bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor environment and student productivity for individual and collaborative work in learning commons: a case study
Authors: Hong Sungil , Kim Yujin , Yang Eunhwa
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships between the built environments of learning commons and user productivity, such as collaborative and individual work productivity and overall environmental satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in a learning commons building at a higher education campus in the USA. The data collection and analysis were conducted with the survey responses of satisfaction with indoor environments and perceived productivity as well as the objective indoor environmental quality (IEQ) measurements. Statistical analysis was performed, including descriptive analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), regression analysis and ANOVA test.

Findings

The study presents that satisfaction with noise level is positively associated with individual productivity. The results imply that the spatial properties of open-plan commons, such as visibility and accessibility, are associated with space users' interactions and collaborative productivity. Overall satisfaction is in a positive relationship with lighting satisfaction, study supporting artifacts and furniture configuration. The results of this study reveal the importance of meeting the standards in IEQ factors on individual productivity and the spatial features preferred by space users that facilitate tasks and activities.

Originality/value

The mixed-method approach, including subjective and objective data collection of IEQ, is rarely utilized to show the relationships with perceived productivity. This study investigates a unique building design feature such as step seats in relation to space use and perceived productivity. The findings inform library leadership about environmental characteristics related to the user experience in learning commons, a new format of academic libraries.
A novel miniaturized Koch-Minkowski hybrid fractal antenna
Authors: Jaffri Zain Ul Abidin , Ahmad Zeeshan , Kabir Asif , Bukhari Syed Sabahat Hussain
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Antenna miniaturization, multiband operation and wider operational bandwidth are vital to achieve optimal design for modern wireless communication devices. Using fractal geometries is recognized as one of the most promising solutions to attain these characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to present a unique structure of patch antenna using hybrid fractal technique to enhance the performance characteristics for various wireless applications and to achieve better miniaturization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose a novel hybrid fractal antenna by combining Koch and Minkowski (K-M) fractal geometries. A microstrip patch antenna (MPA) operating at 1.8 GHz is incorporated with a novel K-M hybrid fractal geometry. The proposed fractal antenna is designed and simulated in CST Microwave studio and compared with existing Koch fractal geometry. The prototype for the third iteration of the K-M fractal antenna is then fabricated on FR-4 substrate and tested through vector network analyzer for operating band/voltage standing wave ratio.

Findings

The third iteration of the proposed K-M fractal geometry results in achieving a 20% size reduction as compared to an ordinary MPA for the same resonant frequency with impedance bandwidth of 16.25 MHz and a directional gain of 6.48 dB, respectively. The operating frequency of MPA also lowers down to 1.44 GHz.

Originality/value

Further testing for the radiation patterns in an anechoic chamber shows good agreement to those of simulated results.
Dietary habits and nutritional status in students of the university corporation Rafael Núñez, Cartagena-Colombia
Authors: Espitia-Almeida Fabián , Mora-García Martha , Coquel-Bru Alexandra , Orozco-Sánchez Christian
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the eating habits and physical activity in students of the Rafael Núñez University.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive cross-sectional study, based on the application of a survey on eating habits and physical activity. Furthermore, height, weight, hip circumference and abdominal circumference were also recorded.

Findings

Total, 170 students were included, 29 (17.1%) males and 141 (82.9%) females, with a mean age of 20.0 ± 5.2 years. Among the students, 22 (12.9%) were underweight, 95 (55.9%) were normal weight, 40 (23.5%) were overweight and 13 (7.7%) with obesity. Regarding eating habits, the majority preferred to consume three daily meals: breakfast 140 (82.3%), lunch 170 (100%) and dinner 96 (56.5%). Regarding fruits intake, 18 (15.9%) males reported consuming them seven days a week, and 54 (31.2 %) females reported consuming them occasionally. In physical activity, most of the population (n = 103, 60.6%) exercises with a frequency of one to three days/week.

Originality/value

The authors’ work is original and has not been sent to another magazine.
Nature-based activities for people living with dementia: a nice day out or a matter of human rights?
Authors: Evans Simon Chester , Atkinson Teresa , Rogerson Mike , Bray Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Purpose

There is growing interest in and evidence for the benefits of connecting with nature for people living with dementia, sometimes known as “green care”, including reduced stress, improved sleeping and even enhanced cognition. However, many people living with dementia are denied such opportunities, often because of practitioner perceptions of risk and poor design of outdoor spaces. This paper reports on the evaluation of a project that worked with national providers to give people living with dementia opportunities and support to access the natural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation adopted a mixed-methods approach, using a combination of bespoke and commonly used tools and in-depth case study work to identify the facilitators and challenges to delivering the project and explore the experiences of activity participants.

Findings

Qualitative measures indicated a significant improvement in mental well-being for participants with dementia and family carers following attendance at activity sessions. Research interviews indicated that participants enjoyed activities based on connecting with nature. Being outdoors was a major factor in the experience, along with taking part in activities that were meaningful and opportunities for social interaction.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence for the benefits of connecting with nature for people living with dementia. This paper concludes that access to the outdoors is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and one which has become increasingly important in light of restrictions that have emerged as a result of the COVID19 pandemic.
Community co‐produced mental health initiatives in rural Australia: A scoping review
Authors: De Cotta Tracy , Knox Jasmine , Farmer Jane , White Carolynne , Davis Hilary
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Inaccessibility of mental health services in rural Australia is widely reported. Community co‐produced mental health and well‐being initiatives could fill gaps and complement other services.

Objective

This scoping review summarises findings from peer‐reviewed articles to identify the key features of co‐produced Australian rural mental health initiatives that engage communities in their design, delivery or evaluation processes.

Design

Between 2009 and 2019 inclusive, 14 articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed using Arksey and O'Malley's review methodology.

Findings

Communities co‐produced initiatives through informing, collaborating and instigating them. Some initiatives operated in specific places, for example an art gallery, while others operated across regions. Only two initiatives involved community members in multiple activities targeting prevention, early intervention, education and service accessibility; other initiatives were more focused, for example designing a new service. Over half of initiatives found were targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Most articles discussed evaluation approaches, though methods were diverse.

Discussion

Published peer‐reviewed evidence about Australian rural community co‐produced mental health initiatives appears scant. Evidence found suggests they generate a range of supports that could complement or mitigate for lack of, public health services. The overall lack of evidence, diversity of initiatives and inconsistent evaluation makes it difficult to assess effectiveness and which activities might be scaled‐up for wider benefit.

Conclusion

Rural communities have limited resources, and evidence of what constitutes best practice in co‐producing mental health services would help to avoid ‘reinventing the wheel.’ Greater efforts in evaluating and publishing about initiatives would be helpful.
Comparison of the HAS‐BLED versus ORBIT scores in predicting major bleeding among Asians receiving direct‐acting oral anticoagulants
Authors: Wattanaruengchai Phannita , Nathisuwan Surakit , Karaketklang Khemajira , Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: November 2021

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of HAS‐BLED and ORBIT scores in predicting bleeding risk among Asian patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) using direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted among adult patients receiving DOACs for ≥6 months during January 2013 to December 2017 in 10 tertiary care hospitals in Thailand. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) method or C‐statistic was used to test the diagnostic accuracy for bleeding risk classification of HAS‐BLED and ORBIT scores. The predictive performances of the two scores were compared using DeLong's method.

Results

A total of 961 NVAF patients, 52.5% warfarin‐naïve and 47.5% warfarin‐experienced, with mean age of 74.25 ± 10.08 years, were included in the analysis. Mean HAS‐BLED and ORBIT scores of the cohort were 1.98 ± 1.10 and 2.37 ± 1.71, respectively. During the mean follow‐up time of 1.55 ± 1.13 years, 34 patients experienced major bleeding (2.28 events/100 patient‐year). For the overall cohort, both the HAS‐BLED and ORBIT scores showed similarly moderate predictive performance on bleeding with C‐statistic (95% confidence interval) of 0.65 (0.57‐0.74) and 0.64 (0.56‐0.71), respectively. There was no statistical significance between the two scores (P = .62). Analysis based on the status of previous warfarin use was consistent with the overall cohort. Based on the calibration analysis, both HAS‐BLED and ORBIT scores possessed moderate ability to identify those who experienced major bleeding from those who did not.

Conclusion

Both HAS‐BLED and ORBIT bleeding risk scores had moderate predictive performance in Asian NVAF patients receiving DOACs.
Enhanced clot lysis by a single point mutation in a reteplase variant
Authors: Chen Shanli , Chen Dan , Liu Yurong , Xu Yanyan , Lin Huajian , Cheng Yuan , Li Jinyu , Meng Chun , Liang Mingli , Yuan Cai , Huang Mingdong
Published: November 2021

Recombinant tissue‐type plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the clot lysis drug approved for clinical use, and is characterised by a short half‐life and substantial inactivation by plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). We previously discovered that a tPA mutation (A419Y) at the protease domain led to enhanced fibrinolysis activity. In the present study, we studied the mechanism of such mutation in enhancing the proteolytic activity, and whether such enhancement persists in reteplase, an United States Food and Drug Administration‐approved tPA truncated variant. We constructed and expressed a series of reteplase‐based mutants, including rPAG (glycosylated rPA), rPAG‐Y (with A419Y mutant at rPAG), rPAG‐A4 (tetra‐alanine mutation at 37‐loop of rPAG), and rPAG‐A4/Y (with both) and evaluated their plasminogen activation and PAI‐1 resistance. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that the rPAG had fibrin affinity comparable to full‐length tPA. Moreover, rPAG‐Y had 8·5‐fold higher plasminogen activation and stronger tolerance to PAI‐1 compared to rPAG. We also found that the mutations containing tetra‐alanine (rPAG‐A4 and rPAG‐A4/Y) had dramatically reduced plasminogen activation and impaired clot lysis. In a pulmonary embolism murine model, rPAG‐Y displayed a more efficient thrombolytic effect than rPAG. These results identified a novel mutant reteplase variant of tPA with increased fibrinolytic activity, laying the foundation for the development of a new potent fibrinolytic agent.
Pharmacokinetics of adrenaline autoinjectors
Authors: Turner Paul J. , Muraro Antonella , Roberts Graham
Published: November 2021

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency with adrenaline acknowledged as the first‐line therapy. It is therefore important that patients have access to self‐injectable adrenaline in the community. Manufacturers have been requested by European Medicine Regulators to generate pharmacokinetic data for these autoinjector devices. For the first time, these data provide an insight into how individual devices work in different populations, and how they compare. We undertook a thorough literature search and also accessed grey literature, using searches of medicine regulators’ websites and freedom of information requests. The data demonstrate that it takes at least 5–10 min to achieve early peak plasma concentration for most devices. The specific autoinjector device seems to be the most important determinant of pharmacokinetics, with different devices giving rise to different plasma adrenaline profiles. Needle length does not seem to be the most important factor; rather, the force and speed of injection (which varies from one device to another) is likely to be of greater importance. In general, peak plasma adrenaline concentration is lower and time‐to‐peak concentration longer with increased skin‐to‐muscle depth. However, it is difficult to draw conclusions with the current available data, due to a lack of head‐to‐head comparisons, small numbers of study participants and the failure to acknowledge the biphasic nature of intramuscular adrenaline absorption for analysis purposes.
mTOR‐mediated autophagy in the hippocampus is involved in perioperative neurocognitive disorders in diabetic rats
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Gao Fei , Lin Cuicui , Chen Andi , Deng Jianhui , Chen Pinzhong , Lin Mingxue , Xie Bingxin , Liao Yanling , Gong Cansheng , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are common neurological complications after surgery. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported to be an independent risk factor for PND, but little is known about its mechanism of action. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is crucial for neuronal growth, development, apoptosis, and autophagy, but the dysregulation of mTOR signaling leads to neurological disorders. The present study investigated whether rapamycin can attenuate PND by inhibiting mTOR and activating autophagy in diabetic rats.

Methods

Male diabetic Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent tibial fracture surgery under isoflurane anesthesia to establish a PND model. Cognitive functions were examined using the Morris water maze test. The levels of phosphorylated mTOR (p‐mTOR), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), autophagy‐related proteins (Beclin‐1, LC3), and apoptosis‐related proteins (Bax, Bcl‐2, cleaved caspase‐3) in the hippocampus were examined on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14 by Western blot. Hippocampal amyloid β (Aβ) levels were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The data showed that surgical trauma and/or DM impaired cognitive function, induced mTOR activation, and decreased Beclin‐1 levels and the LC3‐II/I ratio. The levels of Aβ and p‐tau and the hippocampal apoptotic responses were significantly higher in diabetic or surgery‐treated rats than in control rats and were further increased in diabetic rats subjected to surgery. Pretreatment of rats with rapamycin inhibited mTOR hyperactivation and restored autophagic function, effectively decreasing tau hyperphosphorylation, Aβ deposition, and apoptosis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, surgical trauma‐induced neurocognitive disorders were also reversed by pretreatment of diabetic rats with rapamycin.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that mTOR hyperactivation regulates autophagy, playing a critical role in the mechanism underlying PND, and reveal that the modulation of mTOR signaling could be a promising therapeutic strategy for PND in patients with diabetes.
COVID‐19 pandemic: end‐of‐life experience in Australian residential aged care facilities
Authors: Hack Emma , Hayes Barbara , Radcliffe Nicholas , Monda Sally , Yates Paul
Published: November 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted those in residential aged care facilities (RACF). This research was undertaken to explore and better understand the effects of the pandemic on the experience of next‐of‐kin and carers who encountered the death of a loved one who resided within a RACF during the pandemic.

Aims

To explore end‐of‐life experiences for residents who die in RACF and their next‐of‐kin/carers during the COVID‐19 pandemic, to identify areas of concern and areas for improvement.

Methods

Prospective single‐centre mixed methods research was undertaken involving telephone interview with next‐of‐kin or carers of residents who died within 30 days of being referred to Austin Health Residential InReach Service during the ‘second wave’ of COVID‐19 in Melbourne, Australia, in 2020. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Qualitative description and aspects of grounded theory were used for analysing qualitative data. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts used open and axial coding to identify initial themes and then to group these under major themes.

Results

Forty‐one telephone interviews were analysed. Major themes identified included: COVID‐19 pandemic, communication and technology, death and dying experience, bereavement and grief, and social supports and external systems.

Conclusions

Findings identify the many COVID‐19 pandemic‐related challenges faced by participants and their dying loved one in RACF. Access to palliative care and bereavement support is crucial for dying residents and for grieving that has been made more difficult by the pandemic.
Evaluation of composite restorations in primary molars subjected to selective caries removal associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faria Laís Veiga , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Pio Luciana Ribeiro Reis , Dias Jessica Coelho , Pinheiro Liz Helena Moraes , Reis Caio Luiz Bitencourt , Fontes Karla Bianca Fernandes Costa , Cajazeira Marlus Roberto Rodrigues , Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves
Published: November 2021

Background

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been used as an adjunct treatment of deep caries lesions; however, studies on the effects of aPDT on the longevity of restorations are still limited.

Aim

To evaluate the clinical performance of composite restorations in primary molars subjected to selective caries removal (SCR) associated with aPDT.

Design

A randomized clinical trial was designed. Primary molars of patients (mean age 6.15 years) with deep caries lesions without signs and symptoms of pulpal involvement were selected. A total of 64 teeth were randomly divided into groups G1 (SCR, 32 teeth) and G2 (SCR + aPDT, 32 teeth) for treatment, restored with composite, and evaluated after a week (T0), 6 months (T1), and 12 months (T2) according to the criteria of FDI. Groups were compared using the Rao‐Scott chi‐squared test and the logistic regression analysis for complex designs to account for multiple observations per subject (alpha = 0.05).

Results

From all FDI criteria evaluated, the marginal adaptation for the SCR + aPDT group was significantly better in comparison with the SCR group at T0 and T2 in the logistic regression analysis (T0: OR = 0.151; 95% CI = 0.03‐0.068, P = .015; and T2: OR = 0.201; 95% CI = 0.05‐0.79, P = .022).

Conclusion

The marginal adaptation of primary molar resin restorations was positively affected by aPDT after 12 months of follow‐up.
Effect of oxygen vacancy sites in exposed crystal facet on the gas sensing performance of ZnO nanomaterial
Authors: Kim Kyusung , Choi Pil Gyu , Itoh Toshio , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: November 2021

The development of a gas sensor for ppb‐level detection has been required for the industrial and medical fields. Exposed facet control is an effective way to improve gas sensing performance without novel metal catalysts. Herein, we investigated the change in gas sensitivity of ZnO nanostructures depending on the exposed surface. ZnO‐rod and ZnO‐whisker were synthesized using zinc nitrate hexahydrate, hexamethylenetetramine, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) via a low‐temperature aqueous solution process. As increasing the amount of PEI, the ZnO‐rod with (0001) facet was converted to the ZnO‐whisker with (101) facet by edge sharpening. Although both samples can detect acetone gas until 200 ppb, the ZnO‐whisker exhibited superior sensing performance in all ranges. Especially, the gas response of ZnO‐whisker was three times higher than that of ZnO‐rod at 5 ppm. The result was related to the difference in oxygen vacancy site where generate pre‐adsorbed oxygen species. In the analysis results of electron density distribution, two Zn atoms are associated with one oxygen vacancy site in (101) facet. On the other hand, one oxygen vacancy site was connected to only one Zn atom in the (0001) plane. Thus, electrons could be much easily provided to the oxygen vacancy site in (101) facet, and it causes the higher sensitivity of ZnO‐whisker.
Focus on blood pressure levels and variability in the early phase of acute ischemic stroke with hypertension and carotid stenosis
Authors: He Mingli , Cui Bing , Wang Jin'e , Xiao Xiao , Wu Taotao , Wang Mingyu , Yang Ru , Zhang Bo , Xu Bingchao , He Xiaobing , Zhang Guanghui , Niu Xiaoqin , Li Zaipo , Wang Bei , Xu Bei , Hui Rutai , Wang Yibo
Published: November 2021

To investigate the optimal blood pressure (BP) levels and relative importance of BP and BP variability in the early phase of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for hypertensive patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS). A single‐center cohort study included 750 AIS patients with hypertension and tests were performed for CAS. Participants were categorized to Group 1 (SBP < 140 mm Hg and DBP < 90 mm Hg), Group 2: (SBP: 140–159 mm Hg and or DBP: 90–99 mm Hg), and Group 3: (SBP ≥160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥100 mm Hg) according to the guidelines. The associations of mean BP levels and variability with outcomes (recurrent stroke, all‐cause death and the composite cardiovascular events) at 6 months were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard models. The associations of BP variability with BP levels and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were analyzed by linear regression and generalized additive models. Both for primary and secondary outcome, more events occurred in Group 1 compared with Group 2, while no significant difference was found in Group 3 with higher BP levels. Lower systolic BP variability showed better prognosis and higher CBF. The associations were more significant in patients with CAS ≥50%. BP variability exhibited a linear negative relationship with BP levels. In the early phase of AIS with hypertension and CAS, maintaining low blood pressure variability may be important to improve outcomes while low BP levels (SBP/DBP < 140/90 mm Hg) were harmful, especially in those patients with CAS ≥ 50%.
MicroRNA‐411‐3p inhibits bleomycin‐induced skin fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor‐β/Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor‐2 signalling
Authors: Zhang Ziyan , Gao Xuemin , He Yang , Kang Yumeng , Jin Fuyu , Li Yaqian , Li Tian , Wei Zhongqiu , Li Shifeng , Cai Wenchen , Mao Na , Wang Shan , Liu Heliang , Yang Fang , Xu Hong , Yang Jie
Published: November 2021

Skin fibrosis, which is characterized by fibroblast proliferation and increased extracellular matrix, has no effective treatment. An increasing number of studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) participate in the mechanism of skin fibrosis, such as in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and pathological scarring. The objective of the present study was to determine the role of miR‐411‐3p in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced skin fibrosis and skin fibroblast transformation. Using Western blot analysis and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assess the expression levels of miR‐411‐3p, collagen (COLI) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β/Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor (Smurf)‐2/Smad signalling factors both in vitro and in vivo with or without BLM. To explore the regulatory relationship between miR‐411‐3p and Smurf2, we used the luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, miR‐411‐3p overexpression was identified in vitro and in vivo via transfection with Lipofectamine 2000 reagent and injection. Finally, we tested the dermal layer of the skin using haematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson's staining. We found that miR‐411‐3p expression was decreased in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced skin fibrosis and fibroblasts. However, BLM accelerated transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signalling and collagen production. Overexpression of miR‐411‐3p inhibited the expression of collagen, F‐actin and the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway factors in BLM‐induced skin fibrosis and fibroblasts. In addition, miR‐411‐3p inhibited the target Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor (Smurf)‐2. Furthermore, Smurf2 was silenced, which attenuated the expression of collagen via suppression of the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway. We demonstrated that miR‐411‐3p exerts antifibrotic effects by inhibiting the TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway via targeting of Smurf2 in skin fibrosis.
A theory of maximalist luxury
Authors: Liu Zhenqi (Jessie) , Yildirim Pinar , Zhang Z. John
Published: November 2021

The availability of high‐quality, low‐price counterfeits in many luxury markets threatens the role of luxury goods as a status symbol. If those counterfeits look and feel the same as the authentic counterparts, as many professional authenticators observe, and they are available at a fraction of the price of authentic goods, why would self‐interested consumers purchase authentic luxury goods? Then, the future of luxury goods is called into question. In this paper, we propose that the presence of high‐quality, low‐price counterfeits can, surprisingly, motivate the wealthy consumers to pursue what we term as the “maximalist luxury” strategy. In the presence of these counterfeits, the wealthy can resort to signaling their status by purchasing the maximum number of luxury goods available and put their copious consumption on display, while in the absence of such counterfeits, the wealthy consumers only need to purchase the minimum number of luxury goods to stand out. This new signaling mechanism then highlights the importance of product line decisions by a luxury brand in combating counterfeits and provides a number of managerial insights about how to maintain the role of luxury goods as a status symbol through pricing, adjusting the product line, and limiting its products' functionality.
Loss of Gn1a/OsCKX2 confers heavy‐panicle rice with excellent lodging resistance
Authors: Tu Bin , Tao Zhang , Wang Shiguang , Zhou Lei , Zheng Ling , Zhang Chun , Li Xinzi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yin Junjie , Zhu Xiaobo , Yuan Hua , Li Ting , Chen Weilan , Qin Peng , Ma Bingtian , Wang Yuping , Li Shigui
Published: November 2021

Significant achievements have been made in breeding programs for the heavy‐panicle‐type (HPT) rice (Oryza sativa) in Southwest China. The HPT varieties now exhibit excellent lodging resistance, allowing them to overcome the greater pressures caused by heavy panicles. However, the genetic mechanism of this lodging resistance remains elusive. Here, we isolated a major quantitative trait locus, Panicle Neck Diameter 1 (PND1), and identified the causal gene as GRAIN NUMBER 1A/CYTOKININ OXIDASE 2 (Gn1A/OsCKX2). The null gn1a allele from rice line R498 (gn1aR498) improved lodging resistance through increasing the culm diameter and promoting crown root development. Loss‐of‐function of Gn1a/OsCKX2 led to cytokinin accumulation in the crown root tip and accelerated the development of adventitious roots. Gene pyramiding between the null gn1aR498 allele with two gain‐of‐function alleles, STRONG CULM 2 (SCM2) and SCM3, further improved lodging resistance. Moreover, Gn1a/OsCKX2 had minimal influence on overall rice quality. Our research thus highlights the distinct genetic components of lodging resistance of HPT varieties and provides a strategy for tailor‐made crop improvement of both yield and lodging resistance in rice.
Evidence base review of couple‐ and family‐based psychosocial interventions to promote infant and early childhood mental health, 2010–2019
Authors: Kaminski Jennifer W. , Robinson Lara R. , Hutchins Helena J. , Newsome Kimberly B. , Barry Caroline M.
Published: November 2021

Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) has been defined as the capacity of infants and young children to regulate their emotions, form secure relationships, and explore their environments. For this special issue, we conducted a review of IECMH outcomes from evaluations of couple‐ and family‐based psychosocial interventions not explicitly designed for trauma exposure published from 2010 through 2019, following Evidence Base Update criteria and the current convention of classifying general categories of intervention approaches rather than the former practice of evaluating specific brand‐name packaged programs. Full‐text review of 695 articles resulted in 39 articles eligible for categorization into intervention approaches, taking into consideration the theoretical orientation of the treatment, the population served, the intervention participants, the target outcomes, the treatment theory of change, and the degree to which the intervention was standardized across participants. Four intervention approaches were identified in this review as Probably Efficacious: Behavioral Interventions to Support Parents of Toddlers, Interventions to Support Adolescent Mothers, Tiered Interventions to Provide Support Based on Assessed Risk, and Home Visiting Interventions to Provide Individualized Support to Parents. Other intervention approaches were classified as Possibly Efficacious, Experimental, or did not have sufficient evidence in this time period to classify under these criteria. Further research could explore how to ensure that all families who need support can receive it, such as by increasing the reach of effective programs and by decreasing the number of families needing additional support.
How Do Financial Constraints Affect Product Pricing? Evidence from Weather and Life Insurance Premiums
Authors: GE SHAN
Published: November 2021

I identify the effects of financial constraints on firms' product pricing decisions, using insurance groups containing both life and property & casualty (P&C) divisions. Following P&C divisions' losses, life divisions change prices in a manner that can generate more immediate financial resources: premiums fall (rise) for life policies that immediately increase (decrease) insurers' financial resources. Premiums change more in groups that are more constrained. Life divisions increase transfers to P&C divisions, suggesting P&C divisions' shocks are transmitted to life divisions. Results hold when instrumenting for P&C divisions' losses with exposure to unusual weather damages, implying that the effects are causal.
Pursuing Gains or Avoiding Losses: The Contingent Effect of Transgenerational Intentions on Innovation Investments
Authors: Bammens Yannick , Hünermund Paul , Andries Petra
Published: November 2021

Many business‐owning families aspire to someday transfer their firm to the next family generation. Controversy surrounds the question of how these transgenerational intentions affect risky growth strategies such as investments in innovation: some emphasize the positives of a transgenerational time horizon for investments in future growth, others highlight the negatives of a more conservative mindset with amplified concern for stability and risk avoidance. Using regulatory focus theory, we resolve this long‐standing controversy about the impact of transgenerational intentions by theorizing how they can trigger a promotion focus with increased innovation spending or a prevention focus with reduced innovation spending, depending on the firm’s survival hazard. Based on a sample of around 3,900 German firms using OLS and 2SLS estimation, we find empirical support for our predictions. This study extends the mixed gamble lens on family firm decision‐making with insights from regulatory focus theory to build consensus on the role of transgenerational intentions while shifting consensus on the role of family ownership in relation to the innovation spending decision.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography‐guided core needle biopsy of parotid gland neoplasms: A large, single‐institution experience in United Kingdom
Authors: Walsh Elizabeth , Allan Kimberly , Brennan Peter A. , Tullett Mark , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Rahimi Siavash
Published: November 2021

Salivary gland tumours present a pleomorphic and complex morphology and, apart from the most common neoplasms with well‐established histopathological criteria, may create diagnostic difficulty for histopathologists. The majority of salivary gland tumours occur in the parotid gland and the use of ultrasound guided parotid biopsy (US‐PB) has increased. US‐PB in contrast with fine needle aspiration (FNA), which is an easy and relatively painless technique, is performed under local anaesthesia, usually by radiologists. US‐PB offers some advantages over the FNA such as tumour grading and the possibility of performing immunohistochemistry. We report our experience of the diagnostic value of US‐PB in a large, referral centre in the United Kingdom.
Reframing Literacy in the Discipline of Science with the Disciplinary Literacy Observation Tool (DLOT)
Authors: Drew Sally Valentino , Thomas Jeffrey
Published: November 2021

This article explains how teams of special educators, science teachers, literacy consultants, and administrators can use the Disciplinary Literacy Observation Tool (DLOT) and accompanying planning tool to improve disciplinary literacy instruction in inclusive secondary science classrooms. The DLOT was developed in partnership with practitioners as a tool for professional development and coaching. First, the tool's development and five dimensions are described: (a) aspects of disciplinary literacy in science, (b) instructional grouping, (c) student engagement, (d) quality of pedagogy, and (e) overall quality. Then, an illustration is provided for how special educators can collaborate with science educators and other colleagues to use the DLOT to identify, document, reflect upon, and set goals regarding disciplinary literacy instruction in science in ways that benefit students with learning disabilities. With the DLOT, practitioners can approach literacy integration in science to address both general and discipline‐specific strategies aligned synergistically to Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards through three‐dimensional science learning.
Sixty years of second language aptitude research: A systematic quantitative literature review
Authors: Chalmers James , Eisenchlas Susana A. , Munro Andrew , Schalley Andrea C.
Published: November 2021

Second language (L2) aptitude has been broadly defined as the rate and ease of initially acquiring a second language. Historically, L2 aptitude has been understood as a stable trait that predetermined L2 achievement, regardless of individual learners’ efforts to acquire an L2. This traditional view of L2 aptitude as fixed and stable has led to it being a relatively neglected area of research within second language acquisition (SLA) studies. The little research that was in fact conducted was diagnostic in nature, and mostly used tests such as the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) to select potentially gifted L2 learners. Given that six decades have passed since the publication of the MLAT, now is a good time to revisit the literature and investigate whether L2 aptitude continues to be viewed as an individual difference of little interest to SLA research. While summative literature reviews of L2 aptitude research have been written, few systematic reviews exist. This article conducts a systematic quantitative literature review (SQLR) to provide a principled, comprehensive and reproducible synthesis of research into L2 aptitude published over the last 60 years (1959–2019). In this SQLR, close to one hundred journal articles and PhD dissertations were examined to discern generalisations and limitations in the field. This SQLR identifies a shift in the rationale for L2 aptitude testing, in which a diagnostic focus has been replaced by an explanatory perspective. Furthermore, our article points to a renewed interest in L2 aptitude research, which has come to be characterised by a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the concept and its components.
The real consequences of policy‐driven exchange rate cycles: A stylized comparison of East Asia and Latin America
Authors: Razmi Arslan
Published: November 2021

I develop the implications for capital accumulation, the trade balance, and real exchange rate cycles of different policy preferences, focusing in particular on broad stylized features of major Latin American and East Asian economies. Recent development literature has renewed interest in real exchange rate policy and the desirability of avoiding overvaluations. Political science literature, on the other hand, has emphasized the role of factors such as the influence of the manufacturing sector and the nature of the work force in shaping exchange rate policy. I formalize and relate some of these insights in a simple, dynamic, developing country framework with policy makers who intertemporally optimize and voters/audiences that are myopic. Given the choice between assigning greater weight to: (1) raising immediate worker purchasing power or (2) generating wage increases and manufacturing employmentover time, I show that developing countries where policy makers choose the former are more likely to experience cycles with overvaluation, trade deficits, and abrupt (postponed) devaluations. Moreover, these cyclical differences may help explain differences in structural evolution over longer periods of time.
Parallel shifts of visual sensitivity and body coloration in replicate populations of extremophile fish
Authors: Owens Gregory L. , Veen Thor , Moxley Dylan R. , Arias‐Rodriguez Lenin , Tobler Michael , Rennison Diana J.
Published: November 2021

Visual sensitivity and body pigmentation are often shaped by both natural selection from the environment and sexual selection from mate choice. One way of quantifying the impact of the environment is by measuring how traits have changed after colonization of a novel habitat. To do this, we studied Poecilia mexicana populations that have repeatedly adapted to extreme sulphidic (H2S‐containing) environments. We measured visual sensitivity using opsin gene expression, as well as body pigmentation, for populations in four independent drainages. Both visual sensitivity and body pigmentation showed significant parallel shifts towards greater medium‐wavelength sensitivity and reflectance in sulphidic populations. Altogether we found that sulphidic habitats select for differences in visual sensitivity and pigmentation. Shifts between habitats may be due to both differences in the water's spectral properties and correlated ecological changes.
Nursing practice environment, resilience, and intention to leave among critical care nurses
Authors: Ying Luk Ying , Ramoo Vimala , Ling Lee Wan , Nahasaram Sri Theyshaini , Lei Chui Ping , Leong Luk Kuok , Danaee Mahmoud
Published: November 2021

Background

Retaining experienced critical care nurses (CCNs) remains a challenge for health care organizations. Nursing practice environment and resilience are both seen as modifiable factors in ameliorating the impact on CCNs' intention to leave and have not yet been explored in Malaysia.

Aims and objectives

To assess the association between perceived nursing practice environment, resilience, and intention to leave among CCNs and to determine the effect of resilience on intention to leave after controlling for other independent variables.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The universal sampling method was used to recruit nurses from adult and paediatric (including neonatal) critical care units of a large public university hospital in Malaysia. Descriptive analysis and χ2 and hierarchical logistic regression tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 229 CCNs completed the self‐administrated questionnaire. Of the nurses, 76.4% perceived their practice environment as being favourable, 54.1% were moderately resilient, and only 20% were intending to leave. The logistic regression model explained 13.1% of variance in intention to leave and suggested that being single, an unfavourable practice environment, and increasing resilience were significant predictors of nurses' intention to leave.

Conclusion

This study found that an unfavourable practice environment is a strong predictor of intention to leave; however, further exploration is needed to explain the higher likelihood of expressing intention to leave among CCNs when their resilience level increases.

Relevance to clinical practice

Looking into staff allocation and equality of workload assignments may improve the perception of the work environment and help minimize intention to leave among nurses.
Policies to restrict unhealthy food and beverage advertising in outdoor spaces and on publicly owned assets: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Chung Alexandra , Zorbas Christina , Riesenberg Devorah , Sartori Ainslie , Kennington Kelly , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Backholer Kathryn
Published: November 2021

Unhealthy food marketing influences attitudes, preferences, and consumption of unhealthy foods, leading to excess weight gain. Outdoor advertising is highly visible (often displayed on publicly owned assets), but the evidence supporting regulation is unclear. This systematic scoping review of academic and grey literature aimed to (1) describe potential health and economic impacts of implementing government‐led policies that restrict unhealthy food advertising in outdoor spaces or on public assets (including studies examining prevalence of advertising, associations with health outcomes and interventional studies); (2) identify and describe existing policies; and (3) identify factors perceived to have influenced policy implementation. Thirty‐six academic studies were eligible for inclusion. Most reported on prevalence of unhealthy food advertising, demonstrating high prevalence around schools and in areas of lower socioeconomic position. None examined health and economic impacts of implemented policies. Four jurisdictions were identified with existing regulations; five had broader marketing or consumer protection policies that captured outdoor food marketing. Facilitators of policy implementation included collaboration, effective partnerships, and strong political leadership. Barriers included lobbying by food, media, and advertising industries. Implementation of food marketing policies in outdoor spaces and on public assets is feasible and warranted. Strong coalitions and leadership will be important to drive the policy agenda forward.
How regulations undervalue occupational fatalities
Authors: Viscusi W. Kip , Cramer Robert J.
Published: November 2021

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes incentives for safety by setting and enforcing regulatory standards. Using four and a half decades of inspection data, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors underpinning penalties following fatalities. The “fatality premium” for regulatory violations following a worker death is quite modest and is several orders of magnitude below the value‐of‐a‐statistical‐life figure needed to establish efficient levels of deterrence in the absence of all other financial incentives. Although there are low statutory caps on penalties, only 8% of the penalties for violations involving fatalities are constrained by the cap, suggesting that current statutes establish norms for reasonable penalty amounts. In situations involving a fatality at firms with union representation during the inspection, the enforcement sanctions are more stringent. Fatalities involving migrant laborers are less heavily penalized.
Aid for Trade, export product diversification, and foreign direct investment
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: November 2021

The few existing studies on the relationship between Aid for Trade (AfT) flows and inward foreign direct investment (FDI) tend to report a positive effect of total AfT flows, in particular of aid flows for building economic infrastructure, on FDI inflows. This article aims to complement these works by investigating whether the effect of AfT flows on inward FDI stock depends on recipient countries' level of export product concentration. Empirical analysis has shown that AfT flows exert a strong positive effect on inward FDI stock in countries that experience a high level of export product concentration. These findings are relevant for developing countries regarding the concentration of their export products on primary commodities and given the strong role of FDI flows for employment generation, economic growth, and development in these countries.
What makes a developmental network state durable?
Authors: Keller Matthew R. , Block Fred , Negoita Marian
Published: November 2021

As dynamic collaborations between networks of specialists have become more central to developing cutting‐edge innovations, designing and sustaining innovation policies that foster them has become an increasingly central concern. This article reviews the characteristics of the “developmental network” or “neo‐developmental” states that have been shown to foster innovations at the technological horizon. It then analyzes the US case to suggest why some developmental network approaches to governance have proven relatively durable, while others have not. We conclude with a discussion of what can – and cannot – be learned from the US case, and suggest the importance of comparative work on the sustainability of effective innovation‐centered approaches to governance.