bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks and issues: reactions of Vietnam and the experience to the world in the first wave of coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Dinh Hai Hong
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper mentions the quick reactions of Vietnam to avoid explosive catastrophes before and during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The work presented here has profound implications for future research of disaster response and preparation for future pandemics. In order to estimate the causal general effect of the pandemic, the authors have to do a quantitative survey at the end of the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The difference in damage caused by the pandemic between the great powers and Vietnam is the quick reaction. It plays a decisive role. In attempting to tackle emerging phenomena in the pandemic, this study is deliberately broad-based. Considerable attention is given to explaining each methodological choice. It centers on a core case of Vietnam. Using data from multiple methods, it adopts publish media and contemporary research during the pandemic as a way to draw out key themes within the core case.

Findings

The paper focuses on the lessons for the post-pandemic consist of the Buddhist conception (cause and effect) based on the quick reaction of the Vietnamese government and the adaptation of Vietnamese people. This is a key success for the future anti-pandemic process.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not exploring the pandemic within a larger scale of all nations to approach a general lesson for the world.

Practical implications

The success of the first anti-pandemic phase does not guarantee that subsequent efforts will be successful. Respecting the “opponent” (the coronavirus) is the best way to avoid falling into the deadly subjective trap that some great powers have encountered.

Social implications

This article highlights the rapid response of the Vietnamese before and during the coronavirus pandemic. From that, the article draws some lessons for the next similar disasters based on the cause and effect.

Originality/value

A quick reaction is one of the most important ways to deal with any disaster. After a half year of the coronavirus pandemic spread, Vietnam has 408 infectious cases and no deaths within 96,208,984 people (The Ministry of Health of Vietnam on July 22nd, 2020). Vietnam achieved success with the least expensive price that should be finding in risks and issues in the future.
Loss of democracy in a cooperative kibbutz industry: ethical dilemmas – an Israeli case study
Authors: Moskovich Yaffa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the changes in cooperative community and kibbutz industry that did not undergo privatization.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was based on the case study method, combined with ethnographic interviews and document analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that the industry was highly successful economically, enabling the management to strengthen its authority without sharing information. The decision-making process, thus, became authoritarian, while the community's democratic mechanism was only nominal. This change was also accomplished by cultural transition from cooperative toward more capitalistic values. Management preferred to hire professional workers from the outside without any preference for kibbutz members, causing ethical dilemmas for certain elderly kibbutz members, who felt that the factory had abandoned socialistic ideas.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted only on one kibbutz industry; further research is recommended.

Practical implications

Management at cooperative organizations needs to realize that in a capitalistic environment, adaptation can cause the organization to lose its cooperative features. To prevent a cultural shift toward capitalistic values, managers need to be socialized and workers persuaded of the importance of cooperative values.

Originality/value

The study is innovative for its focus on loss of cooperative community and managerial style that has not been addressed sufficiently in the literature. This research sheds light on organizational conditions that can cause cooperative communities to lose their democratic and socialistic attributes.
Antecedents of employee alienation and its impact on individual work performance during post-merger integration (PMI)
Authors: Al Hosani Yousef , Jabeen Fauzia , Paul Justin , Stachowicz-Stanusch Agata
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine the significant factors leading to employee alienation in post-merger integration (PMI).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 482 middle- and low-level employees in two organizations in the real estate and banking sectors in the United Arab Emirates. The analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Organizational justice, employee commitment, organizational trust, perceived effectiveness of human resource (HR) initiatives and employee communication strategy played an important role in developing or mitigating a feeling of alienation among employees during PMI. Employee tenure in the organization affected individual work performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to middle- and low-level employees and did not consider other organizational variables important in mergers. This study will help merger strategists to deliver appropriate HR practices during PMI, facilitating mitigation of uncertainties among employees and maximizing their trust and commitment.

Originality/value

The study results will help organizations understand employee trust, commitment and determinants in an emerging economy.
Improving entrepreneurial competencies in the classroom: an extension and in-study replication
Authors: Glackin Caroline E.W. , Phelan Steven E.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

A recent paper by Morris et al. (2013b) presented evidence that students can develop entrepreneurial competencies through international fieldwork. This paper explores whether the same results can be developed in a traditional classroom setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a systematic replication of the Morris study with the addition of a matched pair, quasi-experimental design, with a self-replication. Data were collected on 13 self-reported competencies at the start of a semester from two groups using the Morris instrument. The treatment group was exposed to a curriculum designed to teach entrepreneurial competencies, and both groups were re-surveyed at the end of the semester. The process was then repeated with a different cohort, one year later, to replicate the initial study.

Findings

Five competencies saw significant increases in the first treatment group. However, only three of these competencies increased more in the treatment group than the control group. In the replication study, only one competency was significantly higher in the treatment group, and that competency was not one of the original three.

Practical implications

Educators and policymakers should select a curriculum that is valid and reliable. Entrepreneurship educators and policymaker should devote more time to evaluating the effectiveness of different pedagogical techniques for improving entrepreneurial competencies.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies in entrepreneurship education to undertake a matched pair, quasi-experimental design with an in-study replication. The results indicate that serious inferential errors arise if simpler designs are used, even though such designs are the norm in entrepreneurship research.
Contract farming problems and games under yield uncertainty
Authors: Shi Zhanwen , Cao Erbao
Published: October 2020

This study investigates whether a group of independent agricultural producers willingly forms a coalition to jointly cope with yield uncertainty in contract farming. The agricultural producers’ cooperative game problem in contract farming is formulated as a two‐stage stochastic linear program. Using the strong duality theory of stochastic linear programs, we not only prove that the core of agricultural producers’ cooperative game is nonempty but also provide a simple way to compute a profit allocation policy in the core. We establish the convexity of agricultural producers’ cooperative game so that the game has population monotonicity, which gives agricultural producers an incentive to expand their current coalition. We then analyze the agricultural producers’ cooperative game with a concave cost structure, which may exhibit economies of scale for production. Taking advantage of the proposed stochastic duality approach, the agricultural producers’ cooperative game with a concave cost structure is also shown to have a nonempty core.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Earthquake Stress Drops between the 2008 Wenchuan and 2013 Lushan Earthquakes
Authors: WU Weiwei , LONG Feng , LIANG Mingjian , WEI Yaling , SUN Wei , CHEN Xuefen , ZHAO Jing
Published: October 2020

As a case study of spatial and temporal variations in earthquake stress drops between the 2008 Ms 8.0 Wenchuan and 2013 Ms 7.0 Lushan earthquakes, we computed 1828 stress‐drop values for earthquakes with magnitudes 1.7 ≤ ML ≤ 5.0 during an eight‐year time span before and after major earthquakes. We divide the study area into three subregions (the southern segment of the Longmen Shan fault zone; the southwestern junction of the Longmen Shan and Sichuan Basin; and the southwestern margin of the Sichuan Basin) and calculate individual event stress drops in each. The results show that regions of alternating high and low stress drop are found on either side of the southwestern segment of the Longmen Shan fault zone. During the two‐year period after the 2008 Ms 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, the stress state of the southern Longmen Shan fault shows no significant change. A marked increase in stress level appears about 18 months before the 2013 Ms 7.0 Lushan earthquake near the Lushan hypocenter zone. Two months after the Ms 7.0 event, the stress drops suddenly attenuate, with significantly less seismic energy release per event. We find that changes in the patterns of high and low stress drop values are consistent with the process of stress accumulation or transfer from the pre‐mainshock to post‐mainshock periods. The results indicate that major earthquakes are the dominant cause of temporal and spatial evolution in stress levels. Stress drop variations show obvious temporal and spatial patterns that may suggests subtle changes in the character of stress fields on faults and spatial variations related to local intense compression and tectonic effects.
Saqez–Sardasht Goldfield, North Sanandaj‐Sirjan Zone, Iran: A Tectono‐Metallogenic Synthesis
Authors: HAJI Erfan , SAFARI Hojjatollah , SHAFIEI BAFTI Behnam , MOJALLAL Mehdi
Published: October 2020

The Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ), as the metamorphic‐magmatic core of the Zagros Orogen in southwestern Iran, contains several styles of gold deposit of Phanerozoic age. The northern SSZ includes an ENE‐trending goldfield belt. This area that encompasses the main orogenic gold deposits, e.g., Qolqoleh, Kervian, Qabaqhlujeh, and the Barika VMS goldfield, was chosen for this research to study the spatial and temporal relationships between gold mineralization and orogenic phases. Regarding the rock unit variations, metamorphism, magmatism and the settings of the structures, the study area is divided into four distinct tectonic blocks, separated by three main NW‐trending thrust faults (suture lines) including, from NE to SW, the Tamugheh, the Ebrahim Hesar and the Zagros main thrust (ZMT) faults. The area between the Tamugheh and Ebrahim Hesar faults is a tectonized/uplifted basement of accretionary wedge‐originated thrust slivers, hosting the above orogenic gold mineralizations. The other area between the here termed Ebrahim Hesar fault and the ZMT is an island‐arc basin, proposed here as the Sardasht–Barika zone, including the only recognized massive sulfide gold district all over the SSZ, named Barika. The Barika goldfield was metamorphosed, deformed and enriched due to the island‐ arc collision to the Arabian continent, before the closure of Neotethys on the eastern flank.
Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for prevention and time to depressive relapse: Systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: McCartney Mark , Nevitt Sarah , Lloyd Annette , Hill Ruaraidh , White Ross , Duarte Rui
Published: October 2020

Objective

To perform a network meta‐analysis (NMA) to compare the long‐term effectiveness of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with available strategies for prevention and time to depressive relapse.

Methods

Seven electronic databases were searched up to June 2019. Studies evaluated MBCT for the management of depression‐related outcomes and follow‐up assessments occurred at 12 months or longer.

Results

Twenty‐three publications were included, 17 of which were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Data from 14 RCTs including 2077 participants contributed to meta‐analysis (MA) and NMA to assess relapse of depression and 13 RCTs with 2017 participants contributed to MA and NMA for time to relapse of depression. NMAs showed statistically significant advantages for MBCT over treatment as usual (TAU) for relapse of depression (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98) and for MBCT over TAU and placebo for time to relapse of depression (MBCT vs TAU: HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.88; MBCT vs placebo: HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.67). Subgroup meta‐analysis of relapse of depression by previous number of depressive episodes showed similar results between subgroups. Subgroup meta‐analysis by the use or not of booster sessions suggests these may lead to improved effectiveness.

Conclusions

MBCT is more effective than TAU in the long‐term in preventing relapse of depression and has statistically significant advantages over TAU and placebo for time to relapse of depression. No statistically significant differences were observed between MBCT and active treatment strategies for rate of relapse or time to relapse of depression.
Bat activity and species richness in different land‐use types in and around Chome Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania
Authors: Katunzi Thomas , Soisook Pipat , Webala Paul W. , Armstrong Kyle N. , Bumrungsri Sara
Published: October 2020

Bats have important ecological roles in ecosystems, but many species are threatened because of anthropogenic impacts. Tanzania has limited information on how bats respond to habitat modification. This makes it difficult to anticipate which bat species are at risk. Bat activity and species richness were assessed in five land‐use types: forest and banana–coffee (upland habitats), rice paddy, riverine and sisal estate (lowland habitats). Mist nets, harp traps and bat detectors were used to sample bats. Species richness differed between habitats. Bat activity levels were higher in lowland habitats than upland habitats. Riverine and rice paddy habitats were shown to have an important role as foraging sites for many insectivorous bats as bat species richness and activity were generally higher than other habitats. Fruit‐eating bats preferred riverine and banana–coffee habitats. We recommend using organic manure as alternatives to chemical fertilisers, and pesticide use should be avoided in rice paddies. Riparian vegetation along rivers and water bodies should be maintained as important faunal nesting, roosting and/or foraging grounds. The requirement that farming practices be at least 60 m from the river should be strictly enforced. These recommendations will help in the conservation of bats and their habitats in modified agricultural landscapes.
Catholic Social Thought and New Institutional Economics: An Assessment of Their Affinities and Areas of Potential Convergence
Authors: Norcross Eileen , Aligica Paul Dragos
Published: October 2020

The potential link between Catholic social teaching (CST) and the theoretical developments associated with new institutional economics (NIE) are explored. The emphasis is on the contributions of two Nobel Prize winners in economics—Douglass C. North and Elinor Ostrom—and on the work of political scientist Vincent Ostrom. By adjusting the neoclassical presumptions dominating modern economic theory to include culture, ideas, and religious beliefs in the analysis of economic behavior, the economic and social theorizing developed by these scholars advances a framework that has significant affinities with CST’s foundational critique of economic concepts and theories and with its normative position regarding the nature and functioning of social and economic systems.
The utility of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with renal function preservation, regardless of warm ischemia time, compared with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy
Authors: Kato Daiki , Nakane Keita , Enomoto Torai , Tomioka Masayuki , Nakai Chie , Takai Manabu , Iinuma Koji , Muramatsu Maekawa Yuka , Mizutani Kosuke , Tsuchiya Tomohiro , Yokoi Shigeaki , Koie Takuya
Published: October 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the chronologic changes in renal function after laparoscopic partial (LPN) or radical nephrectomy (LRN) in patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with clinical stage T1 renal cell carcinoma who underwent LPN or LRN were divided into three groups, namely, LPN‐A group including LPN patients with WIT ≤25 minutes, LPN‐B group including LPN patients with WIT >25 minutes, and LRN group. Perioperative complications that occurred within 30 days after surgery were retrieved. All patients were followed‐up every 3 months to evaluate the estimated glomerular filtration rate. The primary endpoint of this study was to assess the chronological changes in renal function after surgery.

Results

A total of 153 patients were enrolled in this study. The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate between day 1 and 2 weeks after surgery was significantly lower in the LPN‐B group than in the LPN‐A group (p<0.005). Both LPN‐A and ‐B groups achieved eGFR ≥90% 2 weeks after surgery. In addition, the estimated glomerular filtration rate decline from post‐operative day 1 through 24 months in the LPN‐A group or the LPN‐B group was significantly smaller than that in the LRN group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the efficacy and safety of LPN in patients with T1 renal cell carcinoma. Although complication rates were similar in both groups, post‐operative renal function was not different between the LPN‐A and ‐B groups
Beverage‐specific situational norms: Evidence from the Dutch electronic appropriate beverage task
Authors: Cook Megan , Kuntsche Sandra , Smit Koen , Voogt Carmen , Kuntsche Emmanuel
Published: October 2020

Introduction and Aims

By the time young adolescents initiate alcohol consumption they have firmly established attitudes, expectations and beliefs about alcohol and its effects. To further unravel the origins of this knowledge in childhood, we aim to address Dutch children's knowledge of the types of alcoholic beverages adults typically consume in certain situational contexts (i.e. their knowledge of beverage‐specific situational norms).

Design and Methods

A total of 329 children (4–8 years old) completed the Dutch electronic Appropriate Beverage Task at three‐time points (2015, 2016, 2017). Three‐level regression models were estimated examining whether children's beverage‐specific situational norms depend on the gender of the person displayed in the task, sex of the participant and whether there were any beverage‐specific changes over time.

Results

Beverage‐specific findings seem to be robust across the appropriateness of the situation. Beer was the most frequently attributed alcoholic beverage overall and across the common drinking situations. White wine was attributed significantly more to females in the task. Beer, red wine and champagne were attributed significantly more to males. Attributions of individual alcoholic beverages did not change significantly over time. There were no significant differences between the participating boys and girls.

Discussion and Conclusions

Results suggest that 4–8‐year olds are yet to form knowledge of beverage‐specific situational norms. Independent of the situation, time and participants' sex, the gender of the person displayed in the task seemed to be more salient to children than situational or environmental indicators in determining consumption.
The handwriting brain in middle childhood
Authors: Palmis Sarah , Velay Jean‐Luc , Habib Michel , Anton Jean‐Luc , Nazarian Bruno , Sein Julien , Longcamp Marieke
Published: October 2020

While the brain network supporting handwriting has previously been defined in adults, its organization in children has never been investigated. We compared the handwriting network of 23 adults and 42 children (8‐ to 11‐year‐old). Participants were instructed to write the alphabet, the days of the week, and to draw loops while being scanned. The handwriting network previously described in adults (five key regions: left dorsal premotor cortex, superior parietal lobule (SPL), fusiform and inferior frontal gyri, and right cerebellum) was also strongly activated in children. The right precentral gyrus and the right anterior cerebellum were more strongly activated in adults than in children, while the left fusiform gyrus (FuG) was more strongly activated in children than in adults. Finally, we found that, contrary to adults, children recruited prefrontal regions to complete the writing task. This constitutes the first comparative investigation of the neural correlates of writing in children and adults. Our results suggest that the network supporting handwriting is already established in middle childhood. They also highlight the major role of prefrontal regions in learning this complex skill and the importance of right precentral regions and cerebellum in the performance of automated handwriting.
Drosophila insulin‐like peptides: from expression to functions – a review
Authors: Semaniuk Uliana , Piskovatska Veronika , Strilbytska Olha , Strutynska Tetiana , Burdyliuk Nadia , Vaiserman Alexander , Bubalo Volodymyr , Storey Kenneth B. , Lushchak Oleh
Published: October 2020

Insulin‐like peptides (ILPs) belong to the insulin superfamily and act as hormones, neuromediators, and growth factors during the post‐embryonic life‐cycle stages of insects. These peptides are encoded by different genes in various species. In the genus Drosophila, eight peptides are known, seven of which are likely to bind the Drosophila insulin receptor, whereas DILP8 is a known ligand of the Lgr3 receptor. Binding of DILPs 1‐7 to receptors leads to activation of intracellular proteins related to the conserved insulin/IGF (insulin‐like growth factors) signaling pathway. The insulin pathway acts within a complex physiological regulatory network involved in the coordination of development, growth, behavior, metabolism, lifespan, and cognitive functions in insects. The current review summarizes recent data about the structure and function of ILPs in fruit flies. The role of environmental factors and genetic manipulations in modulating the functions of DILPs and their association with lifespan and metabolism of Drosophila are assessed. Further investigation and identification of pharmacological or biotechnological interventions that may decrease insulin/IGF signaling could be a highly promising approach for extension of human health span and longevity.
Link between childhood trauma and psychotic‐like experiences in non‐affected siblings of schizophrenia patients: A case‐control study
Authors: Fekih‐Romdhane Feten , Nsibi Tasnim , Sassi Hadhami , Cheour Majda
Published: October 2020

Aim

Prior research has consistently demonstrated a relationship between childhood trauma (CT) exposure and an increased risk of developing psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) and disorders. Studying the link between CT and PLE in non‐clinical populations with or without genetic risk factors could help elucidate the etiopathogeny of psychotic disorders, by removing the effect of confounding variables related to psychotic‐spectrum illnesses.

Method

A total of 60 non‐affected siblings of patients with schizophrenia and 75 controls (aged 18‐35 years) participated in a cross‐sectional survey. The Positive Subscale of Community Assessment of Psychotic Experiences (CAPE) and the CT Questionnaire were used.

Results

We found no significant difference with regard to positive dimension of the CAPE between the two groups. Siblings have reported higher CAPE negative symptoms scores than controls (27.9 vs 24.2; P = .015), and more emotional abuse and physical neglect during childhood than controls. After controlling for demographic and psychosocial variables, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect were positively related to positive psychotic symptoms in the control group, whereas no dimension of CT has been linked to these symptoms in the sibling group.

Conclusion

The link between CT and psychosis seems to be complex, not only dependent on genetic vulnerability or early environmental factors shared by siblings of patients with psychotic disorders, but also several other confounding factors, including other psychopathological symptoms. Prevention strategies for individuals at genetic risk of psychosis should pay particular attention to CT as a potential predictor of sub‐clinical depression and psychosis.
Implementation of NAVIGATE for first episode psychosis in Israel: Clients' characteristics, program utilization and ratings of change
Authors: Roe David , Mashiach‐Eizenberg Michal , Garber Epstein Paula , Yamin Amit , Hoter Ishay Gili , Zisman‐Ilani Yaara
Published: October 2020

Objective

NAVIGATE is a comprehensive treatment program for first episode psychosis developed and implemented in the US that has been found to be effective. The purpose of the present study was to describe the first initiative of NAVIGATE's implementation outside the US, and to present data collected in Israel from the first two clinics focusing on NAVIGATE clients' characteristics, components utilization and retrospective clinician ratings of change.

Methods

Administrative data for 61 NAVIGATE clients in Israel and retrospective ratings of NAVIGATE clinicians were analysed.

Results

The duration of untreated psychosis was 4.4 months (SD = 6.8). Clients were mostly referred to NAVIGATE from psychiatric hospitals (n = 29, 50.9%) and community mental health agencies (n = 20, 35.1%). The individualized resiliency training (IRT) component had the highest client utilization rate (n = 53, 98.1%) with a monthly average of M = 2.32 sessions (SD = 2.75). Clinicians' retrospective ratings indicated that 66% of the clients (n = 33) had improved in at least one life domain, with the most common improvement in employment (n = 28, 56%), recovery (n = 24, 50%), and symptoms severity (n = 23, 47%).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that NAVIGATE can be implemented outside the US within a different social and cultural context and different mental health system. The utilization rates of the program components and clinicians' retrospective ratings indicated positive change among most of NAVIGATE clients, pointing to the potential value of NAVIGATE above and beyond different countries and health systems.
Emerging Ideas. Rumination's Mediating Effect on Feeling Caught and Well‐Being After Parental Infidelity
Authors: Thorson Allison R.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This brief exploratory study, guided by family systems theory, examined whether rumination mediated the relationship between adult children's experience of triangulation (i.e., feeling caught) and well‐being after parental infidelity.

Results

On the basis of responses from 215 adult children whose parents engaged in infidelity, adult children's well‐being and their feelings of being caught between parents was mediated by rumination. Moreover, the relationship between these variables was not conditional on whether adult children's parents divorced or remained married after infidelity.

Implications

These findings provide an initial understanding of the impact of parental infidelity on adult children. Further, they suggest that future research should examine family discourses that promote or mitigate rumination because family interactions greatly influence offspring's experiences with this transgression.
Reference state and benchmark concepts for better biodiversity conservation in contemporary ecosystems
Authors: McNellie Megan J. , Oliver Ian , Dorrough Josh , Ferrier Simon , Newell Graeme , Gibbons Philip
Published: October 2020

Measuring the status and trends of biodiversity is critical for making informed decisions about the conservation, management or restoration of species, habitats and ecosystems. Defining the reference state against which status and change are measured is essential. Typically, reference states describe historical conditions, yet historical conditions are challenging to quantify, may be difficult to falsify, and may no longer be an attainable target in a contemporary ecosystem. We have constructed a conceptual framework to help inform thinking and discussion around the philosophical underpinnings of reference states and guide their application. We characterize currently recognized historical reference states and describe them as Pre‐Human, Indigenous Cultural, Pre‐Intensification and Hybrid‐Historical. We extend the conceptual framework to include contemporary reference states as an alternative theoretical perspective. The contemporary reference state framework is a major conceptual shift that focuses on current ecological patterns and identifies areas with higher biodiversity values relative to other locations within the same ecosystem, regardless of the disturbance history. We acknowledge that past processes play an essential role in driving contemporary patterns of diversity. The specific context for which we design the contemporary conceptual frame is underpinned by an overarching goal—to maximize biodiversity conservation and restoration outcomes in existing ecosystems. The contemporary reference state framework can account for the inherent differences in the diversity of biodiversity values (e.g. native species richness, habitat complexity) across spatial scales, communities and ecosystems. In contrast to historical reference states, contemporary references states are measurable and falsifiable. This ‘road map of reference states’ offers perspective needed to define and assess the status and trends in biodiversity and habitats. We demonstrate the contemporary reference state concept with an example from south‐eastern Australia. Our framework provides a tractable way for policy‐makers and practitioners to navigate biodiversity assessments to maximize conservation and restoration outcomes in contemporary ecosystems.
Travel arrangements in chronic hemodialysis patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Wongboonsin Janewit , Merighi Joseph R. , Walker Patricia F. , Drawz Paul E.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

For patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), “travel” and “independence” are rated as 2 of the top 5 factors that inform their choice of treatment modality. While home dialysis modalities offer patients a high degree of independence, the most common RRT in the United States is in‐center hemodialysis (IHD). The limits imposed by IHD treatment can present a variety of challenges for patients who wish to travel. This study explored how IHD patients managed their travel and the role of dialysis social workers in executing travel arrangements for patients.

Methods

We performed a qualitative descriptive investigation using semi‐structured interviews with adults receiving IHD (n = 16) and renal social workers (n = 8) from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method.

Findings

Three themes emerged from the interviews: travel process, travel‐related barriers, and travel‐related facilitators. The travel process entailed transient dialysis unit challenges and the need for multiple preparations and precautions. Barriers included comorbidities and not having a relationship with transient dialysis unit staff. Facilitators focused on the importance of travel and staff professionalism at transient dialysis units. Overall, there was lack of uniform protocols to guide the travel process at the patient and the dialysis unit levels.

Discussion

This study identified multiple perspectives regarding travel arrangements in chronic IHD patients. There is limited research on travel issues for IHD patients and this investigation is among the first to articulate barriers and facilitators associated with travel from the perspective of patients and social workers. Supporting travel for IHD patients can increase their sense of autonomy and provide opportunities to improve their quality of life.
Comparison of the impact of childhood psoriasis on mothers’ and fathers’ quality of life – does gender of a caregiver play a role?
Authors: Żychowska M. , Reich A. , Maj J. , Jankowska‐Konsur A. , Szepietowski J. C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that in one third of cases starts in the first two decades of life. The disease might impact the quality of life (QoL) of the affected children and their caregivers. The issue of gender differences in the assessment of psychological burden of dermatological conditions has been the subject of few studies with contradictory results.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the impact of childhood psoriasis on mothers’ and fathers’ well‐being using Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI).

Methods

Forty‐five children with psoriasis (31 girls and 14 boys; mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 10.53 ± 3.44 years) and their parents (45 mothers and 45 fathers) were included in the study. Both parents of each child were asked to separately fill in the validated Polish version of the FDLQI questionnaire.

Results

Comparing the FDLQI scores, the QoL of mothers was significantly more impaired than the QoL of fathers (13.44 ± 6.46 versus 9.53 ± 6.12 points; P < 0.0001). In mothers, childhood psoriasis had a significantly greater impact in the areas of emotional distress (P = 0.007), dealing with other people’s reactions (P < 0.0001), social life (P = 0.02), amount of time spent caring for the child’s skin (P = 0.0001) and extra housework (P = 0.0005), compared to fathers. The FDLQI scores of both mothers and fathers were independent of the impairment of children’s QoL or the severity of psoriasis, except for positive correlation between mothers’ FDLQI scores and children’s BSA (R = 0.31; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Differences in the impact of childhood skin diseases on mothers’ and fathers’ well‐being should be taken into consideration while developing educational programmes for patients and their families. There is a need for further, multi‐centre research that would take into account geographical and cultural differences, in order to reliably assess the impact of childhood psoriasis on various aspects of caregivers’ QoL.
Factors influencing management of agitation in aged care facilities: A qualitative study of staff perceptions
Authors: Watson Karen , Hatcher Deborah
Published: October 2020

Background

Agitation in older people is commonly associated with cognitive decline, complex medical diagnoses and polypharmacy. Impaired communication and comprehension within a dementia trajectory adds complexity to assessment and management. Despite high prevalence, agitated behaviours remain challenging to manage in residential aged care settings.

Aim

To explore staff perceptions of agitation in residents of aged care facilities, including the influence of dementia, when selecting management strategies to reduce agitated behaviour.

Design

Qualitative descriptive.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 11 aged care staff were conducted at two aged care sites. Transcripts were examined using content analysis to identify common issues and categories. The study complied with COREQ guidelines (see. Appendix S1).

Results

Participants reported managing resident agitation at least once per shift; most frequently manifesting as wandering, restlessness or aggression. Management strategies included distraction, providing space, knowing the resident, identifying causative factors, spending individual time and if necessary medication administration. Agitation management was more challenging for residents with dementia due to impaired communication or comprehension of instruction.

Conclusions

While participants strived to deliver individualized person‐centred care, this was difficult given time and resource constraints. Contemporary management of agitation therefore remains variable in everyday practice, with resident preference used when causative factors were known. Conversely, for residents with impaired communication and/or comprehension, distraction and chemical restraint were commonly used. Nuanced education for assessment and management is recommended to better address this unmet need for some residents.

Relevance to clinical practice

For optimal care, appropriate allocation of time and resources is necessary to identify causative and contextual factors for individual residents. Recommendations are for additional staff training in communication and attitude, and collaborating with frontline staff to develop a practical guide for management of agitation in aged care. These simple initiatives may help to improve consistency of care delivery and resident outcomes.
Prevalence of xerostomia with or without overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: Ito Kayoko , Inoue Makoto , Nishii Hisae , Matsumoto Tetsuro
Published: October 2020

Overactive bladder (OAB) occurs idiopathic or secondary to a neurological cause. In addition, OAB may also occur due to xerostomia, because it causes excessive drinking of water. If xerostomia is one of the causes of OAB, treating xerostomia may be effective. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia with or without overactive bladder symptoms. A web‐based questionnaire was administered to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia with or without overactive bladder symptoms. The survey included questions concerning age, gender, medical history, medications, OAB symptoms by the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and xerostomia by the Dry Mouth Scale (DMS). From the analysis, a total of 21 (13.0%) participants were identified as having OAB. The prevalence of xerostomia was six (28.6%) in the OAB group and 14 (10.0%) in the non‐OAB group. OABSS and DMS were significantly higher in the OAB group than in the non‐OAB group. Urgency score and urgency incontinence score of OABSS were substantially higher in xerostomia participants than non‐xerostomia participants. The adjusted odds ratio of OAB showed DMS total score, xerostomia symptoms, accompanying symptoms, and other symptoms that were all significantly associated with OAB. These results suggested that OAB subjects, even untreated subjects, had xerostomia. It may be beneficial for clinicians to perform dry mouth management in parallel with careful choice pharmacotherapy for the wellness of OAB patients.
Health literacy profiles of adults with multiple chronic diseases: A cross‐sectional study using the Health Literacy Questionnaire
Authors: Dinh Ha T.T. , Nguyen Nguyet T. , Bonner Ann
Published: October 2020

Health literacy is multidimensional, comprising functional, communicative, and critical thinking dimensions. Understanding health literacy is crucial for clinicians to develop effective health education strategies. In this study, we examined the multiple dimensions of health literacy in Vietnamese adults with chronic comorbidities. A cross‐sectional sample of 600 patients, aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of at least two chronic diseases (cardiovascular conditions, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes), completed the Health Literacy Questionnaire, an instrument assessing nine distinct domains. Descriptive and parametric tests were performed to analyze the health literacy levels for various demographic characteristics. Generalized linear models using backward modelling explored factors associated with higher health literacy. The lowest scoring domains were “Healthcare provider support” and “Appraisal of health information.” In multivariate models greater health literacy was associated with those <65 years, having a postsecondary degree or higher level of education, greater income, urban residence, being cared for by spouses/children, and having fewer comorbidities. To improve health literacy, clinicians in primary and acute healthcare settings should build supportive relationships with patients and assist them with understanding and appraising health information.
MEDIATOR16 orchestrates local and systemic responses to phosphate scarcity in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Raya‐González Javier , Ojeda‐Rivera Jonathan Odilón , Mora‐Macias Javier , Oropeza‐Aburto Araceli , Ruiz‐Herrera León Francisco , López‐Bucio José , Herrera‐Estrella Luis
Published: October 2020

Phosphate (Pi) is a critical macronutrient for the biochemical and molecular functions of cells. Under phosphate limitation, plants manifest adaptative strategies to increase phosphate scavenging. However, how low phosphate sensing links to the transcriptional machinery remains unknown.

The role of the MEDIATOR (MED) transcriptional co‐activator, through its MED16 subunit in Arabidopsis root system architecture remodeling in response to phosphate limitation was assessed. Its critical function acting over the SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY1 (STOP1)‐ALUMINUM‐ACTIVATED MALATE TRANSPORT1 (ALMT1) signaling module was tested through a combination of genetic, biochemical, and genome‐wide transcriptomic approaches.

Root system configuration in response to phosphate scarcity involved MED16 functioning, which modulates the expression of a large set of low‐phosphate‐induced genes that respond to local and systemic signals in the Arabidopsis root tip, including those directly activated by STOP1. Biomolecular fluorescence complementation analysis suggests that MED16 is required for the transcriptional activation of STOP1 targets, including the membrane permease ALMT1, to increase malate exudation in response to low phosphate.

Our results unveil the function of a critical transcriptional component, MED16, in the root adaptive responses to a scarce plant macronutrient, which helps understanding how plant cells orchestrate root morphogenesis to gene expression with the STOP1‐ALMT1 module.
Reducing shade avoidance can improve Arabidopsis canopy performance against competitors
Authors: Pantazopoulou Chrysoula K. , Bongers Franca J. , Pierik Ronald
Published: October 2020

Plants that grow in high density communities activate shade avoidance responses to consolidate light capture by individuals. Although this is an evolutionary successful strategy, it may not enhance performance of the community as a whole. Resources are invested in shade responses at the expense of other organs and light penetration through the canopy is increased, allowing invading competitors to grow better. Here we investigate if suppression of shade avoidance responses would enhance group performance of a monoculture community that is invaded by a competitor. Using different Arabidopsis genotypes, we show that suppression of shade‐induced upward leaf movement in the pif7 mutant increases the pif7 communal performance against invaders as compared to a wild‐type canopy. The invaders were more severely suppressed and the community grew larger as compared to wild type. Using computational modelling, we show that leaf angle variations indeed strongly affect light penetration and growth of competitors that invade the canopy. Our data thus show that modifying specific shade avoidance aspects can improve plant community performance. These insights may help to suppress weeds in crop stands.
Lipoblastoma phenotype contains a somatic PIK3CA mutation
Authors: Sudduth Christopher L. , Konczyk Dennis J. , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Smits Patrick J. , Greene Arin K.
Published: October 2020

Lipoblastoma typically occurs in childhood and is associated with rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene. We present a patient with an isolated mass thought to be a lipoblastoma clinically, radiographically, and histologically. The lesion was diagnosed as a PIK3CA‐adipose lesion after the tissue was negative for PLAG1 rearrangement and contained a somatic PIK3CA mutation (H1047R). Although PIK3CA variants are associated with PROS (PIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum), this report illustrates a non‐syndromic, lipoblastoma phenotype caused by a PIK3CA mutation.
Extended letermovir administration, beyond day 100, is effective for CMV prophylaxis in patients with graft versus host disease
Authors: Bansal Rajat , Gordillo Christian A , Abramova Rachel , Assal Amer , Mapara Markus Y , Pereira Marcus R , Reshef Ran
Published: October 2020

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT), and graft versus host disease (GVHD) increases the risk of CMV reactivation. Letermovir is approved for CMV prophylaxis in CMV‐seropositive patients, but has only been studied through day 100 post‐transplantation in the registration trial. Its efficacy in preventing CMV in patients with GVHD requiring treatment beyond the day 100 milestone has not been studied.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent an AHCT at a single center over a period of 24 months, and identified a cohort of 20 patients who received extended duration of letermovir (beyond 100 days) after the diagnosis of GVHD. The primary end point was the incidence of clinically significant CMV infection, defined as onset of CMV disease or initiation of preemptive therapy with alternative antiviral agents.

Results

In this high‐risk cohort, only one patient (5%) developed a clinically significant CMV infection, requiring preemptive therapy. No patients developed CMV organ disease. Three additional patients developed CMV viremia of ≥150 IU/mL while on letermovir and after the onset of GVHD, and none required additional treatment. Receipt of post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and low CD4 count after the development of GVHD were associated with breakthrough CMV viremia while on extended duration letermovir.

Conclusions

Extended duration letermovir was efficacious in preventing clinically significant CMV infections in patients with GVHD.
Colonic malakoplakia in a dual stem cell and cardiac transplant recipient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Meredith Thomas , Dharan Nila , Killen Louise , Anandabaskaran Sulak , Kim Andrew , Yang Tao , Marriott Deborah , Hayward Christopher , Macdonald Peter
Published: October 2020

We describe the first published case of malakoplakia in a dual stem cell and cardiac transplant recipient. In the 2 months following cardiac transplantation, our patient developed persistent diarrhea and recurrent E coli bacteremia. Biopsies obtained from areas of colonic thickening revealed malakoplakia. Despite improvement in symptoms with prolonged antimicrobial therapy and reduction of his immunosuppression, he eventually died from sepsis. Our case highlights not only the importance of the timely diagnosis of this rare disorder, but also the difficulty in determining optimal treatment duration, particularly where excision of involved areas is not possible, as data on this disease are lacking. Here we describe our case and review the available literature published on malakoplakia in the cardiac transplant population.
The triangular purchasing power parity hypothesis: A comment
Authors: King Alan
Published: October 2020

The recently proposed triangular purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis posits that, in a world dominated by the United States, China and Euroland, the exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro will be a function of the Euroland price level relative to China’s price level. Contrary to conventional PPP, the US price level plays no role. We show that the theory underlying triangular PPP is flawed and that it is no more than a simple transformation of the conventional PPP relationship. Moreover, some of the empirical evidence presented in support of the triangular PPP actually refutes one of its central ideas.