bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job perceptions of Generation Z hotel employees towards working in Covid-19 quarantine hotels: the role of meaningful work
Authors: Goh Edmund , Baum Tom
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a growing emergence of “quarantine hotels” that provide accommodation to guests who are mandated to self-isolate for 14 days upon entry to a country to prevent the spread of virus. Why are young hotel workers willing to endure relatively poor working conditions and expose themselves to dangerous COVID-19 workplace environments? Perhaps, the opportunity to participate in meaningful work is the prime motivator for hotel workers who choose to work in quarantine hotels. This study aims to investigate the motivations that young hotel employees hold towards working in a potentially dangerous hotel workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Using personal interviews, this research explored the antecedents behind Generation Z employees’ (n = 42) actual behaviour towards working in quarantine hotels through the lens of the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived difficulties and meaningful work).

Findings

Results revealed that meaningful work such as making the world safer and going beyond the call of duty was a key motivating factor behind a willingness to work in quarantine hotels. Hotel employees also viewed working in quarantine hotels as exciting but dangerous, and the support from their family nuclei was seen as a key underlying motivator.

Practical implications

The key implications are the image of the hospitality industry in terms of professional identity to be an industry that is respected by society given the high-risk work environment with increased exposure to COVID-19. Even though Generation Z still see some long-standing negatives in hotel work such as long hours and emotional challenge, it is positive to know that there are contexts in which they can have more pride and meaningfulness from their jobs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to examine Generation Z hotel workers’ motivations to work in quarantine hotels. A key theoretical contribution to the body of knowledge is the extension of the TPB framework with the additional meaningful work variable.
Identification of data mining research frontier based on conference papers
Authors: Huang Yue , Liu Hu , Pan Jing
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Identifying the frontiers of a specific research field is one of the most basic tasks in bibliometrics and research published in leading conferences is crucial to the data mining research community, whereas few research studies have focused on it. The purpose of this study is to detect the intellectual structure of data mining based on conference papers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes the authoritative conference papers of the ranking 9 in the data mining field provided by Google Scholar Metrics as a sample. According to paper amount, this paper first detects the annual situation of the published documents and the distribution of the published conferences. Furthermore, from the research perspective of keywords, CiteSpace was used to dig into the conference papers to identify the frontiers of data mining, which focus on keywords term frequency, keywords betweenness centrality, keywords clustering and burst keywords.

Findings

Research showed that the research heat of data mining had experienced a linear upward trend during 2007 and 2016. The frontier identification based on the conference papers showed that there were five research hotspots in data mining, including clustering, classification, recommendation, social network analysis and community detection. The research contents embodied in the conference papers were also very rich.

Originality/value

This study detected the research frontier from leading data mining conference papers. Based on the keyword co-occurrence network, from four dimensions of keyword term frequency, betweeness centrality, clustering analysis and burst analysis, this paper identified and analyzed the research frontiers of data mining discipline from 2007 to 2016.
Crowd evolution method based on intelligence level clustering
Authors: Ge Lulu , Yang Zheming , Ji Wen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The evolution of crowd intelligence is a mainly concerns issue in the field of crowd science. It is a kind of group behavior that is superior to the individual’s ability to complete tasks through the cooperation of many agents. In this study, the evolution of crowd intelligence is studied through the clustering method and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a crowd evolution method based on intelligence level clustering. Based on clustering, this method uses the agents’ intelligence level as the metric to cluster agents. Then, the agents evolve within the cluster on the basis of the PSO algorithm.

Findings

Two main simulation experiments are designed for the proposed method. First, agents are classified based on their intelligence level. Then, when evolving the agents, two different evolution centers are set. Besides, this paper uses different numbers of clusters to conduct experiments.

Practical implications

The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the crowd intelligence level and the cooperation ability between agents.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a crowd evolution method based on intelligence level clustering, which is based on the clustering method and the PSO algorithm to analyze the evolution.
Non-financial key performance indicators: what determines the differences in the quality and quantity of the disclosures?
Authors: Zarzycka Ewelina , Krasodomska Joanna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to examine if corporate characteristics, general contextual factors and the internal context differentiate the quality and quantity of the disclosed non-financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on content analysis of the disclosures provided by large public interest entities operating in Poland after the introduction of the Directive 2014/95/EU. The quality of the KPIs disclosures is measured with the disclosure index. Regression analysis and selected statistical tests are used to examine the influence of the selected factors on the differences in the index value and corporate disclosure choices as regards the KPIs.

Findings

The study findings indicate that the sample companies provide a variety of non-financial KPIs in a manner that makes their effective comparison difficult. The research confirms that mainly industry, ecologists and the reporting standard determine the significant differences in the quality of the KPIs disclosures and the quantity of presented KPIs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper adds to the understanding of the differences in the quality of KPIs presentation and the choice of disclosed KPIs.

Practical implications

The paper includes suggestions on how to change corporate practice with regard to the non-financial KPIs disclosures.

Originality/value

We shed additional light on the importance of internal contextual factors such as the reporting standard and the reporters' experience in providing non-financial KPIs disclosures.
Practice of the member states of the European Union in the field of anti-corruption regulation
Authors: Melnyk Dmytro S. , Parfylo Oleg A. , Butenko Oleksii V. , Tykhonova Olena V. , Zarosylo Volodymyr O.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The experience of most European Union (EU) Member States has demonstrated effective anti-corruption practices, making the EU one of the leaders in this field, which can be used as an example to learn from in the field of anti-corruption. The purpose of this study is to analyze and identify the main features of anti-corruption legislation and strategies to prevent corruption at the national and supranational levels of the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

The following methods were used in the work: discourse and content analysis, method of system analysis, method of induction and deduction, historical-legal method, formal-legal method, comparative-legal method and others. Using the historical and legal method, the evolution of the formation of anti-corruption regulation at the supranational level was revealed. The comparative law method helped to compare the practices of the Member States of the EU in the field of anti-corruption regulation. The formal-legal method is used for generalization, classification and systematization of research results, as well as for the correct presentation of these results.

Findings

The main results, prospects for further research and the value of the material. The paper offers a critical review of key EU legal instruments on corruption, from the first initiatives taken in the mid-1990s to recent years.

Originality/value

In addition, the article analyzes the relevant anti-corruption legislation in the EU member states that are in the top 10 countries with the lowest level of corruption, namely: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
Translating green strategic intent into green process innovation performance: the role of green intellectual capital
Authors: Jirakraisiri Jirapol , Badir Yuosre F. , Frank Björn
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Many firms struggle to implement strategies that can successfully enhance the environmental sustainability of their processes. Drawing on the theories of green intellectual capital and complementary assets, this study develops a model describing the mechanism whereby firms can translate a green (i.e., environmental) strategy into a superior green process innovation performance (GPIP).

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis of multi-source survey data collected from 514 managers at 257 firms (257 top management members and 257 safety or environmental managers) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

A firm's green strategic intent has positive effects on the three aspects of green intellectual capital (i.e., human, organizational and relational capital). In turn, these three aspects have positive effects on GPIP. Moreover, green organizational capital positively moderates the effect of green relational capital on GPIP, whereas it negatively moderates the effect of human capital on GPIP.

Research limitations/implications

In order to implement a green strategy successfully, especially in polluted industries such as the chemical industry, managers need to develop not only the firm's tangible resources but also its intangible resources. The more they invest in green organizational capital, the higher the level of GPIP that can be achieved. On average, a firm's green human capital is more important than its organizational and relational capital. Moreover, its organizational capital helps capture the benefits of its relational capital, but it impairs the creativity of its human capital.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature on green strategy implementation by suggesting that green intellectual capital plays a mediating role in the relationship between a firm's green strategic intent and GPIP.
The consumers’ commitment and materialism on Islamic banking: the role of religiosity
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi , Wicaksono Ready , Hamka Hamka
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether and how religiosity (e.g. extrinsic and intrinsic) influences the mediator variables (consumers’ commitment and materialism) in the Islamic bank consumers context. It also examines how the mediators should be influence consumers’ preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 658 Muslim people and Islamic bank consumers were recruited for a survey study and structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that religiosity (e.g. extrinsic and intrinsic) has significant and positive effects on consumers’ commitment and materialism, whereas intrinsic religiosity has no significant effect on consumers’ commitment which subsequently influences consumers’ preference. Furthermore, mediator variables (e.g. consumers’ commitment and consumers’ materialism) have partial mediators between religiosity and consumers’ preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was limited to Indonesian Muslim people; there is a future need to study consumers’ attitudes and engagement in religious products and services (e.g. Islamic brands). It is can help practitioners, regulators and researchers to observe the dynamic behavior to elaborate on the impact of religion and Islamic products on consumers’ preference.

Practical implications

The bank managers and regulators should enhance the information of products and services Islamic banks and the difference principle between conventional banks. Moreover, enlighten the consumers about the principle operation of Islamic banks from the perspective of marketing and religiosity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to consumers’ behavior literature and, specifically, for the decision-making process through developing and testing a model of religious determinants toward Islamic bank products, as well as offers new insights into the determinants of religion and consumers’ decision process toward Islamic banking.
Post-acquisition knowledge management practices for exploration and exploitation: insights from a food service organization
Authors: Annosi Maria Carmela , Casprini Elena , Martini Antonella , Ramón Torres Jessica Geovana
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Drawing from the knowledge-based view of the firm, this paper aims to explore the knowledge management practices that the acquirer uses to exploit its knowledge creating conditions for the exploitation of the target’s knowledge and to explore its knowledge by realizing routines for the integration of new knowledge within the target.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an in-depth case study analysis based on the acquisition of a Dutch food service organization by an Italian company operating in the same sector.

Findings

The case study analysis reveals four mechanisms for knowledge integration, two aimed at exploiting the acquirer’s knowledge, and two aimed at exploring the acquirer’s knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper unveils that it is the interlinkage among organizational, human and technological factors, at multiple layers of the target, which allows the knowledge integration within the post-acquisition process.
Accounting for leases – lessons from COVID-19
Authors: Teixeira Alan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have given relief to lessees in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, it is not clear why any relief from the requirements in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) should be necessary. The purpose of this paper is to highlight weaknesses in how the IASB and FASB developed their leases Standards, and why those Standards are not robust enough to cope with a shock to the economic system.

Design/methodology/approach

The COVID-19 relief suspends some features of the leasing requirements rather than changing them. What if other economic or regulatory events cause the same circumstances to arise?

Findings

Have COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in the leasing standards that should have been avoided when they were developed or is COVID-19 the problem?

Originality/value

Analysis of actual board discussions and staff papers is unusual and provides insights into the standard-setting process.
Bone reconstruction surgery of complex craniomaxillofacial deformities using additive manufacturing customized implants - a case report
Authors: Jardini André Luiz , Najar Lopes Éder Sócrates , Gabriel Laís Pellizzer , Calderoni Davi , Maciel Filho Rubens , Kharmandayan Paulo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the design, manufacturing and surgical implantation of three-dimensional (3D) customized implants, including surgical preoperative planning, surgery and postoperative results, for cranioplasty along with zygomatic and orbital floor implants using additive manufacturing (AM) technics for a 23-year-old female who suffered from severe craniomaxillofacial trauma.

Design/methodology/approach

The skull biomodel was produced in polyamide while implants were made of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by AM.

Findings

The method enabled perfectly fitting implants and anatomical conformance with the craniomaxillofacial defect, providing complete healing for the patient. Surgical planning using a customized 3D polyamide biomodel was effective. This proved to be a powerful tool for medical planning and manufacturing of customized implants, as complete healing and good craniofacial aesthetic results were observed.

Originality/value

Satisfactory surgical procedures, regarding surgery time reduction and good craniofacial aesthetic results, were achieved. Furthermore, the 3D titanium customized implants represented a favorable alternative for the repair of craniomaxillofacial defects.
Can you tell me more about your postdoctoral experience? A personal narrative review of the postdoctoral position in the social sciences
Authors: Niang Anta , Khoury Emmanuelle , Brunelle Natacha , Goyette Martin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper is the result of a collaboration and sharing of experiences of two postdoctoral researchers. The purpose of this paper is to put these experiences into perspective by cross-referencing our respective personal narratives with an analysis of the existing literature on the postdoctoral experience in the social sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a non-exhaustive systematic literature review using the database PsycInfo and the multidisciplinary Web of Science Catalogue database to find relevant articles published from 2000 to today. Of the 946 articles identified from the database, only 12 were included in the literature review. The authors also included four articles identified from other sources, such as Google Scholar. Secondly, the authors used a method inspired by reflexive personal narrative writing, which allowed us to share our postdoctoral experience and examine how it compares or complements the existing literature on postdoctoral experience in the social sciences.

Findings

The literature highlights three significant criteria that play a major role in the postdoctoral experience across disciplines: professional identity, work–life balance and relationship with supervisor. While the majority of the current literature seems to highlight the importance of career prospects in the daily lives of postdoctoral researchers, the other two aspects seem to be somewhat less explored. However, personal factors as well as the relationship with the supervisor appear to be of major importance in the search for work–life balance, feelings of competency and overall satisfaction among postdoctoral researchers.

Research limitations/implications

At the theoretical level, this paper allows a better understanding of the experiences of postdoctoral students in the social sciences, which seem to be less documented than those in scientific fields (e.g., Science, technology, engineering and mathematics postdoctoral fellow).

Practical implications

On a practical level, it constitutes a tool for reflection for postdoctoral researchers in the social sciences as well as for academic actors working to support and develop the well-being of these researchers (e.g. teachers, supervisors, administrators), all with the aim of optimising academic practices.

Originality/value

These results are discussed with respect to the specificity that our subjective personal narratives can offer to understand postdoctoral experiences, particularly in the social sciences, and thus offer reflections on ways to attend to individual psychosocial and relational needs that can foster an improved personal and professional training.
Insulin resistance attenuates the impact of levothyroxine on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity in women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Basiak Marcin , Okopień Bogusław
Published: June 2021

Subjects with both subclinical hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis are frequently diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether insulin sensitivity determines levothyroxine action on thyroid antibody titres and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity in young women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism. The study population consisted of three age‐, thyroid antibody‐ and thyrotropin‐matched groups of women with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism: metformin‐naive women with insulin resistance (group A, n=31), women receiving metformin treatment because of insulin resistance (group B, n=32), as well as metformin‐naive women with normal insulin sensitivity (group C, n=35). Throughout the study, all subjects were treated with levothyroxine. Titres of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, as well as circulating levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, prolactin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were determined at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. Except for two individuals, all patients completed the study. At baseline, group A differed from groups B and C in circulating levels of glucose, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, hsCRP, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and the homeostatic model assessment 1 of insulin resistance (HOMA1‐IR). Although levothyroxine reduced thyroid antibody titres, decreased thyrotropin levels and increased free thyroid hormone levels in all studied groups, the effect on antibody titres and thyrotropin levels was more pronounced in groups B and C than in group A. The impact of levothyroxine on thyroid antibody titres correlated with baseline and treatment‐induced changes in HOMA1‐IR, thyrotropin, hsCRP and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. The results of the current study suggest that the impact of exogenous levothyroxine on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity is determined by insulin sensitivity.
Designing Personal Income Tax and Transfer Reforms: Alternative Modelling Approaches
Authors: Alinaghi Nazila , Creedy John , Gemmell Norman
Published: June 2021

Decisions regarding personal income tax and transfer reforms are inevitably subject to value judgements. Hence, there is a crucial role for policy analysis in which the implications of clearly expressed values are considered. Tax models play a central role in such analyses. This paper reviews a number of tax models and illustrates their use in the context of the New Zealand income tax and transfer system. It is suggested that the appropriate economic models vary according to: the precise ways in which the policy question is formulated; the underlying behavioural responses to taxation expected across the taxpaying population; the precise definitions of key variables such as income inequality; and the specification of policy objectives such as redistribution, revenue‐raising or tax efficiency.
What the Fair Minded Observer Really Thinks About Judicial Impartiality
Authors: Higgins Andrew , Levy Inbar
Published: June 2021

This article presents the results of an empirical study designed to assess the degree of convergence and divergence between public opinion and the fictional Fair Minded Observer (FMO) test used to determine whether a judge ought to be disqualified on the grounds of possible bias. As part of the test, judges imagine whether an FMO would see a risk of bias on the part of the judge. To the extent that the FMO is partly meant to reflect public perception, the obvious weakness in the test is that no one has tested public attitudes to the risk of judicial bias specifically. We conducted nationally representative public surveys in the UK and Australia, asking respondents what they think about different situations of possible bias (N = 2064). Our results indicate that a gap exists between the FMO created by the courts and public opinion in both countries across a number of scenarios thought to give rise to possible bias, including financial relationships, the risk of prejudgement and fact patterns based on leading cases.
Whey protein hydrolysis with microbial proteases: Determination of kinetic parameters and bioactive properties for different reaction conditions
Authors: Eberhardt Agustina , López Emilse C , Marino Fernanda , Mammarella Enrique J , Manzo Ricardo M , Sihufe Guillermo A
Published: June 2021

Whey protein concentrate was enzymatically hydrolysed with the microbial proteases Alcalase® and Flavourzyme® under different experimental conditions. The effect of the reaction variables on the properties of the hydrolysates was evaluated. The pH had a significant effect both on the degree of hydrolysis and on the kinetic parameters. The initial substrate concentration and the enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio had an influence both on the degree of hydrolysis and on the hydrophobicity index, but not on the bioactive properties of the hydrolysates. The products of hydrolysis obtained with Alcalase® presented the highest degree of hydrolysis, the lowest hydrophobicity index and the best bioactive properties.
We need a hero: HR and the ‘next normal’ workplace
Authors: Kulik Carol T.
Published: June 2021

During the first few months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, employees worked from home in record numbers and enjoyed extraordinarily high levels of autonomy. Now, as employers reopen their doors, we can build on those gains to create better workplaces than the ones we left behind. HR has a window of opportunity in which to develop psychologically safe workplaces, trust‐based employment relationships and socially connected workforces. But progress towards better workplaces hangs on a few critical adjustments in the HR researcher–practitioner relationship. HR researchers must work with HR practitioners to identify organization‐level interventions and examine their simultaneous influence on employee and employer outcomes. HR practitioners must create sandboxes where those interventions can be pilot tested, and resist their instinctive urge to establish formalised structures and develop monitoring systems.
Adhesion heterogeneity of individual bacterial cells in an axenic culture studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Laskowski Dariusz , Strzelecki Janusz , Dahm Hanna , Balter Aleksander
Published: June 2021

The evaluation of bacterial adhesive properties at a single‐cell level is critical for under standing the role of phenotypic heterogeneity in bacterial attachment and community formation. Bacterial population exhibits a wide variety of adhesive properties at the single‐cell level, suggesting that bacterial adhesion is a rather complex process and some bacteria are prone to phenotypic heterogeneity. This heterogeneity was more pronounced for Escherichia coli, where two subpopulations were detected. Subpopulations exhibiting higher adhesion forces may be better adapted to colonize a new surface, especially during sudden changes in environmental conditions. Escherichia coli was characterized by a higher adhesion force, a stronger ability to form biofilm and larger heterogeneity index calculated in comparison with Bacillus subtilis. Higher adhesion forces are associated with a more efficient attachment of bacteria observed in an adhesion assay and might provide a basis for successful colonization, survival and multiplications in changing environment. The atomic force microscopy provides a platform for investigation of the adhesion heterogeneity of individual cells within a population, which may be expected to underpin further elucidation of the adaptive significance of phenotypic heterogeneity in a natural environment.
Plant richness drives ant diversity in Eucalyptus‐dominated landscape on Brazilian savanna
Authors: Aguiar Jonas José Mendes , Anjos Diego V. , Carvalho Raquel L. , Rejane de Almeida Wanessa , Santos Ana Carolina Costa , Santos Jean Carlos
Published: June 2021

The conversion of natural areas into agricultural systems and silviculture is the greatest threat to biodiversity in tropical ecosystems such as the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). This landscape transformation could lead to the loss of native species, including ants that cannot tolerate the new environment dominated by exotic plant species, such as Eucalyptus spp. The present study aims to investigate ant diversity and their functional groups to verify which vegetation and landscape variables explain their changes in a neglected formation of Cerrado (Campos Murundus) surrounded by Eucalyptus forests planted. We sampled ants in 29 sites, which presented a gradient of richness, average plant heights, and distances from Eucalyptus plantations and permanent protected areas (PPAs). We found 83 ant species from six functional guilds (arboreal, Camponotini, epigeic omnivorous, higher Attini, lower Attini and specialist predators). Plant richness best explained the diversity of ants. Higher distance from Eucalyptus plantations also positively explained the frequency of functional groups, whereas higher distance from the PPAs negatively explained the frequency of Camponotini species. Our study showed that vegetation (plant richness) and landscape variables help to understand ant diversity in a Eucalyptus‐dominated landscape. This reaffirms the importance of preserving the vegetation and their associate fauna in Campos Murundus by increasing the extent of conservation of this threatened biome.
Natural history of florid osseous dysplasia of the jaws with important clinical implications
Authors: Farah Camile S. , Matias Marie Anne T.
Published: June 2021

Osseous dysplasia (OD) is the most common fibro‐osseous lesion of the jaws. A number of cases of florid osseous dysplasia (FOD) have been described; however, to our knowledge none have shown radiographic disease progression for a single case involving multiple regions of the jaws over an extended period of time. This report presents the 18‐year history and radiographic disease progression of a patient diagnosed with FOD demonstrating progression from the osteolytic phase through the osteoblastic phase and to maturation phase at different intervals. Additionally, it outlines the importance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in diagnostic workup to avoid unnecessary and invasive treatment such as bone biopsy, endodontic treatment or tooth extraction due to misdiagnosis of FOD. Dental practitioners should establish a correct diagnosis themselves by making use of important clinical and radiographic cues such as tooth vitality of affected teeth, or by referral to an appropriate specialist before commencing irreversible dental treatment.
The effect of deprivation on depression across different age groups in Korea
Authors: Lee Jumi
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to verify whether deprivation is experienced differently across different age groups and whether these differences change the effect of deprivation on depression. In this study, the CES‐D 11 scale was used to measure depression. Additionally, to verify the relationship between deprivation and depression by age group, logistics analysis was conducted. This study analyzed the survey data of 4,000 individuals from Korea; respondents were classified into four age groups: ≤34, 35–49, 50–64, and ≥65 years old. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between deprivation and depression and that specific areas of deprivation affected depression differently for each age group. The deprivation ratios of older individuals were higher in all areas. Further, the deprivation ratio of the ≤34 group in housing and living conditions was higher than that of the other groups. Additionally, respondents in the 50–64 and the ≥65 groups were alienated from the social security network, which poses an increased risk for chronic deprivation or poverty. The results of this study suggest that policies and practical interventions are needed, taking into account that the effects of absolute and relative deprivation on depression vary by age group.
Indirect effects of African megaherbivore conservation on bat diversity in the world's oldest desert
Authors: Laverty Theresa M. , Berger Joel
Published: June 2021

In extreme environments, temperature and precipitation are often the main forces responsible for structuring ecological communities and species distributions. The role of biotic interactions is typically thought to be minimal. By clustering around rare and isolated features, like surface water, however, effects of herbivory by desert‐dwelling wildlife can be amplified. Understanding how species interact in these environments is critical to safeguarding vulnerable or data‐deficient species. We examined whether African elephants (Loxodonta africana), black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), and southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) modulate insectivorous bat communities around permanent waterholes in the Namib Desert. We estimated megaherbivore use of sites based on dung transects, summarized vegetation productivity from satellite measurements of the normalized difference vegetation index, and surveyed local bat communities acoustically. We used structural equation models to identify relationships among megaherbivores and bat species richness and dry‐ (November 2016–January 2017) and wet‐ (February–May 2017) season bat activity. Site‐level megaherbivore use in the dry season was positively associated with bat activity—particularly that of open‐air foragers—and species richness through indirect pathways. When resources were more abundant (wet season), however, these relationships were weakened. Our results indicate that biotic interactions contribute to species distributions in desert areas and suggest the conservation of megaherbivores in this ecosystem may indirectly benefit insectivorous bat abundance and diversity. Given that how misunderstood and understudied most bats are relative to other mammals, such findings suggest that managers pursue short‐term solutions (e.g., community game guard programs, water‐point protection near human settlements, and ecotourism) to indirectly promote bat conservation and that research includes megaherbivores’ effects on biodiversity at other trophic levels.
Association of CYP3A5 polymorphisms and parathyroid hormone with blood level of tacrolimus in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Tanaka Ryota , Suzuki Yosuke , Watanabe Hiroshi , Fujioka Takashi , Hirata Kenshiro , Shin Toshitaka , Ando Tadasuke , Ono Hiroyuki , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Mimata Hiromitsu , Maruyama Toru , Itoh Hiroki
Published: June 2021

Because tacrolimus is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A, the blood concentration/dose (C/D) ratio is affected by CYP3A5 polymorphism. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) expression increases in secondary hyperparathyroidism, which is frequently associated with end‐stage renal disease. Recently, PTH has been shown to downregulate CYP3A expression at mRNA level. In this study, we examined the influence of CYP3A5 polymorphism on and association of serum intact‐PTH (iPTH) level with blood tacrolimus concentration in patients with end‐stage renal disease just before kidney transplantation. Forty‐eight patients who satisfied the selection criteria were analyzed. Subjects were classified into two phenotype subgroups: CYP3A5 expressor (CYP3A5*1/*1 and *1/*3; n = 15) and CYP3A5 nonexpressor (CYP3A5*3/*3; n = 33). The blood tacrolimus C/D (per body weight) ratio was significantly lower in CYP3A5 expressors than that in CYP3A5 nonexpressors. A significant positive correlation was found between tacrolimus C/D and iPTH concentrations (r = 0.305, p = 0.035), and the correlation coefficient was higher after excluding 20 patients co‐administered CYP3A inhibitor or inducer (r = 0.428, p = 0.023). A multiple logistic regression analysis by stepwise selection identified CYP3A5 polymorphism and serum iPTH level as significant factors associated with tacrolimus C/D. These results may suggest the importance of dose design considering not only the CYP3A5 phenotype but also serum iPTH level when using tacrolimus in patients who undergo renal transplantation.
Insights into the early use of oral semaglutide in routine clinical practice: The IGNITE study
Authors: Aroda Vanita R. , Faurby Mads , Lophaven Søren , Noone Josh , Wolden Michael Lyng , Lingvay Ildiko
Published: June 2021

Oral semaglutide is the first oral glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and showed significant benefits in glycaemic control and weight reduction versus active comparators in the PIONEER phase 3a randomized controlled trial programme. In this retrospective study, we present early data on the use of oral semaglutide in clinical practice, from the US IBM Explorys electronic health record database. In 782 patients prescribed oral semaglutide, 54.5% were women, and the mean age (SD) was 57.8 years (11.3); 66.0% of patients received their prescription from a primary care practitioner. Although prescribing information recommends increasing the dose to 7 mg after 30 days, 37.0% of patients received a prescription only for the initial 3 mg dose. Mean body mass index was 36.2 kg/m2 (7.6); mean HbA1c was 8.4% (1.8%). Mean HbA1c change from baseline to approximately 6 months after oral semaglutide initiation was −0.9% (95% CI: −1.1%; −0.6%), with greater reductions in patients with higher baseline HbA1c. These data indicate prevalent early adoption of oral semaglutide in primary care, show real‐world improvements in glycaemic control, and identify potential treatment gaps.
The deep sea is a hot spot of fish body shape evolution
Authors: Martinez Christopher M. , Friedman Sarah T. , Corn Katherine A. , Larouche Olivier , Price Samantha A. , Wainwright Peter C.
Published: June 2021

Deep‐sea fishes have long captured our imagination with striking adaptations to life in the mysterious abyss, raising the possibility that this cold, dark ocean region may be a key hub for physiological and functional diversification. We explore this idea through an analysis of body shape evolution across ocean depth zones in over 3000 species of marine teleost fishes. We find that the deep ocean contains twice the body shape disparity of shallow waters, driven by elevated rates of evolution in traits associated with locomotion. Deep‐sea fishes display more frequent adoption of forms suited to slow and periodic swimming, whereas shallow living species are concentrated around shapes conferring strong, sustained swimming capacity and manoeuvrability. Our results support long‐standing impressions of the deep sea as an evolutionary hotspot for fish body shape evolution and highlight that factors like habitat complexity and ecological interactions are potential drivers of this adaptive diversification.
Siblings’ Perspectives of the Impact of Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure on Sibling and Family Relationships
Authors: McElvaney Rosaleen , McDonnell Murray Rachael , Dunne Simon
Published: June 2021

Child sexual abuse (CSA) may have significant consequences for siblings; however, limited research has been conducted on the impact of the abuse on sibling and family relationships following the disclosure of CSA. This study sought to investigate sibling responses to disclosures of CSA among a group of adult siblings in Ireland, and the impact on sibling and family relationships through an online survey. A thematic analysis was conducted on a sub‐set of participants who responded to open‐ended questions (n = 45). Three main themes were identified as follows: (a) intense emotional reactions, (b) relationship support and strain, and (c) managing family dynamics. CSA disclosure may have a substantial impact on sibling and family relationships. Supporting siblings in the aftermath of CSA disclosure is essential, both for the well‐being of the individual who was sexually abused and for the wider family.
Improving landings forecasts using environmental covariates: A case study on the Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps)
Authors: Holmes Elizabeth Eli , BR Smitha , Nimit Kumar , Maity Sourav , Checkley David M. , Wells Mark L. , Trainer Vera L.
Published: June 2021

Commercial landings of sardines are known to show strong year‐to‐year fluctuations. A key driver is thought to be environmental variability, to which small forage fish are especially sensitive. We examined the utility of including environmental covariates in forecasts for landings of the Indian oil sardine using a long‐term time series of quarterly catches. Potentially influential variables examined included precipitation, upwelling intensity, sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll‐a concentration. All of these have been shown to be important for oil sardine growth and survival, spawning and/or movement into the nearshore fishing regions. However, improving out‐of‐sample landings forecasts using environmental covariates has often proven elusive. We tested the inclusion of environmental covariates in forecast models using generalized additive models, which allow for non‐linear responses, and dynamic linear models, which allow for time‐varying responses. Only two environmental covariates improved out‐of‐sample prediction: the 2.5‐year average regional SST and precipitation over land during June–July. The most significant improvement was with the SST covariate and post‐monsoon landings with a 19%–22% reduction in mean‐squared prediction error. Models with the second best covariate, monsoon precipitation over land, provided a 4%–8% reduction in prediction error. We also tested large‐scale ocean climate teleconnection indices. One, an index of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, also improved out‐of‐sample predictions similarly to the multiyear average regional SST. The earth's changing climate is associated with both rapid warming in the Western Indian Ocean and changes to monsoon rainfall patterns. Our work highlights these as key variables that can improve forecasting of oil sardine landings.
Analysing gateway cities at different scales: From global interlinking and regional development to urban branding
Authors: Scholvin Sören
Published: June 2021

Gateway cities connect vast hinterlands to the outside world, being vital for our highly globalised and networked society. Studying them complements the understanding of urban nodes in global networks from the world city literature because it draws attention to the diversity of these nodes and city‐to‐hinterland relations. This article first discusses which features mark gateway cities. Logistics, industrial processing, knowledge generation and perhaps other dimensions of global interlinking should be taken into consideration – in addition to corporate control and corporate services. Second, the article sheds light on the impact of gateway cities upon regional development. Whilst some argue that gateways are a filter to economic gains and thus reduce the prospects of their hinterlands, others suggest that they may serve as engines of growth, transmitting impulses to subordinate locations. The author then elaborates on dynamics at the urban scale. He contends that there is need for research on cities (or organisations from there) as actors that resort to, for example, urban branding to become a gateway or reinforce this status. Research along these lines must also address the dark side of urban branding, most importantly the sharp divide between globalised and sidelined urban districts.
BULWARK AGAINST RACISM? HUMBOLDT'S INFLUENCE ON THE RACIAL NOTIONS OF GERMAN WRITERS IN MEXICO (1920s–1940s)
Authors: Acle‐Kreysing Andrea
Published: June 2021

Alexander von Humboldt was regarded as an anti‐fascist symbol among German‐speaking exiles who, fleeing persecution from the Nazi regime, found refuge in Mexico. Humboldt's legacy was read as being an endorsement of the country's struggle for political and cultural emancipation, while his famously anti‐racist stance proved helpful in framing the exiles’ unprecedented encounter with Mexico's indigenous peoples. Moreover, as I argue, Humboldt's approach to creating knowledge indicated a willingness to treat non‐Europeans as intellectual peers, paving the way for a more egalitarian relationship between Germans and Mexicans. Yet the legacy of Humboldt, as will be seen with reference to several German writers between the 1920s and 1940s, was far from being an unfailing antidote to both racist attitudes or the tendency to exoticise. These tensions will be exemplified through works by Alfons Goldschmidt, B. Traven, Egon Erwin Kisch, Ludwig Renn and Gustav Regler, using novel sources and calling into question some of the established truths in the literature about German exiles in Mexico. In particular, I will show why Goldschmidt was considered by fellow exiles to be Humboldt's successor, insofar as both gave a political and ethical dimension to scientific practice.
Age, operation time and surgical approach can be used to detect incidental gallbladder carcinoma in cholecystectomy specimens from low‐incidence settings
Authors: Echelard Philippe , Roy Simon F , Trinh Vincent Q‐H , Garant Marie‐Pierre , Collin Yves , Nguyen Bich N , Geha Sameh
Published: June 2021

Aims

Gallbladders resected for non‐neoplastic diseases are systemically examined microscopically to rule out incidental dysplasia and carcinoma. The main aim of this study was to test whether a pre‐grossing algorithm can detect incidental gallbladder carcinoma. The secondary aim was to test whether the algorithm can detect high‐grade dysplasia.

Methods and results

A retrospective study of clinical, pathological and radiological findings in cholecystectomy recipients was performed on a test set to develop a classification and regression tree algorithm. Cholecystectomy cases were included; exclusion criteria were age <18 years, missing pathology reports, preoperative suspicion of neoplastic disease, and cholecystectomy for non‐gallbladder oncological disease. Five thousand nine hundred and eighty‐two cholecystectomies from 2006 to 2018 were included in the study, with 18 cases of incidental gallbladder carcinoma and 11 cases of high‐grade dysplasia. Three hundred and ninety controls were randomly selected for the testing set. Patient age, surgical approach, operation duration, dilatation of the biliary tract and gallbladder gross anomalies were statistically significant distinguishing factors in multivariate analysis (P < 0.00–0.026). Unsupervised testing with a conditional inference tree suggested that age, procedure type and operation duration can be used to identify incidental gallbladder carcinoma from controls, whereas high‐grade dysplasia also requires grossing parameters to identify half of the cases (5/11).

Conclusion

Readily available clinical parameters and postoperative data can be used to detect incidental gallbladder carcinoma. High‐grade dysplasia mostly requires grossing and microscopic examination.