bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of support vector machines for accurate prediction of convection heat transfer coefficient of nanofluids through circular pipes
Authors: Safdari Shadloo Mostafa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Convection is one of the main heat transfer mechanisms in both high to low temperature media. The accurate convection heat transfer coefficient (HTC) value is required for exact prediction of heat transfer. As convection HTC depends on many variables including fluid properties, flow hydrodynamics, surface geometry and operating and boundary conditions, among others, its accurate estimation is often too hard. Homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in a base fluid (nanofluids) that found high popularities during the past two decades has also increased the level of this complexity. Therefore, this study aims to show the application of least-square support vector machines (LS-SVM) for prediction of convection heat transfer coefficient of nanofluids through circular pipes as an accurate alternative way and draw a clear path for future researches in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed LS-SVM model is developed using a relatively huge databank, including 253 experimental data sets. The predictive performance of this intelligent approach is validated using both experimental data and empirical correlations in the literature.

Findings

The results show that the LS-SVM paradigm with a radial basis kernel outperforms all other considered approaches. It presents an absolute average relative deviation of 2.47% and the regression coefficient (R2) of 0.99935 for the estimation of the experimental databank. The proposed smart paradigm expedites the procedure of estimation of convection HTC of nanofluid flow inside circular pipes.

Originality/value

Therefore, the focus of the current study is concentrated on the estimation of convection HTC of nanofluid flow through circular pipes using the LS-SVM. Indeed, this estimation is done using operating conditions and some simply measured characteristics of nanoparticle, base fluid and nanofluid.
“When I get older, I wanna be an entrepreneur”: the impact of disability and dyslexia on entrepreneurial self-efficacy perception
Authors: Powers Benjamin , Le Loarne-Lemaire Séverine , Maalaoui Adnane , Kraus Sascha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This article contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship for people with disabilities through a better understanding of the impact of entrepreneurial self-efficacy perceptions on entrepreneurial intentions in populations with lower levels of self-esteem. It investigates the entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy of a population of students suffering from dyslexia, which is a learning disability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the study of a data set of 796 male and female adolescents in the USA, aged 13–19 years, both with and without dyslexia. The sample is a convenient one. The whole sample replied to the questionnaire on their self-efficacy perception and their intention to create, one day, their own venture. They also self-declare their dyslexia. Regressions have been conducted to answer the research question.

Findings

Results show that having dyslexia has a negative impact on entrepreneurial self-efficacy perceptions. They also reveal that self-efficacy perceptions mediate the relationship between dyslexia and entrepreneurial intentions and their three antecedents (social norms, control behavior and perceived ability).

Research limitations/implications

The sample is composed of students from private schools and might socially be biased.

Practical implications

Our findings relaunch the debate on the necessity to develop education programs that consider the personal-level variables of students, specifically the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy among adolescents with disabilities

Social implications

Such findings should help to better understand students who are suffering from dyslexia and help them find a place in society and economic life.

Originality/value

This is so far the first study that has been conducted on dyslexic adolescents.
Do corporate social responsibility disclosures influence investment efficiency in the emerging markets of Asia?
Authors: Zamir Farah , Shailer Greg , Saeed Abubakr
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Corporate investment efficiency ultimately influences economic development but is largely at the discretion of managers. Information asymmetries are problematic in emerging markets, but it is widely believed that corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures can reduce information asymmetries. This paper examines whether CSR disclosures influence corporate capital investment efficiency in emerging Asian markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Investment inefficiency is measured as the residuals from an investment model that is constructed by combining variables from prior studies to obtain a more detailed specification. A CSR disclosure index (CSRDI) is constructed from manually collected CSR disclosures for the largest corporations in each of the nine Asian emerging markets, as categorised by the MSCI Emerging Market Index, during 2015–2017. Underinvestments and overinvestments are regressed against the CSRDI, using a two-stage model to address the potential self-selection of CSR report issuers.

Findings

The results indicate that CSR disclosures reduce underinvestment for large firms but do not constrain overinvestment. These results are consistent with the propositions that, by increasing transparency or reducing information asymmetry, CSR disclosures can improve firm access to external finance needed to invest in profitable projects but cannot constrain entrenched managers who are not reliant on external finance.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature by analysing the impact of CSR disclosures on both underinvestments and overinvestments and by examining the CSR-investment efficiency across the nine emerging Asian markets. This enhances generalisability compared to single market studies. More generally, this study enhances the understanding of the role of non-financial disclosures in the Asian emerging markets, where corporate investment efficiency is important for economic development but where severe information asymmetry and agency conflicts between insiders and external investors are prevalent. Both the investment community and policymakers should benefit from enhanced understanding of factors that influence investment efficiency in those markets.
Automating the process of method-time-measurement
Authors: Fantoni Gualtiero , Al-Zubaidi Salam Qaddoori , Coli Elena , Mazzei Daniele
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This work reports on a developing method time measurement system for measuring manufacturing and assembly processes automatically. This automatic system enables the production engineers and management to detect, process, and display concise and accurate information about the operations in real time.

Design/methodology/approach

This system is based on Internet of things technology and RFID-antenna. This methodology consists of seven main steps and one final optimization step. Mainly, the operator is equipped by RFID reader, and the work station tools and devices are provided by RFID tags. Responding the RFID tags to the reader will refer to the certain operations, the difference time between start and end of the operations will be collected immediately and calculated by the microprocessor of the system.

Findings

This automatic system is promising, considering the accurate time measurements and recommendations that obtained from the case study which includes measuring manual assembly operations to be followed in order to overcome the limitations which are not only technical but also managerial, legal and organizational.

Research limitations/implications

The acquired data about timing and duration of individual operations are anonymized to guarantee the compliance with respect to the privacy laws (GDPR and Italian work's laws).

Originality/value

This work presents a unique system to measure the time instead of traditional methods in the factories environment and satisfies the requirements to study the recommendations in order to overcome the challenges.
Greening the past: putting history in its place at the ecological university
Authors: Jones Karen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to think through the value of History as a way of interrogating ideas around environmental change as well as bridging the gap between definitions of natural and cultural heritage. In terms of the sustainability in higher education imperative, it argues that youth climate change movements and endeavours to diversify curriculum content make this a moment of critical mass to push forward with new historical programmes that embed environmental themes in a wider intellectual pedagogy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks to combine an urgent need to engage with environmental sustainability with progressive endeavours at decolonising the curriculum to explore how humanities (and History, in particular) can be brought into the service of the ecological university.

Findings

Thereafter, it looks specifically at “green heritage” in the city as a useful example in which the greening agenda can be used to re-contextualise historical approaches, encourage useful conversations around the role of History as a conservation and heritage management tool and build active partnerships with local stakeholder groups.

Originality/value

The originality of this approach lies in thinking both of content and intellectual practice, pedagogy as content and behaviour and in reconstructing the terrain of a theme such as heritage to think through opportunities for sustainability in education.
Internal marketing strategies in United Arab Emirates higher education
Authors: Muneeb Dilnaz , Tehseen Shehnaz , Amin Muslim , Kader Fatima , Latif Khawaja Fawad
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze the impact of internal marketing orientations (IMOs) on the competitiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

A stratified random sampling was employed to collect data from a pool of 5,968 faculty members in 102 HIEs in the UAE. An online survey questionnaire was placed on Qualtrics online data collection platform and sent to selected participants. Out of a total of 638 surveys send through email, 349 surveys were returned, duly filled. The model was tested using SmartPLS structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

IMO dimensions of information generation (IG), information dissemination (ID) and information responsiveness (IR) are inexplicably linked to HEI's competitiveness and faculty performance. IR proved to be a more significant predictor of HEI's competitiveness compared to IG and ID.

Practical implications

The study proposes that HEI policymakers encourage the exchange of value among the internal stakeholders and formulate employee-focused policies as part of their corporate objectives. The findings also advocate in improving working conditions and enhancing work–life balance to strengthen the institutions' competitive position within the industry.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore the interrelationship among the IMO dimensions of IG, ID and IR and their impact on HEI competitiveness, particularly in the UAE.
Regimes of collective logic
Authors: Surov Ilya A. , Ignateva Vlada V. , Bazhenov Andrey Y.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The study aims to reveal regularities of collective decision in groups of varying cooperativity and to investigate the influence of individualism–collectivism cultural dimension on the emergence of collective behavioral entities.

Design/methodology/approach

An agent-based model of group behavior is used to simulate the logic of collective binary decisions defined by reaching a consensus threshold. The key parameter of the model is the cooperativity of interaction between individuals which locates the group in individualism–collectivism cultural dimension. The probabilities of collective decisions are measured as a function of individual preferences and the strength of cooperation between agents.

Findings

Strong, weak and middle point cooperativities of inter-individual interaction define three distinct regimes of collective decision logic, namely, individualism, conformism and criticality. The critical organization allows the group to generate coherent non-predetermined collective behavior in statistical agreement with individual preferences.

Research limitations/implications

Emergent collective behavior with coherent and nondeterministic decision-making can be modeled in an agent-based approach with local interaction between individuals tuned to a critical point. Variation of a single cooperativity parameter accounts for a continuous transition between organizations of the group inherent to inert matter and living systems.

Social implications

A new organization of social systems distinguished by internally relaxed relations and large-scale freedom is found beyond the traditional individualism–collectivism contraposition. This state is reached by tuning behavioral logic of individuals to a critical balance of individual and collective values.

Originality/value

Individualist, conformist and critical regimes of collective organization distinct in terms of integrity, complexity and determinism are recognized as universal organizational classes of nature spanning both inert and living systems. In particular, individualist and conformist regimes produce simple deterministic behavior typical for gases and solid bodies, whereas the critical organization generates complex nondeterministic behavior inherent to living organisms.
Blockchain technology in supply chain management: insights from machine learning algorithms
Authors: Hirata Enna , Lambrou Maria , Watanabe Daisuke
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to retrieve key components of blockchain applications in supply chain areas. It applies natural language processing methods to generate useful insights from academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

It first applies a text mining method to retrieve information from scientific journal papers on the related topics. The text information is then analyzed through machine learning (ML) models to identify the important implications from the existing literature.

Findings

The research findings are three-fold. While challenges are of concern, the focus should be given to the design and implementation of blockchain in the supply chain field. Integration with internet of things is considered to be of higher importance. Blockchain plays a crucial role in food sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings offer insights for both policymakers and business managers on blockchain implementation in the supply chain.

Practical implications

This paper exemplifies the model as situated in the interface of human-based and machine-learned analysis, potentially offering an interesting and relevant avenue for blockchain and supply chain management researchers.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, the research is the very first attempt to apply ML algorithms to analyzing the full contents of blockchain-related research, in the supply chain sector, thereby providing new insights and complementing existing literature.
A valuation approach of port funding strategies with application to a container terminal concession in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Fraser Darren , Mpikeleli Thando , Notteboom Theo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Increased economic activity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has given rise to increased demand for port development. Given the often scarce availability of national public funding, port institutional reform programmes have been implemented to pave the way for the inclusion of external port investors. Notwithstanding this fact, some sub-Saharan African Governments remain institutionally locked into the notion that state-owned enterprises remain an appropriate vehicle for port terminal operations. This, despite the fact that terminal operational concessions globally and within the continent of Africa are increasingly being managed by global terminal operators. Given this context, this study aims to evaluate different port valuation and funding strategies. Two research questions form the core of this research: what is the financial value of a concession? What is the most cost advantageous funding strategy? The methodology is applied to the development of a two-berth container terminal in SSA.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing a range of financial valuation and funding techniques, the study presents valuation and funding model applicability-fit tests. Thereafter, a suitable valuation technique is selected and applied to the case study providing a concession valuation. Different funding strategies are applied to the valuation model to determine the cost implications of each funding instrument given the local context and institutional constraints applicable to SSA. Finally, the study discusses the significance of the results to potential SSA port investors by highlighting the impact of each funding approach on key financial metrics.

Findings

The study presents a range of financial investment appraisal results for the case study concession in consideration of four specific funding strategies. The highest concession valuation could be attributed to a higher debt ratio as a principal funding strategy. In addition, this funding approach (100% debt) realised the shortest payback period and the highest internal rate of return values. The authors, however, maintain that the optimal funding strategy for a concession depends ultimately on the financial goals of the investor.

Originality/value

This research makes a contribution to the existing literature on port finance and development by presenting a structured approach to the evaluation of the valuation and funding techniques, which can be used in terminal development subject to the specific local context and institutional constraints (in this case applicable to SSA). The study provides practical insight into the potential cost of the considered terminal concession for private or public sector participants and a view of the most cost advantageous funding strategy available for interested investors.
Testing the impact of physiological stress response on police performance during critical job tasks
Authors: James Lois , Goldstein Michael S. , Lecy Peter , Mase Stephen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To add to the existing body of knowledge on the relationship between stress and job performance in policing, we monitored police officers' physiology using Hexoskin shirts while they responded to simulated scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed mixed repeated measures (baseline, intervention, post-intervention), between groups (treatment vs control group) design. Using this approach, our aims were (1) to determine whether an individualized physiological stress profile—a combination of heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), sympathetic nervous system (SNS) index and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) index—could be developed for each participant; (2) to investigate the association between physiological stress and scenario performance and (3) to pilot test an intervention for decreasing physiological stress in real time.

Findings

We found that it was possible to individualize physiological stress profiles for each participant that alerted us when the participant was becoming stressed. We also found that physiological stress was significantly and negatively/inversely associated with scenario performance. However, our intervention to try and decrease participants' stress in real time was not successful. Several key lessons can be taken from our attempt that could inform future efforts in this area.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small pilot study, precluding generalizability of results. Furthermore, our intervention was simplistic and potentially affected by an experimenter effect. Future research should explore better ways to intervene when officers are becoming physiologically stressed to help them overcome stress in real time and safeguard against the cumulative effects of stress on health and performance.

Originality/value

This research adds to the body of knowledge on physiological stress and job-task performance in police officers.
Intellectual capital disclosure practices of financial institutions in an emerging economy
Authors: Mamun Syed Abdulla Al , Aktar Alima
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) practices of financial institutions in an emerging economy of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 93 items of intellectual capital categorized into internal capital, external capital and human capital, ICD index is developed for 53 financial institutions listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange. This study uses descriptive statistics to analyze ICD practices, and parametric and non-parametric tests to analyze the variation of ICD practices in terms of different categories as well as in terms of different sectors.

Findings

Results indicate that more than 70% of ICD items are generally not disclosed by financial institutions in Bangladesh. The highest of 36% of external capital disclosure items are disclosed, whereas the lowest of 18% of human resource capital elements are disclosed. Furthermore, results find the significant variability of ICD practices in terms of different intellectual capital categories and in between banking companies and non-banking financial institutions.

Practical implications

Findings have critical implications for managers, policymakers and regulators for setting appropriate strategies and regulations for improving the level of ICD, which, in turn, may reduce the information asymmetry problems of financial institutions as well.

Originality/value

In-depth analysis about variability of ICD practices creates value in the ICD literature by highlighting strategic priority of financial institutions to disclose information about the strategic resources in unique emerging economic settings such as Bangladesh.
Integrating the C3 Framework in the social studies: an action research study
Authors: McGlinn Manfra Meghan , Greiner Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The C3 Framework is a recent example in a long history within the field of social studies education of efforts to engage teachers and students in inquiry-oriented teaching and learning. While there is some research regarding the efficacy of the inquiry design model (IDM) of the C3 Framework, few studies have sought to engage social studies teachers as coresearchers as they integrate the framework. This study addressed a persistent divide between the theory and practice of integrating inquiry in the social studies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a classroom teacher and a university-based researcher conducted a hybrid action research study to understand the instructional shifts that occur as the C3 Framework is fully implemented into instruction.

Findings

Based on the findings, the authors present a theory of action to highlight key opportunities to shift instruction, while also acknowledging the factors that might mitigate those shifts. In particular, the authors focus on teacher decision-making and contextual factors that allow for and hinder the full integration of inquiry.

Originality/value

This study is unique in developing a hybrid action research/qualitative case study that provides insider knowledge related to improving social studies teaching and learning.
Attribution: A New Controversy?
Authors: Lim Ernest
Published: December 2020

Although courts have generally endorsed the contextual, purposive approach to attribution, there remains significant uncertainty in its application. The recent Singapore Court of Appeal's decision in Red Star raised an issue that was hitherto unaddressed by the Singapore and UK courts: whether the claim brought by a solvent company against its fraudulent employee should be barred by the illegality defence where the person who was essentially the sole director and shareholder consented to the employee's fraud. Underlying the simplicity of the facts and issue are difficult questions of law and policy that have important implications for the law of corporate attribution. This article argues that the reasoning and result in Red Star are questionable. In doing so it critically examines the key principles and policies that are at stake and concludes by suggesting a different approach.
Maternal cardiac arrest: a retrospective analysis
Authors: He F , Li RR , Liu PS , Yang YL , Huang CJ , Chen DJ
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To describe the characteristics and factors which may influence the maternal outcomes of maternal cardiac arrest (MCA).

Design

Retrospective analysis of cases.

Setting

China.

Population or sample

A total of 61 MCA patients admitted or transferred to The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2000 to December 2019.

Methods

Clinical data for MCA were analysed retrospectively. The indicators included maternal age; BMI; gestational age; antenatal examination; income; MCA cause and place; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); mode of delivery; maternal prognosis; and neonatal outcome.

Main outcome measures

The impact of case characteristics on maternal prognosis of MCA.

Results

The hospital received 61 patients with MCA, 36 of whom died (mortality 59.0%, 95% CI 46.3–71.7%). MCA was predominantly caused by treatable complications. Those who died were more likely to have collapsed in the ICU.

Conclusions

Regular antenatal examination and early intervention can reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The location of MCA occurred may be related to maternal prognosis. The leading causes of MCA were postpartum haemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism.

Tweetable abstract

A retrospective analysis describes the correlation between case characteristics of MCA and maternal outcomes.
How Much Farm Succession is Needed to Ensure Resilience of Farming Systems?
Authors: Pitson Christine , Bijttebier Jo , Appel Franziska , Balmann Alfons
Published: December 2020

Farm succession is a key policy concern of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and the European Commission's proposals for the future. This article uses the agent‐based model AgriPoliS to study the effects of the availability of potential successors in two agricultural regions, one in Belgium (Flanders) and one in eastern Germany (the Altmark). The analysis provides no indication that considerably fewer successors would threaten the ability of the farming systems to ensure an adequate provision of private and public goods. Most farm closures occur due to the low efficiency of some farms which hinders the ability of famers to cover true long‐term opportunity costs, i.e. the possibility of earning a higher income outside agriculture. In both study regions, a lack of successors leads to adaptations which create new opportunities for other farms and, in Flanders, to higher economic prosperity at the regional level. The adaptations differ between regions due to existing farm structures, labour demands and costs, institutional frameworks, and the ability to exploit economies of scale. The results of the simulations challenge the notion central to many CAP policies – that more farm succession is better for European agriculture. These findings call for a contextualised reconsideration of agricultural policies which support structural change and regional growth – not hinder it.
Bacteriophage‐mediated interference of the c‐di‐GMP signalling pathway in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: De Smet Jeroen , Wagemans Jeroen , Hendrix Hanne , Staes Ines , Visnapuu Annegrete , Horemans Benjamin , Aertsen Abram , Lavigne Rob
Published: December 2020

C‐di‐GMP is a key signalling molecule which impacts bacterial motility and biofilm formation and is formed by the condensation of two GTP molecules by a diguanylate cyclase. We here describe the identification and characterization of a family of bacteriophage‐encoded peptides that directly impact c‐di‐GMP signalling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These phage proteins target Pseudomonas diguanylate cyclase YfiN by direct protein interaction (termed YIPs, YfiN Interacting Peptides). YIPs induce an increase of c‐di‐GMP production in the host cell, resulting in a decrease in motility and an increase in biofilm mass in P. aeruginosa. A dynamic analysis of the biofilm morphology indicates a denser biofilm structure after induction of the phage protein. This intracellular signalling interference strategy by a lytic phage constitutes an unexplored phage‐based mechanism of metabolic regulation and could potentially serve as inspiration for the development of molecules that interfere with biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa and other pathogens.
Distinct clinicopathological features of pulmonary primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: A report of four new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Liping , Ren Li , Liu Dongge , Du Jun , Zhang Min , Lou Ge , Song Ying , Wang Yin , Wu Chunyan , Han Guiping
Published: December 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to highlight the clinicopathological features of pulmonary primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (PPAFH) to assist with a differential diagnosis.

Methods

There were 10 previous reports in the literature and four new PPAFH cases reviewed in this study. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and DNA and RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed in the four new cases reported here.

Results

In the four new PPAFH cases, the ages of occurrence were in patients age from 33 to 55 years and tumor sizes were from 1.5 to 8 cm. Three of four (75.0%) tumors were located in the endobronchus. The most common morphological changes included delineated fibrous capsule (100%, 4/4), lymphoplasmacytic cuff (100%, 4/4), and dense or richly lymphoplasmatic infiltration (100%, 4/4). IHC analysis revealed that the tumor cells of four cases expressed vimentin and TLE1, ALK and CD163 or CD68 was positive in three cases, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), desmin was positive in two cases, and SMA focal positive expression was observed in two cases. EWSR1 gene rearrangement was positive in all PPAFH cases (100%, 4/4) by FISH detections and four cases were confirmed as EWSR1‐CREB1 fusion variant by DNA and RNA based NGS. No regional lymph nodes and distal metastasis, recurrences and death of disease after surgical excision were recorded in all four cases.

Conclusions

PPAFH is a very unusual pulmonary primary mesenchymal tumor and the clinicopathological features are like other unusual sites counterparts, but with a smaller tumor size, related with large airway, with a tendency to exhibit benign biological behavior, with EWSR1 gene rearrangement and higher frequency of EWSR1‐CREB1 gene fusion.

Key points

Significant findings in the study: In comparison with “classic somatic” and nonpulmonary visceral angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, pulmonary primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma display distinct clinicopathological features and prognosis.

What this study adds The study provided the pathological differential diagnostic criteria and clinico‐pathological features for pulmonary primary angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma.
Clozapine and mortality: A comparison with other antipsychotics in a nationwide Danish cohort study
Authors: van der Zalm Yvonne , Foldager Leslie , Termorshuizen Fabian , Sommer Iris E. , Nielsen Jimmi , Selten Jean‐Paul
Published: December 2020

Objective

To compare the mortality in people using clozapine to that of people using other antipsychotics.

Methods

Danish incidence cohort of 22,110 patients with a first diagnosis of non‐affective psychotic disorder (1995–2013) and a prevalence cohort of 50,881 patients ever diagnosed with such a disorder (1969–2013). Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for the antipsychotic drug used at the time of death (“current use”: incidence and prevalence cohort) and for the drug used for the longest at that moment (“cumulative use”: incidence cohort), using a Cox model with adjustment for somatic comorbidity. Clozapine was the reference drug.

Results

As for current drug use, the risk of suicide was higher among users of other antipsychotics in the incidence (HRadj = 1.76; 95% CI 0.72–4.32) and prevalence (HRadj = 2.20; 95% CI 1.35–3.59) cohorts. There was no significant difference in all‐cause or cardiovascular mortality in the two cohorts. Cumulative use of clozapine was not associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality. Cumulative use of other antipsychotics for up to 1 year was associated with a lower all‐cause mortality and suicide risk than a similar period of clozapine use (all‐cause: HRadj = 0.73; 95% CI 0.63–0.85, suicide; HRadj = 0.65; 95% CI 0.46–0.91).

Conclusion

The results indicate that the use of clozapine is not associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. We found opposing trends toward a lower risk of suicide during current use of clozapine and a higher risk of suicide associated with cumulative use up to 1 year. This suggests that clozapine cessation marks a period of high risk of suicide.
TNF‐α inhibits GDNF levels in Sertoli cells, through a NF‐κB‐dependent, HES1‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Di Persio Sara , Starace Donatella , Capponi Chiara , Saracino Rossana , Fera Stefania , Filippini Antonio , Vicini Elena
Published: December 2020

Background

Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a soluble molecule crucial for the regulation of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) of the testis. The effects of GDNF on target cells have been extensively described, but mechanisms underlying GDNF regulation are currently under investigation. In the nervous system, GDNF expression is regulated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) but the effect of these cytokines on GDNF expression in the testis is unclear.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of TNF‐α on GDNF expression levels using primary murine Sertoli cells as experimental model.

Material and methods

The expression of TNF‐α‐regulated genes including Gdnf in different culture conditions was determined by real‐time PCR. GDNF protein levels were determined by ELISA. The activation of the NF‐κb pathway and HES1 levels were assessed by Western Blot analysis and immunofluorescence. HES1 expression was downregulated by RNAi.

Results

In primary Sertoli cells, TNF‐α downregulates GDNF levels through a nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)‐dependent mechanism. Mechanistically, TNF‐α induces the transcriptional repressor HES1 by a NF‐Κb‐dependent mechanism, which in turn downregulates GDNF.

Discussion

Under physiological conditions, TNF‐α is secreted by germ cells suggesting that this cytokine plays a role in the paracrine control of SSC niche by modulating GDNF levels. HES1, a well‐known target of the Notch pathway, is implicated in the regulation of GDNF expression. In Sertoli cells, TNF‐α and Notch signaling may converge at molecular level, to regulate the expression of HES1 and HES1‐ target genes, including GDNF.

Conclusions

Because of the importance of GDNF for spermatogonial stem cell self‐renewal and proliferation, this data may give important insights on how cytokine signals in the testis modulate the expression of niche‐derived factors.
Girls’ perceptions of their mothers at work and home: Warm does not mean weak
Authors: Parks‐Stamm Elizabeth J. , Henson Emma N. , Martiny Sarah E.
Published: December 2020

Upper elementary school girls were surveyed about their mothers’ and fathers’ warmth, competence, and agency at home and how they imagine their parents at work. Mothers’ warmth at home was positively correlated with perceived competence and agency both at home and at work. Differences between daughters’ perceptions of their mothers and fathers at work are discussed.
Downregulated GPR30 expression in the epileptogenic foci of female patients with focal cortical dysplasia type IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex is correlated with 18F‐FDG PET‐CT values
Authors: Wang Zhongke , Huang Kaixuan , Yang Xiaolin , Shen Kaifeng , Yang Ling , Ruan Ruotong , Shi Xianjun , Wang Miao , Zhu Gang , Yang Meihua , Zhang Chunqing , Lv Shengqing , Yang Hui , Fan Xiaotang , Liu Shiyong
Published: December 2020

Focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCDIIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are typical causes of developmental delay and refractory epilepsy. G‐protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a specific estrogen receptor that is critical in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and neuronal excitability, suggesting that it plays a potential role in the epilepsy of patients with FCDIIb and TSC. Therefore, we investigated the role of GPR30 in patients with FCDIIb and TSC. We found that the expression of GPR30 and its downstream protein kinase A (PKA) pathway were decreased and negatively correlated with seizure frequency in female patients with FCDIIb and TSC, but not in male patients. GPR30 was widely distributed in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, and its downregulation was especially notable in microglia. The GPR30 agonist G‐1 increased the expression of PKA and p‐PKA in cultured cortical neurons, and the GPR30 antagonist G‐15 exhibited the opposite effects of G‐1. The NF‐κB signaling pathway was also activated in the specimens of female patients with FCDIIb and TSC, and was regulated by G‐1 and G‐15 in cultured cortical neurons. We also found that GPR30 regulated cortical neuronal excitability by altering the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and the expression of NR2A/B. Further, the relationship between GPR30 and glycometabolism was evaluated by analyzing the correlations between GPR30 and 18F‐FDG PET‐CT values (standardized uptake values, SUVs). Positive correlations between GPR30 and SUVs were found in female patients, but not in male patients. Intriguingly, GPR30 expression and SUVs were significantly decreased in the epileptogenic tubers of female TSC patients, and ROC curves indicated that SUVs could predict the localization of epileptogenic tubers. Taken together, our results suggest a potential protective effect of GPR30 in the epileptogenesis of female patients with FCDIIb and TSC.
Multi‐species occupancy models: an effective and flexible framework for studies of insect communities
Authors: Mourguiart Bastien , Couturier Thibaut , Braud Yoan , Mansons Jérôme , Combrisson Damien , Besnard Aurélien
Published: December 2020

Entomological studies often aim to estimate species distribution, community composition, or species‐richness patterns. False absences can, however, bias these estimates and should consequently not be overlooked in insect studies. Multi‐species occupancy models (MSOMs) afford a flexible solution to cover the main topics in ecological entomology while dealing with detectability issues.

We sampled Orthoptera communities at 81 mountain grasslands sites in France, using three sampling techniques: sighting, listening, and sweep netting. Five plots were sampled per site. This sampling design allowed MSOMs to be used to estimate richness, occupancy, and detection probabilities while accounting for the effect of covariates. We also used MSOMs to evaluate the efficiency of the survey design and to assess the effects of sampling optimisation.

The estimates obtained for altitudinal distribution were reliable, with known species distributions confirming the relevance of MSOMs to model the effects of covariates on Orthoptera communities. The species‐specific detection probability was often less than one and varied with the detection technique used and the grass height, confirming the need to deal with detection issues in orthopteran studies.

We estimated an inventory completeness superior to 0.80 for 93% of the sites, and an overall detection probability superior to 0.95 for 52% of the species, suggesting the sampling design was suitable for studying occupancy in Orthoptera communities. We also found that the sweep netting step may be omitted or the number of plots reduced without affecting species detectability or inventory completeness. Those recommendations may help to optimise future sampling strategies.
Reliability of a grading rubric designed to evaluate the reflective ability of predoctoral dental students
Authors: Heathman Angela K. , Mitchell Tanya V. , Van Ness Christopher J. , Godley Lance W. , Ehrenberger Caryn J. , Wendland Meghan E. , Gadbury‐Amyot Cynthia C.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Reflection and self‐assessment are critical skills for healthcare providers. Identification of gaps in knowledge, skills and attitudes, along with the ability to critically think and problem solve to fill gaps, is the ultimate outcome for lifelong learning. The aims of this study were to (a) refine an instrument used for measuring reflective ability, and conduct comprehensive reliability testing, and (b) describe a process for rater calibration.

Materials and Methods

Students develop e‐portfolios over a four‐year span with assignments that require reflection and self‐assessment. The final piece of the portfolio includes a global reflection written the last semester of the programme. Three faculty raters independently evaluated 106 dental students’ global reflections using the revised grading rubric. An intraclass correlation coefficient measured the level of agreement between the three raters.

Results

Analysis of the 318 faculty ratings (106/rater) resulted in an intraclass correlation of .708. Based on a 5‐point grading scale (0 = does not respond to the assignment to 5 = reconstructing), the ratings of the 106 global reflections ranged from 1.3 to 5.0 (M = 3.1, SD =0.66).

Discussion

This study provides confidence in the reliability of a grading rubric designed to assess reflective ability, along with suggestions for calibration. An overall mean of 3.1 (Level 3 = relating—includes evidence of lessons learned) illustrates the complexity of teaching reflection and self‐assessment.

Conclusion

Use of a reliable grading rubric for assessing reflective writing could assist schools interested in incorporating reflection and self‐assessment into the curriculum, ultimately supporting lifelong and enhanced health care.
Vitamin E and acute graft‐versus‐host disease after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Gjærde Lars Klingen , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Minculescu Lia , Andersen Niels Smedegaard , Friis Lone Smidstrup , Kornblit Brian , Petersen Søren Lykke , Schjødt Ida , Sengeløv Henrik
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Vitamin E has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects that might influence the development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD). We investigated the association between plasma vitamin E levels and acute GvHD.

Methods

We studied 115 adults who underwent myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation between July 2015 and August 2018. Vitamin E was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography in stored plasma samples obtained pre‐transplantation at day –23 (±15 days) and post‐transplantation at day +28 (±3 days).

Results

Pre‐transplantation vitamin E levels were inversely associated with grade II–IV acute GvHD (hazard ratio 0.68 per 10 µmol/L increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47‐0.98). The association remained after adjustment for known prognostic factors for acute GvHD. Patients with levels below the median had a cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute GvHD of 46% (CI: 33‐59%) versus 21% (CI: 10‐32%) in patients with levels above the median. No clear association with non‐relapse mortality, relapse, or chronic GvHD was found. Post‐transplantation vitamin E levels (measured in 72 [63%] patients) were correlated with pre‐transplantation levels (ρ = .31) but were not associated with subsequent grade II–IV acute GvHD.

Conclusions

High pre‐transplantation vitamin E levels were associated with less acute GvHD.
Activity of fast‐spiking interneurons in the monkey striatum during reaching movements guided by external cues or by a free choice
Authors: Marche Kévin , Apicella Paul
Published: December 2020

Parvalbumin‐containing GABAergic interneurons in the striatum, electrophysiologically identified as fast‐spiking interneurons (FSIs), exert inhibitory control over striatal output to drive appropriate behavior. While a number of studies have emphasized their importance in motor control, it is unknown how these putative interneurons adapt their functional properties to different modes of movement selection. Here, we tested whether FSIs are sensitive to externally versus internally selected movements by recording their activity while two male rhesus monkeys performed reaching movements to visual targets. Two variants were used: an external condition, in which movements were instructed via external cues, and an internal condition, in which movements were guided by an internal representation of the target location. These conditions allowed to contrast the FSI activity associated with either externally cued or internally driven movement selection. After extensive training, reaching performance was only marginally affected by the type of movement, albeit with some differences between the monkeys. Over two‐thirds of the FSIs were modulated around movement onset, regardless of the condition, and consisting mostly of increased activity. We found that a subset of FSIs showed stronger activation related to the initiation of movements in the external condition than in the internal condition, suggesting a dependence on movement selection mode. Moreover, this difference in the strength of FSI activation was predominant in the motor striatum. These data indicate that changes in FSI activity carry information that is scaled by constraints on action selection reflecting the involvement of local striatal inhibitory circuits in adaptation of behavior according to task demands.
Ubiquitin‐specific protease 2 regulates Ang Ⅱ–induced cardiac fibroblasts activation by up‐regulating cyclin D1 and stabilizing β‐catenin in vitro
Authors: Xu Qiong , Liu Mingke , Zhang Fangcheng , Liu Xiaolin , Ling Sisi , Chen Xuke , Gu Jielei , Ou Wenchao , Liu Shiming , Liu Ningning
Published: December 2020

Cardiac fibrosis, featuring abnormally elevated extracellular matrix accumulation, decreases tissue compliance, impairs cardiac function and accelerates heart failure. Mounting evidence suggests that the ubiquitin proteasome pathway is involved in cardiac fibrosis. In the present study, ubiquitin‐specific protease 2 (USP2) was identified as a novel therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis. Indeed, USP2 expression was increased in angiotensin II–induced primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) from neonatal rats. In addition, USP2 inhibition suppressed CFs proliferation, collagen synthesis and cell cycle progression. Furthermore, USP2 interacted with β‐catenin, thereby regulating its deubiquitination and stabilization in CFs. To sum up, these findings revealed that USP2 has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.