bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older age, lack of vaccination and infection with variants other than Omicron associated with severity of COVID-19 and in-hospital mortality in Pakistan
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad Zain , Nasir Nosheen , Mahmood Syed Faisal , Khan Sara , Kanji Akbar , Nasir Asghar , Aamir Uzma Bashir , Hasan Zahra
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We investigated factors associated with COVID-19 disease severity and in-hospital mortality in a low-middle income setting.

Methods

Records of 197 adult COVID-19 patients admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi between April 2021 and February 2022 were reviewed. Clinical data including, that of SARS-CoV-2 variants was collected.

Results

The median age of the patients was 55 years and 51.8% were males. 48.2 % of patients had non-severe disease, while 52.8% had severe/critical disease. Hypertension (48%) and diabetes mellitus (41.3%) were most common comorbid conditions. Omicron (55.3%), Beta (14.7%), Alpha (13.7%), Delta (12.7%) and Gamma (3.6%) were identified in patients. The risk of severe disease was higher in those aged above 50 years (OR 5.73; 95%CI [2.45-13.7]) and in diabetics (OR 4.24; 95% CI[1.82-9.85]). Full vaccination (OR 0.25; 95%CI [0.11-0.58]) or infection with Omicron variants (OR 0.42; 95% CI[0.23-0.74]) reduced disease severity. Age > 50 (OR 5.07; 95%CI [1.92-13.42]) and presence of myocardial infarction (OR 5.11; 95% CI[1.45-17.93]) was associated with increased mortality, but infection with Omicron (OR 0.22 95% CI 0.10-0.53]) reduced risk.

Conclusions

Vaccination was found to protect against severe COVID-19 regardless of the infecting variant and is recommended especially, in those aged over 50 years and with co-morbid conditions.
Radiomic signature accurately predicts the risk of metastatic dissemination in late-stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Małgorzata Wilk Agata , Kozłowska Emilia , Borys Damian , D’Amico Andrea , Fujarewicz Krzysztof , Gorczewska Izabela , Dębosz-Suwińska Iwona , Suwiński Rafał , Śmieja Jarosław , Swierniak Andrzej
Published: February 2023

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, and the median overall survival is approximately 2-3 years among patients with stage III disease. Furthermore, it is one of the deadliest types of cancer globally due to non-specific symptoms and the lack of a biomarker for early detection. The most important decision that clinicians need to make after a lung cancer diagnosis is the selection of a treatment schedule. This decision is based on, among others factors, the risk of developing metastasis.

Methods

A cohort of 115 NSCLC patients treated using chemotherapy and radiotherapy with curative intent was retrospectively collated and included patients for whom positron emission tomogra-phy/computed tomography (PET/CT) images, acquired before radiotherapy, were available. The PET/CT images were used to compute radiomic features extracted from a region of interest, the primary tumor. Radiomic and clinical features were then classified to stratify the patients into short and long time to metastasis, and regression analysis was used to predict the risk of metastasis.

Results

Classification based on binarized metastasis-free survival (MFS) was applied with moderate success. Indeed, an accuracy of 0.73 was obtained for the selection of features based on the Wilcoxon test and logistic regression model. However, the Cox regression model for metastasis risk prediction performed very well, with a concordance index (c-index) score equal to 0.84.

Conclusions

It is possible to accurately predict the risk of metastasis in NSCLC patients based on radiomic features. The results demonstrate the potential use of features extracted from cancer imaging in predicting the risk of metastasis.
Sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Belgium – A nationwide record linkage study
Authors: Cavillot Lisa , van Loenhout Joris A.F , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Wyndham-Thomas Chloé , Van Oyen Herman , Ghattas Jinane , Blot Koen , Van den Borre Laura , Billuart Matthieu , Speybroeck Niko , De Pauw Robby , Stouten Veerle , Catteau Lucy , Hubin Pierre
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent studies have identified important social inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 infection and related COVID-19 outcomes in the Belgian population. The aim of our study was to investigate the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the uptake of a first COVID-19 vaccine dose among 5,342,110 adults (≥18 years) in Belgium from December 28th2020 (official starting date of the vaccination campaign) until August 31st2021. We integrated data from four national data sources: the Belgian vaccine register (vaccination status), COVID-19 Healthdata (laboratory test results), DEMOBEL (sociodemographic/socioeconomic data), and the Common Base Registry for HealthCare Actors (individuals licensed to practice a healthcare profession in Belgium). We used multivariable logistic regression analysis for identifying characteristics associated with not having obtained a first COVID-19 vaccine dose in Belgium and for each of its three regions (Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia).

Results

During the study period, 10% (536,716/5,342,110) of the Belgian adult population included in our study sample was not vaccinated with a first COVID-19 vaccine dose. A lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake was found among young individuals, men, migrants, single parents, one-person households, and disadvantaged socioeconomic groups (with lower levels of income and education, unemployed). Overall, the sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities were comparable for all regions.

Conclusions

The identification of sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake is critical to develop strategies guaranteeing a more equitable vaccination coverage of the Belgian adult population.
Multivariate patterns of disrupted sleep longitudinally predict affective vulnerability to psychosis in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Reich Natacha , Delavari Farnaz , Schneider Maude , Thillainathan Niveettha , Eliez Stephan , Sandini Corrado
Published: February 2023

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) contributes dramatically increased genetic risk for psychopathology, and in particular schizophrenia. Sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are also highly prevalent, making 22q11DS a unique model to explore their impact on psychosis vulnerability. Still, the contribution of sleep disturbances to psychosis vulnerability remains unclear.

We characterized the sleep phenotype of 69 individuals with 22q11DS and 38 healthy controls with actigraphy and sleep questionnaires. Psychiatric symptoms were measured concomitantly with the baseline sleep assessment and at longitudinal follow-up, 3.58±0.85 years later. We used a novel multivariate partial-least-square-correlation (PLSC) approach to identify sleep patterns combining objective and subjective variables, which correlated with psychiatric symptoms. We dissected longitudinal pathways linking sleep disturbances to psychosis, using multi-layer-network-analysis.

22q11DS was characterized by a non-restorative sleep pattern, combining increased daytime fatigue despite longer sleep duration. Non-restorative sleep combined with OSA symptoms correlated with both emotional and psychotic symptoms. Moreover, a sleep pattern evocative of OSA predicted longitudinal worsening of positive and negative symptoms, by accentuating the effects of emotional dysregulation. These results suggest that sleep disturbances could significantly increase psychosis risk, along an affective pathway. If confirmed, this suggests that systematic screening of sleep quality could mitigate psychosis vulnerability in 22q11DS.
Metaproteomic analysis of nasopharyngeal swab samples to identify microbial peptides and potential co-infection status in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Bihani Surbhi , Gupta Aryan , Mehta Subina , Rajczewski Andrew , Johnson James , Borishetty Dhanush , Griffin Timothy J. , Srivastava Sanjeeva , Jagtap Pratik
Published: February 2023

Respiratory infections disrupt the microbiota in the upper respiratory tract (URT), putting patients at a risk for subsequent infections. During the pandemic, cases of COVID-19 were aggravated by secondary infections because of impaired immunity and medical interventions, which was clearly evident in the second wave of COVID-19 in India. The potential dangers and clinical difficulties of bacterial and fungal secondary infections in COVID-19 patients necessitate microbial exploration of the URT. In this regard, mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteome data of nasopharyngeal swab samples from COVID-19 patients was used to investigate the metaproteome. The MS datasets were searched against a comprehensive protein sequence database of common URT pathogens using multiple search platforms (MaxQuant, MSFragger, and Search GUI/PeptideShaker). The detected microbial peptides were verified using PepQuery, which analyses peptide-spectrum pairs to give statistical output for determining confident microbial peptides. Finally, a protein sequence database was generated using the list of verified microbial peptides for identification and quantitation of microbial peptides and proteins, respectively. The taxonomic analysis of the detected peptides revealed several opportunistic pathogens likeStreptococcus pneumoniae, Rhizopus microsporus, Clavispora lusitaniae, andSyncephalastrum racemosumamong others. Using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), we validated a few identified microbial peptides in clinical samples. The analysis also revealed proteins belonging to species likePseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter, andClostridiumto be up-regulated in severe COVID-19 samples. Thus, MS can serve as a powerful tool for untargeted detection of a wide range of microorganisms. Metaproteomic analysis in COVID-19 patients for early identification and characterisation of co-infecting microorganisms can significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Halal standards’ implementation in Palestinian food sector: its drivers and impact on performance
Authors: Amer Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the correlational and effect relationship between Halal standards and the performance of Halal-certified Palestinian Food Companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative method was used, using a questionnaire survey of 40 Halal-certified Palestinian organizations out of a total of 47 certified organizations, the analysis was done using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the literature review was conducted using a well-known systematic literature review methodology.

Findings

Halal implementation and certification had a positive impact on performance (operational, financial and marketing). The depth/intensity of implementation fully mediates operational performance and partially mediates marketing and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

As the sample size is small, it is recommended to conduct the study using a larger sample size, once the number of Palestinian Halal-certified organizations increases. A longitudinal or panel study is recommended to capture data that are more accurate and avoid objectivity and bias issues using a cross-sectional research design method. Finally, the study recommends to conduct additional research in the field of Halal awareness for customers to gage their intention and welling to buy Halal products within the Middle East region.

Originality/value

The importance of this study exists in the lack of previous Halal-related studies in the Palestinian context and the previously described gap in the literature. Nevertheless, the quality management drivers and impact are limited in the Palestinian context compared with other contexts; the results of the previously published studies revealed mixed results such as the drivers of quality management are based on the type of business. Finally, this research gives small insights and directions toward conducting additional studies concerning customer awareness about Halal products.
Exploring the possibilities and challenges in developing the Japanese qualifications framework
Authors: Noda Ayaka
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the rationales for and obstacles to developing a national qualifications framework (NQF) in Japan. From a research perspective, it attempts to propose a model of a qualifications framework in the national context to provoke further political discussion in developing the Japanese Qualifications Framework (JQF).

Design/methodology/approach

To propose a possible model of a qualifications framework in the Japanese context, this study employs a qualitative document analysis approach to known NQFs. Next, based on documents and the literature, including government data and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Tokyo Convention (2011a, b), this study analyzes the motives and challenges in developing the JQF.

Findings

Japanese motives to develop the JQF can be summarized in four conditions: (a) International expectations along with the Tokyo Convention and establishment of the National Information Center, (b) avoiding qualification holders’ disadvantages in mobility, (c) quality assurance of qualifications with a competence-based approach and (d) lifelong learning by promoting recognition of diverse learning. The challenges in developing the JQF are (a) fitness with the traditional employment system and (b) multiple stakeholders’ involvement. The current priority in developing an NQF in Japan is to make educational qualification information “visible” based on legal grounds, particularly entrance requirements, to facilitate mobility.

Originality/value

This study explores the possibility of the JQF by summarizing the background and roles of NQFs worldwide and clarifying the motives and challenges for developing the JQF. This study provides suggestions for the possible qualifications framework model in the Japanese context from academic and practical perspectives in Japan, where official discussions on establishing an NQF have not progressed. Ensuring the international compatibility of qualifications so that qualification holders can smoothly take the next step in their studies and employment is important.
The effects of Instagram social capital, brand identification and brand trust on purchase intention for small fashion brands: the generational differences
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Leung Xi Yu , McKneely Brittany
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Using social capital theory as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this study is to examine if shared value, the norm of reciprocity and social bonding within a small fashion brand's Instagram page transfers to the overall perception and purchase intention toward the brand. Further, the authors test perceived benefit (i.e. perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment) as anteceding variables along with the social capital variables. More specifically, this study investigates (1) the influence of shared value and norm of reciprocity on social bonding on the Instagram page, (2) the influence of perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment on social bonding on the Instagram page, (3) the mediating effect of brand trust and brand identification on the relationship between social bonding and purchase intention and (4) and the moderating role of the generational cohort on the hypothesized relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an online survey, 599 usable data were collected to test the proposed research framework using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results identify significant influences of shared value, norm of reciprocity and perceived enjoyment on social bonding. Brand identification and brand trust both have significant mediating effects between social bonding and purchase intention. Further, the results show that the mediating effect of brand trust is significantly higher for Generation Y, while the mediating effect of brand identification is significantly higher for Generation Z.

Originality/value

The study findings provide important implications for small fashion brands operating in a social media realm.
Potential buffering effect of being a right-hand subordinate on the influence of abusive supervision
Authors: Zhang Iris D. , Mao Yina , Wong Chi-Sum
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to borrow the concept of right-hand person as a specific type of work arrangement and propose a moderated mediation model highlighting the important role of work arrangement in affecting the relationship between abusive supervision and subordinate work outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the hypotheses with a sample of 275 supervisor–subordinate dyads in China (68.8% response rate).

Findings

Results showed that if the subordinate was a right-hand person of the supervisor, abusive supervision played a relatively weaker role on the subordinates' performance and organizational citizenship behaviors through leader–member exchange (LMX).

Practical implications

Abusive supervision is a major concern in contemporary organizations, and the current research found that work arrangement such as being a right-hand subordinate could buffer its negative effects. This finding indicates that it is important for organizations and supervisors to make clear work and role assignments.

Originality/value

Abusive supervision has received a lot of research attention in the past decades. On top of the nature of supervisory abusive behaviors, researchers have investigated its antecedents and consequences. However, little is known concerning the roles of the work arrangement for the subordinate that may affect the impact of abusive supervision on subordinate work outcomes. This study empirically tests that being a right-hand subordinate may weaken the negative effect of abusive supervision on subordinate performance and organizational citizenship behaviors, which highlight the importance of work arrangement in studying abusive supervision.
Innovating for the greater good: Examining innovation champions and what motivates them
Authors: Molloy Courtney , Bankins Sarah , Kriz Anton , Barnes Lisa
Published: February 2023

Governments have increasingly tasked the not‐for‐profit sector with supporting the provision of public goods and services. Alongside this role, not‐for‐profits have faced increasingly challenging external contexts, including heightened competition and tighter funding regimes. This makes effective innovation critical for the successful delivery of social goods within this setting particularly, and in other public service‐oriented organisations more broadly. However, we know little about how innovation occurs in such contexts and even less about the motivations of those who choose to expend the effort to drive innovation there. This study examines the motivations of a key innovation agent, the innovation champion, in the challenging and dynamic not‐for‐profit context. Via a multi‐case study, qualitative approach with 46 interviews, we utilise self‐determination theory to surface what motivates innovation champions to develop and drive new idea generation and implementation. The motivations for championing innovations in not‐for‐profits are varied, spanning intrinsic, prosocial, and other extrinsic drivers. With wider implications for public service‐oriented organisations, our work also suggests that champions in such contexts are variably motivated throughout an innovation project and appear to be simultaneously intrinsically and prosocially motivated. We also find that boredom, or its avoidance, can motivate champions toward innovative activities.

Points for practitioners

Innovation champions, with their passion for change and desire for stimulation, are a valuable agent to foster innovation and combat organisational inertia.

Providing autonomous time, away from scheduled tasks and formal role requirements, can provide employees with the ‘cognitive space’ or ‘slack time’ required for innovative thinking.

Fostering innovation championing can contribute to enhanced employee engagement and a sense of fulfilment in one's role.

Innovation champions are not motivated in any one single way; their motivations span from self‐interest to contributing to a ‘greater good’. Where consistency exists, such individuals share an underlying passion for change and a desire to avoid boredom.

Leaders can clearly articulate the organisation's mission as one way to enhance champion motivation, particularly where their work has longer term and/or indirect value to target beneficiaries.
South Korea: The Lasting Pitfalls of the ‘Imperial Presidency’
Authors: Dostal Jörg Michael
Published: February 2023

The use of the term ‘imperial presidency’ in South Korea refers to the fact that the country's 1987 constitution grants the state's highest office holder de facto imperial powers with regard to domestic and foreign policy making. This version of the term therefore differs from Arthur M. Schlesinger's usage in the US context, which was critical of the discretionary powers exercised by US presidents in efforts to subvert the checks and balances of the US Constitution. Concentrating political power in the South Korean presidency severely curtails the work of the other political institutions, including its parliament (the National Assembly). Every time the presidency changes hands, the leadership structures of all other public institutions are subjected to major restructuring according to political loyalty, which interrupts their routine functioning. Overall, the presidency in its current form is dysfunctional and works as a barrier against democratic deepening. This article examines why lengthy debate over South Korea's imperial presidency has so far failed to result in comprehensive constitutional reform.
Coercive Human Rights and the Forgotten History of the Council of Europe's Report on Decriminalisation
Authors: Pinto Mattia
Published: February 2023

What if the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), instead of developing a ‘coercive human rights doctrine’ concerning state duties to criminalise serious human rights violations, had focused on decriminalisation? The ECtHR has never developed a coherent case law on protecting human rights by removing, rather than adding, criminal regulation. This article returns to a largely forgotten moment in 1980, when the Council of Europe adopted a Report on Decriminalisation, which analysed the costs of criminal justice and made suggestions for overcoming any dysfunctions that would arise from curtailing criminalisation. Engaging with the recommendations and limitations of the reports, this article sheds light on a framework whereby the ECtHR could have approached criminalisation cases differently. Showing that today's ‘coercive human rights doctrine’ is not as obvious as we may believe, the article advances decriminalisation as an alternative that is not just theoretical but grounded in human rights history.
Developing critical thinking: An examination of contemporary practices in accounting
Authors: Sinnewe Elisabeth , Yao Daifei (Troy) , De Zwaan Laura
Published: February 2023

Employers and professional bodies call for higher education accounting courses to emphasise the importance of critical thinking skills. This study provides an in‐depth assessment of how critical thinking is currently taught and assessed across an entire accounting degree. Our study contributes to our understanding of how teaching and assessment can support students in developing their critical thinking. Using a case study approach, we identify resource restraints and disruptions to traditional forms of engagement as key challenges to developing critical thinking skills in accounting education. We conclude with suggestions for teaching practice, such as formative scaffolds and teacher‐led discussions.
Combining genome‐wide association study based on low‐coverage whole genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis to reveal the key candidate genes affecting meat color in pigs
Authors: Zha Chengwan , Liu Kaiyue , Wu Jian , Li Pinghua , Hou Liming , Liu Honglin , Huang Ruihua , Wu Wangjun
Published: February 2023

Meat color is an attractive trait that influences consumers' purchase decisions at the point of sale. To decipher the genetic basis of meat color traits, we performed a genome‐wide association study based on low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing. In total, 669 (Pietrain × Duroc) × (Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs were genotyped using low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling and genotype imputation were performed using the BaseVar + STITCH channel. Six individuals with an average depth of 12.05× whole‐genome resequencing were randomly selected to assess the accuracy of imputation. Heritability evaluation and genome‐wide association study for meat color traits were conducted. Functional enrichment analysis of the candidate genes from genome‐wide association study and integration analysis with our previous transcriptome data were conducted. The imputation accuracy parameters, allele frequency R2, concordance rate, and dosage R2 were 0.959, 0.952, and 0.933, respectively. The heritability values of a*45 min, b*45 min, L*45 min, C*, and H0 were 0.19, 0.11, 0.06, 0.16, and 0.26, respectively. In total, 3884 significant SNPs and 15 QTL, corresponding to 382 genes, were associated with meat color traits. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that 10 genes were the potential candidates for regulating meat color. Moreover, integration analysis revealed that DMRT2, EFNA5, FGF10, and COL11A2 were the most promising candidates affecting meat color. In summary, this study provides new insights into the molecular basis of meat color traits, and provides a new theoretical basis for the molecular breeding of meat color traits in pigs.
African houbara (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) confirmed in Sidi Toui National Park, Tunisia
Authors: Meliane Mohamed Khalil , Saidi Amira , Petretto Marie , Nasri‐Ammar Karima , Taghouti Ezzedine , Guidara Hela , Boufaroua Mohamed , Woodfine Tim , Gilbert Tania
Published: February 2023

The highly persecuted African houbara (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) is thought to persist in Tunisia's arid‐lands. Recent reports have, however, failed to observe the species and concluded that it was on the verge of extinction. We deployed camera‐traps in three of Tunisia's national parks (NPs) that were sites for large scale habitat restoration and mega‐herbivore reintroductions. Sampling was for 20,382 camera days in Dghoumes NP, 14,377 in Jbil NP and 4,006 in Sidi Toui NP. We report one observation of the African houbara in Sidi Toui NP and highlight the benefits of mega‐herbivore conservation for the wider biodiversity of the region.
Clinical outcomes and higher order aberrations of wavefront‐guided LASIK versus SMILE for correction of myopia: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian He , Gao Wenjing , Xu Caohui , Wang Yan
Published: February 2023

To systematically evaluate the clinical effect of wavefront‐guided laser in situ keratomileusis (WFG‐LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in terms of refractive errors and high‐order aberrations. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Internet was performed to identify studies evaluating the clinical outcomes of SMILE and WFG‐LASIK ended in May 2022. Meta‐analyses were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias of the RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook criteria, and the quality of the non‐randomised controlled studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. In total, 1385 eyes (SMILE group, 750 eyes; WFG‐LASIK group, 635 eyes) from 12 studies were included. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that spherical aberration was smaller in the SMILE group than in the WFG‐LASIK group (standardised mean difference [SMD]: −0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.47, −0.22; p < 0.00001), and that the postoperative values of vertical coma (SMD: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.03; p < 0.00001) and trefoil (SMD: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.72; p = 0.04) were higher in the SMILE group compared to the WFG LASIK group. There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes and the values of induced total higher order aberrations between the WFG‐LASIK and SMILE groups (SMD: 0.05; 95% CI: −0.09, 0.19; p = 0.47). Both SMILE and WFG‐LASIK were found to be safe, effective, and predictable. SMILE may induce more vertical coma and trefoil, whereas WFG LASIK may induce more spherical aberrations, but no significant differences were found in the total higher order aberrations between SMILE and WFG‐LASIK.
Navigating heterogeneous sanitation configurations: How off‐grid technologies work and are reworked by urban residents
Authors: Nakyagaba Gloria Nsangi , Lawhon Mary , Lwasa Shuaib
Published: February 2023

A range of innovative off‐grid sanitation technologies have been developed and deployed to improve sanitation in cities where networked sanitation by publicly managed sewers is insufficient. Studies of such technologies tend to consider toilets as static, where technologies are chosen once, at the project onset and in isolation from each other. In this study we explore off‐grid sanitation as heterogeneous infrastructure configurations of people and toilets, roles and responsibilities, costs and benefits. Using two cases from Kampala, we emphasise that there are relationships between the different parts of infrastructure, and that these relationships vary over time and space. Urban residents rework configurations by changing a toilet and changing which toilets are used in order to meet their diverse sanitation desires. We demonstrate technological diversity, connect this diversity to the preferences of users by showing linkages between toilets that are proximate to each other, and show the importance of considering relations between toilets over time. Our analysis demonstrates how operations, cultural orientations, payment mechanisms, and limitations have a significant bearing on feasibility, scalability, and integration into city‐wide sanitation, and that this is often not foreseen in planning phases. We thus conclude that sanitation configurations that enable flexibility rather than trying to predict needs may well enable more reliable infrastructure.
Thermochronology and U–Pb dating of detrital zircons from the Demerara Plateau (French Guiana‐Suriname): Implications for the provenance of the Early Cretaceous syn‐rift sedimentation
Authors: Girault Igor , Basile Christophe , Bernet Matthias , Paquette Jean‐Louis , Heuret Arnauld , Loncke Lies , Poetisi Ewald , Balvay Mélanie
Published: February 2023

The provenance of Early Cretaceous sandstones dredged on the northern margin of the Demerara Plateau, offshore French Guiana and Suriname, reveals the sediment routing system that prevailed through the Equatorial Atlantic rifting. Fission‐track analysis and U–Pb dating of 310 and 111 detrital zircons, respectively, have been performed. Microfacies analysis and inherited cooling ages suggest that the sandstones were deposited in shallow marine environments during the Early Cretaceous, before the Late Albian drowning of the marginal plateau. Most of the U–Pb zircon crystallisation ages are comprised of between 700 and 600 Ma and are attributed to the Pan‐African‐Brasiliano orogeny. Statistical and chronological evidence suggest that the zircon fission‐track cooling ages were inherited from source materials. Triassic peak ages (>50% of the population) are attributed to the early phase of Central Atlantic rifting. One sample records a cooling phase at ca. 170 Ma, presumably following volcanic hotspot activity and the opening of the Central Atlantic Ocean. Two other samples record the rapid exhumation of the French Guiana transform margin during the Equatorial Atlantic rifting (127 ± 11 and 106 ± 8 Ma). We propose a source‐to‐sink model in which the Pan‐African‐Brasiliano basement of the margin was eroded as a result of flexural uplift along the French Guiana margin, and the detrital material funnelled in the Cacipore graben sustained the Early Cretaceous syn‐rift sedimentation on the marginal plateau.
Masseter muscle cross‐sectional area and late implant failure: A case–control study
Authors: Takashima Makiko , Arai Yoshiaki , Matsuzaki Nanaka , Yamazaki Yuta , Nishiyama Hideyoshi , Nohno Kaname
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Occlusal overload is considered to be one of the causes of late implant failure. However, it is unclear whether the magnitude of the patient's occlusal force is a risk factor for late implant failure.

Purpose

This case–control study aimed to clarify the association between the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the masseter muscle and late implant failure.

Methods

This case–control study was limited to implant‐supported fixed prostheses. We compared cases with at least one late implant failure (n = 25 patients) to controls (n = 82 patients) without implant failure. Patients were matched by age, sex, year of surgery, jaw and tooth type, and bone graft. Log‐rank and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to identify possible risk factors for late implant failure.

Results

The incidence of late implant failure was significantly associated with masseter muscle CSA ≥504.5 mm2 (hazard ratio: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.82–10.79; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Higher masseter muscle CSA increases the risk of late implant failure.
First report of Phyllosticta spinarum causing arborvitae foliar blight in Russia
Authors: Gomzhina Maria M. , Gannibal Philipp B.
Published: February 2023

Thuja occidentalis is a popular and widely planted tree in Russia. However, it is susceptible to arborvitae foliar blight, which can compromise the long‐term health of trees in the landscape and in nursery production. Leaves with arborvitae needle blight were collected in 2019 in the foothill zone of the Republic of Adygea, and two isolates of Phyllosticta sp. were obtained. Multilocus analyses were performed with sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and 28 S rDNA of the ribosomal DNA, partial actin gene, partial RNA‐polymerase II gene, and partial translation elongation factor 1‐alpha. Based on phylogenetic analyses combined with morphological features the isolates were identified as Phyllosticta spinarum. Following inoculation of the original host species both isolates produced symptoms similar to those observed in naturally infected leaves. Koch's postulates were then fulfilled by re‐isolating P. spinarum from the inoculated leaves. These findings represent the first confirmed detection of P. spinarum causing arborvitae needle blight in Russia.
A multivariate approach for mapping a soil quality index and its uncertainty in southern France
Authors: Angelini M. E. , Heuvelink G. B. M. , Lagacherie P.
Published: February 2023

Pedometricians have spent a lot of effort on mapping soil types and basic soil properties. However, end‐users typically need a more elaborate soil quality index for land management. Soil quality indices are typically derived from multiple individual soil properties by evaluating whether specific criteria are met. If this is based on individually mapped soil properties, then an important consequence is that cross‐correlations between soil properties are ignored. This makes it impossible to quantify the uncertainties associated with the mapped indices. The objective of this study was to map a soil potential multifunctionality index for agriculture (Agri‐SPMI) over a 12,125 km2 study region located along the French Mediterranean coast to help urban planners preserve soils of the highest quality. The index considered the ability of soils to fulfil four functions under five land use scenarios. A binary map represented each soil function fulfilment for a given scenario. The final soil quality index map was the sum of the 20 binary maps. A regression cokriging model was developed to map the basic soil properties first individually from legacy soil data and spatial soil covariates using a random forest algorithm, and next, interpolate the residuals using cokriging and the linear model of coregionalisation. The mapping uncertainties of soil properties were propagated by calculating the soil quality index over 300 stochastic simulations of soil properties derived from the linear models of coregionalisation. Results showed a poor prediction accuracy of the quality index, mainly because some soil properties were poorly predicted (notably available water capacity and coarse fragments) and used in combination with extreme thresholds that defined land suitability. Overall, the uncertainty was correctly quantified because the stochastic simulations reproduced the width of the observed distribution well, but the shapes of the distributions differed considerably from those of the observations. We envisage some ways for improvement, such as creating probability maps instead of the mean from simulations, and changing the prediction support from point to area.

Highlights

The study mapped a soil quality index (Agri‐SPMI) to help preserve soils of highest quality along the French Mediterranean coast.

The Agri‐SPMI considered the ability of soils to fulfill four functions under five land use scenarios, derived from multiple individual soil properties.

A regression cokriging model was developed to map the basic soil properties, followed by interpolating the residuals using cokriging and the linear model of coregionalisation.

The study accurately quantified mapping uncertainties using stochastic simulations, but the soil quality index prediction accuracy was poor, with suggestions for improvement.
Salvinia plants in trade: what species are we actually talking about?
Authors: van Valkenburg Johan L. C. H. , Piet Laurens F. , Boer Edu
Published: February 2023

Incorrect labelling of plants in trade and misidentification are widespread. Likewise, in trade numerous names are being used for the ornamental aquatic plant known as ‘Kariba weed’, but rarely the correct scientific name Salvinia molesta Mitch. For inspection services of EPPO member countries, correct identification of S. molesta has become important since the species was added to the EPPO A2 List and the List of Union concern in accordance with EU regulation 1143/2014 based on an EPPO Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for the species. Inspections and a targetted survey of Salvinia plants in trade in the Netherlands were performed and additional material was obtained from wild sources in South Africa, Hungary and the United States. Specimen identification was verified by comparison with the herbarium collection at Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden and with the sequences available in NCBI GenBank database. This paper provides the tools to correctly identity the relevant Salvinia species.
Becoming the mother of a transgender child: Ethical self‐formation and moral moods of mothers in transition
Authors: Plotkin Amrami Galia
Published: February 2023

Matters of parenting transgender children are ascendant on the cultural landscape. Based on interviews with Israeli mothers of transgender children between the ages of 8–24 I explore how the process of the child's gender affirmation intersects with maternal subjectivities, and how mothers internalize the morally‐loaded narratives of good mothering in contemporary Israel. I illustrate that when children undergo gender affirmation, mothers experience their mothering as challenged and transformed. This transformative process can be conceptualized in terms of political becoming and ethical self‐formation (Foucault 1997). However, such a conceptualization does not fully encompass the complexity of mothers' daily carework. An anthropological approach, in particular the concept of "moral moods" (Throop 2014), can best capture the spontaneity and ambiguity of mothers' moral lives. This concept can be a valuable theoretical tool to grasp the diffused affective states and moral concerns of those who are constantly subjected to the critical gaze.
‘They don't really know why they're here’ mental health professionals' perspectives of consumer representatives
Authors: McPhee Jody , Warner Terri , Cruwys Tegan , Happell Brenda , Scholz Brett
Published: February 2023

There are several barriers to meaningful, non‐tokenistic consumer representation in mental health, including stigma and negative attitudes towards consumers. The aim of this study was to examine mental health professionals' perspectives about collaborating with consumer representatives. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 mental health professionals across Australia. Informed by the social identity framework, the findings are discussed in relation to the themes of (1) the need for greater clarity about the roles of consumer representatives, (2) perceptions about whether consumer representatives are held to equal professional standards, (3) understandings of consumers' place in organizational hierarchies, (4) facilitating more meaningful collaboration between consumer representatives and non‐consumer health professionals and (5) the blurring of these identities when mental health professionals have lived experience. Findings suggest that the social identities of mental health consumer representatives (along with their organizational roles) are often unclear and need development within healthcare organizations. Leaders can provide guidance on group boundaries to enable effective collaboration. The implications for healthcare organizations and policy include the provision of clear frameworks for collaborative mental healthcare and clear roles, terminology and responsibilities for mental health consumer representatives.
Type 2 diabetes influences intraepithelial corneal nerve parameters and corneal stromal‐epithelial nerve penetration sites
Authors: Machet Joshua , Park Mijeong , Richardson Alexander , Carnell Michael , Mouat Margaret A , Smith Nicola J , Turner Nigel , Cochran Blake J , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Di Girolamo Nick
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The quantification of intraepithelial corneal basal nerve parameters by in vivo confocal microscopy represents a promising modality to identify the earliest manifestations of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, its diagnostic accuracy is hampered by its dependence on neuron length, with minimal consideration for other parameters, including the origin of these nerves, the corneal stromal‐epithelial nerve penetration sites. This study sought to utilize high‐resolution images of murine corneal nerves to analyze comprehensively the morphological changes associated with type 2 diabetes progression.

Materials and Methods

βIII‐Tubulin immunostained corneas from prediabetic and type 2 diabetic mice and their respective controls were imaged by scanning confocal microscopy and analyzed automatically for nerve parameters. Additionally, the number and distribution of penetration sites was manually ascertained and the average length of the axons exiting them was computed.

Results

The earliest detectable changes included a significant increase in nerve density (6.06 ± 0.41% vs 8.98 ± 1.99%, P = 0.03) and branching (2867.8 ± 271.3/mm2 vs 4912.1 ± 1475.3/mm2, P = 0.03), and in the number of penetration sites (258.80 ± 20.87 vs 422.60 ± 63.76, P = 0.0002) at 8 weeks of age. At 16 weeks, corneal innervation decreased, most notably in the periphery. The number of penetration sites remained significantly elevated relative to controls throughout the monitoring period. Similarly, prediabetic mice exhibited an increased number of penetration sites (242.2 ± 13.55 vs 305.6 ± 30.96, P = 0.003) without significant changes to the nerves.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that diabetic peripheral neuropathy may be preceded by a phase of neuron growth rather than regression, and that the peripheral cornea is more sensitive than the center for detecting changes in innervation.
Christian Ethics, Religious Ethics, and Secular Ethics: A Contemporary Reappraisal
Authors: Clem Stewart
Published: February 2023

In this essay, I argue that Christian ethicists should not think of themselves as religious ethicists. I defend this claim by arguing that the concept of religious ethics, as it has come to be understood as a discipline that is distinct from secular ethics, is incoherent. In part one, I describe the fraught attempts by theologians in the 20th century to identify the distinctiveness of Christian ethics. In part two, I argue that certain accounts of natural law unwittingly reinforce a problematic conception of secular ethics. Part three examines some trends in religious studies and comparative religious ethics to highlight problematic conceptions of religion. Drawing together these strands of inquiry, I contend that that the secular‐religious dichotomy in contemporary ethics should be rejected, but by the same token, I suggest that comparative ethics remains a worthwhile enterprise.
Loyal Activists? Party Socialization and Dissenting Voting Behavior in Parliament
Authors: Mai Philipp , Wenzelburger Georg
Published: February 2023

The question of why members of parliament (MPs) overwhelmingly toe the party line is receiving increasing scholarly attention. Adding to discipline‐based approaches, party loyalty, that is, a feeling of allegiance not related to policy agreement or disciplinary pressures, is an important part of the explanation. In this article, we employ a more nuanced view on party loyalty than previous observational studies and conceptualize it as the result of socialization processes of most politicians into the structures of their party prior to their mandate. We test our argument quantitatively using data for whipped votes in the German Bundestag (1949–2017). The results support our propositions that MPs who didn't hold party offices prior to their mandate have a higher probability of vote defection and that the behavioral differences related to pre‐parliamentary socialization vanish the longer MPs serve in parliament. Our work has important implications for research on intraparty politics, legislative behavior, and representation.
A linear Bayesian filter for input and state estimation of structural systems
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Hassanabadi Mohsen , Liu Zihao , Eftekhar Azam Saeed , Dias‐da‐Costa Daniel
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a linear recursive Bayesian filter for minimum variance unbiased joint input and state estimation of structural systems. Unlike the augmented Kalman filter (AKF), the proposed filter falls within the category of Bayesian filters in which unknown inputs are estimated without attributing any fictitious input model or statistics. Also, in contrast with the existing algorithms in the latter category, such as the Gillijns and De Moor Filters (GDFs), the developed filter applies to systems with and without direct feedthrough, in particular, systems with a rank‐deficient feedforward matrix. Because of the latter features, the filter is referred to as universal filter (UF) for convenience. The numerical examples show that the UF performs better than the AKF. Due to its structure, the UF does not require the tuning of the hyperparameters for inputs, and therefore the problematic instability of the AKF is not encountered in the case of a large modeling error variance of the input. For systems with direct feedthrough, the error and covariance propagation terms differ due to the distinct state space. Consequently, the UF can enhance estimations due to the well‐conditionedness of the relevant inversion problem. Moreover, the UF can deal with systems with rank‐deficient feedforward matrix where these systems are not covered by GDFs.