bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic research of e-learning platforms for solving challenges faced by Indian engineering students
Authors: Thakker Shivangi Viral , Parab Jayesh , Kaisare Shubhankar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

As educational institutes began to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, e-learning came to the foreground as the best bet left. This study is in quest of revealing engineering student's perceptions of the available e-learning platforms, thus surfacing the underlying bottlenecks. Further, it aims at providing solutions that would help enhance the e-learning experience not only in pandemic times but also in the long run.

Design/methodology/approach

This holistic research begins with a comprehensive comparative study about the available e-learning platforms, followed by a primary data analysis through an online survey of 364 engineering students from various colleges and branches. The collected data was analyzed to detect bottlenecks in online learning and suggestions are given for solving some challenges.

Findings

On a five-point Likert scale, the available e-learning platforms garnered ratings ranging from 2.81 to 3.46. Google meet was the most preferred platform. However, with a net promoter score (NPS) of 30.36, Microsoft Teams emerged as the most satisfying platform. Technical shortcomings clubbed with psychological and biological factors were found to be taking a toll on e-learning.

Research limitations/implications

This innovative research is based on the perceptions of engineering students hailing majorly from Indian cities, and hence, it may be having educational stream bias and geographical bias. The research could be further extended to cover rural areas and global trends in e-learning.

Originality/value

The research offers a thorough analysis of e-learning platforms, as seen through the lens of engineering students. Furthermore, the analysis does not constrain itself to the technicalities and thus proves to be an all-encompassing one, potent enough to surface critical issues marring the e-learning experience.
Emerging living styles post-COVID-19: housing flexibility as a fundamental requirement for apartments in Jeddah
Authors: Bettaieb Donia M. , Alsabban Reem
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the compulsory quarantine of many of the world's inhabitants, and by staying at home, several functional developments emerged in residential spaces in Jeddah that affected the role of the house as a contributor to individuals' quality of life under the pressures of quarantine. Given the necessity of the apartments to adapt to these emerging developments, this study explores the determinants associated with the flexibility of residential apartments by looking at the extent to which they meet the new psychological, social and cultural roles required by their users post-COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative approach (1) extracted concepts related to the flexibility of housing from the available literature and (2) extrapolated the flexibility of the residential apartments from the participants' study (12 families) in different areas of Jeddah by analyzing the results of targeted interviews.

Findings

There is a gap in the participant's understanding of the quality of housing and the level of satisfaction with a housing design that differs before and after their quarantine experience. The participant's adaptation to self-quarantine was mainly through furniture distribution, and housing flexibility was less reliant on the physical transformation of the place than on the change in the inhabitants' perceptions. There was an indication that the deficiencies of flexibility in design relates to the functional, cultural and structural aspects of residential buildings.

Originality/value

This study generated suggestions to develop the foundations for flexible housing design and activate its role under the post-quarantine context according to social and cultural variables. Some proposals should become future requirements for residential apartments to benefit officials and stakeholders to develop housing flexibility.
Leadership in Brazilian public universities: initiatives conducted by three state universities of São Paulo in the context of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Anholon Rosley , Serafim Milena Pavan , Lourenzani Wagner Luiz , Silva Iris Bento , Rampasso Izabela Simon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the role of aspects related to public leadership in the actions developed by three state universities in São Paulo (Brazil) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the University of Campinas (Unicamp), University of São Paulo (USP) and São Paulo State University (Unesp).

Design/methodology/approach

Since this is a viewpoint article, part of the information presented is characterized by the authors' points of view. It should be highlighted, however, that the information provided is based on searches in scientific bases, institutional websites and published press reports.

Findings

According to the authors, aspects of public leadership are being properly employed by the public servants of the analyzed universities, resulting in the positive actions that have been implemented.

Originality/value

There is no existing literature on public leadership in these Brazilian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shape sensing and feedback control of the catheter robot for interventional surgery
Authors: Qi Fei , Chen Bai , She Shigang , Gao Shuyuan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a shape sensing method and feedback control strategy based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor to improve the control accuracy of the robot and ensure the safety of the cardiac interventional surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

To theoretically describe the shape of the catheter robot, the kinematic model is established by the geometric analysis method. And to obtain the actual shape, a large curvature assemble sensor based on FBG is adopted and a novel simple shape reconstruction model is proposed, which can provide the shape curve and distal position. In addition, the influence of external load on the bending deformation is investigated by experiments. To improve the shape accuracy of the robot, a shape feedback control method is presented to control the catheter robot, which can control the robot to bend into the pre-given desired shape.

Findings

Experiment results verify the effectiveness of the shape sensing method and the reconstruction model, and the correlation coefficients of three sets of curve in different coordinate directions are 0.9986, 0.9992 and 0.9999. Results of the shape feedback experiment show that the curvature error and direction angle error are 1.42% and 10.3%, respectively. The continuum catheter robot can be controlled to achieve the desired bending shape.

Originality/value

The shape reconstruction method and feedback control strategy proposed in this paper can improve the control accuracy of the robot to avoid the risk of the collision with the surrounding blood vessels, the tissues and organs.
Implementation challenges of COVID-19 safety measures at construction sites in South Africa
Authors: Amoah Christopher , Simpeh Fredrick
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed safety measures in every industry, including the construction industry. Thus, the construction companies have instituted safety measures at the construction sites to curve the disease’s spread among the workforce. This paper aims to examine the challenges encountered by construction firms in implementing COVID-19 safety measures at construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study using open-ended interview questions to solicit data from 19 construction professionals currently working on a construction project in South Africa. Content analysis with the assistance of an Excel spreadsheet was used to analyse the data collected.

Findings

The findings indicate that there are numerous challenges such as ignorance of COVID-19, the supply of poor personal protective equipment (PPEs) by contractors, lack of compliance, sanitising construction materials, difficulty in sharing tools and equipment, public transport usage by workers, superstition (COVID-19 is for a particular group of people), complying with social distancing rules, among others in the implementation of the COVID-19 safety measure at the construction site to curb the spread of the disease among the workers. These challenges have, therefore, hampered their effort to strictly adhere to the safety measures in accordance with the COVID-19 safety protocol at the project sites currently under construction.

Research limitations/implications

The interviewees were construction professionals working in the South African construction industry during the COVID-19 period.

Practical implications

The implication is that, due to the challenges faced in implementing the COVID-19 safety measures, workers on the construction site are not adequately protected from contracting COVID-19. The workers may thus contract the disease at the project sites and transmit it to their families and vice versa, which may have further implications on the spread of the disease within the communities and society.

Originality/value

The study has identified implementation challenges of the COVID-19 safety measures at construction sites of which the construction stakeholders must institute measures to overcome since COVID-19 has become part of our daily life. The study also recommends some preventive measures to the owners of construction companies to help overcome or minimise these COVID-19 safety implementation hurdles to minimise the spread of the disease among the construction site workers.
Creative tourism – providing the answers to a more inclusive society
Authors: Couret Caroline
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the short-term impact of COVID19 on the new tourism paradigm worldwide, as well imagining how it could influence society’s inclusion. The purpose is thus to share some insight into this unprecedented situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a practical and empirical approach, based on readings and conversations with international stakeholders, and contrasted with the Creative Tourism Network’s background.

Findings

This paper explores the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the tourism industry, human values and intangibles and new opportunities for societal inclusion, together with examples of good practices.

Practical implications

The viewpoint is based on observation, analysis and conversations with stakeholders around the world. It also draws on examples and practical cases from the destinations’ members of the Creative Tourism Network.

Originality/value

This paper draws on observation and reflections about the evolution of societal inclusion through new forms of creative and niche tourism, accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis.
Augmented reality for relaunching tourism post-COVID-19: socially distant, virtually connected
Authors: Mohanty Priyakrushna , Hassan Azizul , Ekis Erdogan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the various facets of augmented reality (AR) and to explore its prospects for supporting the relaunch of the tourism sector post-COVID-19 in accordance with the guidelines set out by WHO and UNWTO.

Design/methodology/approach

This study falls into the category of exploratory research. It is based on a systematic review of secondary data. Thematic content analysis has been adopted to trace out the various ways in which AR can be an aid in overcoming challenges in the relaunch of tourism after the pandemic.

Findings

It was found that norms such as social distancing and lower mobility are going to be followed even after the COVID-19. Therefore, there will be a great demand for mobile and Web-based AR to not only ensure tourist safety but also to create unique, accessible, personalized, context-specific, deep and memorable experiences.

Practical implications

Apart from its academic contribution to the existing body of knowledge, this work can assist various tourism DMOs and policymakers to devise futuristic policies for AR-driven tourism management and development.

Originality/value

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and never seen before. In this context, this study establishes its novelty by exclusively focusing on the aspects of AR that can support the relaunch of tourism post-pandemic.
Bayes and Price: When did it Start?
Authors: Diniz Marcio Alves , Bellhouse David Richard
Published: December 2020

Bayes’ theorem is so named thanks to the efforts of Thomas Bayes’ friend Richard Price. When and how did this friendship first begin? Marcio Alves Diniz and David Richard Bellhouse discuss the possibilities
Simultaneous tongue metastasis from malignant pleural mesothelioma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Chuan , Yang Xue
Published: December 2020

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm of the serosal membranes. MPM usually manifests as local invasion, rarely with distant haematogenous metastases in different organs. Few cases of tongue metastasis have been documented. Here, we report the case of a 68‐year‐old man diagnosed with malignant pleural epithelioid mesothelioma together with a simultaneous tongue lesion, which was found to be metastatic malignant mesothelioma. Tongue metastasis from MPM is rare and the oral symptoms it causes could be an early sign of clinical manifestation. For patients with oral symptoms and a newly discovered tongue lesion, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of tongue metastasis and search for a primary malignancy.
Partisan Procurement: Contracting with the United States Federal Government, 2003–2015
Authors: Dahlström Carl , Fazekas Mihály , Lewis David E.
Published: December 2020

The U.S. federal government spends huge sums buying goods and services from outside of the public sector. Given the sums involved, strategic government purchasing can have electoral consequences. In this article, we suggest that more politicized agencies show favoritism to businesses in key electoral constituencies and to firms connected to political parties. We evaluate these claims using new data on U.S. government contracts from 2003 to 2015. We find that executive departments, particularly more politicized department‐wide offices, are the most likely to have contracts characterized by noncompetitive procedures and outcomes, indicating favoritism. Politically responsive agencies—but only those—give out more noncompetitive contracts in battleground states. We also observe greater turnover in firms receiving government contracts after a party change in the White House, but only in the more politicized agencies. We conclude that agency designs that limit appointee representation in procurement decisions reduce political favoritism.
Massive submacular haemorrhage in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy versus typical neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Cho Soo Chang , Cho JoonHee , Park Kyu Hyung , Woo Se Joon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To investigate the incidence rate of massive submacular haemorrhage (SMH) and risk factors in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and typical neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (tnAMD).

Methods

A total of 465 patients who were diagnosed with either PCV (n = 245) or tnAMD (n = 220) from 2003 to 2014 were enrolled. Cumulative incidence of massive SMH in PCV and that in tnAMD were compared. Risk factors of massive SMH were also analysed.

Results

Massive SMH occurred in 32 patients (13.1%) with PCV and 9 patients (4.1%) with tnAMD. Incidence rates of massive SMH 5 and 10 years after the first visit were 11.1% and 29.9% in PCV and 4.3% and 9.9% in tnAMD, respectively. Incidence rates of massive SMH in PCV were significantly higher than those in tnAMD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.66; p = 0.007). Cox regression analysis revealed that mean number of photodynamic therapies (PDTs) per year (HR, 4.24; p < 0.001), cluster type of polypoidal lesion (HR, 3.42; p = 0.003) in PCV, and mean number of anti‐VEGF injections per year (HR, 1.58; p < 0.001) in tnAMD were significantly associated with risk of massive SMH. For patients with severe vision loss, proportion of incident massive SMH was significantly higher in PCV (29.5%) than in tnAMD (6.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The incidence rate of massive SMH in eyes with PCV was about three times higher than that in eyes with tnAMD. Treatment methods that can reduce the incidence of massive SMH should be considered, especially for eyes with PCV.
Deglaciation dynamics of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in the Kattegat, the gateway between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea Basin
Authors: Hyttinen Outi , Quintana Krupinski Nadina , Bennike Ole , Wacker Lukas , Filipsson Helena L. , Obrochta Stephen , Jensen Jørn B. , Lougheed Bryan , Ryabchuk Daria , Passchier Sandra , Snowball Ian  , Herrero‐Bervera Emilio , Andrén Thomas , Kotilainen Aarno T.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an age–depth model based on an ultra‐high‐resolution, 80‐m‐thick sedimentary succession from a marine continental shelf basin, the Kattegat. This is an area of dynamic deglaciation of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet during the Late Pleistocene. The Kattegat is also a transitional area between the saline North Sea and the brackish Baltic Sea. As such, it records general development of currents and exchange between these two systems. Data for the succession were provided through the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site M0060. The site indicates onset of deglaciation atc. 18 kaBPand relatively continuous sedimentation until 13 kaBP. At this point, sediments record a hiatus untilc. 9–7 kaBP. The uppermost sedimentary unit contains redeposited material, but it is estimated to represent only the lastc. 9–7 kaBP. The age–depth model is based on 17 select, radiocarbon‐dated samples and is integrated with a set of physical and chemical proxies. The integrated records provide novel constraints on the timing of major palaeoenvironmental changes, such as the transition from glaciomarine proximal to glaciomarine distal and marine conditions, and their connections to known major events and processes in the region and the North Atlantic. Depositional evidence specifically documents connections between the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet behaviour and atmospheric and oceanic warming. Glacial retreat may have also depended on topographic factors such as changes in basin width and depth, linked to relative sea level changes and land uplift. The results indicate an early response of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet to changing climate, and the ice sheet's possible influence on oceanic circulation during the Late Pleistocene deglaciation.
A rare case of pleural localisation of both metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Kaspi Elise , Fritz Shirley , Colle Julien , Amatore Florent , Frankel Diane , Roll Patrice
Published: December 2020

A rare case of a pleural fluid cytological analysis revealing synchronous Merkel cell carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is presented with differential diagnosis.
A pilot trial of moderated online social therapy for family and friends of young people with borderline personality disorder features
Authors: Gleeson John , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario , Betts Jennifer K. , McCutcheon Louise , Jovev Martina , Lederman Reeva , Herrman Helen , Cotton Susan M. , Bendall Sarah , McKechnie Ben , Burke Emma , Koval Peter , Smith Jesse , D'Alfonso Simon , Mallawaarachchi Sumudu , Chanen Andrew M.
Published: December 2020

Aim

We evaluated the acceptability, usability and safety of Kindred, a novel online intervention for carers of young people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) using a pre–post pilot trial design. The secondary aim explored whether Kindred use was associated with clinical improvements for caregivers on measures of burden of caregiving, stress, expressed emotion, family communication, disability, coping and knowledge of BPD and for patients on measures of severity of BPD symptoms and level of functional impairment.

Methods

The trial site was the Helping Young People Early program for young people with BPD at Orygen in Melbourne, Australia. Informed consent was obtained from 20 adult carers (i.e., relatives or friends) and 10 young people aged 15–25 with BPD. Kindred, which was available for 3 months, incorporated online psychoeducation, carer‐to‐carer social networking and guidance from expert and peer moderators. Assessments were completed at baseline and 3 months follow‐up. Multiple indicators of acceptability, usability and safety were utilized.

Results

Seventeen carers were enrolled in Kindred and eight young people completed baseline measures. A priori acceptability, usability and safety criteria were met. Carer burden, stress, expressed emotion, family communication, quality of life, functioning, coping and perceived knowledge of BPD improved at follow‐up. Sixty‐six percent of the young people (4/6) reported that they believed Kindred had improved their carers' understanding of BPD.

Conclusion

Kindred was shown to be acceptable, usable and safe, with encouraging improvements in both carer and young person outcomes. Kindred warrants evaluation of its efficacy via an randomized controlled trial.
Classical and controlled auditory mismatch responses to multiple physical deviances in anaesthetised and conscious mice
Authors: O'Reilly Jamie A. , Conway Bernard A.
Published: December 2020

Human mismatch negativity (MMN) is modelled in rodents and other non‐human species to examine its underlying neurological mechanisms, primarily described in terms of deviance‐detection and adaptation. Using the mouse model, we aim to elucidate subtle dependencies between the mismatch response (MMR) and different physical properties of sound. Epidural field potentials were recorded from urethane‐anaesthetised and conscious mice during oddball and many‐standards control paradigms with stimuli varying in duration, frequency, intensity and inter‐stimulus interval. Resulting auditory evoked potentials, classical MMR (oddball – standard), and controlled MMR (oddball – control) waveforms were analysed. Stimulus duration correlated with stimulus‐off response peak latency, whereas frequency, intensity and inter‐stimulus interval correlated with stimulus‐on N1 and P1 (conscious only) peak amplitudes. These relationships were instrumental in shaping classical MMR morphology in both anaesthetised and conscious animals, suggesting these waveforms reflect modification of normal auditory processing by different physical properties of sound. Controlled MMR waveforms appeared to exhibit habituation to auditory stimulation over time, which was equally observed in response to oddball and standard stimuli. These findings are inconsistent with the mechanisms thought to underlie human MMN, which currently do not address differences due to specific physical features of sound. Thus, no evidence was found to objectively support the deviance‐detection or adaptation hypotheses of MMN in relation to anaesthetised or conscious mice. These findings highlight the potential risk of mischaracterising difference waveform components that are principally influenced by physical sensitivities and habituation of the auditory system.
Ghosts of the deep – Biodiversity, fisheries, and extinction risk of ghost sharks
Authors: Finucci Brittany , Cheok Jessica , Ebert David A. , Herman Katelyn , Kyne Peter M. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: December 2020

Ghost sharks (subclass Holocephali) remain a largely data‐poor group of cartilaginous fishes. The general paucity of attention may partially be related to identification and unresolved taxonomic issues, occurrence in the deep oceans, and their low value and interest in fisheries (which some notable exceptions). Here, we synthesize and assess the extinction risk of all known extant ghost sharks (52 species) by applying the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Categories and Criteria. Ghost sharks have a low proportion of threatened (8%) and Near Threatened (8%) species, with most species (69%) assessed as Least Concern. The group still exhibits some data deficiency (15%), and biological information is lacking for most species. Endemism is high, with 37% of species known from only one location or one country. Species richness was highest in the Northeast Atlantic, off the northwest coast of Africa (Morocco to Mauritania), the East China Sea, New Zealand and off the northwest coast of South America (Ecuador and Peru). Ghost sharks are predominately taken as by‐catch, but some targeted fishing and/or retention for the liver oil trade occurs. Species‐specific reporting, monitoring and management are required to assess population trends, and further investigation is needed on trade and use, particularly for higher risk species including the sicklefin chimaeras (genusNeoharriotta) and the American Elephantfish (Callorhynchus callorhynchus, Callorhinidae).
Fatigue of carburised CrNiMo steel: Testing and modelling concept
Authors: Böhme Stephan André , Vinogradov Alexei , Biermann Horst , Weidner Anja , Schmiedel Alexander , Henkel Sebastian
Published: December 2020

In this study, a testing and modelling concept is presented, aimed at estimating the local fatigue properties of carburised CrNiMo steel, covering the fatigue limit under axial and torsional loading at various mean stresses. Aimed at predicting the bulk material properties, all specimens were ultrasonic shot‐peened prior to testing. Fractographic analyses were conducted on all specimens using scanning electron microscopy to define the type, size and chemical composition of crack initiation‐related discontinuities. An iteration of the FKM guideline is presented, relying on the external notch concept to explain the effect of large internal notches on the mean stress sensitivity.
COVID‐19 and hematology findings based on the current evidences: A puzzle with many missing pieces
Authors: Karimi Shahri Mehdi , Niazkar Hamid R. , Rad Fariba
Published: December 2020

In December 2019, a new type of coronavirus was detected for the first time in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. According to the reported data, the emerging coronavirus has spread worldwide, infecting more than fifty‐seven million individuals, leading to more than one million deaths. The current study aimed to review and discuss the hematological findings of COVID‐19. Laboratory changes and hematologic abnormalities have been reported repeatedly in COVID‐19 patients. WBC count and peripheral blood lymphocytes are normal or slightly reduced while these indicators may change with the progression of the disease. In addition, several studies demonstrated that decreased hemoglobin levels in COVID‐19 patients were associated with the severity of the disease. Moreover, thrombocytopenia, which is reported in 5%‐40% of patients, is known to be associated with poor prognosis of the disease. COVID‐19 can present with various hematologic manifestations. In this regard, accurate evaluation of laboratory indicators at the beginning and during COVID‐19 can help physicians to adjust appropriate treatment and provide special and prompt care for those in need.
Histone deacetylase HDA710 controls salt tolerance by regulating ABA signaling in rice
Authors: Ullah Farhan , Xu Qiutao , Zhao Yu , Zhou Dao‐Xiu
Published: December 2020

Plants have evolved numerous mechanisms that assist them in withstanding environmental stresses. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play crucial roles in plant stress responses; however, their regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the function of HDA710/OsHDAC2, a member of the HDAC RPD3/HDA1 family, in stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa). We established that HDA710 localizes to both the nucleus and cytoplasm and is involved in regulating the acetylation of histone H3 and H4, specifically targeting H4K5 and H4K16 under normal conditions. HDA710 transcript accumulation levels were strongly induced by abiotic stresses including drought and salinity, as well as by the phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA). hda710 knockout mutant plants showed enhanced salinity tolerance and reduced ABA sensitivity, whereas transgenic plants overexpressing HDA710 displayed the opposite phenotypes. Moreover, ABA‐ and salt‐stress‐responsive genes, such as OsLEA3, OsABI5, OsbZIP72, and OsNHX1, were upregulated in hda710 compared with wild‐type plants. These expression differences corresponded with higher levels of histone H4 acetylation in gene promoter regions in hda710 compared with the wild type under ABA and salt‐stress treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that HDA710 is involved in regulating ABA‐ and salt‐stress‐responsive genes by altering H4 acetylation levels in their promoters.
AtNSF regulates leaf serration by modulating intracellular trafficking of PIN1 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tang Li Ping , Yang Yi , Wang Hui , Li Lixin , Liu Le , Liu Yu , Yuan Jinfeng , Zhao Xiang Yu , Palme Klaus , Su Ying Hua , Li Xugang
Published: December 2020

In eukaryotes, N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor (NSF) is a conserved AAA+ATPase and a key component of the membrane trafficking machinery that promotes the fusion of secretory vesicles with target membranes. Here, we demonstrate that the Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains a single copy of NSF, AtNSF, which plays an essential role in the regulation of leaf serration. The AtNSF knock‐down mutant, atnsf‐1, exhibited more serrations in the leaf margin. Moreover, polar localization of the PIN‐FORMED1 (PIN1) auxin efflux transporter was diffuse around the margins of atnsf‐1 leaves and root growth was inhibited in the atnsf‐1 mutant. More PIN1‐GFP accumulated in the intracellular compartments of atnsf‐1 plants, suggesting that AtNSF is required for intracellular trafficking of PIN between the endosome and plasma membrane. Furthermore, the serration phenotype was suppressed in the atnsf‐1 pin1‐8 double mutant, suggesting that AtNSF is required for PIN1‐mediated polar auxin transport to regulate leaf serration. The CUP‐SHAPED COTYLEDON2 (CUC2) transcription factor gene is up‐regulated in atnsf‐1 plants and the cuc2‐3 single mutant exhibits smooth leaf margins, demonstrating that AtNSF also functions in the CUC2 pathway. Our results reveal that AtNSF regulates the PIN1‐generated auxin maxima with a CUC2‐mediated feedback loop to control leaf serration.
Social Entrepreneurship’s Solutionism Problem
Authors: Chalmers Dominic
Published: December 2020

Social entrepreneurship has developed as an important area of theory and practice over the past three decades. Despite a broad consensus that it is a desirable method for addressing social and environmental problems, I argue it may instead have a negative societal impact as it reduces the pressure for ambitious legislation and institutional reforms that have more scope to effect change. Social entrepreneurs themselves are prone to a form of ‘solutionism’ in which they believe complex social problems can be addressed neatly through the apparatus of the entrepreneur, something I argue is ineffectual and inappropriate for tackling many of the deep‐seated and essentially ‘public’ structural problems we face. I offer some suggestions as to how researchers can provide some critical balance to theories of social entrepreneurship, specifically through better demarcating when social entrepreneurship is an optimal mechanism for addressing social problems, and when public policy may be preferable.
Pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions to enhance sleep in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Blackman Jonathan , Swirski Marta , Clynes James , Harding Sam , Leng Yue , Coulthard Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Suboptimal sleep causes cognitive decline and probably accelerates Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. Several sleep interventions have been tested in established AD dementia cases. However early intervention is needed in the course of AD at Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stages to help prevent decline and maintain good quality of life. This systematic review aims to summarize evidence on sleep interventions in MCI and mild AD dementia. Seven databases were systematically searched for interventional studies where ≥ 75% of participants met diagnostic criteria for MCI/mild AD dementia, with a control group and validated sleep outcome measures. Studies with a majority of participants diagnosed with Moderate to Severe AD were excluded. After removal of duplicates, 22,133 references were returned in two separate searches (August 2019 and September 2020). 325 full papers were reviewed with 18 retained. Included papers reported 16 separate studies, total sample (n = 1,056), mean age 73.5 years. 13 interventions were represented: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Insomnia (CBT‐I), A Multi‐Component Group Based Therapy, A Structured Limbs Exercise Programme, Aromatherapy, Phase Locked Loop Acoustic Stimulation, Transcranial Stimulation, Suvorexant, Melatonin, Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine, Tetrahydroaminoacridine and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Psychotherapeutic approaches utilising adapted CBT‐I and a Structured Limbs Exercise Programme each achieved statistically significant improvements in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index with one study reporting co‐existent improved actigraphy variables. Suvorexant significantly increased Total Sleep Time and Sleep Efficiency whilst reducing Wake After Sleep Onset time. Transcranial Stimulation enhanced cortical slow oscillations and spindle power during daytime naps. Melatonin significantly reduced sleep latency in two small studies and sleep to wakefulness transitions in a small sample. CPAP demonstrated efficacy in participants with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Evidence to support other interventions was limited. Whilst new evidence is emerging, there remains a paucity of evidence for sleep interventions in MCI and mild AD highlighting a pressing need for high quality experimental studies exploring alternative sleep interventions.
Sacrospinous ligament fixation with uterine preservation reduces the risk of anatomical recurrence in pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Chou Yu‐Min , Chuang Fei‐Chi , Kung Fu‐Tsai , Yang Tsai‐Hwa , Wu Ling‐Ying , Huang Kuan‐Hui
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study investigated the effectiveness of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and whether uterine preservation reduces the anatomical recurrence rate.

Methods

The medical records of 82 patients who received SSLF in a single medical center were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomical recurrence was defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse‐Quantification stage 2 or higher in any compartment. The primary outcome was intergroup analysis for uterine preservation and concomitant hysterectomy patients. The secondary outcomes were anatomical recurrence risk factors and the incidence of adverse events. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for demographic differences between groups.

Results

The anatomical recurrence rate was 19.5%, and the retreatment rate was 11.0% (mean follow‐up duration: 22.9 months). Cystocele was the most common recurrent compartment (17.1%). The uterine preservation group (n = 66) was younger, had lower parity, and had fewer stage 3 to 4 cystoceles and uterine prolapses than the concomitant hysterectomy group (n = 16). Shorter operation times (99.4 minutes vs 153.7 minutes, P = .002) and lower anatomical recurrence rates (11.5% vs 45.5%, P = .039) were found in the uterine preservation group before and after PSM. Previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery (hazard ratio 3.14) and concomitant hysterectomy (hazard ratio 4.08) were identified as risk factors for anatomical recurrence. The most common adverse event was buttock pain (14.6%), which resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks.

Conclusions

SSLF is an effective surgical method using native tissue for pelvic reconstruction. Compared with concomitant hysterectomy, SSLF with uterine preservation reduces the anatomical recurrence rate.
Mantle–melt partitioning of the highly siderophile elements: New results and application to Mars
Authors: Righter K. , Rowland R. , Danielson L. R. , Humayun M. , Yang S. , Mayer (Waeselmann) N. , Pando K.
Published: December 2020

Trace elements and extant and extinct isotopic attributes in Martian meteorites have been used to argue that Mars accreted quickly, differentiated into core and mantle, and established several mantle reservoirs, possibly within 10 Ma of T0. The partitioning of trace elements in the deep mantle has been relatively unstudied, despite the need for such knowledge in understanding magma ocean crystallization and the origin of depleted and enriched mantle reservoirs. The siderophile element composition of the Martian mantle and lithophile isotopic systems such as Sr, Hf, and Nd are thought to record evidence for early metal–silicate equilibrium and deep magma ocean at an intermediate depth and pressure of 800 km or 14 GPa. We have carried out experiments across this pressure range to better understand the mineral/melt partitioning of a wide range of elements. These new data are used to evaluate differentiation models for Mars and to help interpret the available isotopic data. The relatively incompatible nature of Re compared to mildly compatible Os means that the crystallization of a deep magma ocean will lead to residual liquids with superchondritic Re/Os, and solids with subchondritic Re/Os. Such material available in the mantle could be the source of enriched isotopic reservoir that produced shergottites with +γOs values. Slightly subchondritic Re/Os ratios in the crystallizing solids would provide a reservoir that could produce −γOs values. Melting of mixtures of these two enriched and depleted endmembers could explain the Nd‐Os isotopic correlations and systematics of shergottites.
When I Say…self‐conscious emotions
Authors: Nguyen Linh N. , Bynum William E.
Published: December 2020

The lastest installment of the "When I Say…" series highlights a unique group of emotions involving the inner self that may influence learner engagement, resilience, and belonging in medical education.
That‐clauses: Some bad news for relationalism about the attitudes
Authors: Matthews Robert J.
Published: December 2020

Propositional relationalists about the attitudes claim to find support for their view in what they assume to be the dyadic relational logical form of the predicates by which we canonically attribute propositional attitudes. In this paper I argue that the considerations that they adduce in support of this assumption, specifically for the assumption that the that‐clauses that figure in these predicates are singular terms, are suspect on linguistic grounds. Propositional relationalism may nonetheless be true, but the logical form of attitude predicates provides no grounds for thinking this to be so.
Defending Indigenous Midwifery: Finding a Common Path Among Researchers, Midwives, and Activists
Authors: El Kotni Mounia
Published: December 2020

In this essay, I reflect on six years of collaboration between myself and an organization of indigenous midwives in Mexico. I interrogate the process of finding common grounds between researchers and activists, which includes building a shared political vision of indigenous midwifery and negotiating disagreements on the different ways to impulse change. Building on my experience with Mexican midwives and activists, I share some of the tools we have used, both from within and outside of academia, to contribute to social change. I build on Shannon Speed's call for a “critically engaged activist research” to raise awareness on the urgency of moving from applied anthropology to activist anthropology.
Multiple system aging‐related tau astrogliopathy with complex proteinopathy in an oligosymptomatic octogenarian
Authors: Klotz Sigrid , Fischer Peter , Hinterberger Margareta , Ricken Gerda , Hönigschnabl Selma , Gelpi Ellen , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: December 2020

The combination of multiple neurodegenerative proteinopathies is increasingly recognized. Together they can potentiate neuronal dysfunction and contribute to complex neurological symptoms. We report an octogenarian female case of multiple extraneural metastases of a rectal carcinoma. She attempted suicide, which ultimately led to cardiorespiratory failure nine days after hospital admission. Apart from the suicide attempt and late‐onset depression, other psychiatric or neurological symptoms were not reported. Unexpectedly, histopathologic examination revealed prominent aging‐related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG) of all five types (subpial, subependymal, grey and white matter, and perivascular) affecting cortical and subcortical brain regions. This pathology was associated with intermediate Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (A2B2C2 score), cerebral amyloid angiopathy, Lewy body‐type α‐synuclein proteinopathy (Braak stage 4), and a multiple system transactivation response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) proteinopathy also involving the astroglia. In summary, we report a complex and extensive combination of multiple proteinopathies with widespread ARTAG of all five types in a patient who had attempted suicide. Although longitudinal psychometric tests and neuropsychological evaluations were not performed, this report poses the question of thresholds of cognition and pathology load, describes ARTAG affecting unusually widespread brain regions, and supports the notion that complex proteinopathies should be regarded as a frequent condition in the elderly.
With a little help from my friends: physiological integration facilitates invasion of wetland grass Elymus athericus into flooded soils
Authors: Mueller Peter , Do Hai T. , Smit Christian , Reisdorff Christoph , Jensen Kai , Nolte Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Tidal wetlands worldwide are undergoing rapid invasions by tall‐growing clonal grasses. Prominent examples are invasions by species of the genera Spartina, Phragmites and Elymus. The responsible physiological and ecological drivers of these invasions are poorly understood. Physiological integration (PI) is a key trait of clonal plants, which enables the exchange of resources among ramets. We investigated PI in Elymus athericus, which has been rapidly spreading from high‐marsh into low‐marsh environments of European salt marshes during the last decades. We applied a nitrogen stable‐isotope approach to trace nutrient translocation between ramets in a factorial mesocosm experiment. The experiment was set up to mimic an invasion pattern commonly found in tidal wetlands, i.e. from high‐elevated and rarely flooded into low‐elevated and frequently flooded microenvironments. We tested for intraspecific variability in PI by including two genotypes of Elymus that naturally occur at different elevations within the tidal frame, a high‐marsh (HM) and a low‐marsh (LM) genotype. PI strongly increased offspring ramet aboveground and belowground biomass by 62 and 81%, respectively. Offspring ramets under drained conditions had 95% greater belowground biomass than those under flooded conditions. LM genotype offspring ramets produced 27% more aboveground biomass than HM genotypes. Offspring ramets were clearly more enriched in 15N under flooded versus drained conditions; however, this positive effect of flooding on δ15N was only significant in the LM genotype. Our findings demonstrate the importance of PI for the growth of Elymus offspring ramets and thereby for the species' capacity for fast vegetative spread. We show that offspring ramets under stressful flooded conditions are more dependent on nutrient supply from parent ramets than those under drained conditions. Our data furthermore suggest a higher degree of adaptation to flooding via PI in the LM versus HM genotype. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of assessing PI and intraspecific trait variability to understand invasion processes within ecosystems.
Transformation of α‐EXPA1 gene leads to an improved fibre quality in Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Yaqoob Amina , Bashir Samina , Rao Abdul Q. , Shahid Ahmad A.
Published: December 2020

The Expansin protein is known for its multifaceted roles in plant growth, especially cell walls. However, very few studies have been done so far to assess the effects of expansin genes on Cotton fibre development. The present study is a successful effort to fill this gap, where the α‐EXPA1 gene transformed into a local cotton variety, Gossypium hirsutum, through Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation under Gossypium hirsutum Seed coat and Fibre‐specific promoter (GhSCFP). The transgenic cotton plants underwent molecular characterization and fibre trait evaluation. Our results indicated that α‐EXPA1 showed an up‐regulated expression during the transition phase of secondary cell wall synthesis and resulted in improving the fibre parameters, especially micronaire value. Transgenic cotton fibre also showed a finer twisting under the Scanning electron microscope (SEM) as compared to non‐transgenic cotton fibre samples. The fibre production is influenced by more than nine thousand genes, and the fibre improvement cannot be just achieved through a single gene transformation. However, α‐EXPA1 is one of the potential candidates for cotton fibre research as it significantly improved the cotton fibre.
Obstructive sleep apnoea phenotypes: The many faces of a public health monolith
Authors: Mansfield Darren R.
Published: December 2020

See related article
Sedimentary structure of inferred cyclic‐step bedforms in submarine volcaniclastic slope deposits, Cuatro Calas, south‐east Spain
Authors: van den Berg Jan H. , Lang Jörg
Published: December 2020

Cyclic steps are widespread on submarine slopes of many modern insular volcanoes. This paper provides the first detailed description and interpretation of the sedimentary structures and depositional architecture of cyclic‐step deposits of such bedforms formed on the submarine slope of an ancient volcano. The partially depositional cyclic steps are preserved in a 67 m thick coset of 1 to 12 m thick cobble‐based units of middle Miocene submarine volcaniclastics, exposed along a cliff outcrop in south‐east Spain. The main structure in the units is unidirectional crude low‐angle cross‐bedding passing upward to centimetre to decimetre‐scale diffuse stratification more or less parallel to the unit bounding surfaces. The depositional architecture produced by inferred sinuous to straight‐crested cyclic steps is compared with deposits of crescent‐shaped cyclic steps formed in confined settings. With a novel method, a maximum cyclic step height and length of 22 m and 460 m, respectively, have been calculated. The architecture of some of the thicker cyclic‐step units is complicated by structures that were formed as cyclic‐step trough‐fills, by superimposed cyclic steps or downstream migrating antidunes. These structures possibly reflect adaptation processes of the bedform morphology to a lower strength of the hydraulic jumps and related density flows. In the upper, less well‐exposed part of the succession more steeply inclined gravel backsets that probably represent deposits of crescent‐shaped cyclic steps accreted in a more energetic, confined setting proximal to the coastal source of the density flows. A facies model of straight‐crested cyclic steps is presented that may aid in the identification of similar bedforms in submarine volcaniclastic environments and comparable non‐volcanic settings.