bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better together: involving consumers in the ideation, creation and dissemination of transformative value
Authors: Bilstein Nicola , Verlegh Peeter W.J. , Klostermann Jan , Akpinar Ezgi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Consumers play a central role in the creation of transformative value, enhancing the well-being of people and the planet. With this article, the authors synthesize service and communication scholars' views to conceptually discuss opportunities and challenges on how to involve consumers in the ideation, creation and dissemination of transformative value. In doing so, the authors identify avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies on a review of service and communication literature, connecting their insights to real world examples.

Findings

Consumers are involved in the ideation, creation and dissemination of transformative value by engaging in customer innovation, customer participation and customer dissemination behaviors. In relation to these types of customer involvement, four overarching research themes emerge in the context of transformative services: (1) the voice of the non-customer, (2) protecting vulnerable customers, (3) consumer literacy and (4) WOM as a double-edged sword.

Originality/value

This research contributes to transformative service research by assessing the opportunities and challenges related to customers' involvement in the ideation, creation and dissemination of transformative value. Additionally, it identifies avenues for the future at the intersection of communication and service research.
Critical literacy: prevents negative impact of clickbait news on news agency website
Authors: Lestari Prihantiyani Margi , Mutia Fitri
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe the critical literacy of online newsreaders on the viva.co.id website in dealing with clickbait news. Critical literacy is oriented to the critical power of online newsreaders by analyzing, evaluating and reflecting on the relationship of online newsreaders, texts and social and political contexts. This research will focus on the type of clickbait exaggeration or news headlines that use exaggeration.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. The purpose of quantitative research is to provide information on a situation by using scientific procedures to answer a question in an actual way (Sugiyono, 2010). Scientific observation is carried out carefully to obtain accurate results on a phenomenon. This study presents an overview of the situation or a phenomenon regarding the critical literacy of online newsreaders on the viva.co.id website in dealing with clickbait titles in Surabaya. The population in this study were all online newsreaders entitled clickbait on the viva.co.id website, where the number of online newsreaders on the viva.co.id website was not known. Sampling in this study used the Lemeshow formula (Lemeshow, 1997, as cited in Priyambodo, 2019). This formula determines the number of samples if the population is not known. Based on the calculation using the Lemeshow formula, it can be seen that the minimum sample size required is 96 respondents who are rounded up to 100 respondents with a 95% confidence level.

Findings

Based on the findings of the data recapitulation of the overall dimensions of critical literacy, this study shows that newsreaders entitled clickbait on the website viva.co.id have critical literacy skills that fall into the high category with an overall average of 4.07. This finding shows positive results because critical literacy skills are skills needed by newsreaders entitled clickbait on the website viva.co.id. Currently, online news is very much in number, and it may be that the news is not by the existing facts; therefore, this ability is considered very important because, with this ability, the reader can find out the ideology or interests that affect a news publication (Priyatni, 2010).

Research limitations/implications

This research only uses an online news provider, namely, viva.co.id, it is an Indonesia-based online news provider that covers all news subjects.

Practical implications

This study will give understanding about the use of critical literacy to prevent negative impact on clickbait and is very useful for all online newsreaders, information practitioners and scientists.

Originality/value

The use of critical literacy to assess online news is rarely studied in Indonesia, especially when dealing with clickbait news that can harm or bring disadvantages for readers. So, this study is very important to help readers to prevent clickbait news.
Prevalence of the born-global phenomenon in different countries: an integrated perspective
Authors: Prieto-Sánchez Carlos-Javier , Merino Fernando
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to analyze how factors such as innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and motivation, as well as various economic and environmental factors, affect the creation of born-global (BG) companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested through logistic regression techniques to a sample obtained from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data set for the period from 2007 to 2016.

Findings

Empirical findings suggest that innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and motivation, as well as government policies, contribute to a company’s likelihood of becoming BG.

Originality/value

Recent research has shown interest in the development of explanatory models of BG firms that allow the study of how context and institutions affect the development of international business activities. Following an integrative and a multidisciplinary approach with a temporal dimension, this study expands the literature by comparing countries with different income levels and analyzing macroeconomic aspects along with certain characteristics of the entrepreneur and the environment as possible determinants. This study provides a better understanding of the prevalence of the BG business phenomenon by paying attention to country characteristics and how they affect the traits of individuals.
Virtual reality utility and usefulness in the furniture, fixture and equipment sector: a validation of interactive and distributed immersion
Authors: Prabhakaran Abhinesh , Mahamadu Abdul-Majeed , Mahdjoubi Lamine , Booth Colin , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The Furniture, Fixture and Equipment (FFE) sector is well placed to leverage virtual reality (VR) technology for competitive and operational advantages; however, the diffusion of VR applications in this sector has followed a steep curve. This study reports on the implementation of two novel VR applications in the FFE sector and also investigates the challenges and benefits associated with their use and adaptability.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential exploratory mixed research methodology consisting of three phases was adopted for this study. This included identification of factors that affect/facilitate the implementation of VR (Challenges and Benefits) using experiments during in-house prototyping of VR applications, a rigorous literature review and questionnaire survey to solicit FFE Stakeholder's (n = 117) opinion on the utility and usefulness of the proposed applications and to the understand factors that facilitate and inhibit their implementation in FFE's context, particularly as a design communication and coordination tool.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed that distributed and single-user VR has become essential to digitalising the FFE sector's design communication with improved design communication being regarded as the most important benefit of its use. Conversely, the most critical challenge that inhibits the implementation of these two VR applications in the FFE sector is the perceived cost.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insight to FFE's stakeholders to devise action plans to mitigate myriad complex and interrelated factors that affect the adoption of virtual reality technology in the FFE sector that are otherwise very hard to understand, and the consequential implementation of any mitigation plans cannot be devised.
Symbiosis and pathogenicity of Geosmithia and Talaromyces spp. associated with the cypress bark beetles Phloeosinus spp. and their parasitoids
Authors: Meshram Vineet , Sharma Gunjan , Maymon Marcel , Protasov Alex , Mendel Zvi , Freeman Stanley
Published: April 2022

Fungi associated with cypress bark beetles are practically unknown in the Eastern Mediterranean. Our study focused on the fungi associated with the body parts and galleries of two indigenous cypress bark beetles, Phloeosinus armatus and P. bicolor, sampled from Cupressus sempervirens trees in different regions in Israel. Arbitrarily primed PCR, performed on genomic DNA of 302 isolates, clustered the fungal population into five distinct groups. Multilocus phylogeny, split‐network analyses and morphological characterization identified the isolates as Geosmithia omnicola, Geosmithia langdonii, Geosmithia sp. 708b, Geosmithia cupressina sp. nov. CBS147103 and Talaromyces cupressi sp. nov. CBS147104. Of these fungal isolates, G. cupressina and T. cupressi are newly described, and their morphological features and phylogenetic designations are presented. Inoculation of intact cypress saplings in an outdoor net‐house revealed that only the representative isolate T. cupressi sp. nov. CBS147104 causes 100% disease incidence, whereas Geosmithia spp. isolates are not pathogenic. A number of these fungi were isolated from parasitoids that emerged from branch and stem sections colonized by P. armatus. This study suggests a long and stable association between Phloeosinus and Geosmithia species, and a possible role for additional associated fungal species as pathogens or endophytes of C. sempervirens trees in Israel.
Glycine betaine uptake and metabolism in marine microbial communities
Authors: Boysen Angela K. , Durham Bryndan P. , Kumler William , Key Rebecca S. , Heal Katherine R. , Carlson Laura T. , Groussman Ryan D. , Armbrust E. Virginia , Ingalls Anitra E.
Published: April 2022

Glycine betaine (GBT) is a compatible solute in high concentrations in marine microorganisms. As a component of labile organic matter, GBT has complex biochemical potential as a substrate for microbial use that is unconstrained in the environment. Here we determine the uptake kinetics and metabolic fate of GBT in two natural microbial communities in the North Pacific characterized by different nitrate concentrations. Dissolved GBT had maximum uptake rates of 0.36 and 0.56 nM h−1 with half‐saturation constants of 79 and 11 nM in the high nitrate and low nitrate stations respectively. During multiday incubations, most GBT taken into cells was retained as a compatible solute. Stable isotopes derived from the added GBT were also observed in other metabolites, including choline, carnitine and sarcosine, suggesting that GBT was used for biosynthesis and for catabolism to pyruvate and ammonium. Where nitrate was scarce, GBT was primarily metabolized via demethylation to glycine. Gene transcript data were consistent with SAR11 using GBT as a source of methyl groups to fuel the methionine cycle. Where nitrate concentrations were higher, more GBT was partitioned for lipid biosynthesis by both bacteria and eukaryotic phytoplankton. Our data highlight unexpected metabolic pathways and potential routes of microbial metabolite exchange.
Metagenomic tracking of antibiotic resistance genes through a pre‐harvest vegetable production system: an integrated lab‐, microcosm‐ and greenhouse‐scale analysis
Authors: Keenum Ishi , Wind Lauren , Ray Partha , Guron Giselle , Chen Chaoqi , Knowlton Katharine , Ponder Monica , Pruden Amy
Published: April 2022

Prior research demonstrated the potential for agricultural production systems to contribute to the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, there is a need for integrated assessment of critical management points for minimizing this potential. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing data were analysed to comprehensively compare total ARG profiles characteristic of amendments (manure or compost) derived from either beef or dairy cattle (with and without dosing antibiotics according to conventional practice), soil (loamy sand or silty clay loam) and vegetable (lettuce or radish) samples collected across studies carried out at laboratory‐, microcosm‐ and greenhouse‐scale. Vegetables carried the greatest diversity of ARGs (n = 838) as well as the most ARG‐mobile genetic element co‐occurrences (n = 945). Radishes grown in manure‐ or compost‐amended soils harboured a higher relative abundance of total (0.91 and 0.91 ARGs/16S rRNA gene) and clinically relevant ARGs than vegetables from other experimental conditions (average: 0.36 ARGs/16S rRNA gene). Lettuce carried the highest relative abundance of pathogen gene markers among the metagenomes examined. Total ARG relative abundances were highest on vegetables grown in loamy sand receiving antibiotic‐treated beef amendments. The findings emphasize that additional barriers, such as post‐harvest processes, merit further study to minimize potential exposure to consumers.
Microbial activity and community structure in PM2.5 at different heights in ground boundary layer of Beijing atmosphere under various air quality levels
Authors: Zhang Yongtao , Chen Hanlin , Du Rui , Zhang Sujian , Zhao Hua
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 epidemic is a reminder that aerosols have important health effects as a potential route for disease transmission. Biological components in aerosols (especially PM2.5) may pose potential threats to humans as pathogens and allergens. Research on PM2.5 and biological components currently focuses mainly on polluted conditions, with less emphasis on clean environments. Sampling has also been primarily based on a single point with a lack of data at different positions. In this study, a modified fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis method was used to measure microbial activity in PM2.5 at different altitudes over a year in Beijing, China. A high‐throughput sequencing method was used to study the microbial community. Results showed that microbial activity 1.5 m (0.0465 ng m−3) above the ground was higher than 31.5 m (0.0348 ng m−3). There was higher microbial activity at both heights during spring. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between microbial activity and relative abundance of dominant species. Microbial activity increased during autumn and winter increased alongside the pollution level, but in spring higher levels of microbial activity were observed in excellent or good weather conditions. The results from this study are valuable for further research regarding the biological components of atmospheric PM, the prevention of biological pollution, and establishing a comprehensive air quality evaluation system.
A meta‐analysis study of the robustness and universality of gut microbiota–shrimp diseases relationship
Authors: Sha Haonan , Lu Jiaqi , Chen Jiong , Xiong Jinbo
Published: April 2022

Intensive case study has established dysbiosis in the gut microbiota–shrimp disease relationship; however, variability in experimental design and the diversity of diseases arise the question of whether some gut indicators are robust and universal in response to shrimp health status, irrespective of causal agents. Through an unbiased subject‐level meta‐analysis framework, we re‐analysed 10 studies, including 261 samples, four lifestages and six different diseases (the causal agents are virus, bacterial, eukaryotic pathogens, or unknown). Results showed that shrimp diseases reproducibly altered the structure of gut bacterial community, but not diversity. After ruling out the lifestage‐ and disease specific‐ discriminatory taxa (different diseases dependent indicators), we identify 18 common disease‐discriminatory taxa (indicative of health status, irrespective of causal agents) that accurately diagnosed (90.0% accuracy) shrimp health status, regardless of different diseases. These optimizations substantially improved the performance (62.6% vs. 90.0%) diagnosing model. The robustness and universality of model were validated for effectiveness via leave‐one‐dataset‐out validation and independent cohorts. Interspecies interaction and stability of the gut microbiotas were consistently compromised in diseased shrimp compared with corresponding healthy cohorts, while stochasticity and beta‐dispersion exhibited the opposite trend. Collectively, our findings exemplify the utility of microbiome meta‐analyses in identifying robust and reproducible features for quantitatively diagnosing disease incidence, and the downstream consequences for shrimp pathogenesis from an ecological prospective.
Microbial community origin and fate through a rural wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Newton Kymberly , Gonzalez Emmanuel , Pitre Frederic E. , Brereton Nicholas J. B.
Published: April 2022

Conventional wastewater treatment relies on a complex microbiota; however, much of this community is still to be characterized. To better understand the origin, dynamics and fate of bacteria within a wastewater treatment plant: untreated primary wastewater, activated sludge and post‐treatment effluent were characterized. From 3163 exact sequence variants (ESVs), 860 were annotated to species‐level. In primary wastewater, 28% of ESVs were putative bacterial species previously associated with humans, 14% with animals and 5% as common to the environment. Differential abundance analysis revealed significant relative reductions in ESVs from potentially human‐associated species from primary wastewater to activated sludge, and significant increases in ESVs from species associated with nutrient cycling. Between primary wastewater and effluent, 51% of ESVs from human‐associated species did not significantly differ, and species such as Bacteroides massiliensis and Bacteroides dorei increased. These findings illustrate that activated sludge increased extracellular protease and urease‐producing species, ammonia and nitrite oxidizers, denitrifiers and specific phosphorus accumulators. Although many human‐associated species declined, some persisted in effluent, including strains of potential health or environmental concern. Species‐level microbial assessment may be useful for understanding variation in wastewater treatment efficiency as well as for monitoring the release of microbes into surface water and the wider ecosystem.
A functional Wood–Ljungdahl pathway devoid of a formate dehydrogenase in the gut acetogens Blautia wexlerae, Blautia luti and beyond
Authors: Trischler Raphael , Roth Jennifer , Sorbara Matthew T. , Schlegel Xenia , Müller Volker
Published: April 2022

Species of the genus Blautia are typical inhabitants of the human gut and considered as beneficial gut microbes. However, their role in the gut microbiome and their metabolic features are poorly understood. Blautia schinkii was described as an acetogenic bacterium, characterized by a functional Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) of acetogenesis from H2 + CO2. Here we report that two relatives, Blautia luti and Blautia wexlerae do not grow on H2 + CO2. Inspection of the genome sequence revealed all genes of the WLP except genes encoding a formate dehydrogenase and an electron‐bifurcating hydrogenase. Enzyme assays confirmed this prediction. Accordingly, resting cells neither converted H2 + CO2 nor H2 + HCOOH + CO2 to acetate. Carbon monoxide is an intermediate of the WLP and substrate for many acetogens. Blautia luti and B. wexlerae had an active CO dehydrogenase and resting cells performed acetogenesis from HCOOH + CO2 + CO, demonstrating a functional WLP. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that many Blautia strains as well as other gut acetogens lack formate dehydrogenases and hydrogenases. Thus, the use of formate instead of H2 + CO2 as an interspecies hydrogen and electron carrier seems to be more common in the gut microbiome.
Variation in prices for an evidence‐based pediatric preventive service
Authors: Kranz Ashley M. , Gahlon Grace , Dick Andrew W. , Goff Sarah L. , Whaley Christopher , Geissler Kimberley H.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To examine variation in prices paid by private medical insurers for fluoride varnish applications in medical settings, a newly reimbursed service that few children receive.

Data Sources

Private‐insurance medical claims from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island (2016–2018).

Study Design

We examined prices paid for fluoride varnish by private insurers and compared these to prices paid by Medicaid.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Private claims for fluoride varnish during medical visits for children aged 1–5 years. State Medicaid rates for fluoride varnish were obtained from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Principal Findings

Prices paid for fluoride varnish by private insurers varied within and across states, ranging from less than $5 to $50. Median prices closely followed Medicaid rates in three of the four states. In states covering a package of fluoride varnish plus additional preventive oral health services during medical visits, combined Medicaid rates were nearly double the median price paid by private insurers.

Conclusions

Fluoride varnish is a recommended service, but few children receive it. Price variation may contribute to the low uptake of this service. Ensuring sufficient Medicaid and private insurance rates could increase fluoride varnish applications in medical settings and improve oral health.
Postmortem THC in decedents following legalization of recreational cannabis in Clark County, Nevada
Authors: Neiswenter Sean A. , Tupu Momilani , Cross Chad , Fudenberg John , Harding Brett E.
Published: April 2022

Marijuana is the most prevalent illicit substance used globally. With increasing US legalizing recreational marijuana, more evidence is vital to minimize potential health risks. This study was conducted to test several hypotheses regarding postmortem THC/COOH‐THC in decedents before and after legalization of recreational marijuana in Nevada. We also compared presence of THC/COOH‐THC in decedents with respect to manner of death as recorded by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner. THC/COOH‐THC concentrations for years 2015–2016 (pre‐legalization) and 2017–2019 (post‐legalization) were compared through an independent samples t‐test and chi‐square tests. A binary logistic regression was used to compare the presence of THC/COOH‐THC with covariates: age, gender, race, and manner of death. The average concentration of THC/COOH‐THC detected per decedent did not significantly differ before and after recreational legalization, whereas the proportion of decedents testing positive for THC showed a small but significant increase following legalization although no significant change in COOH‐THC was detected. The likelihood of testing positive for THC/COOH‐THC decreased as age increased. Sex, race, and manner of death were all associated with the relative risk of presence of THC/COOH‐THC in toxicology reports. An increase in proportion of users but not in concentration of THC/COOH‐THC was observed after legalization. The results are generally consistent with national reports and suggest toxicology data from decedents is a valuable method for surveying marijuana use by the general public. The early adoption of recreational marijuana by neighboring states may have precluded any major changes in use following legalization in Nevada.
For all audiences: Incorporating immature stages into standardised spider inventories has a major impact on the assessment of biodiversity patterns
Authors: Domènech Marc , Wangensteen Owen S. , Enguídanos Alba , Malumbres‐Olarte Jagoba , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: April 2022

Although arthropods are the largest component of animal diversity, they are traditionally underrepresented in biological inventories and monitoring programmes. However, no biodiversity assessment can be considered informative without including them. Arthropod immature stages are often discarded during sorting, despite frequently representing more than half of the collected individuals. To date, little effort has been devoted to characterising the impact of discarding nonadult specimens on our diversity estimates. Here, we used a metabarcoding approach to analyse spiders from oak forests in the Iberian Peninsula, to assess (1) the contribution of juvenile stages to local diversity estimates, and (2) their effect on the diversity patterns (compositional differences) across assemblages. We further investigated the ability of metabarcoding to inform on abundance. We obtained 363 and 331 species as adults and juveniles, respectively. Including the species represented only by juveniles increased the species richness of the whole sampling in 35% with respect to those identified from adults. Differences in composition between assemblages were greatly reduced when immature stages were considered, especially across latitudes, possibly due to phenological differences. Moreover, our results revealed that metabarcoding data are to a certain extent quantitative, but some sort of taxonomic conversion factor may be necessary to provide accurate informative estimates. Although our findings do not question the relevance of the information provided by adult‐based inventories, they also reveal that juveniles provide a novel and relevant layer of knowledge that, especially in areas with marked seasonality, may influence our interpretations, providing more accurate information from standardised biological inventories.
Clinical features and prognosis according to genomic mutations in primary and metastatic lesions of non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Han Wenjuan , Yu Bo , Zhao Xin , Lu Gaojun , Wu Wendy , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2022

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an important cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. The distant metastasis heterogeneity of gene tumor mutations in tumors of NSCLC patients brings critical challenges for treatment. We sequenced the primary tumors and metastatic tissues of 48 NSCLC patients through 363 tumor‐related gene panels to examine gene mutations in primary tumors and metastatic tissues, and screen candidate carcinogenic and metastatic‐related driver mutations. The patient group included 21 patients in the metastatic group and 27 patients in the non‐metastatic group. The patient's median age was 62 years and 54% (26/48) of patients were women. Approximately 75% (36/48) of patients were non‐smokers. The mutation spectrum results showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation was the most frequent mutation (68.75%), followed by TP53 mutation (45.83%); 19del accounted for the largest proportion of EGFR mutations. Copy number variation (CNV) mutation spectrum results showed that EGFR amplification was more common in the metastatic group than the non‐metastatic group. The mutant‐allele tumor heterogeneity value of the metastatic group was higher than that of the non‐metastatic group (p = 0.013). The progression‐free survival of the metastatic group was significantly shorter than that in the non‐metastatic group (p = 0.041). Single nucleotide variant difference analysis showed that the frequency of TP53 mutations was higher in the metastasis group. The number of subclonal mutations in the primary and metastatic lesions in the metastasis group was significantly different; the number of subclonal sites in metastatic lesions was higher than that in primary lesions. Our results suggested that the gene mutations of NSCLC in primary and metastatic lesions and identified specific mutations related to metastasis of NSCLC. Our research will help to clarify key differences between gene mutations between primary and metastatic NSCLC. These findings will help to provide new theoretical support for the future targeted therapy of metastatic NSCLC.
Antagonistic Cooperation: Factional Competition in the Shadow of Elections
Authors: Invernizzi Giovanna M.
Published: April 2022

Intra‐party competition is widespread and affects political parties' strength. This article presents a model of elections in which intra‐party factions can devote resources to campaigning for the party or undermining competing factions to obtain more power. The model shows that inter‐ and intra‐party competition are substitutes: Internal competition increases when the electoral stakes are low – for example, in consensus democracies granting power to losing parties – because the incentives to focus on the fight for internal power increase. Similarly, an increase in party polarization incentivizes factions to campaign to avoid a more costly electoral loss. Factions in the moderate party campaign more than those in the extreme party; conversely, when factions in the same party are ideologically divided, extreme factions campaign more. Finally, the model studies how internal rules affect intra‐party competition, showing how parties design internal contests among factions to maximize campaigning.
Psychometric parameters of food allergy quality of life during an allergen immunotherapy trial
Authors: Lins de Holanda Coelho Gabriel , DunnGalvin Audrey , Greenhawt Matthew , Hourihane Jonathan O'B , Fleischer David M. , Chen Gang , Shaker Marcus , Campbell Dianne E. , Green Todd D. , Bégin Philippe
Published: April 2022

Background

The Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire–Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF) is a commonly used patient‐reported outcome measure in food allergy (FA) research. It was developed before FA treatment clinical trials were commonplace and is used as a secondary outcome measure in pivotal FA treatment trials. We examined the psychometric properties of the FAQLQ‐PF and its relevance to children with peanut allergy engaged in an epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) clinical trial.

Methods

Analysis was performed on 26 universally answered items of the FAQLQ‐PF, from assessments undertaken during the phase 3 PEPITES study (baseline, Month 12), which examined the safety and efficacy of EPIT for children with peanut allergy aged 4–11 years. Item response theory (IRT) was used to assess psychometric parameters of the FAQLQ‐PF (i.e., discrimination, difficulty, and information). Confirmatory factor analysis was also employed; reliability was assessed using McDonald's omega (ω) and Cronbach's alpha (α).

Results

A total of 23 of 26 items presented very high discrimination levels (>1.7), and all 26 fell within the recommended difficulty threshold (between −1.5 and 1.5). The items contributed a reasonable information level for their respective factors/subdomains. The measure also presented a marginally acceptable model fit for the 3‐factor structure (e.g., comparative fit index = 0.88, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.87) and good reliability levels across time points (ω and α > 0.90).

Conclusions

Herein, we present a novel reanalysis of the FAQLQ‐PF items using IRT. The longitudinal performance of individual items and subscales was corroborated, and items with the highest discrimination were identified, showing that the tool is suitable for longitudinal measurements in FA treatment trials.
Research on the building materials of adobe house in the Neolithic period at the Qingtai site, China
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Liu Xiaobin , Fang Shiqiang , Chen Xueqiang , Gu Wanfa , Wei Qingli
Published: April 2022

As one of the earthwork building methods, the adobe masonry has a long history around the world. In 2015, the Zhengzhou Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology discovered the earliest adobe house in Prehistoric China at the Qingtai Site. In this work, physical properties, material composition, and microstructure of the adobe brick and other earth samples gathered in this adobe house were studied. The results showed that the density and surface hardness of the adobe brick reached 2.12 g/cm and 91 HA, which was second only to the rammed house floor sample. The adobe brick contained about 13.2% of plant fiber, and in its inorganic composition, the clay cement with particle size less than 0.075 mm accounted for 90%. The results of XRD analysis showed that the content of kaolinite in adobe brick was 2–5 times that of other samples. The structure analysis displayed that the adobe brick was much more compact, and its porosity was about 28.6%. These research results demonstrated that the adobe brick was formed under a certain pressure and its raw materials were different from those of other samples in this adobe house.
Tax breaks for incentive pay, productivity and wages: Evidence from a reform in Italy
Authors: Damiani Mirella , Pompei Fabrizio , Ricci Andrea
Published: April 2022

This paper analyses the impact of a tax break on incentive pay (introduced in Law n. 208/2015) on labour productivity and average wages in Italian firms. We use a unique source of firm‐level information drawn from a large representative survey of Italian firms merged with the ORBIS archive. By applying difference‐in‐differences methods, we obtain the following results. First, the tax break has a positive effect on both labour productivity and average wages, although the positive effect on average wages is not confirmed by robustness tests. Second, productivity impacts are mainly driven by family firms in northern regions, where firms benefit from the more dynamic business environment in which they operate. These results take into account unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity issues.
Rezūm therapy for ≥80‐mL benign prostatic enlargement: a large, multicentre cohort study
Authors: Elterman Dean , Bhojani Naeem , Vannabouathong Christopher , Chughtai Bilal , Zorn Kevin C.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rezūm therapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with prostates ≥80 mL.

Methods

A prospective registry was established at two high‐volume Canadian centres. Patients had baseline medical history documented, and uroflowmetry and questionnaire results were recorded over 12 months.

Results

Eighty‐three patients (median [interquartile range {IQR}] age 69.2 [63.2, 74.8] years) with a prostate size ≥80 mL were included. The median (IQR) prostate volume was 100.0 (88.5, 115.0) mL and 65% had a median lobe. Twenty‐one patients had prior urinary retention. The median (IQR) number of injections was 13 (11, 15) and catheterization duration was 9 (7, 14) days. International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs) improved by 24%, 57% and 59% at 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001). IPSS Quality of Life (QoL) scores improved by 27%, 56% and 70% at these same timepoints (P < 0.001). Maximum urinary flow rate improved by 55% at 3 months (P = 0.002) and 59% at 12 months, and post‐void residual urine volume improved by 58% at 3 months (P = 0.006). BPH Impact Index scores improved by 57% at 3 months and 71% at 12 months. International Index of Erectile Function‐15 scores improved by 15% at 6 months, and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction scores improved by 22.4% at 1 month. Three patients (3.6%) noted reduced/anejaculation. No events of Clavien–Dindo grade III or higher occurred.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates, for the first time, the safety and efficacy of Rezūm therapy in large glands >80 mL. IPSS improved by 59% and IPSS QoL score improved by 70% at 12 months. Objective maximum urinary flow measures improved at 12 months by 59%, while erectile and ejaculatory function remained preserved.
“My name on the door by the Professor's name”: The process of recruiting a researcher with a learning disability at a UK university
Authors: Anderson Rebecca J. , Keagan‐Bull Richard , Giles Jo , Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene
Published: April 2022

Background

The advantages of including people with learning disabilities in research teams have been well described, but it is rare for researchers with learning disabilities to be employed at a university. This paper explores the extent to which university recruitment procedures are accessible to job applicants with learning disabilities.

Methods

We present reflections on the process of recruiting a Research Assistant with a learning disability onto a university research team. The recruitment process is described from the perspectives of the employee, line manager and Human Resources representative.

Findings

The recruiting manager and Human Resources representative had to make adjustments to a wide range of standard processes, including centralised online recruitment systems that were difficult to navigate, inaccessible job descriptions and difficult application forms. Finding workarounds to ensure reasonable adjustments were made was time‐consuming. The employee needed significant support from within his own networks to cope with the application process and had concerns about the potential impact of fixed‐term job contracts on future benefits. Despite our efforts, procedures remained difficult for the applicants to navigate.

Conclusions

Employing researchers with learning disabilities is important. Fundamental changes to job application systems are required, including easy‐to‐understand information, alternative formats of application forms, and support available where needed. Flexibility from the Human Resources departments is key. They will need support from teams with experience working with people with learning disabilities.
Effect of the most common wound antiseptics on human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Rueda-Fernández Manuel , Melguizo-Rodríguez Lucía , Costela-Ruiz Víctor J. , de Luna-Bertos Elvira , Ruiz Concepción , Ramos-Torrecillas Javier , Illescas-Montes Rebeca
Published: April 2022

Background

Antiseptics are used for the cleansing of acute or chronic wounds to eliminate micro-organisms from the wound bed. However, they have effects on the skin cells.

Aim

To determine the effects of hexetidine, povidone–iodine (PI), undecylenamidopropyl-betaine/polyhexanide (UBP), chlorhexidine, disodium eosin and hydrogen peroxide on human skin fibroblasts.

Methods

CCD-1064Sk cells were treated with hexetidine, PI, UBP, chlorhexidine, disodium eosin or hydrogen peroxide. Spectrophotometry was used to measure cell viability and flow cytometry was used to study apoptosis and necrosis after the treatment. In vitro wound scratch assays were performed to determine the gap closure.

Results

All antiseptics significantly reduced the viability of human skin fibroblasts compared with controls. The percentage wound closure was lower with hexetidine, PI and UBP. The scratch assay could not be measured after treatments with chlorhexidine, disodium eosin or hydrogen peroxide, owing to their cytotoxicity. The apoptosis/necrosis experiments evidenced a significant reduction in viable cells compared with controls. An increased percentage of apoptotic cells was observed after treatment with all antiseptics. Compared with controls, the percentage of necrotic cells was significantly increased with all antiseptics except for hexetidine.

Conclusion

The proliferation, migration and viability of human skin fibroblasts are reduced by treatment with hexetidine, PI, UBP, chlorhexidine, disodium eosin and hydrogen peroxide.
Three‐dimensional analysis of the palatal morphology in growing patients with Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome
Authors: Ogura Kenji , Kobayashi Yukiho , Hikita Rina , Tsuji Michiko , Moriyama Keiji
Published: April 2022

Patients with Apert syndrome or Crouzon syndrome present with severe defects in oral‐maxillofacial growth and development. In this study, we conducted a quantitative three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of the palatal morphology of patients with Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome. Four patients with Apert syndrome (average age, 11.0 ± 0.8 years) and five with Crouzon syndrome (average age, 10.1 ± 1.6 years) were investigated. The participants' maxillary dental casts were scanned and analyzed using 3D imaging. Palatal width, depth, cross‐sectional area, and palatal angle (PW, PD, PCA, and PA, respectively) were measured, and standard scores were calculated based on sex‐ and age‐matched Japanese standard values; the actual palatal surface areas (PSA) and palatal volumes (PV) were also measured. Our results show that patients with Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome had a very narrow PW (standard score: −3.79 and − 0.47, respectively). 3D analysis revealed that patients with Apert syndrome had a significantly shallower PD (standard score: −1.35) than those with Crouzon syndrome (standard score: 2.47), resulting in a smaller PCA (standard score: −5.13), PSA (5.49 cm2), and PV (1.11 cm3) and larger PA (standard score: −0.12) than those in patients with Crouzon syndrome. This might be due to the former having a narrower and shallower palate caused by the predominant swelling of the palatal mucosa. These findings improve our understanding of the differences in palatal morphology between Apert syndrome and Crouzon syndrome patients.
Prosthetic complications and maintenance of different attachments used to stabilize mandibular 2‐implant overdentures in patients with atrophied ridges. A 5‐year randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: ELsyad Moustafa Abdou , Abdraboh Abdelrahman Elsaid , Denewar Mohamed Mahmoud , Mohamed Shahinaz Sayed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate prosthetic complications and maintenance of different attachments used to stabilize mandibular 2‐implant overdentures in patients with atrophied ridges.

Methods

Ninety edentulous patients with a maladaptive capacity of wearing conventional dentures due to mandibular ridge atrophy received 2‐implants in the canine regions using computer‐guided surgery. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups; (1) Bar group: overdentures were connected to the implants with bar/clip attachments, (2) Telescopic group: overdentures were connected to the implants using a resilient telescopic attachment, and (3) Stud group: overdentures were connected to the implants with resilient stud (Locator) attachments. Prosthetic complications of attachments, mandibular overdentures, and maxillary dentures, and soft tissue complications of mandibular overdentures and maxillary dentures were evaluated 1 year (T1), 3 years (T3), and 5 years (T5) after denture insertion.

Results

The majority of prosthetic and soft tissue complications for all groups occurred in the first year. The most frequent prosthetic complication was wear/distortion of retentive components of locator and telescopic attachments and activation of clips of bar attachment. The bar group showed the highest incidence of overdenture relines, fractures, hyperplasia, maxillary denture mucositis, and soreness. The telescopic group showed the highest incidence of screw loosening, teeth wear/fracture, maxillary denture relines, fractures, teeth wear, teeth separation, and flappy ridges. The stud group recorded the highest incidence of wear and replacement of retentive components.

Conclusion

For 2‐implant overdentures in patients with atrophied mandibles, bar attachments showed the highest incidence of complications related to mandibular overdentures, telescopic attachments showed the highest incidence of complications related to maxillary dentures, and stud attachments showed the highest incidence of complications related to the attachment components.
Role of Rph3A in brain injury induced by experimental cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion model in rats
Authors: Zhu Xianlong , Li Haiying , You Wanchun , Yu Zhengquan , Wang Zongqi , Shen Haitao , Li Xiang , Yu Hao , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: April 2022

Aim

The aim was to study the role of Rph3A in neuronal injury induced by cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion.

Methods

The protein and mRNA levels of Rph3A in penumbra were detected by Western blot. The localization of Rph3A in different cell types in penumbra was detected by immunofluorescence. Apoptosis in the brain was detected by TUNEL staining. We tested neurobehavioral evaluation using rotarod test, adhesive‐removal test, and Morris Water maze test. We examined the expression and localization of Rph3A in cultured neurons and astrocytes in vitro by Western blot and ELISA, respectively.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of Rph3A had significantly increased in brain penumbra of the rat MCAO/R model. Rph3A was mainly distributed in neurons and astrocytes and was significantly increased by MCAO/R. We downregulated Rph3A and found that it further worsened the cerebral infarct, neuronal death and behavioral, cognitive, and memory impairments in rats after MCAO/R. We also found that ischemia‐reperfusion upregulated the in vitro protein level and secretion of Rph3A in astrocytes but led to a decrease in the protein level of Rph3A in neurons.

Conclusion

The increase in Rph3A in the brain penumbra may be an endogenous protective mechanism against ischemia‐reperfusion injury, which is mainly dominated by astrocytes.
To talk or not?: An analysis of firm‐initiated social media communication's impact on firm value preservation during a massive disruption across multiple firms and industries
Authors: Srinivasan Ravi , Jha Ashish Kumar , Verma Nishant Kumar
Published: April 2022

We examine the role of firm‐initiated social media communication using Twitter in mitigating the negative impact of large‐scale disruptions, such as the Covid‐19 pandemic, on the shareholder value of firms. We develop our hypotheses using signaling theory and test them using data collected from Twitter and Bloomberg®. Our data set consists of 121,988 firm‐generated tweets from 467 S&P 500 firms collected in March 2020 at the time of the lockdown announcement in the United States. We find that frequent and relevant communication reduces latency and increases the observability of messages, preserving a firm's shareholder value. We also find that a positive outlook and extent of interest from stakeholders results in preserving shareholder value. On average, firms lost about 1.08% of their market value per day (about 9.72% during the 9‐day period around the lockdown announcement). Our study contributes to the extant literature in three ways: (1) adds to the literature on disruptions–shareholder value by considering large‐scale disruptions such as the Covid‐19 pandemic, (2) highlights informational and communication elements of risk management strategy, and (3) adds to the growing body of literature on Twitter by considering firm‐generated tweets. The results of our study are of importance to managers as well. For instance, firms tweeted about 57 times per week, and each additional tweet could preserve about $5.85 million of a firm's market valuation, on average. Also, it is not enough that the firms took appropriate actions during a large‐scale disruption; they also need to communicate their actions and its implications to their stakeholders effectively. These results can help managers devise their Twitter communication strategy during large‐scale disruptions.