bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How positive service experiences contribute to service captivity
Authors: Stavros Constantino , Westberg Kate , Russell Roslyn , Banks Marcus
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Service captivity is described as the experience of constrained choice whereby a consumer has no power and feels unable to exit a service relationship. This study aims to explore how positive service experiences can contribute to service captivity in the alternative financial services (AFS) sector for consumers experiencing financial vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 31 interviews were undertaken with Australian consumers of payday loans and/or consumer leases.

Findings

The authors reveal a typology of consumers based on their financial vulnerability and their experience with AFS providers. Then they present three themes relating to how the marketing practices of these providers create a positive service experience, and, in doing so, can contribute to service captivity for consumers experiencing financial vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications

The benefits derived from positive service experiences, including accessible solutions, self-esteem, and a sense of control over their financial situation, contribute to the service captivity of some consumers, rendering alternative avenues less attractive.

Practical implications

AFS providers must ensure a socially responsible approach to their marketing practices to minimize potentially harmful outcomes for consumers. However, a systems-level approach is needed to tackle the wider issue of financial precarity. Policymakers need to address the marketplace gaps, regulatory frameworks and social welfare policies that contribute to both vulnerability and captivity.

Originality/value

This research extends the understanding of service captivity by demonstrating how positive service experiences can perpetuate this situation. Further, specific solutions are proposed at each level of the service system to address service captivity in the AFS sector.
COVID-19 early stage social acceptance of entry restrictions for international tourists to Japan
Authors: Jones Thomas , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Different countries have responded to the pandemic with distinct domestic and international travel restrictions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stringency of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) countermeasures in Japan against their G20 cohorts. Primary data were monitored at a ski resort in Kyushu regarding the social acceptance of initial COVID-19 countermeasures, ranging from hygiene and local “lockdowns” to border control measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The stringency of the COVID-19 countermeasures was examined using data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) and triangulated with the early stage social acceptance of survey respondents in Aso Kuju National Park in February 2020 that consisted of 165 valid Japanese language questionnaires.

Findings

An one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified significant differences in social acceptance for countermeasures, with more-concerned respondents agreeing more strongly with “low-tech” health protocols, such as washing hands (M = 3.7) or wearing a mask (3.4). More concerned visitors were significantly more likely to modify their travel plans (2.9) or cancel their trip altogether (2.7). Male day trippers were less likely to be concerned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper's originality is derived from a triangulation of the stringency of Japan's initial COVID-19 countermeasures via a combination of comparison with G20 cohorts and social acceptance of domestic snowboarders and skiers. Moreover, by shining a light on the trade-off between public health and human rights, the paper provides a current review of the ethical dimension of a travel restriction debate that is often overlooked in the ongoing pandemic.
Litigation against clients and audit report lag: an examination of the role of state ownership and regional legal development in China
Authors: Liu Hui , Cullinan Charles , Zhang Junrui
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Companies may be defendants in lawsuits that are unresolved at year-end. This paper aims to consider whether the financial statements of companies facing litigation claims (pending litigation) are more time-consuming to audit due to the complexity and subjectivity of contingent liabilities associated with pending litigation. The authors consider whether auditors tailor their approach to pending litigation based on two distinct factors in the Chinese business environment: the client’s government ownership status and the legal development of the region in which the company is based.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on litigation against companies and their audit report lags were obtained for 18,029 firm-year observations of Chinese companies from 2008 to 2017. The sample was subsequently divided based on whether the company was a state-owned enterprise (SOE) and based on whether the company was based in a region of China with a more-developed and more market-oriented legal system.

Findings

The overall results indicate that audits of companies with pending litigation take 2.9 days longer than those of companies without pending litigation. For companies with multiple pending claims, each additional claim is associated with 1.9 more days of audit report lag. These effects are weaker for SOEs and for companies in regions of China with less developed legal systems. The results are consistent with the idea that auditors tailor their response to pending litigation based on the risk profile of the client, including consideration of SOE status and regional legal development.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to consider the potential effect of pending litigation (including claims not disclosed or recognized in financial statements) on audit report lags and how environmental business factors can influence this relationship.
Too much of a good thing? An assessment of the effects of competitive and cooperative action repertoires on firm performance
Authors: Turner Kyle , Harris Matthew C. , Crook T. Russell , Ranft Annette L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to integrate research on competitive and cooperative repertoires and to simultaneously assess the direct, indirect and curvilinear effects of competitive and cooperative action repertoires in relation to firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses are conducted using a longitudinal dual-industry sample of publicly traded firms, including over 6,500 competitive actions and 750 cooperative actions. The authors use fixed effects (FE) regression models to test the diminishing returns of action volume on firm performance as well as the moderating effects of action diversity.

Findings

The results suggest that increasing competitive and cooperative actions yields diminishing returns in relation to firm performance. Furthermore, in the context of competitive action repertoire diversity, increased diversity magnifies the diminishing returns of competitive action volume on firm performance.

Originality/value

The study provides a firm-level conceptualization of overall competitive and cooperative repertoires to extend the literature on competition and cooperation beyond dyadic interactions or structural determinants of competitive and cooperative actions.
Weathering the storm: what successful SMEs are doing to beat the pandemic
Authors: Marconatto Diego Antonio Bittencourt , Teixeira Emidio Gressler , Peixoto Gaspar Antônio , Faccin Kadigia
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the configurations of working capital and customer and supplier diversification employed by successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a combinatory methodology to analyze how 124 Brazilian SMEs configured – before and during the pandemic – the size of their working capital and their levels of dependency on clients and suppliers.

Findings

High levels of working capital and supplier diversification were found to be key to SMEs' ability to thrive before and during the pandemic. However, while SMEs that were growing prior to the pandemic depended on a few major customers, firms flourishing during this time have divided their sales among many clients.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on what configurations SMEs have adopted during the crisis. Qualitative studies are needed to identify how SMEs reconfigure themselves in the face of a major crisis.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that SMEs hit by the pandemic should avoid retrenchment strategies. They might have better chances of success if they embrace their vulnerability and take risks to foster growth.

Social implications

The results of the study can help SMEs respond to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, which has already caused the failure of millions of businesses worldwide.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical investigation of SMEs that are weathering the pandemic, and in this study, the authors have analyzed the three aspects of their operations, which have been struck the hardest by the crisis.
The impact of multinational companies on inequality in Western Balkan countries
Authors: Braha-Vokshi Leonita , Rexhepi Gadaf , Ramadani Veland , Abazi-Alili Hyrije , Sharif Arshian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact on income distribution from foreign investment and open trade. The research highlights the impact of multinational enterprises (MNEs) on inequality in Western Balkan (WB) countries from 2007 to 2019. The study seeks to answer a critical question: how do multinational corporations affect income distribution?

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses different techniques such as two-stage least squared, fixed and random effect estimators and generalised method of moments (GMM). The data was gathered from the United Nations Development Programme, World Bank Indicators (WB) and Slot’s World Standardised Income Inequality Database.

Findings

The interaction of multinational companies through foreign direct investment (FDI) has a significant impact on income inequality. This research paper indicates that the effect of FDI on income inequality is significant and has a negative effect on income inequality within WB countries. The results from the GMM estimator, therefore, demonstrate the hypothesis that multinational companies have a positive effect in WBs countries on reducing inequality.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution that this paper seeks to make is by the applying of incremental changing dimension or more specifically, through expanding existing knowledge. Based on a study of the prior articles, the authors found out that the majority of the papers discussed only income inequality or economic inequality or rarely education, but none of the papers examined all classifications of inequality in one paper. This paper’s second contribution is to calculate inequality not only by the Gini coefficient but also by the human development index. The study is unique in that it is the first to assess the impact of FDI on income distribution in WB countries. The research is unique in that it attempts to shed light on the impact of multinational corporations on inequality in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The findings of this study will help to develop new policies, new legislation, reducing inequity and support FDIs and MNEs for governments and policymakers.
Fiber length – the persuadable factor in making natural fiber composite: a review
Authors: Datta Mallika , Das Debasish , Nath Devarun
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study aims to review the literatures on the effect of fiber length on the mechanical response of natural fiber composite will help the researchers to know about the perspective of the various natural fibers in making of composite concerning fiber length. The review summarized the work of the other researchers, thereby unambiguously précised suitability of a specific natural fiber for a matrix in use. Thus, one can identify the use of the same fibers–matrix combination to obtain composites with different properties with the control of fiber/matrix interface.

Design/methodology/approach

The review work proposes a new kind of diagrammatic representation that expresses the influence of fiber length. This work has not been explored before in this specific format. The chronology of work may help to select natural fibers for use in composites for a specific matrix.

Findings

The length of the fiber perception in terms of “critical” length decides the need for pre-treatment process of natural fiber to improve shear stress at the interface for various matrices.

Originality/value

The current review paper attempts to shed light on the association between the fiber length of natural fiber and the mechanical response of natural fiber composite. Moreover, it probes the concepts of critical fiber length as a persuadable factor.
Parametric investigation of tool wear rate in EDM of Fe-based shape memory alloy: microstructural analysis and optimization using genetic algorithm
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Ravi Pratap , Trehan Rajeev
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to experimentally investigate the influence of considered process parameters, i.e. pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current and gap voltage, on tool wear rate (TWR) in electrical discharge machining (EDM) of iron (Fe)-based shape memory alloy (SMA) through designed experiments. The parametric optimization for TWR has also been attempted using the desirability approach and genetic algorithm (GA).

Design/methodology/approach

The response surface methodology (RSM) in the form of Box–Behnken design has been used to scheme out the experiments. The influence of considered process inputs has also been observed through variance analysis. The reliability and fitness of the developed mathematical model have been established with test results. Microstructure analysis of machined samples has also been evaluated and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images revealed the surface characteristics such as micro-cracks, craters and voids on the tool electrode surface. SEM images provide information about the surface integrity and type of wear on the surface of the tool electrode.

Findings

The input parameters, namely, pulse on time and pulse off time, are major influential factors impacting the TWR. High TWR has been reported at large pulse on time and small pulse off time conditions whereas higher TWR is reported at high peak current input settings. The maximum and minimum TWR values obtained are 0.073 g/min and 0.017 g/min, respectively. The optimization with desirability approach and GA reveals the best parametric values for TWR i.e. 0.01581 g/min and 0.00875 g/min at parametric combination as pulse on time = 60.83 µs, pulse off time = 112.16 µs, peak current = 18.64 A and gap voltage = 59.55 V, and pulse on time = 60 µs, pulse off time = 120 µs, peak current = 12 A and gap voltage = 40 V, correspondingly.

Research limitations/implications

Proposed work has no limitations.

Originality/value

SMAs have been well known for their superior and excellent properties, which make them an eligible candidate of paramount importance in real-life industrial applications such as orthopedic implants, actuators, micro tools, stents, coupling, sealing elements, aerospace components, defense instruments, manufacturing elements and bio-medical appliances. However, its effective and productive processing is still a challenge. Tool wear study while processing of SMAs in EDM process is an area which has been less investigated and of major concern for exploring the various properties of the tool and wear in it. Also, the developed mathematical model for TWR through the RSM approach will be helpful in industrial revelation.
Designing an IoT-based disinfectant gate for reducing the reproductive coefficient of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Malaysia
Authors: Abro Ghulam E. Mustafa , Mathur Nirbhay , Zulkifli Saiful Azrin B.M. , Kakar Malak Gulbadin Khan Gulbadin Khan , Pasupuleti Naga Swetha , Asirvadam Vijanth Sagayan Sagayan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has almost affected more than two million people and has taken more than one hundred thousand lives around the globe. At this current state, researchers are trying their best level to drive the permanent solution for this menace; hence, till now social distancing and hygienic lifestyle are the only solutions. This paper proposes a smart entrance disinfectant gate based on the sanitizer spray station and ultraviolet irradiation mechanisms. This innovative and embedded system design-oriented gate will first capture the image of the entrant, second, measure the temperature, third, spray the sanitizers and, last, provide the ultraviolet irradiation to make sure that the person entering any space may have fewer chances to carry coronavirus. The purpose of this study is to enable the IoT feature that helps the government officials to keep the data record of suspectable, exposed, infected and recovered people which will later help to reduce the reproductive co-efficient Ro of COVID-19 within any state of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current manuscript, design proposes a smart entrance disinfectant gate based on the sanitizer spray station and ultraviolet irradiation mechanisms. This design of the gate is enabled with the feature of the internet of things (IoT) and some efficient sensors along with computer vision facilities.

Findings

This paper bridges an academic research on COVID-19 and addresses IoT and data prediction-based solution to compute the reproductive number for this novel coronavirus.

Originality/value

This paper with the features such as hardware design, IoT and, last but not the least, data prediction and visualization makes this prototype one of its kind and provides approximate results for reproductive number (Ro)
The intraspecific variation of functional traits modulates drought resilience of European beech and pubescent oak
Authors: González de Andrés Ester , Rosas Teresa , Camarero Jesús Julio , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi
Published: July 2021

A higher frequency and intensity of droughts will impair forest productivity. Therefore, improving our understanding of which factors enhance tree growth resilience against drought has become a crucial issue, but we lack information at the intraspecific level.

In this study, we investigate the role played by climatic conditions and tree characteristics in the growth response to severe droughts in two deciduous Fagaceae species near their southern distribution limit: the temperate European beech Fagus sylvatica and the Mediterranean pubescent oak Quercus pubescens. The study area is located in Catalonia, NE Spain, where 149 trees were cored covering the water availability gradient of the species in the region. In addition, tree size (diameter and height) and an ensemble of stem, leaf and hydraulic traits were collected for each tree. Growth responses to extreme droughts during the period 1980–2015 were assessed using resilience indicators based on residual basal area increment series predicted by a model including growing season water balance.

Although resistance was unrelated to drought intensity, higher water availability improved recovery and reduced drought legacy effects. Taller trees showed higher resilience against drought, which could be explained by the relationship between the variation in tree height and functional traits, such as leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf turgor loss point and resistance to xylem embolism. For both species, trees with lower cavitation resistance, higher leaf nitrogen concentration and tighter stomatal regulation (suggested by less negative turgor loss point and carbon isotope composition) displayed better performance during and after severe droughts. Both species showed a progressive decrease in resilience and increase in legacy effects.

Synthesis. This study highlights the relevance of analysing intraspecific variation of functional traits involved in tree water and carbon balance to improve our understanding of the resilience and variability of growth responses to drought within species.
Epidemiology of paediatric burns in a tertiary centre in Hong Kong: A 10‐year review
Authors: Tan Teresa , Ko Wai‐shan , Chan Po‐ling , Tse Darryl Andrew , Chiu Tor‐wo
Published: July 2021

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology and outcomes of paediatric burn patients requiring admission in a tertiary burns centre in Hong Kong over a 10‐year period to help focus burn prevention efforts.

Method

A 10‐year retrospective review of 673 paediatric patients admitted to the Burns Unit at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, was carried out.

Results

Most of the burn injuries occurred at home (86.2%), and the vast majority of these burn injuries were due to accidents (99.6%). The majority of burns were caused by scalds (93.6%). There was no difference in number of admissions between the different seasons of the year (P = .798). The median total body surface area (TBSA) burn was 4.0% and the mean TBSA burn was 6.1%, ranging from 25% to 52%. Only 65.1% of patients received immediate first aid, out of which only 67.4% received proper first aid, translating to only 43.9% of patients having received what might be described as adequate first aid. As much as 22% of paediatric patients required surgical debridement and skin grafting of their burn wounds, and 23.2% of patients were noted to have hypertrophic scars on subsequent follow‐ups.

Conclusion

The leading cause of paediatric burns admission in Hong Kong is scalds, which mostly occur at home. More burn prevention campaign should be developed to decrease the incidence of paediatric burn injuries.
Late gastric band erosion mimicking diverticulitis and sepsis
Authors: Alam Fahreyar , Ng Sherwin , Farooq Dilawar , Haque Ali , Payne Richard
Published: July 2021

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remains a popular procedure in the management of obesity worldwide. Associated complications include band slippage, port site infections and more rarely, band erosion. Though less common, band erosion is a serious complication that needs to be recognised promptly and managed accordingly. Presentation is often vague, ranging from mild pain and reflux to weight regain. The majority of band erosions occur and present within the first 2 years post‐operatively. However, as this case report demonstrates, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for LAGB complications regardless of post‐operative duration. We present a rare case of very late complete band erosion in a 55 year old patient with known diverticular disease, presenting 10 years post‐operatively with sepsis and left iliac fossa peritonitis, mimicking severe diverticulitis.
The implication of interferon‐γ‐producing immunocompetent cells for evaluating disease activity and severity in adult‐onset Still’s disease
Authors: Ichikawa Takanori , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Ueno Ken‐ichi , Sekijima Yoshiki
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the relationship between interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), IFN‐γ‐producing immunocompetent cells, their related cytokines, and the clinical features in adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD).

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with AOSD before initiating treatment (acute AOSD), 9 patients after remission (remission AOSD), and 12 healthy controls (HC) were included. Circulating IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and IFN‐γ production in NK cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IFN‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐12, IL‐15, and IL‐18 were also measured. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with clinical findings.

Results

Serum levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐18, intracellular expression of IFN‐γ in CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells were significantly higher in acute AOSD than in HC. The proportion of NK cells was significantly lower in acute AOSD than in HC. Serum levels of IFN‐γ and IFN‐γ expression in CD4+ cells were significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels. The proportion of NK cells had a significant inverse correlation with serum IFN‐γ levels. A lower proportion of NK cells was significantly noted in patients refractory to initial immunosuppressive treatment. In remission AOSD, serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐12, and IL‐18 were significantly higher than in HC.

Conclusion

Increased serum levels of IFN‐γ, increased expression of IFN‐γ in CD4+ cells, and decreased NK cell proportion correlate with disease activity in AOSD. Moreover, a lower proportion of NK cells may be useful for predicting a refractory clinical course. Meanwhile, increased serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐12, and IL‐18 may persist after clinical remission.
Sexual dimorphic impact of adult‐onset somatopause on life span and age‐induced osteoarthritis
Authors: Poudel Sher Bahadur , Dixit Manisha , Yildirim Gozde , Cordoba‐Chacon Jose , Gahete Manuel D. , Yuji Ikeno , Kirsch Thorsten , Kineman Rhonda D. , Yakar Shoshana
Published: July 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent joint disease, is a major cause of disability worldwide. Growth hormone (GH) has been suggested to play significant roles in maintaining articular chondrocyte function and ultimately articular cartilage (AC) homeostasis. In humans, the age‐associated decline in GH levels was hypothesized to play a role in the etiology of OA. We studied the impact of adult‐onset isolated GH deficiency (AOiGHD) on the life span and skeletal integrity including the AC, in 23‐ to 30‐month‐old male and female mice on C57/BL6 genetic background. Reductions in GH during adulthood were associated with extended life span and reductions in body temperature in female mice only. However, end‐of‐life pathology revealed high levels of lymphomas in both sexes, independent of GH status. Skeletal characterization revealed increases in OA severity in AOiGHD mice, evidenced by AC degradation in both femur and tibia, and significantly increased osteophyte formation in AOiGHD females. AOiGHD males showed significant increases in the thickness of the synovial lining cell layer that was associated with increased markers of inflammation (IL‐6, iNOS). Furthermore, male AOiGHD showed significant increases in matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), p16, and β‐galactosidase immunoreactivity in the AC as compared to controls, indicating increased cell senescence. In conclusion, while the life span of AOiGHD females increased, their health span was compromised by high‐grade lymphomas and the development of severe OA. In contrast, AOiGHD males, which did not show extended life span, showed an overall low grade of lymphomas but exhibited significantly decreased health span, evidenced by increased OA severity.
Negative affect and alcohol craving in trauma‐exposed young adult drinkers
Authors: Berenz Erin C. , Edalatian Zakeri Shiva , Demos Alexander P. , Paltell Katherine C. , Bing‐Canar Hanaan , Kevorkian Salpi , Ranney Rachel
Published: July 2021

Background

Clinical research indicates that successful posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment does not lead to improvements in alcohol use outcomes in comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Emerging theory suggests that treating PTSD may not disrupt an association between negative affect and alcohol craving, which underlies negative reinforcement drinking. The goal of the current study was to determine the respective influences of PTSD symptoms, coping motives, and negative affect on trauma and alcohol cue reactivity to inform theoretical models of co‐occurring PTSD and AUD.

Methods

The sample consisted of 189 young adults (50.3% women; 49.2% current PTSD; 84.0% current AUD) who endorsed interpersonal trauma (e.g., sexual/physical assault) and current weekly alcohol use. Participants completed a trauma and alcohol cue reactivity assessment, in which subjective (e.g., craving, affect) and physiological (i.e., salivation) measures were recorded in response to 4 narrative (i.e., personalized trauma or standard neutral) and in vivo beverage (i.e., personalized alcohol or water) cue combinations.

Results

Forward‐fitted linear mixed‐effects (LME) models confirmed that trauma cue–elicited craving was elevated among those high but not low in PTSD symptoms, consistent with prior research and theory. Trauma cue–elicited craving was fully explained by increases in negative affect, with no evidence of a direct effect of trauma cue on craving. PTSD symptoms moderated an association between trauma cue and negative affect (but not negative affect and craving), and coping motives for alcohol moderated an association between negative affect and craving (but not trauma cue and negative affect).

Conclusions

This study provides novel laboratory evidence for the respective contributions of negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and coping motives on alcohol craving in trauma‐exposed drinkers. It offers a methodological framework in which to evaluate novel strategies that aim to disrupt negative reinforcement drinking in individuals with co‐occurring PTSD and AUD.
Partisan‐Motivated Evaluations of Sexual Misconduct and the Mitigating Role of the #MeToo Movement
Authors: Klar Samara , McCoy Alexandra
Published: July 2021

When individuals evaluate something as serious as sexual misconduct allegations in politics, they are often motivated to defend their party—but outside forces can reduce these partisan biases. We bridge work from political psychology with studies of social movements to theorize how the #MeToo movement helps to mitigate partisan‐motivated evaluations of sexual misconduct. With a two‐wave survey experiment, we find that partisans are more likely to view out‐party members as guilty of sexual misconduct and that individuals less likely to reflect are particularly biased in their evaluations. We then turn to the #MeToo movement and its potential to promote reflection. We show that support for #MeToo is associated with more evenhanded evaluations of sexual misconduct in politics, particularly among those unlikely to reflect on their own. This study contributes to our broader understanding of how movements can induce reflection and moderate partisan‐motivated reasoning among the mass public.
Antepartum evaluation of the obstetric conjugate at transabdominal 2D ultrasound: A feasibility study
Authors: Di Pasquo Elvira , Volpe Nicola , Labadini Corinne , Morganelli Giovanni , Di Tonto Andrea , Schera Giovanni B. L. , Rizzo Giuseppe , Frusca Tiziana , Ghi Tullio
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The obstetric conjugate represents the shortest anteroposterior diameter of the birth canal and it reflects the capacity of the pelvic inlet to allow the passage and the engagement of the fetal head. The antepartum evaluation of this parameter may be attempted at digital examination to predict the risk of cephalopelvic disproportion, but the accuracy of clinical pelvimetry is notoriously poor. The aim of our study was to describe the sonographic measurement of the obstetric conjugate at transabdominal 2D‐ultrasound and to assess its reproducibility.

Material and methods

This is a prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary University hospital. A non‐consecutive series of pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic for routine booking from 34 weeks of gestation onward were included. The ultrasound probe was longitudinally placed above the level of the symphysis and the interpubic fibrocartilaginous disk was visualized. Then the promontory was identified as the most prominent segment of the sacral vertebral column. The obstetric conjugate was measured as the distance between the inner edge of the interpubic disk and the promontory. The inter‐ and intraobserver repeatability of this measurement was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman method.

Results

In all, 119 women were considered eligible for the study; of these, 111/119 (93.3%) women were included in the analysis with a median gestational age of 36.0 (35.0–37.0) weeks. The mean obstetric conjugate measurement was 11.4 ± 0.93 cm for the first operator and 11.4 ± 0.91 cm for the second operator. The overall interobserver ICC was 0.95 (95% [confidence interval] CI 0.92–0.96) and the overall intraobserver ICC was 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.98). Limits of agreement ranged from −0.84 to 0.80 for interobserver measures and from −0.64 to 0.62 for intraobserver measures. The degree of reliability was also analyzed for women with a body mass index ≥30 and for women with a gestational age ≥37 weeks. The inter‐ and intraobserver ICCs were respectively 0.97 (95% CI 0.90–0.98) and 0.98 (0.95–0.99) in the former group and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93–0.98) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.98) in the latter group.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that among pregnant women at term gestation, sonographic measurement of the obstetric conjugate is feasible and reproducible.
Prospective study of dietary intake of branched‐chain amino acids and the risk of primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Hanyuda Akiko , Rosner Bernard A. , Wiggs Janey L. , Willett Walter C. , Tsubota Kazuo , Pasquale Louis R. , Kang Jae H.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Metabolomic and preclinical studies suggest that branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) may be inversely associated with neurodegenerative diseases including glaucoma. We therefore assessed the long‐term association between dietary intake of BCAA and incident primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and POAG subtypes.

Methods

We followed biennially participants of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 65 531 women: 1984–2016), Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (42 254 men: 1986–2016) and NHSII (66 904 women; 1991–2017). Eligible participants were 40+ years old and reported eye examinations. Repeated validated food frequency questionnaires were used to assess dietary intake of BCAA. Incident cases of POAG and POAG subtypes defined by visual field (VF) loss and untreated intraocular pressure (IOP) were confirmed by medical record review. Multivariable‐adjusted relative risks (MVRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

We identified 1946 incident POAG cases. The pooled MVRRs of POAG for the highest quintile (Q5 = 17.1 g/day) versus lowest quintile (Q1 = 11.2 g/day) of total BCAA intake was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.73–1.19; ptrend = 0.45; pheterogeneity by sex = 0.24). For subtypes of POAG defined by IOP level or POAG with only peripheral VF loss, no associations were observed for men or women (ptrend ≥ 0.20); however, for the POAG subtype with early paracentral VF loss, there was a suggestion of an inverse association in women (MVRRQ5versusQ1 = 0.80 [95% CI, 0.57–1.12; ptrend = 0.12]) but not in men (MVRRQ5versusQ1 = 1.38 [95% CI, 0.81–2.34; ptrend = 0.28; pheterogeneity by sex = 0.06]).

Conclusion

Higher dietary intake of BCAA was not associated with POAG risk.
Adverse events following immunization with bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Gao Jun , Kang Guodong , Hu Ran , Zhang Lei , Yu Jing , Wang Zhiguo , Tang Fenyang
Published: July 2021

Aims

The bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV; Sabin types 1 and 3) replaced the trivalent OPV (Sabin types 1, 2 and 3) globally in April 2016. A routine schedule of 1 dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine and 3 subsequent doses of bOPV was implemented in Jiangsu simultaneously. The schedule was changed to 2 inactivated poliovirus vaccines + 2 bOPV on 1 September 2019. Although OPV type 2 has been removed, challenges persist because of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) with bOPV. Therefore, we analysed and evaluated the safety profile of bOPV administered in children based on passive postmarketing AEFI surveillance.

Methods

We collected all bOPV‐related AEFI reports in Jiangsu from the Chinese National AEFI Information System (CNAEFIS) between May 2016 and April 2020. We obtained the administered doses of bOPV from the Jiangsu Provincial Electronic Immunization Registries System. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

In total, 2084 bOPV‐related AEFIs were retrieved from the CNAEFIS. The overall reporting rate was 24.16 per 100 000 doses. Most AEFIs were nonserious. The most frequently reported symptoms were fever, rash and gastrointestinal disorders. Only 1.34% of AEFIs were serious, which thrombocytopenic purpura accounted for the largest category. Seventeen serious adverse events, including 2 vaccine‐associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) cases, were considered to be related to bOPV vaccination. The rate of VAPP was 0.2 per million doses.

Conclusion

AEFI analysis showed that bOPV was well tolerated. The events most frequently reported were nonserious. However, bOPV can still cause VAPP. Attention should be given to risks related to bOPV.
Mycophenolic acid and cancer risk in solid organ transplant recipients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hirunsatitpron Pannaphak , Hanprasertpong Nutthiya , Noppakun Kajohnsak , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Teekachunhatean Supanimit , Koonrungsesomboon Nut
Published: July 2021

Aim

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressive drug commonly used for prophylaxis of graft rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. The main concern with the prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs is the risk of developing cancer. However, it remains unclear whether the immunosuppressive regimens containing MPA confer an increased degree of cancer risk. The present study aimed to determine the association between MPA exposure and the incidence of cancer in solid organ transplant recipients.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Relevant articles that had findings on the incidence (or event) of cancer in cohorts with and without MPA exposure were retrieved for data extraction. A meta‐analysis was conducted by means of the random‐effects model, and the relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used as a summary effect measure.

Results

A total of 39 studies were eligible for inclusion, with 32 studies that enabled meta‐analysis. MPA exposure was significantly associated with a lower risk of cancer when compared to azathioprine exposure (RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.53‐0.81, P < .001) or no exposure to any additional treatments (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73‐0.99, P = .04). There was no significant difference in cancer risk for the comparison between MPA exposure and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor exposure (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.96‐2.46, P = .07).

Conclusions

MPA exposure was not associated with an increased risk of cancer and may even be associated with a lower risk of cancer when compared to azathioprine or no treatment.
Geographic and socioeconomic inequalities in cesarean birth rates in Peru: A comparison between 2009 and 2018
Authors: Hernández‐Vásquez Akram , Chacón‐Torrico Horacio , Bendezu‐Quispe Guido
Published: July 2021

Background

There is a global concern about the high rates of cesarean birth (CB). This study aimed to investigate the geographic and socioeconomic inequalities in CB rates in the Peruvian population.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study using the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Surveys (ENDES, the Spanish acronym for Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar) between 2009 and 2018. ENDES reported data from births registered in the five years preceding survey execution. For the years 2009 (n = 10 289) and 2018 (n = 23 077), we calculated the weighted rates of CB among variables such as natural geographic domain (Coast, Andean, or Amazon), area of residence (rural or urban), wealth index quintile (quintile 1 is poorest, and quintile 5 is richest), and educational level. To assess inequalities, we calculated the concentration index (CIs), the slope index of inequality (SII), and the relative index of inequality (RII).

Results

The CB rates by year were 21.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.0‐22.9) in 2009 and 34.5% (95% CI: 33.4‐35.5) in 2018. Women living in urban and coastal regions and with a higher education level had the highest CB rates. All the CIs were positive, reflecting a prowealthy inequality in CB rates, and both SII and RII were positive, indicating a gap between the use of cesarean in women in the higher wealth quintile compared with those in the lower quintile.

Conclusions

Cesarean birth rates have increased by 60% during the last decade in Peru. The richest wealth quintiles had the highest CB rates during the study years, which were well above global recommendations.
GJB5 association with BRAF mutation and survival in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Scatolini M. , Patel A. , Grosso E. , Mello-Grand M. , Ostano P. , Coppo R. , Vitiello M. , Venesio T. , Zaccagna A. , Pisacane A. , Sarotto I. , Taverna D. , Poliseno L. , Bergamaschi D. , Chiorino G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Gap-junctional intercellular communication is crucial for epidermal cellular homeostasis. Inability to establish melanocyte–keratinocyte contact and loss of the intercellular junction’s integrity may contribute to melanoma development. Connexins, laminins and desmocollins have been implicated in the control of melanoma growth, where their reduced expression has been reported in metastatic lesions.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate connexin 31·1 (GJB5) expression and identify any association with BRAF mutational status, prognosis of patients with melanoma and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (MAPKi) treatment.

Methods

GJB5 expression was measured at RNA and protein level in melanoma clinical samples and established cell lines treated (or not) with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MEKi), as well as in cell lines which developed MAPKi resistance. Findings were further validated and confirmed by analysis of independent datasets.

Results

Our analysis reveals significant downregulation of GJB5 expression in metastatic melanoma lesions compared with primary ones and in BRAF-mutated vs. BRAF-wildtype (BRAFWT) melanomas. Likewise, GJB5 expression is significantly lower in BRAFV600E compared with BRAFWT cell lines and increases on MAPKi treatment. MAPKi-resistant melanoma cells display a similar expression pattern compared with BRAFWT cells, with increased GJB5 expression associated with morphological changes. Enhancement of BRAFV600E expression in BRAFWT melanoma cells significantly upregulates miR-335-5p expression with consequent downregulation of GJB5, one of its targets. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-335-5p in two BRAFWT cell lines confirms specific GJB5 protein downregulation. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis also revealed upregulation of miR-335 in BRAFV600E melanoma cells, which is significantly downregulated in cells resistant to MEKi. Our data were further validated using the TCGA_SKCM dataset, where BRAF mutations associate with increased miR-335 expression and inversely correlate with GJB5 expression. In clinical samples, GJB5 underexpression is also associated with patient overall worse survival, especially at early stages.

Conclusions
The relationship between executive functioning and self‐regulated learning in Australian children
Authors: Davis Helen , Valcan Debora Similieana , Pino‐Pasternak Deborah
Published: July 2021

Executive functioning (EF) and self‐regulated learning (SRL) are established predictors of academic achievement, both concurrent and future. Although it has been theorized that EF development enables SRL in early childhood, this directional model remains empirically untested against plausible alternatives. Thus, this study investigated the longitudinal relations between children’s EF and SRL during the transition from kindergarten to Year 1 in an Australian sample to determine the direction and strength of the association between EF and SRL. We compared four directional models and also tested whether EF and SRL can be construed as manifestations of a common factor. Children’s EF was assessed using a battery of tasks tapping working memory, inhibition, and shifting, and their SRL was assessed by teachers using the Checklist of Independent Learning Development. Cross‐lagged structural equation modelling analyses were conducted on a longitudinal dataset of 176 children at the end of kindergarten (age M = 5 years, 8 months; SD = 4.02 months), and 1 year later (age M = 6 years, 5 months; SD = 3.65 months). EF predicted SRL longitudinally (β= .58, controlling for kindergarten SRL), consistent with common assumptions, whereas SRL did not predict EF. However, the common factor model also fit the data very well. We concluded that EF and SRL are indeed related concurrently and longitudinally but that further evidence is needed to disambiguate whether EF is best understood as a necessary antecedent of SRL development in early childhood, or whether they reflect the same general construct.
Holistic face processing is influenced by non‐conscious visual information
Authors: Jin Haiyang , Oxner Matt , Corballis Paul M. , Hayward William G.
Published: July 2021

Holistic face processing has been widely implicated in conscious face perception. Yet, little is known about whether holistic face processing occurs when faces are processed unconsciously. The present study used the composite face task and continuous flash suppression (CFS) to inspect whether the processing of target facial information (the top half of a face) is influenced by irrelevant information (the bottom half) that is presented unconsciously. Results of multiple experiments showed that the composite effect was observed in both monocular and CFS conditions, providing the first evidence that the processing of top facial halves is influenced by the aligned bottom halves no matter whether they are presented consciously or unconsciously. However, much of the composite effect for faces without masking was disrupted when bottom facial parts were rendered with CFS. These results suggest that holistic face processing can occur unconsciously, but also highlight the significance of holistic processing of consciously presented faces.
Systematic spacing and topological variations in layer‐bound fault systems
Authors: Ireland Mark T. , Morley Chris K. , Davies Richard J.
Published: July 2021

Polygonal fault systems, sometimes termed layer‐bound faults, are extraordinary features of many fine‐grained sedimentary successions and have been described in a significant number of sedimentary basins over the last two decades. Their formation represents an important mechanism by which fine‐grained sediments compact often resulting in a variety of complex patterns for which several controlling factors have been proposed. Here, three‐dimensional seismic data from the North West Shelf of Australia are used to interpret previously undescribed characteristics of layer‐bound fault systems where systematic horst and graben structures are the dominant structural style. Conjugate fault pairs, which form the horsts and grabens, frequently have a systematic spacing with graben‐bounding faults exhibiting a spacing of half that of the horst‐bounding faults. This systematic spacing of fault pairs indicates, (a) the presence of a mechanically weaker layer at the base of the fault system and (b) that the horizontal shortening required by the volume loss due to compaction can be accommodated without reaching saturation with respect to fault intensity. Furthermore, topological analysis indicates that areas with different patterns also have different intersection and branch characteristics, and these differences suggest that the growth of layer‐bound faults is not explained by a single model. The findings have implications for the genesis and growth of layer‐bound fault systems and the potential for cross‐stratal fluid flow.