bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Government support for SMEs in response to COVID-19: theoretical model using Wang transform
Authors: Wang Shaun Shuxun , Goh Jing Rong , Sornette Didier , Wang He , Yang Esther Ying
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Many governments are taking measures in support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper presents a theoretical model for evaluating various government measures, including insurance for bank loans, interest rate subsidy, bridge loans and relief of tax burdens.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper distinguishes a firm's intrinsic value and book value, where a firm can lose its intrinsic value when it encounters cash-flow crunch. Wang transform is applied to (1) calculating the appropriate level of interest rate subsidy payable to incentivize banks to issue more loans to SMEs and to extend the loan maturity of current debt to the SMEs, (2) describing the frailty distribution for SMEs and (3) defining banks' underwriting capability and overlap index in risk selection.

Findings

Government support for SMEs can be in the form of an appropriate level of interest rate subsidy payable to incentivize banks to issue more loans to SMEs and to extend the loan maturity of current debt to the SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

More available data on bank loans would have helped strengthen the empirical studies.

Practical implications

This paper makes policy recommendations of establishing policy-oriented banks or investment funds dedicated to supporting SMEs, developing risk indices for SMEs to facilitate refined risk underwriting, providing SMEs with long-term tax relief and early-stage equity-type investments.

Social implications

The model highlights the importance of providing bridge loans to SMEs during the COVID-19 disruption to prevent massive business closures.

Originality/value

This paper provides an analytical framework using Wang transform for analyzing the most effective form of government support for SMEs.
A computational model for diffusion-reaction-deformation coupled problems and its finite element implementation
Authors: Qin Bao , Zhou Yexin , Zhong Zheng
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A diffusion-reaction-deformation coupled model is employed and implemented as a user-defined element (UEL) subroutine in the commercial finite element software package ABAQUS.

Design/methodology/approach

Chemical reaction and diffusion are treated as two distinct processes by introducing the extent of reaction and the diffusion concentration as two kinds of independent variables, for which the independent governing equations for chemical reaction and diffusion processes are obtained. Furthermore, an exponential form of chemical kinetics, instead of the linearly phenomenological relation, between the reaction rate and the chemical affinity is used to describe reaction process. As a result, complex chemical reaction can be simulated, no matter it is around or away from equilibrium.

Findings

Two numerical examples are presented, one for validation of the model and another for the modeling of the deflection of a plane caused by a chemical reaction.

Originality/value

1. Independent governing equations for diffusion and reaction processes are given. 2. An exponential relation between the reaction rate and its driving force is employed. 3. The UEL subroutine is used to implement the finite element procedure.
Predicting the adoption of mobile payment applications during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rafdinal Wahyu , Senalasari Widi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the adoption of mobile payment applications during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and Technology Readiness Index (TRI).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 400 mobile payment application users in Indonesia. The structural equation model–partial least square (SEM-PLS) analysis was conducted to analyse the relationship between variables and test a series of hypotheses.

Findings

TRI constructs affect perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, with the exception of discomfort which has no significant effect on the perceived usefulness. In addition, attitude is influenced by two main TAM variables: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Meanwhile, the intention to use mobile payment applications is influenced by attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This study will assist mobile payment application service providers and policymakers in planning services and increasing the adoption of mobile payment applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will also add the existing knowledge about the mobile payment applications literature in the context of a pandemic.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically employ the TAM and TRI in analysing the adoption of mobile payment applications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evaluation of infrastructure resilience
Authors: Xu Wenping , Cong Jinting , Proverbs David G.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to undertake an evaluation of the resilient capacity of the infrastructure systems in the city of Wuhan. This evaluation focuses on the ability of the infrastructure to cope with extreme weather from multiple dimensions and to propose effective interventions against such risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on a review and synthesis of the theory of resilience and adopts the literature induction method to build an evaluation index for five urban systems, namely: roads; water supply and drainage; energy and power; urban disaster reduction; and communications. Index data from the period of 1990–2019 are combined with the views of experts from Wuhan and analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) to calculate the weightings of the five urban systems. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is then used to investigate the resilient capacity of these five urban infrastructure systems in the city.

Findings

Generally, the results show that the resilience of the infrastructure systems in Wuhan are at a high level. Based on the results, the communications and roads systems are found to have higher levels of resilience, while the disaster mitigation system is found to have a relatively low level of resilience. Recommendations are suggested to help improve resilience and prioritize investments in the development of the city's infrastructure systems.

Research limitations/implications

The development of these specific indicators and quantitative requirements have not been studied in detail, so a more comprehensive, systematic evaluation of quantitative indicators and methods of urban infrastructure resilience is still required. In addition, the research on the resilience of urban infrastructure under extreme weather is still in its infancy, and it is essential to further increase the quantitative assessment of the resilience of urban infrastructure under construction. This will also be indispensable information in the subsequent implementation of a resilient planning process.

Originality/value

This research builds a rigorous and reliable evaluation model that avoids any subjective bias in the results and represents a new approach to evaluate the resilience of the infrastructure systems in the city of Wuhan, which could be applied to other cities.
Exaggerated sexually selected weapons maintained with disproportionately low metabolic costs in a single species with extreme size variation
Authors: Somjee Ummat , Powell Erin C. , Hickey Anthony J. , Harrison Jon F. , Painting Christina J.
Published: July 2021

Larger individuals typically have lower mass‐specific metabolic rates compared to small ones (hypometric scaling). This trend is most evident across species where body size differences can be extreme. Yet, within‐species studies are critical to decipher the morphological and physiological mechanisms responsible. However, in most species, the relatively small range in body and appendage size of the same life stage often precludes such intraspecific comparisons.

Sexually selected weapons are among the most exaggerated traits in nature; these traits can account for a large portion of body mass and contribute to whole‐body energetic maintenance costs. Often larger individuals possess disproportionally larger weapons relative to their body size, yet little is known about how large individuals meet the predicted increased energetic demands of maintaining disproportionately large weapons.

New Zealand giraffe weevils, Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Coleoptera: Brentidae) exhibit an extreme 30‐fold range in male body mass as well as hypermetric scaling of sexually selected rostra used as weapons in male–male competition. We compare intra‐ and interspecific resting metabolic rates by compiling measurements across 26 arthropod species whose size ranges overlap with L. barbicornis. The scaling of metabolic rate across this pooled interspecific sample was not significantly different from the intraspecific scaling of metabolic rate we found in L. barbicornis (slope of log–log relationship with body mass = 0.67).

Male and female L. barbicornis had a similar scaling of metabolic rate with body size, despite differing substantially in the scaling of rostra, legs and antennae. However, large structures that scaled with positive allometry in males (rostra and legs) were increasingly composed of cuticle in larger individuals. The largest males invest ~60% less metabolically active tissue into rostra (weapons) compared to the smallest males.

Our findings reveal hypometric scaling relationships of inter‐ and intraspecific metabolic rates across a shared size range in a diverse group of arthropods. Our intraspecific study uncovers a tremendous difference in weapon architecture as individuals scale up in size; we find that large males bear disproportionally larger weapons at a lower relative metabolic cost. This cost‐saving mechanism may play a key role in shaping the hypermetric scaling of sexually selected traits.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
A rapid and nondestructive approach for forensic identification of cigarette inner liner papers using shift‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Zhang Jin , Jiang Hong , Duan Bin , Liu Feng
Published: July 2021

In forensic science, cigarettes are considered as crucial physical evidence because it helps to establish the connection between the criminal and the crime scene. In the present study, SERDS has been used for the examination of 25 different brands or series of cigarette inner liner paper. The discrimination power is calculated by using three methods, i.e., visual discrimination of the spectra, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). They are 100.00%, 92.42% and 100.00%, respectively. Cigarette inner liner paper samples were divided into four categories based on HCA and assignment of Raman special peaks: (1) talcum powder, (2) zinc oxide, (3) talcum powder and zinc oxide and (4) zinc oxide and barium sulfate. The PCA‐FDA model was constructed for identifying the unknown samples, it delivered 100.00% calibration accuracy and validation accuracy. The results suggest that SERDS combined with the chemometric methods is a rapid, nondestructive and accurate method for the differentiation of cigarette inner liner papers.
Incorporating climate velocity into the design of climate‐smart networks of marine protected areas
Authors: Arafeh‐Dalmau Nur , Brito‐Morales Isaac , Schoeman David S. , Possingham Hugh P. , Klein Carissa J. , Richardson Anthony J.
Published: July 2021

Climate change is redistributing terrestrial and marine biodiversity and altering fundamental ecological interactions. To conserve biodiversity and promote its long‐term persistence, protected areas should account for the ecological implications of species’ redistribution. Data paucity across many systems means that achieving this goal requires generic metrics that act as proxies for likely responses of multiple taxa to climate change. Climate velocity is one such metric, representing the potential speed and direction of species’ range shifts.

Here, we explore three approaches for incorporating climate velocity into the design of marine protected areas and demonstrate their application in the Mediterranean Sea. Our methods are designed to meet the climate‐smart adaptation strategy of protecting climate refugia by selecting slow‐moving climate velocity areas.

For our case study, we found that incorporating climate velocity as a cost measure in Marxan best selects slower moving areas, which are robust indicators of climate refugia. However, this approach is unable to accommodate socio‐economic cost data and is thus impractical. Incorporating climate velocity as a boundary or as a feature selects slower moving areas with a lower socio‐economic cost. We recommend incorporating velocity as a boundary, where possible because it is a more flexible approach. The boundary approach considers the climate velocity of all planning units, rather than being limited to a subjective classification of ‘slow‐moving’ planning units when treated as a feature. However, further assessment is required. For different planning scales and for grid structures other than squares, the relative performance of incorporating climate velocity as a boundary or as a feature might vary among case studies.

This work presents simple and practical ways of including climate velocity in conservation plans to achieve the key climate‐smart objective of protecting climate refugia, thereby enhancing ecological resilience. Our methods are widely applicable, encouraging researchers and practitioners to advance the field and deliver networks of climate‐smart protected areas by 2030.
Measuring temporal change in alpha diversity: A framework integrating taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity and the iNEXT.3D standardization
Authors: Chao Anne , Henderson Peter A. , Chiu Chun‐Huo , Moyes Faye , Hu Kai‐Hsiang , Dornelas Maria , Magurran Anne E.
Published: July 2021

Biodiversity is a multifaceted concept covering different levels of organization from genes to ecosystems. Biodiversity has at least three dimensions: (a) Taxonomic diversity (TD): a measure that is sensitive to the number and abundances of species. (b) Phylogenetic diversity (PD): a measure that incorporates not only species abundances but also species evolutionary histories. (c) Functional diversity (FD): a measure that considers not only species abundances but also species' traits.

We integrate the three dimensions of diversity under a unified framework of Hill numbers and their generalizations. Our TD quantifies the effective number of equally abundant species, PD quantifies the effective total branch length, mean‐PD (PD divided by tree depth) quantifies the effective number of equally divergent lineages, and FD quantifies the effective number of equally distinct virtual functional groups (or functional ‘species’). Thus, TD, mean‐PD and FD are all in the same units of species/lineage equivalents and can be meaningfully compared.

Like species richness, empirical TD, PD and FD based on sampling data depend on sampling effort and sample completeness. For TD (Hill numbers), the iNEXT (interpolation and extrapolation) standardization was developed for standardizing sample size or sample completeness (as measured by sample coverage, the fraction of individuals that belong to the observed species) to make objective comparisons across studies. This paper extends the iNEXT method to the iNEXT.3D standardization to encompass all three dimensions of diversity via sample size‐ and sample coverage‐based rarefaction and extrapolation under the unified framework. The asymptotic diversity estimates (i.e. sample size tends to infinity and sample coverage tends to unity) are also derived. In addition to individual‐based abundance data, the proposed iNEXT.3D standardization is adapted to deal with incidence‐based occurrence data.

We apply the integrative framework and the proposed iNEXT.3D standardization to measure temporal alpha‐diversity changes for estuarine fish assemblage data spanning four decades. The influence of environmental drivers on diversity change are also assessed. Our analysis informs a mechanistic interpretation of biodiversity change in the three dimensions of diversity. The accompanying freeware, iNEXT.3D, developed during this project, facilitates all computation and graphics.
Opportunistic timing of management earnings forecasts during the COVID‐19 crisis in China
Authors: Chen Hanwen , Liu Siyi , Liu Xin , Wang Jiani
Published: July 2021

This study assumes that the severity of local COVID‐19 spread can capture the short‐run fluctuation of macro‐level uncertainty in business environments. Given capital‐market pressure and incentives to obtain favourable considerations from the government and lenders, we hypothesise that COVID‐19‐induced uncertainty can lead managers to release (delay) preexisting firm‐specific bad (good) news. Our baseline results show that firms are more likely to disclose unfavourable (favourable) 2019 forecasts in days when recent COVID‐19 cases in headquarter provinces increase (decrease). Results in further analyses provide evidence on the aforementioned reporting incentives by showing that the opportunistic timing behaviour is more prominent in firms with higher managerial ownership, non‐state ownership, and in firms under financial distress. In addition, we uncover the role of local marketisation level and medical resources in mitigating the opportunistic timing behaviour. Finally, the analysis of market reactions shows that the manipulation of disclosure dates can influence the market price in a favourable direction for firms. Overall, our paper presents a comprehensive picture of corporate opportunistic timing behaviour amid the COVID‐19 crisis.
Trading off hatching success and cost in the captive breeding of Whooping Cranes
Authors: Edwards H. A. , Converse S. J. , Swan K. D. , Moehrenschlager A.
Published: July 2021

Captive breeding is an increasingly used conservation strategy for species with a high risk of extinction in the wild, but managing a captive breeding programme can be challenging if there is a deficiency in knowledge about the species’ breeding biology. A knowledge gap can make it difficult to evaluate different management options. For avian species, egg hatching success is a key demographic parameter, and data‐logging egg technology can provide important information on optimal species‐specific incubation conditions, which can help inform captive breeding practises and identify efficient captive management options. In the context of a captive breeding programme for endangered Whooping Cranes Grus americana, we investigated associations between hatching success and incubation conditions, including environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity and egg turning rate), and incubation type (artificial incubation; foster incubation by Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis; and Whooping Crane incubation). Finally, we considered both cost and breeding output in an analysis of incubation practises. We found that daily mean temperatures were negatively associated with hatching success, and that hatching success was highest with incubation under Sandhill Cranes. However, incubation by artificial incubators, rather than Sandhill Cranes, provided a trade‐off between cost and breeding output that is likely to be acceptable to many captive programme managers. We encourage other captive breeding programmes to use innovations that help to increase potential release numbers for conservation translocations by considering biological and financial constraints.
A baseline patch test series for New Zealand
Authors: Seine Adrian J , Baird Elizabeth Ann , Chan Lydia , Davis Anne , Greig Deborah , Judd Lissa Elaine , Mahon Caroline , Oakley Amanda , Rademaker Marius , Reiche Louise , Stanway Amy Donna , Cheng Harriet S
Published: July 2021

Background

Patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis and needs to be relevant to the region and the population being tested. The aim of this study was to develop a specific New Zealand baseline series (NZBS).

Method

We performed a retrospective case note review of patients attending four regional patch test centres between 2008 and 2020. Demographic and diagnostic information was collected for each patient along with results of patch testing. Using the results of this review, a group of 11 dermatologists with an interest in contact dermatitis agreed on a core group of allergens for inclusion in an NZBS, based on the frequency of positive reactions and allergens of interest. The remaining potential allergens were ranked by each dermatologist using an online questionnaire, with inclusion in the final NZBS by consensus.

Results

Results from 2402 patients (67% female, mean age 44 years) from Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Christchurch were collated. The 10 most frequent positive (relevant and non‐relevant) allergens were nickel sulfate (22.0%), fragrance mix I (8.6%), cobalt chloride (7.3%), Myroxylon pereirae (5.6%), colophonium (5.1%), p‐phenylenediamine (4.9%), methylisothiazolinone/methylchloroisothiazolinone (4.1%), fragrance mix II (3.9%), potassium dichromate (3.5%) and methylisothiazolinone (3.4%). Based on these results, a core series of 30 allergens was developed, with an additional 30 allergens added to form the extended series (total 60 allergens).

Conclusion

The baseline series of patch test allergens for routine use in New Zealand (NZBS) is based on national patch test data and expert consensus.
Cardiac surgery simulation: a low‐cost feasible option in an Australasian setting
Authors: Sharma Varun J , Barton Calum , Page Sarah , Ganesh Jegatheesan Saravana , Patel Nishith , Pirone Francesco , Lin Zaw , Kejriwal Nand K. , El Gamel Adam , McCormack David J , Meikle Felicity
Published: July 2021

Background

Simulation training is a useful adjunct to surgical training and education (SET) in Cardiothoracic Surgery yet training opportunities outside the Royal Australasian College of Surgery or industry‐sponsored workshops are rare due to high cost and limited training faculty, time, assessment tools or structured curricula. We describe our experience in establishing a low‐cost cardiac simulation programme.

Methods

We created low‐cost models using hospital facilities, hardware stores, abattoirs and donations from industry. Three workshops were conducted on coronary anastomoses, aortic and mitral valve replacement.

Results

Whole porcine hearts were sourced from local farms. Industry donations of obsolete stock were used for suture and valve material—stations constructed using ironing‐board, 2‐L buckets and kebab‐skewers. Suture ring holders were fashioned from recycled cardboard or donated. All participants were asked to complete pre and post simulation self‐assessment forms. Across three workshops, 45 participants (57.8% female) with a median age 27 (interquartile range 24–31) attended. Training level consisted of nurses (8, 17.8%), medical students (17, 37.8%), residents/house officers (6, 13.3%) and registrars (14, 31.1%). There were improvements in knowledge of anatomy (mean difference 18%; 95% confidence interval 12%–24%), imaging (16%; 10%–22%) and procedural components (34%; 28%–42%); and practical ability to describe steps (30%; 24%–38%), partially (32%; 26%–38%) or fully complete (32%; 28%–38%) the procedure.

Conclusions

Simulation‐based training in cardiac surgery is feasible in a hospital setting with low overhead costs. It can benefit participants at all training levels and has the potential to be implemented in training hospitals as an adjunct to the SET programme.
Investigating the composition and application of an ancient multipurpose material discovered on the Qin Terracotta Army statues
Authors: Ge Ruochen , Yang Lu , Shen Maosheng , Sun Wenyan
Published: July 2021

For the first time, the composition and application of a multipurpose material, which is widely used on the Qin Terracotta Army statues, was investigated as an important material during the statues' production. X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry, polarizing microscopy and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry were used in this study. The analyses revealed that this material consists of a protein binder containing animal glue and egg and inorganic fillers of ground pottery grains. The material is multifunctional and can be mainly used for bonding and flattening statues, while adding inorganic fillers into organic materials provides good strength and ageing resistance. This study will enhance the current understanding of the production of the Terracotta Army and provide a new perspective for conservation science from traditional crafts.
Dealing with doping. A plea for better science, governance and education
Authors: Heuberger Jules A. A. C. , Henning April , Cohen Adam F. , Kayser Bengt
Published: July 2021

The creation of WADA contributed to harmonization of anti‐doping and changed doping behavior and prevalence in the past 22 years. However, the system has developed important deficiencies and limitations that are causing harm to sports, athletes and society. These issues are related to the lack of evidence for most substances on the Prohibited List for performance or negative health effects, a lack of transparency and accountability of governance and decision‐making by WADA and the extension of anti‐doping policies outside the field of professional sports. This article tries to identify these deficiencies and limitations and presents a plea for more science, better governance and more education. This should lead to a discussion for reform among stakeholders, which should cover support of a new Prohibited List by actual research and evidence and introduce better governance with accountable control bodies and regulation. Finally, comprehensive education for all stakeholders will be the basis of all future positive improvements.
Cross‐Cultural Associations of Four Parenting Behaviors With Child Flourishing: Examining Cultural Specificity and Commonality in Cultural Normativeness and Intergenerational Transmission Processes
Authors: Rothenberg W. Andrew , Lansford Jennifer E. , Bornstein Marc H. , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Yotanyamaneewong Saengduean , Alampay Liane Peña , Al‐Hassan Suha M. , Bacchini Dario , Chang Lei , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Di Giunta Laura , Dodge Kenneth A. , Gurdal Sevtap , Liu Qin , Long Qian , Malone Patrick S. , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Tapanya Sombat , Steinberg Laurence
Published: July 2021

Families from nine countries (N = 1,338) were interviewed annually seven times (Mage child = 7–15) to test specificity and commonality in parenting behaviors associated with child flourishing and moderation of associations by normativeness of parenting. Participants included 1,338 children (M = 8.59 years, SD = 0.68, range = 7–11 years; 50% girls), their mothers (N = 1,283, M = 37.04 years, SD = 6.51, range = 19–70 years), and their fathers (N = 1,170, M = 40.19 years, SD = 6.75, range = 22–76 years) at Wave 1 of 7 annual waves collected between 2008 and 2017. Families were recruited from 12 ethnocultural groups in nine countries including: Shanghai, China (n = 123); Medellín, Colombia (n = 108); Naples (n = 102) and Rome (n = 111), Italy; Zarqa, Jordan (n = 114); Kisumu, Kenya (n = 100); Manila, Philippines (n = 120); Trollhättan & Vänersborg, Sweden (n = 129); Chiang Mai, Thailand (n = 120); and Durham, NC, United States (n = 110 White, n = 102 Black, n = 99 Latinx). Intergenerational parenting (parenting passed from Generation 1 to Generation 2) demonstrated specificity. Children from cultures with above‐average G2 parent warmth experienced the most benefit from the intergenerational transmission of warmth, whereas children from cultures with below‐average G2 hostility, neglect, and rejection were best protected from deleterious intergenerational effects of parenting behaviors on flourishing. Single‐generation parenting (Generation 2 parenting directly associated with Generation 3 flourishing) demonstrated commonality. Parent warmth promoted, and parent hostility, neglect, and rejection impeded the development of child flourishing largely regardless of parenting norms.
Into the Unknown: Examining Neural Representations of Parent–Adolescent Interactions
Authors: Ratliff Erin L. , Kerr Kara L. , Misaki Masaya , Cosgrove Kelly T. , Moore Andrew J. , DeVille Danielle C. , Silk Jennifer S. , Barch Deanna M. , Tapert Susan F. , Simmons W. Kyle , Bodurka Jerzy , Morris Amanda Sheffield
Published: July 2021

The parent–adolescent relationship is important for adolescents’ emotion regulation (ER), yet little is known regarding the neural patterns of dyadic ER that occur during parent–adolescent interactions. A novel measure that can be used to examine such patterns is cross‐brain connectivity (CBC)—concurrent and time‐lagged connectivity between two individuals’ brain regions. This study sought to provide evidence of CBC and explore associations between CBC, parenting, and adolescent internalizing symptoms. Thirty‐five adolescents (mean age = 15 years, 69% female, 72% Non‐Hispanic White, 17% Black, 11% Hispanic or Latino) and one biological parent (94% female) completed an fMRI hyperscanning conflict discussion task. Results revealed CBC between emotion‐related brain regions. Exploratory analyses indicated CBC is associated with parenting and adolescent depressive symptoms.
Occupational contact dermatitis: Return to work using a multidisciplinary clinic model
Authors: Holness D. Linn , Gomez Pilar , Kudla Irena , Skotnicki Sandy , DeKoven Joel G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Occupational contact dermatitis often results in work disruption. Return‐to‐work (RTW) is an important outcome.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine RTW outcomes and factors associated with such outcomes using a multidisciplinary clinic model.

Methods

Chart abstraction was performed for 194 workers who received RTW assistance over a 6‐year period. Elements abstracted included demographic and diagnostic information and information about the RTW program including principles, program components, barriers, and facilitators.

Results

Of the 902 workers seen for dermatologic assessment, 194 received RTW assistance. At initial assessment, 37% were not working because of their skin disease, and at follow‐up, 7% were not working because of their skin disease. The RTW plan components included a graduated or trial of RTW, specific recommendations for avoiding exposure, personal protective equipment, skin management, and ongoing skin monitoring. Principles associated with successful RTW included good communication and the availability of modified work and a worker adherence to the plan. Barriers included lack of modified work, unresponsive employers, and ongoing skin problems.

Conclusions

Specific approaches are important to identify if RTW is to be successful for workers with occupational contact dermatitis.
Plasma neurofilament light chain concentrations as a biomarker of clinical and radiologic outcomes in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Post hoc analysis of Phase 3 ozanimod trials
Authors: Harris Sarah , Comi Giancarlo , Cree Bruce A. C. , Arnold Douglas L. , Steinman Lawrence , Sheffield James K. , Southworth Harry , Kappos Ludwig , Cohen Jeffrey A. ,   the Ozanimod Study Investigators
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

We investigated plasma neurofilament light chain concentration (pNfL) as a biomarker for neuroaxonal damage and disease activity using data from Phase 3 trials of ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Methods

pNfL was measured before and after ozanimod 0.46 mg or 0.92 mg daily or interferon β‐1a 30 µg weekly in the randomized, double‐blind SUNBEAM and RADIANCE trials. In these post hoc analyses, we investigated relationships between pNfL (at baseline and median percentage change from baseline to Month 12 [SUNBEAM] or 24 [RADIANCE]) and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes.

Results

Median (Q1, Q3) baseline pNfL, available in 1244 of 1346 SUNBEAM participants, was 14.70 (10.16, 23.26) pg/ml and in 1109 of 1313 RADIANCE participants was 13.35 (9.42, 20.41) pg/ml. Baseline gadolinium‐enhancing (GdE) and T2 lesion counts increased and brain volume decreased with increasing baseline pNfL. Baseline pNfL was higher in those with versus without on‐treatment relapse. Median percentage reduction in pNfL at 12 months in SUNBEAM (n = 1238) and 24 months in RADIANCE (n = 1088) was greater for ozanimod (20%–27%) than interferon β‐1a (13%–16%; p < 0.01). Greater pNfL reduction was associated with fewer GdE lesions, fewer new/enlarging T2 lesions per scan, less loss of brain volume, lower annualized relapse rate (ARR), and no evidence of disease activity. The following models predicted ARR: 0.5111 + 0.0116 × ΔNfL at 12 months (SUNBEAM) and 0.4079 + 0.0088 × ΔNfL at 24 months (RADIANCE).

Conclusions

pNfL was associated with clinical and radiologic measures of disease and treatment effects in RMS, supporting its use as a biomarker.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES) as a radiographic marker of clinically relevant intracranial hypertension and unfavorable outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Said Maryam , Gümüs Meltem , Herten Annika , Dinger Thiemo Florin , Chihi Mehdi , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Deuschl Cornelius , Wrede Karsten H. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

The severity of early brain edema (EBE) after aneurysm rupture was reported to be strongly associated with the risk of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Using the recently developed Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES), we analyzed the predictors of EBE and its impact on complications related to intracranial pressure (ICP) increase after SAH and on poor outcome.

Methods

All consecutive SAH cases treated between January 2003 and June 2016 with assessable SEBES were included (n = 745). Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, initial severity of SAH, need for conservative ICP treatment and decompressive craniectomy, occurrence of cerebral infarctions and unfavorable outcome at 6 months (modified Rankin scale score > 2) were collected. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

Younger age (<55 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.28–4.38), female sex (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16–2.31), poor initial clinical condition (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies score 4–5; aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.23–2.46), presence of intracerebral hemorrhage (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.12–2.36), hypothyroidism (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.98) and renal comorbidity (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11–0.78) were independently associated with SEBES (scores 3–4). There was an independent association between SEBES 3–4 and the need for conservative ICP treatment (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.73–3.42), decompressive craniectomy (aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.84–3.89), development of cerebral infarcts (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.53–3.29) and unfavorable outcome (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.0–2.17).

Conclusions

SEBES is a reliable predictor of ICP‐related complications and poor outcome of SAH. Our findings highlight the need for further research of the impact of patients’ demographic characteristics and comorbidities on the severity of EBE after SAH.
PIP aquaporin pH‐sensing is regulated by the length and charge of the C‐terminal region
Authors: Scochera Florencia , Zerbetto De Palma Gerardo , Canessa Fortuna Agustina , Chevriau Jonathan , Toriano Roxana , Soto Gabriela , Zeida Ari , Alleva Karina
Published: July 2021

Plant PIP aquaporins play a central role in controlling plant water status. The current structural model for PIP pH‐gating states that the main pH sensor is located in loopD and that all the mobile cytosolic elements participate in a complex interaction network that ensures the closed structure. However, the precise participation of the last part of the C‐terminal domain (CT) in PIP pH gating remains unknown. This last part has not been resolved in PIP crystal structures and is a key difference between PIP1 and PIP2 paralogues. Here, by a combined experimental and computational approach, we provide data about the role of CT in pH gating of Beta vulgaris PIP. We demonstrate that the length of CT and the positive charge located among its last residues modulate the pH at which the open/closed transition occurs. We also postulate a molecular‐based mechanism for the differential pH sensing in PIP homo‐ or heterotetramers by performing atomistic molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) on complete models of PIP tetramers. Our findings show that the last part of CT can affect the environment of loopD pH sensors in the closed state. Results presented herein contribute to the understanding of how the characteristics of CT in PIP channels play a crucial role in determining the pH at which water transport through these channels is blocked, highlighting the relevance of the differentially conserved very last residues in PIP1 and PIP2 paralogues.
Geopolitical encounters and entanglements along the belt and road initiative
Authors: Richardson Paul B.
Published: July 2021

This survey brings into conversation diverse literatures on geopolitics in order to interrogate one of the most visible geopolitical projects of our age, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The paper provides a brief review of the main geopolitical approaches that are being applied to the BRI, including classical, critical, radical, assemblage and feminist perspectives. While feminist and assemblage approaches to the BRI are positioned as a way out of essentialised accounts of this initiative, this review also attempts to facilitate a dialogue on the value of applying multiple approaches and different types of knowledge to the BRI and its various contexts. It seeks to capture how such thinking in geopolitics can bring the BRI's incoherence and myriad tensions into focus. This involves tracing the competing logics, contexts, relations and elements from which the BRI has emerged. Bringing competing strands of geopolitical thought into conversation rejects singular and reductionist interpretations of the BRI and understandings of geopolitics more broadly. It highlights linkages between elements and assemblages, as well as a circular logic in some of the prevailing approaches to the BRI and geopolitics. This survey explores the multi‐dimensional possibilities of contemporary geopolitics for examining the BRI's interwoven logics and its contradictions, while using the case study of the BRI to evaluate the diversity and potential of this sub‐field.
Herbage accumulation dynamics in mixed pastures composed of kikuyugrass and tall fescue as affected by grazing management
Authors: Bernardon Angela , Miqueloto Tiago , Winter Fábio Luis , de Medeiros Neto Cauby , Sbrissia André Fischer
Published: July 2021

A less‐explored alternative to animal production in the subtropics is a mixture of perennial cool‐ and warm‐season forage grasses. This study aimed to determine a grazing management strategy to enhance forage production and attenuate the seasonality of a mixed pasture composed of kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Four treatments were implemented in a completely randomized block design using a factorial scheme (2 × 2) with three replicates. The factorial arrangement consisted of two canopy heights (12 and 17 cm) associated with or without a single autumn grazing of 7 cm. Evaluations were conducted over 2 years. Nitrogen fertilization was performed only during the winter and spring seasons. Regardless of grazing height targets (12 or 17 cm), severe defoliation in autumn increased forage accumulation by 10% in mixed pastures composed of kikuyugrass and tall fescue; however, such management strategy should not be recommended because it delayed canopy recovery by 90–120 days, restrained winter grazing, and, paradoxically, increased forage production seasonality. Tall fescue was the dominant species in all treatments in the second year of evaluation, and we hypothesized that the lack of N fertilization during the summer impaired the persistence of kikuyugrass and was the main reason for this dominance effect. Therefore, we suggest evaluating summer N fertilization strategies, which could benefit both species and ensure the persistence of kikuyugrass in the mixture.
Prognostic implication of staging of seminal vesicle invasion in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma after prostatectomy
Authors: Fukunaga Arinobu , Maejima Aiko , Shinoda Yasuo , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Komiyama Motokiyo , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Miyagi Maeshima Akiko
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate whether the extent of seminal vesicle invasion of prostatic adenocarcinoma can stratify the risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Methods

We carried out radical prostatectomy for 1309 patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma between 2006 and 2019; 135 (10.3%) patients had seminal vesicle invasion. After excluding patients with neo‐/adjuvant therapy, we reviewed 105 patients. We analyzed the correlation of the extent of seminal vesicle invasion and biochemical recurrence‐free survival after prostatectomy and adjusted by various clinicopathological factors in multivariate analyses. Seminal vesicle invasion was stratified into three groups; the proximal part from the base was defined as level 1, followed by level 2 and the distal part as level 3.

Results

Among the 105 patients, 30 (29%), 54 (51%) and 21 patients (20%) had seminal vesicle invasion at levels 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Median times to biochemical recurrence were 110, 67 and 12 months in patients with levels 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.002). The extent of seminal vesicle invasion was the independent risk factor for biochemical recurrence in univariate (level 3 vs 1, P = 0.001; level 3 vs 2, P = 0.015) and multivariate analyses (level 3 vs 1, P = 0.025; level 3 vs 2, P = 0.030).

Conclusions

The extent of seminal vesicle invasion might be a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.
Practicing in exile: Syrian healthcare professionals working in informal outpatient clinics in Istanbul
Authors: Sürmeli Aral , Yasin Yesim , Umay Tolunay Tuana , User Inci , Topsever Pinar
Published: July 2021

Turkey hosts the largest proportion of Syrian refugees worldwide. Although Syrian refugees enjoy similar rights to health as Turkish citizens, some barriers can limit access to healthcare in practice. The healthcare needs of the Syrian population led to the emergence of "informal" clinics operated by Syrian healthcare professionals whom the Ministry of Health does not authorize to practice in Turkey. This qualitative study explores the views of 22 healthcare professionals working in such clinics about health provision for Syrian refugees. Focus groups and in‐depth interviews were transcribed and thematically coded. Language and cultural barriers, ill‐effects of immigration, insecurity concerning living conditions and expected lawful contribution to health services emerged as themes. Participants suggested that formal authorization to practice in Turkey for the Syrian healthcare workforce would be a good step towards caring for the Syrian population in Turkey.
Measuring Disability in Consumers of mental health services – psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in Ghana
Authors: Badu Eric , Mitchell Rebecca , O’Brien Anthony Paul , Osei Akwasi , Rubin Mark
Published: July 2021

The World Health Disability Assessment Scale (WHODAS‐2.0) has widely been accepted as the standard measure of disability. However, psychometric testing is mostly performed in developed countries. This paper aims to assess the psychometric properties (reliability, validity) of the WHODAS‐2.0 among consumers of mental health services in Ghana. Two translators (expert in English language and Akan language) performed forward and backward translation of the WHODAS‐2.0 from English language to Ghanaian language (Twi). A total of 510 consumers of mental health services were recruited consecutively to complete the WHODAS‐2.0 using RedCAP. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyse the data. All domains in the 6‐factor solutions had excellent internal consistency (ω = 0.90–0.98), sufficient convergent validity and had satisfactory discriminant validity except for domain on participation. The CFA model confirmed that the data had a good model fit, CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMESA = 0.05, RMR = 0.03; NFI = 0.94; χ2 = 1243.8, df = 529, P < 0.001. Although the WHODAS 2.0 had satisfactory psychometric properties and was thus considered to be a reliable and valid measure for assessing disability and level of functioning in consumers of mental health services, researchers and clinicians should re‐consider items within the participation domain. Also, practitioners are encouraged to integrate the WHODAS‐2.0 into the collection of data on clinical outcomes, as well as, collecting data on government social protection intervention programmes for consumers.
Lethal ageism in the shadow of pandemic response tactics
Authors: McDonald Tracey
Published: July 2021

Aim

This paper examines aspects of pandemic policy responses to the COVID‐19 and SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and presents an integrated view of the consequences of response tactics at national and health service levels for older adults.

Background

Nurses are positioned at the intersection of health service and policy implementation; therefore, their influence on clinical protocols and health policy directions post pandemic is crucial to preventing further premature deaths in the 65+ years age group and others.

Sources of evidence

Perspectives presented here are based on a critical evaluation of the many published reports, comments, research and insights concerning the pandemic. That evidence, combined with my experience in various fields of study and professional service, enables me to envisage what some decisions and policies may mean for older people, nurses and societies worldwide.

Discussion

Established information on world population patterns and the location and health of national groups has been made less reliable by population shifts caused by years of geo‐political conflicts and now the impact of the pandemic. Added to this already chaotic context, the pandemic has further disrupted societies, health services and economies. Ageist responses by these systems have further disadvantaged older people and generated trust deficits that need to be resolved.

Conclusion

When the pandemic recedes, policy and management decisions taken by governments and hospital administrators will be a telling indicator of whether the established systematic ageism exposed during the pandemic will continue to compromise the health and longevity of older adults.

Implications for nursing, health and social policy

The ascendency of nursing influence within the health and social policy environment must be further strengthened to enable nurses to champion equity and fairness in the pandemic recovery effort.
Platform work in a Coordinated Market Economy
Authors: Funke Corinna , Picot Georg
Published: July 2021

To investigate whether platform work can grow even in political economies with an adverse institutional environment, we examine Germany as a least likely case. We assess what constrains the growth of platform work in Germany as well as whether existing economic and social institutions adapt to it. We find that platform work is being accommodated in the German political economy, but in a very limited space. The most important institution constraining platform work is social insurance, especially by increasing pressure to rein in bogus self‐employment. Government has so far not seen a need to intervene with new regulation. Within the space that has been carved out for platform work, the traditional institutions of German social partnership are adapting to accommodate and monitor it. Overall, the main actors in the German political economy have a watchful eye on platform work but deal with the phenomenon in a characteristically consensual way.