bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor sentiment and accounting conservatism: evidence from Iran
Authors: Aliahmadi Saeid
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of investor sentiment on accounting conservatism in listed companies in the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, two models of Ball and Shivakumar (2006) and Basu (1997) have been used for measuring conditional conservatism in accounting. To measure investor sentiment, the author uses the Baker and Wurgler (2006, 2007) index. The research sample consists of 1,820 observations and 182 firms listed on TSE over a ten-year period between 2011 and 2020. This study uses panel data and multivariate regression analysis to test it hypotheses.

Findings

Consistent with this hypothesis that accounting conservatism will increase with investor sentiment, the results showed that Iranian firms recognize economic losses and bad news in a more timely manner during high sentiment periods than during low sentiment periods. This implies that Iranian managers recognize economic losses and bad news in earnings in a more timely manner during periods of high investor sentiment.

Practical implications

This finding provides significant evidence for investors and financial reporting standard-setters in Iran because by removing accounting conservatism from the conceptual framework, managers are not able to present conservative financial reports, and this can intensify the negative impact of investors sentiment in the Iranian capital market. Managers of Iranian companies can reduce information asymmetry and increase capital market efficiency by accelerating the disclosure of bad news. Thus, managers can strategically recognize losses and prevent investors from making emotional decisions that reduce their wealth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically examine the impact of investor sentiment on accounting conservatism in a developing market called Iran. This study contributes to the corporate disclosure literature. Also, the result of this study contributes to standard-setters of accounting standards to improve the mandatory disclosure literature on more conservative accounting earnings.
Structuring and financing private equity and venture capital transactions in Luxembourg
Authors: Géradin Bertrand
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Luxembourg is the jurisdiction of choice for many private equity and venture capital investors/funds. Though the optimum balance of financing instruments in relation to any structure varies according to its particular circumstances, one factor that all Luxembourg domiciled FDI structures have in common is the requirement for an appropriate level of equity investment. This article intends to summarize some of the topics frequently encountered in relation to equity structuring choices.

Design/methodology/approach

Author details the different steps and choices available to investors and funds. The article offers answers to questions to provide a broad, yet detailed, overview of the process and journey; from selecting the vehicle right through to distributing to investors, governance, and compliance.

Findings

To avoid an expensive mistake, it is paramount that the private equity or venture capital investors and management team receive detailed advice to ensure: (i) the deal is structured in the most tax efficient manner possible and the commercial deal is suitable for all parties, and (ii) the deal is structured in a manner which is effective under Luxembourg law, for both tax and legal purposes.

Practical implications

It is important that non-Luxembourg lawyers are able to identify key issues when negotiating the terms of the investment documents, in particular, the articles of association and shareholders' agreement.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from Luxembourg lawyer specializing in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and private equity transactions.
Adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards in emerging economies and low-income countries: a structured literature review
Authors: Polzer Tobias , Adhikari Pawan , Nguyen Cong Phuong , Gårseth-Nesbakk Levi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study is to review the extant literature on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) adoption in emerging economies (EEs) and low-income countries (LICs) (“what do we know?”), and to propose an agenda for future research (“what do we need to know?”).

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical framework that builds on diffusion theory is developed. The authors follow the “PRISMA Flow Diagram” to reduce a total of 427 articles from four databases to a final sample of 41 articles. These studies are examined, aided by the analytical framework.

Findings

The authors find that IPSASs are a relevant issue for EEs/LICs. Overall, existing research is often explorative. The authors discover that the majority of articles rely on secondary data collection. While two-thirds of the studies perform a content analysis of pre-existing material, about one-fifth of the articles each collect primary data through means of interviews and questionnaires. The findings offer a holistic understanding of where and at what stages IPSAS reforms stand in EEs/LICs, and what factors influence the progression of reforms to the next stage of diffusion.

Originality/value

The authors outline a number of avenues for further research after discussing the dominating trends and structuring the literature based on our analytical framework. These stem from looking at the blank spots and an identified need to contextualise IPSASs adoption in EEs/LICs.
Transformation of the hospitality services marketing structure: a chaos theory perspective
Authors: Altinay Levent , Arici Hasan Evrim
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Drawing on chaos theory as an overarching approach, as well as guidelines from effectuation and transformative learning theories, this study aims to evaluate the changing marketing channels in the hospitality industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aims to develop a conceptual framework that demonstrates the transformation of the marketing structure; in particular, the transformation of hospitality organizations, employees and customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the hermeneutic method and conceptually evaluates the existing actors of the services marketing structure. It also discusses how to transform this structure into the new normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The findings of the study demonstrated that COVID-19 has resulted in changing marketing channels in the hospitality industry. These include external, internal, interactive and substitutional marketing channels. In response to these changes, the hospitality industry needs to adopt a more transformative marketing structure that requires the transformation of hospitality companies, employees and customers.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptualized transformation of the services marketing structure could help hospitality practitioners, employees and customers to understand the new normal and acquire new abilities, meanings, awareness and learning accordingly.

Originality/value

This study uses chaos, effectuation and transformative learning theories to reconceptualize the hospitality services marketing structure. The contribution of this paper lies in the conceptual pathways it suggests for transforming hospitality firms, employees and customers and for demonstrating their transformed roles and positions in the wake of the pandemic.
Effectiveness and policies analysis of pool testing method for COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Yi , Xie Kefan , Liu Jia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This research aims to figure out whether the pool testing method of SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19 is effective and the optimal sample size is in one bunch. Additionally, since the infection rate was unknown at the beginning, this research aims to propose a multiple sampling approach that enables the pool testing method to be utilized successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors verify that the pool testing method of SARS-CoV-2 for COVID-19 is effective under the situation of the shortage of nucleic acid detection kits based on probabilistic modeling. In this method, the testing is performed on several samples of the cases together as a bunch. If the test result of the bunch is negative, then it is shown that none of the cases in the bunch has been infected with the novel coronavirus. On the contrary, if the test result of the bunch is positive, then the samples are tested one by one to confirm which cases are infected.

Findings

If the infection rate is extremely low, while the same number of detection kits is used, the expected number of cases that can be tested by the pool testing method is far more than that by the one-by-one testing method. The pool testing method is effective only when the infection rate is less than 0.3078. The higher the infection rate, the smaller the optimal sample size in one bunch. If N samples are tested by the pool testing method, while the sample size in one bunch is G, the number of detection kits required is in the interval (N/G, N).

Originality/value

This research proves that the pool testing method is not only suitable for the situation of the shortage of detection kits but also the situation of the overall or sampling detection for a large population. More importantly, it calculates the optimal sample size in one bunch corresponding to different infection rates. Additionally, a multiple sampling approach is proposed. In this approach, the whole testing process is divided into several rounds in which the sample sizes in one bunch are different. The actual infection rate is estimated gradually precisely by sampling inspection in each round.
Effects of boards of directors' external ties on firms' IT success
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Xingteng
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Given the huge investment and complexity of information technology, it is imperative that boards of directors fully play their important role in promoting firms' IT success. This study aims to investigate the effects of boards of directors' external ties on firms' IT success from the perspective of resource dependence theory.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the method of the matched sample comparison group, a total of 576 samples of listed enterprises in three periods were obtained.

Findings

Results show that both boards' political ties and boards' business ties have a positive impact on firms' IT success. Environmental uncertainty and the institutional environment play different roles in the relationships between two types of external ties and firms' IT success. Specifically, the results show that the institutional environment can regulate the influence of the political association of directors on firms' IT success negatively. In addition, environmental uncertainty regulates the influence of directors' political association on firms' IT success negatively, as well as the influence of directors' commercial association with firms' IT success.

Research limitations/implications

The external ties were measured by cross-sectional data. And the current study focused on two fundamental types of external ties.

Originality/value

Boards' external ties are studied from both political and business perspectives, and the effects of these two types of external ties on firms' IT success are compared. Additionally, the moderating effects of the institutional environment (macro level) and environmental uncertainty (micro level) in these relationships are investigated.
Preliminary dielectrophoresis study: Manipulation of protein albumin and electrical quantification by using cyclic voltammetry technique
Authors: Abdul Nasir Nur Shahira , Deivasigamani Revathy , Abdul Rahim Muhammad Khairulanwar , Mohd Nashruddin Siti Nur Ashakirin , Hamzah Azrul Azlan , M. Razip Wee M. Farhanulhakim , Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to visualize protein manipulation using dielectrophoresis (DEP) as a substantial perspective on being an effective protein analysis and biosensor method as DEP is able to be used as a means for manipulation, fractionation, pre-concentration and separation. This research aims to quantify DEP using an electrochemical technique known as cyclic voltammetry (CV), as albumin is non-visible without any fluorescent probe or dye.

Design/methodology/approach

The principles of DEP were generated by an electric field on tapered DEP microelectrodes. The principle of CV was analysed using different concentrations of albumin on a screen-printed carbon electrode. Using preliminary data from both DEP and CV methods as a future prospect for the integration of both techniques to do electrical quantification of DEP forces.

Findings

The size of the albumin is known to be 0.027 µm. Engineered polystyrene particle of size 0.05 µm was selected to mimic the DEP actuation of albumin. Positive DEP of the sample engineered polystyrene particle was able to be visualized clearly at 10 MHz supplied with 20 Vpp. However, negative DEP was not able to be visualized because of the limitation of the apparatus. However, albumin was not able to be visualized under the fluorescent microscope because of its translucent properties. Thus, a method of electrical quantification known as the CV technique is used. The detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) using the CV method is successful. As the concentration of BSA increases, the peak current obtained from the voltammogram decreases. The peak current can be an indicator of DEP response as it correlates to the adsorption of the protein onto the electrodes. The importance of the results from both CV and DEP shows that the integration of both techniques is possible.

Originality/value

The integration of both methods could give rise to a new technique with precision to be implemented into the dialyzers used in renal haemodialysis treatment for manipulation and sensing of protein albumin.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates defective in function of the LasR quorum sensing regulator are frequent in diverse environmental niches
Authors: Groleau Marie‐Christine , Taillefer Hélène , Vincent Antony T. , Constant Philippe , Déziel Eric
Published: September 2021

The saprophyte Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile opportunistic pathogen causing infections in immunocompromised individuals. To facilitate its adaptation to a large variety of niches, this bacterium exploits population density‐dependent gene regulation systems called quorum sensing (QS). In P. aeruginosa, three distinct but interrelated QS systems (las, rhl and pqs) regulate the production of many survival and virulence functions. In prototypical strains, the las system, through its transcriptional regulator LasR, is important for the full activation of the rhl and pqs systems. Still, LasR‐deficient isolates have been reported, mostly sampled from the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, where they are considered selected by the chronic infection environment. In this study, we show that a defect in LasR activity appears to be an actually widespread mechanism of adaptation in this bacterium. Indeed, we found abundant LasR‐defective isolates sampled from hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils, hospital sink drains and meat/fish market environments, using an approach based on phenotypic profiling, supported by gene sequencing. Interestingly, several LasR‐defective isolates maintain an active rhl system or are deficient in pqs system signalling. The high prevalence of a LasR‐defective phenotype among environmental P. aeruginosa isolates questions the role of QS in niche adaptation.
Engineering modeling frameworks for microbial food safety at various scales
Authors: Ranjbaran Mohsen , Carciofi Bruno A. M. , Datta Ashim K.
Published: September 2021

The landscape of mathematical model‐based understanding of microbial food safety is wide and deep, covering interdisciplinary fields of food science, microbiology, physics, and engineering. With rapidly growing interest in such model‐based approaches that increasingly include more fundamental mechanisms of microbial processes, there is a need to build a general framework that steers this evolutionary process by synthesizing literature spread over many disciplines. The framework proposed here shows four interconnected, complementary levels of microbial food processes covering sub‐cellular scale, microbial population scale, food scale, and human population scale (risk). A continuum of completely mechanistic to completely empirical models, widely‐used and emerging, are integrated into the framework; well‐known predictive microbiology modeling being a part of this spectrum. The framework emphasizes fundamentals‐based approaches that should get enriched over time, such as the basic building blocks of microbial population scale processes (attachment, migration, growth, death/inactivation and communication) and of food processes (e.g., heat and moisture transfer). A spectrum of models are included, for example, microbial population modeling covers traditional predictive microbiology models to individual‐based models and cellular automata. The models are shown in sufficient quantitative detail to make obvious their coupling, or their integration over various levels. Guidelines to combine sub‐processes over various spatial and time scales into a complete interdisciplinary and multiphysics model (i.e., a system) are provided, covering microbial growth/inactivation/transport and physical processes such as fluid flow and heat transfer. As food safety becomes increasingly predictive at various scales, this synthesis should provide its roadmap. This big picture and framework should be futuristic in driving novel research and educational approaches.
The new rapid and accurate analytical HPLC‐ECD method for the determination of rosmarinic acid in meat products
Authors: Jurič Urška , Slemnik Mojca , Škerget Mojca
Published: September 2021

A new rapid method has been developed for the determination of low levels of rosmarinic acid extracted from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and has been used as an antioxidant in meat and meat products after cold storage at 4°C. The method is a high performance liquid chromatography using a coulometric electrochemical detector. It provides a significant improvement on the limit of detection, which was 0.33 ppb, while the limit of quantification was 1 ppb of rosmarinic acid. The advantage of the method also lies in the simpler and faster sample preparation, which can quantify a very low concentration of rosmarinic acid (60 ppb), and is more than 40 ppb below the limits of previously existing methods. A coulometric method is well suited for determining low analyte concentrations and is one of the most sensitive analytical approaches available today, in addition to being time efficient and cost effective.

Practical Application

A new method for determining low concentrations (60 ppb) of rosmarinic acid in meat and meat products is presented. The method is user‐friendly, as it does not require complex sample preparation. It is a selective, precise, and accurate method that makes it useful for routine applications in the meat and other food industries.
Assessing Lung Parenchymal Enhancement on Dual‐Energy CT Pulmonary Angiograms: Potential utility of dual‐energy technique as an angiographic and parenchymal ‘one‐stop shop’ in the initial workup of patients with pulmonary symptoms
Authors: Thoo Sophie , Wong Teresa , Chong Chee , Lim Wanyin
Published: September 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the enhancement of lung parenchyma on dual‐energy (DE) computed tomogram (CT) by comparing attenuation between routine post‐contrast and dual‐energy generated virtual unenhanced (VU) images.

Methods

Patients presenting to the Emergency Department who subsequently underwent DE‐CT pulmonary angiogram from the 1st to the 30th of November were enrolled. The DE data set obtained was used to generate VU images. Attenuation in Hounsfield units (HU) was measured at two sites for each patient and compared between VU and routine post‐contrast (PC) reconstructions. Statistical analysis was performed using paired‐samples t‐test.

Results

There is a statistical difference between lung parenchymal attenuation value between the CV and PC images, denser in the PC dataset and also towards the bases, with a mean HU of −841 and −817 (difference of 24) respectively.

Conclusions

This study confirms increased lung parenchymal density when comparing PC and VU reconstructions. Based on results, the paper recommends utilising dual‐energy capabilities for VU reconstructions in CTPAs to optimise assessment of lung parenchyma.
COVID‐19 pandemic and methanol poisoning outbreak in Iranian children and adolescents: A data linkage study
Authors: Mahdavi Seyed Amirhosein , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Akhgari Maryam , Gheshlaghi Farzad , Gholami Narges , Moshiri Mohammad , Mohtasham Neda , Ebrahimi Sara , Ziaeefar Pardis , McDonald Rebecca , Tas Basak , Kazemifar Amir Mohammad , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Ghadirzadeh Mohammadreza , Jamshidi Farkhondeh , Dadpour Bita , Mirtorabi Seyed Davood , Farnaghi Fariba , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian‐Moghaddam Hossein
Published: September 2021

Background

During the first wave of COVID‐19, many Iranians were poisoned by ingesting hand sanitizers and/or alcoholic beverages to avoid viral infection. To assess whether the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in an increased prevalence of accidental hand sanitizer/alcoholic beverage exposure in children and adolescents, we compared pediatric hospitalization rates during COVID‐19 and the previous year. For poisoning admissions during COVID‐19, we also evaluated the cause by age and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective data linkage study evaluated data from the Legal Medicine Organization (reporting mortalities) and hospitalization data from nine toxicology referral centers for alcohol‐poisoned patients (age 0 to 18 years) for the study period (February 23 to June 22, 2020) and the pre‐COVID‐19 reference period (same dates in 2019).

Results

Hospitalization rates due to ethanol and methanol exposure were significantly higher in 2020 (n = 375) than 2019 (n = 202; OR [95% CI] 1.9 [1.6, 2.2], p < 0.001). During COVID‐19, in patients ≤15 years, the odds of intoxication from hand sanitizers were significantly higher than from alcoholic beverages, while in 15‐ to 18‐year‐olds, alcoholic beverage exposure was 6.7 times more common (95% CI 2.8, 16.1, p < 0.001). Of 375 children/adolescents hospitalized for alcoholic beverage and hand sanitizer exposure in 2020, six did not survive. The odds of fatal outcome were seven times higher in 15‐ to 18‐year‐olds (OR (95% CI) 7.0 (2.4, 20.1); p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Iranian methanol poisoning outbreak during the first wave of COVID‐19 was associated with significantly increased hospitalization rates among children and adolescents—including at least six pediatric in‐hospital deaths from poisoning. Public awareness needs to be raised of the risks associated with ingesting alcoholic hand sanitizers.
Study of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Australian grain production landscapes
Authors: Ward Samantha , Umina Paul A , Polaszek Andrew , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: September 2021

Aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) were surveyed within grain production landscapes in Victoria, Australia, between 2017 and 2018, as well as more sporadically nationwide between 2016 and 2019. In addition, Aphidiinae records were collated from insect depositories around Australia and online databases. The 5525 specimens recorded constituted a total of 23 species and seven genera. Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) was the most common species, representing more than 70% of all Aphidiinae recorded. This species also showed a greater northerly geographical range than other Aphidiinae. During sampling between 2017 and 2019, Aphidiinae were reared from mummies to ascertain host–parasitoid relationships. Diaeretiella rapae was again the most commonly reared parasitoid, although parasitoid preference varied with aphid host and between states and territories. An illustrated dichotomous key to Australian Aphidiinae in grain production landscapes is provided for the 11 species sampled in our field surveys. This is the first comprehensive review of Aphidiinae sampled within Australia in over two decades. Knowledge about the diversity and distribution of these parasitoids is important for understanding their impact on current and future invasions of aphid species. In addition, understanding the interactions between grain aphids and their associated parasitoids will further support the inclusion of parasitoid wasps into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Preterm birth reduces the risk of IgE sensitization up to early adulthood: A population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Mitselou Niki , Andersson Niklas , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Georgelis Antonios , van Hage Marianne , Hedman Anna M. , Almqvist Catarina , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Melén Erik
Published: September 2021

Background

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization is associated with asthma and allergic diseases. Gestational age influences early immune system development, thereby potentially affecting the process of tolerance induction to allergens.

Objective

To study IgE sensitization to common allergens by gestational age from childhood up to early adulthood.

Methods

Population‐based birth cohort, data from the Swedish BAMSE study were used. Allergen‐specific IgE antibodies to a mix of common food (fx5) and inhalant (Phadiatop) allergens were analysed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 years. Sensitization was defined as allergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35 kUA/L to fx5 and/or Phadiatop at each time point. Using logistic regression and generalized estimated equations, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for sensitization in relation to gestational age were calculated. Replication was sought within the Swedish twin study STOPPA.

Results

In BAMSE, 3522 participants were screened for IgE antibodies during follow‐up; of these, 197 (5.6%) were born preterm (<37 gestational weeks) and 330 (9.4%) post‐term (≥42 weeks). Preterm birth reduced the risk of sensitization to common food and/or inhalant allergens up to early adulthood by 29% (overall aOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52–0.98), and to food allergens specifically by 40% (overall aOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38–0.93). No relation was found between post‐term birth and IgE sensitization at any time point. Replication analyses in STOPPA (N = 675) showed similar risk estimates for sensitization to food and/or inhalant allergens (aOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.42–1.21), which resulted in a combined meta‐analysis aOR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54–0.94).

Conclusions

Our study suggests an inverse association between preterm birth and long‐term IgE sensitization.
Chronotypes and circadian rest–activity rhythms in bipolar disorders: a meta‐analysis of self‐ and observer rating scales
Authors: Meyrel Manon , Scott Jan , Etain Bruno
Published: September 2021

Objective

Chronobiological models postulate that abnormalities in circadian rest/activity rhythms (CRAR) are core phenomena of bipolar disorders (BDs). We undertook a meta‐analysis of published studies to determine whether self‐ or observer ratings of CRAR differentiate BD cases from comparators (typically healthy controls [HCs]).

Method

We undertook systematic searches of four databases to identify studies for inclusion in random effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regression analyses. Effect sizes (ES) for pooled analyses of self‐ and observer ratings were expressed as standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The 30 studies meeting eligibility criteria included 2840 cases and 3573 controls. Compared with HC, BD cases showed greater eveningness (ES: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.54), lower flexibility of rhythms (ES: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.06–0.67), lower amplitude of rhythms (ES: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39–0.70) and more disturbances across a range of CRAR (ES of 0.78–1.12 for general and social activities, sleep and eating patterns). Between study heterogeneity was high (I2 > 70%) and evidence indicated a potential publication bias for studies using the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Meta‐regression analyses suggested significantly larger ES were observed in studies using observer ratings or including BD cases with higher levels of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrates that BD is associated with higher levels of self‐ or observer‐rated CRAR disturbances compared with controls. However, further studies should examine the respective performance of individual instruments when used alone or in combination, to clarify their applicability and utility in clinical practice.
Characterization of multiple diagnostic terms in melanocytic skin lesion pathology reports
Authors: Chang Oliver H. , Elder David E. , Barnhill Raymond L. , Piepkorn Michael W. , Eguchi Megan M. , Knezevich Stevan R. , Lee Annie C. , Moreno Raul J. , Kerr Kathleen F. , Elmore Joann G.
Published: September 2021

Background

Histopathologically ambiguous melanocytic lesions lead some pathologists to list multiple diagnostic considerations in the pathology report. The frequency and circumstance of multiple diagnostic considerations remain poorly characterized.

Methods

Two hundred and forty skin biopsy samples were interpreted by 187 pathologists (8976 independent diagnoses) and classified according to a diagnostic/treatment stratification (MPATH‐Dx).

Results

Multiple diagnoses in different MPATH‐Dx classes were used in n = 1320 (14.7%) interpretations, with 97% of pathologists and 91% of cases having at least one such interpretation. Multiple diagnoses were more common for intermediate risk lesions and are associated with greater subjective difficulty and lower confidence. We estimate that 6% of pathology reports for melanocytic lesions in the United States contain two diagnoses of different MPATH‐Dx prognostic classes, and 2% of cases are given two diagnoses with significant treatment implications.

Conclusions

Difficult melanocytic diagnoses in skin may necessitate multiple diagnostic considerations; however, as patients increasingly access their health records and retrieve pathology reports (as mandated by US law), uncertainty should be expressed unambiguously.
Motor performance and daily participation in children with and without probable developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Delgado‐Lobete Laura , Montes‐Montes Rebeca , Pértega‐Díaz Sonia , Santos‐Del‐Riego Sergio , Hartman Esther , Schoemaker Marina M
Published: September 2021

Aim

To test the mediating role of motor performance in the relationship between individual and environmental constraints, delayed learning of activities of daily living (ADL), and daily participation in typically developing children and children with probable developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Method

Parents of 370 randomly selected children aged 5 to 10 years (194 females; mean age [SD] 7y 5mo [1y 10mo]) were included in the study (321 typically developing, 49 probable DCD). Motor performance, ADL learning, and participation were assessed using the DCDDaily‐Questionnaire. Individual variables included child’s age and sex, and environmental variables included mother and family educational level, presence of siblings, and area of residence. Direct, indirect, and mediating effects were tested using a partial least squares‐based structural equation modelling approach.

Results

The model explained 44.5% of the variance of daily participation. Motor performance significantly mediated the effect of individual and environmental constraints, and ADL learning on daily participation.

Interpretation

Results suggest that the effect of individual and environmental constraints and delayed learning of ADL on daily participation is mediated by motor performance in typically developing children and children with probable DCD. These findings provide further evidence that interventions to promote participation in children with probable DCD should adopt ecological, task‐oriented approaches. Further studies should evaluate model generalizability with clinical samples.
Scalp‐recorded N40 visual evoked potential: Sensory and attentional properties
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado , Broido Veronica , De Benedetto Francesco , Zani Alberto
Published: September 2021

N40 is a well‐known component of evoked potentials with respect to the auditory and somatosensory modality but not much recognized with regard to the visual modality. To be detected with event‐related potentials (ERPs), it requires an optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio. To investigate the nature of visual N40, we recorded EEG/ERP signals from 20 participants. Each of them was presented with 1800 spatial frequency gratings of 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 c/deg. Data were collected from 128 sites while participants were engaged in both passive viewing and attention conditions. N40 (30–55 ms) was modulated by alertness and selective attention; in fact, it was larger to targets than irrelevant and passively viewed spatial frequency gratings. Its strongest intracranial sources were the bilateral thalamic nuclei of pulvinar, according to swLORETA. The active network included precuneus, insula and inferior parietal lobule. An N80 component (60–90 ms) was also identified, which was larger to targets than irrelevant/passive stimuli and more negative to high than low spatial frequencies. In contrast, N40 was not sensitive to spatial frequency per se, nor did it show a polarity inversion as a function of spatial frequency. Attention, alertness and spatial frequency effects were also found for the later components P1, N2 and P300. The attentional effects increased in magnitude over time. The data showed that ERPs can pick up the earliest synchronized activity, deriving in part from thalamic nuclei, before the visual information has actually reached the occipital cortex.
Central nervous system atrophy predicts future dynamics of disability progression in a real‐world multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Tsagkas Charidimos , Naegelin Yvonne , Amann Michael , Papadopoulou Athina , Barro Christian , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Gaetano Laura , Wuerfel Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Kuhle Jens , Granziera Cristina , Sprenger Till , Magon Stefano , Parmar Katrin
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

In an era of individualized multiple sclerosis (MS) patient management, biomarkers for accurate prediction of future clinical outcomes are needed. We aimed to evaluate the potential of short‐term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) atrophy measures and serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) as predictors of the dynamics of disability accumulation in relapse‐onset MS.

Methods

Brain gray and white matter, thalamic, striatal, pallidal and cervical spinal cord volumes, and lesion load were measured over three available time points (mean time span 2.24 ± 0.70 years) for 183 patients (140 relapsing‐remitting [RRMS] and 43 secondary‐progressive MS (SPMS); 123 female, age 46.4 ± 11.0 years; disease duration 15.7 ± 9.3 years), and their respective annual changes were calculated. Baseline sNfL was also measured at the third available time point for each patient. Subsequently, patients underwent annual clinical examinations over 5.4 ± 3.7 years including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scoring, the nine‐hole peg test and the timed 25‐foot walk test.

Results

Higher annual spinal cord atrophy rates and lesion load increase predicted higher future EDSS score worsening over time in SPMS. Lower baseline thalamic volumes predicted higher walking speed worsening over time in RRMS. Lower baseline gray matter, as well as higher white matter and spinal cord atrophy rates, lesion load increase, baseline striatal volumes and baseline sNfL, predicted higher future hand dexterity worsening over time. All models showed reasonable to high prediction accuracy.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the capability of short‐term MRI metrics to accurately predict future dynamics of disability progression in a real‐world relapse‐onset MS cohort. The present study represents a step towards the utilization of structural MRI measurements in patient care.
MicroRNAs in the development of resistance to antiseizure drugs and their potential as biomarkers in pharmacoresistant epilepsy
Authors: Bohosova Julia , Vajcner Jiri , Jabandziev Petr , Oslejskova Hana , Slaby Ondrej , Aulicka Stefania
Published: September 2021

Although many new antiseizure drugs have been developed in the past decade, approximately 30%–40% of patients remain pharmacoresistant. There are no clinical tools or guidelines for predicting therapeutic response in individual patients, leaving them no choice other than to try all antiseizure drugs available as they suffer debilitating seizures with no relief. The discovery of predictive biomarkers and early identification of pharmacoresistant patients is of the highest priority in this group. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short noncoding RNAs negatively regulating gene expression, have emerged in recent years in epilepsy, following a broader trend of their exploitation as biomarkers of various complex human diseases. We performed a systematic search of the PubMed database for original research articles focused on miRNA expression level profiling in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy or drug‐resistant precilinical models and cell cultures. In this review, we summarize 17 publications concerning miRNAs as potential new biomarkers of resistance to antiseizure drugs and their potential role in the development of drug resistance or epilepsy. Although numerous knowledge gaps need to be filled and reviewed, and articles share some study design pitfalls, several miRNAs dysregulated in brain tissue and blood serum were identified independently by more than one paper. These results suggest a unique opportunity for disease monitoring and personalized therapeutic management in the future.
Cover Image
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Zeng Jimmy , Meng Weilin , Lohman David J. , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: September 2021

The cover image is based on the Short Communication Out of sight, out of mind: Public and research interest in insects is negatively correlated with their conservation status by Zhengyang Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12499. Image Credit: Kun Qin (Mt. Dayao Nature Reserve).

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Characteristics of dyadic care types among patients living with multiple chronic conditions and their informal caregivers
Authors: De Maria Maddalena , Ferro Federico , Ausili Davide , Buck Harleah G. , Vellone Ercole , Matarese Maria
Published: September 2021

Aims

To examine the distribution of dyadic care types in multiple chronic conditions, compare self‐care and caregiver contributions to patients' self‐care in each care type and identify the patient and caregiver characteristics associated with each care type.

Design

Secondary analysis of a multicentre, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Patient‐caregiver dyads were enrolled from outpatient clinics and community settings. The Dyadic Symptom Management Type Scale was used to categorize dyads by type. Self‐care, self‐efficacy, comorbidities and cognitive impairment were measured in patients, whereas caregiver contributions to patient self‐care, self‐efficacy, caregiver burden and hours of caregiving were measured in caregivers. Sociodemographic characteristics perceived social support and mutuality were measured in both patients and caregivers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

A sample of 541 patient‐caregiver dyads was examined. The most frequent dyadic care type was the collaborative‐oriented (63%). In the patient‐oriented type, patients scored higher on self‐care compared with caregivers; in the caregiver‐oriented and collaborative types, caregivers scored higher than patients supporting the typology. The patient‐oriented type was associated with younger, healthier male patients with better cognitive status, who scored higher for mutuality and whose caregivers scored lower for burden. The caregiver‐oriented type was associated with older, less educated patients, with caregivers experiencing higher burden and unemployment. The collaborative type was associated with sicker patients, with the caregiver more probably to be female and employed, with higher perceived social support, mutuality and burden. The incongruent dyadic care type was associated with lower caregiver mutuality.

Impact

In the context of multiple chronic conditions, clinicians should consider targeting any educational interventions aimed at improving patient self‐care and caregiver contributions to self‐care by dyadic care types.
Exploring students' cognitive and affective states during problem solving through multimodal data: Lessons learned from a programming activity
Authors: Mangaroska Katerina , Sharma Kshitij , Gašević Dragan , Giannakos Michail
Published: September 2021

Background

Problem‐solving is a multidimensional and dynamic process that requires and interlinks cognitive, metacognitive, and affective dimensions of learning. However, current approaches practiced in computing education research (CER) are not sufficient to capture information beyond the basic programming process data (i.e., IDE‐log data). Therefore, how cognition and affect intertwine and unfold over time in programming problem‐solving activities are rarely investigated.

Objectives

In this study, we examined how the theory‐informed measures from multimodal data that we have selected as proxies for cognitive and affective dimensions of learning, are associated with student performance, and in comparison, to prior‐knowledge.

Methods

A high‐frequency temporal data was collected with a camera, an electroencephalogram, and an eye‐tracker from 40 computer science students (bachelor and master studies) in the context of a code‐debugging activity. To study the cognitive processes associated with learning we focused on cognitive load theory (CLT) and the human information processing model. In addition, we complemented CLT with the model of affective dynamics in learning to avoid the machine reductionism perspective.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that attention, convergent thinking, and frustration were positively correlated with students' successful code‐debugging (i.e., performance), and frequently manifested by high performing participants. Cognitive load, memory load, and boredom were negatively correlated with students' performance, and typically manifested by low performing participants.

Implications

Extending the context of analysis in reference to student cognitive processes and affective states, affords educators not just to identify lower performers, but also to understand the potential reasons behind their performance, making our method an important contribution in the confluence of CER and the learning technology communities. In addition, the insights extracted from our analyses allow us to discuss potential avenues for improving learning design and the design of interactive learning systems to support the development of students' problem‐solving skills.
Negative bubbles and the market for “dreams”: “Lemons” in the looking glass
Authors: Emery Douglas R.
Published: September 2021

I extend Akerlof's adverse selection model, where uninformed participants withdraw from the market, and show that rather than collapse, “lemons” can, and often do, lead to a negative bubble. I then show that a mirror image of his model, where uninformed participants pursue “dreams” of becoming wealthy (e.g., trading in cryptocurrencies), can lead to a positive bubble that ultimately causes informed experts to withdraw when the supply of assets is finite. I also argue that, because prices of antiques, collectibles, and other objets d'art are typically based primarily on sentiment, fad, and/or fashion, such assets trade persistently in a positive bubble.
Factors for heterogeneous outcomes of angina and myocardial ischemia without obstructive coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Radico Francesco , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Aimo Alberto , Zimarino Marco , Knuuti Juhani , Rossi Serena , Pastormerlo Luigi Emilio , Zyw Luc , Orsini Enrico , Iacoviello Licia , Neglia Danilo , Emdin Michele , de Gaetano Giovanni , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives

The absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with angina is common, but its prognosis is debated. We investigated outcomes of such patients to identify predictors of cardiovascular events.

Methods

We selected 1014 patients with angina, evidence of myocardial ischemia at the electrocardiogram (ECG) exercise test or imaging stress tests, and nonobstructive CAD (absence of lumen diameter reduction ≥50%) at coronary angiography between 1999 and 2015. Note that, 1905 age‐ and risk factors‐matched asymptomatic subjects served as “real‐world” comparators. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of all‐cause death or myocardial infarction.

Results

At 6‐years median follow‐up (interquartile range, 3–9 years), the primary endpoint occurred in 53 patients (5.5%, 0.92/100 person‐years). Besides similar event rates compared with asymptomatic subjects (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.15, p = 0.28), the index population showed a very heterogeneous prognosis. Patients with nonobstructive CAD (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.02–3.37, p = 0.04, compared with “normal” coronary arteries) and ischemia at imaging tests (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.07–4.14, p = 0.03, compared with ischemia detected only at the ECG exercise test) were at higher risk and those with both these components showing even >10‐fold event rates as compared with the absence of both. Three‐hundred and twenty‐five patients (34%) continued to experience angina, 69 (7.2%) underwent repeat coronary angiography, and 14 (1.5%) had consequent coronary revascularization for atherosclerosis progression.

Conclusion

Apart from the impaired quality of life, angina without obstructive CAD has an overall benign but very heterogeneous prognosis. Nonobstructive CAD and myocardial ischemia at imaging tests both confer a higher risk.
My relatives are waiting: Barriers to tribal enrollment of fostered/adopted American Indians
Authors: Landers Ashley L. , Danes Sharon M. , Morgan Amy A. , Merritt Shamora , White Hawk Sandy
Published: September 2021

Objective

The present study fills a literature gap by examining barriers to tribal enrollment for American Indian fostered and adopted individuals.

Background

Systematic child removal has intergenerationally impacted American Indian families. Startling numbers of American Indian children have been removed from their families and tribal communities and placed into foster care or for adoption. Budding research on American Indian fostered and adopted family members illuminates the relationship between reunification and tribal enrollment. However, little is known about what facilitates or impedes the tribal enrollment of previously estranged American Indian fostered and adopted family members.

Method

Guided by place identity theory, this study analyzed survey data from the Experiences of Adopted and Fostered Individuals Project. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from a subsample of American Indian fostered and adopted individuals (n = 60) that responded to an open‐ended question about the reasons for their lack of tribal enrollment.

Results

The tribal enrollment process is a formalization of the social confirmation of the fostered and adopted American Indian individual's identity; it is a process of mutual verification between the individual and the tribe. Results yielded three major themes describing barriers to enrollment: (1) personal, (2) collective (family and tribe), and (3) institutional.

Conclusion

Despite high levels of interest in tribal enrollment, many fostered and adopted individuals experience personal, collective, and institutional barriers to tribal enrollment.