bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring reopening readiness: a universal COVID-19 index for US states
Authors: Suh Eunju , Alhaery Mahdi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

While United States is among countries with the world’s highest coronavirus infections, its approaches and policies to reopen the economy vary by state. A lack of objective criteria and monitoring toward satisfying the criteria can lead to another COVID-19 outbreak and business closures. Considering the pressing need to return to normalcy without a rebound of COVID-19 infections and deaths, an index that provides a data-driven and objective insight is urgently needed. Hence, a method was devised to assess the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the degree of progress any state has made in containing the spread of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Using measures such as the weekly averages of daily new deaths, ICU bed occupancy rates, positive cases and test positivity rates, two indexes were developed: COVID-19 reopening readiness and severity.

Findings

A clear difference in the pandemic severity trends can be observed between states, which is possibly due to the disparity in the state’s response to coronavirus. A sharp upward trend in index values requires caution prior to moving to the next phase of reopening.

Originality/value

The composite indexes advanced in this study will provide a universal, standardized and unbiased view of each state’s readiness to reopen and allow comparisons between states. This in turn can help governments and health-care agencies take counter measures if needed as to the anticipated demand for future health-care services and minimize adverse consequences of opening.
The death of distance, revisited: disseminative capacity and knowledge transfer
Authors: Park Chansoo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess how the transfer of explicit and tacit knowledge is affected by the knowledge disseminative capacity of a foreign parent firm, with an emphasis on the moderating role of psychic distance, by developing and testing a theoretical model of international joint venture (IJV) learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The author tested the hypotheses with survey data collected from 199 IJVs in South Korea, estimating a structural equation model using AMOS 23.0.

Findings

The author found that the capacity of the foreign parent to disseminate knowledge to the IJV has a greater impact on explicit knowledge transfer than tacit knowledge transfer. He also found that the relationship between disseminative capacity and explicit knowledge transfer is significantly moderated by psychic distance, but the relationship between disseminative capacity and tacit knowledge transfer is not.

Originality/value

The results are critical for IJVs and parent firms seeking to improve knowledge transfer, as they establish the importance of parent firms’ disseminative capacities and the moderating role of psychic distance in the process of both tacit and explicit knowledge transfer. This research addresses the research gap regarding disseminative capacity by providing empirical evidence.
Guest editorialNew challenges for business actors and positive heuristics
Authors: Guercini Simone , Lechner Christian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this guest editorial is to present an overview of the contributions in this special issue and proposes a positive approach to heuristics deriving from the growing interest in the decision-making topic with respect to the new challenges emerging in uncertain environments in management and marketing research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the reasons for a positive view of business actors' judgments and choices based on heuristics, not only in terms of effectiveness in practice, but their fit with human cognition and behavior, and the potential distinctiveness in contexts where technological devices and algorithms are more widespread, but not necessarily more appropriate.

Findings

The authors present and discuss the emergence and evolution of heuristics as a topic in the management literature, and the themes and insights proposed in the papers published in this special issue contributing to research aimed at systemizing a managerial perspective of the concepts and tools that may be useful for practitioners and researchers in this field.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the positive role that heuristics can play, offering some propositions for future research by framing heuristics as a set of tools (toolbox) for business actors in uncertain contexts, without constituting a cognitive limitation for effective solutions.
We have efficacy but lack infrastructure: teachers’ views on online teaching learning during COVID-19
Authors: Kundu Arnab , Bej Tripti
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led education institutions to move all face-to-face (F2F) courses online. The situation is unique in that teachers and students can make a direct comparison of their courses before (F2F) and after COVID-19 (online). This study aims to analyze teachers’ viewpoints for this unprecedented change.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a mixed-method approach within an ex post facto survey research design. Research tools were distributed among 200 Indian secondary school teachers following a heterogeneous purposive sampling technique. As the study was conducted during the pandemic backdrop researchers used Google forms and telephonic interviews to collect data.

Findings

Teachers viewed positively to this shift from F2F to online teaching-learning (OTL). They were found to have an overall moderate level of online teaching efficacy and where good efficacy prevails there found minimal concern for infrastructure, an attitude showing least concern for “what is not” and more concerned with “what they can do with what is having.” A statistically significant effect of teacher efficacy was found on their perception of OTL infrastructure that supports this strong conviction among few teachers. Statistical analysis revealed for every 1 standard unit increase in self-efficacy, the perceived OTL infrastructure was to be increased by 0.997 standard units which support the strong correlation between the two chosen cognitive variables (r = 0.8). Besides, teachers were not found as a homogeneous group concerning their reported readiness for online teaching yet, different subgroups of teachers exist which may require different approaches for support and counseling.

Originality/value

The paper reports an original empirical survey conducted in India and the write-up is based strictly on the survey findings only. An exclusive analysis of teachers’ views of their efficacy and perceived OTL infrastructure. At the same time, path-breaking in analyzing the chemistry between the two variables which will help improving apposite culture, practice and understanding of the digital pedagogy securing quality OTL in the long run.
The effects of infill patterns and infill percentages on energy consumption in fused filament fabrication using CFR-PEEK
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Rashidul , Jeon Hyun Woo , Kim Gayeon , Park Kijung
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the effects of infill patterns and infill percentages on the energy consumption (EC) of fused filament fabrication (FFF). With increasing attention on carbon-fiber-reinforced–poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) for practical applications in FFF, infill pattern and infill percentage for FFF can be properly controlled to achieve better energy performance of CFR-PEEK outputs. However, the effects of infill parameters on EC for FFF using CFR-PEEK have not been clearly addressed yet.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a full factorial experimental design, six types of infill patterns (rectilinear, grid, triangular, wiggle, fast honeycomb and full honeycomb) and four different infill percentages (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were considered for a design of experiments with three replicates. Then, analysis of variance, Tukey test and regression analysis were performed to investigate both the effects of infill pattern and infill percentage on energy performance during FFF.

Findings

EC is characterized to be high for the wiggle and triangular patterns and low for the rectilinear pattern during both the printing stage and the entire process. The wiggle pattern results in the greatest increase in EC, whereas the rectilinear pattern leads to the least increase in EC. Although EC during the FFF process increases as the infill percentage increases, the average power demand during the printing stage decreases.

Originality/value

Both the main and interaction effects of infill pattern and infill percentage are investigated to estimate EC and power during the different process stages of FFF.
Eco-innovation analysis of OECD countries with common weight analysis in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Kiani Mavi Reza , Kiani Mavi Neda , Farzipoor Saen Reza , Goh Mark
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite unanimity in the literature that eco-innovation (EI) leads to sustainable development, evidence remains limited on measuring EI efficiency with the Malmquist productivity index (MPI). In conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, decision-making units (DMUs) are inclined to assign more favorable weights, even zero, to the inputs and outputs to maximize their own efficiency. This paper aims to overcome this shortcoming by developing a common set of weights (CSW).

Design/methodology/approach

Using goal programming, this study develops a CSW model to evaluate the EI efficiency of the organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD) countries and track their changes with MPI during 2010–2018.

Findings

Achieving a complete ranking of DMUs, findings show the higher discrimination power of the proposed CSW compared with the original DEA models. Furthermore, results reveal that Iceland, Latvia and Luxembourg are the only OECD countries that have incessantly improved their EI productivity (MPI > 1) from 2010 to 2018. On the other hand, Japan is the OECD country that has experienced the highest yearly EI efficiency during 2010–2018. This paper also found that Iceland has the highest MPI over 2010–2018.

Practical implications

More investment in environmental research and development (R&D) projects instead of generic R&D enables OECD members to realize more opportunities for sustainable development through minimizing energy use and environmental pollution in any form of waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Originality/value

In addition to developing a novel common weights model for DEA-MPI to measure and evaluate the EI of OECD countries, this paper develops a CSW model by including the undesirable outputs for EI analysis.
Remittance–institutional quality nexus: curse or blessing
Authors: Lacheheb Zakaria , Ismail Normaz Wana , Naseem N.A.M. , Slesman Ly
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the linear and nonlinear remittance–institutional quality link in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the nonlinear relationship between remittance and political institutional quality in a panel of 97 developing countries using annual data of over nine years from 2009 to 2017. The estimated model uses system generalized method of moments for three political institutions indicators, namely, democracy, political stability and civil liberties.

Findings

The results revealed that remittance has a significant inverted U-shape impact on political institution’s indicators. Therefore, before the turning point, remittance is associated with high level of democracy, more stable political system and more civil freedom. While moving after the turning point indicates low level of political institution in the country.

Originality/value

The authors certify that this is the original paper. It has not been previously published and is not currently under submission or in press elsewhere.
Genetic variation is associated with differences in facilitative and competitive interactions in the Rhizobium leguminosarum species complex
Authors: Fields Bryden , Moffat Emma K. , Harrison Ellie , Andersen Stig U. , Young J. Peter W. , Friman Ville‐Petri
Published: August 2021

Competitive and facilitative interactions influence bacterial community composition, diversity and functioning. However, the role of genetic diversity for determining interactions between coexisting strains of the same, or closely related, species remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the type (facilitative/inhibitory) and potential underlying mechanisms of pairwise interactions between 24 genetically diverse bacterial strains belonging to three genospecies (gsA,C,E) of the Rhizobium leguminosarum species complex. Interactions were determined indirectly, based on secreted compounds in cell‐free supernatants, and directly, as growth inhibition in cocultures. We found supernatants mediated both facilitative and inhibitory interactions that varied greatly between strains and genospecies. Overall, gsE strains indirectly suppressed growth of gsA strains, while their own growth was facilitated by other genospecies' supernatants. Similar genospecies‐level patterns were observed in direct competition, where gsA showed the highest susceptibility and gsE the highest inhibition capacity. At the genetic level, increased gsA susceptibility was associated with a non‐random distribution of quorum sensing and secondary metabolite genes across genospecies. Together, our results suggest that genetic variation is associated with facilitative and competitive interactions, which could be important ecological mechanisms explaining R. leguminosarum diversity.
Newly identified proviruses in Thermotogota suggest that viruses are the vehicles on the highways of interphylum gene sharing
Authors: Haverkamp Thomas H. A. , Lossouarn Julien , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Lyu Jie , Bienvenu Nadège , Geslin Claire , Nesbø Camilla L.
Published: August 2021

Phylogenomic analyses of bacteria from the phylum Thermotogota have shown extensive lateral gene transfer with distantly related organisms, particularly with Firmicutes. One likely mechanism of such DNA transfer is viruses. However, to date, only three temperate viruses have been characterized in this phylum, all infecting bacteria from the Marinitoga genus. Here we report 17 proviruses integrated into genomes of bacteria belonging to eight Thermotogota genera and induce viral particle production from one of the proviruses. All except an incomplete provirus from Mesotoga fall into two groups based on sequence similarity, gene synteny and taxonomic classification. Proviruses of Group 1 are found in the genera Geotoga, Kosmotoga, Marinitoga, Thermosipho and Mesoaciditoga and are similar to the previously characterized Marinitoga viruses, while proviruses from Group 2 are distantly related to the Group 1 proviruses, have different genome organization and are found in Petrotoga and Defluviitoga. Genes carried by both groups are closely related to Firmicutes and Firmicutes (pro)viruses in phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, one of the groups show evidence of recent gene exchange and may be capable of infecting cells from both phyla. We hypothesize that viruses are responsible for a large portion of the observed gene flow between Firmicutes and Thermotogota.
Protein acetylation and deacetylation in plant‐pathogen interactions
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Chao , Chen Yun , Zhao Youfu , Ma Zhonghua
Published: August 2021

Protein acetylation and deacetylation catalysed by lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and deacetylases (KDACs), respectively, are major mechanisms regulating various cellular processes. During the fight between microbial pathogens and host plants, both apply a set of measures, including acetylation interference, to strengthen themselves while suppressing the other. In this review, we first summarize KATs and KDACs in plants and their pathogens. Next, we introduce diverse acetylation and deacetylation mechanisms affecting protein functions, including the regulation of enzyme activity and specificity, protein–protein or protein‐DNA interactions, subcellular localization and protein stability. We then focus on the current understanding of acetylation and deacetylation in plant–pathogen interactions. Additionally, we also discuss potential acetylation‐related approaches for controlling plant diseases.
Dr Ambedkar and the ‘Prostitute’: Caste, Sexuality and Humanity in Modern India
Authors: Paik Shailaja
Published: August 2021

Dalits’ (Untouchables) most democratic and productive politics relentlessly returns to questions of caste violence, sociality, sexuality and ‘inclusion/exclusion’ in the larger Indian body politic, thus producing a new matrix and mode of power within the category of the human itself. This article analyses the intellectual and anti‐caste leader Dr B. R. Ambedkar's (1891–1956) multi‐pronged – social, cultural and political – strategies of creating manuski (human dignity), dharmantar (religious conversion) and respectable samaj (community) in a doubly colonial – British and brahmanical – context. It offers the first analysis of Ambedkar's hitherto under‐examined speech of 16 June 1936 and other fragmentary evidence in Marathi by focusing on the changing contexts, complex conjunctures of socio‐sexual and material forces and political transformations that Dalit women engaged with to carve out their womanhood and humanity. The article examines the unmitigated contingencies of particular interlocked social, political, cultural, economic, emotional and moral battles of constituting a new political Dalit. It illuminates the ways the most stigmatised, ‘immoral,’ ‘corrupt’ and multi‐dimensional ‘prostitute’ emerged as a conceptual and categorical limit and embarrassment to Ambedkar's strategies of building Dalit power. The article's focus shifts away from imperial and European contexts and discourses to write histories of caste, gender and colonial sexuality from the vantage point of local Dalit women. This approach highlights the importance of writing histories of transnational and multilingual epistemologies that reorganize social and sexual norms in colonial and postcolonial societies.
Intracervical intracapsular myomectomy using loop ligation: a proposed technique
Authors: Wang S , Wang D , Huang Q , Zhao F
Published: August 2021

Performing laparoscopic myomectomy for an intracervical myoma, especially a single giant myoma, is challenging. Only skilled surgeons attempt this operation. Surgeons frequently encounter cases of massive intraoperative bleeding, difficulty suturing the cervical incision, risk of injuring the neighbouring tissues, haematoma formation and conversion to laparotomy or hysterectomy. We previously developed a the technique of loop ligation of the pseudocapsule and have been using it to treat sizeable intracervical myomas laparoscopically. Its advantages include less blood loss, lower risk of injuries to the neighbouring tissues, maintenance of the cervical canal and sparing of the pseudocapsule. This technique is safe and feasible, and facilitates fertility.

Tweetable abstract

The loop ligation technique is safe and feasible for laparoscopic myomectomy involving intracervical myomas.
The effect of mode of delivery and duration of labour on subsequent pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Van Winsen KD , Savvidou MD , Steer PJ
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess whether delivery mode and duration of labour in a first labour of spontaneous onset is associated with gestational length, delivery mode and neonatal outcome in the subsequent pregnancy.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Setting

15 Maternity units in North West London (1988–2000).

Population

30 840 women with spontaneous onset of labour in pregnancy 1 and a subsequent birth reported in the same database.

Methods

Assessment of outcomes by mode of delivery in pregnancy 1, restricting the analysis to the difference in the gestational length between pregnancy 1 and 2.

Main outcome measures

Gestational length, mode of delivery and neonatal unit admission in pregnancy 2.

Results

Caesarean section (CS) in the first or second stage of labour in pregnancy 1 was associated with pregnancy 2 being a median of 5 and 8 days shorter and a preterm birth rate of 6.0% and 10.1%, respectively, whereas following a normal or instrumental vaginal birth in pregnancy 1, the median duration was similar, with preterm delivery rates of 4.5% and 3.9%. In all, 56.2% of women with a CS in pregnancy 1 had a repeat CS and 12.5% of their babies were admitted to a neonatal unit, compared with 5.3% of women with vaginal birth. Longer labours were associated with shorter gestations in pregnancy 2.

Conclusions

Compared with vaginal birth, an emergency CS in the first‐term pregnancy is associated with a shorter gestational length, increased rate of repeat CS and increased risk of NNU admission in the next pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

An emergency caesarean section in the first‐term pregnancy affects the duration and outcome of the next pregnancy.
The relationship between institutional quality and ecological footprint: Is there a connection?
Authors: Uzar Umut
Published: August 2021

Although researchers have made significant efforts to explain the influence of institutions on environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions, the relationship between institutional quality and the ecological footprint has been neglected. The gap in the literature reveals an outstanding question: can institutions reduce their countryʼs ecological footprint? As a result, this study aims to investigate the effects of institutional quality and control variables on the ecological footprint for the period 1992–2015 in E‐7 countries through the AMG and CCEMG estimators. The findings show that institutional quality reduces the ecological footprint for the entire panel. Conversely, economic growth and energy consumption increase ecological pressure on E‐7 countries. In addition, the impact of institutional quality on the ecological footprint demonstrates heterogeneity at the country level. While institutions decrease the ecological footprint in China, India, Indonesia, and Russia, the study does not find such a relationship in other countries. Besides, energy consumption seems to be the most important factor in increasing ecological pressure in all countries. As drawn from the results, it can be said that improving institutional quality and increasing renewable resources in the energy portfolio are strategic actions in terms of improving environmental quality in E‐7 countries.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of hydrogel spacer for rectal toxicity reduction in prostate external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Jones Scott , White Nicole , Holt Tanya , Graves Nicholas
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Contemporary methods of external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer have reduced toxicity rates through beam modulation and image guidance, however, rectal injury has not been eliminated completely in this population. For patients at greatest risk of developing rectal toxicities, hydrogel spacers are a viable option for risk reduction. Translation of clinical trial results into routine clinical practice relies on an understanding of the economic implications. This study completed a cost‐effectiveness analysis of hydrogel spacers in the Australian healthcare setting.

Method

Simulation of possible health states following treatment was performed using a Markov model. Model outcomes included the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio and the net monetary benefit (NMB) at three published willingness‐to‐pay thresholds derived from literature. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were provided on these results. A baseline cohort without hydrogel spacer use was compared to treat all and selective use cohorts. Cost variation scenarios were also investigated to assess the impact of hydrogel spacer cost on outcomes.

Results

Using hydrogel spacers in a selective cohort was more likely to be cost‐effective than giving to all patients (NMB −$43 versus −$997, respectively); however, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was not below the $28 000 willingness‐to‐pay threshold for a healthcare provider perspective. These outcomes were influenced by large parameter uncertainty. Cost variation strategies are worth investigating further as a method to achieve willingness‐to‐pay threshold targets.

Conclusion

The influence of parameter uncertainty currently limits the cost‐effectiveness of this intervention in the Australian public health setting. However, a cost variation solution has been demonstrated to improve cost‐effectiveness estimates for selected patients and should be examined further.
The Interactive Use of Management Control Systems and Information Technology Project Performance: A Conceptual Framework*
Authors: Mir Farzana Asad , Rezania Davar
Published: August 2021

The objective of this review is to examine how the interactive use of project‐level management control systems (PMCS) impacts information technology (IT) project performance. To answer this research question, we focus on the mechanisms of team learning behavior, expertise integration, and the notion of the project manager's stakeholder analysis efficacy to develop a conceptual framework that explains the relationship between the interactive use of PMCS and IT project performance. The contextual influence of an organization's emphasis on process accountability is also considered. The conceptual framework is based on the theoretical underpinnings of organizational information processing theory, organizational learning theory, and the knowledge‐based view of the firm.
Onychomycosis in older adults: The age and associated factors affecting the complete cure rate
Authors: Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Srinonprasert Varalak , Kiratiwongwan Rungsima , Wongdama Supisara , Leeyaphan Charussri
Published: August 2021

Background

Limited studies exist on the factors associated with a complete cure of onychomycosis in older adults.

Objectives

To determine the age and factors associated with a complete cure among older adults diagnosed with toenail onychomycosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 95 older adult patients (aged ≥ 60 years) diagnosed with toenail onychomycosis between January 2016 and December 2017. Demographic data, mycological findings, treatments and durations to a complete cure were reviewed.

Results

The complete cure rates of the patients aged < 70 years and ≥70 years were 67.4% and 44.9%, respectively (P = 0.027). Patients aged ≥ 70 years were significantly higher in male gender, had higher history of smoking, peripheral arterial disease, impaired renal function, antihypertensive drug and amorolfine nail lacquer usage, and polypharmacy. A multivariate analysis revealed that being aged ≥70 years and having a nail thickness >2 mm were associated with failure to achieve a complete cure. The median times to a complete cure for older adults aged <70 years and ≥70 years were 20 months and 47 months, respectively (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

An age ≥ 70 years was related to a lower cure rate and delays in achieving a complete cure. A nail thickness > 2 mm was a poor prognostic factor for a complete cure. Moreover, very old adults were more likely to suffer side effects arising from the use of systemic antifungal medications.
Making Justice the Subject of Resettlement Planning
Authors: Otsuki Kei
Published: August 2021

In development and conservation projects that induce displacement and resettlement, proponents increasingly focus on procedural justice. They assume that this focus leads to recognition of displaced people’s expressed needs and distributive justice. By critically applying Robert Lake’s conceptualisation of “justice as the subject of planning”, this paper examines ways the current framing of justice in resettlement planning assumes that justice is a technically achievable object and prevents a new social imaginary in which justice is the subject that enables a collective pursuit of quality life. The paper analyses a resettlement project as a set of physical infrastructure where resettled people are corporeal citizens as opposed to static, one‐time beneficiaries. Through this framing of a resettlement project, justice needs to be constantly ensured, even after promises agreed in consultations have been fulfilled. The case of the resettlement project of Limpopo National Park in Mozambique is used to illustrate the discussion.
A rapid sediment pulse induced by glacial melting during the MIS 8/7e transition buried well‐developed karst in the Railton Valley, Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Slee Adrian , McIntosh Peter D. , Woodward Craig , Wang Ningsheng , Gadd Patricia
Published: August 2021

Recent catastrophic sinkhole collapse caused by regional water table lowering induced by quarrying has led to the partial exhumation and reactivation of a buried karst cave system in the floor of the Railton Valley in the lowlands of northern Tasmania, Australia, and widespread sinkhole development. Extensive silty sediments exposed in sinkholes, OSL dated to approximately 237 ka, are interpreted to be lacustrine deposits derived from rapidly deposited glacial outwash. The silty sediments have mineralogy consistent with derivation from a source in the upper Mersey catchment rather than locally and are interpreted to be the product of rapid melting of the Mersey Valley glacier during the MIS 8/7e transition. Thick Last Glacial alluvial fan and Holocene flood‐plain deposits mantle the lacustrine sediments. Exposures of glacial erratics and weathered till in streambeds provide further evidence that the valley was impacted by earlier Pleistocene glaciations.
Intergenerational educational mobility over the past century in Canada
Authors: Chow Alex , Guppy Neil
Published: August 2021

Young adults born at the end of the 20th century attend colleges and universities at much higher rates than did previous generations, which might give the impression of greater upward educational mobility and in turn, greater class mobility. This impression occurs, however, only because of structural expansion of the Canadian education system. In contrast to structural change, exchange mobility highlights the linkage between one's social origins and destinations. This speaks more directly to questions of equality of educational opportunity and social fairness. Greater fairness or social progress occurs when, over time, destinations become less contingent on origins. We examine intergenerational exchange mobility in Canada by investigating how, if at all, the linkage between parents’ and their children's education has changed over the past century. We construct a longitudinal dataset covering the 20th century by merging fifteen cross‐sectional surveys from Statistics Canada's General Social Survey (GSS) between 1986 and 2014. Comparing across synthetic birth cohorts we focus on transition probabilities, odds ratios, and logistic regression estimates to measure change. We contribute to a growing gap in the Canadian literature since social mobility has been largely neglected by sociologists as of late. We compare our results to recent findings of economists who examine intergenerational income mobility, another indicator of class mobility. Consistent with earlier sociological and economic research, our results show that despite the tremendous expansion of Canada's education systems, intergenerational exchange mobility for both women and men has been stagnant in Canada over the past century.
Toxic stress in children and youth: Exploring the role of community‐based programming to support health and well‐being in the United States
Authors: Clifton Maribeth , Boden Laura , Milton Lauren E.
Published: August 2021

Children and youth exposed to toxic stress are at a greater risk for negative outcomes on health, well‐being and occupational performance. Focus groups were conducted to gain understanding of the experiences and perspectives of youth at‐risk who were currently receiving services from a community‐based agency in a small city in the Western United States. Participants discussed acquiring life skills through agency programming including social skills and coping/self‐regulation skills. Participants also reported a positive culture of the agency, expressing feelings of safety, trust and supportive relationships. Community‐based programming may be in a pivotal position to provide services and supports that act as buffering protection against the effects of toxic stress.
“All is Normal”: Sports Mega Events, Favela Territory, and the Afterlives of Public Security Interventions in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Oosterbaan Martijn
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the changes in Visionário, a favela located near the affluent neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, to assess the effects of the Sports Mega Events (SMEs) on the political and economic conditions in the favela. Following Harvey’s (2005) description of “accumulation by dispossession,” several authors have highlighted that the UPP policing program, implemented before the SMEs, was part of neoliberal efforts to colonize favela territory with the prospect of future gain. Visionário has witnessed two consecutive policing programs (GPAE and UPP) in the past twenty years. Both were aimed at disarming the drugs‐gang members who attempt to rule the favela by force. The ethnography in this article shows that both policing programs started ambitiously, yet gradually police officers withdrew and gang members reoccupied strategic positions in the favela. As a result, residents learnt to deal with ongoing territorial shifts in a highly dense urban space and with the liminal presence of police officers. In my analysis, I argue that in terms of neoliberal strategies to accumulate favela territory by dispossession, this case suggests a failure, and I analyze the struggle over favela territory as the outcome of contradictory forces connected to global neoliberalization.
Clinical and onychoscopic features of histopathologically proven onychopapillomas and literature update
Authors: Starace Michela , Alessandrini Aurora , Ferrari Tiziano , Wong Vivian , Baraldi Carlotta , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: August 2021

Background

Onychopapilloma is a benign tumor of the distal nail matrix and proximal nail bed with heterogeneous clinical presentations. It poses a diagnostic challenge because it could mimic subungual malignancies and inflammatory conditions. Clinical, onychoscopic, and histopathological clues play critical roles in diagnosis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of onychopapilloma cases collected over 10 years, and characterized the clinical, onychoscopic, and histopathological features of onychopapilloma at an academic institution.

Results

We obtained 17 biopsy‐confirmed cases of onychopapilloma. Among our cases, we found manifestation of onychopapilloma as longitudinal erythronychia, longitudinal leukonychia, yellow‐brown chromonychia, and longitudinal melanonychia. Long longitudinal or short splinter hemorrhages may be present. Distal fissuring with V‐shaped notch, subungual keratotic mass, and onycholysis are other discernable features. Histopathological features include papillomatosis, epidermal hyperplasia, acanthosis of the distal nail bed, premature keratinization, matrix metaplasia, hyperkeratosis, and splinter hemorrhages; histopathological signs of malignancy were not observed in any of our cases.

Conclusions

Onychopapilloma has polymorphic clinical and morphological features. Onychoscopic and histopathological studies are important to help exclude malignant mimickers. Consider onychopapilloma in the differential diagnoses of a monodactylous longitudinal streak in the nail, especially on the left thumb of an adult female.
Inequality in early life: Social class differences in childhood mortality in southern Sweden, 1815–1967
Authors: Dribe Martin , Karlsson Omar
Published: August 2021

This article analyses the long‐term development of social class differences in infant and child mortality in an area of southern Sweden, spanning from the early stages of the mortality transition at the beginning of the nineteenth century, to the late 1960s when both infant and child mortality had reached very low levels. Our findings show that infant and child mortality was fairly equal at the beginning of the study period. We find no clear pattern of class differentials in childhood mortality in the first half of the nineteenth century when both infant and child mortality declined. Later in the nineteenth century, class differences started to emerge. This is clear for both post‐neonatal mortality and child mortality, while we do not find any class differences in neonatal mortality. Over time, a more or less full gradient emerged for post‐neonatal mortality, and a weak gradient also emerged for child mortality. Strikingly, the disadvantaged position for unskilled and lower‐skilled workers remained throughout the 1960s, also at a time when mortality levels were very low, and living standards had increased dramatically for all classes in the population.
Effect of Covariate Omission in Randomised Controlled Trials: A Review and Simulation Study
Authors: Ishii Ryota , Maruo Kazushi , Gosho Masahiko
Published: August 2021

In randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the allocated treatment group and covariates are expected to be independent. In the framework of the normal model, omitting covariates affects precision of the treatment effect estimator but does not yield bias in the estimator. However, when covariates are omitted, the treatment effect estimator has a bias in non‐normal models such as logistic and Cox models even in RCTs. Additionally, covariate omission in the accelerated failure time model and Poisson model causes a bias in the standard error (SE) estimator and yields an inflation of Type‐I error rate for the treatment effect. In this study, we reviewed the literature regarding the effect of covariate omission from the aspect of the bias and precision of treatment effect estimator, bias of SE estimator, and Type‐I error rate for these models assumed in RCTs. Furthermore, we conducted a simulation study in a wide variety of scenarios to evaluate the effect of covariate omission. Our literature review and simulation study provide a simple guide for consideration of covariate adjustment in RCTs. We recommend that all important and measurement covariates be included in analysis models to reduce bias for the treatment effect and SE estimators and control the Type‐I error rate.
Bi‐objective green vehicle routing problem
Authors: Erdoğdu Kazım , Karabulut Korhan
Published: August 2021

The green vehicle routing problem (GVRP) is a variant of the vehicle routing problem (VRP), which increasingly attracts many researchers in recent years due to the growing global environmental issues. As the transportation of the products grows, the number of vehicles in fleets and the pollutants caused by these vehicles also grow, which in turn negatively affects human health. In this paper, a biobjective GVRP was studied. The two objectives are minimizing the total distance and minimizing the total fuel consumption of all vehicle routes. As a solution method, an adaptive large neighborhood search was hybridized with two new local search heuristics. The proposed method was applied to two well‐known benchmark problem sets for VRPs and new approximate Pareto fronts were obtained for these benchmark sets.
Niche and neutral assembly mechanisms contribute to latitudinal diversity gradients in reef fishes
Authors: Bosch Nestor E. , Wernberg Thomas , Langlois Tim J. , Smale Dan A. , Moore Pippa J. , Franco João N. , Thiriet Pierre , Feunteun Eric , Ribeiro Cláudia , Neves Pedro , Freitas Rui , Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Norderhaug Kjell Magnus , Garcıa Alvaro , Otero‐Ferrer Francisco , Espino Fernando , Haroun Ricardo , Lazzari Natali , Tuya Fernando
Published: August 2021

Aim

The influence of niche and neutral mechanisms on the assembly of ecological communities have long been debated. However, we still have a limited knowledge on their relative importance to explain patterns of diversity across latitudinal gradients (LDG). Here, we investigate the extent to which these ecological mechanisms contribute to the LDG of reef fishes.

Location

Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Taxon

Reef‐associated ray‐finned fishes.

Methods

We combined abundance data across ~60° of latitude with functional trait data and phylogenetic trees. A null model approach was used to decouple the influence of taxonomic diversity (TD) on functional (FD) and phylogenetic (PD) diversity. Standardized effect sizes (SES FD and SES PD) were used to explore patterns of overdispersion, clustering and randomness. Information theoretic approaches were used to investigate the role of large‐ (temperature, geographic isolation, nitrate and net primary productivity) and local‐scale (human population and depth) drivers. We further assessed the role of demographic stochasticity and its interaction with species trophic identity and dispersal capacity.

Results

Taxonomic diversity peaked at ~15°–20°N, with a second mode of lower magnitude at ~45°N; a pattern that was predicted by temperature, geographic isolation and productivity. Tropical regions displayed a higher proportion of overdispersed assemblages, whilst clustering increased towards temperate regions. Phylogenetic and functional overdispersion were associated with warmer, productive and isolated regions. Demographic stochasticity also contributed largely to community assembly, independently of ecoregions, although variation was dependent on the trophic identity and body size of species.

Main conclusions

Niche‐based processes linking thermal and resource constraints to local coexistence mechanisms have contributed to the LDG in reef fishes. These processes do not act in isolation, stressing the importance of understanding interactions between deterministic and stochastic factors driving community structure in the face of rapid biodiversity change.
Under the skin: does psychiatric outcome of bullying victimization in school persist over time? A prospective intervention study
Authors: Jantzer Vanessa , Ossa Fanny C. , Eppelmann Lena , Parzer Peter , Resch Franz , Kaess Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

Research has shown a direct path between peer victimization and poor mental health outcomes. However, the impact of bullying prevention on mental health is a largely unexplored field. Therefore, our study examined the longitudinal association between bullying development and trajectories of psychiatric symptoms (emotional problems, total difficulties, nonsuicidal self‐injury, and suicidality) and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) during the implementation of school‐based bullying prevention.

Methods

Data of 4,873 pupils (grades 5–13) were collected in 23 schools implementing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). Self‐report questionnaires were administered at three annual assessment waves and individual codes enabled the association of repeated assessments to the same pupil. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) were used to examine the relation among bullying status and mental health outcome with mixed‐effects linear regressions estimating the association of changes in bullying with changes in continuous scores and mixed‐effects logistic regressions for categorical variables.

Results

Latent growth curve models revealed an improvement of mental health and HRQL through the termination of bullying for every outcome variable of interest (all p < .001). Correspondingly, we found an explicit increase in psychopathology as well as decrease in HRQL within one year as a result of developing victimization (all p < .001). Interestingly, the growth of psychopathology associated with the onset of bullying was significantly steeper than its decline associated with the termination of bullying. The postulated cumulative effect of ongoing bullying for a further year could only be shown for HRQL (p = .025) and total difficulties (p = .034), but not for specific mental health problems (all p > .117).

Conclusions

Latent growth curve models clearly showed that the adverse psychosocial consequences of bullying arise quickly but seem to reduce much slower and partly persist over time. Future long‐term studies are necessary to clarify if mental health problems will return to baseline after several years or if residual symptoms will remain.
Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of limonene against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Han Yingjie , Chen Wenxue , Sun Zhichang
Published: August 2021

In this study, inhibitory effect of limonene on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and its antibacterial mechanism was explored, respectively. The results showed that limonene effectively inhibited bacterial growth at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 20 ml/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the reduction of AKP activity and fluorescence microscope observation confirmed that limonene caused the destruction of the cell morphology and cell wall integrity of S. aureus. The reduction of MFI in fluorescein diacetate staining experiment and leakage of biological macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins) indicated that limonene damaged the cell membrane and increased membrane permeability. Besides, the reduction of membrane potential (MP) further confirmed that the damage to membrane and the reduction of respiratory metabolic activity. Furthermore, the respiratory depression test confirmed that the pathway of limonene affecting the respiratory metabolism of S. aureus is TCA pathway, followed by EMP. In addition, the disorder of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), pyruvate kinase (PK), ATPase (T‐ATPase, Na+‐K+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐Mg2+‐ATPase), and ATP concentration demonstrated that limonene could result in a slowdown of metabolism and metabolic dysfunction, thus inhibiting ATP synthesis.
Scoring system assessing mucosal visibility of upper gastrointestinal tract: The POLPREP scale
Authors: Romańczyk Marcin , Ostrowski Bartosz , Kozłowska‐Petriczko Katarzyna , Pawlak Katarzyna M. , Kurek Krzysztof , Zatorski Hubert , Koziej Mateusz , Romańczyk Tomasz , Wosiewicz Piotr , Marek Tomasz , Wiechowska‐Kozłowska Anna , Małecka‐Panas Ewa , Hartleb Marek
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

The proper visibility of mucosa during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is crucial for the detection of early upper gastrointestinal tract lesions. In contrast to colonoscopy, no validated scoring system for the assessment of upper gastrointestinal mucosal cleanliness has been developed so far. The aim of the study was to create and validate standardized grading system (POLPREP) to assess the mucosal cleanliness during EGD.

Methods

To assess the visibility of mucosa during EGD, 4‐point scale was developed (0–3). Twelve operators assessed 18 images of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum twice (in 2 weeks interval). In validation round, the images and endoscopy reports of 443 EGDs performed in six centers were assessed.

Results

The inter‐observer accordance of POLPREP was 0.8 (intra‐class correlation coefficient; 0.79 consultants, 0.85 trainees). The intra‐observer repeatability was 0.64 (Fleiss kappa value; 0.64 consultants, 0.64 trainees). The lesions detection rate was significantly higher in clean (scores 2 and 3; 19.7%) than in “unclean” segments (score 1; 7.7%, P = 0.049). Score 3 was associated with over three‐fold higher lesion detection than score 1 (odds ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1–9; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The proposed POLPREP scale allows for unified assessment of upper gastrointestinal tract mucosal cleanliness. The higher cleanliness scores are related with greater upper gastrointestinal pathologies detection.