bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Convolutional Neural Networks for Classification of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease with T1-Weighted Brain MRI
Authors: Dhinagar Nikhil J. , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Owens-Walton Conor , Stripelis Dimitris , Ambite Jose Luis , Ver Steeg Greg , Weintraub Daniel , Cook Philip , McMillan Corey , Thompson Paul M.
Published: July 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. In this work, we propose a deep learning approach to classify these diseases based on 3D T1-weighted brain MRI. We analyzed several datasets including the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), an independent dataset from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (UPenn), the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), and the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS) dataset. The UPenn and OASIS datasets were used as independent test sets to evaluate the model performance during inference. We also implemented a random forest classifier as a baseline model by extracting key radiomics features from the same T1-weighted MRI scans. The proposed 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) model was trained from scratch for the classification tasks. For AD classification, the 3D CNN model achieved an ROC-AUC of 0.878 on the ADNI test set and an average ROC-AUC of 0.789 on the OASIS dataset. For PD classification, the proposed 3D CNN model achieved an ROC-AUC of 0.667 on the PPMI test set and an average ROC-AUC of 0.743 on the UPenn dataset. Model performance was largely maintained when using only 25% of the training dataset. The 3D CNN outperformed the random forest classifier for both the PD and AD tasks. The 3D CNN also generalized better on unseen MRI data from different imaging centers. These approaches show promise for screening of PD and AD patients using only T1-weighted brain MRI, which is relatively widely available. This model with additional validation could also be used to help differentiate between challenging cases of AD and PD when they present with similarly subtle motor and non-motor symptoms.
Directed yeast genome evolution by controlled introduction of trans-chromosomic structural variations
Authors: Jia Bin , Jin Jin , Han Ming-Zhe , Li Bing-Zhi , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: July 2021

Naturally occurring structural variations (SVs) are a considerable source of genomic variation and can reshape chromosomes 3D architecture. The synthetic chromosome rearrangement and modification by loxP-mediated evolution (SCRaMbLE) system has been proved to generate random SVs to impact phenotypes and thus constitutes powerful drivers of directed genome evolution. However, how to reveal the molecular mechanism insights into the interactions between phenotypes and complex SVs, especially inversions and translocations, has so far remained challenging. In this study, we develop a SV-prone yeast strain by using SCRaMbLE with two synthetic chromosomes, synV and synX. An heterologous biosynthesis pathway allowing a high throughput screen for increased yield of astaxanthin is used as readout and a proof of concept for the application of SV in industry. We report here that complex SVs, including a pericentric inversion and a trans-chromosomes translocation between synV and synX, result in two neochromosomes and a 2.7-fold yield of astaxanthin. We demonstrated that inversion and inversion reshaped chromosomes 3D architecture and led to large reorganization of the genetic information nearby the breakpoint of the SVs along the chromosomes. Specifically, the pericentric inversion increased the expression of STE18 and the trans-chromosomic translocation increased the expression of RPS5 and MCM22, which contributed to higher astaxanthin yield. We also used the model learned from the aforementioned random screen and successfully harnessed the precise introduction of trans-chromosomes translocation and pericentric inversions by rational design. Overall, our work provides an effective tool to not only accelerate the directed genome evolution but also reveal mechanistic insight of complex SVs for altering phenotypes.
Effect of Balloon-Blowing on Dyspnea and Oxygenation in Noncritical Adult Covid19 Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bargahi Mohammad , Soltani Soheil , Rastgoo Nafiseh , Aryanejad Farzane , Nemati Roomina , Ghaebi Mehdi , Bajelan Arezoo , Esmaielzade Sohrab
Published: July 2021

Dyspnea and decreased O2 saturation are the most common causes of hospitalization in noncritical covid-19 patients. Breathing exercises and chest physiotherapy are used for managing the patients. These treatments are however not well supported by scientific evidence. In a randomized controlled trial, 80 patients were randomly assigned to planned breathing-exercise (n=40) and control groups (n=40). The participants in the intervention group were instructed to blow into a balloon five times a day while lying down. Other therapies were similar in both groups. The severity of dyspnea at rest/after activity and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) with/without O2 therapy were compared between the two groups on the first, second, and third days. The study findings showed no statistically significant difference in SpO2 with/without O2 therapy on the first, second, and third days between the two groups. Although the severity of dyspnea showed no significant difference between the two groups, the mean score of dyspnea at rest (2.72±2.25 vs. 1.6±1.21, p=0.007) and after activity (4.53±2.04 vs. 3.52±1.66, P=0.017) improved in the intervention group on the third day. Balloon-blowing exercise improves dyspnea in noncritical Covid-19 patients, but it does not significantly improve oxygenation.
Multiscale X-ray study of Bacillus subtilis biofilms reveals interlinked structural hierarchy and elemental heterogeneity
Authors: Azulay David N. , Spaeker Oliver , Ghrayeb Mnar , Wilsch-Bräuninger Michaela , Scoppola Ernesto , Burghammer Manfred , Zizak Ivo , Bertinetti Luca , Politi Yael , Chai Liraz
Published: July 2021

Biofilms are multicellular microbial communities that encase themselves in an extracellular matrix (ECM) of secreted biopolymers and attach to surfaces and interfaces. Bacterial biofilms are detrimental in hospital and industrial settings, but they can be beneficial in agricultural contexts. An essential property of biofilms that grants them with increased survival relative to planktonic cells is phenotypic heterogeneity; the division of the biofilm population into functionally distinct subgroups of cells. Phenotypic heterogeneity in biofilms can be traced to the cellular level, however, the molecular structures and elemental distribution across whole biofilms as well as possible linkages between them remain unexplored. Mapping X-ray diffraction (XRD) across intact biofilms in time and space, we revealed the dominant structural features in Bacillus subtilis biofilms, stemming from matrix components, spores and water. By simultaneously following the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) signal of biofilms and isolated matrix components, we discovered that the ECM preferentially binds calcium ions over other metal ions, specifically, zinc, manganese and iron. These ions, remaining free to flow below macroscopic wrinkles that act as water channels, eventually accumulate and lead to sporulation. The possible link between ECM properties, regulation of metal ion distribution and sporulation across whole intact biofilms unravels the importance of molecular-level heterogeneity in shaping biofilm physiology and development.

Significance Statement

Biofilms are multicellular soft microbial communities that are able to colonize synthetic surfaces as well as living organisms. To survive sudden environmental changes and efficiently share their common resources, cells in a biofilm divide into subgroups with distinct functions, leading to phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, by studying intact biofilms by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, we revealed correlations between biofilm macroscopic architectural heterogeneity and the spatio-temporal distribution of extracellular matrix, spores, water and metal ions. Our findings demonstrate that biofilm heterogeneity is not only affected by local genetic expression and cellular differentiation, but also by passive effects resulting from the physicochemical properties of the molecules secreted by the cells, leading to differential distribution of nutrients that propagates through macroscopic length scales.
Thalamic deep brain stimulation as a paradigm to reduce consciousness: implications for cortico-striatal dynamics, absence epilepsy and consciousness studies
Authors: Redinbaugh Michelle J. , Afrasiabi Mohsen , Phillips Jessica M. , Kambi Niranjan A. , Mohanta Sounak , Saalmann Yuri B.
Published: July 2021

Anesthetic manipulations provide much-needed causal evidence for neural correlates of consciousness, but non-specific drug effects complicate their interpretation. Evidence suggests that thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) can either increase or decrease consciousness, depending on the stimulation target and parameters. The putative role of the central lateral thalamus (CL) in consciousness makes it an ideal DBS target to manipulate circuit-level mechanisms in cortico-striato-thalamic (CST) systems, thereby influencing consciousness and related processes. We used multi-microelectrode DBS targeted to CL in macaques while recording from frontal, parietal, and striatal regions. DBS induced episodes reminiscent of absence epilepsy, here termed absence-like activity (ALA), with decreased behavior and vacant staring coinciding with low-frequency oscillations. DBS modulated ALA likelihood in a frequency-specific manner. ALA events corresponded to decreases in measures of neural complexity (entropy) and integration (Φ*), an index of consciousness, and substantial changes to communication in CST circuits. During ALA, power spectral density and coherence at low frequencies increased across CST circuits, especially in thalamo-parietal and cortico-striatal pathways. Decreased consciousness and neural integration corresponded to shifts in cortico-striatal network configurations that dissociated parietal and subcortical structures. Overall, the features of ALA and implicated networks were similar to those of absence epilepsy. As this same multi-microelectrode DBS method – but at different stimulation frequencies – can also increase consciousness in anesthetized macaques, it can be used to flexibly address questions of consciousness with limited confounds, as well as inform clinical investigations of absence epilepsy and other consciousness disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE

We use tailored, multi-microelectrode thalamic deep brain stimulation to reversibly decrease consciousness for otherwise healthy, wakeful animals in a stimulation frequency-dependent manner. This represents a bidirectional mechanism for controlling consciousness, as the same method can increase consciousness under certain conditions. Theories of consciousness debate the relative contribution of parietal and frontal lobes, and largely ignore subcortical contributions. In this study, changes in consciousness predominantly involve changes in subcortical and parietal regions, implying that they contribute more to consciousness than frontal regions. Further, decreases in consciousness (indexed by Φ*) coincide with decreased movement, staring, and low-frequency activity in the EEG, similar to absence epilepsy. Thus, the systems-level mechanisms for decreased consciousness in this study have broader clinical implications for absence epilepsy.
HyperChIP for identifying hypervariable signals across ChIP/ATAC-seq samples
Authors: Chen Haojie , Tu Shiqi , Yuan Chongze , Tian Feng , Zhang Yijing , Sun Yihua , Shao Zhen
Published: July 2021

With the reduction in sequencing costs, studies become prevalent that profile the chromatin landscape for tens or even hundreds of human individuals by using ChIP/ATAC-seq techniques. Identifying genomic regions with hypervariable ChIP/ATAC-seq signals across given samples is essential for such studies. In particular, the hypervariable regions (HVRs) across tumors from different patients indicate their heterogeneity and can contribute to revealing potential cancer subtypes and the associated epigenetic markers. We present HyperChIP as the first complete statistical tool for the task. HyperChIP uses scaled variances that account for the mean-variance dependence to rank genomic regions, and it increases the statistical power by diminishing the influence of true HVRs on model fitting. Applying it to a large pan-cancer ATAC-seq data set, we found that the identified HVRs not only provided a solid basis to uncover the underlying similarity structure among the involved tumor samples, but also led to the identification of transcription factors pertaining to the similarity structure when coupled with a motif-scanning analysis.
Corporate governance, CEO turnover and say on pay votes
Authors: Omar Ayishat , Tang Alex P. , Cong Yu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how compensation committee structure or characteristic impacts say on pay (SOP) voting dissent and the impact of SOP dissent on chief executive officer (CEO) turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use corporate governance and SOP data to test the relationships amongst variables. Additional analysis is performed using one-to-one propensity-score matched samples.

Findings

The authors find that firm-years with at least a female member present on the compensation committee are associated with lower SOP dissent. The authors find mixed results of the impact of SOP dissent on CEO turnover.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that diversity on the compensation committee, particularly the presence of at least a female member on the committee, serves as an important determinant of SOP voting outcome in the USA. The paper provides policymakers and practitioners with insights into factors influencing SOP voting outcomes and implications of SOP dissent for firms.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper contribute to the corporate governance literature by enhancing the understanding of the role of the compensation committee as it relates to SOP dissent and effect of SOP dissent on CEO turnover.
Competency assessment and learning results in tourism internships: is gender a relevant factor?
Authors: Ferreras-Garcia Raquel , Sales-Zaguirre Jordi , Serradell-López Enric
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of this article is to provide evidence about how the acquisition of competencies through internships influence student learning process results, and about whether learning process results are affected by the gender differences, by considering two sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the 2030 United Nations’ Agenda: Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Quality Education (SDG 4).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out on a sample of 273 interns and their supervisors on the bachelor’s degree program in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Sant Ignasi who carried out curricular internships during the 2016–2020 academic years. The university internship and mobility service sends supervisors a questionnaire, the purpose of which is to rate how well students have acquired the competencies and achieved the learning process results during their internship. The supervisors complete and return the questionnaire once the student has completed the internship.

Findings

The findings confirm that learning results appear to be positively influenced by certain competencies, especially personal ones such as orientation toward achievement and initiative and entrepreneurial spirit. Other results show the effect of the gender differences, as female students obtain better learning results than male students. Supervisors’ gender also seems to affect results.

Practical implications

The research will help improve the design of internship-based programs of study.

Originality/value

The analysis provides an innovative research and contributes knowledge on the relation between competencies and learning results in the tourism and hospitality education sector in the field of internships and on the role of the gender dimension.
Supporting the initial work of evidence-based improvement cycles through a data-intensive partnership
Authors: Bowers Alex J. , Krumm Andrew E.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Currently, in the education data use literature, there is a lack of research and examples that consider the early steps of filtering, organizing and visualizing data to inform decision-making. The purpose of this study is to describe how school leaders and researchers visualized and jointly made sense of data from a common learning management system (LMS) used by students across multiple schools and grades in a charter management organization operating in the USA. To make sense of LMS data, researchers and practitioners formed a partnership to organize complex data sets, create data visualizations and engage in joint sensemaking around data visualizations to begin to launch continuous improvement cycles.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed LMS data forn= 476 students in Algebra I using hierarchical cluster analysis heatmaps. The authors also engaged in a qualitative case study that examined the ways in which school leaders made sense of the data visualization to inform improvement efforts.

Findings

The outcome of this study is a framework for informing evidence-based improvement cycles using large, complex data sets. Central to moving through the various steps in the proposed framework are collaborations between researchers and practitioners who each bring expertise that is necessary for organizing, filtering and visualizing data from digital learning environments and administrative data systems.

Originality/value

The authors propose an integrated cycle of data use in schools that builds on collaborations between researchers and school leaders to inform evidence-based improvement cycles.
When technology meets people: the interplay of artificial intelligence and human resource management
Authors: Qamar Yusra , Agrawal Rakesh Kumar , Samad Taab Ahmad , Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel Jose
Published: July 2021

Purpose

An original systematic review of the academic literature on applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the human resource management (HRM) domain is carried out to capture the current state-of-the-art and prepare an original research agenda for future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifty-nine journal articles are selected based on a holistic search and quality evaluation criteria. By using content analysis and structural concept analysis, this study elucidates the extent and impact of AI application in HRM functions, which is followed by synthesizing a concept map that illustrates how the usage of various AI techniques aids HRM decision-making.

Findings

A comprehensive review of the AI-HRM domain’s existing literature is presented. A concept map is synthesized to present a taxonomical overview of the AI applications in HRM.

Research implications/limitations

An original research agenda comprising relevant research questions is put forward to assist further developments in the AI-HRM domain. An indicative preliminary framework to help transition toward ethical AI is also presented.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature through a holistic discussion on the current state of the domain, the extent of AI application in HRM, and its current and perceived future impact on HRM functions. A preliminary ethical framework and an extensive future research agenda are developed to open new research avenues.
Mappingwaqfresearch: a thirty-year bibliometric analysis
Authors: Uluyol Burhan , Secinaro Silvana , Calandra Davide , Lanzalonga Federico
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Waqfplayed a powerful Islamic social finance instrument throughout Islamic history. However, the popularity ofwaqfdeclined in recent years. It is essential to understand the past research, the research gaps and thewaqf’s ignorant research areas within the existing literature to enhance thewaqfsystem. Therefore, this study aims to carry a detailed analysis ofwaqfresearch development with a careful evaluation of the scientific panorama’s different aspects inherent in Islamic business and social finance.

Design/methodology/approach

Scientometrics is a discipline that studies the quantitative characteristics and characteristics of science and technological research, technology and innovation. This research’s string includeswaqfas a reference in the “Article title, Abstract and Keywords” based on Scopus from 1990 to 2020. The analysis was conducted in December 2020. The Bibliometrix R Package, VOSviewer and Excel’s software are used to analyse the collected data and apply the bibliometric analysis.

Findings

The findings derive thatwaqfresearch can be categorized into three sub-areas, such as the research onwaqffundamentals, analysis on cashwaqfand research on variouswaqfapplications in Islamic social finance. Even though there is some essential or fundamental research inwaqf, these are not good enough for such a powerful Islamic social finance instrument. This study finds research gaps in the existingwaqfliterature and presents nine future research directions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examinewaqf’s existing literature with bibliometric analysis. The results and the recommended possible research areas can help scholars and researchers to carry future research to enhance the scientific development of Islamic social finance and provide alternative instruments to eradicate poverty in societies.
Workplace spirituality, organizational commitment and life satisfaction: the moderating role of religious affiliation
Authors: Jeon Ki Seok , Choi Byoung Kwon
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Based on a multidimensional perspective of workplace spirituality, the authors examined a moderated mediation model, wherein workplace spirituality leads to life satisfaction through organizational commitment moderated by employees' religious affiliation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from South Korean employees, and hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

Three subdimensions of workplace spirituality – meaning at work, membership and inner life – were positively related to organizational commitment. In addition, organizational commitment mediated the relationships between the subdimensions and life satisfaction. Employees' religious affiliation moderated the relationship between the inner life and organizational commitment, which, in turn, also mediated the interactive effect on life satisfaction.

Practical implications

Based on the awareness of the importance of workplace spirituality, organizations need to endeavor to help employees find meaningfulness in their work, experience a climate of mutual understanding and feel a sense of trust and respect within organizations by providing opportunities or resources to fulfill their needs to spiritual self. In addition, organizations need to consider implementing policies to support employees to pursue their inner spirit not only within the workplace but also in the areas of personal life.

Originality/value

This study verifies the internal mechanisms behind the workplace spirituality – life satisfaction relationship and underlines how religious affiliation interacts with workplace spirituality to influence organizational commitment and life satisfaction.
The determinants of foreign direct investment: what about the potential of the Arab Maghreb countries?
Authors: Khalfaoui Hamdi , Derbali Abdelkader
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the main determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the case of the Arab Maghreb countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a dynamic panel analysis using the General Method of Moments for a sample composed of 105 countries over the period 1985–2018.

Findings

We show that FDI stability, market size, higher education enrolment, quality of institutions, distance, sharing of common border, and bilateral investment and integration agreements are the main determinants of FDI location. These determinants are neither general. The potential for attracting FDI from AMU countries is poorly exploited. FDI to the AMU is lower than estimated stock. The observed FDI to potential FDI ratio does not exceed 87%. France and Spain are the main investors in the AMU region thanks to historical and cultural links. The FDI from the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and Japan are below what is expected.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is observed on the examining oh the determinants of the FDI in the Arab Maghreb countries. Our study demonstrate that the political stability can decrease investment risk in these countries. The administrations correspondingly require expanding their rules and strategies with union demonstrations which were at the beginning of the departure and closing of several foreign companies.
Leadership-promoted diversity climate and group identification
Authors: Žnidaršič Jana , Bogilović Sabina , Černe Matej , Kumar Gupta Roopak
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Besides diversity's positive effects, groups of “we” against “them” may form in accordance with social categorization theory, showing diversity's negative consequences. The authors aim to reconcile these results and examine their boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors studied 584 working professionals from five contexts (transnational companies dealing with multicultural interactions) and analyzed data using moderated-mediation procedures.

Findings

A leader-promoting diversity climate plays a crucial role in moderating the negative relationship between perceived dissimilarity and group identification, which is mediated by value dissimilarity.

Originality/value

This study mainly contributes by treating dissimilarity as a multicomponent construct, emphasizing the crucial differences embodied in various conceptualizations of dissimilarity – namely visible and value dissimilarity. For dissimilarity to result in group identification, the results highlight leaders' crucial role, beyond that of organizations and individuals, in stimulating a diversity-embracing climate in work units.
Participation in social leisure activities may benefit mental health particularly among individuals that lack social connectedness at work or school
Authors: Nielsen Line , Hinrichsen Carsten , Madsen Katrine Rich , Nelausen Malene Kubstrup , Meilstrup Charlotte , Koyanagi Ai , Koushede Vibeke , Santini Ziggi Ivan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Workplace and study environments generally provide opportunities for social connectedness, however, not all individuals in such settings are equally well connected. It is possible that potential mental health benefits of participation in social leisure activities may be greater for individuals that lack social connectedness through a workplace or study environment. This study aims to examine if the association between social leisure activities and mental health is moderated by the degree of social connectedness at work/school.

Design/methodology/approach

Data stem from 2,406 adults (age range 16-64 years old) from The Danish Mental Health and Well-Being Survey 2016. Validated scales were used to measure mental well-being and depression/anxiety symptoms. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted.

Findings

Participation in social leisure activities (i.e. participation in community/social groups such as a sports association, art club, book club, running group, card game club, cultural or political group) was positively associated with mental well-being and negatively associated with depression/anxiety symptoms. The associations were stronger among individuals feeling less socially connected at work/school and strongest among individuals that were unemployed or not enrolled in education.

Originality/value

Mental health promotion strategies may focus on promoting social leisure activities especially among unemployed or otherwise socially isolated groups, as well as among individuals that are not well connected at their workplace or school. Workplaces and schools may also monitor employee/student social connectedness and potentially intervene accordingly.
Mathematical modeling for optimizing the blood supply chain network
Authors: Dehaghani Amir Rahimzadeh , Nawaz Muhammad , Sultanie Rohullah , Quartey-Papafio Tawiah Kwatekwei
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This research studies a location-allocation problem considering the m/m/m/k queue model in the blood supply chain network. This supply chain includes three levels of suppliers or donors, main blood centers (laboratories for separation, storage and distribution centers) and demand centers (hospitals and private clinics). Moreover, the proposed model is a multi-objective model including minimizing the total cost of the blood supply chain (the cost of unmet demand and inventory spoilage, the cost of transport between collection centers and the main centers of blood), minimizing the waiting time of donors in blood donating mobile centers, and minimizing the establishment of mobile centers in potential places.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the problem is multi-objective and NP-Hard, the heuristic algorithm NSGA-II is proposed for Pareto solutions and then the estimation of the parameters of the algorithm is described using the design of experiments. According to the review of the previous research, there are a few pieces of research in the blood supply chain in the field of design queue models and there were few works that tried to use these concepts for designing the blood supply chain networks. Also, in former research, the uncertainty in the number of donors, and also the importance of blood donors has not been considered.

Findings

A novel mathematical model guided by the theory of linear programming has been proposed that can help health-care administrators in optimizing the blood supply chain networks.

Originality/value

By building upon solid literature and theory, the current study proposes a novel model for improving the supply chain of blood.
Problems of political unrest: women in small businesses in Bangladesh
Authors: Jaim Jasmine
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Whereas the extant literature on women's entrepreneurship is almost exclusively focused on developed nations, the effect of many context-specific issues of other countries on ventures of women has been overlooked. The study aims to reveal how political unrest, a common feature of the developing nation, can significantly affect the experiences of women in small businesses of that region.

Design/methodology/approach

This feminist research is conducted on Bangladesh, which is one of the most politically unstable countries in the world. The study conducts interviews with women to explore the adverse effect of political unrest on their small firms.

Findings

The feminist research reveals some problems of women business-owners concerning political unrest in this highly patriarchal context. It also discloses how political chaos challenges the government initiative in financially supporting women business-owners.

Practical implications

Policymakers of developing nations can be benefitted by taking into account the problems of women business-owners concerning political unrest, specifically the access to debt financing issues while designing policies for women's empowerment.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the women's entrepreneurship scholarship with reference to political unrest, a contextual issue of developing nations. Whereas the existing studies mostly concentrate on holding women individually liable for the limited scale of their business operation, this research potentially challenges the view by drawing upon political unrest as an external factor that negatively affects their ventures. The study further advances the prevailing knowledge by critically unveiling some gender-specific problems of women business-owners regarding political unrest.
Escaping Tree-Support (ET-Sup): minimizing contact points for tree-like support structures in additive manufacturing
Authors: Kwok Tsz-Ho
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Support structures are often needed in additive manufacturing (AM) to print overhangs. However, they are the extra materials that must be removed afterwards. When the supports have many contacts to the model or are even enclosed inside some concavities, removing them is very challenging and has a risk of damaging the part. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a new type of tree-support, named Escaping Tree-Support (ET-Sup), which tries to build all the supports onto the build plate to minimize the number of contact points.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is to first classify the support points into three categories: clear, obstructed and enclosed. A clear point has nothing between it and the build plate; an obstructed point is not clear, but there exists a path for it to reach the build plate; and an enclosed point has no way to reach the build plate. With this classification, the path for the obstructed points to come clear can be found through linking them to the clear points. All the operations are performed efficiently with the help of a ray representation.

Findings

The method is tested on different overhang features, including a lattice ball and a mushroom shape with a concave cap. All the supports generated for the examples can find their way to the build plate, which looks like they are escaping from the model. The computation time is around one second for these cases.

Originality/value

This is the first time truly realizing this “escaping” property in the generation of tree-like support structures. With this ET-Sup, it is expected that the AM industries can reduce the manufacturing lead time and save much labor work in post-processing.
Pretend play ability in preschool‐aged children with an acquired brain injury
Authors: Thorne Adrienne , Stagnitti Karen , Parson Judi
Published: July 2021

Introduction

This study compares the self‐initiated pretend play abilities of preschool‐aged children with an acquired brain injury, with the self‐initiated pretend play ability of their neurotypical peers.

Method

A non‐experimental group comparison was conducted between 22 preschool‐aged neurotypical children (M = 52.8 months, SD = 7.1 months) and 21 children with an acquired brain injury (ABI, M = 50.5 months, SD = 11.9 months), who had been discharged from inpatient rehabilitation and who were able to engage in a play session. The children were assessed individually using the Child‐Initiated Pretend Play Assessment (ChIPPA).

Results

The children with an ABI had significantly lower scores in pretend play ability than their neurotypical peers as measured by the percentage of elaborate play actions in both the conventional (P < .000) and symbolic (P < .000) sections of the ChIPPA, as well as the number of object substitutions (P < .000). The children with an ABI completed significantly less of the play time required compared with their neurotypical peers (P = .001); 66% could not play for the required time. There was no significant difference in the ChIPPA scores of the children with an ABI injured before and after the age of 18 months, nor between children with a severe or moderate injury.

Conclusion

The quality and the quantity of pretend play of preschool‐aged children with an ABI are significantly below that of their neurotypical peers. Assessment of pretend play ability and direct intervention in ABI rehabilitation by occupational therapists is essential to enable children with an ABI to participate in pretend play and garner the developmental benefit this affords.
The absorption and multiplication of uncertainty in machine‐learning‐driven finance
Authors: Hansen Kristian Bondo , Borch Christian
Published: July 2021

Uncertainty about market developments and their implications characterize financial markets. Increasingly, machine learning is deployed as a tool to absorb this uncertainty and transform it into manageable risk. This article analyses machine‐learning‐based uncertainty absorption in financial markets by drawing on 182 interviews in the finance industry, including 45 interviews with informants who were actively applying machine‐learning techniques to investment management, trading, or risk management problems. We argue that while machine‐learning models are deployed to absorb financial uncertainty, they also introduce a new and more profound type of uncertainty, which we call critical model uncertainty. Critical model uncertainty refers to the inability to explain how and why the machine‐learning models (particularly neural networks) arrive at their predictions and decisions—their uncertainty‐absorbing accomplishments. We suggest that the dialectical relation between machine‐learning models’ uncertainty absorption and multiplication calls for further research in the field of finance and beyond.
The psychological impact of gestational trophoblastic disease: a prospective observational multicentre cohort study
Authors: Blok LJ , Frijstein MM , Eysbouts YK , Custers JAE , Sweep FCGJ , Lok CAR , Ottevanger PB
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the short‐term psychological consequences of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

Design

A prospective observational multicentre cohort study.

Setting

Nationwide in the Netherlands.

Population

GTD patients.

Methods

Online questionnaires directly after diagnosis.

Main outcome measures

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Distress Thermometer (DT), Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS).

Results

Sixty GTD patients were included between 2017 and 2020. Anxious feelings (47%) were more commonly expressed than depressive feelings (27%). Patients experienced moderate to severe adaptation problems in 88%. Patients who already had children were less concerned about their reproductivity than were patients without children (mean score 10.4 versus 15.0, P = 0.031), and patients with children experienced lower distress levels (IES mean score 25.7 versus 34.7, P = 0.020). In addition, patients with previous pregnancy loss scored lower for distress compared with patients without pregnancy loss (IES mean score 21.1 versus 34.2, P = 0.002).

Discussion

We recommend that physicians monitor physical complaints and the course of psychological wellbeing over time in order to provide personalised supportive care in time for patients who have high levels of distress at baseline.

Conclusions

GTD patients experience increased levels of distress, anxiety and depression, suggesting the diagnosis has a substantial effect on the psychological wellbeing of patients. The impact of GTD diagnosis on intrusion and avoidance seems to be ameliorated in patients who have children or who have experienced previous pregnancy loss.

Tweetable abstract

Patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) experience short‐term psychological consequences such as distress, anxiety and depression, suggesting that the diagnosis GTD has a substantial effect on the psychological wellbeing of patients. Various patient characteristics affect the impact of GTD diagnosis.
Outcomes for emergency department patients with suspected and confirmed COVID‐19: An analysis of the Australian experience in 2020 (COVED‐5)
Authors: O'Reilly Gerard M , Mitchell Rob D , Mitra Biswadev , Akhlaghi Hamed , Tran Viet , Furyk Jeremy S , Buntine Paul , Wong Anselm , Gangathimmaiah Vinay , Knott Jonathan , Moore Allison , Ahn Jung Ro , Chan Quillan , Wang Andrew , Goh Han , Loughman Ashley , Lowry Nicole , Hackett Liam , Sri‐Ganeshan Muhuntha , Chapman Nicole , Raos Maximilian , Noonan Michael P , Smit De Villiers , Cameron Peter A ,   the COVED Project Team
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting to Australian EDs with suspected and confirmed COVID‐19 during 2020, and to determine the predictors of in‐hospital death for SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients.

Methods

This analysis from the COVED Project presents data from 12 sites across four Australian states for the period from 1 April to 30 November 2020. All adult patients who met local criteria for suspected COVID‐19 and underwent testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the ED were eligible for inclusion. Study outcomes were mechanical ventilation and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Among 24 405 eligible ED presentations over the whole study period, 423 tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. During the ‘second wave’ from 1 July to 30 September 2020, 26 (6%) of 406 SARS‐CoV‐2 patients received invasive mechanical ventilation, compared to 175 (2%) of the 9024 SARS‐CoV‐2 negative patients (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–5.2, P < 0.001), and 41 (10%) SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients died in hospital compared to 312 (3%) SARS‐CoV‐2 negative patients (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.2–4.4, P = 0.001). For SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients, the strongest independent predictors of hospital death were age (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.1–1.1, P < 0.001), higher triage category (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.3–9.4, P = 0.012), obesity (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.2–14.3, P = 0.024) and receiving immunosuppressive treatment (OR 8.2; 95% CI 1.8–36.7, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

ED patients who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 had higher odds of mechanical ventilation and death in hospital. The strongest predictors of death were age, a higher triage category, obesity and receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
Decision Behavior of Different Participants in Industrial Water Recycling and the Sharing of Water Recycling Value
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Jia Shaofeng
Published: July 2021

Water reclamation and reuse are an important means to alleviate the shortage of water resources. This paper proposes several different decision‐making models to investigate what different participants in industrial water recycling, including users, suppliers, and local governments, should do in different situations. In the models, different decision logics of the participants about water reclamation are presented. Finally, the models are used in a case study and some meaningful results are obtained. The study explains the gap between the relatively low utilization and the strong demand for water recycling.
Risk Assessment of Water Resources Carrying Capacity in China
Authors: Lv Aifeng , Han Yan , Zhu Wenbin , Zhang Shifeng , Zhao Weihua
Published: July 2021

As a fundamental natural resource and a strategic economic resource, water resources play a key supporting role in the process of social and economic development. In this paper, risk factors influencing the water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) were investigated based on risk theory and resources carrying capacity theory, and a method for the risk assessment of the WRCC was proposed. The vulnerability of WRCC system was evaluated by using the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method, the hazard of WRCC system was calculated by using the comprehensive hazard index, and then the risk of WRCC was obtained by combining the vulnerability with the hazard. The risk of WRCC in China due to climate change, urbanization, and industrialization was thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrated that the risk of WRCC was higher in Northern China than in Southern China and was higher in developed areas than in developing areas. The risk was observed to be highest in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Meanwhile, the results also suggested that the risk of WRCC can be reduced in two ways: (1) Reducing the pressure on the water resources carrying system caused by economic and social activities; and (2) increasing the water resources supply in certain areas. The risk assessment of the WRCC presented here provides a valuable reference for the management and sustainable utilization of water resources in China.
Self‐concept and body image of people living with lupus: A systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues Larissa , Sim‐Sim Maria M. F. , Sousa Luis , Faria‐Schützer Débora B. , Surita Fernanda G.
Published: July 2021

Aim

To summarize existing evidence regarding body image in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, with the following considerations: (a) the perceptions patients have of their body changes; (b) how patients cope with changes in their body; (c) and what their perceptions are of body changes.

Method

A systematic review of literature integrating quantitative and qualitative studies. We searched databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SCOPUS, the Web of Science, Medline, Medline Complete, and Academic Search Premier) and publications from 2010 to 2020 with “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” AND “Self‐Concept” OR “Body Image” AND “Woman” as medical subheading terms. The studies included were subjected to a thematic content analysis, which allowed subjective interpretation of data through a systematic classification process for coding themes or patterns.

Results

We identified 647 studies, of which 22 were analyzed in this study. Our results indicate that changes in the body image of people with lupus and their perception are issues that must be treated as characteristics of the disease; therefore, they need to receive the same attention as is given to physical disabilities and pain. The analysis identified 3 thematic categories: (a) depression and anxiety associated with body changes (hair loss, weight gain); (b) body image reflecting the disease; and (c) confrontations and interventions to promote acceptance and adaptation to the new image.

Conclusions

The dimensions of self‐concept and body image are essential for assessing the quality of life of individuals with lupus. The formation of a adjusted self‐concept can be managed by health professionals supporting these people.
Sustainable Health Financing for COVID‐19 Preparedness and Response in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Kwon Soonman , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: July 2021

To make health systems more resilient to shocks and crises, it is critical for governments to invest in core health system functions such as financing, service delivery, and governance. Ensuring sufficient resources for health is necessary for basic infrastructure including vaccines; the overall level of health expenditure and the public sources of funding are important. Funding for public health services, including infection prevention and control, surveillance, and information systems, is fundamental to ensure health systems are prepared for and respond to health emergencies. Funding should be made available for a quick and effective response to emergencies, requiring a supportive flexible public financial management system. Moreover, it is essential to mitigate the potential risks of health system collapses through innovative ways, for example, telemedicine, and mobilizing private sector providers. Vulnerable groups who are even more impacted during crises need special attention. Multisectoral cooperation is paramount to health system resilience during pandemic response.
Successful treatment of idiopathic Harlequin Syndrome with oxybutynin and propranolol
Authors: Naharro‐Fernández Cristina , de Quintana‐Sancho Adrián , López‐Sundh Ana Elizabet , Reguero‐del Cura Leandra , Gónzalez‐López Marcos A.
Published: July 2021

Harlequin syndrome (HS) is a rare entity derived from the dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterised by unilateral facial flushing and sweating induced by exercise, heat and emotion. Most cases are primary with an unknown pathogenic mechanism. In these cases, the prognosis is favourable. Medical or surgical treatments are not usually required for idiopathic HS. However, symptomatic treatment may be indicated when symptoms affect the quality of life of patients. We present the case of a patient with idiopathic HS successfully treated with oxybutynin and propranolol. In this patient, a marked improvement in both hyperhidrosis and facial erythema was noted with this combined therapy. We consider it of interest to highlight the response of our patient to the treatment employed, which may be advantageous in future cases of this rare disorder.