bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive heuristics and risk evaluation in crisis fraud
Authors: Chang Joshua , Chong Mark David
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The recent COVID-19 crisis has been followed by an epidemic of fraud. This study aims to evaluate cases of COVID-19-related fraud to identify cognitive heuristics that influence decision-making under the pressure of crisis conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of fraud advisories and cases relating to COVID-19 is conducted and matched against various types of cognitive heuristics to explain their influence on victims of crisis fraud.

Findings

The affect, availability, cue-familiarity, representativeness and scarcity heuristics are identified and explained to have a substantial influence on risk evaluations of crisis fraud.

Originality/value

The findings from this study can help individuals avoid fraud victimisation by helping them understand psychological vulnerabilities that they may be unaware of under the pressure of crisis conditions.
A three-levels analysis of double stimulation in a Change Laboratory
Authors: Morselli Daniele
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to operationalise and apply a three-level analysis of double stimulation in a Change Laboratory with teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Within qualitative inquiry, this Change Laboratory intervention was conducted as case study, by way of an intensive analysis of an individual unit. The macro-level deals with the societal problem and the collective solution found to tackle it. An intermediate level looks at the Change Laboratory as a methodology able to boost expansive learning through chains of first and second stimuli. The micro-level analyses the participants’ interactions during the sessions and traces the terms connected to the first and second stimulus.

Findings

This analysis suggests that the conflicts of motives experienced by the participants at the micro level refer to the aggravated contradiction identified at the macro level. Conflicts of motives seem to be superior in number during the first block of sessions, when the first stimuli are analysed. The micro analysis indicates the 6th session as the turning point of the intervention, when the participants take the auxiliary stimulus and turn it into and effective and meaningful sign. The intermediate level helps to trace the third transition from the formation of the second stimulus to its implementation, reflection upon and further development and generalisation.

Originality/value

Vygotsky’s method of double stimulation is crucial to develop one’s agency and to explain how individuals deliberately influence events. Yet the literature is fragmented and made of brief accounts, and this paper for the first time inspects double stimulation on different levels within a Change Laboratory intervention with teachers.
Organisational sustainability scale-measuring employees’ perception on sustainability of organisation
Authors: Balasubramanian Nataraj , Balaji M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and develop a scale for measuring employees’ perception on the sustainability of service organisations. With several companies adopting sustainability initiatives, it is prudent to measure the sustainability performance of those companies. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the sustainability measures and its associated challenges, this paper attempts to develop a scale to measure employees’ perception of sustainability of an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was developed and 977 samples were collected based on snowball sampling method. For scale development, this study randomised 586 samples to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and used the remaining samples for validation using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The existing literature on sustainability focusses on three dimensions, namely, economic, social and environmental sustainability measures. This paper explored the similarities of the three dimensions to serve as critical determinants for measuring employees’ perception of sustainability with the collected data from service industries. The EFA revealed that there were six factors for organisational sustainability with 26 questionnaire items. The six factors are as follows: environment management, employee-related sustainability, public related sustainability, financial sustainability, pollution control measures and governance sustainability. The identified factors were tested using CFA and the results are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper will be beneficial for the academicians in sustainability and the policy-makers as it provides a scale to measure employees’ perception on the sustainability of an organisation. This paper adds value to the research by providing a six-factor measurement model for organizational sustainability of selected service industries.

Practical implications

The paper is highly beneficial to the organisations to measure employees’ perception on sustainability and ascertain their position in supporting the holistic development of environment and society, thereby improving the goodwill and reputation of the organisation.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights about measuring employees’ perception on organizational sustainability. A six-factor measurement model has been proposed for organisational sustainability.
Digital media investigators: challenges and opportunities in the use of digital forensics in police investigations in England and Wales
Authors: Wilson-Kovacs Dana
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In-depth knowledge about specific national approaches to using digital evidence in investigations is scarce. A clearer insight into the organisational barriers and professional challenges experienced, alongside a more detailed picture of how digital evidence can help police investigations are required to empirically substantiate claims about how digital technologies are changing the face of criminal investigations. The paper aims to focus on the introduction of digital media investigators to support investigating officers with the collection and interpretation of digital evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on ethnographic and interview data collected as part of an Economic and Social Research Council-funded project on the application of digital forensics expertise in policing in England and Wales, this paper examines the changing face of investigations in relation to escalating digital demand.

Findings

The analysis presents the national and regional organisational parameters of deploying digital expertise in criminal investigation and examines some of the challenges of being a digital media investigator (DMI). Through testimonies from DMIs, digital forensic practitioners, investigating and senior officers and forensic managers, the analysis explores the organisational tensions in the collection, processing, interpretation and use of information from digital devices for evidential purposes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers an empirical basis for the comparative study of how the DMI role has been implemented by law enforcement agencies and its fit within broader institutional considerations and processes.

Practical implications

The development of the DMI role has raised questions about the supply of digital expertise, especially to volume crime investigations, and tensions around occupational divisions between scientific and operational units.

Social implications

The findings show that while the introduction of the DMI role was much needed, the development of this valuable provision within each force and the resources available require sustained and coordinated support to protect these professionals and retain their skills.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing sociological and criminological literature with an ethnographically based perspective into the organisational and occupational tensions in the identification and processing of digital evidence in England and Wales.
Do entrepreneurship ecosystem and managerial skills contribute to startup development?
Authors: Zaidi Raza Ali , Khan Muhammad Majid , Khan Rao Aamir , Mujtaba Bahaudin G.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting startup development and the entrepreneurship ecosystem's contribution to it.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology is used for data collection from different startup owners working across Pakistan. It is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which investigates the causal effect of variables at a definite point in time. Non-probability convenient sampling was used for selecting available startups from the incubation centers. The sampling framework consists of the founders of the startups that have been previously incubated at any of the selected incubation centers.

Findings

Regression analysis results from 165 responses of entrepreneurs and incubation centers demonstrate that the most important factors affecting startup development were financial access, government support, marketing challenges, education, technology and managerial skills in order of occurrence. Entrepreneurship ecosystem also proved to have a very positive impact on the relationship of these factors with startup development.

Practical implications

In this paper, the factors that affect the development of startup are analyzed and recommendations are provided.

Originality/value

This research is comprehensive, as we have collected data from actual entrepreneurs and incubation centers to explain how entrepreneurs initiate their startup business by considering their managerial skills. As such, this study is unique in that the data comes from newly developed incubations centers in one of South Asia's fastest-growing economies.
Role of digital technologies to combat COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rajendran Ratchana , Piali Biswas , Chandrakala Panguluri , Gampala Veerraju , Majji Sankararao
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The unexpected epidemic of the latest coronavirus in 2019, known as COVID-19 by the Globe, a number of governments worldwide have been put in a vulnerable situation by the World Health Organization. The effect of the COVID-19 outbreak, previously experienced by China’s citizens alone, has now become more pronounced. For practically every nation in the world, this is a matter of grave concern. The lack of assets to withstand the infection of COVID-19, mixed with the perception of overwhelmed medical mechanisms, pressured a number of places in a state of partial or absolute lockdown.

Design/methodology/approach

The medical photos such as computed tomography (CT) and X-ray playa key role in the worldwide battle against COVID-19, while artificial intelligence (AI) has recently appeared. The power of imaging is further increased by technology tools and support for medical specialists. In comparison to the related direct health effects because of the COVID-19 disaster, this research identifies its impacts on the overall society.

Findings

This paper hereby examines the rapid answers in the medical imaging community toward COVID-19 (empowered by AI). For example, the acquisition of AI-empowered images will significantly assist automate the scanning process and reshape the procedure as well. AI, too, may improve the quality of the job by correctly delineating X-ray and CT image infections, promoting subsequent infections, quantification. In addition, computer-aided platforms support radiologists make medical choices, i.e. for illness tracking, diagnosis and prognosis.

Originality/value

This research encompasses the whole medical imaging pipeline and methods for research related to COVID-19, include a collection of images, segmentation, diagnosis and monitoring. In drawing stuff to minimize the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, this paper is investigating the use of technologies such as the internet of things, unmanned aerial vehicles, blockchain, AI, big data and 5G.
Recovery process of genetic diversity through seed and pollen immigration at the northernmost leading‐edge population of Fagus crenata
Authors: Kitamura Keiko , Nakanishi Atsushi
Published: May 2021

The range expansion of a plant species begins with colonization of ecological empty patches from posterior source populations. This process involves stochastic loss of genetic diversity. However, the founder population could restore genetic diversity by gene flow from posterior populations via seeds and pollen and its recovery affects evolutionary potential for species expansion. To clarify the recovery process of genetic diversity during species range expansion, gene flow via seeds and pollen was investigated at the expansion front of Fagus crenata. Based on eight nuclear microsatellite genotypes of a total of 150 individuals and 225 seeds at the northernmost leading‐edge population, genetic diversity, fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS), and genetic differentiation from other five northern populations were investigated. Moreover, both seed and pollen immigration and their effects on genetic diversity at different successional stages were analyzed. The leading‐edge population showed lower genetic diversity and substantial genetic differentiation, reflecting its strong genetic drift. Non‐significant FSGS and a negative inbreeding coefficient for mature trees may indicate that the earliest generation consisted of founders from foreign seed sources. The significant proportion of seed and pollen immigration increased the number of different alleles for later successional stages. The effective number of pollen parents from foreign sources (20.8) was markedly higher than that from the local source (2.1). These results indicated that pollen immigration incorporated new and rare alleles and increased the genetic diversity of the population. However, the proportion of foreign gene flow decreased during succession, probably due to the increased reproductive success of local individuals as they reached maturity and grew in size.
The effect of shocks to GDP on employment in SADC member states during COVID‐19 using a Bayesian hierarchical model
Authors: Strauss Ilan , Isaacs Gilad , Rosenberg Josh
Published: May 2021

Using a simple Bayesian ‘mixed effects’ hierarchical model we provide econometric estimates of annual 2020 employment losses in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic for 15 SADC member states on the basis of historical GDP data between 2000 and 2019 and 2020 forecasts. Our mixed effects model consists of country‐varying coefficients, as well as ‘fixed’ (pooled) coefficients. This allows us to fully explore variation between countries. The model provides estimates for losses in total employment and women's employment, from which we infer income losses. We find that roughly half of estimated SADC countries have total employment losses below or approaching 25% of all jobs, while the other half have total losses exceeding 25%. Around one‐third of all jobs for women risk being lost during 2020 for Madagascar, Comoros, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Our model implies that most SADC countries will experience an equivalent loss of wage income in excess of 10% of GDP (whether through pure job losses and/or reductions in wages and working hours). Policy implications are briefly discussed.
COVID‐19 policy responses, inflation and spillover effects in the West African Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Coulibaly Seydou
Published: May 2021

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on the socioeconomic impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic by using a panel fixed effects model for estimating the impact of government policy responses to the pandemic and their spillover effects on the consumer price index for West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries over the period January 2019–July 2020. Across various robustness checks, the OLS and IV regressions provide three major pieces of evidence. First, the COVID‐19 confirmed cases positively affect the consumer price index while the overall government policy responses index has a negative impact on the consumer price index. Second, we find that government accommodative policies to COVID‐19 in other countries has a positive and statistically significant impact on the host country's consumer price index. Finally, the findings indicate that world food prices and oil prices positively affect the consumer price index. These results suggest that policymakers may consider intensifying the implementation of public policies in response to the pandemic for preserving the stability of prices when the sanitary situation of the COVID‐19 deteriorates. While confirming that international prices are among the key drivers of inflation in WAEMU countries, our findings also reiterate the importance of regional cooperation and coordination for fighting the adverse socioeconomic impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Direct and Indirect Employee Voice and Firm Innovation in Small and Medium Firms
Authors: Della Torre Edoardo , Gritti Alessia , Salimi Meysam
Published: May 2021

This study adopts an integrated approach to employee voice (EV) and analyses the impacts of direct and indirect EV mechanisms on firm innovation in small and medium‐sized firms separately. It also proposes a new categorization for direct EV, by distinguishing between verbal and written mechanisms, allowing us to take the level of formality of different EV mechanisms into account. The analysis of 17,890 European firms shows that verbal, written and indirect EV mechanisms are all positively related to a higher propensity of firm innovation in both small and medium firms. However, for verbal EV mechanisms the relationship is significantly stronger for small firms than medium firms. The results also reveal that medium firms derive higher benefit than small firms while combining and balancing EV mechanisms with different levels of formalization (i.e. verbal and indirect voice). However, the former also suffers from excessive formalization of employees’ involvement in the innovation process (e.g. through written and indirect voice). Overall, this study supports recent calls for the need to adopt an integrated, pluralistic approach to EV and has important implications for EV research in small and medium firms.
Missing Queens: Gender, Dynasty and Power in Vandal Africa
Authors: Whelan Robin
Published: May 2021

This paper reconsiders a curious aspect of the Vandal kingdom of North Africa (439–533 ce): the total absence of women called Vandals in extant sources. It argues that these missing Vandal women are the women of the Hasding royal dynasty. The non‐application of the ethnic terminology to the consorts, sisters and daughters of kings and princes corresponds to a broader dearth of contemporary discussions of their political agency. This reduced visibility reflects particular structural features of Vandal kingship – and, in particular, its succession arrangements – which reduced the significance of queens and princesses in both the representation and practice of governance at the royal court in Carthage.
A Latin American Casanova? Sex, Gender, Enlightenment and Revolution in the Life and Writings of Francisco de Miranda (1750–1816)
Authors: Bolufer Mónica
Published: May 2021

This paper looks from a gender perspective at the elusive figure, complex personality and myth of Francisco de Miranda, enlightened traveller and Precursor of Latin American independence. By analysing Miranda's personal archive as his own carefully crafted creation, it pursues three closely connected issues insufficiently interpreted in historical perspective: the forms of masculinity he embodied and those from which he distanced himself, his connections with women and the role that gender played in his assessments of the countries he visited and wrote about. Miranda's trajectory and self‐image trace an evolution (from mondain seducer and enlightened reader and thinker, to revolutionary sympathiser with women's intelligence and even women's rights, to his embracing more traditional domestic arrangements), not exempt from contradictions that shed new light on the complex dynamics of gender in the Enlightenment and the Atlantic revolutions. The ambivalences of his life and writings tell us much about the different and at times conflicting ways of being a man and relating to women in both the Hispanic world and the broader European and American context of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century.
Worth the effort? A practical examination of random effects in hidden Markov models for animal telemetry data
Authors: McClintock Brett T.
Published: May 2021

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) that include individual‐level random effects have recently been promoted for inferring animal movement behaviour from biotelemetry data. These ‘mixed HMMs’ come at significant cost in terms of implementation and computation, and discrete random effects have been advocated as a practical alternative to more computationally intensive continuous random effects. However, the performance of mixed HMMs has not yet been sufficiently explored to justify their widespread adoption, and there is currently little guidance for practitioners weighing the costs and benefits of mixed HMMs for a particular research objective.

I performed an extensive simulation study comparing the performance of a suite of fixed and random effect models for individual heterogeneity in the hidden state process of a two‐state HMM. I focused on sampling scenarios more typical of telemetry studies, which often consist of relatively long time series (30–250 observations per animal) for relatively few individuals (5–100 animals).

I generally found mixed HMMs did not improve state assignment relative to standard HMMs. Reliable estimation of random effects required larger sample sizes than are often feasible in telemetry studies. Continuous random effect models performed reasonably well with data generated under discrete random effects, but not vice versa. Random effects accounting for unexplained individual variation can improve estimation of state transition probabilities and measurable covariate effects, but discrete random effects can be a relatively poor (and potentially misleading) approximation for continuous variation.

When weighing the costs and benefits of mixed HMMs, three important considerations are study objectives, sample size and model complexity. HMM applications often focus on state assignment with little emphasis on heterogeneity in state transition probabilities, in which case random effects in the hidden state process simply may not be worth the additional effort. However, if explaining variation in state transition probabilities is a primary objective and sufficient explanatory covariates are not available, then random effects are worth pursuing as a more parsimonious alternative to individual fixed effects.

To help put my findings in context and illustrate some potential challenges that practitioners may encounter when applying mixed HMMs, I revisit a previous analysis of long‐finned pilot whale biotelemetry data.
Highlights in the advances of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Xu Xinni , Reitsma Sietze , Wang De Yun , Fokkens Wytske J.
Published: May 2021

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex upper airway inflammatory disease with a broad spectrum of clinical variants. As our understanding of the disease pathophysiology evolves, so too does our philosophy towards the approach and management of CRS. Endotyping is gaining favour over phenotype‐based classifications, owing to its potential in prognosticating disease severity and delivering precision treatment. Endotyping is especially useful in challenging CRS with nasal polyposis cases, for whom novel treatment options such as biologicals are now available. The latest European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS2020) reflects these changes with updated rhinosinusitis classifications and new integrated care pathways. With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, physicians and rhinologists have to balance the responsibility of managing their patients’ upper airway while adequately protecting themselves from droplet and aerosol transmission. This review summarises the key updates from EPOS2020, endotype‐based classification and biomarkers. The role of biologicals in CRS and the lessons we can draw from their use in severe asthma will be examined. Finally, the principles of CRS management during COVID‐19 will also be discussed.
Bag‐in‐the‐lens intraocular lens in paediatric cataract surgery: intraoperative and postoperative outcomes
Authors: Boonstra Nils‐Erik , Haugen Olav H.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To report intra‐ and postoperative surgical outcome using the bag‐in‐the‐lens (BIL) technique in paediatric cataract surgery.

Methods

In a retrospective case series, we studied the outcomes of children aged <12 years operated for cataract with the bag‐in‐the‐lens intraocular lens (IOL), with a minimum of 6 months of follow‐up.

Results

Since 2013, 50 eyes in 30 patients <12 years (20 bilateral and 10 unilateral) have been operated at our department with the BIL technique, with a median follow‐up time of 33.5 months (range 6–77). Median age at surgery was 49.5 months (4–139). In one case, the IOL luxated through the capsulorhexes to the vitreous, but could be secured and repositioned as planned without further difficulties. Anterior vitrectomy was necessary in one case due to prolapse of vitreous to the anterior chamber during surgery. No other intraoperative complications occurred. Visual axis opacification (VAO) developed in four eyes (8%). So far, only one of these has needed a reoperation with clearing of the secondary cataract. A complete absence of VAO was thus seen throughout the study period in 92%. In two eyes, postoperative iris capture occurred. In both cases, surgical repositioning of the iris was needed. No eyes developed secondary glaucoma during the study period.

Conclusion

The BIL technique seems to be a safe surgical procedure in paediatric cataract, with significantly less complications and need for additional surgery compared with the conventional lens‐in‐the‐bag technique.
Surgically induced ischemia has no impact on protein expression levels of HIF‐1α and related biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mikkelsen Minne Line , Marcussen Niels , Rabjerg Maj
Published: May 2021

The increasing demands for personalized targeted therapy directed against renal cell carcinoma have driven a search for predictive markers. Novel therapies targeting HIF‐1α in renal cell carcinoma have been developed, and HIF‐1α has been suggested as a novel predictive marker of response to therapy. The surgical resection of a kidney tumor induces tissue ischemia, and HIF‐1α is an oxygen‐sensitive transcription factor, which is known to be upregulated during hypoxia. This study investigated the impact of intra‐surgical and post‐surgical ischemia on protein expression levels of HIF‐1α and three related biomarkers (VEGF, GLUT‐1, and CAIX) in 20 patients with renal cell carcinoma with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Surgical ischemia did not have a significant impact on protein expression levels of any of the investigated markers. Long‐post‐surgical ischemia resulted in reduced expression levels of HIF‐1α, probably due to autolysis. Our results suggest that HIF‐1α is a stable protein, with expression levels not affected by intra‐surgical ischemia, and hence, HIF‐1α is suited for marker analysis.
Incidence, characteristics and risk factors for drug‐induced liver injury in hospitalized patients: A matched case‐control study
Authors: Kong Xianghao , Guo Daihong , Liu Siyuan , Zhu Yu , Yu Chengxuan
Published: May 2021

Aims

The diagnosis of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is relatively complex and involves a wide variety of drugs. The purpose of this study was to use algorithms to quickly screen DILI patients, determine its incidence and identify risk factors.

Methods

The Adverse Drug Events Active Surveillance and Assessment System‐2 was used to extract the data of patients hospitalized in 2019 according to the set standards and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method was used to evaluate patients who met the standards. A retrospective case‐control study was conducted according to suspected drugs, length of hospital stay and height‐ and weight‐matched controls, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors.

Results

Among the 156 570 hospitalized patients, 480 patients (499 cases) with DILI were confirmed and the incidence of DILI was 0.32%. Anti‐infective agents, antineoplastic agents and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were the major categories of drugs causing DILI, and the highest incidence of DILI was due to voriconazole. The latency period and hospital stay of patients with cholestasis were both relatively long. Patients with hyperlipidaemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.884), cardiovascular disease (AOR 1.465), pre‐existing liver disease (AOR 1.827) and surgical history (AOR 1.312) were at higher risk for DILI.

Conclusions

The incidence of DILI in hospitalized patients was uncommon (0.32%) and its pathogenic drugs were widely distributed. The incidence of DILI for many drugs has been seriously underestimated. It is recommended to focus on patients with hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, pre‐existing liver disease and surgical history.
Dying well in nursing homes during COVID‐19 and beyond: The need for a relational and familial ethic
Authors: Parks Jennifer A. , Howard Maria
Published: May 2021

This paper applies a relational and familial ethic to address concerns relating to nursing home deaths and advance care planning during Covid‐19 and beyond. The deaths of our elderly in nursing homes during this pandemic have been made more complicated by the restriction of visitors even at the end of life, a time when families would normally be present. While we must be vigilant about preventing unnecessary deaths caused by coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes, some deaths of our elders are inevitable. Thus, it is essential that advanced care planning occurs in a way that upholds the familial and relational aspects of elders’ lives that often matter to them the most. We invoke concepts from feminist ethicists like Hilde Lindemann and Eva Kittay and introduce Avery Weisman and Thomas Hackett’s concept of “appropriate death” to suggest better ways of planning for those deaths of our elderly that cannot be avoided. Our hope is to allow for deaths that are as meaningful as possible for both the elderly and the family members who survive them.
Psychological, social, and situational factors associated with COVID‐19 vaccination intentions: A study of UK key workers and non‐key workers
Authors: Butter Sarah , McGlinchey Emily , Berry Emma , Armour Cherie
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern and threat to public health. This research will begin to examine the relative influence of relevant psychological, social, and situational factors on intent to engage with a hypothetical COVID‐19 vaccine among key workers and non‐key workers.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

The study utilized a sample of UK adults who completed the 1‐month follow‐up of The COVID‐19 Psychological Wellbeing Study during April/May 2020 and indicated having not been previously diagnosed with COVID‐19 (key workers n = 584; not key workers n = 1,021). These groups were compared in relation to their intentions to vaccinate, perceived risk of infection, and symptom severity. Binary logistic regression was used to examine predictors of vaccine hesitancy.

Results

Overall, 74.2% of the sample (76.2% key workers, 73.1% non‐key workers) indicated they would accept a COVID‐19 vaccine in future. Key workers (in particular health and social care workers) had a higher perceived risk of becoming infected in the coming months. For key workers, being female and perceiving oneself as having relatively low infection risk in the next 6 months was associated with increased likelihood of vaccine hesitancy. For non‐key workers, however, being aged 25–54, having a low or average income and not knowing someone diagnosed with COVID‐19 were associated with hesitancy.

Conclusions

The proportion of individuals willing to accept a vaccine is encouraging but there is much room for improvement. Given the unique predictors of vaccine hesitancy in each group, public health campaigns may benefit from targeted messaging.
From Conciliation to Threat: Silva Lisboa, Viscount of Cairu, and the Luso‐Brazilian Empire in 1821
Authors: Celestino Guilherme
Published: May 2021

In the year before Brazil's independence, the press played an essential role in influencing the events that resulted in the rupture with Portugal. With his ideas shaped by the Portuguese Enlightenment and economic liberalism, Silva Lisboa initially supported the Cortes of Lisbon and the Luso‐Brazilian empire, but, when the Congress decided to legislate against Brazilian autonomy, he became one of the main critics of the legislation that would change the balance of power between the two kingdoms and, eventually, in his opinion, could lead to the ‘recolonisation’ of Brazil.
Global trends in research output by zoos and aquariums
Authors: Escribano Nora , Ariño Arturo H. , Pino‐del‐Carpio Andrea , Galicia David , Miranda Rafael
Published: May 2021

Zoos and aquaria, often regarded as preservation‐cum‐entertainment enterprises, are also actors in the effort to curb the biodiversity crisis: raising awareness, supporting conservation, and conducting research. We assessed trends in zoo and aquaria research topics and study organisms over time worldwide. For the zoos and aquaria registered in the Species360's Zoological Information Management System and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we compiled metadata on their research published in the peer‐reviewed literature indexed in Scopus and carried out a keyword frequency analysis. The production of scientific papers by zoos increased at a much faster rate than the average accrual of scientific papers in the literature. Evolution of research themes ran parallel to that of biological sciences (e.g., development of molecular genetics or increased awareness about conservation). The focus of 48.5% of zoo‐led research was on vertebrates, of which mammal research was 33.7%. Whether zoos are effectively contributing to conservation may still be debatable, but our results highlight their institutional efforts to increase knowledge about the species in their care.
Depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and healthcare utilization: Results from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA)
Authors: Han Chang Hoon , Chung Jae Ho , Lee Sujin
Published: May 2021

Background

Depression is a common comorbidity among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the health effects of depression in this group of patients remain poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between COPD and depression, and the effects of comorbid COPD and depression on health care utilization.

Methods

Our study sample included 10,180 Korean adults (4,437 men and 5,743 women; all aged ≥ 45 years) who participated in the cross‐sectional Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). The participants were required to self‐report any previous diagnosis of COPD. Depression was assessed with the 10‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D10). Health care utilization was defined as multiple physician visits (≥6) and multiple hospital admissions (≥2) in the previous year.

Results

Participants with COPD had a higher prevalence of depression than those without COPD (16.8% vs. 38.1%, respectively; P < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates, participants with COPD had a significantly higher likelihood of multiple physician visits (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80 [1.26‐2.58]) and multiple hospital admissions (OR [95% CI], 1.62 [1.04‐3.51]), while those with COPD plus depression had a higher likelihood of multiple hospital admissions (OR [95% CI], 2.71 [2.34‐5.48]).

Conclusions

We found a positive association between COPD and depression. Depression in patients with COPD is associated with an increased likelihood of multiple hospital admissions.
Diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor in the absence of typical inflammatory cells: A case report
Authors: Kirchner Allison , Sergeyenko Artem , Keane Janice , Belinski Kenneth , Liu Wenhua
Published: May 2021

Mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor (MSP) is a non‐neoplastic condition that is characterized by spindle‐shaped histiocytes colonized by mycobacteria. MSP is most commonly diagnosed in the immunocompromised and, while MSP can occur throughout the body, the most common sites of MSP involvement are the lymph nodes and the skin. To diagnose MSP, histopathological analysis typically demonstrates the presence of inflammatory cells, in addition to spindle cells and the unequivocal mycobacteria, which guides the diagnosis away from potential neoplasms. If properly diagnosed and treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy, patients tend to experience almost complete resolution of their symptoms. MSP is a rare condition; to our knowledge, there have only been 11 documented cases of cutaneous MSP, including the one introduced in this report. Here, we present a unique case of a 50‐year‐old female on chronic immunosuppressive therapy diagnosed with cutaneous MSP in the absence of inflammatory cells on pathology.
Exploring ecological specialization in pipefish using genomic, morphometric and ecological evidence
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Zhixin , Mammola Stefano , Ho Adeljean L.F.C. , Zhang Yanhong , Qin Geng , Lin Qiang
Published: May 2021

Aim

Theory predicts that ecological specialization should be rare in marine ecosystems, given that dispersal barriers are less effective in the vastness of the sea compared with those in terrestrial settings. This paradigm, however, hardly fits with classical theories of local adaptation, raising the question of how marine diversity originates in a highly interconnected system. In the present study, we investigated how ecological specialization arises in a widely distributed marine species, the seaweed pipefish Syngnathus schlegeli.

Location

Chinese coastal waters.

Methods

We integrated morphological (geometric morphometry), genetic (RADseq) and ecological (species distribution models and n‐dimensional hypervolumes) evidence to shed light on population structuring in S. schlegeli.

Results

We revealed the existence of a north‐to‐south phenotypic gradient in eye size among S. schlegeli populations. This morphological differentiation was paralleled by genetic divergence, with South China Sea populations emerging as relatively independent. We further investigated the ecological differentiation of S. schlegeli populations. We observed high niche differentiation among northern, central and southern populations, resulting from both niche expansion and niche shift processes. Projected habitat suitability onto the Last Glacial Maximum revealed the existence of historical barriers to dispersal between the South and East China seas.

Main conclusions

We showed that the effect of this historical segregation, in concert with niche‐driven ecological differentiation, might lead to the establishment of three distinct clades across the widely distributed marine pipefish. Ultimately, our study demonstrates that even the high connected sea environment maintains the potential for ecological specialization.
Possible reasons for the regrettable results of patency of an inside stent in endoscopic transpapillary biliary stenting
Authors: Kuwatani Masaki , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: May 2021

Endoscopic biliary decompression is a minimally invasive procedure for cholestasis since the first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐guided biliary stenting performed by Soehendra and Reynders‐Frederix. Among the endoscopic biliary decompression, endoscopic transpapillary biliary stenting (EBS), is a mainstream choice and presently has two methods of placement: stenting above the sphincter of Oddi (SO) (suprapapillary) and stenting across the SO (transpapillary). Stent patency is the most important concern for patients, endoscopists and physicians because it can affect both the life prognosis and treatment schedule of patients. Biliary stent occlusion can occur because of several factors. Among them, direct food impaction, biofilm formation, and sludge formation play important roles and are presumed to be theoretically overcome by EBS above the SO. Thus, EBS above the SO is expected to result in a longer patency than EBS across the SO. In the literature, there have been six comparative studies on EBS for distal biliary obstruction in which the stent was placed above or across the SO, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with negative results of stenting above the SO. With respect to EBS for hilar biliary obstruction, there have been no RCTs, whereas four retrospective comparative studies with negative results and four retrospective comparative studies showing positive results of stenting above the SO have been reported. In this review, we focused on EBS above and across the SO, and summarized the positive and negative results of the two types of stenting to promote effective clinical practice and to provide a basis for future studies.
Toward a better definition of focal cortical dysplasia: An iterative histopathological and genetic agreement trial
Authors: Blümcke Ingmar , Coras Roland , Busch Robyn M. , Morita‐Sherman Marcia , Lal Dennis , Prayson Richard , Cendes Fernando , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Rogerio Fabio , Almeida Vanessa S. , Rocha Cristiane S. , Sim Nam Suk , Lee Jeong Ho , Kim Se Hoon , Baulac Stephanie , Baldassari Sara , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Walsh Christopher A. , Bizzotto Sara , Doan Ryan N. , Morillo Katherine S. , Aronica Eleonora , Mühlebner Angelika , Becker Albert , Cienfuegos Jesus , Garbelli Rita , Giannini Caterina , Honavar Mrinalini , Jacques Thomas S. , Thom Maria , Mahadevan Anita , Miyata Hajime , Niehusmann Pitt , Sarnat Harvey B. , Söylemezoglu Figen , Najm Imad
Published: May 2021

Objective

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a major cause of difficult‐to‐treat epilepsy in children and young adults, and the diagnosis is currently based on microscopic review of surgical brain tissue using the International League Against Epilepsy classification scheme of 2011. We developed an iterative histopathological agreement trial with genetic testing to identify areas of diagnostic challenges in this widely used classification scheme.

Methods

Four web‐based digital pathology trials were completed by 20 neuropathologists from 15 countries using a consecutive series of 196 surgical tissue blocks obtained from 22 epilepsy patients at a single center. Five independent genetic laboratories performed screening or validation sequencing of FCD‐relevant genes in paired brain and blood samples from the same 22 epilepsy patients.

Results

Histopathology agreement based solely on hematoxylin and eosin stainings was low in Round 1, and gradually increased by adding a panel of immunostainings in Round 2 and the Delphi consensus method in Round 3. Interobserver agreement was good in Round 4 (kappa = .65), when the results of genetic tests were disclosed, namely, MTOR, AKT3, and SLC35A2 brain somatic mutations in five cases and germline mutations in DEPDC5 and NPRL3 in two cases.

Significance

The diagnoses of FCD 1 and 3 subtypes remained most challenging and were often difficult to differentiate from a normal homotypic or heterotypic cortical architecture. Immunohistochemistry was helpful, however, to confirm the diagnosis of FCD or no lesion. We observed a genotype–phenotype association for brain somatic mutations in SLC35A2 in two cases with mild malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy. Our results suggest that the current FCD classification should recognize a panel of immunohistochemical stainings for a better histopathological workup and definition of FCD subtypes. We also propose adding the level of genetic findings to obtain a comprehensive, reliable, and integrative genotype–phenotype diagnosis in the near future.
Modeling seizures in the Human Phenotype Ontology according to contemporary ILAE concepts makes big phenotypic data tractable
Authors: Lewis‐Smith David , Galer Peter D. , Balagura Ganna , Kearney Hugh , Ganesan Shiva , Cosico Mahgenn , O'Brien Margaret , Vaidiswaran Priya , Krause Roland , Ellis Colin A. , Thomas Rhys H. , Robinson Peter N. , Helbig Ingo
Published: May 2021

Objective

The clinical features of epilepsy determine how it is defined, which in turn guides management. Therefore, consideration of the fundamental clinical entities that comprise an epilepsy is essential in the study of causes, trajectories, and treatment responses. The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) is used widely in clinical and research genetics for concise communication and modeling of clinical features, allowing extracted data to be harmonized using logical inference. We sought to redesign the HPO seizure subontology to improve its consistency with current epileptological concepts, supporting the use of large clinical data sets in high‐throughput clinical and research genomics.

Methods

We created a new HPO seizure subontology based on the 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Operational Classification of Seizure Types, and integrated concepts of status epilepticus, febrile, reflex, and neonatal seizures at different levels of detail. We compared the HPO seizure subontology prior to, and following, our revision, according to the information that could be inferred about the seizures of 791 individuals from three independent cohorts: 2 previously published and 150 newly recruited individuals. Each cohort's data were provided in a different format and harmonized using the two versions of the HPO.

Results

The new seizure subontology increased the number of descriptive concepts for seizures 5‐fold. The number of seizure descriptors that could be annotated to the cohort increased by 40% and the total amount of information about individuals' seizures increased by 38%. The most important qualitative difference was the relationship of focal to bilateral tonic‐clonic seizure to generalized‐onset and focal‐onset seizures.

Significance

We have generated a detailed contemporary conceptual map for harmonization of clinical seizure data, implemented in the official 2020‐12‐07 HPO release and freely available at hpo.jax.org. This will help to overcome the phenotypic bottleneck in genomics, facilitate reuse of valuable data, and ultimately improve diagnostics and precision treatment of the epilepsies.