bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Disordered Gambling Disorder, and Use of DSM-5 Based Sports Betting Questionnaire, in a Southwest Nigerian Community
Authors: Afe Taiwo , Ogunsemi Olawale , Daniel Olusoji , Ale Ayotunde , Adeleye Olufunke
Published: August 2021

Background:

Gambling disorder is rarely diagnosed in Nigeria. The prevalence and factors associated with gambling disorder in many parts of Nigeria are not known. Our study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 for use as a self-report screening instrument for large-scale studies in Nigeria.

Methods:

Cross-sectional surveys were done involving two independent sampled populations from a hospital setting and the surrounding community. Instruments administered included a semistructured sociodemographic questionnaire, South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11 criteria, and a screening questionnaire based on Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which was designed as a self-report measure (Sports betting).

Results:

The prevalence rate for gambling disorder was 30.5%. The diagnostic accuracy of DSM-5 and ICD-11, and SOGS were comparably similar. Factors associated with gambling disorder (sports betting) were low educational level and poor employment status.

Conclusion:

The DSM-5-based screening questionnaire showed good psychometric properties, with sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of ICD-11 criteria and SOGS. The study also found a high prevalence of gambling disorder. There is a need to address educational and employment opportunities.
Surviving COVID-19 is Half the Battle; Living Life with Perceived Stigma is Other Half: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bhatnagar Sushma , Kumar Sanjeev , Rathore Puneet , Sarma Riniki , Malhotra Rajeev Kumar , Choudhary Nandan , Thankachan Alice , Haokip Nengneivah , Singh Shalini , Pandit Anuja , Vig Saurabh , Ratre Brajesh Kumar , Mohan Anant , Lorenz Karl , Guleria Randeep
Published: August 2021

Background:

Year 2020 started with global health crisis known as COVID-19. In lack of established tools and management protocols, COVID-19 had become breeding ground for fear and confusion, leading to stigma toward affected individuals.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate prevalence of stigma in discharged COVID-19 patients from a COVID hospital in India. Participants were approached telephonically using a semistructured questionnaire to record their experiences. Questions were asked regarding stigma at six major domains of daily life. Among total 1,673 discharged participants, 600 were conveniently selected and out of them 311 responded on telephonic interviews.

Result:

We found that 182 (58.52%) participants (95% CI: 53.04–64.00) have self-perceived stigma, 163 (52.41%) participants (95% CI: 46.86–57.96) experienced quarantine-related stigma, 222 (71.38%) participants (95% CI: 66.36–76.40) experienced neighborhood stigma, 214 (68.81%) participants (95% CI: 63.66–73.95) experienced stigma while going out in marketplaces, 180 (57.88%) participants (95% CI: 52.39–63.37) experienced stigma at their work place, and 207 (66.56%) participants (95% CI: 61.31–71.80) reported stigma experienced by their family members. With a total of 84.5% (95% CI: 80.06–88.39) participants experiencing stigma at some domain and about 42.8% of participants facing stigma at all six domains. The commonest noted cause of stigma was fear of getting infected, reported by 184 (59.2%) participants.

Conclusion:

This study shows high prevalence of stigma in COVID-19 patients suffering in their common domains of daily lives.
Exploring information systems security implications posed by BYOD for a financial services firm
Authors: Chigada Joel , Daniels Naailah
Published: August 2021

This study explores information systems security implications posed by Bring Your Own Device concept in financial services firms. Thus, the findings and recommendations from this study will help financial services and other organisations to be cognisant of the importance of BYOD policy formulation. The use of BYOD has become prevalent in the workplace due to the increased dependence on the Internet and advancements in technologies. It is beneficial to the organisation in that employees buy, use and insure their own devices, thus, the organisation does not bear these costs. However, there is a huge cost to the company if the use and connection of BYODs to the company’s Information Technology infrastructure is not regulated and monitored. BYODs expose information and information systems assets to threat actors. Financial institutions handle very sensitive information, making them a target for data breach and the adoption of BYODs more hazardous. A qualitative research method was conducted with eight (8) purposefully selected participants working in the Risk, IT and Information Systems Security departments of the financial institution. Telephonic interviews were conducted in line with the national protocols of the global Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study revealed the absence of a BYOD policy and employees could use any number of personal devices without restrictions. Users were aware of information systems security policies and protocols because of the annual training and awareness programmes.
Impaired cognitive performance on MoCA testing at discharge in elderly patients following day endoscopy and its relationship to preoperative mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Chua Nathan J , Dimopoulos Georgia , Scott David A , Silbert Brendan S , Evered Lisbeth A
Published: August 2021

In patients admitted to hospital, preoperative mild cognitive impairment predicts postoperative complications. The effect of mild cognitive impairment on discharge readiness among the day stay surgery population is unknown. Our aims were to determine the incidence of impaired cognitive performance at discharge after day stay endoscopy and whether pre-existing mild cognitive impairment was associated with its development. A single-centre cohort study of elective day stay endoscopy patients was undertaken. Over a three-month period, data were collected from 69 patients aged 65 years and over. Patients were cognitively assessed on admission and discharge using the Montreal cognitive assessment tool and the three-minute diagnostic confusion assessment method. At baseline, patients who scored 1.5 or more standard deviations below age-adjusted levels on the Montreal cognitive assessment tool in conjunction with a subjective memory complaint were classified as having mild cognitive impairment. At discharge, patients were classified as having impaired cognitive performance if there was a reduction in the Montreal cognitive assessment tool score by at least two points. We also assessed delirium and subsyndromal delirium at discharge using the three-minute diagnostic confusion assessment method. We identified mild cognitive impairment in 23 patients (33.3%) on admission, and impaired performance on the Montreal cognitive assessment tool test at discharge in 35 (50.7%) patients. There was no association between mild cognitive impairment on admission and impaired cognitive performance at discharge (50.0% versus 51.1%, P = 0.94). This study demonstrates that evidence of impaired cognitive performance on the Montreal cognitive assessment tool testing is present after day stay endoscopy in over 50% of elderly patients, but this is not associated with preoperative cognitive status.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Transport Modes and Mobility Behavior: Analysis of Public Discourse in Twitter
Authors: Habib Muhammad Ahsanul , Anik Md Asif Hasan
Published: August 2021

This study proposes a framework to analyze public discourse in Twitter to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on transport modes and mobility behavior. It also identifies reopening challenges and potential reopening strategies that are discussed by the public. First, the study collects 15,776 tweets that relate to personal opinions on transportation services posted between May 15 and June 15, 2020. Next, it applies text mining and topic modeling techniques to the tweets to determine the prominent themes, terms, and topics in those discussions to understand public feelings, behavior, and broader sentiments about the changes brought about by COVID-19 on transportation systems. Results reveal that people are avoiding public transport and shifting to using private car, bicycle, or walking. Bicycle sales have increased remarkably but car sales have declined. Cycling and walking, telecommuting, and online schools are identified as possible solutions to COVID-19 mobility problems and to reduce car usage with an aim to tackle traffic congestion in the post-pandemic world. People appreciated government decisions for funding allocation to public transport, and asked for the reshaping, restoring, and safe reopening of transit systems. Protecting transit workers, riders, shop customers and staff, and office employees is identified as a crucial reopening challenge, whereas mask wearing, phased reopening, and social distancing are proposed as effective reopening strategies. This framework can be used as a tool by decision makers to enable a holistic understanding of public opinions on transportation services during COVID-19 and formulate policies for a safe reopening.
What Exactly Is Marketing and Public Policy? Insights for JPPM Researchers
Authors: Andrews J. Craig , Burton Scot , Gundlach Gregory T. , Hill Ronald Paul , Kees Jeremy , Netemeyer Richard G. , Walker Kristen L.
Published: August 2021

In this article for the 40th Anniversary of the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing ( JPPM), the authors first share what is meant by “policy,” “public policy,” and “marketing and public policy” for researchers in our field. The authors then offer examples of JPPM research informing policy across different stages of the policy-making process: problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation. They also discuss important sources of public policy (e.g., federal, state, and international agencies; self-regulation; the courts; nonprofits; society; industry standards; company policies; personal ethics) and their role in the marketing and public policy process. The authors then offer JPPM application examples (consumer protection; antitrust/competition; vulnerability; diversity, equity, and inclusion; nutrition labeling; addiction, cannabis, and antidrug research; tobacco warning labeling and education; and privacy and technology) and share ideas for developing research that contributes to the marketing and public policy discipline and in making a positive difference in society and people's lives.
School Psychology Practice in Nova Scotia: An Update and Implications for Role Diversification
Authors: King Sara , Khalil Mirna , McGonnell Melissa
Published: August 2021

A survey of school psychology practice in Nova Scotia was conducted to update and extend previous work. Thirty-one school psychologists completed a survey about their practice across the six areas of competency identified by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and their current versus preferred time in various areas of psychology practice. Results indicated that most participants currently practice across all areas of competency to some degree but spend most of their time engaged in assessment and evaluation. Findings suggest that the role of the school psychologist in Nova Scotia has changed very little since the previous work was completed and that school psychologists would like to diversify their practice to include more intervention and professional development. With appropriate training and supervision, the time is right to expand school psychology services to provide much-needed mental health services to a broader range of children and families. Recommendations for training and role diversification are discussed.
Experimental investigation into spray cooling heat transfer performance of Al2O3-water nanofluid with different subcooling degrees
Authors: Chang Tong-Bou , Lin Tsung-Han , Huang Jhong-Wei
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the spray cooling heat transfer performance of Al2O3-water nanofluid given four different subcooling degrees (0 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C). The results showed that the subcooled nanofluids were ranked in order of a reducing spray cooling heat transfer performance as follows: 20 °C, 10 °C, 0 °C, and 30 °C. On average, the heat transfer coefficient obtained using the nanofluid with 20 °C subcooling was around 8.3%, 8.6%, and 15.6% higher than that obtained with 10 °C, 0 °C, and 30 °C subcooling, respectively. However, the heat transfer performance decreased with an increasing spray operating time. The scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the reduction in the heat transfer coefficient was the result of a gradual increase in the thickness of the nano-adsorption layer on the heated surface as the spray operating time increased.
Construct Validity of the E-LSRP in a Correctional Sample
Authors: Sellbom Martin , Butler Jaiden S. , Lee Tayla T. C. , Loucaides Andrea M. , Masterson Tracy L. , Wygant Dustin B.
Published: August 2021

The Expanded–Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (E-LSRP) was developed by Christian and Sellbom to improve on the psychometric properties of scores on the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. The current study investigated the construct validity of scores on the E-LSRP in 393 male inmates. Results provided support for the reliability and construct validity of E-LSRP scores. Specifically, confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated support for a three-factor model. Additionally, correlation and multiple regression results provided evidence supporting the convergent and discriminant validity of E-LSRP scores against scores on measures assessing psychopathy-related personality traits (e.g., antagonism, disinhibition) and symptoms of internalizing disorders, respectively. Overall, these findings extend those of previous research by establishing that E-LSRP scores demonstrate validity in assessing psychopathy in correctional settings and thus, may be a useful tool for the assessment of psychopathy in these settings.
Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing Krüppel-Like Factor 8 and Vimentin as Predictors of Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhu Peng , Liu Hui-Ying , Liu Fu-Chen , Gu Fang-Ming , Yuan Sheng-Xian , Huang Jian , Pan Ze-Ya , Wang Wei-Jun
Published: August 2021

Background:

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype in peripheral blood may be a useful marker of carcinomas with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of CTCs expressing Krüppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) and vimentin in pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods:

CTCs were isolated by immunomagnetic separation from the peripheral blood of 40 PC patients before undergoing surgical resection. Immunocytochemistry was performed to identify KLF8+ and vimentin+ CTCs. The associations between CTCs and time to recurrence (TTR), clinicopathologic factors, and survival were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to identify risk factors.

Results:

Patients with CTCs ( n = 30) had a higher relapse rate compared to those without ( n = 10) (70.0% vs 20.0%; P < 0.01). The proportion of KLF8+/vimentin+ CTCs to total CTCs was inversely related to TTR ( r = −0.646; P < 0.01); TTR was reduced in patients with > 50% of CTCs identified as KLF8+/vimentin+ ( P < 0.01). Independent risk factors for recurrence were perineural invasion and > 50% KLF8+/vimentin+ CTCs (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Poor prognosis can be predicted in PC patients when > 50% of CTCs are positive for KLF8 and vimentin.
A feature extraction method of ship-radiated noise based on mathematical morphological filtering
Authors: Li Zhao-xi , Li Ya-an , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2021

In order to extract feature of ship signal more effectively, we propose a new approach for mathematical morphological filtering based on the morphological features. Mathematical morphological filter is a new nonlinear filter, which can effectively extract the edge contour and shape characteristics. The stimulation signal is processed by mathematical morphological filtering of different structure elements, which confirms the effect of morphological filtering on suppressing noise and preserving the nonlinear characteristics. Using flat structure element, the measured ship-radiated noise signals are processed by average filter, and the filtered signals are analyzed on the frequency spectrum. Compared with other filters, the result shows that the mathematical morphological filtering can successfully extract the effective information from the ship-radiated noise signals.
Sustained reduction of serum neurofilament light chain over 7 years by alemtuzumab in early relapsing–remitting MS
Authors: Kuhle Jens , Daizadeh Nadia , Benkert Pascal , Maceski Aleksandra , Barro Christian , Michalak Zuzanna , Sormani Maria Pia , Godin Jean , Shankara Srinivas , Samad Tarek A , Jacobs Alan , Chung Luke , Rӧsch Nora , Kaiser Carina , Mitchell Colin P , Leppert David , Havari Evis , Kappos Ludwig
Published: August 2021

Background:

Alemtuzumab efficacy and safety was demonstrated in CARE-MS I and extension studies (CAMMS03409; TOPAZ).

Objective:

Evaluate serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) in CARE-MS I patients and highly active disease (HAD) subgroup, over 7 and 2 years for alemtuzumab and subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (SC IFNB-1a), respectively.

Methods:

Patients received SC IFNB-1a 44 µg 3×/week or alemtuzumab 12 mg/day at baseline and month 12, with further as-needed 3-day courses. sNfL was measured using single-molecule array (Simoa™). HAD definition was ⩾2 relapses in year before randomization and ⩾1 baseline gadolinium-enhancing lesion.

Results:

Baseline median sNfL levels were similar in alemtuzumab ( n = 354) and SC IFNB-1a–treated ( n = 159) patients (31.7 vs 31.4 pg/mL), but decreased with alemtuzumab versus SC IFNB-1a until year 2 (Y2; 13.2 vs 18.7 pg/mL; p < 0.0001); 12.7 pg/mL for alemtuzumab at Y7. Alemtuzumab-treated patients had sNfL at/below healthy control median at Y2 (72% vs 47%; p < 0.0001); 73% for alemtuzumab at Y7. HAD patients ( n = 102) had higher baseline sNfL (49.4 pg/mL) versus overall population; alemtuzumab HAD patients attained similar levels (Y2, 12.8 pg/mL; Y7, 12.7 pg/mL; 75% were at/below control median at Y7).

Conclusion:

Alemtuzumab was superior to SC IFNB-1a in reducing sNfL, with levels in alemtuzumab patients remaining stable through Y7.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:

NCT00530348, NCT00930553, NCT02255656
Longitudinal psychometric evaluation of the developmental disorder parenting stressor index with Japanese parents of children with autism
Authors: Yamane Takahiro
Published: August 2021

Assessing parenting stress in parents of children with autism has crucial clinical implications because increased parental stress is associated with psychological disorders and personal distress, which can result in worse child–parent relationships. We examined the psychometric properties of a new index for assessing parenting stressors—the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index and the temporal variability of parenting stressors using longitudinal data of 212 Japanese parents of children with autism aged 2–18 years. The findings indicated that the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index has appropriate cross-validity, structural validity, construct validity, and reliability. Moreover, the psychometric properties and the brevity of the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index increase the clinical utility of the scale. The implications of the findings of this study are discussed.

Lay abstract

Parents of children with autism experience high rates of parenting stress. Assessing parenting stress in them has crucial clinical implications because increased parental stress is associated with psychological disorders and personal distress, which can result in worse child–parent relationships. Theorists have proposed that a person’s cognitive appraisal determines whether or not a situation or an encounter is personally stressful. However, prior scales merely measure the outcomes of parental stress as a stress response: little the scales were designed to assess events and cognitive appraisal-related parenting stressors of parents of children with autism. We investigated whether a new index for assessing parenting stressors—the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index is a valid measure to assess parenting stressors of parents of children with autism using longitudinal online surveys at three times. Participants were 212 Japanese parents of children with autism aged 2–18 years who completed the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index and measures of autism symptoms and stress response . Overall, the findings indicated that the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index can be reliably used to measure both experiences and cognitive appraisal of parenting stressors among parents of children with autism. Moreover, the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index has several advantages and is a valuable measurement tool to be able to evaluate parenting stressors in clinical settings; Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index is shorter, easier to complete, and can evaluate both viewpoints of parenting stressors.
Selection and reporting of outcome measures used in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain: A scoping review
Authors: Schults Jessica A , Paterson Rebecca S , Cooke Marie , Richards Julianne , Charles Karina , Raithatha Bhavesh , Theodoros Joanne , Alcock Mark
Published: August 2021

The aim of this review was to determine the range of outcomes reported in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain. Using a scoping review methodology, a systematic search for studies reporting outcomes in children and adolescents with chronic pain over a ≥12 month period was undertaken. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included children and adolescents (≤18 years old on study enrolment) with chronic pain, and outcomes were followed up for ≥12 months. Overall, 42 studies investigating more than 24,132 children were included in the review. Studies assessed a total of 187 unique outcome measures within the broader measures of pain (38 studies; 90%), function (33 studies; 79%) and other (21 studies; 50%). Unidimensional assessments of the severity or presence of pain and global assessments of function were the most commonly reported outcome measures. The number of study follow-up points ranged from 1 to 5, with mode duration of follow-up 12 months post intervention (25 studies; 60%; range 1–13 years). Overall, we identified a wide range of reported outcome measures in studies of children with chronic pain. Beyond assessments of pain intensity and global function, there is little consistency, and reporting of developmental outcome measures is poor. Further long-term outcome research in this population is needed.
Overview: Exploring the onto-politics of cannabis
Authors: Søgaard Thomas Friis , Lerkkanen Tuulia
Published: August 2021

The composition, use, policies, and the societal position of cannabis are changing and diversifying internationally. Cannabis has emerged as an object of much controversy and is subject to varying forms of regulation. Its role and regulation are also debated in the Nordic countries. To shed light on such developments, this special issue sets out to explore how the phenomenon of cannabis, and related policies and subjectivities, are currently made, unmade, and transformed in multiple ways through discourses, practices, and materiality, and with different consequences.
Argumentation in anonymous online discussions about decriminalising cannabis use
Authors: Hämäläinen Lasse , Lahti Emmi
Published: August 2021

Aims:

In October 2019, a citizens’ initiative to decriminalise cannabis use started a large debate about drug policy in Finland. This study examines online discussions about the initiative to supplement the current knowledge about citizens’ drug opinions. The focus is especially on argumentation techniques that are used to support or object to the decriminalisation.

Design:

Methodologically, the study is based on discourse studies, new rhetoric, and argumentation analysis. The data of 1,092 messages were collected from a popular Finnish anonymous discussion forum Ylilauta.

Results:

Online discussions about the legal status of cannabis are highly polarised. Decriminalisation is often both supported and resisted in a strong and affective manner, and even hate speech is not rare in the data. Statements made by both discussion parties often lack any argumentation or are based on fallacies, especially ad hominem arguments. Some discussants refer to scientific studies and expert statements, even though such references are usually inaccurate. Cannabis is compared to alcohol more often than to other illegal drugs.

Conclusions:

The emotional responses and inadequate argumentation might be partially explained by the general nature of online discussions and the culture of the investigated website, but also by the powerful stigma related to illegal drugs and insufficient knowledge on the subject. A future objective is to create a societal atmosphere where the complex question of the legal status of cannabis could be discussed more neutrally and rationally.
Presenting a uniformed self: Symbols of safety in police auxiliary members' perceptions
Authors: O'Connor Christopher D , Koziarski Jacek , Frederick Tyler , Kosarolo Kaylee , Baker Victoria
Published: August 2021

Volunteers have always played a prominent role in policing. Although known by many names worldwide, auxiliary police in Canada are one particular group of formalized volunteers that have received little research attention. Therefore, through an exploratory survey utilizing both closed and open-ended questions, this article adds to the literature on volunteer police by focusing on how auxiliary members perceived their safety at a police service located in Canada. The findings show how auxiliary members' perceptions of safety were intricately connected to their uniforms, received trainings and associated accoutrements. More specifically, we find that these key elements act as symbols connecting auxiliary members to the extended police family and when they are absent members can feel distanced. Further, safety concerns were expressed as a result of such distancing. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Educational Leadership and the Impact of Societal Culture on Effective Practices
Authors: Fisher Darlene
Published: August 2021

Research into what is effective leadership in different cultures provides guidance for leaders moving from one culture to another (House et al, 2014). There is a paucity of empirical research into how culture impacts effective educational leadership in culturally diverse communities, which provides the direction and focus for this study. The cultural backgrounds of staff can impact what they expect about i) how leaders communicate, ii) what actions help build trust and collaboration and iii) how decisions can or should be made (Hofstede, 1991; Meyer, 2014). This study analyses the extent to which school leaders adapt their behaviours in response to the cultures of their staff. Findings suggest that leaders in schools do adapt their actions, most often using different communication styles but also methods of building collaboration and trust, and decision-making structures. Culture impacts what are effective leadership practices (Dorfman et al, 2012) and educational leaders need to understand these potential impacts if they work in culturally diverse communities. This is important to consider for school leaders and leadership preparation programmes.
A three-stage online anomaly identification model for monitoring data in dams
Authors: Xu Ying , Huang Huibao , Li Yanling , Zhou Jingren , Lu Xiang , Wang Yongfei
Published: August 2021

The monitoring of data anomaly identification is an important basis for dam safety online monitoring and evaluation. In this research, a cluster of anomaly identification models for dam safety monitoring data was constructed, and a three-stage online anomaly identification method was proposed to discriminate outliers. The proposed method combined anomaly detection for measured values based on a single-point time series simulation, measurement error reduction based on remote retesting and spatio-temporal analysis, and environmental response mutation recognition. It brought about efficient and accurate detection for data mutation and online classified identification for its inducement. Additionally, problems such as missing outliers, misjudging normal values induced by the environmental response, and difficulty in online identification for measurement errors were effectively solved. The research productions were applied to the online monitoring system for the safety risk of reservoirs and dams in the Dadu River Basin. The results showed that the proposed method could effectively improve the accuracy of anomaly identification and reduce the misjudgment and omission rate to less than 2%. It could also successfully recognize and subtract nonstructural anomalies such as accidental errors, instrument faults, and environmental responses online, which provided reliable data for online dam safety monitoring.
Perceptions of spatial patterns of visitors in urban green spaces for the sustainability of smart city
Authors: Liu Qi , Hou Li , Shaukat Sana , Tariq Usman , Riaz Rabia , Rizvi Sanam Shahla
Published: August 2021

Urban green spaces are really vital for the well-being of human in urban areas. In urban planning for green space site selection, the study of the bond among the usage of green spaces and their categories that really influence their use can provide useful references. A spatial and temporal research on the allocation of visitors in 157 green areas was carried out in Shanghai to know which green spaces are denser or crowdsourced by utilizing social media big data. We evaluated the association with statistical testing and Kernel Density Estimation among the spatial pattern of the visitor spread in urban green areas. We used check-in data from social media to test this study comparing the number of humans who visit various green parks. We have classified green areas into various categories and our main findings are focused on their characteristics: (1) famous category of green parks according to visitors’ preferences, (2) Differences in the number of visitors by daytime, and (3) crowdsourced area based upon number of check-ins. The main aim of this article is to remind policy makers of the value of providing local people access to green areas and to empower cities with a framework for contacting green parks with the purpose of increasing the comfort of urban people with the architecture of smart city.
Gut bacterial microbiota in patients with myasthenia gravis: results from the MYBIOM study
Authors: Totzeck Andreas , Ramakrishnan Elakiya , Schlag Melina , Stolte Benjamin , Kizina Kathrin , Bolz Saskia , Thimm Andreas , Stettner Mark , Marchesi Julian R. , Buer Jan , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Verhasselt Hedda Luise , Hagenacker Tim
Published: August 2021

Background:

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease, with gut microbiota considered to be a pathogenetic factor. Previous pilot studies have found differences in the gut microbiota of patients with MG and healthy individuals. To determine whether gut microbiota has a pathogenetic role in MG, we compared the gut microbiota of patients with MG with that of patients with non-inflammatory and inflammatory neurological disorders of the peripheral nervous system (primary endpoint) and healthy volunteers (secondary endpoint).

Methods:

Faecal samples were collected from patients with MG ( n = 41), non-inflammatory neurological disorder (NIND, n = 18), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP, n = 6) and healthy volunteers ( n = 12). DNA was isolated from these samples, and the variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced and statistically analysed.

Results:

No differences were found in alpha- and beta-diversity indices computed between the MG, NIND and CIDP groups, indicating an unaltered bacterial diversity and structure of the microbial community. However, the alpha-diversity indices, namely Shannon, Chao 1 and abundance-based coverage estimators, were significantly reduced between the MG group and healthy volunteers. Deltaproteobacteria and Faecalibacterium were abundant within the faecal microbiota of patients with MG compared with controls with non-inflammatory diseases.

Conclusion:

Although the overall diversity and structure of the gut microbiota did not differ between the MG, NIND and CIDP groups, the significant difference in the abundance of Deltaproteobacteria and Faecalibacterium supports the possible role of gut microbiota as a contributor to pathogenesis of MG. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to develop possible treatment strategies.
Exploring Customers’ Luxury Consumption in Restaurants: A Combined Method of Topic Modeling and Three-Factor Theory
Authors: Kwon Wooseok , Lee Minwoo , Bowen John T.
Published: August 2021

This study explores customers’ perceptions and underlying factors related to luxury consumption in restaurants. Although many studies have explored customers’ consumption of luxury goods, very few of these studies involved luxury hospitality services. Furthermore, hospitality literature has rarely discussed the emerging identification of inconspicuous consumption in luxury. By applying topic modeling to analyze online customer reviews, the current study identifies the essential elements of visiting luxury restaurants. Moreover, it elicits the asymmetric role of the identified factors in accelerating overall customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction through impact-asymmetry analysis, which adopts the three-factor theory. Findings suggest that many inconspicuous factors exist in luxury consumption and that the mechanisms that affect satisfaction differ among a satisfier, a dissatisfier, and a hybrid. The acknowledgment of the asymmetric effects will help practitioners in luxury restaurants enhance their understandings of customer perceptions and efficiently improve service management and marketing.
Unveiling the relationship between land use types and the temporal signals of crime: An empirical decomposition approach
Authors: Brunsdon Chris , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Whilst some land uses are highly criminogenic, others remain largely free of crime. This patterning is a reflection of the types and timing of daily activities that take place in a given land use and the opportunities that this presents for crime. While the criminology literature has developed a rigorous understanding of geographic component of crime, relatively less emphasis has been placed on the temporal dimension. Here, we address this through applying a technique to examine micro-temporal variations in crime at places. This technique adopts a factor approach to model hourly counts of crime across seven land use types (commercial, residential, parkland, agricultural, medical/hospital, industrial and education) to unveil the number and distribution of crime signals across a 24-hour period along with how these signals mix across each land use type. Results reveal clear and distinct differences between crime type and land use, highlighting the diurnal nature of crime patterns and speak to the literature on risky places and risky times. The utility of our approach lies in its capacity to delineate common temporal rhythms and how these rhythms are shared across different land use types.
Space decomposition based on visible objects in an indoor environment
Authors: Amoozandeh Kimia , Winter Stephan , Tomko Martin
Published: August 2021

When a person moves, the set of objects in their visual range changes. Hence, the set of objects perceived from a specific range of locations may be considered as a signature (possibly non-unique) of this region and be used for the localization of this person. In the case of fixed objects, the number of regions with a set of specific visible objects is limited. A verbal description containing references to elements of this set of visible objects could then be used to localize a person in the space. This paper proposes an approach for decomposing a space into regions that are characterized by such sets of visible objects. In our approach, at least a portion of partial surfaces of an object must be visible (beyond single points) to make part of the signature. Our method calculates two-dimensional visibility polygons for a portion of an object’s surface. Overlaying these polygons, we partition the space in regions of visibility signatures. The approach has been implemented, and we demonstrate how to represent space by qualitative locations using these visibility signatures. We further show how this representation can be used to locate a person within a space by a set of visible objects.
Identifying genetic variants for age of migraine onset in a Han Chinese population in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Chia-Kuang , Liang Chih-Sung , Lin Guan-Yu , Tsai Chia-Lin , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Sung Yueh-Feng , Lin Yu-Kai , Hung Kuo-Sheng , Chen Wei-Liang , Yang Fu-Chi
Published: August 2021

Background

Considering the involvement of genetics in migraine pathogenesis in diverse ethnic populations, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are being conducted to identify migraine-susceptibility genes. However, limited surveys have focused on the onset age of migraine (AoM) in Asians. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify the susceptibility loci of migraine considering the AoM in an Asian population.

Methods

We conducted a GWAS in 715 patients with migraine of Han Chinese ethnicity, residing in Taiwan, to identify the susceptibility genes associated with AoM. Based on our standard demographic questionnaire, the population was grouped into different subsets. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations were examined using PLINK in different AoM onset groups.

Results

We discovered eight novel susceptibility loci correlated with AoM that reached the GWAS significance level in the Han Chinese population. First, rs146094041 in ESRRG was associated with AoM $$\le$$
≤
12 years. The other SNPs including rs77630941 in CUX1, rs146778855 in CDH18, rs117608715 in NOL3, rs150592309 in PRAP1, and rs181024055 in NRAP were associated with the later AoM.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to investigate the AoM in an Asian Han Chinese population. Our newly discovered susceptibility genes may have prospective associations with migraine pathogenesis.
Structured headache services as the solution to the ill-health burden of headache. 3. Modelling effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of implementation in Europe: findings and conclusions
Authors: Tinelli Michela , Leonardi Matilde , Paemeleire Koen , Raggi Alberto , Mitsikostas Dimos , de la Torre Elena Ruiz , Steiner Timothy J. ,   on behalf of the European Brain Council Value of Treatment Headache Working Group, the European Headache Federation, the European Migraine and Headache Alliance and Lifting The Burden: the Global Campaign against Headache
Published: August 2021

Background

There have been several calls for estimations of costs and consequences of headache interventions to inform European public-health policies. In a previous paper, in the absence of universally accepted methodology, we developed headache-type-specific analytical models to be applied to implementation of structured headache services in Europe as the health-care solution to headache. Here we apply this methodology and present the findings.

Methods

Data sources were published evidence and expert opinions, including those from an earlier economic evaluation framework using the WHO-CHOICE model. We used three headache-type-specific analytical models, for migraine, tension-type-headache (TTH) and medication-overuse-headache (MOH). We considered three European Region case studies, from Luxembourg, Russia and Spain to include a range of health-care systems, comparing current (suboptimal) care versus target care (structured services implemented, with provider-training and consumer-education). We made annual and 5-year cost estimates from health-care provider and societal perspectives (2020 figures, euros). We expressed effectiveness as healthy life years (HLYs) gained, and cost-effectiveness as incremental cost-effectiveness-ratios (ICERs; cost to be invested/HLY gained). We applied WHO thresholds for cost-effectiveness.

Results

The models demonstrated increased effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness (migraine) or cost saving (TTH, MOH) from the provider perspective over one and 5 years and consistently across the health-care systems and settings. From the societal perspective, we found structured headache services would be economically successful, not only delivering increased effectiveness but also cost saving across headache types and over time. The predicted magnitude of cost saving correlated positively with country wage levels. Lost productivity had a major impact on these estimates, but sensitivity analyses showed the intervention remained cost-effective across all models when we assumed that remedying disability would recover only 20% of lost productivity.

Conclusions

This is the first study to propose a health-care solution for headache, in the form of structured headache services, and evaluate it economically in multiple settings. Despite numerous challenges, we demonstrated that economic evaluation of headache services, in terms of outcomes and costs, is feasible as well as necessary. Furthermore, it is strongly supportive of the proposed intervention, while its framework is general enough to be easily adapted and implemented across Europe.
Emodin-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer to doxorubicin by inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zou Tengteng , Lan Meng , Liu Fengjie , Li Lihong , Cai Tiange , Tian Huaqin , Cai Yu
Published: August 2021

Background

The role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) involved in breast cancer metastasis and chemoresistance has been increasingly recognized. However, it is necessary to search for more effective strategies to inhibit EMT thereby increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. Emodin has a potential in overcoming tumor drug resistance and restraining the development of EMT, but the poor internalization into breast cancer cells limited the application.

Results

MCF-7/ADR cells have more EMT characteristics than MCF-7 cell. EMT in MCF-7/ADR cells promotes the development of drug resistance via apoptosis resistance and facilitating the expression of P-gp. The anti-cancer effect of DOX enhanced by the decreasing of drug resistance protein P-gp and apoptosis-related proteins after EMT inhibited in MCF-7/ADR cells. E-PLNs increase the cellular uptake of EMO and restore DOX sensitivity in MCF-7/ADR cells by inhibiting EMT.

Conclusion

E-PLNs inhibit EMT to enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer to DOX. The combination of E-PLNs and DOX can improve the efficacy of DOX in the treatment of breast cancer, which provides a new method to prevent or delay clinical drug resistance.
Dissection of the impact of prioritized QTL-linked and -unlinked SNP markers on the accuracy of genomic selection1
Authors: Ling Ashley S. , Hay El Hamidi , Aggrey Samuel E. , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: August 2021

Background

Use of genomic information has resulted in an undeniable improvement in prediction accuracies and an increase in genetic gain in animal and plant genetic selection programs in spite of oversimplified assumptions about the true biological processes. Even for complex traits, a large portion of markers do not segregate with or effectively track genomic regions contributing to trait variation; yet it is not clear how genomic prediction accuracies are impacted by such potentially nonrelevant markers. In this study, a simulation was carried out to evaluate genomic predictions in the presence of markers unlinked with trait-relevant QTL. Further, we compared the ability of the population statistic FST and absolute estimated marker effect as preselection statistics to discriminate between linked and unlinked markers and the corresponding impact on accuracy.

Results

We found that the accuracy of genomic predictions decreased as the proportion of unlinked markers used to calculate the genomic relationships increased. Using all, only linked, and only unlinked marker sets yielded prediction accuracies of 0.62, 0.89, and 0.22, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that prediction accuracies are severely impacted by unlinked markers with large spurious associations. FST-preselected marker sets of 10 k and larger yielded accuracies 8.97 to 17.91% higher than those achieved using preselection by absolute estimated marker effects, despite selecting 5.1 to 37.7% more unlinked markers and explaining 2.4 to 5.0% less of the genetic variance. This was attributed to false positives selected by absolute estimated marker effects having a larger spurious association with the trait of interest and more negative impact on predictions. The Pearson correlation between FST scores and absolute estimated marker effects was 0.77 and 0.27 among only linked and only unlinked markers, respectively. The sensitivity of FST scores to detect truly linked markers is comparable to absolute estimated marker effects but the consistency between the two statistics regarding false positives is weak.

Conclusion

Identification and exclusion of markers that have little to no relevance to the trait of interest may significantly increase genomic prediction accuracies. The population statistic FST presents an efficient and effective tool for preselection of trait-relevant markers.
Association between handgrip strength and cognition in a Chinese population with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Su Hang , Sun Xiaokang , Li Fang , Guo Qihao
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to explore the level and changes in handgrip strength among preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD patients and to evaluate the association between handgrip strength and cognitive function.

Methods

A total of 1431 participants from the memory clinic of Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital and community were enrolled in the final analysis, including 596 AD, 288 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 547 normal individuals (NC). All participants received a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-BC), and the Chinese version of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III-CV) were used as cognitive tests. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to assess the power of handgrip strength as a screening measure to discriminate AD and MCI.

Results

The results showed that handgrip strength in the MCI group was significantly lower than that of NC group, and the AD group had a further decline (bothP < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression was performed with the handgrip strength quartiles, and the results showed that the ORs of AD for increasing levels of handgrip strength were 1.00, 0.58 (0.46–0.78), 0.51 (0.36–0.73), and 0.50 (0.35–0.68), showing a decreasing trend (Pfor trend<0.01). The ROC curve demonstrated that the handgrip strength cutoff points for the identification of AD were 16.8 and 20.7 kg among the female participants above and under 70 yrs and 24.4 and 33.3 kg for the male participants above and under 70 yrs, respectively. Similarly, for the identification of MCI, cutoff points were 17.5 and 21.9 kg for females above 70 yrs and under 70 yrs, and 25.8 and 36.2 kg for males above 70 yrs and under 70 yrs, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study provided the further knowledge on the relationship between noncognitive features and cognition in populations with differing cognitive status, revealed that the stronger handgrip strength was associated with better performances on cognitive function. It can be speculated that handgrip strength can help early recognition of Chinese AD patients.