bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pruthi Spices: self-reliant woman entrepreneur
Authors: Sodhi Simran , Dwivedi Amit
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

The case study can be used in management for the course of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. It is suitable for the students at post-graduate level. Discussion would be the most appropriate method for teaching this case study. There is no prerequisite required to participate in the discussion. Participants will be able to engage in discussion regarding expansion strategies for micro-enterprises; targeting the right segment of the market; exploring the market opportunities; innovation for entrepreneurial growth; and sustaining an enterprise. After this case study, students will be able to understand the following theory and model: SWOT analysis; resource base theory; McKinsey ESG proposition; Porter’s generic strategy; Schumpeter’s innovation theory; Ansoff’s growth model; and diversification strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

Being a micro-enterprise with heavy financial constraints, it was never easy to sustain the business at the time of pandemic. Mrs Jyoti Pruthi (owner of Pruthi Spices) made extraordinary efforts that would help her in survival of her business. She could not recover the business as it was before the pandemic. During such times, the loss of her husband was a setback. That incident broke Mrs Pruthi emotionally as well as financially. By taking some crucial managerial decisions, Mrs Pruthi strategized for the sustainability of her business. Now it was January 2022, after two years of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the world. However, because of the market situation, her pressing dilemma was regarding business survival in such lean times.

Complexity academic level

The case is meant for undergraduate and post-graduate students pursuing management with specializations in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. The case is bet fit for women entrepreneurship development capacity-building programs, especially in the Asian region. The case is also suitable for any short-term training program where manifestations of entrepreneurship are being taught. It can also be used for Executive and Management development program aiming at women or disadvantaged entrepreneurship. The case can also be used for general courses like “Strategic Management” and specialized courses like “Entrepreneurship Management”.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Making IT.Integrator a woman-friendly company
Authors: Kukuruza Oksana , Golovkina Natalia , Golovkina Natalia
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: Identify obvious and hidden impediments to women’s careers; offer initiatives that change women’s career opportunities; explore available instruments to change the corporate culture to deal with gender issues management; and identify tools that help secure changes in these uncertain times.

Case overview/Synopsis

The case is based on the situation that Nadia Omelchenko, Vice President of IT.Integrator, the leading Ukrainian systems integration company, faced in 2021, when COVID-19 put her thus-far successful initiatives aimed at promoting women’s careers at risk. In 2020, lockdowns were being imposed and lifted, and remote-work practices were evolving. Most women in the IT sector opted for working from home and infrequent attendance at in-office, face-to-face meetings offices because of increased family responsibilities. Her executive team members had become disgruntled about continuing to invest resources in women’s development programs. They believed that the whole idea of women’s promotion was a waste of time because in critical situations they prioritized family obligations and neglected their managerial responsibilities. One of Omelchenko’s main tasks was to secure the company’s ability to recruit and retain the best talent and reinforce the company’s position in the market. As in many emerging economies, a serious skill shortage was the common refrain in Ukraine. Many employers were facing the need to offer more than just monetary remuneration. Moreover, many Ukrainian IT companies were competing with international companies that had more financial resources and policies in place for retaining talent. This case study examines the Ukrainian IT sector, its legal and regulatory framework, and the implication of COVID-19 for the sector. The gender-equality situation is reviewed. Omelchenko's personal journey toward fostering opportunities for women and diversity, as well as her programs and initiatives to change the corporate culture and unlock women’s potential, are discussed.

Complexity academic level

MBA and Masters students or senior BBA and participants of the executive development programs

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Re-configuring ownership structure, board characteristics and firm value nexus in Malaysia: the role of board gender and ethnic diversity
Authors: Karim Sitara , Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Ismail Rusmawati Binti
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study serves two objectives; first, it examined the impact of ownership structure and board characteristics on firm value; second, the moderating effects of board gender diversity (women appearance on board) and board ethnic diversity (Chinese, Indian, and Foreign ethnicities) have been examined on the relationship between ownership structure, board characteristics, and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic model, system generalized method of moments (S-GMM hereafter), is employed to control potential dynamic endogeneity, reverse causality, simultaneity and unobserved heterogeneity persistent in corporate governance-performance relationships during 2006–2017 of 483 Malaysian listed companies.

Findings

Findings pertaining to objective one reveal that there is a weak linkage between ownership structure and firm value, whereas board characteristics significantly affect firm performance based on resource dependence theory. While considering the results of objective two, there is mixed evidence of moderating impact of board gender and ethnic diversity on ownership structure, board characteristics and performance nexus.

Practical implications

The findings of the study are practically significant for regulatory bodies, namely, Bursa Malaysia, Securities Commission (SC) Malaysia, and policymakers to develop guidelines for ownership structure variables. Moreover, Malaysian firms need to disperse their concentrated ownership structure for enhanced firm value. In addition, board characteristics significantly affect firm performance in Malaysian listed companies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to multiple aspects: first, it examined the impact of ownership structure and board characteristics on firm performance. Second, the moderating effect of board gender and board ethnic diversity contributes to research significant and valuable for the researchers and practitioners. Finally, the study employed S-GMM, controlling for dynamic endogeneity considered a main econometric problem for CG-performance relationships.
Editorial
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: March 2022

A statistician of staggering importance
Poorer outcomes associated with sarcopenia following emergency laparotomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ng Zi Qin , Cohen Ryan , Misur Philip , Weber Dieter G.
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite the negative effect of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes being well recognized in the elective setting, there remains a paucity of studies describing this phenomenon in the emergency laparotomy (EL) setting. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare short‐ and long‐term postoperative outcomes following EL in patients with and without sarcopenia.

Methods

A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was used to identify studies comparing perioperative outcomes following EL for patients with and without sarcopenia. A subsequent meta‐analysis was conducted. The following data were extracted from the included studies: patient demographics, pathology or type of operation performed for EL, post‐operative mortality at inpatient, 30‐day, 90‐day and 1‐year, and functional outcomes. A quality assessment of included studies was undertaken.

Results

Twelve studies reporting the outcomes of sarcopenia following EL were identified. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with higher 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates following EL (OR 3.50, P < 0.01; OR 3.49, P < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, sarcopenia was significantly associated with unfavourable functional outcomes at discharge following emergency laparotomy (OR 2.44, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Opportunistically identified on cross‐sectional imaging, sarcopenia is a valuable predictor of short‐ and long‐term morbidity and mortality following EL. Further studies are required to identify the most appropriate diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia and better define this physiological phenomenon.
Retinal surgery quality indicators for uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without a national registry
Authors: Carlsson Jan‐Olof , Fricke Otto , Dahlberg Anton , Crafoord Sven
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of analysing quality indicators for uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a hospital department of ophthalmology without the support of a national registry or need to collect data from referring ophthalmological centres.

Methods

In 2014, we operated 231 consecutive eyes with uncomplicated retinal detachment. Our quality indicators were primary anatomical success, final anatomical success and postoperative endophthalmitis. We reviewed medical records in our university surgical department retrospectively and compared them with medical records from the regional hospitals that had referred most of the operated patients and done their own postoperative examination. Our hypothesis was that any retinal re‐detachment and/or serious postoperative complication would be reported back.

Results

The medical records at the surgical department revealed primary anatomic success for 91.3% of eyes and final anatomical success of 99.6%. The data from the regional hospitals confirmed that our hypothesis was correct. All patients with adverse outcomes were referred back for reoperation. Patients who were not referred again had an attached retina and showed no signs of endophthalmitis.

Conclusion

Our hypothesis that data in the surgical department's medical records would closely reflect those in referring hospitals was borne out. This supports, under current conditions, an effective strategy for analysing chosen quality indicators without relying on a national registry or reviewing records from regional hospitals.
Niclosamide—A promising treatment for COVID‐19
Authors: Singh Shivani , Weiss Anne , Goodman James , Fisk Marie , Kulkarni Spoorthy , Lu Ing , Gray Joanna , Smith Rona , Sommer Morten , Cheriyan Joseph
Published: March 2022

Vaccines have reduced the transmission and severity of COVID‐19, but there remains a paucity of efficacious treatment for drug‐resistant strains and more susceptible individuals, particularly those who mount a suboptimal vaccine response, either due to underlying health conditions or concomitant therapies. Repurposing existing drugs is a timely, safe and scientifically robust method for treating pandemics, such as COVID‐19. Here, we review the pharmacology and scientific rationale for repurposing niclosamide, an anti‐helminth already in human use as a treatment for COVID‐19. In addition, its potent antiviral activity, niclosamide has shown pleiotropic anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, bronchodilatory and anticancer effects in numerous preclinical and early clinical studies. The advantages and rationale for nebulized and intranasal formulations of niclosamide, which target the site of the primary infection in COVID‐19, are reviewed. Finally, we give an overview of ongoing clinical trials investigating niclosamide as a promising candidate against SARS‐CoV‐2.
Automated three‐dimensional echocardiographic quantification for left ventricular volume and function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Yushan , Zhang Li , Liu Jia , Yue Xiaofei , Shi Heshui , Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing , Lv Qing
Published: March 2022

Background

Accurate, reproducible, noninvasive determination of left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) is important for clinical assessment, selection of therapy, and serial monitoring of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Current clinical Two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) may cause inaccurate measurements in patients with HCM because of their asymmetric ventricles and limitations of 2DE technology. Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) have demonstrated significantly greater accuracy. However, the time‐consuming workflow limits the clinical utility of 3DE.

Aim

We aim to compare the performance of a novel automated 3DE system (HeartModel, Philips Healthcare) with 2DE in a group of patients with HCM. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was reference standard.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients with HCM were examined by automated 3DE (3DEA), two‐dimensional biplane Simpson's method (2DBP), manual 3DE method, and CMR, respectively. For patients with poor automated quantification, manual correction was performed. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland‐Altman analysis and paired Student t tests were used to assess inter‐technique agreement.

Results

3DEA measurements with contour editing correlate well with CMR and manual 2DE and 3DE measurements (r = .80–.96). The analysis time of 3DEA was shorter than that of 2DBP (3DEA, 141 ± 15s; 2DBP, 174 ± 17 s). Inter‐observer variability was reduced significantly with use of 3DEA.

Conclusion

Compared with current clinical 2DBP method, the analysis time of automated 3DE was much shorter with the added benefit of enhanced accuracy and reproducibility. Patients with asymmetric chamber may rely more on the timesaving automated 3DE quantification in the future.
Botryosphaeriaceae diversity on Eucalyptus clones in different climate zones of Indonesia
Authors: Jami Fahimeh , Marincowitz Seonju , Durán Alvaro , Slippers Bernard , Abad Jupiter I. M. , Chen ShuaiFei , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: March 2022

The Botryosphaeriaceae is an important and diverse family of latent fungal pathogens of woody plants, including Eucalyptus. These fungi live within infected plant tissues for extended periods without causing symptoms, but emerge to cause severe disease when their hosts are subjected to stress. In this study, we compared the diversity of the Botryosphaeriaceae in samples from nine different Eucalyptus clones growing in North and Central Sumatra, Indonesia, having distinct climates. Samples were taken from asymptomatic trees as well as those damaged by a sucking insect (Helopeltis sp.: Miridae), a stem boring moth (Polyphagozerra coffeae: Cossidae) and a Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation fungal disease caused by Elsinoe necatrix. In total, 215 Botryosphaeriaceae isolates were obtained from which 13 species were identified based on rDNA‐ITS, TEF‐1α, β‐tubulin and rpb2 sequence data. These species included seven Lasiodiplodia species, four Neofusicoccum species as well as Endomelanconiopsis endophytica and Cophinforma atrovirens. A new species of Lasiodiplodia arose from collections and for which the name L. riauensis is provided. Two species, L. theobromae and L. brasiliensis, were found in both climatic zones, whereas other species were specific to the areas from which they were collected. No correlation was found between the Botryosphaeriaceae species diversity and damage to trees caused by insects or E. necatrix disease.
A case series of very slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia resembling junctional tachycardia
Authors: Higuchi Koji , Higuchi Satoshi , Baranowski Bryan , Wazni Oussama , Scheinman Melvin M. , Tchou Patrick
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The surface electrocardiography of typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) shows simultaneous ventricular‐atrial (RP) activation with pseudo R′ in V1 and typical heart rates ranging from 150 to 220/min. Slower rates are suspicious for junctional tachycardia (JT). However, occasionally we encounter typical AVNRT with slow ventricular rates. We describe a series of typical AVNRT cases with heart rates under 110/min.

Methods

A total of 1972 patients with AVNRT who underwent slow pathway ablation were analyzed. Typical AVNRT was diagnosed when; (1) evidence of dual atrioventricular nodal conduction, (2) tachycardia initiation by atrial drive train with atrial‐His‐atrial response, (3) short septal ventriculoatrial time, and (4) ventricular‐atrial‐ventricular (V‐A‐V) response to ventricular overdrive (VOD) pacing with corrected post pacing interval‐tachycardia cycle length (cPPI‐TCL) > 110 ms. JT was excluded by either termination or advancement of tachycardia by atrial extrastimuli (AES) or atrial overdrive (AOD) pacing.

Results

We found 11 patients (age 20−78 years old, six female) who met the above‐mentioned criteria. The TCL ranged from 560 to 782 ms. Except for one patient showing tachycardia termination, all patients demonstrated a V‐A‐V response and cPPI‐TCL over 110 ms with VOD. AES or AOD pacing successfully excluded JT by either advancing the tachycardia in 10 patients or by tachycardia termination in one patient. Slow pathway was successfully ablated, and tachycardia was not inducible in all patients.

Conclusions

This case series describes patients with typical AVNRT with slow ventricular rate (less than 110/min) who may mimic JT. We emphasize the importance of using pacing maneuvers to exclude JT.
A study on related factors of hardcore smokers
Authors: Lee Hanna , Han Jeong‐Won
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study attempted to provide basic data for future smoking cessation policies and anti‐smoking programs by analyzing related factors of hardcore smokers.

Methods

This study is a cross‐sectional, descriptive survey of the 2019 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. There were 11,817 smokers, and the propensity matching method was used based on factors related to hardcore smokers in previous studies.

Results

Consequently, a higher probability to be included as hardcore smokers was observed in subjects who had a higher level of stress perception (odds ratio [OR] = 17.59, 95% CI [10.18, 30.38]), perceived their body shape as chubby (OR = 12.84, 95% CI [8.39, 19.66]) or obese (OR = 7.03, 95% CI [4.90, 10.09]), walking participation rate for more than 10 min a day (OR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.03, 1.15]), and had a high degree of depression (OR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.37, 1.49]).

Conclusion

It is necessary to approach smoking‐related policies separately between general and hardcore smokers. Finally, more effective smoking cessation policies must be found by identifying the characteristics of hardcore smokers.
New formulation zinc sulphate acceptability and adherence in children with acute diarrhoea: A prospective, open‐label, interventional study in Bangladesh
Authors: Nuzhat Sharika , Ahmed Tahmeed , Alam Jinat , Billal Shebab Md , Khan Azharul Islam , Hossain Md Iqbal
Published: March 2022

Aim

Zinc is an adjunct to oral rehydration salts for management of diarrhoea in children. Due to zinc's unpleasant taste, children often develop nausea and/or vomiting. We aimed to assess acceptability (tolerability) and adherence of improvised formulation of zinc tablet among under‐five children with acute diarrhoea.

Methods

This was an open‐label intervention trial among 3–59 months old diarrhoeal children attending the outpatient department of Dhaka Hospital, who were enrolled in two age strata, 3 to <18 months and 18–59 months. Zinc tablets 10 or 20 mg per day were prescribed for a total of 10 days for <6 months and ≥6 months age children respectively, with follow‐up. Diary‐cards were used to record events.

Results

In stratum 1, 158 (90.8%) children and in stratum 2, 144 (95.4%) children completed the study as per protocol out of 325 enrolled children. Sociodemographic, clinical and anthropometric measurements were comparable in the two strata except admission diarrhoeal duration (median 3 days vs. 2 days, P = 0.001). Adherence to 10 days treatment was 123 (77.8%) in stratum 1 and 127 (88.2%) in stratum 2. Zinc tablets were tolerated very well/well in 280 (92.7%) children. Vomiting, regurgitation and nausea were observed in 99 (32.8%), 59 (19.5%) and 22 (7.4%) children respectively. Caregivers' willingness to use the same drug in future was 300 (99.3%) among all children.

Conclusion

Our study findings demonstrate that modified taste and formulation zinc tablets were well tolerated, and caregivers' willingness to use this formulation in future supports its acceptability, adherence and palatability.
Predictive factors for secondary alveolar bone graft failure in patients with cleft alveolus
Authors: Najar Chalien Midia , Mark Hans , Rizell Sara
Published: March 2022

Objective

This single‐centre retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) and identify the factors associated with failure.

Methods

Individuals born with alveolar cleft with or without cleft palate who had SABG consecutively between 2004–2006 and 2011–2013 were enrolled in this study. After the exclusion of 20 cases due to poor quality radiographs, 115 patients (50 girls and 65 boys) who had undergone 131 SABG procedures were included. According to a modification of the Bergland Scale (mBS), the alveolar bone level was assessed using occlusal films obtained 3 months after SABG. Data on factors plausible for SABG failure were collected from patient records, photographs, cast models, and presurgical occlusal radiographs. The Mantel Haenszel Chi‐Square test was used to test the possible impact of these factors on the mBS scores.

Results

A total failure (mBS score of 4) was observed in 9% of the cases. The alveolar bone level correlated with cleft laterality (P = 0.039), alveolar cleft extension (P = 0.033), age at SABG (P = 0.007), root developmental stage (P = 0.021), and oral hygiene (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Secondary alveolar bone grafting failure was correlated with a bilateral alveolar cleft, absence of an initial partial alveolar bridge, higher age, increased root developmental stage, and poor oral hygiene. Efforts to achieve optimal oral hygiene are recommended to improve outcomes, particularly when SABG is performed in individuals with a bilateral cleft, increased alveolar cleft extension, or at higher ages.
Evaluation of the stability of treatment with Herbst appliance associated with Hyrax expander and fixed orthodontics through counterpart analysis: A longitudinal follow‐up study
Authors: de Arruda Aidar Luís Antônio , Marchi Luiz Carlos , Fuerte Silvia , Yamashita Hélio K. , Dominguez Gladys Cristina
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of treatment with a Herbst appliance associated with Hyrax expander (Stage I), followed by fixed appliances (Stage II) and follow‐up for an average of 4 years after Stage II, on dentoskeletal facial structures.

Methods

This study involved 50 adolescents with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion associated with mandibular retrognathism: Treated Group (TG‐25) and Control Group (CG‐25). Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken: T1, immediately before Stage I (TG) or at the beginning of the follow‐up period (CG); T2, at the end of Stage I (TG) or the follow‐up period (CG); T3, at the end of Stage II (TG); and T4, on average, 4 years after Stage II (TG). Enlow's counterpart analysis and some cephalometric measurements were evaluated. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were used (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

The ramus alignment variables (P < 0.001), SNB (0.040), ANB (<0.001), 1.PP (P = 0.015), 1.MP (P < 0.001), ms/RLp (P < 0.001), mi/RLp (P < 0.001) and S‐LS (P = 0.005) showed differences between TG and CG from T1 to T2. Longitudinally, there were differences in ramus alignment, P = 0.003, T1 > T2 < T3 = T4; SNB, P = 0.016, T1 < T2 = T3 = T4; ANB, P < 0.001, T1 > T2 = T3 = T4; 1.MP, P < 0.001, T1 < T2 = T3 = T4; ms/RLp, P = 0.002, T1 = T2 < T3 = T4; mi/RLp, P < 0.001, T1 < T2 = T3 = T4; S‐LS, P < 0.001, T1 > T2 = T3 = T4 and S‐LI, P = 0.003, T1 = T2 = T3 > T4.

Conclusion

The nasomaxillary complex (MCF/PM alignment) tended to a retrusive effect to compensate the degree of mandibular retrusion. The protrusive effect of the lower facial third was evident after the Herbst stage and did not remain stable in the follow‐up. The dentoalveolar compensation and improvement in facial profile remained stable.
Flavonoid Nobiletin Exhibits Differential Effects on Cell Viability in Keratinocytes Exposed to UVA versus UVB Radiation
Authors: Cvammen William , Kemp Michael G.
Published: March 2022

The polymethoxylated flavonoid nobiletin has been shown to suppress inflammatory responses to UVB radiation and to enhance circadian rhythms. Because expression of the core nucleotide excision repair (NER) factor XPA and the rate of removal of UV photoproducts from DNA are regulated by the circadian clock, we investigated whether the beneficial effects of nobiletin in UVB‐exposed cells could be due in part to enhanced NER. Although nobiletin limited UVB‐irradiated human keratinocytes from undergoing cell death, we found that this enhanced survival was not associated with increased NER or XPA expression. Instead, nobiletin reduced initial UV photoproduct formation and promoted a G1 cell cycle arrest. We then examined the implications of this findings for exposures to solar radiation through use of a solar simulated light (SSL) source that contains primarily UVA radiation. In striking contrast to the results obtained with UVB radiation, nobiletin instead sensitized keratinocytes to both the SSL and a more defined UVA radiation source. This enhanced cell death was correlated with a photochemical change in nobiletin absorption spectrum and the production of reactive oxygen species. We conclude that nobiletin is unlikely to be a useful compound for protecting keratinocytes against the harmful effects of solar UV radiation.
Management strategies and distribution of Aphanomyces root rot of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a continuing threat to forage production in the United States
Authors: Giles Jennifer M. , Tordsen Conner L. , Rebstock Travis R. , Bucciarelli Bruna , Samac Deborah A. , Sathoff Andrew E.
Published: March 2022

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of several legumes that is affected by Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) caused by Aphanomyces euteiches. Symptoms of ARR on alfalfa seedlings include a yellow‐grey discolouration of roots, rotting and loss of lateral roots, stunted growth, chlorotic foliage and reduction of nitrogen‐producing nodules on roots. Infection can also occur on adult plants leading to loss of lateral roots and nodules. At the seedling stage, ARR decreases alfalfa stand establishment, and field longevity is reduced when adult plants are infected. A. euteiches is an oomycete pathogen that has motile zoospores and thick‐walled oospores that can survive for many years in soil. Two races are currently recognized by pathogenicity on differential alfalfa check cultivars. Most alfalfa cultivars contain race 1 resistance, but there is an increasing development of cultivars with resistance to race 2. Management strategies include planting resistant cultivars, avoiding planting in fields with poor drainage and rotating crops with nonhost plants.
Social amplification of risks and the clean energy transformation: Elaborating on the four attributes of information
Authors: Ram Bonnie , Webler Thomas
Published: March 2022

The social amplification of risk framework (SARF) was developed to help comprehend how emerging contributions about the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of risk could work in unison to impact decision making about risk. The framework proposed that risks are amplified or attenuated by interested parties employing different rhetorical strategies to give information about risk a certain “spin.” The original literature identified four “attributes of information.” However, despite the longevity of the framework, these have not been explicated in detail. Here we add depth and clarity by examining how amplification stations send risk signals that amplify or attenuate risk by emphasizing these different attributes of information. Drawing on a wealth of qualitative data from two case studies of offshore wind turbine siting off the coasts of Maryland and Delaware and guided by an extensive literature review, we reveal the strategies interested parties are using to influence siting decisions and risk management. The paper explores the usefulness of SARF in organizing qualitative information and sharpening insights on participatory risk governance and the nuances of public responses to a relatively new low‐carbon technology. The authors conclude that the framework is valuable for analyzing stakeholder information while also recognizing limitations that may be addressed with some targeted future research.
The geography of intergenerational mobility: Evidence of educational persistence and the “Great Gatsby Curve” in Brazil
Authors: Leone Tharcisio
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the variation in intergenerational educational mobility across the Brazilian states based on univariate econometric techniques. The analysis of the national household survey (PNAD‐2014) confirms a strong variation in mobility among the 27 federative units in Brazil and demonstrates a significant correlation between mobility and income inequality. In this sense, this work presents empirical evidence for the existence of the “Great Gatsby curve” within a single country: states with greater income disparities present higher levels of persistence in educational levels across generations. Finally, the paper investigates one specific mechanism behind this correlation: whether higher income inequality might lead to lower investment in human capital among children from socially vulnerable households. The paper delivers robust and compelling results showing that children born into families where the parents have not completed primary education have a statistically significant reduction in their chance of completing the educational system if they live in states with a higher level of income inequality.
Undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of practicing caring behaviours with standardised patients
Authors: Mårtensson Sophie , Knutsson Susanne , Hodges Eric A. , Sherwood Gwen , Broström Anders , Björk Maria
Published: March 2022

Rationale

Undergraduate nursing students’ learning opportunities to practice caring behaviours to assure compassionate and competent nursing practice with standardised patients are few. Earlier studies primarily focused on practicing communication skills in relation to mental health or developing psychomotor skills while caring for a patient with a specific diagnosis.

Aim

The study aim was to describe undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of practicing caring behaviours with a standardised patient.

Method

A sample of forty‐eight undergraduate nursing students in semester four at a school of nursing in southern Sweden, enrolled in a full‐time, 5‐week, on‐campus elective caring behaviour course, were at the first and last week individually video‐recorded during two caring behaviour simulations encountering a standardised patient. After observing each of their video‐recordings, students completed written reflections focusing on their own compassionate and competent verbal and nonverbal caring behaviour. In total, 96 individual written reflections were analysed using qualitative content analysis to describe the experience.

Results

One main theme emerged: The challenge of being mindfully present in patient encounters. Four themes further described the experience: A challenging but realistic learning experience, learning the impact of nonverbal behaviour, recognising the complexity of verbal behaviour, and learning to be with the patient instead of only doing for the patient.

Conclusion

When caring is intertwined with visible and realistic nursing practice in simulations using standardised patients it facilitates undergraduate nursing students learning compassionate and competent caring behaviour. The learning experience opened the students’ eyes to the impact of practicing caring, recognising that being with is not the same as doing for the patient, and thus, how challenging it is to be mindfully present in patient encounters. Designing caring behaviour simulations with standardised patients is a feasible and efficacious educational learning didactic to facilitate students’ learning caring behaviour and enhancing patients’ experiences.
Ethnic Diversity, Anti‐Immigrant Sentiments, and Radical Right Voting in the Flemish Region of Belgium
Authors: Stiers Dieter , Hooghe Marc
Published: March 2022

A standard assumption in realistic threat theories is that the presence of ethnic minorities is associated with a rise of anti‐immigrant sentiments. However, we do not know whether this presence has a specific local effect, or whether one can detect a more general nationwide perception of threat. Using data from a recent Belgian population survey, we assess the association between ethnic diversity within the local community and anti‐immigrant sentiments. Results suggest a strong negative association between the level of ethnic diversity and anti‐immigrant sentiments. Furthermore, while we do not find evidence for an association between ethnic diversity and radical right voting on the individual level, there is a strong negative correlation on the aggregate level. We conclude with some speculation about how anti‐immigrant sentiments are created in areas with a very low levels of ethnic diversity, and what this implies for the electoral potential of radical‐right parties.
ENERGIES AND PERSONHOOD: A CHRISTOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN IDENTITY
Authors: Thieke James
Published: March 2022

The assertion that Christ is truly and fully human supports using Christology as a starting point to frame discussions surrounding humanity. This article focuses on the Christological distinction between personhood and nature that is made in the Chalcedonian Definition and argues that it could reframe current discussions in the science–theology discourse on humanity identity. As discussions of human identity often center around issues such as personhood, consciousness, and the soul, taking this Christological perspective into account means that scholars must consider whether scientific contributions are engaging with characteristics of human nature or personhood, and recognize the theological distinction. To address some of the troubling implications of this reframing, this article proposes a vision of humanity as natural energies expressing an unrepeatable personhood, based largely on the work of the Eastern Orthodox theologian Christos Yannaras. This proposal takes traditional Christology seriously in its relevance to discussions on human identity, while possibly enabling even more productive engagement with scientific knowledge.
Phytochemical study and antifungal activity of leaf and flower extracts of the Asteraceae species Chromolaena scabra (LF) R. King & H. Rob.
Authors: Garzón-Posse Fabián Andrés , Parra-Amin Jorge Emilio , Muñoz-Cendales Diego Ricardo
Published: March 2022

The Chromolaena genus is composed by about 170 plant species widely distributed in tropical areas. Several kinds of secondary metabolites and different biological activities have been described for species belonging to Chromolaena. This work described, for the first time, the phytochemical analysis of different polarity leaf and flower extracts of the Colombian species Chromolaena scabra (LF)R. King & H. Rob. Conducted assays resulted in the purification and identification of fatty acids derivatives, steroids, a diterpene, and flavonoid metabolites. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of the main groups of secondary metabolites: steroids, triterpenes, carotenoids, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids. In parallel, the antifungal activity of these C. scabra leaf and flowerextracts against the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, was determined.
Rarefaction Effect, Heat Transfer, and Drag Coefficient for Gas Flow Around Square Cylinder in Transition Flow Regime
Authors: Dai Lianfu , Wu Huiying
Published: March 2022

In this work, rarefaction effect, heat transfer, and drag coefficient for gas flow around a square cylinder in transition flow regime are numerically studied using unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS). To reduce computational cost, a mirror symmetry boundary treatment for UGKS is proposed and applied in this study. It is found that: (1) velocity slip is not obvious on upwind and downwind surfaces of square cylinder due to the tangential gas flow being weak in these surfaces; (2) with the increase of local Knudsen number, velocity slip on upper surface always increases, but temperature jump can decrease, which indicates that Knudsen number is not the decisive parameter to characterize temperature jump; (3) the heat transfer between gas and square cylinder enhances with the increase of inflow Knudsen number and cylinder temperature due to the increase of temperature jump and deteriorates with the increase of inflow Mach number on account of gas stagnation; and (4) the drag coefficient increases with the increase of inflow Knudsen number, the decrease of inflow Mach number, and the increase of cylinder temperature. To further predict the variation of average Nusselt number and drag coefficient, correlations for average Nusselt number and drag coefficient with inflow Mach number ranging from 0.05 to 0.3, inflow Knudsen number ranging from 0.1 to 10, and cylinder temperature ranging from 320 K to 380 K are proposed. This research can improve the understanding for mechanisms of gas flow and heat transfer in micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices.
Where to “Play Ball!”? A Case of a Minor League Baseball Team’s Future
Authors: Hyatt Craig , Chard Chris , Kerwin Shannon
Published: March 2022

After 30 years as a minor league baseball team affiliated with various Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, the Campton Hills Crushers were left without a league to play in when MLB removed the affiliations of 42 former minor league farm teams in the winter of 2020-21. Team management believed that they had four options for playing baseball in the 2021 season, including joining a well-established independent professional minor league, joining a well-established amateur summer collegiate league, starting their own in-house independent professional minor league with all teams playing out of Crusher Stadium, or starting their own in-house amateur summer collegiate league with all teams playing out of Crusher Stadium. Participants are asked to recommend one of the four scenarios to team management, based on utilizing a decision-making model that incorporates a pro/con analysis.
Multifocal hepatic small vessel neoplasm with spleen dissemination
Authors: Cicala Carlo Maria , Monaca Federico , Giustiniani Maria Cristina , Di Salvatore Mariantonietta
Published: March 2022

Among liver vascular tumours, hepatic small vessel neoplasm (HSVN) has been recently identified as a rare infiltrative vascular neoplasm whose malignant potential is yet to be fully ascertained. About 30 cases of HSVN have been described so far. The most common clinical presentation is an asymptomatic solitary liver lesion. Multifocal disease has been described in literature; however, to date, there are no reports of disease dissemination to other organs. Here we report a case of multifocal HSVN with synchronous spleen secondary lesions.
Prenatal occupational disinfectant exposure and childhood allergies: the Japan Environment and Children’s study
Authors: Kojima Reiji , Shinohara Ryoji , Kushima Megumi , Horiuchi Sayaka , Otawa Sanae , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Akiyama Yuka , Ooka Tadao , Miyake Kunio , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: March 2022

Background

Disinfectants are widely used in the medical field, particularly recently because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to an increase in their use by both medical professionals and the general population. The objective of this study was to examine whether occupational disinfectant use during pregnancy was associated with the development of allergic disease in offspring at 3 years.

Methods

We used data from 78 915 mother/child pairs who participated in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which is a prospective birth cohort recruited between January 2011 and March 2014. We examined the associations between maternal disinfectant use during pregnancy and allergic diseases (asthma, eczema and food allergies) in children after adjustment for covariates including maternal postnatal return to work when the child was 1 year old by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Compared with those who never used disinfectants, participants who used disinfectant every day had a significantly higher risk of asthma in their offspring (adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.33 for 1–6 times a week; adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.52 for every day). The associations between disinfectant exposure and eczema were similar to those of asthma (adjusted OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.31 for 1–6 times a week; adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.57 for every day). We found a significant exposure-dependent relationship (p for trend <0.01). There were no significant associations between disinfectant use and food allergies.

Conclusion

Disinfectant use by pregnant women may be a risk factor for asthma and eczema in offspring. As disinfectants are an effective tool in the prevention of infectious diseases, replication of this study and further research into the mechanisms are warranted.
Adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes associated with Mycoplasma genitalium: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Frenzer Carole , Egli-Gany Dianne , Vallely Lisa M , Vallely Andrew J , Low Nicola
Published: March 2022

Objective

To examine associations between Mycoplasma genitalium infection during pregnancy and adverse outcomes.

Methods

We did a systematic review of observational studies. We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL up to 11 August 2021. Studies were included if they compared preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight or perinatal death between women with and without M. genitalium. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion and extracted data. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate summary ORs and adjusted ORs, with 95% CIs, where appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed using established checklists.

Results

We identified 116 records and included 10 studies. Women with M. genitalium were more likely to experience preterm birth in univariable analyses (summary unadjusted OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.81, I2=0%, 7 studies). The combined adjusted OR was 2.34 (95% CI 1.17 to 4.71, I2=0%, 2 studies). For spontaneous abortion, the summary unadjusted OR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.89, I2=0%, 6 studies). The adjusted OR in one case–control study was 0.9 (95% CI 0.2 to 3.8). Unadjusted ORs for premature rupture of membranes were 7.62 (95% CI 0.40 to 145.86, 1 study) and for low birth weight 1.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 10.39, 1 study). For perinatal death, the unadjusted OR was 1.07 (95% CI 0.49 to 2.36) in one case–control and 38.42 (95% CI 1.45 to 1021.43) in one cohort study. These two ORs were not combined, owing to heterogeneity. The greatest risk of bias was the failure in most studies to control for confounding.

Conclusion

M. genitalium might be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Further prospective studies, with adequate control for confounding, are needed to understand the role of M. genitalium in adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to indicate routine testing and treatment of asymptomatic M. genitalium in pregnancy.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016050962.
Stable, π-conjugated radical anions of boron–nitrogen dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorenes
Authors: Nguyen Tony , Hannah Tyler J. , Piers Warren E. , Gelfand Benjamin S.
Published: March 2022

We have recently reported the synthesis and application of boron–nitrogen dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorene derivatives as acceptors in organic photovoltaic devices. Their modest observed efficiencies may be related to the properties of their reduced congeners. In this work, we report two new members of this family of compounds prepared via the electrophilic borylation of 2,5-di- p-tolylpyrazine followed by an arylation of the boron center with ZnAr2 reagents. Two derivatives, 1 (Ar = 2,4,6-F3C6H2) and 2 (Ar = C6F5) were synthesized, and their radical anions, 1•− and 2•−, were formed via chemical reductions with CoCp*2 and CoCp2, respectively. Through comparison of structural parameters, as well as spectroscopic and computational data, the unpaired electron in the radical anions is localized in the planar core of the molecule, and dimerization is disfavored as a result. However, unlike the neutral starting materials, 1•− and 2•− are reactive toward ambient atmosphere. These observations suggest that the reduced compounds are stable toward intrinsic degradation pathways but subject to extrinsic degradation in device operation.
Searching for stop LSP at the LHC
Authors: Kpatcha Essodjolo , Lara Iñaki , López-Fogliani Daniel E. , Muñoz Carlos , Nagata Natsumi , Otono Hidetoshi
Published: March 2022

We analyze relevant signals expected at the LHC for a stop as the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). The discussion is carried out in the framework of the $$\mu \nu $$

μ
ν

SSM, where the presence of R-parity violating couplings involving right-handed neutrinos solves the $$\mu $$
μ
-problem and reproduces neutrino data. The stops are pair produced at the LHC, decaying with displaced vertices to a lepton and a bottom quark or a neutrino and a top quark. We compare the predictions of this scenario with ATLAS and CMS searches for long-lived particles. To analyze the parameter space we sample the $$\mu \nu $$

μ
ν

SSM for a stop LSP using a likelihood data-driven method, and paying special attention to reproduce the current experimental data on neutrino and Higgs physics, as well as flavor observables. Our results translate into a lower limit on the mass of the left (right) stop LSP of 1068 GeV (1341 GeV), corresponding to a decay length of 1.86 mm (6.61 mm).
Determining excitation forces acting on the interior surface of an enclosure. Part I: Theory
Authors: Wu Sean F. , Zhou Pan , Lu Yazhong
Published: March 2022

Part I of this paper presents analytic solutions for reconstructing the excitation forces that act on the interior surfaces of a finite solid rectangular enclosure with the fluid loading effect taken into consideration, given vibroacoustic data in the exterior region. The reason for selecting a simple structure is to facilitate the reconstruction of excitation forces. To validate these analytic solutions, we apply the reciprocity principle and demonstrate that when the resultant excitation forces are used to excite the enclosure from the inside, the same vibroacoustic responses in the exterior region in exterior region can be obtained. To illustrate this point, we consider the case in which the top panel of a rectangular box is connected to the side walls through simply-supported boundary conditions, and the rest surfaces are rigid. The top surface of this box may be excited into vibrations by any type of excitation forces from the inside with the fluid loading effect taken into consideration. Note that for arbitrarily shaped structures under arbitrary boundary conditions, numerical solutions can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to determine the excitation forces acting inside an enclosure based on the vibroacoustic information collected in the exterior. The knowledge of the excitation forces is critically important, because it can lead to optimal mitigation strategies to mitigate undesirable noise and vibrations.