bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of board independence on dividend policy in controlling agency problems in family firms
Authors: Kilincarslan Erhan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of board independence on the cash dividend payments of family firms listed on the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) in balancing controlling families’ power to mitigate agency problems between family and minority shareholders in the post-2012 period. The authors focus on this period because Turkish authorities implemented mandatory regulations on the employment of independent directors on boards from fiscal year 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model uses a panel dataset of 153 BIST-listed family firms over the period 2012–2017, employs alternative dependent variables and regression techniques and is applied to various sub-groups to improve robustness.

Findings

The empirical results show a strong positive effect of board independence on dividend decisions. The authors further detect that family directorship exhibits a negative effect, whereas both board size and audit committees have positive influences but chief executive officer (CEO)/duality has had no significant impact on the dividend policies of Turkish family firms since the new compulsory legal requirements in the Turkish market.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that independent directorship and dividend policy are complementary governance mechanisms to reduce agency conflicts between families and minority shareholders in Turkey, which is a civil law-based emerging country characterized by high family ownership concentration.

Practical implications

The authors present evidence that Turkish family firms’ corporate boards have evolved, to some extent, from being managerial rubber stamps to more independent boards that raise opposing voices in family decision-making. However, independent directors’ preference for dividend-induced capital market monitoring implies that their direct monitoring is less effective than it is supposed to be. This suggests a need to revise the Turkish Corporate Governance Principles to enhance independent directors’ monitoring and supervisory power.

Originality/value

This is thought to be the first study to provide insights on how board independence influences dividend policy in controlling agency problems in Turkish family firms since Turkish authorities introduced compulsory rules on the employment of independent directors on boards.
A systematic review of factors affecting post-disaster reconstruction projects resilience
Authors: Charles Shawn Hezron , Chang-Richards Alice Yan , Yiu Tak Wing
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the literature on resilience factors applied to post-disaster reconstruction projects and to develop a guiding framework to assist in their strategic selection and application.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was undertaken on the literature’s account in four major bibliographic databases to elicit resilience factors contributing to improving post-disaster reconstruction projects' robustness. Through summative content analysis and open-coding of research outputs over the past decade, the factors identified informed the development of a conceptual framework that can significantly impact the built environment’s resilience development process.

Findings

The review found 24 resilience factors open-coded into five criteria groups: governance, innovations, reconstruction approaches, resource management and stakeholder expectations. While these factors have influenced reconstruction projects, the recently increased participation of clients and end-users in construction management accentuates their strategic selection and applications.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on English language articles; therefore, any claim to a comprehensive resilience factors listing can be amiss. The framework provides a platform for developing clear measurement indicators for allocating project resources and determining resilience deficiencies.

Practical implications

Results confirm the designs and assessment of a resilient built environment extends beyond the traditional structural characteristics, but includes the ability of the integrated network of buildings and infrastructure to support the continuous delivery of the community’s social and economic services in normal and post-disaster settings.

Originality/value

The review is very specific as it attempts to develop a novel conceptual framework for guiding developers and practitioners in the application of resiliency to post-disaster reconstruction projects.
Modelling the relationship between value management’s activities and critical success factors for sustainable buildings
Authors: Farouk Kineber Ahmed , Othman Idris Bin , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of value management (VM) critical success factors (CSFs) on the implementation of VM activities in building projects with a view to promoting sustainability of construction industry in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The VM CSFs and implementation activities were recognized from earlier studies; questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from relevant stakeholders, and the collected data was subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Consequently, the influence of VM CSFs on VM implementation was generated via partial least square structural equation modelling. In addition, through relative importance ranking analysis, the significance VM CSFs were examined.

Findings

The findings from the proposed model revealed a strong relationship between VM implementation activities and its CSFs; the relationship is at a moderate level with an effect of 22.0%. This indicates that, VM CSFs would be useful to implement VM in the Egyptian building industry.

Research limitations/implications

Although these studies have been confined to Egypt’s VM studies; they may apply to other developing countries that have not carried out these studies. It is therefore vital, in those countries where the exercise has been entirely undertaken, to analyze the various measures to promote the application of the method.

Practical implications

This research would be of benefit to stakeholders in building industries to be aware of VM phases and its CSFs that demand utmost consideration. Also, the identified CSFs are expected to enhance the success and value of building projects by adopting VM.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research work will be a benchmark or board for decision-makers to eliminate the unwanted cost and enhance quality by adopting VM in Egypt’s building projects to achieve their sustainable projects.
Monetary and macroprudential policies in the presence of external shocks: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Lubis Alexander , Alexiou Constantinos , Nellis Joseph G.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of using the reserve requirements, combined with foreign exchange (FX) intervention, as key instruments in an inflation-targeting framework.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) framework and using Bayesian techniques, the authors estimate a model for the Indonesian economy using quarterly data spanning the period 2005Q2–2019Q4.

Findings

The reserve requirement is found to assume a complementary role to that of the interest rate policy and FX intervention when used to stabilise the macroeconomy.

Originality/value

This paper provides a benchmark for other emerging countries that consider adopting the inflation targeting framework and impose an FX intervention as part of their monetary policy.
Mergers by family firms and managerial delegation: a Cournot model and empirical evidence from Spain
Authors: Antelo Manel , Peón David , Martínez-Filgueira Xosé-Manuel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse a key research hypothesis: Do firms ruled by managers have a greater rationale to implement a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) than (family) firms managed by their owners?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an organizational-delegation-quantity oligopoly game to examine the profitability of M&As for firms that strategically delegate production decisions to managers versus family firms with no strategic delegation. This paper delimits the condition for delegation as aimed at increasing merger profitability: non-family CEOs will implement mergers more frequently than family CEOs and more so for inefficient firms because these require fewer synergies. The paper tests the main propositions with data on all M&As by small and medium firms in Spain in 2017 and 2018.

Findings

The greater the average operating margin of a firm, the more likely a merger, which is also more likely between non-family firms. The evidence of higher ex post synergies by firms is not statistically significant due to large variability, suggesting that some family firms did not obtain the expected ex ante synergies. The lesson is that family firms competing in an environment of high marginal costs (e.g. industries in the early stage of the life cycle) seeking to grow through inorganic means such as M&As have an incentive to professionalize management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper models competition in a Cournot fashion, representative of industries where firms compete in terms of sales growth and increased market share. Other results might hold in industries where firms are oriented to price competition or to service differentiation. The empirical research uses proxies for key variables such as the form of firm governance and unit costs, while hypotheses on ex ante synergies driving merger decisions had to be tested through ex post synergies.

Originality/value

M&As by small firms and family firms remain largely unexplored in the literature. This paper contributes with both a theoretical model and empirical research that highlight the implications of strategic delegation contracts for M&A deals.
Digital project driven supply chains: a new paradigm
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjay , Chatterjee Arup
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrated framework for digital project-driven supply chains (PDSC) to address multiple objectives in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and, Operations and Maintenance (AECO) value chain. Additionally, the following sub-objectives were also to be addressed: to assess emerging themes of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in AECO and to identify lacunae in existing project supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The research relies on qualitative approaches and mixed methodologies, for building theories based on domain expert interviews and questionnaire surveys administered on industry professionals. Hypothesis testing has been used to analyze data and identify significant 4IR technology applications and evolve a PDSC framework to address multiple objectives in the AECO context.

Findings

4IR technologies can completely revolutionize AECO supply chains and catapult the discipline into a completely new paradigm. The immense computing power unleashed can contribute to enhancing effectiveness in delivery. Technologies such as the Internet of Things, Internet of Services, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Smart Factory, 3 D-Printing, Cyber-Physical Systems or Embedded Systems, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Robotics hold immense future potential. The study proposes an integrated framework to address the multiple objectives of improved project delivery, increased productivity and cost savings, activity monitoring, reporting and agility, better workflow processes and reduction of wastage.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers ideas for complete integration of the AECO supply chain to deliver value to end customers. It, however, relies on opinions, perspectives and recollections of respondents, which is its limitation. Their opinion is expected to be influenced by their domain and project expertise.

Practical implications

In today’s global environment, information and data management is a meaningful intermediary in 4IR. It can be delivered with the aid of the cloud to collect, appraise and evaluate data efficiently; faster machine operations to manufacture quality goods at a lower cost; boost productivity; and competitiveness in AECO companies. Appropriate exchange of information and knowledge transfer will lead to innovation, effective communication in terms of frequency and quality of information; willingness to share information to improve overall performance; commitment to a common goal and mutual support; and continuous innovative effort.

Originality/value

This paper suggests fresh perspectives to integrated digital project-driven supply chains propelled by 4IR technologies, with a purpose to deliver multiple project objectives and end-customer value addition.
Burdens among familial caregivers of stroke survivors: a literature review
Authors: Suksatan Wanich , Collins Codey J. , Koontalay Apinya , Posai Vachira
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and examine burden(s) among stroke survivors’ familial caregivers for the purposes of future mitigation of such burdens. The purpose is so because these caregivers become the persons responsible for monitoring the daily living activities of their patients and are thus tasked with providing and managing a whole host of recovery, therapy and re-integrative activities to rebalance and re-establish the physical, mental and social well-being of patients.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review summarized and synthesized existing literature about the burden(s) caregivers experience and the effects upon them across four primary spheres of influence.

Findings

Familial caregivers of stroke survivors suffer from high levels of “care burden” because they are the primary participant in the planning and provisioning of care to the patients. Care burden is examined across four primary spheres of influence: physical, psychological, social and economic impacts. The current review shows that familial caregivers experience substantive impacts across all four spheres.

Originality/value

A professional multidisciplinary team should support caregivers of stroke survivors. To do this, support should be considered among the patient’s overall family system, as well as expanded to address and consider the specifically designated caregivers’ social circles which at a minimum often consists of co-workers, friends and inter-familial relationships. Ideally, caregiver support would also consist of medical and professional case workers that can address further, and in an integrative delivery approach, all four of the highlighted spheres of influence to establish a “best practices” orientation to familial caregivers.
It's a Small World: The Importance of Social Connections with Auditors to Mutual Fund Managers’ Portfolio Decisions
Authors: CHEN YANGYANG , HUANG JUN , LI TING , PITTMAN JEFFREY
Published: July 2021

We find that mutual funds whose managers are socially connected with firm auditors hold more shares of these firms and generate superior portfolio returns. Cross‐sectional results reveal that the relation between social connections and mutual fund stockholdings is more pronounced: when the social connections are stronger, when the auditor is in a better position or has stronger incentives to acquire private information, when the fund manager exercises more power, for small audit firms, for auditors in areas with poor investor protection, and for public firms with greater business opacity or private information. Other results are consistent with fund managers electing to schedule their corporate site visits to coincide with the fieldwork of their connected auditors, as would be expected if fund managers time their visits to meet with these auditors to facilitate information transfer. Additionally, we observe associations between fund trading prior to earnings surprises and audit opinions, and the presence of social connections between fund managers and firm auditors. Finally, we show that mutual funds and firms in which they invest tend to appoint connected auditors and pay them higher fees. Collectively, we document empirical patterns that would arise if socially connected auditors and mutual fund managers share information.
Growth assessment of children during the COVID‐19 pandemic—Can we rely on parental measurements?
Authors: Tenenbaum Ariel , Shefer‐Averbuch Noa , Lazar Liora , Yakobovitch‐Gavan Michal , Phillip Moshe , Oron Tal
Published: July 2021

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic prompted the rapid development of remote medical services. During lockdown periods, children's growth data were obtained from parents’ home assessments. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of home height and weight measurements and analyse their utility in clinical decision‐making.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐centre observational study. Children aged 3–18 years were measured for weight and height at home using guidance provided to parents on proper measurements techniques before subsequent professional re‐evaluation at our endocrine institution clinic. The two sets of measurements were compared and analysed according to various clinical parameters.

Results

Height measurements at home and in the clinic were comparable (diff = 0.1 ± 1.3cm, p = 0.42) amongst the 107 children (mean age 10.2 ± 3.7, 56.1% males) participating in the study, except in overweight and obese children where they were significantly higher in the clinic (diff = 0.86 ± 1.48cm, p = 0.018). Weight and BMI were significantly higher in the clinic (diff = 0.45 ± 0.8kg and diff = 0.3 ± 0.6kg/m2, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Height measurements of children by their parents were accurate except in obese and overweight children, whereas weight measurements tended to be lower than in the clinic. With proper guidance, parents’ home measurements of height and weight are accurate and suitable for clinical decision‐making.
The ability of Bayley‐III scores to predict later intelligence in children born extremely preterm
Authors: Månsson Johanna , Källén Karin , Eklöf Eva , Serenius Fredrik , Ådén Ulrika , Stjernqvist Karin
Published: July 2021

Aim

To investigate the ability of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development—Third Edition (Bayley‐III), scores to predict later Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fourth Edition (WISC‐IV), performances in a cohort of children born extremely preterm.

Methods

323 children, born <27 gestational weeks, were tested with the Bayley‐III at corrected age 2.5 years and with the WISC‐IV at 6.5 years. Regression analyses investigated the association between Bayley‐III scores and WISC‐IV full‐scale intelligence quotient (IQ). The ability of Bayley‐III Cognitive Index scores to predict low IQ was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Bayley‐III Cognitive Index scores and IQ had a moderately positive correlation and accounted for 38% of the IQ variance. Using a Bayley‐III cut‐off score of 70, the sensitivity to detect children with IQ<70 was 18%, and false positive rate was 7%. A Bayley‐III cut‐off score of 85 corresponded to sensitivity and false positive rates of 44% and 7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Results emphasise the relative importance of Bayley‐III Cognitive Index scores as predictors of IQ. An 85 score cut‐off for suspecting subnormal IQ is supported. A less conservative threshold would increase identification of true cases yet increase the risk of wrongly diagnosing children.
A review of okara (soybean curd residue) utilization as animal feed: Nutritive value and animal performance aspects
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mijanur , Mat Khairiyah , Ishigaki Genki , Akashi Ryo
Published: July 2021

Year by year, huge quantities of by‐products are generated during the manufacturing process of soybean‐based products. Okara is one of the by‐products, and it is an insoluble portion of the soybean. It consists of high moisture (8.4–22.9%); on dry matter basis, it contains high metabolizable energy (9.0–14.2 MJ/kg) and other components that include crude protein (20.9–39.1%), crude fiber (12.2–61.3%), crude fat (4.9–21.5%), and ash (3.4–5.3%). Fermentation of okara improves its nutritional quality and reduces its anti‐nutrient contents. Due to animals' palatability, okara can be used to replace the soybean meal/concentrate feed partially or completely in ruminant's diet and partially in nonruminant's diet. Okara feeding does not depress the intake, digestibility, growth, milk production, blood metabolic profiles, and meat quality of animals. However, this by‐product decays quickly due to its high moisture content, and its heavy weight and sticky nature make it difficult to process and expensive to dry using conventional methods. This paper thoroughly summarizes the utilization of okara as animal feed in the cause of developing a general guideline with favorable levels of inclusion in the diets of animals for its exploitation and valorization. This review will encourage further research to develop eco‐friendly and value added feed for animals.
Evidence of gene–gene interaction in hidradenitis suppurativa: a nationwide registry study of Danish twins
Authors: Kjærsgaard Andersen R. , Clemmensen S.B. , Larsen L.A. , Hjelmborg J.v.B. , Ødum N. , Jemec G.B.E. , Christensen K.
Published: July 2021

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease that, apart from rare causative loss-of-function mutations, has a widely unknown genetic aetiology.

Objectives

To estimate the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors underlying susceptibility to HS.

Methods

Via the Danish Twin Registry and the Danish National Patient Registry we pulled together information on zygosity with that of HS status. Cases of HS were identified by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-8 (705·91) and ICD-10 (L73·2). Heritability was assessed by the classic biometric model and the possibility of gene–gene interaction via the multilocus modelling approach.

Results

Among 100 044 registered twins, we found 170 twins (from 163 pairs) diagnosed with HS. The seven concordant pairs were all monozygotic. Monozygotic twins had a case-wise concordance rate of 28% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7–49], corresponding to a familial risk of 73 (95% CI 13–133) times that of the background population. The biometrical modelling suggested a heritability of 0·80 (95% CI 0·67–0·93), and the multilocus index estimate was 230 (95% CI 60–400). This is highly indicative of gene–gene interactions, with the possibility of up to six interacting loci.

Conclusions

This twin study was substantially larger and employed a more valid phenotype than previous studies. Genetics account for the majority of HS susceptibility, and HS is most likely caused by gene–gene interactions rather than monogenetic mutations or solely additive genetic factors. New approaches aimed at assessing potential interactions at a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)–SNP level should be implemented in future HS genome-wide association studies.
Self‐objectification in women predicts approval motivation in online self‐presentation
Authors: Chen Shilei , van Tilburg Wijnand A. P. , Leman Patrick J.
Published: July 2021

Researchers have examined self‐objectification – viewing oneself as an object rather than a subject – in terms of its impact on intrapersonal factors, such as mental health and cognitive performance. However, few have examined how self‐objectification relates to interpersonal factors. The present research addressed this gap by testing the impact of self‐objectification on social approval motivation among women. Study 1 (n = 103) found that individual differences in self‐objectification correlated positively with approval motivation. Study 2 (n = 94) replicated these results and found that women who reported higher self‐objectification were more willing to modify their social media profile pictures unrealistically. In Study 3 (n = 100), higher self‐objectifying women were more willing to unrealistically modify their profile pictures even if this exceeded normative levels, which was replicated in Study 4 (n = 199). These results suggest that women’s self‐objectification is associated with a desire for approval from others and this desire manifests in a willingness to modify self‐presentation.
Direct measurement of near‐nano‐Newton forces developed by self‐organizing actomyosin fibers bound α‐catenin
Authors: Sonam Surabhi , Nguyen‐Vigouroux Clémence , Jégou Antoine , Romet‐Lemonne Guillaume , Le Clainche Christophe , Ladoux Benoit , Mège René Marc
Published: July 2021

Background Information

Actin cytoskeleton contractility plays a critical role in morphogenetic processes by generating forces that are then transmitted to cell–cell and cell‐ECM adhesion complexes. In turn, mechanical properties of the environment are sensed and transmitted to the cytoskeleton at cell adhesion sites, influencing cellular processes such as cell migration, differentiation and survival. Anchoring of the actomyosin cytoskeleton to adhesion sites is mediated by adaptor proteins such as talin or α‐catenin that link F‐actin to transmembrane cell adhesion receptors, thereby allowing mechanical coupling between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Thus, a key issue is to be able to measure the forces generated by actomyosin and transmitted to the adhesion complexes. Approaches developed in cells and those probing single molecule mechanical properties of α‐catenin molecules allowed to identify α‐catenin, an F‐actin binding protein which binds to the cadherin complexes as a major player in cadherin‐based mechanotransduction. However, it is still very difficult to bridge intercellular forces measured at cellular levels and those measured at the single‐molecule level.

Results

Here, we applied an intermediate approach allowing reconstruction of the actomyosin‐α‐catenin complex in acellular conditions to probe directly the transmitted forces. For this, we combined micropatterning of purified α‐catenin and spontaneous actomyosin network assembly in the presence of G‐actin and Myosin II with microforce sensor arrays used so far to measure cell‐generated forces.

Conclusions

Using this method, we show that self‐organizing actomyosin bundles bound to micrometric α‐catenin patches can apply near‐nano‐Newton forces.

Significance

Our results pave the way for future studies on molecular/cellular mechanotransduction and mechanosensing.
How Do China's Importing Firms Respond to Non‐tariff Measures?
Authors: Hu Xiaodan , Tian Yunhua , Zhou Yanping , Feng Lu
Published: July 2021

After the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, most countries gradually reduced their import tariffs to a fairly low level. However, the reduced tariffs could not be simply read as a reduction in trade barriers. Indeed, many suspect that countries tend to use more non‐tariff measures (NTMs), substituting them for tariff barriers, to protect their domestic economies. This paper uses newly compiled and detailed Chinese NTM data, together with highly disaggregated firm import data and manufacturing firm operational data, to investigate the impact of China's import‐related NTMs on firm imports. The main empirical results show that, as in the case of tariff barriers, China's trade policy NTMs mainly inhibit firms’ intermediate imports. In contrast, China's public policy NTMs significantly improve the intensive and extensive margins of firm's intermediate imports and raise the prices and quality of imported inputs. The greater the extent to which a firm engages in processing trade, the larger is the promoting effect of public policy NTMs on the firm's import margins for intermediate inputs, and the greater is the restricting effect on the prices and the quality of the firm's imported inputs.
Impacts of Import Refusals on Agricultural Exports during Pandemics: Implications for China
Authors: Mao Rui , Jia Ziyi , Chen Kevin
Published: July 2021

Pandemic outbreaks disrupt agricultural trade. The possible strengthening of import barriers to products from countries at the epicenter of a pandemic by their trade partners could aggravate this situation. This paper examines the responses of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), import refusals, and subsequent trade impacts on the agricultural exports from the developing countries that were the epicenters of four pandemics in the past two decades. Using monthly data for the period 2002–2020, we find increased import refusals and amplified trade‐impeding impacts on agricultural exports during pandemic outbreaks. Increased import refusals and the amplification of the trade‐impeding effect of import refusals were especially large when China was the epicenter. We further examine possible differences in these results across products and FDA inspection methods, and the main conclusions remain robust. This paper offers a better understanding of the economic outcomes of pandemic outbreaks and provides policy suggestions for China.
Figurierte Erytheme – Aktueller Stand und diagnostisches Vorgehen
Authors: Boehner Alexander , Neuhauser Ruth , Zink Alexander , Ring Johannes
Published: July 2021

Figurierte Erytheme (FE) sind eine ätiopathophysiologisch heterogene Gruppe von Erkrankungen mit typischen anulären erythematösen Hautveränderungen. Die Diagnose wird in erster Linie aufgrund des klinischen Bildes in Verbindung mit histologischen Befunden gestellt; oft handelt es sich um Ausschlussdiagnosen. Während einige Autoren FE eher als Reaktionsmuster denn als eigenständige klinische Entitäten betrachten, identifizierten andere vier klassische FE: Erythema anulare centrifugum, Erythema gyratum repens, Erythema migrans und Erythema marginatum. Die Differenzialdiagnosen der FE sind vielfältig und oft schwierig. Wir schlagen daher einen diagnostischen Algorithmus für FE vor, der die Diagnosen nach zeitlicher Entwicklung und klinisch‐histologischem Phänotyp der verschiedenen Subtypen unterscheidet. Da einige FE in Verbindung mit Malignomen auftreten können, sind umsichtige Ärzte beim Umgang mit diesen Entitäten gefragt.
Known and new facts on basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Seidl‐Philipp Magdalena , Frischhut Nina , Höllweger Nicole , Schmuth Matthias , Nguyen Van Anh
Published: July 2021

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor in light‐skinned people and amounts to about 75 % of all cases of skin cancer. Increasing incidence rates have been reported for decades all over the world. The main risk factors include UV radiation, male sex, light skin type, advanced age, long‐term immunosuppression, a positive individual or family history, and certain genodermatoses. BCC metastasizes only rarely, and its mortality is low, but it is associated with significant morbidity. Genetic mutations especially in the hedgehog pathway play an important role in BCC pathogenesis. Non‐invasive procedures such as optical coherence tomography or confocal laser scan microscopy are increasingly utilized for diagnostics in addition to visual inspection and dermatoscopy, but only in exceptional cases can histological confirmation of the diagnosis be dispensed with. Various clinical and histological subtypes have been defined. Differentiating between BCC with high and low risk of recurrence has a significant influence on the choice of treatment. Most BCC can be treated effectively and safely with standard surgery, or in selected cases with topical treatment. Locally advanced and metastasized BCC must be treated with radiation or systemic therapy. Radiation is also an option for older patients with contraindications for surgery. The hedgehog inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib are currently approved for systemic therapy of BCC in Europe. Approval for the PD1 inhibitor cemiplimab as second‐line therapy is expected in the near future.
Clinical conditions and echocardiographic parameters associated with mortality in COVID‐19
Authors: Silverio Angelo , Di Maio Marco , Scudiero Fernando , Russo Vincenzo , Esposito Luca , Attena Emilio , Pezzullo Salvatore , Parodi Guido , D'Andrea Antonello , Damato Antonio , Silvestro Antonio , Iannece Patrizia , Bellino Michele , Di Vece Davide , Borrelli Anna , Citro Rodolfo , Vecchione Carmine , Galasso Gennaro
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a recently recognized viral infective disease which can be complicated by acute respiratory stress syndrome (ARDS) and cardiovascular complications including severe arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis and pulmonary embolism. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical conditions and echocardiographic parameters associated with in‐hospital mortality in COVID‐19.

Methods

This is a multicentre retrospective observational study including seven Italian centres. Patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 from 1 March to 22 April 2020 were included into study population. The association between baseline variables and risk of in‐hospital mortality was assessed through multivariable logistic regression and competing risk analyses.

Results

Out of 1401 patients admitted at the participating centres with confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19, 226 (16.1%) underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and were included in the present analysis. In‐hospital death occurred in 68 patients (30.1%). At multivariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, P < .001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, P < .001) and ARDS (P < .001) were independently associated with in‐hospital mortality. At competing risk analysis, we found a significantly higher risk of mortality in patients with ARDS vs those without ARDS (HR: 7.66; CI: 3.95‐14.8), in patients with TAPSE ≤17 mm vs those with TAPSE >17 mm (HR: 5.08; CI: 3.15‐8.19) and in patients with LVEF ≤50% vs those with LVEF >50% (HR: 4.06; CI: 2.50‐6.59).

Conclusions

TTE might be a useful tool in risk stratification of patients with COVID‐19. In particular, reduced LVEF and reduced TAPSE may help to identify patients at higher risk of death during hospitalization.
Maternal genotypes of folate/one‐carbon metabolism gene variants and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate risk in Chile
Authors: Inostroza Verónica , Salamanca Carlos , Recabarren Andrea S , Pantoja Roberto , Leiva Noemí , Pardo Rosa , Suazo José
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a case‐control design, the association between maternal genotypes for variants in 23 genes involved in folate/one‐carbon metabolism and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in a Chilean population. After applying several filters to an Illumina array, we extracted 175 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 150 mothers of NSCL/P cases and 150 control women. Association was evaluated using computed odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in additive, recessive, and dominant models. After multiple comparison correction, only SNP rs4451422 (A>C), located 237 bp downstream of the gene encoding the human folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS), maintained a significant association with NSCL/P in the offspring (OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.69–5.26). The variant rs4451422 is associated with a decrease in FPGS expression according to database annotation. Our results lead to a new hypothesis that a lower activity of FPGS enzyme reduces intracellular folate levels and increases the risk of an offspring having NSCL/P.
Changes in cortical, cardiac, and respiratory activities in relation to spontaneous rhythmic jaw movements in ketamine‐anesthetized guinea pigs
Authors: Yano Hiroshi , Matsuura Yutaka , Katagiri Ayano , Higashiyama Makoto , Toyoda Hiroki , Sato Hajime , Ueno Yoshio , Uzawa Narikazu , Yoshida Atsushi , Kato Takafumi
Published: July 2021

It has been reported that rhythmic jaw movements (RJMs) spontaneously occur in ketamine‐anesthetized animals. The present study investigated the physiological processes that occur during the cortical, cardiac, and respiratory events which contribute to the genesis of RJMs in animals after supplemental ketamine injections. Fourteen guinea pigs were prepared to allow electroencephalographic, electrocardiographic, and electromyographic activities to be recorded from the digastric muscle, measurement of jaw movements, and nasal expiratory airflow under ketamine‐xylazine anesthesia. Rhythmic jaw movements spontaneously occurred with rhythmic digastric muscle contractions, 23–29 minutes after injection of supplemental ketamine (12.5 and 25.0 mg kg–1, intravenously). The cycle length of RJMs did not differ significantly between the two doses of ketamine (mean±SD: 12.5 mg kg–1, 326.5 ± 60.0 ms; 25 mg kg–1, 278.5 ± 45.1 ms). Following injection of ketamine, digastric muscle activity, heart and respiratory rates, and cortical beta power significantly decreased, while cortical delta and theta power significantly increased. These changes were significantly larger in animals given 25.0 mg kg–1 of ketamine than in those given 12.5 mg kg–1. With the onset of RJMs, the levels of these variables returned to pre‐injection levels, regardless of the dose of ketamine administered. These results suggest that, following supplemental ketamine injections, spontaneous RJMs occur during a specific period when the pharmacological effects of ketamine wear off, and that these RJMs are characterized by stereotypical changes in cardiac, respiratory, and cortical activities.
Single‐neuron correlate of epilepsy‐related cognitive deficits in visual recognition memory in right mesial temporal lobe
Authors: Lee Seung J. , Beam Danielle E. , Schjetnan Andrea G. P. , Paul Lynn K. , Chandravadia Nand , Reed Chrystal M. , Chung Jeffrey M. , Ross Ian B. , Valiante Taufik A. , Mamelak Adam N. , Rutishauser Ueli
Published: July 2021

Objective

Impaired memory is a common comorbidity of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and often perceived by patients as more problematic than the seizures themselves. The objective of this study is to understand what the relationship of these behavioral impairments is to the underlying pathophysiology, as there are currently no treatments for these deficits, and it remains unknown what circuits are affected.

Methods

We recorded single neurons in the medial temporal lobes (MTLs) of 62 patients (37 with refractory TLE) who performed a visual recognition memory task to characterize the relationship between behavior, tuning, and anatomical location of memory selective and visually selective neurons.

Results

Subjects with a seizure onset zone (SOZ) in the right but not left MTL demonstrated impaired ability to recollect as indicated by the degree of asymmetry of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Of the 1973 recorded neurons, 159 were memory selective (MS) and 366 were visually selective (VS) category cells. The responses of MS neurons located within right but not left MTL SOZs were impaired during high‐confidence retrieval trials, mirroring the behavioral deficit seen both in our task and in standardized neuropsychological tests. In contrast, responses of VS neurons were unimpaired in both left and right MTL SOZs. Our findings show that neuronal dysfunction within SOZs in the MTL was specific to a functional cell type and behavior, whereas other cell types respond normally even within the SOZ. We show behavioral metrics that detect right MTL SOZ‐related deficits and identify a neuronal correlate of this impairment.

Significance

Together, these findings show that single‐cell responses can be used to assess the causal effects of local circuit disruption by an SOZ in the MTL, and establish a neural correlate of cognitive impairment due to epilepsy that can be used as a biomarker to assess the efficacy of novel treatments.
Unusual evolution of tree frog populations in the Chernobyl exclusion zone
Authors: Car Clément , Gilles André , Armant Olivier , Burraco Pablo , Beaugelin‐Seiller Karine , Gashchak Sergey , Camilleri Virginie , Cavalié Isabelle , Laloi Patrick , Adam‐Guillermin Christelle , Orizaola Germán , Bonzom Jean‐Marc
Published: July 2021

Despite the ubiquity of pollutants in the environment, their long‐term ecological consequences are not always clear and still poorly studied. This is the case concerning the radioactive contamination of the environment following the major nuclear accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Notwithstanding the implications of evolutionary processes on the population status, few studies concern the evolution of organisms chronically exposed to ionizing radiation in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Here, we examined genetic markers for 19 populations of Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis) sampled in the Chernobyl region about thirty years after the nuclear power plant accident to investigate microevolutionary processes ongoing in local populations. Genetic diversity estimated from nuclear and mitochondrial markers showed an absence of genetic erosion and higher mitochondrial diversity in tree frogs from the Chernobyl exclusion zone compared to other European populations. Moreover, the study of haplotype network permitted us to decipher the presence of an independent recent evolutionary history of Chernobyl exclusion zone's Eastern tree frogs caused by an elevated mutation rate compared to other European populations. By fitting to our data a model of haplotype network evolution, we suspected that Eastern tree frog populations in the Chernobyl exclusion zone have a high mitochondrial mutation rate and small effective population sizes. These data suggest that Eastern tree frog populations might offset the impact of deleterious mutations because of their large clutch size, but also question the long‐term impact of ionizing radiation on the status of other species living in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
“Who else is gonna do it if we don't?” Gender, education, and the crisis of care in the 2018 West Virginia teachers' strike
Authors: Hanrahan Nancy Weiss , Amsler Sarah
Published: July 2021

In 2018, a sequence of powerful education strikes and work stoppages across the United States sent shock waves through the country's public education system. This eruption of collective workers' organization was strongly led by women teachers responding to the current crisis of care, demanding resources, dignity, and justice for themselves, the children they teach, and their communities. While mainstream reports often represent these actions as traditional labor and/or feminist struggles, our research demonstrates that they were sites of more nuanced response to “care extraction” in education, and for understanding how constructions of gender and gender injustice both gave rise to the strikes and shaped their unfolding. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 10 teacher‐activists who participated in the West Virginia strikes, we examine how teachers' labor is being transformed in a context of postindustrial austerity, illustrate the complex political identity of the strike actions, and explore the relationship between specific constructions of gendered labor and collective organizing in US public education today.
Shared decision‐making in standardized cancer patient pathways in Norway—Narratives of patient experiences
Authors: Andersen‐Hollekim Tone , Melby Line , Sand Kari , Gilstad Heidi , Das Anita , Solbjør Marit
Published: July 2021

Background

Cancer patient pathways (CPPs) were implemented in Norway in 2015–2017 to advance cancer diagnostics and treatment initiation. The aim of CPPs is to ensure standardized waiting times, but also to strengthen patient participation and shared decision‐making. This study investigates how patients enrolled in a CPP experienced shared decision‐making.

Methods

This study comprised of 19 individual semistructured interviews with patients who had been enrolled in a CPP at three hospitals in Norway. Twelve patients had breast cancer, four patients had prostate cancer and three patients had malignant melanoma. We analyzed their experiences using a narrative approach.

Findings

This study showed how participating in a standardized CPP provided different possibilities for shared decision‐making. The patients' narratives of shared decision‐making in CPPs included stories from the three cancer diagnoses through the following themes: (1) The predictable safeness of standardizations, (2) the ambivalence of making decisions and (3) opposing standardizations and pushing for action.

Conclusion

Standardized CPPs provided patients with predictability and safety. Shared decision‐making was possible when the cancer diagnoses supported preference‐sensitive treatment options. Balancing standardizations with individualized care is necessary to facilitate patient participation in CPPs, and the possibility of shared decision‐making needs to be discussed for each specific CPP.

Patient or Public Contribution

A service user representative from the Norwegian Cancer Society participated in designing this study.
Responses of dispersing GPS‐tagged Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) to multiple wind farms across Scotland
Authors: Fielding Alan H. , Anderson David , Benn Stuart , Dennis Roy , Geary Matthew , Weston Ewan , Whitfield D. Philip
Published: July 2021

Wind farms may have two broad potential adverse effects on birds via antagonistic processes: displacement from the vicinity of turbines (avoidance), or death through collision with rotating turbine blades. Large raptors are often shown or presumed to be vulnerable to collision and are demographically sensitive to additional mortality, as exemplified by several studies of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Previous findings from Scottish Eagles, however, have suggested avoidance as the primary response. Our study used data from 59 GPS‐tagged Golden Eagles with 28 284 records during natal dispersal before and after turbine operation < 1 km of 569 turbines at 80 wind farms across Scotland. We tested three hypotheses using measurements of tag records’ distance from the hub of turbine locations: (1) avoidance should be evident; (2) older birds should show less avoidance (i.e. habituate to turbines); and (3) rotor diameter should have no influence (smaller diameters are correlated with a turbine’s age, in examining possible habituation). Four generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were constructed with intrinsic habitat preference of a turbine location using Golden Eagle Topography (GET) model, turbine operation status (before/after), bird age and rotor diameter as fixed factors. The best GLMM was subsequently verified by k‐fold cross‐validation and involved only GET habitat preference and presence of an operational turbine. Eagles were eight times less likely to be within a rotor diameter’s distance of a hub location after turbine operation, and modelled displacement distance was 70 m. Our first hypothesis expecting avoidance was supported. Eagles were closer to turbine locations in preferred habitat but at greater distances after turbine operation. Results on bird age (no influence to 5+ years) rejected hypothesis 2, implying no habituation. Support for hypothesis 3 (no influence of rotor diameter) also tentatively inferred no habituation, but data indicated birds went slightly closer to longer rotor blades although not to the turbine tower. We proffer that understanding why avoidance or collision in large raptors may occur can be conceptually envisaged via variation in fear of humans as the ‘super predator’ with turbines as cues to this life‐threatening agent.