bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-group assessment of safety culture among engineering students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Khalid Khalizani , Khalid Khalisanni , Davidson Ross
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factor structure of safety culture construct among engineering students at university context and to examine the measurement invariance of this instrument across different socio-demographic groups in a sample of engineering students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory online questionnaire was completed by 770 undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students across the UAE. Data were analyzed using a diversified multi-group and a robust and sophisticated cross-validation testing strategy. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test factor structures identified in previous studies. Multi-group invariance testing was conducted to determine the extent to which factor structure is comparable across groups (i.e. gender, educational and experiential background).

Findings

Three-factor model was preferred for its parsimony. The results showed that the level of safety awareness and attitude is relatively satisfactory, whereas safety behaviour is inadequate. No significant difference was showed in multi-group invariance between demographic groups.

Research limitations/implications

This research is a cross-sectional study and limited to the views of engineering students (informal group). The study would benefit from both informal and formal groups in assessing safety culture at university for a robust empirical evidence. The research highlights relevant implications for policy and program development, by pointing to the need to promote safety culture and mitigate safety-related accidents among engineering students.

Originality/value

This paper offers insight into benefit of understanding the level of safety culture among engineering students and extend knowledge of informal group involvement in safety-related accidents at university level.
Is entrepreneurship enough to achieve superior performance in SMEs in emerging countries? Multiple mediation of market orientation and marketing capabilities
Authors: Cruz Rincon Martha Lucia , Agredo Diaz Martha Lucia , Puente Raquel Castro
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the multiple mediation role of both market orientation (MO) and marketing capabilities (MC) in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance (OP), given that the results of previous studies are not conclusive. Consequently, this relationship can be more complex than a direct relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation models, the proposed conceptual model is tested with data from 154 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the low-tech manufacturing sector of an emerging Latin American country. Data analysis was performed using structural equations.

Findings

The results confirm that the relationship between EO and OP is not significant. Likewise, the roles of individual and sequential mediation of MO and MC in the relationship between EO and OP are confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of the study. A longitudinal study could provide additional insights regarding the relationships among these variables and their effect on performance.

Practical implications

Guidelines help businesses in emerging markets to consider the importance of developing entrepreneurs’ MC and MO to optimize the impact of EO on OP.

Social implications

Guidelines help public policymakers in emerging markets to consider the importance of developing entrepreneurs’ MC and MO to optimize the impact of EO on OP.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to understanding the complex relationship between EO and OP, which remains relatively underexplored in SMEs in developing countries (Buli, 2017), by analyzing the key role of OM and MC in a multiple mediation model not considered in previous empirical evidence.
A social system for sustainable local e-government
Authors: Nurdin Nurdin , Scheepers Helana , Stockdale Rosemary
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Most studies in electronic government (e-government) sustainability focus on the role of specific actors (stakeholders such as government employees or citizens) in sustaining an e-government project. However, such actors may not have sufficient resources to support e-government sustainability by themselves and must collaborate across different departments and stakeholders to sustain e-government projects. This paper aims to take a social systems theory perspective on sustainable local e-government, where actors cooperate and coordinate in a social system to leverage resources for e-government sustainability in local government contexts in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an interpretive study of two local e-government case studies based on in-depth interviews with local government information technology (IT) managers, local leaders and staff. Data analysis based on constructivist grounded theory is used to understand the role of a social system in sustaining e-government systems in local governments in developing countries.

Findings

The original social system theory was developed for industry initiatives and adapted for public organisations in this paper. The unique characteristics of the public sector and e-government innovation are used to identify new components of the social system related to local e-government. Local e-government is sustained through a collaboration between actors in a social system to leverage resources and reduce challenges.

Research limitations/implications

While this is an exploratory study, the cases show that the use of a social system theory consisting of institutional, management, social and economic components requires multiple lenses for investigation. This is a challenging process because it requires different areas of knowledge to carry out the research. The challenges may influence the overall outcome of this study. In addition, the two cases may generate limited insight and experiences as this study was carried out within two local governments in Indonesia. The findings may not provide a strong basis for generalization to other contexts.

Practical implications

This study offers guidance to local government IT departments to improve collaboration in a social system between local actors (such as political, managers and staff) while implementing and using e-government systems.

Social implications

Sustainable local e-government requires all actors to coordinate and cooperate in a social system to reduce financial, political and technical challenges.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insight into how a local government collaborates in a social system to realize sustainable e-government systems. Collaborating in a social system reduces common challenges and leverages resources to support e-government sustainability.
In search of value: the role of organizational status in the valuation of resources
Authors: Nicholas Karen R. , Sproul Curtis R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

All organizations have social standing, but only some seek to improve their status, despite evidence that benefits may come with status. However, research is lacking on understanding how organizations value status and whether status is valued equally across all organizations. This study aims to understand how different organizations value status and quality, as well as illustrate the impact of organizational status on these valuations.

Design/methodology/approach

Major League Baseball (MLB) free-agent market data from 2013–2017 are used to test hypotheses. Organizations and players each have a certain amount of status, and free-agent contract information is publicly available. A mixed-effect regression model was employed to account for the nested nature of the data. While MLB teams are not typical organizations, its results are relevant for many organizations operating in a socially stratified environment.

Findings

Overall, the findings suggest that status is expensive for organizations and is more expensive for high-status organizations. Specifically, high-status organizations need to increase their awareness of the costs associated with status to ensure that the benefits of status are equivalent or greater. By contrast, quality was valued practically equivalently by both low- and high-status organizations.

Originality/value

The results provide clarity regarding the valuations of quality and status. The authors find that low-status organizations can avoid status costs. The results may allow organizations the opportunity of reflection on their perceived value of status, allowing for a separation of the value of quality from status.
Musina Municipality tourism management and strategies: a sustainable-eco-tourism inclusive business insights for the town, abbuting peri-urban and countryside existences
Authors: Ramaano Azwindini Isaac
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This inquiry examines Musina Municipality's tourism development states and strategies with “a study of existing documents and respondents' acknowledgments on their conceived engagements on tourism administrations in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.” Imports of sustainable tourism and community subsistence have developed in modern years. Yet, not numerous such investigations centered on synergies inside the assorted characters of tourism and their businesses. Besides, meaningful aid to promote local settlements and sustainability in provincial districts is not modestly perceived. Hence the foremost aim is to appraise a strategy for consolidating tourism as an instrument for sustainable local community development (SLMD). The examination reasons that Musina Municipality has abundant tourism feasibilities and natural resources but requires a more diverse dependable tourism plan around the ecotourism market to permit the local inhabitants while promoting environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

To grasp the dynamics of tourism actualities and their management around the communities in the Municipality, Focus group discussion (FGDs), surveys, interviews and existing document inspections, supplemented by field observations, were appropriated. Consequently, Microsoft Excel, Cross-tabulation and manual sorting of data interpretation systematized the exploration of the data. The features supplementing the antecedent and modern tourism states toward sustainable-eco-tourism enterprises and assorted welfare in Musina Municipality got explained.

Findings

This study exposes an inoperative unity between sustainable tourism initiatives and ecotourism imperatives. The aforesaid could work enthusiastically on multiple forms of rural tourism in the adjoining local populations and the uprightness of urban tourism in Musina town. So, it has deliberated a basis for a conventional, sustainable, and ecotourism-bound market-orientated tourism approach to allow the local neighborhoods in Musina Municipality and its foundation toward the intact Province.

Originality/value

Musina Municipality is among the renowned desiccate precincts in the North of Limpopo Province in South Africa. It got designated by the poverty-stricken rural populations. A predicament is kindred to various agricultural societies elsewhere in the world. The Municipality nevertheless grounds itself in a diverse tourism-based exhibition within the Limpopo province, the Vhembe region. Such particularized wealth manifest through ecotourism-based realities akin to the Nwanedi Provincial Park (NPP), Tshipise Forever Resort (TFF), Nwanedi Resort (NN) and many others.
Reinforcing purchase behaviors through CSR and ethical practices
Authors: Hayat Khizar , Jianjun Zhu , Ali Sharafat
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study examines the relationship between consumers’ ethical sensitivity, corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and impulse behaviors. Ethical behavior has been a subject of increasing research interest. However, there is an imperious need to inspect ethical decision-making through holistic attention to impulse purchasing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops a set of hypotheses to understand the relationships. The online survey method was used to collect data, and 420 valid questionnaires, in total, were retrieved. In a two-step process, first, reliability and validity were initially measured. Second, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The analyses support the social marketing theory (SMT) and the general theory of marketing (GTM) ethics related to business strategy. Moreover, the study examines the mediating role of organizational trust, organizational identification and eco-branding in these relationships. The ethical and CSR practices for stakeholders positively affect organizational identification and trust that mediate the relationship between impulse buying and ethical attempts. Furthermore, from an ethical and climate change perspective, eco-branding positively mediates the relationship between impulse buying and environmental advertising. The moderating role of trust is significant in the relationship between impulse buying behavior (IBB) and repurchase behavior.

Originality/value

A critical factor explaining individuals’ behaviors has never been investigated using a holistic approach to IBB with ethical and CSR practices. The study profoundly contributes to knowledge about consumer ethics, with potential effects for ethical public relations, while also offering new research avenues for future exploration.
Interactions between whey proteins and calcium salts and implications for the formulation of dairy protein‐based nutritional beverage products: A review
Authors: Barone Giovanni , O'Regan Jonathan , Kelly Alan L. , O'Mahony James A.
Published: January 2022

Whey‐based nutritional beverages are often fortified with calcium (Ca) in order to deliver the recommended intake of Ca. However, technical and product quality challenges are often experienced with Ca fortification of whey protein‐based nutritional solutions, such as poor heat stability, high viscosity, colloidal instability, and impaired heat transfer. Understanding of the relationships and interactions between whey proteins and Ca relative to liquid process (e.g., ready to feed products, feed material prior to drying) is essential to designing and formulating nutritional whey‐based products with desired physicochemical and colloidal stability properties. This article reviews the interactions between whey proteins and Ca salts used in the formulation of nutritional whey‐based products as well as major processing implications associated with Ca fortification of whey‐based solutions.
An overview of antimicrobial properties of kombucha
Authors: Nyiew Ke‐Ying , Kwong Phek Jin , Yow Yoon‐Yen
Published: January 2022

Kombucha is a traditional beverage of Manchurian origin, typically made by fermenting sugared black or green tea with the symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The beverage has gained increasing popularity in recent years, mainly due to its heralded health benefits. The fermentation process of kombucha also results in the production of various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential, making it a promising candidate in the exploration of alternative sources of antimicrobial agents, and may be helpful in combating the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. Literature survey performed on Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed revealed the extensive research that has firmly established the antimicrobial activity of kombucha against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. This activity could be attributed to the synergistic activities of the microbial species in the kombucha microbiota that led to the synthesis of compounds with antimicrobial properties such as acetic acid and various polyphenols. However, research thus far only involved screening for the antimicrobial activity of kombucha. Therefore, there is still a research gap about the molecular mechanism of the kombucha reaction against specific pathogens and its influence on human health upon consumption. Future research may focus on investigating this aspect. Further characterization of the biological activity of the microbial community in kombucha may also facilitate the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds, such as bacteriocins produced by the microorganisms.
Intact cells: “Nutritional capsules” in plant foods
Authors: Xiong Weiyan , Devkota Lavaraj , Zhang Bin , Muir Jane , Dhital Sushil
Published: January 2022

Macronutrients of pulses or cereals are stored in the cotyledon or endosperm cells with protection from intact cell walls. However, pulses and cereals are generally processed into fine particles during food production. For example, after milling, the macronutrients enclosed in the intact cells are released and are easily accessible to digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to high metabolic responses. Therefore, studies on the health effects of intact cells and developing an alternative ingredient with a higher proportion of intact cells are areas of emerging interest. In this review, we highlighted the smallest unit of whole grain, an individual cell, as "nutritional capsules" and elucidated the structure–function of the nutritional capsules, followed by isolation techniques, as a potential novel functional ingredient and food. The polysaccharides’ monomeric composition, secondary structure, and interactions determine the cell wall properties including the cell detachment during isolation and isolated cell properties. The intact cellular structure is retained after mild food processing and digestion, thereby, contributing to a lower extent/rate of digestion of entrapped macronutrients. Furthermore, the excursed intact capsules in the colonic environment modulate the population and diversity of microbiota, favouring the increased production of the short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The structural schematic model of Type‐I and Type‐II cells is developed together with the schematics of the cell wall isolation process. The review provides a critical summary of the recent trends in intact plant cells as a functional‐nutritional food. It paves the way for the industrial production of intact cells as a novel food ingredient.
Reduction strategies for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in processed foods
Authors: Wang Zun , Ng Ken , Warner Robyn Dorothy , Stockmann Regine , Fang Zhongxiang
Published: January 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of carcinogenic compounds. PAHs are ubiquitous in the environment and food, thus human beings may be exposed to PAHs through ingestion (water and food), inhalation (air and smoking), and skin contact in daily life. Dietary intake is the major source of exposure to PAHs in humans. Significant and harmful levels of PAHs can be generated during food processing and cooking. Although the formation of PAHs during processing is almost unavoidable, the levels can be diminished with reduction strategies. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the mechanisms underlying the formation of PAHs and factors influencing their formation in processed foods. The strategy for the reduction of PAHs including change in ingredients (i.e., reducing fat content), pretreatment conditions (i.e., reducing the pH), processing methods and parameters (i.e., reducing processing temperature and time), and packaging and storage conditions, are discussed. Potential novel strategies for PAH reduction are also identified and the feasibility is evaluated.
Preliminary study of gull (Laridae) scavenging and dispersal of vertebrate remains, Shoals Marine Laboratory, Coastal New England
Authors: Pokines James T.
Published: January 2022

The taphonomic effects of avian taxa upon forensic scenes has been little researched, and shore species including gulls (Laridae) have received even less attention, despite their well‐known behavior as scavengers of human food waste. In order to begin assessing their potential impact, a pilot study was undertaken on Appledore Island, Maine, USA, at the Shoals Marine Laboratory. This location was chosen for its isolation from most other vertebrate scavengers and its large, seasonal breeding colonies of gulls, primarily great black‐backed (Larus marinus) and herring (L. argentatus) gulls. Two locations with fresh bones were monitored for scavenging activity, using trail cameras and Tile Mate® tracking chips. In addition, portions of the breeding colonies nesting areas along the rocky coast were surveyed for bones that must have derived at some distance from human‐generated trash sources. All (n = 16) fresh bones underwent dispersal by gulls, with an average distance of 10 m and a maximum distance (in one case) of 85 m. Multiple bones from trash sources were transported a minimum of 150 m if locally acquired and a minimum of 10 km if acquired from the mainland. These bones had a maximum length of 192 mm and mass of 46.0 g. Gulls, with their global distribution, have the potential to be significant dispersers of human skeletal remains and should undergo additional taphonomic research.
Probability Puzzle: How Many Balls in the Bag?
Authors: Fletcher Michael
Published: January 2022

How many balls in the bag? Plus the solution to “Classroom bingo”. By Michael Fletcher.
Does Media Coverage of Mass Public Shootings Create a Contagion Effect?
Authors: Fox James Alan , Sanders Nathan E. , Fridel Emma E. , Duwe Grant , Rocque Michael
Published: January 2022

Mass public shootings in the United States have increased in number and severity in recent years, and there has been a corresponding rise in media reporting of such incidents. Does media coverage of these events lead to a short-term increase in the probability of additional shootings? James Alan Fox, Nathan E. Sanders, Emma E. Fridel, Grant Duwe and Michael Rocque investigate
“Covid has Reminded us that Independent Science is Really Important. And Statistics is Part of that” A Conversation with Steve MacFeely
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: January 2022

Steve MacFeely is director of data and analytics at the World Health Organization, a post he took up in July 2021, during the second year of the coronavirus crisis. In this interview – part of a series highlighting the work of statisticians throughout the pandemic – he discusses the difficulties of measuring the direct and indirect effects of Covid, disruptions and innovations within national statistical systems, and his hopes – and fears – for the future. By Brian Tarran
The impact of COVID‐19 on new mesothelioma diagnoses in Italy
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Mancuso Pamela , Bisceglia Isabella , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Chellini Elisabetta , Negro Corrado , Benfatto Lucia , Migliore Enrica , Casotto Veronica , Mensi Carolina , Romanelli Antonio , Tumino Rosario , Grappasonni Iolanda , Cavone Domenica , Mazzoleni Guido , Tallarigo Federico , Marinaccio Alessandro ,   ReNaM Working Group
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of the restrictions put in place to control the COVID‐19 pandemic on new diagnoses of malignant mesothelioma (MM) in Italy.

Methods

Twelve of the 21 Italian malignant mesothelioma CORs (regional operating centres) participated. The study included all cases of MM with microscopic confirmation; cases without microscopic confirmation and death certificate only (DCO) were excluded. For each case, information on sex, date of birth, tumor site, morphology, and date of diagnosis was retrieved. We compared the number of incident cases in 2020 with 2019, looking at the overall picture and for four periods: pre‐pandemic (January–February), first wave (March–May), low incidence (June–September), and second wave (October–December).

Results

A total of 604 cases were registered: 307 in 2019 and 297 in 2020. In the 2020 pre‐pandemic period, the incidence was higher than in the same months in 2019 (+45%); there was no significant change during the first wave (+1%) or in the low‐incidence period (−3%), while a decrease was observed during the second wave (−32%). However, the data were not homogeneous across the country: the increase in the pre‐pandemic period concerned mostly the regions of northern (+61.5%) and central Italy (+43.5%); during the first wave, MM diagnoses increased in the northern (+38.5%) and central (+11.4%) regions but decreased in the southern regions (−52.9%). All these differences are compatible with random fluctuations.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic had little or no impact on new MM diagnoses, and variations were not homogeneous throughout the country.
A very short Symptom Checklist‐90‐R version for routine outcome monitoring in psychotherapy; The SCL‐3/7
Authors: Timman Reinier , Arrindell Willem A.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) is applied in many physical and mental health treatments. The treatment course is monitored with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). A potential problem with PROM is response burden. This can be decreased by presenting such measures with less and better selected items. The SCL‐90‐R is an often used PROM for psychotherapies and a number of very short forms have been developed; the SCL‐5, SCL‐8, SCL‐9 and SCL‐10. This study aims to develop a new very short form, the symptom checklist 3 out of 7 (SCL‐3/7) and to evaluate the effectiveness of these PROM with the precision relative to the complete SCL‐90‐R score.

Methods

Item Response Theory analysis was applied to select the 7 best discriminating items, evenly distributed over the latent trait. A routing serves that patients only need to administer 3 items.

Results

In a sample of 15,055 cases, the relative precisions of the SCL‐3/7 were best for outpatients (122.7%), day care patients (111.8%) and inpatients (108.3). The SCL‐5 was best for juvenile patients (110.0%), and the SCL‐9 was best for addicted patients (107.2%).

Conclusion

The SCL‐3/7 decreases patient burden in ROM and has a better precision in adult therapies than other SCL‐90 short forms.
Ectopic inner foveal layer as a factor associated with metamorphopsia after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane
Authors: Yanagida Kosei , Wakabayashi Yoshihiro , Usui Yoshihiko , Umazume Kazuhiko , Yamamoto Kaori , Kawakami Setsuko , Goto Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To analyse the relationship between the extent of metamorphopsia and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters including the ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Methods

This study included 63 eyes of 62 patients who underwent PPV for ERM. Metamorphopsia was assessed by measuring the metamorphopsia score for vertical lines (MV) and metamorphopsia score for horizontal lines (MH) using M‐CHARTS. Central retinal thickness (CRT), EIFL thickness and disruption of outer retinal layers were measured before and after surgery, and the relationship of these parameters with metamorphopsia scores at 3 months after vitrectomy was analysed.

Results

Preoperative MV correlated with preoperative CRT and EIFL (p = 0.005 and 0.045 respectively). Postoperative MH correlated with preoperative CRT (p = 0.048), while postoperative MV correlated with preoperative CRT and EIFL (p = 0.002 and 0.0006 respectively). Postoperative MH correlated with postoperative CRT and EIFL (p = 0.001 and 0.002 respectively), and postoperative MV also correlated with postoperative CRT and EIFL (p = 0.0008 and < 0.0001 respectively). MH and MV did not correlate with outer retinal layer disruptions, both before and after vitrectomy. When multiple regression analysis was performed on preoperative and postoperative OCT parameters that correlated with postoperative metamorphopsia scores, only postoperative EIFL was identified as an independent factor associated with postoperative MV (p = 0.042).

Conclusion

When PPV was conducted for ERM, postoperative EIFL was found to be a significant factor associated with postoperative metamorphopsia score.
Improved clinical outcomes in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis in the last decade
Authors: Wennink Roos A.W. , Kalinina Ayuso Viera , Pameijer Els M. , Dekkers Coco C. , Bozkir Irem , de Boer Joke H.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to analyse the development of ocular complications and visual prognosis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis (JIA‐uveitis) compared to the previous decade in the light of new treatment guidelines.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort, 143 patients with JIA‐uveitis were stratified into two cohorts based on the year of diagnosis of uveitis, <2010 (n = 61) and ≥2010 (n = 82). Development of ocular complications and visual outcomes were analysed by univariate and multivariate methods. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids and immunomodifying medication (IMT) were documented.

Results

In total, 109 and 133 affected eyes, respectively, for cohort 1 (<2010) and cohort 2 (≥2010) were included for analysis. In the multivariate analysis with correction for paired eyes, patients in cohort 1 were at higher risk for cataract surgery (p = 0.03) and secondary glaucoma (p = 5.15 × 10−3). Also, the number of eyes that were legally blind and visually impaired at 5 years of follow‐up was significantly higher in cohort 1 (7% versus 2% and 8% versus 0%, p = 0.01 respectively). The number of patients that started IMT was significantly higher in cohort 2 (57% versus 98%, p = 2.17 × 10−6). In cohort 2, both methotrexate and anti‐TNF‐α therapy were prescribed earlier in the disease course (1.41 versus 0.05 years, p = 8.31 × 10−6 and 6.07 versus 1.84 years, p = 5.14 × 10−5 respectively).

Conclusions

The prognosis of JIA‐uveitis has improved during the last decade. There is a reduction in the number of cataract surgeries and secondary glaucoma and fewer patients lose their vision parallel with earlier access to tertiary care and earlier introduction of IMT.
Social dominance orientation, right‐wing authoritarianism, and political attitudes toward governmental performance during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhai Yida , Chong Li Ying , Liu Yunzhe , Yang Shuting , Song Changfa
Published: January 2022

This research examined the association of social dominance orientation (SDO) and right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) with the evaluations of the government's anti‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) policies and performance. In Study 1 (N = 261), we found that SDO and RWA were positively associated with resistance to criticism about the government's anti‐COVID‐19 measures. In addition, SDO was positively associated with favorable evaluations of the government's performance in handling the crisis. Support for lockdown policies mediated these attitudes. In Study 2 (N = 438), the results show that SDO and RWA had indirect associations with beliefs in the superiority of China's political system through three mediation variables. Evaluations of the US government's performance in handling the COVID‐19 pandemic were negatively associated with beliefs in the superiority of China's political system, and there was a negative relationship between evaluations of the Chinese and US governments’ performances.
Overcoming challenges in extracting prescribing habits from veterinary clinics using big data and deep learning
Authors: Hur B , Hardefeldt LY , Verspoor K , Baldwin T , Gilkerson JR
Published: January 2022

Understanding antimicrobial usage patterns and encouraging appropriate antimicrobial usage is a critical component of antimicrobial stewardship. Studies using VetCompass Australia and Natural Language Processing (NLP) have demonstrated antimicrobial usage patterns in companion animal practices across Australia. Doing so has highlighted the many obstacles and barriers to the task of converting raw clinical notes into a format that can be readily queried and analysed. We developed NLP systems using rules‐based algorithms and machine learning to automate the extraction of data describing the key elements to assess appropriate antimicrobial use. These included the clinical indication, antimicrobial agent selection, dose and duration of therapy. Our methods were applied to over 4.4 million companion animal clinical records across Australia on all consultations with antimicrobial use to help us understand what antibiotics are being given and why on a population level. Of these, approximately only 40% recorded the reason why antimicrobials were prescribed, along with the dose and duration of treatment. NLP and deep learning might be able to overcome the difficulties of harvesting free text data from clinical records, but when the essential data are not recorded in the clinical records, then, this becomes an insurmountable obstacle.
Third dose of COVID‐19 vaccine restores immune response in patients with haematological malignancies after loss of protective antibody titres
Authors: Šušol Ondrej , Hájková Barbora , Zelená Hana , Hájek Roman
Published: January 2022

We have vaccinated 392 patients with two doses of mRNA COMIRNATY vaccine with an overall antibody response of 70% (best in cMPN, worst in CLL). We have then vaccinated 80 patients who did not achieve seroconversion or were low responders with a third dose of COMIRNATY vaccine. Our first results show promise, especially for patients on anti‐CD38 therapy.
Our brightly‐lit future: Exploring the potential for astrotourism in Khajuraho (India)
Authors: Khetrapal Neha , Bhatia Divya
Published: January 2022

The night skies have traditionally offered a means of navigation, symbolized the gods, and inspired architecture and creative planning. With the advent of urbanization and the consequent increase in artificial light at night (ALAN), humans have severed their connection with the skies. Some suggest that “astrotourism” may serve as a viable means of re‐establishing this relationship. While astrotourism is usually used for referring to activities that revolve around stargazing with “aided” or “naked” eyes, we highlight that there is scope to include exploration of historic monument ensembles and night‐time storytelling as a part of astrotourism. Focusing on Khajuraho, we further underscore that ALAN should be replaced with intelligent night lighting strategies to maximize the night‐time travel experience for those who take inspiration from the dark skies to reconstruct the historical significance of heritage. As we gradually revitalize our relations with the nocturnal environment, it is hoped that the night skies will infuse our social practices, creative imagination, and historical appreciation with a new vigour.
Escharotic agents: a Victorian remedy in the 21st century
Authors: Doyle Claire , D'Arcy Clare , Ryan Aisling
Published: January 2022

A 72-year-old woman had a warty growth ‘burnt off’ with a herbal remedy by a local farmer in rural Ireland. We saw the patient a number of years later in clinic and she brought the specimen with her, which was processed by the pathology department. We report her case and some interesting background information regarding escharotic agents.
The occurrence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in Chinese men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhou Yuexin , Tian Ruina , Wang Xuening , Sun Jiaxing , Zhu Lin , An Xiaofei
Published: January 2022

Context

The previous studies showed that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) occurred commonly in men with type 2 diabetes. However, since all the cohorts tested were from American and European studies, the occurrence of HH/nongonadal illness (NGI) in Chinese populations is unclear.

Objective

The study aimed to explore the occurrence of HH/NGI in Chinese men with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the correlative factors and predictors of hypogonadism were investigated.

Design

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 637 Chinese men with type 2 diabetes aged 20–75 years in our clinic. The prevalence of HH/NGI was investigated by measuring serum total testosterone (TT), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) in the enrolled subjects. Free testosterone (FT) was calculated by using SHBG and TT levels and hypogonadism was defined as TT lower than 10.4 nmol/L and calculated FT (cFT) lower than 0.225 nmol/L. The LH cut‐off value for defining HH/NGI was 9.4 mIU/ml.

Results

The results suggested that 31.9% of male Chinese type 2 diabetes patients had hypogonadism and 26.5% of subjects in our cohort were determined as HH/NGI. The occurrence of hypogonadism was markedly correlated with body mass index (BMI). There was a significant association between TT, cFT and SHBG levels with BMI. TT levels are inversely correlated with BMI and homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) while positively related with SHBG. The cFT levels were inversely correlated with age, LH, FSH, BMI and HOMA‐IR. Multiple regression analysis suggested that SHBG, BMI and HOMA‐IR were significant predictors of TT and cFT.

Conclusion

Our present study offered the first evidence that the occurrence of HH/NGI in Chinese male type 2 diabetes was 26.5%. TT and cFT were significantly correlated with BMI, SHBG and HOMA‐IR in Chinese men with type 2 diabetes.
Rapid assessment of insect pollination services to inform decision‐making
Authors: Ratto Fabrizia , Breeze Tom D. , Cole Lorna J. , Garratt Michael P. D. , Kleijn David , Kunin Bill , Michez Denis , O'Connor Rory , Ollerton Jeff , Paxton Robert J. , Poppy Guy M. , Potts Simon G. , Senapathi Deepa , Shaw Rosalind , Dicks Lynn V. , Peh Kelvin S.‐H.
Published: January 2022

Pollinator declines have prompted efforts to assess how land‐use change affects insect pollinators and pollination services in agricultural landscapes. Yet many tools to measure insect pollination services require substantial landscape‐scale data and technical expertise. In expert workshops, 3 straightforward methods (desk‐based method, field survey, and empirical manipulation with exclusion experiments) for rapid insect pollination assessment at site scale were developed to provide an adaptable framework that is accessible to nonspecialist with limited resources. These methods were designed for TESSA (Toolkit for Ecosystem Service Site‐Based Assessment) and allow comparative assessment of pollination services at a site of conservation interest and in its most plausible alternative state (e.g., converted to agricultural land). We applied the methods at a nature reserve in the United Kingdom to estimate the value of insect pollination services provided by the reserve. The economic value of pollination services provided by the reserve ranged from US$6163 to US$11,546/year. The conversion of the reserve to arable land would provide no insect pollination services and a net annual benefit from insect‐pollinated crop production of approximately $1542/year (US$24∙ha–1∙year–1). The methods had wide applicability and were readily adapted to different insect‐pollinated crops: rape (Brassica napus) and beans (Vicia faba) crops. All methods were rapidly employed under a low budget. The relatively less robust methods that required fewer resources yielded higher estimates of annual insect pollination benefit.
Test–retest reliability of skeletal muscle oxygenation measurement using near‐infrared spectroscopy during exercise in patients with sport‐related iliac artery flow limitation
Authors: van Hooff Martijn , Meijer Eduard J. , Scheltinga Marc R. M. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , Schep Goof
Published: January 2022

The ankle‐brachial index is an accurate tool for detecting claudication in atherosclerotic patients. However, this technique fails to identify subtle flow limitations of the iliac arteries (FLIA) in endurance athletes. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive technique that measures skeletal muscle tissue oxygenation status. The aim of the present study is to examine the absolute and relative test–retest reliability of NIRS and evaluate its potential as a diagnostic tool in FLIA. NIRS‐derived exercise variables were analyzed during exercise and recovery in FLIA 17 patients and 19 healthy controls. The relative reliability of absolute variables (such as the maximal value) were slight to yet predominantly substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], ICC range: 0.06–0.76) with good to excellent absolute reliability (absolute limits of agreement [ALoA], ALoA range: 0.8 ± 10.2 to 0.7 ± 13.1; coefficient of variation [CV], CV range: 5%–11%). Absolute values encompassing signal amplitudes showed moderate to almost perfect relative reliability (ICC range: 0.51–0.89) and poor to good absolute reliability (ALoA range: −1.3 ± 7.0 to −2.5 ± 15.7; CV range: 15%–32%). Kinetic variables showed moderate to almost perfect relative reliability for most recovery kinetics variables (ICC range: 0.54–0.86) with fair to good absolute reliability (ALoA range: 0.4 ± 12.2 to 3.9 ± 37.9; CV range: 18%–27%). Particularly, kinetic variables showed significant differences between patients and healthy subjects. NIRS is found to be a reliable method for examining muscle tissue oxygenation variables. Given the significant differences in especially recovery kinetics between normal subjects and patients, NIRS may contribute to diagnosing FLIA in endurance athletes.
Assessing the use of climate change information in State Wildlife Action Plans
Authors: Yocum Heather M. , Metivier Sassorossi Deanna , Ray Andrea J.
Published: January 2022

Assessing how climate change information is used in conservation planning is an important part of meeting long‐term conservation and climate adaptation goals. In the United States, state agencies responsible for fish and wildlife management create State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) to identify conservation goals, prioritize actions, and establish plans for managing and monitoring target species and habitats. We created a rubric to assess and compare the use of climate change information in SWAPs for 10 states in the Intermountain West and Great Plains. Interviews with SWAP authors identified institutional factors influencing applications of climate change information. Access to professional networks and climate scientists, funding support for climate change vulnerability analysis, Congressional mandates to include climate change, and supportive agency leadership facilitate using climate change information. Political climate could either support or limit options for using this information. Together, the rubric and the interview results can be used to identify opportunities to improve the use of climate information, and to identify entry points to support conservation planning and natural resource managers in successful adaptation to climate change. This research is directly relevant to future SWAP revisions, which most states will complete by 2025, and more broadly to other conservation planning processes.
Fine needle aspiration of hepatic angiomyolipoma with extramedullary hematopoiesis: A case report
Authors: Baumgartner Erin , Garapati Manjula , Sanders Ronald , Eloubeidi Mohamadali , Rosenblum Frida
Published: January 2022

Angiomyolipoma, a perivascular epithelioid cell tumour, is easily identifiable as a benign tumour in the kidneys. However, when occurring in extrarenal sites it can mimic malignancy (Cancer Cytopathol. 2017;125:257). Pathologists must be aware of the classical morphological features of this lesion, its pitfalls in extrarenal sites, and the need for immunohistochemistry in order to establish the correct diagnosis (World J Gastroenterol. 2000;6:608). We report a case of angiomyolipoma with extramedullary hematopoiesis presenting as a large hepatic mass, diagnosed by cytology through endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration. Our case exemplifies the classic cytological findings that are important in the differentiation between hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) and differentials in this organ such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and focal nodular hyperplasia. A brief literature review and comparison of significant features between HAML and HCC are presented.
Men are from Mars, and Women Too: A Bayesian Meta‐analysis of Overconfidence Experiments
Authors: Bandiera Oriana , Parekh Nidhi , Petrongolo Barbara , Rao Michelle
Published: January 2022

Gender differences in self‐confidence could explain women's under‐representation in high‐income occupations and glass‐ceiling effects. We draw lessons from the economic literature via a survey of experts and a Bayesian hierarchical model that aggregates experimental findings over the last 20 years. The experts’ survey indicates beliefs that men are overconfident and women underconfident. Yet the literature reveals that both men and women are typically overconfident. Moreover, the model cannot reject the hypothesis that gender differences in self‐confidence are equal to zero. In addition, the estimated pooling factor is low, implying that each study contains little information over a common phenomenon. The discordance can be reconciled if the experts overestimate the pooling factor or have priors that are biased and precise.
Dunking for droplets: Long‐jawed spider (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) bungees on silk line to collect water droplet from pond using its mouthparts
Authors: Gould John , García Luis Fernando , Valdez Jose. W.
Published: January 2022

Many animals have been documented to collect and subsequently transport water for several purposes besides self‐hydration. However, there are few examples where this process involves the use of external body surfaces. Herein, we report on a long‐jawed spider from the Tetragnatha genus using its enlarged jaws (chelicerae) to collect water. Field observations revealed a long‐jawed spider descending on a silk line to the surface of a body of water and collecting a large droplet of water between its jaws, which was subsequently transported to a prey item wrapped in silk within its web. As spiders feed via extra‐oral digestion, we hypothesize that this water droplet was collected to replenish water lost during a previous feeding event or to rehydrate current prey to aid in nutrient extraction and consumption. While the enlarged jaws of spiders in this genus serve in feeding and mating, our observation suggests they can also be exploited for carrying liquids. This appears to be the first documented case of water foraging and subsequent external transport among spiders, revealing a novel behaviour in this group.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in equine orthopaedics
Authors: Jacobs Carrie C. , Schnabel Lauren V. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: January 2022

Orthopaedic disorders are commonly encountered in equine veterinary medicine, and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play an important role in the management of many equine orthopaedic disorders. There are multiple NSAIDs available for use in horses, including both non‐selective and selective NSAIDS, and the body of literature evaluating the efficacy of these medications, their effects on normal and inflamed musculoskeletal tissues, and their side effects is broad. This review aims to summarise the current literature on the use of NSAIDs for equine orthopaedic disorders and examines new and future avenues for the management of inflammation in equine orthopaedics.
Prenylated flavins: structures and mechanisms
Authors: Bloor Samuel , Michurin Iaroslav , Titchiner Gabriel R. , Leys David
Published: January 2022

The UbiX/UbiD system is widespread in microbes and responsible for the reversible decarboxylation of unsaturated carboxylic acids. The UbiD enzyme catalyzes this unusual reaction using a prenylated flavin (prFMN) as cofactor, the latter formed by the flavin prenyltransferase UbiX. A detailed picture of the biochemistry of flavin prenylation, oxidative maturation, and covalent catalysis underpinning reversible decarboxylation is emerging. This reveals the prFMN cofactor can undergo a wide range of transformations, complemented by considerable UbiD‐variability. These provide a blueprint for biotechnological applications aimed at producing hydrocarbons or aromatic C–H activation through carboxylation.