bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An end-to-End deep context gate convolutional visual odometry system based on lightweight attention mechanism
Authors: Xu Yan , Qin Hong , Huang Jiani , Wang Yanyun
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Conventional learning-based visual odometry (VO) systems usually use convolutional neural networks (CNN) to extract features, where some important context-related and attention-holding global features might be ignored. Without essential global features, VO system will be sensitive to various environmental perturbations. The purpose of this paper is to design a novel learning-based framework that aims to improve accuracy of learning-based VO without decreasing the generalization ability.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of CNN, a context-gated convolution is adopted to build an end-to-end learning framework, which enables convolutional layers that dynamically capture representative local patterns and composes local features of interest under the guidance of global context. In addition, an attention mechanism module is introduced to further improve learning ability and enhance robustness and generalization ability of the VO system.

Findings

The proposed system is evaluated on the public data set KITTI and the self-collected data sets of our college building, where it shows competitive performance compared with some classical and state-of-the-art learning-based methods. Quantitative experimental results on the public data set KITTI show that compared with CNN-based VO methods, the average translational error and rotational error of all the test sequences are reduced by 45.63% and 37.22%, respectively.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is that an end-to-end deep context gate convolutional VO system based on lightweight attention mechanism is proposed, which effectively improves the accuracy compared with other learning-based methods.
Green innovation and Sustainable Development Goals in SMEs: the moderating role of government incentives
Authors: Ullah Rizwan , Ahmad Habib , Rehman Fazal Ur , Fawad Arshad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research is to understand how government incentives (financial and non-financial) influence the relationship between green innovation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

To contribute to the literature, this research uses empirical evidence of 204 Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tests the moderating role of government support between green innovation and SDGs.

Findings

The findings indicate that green innovation has a significant influence on SDGs, community development and environmental activities. The government support significantly strengthens the relationship between green innovation and environmental practices, while it does not moderate the path between green innovation and community development.

Practical implications

The research recommends SMEs focus on the adoption of green innovation and green technology to protect the environment and facilitate the community. Moreover, the research advises the government to assist SMEs financially and nonfinancially, so they will in turn help in the attainment of SDGs.

Originality/value

This research is the first attempt to assess the importance of green innovation in SDGs with a moderating role of government incentives in emerging SMEs. It provides several useful implications for policymaking.
Aspirations or survival: decision modeling and the effect of focus of attention in risky choice
Authors: Ross Guy Moshe
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This research aims to test focus of attention effects in risky choice.

Design/methodology/approach

As opposed to traditional aspiration-level theory, the shifting-focus concept introduces a second reference point, the survival point, and assumes a shifting focus of attention between the two reference points. In this conceptualization, risk-taking is a function of focus of attention on the survival reference point or the aspiration-level and resources relative to the two reference points. Four randomized controlled studies tested this concept.

Findings

Study 1 showed that with aspiration focus the probability of choosing a risky option was higher below an aspiration-level than above it. With survival focus, the effect was reversed. Study 2 found that close to the survival reference point, the probability of choosing a risky option was higher with aspiration focus relative to survival focus. Study 3 revealed that with scarce resources the risk taken was higher with aspiration focus than with survival focus, and the scarcer the resources the stronger was the effect. Study 4 demonstrated that with aspiration focus the risk taken was higher below an aspiration-level than above it. With survival focus the effect was reversed.

Originality/value

In addition to providing support for the validity of the shifting focus concept, this paper elaborates on the theoretical model by providing evidence for moderation effects. Risk-taking was affected by a focus of attention on one of two reference points, and the effect was moderated by resources relative to the two focal points. An advanced model is proposed to capture the effects of focus of attention and resources on risk-taking behavior.
Cognitive bias, intuitive attributes and investment decision quality in commercial real estate in Uganda
Authors: Kinatta Moses Munyami , Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo , Munene John C. , Nkote Isaac , Nkundabanyanga Stephen Korutaro
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between investor cognitive bias, investor intuitive attributes and investment decision quality in commercial real estate in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research survey was used in this study, and data were collected from 200 investors of commercial real estate in Uganda using a structured questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses derived under this study.

Findings

The results indicate that investor cognitive bias and investor intuitive attributes are positive and significant determinants of investment decision quality in commercial real estate. In addition, the two components of Investor cognitive bias (framing variation and cognitive heuristics) are positive and significant determinants of investment decision quality, whereas mental accounting is a negative and significant determinant of investment decision quality. For investor intuitive attributes, confidence degree and loss aversion are positive and significant determinants of investment decision quality, whereas herding behavior is a negative and significant determinant of investment decision quality in commercial real estate in Uganda.

Practical implications

For practitioners in commercial real estate sector should emphasize independent evaluation of investment opportunities (framing variation), simplify information regarding investments (Cognitive heuristics), believe in own abilities (Confidence degree), be risk averse (loss aversion) and avoid making decisions based on subjective visual mind (mental accounting) and group think/herding in order to make quality investment decisions. For policymakers, the study has illuminated factors such as provision of reliable information that ought to be taken into account when promulgating policies for regulation of the commercial real estate sector. This will help investors to come up with investment decisions which are plausible.

Originality/value

Few studies have focused on investor cognitive bias and investor intuitive attributes on investment decision quality in commercial real estate. This study is the first to examine the relationship, especially in the commercial real estate sector in a developing country like Uganda.
Mandatory corporate social responsibility in India: reporting reality, issues and way forward
Authors: Taneja Pawan , Jain Ameeta , Joshi Mahesh , Kansal Monika
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Since 2013, the Indian Companies Act Section 135 has mandated corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting by Indian central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). CSR reporting is regulated by multiple Government of India ministerial agencies, each requiring different formats and often different data. This study aims to understand the impact of these multiple regulatory bodies on CSR reporting by Indian CPSEs; evaluate the expectation gap between regulators and the regulated; and investigate the compliance burden on CPSEs.

Design/methodology/approach

An interview-based approach was adopted to evaluate the perspectives of both regulators and regulated CPSEs on the impact of the new regulations on CSR reporting quality. The authors use the lens of institutional theory to analyse the findings.

Findings

Driven by coercive institutional pressures, CPSEs are overburdened with myriad reporting requirements, which significantly negatively impact CPSEs’ financial and human resources and the quality of CSR activity and reports. It is difficult for CPSEs to assess the actual impact of their CSR activities due to overlapping with activities of the government/other institutions. The perceptions of regulators and the regulated are divergent: the regulators expect CPSEs to select more impactful CSR projects to comply with mandatory reporting requirements.

Originality/value

The findings of this study emphasise the need for meaningful dialogue between regulators and the regulated to reduce the expectation gap and establish a single regulatory authority that will ensure that the letter and spirit of the law are followed in practice and not just according to a tick-box approach.
A bibliometric reflection on the history of green human resource management research
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Raza Ali , Ansari Nabeel Younus , Bhutta Umair Saeed
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the regional distribution, size and evolution of the knowledge base by identifying key authors, documents, keywords and journals while examining current literature and intellectual structure, and highlight topical trends of green human resource management (GHRM) research.

Design/methodology/approach

As scholarly interest in the environment has grown, a new research focus in the discipline of human resource management (HRM) has emerged. The term GHRM was coined to describe how HRM may contribute to environmental outcomes. This scholarly focus has led to an increasing number of publications in this field. To analyze the intellectual structure of the GHRM research, a bibliometric technique is used.

Findings

The findings revealed a knowledge base that is still in the new phase, with a global scope, but most scholarly work is concentrated in Asian societies. By presenting an overview of the present state of the knowledge base, this study intends to lead a new generation of GHRM scholars.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind, which probes the bibliometric reflection on green human resource management research history.
Countries’ governance and competitiveness: business environment mediating effect
Authors: Bontempo Paulo Cesar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze how institutional governance and business environment affect countries’ competitiveness and their relative importance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors analyze how institutional governance and business environment affect countries’ competitiveness, their relative importance and what are the implications for Brazil. The authors have collected data from 131 countries related to the institutional governance, business environment and competitiveness of these countries. For the analysis of the mentioned influences, the technique of partial least squares structural equations modeling is used.

Findings

Results indicate that the main role in countries’ competitiveness is played by the quality of institutional governance. The quality of the business environment reinforces the positive effect of the quality of institutional governance on countries’ competitiveness (mediation effect). Brazil has poor governance quality indicators when compared to high-middle income countries, especially regarding government effectiveness, political stability and control of corruption.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a better understanding of the relative importance of governance quality and business environment quality for countries’ competitiveness. One limitation of this study is that the research was restricted to data related to the year 2019.

Practical implications

For strategists and decision-makers, understanding these effects on countries’ competitiveness and their relative importance is fundamental to understanding what makes their companies internationally competitive.

Social implications

The presence and appreciation of institutional governance quality need to be cultivated in society.

Originality/value

Instead of using the original diamond model, which presents circular relationships, the authors have used the business environment construct, composed of elements of the diamond model to test the relationships between the quality of institutional governance, competitiveness and the business environment.
Recreational scuba diving as a special form of tourism: lessons from Taiwan
Authors: Dai You-De , Huang Fei-Hsin , Chen Kuan-Yang , Chen Wei-Jen , Huan Tzung-Cheng
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Recreational scuba diving is one of the fastest growing tourism industries around the world and has become a popular activity in Taiwan. Few studies focus on enduring involvement with a high risk or difficult activity specialization, so this study aims to explore the causal relationship between enduring involvement and specialization and seeks to explain sustained involvement in scuba diving activity as a recreation specialization.

Design/methodology/approach

This research selects four diving sites in Taiwan as survey locations, specifically Yeliou, Longdong, Kenting and Green Island. The questionnaire consists of three sections, including demographic information, enduring involvement and specialization. By analyzing the data collected from 810 scuba divers in Taiwan, structural equation modeling is used to examine the causal relationships among the variables.

Findings

The primary findings of this study are as follows: attraction positively affects divers’ commitment and lifestyle through joy, relaxation and sharing diving experiences; the results indicate that self-expression is associated with past experience of participating in scuba diving activity; and centrality indicates that participants’ daily life and recreation are related to each other and become central to their life. Results show that most theoretical hypotheses are supported, but there is no significant evidence of attraction impacting past experience or self-expression influencing commitment and lifestyle.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the causal influence of enduring involvement and specialization in the scuba diving context. The findings provide a solid theoretical basis for the study of sustained involvement motivation and behavior on specialization. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Mapping the field of knowledge management: a bibliometric analysis using R
Authors: Farooq Rayees
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to offer the bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Knowledge Management (JKM) to understand how the literature has developed over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used bibliometric approaches to analyze a sample of 669 studies from 1997 to 2021. This study focused on performance analysis and scientific mapping of articles using the R package.

Findings

The results indicate that the number of publications during the period has significantly increased which shows a growing interest of researchers in the JKM. This study highlights new emerging themes such as change management, change readiness, product innovation and digital libraries which uncover exciting avenues for new research opportunities. USA and UK were the most productive countries in terms of the number of citations followed by few European countries including Spain, Finland, Germany and Sweden. However, it is worth noting that India was the most productive country in the emerging economies.

Practical implications

This study will act as a guide for researchers of various fields to evaluate the development of scientific publications in a particular theme over time, especially for those who are in the field of knowledge management (KM).

Originality/value

This study aims to accomplish the systematic bibliometric analysis of the JKM for more than two decades, providing useful insights into the key developments in the field of KM. This study is more rigorous and comprehensive in terms of the analytical techniques used.
Patterns of pollination interactions at the community level are related to the type and quantity of floral resources
Authors: Fantinato Edy , Sonkoly Judit , Török Péter , Buffa Gabriella
Published: September 2021

A fundamental question in community ecology is how the quantity of floral resources affects pollinator activity and how this relates to the structure and robustness of pollination networks. The issue has been mainly addressed at the species level, while at the community level several questions are still open.

Using a species‐rich semi‐natural grassland as model ecosystem, we explored the relationship between community‐level quantity of floral resources, the number of flower visits at community level and descriptors of the structure and robustness of pollination networks. To assess whether patterns of pollination interactions were consistent when using different types of floral resources, we measured three types of floral resources, namely the volume of nectar, the number of pollen grains and the number of flowers.

Community‐level pollinator visitation rate showed a hump‐shaped relationship with the quantity of floral resources. Results were consistent among models employing different measures of floral resources as independent variables. The relationship between the quantity of floral resources and the structure and robustness of the network was not consistent among different types of floral resources; only intermediate levels of nectar volume were associated with high levels of network robustness.

The pattern we found is in contrast with some former studies which reported positive linear relationships between the community‐level visitation rate of pollinators and the quantity of floral resources. Rather, the observed hump‐shaped pattern resembles the relationship previously found between the quantity of floral resources of a given plant species and its visitation rate per flower. Our results highlighted that, by using specific types of floral resources (e.g. the volume of nectar and the number of pollen grains), it is possible to reveal ecological processes that would be masked by using the number of flowers as the sole measure of floral resource.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Social participation in occupational therapy: Is it possible to establish a consensus?
Authors: da Silva Ana Cristina Cardoso , Oliver Fátima Corrêa
Published: September 2021

Background

Social participation has been incorporated by occupational therapists in Brazil, and worldwide, as a professional concept to guide practice. The concept has been studied, defined, and constructed from multiple fields of knowledge and can be defined as the social and political involvement of people in social groups and /or public and community spaces. There are different understandings of social participation in occupational therapy and the objective of this study was to explore how Brazilian occupational therapists define social participation in their fields of knowledge.

Method

Through application of the Delphi technique, Brazilian occupational therapy academics and professionals who have worked in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, collaboratively responded to an online questionnaire. In the consultation phase, occupational therapists wrote their conceptions about social participation and, in the consensus phase, expressed their opinions and judgements, in order to, in a collective construction, establish a consensus on the definition of social participation.

Results

In the first round of the consensus phase, 38 academics and 27 professionals participated and in the second round, 20 and 14, respectively. Results were analysed quantitatively, through the establishment of degrees of agreement for conceptions arranged in statements. Then, six categories of analysis were built, which identified the multiple ways of understanding social participation: social participation and social interactions, social participation and freedom of movement, social participation as an experience in public and political life, social participation and human activities, social participation and the process of social inclusion, and social participation in the fields of knowledge and practice in occupational therapy.

Conclusion

There are theoretical‐conceptual differences in the understandings and uses of social participation in occupational therapy that delimit specificity and design the identities of the profession in society. The need to discuss knowledge production, accumulation, and dissemination and practices is debated.
Airbnb and micro‐entrepreneurship in regional economies: Lessons from Australia
Authors: Mahmuda Sirat , Sigler Thomas , Corcoran Jonathan , Knight Eric
Published: September 2021

Having begun as a short‐term rental platform in major cities, Airbnb has now extended to many remote and regional areas of Australia. One effect of this spread has been disruption to the conventional rental industry, which stimulates micro‐entrepreneurship in local communities directly through short‐term accommodation and indirectly through related industries. Given Australia’s core–periphery settlement structure, resulting from the country’s historical development, disruption through entrepreneurship has relatively more potential in remote and regional areas. This article uses the Porter diamond model to explain how Airbnb‐led micro‐entrepreneurship interacts with territorially embedded socioeconomic characteristics across regional and remote Australia. Drawing on Airbnb data for Australia between 2014 and 2018 at the scale of regional labour markets, we use a quantile regression model to explain the association between Airbnb‐led micro‐entrepreneurship and four distinct structural dimensions between metropolitan and non‐metropolitan regions. The analysis provides evidence that non‐metropolitan regions have certain stronger competitive advantages for attracting Airbnb‐led micro‐entrepreneurship compared with metropolitan regions, particularly across regional cities and in areas associated with mining, agriculture, and tourism. We conclude that policymakers should weigh concerns relating to peer‐to‐peer accommodation in major metropolitan regions against the purported benefits to peripheral regions.
Effects of ethanol, activated carbon, and activated kaolin on perilla seed oil: Volatile organic compounds, physicochemical characteristics, and fatty acid composition
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Zhijun , Li Huizhen , Hou Tianyu , Zhao Yana , Li He
Published: September 2021

Perilla seed oil (PSO) has a special aromatic odor, which is unpleasant to the personal preferences of some consumers. To this end, this article evaluated the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), physicochemical characteristics, and fatty acid composition of PSO treated with ethanol (PSO‐EA), activated carbon (PSO‐AC), and activated kaolin (PSO‐AK). The results showed that in the PSO, PSO‐EA, PSO‐AC, and PSO‐AK samples, the content of linolenic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid hardly changed. Among the physicochemical characteristics of the four samples, the color difference between PSO and PSO‐EA was greater than the color difference between PSO and PSO‐AC, PSO‐AK. The three treatment methods had the greatest impact on the PSO peroxide value but had little effect on other indicators. Gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrum results identified 28 known volatiles, of which aldehydes, alkenals, alcohols, ketones, and esters were the main groups. Fingerprint analysis found that PSO had an aromatic odor, which includes 1‐hexanol, hexanal, and 2‐pentylfuran; the removal effect of ethanol on VOCs in PSO was better than that of activated carbon and activated kaolin. The difference between the four oil samples was found from the strength of the VOCs’ signals in a two‐dimensional map. From the principal components analysis and the “nearest neighbor” fingerprint analysis, it was found that PSO is generally quite different from PSO‐EA, PSO‐AC, and PSO‐AK, while in the “nearest neighbor” fingerprint analysis, PSO‐AC and PSO‐AK are similar in general. In short, PSO will have better applications in the food field.

Practical Application

Treatment of PSO with ethanol, activated carbon, and activated kaolin is conducive to the comprehensive utilization of edible resources. In this work, ethanol, activated carbon, and activated kaolin were used to remove VOCs in PSO, and PSO‐EA, PSO‐AC, and PSO‐AK were obtained. The perilla seed oil after these three treatment methods was tested for VOCs, physicochemical characteristics, and fatty acid composition. They can meet the needs of more consumers without affecting the fatty acid composition in the PSO, and have broad development prospects.
Should farmers farm more? Comparing marginal products within Malawian households
Authors: Brummund Peter , Merfeld Joshua D.
Published: September 2021

According to standard economic theory, households should equate the marginal revenue product of an input across activities within the household. However, this prediction may not hold in the presence of risk. Using data on farm plots and non‐farm enterprises in Malawi, we examine the impact of risk on the allocation decisions of agricultural households as they allocate labor across farm and non‐farm production. We control for many household and production characteristics, including household fixed effects, and find farm marginal revenue product of labor (MRPL) to be consistently higher than non‐farm MRPL. These results are consistent with farm production being riskier than non‐farm production for most households in Malawi. These findings suggest that improved access to insurance of farming activities and wage employment opportunities could increase total household income.
Utility and outcomes among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy in the regional and rural Australian population
Authors: Heraganahally Subash S. , Mortimer Nathan , Howarth Timothy , Messenger Raelene , Issac Siji , Thomas Izaak , Brannelly Coralie
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the utility and outcomes for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Patients residing in the regional and rural Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia.

Participants

Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients prescribed domiciliary oxygen therapy between 2018 and 2020.

Interventions

Demographics and clinical indication for domiciliary oxygen therapy and mortality were analysed.

Main outcome measures

Differences between Indigenous patients requiring domiciliary oxygen therapy in comparison with their non‐Indigenous counterparts.

Results

Of the 199 study participants, the majority were male (51%), non‐Indigenous (77%) and urban residents (72%). Overall chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the most common indication for domiciliary oxygen therapy (51%) followed by palliative intent (22%). Indigenous patients were significantly younger (61 vs 73 years), with a higher proportion of males (62% vs 45%, P = .039) and remote residents (62% vs 8%, P < .001). Among Indigenous patients, a significantly greater proportion of domiciliary oxygen therapy was indicated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis (16% vs 1%, P < .001). Among non‐Indigenous patients, malignancies were a more common indication for domiciliary oxygen therapy. A similar proportion of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients were prescribed domiciliary oxygen therapy for palliative intent (31% and 20%, P = .108); however, the underlying diagnosis differed significantly, with a greater proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among Indigenous patients (43% vs 13%, P = .030) and malignancy among the non‐Indigenous patients (73% vs 43%, P = .050). Mortality and length of survival were not significantly different by Indigenous status. Linear regression showed longer survival with domiciliary oxygen therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusion

Indigenous Australian patients living in remote communities will likely derive the same benefits and outcomes of domiciliary oxygen therapy as non‐Indigenous peers.
Down‐regulation of metabolic pathways could offset the poor prognosis conferred by co‐existent diabetes mellitus in pancreatic (head) adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gardi Nilesh , Ketkar Madhura , McKinnon Ross A. , Pandol Stephen J. , Dutt Shilpee , Barreto Savio G.
Published: September 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have poor overall survival. Underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. This presents an opportunity for precision‐oncology for which we systematically analysed publicly‐available PDAC transcriptome data.

Methods

PDAC TCGA RNASeq data were used. Analyses were restricted to only ‘high purity’ and ‘head’ as anatomical site. Patients were characterised by: (1) Gene expression classification, and (2) Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to identify co‐expression patterns of genes. Newly identified gene signature subclasses of pancreatic head PDAC were associated with clinical and functional characteristics of patients.

Results

Consensus clustering identified two patient subclasses within PDAC involving pancreatic head. WGCNA identified 11 distinct networks of gene expression patterns across two sub‐classes. Class 1 patients demonstrated a significant upregulation of Module 5 and Module 6 gene expression compared to Class 2. Class 1 predominantly expressed the acinar, ductal and islet cell gene signatures. There were significantly less patients with DM in Class 1 subclass compared to Class 2 (p < 0.037). Patients with DM had significant downregulation of pathways involved in cellular metabolism, hormone secretion and paucity of islet cell markers with no reduced survival compared with non‐diabetics.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients with PDAC of pancreatic head and DM exhibit downregulation of pathways involved in cellular metabolism, hormone secretion and signalling accompanied by a paucity of islet expression. Investigating the relationship between DM and gene expression profiles in patients with PDAC presents opportunities to improve overall survival in diabetics with PDAC.
Video feedback combined with coordination meetings in school to reduce early disruptive behaviour problems (DBP)—A 1‐year follow‐up randomised controlled trial
Authors: Balldin Stina , Bergström Martin , Wirtberg Ingegerd , Axberg Ulf
Published: September 2021

Aim

To compare long‐term effects of a systemic school‐based intervention, Marte Meo and Coordination Meetings (MAC), targeting 3‐ to 12‐year‐old children displaying disruptive behaviour problems (DBP) in preschool or school, and service as usual (SAU). In addition, to examine whether social status (SS) affected the outcomes.

Methods

In a randomised controlled design, teachers' and parents' ratings of 99 children's DBPs and mental health were collected before intervention and 1 year after post‐test.

Results

A significant time effect in school was found in both interventions, notably larger than at post‐test in an earlier study. There was no difference between groups, SAU catching up with MAC. From teachers' reports, 53–70% of the children showed a positive change. SS did not affect the outcomes.

Conclusion

School provides an already established setting to detect and intervene when young children begin to display DBP. Even if a long‐term positive change in MAC did show more rapidly than in SAU, both interventions were equivalent for children from diverse social backgrounds.
Strategy for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Eto Shohei , Yoshikawa Kozo , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Takasu Chie , Kashihara Hideya , Nishi Masaaki , Tokunaga Takuya , Nakao Toshihiro , Higashijima Jun , Iwata Takashi , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is nowadays being performed worldwide, and inguinal hernia (IH) continues to be a common complication of radical prostatectomy. Laparoscopic repair of IH is often difficult via internal dissection because of adhesion of the preperitoneal cavity. This study aimed to categorize the intraoperative condition of, and devise a strategy for, IH after RARP.

Methods

Of 577 patients who underwent RARP, 18 developed IH. These 18 patients then underwent laparoscopic IH repair using the transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) or modified intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (mIPOM). Internal dissection was categorized into two groups according to the appearance of Cooper's ligament (exposed or not exposed).

Results

After RARP, four patients had exposure of Cooper's ligament while 14 patients showed no exposure. Both patients in the exposed group underwent TAPP and all patients in the not‐exposed group underwent mIPOM. There was no significant difference between normal TAPP and RARP regarding operative factors, and IH recurrence was not observed.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic repair of IH after RARP is rendered safe and efficient by using our categorization based on the exposure of Cooper's ligament and extension of preperitoneal space.
Efficacy and acceptability of pharmacotherapy for comorbid anxiety symptoms in bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cullen Clare , Kappelmann Nils , Umer Madeha , Abdolizadeh Ali , Husain Muhammad Omair , Bonato Sarah , Sharma Gaurav , Xue Siqi , Ortiz Abigail , Kloiber Stefan M. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Husain Muhammad I.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent among individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) but there is little guidance on pharmacotherapy for these symptoms. The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the available evidence for pharmacotherapy of comorbid anxiety symptoms in BD.

Methods

Completed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of medications for BD published prior to December 2020 were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and the ISRCTN. Data from RCTs measuring anxiety symptoms at baseline and endpoint and all‐cause discontinuation were pooled to compare the efficacy and acceptability of medications with control conditions.

Results

Thirty‐seven RCTs met our inclusion criteria; 13 placebo‐controlled RCTs with 2175 participants had sufficient data to be included in the meta‐analysis assessing anxiety symptoms. Compared with placebo, the overall effect size of medications (primarily atypical antipsychotics) on anxiety symptoms was small with a standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.22 (95% CI: −0.34 to −0.11). Study heterogeneity was low (I2 = 26%). The acceptability of these medications was comparable with placebo with odds ratio of discontinuation from all causes = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.91–1.06).

Conclusion

There is limited evidence for a small anxiolytic effect and good acceptability of pharmacotherapy (primarily atypical antipsychotics) in the treatment of comorbid anxiety symptoms in BD. These results highlight the need for further research on medications other than atypical antipsychotics.
Adaptive evolution of viruses infecting marine microalgae (haptophytes), from acute infections to stable coexistence
Authors: Sandaa Ruth‐Anne , Saltvedt Marius R. , Dahle Håkon , Wang Haina , Våge Selina , Blanc‐Mathieu Romain , Steen Ida H. , Grimsley Nigel , Edvardsen Bente , Ogata Hiroyuki , Lawrence Janice
Published: September 2021

Collectively known as phytoplankton, photosynthetic microbes form the base of the marine food web, and account for up to half of the primary production on Earth. Haptophytes are key components of this phytoplankton community, playing important roles both as primary producers and as mixotrophs that graze on bacteria and protists. Viruses influence the ecology and diversity of phytoplankton in the ocean, with the majority of microalgae–virus interactions described as ‘boom and bust’ dynamics, which are characteristic of acute virus–host systems. Most haptophytes are, however, part of highly diverse communities and occur at low densities, decreasing their chance of being infected by viruses with high host specificity. Viruses infecting these microalgae have been isolated in the laboratory, and there are several characteristics that distinguish them from acute viruses infecting bloom‐forming haptophytes. Herein we synthesise what is known of viruses infecting haptophyte hosts in the ocean, discuss the adaptive evolution of haptophyte‐infecting viruses ‐from those that cause acute infections to those that stably coexist with their host ‐ and identify traits of importance for successful survival in the ocean.
Infant exuberant object play at home: Immense amounts of time‐distributed, variable practice
Authors: Herzberg Orit , Fletcher Katelyn K. , Schatz Jacob L. , Adolph Karen E. , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine S.
Published: September 2021

Object play yields enormous benefits for infant development. However, little is known about natural play at home where most object interactions occur. We conducted frame‐by‐frame video analyses of spontaneous activity in two 2‐h home visits with 13‐month‐old crawling infants and 13‐, 18‐, and 23‐month‐old walking infants (N = 40; 21 boys; 75% White). Regardless of age, for every infant and time scale, across 10,015 object bouts, object interactions were short (median = 9.8 s) and varied (transitions among dozens of toys and non‐toys) but consumed most of infants’ time. We suggest that infant exuberant object play—immense amounts of brief, time‐distributed, variable interactions with objects—may be conducive to learning object properties and functions, motor skill acquisition, and growth in cognitive, social, and language domains.
Water fluoridation, dental caries and parental ratings of child oral health
Authors: Foley Michael Anthony , Sexton Christopher , Spencer Andrew John , Lalloo Ratilal , Do Loc Giang
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Previous studies have identified many demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and clinical variables associated with subjective parental ratings of child oral health. This study investigated associations between children's lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water (LEFW) and dental caries prevalence and parental ratings.

Methods

Australia's National Child Oral Health Study 2012–2014 conducted oral epidemiological examinations for 24 664 children aged 5–14 and investigated risk factors for child oral health and disease through questionnaires. Parents also subjectively rated their child's oral health. This cross‐sectional study estimated prevalence ratios for associations between LEFW and prevalence of dental caries in the primary and permanent dentitions and parental oral health ratings for 5–8 year old and 9–14 year old children. E‐value sensitivity analyses helped assess whether observed effect sizes may have arisen through unmeasured confounding.

Results

Children aged 5–8 with 0%–10% or 11%–89% LEFW are respectively 1.5 (95% CI 1.2–1.8) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.0) times more likely than children with 90%–100% LEFW to receive a fair or poor parental oral health rating. Children aged 9–14 with 0%–10% or 11%–89% LEFW are 1.2 (95% CI 1.0–1.4) times more likely than children with 90%–100% LEFW to receive a fair or poor parental oral health rating. Children aged 5–8 with 0%–10% or 11%–89% LEFW are respectively 1.4 (1.3–1.6) and 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.4) times more likely than children with 90%–100% LEFW to experience caries in their primary teeth. Children aged 9–14 with 0%–10% or 11%–89% LEFW are respectively 1.4 (95% CI 1.3–1.5) and 1.1 (95% CI 1.0–1.2) times more likely than children with 90%–100% LEFW to experience caries in their permanent teeth.

Conclusions

Longer lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water is causally associated with a lower childhood dental caries prevalence and more positive parental ratings of child oral health. The associations are stronger for younger children.
Stiff person syndrome and prior temporal lobectomy: Is it a case of misplaced autoimmunity?
Authors: Babiker Ahmed , Trivedi Sohum , Garcia Klepper Alfredo , Shah Manan
Published: September 2021

Background

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune disorder, characterized by progressive rigidity and muscle spasms affecting the axial and limb muscles. Anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti‐GAD65) antibodies are linked to pathogenesis of both epilepsy and SPS. We aim to highlight epilepsy surgery as a potential trigger for development of SPS.

Case presentation

A 35‐year‐old female with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy underwent right amygdala‐hippocampectomy in 2009. The patient was seizure‐free until 2019 when she developed spells of severe muscle spasms, palpitations, dyspnea, and restlessness. Examination revealed increased spasticity in bilateral lower extremities, a wide based gait, and hyperreflexia with crossed adductor sign and bilateral Babinski sign. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) labs were obtained, and two typical spells occurred during continuous video electroencephalogram (cvEEG) monitoring. Typical spells did not correlate with seizure activity on cvEEG. CSF analysis showed normal opening pressure, Gram stain, culture, cell count, protein, and glucose. Serum and CSF GAD65 antibody levels were 5153 nMol/L and 53 nMol/L, respectively, along with 14 oligoclonal bands in CSF. Diagnosis of SPS was made. Treatment with diazepam caused improvement in spells and myalgia.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of SPS can be delayed in a patient with history of epilepsy. Although SPS and epilepsy are often linked by anti‐GAD antibodies as common etiology, it is possible that epilepsy surgery might be a trigger for development of SPS in a small subset. Development of autoimmunity to neuronal GAD65 protein, exposed during surgery, is suspected in pathogenesis.
Switching the basal insulin to insulin glargine 300 U/ml in people with type 2 diabetes under basal insulin supported oral therapy: Observational trial on effectiveness and safety
Authors: Seufert Jochen , Wiesli Peter , Fritsche Andreas , Anderten Helmut , Pegelow Katrin , Pscherer Stefan , Pfohl Martin
Published: September 2021

Aims

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of switching the basal insulin (BI) in a BI‐supported oral therapy (BOT) to insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla‐300) in adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and methods

This was a non‐interventional, multicentre, prospective 12‐month study, conducted in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The study documented people with T2D with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7.5% and 10.0%, currently treated by a non‐Gla‐300 BOT regimen, after the physician had decided to switch the BI to Gla‐300. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving the fasting plasma glucose (FPG; ≤110 mg/dl) target.

Results

In total, 1194 participants comprised the full analysis set, of which 793 completed documentation of 12 months Gla‐300 treatment (FAS‐M12). The main previous BI was insulin glargine 100 U/ml (Gla‐100; 47.2%). Twelve months after switching to Gla‐300, 27.0% of FAS‐M12 participants achieved the FPG target and 44.8% their individualized HbA1c target. The greatest FPG target achievements were seen in previous Gla‐100 (29.3%), and greatest HbA1c target achievements in previous insulin detemir users (57.7%). The mean FPG decreased by −36.3 ± 51.2 mg/dl to 135.5 ± 36.9 mg/dl and mean HbA1c by −0.79 ± 1.01% to 7.45 ± 0.94%. Symptomatic and nocturnal hypoglycaemia incidence significantly decreased over 12 months of Gla‐300 treatment. Body weight remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Switching the BI to Gla‐300 in a BOT regimen improved metabolic control and treatment satisfaction in a substantial proportion of patients with T2D and inadequate target achievement within 12 months in clinical practice with a decreased risk of symptomatic and nocturnal hypoglycaemia and without weight gain.
Gastrointestinal tolerability of once‐weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss
Authors: Wharton Sean , Calanna Salvatore , Davies Melanie , Dicker Dror , Goldman Bryan , Lingvay Ildiko , Mosenzon Ofri , Rubino Domenica M. , Thomsen Mette , Wadden Thomas A. , Pedersen Sue D.
Published: September 2021

Aim

We evaluated gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) with once‐weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity and their contribution to weight loss (WL).

Materials and methods

AE analyses pooled data from the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) 1‐3 trials for participants randomized to 68 weeks of semaglutide 2.4 mg (n = 2117) or placebo (n = 1262). WL was analysed by presence/absence of GI AEs. Mediation analysis estimated WL effects mediated by and unrelated to GI AEs. GI tolerability with semaglutide 2.4 mg maintenance and cessation after dose escalation was evaluated using STEP 4 data among 803 participants tolerating 20 weeks of semaglutide run‐in.

Results

GI AEs were more common with semaglutide 2.4 mg than placebo, with most frequently nausea (43.9% vs. 16.1% of participants), diarrhoea (29.7% vs. 15.9%), vomiting (24.5% vs. 6.3%) and constipation (24.2% vs. 11.1%). Most GI AEs with semaglutide were non‐serious (99.5% of AEs), mild‐to‐moderate (98.1%), transient and occurred most frequently during/shortly after dose escalation. Few semaglutide‐treated participants (4.3%) permanently discontinued treatment for GI AEs. In STEP 1‐3, mean WL with semaglutide 2.4 mg was similar in participants without (9.6%‐17.1%) versus with GI AEs (11.4%‐17.7%). Consistent with this observation, mediation analysis found that GI AEs contributed little to semaglutide‐induced WL: of the additional 7.6%‐14.4% WL with semaglutide versus placebo, <1 percentage point was mediated by GI AEs. In STEP 4, semaglutide 2.4 mg maintenance was well tolerated.

Conclusions

GI AEs were more common with semaglutide 2.4 mg than placebo, but typically mild‐to‐moderate and transient. Semaglutide‐induced WL was largely independent of GI AEs.