bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Parkinson’s Disease on General and Specific Motor Aptitudes: A Study of Older Brazilian Adults
Authors: Andreis Lucia M. , Mariano Marilia , Silva Lorenna W. L. , Bianco Claudia D. , Rosa Neto Francisco
Published: February 2022

This study investigated motor aptitude in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD) to further specify known motor-related changes of PD. We divided 671 older adults (23.5% male; Mage = 69.6, SD = 6.6 years) into a Parkinson's Disease Group (PDG) and a non-Parkinson's Disease Group (NPG) and assessed their general motor aptitude (GMA) and their specific motor aptitudes (in Coordinative, Proprioceptive, and Perceptive domains) using the Motor Scale for Older Adults. We used the chi-squared tests and logistic regression to identify and affirm an associations between PD and motor aptitude, we found that most adults without PD showed normal motor aptitude (GMA: 80.7%; Proprioceptive: 82.3%; Perceptive: 81.4%) except for the Coordinative skills, for which 56.4% of these participants had motor impairment. Most partipants with PD showed motor impairments (GMA: 94.7%; Coordinative: 97.4%; Proprioceptive: 97.4%), except in the Perceptive domain, for which 68.4% of participants with PD showed normal aptitude. There were significant associations between PD and GMA (OR = 127.6), Coordinative motor skills (OR = 48.0), and Proprioceptive skills (OR = 204.4), even after the model was adjusted for gender and age. Our use of the Motor Scale for Older Adults in contrasting groups of older Brazilian adults provides further specificity to the motor aptitude characteristics of older adults with PD.
Power Bloc Legitimation Strategies in a Dependent Society: The Case of Argentina (2001–2019)
Authors: Cantamutto Francisco J.
Published: February 2022

Argentina is a dependent country whose incorporation into the world market has deepened in the last decades. The question that arises is how it has been possible to politically legitimize this regressive trend. A study of the combinations of two structural mechanisms of dependency (extractivism and superexploitation of the workforce) with respect to the building of legitimacy shows a shift from a consensual strategy led by the industrial fraction—which seized the opportunity to redistribute land rent—to one centered on the power bloc as a whole in opposition to the popular classes. While extractivism increased throughout the period, superexploitation of the workforce displayed different phases of augmentation and attenuation depending on the power bloc’s political strategies.

Argentina es un país dependiente cuyos rasgos de inserción externa se han profundizado en las últimas décadas. El interrogante que emerge es cómo ha sido posible legitimar políticamente esta tendencia regresiva. Un estudio de las combinaciones de dos mecanismos estructurales de la dependencia (extractivismo y superexplotación) de las posibilidades de las fracciones del bloque en el poder para construir legitimidad demuestra un cambio desde una estrategia consensual dirigida por la fracción industrial—aprovechando la posibilidad de redistribuir renta de la tierra—a una centrada en el conjunto del bloque en el poder y contraria a las clases populares. Mientras el extractivismo se intensificó durante todo el período, la superexplotación de la fuerza de trabajo mostró diferentes fases de intensificación y morigeración, según las estrategias políticas del bloque en el poder.
Managerial ideology and identity in the nationalised British coal industry, 1947–1994
Authors: Perchard Andrew , Gildart Keith
Published: February 2022

This article examines managerial ideology and identity in the nationalised British coal industry. On nationalisation in 1947, the National Coal Board (NCB) – after 1987 the British Coal Corporation – became the largest socialised industry outside of the Communist bloc. Privatised in 1994, as part of liberal market reforms, the industry was a crucible for ideological clashes amongst managers. The article responds to interest in the impact of managerial ideologies and identities on organisations and in the search for illuminating historical case studies in different organisational settings. The authors position those ideological clashes, and distinctive managerial identities, within a moral economic framework.
Predictors affecting personal digital information management activities: A hierarchical regression analysis
Authors: Arshad Alia , Saleem Qurat Ul Ain , Mahmood Khalid
Published: February 2022

The study aimed to investigate the influence of demographic characteristics, Internet use, computer knowledge and technology self-efficacy on personal digital information management (PIM) activities – information finding, information keeping, information organising and information re-finding. The design of the study was quantitative and a survey method was used to get the objectives of the study. Three independent institutes of art and design – the Institute of Art and Culture, the National College of Arts and Design and the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design – were chosen as the research setting of the study. The population of the study was an academic community of three art and design institutes. The questionnaire was distributed to faculty and students of respective institutes and 229 responses were received after follow-up. The findings of the study indicated that both demographic characteristics and technology-related factors influenced the arts and design academic community’s PIM activities. However, the second set of variables – Internet use, computer knowledge and technology self-efficacy influenced more than demographic variables on PIM activities. Academic role, university and technology self-efficacy appeared significant predictors of all PIM activities. The findings might be helpful for arts and design institutes librarians to make strategies to improve academic community’s personal information management skills. In arts and design institutes, better efficiency in faculty and students’ PIM could be achieved if PIM literacy programmes are designed paying attention to differentials in demographic factors and technology-related factors, as revealed in this study.
Finance Education in Business Schools During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Viewpoint
Authors: Paul Samit
Published: February 2022

The recent crisis of COVID-19 poses a serious threat to the smooth functioning of the finance education in Indian business schools. Both general and specific pedagogical issues related to finance education crop up. However, innovation at institute and individual instructor level mitigates such threats to large extent and successfully maintains the desired learning environment for students in the ‘virtual’ mode.
Assessing Rasch measurement estimation methods across R packages with yes/no vocabulary test data
Authors: Nicklin Christopher , Vitta Joseph P.
Published: February 2022

Instrument measurement conducted with Rasch analysis is a common process in language assessment research. A recent systematic review of 215 studies involving Rasch analysis in language testing and applied linguistics research reported that 23 different software packages had been utilized. However, none of the analyses were conducted with one of the numerous R-based Rasch analysis software packages, which generally employ one of the three estimation methods: conditional maximum likelihood estimation (CMLE), joint maximum likelihood estimation (JMLE), or marginal maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE). For this study, eRm, a CMLE-based R package, was utilized to conduct a dichotomous Rasch analysis of a Yes/No vocabulary test based on the academic word list. The resulting parameters and diagnostic statistics were compared with the equivalent results from four other R-based Rasch measurement software packages and Winsteps. Finally, all of the packages were utilized in the analysis of 1000 simulated datasets to investigate the extent to which results generated from the contrasting estimation methods converged or diverged. Overall, the differences between the results produced with the three estimation methods were negligible, and the discrepancies observed between datasets were attributable to the software choice as opposed to the estimation method.
New pharmacological perspectives and therapeutic options for opioids: Differences matter
Authors: Somogyi Andrew A , Musolino Stefan T , Barratt Daniel T
Published: February 2022

Opioids remain the major drug class for the treatment of acute, chronic and cancer pain, but have major harmful effects such as dependence and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment. Although no new typical opioids have come onto the market in the past almost 50 years, a plethora of new innovative formulations has been developed to meet the clinical need. This review is intended to shed light on new understanding of the molecular pharmacology of opioids, which has arisen largely due to the genomic revolution, and what new drugs may become available in the coming years. Atypical opioids have and are being developed which not only target the mu opioid receptor but other targets in the pain pathway. Biased mu agonists have been developed but remain ‘unbiased’ clinically. The contribution of drugs targeting non-mu opioid receptors either alone or as heterodimers shows potential promise but remains understudied. That gene splice variants of the mu opioid receptor produce multiple receptor isoforms in different brain regions, and may change with pain chronicity and phenotype, presents new challenges but also opportunities for precision pain medicine. Finally, that opioids also have pro-inflammatory effects not aligned with mu opioid receptor binding affinity implicates a fresh understanding of their role in chronic pain, whether cancer or non-cancer. Hopefully, a new understanding of opioid analgesic drug action may lead to new drug development and better precision medicine in acute and chronic pain relief with less patient harm.
D-Cycloserine-Induced Seizure Activity in the Emergency Department: A Case Report
Authors: Kuhrau Shannon , Boykin Tracy , Rech Megan A.
Published: February 2022

D-cycloserine (DCS) is an anti-tuberculosis medication that has been utilized for years for drug-resistant tuberculosis. DCS works via a centrally acting mechanism which can cause neurotoxic adverse effects which has limited its use. This centrally acting mechanism also allows for DCS to be utilized for various neuropsychiatric purposes. Our patient was on high-dose DCS for autism spectrum disorder and presented to the emergency department (ED) with a seizure. The seizure episode was managed with both anti-epileptics and pyridoxine. With increasing novel use of this older medication, it is imperative for ED clinicians to be aware of the different management strategies that may be required when a patient presents with a neurotoxic effect, specifically seizures, secondary to DCS.
The Impact of Caregiving Intensity and Religiosity on Spousal Caregivers’ Health and Mortality in the US (2004–2014)
Authors: Koumoutzis Athena , Mehri Nader
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Despite adverse physical and mental health outcomes related to caregiving, family caregivers also experience lower mortality rates compared to noncaregivers. However, research has not yet examined the role of caregiving intensity and religiosity with health and mortality among spousal caregivers.

Methods

Data include spousal caregivers ( n=5,214 person-wave observations) and noncaregivers ( n=50,311 person-wave observations) from the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2014 waves). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore how caregiving intensity and religiosity were associated with health and mortality among spousal caregivers, compared health and mortality between caregivers and noncaregiving peers, and examined gender differences in these mechanisms.

Results

Greater religious salience and attending religious services, although dependent on gender and caregiving intensity, are protective for caregivers’ health and mortality.

Discussion

Religiosity may buffer adverse effects of caregiving on health and mortality for spousal caregivers. Continuation of prior religiosity may enhance positive aspects of caregiving and decrease caregiver burden.
Integration and reparation are never complete—nor is the work of creativity
Authors: Chambers-Letson Joshua
Published: February 2022

A meditation on Dorinne Kondo’s Worldmaking, this essay attends to the work of reparative creativity in Kondo’s text. Revisiting Melanie Klein’s theory of reparation alongside Kondo’s rich discourse on racialization, repair, and creativity, the essay follows Kondo to insist upon a framing of reparation that attends to both its creative and destructive psychic, political, and social effects.
Early-Life Socioeconomic Circumstances and Physical Activity in Older Age: Women Pay the Price
Authors: Chalabaev Aïna , Sieber Stefan , Sander David , Cullati Stéphane , Maltagliati Silvio , Sarrazin Philippe , Boisgontier Matthieu P. , Cheval Boris
Published: February 2022

Health in older age is shaped by early-life socioeconomic circumstances (SECs) and sex. However, whether and why these factors interact is unclear. We examined a cultural explanation of this interaction by distinguishing cultural and material aspects of SECs in the context of physical activity—a major determinant of health. We used data from 56,331 adults between 50 and 96 years old from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), a 13-year, large-scale, population-based cohort. Confounder-adjusted logistic linear mixed-effects models showed an association between the cultural aspects of early-life SEC disadvantage and physical activity among women, but it was not consistently observed in men. Furthermore, these associations were compensated for only partially by adult-life socioeconomic trajectories. The material aspects of early-life SECs were not associated with adult-life physical activity. These findings highlight the need to distinguish different aspects of SECs because they may relate to health behaviors in diverse ways.
ANT at the Mirror: A Reflexive Analysis of the Theory and the Rise of a ‘New’ Action
Authors: Zampieri Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Is ANT an actor in its own ontology? This question summarises a number of issues that will be comprehensively investigated in this article. ANT will be analysed ‘reflexively’, that is, considering it as an actant of the ontology that it reclaims as a theory. The analysis of the concept of ‘description’ and the observation of the relational effects that ANT exerts and that are exerted on it reveal its asymmetric singularity in relation to the other actors. Therefore, we will argue whether ANT should actually be considered a ‘standing refutation’ of itself. The analysis of the concept of sociological relativity and its comparison with physical relativity reveal a possible reason for this self-contradictory behaviour, which will be the basis of our assumption concerning the emergence of a new type of action. Finally, a brief reinterpretation of ANT will be proposed, in the light of the newly introduced concepts of ontologisation and metaphysical action: it seems that this apparent contradiction can be ‘reabsorbed’ within the theory itself. Latour’s philosophical production will be broken down based on the applicability of the analysis.
Multiclass Discriminant Analysis using Ensemble Technique: Case Illustration from the Banking Industry
Authors: Viswanathan P. K. , Srivathsan Sandeep , Winston Wayne L.
Published: February 2022

Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) has found extensive application in predicting bankruptcy. In this article, we elucidate a novel modelling approach for LDA that can also aid in gaining useful insights regarding the relative importance and ranking of factors in the banking industry. The model steers away from the traditional computation of the variance/covariance matrix and employs an ensemble technique to assign records to classes. The efficacy of our model is tested using two datasets. Specifically, a large dataset from the banking industry was partitioned into the testing and training datasets, and an accuracy of 87.9% was achieved

JEL Codes: C38, G33
Kynurenine and Anthranilic Acid in the Peritoneum Correlate With the Stage of Gastric Cancer Disease
Authors: Gęca Katarzyna , Rawicz-Pruszyński Karol , Mlak Radosław , Sadok Ilona , Polkowski Wojciech P , Staniszewska Magdalena
Published: February 2022

Background:

This study aimed to assess the importance of selected kynurenines measured in peritoneal fluid, lavage washings, and blood serum in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) based on the clinical and pathological staging of TNM for a more precise evaluation of the stage of the disease.

Methods:

Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database of all patients operated on advanced GC between July 2018 and August 2020. In total, 98 patients were eligible for the analysis according to the REMARK guidelines.

Results:

Among the various kynurenines analyzed in this study, we found that the median concentration of anthranilic acid (AA) in the peritoneal lavage washings was significantly higher in patients with positive nodes (pN1-3) compared to those with negative nodes (pN0) ( P = 0.0100). Based on the ROC analysis, AA showed diagnostic utility in the differentiation of the pN staging ( P = 0.0047). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between AA in peritoneal fluid with stage pN ( P = 0.0116) and a positive correlation between AA in peritoneal lavage washings with stage cT ( P = 0.0101). We found that the median concentration of kynurenine (Kyn) in peritoneal lavage washings was significantly higher in patients with cM1 compared to cM0 patients ( P = 0.0047). Based on the ROC analysis, Kyn showed diagnostic utility in cM staging differentiation ( P < 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between peritoneal Kyn and stage of cM ( P = 0.0079).

Conclusions:

AA and Kyn measured in peritoneal lavage indicate advanced GC and may be considered in the future as valuable adjunct tools in TNM staging of advanced GC.
Peripheral helper T cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Holm Hansen Rikke , Højsgaard Chow Helene , Talbot Jacob , Buhelt Sophie , Nickelsen Hellem Marie Nathalie , Nielsen Jørgen Erik , Sellebjerg Finn Thorup , von Essen Marina Rode
Published: February 2022

Background:

Peripheral helper T cells (Tph) are likely implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Tph cells share functions with follicular helper T cells, including plasma cell differentiation and antibody production.

Objective and methods:

To investigate a possible role of Tph cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), we used flow cytometry to analyze the function, phenotype, and central nervous system (CNS)-recruitment of Tph cells in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from controls and patients with relapsing–remitting (RR) and primary progressive (PP) MS.

Result:

This study identified two functionally distinct Tph cell populations and a regulatory counterpart, Tpr cells. No differences in blood frequencies, cytokine production, or potential to interact with B cells were found between controls and patients with MS. Along with an equal CNS-migration potential, we found both Tph cell populations enriched in the CSF; and surprisingly, an increased frequency of intrathecal Tph cells in the control group compared to patients with MS.

Conclusion:

Altogether, we did not find an increased frequency of CSF Tph cells in patients with RRMS or PPMS. Our findings indicate that rather than being involved in MS pathogenesis, Tph cells may be implicated in normal CNS immunosurveillance.
Totally Endoscopic Resection of Right Atrial Diverticulum: A Case Report
Authors: Dang Huy Q. , Tran Manh T. , Le Huong T.
Published: February 2022

Right atrial diverticulum is a rare congenital heart defect with only about 30 cases reported. Surgery is the main method of treatment and is indicated when the patients have signs of right heart compression. In this study, we report the case of a 43-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with massive right atrial diverticulum. This patient was the first case who underwent successful repair by totally endoscopic surgery on the beating heart.
Utility of frailty as a predictor of acute kidney injury in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ng Christina , Dominguez Jose F , Hosein-Woodley Rasheed , Feldstein Eric , Naftchi Alexandria , Lui Aiden , Dicpinigaitis Alis J , McIntyre Matthew K , Kaur Gurmeen , Santarelli Justin , Bauerschmidt Andrew , Mayer Stephan A , Bowers Christian A , Gandhi Chirag D , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (aSAH). Frailty has recently been demonstrated to correlate with elevated mortality and morbidity; its impact on predicting AKI and mortality in aSAH patients has not been investigated.

Objective

Evaluating risk factors and predictors for AKI in aSAH patients.

Methods

aSAH patients from a single-center's prospectively maintained database were retrospectively evaluated for development of AKI within 14 days of admission. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. The effect of frailty and other risk factors were evaluated.

Results

Of 213 aSAH patients, 53 (33.1%) were frail and 12 (5.6%) developed AKI. Admission serum creatinine (sCr) and peak sCr within 48 h were higher in frail patients. AKI patients showed a trend towards higher frailty. Mortality was significantly higher in AKI than non-AKI aSAH patients. Frailty was a poor predictor of AKI when controlling for Hunt and Hess (HH) grade or age. HH grade ≥ 4 strongly predicted AKI when controlling for frailty.

Conclusion

AKI in aSAH patients carries a poor prognosis. The HH grade appears to have superior utility as a predictor of AKI in aSAH patients than mFI.
Investigation on performance in water jet pump under turning conditions
Authors: Liu Hou-Lin , Li Ming-Hui , Wu Xian-Fang , Tan Ming-Gao , Lu You-Dong
Published: February 2022

Turning has a significant effect on the performance of water-jet pump. Here, the axial flow water-jet pump was used as the research object, the performance and inner flow characteristics of water-jet pump under different turning angle were simulated through numerical simulation. The thrust, vorticity, bubbles in impeller, vapor volume fraction and surface load of blade were analyzed in detail when the turning angles were ±10°, ±20°, and ±30°, respectively. The results demonstrate that the thrust of the water-jet pump decreases linearly with the increase of the turning angle. At the same angle, the thrust of the water-jet pump when turning right is larger than that when turning left, and the maximum thrust difference is 9.14% of that without the turning angle. As the turning angle increases, the overall pressure of the water-jet pump decreases and the streamline distribution gets turbulent gradually. The vortex direction is the same as the turning direction basically. And the vortex distribution range is smaller when turning right under the same turning angle. The cavitation bubbles in the impeller occur firstly at the rim of the blade inlet and develop to the middle of the blade as the turning angle increases. The cavitation area is concentrated on the blade at turning side and the cavitation area when turning right is smaller than that when turning left.
Literature review of transformational school leadership: models and effects on student achievement (2006–2019)
Authors: Li Yanzheng , Karanxha Zorka
Published: February 2022

This systematic literature review critically evaluates 14 empirical studies published over a 14 years span (2006–2019) to answer questions about the models and the effects of transformational school leadership on student academic achievement. The analysis of the related literature utilized vote counting and narrative synthesis to delineate the status quo of the current research field. It was found that the majority of these studies were conducted in Western and English- speaking countries and these studies utilizing different research methods and models reported mixed results. Recommendations for future research directions include use of an integrated leadership framework and complexity in the study of leadership in schools.
Unexpected complication after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: Brachial artery pseudoaneurysm: A case report
Authors: Pasache-Lozano Rocio , Valencia-Ramon Edwin A , Trenholm J Andrew I , Johnston David G
Published: February 2022

Pseudoaneurysm should be acknowledged as a possible but infrequent postoperative complication after shoulder arthroplasty which could be easily misdiagnosed. It is important that the upper-extremity surgeon suspects this problem in the follow-up assessment for appropriate management. In this paper, we present an unusual case of brachial artery pseudoaneurysm in the early postoperative period after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
Massive Air Embolism Following Necrotizing Pancreatitis and COVID-19 Infection—The Role of Postmortem Computed Tomography
Authors: Melvinsdottir Inga , Solomon Nadia , Wadia Roxanne , Muniraj Thiruvengadam , Huber Steffen , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: February 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused the COVID-19 pandemic raised important questions about workplace exposures to the virus, including postmortem exposures. The complexity of COVID-19 disease and its numerous unanticipated complications made autopsy even more vital in determining the pathophysiology of the disease. Performing traditional autopsy, however, carries risk of exposure. The following report describes an unusual case in which a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 and necrotizing pancreatitis underwent postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) prior to limited traditional autopsy and was unexpectedly found via PMCT to have large and diffuse venous air emboli and a new peripancreatic hematoma. In this case, not only did PMCT play a crucial role in determining the cause of death but also it allowed for a limited autopsy, thereby reducing the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and associated risk to the autopsy staff and pathologists.
Giving full play to the state-led regulation in the market economy
Authors: Cheng Enfu
Published: February 2022

This paper expounds the internal law and relationship among market regulation, state regulation and proportional development of economy, and gets the conclusion that the appropriate theory and policy in current stage in China is to take market regulation as the basis and state-led regulation as the leading method in promoting economic development.
Safety Nets Work Both Ways: The Influence of Available Paid Leave on Employee Risk Taking During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Galdeen Teegan R. , Humphrey Rebecca P.
Published: February 2022

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of symptom-screening tools to limit attendance of infected workers has been widespread. However, it remains unknown how the reliability of responses to these tools may be compromised by individual and social factors. We aimed to determine whether personal concern over lost wages impacts responses to COVID-19 symptom-screening questionnaires making them less useful in limiting person-to-person transmission.

Methods:

We utilized an anonymous online questionnaire, administered through personal social media networks and those of two U.S. private colleges between September 16, 2020 and November 2, 2020 and distributed to currently or recently employed individuals 18 years of age or older. Participants considered ambiguous hypothetical scenarios involving possible COVID-19 symptoms or exposure and responded to a COVID-19 symptom screen ( N = 219).

Findings:

In response to symptom-related scenarios (i.e., elevated temperature or slight cough), respondents lacking access to paid sick leave were 2.2 to 2.7 times more likely to attend work than those with access to paid leave ( p < .05). This was not true for contact-related scenarios. Pay type and income level also significantly influenced screening responses.

Conclusion/Application to practice:

Risk of acute wage loss and overall financial stability appear to influence work-attendance decisions with regard to COVID-19 symptom screens. Broadened availability of paid leave and additional specificity within screening questionnaires would likely improve symptom-screen reliability.
The impact of home and host country institutional development on multinationals’ R&D intensity
Authors: Ellimäki Pia , Hurtado-Torres Nuria Esther , Cordón-Pozo Eulogio
Published: February 2022

This empirical article examines how the institutional development of the home country and host countries in which multinational enterprises (MNEs) are embedded can drive MNEs’ research and development (R&D) intensity. In doing so, this study analyzes 967 firm-year observations of 234 pharmaceutical firms from 30 developed and less developed countries in the period from 2010 to 2017. We find empirical support for internationalization toward developed countries as a driver of R&D intensity at the firm level. Furthermore, we find that this positive effect is stronger for MNEs from less institutionally developed home countries. The results can help managers, researchers, and policymakers to better understand the innovation process in R&D-intensive industries.

JEL CLASSIFICATION: M16, O32
Teacher entrepreneurial ecosystems: How local communities support teacher entrepreneurs
Authors: Roundy Philip T.
Published: February 2022

Teacher entrepreneurs pursue innovative opportunities to create value for their students and colleagues; however, it is unclear how local communities enable teacher entrepreneurs and why some communities provide fertile ground for teacher entrepreneurship while others stifle teacher entrepreneurs. To address the limited understanding of how communities can support teacher entrepreneurship, this paper draws from entrepreneurial ecosystems research and the micro-foundations approach to develop a multi-level framework to explain the attributes of “teacher entrepreneurial ecosystems.” The main insight is that where teachers engage in entrepreneurship matters and that, in addition to teacher- and school-based characteristics, important contextual differences exist at the community-level in the depth of support for teacher entrepreneurs. Specifically, the theory explains how key differences in teacher entrepreneurial ecosystems influence teacher entrepreneurship and, in turn, how the activities of teacher entrepreneurs influence the diversity, coherence, and resilience of their ecosystems. The theory contributes by explaining how teacher entrepreneurial ecosystems function, motivating an agenda for studying teacher entrepreneurial ecosystems that catalyzes research at the entrepreneurial ecosystem and education interface, and generating insights that can help teachers and school administrators to harness their local communities and empower teacher entrepreneurs.
COVID-19 Crisis and Indian Kirana Shopkeeper’s Business Continuity and Sustainability Initiatives: Study During the First Unlock Stage
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Ankur Kumar
Published: February 2022

This research study ascertained how street corner small shops (called kirana shops in India) in Indian urban landscape adopted resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities view (DCV) perspectives to strategize regarding unlocking initiatives, process, operational change, and business continuance post COVID-19 pandemic and economic lockdown. The authors used qualitative research method with a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire to collect the data. Thematic content analysis was applied for data analysis. The data was collected in June 2020 in India when the initial unlock process was going on. The application of Situation Actor Process–Learning Action Performance (SAP-LAP) framework in conjunction with strategic management theories such as RBV and DCV provided a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. This study was also a demonstration of how a critical crisis situation like COVID-19 could relate to the SAP-LAP framework. The author found that shopkeepers developed new sets of valuable and rare and inimitable resources and capabilities. While all the aspects of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration were attained to while devising the shops reopening strategies, new sets of resources and capabilities to attend to customers were also developed.
Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Clinical Sepsis: Experience From a Single Rural Center in Central India
Authors: Jain Kavita , Sharma Darshita , Patidar Mala , Nandedkar Shirish , Pathak Ashish , Purohit Manju
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Early diagnosis of sepsis and its severity is essential for appropriate treatment to improve patient survival, especially in resource-limited settings. The aim of the present study was to study the role of red blood cell distribution (RDW) as a biomarker for the early detection of severe sepsis defined clinically and also in the prediction of mortality from sepsis.

Methods:

The cross-sectional study included a total of 175 subjects who met the inclusion criteria for the diagnosis of severe sepsis. After a thorough clinical examination, blood samples were taken from all patients within 3 hours of presenting the disease. The RDW values and other investigations were studied on the day of admission compared to other severity markers with the mortality index of 30 days.

Result:

The RDW value was significantly higher in patients with severe sepsis and in non-survivor patients than in survivors ( P < .0001). There was a strong correlation between the SOFA score and RDW in predicting the disease outcome with the Pearson correlation coefficient of r = .46. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was found to be 0.852 at a CI of 95% (0.796-0.909) with RDW 17.15, sensitivity was 88.6% and specificity was 63.5%. There was a positive correlation with Pearson’s correlation coefficient of r = .46 between RDW and the SOFA score.

Conclusions:

RDW can be used as a potential marker for the early detection of severe sepsis and in the prediction of the outcome. Large multicenter prospective studies can confirm the utility of this routinely available marker for patients with sepsis.
“You can do it yourself and you can do it at your convenience”: internet accessibility and willingness of people with chronic breathlessness to use an internet-based breathlessness self-management intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reilly Charles C. , Bristowe Katherine , Roach Anna , Maddocks Matthew , Higginson Irene J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The burden of chronic breathlessness on individuals, family, society and health systems is significant, and set to increase exponentially with population ageing, complex multimorbidity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related disability. Breathlessness support services are effective; however, reach and access are limited. Delivering online breathlessness interventions may build capacity and resilience within health systems to tackle chronic breathlessness through supported self-management. The aim of this study was to explore accessibility and willingness of patients with chronic breathlessness to use an internet-based breathlessness self-management intervention (SELF-BREATHE).

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with adults living with advanced malignant and non-malignant disease and chronic breathlessness (July to November 2020). Interviews were analysed using conventional and summative content analysis.

Results

25 patients (COPD: n=13; lung cancer: n=8; interstitial lung disease (ILD): n=3; bronchiectasis: n=1) were interviewed: 17 male, median (range) age 70 (47–86) years and Medical Research Council dyspnoea score 3 (2–5). 21 patients had internet access. Participants described greater use, acceptance and normalisation of the internet since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. They described multifaceted internet use: functional, self-investment (improving health and wellbeing) and social. The concept of SELF-BREATHE was highly valued, and most participants with internet access were willing to use it. In addition to technical limitations, personal choice and perceived value of the internet were important factors that underpinned readiness to use online resources.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that patients living with chronic breathlessness that have access to the internet would have the potential to benefit from the online SELF-BREATHE intervention, if given the opportunity.
Grazing exclusion had greater effects than nitrogen addition on soil and plant community in a desert steppe, Northwest of China
Authors: Li Mengru , Wang Lilong , Li Junjun , Peng Zhenling , Wang Liang , Zhang Xinfang , Xu Shijian
Published: February 2022

Background

The impacts of increasing nitrogen (N) deposition and overgrazing on terrestrial ecosystems have been continuously hot issues. Grazing exclusion, aimed at restoration of grassland ecosystem function and service, has been extensively applied, and considered a rapid and effective vegetation restoration method. However, the synthetic effects of exclosure and N deposition on plant and community characteristics have rarely been studied. Here, a 4-year field experiment of N addition and exclusion treatment had been conducted in the desert steppe dominated by Alhagi sparsifolia and Lycium ruthenicum in northwest of China, and the responses of soil characteristics, plant nutrition and plant community to the treatments had been analyzed.

Results

The grazing exclusion significantly increased total N concentration in the surface soil (0-20 cm), and increased plant height, coverage (P < 0.05) and aboveground biomass. Specifically, A. sparsifolia recovered faster both in individual and community levels than L. ruthenicum did after exclusion. There was no difference in response to N addition gradients between the two plants.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that it is exclusion rather than N addition that has greater impacts on soil properties and plant community in desert steppe. Present N deposition level has no effect on plant community of desert steppe based on short-term experimental treatments.
General practitioners treating their own family members: a cross-sectional survey in Germany
Authors: Mücke Natalie Alida , Schmidt Alexandra , Kersting Christine , Kalitzkus Vera , Pentzek Michael , Wilm Stefan , Mortsiefer Achim
Published: February 2022

Background

In Germany, there are neither guidelines provided by the medical associations nor a public discussion about general practitioners (GPs) treating their family members. Only few studies on this topic from the primary care setting exist. The aim of this study is to describe GPs’ treatment of family members and to generate empirical data on the most common reasons for this.

Methods

In June 2018 we conducted a postal survey among GPs in the North Rhine region of Germany. The questionnaire was developed in a stepwise process including initial expert panels, interviews with GPs, item construction workshops, cognitive pre-tests and pilot testing with 40 questionnaires. The final questionnaire addressed: type and frequency of treatment, documentation and place of treatment, engagement as the official GP as well as reasons for and against the treatment. For data evaluation, descriptive and explorative statistical analyses were conducted.

Results

Overall, 393 questionnaires were returned (response rate 39.8%). 96.7% of the GPs had treated at least one family member during the last 12 months. Services that were provided frequently (more than three times in the last 12 months) included the prescription or dispensing of medication (partner 45%, children 37%, parents 43%, partner’s parents 26%), physical examinations (partner 18%, children 24%, parents 25%, partner’s parents 15%), and the arrangement or provision of laboratory tests (partner 14%, children 7%, parents 16%, partner’s parents 9%). Less than one third of the study participants always treated their relatives in their office. Male GPs more often provided care to family members (except children) registered in their practice. Senior male GPs treated their relatives more often than junior female GPs. Family members were most commonly treated for practical reasons.

Conclusion

The subject of GPs treating their relatives is of high everyday relevance, since nearly all GPs are involved in the treatment of their family members. Frequent at-home treatments and low documentation rates may indicate risks due to deviating from the professional routine.
Initiating second-line antidiabetic medication among older adults with type 2 diabetes on Metformin
Authors: DeCarlo Kristen , Wallia Amisha , Kang Raymond H. , Cooper Andrew , Cherupally Manisha , Harris Sterling A. , Aikman Cassandra , Liss David T. , Ackermann Ronald T. , O’Brien Matthew J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Antidiabetic medications (ADM), especially sulfonylureas (SFU) and basal insulin (BI), are associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia, which is especially concerning among older adults in poor health. The objective of this study was to investigate prescribing patterns of ADM in older adults according to their health status.

Methods

This case control study analyzed administrative claims between 2013 and 2017 from a large national payer. The study population was derived from a nationwide database of 84,720 U.S. adults aged ≥65, who were enrolled in Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. Participants had type 2 diabetes on metformin monotherapy, and started a second-line ADM during the study period. The exposure was a binary variable for health status, with poor health defined by end-stage medical conditions, dementia, or residence in a long-term nursing facility. The outcome was a variable identifying which second-line ADM class was started, categorized as SFU, BI, or other (i.e. all other ADM classes combined).

Results

Over half of participants (54%) received SFU as initial second-line ADM, 14% received BI, and 32% received another ADM. In multivariable models, the odds of filling SFU or BI was higher for participants in poor health than those in good or intermediate health [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.05-1.21) and OR 2.34 (95% CI 2.14-2.55), respectively]. SFU and BI were also more commonly filled by older adults with poor glycemic control.

Conclusions

Despite clinical consensus to use caution prescribing SFU and BI among older adults in poor health, these medications remain frequently used in this particularly vulnerable population.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of short-form five factor borderline inventory (FFBI-SF)
Authors: Athar Mojtaba Elhami , Karimi Sirvan , DeShong Hilary L. , Lashgari Zahra , Azizi Morteza , Jazi Elham Azamian , Shamabadi Reza
Published: February 2022

Background

The Five-Factor Borderline Inventory-Short Form (FFBI-SF) is a self-report measure developed to assess traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) from the perspective of the Five-Factor Model of general personality. This study was designed to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent/discriminant validity of the Persian FFBI-SF in a sample of Iranian university students.

Methods

A total of 641 university students (M-age = 28.04, SD = 8.21, 66.7% women) completed the online forms of the FFBI-SF, PID-5-BF, and Mini IPIP.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original and modified (without item 47) twelve-factor models. Also, Cronbach’s alpha (α) for the FFBI-SF scores ranged from unacceptable to excellent ranges. However, when relying on MIC values to measure internal consistency, the FFBI-SF Total and subscale scores demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Finally, the FFBI Total and subscale scores showed the expected relations with other personality measures scores (e.g., Neuroticism, Antagonism, and Conscientiousness), which supports the validity of the interpretation of the FFBI-SF scores.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that FFBI-SF is a useful tool with sound psychometric properties for assessing BPD traits in Iranian students and may spark research in other Iranian settings (e.g., community and clinical samples).
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines among latin american adults: a multi-national cross-sectional study
Authors: Ferrari Gerson , Alberico Claudia , Drenowatz Clemens , Kovalskys Irina , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Cortés Lilia Yadira , García Martha Yépez , Liria-Domínguez Maria Reyna , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Peralta Miguel , Marques Adilson , Marconcin Priscila , Cristi-Montero Carlos , Leme Ana Carolina B. , Zimberg Ioná Zalcman , Farías-Valenzuela Claudio , Fisberg Mauro , Rollo Scott
Published: February 2022

Background

24-hour movement behaviors, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep duration, have important implications for health across the lifespan. However, no studies exist that have examined the integration of these 24-hour movement behaviors in Latin America. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline recommendations and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the guidelines in adults from eight Latin American countries.

Methods

This was a multi-national cross-sectional study of 2338 adults aged 18 to 64 years from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health. MVPA and ST data were collected using accelerometers. Sleep duration was self-reported using a daily log. Socio-demographic correlates included sex, age, education level, and marital status. Meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines was defined as: ≥150 min/week of MVPA; ≤8 h/day of ST; and between 7 and 9 h/day of sleep. Logistic regression models were estimated on pooled data.

Results

The prevalence of adults who met the MVPA, ST, sleep duration, and integrated recommendations was 48.3, 22.0, 19.4, and 1.6%, respectively. Overall, being a woman (OR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.55,0.93) and having a middle (0.63; 0.47,0.85) or high education level (0.31; 0.17,0.56) was associated with lower odds of meeting all three of the 24-hour movement guideline recommendations. Being married (1.70; 1.25,2.29) was associated with greater odds of meeting all three recommendations. Being a woman (0.46; 0.39,0.55), aged 50-64 years (0.77; 0.60,0.97), and married (0.79; 0.65,0.96) were associated with lower odds of meeting the MVPA recommendation. Having a middle (0.64; 0.50,0.80) or high (0.36; 0.23,0.55) education level was associated with lower odds and being married (1.86; 1.46,2.36) was associated with greater odds of meeting the ST recommendation. Being a woman (0.63; 0.51,0.78) was associated with lower odds; whereas being aged 50-64 years (1.40; 1.04,1.88) and having a middle education level (1.37; 1.09,1.73) were associated with greater odds of meeting the sleep duration recommendation.

Conclusions

Overall, the proportion of Latin American adults achieving healthy levels of 24-hour movement behaviors was low. Further efforts are needed to promote more MVPA, less ST, and sufficient sleep in Latin American adults.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.