bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in the Risk of Complications After Nonobstetric Surgery in Pregnancy
Authors: McKiever Monique , Lynch Courtney D. , Nafiu Olubukola O. , Mpody Christian , O'Malley David M. , Landon Mark B. , Costantine Maged M. , Pawlik Timothy M. , Venkatesh Kartik K.
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To examine whether there are racial and ethnic differences in postoperative complications after nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy in the United States.

METHODS:

We conducted a secondary analysis of the prospective ACS NSQIP (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement) program from 2005 to 2012. We assessed pregnant women 18–50 years without prior surgery in the preceding 30 days who underwent a nonobstetric surgery. Race and ethnicity were categorized as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White (reference). The primary outcome was a composite of 30-day major postoperative complications inclusive of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and infectious complications, reoperation, unplanned readmission, blood transfusion, and death. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate the relative risk of complications.

RESULTS:

Among 3,093 pregnant women, 18% were non-Hispanic Black, 20% Hispanic, and 62% non-Hispanic White. The most common surgeries were appendectomy (36%) and cholecystectomy (19%). Black women (18%) were more likely to be assigned American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class III or higher than their White (12%) or Hispanic (9%) peers. Non-Hispanic Black pregnant women had a higher risk of 30-day major postoperative complications compared with their White peers (9% vs 6%; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.99). This difference persisted when limiting the analysis to apparently healthy women (ASA class I or II) (7% vs 4%; aRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08–2.50), those who underwent appendectomy (10% vs 3%; aRR 2.36, 95% CI 1.13–4.96), and when appendectomy and cholecystectomy were performed by laparoscopy (7% vs 3%; aRR 2.62, 95% CI 1.22–5.58). Hispanic pregnant women were not at an increased risk of complications compared with non-Hispanic pregnant White women.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pregnant non-Hispanic Black women were at higher risk of major postoperative complications after nonobstetric surgery compared with their White counterparts.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Selection of Obstetrician–Gynecologists
Authors: Morgan Helen Kang , Winkel Abigail Ford , Banks Erika , Bienstock Jessica L. , Dalrymple John L. , Forstein David A. , George Karen E. , Katz Nadine T. , McDade William , Nwora Christle , Hammoud Maya M.
Published: July 2021

In the setting of long-standing structural racism in health care, it is imperative to highlight inequities in the medical school-to-residency transition. In obstetrics and gynecology, the percentage of Black residents has decreased in the past decade. The etiology for this troubling decrease is unknown, but racial and ethnic biases inherent in key residency application metrics are finally being recognized, while the use of these metrics to filter applicants is increasing. Now is the time for action and for transformational change to rectify the factors that are detrimentally affecting the racial diversity of our residents. This will benefit our patients and learners with equitable health care and better outcomes.
Thermococcus camini sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic and piezophilic archaeon isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Courtine Damien , Vince Erwann , Maignien Loïs , Philippon Xavier , Gayet Nicolas , Shao Zongze , Alain Karine
Published: July 2021

A coccoid-shaped, strictly anaerobic, hyperthermophilic and piezophilic organoheterotrophic archaeon, strain Iri35cT, was isolated from a hydrothermal chimney rock sample collected at a depth of 2300 m at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Rainbow vent field). Cells of strain Iri35cT grew at NaCl concentrations ranging from 1–5 % (w/v) (optimum 2.0 %), from pH 5.0 to 9.0 (optimum 7.0–7.5), at temperatures between 50 and 90 °C (optimum 75–80 °C) and at pressures from 0.1 to at least 50 MPa (optimum: 10–30 MPa). The novel isolate grew on complex organic substrates, such as yeast extract, tryptone, peptone or beef extract, preferentially in the presence of elemental sulphur or l-cystine; however, these molecules were not necessary for growth. Its genomic DNA G+C content was 54.63 mol%. The genome has been annotated and the metabolic predictions are in accordance with the metabolic characteristics of the strain and of

Thermococcales

in general. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and concatenated ribosomal protein sequences showed that strain Iri35cT belongs to the genus Thermococcus, and is closer to the species

T. celericrescens

and

T. siculi

. Average nucleotide identity scores and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between the genome of strain Iri35cT and the genomes of the type species of the genus

Thermococcus

were below the species delineation threshold. Therefore, and considering the phenotypic data presented, strain Iri35cT is suggested to represent a novel species, for which the name Thermococcus camini sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Iri35cT (=UBOCC M-2026T=DSM 111003T).
Genome based reclassification of Deinococcus swuensis as a heterotypic synonym of Deinococcus radiopugnans
Authors: Lakra Priya , Verma Helianthous , Talwar Chandni , Singh Durgesh Narain , Singhvi Nirjara , Lal Rup , Gupta Vipin
Published: July 2021

Deinococcus

species are widely studied due to their utility in bioremediation of sites contaminated with radioactive elements. In the present study, we re-evaluated the taxonomic placement of two species of the genus

Deinococcus

namely

D. swuensis

DY59T and

D. radiopugnans

ATCC 19172T based on whole genome analyses. The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed a 99.58% sequence similarity between this species pair that is above the recommended threshold value for species delineation. These two species also clustered together in both the 16S rRNA gene and core genome based phylogenies depicting their close relatedness. Furthermore, more than 98% of genes were shared between

D. swuensi

s DY59T and

D. radiopugnans

ATCC 19172T. Interestingly,

D. swuensis

DY59T and

D. radiopugnans

ATCC 19172T shared high genome similarity in different genomic indices. They displayed an average nucleotide identity value of 97.63%, an average amino acid identity value of 97% and a digital DNA–DNA hybridization value equal to 79.50%, all of which are well above the cut-off for species delineation. Altogether, based on these evidences,

D. swuensis

DY59T and

D. radiopugnans

ATCC 19172T constitute a single species. Hence, as per the priority of publication, we propose that

Deinococcus swuensis

Lee et al. 2015 should be reclassified as a later heterotypic synonym of

Deinococcus radiopugnans

.
Induced expression of the zwf gene in the presence of glucose contributes to lowering of glucose 6-phosphate level and consequently reduction of growth rate of Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Ghosh Poulami , Barman Anik , Das Gupta Sujoy K.
Published: July 2021

In

Mycobacterium smegmatis

(renamed

Mycolicibacterium smegmatis

), glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) level is exceptionally high as compared to other bacteria, E. coli for example. Earlier investigations have indicated that G6P protects

M. smegmatis

(Msm) against oxidative stress-inducing agents. G6P is a glycolytic intermediate formed either directly through the phosphorylation of glucose or indirectly via the gluconeogenic pathway. Its consumption is catalysed by several enzymes, one of which being the NADPH dependent G6P dehydrogenase (G6PDH) encoded by zwf (msmeg_0314). While investigating the extent to which the carbon sources glucose and glycerol influence Msm growth, we observed that intracellular concentration of G6P was lower in the former’s presence than the latter. We could correlate this difference with that in the growth rate, which was higher in glycerol than glucose. We also found that lowering of G6P content in glucose-grown cells was triggered by the induced expression of zwf and the resultant increase in G6PDH activity. When we silenced zwf using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we observed a significant rise in the growth rate of Msm. Therefore, we have found that depletion of G6P in glucose-grown cells due to increased G6PDH activity is at least one reason why the growth rate of Msm in glucose is less than glycerol. However, we could not establish a similar link-up between slow growth in glucose and lowering of G6P level in the case of

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

(Mtb). Mycobacteria, therefore, may have evolved diverse mechanisms to ensure that they use glycerol preferentially over glucose for their growth.
RNA sequencing of whole blood defines the signature of high intensity exercise at altitude in elite speed skaters
Authors: Glotov Andrey S. , Zelenkova Irina E. , Vashukova Elena S. , Shuvalova Anna R. , Zolotareva Alexandra D. , Polev Dmitrii E. , Barbitoff Yury A. , Glotov Oleg S. , Sarana Andrey M. , Scherbak Sergey G. , Rozina Mariya A. , Gogotova Victoria L. , Predeus Alexander V.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Although high altitude training has been increasingly popular in endurance athletes, the molecular and cellular bases of this adaptation remain poorly understood. We aimed to define the underlying physiological changes and screen for potential biomarkers of adaptation using transcriptional profiling of whole blood. More generally, we aimed to evaluate the utility of blood RNA sequencing as a modern and sensitive method of athlete’s health monitoring.

Methods

Seven elite female speed skaters were profiled before and after 1h intense exercise, on the 18th day of Live High, Train High (LHTH) training programme. Whole blood RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) with globin depletion was used to measure gene expression changes associated with high intensity exercise at high altitude. Eight public microarray datasets were used to identify genes uniquely regulated at high altitude. Gene markers derived from single cell RNA-seq data were used to evaluate the changes of individual cell types in the whole blood.

Results

Using individual cell type signatures, we were able to deconvolute the changes of finely defined cell populations from the whole blood RNA-seq. We have detected the increase in neutrophils, platelets, erythrocytes, and CD14 monocytes, and the decrease in natural killers, CD8 T cells, memory CD4 T cells, B cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The levels of naive CD4 T cells, CD16 monocytes, and myeloid dendritic cells were unchanged. Leveraging the previously published transcriptomic data allowed us to define the expression signature unique to high-altitude adaptation. Among the identified genes we highlight PHOSPHO1, which has a known role in erythropoiesis, and MARC1 with a proposed role in endogenic NO metabolism. Finally, we find that platelets and, to a lesser extent, erythrocytes are the two major cell types that uniquely respond to altitude exercise, while neutrophils represent a more generic marker of intense exercise.

Conclusions

Using publicly available data from both single-cell RNA-seq atlases and exercise-related blood profiling dramatically increases the value of whole blood RNA-seq for dynamic evaluation of physiological changes in an athlete’s body. In addition to the measurement of individual gene expression changes, our approach allowed us to estimate changes of blood cell type counts from a small peripheral blood sample, without sorting or other expensive and unfeasible equipment. We also discuss a surprising parallel of hypoxia and increased thrombosis, and hypothesize about the role exercise can play in COVID-19 outcomes.
Genome-wide pleiotropy analysis of coronary artery disease and pneumonia identifies shared immune pathways
Authors: Yu Zhi , Zekavat Seyedeh M. , Haidermota Sara , Bernardo Rachel , Libby Peter , Finucane Hilary , Natarajan Pradeep
Published: July 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death despite scientific advances. Elucidating shared CAD/pneumonia pathways may reveal novel insights regarding CAD pathways. We performed genome-wide pleiotropy analyses of CAD and pneumonia, examined the causal effects of the expression of genes near independently replicated SNPs and interacting genes with CAD and pneumonia, and tested interactions between disruptive coding mutations of each pleiotropic gene and smoking status on CAD and pneumonia risks. Identified pleiotropic SNPs were annotated toADAMTS7andIL6R. IncreasedADAMTS7expression across tissues consistently showed decreased risk for CAD and increased risk for pneumonia; increasedIL6Rexpression showed increased risk for CAD and decreased risk for pneumonia. We similarly observed opposing CAD/pneumonia effects forNLRP3. ReducedADAMTS7expression conferred a reduced CAD risk without increased pneumonia risk only among never-smokers. Genetic immune-inflammatory axes of CAD linked to respiratory infections implicateADAMTS7andIL6R, and related genes.
Development and Content Validation of the Symptoms Evolution of COVID-19: A Patient-Reported Electronic Daily Diary in Clinical and Real-World Studies
Authors: Rofail Diana , McGale Nadine , Im Joseph , Rams Alissa , Przydzial Krystian , Mastey Vera , Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Podolanczuk Anna J.
Published: July 2021

Importance

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was limited understanding of symptom experience and disease progression.

Objective

We developed and validated a fit-for-purpose, disease-specific instrument to assess symptoms in patients with COVID-19 to inform endpoints in an interventional trial for non-hospitalized patients.

Design

The initial drafting of the 23-item Symptoms Evolution of COVID-19 (SE-C19) Instrument was developed based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention symptom list and available published literature specific to patients with COVID-19 as of Spring 2020. The measurement principles in the Food and Drug Administration patient-reported outcomes guidance and the four methodological Patient-Focused Drug Development Guidances were also considered.

Setting

Interviews were conducted virtually with patients recruited through a healthcare research firm.

Participants

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Intervention

Interviews involved two stages: (1) concept elicitation, to obtain information about the symptoms experienced as a result of COVID-19 in patients’ own words, and (2) cognitive debriefing, for patients to describe their understanding of the SE-C19 instructions, specific symptoms, response options, and recall period to ensure the content of the SE-C19 is relevant and comprehensive. Five clinicians treating COVID-19 outpatients were interviewed to obtain their insights on symptoms experienced by patients and provide input on the SE-C19.

Main Outcome and Measure

Patients reported no issues regarding the relevance or appropriateness of the SE-C19 instructions, including the recall period. The comprehensiveness of the SE-C19 was confirmed against the conceptual model developed in the qualitative research. Minor conceptual gaps were revealed to capture nuances in the experience of nasal and gustatory symptoms, and systemic manifestations of sickness.

Almost all items were endorsed by patients as being appropriate and well understood. The clinicians largely approved all items, response options, and recall period.

Conclusions and Relevance

The qualitative research provided supportive evidence of the content validity of the SE-C19 instrument to assess the symptoms of outpatients with COVID-19 and its use in clinical trials to evaluate the benefit of treatment. Minor changes may be considered to improve conceptual clarity and ease of responding.

Trial Registration

R10933-10987-COV-2067 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04425629)
Effectiveness of Ivermectin-Based Multidrug Therapy in Severe Hypoxic Ambulatory COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Hazan Sabine , Dave Sonya , Gunaratne Anoja W. , Dolai Sibasish , Clancy Robert L , McCullough Peter A. , Borody Thomas J.
Published: July 2021

Ivermectin is a safe, inexpensive and effective early COVID-19 treatment validated in 20+ RCTs. Having developed combination therapies for Helicobacter pylori, we tested various COVID-19 combinations and describe the most effective. In 24 consecutive COVID-19 subjects with high risk features, hypoxia and untreated moderate-severe symptoms averaging 9 days, we trialed this novel combination comprising ivermectin, doxycycline, zinc, and Vitamins D and C. It was highly effective. All subjects resolved symptoms in 11 days on average, and oxygen saturation improved in 24hrs (87.4% to 93.1%, p=0.001). Hospitalizations and deaths were significantly fewer (p<0.002 or 0.05, respectively) than in background-matched controls from the CDC database. Triple combination therapy is safe and effective even in moderate-severe patients with hypoxia treated in the outpatient setting.

Trial Registration

N/A, see methods.
Multivalent designed proteins protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Hunt Andrew C. , Case James Brett , Park Young-Jun , Cao Longxing , Wu Kejia , Walls Alexandra C. , Liu Zhuoming , Bowen John E. , Yeh Hsien-Wei , Saini Shally , Helms Louisa , Zhao Yan Ting , Hsiang Tien-Ying , Starr Tyler N. , Goreshnik Inna , Kozodoy Lisa , Carter Lauren , Ravichandran Rashmi , Green Lydia B. , Matochko Wadim L. , Thomson Christy A. , Vögeli Bastain , Krüger-Gericke Antje , VanBlargan Laura A. , Chen Rita E. , Ying Baoling , Bailey Adam L. , Kafai Natasha M. , Boyken Scott , Ljubetič Ajasja , Edman Natasha , Ueda George , Chow Cameron , Addetia Amin , Panpradist Nuttada , Gale Michael , Freedman Benjamin S. , Lutz Barry R. , Bloom Jesse D. , Ruohola-Baker Hannele , Whelan Sean P. J. , Stewart Lance , Diamond Michael S. , Veesler David , Jewett Michael C. , Baker David
Published: July 2021

Escape variants of SARS-CoV-2 are threatening to prolong the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this challenge, we developed multivalent protein-based minibinders as potential prophylactic and therapeutic agents. Homotrimers of single minibinders and fusions of three distinct minibinders were designed to geometrically match the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) trimer architecture and were optimized by cell-free expression and found to exhibit virtually no measurable dissociation upon binding. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) showed that these trivalent minibinders engage all three receptor binding domains on a single S trimer. The top candidates neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with IC50values in the low pM range, resist viral escape, and provide protection in highly vulnerable human ACE2-expressing transgenic mice, both prophylactically and therapeutically. Our integrated workflow promises to accelerate the design of mutationally resilient therapeutics for pandemic preparedness.

One-Sentence Summary

We designed, developed, and characterized potent, trivalent miniprotein binders that provide prophylactic and therapeutic protection against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Hippocampal Astrocytes Encode Reward Location
Authors: Doron Adi , Rubin Alon , Benmelech-Chovav Aviya , Benaim Netai , Carmi Tom , Kreisel Tirzah , Ziv Yaniv , Goshen Inbal
Published: July 2021

Astrocytic calcium dynamics have been implicated in the encoding of sensory information, and modulating them has been shown to impact behavior. However, real-time calcium activity of astrocytes in the hippocampus of awake mice has never been investigated. We used 2-photon microscopy to chronically image CA1 astrocytes as mice ran in familiar or novel virtual environments and obtained water rewards. We found that astrocytes exhibit persistent ramping activity towards the reward location in a familiar environment, but not in a novel one. Using linear decoders, we could precisely predict the location of the mouse in a familiar environment from astrocyte activity alone. We could not do the same in the novel environment, suggesting astrocyte spatial activity is experience dependent. This is the first indication that astrocytes can encode location in spatial contexts, thereby extending their known computational capabilities, and their role in cognitive functions.
Patch-seq of mouse DRG neurons reveals candidate genes for specific mechanosensory functions
Authors: Parpaite Thibaud , Brosse Lucie , Séjourné Nina , Laur Amandine , Mechioukhi Yasmine , Delmas Patrick , Coste Bertrand
Published: July 2021

A variety of mechanosensory neurons are involved in touch, proprioception and pain. Many molecular components of the mechanotransduction machinery subserving these sensory modalities remain to be discovered. Here, we combined recordings of mechanosensitive (MS) currents in mechanosensory neurons with single cell RNA sequencing. In silico combined analysis with a large-scale dataset enables assigning each transcriptome to DRG genetic clusters. Correlation of current signatures with single-cell transcriptomes provides a one-to-one correspondence between mechanoelectric properties and transcriptomically-defined neuronal populations. Moreover, gene expression differential comparison provides a set of candidate genes for mechanotransduction complexes. Piezo2 was expectedly found to be enriched in rapidly adapting MS current-expressing neurons, whereas Tmem120a and Tmem150c, thought to mediate slow-type MS currents, were uniformly expressed in all neuron subtypes, irrespective of their mechano-phenotype. Further knock-down experiments disqualified them as mediating DRG MS currents. This dataset constitutes an open-resource to explore further the cell-type-specific determinants of mechanosensory properties.
Exploring digital sustainability of/through Estonia’s e-residency: Africa’s case and the importance of culture for sustainability
Authors: Abaku Tamunonengiyeofori , Calzati Stefano , Masso Anu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to take the lead from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 10 – foster “resilient infrastructures and inclusive innovation” and “reduce disparities of opportunities, income and power” – as key for digital sustainability. Moving beyond existing research, here this paper conceptualise “digital sustainability” as a framework for analysing the sustainability of digital services.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining different works, this paper identifies five dimensions: social, economic, institutional, environmental and technical. The framework is then tested on Estonia’s e-residency program, of which, in this way, this paper explores the potential digital sustainability. By allowing anyone to run location-independent businesses as if virtually in Estonia, the e-residency program aligns to what SDGs 9 and 10 prescribe in terms of socio-economic inclusiveness and inclusive innovation. As such, the program is particularly valuable for citizens from developing countries in that it gives them access to European markets. Hence, to explore e-residency’s digital sustainability, this paper focuses on the experiences of African e-residents.

Findings

In-depth interviews highlight a series of criticalities involving one or more dimensions of the framework. This is because of the program having a global outreach by default but not accommodating contextual diversity by design.

Originality/value

Suggestions for improving the program are provided, alongside the recommendation to also include the cultural dimension into the conceptualisation of digital sustainability.
Designing diversity training program for business executives
Authors: Sarkar Anita
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In today’s corporate world, effective management of diversity is a critical business and social imperative. This paper aims to identify relevant issues connected to diversity training and suggest course content that can be useful in corporate and academia while offering diversity training.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have conducted a literature review on primary aspects connected to diversity training. Specifically, papers published in recent times are given focus to come up with relevant diversity training content and other connected concerns.

Findings

In this paper, the authors focus on how academicians and practitioners can develop an effective diversity training initiative, based on some of the critical nuances discussed in the literature. Suggested training content includes sensitivity, awareness, behavioral approach, policy guidelines and diversity impact analysis. This training content can further be customized based on the corporate context where the training is to be delivered.

Originality/value

Based on the literature review, the paper suggests a holistic diversity training program that is hopefully going to be useful for both practitioners and academicians.
The calculus of peace and conflict: a contractualist perspective
Authors: Handelman Sapir
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Intractable conflict is a long-time violent and self-perpetuating crisis. The peacemaking revolution has the potential to stop the destructive dynamic of the conflict. The purpose of this paper is to present a contractualist model of a peacemaking revolution and its theoretical foundations. It analyzes the revolutionary peacemaking process in Northern Ireland during the 1990s in light of the contractualist model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a contractualist model to describe the interplay between leaders (policymakers) and people (public opinion) and its impact on the strategy to cope with situations of intractable conflict. The paper includes theoretical background and a case study analysis.

Findings

The peacemaking revolution is a process of dynamic equilibrium between peacemaking policy and public expectations for change. It progresses from one point of equilibrium to the next.

Originality/value

The paper intends to add a fresh perspective to the study of the peacemaking revolution, in general, and the interplay between peacemaking policy and public support in particular. It points out that a consensus-building process, which combines political-elite diplomacy and public diplomacy, has the potential to create the conditions for a peacemaking revolution. Political-elite diplomacy offers diplomatic channels for leaders to begin a peace process, support it and conclude agreements. Public diplomacy offers instruments to involve the people in the peacemaking efforts, prepare them for a change and motivate the leaderships to conclude agreements.
Mental health under occupation: an analysis of the de-politicization of the mental health discourse in Palestine and a call for a human rights approach
Authors: Helbich Maria , Jabr Samah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to look at the effects of the Israeli occupation on the mental health of Palestinians and examine the link between political oppression and the occurrence of mental health disorders. It argues that, as human rights violations in Palestine are connected to psychological distress, the root causes of social suffering need to be considered in order not to pathologize Palestinians. The purpose of this paper lies in connecting the mental health discourse with a human rights approach to better understand this connection within the context of political violence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the viewpoint and perspectives of the authors on significant mental health issues in Palestine. The methodology is based on a literature review of the de-politicization of the mental health discourse and on the theoretical framework of a human rights approach. At the base of this discourse lies the demand for social justice and professional solidarity.

Findings

The study highlights that to truly understand social suffering in Palestine, it needs to be related to the prevalence of human rights violations, which in turn have a conceivable impact on the mental health well-being of individuals. It advocates for a shift from a de-contextualized, de-politicized and individualistic approach to mental health to acknowledging the importance of the social and political context in which trauma develops. It further illustrates how the adaptation of a human rights approach can strengthen demands of social justice and oppose the victimization of Palestinians.

Originality/value

The value of the works lies in putting the prevalence of mental health disorders in Palestine in relation to human rights violations as a consequence of the ongoing Israeli occupation and in highlighting the role that international organizations play in the de-politicization of the mental health discourse.
Social networks and gangs: moving research forward with low-cost data collection opportunities in school and prison settings
Authors: Bouchard Martin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As useful as police data have been in furthering our knowledge of gangs and gang violence networks, not everything about gang networks can be learned from examining police data alone. There are numerous alternative sources of data that already exist on gang networks and some that can be developed further. This study aims to introduce existing research on social networks and gangs with a specific focus on prisons and schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the existing empirical literature on gang networks in schools and prison settings and use the broader literature on social networks and crime to propose directions for future research, including specific suggestions on data collection opportunities that are considered to be low-cost; that is, strategies that simply make use of existing administrative records in both settings, instead of developing original data collection procedures.

Findings

The author found the existing literature on each of these settings to be quite limited, especially when the spotlight is put specifically on gang networks. These shortcomings can be addressed via low-cost opportunities for data collection in each of these settings, opportunities that simply require the network coding of existing administrative records as a foundation for gang network studies.

Originality/value

Investing in these low-cost network data collection activities have the potential for theoretical and empirical contributions on our understanding of gang networks, and may also bring value to practitioners working in school and prison settings as a guide for network-based planning or interventions.
Devastation and innovation: examining prison education during a national pandemic
Authors: Bradley Alexandria , Davies Bill
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the impact that Covid-19 has had on the quality of education in prisons. This study considers the restrictive approaches taken by Her Majesty’s Prison Service during this challenging time, to argue that prisoner education is not being adequately prioritised. This study highlight issues relating to the digital divide in prisons and the lack of technological advancement, which could improve educational continuity and in-cell learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides an examination of the broad impact the national pandemic has had on prisons and punishment, Covid-19 National Frameworks and policies relating to prison restrictions, the movements within prisoner education policy, scholarship and reflections from delivering Learning Together in HMP Full Sutton, to argue that prisoners are at the bottom of the educational hierarchy in terms of delivery, innovation and prioritisation of learner needs. However, this study proposes that some of the technologically enhanced learning is a potential solution, to transform educational equity and to reduce the digital divide.

Findings

This study highlights that education in prisons has taken a sudden and substantial deterioration. Findings suggest that there are few signs of this improving in the immediate future due to ongoing national restrictions. The Covid-19 prison restrictions further demonstrate the neglect of prisoners' educational needs. In addition, the national pandemic has highlighted the lack of use of technology within educational delivery in prisoners. However, findings suggest that through engaging digital learning platforms and the greater inclusions of technology in prisons, they can enhance educational opportunities and inclusive experiences for isolated learners.

Research limitations/implications

This is a study piece with support from a review of policy and scholarship. This is not based on data collected with serving prisoners during the national pandemic.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview of the current restrictions and lockdowns in prison associated with the national pandemic. Contemporary consideration to this underexplored area is essential to highlight the severe deprivations of prisoners and the fundamental impact this has had on educational delivery and much anticipated progression. Nuanced approaches to increase the use of technology within prison education are considered, in light of the challenges the pandemic has spotlighted.
Entrepreneurship and agriculture resources on national productivity in Africa: exploring for complementarities, synergies and thresholds
Authors: Kriese Maryam , Nabieu Gladys Awinpoak Abindaw , Ofori-Sasu Daniel , Kusi Baah Aye
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Existent literature suggests that Africa is heavily endowed with agriculture resources and entrepreneurship remains an important mechanism for promoting national productivity and other economic outcomes. Despite these, empirical evidence on how agriculture resources promote the effect of entrepreneurship on national productivity in Africa is nonexistent given the abundance of agriculture resources and the need for Africa to increase its productivity, which has implications for improving welfare. Hence, this study aims to examine the interplay of how agriculture resources and entrepreneurship influence national productivity by way of exploring for threshold and complementarity effects of agriculture resources in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This uses panel data of 29 Africa economies between 2006 and 2016 in a bootstrap quantile regression model.

Findings

First, it is reported that initial levels of agriculture resources in the form of crop and arable lands reduce national productivity while the extreme increase in agriculture resources promotes national productivity in Africa. This implies a nonlinear direct U-shape effect of agriculture resources on national productivity indicating that the enhancing effect of agriculture resources on national productivity is only achieved beyond a certain threshold of average agriculture resources. Second, agriculture resources complement entrepreneurship (which initially reduced national productivity) to promote national productivity. This implies that there is a synergetic-complementarity relationship between entrepreneurship and agriculture resources on national productivity.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that governments that are interested in boosting national productivity through agriculture resources may have to commit more financial resources to develop and reclaiming more agriculture resources (in the form of crop and arable lands) given that some threshold of agriculture resources are needed to promote national productivity. Similarly, developing agriculture resources by policymakers can help complement entrepreneurship to further improve the effects of entrepreneurship on national productivity.

Originality/value

This study attempts to present first-time evidence on the interplay between agriculture resources and entrepreneurship on national productivity by way of exploring for threshold and complementarity effects of agriculture resources in Africa.
Risk analysis of belt and road infrastructure projects using integrated ISM-MICMAC approach
Authors: Nikjow Mohammad Ajmal , Liang Li , Xijing Qi , Sonar Harshad
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The historic Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an economic reform policy proposed by the Chinese Government that focuses on connectivity, improved collaboration and more robust economic relations. This paper aims to identify risks involved in BRI infrastructure project and establish a hierarchical relationship among them.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology includes two phases, namely, identification of significant risks involved in the BRI project using systematic literature review and to develop a hierarchical relationship between the risks using interpretive structural modeling followed by the MICMAC analysis.

Findings

This work has identified the 11 risks of BRI infrastructure projects through academic literature. Based on the analysis, economic risk (R3), environmental risk (R1) and political risk (R2) are placed at level six in the ISM model and can significantly influence BRI infrastructure projects. These risks have high driving power, which exaggerates other risks.

Research limitations/implications

This study would help Engineering Procurements and Construction contractors in strategic decision-making select risk mitigation strategies and make robust and efficient infrastructure projects. However, additional factors may be considered, which are essential for the BRI infrastructure project.

Originality/value

This research’s novelty lies in the advancement of expertise in project risk assessment. This study contributes by identifying the most significant risks involved in the BRI project. The integrated ISM-MICMAC approach provides a macro picture of BRI project risks to formulate better strategies for its success.
The role of team processes in innovation development to sustain learning organizations
Authors: Witherspoon Alison
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how team processes relate to employee team learning that leads to innovation in higher education (HE) and provides leaders with an adaptable model with recommendations for implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was guided by theories of experiential learning, action learning and organizational learning, as well as change theory and design thinking. The process and results are grounded in mixed methods action research including document analysis, interviews, observations and surveys. Team-level data were analyzed using content analysis, process analysis, frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha and Wilcoxon signed-rank.

Findings

Universities struggle to prioritize proactive approaches to serving students. This research indicates teams engaging in frequent welcoming, ideating, synthesizing and mentor-seeking behaviors developed higher quality and more innovative proposals for organizational improvement when compared with teams engaging in these behaviors less often. Team member individual innovative ability increased at a statistically significant level after participation.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on one HE setting in the USA.

Practical implications

The model used in this study could be adapted to fit a variety of contexts especially in HE. Findings could inform training development to facilitate team learning that leads to innovative action.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing learning organization and HE administration literature by expanding on the role of team behaviors in effective team learning by considering team processes over time. This research adds to a paucity of literature related to employee team learning in HE.
The impact of personality trait and social experience on youngsters’ intention to purchase impulsively from social commerce platforms
Authors: Anindito Kusworo , Handarkho Yonathan Dri
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine the impact of personality traits and social experience on Indonesian youngsters’ intention to purchase impulsively from social commerce (SC) platforms. Furthermore, latent state-trait, personal traits and social impact were used to determine the factors influencing this impulsive behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical research model with data obtained from 658 Indonesian youngsters between the ages of 18 and 24. The data were prepared using exploratory and confirmatory factors with the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach used to analyze the direct, indirect and moderating effects.

Findings

The result showed that hedonic motivation is the most influential personality trait construct that directly determines youngsters’ purchasing intention, followed by perceived behavior control. Furthermore, their constructs from social experience, namely, subjective norms and peer communication, significantly have an indirect effect on the dependent variable through mediator hedonic motivation and perceived behavior control.

Originality/value

Preliminary studies neglected the social interaction process used by youngsters’ in the impulsive purchase of the SC context. Therefore, this research postulated the associated factors by involving their interplay between personal traits and social experience.
Not all faults are conductive: the effects of seasonal weather changes on the near‐surface expression of faults
Authors: Nobes David C. , Hornblow Sharon M.
Published: July 2021

The near‐surface electrical properties of faults can change with seasonal climate, depending on the nature of the materials filling the faults, e.g. fault gouge vs fractured rock, and be subject to seasonal weather changes. A period of dry weather, especially in a hot climate, can dry out the near‐surface sections of faults that are filled with porous materials, thus increasing the electrical resistivity, yet may not affect a fault that is filled with fine‐grained material that retains moisture well. Conversely, a sustained period of wet weather can fill porous faults with water, thus decreasing the resistivity. To illustrate the impact of seasonal weather changes on the near‐surface properties of faults, we conducted electrical imaging and ground‐penetrating radar surveys during the late spring, summer, and early autumn on the Glen Lyon and Benmore segments of the Ostler Fault, respectively, in the South Canterbury and Central Otago provinces of the South Island of New Zealand. The changes in the response are clear: seasonal weather changes can affect the near‐surface properties of faults, and the geophysical responses from the near‐surface faults can vary depending on the nature of the material filling the fault.
Influences from working memory, word and sentence reading on passage comprehension and teacher ratings
Authors: Kirschmann Nicole , Lenhard Wolfgang , Suggate Sebastian
Published: July 2021

Reading fluency is a major determinant of reading comprehension but depends on moderating factors such as auditory working memory (AWM), word recognition and sentence reading skills. We investigated how word and sentence reading skills relate to reading comprehension differentially across the first 6 years of schooling and tested which reading variable best predicted teacher judgements. We conducted our research in a rather transparent language, namely, German, drawing on two different data sets. The first was derived from the normative sample of a reading comprehension test (ELFE‐II), including 2056 first to sixth graders with readings tests at the word, sentence and text level. The second sample included 114 students from second to fourth grade. The latter completed a series of tests that measured word and sentence reading fluency, pseudoword reading, AWM, reading comprehension, self‐concept and teacher ratings. We analysed the data via hierarchical regression analyses to predict reading comprehension and teacher judgements. The impact of reading fluency was strongest in second and third grade, afterwards superseded by sentence comprehension. AWM significantly contributed to reading comprehension independently of reading fluency, whereas basic decoding skills disappeared after considering fluency. Students' AWM and reading comprehension predicted teacher judgements on reading fluency. Reading comprehension judgements depended both on the students' self‐concept and reading comprehension. Our results underline that the role of word reading accuracy for reading comprehension quickly diminishes during elementary school and that teachers base their assessments mainly on the current reading comprehension skill.
PECARN algorithms for minor head trauma: Risk stratification estimates from a prospective PREDICT cohort study
Authors: Bressan Silvia , Eapen Nitaa , Phillips Natalie , Gilhotra Yuri , Kochar Amit , Dalton Sarah , Cheek John A. , Furyk Jeremy , Neutze Jocelyn , Williams Amanda , Hearps Stephen , Donath Susan , Oakley Ed , Singh Sonia , Dalziel Stuart R. , Borland Meredith L. , Babl Franz E. ,   Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: July 2021

Background

The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) head trauma clinical decision rules informed the development of algorithms that risk stratify the management of children based on their risk of clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI). We aimed to determine the rate of ciTBI for each PECARN algorithm risk group in an external cohort of patients and that of ciTBI associated with different combinations of high‐ or intermediate‐risk predictors.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of a large multicenter prospective data set, including patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 14 or 15 conducted in Australia and New Zealand. We calculated ciTBI rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each PECARN risk category and combinations of related predictor variables.

Results

Of the 15,163 included children, 4,011 (25.5%) were aged <2 years. The frequency of ciTBI was 8.5% (95% CI = 6.0%–11.6%), 0.2% (95% CI = 0.0%–0.6%), and 0.0% (95% CI = 0.0%–0.2%) in the high‐, intermediate‐, and very‐low‐risk groups, respectively, for children <2 years and 5.7% (95% CI = 4.4%–7.2%), 0.7% (95% CI = 0.5%–1.0%), and 0.0% (95% CI = 0.0%–0.1%) in older children. The isolated high‐risk predictor with the highest risk of ciTBI was “signs of palpable skull fracture” for younger children (11.4%, 95% CI = 5.3%–20.5%) and “signs of basilar skull fracture” in children ≥2 years (11.1%, 95% CI = 3.7%–24.1%). For older children in the intermediate‐risk category, the presence of all four predictors had the highest risk of ciTBI (25.0%, 95% CI = 0.6%–80.6%) followed by the combination of “severe mechanism of injury” and “severe headache” (7.7%, 95% CI = 0.2%–36.0%). The very few children <2 years at intermediate risk with ciTBI precluded further analysis.

Conclusions

The risk estimates of ciTBI for each of the PECARN algorithms risk group were consistent with the original PECARN study. The risk estimates of ciTBI within the high‐ and intermediate‐risk predictors will help further refine clinical judgment and decision making on neuroimaging.