bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory for individual items is related to nonreinforced preference change
Authors: Botvinik-Nezer Rotem , Bakkour Akram , Salomon Tom , Shohamy Daphna , Schonberg Tom
Published: September 2021

It is commonly assumed that memories contribute to value-based decisions. Nevertheless, most theories of value-based decision-making do not account for memory influences on choice. Recently, new interest has emerged in the interactions between these two fundamental processes, mainly using reinforcement-based paradigms. Here, we aimed to study the role memory processes play in preference change following the nonreinforced cue-approach training (CAT) paradigm. In CAT, the mere association of cued items with a speeded motor response influences choices. Previous studies with this paradigm showed that a single training session induces a long-lasting effect of enhanced preferences for high-value trained stimuli, that is maintained for several months. We hypothesized that CAT increases memory of trained items, leading to enhanced accessibility of their positive associative memories and in turn to preference changes. In two preregistered experiments, we found evidence that memory is enhanced for trained items and that better memory is correlated with enhanced preferences at the individual item level, both immediately and 1 mo following CAT. Our findings suggest that memory plays a central role in value-based decision-making following CAT, even in the absence of external reinforcements. These findings contribute to new theories relating memory and value-based decision-making and set the groundwork for the implementation of novel nonreinforced behavioral interventions that lead to long-lasting behavioral change.
Memory destabilization during reconsolidation: a consequence of homeostatic plasticity?
Authors: Amorim Felippe E. , Chapot Renata L. , Moulin Thiago C. , Lee Jonathan L.C. , Amaral Olavo B.
Published: September 2021

Remembering is not a static process: When retrieved, a memory can be destabilized and become prone to modifications. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in a number of brain regions, but the neuronal mechanisms that rule memory destabilization and its boundary conditions remain elusive. Using two distinct computational models that combine Hebbian plasticity and synaptic downscaling, we show that homeostatic plasticity can function as a destabilization mechanism, accounting for behavioral results of protein synthesis inhibition upon reactivation with different re-exposure times. Furthermore, by performing systematic reviews, we identify a series of overlapping molecular mechanisms between memory destabilization and synaptic downscaling, although direct experimental links between both phenomena remain scarce. In light of these results, we propose a theoretical framework where memory destabilization can emerge as an epiphenomenon of homeostatic adaptations prompted by memory retrieval.
Seeking transparency makes one blind: how to rethink disclosure, account for nature and make corporations sustainable
Authors: Quattrone Paolo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Financial and nonfinancial disclosures are still anchored to conventional notions of transparency, whereby corporations “push” information out to various stakeholders. Such information is now “pulled” from various sources and addresses aspects of corporate behavior that go well beyond those envisioned by the disclosure framework. This shift makes notions of values, measurement and accountability more fragmented, complex and difficult. The paper aims to bring the accounting scholarly debate back to what and how transparency can be achieved especially in relation to issues of social inequality and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

After an analysis of the limitations of current approaches to disclosure, the paper proposes a shift toward normative policies that profit of years of critique of positivism.

Findings

Drawing on the notion of value-added, the paper ends with a new income statement design, labeled as Value-Added Statement for Nature, which recognizes Nature as a further stakeholder and forces human stakeholders to give voice, or at least acknowledge the lack of voice, for non-human actors.

Originality/value

The author proposes a shift in the perspective, practice and institutional arrangements in which disclosure occurs. Measurement and transparency need to happen in communication exercises, which do not presuppose what needs to be made transparent once and for good but define procedures on how to make fragmented, complex, multiple and volatile notions of value transparent. Income statements and accounting more in general is to be reconceived as a platform where stakeholders will have to continuously negotiate what counts as the common good in the interest of all, including Nature.
Research on automatic parking system based on linear quadratic regulator
Authors: Qian Yan , Wang Zhaoqiang , Liang Wei , Lu Chenhui
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of path planning and path tracking in the automatic parking assistant system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first uses the method of reverse driving to confirm few control points based on the constraints of the construction of the vehicle and the environment information, then a reference path with free-collision and continuous curvature is designed based on the Bézier curve. According to the principle of the discrete linear quadratic regulator (LQR), a tracking controller that combines feedforward control and feedback control is designed.

Findings

Finally, simulation analysis are carried out in Simulink and CARSIM. The results show that the proposed method can obtain a better path tracking effect when the parking space size is appropriate.

Originality/value

According to the principle of the discrete LQR, a tracking controller that combines feedforward control and feedback control is designed.
Cooperation for innovation: more is not necessarily merrier
Authors: Temel Serdal , Mention Anne-Laure , Yurtseven Alp Eren
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Embracing a large set of innovation objectives and collaborating with diverse partners have been promoted as a means to improve innovation performance. However, empirical evidence on the relationships between breadth of objectives, breadth of cooperation and innovation performance is limited, particularly in the context of emerging economies. A larger number of objectives and cooperation partners inevitably increases the complexity in organizational alignment, and cooperation eventually leads to diminishing returns. This study adds to the debate on the costs and benefits of cooperation for innovation. Understanding the optimal levels of the breadth of objectives and cooperation supports managerial decision-making and productivity in the practice of cooperation for innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Operationalizing breadth of innovation objectives and cooperation via the Turkish Community Innovation Survey data, self-reports reflecting 5,863 firm-level responses between 2006 and 2008 are analysed using tobit and probit models. The maximum likelihood estimator is used to find the optimal levels for breadth of objectives and cooperation.

Findings

Firms with greater breadth of innovation objectives experience higher innovation performance; those with greater breadth of cooperation also experience higher innovation performance, but our results indicate the existence of optimal levels of breadth for both innovation objectives and cooperation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors extend the logic that there is no safety in numbers in cooperation for innovation. If the aim is to enhance innovation performance, managers and policymakers need to pay attention to the number of innovation objectives and the amount of cooperation pursued by firms. However, innovation success may be closely associated with a firm's dynamic capabilities and ability to mobilize its resources. Drawing on organizational learning theories, future research could explore why a lower than maximum level of cooperation may be more conducive to reaching levels of enhanced innovation performance and whether this level is influenced by cognitive processes.

Originality/value

The authors draw attention to the ideal number of innovation objectives and number of cooperating partners required to enhance innovation performance, thus contributing to the debate on the complex relationships between innovation, performance and cooperation in the unique setting of a large developing economy.
Toward collaborative networking among innovation laboratories: a conceptual framework
Authors: Memon Atia Bano , Meyer Kyrill , Tunio Muhammad Nawaz
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a conceptual framework of collaborative networking among structurally and functionally varying types of Innovation Laboratories, which will enable them to leverage upon diverse competencies of each other and thereby facilitate their clients (business organizations) throughout the innovation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework proposed herein is oriented around design science research, whereby the important constructs underpinning the development of framework are identified from existing literature. The framework is based upon two constructs, service-based categorization of extant Innovation Laboratories, and concepts of horizontal and vertical modes of inter-InnoLab collaboration (collaboration among Innovation Laboratories). The framework is subsequently developed in iterations based on experts’ views and discussions.

Findings

The conceptual framework presents eight different opportunities of interconnection among Innovation Laboratories including the four horizontal collaboration possibilities as network of mentors, network of process intermediaries, network of resource providers and network of network coordinators which are followed by four subsequent vertical collaboration possibilities among these horizontal collaboration networks. The proposed collaborative network of Innovation Laboratories enables undertaking of complete innovation process with four possible entry and four possible exit points for business organizations.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework proposed herein is first of its kind to suggest a worldwide collaborative networking among Innovation Laboratories. The applicability and usefulness of the framework is supported by the existingad hoctype individual collaborative activities being exercised by different kinds of Innovation Laboratories as reported by Innovation Laboratory facilitators and observed in practical field.
Peri-urban territories and rural water community governance in Chile
Authors: Duarte Vera Alejandra , Vanhulst Julien , Letelier Araya Eduardo Antonio
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Rural drinking water services in Chile are managed by Rural Drinking Water Associations (RDWAs) with a community governance model. However, urban growth and a neoliberal institutional setting tend to favor market-style governance, both in terms of territorial planning and drinking water supply, placing stress on the community governance model of RDWA. The authors seek to understand these processes and identify the position of RDWA actors facing socio-territorial and environmental transformations experienced in peri-urban sectors of the city of Talca (Chile).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used georeferenced data, participant and non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews. With these data, the authors analyzed the positions and discourses of water governance actors in relation to socio-territorial transformations in the peri-urban areas of the city, as well as for tensions between community and market governance.

Findings

The authors identified a growth tendency of RDWA users around the city of Talca due to a sharp drinking water demand increase in peri-urban territories. As such, the authors describe and contrast RWDA managers and governmental regulators' discourses regarding environmental and socio-territorial transformations. In these discourses, the authors found three critical topics: (1) land liberalization blurring urban territory borders; (2) Law #20998, a poorly financed reform which raises the specter of RDWA privatization, jeopardizing historic community drinking water management; and (3) the consequences of declining community commitment to RDWAs.

Practical implications

One key implication of these findings is the need to modify RDWA pricing policies to deal with new rural inhabitant lifestyles and drinking water demands and to fulfill water basic needs of rural families, avoiding privatization risks. This change could help not only dealing with growing scarcity during global climate change, but could also provide financial resources to face new technical and administrative requirements of SSR Law.

Originality/value

The originality of the study comes from using a framework of governance tensions applied to water governance in peri-urban areas in a neoliberal institutional setting.
Intensifying effects of COVID-19 on economic growth, logistics performance, environmental sustainability and quality management: evidence from Asian countries
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Shen Yichen , Ferasso Marcos , D’Adamo Idiano
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on exports of goods and services, logistics performance, environmental management system (ISO 14001) certification and quality management system (ISO 9001) certification in top affected Asian countries of India, Iran, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel grey relational analysis models’ approach is used to examine the inter-relationship between COVID-19 economic growth and environmental performance. Moreover, the authors applied a conservative (maximin) model to investigate which countries have the least intensifying affected among all of the top affected COVID-19 Asian countries based on the SS degree of grey relation values. The data used in this study was collected from multiple databases during 2020 for analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that the severity of COVID-19 shows a strong negative association and influence of COVID-19 on the exportation of goods and services, logistics performance, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications in all the six highly affected countries during a pandemic outbreak. Although the adverse effects of COVID-19 in exporting countries persisted until December 31, 2020, their magnitude decreased over time in Indonesia and Pakistan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan showed comparatively better performance among the six top highly affected Asian countries due to its smart locked down strategy and prevents its economy from severe damages. While India and Iran export drastically go down due to a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings produce much-required policy suggestions for leaders, world agencies and governments to take corrective measures on an emergent basis to prevent the economies from more damages and improve their logistics, environmental and quality performance during the pandemic of COVID-19.

Originality/value

This study develops a framework and investigates the intensifying effects of COVID-19 effects on economic growth, logistics performance, environmental performance and quality production processes.
Entrepreneurial marketing: a bibliometric analysis of the second decade of the 21st century and future agenda
Authors: Lopes João M. , Laurett Rozélia , Antunes Hélder , Oliveira José
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the state of the art on publications related to “Business Marketing” over the past 10 years (2010–2020) and available in the SCOPUS database.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a bibliometric study on entrepreneurial marketing (EM) was performed. The articles were selected from the SCOPUS database and dated from January 1, 2010 to July 11, 2020.

Findings

In total, 124 articles on the area of business management were identified, they are written in English. Through the systematization of these articles, it was found that the majority of the publications and citations about EM are from the year 2020 (378 articles), respectively, with 17 citations. The Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship was the most published on the subject and obtained the highest number of citations over the past 10 years. The authors that obtained the highest number of citations were: Jones and Rowley (2011b) with 101 citations and Mort et al. (2012) with 71 citations. It was also possible to identify four clusters: “entrepreneurial orientation”; “customer strategy”; “market orientation” and “innovative entrepreneurship and marketing.”

Practical implications

This paper reinforces the coherence and scientific structure of the current literature. The systematization of the concepts we present can be used by managers to define strategies and policies in EM planning.

Originality/value

This research gives special emphasis to the publications over the past 10 years, related to the management area and focused on the term “Entrepreneurship Marketing,” aiming to identify publication trends. Another innovation from this research is the usage of a single database, for the case SCOPUS. Moreover, the authors also reveal a current agenda with future lines of research in EM, which will serve as a starting point to prepare other studies in this area.
Product design and pricing strategies in a closed-loop supply chain with patent protection
Authors: Xiao Lu , Wu Zhi-Ying , Zhang Song-Ling , Chen Zhen-Song , Govindan Kannan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a two-period model in which an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) decides the remanufacturability level of products in product design and unit patent licensing fee at the first period, and a third-party remanufacturer (3PR) that has been licensed by the OEM enters the remanufacturing market to compete with the OEM at the second period.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the OEM's optimal decisions of remanufacturability level in the product design and unit patent licensing fee at the first period, as well as the OEM's and the 3PR's optimal decisions of selling prices at the second period, under two scenarios that the remanufacturing is constrained or unconstrained by the collected quantity available at the end of the first period, by making use of game theory.

Findings

The study finds that the OEM will choose high remanufacturability in product design only when the unit cost saving of remanufacturing or unit production cost of new products exceed certain thresholds.

Originality/value

The study is the first attempt to simultaneously integrate product design and patent licensing in remanufacturing. It provides useful insights for OEM managers who face competition from 3PRs and may use their product design strategies to deter 3PRs and may protect patent of products by levying patent licensing fees from 3PRs.
Followership practices as determinants of national innovativeness: a study across 56 cultures
Authors: Das Roshni
Published: September 2021

Purpose

There is a dearth of literature on what are the factors in terms of leaders’ and followers’ characteristics that impact innovation at the country level. The purpose of this paper is to build theoretical argument and provide empirical evidence of these factors using a cross-cultural mode of study across 56 nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The Bayesian modelling technique is used on data from the GLOBE survey.

Findings

Innovation at the individual, team and organisational levels has generally been associated with the relationship-motivated leadership, as opposed to task-motivated leadership. This study confirms that this premise holds at the societal level of analysis as well. The second finding is that in terms of followers’ cultural characteristics, out of three variables (power distance, collectivism and performance orientation) tested, only power distance orientation is found to have a predictive relationship with aggregate innovation. The moderator slope analysis unveils a nuanced understanding of how the interaction between leadership styles and followers’ cultural traits impact national innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

Culture and leadership configurations that bolster innovation need to be studied more thoroughly.

Practical implications

This study has implications for multi-country teams involved in research and development activities.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first study to unpack leader−follower relationships as predictors of national innovation. A leadership-culture fit perspective is advanced.
Learning from lockdown
Authors: Walker Vicky
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the varied and valuable well-being lessons learnt throughout the pandemic, from people and businesses alike and how they can be taken forward. To support its argument, Westfield Health uses research that demonstrates a link between health and happiness and the quality of an individual’s contributions to a business. The paper will also show how employee expectations have changed, and companies that acknowledge those changes and continue to keep in mind the valuable learnings from last year will be best placed to survive and recover.

Design/methodology/approach

Westfield Health undertook a 1,500 person study into the physical and mental well-being of the country, with a focus on our changing experiences, attitudes and expectations of working through a pandemic for Westfield Health’s Divided Together report. A further study surveyed 400 human resources (HR) leaders, to investigate policy changes, well-being spend and successful improvements to workplace well-being.

Findings

The study shows that learnings around implementing, measuring and investing in workplace well-being must continue throughout 2021 to provide businesses and their teams with the best chance of success in the new year.

Originality/value

This paper uses data from a variety of reliable sources that can help HR leaders understand which learnings from 2020 are here to stay and how to improve their well-being offering.
Five moments of truth: presenting business results to senior executives
Authors: Phillips Jack J. , Phillips Patti P. , Toes Klaas
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the executive request for program results. With major programs in place and other programs planned, executives want to know if they are working. The executive’s perspective focuses on whether these programs impact the organization and do they deliver a positive return on investment (ROI).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how an executive’s request for ROI will lead human resources professionals to plan an evaluation, collect data, analyze data and present the results to the program sponsors and funders. The success of the results presentation will influence program support and future allocation of funding to HR programs.

Findings

To be credible, the presentation must include five moments of truth. These five moments of truth require credible data, collected from credible sources, presented in five categories, and a conservative analysis that executives can believe, including proof the program has made a difference. Executives must believe the results are true, or the presentation becomes a waste of time.

Originality/value

The critical challenge for the HR team is to involve executives in each of the five truths. In the findings, the most successful programs have high executive involvement, beginning with investment alignment and business alignment, and moving through to solution implementation and capability development, and motivation attainment.
Effect of external static magnetic field on the particle distribution, the metallurgical process and the microhardness of Sn3.5Ag solder with magnetic Ni particles
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Xu Hongbo , Zhou Li , Liu Ximing , Zhao Hongyun
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the mechanism of Ni particles distribution in the liquid Sn3.5Ag melt under the external static magnetic field. The control steps of Ni particles and the Sn3.5Ag melt metallurgical process were studied. After aging, the microhardness of pure Sn3.5Ag, Sn3.5Ag containing randomly distributed Ni particles and Sn3.5Ag containing columnar Ni particles were compared.

Design/methodology/approach

Place the sample in a crucible for heating. After the sample melts, place a magnet directly above and below the sample to provide a magnetic field. Sn3.5Ag with the different morphological distribution of Ni particles was obtained by holding for different times under different magnetic field intensities. Finally, pure Sn3.5Ag, Sn3.5Ag with random distributed Ni particles and Sn3.5Ag with columnar Ni particles were aged and their microhardness was tested after aging.

Findings

The experimental results show that with the increase of magnetic field strength, the time for Ni particle distribution in Sn3.5Ag melt to reach equilibrium is shortened. After aging, the microhardness of Sn3.5Ag containing columnar nickel particles is higher than that of pure Sn3.5Ag and Sn3.5Ag containing randomly distributed nickel particles. A chemical reaction is the control step in the metallurgical process of nickel particles and molten Sn3.5Ag.

Originality/value

Under the action of the magnetic field, Ni particles in Sn3.5Ag melt will be arranged into columns. With the increase of magnetic field strength, the shorter the time for Ni particles in Sn3.5Ag melt to arrange in a column. With the extension of the service time of the solder joint, if Sn3.5Ag with columnar nickel particles is used as the solder joint material, its microhardness is better than Sn3.5Ag with arbitrarily distributed nickel particles and pure Sn3.5Ag.
Naringin promotes osteogenesis and ameliorates osteoporosis development by targeting JAK2/STAT3 signalling
Authors: Wang Wang , Mao Jie , Chen Yan , Zuo Jing , Chen Lin , Li Yajing , Gao Yingqian , Lu Qibin
Published: September 2021

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone metabolism disorder, which increases the risk of fractures, and in severe cases it may cause disability or even death. An important factor contributing to osteoporosis is the imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Naringin was reported to promote osteoblast differentiation, thus enhancing bone formation and alleviating osteoporosis development. However, the signalling pathways related to the regulatory mechanism of naringin in osteoporosis development are not clear. Proliferation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) treated with naringin in vitro was detected by CCK‐8. An osteogenesis differentiation medium supplemented with naringin was applied to explore the effects of naringin on BMSC osteogenic differentiation, as detected by Alizarin red staining. Ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) rats were orally administered with naringin. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and micro‐CT were applied to measure bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecula thickness (Tb.Th), trabecula number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV). H&E staining was performed to show pathological changes of the femur in PMOP rats after naringin treatment. Bone metabolism indicators were assessed by ELISA. We found that naringin suppressed the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Naringin promoted BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, naringin alleviates bone loss and improves abnormal bone metabolism of PMOP rats. Collectively, naringin promotes BMSC osteogenic differentiation to ameliorate osteoporosis development by targeting JAK2/STAT3 signalling.
Implementation Fidelity of a Complex Behavioral Intervention to Prevent Diabetes Mellitus in Two Safety Net Patient‐Centered Medical Homes in New York City
Authors: Gupta Avni , Hu Jiyuan , Huang Shengnan , Diaz Laura , Gore Radhika , Islam Nadia , Schwartz Mark
Published: September 2021

Research Objective

Assessing implementation fidelity is critical for complex interventions to understand the reasons for their success or failure. However, few interventions systematically document and report implementation processes. Therefore, we sought to conduct concurrent process evaluation of CHORD (Community Health Outreach to Reduce Diabetes), a pragmatic, cluster‐randomized, controlled trial aimed at evaluating the impact of a Community Health Workers (CHW) led, health coaching intervention (in‐person and remotely) on preventing the onset of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Study Design

The Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity (CFIF) was applied to measure implementation fidelity and factors moderating fidelity of the three core intervention components: patient goal setting, education topic coaching with CHWs, and referrals made to address social determinants of health. Descriptive statistics and regression models were computed to determine factors related to fidelity.

Population Studied

The study population included primary care patients with prediabetes range glycemia at two New York City (NYC) safety‐net hospitals (Veterans Administration NY Harbor ‐ VA and Bellevue Hospital ‐ BH). Primary care teams were randomized to receive the CHW‐driven, one‐year intervention. Of the 559 patients enrolled in the intervention arm, 79.4% completed an intake survey, constituting the analytic sample for fidelity assessment.

Principal Findings

The 2 study sites contributed 60% (BH) and 40% (VA) of the sample. Protocol adherence was as intended in the protocol for the 3 core components with more than 80% of patients setting ≥1 goal and receiving coaching on ≥1 education topic, and 45.0% receiving ≥1 referral. After adjusting for patient gender, language, race, ethnicity, and age, the study site moderated adherence to goal setting (77.4% BH vs. 87.7% VA) and having ≥1 education session (78.9% BH vs. 88.3% VA). Study site also moderated rate of encounters (median number of encounters 6 BH vs 4 VA). Scores on the Patient Activation Measure had no impact on fidelity of core intervention components.

Conclusions

The fidelity of CHORD implementation varied across its three core components and was moderated by implementation site.

Implications for Policy or Practice

The CFIF was a useful approach to collect and analyze data concerning implementation fidelity of a complex behavioral intervention. Despite being implemented in a research setting, interventions may not completely adhere to their core components, which can influence outcomes. Our study emphasizes the importance of examining implementation fidelity of complex interventions and of assessing moderating factors. Our study also empirically tested the CFIF using quantitative concurrent process evaluation of core intervention components.

Primary Funding Source

National Institutes of Health.
The Compounding Effect of Having HIV and a Disability on Child Mortality Among Mothers in South Africa
Authors: Akobirshoev Ilhom , Zandam Hussaini , Nandakumar Allyala , Groce Nora , Mitra Monika
Published: September 2021

Research Objective

Emerging studies suggest that people with disabilities are at a higher risk for HIV. However, less is known about impact of maternal disability and HIV on child mortality. We aimed to examine the potential compounding effect of maternal disability and HIV status on child mortality in South Africa.

Study Design

We analyzed data for women age 15–49 years from South Africa, using the nationally representative 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios of child mortality indicators by maternal disability and maternal HIV using modified Poisson regressions.

Population Studied

Mothers without disabilities who were HIV–negative were used as referent, and we analyzed cohorts of (1) mothers with disabilities who are HIV–negative, (2) mothers without disabilities who are HIV–positive, and (3) mothers with disabilities who are HIV–positive.

Principal Findings

Children born to disabled mothers compared to their peers born to non–disabled mothers were at a higher risk for neonatal mortality (RR = 1·80, 95%CI:1·31–2·49), infant mortality (RR = 1·69, 95%CI:1·19–2·41), and under–five mortality (RR = 1·78, 95%CI:1·05–3·01). The joint risk of maternal disability and HIV–positive status on the selected child mortality indicators is compounded such that it is more than the sum of the risks from maternal disability or maternal HIV–positive status alone (RR = 3·97 vs. joint RR = 3·67 for neonatal mortality, RR = 3·57 vs. joint RR = 3·25 for infant mortality, and RR = 6·44 vs. joint RR = 3·75 for under–five mortality).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that children born to HIV–positive women with disabilities are at an exceptionally high risk of premature mortality. Given that maternal HIV and disability amplify each other's impact on child mortality, addressing disabled women's HIV–related needs and understanding the pathways and mechanisms contributing to these disparities is crucial.

Implications for Policy or Practice

These findings emphasize that it is critical for policymakers, donor agencies, and non–governmental organizations to consider the intersection of disability and HIV in developing policy and practice in the context of achieving targets of reducing child mortality under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Global South.

Primary Funding Source

Cardno Emerging Markets, USA, Ltd.
Risk Factors for COVID‐19 Mortality Among People Living with HIV
Authors: Varshney Karan , Ghosh Prerana , Iriowen Rosemary
Published: September 2021

Research Objective

Amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic, certain groups are highly susceptible to life‐threatening infection. In particular, people living with HIV (PLWH) are vulnerable to worsened outcomes of COVID‐19. Hence, to better understand factors that increase the likelihood of death, the purpose of this work was to systematically review the literature in order to assess the risk factors for COVID‐19 mortality among PLWH.

Study Design

This systematic review was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Global Health, and WHO Coronavirus Database. During the screening process, duplicate articles were removed; thereafter, articles were screened based on title/abstract, and then based on a full‐text review.

Population Studied

Studies that included PLWH who died after infection of COVID‐19, and had some description of the risk factors for mortality, were eligible for this review.

Principal Findings

Searches generated a total of 530 articles, and, after screening, 15 articles were eligible for inclusion. It was consistently found that males living with HIV have a higher risk for mortality than females. Individuals in the age range of approximately 50‐65 years had amongst the highest rates of death compared to other age groups. Individuals with additional comorbidities, especially diabetes and hypertension, had an elevated risk of death. Those with a decreased CD4 count were more likely to die; rates were particularly high for those with a CD4 count of less than 200.

Conclusions

Among PLWH, males aged 50‐65 with comorbidities appear to be at the highest risk of mortality from COVID‐19. In addition, those who have had interruptions in their HIV treatment regimens are at an elevated risk.

Implications for Policy or Practice

Our findings highlight the need to ensure that, amidst COVID‐19 prevention efforts, focus be placed particularly on males aged 50‐65 living with HIV and other comorbidities. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that COVID‐19 has likely led to major interruptions of HIV treatment regimens for many patients; considering that those with a lower CD4 count are at a higher risk of death, it is critical that more efforts be made to ensure that PLWH receive their HIV treatment during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Prostate adenocarcinoma with mucinous features – is it PSMA avid?
Authors: Horsley Patrick J. , Sheehan‐Dare Gemma , Mastrocostas Katerina , Fung Caroline , Kneebone Andrew , Eade Thomas N. , Emmet Louise , Lalak Andre , Hruby George
Published: September 2021

Mucinous prostate adenocarcinoma represents <0.1% of prostate cancers. To our knowledge, no previous report has described the 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET characteristics of this entity at the primary site. We present a case of a fit 85‐year‐old with PSA 0.55 ng/mL and ISUP grade 4 acinar adenocarcinoma with mucinous features on biopsy. 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET revealed an intensely avid primary lesion in the right prostate (SUVmax 10.9), concordant with biopsy findings and encompassing both the PI‐RADS 5 lesion identified on MRI and a PI‐RADS 1 lesion that presumably represented the mucinous component. The patient was treated with definitive radiotherapy to the prostate and lymph nodes with 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy.
Brain gain of analysts in China: foreign experiences and forecast accuracy
Authors: Liu Lihua , Kong Dongmin , Yang Wei
Published: September 2021

Using unique data on analysts’ foreign experiences, we investigate how analysts’ foreign experiences affect forecast performance in China. Based on analysts’ education and work background overseas, we find that foreign experiences significantly increase analysts’ forecast accuracy. Our results are robust to different measures and alternative specifications. Mechanism tests show that the improvement of forecast accuracy can be attributed to an analyst’s foreign work background, education with high level degrees, and prior overseas analyst working experience. Further evidence suggests the influence of foreign work experiences on analysts’ forecast accuracy are more pronounced for firms with lower earnings quality and higher ownership concentration.
Electroconvulsive therapy and psychiatric readmission in major depressive disorder – A population‐based register study
Authors: Stenmark Linnea , Kellner Charles H. , Landén Mikael , Larsson Irya , Msghina Mussie , Nordenskjöld Axel
Published: September 2021

Objective

The primary aim was to determine whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with reduced risk of psychiatric readmission in major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

This study was based on data from multiple Swedish population‐based registries. All adult patients admitted to any Swedish hospital for moderate‐to‐severe MDD between 2012 and 2018 were included. Participants were divided into two groups depending on whether they received ECT during inpatient care. Follow‐up was set at 30 and 90 days from discharge. Data were analyzed using logistic regression, and matching was conducted.

Results

A total of 27,851 unique patients contributed to 41,916 admissions. ECT was used in 26.8% of admissions. In the main multivariate analysis, the risk of both 30‐ and 90‐day readmission was lower in the ECT group than in the non‐ECT group. In a matched sensitivity model, the results pointed in the same direction for readmission risk within 30 days, but statistical significance was not reached. ECT‐treated subgroups with superior outcomes on readmission risk compared with non‐ECT treatment were older, unemployed, married, or widowed patients, those treated with antipsychotics or benzodiazepines before admission, with psychotic features, prior psychiatric hospitalizations, or family history of suicide. However, in patients below 35 years of age, ECT was associated with increased readmission risk.

Conclusion

This study suggests that ECT reduces the risk of psychiatric readmission in certain subgroups of patients with MDD. Since patients receiving ECT tend to be more difficult to treat, there is a risk of residual confounding.
The hazards of genotype imputation in chromosomal regions under selection: A case study using the Lactase gene region
Authors: Ali Aminah T. , Liebert Anke , Lau Winston , Maniatis Nikolas , Swallow Dallas M.
Published: September 2021

Although imputation of missing SNP results has been widely used in genetic studies, claims about the quality and usefulness of imputation have outnumbered the few studies that have questioned its limitations. But it is becoming clear that these limitations are real—for example, disease association signals can be missed in regions of LD breakdown. Here, as a case study, using the chromosomal region of the well‐known lactase gene, LCT, we address the issue of imputation in the context of variants that have become frequent in a limited number of modern population groups only recently, due to selection. We study SNPs in a 500 bp region covering the enhancer of LCT, and compare imputed genotypes with directly genotyped data. We examine the haplotype pairs of all individuals with discrepant and missing genotypes. We highlight the nonrandom nature of the allelic errors and show that most incorrect imputations and missing data result from long haplotypes that are evolutionarily closely related to those carrying the derived alleles, while some relate to rare and recombinant haplotypes. We conclude that bias of incorrectly imputed and missing genotypes can decrease the accuracy of imputed results substantially.
Differences in the skin microbial community between patients with active and stable vitiligo based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Lu Haojie , Xu Jinhui , Hu Yebei , Luo Haixin , Chen Yi , Xie Bo , Song Xiuzu
Published: September 2021

Background/objective

Recent studies have described an association between altered skin microbial community and epidemiology of skin diseases, such as vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In this study, we conducted microbiological analysis on patients at different stages of vitiligo to determine whether the dysbiosis is associated with disease progression.

Methods

To characterise the skin microbes in vitiligo patients, we profiled samples collected from 40 patients with active and stable vitiligo using the Novaseq sequencer. Alpha diversity was used to measure richness and uniformity, while Beta diversity (Non‐Metric Multi‐Dimensional Scaling) analysis was used to show the differences. Moreover, the species differences were evaluated by LEfSe analysis and the flora gene function was predicted using Statistical Analysis of Metagenomic Profiles (STAMP).

Results

The alpha diversity results showed no significant differences between active vitiligo and stable vitiligo, while beta diversity and LEfSe analysis results showed the differences in community composition. Streptomyces and Streptococcus were enriched in active vitiligo compared to stable vitiligo. In addition, the flora gene function of mixed acid fermentation was more pronounced in active vitiligo, while the function of lipid IVA biosynthesis was more significant in stable vitiligo.

Conclusion

This study has shown the differences in epidermal microbes between active vitiligo and stable vitiligo. Our results suggest that maintaining the flora balance might be a potential therapeutic target for vitiligo.
COVID‐19 among children seeking primary paediatric care with signs of an acute infection
Authors: Hoehl Sebastian , Schneider Felix , Eckrich Martin , Gründler Tim Ole , Jerkic Pera Silvija , Lichtenstein Geri , Melcher Birgit , Melcher Hansjörg , Moebus Ralf , Mühlfeld Barbara , Rieger Ilonka , Seger‐Fritz Beate , Sgoll Stefan , Walter Christian , Werner Sebastian , Herrmann Eva , Berger Annemarie , Ciesek Sandra
Published: September 2021

Aim

It can be challenging to distinguish COVID‐19 in children from other common infections. We set out to determine the rate at which children consulting a primary care paediatrician with an acute infection are infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and to compare distinct findings.

Method

In seven out‐patient clinics, children aged 0–13 years with any new respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and presumed infection were invited to be tested for SARS‐CoV‐2. Factors that were correlated with testing positive were determined. Samples were collected from 25 January 2021 to 01 April 2021.

Results

Seven hundred and eighty‐three children participated in the study (median age 3 years and 0 months, range 1 month to 12 years and 11 months). Three hundred and fifty‐eight were female (45.7%). SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in 19 (2.4%). The most common symptoms in children with as well as without detectable SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA were rhinitis, fever and cough. Known recent exposure to a case of COVID‐19 was significantly correlated with testing positive, but symptoms or clinical findings were not.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 among the children with symptoms of an acute infection was uncommon, and the clinical presentation did not differ significantly between children with and without evidence of an infection with SARS‐CoV‐2.
Quantifying uncertainty in the identification of endangered ecological communities
Authors: Dorrough Josh , Tozer Mark , Armstrong Rob , Summerell Gregory , Scott Mitchell L.
Published: September 2021

Ecological community and ecosystem “red lists” have been developed in several jurisdictions to improve ecosystem‐level biodiversity protection. However, a challenge for the conservation and management of listed ecosystems is consistent identification in the field or from plot records. Ecosystem descriptions must have enough detail for positive identification but be broad enough that most instances are included. In many jurisdictions, descriptions are not supported by dichotomous keys or thresholds of ecosystem collapse and identification relies on the interpretation of trained individuals, with potential for opposing opinions. Using a structured process, we assessed the ability of experts to identify a critically endangered ecological community from vegetation plot samples. We compared the allocations made by experts with a numeric classification that underpinned the legal definition of the community. Overall, experts correctly identified the presence or absence of the community in 81% of samples although individual classification rates ranged from 63% to 94%. False positive rates varied among experts (7–50%) and experienced botanists did not necessarily perform better. Disturbance increased uncertainty and experts differed in their opinion about when the community had collapsed and was no longer recoverable. Inconsistent interpretation, in the absence of diagnostic keys and consensus models of collapse, will have implications for recovery and conservation of listed communities and ecosystems, and could impact the effectiveness of laws and policies designed to protect them.
Increasing temperature reduces cuticular melanism and immunity to fungal infection in a migratory insect
Authors: Srygley Robert B. , Jaronski Stefan T.
Published: September 2021

1. Few studies have considered how global warming affects disease resistance. Many ectotherms depress the melanisation of exposed surfaces to reflect more sunlight in warmer habitats. Because phenoloxidase (PO) enhances both cuticular melanisation and the innate immune response to invasion, we asked: is decreased melanism in response to higher temperatures associated with less PO activity and greater vulnerability to entomopathogenic fungal attack?

2. We measured spontaneous PO activity from wounding and circulating total PO activity before topical application ofBeauveria bassianafungus and 2 days following inoculation.

3.Melanoplus sanguinipesgrasshoppers reared in higher temperatures were paler, and had lower spontaneous PO activity and total PO both before and after the fungal attack. They were also more susceptible toBeauveria bassianafungal attack than those reared in cooler temperatures. Hence, thermoregulatory benefits of decreased melanism for growth, reproduction, and survival can be compromised by reduced PO activity and the immune response to fungal infection.

4. As the Earth warms, these two functions of PO, thermoregulation and immunity, are likely to remain associated with one another, which may cause thermal melanism to be detrimental to an insect population's resilience to climate change.