bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing zakat compliance through good governance: a conceptual framework
Authors: Sawmar Abdulsalam Ahmed , Mohammed Mustafa Omar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to construct a conceptual framework which explains the relationship between governance of zakat institutions and zakat payment compliance by using the organisational legitimacy theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts content analysis and a review of multidisciplinary literature that primarily relate to zakat institutions, public governance and compliance behaviour.

Findings

The paper has developed a model, adapted from Abioye et al. (2013), concerning the influence of governance mechanisms on zakat payers’ compliance using trust as a moderator. The model comprises four governance mechanisms which influence zakat payment compliance. The four mechanisms include the board and leadership attributes, transparency and disclosure practices, stakeholder management practices and procedural justice. Trust has a moderating effect on the relationship between governance and zakat compliance.

Research limitations/implications

This model is applicable to regulated zakat systems, where the state has established zakat institutions and regulations for the collection and distribution of zakat, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan and Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a model, based on Abioye et al. (2013), to explain the influence of governance on zakat payment compliance. The novelty of the study is the addition of one new critical variable, procedural justice, to the Abioye et al.’s (2013) framework. Secondly, the model is proposed for regulated zakat jurisdictions.
Italy’s Guardia di Finanza: policing financial crime and domestic security in a changing world
Authors: Nussbaum Brian , Doherty Jeffery Ernest
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the many unusual roles played by the Italian Guardia di Finanza (GdF), and how that unique blend of missions sometimes overlaps as much with conceptions of domestic security as it does with the policing of financial crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the agency's historical organization and evolution, legal authorities and changing missions. It uses publicly available government documents and secondary analysis.

Findings

This organization, for historical reasons, was an early version of a hybrid agency that conducted both crime control and national protective missions – policing economic crime, patrolling borders and coasts and attempting to regulate the flows of goods and people into and out of the Italian state.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis uses data collected from annual reports of the Guardia di Finanza, as well as journalistic reporting and scholarly analysis, to assess the changing agency, but it does not use internal sources or direct observation, which could inform future related analyses.

Practical implications

GdF’s unique set of undertakings is particularly relevant as the comparative policing and financial crime literatures grow, and particularly as they continue to overlap with the broader comparative security literature.

Social implications

Policing, and police reform, has been very high profile in recent years, and will continue to be. The unusual structure of Italian policing, and the GdF in particular, have insights that could inform other nations police and policing.

Originality/value

This analysis is designed to describe an unusual case – of financial policing, of policing in general, and of domestic security policy – and illustrating how those issues overlap and relate. National police agencies often have missions that evolve over time, and this is a case study in such evolution.
Comparative analysis of QISMUT+3’s Islamic corporate social responsibility
Authors: Probohudono Agung Nur , Nugraheni Astri , Nurrahmawati An
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on the financial performance of Islamic banks across nine countries as major markets that contribute to international Islamic bank assets (Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Bahrain and Pakistan or further will be called QISMUT + 3 countries).

Design/methodology/approach

Islamic Social Reporting Disclosure Index (ISRDI) is being used as a benchmark for Islamic bank CSR performance that contains a compilation of CSR standard items specified by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions. The secondary data is collected from the respective bank’s annual reports and it used the regression analysis techniques for statistical testing.

Findings

This study found that CSR disclosure measured by ISRDI has a positive effect on financial performance. Almost all ISRDI sub-major categories have a positive effect on financial performance except the “environment” subcategory. The highest major subcategory for ISRDI is the “corporate governance” category (82%) and the “environment” category (13%) is the lowest. For the UAE, Kuwait and Turkey, the ISRDI is positively affected by financial performance and the other countries on this research are not.

Originality/value

This study highlighted the economic benefits of social responsibility practices as a part of business ethics in nine countries that uphold the value of religiosity. Thus, the development of the results of this research for subsequent research is very wide open.
Pedagogy of life beyond happiness
Authors: Hardaker Glenn , Sabki Aishah , Eliza Liyana
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to react to COVID-19 and is intended to transcend the regular thoughts to deeper issues towards humanity and nature. This paper also extends further the article “pedagogy of life beyond extinction” published in the Journal for Multicultural Education. This paper continues this discussion by further inward reflections on the self and the search for ultimate happiness amid the current pandemic that emerged in 2020. The study focusses on a holistic perspective towards a pedagogy that extends further the previous article by focussing on issues of happiness, dialogue and self-awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a reflective and exploratory, style that is an enabler for future research into a pedagogy that is focussed on humanity and nature.

Findings

The conceptual paper explores a holistic perspective towards a pedagogy that considers issues of happiness, dialogue and self-awareness.

Originality/value

This study’s intention is to extend the notion of pedagogy that looks beyond educational institutions in seeking a wider understanding of humanity and nature. The concept of “pedagogy of life beyond happiness” is used as a way to understand levels of the “self” as a way to gain deeper self-awareness. This provides a lens for seeking ultimate happiness.
The impact of perceived brand interactivity on customer purchases. The mediating role of perceived brand fairness and the moderating role of brand involvement
Authors: Gligor David , Bozkurt Sıddık
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of perceived brand interactivity on customer purchases along with the mediating effect of perceived brand fairness. To increase the explanatory power of the model, this study also examines the moderating role of brand involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted to measure the constructs of interest. The direct, indirect (mediation) and conditional (moderation) effects were evaluated using linear regression, PROCESS Model 4 and PROCESS Model 59, respectively. Further, the Johnson Neyman (also called floodlight analysis) technique was used to probe the interaction terms.

Findings

The study results indicate that perceived brand interactivity directly and indirectly (via perceived brand fairness) impact customer purchases. The results also reveal that the positive impact of perceived brand interactivity on perceived brand fairness is greater when brand involvement is lower. In the same vein, the positive impact of perceived brand fairness on customer purchases is greater when brand involvement is lower. However, brand involvement does not moderate the impact of perceived brand involvement on customer purchases.

Originality/value

This study examines the effect of perceived brand interactivity on customer purchases (as a customer engagement behavior) while accounting for the mediating role of perceived brand fairness and the moderating role of brand involvement. The results provide noteworthy theoretical and managerial implications.
Experimental study of resin coating to improve the impact strength of fused filament fabrication process pieces
Authors: López Taborda Luis Lisandro , Pérez Eduar , Quintero Daniel , Noguera Polania José Fernando , Zambrano Rodriguez Habib , Maury Heriberto , Esparragoza Ivan E.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact breaking energy of the parts manufactured by the fused filament fabrication (FFF) method. The evaluation considers the use of the epoxy resin coating, different materials and different printing orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed an experimental statistical design using 54 experimental trials. The experiments’ output variable is the impact break energy of the parts manufactured by the FFF method. The input variables for the experiments consist of an epoxy resin coating (XTC-3D®, generic resin and without resin coating), different filament materials (nylon + carbon fiber, polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate) and different printing orientations (flat, edge and vertical) used. The authors carried out the tests following the EN ISO 179-1.

Findings

The use of resin coating has a significant influence on the impact energy of parts manufactured using the FFF method. The resin coating increases the impact resistance of parts processed by FFF by almost 100% of the value as compared to the parts without a resin coating. Post-processing is useful on ductile materials and increases impact breaking energy at weak print orientations.

Originality/value

This research opens a new opportunity to improve the mechanical properties of parts manufactured using the FFF method. The use of a resin coating reinforces the parts in weak print orientation.
Use of polymer concrete for large-scale 3D printing
Authors: Krčma Martin , Škaroupka David , Vosynek Petr , Zikmund Tomáš , Kaiser Jozef , Palousek David
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the evaluation of a polymer concrete as a three-dimensional (3D) printing material. An associated company has developed plastic concrete made from reused unrecyclable plastic waste. Its intended use is as a construction material.

Design/methodology/approach

The concrete mix, called PolyBet, composed of polypropylene and glass sand, is printed by the fused deposition modelling process. The process of material and parameter selection is described. The mechanical properties of the filled material were compared to its cast state. Samples were made from castings and two different orientations of 3D-printed parts. Three-point flex tests were carried out, and the area of the break was examined. Computed tomography of the samples was carried out.

Findings

The influence of the 3D printing process on the material was evaluated. The mechanical performance of the longitudinal samples was close to the cast state. There was a difference in the failure mode between the states, with cast parts exhibiting a tougher behaviour, with fractures propagating in a stair-like manner. The 3D-printed samples exhibited high degrees of porosity.

Originality/value

The results suggest that the novel material is a good fit for 3D printing, with little to no degradation caused by the process. Layer adhesion was shown to be excellent, with negligible effect on the finished part for the longitudinal orientation. That means, if large-scale testing of buildability is successful, the material is a good fit for additive manufacturing of building components and other large-scale structures.
A receptive-responsive tool for customizing occupant's thermal comfort and maximizing energy efficiency by blending BIM data with real-time information
Authors: Birgonul Zeynep
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are responsible for a significant proportion of the energy consumption of the built environment, on which the occupant's pursuit of thermal comfort has a substantial impact. Regarding this concern, current software can assess and visualize the conditions. However; integration of existing technologies and real-time information could enhance the potential of the solution proposals. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore new possibilities of how to upgrade building information modeling (BIM) technology to be interactive; by using existing BIM data during the occupation phase. Moreover, the research discusses the potential of enhancing energy efficiency and comfort maximization together by using the existing BIM database and real-time information concomitantly.

Design/methodology/approach

The platform is developed by designing and testing via prototyping method thanks to Internet of things technologies. The algorithm of the prototype uses real-time indoor thermal information and real-time weather information together with user's body temperature. Moreover, the platform processes the thermal values with specific material information from the existing BIM file. The final prototype is tested by a case study model.

Findings

The outcome of the study, “Symbiotic Data Platform” is an occupant-operated tool, that has a hardware, software and unique Revit-Dynamo definition that implies to all BIM files.

Originality/value

The paper explains the development of “Symbiotic Data Platform”, which presents an interactive phase for BIM, as creating a possibility to use the existing BIM database and real-time values during the occupation phase, which is operated by the occupants of the building; without requiring any prior knowledge upon any of the BIM software or IoT technology.
Low field magnetic stimulation promotes myelin repair and cognitive recovery in chronic cuprizone mouse model
Authors: Wang Zitong , Baharani Akanksha , Wei Zelan , Truong Davin , Bi Xiaoying , Wang Fei , Li Xin‐Min , Verge Valerie M. K. , Zhang Yanbo
Published: February 2021

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease featured with neuroinflammation, demyelination, and the loss of oligodendrocytes. Cognitive impairment and depression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms in MS that are poorly managed with the present interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS), a novel non‐invasive neuromodulation technology, on cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms associated with MS using a mouse model of demyelination.

Methods

C57BL female mice were fed with a 0.2% cuprizone diet for 12 weeks to induce a chronic demyelinating model followed by 4 weeks of cuprizone withdrawal with either sham or LFMS treatment.

Results

Improved cognition and depression‐like behaviour and restored weight gain were observed in mice with LFMS treatment. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting data showed enhanced myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein expressions (MOG) in the prefrontal cortex of mice with LFMS treatment, supporting that myelin repair was promoted. LFMS also increased the protein expression of mature oligodendrocyte biomarker glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST‐π). In addition, expression of TGF‐β and associated receptors were elevated with LFMS treatment, implicating this pathway in the response.

Conclusion

Results from the present study revealed LFMS to have neuroprotective effects, suggesting that LFMS has potential therapeutic value for treating cognitive impairment and depression related to demyelination disorders.
Intrauterine vertical SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: a case confirming transplacental transmission followed by divergence of the viral genome
Authors: Zaigham M , Holmberg A , Karlberg ML , Lindsjö OK , Jokubkiene L , Sandblom J , Strand AS , Andersson O , Hansson SR , Nord DG , Tannenberg P
Published: February 2021

This article includes Author Insights, a video abstract available at https://vimeo.com/bjog/authorinsights16682
Model‐based biclustering for overdispersed count data with application in microbial ecology
Authors: Aubert Julie , Schbath Sophie , Robin Stéphane
Published: February 2021

Different studies have shown that microbial communities living in animals (humans included), in or around plants have a significant impact on health and disease of their host and on various services, such as adaptation under stressing environment. The basic input data to study microbiomes is a matrix representing abundance data of micro‐organisms across different sampling units. Such a matrix typically corresponds to taxonomic profiles derived from the high‐throughput sequencing of environmental samples. Biclustering is one way to study the interactions between the structure of micro‐organism communities and the environmental samples they come from.

We propose a latent block model (LBM) and an associated inference procedure for the biclustering of rows and columns of abundance matrices. The LBM assumes that micro‐organisms (rows) and environmental samples (columns) can both be clustered into groups characterizing preferential interaction or avoidance. We use the Poisson–Gamma distribution to model the overdispersion observed in microbial abundance data and introduce row and column effects to account for the sequencing effort in each sample and the mean abundance of each micro‐organism. Because the latent variables are not independent conditionally on the observed ones, classical maximum likelihood inference is intractable. We then derive a variational‐based inference algorithm and propose a strategy to select the number of biclusters.

We illustrate the flexibility and performance of our approach both on a simulation study and on three ecological datasets. The model‐based framework allows us to adapt to peculiarities of microbial ecological abundance data and allows us to explore relationships between entities of two different natures.

We implemented our method in thecobiclustRpackage available on the CRAN and built a website with example of usage (https://julieaubert.github.io/cobiclust/cobiclust‐example1.html).
Psychoactive substances have major impact on injuries in rural arctic Norway – A prospective observational study
Authors: Wilson Thomas , Wisborg Torben , Vindenes Vigdis , Jamt Ragnhild G. , Furuhaugen Håvard , Bogstrand Stig Tore
Published: February 2021

Background

Rural areas have increased injury mortality with a high pre‐hospital death rate. Knowledge concerning the impact of psychoactive substances on injury occurrence is lacking for rural arctic Norway. These substances are also known to increase pre‐, per‐ and postoperative risk. The aim was by prospective observational design to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of psychoactive substance use among injured patients in Finnmark county.

Methods

From January 2015 to August 2016, patients ≥18 years admitted to hospitals in Finnmark due to injury were approached when competent. Blood was analysed for ethanol, sedatives, opioids, hypnotics and illicit substances in consenting patients, who completed a questionnaire gathering demographic factors, self‐reported use/behaviour and incident circumstances.

Results

In 684 injured patients who consented to participation (81% consented), psychoactive substances were detected in 35.7%, alcohol being the most prevalent (23%). Patients in whom substances were detected were more often involved in violent incidents (odds ratio 8.92 95% confidence interval 3.24‐24.61), indicated harmful use of alcohol (odds ratio 3.56, 95% confidence interval 2.34‐5.43), reported the incident being a fall (odds ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.47‐3.33) and presented with a reduced level of consciousness (odds ratio 3.91, 95% confidence interval 1.58‐9.67). Subgroup analysis revealed significant associations between testing positive for a psychoactive substance and being diagnosed with a head injury or traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of injured patients had used psychoactive substances prior to admission. Use was associated with violence, falls, at‐risk alcohol consumption, decreased level of consciousness on admittance and head injury.
GABAergic projections to the ventral tegmental area govern cocaine‐conditioned reward
Authors: Weitz Moriya , Khayat Alaa , Yaka Rami
Published: February 2021

Elevated dopamine (DA) levels in the reward system underlie various drug‐related behaviors, including addiction. As a major DA source in the reward system, the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is highly regulated by GABAergic inputs projected from different brain regions. It was previously shown that cocaine exposure reduces GABAA‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in VTA DA neurons; however, the specific GABAergic input underlying this inhibitory effect remains unknown. Here, using optogenetics, we separately activate and characterize different GABAergic afferents innervating the VTA, focusing on the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc). GABAA‐mediated IPSCs were recorded from VTA DA neurons, and the effect of DA‐induced inhibition was measured in an afferent‐specific manner. In addition, to examine the effect of enhanced GABAergic tone on the rewarding properties of cocaine, we exogenously activated the different GABAergic inputs during the acquisition phase of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). We found that acute cocaine exposure strongly attenuates GABAA‐mediated IPSCs in VTA DA neurons from both inhibitory sources. Furthermore, exogenous light activation of both RMTg and NAc afferents in the VTA during the acquisition of cocaine‐CPP significantly reduced the rewarding properties of cocaine. This behavioral observation was correlated with the reduction in the neuronal activity of VTA DA neurons as measured by the expression of c‐fos. Together, these results emphasize the critical role of these GABAergic inputs to the VTA in modulating and potentially interrupting cocaine reward.
Comparison of apical debris extrusion using clockwise and counter‐clockwise single‐file reciprocation of rotary and reciprocating systems
Authors: Predin Djuric Natasa , Van Der Vyver Peet , Vorster Martin , Vally Zunaid Ismail
Published: February 2021

The aim was to evaluate apical debris extrusion produced by a single‐file system used in counter‐clockwise reciprocation and compare it to rotary single‐file systems used in clockwise rotation and clockwise reciprocation. A total of 100 first mandibular molars were divided into five groups (n = 20): (i) WaveOne Gold Glider and Primary instrument in counter‐clockwise reciprocation; (ii) One G and One Curve file in clockwise rotation; (iii) One G and One Curve file in clockwise reciprocation; (iv) TruNatomy Glider and Prime instrument in clockwise rotation; and (v) TruNatomy Glider and Prime instrument in clockwise reciprocation. Apical debris extruded was measured after glide path preparation and canal preparation. WaveOne Gold displayed significantly higher amounts of apical debris extrusion in all the groups (P < 0.05). The lowest mean values were recorded by clockwise reciprocation groups: TruNatomy Glider, One Curve and TruNatomy Glider and Prime combined value, for glide path, canal preparation and combined mean values, respectively.
Welfare impacts of increasing teff prices on Ethiopian consumers
Authors: Wang Yanghao , Çakır Metin
Published: February 2021

Teff is an ancient grain primarily produced in Ethiopia and providing more than 10% of the total calories consumed in the country. The grain is considered as “super grain” due to its nutritional qualities, and it has seen an increase in its demand and price in recent years. These trends raise public concerns about the affordability of the grain and the prevalence of food insecurity in Ethiopia. Therefore, we investigate the impacts of increasing teff prices on consumers’ welfare by regions. Using data from two waves of the Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey 2013–2014 and 2015–2016, we examine the consumption patterns of cereals in Ethiopia and estimate a two‐stage structural demand system. We find that teff is the most own‐price inelastic grain in Ethiopia and an increase of 10% in teff prices will reduce consumer welfare by 0.81, 1.29, and 1.73 Birrs per week for the average rural, town, and urban consumers, respectively. These estimates correspond to 1.64, 2.31, and 2.46% of their weekly food budgets. We also find the negative effects of an increase in teff prices are smaller for the lower‐income groups as they have relatively lower expenditures on teff. Additionally, we analyze the effects of simultaneous changes in wheat and teff prices to measure the extent to which Ethiopia's food policy of distributing subsidized wheat could offset the consumer welfare loss due to an increase in teff prices.
MiRNAs and radical prostatectomy: Current data, bioinformatic analysis and utility as predictors of tumour relapse
Authors: Konoshenko Maria Yu. , Laktionov Pavel P.
Published: February 2021

Background

Studies of microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes have particular interest for cancer biology and medicine due to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and markers. These studies are extensively influenced by anticancer therapy, as miRNAs interfere with the therapy's efficacy in prostate cancer (PCa).

Objectives

In this article, we summarise the available data on the influence of radical prostatectomy (RP) and biochemical recurrence on miRNA expression.

Materials and methods

Molecular targets of these miRNAs, as well as the reciprocal relations between different miRNAs and their targets, were studied using the DIANA, STRING and TransmiR databases. Special attention was dedicated to the mechanisms of PCa development, miRNA, and associated genes as tumour development mediators.

Results and discussion

Combined analysis of the databases and available literature indicates that expression of four miRNAs that are associated with prostate cancer relapse and alter their expression after RP, combined with genes that closely interact with selected miRNAs, has high potential for the prediction of PCa relapse after RP. PCa tissues and biofluids, both immediately after RP for diagnostics/prognostics and in long‐term (relapse) monitoring, may be used as sources of these miRNAs.

Conclusion

An overview of the usefulness of published data and bioinformatics resources looking for diagnostic markers and molecular targets is presented in this article. The selected miRNA and gene panels have good potential as prognostic and PCa relapse markers after RP and likely could also serve as markers for therapeutic efficiency on a broader scale.
Stabilisation of the preterm infant in the delivery room using nasal high flow: A 5—year retrospective analysis
Authors: Siva Naren V. , Reynolds Peter R.
Published: February 2021

Aim

This study reviews clinical outcomes after initiating a routine policy of preterm respiratory stabilisation using nasal high flow (HF) in the delivery room (DR).

Method

This was a retrospective observational cohort study in a single‐centre neonatal intensive care unit and included all neonates born before 32 weeks of gestation between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2020. Stabilisation measures and outcomes were recorded including oxygen requirements, admission temperature, surfactant administration, invasive ventilation within 72 h of birth, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and death.

Results

There were 491 eligible babies during the 5‐year epoch. 292 were stabilised using HF in the DR. The median admission temperature in babies transferred on HF was 36.8°C, and the median FiO2 at admission was 25%. 45% of these infants received surfactant. At 72 postnatal hours, 78% were either sustained on HF or were either self‐ventilating in air (SVIA) or receiving low‐flow nasal cannula (LFNC) respiratory support. 27% were intubated within 7 days. At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, 36% of survivors had BPD.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that preterm babies <32 weeks can be effectively stabilised on HF in the DR.
Retracted: Redistribution of economic resources in the digital society
Authors: Lomakina Oksana , Kookueva Viktoriya , Makarenko Anna
Published: February 2021

The aftermath of the pandemic has sparked a deep global economic downturn and a significant rethinking of business technology. Digital transformation processes have intensified, which is reflected in the development of global supply chains. The purpose of this study is to conduct a descriptive comparative analysis of the processes of redistribution of economic resources and assess the processes of digital transformation of society and integration into world supply chains on the example of Russia. This study is based on empirical data obtained as a result of collecting and processing statistical information from various public domain works. To achieve the objectives of the study, indicators such as the logistics performance index, the ICT development index, the digital economy and society index and the digital life index were considered. Among the main changes in the structure of economic resources in a digital society, one can single out: a decrease in the role of natural resources, the development of the concept of renewable resources, and a decrease in dependence on financial resources. At the same time, the role of human resources, knowledge, and entrepreneurial potential is significantly enhanced, which determines the prospects for digitalization of society.
Can network analysis of self‐reported psychopathology shed light on the core phenomenology of bipolar disorders in adolescents and young adults?
Authors: Scott Jan , Crouse Jacob J , Ho Nicholas , Carpenter Joanne , Martin Nicholas , Medland Sarah , Parker Richard , Byrne Enda , Couvy‐Duchesne Baptiste , Mitchell Brittany , Merikangas Kathleen , Gillespie Nathan A. , Hickie Ian
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Network analysis is increasingly applied to psychopathology research. We used it to examine the core phenomenology of emerging bipolar disorder (BD I and II) and ‘at risk’ presentations (major depression with a family history of BD).

Methodology

The study sample comprised a community cohort of 1867 twin and nontwin siblings (57% female; mean age ~26) who had completed self‐report ratings of (i) depression‐like, hypomanic‐like and psychotic‐like experiences; (ii) family history of BD; and (iii) were assessed for mood and psychotic syndromes using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Symptom networks were compared for recent onset BD versus other cohort members and then for individuals at risk of BD (depression with/without a family history of BD).

Results

The four key symptoms that differentiated recent onset BD from other cohort members were: anergia, psychomotor speed, hypersomnia and (less) loss of confidence. The four key symptoms that differentiated individuals at high risk of BD from unipolar depression were anergia, psychomotor speed, impaired concentration and hopelessness. However, the latter network was less stable and more error prone.

Conclusions

We are encouraged by the overlaps between our findings and those from two recent publications reporting network analyses of BD psychopathology, especially as the studies recruited from different populations and employed different network models. However, the advantages of applying network analysis to youth mental health cohorts (which include many individuals with multimorbidity) must be weighed against the disadvantages including basic issues such as judgements regarding the selection of items for inclusion in network models.
Using a virtual lab network testbed to facilitate real‐world hands‐on learning in a networking course
Authors: Luse Andy , Rursch Julie
Published: February 2021

Engineering and technology educators continually strive for realistic, hands‐on laboratory exercises to enhance their students’ learning. This research describes the redesign of an undergraduate introductory computer networking course to include new weekly virtual laboratory assignments that culminate in a ‘real world’ final project of configuring a ‘corporate’ network. The use of an Internet testbed technology named ISEAGE allows students to design and implement fully functional networks using public IP space that is contained in the testbed. To the students, it appears as if they were directly connected to the Internet while still being protected. This paper shows that ‘real world’ projects using virtual lab technology can have a positive effect both on objective networking knowledge, as well as subjective self‐assessments of self‐efficacy with regard to implementing the technology. It also demonstrates that ‘real world’ final projects encourage student thinking at upper levels of Bloom's taxonomy.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Computer and engineering courses require hands‐on labs.

Due to online enrollment and the current COVID pandemic, these hands‐on labs need to be taught virtually.

What this paper adds

We detail a virtual lab environment for teaching hands‐on skills in computer networking.

We longitudinally assess the virtual lab technology across multiple institutions.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Other practitioners can implement this same technology for teaching hands‐on networking concepts virtually.
Social support and dental caries experience: Findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study
Authors: Laniado Nadia , Sanders Anne E. , Fazzari Melissa J. , Badner Victor M. , Singer Richard H. , Finlayson Tracy L. , Hua Simin , Isasi Carmen R.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To examine the association of social support with dental caries experience in Hispanics/Latinos living in the United States (US) and to assess whether the relationship is modified by nativity status.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analysed data for 4459 dentate men and women aged 18‐74 years in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study. At baseline (2008‐2011), dentists quantified dental caries experience as the number of decayed, missing, and filled permanent tooth surfaces (DMFS) for all teeth excluding third molars. Social support was assessed according to measures of structural support (Social Network Index) and functional support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List). Covariate‐adjusted multiple linear regression estimated the relationship between social support and dental caries experience and tested whether the association was modified by nativity status (born within the 50 US states, foreign‐born <10 years in the United States, foreign‐born >10 years or more in the United States).

Results

In covariate‐adjusted models, each additional role in the social network was associated with 1.39 fewer DMF tooth surfaces (95% CI: −2.21, −0.58) among foreign‐born Hispanics/Latinos with fewer than 10 years lived in the US. For foreign‐born Hispanics/Latinos with 10 years or more in the United States, each additional social network role was associated with 0.57 fewer DMF tooth surfaces (95% CI: −1.19, 0.04). No association was observed between functional social support and dental caries experience regardless of nativity status.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that structural social support is protective against dental caries experience among recent immigrants of Hispanic/Latino background. This association may reflect the importance of social support to integration into the medical and dental infrastructure and thus receipt of dental care. Future research that examines the behavioural and cultural factors that moderate the relationship between social support and dental caries experience will inform development of culturally sensitive dental caries prevention programs for Hispanics/Latinos in the United States.
Macroscopic assessment of the quality of cold perfusion after deceased‐donor kidney procurement: A United Kingdom population‐based cohort study
Authors: Dabare Dilan , Hodson James , Nath Jay , Sharif Adnan , Kalia Neena , Inston Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Concern regarding the quality of cold perfusion (QOP) during macroscopic assessment of procured kidneys is a common reason for discard. In the UK, QOP is routinely graded by both retrieving and implanting teams during back‐bench surgery as: 1 (good), 2 (fair), 3 (poor) or 4 (patchy). We evaluated the association of this grading with organ utilization, graft outcomes, and agreement between teams. Data on all deceased‐donor kidneys procured between January 2000 and December 2016 were analyzed for discard rates, while association with graft outcomes was studied in single adult transplants. Of 31,167 kidneys procured, 90.6%, 5.7%, 1.7%, and 2.1% were assigned grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, at retrieval. QOP was an independent risk factor of discard, with the highest rates observed in grade 3 kidneys (41.8%), compared to 6.5% in grade 1 (aOR 7.67, 95% CI 5.44–10.82, p < .001). Grading at retrieval was an independent predictor of delayed graft function (p = .019) and primary non‐function (p = .001), but not long‐term graft survival (p = .111). Implanting grade was an independent predictor of all three outcomes (p < .001, p < .001, and p = .002, respectively). Consistency of grading between teams was poor (Kappa = 0.179). QOP influences utilization and predicts outcomes, but a standardized and validated scoring system is required.
Potential range expansion and niche shift of the invasive Hyphantria cunea between native and invasive countries
Authors: Tang Xinggang , Yuan Yingdan , Liu Xiaofei , Zhang Jinchi
Published: February 2021

1. Hyphantria cunea is a problematic invasive species that has caused considerable damage to agricultural and forestry ecosystems in China.

2. We compared 19 bioclimate variables between its native country (the United States of America) and China to elucidate the environmental factors associated with its presence. Using present climate data (1970–2000) and projected future climate data (2050 and 2070) based on two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs 2.6 and 8.5), we used MaxEnt to predict the suitable habitat areas for H. cunea in the USA and China. Using these analyses, we predicted the niche change of H. cunea in China using the ‘ecospat’ package in R.

3. Our model predicts that climate change will generally increase the extent of suitable habitat in both China and the USA, although low latitude areas will be limited by future climate change. We also report low niche overlap between the USA and Chinese populations of H. cuena and significant differences in bioclimate variables associate with its presence in each country. Therefore, our results suggest H. cunea has adapted to several climatic conditions in China. This indicates the niche of H. cunea may shift and adapt to novel environmental conditions over the course of its spread.

4. Overall, the analysis of the environmental characteristics, niche changes, and suitable areas of H. cunea provides a basis for pest control and management strategies aimed at preventing further spread. Our methods may also be used to study other similar invasive species.
Method to determine van der Waals potential energy of particle interactions for soil clay by dynamic light scattering
Authors: Li Qinyi , Shi Weiyu , Yang Qingyan
Published: February 2021

Soil particle interaction forces/energies control aggregation and breakup/dispersion processes, which further profoundly affect a series of soil micro‐ and macro‐processes. For soils with complex compositions, it is the interaction energy of different particles that determines particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown/dispersion. However, measuring the interaction energy for complex systems remains a challenge. In this study we proposed a method to measure this van der Waals potential energy using the dynamic light scattering technique. Firstly, the mathematic relationship between the mean aggregation rate and van der Waals potential energy was established. The mean aggregation rates of particles for either simple or complex systems can be facilely determined by the dynamic light scattering technique. Secondly, for verifying the availability of the suggested method, montmorillonite suspensions in four different electrolyte solutions (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2) were respectively employed to measure the van der Waals potential energy, which equals −17,817 ± 857 J mol−1 or −7.22 ± 0.304 kT with an average deviation of 4.22%; this directly verified the reliability of the suggested method. Thirdly, the proposed method was also verified indirectly and independently by the ratio of the electrostatic potential energy of particles to the presence of K+ and Na+, as compared with the ratios from the determined van der Waals potential energy of this study and from cation adsorption selectivity. Considering the dynamic light scattering technique has been widely applied for characterizing soil/clay/humus/microbe aggregation, the proposed method should be appropriate for measuring the van der Waals potential energy for all those systems.

Highlights

Develop a simple method to measure the mean interaction energy for complex systems.

The mathematic relationship between the mean aggregation rate and van der Waals energy was established.

A method to measure the van der Waals potential energy using the dynamic light scattering technique has been proposed.

The van der Waals potential energy in the soil system can be measured in different electrolyte solutions and KCl might be the best one.
Quantifying 25 years of disease‐caused declines in Tasmanian devil populations: host density drives spatial pathogen spread
Authors: Cunningham Calum X. , Comte Sebastien , McCallum Hamish , Hamilton David G. , Hamede Rodrigo , Storfer Andrew , Hollings Tracey , Ruiz‐Aravena Manuel , Kerlin Douglas H. , Brook Barry W. , Hocking Greg , Jones Manna E.
Published: February 2021

Infectious diseases are strong drivers of wildlife population dynamics, however, empirical analyses from the early stages of pathogen emergence are rare. Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), discovered in 1996, provides the opportunity to study an epizootic from its inception. We use a pattern‐oriented diffusion simulation to model the spatial spread of DFTD across the species' range and quantify population effects by jointly modelling multiple streams of data spanning 35 years. We estimate the wild devil population peaked at 53 000 in 1996, less than half of previous estimates. DFTD spread rapidly through high‐density areas, with spread velocity slowing in areas of low host densities. By 2020, DFTD occupied >90% of the species' range, causing 82% declines in local densities and reducing the total population to 16 900. Encouragingly, our model forecasts the population decline should level‐off within the next decade, supporting conservation management focused on facilitating evolution of resistance and tolerance.
Variability of rituximab and tocilizumab trough concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Truffot Aurélie , Gautier‐Veyret Elodie , Baillet Athan , Jourdil Jean‐François , Stanke‐Labesque Françoise , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric
Published: February 2021

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are eligible for treatment with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), as well as others, such as rituximab (RTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ). Although pharmacokinetic variability and the link between concentration‐clinical response of anti‐TNFα mAbs have been well‐described, little is known about RTX and TCZ. We aimed to evaluate the variability of RTX and TCZ serum concentrations in RA patients treated in second‐line and the relationship between RTX/TCZ concentrations and the clinical response. Serum mAb trough concentrations of RA patients treated with RTX (n = 35) or TCZ (n = 46) were determined at week 24 by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The clinical response was assessed at week 24 by the change in the disease activity score in the 28 joints‐erythrocyte sedimentation rate from baseline (ΔDAS28‐Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations. RTX and TCZ trough concentrations were highly variable, with a coefficient of variation of 171.3% for RTX (median [10th‐90th percentiles]: <1.0 µg/mL [<1.0–5.1]) and 132.6% for TCZ (median [10th‐90th percentiles]: 5.4 µg/mL [<1.0–27.8]). Univariate analysis did not identify any determinants of such variability, except cotreatment with methotrexate, which was associated with lower RTX concentrations (P = 0.03). The response to treatment was not related to the RTX or TCZ trough concentration. RTX and TCZ trough concentrations at 24 weeks were highly variable in RA patients treated in the second line, without any link concentration‐clinical response having been demonstrated.
Climate change reshapes the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of a Neotropical seed dispersal system
Authors: Sales Lilian P. , Kissling W. Daniel , Galetti Mauro , Naimi Babak , M. Pires Mathias
Published: February 2021

Aim

Global changes will redistribute biodiversity, reshaping ecological interactions and ecosystem processes. The decoupling in the distribution of plants and their mutualistic seed dispersers, for instance, may have overlooked eco‐evolutionary effects. How animal‐dispersed plants will respond to changes in the distribution of their seed dispersers remains largely an open question. Here, we forecast the consequences of climate change and frugivory interactions for the spatial distribution and seed size evolution of a Neotropical palm species.

Location

Atlantic forests of South America.

Time period

Present day, end of 21st century.

Major taxa studied

Thirty‐two species of frugivorous birds, and a palm (Euterpe edulis).

Methods

Future patterns of animal–plant co‐occurrence were derived from ecological niche models, climate forecasts, projections of future forest loss, and seed dispersal simulations. We further explored the evolutionary effect of the spatial reorganization of interactions by modelling palm seed sizes as a function of changes in the distribution of frugivore traits.

Results

Our models indicate that future climate change and deforestation may reduce the palm’s suitable distribution by 20%–50%. However, our simulations suggest that 66% of all remaining future suitable distribution (76,200 km2) would still be inaccessible to the palm without the active dispersal of seeds by frugivores. In addition, novel frugivore communities are projected to have smaller mean body mass and gape size (−23% and −10%, respectively), due to the loss of large frugivores, which may translate into a 6%–17% reduction of seed sizes across the palm’s remaining distribution.

Main conclusions

Our projections indicate that frugivore seed dispersal may be critical to allow occupancy of future habitat by animal‐dispersed plants. However, loss of large frugivores may affect trait selection regimes, creating hotspots of plant evolution towards smaller seeds. We argue that such complex dynamics emerging from species‐specific responses to global change may reshape the distribution and evolution of several interacting partners worldwide.