bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory mechanics in the grig (
Cyphoderris monstrosa
): tympanal travelling waves and frequency discrimination as a precursor to inner ear tonotopy
Authors: Woodrow Charlie , Pulver Christian , Song Hojun , Montealegre-Z Fernando
Published: April 2022

Ensiferan orthopterans offer a key study system for acoustic communication and the process of insect hearing.
Cyphoderris monstrosa
(Hagloidea) belongs to a relict ensiferan family and is often used for evolutionary comparisons between bushcrickets (Tettigoniidae) and their ancestors. Understanding how this species processes sound is therefore vital to reconstructing the evolutionary history of ensiferan hearing. Previous investigations have found a mismatch in the ear of this species, whereby neurophysiological and tympanal tuning does not match the conspecific communication frequency. However, the role of the whole tympanum in signal reception remains unknown. Using laser Doppler vibrometry, we show that the tympana are tonotopic, with higher frequencies being received more distally. The tympana use two key modalities to mechanically separate sounds into two auditory receptor populations. Frequencies below approximately 8 kHz generate a basic resonant mode in the proximal end of the tympanum, whereas frequencies above approximately 8 kHz generate travelling waves in the distal region. Micro-CT imaging of the ear and the presented data suggest that this tonotopy of the tympana drive the tonotopic mechanotransduction of the
crista acustica
(CA). This mechanism represents a functional intermediate between simple tuned tympana and the complex tonotopy of the bushcricket CA.
Symptoms and PCR testing interval for bacterial pathogens in patients with diarrhoea
Authors: van Berkel Lisanne , Heuvelmans Maarten , Monkelbaan Jan F.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

.
Acute diarrhoea can be caused by

Salmonella

species,

Shigella

species,

Yersinia enterocolitica

,

Campylobacter

species and

Plesiomonas shigelloides

(SSYCP). In clinical practice, however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SSYCP is frequently performed as part of the diagnostic work-up for patients with chronic diarrhoea and gastrointestinal complaints.

Hypothesis. This study postulates that PCR for SSYCP is of limited clinical use in patients with chronic diarrhoea and gastrointestinal complaints.

Aim. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether testing for SSYCP remains sensible in patients with chronic diarrhoea and gastrointestinal symptoms and if earlier testing leads to more positive PCR results.

Methodology. Between January 2017 and December 2018, data on PCR results, culture results, symptoms, symptom to testing interval (STI) and immune status were retrospectively collected from the medical records of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms for whom PCR results for SSYCP were available. The STIs of PCR-positive patients and PCR-negative patients were compared.

Results. In total, 146 PCR-positive and 149 PCR-negative patients were included. STIs of <7 days occurred in 55 % of all PCR-positive patients compared to 38 % in PCR-negative patients. PCR-positive patients were more often tested within 7 days after onset of gastrointestinal symptoms or diarrhoea. A third of PCR-positive patients had an STI of >7 days. Immunocompromised patients had a shorter STI. Admitted patients had a shorter STI. Eighty-six PCR-positive patients had a positive culture (58 %). Antibiotic use 3 months prior to PCR testing was correlated with negative PCR results.

Conclusions

.
This study shows that early testing correlates with more positive PCR results and underlines that PCR for SSYCP is of lesser importance in the diagnostic workup of chronic diarrhoea and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. The shorter STI found in immunocompromised patients is possibly due to a lower threshold for testing in this population. It is also important to take recent antibiotic use into consideration when interpreting PCR results, given the correlation between negative PCR results and antibiotic use. Careful and precise documentation of symptoms in medical records is essential for clinical practice and research.
What motivates consumers to be in line with online shopping?: a systematic literature review and discussion of future research perspectives
Authors: Srivastava Abhinav , Thaichon Park
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study conducts a systematic literature review to synthesize the extant literature primarily on “online shopping consumer behavior” and to gain insight into “What drives consumers toward online shopping”.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed guidelines for systematic literature reviews with stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review is based on 79 research papers published from 2000 to 2020 in 21 reputed peer-reviewed international journals. The papers were analyzed and synthesized based on their defining characteristics, methodologies, major constructs and themes addressed.

Findings

The literature synthesis indicated that consumers have to make a trade-off between 11 perceived benefits and six perceived sacrifices to improve their net perceived value before making the final decision to adopt online shopping. It is important to decode these factors as they could improve both the functional and recreational value of the shopping experience for online consumers, resulting in an improvement in conversion rates from a prospect to the final purchase at e-stores. This could improve turnover as well as profits for the e-tailers.

Originality/value

This study pioneers to consolidate these factors through the lens of the value adoption model. This study also suggests insightful directions for further research perspectives in the online context from both consumers' and retailers' perspectives.
Stimulants of behavioural change: accounting education schism and gender
Authors: Nehme Rabih , AlKhoury Christelle , Alharbi Abdullah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify differences in auditors’ behaviour who have undergone work-integrated learning (WIL) versus the classical accounting education.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the education factor, auditors’ perception is assessed in scenarios when facing time budget pressure and time deadline pressure. The gender factor is included to highlight any behavioural differences between male and female auditors. Senior auditors working at the Big Four firms in the UK have participated in this survey.

Findings

The results show, from an educational perspective, that traditional accounting program is perceived as a catalyst of dysfunctional audit behaviour in comparison to WIL program that demonstrated a higher degree of ethicality. Furthermore, the results identify male auditors as having more tendency to behaving dysfunctionally when compared to their female counterparts.

Practical implications

This paper goes beyond assessing auditors’ ethical actions under work-related stresses, to identifying the differences in their behaviour based on their academic background. It can be used as a tool for audit practitioners and accounting faculty by highlighting the factors leading to dysfunctional behaviour and trying to mitigate them.

Originality/value

The added value of the research paper is that it sheds light on one of the most issues faced by auditors and employees in general. Time pressures embedded in most businesses can harm organizations badly in relation to the behaviour of their employees.
Identifying the definition, measurement, research focuses, and prospects of project complexity: a systematic literature review
Authors: Zheng Junwei , Gu Yu , Luo Lan , Zhang Yunhua , Xie Hongtao , Chang Kai
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Project complexity is a critical issue that has increasingly attracted attention in both academic and practical circles. However, there are still many gaps in the research on project complexity, such as the differentiated conceptualization of complexity and disjointed operationalization in the measurements. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a systematic and detailed literature review on the concept, dimensions, assessment, and underlying mechanisms of project complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review methodology was applied to search and synthesize the research on project complexity, and a final sample of 74 journal articles was identified.

Findings

This study first summarizes the concepts of project complexity from three different theoretical perspectives, and then identifies different approaches of measurement, evaluation, or simulation to assess project complexity. This paper finally establishes an integrative framework to synthesize the antecedents, mediators and moderators, and outcomes of project complexity, generating four suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

This study summarizes the definition and operationalization of project complexity to reduce the discrepancies in the existing research and offers an integrative framework to offer a broad overview of the current understanding of project complexity, providing a potential way forward for addressing project complexity.
Identification of research trends in emerging technologies implementation on public services using text mining analysis
Authors: Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro , Alcaide Muñoz Laura
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to conduct performance and clustering analyses with the help of Digital Government Reference Library (DGRL) v16.6 database examining the role of emerging technologies (ETs) in public services delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

VOSviewer and SciMAT techniques were used for clustering and mapping the use of ETs in the public services delivery. Collecting documents from the DGRL v16.6 database, the paper uses text mining analysis for identifying key terms and trends in e-Government research regarding ETs and public services.

Findings

The analysis indicates that all ETs are strongly linked to each other, except for blockchain technologies (due to its disruptive nature), which indicate that ETs can be, therefore, seen as accumulative knowledge. In addition, on the whole, findings identify four stages in the evolution of ETs and their application to public services: the “electronic administration” stage, the “technological baseline” stage, the “managerial” stage and the “disruptive technological” stage.

Practical implications

The output of the present research will help to orient policymakers in the implementation and use of ETs, evaluating the influence of these technologies on public services.

Social implications

The research helps researchers to track research trends and uncover new paths on ETs and its implementation in public services.

Originality/value

Recent research has focused on the need of implementing ETs for improving public services, which could help cities to improve the citizens’ quality of life in urban areas. This paper contributes to expanding the knowledge about ETs and its implementation in public services, identifying trends and networks in the research about these issues.
Global sensitivity analysis of structural models by active subspace and neural network
Authors: Zhou Chunping , Shi Zhuangke , Zhou Changcong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Global sensitivity can measure the influence of input variables on model responses and is of positive significance for the improvement design of structural systems. This work aims to study the global sensitivity of structural models by combining the active subspace theory and neural network.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to improve the efficiency of global sensitivity analysis for high-dimensional structural systems, a novel method based on active subspace and surrogate model is proposed. Active subspace can reduce the dimension of input variables, and an adaptive scaling strategy is proposed to improve the accuracy in finding the active subspace. The uncertainty propagation of active variables and model response is performed through the artificial neural network. Then the global sensitivity analysis is carried out.

Findings

Several examples are studied by using the Monte Carlo simulation method and the proposed method. Comparison of the results shows that the proposed method has preferable accuracy and low computational cost.

Originality/value

The proposed method provides a practicable tool for the variance-based sensitivity analysis of structural systems. Apart from sensitivity analysis, the method can be also extended for use in other fields relating to uncertainty propagation.
Main elements involved in the startup scalability process: a study on Brazilian agtechs
Authors: Bertucci Ramos Paulo Henrique , Pedroso Marcelo Caldeira
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study aimsto analyze the main elements associated with the evolution of Brazilian agtechs from the initial conception of the business model to becoming companies in the scale-up stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory research was conducted based on data collected through in-depth interviews. The answers were analyzed quantitatively using descending hierarchical classification (DHC) and correspondence factor analysis (CFA) and qualitatively using content analysis.

Findings

Five main elements were identified as responsible for the evolution of the companies up to their entering the scale-up phase: (1) governance, (2) decisions inherent to resource allocation, (3) monitoring of strategic, tactical and operational activities, (4) fostering human capital development and (5) business model validation. Each element presents a set of performance indicators that show the scalability of these companies.

Practical implications

The model developed can help companies that have not yet advanced from the conception of the business model to the scalability of different sectors, in addition to agribusiness.

Social implications

Proposal of a model that presents the main elements that impact on scalability and respective indicators that contributed to the scalability process of Brazilian agtechs.

Originality/value

This study contributed to advancing the knowledge on the organizational life cycle (OLC) of agricultural startups, particularly regarding the factors responsible for their scalability.
Impact of perceived corporate citizenship on purchase intention: across the fear of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Arachchi H.A. Dimuthu Maduranga , Weerasiri R.A. Sudath , Mendis Trevor
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the direct relationship between perceived corporate citizenship (CC) and purchase intention. This study also tests the mediating role of brand trust (BT), consumer–brand identification (CBI) and the moderating effect of personal norms and fear to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by contributing social exchange theory (SET), brand relationship theory, social cognitive theory (SCT) and fear appeal theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research was carried out by means of a survey with a sample of 411 regular consumers who work for national retail brands, where the unit of analysis was an individual. The study analysed the data to test the research hypotheses using SPSS and SMART partial least squares (PLS).

Findings

This study found a significant positive impact of perceived CC on purchase intention (direct path), and furthermore, a partial mediation was shown for the indirect approach. In addition, personal norms and fear to COVID-19 have a significant impact on the relationships between perceived CC on purchase intention, BT on purchase intention and CBI on purchase intention.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for managers to implement CC strategies to enhance consumer purchase intention and brand relationship in the retail sector within the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The current study is perhaps the first to investigate the impact of perceived CC on purchase intention across BT, CBI, personal norms and fear to COVID-19 in the retail industry, period of COVID-19 pandemic. The study also makes some significant theoretical contributions and previously did not shed light on customer behaviour in this context.
What is the role of place attachment and quality of life outcomes in employee retention?
Authors: Finocchiaro Patrick Anthony
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Maintaining human capital in the hotel industry is challenging due to high turnover. Through the implementation of circular economy theory, hotels are finding that human capital retention can be achieved via Quality of Life (QOL) outcomes by providing Corporate Social Resposibility (CSR) initiatives in the employee brand experience that focus on “place” attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is qualitative and three interviews were conducted with professionals from luxury hotels. The results were then compiled for each interview to determine whether QOL outcomes were in fact experienced by the interviewee in their designated hotel company.

Findings

Based on the interviews, all three hotels do incorporate CSR initiatives that focus on “place” attachment. Consequently, employees experience QOL outcomes that result in their retention within the hotel company.

Originality/value

An issue that hotels face is employee turnover. However, with experience-driven human capital management, retention can be achieved by ensuring that QOL outcomes are properly incorporated into the employee brand experience. In so doing, hotels can ensure that employees are engaged in their surrounding “place” through CSR initiatives that attach them to the local area.
How should small island developing states approach long-term sustainable development solutions? A thematic literature review
Authors: Özgit Hale
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This review article aims to outline the challenges that small island developing states (SIDS) face in developing long-term sustainability with particular reference to the implications for policymakers and tourism stakeholders who have to operate with limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sought to determine how SIDS should develop and implement policies and plans for sustainable tourism through a thematic review of the literature. The data were gathered from previous studies that examined how SIDS should accomplish this.

Findings

The findings indicate that the best approach for long-term sustainable tourism requires the development of a system for effective monitoring and policies that are implemented promptly through good governance. Developing sustainable tourism through quantifiable indicators has become critical given the growing need to understand the potential impacts of tourism development on destinations. This review also reveals that long-term sustainability of cultural resources can be achieved by compiling an inventory of existing tangible resources and involving stakeholders during the development phase to increase their attention and awareness of the critical nature of resource conservation.

Originality/value

This review determines how SIDS should develop and implement policies and plan for sustainable tourism and how to mitigate the challenges associated with unsustainable conditions.
Fra Angelico's The Miracle of the Black Leg: Skin Colour and the Perception of Ethiopians in Florence before 1450
Authors: Nethersole Scott
Published: April 2022

For the high altar of San Marco in Florence, Fra Angelico painted a scene in which Saints Cosmas and Damian graft the black leg of a deceased Ethiopian onto the body of a white European devotee. The white man, upon awaking, ‘saw nothing wrong’. Did he, or his audience around 1440, really have no objection to his new black leg? It would seem that to them the issue was not that the leg was black, but whether or not it came from a Christian. This essay uses Fra Angelico's image to ask broad questions about the contingency of skin colour and its associations in Florence before the advent of the transatlantic slave trade. It reviews the polarized position of recent scholarship on race in premodern Europe and seeks to follow a middle path. The development of this imagery after 1500, especially in Spain, shows racialized hostility towards the Ethiopian, which was not necessarily the case in the early fifteenth‐century examples discussed here. Instead, ideas of unity, rather than difference, will be employed as a framework for interpretation.
The Relationship Between Non‐GAAP Earnings and Aggressive Estimates in Reported GAAP Numbers
Authors: GUGGENMOS RYAN D. , RENNEKAMP KRISTINA , RUPAR KATHY , WANG SEAN
Published: April 2022

This study uses a controlled experiment to examine the trade‐off between managers’ use of non‐GAAP and GAAP earnings to satisfy market expectations and how this relationship can be moderated by both formal and informal regulatory attention to non‐GAAP earnings. Our key takeaway is that allowing financial reporting discretion in an alternative disclosure channel, that is, non‐GAAP earnings, can reduce firms’ opportunistic GAAP reporting. However, statements by regulators about increased attention to non‐GAAP earnings constrain this channel, and this can result in more aggressive GAAP earnings management and reduced GAAP earnings quality. We triangulate these findings with a survey and archival analyses and find results that are consistent with this primary message. Our study provides evidence relevant to standard setters and regulators that non‐GAAP measures may serve an important role even if they can be used opportunistically.
Artificial intelligence in health‐care: implications for the job design of healthcare professionals
Authors: Tursunbayeva Aizhan , Renkema Maarten
Published: April 2022

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector is growing, and AI‐based technologies are envisioned to affect not only patient care but also how healthcare professionals work. Nevertheless, the actual impact of various AI applications on healthcare professionals’ jobs has not been studied yet. Bringing together a framework to analyse AI applications in health‐care and the job design model, we analysed 80 publications from the grey‐literature platform ‘SingularityHub’. Our findings demonstrate that AI applications in 1) diagnosis and treatment, 2) patient engagement and empowerment and 3) administrative activities have an impact on the various components of healthcare professionals’ job design, including job autonomy and control; skill variety and use; job feedback; social and relational aspects; and job demands. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Soil bacterial biodiversity characterization by flow cytometry: The bottleneck of cell extraction from soil
Authors: El Mujtar Verónica A. , Chirdo Fernando , Lagares Antonio , Wall Luis , Tittonell Pablo
Published: April 2022

The importance of soil biodiversity is increasingly recognized in agriculture and natural resource research and development. Yet, traditional soil biodiversity assessments are costly and time‐consuming, limiting the extent and frequency of sampling and analysis in space and time. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a powerful technique to characterize cell communities due to its high robustness and accuracy, requiring only a short time for the characterization. Therefore, FCM could expand soil research capabilities by allowing the characterization of different aspects of bacterial biodiversity. However, this implementation of FCM requires the previous dispersion, separation and purification of bacteria from complex soil matrices. Moreover, soil monitoring programs or evaluation of soil management practices require high‐throughput analysis. In this context, soil processing protocols need to consider not only an adequate recovery of undamaged, representative and pure soil bacteria, but also short‐time processing requirements. Although soil processing protocols have been reported over time, to our knowledge, there is no recommended soil extraction protocol for high‐throughput analysis of bacterial biodiversity by FCM.

We reviewed the state‐of‐art of the use of flow cytometry in scientific research and the protocols used for the extraction of bacteria from soil. We analysed the literature to take stock of the diversity of methodologies for soil processing and applications of flow cytometry in bacterial characterization considering abundance, diversity, community structure and functional properties.

This review provides several lines of evidence of the use of flow cytometry for soil bacterial biodiversity (SBB) characterization, highlighting its potential for soil monitoring and studies on soil bacterial community dynamics. The review also highlights and discusses the most relevant constraints and research gaps that need to be considered for high‐throughput analysis of SBB by FCM, such as evaluation of scale‐down, new reagents for and methods of purification, threshold of bacterial recovery efficiency and selection of a standardized and validated protocol.

We proposed a protocol for soil bacterial extraction for high‐throughput analysis of SBB by FCM and we provided detailed databases of systematized information that would be useful to the scientific community.
Pragmatic clinical trial design in emergency medicine: Study considerations and design types
Authors: Gettel Cameron J. , Yiadom Maame Yaa A. B. , Bernstein Steven L. , Grudzen Corita R. , Nath Bidisha , Li Fan , Hwang Ula , Hess Erik P. , Melnick Edward R.
Published: April 2022

Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) focus on correlation between treatment and outcomes in real‐world clinical practice, yet a guide highlighting key study considerations and design types for emergency medicine investigators pursuing this important study type is not available. Investigators conducting emergency department (ED)‐based PCTs face multiple decisions within the planning phase to ensure robust and meaningful study findings. The PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary 2 (PRECIS‐2) tool allows trialists to consider both pragmatic and explanatory components across nine domains, shaping the trial design to the purpose intended by the investigators. Aside from the PRECIS‐2 tool domains, ED‐based investigators conducting PCTs should also consider randomization techniques, human subjects concerns, and integration of trial components within the electronic health record. The authors additionally highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and rationale for the use of four common randomized study design types to be considered in PCTs: parallel, crossover, factorial, and stepped‐wedge. With increasing emphasis on the conduct of PCTs, emergency medicine investigators will benefit from a rigorous approach to clinical trial design.
A counting intervention promotes fair sharing in preschoolers
Authors: Chernyak Nadia , Harris Paul L. , Cordes Sara
Published: April 2022

Recent work has probed the developmental mechanisms that promote fair sharing. This work investigated 2.5‐ to 5.5‐year‐olds’ (N = 316; 52% female; 79% White; data collected 2016–2018) sharing behavior in relation to three cognitive correlates: number knowledge, working memory, and cognitive control. In contrast to working memory and cognitive control, number knowledge was uniquely associated with fair sharing even after controlling for the other correlates and for age. Results also showed a causal effect: After a 5‐min counting intervention (vs. a control), children improved their fair sharing behavior from pre‐test to post‐test. Findings are discussed in light of how social, cognitive, and motivational factors impact sharing behavior.
Biocontrol implications of multiparasitism by Trissolcus mitsukurii and Trissolcus japonicus on the invasive brown marmorated stink bug
Authors: Costi Elena , Di Bella Emanuele , Iotti Daniele , Maistrello Lara
Published: April 2022

The egg parasitoids Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) are the most effective biocontrol agents of the invasive agricultural pest Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in its native range (east Asia). Trissolcus japonicus and T. mitsukurii are sympatric in the native areas. In northern Italy, where H. halys is a major pest of fruit orchards, adventive populations of both species are spreading, and T. japonicus is artificially released under a classical biocontrol program against H. halys. This laboratory study aimed to assess the outcome of competition when both species share the same resource and possible implications for the biological control of the invasive stink bug. Egg masses of H. halys were offered to each parasitoid after previous parasitization by the other species. Parasitoid behaviour, number of ovipositions, and successfully developed parasitoids were recorded. Additionally, contest behaviour was assessed when both species were released simultaneously on the same egg mass. Results showed that both T. japonicus and T. mitsukurii were able to parasitize an egg mass already parasitized by the other species. Competition occurred within the host eggs and each species outperformed the other when it was the first to oviposit. Importantly, the overall contribution to H. halys mortality was not affected by the interaction between parasitoids, as non‐parasitized eggs were 4–6% in the absence of competition and <8% in its presence, respectively. When simultaneously released on the egg mass, T. mitsukurii was more aggressive, engaging in chase‐off events in 71% of cases compared to 50% of T. japonicus.
Predation promotes diversification in the mean and variance of antipredator traits
Authors: Jiang Bin , Zhang Yongmei , Mauersberger Rüdiger , Schiel Franz‐Josef , Mikolajewski Dirk Johannes
Published: April 2022

Predator species are separated along habitat gradients, with predation known to play an essential role in species' trait diversification. Because predator species differ dramatically in their hunting style and mode, a change in predator species will alter the mean and variance of prey's antipredator traits. Population trait variation has an impact on community ecology. It influences species' niche width and interactions in the food web. However, empirical studies on variance change by predation are scarce.

In this study, we collected large numbers of the last instar Leucorrhinia pectoralis exuviae from lakes with predatory fish (fish lakes) and lakes with large invertebrate predators (dragonfly lakes) and compared their two antipredator traits (spines and body size).

We found that individuals in dragonfly lakes grew shorter spines than individuals in fish lakes. Body size showed no significant difference between dragonfly‐lake individuals and fish‐lake individuals. Moreover, populations from dragonfly lakes showed a smaller variance of spine length than populations from fish lakes; while populations from dragonfly lakes had a larger variance in body size than populations from fish lakes.

These results indicate that trait variance, as well as mean, is strongly modified by different predation regimes. Studying the mean and variance of traits can help to define the mode of selection forces (directional selection and stabilising selection) in nature. Moreover, dragonfly larvae might be ideal organisms for the study of phenotypic selection on quantitative traits in the wild.
Couple/marriage and family therapist extent of training for working with families impacted by substance use
Authors: Chou Jessica L. , Lynch Laura , Brooks Stephanie , Krauthamer Ewing E. Stephanie , Jordal Christian , McDowell Dara , Bluteau‐James Voulda A.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The goal of this study was to explore substance misuse training exposure and preparedness among couple/marriage and family therapists (C/MFTs) who graduated from Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) programs.

Background

In 2018, approximately 53.2 million individuals aged 12 years and older reported using illegal substances. Substance misuse has a significant family impact, and family system patterns can contribute to the development or maintenance of substance misuse issues. Couple/marriage and family therapists (C/MFTs) are well positioned to work with families impacted by substance misuse, as their standard training focuses on the interplay of relationships and systems in the development and maintenance of individual and family functioning. However, the extent of substance misuse–specific training within accredited C/MFT graduate programs is still unclear.

Method

The present study used a mixed‐methods convergent design to explore substance misuse training exposure and preparedness among C/MFTs who graduated from COAMFTE programs. A total of N = 109 individuals participated in online assessments, and n = 8 completed interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected during the same phase, analyzed separately, and then integrated and interpreted to gain a comprehensive understanding of substance misuse training and workforce experiences among C/MFTs.

Results

Ninety‐three percent of respondents (n = 101) reported very little to no substance misuse training in their programs (no course to one course in their COAMFTE‐accredited programs), despite consensus among respondents that such training and related supervision would be valuable.

Conclusion

Training recommendations are provided for the inclusion of substance misuse coursework among graduate‐level training programs.

Implications

A C/MFT educational program pursuing curriculum changes to include more substance misuse–related content may encounter several challenges. Implications for addressing challenges are discussed.
Potentiation of antibiotic activity, and efflux pumps inhibition by (2E)‐1‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one
Authors: Hemília de Souza Nunes Paula , Sampaio de Freitas Thiago , Esmeraldo Rocha Janaína , Luiz Silva Pereira Raimundo , Machado Marinho Marcia , de Oliveira Mateus Rodrigues , Santos Oliveira Larissa , Machado Marinho Emanuelle , Silva Marinho Emmanuel , Sousa Aquino Silvia , Emidio Sampaio Nogueira Carlos , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , Nogueira Bandeira Paulo , Magno Rodrigues Teixeira Alexandre , dos Santos Hélcio Silva
Published: April 2022

In recent years, bacterial resistance to traditional drugs has increased, and the need to find new effective antibiotics to treat infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria has consequently become more important. The current study aimed to evaluate the potentiation of antibiotic activity and efflux pumps inhibition by (2E)‐1‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (PA‐Fluorine) against the standard and resistant bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The association between PA‐Fluorine and ampicillin reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), showing a synergistic effect against S. aureus. For E. coli, PA‐Fluorine did not show any significant results when associated with ampicillin. Ciprofloxacin and chlorpromazine showed synergy with PA‐Fluorine on the two studied strains. An efflux pump mechanism was involved in the mechanism of action of chlorpromazine, norfloxacin, and ethidium bromide. PA‐Fluorine synergistically modulated norfloxacin and bromide. It was thus concluded that PA‐Fluorine has the potential to enhance antibacterial activity when combined with antibiotics. Molecular docking studies showed the effect of intermolecular interactions of PA‐Fluorine on the NorA and MepA efflux pumps. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were also obtained by ADMET studies for this chalcone, which presents be a strong candidate as an efflux pump inhibitor.
Coral‐bleaching responses to climate change across biological scales
Authors: van Woesik Robert , Shlesinger Tom , Grottoli Andréa G. , Toonen Rob J. , Vega Thurber Rebecca , Warner Mark E. , Marie Hulver Ann , Chapron Leila , McLachlan Rowan H. , Albright Rebecca , Crandall Eric , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Donovan Mary K. , Eirin‐Lopez Jose , Harrison Hugo B. , Heron Scott F. , Huang Danwei , Humanes Adriana , Krueger Thomas , Madin Joshua S. , Manzello Derek , McManus Lisa C. , Matz Mikhail , Muller Erinn M. , Rodriguez‐Lanetty Mauricio , Vega‐Rodriguez Maria , Voolstra Christian R. , Zaneveld Jesse
Published: April 2022

The global impacts of climate change are evident in every marine ecosystem. On coral reefs, mass coral bleaching and mortality have emerged as ubiquitous responses to ocean warming, yet one of the greatest challenges of this epiphenomenon is linking information across scientific disciplines and spatial and temporal scales. Here we review some of the seminal and recent coral‐bleaching discoveries from an ecological, physiological, and molecular perspective. We also evaluate which data and processes can improve predictive models and provide a conceptual framework that integrates measurements across biological scales. Taking an integrative approach across biological and spatial scales, using for example hierarchical models to estimate major coral‐reef processes, will not only rapidly advance coral‐reef science but will also provide necessary information to guide decision‐making and conservation efforts. To conserve reefs, we encourage implementing mesoscale sanctuaries (thousands of km2) that transcend national boundaries. Such networks of protected reefs will provide reef connectivity, through larval dispersal that transverse thermal environments, and genotypic repositories that may become essential units of selection for environmentally diverse locations. Together, multinational networks may be the best chance corals have to persist through climate change, while humanity struggles to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to net zero.
Diaspora governance and religion: The (re)production of the Guangze Zunwang cult in the Chinese diaspora
Authors: Chen Ningning , Chen Jingfu
Published: April 2022

The role of sending states receives little attention in existing studies of transnational religion; another body of literature on diaspora governance gives little scrutiny to the religious dimension of diaspora strategies. This paper attempts to bridge the two bodies of works by exploring the state‐directed religious networking in the Chinese diaspora. Through a case study of the Guangze Zunwang cult, it investigates how origin states mobilize migrant religious networks for diaspora engagement and how diaspora communities respond to governing strategies. Different Chinese (non)state agents operate diasporic religious programs—international cultural tourism festivals and deities’ cross‐border processions—respectively within and outside the territory. Inspired by the state‐directed networking, diaspora groups also launch temple alliances in residential places, yet at the same time, produce alternative networks dedicated to revitalizing the cult. The paper sheds light on the multiplicity and flexibility of diaspora governance and provides further insights into the agency of the diaspora through transnational religious networking.
Acceptability of a standalone written leaflet for the National Health Service for England Targeted Lung Health Check Programme: A concurrent, think‐aloud study
Authors: Jallow Mbasan , Black Georgia , van Os Sandra , Baldwin David R. , Brain Kate E. , Donnelly Michael , Janes Samuel M. , Kurtidu Clara , McCutchan Grace , Robb Kathryn A. , Ruparel Mamta , Quaife Samantha L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Many countries are introducing low‐dose computed tomography screening programmes for people at high risk of lung cancer. Effective communication strategies that convey risks and benefits, including unfamiliar concepts and outcome probabilities based on population risk, are critical to achieving informed choice and mitigating inequalities in uptake.

Methods

This study investigated the acceptability of an aspect of NHS England's communication strategy in the form of a leaflet that was used to invite and inform eligible adults about the Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) programme. Acceptability was assessed in terms of how individuals engaged with, comprehended and responded to the leaflet. Semi‐structured, ‘think aloud’ interviews were conducted remotely with 40 UK screening‐naïve current and former smokers (aged 55–73). The verbatim transcripts were analysed thematically using a coding framework based on the Dual Process Theory of cognition.

Results

The leaflet helped participants understand the principles and procedures of screening and fostered cautiously favourable intentions. Three themes captured the main results of the data analysis: (1) Response—participants experienced anxiety about screening results and further investigations, but the involvement of specialist healthcare professionals was reassuring; (2) Engagement—participants were rapidly drawn to information about lung cancer prevalence, and benefits of screening, but deliberated slowly about early diagnosis, risks of screening and less familiar symptoms of lung cancer; (3) Comprehension—participants understood the main principles of the TLHC programme, but some were confused by its rationale and eligibility criteria. Radiation risks, abnormal screening results and numerical probabilities of screening outcomes were hard to understand.

Conclusion

The TLHC information leaflet appeared to be acceptable to the target population. There is scope to improve aspects of comprehension and engagement in ways that would support informed choice as a distributed process in lung cancer screening.

Patient or Public Contribution

The insight and perspectives of patient representatives directly informed and improved the design and conduct of this study.
Conflict and control in the contemporary workplace: Structured antagonism revisited
Authors: Edwards Paul , Hodder Andy
Published: April 2022

The concept of a structured antagonism lying at the heart of the employment relationship is widely cited but also commonly misinterpreted. The paper firstly returns to the origin of the concept to locate its approach to workplace industrial relations. It forms part of labour process analysis, within which its distinct emphasis is two‐fold: a focus on levels of analysis, such that the connections between the underlying antagonism and concrete behaviour can be interrogated; and a preference for comparative analysis, which allows the relevant processes to be identified. In this paper, we apply these themes to contemporary workplaces such as those in the gig economy. Recent research demonstrates substantial empirical and theoretical progress but can be taken further using the above two ideas. A methodological checklist emerges to guide a future programme of research.
Dynamic monopoly and consumers profiling accuracy
Authors: Laussel Didier , Long Ngo Van , Resende Joana
Published: April 2022

Using a Markov‐perfect equilibrium model, we show that the use of customer data to practice intertemporal price discrimination will improve monopoly profit if and only if information precision is higher than a certain threshold level. This U‐shaped relationship lends support to a popular view that knowledge is good only if it is sufficiently refined. When information accuracy can only be achieved through costly investment, we find that investing in profiling is profitable only if this allows to reach a high enough level of information precision. Consumers expected surplus being a hump‐shaped function of information accuracy, we show that consumers have an incentive to lobby for privacy protection legislation which raises the cost of monopoly's investment in information accuracy. However, this cost should not dissuade firms to collect some information on customers' tastes, as the absence of consumers' profiling is actually detrimental to consumers.
Establishment and evaluation of qPCR and real‐time recombinase‐aided amplification assays for detection of largemouth bass ranavirus
Authors: Guo Yanmin , Wang Yahui , Fan Zhaobin , Zhao Xianlin , Bergmann Sven M. , Dong Hanxu , Jin Yuqi , Sun Dongli , Mai Qianyi , Liu Weiqiang , Zeng Weiwei
Published: April 2022

Largemouth bass ranavirus disease (LMBVD) caused by largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBV) has resulted in severe economic losses in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) farming industry in China. Early and accurate diagnosis is the key measure for the prevention and control of LMBVD. In this study, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and a real‐time recombinase‐aided amplification (real‐time RAA) assay were established for the detection of LMBV. The sensitivity and specificity of these two methods, and the efficacy for detection of LMBV from clinical samples were also evaluated. Results showed that the real‐time RAA reaction was completed in <30 min at 39℃ with a detection limit of 58.3 copies, while qPCR reaction required 60 min with a detection limit of 5.8 copies. Both methods were specific for LMBV, where no cross‐reactions observed with the other tested fish pathogens. Comparing the amplification results of both assays to the results obtained by virus isolation using 53 clinical tissue samples, results showed that the clinical sensitivity of real‐time RAA and qPCR were 93.75% and 100% respectively, and the clinical specificity of both were 100%. Our results showed that qPCR is more suitable for quantitative analysis and accurate detection of LMBV in the laboratory, while real‐time RAA is more suitable as a point‐of‐care diagnostic tool for on‐site detection and screening of LMBV under farm conditions and in poorly equipped laboratories.
Inequality in researchers’ minds: Four guiding questions for studying subjective perceptions of economic inequality
Authors: Jachimowicz Jon M. , Davidai Shai , Goya‐Tocchetto Daniela , Szaszi Barnabas , Day Martin V. , Tepper Stephanie J. , Phillips L. Taylor , Mirza M. Usman , Ordabayeva Nailya , Hauser Oliver P.
Published: April 2022

Subjective perceptions of inequality can substantially influence policy attitudes, public health metrics, and societal well‐being, but the lack of consensus in the scientific community on how to best operationalize and measure these perceptions may impede progress on the topic. Here, we provide a theoretical framework for the study of subjective perceptions of inequality, which brings critical differences to light. This framework—which we conceptualize as a series of four guiding questions for studying subjective perceptions of economic inequality—serves as a blueprint for the theoretical and empirical decisions researchers need to address in the study of when, how, and why subjective perceptions of inequality are consequential for individuals, groups, and societies. To lay the foundation for a comprehensive approach to the topic, we offer four theoretical and empirical decisions in studying subjective perceptions of inequality, urging researchers to specify: (1) What kind of inequality? (2) What level of analysis? (3) What part of the distribution? and (4) What comparison group? We subsequently discuss how this framework can be used to organize existing research and highlight its utility in guiding future research across the social sciences in both the theory and measurement of subjective perceptions of inequality.
Internal structure of consumer cities: Core and subcenters
Authors: Moon Yoon Sang
Published: April 2022

This study examines urban spatial structures with production externalities as well as agglomeration from consumption amenities. Two agglomeration forces interact in consumer cities where a variety of nontradable goods facilitate consumption. I show that higher urban density begets not only more efficient production but also more varieties for consumers to enjoy. Hence, an urban structure depends on the tension between firms and consumers to take advantage of urban density. As a result, production externalities may cause decentralization from the central business districts, reflecting suburbanization. On the other hand, consumer trips play a role in centralization to the market centers. Accordingly, the consumption agglomeration in big cities sheds light on the reexamination of the significance of city cores.