bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AGUTER a platform for automated generation of user acceptance tests from requirements specifications
Authors: Antonelli Leandro , Camilleri Guy , Torres Diego , Zarate Pascale
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This article proposes a strategy to make the testing step easier, generating user acceptance tests (UATs) in an automatic way from requirements artifacts.

Design/methodology/approach

This strategy is based on two modeling frameworks: scenarios and task/method paradigm. Scenarios are a requirement artifact used to describe business processes and requirements, and task/method paradigm is a modeling paradigm coming from the artificial intelligence field. The proposed strategy is composed of four steps. In the first step, scenarios are described through a semantic wiki website. Then scenarios are automatically translated into a task/method model (step two). In the third step, the task/method model obtained in step two is executed in order to produce and store all possible achievements of tasks and thus scenarios. The stored achievements are saved in a data structure called execution tree (ET). Finally, from this ET (step four), the UATs are generated.

Findings

The feasibility of this strategy is shown through a case study coming from the agriculture production systems field.

Originality/value

Generally, test design approaches deal with a small number of variables describing one specific situation where a decision table or workflow is used to design tests. The proposed approach can deal with many variables because the authors rely on scenarios that can be composed in order to obtain a tree with all the testing paths that can arise from their description.
Cloud computing and human resource management: systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Maqueira Marín Juan Manuel , Oliveira-Dias Diessica De , Jafari Navimipour Nima , Gardas Bhaskar , Unal Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide an overview of what characterizes the current state of research in the field of cloud computing use in human resource management (HRM) with the identification, analysis and classification of the existing literature and lines of research addressed and to provide guidance for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review (SLR) technique has been used to identify, select, analyze and evaluate the existing publications on cloud computing and HRM. A total of 35 papers published up to December 2020 have been obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) scientific database. The research design has allowed us to determine what characterizes the current state of research on the use of cloud computing in HRM and obtain a novel classification of the literature that identifies four lines of research and the contributions in each line and has allowed us to define the future research agenda.

Findings

The four groups into which the papers on the cloud computing-HRM relationship have been classified are: (1) studies focused on the development of cloud platforms for HRM that highlight technical aspects, (2) papers that focus on the concept of human resource elasticity, (3) papers on the adoption and/or implantation of cloud platforms for HRM and (4) studies that highlight the effects or implications of cloud platforms for HRM. This paper proposes some new opportunities for future research and presents some helpful implications from the theoretical and management perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses only scientific articles in the WoS database with a Journal Citation Report (JCR) or SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) impact.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the knowledge on cloud computing and HRM research and offers recommendations for future research.
The management of public libraries during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic literature review through PRISMA method
Authors: Kostagiolas Petros , Katsani Anna
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature regarding the impact of global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) pandemic on PLs and their management responses during COVID-19 pandemic as well as for the post-pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review is based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method and includes publications in the English language published at online scholarly resources during the period of COVID-19 outbreak, i.e. from January 2020 to June 2021.

Findings

The number of the eligible and relevant studies for the COVID-19 impact on PLs was 79, which were included in the literature review profiling and in the qualitative analysis.

Originality/value

The systematic review provides a useful overview of existing PL management paradigms that could be contemplated at an organizational, national or international level while developing a strategy for public libraries in the post-pandemic era.
Corporate governance and corporate social responsibility: mapping the most critical drivers in the board academic literature
Authors: Dwekat Aladdin , Seguí-Mas Elies , Zaid Mohammad A. A. , Tormo-Carbó Guillermina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide the intellectual structure of the academic literature on board characteristics and corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and corporate social responsibility performance (CSRP). To do that, the authors analyse the main theories, data sources and methodologies used by researchers, providing information on methodological bias and research gaps. Beyond that, this study offers a novel picture of the most critical drivers of CSRP/CSRD and offer constructive suggestions to guide future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was performed on 242 articles extracted from the Web of Science database from 1992 to 2019.

Findings

Results indicate that board characteristics have a significant and increasing impact on corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature. The results also revealed that the board practices play a crucial role in managing CSRP/CSRD-related issues. The study also identifies the effect of the critical board characteristics on CSRP, CSRD quantity and CSRD quality. Furthermore, the study findings provide an overarching picture of the patterns and trends of the systematic nexus between board characteristics and CSRP/CSRD quality and quantity.

Practical implications

The study findings help provide an overarching picture of the systematic nexus patterns and trends between board characteristics and CSRP/CSRD quality and quantity. These results draw potential future avenues to bridge the void in the current board–CSR literature by presenting fruitful and indispensable directions for future research (governance mechanisms, new methodologies, variables, countries, etc.). It also suggests multidimensional and in-depth insights for reforming the board of directors’ guidelines.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, minimal attention has been paid to systematising the literature on board and CSR.
Does sustainability reporting promote university ranking? Australian and New Zealand evidence
Authors: Shan Yuan George , Zhang Junru , Alam Manzurul , Hancock Phil
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between university rankings and sustainability reporting among Australia and New Zealand universities. Even though sustainability reporting is an established area of investigation, prior research has paid inadequate attention to the nexus of university ranking and sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study covers 46 Australian and New Zealand universities and uses a data set, which includes sustainability reports and disclosures from four reporting channels including university websites, and university archives, between 2005 and 2018. Ordinary least squares regression was used with Pearson and Spearman’s rank correlations to investigate the likelihood of multi-collinearity and the paper also calculated the variance inflation factor values. Finally, this study uses the generalized method of moments approach to test for endogeneity.

Findings

The findings suggest that sustainability reporting is significantly and positively associated with university ranking and confirm that the four reporting channels play a vital role when communicating with university stakeholders. Further, this paper documents that sustainability reporting through websites, in addition to the annual report and a separate environment report have a positive impact on the university ranking systems.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to extant knowledge on the link between university rankings and university sustainability reporting which is considered a vital communication vehicle to meet the expectation of the stakeholder in relevance with the university rankings.
Research on the printing error of tilted vertical beams in delta-robot 3D printers
Authors: Wang Yuezong , Liu Jinghui , Guo Mengfei , Wang LiuQIan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A three-dimensional (3D) printing error simulation approach is proposed to analyze the influence of tilted vertical beams on the 3D printing accuracy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of such errors on printing accuracy and printing quality for delta-robot 3D printer.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the kinematic model of a delta-robot 3D printer with an ideal geometric structure is proposed by using vector analysis. Then, the normal kinematic model of a nonideal delta-robot 3D robot with tilted vertical beams is derived based on the above ideal kinematic model. Finally, a 3D printing error simulation approach is proposed to analyze the influence of tilted vertical beams on the 3D printing accuracy.

Findings

The results show that tilted vertical beams can indeed cause 3D printing errors and further influence the 3D printing quality of the final products and that the 3D printing errors of tilted vertical beams are related to the rotation angles of the tilted vertical beams. The larger the rotation angles of the tilted vertical beams are, the greater the geometric deformations of the printed structures.

Originality/value

Three vertical beams and six horizontal beams constitute the supporting parts of the frame of a delta-robot 3D printer. In this paper, the orientations of tilted vertical beams are shown to have a significant influence on 3D printing accuracy. However, the effect of tilted vertical beams on 3D printing accuracy is difficult to capture by instruments. To reveal the 3D printing error mechanisms under the condition of tilted vertical beams, the error generation mechanism and the quantitative influence of tilted vertical beams on 3D printing accuracy are studied by simulating the parallel motion mechanism of a delta-robot 3D printer with tilted vertical beams.
Resting hand splint model from topology optimization to be produced by additive manufacturing
Authors: Reis Paulo , Volpini Mariana , Maia Joana Pimenta , Guimarães Igor Batista , Evelise Cristiane , Monteiro Maurício , Rubio Juan Carlos Campos
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate a novel model of resting hand splint manufactured by additive manufacturing (AM) and compare it with the traditional model manufactured by high temperature thermoplastic in terms of cost, weight, volume and thermal comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel resting hand splint model was created from the topology optimization (TO) and analyzed, by finite-element analysis, manufacturing cost and weight, with a traditional resting hand splint. A pilot clinical study was carried out to verify heat diffusion during the use of the two splints.

Findings

The results showed that compared with the traditional model, the novel model reduced the volume of material used by 35.48%, the weight of the orthosis by 17.56% and the maximum surface deformation by 171.17% when subjected to actuation forces. It was also verified that, when manufactured with Nylon by AM, the new model is 1.5 times cheaper than the traditional model made of Polypropylene. The result of the thermographic analysis showed greater temperature variation in the use of the traditional splint (+4.6°C) compared to the temperature variation observed in the nylon splint (2.1°C).

Practical implications

These results have as clinical relevance the demonstration of the feasibility of manufacturing functional orthoses that are more comfortable, cheaper and lighter than traditional ones.

Originality/value

This study describes the use of TO to manufacture a novel resting hand splint, which was compared with the commonly used traditional splint in terms of mechanical resistance, weight, cost and thermal comfort.
Inference of local invasion pathways in two invasive crayfish species displaying contrasting genetic patterns
Authors: Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Lang Iris , Millet Paul , Veyssière Charlotte , Loot Géraldine , Cucherousset Julien
Published: September 2021

The efficient management of invasive alien species (IAS) requires the identification of their introduction pathways. Genetic assessments have proven useful to inform invasion pathways at large (national to worldwide) scales, but studies at local scales are still rare, despite their importance for guiding management.

In this study, genetic analyses were used to identify local invasion pathways of two invasive crayfish species (the spiny‐cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus and the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii) in a dense network of artificial lakes. We first characterized the spatial patterns of genetic variability, effective population sizes (Ne) and among‐lakes recent migration events for each species using neutral microsatellite markers. We then identified the environmental factors affecting genetic variability and inferred the potential local invasion pathways.

Results revealed different patterns of genetic variability between the two species: F. limosus displayed very low levels of genetic diversity, Ne and spatial structuring compared to P. clarkii, which displayed high genetic diversity, Ne and spatial genetic structuring. We also demonstrated context‐dependent effects of different environmental factors (fishery management, spatial distribution and lake size) on genetic variability indices.

We did not identify local invasion pathways for F. limosus due to limited genetic variability, likely caused by a strong founder effect and potential parthenogenetic reproduction. Contrastingly, multiple invasion pathways (release, contaminant, unaided/corridor spread and stowaway) were identified for P. clarkii.

Synthesis and applications. Although limited in some particular cases (e.g. for species having experienced strong shaping events and/or displaying asexual reproductive modes), neutral genetic variation assessments can provide important insights for inferring local invasion pathways in complex landscapes for invasive alien species displaying short generation times and complex invasion histories.
The influence of life‐history strategy on ecosystem sensitivity to resource fluctuations
Authors: Felton Andrew J. , Snyder Robin E. , Shriver Robert K. , Suding Katharine N. , Adler Peter B.
Published: September 2021

To cope with uncertainty and variability in their environment, plants evolve distinct life‐history strategies by allocating different fractions of energy to growth, survival and fecundity. These differences in life‐history strategies could potentially influence ecosystem‐level dynamics, such as the sensitivity of primary production to resource fluctuations. However, linkages between evolutionary and ecosystem dynamics are not well understood.

We used an annual plant population model to ask, when might differences in plant life‐history strategies produce differences in the sensitivity of primary production to resource fluctuations?

Consistent with existing theory, we found that a highly variable and unpredictable environment led to the evolution of a conservative strategy characterized by relatively low and invariant germination fractions, while a variable but predictable environment favoured a riskier strategy featuring more variable germination fractions. Unexpectedly, we found that the influence of life‐history strategy on the sensitivity of production to resource fluctuations depended on competitive interactions, specifically the rate at which production saturates with the number of competing individuals. Rapid saturation overwhelms the influence of life‐history strategy, but when production saturates more slowly, the risky strategy translated to high sensitivity, whereas the conservative strategy translated to low sensitivity.

Empirical estimates from Sonoran Desert annual plant populations indicate that production saturates relatively rapidly with the number of individuals for most species, suggesting that life‐history differences are unlikely to alter sensitivity of production to resource fluctuations, at least in this community.

Synthesis. Our modelling results imply that research to understand the sensitivity of primary production to resource fluctuations should focus more on the intraspecific competitive interactions shaping the density–yield relationship than on the life‐history strategies that determine temporal risk‐spreading.
Fat‐free fermented concentrated milk products as milk protein‐based microgel dispersions: Particle characteristics as key drivers of textural properties
Authors: Heck Anisa J. , Schäfer Johannes , Nöbel Stefan , Hinrichs Jörg
Published: September 2021

The popularity of fat‐free fermented concentrated milk products, such as fresh cheeses and high‐protein yogurt, has increased over the recent years, attributed to greater availability and improvements in taste and texture. These improvements have been achieved through modifications and new developments in processing technologies, for example, higher heat treatment intensities and incorporating different membrane filtration technologies. Though numerous processing parameters are discussed in the literature, as well as reasons behind the developments, detailed examinations of how process modifications affect the final textural attributes of these products are lacking. To draw links between processing parameters and texture, we review the literature on fat‐free fermented concentrated milk products from the perspective of fermented milk protein‐based microgel particles as the basic structural unit. At each main processing step, relationships between process parameters, micro‐ and macrostructural and sensory (textural) properties are discussed.An overview of particle characteristics that drive structural changes at each processing step is developed in relation to textural characteristics. Using this approach of assessing relationships between structural characteristics of concentrated dispersions of fat‐free fermented milk protein‐based microgel particles and processing parameters provides a basic context for the selection of optimal parameters to achieve a desired texture.
The place of infectious markers in predicting culture positivity in patients with renal failure hospitalized with suspected infection
Authors: Özkan Gülsüm , Özyılmaz Semanur , Bayrakçı Nergiz , Yıldırım Ilker , Erdem Ilknur
Published: September 2021

Infectious diseases are an important cause of mortality in patients with renal failure. The markers used to diagnose infection in patients with renal failure have various limitations. Culture positivity is an objective guide in that context. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of frequently used markers of bacterial infection in predicting culture positivity in renal failure patients with renal failure hospitalized with suspected bacterial infection over an approximately 1.5‐year period were included in this prospective observational study. Patients' demographic and laboratory findings were recorded. Demographic and laboratory findings and mortality were compared between patients with and without culture‐positivity. Parameters affecting culture positivity were also analyzed. Four hundred twenty‐six patients (median age 67.50, 45.5% female) were included in the study. Culture positivity was determined in 54.5% of patients. Hospital stay was longer (p < 0.001) and leukocyte (p < 0.001), neutrophil percentage (p < 0.05) and CRP (p < 0.001) values were significantly higher in culture‐positive patients. Mortality was also significantly higher in culture‐positive patients than in culture‐negative patients (p < 0.05). CRP was determined as a predictor of culture positivity at logistic regression analysis (p = 0.000, exp ß [1.004]). Culture positivity was determined in more than half of the patients hospitalized with suspected bacterial infection. CRP, a longstanding marker, was identified as a parameter predicting culture positivity. We think that the determination in further studies of a cut‐off point for CRP in determining culture positivity may be a useful diagnostic guide.
Bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of PCL‐microencapsulated olive leaves polyphenols and its application in yogurt
Authors: El‐Messery Tamer M. , Aly Esmat , López‐Nicolas Ruben , Sánchez‐Moya Teresa , Ros Gaspar
Published: September 2021

Polycaprolactone (PCL)was used via double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique for the encapsulation of polyphenols olive leaves (OLs) extracts. In this study, the PCL‐microcapsules loaded with OLs polyphenols extract powder were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis. Their total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) contents, and antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS), and polyphenols stability were measured after oral, gastric, and intestinal steps of in vitro digestion. PCL‐microcapsules were utilized in formulating novel functional yogurt containing 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg of TPC estimated as mg GAE (added as PCL‐microcapsules) per 100g yogurt. All yogurt samples were evaluated for their pH, acidity, syneresis, viscosity, and color during storage. In vitro digestion significantly affected the phenolic composition in non‐encapsulated extract whereas it had a lower impact on encapsulated phenolics. Higher protection was provided for encapsulated OLs extract and their higher release was observed at the intestinal phase. Unlike the undigested OLs extract, which had a TPC of 490 mg GAE/100 g, lower values of TPC (136 and 289 mg GAE/100 g) were obtained for non‐encapsulated and encapsulated OLs extract, respectively, in the intestinal fluids. Yogurt with PCL‐microcapsules had lower viscosity, syneresis, and color parameters, compared to control yogurt. Thus, OLs represent a valuable and cheap source of polyphenols that can be successfully applied in microencapsulated form, in formulating functional yogurt.
The appearance of volatile aromas in Tieguanyin tea with different elevations
Authors: Jiang Yuhang , Boorboori Mohammad Reza , Xu Yina , Lin Wenxiong
Published: September 2021

Chinese people have consistentlypreferred high mountain tea because specific flavors are memorable for them, and also, people have traditionally considered this type of tea to be good for health. Tieguanyin is one of the famous traditional Chinese tea that has ever‐changing aromas. To illustrate the various characteristics in volatile fragment compounds from Tieguanyin tea, fresh tea leaves collected from different elevations (450, 650, and 900 m) were detected using GC‐MS by solid–liquid extraction. The results showed that volatile aromatic compounds, such as benzyl alcohol, phenyl ethanol, and acetophenone, were the most abundant in tea leaves located with high elevation. Meanwhile, 1‐hexanol, 1‐nananol, and nanoic acid, as a type of aliphatic aroma, were more prevalent in low‐elevation tea orchards. Catechols and alkaloids are largely cumulated in low‐ and high‐elevation tea leaves, respectively. Our findings also showed that elemene was widely consisted of high‐elevation tea metabolites. It provided practicality for the preparation of tea manufacturing in major Tieguanyin tea‐producing regions.
Estimating species relative abundances from museum records
Authors: Gotelli Nicholas J. , Booher Douglas B. , Urban Mark C. , Ulrich Werner , Suarez Andrew V. , Skelly David K. , Russell David J. , Rowe Rebecca J. , Rothendler Matthew , Rios Nelson , Rehan Sandra M. , Ni George , Moreau Corrie S. , Magurran Anne E. , Jones Faith A. M. , Graves Gary R. , Fiera Cristina , Burkhardt Ulrich , Primack Richard B.
Published: September 2021

Dated, geo‐referenced museum specimens are a rich data source for reconstructing species' distribution and abundance patterns. However, museum records are potentially biased towards over‐representation of rare species, and it is unclear whether museum records can be used to estimate relative abundance in the field.

We assembled 17 coupled field and museum datasets to quantitatively compare relative abundance estimates with the Dirichlet distribution. Collectively, these datasets comprise 73,039 museum records and 1,405,316 field observations of 2,240 species.

Although museum records of rare species overestimated relative abundance by 1‐fold to over 100‐fold (median study = 9.0), the relative abundance of species estimated from museum occurrence records was strongly correlated with relative abundance estimated from standardized field surveys (r2 range of 0.10–0.91, median study = 0.43).

These analyses provide a justification for estimating species relative abundance with carefully curated museum occurrence records, which may allow for the detection of temporal or spatial shifts in the rank ordering of common and rare species.
Male to female ratios in autism spectrum disorders by age, intellectual disability and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Posserud Maj‐Britt , Skretting Solberg Berit , Engeland Anders , Haavik Jan , Klungsøyr Kari
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine the gender distribution in ASD in adults compared with children and the impact of comorbid intellectual disability (ID) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the male to female ratio (MFR).

Methods

We estimated the MFR and the male prevalence ratio (PR) for ASD in adults and children using the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, including all individuals born during 1967–2011. We examined variation with age, comorbid ID and ADHD as defined by diagnoses in the Norwegian Patient Registry during 2008–2015 and/or a dispensed prescription for ADHD medication.

Results

The sample included 1,701,206 adults and 804,146 children, including 8,995 (0.5%) adults and 8,056 (1.0%) children with ASD, 53,822 (3.2%) adults and 26,967 (3.4%) children with ADHD and 9,178 (0.5%) adults and 5,038 (0.6%) children with ID. The MFR for ASD was 3.67 in children and 2.57 in adults, corresponding to a male PR in ASD of 1.54 (95% CI 1.53–1.56) and 1.41 (1.39–1.24), respectively. Comorbid ID decreased the MFR and the male PR in both adults and children, whereas comorbid ADHD significantly increased the male PR in children. The MFR and the population prevalence of ASD, ADHD and ID decreased from children to younger adults and yet further to older adults.

Conclusion

We found a lower MFR and male PR in adults than in children. Findings suggest the strong male predominance seen in childhood/clinical studies of ASD diminishes in adult samples, possibly reflecting the influence of non‐aetiological factors such as later diagnosis in females, diagnostic biases and diagnostic trends.
Scoping review: Language assessment practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia and guidelines for clinical practice
Authors: Zupan Barbra , Campbell‐Woods Naomi , Thompson Hannah
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Speech pathologists play an important role in differentiating language difference from disorder in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. However, speech pathologists report that they lack culturally appropriate resources and feel under‐prepared, which suggests that culturally safe ways of working and available evidence often do not align.

Objective

The aim of this scoping review was to explore how the language abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are being assessed, the ways in which assessments are being adapted and the context in which results are being interpreted within the published literature. The studies were also evaluated for components of cultural safety using the Cultural Formulation model.

Design

A comprehensive and systematic search of the literature was undertaken; hand searching was also conducted. To be eligible for inclusion, studies needed to have been conducted in Australia and include receptive and/or expressive language assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Findings

Combined, the identified studies included 438 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, though only 419 were independent samples. A total of 352 studies were initially identified, 10 of which were retained for this review. Data extraction included participant characteristics, assessment tools and procedures, reported outcomes and factors related to cultural safety according to the Cultural Formulation model.

Conclusion

Overall, studies showed that standardised language assessments do not accurately represent the language abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. If used, they should be used alongside other non‐standardised tasks and/or scoring should be adapted. Considerations for increasing cultural safety when assessing the language abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are outlined.
Sakha and Alaas: Place Attachment and Cultural Identity in a Time of Climate Change
Authors: Crate Susan Alexandra
Published: September 2021

In this article, I explore the relationship of Sakha, horse and cattle pastoralists of northeastern Siberia, and alaas, permafrost ecosystems that Sakha depend on for their subsistence. I show that this relationship is both physical and spiritual. In a time of climate change, alaas are changing due to the thawing permafrost, making them unusable for Sakha people. I argue that we must consider and accommodate the reverberations of such change for a people who are gradually losing a recognizable landscape central to their cultural identity. These questions are highly relevant for anthropologists working with the diversity of cultures challenged by similar “dislocations” from their known places, relevant environments, and core sources of their cultural identities. Such investigations are essential to effective global change research, revealing how engaging all relevant knowledge systems counters the hegemony of scientific knowledge and moves toward more equitable and just adaptation responses and policy prescriptions.
Can cooperatives/employee‐owned businesses improve ‘bad’ jobs? Evaluating job quality in three low‐paid sectors
Authors: Jenkins Sarah , Chivers Wil
Published: September 2021

Job quality has received increased attention from academics and policy makers across industrialized countries. Yet, there has been limited assessment of how job quality is impacted by different organizational forms, including cooperatives and employee‐owned businesses (EOBs). Although there has been growing interest in how cooperatives/EOBs impact on employee outcomes, comprehensive assessments of the range and reasons for varied employee outcomes in these settings are underdeveloped. To address these lacunae, this study examines whether cooperatives and EOBs can improve ‘bad’ jobs by examining three in‐depth qualitative case studies of different types of cooperatives/EOBs forms located in low‐paid sectors of the economy in Wales: social care, transport and manufacturing. In so doing, we seek to contribute to recent academic assessments of employee outcomes to explore whether job quality is influenced by different organizational forms, including cooperatives and EOBs. We extend existing discussions relating to salient explanations for job quality by developing a contextualized assessment to examine the extent to which workplace actors can improve ‘bad’ jobs.
SAR study of small molecule inhibitors of the programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 interaction
Authors: Kawashita Seiji , Aoyagi Koichi , Fukushima Kyoko , Hantani Rie , Naruoka Shiori , Tanimoto Atsuo , Hori Yuji , Toyonaga Yukiyo , Yamanaka Hiroshi , Miyazaki Susumu , Hantani Yoshiji
Published: September 2021

The development of small molecule inhibitors of programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) has drawn research interest for the treatment of cancer. Recently, we reported the discovery of a novel dimeric core small molecule PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor. In an effort to discover more potent inhibitors, we further explored the dimeric core scaffold. Our investigations of the structure‐activity‐relationship revealed that introduction of lipophilic substituents onto one of the di‐alkoxylated phenyl rings improved binding affinities to PD‐L1, and inhibitory activities of PD‐1/PD‐L1 in cellular assays. Furthermore, conversion of the ether linker part to an olefin linker not only improved binding affinity but also led to slow dissociation binding kinetics. We also explored more potent, as well as downsized, scaffolds. Compounds bearing a linear chain in place of one of the di‐alkoxylated phenyl rings exhibited good binding affinity with improved ligand efficiency (LE). Representative compounds demonstrated potent inhibitory activities of PD‐1/PD‐L1 in the submicromolar range in cellular assays as well as cellular function in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay with efficacy comparable to anti‐PD‐1 antibody. Our results provide applicable information for the design of more potent inhibitors targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway.
Do postoperative antibiotics influence one‐year peri‐implant crestal bone remodelling and morbidity? A double‐blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Durand Robert , Kersheh Issam , Marcotte Stéphanie , Boudrias Pierre , Schmittbuhl Matthieu , Cresson Thierry , Rei Nathalie , Rompré Pierre H. , Voyer René
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to assess whether giving postoperative antibiotics to healthy patients after straightforward platform‐switched implant placement would influence peri‐implant crestal bone levels and postoperative morbidity after 1 year.

Methods

Thirty‐eight healthy individuals were recruited in this pilot, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. The intervention group (n = 18) received two grams of amoxicillin one hour before implant placement followed by a 7 days postoperative regimen (500 mg tid). The control group (n = 20) took the same preoperative dose of amoxicillin and an identical placebo postoperatively. Mesial and distal peri‐implant crestal bone levels were measured at baseline, four months and one year later with standardized periapical radiographs. Postoperative pain severity was assessed through self‐administered questionnaires for 7 days. Surgery‐associated morbidities were evaluated after one, three, 16 weeks and 1 year. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used.

Results

Thirty‐seven participants completed the trial. At the one‐year follow‐up, the mean combined peri‐implant crestal bone changes for the intervention (n = 18) and control (n = 19) groups were ‐ 0.44 ± 0.41 mm and ‐ 0.27 ± 0.56 mm, respectively. The difference between the groups (intervention–control) for mean combined crestal bone level changes was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in surgery‐associated morbidities between the intervention and control groups. The one‐year implant survival rate was 100% in both groups.

Conclusions

Study results suggest that a routine postoperative antibiotic regimen for healthy patients undergoing straightforward platform‐switched implant placement might not be necessary to prevent postoperative peri‐implant bone loss and complications.
Comparing outcomes in right versus left kidney transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carolan Caitlin , Tingle Samuel J. , Thompson Emily R. , Sen Gourab , Wilson Colin H.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Transplantation of right kidneys can pose technical challenges due to the short right renal vein. Whether this results in inferior outcomes remains controversial.

Method

Healthcare Database Advanced Search (HDAS) was used to identify relevant studies. Two authors independently reviewed each study. Statistical analyses were performed using random effects models and results expressed as HR or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were performed in kidneys from deceased donors (DD) and living donors (LD).

Results

A total of 35 studies (257,429 participants) were identified. Both deceased and living donor right kidneys were at increased risk of delayed graft function (DGF; RR = 1.12[1.06‐1.18] and RR = 1.33[1.21‐1.46] respectively; both p < .0001). In absolute terms, for each 100 kidney pairs of DD kidneys transplanted there are 2.72 (1.67‐3.78, p < .00001) excess episodes of DGF in right kidneys. Graft thromboses and graft loss due to technical failure was also significantly more likely in right kidneys, in both DD and LD settings. There was no evidence that laterality alters long term graft survival in LD or DD.

Conclusion

Right kidneys have inferior early outcomes, with higher rates of DGF, technical failure and graft thrombosis. However, these differences are small in absolute terms, and long‐term graft survival is equivalent.
The governance of Syrian refugees in the Middle East: Lessons from the Jordan and Lebanon Compacts
Authors: Bank André , Fröhlich Christiane
Published: September 2021

Fleeing war, repression, and economic breakdown in their home country, Syrians have become the largest group of refugees in the Middle East. Relative to their own populations, neighboring Jordan and Lebanon have hosted the most Syrians per capita. While both are small, middle‐income, and resource‐poor countries, the perception of their respective governance of Syrian refugees has been diametrically different: While the 2016 Jordan Compact has been hailed as a success story of innovative refugee governance, the Lebanon Compact has never achieved similar recognition. Instead, Lebanon has been criticized for applying a largely laissez‐faire, non‐policy approach to the Syrian crisis. The main objective of this short intervention is to evaluate both compacts 5 years after their signing and to outline a more reflective potential EU policy approach.
A Handbook on Weaving and Unraveling: Reading Emile and The Solitaries to Care for the Teacher Self
Authors: Furman Cara
Published: September 2021

To be a teacher requires that one can weave and unravel pedagogy, drawing on previous understandings while constantly revising them in response to particular classroom circumstances. To do so is important, difficult, and frightening. Teachers therefore need experiences to help them prepare mentally for this work. In this essay Cara Furman argues that Jean‐Jacques Rousseau's pedagogical texts Emile, or, On Education and its sequel Emile and Sophie, or, The Solitaries can serve as a handbooks on this process, providing an educative experience in weaving and unraveling for teachers.
Co‐producing to understand what matters to young people living in youth residential rehabilitation services
Authors: Ennals Priscilla , Lessing Kate , Spies Rebecca , Egan Rebecca , Hemus Philippa , Droppert Kathryn , Tidhar Michael , Wood Tom , van Dijk Carolien , Bride Rachael , Asche Alison , Bendall Sarah , Simmons Magenta
Published: September 2021

Aim

Residential group care is an important service for vulnerable young people experiencing mental health, substance abuse and/or behavioural challenges. Yet little is written about specific models and their outcomes, especially from the perspectives of the young people who use these services. This project aimed to explore what matters to young people living in a 12‐month voluntary residential program for young people aged 16–25.

Methods

This participatory action research study was co‐produced with Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service residents and staff as co‐researchers. A steering group comprising residents, staff and researchers oversaw all research stages. 18 young people and 17 staff members participated in either individual or group interviews to discuss what was important in Youth Residential Rehabilitation Services. Data analysis drew on grounded theory techniques; subsequent codes and themes were refined in the steering group.

Results

We identified the 'change work' that young people were expected to do, and the milieu factors that created a supportive environment. As young people were figuring out their directions and learning new skills, they needed to be understood as the developing expert of their own lives. Real relationships with staff and other young people created a culture of belonging, safety and feeling known. These findings are metaphorically captured in the image of an egg.

Conclusions

Our study highlights that real relationships between all Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service community members are central to creating the atmosphere of safety and belonging that enables healing and self‐development to occur.
White Fathers' Concerns for Their Biological Black and White Biracial Sons
Authors: Durrant Lorna , Gillum Nerissa LeBlanc
Published: September 2021

Objective

This research examines the concerns of White fathers for their biological Black and White biracial sons.

Background

The father–son relationship may be more challenging for White fathers who do not share the same race as their sons because of the different lived experiences their sons are likely to encounter. This may lead to several concerns for White fathers.

Method

Utilizing a phenomenological approach, 10 in‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of White fathers of Black and White biracial sons. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

The results revealed two concerns that White fathers had for their sons: (a) safety concerns when interacting with law enforcement and (b) fear of discrimination. Both themes identified are concerns felt by the fathers for their sons.

Conclusion

By understanding the concerns that White fathers have for their biracial sons, family professionals can work with families to help them overcome these concerns and strengthen the family unit.

Implications

There can be social support groups created for White fathers of Black biracial sons, police departments can implement ongoing implicit bias training with police officers, and family life professionals can encourage and teach parents developmentally appropriate strategies for talking with children about discrimination.
Chemsex practice in France: An update in Addictovigilance data
Authors: Batisse Anne , Eiden Céline , Deheul Sylvie , Monzon Emilie , Djezzar Samira , Peyrière Hélène
Published: September 2021

Background

Complications related to Chemsex practice (consumption of psychoactive substances in sexual context) were first assessed by the French Addictovigilance Network in 2014. In response to the deaths reported in 2016, a new expert report was commissioned to update the complications and evolution of Chemsex‐related practices in France.

Methods

Between January 2008 and August 2017, all Chemsex cases collected through the French Addictovigilance Network's epidemiological tools were analyzed. Comparison of data between two periods (before and after 2014) was performed to assess the evolution of practices.

Results

Over the entire survey period, 235 Chemsex cases were identified, all of them in men, with a mean ± SD age of 39 ± 11 years, including 24 deaths (10.2%). An increase in the number of reported cases was observed from one in 2008 to 50 in the first 8 months of 2017. The main medical histories include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; 45%) and hepatitis C (20%) infections, and substance use disorders (36%). In those 235 cases, 345 psychoactive substances were identified, mainly cathinones. Polydrug use was reported in 75% of cases. The main complications were substance use disorders (63%), acute neurological or cardiovascular intoxications (50%), various psychiatric disorders (39%), and viral and bacterial infections (18%). γ‐Butyrolactone (GBL) was present in 95% of comas. An increase in the number of deaths was observed during the survey period.

Conclusion

The French Addictovigilance Network, via this pharmacoepidemiological surveillance, warns public health authorities in order to support harm reduction programs and the management of Chemsexers.
The biology of hematopoietic stem cells and its clinical implications
Authors: Skulimowska Izabella , Sosniak Justyna , Gonka Monika , Szade Agata , Jozkowicz Alicja , Szade Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to all types of blood cells and self‐renew their own population. The regeneration potential of HSCs has already been successfully translated into clinical applications. However, recent studies on the biology of HSCs may further extend their clinical use in future. The roles of HSCs in native hematopoiesis and in transplantation settings may differ. Furthermore, the heterogenic pool of HSCs dynamically changes during aging. These changes also involve the complex interactions of HSCs with the bone marrow niche. Here, we review the opportunities and challenges of these findings to improve the clinical use of HSCs. We describe new methods of HSCs mobilization and conditioning for the transplantation of HSCs. Finally, we highlight the research findings that may lead to overcoming the current limitations of HSC transplantation and broaden the patient group that can benefit from the clinical potential of HSCs.
Anthropogenic climate change has altered lake state in the Sierra Nevada (California, USA)
Authors: Streib Laura C. , Stone Jeffery R. , Lyon Eva C. , Quang Hung H. , Yeager Kevin M. , Zimmerman Susan R. H. , McGlue Michael M.
Published: September 2021

Climatic changes threaten freshwater resources and aquatic ecosystem health in the Sierra Nevada (California, USA), which has important consequences for millions of people and the world's fifth largest economy. However, the timing and magnitude of ecological changes driven by hydroclimate oscillations remain poorly understood in California's headwater region. Here, we develop a precisely dated, annually to decadally resolved lake sediment record of ecological change from the eastern Sierra Nevada that spans the last three millennia. Diatom paleoecology reveals a detailed history of abrupt limnologic transitions, best explained by modifications in water column stratification, mixing, and nutrient status in response to changing seasonality. Seasonally stratified conditions were registered during the Late Holocene Dry Period and the Medieval Climate Anomaly, illustrating the sensitivity of fossil diatoms to well‐known periods of drought. Yet the most striking feature of the record is the uniqueness of ~1840–2016 CE: a period of singularly strong water column stratification, increased algal diversity, and reduced diatom productivity consistent with unprecedented “hot droughts.” The data demonstrate that hot–dry conditions of the Industrial Era altered lake state to conditions unseen in the past ~3180 years, and suggest that regional trends identified by historical monitoring began far earlier than previously recognized. Our record illustrates the profound influence of anthropogenic climate warming on high‐elevation lakes and the ecosystem services they provide in the Sierra Nevada, which hold implications for water quality and availability in California.