bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genre as digital social action: the case of archiving, tagging and searching in digital media culture
Authors: Andersen Jack
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop a contemporary understanding of genre as digital social action. Particular emphasis will be on archiving, tagging, and searching as social actions afforded by digital media as a function of their materiality.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is critical analysis and discussion.

Findings

It is shown through an examination and a concrete example of how the genre is understood as digital social action, how the materiality of digital media affords particular communicative actions.

Originality/value

The article contributes with an understanding of the genre as digital social action consisting of two communicating parts: users’ actions and materiality.
The influence of ethical leadership on innovative performance: modeling the mediating role of intellectual capital
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Mirza Bilal , Jamil Amber
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Recent research studies have increasingly suggested leadership as a major antecedent to encourage innovative work behavior among business employees. Empirical studies which investigated the influence of various leadership aspects such as style and ethics on employees' innovative performance and unraveled the mechanism through which leadership exerts its impact on employees' innovative work behavior were restricted. Thus, the purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between ethical leadership and employees' innovative performance by focusing on the mediating role of two forms of the intellectual capital (IC), i.e. human capital and social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for present research were collected through in person administered questionnaire-based survey from the managerial level employees of the targeted sample of the manufacturing firms. Furthermore, due consideration was given while selecting the individuals from R&D departments of these organizations, who were typically involved in knowledge-intensive jobs and where application of intellectual assets was needed.

Findings

Ethical leadership was observed as to positively influencing employees' innovative performance. Two forms of IC, i.e. human capital and social capital were observed as playing mediating role in the ethical leadership – employees' innovative performance relationship.

Originality/value

The contemporary research study adds value in the literature of the ethical leadership. The most imperative theoretical contribution of the present research study underlines the psychological process, i.e. IC by which ethical leaders encourage innovative behavior among employees.
Collapse of public buildings, stability checks and the roles of facility managers in Ghana
Authors: Kidido Joseph Kwaku , Wuni Ibrahim Yahaya , Ansah Edward
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study investigated the perceived causes of structural failure of public buildings, frequency of stability checks, stability checking procedures, measures to enhance public building stability checks and the roles of facility managers in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a comprehensive literature review, the study employed a structured questionnaire survey and gathered the opinions of sixty-seven facility managers on the facility management practices. Following statistical pretesting of the dataset for reliability, distribution and agreement among the responses, the study analysed the dataset using mean scoring and weighted analysis.

Findings

The analysis showed that external building inspectors rarely inspect stability checks of the studied public buildings in Accra. It is also found that both reactive and proactive stability checking protocols are implemented in public buildings in Accra, but inadequate knowledge of facility managers limits technical stability checks. The study further revealed that stability checks of public buildings can be enhanced through incorporating site and location conditions into the design early upfront, active engagement of facility managers in the design and construction of public buildings, adequate budgetary provisioning for planned maintenance of public buildings, and encouraging appropriate use of public buildings.

Originality/value

This paper, to the best of the authors' knowledge, represents the first attempt to comprehensively examine the causes of structural failure of public buildings, frequency of stability checks, stability checking procedures, measures to enhance public building stability checks and the roles of facility managers in Ghana, from the perspective facility management.
Exploring the linkages between job demands and recovery self-efficacy: a resource perspective of the school–work interface
Authors: Liu Min-Shi , Wang Mei-Ling , Lee Chun Hsien
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the indirect impact of job demands on recovery self-efficacy via the mediation of job burnout. The study also investigates the moderating effects of school-to-work facilitation and psychological detachment in the indirect relationship between job demands and recovery self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study recruited and surveyed 263 employed graduate students in the executive master of business administration program in Taiwan. Regression analysis was used to examine the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results showed that job burnout mediated the relationship between job demands and recovery self-efficacy. The relationship was weaker when school-to-work facilitation and psychological detachment were high.

Originality/value

This study confirms the indirect effects of job demands on recover self-efficacy through job burnout and provides new insights into the role of school-to-work facilitation and psychological detachment to enhance the recovery in the JD-R model.
Self-initiated expatriation and older women: composing a further life
Authors: Myers Barbara , Thorn Kaye , Doherty Noeleen
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Research into self-initiated expatriation (SIE) has increased exponentially, although the focus of these investigations has been on professional workers, and little has been gender specific. The purpose of this research therefore is to explore the career and personal motivations for SIE through the novel lens of older women. In this exploratory study, SIE and socio-emotional selectivity motivation theories (SSTs) are used, in addition to the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM), to understand the reasons these women have taken this path.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on in-depth life story interviews with 21 women aged 50 or more who had taken a SIE. A five-step narrative process using a story-telling approach was the method of analysis.

Findings

The findings show important contradictions to the extant literature. Career dissatisfaction and escape are key motivations for these women. Further, contrary to SST, these women were seeking novelty–new places and new experiences. These women were also seeking authenticity as suggested by KCM, but also challenge was to the fore–not in the career domain, but in the personal domain. Their motivations for SIE extend beyond the current evidence base and understanding of the phenomena.

Originality/value

The contributions include new insights into the motivational drivers for SIE for these older women and the importance of timing as facilitators of SIE. The SIE nomenclature is broadened through the inclusion of older women and beyond professional spheres. An initial framework of a more integrated model is developed from this exploratory study and presented as a basis for beginning to understand the phenomenon of older women undertaking SIE.
Managing organizational paradoxes: a case in the financial industry
Authors: dos Santos Suelen , Marx Roberto
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to contribute to studies on organizational ambidexterity by analyzing how an incumbent company is managing its innovation structures and balancing exploitation and exploration activities to generate value in a digital economy context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was designed in a qualitative format through a single case study in a Brazilian financial institution, with semi-structured interviews conducted with internal and external players.

Findings

Based on the case study, two possible contributions emerged as results, to fill the research gap: the need to develop more complex innovation structures, which act in a way that is integrated to the ecosystem; and the establishment of an organizational function, with a specific mandate to seek innovation in new business platforms.

Originality/value

Although the theory gives evidence about the potential that ambidexterity represents for companies, ‘how’ to orchestrate the trade-offs to achieve it is not clear, particularly in regards to first steps toward ambidexterity. This work aims to contribute to fill this gap through an empirical study in a large Brazilian company, analyzing its trajectory toward ambidexterity.
Dimensions of cost misperceptions obstructing the adoption of sustainable buildings
Authors: Ekung Samuel , Odesola Isaac , Oladokun Michael
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Across the globe, the dearth of certainty about the cost of sustainable buildings (SBs) remains a critical disincentive to their adoption. This study explored the factually incorrect knowledge about the cost of SBs and their implications on adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted sequenced mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches involving a literature review, Delphi study and survey. Semi-structured and structured self-study questionnaires were administered to a random sample of green building experts, researchers and registered construction professionals with deep knowledge of SB. The dataset from 254 stakeholders was analysed for commonality, principal components and critical misperceptions using multivariate approaches.

Findings

The predominant misperceptions in the study linked low adoption of SB to cost premium, portray cost premium as a property of luxury sustainable features and suggest related practices are suitable for exemplary projects only. The critical misperceptions produced various misinterpretations that inhibit the adoption of SB through the dearth of policies, increased complexities and inflation of budget to curb perceived risks.

Practical implications

The study buttressed the imperative to improve cost information, knowledge, skills and stakeholders' risk perceptions to increase SB adoption. The results provide insight into the regional misperceptions and knowledge gaps that could explain the low adoption of SB in a typical emerging green market.

Originality/value

The study showed that the prevalent knowledge about the cost of SB among construction stakeholders are unsupported beliefs and directs attention to emerging issues critical to SBs' adoption in emerging markets.
Recognition of workers’ actions from time-series signal images using deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Ogunseiju Omobolanle Ruth , Olayiwola Johnson , Akanmu Abiola Abosede , Nnaji Chukwuma
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Construction action recognition is essential to efficiently manage productivity, health and safety risks. These can be achieved by tracking and monitoring construction work. This study aims to examine the performance of a variant of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for recognizing actions of construction workers from images of signals of time-series data.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts Inception v1 to classify actions involved in carpentry and painting activities from images of motion data. Augmented time-series data from wearable sensors attached to worker's lower arms are converted to signal images to train an Inception v1 network. Performance of Inception v1 is compared with the highest performing supervised learning classifier, k-nearest neighbor (KNN).

Findings

Results show that the performance of Inception v1 network improved when trained with signal images of the augmented data but at a high computational cost. Inception v1 network and KNN achieved an accuracy of 95.2% and 99.8%, respectively when trained with 50-fold augmented carpentry dataset. The accuracy of Inception v1 and KNN with 10-fold painting augmented dataset is 95.3% and 97.1%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Only acceleration data of the lower arm of the two trades were used for action recognition. Each signal image comprises 20 datasets.

Originality/value

Little has been reported on recognizing construction workers' actions from signal images. This study adds value to the existing literature, in particular by providing insights into the extent to which a deep CNN can classify subtasks from patterns in signal images compared to a traditional best performing shallow network.
Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae): A natural model organism for extreme environments
Authors: Kozeretska Iryna , Serga Svitlana , Kovalenko Pavlo , Gorobchyshyn Volodymyr , Convey Peter
Published: April 2021

Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae), a brachypterous midge endemic to the maritime Antarctic, was first described in 1900. Over more than a century of study, a vast amount of information has been compiled on the species (3 750 000 Google search results as of January 10, 2021), encompassing its ecology and biology, life cycle and reproduction, polytene chromosomes, physiology, biochemistry and, increasingly, omics. In 2014, B. antarctica’s genome was sequenced, further boosting research. Certain developmental stages can be cultured successfully in the laboratory. Taken together, this wealth of information allows the species to be viewed as a natural model organism for studies of adaptation and function in extreme environments.
The Role of the WTO Secretariat in WTO Disputes – Silent Witness or Ghost Expert?
Authors: Wauters Jasper M.
Published: April 2021

The WTO Secretariat plays an important role in supporting the activities of the WTO membership. This extends to dispute settlement. This paper addresses the question whether the Secretariat may have contributed, directly or indirectly, to the current crisis in the WTO dispute settlement system as has been suggested by some observers. The role of the WTO Secretariat in WTO disputes cannot be underestimated and merits more attention than has been given to it. It would be wrong to blame the Appellate Body crisis on the Secretariat but to ignore its role in the functioning of the WTO dispute settlement system would not be correct either. My focus in this paper is on two related problems that received some attention in WTO reform debates: its role in advising panels and the Appellate Body on legal issues; and its role as ‘invisible experts’ on non‐legal issues such as the assessment of economic arguments and econometric evidence. In particular in the area of providing economic expert advice, there appears to be a problem of legitimacy and due process as a result of the non‐transparent role played by the WTO Secretariat.
Why Reform is Needed: WTO ‘Public Body’ Jurisprudence
Authors: Ahn Dukgeun
Published: April 2021

WTO jurisprudence on what constitutes a ‘public body’ has provoked one of the most controversial debates on the legitimacy and integrity of the WTO dispute settlement system and the WTO in general. Dispute settlement panels and the Appellate Body disagree on the interpretation and application of the public body concept, especially when applied to Chinese SOEs. In fact, the interpretation of ‘public body’ in the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures tackles a more fundamental question of whether the WTO system can handle the state capitalism of China and other non‐market economies within the framework of global trade rules that are primarily designed to deal with free market economies. The fate of the WTO system critically hinges on how legal interpretation of ‘public body’ can address structural differences of members’ economic systems. Addressing this challenge requires WTO members to implement long overdue legal and institutional reforms.
Is the WTO in Sync with the Business Community?
Authors: Alben Elissa , Brown Logan
Published: April 2021

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) have played an important role in creating a predictable framework for companies conducting business internationally. Business leaders continue to express support for the institution in surveys but, privately, trade policymakers and opinion leaders in Geneva have questioned the commitment of business leaders to engage in the work of the WTO. As the institution faces its latest crisis, it is natural for the WTO’s supporters to turn to the business community for help – in making the economic case to policy makers for the rules‐based trading system, in encouraging governments to resolve their differences and make progress on key issues that threaten the system, and in identifying issues and opportunities where the WTO can serve as a forum to support trade‐related economic growth. The time and effort that businesses invest in this work depends, in part, on how they perceive the institution and, at the end of the day, how much they feel they are getting out of it. This paper therefore poses the question of whether the WTO is ‘in sync’ with the business community.
Comparison of a trauma comorbidity index with other measures of comorbidities to estimate risk of trauma mortality
Authors: Jenkins Peter C. , Dixon Brian E. , Savage Stephanie A. , Carroll Aaron E. , Newgard Craig D. , Tignanelli Christopher J. , Hemmila Mark R. , Timsina Lava
Published: April 2021

Background

Comorbidities influence the outcomes of injured patients, yet a lack of consensus exists regarding how to quantify that association. This study details the development and internal validation of a trauma comorbidity index (TCI) designed for use with trauma registry data and compares its performance to other existing measures to estimate the association between comorbidities and mortality.

Methods

Indiana state trauma registry data (2013–2015) were used to compare the TCI with the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices, a count of comorbidities, and comorbidities as separate variables. The TCI approach utilized a randomly selected training cohort and was internally validated in a distinct testing cohort. The C‐statistic of the adjusted models was tested using each comorbidity measure in the testing cohort to assess model discrimination. C‐statistics were compared using a Wald test, and stratified analyses were performed based on predicted risk of mortality. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data.

Results

The study included 84,903 patients (50% each in training and testing cohorts). The Indiana TCI model demonstrated no significant difference between testing and training cohorts (p = 0.33). It produced a C‐statistic of 0.924 in the testing cohort, which was significantly greater than that of models using the other indices (p < 0.05). The C‐statistics of models using the Indiana TCI and the inclusion of comorbidities as separate variables—the method used by the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program—were comparable (p = 0.11) but use of the TCI approach reduced the number of comorbidity‐related variables in the mortality model from 19 to one.

Conclusions

When examining trauma mortality, the TCI approach using Indiana state trauma registry data demonstrated superior model discrimination and/or parsimony compared to other measures of comorbidities.
Formate test for bedside diagnosis of methanol poisoning
Authors: Hovda Knut Erik , Lao Yvonne Elisabeth , Gadeholt Gaut , Jacobsen Dag
Published: April 2021

Methanol poisoning kills thousands of people every year and remains a diagnostic challenge, especially where the resources are scarce, but also in high‐income countries worldwide. We are in the course of developing a bedside strip to detect formate – the toxic metabolite of methanol. We hereby present the first clinical methanol case where formate was detected bedside from a drop of blood: The patient, a 61‐year‐old male, was admitted with a suspect methanol poisoning and severe metabolic acidosis. The test strip was positive after 3 minutes. Sodium bicarbonate (500 mmol/L), fomepizole, dialysis and folinic acid were given based on the positive test. The diagnosis was some hours later confirmed by GC‐MS, showing a methanol concentration of 62 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) and a formate concentration of 19 mmol/L. Implementation of this technology into routine clinical use can potentially offer an opportunity for a step change in the management of methanol poisoning.
972. COELOGYNE CYMBIDIOIDES
Authors: Schuiteman André , Cribb Phillip , Kompalli Bala , Want Terry
Published: April 2021

Coelogyne cymbidioides Rchb.f., formerly known as Gynoglottis cymbidioides (Rchb.f.)
J.J.Sm. from the mountains of Sumatra, is illustrated from a plant flowering at Kew. Its taxonomy, habitat in the wild and pollination are discussed. Details of its successful cultivation are given.
975. STROBILANTHES HAMILTONIANA
Authors: Wood John R.I. , Adhikari Bhaskar
Published: April 2021

Strobilanthes hamiltonianais described and illustrated. It is named after Francis Buchanan‐Hamilton who discovered it in Assam in 1808. Over the years, it has been known under different names which reflect both taxonomic changes and the variability of the species. Wild forms from the Himalayan region are predominantly white‐ or pale lilac‐flowered, whereas cultivated and naturalized plants found elsewhere are pink‐flowered and nearly always sterile. Propagation is, therefore, by cuttings. It is widely cultivated in places with a tropical climate or where tropical conditions can be replicated. It has become widely naturalized and even invasive on some oceanic islands.
976. PETROCOSMEA ROTUNDIFOLIA
Authors: Shaw Julian M. H.
Published: April 2021

Plants currently widespread in cultivation under the misapplied name Petrocosmea ‘minor’ have recently been described as P. rotundifolia. The application of the name P. minor is examined resulting in the reinstatement of Petrocosmea henryi from synonymy under P. minor.
When “Sweetie” is not so Sweet: Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Child Pornography
Authors: Ratner Claudia
Published: April 2021

The production of child pornography using Artificial Intelligence is poised to potentially evade current laws protecting child abuse. Artificial Intelligence “DeepFakes” can be used to create indistinguishable videos and images of child abuse, without actual child abuse ever occurring. This Note proposes two solutions for curbing this inevitable dilemma. First, Artificial Intelligence should fall under the “computer‐generated” terminology found in the 18 U.S.C. § 2256(8) definition of child pornography. Second, if Artificial Intelligence cannot be considered to fall under that definition, then 18 U.S.C. § 2256(8) should be amended to include “Artificial Intelligence‐generation.”
Board committees and director departures
Authors: Jagannathan Murali , Krishnamurthy Srinivasan , Spizman Joshua
Published: April 2021

We examine whether directors utilize private information obtained through their committee memberships to depart from firms prior to the revelation of their poor performance. Such departures raise the concern that directors leave the firm when they are most needed. Utilizing private information to make decisions in their personal interest may also violate the directors’ fiduciary duties. We focus on departures of audit committee members since information regarding earnings quality should be available to them prior to public release. The departure of audit committee members who serve on multiple boards is coincident with a deterioration in earnings quality. Other directors do not appear to time their departure based on declines in earnings quality. Results from examining the reasons behind this finding are consistent with the director's preference to lead a “quiet life” and a desire to lower their exposure to litigation risk rather than to protect their reputation in the director market.
Variations in migration behaviour and mortality of Atlantic salmon smolts in four different hydroelectric facilities
Authors: Karppinen Petri , Hynninen Mikko , Vehanen Teppo , Vähä Juha‐Pekka
Published: April 2021

Migration behaviour, route selection and mortality of Atlantic salmon,Salmo salarL., smolts were studied at four different hydroelectric facilities in the River Mustionjoki, Finland, in May 2017. Radio‐tagged smolts were released upstream of the power stations and tracked by stationary antenna‐receiver systems and hand‐held receivers. Tracking revealed a general tendency of smolts to move downstream with the main flow, but also variable behaviour and mortality related to diverse conditions characteristic of each power station. Average migration delay at the power stations ranged between 13.8 and 101.1 h (median: 1.7–61.5 h). Estimated mortality ranges were 0%–50% in the forebays, 4%–64% in the power stations and 2–30%/km during river migration after passage of the dam. This study provided essential information on behaviour and mortality in relation to local conditions at each power station required for successful application of fish bypass systems in a salmon restoration project.
Governments as customers: Exploring the effects of government customers on supplier firms’ information quality
Authors: Chen Chen , Huang Ting‐Chiao , Garg Mukesh , Khedmati Mehdi
Published: April 2021

This study finds that firms with major government customers have better information quality and, therefore, lower future stock price crash risks. Our main findings are robust to various tests accounting for endogeneity concerns, including propensity score matching analysis and entropy balancing method. We also conduct a difference‐in‐differences analysis based on a quasi‐natural experiment that exogenously enhances government procurement contracts’ disclosure quality. Further analysis shows that the effects of government customers are more pronounced when traditional information intermediaries are weaker (i.e., firms with lower institutional ownership and analyst coverage, of smaller size, and audited by non‐industry‐specialized auditors). Consistent with government customers improving the information quality, we also find that firms with major government customers are less likely to have SEC‐attributed restatements.
The gill transcriptome reveals unique antimicrobial features that protect Nibeaalbiflora from Cryptocaryonirritans infection
Authors: Xie Xiao , Jiang Yunyan , Miao Rujiang , Huang Jiashuang , Zhou Liyao , Kong Jindong , Yin Fei
Published: April 2021

Cryptocaryonosis is the greatest threat to most teleost species among all parasitic diseases, causing mass loss to the marine aquaculture industry. Epidemiological investigation of teleost susceptibility to Cryptocaryon irritans infection revealed that yellow drum (Nibea albiflora) is highly resistant. In order to further understand the activation of the immune system in the gill, which is one of the main mucosal‐associated lymphoid tissues and a target of parasites, transcriptome analysis of the yellow drum gill was performed. Gill samples were collected from fish challenged after 24 hr and 72 hr with theronts at a median death rate (2050 theronts per gram fish). Gene expression profiles showed that TLR5 was the only receptor that activated the downstream immune response. The infection activated complement cascade through alternative pathway and increased the expression of C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1. In addition, possible antimicrobial molecules, including lipoprotein and haptoglobin, which are responsible for trypanolysis in humans, were among the top significantly upregulated genes at 24 hr. After 72 hr, the expression of secreted immunoglobulin T‐related genes was induced. These results suggested a rapid innate and adaptive immune response at the mucosal level. In conclusion, the results provide new perspectives on mucosal immune resistance in yellow drum against cryptocaryonosis and provide the possibility of mining resistance genes for future therapy.
Protective efficacy of phage PVN02 against haemorrhagic septicaemia in striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus via oral administration
Authors: Dang Thi Hoang Oanh , Xuan Tran T.T. , Duyen Le T.M. , Le Nga P. , Hoang Hoang A.
Published: April 2021

Haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by Aeromonas hydrophila in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is one of the most important aquatic diseases in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. However, antibiotic‐resistant A. hydrophila strains have become popular and resulted in inadequate control of the disease in striped catfish farms. This study investigates the protective efficacy of bacteriophage PVN02 against haemorrhagic septicaemia in striped catfish via oral administration. The phage‐containing pellets were prepared by spraying the phage solution on food pellets at 20 ml/kg. The rate of phage desorption from the food pellets into the water was very low; the phage titres in the water were approximately log 1.0 PFU/ml or undetectable. The in vivo experiment evaluating the protective efficacy of PVN02 against haemorrhagic septicaemia in striped catfish was conducted using 21 groups of 1,260 fish in 50‐L plastic tanks in triplicate. The catfish were fed twice daily with phage‐sprayed pellets. Different densities of bacterial suspensions were added into the tanks for 24 hr. Without the existence of the phage, the highest mortality rate was 68.3 ± 2.9% at the highest density of bacterial suspension. In contrast, the mortality rate at the highest density of bacterial suspension was significantly reduced to 8.33 ± 2.9% or 16.67 ± 2.9% at the phage dose of log 6.2 ± 0.09 or log 4.2 ± 0.09 PFU/g. This study provides a very practical manner of applying phage therapy to prevent disease in large‐scale striped catfish farms.
High referral accuracy for oral cancers and oral potentially malignant disorders using telemedicine
Authors: Haron Nabihah , Rajendran Senthilmani , Kallarakkal Thomas George , Zain Rosnah Binti , Ramanathan Anand , Abraham Mannil Thomas , Lau Shin Hin , Cheng Lai Choo , Chong Sherrie Mei Yee , Mohamed Azahar Farah Aliya , Mohamad Zaini Zuraiza , Chan Siew Wui , Goh Yet Ching , Lim Daniel , Khairi Juliana , Abidin Marzuki Zainal , Abdul Rahman Zainal Ariff , Liew Chee Sun , Fong Siew Chinn , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Ismail Siti Mazlipah , Cheong Sok Ching
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of MeMoSA®, a mobile phone application to review images of oral lesions in identifying oral cancers and oral potentially malignant disorders requiring referral.

Subjects and Methods

A prospective study of 355 participants, including 280 with oral lesions/variants was conducted. Adults aged ≥18 treated at tertiary referral centres were included. Images of the oral cavity were taken using MeMoSA®. The identification of the presence of lesion/variant and referral decision made using MeMoSA® were compared to clinical oral examination, using kappa statistics for intra‐rater agreement. Sensitivity, specificity, concordance and F1 score were computed. Images were reviewed by an off‐site specialist and inter‐rater agreement was evaluated. Images from sequential clinical visits were compared to evaluate observable changes in the lesions.

Results

Kappa values comparing MeMoSA® with clinical oral examination in detecting a lesion and referral decision was 0.604 and 0.892, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for referral decision were 94.0% and 95.5%. Concordance and F1 score were 94.9% and 93.3%, respectively. Inter‐rater agreement for a referral decision was 0.825. Progression or regression of lesions were systematically documented using MeMoSA®.

Conclusion

Referral decisions made through MeMoSA® is highly comparable to clinical examination demonstrating it is a reliable telemedicine tool to facilitate the identification of high‐risk lesions for early management.
Contemporary Concise Review 2020: Interstitial lung disease
Authors: Teoh Alan K. Y. , Corte Tamera J.
Published: April 2021

The year 2020 was one like no other, as we witnessed the far‐reaching impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) global pandemic. Yet despite an unprecedented and challenging year, global research in interstitial lung disease (ILD) continued to break new grounds. Research progress has led to an improved understanding in new diagnostic tools and potential biomarkers for ILD. Studies on the role of antifibrotic therapies, newer therapeutic agents, supportive care strategies and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continue to reshape the management landscape of ILD. In this concise review, we aim to summarize the key studies published in 2020, highlighting their impact on the various aspects of ILD.
Contagious Policies? Studying National Responses to a Global Pandemic in Europe
Authors: Rausis Frowin , Hoffmeyer‐Zlotnik Paula
Published: April 2021

Not only Covid‐19 has spread all over the world—the policies responding to this pandemic have also diffused rapidly across countries. In this research note, we present findings from an original dataset that features mobility restrictions in all EU/EFTA states as well as the United Kingdom during the first wave of the pandemic. We find that most countries adopted restrictions within a few days only and that restrictions on internal mobility had been introduced prior to restrictions on cross‐border mobility, but that the latter have been more persistent. Furthermore, we observe an evolution from great variation of policy choices at the outset of the pandemic towards convergence. Analyzing the mobility restrictions through a policy diffusion lens, we find tentative evidence for interdependent policy‐making especially in the temporal patterns of adoption. Our research note can serve a basis for future research on policy‐making and policy diffusion in times of crisis.
Validation of new HLA‐J alleles assigned by next generation sequencing
Authors: Paganini Julien , Picard Christophe , Gouret Philippe , Chiaroni Jacques , Di Cristofaro Julie
Published: April 2021

We describe nine novel HLA‐J alleles validated by in silico and experimental data.
Optimization With Discrete Variables via Recursive Quadratic Programming: Part I — Concepts and Definitions
Authors: Cha J. Z. , Mayne R. W.
Published: April 2021

Although a variety of algorithms for discrete nonlinear programming have been proposed, the solution of discrete optimization problems is far from mature relative to continuous optimization. This paper focuses on the recursive quadratic programming strategy which has proven to be efficient and robust for continuous optimization. The procedure is adapted to handle problems of mixed discrete nonlinear programming and utilizes the analytical properties of functions and constraints. This first part of the paper considers definitions, concepts and convergence criteria. Part II includes the development and testing of the algorithm.
A General Approach to Constrained Optimal Design Based on Symbolic Mathematics
Authors: Hammond C. R. , Johnson G. E.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new method of optimal design that combines ideas and techniques from both the Method of Optimal Design (MOD) and monotonicity analysis. This new method, while presently limited to constrained monotonic problems, has been automated. The problem is first reduced in size and reformulated using ideas from MOD. The reduced problem is then repeatedly reformulated to develop state and design equations in terms of all possible variable partitions. The complete set of candidate optimal solution points is extracted by monotonicity analysis applied to the trivial constraint sets on the design equations from every possible formulation of the problem. These candidate solution points can then be numerically sorted to determine the optimal solution for a particular numerical case. The new method and its automation are illustrated with two example problems from the literature.
Dynamic Modelling and Analysis of General Linked Mechanisms With Compliance
Authors: Shih L. , Frank A. A.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a simple and systematic method of analysis for the kinematics and dynamics of spatial multi-loop mechanisms with closed and open kinematic chains. The Newton-Euler formulation is used to derive the dynamic equations of motion of each link. This formulation completely eliminates kinematic redundancies and singularities. Compliant joint models are introduced to cover real life effects such as joint clearances, lubrication of joints, joint to link compliances, etc. Direct computation of joint reaction forces results. An example of the application of the method to the dynamic and kinematic analysis of a 3 dimensional spatial slider-crank mechanism with a flywheel is presented.
On Optimal Mechanism Synthesis via Synthesis and Analysis Operators
Authors: Hodges P. H. , Pisano P.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a general framework for mechanism synthesis based on analysis and synthesis operators. Examples of both exact synthesis and approximate synthesis arc given and the synthesis of mechanisms via optimization techniques is explained using synthesis and analysis operators. Synthesis is addressed as a mapping from the space M of rigid body motions to the space (T,D) of mechanism types and dimensions. Among the results of this formulation are an identification of cognates as mechanisms with the value t of type held constant but with a different vector of dimensions d such that the same motion m is generated. A discussion of this formulation is given, optimal mechanism synthesis is re-interpreted within this framework and some avenues for further work which are indicated by this framework are identified.
Malaria vaccine achieves striking early success
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: April 2021

But observers want to see results from larger, phase 3 African trial.
AAAS celebrates 25 years connecting science and religion
Authors: Ham Becky
Published: April 2021

Relationship building is key for the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion
A Study of Soil Organic Matter Stability Using Derivatography and Long-Term Incubation Methods
Authors: Sokolov D. A. , Dmitrevskaya I. I. , Pautova N. B. , Lebedeva T. N. , Chernikov V. A. , Semenov V. M.
Published: April 2021

Soil organic matter (SOM) includes many classes of labile compounds available for microbial decomposition or, conversely, stable compounds protected from biodegradation by biological, chemical, and physical stabilization. It is believed that the more thermal energy is spent on the destruction of soil organic matter, the more stable and more resistant for biodegradation it is. We compared the thermal and biological stabilities of organic matter in eleven soil types from deciduous forest, forest-steppe, steppe, and semidesert bioclimatic areas of the European Russia. According to the activation energy (Ea), the highest SOM thermal stability was typical of the ordinary chernozem and meadow vertic soil. The lowest SOM thermal stability was found for gray forest soil; other soil types were characterized by an intermediate resistance towards thermal oxidation. The thermally labile pool (<390–400°C) of organic matter in soils was on the average 41% (32–60%) of the total SOM, while the thermally stable pool (>390–400°C) was on the average 59% (40–68%). The SOM biological stability estimated by the ratio of potentially mineralizable organic matter to that resistant to mineralization (biological stability index) decreased in the following order: ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozem (Loamic, Pachic)) > meadow vertic soil (Pellic Vertisol (Gleyic, Humic)) > gray forest soil (Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozem (Loamic)) = meadow chestnut soil (Gleyic Kastanozem (Chromic)) > meadow solonetz (Endosalic Gleyic Solonetz (Loamic, Cutanic)) > alluvial meadow soil (Eutric Fluvisol (Humic, Oxyaquic)). The potentially mineralizable SOM pool in the studied soils was 6–27-fold lower as compared with the pool of thermally labile SOM, and the parameters that characterize SOM thermal stability did not correlate with the biological stability index. Thus, SOM thermal lability is not identical to its biodegradability.
Strategy for primary prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and mitigation of climate change in Italy
Authors: Vineis Paolo , Beagley Jessica , Bisceglia Lucia , Carra Luca , Cingolani Roberto , Forastiere Francesco , Musco Francesco , Romanello Marina , Saracci Rodolfo
Published: April 2021

This paper derives from a document commissioned in 2019 by the Italian Minister of Health, and outlines a general strategy for primary prevention of non-communicable diseases in Italy, with a special focus on cobenefits of climate change mitigation. Given that action against climate change is primarily taken via energy choices, limiting the use of fossil fuels and promoting renewable sources, an effective strategy is one in which interventions are designed to prevent diseases and jointly mitigate climate change, the so-called cobenefits. For policies capable of producing relevant co-benefits we focus on three categories of interventions, urban planning, diet and transport that are of special importance. For example, policies promoting active transport (cycling, walking) have the triple effect of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, preventing diseases related to atmospheric pollution, and increasing physical activity, thus preventing obesity and diabetes.

In particular, we propose that for 2025 the following goals are achieved: reduce the prevalence of smokers by 30%, with particular emphasis on young people; reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by 20%; reduce the proportion of calories obtained from ultraprocessed foods by 20%; reduce the consumption of alcohol by 10%; reduce the consumption of salt by 30%; reduce the consumption of sugary drinks by 20%; reduce the average consumption of meat by 20%; increase the weekly hours of exercise by 10%. The aim is to complement individual health promotion with structural policies (such as urban planning, taxation and incentives) which render the former more effective and result in a reduction in inequality. We strongly encourage the inclusion of primary prevention in all policies, in light of the described cobenefits. Italy’s role as the cohost of the 2020 (now 2021) UN climate negotiations (COP26) presents the opportunity for international leadership in addressing health as an integral component of the response to climate change.
Genodermatoses with behavioural sequelae
Authors: Hamie Lamiaa , Eid Edward , Khalil Joanna , Sawaya Rayah Touma , Abbas Ossama , Kurban Mazen
Published: April 2021

Children with genodermatoses are at an increased risk of developing behavioural disorders which may impart lasting damage on the individual and their family members. As such, early recognition of childhood mental health disorders via meticulous history taking, thorough physical examination, and disorder-specific testing is of paramount importance for timely and effective intervention. If carried out properly, prompt psychiatric screening and intervention can effectively mitigate, prevent or even reverse, the psychiatric sequela in question. To that end, this review aims to inform the concerned physician of the manifestations and treatment strategies relevant to the psychological sequelae of genodermatoses.
Syphilis self-testing to expand test uptake among men who have sex with men: a theoretically informed mixed methods study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Sri-Pathmanathan Clarisse , Nhamo Definate , Mamvuto Takudzwa , Chapwanya Gwendoline , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Mahaka Imelda , Marks Michael , Tucker Joseph D
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Self-testing for STIs such as HIV and syphilis may empower sexual minorities and expand uptake of STI testing. While much is known about HIV self-testing (HIVST), less is known about syphilis self-testing, particularly in low-income settings. The objective of this study is to determine context-specific facilitators and barriers for self-testing and to assess the usability of syphilis self-testing in Zimbabwe among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

This mixed methods study was conducted in Harare as part of a larger syphilis self-testing trial. The study included in-depth interviews (phase I) followed by usability testing and a second interview (phase II). In-depth interviews were conducted with MSM and key informants prior to syphilis self-testing. The same MSM then used the syphilis self-test, quantitatively assessed its usability and participated in a second in-depth interview. Phase I data were analysed using a thematic approach, guided by an adapted social ecological model conceptual framework. Phase II interviews were analysed using rapid assessment procedure methodology, and usability was assessed using a pre-established index, adapted from existing HIVST scales.

Results

Twenty MSM and 10 key informants were recruited for phase I in-depth interviews, and 16 of these MSM participated in phase II by completing a syphilis self-test kit. Facilitating factors for self-testing included the potential for increased privacy, convenience, autonomy, and avoidance of social and healthcare provider stigma. Barriers included the fear to test and uncertainty about linkage to care and treatment. Data from the Usability Index suggested high usability (89.6% on a 0–100 scale) among the men who received the self-test.

Conclusions

MSM in Zimbabwe were willing to use syphilis self-test kits and many of the barriers and facilitators were similar to those observed for HIVST. Syphilis self-testing may increase syphilis test uptake among sexual minorities in Zimbabwe and other low-income and middle-income countries.
Relationship between heart failure and the risk of acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Axson Eleanor L , Bottle Alex , Cowie Martin R , Quint Jennifer K
Published: April 2021

Rationale

Heart failure (HF) management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often delayed or suboptimal.

Objectives

To examine the effect of HF and HF medication use on moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations.

Methods and measurements

Retrospective cohort studies from 2006 to 2016 using nationally representative English primary care electronic healthcare records linked to national hospital and mortality data. Patients with COPD with diagnosed and possible HF were identified. Possible HF was defined as continuous loop diuretic use in the absence of a non-cardiac indication. Incident exposure to HF medications was defined as ≥2 prescriptions within 90 days with no gaps >90 days during ≤6 months of continuous use; prevalent exposure as 6+ months of continuous use. HF medications investigated were angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Cox regression, stratified by sex and age, further adjusted for patient characteristics, was used to determine the association of HF with exacerbation risk.

Main results

86 795 patients with COPD were categorised as no evidence of HF (n=60 047), possible HF (n=8476) and newly diagnosed HF (n=2066). Newly diagnosed HF (adjusted HR (aHR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.62) and possible HF (aHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.58 to 1.72) similarly increased exacerbation risk. Incident and prevalent use of all HF medications were associated with increased exacerbation risk. Prevalent use was associated with reduced exacerbation risk compared with incident use.

Conclusions

Earlier opportunities to improve the diagnosis and management of HF in the COPD population are missed. Managing HF may reduce exacerbation risk in the long term.