bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and COVID-19 mortality in the United States: a comparison of the prison and general population
Authors: Nowotny Kathryn , Metheny Hannah , LeMasters Katherine , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The USA has a rapidly aging prison population that, combined with their poorer health and living conditions, is at extreme risk for COVID-19. The purpose of this paper is to compare COVID-19 mortality trends in the US prison population and the general population to see how mortality risk changed over the course of the pandemic. The authors first provide a national overview of trends in COVID-19 mortality; then, the authors assess COVID-19 deaths among older populations using more detailed data from one US state.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used multiple publicly available data sets (e.g. Centers for Disease Control and prevention, COVID Prison Project) and indirect and direct standardization to estimate standardized mortality rates covering the period from April 2020 to June 2021 for the US and for the State of Texas.

Findings

While 921 COVID-19-related deaths among people in US prisons were expected as of June 5, 2021, 2,664 were observed, corresponding to a standardized mortality ratio of 2.89 (95%CI 2.78, 3.00). The observed number of COVID-19-related deaths exceeded the expected number of COVID-19-related deaths among people in prison for most of the pandemic, with a substantially widening gap leading to a plateau about four weeks after the COVID-19 vaccine was introduced in the USA. In the state population, the older population in prison is dying at younger ages compared with the general population, with the highest percentage of deaths among people aged 50–64 years.

Research limitations/implications

People who are incarcerated are dying of COVID-19 at a rate that far outpaces the general population and are dying at younger ages.

Originality/value

This descriptive analysis serves as a first step in understanding the dynamic trends in COVID-19 mortality and the association between age and COVID-19 death in US prisons.
Managing disruptive external forces in international marketing
Authors: Jeong Insik , Jean Ruey-Jer Bryan , Kim Daekwan , Samiee Saeed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Disruptive external forces can bring businesses to a standstill and make their strategic plans obsolete overnight. COVID-19 exemplifies such a disruptive force, which has caused worldwide havoc and ongoing disruption in many sectors of the economy, while concurrently providing great opportunities for others. The goal in this study is to examine the experiences of firms that have been impacted by a prior disruptive force, offer five theoretical lenses for framing and examining such events, and provide a set of axioms based on the research findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative approach involving five short international marketing case studies of firms based in South Korea and Taiwan. These nations and firms were selected on the bases of their overall judicious navigation of the conditions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors gathered information about these firms through primary sources of information (personal and remote interviews as well as other communications), which the authors augmented with information from secondary sources.

Findings

The results indicate that external forces can bring both opportunities and threats to firms' international marketing strategies. The authors found that two strategies help firms cope with managerial issues associated with both the demand and the supply sides in successful firms in these nations: (1) leveraging opportunities presented by the pandemic through the successive introductions of new product and (2) the expansion of both the domestic and international markets.

Research implications

The research provides five theoretical lenses to articulate the impact of disruptive external forces on international marketing strategies.

Practical implications

The research offers thirteen demand and supply side axioms for marketing managers involved in international business (e.g. exporters, importers, MNCs) to cope with disruptive external forces, like COVID-19.

Social implications

Disruptive external forces, such as the pandemic, have enormous impact on firms and consumers alike. This research aims to limit the negative impact of future disruptions by engaging in contingency planning and added resilience, through which firms may continue to function and, to a large extent, consumers are able to acquire the necessary goods and services to maintain their quality of life.

Originality/value

The authors attribute the quicker response of these firms to their agility in managing the market impacts related to COVID-19 and to their prior conditioning in their respective geopolitical spheres. The authors summarize the findings in a set of nine supply side and a set of four demand side axioms.
How does supply chain knowledge enhance green innovation? The mediation mechanisms of corporate reputation and non-supply chain learning
Authors: Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Afum Ebenezer , Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi , Baah Charles
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Understanding the factors that advance green innovation is crucial for firms to deal with the complexity of green innovation. In light of this, this study aims to explore the influence of supply chain knowledge, non-supply chain learning and corporate reputation on green innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research approach where data is gathered from managers of 208 small and medium enterprises in Ghana using survey questionnaires. The structural equation modeling is used to analyze the survey data.

Findings

The findings reveal supply chain knowledge relates positively with non-supply chain learning, corporate reputation and green innovation. Corporate reputation also impacts green innovation positively and provides partial mediation effect between supply chain knowledge and green innovation. Meanwhile, non-supply chain learning does not relate positively with green innovation as well as fails to mediate the impact of supply chain knowledge on green innovation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge in the mediating mechanisms of corporate reputation and non-supply chain learning between supply chain knowledge and green innovation. Through this, the authors propose a theoretical model to explain how firms can leverage supply chain knowledge, corporate reputation and non-supply chain learning to improve green innovation and can serve as the basis for further theoretical and empirical research in innovation and external sources of knowledge.
Pilot exploration of low-intensity psychoeducation workbook interventions in a prison setting, adapted for use throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wilson Lauren , Dervley Rebekah
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the use of low intensity in-cell workbooks within a psychological therapies service for male prisoners, an intervention adapted for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to explore the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing psychological distress, explore individuals’ progression through the service following engagement with the workbooks and, finally, to understand individual’s experiences of the intervention through evaluating feedback provided.

Design/methodology/approach

CORE-10 scores from 66 male prisoners at a Category C prison were evaluated pre and post completion of an adapted in-cell workbook intervention, to explore the potential effectiveness of the intervention in reducing psychological distress. Qualitative feedback given by participants was also explored to understand individual’s experiences of engaging with the intervention.

Findings

Evaluation of 66 male prisoners revealed significant reductions in psychological distress on the CORE-10. Findings demonstrated that over half of men included in the evaluation were “stepped-up” for further interventions as per the stepped-care treatment model. Feedback forms highlighted the value of the therapeutic relationship and a “something versus nothing” approach.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers several limitations to the research approach, of which future studies should seek to explore when carrying out similar research.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the use of low intensity self-help interventions in prison psychological services, during a time when the provision of face-to-face interventions was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The paper explores the use of self-help materials in psychological treatment settings, of which there is very little research on in prisons. In addition, the paper contributes to the body of research on psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial development and institutional quality among emerging economies
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study examines how institutional quality influences variability in financial development among economies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical estimations verifying various relationships are performed using the limited information maximum likelihood (LIML) estimation technique.

Findings

The results suggest that institutional quality enhances the pace of financial development among economies in the sub-region all things being equal. In a further micro-level analysis where components of institutional quality index are examined separately, the study’s results suggest that effective governance, regulatory quality, rule of law and accountability tend to have a significant positive impact on financial sector development.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of the study suggest that policies geared towards improving governance and regulatory institutions can augment development of the financial sector among economies in SSA; governments and policymakers are therefore encouraged to resource noted institutions to play effective roles for the development of the financial sector.

Originality/value

Compared to related studies, this study reorients existing paradigm, which emphasizes the role of governance and institutional variables in the economic growth discourse. The authors’ empirical inquiry rather focuses on how governance and institutional structures influence regional financial development dynamics. Specifically, this study differs from most macro-level studies found in literature because it examines the impact of hitherto unexamined governance and institutional variables on financial development among economies in SSA.
Validating elements of organisational maintenance policy for maintenance management of public buildings in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbayo Babatunde Fatai , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku , Akinradewo Opeoluwa Israel , Edwards David
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Maintenance policy is an element of building maintenance management that deals with organisation policy, planning and procedures, and delineates how maintenance units in an organisation will manage specific building components, auxiliary facilities and services. Given this contextual setting, this study investigates whether organisational maintenance policies (OMPs) utilised in developed countries are relevant in developing countries – using Nigeria as a case study exemplar.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical research design (using deductive reasoning) was implemented for this research. Specifically, a Delphi study conducted revealed 23 elements that impact OMP development in Nigeria.

Findings

Of these twenty elements, six had a very high impact on maintenance management (VHI: 9.00–10.00), nine variables had a high impact (HI: 7.00–8.99) and eight other variables scored a medium impact (MI: 5.00–6.99). Emergent findings reveal that the elements of organisational maintenance policy that engender effective building maintenance management include preparation of safety procedure, optimisation of the maintenance policy, optimisation of the maintenance action plan, well-defined priority system, risk factor establishment, suitable maintenance procedures and a clearly delineated process.

Practical implications

The study findings will guide policymakers in identifying the main elements required in maintenance policies development towards making national public asset preservation and economic gains. Also, the content of the future educational curriculum on maintenance management study will be more receptive to the body of knowledge and the built environment industry.

Originality/value

Cumulatively, the research presented illustrates that these elements replicate those adopted in other countries and that effective maintenance management of public buildings is assured when these elements are integral to the development of an OMP.
Enterprise social media platforms for coping with an accelerated digital transformation
Authors: Feitosa Jorge Leandro , Mosconi Elaine , Santa-Eulalia Luis Antonio
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to support small organizations to navigate the context of an accelerated Digital Transformation using Enterprise Social Media platforms, in response to external contingencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal action research study, supported by an exploratory analysis that follows a hybrid approach of deductive and inductive reasoning, has been conducted in the context of a small organization. Several data collection techniques were used for context understanding and problem-solving.

Findings

Findings suggest that value creation related to the use of Enterprise Social Media platforms supports small organizations in this accelerated context of Digital Transformation. Value perception is central in overcoming adoption barriers and achieving sustainable use of these platforms in daily basis activities, especially in remote working. External pressures, like those imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, play an important role in catalyzing digital initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

As the main limitations to this paper, we highlight the study of a single organization in a specific context and the number of actors involved; hence, there is room to extend the study to other industries, organization sizes and contexts.

Practical implications

This paper provides managers with insights into how to conduct their Enterprise Social Media initiatives in a turbulent environment, highlighting their key success elements, and their potential to create value for their organizations and stakeholders. Furthermore, managers could explore the potential of Enterprise Social Media platforms to support organizations in the Digital Transformation journey.

Social implications

Small organizations play an important role in generating wealth for nations around the world. However, governments encounter difficulties in supporting the Digital Transformation of this type of organization. This paper provides insights into how to use an affordable and intuitive technology to include this type of organization in the Digital Transformation journey.

Originality/value

A long-term study of Enterprise Social Media is recommended, but quite rare in the Information Systems literature. This study adopts a longitudinal investigation to analyze the use of Enterprise Social Media to support a small organization to adapt, in balance with their internal and external contingencies, providing a further contribution to the contingency theory. This research also adds contributions to the sociotechnical system perspective, analyzing the deep imbrication between social and technical subsystems in the required organizational change, supporting a small organization for coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Identification of sulfate‐reducing magnetotactic bacteria via a group‐specific 16S rDNA primer and correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy: Strategy for culture‐independent study
Authors: Li Jinhua , Liu Peiyu , Menguy Nicolas , Benzerara Karim , Bai Jinling , Zhao Xiang , Leroy Eric , Zhang Chaoqun , Zhang Heng , Liu Jiawei , Zhang Rongrong , Zhu Kelei , Roberts Andrew P. , Pan Yongxin
Published: June 2022

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize intracellular magnetic nanocrystals and swim along geomagnetic field lines. While few axenic MTB cultures exist, living cells can be separated magnetically from natural environments for analysis. The bacterial universal 27F/1492R primer pair has been used widely to amplify nearly full‐length 16S rRNA genes and to provide phylogenetic portraits of MTB communities. However, incomplete coverage and amplification biases inevitably prevent detection of some phylogenetically specific or non‐abundant MTB. Here, we propose a new formulation of the upstream 390F primer that we combined with the downstream 1492R primer to specifically amplify 1100‐bp 16S rRNA gene sequences of sulfate‐reducing MTB in freshwater sediments from Lake Weiyanghu, Xi'an, northwestern China. With correlative fluorescence in situ hybridization and scanning/transmission electron microscopy, three novel MTB strains (WYHR‐2, WYHR‐3 and WYHR‐4) from the Desulfobacterota phylum were identified phylogenetically and structurally at the single‐cell level. Strain WYHR‐2 produces bullet‐shaped magnetosome magnetite, while the other two strains produce both cubic/prismatic greigite and bullet‐shaped magnetite. Our results expand knowledge of bacterial diversity and magnetosome biomineralization of sulfate‐reducing MTB. We also propose a general strategy for identifying and characterizing uncultured MTB from natural environments.
Comparative analysis of aged documents by desorption electrospray ionization–Mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) imaging
Authors: Sun Qiran , Luo Yiwen , Wang Yachen , Zhang Qinghua , Yang Xu
Published: June 2022

Document dating is an important and challenging task in the field of forensic science. With the development of analytical techniques, related methods are emerging for document dating studies. Desorption electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) is an ambient ionization‐MS technique that has been applied in the forensic discrimination of inks. This study focused on utilizing DESI‐MS to distinguish between ink entries of different ages. Blue ballpoint ink and black gel ink samples were artificially aged by heat and light exposure and then screened by DESI‐MS in the positive ion mode, with a methanol–water‐formic acid solution (90:10:0.1%, v/v/v) as the desorption solvent. As a result, the artificially aged ink samples were directly differentiated from the reference ones in the chemical images of age‐dependent compounds such as basic dyes or polyethylene glycol derivatives. The amount of ethoxylated fatty amine surfactants in copy paper was also found to decrease after artificial aging. Moreover, this method enabled us to visualize the differences between the composition of naturally aged and fresh ink samples. It has been proven to cause no apparent destruction of the samples. The identification of chronological changes in document materials suggests that the DESI‐MS method is a promising approach for relative document dating.
A Structural Interpretation Model and Restoration of the Mesozoic Proto‐basin for the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin
Authors: QI Jiafu , LI Yong , XU Zhenping , YANG Shujiang , SUN Tong
Published: June 2022

A thrust‐fold belt consisting of a series of thrusts and buckling folds developed in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic strata within the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin. In this study, a structural interpretation model of the Kuqa Depression is established and the Mesozoic proto‐basin is reconstructed on the basis of outcrop geology along the basin margin, seismic, well‐log and CEMP data. The model is called ‘delaminate contractional deformation’, which emphasizes the decoupling between the Cenozoic, Mesozoic, pre‐Mesozoic and the basin‐basement within the Kuqa Depression, but there is no unified detachment. The model has a shortening amount ranging from 12 km to 16 km and the depth involved in contractional deformation ranges from 21 km to 28 km. A prototype of the Mesozoic basin reconstructed by interpretation model is a sub‐basin superposed on the transitional zone between the uplift at the northern edge of the Tarim Craton and the southern Tianshan orogenic wedge formed in the Hercynian orogeny. Lithospheric thermal and crustal isostatic activity after the Hercynian orogeny maybe the controlling dynamic factors of basin subsidence during the Mesozoic and early Cenozoic, the difference in rock mechanical properties between different levels, craton and orogenic wedge being the major cause of the ‘delaminate contractional deformation’ during the Himalayan orogeny.
Metformin for the prevention of clozapine‐induced weight gain: A retrospective naturalistic cohort study
Authors: Stogios Nicolette , Maksyutynska Kateryna , Navagnanavel Janani , Sanches Marcos , Powell Valerie , Gerretsen Philip , Graff‐Guerrero Ariel , Chintoh Araba F. , Foussias George , Remington Gary , Hahn Margaret K. , Agarwal Sri Mahavir
Published: June 2022

Objective

Clozapine is presently the sole antipsychotic with an indication for treatment‐resistant Schizophrenia, but is associated with significant weight gain and other metabolic aberrations. This retrospective chart review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive metformin in preventing clozapine‐induced weight gain.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients newly initiated on clozapine at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada, from November 2014 to April 2021. Our primary outcome was body weight at 6 and 12 months after clozapine initiation. Other metabolic parameters served as secondary outcomes.

Results

Among 396 patients (males: 71.5%, mean age: 42.8 years) initiated on clozapine, 69 were on metformin or prescribed it ≤3 months after clozapine initiation. The clozapine+metformin group demonstrated less weight gain compared with the clozapine‐only group at 6 months (clozapine+metformin: −0.15 kg [SE = 1.08] vs. clozapine‐only: 2.99 kg, SE = 0.54) and 12 months after clozapine initiation (clozapine+metformin: −0.67 kg, SE = 1.22 vs. clozapine‐only: 4.72 kg, SE = 0.67). Adaptive changes were also observed for fasting glucose (F = 3.10, p = 0.046) and triglycerides (F = 8.56, p < 0.001) in the clozapine+metformin group compared with clozapine only.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective naturalistic cohort study, co‐prescription of clozapine and metformin was associated with less weight gain and related metabolic dysfunction at 6 and 12 months after initiation versus clozapine alone. These findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of metformin in preventing clozapine‐induced weight gain; larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
Electrophysiological resting‐state hyperconnectivity and poorer behavioural regulation as predisposing profiles of adolescent binge drinking
Authors: Antón‐Toro Luis F. , Bruña Ricardo , Del Cerro‐León Alberto , Shpakivska Danylyna , Mateos‐Gordo Patricia , Porras‐Truque Claudia , García‐Gómez Raquel , Maestú Fernando , García‐Moreno Luis Miguel
Published: June 2022

Adolescent Binge Drinking (BD) has become an increasing health and social concern, with detrimental consequences for brain development and functional integrity. However, research on neurophysiological and neuropsychological traits predisposing to BD are limited at this time. In this work, we conducted a 2‐year longitudinal magnetoencephalography (MEG) study over a cohort of initially alcohol‐naïve adolescents with the purpose of exploring anomalies in resting‐state electrophysiological networks, impulsivity, sensation‐seeking, and dysexecutive behaviour able to predict future BD patterns. In a sample of 67 alcohol‐naïve adolescents (age = 14.5 ± 0.9), we measured resting‐state activity using MEG. Additionally, we evaluated their neuropsychological traits using self‐report ecological scales (BIS‐11, SSS‐V, BDEFS, BRIEF‐SR and DEX). In a second evaluation, 2 years later, we measured participant's alcohol consumption, sub‐dividing the original sample in two groups: future binge drinkers (22 individuals, age 14.6 ± 0.8; eight females) and future light/no drinkers (17 individuals, age 14.5 ± 0.8; eight females). Then, we searched for differences predating alcohol BD intake. We found abnormalities in MEG resting state, in a form of gamma band hyperconnectivity, in those adolescents who transitioned into BD years later. Furthermore, they showed higher impulsivity, dysexecutive behaviours and sensation seeking, positively correlated with functional connectivity (FC). Sensation seeking and impulsivity mainly predicted BD severity in the future, while the relationship between dysexecutive trait and FC with future BD was mediated by sensation seeking. These findings shed light to electrophysiological and neuropsychological traits of vulnerability towards alcohol consumption. We hypothesise that these differences may rely on divergent neurobiological development of inhibitory neurotransmission pathways and executive prefrontal circuits.
Structural and functional analyses of antibodies specific for modified core N‐glycans suggest a role in TH2 responses
Authors: Plum Melanie , Tjerrild Luna , Raiber Tim , Bantleon Frank , Bantleon Sara , Miehe Michaela , Jabs Frederic , Seismann Henning , Möbs Christian , Pfützner Wolfgang , Jakob Thilo , Andersen Gregers R. , Spillner Edzard
Published: June 2022

Background

Immune responses to N‐glycan structures from allergens and parasites are often associated with pronounced, high affinity IgE reactivities. Cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are constituted by modified N‐glycan core structures and represent the most frequently recognized epitopes in allergic immune responses. Although recently accepted as potentially allergenic epitopes, the biological and clinical relevance as well as structural and functional characteristics of CCD‐specific antibodies remain elusive.

Methods

In order to gain structural insights into the recognition of CCDs, two specific antibody fragments were isolated from a leporid immune repertoire library and converted into human/leporid IgE and IgG formats. The antibody formats were assessed by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance, structural and functional analyses were performed by X‐ray crystallography, mediator release, and ELIFAB assays.

Results

The recombinant IgE exhibited highly specific interactions with different types of CCDs on numerous CCD‐carrying glycoproteins. Crystal structures of two CCD‐specific antibodies, one of which in complex with a CCD‐derived disaccharide emphasize that mechanisms of core glycan epitope recognition are as specific as those governing protein epitope recognition. The rIgE triggered immediate cellular responses via FcεRI cross‐linking and mediated facilitated antigen presentation by binding of IgE/antigen complexes to CD23, a process that also could be blocked by IgG of allergic patients.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence for the relevance of N‐glycan recognition in TH2 responses and corroborates that IgE and IgG antibodies to ubiquitous carbohydrate epitopes can be equivalent to those directed against proteinaceous epitopes with implications for diagnostic and immunotherapeutic concepts.
Longitudinal changes in fetal head biometry and fetoplacental circulation in fetuses with congenital heart defects
Authors: Ordás Polán , Rodríguez Roberto , Herrero Beatriz , Deiros Lucía , Gómez Enery , Llurba Elisa , Bartha José Luis , Antolín Eugenia
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Objectives were to analyze changes in fetal cephalic biometry and fetoplacental circulation throughout pregnancy in fetuses with congenital heart defects.

Material and methods

Prospective study conducted on three university tertiary referral hospitals. Fetuses with the diagnosis of isolated congenital heart defects attending between 2014 and 2018 were included. Congenital heart defects were divided into two groups according to the oxygen supply to the central nervous system: group I (expected low placental blood content and low oxygen delivery to the brain) and group II (expected intermediate and high placental blood content). Fetal biometry and Doppler parameters were collected between 25–30 weeks of gestation and 34–40 weeks of gestation and transformed into Z scores. The results were compared with healthy controls. Finally, general linear modeling was performed to analyze repeated measurements.

Results

In all, 71 fetuses met the inclusion criteria. Fetuses with congenital heart defects had significantly smaller head (biparietal diameter [p < 0.001], head circumference [p = 0.001]) and abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), and lower estimated fetal weight (p < 0.001) than controls. When analyzing according to congenital heart defects type, head size was significantly smaller in group I compared with group II (p = 0.04). Regarding Doppler parameters, fetuses with congenital heart defects showed higher umbilical artery pulsatility index (p < 0.001) and lower cerebroplacental ratio (p = 0.044) than controls. In group I, umbilical artery pulsatility index was above the 95th centile in 15.4% of fetuses compared with 6.7% in group II and 1.9% in controls (p < 0.001); moreover, middle cerebral artery pulsatility index was below the 5th centile in 5.4% of group I fetuses compared with 0% in group II and 1.2% in controls (p = 0.011). General linear model for two measurements showed significant longitudinal changes in biometric parameters. Growth rate of fetal head through pregnancy (head circumference Z score) was lower in fetuses with congenital heart defects compared with controls (p = 0.043). In group I, the head circumference Z score longitudinal decrease was significantly higher than in group II (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fetuses with congenital heart defects are at risk of smaller head size and Doppler changes. Growth rate of fetal head throughout pregnancy is also affected. These findings are mainly associated with cardiac defects with expected low oxygen supply to the central nervous system.
Objectively measured physical activity during primary school physical education predicts intrinsic motivation independently of academic achievement level
Authors: de Bruijn Anne G. M. , de Greeff Johannes W. , Temlali Taha Y. , Oosterlaan Jaap , Smith Joanne , Hartman Esther
Published: June 2022

Background

Children's participation in physical education (PE) is seen as important for developing an active lifestyle and has been positively linked to academic achievement. Physical activity (PA) levels during PE are thought to be linked to PE‐motivation, although this relation is poorly understood.

Aims

This study examined (1) whether children's PA‐levels during PE were predictive of their PE‐motivation and (2) whether the relation between PA‐levels and motivation was moderated by children's academic achievement. Where previous studies focused on moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), disregarding the potential beneficial role of lower intensities of PA, we included MVPA, light‐intensity physical activity (LPA) and sedentary behaviour (SED).

Sample

In total, 891 primary school students participated (mean age = 9.2 years).

Methods

During one regular PE‐lesson, PA‐levels (using accelerometers) and PE‐motivation (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory) were measured. Academic achievement in reading, mathematics and spelling was measured with standardized tests.

Results

A structural equation model revealed that LPA, MVPA and academic achievement positively predicted PE‐motivation. The interaction between academic achievement and PA‐levels was not related to PE‐motivation. SED was excluded from the models due to multicollinearity.

Conclusion

Children who are more engaged in LPA and MVPA and who perform better academically generally seem to be more motivated for PE, suggesting that PA‐intensity levels and PE‐motivation are bidirectionally linked. Results underline the importance of also examining LPA.
An evaluation of the impact of flipped‐classroom teaching on mathematics proficiency and self‐efficacy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algarni Badriah , Lortie‐Forgues Hugues
Published: June 2022

The flipped classroom (FC) is becoming an increasingly popular teaching method in mathematics education. However, few studies have rigorously evaluated its effectiveness, and less so in countries where students' level of mathematics achievement is low. In this study, we evaluated the impact of an FC intervention in Saudi Arabia, the country with the lowest level of maths achievement in the last iteration of the Trends International Mathematics and Science Study TIMSS . A total of 281 secondary school students received eight weeks of algebra training using either FC or traditional instruction, and were tested on algebra problems taken from past national standardised tests, as well as on a measure of self‐efficacy. Students who received the intervention showed higher self‐efficacy but no significant difference in maths achievement was observed. Students' and teachers' perceptions of the intervention were positive.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

The flipped classroom is an increasingly popular teaching method in mathematics education.

There is evidence that the method is beneficial for students.

However, there have been very few rigorous evaluation studies of flipped classrooms and most were conducted in the US, Taiwan and China.

Whether the beneficial impact of flipped classrooms can be generalised to other countries, particularly countries with low proficiency in mathematics, remains unclear.

What this paper adds

We evaluated the impact of the flipped classroom in Saudi Arabia, a country with low proficiency in mathematics and limited technological resources.

We used a rigorous design (with a control group) and educationally relevant outcome measures.

We found that a flipped classroom can have a positive impact on students' self‐efficacy, and that the method was perceived positively by both teachers and students.

Based on interview data, we also documented the perceptions and concerns of the participating teachers.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Flipped classrooms showed promising results in a context which differs markedly from previous evaluations, suggesting that the method can be beneficial in a range of contexts.

This positive impact was observed despite the intervention being relatively short (six weeks) and implemented by teachers previously unfamiliar with the flipped classroom method.
Targeted nanotherapy with everolimus reduces inflammation and fibrosis in scleroderma‐related interstitial lung disease developed by PSGL‐1 deficient mice
Authors: González‐Sánchez Elena , Muñoz‐Callejas Antonio , Gómez‐Román Javier , San Antonio Esther , Marengo Alessandro , Tsapis Nicolas , Bohne‐Japiassu Kamila , González‐Tajuelo Rafael , Pereda Saray , García‐Pérez Javier , Cavagna Lorenzo , González‐Gay Miguel Ángel , Vicente‐Rabaneda Esther Francisca , Meloni Federica , Fattal Elias , Castañeda Santos , Urzainqui Ana
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the main cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc), and current therapies available are of low efficacy or high toxicity. Thus, the identification of innovative less toxic and high efficacy therapeutic approaches to ILD treatment is an urgent need. The interaction of P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 (PSGL‐1) with P‐selectin initiates leukocyte extravasation and deletion of the corresponding gene (Selplg) induces a SSc‐like syndrome with high incidence of ILD in aged mice.

Experimental Approach

Aged PSGL‐1 KO (Selplg‐/‐) mice were used to assess the therapeutic effects of nanotherapy with everolimus, included in liposomes decorated with high MW hyaluronic acid (LipHA+Ev) and administered intratracheally to specifically target CD44‐expressing lung cells.

Key Results

PSGL‐1 KO mice had increased numbers of CD45+ and CD45− cells, including alveolar and interstitial macrophages, eosinophils, granulocytes and NK cells, and myofibroblasts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). CD45+ and CD45− cells expressing pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrotic cytokines were also increased. Lungs from PSGL‐1 KO mice showed increased immune cell infiltration and apoptosis and exacerbated interstitial and peribronchial fibrosis. Targeted nanotherapy with LipHA+Ev decreased the myofibroblasts in BAL, cells producing proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and the degree of lung inflammation at histology. LipHA+Ev treatment also decreased the severity of peribronchial and interstitial lung fibrosis, from moderate to mild levels.

Conclusions and Implications

In PSGL‐1 KO mice, targeted nanotherapy with LipHA+Ev was an effective treatment for SSc‐ILD, reducing the number of inflammatory and fibrotic cells in BAL and reducing inflammation and fibrosis in lungs.
Development of information integration in the visual working memory of preschoolers
Authors: Guo Dong , Wang Yudan , Liao Yifan , Li Jiaofeng , Zhang Xingyi , Gao Zaifeng , Shen Mowei , He Jie
Published: June 2022

Visual working memory (WM) plays a pivotal role in integrating fragments into meaningful units, but no study has addressed how visual WM integration takes place in children. The current study examined whether WM integration emerges once preschoolers master Gestalt cue and can retain two representations in WM (automatic integration hypothesis), or still needs time to mature (maturation‐of‐integration hypothesis). Four experiments (N = 168, 81 females, 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds, Chinese, in Hangzhou, China, from 2016.10 to 2021.11) were conducted. Although 4‐year‐olds can retain two objects in WM and benefit from Gestalt cues in simultaneous display (Cohen's ds >1.00), they failed when memory arrays were presented sequentially. Meanwhile, 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds consistently demonstrated WM integration ability (all Cohen's ds >0.69), supporting the maturation‐of‐integration hypothesis.
Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders
Authors: Kamp Erin , Ashraf Mariha , Musbahi Esra , DeGiovanni Claudia
Published: June 2022

In this second part of a four-part review, we examine the effect of menopause on the skin. Menopause and the associated hypo-oestrogenic state have implications for the structure and function of the skin. We performed a literature review to investigate the impact of the menopause on common dermatoses. There is evidence that oestrogen is implicated in transepidermal water loss and reduction in dermal collagen. There are associations with menopause and multiple common dermatoses, including xerosis and pruritus, hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis. Menopause has a clear impact on the skin and common dermatological conditions. Further research to understand the mechanisms and explore therapeutic options is needed.
Effects of connection to nature on residents’ perceptions of conservation policy justice of Natura 2000
Authors: Strzelecka Marianna , Tusznio Joanna , Akhshik Arash , Rechcinski Marcin , Grodzinska‐Jurczak Malgorzata
Published: June 2022

We examined the effects of human connection to nature on residents’ concerns about justice in conservation policies of Natura 2000. Expansion of Natura 2000 conservation network has resulted in local communities having to consider Natura 2000 in their development plans, and justice concerns have been strong in some communities near Natura 2000 sites. We conceptualized Natura 2000 justice within a framework composed of 3 domains of conservation justice: distribution, recognition, and representation. To examine the effect of nature connection on perceived justice of Natura 2000, we conducted a door‐to‐door survey of rural resident (80.09% response rate) in 3 municipalities of Pomerania in Poland. The effect of connection to nature on perceived distribution of Natura 2000 benefits was positive (b = 0.187, t = 7.057, p < 0.001); perceived communication about Natura 2000 was positive (b = 0.089, t = 2.940 p < 0.01); perception of limitations was positive (b = 0.078, t = 2.416, p < 0.01); perceived recognition was positive (b = 0.117, t = 3.367, p < 0.001); and perceived representation was positive (b = 0.123, t = 5.015, p < 0.001). Our results suggest local residents’ bonds with nature matter and they should be considered when new conservation approaches, such as Natura 2000, are introduced.
Social hierarchy effect of political strategy: Exploring chairman's political position influence on independent directors' dissent
Authors: Chen Shihua , Ye Yan , Jebran Khalil , Zhu David H.
Published: June 2022

Research question/issue

Although the dark side of corporate political connections has been highlighted in recent studies, their adverse consequences on board decision making have received limited research attention. In this study, we posit that the political position of a chairman leads to greater power and a higher ranking on the board, which adversely influences the dissenting behavior of independent directors.

Research findings/insights

In line with our predictions, we show that the presence of a chairman with political position will reduce the likelihood that independent directors will dissent on board proposals. Such influence is particularly weaker in firms that have higher status independent directors on boards and are state owned but stronger among firms in regulated industries and those strongly influenced by Confucian beliefs. These predictions are supported using a sample of Chinese firms from 2004 to 2016.

Theoretical/academic implications

Our findings contribute to the board dynamics and decision‐making literature by highlighting how the political position of a board chairman can adversely affect the decision‐making quality of the whole board by reducing the propensity for independent directors to dissent.

Practitioner/policy implications

The findings of this work also provide important insights to policymakers who are keen to improve corporate governance mechanisms by designing political strategies for firms.
Validation of cause of death classification after heart transplantation and cause‐specific life expectancy compared to the general population
Authors: Gjesdal Grunde , Lundgren Jakob , Czuba Tomasz , Wareham Neval Ete , Gustafsson Finn , Nilsson Johan , Smith J. Gustav , Braun Oscar Ö.
Published: June 2022

Background

Post heart‐transplant survival has increased, but information is lacking on specific causes of death and life expectancy. We aimed to assess cause‐specific loss of life‐years compared to the general population, evaluate classification for cause of death after heart transplantation, and assess validity of cause of death data from the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) registry.

Methods

In this single center study, we included 239 heart recipients transplanted between 1988 and 2019 in Lund, Sweden (n = 239, 50% of the transplanted population where the cause of death was available). Two cardiologists retrospectively assigned causes of death according to a published classification (CLASS) in the 91 recipients who died during follow‐up. Life expectancy was compared to data from the general population.

Results

Compared to the average Swedish population, life expectancy for heart transplant recipients was 20 years shorter (IQR 12.9–27.2). The largest number of life‐years lost were for deaths due to acute (49 years) and chronic rejection (27 years). Primary graft dysfunction (24 years) accounted for 24% of deaths, followed by malignancy (20 years) and infection (17 years), each accounting for ∼20% of deaths. Use of CLASS revealed moderate inter‐rater agreement (56%) and moderate agreement with the ISHLT registry (62%).

Conclusions

Survival after heart transplantation was 20 years lower than in the general population. In the young, more life‐years were lost due to acute graft rejection, whereas chronic graft rejection and primary graft failure were more important causes of death in older patients. Agreement was moderate between CLASS and the ISHLT registry classifications.
Genome‐wide analysis of hybridization in wild boar populations reveals adaptive introgression from domestic pig
Authors: Mary Nicolas , Iannuccelli Nathalie , Petit Geoffrey , Bonnet Nathalie , Pinton Alain , Barasc Harmonie , Faure Amélie , Calgaro Anne , Grosbois Vladimir , Servin Bertrand , Ducos Alain , Riquet Juliette
Published: June 2022

The admixture of domestic pig into French wild boar populations has been monitored since the 1980s thanks to the existence of a cytogenetic difference between the two sub‐species. The number of chromosomes is 2n = 36 in wild boar and 2n = 38 in pig, respectively. This difference makes it possible to assign the “hybrid” status to wild boar individuals controlled with 37 or 38 chromosomes. However, it does not make it possible to determine the timing of the hybridization(s), nor to guarantee the absence of domestic admixture in an animal with 2n = 36 chromosomes. In order to analyze hybridization in greater detail and to avoid the inherent limitations of the cytogenetic approach, 362 wild boars (WB) recently collected in different French geographical areas and in different environments (farms, free ranging in protected or unprotected areas, animals with 2n = 36, 37 or 38 chromosomes) were genotyped on a 70K SNP chip. Principal component analyses allowed the identification of 13 “outliers” (3.6%), for which the proportion of the genome of “domestic” origin was greater than 40% (Admixture analyses). These animals were probably recent hybrids, having Asian domestic pig ancestry for most of them. For the remaining 349 animals studied, the proportion of the genome of “wild” origin varied between 83% and 100% (median: 94%). This proportion varied significantly depending on how the wild boar populations were managed. Local ancestry analyses revealed adaptive introgression from domestic pig, suggesting a critical role of genetic admixture in improving the fitness and population growth of WB. Overall, our results show that the methods used to monitor the domestic genetic contributions to wild boar populations should evolve in order to limit the level of admixture between the two gene pools.
Fisheries genomics of snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) along the west Australian coast
Authors: Bertram Andrea , Fairclough David , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Brauer Chris , Fowler Anthony , Wellenreuther Maren , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: June 2022

The efficacy of fisheries management strategies depends on stock assessment and management actions being carried out at appropriate spatial scales. This requires understanding of spatial and temporal population structure and connectivity, which is challenging in weakly structured and highly connected marine populations. We carried out a population genomics study of the heavily exploited snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) along ~2600 km of the Australian coastline, with a focus on Western Australia (WA). We used 10,903 filtered SNPs in 341 individuals from eight sampling locations to characterize population structure and connectivity in snapper across WA and to assess if current spatial scales of stock assessment and management agree with evidence from population genomics. Our dataset also enabled us to investigate temporal stability in population structure as well as connectivity between WA and its nearest, eastern jurisdictional neighbour. As expected for a species influenced by the extensive ocean boundary current in the region, low genetic differentiation and high connectivity were uncovered across WA. However, we did detect strong isolation by distance and genetic discontinuities in the mid‐west and south‐east. The discontinuities correlate with boundaries between biogeographic regions, influenced by on‐shelf oceanography, and the sites of important spawning aggregations. We also detected temporal instability in genetic structure at one of our sites, possibly due to interannual variability in recruitment in adjacent regions. Our results partly contrast with the current spatial management of snapper in WA, indicating the likely benefits of a review. This study supports the value of population genomic surveys in informing the management of weakly structured and wide‐ranging marine fishery resources.