bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting the sustainable development goals in a civil engineering bachelor degree program
Authors: Gómez-Martín M. Esther , Gimenez-Carbo Ester , Andrés-Doménech Ignacio , Pellicer Eugenio
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the civil engineering bachelor degree in the School of Civil Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain).

Design/methodology/approach

All the 2019/2020 course syllabi were analyzed to diagnose at which extent each subject within the program curriculum contributes to achieving the different SDGs.

Findings

The results show a promising starting point as 75% of the courses address or have potential to address targets covering the 2030 Agenda. This paper also presents actions launched by the School of Civil Engineering to boost the SDGs into the civil engineering curriculum.

Originality/value

This paper presents a rigorous and systematic method that can be carried out in different bachelor degrees to find the subjects that have the potential to incorporate the SDGs into their program. This paper also presents actions launched by the Civil Engineering School to boost the SDGs into the civil engineering curriculum.
Digital transformation of business model in manufacturing companies: challenges and research agenda
Authors: Favoretto Camila , Mendes Glauco Henrique de Sousa , Filho Moacir Godinho , Gouvea de Oliveira Maicon , Ganga Gilberto Miller Devós
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The challenges of digital transformation (DT) have gained attention from both academics and practitioners, as more manufacturing companies are seeking digital technology implementation. This study, therefore, aims to identify the challenges of DT in manufacturing companies and propose new research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review considering 176 articles (published between 2003 and 2019) was used to build a conceptual framework of DT.

Findings

A systematized view of challenges regarding organizational commitment, value creation, value proposition, value delivery, value capture, information and technology infrastructure and data security were identified. Moreover, a conceptual framework was developed to summarize the challenges and how they are associated with the business model value architecture and with the DT phases. Research opportunities for future research were also identified, contributing to the advancement of the topic.

Originality/value

First, the study provides a categorization of the main challenges of DT in manufacturing companies. Second, it identifies research gaps and future research avenues; and finally, it proposes a conceptual framework that aims to support more rigorous studies and guide management decisions regarding an integrative understanding of DT.
Older adults in virtual communities: understanding the antecedents of knowledge contribution and knowledge seeking through the lens of socioemotional selectivity and social cognitive theories
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Kishore Rajiv , Zuo Meiyun , Liao Ruochen , Tang Xiao
Published: August 2021

Purpose

As older adults are increasingly active in virtual communities (VCs), these platforms for knowledge exchange present opportunities for companies to use elder human capital. The purpose of this study is to understand the antecedent factors that motivate older adults’ knowledge contribution and knowledge seeking (KS) behaviors in VCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Rooted in socio-emotional selectivity and social cognitive theories, this study included five key variables and developed models for older adults’ knowledge contributing (KC)/KS behaviors. This paper tested the hypotheses using data from a sample of 204 older adults in 3 VCs in China.

Findings

The results provide support for most of the hypotheses and show that while other members’ participation (MP) acts as a substitute for meaning in life and attitude toward aging, it acts as a complement for outcome expectations (OE) focused on others and OE focused on oneself in their impacts on KC/KS activities.

Practical implications

The study provides practical insights for developing elder human resources via VCs to avoid knowledge loss.

Originality/value

This study described older adults’ unique characteristics when modeling their information and communication technologies-related behaviors and built two models to explain their KC/KS behaviors. It confirmed that the same factor has different levels of impact on older adults’ KC/KS behaviors in VCs. In addition, it confirmed and reinforced the complementary and substitutive effects of other MP as an environmental factor on these behaviors.
Assessment of knowledge process capabilities toward project management maturity: an empirical study
Authors: Alghail Adnan , Yao Liu , Abbas Mohammed , Baashar Yahia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The reasons behind the project management failure of higher education institutions (HEIs) have been researched for the past few years. One of the reasons is the lack of tools to integrate their knowledge process capabilities (KPC) with their project management (PM) to measure maturity by assessing these capabilities. Various project management maturity (PMM) models exist. Yet, there is a limited number of empirical studies that support the four integrations of KPC and PMM. Therefore, this study aims to propose a new heretical model, namely, KPC-knowledge management (KM) and evaluates a research model that includes the four KPC as an antecedent to PMM.

Design/methodology/approach

The suggested research model is assessed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Furthermore, the study's hypotheses were examined based on a sample of 352 respondents from the project management departments in 10 public universities in Yemen.

Findings

Analysis revealed that the derived PMM status could be benchmarked with the project management maturity model. Also, the study found that integrating the KPC into PM enables the institutions to perform critical tasks and value chain activities and enhance the PM maturity level as well. In contrast, if one of the capabilities does not positively impact PMM, it affects the maturity level of the entire project.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are obtained concerning data collected from public universities and represent the Yemeni context, limiting the generalization on a different geographical area. Also, this proposed model can be evaluated in a practical way like conducting a focus group, a set of interviews with specialists, a case study or action research. The qualitative research will help academics to validate our proposal for future research purposes.

Practical implications

The proposed approach may be adapted to the characteristics of organizations involved in projects as external performers (project-based organizations) and not just the HEIs projects. This study provides managers and policymakers with insights into assessing PMM and improving their organizational effectiveness when deciding which KPCs to focus on in the future.

Social implications

This study contributes to the current PM awareness in Yemen and facilitates its success using the knowledge processes capabilities in Yemen's HEIs. It encourages organizations to take this opportunity to revive the projects and achieve a maximum level of maturity.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into two domains through the link between knowledge management and PM. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is among the first to empirically study the impact of the four KPC toward PMM. It enriches the theoretical perspective of PM. Also, it contributes to the literature on the success factor of KPC, which can be considered to improve organizational performance.
Research on the impact of knowledge sharing on risk control of inclusive finance in rural areas during the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Duan Yunlong , Liu Yan , Chen Yilin , Guo Weiqi , Yang Lisheng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the impact of multi-level knowledge sharing between and within organizations on the risk control of rural inclusive finance. The paper presents a synergistic risk control system integrating external and internal factors for rural inclusive finance by constructing different knowledge-sharing platforms in an environment, which is full of many uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on survey methods. To achieve the research objectives, the authors adopt a single case study approach. For data collection, the authors apply a wide variety of methods such as semi-structured interviews, field visits, second-hand databases and official websites.

Findings

The results emphasize that using multi-level knowledge sharing such as the inter- and intra-organizational level, can facilitate the risk control of rural inclusive finance during the post-COVID-19 era. Furthermore, it is also noted that achieving knowledge sharing at different levels by building diverse knowledge-sharing platforms can promote the risk control of rural inclusive finance from the individual-organization level to the chain level of multi-organization collaboration, which contributes to the formation of symbiotic risk control ecology.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have formed the “Chinese wisdom” to deal with inclusive financial risks and to promote in-depth development in relation to the “last mile” practice of inclusive finance, which means the final and the most important phase of a project. The conclusions contribute to enriching the outcomes regarding the risk control of rural inclusive finance, provide experiences to its sustainable development and offer a reference to other countries with their risk control of rural inclusive finance.

Originality/value

Drawing on the knowledge-sharing approach, this study creatively resolves the persistent problems in the risk control of rural inclusive finance, which forms a powerful supplement to the extant literature. Meanwhile, the paper combines the two contextual factors of the post-COVID-19 era and emerging economies, which can be deemed as a novel attempt.
Social impact in accounting: is it at risk of becoming a hembig concept and does this matter?
Authors: Yang Cherrie , O’Leary Susan , Tregidga Helen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In addition to introducing the papers that contribute to the special issue on “Accounting for Social Impact”, the purpose of this editorial is to prompt critical reflection and discussion on the concept of social impact in accounting research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial draws on Alvesson and Blom’s (2021) hembig concept to frame the discussion. After briefly introducing the hembig concept, we discuss social impact in accounting research and practice in relation to it before reflecting on potential implications. We then introduce the contributions to this special issue.

Findings

While we argue that social impact in accounting is not a hembig concept, we suggest that it is potentially at risk of becoming one. In light of this discussion, we identify the importance of conceptual clarity in the use of social impact within accounting research and practice, given the potential for conceptual ambiguity.

Research limitations/implications

The editorial aims, which are reflected in this special issue, are not only to stimulate qualitative research on accounting for social impact but to also encourage further critical engagement with the concept and its use. We suggest that the concept of social impact and its use within accounting research and practice would benefit from further conversations and critical reflection.

Originality/value

We consider the concept of social impact within accounting in relation to the hembig concept.
Bubble run-ups and sell-offs: a study of Indian stock market
Authors: Banerjee Anushua , Kayal Parthajit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper tries to locate the sectorial bubbles and examines the possibility for investors making extra profit from these bubbles in the Indian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use two main indicators: (1) asset centrality and (2) relative value. Asset centrality signals crowded trading, which is associated with the formation of a bubble. Relative value separates the crowded trading during the bubble run-up from the sell-off. The authors observe whether these measures can detect the cycle of bubbles in each sector of the Indian stock market for the period 2004–2019.

Findings

The authors show the sectors going through the inflationary phase delivers much better performance than the index, whereas the sectors in their deflationary phase perform quite worse than the index. This provides attractive opportunities to investors, especially the institutional investors, and fund managers of the Indian market.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, there is no study that looks into the idea of locating a sectoral bubble in the Indian financial stock market using the concept of centrality score and relative score. This work helps to locate a bubble and identify its phases successfully. Traders can enter a bubble in their inflationary period gain profit and exit the trade before the sell-off period begins.
Assessing the use of the moving window approaches when monitoring social networks using a degree corrected stochastic block model
Authors: Zaki Abeer A. , Saleh Nesma A. , Mahmoud Mahmoud A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effect of updating the Phase I data – to enhance the parameters' estimates – on the control charts' detection power designed to monitor social networks.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic version of the degree corrected stochastic block model (DCSBM) is used to model the network. Both the Shewhart and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are used to monitor the model parameters. A performance comparison is conducted for each chart when designed using both fixed and moving windows of networks.

Findings

Our results show that continuously updating the parameters' estimates during the monitoring phase delays the Shewhart chart's detection of networks' anomalies; as compared to the fixed window approach. While the EWMA chart performance is either indifferent or worse, based on the updating technique, as compared to the fixed window approach. Generally, the EWMA chart performs uniformly better than the Shewhart chart for all shift sizes. We recommend the use of the EWMA chart when monitoring networks modeled with the DCSBM, with sufficiently small to moderate fixed window size to estimate the unknown model parameters.

Originality/value

This study shows that the excessive recommendations in literature regarding the continuous updating of Phase I data during the monitoring phase to enhance the control chart performance cannot generally be extended to social network monitoring; especially when using the DCSBM. That is to say, the effect of continuously updating the parameters' estimates highly depends on the nature of the process being monitored.
Developing flourishing among employees in the college sport workplace
Authors: Schuetz Logan , Paek Bomin , Oja Brent D. , Kim Minjung
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how flourishing is achieved among sport employees working at intercollegiate sport organizations in the USA. To do so, a model is constructed that examines the impact of pride and path-goal leadership on job engagement and then flourishing. The model is grounded in the Human Resource Development (HRD) paradigm to extend the literature on positive performance outcomes in sport organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. Altogether, 282 useable surveys were completed by sport employees working in intercollegiate athletics departments. The hypotheses were examined with structural equation modeling to provide robust calculations of the relationships within the model.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrated that both path-goal leadership and pride enabled job engagement, which in turn supported flourishing among intercollegiate athletics employees (e.g. equipment, marketing or facility/event positions). Job engagement is positioned as an important variable as it linked path-goal leadership and pride with flourishing.

Originality/value

This study examined mechanisms (i.e. path-goal leadership, pride) to enhance intercollegiate athletics employees' personal resources (i.e. job engagement, flourishing) through the HRD paradigm. The HRD framework posits that improved employee functioning leads to a superior organizational performance and has yet to be assessed within intercollegiate athletics. The findings add to the HRD literature by focusing on employees' workplace experiences and generating pathways to improved job engagement and the subsequent influence on intercollegiate athletics employees' ability to flourish, which is also understudied.
United Nations Global Compact: Where are we going?
Authors: Podrecca Matteo , Sartor Marco , Nassimbeni Guido
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In a world characterised by increasing environmental and social awareness, the number of corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives has significantly grown. Among these, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is one of the most important, involving more than 12,000 companies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the UNGC’s worldwide diffusion, both at country and industry level, to understand the reasons leading to the highlighted dissemination patterns, and to propose various future projections.

Design/methodology/approach

The study pursues its objectives by applying the logistic curve model to data provided by the United Nations. The analysis is complemented by adopting instability and concentration indexes.

Findings

Results suggest that, while human rights and environmental safeguard in some areas and industries will remain a controversial issue, UNGC adoption will continue growing and giving the participants the required legitimacy to compete in worldwide markets.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that analyses the UNGC’s worldwide diffusion and proposes a prediction model for its future dissemination. The findings are of considerable importance in extending the knowledge of the initiative and in understanding the potential values of its adoption.
Phenotypic plasticity versus ecotypic differentiation under recurrent summer drought in two drought‐tolerant pine species
Authors: Bachofen Christoph , Perret‐Gentil Anouchka , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Vollenweider Pierre , Moser Barbara
Published: August 2021

Despite worldwide reports of high tree mortality, growing evidence indicates that many tree species are well adapted to survive repeated dry spells. The drought resilience of trees is related to their phenotypic plasticity and ecotypic differentiation. Whether these two mechanisms act at the same organisational level of a tree and involve similar plant traits is still unknown.

We assessed phenotypic plasticity and ecotypic differentiation across four populations of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra seedlings grown for 3 years under a recurrent summer drought treatment or well‐watered control conditions in a common garden. We measured the response to the summer drought treatment of a total of 26 traits including shoot and needle morphology, needle anatomy and foliar macronutrients, and related the traits to the growing season water deficit (GSWD) at the location of the seed origin.

Foliar phenotypic plasticity in response to recurrent summer drought was surprisingly low, with the needle length and the fraction of mesophyll and phloem tissue adjusting to some extent. In comparison, shoot morphological traits were much more plastic in both species with predominant responses to the summer drought stress including shorter and less numerous apical and lateral shoots. These three traits were also correlated with GSWD at the seed origin, indicating local adaptation. In contrast, between‐population variation of foliar morphological and anatomical traits, and macronutrients were mostly unrelated to the GSWD at the seed origin.

Consequently, phenotypic plasticity and ecotypic differentiation occurred at the same level of organisation and in the same plant traits, that is, shoot morphology. This combination of plasticity and ecotypic differentiation allowed P. sylvestris and P. nigra seedlings to rapidly acclimate to recurrent and long‐lasting dry spells.

Synthesis. Pinus sylvestris and P. nigra seedlings showed considerable ecotypic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity of shoot morphological traits, and not foliar traits. Acclimation to recurrent severe summer drought was achieved by reducing shoot growth.
Ecological resilience and vegetation transition in the face of two successive large wildfires
Authors: Steel Zachary L. , Foster Daniel , Coppoletta Michelle , Lydersen Jamie M. , Stephens Scott L. , Paudel Asha , Markwith Scott H. , Merriam Kyle , Collins Brandon M.
Published: August 2021

Wildfire can both promote and erode resilience to future disturbances in fire‐adapted ecosystems. Through a combination of past fire exclusion and climate change, fire patterns and successional trajectories are shifting with potentially negative consequences for forest resilience. In particular, high‐severity short‐interval reburns can lead to permanent transitions from forested to persistent non‐forested ecosystems.

To test conditions under which wildfires promote resilience or initiate vegetation transitions we leveraged high‐resolution LiDAR data, field data and a natural experiment where two uncharacteristically severe wildfires burned the same area in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Specifically, we evaluate what factors influence resistance to high‐severity reburn and whether early forest recovery is evident following vegetation transition.

Our findings indicate that topography and vegetative structure influenced resistance to high‐severity effects of a second wildfire and that environmental heterogeneity played an important role. Forests that survived the initial burn were most resistant to subsequent high‐severity fire when they were characterized by relatively dense but heterogeneous upper strata and a sparse understorey, located in variable and mesic terrain and burned under milder fire weather conditions. Early seral vegetation was most likely to resist repeat high‐severity fire and potentially continue post‐fire forest recovery when it was located in variable and mesic terrain and was characterized by relatively sparse understorey vegetation and a heterogeneous subcanopy. Some early seral areas that reburned at lower severity showed signs of conifer forest recovery. Vegetation structure and composition of areas that repeatedly burned at high severity are consistent with a transition to persistent shrubland or hardwood forests.

Synthesis. Short‐interval reburns close to historical fire intervals but of unusually high burn severity can create challenges for maintaining resilient forests, as sequential fires can expand upon and stabilize non‐forest vegetation. However, forest communities that survive such disturbances appear partially restored with increased structural heterogeneity and greater resistance to future high‐severity fire. If climate and fire regime trends continue, we are likely to see broadscale shifts towards vegetation types and species able to recover quickly from high‐severity fire at the expense of forests and species resistant to frequent low‐severity fire.
Discovery of Novel HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor, 2‐(3,4‐dimethyl‐5,5‐dioxidobenzo[e]pyrazolo[4,3‐c][1,2]thiazin‐2(4H)‐yl)‐N‐(2‐fluorobenzyl)acetamide via molecular docking and experimental approach
Authors: Khalid Hina , Shahid Sana , Tariq Somayya , Ijaz Bushra , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Ahmad Matloob
Published: August 2021

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a viral infection posing a severe global threat that left untreated progresses to end‐stage liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, no prophylactic approach exists so far enabling its prevention. The NS5B polymerase holds special significance as the target of intervention against HCV infection. The current study kindles benzothiazine derivatives against HCV NS5B polymerase through in silico and experimental approaches. Following docking, the compound 2‐(3,4‐dimethyl‐5,5‐dioxidobenzo[e]pyrazolo[4,3‐c][1,2]thiazin‐2(4H)‐yl)‐N‐(2‐fluorobenzyl)acetamide was revealed to form effective binding interaction in the proposed site of HCV NS5B with a score of −10 kcal/mol and subsequently was deciphered through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study which indicated interaction of residues TYR_382, VAL_381 and HIS_467 through hydrophobic interaction and two residues such as GLU_202 and LYS_209 contributed in the formation of water bridges. The subsequent in silico pharmacological analysis revealed its safe drug profile. The cytotoxicity activity of compound 6c indicated to be non‐toxic in HepG2 cells at concentration ranges from 0.001–1.0 µmol/L with >80% cell viability and diminished expression of the HCV NS5B to 98% at the dose of 1.0 µmol/L and 90% at 0.5µmol/L. Thus the hit compound 6c might be a potent NS5B polymerase inhibitor required to be validated further through in vivo and preclinical studies.
Primary care physician continuity, survival, and end‐of‐life care intensity
Authors: Hung Peiyin , Cramer Laura D. , Pollack Craig E. , Gross Cary P. , Wang Shi‐Yi
Published: August 2021

Objective

To examine the associations of primary care physician (PCP) care continuity with cancer‐specific survival and end‐of‐life care intensity.

Data Sources

Surveillance, epidemiology, and end results linked to Medicare claims data from 2001 to 2015.

Study Design

Cox proportional hazards models with mixed effects and hierarchical generalized logistic models were used to examine the associations of PCP care continuity with cancer‐specific survival and end‐of‐life care intensity, respectively. PCP care continuity, defined as having visited the predominant PCP (who saw the patient most frequently before diagnosis) within 6 months of diagnosis.

Data Extraction Methods

We identified Medicare patients diagnosed at age 66.5–94 years with stage‐III or IV poor‐prognosis cancer during 2001–2012 and followed them up until 2015. Patients who died within 6 months after diagnosis were excluded.

Principal Findings

Primary study cohort consisted of 85,467 patients (median survival 22 months), 71.7% of whom had PCP care continuity. Patients with PCP care continuity tended to be older, married, nonblack, non‐Hispanic, and to have fewer comorbid conditions (p < 0.001 for all). Patients with PCP care continuity had lower cancer‐specific mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 0.95; p = 0.001) than did those without PCP care continuity. Findings of the 2001–2003 cohorts (nearly all of whom died by 2015) show no associations of overall end‐of‐life care intensity measures with PCP care continuity (adjusted marginal effects: 0.005; 95% CI: −0.016 to 0.026; p = 0.264).

Conclusions

Among Medicare beneficiaries with advanced poor‐prognosis cancer, PCP continuity was associated with modestly improved survival without raising overall aggressive end‐of‐life care.
Racial discrimination, racial identity affiliation, and heavy alcohol use among multiracial individuals
Authors: Nalven Tessa , Spillane Nichea S. , Rossi Joseph S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Alcohol use is disproportionately higher among multiracial than monoracial adults; yet, associated risk and protective factors are underexplored. The present study compared levels of experienced racial discrimination, racial identity affiliation, and heavy alcohol use among multiracial and monoracial adults and tested whether racial identity affiliation, experienced racial discrimination, and their interaction were significantly associated with heavy alcohol use among multiracial individuals.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III. Participants are a nationally representative sample of all U.S. adults (N = 29,026; 56.4% female) and were interviewed for the study from 2012 to 2013. The sample includes 598multiracial individuals.

Results

Linear regression analyses showed that multiracial individuals experienced significantly greater racial discrimination than White (b = −1.26, 95% CI [−1.47, −1.05], p < 0.001) or Asian individuals (b = −0.30, 95% CI [−0.53, −0.06], p = 0.013) but less than Black individuals (b = 0.29, 95% CI [0.08, 0.50], p = 0.007). Furthermore, multiracial individuals reported less affiliation with their racial identity than Black (b = 4.92, 95% CI [4.23, 5.62], p < 0.001) or Asian individuals (b = 3.86, 95% CI [3.09, 4.63], p < 0.001) but did not differ significantly from White individuals. Logistic regression analysis showed that multiracial individuals were significantly more likely to report heavy drinking than Asian individuals (OR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.36, 0.78], p = 0.001) but did not differ significantly from White or Black individuals. Finally, experienced racial discrimination was significantly related to heavy alcohol use in multiracial adults (b = 0.11, 95% CI [0.01, 0.20], p = 0.031), though neither racial identity affiliation nor the interaction of racial identity affiliation with experienced racial discrimination were significantly related to heavy alcohol use.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that multiracial individuals, as compared to other minoritized individuals who are monoracial, report high levels of experienced racial discrimination and heavy alcohol use and low levels of racial identity affiliation. Further understanding of the effects of racial identity affiliation and experienced racial discrimination on the risk for heavy alcohol use could help in the development of interventions aimed at reducing alcohol use disparities among multiracial individuals.
Oxytocin: at birth and beyond. A systematic review of the long‐term effects of peripartum oxytocin
Authors: Monks D. T. , Palanisamy A.
Published: August 2021

Oxytocin is one of the most commonly used medications during labour and delivery. Recent insights from basic neuroscience research suggest that the uterotonic effects of oxytocin may arguably be trivial when compared with its profound effects on higher‐order human behaviour. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential consequences of manipulating oxytocinergic signalling during the peripartum period and its long‐term impact on the maternal‐infant dyad. We identified four domains where modulation of oxytocinergic signalling might be consequential: postpartum depression; breastfeeding; neurodevelopment; and chronic pain, and performed a literature search to address the impact of peripartum oxytocin administration. We have shown modest, but inconsistent, evidence linking peripartum oxytocin administration with postpartum depression. Breastfeeding success appeared to be negatively correlated with peripartum oxytocin exposure, perhaps secondary to impaired primitive neonatal reflexes and maternal‐infant bonding. The association between perinatal oxytocin exposure and subsequent development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism in the offspring was weak, but these studies were limited by the lack of information on the cumulative dose. Finally, we identified substantial evidence for analgesic and anti‐hypersensitivity effects of oxytocin which might partly explain the low incidence of chronic pain after caesarean birth. Although most data presented here are observational, our review points to a compelling need for robust clinical studies to better dissect the impact of peripartum oxytocin administration, and as stewards of its use, increase the precision with which we administer oxytocin to prevent overuse of the drug.
Introduction of a standardised maternity early warning system: indicative data from a before‐and‐after study at a large pilot site before national rollout in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Drake M. , Austin G. , Dann L. , Li Y. , Shuker C. , Psirides A.
Published: August 2021

Strong evidence now demonstrates that recognition and response systems using standardised early warning scores can help prevent harm associated with in‐hospital clinical deterioration in non‐pregnant adult patients. However, a standardised maternity‐specific early warning system has not yet been agreed in the UK. In Aotearoa New Zealand, following the nationwide implementation of the standardised New Zealand Early Warning Score (NZEWS) for adult inpatients, a modified maternity‐specific variation (NZMEWS) was piloted in a major tertiary hospital in Auckland, before national rollout. Following implementation in July 2018, we observed a significant and sustained reduction in severe maternal morbidity as measured by emergency response calls to women who were very unwell (emergency response team call), and a non‐significant reduction in cardiorespiratory arrest team calls. Emergency response team calls to maternity wards fell from a median of 0.8 per 100 births at baseline (January 2017–May 2018) to 0.6 per 100 births monthly (from March 2019 to December 2020) (p < 0.0001). Cardiorespiratory arrest team calls to maternity wards fell from 0.14 per 100 births per quarter (quarter 1 2017–quarter 2 2018) to 0.09 calls per 100 births per quarter after NZMEWS was introduced (quarter 3 2018–quarter 4 2020) (p = 0.2593). These early results provide evidence that NZMEWS can detect and prevent deterioration of pregnant women, although there are multiple factors that may have contributed to the reduction in emergency response calls noted.
Vasectomy utilization in men aged 18–45 declined between 2002 and 2017: Results from the United States National Survey for Family Growth data
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Vasectomy remains a safe, simple, and effective contraceptive option. Conflicting data on the trend of vasectomy use among men have been described previously at various snapshots in time over the last two decades.

Objectives

This paper seeks to describe the trend of vasectomy utilization in the last 15 years using a nationally representative US survey.

Materials and methods

We analyzed data from male respondents aged 18 to 45 years of the Cycle 6 (2002), 2006–2010, 2011–2013, 2013–2015, and 2015–2017 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) surveys. Population estimates are calculated based on the official NSFG instructions, accounting for the complex survey design. Multivariate logistic regression models are used to study demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with vasectomy use in men.

Results

Baseline characteristics for men undergoing vasectomy do not differ significantly across survey years. Increased age, White race, marital status, higher education level, birthplace within the United States, higher household income, non‐Catholic affiliation, and higher number of biological kids have significant positive associations with vasectomy use. After accounting for factors associated with vasectomy utilization, there was a significant temporal decline in vasectomy utilization rates in all age groups across survey years which remained in subgroup analyses of all men greater than 25, 30, and 35 years of age.

Discussion

This is the first population‐based analysis of US data to observe a decline in vasectomy utilization over the past two decades. The decline was statistically significant after accounting for all demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Conclusion

There is a steady decline in the prevalence of vasectomy use in men from 2002 to 2017. Given the limited contraceptive options for men and the importance of contraception and family planning in the United States, further research is needed to understand the temporal decline.
Progression from intermediate to neovascular age‐related macular degeneration according to drusen subtypes: Bundang AMD cohort study report 3
Authors: Kim Kyoung Lae , Joo Kwangsic , Park Sang Jun , Park Kyu Hyung , Woo Se Joon
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the ophthalmic risk factors related to neovascular change and the subtype‐wise incidence of progression from intermediate to neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 632 eyes with intermediate AMD from 418 patients (older than 50 years) were enrolled. The systemic factors and ophthalmic factors were statistically analysed with respect to neovascular change.

Results

The 5‐year cumulative incidence of progression to neovascular AMD (nAMD) from intermediate AMD was 17.8% and 17.0% in eyes with soft drusen and pachydrusen (p = 0.316). Older age (p = 0.025), preexisting nAMD in the fellow eye (p < 0.001), and reticular pseudodrusen (RPD; p = 0.007) were associated with the risk of progression to nAMD. In reference to soft drusen, pachydrusen was associated with progression to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV; p < 0.001) and not to typical nAMD (p = 0.064).

Conclusions

The ophthalmic risk factors related to the progression of nAMD from intermediate AMD were found to be preexisting nAMD in the fellow eye and RPD. Pachydrusen showed a similar incidence of neovascular change with soft drusen, and was associated with the progression to PCV but not to typical nAMD.
Nonparametric estimation of the survival distribution under covariate‐induced dependent truncation
Authors: Vakulenko‐Lagun Bella , Qian Jing , Chiou Sy Han , Wang Nancy , Betensky Rebecca A.
Published: August 2021

There is often delayed entry into observational studies, which results in left truncation. In the estimation of the distribution of time‐to‐event from left‐truncated data, standard survival analysis methods require quasi‐independence between the truncation time and event time. Incorrectly assuming quasi‐independence may lead to biased estimation. We address the problem of estimation of the survival distribution when dependence between the event time and its left truncation time is induced by shared covariates. We introduce propensity scores for truncated data and propose two inverse probability weighting methods that adjust for both truncation and dependence, if all of the shared covariates are measured. The proposed methods additionally allow for right censoring. We evaluate the proposed methods in simulations, conduct sensitivity analyses, and provide guidelines for use in practice. We illustrate our approach in application to data from a central nervous system lymphoma study. The proposed methods are implemented in the R package,depLT.
Visualising the choriocapillaris: Histology, imaging modalities and clinical research ‐ A review
Authors: Ng Danny Siu‐Chun , Chan Leo Ka‐Yu , Ng Ching Man , Lai Timothy Y. Y.
Published: August 2021

The choriocapillaris plays a considerable role in the normal physiology of the eye as well as in various diseases. Assessing the changes in the choriocapillaris can therefore provide important information about normal ageing and pathogenesis of visual impairment, and even some systemic diseases. In vivo imaging of the choriocapillaris has evolved from non‐depth resolved, dye‐based angiography to advanced, high‐resolution optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). However, the intricate microvascular networks within the choriocapillaris are still beyond the resolving limits of most OCTA instruments. Knowledge of histology, meticulous image acquisition methods, recognition of artefact and post‐acquisition processing techniques are necessary for optimising OCTA choriocapillaris images. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the choriocapillaris provide clinical information in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), pathologic myopia and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Furthermore, studies have revealed choriocapillaris changes in posterior uveitis that are correlated with treatment outcome and have important prognostic significance. In addition to retinal diseases, choriocapillaris changes have been observed in systemic vascular diseases and complications associated with pregnancy.
Evaluation of the implant disease risk assessment (IDRA) tool: A retrospective study in patients with treated periodontitis and implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs)
Authors: De Ry Siro P. , Roccuzzo Andrea , Lang Niklaus P. , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J. , Ramseier Christoph A. , Sculean Anton , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the Implant Disease Risk Assessment (IDRA) tool for the prediction of peri‐implantitis in treated periodontitis patients with implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after at least 5 years of function.

Material and methods

From the patient pool of implant patients enrolled in a regular supportive periodontal therapy programme (SPT) for at least 5 years, 239 patients were screened. Eighty patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent evaluation through the criteria of the IDRA tool. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves including 95% confidence intervals were estimated.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients (43 males and 36 females, 8 smokers), aged on average 59.0 years (range: 40–79 years) at baseline (i.e. FDP delivery) were analysed. The calculated IDRA‐risk was in 34 patients (42.5%) a moderate risk, while 45 patients (56.3%) were considered at high IDRA‐risk. One patient categorized at low IDRA‐risk was excluded from the analysis.

The AUC was 0.613 (95% CI: 0.464–0.762) if the IDRA‐risk was associated with prevalence of peri‐implantitis at the most recent follow‐up. Peri‐implantitis was diagnosed in 4 patients (12%) at moderate and in 12 patients (27%) at high IDRA‐risk, respectively. The calculated odds ratio for developing peri‐implantitis in patients with high IDRA‐risk compared with patients with moderate IDRA‐risk was 2.727 with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (95% CI: 0.793–9.376).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present retrospective study, the IDRA algorithm might represent a promising tool to assess patients at moderate or high risk of developing peri‐implantitis.
Quantification of endolymphatic hydrops and its correlation with Meniere’s disease clinical features
Authors: Sun Qiyang , Jiang Guangli , Xiong Guanxia , Sun Wei , Wen Weiping , Wei Fanqin
Published: August 2021

Objective

We aimed to quantitatively evaluate the degree of endolymphatic hydrops and its correlation with the clinical features of Meniere’s disease.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients with Meniere’s disease who underwent gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at our department from January 2018 to December 2019. Mimics software was used to perform three‐dimensional modelling of the labyrinth, and volume information was obtained to calculate the endolymphatic hydrops index (EHI). A correlation analysis was conducted with data from pure tone audiometry, electrocochleography (EchoG), vestibular myogenic‐evoked potential (VEMP) testing, caloric testing and video head impulse testing (vHIT). A two‐dimensional method was also employed to calculate the hydrops ratio (HR) of cochlea and vestibule. The test‐retest reliability of EHI/HR from different operators was evaluated.

Results

A total of 23 affected ears were examined, and the EHI was significantly correlated with Meniere’s disease stage, low‐frequency hearing threshold, EchoG summating potential/action potential ratio (−SP/AP) and VEMP binaural asymmetry ratio, but no significant correlation was observed between EHI and the caloric test or vHIT. The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of EHI data calculated by two otologists was 0.946 (p < .001). And the ICC of cochlea and vestibule HR were 0.844 and 0.832 (p < .001).

Conclusion

Mimics software can be used to quantitatively evaluate the degree of endolymphatic hydrops and have shown higher test‐retest reliability than traditional two‐dimensional evaluation method. Endolymphatic hydrops correlates with clinical data, such as Meniere's disease stage, low‐frequency hearing threshold, EchoG and VEMP asymmetry ratio.
996. NICOTIANA MONOSCHIZOCARPA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: August 2021

Nicotiana monoschizocarpa is illustrated from plants collected along the banks of the Daly River in the Northern Territory (Australia) and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its taxonomic history, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.
Atypisches Erythema nodosum leprosum: Diagnostische und therapeutische Aspekte
Authors: Alakad Rania , Nofal Ahmad , Assaf Magda
Published: August 2021

Das klassische Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) ist klinisch durch plötzliches Auftreten druckempfindlicher erythematöser Knoten, Papeln und Plaques charakterisiert. Daneben wurden verschiedene atypische Muster, wie pustulöses, bullöses, ulzeriertes, nekrotisches und Sweet‐Syndrom‐artiges ENL beschrieben. Wir geben eine Übersicht bisher dokumentierter Fälle atypischer ENL und gehen dabei auf diagnostische und therapeutische Aspekte dieser selteneren Formen ein. Dazu wurde die medizinische Literatur in der Datenbank PubMed nach allen Fällen atypischer ENL bis zum Jahr 2020 durchsucht. Die Daten von Patienten mit atypischem ENL wurden erfasst und hinsichtlich epidemiologischer, klinisch‐histologischer und therapeutischer Aspekte analysiert. Die fünf hauptsächlich beschriebenen klinischen Formen des atypischen ENL sind vesikulär‐bullöse (46 % der Patienten), ulzerös‐nekrotische (41 %), Erythema‐multiforme‐artige (28 %), Sweet‐Syndrom‐artige (11 %) und pustulöse Läsionen (9 %). Bei allen Patienten wurden die Hautveränderungen von Fieber und Allgemeinsymptomen begleitet. Die meisten Patienten wurden oral mit Steroiden und Thalidomid therapiert. Dermatologen und Pathologen sollten die klinische Variabilität des ENL kennen, um Fehldiagnosen und verzögerte Behandlungen zu vermeiden. Die frühzeitige Erkennung kann die Kontrolle der Krankheitsprogression unterstützen und die Patienten vor weiteren Komplikationen schützen.
Psoriasis ist mit Lingua plicata jedoch nicht mit Lingua geographica assoziiert: eine prospektive Fall‐Kontroll‐Studie
Authors: Monshi Babak , Grabovac Sofia , Gulz Lilli , Ellersdorfer Christina , Vujic Marin , Richter Leo , Kivaranovic Danijel , Rappersberger Klemens , Vujic Igor
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund und Ziele

Es wurde berichtet, dass Psoriasis mit Zungenläsionen assoziiert ist und dass die Lingua geographica eine Form „oraler Psoriasis“ sein könnte. Allerdings ist die Studienlage unklar, die Prävalenzraten heterogen und aus Europa liegen nur wenige Daten vor. In dieser prospektiven Fall‐Kontroll‐Studie haben wir die Prävalenz von Zungenanomalien an einer österreichischen Kohorte untersucht.

Patienten und Methoden

Patienten mit Psoriasis und eine gesunde Kontrollgruppe wurden hinsichtlich Zungen‐ und Hautläsionen, Alter, Geschlecht, Rauchgewohnheiten, Allergien, Alter bei Erstmanifestation der Psoriasis, PASI‐Scores und Behandlungsmodalität für die Psoriasis untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 173 Psoriasis‐Patienten (58 Frauen und 115 Männer, medianes Alter 50 [37–60] Jahre) und 173 gesunde Kontrollpersonen (79 Frauen und 94 Männer, medianes Alter 54 [43–64] Jahre) eingeschlossen. Insgesamt berichteten 95 Teilnehmer über bestehende Allergien. 64 Psoriasis‐Patienten und 50 Kontrollpersonen waren Raucher. Das mediane Alter bei Erstmanifestation der Psoriasis war 26 (12–40) Jahre, der mediane PASi‐Score lag bei 2 (0–4,1), und das am häufigsten eingesetzte Therapeutikum war Ustekinumab (n = 47). Lingua plicata war statistisch signifikant mit Psoriasis assoziiert (25 [14,4 %] Psoriatiker, 13 [7,5 %] der gesunden Kontrollpersonen; P = 0,04). Lingua geographica war in jeder der beiden Gruppen bei vier Personen vorhanden (2,3 %) und war signifikant mit Rauchen (P = 0,01), aber nicht mit Psoriasis assoziiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Zusammenfassend fand sich in dieser österreichischen Kohorte eine insgesamt niedrige Punktprävalenz von Zungenveränderungen. Psoriasis war mit Lingua plicata, nicht jedoch mit Lingua geographica assoziiert. Wir konnten daher die Hypothese, dass die Lingua geographica eine orale Manifestation der Psoriasis ist, nicht untermauern.