bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hybrid Delay: A New Approach for Nipple-sparing Mastectomy in Macromastia
Authors: Jensen Jay Arthur , Giuliano Armando E.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Patients with macromastia or breast ptosis can undergo a nipple-sparing mastectomy if their mastectomy flaps are delayed or if they are subjected to a breast reduction procedure and later undergo mastectomy.

Methods:

In this report, we describe a new technique to combine these two approaches by initially performing a subtotal mastectomy through a Wise keyhole incision in combination with the retention of the nipple -areolar complex on an inferior pedicle flap. A tissue expander and an allograft are routinely placed during this first stage. At a second stage, the inferior pedicle tissue is removed and submitted for pathological examination at the same time as the tissue expander is removed and replaced with a silicone or saline implant or autologous flap.

Results:

The Hybrid Delay procedure has been performed on three women (six breasts). Nipples were preserved in all patients. Final pathology did not reveal any cancer in the inferior pedicle preserved during the first procedure but removed and tested following the second.

Conclusion:

By allowing the nipple to be safely transferred using the inferior pedicle flap, and then removing the inferior pedicle tissue during the subsequent reconstructive stage, women with macromastia and breast ptosis can be offered nipple-sparing mastectomy in the usual 2-stage reconstructive timing.
Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation following Pterygomasseteric Myotomy and Coronoidectomy in the Management of Postradiation Trismus
Authors: Cohen Oriana , Levine Jamie , Jacobson Adam S.
Published: March 2021

Trismus is a known complication following treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancers, with radiation therapy reported as a known risk factor for its development. The prevention of trismus after radiation therapy is hard to achieve, with no clear benefit of early prophylactic rehabilitation. Pterygomasseteric myotomy and coronoidectomy are well described procedures in the management of extra-articular trismus. Herein, we present 2 cases of temporomandibular joint dislocation as a cautionary tale of the potential risk for temporomandibular joint dislocation and need for closed reduction and maxillomandibular fixation.
Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Therapy Significantly Reduces Early Wound Dehiscence after Reduction Mammaplasty
Authors: Johnson Owen N. , Reitz Cara L. , Thai Khang
Published: March 2021

Background:

Closed incisional negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has been shown to improve surgical outcomes. Functional reduction mammaplasty has a wound dehiscence rate of 25% and higher in most series, requiring extra care and delayed secondary healing. We aimed to determine if shifting from standard care dressings to ciNPT reduced early dehiscence after breast reduction.

Methods:

This multisurgeon retrospective study compared consecutive patients undergoing primary breast reduction dressed with ciNPT to similar patients with standard dressing materials. Perioperative management was otherwise unchanged. Early dehiscence was defined as incisional disruption requiring wound care within the first 30 postoperative days. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test and Fisher exact test.

Results:

We analyzed 79 patients with 158 breasts (114 standard and 44 ciNPT). Both groups were similar. Mean ages were 35 and 34 years; body mass index, 28.5 and 27.4 kg/m2; and reduction volumes, 565 and 610 g, respectively. None were active smokers, and 9.5% were former smokers. Wise pattern skin incisions were used in all, and parenchymal resections mostly utilized superomedial pedicles. Median ciNPT treatment was 6 days. Early dehiscence was significantly lower with ciNPT, occurring in only 1 of 44 (2%) breasts, compared to 16 of 114 in the standard group (14%), P = 0.003, a relative risk reduction of 84%. Two control patients required debridement, whereas none of the ciNPT patients did.

Conclusion:

Application of ciNPT markedly decreased early dehiscence requiring wound care, compared to using standard dressings, in otherwise similarly risk-stratified breast reduction patients.
Quality of Life in Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Patients Treated With Long-Term Topical Corticosteroids
Authors: Wijaya Marlene , Lee Geoffrey , Fischer Gayle , Lee Andrew
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of life in vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) patients treated with long-term, individualized topical corticosteroids.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study comparing new pretreatment and long-term treated VLS patients attending a dermatogynecology practice in Sydney, Australia. Participants were invited to complete the Vulvar Quality of Life Index (VQLI). The VQLI scores were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 204 biopsy-proven VLS patients—68 new pretreatment and 136 treated patients on topical corticosteroids for 2 years or longer. Treated participants scored lower in all VQLI components, including total score (median = 2.0 [interquartile range {IQR} = 0.0–6.0] vs 13.5 [IQR = 7.5–22.0]; p < .001), symptoms (median = 0.5 [IQR = 0.0–0.5] vs 1.3 [IQR = 0.8–2.0]; p < .001), anxiety (median = 0.0 [IQR = 0.0–0.3] vs 0.8 [IQR = 1.1–2.0]; p < .001), activities of daily living (median = 0.2 [IQR = 0.0–0.3] vs 0.5 [IQR = 0.2–1.1]; p < .001), and sexuality (median = 0.0 [IQR = 0.0–0.7] vs 1.0 [IQR = 0.0–2.0]; p < .001). A higher proportion of treated patients achieved total scores of 0–5, representing nil to minimal impact of VLS on quality of life (98 [72.1%] vs 8 [11.8%]; p < .001). Mild and reversible adverse effects were developed in 11 patients (8.1%). Partially compliant patients were 12 times as likely to develop scarring progression than fully compliant patients (7 [22.6%] vs 2 [1.9%]; p < .001).

Conclusions

Long-term, individualized topical corticosteroid treatment is safe and effective in maintaining disease remission and improves the quality of life of VLS patients. Fully compliant patients demonstrate better treatment outcomes than partially compliant patients.
Reconstructing prehistoric languages
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio , Progovac Ljiljana
Published: March 2021

This theme issue builds on the surge of interest in the field of language evolution as part of the broader field of human evolution, gathering some of the field's most prominent experts in order to achieve a deeper, richer understanding of human prehistory and the nature of prehistoric languages. Taken together, the contributions to this issue begin to outline a profile of the structural and functional features of prehistoric languages, including the type of sounds, the nature of the earliest grammars, the characteristics of the earliest vocabularies and some preferred uses, like conversation and insult. By also correlating certain specific features of language with the changes in brain organization during prehistory, the contributions to this issue directly engage the genetic and the neuroscientific aspects of human evolution and cognition.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages'.
Language evolution: examining the link between cross-modality and aggression through the lens of disorders
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio , Progovac Ljiljana
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate how two linguistic phenomena, figurative language (implicating cross-modality) and derogatory language (implicating aggression), both demand a precise degree of (dis)inhibition in the same cortico-subcortical brain circuits, in particular cortico-striatal networks, whose connectivity has been significantly enhanced in recent evolution. We examine four cognitive disorders/conditions that exhibit abnormal patterns of (dis)inhibition in these networks: schizophrenia (SZ), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), synaesthesia and Tourette's syndrome (TS), with the goal of understanding why the two phenomena altered reactive aggression and altered cross-modality cluster together in these disorders. Our proposal is that enhanced cross-modality (necessary to support language, in particular metaphoricity) was a result, partly a side-effect, of self-domestication (SD). SD targeted the taming of reactive aggression, but reactive impulses are controlled by the same cortico-subcortical networks that are implicated in cross-modality. We further add that this biological process of SD did not act alone, but was engaged in an intense feedback loop with the cultural emergence of early forms of language/grammar, whose high degree of raw metaphoricity and verbal aggression also contributed to increased brain connectivity and cortical control. Consequently, in conjunction with linguistic expressions serving as approximations/‘fossils’ of the earliest stages of language, these cognitive disorders/conditions serve as confident proxies of brain changes in language evolution, helping us reconstruct certain crucial aspects of early prehistoric languages and cognition, as well as shed new light on the nature of the disorders.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
The prehistory of speech and language is revealed in brain damage
Authors: Code Chris
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to develop further the idea that symptoms that emerge in speech and language processing following brain damage can make a contribution to discussions of the early evolution of language. These diverse impairments are called aphasia, and this paper proposes that the recovery of a non-fluent aphasia syndrome following stroke could provide insights into the course of the pre-history of human language evolution. The observable symptoms emerge during recovery, crucially enabled by (dis)inhibition in parallel with a range of impairments in action processing (apraxias), including apraxia of speech. They are underpinned by changes in cortical and subcortical status following brain damage. It is proposed that the observed recovery mimics ontogenic and phylogenic processes in human speech and language. The arguments put forward provide insights tending to support the motor-gestural model of speech and language evolution.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
Tense–aspect–mood marking, language-family size and the evolution of predication
Authors: Gil David
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a Complexity Covariance Hypothesis, whereby linguistic complexity covaries with cultural and socio-political complexity, and argues for an Evolutionary Inference Principle, in accordance with which, in domains where linguistic complexity correlates positively with cultural/socio-political complexity, simpler linguistic structures are evolutionarily prior to their more complex counterparts. Applying this methodology in a case study, the covariance of linguistic and cultural/socio-political complexity is examined by means of a cross-linguistic survey of tense–aspect–mood (TAM) marking in a worldwide sample of 868 languages. A novel empirical finding emerges: all else being equal, languages from small language families tend to have optional TAM marking, while languages from large language families are more likely to exhibit obligatory TAM marking. Since optional TAM marking is simpler than obligatory TAM marking, it can, therefore, be inferred that optional TAM marking is evolutionarily prior to obligatory TAM marking: a living fossil. In conclusion, it is argued that the presence of obligatory TAM marking, correlated with the more highly grammaticalized expression of thematic-role assignment, is a reflection of a deeper property of grammatical organization, namely, the grammaticalization of predication. Thus, it is suggested that the development of agriculture and resulting demographic expansions, resulting in the emergence of large language families, are a driving force in the evolution of predication in human language.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
At the boundaries of syntactic prehistory
Authors: Ceolin Andrea , Guardiano Cristina , Longobardi Giuseppe , Irimia Monica Alexandrina , Bortolussi Luca , Sgarro Andrea
Published: March 2021

Can language relatedness be established without cognate words? This question has remained unresolved since the nineteenth century, leaving language prehistory beyond etymologically established families largely undefined. We address this problem through a theory of universal syntactic characters. We show that not only does syntax allow for comparison across distinct traditional language families, but that the probability of deeper historical relatedness between such families can be statistically tested through a dedicated algorithm which implements the concept of ‘possible languages’ suggested by a formal syntactic theory. Controversial clusters such as e.g. Altaic and Uralo-Altaic are significantly supported by our test, while other possible macro-groupings, e.g. Indo-Uralic or Basque-(Northeast) Caucasian, prove to be indistinguishable from a randomly generated distribution of language distances. These results suggest that syntactic diversity, modelled through a generative biolinguistic framework, can be used to provide a proof of historical relationship between different families irrespectively of the presence of a common lexicon from which regular sound correspondences can be determined; therefore, we argue that syntax may expand the time limits imposed by the classical comparative method.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
Constructing a protolanguage: reconstructing prehistoric languages in a usage-based construction grammar framework
Authors: Hartmann Stefan , Pleyer Michael
Published: March 2021

Construction grammar is an approach to language that posits that units and structures in language can be exhaustively described as pairings between form and meaning. These pairings are called constructions and can have different degrees of abstraction, i.e. they span the entire range from very concrete (armadillo, avocado) to very abstract constructions such as the ditransitive construction (I gave her a book). This approach has been applied to a wide variety of different areas of research in linguistics, such as how new constructions emerge and change historically. It has also been applied to investigate the evolutionary emergence of modern fully fledged language, i.e. the question of how systems of constructions can arise out of prelinguistic communication. In this paper, we review the contribution of usage-based construction grammar approaches to language change and language evolution to the questions of (i) the structure and nature of prehistoric languages and (ii) how constructions in prehistoric languages emerged out of non-linguistic or protolinguistic communication. In particular, we discuss the possibilities of using constructions as the main unit of analysis both in reconstructing predecessors of existing languages (protolanguages) and in formulating theories of how a potential predecessor of human language in general (protolanguage) must have looked like.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
Comparing prehistoric constructed languages: world-building and its role in understanding prehistoric languages
Authors: Schreyer Christine , Adger David
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we compare the languages each of the authors invented as prehistoric languages for popular culture media. Schreyer's language,Beama, was created for the filmAlpha(2018), while Adger's language,Tan!aa Kawawa ki,was created for a television series on how early hominins spread throughout the world (the series was green-lit but then cancelled). We argue that though this creative process may seem far removed from classical research paradigms on language evolution, it can provide some insight into how disparate research on the possible properties of prehistoric languages can be brought together to illustrate how these languages might have worked as whole linguistic systems within these imagined worlds, as well as in prehistory.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
Testing methods of linguistic homeland detection using synthetic data
Authors: Wichmann Søren , Rama Taraka
Published: March 2021

Two families of quantitative methods have been used to infer geographical homelands of language families: Bayesian phylogeography and the ‘diversity method'. Bayesian methods model how populations may have moved using a phylogenetic tree as a backbone, while the diversity method assumes that the geographical area where linguistic diversity is highest likely corresponds to the homeland. No systematic tests of the performances of the different methods in a linguistic context have so far been published. Here, we carry out performance testing by simulating language families, including branching structures and word lists, along with speaker populations moving in space. We test six different methods: two versions of BayesTraits; the relaxed random walk model of BEAST 2; our own RevBayes implementations of a fixed rate and a variable rates random walk model; and the diversity method. As a result of the tests, we propose a hierarchy of performance of the different methods. Factors such as geographical idiosyncrasies, incomplete sampling, tree imbalance and small family sizes all have a negative impact on performance, but mostly across the board, the performance hierarchy generally being impervious to such factors.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages'.
The history of number words in the world's languages—what have we learnt so far?
Authors: Calude Andreea S.
Published: March 2021

For over 100 years, researchers from various disciplines have been enthralled and occupied by the study of number words. This article discusses implications for the study of deep history and human evolution that arise from this body of work. Phylogenetic modelling shows that low-limit number words are preserved across thousands of years, a pattern consistently observed in several language families. Cross-linguistic frequencies of use and experimental studies also point to widespread homogeneity in the use of number words. Yet linguistic typology and field documentation reports caution against positing a privileged linguistic category for number words, showing a wealth of variation in how number words are encoded across the world. In contrast with low-limit numbers, the higher numbers are characterized by a rapid and morphologically consistent pattern of expansion, and behave like grammatical phrasal units, following language-internal rules. Taken together, the evidence suggests that numbers are at the cross-roads of language history. For languages that do have productive and consistent number systems, numeralsonetofiveare among the most reliable available linguistic fossils of deep history, defying change yet still bearing the marks of the past, while higher numbers emerge as innovative tools looking to the future, derived using language-internal patterns and created to meet the needs of modern speakers.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reconstructing prehistoric languages’.
Pathogenicity and drug resistance of animal streptococci responsible for human infections
Authors: Glajzner Paulina , Szewczyk Eligia Maria , Szemraj Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Bacteria of the genusStreptococcus, earlier considered typically animal, currently have also been causing infections in humans. It is necessary to make clinicians aware of the emergence of new species that may cause the development of human diseases. There is an increasing frequency of isolation of streptococci such asS. suis,S. dysgalactiae,S. iniaeandS. equifrom people. Isolation ofStreptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinuscomplex bacteria has also been reported. The streptococcal species described in this review are gaining new properties and virulence factors by which they can thrive in new environments. It shows the potential of these bacteria to changes in the genome and the settlement of new hosts. Information is presented on clinical cases that concern streptococcus species belonging to the groups Bovis, Pyogenic and Suis. We also present the antibiotic resistance profiles of these bacteria. The emerging resistance to β-lactams has been reported. In this review, the classification, clinical characteristics and antibiotic resistance of groups and species of streptococci considered as animal pathogens are summarized.
Subtelomeres are fast-evolving regions of the Streptomyces linear chromosome
Authors: Lorenzi Jean-Noël , Lespinet Olivier , Leblond Pierre , Thibessard Annabelle
Published: March 2021

Streptomyces

possess a large linear chromosome (6–12 Mb) consisting of a conserved central region flanked by variable arms covering several megabases. In order to study the evolution of the chromosome across evolutionary times, a representative panel of

Streptomyces

strains and species (125) whose chromosomes are completely sequenced and assembled was selected. The pan-genome of the genus was modelled and shown to be open with a core-genome reaching 1018 genes. The evolution of

Streptomyces

chromosome was analysed by carrying out pairwise comparisons, and by monitoring indexes measuring the conservation of genes (presence/absence) and their synteny along the chromosome. Using the phylogenetic depth offered by the chosen panel, it was possible to infer that within the central region of the chromosome, the core-genes form a highly conserved organization, which can reveal the existence of an ancestral chromosomal skeleton. Conversely, the chromosomal arms, enriched in variable genes evolved faster than the central region under the combined effect of rearrangements and addition of new information from horizontal gene transfer. The genes hosted in these regions may be localized there because of the adaptive advantage that their rapid evolution may confer. We speculate that (i) within a bacterial population, the variability of these genes may contribute to the establishment of social characters by the production of ‘public goods’ (ii) at the evolutionary scale, this variability contributes to the diversification of the genetic pool of the bacteria.
A Pilot Study of Train-of-Four and Post-Tetanic Count Monitoring with the TetraGraph Electromyograph Compared to the TwitchView Monitor Electromyograph
Authors: Bussey Logan , Jelacic Srdjan , Togashi Kei , Bowdle Andrew
Published: March 2021

Background

Quantitative twitch monitoring is recommended for avoiding residual neuromuscular blockade. Electromyograph twitch monitors are a form of quantitative twitch monitoring. The TwitchView electromyograph has been previously validated against “gold standard” mechanomyography, and may serve as a comparator for other monitors. We have previously shown that the GE electromyograph monitor overcounted twitches, frequently misinterpreting noise as a twitch. This is a pilot study to evaluate the performance of the TetraGraph electromyograph in comparison to the TwitchView electromyograph.

Methods

TwitchView and TetraGraph electrodes were applied to opposite arms of patients prior to induction of anesthesia. Post-tetanic count, train-of-four count and train-of-four ratio were then measured approximately every 5 minutes during an unrestricted general anesthetic. Measurements were not made for 10 minutes following neuromuscular blocking drugs or reversal agents.

Results

Eight patients were enrolled. The mean baseline train-of-four ratio was 1.02 (SD=0.04) for the TwitchView and 0.99 (SD=0.03) for the TetraGraph (p=0.22). Bland Altman analysis of all of the train-of-four ratio data found that average TwitchView train-of-four values were larger with a bias of 0.10. Train-of-four counts and train-of-four ratios were generally less when measured with TetraGraph than when measured with TwitchView.In 83% (209/253) of data pairs, the result from TetraGraph was less than the result from TwitchView and in 6% (16/253) of data pairs, the result from TetraGraph was greater than the result from TwitchView (p<0.0001). In 11% (28/253) of data pairs, the result from TetraGraph was the same as TwitchView [95%CI 7.35% 16.0%]. Evaluation of individual patient results confirmed the overall results. In some cases there were large discrepancies, such as 4 twitches reported by the TwitchView when the TetraGraph reported a post-tetanic count.

Conclusions

Users of the TetraGraph electromyograph should be aware that significant underestimation of post-tetanic-count, train-of-four count and train-of-four ratio may occur. This could result in administration of unnecessary reversal agents, excessive doses of reversal agents, or delay in extubation. We are undertaking a comparison of the TetraGraph monitor to mechanomyography to confirm the results of this pilot study.
Weekly SARS-CoV-2 screening of asymptomatic students and staff to guide and evaluate strategies for safer in-person learning
Authors: Doron Shira , Ingalls Robin R. , Beauchamp Anne , Boehm Jesse , Boucher Helen W. , Chow Linda H. , Corridan Linda , Goehringer Katey , Golenbock Doug , Larsen Liz , Lussier David , Testa Marcia , Ciaranello Andrea
Published: March 2021

Background

Data suggest that COVID-19 transmission in K-12 schools is uncommon, but few studies have confirmed this using widespread screening of asymptomatic individuals.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of asymptomatic COVID-19, document the frequency of in-school transmission, and confirm feasibility of widespread asymptomatic screening in schools.

Design

Prospective observational study

Setting

Single mid-sized suburban school district including 10 schools and a central office.

Participants

District staff and students

Interventions

Asymptomatic screening PCR for SARS-CoV-2

Measurements

Concurrent with a hybrid model and layered mitigation, weekly pooled testing of staff and secondary students was offered using saliva samples collected at home. Identification of >1 case in a school prompted investigation for possible in-school transmission. Staff and families were surveyed about satisfaction with the screening program.

Results

From weeks 1-18, rates of incident COVID-19 in the surrounding community rose steadily. Weekly staff and student screening identified 0-7 asymptomatic cases/week. In week 7, 5 cases were identified among staff who shared an office setting. Enhancements to mitigation strategies were undertaken. The proportion of survey respondents self-reporting comfort with in-person learning before versus after implementation of screening increased.

Limitations

Because screening testing was not mandatory, the results from the participating population might not represent the entire school community.

Conclusions

In this school district with layered mitigation measures, in-school transmission was rare. The program identified a cluster with in-school staff-to-staff transmission and spurred enhancement of safety strategies. A weekly COVID-19 screening program can provide critical data to inform mitigation efforts, and provides school-specific, current data to inform decisions about in-person learning models. Screening provided reassurance and identified asymptomatic cases.

Funding

The Wellesley Education Foundation provided funding for the testing.
Older biological age is associated with adverse COVID-19 outcomes: A cohort study in UK Biobank
Authors: Wang Qingning , Codd Veryan , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Musicha Crispin , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Kaptoge Stephen , Allara Elias , Angelantonio Emanuele Di , Butterworth Adam S. , Wood Angela M. , Thompson John R. , Petersen Steffen E , Harvey Nicholas C. , Danesh John N. , Samani Nilesh J. , Nelson Christopher P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Older chronological age is the most powerful risk factor for adverse coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcomes. It is uncertain, however, whether older biological age, as assessed by leucocyte telomere length (LTL), is also associated with COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods

We associated LTL values obtained from participants recruited into UK Biobank (UKB) during 2006-2010 with adverse COVID-19 outcomes recorded by 30 November 2020, defined as a composite of any of the following: hospital admission, need for critical care, respiratory support, or mortality. Using information on 131 LTL-associated genetic variants, we conducted exploratory Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses in UKB to evaluate whether observational associations might reflect cause-and-effect relationships.

Findings

Of 6,775 participants in UKB who had tested positive for infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the community, there were 914 (13.5%) with adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The odds ratio (OR) for adverse COVID-19 outcomes was 1·17 (95% CI 1·05-1·31; P=0·004) per 1-SD shorter usual LTL, after adjustment for chronological age, sex and ethnicity. Similar ORs were observed in analyses that: adjusted for additional risk factors; disaggregated the composite outcome and reduced the scope for selection or collider bias. In MR analyses, the OR for adverse COVID-19 outcomes was directionally concordant but non-significant.

Interpretation

Shorter LTL, indicative of older biological age, is associated with higher risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes, independent of several major risk factors for COVID-19 including chronological age. Further data are needed to determine whether this association reflects causality.

Funding

UK Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and British Heart Foundation.
Psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic: Identification of most vulnerable populations
Authors: Farrés Judith , Ruiz José Luis , Mas José Manuel , Arias Lilibeth , Sarrias Maria-Rosa , Armengol Carolina , Cardona Pere-Joan , Muñoz-Moreno José A. , Vilaplana Miriam , Arranz Belén , Usall Judith , Serrano-Blanco Antoni , Vilaplana Cristina
Published: March 2021

With the aim of analyzing the psychosocial impact of Covid-19 pandemic on society in general and health care workers in particular, we developed a 74-question survey questionnaire which was shared through social media. After analyzing 56,656 responses obtained during the first pandemic peak, the results showed an early and important negative impact on family finances, fear of working with Covid-19 patients and ethical issues related to Covid-19 care among healthcare workers (HCW). We have identified 7 target groups at higher risk of impaired mental health and susceptible to benefiting from an intervention: women, under 42 years of age, people with care burden, socio-economically deprived groups, people with unskilled or unqualified jobs, Covid-19 patients, and HCW working with Covid-19 patients. These results should encourage the active implementation of specific strategies to increase resilience in these groups and to prepare an adequate organizational response.

Summary box

What is already known?

Studies in small cohorts have reported an important impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the general population at several levels

According to previous studies in small cohorts, approximately 20% of the population suffered from impaired mental health status due to the pandemic

What are the new findings?

We have studied 56,656 survey questionnaires to assess the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on health status, family finances, habits, general health and mental health status, and ethics, especially in health care workers

We have identified 7 target groups susceptible to benefitting from an intervention, and which should be taken into account when designing new contention measures against the pandemic

What do the new findings imply?

The design and active implementation of interventions to build individual resilience, especially for the targeted populations described, and preparation of an appropriate organizational response are key

The results obtained in this project could help local and national Governments to design or adjust coping measures against future outbreaks
Calculating absorption dose when X-ray irradiation modifies material quantity and chemistry
Authors: Berejnov Viatcheslav , Rubinstein Boris , Melo Lis G. A. , Hitchcock Adam P.
Published: March 2021

X-ray absorption is a sensitive and versatile tool for chemical speciation. However, when high doses are used, the absorbed energy can change the composition, amount and structure of the native material, thereby changing the aspects of the absorption process on which speciation is based. How can one calculate the dose when X-ray irradiation affects the chemistry and changes the amount of the material? This paper presents an assumption-free approach which can retrieve from the experimental data all dose-sensitive parameters – absorption coefficients, composition (elemental molecular units), material densities – which can then be used to calculate accurate doses as a function of irradiation. This approach is illustrated using X-ray damage to a solid film of a perfluorosulfonic acid fluoropolymer in a scanning transmission soft X-ray microscope. This new approach is compared against existing dose models which calculate the dose by making simplifying assumptions regarding the material quantity, density and chemistry. While the detailed measurements used in this approach go beyond typical methods to experimental analytical X-ray absorption, they provide a more accurate quantitation of radiation dose, and help to understand mechanisms of radiation damage.
A coherent harmonic generation method for producing femtosecond coherent radiation in a laser plasma accelerator based light source
Authors: Liu Weihang , Feng Chao , Jiao Yi , Wang Sheng
Published: March 2021

The electron beam generated in laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) has two main initial weaknesses – a large beam divergence (up to a few milliradians) and a few percent level energy spread. They reduce the beam brightness and worsen the coherence of the LPA-based light source. To achieve fully coherent radiation, several methods have been proposed for generating strong microbunching on LPA beams. In these methods, a seed laser is used to induce an angular modulation into the electron beam, and the angular modulation is converted into a strong density modulation through a beamline with nonzero longitudinal position and transverse angle coupling. In this paper, an alternative method to generate microbunching into the LPA beam by using a seed laser that induces an energy modulation and transverse–longitudinal coupling beamlines that convert the energy modulation into strong density modulation is proposed. Compared with the angular modulation methods, the proposed method can use more than one order of magnitude lower seed laser power to achieve similar radiation performance. Simulations show that with the proposed method a coherent pulse of a few microjoules pulse energy and femtosecond duration can be generated with a typical LPA beam.
TVR cinemas: film prioritization and negotiation during crisis
Authors: Mittal Rajkumari , Sinha Parul
Published: March 2021

Learning outcomes

Following are the learning outcomes: recognize the significance of project management as an integrated approach for managing projects in an unprecedented situation. Identify the issues related to managing contemporary projects such as shorter product life cycles, changing customer preferences and last-minute risks. Evaluate the role of sub-domains of project management such as project prioritization, project negotiation, project portfolio system, project risk assessment and management and project stakeholder management.

Case overview/synopsis

It is the year 2020, and the entire world is struggling to cope up with the crisis caused by the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Normal life has come to a standstill. All industries have realized the significance of developing innovative strategies to move to the new normal situation. This case describes the plight of TVR Cinemas, a business vertical of Tiya Group, which caters to the business of production and distribution of Bollywood and Hollywood movies in India. With the lock-down of the Indian subcontinent, the multiplex business is badly hurt. With new norms of sanitation, social distancing, and a ‘stay home stay safe policy’ the company has to devise new ways to sustain in the market. This case invites students to put themselves in the shoes of the company project manager, Mr. Ramchandani, to provide recommendations about deciding ways to release seven pipe-lined Bollywood movie projects, deciding on the appropriate over-the-top (OTT) partner for tie-ups, and devising strategic steps to recover the reputation of the company by launching an OTT platform themselves.

Complexity academic level

The case is useful for introducing basics of project management along with decision making for projects in an uncertain situation. This case can be used for the students of undergraduate/postgraduate/executive level across the modules of project management/project risk management and negotiation management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.
The role of Muslim women in managing the family during crisis: corona pandemic as a model
Authors: Fawaris Haifa F.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the role of Muslim women in managing their families during the corona pandemic crisis. To achieve this aim, the researcher applied the descriptive and analytical approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The Muslim women have had a prominent position consistent with the physical, psychological and mental characteristics that Allah has created them. This status is shown by: affirming their rights in all areas of life; affirming everything that preserved the dignity of women before Islam; and correcting all the conditions that detracted their dignity before the advent of Islam and making them responsible in public Islamic life on the level of: preserving Islam, spreading the Islamic call and achieving the civilization advancement of the Muslim nation.

Findings

The study resulted in many significant results. The most important one of the study results was that, in the context of woman rights and responsibilities she had assumed in Islam, the Muslim woman had a prominent position in Islam. In addition, the mother in the Muslim family had a significant role as a leader, who is capable of managing the family in corona crisis and supporting family members in all aspects such as faith, intellectual endeavors, psychological, social and health, so that they are real leaders.

Originality/value

The study recommends carrying out educational studies that identify and show the role of institutions other than the family in managing emergency crises.
Transdisciplinary sport and physical activity development in urban real-world labs
Authors: Wäsche Hagen , Beecroft Richard , Trenks Helena , Seebacher Andreas , Parodi Oliver
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a research approach that can contribute to a sustainable development of urban spaces for sports and physical activity, comprising theoretical reflections and directions for applied research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research builds on an urban real-world lab in a city district. It is based on principles of transdisciplinary research and intense processes of participation.

Findings

Five projects with regard to sport and physical activity development were implemented. The projects resulted in exchange and learning of citizens and other stakeholders as well as transformations of the social and built environment.

Research limitations/implications

Instead of top-down research and planning this approach enables bottom-up processes in which affected citizens and stakeholders can contribute to sport and physical activity development.

Practical implications

The approach can help to integrate sport and physical activity development and transformative processes of sustainable development in urban areas.

Social implications

Through participation and involvement, citizens can be empowered and social capital can be generated.

Originality/value

Urban real-world labs are a new approach for sport and physical activity development. This approach opens up the possibility to include sport and physical activity development in processes of city development. Hence, urban real-world labs are able to address an integrated urban and sport development process and can be used for city marketing purposes.
Effects of an integrated intervention program for alcoholism (IIPA) on learning, memory and quality of life (QOL) in persons with alcohol dependence at the Centre for Addiction Medicine, Bengaluru, India
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Keshav J. , Benegal Vivek , Roopesh Bangalore N. , Ravi Girikematha S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an integrated intervention program for alcoholism (IIPA) for improving verbal encoding and memory, visuospatial construction, visual memory and quality of life (QoL) in persons with alcohol dependence.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent persons (n = 50), allotted into two groups: (1) the treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 25) and (2) the treatment group (n = 25)]. The groups were matched on age (±1 year) and education (±1 year). The TAU group received standard pharmacological treatment, psychotherapeutic sessions on relapse prevention and yoga for 18 days, while the treatment group received IIPA sessions in addition to the usual treatment. Auditory verbal learning test, complex figure test and QoL scale were administered at pre- and post-treatment along with screening measures.

Findings

The two groups were comparable on demographic variables, clinical characteristics and outcome measures at baseline. Pre- to post-treatment changes (gain scores) comparison between the treatment and TAU groups revealed a significant difference in verbal encoding, verbal and visual memory, verbal recognition, visuospatial construction and QoL.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that IIPA is effective for improving learning and memory in both modality (verbal and visual) and QoL in persons with alcoholism. The IIPA may help in better treatment recovery.

Practical implications

The IIPA may help in treatment for alcoholism and may enhance treatment efficacy.

Originality/value

IIPA is effective for improving learning and memory in both modalities and QoL in persons with alcohol dependence. The IIPA may help in better treatment recovery.
Intergenerational health impact of adverse environment in utero under civil conflict: evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Matsushima Midori
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine how the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) in Cambodia continues to affect the health of the second generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The 2000 and 2005 Cambodia Demographic and Health Surveys were used in the analysis. The study sample were women with a child/children in 2000/2005. The sample population was identified according to whether the person was in utero “91 months or earlier before the Khmer Rouge regime,” “46–90 months before the Khmer Rouge regime” and “1–45 months before the Khmer Rouge regime” and during the Khmer Rouge regime. The authors then regressed the size of babies of the targeted population on the timing of the mothers being in utero.

Findings

Mothers who were in utero during the regime had a higher likelihood of giving birth to smaller-than-average babies. Additionally, mothers born in the areas that had a higher probability of death of children aged five or under during the regime were at risk of giving birth to smaller-than-average babies if they were in utero during that time.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to assess the impact of the Khmer Rouge regime on the health of the second generation.
An exploration of graduate student peer mentorship, social connectedness and well-being across four disciplines of study
Authors: Oddone Paolucci Elizabeth , Jacobsen Michele , Nowell Lorelli , Freeman Georgina , Lorenzetti Liza , Clancy Tracey , Paolucci Alessandra , Pethrick Helen , Lorenzetti Diane L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Student mental well-being is a matter of increasing concern on university campuses around the world. Social, psychological, academic and career aspects of graduate learning are enriched through peer mentorship. Peer-mentoring experiences and the impacts of these relationships on the mental well-being of graduate students remain underexplored in the scholarship of teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to explore how engagement in formal and informal peer mentorship, as described by students across four academic disciplines, impacts the social connectedness and well-being of graduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

A convergent mixed methods research design was used, with quantitative and qualitative data gathered in parallel to gain a comprehensive, corroborated and integrated understanding of graduate students’ perspectives and experiences with peer mentorship. Online survey and interview data were collected from graduate thesis-based master’s EdD and PhD students in education, medicine, nursing and social work. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings

The authors found a commonality of graduate student experiences across disciplines with respect to the diverse psychosocial impacts of graduate peer mentorship. Peer-mentoring relationships offered mentees emotional support, motivation and a sense of community and offered mentors opportunities for self-development and gratification.

Originality/value

This research is unique in its in-depth exploration of the interdisciplinary perspectives and experiences of graduate students from Education, Nursing, Medicine and Social Work. While further research is needed to explore the implementation of structural approaches to support the development of peer-mentoring relationships in graduate education, the multidisciplinary focus and depth and breadth of this inquiry suggest the potential transferability of the study findings to other disciplines and academic settings. The findings from this study further highlight the need for strategic activation of existing program resources to foster greater connectedness and well-being among graduate students.
INFINITI HR – professional employer organizations
Authors: White Susan , Hallows Karen
Published: March 2021

Theoretical basis

Students need to know basic capital budgeting techniques to value INFINITI and its competitors. Issues include how to: handle taxes in a discounted cash flow analysis when valuing an S Corp. where incentives depend on current (known) and future (unknown) tax provisions; value a firm using comparable multiples analysis and transactions data; assess the costs and benefits of acquiring a firm versus being acquired; and analyze an industry and perform a ratio and financial statement analysis.

Research methodology

The case information was obtained through interviews with co-founder Mark Schwaiger. In addition, the authors researched industry and comparable company data, along with current events relating to the professional employer organization (PEO). Financial data was obtained from the owners and competitor data was obtained from Thomson One and Bloomberg.

Case overview/synopsis

INFINITI HR was a PEO providing comprehensive human resources to their clients. Co-founders Scott Smrkovski and Mark Schwaiger were at a crossroads at the end of 2015 trying to determine the best course of action to take with their company to grow and prosper. One option was for INFINITI to be acquired by a larger company and the second option was for INFINITI acquire a smaller company. In this case, students have the opportunity to do a financial analysis and evaluation of INFINITI and its competitors to determine which option is the best.

Complexity academic level

This case is intended for an advanced undergraduate or an MBA corporate finance class.