bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of accessibility of mobile devices on the intention to post online reviews
Authors: Han Jeongsoo , Jun Mina
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the characteristic of mobile devices, particularly high accessibility, influences a consumer's intention to post an online review depending on the valence of consumption experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a between-subject design of experimental study based on different scenarios with 378 participants. A pretest is conducted to confirm that participants perceive the experimental scenarios as intended prior to proceeding with the main experimental study.

Findings

The authors’ experimental analysis shows that the intention to post a review of extreme positive and negative experiences is significantly higher when the level of accessibility for review-posting is high. By contrast, the intention to post a review of neutral consumption experiences is neither higher nor lower regardless of the level of accessibility.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper contribute to a better understanding of online reviews by demonstrating how high accessibility for review-posting have differential influences on the intentions to post online reviews depending on the valence of consumer experiences. The findings provide important theoretical and managerial implications.
Continued use intention of wearable health technologies among the elderly: an enablers and inhibitors perspective
Authors: Talukder Md. Shamim , Laato Samuli , Islam A.K.M. Najmul , Bao Yukun
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Wearable health technologies (WHTs) show promise in improving the health and well-being of the aging population because they promote healthy lifestyles. They can be used to collect health information from users and encourage them to be physically active. Despite potential benefits of WHTs, recent studies have shown that older people have low continued use intention toward WHTs. Previous work on this topic is disjointed, and new theoretical viewpoints are required.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an enablers and inhibitors perspective to model factors influencing continued use intention of WHTs among the elderly. To test the model, we collected data from Chinese elderly (N = 295) who had prior experience using WHTs.

Findings

The study results show that social value is the strongest enabler of continued WHT use, and emotional and epistemic values and device quality also increase use continuance. Inertia and technology anxiety were identified as significant inhibitors. A post hoc importance performance map analysis revealed that while emotional value is a highly significant predictor of continued WHT use, existing WHTs do not stimulate such value in our sample.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings illustrate the importance of incorporating user resistance in technology acceptance studies in general and WHT usage studies in particular. This study contributes by providing an integrative model of technology continued use intention for the elderly along with practical implications for policymakers.

Originality/value

A limited number of prior studies have taken both enablers and inhibitors into account when explaining continued WHT use intention among the elderly. This paper fills this research gap and contributes to the WHT literature by considering both enablers and inhibitors in the same model. Moreover, this study contributes to the ongoing research on WHT, and more broadly, gerontechnology use among the elderly.
Spatial analysis of child labour in India
Authors: Prashad Lokender , Dutta Mili , Dash Bishnu Mohan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study on spatial analysis of child labour in India is a macro level analysis on child labour using the census data, 2011 of Government of India. The population census which is conducted once in 10 years only provides district level data on work-force distribution. The study has spatial analysis of child labour in the age group of 5–14 years in India. To assess the magnitude of the children in the labour force, district level data of Census 2011 has been used in the study. The study has made an attempt to identify the districts where there is high level of children in the labour force. This paper aims to estimate the magnitude and trends of children’s workforce participation using the census data as it is the only data base, which is available at the district level since 1961 onwards. The study has made an attempt to identify the clustering of child labour across districts in India and how child labour is clustered by different background characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has used ArcGIS software package, GeoDa software and local indicator of spatial association test.

Findings

The findings of study reveal that the proportion of rural, total fertility rate (TFR) and poverty headcount ratio is positively associated, whereas female literacy and the pupil-teacher ratio are negatively associated with child labour. It suggests that in the hot-spot areas and areas where there is a high prevalence of child labour, there is need to increase the teacher's number at the school level to improve the teacher-pupil ratio and also suggested to promote the female education, promote family planning practices to reduce TFR in those areas for reducing the incidences of child labour.

Research limitations/implications

The study also recommends that the incidences of child labour can be controlled by a comprehensive holistic action plan with the active participation of social workers.

Practical implications

The promulgation of effective legislation, active involvement of judiciary and police, political will, effective poverty alleviation and income generation programmes, sensitisation of parents, corporates and media can play effective role in mitigating the incidences of child labour in India. To achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015 to eradicate child labour in all its forms by 2025.

Social implications

The study aims to achieve the SDGs adopted by world leaders in 2015 to eradicate child labour in all its forms by 2025.

Originality/value

The study is purely original and there are no such studies in Indian context by using the latest software.
Innovating with government digital platforms in low-income countries: the dynamic capabilities of Woredas in Ethiopia
Authors: Senshaw Debas , Twinomurinzi Hossana
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the dynamic capabilities of government organisations in Woredas of Ethiopia that digitally innovate on the existing government digital platform, the WoredaNet.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative interpretive case study strategy using three government administrative regions in Ethiopia (called Woredas), which digitally innovate using the government digital platform, the WoredaNet. A structured interview protocol was implemented for data collection. In total, 5 respondents representing users, information and communication technology (ICT) staff and management were selected from each of the Woredas (districts), yielding a total of 15 respondents.

Findings

Drawing from the dynamic capabilities literature, the findings reveal that the digital platform governance model plays the strongest role in digital government innovation. Specifically, the Woredas exhibit highly developed adaptive capabilities through learning from the affordances offered by the digital platform. Also, despite the collaborative nature of their absorptive capabilities, there are no clear organisational structures to manifest these capabilities (integrating new learnings). The innovative capabilities (creating digital government products or service innovations) are constrained by the governance model, which is centralised in one ICT unit.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to one of the Regional States of Ethiopia. Further studies would be needed to consider other regional states and more Woredas.

Practical implications

The research provides a means through which dynamic capabilities can improve digital innovation on government digital platforms, despite the scarcity of resources, especially in low-income countries.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to digital government and dynamic capability literature in revealing how digital innovations in government agencies might be organisationally enhanced through distributed digital platform governance models.
Valuation inaccuracy, approaches, basis and procedures for judgment execution in Ethiopia
Authors: Asnakew Masresha Belete , Amogne Minale Kassahun
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The causes of valuation inaccuracy, the approaches, basis and procedures used for value estimation were not profoundly identified in Ethiopia. Particularly, the causes of property valuation inaccuracy for court decisions have not been assiduously studied by scholars. Hence, the ultimate goal of this study aims to identify the determinant variables of valuation inaccuracy, the approaches, basis and procedures used for court execution purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target populations of the study were the courts at the federal and regional levels. A purposive sampling technique was employed to undertake this study. The survey data was analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII).

Findings

The finding of this research revealed that courts have not outshined and uniform valuation manuals and guidelines that clearly state the approaches, procedures and bases of valuation. As a consequence, courts execute based on the opinion of value determined by other institutions. The insignificant numbers of independent valuation institution with the lack of uniform standards in the country prejudice the implementation of the decision of the court and faced injustice. The finding also reveals as there are several causative variables for real property valuation inaccuracy.

Practical implications

To alleviate the problem, the government should strengthen the valuation sector by creating an independent institution for advancing valuation regulation and policymaking.

Originality/value

This study was the first of all and could be a pointer for different government and non-government bodies regarding the limitations of valuation for judgment execution purposes.
Reflections on the outcomes
Authors: Sanjeev Gunjan M. , Teare Richard
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile the experiences of the theme editor and the writing team of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade?”

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

This paper identifies key issues shaping the Indian tourism and hospitality industry and some of the implications for managers. It also identifies ways of improving competitiveness and some of the ways in which the Indian Government (at national and state levels) is investing in and facilitating community-focussed tourism development.

Practical implications

The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing.

Originality/value

This paper draws on discussion and applied research with industry to identify and assess the likely impact of innovation, information technology, social media and related developments on tourism and hospitality industry development in India. The theme issue collection of this paper provides a rich picture of the occurring changes and prospects for the future.
Distinct effects of calcineurin dependent and independent immunosuppressants on endotoxaemia‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Role of androgens
Authors: Elzokm Shrouk S. , Fouda Mohamed A. , Abdel Moneim Rahab A. , El‐Mas Mahmoud M.
Published: May 2021

Evidence suggests that immunosuppressant therapies protect against harmful effects of endotoxaemia. In this study, we tested whether calcineurin‐dependent (cyclosporine/tacrolimus) and ‐independent (sirolimus) immunosuppressants variably influence nephrotoxicity induced by endotoxaemia and whether this interaction is modulated by testosterone. We investigated the effects of immunosuppressants on renal histopathological, biochemical and inflammatory profiles in endotoxic male rats and the role of androgenic state in the interaction. Six‐hour treatment of rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 3 mg/kg) increased (i) serum urea/creatinine, (ii) width of proximal/distal tubules, (iii) tubular degeneration and vacuolation, (iv) Western protein expressions of renal toll‐like receptor 4, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and NADPH oxidase‐2, and (v) serum tumour necrosis factor‐α and myeloperoxidase. These endotoxic manifestations were intensified and eliminated upon concurrent exposure to cyclosporine and sirolimus, respectively. The cyclosporine actions appear to be a class rather than a drug effect because similar exacerbation of LPS nephrotoxicity was observed in rats treated with tacrolimus, another calcineurin inhibitor (CNI). Moreover, the deteriorated renal outcomes in LPS/tacrolimus‐treated rats were reduced after castration or androgen receptor blockade by flutamide. The data suggest opposite effects for calcineurin‐dependent (exaggeration) and ‐independent immunosuppressants (amelioration) on renal defects of endotoxaemia and implicate androgenic pathways in the worsened endotoxic renal profile induced by CNIs.
Racialising Baby Boys: Racial and Gender Politics in Infant Formula Advertisements in Cold War Korea, 1950s–1960s
Authors: Heo Na Sil
Published: May 2021

This article examines the racial and gender politics in infant formula advertisements in post‐war South Korea as one aspect of the transition between the Japanese empire and the new Cold War order. Despite the efforts to make the transition between the two orders seamless, the issue of infant feeding reveals the continuously shifting and unstable alliances, tensions and complexities of the socioeconomic and ideological nature of infant feeding and the incomplete overlapping between Japan and the United States in Cold War formations. Through a race and gender‐conscious reading of advertisements in local newspapers and childrearing literature, this article demonstrates how nursing babies were racialised vis‐à‐vis Japan and the United States. Through the iconography of baby boys in infant formula advertisements, the practice of bottle feeding and, by extension, autonomy were masculinised.
Variability of the microbiota in traditional Caciocavallo, Scamorza and Caciotta cheeses manufactured with raw milk and natural cultures
Authors: Del Matto Ilaria , Rossi Franca , Iannitto Giorgio , Petrone Domenico , Mastrodomenico Maria Teresa , Alessiani Alessandra , Sacchini Lorena , Amadoro Carmela , Tucci Patrizia , Marino Lucio
Published: May 2021

Numerical and taxonomical variability of dominant microbial groups was investigated for 52 lots of traditional raw milk cheeses Caciocavallo, Scamorza and Caciotta from two dairy manufacturers. Microorganisms were characterised by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and detection of specific genes. Different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) growth dynamics between dairies, switches in the predominant LAB species and lot‐specific presence of certain bacterial groups were observed. The presence of virulence genes in enterococcal isolates, the presence of a tyrosine decarboxylase (tdcA) gene in a Lacticaseibacillus paracasei isolate and water activity (aw) and pH permissive for pathogen growth indicated the need for interventions that stabilise the microbiota.
Exploring the residential segregation of Chinese languages and language groups of the Indian subcontinent in Sydney
Authors: Johnston Ron , Forrest James , Siciliano Frank
Published: May 2021

Most studies of the spatial integration of immigrant groups and their descendants in multicultural cities use broad categories only, such as ethnic/racial identity and birthplace/ancestry, implicitly assuming that such groups are homogeneous. Some are not. Instead, they are subdivided according to further cultural characteristics such as language and religion, which may be central to group identity and residential location choices. Using data from the 2016 Australian census, we examine the spatial distribution of 17 language groups with 1,000 or more persons in Sydney—five Chinese languages and 12 from the Indian subcontinent—at five spatial scales: major regions, regions, districts, suburbs, and neighbourhoods. We find consistent evidence of significant levels of segregation among those speaking the 17 languages at the neighbourhood level, but a lack of differentiation among other scales in Sydney.
Opioid medicines management in primary care settings: A scoping review of quantitative studies of pharmacist activities
Authors: Jordan Margaret , Latif Asam , Mullan Judy , Chen Timothy F.
Published: May 2021

To undertake a scoping review of pharmacist activities in opioid medicines management in primary care settings, including those developed or led by pharmacists, or in which pharmacists were members of broader multidisciplinary teams, and to collate the activities, models of care and settings, and reported outcomes. The bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched. Studies with quantitative evaluation and published in English were eligible. Participants were patients with any pain category or an opioid use disorder, and healthcare providers. Studies originating in hospitals or involving supply functions were not included. Screening of literature and data charting of results were undertaken by two researchers. The 51 studies included in the scoping review occurred in primary care settings collated into four categories: general practice or primary care clinics, healthcare organisations, community pharmacies and outreach services. Studies were primarily of opioid use in chronic, noncancer pain. Other indications were opioid use disorder, cancer and dental pain. Pharmacist activities targeted risk mitigation, patient and provider education and broader, strategic approaches. Patient‐related outcomes included reduced opioid load, improved functionality and symptom management, enhanced access to services and medication‐assisted treatments, and engagement in risk‐mitigation strategies. Behaviour change of providers was demonstrated. The review has identified the significant contribution that pharmacists working in primary care settings can make to minimise harm from opioids. Strategies implemented in isolation have the potential to further reduce adverse clinical outcomes with greater collaboration and coordination, such as opioid stewardship.
Movement of prion‐like α‐synuclein along the gut–brain axis in Parkinson's disease: A potential target of curcumin treatment
Authors: Chetty Devina , Abrahams Shameemah , van Coller Riaan , Carr Jonathan , Kenyon Colin , Bardien Soraya
Published: May 2021

A pathological hallmark of the neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD), is aggregation of toxic forms of the presynaptic protein, α‐synuclein in structures known as Lewy bodies. α‐Synuclein pathology is found in both the brain and gastrointestinal tracts of affected individuals, possibly due to the movement of this protein along the vagus nerve that connects the brain to the gut. In this review, we discuss current insights into the spread of α‐synuclein pathology along the gut–brain axis, which could be targeted for therapeutic interventions. The prion‐like propagation of α‐synuclein, and the clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal dysfunction in individuals living with PD, are discussed. There is currently insufficient evidence that surgical alteration of the vagus nerve, or removal of gut‐associated lymphoid tissues, such as the appendix and tonsils, are protective against PD. Furthermore, we propose curcumin as a potential candidate to prevent the spread of α‐synuclein pathology in the body by curcumin binding to α‐synuclein's non‐amyloid β‐component (NAC) domain. Curcumin is an active component of the food spice turmeric and is known for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and potentially neuroprotective properties. We hypothesize that once α‐synuclein is bound to curcumin, both molecules are subsequently excreted from the body. Therefore, dietary supplementation with curcumin over one's lifetime has potential as a novel approach to complement existing PD treatment and/or prevention strategies. Future studies are required to validate this hypothesis, but if successful, this could represent a significant step towards improved nutrient‐based therapeutic interventions and preventative strategies for this debilitating and currently incurable disorder.
Good men gone bad? Resistance to monastic reform in the tenth and eleventh centuries
Authors: Borg Magnus
Published: May 2021

Conservative opponents of monastic reform in the tenth and eleventh centuries have traditionally been portrayed as principally reluctant to change and unwilling to abandon privileges and preferential treatment. This article performs a close, comparative reading of the poem Carmen ad Rotbertum regem by Adalbero of Laon (c.950–1031) and the monastic chronicle Casus Sancti Galli by Ekkehard IV (c.980–1057), in order to identify the authors’ attitudes to reform and reformists, and the sources for their counter‐reform argumentation. It argues that the studied texts mediate reasoned, grounded standpoints, based on a thorough knowledge of monastic regulations and their importance to Christian ethics, and on the placing of society into an all‐encompassing philosophical‐religious context. Particular attention is given to the multiple layers of meaning characteristic of medieval writing.
CSNK2B: A broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disability and epilepsy severity
Authors: Ernst Michelle E. , Baugh Evan H. , Thomas Amanda , Bier Louise , Lippa Natalie , Stong Nicholas , Mulhern Maureen S. , Kushary Sulagna , Akman Cigdem I. , Heinzen Erin L. , Yeh Raymond , Bi Weimin , Hanchard Neil A. , Burrage Lindsay C. , Leduc Magalie S. , Chong Josephine S. C. , Bend Renee , Lyons Michael J. , Lee Jennifer A. , Suwannarat Pim , Brilstra Eva , Simon Marleen , Koopmans Marije , van Binsbergen Ellen , Groepper Daniel , Fleischer Julie , Nava Caroline , Keren Boris , Mignot Cyril , Mathieu Sophie , Mancini Grazia M. S. , Madan‐Khetarpal Suneeta , Infante Elena M. , Bluvstein Judith , Seeley Andrea , Bachman Kristine , Klee Eric W. , Schultz‐Rogers Laura E. , Hasadsri Linda , Barnett Sarah , Ellingson Marissa S. , Ferber Matthew J. , Narayanan Vinodh , Ramsey Keri , Rauch Anita , Joset Pascal , Steindl Katharina , Sheehan Theodore , Poduri Annapurna , Vasquez Alejandra , Ruivenkamp Claudia , White Susan M. , Pais Lynn , Monaghan Kristin G. , Goldstein David B. , Sands Tristan T. , Aggarwal Vimla
Published: May 2021

CSNK2B has recently been implicated as a disease gene for neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) and epilepsy. Information about developmental outcomes has been limited by the young age and short follow‐up for many of the previously reported cases, and further delineation of the spectrum of associated phenotypes is needed. We present 25 new patients with variants in CSNK2B and refine the associated NDD and epilepsy phenotypes. CSNK2B variants were identified by research or clinical exome sequencing, and investigators from different centers were connected via GeneMatcher. Most individuals had developmental delay and generalized epilepsy with onset in the first 2 years. However, we found a broad spectrum of phenotypic severity, ranging from early normal development with pharmacoresponsive seizures to profound intellectual disability with intractable epilepsy and recurrent refractory status epilepticus. These findings suggest that CSNK2B should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with a broad range of NDD with treatable or intractable seizures.
Impact of Chk1 dosage on somatic hypermutation in vivo
Authors: Bello Amanda , Jungnickel Berit
Published: May 2021

Checkpoint signaling in the context of a functional DNA damage response is crucial for the prevention of oncogenic transformation of cells. Our immune system, though, takes the risk of attenuated checkpoint responses during immunoglobulin diversification. B cells undergo continuous DNA damage and error‐prone repair of their immunoglobulin genes during the process of somatic hypermutation. An accompanying attenuation of the DNA damage response via the ATR–Chk1 axis in B cells is believed to allow for a better DNA damage tolerance and for evasion of apoptosis, so as to ensure mutations to be passed on. We sought to determine whether the downregulation of Chk1 could also directly influence the process of hypermutation in vivo by altering the relative activity of error‐prone DNA repair pathways. We analyzed the humoral response and the hypermutation process in mice whose B cells express reduced levels of the Chk1 protein. We found that Chk1 heterozygosity limits the accumulation of mutations in the immunoglobulin loci, likely by impacting on the survival of B cells as they accumulate DNA damage. Nevertheless, we unveiled an unanticipated role for Chk1 downregulation in favoring A/T mutagenesis at the antibody‐variable regions during hypermutation. Even though immunoglobulin mutagenesis was found to be reduced, Chk1 signaling attenuation allows for sustained mutagenesis outside the immunoglobulin loci. Our study thus reveals that a proper Chk1 dosage is crucial for adequate somatic hypermutation in B cells.
Predictors of long‐term success after catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes
Authors: Im Sung‐Il , Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Lee Adam , Higuchi Satoshi , Moss Joshua D. , Hsia Henry , Tseng Zian H. , Lee Randall , Marcus Gregory M. , Vedantham Vasanth , Scheinman Melvin , Lee Byron , Park Kyoung‐Min , Gerstenfeld Edward P.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Some patients have late recurrence after acutely successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of long‐term success following acutely successful PVC RFCA.

Methods

We identified consecutive patients at our institution with frequent PVCs undergoing RFCA and reviewed procedural data and medical records. Acute success was defined as elimination of targeted PVCs for at least 30‐min after RFCA. Long‐term success was defined as absence of targeted PVCs during all follow‐up visits and PVC‐burden <5% on follow‐up monitoring.

Results

Among 241 patients (mean age 57 ± 15 years, 58% male), 161 (66.8%) had long‐term success with median follow‐up of 17.7 (IQR, 12.2–29.8) months. Unadjusted predictors of late PVC recurrence were increasing age, diabetes mellitus and alcohol use, while female‐sex, shorter ablation‐time, right ventricular PVC‐origin, single PVC morphology, and earliest bipolar activation ≥24 ms pre‐QRS were predictors of long‐term success. In multivariate‐analysis, female‐sex, single‐PVC morphology and earliest‐onset of PVC ≥ 24 ms pre‐QRS were independent predictors for long‐term success. The positive‐predictive value of earliest‐bipolar onset of PVC ≥ 24 ms pre‐QRS for long‐term success was 0.77 (p < .001). Negative‐predictive value of PVC < 15 ms pre‐QRS for long‐term success was 0.86 (p = .003), suggesting that RFCA when the bipolar electrogram preceded QRS by <15 ms was unlikely to result in long‐term success.

Conclusions

Female‐sex, single‐PVC morphology, and earliest‐onset of bipolar electrogram ≥24 ms pre‐QRS were multivariable predictors of long‐term success in patients with PVCs undergoing RFCA. RFCA at sites with local onset <15 ms pre‐QRS are unlikely to be successful.
How much impairment is required for ADHD? No evidence of a discrete threshold
Authors: Arildskov Trine Wigh , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. , Thomsen Per Hove , Virring Anne , Østergaard Søren D.
Published: May 2021

Background

A diagnosis of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires the presence of impairment alongside symptoms above a specific frequency and severity threshold. However, the question of whether that symptom threshold represents anything more than an arbitrary cutoff on a continuum of impairment requires further empirical study. Therefore, we present the first study investigating if the relationship between ADHD symptom severity and functional impairment is nonlinear in a way that suggests a discrete, nonarbitrary symptom level threshold associated with a marked step increase in impairment.

Methods

Parent reports on the ADHD‐Rating Scale (ADHD‐RS‐IV), the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS‐P), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were collected in a general population sample of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders (N = 1,914–2,044).

Results

Piecewise linear regression analyses and nonlinear regression modeling both demonstrated that the relationship between symptom severity (ADHD‐RS‐IV total score) and impairment (WFIRS‐P mean score) was characterized by a gradual linear increase in impairment with higher symptom severity and no apparent step increase or changing rate of increase in impairment at a certain high ADHD‐RS‐IV total score level. Controlling for socioeconomic status, sex, and co‐occurring conduct and emotional symptoms did not alter these results, though comorbid symptoms had a significant effect on impairment.

Conclusions

There was no clear evidence for a discrete, nonarbitrary symptom severity threshold with regard to impairment. The results highlight the continued need to consider both symptoms and impairment in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Plasma heparin cofactor II activity is inversely associated with albuminuria and its annual deterioration in patients with diabetes
Authors: Hara Tomoyo , Uemoto Ryoko , Sekine Akiko , Mitsui Yukari , Masuda Shiho , Kurahashi Kiyoe , Yoshida Sumiko , Otoda Toshiki , Yuasa Tomoyuki , Kuroda Akio , Ikeda Yasumasa , Endo Itsuro , Honda Soichi , Yoshimoto Katsuhiko , Kondo Akira , Tamaki Toshiaki , Matsumoto Toshio , Matsuhisa Munehide , Abe Masahiro , Aihara Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Thrombin exerts various pathophysiological functions by activating protease‐activated receptors (PARs). Recent data have shown that PARs influence the development of glomerular diseases including diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by regulating inflammation. Heparin cofactor II (HCII) specifically inactivates thrombin; thus, we hypothesized that low plasma HCII activity correlates with DKD development, as represented by albuminuria.

Materials and Methods

Plasma HCII activity and spot urine biomarkers, including albumin and liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP), were determined as the urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR) and the urine L‐FABP‐to‐creatinine ratio (uL‐FABPCR) in 310 Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus (176 males and 134 females). The relationships between plasma HCII activities and those DKD urine biomarkers were statistically evaluated. In addition, the relationship between plasma HCII activities and annual uACR changes was statistically evaluated for 201/310 patients (115 males and 86 females).

Results

The mean plasma HCII activity of all participants was 93.8 ± 17.7%. Multivariate‐regression analysis including confounding factors showed that plasma HCII activity independently contributed to the suppression of the uACR and log‐transformed uACR values (P = 0.036 and P = 0.006, respectively) but not uL‐FABPCR (P = 0.541). In addition, plasma HCII activity significantly and inversely correlated with annual uACR and log‐transformed uACR increments after adjusting for confounding factors (P = 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively).

Conclusions

The plasma HCII activity was inversely and specifically associated with glomerular injury in patients with diabetes. The results suggest that HCII can serve as a novel predictive factor for early‐stage DKD development, as represented by albuminuria.
Cyto‐histopathological and protein polymorphism alterations in five populations of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as biomonitor for water heavy metal pollution
Authors: Abu Shnaf Anwaar S. M. , Abd El‐Aziz Shaban H. , Ata Abdeltawab M.
Published: May 2021

Cytological, histopathological and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel analyses were carried out on five populations of common Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) occurring in five sites – River Nile (reference site), Bahr Yusef canal, Ibrahimia canal, Irrigation drain and El Moheet drain of El Minia Province, Egypt – to evaluate the usability of Nile tilapia as a biomonitor for water heavy metal contaminants. Water surface samples were collected from the five sites, and lead (Pb) concentration was shown to surpass the limits defined by WHO. Ni and Cd levels were shown to be elevated in Ibrahimia canal samples. Moreover, the concentration of heavy metals in fish muscles collected from Bahr Yusef canal and El Moheet drain was the highest in comparison with those of the other water sites. Cytological examinations of blood smears showed not only a significant percentage of micronuclei in Irrigation drain population but also a significant percentage of binucleated cells in Ibrahimia canal and El Moheet drain populations. In addition, pathological alteration was observed in blood cells, especially in samples collected from Irrigation drain and El Moheet drain. Histopathological changes were strongly observed in the liver and the kidneys of El Moheet and Irrigation drain population. Moreover, total protein band pattern profiles showed extra bands in both Ibrahimia canal and Irrigation drain more than that recorded for the River Nile population. In conclusion, cyto‐histopathological and total protein band pattern results confirmed that O. niloticus responds sensitively to the excess of heavy metals present in the water.
Strategies to improve postpartum glucose screening rates are needed
Authors: Farid Huma , Blake Rachel , Hacker Michele R. , Erlinger Adrienne L. , Modest Anna M.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) require postpartum glucose screening, as they have a 70% lifetime risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, less than half complete postpartum screening.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who delivered at our institution from 2001 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were patients with gestational diabetes who were at least 18 years old and had delivered an infant at >24 weeks of gestation. Our primary outcome was completion of postpartum gestational diabetes screening.

Results

The majority of patients (62%) did not complete screening. After adjusted risk ratio analyses, the only variables that remained significantly associated with an increased likelihood of completing screening were Asian race and having prenatal care at one particular community health center, which served a predominantly Asian population.

Conclusions

This community health center protocol for scheduling patients with GDM that complied with recommendations for postpartum care, indicating that evidence‐based methods can improve maternal health.
Family Assistance Spills Over Into Prosocial Behaviors Toward Friends and Positive Academic Behaviors
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Telzer Eva H.
Published: May 2021

We investigate how daily family assistance predicts prosocial behaviors toward friends and positive academic behavior. Adolescents (N = 375, 57% girls, Mage = 14.57) completed diary checklists for 14 days, reporting whether they provided instrumental assistance or emotional support to family and friends, and their positive academic behaviors (e.g., studied). When adolescents provided emotional support to family, they were more likely to provide instrumental support to friends the next day. When adolescents provided emotional support to family, they were more likely to also provide emotional support to friends the next day, and vice versa (a bidirectional association). When adolescents provided instrumental support to the family, they were more likely to have at least one positive academic experience the next day.
The Similarity between Target and Nontarget Affects Different Processing Stages Depending on Stimulus Feature Dimensions: An ERP Study1
Authors: Fujii Yumiko , Morita Hiromi , Takeda Yuji
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated that when target and nontarget objects are similar, comparing the representation of the currently viewed object and the target representation in memory requires more attentional resources, thus resulting in less efficient discrimination processes. An important factor determining this effect is how many features are shared between the target and nontarget objects. The present study examined whether the effect of the target‐nontarget similarity on attentional processes depends mainly on the individual feature representations or on the feature‐integrated representation. A visual three‐category oddball task that required the detection of a target defined by a combination of color, shape, and motion was conducted. Results showed an increase in amplitudes of the earlier late positive complex (LPC) for the deviant stimuli when they shared the same color as the target. This increase lasted until the later LPC, when they also shared the same shape. Findings suggest that the target‐nontarget similarity in each feature dimension determined the amount of required attentional resources on later attentional processes in a serial and hierarchical manner.
The first case of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy after transsexualism and continuous testosterone administration
Authors: Taira Yuki , Omote Yoshio , Kawahara Yuko , Nomura Emi , Sasaki Ryo , Matsumoto Namiko , Matsuoka Chika , Takemoto Mami , Morihara Ryuta , Hishikawa Nozomi , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: May 2021

We report on a 35‐year‐old man who had gender dysphoria following unilateral ovariectomy and then received continuous testosterone injection for nine years, inducing chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). He developed recurrent muscle weakness and numbness in the extremities and displayed demyelinating neuropathy, detected by nerve conduction studies and a sural nerve biopsy. Repeated intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy and the administration of oral prednisolone improved symptoms and inhibited their recurrence. A relatively high level of serum testosterone as a genetic female might have caused the neurotoxicity of the peripheral nerve, leading to CIDP.
Restoring for the climate: a review of coastal wetland restoration research in the last 30 years
Authors: Bertolini Camilla , da Mosto Jane
Published: May 2021

Wetlands provide significant ecosystem services yet are ranked among some of the most imperiled habitats. To maximize prioritization of these habitats a better understanding of the full range of ecosystem functions is needed, starting with an examination of how coastal wetlands have been portrayed in restoration literature to date. This study consists of a literature review and the use of automated topic analyses aimed at (1) summarizing the current research related to coastal wetland restoration, (2) identifying the key fields of research, and (3) identifying research efforts connecting restoration and climate adaptation strategies (e.g. blue carbon). Of the 702 papers sourced for this analysis, most studies were conducted in North America and Europe. An increase in articles considering wetland restoration was found from 1985 to October 2020, with 40% of the research published just in the last triennia (2018–2020). Topic division highlights the emergence of studies related to management under climate change (e.g. sea level rise, adaptive management) and to carbon sequestration as separate fields of research from classical ecological studies. This reveals the need to ensure that classical ecological research is not neglected by work relating to climate strategies, which depend upon an accurate understanding of ecological processes.
What About the Rest of the Pie? A Dynamic Compositional Approach to Modeling Inequality
Authors: Kagalwala Ali , Philips Andrew Q. , Whitten Guy D.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To demonstrate how a novel method enhances our understanding of determinants of inequality.

Methods

We take advantage of recent advances in dynamic models of compositional dependent variables to simultaneously study tradeoffs across multiple slices of the composition of income in the United States between 1947 and 2014.

Results

Our analyses demonstrate the utility of dynamic compositional models of income shares. Factors that increase the income share of the top income group often also increase the income share of the second income group and decrease the shares of lower groups at different rates. Polarization and marginal tax rates have large effects on relative income shares, while returns to labor, returns to capital, and partisan control of Congress have smaller, but statistically significant effects.

Conclusion

Our suggested approach allows researchers to effectively explore interesting variation across multiple income groups in response to changes in determinants of inequality.
ASSESSING CARBON SEQUESTRATION CAPACITY OF FOREST AND PROPOSING SOLUTIONS TO GREENING INDUSTRIES IN VIETNAM
Authors: Tuyet Nguyen Thi Anh , Chung Nguyen Thuy , Hung Trieu
Published: May 2021

Aiming to reduce GHG emissions in order to limit and prevent climate change response in Vietnam, decree 99/2010/ND-CP about payment for forest environmental services (PFES) went into effect since Jan 2011. After years of implementation, the policy has brought positive impacts and mobilized remarkable financial resources for forest management, protection and development and also improve living standard of people whose lives depend on the forest. However, until now PFES has focused on target sectors of clean water and tourism; other potential sectors such as industrial companies, have not been applied. This research aims to identify opportunities and challenges of Carbon PFES from industrial companies that have been causing large GHGs emission. Quang Ninh and Thanh Hoa – the two largest provinces in Vietnam are selected to collect data and estimate GHG emissions from coal-fired thermal power plants and cement plants; and also to identify sequestration capacity of forest-based C services that are providing boundary in the two provinces. As the result, average emission factors for pulverized coal, circulating fluidized bed and rotary kiln technology were 1.05 tCO2/MWh, 1.11 tCO2/MWh and 0.85 tCO2/ton of clinker, respectively. In 2018, total CO2 emissions from thermal power and cement industry in Thanh Hoa and Quang Ninh were 11,395,545 tCO2, and 31,938,232 tCO2, respectively. Meanwhile, CO2 absorption capacity of all forest types in these two provinces were 4,302,474 tCO2 and 3,191,060 tCO2, respectively. It means about 38% of CO2 emitted in the year from these industries can be absorbed by the forests in Thanh Hoa and about only 10% of that can be absorbed by the forests in Quang Ninh. It is also found that more than 17% of CO2 yearly emitted from both industries can be absorbed by the forests in both provinces. This research proposes scope of Carbon-PFES for the industrial sectors in Vietnam that meet GHG emission reduction targets.
ASSESSMENT OF PRECAST WIDE U BEAM-COLUMN SYSTEM FOR MITIGATION OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE FROM SEISMIC HAZARD IN THAILAND
Authors: Tanapornraweekit Ganchai , Bohara Rajendra Prasad , Tangtermsirikul Somnuk
Published: May 2021

A large number of low to moderate earthquake incidents have been witnessed in the northern and western parts of Thailand. These incidents usually lead to various damage levels in various structures. Therefore, a sufficient lateral force resisting structures should be designed for the construction in such earthquake-prone areas. This paper presents the relevance of using a typical composite wide U beam-column system for mitigation of structural failure and collapse from the seismic hazard in Thailand. The investigated composite structural system consists of precast U beams, precast columns, and cast-in-situ concrete over the precast U beams and in the joint regions. The system also includes post-tensioning in the cast-in-situ area of the composite beams. The system has widely been used in low- to mid-rise commercial building in Thailand. In order to scrutinize the seismic performance of the system, a half-scale specimen of the post-tensioned precast U beam-column joint was tested under an incremental displacement-controlled lateral cyclic load. The laboratory test revealed the drift capacity, damage pattern, strain development in the rebars etc. of the precast wide U beam-column interior joint. Based on the obtained drift capacity, displacement-based assessment of the system was carried out. In addition, the observed damages on the tested structure were evaluated using damage grading criteria for building subjected to earthquake. The assessment showed a high potential of the post-tensioned precast wide U beam-column system to mitigate the structural failure and collapse from the earthquake hazard. However, some improvements in the current seismic performance of the system are required to employ the system in high seismic zones.
Different Façade Types and Building Integration in Energy Efficient Building Design Strategies
Authors: Yaman Muammer
Published: May 2021

Building façades play a major role in improving the effects of outdoor environment conditions on indoor comfort conditions. Façades, which are designed as energy efficiency, are created according to different performance parameters and can offer solutions appropriate for the climatic condition. This paper aims to describe and highlight the role of design and application determinants in building façade types according to energy efficiency in different climatic classes. For this purpose, 12 building façade types in different climate types were investigated and analyzed by a purposive or judgmental sampling technique. Façade analyses have been carried out by considering double skin, adaptive, photovoltaic panel, vertical green, media and structural membrane façades created as a result of developing technological opportunities. Balance of heat loss and gain, preventing overheating, providing daylight and natural ventilation, active and mechanical solutions for climate-sensitive, noise control, recycling and evaluating the initial investment cost are presented. With examinations, it has been determined that different façade systems are innovative construction systems in creating energy efficiency. It has been concluded that the effect of improving indoor comfort conditions of the building by controlling the outdoor environment conditions with the construction of different facade systems is very important in the architectural process. With the development of technology and smart systems, the impact of the façades on the climate analysis and energy efficient design strategies will be much more important in the future