bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quality of maternal nutrition and infant feeding counselling during antenatal care in South Asia
Authors: Torlesse Harriet , Benedict Rukundo K. , Craig Hope C. , Stoltzfus Rebecca J.
Published: February 2021

Antenatal care (ANC) provides a platform to counsel pregnant women on maternal nutrition and to prepare the mother to breastfeed. Recent reviews suggest that gaps in the coverage and quality of counselling during pregnancy may partly explain why services do not consistently translate to improved behavioural outcomes in South Asia. This scoping literature review collates evidence on the coverage and quality of counselling on maternal nutrition and infant feeding during ANC in five South Asian countries and the effectiveness of approaches to improve the quality of counselling. Coverage data were extracted from the most recent national surveys, and a scoping review of peer‐reviewed and grey literature (1990–2019) was conducted. Only Afghanistan and Pakistan have survey data on the coverage of counselling on both maternal nutrition and breastfeeding, nine studies described the quality of counselling and three studies assessed the effectiveness of interventions to improve the quality of services. This limited body of evidence suggests that inequalities in access to services, gaps in capacity building opportunities for frontline workers and the short duration and frequency of counselling contracts constrain quality, while the format, duration, frequency and content of health worker training, together with supportive supervision, are probable approaches to improve quality. Greater attention is needed to integrate indicators into monitoring and supervision mechanisms, periodic surveys and programme evaluations to assess the status of and track progress in improving quality and to build accountability for quality counselling, while research is needed to understand how best to assess and strengthen quality in specific settings.
Decolonizing Feminism Through Intersectional Praxis
Authors: McLaren Margaret A.
Published: February 2021

Transnational feminism should have normative force and be anti‐imperialist. This article addresses the possibility of an anti‐imperialist transnational feminism in conversation with Serene Khader’s Decolonizing Universalism. Khader argues that the key to an anti‐imperialist feminism is separating universalism from the features that result in imperialism, such as ethnocentrism and justice monism. This article shares Khader’s commitment to anti‐imperialist feminism and further explores three relevant issues: human rights, the definition of feminism, and economic justice. It proposes a decolonizing view of rights that advocates a critical examination of their uses, applications, and origins. It argues that transnational feminism should engage with issues of economic justice. And it proposes that feminism as an intersectional praxis should include normative dimensions in addition to antisexism, such as antiracism and economic justice.
Technology‐Driven Alteration of Nonverbal Cues and its Effects on Negotiation
Authors: Baten Raiyan Abdul , Hoque Ehsan
Published: February 2021

A person’s appearance, identity, and other nonverbal cues can substantially influence how one is perceived by a negotiation counterpart, potentially impacting the outcome of the negotiation. With recent advances in technology, it is now possible to alter such cues through real‐time video communication. In many cases, a person’s physical presence can explicitly be replaced by 2D/3D representations in live interactive media. In other cases, technologies such as deepfake can subtly and implicitly alter many nonverbal cues—including a person’s appearance and identity—in real time. In this article, we look at some state‐of‐the‐art technological advances that can enable such explicit and implicit alterations of nonverbal cues. We also discuss the implications of such technology for the negotiation landscape and highlight ethical considerations that warrant deep, ongoing attention from stakeholders.
The Promise and Peril of Automated Negotiators
Authors: Gratch Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Innovations in artificial intelligence are enabling a new class of applications that can negotiate with people through chat or spoken language. Developed in close collaboration with behavioral science research, these algorithms can detect, mimic, and leverage human psychology, enabling them to undertake such functions as the detection of common mistakes made by novice negotiators. These algorithms can simulate the cognitive processes that shape human negotiations and make use of these models to influence negotiated outcomes. This article reviews some of the scientific advances enabling this technology and discusses how it is being used to advance negotiation research, teaching, and practice.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders: Relationship with anxiety and perceived stress
Authors: Oliviero Giovanni , Ruggiero Luigi , D’Antonio Elvira , Gagliardi Mario , Nunziata Rubino , Di Sarno Alessandro , Abbatiello Carmelina , Di Feo Elvira , De Vivo Simona , Santonicola Antonella , Iovino Paola
Published: February 2021

Background

Psychological stress and anxiety, such those generated by forced quarantine, affect gastrointestinal symptoms course in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, our aim was to assess, in a cohort of patients regularly followed up in a devoted outpatient clinic of Southern Italy, the association between their gastrointestinal symptoms changes, stress, and anxiety reported during the Italian lockdown.

Methods

We recruited patients from the outpatient clinic of the University of Salerno, devoted to functional gastrointestinal disorders, selecting only patients for whom an evaluation was available in the last 6 months before the lockdown. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated at each visit through standardized questionnaire and pooled in a database. On 45th days from the beginning of the lockdown, patients were re‐assessed by phone with the same questionnaire. Anxiety and stress levels were assessed through a self‐administered online questionnaire based on Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 test and Perceived Stress Scale 10 test.

Key Results

The intensity‐frequency scores of several upper gastrointestinal symptoms improved (Wilcoxon test <0.05). Higher anxiety levels had a higher risk of worsening chest pain (OR 1.3 [1.1–1.7]), waterbrash (OR 1.3 [1.0–1.7]), epigastric burning (OR 1.3 [1.0–1.6]), and abdominal pain (OR 1.6 [1.0–2.3]). When compared to the interval preceding the outbreak, half of the patients declared their symptoms remained unchanged, 13.6% worsened, and 36.4% improved.

Conclusions and Inferences

During the COVID‐19 quarantine, there was an improvement of the majority of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in our patients, and anxiety seems an important risk of worsening few of them.
Geographical‐based variations in white truffle Tuber magnatum aroma is explained by quantitative differences in key volatile compounds
Authors: Niimi Jun , Deveau Aurélie , Splivallo Richard
Published: February 2021

The factors that vary the aroma of Tuber magnatum fruiting bodies are poorly understood. The study determined the headspace aroma composition, sensory aroma profiles, maturity and bacterial communities from T. magnatum originating from Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia, and tested if truffle aroma is dependent on provenance and if fruiting body volatiles are explained by maturity and/or bacterial communities.

Headspace volatile profiles were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry–olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O) and aroma of fruiting body extracts were sensorially assessed. Fruiting body maturity was estimated through spore melanisation. Bacterial community was determined using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.

Main odour active compounds were present in all truffles but varied in concentration. Aroma of truffle extracts were sensorially discriminated by sites. However, volatile profiles of individual fruiting bodies varied more within sites than across geographic area, while maturity level did not play a role. Bacterial communities varied highly and were partially explained by provenance. A few rare bacterial operational taxonomical units associated with a select few nonodour active volatile compounds.

Specificities of the aroma of T. magnatum truffles are more likely to be linked to individual properties than provenance. Some constituents of bacteria may provide biomarkers of provenance and be linked to nonodour active volatiles.
Associations between private vaccine and antimicrobial consumption across Indian states, 2009–2017
Authors: Schueller Emily , Nandi Arindam , Joshi Jyoti , Laxminarayan Ramanan , Klein Eili Y.
Published: February 2021

Vaccines can reduce antibiotic use and, consequently, antimicrobial resistance by averting vaccine‐preventable and secondary infections. We estimated the associations between private vaccine and antibiotic consumption across Indian states during 2009–2017 using monthly and annual consumption data from IQVIA and employed fixed‐effects regression and the Arellano–Bond Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model for panel data regression, which controlled for income and public sector vaccine use indicators obtained from other sources. In the annual data fixed‐effects model, a 1% increase in private vaccine consumption per 1000 under‐5 children was associated with a 0.22% increase in antibiotic consumption per 1000 people (P < 0.001). In the annual data GMM model, a 1% increase in private vaccine consumption per 1000 under‐5 children was associated with a 0.2% increase in private antibiotic consumption (P < 0.001). In the monthly data GMM model, private vaccine consumption was negatively associated with antibiotic consumption when 32, 34, 35, and 44–47 months had elapsed after vaccine consumption, with a positive association with lags of fewer than 18 months. These results indicate vaccine‐induced longer‐term reductions in antibiotic use in India, similar to findings of studies from other low‐ and middle‐income countries.
A Preoperative Predictive Model of Lower Lumbar Spine Instability Based on Three‐Dimensional Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: Kao Yanbing , Liu Zijing , Leng Jiali , Qu Zhigang , Song QingXu , Liu Yi , Wang Zhenyu
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study aimed to build a predictive model of lower lumbar instability.

Methods

This retrospective study included 199 patients. Patients were divided into the lower lumbar instability group (LLIG) (n = 98) and lower lumbar stability group (LLSG) (n = 101). All participants of LLIG were recruited over a 2‐year period (2015–2017) from the patients who accept lumbar surgery at the First Hospital of Jilin University. The LLSG was selected from outpatients who had underwent lumbar spine computed tomography (CT) and Flexion and extension radiographs (FER) at the First Hospital of Jilin University from 2015 to 2017. Several lower lumbar parameters were measured, including Lordosis angle (LA), intervertebral height (IH), ratio of anterior height to posterior height (APR), angle between endplate and anterior edge of vertebral body (AEPVa), sagittal slip ratio (SSR), and angle between the upper endplate and z‐axis on sagittal plane (AUEZS). These parameters were keyed into the SPSS software to create a predictive model for classification. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive accuracy, and Kappa value were used to evaluate the predictive model.

Results

Compared with LLSG, the LA of LLIG decreased by 3.49° (126.54° vs 130.3°). Similarly, the IH of LLIG decreased by 1.23°mm, 1.66°mm, and 0.71°mm at L3‐4, L4‐5, and L5‐S1. Compared with LLSG, the SSR of LLIG is higher at L3‐4, L4‐5, and L5‐S1 (0.54 vs 0.51, 0.57 vs 0.46, and 0.59 vs 0. 47). Moreover, the APR of LLIG is higher than those of LLSG at L3‐4, L4‐5, and L5‐S1 (1.97 vs 1.81, 2.40 vs 1.97, and 2.69 vs 2.26). The LLIG has bigger AEPVa than LLIG at L3‐4, L4‐5, and L5‐S1. Compared with LLSG, the AUEZS of LLIG is bigger at L3‐4 (91.75° vs 90.81°) and smaller at L4‐5 and L5‐S1(84.63° vs 85.85° and 73.27° vs 75.01°). The SSR (L4) show highest predictive accuracy (83%) when every parameter was fed to LDA classifier to generate a univariate model. All parameters represent a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between LLSG and LLIG. The model including LA, APR (L5‐S1), IH (L4‐5), SSR (L5), AUEZS (L5) has highest predictive accuracy of 88.2%. The sensitivity, specificity, and Kappa value are 88.7%, 93.1%, and 0.77.

Conclusion

The predictive model has good classification performance and can be an auxiliary tool for clinicians to evaluate lumbar instability in preoperative patients with severe pain aggravated by lumbar movement.
Development of a measure of decision quality for implantable defibrillators
Authors: Knoepke Christopher E. , Allen Larry A. , Sepucha Karen , Masoudi Frederick A. , Kutner Jean , Varosy Paul , Magid David , Matlock Daniel D.
Published: February 2021

Background

CMS reimbursement guidelines for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) include mandated shared decision making (SDM), but without any manner of assessing the quality of decisions made. We developed and tested a scale meant to assess patients’ knowledge of and preferences specific to ICDs. Such a tool would assess these constructs in the clinical environment, targeting resources and support for patients considering a primary prevention ICD.

Methods

Development of the ICD decision quality (ICD‐DQ) scale included (1) item creation, (2) content validation using surveys of patients (n = 23) and clinicians (n = 31), and (3) examination of validity and reliability using a survey of patients who previously received an ICD (n = 295, response rate = 72%).

Results

The final scale consists of 12 knowledge and 8 preference items. With respect to content validity, clinician and patient respondents agreed on the importance of 19 of 24 candidate knowledge items (79%), and 9 of 11 treatment preference items (81%). Knowledge items exhibited moderate internal validity (α = 0.62, 1 factor), strong test‐retest reliability (mean % correct at first administration = 59%, 62% at follow‐up, P > .1) and discriminant validity (59% correct for patients, 93% among cardiologists). Short versions of the ICD‐DQ were developed for clinical settings, the scores from both of which correlated with the long version in this cohort (11‐item (r = 0.90) and a 5‐item (r = 0.75)).

Conclusions

: The ICD‐DQ fills a critical gap in measuring the quality of patients’ ICD decisions. They may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of patient decision aids or the quality of SDM in clinical practice.
Volatile compounds from beneficial rhizobacteria Bacillus spp. promote periodic lateral root development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Yucong , Shao Jiahui , Xie Yuanming , Jia Letian , Fu Yansong , Xu Zhihui , Zhang Nan , Feng Haichao , Xun Weibing , Liu Yunpeng , Shen Qirong , Xuan Wei , Zhang Ruifu
Published: February 2021

Lateral root formation is coordinated by both endogenous and external factors. As biotic factors, plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria can affect lateral root formation, while the regulation mechanism is unclear. In this study, by applying various marker lines, we found that volatile compounds (VCs) from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 induced higher frequency of DR5 oscillation and prebranch site formation, accelerated the development and emergence of the lateral root primordia and thus promoted lateral root development in Arabidopsis. We demonstrated a critical role of auxin on B. amyloliquefaciens VCs‐induced lateral root formation via respective mutants and pharmacological experiments. Our results showed that auxin biosynthesis, polar transport and signalling pathway are involved in B. amyloliquefaciens VCs‐induced lateral roots formation. We further showed that acetoin, a major component of B. amyloliquefaciens VCs, is less active in promoting root development compared to VC blends from B. amyloliquefaciens, indicating the presence of yet uncharacterized/unknown VCs might contribute to B. amyloliquefaciens effect on lateral root formation. In summary, our study revealed an auxin‐dependent mechanism of B. amyloliquefaciens VCs in regulating lateral root branching in a non‐contact manner, and further efforts will explore useful VCs to promote plant root development.
TuMV triggers stomatal closure but reduces drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Manacorda Carlos Augusto , Gudesblat Gustavo , Sutka Moira , Alemano Sergio , Peluso Franco , Oricchio Patricio , Baroli Irene , Asurmendi Sebastián
Published: February 2021

Compatible plant viral infections are a common cause of agricultural losses worldwide. Characterization of the physiological responses controlling plant water management under combined stresses is of great interest in the current climate change scenario. We studied the outcome of TuMV infection on stomatal closure and water balance, hormonal balance and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. TuMV infection reduced stomatal aperture concomitantly with diminished gas exchange rate, daily water consumption and rosette initial dehydration rate. Infected plants overaccumulated salicylic acid and abscisic acid and showed altered expression levels of key ABA homeostasis genes including biosynthesis and catabolism. Also the expression of ABA signalling gene ABI2 was induced and ABCG40 (which imports ABA into guard cells) was highly induced upon infection. Hypermorfic abi2‐1 mutant plants, but no other ABA or SA biosynthetic, signalling or degradation mutants tested abolished both stomatal closure and low stomatal conductance phenotypes caused by TuMV. Notwithstanding lower relative water loss during infection, plants simultaneously subjected to drought and viral stresses showed higher mortality rates than mock‐inoculated drought stressed controls, alongside downregulation of drought‐responsive gene RD29A. Our findings indicate that despite stomatal closure triggered by TuMV, additional phenomena diminish drought tolerance upon infection.
The roles of photorespiration and alternative electron acceptors in the responses of photosynthesis to elevated temperatures in cowpea
Authors: Osei‐Bonsu Isaac , McClain Alan M. , Walker Berkley J. , Sharkey Thomas D. , Kramer David M.
Published: February 2021

We explored the effects, on photosynthesis in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seedlings, of high temperature and light—environmental stresses that often co‐occur under field conditions and can have greater impact on photosynthesis than either by itself. We observed contrasting responses in the light and carbon assimilatory reactions, whereby in high temperature, the light reactions were stimulated while CO2 assimilation was substantially reduced. There were two striking observations. Firstly, the primary quinone acceptor (QA), a measure of the regulatory balance of the light reactions, became more oxidized with increasing temperature, suggesting increased electron sink capacity, despite the reduced CO2 fixation. Secondly, a strong, O2‐dependent inactivation of assimilation capacity, consistent with down‐regulation of rubisco under these conditions. The dependence of these effects on CO2, O2 and light led us to conclude that both photorespiration and an alternative electron acceptor supported increased electron flow, and thus provided photoprotection under these conditions. Further experiments showed that the increased electron flow was maintained by rapid rates of PSII repair, particularly at combined high light and temperature. Overall, the results suggest that photodamage to the light reactions can be avoided under high light and temperatures by increasing electron sink strength, even when assimilation is strongly suppressed.
Incidence of thyroid dysfunction in children after HSCT with reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) or myeloablative conditioning (MAC)
Authors: Wang YunZu M. , Howell Jonathan C. , Grimley Michael S. , Lane Adam , Davies Stella M. , Myers Kasiani C.
Published: February 2021

We have previously demonstrated a 11% incidence of post‐transplant de novo thyroid disease, even with a radiation‐free RIC regimen. Following the enactment of a universal late effects screening program at our institution, we compared the outcomes of 108 pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients after a RIC regimen (n = 33) to those after a MAC regimen (n = 75) during the same time period. Overall, 10% of subjects developed thyroid dysfunction after HSCT, with a median follow‐up of 669 days. Seven subjects had primary hypothyroidism prior to HSCT. Of the thirty‐one subjects who received RIC, one (3.2%) developed a new thyroid disorder, compared to the nine of sixty‐nine (13.0%) subjects who received MAC (p = .167). No significant associations were seen with donor type, graft‐vs.‐host disease, or total body irradiation. Nine of the 10 subjects who developed thyroid disease after transplant were asymptomatic. Continued follow‐up of this contemporary cohort will further delineate risk factors for post‐transplant‐associated thyroid dysfunction and better inform discussions of transplant‐associated sequelae.
World aquaculture diversity: origins and perspectives
Authors: Sicuro Benedetto
Published: February 2021

Aquaculture diversity is universally considered one of the main aspects that make aquaculture different from land animal farming. A retrospective analysis on 68 years of FAO data on world aquaculture production shows that this aquaculture diversity study is the most powerful and exhaustive theoretical tool to investigate aquaculture origin, evolution and connections with the surrounding world. Aquaculture diversity investigated with Shannon index and Pareto principle shows its thermodynamic nature and reveals an unexpectable regularity that sheds new light on aquaculture, thus putting aquaculture in a perfect theoretical context together with fisheries. Species dominance, vicariance and redundancy must be considered for a functional description of aquaculture diversity. Aquaculture diversity is not biological diversity as an aquaculture species is not necessarily a biological species. Aquaculture diversity shows that aquaculture is a modern colonization of aquatic domain and it has recently reached its maximum value that is 428 ± 11 species, of which 29 ± 1 will produce 80% of global annual production. A temporal and geographical analysis of global aquaculture diversity reveals an original and hopefully enlightening vision of modern aquaculture and its perspectives.
The Nature and Nuance of Climate Change Skepticism in the United States*
Authors: Haltinner Kristin , Sarathchandra Dilshani
Published: February 2021

We use data from 33 in‐depth interviews conducted with residents in the rural inland Northwestern state of Idaho who self‐identify as skeptical about anthropogenic climate change, to examine the nuance within the narratives that skeptics employ to voice their skepticism. Our findings show that the arguments employed by those who are skeptical of climate change do not constitute a clear typology of skepticism or “skeptics.” Rather, individuals weave together unique stories—shaped by their social locations, personal experiences, and underlying ideological beliefs—and, through combining different argument threads, explain why they believe climate change is a fictitious problem. Our findings suggest that while some skeptics may lean on religion‐based or conspiracy‐based narratives to rationalize their skepticism, others may rely on science attitudes, personal experiences, or a range of additional reasons to be skeptical of climate change. In short, climate skepticism is not uniform nor accurately typologized, but a complex tapestry of socially shaped beliefs.
Labour Market Dynamics in South Africa at the Onset of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Ranchhod Vimal , Daniels Reza Che
Published: February 2021

This paper conducts an analysis of labour market dynamics in South Africa during the initial period of lockdown, from the end of March to the end of April 2020, using the first wave of the NIDS‐CRAM (2020) survey. Within our sample of over 6,000 adults aged 18 to 59, we found that there was a very large decrease in employment. The fraction of the sample that was conventionally classified as employed decreased from 57% in February to 48% in April. If we further exclude temporarily absent workers, which we term “furloughed” employees, this fraction decreases further to 38%. Thus, about one out of every three employed people in our sample either lost their job or did not work and received no wages during April. This has extremely large implications for poverty and welfare. We further analyse the labour market by comparing across demographic groups as defined by race, by gender, by age groups, by geographic areas and by education levels. The over‐arching finding from this analysis is that the job losses were not uniformly distributed amongst the different groups. In particular, groups who have always been more vulnerable – such as women, African/Blacks, youth and less educated groups – have been disproportionately negatively affected.
Secondary undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the mandible in a HIV patient who underwent radiotherapy for oral carcinoma
Authors: Lombardi Niccolò , Varoni Elena M. , Bazzacchi Roberto , Moneghini Laura , Lodi Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), also defined malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), is one of the most common sarcomas affecting soft tissues in adults, but it can also arise as a primary tumor in bone. UPS is extremely uncommon in the lower jaw and presents very aggressive clinical behavior with high rate of local recurrences and frequent metastases. Secondary UPS are even rarer than primary forms, and they are usually closely associated with local trauma or radiotherapy. This case report aims at illustrating a rare case of secondary UPS of the mandible in an 81‐year‐old male affected by HIV, maxillary oral squamous cell carcinoma (and mandibular recurrence), and who underwent head and neck radiotherapy. The complete immunohistochemical pattern of the lesion is reported. Due to his medical history and systemic status, the patient has been considered not eligible for further surgical procedures nor radiotherapy. Therefore, a palliative care treatment has been scheduled.
The behavioral effects of cooperative and competitive board games in preschoolers
Authors: Eriksson Malin , Kenward Ben , Poom Leo , Stenberg Gunilla
Published: February 2021

Traditional board games are a common social activity for many children, but little is known about the behavioral effects of this type of game. The current study aims to explore the behavioral effects of cooperative and competitive board games in four‐to‐six‐year‐old children (N = 65). Repeatedly during 6 weeks, children in groups of four played either cooperative or competitive board games in a between‐subject design, and shortly after each game conducted a task in which children’s cooperative, prosocial, competitive, and antisocial behavior were observed. The type of board game did not have an effect on cooperative, prosocial or antisocial behavior. Cooperative and competitive board games elicited equal amounts of cooperative and prosocial behavior, which suggest that board games, regardless of type, could have positive effects on preschoolers’ social behavior. Our results suggest that children may compete more after playing competitive board games; but the measure of competitive behavior in particular was unreliable. Preschoolers enjoyed playing cooperative board games more than competitive board games, which may be one reason to prefer their use.
The relevance of psychological strength for physical and psychological well‐being in trauma‐exposed women
Authors: Ruiz‐Párraga Gema T. , Serrano‐Ibáñez Elena R. , Gómez‐Pérez Lydia , Ramírez‐Maestre Carmen , Esteve Rosa , López‐Martínez Alicia E.
Published: February 2021

Traumatic experiences have consistently been linked to poor health and well‐being, particularly in women. Psychological factors have been theorized to directly affect the reporting of physical symptoms and perceptions of general health. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been proposed as a major pathway through which trauma affects health and emotion dysregulation. Trauma is considered to be a key psychological variable in the pathogenesis of PTSD. Fortunately, not all women who have experienced trauma manifest adverse effects. Resilience acts as a psychological protective variable following trauma. The present study tested a hypothetical model of the contribution of resilience, emotional dysregulation, and PTSD symptoms to physical and psychological well‐being in a large sample of trauma‐exposed women. A transversal study with 753 female participants is used. Structural modeling was used to test linear associations between variables. After experiencing trauma, resilience was negatively and significantly associated with emotional dysregulation, which, in turn, was positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Both resilience and PTSD symptoms were associated with physical and psychological well‐being. The results suggest that resilience and emotional dysregulation are relevant to the health and well‐being of women with PTSD symptoms and may help guide the development of psychological treatment in this group. Therefore, these findings may be relevant in promoting health and well‐being in such women, and may help to identify individuals who would receive the most benefit from interventions addressing emotional regulation and psychological resilience.
Breaking Up the Stag Party: Jessie Bernard’s Pioneering Work on Men
Authors: Messner Michael A.
Published: February 2021

This essay is part of a special section entitled “Legacies of Sociology’s Past. My work addresses the contributions of Jessie Bernard.
Reducing prejudice in the society at large: A review of the secondary transfer effect and directions for future research
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Cocco Veronica Margherita , Stathi Sofia , Capozza Dora
Published: February 2021

The secondary transfer effect (STE) constitutes the generalization of the effects of intergroup contact from the outgroup one has contact with to uninvolved outgroups. In this article, we provide a review of the research on the STE. After presenting evidence on the robustness of the phenomenon, we discuss relevant mediating processes and outline a model that distinguishes them in three categories: mediators referring to the outgroup, mediators referring to the ingroup, and mediators referring to the self. We then present moderators of the STE, and recent evidence of the STE from indirect contact (extended, vicarious, and imagined contact) and from negative contact. By relying on our distinction in three sets of mediators, we suggest directions for future research, largely pointing to the importance of integrating the STE with research on generalized prejudice and of exploring contact as an agent of cognitive liberalization.
The next generation EU: An analysis of the dimensions of conflict behind the deal
Authors: de la Porte Caroline , Jensen Mads Dagnis
Published: February 2021

This article presents an analysis of why it was possible to reach an agreement on the Next Generation EU (NGEU), the EU's fiscal and policy response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, since the deal breaks with the norms of no common debt issuance and will result in significant redistribution across Member States through grants. Based on an in‐depth case study analysis, we identify three main dimensions of conflict underlying the political negotiations: the fiscal dimension, the rule‐of‐law dimension and the policy dimension, especially the climate and digitalization agendas. Various coalitions of actors were able to negotiate on these aspects, keeping a balance between their main priorities, but also making concessions, to enable an agreement. Our analysis reveals that the Franco‐German alliance has been revived, enabling the grant instrument in the NGEU to be adopted; a new alliance of small rich northern states named the Frugals' has emerged as a surprisingly strong coalition, insisting on conditionality for accessing the grant; a clear Polish‐Hungarian front has appeared to be challenging the EU's commitment to the rule‐of‐law; and a weakly coordinated Spanish‐Italian front was successful in terms of securing grants as an instrument. The article also assesses that despite the agreement on the deal, there will continue to be battles in the NGEU, especially on the fiscal and rule‐of‐law dimensions. Yet, it could represent a ‘Hamiltonian moment,’ if the NGEU becomes a permanent fiscal instrument, which would advance European integration further.
Pandemic blood donor demographics – Do changes impact blood safety?
Authors: Vassallo Ralph R. , Bravo Marjorie D. , Kamel Hany
Published: February 2021

Background

COVID‐19 safety measures and possibly SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing may alter blood donor demography, which has the potential to alter blood safety. We characterized pre‐pandemic and pandemic rates of donor infectious disease marker (IDM) reactivity which reflect the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTIs) undetectable by current testing.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis of allogeneic blood donor presentations and successful donations in a large national US blood collector identifies changes in self‐reported behavioral risk factors and IDM reactivity. Data on allogeneic blood donor presentations and successful donations from March 1 through August 31, 2020 and the same period in 2019 were retrieved from the blood center's computer system. Donor demographics and deferrals for reported behavioral risk factors and confirmed‐positive IDMs were compared in pre‐pandemic and pandemic periods.

Results

With increasing mobile blood drive cancellations, pandemic donors were more likely than 2019 donors to be female, over age 30, non‐Hispanic Whites, and have a post‐secondary degree. First‐time donations (at highest risk for confirmed‐positive IDMs) did not substantially increase. Pandemic donors reported fewer behavioral risks and IDMs declined among these donors. Mid‐pandemic introduction of screening for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies did not affect IDM rates.

Conclusions

Unlike disasters, which tend to bring out more first‐time donors with increased IDM reactivity and TTI residual risk, COVID‐19 donors had lower IDM rates which were not affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing. Already‐low TTI residual risk is likely to have declined as a result.
Selecting COVID‐19 convalescent plasma for neutralizing antibody potency using a high‐capacity SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody assay
Authors: Goodhue Meyer Erin , Simmons Graham , Grebe Eduard , Gannett Michael , Franz Sergej , Darst Orsolya , Di Germanio Clara , Stone Mars , Contestable Paul , Prichard Alicia , Reik Rita , Vassallo Ralph , Young Pampee , Busch Michael P. , Williamson Phillip , Dumont Larry J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Efficacy of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is hypothesized to be associated with the concentration of neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to SARS‐CoV‐2. High capacity serologic assays detecting binding antibodies (bAb) have been developed; nAb assays are not adaptable to high‐throughput testing. We sought to determine the effectiveness of using surrogate bAb signal‐to‐cutoff ratios (S/Co) in predicting nAb titers using a pseudovirus reporter viral particle neutralization (RVPN) assay.

Methods

CCP donor serum collected by three US blood collectors was tested with a bAb assay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics VITROS Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Total, CoV2T) and a nAb RVPN assay. Prediction effectiveness of various CoV2T S/Co criteria was evaluated for RVPN nAb NT50 titers using receiver operating characteristics.

Results

Seven hundred and fifty‐three CCPs were tested with median CoV2T S/Co and NT50 of 71.2 of 527.5. Proportions of donors with NT50 over target nAb titers were 86% ≥1:80, 76% ≥1:160, and 62% ≥1:320. Increasing CoV2T S/Co criterion reduced the sensitivity to predict NT50 titers, while specificity to identify those below increased. As target NT50 titers increase, the CoV2T assay becomes less accurate as a predictor with a decline in positive predictive value and rise in negative predictive value.

Conclusion

Selection of a clinically effective nAb titer will impact availability of CCP. Product release with CoV2T assay S/Co criterion must balance the risk of releasing products below target nAb titers with the cost of false negatives. A two‐step testing scheme may be optimal, with nAb testing on CoV2T samples with S/Cos below criterion.
Treatment complexity and caregiver burden are linked in owners of dogs with allergic/atopic dermatitis
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Hillier Andrew , Gober Margaret , Carlson Mark D.
Published: February 2021

Background

Skin disease severity and treatment plan complexity are both related to owner experience of caregiver burden; however, to date they have not been examined simultaneously in owners of dogs with atopic or other chronic allergic dermatitis.

Hypotheses/Objectives

We expected to replicate and extend previous work by showing that caregiver burden is linked to treatment complexity and disease severity in this population. Moreover, we hypothesized that a relationship between burden and treatment complexity would be present in both subjective (owner report of experience) and objective (number of weekly treatments) measures, and that these relationships would exist independent of skin disease severity.

Participants

Eighty‐six owners of dogs with atopic or other chronic allergic dermatitis recruited through social media dog allergy groups.

Methods and materials

Cross‐sectional online assessments were completed for caregiver burden, treatment plan complexity and skin disease severity.

Results

Caregiver burden was correlated with skin disease severity (r = 0.40) and both subjective (r = 0.37) and objective (r =0.30) measures of treatment complexity (P < 0.01 for all). Relationships between caregiver burden and treatment complexity remained significant after accounting for skin disease severity.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Greater treatment plan complexity is associated with higher caregiver burden in owners of dogs with atopic or other chronic allergic dermatitis. The independence of this relationship highlights the importance of simplicity in effective treatment planning.
Conjunctival calcinosis circumscripta in a dog: Treatment combining surgical resection and amniotic membrane grafting
Authors: Robin Marie‐Claire , Raffestin Sebastien , Etienne Claire Lyse , Raymond Letron Isabelle , Regnier Alain , Douet Jean Yves
Published: February 2021

This report describes the clinical features, histopathology, and surgical treatment of a case of conjunctival calcification in a 5‐month‐old female English Setter, referred with a history of recurrent conjunctivitis in the right eye (OD). The ophthalmic findings were limited to multifocal white plaques embedded in a markedly inflamed conjunctiva of the eyelids and the anterior nictitating membrane OD. Calcification was suspected. The blood cell count, blood chemical profile, and urinalysis were within normal limits, and long‐bone radiographs appeared normal. After removal of the affected area by means of a large conjunctivectomy, cryopreserved canine amniotic membrane (AM) was transplanted to fill in the defect. Multifocal ectopic calcium deposits in the conjunctival lamina propria were confirmed histopathologically. The postoperative healing was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed during a follow‐up period of five years. Conjunctival mineralization is uncommon in canine ophthalmology, and the cause remained undetermined in the present case, for which AM transplantation was able to promote conjunctival healing after a large surgical excision.
Ocular examination findings and measurements of tear production and tonometry of ring‐tailed coatis (nasua nasua)
Authors: Carvalho Clarissa M. , Rodarte‐Almeida Ana C.V. , Moore Bret A. , Borges Betânia P. , Machado Marilia T. S. , Galera Paula D.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To describe ocular anatomical features and to determine tear production and tonometry in normal anesthetized ring‐tailed coati (Nasua nasua).

Animals

Eight male and seven female ring‐tailed coatis (30 eyes) were evaluated, with ages ranging from 7 months to 10 years old.

Procedures

The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane and had STT 1, rebound and applanation tonometry, and palpebral fissure length (PFL) measured in both eyes. Rebound tonometry was measured with both TonoVet® and TonoVet Plus®. All eyes were evaluated with slit‐lamp biomicroscopy. Following pharmacological mydriasis, direct fundoscopy was performed. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for the data analysis.

Results

There were upper and lower eyelids, as well as a third eyelid. Eyelashes were present on the upper eyelid, while meibomian glands openings were visible on both. The bulbar conjunctiva was pigmented. The pupil was obliquely horizontally ovoid and teardrop shaped when miotic. The color of the iris and tapetum lucidum varied with age. The optic disk was round, and the retina was holangiotic. The mean ± standard deviation values obtained were as follows: STT: 2.50 ± 2.39 mm/min; rebound tonometry: 9.50 ± 2.43 mmHg (TonoVet®, calibration P), 14.60 ± 2.82 mmHg (TonoVet®, calibration D), 18.93 ± 3.99 mmHg (TonoVet Plus®, calibration dog); applanation tonometry: 18.66 ± 4.16 mmHg; PFL: 10.98 ± 1.67 mm.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Anatomical and clinical ophthalmic data presented in this study are unprecedented for this species. The results can be used as clinical reference parameters, allowing for better care of these species. The lack of data for the Procyonidae family must be regarded as an incentive for more studies.
Using qualitative approaches to explore the challenges of integrated programmes for zoonosis control in developing countries: Example of hydatidosis control in Morocco
Authors: Saadi Aouatif , Antoine‐Moussiaux Nicolas , Marcotty Tanguy , Thys Séverine , Sahibi Hamid
Published: February 2021

Cystic echinococcosis, rabies and bovine tuberculosis are major neglected zoonoses in many developing countries, including Morocco. A common step in their control strategies is the management of slaughterhouses and/or the control of dog populations. This study used a qualitative approach to identify the barriers to the implementation of the cystic echinococcosis control programme in Morocco that focused on slaughterhouses and dog control. This approach could be used to understand the causes leading to the defective management of other zoonoses, and to go beyond the often‐invoked ‘lack of means’ reason to explain failure in disease control in the Global South. Specifically, slaughterhouse observation and in‐depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the cystic echinococcosis control programme were carried out in five Moroccan regions (Rabat‐Sale‐Kenitra, Mellal‐Khenifra, Sous‐Masaa, Laayoune‐Sakia El Hamra and Guelmim‐Oued Noun) for 3 years (from 2014 to 2016). Interviews (n = 81) were with agents responsible of the services managing slaughterhouses and dog population control, and also with slaughterers. Recordings were fully transcribed and narratives were analysed with the RQDA package and the R software. Triangulations and the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincon were used to assess the approach validity. This analysis revealed that in addition to ‘lack of means’, zoonosis control programmes can be hindered by overlapping authority/functions among the involved authorities, conflicts of interest, lack of proper training and professional practices. Zoonosis control requires the commitment of all structures, the establishment of a national and inter‐regional strategy, and the updating of the legislative arsenal.
ESG Investments: Filtering versus Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Margot Vincent , Geissler Christophe , De Franco Carmine , Monnier Bruno
Published: February 2021

We designed a machine learning algorithm that identifies patterns between ESG profiles and financial performances for companies in a large investment universe. The algorithm consists of regularly updated sets of rules that map regions into the high-dimensional space of ESG features to excess return predictions. The final aggregated predictions are transformed into scores which allow us to design simple strategies that screen the investment universe for stocks with positive scores. By linking the ESG features with financial performances in a non-linear way, our strategy based upon our machine learning algorithm turns out to be an efficient stock picking tool, which outperforms classic strategies that screen stocks according to their ESG ratings, as the popular best-in-class approach. Our paper brings new ideas in the growing field of financial literature that investigates the links between ESG behavior and the economy. We show indeed that there is clearly some form of alpha in the ESG profile of a company, but that this alpha can be accessed only with powerful, non-linear techniques such as machine learning.
The Silence of Female Sexual Offending: A Public Health Issue
Authors: Anderson James F. , Reinsmith-Jones Kelley , Lee Tazinski , Brooks Willie M.
Published: February 2021

The idea that females can engage in sexually predatory behavior against children and adolescence is difficult to convey to the lay pubic since most of society believes the notion defies conventional ways of viewing the gendered nature and roles that women traditionally perform. Despite this, scholars and researchers examining child sexual abuse are beginning to report on silent offenders (women and young females) and their victimizations that have been largely ignored by criminal justice personnel who are responsible for holding sex offenders accountable. We argue that female sex offending is more common than believed and is both a criminal justice and a public health issue. We also argue that until society recognizes that sex offending is not a gendered crime, more cases will escape the attention of both criminal justice and public health systems that are in positions to punish and treat where appropriate.
Interpretation of Xi Jinping's Exposition on the Spiritual Independence of the Chinese Nation
Authors: Wang Chen
Published: February 2021

Xi Jinping has three important conclusions about the spiritual independence of the Chinese nation, namely, the independence of the national spirit is the foundation of a country's political, ideological, cultural and institutional independence; Cultural self-confidence is a big issue concerning the independence of the national spirit. Socialist core values and Four Self-confidences are important supports to maintain the independence of the national spirit. The proposal of spiritual independence of the Chinese nation not only embodies the Chinese nation's high self-consciousness and self-determination in spiritual independence, but also strengthens the basic idea that the Chinese nation adheres to independence in opening to the outside world. Furthermore, it shows that the Chinese nation upholds the basic proposition of respecting the independence of every nation and country in the world.