bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forcing responsibility? Examining earnings management induced by mandatory corporate social responsibility: evidence from India
Authors: Bansal Manish , Kumar Vivek
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending legislation on the earnings management strategies of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use panel data regression models to analyze the data for this study. This study covers the post-legislation period, which spans over five years from the financial year ending March 2015 to the financial year ending March 2019.

Findings

The results show that firms manipulate accounting measures to avoid breaching the cut-off criteria for mandatory CSR. In particular, the results show that firms operating around the operating revenue threshold misclassify operating revenue as non-operating revenue. In contrast, firms operating around the net worth and net profit thresholds do downward real and accrual earnings management. These results are consistent with several robustness measures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of mandatory CSR spending on earnings management.
An approach to reduce stress and defects: a hybrid process of laser cladding deposition and shot peening
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Dichen , Geng Jiale
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Laser cladding deposition is limited in industrial application by the micro-defects and residual tensile stress for the thermal forming process, leading to lower fatigue strength compared with that of the forging. The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to reduce stress and defects.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid process of laser cladding deposition and shot peening is presented to transform surface strengthening technology to the overall strengthening technology through layer-by-layer forming and achieve enhancement.

Findings

The results show that the surface stress of the sample formed by the hybrid process changed from tensile stress to compressive stress, and the surface compressive stress introduced could reach more than four times the surface tensile stress of the laser cladding sample. At the same time, internal micro-defects such as pores were reduced. The porosity of the sample formed by the hybrid process was reduced by 90.12% than that of the laser cladding sample, and the surface roughness was reduced by 43.16%.

Originality/value

The authors believe that the hybrid process proposed in this paper can significantly expand the potential application of laser cladding deposition by solving its limitations, promoting its efficiency and applicability in practical cases.
Hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing of multi-material objects
Authors: Weflen Eric , Frank Matthew Charles
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study presents a method for fabricating multi-material objects using a hybrid additive and subtractive approach. By hybridizing the material composition in addition to the fabrication process, functional requirements can be met more effectively than through homogenous material parts produced using a single manufacturing process. Development of multi-material objects consisting of dissimilar materials that have been hampered by a lack of a structural interface compatible with in-envelope hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research presents a novel method for producing multi-material components through in-envelope hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing. This study attempts to address the absence of a metal-polymer interface by integrating polymer additive manufacturing into a five-axis mill. The ability of the polymer additive system to reproduce overhang geometries is assessed with different levels of cooling. The relationship between structural performance, cooling and material flow rate is evaluated for the deposited carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Findings

A mechanically interlocking root structure is developed to form an interface between a machined aluminum region and a polymer region of an object. The tensile strength of the metal-polymer object is measured and found to be on the same order of magnitude as the bulk three-dimensional printed polymer.

Originality/value

By targeting the material properties to the local functional requirements within a part and taking advantage of both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, this study will enable broader design options and optimization of performance metrics.
Effect of system compliance on weld power in ultrasonic additive manufacturing
Authors: Venkatraman Gowtham , Hehr Adam , Headings Leon M. , Dapino Marcelo J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a solid-state joining technology used for three-dimensional printing of metal foilstock. The electrical power input to the ultrasonic welder is a key driver of part quality in UAM, but under the same process parameters, it can vary widely for different build geometries and material combinations because of mechanical compliance in the system. This study aims to model the relationship between UAM weld power and system compliance considering the workpiece (geometry and materials) and the fixture on which the build is fabricated.

Design/methodology/approach

Linear elastic finite element modeling and experimental modal analysis are used to characterize the system’s mechanical compliance, and linear system dynamics theory is used to understand the relationship between weld power and compliance. In-situ measurements of the weld power are presented for various build stiffnesses to compare model predictions with experiments.

Findings

Weld power in UAM is found to be largely determined by the mechanical compliance of the build and insensitive to foil material strength.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper to develop a predictive model relating UAM weld power and the mechanical compliance of the build over a range of foil combinations. This model is used to develop a tool to determine the process settings required to achieve a consistent weld power in builds with different stiffnesses.
Mechanical properties of multi-materials porous structures based on triply periodic minimal surface fabricated by additive manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Mingkang , Yang Yongqiang , Xu Meizhen , Chen Jie , Wang Di
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is focused on the mechanical properties of multi-materials porous structures manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

The Diamond structure was designed by the triply periodic minimal surface function in MATLAB, and multi-materials porous structures were manufactured by SLM. Compression tests were applied to analyze the anisotropy of mechanical properties of multi-materials porous structures.

Findings

Compression results show that the multi-materials porous structure has a strong anisotropy behavior. When the compression force direction is parallel to the material arrangement, multi-materials porous structure was compressed in a layer-by-layer way, which is the traditional deformation of the gradient structure. However, when the compression force direction is perpendicular to the material arrangement, the compression curves show a near-periodic saw-tooth waveform characteristic, and this kind of structure was compressed consistently. It is demonstrated that the combination with high strength brittle material and low strength plastic material improves compression mode, and plastic material plays a role in buffering fracture.

Originality/value

This research provides a new method for the design and manufacturing of multi-materials porous structures and an approach to change the compression behavior of the porous structure.
Upscaling production of droplets and magnetic particles with additive manufacturing
Authors: Mottin Donatien , Ho Tsaihsing Martin , Tsai Peichun Amy
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Monodisperse microfluidic emulsions – droplets in another immiscible liquid – are beneficial to various technological applications in analytical chemistry, material and chemical engineering, biology and medicine. Upscaling the mass production of micron-sized monodisperse emulsions, however, has been a challenge because of the complexity and technical difficulty of fabricating or upscaling three-dimensional (3 D) microfluidic structures on a chip. Therefore, the authors develop a fluid dynamical design that uses a standard and straightforward 3 D printer for the mass production of monodisperse droplets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combine additive manufacturing, fluid dynamical design and suitable surface treatment to create an easy-to-fabricate device for the upscaling production of monodisperse emulsions. Considering hydrodynamic networks and associated flow resistance, the authors adapt microfluidic flow-focusing junctions to produce (water-in-oil) emulsions in parallel in one integrated fluidic device, under suitable flow rates and channel sizes.

Findings

The device consists of 32 droplet-makers in parallel and is capable of mass-producing 14 L/day of monodisperse emulsions. This convenient method can produce 50,000 millimetric droplets per hour. Finally, the authors extend the current 3 D printed fluidics with the generated emulsions to synthesize magnetic microspheres.

Originality/value

Combining additive manufacturing and hydrodynamical concepts and designs, the authors experimentally demonstrate a facile method of upscaling the production of useful monodisperse emulsions. The design and approach will be beneficial for mass productions of smart and functional microfluidic materials useful in a myriad of applications.
Evaluating and improving the contributions of university research to social innovation
Authors: Belcher Brian M. , Claus Rachel , Davel Rachel , Jones Stephanie M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the contributions of graduate research to social innovation and change for learning and improved transdisciplinary practice. Universities, as centers of teaching and research, face high demand from society to address urgent social and environmental challenges. Faculty and students are keen to use their research to contribute to social innovation and sustainable development. As part of the effort to increase societal impact, research approaches are evolving to be more problem-oriented, engaged and transdisciplinary. Therefore, new approaches to research evaluation are also needed to learn whether and how research contributes to social innovation, and those lessons need to be applied by universities to train and support students to do impactful research and foster an impact culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a theory-based evaluation method to assess the contributions of three completed doctoral research projects. Each study documents the project’s theory of change (ToC) and uses qualitative data (document review, surveys and interviews) to test the ToC. This paper uses a transdisciplinary research (TDR) quality assessment framework (QAF) to analyze each projects’ design and implementation. This paper then draws lessons from the individual case studies and a comparative analysis of the three cases on, namely, effective research design and implementation for social transformation; and training and support for impactful research.

Findings

Each project aimed to influence government policy, organizational practice, other research and/or the students’ own professional development. All contributed to many of their intended outcomes, but with varying levels of accomplishment. Projects that were more transdisciplinary had more pronounced outcomes. Process contributions (e.g. capacity-building, relationship-building and empowerment) were as or more important than knowledge contributions. The key recommendations are for: researchers to design intentional research, with an explicit ToC; higher education institutions (HEI) to provide training and support for TDR theory and practice; and HEIs to give more attention to research evaluation.

Originality/value

This is the first application of both the outcome evaluation method and the TDR QAF to graduate student research projects, and one of very few such analyses of research projects. It offers a broader framework for conceptualizing and evaluating research contributions to social change processes. It is intended to stimulate new thinking about research aims, approaches and achievements.
The community involvement of courts: an action research study in the context of the Polish justice system
Authors: Banasik Przemysław , Morawska Sylwia , Austen Agata
Published: August 2021

Purpose

As a rule, common courts are hermetic organizations, separated from their stakeholders by procedures based on legal provisions. For these reasons, they are often perceived as unreliable and non-transparent, and as such, they do not inspire trust among stakeholders. The authors posit that the court’s community involvement may lead to the increased accountability and legitimacy of courts, which should in turn result in jurisprudence benefits. This paper discusses the concept of community involvement of courts, demonstrates how this idea may be implemented and explains its benefits for courts.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of an action research study undertaken between June 2013 and March 2018 at the Regional Court in Gdansk (Poland) are discussed.

Findings

The results highlight factors underlying the implementation of the idea of community involvement, as well as the areas in which courts take these actions, and explain how it influences their accountability and legitimacy. This research describes the interests of different stakeholders and proposes a range of actions that may be taken by courts while cooperating with stakeholders to achieve the aims of community involvement. It also proposes a set of steps that enable courts to implement the idea of community involvement.

Originality/value

This paper develops the idea of the community involvement of courts, which may be used as an operating rule for public institutions to increase their legitimacy and accountability and explain its introduction in the context of courts. It offers a universal framework for the community involvement of courts that can be used in the context of any court in both the continental and Anglo-Saxon systems.
Sharing towards cohesive community: the role of social capital in sharing economy
Authors: Lai Michael Ka Wai , Ho Amy Po Ying
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Whilst the majority of academic studies have focused on the for-profit business-to-consumer type of sharing economy, the community-based peer-to-peer sharing economy is under-studied, particularly the role of social capital, which is essential to sharing behaviours. This paper aims to unravel the role of social capital in developing sharing communities, particularly as to how sharing can establish social capital and community building in community-based sharing economy projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted a case study approach by selecting a local project in Hong Kong, which aims at achieving sharing community. A total of 10 in-depth interviews of major stakeholders were conducted, including founders, active and inactive members to explore how social capital is developed and its impacts on sharing community.

Findings

The research finding showed that social capital plays an important role in structural dimensions, on social ties building, cognitive and relational dimension facilitates and motivates sharing behaviour and trust, which are essential in building up a sharing community and in developing a sharing economy in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current theoretical and empirical discussion that supplements the current study of the community-based sharing economy, from the perspective of social capital, in exploring how a sharing community can be developed.
Mycorrhizal symbiosis and phosphorus supply determine interactions among plants with contrasting nutrient‐acquisition strategies
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Albornoz Felipe E. , Morald Tim K. , Hobbs Richard J. , Tibbett Mark
Published: August 2021

Highly diverse plant communities growing on nutrient‐impoverished soils are test beds for theories on species coexistence. Here, neighbouring mycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal plants compete for limited phosphorus. The impact of below‐ground interactions on community dynamics is underexplored.

We used an experimental approach to investigate effects of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and a phosphorus supply gradient on competitive and facilitative interactions among mixed assemblages of woody plants in microcosms. The plant species, one cluster root‐forming (CR) species and four AM species, are native to jarrah forest that grows on nutrient‐impoverished soils in south‐western Australia. We measured plant growth in microcosms, with and without inoculation with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, and across a gradient of P supply: 0, 9, 27 and 243 mg P per kg of soil.

Our data show evidence of plant–plant facilitation at low P supply and competition at high P supply. Growth of the CR species, Hakea undulata, was highest in microcosms with 0P and without AM inoculation. One AM species, Bossiaea aquifolium, also performed better at lower P levels, possibly benefitting from P mobilised by H. undulata. The other three AM species, one strongly obligates, performed better at higher P levels. Data for Acacia celastrifolia suggested it was facultatively mycotropic, and because there was no correlation between AM colonisation and the relative inoculum effect, we suggest positive effects of AM inoculation at 9P might be due to benefits other than P acquisition, such as pathogen defence. Benefit of AM inoculation diminished for three of four mycorrhizal species at the highest P level as we had predicted. The fourth species, Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah), had higher growth in microcosms that were not inoculated with AM, perhaps because the species benefits more from ectomycorrhizas.

Synthesis. Our experimental data suggest spatial heterogeneity of soil P, coupled with a diversity of nutrient‐acquisition strategies, and plasticity among plant–plant and plant–AM fungi interactions, contributes to plant species coexistence in the nutrient‐impoverished jarrah forest. Our research highlights the importance of below‐ground mechanisms for understanding factors determining community structure including a potential role of AM fungi in plant pathogen defence.
Inclusive leadership, matured age HRM practices and older worker wellbeing
Authors: Teo Stephen TT , Bentley Tim A , Nguyen Diep , Blackwood Kate , Catley Bevan
Published: August 2021

The influence of the work environment on psychological wellbeing is an important consideration for organisations to motivate and retain older workers. This study examines how organisational factors can enhance older workers’ psychological wellbeing. Drawing on the Conservation of Resources Theory, we propose that the interaction of two organisational factors, inclusive leadership, and mature‐age human resource (HR) practices, can foster older workers’ psychological wellbeing. Online panel data were collected from a sample of 398 older workers in the Australian public sector. Results showed that mature‐age HR practices positively and partially mediated the relationship between inclusive leadership and psychological wellbeing. More importantly, we found that inclusive leadership acted as an antecedent and moderator by enhancing the ability of mature‐age HR practices to beneficially influence the psychological wellbeing of older workers. Based on the findings, we discuss theoretical and practical implications.
COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among patients in two urban emergency departments
Authors: Fernández‐Penny Felix E. , Jolkovsky Eliana L. , Shofer Frances S. , Hemmert Keith C. , Valiuddin Hisham , Uspal Julie E. , Sands Nathaniel A. , Abella Benjamin S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Widespread vaccination is an essential component of the public health response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, yet vaccine hesitancy remains pervasive. This prospective survey investigation aimed to measure the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in a patient cohort at two urban emergency departments (EDs) and characterize underlying factors contributing to hesitancy.

Methods

Adult ED patients with stable clinical status (Emergency Severity Index 3–5) and without active COVID‐19 disease or altered mental status were considered for participation. Demographic elements were collected as well as reported barriers/concerns related to vaccination and trusted sources of health information. Data were collected in person via a survey instrument proctored by trained research assistants.

Results

A total of 1,555 patients were approached, and 1,068 patients completed surveys (completion rate = 68.7%). Mean (±SD) age was 44.1 (±15.5) years (range = 18–93 years), 61% were female, and 70% were Black. A total of 31.6% of ED patients reported vaccine hesitancy. Of note, 19.7% of the hesitant cohort were health care workers. In multivariable regression analysis, Black race (odds ratio [OR] = 4.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.62 to 6.85) and younger age (age 18–24 years—OR = 4.57, 95% CI = 2.66 to 7.86; age 25–35 years—OR = 5.71, 95% CI = 3.71 to 8.81) were independently associated with hesitancy, to a greater degree than level of education (high school education or less—OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.23 to 4.19). Hesitant patients were significantly less likely to trust governmental sources of vaccine information than nonhesitant patients (39.6% vs. 78.9%, p < 0.001); less difference was noted in the domain of trust toward friends/family (51.1% vs. 61.0%, p = 0.004). Hesitant patients also reported perceived vaccine safety concerns and perceived insufficient research.

Conclusions

Vaccine hesitancy is common among ED patients and more common among Black and younger patients, independent of education level. Hesitant patients report perceived safety concerns and low trust in government information sources but less so friends or family. This suggests that strategies to combat hesitancy may need tailoring to specific populations.
The relation between cannabis use, dependence severity and white matter microstructure: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Cousijn Janna , Toenders Yara J. , van Velzen Laura S. , Kaag Anne Marije
Published: August 2021

Despite the significant societal and personal burden of cannabis use, the impact of long‐term use and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) on white matter microstructure is still unclear. Previous studies show inconsistent findings, in part due to heterogeneity in methodology, variable severity of cannabis use, and potential confounding effects of other mental health issues and substance use. The goal of this diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study was to compare whole‐brain white matter microstructure between 39 near daily cannabis users and 28 controls closely matched on age, sex, alcohol use, cigarette use and mental health. Within the group of cannabis users, associations between white matter microstructure and recent cannabis use, dependence severity, and age of onset and duration of weekly use were investigated. White matter microstructure did not differ between cannabis users and controls and did not covary with recent cannabis use, dependence severity, or duration of use. Earlier onset of weekly cannabis use was related to lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in various sections of the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus. These findings suggest that long‐term near‐daily cannabis use does not necessarily affect white matter microstructure, but vulnerability may be higher during adolescence. These findings underscore the importance of sample composition and warrant further studies that investigate the moderating role of age of onset in the impact of cannabis on the brain.
Developmental origins and transgenerational inheritance of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Parker Jim , O’Brien Claire , Gersh Felice L.
Published: August 2021

Background

There has been increasing awareness that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes may represent a mismatch between ancient genetically programmed metabolic and reproductive survival mechanisms and modern lifestyle practices. In‐utero developmental programming of metabolic and endocrine pathways may play an important role in activating gene variants that predispose the offspring to develop PCOS when exposed to specific postnatal conditions. Postnatal exposure to lifestyle factors such as poor‐quality diet and endocrine disrupting chemicals may modulate epigenetically programmed pathways that result in the observed pathophysiological changes and clinical features seen in women with PCOS.

Aim

To review the developmental origins and transgenerational transmission of PCOS and the impact of lifestyle, androgens and endocrine disrupting chemicals on fetal epigenetic programming.

Materials and Methods

The literature was reviewed using Google, Google Scholar, Medline and PubMed databases. The results are presented as a narrative review.

Results

Human observational and animal experimental data support the hypothesis that PCOS is an inherited condition that arises as a result of developmental programming of normal gene variants. It is likely that these genes can be amplified by in‐utero androgen exposure and activated by a range of postnatal lifestyle and environmental factors. Endocrine disrupting chemicals have the potential to influence developmental programming of PCOS susceptibility genes.

Conclusions

The current evidence suggests that developmental epigenetic programming following exposure to an adverse maternal metabolic and endocrine environment contributes to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Lifestyle interventions, as recommended by the International Guidelines, have the potential to reduce both symptoms and transgenerational transmission of PCOS.
A randomised controlled trial of 7.5‐mm and 7.0‐mm tracheal tubes vs. 6.5‐mm and 6.0‐mm tracheal tubes for men and women during laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Cho H. Y. , Yang S. M. , Jung C. W. , Cheun H. , Lee H. C. , Park H. P. , Yoon H. K.
Published: August 2021

Sore throat after tracheal intubation impairs postoperative recovery. We randomly allocated 172 ASA physical status 1–2 participants, scheduled for laparoscopic lower abdominal surgery, to tracheal intubation with larger tubes (n = 88) or smaller tubes (n = 84), with internal diameters 7.5‐mm vs. 6.5‐mm for men and 7.0‐mm vs. 6.0‐mm for women. Primary outcome was the rates of no, mild, moderate or severe sore throat 1 h after surgery, which were 60, 10, 17 and 1 with larger tracheal tubes and 79, 5, 0 and 0 with smaller tubes, p < 0.001. The equivalent rates 24 h after surgery were 64, 16, 8 and 0 vs. 74, 6, 3 and 1, p = 0.037. Intra‐operative ventilatory variables were unaffected by tube diameter, including peak inspiratory pressure, plateau pressure and end‐tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure. In summary, smaller tracheal tubes benefitted patients having laparoscopic operations.
Genetic associations of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy response in age‐related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zilin , Zou Minjie , Chen Aiming , Liu Zhenzhen , Young Charlotte Aimee , Wang Shi‐bin , Zheng Danying , Jin Guangming
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the association of all reported common polymorphisms in anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy response and to identify potential clinically useful biomarkers for anti‐VEGF therapy response in patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

We searched the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science databases in English and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and VIP databases in Chinese for pharmacogenetics studies on anti‐VEGF therapy response in AMD. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random effects model.

Results

Among the 10 468 records yielded by the literature search, 33 articles that met the eligibility criteria were included in the meta‐analysis. Nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in four genes were observed to be associated with the anti‐VEGF therapy response in AMD patients. That is, rs1120063 in the HTRA1 gene; rs10490924 in the age‐related maculopathy susceptibility (ARMS2)

gene; rs1061170 in the complement factor H (CFH) gene; and rs323085 in the OR52B4 gene were associated with good anti‐VEGF therapy responses, while rs800292, rs1410996 and rs1329428 in the CFH gene and rs4910623 and rs10158937 in the OR52B4 gene were associated with poor anti‐VEGF therapy response in the AMD patients in our sample.

Conclusion

In this study, nine SNPs of four genes were indicated to be significantly associated with the anti‐VEGF therapy response in the samples: rs11200638 in the HTRA1 gene; rs10490924 in the ARMS2 gene; rs1061170, rs800292, rs1410996 and rs1329428 in the CFH gene; and rs323085, rs4910623 and rs10158937 in the OR52B4 gene. Further studies based on various ethnicities and large sample sizes are warranted to strengthen the evidence found in the present study.
Interrater reliability and agreement between children with visual impairment and their parents on participation and quality of life
Authors: Elsman Ellen BM , Koel Mitchel LC , van Nispen Ruth MA , van Rens Ger HMB
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate interrater reliability and agreement between children with visual impairment (VI) and their parents on participation and quality of life and factors associated with disagreement.

Methods

Children 7–17 years and their parents completed the PAI‐CY 7–12 (n = 180) and 13–17 (n = 65), the KIDSCREEN‐27 (n = 250) and the CASP (n = 70). Mean scores of children and parents were compared, with effect sizes for the differences. Interrater reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), whereas agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman limits of agreement. Linear regression analyses examined child‐ and proxy‐related factors associated with discrepancies.

Results

On average, children rated their participation and quality of life as significantly better than their parents on most (sub)scales, but with wide range of disagreement. Effect sizes were large for the PAI‐CY 7–12 (0.86) and 13–17 (0.86) and small for the CASP (0.36) and KIDSCREEN‐27 (0.18–0.28). Interrater reliability was poor for the PAI‐CY 7–12 (ICC = 0.29) and most KIDSCREEN‐27 subscales (ICC =0.18–0.32), moderate for the PAI‐CY 13–17 (ICC =0.43) and the KIDSCREEN‐27 Physical Wellbeing subscale (ICC = 0.46) and good for the CASP (ICC = 0.63). Comorbidity was significantly associated with greater discrepancies on participation scales.

Conclusion

Children with VI and their parents have different perspectives on the child’s participation and quality of life. Disagreement was largest on participation scales and smallest on quality of life subscales, while opposite results were found for interrater reliability. Reports of children and parents seem to be complementary and are both relevant to obtain a complete picture of the burden of VI and relevant to inform healthcare decisions.
Addition of ginkgo fruit to cattle feces and slurry suppresses methane production by altering the microbial community structure
Authors: Shintani Risa , Oh Seongjin , Suzuki Yutaka , Koike Satoshi , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: August 2021

The effect of ginkgo fruit addition on methane production potential of cattle feces and slurry was assessed in relation to other fermentation products and the microbial community. Holstein cattle fresh feces and slurry were left at 30°C for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 180 days with/without ginkgo fruit to monitor the effect on fermentation potential. With the addition of ginkgo fruit, methane production potential of feces was reduced on Day 30 and thereafter, and that of slurry was consistently reduced over the experimental period. As a general trend, ginkgo fruit addition resulted in decreased acetate and increased propionate in feces and acetate accumulation in slurry. With ginkgo fruit addition, MiSeq analyses indicated decreases in methanogen (in particular Methanocorpusculum), Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridiaceae populations and increases in Bacteroidaceae and Porphyromonadaceae populations, which essentially agreed with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay results. These data indicate that direct addition of ginkgo fruit to cattle excreta is useful for reducing methane emissions by altering the microbial community structure. The application of ginkgo fruit to lower methane emissions from cattle excreta is, therefore, useful in cases in which the excreta is left without special management for a long period of time.
Post‐fire conifer regeneration hinders digital estimation of understorey plant cover in subalpine forest vegetation
Authors: Wheeler Brandi E. , Andrade Andrew J. , Pansing Elizabeth R. , Tomback Diana F.
Published: August 2021

Question: Reliable estimates of understorey (non‐tree) plant cover following fire are essential to assess early forest community recovery. Photographic digital image analysis (DIA) is frequently used in seral, single‐strata vegetation, given its greater objectivity and repeatability compared to observer visual estimation; however, its efficacy in multi‐strata forest vegetation may be compromised, where various visual obstructions (coarse downed wood [CDW], conifer regeneration, and shadows) may conceal plant cover in the digital imagery. We asked whether vegetation complexity influences plant cover estimated by DIA relative to two visual methods: plot‐level (20 m2) estimation (PLE) and quadrat‐level (1 m2) estimation (QLE)?

Location: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA.

Methods: We estimated understorey plant cover in subalpine forest vegetation on permanent plots (n = 141) at two study areas ~30 years after the 1988 Yellowstone fires to: (a) assess differences in visual obstructions between study areas in our digital imagery; (b) compare digital to visual estimates of plant cover; and (c) determine relationships between estimated plant cover and visual obstructions measured in situ.

Results: Percent conifer regeneration pixels differed significantly (odds ratio = 8.34) between study areas which represented the greatest difference in visual obstructions. At the study area with lower conifer pixels, DIA estimated 9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3%–14%) and 16% (95% CI = 10%–21%) more understorey plant cover than PLE or QLE, respectively, but had comparable variability. At the study area with higher conifer pixels, DIA estimated 28% (95% CI = 24%–32%) and 22% (95% CI = 18%–26%) less understorey plant cover than PLE or QLE, respectively, and had more variability. Furthermore, plot‐level subcanopy regeneration (height>137 cm) density was negatively associated with digitally derived plant cover but showed no relationship with visually derived plant cover.

Conclusions: Post‐fire conifer regeneration hindered the efficacy of DIA in estimating understorey plant cover. Digital estimation is advantageous in single‐strata vegetation but should not be used in complex, multi‐strata vegetation.
Cholecystokinin octapeptide improves hippocampal glutamatergic synaptogenesis and postoperative cognition by inhibiting induction of A1 reactive astrocytes in aged mice
Authors: Chen Lei , Yang Ning , Li Yue , Li Yitong , Hong Jingshu , Wang Qian , Liu Kaixi , Han Dengyang , Han Yongzheng , Mi Xinning , Shi Chengmei , Zhou Ying , Li Zhengqian , Liu Taotao , Guo Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

Aims

Delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) is a common postoperative complication in geriatric surgical patients for which there is no efficacious therapy. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8), an immunomodulatory peptide, regulates memory and learning. Here, we explored the effects and mechanism of action of CCK‐8 on dNCR.

Methods

We applied laparotomy to establish a model of dNCR in aged mice. Morris water maze and fear conditioning tests were used to evaluate cognition. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the density of CCK‐8, A1 reactive astrocytes, glutamatergic synapses, and activation of microglia in the hippocampus. Quantitative PCR was performed to determine mRNA levels of synapse‐associated factors. A1 reactive astrocytes, activated microglia, and glutamatergic synapse‐associated protein levels in the hippocampus were assessed by western blotting.

Results

Administration of CCK‐8 suppressed the activation of microglia, the induction of A1 reactive astrocytes, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, complement 1q, and interleukin 1 alpha in the hippocampus. Furthermore, it promoted glutamatergic synaptogenesis and neurocognitive recovery in aged dNCR model mice.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that CCK‐8 alleviated cognitive impairment and promoted glutamatergic synaptogenesis by inhibiting the induction of A1 reactive astrocytes and the activation of microglia. CCK‐8 is, therefore, a potential therapeutic target for dNCR.
Comparing diagnostic sensitivity of different needle sizes for lymph nodes suspected of lung cancer in endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Garcia‐Saucedo Juan C. , Abia‐Trujillo David , Labarca Gonzalo , Patel Neal M. , Pascual Jorge M. , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure for evaluating hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. The reported sensitivity and specificity of EBUS‐TBNA are 95% and 97%, respectively. A comparison of diagnostic sensitivity for lymph nodes suspected of lung cancer according to needle size in EBUS‐TBNA is needed.

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the 19‐G, 21‐G, 22‐G and 25‐G needles for lymph nodes suspected of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using EBUS‐TBNA.

Methods

A literature search from PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, DOAJ and CENTRAL through October 2020 was performed by two reviewers. The extracted data were evaluated using STATA® and Open Meta Analyst software for meta‐analysis with a binary method model to compare sensitivity, specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic curve for each needle size.

Results

Fourteen studies including 1296 participants were considered for the analysis. The overall sensitivity of EBUS‐TBNA was 88.2% (95% CI 84%, 91%) and 93% (95% CI 88%, 95%) for the 19‐G needle, 87.6% (95% CI 79.6%, 92.8%) for the 21‐G needle and 85% (95% CI 80%, 88%) for the 22‐G needle. The overall sensitivity of EBUS‐TBNA for diagnosing NSCLC was 88.3% (95% CI, 81%, 93%) and 92.9% (95% CI, 85%, 97%) for the 19‐G needle, 89.4% (95% CI 79.4%, 94.8%) for the 21‐G needle and 82.1% (95% CI 66%, 91%) for the 22‐G needle.

Conclusion

The 19‐G, 21‐G and 22‐G needles present a similarly high diagnostic sensitivity in EBUS‐TBNA. The 19‐G needle provided better sample adequacy for molecular and immunohistochemical testing, improving diagnostic yield in this subgroup.
Pulmonary thromboembolism with transthoracic ultrasound and computed tomography angiography
Authors: Farzan Nina , Ghezelbash Parviz , Hamidi Fatemeh , Zeraatchi Alireza
Published: August 2021

Objective

The detection of pulmonary embolism in emergency department requires an urgent therapeutic and diagnostic attention. This study was performed to determine the accuracy and efficacy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Methods

In this study, 110 patients who referred to the emergency department with traumatic embolism symptoms were enrolled. All the patients underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography. Patients were divided into positive and negative outcomes according to the results of transthoracic ultrasonography and CT angiography.

Results

In this study, 110 patients were enrolled, of whom 52 (47.3%) were male and 58 (52.7%) were female. Among the patients, 100 (90.9%) patients presented with dyspnea, whereas the frequency of pleural pain was 27% (24.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for ultrasound were 45.67%, 77.41%, 88.09%, and 35.29%, respectively. The positive outcomes from CT scan were significantly associated with gender, p = 0.005. The gender and transthoracic ultrasonography outcomes were also significantly correlated, p = 0.019, and the outcomes of ultrasound were significantly different from those of CT scan, p = 0.008.

Conclusion

Transthoracic ultrasonography may be used to diagnose pulmonary embolism as a technique in the emergency department, especially in patients who are unable to move due to the severity of the disease. However, further comparative studies are required in this aspect.
Takotsubo syndrome after liver transplantation: An association with intraoperatively administered epinephrine and fentanyl
Authors: Yang Jun , Rao Zhuqing , Hong Fu , Agopian Vatche , Nguyen‐Lee Jennifer , Steadman Randolph H. , Wray Christopher , Xia Victor W.
Published: August 2021

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) can develop after liver transplant (LT), but its predisposing factors are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to determine if perioperative factors were associated with posttransplant TTS. Adult patients who underwent primary LT between 2006 and 2018 were included. Patients with and without TTS were identified and matched by propensity scores. Of 2181 LT patients, 38 developed postoperative TTS with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 25.5% (±7.8%). Multivariable logistic regression revealed two preoperative risk factors (alcoholic cirrhosis and model for end‐stage liver disease‐sodium scores) for TTS. Post‐propensity match analyses showed that TTS patients had significantly higher doses of epinephrine and lower doses of fentanyl during LT compared with non‐TTS patients. A higher dose of epinephrine and a lower dose of fentanyl was associated with a higher predicted probability of TTS. All TTS patients had full recovery of cardiac function and had comparable 1‐year survival. In conclusion, TTS occurred at a rate of 1.7% after LT and was associated with two pretransplant risk factors. The higher doses of epinephrine and lower doses of fentanyl administered during LT were associated with posttransplant TTS. More studies on the relationship between intraoperative medications and TTS are warranted.
Efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi versus IDegAsp: Results of a systematic literature review and indirect treatment comparison
Authors: Home Philip D. , Mehta Roopa , Hafidh Khadija A. S. , Gurova Olesya Y. , Alvarez Agustina , Serafini Paul , Pourrahmat Mir‐Masoud
Published: August 2021

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi, a fixed‐ratio combination of basal insulin glargine 100 U/mL and lixisenatide (glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist) versus IDegAsp, a co‐formulation of basal insulin degludec 100 U/mL with rapid‐acting insulin aspart.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Outcomes from eligible RCTs were compared by an indirect treatment comparison using a Bayesian framework. Subanalyses of Japanese and international trials were performed.

Results

Eight RCTs (duration 26‐30 weeks) were included. Mean difference in HbA1c change with iGlarLixi exceeded that for IDegAsp: −0.64 (95% credible interval −1.01, −0.28) %‐units (−7.0 [−11.0, −3.1] mmol/mol) for all trials, −0.39 (−0.55, −0.23) %‐units (−4.3 [−6.0, −2.5] mmol/mol) for international, and −0.88 (−1.11, −0.64) %‐units (−9.6 [−12.1, −7.0] mmol/mol) for Japanese trials. HbA1c target achievement (<7.0%‐units [<53 mmol/mol]) was greater for iGlarLixi in all trials (odds ratio 2.50 [1.06, 5.56]) and Japanese trials (2.17 [1.27, 3.70]), but not in international trials (2.17 [0.42, 11.11]). Analyses suggesting differences in mean postmeal self‐measured plasma glucose were significantly lower by 1.0‐2.0 mmol/L (18‐36 mg/dL) with iGlarLixi in all analyses. Bodyweight change was more favourable (1‐2 kg) for iGlarLixi versus IDegAsp for all analyses (P < 0.05). Comparisons of hypoglycaemia were inconclusive owing to differences in definitions between studies. Adverse events were more frequent with iGlarLixi because of gastrointestinal intolerance.

Conclusions

iGlarLixi appears to offer clinical benefit in glucose control and bodyweight change in people needing both basal and meal‐time intervention.
Critical aspects of educating clinical management and clinical reasoning in primary teeth pulpotomy: A qualitative study based on the perspectives of experts and novices
Authors: Janesarvatan Fatemeh , Hassanabadi Hamidreza , Mokhtari Saeedeh , Van Rosmalen Peter
Published: August 2021

Introduction

In dental education, students must learn to integrate and coordinate complex knowledge, skills and attitudes and to transfer this learning to clinical practice. One major issue of concern in education in general and dental education, in particular, is to fill the gap between knowledge and practice.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to explore the problems that dental students have in transferring knowledge from the classroom to the real clinical setting. More specifically, we investigated the factors that complicate clinical management and clinical reasoning for these novices, including their common errors, in order to design an educational simulation programme in primary teeth pulpotomy. To this end, we conducted 16 semi‐structured interviews with experts and novices, performing a thematic analysis of the data obtained. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Results

For each major skill—clinical management and clinical reasoning—we identified complicating factors and common errors that related to the child (the patient), parents and dental student (the three main themes). For each theme, we identified further sub‐themes.

Conclusion

The data obtained provided valuable insights into the factors that affect dental students' performance on clinical management and clinical reasoning in primary teeth pulpotomy.
Against modal dualism
Authors: Franken Dirk
Published: August 2021

Modal dualism is the claim that there is a space of epistemically possible worlds that exceeds the space of metaphysically possible worlds. In the present paper, I argue that modal dualism is false. I do so via an argument that differs from most previous arguments against modal dualism in that it does not rely on controversial semantic or epistemological assumptions like descriptivism, internalism or modal rationalism. The point of my argument is, instead, that modal dualism is internally inconsistent because it is the result of the failure to draw the proper conclusions from the abandonment of these semantic and epistemological assumptions. The relevant inconsistency manifests itself in the modal dualist notion of epistemic modality. For this notion to play the explanatory roles assigned to it by modal dualists, it has to be a notion of a genuinely epistemic kind of modality. But the only way to make sense of such a notion is via just those semantic or epistemological assumptions that the modal dualist is keen to avoid. Anyone willing to abandon these assumptions has to go further and detach the epistemic from the modal altogether.