bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New look at RSV infection : tissue clearing and 3D imaging of the entire mouse lung at cellular resolution
Authors: Frétaud Maxence , Descamps Delphyne , Laubreton Daphné , Rameix-Welti Marie-Anne , Eléouët Jean-François , Larcher Thibaut , Galloux Marie , Langevin Christelle
Published: December 2020

Background

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the major cause of severe acute respiratory tract illness in young children worldwide and a main pathogen for the elderly and immune-compromised people. In the absence of vaccines or effective treatments, a better characterization of the pathogenesis of RSV infection is required. To date, the pathophysiology of the disease and its diagnosis mostly relied on chest x-ray and genome detection in nasopharyngeal swabs. The development of new imaging approaches is instrumental to further the description of RSV spread, virus-host interactions and related acute respiratory disease, at the level of the entire lung.

Methods

By combining tissue clearing, 3D microscopy and image processing, we developed a novel visualization tool of RSV infection in undissected mouse lungs.

Results

Whole tissue analysis allowed the identification of infected cell subtypes, based on both morphological traits and position within the cellular network. Furthermore, 3D imaging was also valuable to detect the cytoplasmic viral factories, also called inclusion bodies, a hallmark of RSV infection.

Conclusions

Whole lung clearing and 3D deep-imaging represents an unprecedented visualization method of infected lungs to allow insight into RSV pathophysiology and improve the 2D histology analyses.
Effects of transcriptional noise on estimates of gene and transcript expression in RNA sequencing experiments
Authors: Varabyou Ales , Salzberg Steven L. , Pertea Mihaela
Published: December 2020

RNA sequencing is widely used to measure gene expression across a vast range of animal and plant tissues and conditions. Most studies of computational methods for gene expression analysis use simulated data to evaluate the accuracy of these methods. These simulations typically include reads generated from known genes at varying levels of expression. Until now, simulations did not include reads from noisy transcripts, which might include erroneous transcription, erroneous splicing, and other processes that affect transcription in living cells. Here we examine the effects of realistic amounts of transcriptional noise on the ability of leading computational methods to assemble and quantify the genes and transcripts in an RNA sequencing experiment. We show that the inclusion of noise leads to systematic errors in the ability of these programs to measure expression, including systematic underestimates of transcript abundance levels and large increases in the number of false-positive genes and transcripts. Our results also suggest that alignment-free computational methods sometimes fail to detect transcripts expressed at relatively low levels.
Constrained geometrical analysis of complete K-line patterns for calibrationless auto-indexing
Authors: Bortel Gábor , Tegze Miklós , Faigel Gyula
Published: December 2020

Indexing of Kikuchi and Kossel lines is a crucial step in K-line pattern analysis. Previous approaches mostly rely on the knowledge of unit-cell parameters and experimental geometry. An auto-indexing procedure is introduced that is able to find the unknown lattice, its orientation and the indices of the lines. To achieve this, the unbiased extraction of the precise conical geometrical information from the patterns is combined with existing auto-indexing procedures developed in the field of crystallography. A subsequent lattice-constrained refinement of all lines to the experimental pattern yields reliable lattice and experimental parameters simultaneously. Beyond providing detailed mathematical formulae, the procedure is also demonstrated on an experimental Kossel line pattern.
Nanosecond X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy using pulse time structure of a storage-ring source
Authors: Jo Wonhyuk , Westermeier Fabian , Rysov Rustam , Leupold Olaf , Schulz Florian , Tober Steffen , Markmann Verena , Sprung Michael , Ricci Allesandro , Laurus Torsten , Aschkan Allahgholi , Klyuev Alexander , Trunk Ulrich , Graafsma Heinz , Grübel Gerhard , Roseker Wojciech
Published: December 2020

X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) is a routine technique to study slow dynamics in complex systems at storage-ring sources. Achieving nanosecond time resolution with the conventional XPCS technique is, however, still an experimentally challenging task requiring fast detectors and sufficient photon flux. Here, the result of a nanosecond XPCS study of fast colloidal dynamics is shown by employing an adaptive gain integrating pixel detector (AGIPD) operated at frame rates of the intrinsic pulse structure of the storage ring. Correlation functions from single-pulse speckle patterns with the shortest correlation time of 192 ns have been calculated. These studies provide an important step towards routine fast XPCS studies at storage rings.
Unveiling a postcolonial neoliberalism: hybridised controls and emancipatory potentials for tea-plucking women in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranasinghe Seuwandhi Buddhika , Wickramasinghe Danture
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Drawing on the ideas of postcolonial hybridity and postcolonial feminism, the purpose of this paper is to explore a contextual variant of neoliberalism, which the authors call postcolonial neoliberalism. It unpacks the peculiarities of hybridised practices of management controls therein to reflect on its construction and consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

A seven-month ethnographic study was carried out in a Sri Lankan tea estate to understand both the nature and the practices of these controls.

Findings

Postcolonial neoliberalism has been animated by a hybrid form of management controls encompassing colonial action controls, postcolonial cultural controls and neoliberal results controls. This created an emancipatory space for female workers to engage in some confrontations to attain some compromises.

Originality/value

The message is that the hybridised controls are central to the construction of this form of postcolonial neoliberalism and to its reproduction. However, as these controls accompany a gendered form, female workers find a condition of possibility for some emancipatory potentials within the neoliberal development policy.
Differences in game consumption patterns between North and South China
Authors: Wei Lei , Hao Yiting (Demi) , Zhu Hong , Li Jun (Justin)
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many countries around the world. Due to the debate on the source of the outbreak, wildlife meat consumption has gained international attention and become an area that requires further exploration. The purpose of this research is to explore the differences in game consumption motivations and behaviours among populations in northern and southern China.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey on wild meat awareness with (potential) game consumers across the country as target groups was conducted.

Findings

Results from this study showed that consumers in the southern region have a preference for wildlife. This preference was determined by factors such as natural environment, history and culture and the level of economic development. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of game consumption between the north and south since game meat is not a major component of the daily diet.

Practical implications

The government should consider banning this trade permanently to prevent future disease outbreaks caused by wildlife-to-human transmissions.

Originality/value

The consumption of game meat is regional, but the animals in game trades live across a wider area, and thus, game trades have a global influence on ecological systems and human health. Therefore, this epidemic is also a global concern, which might lead people to display a highly negative attitude towards consuming game meat.
Investment–cash flow sensitivity around the crisis: are African firms different?
Authors: Machokoto Michael , Ibeji Ngozi , Chipeta Chimwemwe
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the contentious relationship between investment and cash flow using the 2008–2009 credit supply shock as a form of the quasi-natural experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel threshold models with unknown sample separation are estimated for a sample of publicly listed firms from nine African countries over the period 2003–2012. Using this approach reduces subjective or ex ante sample-splitting bias that is not accounted for in the extant literature.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that investment–cash flow sensitivity is decreasing even during the global financial crisis (GFC) and for firms more likely to be financially constrained. The authors conclude that the usefulness of investment–cash flow sensitivity as a proxy for financial constraints is diminishing over time, even after directly addressing biases from ex ante subjective sample splitting and various forms of endogeneity.

Originality/value

The authors provide new empirical evidence from sharper tests of financial constraints for understudied African firms and highlight the need to relook at the usefulness of investment–cash flow sensitivity as a proxy of financial constraints.
Does population health influence FDI inflows into Ghana?
Authors: Immurana Mustapha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Ghana is one of the countries instituting several measures toward attracting more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows. This is because, FDI is largely viewed as essential to socioeconomic development. However, while population health can influence FDI inflows, it has received very little attention. This study, therefore, investigates empirically, as to focusing on population health could be a useful tool in Ghana’s attempt to attract more FDI inflows.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses time series data on Ghana from 1980 to 2018 to achieve its objective. Life expectancy, death rate, infant mortality rate, under-five mortality rate and incidence of malaria are used as proxies for population health, while the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and the Instrumental Variable Two-Stage Least Square (IV2SLS) regressions are employed as empirical estimation techniques.

Findings

Using the OLS regression, except the incidence of malaria, the study finds all the other population health indicators to significantly influence FDI inflows. However, after controlling for endogeneity using the IV2SLS regression, all population health indicators are found to be significant as regards their effects on FDI inflows.

Practical implications

Paying attention to population health could be an effective strategy that can be employed by policymakers in the quest to get more FDI inflows into Ghana.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first study solely devoted to Ghana, which doing so helps in devising country-specific policies with regard to the effect of population health on FDI inflows. Further, this study becomes the first to use death rate, infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate in examining the effect of population health on FDI inflows. Thus, since there are various causes of deaths, using indicators that capture deaths from all factors helps in giving a much broader picture with regard to the FDI population health nexus. Also, this study is the first to use up to five different population health indicators in examining the effect of population health on FDI inflows, which aids in revealing whether FDI is sensitive to the population health indicator used.
Tribology meets sustainability
Authors: Shah Raj , Woydt Mathias , Huq Nabill , Rosenkranz Andreas
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a comprehensive perspective on how tribology and sustainability are related and intertwined and are linked to CO2 emissions. This paper emphasizes on how tribological aspects affect everybody’s life and how tribological research and progress can improve energy efficiency, sustainability and quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon available data and predictions for the next 50 years, the potential of tribological research and development is addressed.

Findings

The effects of tribological design can significantly increase energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions. Taking advantage of tribological technologies and applying them to current infrastructure would have the largest energy savings coming from the transportation and power generation at 25% and 20%, respectively. Implementing these technologies can also cut down global CO2 emissions by about 1,460 megatons of CO2 per year in the immediate future and 3,140 megatons of CO2 per year in the long term. The extraction and processing of resources inevitably generates CO2. Doubling the lifetime of machine components and the use of circular economy reduces the material footprint with associated reductions in CO2.

Originality/value

This perspective summarizes concisely the interrelation of tribology and sustainability with CO2.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2020-0356/
Funding for start-ups in India: what shakes it?
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Using a novel monthly data set, this study aims to examine the factors affecting the funding of Indian start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the panel structure of the data, the fixed effects regression technique has been used.

Findings

The findings reveal that years of operation is a key factor. Amongst others, angel investors and equity financing are the key drivers of startup financing. Government policy does not appear to have gained adequate traction, although the improvement in the business reform action by state governments has begun to exert a salutary effect.

Practical implications

From a policy standpoint, the study provides insights into what policies and practices can be exploited to streamline the funding bottlenecks affecting startups in the Indian context.

Originality/value

Notwithstanding being a country with a significant presence in the startup space, there are admittedly limited studies, which examine this issue for India. Viewed from this standpoint to the best of the knowledge, the analysis is one of the early studies to shed light on the factors driving the funding of startups in the Indian context.
Data and HIT systems in primary care settings: an analysis of perceptions and use
Authors: Arabadjis Sophia D. , Sullivan Erin E.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other Health Information Technologies (HITs) pose significant challenges for clinicians, administrators and managers in the field of primary care. While there is an abundance of literature on the challenges of HIT systems in primary care, there are also practices where HITs are well-integrated and useful for care delivery. This study aims to (1) understand how exemplary primary care practices conceptualized data and HIT system use in their care delivery and (2) describe components that support and promote data and HIT system use in care delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a sub-analysis of a larger qualitative data set on exemplary primary care in which data was collected using in-depth interviews, observations, field notes and primary source documents from week-long site visits at each organization. Using a combination of qualitative analysis methods including elements of thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and qualitative comparison analysis, we examined HIT-related data across six exemplary primary care organizations.

Findings

Three key components were identified that underlie engagement with data and HIT systems: data audience identification, defined data purpose and structures for participation in both data design and maintenance.

Originality/value

Within the context of primary care, these findings have implications for effective integration of HIT systems into primary care delivery.
Determinants of tourists' length of stay in cultural destination: one-night vs longer stays
Authors: Atsız Ozan , Leoni Veronica , Akova Orhan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically analyze tourists' length of stay in Istanbul, an important cultural destination. The objective of the study is twofold: (1) uncovering the qualitative difference between one-night visitors and longer stay visitors and (2) for those visitors staying longer at the tourism destination, investigating the key determinants of length of stay.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to international tourists who were about to leave the destination. To perform the analysis, we applied a two-step approach: first, we opted for classical binary logit to investigate the tourists' group membership (one-night vs longer stays); second, we applied a zero-truncated Poisson model for uncovering the drivers of length of stay for longer stay visitors.

Findings

The results confirmed the structural difference between the two visitor subgroups. Moreover, we found a positive impact of cultural attributes on tourists' length of stay.

Practical implications

The findings provide useful information for destination managers and planners, highlighting the importance of designing different tourism policies in light of tourists' heterogeneity. Moreover, the results confirmed the importance of the preservation and promotion of cultural attributes, given that these are a key factor in determining the success of a destination.

Originality/value

The importance and originality of this study are that it explores the impact of cultural/heritage attributes of the destination on tourists' length of stay. Moreover, it sheds light on the qualitative difference between short- and long-stay visitors.
Can store image moderate the influence of religiosity level on shopping orientation and customers’ behavior in Indonesia?
Authors: Ratnasari Ririn Tri , Ula Ulfa Fadilatul , Sukmana Raditya
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of religiosity level on the shopping orientation and behavior of Muslim customers and how to store image moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a positive approach and partial least square analysis technique on samples of Muslim customers in major cities in Indonesia, who have purchased products in the Syariah supermarket such as Sakinah Supermarket and 212 supermarkets at least twice within the past three months. The sampling method used in this study is convenience sampling, with a total of 117 respondents.

Findings

The results reveal that religiosity level significantly affects the Muslim customers’ shopping orientation subsequently impacts consumer shopping behavior. The result is in line with the rising trend by a society that begins to define successful businesses that touch upon the spiritual aspects of the shoppers. Customers with higher religiosity prefer higher quality products and customers who have lesser levels of religiosity establish different shopping characteristics and behavior. This eventually forms an orientation in shopping behavior. Furthermore, it is found that the store image significantly strengthens the influence of the impact of shopping orientations on Muslim customers’ behavior.

Practical implications

Marketers can increase the image of Islamic stores by implementing the principle of a smile, greeting, address to every customer who shops, managing the cashier queue to prevent ikhtilath (meeting between men and women) and adding decorations and calligraphy ornaments. Marketers can create membership cards, posters or billboards about the products that are being discounted or promoted to increase customer numbers image enhancement.

Originality/value

This study used specific variables that represent religiosity in the retail sector. It offers an analysis of how Muslim customers’ religiosity can affect their shopping orientation and behavior. The study is conducted in Indonesia, where research on this topic is still limited.
Cultivating a global professional learning network through a blended-learning program – Levers and barriers to success
Authors: Tulowitzki Pierre
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This article reports on a study around a further education, blended-learning program aiming to establish globally active professional learning networks (PLNs). The questions guiding the research were: (1) What levers and barriers to establishing viable networks are identified by its members? (2) What – if any – indications of knowledge transfer within the networks can be identified?

Design/methodology/approach

The networking aspect of the study program was analyzed using semi-structured interviews with its recent participants and graduates (n = 22), with the objective of gaining insights into elements that supported the creation and maintenance of a global, student-centered network and community in the program. Additionally, a document analysis of the master theses of all participants since the start of the program (n = 96) was undertaken to look for indications of knowledge transfers from one cultural and/or geographical setting to another.

Findings

Blending online exchanges with face-to-face exchanges was seen as helpful in establishing a sustainable network. Additionally, having a low-barrier communication platform where it was socially acceptable to not only communicate about professional but also informal matters was described by virtually all participants as a promoting exchange and cohesion. Furthermore, about a fifth of all analyzed master theses contained indications of knowledge transfer, with instances of incorporating models or concepts from other contexts being the most prominent occurrence.

Originality/value

The findings offer insights into establishing sustainable blended-learning networks. They elaborate on key elements that supported and hindered the creation and viability of such networks. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of formal but also informal spaces for exchange.
Key performance indicators disclosure in the context of the EU directive: when does stakeholder pressure matter?
Authors: Krasodomska Joanna , Zarzycka Ewelina
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the effect of stakeholder pressure on the disclosure of key performance indicators (KPIs) and the patterns of this disclosure in large public interest entities (PIEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the content analysis of the disclosures provided by 169 large (PIEs) operating in Poland in 2019. The data was hand-collected from the companies’ non-financial statements. The research hypotheses were empirically tested with the use of linear regression.

Findings

The explanation for the disclosure of KPIs can be found in stakeholder theory, operationalized by stakeholder pressure linked to industry. In line with the expectations, business-related KPIs are disclosed by companies operating in industries with high pressure from investors, environment-related KPIs are presented by companies operating in environmentally sensitive industries and companies operating in industries with high pressure from employees disclose society-related KPIs. According to the results of the study, reporting on employee-related KPIs is accompanied by environmental and social KPI disclosures.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on corporate non-financial disclosures as it provides new insights into non-financial KPI disclosures in a new and relatively unexplored institutional setting established by the Directive 2014/95/EU. While researchers recognize the stakeholders’ environmental and social concerns, there is nevertheless a lack of understanding of their implications for KPIs in measuring social practice. The research fills that gap by addressing the specific impact of different stakeholder groups on the disclosure of KPIs.
Modes of governance for market entry by international franchisors: factors affecting the choice
Authors: Hoffman Richard , Watson Sharon , Kher Hemant
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide an empirical test of an existing theoretical model depicting the governance modes used by international franchisors when entering international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique panel data set of 222 market expansions by US firms over a seven-year period, this paper tests hypotheses regarding the factors affecting the franchisors’ choice of governance modes when entering foreign markets.

Findings

Franchisors use governance modes with lower levels of control when faced with environmental uncertainties due to corruption, economic downturns and when the geographic distance is large. Moreover, the franchise system assets and its local market assets also affect the choice of governance modes.

Practical implications

Firms need to balance the costs of environmental uncertainty with the need to safeguard the firm’s capabilities and resources using governance modes with appropriate levels of control. This balance changes as the franchise company gains more experience in the local market and as once-emerging markets continue to develop.

Originality/value

This research identified additional governance modes used by franchisors compared to previous studies. Using multiple theoretical perspectives, the study supported significant portions of the Jell-Ojobor and Windsperger (2014) model of franchisor governance mode choice.
The relationship between social interactions, trust, business network, external knowledge access and performance: a study of SMEs in Ghana
Authors: Boateng Henry , Ampong George Oppong Appiagyei , Adam Diyawu Rahman , Ofori Kwame Simpe , Hinson Robert Ebo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of social interaction ties, trust and business networks in the acquisition of foreign business knowledge and foreign institutional knowledge. It also assesses the effect of these types of knowledge on small and medium enterprises’ (SME) export performance. Furthermore, this study determines the moderating role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between foreign business knowledge, foreign institutional knowledge and export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey research design using data from nontraditional SME exporters in Ghana. There were 257 respondents who were employees (managers/owners) of SMEs in Ghana. The model was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Social interaction ties, trust and business networks have a significant effect on the acquisition of foreign business knowledge and foreign institutional knowledge. Furthermore, foreign business knowledge and foreign institutional knowledge have a significant positive effect on export performance. The path between foreign business knowledge and export performance is also moderated by absorptive capacity. However, the moderating role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between foreign institutional knowledge and export performance is not significant.

Originality

This study uses social capital to explain how SMEs acquire foreign business knowledge and foreign institutional knowledge, and how both affect SMEs’ export performance. Furthermore, it tests the moderating role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between foreign business knowledge, foreign institutional knowledge and export performance.
Reform State Taxes to Increase Productivity
Authors: Freebairn John
Published: December 2020

A larger and more productive economy would facilitate the reduction of COVID‐19 government deficits and their future repayment. Reform of state taxes is among the low‐hanging fruit to include in a broad supply‐side agenda to increase national productivity. Approximate aggregate revenue neutral reform packages to reduce tax distortions and improve productivity are discussed for state taxes on property, payroll and motor vehicles.
Repeatability and reproducibility of the color contrast technique for fingermark age estimation applications
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Einfalt Mallory R. , Dean Emily R. , Vynalek Ryan W. , Chavez Alexandra , Roberts Katherine A.
Published: December 2020

This research complements previous studies in which color contrast between ridges and furrows of latent fingermarks was investigated as a potential aging parameter. In this case, the robustness of the technique has been tested by including five female and five male donors who deposited sebaceous‐rich latent fingermarks onto ceramic tile and polystyrene plastic as well as flat and rolled inked fingerprints on commercially available ten‐print cards. Fresh latent fingermarks were visualized with either carbon black or titanium dioxide powder (TiO2) and inked fingerprints were imprinted in succession without re‐charging ink. The mean intensity (MI) and intensity amplitude (IA) metrics of the color histogram were collected from each image for statistical analyses. The goals were to detect any differences within and between the analysts’ own interpretation of the protocol as well as examine how color contrast may be influenced by donor, substrate, biological sex, powder type, and the quantity of ink deposited. Results show that the color contrast metrics (MI and IA) are repeatable and reproducible and not affected significantly by donor, sex, deposition pressure, or distortion. However, the metrics were sufficiently sensitive to distinguish substrate and powder types and to detect different quantities of ink. The statistical analyses confirm and expand upon previous observations regarding the reliability of MI and IA as metrics that could eventually be used to estimate the age of a latent fingermark. At the same time, it was revealed that the technique needs further improvement and standardization by including a universal “white color standard” to conduct image comparisons.
Determinants of mental health outcomes among people with and without diabetes during the COVID‐19 outbreak in the Arab Gulf Region
Authors: Al‐Sofiani Mohammed E. , Albunyan Sarah , Alguwaihes Abdullah M. , Kalyani Rita R. , Golden Sherita Hill , Alfadda Assim
Published: December 2020

Aims

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among people with and without diabetes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study collecting demographic and mental health data from 2166 participants living in the Arab Gulf region (568 with diabetes, 1598 without diabetes). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire and the 7‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms were 61% and 45%, in people with diabetes (PWD) and 62% and 44%, respectively, in people without diabetes. PWD who have had their diabetes visit canceled by the clinic were more likely to report depression and anxiety symptoms than those without diabetes (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.37 [1.02, 1.84] and 1.37 [1.04, 1.80], for depression and anxiety; respectively). PWD who had no method of telecommunication with their health care providers (HCP) during the pandemic, PWD with A1C of ≥ 10%, women, employees (particularly HCPs), students, unmarried individuals, and those with lower income were more likely to report depression and/or anxiety symptoms (all P < 0.01). Fear of acquiring the coronavirus infection; running out of diabetes medications; or requiring hospitalization for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis; and lack of telecommunication with HCPs were all associated with significantly higher odds of having depression and anxiety symptoms among PWD.

Conclusions

The remarkably high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly among subgroups of PWD, calls for urgent public health policies to address mental health during the pandemic and reestablish health care access for PWD.
Anatomical and surface ultrastructural investigation of the tongue in the straw‐coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum, Kerr 1972)
Authors: Igbokwe Casmir Onwuaso , Bello Umar Muhammed , Mbajiorgu Felix Ejikeme
Published: December 2020

The morphology of tongue in straw‐coloured fruit bat from tropical forests was evaluated in relation to frugivorous diets and in comparison with other species that consumes other food types. Gross, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscope and histological methods were used. The tongue was relatively long with round tip, which closely fitted into oral cavity. Five types of mechanical papillae included crown‐like and trifid filiform papillae. Also bulky, cone‐shaped papillae and long conical papillae were identified. These mechanical types also showed variations in shape, size and number of processes of papillae. Transitional forms of these mechanical papillae were present. Fungiform papillae with taste pores were interposed amongst filiform types in apex and body; three ovoid‐shaped vallate papillae were in triangular arrangement on root and displayed taste pores. Some bulky, cone‐shaped papillae surrounded the vallate papillae. Histologically, mechanical filiform types showed highly keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and dense connective tissue core with secondary papillae. Taste buds appeared in fungiform and vallate papillae. Neutral and acidic secretions were identified in lingual glands of root. The presence of prominent filamentous processes of filiform papillae and conical papillae of the tongue in conjunction with gustatory papillae ensures adaptation to copious fruit diets. The gross morphometric and histometric parameters of the tongue did not differ remarkably from previous values obtained for some fruit bats with comparable weight. This investigation showed similarities with fruit bats such as large flying fox and Egyptian fruit bat and reflect common diet and feeding habits but varied from insectivorous and nectivorous bats.
‘After me, all this is over’: Exploring class‐entangled geographical agency in a shifting climate among tobacco farmers in South India
Authors: Natarajan Nithya
Published: December 2020

This paper builds on the concept of the “socio‐ecological fix” to emphasise the contradictions inherent in seeking to produce nature through such fixes for insecure petty commodity producers who occupy the class place of both labour and capital. I explore how petty commodity producer households cultivating tobacco in western Tamil Nadu, South India, are reworking labour practices in managing erratic rainfall and groundwater depletion. Agriculture in Tamil Nadu is in decline, and dominated by small and marginal farming households that oscillate between agrarian production and waged work to make ends meet. These unstable petty commodity producer households have historically accumulated in western Tamil Nadu, through labour exploitation and the appropriation of groundwater, in order to transition to petty industry. However the long‐term decline of the region’s aquifers highlights the limits of such over‐exploitation. The paper makes two contributions in exploring how petty commodity producer households are remaking space to move beyond agrarian accumulation. First, the paper highlights the biophysical limits of seeking to produce nature through socio‐ecological fixes, therefore acknowledging the mercurial as well as produced aspects of nature as a form of space. Second, in adjusting to such biophysical limits on productive capacity, the paper highlights how petty commodity producer households enact forms of resilience and reworking in decreasing their reliance on waged workers and remaking agrarian landscapes to demand less labour, tending away from accumulation and towards salaried jobs. Overall, the paper looks to explore how petty commodity producers, which constitute a norm in Global South agrarian settings, offer new paths for thinking about forms of class‐entangled geographical space‐making in understanding trajectories of socio‐ecological accumulation.
Disentangling the Respective Contribution of Task Selection and Task Execution to Self‐Directed Cognitive Control Development
Authors: Frick Aurélien , Brandimonte Maria A. , Chevalier Nicolas
Published: December 2020

Task selection and task execution are key constructs in cognitive control development. Yet, little is known about how separable they are and how each contributes to task switching performance. Here, 60 4‐ to 5‐year olds, 60 7‐ to 8‐year olds, and 60 10‐ to 11‐year olds children completed the double registration procedure, which dissociates these two processes. Task selection yielded both mixing and switch costs, especially in younger children, and task execution mostly yielded switch costs at all ages, suggesting that task selection is costlier than task execution. Moreover, both task selection and execution varied with task self‐directedness (i.e., to what extent the task is driven by external aids) demands. Whereas task selection and task execution are dissociated regarding performance costs, they nevertheless both contribute to self‐directed control.
Transition from gynaecomastia to lipomastia in pubertal boys
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , Kulle Alexandra , Barth Andre , Ackermann Jonas , Holl Reinhard W. , Holterhus Paul‐Martin
Published: December 2020

Objective

Gynaecomastia is frequent in pubertal boys and is regarded as a self‐limiting abnormality. However, longitudinal studies proving this hypothesis are scarce.

Design

Longitudinal follow‐up study (median 2.4, range 1.0‐4.8 years).

Methods

The regression of breast diameter was analysed in 31 pubertal boys aged 11.7‐16.1 (median 13.2) years with gynaecomastia. Furthermore, weight changes (as BMI‐SDS) and pubertal stage, oestradiol [E2], oestriol, oestrone, androstenedione, testosterone [T], dihydrotestosterone, gonadotropins, IGF‐1, and IGFBP‐3 serum concentrations determined at first clinical presentation were related to breast diameter regression determined by palpation and disappearance of breast glandular tissue in ultrasound in follow‐up to identify possible predictors of breast regression.

Results

During the observation period, the breast diameter decreased (in median −1 (interquartile range [IQR] −5 to +1) cm). At follow‐up, 6% of boys had no breast enlargement any more, and 65% developed lipomastia. Gynaecomastia was still present in 29%. None of the analysed hormones was related significantly to breast diameter regression or disappearance of breast glandular tissue. In multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for observational period, as well as age and BMI‐SDS at first presentation, changes in BMI‐SDS (β‐coefficient 6.0 ± 2.3, p = .015) but not the E2/T ratio or any other hormone determined at baseline was related to changes in breast diameter.

Conclusions

Breast diameter regression seems not to be predictable by a hormone profile in pubertal boys with gynaecomastia. In pubertal boys presenting with gynaecomastia, conversion to lipomastia of smaller volume is common. The reduction of weight status was the best predictor of breast diameter regression.
Iatrogenic allergic contact dermatitis in the (peri)anal and genital area
Authors: Gilissen Liesbeth , Schollaert Isabelle , Huygens Sara , Goossens An
Published: December 2020

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from topical medication often occurs in occluded areas, for example, with wound treatment, but also in certain body locations, such as the anogenital area.

Objectives

To investigate the demographics and specific lesion location of patients with ACD from topical drugs applied onto the (peri)anal/genital area, and to identify the respective causal topical pharmaceutical products and ingredients involved.

Methods

From January 2000 to December 10, 2018, 532 patients were tested with the baseline series, sometimes with additional series, and the topical medication used along with the ingredients. The relevant data were extracted from our electronic databases developed in‐house.

Results

Forty‐four patients (9%) out of 473 patients suffering from lesions in the (peri)anal/genital area had positive patch test results to topical drug preparations and/or their ingredients, sometimes in association with cosmetics for intimate hygiene. The most frequent sensitizing active principles were local anaesthetics and corticosteroids, while wool alcohols and to a minor extent benzoic acid were the most frequent culprits among the vehicle components and preservative agents, respectively.

Conclusions

The local conditions (eg, occlusion, sweating, moist) in the anogenital area may favour skin sensitization to topical medication used to treat various skin diseases.
Histopathologic reaction patterns to differentially cross‐linked hyaluronic acid fillers: A retrospective case series
Authors: Mu Euphemia W. , Stokar Evan , Franks Linda , Meehan Shane A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Hyaluronic acid filler reactions have been increasingly observed in recent years. Our study investigates whether the increased number of filler reactions observed since 2014 is associated with a specific histopathologic inflammatory pattern and type of filler.

Methods

The institution's dermatopathology electronic database was retrospectively searched for histopathologic reactions to hyaluronic acid from January 2014 to December 2019. The age, sex, type of filler, procedure, location, and histopathologic patterns were recorded.

Results

From 2014 to 2019, there were 15 cases of granulomatous reactions to hyaluronic acid filler. In 10 of these cases, there was a characteristic inflammatory pattern characterized by tightly cuffed palisades of histiocytes with varying numbers of eosinophils. Of the 11 cases in which the type of filler was known, all used Vycross technology, a novel manufacturing process in the production of hyaluronic acid filler.

Conclusion

A characteristic histopathologic pattern of discrete foci of tightly cuffed palisaded granulomas with eosinophils is associated with fillers manufactured using Vycross technology.
Chemical defence responses of Norway spruce to two fungal pathogens
Authors: Axelsson Karolin , Zendegi‐Shiraz Amene , Swedjemark Gunilla , Borg‐Karlson Anna‐Karin , Zhao Tao
Published: December 2020

Constitutive and inducible terpene production is involved in conifer resistance against insects and fungal infestations. To gain knowledge about local defence responses of Norway spruce bark against pathogens and to find potential chemical markers for resistance breeding, we inoculated the stem of 8‐year‐old Norway spruce (Picea abies) clonal trees with both Endoconidiophora polonica (Ep, a common fungal pathogen associated with the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus) and Heterobasidion parviporum (Hp, a severe pathogen causing root and stem rot disease). Three weeks after inoculation, the fungal‐inoculated and intact bark from each tree was sampled. The terpenes in tree bark were extracted with hexane and characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The two fungi induced varied terpene responses in the four spruce clones used. Three of the clones showed a 2.3‐fold to 5.7‐fold stronger terpene response to Hp relative to Ep inoculation, while one clone responded similarly to inoculation with the two fungal pathogens. The amount of the diterpenes thunbergol and geranyllinalool varied between the clones. The level of thunbergol was higher in both intact and fungal‐inoculated bark from the less susceptible clones compared with the more susceptible clones. Geranyllinalool was present in higher amounts in the susceptible clones and is thus a possible marker for susceptibility. Our observations show that Norway spruce employs a similar chemical mechanism against the two fungal pathogens. Based on the present and earlier published data, we suggest that certain Norway spruce genotypes have a strong defence reaction against these two pathogens. The diterpenes thunbergol and geranyllinalool might be useful markers of susceptibility in tree‐breeding programmes and should be the focus of further detailed investigations.
A framework to evaluate climate effects on forest tree diseases
Authors: Hennon Paul E. , Frankel Susan J. , Woods Alex J. , Worrall James J. , Norlander Daniel , Zambino Paul J. , Warwell Marcus V. , Shaw Charles G.
Published: December 2020

A conceptual framework for evaluation of climate effects on tree diseases is presented. Climate can exacerbate tree diseases by favouring pathogen biology, including reproduction and infection processes. Climatic conditions can also cause abiotic disease—direct stress or mortality when trees’ physiological limits are exceeded. When stress is sublethal, weakened trees may subsequently be killed by secondary organisms. To demonstrate climate's involvement in disease, associations between climatic conditions and disease expression provide the primary evidence of atmospheric involvement because experimentation is often impractical for mature trees. This framework tests spatial and temporal relationships of climate and disease at several scales to document climate effects, if any. The presence and absence of the disease can be contrasted with climate data and models at geographic scales: stand, regional and species range. Temporal variation in weather, climate and climate change is examined during onset, development and remission of the disease. Predisposing factors such as site and stand conditions can modify the climate effects of some diseases, especially at finer spatial scales. Spatially explicit climate models that display temperature and precipitation or derivative models such as snow and drought stress provide useful data, and however, information on disease extent at different spatial scales and monitoring through time are often incomplete. The framework can be used to overcome limitations in other disease causality approaches, such as Koch's postulates, and allow for the integration of vegetation, pathogen and environmental data into causality determinations.
Phenolic compound concentrations in Picea abies wood as an indicator of susceptibility towards root pathogens
Authors: Bartnik Czesław , Nawrot‐Chorabik Katarzyna , Woodward Stephen
Published: December 2020

Quantification of total phenolic compounds in the heartwood of Picea abies using the Folin–Ciocalteu methods showed that concentrations of phenolic compounds in the heart‐ and sapwood of Picea abies varied, depending on the decay class to which boles were allocated. In the heartwood, mean phenolic concentration was 3.28 mg/g, compared with 2.44 mg/g in sapwood. Experiments using different concentrations of phenolic compounds showed that Heterobasidion parviporum is more sensitive to the effects of phenolic compounds found in sapwood, and less sensitive to phenolic compounds found in heartwood. The high concentration of phenolic compounds extracted from spruce stimulated the decomposition of wood by Armillaria ostoyae. This demonstrates the great ability of A. ostoyae to metabolize phenolic compounds. This is confirmed by natural conditions, where A. ostoyae attacks mainly sapwood and H. parviporum attacks heartwood of P. abies. In heartwood, the average antioxidant activity was approximately 10% higher than in the sapwood. The extraction process and presence of amino acids and reducing sugars might influence on the results. The results suggest that timber quality monitoring in spruce stands could be partly based on measurements of phenol compound concentrations in sapwood, as the technique enables prediction of the potential impact of decay fungi early in succession.