bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of current and future critical skills in the South African construction industry
Authors: Musonda Innocent , Okoro Chioma
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The role of skills development in attaining productivity and competitiveness in industry and global level cannot be overemphasized in the construction sector. The study aims to evaluate the critical skills needed in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted, and data were collected using questionnaires distributed amongst construction professionals including project managers, construction managers, quantity surveyors, architects and engineers based in South Africa. The data amassed were analysed to output descriptive statistics. The skills were ranked according to the level of priority as perceived by the respondents.

Findings

Findings from the empirical data analysis established that the critical skills needed within the construction industry at present and in the future are health and safety competence, decision-making, leadership and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, public speaking, big data mining and Internet of things (IoT) were not considered to be critical.

Practical implications

These findings indicated that even with technological advancements, managerial skills are needed to ensure that projects are delivered successfully.

Originality/value

The study sheds more light on skills considered critical at present and which might be relevant in the future. The study signposts the importance of critical skills to an individual and the entire construction industry. Efforts can be made to ensure that relevant critical skills for high output are emphasized and planning can be made for future and predicted construction industry workforce needs.
Investigation of magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flow contain motile oxytactic microorganisms over rotating cone
Authors: Mogharrebi Amir Reza , D. Ganji Ali Reza , Hosseinzadeh Khashayar , Roghani So , Asadi Armin , Fazlollahtabar Amin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to indicate a three-dimensional convective heat transfer properties evaluation of magnetohydrodynamics nanofluid flow, comprising motile oxytactic microorganisms and nanoparticles, passing through a rotating cone.

Design/methodology/approach

The imposed technique for solving the governing equations is the Runge–Kutta fifth-order method. The main point of this survey is to diagnosis the influence of diverse factors on velocity, temperature distributions and concentration profile. Furthermore, appending the magnetic field, thermal radiation and viscous dissipation in calculations; also, simultaneous involvement of heat absorption and excretion has been represented as novelties.

Findings

The results elucidate that by changing the Peclet number from 1 to 2, the dimensionless concentration of the microorganisms has been diminished by about 34.37%. In addition, variation of the magnetic parameter from 0 to 1 has been resulted in reducing the temperature distribution by about 3.11%.

Originality/value

Recently, attention has been absorbed to adding the motile microorganisms to nanofluid for enhancement of heat transfer and avoiding aggregation of particles. In this regard, the hydrothermal flow of microorganisms has been investigated in this study.
Antecedents and consequences of satisfaction among participants in health-affiliated charity sport events
Authors: Park Meungguk , Yoh Taeho , Shonk David J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Understanding factors that enhance participants' satisfaction has become critical to developing effective donor retention strategies for charity sport events (CSEs). However, there is a lack of empirical research on participants' satisfaction with CSEs. The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents and consequences of satisfaction among CSE participants and to empirically test the relationships between the proposed constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 238 participants from four Relay For Life (RFL) events organized by the American Cancer Society, North Central Region in the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted to analyze the measurement model and the structural model.

Findings

The results of the structural model indicated that perceived prosocial impact, sense of community and trust in CSE had significant positive effects on CSE satisfaction, while venue quality, knowledge attainment and entertainment value did not positively influence CSE satisfaction. CSE satisfaction had a positive direct effect on participant loyalty to CSE, which had a significant contribution to future participant intent.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide CSE directors and marketers with valuable insights into the process of how to build long-term relationships with participants by identifying factors that influence participants' satisfaction and its consequences.

Originality/value

By measuring the mediating role of CSE satisfaction, this study provides a deeper understanding of the causal pathways from the antecedents to participant loyalty through CSE satisfaction.
Intrusion detection in mobile ad-hoc network using Hybrid Reactive Search and Bat algorithm
Authors: Srilakshmi R. , Muthukuru Jayabhaskar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The mischievous nodes that defy the standard corrupt the exhibition of good nodes considerably. Therefore, an intrusion discovery mechanism should be included to the mobile ad-hoc network (MANET). In this paper, worm-hole and other destructive malignant attacks are propelled in MANET.

Design/methodology/approach

A wireless ad-hoc network also called as mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) is a gathering of hubs that utilizes a wireless channel to exchange information and coordinate together to establish information exchange among any pair of hubs, without any centralized structure. The security issue is a major difficulty while employing MANETs.

Findings

Consequently, the attacks due to the malicious node activity are detected using Hybrid Reactive Search and Bat (HRSB) mechanism to prevent the mischievous nodes from entering the network beneath the untruthful information. Moreover, the attack detection rate and node energy are predicted for determining the lifetime of the node.

Originality/value

The simulation outcomes of the proposed HRSB technique are evaluated with the prevailing methods. The comparison studies have proven the efficacy of the current research model by attaining high attack detection rate and achieving more network lifetime.
Evolution of public-private partnership: the UK perspective through a case study approach
Authors: Adamou Marios , Kyriakidou Niki , Connolly Jon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Since the 1990s, the National Health Service (NHS)advisory officers have developed considerable expertise in managing the process of specifying, procuring, contracting and running public–private partnership (PPP) projects. However, there has been a relatively consistent trajectory in the findings of studies and evaluation of PPP from its initial introduction in the health sector in 1992 to the present time. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the PPP experience in the UK context using a case study in the NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

The partnership literature is primarily focussed on process issues, and the impact of partnerships on improving outcomes cannot be assumed. By conducting a critical review on most updated research studies and innovative approaches in this area, the literature as to the place of PPPs in health in the context of the UK is critically explored and whether they have a role in system resilience is examined. A case study has be used as well to describing the processes of a PPP arrangement.

Findings

Health-care PPP is one of the options relating to health system resilience. However, their contribution in the NHS has been mixed, with success noted in short-term clinical and services contracts while in the long-term the value for money argument has not been proven. In theory, the role of PPPs in bringing together ingredients supporting system resilience such as finance, management and innovation in the UK has not always been successful, and NHS providers have taken the approach to exit such arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

More research work is needed to capture the 21st-century challenges and critical success factors during its implementation.

Practical implications

The creation of strong partnerships is moving service delivery away from a project-by-project approach to one that includes strategic and policy developments for long-term results.

Originality/value

This is a fresh discussion in the role of PPP in system resilience in the UK perspective through a case study describing an exit from a PPP arrangement.
Assessment of solid waste management practice in the university campus
Authors: Dahlawi Saad , El Sharkawy Mahmoud F.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Municipal solid waste (MSW) consists mainly of several recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard. Inside the educational institutes, especially universities, MSW is generated from several facilities including offices and cafeterias. Without an effective management program, solid waste can have detrimental impacts on the environment. This paper aims to assess the solid waste management practices followed at the main campus of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam – Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The MSW samples were collected from different sources inside the IAU campus such as the college buildings (such as the teaching rooms and staff offices), the administrative buildings and services buildings (e.g. the main library, the photocopying center, the restaurant and cafeteria) at least one time per week during a full academic term (January–May) of the academic year 2017–2018. The collected MSW samples were segregated into seven categories, and the net amount of each category and the overall weight of the MSW were determined once every week. The MSW samples were characterized for physical and chemical properties including moisture, carbon and ash contents. Food product waste (FPW) of the main university restaurant was studied separately.

Findings

Data on the composition of MSW samples revealed that 80% of wastes were recyclable, 19% as compostable materials, while only 1% of the materials were a non-recyclable waste. More than 73% of the recyclable materials include paper and plastic warranting dire need of an effective solid waste management program. The highest value of FPW was recorded for the breakfast meal.

Originality/value

Most of the waste generated from the university campus was recyclable type that needs to be handled carefully to avoid its mixing with other types of the waste stream. Waste characterization is an important tool that helps in understanding the amount and pattern of waste generation. It can be used as a decision-making tool for implementing sustainable waste management programs for universities.
Does growth enhancement support scheme (GESS) contribute to youth development in informal farm entrepreneurship? Evidence from rural communities in Nigeria
Authors: Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu , Okolo-Obasi Elda Nduka , Asongu Simplice Anutechia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the impact of a growth enhancement support scheme (GESS) on youth development in informal farm entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the GESS on rural youths’ adoption of new technologies needed to sustainably increase food security in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 800 rural youths were sampled across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Findings

The result from the use of a bivariate probit model indicates that the GESS has a significant impact on rural youths’ innovations in farming.

Practical implications

This suggests that information and communication technology could provide new opportunities for making farming more interesting and enterprising for rural young people.

Social implications

It implies that while old male and female farmers are less likely to adopt the new farming technologies needed to achieve Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda (ATA), a younger generation can help introduce new technologies, while also learning from traditional methods.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on informal farm entrepreneurship and rural communities’ debate in developing countries. It concludes that engaging youths in GESS should form the foundation of the ATA in Nigeria, which, in turn, would offer adequate combination of new and traditional solution to address the challenges of food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Evaluation of students’ attitude toward distance learning during the pandemic (Covid-19): a case study of ELTE university
Authors: Ismaili Yassine
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Covid-19 has prompted higher institutions around the globe to relocate traditional classes to online classes. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) was no exception. It had already drawn up limited strategies regarding distance education, but those Web-based platforms were provided only to students with special needs. Due to the pandemic, all ELTE students were compelled to use online platforms that the university provided, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, to resume their studies. This study aims to evaluate the initial experience of students in using these new platforms. It also explores the effects distance learning has on students’ satisfaction and attitudes toward their education.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a quantitative approach, students’ attitudes toward e-learning and their access to tech-platforms, use of those platforms and satisfaction with online courses are processed and analyzed via a statistical package for the social sciences.

Findings

The results of this study show that distance learning is still in the development stage, and although traditional classrooms appeared to be indispensable, the positive attitudes and willingness of the majority of students to engage in distance learning classes in the post-COVID19 pandemic indicate that there is an immense potential future for e-learning platforms in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The distance learning approach has been the only way for institutions worldwide to resume studies during the pandemic of Covid-19. Students faced mixed feelings of perplexity, loneliness, uncertainty over what is going to happen with classes, exams, graduation and other significant activities impacting their study path; irrespective of their daily struggles with the hard accessibility to means of e-learning and personal potential health problems. This evaluation is considered as a roadmap for institutions to follow-up and to improve the organizational and educational shortcomings they met.
Impact of regulatory efficiency and market openness to social and financial efficiency: empirical evidence from microfinance institutions
Authors: Mohamad Anwar Nazratul Aina , Iqbal Hussain Hafezali , Kamarudin Fakarudin , Sufian Fadzlan , Zainal Nurazilah , Wong Che Mun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a significant role in society to help low-income consumers that liaise with sustainable development goals. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of two economic freedom components, namely, regulatory efficiency on business freedom and monetary freedom; and market openness on investment freedom and financial freedom. Their influence on the efficiency of MFIs in both social and financial ways is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected a total of 88 MFIs from Thailand and the Philippines for the years 2011 to 2017. The data envelopment analysis approach has been used to measure the MFIs’ efficiency level. Then, the ordinary least squares and generalised least square estimation methods serve to analyse the effects of economic freedom and other determinants on efficiency.

Findings

The results show that overall MFIs operate at an encouraging level. However, they were managerially inefficient when exploiting resources to achieve both social and financial efficiency. Therefore, MFIs should focus more on managerial operations to improve the level of efficiency. Results from panel regression analysis showed a mixed outcome for the relationship between economic freedom and MFIs’ efficiency both financially and socially. This suggested that different freedoms will result in different outcomes and significantly influence MFIs’ financial and social efficiency.

Originality/value

Regulatory efficiency and market openness are the vital aspects of economic freedom components that may significantly influence MFI’s performance specifically on social and financial efficiency. This study fills the research gap by examining the relationship between economic freedom components and specific MFIs’ social and financial efficiency, to ensure MFIs work to achieve sustainable development goals.
Invasive and in situ lesions of squamous cell carcinoma are independent factors for postoperative surgical‐site infection after outpatient skin tumors surgery: A retrospective study of 512 patients
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Katsuhito , Ishizuki Shoichiro , Inoue Sae , Okune Mari , Kubota Noriko , Okiyama Naoko , Furuta Junichi , Fujisawa Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

Surgical‐site infection (SSI) is one of the major postoperative complications in surgery, which can cause significant morbidity. However, factors associated with SSI in dermatological surgery are not well understood. Here, we retrospectively investigated 512 patients who underwent outpatient surgery for skin tumors at the University of Tsukuba Hospital to analyze factors associated with postoperative SSI. The overall incidence of SSI was 28 (5.5%). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SSI was significantly associated with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC), Bowen’s disease (BD), actinic keratosis (AK), longer diameter of defects, presence of ulcer, reconstruction with full‐thickness skin graft and local skin flaps, medical history of diabetes mellitus, and use of immunosuppressive agents. However, in the multivariate analysis only iSCC, BD, and AK retained significance. The frequencies of SSI in iSCC, BD, and AK were 22% (13/58 patients), 15.6% (5/32), and 25% (2/8), respectively; however, the frequency of other non‐SCC tumors was only 1.9% (8/414). χ2‐Tests revealed that the frequency of SSI in iSCC, BD, and AK were all significantly higher than in non‐SCC tumors, with the frequencies being more than eight times higher. These results suggest that invasive and in situ lesions of SCC are independent risk factors of SSI development after outpatient skin surgery.
Role of the SphK‐S1P‐S1PRs pathway in invasion of the nervous system by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Pan Yuehai , Gao Fei , Zhao Shuai , Han Jinming , Chen Fan
Published: February 2021

Global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is still ongoing. Before an effective vaccine is available, the development of potential treatments for resultant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is crucial. One of the disease hallmarks is hyper‐inflammatory responses, which usually leads to a severe lung disease. Patients with COVID‐19 also frequently suffer from neurological symptoms such as acute diffuse encephalomyelitis, brain injury and psychiatric complications. The metabolic pathway of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a dynamic regulator of various cell types and disease processes, including the nervous system. It has been demonstrated that S1P and its metabolic enzymes, regulating neuroinflammation and neurogenesis, exhibit important functions during viral infection. S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) analogues including AAL‐R and RP‐002 inhibit pathophysiological responses at the early stage of H1N1 virus infection and then play a protective role. Fingolimod (FTY720) is an S1P receptor modulator and is being tested for treating COVID‐19. Our review provides an overview of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and critical role of the SphK‐S1P‐SIPR pathway in invasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS). This may help design therapeutic strategies based on the S1P‐mediated signal transduction, and the adjuvant therapeutic effects of S1P analogues to limit or prevent the interaction between the host and SARS‐CoV‐2, block the spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2, and consequently treat related complications in the CNS.
Evidence of repeated mirtazapine poisoning in children by hair analysis
Authors: Kintz Pascal , Raul Jean‐Sébastien , Ameline Alice
Published: February 2021

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug, used to treat depression, but also, in some specific conditions, to treat obsessive–compulsive disorder and anxiety. Although mirtazapine is not a hypnotic, it can make the subject feel drowsy. Children under the age of 18 should not take mirtazapine, but for some very special diseases, a physician can prescribe it for a limited period of time. The authors report a case involving 2 children (7‐ and 9‐year‐old) who were administered mirtazapine without consent by the mother, who was under daily therapy with this antidepressant. Hair specimens, collected from the children were tested by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry for mirtazapine and its metabolite, N‐desmethylmirtazapine, on 3 × 1 cm segments. The hair test results (3 × 1 cm segments) have demonstrated that both children have been repetitively exposed to mirtazapine for approximately the last 3 months before hair collection, with concentrations in the range 1.32–3.79 and 0.64–2.54 ng/mg for mirtazapine and N‐desmethylmirtazapine, respectively. Environmental contamination was ruled out as the measured concentrations are highly variable according to the pattern of drug distribution and the washes were negative. Hair testing for drugs appears as an excellent diagnostic tool for child protection toward drug exposure.
Not just a pathogen: The importance of recognizing genetic variability to mitigate a wildlife pandemic
Authors: Azat Claudio
Published: February 2021

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are increasingly recognized as a threat to both biodiversity and human health (Scheele et al., 2019; Wells et al., 2020). But pathogens cannot been seen as unique entities; their intraspecific genetic variability represented in variants, strains, antigenic types or genetic lineages may cause different impacts at the population level (Nelson and Holmes, 2007; Greenspan et al., 2018). The global spread of pathogens has been largely facilitated by globalization of transport, which particularly intensified during the last century (O'Hanlon et al., 2018). As seen with SARS‐CoV‐2, air travel can rapidly spread a pathogen globally (Wells et al., 2020). Furthermore, after initial introduction subsequent translocations of a pathogen may cause the contact of different variants facilitating the rise of novel genotypes that may have higher pathogenicity or transmissibility (Nelson and Holmes, 2007; Greenspan et al., 2018). Chytridiomycosis is an EID caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), that infects amphibian skin causing population declines to extinction in susceptible species. Now a wildlife pandemic, Bd has been recognized as the single pathogen causing the greatest loss of biodiversity on Earth (Scheele et al., 2019). Recent advances in genetics have made novel tools for pathogen detection and characterization more accessible and reliable (Boyle et al., 2004; Byrne et al., 2019). In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Ghosh et al. (2021) report the development of a new genotyping qPCR assay targeting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of Bd, and based on noninvasive swab samples (Figure 1), discriminate between the two most globally widespread and pathogenic genetic lineages of Bd. Having a better understanding of how the genetic diversity of a pathogen is distributed is crucial to understand their spread patterns and develop timely mitigation strategies.
Factors affecting the efficiency of molecular species delimitation in a species‐rich insect family
Authors: Magoga Giulia , Fontaneto Diego , Montagna Matteo
Published: February 2021

In the context of global biodiversity loss, molecular species delimitation approaches can be very useful for accelerating species discovery through DNA taxonomy and inventory through DNA metabarcoding. In this study, the effect of some intrinsic factors on the efficiency of various single‐marker species delimitation methods (fixed and variable nucleotide distance thresholds, ABGD, ASAP, GMYC, mPTP) was tested on more than 90 empirical data sets, derived from a set of 7,237 COI sequences attributed to 542 leaf beetles species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The considered factors were: (i) the number of haplotypes per species (as a proxy for genetic diversity), (ii) the geographic distance among conspecific collection localities (as a proxy of sampling width), (iii) the difficulty related to morphological identification of species, and (iv) the taxonomic rank. Distance‐based methods, with on average more than 70% of match with morphological identification, outperformed those relying on phylogenetic trees, with less than 59%. A high number of haplotypes per species was found to have a negative effect on delimitation efficiency, whereas large geographic distances within species had a positive effect. All methods delimitations (except for GMYC) were significantly affected by the presence of species that are difficult to be identified, decreasing their efficiency. Finally, the only method influenced by the taxonomic rank of the data set was GMYC, showing lower efficiency in data sets at the genus than at higher levels. The observed biases we highlighted affecting efficiency could be accounted for when developing input data sets for species delimitation analyses to obtain a more reliable representation of biological diversity.
Inhibition of longevity regulator PAPP‐A modulates tissue homeostasis via restraint of mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Mohrin Mary , Liu Justin , Zavala‐Solorio Jose , Bhargava Sakshi , Maxwell Trumble John , Brito Alyssa , Hu Dorothy , Brooks Daniel , Koukos Georgios , Alabdulaaly Lama , Paw Jonathan S. , Hake Kayley , Kolumam Ganesh , Bouxsein Mary L. , Baron Roland , Kutskova Yuliya , Freund Adam
Published: February 2021

Pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) is a secreted metalloprotease that increases insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) availability by cleaving IGF‐binding proteins. Reduced IGF signaling extends longevity in multiple species, and consistent with this, PAPP‐A deletion extends lifespan and healthspan; however, the mechanism remains unclear. To clarify PAPP‐A’s role, we developed a PAPP‐A neutralizing antibody and treated adult mice with it. Transcriptomic profiling across tissues showed that anti‐PAPP‐A reduced IGF signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression system wide. The greatest reduction in IGF signaling occurred in the bone marrow, where we found reduced bone, marrow adiposity, and myelopoiesis. These diverse effects led us to search for unifying mechanisms. We identified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as the source of PAPP‐A in bone marrow and primary responders to PAPP‐A inhibition. Mice treated with anti‐PAPP‐A had reduced IGF signaling in MSCs and dramatically decreased MSC number. As MSCs are (1) a major source of ECM and the progenitors of ECM‐producing fibroblasts, (2) the originating source of adult bone, (3) regulators of marrow adiposity, and (4) an essential component of the hematopoietic niche, our data suggest that PAPP‐A modulates bone marrow homeostasis by potentiating the number and activity of MSCs. We found that MSC‐like cells are the major source of PAPP‐A in other tissues also, suggesting that reduced MSC‐like cell activity drives the system‐wide reduction in ECM gene expression due to PAPP‐A inhibition. Dysregulated ECM production is associated with aging and drives age‐related diseases, and thus, this may be a mechanism by which PAPP‐A deficiency enhances longevity.
Senescent cells and the incidence of age‐related diseases
Authors: Katzir Itay , Adler Miri , Karin Omer , Mendelsohn‐Cohen Netta , Mayo Avi , Alon Uri
Published: February 2021

Age‐related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and osteoarthritis have universal features: Their incidence rises exponentially with age with a slope of 6–8% per year and decreases at very old ages. There is no conceptual model which explains these features in so many diverse diseases in terms of a single shared biological factor. Here, we develop such a model, and test it using a nationwide medical record dataset on the incidence of nearly 1000 diseases over 50 million life‐years, which we provide as a resource. The model explains incidence using the accumulation of senescent cells, damaged cells that cause inflammation and reduce regeneration, whose level rise stochastically with age. The exponential rise and late drop in incidence are captured by two parameters for each disease: the susceptible fraction of the population and the threshold concentration of senescent cells that causes disease onset. We propose a physiological mechanism for the threshold concentration for several disease classes, including an etiology for diseases of unknown origin such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and osteoarthritis. The model can be used to design optimal treatments that remove senescent cells, suggeting that treatment starting at old age can sharply reduce the incidence of all age‐related diseases, and thus increase the healthspan.
Leverage constraints and corporate financing decisions
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhou Qing
Published: February 2021

We examine the impact of investors’ leverage constraints on corporate financing decisions. We use mutual fund flow to capture the net buying pressure from leverage‐constrained investors’ demand for high‐beta stocks. We show that firms confronted by the constrained funds’ excessive trading pressure are more likely to issue a seasoned equity offering and conduct stock‐based mergers and acquisitions, and their managers engage in more insider sales than those facing low or little trading pressure. Our results are robust to controlling for the short‐sales constraints of mutual funds and are consistent across different stages of the business cycle.
Sugar, a powerful substitute for ethanol in ethanol postdependent rats: Relevance for clinical consideration?
Authors: Alaux‐Cantin Stéphanie , Alarcon Régis , Audegond Clément , Simon O'Brien Emmanuelle , Martinetti Margaret P. , Ahmed Serge H. , Nalpas Bertrand , Perney Pascal , Naassila Mickael
Published: February 2021

Sugar has been shown to be a powerful substitute for drugs in preclinical studies on addiction. However, the link between sugar intake and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is poorly understood. We assessed the influence of sucrose on ethanol drinking in both nondependent (ND) and dependent (D) Long–Evans rats during acute withdrawal using the postdependent state model. Ethanol (10%–40%) and sucrose (1%–4%) solutions were offered in an operant paradigm either independently or concurrently under ratio schedules of reinforcement. We showed that D rats displayed an enhanced motivation for both 10% ethanol solution (10E) and 4% sucrose solution (4S) as compared with ND rats, and a clear preference for 4S was observed in both groups. During acute withdrawal, D rats showed a strong motivation for 30% ethanol (30E), even when adulterated with quinine, but still preferred 4S despite the fact that a high level of negative reinforcement could be expected. However, when a premix solution (30E4S) was offered concurrently with 4S, the preference for 4S was lost in D animals, which consumed as much premix as 4S, whereas ND animals displayed preference for 4S. Altogether, those results suggest that reinforcing properties of sucrose surpass those of ethanol in D rats under acute withdrawal, which indicates that sugar is a powerful substitute for ethanol. Our results suggest that craving for sugar may be increased in AUD patients during withdrawal and raise the issue of dependence transfer from alcohol to sugar.
Availability of medical cannabis dispensaries and cannabis abuse/dependence‐related hospitalizations in California
Authors: Mair Christina , Sumetsky Natalie , Kranich Christiana , Freisthler Bridget
Published: February 2021

Aims

To estimate associations between both current‐ and prior‐year medical cannabis dispensary densities and hospitalizations for cannabis use disorder in California, USA between 2013 and 2016.

Design

Spatial analysis of ZIP code‐level hospitalization discharge data using Bayesian Poisson hierarchical space–time models over 4 years.

Setting and cases

California, USA from 2013 to 2016 (6832 space–time ZIP code units).

Measurements

We assessed associations of annual hospitalizations for cannabis use disorder [assignment of a primary or secondary code for cannabis abuse and/or dependence using ICD‐9‐CM or ICD‐10‐CM (outcome)] with the total number of medical cannabis dispensaries per square mile in a ZIP code as well as dispensary temporal and spatial lags (primary exposures). Other exposure covariates included alcohol outlet densities, manual labor and retail sales densities and ZIP code‐level economic and demographic conditions.

Findings

One additional dispensary per square mile was associated with a median risk ratio of 1.021 (95% credible interval 1.001, 1.041). Prior‐year dispensary density did not appear to be associated with hospitalizations (median risk ratio = 1.006, 95% CrI = 0.986, 1.026). Higher median household income, higher unemployment, greater off‐premises alcohol outlet density and lower on‐premises alcohol outlet density and poverty were all associated with decreased ZIP code‐level risk of cannabis abuse/dependence hospitalizations.

Conclusions

In California, USA, the increasing density of medical cannabis dispensaries appears to be positively associated with same‐year but not next‐year hospitalizations for cannabis use disorder.
Do alcohol product labels stating lower strength verbal description, percentage alcohol‐by‐volume, or their combination affect wine consumption? A bar laboratory adaptive randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vasiljevic Milica , Frings Daniel , Pilling Mark , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

A previous research study concluded that wine and beer labelled as lower in strength increase consumption compared with the same drinks labelled as regular strength. The label included both a verbal and numerical descriptor of strength. The present study aimed to estimate the effect of each of these label components.

Design

Adaptive, parallel group randomised controlled trial, comprising an internal pilot sample (n1 = 90) and a confirmatory sample (n2 = 57).

Setting

University bar laboratory in London, United Kingdom (UK).

Participants

A total of 147 weekly wine drinkers were sampled from a nationally representative English panel.

Intervention

Participants were randomised to one of three groups to taste test wine in a bar‐laboratory, varying only in the label displayed: (i) verbal descriptor only (Super Low); (ii) numerical descriptor only (4% alcohol by volume (ABV)); and (iii) verbal descriptor and numerical descriptor combined (Super Low 4%ABV) (each group n = 49).

Measurements

The primary outcome was total volume (ml) of wine consumed.

Findings

Participants randomised to the numerical descriptor label group (4%ABV: M = 155.12 ml, B = 20.30; 95% CI = 3.92, 36.69; P value = 0.016) and combined verbal and numerical descriptor label group (Super Low 4%ABV: M = 154.59 ml, B = 20.68; 95% CI = 4.32, 37.04; P value = 0.014) drank significantly greater amounts than those randomised to the verbal descriptor label group (Super Low: M = 125.65 ml).

Conclusions

This bar laboratory study estimated that a greater quantity of ‘lower’ strength wine was consumed when the label included a numerical strength descriptor compared with a verbal only strength descriptor.
United colours of the city: A review about urbanisation impact on animal colours
Authors: Leveau Lucas
Published: February 2021

Habitat colour gradients characterise urban areas: from green prevailing in the least urbanised areas dominated by lawn, shrubs and trees, to grey characteristic of heavily urbanised areas dominated by impervious surfaces. These changes may promote modifications in community composition and intraspecific colour changes in species occurring in urban areas. This review's objectives were: (1) to analyse reported patterns of animal colour change between urban and non‐urban areas; (2) to identify the main mechanisms underlying those patterns; and (3) to determine research bias and suggest future research directions. A bibliometric on animal colour patterns using Scopus resulted in 62 studies being found and their findings assessed. Most studies were focused on birds (N = 38) and were conducted in the Northern Hemisphere (N = 55), with 90% analysing intraspecific colour changes. Intraspecific studies found three main patterns: (1) urban melanism, with polymorphic species of insects, birds and reptiles showing darker colouration in urban areas than in non‐urban areas; (2) urban dullness, with carotenoid‐based plumage colours being duller in urban than in rural areas; and (3) a reduction in conspicuousness of sexually selected plumages in urban areas. Interspecific studies suggested that urban areas are filters for animal colours, promoting the colonisation of those species that increase camouflage or exhibit warning colours to predators. More studies are needed in the Southern Hemisphere and at the interspecific level to determine the role of animal colours in urban colonisation.
Foregrounding Family: How Salvadoran American Boys Formulate College‐Going Mindsets at the Nexus of Family, School, and the Self
Authors: Carey Roderick L.
Published: February 2021

I investigated how two U.S.‐born Salvadoran eleventh grade boys formulated college‐going mindsets at the nexus of family‐based cultural influences, adolescent development, masculinity, and academic self‐appraisals. With asset‐based theories, findings show how immigrant families encouraged college going by shielding their sons from noneducational responsibilities and conveyed educational messages with words and deeds. Participants formulated mindsets by interpreting family‐ and school‐based messaging and weighing college going against gender‐based responsibilities. Implications for educational anthropologists and practitioners are provided.
DNA damage contributes to transcriptional and immunological dysregulation of testicular cells during Chlamydia infection
Authors: Bryan Emily R. , Barrero Roberto A. , Cheung Eddie , Tickner Jacob A. D. , Trim Logan K. , Richard Derek , McLaughlin Eileen A. , Beagley Kenneth W. , Carey Alison J.
Published: February 2021

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted bacterial infection, with 127 million notifications worldwide each year. Both males and females are susceptible to the pathological impacts on fertility that Chlamydia infections can induce. However, male chlamydial infections, particularly within the upper reproductive tract, including the testis, are not well characterized. In this study, using mouse testicular cell lines, we examined the impact of infection on testicular cell lineage transcriptomes and potential mechanisms for this impact. The somatic cell lineages exhibited significantly fragmented genomes during infection. Likely resulting from this, each of the Leydig, Sertoli and germ cell lineages experienced extensive transcriptional dysregulation, leading to significant changes in cellular biological pathways, including interferon and germ‐Sertoli cell signalling. The cell lineages, as well as isolated spermatozoa from infected mice, also contained globally hypomethylated DNA. Cumulatively, the DNA damage and epigenetic‐mediated transcriptional dysregulation observed within testicular cells during chlamydial infection could result in the production of spermatozoa with abnormal epigenomes, resulting in previously observed subfertility in infected animals and congenital defects in their offspring.
Neuronal inclusions resembling Negri bodies in the thalamus of a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)
Authors: Manning LK , Srivastava M , Bingham J , Curran GC , Westermann T , Cook RW
Published: February 2021

Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic neuronal inclusions resembling Negri bodies, but not associated with lyssaviral infection, were detected in the ventrolateral thalamus of a young‐adult, male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Similar neuronal inclusions, also with a regional distribution in the brain, have been reported as an incidental, possibly age‐related finding in other animal species.
Improved estimates of mean pharmacokinetic parameters for increased accuracy in dosing and reduced risk to patients
Authors: Scutt Greg , Waxman David
Published: February 2021

Aims

Pharmacokinetic equations, which relate different parameters of a single individual, are often applied to reported mean parameter‐values, with the aim of estimating the mean value of an unreported parameter. Due to population heterogeneity this approach generally leads to errors in their estimation. We provide details of this source of error. Our aim is to take into account the effects of population heterogeneity in commonly used pharmacokinetic models. This provides improved estimates and knowledge of the concentration of a drug in the plasma over time.

Methods

Inequalities and approximations for corrected mean estimates are derived. These results are then applied to published clinical‐trial data to illustrate their accuracy in practical situations.

Results

By using mean values within the pharmacokinetic equations for a single individual, we show that estimates of mean parameter values, for a variety of dosing regimens, generally have errors. Using published clinical trial data, we show that such estimates can systematically deviate from the exact mean value by up to 19%. We provide analytical results, which amount to inequalities when there are systematic deviations from exact results, along with approximate results that improve the accuracy of estimates.

Conclusions

Medical, pharmacy and nursing students should be educated about errors and inequalities that can arise when transforming reported mean values of pharmacokinetic parameters into the mean values of parameters that are required, but not reported. Using approximate results, that correct estimates of mean parameter values so that they more accurately reflect actual average values, may provide a practical solution.
A kernel regression model for panel count data with nonparametric covariate functions
Authors: Wang Yang , Yu Zhangsheng
Published: February 2021

The local kernel pseudo‐partial likelihood is employed for estimation in a panel count model with nonparametric covariate functions. An estimator of the derivative of the nonparametric covariate function is derived first, and the nonparametric function estimator is then obtained by integrating the derivative estimator. Uniform consistency rates and pointwise asymptotic normality are obtained for the local derivative estimator under some regularity conditions. Moreover, the baseline function estimator is shown to be uniformly consistent. Demonstration of the asymptotic results strongly relies on the modern empirical theory, which generally does not require the Poisson assumption. Simulation studies also illustrate that the local derivative estimator performs well in a finite‐sample regardless of whether the Poisson assumption holds. We also implement the proposed methodology to analyze a clinical study on childhood wheezing.
The Tukey trend test: Multiplicity adjustment using multiple marginal models
Authors: Schaarschmidt Frank , Ritz Christian , Hothorn Ludwig A.
Published: February 2021

In dose–response analysis, it is a challenge to choose appropriate linear or curvilinear shapes when considering multiple, differently scaled endpoints. It has been proposed to fit several marginal regression models that try sets of different transformations of the dose levels as explanatory variables for each endpoint. However, the multiple testing problem underlying this approach, involving correlated parameter estimates for the dose effect between and within endpoints, could only be adjusted heuristically. An asymptotic correction for multiple testing can be derived from the score functions of the marginal regression models. Based on a multivariate t‐distribution, the correction provides a one‐step adjustment of p‐values that accounts for the correlation between estimates from different marginal models. The advantages of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through three example datasets, involving generalized linear models with differently scaled endpoints, differing covariates, and a mixed effect model and through simulation results. The methodology is implemented in an R package.
Measuring adolescents’ beliefs in conspiracy theories: Development and validation of the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ)
Authors: Jolley Daniel , Douglas Karen M. , Skipper Yvonne , Thomas Eleanor , Cookson Darel
Published: February 2021

Four studies (total n = 961) developed and validated the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). Initial items were developed in collaboration with teachers. An exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, n = 208, aged 11–14) and a student focus group (N = 3, aged 11) enabled us to establish the factor structure of a 9‐item scale. This was replicated via confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 (N = 178, aged 11–17), and the scale displayed good convergent (i.e., relationship with paranoia and mistrust) and discriminant validity (i.e., no relationship with extraversion). Study 3a (N = 257) further tested convergent validity with a sample of 18‐year‐olds (i.e., relationship with adult‐validated measures of conspiracy beliefs) and demonstrated strong test–retest reliability. Study 3b (N = 318) replicated these findings with a mixed‐age adult sample. The ACBQ will allow researchers to explore the psychological antecedents and consequences of conspiracy thinking in young populations.