bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of innovative development on the example of Kazakhstan
Authors: Nabieva Maral , Turmakhanbetova Shaken , Shamisheva Nurgul , Khassenova Kenzhegul , Baigabulova Kulyash , Rakayeva Aliya
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Although many studies explored the drivers of innovative development and the innovation performance of different countries, very few studies looked at the association of the country’s GII score with the qualitative indicators of innovation performance. The purpose of this paper is to contribute such an investigation by looking at the Republic of Kazakhstan (79th in 2019 GII ranking).

Design/methodology/approach

This study looks at eight dynamic variables, among which one dependent (the GII score) and seven independent (R&D spending, innovation grants, the total cost of innovative goods and services, the percentage of innovative organizations, the share of innovative goods and services in gross domestic product (GDP) and the number of R&D staff and R&D institutions) variables associated with innovation performance. Changes in variables were tracked over the period from 2010 to 2018..

Findings

The study found that the Kazakhstan’s GII score was reliant on variables, such as the percentage of innovative organizations, the value of innovative goods and services as a share of GDP, R&D spending and the cost of innovative goods and services. At the same time, the number of R&D institutions, innovation grants and number of R&D staff had no substantial impact on the GII score of Kazakhstan.

Originality/value

Using the proposed approach, this study proved that factors, which have no direct association with the country’s level of innovative development expressed in GII, could have a significant synergistic impact on this indicator.
ISO 9001: a vaccine for time of crisis
Authors: Zayas-Mateo Ronny Alexander , Martínez-Lorente Ángel Rafael
Published: February 2021

Purpose

ISO 9001 is applied by hundreds of thousands of companies throughout the world. For this reason, its effect on company results has been extensively studied. However, the results of those studies are inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. More in-depth research, with a new approach, is therefore necessary. The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether ISO 9001-certified companies suffered the effects of the financial and economic crisis of 2007–2008 to a lesser degree than non-certified ones.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of 179 companies certified by ISO 9001:2008 and 154 non-certified ones were analysed, as well as the accounting figures for net sales and operating income (EBIT: earnings before interest and taxes) from 2004 to 2012.

Findings

Companies from the industry and services sectors showed different results. Certified industrial companies achieved better outcomes than their non-certified counterparts. However, the deviations in outcomes were not significant for services companies.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that companies’ official results are not always their true results. Another limitation is that having to do with the criteria followed to suppress extreme cases, which is always subjective. Furthermore, the implications of the results could be of use for those managers who are responsible for implementing ISO 9001 and for deciding whether obtaining the ISO 9001 certification would be beneficial to their companies.

Originality/value

This study constitutes a new approach for the assessment of the benefits of the ISO 9001 certification.
Internal auditors’ perceptions of their role as assurance providers: a qualitative study in the Tunisian public sector
Authors: Khelil Imen , Khlif Hichem
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to provide insights into internal auditors’ perceptions and experiences regarding their role as assurance providers in the Tunisian public sector through the detection, correction and reporting of internal control weaknesses and wrongdoings.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research is conducted based on organizational role theory and using semi-structured interviews with 13 chief audit executives across 13 Tunisian public-sector organizations. A thematic analysis of the responses of interviews is then performed.

Findings

The content analysis of internal auditors’ responses shows that ambiguity surrounds the role of Tunisian internal auditors within the public sector because they must serve multiple customers (e.g. informal groups in Tunisian society, managers and audit committees) with conflicting expectations. In addition, the authors find that they adopt a strategy of trade-off between commercial and professional values, tending to prioritize top managers’ interests at the expense of other stakeholders. Responses provided by interviewees reveal that the absence of legal protection of internal auditors is one major obstacle explaining their failure to perform their role as assurance providers.

Originality/value

This study provides preliminary evidence of the challenges faced by internal auditors working in public-sector organizations in an emerging African setting. The findings of this study also emphasize the need to rethink the concept of independence of the internal auditing function within the Tunisian public sector given the apparent inability of internal auditors to alter their commercial focus. Furthermore, the results may increase the awareness of professional institutions about the necessity of enacting rules reinforcing internal auditors’ protection that may strengthen the role played by internal auditors within public-sector organizations.
Sprinting to digital transformation: a time boxed, Agile approach
Authors: Shaughnessy Haydn , Goulding Fin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The Transformation Sprint methodology provides a customer-focused analysis process in which leaders can learn about how their digital operating model should and can evolve.

Design/methodology/approach

Agile transformation processes are a learning journey to produce a generative (learning) model. In an Agile setting, the plan should unfold along with experience.

Findings

Sprints with specific time spans are intended to circumvent scope-creep or other insidious ways that a project can overrun.

Practical implications

In Agile practice, showing and talking about work is a crucial part of the process. Transformation Sprints visualize Issues, Priorities and Points for Debate in notes posted on meeting room walls.

Originality/value

This article describes the Agile concepts that make a digital Transformation Sprint a potent addition to innovation practice.
Developing a nano-biosensor for early detection of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Rawashdeh1 Isra , Al-Fandi Mohamed Ghazi , Makableh Yahia , Harahsha Tasneem
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a simple electrochemical nanobiosensor for early detection of pancreatic cancer. The nanobiosensor uses the newly emerged stable micro ribonucleic acid (miR-21) as a cancer-associated biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis or therapy response.

Design/methodology/approach

The biosensing practice consists of two main steps: capturing probe immobilization on a working electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles (MWCNTs-AuNPs) and then sensing the miR-21 interaction electrochemically. Two electrochemical techniques, atomic force microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, were applied for characterizations.

Findings

The nanobiosensor sensitivity exhibited satisfying results to miR-21 and demonstrated a wide dynamic range with a detection limit of just about 3.68 femtomolar using the source measure unit (SMU).

Originality/value

Researchers commonly use potentiostats to perform the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements for the electrochemical biosensing applications. In this study, the SMU was used to perform the DPV to detect the biomarker miR-21 using the MWCNTs-AuNPs screen-printed electrode as the electrochemical system.
Organizational sustainability and performance improvement in microfinance institutions (MFIs): managerial insights of what, why and how
Authors: Sinha Sweta , Ghosh Koustab
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The special importance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the context of emerging economies is well acknowledged. The success of MFIs is country, culture and context-specific. This study aims to capture the organizational sustainability viewpoint of MFIs through the experiences and insights of the managers engaged in running MFIs in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a qualitative approach and collects primary data through insightful interactions with the senior managers of various Indian MFIs, followed by thematic analysis to identify the factors impacting the sustainability of MFIs. It is supplemented by an extensive systematic literature review to enrich the findings. The identified factors are then analyzed through the lens of a balanced scorecard (BSC) approach to developing a framework in assessing the performance of MFIs operating in similar to this study’s context.

Findings

The authors observe that the majority of the studies on MFI sustainability are financial outcome centric. This study adds value by exploring a holistic and organization-centric approach drawing support from stakeholder theory, which emphasizes that the shareholders, employees and customers are equally important for the sustainability of the MFIs.

Research limitations/implications

While the identified sustainability factors would help the practitioners focus upon the factors of improvement, the BSC framework would facilitate the conduct of performance review and taking related decisions thereon for the sustainability of MFIs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to attempt to assess the MFI organizations striving for sustainability through the lens of BSC framework.
Enabling factors for adopting sustainable, organic wine production
Authors: Cobelli Nicola , Chiarini Andrea , Giaretta Elena
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study expands the debate on the reasons that wine producers adopt sustainable, organic wine production. It aims to ascertain the enabling factors facilitating behavioral intention regarding such an adoption and whether these factors can be combined in a conceptual, measurable model.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 157 Italian winery companies was used. Results were analyzed through the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, various quantitative methods and a multi-regression model.

Findings

Gender, age, role, experience in the sector and company existence do not affect behavioral intention. Conversely, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influences, facilitating conditions, attitude and self-efficacy strongly affect behavioral intention, whereas the determinant anxiety has a negative effect. Further, four factors account for most of the variability in behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to Italian wine producers, and the discussion is based on quantitative results alone. Qualitative data would probably produce a richer, more comprehensive understanding of some phenomena.

Practical implications

Managers and entrepreneurs intending to invest in organic wine production can gain a detailed understanding of factors that affect the behavioral intention toward these technologies by comparing their attitudes with those of Italian producers.

Originality/value

Several studies have focused on wine consumers' behavior, but very few have investigated wineries' intention to adopt organic wine technology and the likely driving factors.
The effect of clam shell powder on kinetics of water absorption of jute epoxy composite
Authors: Jena Hemalata , Panigrahi Abinash
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Here, attempts have been made to explore the possible use of Marine waste as filler materials into the bio-fibre composites. Clam shell is a type of marine waste which belongs to the class of Bivalvia. It is mainly made of aragonite crystalline polymorphs. This paper aims to develop a new class of natural fibre composite in which jute fibre as reinforcement, epoxy as matrix and clam shell, as particulate microsphere filler. The study investigates the effects of different amounts of clam shell powder on the kinetics of water absorption of jute fibre-reinforced epoxy composite. Two different environmental conditions at room temperature, i.e. distilled water and seawater, are collected for this purpose. Moisture absorption reduces when clam shell is added to the jute-epoxy composite. The curve of water absorption of jute-epoxy composites with filler loading at both environmental conditions follows as Fickian behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Hand lay-up technique to fabricate the composite – Experimental observation

Findings

The incorporation of Clam shell filler in jute epoxy composite modified the water absorption property of the composite. Hence the present marine waste is an potential filler in jute fibre reinforced polymer composite.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates a new class hybrid composite material which uses a marine waste as important phase in the bio-fibre-reinforced composite. It is a new work submitted for original research paper.
Empagliflozin alleviates ethanol‐induced cardiomyocyte injury through inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis via a SIRT1/PTEN/Akt pathway
Authors: Tian Ge , Yu Yang , Deng Hanyu , Yang Liu , Shi Xiaojing , Yu Bo
Published: February 2021

Ethanol‐induced myocardial injury involves multiple pathophysiological processes including apoptosis. Empagliflozin (EMPA), is a novel hypoglycaemic drug which possesses multiple pharmacologically relevant protective effects, including anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, whether EMPA treatment has a protective effect on ethanol‐induced myocardial injury has not been assessed, to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of EMPA treatment on ethanol‐induced myocardial injury and the underlying mechanism. An ethanol‐induced myocardial injury model was established by culturing H9c2 cells treated with 200 mmol/L ethanol for 24 hours, and additional groups of ethanol treated cells were also treated with EMPA with or without SIRT1 inhibitors prior to ethanol treatment. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using a CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of apoptosis‐related proteins was assessed using western blotting. The results showed that EMPA pretreatment resulted in increased cell viability and a decrease in LDH activity. Moreover, EMPA pretreatment significantly reduced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and reduced the expression of cleaved caspase 3. Furthermore, EMPA increased the expression of SIRT1, increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt, and reduced the expression of PTEN. EMPA also reduced ethanol‐induced mitochondrial apoptosis, increasing the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and the mitochondrial membrane potential. However, the cardioprotective effects of EMPA were abrogated when cells were pretreated with a SIRT1 inhibitor. In conclusion, EMPA can alleviate ethanol‐induced myocardial injury by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis via the SIRT1/PTEN/Akt pathway. Therefore, EMPA may be a novel target for treatment of ethanol‐induced myocardial injury.
Supporting schools in their journey to inclusive education: review of guides and tools
Authors: Sandoval Marta , Muñoz Yolanda , Márquez Carmen
Published: February 2021

This study presents a review of the guides and tools found in the literature regarding the implementation of inclusive education to support schools in the development and improvement of their educational practices. A total of 22 guides were reviewed, with their corresponding analyses of: the purpose for which they were created, their inclusive perspective, their target social group, the stage at which they are most efficient, the action strategies they propose, the basic structure on which they are founded, the dimensions and indicators on which they stimulate reflection and the evaluation tools and instruments they propose. The conclusions highlight the need to use and show the content of this type of resources, generating spaces for reflection in school communities.
WALK THE PIPELINE: Urban Infrastructure Landscapes in Bengaluru's Long Twentieth Century
Authors: Castán Broto Vanesa , Sudhira H.S. , Unnikrishnan Hita
Published: February 2021

Walking reveals how urban infrastructure lends identity to the urban landscape. This article focuses on the oldest water pipeline in the city of Bengaluru, India. A series of vignettes trace the linear trajectory of the walk both in terms of the spatial orientation of the pipeline, and its trajectory through time. Through space, the pipeline connects the centre of the city with its suburbs, tracking differential and sometimes invisible patterns of urbanization that follow the city's sprawl. Through time, the pipeline connects water narratives, from nostalgic notions of precolonial management to the contemporary construction of scarcity. The use of walking as a methodological tool draws attention to the subsumed and often invisible experiences of inequity in various parts of the city. The pipeline is a maker of urban stories alongside routine practices and larger strategic projects of urban development. While the pipeline enables the provision of water, the neighbourhoods it passes through are sometimes excluded from the service it provides. Strategic projects have attempted to control water resources following different ways of imagining the city. Still, such urban imaginations coexist with a more extensive set of everyday practices that engage with the pipeline in the urban landscape.
Malvaviscus yellow mosaic virus, a divergent begomovirus carrying a nanovirus‐like nonanucleotide and a modified stem‐loop structure
Authors: Lima Alison T. M. , Orílio Anelise F. , Almeida Mariana M. S. , Rocha Carolina S. , Barros Danielle R. , Castillo‐Urquiza Gloria P. , Silva Fábio N. , Xavier César A. D. , Bruckner Fernanda P. , Alfenas‐Zerbini Poliane , Barbosa Julio C. , Albuquerque Leonardo C. , Inoue‐Nagata Alice K. , Kitajima Elliot W. , Zerbini Francisco Murilo
Published: February 2021

Begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) have a circular, ssDNA genome encapsidated in twinned icosahedral particles. Numerous begomoviruses infecting noncultivated malvaceous plants have been described, and evidence suggests that they may have given rise to some of the viruses currently found in crop plants. Here we describe an atypical begomovirus infecting ornamental Turk's hat plants (Malvaviscus arboreus, Malvaceae). Total DNA was extracted, and the viral genome was amplified by rolling‐circle amplification (RCA), cloned and sequenced. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the virus corresponds to a new begomovirus phylogenetically related to other malvaceous‐infecting begomoviruses from Brazil, and for which the name malvaviscus yellow mosaic virus (MvYMV) is proposed. M. arboreus plants inoculated with MvYMV infectious clones showed bright yellow mosaic and the virus progeny was identical to the isolate inoculated, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Strikingly, MvYMV has a nanovirus/alphasatellite‐like nonanucleotide sequence (5′‐TAGTATTAC‐3′). Moreover, a short sequence located 5′ of the nonanucleotide potentially forms a minor hairpin structure embedded in the major hairpin. Intramolecular interactions involving the sequence of the atypical hairpin structure were predicted and functional analyses were conducted to assess its biological relevance, revealing that the MvYMV Rep protein recognises this unique replication origin but not the typical begomovirus origin. Thus, MvYMV is a begomovirus with an atypical origin of replication and naturally found in noncultivated malvaceous plants.
Solubility of bioceramic‐ and epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , Cardoso Milla Lessa , Rodrigues Jéssica Perrut , De‐Deus Gustavo , Fidalgo Tatiana Kelly da Silva
Published: February 2021

This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated whether epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers present an increased solubility than calcium silicate‐based root canal sealers. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Open Grey. The inclusion criteria consisted of in vitro studies that compared the solubility of epoxy resin‐based and calcium silicate‐based sealers. The quality assessment and data extraction of the selected articles were performed. The meta‐analysis of the pooled data and the subgroups according to the root thirds were carried out using the RevMan software (P < 0.05). After the duplicate removal and eligibility criteria assessment, a total of 22 studies were included all of them were considered as having a low risk of bias. The meta‐analysis demonstrated overall lower solubility of AH Plus. AH Plus presented lower solubility than Bio‐C Sealer, BioRoot RCS, MTA Fillapex, Sealer Plus and Total Fill BC Sealer.
Increased risk of herpes zoster in patients with psoriasis: A longitudinal follow‐up study using a national sample cohort
Authors: Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Kim Miyoung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: February 2021

Background/objective

Although previous studies reported the relationship between psoriasis and herpes zoster, the number of study is not sufficient to support the conclusions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between psoriasis and herpes zoster.

Methods

The data of a nationally representative Korean cohort collected in the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) System from 2002 to 2013 were used. Psoriasis was defined ≥ 2 International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD‐10) L40 codes. Among them, severe psoriasis was defined as psoriatic medication use, including acitretin, systemic corticosteroid, cyclosporine and methotrexate. Other psoriasis was defined as mild psoriasis. Herpes zoster was defined as ≥ 2 ICD‐10 B02 codes or ≥ 1 B02 code with antiviral medication use. Psoriasis patients (n = 11 009) and control participants (n = 44 036) were matched 1:4 by age, sex, income and region of residence. A stratified Cox proportional hazard model was used stratified by age, sex, income and region of residence. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the risk of herpes zoster in the total psoriasis group, mild psoriasis group, and severe psoriasis group and compared with those in each matched control group.

Results

The HR for herpes zoster was higher in the psoriasis group than in control group (adjusted HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12–1.33, P < 0.001). The findings were consistent between the mild psoriasis and severe psoriasis patients and their matched controls, and between male psoriasis patients in all age groups and their matched male controls.

Conclusions

Psoriasis may increase the risk of herpes zoster, especially in males.
Some recommendations for doing high‐impact research in social psychological science
Authors: van der Linden Sander
Published: February 2021

In this article, I reflect upon my own career to distil some general recommendations for doing high‐impact social psychological research in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. My suggestions include (a) testing and deriving theories that can help explain real‐world human judgment and behaviour (answering questions that people care about), (b) preaching beyond the choir (communicating your research to audiences outside of social psychology), and (c) birds of a feather are stronger together (maximizing impact through strategic collaborations).
A patient‐centric pathway for testicular cancer – A multicentre study investigating the uptake of semen cryopreservation and impact on treatment
Authors: Scott Charles , Omar Kawa , Alnajjar Hussain M. , Alifrangis Constantine , Ahmed Kamran , Muneer Asif
Published: February 2021

Background

The option of semen cryopreservation following a diagnosis of testicular cancer shows a variable uptake with the option to cryopreserve before surgery often dependent on the preference of the treating clinician and the fertility laboratory resources available.

Objectives

To assess whether the introduction of a patient‐centric pathway for managing suspected testicular cancer increases the uptake of semen cryopreservation and the impact of this on surgical waiting times.

Materials and methods

A multicentre retrospective analysis of patients treated as part of a patient‐centric pathway was conducted for suspected testicular cancer at two specialist centres within a one‐stop testicular clinic. Clinical information, including semen cryopreservation acceptance rate, time intervals to surgery and CT scan, TNM stage, histology and age, was recorded from an institutional database.

Results

Eighty nine patients (median age: 34 years (range: 14–89)) underwent orchidectomy for suspected testicular cancer over a 15‐month period after the introduction of a patient‐centric testicular cancer pathway at two UK centres. The overall uptake of semen cryopreservation was 68.5% (n = 61) with all men under the age of 33 years accepting this option. A microdissection oncoTESE was performed in 9/61 (14.8%) patients who attempted cryopreservation but were found to be azoospermic. Pre‐operative CT imaging was completed for 85.4% of patients, and the median time from initial outpatient consultation to orchidectomy was 9 days.

Discussion and conclusions

A patient‐centric pathway ensures that the uptake of semen cryopreservation remains high particularly for those men within the common age for paternity. It also identifies men who may benefit from microdissection oncoTESE for complex cases such as tumours in solitary testicles, bilateral tumours or an atrophic contralateral testicle as well as those diagnosed with de novo azoospermia. The additional time taken for semen cryopreservation to be performed did not significantly delay orchidectomy or influence the decisions for adjuvant treatment.
Association of peripartum management and high maternal blood loss at cesarean delivery for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS): A multinational database study
Authors: Schwickert Alexander , van Beekhuizen Heleen J. , Bertholdt Charline , Fox Karin A. , Kayem Gilles , Morel Olivier , Rijken Marcus J. , Stefanovic Vedran , Strindfors Gita , Weichert Alexander , Weizsaecker Katharina , Braun Thorsten ,   the International Society for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (IS‐PAS)
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) carries a high burden of adverse maternal outcomes, especially significant blood loss, which can be life‐threatening. Different management strategies have been proposed but the association of clinical risk factors and surgical management options during cesarean delivery with high blood loss is not clear.

Material and methods

In this international multicenter study, 338 women with PAS undergoing cesarean delivery were included. Fourteen European and one non‐European center (USA) provided cases treated retrospectively between 2008 and 2014 and prospectively from 2014 to 2019. Peripartum blood loss was estimated visually and/or by weighing and measuring of volume. Participants were grouped based on blood loss above or below the 75th percentile (>3500 ml) and the 90th percentile (>5500 ml).

Results

Placenta percreta was found in 58% of cases. Median blood loss was 2000 ml (range: 150‐20 000 ml). Unplanned hysterectomy was associated with an increased risk of blood loss >3500 ml when compared with planned hysterectomy (adjusted OR [aOR] 3.7 [1.5‐9.4], p = 0.01). Focal resection was associated with blood loss comparable to that of planned hysterectomy (crude OR 0.7 [0.2–2.1], p = 0.49). Blood loss >3500 ml was less common in patients undergoing successful conservative management (placenta left in situ, aOR 0.1 [0.0–0.6], p = 0.02) but was more common in patients who required delayed hysterectomy (aOR 6.5 [1.7–24.4], p = 0.001). Arterial occlusion methods (uterine or iliac artery ligation, embolization or intravascular balloons), application of uterotonic medication or tranexamic acid showed no significant effect on blood loss >3500 ml. Patients delivered by surgeons without experience in PAS were more likely to experience blood loss >3500 ml (aOR 3.0 [1.4–6.4], p = 0.01).

Conclusions

In pregnant women with PAS, the likelihood of blood loss >3500 ml was reduced in planned vs unplanned cesarean delivery, and when the surgery was performed by a specialist experienced in the management of PAS. This reinforces the necessity of delivery by an expert team. Conservative management was also associated with less blood loss, but only if successful. Therefore, careful patient selection is of great importance. Our study showed no consistent benefit of other adjunct measures such as arterial occlusion techniques, uterotonics or tranexamic acid.
A pharmacotherapy self‐assessment improves prescribing by prompting junior doctors to study further
Authors: van der Steen Carlijn N.W. , Brokx Steffi , van den Hanenberg Floor , van der Stelt Rianda , van Onzenoort‐Bokken Lonneke , Keijsers Carolina J.P.W.
Published: February 2021

Aims

Junior doctors frequently prescribe incorrectly and this can cause serious harm to patients. Pharmacotherapy education in most medical schools falls short in preparing their students to prescribe safely in clinical practice. According to the theory of assessment‐driven learning, a pharmacotherapy self‐assessment for junior doctors may reduce potential harmful prescriptions in clinical practice, by revealing deficits in prescribing knowledge and skills.

Methods

In this single centre, prospective cohort study, the potential harmful prescriptions of junior doctors in clinical practice were compared before and after a pharmacotherapy self‐assessment with and without additional pharmacotherapy education.

Results

Potential harmful prescriptions best known to cause harm to patients were studied in all the prescriptions written out by 199 junior doctors in the first 2 months of their employment in our hospital. The pharmacotherapy self‐assessment reduced the total number of potential harmful prescriptions made by junior doctors relative to those made by junior doctors in the control group (1.3 vs. 3.2%, respectively; P < .001). Additional education did not reduce potential harmful prescriptions beyond the effect of the self‐assessment alone (1.3 vs. 1.0%, P > .05).

Conclusions

Pharmacotherapy self‐assessment leads to fewer potential harmful prescriptions made by junior doctors in clinical practice, thereby improving patient safety. More research is needed to investigate whether additional pharmacotherapy education strategies reduce potential harmful prescriptions further.
TBL1XR1 associated intellectual disability, a new missense variant with dysmorphic features plus autism: Expanding the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Arroyo Carrera Ignacio , Fernández‐Burriel Miguel , Lapunzina Pablo , Tenorio Jair Antonio , García Navas Verónica Deyanira , Márquez Isidro Elena
Published: February 2021

Missense and frameshift pathogenic variants and microdeletions involving TBL1XR1 gene have been described in patients with intellectual disability, autism, Rett‐like features and schizophrenia, some of them with the clinical diagnosis of Pierpont syndrome, a rare pattern of multiple congenital anomalies, but others without dysmorphic findings or with non‐specific ones, and also patients with only some of the features associated with Pierpont syndrome. We here present a case with a de novo novel missense variant in TBL1XR1 gene with overlapping features with Pierpont syndrome and autism, a neurobehavioral manifestation not previously reported in Pierpont syndrome. This patient expands the phenotypic spectrum of TBL1XR1 gene pathogenic variants.
The Haitian orphanage crisis: Exporting neoliberal family ideals in the debate on vulnerable childhoods in Haiti
Authors: Hoffman Diane M.
Published: February 2021

In light of recent global debates over the dangers of institutionalised orphan care, a new model of family care premised on the trope of family reunification has emerged among Haitian and US faith‐based actors as the best alternative for ensuring vulnerable children's well‐being. This article offers a critical cultural reading of narratives on family reunification in Haiti in social media and advocacy discourse, revealing how this approach privileges Northern assumptions about proper parenting and family life. Not only are these ideas a mismatch with realities in Haiti, they evoke deficit constructions of family and childhood that facilitate the nation's further positioning as a subject of transnational neoliberal governmentality.
Green bridges in a re‐colonizing landscape: Wolves (Canis lupus) in Brandenburg, Germany
Authors: Plaschke Mike , Bhardwaj Manisha , König Hannes J. , Wenz Elena , Dobiáš Kornelia , Ford Adam T.
Published: February 2021

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are recolonizing many parts of central Europe and are a key part of international conservation directives. However, roads may hinder the reestablishment of gray wolves throughout their historic range by reducing landscape connectivity and increasing mortality from wildlife‐vehicle collisions. The impact of roads on wolves might be mitigated by the construction of green bridges (i.e., large vegetated overpasses, designed to accommodate the movement of wildlife over transportation corridors). In this study, we investigated the seasonal and diurnal use of a green bridge by wolves and three of their main prey species: red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). We found that all four species used the green bridge. Wolves were most active in winter, whereas prey species were most active in spring and summer. All species were more active at dusk and during the night than at dawn and during the day. We found no evidence that wolf presence influenced bridge‐use by prey species, consistent with other tests of the prey‐trap hypothesis. Our results suggest that green bridges are used by wolves and prey species alike, and may foster connectivity and recolonization for these species in rewilding landscapes.
An examination of teenagers’ beliefs toward organ donor registration
Authors: Reynolds‐Tylus Tobias , Quick Brian L. , Bigman Cabral A. , Williamson Lillie D.
Published: February 2021

Teenagers represent a promising target population for organ donor registration efforts, as in the US teenagers age 15–17 may register their intent for organ donation, which later translates to consent at age 18. However, teenagers constitute a relatively understudied population in the organ donation literature. A sample of teenagers (N = 466) ranging in age from 13 to 19 was recruited from driver's education schools in Ohio and Michigan in order to learn more about their perceived reasons for and against registering as an organ donor. A coding scheme was developed, and responses were coded by two trained coders. In line with previous work in adult samples, our results revealed the three most common reasons for registering were prosocial benefits, rational arguments, and personal experience. In contrast to previous work among adults, the two most common reasons for not registering were bodily integrity and religious reasons. Several novel beliefs among teenagers that were both supportive and non‐supportive of organ donor registration were identified. Findings from the current study are discussed with an emphasis on implications for practitioners working to promote organ donor registration among teenage audiences.
Maize straw and its biochar affect phosphorus distribution in soil aggregates and are beneficial for improving phosphorus availability along the soil profile
Authors: Cao Dianyun , Lan Yu , Sun Qiang , Yang Xu , Chen Wenfu , Meng Jun , Wang Di , Li Na
Published: February 2021

Return of crop straw and its biochar to the agricultural field decreases pressure on phosphorus (P) resources and reduces leaching and P runoff. We conducted a 5‐year field trial from 2013 to 2017 to study the capability of maize straw and its biochar to retain soil P, which was quantified by investigating the distribution of P fractions in the soil profile (0–100 cm) and soil aggregates of different grain sizes. The impact of soil treatments with nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK) fertiliser alone or combined with biochar or maize straw were examined. We found that maize straw and its biochar increased soil aggregate stability, which showed an increase in mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, and aggregates with diameter > 250 μm. Maize straw and its biochar promoted both inorganic (dicalcium phosphate dehydrate [Ca2‐P], octocalcium phosphate [Ca8‐P], aluminium phosphate [Al‐P], iron phosphate [Fe‐P], hydroxyapatite [Ca10‐P], and occluded phosphate [O‐P]) and organic (labile organic phosphorus, LOP, and moderately labile organic phosphorus, MLOP) P accumulation and stabilization in soil aggregates, especially in small macroaggregates of 250–2000 μm. Total phosphorus (TP), Ca8‐P, Fe‐P, LOP, MLOP, moderately resistant organic phosphorus (MROP) and highly resistant organic phosphorus (HROP) were enhanced by maize straw and its biochar, whereas Ca2‐P and O‐P were decreased in the 0–20‐cm topsoil. We measured decreased TP, Fe‐P, O‐P and Ca10‐P in the 40–100‐cm soil layer following maize straw and biochar deposition, whereas higher Ca2‐P, Al‐P, MROP and HROP were obtained in maize straw‐supplemented soil relative to NPK fertiliser treatment in the 20–100‐cm soil layer. Thus, maize straw and its biochar can be used to effectively improve soil structure to support P retention and biochar has the potential to reduce P leaching from the soil profile.

Highlights

Maize straw and its biochar effectively improved soil structure to support P retention

Inorganic and organic P fractions mainly accumulated in the small macroaggregate fraction

Biochar has the potential to reduce P leaching in the soil profile
Impacts of invasive plants on animal behaviour
Authors: Stewart Peter S. , Hill Russell A. , Stephens Philip A. , Whittingham Mark J. , Dawson Wayne
Published: February 2021

The spread of invasive species is a threat to ecosystems worldwide. However, we know relatively little about how invasive species affect the behaviour of native animals, even though behaviour plays a vital role in the biotic interactions which are key to understanding the causes and impacts of biological invasions. Here, we explore how invasive plants – one of the most pervasive invasive taxa – impact the behaviour of native animals. To promote a mechanistic understanding of these behavioural impacts, we begin by introducing a mechanistic framework which explicitly considers the drivers and ecological consequences of behavioural change, as well as the moderating role of environmental context. We then synthesise the existing literature within this framework. We find that while some behavioural impacts of invasive plants are relatively well‐covered in the literature, others are supported by only a handful of studies and should be explored further in the future. We conclude by identifying priority topics for future research, which will benefit from an interdisciplinary approach uniting invasion ecology with the study of animal behaviour and cognition.
Cross‐sectional area reference values for peripheral nerve ultrasound in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis—Part I: Upper extremity nerves
Authors: Fisse Anna Lena , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Gold Ralf , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Krogias Christos
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Measurement of the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves using ultrasound is useful in the evaluation of focal lesions like entrapment syndromes and inflammatory polyneuropathies. Here, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published CSA reference values for upper extremity nerves was performed.

Methods

Available to date nerve ultrasound studies on healthy adults were included and a meta‐analysis for CSA was provided of the following nerves: median nerve at the wrist, forearm, upper arm; ulnar nerve at the Guyon's canal, forearm, elbow, upper arm; radial nerve at the upper arm. Regression and correlation analyses for age, gender, height, weight, geographic continents and publication year are reported.

Results

Seventy‐four studies with 4186 healthy volunteers (mean age 42.7 years) and 18,226 examined nerve sites were included. The calculated mean pooled CSA of the median nerve at the wrist was 8.3 mm2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.9–8.7, n = 4071), at the forearm 6.4 mm2 (95% CI 5.9–6.9, n = 3021), at the upper arm 8.3 mm2 (95% CI 7.5–9.0, n = 1388), of the ulnar nerve at the Guyon's canal 4.1 mm2 (95% CI 3.6–4.6, n = 1688), at the forearm 5.2 mm2 (95% CI 4.8–5.7, n = 1983), at the elbow 5.9 mm2 (95% CI 5.4–6.5, n = 2551), at the upper arm 6.6 mm2 (95% CI 5.1–6.1, n = 1737) and of the radial nerve 5.1 mm2 (95% CI 4.0–6.2, n = 1787). Substantial heterogeneity across studies (I2 > 50%) was found only for the radial nerve. Subgroup analysis revealed a positive effect of age for the median nerve at the wrist and for height and weight for different sites of the ulnar nerve.

Conclusion

The first meta‐analysis on CSA reference values for the upper extremities with no or only low heterogeneity of reported CSA values in most nerve sites is provided. Our data facilitate the goal of an international standardized evaluation protocol.
Mohs micrographic surgery in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Rate and risk factors for recurrence in a prospective cohort study from the Spanish Registry of Mohs Surgery (REGESMOHS) and review of the literature
Authors: Nieto‐Benito Lula María , Ciudad‐Blanco Cristina , Sanmartin‐Jimenez Onofre , Garces Joan R. , Rodríguez‐Prieto Manuel A. , Vilarrasa Eva , de Eusebio‐Murillo Esther , Miñano‐Medrano Román , Escutia‐Muñoz Begoña , Gonzalez‐Sixto Beatriz , Artola‐Igarza Juan L. , Alfaro Rubio Alberto , Redondo Pedro , Delgado‐Jiménez Yolanda , Sánchez‐Schmidt Julia M. , Allende‐Markixana Irati , Alonso‐Pacheco María L. , García‐Bracamonte Beatriz , de la Cueva Dobao Pablo , Navarro‐Tejedor Raquel , Suarez‐Fernández Ricardo , Carnero‐González Lucia , Vázquez‐Veiga Hugo , Barchino‐Ortiz Lucia , Ruiz‐Salas Verónica , Sánchez‐Sambucety Pedro , López‐Estebaranz José L. , Botella‐Estrada Rafael , Feal‐Cortizas Carlos , Martorell Calatayud Antonio , Gil Pilar , Morales‐Gordillo Victoriano , Toll‐Abelló Agustí , Ocerin‐Guerra Izascun , Mayor‐Arenal Matías , Garcia‐Donoso Carmen , Cano‐Martinez Natividad , Sainz‐Gaspar Laura , Descalzo Miguel A. , Garcia‐Doval Ignacio ,   REGESMOHS (Registro Español de Cirugía de Mohs)
Published: February 2021

Characterization of patients, surgery procedures and the risk factors for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) recurrences is poorly defined. In this study, we aimed to describe the demographics, tumor characteristics and interventions of DFSP treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MSS) to determine the rate and risk factors for recurrence. Data were collected from REGESMOHS, a nationwide prospective cohort study of patients treated with MMS in Spain. From July 2013 to February 2020, 163 patients with DFSP who underwent MMS were included. DFSP was mostly located on trunk and extremities. Recurrent tumors had deeper tumor invasion and required higher number of MMS stages. Paraffin MMS was the most frequently used technique. Overall recurrence rate was 0.97 cases/100 person‐years (95% IC = 0.36–2.57). No differences were found in epidemiological, tumor, surgery characteristics or surgical technique (frozen or paraffin MMS [p = 0.6641]) in terms of recurrence. Median follow‐up time was 28.6 months with 414 patient‐years of follow‐up. In conclusion, we found an overall low recurrence rate of DFSP treated with MMS. None of the studied risk factors, including MMS techniques, was associated with higher risk for recurrence.
Genetic data support local persistence in multiple glacial refugia in the montane net‐winged midge Liponeura cinerascens cinerascens (diptera, blephariceridae)
Authors: Schröder Oskar , Cavanaugh Kirstin K. , Schneider Julio V. , Schell Tilman , Bonada Núria , Seifert Linda , Pauls Steffen U.
Published: February 2021

The Pleistocene glaciations shaped the distribution and population structure of most European species. Some species survived the glacial cycles by shifting their range to Mediterranean refuges, while others endured in central European habitats. It has been argued that certain cold‐tolerant aquatic insect populations were able to persist in non‐freezing rivers close to glaciers. We aimed to identify the Pleistocene biogeographic history of a net‐winged midge (Blephariceridae), a relatively unknown group of Dipteran montane habitat specialists, by inference from its current population genetic structure.

We sampled five mountain ranges covering the extent of the species range. We genotyped a novel set of 11 microsatellites and sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome‐c‐oxidase subunit I region to detect genetic structure within and among five European mountain ranges in the net‐winged midge Liponeura cinerascens cinerascens.

Liponeura cinerascens cinerascens shows distinct genetic differentiation between different mountain ranges, coupled, however, with near panmictic gene flow across distances exceeding 100 km within each studied mountain range. Distinct mitochondrial cytochrome‐c‐oxidase subunit I lineages with endemic haplotypes, microsatellite population genetic structure and high levels of regionally private alleles provide evidence that mountain range populations have been evolving independently from each other for a significant number of generations.

Liponeura cinerascens cinerascens is able to maintain gene flow between watercourses in highly structured mountain ranges. Lowland regions, however, pose significant dispersal barriers, possibly because high‐gradient stretches with boulders are rare in such landscapes. We posit that each of the studied mountain regions represents an independent Pleistocene glacial refuge, and that L. c. cinerascens was able to persist glacial cycles in extra‐Mediterranean periglacial refugia in the Jura Mountains, Bavarian Forest, and Carpathians.