle. Moreover, FGF21 concentrations were increased in plasma in IUGR fetuses. Using cultures of fetal muscle progenitor cells (MPCs), we showed reduced myogenic capacity of IUGR compared to NW muscle in vitro, as evidenced by differences in fusion indices and myogenic transcript levels, as well as mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. Moreover, transfection of MPCs with KLB small interfering RNA promoted myogenesis and mTOR activation, whereas treatment with FGF21 had opposite and dose‐dependent effects in porcine and also in human fetal MPCs. In conclusion, our results identify KLB as a novel and potentially critical mediator of impaired muscle development in IUGR, through conserved mechanisms in pigs and humans. Our data shed new light onto the pathogenesis of IUGR, a significant cause of lifelong ill‐health in humans and animals.

Key points

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with large‐scale transcriptional changes in developmental, tissue injury and metabolic gene pathways in fetal skeletal muscle.

Levels of the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) co‐receptor, β‐Klotho (KLB) are increased in IUGR fetal muscle, and FGF21 concentrations are increased in IUGR fetal plasma.

KLB mediates a reduction in muscle development through inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling.

These effects of KLB on muscle cells are conserved in pig and human, suggesting a vital role of this protein in the regulation of muscle development and function in mammals.