bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptotic Extracellular Vesicles (ApoEVs) Safeguard Liver Homeostasis and RegenerationviaAssembling an ApoEV-Golgi Organelle
Authors: Sui Bingdong , Wang Runci , Chen Chider , Kou Xiaoxing , Wu Di , Tu Ho-Chou , Wang Yanzhuang , Liu Yijing , Jacobson Orit , Chen Xiaoyuan , Liu Haixiang , Kwok Ryan Tsz Kin , Tang Ben Zhong , Yan Hexin , Wang Minjun , Xiang Lei , Yan Xutong , Fu Yu , Zhang Xiao , Tang Jianxia , Ma Lan , Lu Lu , Jin Yan , Shi Songtao
Published: February 2021

Apoptosis is an integral physiological cell death process that occurs frequently and generates a huge number of apoptotic extracellular vesicles (apoEVs). However, whether apoEVs are necessary for maintaining organ homeostasis remains unclear. Here, we show that circulatory apoEVs engraft in liver and undergo specialized internalization by hepatocytes (HCs) based on surface signature of galactose andN-acetylgalactosamine. Furthermore, apoEVs rescue liver injury in apoptotic-deficientFasmutant andCaspase-3knockout mice, which is exerted by restoring the featured hepatic ploidy homeostasis. Surprisingly, apoEVs form a chimeric organelle complex with recipient Golgi apparatusviaSNARE-mediated membrane interaction, which consequently facilitates microtubule organization and HC cytokinesis. Notably, through Golgi recovery and ploidy transition, apoEVs contribute to liver regeneration and protect against acute hepatic failure. Collectively, these results identify a previously unrecognized role for apoEVs and the specific mechanisms by which they safeguard liver homeostasis, and suggest the potential of apoEV-based therapy for liver disorders.
Multimodal single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing data analysis uncovers molecular networks between disease-associated microglia and astrocytes with implications for drug repurposing in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xu Jielin , Zhang Pengyue , Huang Yin , Zhou Yadi , Hou Yuan , Bekris Lynn M. , Lathia Justin , Chiang Chien-Wei , Li Lang , Pieper Andrew A. , Leverenz James B. , Cummings Jeffrey , Cheng Feixiong
Published: February 2021

Because disease-associated microglia (DAM) and disease-associated astrocytes (DAA) are involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we systematically identified molecular networks between DAM and DAA to uncover novel therapeutic targets for AD. Specifically, we develop a network-based methodology that leverages single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing data from both transgenic mouse models and AD patient brains, as well as drug-target network, metabolite-enzyme associations, the human protein–protein interactome, and large-scale longitudinal patient data. Through this approach, we find both common and unique gene network regulators between DAM (i.e., PAK1, MAPK14, and CSF1R) and DAA (i.e., NFKB1, FOS, and JUN) that are significantly enriched by neuro-inflammatory pathways and well-known genetic variants (i.e., BIN1). We identify shared immune pathways between DAM and DAA, including Th17 cell differentiation and chemokine signaling. Last, integrative metabolite-enzyme network analyses suggest that fatty acids and amino acids may trigger molecular alterations in DAM and DAA. Combining network-based prediction and retrospective case-control observations with 7.2 million individuals, we identify that usage of fluticasone (an approved glucocorticoid receptor agonist) is significantly associated with a reduced incidence of AD (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–0.89, P < 1.0 × 10−8). Propensity score–stratified cohort studies reveal that usage of mometasone (a stronger glucocorticoid receptor agonist) is significantly associated with a decreased risk of AD (HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.68–0.81, P < 1.0 × 10−8) compared to fluticasone after adjusting age, gender, and disease comorbidities. In summary, we present a network-based, multimodal methodology for single-cell/nucleus genomics-informed drug discovery and have identified fluticasone and mometasone as potential treatments in AD.
Simultaneous production decisions in agricultural contexts: an experimental investigation of pesticide use, animal welfare and wheat production
Authors: Höhler Julia , Müller Jörg
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Farmers often decide simultaneously on crop production or input use without knowing other farmers' decisions. Anticipating the behavior of other farmers can increase financial performance. This paper investigates the role of other famers' behaviors and other contextual factors in farmers' simultaneous production decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Market entry games are a common method for investigating simultaneous production decisions. However, so far they have been conducted with abstract tasks and by untrained subjects. The authors extend market entry games by using three real contexts: pesticide use, animal welfare and wheat production, in an incentivized framed field experiment with 323 German farmers.

Findings

The authors find that farmers take different decisions under identical incentive structures for the three contexts. While context plays a major role in their decisions, their expectations about the behavior of other farmers have little influence on their decision.

Originality/value

The paper offers new insights into the decision-making behavior of farmers. A better understanding of how farmers anticipate the behavior of other farmers in their production decisions can improve both the performance of individual farms and the allocational efficiency of agricultural and food markets.
Using life goals to explore subjective well-being of people in northeast Thailand
Authors: Promphakping Buapun , Somaboot Pornpen , Mee-Udon Farung , Rattanaprathum Nopparat , Weeranakin Pattaraporn , Promphakping Ninlawadee , Suparatanagool Sungkom
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore changes in life goal importance and subjective well-being, and to uncover if life goal importance predicts subjective well-being of people in the northeast of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of two surveys conducted in 2006 (n = 184) and 2016 (n = 184) were used. The samples were selected by using multiple sampling techniques and subsampled by age and gender. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and multiple linear regression.

Findings

Paired sample t-test revealed that the change of individual parameters under extrinsic life goals are most evident, these parameters include owning a big house, free of debts, owning amenities, living in clean and pleasant environment, having fewer children, children obtaining formal education, good behaviour of children and good health. The authors also found that two parameters under relational life goal were found different (good family relationship, hosting community events and activities). Satisfaction with living conditions deteriorated while satisfaction with life improved. The model from 2005 confirms that life goal importance predicts subjective well-being, while the opposite with the 2016 model. The direction of prediction of extrinsic, intrinsic and relational life goal importance on subjective well-being between 2006 and 2016 models are in opposite direction.

Originality/value

The study extends the authors understanding of the link between the importance of life goals and subjective well-being, which was previously confined to the advancement towards life goals (goal achievement).
Work–family enrichment: an integrative review
Authors: Agrawal Monika , Mahajan Ritika
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an integrative review of work–family enrichment literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based upon 206 peer-reviewed papers derived from systematic search in the Scopus database. The review ascertains its relevance by analyzing the publication trends, research designs, data analysis techniques, sample characteristics, measures and findings of selected articles.

Findings

The study notes a rising trend of publication activity in the Asian region on this topic. Empirical research using regression is the most popular research design in this field. Most of the research studies have targeted samples based on family type and/or gender. The majority of the studies include directionality to measure work–family enrichment. Notably, work-related antecedents and consequences have received the most attention from the research community. Crossover models have concentrated on spousal dyad samples.

Originality/value

As per the authors' knowledge, the study is a primary attempt to integrate the extant literature on this subject. Additionally, the study presents the gender role ideology as a potential moderator and provides future research directions along with managerial implications.
Leveraging green skills in response to the COVID-19 crisis: a case study of small and medium enterprises in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Manyati Tarisai Kudakwashe , Mutsau Morgen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The sustainable skills that informal manufacturers use in volatile times remain poorly understood. This study explored the skills that the informal manufacturers used to navigate the uncertain business environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 27 telephone interviews were conducted with informal entrepreneurs who were manufacturers of agricultural machinery at Mbare Magaba and Gaza home industry in Harare, Zimbabwe. Purposive and snow ball sampling were used to identify information rich sources. The authors used thematic analysis in identifying recurrent themes from this study.

Findings

The study results show that business agility motivated most informal manufacturers to restructure their business to sustain their operations. With the closure of formal companies, the informal manufacturers adopted slowing and narrowing loops through purchasing broken down agricultural machines for repairs or remanufacturing of durable machines for their low-income customer base. Most young and formally trained manufacturers adopted a prospector strategic behaviour as they used digital platforms to network with business associates for supplies, gathering market intelligence, making and receiving electronic payments and establishing virtual distant markets whilst the older manufacturers resorted mostly to a defender strategic behaviour of engaging their usual customers for repair jobs and a few referrals.

Originality/value

This study offers unique insights with respect to skills required for the sustainable and strategic management of small and medium enterprises during times of crisis.
Bank stockholders’ vs bank bondholders’ market discipline during crisis time: an investigation based on supervisory stress test information disclosure
Authors: Daouda Dala Moustapha
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how stockholders and bondholders react to the information disclosed on the financial markets during crisis periods. This paper considers the 2011 European Banking Authority’s stress test as it disclosed detailed information about banks.

Design/methodology/approach

It was conducted during the European sovereign debt crisis, and this paper uses an event study methodology. This paper analyzes the average cumulative abnormal returns for different subsamples of banks. This paper compares the reactions of stockholders and bondholders to the stress test by considering pre-results announcements (signal generating process) to the publication of the results on the disclosure date, using quantitative data for each individual bank that participated in the stress test (the signal provided to the financial market).

Findings

This paper finds that stockholders’ reaction is more sensitive to idiosyncratic components of the disclosed information, whereas bondholders are more influenced by systematic risk. A deeper investigation shows that subordinated bondholders tend to behave quite similarly to stockholders. This specific reaction of stockholders during financial distress may make them more likely than bondholders to impose market discipline during troubled periods.

Originality/value

This paper brings several new insights to the behavior of stock and bond holders during times of financial distress and makes recommendations to regulators that may serve to refine communication to markets to reduce the shock of negative news.
Welfare conditionality, sanctions and homelessness: meanings made by homeless support workers
Authors: Veasey Kelly , Parker Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore homeless-support workers’ perceptions of homeless welfare recipients and their experiences of navigating new conditions placed upon them by UK welfare reform. It examines support workers’ views of the most punitive feature of the welfare system, sanctions, on those recipients.In 2012, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government introduced the largest and most radical overhaul of the UK benefit system, significantly increasing the level of conditionality and sanctions for non-compliance, part of a shift in welfare, suggesting that rights must be balanced by responsibility and the “culture of worklessness” and “benefit dependency” should be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

Welfare reforms in the UK and the increased use of sanctions as part of welfare conditionality are reviewed. Data are collected from eight semi-structured interviews taking place in five housing support groups in the South East and South West of England in 2019–2020. The interviews followed an approach from interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Findings from this study indicate that the government’s reforms serve as a disciplinary measure for the poor, reinforcing inequality and social marginalization. To mitigate the effects would require a comprehensive review of universal credit prior to its full rollout to claimants. Data are analyzed thematically.

Originality/value

Welfare conditionality and welfare reform is well-researched in the UK. There is also a significant volume of research concerning homelessness. This paper, however, fills a gap in research concerning the experiences of those working in housing support agencies working with homeless people in the UK.
Optimizing zakat governance in East Java using analytical network process (ANP): the role of zakat technology (ZakaTech)
Authors: Widiastuti Tika , Cahyono Eko Fajar , Zulaikha Siti , Mawardi Imron , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to formulate a strategy for optimizing zakat governance in zakat institutions in East Java Province by identifying priority problems, creating solutions and developing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research uses the analytical network process method. Ten respondents representing practitioners, academics, associations and regulators were selected for their expertise in zakat governance. The data were processed using Super Decision software program and Excel.

Findings

Priority issues in optimizing zakat governance found in this study are lack of information on Mustahik’s needs and development to Muzakki and the low motivation and ability of Mustahik to develop. Improving the quality and capacity of Amil’s, especially in the technological aspect, is a priority solution. The priority strategy considers intensification (by developing Amil’s ability to use technology) and extensification (by increasing Amil’s numbers who master technology).

Practical implications

The results highlight the urgency of increasing Amil’s capacity and capability in technology-based zakat management. Zakat institutions need to prepare for management’s transformation toward zakat technology as one of the priorities in optimizing zakat governance.

Originality/value

Problems, solutions and strategies for optimizing zakat governance are collected by connecting it to the Zakat Core Principles, namely, the ninth principle of collection management and the tenth principle of distribution management. Further, for identifying problems, solutions and strategies, four aspects must be considered of Amil, Muzakki, Mustahiq and other supporting elements to present better policies to optimize zakat governance.
Why do Muslims engage in adaptive worship behavior during the pandemic? The role of protection motives and religiosity
Authors: Rostiani Rokhima , Toyib Jein Sriana , Khoiriyah Siti
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether the protection motivation theory (PMT) and religiosity can explain the intention of at-home worship adaptive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study further explores factors that may affect this adaptive behavior, namely, the intention to adapt behavior, religiosity, social influence and trust in the government.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey to purposively sample the respondents, resulting in 368 responses that were valid for structural analysis using partial least squares structual equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

This study found that PMT, and not religiosity, directly predicts an individual’s intention to adapt his/her behavior to at-home worship during the pandemic. Religiosity, however, has a role in evoking a coping appraisal that leads to the intention to enact the adaptive behavior. Further, this study found that intention, social influence and trust in the government predict an individual’s adaptive behavior for at-home worship.

Practical implications

This study may guide the government to create a policy that could enhance people’s adherence to adaptive behavior during the pandemic, particularly regarding their communication strategy by focusing on the cognitive and psychological aspects. In particular, framing based on this study’s result may serve as an insight for better prevention of virus transmission through a focused communications strategy.

Originality/value

First, the utilization of PMT to explain adaptive behavior in the context of at-home worship during the pandemic was extended. Second, the research of religiosity in the context of a pandemic was advanced and how it influences adaptive behavior was investigated. Finally, the utilization of partial least squares-SEM techniques to investigate individual adaptive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic was extended.
LMX, organizational justice and performance: curvilinear relationships
Authors: Ionescu Anata-Flavia , Iliescu Dragos
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Organizational research has long been dominated by the assumption that relationships between variables are linear, which can be overly simplistic or even misleading. This study proposes and tests a model in which subordinate organizational justice perceptions influence the linearity of the relationship between leader–member exchange (LMX) and subordinate task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged anonymous survey study was conducted in Romania on a sample consisting of 274 subordinates nested under 42 leaders from a wide range of work settings. Supervisors rated the performance of their direct reports, while subordinates rated LMX and justice perceptions.

Findings

Hierarchical linear modeling results revealed that the associations of LMX and LMX affect with task performance were best described by an inverted U shape when perceptions of supervisory interpersonal justice were high. Relationship strength was also affected. No such moderating effects were confirmed for other types of justice. We also found an unmoderated nonlinear effect of LMX-professional respect on task performance.

Practical implications

Results suggest that for supervisors who are perceived as fair in terms of interpersonal justice, a moderate level of LMX (especially LMX affect), slightly above the mean, maximizes subordinate task performance, while high LMX is preferable otherwise. Similarly, a moderate level of LMX professional respect seems optimal for performance.

Originality/value

The present paper challenges the linearity assumption for the established LMX–performance association, demonstrating that both the linearity and strength of the association may be influenced by justice. Second, results suggest that the too-much-of-a-good-thing effect may be the result of additive effects. Third, differential effects of LMX and justice dimensions are revealed.
Unpacking Nordic branding: the value regimes of Nordicness
Authors: Andersen Lars Pynt , Lindberg Frank , Ostberg Jacob
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop place branding theory toward the accommodation of a multifaceted understanding of value and value negotiation by Nordic branding actors by way of answering the following question: How is Nordicness appropriated by Nordic branding actors and what value regimes are drawn on in the process?

Design/methodology/approach

Using field data from a selection of branding actors and sectors in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, a qualitative analysis of Nordic branding performances is used to unpack the negotiations of valuation of worth.

Findings

The analysis identified three principle orders of worth behind Nordicness (civic, green and inspired) that are negotiated through compromises between orders of industry and domestic and by contesting the orders of fame and market. The findings indicate how Nordicness is performed as principle worths and tensions and how these are rendered meaningful as propositions of “value as difference” as they are performed in practice by brand actors.

Originality/value

Several studies focus on how place branding “adds value;” however, few studies have been aimed at unpacking how a “value universe” is negotiated as a more complex understanding of worth or “value.” This study thus opens up for branding heterogeneity, which signifies awareness of competing notions and orders of worth among small- and medium-sized enterprises and other central stakeholders; this could further inspire interdisciplinary, value-based research into the potential contingencies of (product) branding and place branding in other contexts and regions.
Shift work and overtime across a career in law enforcement: a 15-year study
Authors: Riedy Samantha M. , Fekedulegn Desta , Vila Bryan , Andrew Michael , Violanti John M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To characterize changes in work hours across a career in law enforcement.

Design/methodology/approach

N = 113 police officers enrolled in the BCOPS cohort were studied. The police officers started their careers in law enforcement between 1994 and 2001 at a mid-sized, unionized police department in northwestern New York and continued to work at this police department for at least 15 years. Day-by-day work history records were obtained from the payroll department. Work hours, leave hours and other pay types were summarized for each calendar year across their first 15 years of employment. Linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept over subject were used to determine if there were significant changes in pay types over time.

Findings

A total of 1,617 individual-years of data were analyzed. As the police officers gained seniority at the department, they worked fewer hours and fewer night shifts. Total paid hours did not significantly change due to seniority-based increases in vacation time. Night shift work was increasingly in the form of overtime as officers gained seniority. Overtime was more prevalent at the beginning of a career and after a promotion from police officer to detective.

Originality/value

Shiftwork and long work hours have negative effects on sleep and increase the likelihood of on-duty fatigue and performance impairment. The results suggest that there are different points within a career in law enforcement where issues surrounding shiftwork and long work hours may be more prevalent. This has important implications for predicting fatigue, developing effective countermeasures and measuring fatigue-related costs.
Getting nowhere, going elsewhere: the impact of perceived career compromises on turnover intentions
Authors: De Clercq Dirk
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the unexplored relationship between employees' perceptions that they have made compromises in their careers (i.e. perceived career compromise) and their turnover intentions, as well as how it might be moderated by two personal factors (materialism and idealism) and two contextual factors (abusive supervision and decision autonomy).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected among employees who work in the education sector in Canada.

Findings

Employees' frustrations about unwanted career adjustments lead to an enhanced desire to leave their organization. This process is more likely among employees who are materialistic and suffer from verbally abusive leaders, but it is less likely among those who are idealistic and have more decision autonomy.

Practical implications

For human resource managers, these results provide novel insights into the individual and contextual circumstances in which frustrations about having to compromise career goals may escalate into the risk that valuable employees quit.

Originality/value

This study contributes to human resource management research by detailing the conditional effects of a hitherto overlooked determinant of employees' turnover intentions, namely, their beliefs about a discrepancy between their current career situation and their personal aspirations.
Asymmetrical effects of temperature on stage‐structured predator–prey interactions
Authors: Davidson Andrew T. , Hamman Elizabeth A. , McCoy Michael W. , Vonesh James R.
Published: February 2021

Warming can impact consumer–resource interactions through multiple mechanisms. For example, warming can both alter the rate at which predators consume prey and the rate prey develop through vulnerable life stages. Thus, the overall effect of warming on consumer–resource interactions will depend upon the strength and asymmetry of warming effects on predator and prey performance.

Here, we quantified the temperature dependence of both (a) density‐dependent predation rates for two dragonfly nymph predators on a shared mosquito larval prey, via the functional response, and (b) the development rate of mosquito larval prey to a predator‐invulnerable adult stage. We united the results of these two empirical studies using a temperature‐ and density‐dependent stage‐structured predation model to predict the effects of temperature on the number of larvae that survive to adulthood.

Warming accelerated both larval mosquito development and increased dragonfly consumption. Model simulations suggest that differences in the magnitude and rate of predator and prey responses to warming determined the change in magnitude of the overall effect of predation on prey survival to adulthood. Specifically, we found that depending on which predator species prey were exposed to in the model, the net effect of warming was either an overall reduction or no change in predation strength across a temperature gradient.

Our results highlight a need for better mechanistic understanding of the differential effects of temperature on consumer–resource pairs to accurately predict how warming affects food web dynamics.

A free plain language summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Temperature effects on the temporal dynamics of a subarctic invertebrate community
Authors: Robinson Sinikka I. , Mikola Juha , Ovaskainen Otso , O'Gorman Eoin J.
Published: February 2021

Climate warming is predicted to have major impacts on the structure of terrestrial communities, particularly in high latitude ecosystems where growing seasons are short. Higher temperatures may dampen seasonal dynamics in community composition as a consequence of earlier snowmelt, with potentially cascading effects across all levels of biological organisation.

Here, we examined changes in community assembly and structure along a natural soil temperature gradient in the Hengill geothermal valley, Iceland, during the summer of 2015. Sample collection over several time points within a season allowed us to assess whether temperature alters temporal variance in terrestrial communities and compositional turnover.

We found that seasonal fluctuations in species richness, diversity and evenness were dampened as soil temperature increased, whereas invertebrate biomass varied more. Body mass was found to be a good predictor of species occurrence, with smaller species found at higher soil temperatures and emerging earlier in the season.

Our results provide more in‐depth understanding of the temporal nature of community and population‐level responses to temperature, and indicate that climate warming will likely dampen the seasonal turnover of community structure that is characteristic of high latitude invertebrate communities.
Transition support for students on the autism spectrum: a multiple stakeholder perspective
Authors: Bruck Susan , Webster Amanda A. , Clark Trevor
Published: February 2021

Students on the autism spectrum often require support to navigate transitions from one educational setting to another. This study examined stakeholder perceptions about the transition supports that educators employ to support students on the autism spectrum to transition from one school setting to another. A non‐matched Australia‐wide sample of 167 educators, 680 parents and 142 education/therapy specialists was surveyed. Results indicated that stakeholders had mixed perceptions about the transition supports employed by schools. Although most participants did indicate their school offered some type of transition support, educators and specialists reported significantly higher levels of transition support than did parents. Additionally, participants associated with special schools or autism‐specific schools indicated more transitions supports than did those associated with mainstream school programmes. Results indicate a need for clarification among stakeholders regarding the provision of transition support and planning for students on the autism spectrum, improvements in monitoring of transition supports provided, and increased involvement and communication with parents and students on the autism spectrum to create transition plans and supports. In addition, further examination is needed of the relevance and effectiveness of transition supports employed, particularly in mainstream settings.
Chromosome‐level genome of Poropuntius huangchuchieni provides a diploid progenitor‐like reference genome for the allotetraploid Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Bijun , Chen Baohua , Li Chengyu , Zhou Zhixiong , Zhou Tao , Yang Weidi , Xu Peng
Published: February 2021

The diploid Poropuntius huangchuchieni in the cyprinid family, which is widely distributed in the Mekong and Red River basins, is one of the most closely related diploid progenitor‐like species of allotetraploid common carp, which was generated by merging of two diploid genomes during evolution. Therefore, the P. huangchuchieni genome is essential for polyploid evolution studies in Cyprinidae. Here, we report a high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assembly of P. huangchuchieni by integrating Oxford Nanopore and Hi‐C technologies. The assembled genome size was 1,021.38 Mb, 895.66 Mb of which was anchored onto 25 chromosomes with a N50 of 32.93 Mb. The genome contained 486.28 Mb repetitive elements and 24,099 protein‐coding genes. Approximately 95.9% of the complete BUSCOs were detected, suggesting a high completeness of the genome. Evolutionary analysis revealed that P. huangchuchieni diverged from Cyprinus carpio at approximately 12 Mya. Genome comparison between P. huangchuchieni and the B subgenome of C. carpio provided insights into chromosomal rearrangements during the allotetraploid speciation. With the complete gene set, 17,474 orthologous genes were identified between P. huangchuchieni and C. carpio, providing a broad view of the gene component in the allotetraploid genome, which is critical for future genetic analyses. The high‐quality genomic data set created for P. huangchuchieni provides a diploid progenitor‐like reference for the evolution and adaptation of allotetraploid carps.
Rephotography, permanent plots and remote sensing data provide varying insights on vegetation change on subantarctic Macquarie Island, 1980–2015
Authors: Fitzgerald Nicholas B. , Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Scott Jenny J.
Published: February 2021

Despite its remoteness, the vegetation of Subantarctic Macquarie Island is amongst the most thoroughly surveyed and monitored in Australia. Eradication of invasive European rabbits was achieved in 2011, after a decline in introduced rabbit populations in the eighties and nineties and a resurgence in the early twenty‐first century. The impacts of introduced rabbits and climate change on the vegetation of Macquarie Island are well‐documented from long‐term plots situated in some, but not all, of the vegetation types. Satellite data are sporadic, with substantial could‐free coverage rare. The island has been well‐photographed over many years, and several series of long‐term photo‐monitoring sites have been established over the past few decades. We compared insights on vegetation change derived from repeat landscape photography three years after myxoma virus was established, rabbit population resurgence and rabbits eradication, with plant species cover data from a set of long‐term monitoring sites, and with spectral vegetation indices derived from satellite imagery covering the transition from high rabbit numbers to no rabbits. The repeat photography confirmed many well‐documented vegetation trends, as well as providing an indication of previously unreported trends: stability of Acaena herbfield despite reduced disturbance; increase in cover of Pleurophyllum hookeri; increase in short grassland vegetation; and constancy in cover of Azorella macquariensis. Although subject to errors related to differences in sample size and resolution, the rephotography data gave the best information on spatial and temporal patterns of overall vegetation change. The plot data, where comparable, were not fully consistent with the rephotography data and are expensive to collect, requiring scientific expertise in the field and much time, while the sporadically available remote sensing data were effective in monitoring the revegetation/devegetation of ground and the recovery of Poa foliosa but we were unable to detect other changes.
Food Consumption and Food Security during the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Addis Ababa
Authors: Hirvonen Kalle , de Brauw Alan , Abate Gashaw T.
Published: February 2021

International humanitarian organizations have expressed substantial concern about the potential for increases in food insecurity resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic. We use a unique panel survey of a representative sample households in Addis Ababa to study both food security and food consumption during the pandemic. In contrast to some other countries in the region, Ethiopia never went into a full lockdown severely restricting movement. Despite subjective income measures suggesting a large proportion of households have been exposed to job loss or reduced incomes, we find that relative to a survey conducted in August and September of 2019, food consumption and household dietary diversity are largely unchanged or slightly increased by August 2020. We find some changes in the composition of food consumption, but they are not related to shocks found in previous phone surveys conducted with the same households. The results therefore suggest the types of subjective questions about income typically being asked in COVID‐19 phone surveys may not appropriately reflect the magnitude of such shocks. They also imply, at least indirectly, that in the aggregate food value chains have been resilient to the shock associated with the pandemic.
Chinese imports and income inequality: evidence from six East Asian economies
Authors: Wong Mathew Y. H.
Published: February 2021

The study adopts a mixed‐methods design with quantitative and narrative accounts of inequality formation in Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Imports from China, but not elsewhere, have a strong positive impact on domestic income inequality. With growing volume of cheaper imports, local industries lose competitiveness or even relocate to China in some cases. This paper suggests manufacturing employment as one of the causal pathways from Chinese imports to rising income inequality, as the wage gap between the top and bottom widened following the loss of middle‐wage manufacturing jobs.
The Swedish public health response to COVID‐19
Authors: Tegnell Anders
Published: February 2021

The Swedish COVID‐19 response has received excessive attention, despite not having distinctively different goals or features than other countries. The overall response has included almost all sectors of society and cannot be described here. Instead, this paper provides a general, brief description of the response from a public health perspective, but hopefully it gives a somewhat more nuanced picture of the efforts to combat COVID‐19 in Sweden.
SARS‐CoV‐2 superspreading in cities vs the countryside
Authors: Eilersen Andreas , Sneppen Kim
Published: February 2021

The first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic was characterized by an initial rapid rise in new cases followed by a peak and a more erratic behaviour that varies between regions. This is not easy to reproduce with traditional SIR models, which predict a more symmetric epidemic. Here, we argue that superspreaders and population heterogeneity would predict such behaviour even in the absence of restrictions on social life. We present an agent‐based lattice model of a disease spreading in a heterogeneous population. We predict that an epidemic driven by superspreaders will spread rapidly in cities, but not in the countryside where the sparse population limits the maximal number of secondary infections. This suggests that mitigation strategies should include restrictions on venues where people meet a large number of strangers. Furthermore, mitigating the epidemic in cities and in the countryside may require different levels of restrictions.
The salience of the Northern and Southern identity in Vietnam
Authors: Truong Mai , Schuler Paul
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the salience of the north‐south identity in Vietnam. Using focus groups and survey data, we argue that Vietnam is characterized by asymmetric ingroup bias, where southerners hold higher levels of ingroup favoritism and outgroup discrimination than the north. However, while north‐south identity exists, its salience is limited because it crosscuts with other social identities. Survey data show little difference between the north and the south regarding nationalism, support for redistribution, trade, authoritarian values and traditional values. There are differences with the south exhibiting lower trust in the government and generalized trust. Also, within Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi more specifically, we find lower support for China and higher support for the United States in HCMC than in Hanoi. However, these differences are relatively muted, and combined with focus group evidence, suggest that while identity differences exist, they are asymmetric and not as salient as often presumed.
The impact of COVID‐19 restrictions in the United Kingdom on the positive behavioural support of people with an intellectual disability
Authors: Murray George C. , McKenzie Karen , Martin Rachel , Murray Aja
Published: February 2021

Accessible summary

The way that people with an intellectual disability are supported is very important.

The COVID‐19 virus has changed the way that staff help people with an intellectual disability.

We wanted to know about those changes and whether learning about positive behavioural support (PBS) helped staff to cope with them.

The main changes were that people with an intellectual disability could not go out or see family and friends as often.

Staff came up with new things to do for the people they supported, and PBS learning seemed to help staff to cope.

Background

It has been suggested that COVID‐19 and the associated restrictions are likely to have a negative impact on the provision of positive behavioural support (PBS) to people with an intellectual disability.

Methods

Fifty‐eight staff, who had recently completed an accredited positive behavioural support (PBS) programme, responded to an online questionnaire, which asked them to rate the impact of COVID‐19 on factors related to PBS.

Results

Participants reported a neutral or somewhat positive impact on all the areas measured, with the exception of the activities and quality of life of those they supported, which were somewhat negatively affected. The participants rated the learning from their PBS programme as helping them cope with COVID‐19 to some extent. Examples of positive and negative effects and ways in which PBS helped staff to cope are presented.

Conclusions

Many staff developed creative solutions that allowed them to provide PBS despite the COVID‐19 restrictions. PBS learning appeared to help staff cope with the negative impact of the restrictions.
Limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change and microvascular pathologies in community‐dwelling older persons
Authors: Agrawal Sonal , Yu Lei , Kapasi Alifiya , James Bryan D. , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Nag Sukriti , Schneider Julie A.
Published: February 2021

Limbic‐predominant age‐related transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE‐NC) and microvascular pathologies, including microinfarcts, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and arteriolosclerosis are common in old age. A relationship between LATE‐NC and arteriolosclerosis has been reported in some but not all studies. The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of co‐occurring LATE‐NC and microvascular pathologies and test the hypothesis that arteriolosclerosis, specifically, is related to LATE‐NC in brains from community‐dwelling older persons. Analyses included 749 deceased participants with completed data on LATE‐NC and microvascular pathology from 3 longitudinal clinical pathologic studies of aging. Given the specific interest in arteriolosclerosis, we expanded the examination of arteriolosclerosis to include not only the basal ganglia but also two additional white matter regions from anterior and posterior watershed territories. Ordinal logistic regression models examined the association of microvascular pathology with LATE‐NC. LATE‐NC was present in 409 (54.6%) decedents, of which 354 (86.5%) had one or multiple microvascular pathologies including 132 (32.3%) with moderate‐severe arteriolosclerosis in basal ganglia, 195 (47.6%) in anterior watershed, and 144 (35.2%) in posterior watershed; 170 (41.5%) with moderate‐severe CAA, and 150 (36.6%) with microinfarcts. In logistic regression models, only posterior watershed arteriolosclerosis, but not other regions of arteriolosclerosis was associated with a higher odds of more advanced LATE‐NC stages (Odds Ratio = 1.12; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.01–1.25) after controlling for demographics, AD, and other age‐related pathologies. Capillary CAA, but not the severity of CAA was associated with an increased odds of LATE‐NC burden (Odds Ratio = 1.71; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.13–2.58). Findings were unchanged in analyses controlling for APOE ε4, vascular risk factors, or vascular diseases. These findings suggest that LATE‐NC with microvascular pathology is a very common mixed pathology and small vessel disease pathology may contribute to LATE‐NC in the aging brain.
Oncological outcomes after complete mesocolic excision in right‐sided colon cancer: a population‐based study
Authors: Bernhoff Richard , Sjövall Annika , Granath Fredrik , Holm Torbjörn , Martling Anna , Buchli Christian
Published: February 2021

Aim

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been proposed as the preferred surgical technique for resection of colon cancer. This prospective cohort study evaluates the effect of CME surgery on colon cancer mortality after right‐sided hemicolectomy on a population level.

Methods

Data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and the Cause of Death Registry on all patients treated with elective right‐sided hemicolectomy for colon cancer Stages I–III in the Stockholm County 2008–2012 were analysed. Adherence to principles of CME surgery was determined by structured analysis of anonymized surgical reports regarding the presence of five essential features. The exposure to CME was graded as group 0 (not exposed to CME), group 1 (intermediate) and group 2 (exposed to CME).

Results

In total, 1171 patients were analysed with 234 (20.0%) patients in CME group 0, 453 (38.7%) patients in CME group 1 and 484 (41.3%) in CME group 2. The 5‐year colon cancer mortality was 20.2% in CME group 0, 13.9% in CME group 1 and 13.1% in CME group 2 (P = 0.026). The adjusted hazard ratio for colon cancer mortality was 0.61 (95% CI 0.42–0.91; P = 0.014) for CME group 1 and 0.52 (95% CI 0.35–0.77; P = 0.001) for CME group 2.

Discussion

The presence of predefined CME features in surgical reports was related to a graded benefit on cancer‐specific mortality after right‐sided hemicolectomy for colon cancer Stages I–III.
Trends in cocaine use, markets and harms in Australia, 2003–2019
Authors: Man Nicola , Chrzanowska Agata , Price Olivia , Bruno Raimondo , Dietze Paul M. , Sisson Scott A. , Degenhardt Louisa , Salom Caroline , Morris Leith , Farrell Michael , Peacock Amy
Published: February 2021

Introduction

This paper aims to describe cocaine use, markets and harms in Australia from 2003 to 2019.

Methods

Outcome indicators comprised prevalence of use from triennial household surveys; patterns of use from annual surveys of sentinel samples who use stimulants; and cocaine‐related seizures, arrests, hospitalisations, deaths and treatment episodes. Bayesian autoregressive time‐series analyses were conducted to estimate trend over time: Model 1, no change; Model 2, constant rate of change; and Model 3, change over time differing in rate after one change point.

Results

Past‐year population prevalence of use increased over time. The percentage reporting recent use in sentinel samples increased by 6.1% (95% credible interval [CrI95%] 1.2%,16.9%; Model 3) per year from around 2017 (48%) until the end of the series (2019: 67%). There was a constant annual increase in number of seizures (count ratio: 1.1, CrI95% 1.1,1.2) and arrests (1.2, CrI95% 1.1,1.2), and percentage reporting cocaine as easy to obtain in the sentinel samples (percent increase 1.2%, CrI95% 0.5%,1.8%; Model 2). Cocaine‐related hospitalisation rate increased from 5.1 to 15.6 per 100 000 people from around 2011–2012 to 2017–2018: an annual increase of 1.3 per 100 000 people (CrI95% 0.8,1.8; Model 3). While the death rate was low (0.23 cocaine‐related deaths per 100 000 people in 2018; Model 2), treatment episodes increased from 3.2 to 5.9 per 100 000 people from around 2016–2017 to 2017–2018: an annual increase of 2.9 per 100 000 people (CrI95% 1.6,3.7; Model 3).

Discussion and Conclusions

Cocaine use, availability and harm have increased, concentrated in recent years, and accompanied by increased treatment engagement.