bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and financial education on saving behavior
Authors: Amari Mouna , Salhi Bassem , Jarboui Anis
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to explore the effects of financial literacy level and risk aversion on the saving behavior. The literature review showed dialectical results. Therefore, this study attempts to clarify the debatable of these results by studying the mediating effect of risk aversion on the relationships between demographics determinants and saving behavior moderated by the effect of the financial literacy level.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from the University of Normandy; the study sample included 516 respondents representing different segments of French households. The structural equation analysis was utilized to control the impact of financial literacy as a moderate variable and the risk aversion as a mediator variable among the link between sociodemographic factors and saving behavior.

Findings

The results demonstrated that there were significant effects of demographics factors on risk aversion. Moreover, financial literacy moderates the relationships between risk aversion and saving behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this research is the small size of the study sample. This paper is restricted to French households. Future financial education training should cover the European context.

Practical implications

This study provides further evidence that financial literacy should be considered an important factor for improving household well-being. The paper encourages governments and financial institutions to create a national financial education program.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to employ a sample of low-income households after financial education training in the French context.
A managerial survey to discuss wine business models
Authors: Ferrer Juan , Villanueva Emiliano
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe, analyze and compare business models (BMs) developed and used by wineries in two very different wine regions, one from the New World of wine [the USA, Connecticut (CT) and Rhode Island (RI)] and the other from the Old World of wine [Spain, Rias Baixas (RB)].

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted aimed at all the wineries of both regions. The survey describes wineries’ decision-making process regarding their value chain through four variables, namely, supply, product, market and distribution and their perceptions regarding how competitive their business environment is through five variables, namely, barriers of entry, power of suppliers, power of buyers, internal competition and the threat of substitute products. This complimentary analysis (internal and external) approaches a definition of the BMs used in wineries of these two different wine regions.

Findings

The study highlights how BMs evolve and adapt to the competitive environment in which companies find themselves; wineries from CT and RI BMs display behavioral elements of companies that compete in the first stage of the life cycle, however, RB wineries BMs show elements of companies competing in the stage of maturity of the life cycle.

Originality/value

The paper shows empirical evidence of the use of BMs in an agribusiness sector as important as the wine industry. It also describes these distinctive BMs per region and explains how the creation of value occurs and how they adapt to different environmental conditions.
Adult safeguarding in Sweden’s social services
Authors: Kjellberg Inger
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly, to describe adult safeguarding in Sweden’s social services, and secondly, to analyse the changes in Sweden’s national policies related to its adult safeguarding legislation and discuss the implications.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of two government bills was carried out inspired by the What’s the Problem Represented to Be approach.

Findings

The background and review procedure that is part of the obligation to report mistreatment in Sweden’s social services is described. The policy analysis shows a change from a rights-based discourse concerning the duty of staff to safeguard vulnerable service recipients’ rights, to a discourse on the obligation for staff to be part of systematic quality assurance. The most conspicuous change in the representation of the problem was attaching the problem descriptions to a lack of quality instead of a duty to protect.

Social implications

The implications of the reporting procedure are discussed in terms of a general lack of channels for service recipients and their family members to raise their own concerns about mistreatment. It is suggested that there ought to be more legal and transparent channels for service recipients and their family members to file complaints.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of adult safeguarding in Sweden’s social services, which to date has been lacking in the literature.
Investigating the empirical relationship between government intervention programs and poverty alleviation: a case of Nigeria
Authors: Waziri Musa , Bin Ibrahim Ahmed Zubir , Zan Zainal Bin Md. Zan Bin Md
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Although the literature has shown that government intervention programs on poverty alleviation have now become a common practice and accepted policy framework in tackling the menace of poverty which has remained the major challenge to all leaders around the globe. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of (conditional cash transfer, youth empowerment and microcredit scheme) on poverty alleviation in Niger state-Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses of the study were tested using personally administered questionnaires survey method; 442 valid and useable questionnaires were obtained for the study, while PLS-SEM path modeling was adopted to evaluate the statistical relationship between those three programs and poverty alleviation. According to the statistical result of the study, the research constructs have a satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Therefore the study has established a strong positive relationship between government intervention programs and poverty alleviation. The socioeconomic assessment of the respondents further justified the above assumption.

Findings

Also, the research findings of this study may found to be beneficial to the government, international organization, researchers particularly those who are conducting research on poverty reduction programs.

Research limitations/implications

The study used the perceptions of the beneficiaries of those programs in nine selected local government areas within the three senatorial districts in Niger state-Nigeria.

Originality/value

Similarly, the findings of the study would offer some meaningful contribution to the body of knowledge on studies related to poverty alleviation programs like conditional cash transfer, youth empowerment and microcredit scheme, where expert in that field would explore the advantage of these findings by utilizing the impacts of those programs on the beneficiaries for policy framework.
Evaluating a mental health service in a young offender’s institution: a thematic analysis of prison officer experiences
Authors: Ali Salma , Phipps Jessica
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current service provision offered by a mental health service in a young offenders institute (YOI) in England.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted. Five prison officers (POs) (four male and one female) with direct experience supporting young people through mental health intervention were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006), which allowed evaluation of the current mental health provision to evolve.

Findings

Five overarching themes (process of referrals; intervention and its impact; role and function of the health and well-being team; collaboration and involvement; and feedback, communication and intervention) were found to be highly salient when evaluating service provision. Notably all themes interrelated with one another, demonstrating that changes or improvements made to the service need to consider all factors individually and collectively.

Research limitations/implications

This study was based on a small sample of POs in only one YOI in England, and therefore cannot be generalised to the entire prison estate. However, it does offer a rich insight into local service provision from the perspective of a group whose opinion is rarely sought.

Practical implications

POs’ perspectives of service provision are important in informing service developments. Lessons can be learnt from their unique insight into how prison mental health services are run to improve processes and collaborative working in the management of young offenders with mental health difficulties.

Originality/value

This preliminary and exploratory study is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first study evaluating service provision by using the perspectives of POs. The findings suggest that POs make valuable contributions to the service development and should be involved in similar evaluations in future.
Enacting “accountability in collaborative governance”: lessons in emergency management and earthquake recovery from the 2010–2011 Canterbury Earthquakes
Authors: Jayasinghe Kelum , Kenney Christine M. , Prasanna Raj , Velasquez Jerry
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The paper illustrates how accountability of collaborative governance was constituted in the context of disaster managerial work carried out by the Government, local authorities, and Maori community organisations, after the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study detailing the communitarian approach to disaster recovery management by a nationalised Maori earthquake response network is contrasted with the formal emergency management infrastructure's response to the Canterbury earthquakes.

Findings

Critical analysis of the effectiveness and failures of these approaches highlights the institutional and cultural political issues that hinder the institutionalization of collaborative and accountable governance in the fields of disaster risk reduction and emergency management.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the accountability research and practice in general and disaster accountability in particular by addressing a more multifaceted model of ‘accountability combined with collaborative governance’ as a way to build on and critique some of the seemingly more narrow views of accountability.

Originality/value

The study presents rare insights on the interactions between formal and community level accountability and collaborative governance in the context of New Public Governance (NPG).
The elephant in the room: exploring the motivational antecedents of servant leadership
Authors: Paas Joshua , Poell Rob F. , Batistič Saša
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how psychological need satisfaction (PNS) relates to the display of servant leadership (SL) behavior through the motivation to serve (MTS) and non-calculative motivation to lead (MTL).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an electronic online questionnaire completed by 125 individuals from various organizations and industries. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression analysis.

Findings

PNS, MTS and non-calculative MTL were found to relate positively to the display of SL behavior. Moreover, both MTS and non-calculative MTL were found to mediate fully the relationship between PNS and SL.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the motivational antecedents of SL. Moreover, it is the first to empirically study PNS as an antecedent of SL. The findings emphasize the importance of a leader's PNS in their motivation to display SL behavior, implying that a positive work environment is conducive to SL.
A 360° evaluation of stepped-care psychotherapy: APSI yrs 4-5
Authors: Collins Padraig , Walsh Zara , Walsh Aimee , Corbett Amy , Finnegan Roisin , Murphy Sinead , Clogher Lisa , Cleary Eimear , Kearns Sinead
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a stepped-care primary care psychology service through triangulating clinical outcome data, service user satisfaction ratings and feedback from referrers.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach including a repeated measures design (pre- and post-clinical data on standardised psychometrics) for clinical outcomes and an online and postal survey with quantitative and qualitative elements offered to all service users and referrers to the service.

Findings

In total, 125 service users completed a full intervention with the service with 56% treatment completers demonstrating a reliable reduction in the symptoms of low mood and 49.6% in anxiety. Of those within the clinical range for depression at assessment, 66.67% achieved clinical recovery following an intervention. Of those within the clinical range for an anxiety disorder at assessment, 62.03% achieved clinical recovery following an intervention. Service users reported high levels of satisfaction with the service specifying particular interpersonal qualities of the therapists and the individualisation of service provision as crucial positive factors. Referrers similarly reported high levels of overall satisfaction with the service, specifying that the speed of response to referral and length of intervention was of greatest importance to them.

Practical implications

Stepped-care psychological interventions reduce psychological distress in treatment completers with mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and low mood. The overall interpersonal experience may be of greater importance to service users in their evaluation of a service than clinical outcomes. In their relationship to a Psychology service, referrers value speed of response and ongoing feedback. Building a robust, highly valued service may require the triangulation of evidence from all key stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper provides a pragmatic template of how a rigorous evaluation of a primary care psychology service requires evidence from multiple stakeholders.
Are customers satisfied? Study of the problems currently prevailing in the plus size women’s wear market in Sri Lanka
Authors: Seram Niromi , Kumarasiri Kethmini
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Plus size clothing is becoming a fashion trend worldwide due to the body positivity movement sparked off by the growing obesity rates and fat shaming incidents reported around the world. Although the problems relating to plus size clothing in the global context have been addressed, thereby establishing certain norms in the market, none of this work has proved helpful in assessing the level of customer satisfaction in the Sri Lankan plus size market. In view of this lacuna, this paper aims to probe customer preferences and identify the problems currently prevailing in the plus size women’s wear fashion market in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through both qualitative and quantitative methods. For this purpose, visits were made to several fashion outlets in the Colombo area offering plus size clothing to observe the available product categories, size ranges, fabrics, finishing methods and designs at each outlet. A closed-ended questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the perception of the customers on the current plus size fashion market. Semi-structured interviews with designers working at selected Sri Lankan fashion brands that catered to the plus size market were carried out to acquire an understanding of the current plus size fashion industry from the garment manufacturer’s perspective and to learn about the current construction techniques in the industry.

Findings

The results indicated that 55.6% of the plus size women who participated in the survey were either dissatisfied or only moderately satisfied with the current products available in the Sri Lankan market. The major cause for the dissatisfaction was the inability to find well-fitting clothes to suit their body proportions and the unavailability of trendy, fashionable clothes. Ideally, they preferred fashionable, comfortable, well-fitting and good quality garments. Unavailability of standardized sizing methods and lack of up-to-date information on the female body were identified as the main issues in the Sri Lankan plus size women’s wear market. Therefore, the necessity for a standardized size chart for plus size women based on Sri Lankan anthropometric data was emphasized by designers.

Originality/value

The findings will be useful for the Sri Lankan apparel producers as well as retailers as they will have a better understanding of not only the fit and aesthetic preferences but also the overall shopping preferences of plus size women. This will help them to develop marketing strategies to cater to this Sri Lankan niche market segment, as currently there is no documented information on plus size Sri Lankan women’s clothing preferences.
Ethics by design: a code of ethics for the digital age
Authors: Ibiricu Bernice , van der Made Marja Leena
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a framework for a code of ethics related to digital and leading edge technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed ethical framework is anchored in data protection legislation, and results from a combination of case studies, observed user behaviour and decision-making processes.

Findings

A concise and user-friendly ethical framework ensures the embedded code of conduct is respected and observed by all employees concerned.

Originality/value

An ethical framework aligned with EU data protection legislation is required.
The study of the possibility of drug dissolution of gallbladder calculi
Authors: Dikman Ekaterina , Soldatov Alexey , Chirev Anatoly
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the possibility of ultrasonic intensification of drug dissolution of cholesterol calculi of the gallbladder using conventional ultrasound frequency and intensity from 0.1 to 0.5 W/cm2.

Design/methodology/approach

For research purposes, the physical model was developed containing pig bile, pig liver, pigskin, fat and muscles, as well as human cholesterol calculus removed by surgery and a drug with ursodeoxycholic acid.

Findings

The studies have shown the possibility of accelerating the drug dissolution of calculi of the gallbladder with ultrasound exposure. The ultrasound intensity of 0.4 W/cm2 is the most preferable to intensify the dissolution of calculus.

Originality/value

The results will be used to advance with development of the device and methodology for ultrasonic intensification of drug dissolution of gallbladder calculi.
Declining invasive grey squirrel populations may persist in refugia as native predator recovery reverses squirrel species replacement
Authors: Twining Joshua P. , Montgomery W. Ian , Tosh David G.
Published: June 2020

Invasive species pose one of the most serious global threats to biodiversity. Investigations into the interactions of native and non‐native species focus on the impacts of single species, despite being embedded in a network of direct and indirect interactions between multiple species and their environments.

We developed 1‐km2 resolution, single‐species and multi‐species occupancy models using quantitative camera trap data collected by citizen scientists at 332 sites in a regional survey comprising the 14,130 km2 of Northern Ireland.

Recent research suggests that native red and invasive grey squirrels in Britain and Ireland are linked by resource and disease‐mediated competition, and by a shared enemy, the European pine marten. We demonstrate that the presence of the pine marten reverses red squirrel replacement by grey squirrels on a regional basis, with red squirrel occupancy positively affected by exposure to pine marten. In contrast, the grey squirrel has a strongly negative response to the presence of pine marten.

Modelling habitat suitability of pine marten and both squirrel species suggests that, despite the potentially strong effect of a recovering population of pine martens in controlling grey squirrel distribution, the latter is likely to persist in urban refugia that are either inaccessible or avoided by the pine marten.

Synthesis and applications. Sustainable recovery of both the red squirrel and the pine marten across the wider landscapes of Ireland, Scotland and Northern England seems probable, while in Southern England and Wales, although possible, chances are more remote. Increasing native woodland cover on a landscape scale to facilitate pine marten recovery may assist in realizing this scenario. Despite the ongoing recovery of the pine marten, and resultant declines in grey squirrels, isolated populations are likely to persist in urban areas. Human‐lead control of grey squirrel populations in urban refugia requires urgent funding and implementation to avoid the development of novel genotypes in grey squirrel source populations that enable the species to better avoid predation by the pine marten.
New protocol for storage of viable pollen of Lapageria rosea (Philesiaceae), an endangered plant species endemic to temperate forests of Chile
Authors: Cruzatty Luz Cecilia Garcìa , Droppelmann Fernado , Izaguirre‐Mayoral Maria Luisa
Published: June 2020

Lapageria rosea is an emblematic species, endemic to the temperate rainforest of Chile. As a result of extensive plantation of commercial exotic pine and eucalypts, scattered individuals of L. rosea are now encountered mainly in fragmented forest areas. Therefore, L. rosea has been declared in danger of extinction. However, the success of national conservation programs depends, in part, on the availability of stored viable pollen grains for pollinating assays, in order to sustain the genetic diversity of L. rosea offspring. Here we describe a simple and low‐cost protocol for storing viable pollen grains for 1 year. The protocol involves oven‐drying freshly collected pollen grains at 37°C for 15 min, followed by storage at ‐13°C. The stored pollen has an average of 60–65% in vitro germination after 5 months, with a reduction to 50% by the end of 1 year, a value considered highly satisfactory to ensure the success of hand‐pollination trials.
Expression patterns and functional analysis of the short neuropeptide F and NPF receptor genes in Rhopalosiphum padi
Authors: Peng Xiong , Chen Cheng , Huang Yixiao , Wang Suji , Su Sha , Chen Maohua
Published: June 2020

The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and NPF receptor (NPFR) genes play important roles in many physiological processes. However, information on the survival‐related functions of sNPF and NPFR under different stress conditions is lacking in aphids. In this study, we cloned sNPF and NPFR, and investigated the expression levels of these genes in different developmental stages, wing morphs, and stress conditions of the bird cherry‐oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.), an important agricultural pest. The sNPF and NPFR transcript levels varied among developmental stages, and their expression levels in alate females were significantly higher than those in apterous females. In addition, starvation resulted in significantly increased sNPF expression, which then recovered after refeeding. Heat stress and insecticides significantly affected transcription of both genes. sNPF and NPFR knockdown in R. padi using RNA interference revealed optimal interference efficiency at 48 h post‐injection. sNPF knockdown significantly decreased adult longevity, 15‐d fecundity, and food intake. Additionally, mortality under starvation, insecticides, and heat stress conditions was significantly higher after injection with double‐stranded sNPF in R. padi. NPFR knockdown significantly affected food intake and starvation resistance in R. padi. These results strongly indicate that sNPF plays vital roles in food intake, longevity, and reproduction in R. padi, and it can significantly affect the pest's response to stress conditions.
Gender pay equity: Exploring the impact of formal, consistent and transparent human resource management practices and information
Authors: Ugarte Sebastian M. , Rubery Jill
Published: June 2020

This article explores the extent to which formalised HR practices can reduce gender bias in pay setting or whether, following Acker (2006), gender bias may still be embedded within formalised HR practices. Detailed investigation of a critical case study of a Chilean finance organisation with a strong commitment to formalised, consistent and transparent pay practices based on individuated information, revealed only a small negative gender effect on pay and no identifiable gender effects in starting salaries, merit pay or promotion. These findings provide some support for the proposition that HR practices focused on job‐related performance (Reskin, 2000) and limiting managerial discretion may facilitate gender pay equity. However, the case also reveals the limits of these policies. Women scored equally well on performance but formalised scores on future potential were higher for men and mattered more. A significant gender effect emerged in promotion to more senior posts. These mixed outcomes suggest that Acker's (2006) proposition still holds.
Translation, validation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) in Nepali language
Authors: Vaidya Binit , Nakarmi Shweta , Bhochhibhoya Manisha , Joshi Rakshya
Published: June 2020

Objective

To translate, cross‐culturally adapt and test the psychometric properties of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) in Nepali language (Nepali FIQR).

Methods

The translation was performed following the methodological standards described by Beaton. Comprehensibility testing of the preliminary version was done in 40 fibromyalgia patients, and a pre‐final version was prepared after making changes in the original version to maintain the equivalence with the target version. Psychometric testing was done in another group of 130 fibromyalgia patients to test for content validity and reliability. Construct validity was tested with visual analog score (VAS) for pain and Short Form (SF)‐36.

Results

Nepali FIQR was comprehensible to 92.5% patients. The internal consistency was also acceptable with Cronbach's alpha of 0.900, 0.714 and 0.863 for function, overall and symptoms domain, respectively. Construct validity was also acceptable with a moderate correlation between Nepali FIQR and VAS and SF‐36. Test‐retest reliability of the total Nepali FIQR and of each item were acceptable with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of >0.7 in all items except for question 1 of function domain (ICC: 0.65).

Conclusions

Nepali FIQR is a comprehensible, reliable and valid tool for evaluation of the functional status of Nepalese patients with fibromyalgia and should be implemented in routine clinical care and research settings.
Integrative Review of Related Factors and Defining Characteristics of Lack of Family Integrity
Authors: Jarana‐Díaz Trinidad , Romero‐Martín Macarena , Ponce‐Blandón José Antonio , Jiménez‐Picón Nerea
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

To identify the related factors that compromise family integrity and the defining characteristics of poor family integrity.

METHODS

Integrative review in databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Cinahl, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. The inclusion and exclusion criteria led to the selection of 12 articles.

FINDINGS

Family conflicts, lack of communication, and detachment from family as risk factors that have a negative impact on family integrity. A decrease in the physical and psychological quality of life as defining characteristics of poor family integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of family integrity has a significant impact on the physical, mental, and social health of its members.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Findings will allow nurses to implement interventions for the maintenance or improvement of family integrity.
Using online tools at the Bovine Genome Database to manually annotate genes in the new reference genome
Authors: Triant D. A. , Le Tourneau J. J. , Diesh C. M. , Unni D. R. , Shamimuzzaman M. , Walsh A. T. , Gardiner J. , Goldkamp A. K. , Li Y. , Nguyen H. N. , Roberts C. , Zhao Z. , Alexander L. J. , Decker J. E. , Schnabel R. D. , Schroeder S. G. , Sonstegard T. S. , Taylor J. F. , Rivera R. M. , Hagen D. E. , Elsik C. G.
Published: June 2020

With the availability of a new highly contiguous Bos taurus reference genome assembly (ARS‐UCD1.2), it is the opportune time to upgrade the bovine gene set by seeking input from researchers. Furthermore, advances in graphical genome annotation tools now make it possible for researchers to leverage sequence data generated with the latest technologies to collaboratively curate genes. For many years the Bovine Genome Database (BGD) has provided tools such as the Apollo genome annotation editor to support manual bovine gene curation. The goal of this paper is to explain the reasoning behind the decisions made in the manual gene curation process while providing examples using the existing BGD tools. We will describe the sources of gene annotation evidence provided at the BGD, including RNA‐seq and Iso‐Seq data. We will also explain how to interpret various data visualizations when curating gene models, and will demonstrate the value of manual gene annotation. The process described here can be applied to manual gene curation for other species with similar tools. With a better understanding of manual gene annotation, researchers will be encouraged to edit gene models and contribute to the enhancement of livestock gene sets.
Important anatomical variations of the superior posterior alveolar artery: Studied by cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Padovani Lucas Silva , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Dutra Bernardo Carvalho , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Oliveira Peterson Antônio Dutra
Published: June 2020

The knowledge of anatomical variations of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) is very important in surgeries for maxillary sinus (MS) elevation and subsequent insertion of dental implants, avoiding common and serious surgical complications. The main objective of this study was to analyse important anatomical variations of the PSAA by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations. 180 tomographic CBCT were analysed, and MS was divided into three equal regions: (I) anterior, (II) intermediate and (III) posterior. Variables evaluated were the visualisation of the artery, distance from the artery to the ridge crest, distance from the artery to the sinus floor, alveolar ridge height and arterial diameter. The PSAA visualisation was more prevalent in males and region III (76.7%). The distance from the artery to the sinus floor presented no significant difference between regions II and III, with both regions showing significantly lower values than region I. A significant difference was observed in the diameter of the arteries with higher prevalence of diameters >1.0 mm in males and <1.0 mm in females. The PSAA can be well visualised frequently with a CBCT, and differences in artery diameter were observed in relation to gender (males > females). Additional care is recommended when it is necessary to extend surgeries to the posterior MS region, avoiding haemorrhages that are associated with failures in these procedures.
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with Deaf Patients: A Qualitative Study of Characteristics and Technical Adaptations in Clinical Practice
Authors: Neves Juliana Torres Porto das , Zatti Cleonice , Severo Charlie , Malgarim Bibiana Godoi , Freitas Lúcia Helena Machado
Published: June 2020

How do deaf patients treat their psychological conflicts? Is psychoanalytic psychotherapy possible for this population? Should adaptations be made in the psychotherapeutic setting? Many deaf people have come to psychotherapists’ offices in search of care for their emotional suffering only to encounter professionals who are unprepared, at least technically, to work with these patients and their differences. Due to the scarcity of publications or because very few professionals work with this population, many psychoanalysts are obliged to develop treatment in a basically intuitive way. The main objective of this study is to describe characteristics and technical adaptations carried out when treating this group through psychoanalytic psychotherapy as exercised by professionals who are familiar with the area. This article is the result of qualitative research backed up by very diverse reading. Content analysis was carried out according to Bardin's widely accepted method, and resulted in three final categories that are discussed. The categories are: (1) professional experience in the field of deafness: preparation and initial difficulties; (2) contextualization and subjectivity of deaf patients; (3) a psychoanalytic approach with deaf patients: characteristics and technical adaptations of clinical practice.
A theatre of machines: Automata circuses and digital bread in the smart city of Toronto
Authors: Tenney Matthew , Garnett Ryan , Wylie Bianca
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the policies, projects, and promises of “smart” initiatives at the City of Toronto are evaluated, as they manifest through a technological convergence between local government services and an increased focus on citizen services through data‐driven mediums. Through direct participant observation and formal interviews, a robust understanding of the internal institutional dynamics, the perspectives citizens in the “smart city,” and the operational disconnects in governance, policy, and practice has been gained. Our case study on the City of Toronto provides an account of how and from where these smart motivations for increasing a data‐driven engagement with the public have arisen over the past several years. In doing so, we identify key characteristics that both enable and hinder the existing smart city in the forms of access to open data, the use of increased computational methods, and the engagement of public services through digital space as requirements for the future of participatory governance. We argue that instituting appropriate policies and engaging citizens to co‐design and participate in the planning processes are essential to ensuring an inclusive, modern, and open smart city.
Investigating the health disparities in the association between lifestyle behaviors and the risk of head and neck cancer
Authors: Hsiao Jenn‐Ren , Huang Cheng‐Chih , Ou Chun‐Yen , Chang Chan‐Chi , Lee Wei‐Ting , Tsai Sen‐Tien , Huang Jehn‐Shyun , Chen Ken‐Chung , Lai Yu‐Hsuan , Wu Yuan‐Hua , Hsueh Wei‐Ting , Wu Shang‐Yin , Yen Chia‐Jui , Chang Jang‐Yang , Lin Chen‐Lin , Weng Ya‐Ling , Yang Han‐Chien , Chen Yu‐Shan , Chang Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2020

Many studies have reported a positive association between lower socioeconomic status (SES) and higher head and neck cancer (HNC) risk. Fewer studies have examined the impact of SES on the association between alcohol or cigarette use and HNC risk. The current case‐control study (1104 HNC cases and 1363 controls) investigated the influence of education, a SES indicator, on the association between HNC and the use of alcohol, cigarettes, or betel quids in Taiwan, a country with universal health care. Our results showed a larger increase in HNC risk associated with alcohol among those with lower educational level (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53‐2.80) than those with higher educational level (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.85) (heterogeneity‐P = .03). Educational level had an influence on the association between alcohol use and HNC risk among those with genetic susceptibility (ALDH2‐deficient) to the carcinogenic effect of alcohol. The association between cigarette or betel quid use and HNC risk was similar between the high and low educational groups. National policies and social interventions have led to the decline in the prevalence of cigarette and betel quid users in Taiwan. In contrast, due to the lack of adequate alcohol control policies, alcohol consumption in Taiwan has continued to rise. A higher impact of alcohol on HNC risk among lower SES individuals even with universal health care could be the result of insufficient alcohol control policies in Taiwan.
The impact of changing provider remuneration on clinical activity and quality of care: Evaluation of a pilot NHS contract in Northern Ireland
Authors: Hill Harry , Howarth Elizabeth , Walsh Tanya , Tickle Martin , Birch Stephen , Brocklehurst Paul
Published: June 2020

Objectives

A pilot NHS dental contract was introduced in Northern Ireland between 2015 and 2016, which involved changing the method for paying general dental practitioners working in the NHS from fee‐for‐service (FFS) to capitation‐based payments, providing an opportunity for a robust evaluation. We investigated the impact of a change in payment methods on clinical activity and the quality of care provided.

Design

A difference‐in‐difference (DiD) evaluation was applied to clinical activity data from pilot NHS dental practices in Northern Ireland compared to matched control NHS practices and applied to a questionnaire survey of patient‐rated outcomes of health outcomes and care quality. We estimated the impact on access to care, treatment activity levels, practice finances and patient‐rated outcomes of care of a change from FFS to a capitation‐based system for 1 year, as well as the impact of a reversion back to FFS at the end of the pilot period.

Results

The monthly number of registered patients in the pilot practices increased more than the control practices during the capitation period, by 1.5 registrations per 1000 registered patients. The monthly reductions in the volumes of all treatments in the pilot practices during the capitation period were much larger than the control practices, with 175 fewer treatment items. All measures rapidly returned to baseline levels following reversion from capitation back to FFS. NHS income per month increased in pilot practices, by £5920 per month (calculated on FFS item cost basis) more than controls in the capitation period. The analysis of patient questionnaires suggest found that patients notice differences only in waiting times, skill‐mix and number of radiographs, but not on other measures of healthcare process and quality.

Conclusion

General dental practitioners working in the NHS respond rapidly and consistently to changes in provider payment methods. A move from FFS to a capitation‐based system had little impact on access to care, but did produce large reductions in clinical activity and patient charge income. Patients noticed little change in the service they received. This shows that changes in remuneration contracts have the potential to meet policy goals, such as meeting the expectations of patients within a predictable cost envelope. However, it is unlikely that all policy goals can be met simply by changing payment methods. Therefore, work is also needed to identify and evaluate interventions that can complement changes in remuneration to achieve desirable outcomes.
Influence of ridge preservation procedures on extraction socket healing under antiresorptive therapy: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Schwarz Frank , John Gordon , Becker Jürgen , Grötz Knut Achim , Sader Robert , Mihatovic Ilja
Published: June 2020

Background

To assess the influence of ridge preservation procedures on the healing of extraction sockets under antiresorptive therapy.

Material and Methods

A total of 10 Dutch Belted rabbits were randomly allocated to either the intravenous administration of amino‐bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) (Za) (n = 5) or a negative control group (no Za [nZa]) (n = 5). At 6 months, the mandibular and maxillary molars were extracted and the four experimental sites randomly allocated to the following subgroups: (a) socket grafting using a collagen‐coated natural bone mineral (BOC) + primary wound closure, (b) coronectomy (CO), or (c) spontaneous healing + primary wound closure (SP). Za medication was continued for another 4 months. Histomorphometrical analyses considered, for example, crestal hard tissue closure of the extraction site (C) and mineralized tissue (MT) formation.

Results

Za‐SP was associated with an incomplete median C (31.76% vs 100% in nZa‐SP) and signs of bone arrosion along the confines of the socket. BOC had no major effects on increases in C and MT values in the Za group. CO commonly resulted in an encapsulation and partial replacement resorption of residual roots by MT without any histological signs of osteonecrosis.

Conclusions

(a) Za‐SP was commonly associated with a compromised socket healing and signs of osteonecrosis, (b) BOC had no major effect on socket healing in the Za group, and (c) CO at noninfected teeth might be a feasible measure for the prevention of a Za‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Compositae sensitization in Danish children and adolescents
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Compositae plant sensitization in children is relatively frequent. From 1995–2006, we found a prevalence of 1.8% sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix/parthenolide patch test positives among consecutive eczema patients <18 years.

Objectives

To report the results of patch test screening for Compositae sensitization in patients <18 years in the last 13 years.

Methods

Children and adolescents <18 years, diagnosed with Compositae sensitization between 2007 and 2019, were included.

Results

Among 388 children tested, 12 (3%) were Compositae‐sensitized, and 11 (2.8%) had positive reactions to SL mix. Compositae mix 5% pet. elicited positive reactions in six of seven patients tested, and dandelion extract 2.5% pet. in six of 10 patients tested. The mean age of the five girls and seven boys was 9.4 years and 11.7 years, respectively. Eleven children had a personal and one a family history of atopy, and 11 children had hand eczema. Only two were mono‐sensitized to Compositae.

Conclusions

SL mix is a suitable screening agent among children and adolescents in our area, well supplemented with Compositae mix 5% and dandelion extract. The study emphasizes the importance of Compositae screening in children with a personal and/or family history of atopy, hand eczema or widespread airborne dermatitis, summer exacerbation, and plant exposure.
ITGBL1 promotes cell migration and invasion through stimulating the TGF‐β signalling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Wei , Yu Demin , Wang Mingjie , Han Yue , Lin Junyu , Wei Dong , Cai Jialin , Li Bin , Chen Peizhan , Zhang Xinxin
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Integrin beta‐like 1 (ITGBL1) is involved in the migration and invasion of several cancers; however, its roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry staining was used to investigate the expression pattern of ITGBL1 and its prognostic values in HCC patients. The transwell, wound‐healing assays, xenograft and orthotopic mouse models were employed to determine the effects of ITGBL1 on HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. The biological mechanisms involved in cell migration and invasion caused by ITGBL1 were determined with Western blotting and RT‐PCR methods.

Results

ITGBL1 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Patients with higher ITGBL1 expression were associated with more reduced overall survival. ITGBL1 overexpression promoted migration and invasion in SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas knockdown or knockout ITGBL1 in CSQT‐2 cells significantly reduced cell migration and invasion abilities. In SMMC‐7721 cells, ITGBL1 overexpression stimulated TGF‐β/Smads signalling pathway, along with the KRT17 and genes involved in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In contrast, ITGBL1 knockout inhibited the TGF‐β/Smads signalling pathway in CSQT‐2 cells.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that ITGBL1 promoted migration and invasion in HCC cells by stimulating the TGF‐β/Smads signalling pathway. ITGBL1 could be a promising prognostic biomarker, as well as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
The up‐regulation of NDRG1 by HIF counteracts the cancer‐promoting effect of HIF in VHL‐deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zheng‐Yan , Zhang Shi‐Long , Chen Hui‐Ling , Mao Yu‐Qin , Li Zhan‐Ming , Kong Chao‐Yue , Han Bing , Zhang Jin , Chen Yong‐Hui , Xue Wei , Zhai Wei , Wang Li‐Shun
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are thought to play important roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of VHL‐deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods

The roles of HIF‐1/2α in VHL‐deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma were evaluated by bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry staining and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis. The downstream genes that counteract the cancer‐promoting effect of HIF were analysed by unbiased proteomics and verified by in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

There was no correlation between the high protein level of HIF‐1/2α and the poor prognosis of ccRCC patients in our large set of clinical data. Furthermore, NDRG1 was found to be up‐regulated by both HIF‐1α and −2α at the cellular level and in ccRCC tissues. Intriguingly, the high NDRG1 expression was correlated with lower Furman grade, TNM stage and longer survival for ccRCC patients compared with the low NDRG1 expression. In addition, NDRG1 suppressed the expression of series oncogenes as well as the proliferation, metastasis and invasion of VHL‐deficient ccRCC cells in vitro and vivo.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that HIF downstream gene of NDRG1 may counteract the cancer‐promoting effect of HIF. These results provided evidence that NDRG1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker as well as a therapeutic target in ccRCC.
Host specificity and variation in oviposition behaviour of milkweed stem weevils and implications for species divergence
Authors: Arcila Hernández Lina M. , Davis Steven R. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: June 2020

1. An herbivore's life‐history strategy, including optimization of resource use, is constrained by its evolutionary history and ecological factors varying across the landscape.

2. We asked if related and co‐distributed herbivore species maintain consistency of host preference and oviposition behaviours along the species' range. We surveyed two putative species of milkweed stem weevils, Rhyssomatus lineaticollis and R. annectens, which co‐occur alongside their hosts, Asclepias syriaca and A. incarnata.

3. We confirmed the two species status of weevils, supported by differences in morphology and a bilocus gene phylogeny. Furthermore, we found that species divergence recapitulated the weevils current host plant use.

4. We found oviposition variation within and between species. R. annectens poked the stem haphazardly or girdled it before oviposition. Meanwhile, R. lineaticollis primarily trenched stems in the north, but poked or girdled in the south. Variation in oviposition patterns could be a response to variation in host plant defenses.

5. In nature, weevils strictly oviposited on their respective host plants, while in bioassays, R. lineaticollis exhibited strong preference for A. syriaca and R. annectens fed equally on both host plants.

6. Overall, our results support that milkweed stem weevils are strict specialists but might be undergoing changes in host use. R. lineaticollis specializes on A. syriaca but has two distinct modes of oviposition. Meanwhile R. annectens seems to be more accepting of other hosts. We hypothesize that these weevils might be shifting host use associated with changes in host plant distributions.