bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Untangling the role of CEOs' political ideology in the provision and inclusiveness of work–family policies: a multi-level conceptual model
Authors: Roumpi Dorothea
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Acknowledging the importance of work–family practices that extend beyond what is legally mandated and that cover the needs of a diverse workforce, this paper offers a conceptual model that explores the factors that can influence the provision and inclusiveness of work–family policies in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is based on a thorough literature review of relevant articles in the fields of management and political science.

Findings

In line with the upper echelons perspective, chief executive officers’ (CEOs') political ideology is a multidimensional concept, comprising two main dimensions (financial and social) that can influence the provision and inclusiveness of work–family practices. Moreover, the proposed conceptual model considers other important factors, such as the centrality of the CEO's political ideology, as potential moderating factors, as well as the conditional role of institutional pressures. Finally, the proposed model takes into account the important role of line managers/supervisors in the implementation of work–family policies and shows the importance of the provision and inclusiveness of work–family practices for critical organizational outcomes (organizational attraction and turnover).

Originality/value

The proposed conceptual model offers a more in-depth understanding of the factors that influence the provision and inclusiveness of work–family policies.
Shifted Rayleigh filter: a novel estimation filtering algorithm for pervasive underwater passive target tracking for computation in 3D by bearing and elevation measurements
Authors: Kavitha Lakshmi M. , Koteswara Rao S. , Subrahmanyam K.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Marine exploration is becoming an important element of pervasive computing underwater target tracking. Many pervasive techniques are found in current literature, but only scant research has been conducted on their effectiveness in target tracking.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper, introduces a Shifted Rayleigh Filter (SHRF) for three-dimensional (3 D) underwater target tracking. A comparison is drawn between the SHRF and previously proven method Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF).

Findings

SHRF is especially suitable for long-range scenarios to track a target with less solution convergence compared to UKF. In this analysis, the problem of determining the target location and speed from noise corrupted measurements of bearing, elevation by a single moving target is considered. SHRF is generated and its performance is evaluated for the target motion analysis approach.

Originality/value

The proposed filter performs better than UKF, especially for long-range scenarios. Experimental results from Monte Carlo are provided using MATLAB and the enhancements achieved by the SHRF techniques are evident.
Keeping a distance but heading in the same direction: formal rules on unemployment benefit sanctions and social assistance benefit sanctions in Poland, 1989–2014
Authors: Pieliński Bartosz , Mering Tomasz , Szarfenberg Ryszard
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the development of welfare conditionality and especially benefit sanctions in Central and Eastern Europe (the CEE) and to develop a methodology by implementing Institutional Grammar (IG) for studying rules on benefit sanctions relying only on legal text.

Design/methodology/approach

IG was used as a tool for analyzing legal regulations on benefit sanctions. It was incorporated into a social rights framework that provided a theoretical background for the study.

Findings

The paper shows the dynamic development of rules on benefit sanctions in Poland in social assistance and unemployment services. Both the harshness and strictness of these rules have increased. Simultaneously, the rules of benefit sanctions in social assistance remain more liberal than those associated with unemployment services.

Originality/value

The study presents the first comprehensive and concise overview of benefit sanctions development in the CEE and the first long-term comparison of these types of sanctions in two safety net systems operating in one country. The study also used IG for the first time in social policy research.
Understanding the process of agricultural entrepreneurship: perspective from strategic movements and entrepreneurial families
Authors: Islas-Moreno Asael , Muñoz-Rodríguez Manrrubio , Santoyo-Cortés Vinicio Horacio , Aguilar-Gallegos Norman , Martínez-González Enrique Genaro , Morris Wyn
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study analyses the sequence of actions carried out by successful enterprises in the agricultural sector and aims to understand the logic followed with such actions and the differences related to the types of families that develop them.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a multiple case study approach, the business and family trajectories of 14 successful agricultural enterprises in Mexico were analysed. The actions carried out by enterprises are conceptualized as strategic movements and are classified into seven categories: (1) growth and intensification, (2) reconversion, (3) diversification, (4) integration, (5) differentiation, (6) outsourcing and (7) digitization. Depending on their relationship with agriculture, entrepreneurial families are classified into three categories: (1) continuing families, (2) returning families and (3) incoming families.

Findings

The entrepreneurship logic follows three stages: evaluation, expansion and consolidation, through which different activities are tested, then the one that produces the best results is expanded and adopted as the main activity, and finally the expansion of the main activity and its evaluation are combined by comparing and complementing it with other agricultural activities. The difference is that continuing families adhere more to the traditional productivist model based on growth in scale and improved productivity of primary production. On the other hand, actions that imply a distinction in the quality of production such as integration and differentiation and that require links with other organizations such as outsourcing are more frequently carried out by returning and incoming families.

Research limitations/implications

The findings obtained through case studies cannot be statistically generalized to a specific population, however, our perspective can be transferred to other cases to obtain analogous findings.

Originality/value

The study is a unique piece in terms of the analysis of how families with different degrees of proximity to agriculture develop successful enterprises.
Impact of company and country antecedents on B2B buyer perceived supplier performance
Authors: Uddin Jashim , Elliott Gregory , Parvin Shehely
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To date, country-of-origin research has commonly explored structural relationships among country image (CI) constructs, together with attitudinal constructs, using a variety of halo, summary construct and flexible models, drawing on consumer samples. There has been no previous attempt to examine or synthesize these three models with respect to business-to-business (B2B) buying behavior. To fill this gap, this study reconceptualized these three models with B2B constructs using multi-cue settings and tested on B2B samples. This study aims to examine and estimate the relative impact of company- and country-specific images on B2B buyers’ evaluations of suppliers, and the direction of structural relationships with mediation among the constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was administered through a web-based structured questionnaire. The final sample consisted of 276 purchasing managers. Structural equation modeling was used to test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

Company image is significantly influenced by product country image (PCI) but not by overall CI. The existence of a significant relationship between PCI and perceived supplier performance in a multi-cue setting is an important new finding. In addition, company image significantly influences supplier performance and mediates the relationship between PCI and supplier performance. Among the three models that test structural relationships among CI and other constructs, the reconceptualized halo model fits the data best.

Practical implications

The study results revealed the contribution of company and country-related facets on B2B buyers’ perceptions of supplier performance while purchasing intermediate goods internationally. The significance of PCI on supplier performance emphasizes the strength of the industry sector within a country that may enable an industry to build a product-specific CI in international marketing.

Originality/value

This study advances the country-of-origin issue and debate concerning the strength of the country influence in the academic literature by addressing B2B buyers’ international purchasing behavior of intermediate goods. Additionally, the examination of multiple country facets, multi-cue settings and the CI influence structure in a single study, from a B2B perspective, offers a novel dimension to CI studies.
The digitalization-reputation link: a multiple case-study on Italian banking groups
Authors: Bernini Francesca , Ferretti Paola , Angelini Antonella
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the relation between digital transformation and banks’ reputation, as examined through the information disclosed by the five largest Italian banking groups’ efforts to extend and enhance their digital resources. Considering digitalization as a key strategy for managing reputation, which, in turn, can leverage financial and value performance management, the paper investigates whether and how digital activities might affect banks’ reputation. Therefore, this paper proposes the relationship between digitalization and reputation as a lever for performance management and for increasing efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use content analysis to generate a digital disclosure index, categorizing activities human, structural and relational. For banks’ reputations, the proxies are a measure of corporate reputation and a reputational risk index. Methodologically the study used multiple case studies, considered as particularly suitable to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic in the case of the five banks. A collection of secondary data and semi-structured interviews are included.

Findings

Overall, the digitalization-reputation link shows that banks’ reputation is variously affected, not only by exposure to risk (including reputational risk) but also by strategic issues such as digitalization and the effectiveness of the corresponding communication. Consequently, banks should view digitalization as a key driver to be considered not in a stand-alone perspective, but in a combined approach.

Research limitations/implications

Continued research should include the Covid-19 implications. Additionally, it would be important to compare a larger number of banks, with different characteristics, also including variables indicating the corporate governance mechanisms.

Practical implications

The analysis contributes to fostering scholars’ and practitioners’ management of the digital transformation challenge that is a current key-factor, capable of increasing banks’ value. It considers not only the drivers directly affecting monetary value but also the institutions’ social and relational value, as well as their reputation.

Originality/value

This paper extends prior research on the digitalization-reputation relation by investigating digital transformation through disclosure of activities in this area within the Italian banking sector. It allows to leverage the key-factors that can contribute to increasing banks’ value, considering not only the drivers directly affecting monetary value but also the institutions’ social and relational value, as well as their reputation.
Improvement of inter layer dielectric crack for LQFP C90FG wafer technology devices in copper wire bonding process
Authors: Wu Xiuqian , Ye Dehong , Zhang Hanmin , Song Li , Guo Liping
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the root causes of and implement the improvements for the inter layer dielectric (ILD) crack for LQFP C90FG (CMOS90 Floating Gate) wafer technology devices in copper wire bonding process.

Design/methodology/approach

Failure analysis was conducted including cratering, scanning electron microscopy inspection and focus ion beam cross-section analysis, which showed ILD crack. Root cause investigation of ILD crack rate sudden jumping was carried out with cause-and-effect analysis, which revealed the root cause is shallower lead frame down-set. ILD crack mechanism deep-dive on ILD crack due to shallower lead frame down-set, which revealed the mechanism is lead frame flag floating on heat insert. Further investigation and energy dispersive X-ray analysis found the Cu particles on heat insert is another factor that can result in lead frame flag floating.

Findings

Lead frame flag floating on heat insert caused by shallower lead frame down-set or foreign matter on heat insert is a critical factor of ILD crack that has never been revealed before. Weak wafer structure strength caused by thinner wafer passivation1 thickness and sharp corner at Metal Trench (compared with the benchmarking fab) are other factors that can impact ILD crack.

Originality/value

For ILD crack improvement in copper wire bonding, besides the obvious factors such as wafer structure and wire bonding parameters, also should take other factors into consideration including lead frame flag floating on heat insert and heat insert maintenance.
Subtle workplace discrimination inhibiting workers with intellectual disability from thriving at the workplace
Authors: Cavanagh Jillian , Meacham Hannah , Pariona-Cabrera Patricia , Bartram Timothy
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to examine the experiences of workers with intellectual disability (WWID) and subtle discriminatory practices that hold these workers back from thriving at the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design employs the Shore et al. (2011) framework of inclusion supported by optimal distinctiveness theory (ODT) (Brewer, 1991). These theoretical frames are used to examine the potential for WWID to become members of a work group and experience the opportunity to develop their unique selves, negotiate and thrive through their work for purposeful career outcomes. A qualitative case study approach was adopted through interviews and focus groups with a total of 91 participants: 41 WWID, 5 human resource (HR) managers, 5 duty/department managers (DMs), 24 colleagues and 16 supervisors.

Findings

The authors found that enhancing inclusion is underpinned by the positive impact of human resource management (HRM) practices and line management support for WWID feelings of belongingness and uniqueness that enable them to thrive through their work activities. The authors demonstrate that WWID need manager support and positive social interactions to increase their learning and vitality for work to embrace opportunities for growth. However, when WWID do not have these conditions, there are fewer opportunities for them to thrive at the workplace.

Practical implications

There is a need for formal HRM and management support and inclusive organisational interventions to mitigate discriminatory practices and better support WWID at work. There is an opportunity for HRM to design training and development around belongingness and uniqueness for this cohort of workers to maximise WWID opportunities to thrive through their work.

Originality/value

This study examines a cohort of WWID who are often forgotten and subtly discriminated against more so than other minority or vulnerable cohorts in the workplace, especially in terms of their development and reaching their full potential at work, which has an impact on their ability to thrive through their work. The paper makes an innovative contribution to the HRM literature through unpacking the processes through which Shore et al.'s (2011) conceptualisation of belongingness and uniqueness contributes to thriving for a marginalised and often overlooked cohort of workers.
Synthesis of nano-porous ZNO as pigment for white silicone thermal control coating and investigation of structure, optical and thermal properties
Authors: Heydari Vahid , Bahreini Zaker , Abdouss Majid
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The harsh environment of space, especially radiation of direct solar rays, can potentially raise the temperature of the spacecraft to harmful levels. Thermal control coatings (TCCs) fix the thermal condition of the spacecraft acceptable for its components. This is possible by diffusely reflecting all effective ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and near infrared (IR) (NIR) wavelengths of solar radiation and emmition of IR energy. The most commonly used TCCs have used ZnO as a pigment, but absorption of the UV light by ZnO pigment can change the ideal condition of these TCCs. The aim of his study is the using the porous ZnO particles as pigment to prevent the UV absorption.

Design/methodology/approach

To enhance the efficiency of these coatings, in the present study, nano-porous zinc oxide particles were synthesized and used as pigments for white TCCs.

Findings

The results revealed that the proposed TCC (TPZ), Thermal control coating with porous ZnO had better reflection (scattering) and emittance properties in comparison with the coating using ZnO as a pigment (TZ coating); so this coating had a solar absorptance value equal to 0.141, whereas this value for TZ was 0.150. Furthermore, TPZ showed higher thermal emittance (0.937) in comparison with TZ (0.9). These changes were because of the improvement in the refractive index, shape and surface area of the pigments. The general trend of the scattering coefficients for the prepared coating, as calculated from the Kubelka–Munk equation, showed that scattering was more efficient in the UV region, as compared with the TCC containing ZnO pigments.

Originality/value

This type of pigment for the first time is evaluated in TCCs.
Investigation of vibratory bed effect on abrasive drag finishing: a DEM study
Authors: Beigmoradi Sajjad , Vahdati Mehrdad
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a vibratory bed, as an assistant agent, on the improvement of the drag finishing process. The dynamics and kinematic of the process were surveyed in microscale for different frequencies and amplitudes and the results were compared to the basic process.

Design/methodology/approach

The discrete element tool was used to find out the effect of the vibratory bed on the drag finishing process. To this end, the Hertz-Mindlin model was used to investigate the contact of abrasive particles and workpiece. At the first stage, the numerical model was validated with the experimental results, and then the effect of different parameters on the finishing process was evaluated and compared with the basic case.

Findings

The chosen numerical model was in good agreement with the results measured in the previous literature. Moreover, the results show that not only vibrated bed enhances the contacts of abrasive particles to the workpiece, but it also increases the uniformity of the finished surface.

Originality/value

In comparison to the experiments, the discrete element technique consumes lower cost and time to estimate the optimum conditions of the finishing process, as well as it provides a good understanding of this phenomenon on the micro-scale.
Impact of incorporating Magnetic Resonance Imaging in FIGO Staging of Primary Carcinoma Cervix: Experience from a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Mohan Neha , V. Jiji , Prahladan Anil , K. Ramachandran
Published: November 2021

Background

International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging of carcinoma cervix, although essentially clinical, acknowledges the benefits of MRI. The impact of incorporating MRI in staging of cervical cancer and the discordance between clinical‐and MRI‐based FIGO staging is not well studied, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Aim

We aim to study the role and accuracy of MRI in staging carcinoma cervix, its correlation with clinical FIGO and histopathological staging with emphasis on how it can change treatment plan.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study (n = 193) where MRI details of different staging parameters of the study subjects were compared with clinical FIGO staging and histopathology to assess correlation and agreement between them. Change of clinical FIGO stage and hence treatment plan brought about by incorporating MRI was assessed.

Results

MRI had a tumor detection rate of 94.3%, overall staging accuracy of 78.3% and very strong correlation with histopathology (Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation, r = 0.886). Clinical FIGO and MRI had agreement only in 52.8% cases (r = 0.61). Incorporating MRI changed the clinical stage in 47.2% patients and subsequently modified primary treatment plan in 23.3%.

Conclusion

MRI is highly accurate in evaluating carcinoma cervix and has good correlation with histopathology. Our data shows low agreement between MRI and clinical FIGO staging. Thus, incorporating MRI in FIGO staging has considerable impact in altering treatment decisions and should be offered to all patients for staging carcinoma cervix.
Consideration of height‐based tobramycin dosing regimens for the treatment of adult cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations
Authors: El Hassani Mehdi , Simard Chantale , Pilote Sylvie , Cloutier Isabelle , Soufsaf Sara , Marsot Amélie
Published: November 2021

Aims

Some population pharmacokinetic models have been developed using height to explain some of the interindividual variability in tobramycin pharmacokinetics in cystic fibrosis patients. However, their predictive performance when extrapolated to other clinical centres is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to externally evaluate the predictability of tobramycin population pharmacokinetic models with an independent dataset and perform simulations using previously recommended height‐based dosing regimens.

Methods

A literature search was conducted through the PubMed database to identify relevant population pharmacokinetic models. Tobramycin plasma concentration data from April 2014 to November 2019 were retrospectively collected from the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Canada. External evaluations were performed using NONMEM® v7.5 and RStudio® v1.3.1073. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the probability of target attainment of Cmax/MIC ratios for several dosing regimens.

Results

The validation dataset included 27 patients and 143 concentration samples. Three models were evaluated. Only the ones by Crass et al. and Alghanem et al. performed satisfactorily in terms of prediction‐based diagnostics with MDPE values of −3.4% and 29.3% and MDAPE values of 19.0 and 29.5%, respectively. In simulation‐based evaluations, both pcVPC and NPDE showed no evidence of model misspecification. Our simulations suggest that patients treated with a once‐daily dose of 3.4 mg/cm should produce peak and trough levels consistent with current guidelines.

Conclusion

Our results show that the models by Crass et al. and Alghanem et al. are appropriate for simulation‐based applications to aid individualized dosing in our population and that height‐based dosing regimens could be considered in cystic fibrosis patients.
Clinical profiles of subsequent stages in bipolar disorder: Results from the Dutch Bipolar Cohort
Authors: van der Markt Afra , Klumpers Ursula M. H. , Dols Annemiek , Boks Marco P. , Vreeker Annabel , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Kupka Ralph W.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The manifestation of bipolar disorder (BD) is hypothesized to be determined by clinical characteristics such as familial loading, childhood abuse, age at onset, illness duration, comorbid psychiatric disorders, addiction, treatment resistance, and premorbid cognitive functioning. Which of these are associated with a more severe course and worse outcome is currently unknown. Our objective is to find a combination of clinical characteristics associated with advancement to subsequent stages in two clinical staging models for BD.

Methods

Using cross‐sectional data from the Dutch Bipolar Cohort, staging was applied to determine the progression of bipolar‐I‐disorder (BD‐I; N = 1396). Model A is primarily defined by recurrence of mood episodes, ranging from prodromal to chronicity. Model B is defined by level of inter‐episodic functioning, ranging from prodromal to inability to function autonomously. For both models, ordinal logistic regression was conducted to test which clinical characteristics are associated with subsequent stages.

Results

For model A, familial loading, childhood abuse, earlier onset, longer illness duration, psychiatric comorbidity, and treatment resistance were all predictors for a higher stage in contrast to addiction and cognitive functioning. For model B, childhood abuse, psychiatric comorbidity, cognitive functioning, and treatment resistance were predictors for a more severe stage, whereas age at onset, illness duration, and addiction were not.

Discussion/conclusions

Differences in clinical characteristics across stages support the construct validity of both staging models. Characteristics associated with a higher stage largely overlapped across both models. This study is a first step toward determining different clinical profiles, with a corresponding course and outcome.
A positive allosteric modulator for the muscarinic receptor (M1 mAChR) improves pathology and cognitive deficits in female APPswe/PSEN1ΔE9 mice
Authors: Abd‐Elrahman Khaled S. , Sarasija Shaarika , Colson Tash‐Lynn L. , Ferguson Stephen S. G.
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, and women account for 60% of diagnosed cases. β‐Amyloid (Aβ) oligomers are considered the principal neurotoxic species in AD brains. The M1 muscarinic ACh receptor (M1 mAChR) plays a key role in memory and learning. M1 mAChR agonists show pro‐cognitive activity but cause many adverse off‐target effects. A new orally bioavailable M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator (PAM), VU0486846, is devoid of direct agonist activity or adverse effects but was not tested for disease‐modifying efficacy in female AD mice.

Experimental Approach

Nine‐month‐old female APPswe/PSEN1ΔE9 (APPswe) and wildtype mice were treated with VU0486846 in drinking water (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 4 or 8 weeks. Cognitive function of mice was assessed after treatment, and brains were harvested for biochemical and immunohistochemical assessment.

Key Results

VU0486846 improved cognitive function of APPswe mice when tested in novel object recognition and Morris water maze. This was paralleled by a significant reduction in Aβ oligomers and plaques and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. VU0486846 reduced Aβ oligomer production in APPswe mice by increasing M1 mAChR expression and shifting the processing of amyloid precursor protein from amyloidogenic cleavage to non‐amyloidogenic cleavage. Specifically, VU0486846 reduced the expression of β‐secretase 1 (BACE1), whereas it enhanced the expression of the α‐secretase ADAM10 in APPswe hippocampus.

Conclusion and Implications

Using M1 mAChR PAMs can be a viable disease‐modifying approach that should be exploited clinically to slow AD in women.
Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular pathology alter inward rectifier potassium (KIR2.1) channels in endothelium of mouse cerebral arteries
Authors: Lacalle‐Aurioles María , Trigiani Lianne J. , Bourourou Miled , Lecrux Clotilde , Hamel Edith
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Inward rectifier potassium (KIR) channels are key effectors of vasodilatation in neurovascular coupling (NVC). KIRchannels expressed in cerebral endothelial cells (ECs) have been confirmed as essential modulators of NVC. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) impact on EC‐KIRchannel function, but whether oxidative stress or inflammation explains this impairment remains elusive.

Experimental Approach

We evaluated KIRchannel function in intact and EC‐denuded pial arteries of wild‐type (WT) and transgenic mice overexpressing a mutated form of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP mice, recapitulating amyloid β‐induced oxidative stress seen in AD) or a constitutively active form of TGF‐β1 (TGF mice, recapitulating inflammation seen in cerebrovascular pathology). The benefits of antioxidant (catalase) or anti‐inflammatory (indomethacin) drugs also were investigated. Vascular and neuronal components of NVC were assessed in vivo.

Key Results

Our findings show that (i) KIRchannel‐mediated maximal vasodilatation in APP and TGF mice reaches only 37% and 10%, respectively, of the response seen in WT mice; (ii) KIRchannel dysfunction results from KIR2.1 subunit impairment; (iii) about 50% of K+‐induced artery dilatation is mediated by EC‐KIRchannels; (iv) oxidative stress and inflammation impair KIRchannel function, which can be restored by antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory drugs; and (v) inflammation induces KIR2.1 overexpression and impairs NVC in TGF mice.

Conclusion and Implications

Therapies targeting both oxidative stress and inflammation are necessary for full recovery of KIR2.1 channel function in cerebrovascular pathology caused by AD and CVD.
Growth and linkage of normal faults experiencing multiple non‐coaxial extension: A case from the Qikou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China
Authors: Wang Shunyu , Liu Keyu , Wang Haixue , Chen Meiyi
Published: November 2021

Oblique‐slip faults, which are essentially reactivated pre‐existing fault caused by non‐coaxial stress, are common in rift basins. Large faults with lengths exceeding thousands of kilometres are mostly rooted faults and would have experienced numerous reactivations. Using 3D seismic and drilling data, we investigated the geometry, kinematic features, growth and linkage, and three‐dimensional evolution of the Nandagang fault system (NDGFS) on the Qinan Slope in the Qikou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. A hybrid fault model incorporating a lengthening stage and a displacement accrual stage was used to analyse the growth and linkage of NDGFS. By using the throw/displacement backstripping approach, ratios of maximum displacement to fault length (Dmax/L) of the evolving NDGFS were also obtained to delineate faulting stages of the hybrid fault model. From the pre‐Cenozoic basement to the Quaternary strata, NDGFS comprises three fault systems separated vertically by two unconformities, namely the lower, the middle and the upper systems. On planar view, NDGFS encompasses three structural trending zones with variable vertical growth styles. The E–W and NEE–SWW trending zones are mainly dominated by growth faults, while the NE–SW zones are characterised by dip‐linkage faults. For NDGFS, both the middle and deeper fault segments experienced a two‐stage hybrid faulting and reached their final lengths in ca. 20%–30% less time than the usual faulting lifetime proposed by previous researchers. In contrast, the upper faults, especially the segments within the Neogene Guantao (Ng) and Minghuazhen (Nm) formations, only experienced a lengthening stage. The slip rates and the pre‐existing faults have strong influences on the duration that faults accomplished their lengthening stages. A Dmax/L ratio of 0.015 obtained from the evolving NDGFS is determined to be effective in delineating between the lengthening stage and the displacement accrual stage, which may have a broad application for normal faults in similar geological settings.
Relationship between ideal cardiovascular health metrics and hearing loss: A 10‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tseng Tzu‐Hsiang , Yeo Li‐Xian , Chen Wei‐Liang , Kao Tung‐Wei , Wu Li‐Wei , Yang Hui‐Fang , Peng Tao‐Chun
Published: November 2021

Objective

The role of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics in developing hearing loss remains uncertain. Thus, our objective was to analyse the connection between hearing loss and ideal CVH metrics in a 10‐year retrospective cohort.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A health management centre in Taiwan.

Participants

Participants who underwent the first annual health check‐up between 2000 and 2006 and with a follow‐up check‐up more than ten years later.

Main outcome measures

Hearing thresholds were measured at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Individuals with a best ear pure‐tone audiometry four‐frequency average of >25 dB HL were defined as having hearing loss. The ideal CVH metrics were classified into 7 categories based on the American Heart Association's definition. The associations of hearing loss with the sum of the ideal CVH metrics and each ideal CVH metric were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

The present study consisted of 6974 participants. The 10‐year follow‐up showed that the odds ratio (OR) of hearing loss was .74 for participants with 5–7 ideal CVH metrics (95% CI, .59–.93, p = .01) compared with those with 0–2 ideal CVH metrics. Among the CVH metrics, participants with an ideal smoking status might have reduced odds of developing hearing loss; the OR was .72 (95% CI, .58–.89, p = .003).

Conclusions

Participants with an increased number of ideal CVH metrics and better performance on the smoking metric had a significantly protective effect regarding hearing loss development.
Impact of adding an IgG4 conjugate to routine direct immunofluorescence testing for subepithelial and intraepithelial autoimmune blistering disorders
Authors: Lehman Julia S. , Johnson Emma F. , Camilleri Michael J. , Gibson Lawrence E. , Comfere Nneka I. , Kalaaji Amer N. , Peters Margot S. , Cervenka Derek J. , Doppler Joseph M. , Lange Colleen R. , Miller Cameron J. , Wieland Carilyn N.
Published: November 2021

Background

Certain autoimmune bullous dermatoses are mediated by autoantibodies of the IgG4 subclass. We determined the diagnostic impact of adding IgG4 to our conventional direct immunofluorescence (DIF) panel.

Methods

For all cases submitted to our referral laboratory for DIF over 1 month (n = 630), we performed IgG4 testing and collected consecutive biopsy specimens showing definite or indeterminate linear or cell‐surface deposition of IgG, IgG4, and/or C3. On retrospective blinded review, we classified the pattern and whether the findings were definite, indeterminate, or negative. When present, substantial background staining was recorded.

Results

Seventy DIF specimens met the inclusion criteria. Of 22 (31.4%) specimens equivocal for linear or cell‐surface deposition, 9 (40.9%) had definitive IgG4 findings, either linear (3 of 14 equivocal linear cases; 21.4%) or cell‐surface (6 of 8 equivocal cell‐surface cases; 75.0%). Background deposition was substantial in 14 cases (20.0%) for IgG but in none for C3 or IgG4.

Conclusion

IgG4 allowed the classification of over 40% of DIF cases that were otherwise equivocal by IgG and C3. IgG4 staining showed lower levels of non‐specific background staining than IgG or C3. IgG4 appears to contribute most value in cases with cell‐surface deposition or with equivocal linear IgG deposition and negative C3 results.
Developing a novel intervention for type 1 diabetes and disordered eating using a participatory action design process: Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY)
Authors: Zaremba Natalie , Robert Glenn , Allan Jacqueline , Harrison Amy , Brown Jennie , Konstantara Emmanouela , Rosenthal Miranda , Pillay Divina , Beckwith Anita , Treasure Janet , Hopkins David , Ismail Khalida , Stadler Marietta
Published: November 2021

Aims

To develop a cognitive behavioural therapy‐based intervention for people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating using Experience‐Based Co‐Design as part of the Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY).

Methods

Fifteen people with type 1 diabetes and experience of disordered eating (33 ± 11 years old, 22 ± 12 years diabetes duration) and 25 healthcare professionals working in type 1 diabetes or eating disorders (44 ± 9 years old; 14 ± 10 years of professional experience) attended six Experience‐Based Co‐Design workshops from July 2019 to March 2020 to collaboratively develop intervention content.

Results

We developed a cognitive behaviour therapy intervention ‘toolkit’ that can be tailored for individual patient needs. Participants designed and revised toolkit materials to ensure acceptability and relevance for people with diabetes and disordered eating by engaging in guided discussion, brainstorming, and rapid testing to review toolkit prototypes in an iterative process. Workshop themes were ‘Insulin titration’; ‘Hypoglycaemia’; ‘Coming to terms with diabetes’; ‘Fear of weight gain’; ‘Toolkit revision’; and ‘Practical elements of STEADY therapy’. The intervention is focussed on improving diabetes self‐care and embedded in a multidisciplinary healthcare approach. The intervention will be delivered in 12 sessions by a diabetes specialist nurse trained in cognitive behavioural therapy.

Conclusions

Through an iterative co‐design process, people with type 1 diabetes and healthcare professionals collaboratively developed a novel intervention toolkit that can be used with a wide range of disordered eating presentations. The intervention will be tested in the STEADY feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Why has there been a fall in child labour and an increase in school attendance in Mexico?
Authors: Valero‐Gil Jorge , Valero Magali
Published: November 2021

Motivation

It is imperative to understand the factors affecting child labour and school attendance in order to develop policies aimed at improving children's lives. The need for such policies is because poor households may underinvest in human capital. Individual factors have been shown to affect child labour and school attendance, but we examine which factors cause the strongest effects by considering them simultaneously.

Purpose

We evaluate the factors that have led to the changes in child labour and school attendance of children aged 12–14 in Mexico during the 2000–2020 period. We consider income, the education of the household head, government cash transfers, access to public health institutions, remittances, and demographic characteristics as possible sources of the changes.

Methods and approach

We use a variant of the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition, which allows decomposition when the variables to be explained are dichotomous. The change in child labour and school attendance over time can then be decomposed into explained and unexplained portions, with each factor contributing a specific amount to the explained portion of the change.

Findings

The most important factor influencing improvements in child labour and school attendance was the improvement in the parents' human capital, measured as years of education. The result is not due to a high correlation between income and education, as significant explanatory power is lost as we exclude education from the analysis. The result is also robust to separating Mexican states into those with high and those with low incidence of poverty. The increase in government assistance and greater access to social health insurance also play an important role.

Policy implications

Public policies aimed at increasing school attendance and those aimed at reducing child labour should consider improved education as a major goal. In addition, important consideration should be given to the possible impact on children of poverty‐fighting policy changes. Our findings suggest that government policies aimed at reducing poverty in Mexico are important in influencing both child labour and school attendance, and policy changes have had undesirable effects on both.
Pediatric ranges of normality for 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography atrial strain: differences between p‐ and r‐gating and among new (Atrial Designed) and conventional (Ventricular Specific) software's
Authors: Marchese Pietro , Scalese Marco , Giordano Raffaele , Assanta Nadia , Franchi Eliana , Koestenberger Martin , Ravaglioli Antonio , Kutty Shelby , Cantinotti Massimiliano
Published: November 2021

Background

2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) atrial strain (ε) analysis in children is gaining interest; however, pediatric nomograms remain limited. Comparison among conventional software's (designed for left ventricle and adapted to atria and using R‐gating analysis) and new software's (designed for atria and allowing for both R‐ and P‐gating) are lacking. The present study aims to establish pediatric nomograms for atrial ε using an atrial dedicated software and to compare values obtained by (a) R‐ and P‐gating and, (b) R‐gating with new and conventional software.

Methods

Echocardiographic measurements included STE left (LA) and right (RA) atrial longitudinal reservoir, conduit and contractile ε. Age/weigh/height/heart rate, and body surface area (BSA) were used as independent variables in the statistical analysis.

Results

In all, 580 healthy subjects (age range, 31 days‐18 years; mean age 7.5 years; median age 7.1 years; inter‐quartile range, 4.3–10.7 months; 45.5% female) were included. Feasibility of atrial ε measurements was high (98.9–96.8%). At lower age, atrial conduit ε was lower (p<0.001) while contractile ε was higher (p<0.001). All atrial ε values calculated with P‐gating method were lower—than R‐gating values (p<0.001). R‐gated LA ε reservoir values generated with the new software were lower, and R‐gated RA contractile ε higher than with the conventional software (p<0.011).

Conclusion

We report pediatric atrial ε values from a dedicated atrial software. Maturational changes in STE atrial ε values were demonstrated. Significant differences were observed among ε values obtained with P‐ and R‐gating and with different software's.
A multifaceted approach in promoting positive mental health culture in Hong Kong secondary schools: The Mindshift educational networking programme
Authors: Suen Yi Nam , Lam Oi Bun Christina , Chan Kai Tai , Wong Tak Hing Michael , Lui Sai Yu Simon , Chan Yuk Yu Vinci , Lam Hoi Ying , Wong Ming Yin Stephanie , Hui Lai Ming Christy , Lee Ho Ming Edwin , Chang Wing Chung , Chan Kit Wa Sherry , Chen Yu Hai Eric
Published: November 2021

Aim

Many young people with mental health problems refuse to seek help because of stigma and leave the problem untreated. Previous research suggests that contact interventions with education could improve the stigma of mental illness in young people, thereby encouraging help‐seeking in distress. The current study examined the effectiveness of a multifaceted programme, the Mindshift educational networking programme (MENP), in promoting a positive mental health culture in Hong Kong secondary schools.

Methods

The MENP provided activities at school, teacher and student levels to 14 Hong Kong secondary schools. School activities included visits, mental health talks and support for capstone projects. While teachers participated in workshops and regional seminars, students received ambassador training workshops, contact opportunities with people with psychosis and attachment programmes. The impact of MENP was evaluated by changes in students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours toward people with psychosis and mental illness before and after the programme, as well as by teachers' feedback on the programme.

Results

This study analysed data from 55 students and 20 teachers. It was found that the MENP improved students' knowledge of mood symptoms (p = .03), acceptance of people with psychosis (p = .04) and intended behaviour toward people with mental illness (p = .02). The feedback of the teachers on the programme was positive.

Conclusions

The results support the application of the multifaceted approach to promote a positive mental health culture in schools. The findings call on the government to implement the programme in schools in Hong Kong by providing financial support to relevant organizations.
Primary synovial sarcoma of bone: a retrospective analysis of 25 patients
Authors: Righi Alberto , Gambarotti Marco , Benini Stefania , Gibertoni Dino , Asioli Sofia , Magagnoli Giovanna , Gamberi Gabriella , Sbaraglia Marta , Cocchi Stefania , Staals Eric , Palmerini Emanuela , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo
Published: November 2021

Aims

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SSX and SSX::SS18 antibodies in decalcified surgical specimens and outcome of synovial sarcomas (SS) of bone.

Methods and results

Twenty‐five cases were classified as bone SS (prevalence 0.32% among malignant primary bone sarcoma). Median age was 34 years (range = 9–79). Twenty‐four of 25 patients presented with non‐metastatic tumours, one with lung metastases. The majority of tumours involved the long bones of extremities with metaphyseal origin. Mean size of the tumour was 7.1 cm. Twenty cases (80%) were monophasic and five (20%) were biphasic. SS18::SSX fusion‐specific antibody had 92% sensitivity and 99% specificity for primary bone SS, whereas SSX C‐terminus antibody had 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis was feasible in nine (36%) cases and detected SS18 rearrangement in all nine cases. All patients underwent surgical removal of their primary tumour, with adequate margins in 18 (72%) patients. Chemotherapy with metothrexate, cisplatin, doxorubicin and ifosfamide was used in the seven patients. Two patients with inadequate surgical margins received radiotherapy. With a median follow‐up of 80 months (range = 6–428), 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival (OS) was 66.6% and 47.9%, respectively, and 5 and 10 years’ disease‐free survival (DFS) was 36.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 18.0–55.7%] and 32.2% (95% CI = 14.6–51.2%), respectively. A significant improvement in 10 years’ DFS in patients undergoing chemotherapy compared with patients who did not was observed (P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Our series highlights the utility of SS18::SSX fusion‐specific and SSX C‐terminus antibodies to support the diagnosis of SS. Adjustment chemotherapy was associated with improved prognosis in this series.