bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal commodity taxation – a new computational procedure with application to India
Authors: Majumder Amita , Ray Ranjan , Santra Sattwik
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed procedure to evaluate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India by applying it to provide evidence on optimal commodity tax rates.

Design/methodology/approach

In the optimal commodity tax literature, the commonly used Ramsey–Samuelson–Diamond–Mirrlees framework assumes invariance of budget allocation between pre- and posttax regimes and uses only the first-order conditions in the two-stage optimization procedure. This paper proposes an iterative method that overcomes the above limitations in obtaining the optimal tax rates.

Findings

It is found that the optimal commodity taxes are highly sensitive to the procedure used to estimate them. The resulting tax rates turn out to be close to the GST tax slabs. The results also show that on both absolute and relative measures, for all the selected states considered here and for All-India, the optimal tax systems are progressive for two chosen values of the inequality aversion parameter.

Originality/value

There is a very limited literature on the computational methodology to calculate optimal commodity taxes, and consequently, the evidence is quite scarce as well. In combining contributions to the computation of optimal taxes with empirical evidence, this paper fills a significant gap in the literature. The context of India gives it added value since the GST has recently been introduced in India, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first attempts at evaluating the Indian GST through the spectacles of optimal taxes.
Exploring customer engagement value from relationship benefits
Authors: Tourchian Alireza , Aali Samad , Sanoubar Naser , Bafandeh Zendeh Alireza
Published: February 2022

Purpose

“Relationship benefits” (RBs) is an approach in relationship marketing. The concept highlights that both customer and firm must receive benefits from the relationship to establish and maintain it. This study aims to identify the impacts of three types of RBs on creating four kinds of customer engagement value (CEVs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study synthesizes previous findings and proposes hypotheses with theoretical supports and reports results from a structural equation model that uses data gathered from 577 Iranian customers across a range of services- based on an extensive review of marketing literature related to RBs.

Findings

Confidence benefits are the strongest driver of customer lifetime value and customer influence value, while special treatment benefits are the strongest driver of customer knowledge value (CKV) and customer referral value. Social benefits only affect CKV.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should examine the role of other types of RBs in creating CEV, beyond the original three types of RBs.

Originality/value

There is no research addressing the impact of delivering RBs on CEV. This study combines RBs and CEV into a single model and demonstrates the roles of different types of RBs in creating CEV for service firms.
Assessing behavioral intention toward green hotels during COVID-19 pandemic: the moderating role of environmental concern
Authors: Dwivedi Rajiv Kumar , Pandey Manoj , Vashisht Anil , Pandey Devendra Kumar , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the consumers' behavioral intention toward green hotels. The tendency of individuals to afford green hotels is further escalating with progressing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic recurring waves. The increased worry of consumers toward health, hygiene and the climate is acquiring momentum and transforming how consumers traditionally perceive green hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has recommended an integrated framework incorporating various research fields as attitude-behavior-context theory, theory of planned behavior (TPB) and moderating influences to study the associations among the antecedents of consumers' behavioral intention toward green hotels. The study comprised the participation of 536 respondents residing in the Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The data analysis strategy involved the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis to test the proposed research framework.

Findings

The results and findings of the study indicated a significant influence of fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental concern on green trust. The results also revealed the considerable impact of green trust on willingness to pay premium, attitude and subjective norms, which significantly influenced behavioral intention. The analysis also revealed the moderating influence of environmental concern in the relationship of green trust and behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study has recommended significant theoretical. The theorists may use this research framework to analyze better the transforming consumer behavior trends toward green hotels in the ongoing fearful and uncertain COVID-19 pandemic scenario.

Practical implications

The study has recommended significant managerial implications. The industry practitioners may also utilize the framework to sustain the hotel business and bring new strategic insights into practice to combat the impact of the pandemic and simultaneously win consumers' trust in green hotels.

Originality/value

Although the researchers have previously emphasized consumers' intention toward green practices embraced by hotels, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the green hotel industry gained noticeable attention from researchers. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of literature providing insights on the behavioral dynamism of hotel customers' trust, attitude and willingness to pay for green hotels during the repetitive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will support the existing literature gap by enlightening the associations among the various antecedents of green hotels' behavioral intention, COVID-19 and environmental concern.
The sinister signs of QAnon: Interpretive agency and paranoid truths in alt‐right oracles
Authors: McIntosh Janet
Published: February 2022

QAnon's promotion of Donald Trump and conspiracy theories is well known, yet almost no analysis has focused on the cryptic writing style in Q's online postings, or ‘Q‐drops’. This essay focuses on QAnon's relationship to signs and symbols, including the style of communication in Q‐drops and the semiotic‐interpretive stances that these encourage. The poetic forms in Q‐drops have social effects crucial to QAnon's popularity. I examine the types of inquiry and semiotic ideology that Q's writing style encourages, and the epistemological roles this style allocates to followers. I also explore how Q‐drops invoke the power of secrecy and divination to reify their aura of omniscience and discernment, while interpellating the Anon — a follower who interprets the Q‐drops — as an epistemological agent in their own right. Ultimately, through decryption and suspicion, Q followers learn about the indirection of signs, and that the truth may lie somewhere behind the unreliable sign vehicle. This epistemology helps to explain some of QAnon's appeal and some of Trump's political durability.
Analysis of pectolytic enzymes and Alternaria spp. in fresh dill, mustard seeds, onions, and vinegar, and their influence on the softening of pickled cucumbers
Authors: Scharf Sabrina , Kersten Anne‐Katrin , Lentzsch Peter , Meurer Peter
Published: February 2022

Proteolytic enzymes or fungi have long been identified as causing softening of pickled cucumbers. As the softening of cucumbers occurs mainly in the pasteurized state, this study considers the hypothesis that vinegar and the added spices could be responsible for this softening by studying polygalacturonase (endo‐/exo‐PG), pectinesterase (PE), and pectin lyase, as well as Alternaria spp. found in the spices. Because of the high endo‐PG activity found in dill, this spice emerged as a possible factor causing spoilage. Compared to dill, the enzyme activity in mustard seeds is eight times lower, and only low levels of enzymes or Alternaria spp. are present in onions or vinegar. Different harvest times and the associated degree of freshness of dill also played a crucial role regarding the endo‐PG activity of up to 25.11 U/g (30°C, mature and very woody dill in late July) but of less than 9.00 U/g in fresh and soft green dill harvested in late June. A temperature of 80°C, held for 3 min, reduced the enzyme activity to less than 1.0 U/g. A final examination of cucumbers with a fixed quantity of mustard seeds, vinegar, and onions but with different variants of dill showed that the quantity of dill and the other ingredients added to the jars is not a potential factor leading to cucumber softening, which conflicts with the hypothesis of cucumber spoilage by vinegar and spices.

Practical Application

This work provides insights into the activity of various pectolytic enzymes and the load of Alternaria spp. in different ingredients used for pickle production. Based on these data and additional pasteurization experiments, this paper evaluates the influence of dill, onions, mustard seeds, and vinegar on cucumber softening.
Behavioral characterization of withdrawal following chronic voluntary ethanol consumption via intermittent two‐bottle choice points to different susceptibility categories
Authors: Quijano Cardé Natalia A. , De Biasi Mariella
Published: February 2022

Background

Alcohol is among the most commonly abused drugs worldwide. Cessation of chronic alcohol consumption can result in the appearance of withdrawal symptoms that commonly promote relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Thus, preclinical models of voluntary alcohol consumption, in which animals manifest spontaneous signs of withdrawal after alcohol cessation, can be useful for studying AUD and its treatment. The intermittent two‐bottle choice paradigm (I2BC) has been used extensively to examine alcohol intake in rodents. However, previous studies have reported conflicting observations regarding its potential to result in the spontaneous manifestation of withdrawal upon alcohol cessation.

Methods

We employed a battery of behavioral tests to examine the emergence of affective and physical signs of withdrawal in female and male mice exposed to alcohol in the I2BC for 10 weeks. Specifically, mice of both sexes undergoing 24‐h withdrawal from the I2BC were tested for physical signs of withdrawal, anxiety‐like behavior in the open field arena (OFA) and elevated plus maze (EPM), and anxiety/compulsive‐like behavior in the marble burying test (MBT). The main outcomes from these tests were combined into a behavioral severity score to describe the overall behavioral phenotype.

Results

Both female and male mice undergoing withdrawal from the I2BC displayed elevated physical signs of withdrawal and anxiety‐associated behavior in the EPM and MBT. Analysis of the overall behavioral severity score revealed more severe phenotypes in female and male mice undergoing withdrawal from the I2BC than controls. Additionally, stratification of the mice based on severity scores demonstrated a differential distribution of severities between the exposure groups.

Conclusions

We confirmed that a significant fraction of mice chronically exposed to alcohol in the I2BC display spontaneous withdrawal. In addition, we showed that computing a severity score from a combination of behavioral metrics can be useful in preclinical research to model evaluation tools used in patients with AUD.
The impact of tax enforcement on corporate investment efficiency: evidence from the tax administration information system
Authors: Zhang Liguang , Chen Wanyi , Peng Liao
Published: February 2022

Information technology is essential in tax enforcement. This study found that stronger tax enforcement after the tax administration information system reform improved corporate investment efficiency by reducing excessive investment expenditures. The effect is more significant under higher local government fiscal pressure, poorer external information environments, weaker external corporate governance, and stronger tax avoidance motivation. The main mechanism is based on the quality of the accounting information. This study enriches the literature on the economic consequences of tax enforcement and adds investment efficiency as an influential factor, which provides implications for international governments to use information technology to strengthen tax enforcement.
Affective and cognitive theory of mind in posttraumatic stress, major depressive, and somatic symptom disorders: Association with childhood trauma
Authors: Seitz Katja I. , Ehler Nicola , Schmitz Marius , Schmitz Sara E. , Dziobek Isabel , Herpertz Sabine C. , Bertsch Katja
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Childhood trauma constitutes a major risk factor for adult psychopathology, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and somatic symptom disorder (SSD). One potential mechanism linking childhood trauma to adult psychopathology may be alterations in theory of mind (ToM). Given the lack of transdiagnostic studies on the association between childhood trauma and ToM, further research is needed to elucidate whether and how childhood trauma relates to ToM impairments across and within diagnostic boundaries.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was applied.

Methods

A total of 137 individuals with varying levels of childhood trauma took part in this study, encompassing individuals with PTSD (n = 33), MDD (n = 33), SSD (n = 36), and healthy volunteers (HVs; n = 35). To assess ToM performance and childhood trauma, the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition was administered along with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results

Only individuals with PTSD, but not individuals with MDD or SSD, showed a worse ToM performance compared to HVs. In the whole sample, childhood trauma correlated negatively with ToM performance. Exploratory group‐specific analyses revealed higher levels of childhood trauma to be associated with more excessive ToM errors in individuals with SSD, and notably with an enhanced ToM performance in individuals with MDD.

Conclusions

Our results indicate associations between childhood trauma and ToM impairments in a large, transdiagnostic sample. Provided replication in future studies, our findings suggest ToM capacities as a promising treatment target for individuals exposed to severe childhood trauma, at least or particularly with a diagnosis of PTSD.

Practitioner points

Our results suggest that individuals with a history of severe childhood trauma, at least or particularly with a clinical diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, may benefit from therapeutic approaches targeting theory of mind capacities.

Our findings indicate that higher levels of childhood trauma may be linked to a specific ‘hypermentalizing’ bias in somatic symptom disorder.

Our findings further point towards an association between higher levels of childhood trauma and a heightened – rather than a diminished – sensitivity towards interpersonal cues in major depressive disorder.

Provided further confirmatory evidence, our findings may support diagnosis‐specific approaches in ameliorating theory of mind abilities in individuals with different mental disorders and a history of severe childhood trauma.
The presence of mast cells in lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus of the scalp: A quantitative study
Authors: Shahidi‐Dadras Mohammad , Asadi Kani Zahra , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Zartab Hamed , Rakhshan Azadeh
Published: February 2022

Background

Histopathologic differentiation of lichen planopilaris (LPP) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) as two common causes of primary cicatricial alopecias remains challenging.

Method

We performed a histopathologic study on a case series of LPP and DLE specimens to investigate the number, distribution, and morphology of mast cells as indices for differentiation of these two entities. H&E investigation and Giemsa staining for the detection of mast cells was performed.

Result

A total of 74 cases comprising 50 cases of LPP and 24 cases of DLE were assessed. The mean mast cell count and percentage were significantly higher in LPP group (p < 0.001). Mean degranulated mast cell count and the mean intact mast cell count were also significantly higher in LPP patients (p < 0.001). Most of the specimens, 58 (78.4%), showed both perifollicular and perivascular distribution of mast cells without significant difference between two groups. The morphology of mast cells was predominantly round‐oval in 85.5%, predominantly fusiform in 13.5% with more frequent fusiform morphology in DLE group.

Conclusion

The mast cell count detected by Giemsa staining could assist pathologists in distinguishing between LPP and DLE.
Social recovery in substance use disorder: A metasynthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Vigdal Mariann Iren , Moltu Christian , Bjornestad Jone , Selseng Lillian Bruland
Published: February 2022

Issues

In substance use disorder, connection to social communities plays a significant role in the recovery process. The aim here has been to identify and synthesise the qualitative research examining the process of social recovery from a first‐person perspective and how social communities assist in this process.

Approach

Metasynthesis using the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, SocIndex and Web of Science. The search returned 6913 original articles, of which 18 met the following criteria: examining the experience of social recovery from a first‐person perspective and how social communities support this process, age of 18+, recovery of at least 12 months, in an English‐language peer‐reviewed journal. Review protocol registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020190159).

Key Findings

The persons in recovery emphasised communities that they perceived as being safe and non‐stigmatising. These are qualities that contributed to positive self‐change, and these communities were perceived as suitable arenas in which to confront responsibility and trust. Additionally, participants found that their relationship skills were improving due to the new social bonds forged in these communities. A sense of citizenship was gained along with a regaining of social dignity through voluntary work and giving back to society.

Implications

The pivotal role of the social community identified in this review underscores the importance of recognising and supporting persons in recovery's needs when connecting with such communities

Conclusion

We propose a four‐stage model to guide research into social recovery from a first‐person perspective and how social communities support this process.
Boudewijn Soetens
Authors: Soetens Boudewijn
Published: February 2022

With offices in lockdown, finding ways to replicate the special community at VanBerlo has highlighted the importance of the workplace as a hub for social cohesion.
Supervised machine learning algorithm identified KRT20, BATF and TP63 as biologically relevant biomarkers for bladder biopsy specimens from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients
Authors: Kamasako Tomohiko , Kaga Kanya , Inoue Ken‐ichi , Hariyama Masanori , Yamanishi Tomonori
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study was carried out to identify biomarkers that distinguish Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis from non‐Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis patients.

Methods

Total ribonucleic acid was purified from 212 punch biopsy specimens of 89 individuals who were diagnosed as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. To examine the expression profile of patients’ bladder specimens, 68 urothelial master transcription factors and nine known markers (E‐cadherin, cytokeratins, uroplakins and sonic hedgehog) were selected. To classify the biopsy samples, principal component analysis was carried out. A decision tree algorithm was adopted to identify critical determinants, in which 102 and 116 bladder specimens were used for learning and validation, respectively.

Results

Principal component analysis segregated tissues from Hunner‐type and non‐Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis specimens in principal component axes 2 and 4. Principal components 2 and 4 contained urothelial stem/progenitor transcription factors and cytokeratins, respectively. A decision tree identified KRT20, BATF and TP63 to classify non‐Hunner‐type and Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis specimens. KRT20 was lower in tissues from Hunner‐type compared with non‐Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis specimens (P < 0.001). TP63 was lower in Hunner’s lesions compared with adjacent mucosa from Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis patients (P < 0.001). Blinded validation using additional biopsy specimens verified that the decision tree showed fairly precise concordance with cystoscopic diagnosis.

Conclusion

KRT20, BATF and TP63 were identified as biologically relevant biomarkers to classify tissues from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome specimens. The biologically explainable determinants could contribute to defining the elusive interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome pathogenesis.
Primary culture of germ cells that portray stem cell characteristics and recipient preparation for autologous transplantation in the rhesus monkey
Authors: Yuan Huaqin , Sun Jiachen , Wang Shengnan , Xiang Ziyi , Yang Fan , Yan Yaping , Duan Yanchao , Li Lufan , Wu Xin , Si Wei
Published: February 2022

Fertility preservation for prepubertal cancer patients prior to oncologic treatment is an emerging issue, and non‐human primates are considered to constitute suitable models due to the limited availability of human testicular tissues. However, the feasibility of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) propagation in vitro and autologous testicular germ cell transplantation in vivo requires further exploration in monkeys. Herein, we characterized germ cells in macaque testes at 6 months (M), 18 M and 60 M of age, and effectively isolated the spermatogenic cells (including the spermatogonia) from macaque testes with high purity (over 80%) using combined approaches of STA‐PUT separation, Percoll gradients and differential plating. We also generated recipient monkey testes with ablated endogenous spermatogenesis using the alkylating agent busulfan in six macaques, and successfully mimicked autologous cell transplantation in the testes under ultrasonographic guidance. The use of trypan blue led to successful intratubular injection in 4 of 4 testes. Although SSCs in culture showed no significant propagation, we were able to maintain monkey testicular germ cells with stem cell characteristics for up to 3 weeks. Collectively, these data provided meaningful information for future fertility preservation and SSC studies on both non‐human primates and humans.
Light and scanning electron microscopy of the effects of Macrogyrodactylus congolensis (Prudhoe, 1957) on the skin of the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Maduenyane Mpho , Dos Santos Quinton Marco , Avenant‐Oldewage Annemariè
Published: February 2022

Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) is one of the two most actively cultured freshwater fish in Africa and therefore, economically important. Specimens of this species were purchased from a fish farm near Hartbeespoort Dam (North West, South Africa) and introduced into the tanks of the research aquarium in the Department of Zoology at the University of Johannesburg. However, the skin of these fish was infected with Macrogyrodactylus congolensis (Prudhoe, 1957), which proliferated profusely in the favourable conditions of the aquarium, posing a potential threat to its host. The current study was aimed at examining the pathology caused by M. congolensis on the skin of C. gariepinus. Species identification of the parasite was confirmed using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DNA barcoding of the internal transcribed spacer region. Examination of the pathology was studied using LM of haematoxylin and eosin–stained sections (epoxy embedded) and SEM of parasites attached to the hosts’ skin. Infected skin exhibited excessive mucus production, corroborated by an increased number of mucus cells alongside proliferated and abnormally enlarged club cells, resulting in varying thickness of the epidermal layer. At the site of attachment, the basement membrane detached from the dermis. Hamulus points and marginal hooks of the parasite pierce through the hosts’ skin resulting in tearing. Epidermal cells and melanin granules were observed in the intestinal lumen of the parasite. Melanin granules were absorbed by the parasite's intestinal epithelium confirming that the parasite feeds on host skin tissue.
Nfatc1+ colonic stem cells contribute to regeneration upon colitis
Authors: Wang Jianyang , Shang Linkuo , Zhang Jiahui , Yu Zhengquan , Huang Jiaqiang , Jin Jing , Lv Cong
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Colonic stem cells play important roles in both normal epithelial turnover and injury repair. Lgr5+ colonic stem cells are highly susceptible to DSS‐induced damage. However, it is still unclear how colonic stem cells regenerate injured epithelium during colitis. Here, we explored the functions of a new population of NFATc1+ colonic stem cells in experimental colitis.

Methods

Nfatc1+ colonic stem cells were labeled using Nfatc1CreERT2;R26mTmG reporter mice. Immunostaining assays were used to detect Goblet cells, enteroendocrine cells, and intestinal stem/progenitor cells. We performed lineage tracing assay to investigate whether Nfatc1+ cells are real colonic stem cells using Nfatc1CreERT2;R26mTmG mice. The contribution of Nfatc1+ stem cells on epithelial regeneration was detected in experimental colitis induced by DSS.

Results

Nfatc1‐reporter marked cells are enriched for +3 to +5 position in colonic crypts, and they are overlapped with Sox9+ cells and Hopx+ cells that have been identified as stem cells in small intestine. However, Nfatc1‐reporter marked cells are not overlapped with Lgr5+ colonic stem cells, as well as differentiated goblet cells and enteroendocrine cells. Furthermore, Nfatc1‐reporter marked cells are able to give rise to all lineages of the colonic epithelium, and they preferentially contribute to the regeneration of colonic epithelium in DSS‐induced experimental colitis.

Conclusion

Nfatc1+ cells were identified as a novel population of colonic stem cells that are primarily located at +3 to +5 position and contribute to epithelial regeneration during colitis.
Laboratory investigation of pheromone pre‐exposure in Lobesia botrana males indicates minor role of desensitization in the field
Authors: Gavara Aitor , Navarro‐Llopis Vicente , Primo Jaime , Vacas Sandra
Published: February 2022

The role of desensitization in mating disruption (MD) of European Grapevine Moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana (Dennis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is studied by exposing males to different airborne pheromone concentrations for various time intervals prior to evaluate their behavioural response. By using different types of dispensers, male moths are exposed to three decreasing pheromone concentrations (up to the minimum concentration able to desensitize them) for 1, 3, and 24 h. The airborne pheromone concentration present in all treatments is accurately quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry equipment to compare these data with actual airborne pheromone concentrations under field conditions. The effect of pheromone exposure on L. botrana males is studied in wind tunnel and electroantennogram assays, immediately and 24 h after the exposure period. Results show that the reduction of response to the pheromone depended on the dose and the duration of the treatment, but the lowest dose tested did not produce desensitization. These results support that the most important mechanisms of MD acting in fields treated against EGVM are the competitive ones and that the non‐competitive ones only may become relevant very close to pheromone dispensers. Our results support the hypothesis of cross‐adaptation to other chemical stimuli in the pre‐exposed moths to their pheromone although more studies are needed to draw stronger conclusions.
Cognitive function and associated factors in older adults: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Xie Xia , He Jie , Du Jiao , Chen Yuqing , Wang Xiaoming
Published: February 2022

Background

Identification of cognition status and its associated factors permit targeted interventions. This study aimed to: (i) investigate cognitive function of Chinese older adults using a large, nationally representative cohort; and (ii) explore its associated factors from aspects of socio‐demographic, health behaviour, physical and mental health.

Methods

Data on 2665 adults aged 65 and older from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study wave 4 in 2018 were analyzed. Information on self‐reported cognition status, socio‐demographic characteristics, health behaviour, physical and mental health status were obtained. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to explore associated factors.

Results

The cognition score was 24.8, with 41.1% of Chinese older adults identified as cognitively impaired. Better cognition was associated with being married, more education, living in a city/town or urban–rural integration zone, moderate night‐time sleep (5–9 h) and post‐lunch napping (less than 90 min), moderate/light physical activity for 30 min to 2 h every day, socially active and good health status; while worse cognition was associated with older age, intensive physical activity every day and more than 4 h a day, greater dependency in activities of daily living and depression.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment is a common health problem in Chinese older adults. Its associated factors are multifaceted, including socio‐demographic characteristics, health behaviour and physical and mental health status. Developing interventions focused on these factors may be an important part of optimising cognition in these populations.
An integrative agent‐based vertical evacuation risk assessment model for near‐field tsunami hazards
Authors: Chen Chen , Mostafizi Alireza , Wang Haizhong , Cox Dan , Chand Cadell
Published: February 2022

This study couples FN‐curves with Agent‐based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) to assess risk for tsunamis with various recurrence intervals . By considering both expected number of casualties and the likelihood of tsunami events, multiple series of simulations and in‐depth analyses determine (1) how vertical evacuation structure (VES) placement impacts mortality rate; (2) what the best evacuation strategies VES locations are; and (3) where evacuees are likely to be caught by tsunami waves. The results from utilizing FN‐curves to conduct disaggregative analyses based on six tsunami scenarios indicate that choosing one tsunami scenario or averaging the risk of different scenarios may not fully articulate VES impacts due to the “levee effect,” which potentially leads to false positives. Findings show that placing VESs close to shorelines saves nearby at‐risk populations, but also results in two risk increasing phenomena: “exposure to risk” (i.e., evacuees being attracted to high risk roads by a VES when evacuating) and “blind zones” (i.e., locations near a VES where evacuees increase their risk by evacuating to that VES). When limited to one VES, placement near a population's centroid results in the lowest mortality rate. More than one VES may lower mortality rate further if VESs are spreading out according to community's topography. In addition to the analysis of tsunamis, the approach of coupling FN‐curves with ABMS can be used by local authorities and engineers to determine tailored hard‐adaptive measures and evacuation strategies, which helps to avoid maladaptive actions in different hazardous events.
Detection of the novel HLA‐B*55:123 allele in a Taiwanese bone marrow donor
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: February 2022

One nucleotide substitution in exon 3 of HLA‐B*55:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐B*55:123.
Análisis de la cultura tributaria de los comerciantes en zona de conflicto. Caso comerciantes ubicados en el centro de la ciudad de Ocaña, Norte de Santander
Authors: Jácome Castilla Naydu Judith , Rizo Peñaranda Yasneidy Lorena , Carrascal Ilver Jaimes
Published: February 2022

Este artículo estudia la cultura tributaria de los comerciantes de la zona centro de la ciudad de Ocaña, Norte de Santander, con respecto al pago de los impuestos de industria y comercio y predial unificado. Es importante analizar cómo el recaudo de los impuestos afecta la generación de ingresos y el desarrollo económico en esta zona que hace parte de la región del Catatumbo marginada por la violencia y la ilegalidad. En términos metodológicos, se hizo una categorización de las actividades económicas y se determinó el nivel de cumplimiento mediante el conocimiento, la aceptación y el compromiso respecto a los tributos. Luego se aplicó una encuesta a la fuente primaria con el objetivo de analizar el nivel de cultura tributaria de los comerciantes. Como resultado de la investigación se evidencia que los contribuyentes de este sector poseen un nivel de cultura tributaria baja, dado que menos del 50% pagan de manera oportuna y consciente los impuestos municipales.
Fabrication of ultrathin suspended membranes from atomic layer deposition films
Authors: Elowson Michael J. , Dhall Rohan , Schwartzberg Adam , Chang Stephanie Y. , Tommasini Vittoria , Alam Sardar B. , Chan Emory M. , Cabrini Stefano , Aloni Shaul
Published: February 2022

Ultrathin films suspended as freestanding membranes are critical to many microelectronic and materials science applications. However, fabrication methods are currently limited in either their flexibility, due to material selectivity issues during the final membrane release, or their scalability. Here, we demonstrate a novel fabrication process for suspending ultrathin films with thicknesses as low as 4 nm and lateral dimensions up to 20 × 1000 μm from a variety of materials grown by atomic layer deposition. A silicon nitride membrane serves as the support for a sacrificial polymer layer and an ultrathin atomic layer deposition film which, after plasma etching, will form the membrane. The high chemical selectivity between atomic layer deposition-grown transition metal nitrides and oxides and the sacrificial polymer means that ultrathin films of a variety of materials can be released without damage using a single process. Electrically conductive titanium nitride membranes can be produced by this method and are of significant interest for electron microscopy applications. Electron transparency of titanium nitride membranes was found to be ∼14% higher than silicon nitride of the same thickness, and of similar conductivity to graphite, meaning that ultrathin, conductive, and electron transparent membranes can be fabricated at scale. These membranes are ideal supports for electron and photon characterization techniques, as well as microelectromechanical system applications that require a conductive membrane.
Evidence for Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of Mtr-Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer among the
Bacteria
Authors: Baker Isabel R. , Conley Bridget E. , Gralnick Jeffrey A. , Girguis Peter R.
Published: February 2022

While many metabolisms make use of soluble, cell-permeable substrates like oxygen or hydrogen, there are other substrates, like iron or manganese, that cannot be brought into the cell. Some bacteria and archaea have evolved the means to directly “plug in” to such environmental electron reservoirs in a process known as extracellular electron transfer (EET), making them powerful agents of biogeochemical change and promising vehicles for bioremediation and alternative energy.
Co-administration of Favipiravir and the Remdesivir Metabolite GS-441524 Effectively Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Replication in the Lungs of the Syrian Hamster Model
Authors: Chiba Shiho , Kiso Maki , Nakajima Noriko , Iida Shun , Maemura Tadashi , Kuroda Makoto , Sato Yuko , Ito Mutsumi , Okuda Moe , Yamada Shinya , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Watanabe Tokiko , Imai Masaki , Armbrust Tammy , Baric Ralph S. , Halfmann Peter J. , Suzuki Tadaki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: February 2022

During a pandemic, repurposing drugs that are approved for other diseases is a quick and realistic treatment option. In this study, we found that co-administration of favipiravir and the remdesivir metabolite GS-441524 more effectively blocked SARS-CoV-2 replication in the lungs of Syrian hamsters than either favipiravir or GS-441524 alone as part of a prophylactic or therapeutic regimen.
Supplemental Material: Quantifying large-scale continental shelf margin growth and dynamics across middle-Cretaceous Arctic Alaska with detrital zircon U-Pb dating
Authors: Lease Richard , al. et
Published: February 2022

U-Pb methods and data.
Supplemental Material: Linking metamorphism and plate boundaries over the past 2 b.y.
Authors: Liu Yebo , Mitchell Ross , al. et
Published: February 2022

Methods, ten supplemental figures, one supplemental table, and references.
Supplemental Material: Calcite U-Pb ages constrain petroleum migration pathways in tectonic complex basins
Authors: Cong Fuyun , Tian Jinqiang , al. et
Published: February 2022

Sample information, analytical procedures, and data tables.
Supplemental Material: Zircon petrochronology of Cretaceous Cordilleran interior granites of the Snake Range and Kern Mountains, Nevada, USA
Authors: Gottlieb Eric , al. et
Published: February 2022

CL images; Methods; Results; Table S1: SHRIMP-RG age and trace-element data; Table S2: SIMS oxygen isotope data; Table S3: WiscSIMS instrument data; Table S4: Laser-ablation Hf isotope data; Table S5: Laser-ablation age data; Tables S6 and S7: Whole-rock major- and trace-element geochemistry; and Table S8: TIMS Sr-Nd data
Examining the barriers and facilitators for Māori accessing injury and rehabilitation services: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Nelson Vicky , Lambert Michelle , Richard Lauralie , Derrett Sarah , Wyeth Emma
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Injury accounts for 10% of the global burden of disease. While the literature is scarce, research investigating injury among Indigenous populations has found incidence and prevalence rates are higher, compared with non-Indigenous populations. New Zealand is no exception; Māori have higher rates of injury and disability compared with non-Māori. Given the burden of injury for Māori, this scoping review aims to identify, understand and map available literature related to the barriers and facilitators to accessing injury-related healthcare for Māori in New Zealand.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be conducted to identify the relevant literature and provide an opportunity to highlight key concepts and research gaps in the literature. This work will be guided by the scoping review framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley and will be underpinned by Kaupapa Māori research principles. The overall project is also be guided by a Māori advisory group. Database searches, for example, MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus and Embase, will be used to identify empirical literature, and Google, New Zealand government websites and relevant non-government organisations will be used to identify relevant grey literature.

Ethics and dissemination

To the best of our knowledge, this scoping review is the first to systematically examine the currently available literature relating to the barriers and facilitators of accessing injury-related healthcare for Māori in New Zealand. Ethical approval was not required for this scoping review. Dissemination will include publication of the scoping review findings in a peer-reviewed journal, as well as presentations at conferences, to the project’s advisory group, and staff working in the field of Māori disability and rehabilitation.
Depression, anxiety and insomnia among frontline healthcare workers amid the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oteir Alaa O , Nazzal Mohammad S , Jaber Ala'a F , Alwidyan Mahmoud T , Raffee Liqaa A
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and insomnia among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in Jordan.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was conducted among 122 frontline HCWs who have dealt with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. The study survey included standardised questionnaires of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Data were collected online during the active surge period of cases from 11 May 2020 to 13 June 2020. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, bivariate correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results

A total of 122 HCWs participated in the study (response rate=64.2%). Among the participants, 44.3% were physicians, 32.8% were nurses and 17.2% were paramedics. The mean age of participants was 32.1 (±5.8) years, and the majority were males (80.3%). The mean scores for GAD-7, PHQ-9 and ISI were 8.5 (±5.2), 9.5 (±5.7) and 11.2 (±6.4), respectively. Results showed that the participants reported severe symptoms of anxiety (29.5%), depression (34.5%) and insomnia (31.9%), with no observed differences based on gender, job title, marital status or educational level. Moreover, in the multivariate linear regression, none of the independent factors were associated with GAD-7, PHQ-9 or ISI scores, and the only exception was increased severity of insomnia among paramedics.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted strenuous emotional, psychological and physical pressures on the health of frontline HCWs.
Association of maternal socioeconomic status and race with risk of congenital heart disease: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Miao Qun , Dunn Sandra , Wen Shi Wu , Lougheed Jane , Maxwell Cynthia , Reszel Jessica , Hafizi Kaamel , Walker Mark
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the interrelationships between maternal socioeconomic status (SES), race and congenital heart diseases (CHD) among infants.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Study setting

Ontario, Canada.

Study population

All singleton stillbirths and live births born in hospitals between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2018 in Ontario, Canada (n=804 292).

Outcome

CHD.

Analysis

Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between maternal neighbourhood household income, education level, race and CHD while adjusting for maternal age at birth, assisted reproductive technology, obesity, pre-existing health conditions, substance use during pregnancy, maternal rural residence and infant’s sex.

Results

Compared with infants whose mothers lived in the highest median household income neighbourhoods, infants whose mothers lived in the lowest median income neighbourhoods had a higher likelihood of having CHD (adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.24). Compared with infants whose mothers lived in neighbourhoods with more people with a university or higher degree, those infants whose mothers lived in neighbourhoods with less people with a university or higher degree had a higher chance of developing CHD (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.36). Compared with white mothers, black mothers had a higher odds of giving birth to a child with CHD (adjusted OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.54). No association was detected between White and Asian mothers and CHD among infants.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that there are inequities in CHD burden by maternal SES and race in Ontario, Canada. Further investigation is needed to examine racial variation in CHD using more detailed ethnic data.
Diaphragm ultrasound to evaluate the antagonistic effect of sugammadex on rocuronium after liver surgery in patients with different liver Child-Pugh grades: study protocol for a prospective, double-blind, non-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sun Shujun , Sun Yan , Chen Rui , Yao Chunlin , Xia Haifa , Chen Xiangdong , Lin Yun , Yao Shanglong
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The use of muscle relaxants is an indispensable in the general anaesthesia but is prone to accidents, which are often related to residual muscle relaxant. Therefore, how to timely and effectively eliminate the residual effect of muscle relaxants after surgery has become an urgent clinical problem. Rocuronium is a non-depolarising muscle relaxant that is primarily metabolised by the liver. Patients with liver dysfunction can affect the metabolic process of rocuronium, thereby delaying the recovery of muscle relaxation. Sugammadex (SUG) is a novel-specific antagonist of aminosteroidal muscle relaxants, which can effectively antagonise muscle relaxants at different depths. However, whether liver dysfunction affects the antagonistic effect of SUG against rocuronium has not been reported. Therefore, we hypothesise that with the increase of patients’ liver Child-Pugh grade, the recovery time of rocuronium antagonised by the same dose of SUG after surgery will be prolonged, and the incidence of muscle relaxation residual will be increased in the short term.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective, double-blind, low-intervention, non-randomised controlled clinical trial involving 99 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Ⅰ–Ⅲ, body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, who will undergo laparoscopic radical resection of liver cancer under general anaesthesia in the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Ultrasonography will be applied to monitor the change rate of diaphragm thickness at different time after extubation to evaluate the occurrence of residual muscle relaxant, which indirectly reflects the dose–effect relationship of SUG antagonising against rocuronium in patients with different liver Child-Pugh grades preoperatively.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (UHCT21012). The findings will be disseminated to the public through peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05028088.