bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procurement professionals' perceptions of skills and attributes of procurement negotiators: a cross-sectional survey in Tanzania
Authors: Mwagike Leonada Raphael , Changalima Ismail Abdi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper analyzes procurement negotiators' skills and attributes by considering perceptions of procurement professionals in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a cross-sectional research design in which procurement professionals' opinions were collected through questionnaires. The study proposed that the skills and attributes of procurement negotiators are necessary for negotiation proceedings, and they were tested through confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

Findings suggest that listening skills, persuasion skills, communication skills and planning skills are all important skills that contribute to overall procurement negotiation skills. Furthermore, trust, flexibility, honesty and emotion are statistically determined to be necessary attributes for procurement negotiators. All of the observed variables were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and contributed positively to explaining the skills and attributes of procurement negotiators.

Research limitations/implications

The sample included only respondents from a single country. This may affect the generalization of results as there is a variation in institutional regulatory compliance governing public procurement undertakings in different countries. Also, the study did not include the outcome of negotiation proceedings and relied only on opinions collected from the procurement professionals in Tanzania.

Practical implications

This study's findings provide suggestions for practitioners on the necessary skills and attributes of procurement negotiators that might be well considered when appointing members of negotiation teams for procurement deals.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to the existing literature on the necessary skills and attributes of members of negotiation teams for procurement undertakings in the public sector.
The effects of COVID-19 on trade, production, environmental quality and its implications for green economy
Authors: Borojo Dinkneh Gebre , Yushi Jiang , Miao Miao
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effects of COVID-19 on trade, production and environmental quality and provides policy implications on green recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-step Heckman method is applied to estimate the structural gravity specification of trade. Besides, the two-step system GMM model is used to estimate the effects of COVID-19 on production and environmental quality. Additionally, descriptive analysis and literature review have been used.

Findings

The findings disclose that COVID-19 adversely affected the trade performance of the countries. The results further imply that the regional trade agreements (RTAs) can play a key mediating role in the post-COVID-19 trade recovery. Besides, the impact of COVID-19 on the output is substantially negative. However, the effect of COVID-19 on environmental quality is significantly positive.

Originality/value

It is the first study of its kind to examine the effects of COVID-19 on trade, production and CO2 emissions covering panel countries. Second, it provides a detailed analysis of firms planning to engage in the export sector. Moreover, it offers policy suggestions to consider environmental quality and green recovery. Besides, it examines the mediating role of RTAs in the relationship between trade and the pandemic.
Exploring processes in Spanish, German and UK boards: a measurement framework of board know-how, board diversity and directors’ interactions interrelation
Authors: Bilbao-Calabuig Paloma , Fabra M. Eugenia , Osadnik Isabell
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Several empirical attempts have investigated boardroom processes and their impact on the governing team decision-making. Such attempts, however, have derived in inchoate results opening new methodological debates and leaving the underlying patterns of board processes obscure. This paper aims to shed light on these patterns by empirically examining the interrelation among the three central constructs involved in board decision-making: know-how, demographic diversity and directors’ social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of interrelation among know-how, demographic diversity and social interactions was conceptually built and empirically validated with partial least squares structural equation modelling applied to archival data from a sample of 87 boards of directors of Spanish, German and UK listed companies.

Findings

Results unmask the intricacies of behavioural processes involved in know-how-demography relation: demographic diversity contribution to know-how is totally and positively mediated by directors’ social interactions. This reveals the power of directors’ socialization frequency in determining processes and predicting know-how.

Practical implications

The paper offers a new pathway to manage board know-how and to make board diversity effective. It also opens a door to an innovative empirical methodology to make board processes emerge, one that overcomes methodological limitations of previous efforts.

Originality/value

This is so far the only study that examines and measures holistically the structural interrelation among the three central constructs determining board decisions and performance: know-how, diversity and social interactions.
Study on biological control model of Empoasca onukii Matsuda ‐take tea garden ecology as an example
Authors: Sun Jiazhao , Zhang Lin , Li Zizhao , Zou Yunding , Bi Shoudong
Published: November 2021

The closeness of the spatial relationship between natural enemies and target pests directly affects the control effect of natural enemies on target pests. Therefore, we here use both geostatistics and cluster sample variance analysis methods to investigate the six kinds of natural enemies and pests in Huangshan large‐leaf tea garden at fall and winter of 2020. In this study, we firstly use the geostatistics method to calculate the geostatistical semivariogram variation range and then conduct the Grey correlation analysis on six main natural enemies of Empoasca onukii Matsuda. Our results indicate that the larger the correlation value is, the closer the natural enemy is to the target pest in space, and the top three natural enemies Clubiona japonicola, Oxyopes sertatus and Tetragnatha squamata are more closely related to Empoasca onukii Matsuda in space through the comprehensive judgment. Secondly, we use the cluster sample variance analysis method to calculate the basic sample square number and then perform the Grey correlation analysis on them. Our findings demonstrate that the top three natural enemies O. sertatus, T. squamata and Erigonidium graminicolum are more closely related to Empoasca onukii Matsuda in space via the comprehensive judgment. Remarkably, both O. sertatus and T. squamata have been revealed to be vital enemies of the Empoasca onukii Matsuda in tea garden. Overall, our study not only uncovers the spatial relationship between natural enemies and Empoasca onukii Matsuda, but also provides a scientific basis for further protecting and utilizing natural enemies to control pests in the tea garden.
Circulating microRNAs as indicators in the prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in luminal B breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Hanxu , Li Chao , Xiang Qian , Xu Ling , Liu Qianxin , Pang Xiaocong , Zhang Wenjia , Zhang Hong , Zhang Shuang , Duan Xuening , Liu Yinhua , Cui Yimin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been indicated as predictive biomarker for the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and the prognosis of breast cancer (BC); however, to date the conclusions have been controversial. The biological characteristics of BC were affected by molecular subtypes. Hence, we aimed to investigate the predictive effect of miRNAs on NAC response in luminal B BC patients.

Methods

Thirty‐seven luminal B BC patient under NAC were prospectively enrolled in this study. Based on their clinical, pathological, and comprehensive response, the patients were defined as responder or non‐responders, respectively. Circulating miRNAs were isolated from blood samples before and at the middle of NAC, and candidate miRNAs (miR‐34a‐5p, miR‐125b‐5p, miR‐210, miR‐222, miR‐375, miR‐718, miR‐4516, and let‐7g) were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, the association between miRNAs and disease‐free survival (DFS) was examined.

Results

miR‐718, miR‐4516, miR‐210, and miR‐125b‐5p were found to be specific miRNAs associated with chemo‐sensitivity of luminal B HER2 negative patients (n = 24). In the luminal B HER2 positive cohort (n = 13), dynamics of miR‐222 and let‐7g correlated with pathological response. Treatment‐induced increase in miR‐34a‐5p in the responders except who reached pathologic complete response (pCR) was consistently identified across all luminal B patients and its two subgroups. Finally, after adjustments for Neo‐Bioscore, patients with increased levels of miR‐125b‐5p during NAC had a worse DFS than those with decreased levels (HR = 5.86, 95% CI = 1.39–24.62, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Specific circulating miRNAs were identified as predictive markers for NAC response and prognosis in luminal B BC. The underlying mechanism needs further studies.
Selective oxidative stress induces dual damage to telomeres and mitochondria in human T cells
Authors: Wang Ling , Lu Zeyuan , Zhao Juan , Schank Madison , Cao Dechao , Dang Xindi , Nguyen Lam Nhat , Nguyen Lam Ngoc Thao , Khanal Sushant , Zhang Jinyu , Wu Xiao Y. , El Gazzar Mohamed , Ning Shunbin , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q.
Published: November 2021

Oxidative stress caused by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) accelerates telomere erosion and mitochondrial injury, leading to impaired cellular functions and cell death. Whether oxidative stress‐mediated telomere erosion induces mitochondrial injury, or vice versa, in human T cells—the major effectors of host adaptive immunity against infection and malignancy—is poorly understood due to the pleiotropic effects of ROS. Here we employed a novel chemoptogenetic tool that selectively produces a single oxygen (1O2) only at telomeres or mitochondria in Jurkat T cells. We found that targeted 1O2 production at telomeres triggered not only telomeric DNA damage but also mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in T cell apoptotic death. Conversely, targeted 1O2 formation at mitochondria induced not only mitochondrial injury but also telomeric DNA damage, leading to cellular crisis and apoptosis. Targeted oxidative stress at either telomeres or mitochondria increased ROS production, whereas blocking ROS formation during oxidative stress reversed the telomeric injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular apoptosis. Notably, the X‐ray repair cross‐complementing protein 1 (XRCC1) in the base excision repair (BER) pathway and multiple mitochondrial proteins in other cellular pathways were dysregulated by the targeted oxidative stress. By confining singlet 1O2 formation to a single organelle, this study suggests that oxidative stress induces dual injury in T cells via crosstalk between telomeres and mitochondria. Further identification of these oxidation pathways may offer a novel approach to preserve mitochondrial functions, protect telomere integrity, and maintain T cell survival, which can be exploited to combat various immune aging‐associated diseases.
Ultraviolet filter, fragrance and preservative allergens in New Zealand sunscreens
Authors: Roh Juhee , Cheng Harriet
Published: November 2021

Background/Objectives

Allergic contact dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis and irritant reactions to sunscreens are common reasons for dermatology consultation. Patch testing for contact allergy relies on up‐to‐date knowledge of allergen exposures. The aim of this study was to investigate contact allergens and photoallergens in sunscreens commercially sold on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies in New Zealand.

Methods

A comprehensive market data review of suppliers’ websites was performed from March to August 2019 to obtain a list of the commonly sold sunscreens in our region. Ingredients were collated and analysed according to International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names. Ultraviolet (UV) filters, preservatives and fragrances were included for analysis. Place of sale and cost of sunscreens were also recorded.

Results

Ninety‐five sunscreens were analysed: 36% sold in supermarkets, 43% in pharmacies and the remainder available in both. The most frequent UV filters were butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (contained in 70% of products) followed by octocrylene (63%) and homosalate (50%). The common photoallergen benzophenone 3 was found in 19% of products. Phenoxyethanol was the most common preservative (68%) followed by disodium EDTA (30%) and propylparaben (26%). Two sunscreens contained methylisothiazolinone. Sixty‐one per cent contained at least one fragrance, the most frequent being limonene (17%) and linalool (13%). There was an average of 1.1 New Zealand baseline series allergens per product (range 0 to 6, standard deviation 1.27).

Conclusion

Common allergens including those with high sensitising potential were frequently found in New Zealand sunscreen. Knowledge of ingredients used by manufacturers is useful in dermatological assessment of skin contact reactions.
Information needs of women undergoing gynaecological risk reduction surgery: Applying patient‐reported findings to improve service delivery
Authors: Jennings Bronwyn , Ramis Mary‐Anne , Kynoch Kathryn , Jagasia Nisha
Published: November 2021

Background

Women with genetic mutations including BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome are at increased risk of developing gynaecological cancers with management options including surveillance and/or risk reduction surgery. Little is known about the information women require to inform their decisions around having risk reduction surgery, the implication this surgery has for them and the timing preferences to receive this information.

Aims

To identify the information needs of women who are considering or who have had risk reduction surgery due to having a diagnosed or suspected genetic mutation with subsequent increased risk of developing gynaecological cancer.

Materials and Methods

A pilot survey was undertaken in a tertiary, metropolitan hospital as part of a service improvement project. Women referred to the gynaecology‐oncology service for gynaecological risk reduction surgery between January to December 2018 were invited to participate through completing either online or hard copy versions of a 12‐item survey.

Results

A response rate of 60% (n = 32) was obtained from women between 27 and 77 years of age. Key information topics included sexuality and intimacy (90.6%; n = 29), the surgery itself (87.5%; n = 28) and surgical menopause (87.5%; n = 28). Over 90% (n = 31) of respondents stated they preferred to receive information about surgery pre‐operatively and in written format (81.3%; n = 26). The importance of a multidisciplinary approach was recognised with women wanting information from allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists and social workers.

Conclusions

Findings have enabled a better understanding of the type, timing and content of information desired by women making complex decisions about risk reduction surgery. Results have contributed to developing an information resource which will more adequately assist women to meet their information needs when considering gynaecological risk reduction surgery in our hospital.
Systematic review: the association between the gut microbiota and medical therapies in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Radhakrishnan Shiva T. , Alexander James L. , Mullish Benjamin H. , Gallagher Kate I. , Powell Nick , Hicks Lucy C. , Hart Ailsa L. , Li Jia V. , Marchesi Julian R. , Williams Horace R. T.
Published: November 2021

Background

The gut microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with Faecalibacterium prausnitizii associated with protection, and certain genera (including Shigella and Escherichia) associated with adverse features. The variability of patient response to medical therapies in IBD is incompletely understood. Given the recognised contribution of the microbiota to treatment efficacy in other conditions, there may be interplay between the gut microbiota, IBD medical therapy and IBD phenotype.

Aims

To evaluate the bidirectional relationship between IBD medical therapies and the gut microbiota.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE. All original studies analysing interactions between the gut microbiota and established IBD medical therapies were included.

Results

We screened 1296 records; 19 studies were eligible. There was heterogeneity in terms of sample analysis, treatment protocols, and outcome reporting. Increased baseline α‐diversity was observed in responders versus non‐responders treated with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), infliximab, ustekinumab or vedolizumab. Higher baseline Faecalibacterium predicted response to infliximab and ustekinumab. A post‐treatment increase in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was noted in responders to aminosalicylates, anti‐TNF medications and ustekinumab; conversely, this species decreased in responders to EEN. Escherichia was a consistent marker of unfavourable drug response, and its presence in the gut mucosa correlated with inflammation in aminosalicylate‐treated patients.

Conclusions

Both gut microbiota diversity and specific taxonomic features (including high abundance of Faecalibacterium) are associated with the efficacy of a range of IBD therapies. These findings hold promise for a potential role for the gut microbiota in explaining the heterogeneity of patient response to IBD treatments.
Repair of a perineal hernia with a bladder patch after abdominoperineal resection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kameyama Akira , Yoshifuku Seiziro , Sasahara Kotaro , Otagiri Noriaki , Miyamoto Masatake , Tauchi Katsunori
Published: November 2021

Perineal hernia is the protrusion of the intra‐abdominal viscera through the pelvic floor. It rarely occurs after abdominoperineal resection but has increasingly occurred after surgical treatment for rectal cancer. A patient was diagnosed as having perineal hernia 10 days after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He presented with epigastric discomfort and perineal wound dehiscence. Perineal hernia was confirmed by computed tomography scan and treated with a semi‐emergency surgery. The surgical field was contaminated because of the perineal wound dehiscence. The levator muscle at the pelvic floor was not sufficient, so we used a bladder patch to cover the pelvic inlet. The surgery was performed without any adverse events. To our best knowledge, this is the first case report to present the usefulness of a bladder patch for the treatment of a perineal hernia using a laparoscopic transabdominal approach in emergency situations.
Iron fists and velvet gloves: Investigating the associations between the stringency of governments’ responses to COVID‐19, stress, and compliance in the early stages of the pandemic
Authors: Ćepulić Dominik‐Borna , Travaglino Giovanni A. , Chrona Stavroula , Uzelac Ena , Jeftić Alma , Reyna Cecilia , Kowal Marta
Published: November 2021

To tackle the spread of COVID‐19, governments worldwide have implemented restrictive public health behavioural measures. Whether and when these measures lead to positive or negative psychological outcomes is still debated. In this study, drawing on a large sample of individuals (Ntotal = 89,798) from 45 nations, we investigated whether the stringency of public health measures implemented at the outset of the COVID‐19 pandemic in March–May 2020 was associated with individuals’ levels of stress and compliance. Moreover, we addressed the question of how these associations may be moderated by the measures’ implementation lag, nations’ tolerance for unequal distributions of power (i.e., power distance), and individuals’ institutional trust. Linear mixed models suggested that slower implementation of less stringent measures was associated with higher stress and lower compliance. Also, rapid implementation of stricter measures was associated with a mild increase in stress. Such effects were especially pronounced in countries with less tolerance for inequality. Albeit significant, the moderating effect of institutional trust was very small. The results suggest that it may be important to consider the measures’ implementation lag when tackling the spread of COVID‐19, but findings should be interpreted in relation to the data collection period.
Sediment sequence at Muhos, western Finland – a window to the Pleistocene history of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet
Authors: Eskola Tiina , Lunkka Juha P.
Published: November 2021

In this study, we analysed a ~54‐m sediment core consisting of Quaternary sediments overlying the Neoproterozoic Muhos Formation in central western Finland, adjacent to the Gulf of Bothnia. The sediments recovered were logged, and their sedimentological characteristics defined. Two fine‐grained sediment units were subjected to biostratigraphical studies using pollen and diatom analyses. In addition, two sand‐rich units and a wooden stick were dated by the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and 14C‐AMS methods. The core sediments were divided into six units, where several diamicton, sand and gravel, and silt‐and‐clay‐dominated beds were studied. The results indicate that the sediment succession of the core beneath the Holocene Litorina Sea and the Ancylus Lake sediments of the Baltic Basin were deposited in glacial and lacustrine environments that existed in the Oulu River valley during the time period between the Saalian glaciation (MIS 6) and the Holocene. The stratigraphical evidence, supported by the OSL ages, suggests that the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) entered the Muhos area during the Saalian glaciation, and at least during three separate time intervals in the Weichselian stage. Stratigraphically controlled and age‐bracketed evidence shows that the first Weichselian SIS advance extended further south in the eastern part of Fennoscandia than previously estimated, and that this ice growth phase occurred during the Early Weichselian Herning Stadial (MIS 5d). The subsequent ice growth phases occurred during the Middle (MIS 4) and Late (MIS 2) Weichselian substages. The lacustrine and littoral sediments of the Muhos core were correlated with the late Eemian interglacial (MIS 5e) and two Weichselian interstadials (MIS 5c and MIS 3).
Developments in the field of allergy in 2020 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy
Authors: Boyle Robert J. , Shamji Mohamed H.
Published: November 2021

While 2020 will be remembered for the global coronavirus pandemic, there were also important advances in the field of allergy. In this review article, we summarize key findings reported in Clinical and Experimental Allergy during 2020. We hope this provides readers with an accessible snapshot of the work published in our journal during this time.
COVID‐19 vaccine acceptability among people in Australia who inject drugs: Implications for vaccine rollout
Authors: Dietze Paul M. , Hall Cristal , Price Olivia , Stewart Ashleigh C. , Crawford Sione , Peacock Amy , Maher Lisa
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Vaccine acceptability is a key determinant of vaccination uptake. Despite being at risk of adverse outcomes from coronavirus‐19 disease (COVID‐19), COVID‐19 vaccine acceptability among people who inject drugs is unknown. We surveyed people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia to assess potential uptake of COVID‐19 vaccines prior to distribution.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study, comprising interviewer‐administered structured telephone interviews completed from 30 November to 22 December 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were people aged 18 years or older who injected drugs at least monthly in the past 6 months and had resided in Melbourne in the past 12 months recruited via needle‐syringe programs and word‐of‐mouth.

Measurements

COVID‐19 hypothetical vaccine acceptability, participants' demographic, drug use and drug treatment characteristics.

Results

Fifty‐eight percent (57/99) of the sample reported that they would definitely or probably be vaccinated for COVID‐19, with the remainder indicating that they would not (22%) or were undecided (20%). Among those who indicated that they would definitely or probably not be vaccinated or were undecided (n = 42), safety concerns were most often cited as a reason for not wanting to be vaccinated.

Discussion and Conclusions

Although a majority of sampled people who inject drugs indicated that they would definitely or probably be vaccinated, efforts to reduce hesitancy and allay COVID‐19 vaccine safety concerns will be necessary to optimise vaccine uptake among this population.
Modern diabetes devices for continuous blood sugar measuring: Limitations due to contact allergies
Authors: Kamann Stefanie , Wagner Nicola , Oppel Eva
Published: November 2021

During the past years, diabetes diseases have increased significantly worldwide. However, new technologies such as continuous glucose measurement using a subcutaneous sensor are developing just as rapidly. A continuous improvement in insulin pump therapy is also contributing to an improved quality of life.

A common feature of these modern devices for diabetes therapy is that they remain fixed in place on the skin for several days. In recent years, skin reactions, in particular pronounced contact dermatitis due to the devices and their adhesives have been increasingly reported. In particular, isobornyl acrylate, which used to be included in a glucose measurement sensor set, was identified as a main allergen. Development of contact allergy can result both in a necessity to quit the measuring system and in allergic cross‐reactions to other systems.
Event‐related potentials evidence for long‐term audiovisual representations of phonemes in adults
Authors: Kaganovich Natalya , Christ Sharon
Published: November 2021

The presence of long‐term auditory representations for phonemes has been well‐established. However, since speech perception is typically audiovisual, we hypothesized that long‐term phoneme representations may also contain information on speakers' mouth shape during articulation. We used an audiovisual oddball paradigm in which, on each trial, participants saw a face and heard one of two vowels. One vowel occurred frequently (standard), while another occurred rarely (deviant). In one condition (neutral), the face had a closed, non‐articulating mouth. In the other condition (audiovisual violation), the mouth shape matched the frequent vowel. Although in both conditions stimuli were audiovisual, we hypothesized that identical auditory changes would be perceived differently by participants. Namely, in the neutral condition, deviants violated only the audiovisual pattern specific to each block. By contrast, in the audiovisual violation condition, deviants additionally violated long‐term representations for how a speaker's mouth looks during articulation. We compared the amplitude of mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3 components elicited by deviants in the two conditions. The MMN extended posteriorly over temporal and occipital sites even though deviants contained no visual changes, suggesting that deviants were perceived as interruptions in audiovisual, rather than auditory only, sequences. As predicted, deviants elicited larger MMN and P3 in the audiovisual violation compared to the neutral condition. The results suggest that long‐term representations of phonemes are indeed audiovisual.
Fully flexible analysis of behavioural sequences based on parametric survival models with frailties—A tutorial
Authors: Gygax Lorenz , Zeeland Yvonne R. A. , Rufener Christina
Published: November 2021

Recent automated systems allow collecting continuous data on individual animals with high accuracy over a long time. During this time, animals can be traced across different (discrete) types of behavioural states, with the duration in each state being known. Nevertheless, analyses of such sequences of states or behaviours may prove difficult. Classic Markov‐chain methods have limitations in respect to incorporating “memory” (effects of past states), the duration in the states and accounting for dependencies. Dependencies occur in many data sets, where, for example a variety of individuals from different groups are observed and/or when an experiment is divided in different crossover treatment phases. So‐called parametric survival analysis with frailties can incorporate aforementioned aspects in one coherent model. The time spent in a specific state (performing a specific behaviour) can be modelled in dependence of the subsequent state (transition probabilities) while incorporating how these transitions are influenced by experimental treatments. In addition, prior states can be used as predictor variables (accounting for past behaviour). Finally, random effects can be included to account for dependencies according to, for example individual identity, group/farm/laboratory or experimental period. Using interactions between random and fixed effects, the within‐ and between‐subject variability of the transition probabilities can be estimated to indicate variation between and consistency within individual subjects (individuality and personality). Moreover, relative hazards describing transitions from one state to several potential follow‐up states can be estimated. Behavioural sequences and their modulation by experimental situations can be studied accordingly. Using two exemplary data sets, the data type and structure adequate for parametric survival analysis are introduced and advice is given on how to specify and run such models. Overall, parametric survival analysis with frailties presents a modern and versatile approach that can revive sequential analysis. This will facilitate more detailed use of behavioural data and accordingly detect more subtle aspects of behaviour.
Effective high‐quality economic growth based on human capital structure
Authors: Ma Jinli , Montenegro‐Marin Carlos Enrique , Crespo Rubén González
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, economic growth is influenced by many domestic and foreign global issues, concerning the decrease of industrial output for the rise in economic inequality and the weakening of the overall condition in the countries. The role of economic growth is based on human capital and investment. Therefore, in this paper, the human capital and economic management system (HC‐EMS) has been proposed to enhance the country's quality based on the capital structure investment. HC explores the role of command and its significance in the production and creation aspects of human capital such that an area can grow creatively. HC‐EMS analysed critical monitoring systems for developing human resources and the high‐tech and creative economic sectors and presented suggestions for change. Besides, there is a need to prove the shortcomings and benefits of human resource development systems and statistical approaches for gathering and analysing information. The impact of financial services and financial transactions may vary; therefore, it is critically important for fostering economic growth. The experimental result suggests that the proposed HC‐EMS achieves the highest growth development ratio than other existing methods.
Pilot‐scale manufacturing of phase‐pure and highly crystalline hydroxyapatite: Lessons learned and process protocols
Authors: Barui Srimanta , Hadagalli Komalakrushna , Mukherjee Subrata , Roy Sabyasachi , Bhattacharjee Debashish , Basu Bikramjit
Published: November 2021

The recognition of hydroxyapatite (HAp) as the major bone mineral triggered significant research in bone tissue engineering applications. Although laboratory‐scale development involves the synthesis of HAp in different routes, scalability with uncompromised quality remains a major challenge. This article reports a large‐scale wet precipitation‐based synthesis of phase‐pure HAp using indigenously customized stirred tank reactors. The different synthesis parameters, like pH, reaction time, stirring rate, precursor addition, were tailored, together with the post‐synthesis mechano‐chemical treatment (aging induced Ostwald ripening) and calcinations, as the technology is matured to manufacture HAp powders in large volume. At least three batches of HAp were produced in the pilot‐scale reactor with reproducible values of phase purity, compositional fingerprint, particle size distribution, flowability, etc. The post‐calcination bluish tint was strategically addressed by adopting a proprietary calcination protocol. This batch process can produce around 200 kg/month of phase‐pure and highly crystalline (91–94%) HAp using stirred tank reactors of different working volumes. Extensive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses reveal the particle size of as‐synthesized HAp powders with hexagonal crystal structure in the range of 20.47 ± 4.95 nm , while individual crystallite size in range of 22.3 ± 3.2 nm (XRD based Debye‐Scherrer analysis). TEM‐based SADP analysis confirms the highly crystalline hexagonal structure of as‐synthesized HAp. The spray‐dried powders with spherical shape having narrow size distribution (35–40 μm) could also be manufactured in large batches. The spray‐dried HAp powders could be coated on clinically used stainless steel femoral stem implants using atmospheric plasma spray coating technique.
Decline in Atlantic wolffish Anarhichas lupus in the North Sea: Impacts of fishing pressure and climate change
Authors: Bluemel Joanna K. , Fischer Simon H. , Kulka David W. , Lynam Christopher P. , Ellis Jim R.
Published: November 2021

Anarhichas lupus is a boreo‐Arctic species with biological characteristics often associated with vulnerability to overexploitation. Although not commercially targeted in the North Sea, A. lupus is a bycatch species in mixed demersal fisheries. Here we provide an overview of the status of A. lupus in the North Sea, as observed from commercial landings and fishery‐independent trawl survey data. A. lupus was once common across much of the central and northern North Sea but, since the 1980s, have declined in abundance, demographic characteristics (reduced size) and geographical range, with the shallower and more southerly parts of its range most impacted. A. lupus is still relatively frequent in the northern North Sea, where fishing intensity, though decreasing, is high. Bycatch through fishing remains a potential threat and, considering the likely impacts of predicted climate change on cold‐water species, risks of further regional depletion and/or range contraction remain. Whether or not A. lupus is able to re‐establish viable populations in former habitat in UK coastal waters is unknown. Given the lack of data, the precautionary principle would suggest that manageable pressures be minimized where the species and its habitat are at risk of further impacts, and more regular assessments of population status be undertaken.
Pelagic observations of the midwater scorpionfish Ectreposebastes imus (Setarchidae) suggests a role in trophic coupling between deep‐sea habitats
Authors: Hoving Henk‐Jan T. , Freitas Rui
Published: November 2021

During pelagic video transects off Santo Antão, Cabo Verde, we encountered the midwater scorpionfish Ectreposebastes imus in midwater between 300 and 800 m over a bottom depth of about 1000 m. The fish were typically positioned vertically with their heads pointing upwards. These first midwater observations of E. imus suggest migratory (potentially feeding) behaviour into the pelagic realm and hence a possible role of this species in the trophic coupling between the pelagic and benthic habitats in the deep seas of Cabo Verde and elsewhere in its global distribution.
Attitudes, perceptions, self‐efficacy and knowledge levels of Israeli nurses in relation to opioid misuse: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Nusbaum Lika , Farkash Miriyam
Published: November 2021

Background

In an opioid epidemic that is imposing heavy health burdens on individuals, families and health systems, nurses are the main front‐line caregivers in the battle against the unrelenting increase in opioid medication misuse. Yet, little research has been conducted on nurses’ opinions and knowledge surrounding this issue worldwide and in Israel as well.

Objectives

To evaluate Israeli nurses’ attitudes, their knowledge about opioid use and misuse, their perception of institutional support, and their perception of their role and self‐efficacy in preventing and treating opioid misuse.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The data were collected through an electronic questionnaire from 414 Israeli registered nurses using the Qualtrics platform for on‐line surveys.

Results

The majority of the sample perceived their role positively, held positive attitudes toward people with opioid addiction, and were willing to take care of persons who misused opioids. Nurses reported low scores on knowledge, perceived institutional support, and self‐efficacy relating to the issues surrounding opioid pain medication use and misuse.

Conclusions

The results clearly indicate a lack of up‐to‐date knowledge among nurses concerning opioids use. This situation must be urgently corrected through revisiting the subject of opioids across undergraduate, graduate, and continuing nursing education programs. Improved knowledge, combined with a supportive organizational culture, should strengthen nursing care provided to this frequently neglected patient population.

Clinical relevance

Broad insight into nurses’ attitudes, their level of knowledge about opioid use and misuse, and their perceptions of their own role in preventing and treating such misuse are essential for creating targeted, relevant educational interventions for nurses with the aim of providing safe and effective opioid treatment for individuals with pain.
Cigarette smoking cessation and mental health treatment receipt in a U.S national sample of pregnant women with mental illness
Authors: Salameh Taghreed N. , Hall Lynne A. , Hall Martin T. , Crawford Timothy N.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To (1) compare the probability of cigarette smoking cessation for pregnant women with and without past‐year mental illness by the trimester of pregnancy; and (2) examine the association between the receipt of past‐year mental health treatment and prenatal cigarette smoking cessation among pregnant lifetime‐smokers with mental illness.

Methods

We conducted secondary analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2008–2014. The NSDUH included 2019 pregnant lifetime smokers aged 18–44 years, 528 of whom had a mental illness. We used multiple logistic regression to model the probability of prenatal cigarette smoking cessation.

Results

Pregnant lifetime‐smokers with mental illness had a lower rate of cigarette smoking cessation than women without mental illness (47.9% vs. 61.7%, p = 0.001). Compared to pregnant women without mental illness, pregnant women with mental illness had a significantly lower odds of smoking cessation in the first trimester (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.34, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.18–0.66), but not in the second (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.46–1.63) and third trimesters (AOR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.51–1.72). The likelihood of quitting smoking did not differ significantly for pregnant lifetime‐smokers with mental illness who received and did not receive mental health treatment (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.87–3.28).

Conclusion

Pregnant lifetime‐smokers with mental illness are less likely to quit smoking than those without mental illness; overall, pregnant women tended to quit smoking as they progressed in their pregnancy. The receipt of mental health treatment was not associated with quitting smoking. Mental health care providers need to screen for cigarette use among pregnant women and strengthen smoking cessation efforts.

Clinical relevance

Pregnancy presents a unique opportunity for mental health care providers to screen for cigarette use in women with mental illness and support their smoking cessation efforts.
Sedentary behaviors and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review
Authors: Li Qianqian , Zhu Yuan , Wang Jingyuan , Zhang Yan , Pan Yueshuai , Gu Ruting , Guo Xiaojing , Wei Lili
Published: November 2021

Aim

Sedentary behaviors are activities that expend less energy than 1.5 metabolic equivalents, such as watching TV, sitting. We aim to systematically review the evidence to determine the association of sedentary behavior (SB) with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, and the associations of SB with health outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Two researchers independently performed a literature search using PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source, and the Sedentary Behavior Research Database for studies published up to January 27, 2021. Randomized controlled trials, quasi‐experimental studies, and observational studies were screened and selected if SB was assessed in the context of gestational diabetes mellitus. Two reviewers extracted the relevant information and independently assessed the included studies for quality and bias.

Results

Eighteen studies were included, involving 60 804 patients, and the timeline of the original study included was from 2006 to 2021. Our review showed that SB before pregnancy was not associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, while SB during pregnancy was uncertain about the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. In addition, there were significant associations between SB time and metabolic outcomes. In addition, SB may cause some adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Conclusion

SB is likely to be the intermediary variable between occurrence of GDM and adverse maternal and infant outcome, rather than a direct influencing factor. Limited by the quantity and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high‐quality studies.
Grand Societal Challenges and Responsible Innovation
Authors: Voegtlin Christian , Scherer Andreas Georg , Stahl Günter K. , Hawn Olga
Published: November 2021

Grand societal challenges (GSCs) represent complex, multi‐level, multi‐dimensional problems that require concerted efforts by various actors – public, private, and non‐profit – to be successfully addressed. Businesses – alone or in conjunction with governmental and non‐profit organizations – are relevant actors in this regard, as they represent a source of innovation. Responsible innovation (RI) is a framework that allows for the governance and evaluation of innovations with regard to their potential harmful consequences and positive contributions to societal challenges. Moreover, it stipulates that this evaluation process should be facilitated by appropriate governance structures at various levels. The aim of this article is to expand theorizing on GSCs and RI and to encourage research that explores their links. We outline pertinent characteristics of GSCs that make current conceptualizations of corporate social responsibility and social innovation limited in addressing GSCs. We explicate the reflexive and participative capacities of RI governance as a complementary and promising way forward. Finally, we introduce the contributions to this Special Issue as illustrations of relevant theoretical and empirical groundwork around GSCs and RI, and outline the agenda for future research.
Diffusely abnormal white matter in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cairns James , Vavasour Irene M. , Traboulsee Anthony , Carruthers Robert , Kolind Shannon H. , Li David K. B. , Moore G. R. Wayne , Laule Cornelia
Published: November 2021

MRI enables detailed in vivo depiction of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. Localized areas of MS damage, commonly referred to as lesions, or plaques, have been a focus of clinical and research MRI studies for over four decades. A nonplaque MRI abnormality which is present in at least 25% of MS patients but has received far less attention is diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM). DAWM has poorly defined boundaries and a signal intensity that is between normal‐appearing white matter and classic lesions on proton density and T2‐weighted images. All clinical phenotypes of MS demonstrate DAWM, including clinically isolated syndrome, where DAWM is associated with higher lesion volume, reduced brain volume, and earlier conversion to MS. Advanced MRI metric abnormalities in DAWM tend to be greater than those in NAWM, but not as severe as focal lesions, with myelin, axons, and water‐related changes commonly reported. Histological studies demonstrate a primary lipid abnormality in DAWM, with some axonal damage and lesser involvement of myelin proteins. This review provides an overview of DAWM identification, summarizes in vivo and postmortem observations, and comments on potential pathophysiological mechanisms, which may underlie DAWM in MS. Given the prevalence and potential clinical impact of DAWM, the number of imaging studies focusing on DAWM is insufficient. Characterization of DAWM significance and microstructure would benefit from larger longitudinal and additional quantitative imaging efforts. Revisiting data from previous studies that included proton density and T2 imaging would enable retrospective DAWM identification and analysis.
Dynamic Masking: A Proposal of Burden‐Based Metrics for Masking in K‐12 Schools During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Rowland Leah C. , Klinkhammer Martin D. , Ramirez Dana W.E.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Ongoing masking of K‐12 children has not been universally accepted despite recommendation from public health authorities. In states without universal mask mandates for schools, district administrators are forced to make masking decisions under significant local political pressures. There is a call for endpoints to masking to allow communities to tailor mitigation while keeping schools safe, focusing on harm reduction.

METHODS

We reviewed existing measures for the safe opening of schools and designed a stepwise, accessible approach to the removal of masks in the K‐12 setting.

RESULTS

Focusing first on the assessment of school impact due to COVID‐19 disease and then considering the context of existing community transmission levels allows for a metrics‐based approach to masking that is flexible and practical, enabling school officials to adapt quickly to the pandemic landscape in their communities, independent of political pressures.

CONCLUSIONS

While this proposal is preliminary, a dynamic metric system for masking may encourage those communities who wish to minimize masking to adopt masks during highest risk periods, protecting against SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in schools and allowing for more holistic harm reduction. This approach may serve to guide districts during times of uncertainty when central guidance short of universal masking is lacking.