bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violence against emergency healthcare workers: different perpetrators, different approaches
Authors: Spelten Evelien , van Vuuren Julia , O’Meara Peter , Thomas Brodie , Grenier Mathieu , Ferron Richard , Helmer Jennie , Agarwal Gina
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether emergency health-care workers distinguish between different categories of perpetrators of violence and how they respond to different types of perpetrator profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

Five focus groups with emergency health-care workers were held in Canada. The participants were asked whether they identified different groups of perpetrators of violence and how that impacted their approach. The focus group responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a phenomenological approach.

Findings

Participants consistently identified five groups of perpetrators and tailored their approach on their assessment of the type of perpetrator involved. The five categories are: violence or aggressive behaviour from family members or bystander and violence related to; underlying mental health/illness issues; underlying physical health issues; addiction and substance use; and repeat visitors/offenders. Violence with an underlying (mental) health cause was handled professionally and compassionately by the health-care workers, while less patience and understanding was afforded in those instances where violence was associated with (recreational) alcohol or illicit substance use.

Originality/value

Emergency health-care workers can consistently distinguish between types of perpetrators of violence and aggression, which they then use as one factor in the clinical and situational assessments that inform their overall approach to the management incidents. This conclusion supports the need to move the focus away from the worker to the perpetrator and to an organisational rather than individual approach to help minimise violence against emergency health-care workers.
Stock market development and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (1990–2020): an ARDL approach
Authors: Thaddeus Kesuh Jude , Ngong Chi Aloysius , Nnecka Ugwuanyi Jacinta , Nubong Njimukala Moses , Ibe Godwin Imo , Chinyere C Onyejiaku , Onwumere Josaphat Uchechukwu Joe
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the short and long run causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa within the period 1990 and 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data from 1990–2020 obtained from the World Bank development indicators, the study makes use of the autoregressive distributed lag model and the Granger causality and cointegration to analyze the long and short run causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings

The findings unveiled that stock market capitalization had a positive and significant effect on economic growth in the long run and a negative insignificant effect in the short run within the period of 1990–2020 while stock market liquidity measured through total value of shares traded and turnover ratio had a negative and significant effect on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa within the period of 1990–2020. The Granger causality test showed an inconclusive result between stock market development and economic growth; implying that the authors cannot say if it is stock market development that causes economic growth or it is economic growth that causes stock market development within the period of 1990–2020.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that governments of sub-Saharan African countries should encourage stock market development by implementing favorable rules for companies listing on their stock market, promote stock market integration with world markets to diversify risk, increase public awareness on stock markets, increase investors' confidence level and finally, remove stock market impediments like high taxes, legal and regulatory barriers to its development.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a whole new perspective on stock market development and economic growth since its conception in sub-Saharan Africa. Again, contrary to other papers, the study show how stock market development can contribute to the growth of sub-Saharan Africans’ economy.
Determinants of bank income smoothing using loan loss provisions in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the determinants of bank income smoothing using loan loss provisions in the United Kingdom or Great Britain from 1999 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used ordinary least square (OLS) regression and applying the HAC robust standard error correction test.

Findings

The findings showed that UK banks use loan loss provision for income smoothing purposes. Income smoothing is greater in times of high economic policy uncertainty. The extent of bank income smoothing is reduced by foreign bank presence, UK GAAP adoption, IFRS9 adoption, and high levels of voice and accountability. Also, there is reduced income smoothing using loan loss provisions during a financial crisis and in periods of economic prosperity.

Research limitations/implications

The implication is that economic conditions, institutional governance and accounting disclosure rules can influence the extent of bank income smoothing in the United Kingdom. The findings of the study contribute to several studies that explore the determinants of bank income smoothing.

Originality/value

No study has extensively examined the determinants of bank income smoothing in Great Britain or the United Kingdom. The present study fills this gap in the literature.
Business-to-business platform ecosystem practices and their impacts on firm performance: evidence from high-tech manufacturing firms
Authors: Wang Chun Hsien , Chang Ching-Hsing , Lee Zui Chih Rick
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study attempts to reveal product platform strategy via business-to-business (B2B) platform ecosystems. The authors advance the views of platform ecosystems in the innovation literature by introducing a contingency perspective that underscores the role of market, organizational and technological innovativeness in product platform strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores three contingent factors, specifically market innovativeness, technological innovativeness and organizational innovativeness that affect the product platform strategy of high-tech firms. The theoretical model is empirically validated using survey data from 191 high-tech firms.

Findings

Using a data set of high-tech manufacturing firms, the results show that product platform strategy is positively related to firm performance. Additionally, the results provide evidence supporting the positive moderating effect of the three-way interaction among market, organizational and technological innovativeness on the contribution of product platform strategy to firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

A platform product strategy is a determining factor in firm performance that requires firms to have a “fit” with their innovation activities. This study contributes to theoretical development at the intersection of product platform strategy and innovativeness.

Practical implications

When firms seek to align their technological innovativeness with their organizational innovativeness, the benefits of such innovativeness may be more pronounced in a platform product context. Moreover, the results may help guide platform managers and decision makers in identifying and securing appropriate innovation activities to enhance product platform strategies.

Originality/value

This study provides a product platform strategy in B2B platform ecosystems and shows how different innovation activities interact to improve the product platform strategy.
Financial literacy of entrepreneurs: a systematic review
Authors: Anshika Anshika , Singla Anju
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the level of financial literacy of entrepreneurs across the globe and its role in financial access and performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based on a systematic review. The present study identifies the measures to enhance the level of financial literacy for increasing financial access and performance of enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review has been undertaken by identifying 358 studies from various sources. After removing the 237 studies based on selection criteria, 67 studies have been found relevant for the present study.

Findings

The level of financial literacy of entrepreneurs around the world is generally low. It has been found that financial literacy improves performance of an enterprise, particularly when the funds are readily available as insufficient funds disrupt the operating efficiency of the firm, thereby hindering its growth and survival. The other most important factors i.e. access to formal finance, lending policies of financial institutions, ease of doing business and training programmes have a substantial influence on the survival of the firms. The literature also revealed that there is no standardised methodology to measure the financial literacy of entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

The study conceptualises a research model which can be used by the policymakers to develop training modules for entrepreneurs. These training modules will contribute to the nation’s economic growth by virtue of enhanced performance and superior financial access.

Originality/value

This study proposes a hypothesised research model which is one of its kinds to demonstrate the influence of financial literacy on financial access and performance of MSMEs.
Evaluation of a training program of African gendarmes' in Spain under the European Union GAR-SI Sahel project
Authors: Gaona Prieto Rodrigo , De Castro Andrés , Antón José-Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article provides the first assessment of the training program of African gendarmes from the so-called Sahel countries in the Special Training Center of the Spanish Civil Guard in Spain. This action is part of the European Union GAR-SI Sahel project, embedded in the framework of the international cooperation of the European Union with Africa and aims to create effective counter-terrorism police tactical units in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The study exploits instructors' assessment on the evolution of the 167 participants over the program from 2017 to 2019 and the satisfaction of attendants with the training action, using 22 Likert-type items and an open question. It employs both quantitative tools (descriptive and inferential statistical methods and multivariate techniques) and qualitative methods (content analysis of participants' comments).

Findings

The research finds evidence of a high participants' performance according to trainers and large levels of satisfaction among participants. The authors also discuss the differences found by country of origin and rank of the gendarmes who participated in the trainings.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide an evaluation of the police training actions embedded GAR-SI Sahel project, part of much larger initiative of cooperation of the European Union with Africa.
Housing finance inaccessibility: evidence from the Nigerian Pensioners
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Aigbedion Marvelous , Ogbaini Iliye Faith , Awe Emmanuel Omoniyi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The Nigerian Government’s initiatives to provide housing loans to low-income pensioners (LIPs) have been futile. This paper aims to examine the root cause of housing loan inaccessibility for the Nigerian LIPs and proffer some possible policy options. This is because inaccessibility to housing finance is one of the impediments facing the LIPs homeownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The phenomenology type of qualitative research was employed to collate data. The study supports MAXQDA 2020 with thematic analysis to analyse the data and achieve saturation with 30 knowledgeable participants.

Findings

Findings show that housing loan rejection is extremely high among LIPs. Some of the impediments facing the LIPs in accessing housing loans include delayed gratuity, insufficient income for housing loan repayments, failed mortgage finance, incapacitated National Housing Fund (NHF), a corrupt system and lack of collateral.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to the housing loan inaccessibility for the Nigerian LIPs and data collected via semi-structured face-to-face interviews in Lagos, Nigeria. Other developing cities may adopt the suggestions that will emerge from this paper with similar housing loan inaccessibility issues.

Practical implications

This study would stir policymakers and mortgage institutions to consider the suggestions from this paper. Examples are the review of the Pension Reform Act 2014 to allow for 50% part withdrawal from the Retirement Savings Account, 10% upward review contribution to NHF and create special Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme (FISH-P) for LIPs. These form part of the practical implications and will be helpful to policymakers.

Originality/value

Research regarding LIPs’ housing loan accessibility is limited, making this paper one of the pioneering attempts to investigate the root cause of housing loan inaccessibility for the Nigerian LIPs, and proffers some possible policy options.
Searching for the right balance between openness and closure: Spatial logics of crisis management and control in the policy response to pandemic disease such as COVID‐19
Authors: Klauser Francisco , Pauschinger Dennis
Published: February 2022

This paper argues that at its very core, the policy response to a pandemic such as COVID‐19 is shaped by the search for the right balance between openness and closure, mobility and public safety. More specifically, drawing upon relevant social‐scientific literatures and examples relating to the fight against COVID‐19 in Switzerland, the paper highlights three broad and fundamentally intertwined spatial logics of control and restriction through which differing degrees and modalities of closure and openness are being articulated in the context of infectious disease. These refer to (1) border and access control; (2) the monitoring of people and objects on the move and (3) to the internal organization and monitoring of specific spatial enclaves. The three spatial logics of crisis management and control offer an exploratory framework, the paper argues, to study the functioning and implications of outbreak response both during and after the pandemic.
Emotions, governmental trust and support for the restriction of civil liberties during the covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: VASILOPOULOS PAVLOS , MCAVAY HALEY , BROUARD SYLVAIN , FOUCAULT MARTIAL
Published: February 2022

The Covid‐19 pandemic brought unprecedented governmental restrictions to personal and political freedoms. This article investigates individual‐level differences in mass support for the restriction of civil liberties during the first wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Employing theories of affect and decision making, it assesses the extent to which different emotional reactions toward the pandemic influenced attitudes toward mobile phone surveillance and the implementation of curfews. We test our hypotheses in five advanced European democracies using panel data which allow us to identify the role of emotions in support for restrictive policies controlling for individual heterogeneity. The results suggest that experiencing fear about Covid‐19 had a strong positive impact on supporting these measures, while hope and anger only played a minimal role. Importantly, the findings indicate that emotions moderate the impact of trust toward the government, a key variable for supporting the restriction of civil liberties during the pandemic. Specifically, experiencing fear was associated with higher acceptance of civil liberty restrictions. Further, experiencing fear substantially decreased the effect of trust in the government, rendering those who lack trust toward the government more supportive of civil liberty restrictions. These findings help us understand the psychological mechanisms that leads citizens to swiftly decide to sacrifice their civil liberties in the light of threat. Further, they offer empirical support for the causal role of affect in political decision‐making.
A comparison of three decalcification agents for assessments of cranial fracture histomorphology
Authors: Cornelison Jered B. , Isaac Carolyn V. , Devota Clara J. , Billian Joseph , Brown Theodore T. , deJong Joyce L. , Douglas Elizabeth A. , Fisher‐Hubbard Amanda O. , Lackey‐Cornelison Wendy L. , Prahlow Joseph A. , Shattuck Brandy L.
Published: February 2022

The extraction of mineral calcium from bone by decalcification is a critical step in the preparation of histological samples for light microscopy. This study assessed the time required for complete decalcification and the resultant histomorphological preservation of bone histomorphology by three decalcification agents: 7% hydrochloric acid (HCl), 5% nitric acid, and 10% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The goal of this study was to identify which decalcification agent provides the optimal combination of expedient processing and quality histological outcomes of cranial fracture samples. HCl provided the most rapid decalcification ( = 3.57 days), nitric acid followed closely ( = 10.35 days), while EDTA took significantly longer on average ( = 78.97 days) but encompassed a broader range of times. Decalcification agent, sample thickness, sample width, and decedent age are significant predictors of decalcification time. Sample visualization quality, measured for tissues, cells, and nuclei on a five‐point Likert scale, was highest for samples decalcified in 10% EDTA, second highest using 5% nitric acid, and lowest for 7% HCl. The quality difference between EDTA and nitric acid was not highly significant for any of the three features. For basic assessments of bone histomorphology, the study results indicate 5% nitric acid is suitable for the decalcification of adult specimens and samples thicker than 3 mm. EDTA is a suitable agent for thin samples of the cranial vault (<3 mm) from infants and young children less than three years old, decalcifying samples in a timeframe comparable to nitric acid while providing the best quality and clarity of samples.
Integrated community occupancy models: A framework to assess occurrence and biodiversity dynamics using multiple data sources
Authors: Doser Jeffrey W. , Leuenberger Wendy , Sillett T. Scott , Hallworth Michael T. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: February 2022

1. The occurrence and distributions of wildlife populations and communities are shifting as a result of global changes. To evaluate whether these shifts are negatively impacting biodiversity processes, it is critical to monitor the status, trends and effects of environmental variables on entire communities. However, modelling the dynamics of multiple species simultaneously can require large amounts of diverse data, and few modelling approaches exist to simultaneously provide species and community‐level inferences.

2. We present an ‘integrated community occupancy model’ (ICOM) that unites principles of data integration and hierarchical community modelling in a single framework to provide inferences on species‐specific and community occurrence dynamics using multiple data sources. The ICOM combines replicated and nonreplicated detection–nondetection data sources using a hierarchical framework that explicitly accounts for different detection and sampling processes across data sources. We use simulations to compare the ICOM to previously developed hierarchical community occupancy models and single species integrated distribution models. We then apply our model to assess the occurrence and biodiversity dynamics of foliage‐gleaning birds in the White Mountain National Forest in the northeastern USA from 2010 to 2018 using three independent data sources.

3. Simulations reveal that integrating multiple data sources in the ICOM increased precision and accuracy of species and community‐level inferences compared to single data source models, although benefits of integration were dependent on the information content of individual data sources (e.g. amount of replication). Compared to single species models, the ICOM yielded more precise species‐level estimates. Within our case study, the ICOM had the highest out‐of‐sample predictive performance compared to single species models and models that used only a subset of the three data sources.

4. The ICOM provides more precise estimates of occurrence dynamics compared to multi‐species models using single data sources or integrated single‐species models. We further found that the ICOM had improved predictive performance across a broad region of interest with an empirical case study of forest birds. The ICOM offers an attractive approach to estimate species and biodiversity dynamics, which is additionally valuable to inform management objectives of both individual species and their broader communities.
Improving estimations of life history parameters of small animals in mesocosm experiments: A case study on mosquitoes
Authors: Dellar Martha , Boerlijst Sam P. , Holmes David
Published: February 2022

Mesocosm experiments enable researchers to study animal dynamics, but determining accurate estimates of survival and development rates of different life stages can be difficult, especially as the subjects may be hard to sample and mortality rates can be high. We propose a new methodology for estimating such parameters.

We used an experimental set‐up with 48 aquatic mesocosms, each with 20 first instar mosquito larvae and under 1 of 12 treatments with varying temperatures and nutrient concentrations. We took daily subsamples of the aquatic life stages as well as counting the emerging adults. We developed a method to estimate the survival and development probabilities at each life stage, based on optimising a matrix population model. We used two different approaches, one assuming the difference between predictions and observations was normally distributed, and the other using a combination of a normal and a multinomial distribution. For each approach, the resulting optimisation problem had around 100 parameters, making conventional gradient descent ineffective with our limited number of data points. We solved this by computing the formal derivatives of our matrix model.

Both approaches proved effective in predicting mosquito populations over time, also when compared against a separate validation dataset, and the two approaches produced similar results. They also both predicted similar trends in the survival and development probabilities for each life stage, although there were some differences in the actual values. The approach which only used the normal distribution was considerably more computationally efficient than the mixed distribution approach.

This is an effective approach for determining the survival and development rates of small animals in mesocosm experiments. We have not found any other reliable methodology for estimating these parameters, especially not from incomplete data or when there are many different experimental treatments. This methodology enables researchers to gain a much more detailed understanding of the life cycles of small animals, potentially leading to advances in a wide range of areas, for example in mosquito‐borne disease risk or in considering the effects of biodiversity loss or climate change on different species.
Population‐level inference for home‐range areas
Authors: Fleming Christen H. , Deznabi Iman , Alavi Shauhin , Crofoot Margaret C. , Hirsch Ben T. , Medici E. Patricia , Noonan Michael J. , Kays Roland , Fagan William F. , Sheldon Daniel , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: February 2022

Home‐range estimates are a common product of animal tracking data, as each range represents the area needed by a given individual. Population‐level inference of home‐range areas—where multiple individual home ranges are considered to be sampled from a population—is also important to evaluate changes over time, space or covariates such as habitat quality or fragmentation, and for comparative analyses of species averages. Population‐level home‐range parameters have traditionally been estimated by first assuming that the input tracking data were sampled independently when calculating home ranges via conventional kernel density estimation (KDE) or minimal convex polygon (MCP) methods, and then assuming that those individual home ranges were measured exactly when calculating the population‐level estimates. This conventional approach does not account for the temporal autocorrelation that is inherent in modern tracking data, nor for the uncertainties of each individual home‐range estimate, which are often large and heterogeneous.

Here, we introduce a statistically and computationally efficient framework for the population‐level analysis of home‐range areas, based on autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE), that can account for variable temporal autocorrelation and estimation uncertainty.

We apply our method to empirical examples on lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris, kinkajou Potos flavus, white‐nosed coati Nasua narica, white‐faced capuchin monkey Cebus capucinus and spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi, and quantify differences between species, environments and sexes.

Our approach allows researchers to more accurately compare different populations with different movement behaviours or sampling schedules while retaining statistical precision and power when individual home‐range uncertainties vary. Finally, we emphasize the estimation of effect sizes when comparing populations, rather than mere significance tests.
Psychological impact of neonatal intensive care unit admissions on parents: A regional perspective
Authors: Dickinson Corrine , Vangaveti Venkat , Browne Allyson
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to report the prevalence of adverse psychological symptoms and health behaviours of parents who had a baby admitted to a regional neonatal intensive care unit to spotlight mental health care in these unique settings.

Design

This was a prospective, prevalence‐based study using quantitative data.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Townsville University Hospital, Queensland.

Participants

Participants comprised 114 parents of 79 infants enrolled in the study (mothers = 69 and fathers = 45).

Main outcome measures

Trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, prior mental health history and bonding experience were assessed by standardised self‐report questionnaires and a structured diagnostic interview within 2 weeks and at 3 months post‐admission to neonatal intensive care unit.

Results

Clinically significant acute trauma symptoms (16% of mothers only), depression (22% mothers; 4% of fathers), anxiety (27% mothers; 11% fathers) and stress (24% mothers; 13% fathers) were reported within the first 2 weeks after their baby was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Notably, 18% of parents reported engaging in harmful alcohol use behaviour within 2 weeks post‐birth; 29% of fathers continued to report risky drinking at 3 months. At 3 months, 21%, 8% and 6% of mothers met diagnostic criteria for generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and post‐traumatic stress disorder, respectively.

Conclusion

Screening for psychological distress and alcohol use of parents of neonatal intensive care unit babies can ensure that support services are made available post‐discharge to optimise family function and development of the preterm infant.
House dust mite sensitization and exposure affects bronchial epithelial anti‐microbial response to viral stimuli in patients with asthma
Authors: Cerps Samuel , Sverrild Asger , Ramu Sangeetha , Nieto‐Fontarigo Juan José , Akbarshahi Hamid , Menzel Mandy , Andersson Cecilia , Tillgren Sofia , Hvidtfeldt Morten , Porsbjerg Celeste , Uller Lena
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Allergen exposure worsens viral‐triggered asthma exacerbations and could predispose the host to secondary bacterial infections. We have previously demonstrated that exposure to house dust mite (HDM) reduced TLR‐3‐induced IFN‐β in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from healthy donors. We hypothesize that HDM sensitization in different ways may be involved in both viral and bacterial resistance of HBECs in asthma. In this study, the role of HDM sensitization and effects of HDM exposure on viral stimulus‐challenged HBECs from asthmatic donors have been explored with regard to expression and release of molecules involved in anti‐viral and anti‐bacterial responses, respectively.

Methods

HBECs from HDM‐sensitized (HDM+) and unsensitized (HDM‐) patients with asthma were used. HBECs were exposed to HDM or heat inactivated (hi)‐HDM (20 μg/ml) for 24 h prior to stimulation with the viral infection mimic, Poly(I:C), for 3 or 24 h. Samples were analyzed with ELISA and RT‐qPCR for β‐defensin‐2, IFN‐β, TSLP, and neutrophil‐recruiting mediators: IL‐8 and TNF‐⍺. NFκB signaling proteins p105, p65, and IκB‐⍺ were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

Poly(I:C)‐induced IFN‐β expression was reduced in HBECs from HDM + compared to HDM‐ patients (p = 0.05). In vitro exposure of HBECs to HDM furthermore reduced anti‐microbial responses to Poly(I:C) including β‐defensin‐2, IL‐8, and TNF‐⍺, along with reduced NFκB activity. This was observed in HBECs from asthma patients sensitized to HDM, as well as in non‐sensitized patients. By contrast, Poly (I:C)‐induced release of TSLP, a driver of T2 inflammation, was not reduced with exposure to HDM.

Conclusion

Using HBECs challenged with viral infection mimic, Poly(I:C), we demonstrated that allergic sensitization to HDM was associated with impaired anti‐viral immunity and that HDM exposure reduced anti‐viral and anti‐bacterial defense molecules, but not TSLP, across non‐allergic as well as allergic asthma. These data suggest a role of HDM in the pathogenesis of asthma exacerbations evoked by viral infections including sequential viral‐bacterial and viral‐viral infections.
Elucidating the effects of organisational practices on innovative work behavior in UAE public sector organisations: The mediating role of employees’ wellbeing
Authors: Mehmood Khalid , Jabeen Fauzia , Iftikhar Yaser , Yan Manli , Khan Ali Nawaz , AlNahyan Moza Tahnoon , Alkindi Humaid Ali , Alhammadi Bader Ahmed
Published: February 2022

In the context of the transitioning economy of the United Arab Emirates, which demands inculcating innovative behavior in public employees, this study investigates the relationship between high‐involvement work practices and leaders' collaborative nature with employees' innovative behavior. Drawing on the social exchange and ability–motivation–opportunity theories, this research expounds the mediating effect of employees' wellbeing to examine the mechanisms through which high‐involvement work practices and public leaders' collaborative nature affect employees' innovative behavior in public organisations. Using three‐wave data from 207 individuals in public service organisations, this study tests the effects of employees' perceptions of high‐involvement work practices and leaders' collaborative nature on their wellbeing and innovative work behaviors. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications for research on innovative work behavior in the milieu of public organisations.
Could SARS‐CoV‐2 infection affect male fertility and sexuality?
Authors: delli Muti Nicola , Finocchi Federica , Tossetta Giovanni , Salvio Gianmaria , Cutini Melissa , Marzioni Daniela , Balercia Giancarlo
Published: February 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the cause of coronavirus infectious disease (COVID‐19) and has rapidly spread worldwide, causing serious problems to the healthcare systems of many countries and hundreds of thousand deaths. In this review we discuss data from the literature to understand whether the various districts of the male reproductive system may represent another vulnerable target for SARS‐CoV‐2. Studies were searched from electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and COVID‐19 specific databases such as LitCovid, until July 31, 2021. It appears that SARS‐CoV‐2 virus infection not only causes damage to the respiratory system, but could have a serious impact on the reproductive system of male patients modulating many physiological processes. Like some other infections, SARS‐CoV‐2 also leads to a worsening of semen quality and an increase in oxidative stress (OS) levels. However, due to the limited number of studies, it is unclear whether this deterioration in semen parameters is temporary or lasts over time. It is certainly important that patients' reproductive function is monitored after coronavirus infection to avoid problems in reproductive health in the future.
Still servants of work? Exploring the role of the critic in work and organizational psychology
Authors: Gerard Nathan
Published: February 2022

This paper situates the burgeoning movement of critical work and organizational psychology (CWOP) within a broader and ongoing effort to rehabilitate work in a broken society. Drawing upon Loren Baritz's seminal critique of the field, The Servants of Power, the argument is made that while CWOP scholars clearly militate against pandering to the “power elite,” they nonetheless risk becoming servants of work, defined as the propensity to perpetuate work's outsized psychological significance. To support such an argument, a core yet neglected theme in Baritz's book is revisited, that of the role of the critic, to demonstrate how CWOP scholars might navigate their own entanglements with servitude while at the same time contest work's symbolic power. The paper also addresses the charge of intellectual elitism that can result from holding such a position of “critical distance” not just from mainstream scholarship, but from work itself. Implications for the future of CWOP are discussed.
Spitz nevus with EHBP1‐ALK fusion and distinctive membranous localization of ALK
Authors: Bahrani Eman , Kunder Christian A. , Teng Joyce M. , Brown Ryanne A. , Rieger Kerri E. , Novoa Roberto A. , Cloutier Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2022

ALK rearrangements define a histopathologically distinctive yet diverse subset of Spitz tumors characterized by fusiform to epithelioid melanocytes with frequent fascicular growth and ALK overexpression. Molecularly, these tumors are characterized by fusions between ALK and a variety of gene partners, most commonly TPM3 and DCTN1. We describe an unusual case of a Spitz nevus occurring in a 13‐year‐old female that manifested ALK immunopositivity with cell membrane localization. The proliferation was polypoid and composed of elongated nests of epithelioid melanocytes with enlarged nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and abundant cytoplasm without significant atypia and lacking mitotic figures. The nevus exhibited strong and diffuse expression of p16. Targeted next‐generation RNA sequencing revealed an in‐frame EHBP1‐ALK fusion, which has been reported only once in the literature. EHBP1 encodes an adaptor protein with plasma membrane targeting potential. Together, these findings suggest that the 5′ ALK fusion partner in Spitz tumors may dictate the subcellular localization of the ALK chimeric oncoprotein. In summary, this case highlights a rare ALK fusion associated with a distinct immunohistochemical staining pattern and further expands the spectrum of ALK‐rearranged melanocytic tumors.
Impact of random variation in albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate on patient enrolment and duration of clinical trials in nephrology
Authors: Waijer Simke W. , Provenzano Michele , Mulder Skander , Rossing Peter , Persson Frederik , Perkovic Vlado , Heerspink Hiddo J. L.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To test whether a screening approach with more flexible urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds would decrease screen failure rate without negatively impacting on the event rate and overall study duration.

Methods

We performed a post‐hoc analysis of the ALTITUDE trial. We selected participants randomized to placebo with a UACR of >300 mg/g and an eGFR between 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at the first visit (pre‐screening) for the trial. We then used less stringent lower UACR and higher eGFR thresholds for the following qualifying visit. For each scenario we calculated the number of eligible participants, the number of renal and cardiovascular endpoints, and the event rates. Based on this, we performed simulations for a future trial and estimated the duration of enrolment and total duration of this trial.

Results

The base scenario consisted of 848 participants (median UACR 1239 mg/g; median eGFR 44 mL/min/1.73 m2). Lowering the UACR and/or raising eGFR qualification thresholds increased the number of eligible participants, decreased screen failures and resulted in only a modest decrease in renal and cardiovascular event rates. For example, relaxing the UACR criterion from 300 mg/g to 210 mg/g at the qualifying visit, increased the number of eligible patients from 848 to 923, and increased the number of renal events from 117 to 122 events. The event rate showed a moderate decrease from 5.6 (4.6‐6.7) events per 100 patient‐years to 5.3 (4.4‐6.4) events per 100 patient‐years. In simulations, lowering the UACR and raising eGFR thresholds for inclusion accelerated patient enrolment and did not increase in the overall trial duration.

Conclusion

More flexible albuminuria and eGFR‐based inclusion criteria, in participants who met the inclusion criteria of a trial based on pre‐screening values prior to the clinical trial, decreases screen failure rates and accelerated patient enrolment leading to more efficient trial conduct without impacting the overall trial duration.
Characteristics and treatment outcomes of children and adolescents accessing treatment in Child and Youth Mental Health Services
Authors: Lu Zhen Qi , de Geus Hanna , Roest Sanna , Payne Leanne , Krishnamoorthy Govind , Littlewood Robyn , Hoyland Margaret , Stathis Stephen , Bor William , Middeldorp Christel M.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To provide insight into the characteristics and treatment outcomes of children and adolescents accessing outpatient Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS), and to explore whether outcomes differ by age, sex, and ancestry background. This information can guide how to optimize the treatment delivered at these services.

Methods

An observational retrospective study was performed based on data from 3098 children and adolescents between age 5 and 18 who received treatment at Brisbane, Australia, community CYMHS between 2013–2018. Patient characteristics, service use, and clinician and parent rated Routine Outcome Measures (ROM) were extracted from electronic health records.

Results

Anxiety and mood disorders were the most common mental disorders (37% and 19%). In 1315 children and adolescents (42%), two or more disorders were diagnosed, and the far majority (88%) had experienced at least one psychosocial stressor. The ROM scores improved between start and end of treatment with Cohen's d effect sizes of around 0.9. However, ~50% of the children still scored in the clinical range at the end of treatment. Outcomes did not differ over gender and Indigenous status.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents accessing CYMHS have severe and complex mental disorders as reflected by high rates of comorbidity, exposure to adverse circumstances and high symptom scores at the start of treatment. Despite the clinically relevant and substantial improvement, end ROM scores indicated the presence of residual symptoms. As this increases the risk for relapse, services should explore ways to improve treatment to further reduce mental health symptoms.
The Good Side of COVID‐19
Authors: Bennett Randy E.
Published: February 2022

This commentary focuses on one of the positive impacts of COVID‐19, which was to tie societal inequity to testing in a manner that could motivate the reimagining of our field. That reimagining needs to account for our nation's dramatically changing demographics so that assessment generally, and standardized testing specifically, better fit the needs of a multicultural society.
Use of second doses of Valtoco® (diazepam nasal spray) across 24 hours after the initial dose for out‐of‐hospital seizure clusters: Results from a phase 3, open‐label, repeat‐dose safety study
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Wheless James W. , Hogan R. Edward , Dlugos Dennis , Cascino Gregory D. , Liow Kore , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Carrazana Enrique ,   DIAZ 001.05 Study Group
Published: February 2022

Objective

An exploratory analysis from a long‐term, phase 3, open‐label, repeat‐dose safety study of diazepam nasal spray for acute treatment of seizure clusters assessed the use of a second dose up to 24 hours after the initial dose and effectiveness in potentially reducing the number of seizures.

Methods

Seizures and doses were recorded in diaries.

Results

Of 175 patients enrolled, 163 received ≥1 dose of diazepam nasal spray and were included in the safety population; those patients received a total of 4390 doses for a total of 3853 seizure clusters. Less than half of these patients used a second dose a least once during the study (79 patients [48.5%]), with a total of 485 second doses for seizure clusters (12.6% of all seizure clusters). Among these 79 patients, 33 (41.8%) used only one second dose during the study (range: 1–82). The proportion of seizure clusters treated with a second dose over time was consistently low across 24 h: 0–4 h, 152 (3.9%); 4–6 h, 72 (1.9%); 6–8 h, 39 (1.0%); 8–12 h, 55 (1.4%); 12–16 h, 42 (1.1%); 16–20 h, 42 (1.1%); 20–24 h, 83 (2.2%). Rates of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment‐related TEAEs occurring within 1 day of a second dose were low (15.2% and 5.1%, respectively).

Significance

Patients with epilepsy may experience seizure clusters lasting up to 24 hours, and little is known about the effectiveness of rescue therapies for that duration. The current labeling of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved outpatient treatments for seizure clusters (rectal diazepam, intranasal midazolam, and diazepam nasal spray) allows for a second dose, if needed, for control. These findings support the safety profile of second doses, and the low use supports the effectiveness of diazepam nasal spray across 24 hours.
The European Green Deal: The future of a polycentric Europe?
Authors: van Zeben Josephine
Published: February 2022

The Green Deal (GD) and the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) are both central to the EU's environmental, economic and social sustainability, even as many questions persist regarding their processes and outcomes. This article considers both processes as essential catalysts for, and tools of, a more polycentric Europe. It specifically wants to harness the problem‐definition and problem‐solving abilities of such a polycentric system through greater participation, solidarity and trust. By ensuring citizen empowerment through citizen assemblies such as the CoFoE, the success and legitimacy of the GD, as a central part of the EU's sustainability agenda, could be strongly amplified. This article highlights several procedural and substantive overlaps and synergies that present low‐cost, high‐gain opportunities to make these processes mutually reinforcing. More generally, the CoFoE, and possible future iterations, should be central to the EU's democratic integration and its longevity.
FBXL20‐mediated ubiquitination triggers the proteasomal degradation of 4‐1BB
Authors: Sun Ruoxuan , Lim Seung‐Oe
Published: February 2022

4‐1BB [tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF9), CD137) is a critical immune stimulator that sustains T cell activity and antitumor immune response. The strategy to eliminate cancers by agonistically targeting 4‐1BB is under clinical investigation. As a protein expressed in an inducible manner, 4‐1BB is under tight control on both transcription and translation levels to maintain its homeostasis. So far, the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional activation of 4‐1BB have been well‐interpreted; however, it remains inexplicit how 4‐1BB is regulated on the protein level. In this study, we presented experimental evidence supporting that 4‐1BB, especially the heavily N‐glycosylated (mature) form, is polyubiquitinated and subjected to the ubiquitin‐proteasomal system for degradation. By performing proximity‐dependent biotin identification screening coupled with biochemical assays, we identified that F‐box/LRR‐repeat protein 20 acts as the E3 ligase that promotes the polyubiquitination of 4‐1BB at the intracellular domain. Our data provided mechanistic insight into 4‐1BB regulation on the protein level by unmasking, for the first time, a posttranslational mechanism governing 4‐1BB abundance in cells. The findings of this study could potentially guide the development of 4‐1BB–targeted therapy for cancers as well as other immune disorders.
The first structure–function study of GH151 α‐l‐fucosidase uncovers new oligomerization pattern, active site complementation, and selective substrate specificity
Authors: Koval'ová Terézia , Kovaľ Tomáš , Stránský Jan , Kolenko Petr , Dušková Jarmila , Švecová Leona , Vodičková Patricie , Spiwok Vojtěch , Benešová Eva , Lipovová Petra , Dohnálek Jan
Published: February 2022

Fucosylated compounds are abundantly present in nature and are associated with many biological processes, therefore carrying great potential for use in medicine and biotechnology. Efficient ways to modify fucosylated compounds are still being developed. Promising results are provided by glycosyl hydrolases with transglycosylating activities, such as α‐l‐fucosidase isoenzyme 2 from Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (family GH151 of Carbohydrate‐Active enZYmes). Currently, there is no 3D structure representing this glycoside hydrolase family and only a few members have been investigated. Here, we present the first structure–function study of a GH151 member, providing the key insights into its specific oligomerization and active site properties. According to the crystal structure, small‐angle X‐ray scattering data and catalytic investigation, this enzyme functions as a tetramer of a new type and represents the second known case of active site complementation among all α‐l‐fucosidases. Mutation of the active site‐complementing residue histidine 503 to alanine confirmed its influence on α‐l‐fucosidase activity and, specifically, on substrate binding. Several unique features of GH151 family α‐l‐fucosidases were revealed, including the oligomerization pattern, active site accessibility and complementation, and substrate selectivity. Some common properties of GH151 glycosyl hydrolases then would be the overall three‐domain structure and conservation of the central domain loop 2 function, including its complementation role and the formation of the carbohydrate‐binding platform in the active site vicinity.