bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the predictors of university students' engagement, fear of missing out and Internet addiction in online environments
Authors: Avcı Ümmühan , Kula Ayşe
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Recently, online learning and online environments have become even more important. Students' engagement, fear of missing out and Internet addiction are seen as interrelated components that affect students' online teaching and learning process. In this context, university students' engagement, fear of missing out and Internet addiction in online environments, the relationship among them and students' demographic characteristics, online environment usage status and Internet usage profiles as their predictors are examined in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a relational study and is carried out with 179 university students. Personal information form, student's engagement, fear of missing out and Internet addiction scales were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation, hierarchical linear multiple regression analysis are used for the analysis.

Findings

According to the results, variables related to students' demographic characteristics, online environment usage status and Internet usage profiles together significantly predict the students' engagement, fear of missing out and Internet addiction in online environments. When students think positively about taking courses online, their engagement increases accordingly and their fear of missing out levels decrease. Increase in student's academic achievement leads to decline in Internet addiction.

Practical implications

In practice, examining the related variables about students in terms of engagement to the learning environment, fear of missing out and Internet addiction could bring a new perspective to studies on problematic use of the Internet and technology such as nomophobia and digital distraction. The results of this study reveal how and which components to be focused on for increasing the university students' engagement, reducing Internet addiction and fear of missing out in online learning environments.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide a versatile perspective with the variables of student participation, fear of missing out, Internet addiction and their predictors in online learning environments, which are becoming widespread and increasingly important today and shed light on future researches.
The role of AACSB accreditation in students' leadership motivation and students' citizenship motivation: business education perspective
Authors: Al Shraah Ata , Abu-Rumman Ayman , Alqhaiwi Laith , Alshurideh Muhammad Turki
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation in business education students' leadership motivation and citizenship motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a quantitative approach: a conceptual model was developed based on an extensive review of the related literature; a questionnaire-based survey was conducted through an online link sent to faculty members and heads of business schools across Jordan which has AACSB accreditation. In total, 307 questionnaire surveys were completed and used in the statistical analysis. The two-stage approach of structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze and interpret the data and used to validate the conceptual model of this research.

Findings

The findings through SEM indicate all five latent constructs of organizational effectiveness have a significant and positive impact on business student citizenship motivation (SCM), whereas for the student leadership motivation (SLM), only student career development (SCD) has an insignificant impact.

Research limitations/implications

Some limitations are associated with the quantitative methods of data analysis, missing demographic details of some respondents, and non-observation of response bias. The study model only includes five latent constructs of organizational effectiveness, which are appropriate to the study population and environment.

Originality/value

This research offers a substantial contribution to the unexplored area of the organizational effectiveness of accreditation and its impact on the student leadership and citizenship, specifically in the context of Jordan. Moreover, as there are few AACSB studies in the Middle East, this research goes some way to address this shortage.
The role of information in relation to interaction affected by technology change – the case of a telemedicine pilot project
Authors: Dóra Tímea Beatrice , Mátó Ágnes Réka , Szalkai Zsuzsanna , Vilmányi Márton
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Telemedicine, similarly to social media, accelerates information exchange, enriches information, provides better access to information and, furthermore, has an impact on mobilizing resources in business-to-business relationships. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the changes brought about by telemedicine, as a new technology, in patient routes.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study method was applied to examine five health-care protocols through their patient routes (series of activities) with and without telemedicine technology. The ARA model was applied to examine the changes telemedicine engendered in relation to activities, resources and actors. The strategy of visual mapping was applied for the comparative analysis.

Findings

The analyzed cases show that the new resources applied through telemedicine technology modified the number and substance of relevant activities and the set and role of actors who were involved. The quantity or the availability of output information increased in patient routes when new resources were added by telemedicine technology. When technology change occurred, any change in data or information systems – the two building blocks of information – could result in new or modified activities. If data that is used or produced while undertaking an activity change simultaneously along with the information system used for encrypting this data, then this “joint change” will certainly entail some kind of change in the set of activities, resources or actors that are involved. If not, then the activities continued the same as with the face-to-face protocol (without the new technology).

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper is that the results highlight the role of information in the extent of change in interactions induced by new technology. Findings about such changes show how information influenced by activities, resources and actors can help decision-makers in relation to the use of telemedicine.
“Decolonizing” the minds of children in Africa: Youssef in Egypt and Achebe in Nigeria
Authors: Youssef Loubna A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on how children's literature in Africa deserves to be studied because African writers “decolonize” the minds of African children and children and adults around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper defines children's literature from an African perspective and the “decolonization of the mind.” This is done to examine how two African writers provide narratives for children inspired by their cultures. They deal with themes, characters and symbols that interest children and adults.

Findings

Achebe and Youssef crossed many borders: the world of children and adults, animals and humans, vice and virtue, supernatural and real. Their stories take the reader on journeys that involve enriching, engaging and inspiring adventures.

Research limitations/implications

Youssef and Achebe are prolific writers. Providing a survey of what is available in Arabic and Nigerian literature for children, is beyond the scope of this paper.

Practical implications

This paper sends a message to those in charge of the curriculum in schools in Egypt, the Arab countries, Africa and the world at large: decolonize the syllabi in schools because the world is not black and white. Literature for children that encourages critical thinking is available by African writers in Egypt, Nigeria and elsewhere.

Social implications

The works discussed show that African writers are creative, and their works inspire the African child with pride in his/her identity, culture and heritage.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, no one has compared Egyptian and Nigerian literature for children before. Youssef and Achebe provide evidence that “Good literature gives the child a place in the world … and the world a place in the child.” – Astrid Lindgren.
Career identity and organizational identification among professionals with on-demand work
Authors: Yang Chunjiang , Chen Yashuo , Zhao Xinyuan , Cui Zhenzhen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Drawing upon the social identity theory, the authors argue that professionals' career identities have a positive indirect effect on identification with on-demand organizations through career networking behavior. In addition, the strength of these beneficial effects was also bound by extraversion and collectivism.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesized moderated mediation model was tested by multisource and time-lagged data about 242 Chinese accountants engaging in on-demand work.

Findings

The results demonstrated that professionals with a career identity tend to engage in career networking behaviors and identify themselves with a client company. In addition, extraverted professionals were more likely to engage in career networking behaviors, and collectivist professionals were more likely to identify with their on-demand organizations.

Practical implications

This research provides important guidelines on how managers in on-demand organizations leverage gig workers' career identities to establish deep relationships with them.

Originality/value

The authors expanded the traditional framework of identification in the setting of nontraditional work arrangements by establishing a link between career identity and organizational identification for on-demand professionals.
Surviving or flourishing: how relationships with principal investigators influence science graduate students’ wellness
Authors: Griffin Kimberly A. , Stone Joakina , Dissassa Di-Tu , Hall Terra Nicole , Clarke Ashley
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the experiences of biomedical science students nearing the end of their doctoral programs and the factors that influence their well-being. In addition to identifying general challenges, the study aims to expand understanding of how interactions with principal investigators (PIs) can influence students’ well-being and engagement in wellness practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study presents an analysis of interview data collected from 90 trainees five years after beginning their graduate programs. All were participants in a larger mixed-methods, longitudinal study. Emergent themes and a codebook were established after reviewing interview transcripts and completing memos. Codes were applied to data, and reports were generated to confirm and challenge early interpretations.

Findings

Participants described four key factors that influenced their well-being: perceived work/life balance; managing progress on research; program completion and job search; and overall faculty relationships. While relationships with PIs could be a source of stress, participants more often described how both interactions with, and observations of their PIs could amplify or mitigate their ability to manage other stressors and overall sense of well-being.

Originality/value

While researchers in the USA have increasingly considered the factors impacting graduate student mental health, there has been less of an emphasis on wellness and well-being. Furthermore, there has been less attention to how PIs contribute, in positive and negative ways, to these outcomes. This study offers insight into well-being at a specific timepoint, considering dynamics unique to wellness and well-being in the later stages of doctoral training.
Litter facilitates plant development but restricts seedling establishment during vegetation regeneration
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Ni Xiangyin , Heděnec Petr , Yue Kai , Wei Xinyu , Yang Jing , Wu Fuzhong
Published: October 2022

Rapid vegetation regeneration and increased litter production have been predicted under the global greening scenario, but the overall relationship between litter production and vegetation regeneration has not been well addressed.

To bridge this knowledge gap, we quantified the responses of the seed stage, seedling stage, plant development stage and vegetation community to litter using 3193 paired observations at the global scale based on the effect size across different categories.

Overall, litter significantly decreased seedling establishment and density by 28.4% and 27.7%, increased plant height by 17.4% and decreased species richness by 15.4%. Seed germination at the seed stage was not directly controlled by litter but was positively regulated by changes in soil moisture from litter. In contrast, litter type and litter mass displayed negative effects on the seedling stage, but litter promoted seedling survival with increasing elevation. Moreover, litter composition and plant type dominated the effects of litter on the plant development stage, showing that the increase in litter production might favour the development of broadleaved trees rather than other plants.

The present results suggest that litter could restrict the stage from seed to seedling but facilitate plant development after the seedling establishment and slightly affect the vegetation community except for species richness. These results provide deep insight into the relationships between litter production and vegetation regeneration at different stages, which are important for developing models accounting for vegetation regeneration responses to ongoing global greening.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Compensatory recruitment unlikely in high‐elevation amphibian populations challenged with disease
Authors: Hardy Bennett M. , Muths Erin , Lambert Bradley A. , Schneider Scott C. , Funk W. Chris , Bailey Larissa L.
Published: October 2022

Understanding the causes of population variation in host response to disease, and the mechanisms of persistence, can serve as vital information for species conservation. One such mechanism of population persistence that has gained support is the demographic process of compensatory recruitment. Host populations may persist by increasing recruitment to compensate for reduced survival due to infection, thus limiting the negative effects of the disease on population trajectories. However, high‐elevation populations are inherently vulnerable to stochastic processes and may be limited in their ability to exhibit compensatory recruitment relative to lower elevation populations.

We use long‐term mark–recapture data from five populations of boreal toads Anaxyrus boreas boreas, across an elevational gradient in Colorado, before and after pathogen arrival to assess whether populations can persist with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) via compensatory recruitment.

Prior to pathogen arrival, we found a life‐history trade‐off between survival and recruitment across elevations, where high‐elevation toads have high survival but lower recruitment and vice versa at lower elevations.

Pathogen arrival had a strong negative effect on apparent annual survival and recruitment leading to negative population growth rates and dramatically reduced host abundances. The data did not support the occurrence of compensatory recruitment.

Synthesis and applications. Our unique dataset indicates that demographic responses to pathogens may be environmentally (i.e. elevationally) context dependent and highlights the value of long‐term monitoring. We recommend that practitioners verify that potential persistence mechanisms occur across multiple populations and relevant environmental gradients to counter any assumptions of the mechanism existing species‐wide. Quantifying variation in population responses to disease will aid in understanding the bounds of such persistence mechanisms and identify particularly vulnerable populations where mechanisms are nonexistent.
Outcomes in traumatic cardiac arrest patients who underwent advanced life support
Authors: Williamson Frances , Lawton Catherine F , Wullschleger Martin
Published: October 2022

Objective

Survival following a traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) remains poor despite research focused on specific management and guideline adaptation. Previous research has identified factors including age, arresting rhythm, injury severity and distance from hospital to be associated with prehospital TCA outcomes. The present study aimed to review the local incidence of TCA to inform local practice within a mature trauma system.

Methods

A retrospective trauma database review from 2008 to 2021 was conducted at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. Patients were categorised by prehospital and in‐hospital arrest, prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and year in relation to TCA management protocol changes. Descriptive comparative analysis was performed with the primary outcome of interest being survival to hospital discharge.

Results

Survival to hospital discharge was similar in patients in whom TCA occurred in the prehospital environment and hospital (24 vs 29%). Mechanism of injury, response to intervention and location of cardiac arrest were important outcome associations. Patients with a positive focused assessment with sonography in trauma scan were less likely to achieve ROSC but more likely to survive to discharge. The frequency of prehospital interventions remained similar after the guideline changes; with more patients arriving to the hospital with improved haemodynamic parameters and increased survival.

Conclusions

These results support the identification and immediate management of TCA. No patients survived if they did not achieve ROSC by hospital arrival, questioning the role for aggressive management beyond the ED in this cohort. Future research will focus on the identification of patients with potentially positive survival outcomes and further define futile intervention factors.
Degree of exposure to psychotropic medications and mortality in people with bipolar disorder
Authors: Lin Chu‐Chun , Yeh Ling‐Ling , Pan Yi‐Ju
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To investigate the associations between psychotropic medication dosage and mortality in patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods

A nationwide cohort of individuals aged ≥15 years who had received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2010 was identified from the Taiwanese national health‐care database linked with the mortality registry and followed up for 5 years. The mean defined daily dose (DDD) of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedative‐hypnotics was estimated, and survival analyses were conducted to assess the effects of degree of exposure to psychotropic medications on mortality.

Results

A total of 49,298 individuals (29,048 female individuals, 58.92%) with bipolar disorder were included. Compared with individuals without exposure to mood stabilizers, those prescribed mood stabilizers had a decreased overall mortality risk, regardless of exposure dosage. By contrast, compared with a reference group with no exposure to antipsychotics, individuals using antipsychotics had dose‐dependent, increased mortality in both overall causes of deaths and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, with hazard ratios of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.21–1.42) in the low‐dose (<0.5 DDD) group, 1.69 (1.51–1.90) in the moderate‐dose (0.5–1.5 DDD) group, and 2.08 (1.69–2.57) in the high‐dose (>1.5 DDD) group for overall mortality.

Conclusions

In sum, mood stabilizers were associated with decreased overall mortality in individuals with bipolar disorder, regardless of the dosage. However, the use of antipsychotics appeared to be associated with a dose‐dependent increased mortality risk. Owing to study limitations, precise information on prior use of psychotropic medications, and patient's adherence to medication are not available. Potential adverse effects and benefits should be carefully considered when prescribing psychotropic medications for long‐term use in patients with bipolar disorder.
An ephemerality paradox: Evidence of virtual semelparity in ephemeral pool‐breeding anurans
Authors: Gould John , Clulow John , Herb Frithjof , Clulow Simon
Published: October 2022

Oviparous species that reproduce in unpredictably variable environments risk depositing their eggs in situations that may become unsuitable for offspring survival at any time. This uncertainty often leads to selection for iteroparity as a form of bet‐hedging to spread offspring development spatially and temporally, thereby improving the odds of some cohorts experiencing optimal conditions. Paradoxically, an iteroparous mode appears to be the exception for a small number of amphibians that exploit temporary aquatic systems. In this study, we provide evidence of this paradox in an Australian anuran, the sandpaper frog,Lechriodus fletcheri, which breeds almost exclusively in small, highly ephemeral pools that often dry before the completion of tadpole development. A capture‐mark‐recapture study was conducted on a population over three consecutive breeding seasons, to determine how often adults returned to breeding sites within and between years and the extent of iteroparity. We found practically no adult returns between seasons, even though recapture events often occurred within season, suggesting that this species is virtually semelparous. A similar life history is apparent in other amphibians, suggesting that some species are able to persist in unpredictable environments by likely taking advantage of other forms of bet‐hedging in the absence of iteroparity. ForL. fletcheri, we suggest that an extended breeding season may lend itself to the process of cohort splitting at a population level, resulting in the future reproductive activity of offspring from each generation being spread across multiple seasons. Our study shows how an iteroparous life history is not the only way to deal with environmental uncertainty.
The restored opus sectile panel from the luxurious episcopal residence in the ancient city of Stobi–mineralogical and chemical findings
Authors: Makreski Petre , Šijakova‐Ivanova Tena , Georgiev Zoran , Balabanova Aleksova Dafinka , Reka Arianit A. , Boev Blazo , Jovanovski Gligor
Published: October 2022

Samples from the opus sectile panel excavated from the Episcopal Residence building at the archaeological site of Stobi were examined using X‐ray powder diffraction, SEM‐EDS, and Raman spectroscopy. The analyzed samples, exhibiting plentiful color and surface variations, comprise the reconstructed sectile panel as well as represent the in situ ground remains. The complementary techniques revealed dominant amorphous phase in five samples, whereas the remaining seven specimens confirmed the presence of magnesite, quartz, dolomite, ankerite, cuprite, wüstite, and hematite. The work represents the first systematic attempt to determine the mineral phases in the restored opus sectile panel, assembled by decorative minerals forming a geometric net of polychrome crosses. Furthermore, the mineral characterization has revealed an origin of mineral species not typical for Macedonian terrain (ankerite, wüstite, cuprite, transparent quartz) that lead to the conclusion that the samples were likely imported from other early‐Christian communities.
The imperative of professional dementia care
Authors: Carter Matilda
Published: October 2022

Despite negative effects on their health and social lives, many informal carers of people living with dementia claim to be acting in accordance with a moral obligation. Indeed, feelings of failure and shame are commonly reported by those who later give up their caring responsibilities, suggesting a widespread belief that professional dementia care, whether delivered in the person's own home or in an institutional setting, ought always to be a last resort. In this paper, however, I suggest that this common intuition gets things the wrong way around. Adopting a relational egalitarian framework, I argue that the most serious injustices engendered by present‐day dementia care services are contingent on broader societal structures—they can thus be ameliorated relatively easily (if resource intensively) by changing those structures. Informal dementia care, on the other hand, carries similar risks of injustice and is much more resistant to structural reform. While there may be moral obligations to provide informal dementia care in present‐day societies, then, they arise because of the deficiencies of professional care, not the virtues of its informal counterpart. Though we may be far from achieving just care arrangements in most of our societies, we must never lose sight of the fact that, when we engage in morally permitted informal dementia care, we are exercising our last resort.
KIF4A knockdown inhibits tumor progression and promotes chemo‐sensitivity via induction of P21 in lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Dongxian , Lu Wanling , Samadi Nasser
Published: October 2022

KIF4A has been demonstrated to play a crucial function in the pathogenesis of a broad number of tumors and have close association with PI3K/AKT pathway. The aim of this study was to explore the potential function of KIF4A in lung cancer progression by targeting PI3K/AKT pathway and P21 combination with doxorubicin. A549 cell lines were transfected with siRNA against KIF4A and negative control siRNA (si‐NC). MTT assay and trypan blue staining were used to evaluate the effect of si‐KIF4A on the doxorubicin cytotoxicity. The mRNA and protein expression levels of KIF4A and p21 were assessed by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. Apoptosis was measured by cell death ELISA kit. Our result revealed that KIF4A silencing decreased cellular proliferation in A549 lung cancer cells. Doxorubicin in combination with si‐KIF4A led to significant reduction in the survival rate of A549 cell. KIF4A silencing upregulated p21. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that KIF4A inhibition sensitizes A549 cells to doxorubicin by targeting p21 and PI3K/AKT pathway, indicating a significant role for KIF4A in lung cancer chemotherapy.
Endoscopic sinusectomy: ‘a rose by any other name’. A systematic review of different endoscopic procedures to treat pilonidal disease
Authors: Milone Marco , Gallo Gaetano , Grossi Ugo , Pelizzo Patrizia , D'Amore Anna , Manigrasso Michele , Perinotti Roberto , La Torre Marco , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Basso Luigi
Published: October 2022

Aim

Pilonidal sinus or Pilonidal Disease (PD) is a relatively common, benign but challenging condition. Although commonly encountered in practice, its ideal treatment is controversial. One of the most validated treatments is video‐assisted surgery. In this context, very similar endoscopic techniques have been published under different names. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the differences among these proposed techniques and their outcomes.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were followed during all stages of this systematic review. A systematic search of the English literature was performed on multiple databases from 1 January 2014 to 3 April 2022. The primary outcome measure was the IDEAL framework stage of innovation. The key secondary outcome measures were the adherence to the IDEAL reporting guidelines, the Blencowe framework and the core outcome set (COS) for studies evaluating the introduction and evaluation of novel surgical techniques, the qualitative assessment using appropriate tools, the procedural variations and outcomes of each technique.

Results

A total of 38 articles were included reporting a very similar technique under eight different acronyms. The number of patients varied from 9 to 250. Mean follow‐up ranged from 1 to 60 months. There was only one published study of IDEAL 3. The majority (58%) were IDEAL 2a studies. Reporting of domains in the IDEAL reporting guidelines and Blencowe framework was poor, with most studies not reporting the component steps of procedures or efforts to standardize them. Half of COS domains were markedly underreported. The quality of the evidence was categorized as having a risk of bias from moderate to critical level in all nine comparative non‐randomized series. Postoperative complications occurred in 0%–6% of cases, including surgical site infection, poor or failed wound healing bleeding, granuloma, haematoma, and pain requiring intervention. The recurrence rate varied from 0% to 22%.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that reporting on technical aspects of interventions for PD is poor, thus warranting a better‐quality control of surgical techniques. It is advisable to group all endoscopic procedures under the umbrella term of ‘endoscopic sinusectomy’, thus embracing the two main principles of this technique, that is, video assistance and PD ablation.
Trends and patterns of benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs prescriptions in Australian general practice: A national study (2011–2018)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Chica David , Begum Mumtaz , Bernardo Carla , Hoon Elizabeth , Sweetman Alexander , Stocks Nigel
Published: October 2022

Introduction

We aimed to explore trends and sociodemographic patterns in benzodiazepine (BZD) (by half‐life) and Z‐drugs prescribing in Australian general practice.

Methods

This open cohort study used de‐identified electronic health records of 1.4 million patients (50,812,413 consultations) from 402 Australian practices (MedicineInsight 2011–2018). Annual prescribing frequency and changes over time were estimated according to sex, age, socioeconomic position and rurality.

Results

Between 2011 and 2018, the prescribing of very short‐acting BZD increased from 0.10 to 0.29 per 1000 consultations (average annual change +17.2% [95% CI 9.6; 25.3]), while it declined for short‐intermediate (from 38.5 to 26.6 per 1000 consultations; annual change −5.1% [95% CI −5.6; −4.5]), long‐acting BZD (from 24.1 to 21.6 per 1000 consultation; annual change −1.5% [95% CI −2.2; −0.8]) and Z‐drugs (from 4.6 to 4.0 per 1000 consultations; annual change −1.9% [95% CI −3.0; −0.7]). Short‐intermediate‐acting BZD prescribing was three times more frequent among women aged 65+ years than younger women, and long‐acting BZD three‐to‐four times more likely among younger than older men. Z‐drugs prescribing was higher among women aged 45–64 years than younger or older females. Short‐intermediate‐ and long‐acting BZD were more likely prescribed for patients from more disadvantaged areas, and Z‐drugs in more advantaged areas. There were no disparities by rurality.

Discussion and Conclusions

Although most BZD and Z‐drugs prescriptions declined over time, short‐intermediate BZD prescriptions remained higher among older women and long‐acting BZD more frequent among younger men, especially for those living in more disadvantaged areas. Targeted interventions could reduce the prescribing of BZD and Z‐drugs in these groups.
Tracing the developmental origin of tissue stem cells
Authors: Morita Ritsuko , Fujiwara Hironobu
Published: October 2022

Tissue stem cells are vital for organ homeostasis and regeneration owing to their ability to self‐renew and differentiate into the various cell types that constitute organ tissue. These stem cells are formed during complex and dynamic organ development, necessitating spatial–temporal coordination of morphogenetic events and cell fate specification during this process. In recent years, technological advances have enabled the tracing of the cellular dynamics, states, and lineages of individual cells over time in relation to tissue morphological changes. These dynamic data have not only revealed the origin of tissue stem cells in various organs but have also led to an understanding of the molecular, cellular, and biophysical bases of tissue stem cell formation. Herein, we summarize recent findings on the developmental origin of tissue stem cells in the hair follicles, intestines, brain, skeletal muscles, and hematopoietic system, and further discuss how stem cell fate specification is coordinated with tissue topology.
Interventions for children with cerebral visual impairment: A scoping review
Authors: Delay Ariana , Rice Melissa , Bush Elsie , Harpster Karen
Published: October 2022

Aim

To examine the nature and scope of the literature on interventions implemented for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI).

Method

Using a scoping review methodology, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using four databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Titles and abstracts were screened and data were extracted and synthesized from full‐text, eligible studies. Twenty‐three articles were identified and evaluated using quality criteria.

Results

Twenty‐three of the 895 studies were included with children aged between 1 month and 17 years 6 months. Interventions were grouped into six categories including visual stimulation, task/environmental adaptations, vision training, acupuncture, stem cell transplantation, and transcranial electric stimulation. Outcome measures examined changes in visual function, functional vision, and visual processing.

Interpretation

Intervention research for children with CVI is in its infancy. Interventions for children with CVI may be beneficial; however, comparing results is difficult due to inconsistency in outcome measures. Most of the intervention studies had lower‐level evidence and included small sample sizes. High‐quality studies with larger samples and comparison groups are needed to fully understand which evidence‐based interventions are most effective for children with CVI. With the incidence of CVI increasing, further development and validation of intervention methods is imperative.

What this paper adds

Intervention studies for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) are sparse.

Most intervention studies for children with CVI have low‐level evidence with low critical appraisal scores.

High‐quality, controlled intervention studies are needed to guide families and clinicians toward evidence‐based practice.
Benefits of enhanced access to education in Tanzania
Authors: Donath Livini , Morrissey Oliver , Owens Trudy
Published: October 2022

Motivation

Expanding access to education is a desirable policy. Tanzania implemented Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 2001 and expanded secondary education in 2006. However, evidence that UPE delivers benefits in educational attainment or earnings is scarce. We investigate if the enhanced access to education (EAE) in the 2000s benefitted the youth able to complete more schooling, those aged 15–25 in 2018.

Purpose

There is evidence that expansion of primary education in Tanzania in the 1970s increased the incomes of the individuals who benefitted. We compare households headed by youth aged 15–25 and by adults (aged over 35) in 2001 and 2018 to identify benefits of EAE.

Methods and approach

Household welfare is measured as consumption per adult equivalent relative to the national poverty line using Household Budget Survey data for 2001 and 2018. We examine whether welfare differences comparing youth‐headed and adult‐headed households in 2001 and 2018 are attributable to differences in educational attainment of youth due to EAE using regression analysis and decomposition methods.

Findings

The increase in youth educational attainment by 2018 is a significant factor explaining the increase in welfare of youth‐headed households between 2001 and 2018. If the youth in 2001 had the same education endowment as their 2018 counterparts, their relative welfare would have been about a quarter higher. If adults had the same level of educational attainment as the youth, their welfare would have been about a third higher in 2018.

Policy implications

Expanding access to education via EAE had a positive effect on the welfare of youth, represented by those who were heads of households, in Tanzania due to increased years of schooling, providing support for implementing policies that improve access to schooling. Benefits are greatest for younger youth, aged 19–24 in 2018. Returns to schooling declined, suggesting that growth in demand for skilled labour did not match the supply of educated entrants to the labour force.
Modelling the reestablishment of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Klamath River tributaries after dam removal
Authors: Ramos Max M. , Ward Darren M.
Published: October 2022

The planned removal of four dams on the Klamath River (anticipated 2024) will be the largest river restoration effort ever undertaken on the planet. Dam removal will restore access to >50 km of the Klamath River mainstem for coho salmon, but mainstem habitat may not be suitable for rearing juvenile coho salmon. Instead, small tributaries may provide most rearing habitat for reestablishing coho salmon. We used four approaches to evaluate six Klamath River tributaries above existing dams to assess their potential to support juvenile coho salmon: (1) We measured summer temperature regimes and evaluated thermal suitability. (2) We applied an Intrinsic Potential (IP) model to evaluate large‐scale geomorphological constraints on coho salmon habitat. (3) We used the Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) to estimate rearing capacity for juveniles given current habitat conditions. (4) We developed an occupancy model using data from reference tributaries to predict coho salmon rearing distribution. All six streams had summer temperatures cooler than the mainstem Klamath River. However, five of the streams have barriers that will restrict coho salmon to within 5 km of the confluence with the Klamath River and two were disconnected mid‐summer. Despite these constraints, the tributaries will likely produce coho salmon. Most streams had high IP in their lower reaches, the HLFM model estimated a total capacity of 105,000 juvenile coho salmon, and the occupancy model predicted juvenile coho salmon will rear throughout the accessible reaches. Protection and habitat enhancement for these tributaries will be important for coho salmon reestablishment post‐dam removal.
Cytogenetic and molecular characteristics and outcomes of adult patients with early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yoon Jae‐Ho , Kim Hoon Seok , Min Gi June , Park Sung‐Soo , Park Silvia , Lee Sung‐Eun , Cho Byung‐Sik , Eom Ki‐Seong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Chang‐Ki , Cho Seok‐Goo , Lee Jong Wook , Kim Myungshin , Kim Yonggoo , Lee Seok
Published: October 2022

Early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP‐ALL) is a recently identified high‐risk subgroup of T‐cell ALL in children. However, there have been conflicting reports and limited data have been reported in adult patients. We retrospectively analyzed the cytogenetic and molecular characteristics and long‐term survival outcomes of adult patients with ETP‐ALL versus non‐ETP‐ALL. We analyzed 58 patients (median age, 35 years [range, 18–76 years]) with newly diagnosed T‐cell ALL who received a uniform remission induction and consolidation chemotherapy with suitable samples for genetic analyses. If a donor was available, all patients were recommended allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) for post‐remission therapy. Out of 58 patients, 21 (36.2%) had ETP‐ALL. Patients with ETP‐ALL were older and had a higher proportion of complex karyotype than non‐ETP‐ALL. Additionally, more DNMT3A mutations were detected in ETP‐ALL, whereas FBXW7 mutations and CDKN2A/CDKN2B deletions were found nearly exclusively in non‐ETP‐ALL. The overall complete remission (CR) rates were not different between ETP‐ALL (95.2%) and non‐ETP‐ALL (81.1%) and subsequent allo‐HCT proceeding rates in CR1 were 61.9% for ETP‐ALL and 43.2% for non‐ETP‐ALL, respectively. The overall prognosis of patients with T‐ALL was poor that estimated 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 33.3% for ETP‐ALL and 29.5% for non‐ETP‐ALL. In a subgroup analysis of patients treated with allo‐HCT in CR1 (n = 29), 5‐year OS was 53.8% for ETP‐ALL and 55.4% for non‐ETP‐ALL. Our data showed molecular characteristics of ETP‐ALL and non‐ETP‐ALL and revealed that intensive chemotherapy followed by allo‐HCT for post‐remission therapy can contribute to preserved survival outcome of adult patients with ETP‐ALL.
Fluctuating fortunes: Stressor synchronicity and fluctuating intensity influence biological impacts
Authors: Ostrowski Andria , Connolly Rod M. , Brown Christopher J. , Sievers Michael
Published: October 2022

Ecosystems remain under enormous pressure from multiple anthropogenic stressors. Manipulative experiments evaluating stressor interactions and impacts mostly apply stressors under static conditions without considering how variable stressor intensity (i.e. fluctuations) and synchronicity (i.e. timing of fluctuations) affect biological responses. We ask how variable stressor intensity and synchronicity, and interaction type, can influence how multiple stressors affect seagrass. At the highest intensities, fluctuating stressors applied asynchronously reduced seagrass biomass 36% more than for static stressors, yet no such difference occurred for photosynthetic capacity. Testing three separate hypotheses to predict underlying drivers of differences in biological responses highlighted alternative modes of action dependent on how stressors fluctuated over time. Given that environmental conditions are constantly changing, assessing static stressors may lead to inaccurate predictions of cumulative effects. Translating multiple stressor experiments to the real world, therefore, requires considering variability in stressor intensity and the synchronicity of fluctuations.
Species alliances and hidden niche dimensions drive species clustering along a hydric gradient in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Martínez‐Blancas Alejandra , Belaustegui Ian Xul , Martorell Carlos
Published: October 2022

Clustering of species with similar niches or traits occurs in communities, but the mechanisms behind this pattern are still unclear. In the emergent neutrality model, species with similar niches and competitive ability self‐organise into clusters. In the hidden‐niche model, unaccounted‐for niche differences stabilise coexistence within clusters. Finally, clustering may occur through alliances of species that facilitate each other. We tested these hypotheses using population‐growth models that consider interspecific interactions parameterised for 35 species using field data. We simulated the expected community dynamics under different species‐interaction scenarios. Interspecific competition was weaker within rather than between clusters, suggesting that differences in unmeasured niche axes stabilise coexistence within clusters. Direct facilitation did not drive clustering. In contrast, indirect facilitation seemingly promoted species alliances in clusters whose members suppressed common competitors in other clusters. Such alliances have been overlooked in the literature on clustering, but may arise easily when within cluster competition is weak.
Low‐cycle fatigue characteristics and fracture behavior of the die‐forged 2014 aircraft wheel
Authors: Shen Zhengjun , Yang Liuli , Deng Jichang , Zhu Yinyin , Su Yuchang
Published: October 2022

In order to provide a sufficient theoretical basis for the fatigue‐resistant design of the aircraft wheels, strain‐controlled low‐cycle fatigue (LCF) tests were carried out on specimens machined in the extrusion direction (ED) and transverse direction (TD) of die‐forged 2014 aluminum alloy wheels. Although the TD specimens have lower tensile strength and yield strength, the fatigue test results show that the TD specimens have superior fatigue life compared with the ED specimens at total strain amplitudes of 0.5–0.8%. This is predominantly caused by the coarse Al12(MnSi)2(FeCu) intermetallic particles close to the surface layer, which results in a relatively short crack initiation stage for the ED specimens. In contrast, TD specimens with finer and more uniform recrystallized grains exhibit more excellent resistance to fatigue crack initiation (FCI) and propagation (FCP). Moreover, the fatigue life of alloys could be accurately predicted via a Manson–Coffin–Basquin (MCB) model based on total strain.
Power and its sources in the governance of global value chains: The Argentina–European Union biodiesel value chain
Authors: Staricco Juan Ignacio
Published: October 2022

This paper tackles the broader question of why inequality along global value chains (GVCs) tends to remain unchallenged despite the successful upgrading and insertion of firms operating in the world‐system's periphery. Because the reduction and reproduction of inequalities are both intimately connected to power relations along GVCs, such relations are at the core of my analysis. Conceptually, my theorization of power builds on recent work by Dallas, Ponte and Sturgeon, which has sought to more systematically theorize and account for the multidimensional nature of power, and complements it with key insights drawn from World‐Systems theory. Empirically, this paper analyses the biodiesel GVC between Argentina and the European Union, a case in which the successful economic upgrading and enhanced competitiveness of biodiesel producers in Argentina fail to overturn their subordinated position vis‐à‐vis European producers and traders.
Public participation in democracy, local accountability and happiness: Evidence from rural China
Authors: Liu Yongzheng , Wang Liyan , Ye Maoliang
Published: October 2022

This study examines how an important reform of local governance—village democracy—in the world's most populous areas has affected the happiness of residents in rural China. We find that introducing elections per se has no significant impact. In comparison, direct nomination of local leaders by villagers, which is a form of competitive election involving a high degree of public participation in political decision making, leads to higher levels of happiness. Further mechanism analyses show that direct nomination improves the local accountability of elected leaders by boosting the quality and effort of village heads and their governance performance by lowering the tax burden of villagers and vitalizing local public services. Our results highlight the importance of public participation in democracy and the underlying role of local accountability in affecting the subjective well‐beings of citizens.