bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can altcoins become viable alternatives to African fiat currencies?
Authors: Kumah Seyram Pearl , Odei-Mensah Jones
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the asymmetric response of three major altcoins to shocks in six African fiat currencies in a time-frequency space.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are for the period 10th August 2015 to 2nd February 2019 at a daily frequency. The authors capture the time and frequency information in the return series of the currencies using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition. The authors implemented quantile regression and quantile-in-quantile regression on the decomposed series to test the response of altcoins to both positive and negative shocks in the fiat currencies across time to see if the altcoins are viable alternatives to African fiat currencies.

Findings

The outcome of the study suggests that altcoins behave differently from African fiat currencies and are viable alternative digital currencies and good hedges for African fiat currencies from the medium-term.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers in Africa and across the globe can follow this paper to mitigate currency crises by adopting altcoins as alternatives to fiat currencies. Forex traders can also mitigate trade risk by using altcoins to hedge dollar/African fiat currency exchange rate risk.

Originality/value

The research was conducted by the authors and has not been published in any journal.
VIKOR power law-based customer-oriented FMEA with complete unique risk priority numbers
Authors: Hettiarachchi Randula L. , Koomsap Pisut , Ardneam Panarpa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

An inherent problem on risk priority number (RPN) value duplication of traditional failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA) also exists in two customer-oriented FMEAs. One has no unique value, and another has 1% unique values out of 4,000 possible values. The RPN value duplication has motivated the development of a new customer-oriented FMEA presented in this paper to achieve practically all 4,000 unique values and delivering reliable prioritization.

Design/methodology/approach

The drastic improvement is the result of power-law and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR). By having all three risk factors in a power-law form, all unique values can be obtained, and by applying VIKOR to these power-law terms, the prioritization is more practical and reliable.

Findings

The proposed VIKOR power law-based customer-oriented FMEA can achieve practically all 4,000 unique values and is tested with two case studies. The results are more logical than the results from the other two customer-oriented FMEAs.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation has been done on two case studies for the service sector. Therefore, additional case studies in other industrial sectors will be required to confirm the effectiveness of this new customer-oriented RPN calculation.

Originality/value

Achieving all 1,000 unique values could only be done by having experts tabulate all possible combinations for the traditional FMEA. Therefore, achieving all 4,000 unique values will be much more challenging. A customer-oriented FMEA has been developed to achieve practically all 4,000 unique risk priority numbers, and that the prioritization is more practical and reliable. Furthermore, it has a connection to the traditional FMEA, which helps explain the traditional one from a broader perspective.
Wicked problems: university research topic convergence despite divergence in local educational and innovation policies
Authors: Friman Mervi , Schreiber Dusan , Mutanen Arto , Perälä Simu , Salminen Janne
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine how sustainable development (SD) demands (according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) SD themes from 2005) are connected to the contents of education, research, development and innovation (RDI) in higher education institutions (HEI). Education and the RDI nexus may affect HEI’s capability to handle SD-related wicked problems and enhance their societal impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examined SD-oriented curricula contents of two universities (Brazil and Finland) and counted the number of SD-related research outcomes. In addition, conceptual modelling was used to analyse the mechanisms that may be directing HEIs’ SD work in local innovation.

Findings

The data showed a convergence deviation in the RDI of SD-related subjects between the two HEIs. There was no correlation between SD-oriented education and RDI-work in either HEI. Education and RDI processes have different UNECE SD themes at the focal point, and the education-research nexus is lacking. This difference indicates that new SD-related knowledge produced through RDI was not effectively used in education. Modelling revealed that the convergence in RDI outcomes arose from the same kind of local business, industry and societal challenges, implementing effective stakeholder pressures into HEIs. The results may indicate that stakeholder SD needs were not directly transferred into the competence qualification of the curriculum.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first quantitative study to reveal the independence of universities’ SD-related RDI subjects on educational curricula.
Are politically connected firms in Brazil worried about anti-corruption disclosure?
Authors: Barros Arthur do Nascimento Ferreira , dos Santos Milena Rayane Lopes , Melo Igor de Albuquerque , dos Santos Marcos Paulo Dias , da Silva Suymarha Mendes
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Due to the mixed evidence regarding politically connected (PCON) firms and voluntary disclosure, the authors seek to investigate the direction of the association between Brazilian PCON firms and their level of information disclosed in the fight against corruption. This study is conducted in a developing country with a weak judicial system where board members or directors with political connections can operate without any oversights.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically test our hypothesis that voluntary anti-corruption disclosure is negatively associated with political connections. Content analysis, Wilcoxon Rank and Pearson Correlation were employed in a sample of 30 companies that belong to sectors with the highest risk of corruption, between 2014 and 2016, the period of Brazilian elections. A sample of 90 observations is used with data collected from annual reports of companies listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange in Brazil.

Findings

The study’s results indicate a positive and significant association between the level of voluntary anti-corruption disclosure and corporate political connection, confirming our second hypothesis. PCON firms could seek to improve their legitimacy after recent corporate corruption scandals discovered in Brazil where government members participated in the schemes of bribe and money laundering and embezzlement. Although our sample is composed of firms in industries of high corruption risk, which could increase bias, the results improve the literature with empirical contribution that has given little attention to the issue.

Originality/value

The latest corruption scandals in Brazil showed that companies were involved with government officials, corruption is one of the country's biggest issues for diverting public resources to basic needs such as education and health. The relationship between political connections and voluntary disclosure is an open empirical question, particularly dealing with anti-corruption. The study’s findings bring light on the subject, which deserves greater attention not only from researchers but from the society that is most affected by corruption.
Prepayment rebate in Islamic microfinance cost-plus sale: a descending rebate proposed approach
Authors: Kamal Islam Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an Islamic compliant approach that deals with the prepayment rebate on debts resulting from cost-plus sales and their accompanied sale-based financing contracts. The proposed approach uses the time value of money concept without charging excessive fees from the debtor in the early settlement of debts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a qualitative analysis via analyzing and reviewing relevant literature. A quantitative analysis is subsequently used with a proposed computation that addresses prepayment rebate accompanied by debts resulting from cost-plus sales.

Findings

The proposed approach results in a rebate amount for the debtor greater than those rebate amounts resulting from either conventional finance techniques or current Islamic finance practices.

Research limitations/implications

The application of the descending rebate proposed computation in this paper is restricted to cost-plus sale and their accompanied sale-based financing contracts only. The computation does not address any agreement or deal that may involve a rebate without a selling transaction.

Originality/value

The paper criticizes the prevailing practices for computing rebates in the case of debt prepayment, whether those nominated by conventional finance or others currently employed by most Islamic financial institutions. The paper also introduces a new rebate computation aimed to comply with Islamic finance's real context.
Investigating mechanical and thermo-physical properties of binder jet 3D printed elements using a statistical experiment approach
Authors: Seshadri Bharath , Ravi Kaushik Selva Dhanush , Hischier Illias , Schlueter Arno
Published: August 2021

Purpose

With a growing list of available materials and processes, the inherent mechanical and thermophysical properties of three-dimensional (3D) prints are important design targets. This paper aims to study the functionality of binder jet 3D printed objects for thermally activated building construction elements and recyclable formwork for concrete structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Binder jet printed sand samples with various material and post-processing parameters (infiltration and baking) are prepared and studied. Using a statistical experiment design, the mechanical (flexural and compressive strength) and thermal (conductivity and specific capacity) characteristics are quantified.

Findings

Relative to the unprocessed “green” print samples, post-processing improved the flexural and compressive strength of the samples by factors of 6.9 and 21.6, respectively; the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity were improved by factors of 7.7 and 1.2, respectively. For the investigated temperature range (20°C–200°C), the “green” prints showed excellent stability while the stability of post-processed samples depended on the infiltrate used. Microscopic images of the microstructures offered evidence to support improvement in the mechanical and thermo-physical characteristics of the 3D printed sand elements.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review concluded that optimal printing parameters and infiltration under vacuum could further improve the mechanical and thermo-physical properties of the binder jet printed elements. However, both these factors were not explored in this research. The statistical experimental design approach provided more flexibility to choose the number of experiments for a fixed amount of time and resources. However, for future work, a more extensive number of experiments and reproducibility testing for each combination of binder-infiltrate is recommended.

Practical implications

3D printing has been identified as a promising opportunity to reduce material usage and improve construction efficiency in the field of architecture and building engineering. The emerging fabrication technologies are further expected to significantly reduce the operational energy of buildings through performance integration, i.e. multi-functional building elements with integrated heat- and mass-transfer capabilities to replace conventional systems.

Originality/value

This study has quantified the impact of infiltration on the mechanical and thermo-physical characteristics of sand-printed elements and, as such, reports reproducible functional performance maps for sand-print applications. The research demonstrates a way to achieve the desired functional characteristics of 3D prints through combinations of material selection and process/post-processing parameters.
The future of women's football in Asia: a look at competitive balance in top 5 domestic football leagues from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Dutta Ayushi , Mondal Sarthak , Raizada Shiny
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses competitive balance in the “big five” women's football leagues in Asia longitudinally between 2010 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Competitive balance has been measured using recognised measures of concentration, HICB and NHICB, alongside recognised measures of dominance, i.e., identification of top teams. A time-trend analysis has been employed to identify trends of CB in the respective leagues followed by ANOVA and relevant post-hoc tests to identify difference in concentration measures. A multiple linear regression analysis has been conducted to identify the impact of external economic factors on CB.

Findings

Some significant differences were detected in the levels of concentration between leagues. There was also some variation in terms of some leagues being dominated by a fewer number of teams. However, these two measures of competitive balance (concentration and dominance) were not necessarily correlated with each other. The paper also tries to find the optimum number of teams to maintain CB in the women's football leagues in Asia, but an exact figure could not be found.

Research limitations/implications

Some significant differences were detected in the levels of concentration between leagues. There was also some variation in terms of some leagues being dominated by a fewer number of teams. However, these two measures of competitive balance (concentration and dominance) were not necessarily correlated with each other. External economic factors were found to have negative impact on CB.

Originality/value

The paper is an original research and aims to add to the growing body of CB research in world through analysis of competitive balance (ACB).
The influence of brand experience on satisfaction, uncertainty and brand loyalty: a focus on the golf club industry
Authors: Chung Mi Ryoung , Welty Peachey Jon
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Understanding the advantages of brand experience is important for brand managers to more effectively grow satisfied and loyal customers. To date, little research has examined the relationship between brand experience and customer satisfaction, uncertainty, and brand loyalty with sport products. Therefore, this study examined these relationships with golf club products in the golf industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from golf players in South Korea (n = 386) through online surveys. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the relationship between the variables.

Findings

The results revealed that brand experience influences golfers' uncertainty toward other brands. In other words, doubts about the brand will decrease when consumers experience sensory, affective, behavioral, and intellectual interactions with a brand. Interestingly, brand experience does not influence golfers' satisfaction as indicated by previous studies. Also, findings showed that just having experience with a brand does not lead to golfers' loyalty.

Originality/value

This study helps to understand how consumers' direct experiences influence brand beliefs and attitudes. Moreover, this study is significant for sport marketing practitioners since it explores an alternative marketing approach to brand differentiation, which has the potential to attract and retain more customers.
The evolution of size‐dependent competitive interactions promotes species coexistence
Authors: Anaya‐Rojas Jaime M. , Bassar Ronald D. , Potter Tomos , Blanchette Allison , Callahan Shay , Framstead Nick , Reznick David , Travis Joseph
Published: August 2021

Theory indicates that competing species coexist in a community when intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific competition. When body size determines the outcome of competitive interactions between individuals, coexistence depends also on how resource use and the ability to compete for these resources change with body size. Testing coexistence theory in size‐structured communities, therefore, requires disentangling the effects of size‐dependent competitive abilities and niche shifts.

Here, we tested the hypothesis that the evolution of species‐ and size‐dependent competitive asymmetries increased the likelihood of coexistence between interacting species.

We experimentally estimated the effects of size‐dependent competitive interactions on somatic growth rates of two interacting fish species, Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata and killifish Rivulus hartii. We controlled for the effects of size‐dependent changes in the niche at two competitive settings representing the early (allopatric) and late (sympatric) evolutionary stages of a killifish–guppy community. We fitted the growth data to a model that incorporates species‐ and size‐dependent competitive asymmetries to test whether changes in the competitive interactions across sizes increased the likelihood of species coexistence from allopatry to sympatry.

We found that guppies are competitively superior to killifish but were less so in sympatric populations. The decrease in the effects of interspecific competition on the fitness of killifish and increase in the interspecific effect on guppies’ fitness increased the likelihood that sympatric guppies and killifish will coexist. However, while the competitive asymmetries between the species changed consistently between allopatry and sympatry between drainages, the magnitude of the size‐dependent competitive asymmetries varied between drainages.

These results demonstrate the importance of integrating evolution and trait‐based interactions into the research on how species coexist.
Parliament's One‐Year Review of the Coronavirus Act 2020: Another Example of Parliament's Marginalisation in the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Lock Daniella , Hidalgo Pablo Grez , de Londras Fiona
Published: August 2021

In this article, we consider the one‐year review (OYR) by Parliament of temporary powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 (CVA). The OYR stands as a key concession on the part of the UK government to enable scrutiny of Covid‐19 law making, after the CVA was rushed through Parliament at the beginning of the pandemic. The principal argument of this article is that despite appearances, this review was another example of Parliament being marginalised during the Covid‐19 pandemic. In particular, there were four obstacles to meaningful scrutiny in the OYR: inadequate parliamentary time scheduled for the review; the ‘all‐or‐nothing’ framing of the review; late and inaccurate government reporting prior to the OYR; and the failure to address key issues regarding the operation of the CVA, including major human rights concerns. In light of such obstruction to scrutiny, it is clear that the review represents a broken promise on the part of the current government to Parliament. The review is also part of a broader pattern of marginalising Parliament during the pandemic. In presenting this analysis, we argue that two changes could be made in the upcoming and penultimate review of the CVA in September 2021, in order to enable Parliament to engage in meaningful scrutiny in this review.
Comparison of measures of medication adherence from pharmacy dispensing and insurer claims data
Authors: Fontanet Constance P. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Isaac Thomas , Sequist Thomas D. , Gopalakrishnan Chandrasekar , Gagne Joshua J. , Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Fischer Michael A. , Solomon Daniel H. , Lauffenburger Julie C.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Medication nonadherence is linked to worsened clinical outcomes and increased costs. Existing system‐level adherence interventions rely on insurer claims for patient identification and outcome measurement, yet suffer from incomplete capture and lags in data acquisition. Data from pharmacies regarding prescription filling, captured in retail dispensing, may be more efficient.

Data Sources

Pharmacy fill and insurer claims data.

Study Design

We compared adherence measured using pharmacy fill data to adherence using insurer claims data, expressed as proportion of days covered (PDC) over 12 months. Agreement was evaluated using correlation/validation metrics. We also explored the relationship between adherence in both sources and disease control using prediction modeling.

Data Extraction Methods

Large pragmatic trial of cardiometabolic disease in an integrated delivery network.

Principal Findings

Among 1113 patients, adherence was higher in pharmacy fill (mean = 50.0%) versus claims data (mean = 47.4%), although they had moderately high correlation (R = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.53–0.61) with most patients (86.9%) being similarly classified as adherent or nonadherent. Sensitivity and specificity of pharmacy fill versus claims data were high (0.89, 95% CI: 0.86–0.91 and 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75–0.85). Pharmacy fill‐based PDC predicted better disease control slightly more than claims‐based PDC, although the difference was nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Pharmacy fill data may be an alternative to insurer claims for adherence measurement.
Emerging models of care for individuals with multiple chronic conditions
Authors: Savitz Lucy A. , Bayliss Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To characterize emerging and current practice models to more effectively treat and support patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCC).

Data Sources/Study Setting

We conducted a rapid literature scoping augmented by key informant interviews with clinicians knowledgeable about MCC care from a broad spectrum of US delivery systems and feedback from multidisciplinary experts at two virtual meetings.

Study Design

Literature findings were triangulated with data from semi‐structured interviews with clinical experts. Reflections on early results were obtained from policy, research, clinical, advocacy, and patient representatives at two virtual meetings sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Emergent themes addressed were as follows: (1) more timely strategies for MCC care; and (2) trends not previously represented in the peer‐reviewed literature.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The rapid literature scoping relied on Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print databases for the most recent 5‐year period. Qualitative interviews were conducted by telephone. Virtual meetings provided oral and written (chat) captured inputs.

Principal Findings

Although the literature scoping did not identify a specific set of evidence‐based care models, key informant discussions identified eight themes reflecting emerging approaches to population‐based MCC care. For example, addressing the needs of individuals with MCC through a complexity lens by assessing and addressing social risk factors; extending the care continuum with home‐based care; understanding how to address ongoing patient and caregiver supports outside of clinical encounters; and engaging available community resources.

Conclusions

Integrating care for MCC patient populations requires processes for determining different subpopulation needs in various settings and lived experiences. Innovation should be anchored at the nexus of payment systems, social risks, medical needs, and community‐based resources. Our learnings suggest a need for an ongoing MCC care research agenda to inform new approaches to care delivery incorporating innovations in technology and home‐based supports for patients and caregivers.
Postacute care outcomes in home health or skilled nursing facilities in patients with a diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Burke Robert E. , Xu Yao , Ritter Ashley Z. , Werner Rachel M.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the outcomes of postacute care between home health (HH) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) following hospitalization among Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia.

Data Sources

100% MedPAR data, Minimum Data Set, and Outcome and Assessment Information Set assessment data from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis using an instrumental variable design to compare outcomes (30‐day readmission and mortality, 100‐day mortality) of HH versus SNF following acute hospitalization. We used the differential distance between patients' home and the closest HH agency and SNF to instrument for nonrandom allocation of patients.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified hospital discharges followed by SNF and HH stays for Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries with dementia. We excluded beneficiaries younger than age 65, admitted to the hospital from a nursing home, or enrolled in hospice. We identified dementia using validated diagnostic codes with a 3‐year look‐back.

Principal Findings

Our sample included 977,946 beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia; 297,732 (30.4%) received HH, while 680,214 (69.6%) went to SNF. Overall, 16.8% were readmitted to the hospital and 6.1% died within 30 days, while 15.4% died within 100 days of hospital discharge. In the instrumental variable analysis, there were no differences in any outcome between the two postacute care settings.

Conclusions

Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia receiving postacute care in HH or SNF experienced similar rates of readmission and mortality across settings. This finding raises important questions about current postacute care referral patterns, given 7 in 10 patients with a diagnosis of dementia in our sample were discharged to SNF.
Consumer selection and home health agency quality and patient experience stars
Authors: Schwartz Margot L. , Rahman Momotazur , Thomas Kali S. , Konetzka R. Tamara , Mor Vincent
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the impact of the introduction of two distinct sets of star ratings, quality of care, and patient experience, on home health agency (HHA) selection.

Data Sources

We utilized 2014–2016 home health Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments, as well as publicly reported data from the Home Health Compare website.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified a 5% random sample of admissions (186,498 admissions) for new Medicare Fee‐for‐Service home health users.

Study Design

This admission‐level assessment compared HHA selection before (July 2014–June 2015) and after (February–December 2016) star ratings were published. We utilized a conditional logit, discrete choice model, which accounted for all HHAs that each patient could have selected (i.e., the choice set) based on ZIP codes. Our explanatory variables of interest were the interactions between star ratings and time period (pre/post stars). We stratified our analyses by race, admission source, and Medicaid eligibility. We adjusted for HHA characteristics and distance between patients' homes and HHAs.

Principal Findings

The introduction of star ratings was associated with a 0.88‐percentage‐point increase in the probability of selecting a high‐quality HHA and a 0.81‐percentage‐point increase in the probability of selecting a highly ranked patient experience HHA. Patients admitted from the community, and black and Medicare–Medicaid dual‐eligible beneficiaries experienced larger increases in their likelihood of selecting high‐rated agencies than inpatient, white, and nondual beneficiaries.

Conclusions

The introduction of quality of care and patient experience stars were associated with changes in HHA selection; however, the strength of these relationships was weaker than observed in other health care settings where a single star rating was reported. The introduction of star ratings may mitigate disparities in HHA selection. Our findings highlight the importance of reporting information about quality and satisfaction separately and conducting research to understand the mechanisms driving HHA selection.
Dynamic transcriptome analysis of Bombyx mori embryonic development
Authors: Xu Guan‐Feng , Gong Cheng‐Cheng , Lyu Hao , Deng Hui‐Min , Zheng Si‐Chun
Published: August 2021

Bombyx mori has been extensively studied but the gene expression control of its embryonic development is unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of six stages of B. mori embryonic development using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). A total of 12 894 transcripts were obtained from the embryos. Of these, 12 456 transcripts were shared among the six stages, namely, fertilized egg, blastoderm, germ‐band, organogenesis, reversal period, and youth period stages. There were 111, 48, 41, 54, 77, and 107 transcripts specifically expressed during the six stages, respectively. By analyzing weighted gene correlation networks and differently expressed genes, we found that during embryonic development, many genes related to DNA replication, transcription, protein synthesis, and epigenetic modifications were upregulated in the early embryos. Genes of cuticle proteins, chitin synthesis‐related proteins, and neuropeptides were more abundant in the late embryos. Although pathways of juvenile hormone and the ecdysteroid 20‐hydroxyecdysone, and transcription factors were expressed throughout the embryonic development stages, more regulatory pathways were highly expressed around the organogenesis stage, suggesting more gene expression for organogenesis. The results of RNA‐seq were confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of 16 genes of different pathways. Nucleic acid methylation and seven sites in histone H3 modifications were confirmed by dot blot and western blot. This study increases the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the embryonic developmental process and information on the regulation of B. mori development.
The ties that bribe: Corruption's embeddedness in Chicago organized crime*
Authors: Joseph Jared , Smith Chris M.
Published: August 2021

The crime of corruption ranges from politicians involved in high‐profile scandals to low‐level bureaucrats granting contracts and police officers demanding bribes. Corruption occurs when state actors criminally leverage their positions of power for financial gain. Our study examines how corruption varies by political power position and within criminal contexts by measuring the embeddedness of corruption within Chicago historical organized crime. We analyze Chicago's organized crime network before and during Prohibition (1900–1919 and 1920–1933) to compare differences across embedded network positions between political, law enforcement, and nonstate actors. Our findings show that more police were in organized crime than politicians before Prohibition, but the small group of politicians had higher embeddedness in organized crime. During Prohibition, when organized crime grew and centralized, law enforcement decreased in proportion and became less embedded in organized crime. Politicians, however, maintained their proportion and high level of embeddedness. We argue that everyday corruption is more frequent but less embedded when criminal contexts are moderately profitable. As criminal contexts increase in profitability, however, corruption moves up the political ladder to include fewer people who are more highly embedded. This work has theoretical implications for the symbiotic relationship between corruption and criminal organizations.
White‐light endoscopy is insufficient to distinguish between types of esophageal white lesions
Authors: Tan Nian Di , Lin Yu Qing , Ye Zi Yin , Zhang Ning , Chen Song Feng , Zhang Meng Yu , Cui Yi , Chen Min Hu , Xiao Ying Lian
Published: August 2021

Objective

Esophageal white lesions (EWL) are commonly observed under upper endoscopy, while their clinical significance remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to identify the endoscopic characteristics of EWL and distinguish between different types of EWL.

Methods

Consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal complaints and participants admitted for health check‐up who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from October 2018 to August 2019 in a tertiary hospital were prospectively screened. EWL were detected under endoscopy and biopsy was performed for histological analysis. Participants' characteristics, lifestyle, esophageal motility and reflux monitoring variables were analyzed.

Results

Of the 3641 consecutive participants screened, 303 of them aged 56.12 ± 10.95 years were found to have EWL (detection rate of 8.3%). More than one‐third of them preferred hot drinks, eating pickled or spicy food, smoking and alcohol consumption and 5.3% had current or former upper gastrointestinal or head and neck cancers. The common endoscopic appearance of the EWL (2.9 mm ± 1.2 mm in diameter) included slightly elevated plaque, translucent white in color, with a clear border, round or oval in shape, and a scaly, rough or smooth surface. Histology showed low‐grade intraepithelial dysplasia in 13 cases, leukoplakia in 10 and intestinal metaplasia in one. No significant differences were found between the histological findings and endoscopic manifestations of EWL.

Conclusions

EWL are not uncommon in daily endoscopic examination, with some of them being precancerous lesions. Conventional white‐light endoscopy is insufficient to identify EWL, while histological assessment is important. Further studies using advanced endoscopic techniques with long‐term follow‐up are needed.
What determines the distribution of a threatened species, the brush‐tailed phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), in a highly modified region?
Authors: Lawton Jessica A. , Holland Greg J. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: August 2021

Identifying factors that affect species’ distributions in highly modified landscapes, especially threatened species, is a key issue for conservation worldwide. Three types of factors commonly are considered important: the extent and pattern of suitable habitat at a landscape scale; the availability of key resources at a local scale; and interactions with other species. The brush‐tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) has undergone range contractions and regional extinctions in Australia and falls within the critical weight range of mammal species with high risk of decline. Yet, in some regions, it persists despite marked habitat loss and disturbance. We investigated the distribution of the brush‐tailed phascogale in a highly modified region in central Victoria where it is a ‘flagship’ for community conservation. At 50 sites, stratified geographically and in relation to topography and surrounding forest cover, we carried out surveys using remotely sensed cameras (in parallel with nest box inspections). We used an occupancy modelling framework and information‐theoretic approach to analyse factors influencing detectability and occupancy. The brush‐tailed phascogale was widespread, recorded at 84% (42/50) of sites. The environmental space occupied by sites with camera records matched that of nest boxes containing established nests of this species. Detection probability was influenced by survey effort and site‐level measures of habitat quality (logs, litter, topographic position) likely reflecting population abundance. Dry forested slopes were favoured compared with gullies. The study area, with its dry forests of rough‐barked eucalypts, is a stronghold for this species. The broad distribution of the brush‐tailed phascogale in this highly modified region can be attributed to retention of ˜36% regional forest cover and a relatively high level of structural and functional connectivity. In such modified landscapes, complementary actions by land managers to sustain remaining large tracts of forest and also a mosaic of wooded vegetation across the rural landscape will help such species to persist.
Fate beliefs, meaning construction, and meaning in life
Authors: Zhang Hong , Wei Li , Liu Ziqiang
Published: August 2021

How individuals perceive their fates is a fascinating area of study. We proposed a two‐level model of fate perceptions: a higher level (i.e., the life level) with a two‐dimensional structure of global fate beliefs, strength and valence, and a lower level (i.e., the event level) with the same dimensions, yet manifested in fate attributions of specific events. We then examined the relationship between both levels of fate perceptions and meaning in life. It was found that at the higher level, fate strength was negatively associated with meaning in life only when fate valence was negative (Study 1). Analogously, at the lower level, attributing a negative event to fate (i.e., a combination of high fate strength and low fate valence) was negatively correlated with meaning in life (Studies 2 & 3). In Study 4, we found that meaning construction moderated the effects of a global perception of fate valence and fate attribution of a negative event on meaning in life. Individuals would retain an intact sense of meaning if they engaged in meaning construction in the face of adversity, regardless of their perceptions of fate valence or fate attributions. Implications for the study of fate perceptions and meaning‐making are discussed.
A 5-year retrospective review of skin adnexal tumours received at a tertiary dermatopathology service: implications for linked genetic diagnoses
Authors: Cook S. , Bajwa D. , Hollestein L. , Husain A. , Rajan N.
Published: August 2021

Background

Skin adnexal tumours (SATs) comprise a diverse range of neoplasms, which are difficult to diagnose clinically. They present in paediatric and adult populations, and may be indicative of an underlying genetic syndrome. There is a lack of recent data on the presentation of these tumours in clinical practice in European populations.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical and pathological features of SATs received at a single tertiary centre over a 5-year period.

Methods

A retrospective health record audit of SATs received at the Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, during the period November 2012 to October 2017 was performed.

Results

In total, 107 144 skin cases were received during the audit period. A total of 1615 cases of SATs from 1359 patients were included; 1570 (97·2%) were benign and 45 (2·8%) were malignant. Overall, the average age at presentation was 55 years (range 11 months to 97 years) and the male to female ratio was 0·77 : 1. Sweat gland and hair follicle SATs were most frequently excised; in adults, the most frequent tumour was hidrocystoma, and in children, pilomatrixoma occurred most often. Prebiopsy diagnosis was correct in 28% of cases. Benign SATs are often markers of an associated genetic condition, which warrants improved discrimination of sporadic from genetically related SATs.

Conclusions

SATs are difficult to diagnose clinically, and clinicopathological correlation may help enhance discrimination of genetically related SATs from sporadic cases. These data have implications for clinical and dermatopathological training provision, the development of reporting standards, and genetic assessment of selected patients.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and the brain: A review of the current knowledge on neuropathology in COVID‐19
Authors: Maiese Aniello , Manetti Alice Chiara , Bosetti Chiara , Del Duca Fabio , La Russa Raffaele , Frati Paola , Di Paolo Marco , Turillazzi Emanuela , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: August 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the new coronavirus responsible for the pandemic disease in the last year, is able to affect the central nervous system (CNS). Compared with its well‐known pulmonary tropism and respiratory complications, little has been studied about SARS‐CoV‐2 neurotropism and pathogenesis of its neurological manifestations, but also about postmortem histopathological findings in the CNS of patients who died from COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019). We present a systematic review, carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review standards, of the neuropathological features of COVID‐19. We found 21 scientific papers, the majority of which refer to postmortem examinations; the total amount of cases is 197. Hypoxic changes are the most frequently reported alteration of brain tissue, followed by ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions and reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis. These findings do not seem to be specific to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, they are more likely because of systemic inflammation and coagulopathy caused by COVID‐19. More studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and to detect other possible alterations of neural tissue. Brain examination of patients dead from COVID‐19 should be included in a protocol of standardized criteria to perform autopsies on these subjects.
APOE genotype moderates the relationship between LRP1 polymorphism and cognition across the Alzheimer's disease spectrum via disturbing default mode network
Authors: Zang Feifei , Zhu Yao , Zhang Qianqian , Tan Chang , Wang Qing , Xie Chunming ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative*
Published: August 2021

Aims

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype modulates the relationship between low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1) rs1799986 variant on the default mode network (DMN) and cognition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum populations.

Methods

Cross‐sectional 168 subjects of AD spectrum were obtained from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database with resting‐state fMRI scans and neuropsychological scores data. Multivariable linear regression analysis was adopted to investigate the main effects and interaction of LRP1 and disease on the DMN. Moderation and interactive analyses were performed to assess the relationships among APOE, LRP1, and cognition. A support vector machine model was used to classify AD spectrum with altered connectivity as an objective diagnostic biomarker.

Results

The main effects and interaction of LRP1 and disease were mainly focused on the core hubs of frontal‐parietal network. Several brain regions with altered connectivity were correlated with cognitive scores in LRP1‐T carriers, but not in non‐carriers. APOE regulated the effect of LRP1 on cognitive performance. The functional connectivity of numerous brain regions within LRP1‐T carriers yielded strong power for classifying AD spectrum.

Conclusion

These findings suggested LRP1 could affect DMN and provided a stage‐dependent neuroimaging biomarker for classifying AD spectrum populations.
Evolution of methylisothiazolinone sensitization: A Belgian multicentric study from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Herman Anne , Aerts Olivier , Jacobs Marie‐Claude , Scheers Christel , Gilissen Liesbeth , Goossens An , Baeck Marie
Published: August 2021

Background

In the 2010s an epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone (MI) occurred in Europe. European authorities banned the use of methylisothiazolinone in leave‐on cosmetics in 2017 and limited its use in rinse‐off products in 2018.

Objectives

To investigate the sensitization rate to MI in Belgium between January 2014 and December 2019, and to assess cosensitizations to octylisothiazolinone (OIT) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) in MI‐sensitized patients.

Methods

A retrospective study of patch test results with MI, OIT, and BIT observed in patients attending five Belgian hospitals.

Results

Overall, 560 of 10 029 patients (5.58%) had a positive patch test reaction to MI, and its sensitization rate decreased from 7.9% in 2014 to 3.1% in 2019. Rinse‐off cosmetics, paints, and detergents were the most prevalent sensitization sources in recent years. Simultaneous reactions readily occurred to OIT, and, surprisingly, and increasingly, also to BIT.

Conclusions

Contact allergy to MI in Belgium has reached a pre‐epidemic level, reflecting the impact of recent regulatory measures. Leave‐on cosmetics, in contrast to rinse‐off products, have almost disappeared as sensitization sources in Europe. Paints and detergents also remain problematic. The remarkably high number of patients (co)sensitized to BIT should be a focus of future research.
Holistic conservation approaches: Supporting resiliency in times of crisis
Authors: Miller Adam Eric
Published: August 2021

Community‐based conservation has been named as a solution to build community resiliency to social, economic, and environmental shocks. We investigate the impact of a community‐based approach and provide evidence for its ability to reduce biodiversity loss and support socio‐economic resiliency during the covid‐19 crisis.
Investor initiatives program: Public‐private partnerships to expedite commercialization for NCI‐funded small business entrepreneurs
Authors: Connors Brittany , Lou Xing‐Jian , Subedee Ashim , Zhang Kehui , Weingarten Michael , Narayanan Deepa
Published: August 2021

The National Cancer Institute’s Small Business Innovation Research Development Center (NCI SBIR) provides federal research and development funding and commercialization resources to more than 400 small businesses each year developing novel technologies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Although federal funding is vital for life science startups at the early stage of development, it is often insufficient to translate the technology from discovery to commercial product. Early‐stage startups must connect to follow‐on capital and resources to bring NCI‐funded technologies to patients. Most startups face challenges in securing additional funding due to lack of access to investors and strategic partners and the ability to effectively pitch their technology. In 2015, the NCI SBIR started the Investor Initiatives program to connect funded small businesses with targeted investors and strategic partners to address the aforementioned obstacles. This program leverages an extensive network of investors and partners to conduct business‐focused reviews and provide pitch coaching. The program incentivizes earlier collaborations between NCI‐funded companies and private investors through various channels. The program has supported 117 companies from years 2016–2019 to attend 27 investor showcase events. Follow‐up surveys show that the program and the assistance offered by NCI SBIR have contributed to a total of 32 completed deals as of April 29, 2020. This paper will discuss the Investor Initiatives program and its outcomes from 2016 to 2019 and demonstrate the effectiveness of a federal program that leverages public‐private partnerships to assist portfolio companies with raising follow‐on funding to accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice.
992. NICOTIANA EXIGUA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Palsson Ruth L. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

Nicotiana exigua is illustrated from plants collected in New South Wales, Australia, at the Narran Lake Nature Reserve and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.
995. NICOTIANA HOSKINGII
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Palsson Ruth L. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

The Australian species Nicotiana hoskingii from the Planchonella Nature Reserve in New South Wales is newly described and illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.