bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is it safe to operate on COVID-negative patients during the COVID pandemic? Experience from a tertiary governmental hospital
Authors: Al-Qahtani Jowhara , Ibrahim Tarek , Ata Yaser , Adnan Ibrahim , Al-Naimi Abdulla
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which rapidly became a worldwide pandemic. During the pandemic, accurate utilization of medical resources is required while maintaining the safety and well-being of patients and medical staff. This study assessed the safety profile of performing emergency surgical procedures for COVID-19 negative patients confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) preoperatively while positive patients were transferred to be managed at a designated COVID-19 hospital.

Methods:

This retrospective descriptive study included COVID-19 negative patients who underwent urologic and general surgery procedures for 3 months from March to May 2020. Demographic characteristics, operative and postoperative hospital course, and postoperative COVID-19 status were evaluated.

Results:

During the 3 months, 865 preoperatively COVID-19 negative patients were evaluated. All patients had uneventful postoperative courses except 2 patients who developed SARS-COV-2 infection postoperatively and were managed conservatively at an isolation facility. The first patient developed bronchospasms and fever upon intubation for laparoscopic appendectomy, with RT-PCR yielding a positive result, while the second developed symptomatic COVID-19 infection 18 days after emergency ureteroscopy.

Conclusion:

Routine screening for COVID-19 using RT-PCR before emergency surgeries provide an acceptable safety profile and cost-effectiveness. COVID-19 negative patients can be managed safely with standard precautions, while positive patients should be managed at designated hospitals.
Solihabitans fulvus gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Pseudonocardiaceae isolated from soil
Authors: Jin Chun-Zhi , Jin Long , Liu Min-Jiao , Lee Jong-Min , Park Dong-Jin , Kim Chang-Jin
Published: February 2022

A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out on an actinobacterial strain (AN110305T) isolated from soil sampled in the Republic of Korea. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed a clear affiliation of strain AN110305T with

Actinomycetia

, with highest pairwise sequence similarities to

Goodfellowiella coeruleoviolacea

DSM 43935T (97.6%),

Umezawaea tangerina

MK27-91F2T (97.0%),

Kutzneria chonburiensis

NBRC 110610T (96.9%),

Kutzneria buriramensis

A-T 1846T (96.8%),

Umezawaea endophytica

YIM 2047XT (96.8%),

Kutzneria albida

NRRL B-24060T (96.7%) and

Saccharothrix coeruleofusca

NRRL B-16115T (96.6%). Cells of strain AN110305T formed pale-yellow colonies on Reasoner's 2A agar. MK-9 (H4) (68%) and MK-10 (H4) (32%) were the predominant menaquinones. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethyl ethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified aminophospholipid were major polar lipids. Iso-C16:0 (24.5%), anteiso-C15:0 (19.3%), anteiso-C17:0 (15.7%) and iso-C15:0 (15.2%) were the major fatty acids and meso-diaminopimelic acid was the pepdidoglycan. The cell-wall sugars were composed of galactose, glucose, mannose and ribose. The genomic DNA G+C content was 70.7 mol%. Based on genotypic and phenotypic data, strain AN110305T could be distinguished from all genera within the family

Pseudonocardiaceae

and represents a novel genus and species named Solihabitans fulvus gen. nov., sp nov. The type strain is AN110305T (=KCTC 39307T =DSM 103572T).
Devosia salina sp. nov., isolated from South China Sea sediment
Authors: Pang Yu , Lu Wei , Chen Ming , Yan Yongliang , Lin Min , Zhang Wei , Zhou Zhengfu
Published: February 2022

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and motile strain, designated SCS-3T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment of the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities revealed that strain SCS-3T represented a novel species of the genus

Devosia

, with closely related strains '

Devosia sediminis

' MSA67T (98.61 %),

Devosia riboflavina

IFO13584T (98.22 %) and

Devosia indica

IO390501T (97.72 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 63.44 mol%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization values with '

D. sediminis

' MSA67T,

D. riboflavina

IFO13584T and

D. indica

IO390501T were 24.50, 21.8 and 24.80 %, respectively. The major polar lipids of strain SCS-3T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and three unidentified glycolipids. Ubiquinone-10 was the sole isoprenoid quinone, and C16 : 0, C18 : 1
ω7c 11-methyl and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) were the major fatty acids. Based on polyphasic taxonomic data, strain SCS-3T represents a novel species of the genus

Devosia

, for which the name Devosia salina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SCS-3T (=JCM 34403T=GDMCC 1.2221T).
Psychosocial factors associated with mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among low-income urban dwellers in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Fui Wong Min , Majid Hazreen Abdul , Ismail Rozmi , Su Tin Tin , Pin Tan Maw , Said Mas Ayu
Published: February 2022

Background and aims

The mental well-being among low-income urban populations is arguably challenged more than any other population amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic urban lower-income communities.

Methods

This is a community-based house-to-house survey conducted from September to November 2020 at the Petaling district in Selangor, Malaysia. Five hundred and four households were identified using random sampling, and heads of eligible households were recruited. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years with monthly household income ≤RM6960 (estimated USD 1600) without acute psychiatric illness. The PHQ-9, GAD-7 and EQ-5D were used for depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for the final analysis.

Results

A total of 432 (85.7%) respondents with a mean age of 43.1 years completed the survey. Mild to severe depression was detected in 29.6%, mild to severe anxiety in 14.7%, and problematic quality of life in 27.8% of respondents. Factors associated with mild to severe depression were younger age, chronic health conditions, past stressful events, lack of communication gadgets and lack of assets or commercial property. While respiratory diseases, marital status, workplace issues, financial constraints, absence of investments, substance use and lack of rental income were associated with mild to severe anxiety. Not attributing poverty to structural issues, help-seeking from professionals, and self-stigma were barriers, while resiliency facilitated good psychological health. Problematic quality of life was associated with depression, older age, unemployment, cash shortage, hypertension, diabetes, stressful life events and low health literacy.

Conclusions

A higher proportion had reported mild to severe anxiety and depression symptoms in the sampled urban poor population than previous pre-pandemic reports. The psychosocial determinants should inform policy and direct future research within this underserved population.
Comparison of Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound with Computational Fluid Dynamics: Responses to Physiological Stimuli
Authors: Caddy Harrison T. , Thomas Hannah J. , Kelsey Lachlan J. , Smith Kurt J. , Doyle Barry J. , Green Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

Few studies have compared transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound with independent techniques such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, particularly in response to stimuli. We compared TCD cerebral blood flow velocity in healthy participants with subject-specific CFD simulations to determine differences in techniques. Twelve participants underwent head and neck imaging with 3 Tesla magnetic resonance angiography. Velocity waveforms in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured with TCD while velocity and diameter in the neck arteries were measured with duplex ultrasound at rest, hypercapnia and exercise. Subject-specific CFD simulations were developed for each condition, with velocity waveforms extracted in the same region as TCD. We found that absolute TCD velocities were significantly higher than CFD data, and non-significantly correlated across all conditions (r range 0.030-0.377, all P>0.05). However, relative changes from rest to hypercapnia and exercise generally exhibited significant positive correlations (r range 0.448-0.770), with the strongest correlation being average velocity change from rest to exercise (r=0.770, P<0.01). We have found that although absolute MCA velocity measurements from different sources vary, relative velocity changes yield stronger correlations regardless of source. Our findings indicate relative responses to physiological stimuli, along with absolute data, should be considered for analyzing cerebral blood flow velocity.
A passive “OneHealth” surveillance system to track canine rabies in urban India
Authors: Vanak Abi. Tamim , Panchamia Neha , Banerji Indrakshi , Nair Malvika
Published: February 2022

Robust and widely implementable “OneHealth” surveillance systems are required to detect and control the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases. Using technological tools coupled with a rapid field response and rapid diagnostics can help in surveillance of deadly diseases such as rabies, even in densely populated urban areas. Here, we describe the use of an animal rescue system (Hawk Data Pro) that was adapted as a passive surveillance tool for rabies in a large metropolis in India. We used a webline and helpline that reported injured or sick animals to an animal rescue facility to determine possible rabies cases in street animals in Pune city in western India. Suspected rabid animals were tested using lateral flow assays and this information was used to direct awareness materials on rabies as well as in conducting mass dog vaccinations in areas that reported multiple cases. Over a ∼4 year period, we received over 90,700 calls or reports, of which 1162 calls were for suspected rabies cases in dogs, and 6 for other animals (cats, goats and cattle). Of these, 749 dogs and 4 other animals tested positive for rabies. Most of the cases were reported from the densely human populated central Pune region. In response, ∼21,000 people were provided with educational materials on post-bite management, and ∼23,000 dogs were vaccinated. We show that the adoption of the Hawk Data Pro system as a passive surveillance tool allowed us to document an ongoing outbreak of rabies in a large metropolis in India. Such systems can be modified or adapted to other areas as well to meet the surveillance and reporting requirements of the WHO’s Zeroby30 strategy to eliminate rabies globally.
Association of Physical Activity Volume and Intensity with Incident Cardiovascular Disease: a UK Biobank Study
Authors: Dempsey Paddy C. , Rowlands Alex V. , Strain Tessa , Zaccardi Francesco , Dawkins Nathan , Razieh Cameron , Davies Melanie J. , Khunti Kamlesh K. , Edwardson Charlotte L. , Wijndaele Katrien , Brage Soren , Yates Tom
Published: February 2022

Background

Although the cardiovascular disease (CVD) benefits of both overall volume and intensity of physical activity (PA) are known, the role of PA intensity, over and above volume, is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the interplay between PA volume and intensity in relation to incident CVD.

Methods

Data were from 88,412 UK Biobank participants without prevalent CVD (58% women) who wore an accelerometer on their dominant wrist for 7 days, from which we estimated total physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) using population-specific validation. Cox proportional hazards regressions modelled associations between PAEE (kJ/kg/day)] and PA intensity [%MVPA; the fraction of PAEE accumulated from moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA] with incident CVD, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

There were 4,068 CVD events during 584,568 person-years of follow-up (median 6.8 years). Higher PAEE and higher %MVPA (adjusted for PAEE) were associated with lower rates of incident CVD. In interaction analyses, CVD rates were 17% (95%CI: 8-26%) lower when MVPA accounted for 20% rather than 10% of 15 kJ/kg/d PAEE; equivalent to the difference between a 12-min stroll into a brisk 7-min walk. CVD rates did not differ significantly between values of PAEE when the %MVPA was fixed at 10%. However, the combination of higher PAEE and %MVPA was associated with lower CVD rates. Rates were 24% (10-35%) lower for 20 kJ/kg/d PAEE with 20% from MVPA, and 49% (23-66%) lower for 30 kJ/kg/d with 40% from MVPA (compared to 15 kJ/kg/d PAEE with 10% MVPA).

Conclusions

Reductions in CVD risk may be achievable through higher levels of PA volume and intensity, with the role of moderately intense PA appearing particularly important for future CVD risk. Our findings support multiple approaches or strategies to PA participation, some of which may be more practical or appealing to different individuals.
Olfactory loss is an early and reliable marker for COVID-19
Authors: Iravani Behzad , Arshamian Artin , Lundström Johan N.
Published: February 2022

Detection of early and reliable symptoms is important in relation to limiting the spread of an infectious disease. For COVID-19, the most prevalent symptom is either losing or experiencing reduced olfactory functions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that olfactory dysfunction is also one of the earlier symptoms of COVID-19 but objective measures supporting this notion are currently missing. To determine whether olfactory dysfunction is an early sign of COVID-19, we assessed available longitudinal data from a web-based interface enabling individuals to test their sense of smell by rating the intensity of selected household odors. Individuals continuously used the interface to assess their olfactory functions and at each login, in addition to odor ratings, recorded their symptoms and result from potential COVID-19 test. A total of 205 COVID-19 positive individuals and 156 pseudo-randomly matched control individuals lacking positive test provided longitudinal data which enabled us to assess olfactory functions in relation to their test results date. We found that odor intensity ratings started to decline in the COVID-19 group as early as 6 days prior to test result date. Symptoms such as sore throat, aches, and runny nose appear around the same point in time; however, with a lower predictability of a COVID-19 diagnose. Our results suggest that olfactory dysfunction is an early symptom but does not appear before other related COVID-19 symptoms. Olfactory dysfunction is, however, more predictive of an COVID-19 diagnose than other early symptoms.
Chlamydomonas mutant hpm91 lacking PGR5 is a scalable and valuable strain for algal hydrogen (H2) production
Authors: Liu Peng , Ye De-Min , Chen Mei , Zhang Jin , Huang Xia-He , Shen Li-Li , Xia Ke-Ke , Xu Xiao-Jing , Xu Yong-Chao , Guo Ya-Long , Wang Ying-Chun , Huang Fang
Published: February 2022

Clean and sustainable H2 production is essential toward a carbon-neutral world. H2 generation by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an attractive approach for solar-H2 from H2O. However, it is currently not scalable because of lacking ideal strains. Here, we explore hpm91, a previously reported PGR5-deletion mutant with remarkable H2 production, that possesses numerous valuable attributes towards large-scale application and in-depth study issues. We show that hpm91 is at least 100-fold scalable (upto 10 liter) with H2 collection sustained for averagely 26 days and 7287 ml H2/10L-HPBR. Also, hpm91 is robust and active over the period of sulfur-deprived H2 production, most likely due to decreased intracellular ROS relative to wild type. Moreover, quantitative proteomic analysis revealed its features in photosynthetic antenna, primary metabolic pathways and anti-ROS responses. Together with success of new high-H2-production strains derived from hpm91, we highlight that hpm91 is a potent strain toward basic and applied research of algal-H2 photoproduction.
Gut microbiota transplantation drives the adoptive transfer of colonic genotype-phenotype characteristics between mice lacking catestatin and their wild type counterparts
Authors: González-Dávila Pamela , Schwalbe Markus , Danewalia Arpit , Wardenaar René , Dalile Boushra , Verbeke Kristin , Mahata Sushil K , Aidy Sahar El
Published: February 2022

The gut microbiota is in continuous interaction with the intestinal mucosa via metabolic, neuro- immunological, and neuroendocrine pathways. Disruption in levels of antimicrobial peptides produced by the enteroendocrine cells, such as catestatin, has been associated with changes in the gut microbiota and imbalance in intestinal homeostasis. However, whether the changes in the gut microbiota have a causational role in intestinal dyshomeostasis has remained elusive. To this end, we performed reciprocal fecal microbial transplantation in wild-type mice and mice with a knockout in the catestatin coding region of the chromogranin-A gene (CST-KO mice). Combined microbiota phylogenetic profiling, RNA sequencing, and transmission electron microscopy were employed. Fecal microbiota transplantation from mice deficient in catestatin (CST-KO) to microbiota-depleted wild-type mice induced transcriptional and physiological features characteristic of a distorted colon in the recipient animals, including impairment in tight junctions, as well as an increased collagen area fraction indicating colonic fibrosis. In contrast, fecal microbiota transplantation from wild-type mice to microbiota-depleted CST-KO mice reduced collagen fibrotic area, restored disrupted tight junction morphology, and altered fatty acid metabolism in recipient CST-KO mice. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the murine metabolic- and immune-related cellular pathways and processes that are co-mediated by the fecal microbiota transplantation and supports a prominent role for the gut microbiota in the colonic distortion associated with the lack of catestatin in mice. Overall, the data show that the gut microbiota may play a causal role in the development of features of intestinal inflammation and metabolic disorders, known to be associated with altered levels of catestatin and may, thus, provide a tractable target in the treatment and prevention of these disorders.
5-Phenyl-3-(2-phosphonoethyl)-1,2,3-triazol-1-ium chloride
Authors: Chachlaki Elpiniki , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Demadis Konstantinos D.
Published: February 2022

The new triazole-functionalized phosphonic acid 5-phenyl-3-(2-phosphonoethyl)-1,2,3-triazol-1-ium chloride, C10H13N3O3P+·Cl− (PTEPHCl), was synthesized by the `click' reaction of the alkyl azide diethyl-(2-azidoethyl)phosphonate with phenylacetylene to give the diethyl[2-(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)ethyl]phosphonate ester, which was then hydrolyzed under acidic conditions (HCl) to give the `free' phosphonic acid. The use of HCl for the hydrolysis caused protonation of the triazole ring, rendering the compound cationic, charged-balanced by a Cl− anion. There are extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions in the structure of PTEPHCl, involving the phosphonic acid (–PO3H2) group, the triazolium ring and the Cl− anion.
Competitive strategies in the agri-food industry in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: an application of K-means cluster analysis
Authors: Bargoni Augusto , Bertoldi Bernardo , Giachino Chiara , Santoro Gabriele
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at understanding how companies in the agri-food are reconfiguring their competitive strategies to face the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Literature has focused mainly on the effect of the pandemic on the supply chain or in its value chain but little has been said on the competitive strategies adopted to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on Italian companies operating in the agri-food industry from May to September 2020, following a mixed method approach. First, a focus group with experts in competitive strategy and agri-food industry has been organized to identify the most important challenges that companies are facing. Second, through a structured questionnaire, data from 123 companies operating in the agri-food industry were gathered and analyzed with K-means clustering method.

Findings

Four clusters of companies were identified, each implementing different strategies to face the COVID-19 pandemic: “the cost fanatics”, “the brand focused”, “the sales centered” and “the strategists”. Furthermore, it was possible to identify new trends in competitive strategies to increase the added value that the Italian agri-food industry can provide to the customer.

Originality/value

The paper answers to the need for an investigation of the competitive strategies that agri-food companies have put in place to face the COVID-19 pandemic; moreover, it provides insights on how companies are adapting themselves to this rapidly changing environment. From a managerial point of view, it gives practitioners and managers useful insights on the different strategies that companies are undertaking to maintain a competitive advantage.
What do we know about diversity, intersectionality and inclusion in organisationally-assigned expatriation? A review of relocation management company/consultancy practitioner research
Authors: Shortland Susan , Perkins Stephen J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on trends in the deployment of minority expatriates, review organisational interventions to increase expatriate diversity and to consider the challenges facing employers in widening expatriate diversity through a review of practitioner publications published by relocation management companies/consultancies.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of 109 practitioner publications on organisational international assignment policy and practice was conducted to identify trends across three decades in minority expatriation and employer interventions to widen expatriate diversity.

Findings

Practitioner publications record percentage female expatriate participation and expatriate age profiles. While expatriate diversity challenges are reported, employer interventions focus on supporting women and LGBTQ+ assignees but with little detail on their outcomes. There is little emphasis on ethnicity/race, religion, disability, pregnancy/maternity, intersectionality of diversity characteristics and inclusion.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioner publications consulted were primarily Western-focused, with access to a “complete” publications record precluded. Academic research that compares employer policy on diversity interventions with how it is implemented is needed.

Practical implications

A stronger focus on supporting the full range of expatriate diversity attributes and intersectionality is required, explaining how challenges have been addressed and inclusion achieved.

Social implications

Analysis of employer interventions could assist organisations to widen expatriate diversity and inclusion, and minorities to access international careers.

Originality/value

This review of practitioner data reveals trends in the deployment of minority expatriates, interventions taken by employers and challenges they perceive in widening expatriate diversity, providing a unique perspective and enriching our understanding of academic expatriate diversity research. Path-dependent organisational action may hinder employers' future focus on diversity, inclusion and intersectionality.
Thinned array antenna synthesis using modified binary particle swarm optimization with minimization of sidelobes
Authors: Allu Gayatri , Kumar M. Surendra , Prasad A.M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose radiating system by avoiding electromagnetic interference in unwanted directions and to radiate the energy in the required direction with an optimization technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Practically, multiple, incompatible variables require concurrent boost on a synthesis of systematic antenna assemblage. The authors have worked out the main statistic penalty function to ensure all the restrictions. Here, MBPSO (Modified Binary Particle Swarm Optimization) is developed and introduced thin planar synthesis restriction. The sigmoid function is used to update the particle position. Different analytical demonstrations have been carried out, and the exhibited methods are predominant than the algorithms.

Findings

A 20 × 10 planar antenna array is synthesized using modified BPSO. The authors have suppressed the PSLL in two principal planes and as well as in the entire f plane. Numerical results state that MBPSO outperforms the other binary BPSO, BCSO, ACO, RGA, GA optimization techniques. MBPSO achieved a −51.84 dB PSLL level, whereas BPSO achieved −48.57 dB with the same 50% thinning.

Originality/value

Planar array antenna formation is one of the most complex syntheses because the array gets filled with more antenna elements. The machine-like complication and implementation of such an antenna arrangement with a broad opening would be expensive. It is not easy to control the required radiation patterns shape by using a uniform feeding network. To get better flexibility for sustaining the sidelobe levelheaded along with consistent amplitude distribution. So as far as prominence has been given to the evolutionary algorithm, find an ideal solution for objective array combinational problems.
Rethinking United Nations peacekeeping responses to resource wars and armed conflicts in Africa: integrating African indigenous knowledge systems
Authors: Namakula Evelyn B.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

As of November 2021, six out of the 12 United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations are in Sub-Saharan Africa, spread between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Western Sahara, Mali, Central African Republic, Abyei, South Sudan and Darfur. When considered alongside other recent conflicts in Liberia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique, many of these conflicts are driven and sustained by resource looting of oil, minerals, timber, gas and fertile land and sand. Although other factors, particularly colonialism, the creation of poorly governed states, ethnic polarization, greed and extremism contribute to violence, the author argues that resource looting is central. Taking the DRC as the case study, the purpose of this paper is to examine why traditional UN peacekeeping, grounded in the international liberal order, has failed to efficiently deescalate wars and armed conflicts that are driven by resource looting and how alternative homegrown peace strategies can be more effective.

Design/methodology/approach

Deploying peacekeeping, peacebuilding and resource governance and theories, this paper examines the current UN peacekeeping efforts to increase our understanding of how alternative peacekeeping strategies found in African cultures, particularly indigenous epistemologies can be used to engender sustainable peace and security. The second argument is that sustainable peace and security cannot be solely exogenous, without integrating African cultural heritage, specifically African indigenous knowledge systems or epistemologies, a factor that is consistent with people’s right to self-determination and agency.

Findings

Peacekeeping that is exogenously enforced has failed to create sustainable peace and security in the DRC.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is original, based on the research conducted in the DRC. Following the academic writing norms, the data is backed up by literature.
Whole body shapes and fit problems among overweight and obese men in the United States
Authors: Shin Eonyou , Saeidi Elahe
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore body shapes among overweight and obese men and examine fit issues based on the current ASTM sizing standards related to the categorized body shapes.

Design/methodology/approach

The SizeUSA data and the additional data extracted using the ImageTwin (TC2-19) software were used. To categorize body shapes, principal component (PC) analysis with varimax rotation, hierarchical cluster analysis for an elbow method and K-mean cluster analysis were employed. Comparing the categorized body shapes and ASTM sizing charts, a cross-tabulation was performed to test associations between fit analyses for top and bottom for the body shape groups. Furthermore, an analysis of variance and pairwise comparison were performed to identify differences in mean values of size drops between two body parts across the different body shape groups.

Findings

Using a three-dimensional (3D) body scanning technology and 3D virtual avatars, three body shapes for overweight and obese men emerged: Rectangle-curvy, bottom hourglass-hip tilt and top hourglass-straight shapes. Further, overweight and obese male consumers are not likely to find a perfect fit from apparel companies who developed their sizing charts based on the men's and big men's ASTM standards. Notably, the big men's ASTM sizing standard did not work for most overweight and obese men the United States.

Originality/value

Despite the notable increase in the US population that is overweight and obese, most overweight and obese men have had fit problems due to the differences in their body shapes as compared to the standardized body shape used in the current sizing system. The results of this study suggest apparel companies who are targeting overweight and obese male consumers in the United States updating their sizing systems in order to solve fit problems.
Expanding the experiential value scale to predict independent restaurant dining intent
Authors: Norris Cortney L. , Russen Michelle , Taylor Jr Scott
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The experiential value scale (EVS) has been widely applied in hospitality literature in a postconsumption manner to predict organizational outcomes; however, it lacks a key component that captures the inherently social nature of the restaurant industry: social value. This study had two goals: to validate the inclusion of social value with the EVS and apply the new scale to predict intent to dine in an independently owned restaurant.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cross-sectional survey design and factor analysis, the pilot study tests the experiential value scale with the addition of social value. In the main study, the validated scale is used to predict intent to dine in an independent restaurant using structural equation modeling. Respondents for both studies were recruited from the survey panel site Prolific, generating 266 usable samples for the pilot and 259 for the main study.

Findings

The findings suggest a high correlation between social value and the other experiential values, creating the EVS + SV scale. Using the new scale to predict dining intent, service quality was a positive predictor in selecting an independent restaurant. However, limitations, such as sample origin and time, are further discussed, and future research to alleviate these is recommended.

Research limitations/implications

Social value has been shown as an additional part of the EVS. Restauranteurs and hospitality researchers alike may use the new EVS + SV scale to determine the values that most influence customers' restaurant selection and make recommendations on how to use limited capital.

Originality/value

The current study added social value to the EVS, creating what has been referred to as the EVS + SV scale in this study. Additionally, unlike others, the EVS + SV scale was used as an antecedent to restaurant choice, meaning customers will assess certain aspects of a restaurant before deciding where to dine out, allowing restaurant operators to leverage their strengths and attract customers.
The nexus between business–investment climate and firm performance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
Authors: Giovanis Eleftherios , Ozdamar Oznur
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Effective business and investment climate can lead to a higher rate of investment, profits and improved productivity, through the creation of an institutional environment, where the state provides high-quality public goods. This study aims to explore the impact of the business–investment climate on firm performance in a sample of six countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Turkey. Furthermore, we extend our analysis to explore the impact of business–investment climate on the resource misallocation in Egypt and Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used fixed effects models to investigate the relationship between the business and investment climate, expressed by the obstacles in state–business relations- and the firm performance, which is measured by the firm's value-added, the labour productivity and the total factor productivity To reduce the endogeneity coming from possible reverse causality and the perceptions about the business climate, an instrumental variables (IV) approach applying the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method was followed. The empirical analysis relies on data derived from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys.

Findings

Based on estimates, the obstacles in business climate may reduce the firm performance measures by 15–40%. These findings indicate the importance of quality in the business climate and how the improvement in its efficiency can have a very considerable positive impact on firms' performance and thus on the overall economic growth of a country.

Originality/value

This is the first study exploring the impact of business–investment climate on various measures of the firm performance and the resource misallocation in a large sample of countries in the MENA region.
CEO leadership learning during our global pandemic: voices from the C-suite
Authors: Longenecker Clinton , Wittmer Jenell Lynn-Senter
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study answers the question, “What are the learning experiences and drivers that provide CEOs with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will allow them to lead their enterprises through crises?”

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty chief executive officer (CEO) interviews were conducted with two trained interviewers that lasted an average of 76 min. These interviews covered CEO experiences in challenges faced, adaptation, learning and lessons gleaned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The interview responses were content analyzed to provide ten main drivers of CEO learning during the pandemic.

Originality/value

The size and scope of the pandemic provides for lessons on leadership learning never experienced before. This study provides in-depth insights from CEO experiences during the pandemic.
Ultrasonic diagnosis method for stainless steel weld defects based on multi-domain feature fusion
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhao Na , Fu Liuhu , Pan Lihu , Bai Xiaolu , Song Renwang
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new ultrasonic diagnosis method for stainless steel weld defects based on multi-domain feature fusion to solve two problems in the ultrasonic diagnosis of austenitic stainless steel weld defects. These are insufficient feature extraction and subjective dependence of diagnosis model parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

To express the richness of the one-dimensional (1D) signal information, the 1D ultrasonic testing signal was derived to the two-dimensional (2D) time-frequency domain. Multi-scale depthwise separable convolution was also designed to optimize the MobileNetV3 network to obtain deep convolution feature information under different receptive fields. At the same time, the time/frequent-domain feature extraction of the defect signals was carried out based on statistical analysis. The defect sensitive features were screened out through visual analysis, and the defect feature set was constructed by cascading fusion with deep convolution feature information. To improve the adaptability and generalization of the diagnostic model, the authors designed and carried out research on the hyperparameter self-optimization of the diagnostic model based on the sparrow search strategy and constructed the optimal hyperparameter combination of the model. Finally, the performance of the ultrasonic diagnosis of stainless steel weld defects was improved comprehensively through the multi-domain feature characterization model of the defect data and diagnosis optimization model.

Findings

The experimental results show that the diagnostic accuracy of the lightweight diagnosis model constructed in this paper can reach 96.55% for the five types of stainless steel weld defects, including cracks, porosity, inclusion, lack of fusion and incomplete penetration. These can meet the needs of practical engineering applications.

Originality/value

This method provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for developing and applying intelligent, efficient and accurate ultrasonic defect diagnosis technology.
A Sequencing Framework for Middle Grades Social Studies Instructional Units
Authors: Guidry Allen , Carson Jamin
Published: February 2022

In working with pre-service and beginning middle grades social studies teachers, the authors have found that those teachers often struggle to organize and sequence content in meaningful ways. Although many national and state curriculum writing bodies have provided organizational frameworks to guide teachers in designing instruction for middles grades social studies, those same bodies have failed to assist teachers in the task of sequencing instruction in ways that assure learning. This article provides a practical sequencing framework that assists middle grades social studies teachers in designing effective instructional units that connect and integrate all of the social studies disciplines.
Cereal Box Dioramas of Native American Cultures: A Collaborative Project
Authors: Rule Audrey C. , Lockhart Amy K. , Darrah Frank , Lindell Lois A.
Published: February 2022

A social studies methods instructor and college students collaborated with an elementary teacher and fifth grade students to produce exciting cereal box dioramas of Native American cultures from different parts of the United States. The dioramas were constructed of a cereal box with a model of a historic Native American home on the front. The box was cut to open like a book to reveal the inside of the home and a ceremonial scene. The back and sides of the box featured crafts, clothing, food, transportation, or other information. Seven steps were implemented to guide this project-based learning experience. 1) Project’s goal: to engage students in active, meaningful learning, integrated with art, challenging in complexity and three-dimensional spatial reasoning, while addressing the values of Native Americans. 2) Involve students in researching and illustrating, “What were the lives of Native Americans like?” 3) Plan assessment of student research notebooks. 4) Plan assessment of final project’s required components. 5) Map how the project will unfold. 6) Respond to the challenge of making a three-dimensional model by providing examples and assistance. 7) Manage the project through collaboration between pre-service teachers and elementary students along with involvement of other school personnel.
The Role of Emotion in Democratic Dialogue: A Self Study
Authors: Reidel Michelle , Salinas Cinthia
Published: February 2022

This study contributes to existing scholarship on democratic education by focusing explicitly on the affective dynamics of teaching with and for discussion. More specifically, the purpose of this research is to critically analyze the first author’s efforts to address the role of emotion in democratic dialogue within the context of classroom-based discussions and the work of preparing future social studies educators for their role as discussion facilitators. We found that despite the instructor’s stated goals and her efforts to teach about the constructive role of emotion in learning to communicate across difference, overall, students continued to judge dispassionate and disembodied speech acts as appropriate, while expressions of anger, frustration, or exaspe-ration were judged inappropriate. More specifically, if a female student spoke with anger or frustration during class discussions, her concerns, ideas, and questions tended to be ridiculed, ignored, or dismissed, while the same emotional rule did not apply to male students. If our intent is to facilitate communication across difference, we must actively attend to the ways in which social hierarchies inform discussion by carefully considering how emotional expression and experiences are positioned.
Engaging Public Issues Through Dialogue Journals: Pre-Service Teachers and Elementary Students Read and Respond
Authors: Camicia Steven P. , Read Sylvia
Published: February 2022

In a qualitative study, 50 pre-service teachers were partnered with 50 elementary students to write each other in dialogue journals responding to texts on public issues. Based upon our analysis of the journals, written reflections from pre-service teachers, and interviews with the elementary teachers in the project, three findings emerged: student motivation for reading and writing increased, both types of students gained perspective consciousness, and elementary teachers found meaningful ways to integrate social studies with language arts. These findings suggest multiple avenues for future research surrounding dialogue journals, student engagement with public issues texts, and teacher education.
Reflections of Pre-Service Elementary Teachers after Learning about an African Culture through Mask-making
Authors: Rule Audrey C. , Montgomery Sarah E.
Published: February 2022

Arts-integrated social studies projects can provide meaningful learning about another culture; yet, they are rare in the current assessment-focused climate. Similarly, students are under-exposed to projects that involve spatial reasoning; nonetheless, this skill is important in everyday life and the workplace. This article describes a mixed-methods study of 65 (59 female, 6 male) pre-service elementary teachers in a social studies methods course reflecting on their participation in an African mask-making project with first and second graders that incorporated both arts integration and spatial reasoning. Pre-service teachers identified discussion with others, example masks and images, and taking time as the most helpful mask-making strategies. Most preservice teachers thought they would (42%) or possibly would (32%) implement mask making with their future elementary students because of deep, meaningful learning and active engagement they experienced and observed during the project. The authors concluded that pre-service teachers need multiple experiences with long-term arts-integrated projects that support the development of spatial skills to be confident enough to undertake them in their future classrooms and suggest that such projects be part of social studies methods courses.
The Multigenre Research Project: An Approach to Developing Historical Empathy
Authors: D’Adamo Lindsay , Fallace Thomas
Published: February 2022

This action research study explores how the multigenre research project develops historical empathy, or historical perspective taking skills, in a class of 22 fourth grade students. Much of the research in these areas focuses on the high school and university level. However, this study explored the degree to which upper elementary students were able to recognize historical perspectives, and whether the multigenre project format was conducive to developing this particular skill. The students in the study selected a historical topic from a list of historical subjects, then researched this topic, and displayed what they learned through multiple genres. The action researcher found that the multigenre research project increased students’ understanding of the differences in historical perspectives.
Developing Civic-Mindedness in the Intermediate Grades: A Community-based Inquiry Project
Authors: Lawley Ji ji , McEwan Anna
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to use the inquiry process to engage fifth grade students in a community-based project that would educate them about what it means to be a civic-minded citizen. While the unique nature of any community-based project prevents exact replication of the project in another context, the inquiry process itself and the overall positive results are worthy of consideration by other teachers and teacher educators who hope to develop civic-minded citizens in the intermediate grades. This article will describe the context in which the project was implemented, the inquiry process that unfolded in one fifth grade classroom, and the lessons that were learned by all involved. The project suggests that if students are to become active citizens for the future, then they must be guided through discussion, research, and service learning experiences. Most importantly, this project seems to indicate that students may become more civic-minded when they are provided with authentic opportunities to participate in meaningful citizenship activities within their own communities.
Notable Trade Book Lesson Plan Lawn Boy Written by Gary Paulsen
Authors: Staubs Melinda Odom
Published: February 2022

Using Lawn Boy by Gary Paulson allows teachers to address numerous economic ideas and principals. This lesson introduces various economic concepts while concentrating on opportunity cost, allowing students to think critically as they examine their own economic decisions. Students keep a journal as they explore the content of the trade book and discuss their readings with group members. Students expand their learning and apply critical thinking as they take part in a role play activity. Helpful grading rubrics and an economic concept guide are provided with the lesson.
Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics: Uncovering the Truth Behind Polling Data
Authors: Journell Wayne
Published: February 2022

One of the fundamental tenets of social studies education is preparing students to become knowledgeable and informed citizens. Especially in this era of increased communication and technology, one skill necessary for informed citizenship is the ability to critically understand polling data. Social studies educators, however, rarely provide their students with the mathematical framework required to move beyond face-value analysis of public opinion polls. This article outlines the basic statistical processes behind public opinion polls and provides social studies teachers with activities that encourage students to critically question political data presented in the media.
Data Literacy Contributes to Critical Thinking: FRED for the Classroom
Authors: Cosgrove Kathy , Suiter Mary , Wolla Scott
Published: February 2022

The authors make the case that data literacy is a key component to critical thinking in the world today. They describe the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) database and how it can be used. They provide a classroom lesson that uses FRED to help students gain an understanding of inflation and price stability.
Classroom Societies and Common Markets: The Gem Fair
Authors: Wood William C. , Stover Lynne F. , Hopkins Martha C.
Published: February 2022

In-class societies such as the Mini-Society and Mini-Economy provide opportunities for teaching important lessons about choice, scarcity, and economic organization. Those lessons are multiplied when in-class societies meet each other for simulated international trade. We describe a Global Entrepreneurship Marketplace Fair (GEM Fair) for participating elementary and middle school students. The basics of in-class societies, the benefits of cross-society trade, and the administrative setup of an international marketplace are summarized. The limitations of a GEM Fair as also discussed, including large subsidies from parents, “end-of-the-world” effects near the end of a GEM Fair, and the tendency of a free GEM Fair market to produce too many snack food items (from a parent’s or teacher’s point of view).