bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploratory study of entrepreneurial social networks in the digital age
Authors: Zhao Fang , Barratt-Pugh Llandis , Standen Peter , Redmond Janice , Suseno Yuliani
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Drawing on social network and social capital literature, this study aims to explore how digital entrepreneurs utilize social networks to build their entrepreneurial capability, creating and developing business ventures in a digitally networked society.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a qualitative approach, interviewing 35 digital entrepreneurs with businesses operating across multiple industry sectors in Western Australia.

Findings

The findings suggest that structural social capital provides a key resource with groups of relational contacts who facilitate in building entrepreneur capability, the venture and customer markets. Relational social capital provides a foundation of trust between entrepreneurs and social network members that is strategically important for digital entrepreneurship (DE). Cognitive social capital provides mechanisms to form relationships based on shared values across social networks.

Research limitations/implications

The study produces early evidence that in a multiplexed networking world, social capital accrual and use online is different from that of off-line. More empirical studies are needed to understand the complexity of the changing nature of online and off-line social networks, the consequential social capital and their interdependence in DE.

Practical implications

This is an exploratory qualitative study using a limited sample of 35 Australian digital entrepreneurs to explore the impact of social network interaction on digital entrepreneurs and their ventures, with the purpose of stimulating a social network approach when studying DE. This study confirms the critical importance of entrepreneurial social networks in the digital age and provides empirical evidence that online networks foster business development, while off-line networks feed self-development.

Originality/value

The study contributes to current research on DE as a dedicated new research stream of entrepreneurship. Specifically, the study contributes to a greater understanding of how digital entrepreneurs leverage social networks in today's digitally connected society.
The relationship between justice perceptions and organizational commitment among alternative work arrangement participants and non-participants
Authors: Blix Leslie H. , Ortegren Marc , Sorensen Kate , Vagner Brandon
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of auditor alternative work arrangement (AWA) participants’ and non-participants’ perceptions of procedural and distributive justice on organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 110 auditors in the USA, this study uses a regression model to explore how AWA participants’ and non-participants’ perceptions of procedural and distributive justice affect organizational commitment.

Findings

As predicted, results show both participants’ and non-participants’ perceptions of procedural justice significantly affect organizational commitment. However, neither groups’ perceptions of distributive justice significantly affect their organizational commitment.

Originality/value

Organizational justice literature has shown that procedural and distributive justice influence organizational commitment. However, no study has controlled for AWA participation. The authors extend research by investigating the effects of procedural and distributive justice perceptions on organizational commitment for both participants and non-participants. The authors also extend accounting research that has narrowly examined AWA benefits and drawbacks, support, viability and perceptions of subordinate career success. Furthermore, there is limited AWA auditing research and this study offers a view prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key audit matters: did IAASB unravel the knots of confusion in audit reports decisions?
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed Abdel Aziz , Kamareldawla Noha Mahmoud
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how external auditors properly classify the requirements of ISA 701 for key audit matters (KAM) compared with an emphasis of matter or other matters (EOM) in ISA 706 and going concern (GC) in ISAs 706 and 570. Such investigation is important to assess whether the explanatory matters included in ISAs 701, 706 and 570 are appropriate for external auditors so they can properly classify identified audit matters as either KAM, EOM or GC matters and considering the relationship among them.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used questionnaires sent to a sample of external auditors in five audit firms with international affiliations including two of the Big 4 audit firms. The Z-test for two proportions is conducted to assess whether external auditors were confused when interpreting the explanatory matters included in the ISAs.

Findings

The research suggests that the current ISA 701 explanations may not adequately help some auditors in their aim of properly identifying all KAM from among the different matters they reach during their audit. When classifying EOM and GC, most of the external auditors misclassified them as KAM.

Practical implications

This is a timely study. The results have implications for standard setters and regulators through revising the explanations included in the different audit reporting standards including ISA 701 and considering the relationships among them.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this study is considered among the first that surveyed the appropriateness of the explanations included in ISAs for KAM, EOM, GC and how auditors perceive such explanations when forming their opinion about their clients’ financial statements.
Antecedents of women entrepreneurs’ performance: an empirical perspective
Authors: Jha Pooja , Alam Md. Moddassir
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the antecedents of women entrepreneurs’ performance in an emerging economy. Based on the review of extant literature, six antecedents of women entrepreneurs’ performance, namely, motivation, networking, socio-cultural, business environment, training and development, and financials were proposed and subsequently empirically examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Gaps in the literature were identified, based on which the theoretical background of the study was formulated. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied to confirm the factor-item structure. The impact of explanatory variables was investigated using the structural equation modeling (SEM) based path analysis.

Findings

The study concludes that motivation, networking, socio-cultural, business environment, training and development, and financials have a significant positive influence on the performance of the women entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of quality research that holistically investigates the key antecedents of performance among women entrepreneurs. Most existing studies have not considered the possible antecedents of performance concomitantly. Additionally, the relationships have been measured individually rather than at the construct level. Further, a majority of the existing studies investigating the performance of women entrepreneurs have been confined to settings within developed countries. By providing insight into the antecedents of women entrepreneurs’ performance elsewhere, the present study attempts to bridge these identified gaps. This study is expected to advance the knowledge about the factors influencing the performance of women entrepreneurs in emerging economies such as India. These insights will likely be valuable when creating policies related to this crucial aspect of economic development.
Accessibility and informational barriers to an age friendly railway
Authors: Musselwhite Charles , Roberts Kelly
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Against a backdrop in an increase in the number of older people in the United Kingdom (UK) and an increase in the amount of travel per person for this age group, the number of older people using the railway is in decline. The purpose of this paper is to report on an investigation is a first step towards ascertaining why through audits of issues and problems on rolling stock and station platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Rolling stock and station audits were carried out by older people across a rail network in the South West of the UK. A total of 72.2 hours of auditing took place across different sizes of station and different types of rolling stock.

Findings

Two main themes were found across both rolling stock and station audits: accessibility and information provision. With regards to accessibility, boarding and especially alighting from the train was the key issue. Across stations and in rolling stock luminance, was a key issue for older people with places being too dark or moving from places that were bright to dark. Use of stairs at stations between platforms, especially when the station is crowded was an issue. In terms of information, key issues were found with signage being too cluttered, small, hidden and inconsistent and audible announcements being difficult to decipher.

Practical implications

There must be improvements made to railways to help older people feel more safe and secure using them. It is suggested step free and level accessibility is found boarding and alighting from the train, but also from station entrance to carriage. Better signage is needed throughout the station and on trains, with large repeated fonts used. Lighting needs to be revisited throughout to ensure areas are bright and well-lit both on station platforms and onboard. Further research needs to look at these findings in relation to slip, trips and fall accident rates.

Originality/value

There is very little research on older people’s perceptions and barriers to railway use. This adds value in being one of the only studies to do so, especially from the perspective of older people themselves as co-researchers.
Prediction of bond strength in the fused shirt composites
Authors: Girija Renjini , Rajagopal Sudhakar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Bond strength is an indicator of the quality of the fusing process. The study's primary purpose is to predict the bond strength using easily measurable variables. This study focuses on shirting fabrics fused with woven interlinings and changes in bond strength before and after washing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study attempts to model and predict bond strength of fused shirt composites using an initial screening design followed by full factorial design of experiments. After screening out, those found significantly affecting the bond strength are fabric fiber content, interlining areal weight and fusing temperature. This study proposes the regression models explaining the effect of the three variables on bond strength before and after washing the fused composites.

Findings

This study found that heavy interlinings (250 g/sq.m) require higher fusing temperatures than the lighter interlining (225 g/sq.m). After washing, the bond strength of samples fused at high temperatures reduced in some instances. Maintaining a high temperature without considering interlining weight can lower the bond strength after washing the fused composites.

Originality/value

A combination of screening and full factorial DOE is used to analyze and predict bond strength of composites comprising medium-weight shirting fabrics and heavier weight interlinings used in shirts.
A critical review on cleanroom filtration
Authors: Sikka Monica Puri , Mondal Mandira
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Cleanrooms are highly controlled enclosed rooms where air quality is monitored and ensured to have less contamination according to standard cleanliness level. Air filters are used to optimize indoor air quality and remove air pollutants. Filter media and filtering system are decided as per requirement. Depth filter media are mostly used in cleanroom filtrations. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the evolution of cleanroom filter media. It evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of air filter media. It is also studied which air filters have additional properties such as anti-microbial properties, anti-odour properties and chemical absorbent. Development and innovation of air filters and filtration techniques are necessary to improve the performance via the synergistic effect and it can be a possible avenue of future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to drive the future of air filter research and development in achieving high-performance filtration with high filtration efficiency, low operational cost and high durability. Air pollutants are classified into three types: suspended particles, volatile organic pollutants and microorganisms. Technologies involved in purification are filtration, water washing purification, electrostatic precipitation and anion technology. They purify the air by running it through a filter medium that traps dust, hair, pet fur and debris. As air passes through the filter media, they function as a sieve, capturing particles. The fibres in the filter medium provide a winding path for airflow. There are different types of air filters such as the high-efficiency particulate air filter, fibreglass air filter and ultra-low particulate air filter.

Findings

Emerging filtration technologies and filters such as nanofibres, filters with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane are likely to become prevalent over the coming years globally. The introduction of indoor air filtration with thermal comfort can be a possible avenue of future research along with expanding indoor environment monitoring and improving air quality predictions. New air filters and filtration technologies having better performance with low cost and high durability must be developed which can restrict multiple types of pollutants at the same time.

Originality/value

The systematic literature review approach used in this paper highlights the emerging trends and issues in cleanroom filtration in a structured and thematic manner, enabling future work to progress as it will continue to develop and evolve.
Sustainability assessment model for heritage buildings
Authors: Al-Sakkaf Abobakr , Bagchi Ashutosh , Zayed Tarek , Mahmoud Sherif
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to focus on the evaluation of heritage buildings' sustainability. BIM modeling was necessary for the design of the sustainability assessment model for Heritage Buildings (SAHB). Using ArchiCAD®, energy simulations were performed for two case studies (Murabba Palace, Saudi Arabia, and Grey Nuns Building, Canada), and the developed model was validated through sensitivity analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Heritage buildings (HBs) are unique and must be preserved for future generations. This article focuses on a sustainability assessment model and rating scale for heritage buildings in light of the need for their conservation. Regional variations were considered in the model development to identify critical attributes whose corresponding weights were then determined by fuzzy logic. Data was collected via questionnaires completed by Saudi Arabian and Canadian experts, and Fuzzy TOPSIS was also applied to eliminate the uncertainties present when human opinions are involved.

Findings

Results showed that regional variations were sufficiently addressed through the multi-level weight consideration in the proposed model. Comparing the nine identified factors that affect the sustainability of HBs, energy and indoor environmental quality were of equal weight in both case studies.

Originality/value

This study will be helpful for the design of a globally applicable sustainability assessment model for HBs. It will also enable decision-makers to prepare maintenance plans for HBs.
Mapping the pandemic: teaching critical map literacy with interactive COVID-19 maps
Authors: Marcus Alan S. , Levine Thomas H.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This article helps secondary teachers use online maps about the COVID-19 pandemic to develop students' critical map literacy and digital geographic information literacy while helping students analyze the pandemic and its impact on society. The purpose of this paper is to discuss unique features of online maps, suggest six questions to bring to online maps, and provide an activity and resources to develop students' skill in using these maps.

Design/methodology/approach

For social studies teachers, online interactive maps create opportunities as well as challenges. They can be more engaging and interesting than static maps. They also show the relevance of key themes in geography as well as the power of maps to convey information. Maps about COVID-19 are used to explore themes in geography.

Findings

Interpreting COVID-19 online maps can help students learn about the pandemic, evaluate the decisions of health officials and elected leaders, and thus develop tools to participate in society as active citizens.

Originality/value

Young people and adults are often more engaged by interactive online sources; however, online maps require teachers to develop new approaches to teaching basic and critical map literacy that include elements of digital geographic information literacy. Students can learn to ask questions of maps while learning about COVID-19.
Weibo to the Rescue? A study of social media use in citizen–government relations in China
Authors: Homburg Vincent , Moody Rebecca
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this study, the authors explain citizens’ adoption of social media in citizen–government relations in China, a country that blends an authoritarian governance regime with limited tolerance of and responsiveness to online citizen participation.

Design/methodology/approach

Original survey data were gathered using a vignette survey among 307 respondents living in the People’s Republic of China. Multivariate analysis of the data was used to test four hypotheses and identify antecedents of Chinese citizens’ social media adoption for “thin” participation purposes.

Findings

Citizens’ perceived impact of “thin” participation, citizens’ skills and capabilities and citizens’ trust in institutions are significantly associated with citizens’ social media adoption. Social media anxiety was found not to be associated with Chinese citizens’ social media adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates how vignettes can be used to study adoption of technological and institutional innovations in an authoritarian governance regime and how in this context existing adoption theories can be extended with notions of institutional trust to adequately explain citizens’ adoption of technological and institutional innovations in citizen–government relations.

Social implications

Although some argue that social media activity could potentially mitigate democratic deficits caused by the state, in the case of China, the intertwinement of state and social media platform renders this argument unsustainable.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few systematic survey studies focusing on Chinese citizens’ adoption of social media in citizen–government relations.
Stakeholders' involvement in sustainability planning and implementation: the case of Cyprus
Authors: Katemliadis Iordanis , Markatos Georgios
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Tourism planning and development has revolved around sustainability concepts and issues, and this paper aims to provide an analysis of stakeholder involvement in sustainability planning and implementation in Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a comprehensive perspective on stakeholder involvement in sustainability planning and implementation based on a systematic literature review.

Findings

Study findings indicate that the active involvement of stakeholders is a prerequisite in order to address the complex issues of sustainable tourism development.

Originality/value

The authors examined the role of stakeholders at individual, local and international levels, and how they can make a difference in transitioning to a more sustainable future for tourism in Cyprus.
Listening after the animals: sound and pastoral care in the zoo
Authors: Rice Tom , Badman‐King Alexander , Hurn Samantha , Rose Paul , Reed Adam
Published: September 2021

In anthropology and across the humanities and social sciences, zoos have tended to be theorized as places of spectacle. Scholars often focus on the ways in which these institutions enable the viewing of other‐than‐human animals by human publics. This article, however, uses sound‐focused ethnographic fieldwork to engage with two UK zoos and to describe a particular mode of cross‐species listening which is enacted by zookeepers. The concepts of pastoral care and control discussed by Foucault and applied to the zoo context by Braverman are productively reworked and reorientated in order to understand this form of listening. The article also demonstrates the interconnectedness of keeper, visitor, and animal sound worlds, in the process generating an original perspective that complements and enriches conventional zoo studies.
Testosterone and androstenedione are positively associated with anti‐Müllerian hormone in premenopausal women
Authors: Islam Rakibul M. , Bell Robin J. , Skiba Marina A. , Davis Susan R.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To document associations between anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and circulating androgens in nonhealthcare‐seeking premenopausal women.

Design

Community‐based, cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Eastern states of Australia.

Participants

Women aged 18–39 years not using systemic hormones, not pregnant or breastfeeding within 3 months, and not postmenopausal.

Measurements

AMH, measured by the Beckman Access 2, 2 site immunometric assay from fresh samples, and testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 11‐oxygenated C19 steroids, measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Data were available for 794 women, median age of 33 years (range: 18–39). 76.1% were of European ancestry and 48.2% were parous. Serum AMH was positively associated with testosterone (rho = .29, p < .001) androstenedione (rho = .39, p < .001) and DHEA (rho = .10, p = .005) but not 11‐ketoandrostenedione or 11‐ketotestosterone. When adjusted for age, body mass index and smoking, using quantile regression, independent positive associations remained between AMH and testosterone (β coefficient: 20.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.79–28.03; p < .001) and androstenedione (β coefficient: 5.90, 95% CI: 3.76–8.03; p < .001). The serum concentration of testosterone was greater at the top AMH quintile than other quintiles (0.56 nmol/L [range: 0.21–1.90] vs. 0.36 nmol/L [range: 0.13–0.87]; p = .001) in women with self‐reported polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusions

The positive associations between serum testosterone and androstenedione and AMH in premenopausal women is consistent with androgens directly or indirectly influencing AMH production during follicular development. As the highest AMH concentrations are most likely to be seen in women with multifollicular ovaries, it would be expected that women with multifollicular ovaries would have higher serum testosterone. Therefore, whether hyperandrogenemia and multifollicular ovaries should be considered independent characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome warrants review.
Community shifts from eukaryote to cyanobacteria dominated phytoplankton: The role of mixing depth and light quality
Authors: Stockenreiter Maria , Isanta Navarro Jana , Buchberger Felicitas , Stibor Herwig
Published: September 2021

Lake stratification strengthens with increasing surface water temperatures, thereby reducing the depth of the mixed layer. Phytoplankton communities are not only exposed to different nutrient availability within a mixed water column, but also to different light quality. We conducted controled laboratory and mesocosm experiments to investigate phytoplankton, especially cyanobacteria, responses to different light quality and mixing depths.

Our mesocosm experiment allowed the manipulation of mixing depth in situ by a mesocosm approach and to follow the effects of changing mixing depth on the phytoplankton community composition. Our laboratory experiment allowed the control of temperature and light quantity. To investigate the effect of light quality on phytoplankton, we created a light gradient from full photosynthetic active radiation to a reduced blue spectrum.

In both experiments, shifts in phytoplankton community composition from eukaryote to cyanobacteria occurred at shallow mixing depth with higher availability of photosynthetic active radiation. Our results from the mesocosm experiment support the idea that reduced mixing depth can promote cyanobacterial abundance. With our laboratory experiment, we were able to manipulate light quality independent of temperature, available nutrients and light intensity influencing phytoplankton abundance. Results from the laboratory experiments support our hypothesis that a shift in light spectrum alone is a driver, strong enough to enhance cyanobacteria occurrence.

Most of the previous studies dealing with cyanobacterial blooms have investigated temperature and eutrophication effects. Certainly, these are major factors for the growth of phytoplankton, but our experiments show that other aspects, such as the quality of light, must be also taken into account to explain cyanobacterial blooms. Such shifts in the phytoplankton community from eukaryote to cyanobacteria dominated communities will have strong consequences for food web dynamics. Several cyanobacteria specific traits, (e.g., toxin production, lack of essential fatty acids, and inedibility through production of large colonies) reduce transfer efficiencies of energy and matter between phyto‐ and zooplankton and therefore can influence higher trophic levels such as fish.
DECIDING ON WHAT TO DECIDE
Authors: Barberà Salvador , Gerber Anke
Published: September 2021

We study two‐stage collective decision‐making procedures where in the first stage, part of the voters decide what issues will be put in the agenda and in the second stage, the whole set of voters decides on the positions to be adopted regarding the issues that are in the agenda. Using a protocol‐free equilibrium concept, we show that essentially any set of issues can be obtained as an equilibrium agenda under two salient classes of voting procedures. Moreover, the chair may manipulate a sequential voting rule such that certain issues do not get to the floor.
Of Cops and “Karens”: Language and the Bureaucratic Arm of Policing
Authors: Feliciano‐Santos Sherina
Published: September 2021

This essay considers how racial paradigms in the United States produce white subjectivity as part of a broader structure of policing Blackness that becomes bureaucratically encoded through law enforcement agents and their discursive practices. Given this, it is not unexpected that the figure of the “Karen” and agents of law enforcement police similar behaviors and figures, given they embody the same ethos of white supremacy, differentiated largely by virtue of the bureaucratic structures in place to direct, reproduce, and legitimate anti‐Blackness within an institutional framework.
#BlackOutEid: Resisting Anti‐Blackness in Digital Muslim Life
Authors: Durrani Mariam
Published: September 2021

This essay considers the #BlackOutEid hashtag as a discursive practice of resistance to anti‐Blackness both within and beyond the Muslim community.
Adult behavior toward the child before surgery and pediatric emergence delirium
Authors: Sobol Małgorzata , Sobol Marek Krzysztof , Kowal Marta
Published: September 2021

Background

Emergence delirium is one of the problems that occur when a child wakes from anesthesia. Research results indicate that psychological factors are associated with this phenomenon. The relationship between adult behavior before child surgery and pediatric emergence delirium has not been investigated before.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the associations of parent, anesthesiologist, and nurse behaviors before child surgery with pediatric emergence delirium.

Methods

The study included 99 pediatric patients (aged 2–17 years) undergoing surgery with general anesthesia, their accompanying parents, an anesthesiologist, and nurses. The study was conducted directly before surgery and after recovery from anesthesia. Before surgery, the behaviors of children, parents, and medical staff were videotaped and then scored using the Child‐Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale‐Revised. Emergence delirium was measured with the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale.

Results

Parent reassuring comments (ꞵ = 0.22, B = 1.32, 95% CI 0.14‐2.49, p = .028) and parent giving control to child (ꞵ = 0.21, B = 7.02, 95% CI 0.68–13.56, p = .031) were positive predictors of emergence delirium in the group of children aged 2–8 years. Parent behavior explained an additional 10% of the variance in pediatric emergence delirium.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that parent reassuring comments and giving control to the child before surgery are related to the level of child emergence delirium in children aged 2 to 8 years.
An ultrasound study of the long posterior sacroiliac ligament in healthy volunteers and in patients with noninflammatory sacroiliac joint pain
Authors: Todorov Plamen Todorov , Mekenjan Lili , Nestorova Rodina , Batalov Anastas
Published: September 2021

Aim: To describe the sonoanatomy of the long posterior sacroiliac ligament (LPSL) in healthy volunteers and to assess by ultrasound the LPSL in patients with noninflammatory sacroiliac joint pain (SIP).Material and methods: We assessed 64 LPSLs of 32 healthy controls and 40 LPSLs of 40 patients with unilateral noninflammatory SIP and a positive Fortin finger test. LPSLs in both groups were assessed for the presence of alterations in their structure, continuity and echogenicity and their thickness was measured in three predefined points. All patients were examined in prone position following a strict scanning protocol.Results: Detailed sonoanatomy description and measurement of the LPSL in healthy volunteers are provided (length: 31.32±4.79 mm, width: 8.14±1.28 mm, thickness: 2.05±0.55 mm; 1.64±0.41 mm and 1.51±0.42 mm at the iliac and sacral entheses and in its middle part, respectively). The LPSLs were found to be significantly thicker in the SIP group, with an optimum criterion value of >2.0 mm in its middle part to identify pathologically thickened ligaments. In addition, LPSLs inthe SIP group presented significantly more often hypoechogenicity/altered fibrillar structure (57.5% vs.16%) and/or periligamentous edema (72.8% vs 28%). The combination of either altered structure or periligamentous edema, with thickening of theligament’s body showed the best diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity 83.9% and 94.7% for the first combination and 100% and 84.6% for the second combination) to identify LPSL pathology in noninflammatory SIP.Conclusions: LPSL could be assessed by ultrasound and sonopathological lesions could be identified in patients with SIP.
Ultrasound Elastography: another piece in the puzzle of carotid plaque vulnerability?
Authors: Davidhi Andjoli , Rafailidis Vasileios , Destanis Evangelos , Prassopoulos Panos , Foinitsis Stefanos
Published: September 2021

Recent literature has shown that various carotid plaque features, other than stenosis, contribute to plaque vulnerability. Features such as surface morphology and plaque composition with distinct components (e.g. intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid core) have been associated with the increased risk of future cerebrovascular events. Ultrasonography constitutes the first line modality for the assessment of carotid disease and has traditionally been used to grade stenosis with high accuracy. Recenttechnological advances such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography increased the diagnostic yield of ultrasound in assessing the morphology of carotid plaques. The purpose of this review is to present the available literature on ultrasound elastography of the atherosclerotic carotid. Strain and shear wave elastography allow for the characterization of plaque components, thus indicating its nature and importantly, the plaque’s vulnerability. Shear wave elastography indices appear morerobust than Strain indices. Overall, elastography is a feasible method to distinguish vulnerable carotid plaques. There is, however, a need for larger and longer prospective controlled clinical studies in order to validate elastography as an imaging modality used for the detection of unstable carotid plaques.
Multiparametric ultrasound in torsion of the testicular appendages: a reliable diagnostic tool?
Authors: Laimer Gregor , Müller Raphael , Radmayr Christian , Lindner Andrea Katharina , Lebovici Andrei , Aigner Friedrich
Published: September 2021

Aim: Torsion of the testicular appendages represents the most common cause of an acute scrotum in prepubertal boys. Its sonographic appearances on gray-scale US and color Doppler US have already been presented in several studies. The aim of this analysis was to expand those already established techniques with strain elastography and thus present typical features of this entity on multiparametric US.Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients presented to the urological department with an acute scrotum between January 2018 and July 2020 identified eleven patients 6-17 years old (mean, 11.1 years), discharged with the diagnosis torsion of the testicular appendages that were examined with a high-end ultrasound device. Results: On gray-scale US all patients showed a round lesion with heterogenous echotexture adjacent to the upper pole of the testis/epididymis with a diameter of 4 to 11.1 mm (mean, 7.7 mm). Scrotal skin thickening and a concomitant hydrocele were found in 9 (81.8%) and 7 (63.6%) cases, respectively. On color Doppler images, all torsed appendages were avascular and in 9 (81.8%) patients we observed hyperemia of the adjacent epididymis. Strain elastography showed increased tissue stiffness in all documented images.Conclusion: Torsion of the testicular appendages has a set of features on multiparametric US. Awareness of this features can facilitate diagnosis of torsion of the testicular appendages and reduce unnecessary surgicalscrotal exploration or unwarranted antibiotic treatment.
Rib Stress Injuries Among Female National Collegiate Athletic Association Rowers: A Prospective Epidemiological Study
Authors: Madison Caitlin A. , Harter Rod A. , Pickerill Marie L. , Housman Jeff M.
Published: September 2021

Rib stress injuries (RSIs) are debilitating injuries that competitive rowers often sustain during their careers, losing up to 10 weeks of training per year. Minimal research exists on RSIs and associated risk factors among National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s open-weight rowers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of RSIs and assess injury risk factors in intercollegiate female rowers. A prospective 14-week in-season injury surveillance was conducted via online surveys to collect demographic information, identify intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, and document RSIs and other rowing-related injuries. During one National Collegiate Athletic Association season, 26% of our participants reported a rib cage injury, with six of these injuries identified as potential RSIs. Estimated prevalence for rib cage injuries is 6–33% in National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s rowing teams. RSI reporting and recognition was followed by aggressive clinical management in the population sampled, suggesting the need for larger scale epidemiological studies to determine the true prevalence, severity, and typical clinical course of these injuries.
Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults With or at Risk of Mobility Disability Post-discharge: 8-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sunde Sylvia , Hesseberg Karin , Skelton Dawn A. , Ranhoff Anette H. , Pripp Are H. , Aarønæs Marit , Brovold Therese
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate physical function and health-related quality of life 4 months after the cessation of a 4-month exercise intervention in 89 older adults after discharge from hospital. Linear mixed regression models were used to evaluate between-group differences. Data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. There was no statistically significant between-group difference in the Short Physical Performance Battery (mean difference 0.5 points, 95% confidence interval [−0.6, 1.5], p = .378). There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the intervention group in functional capacity (the 6-min walk test; mean difference 32.9 m, 95% confidence interval [1.5, 64.3], p = .040) and physical health–related quality of life (physical component summary of medical outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey; mean difference 5.9 points, 95% confidence interval [2.0, 9.7], p = .003). Interventions aiming to maintain or increase physical function and health-related quality of life should be encouraged in this population.
Effects of Self-Selected Passive Recovery Time in Interval Exercise on Perceptual and Heart Rate Responses in Older Women: A Promissory Approach
Authors: Santos Lucas Eduardo Rodrigues , Costa André dos Santos , Costa Eduardo Caldas , Damasceno Vinicius Oliveira , Chen Zhaojing , de Oliveira Izaildo Alves , Dames Karla Kristine , Pires Flávio Oliveira , Santos Tony Meireles
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of passive recovery with self-selected time on affect, ratings of perceived exertion, and heart rate in self-selected interval exercises (SSIE). Fifteen older women (68.1 ± 3.8 years), weekly practitioners of functional activities participated in three SSIE with self-selected recovery time (SSRT) and one self-selected continuous exercise session, all at 24 min approximately. The SSIE had the following configurations: 1′/SSRT, 1.5′/SSRT, and 2′/SSRT. The results showed that at the beginning of stimulus heart rate in 1.5′/SSRT (107.9 ± 16.5) and 2′/SSRT (114.6 ± 17.1) were significantly greater (p < .05) compared with self-selected continuous exercise (102.8 ± 14.5). The ratings of perceived exertion in self-selected continuous exercise (2.4 ± 0.4; p < .05) were higher compared with SSIE in recovery. No significant differences were found in affect. The SSIE provided similar responses based on recoveries manipulations.
Influence of Different Dual-Task Conditions During Straight or Curved Walking on Gait Performance of Physically Active Older Women With Cognitive Decline
Authors: Biazus-Sehn Luiz Fernado , Baptista Rafael Reimann , Mestriner Régis Gemerasca , Loss Bianca Pacheco , Aldabe Daniela , Stigger Felipe de Souza
Published: September 2021

Real-world walking requires shifting attention from different cognitive demands to adapt gait. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dual tasking on spatiotemporal gait parameters of older adults. Participants were asked to perform a primary complex single-walking task, consisting of a fast-paced linear and a curved gait. Primary task was performed separately and simultaneously with different motor and cognitive secondary tasks. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, walk ratio, and walk stability ratio were measured. Apart from stride length, which stood relatively unchanged, gait speed and cadence were strongly affected by cognitive dual tasking. Cadence seems to be the most impacted by dual tasking during curved gait as it combines challenges of both primary and secondary tasks. Also, during curved phase, walking ratio was significantly lower and stability ratio was greater demonstrating that participants adopted a cautious gait where maintenance of stability took preference over efficiency.
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the First-Wave COVID-19 Outbreak: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Nascimento Rosiane Jesus do , Barbosa Filho Valter Cordeiro , Rech Cassiano Ricardo , Brasil Rafaela Batista , Junior Renato Campos , Streit Inês Amanda , Bezerra Ewertton de Souza
Published: September 2021

The current study aimed to follow the effects of social/physical distancing strategies on health-related daily physical activity and quality of life among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-two older adults who were enrolled in a University–Community program in March 2020 (age = 66.8 ± 4.82 years, ♀59) answered five phone-based surveys up to 120 days after the COVID-19 outbreak (from April to August 2020). The Short Form 6D and international physical activity (short version) questionnaires were applied. A significant reduction was observed in daily physical activity levels, metabolic equivalent of task, and health-related quality of life scores as well as an increase in sitting time during the week and on weekend days (all p < .01). The authors noted differences in lifestyle conditions at the beginning of the social/physical distancing in the community assessed (p < .01). Health vulnerabilities among older adults have been emphasized during the COVID-19 outbreak, impacting daily physical activity and health-related quality of life.
Effects of a Brief Stair-Climbing Intervention on Cognitive Functioning and Mood States in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nasrollahi Neda , Quensell Jordan , Machado Liana
Published: September 2021

Despite an abundance of evidence that exercise benefits cognition and mood, physical activity levels among older adults remain low, with time and inaccessibility posing major barriers. Interval stair climbing is an accessible time-efficient form of physical activity demonstrated to benefit cognition and mood in young adults, but effectiveness in older adults remains unknown. To address this, 28 older adults (Mage = 69.78 years, 16 females) undertook cognitive and mood assessments twice, 1 week apart, once preceded by interval stair climbing. A fairly large, albeit only marginally significant, effect size () indicated improved cognition following the moderate- to high-intensity intervention; however, rather than improving mood, older adults reported feeling more tired (g = 0.51). These outcomes provide initial indications that this mode of exercise that can easily translate to naturalistic settings offers promise as an intervention strategy, but more research is needed to optimize the protocol to suit aged populations (ACTRN1261900169014).
A Dichotomy of Sport Sponsorships: Does the Nature of Competition Among Sponsors Matter?
Authors: Doellman Thomas W. , Walkup Brian R. , Bouchet Adrien , Chabowski Brian R.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the authors argue that the firm value implications of sport sponsorships for sponsors may depend on the competitive environment during the bidding process for different types of sponsorships. More specifically, the authors contend that the bidding environment for professional football (soccer) kit sponsorships represents a form of common value auction, while the bidding environment for corporate logo sponsorships on teams’ shirts does not. As common value auctions are prone to winner’s curse, the firm value implications should be different for kit sponsorship announcements than for shirt sponsorship announcements. Our results suggest that shareholders indeed perceive the value derived from kit and shirt sponsorships differently, resulting in the predicted distinction in their impact on sponsors’ firm value. This study sheds light on conflicting results on firm value implications of sport sponsorships in the prior literature and provides rich areas for future research.
Cerebellar nuclei evolved by repeatedly duplicating a conserved cell-type set
Authors: Kebschull Justus M. , Richman Ethan B. , Ringach Noam , Friedmann Drew , Albarran Eddy , Kolluru Sai Saroja , Jones Robert C. , Allen William E. , Wang Ying , Cho Seung Woo , Zhou Huaijun , Ding Jun B. , Chang Howard Y. , Deisseroth Karl , Quake Stephen R. , Luo Liqun
Published: September 2021

Cerebellar evolution

Cerebellar nuclei, substructures of the cerebellum, transfer information from the cerebellum to other parts of the brain. Using single-cell transcriptomics, Kebschull
et al.
have now identified a conserved pattern of cerebellar nuclei structure that has been repeated through evolution (see the Perspective by Hatten). Ranging from mice to chickens to humans, cerebellar nuclei are made up of region-specific excitatory neurons and region-invariant inhibitory neurons. In humans, a facet connecting the cerebellum to the frontal cortex is enhanced.

Science
, this issue p.
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The C-Terminal Domain of Salmonid Alphavirus Nonstructural Protein 2 (nsP2) Is Essential and Sufficient To Block RIG-I Pathway Induction and Interferon-Mediated Antiviral Response
Authors: Jami Raphaël , Mérour Emilie , Bernard Julie , Lamoureux Annie , Millet Jean K. , Biacchesi Stéphane
Published: September 2021

The global consumption of fish continues to rise, and the future demand cannot be met by capture fisheries alone due to limited stocks of wild fish. Aquaculture is currently the world’s fastest-growing food production sector, with an annual growth rate of 6 to 8%.
Development and Validation of a Tool for the Prediction of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Colonization Persistence—the PREVENT Score
Authors: Boeing Christian , Correa-Martinez Carlos L. , Schuler Franziska , Mellmann Alexander , Karch André , Kampmeier Stefanie
Published: September 2021

Given the increasing relevance of VRE as nosocomial pathogens worldwide, infection prevention and control measures, including patient isolation and contact precautions, are indispensable to avoid their spread in the hospital setting. In this study, we developed and validated the PREVENT score, a tool for rapid risk assessment of VRE persistence in patients with a history of previous VRE colonization.
Saliva SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Prevalence in Children
Authors: Keuning Maya W. , Grobben Marloes , de Groen Anne-Elise C. , Berman-de Jong Eveline P. , Bijlsma Merijn W. , Cohen Sophie , Felderhof Mariet , de Groof Femke , Molanus Daniel , Oeij Nadia , Rijpert Maarten , van Eijk Hetty W. M. , Koen Gerrit , van der Straten Karlijn , Oomen Melissa , Visser Remco , Linty Federica , Steenhuis Maurice , Vidarsson Gestur , Rispens Theo , Plötz Frans B. , van Gils Marit J. , Pajkrt Dasja
Published: September 2021

Comprehending humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2, including in children, is crucial for future public health and vaccine strategies. Others have suggested that mucosal antibody measurement could be an important and more convenient tool to evaluate humoral immunity compared to circulating antibodies.