bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The paradox of informality and sustainable human settlement in Botswana
Authors: Mosha Aloysius Clemence , Sungirirai Loyd , Dick Bajehofi Aliciah , Paradza Partson
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to inform policy and contribute to the existing literature on low-income housing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a case study approach was adopted, and data were collected through secondary data collection that is literature survey and through empirical data collection by conducting face to face interviews and survey of key stakeholders, citizens, and government authorities, and in some cases supplemented by on site photography. The data collected from the field was analysed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The questionnaires were coded for scientific analysis of data. The information was presented in a structured way that permits for in-depth analysis of the data.

Findings

In this study, many paradoxes were noted defying common sense, but nonetheless, they require a solution. It has been concluded that, while efforts to improve settlements and anticipate future ones are becoming more common, the desire for eradication persists in many towns in Botswana.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is that it was done during the period of COVID-19 induced movement restrictions. As a result, the preferred face to face interviews with key informants were not possible.

Practical implications

This research informed policy on low-income housing in Botswana. The Government of Botswana can use the findings of this study to formulate policies which help in alleviating challenges currently faced in practice when implementing low-income housing projects. The concept of low-income housing has been adopted by many developing countries including in Africa. As such, results of this study can also be applicable in other developing countries where they can be used as a starting point for evaluating the success of policies and the practice of low-income housing.

Originality/value

This work made original contribution to knowledge by putting the plight of housing the urban poor in Botswana will in perspective.
How do work–life support practices impact bank employees' subjective well-being?
Authors: Roy Ishita , Arefin Md. Shamsul , Rahman Md. Sahidur
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Based on the social exchange theory, the paper aims to explore the effects of work–life support (WLS) practices on subjective well-being through work engagement and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of 332 bank employees were collected in three waves and analyzed using AMOS and PROCESS macro.

Findings

The study revealed that WLS practices influenced employees' subjective well-being both directly and indirectly. The study's results further supported the serial mediation of the indirect effect through work engagement and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Organizational WLS practices are supposed to play an effective role in helping employees increase subjective well-being. Organizations should attach importance to implementing WLS practices to ensure that employees are engaged and satisfied. Furthermore, organizations should undertake and communicate favorable WLS practices to stimulate employees' work and non-work well-being.

Originality/value

The study is the first that examines the impact of WLS practices on employees' subjective well-being. Furthermore, the study offers novel insights regarding the dual mediation effect of work engagement and job satisfaction in the relationship between WLS practices and subjective well-being.
What if employees with intrinsic work values are given autonomy in worker co-operatives? Integration of the job demands–resources model and supplies–values fit theory
Authors: Park Rhokeun
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study explores the role of intrinsic work values as a motivator in the workplace. By integrating the job demands–resources model and supplies–values fit theory, it also investigates whether autonomy and worker co-operatives can strengthen the intrinsic motivation of employees who have strong intrinsic work values.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal surveys collected at 25 worker co-operatives and 27 corporations were analyzed with a model in which a moderated mediation model and a mediated moderation model are integrated.

Findings

The results revealed that individuals with strong intrinsic work values had stronger intrinsic motivation and engaged less frequently in job search behavior. The moderation analyses demonstrated that employees with strong intrinsic work values were more strongly motivated in worker co-operatives than in corporations and that this result was obtained because more autonomy was granted in worker co-operatives than in corporations.

Research limitations/implications

To date, little research has examined the moderating roles of autonomy and worker co-ops in the associations of intrinsic work values with employee motivation and behavior. The present study contributes to the literature on work values and worker co-operatives by providing evidence that autonomy and worker co-operatives can accelerate intrinsic motivation of employees with intrinsic work values.

Practical implications

Managers should grant employees enough autonomy and opportunities to participate in decision-making to stimulate their motivation, especially for employees with strong intrinsic work values.

Originality/value

By integrating the job demands–resources model with the supplies–values fit theory, this study proposes interaction effects of a personal resource with job and organizational resources on intrinsic motivation.
Fabrication of poly(AA)-chitosan nanoparticles graft copolymer via microwave irradiation system for enhancing water solubility and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Mostafa Khaled
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study previously prepared and fully characterized chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) as a starting substrate and microwave initiation technique for grafting acrylic acid (AA). This was done to see the influence of both CNPs with respect to well-dispersed nanosized particles, large surface areas, biodegradability, biocompatibility and reactivity and microwave initiation technique with respect to reduction in organic solvents, toxic chemical initiator and exposer time on exploiting the graft yield % and enhancing water solubility and antibacterial properties.

Design/methodology/approach

For evaluating the best accurate standard metrological method for calculating the graft yield %, the grafting parameters were stated in terms of graft yield percent and measured gravimetrically (based on dry weight method) and titrimetrically (based on carboxyl content). Microwave power, AA and CNPs concentrations and reaction duration were shown to be the most important parameters influencing the grafting process.

Findings

The optimum reaction conditions were obtained when CNPs 1.5 g, AA 150 bows, microwave irradiation power 500 W and reaction duration 120 s were used. Various analytical methods were used to characterize CNPs and poly(AA)–CNPs graft copolymers. According to the findings, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy examination determines the attachment of carboxyl groups to CNPs chains. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the copolymers were more thermally stable than CNPs counterparts. Furthermore, the resulting copolymers were shown to have greater water solubility biodegradability resistance and antibacterial properties than CNPs counterpart. Finally, a preliminary mechanism demonstrating all occasions that occur during the polymerization reaction has been proposed.

Originality/value

The advancement addressed here is undertaken using previously prepared and fully characterized CNPs as a green bio-nanocompatible polymer and microwave initiation technique as green and efficient tool with respect to reduction in organic solvents toxic chemical initiator and exposer time for grafting AA.
Corporate governance and firm performance in hybrid model countries
Authors: Mendoza-Velázquez Alfonso , Ortuño-Barba Luis Carlos , Conde-Cortés Luis David
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the dynamic nexus between corporate governance (CG) and firm performance in hybrid model countries. It also investigates the effect of horizontal agency conflicts on CG adherence.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses vector autoregression methods and dynamic panels to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between CG and performance, using three CG adherence indexes of transparency, management and board governance. The data set includes annual market and firm performance data from a sample of 93 companies trading in the Mexican stock market for the period 2010–2016.

Findings

This study finds evidence of dynamic interdependence between CG and firm performance, as well as weak effects of CG adherence on firms’ performance. The adverse effect of increasing return on equity and return on assets (ROE-ROA) gaps on CG adherence, which results from agency conflicts and insider ownership, is likely behind the weak association between CG and firm performance.

Originality/value

The findings in this study provide evidence that hybrid systems weaken the nexus between CG and firm performance. The propensity to prefer banking and bond debt to issuing stocks, as indicated by a greater ROE-ROA gap, points to favorable provisions for majority shareholders, adverse normative environments for minority shareholders and a low level of compliance with CG measures, among other problems.
Feedback trading: a review of theory and empirical evidence
Authors: Economou Fotini , Gavriilidis Konstantinos , Gebka Bartosz , Kallinterakis Vasileios
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review a large and heterogeneous body of academic literature on investors' feedback trading, one of the most popular trading patterns observed historically in financial markets. Specifically, the authors aim to synthesize the diverse theoretical approaches to feedback trading in order to provide a detailed discussion of its various determinants, and to systematically review the empirical literature across various asset classes to gauge whether their feedback trading entails discernible patterns and the determinants that motivate them.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the high degree of heterogeneity of both theoretical and empirical approaches, the authors adopt a semi-systematic type of approach to review the feedback trading literature, inspired by the RAMESES protocol for meta-narrative reviews. The final sample consists of 243 papers covering diverse asset classes, investor types and geographies.

Findings

The authors find feedback trading to be very widely observed over time and across markets internationally. Institutional investors engage in feedback trading in a herd-like manner, and most noticeably in small domestic stocks and emerging markets. Regulatory changes and financial crises affect the intensity of their feedback trades. Retail investors are mostly contrarian and underperform their institutional counterparts, while the latter's trades can be often motivated by market sentiment.

Originality/value

The authors provide a detailed overview of various possible theoretical determinants, both behavioural and non-behavioural, of feedback trading, as well as a comprehensive overview and synthesis of the empirical literature. The authors also propose a series of possible directions for future research.
Fifteen years of the Social Responsibility Journal: a retrospective using bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kumar Satish , Pandey Nitesh , Kaur Jaspreet
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The Social Responsibility Journal (SRJ) celebrates 15 years of publication in 2019. The purpose of this study is to map the development in the publication, citation and themes of SRJ articles between 2005 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Scopus database to analyze the highest contributing authors, institutions and countries published in SRJ. It also identifies the most cited SRJ articles, journals citing SRJ and journals cited by SRJ. This study conducts a performance analysis using bibliometric indicators to analyze the publication and citation structure of SRJ, in addition to science mapping using bibliographic coupling to analyze the themes of SRJ. Further, this study provides a temporal analysis of SRJ publishing across three different time periods over its 15-year run.

Findings

From 2005 to 2019, SRJ increased its annual publication from 23 to 63 articles. The citations have followed a similar trend, with an increase from zero citations in 2005 to more than 1,200 citations in 2019. Authors from all around the world have contributed to the journal on themes like business ethics, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, firm outcomes and stakeholders. Attention to themes related to corporate social responsibility, corporate governance and their influence on firm outcomes has increased across different time periods, while themes related to business ethics and stakeholders have garnered continuous – if not increasing – attention across different time periods.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to data acquired from the Scopus database.

Originality/value

This study provides the first overview of SRJ’s publication and citation trends alongside its thematic structure.
Knowledge activities applied | towards a holistic knowledge management approach in the software industry
Authors: Dietze Martin , Kahrens Marion
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to close the gap between the generic concept of knowledge activities (KAs) and implementing them in the context of software engineering organisations concentrating on the non-technical aspects, such as team organisation and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research used a questionnaire with practitioners such as software developers and team leads who were asked to provide feedback on a set of team practices and measures typically used in software engineering projects and assess their relation to the activities of acquiring, codifying, storing, maintaining, transferring and creating knowledge. The obtained results were analysed using frequency analysis and further descriptive statistics yielding a matrix linking the investigated team practices and measures to KAs.

Findings

Team practices and measures commonly applied in software engineering can be facilitated to trigger particular KAs. While most of these team practices and measures originate from agile methods, they are not restricted to these. A purposeful composition can help in assembling a balanced set of KAs aimed at fostering given knowledge goals in software engineering organisations.

Practical implications

By bridging the communication and terminology gap between knowledge management research and software engineering practitioners, this work lays the foundation for assessing software teams’ knowledge profiles more easily and creating prerequisites for implementing knowledge management by facilitating common practices and measures often already part of their daily work. Hence, overhead can be avoided when implementing knowledge management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study investigating application and relevance of KAs in the software industry by linking them to practices and measures well-accepted in software engineering, thus providing the necessary vocabulary for the implementation of knowledge management in software development teams.
From nature reserve to mosaic management: Improving matrix survival, not permeability, benefits regional populations under habitat loss and fragmentation
Authors: Yamaura Yuichi , Fletcher Robert J. , Lade Steven J. , Higa Motoki , Lindenmayer David
Published: February 2022

Although matrix improvement in fragmented landscapes is a promising conservation measure, matrix permeability (willingness of an organism to enter the matrix) and movement survival in the matrix are usually aggregated. Consequently, it is unknown which matrix property needs to be improved. It also remains unclear whether matrix upgrading from dispersal passage to providing reproduction opportunities has large conservation benefits and whether there are interactive effects between habitat and matrix management.

We examined matrix effects on regional populations across a gradient of habitat loss and fragmentation using simulation experiments that integrated demographic processes and movement modelling based on circuit theory. We separately modified the levels of matrix permeability and movement survival to evaluate their individual effects. We also altered the amount and configuration of not only habitat but also improved matrix to assess their effects on population vital rates (size, survival and density).

In binary landscapes comprising habitat and unimproved matrix, matrix movement survival had larger effects on population vital rates than matrix permeability. Increasing movement survival increased vital rates, yet, increasing matrix permeability decreased vital rates. Increased permeability required corresponding increased movement survival to offset potential negative population outcomes.

When subsets of the matrix functioning as dispersal passage only (where no reproduction opportunities existed) were improved, increasing matrix permeability but holding movement survival constant reduced all vital rates, especially with increasing habitat fragmentation. In contrast, when movement survival increased, vital rates increased given strong habitat fragmentation. The benefits of upgrading dispersal passage to provide reproduction opportunities for population survival were greatest when habitat amount was moderate. We also found synergetic effects between amounts of habitat and improved matrix, and the benefits of matrix improvement were promoted when improvement was achieved in a spatially aggregated manner.

Synthesis and applications. Matrix improvement and connectivity modelling aimed at increasing movement survival will likely bring larger conservation benefits than those for improving permeability alone. Buffering and connecting habitat remnants with improved matrix could provide benefits as long as movement survival is increased. Simultaneous implementation of habitat management and matrix improvement would yield synergistic conservation benefits.
Label‐free proteomics approach reveals candidate proteins in rice (Oryza sativa L.) important for ACC deaminase producing bacteria‐mediated tolerance against salt stress
Authors: Roy Choudhury Aritra , Roy Swapan Kumar , Trivedi Pankaj , Choi Jeongyun , Cho Kun , Yun Sung Ho , Walitang Denver I. , Park Jung‐Ho , Kim Kiyoon , Sa Tongmin
Published: February 2022

The omics‐based studies are important for identifying characteristic proteins in plants to elucidate the mechanism of ACC deaminase producing bacteria‐mediated salt tolerance. This study evaluates the changes in the proteome of rice inoculated with ACC deaminase producing bacteria under salt‐stress conditions. Salt stress resulted in a significant decrease in photosynthetic pigments, whereas inoculation of Methylobacterium oryzae CBMB20 had significantly increased pigment contents under normal and salt‐stress conditions. A total of 76, 51 and 33 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified in non‐inoculated salt‐stressed plants, bacteria‐inoculated plants under normal and salt stress conditions respectively. The abundances of proteins responsible for ethylene emission and programmed cell death were increased, and that of photosynthesis‐related proteins were decreased in non‐inoculated plants under salt stress. However, bacteria‐inoculated plants had shown higher abundance of antioxidant proteins, RuBisCo and ribosomal proteins that are important for enhancing stress tolerance and improving plant physiological traits. Collectively, salt stress might affect plant physiological traits by impairing photosynthetic machinery and accelerating apoptosis leading to a decline in biomass. However, inoculation of plants with bacteria can assist in enhancing photosynthetic activity, antioxidant activities and ethylene regulation related proteins for attenuating salt‐induced apoptosis and sustaining growth and development.
Melanin synthesis genes BgTH and BgDdc affect body color and cuticle permeability in Blattella germanica
Authors: Bai Tian‐Tian , Pei Xiao‐Jin , Liu Tong‐Xian , Fan Yong‐Liang , Zhang Shi‐Ze
Published: February 2022

Melanin is involved in cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization of insects, which is critical for maintaining structural integrity and functional completeness of insect cuticle. The 2 key enzymes of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC) predicted in melanin biosynthesis are usually conserved in insects. However, it is unclear whether their function is related to epidermal permeability. In this study, we identified and cloned the gene sequences of BgTH and BgDdc from Blattella germanica, and revealed that they both showed a high expression at the molting, and BgTH was abundant in the head and integument while BgDdc was expressed highest in the fat body. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we found that knockdown of BgTH caused molting obstacles in some cockroaches, with the survivors showing pale color and softer integuments, while knockdown of BgDdc was viable and generated an abnormal light brown body color. Desiccation assay showed that the dsBgTH‐injected adults died earlier than control groups under a dry atmosphere, but dsBgDdc‐injected cockroaches did not. In contrast, when dsRNA‐treated cockroaches were reared under a high humidity condition, almost no cockroaches died in all treatments. Furthermore, with eosin Y staining assay, we found that BgTH‐RNAi resulted in a higher cuticular permeability, and BgDdc‐RNAi also caused slight dye penetration. These results demonstrate that BgTH and BgDdc function in body pigmentation and affect the waterproofing ability of the cuticle, and the reduction of cuticular permeability may be achieved through cuticle melanization.
Targeting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in pancreatic β‐cells to enhance their survival and function: An emerging therapeutic strategy for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Camaya Inah , Donnelly Sheila , O'Brien Bronwyn
Published: February 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of the insulin‐producing β‐cells within the pancreas. Islet transplantation represents one cure; however, during islet preparation and post transplantation significant amounts of β‐cell death occur. Therefore, prevention and cure of T1D is dependent upon the preservation of β‐cell function and the prevention of β‐cell death. Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for T1D due to its pronounced effects on cellular survival, proliferation, and metabolism. A growing amount of evidence indicates that PI3K/Akt signaling is a critical determinant of β‐cell mass and function. Modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, directly (via the use of highly specific protein and peptide‐based biologics, excretory/secretory products of parasitic worms, and complex constituents of plant extracts) or indirectly (through microRNA interactions) can regulate the β‐cell processes to ultimately determine the fate of β‐cell mass. An important consideration is the identification of the specific PI3K/Akt pathway modulators that enhance β‐cell function and prevent β‐cell death without inducing excessive β‐cell proliferation, which may carry carcinogenic side effects. Among potential PI3K/Akt pathway agonists, we have identified a novel parasite‐derived protein, termed FhHDM‐1 (Fasciola hepatica helminth defense molecule 1), which efficiently stimulates the PI3K/Akt pathway in β‐cells to enhance function and prevent death without concomitantly inducing proliferation unlike several other identified stimulators of PI3K/Akt signaling . As such, FhHDM‐1 will inform the design of biologics aimed at targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway to prevent/ameliorate not only T1D but also T2D, which is now widely recognized as an inflammatory disease characterized by β‐cell dysfunction and death. This review will explore the modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as a novel strategy to enhance β‐cell function and survival.
Geochronology and Petrogeochemistry of Metallogenic Intrusions in the Shanmen Large‐scale Silver Deposit in the Siping Area of Jilin Province, NE China
Authors: REN Yunsheng , SUN Xinhao , CAO Peng , HAO Yujie , GAO Yu
Published: February 2022

The Shanmen deposit, located in the Siping area of Jilin Province, is one of large‐scale silver deposits in Northeast (NE) China. Due to its high Ag grade, associated gold resources and special tectonic location, this deposit has important theoretical and ore‐prospecting significance. To present new data on the ore genesis, mineralization time and tectonic settings, the relationship between silver mineralization and intrusions in this deposit has been studied and some analyses have been carried out, including LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dating, whole‐rock major and trace element analysis and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope analysis of the granitoids associated with silver mineralization. Studies on deposit geology indicate that the ore‐hosting granodiorite and monzogranite have intimate genetic relationships with silver mineralization. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dating results of the both intrusions are 167.6 ± 1.9 Ma and 167.0 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, implying that the two intrusions and associated silver mineralization in the Shanmen deposit formed during the Middle Jurassic. Major element analytical data suggest that the two intrusions are high‐K calc–alkaline series I‐type granites and belong to metaluminous and peraluminous rocks. Both intrusions have similar REE characteristics with regard to the relative enrichment of LREEs, depletion of HREEs, obvious fractionation of LREEs and HREEs (ΣLREE/ΣHREE = 8.68–14.09, (La/Yb)N= 12.51–21.96), moderately negative Eu anomalies as well as weakly negative Ce anomalies (δEu = 0.56–0.71,δCe = 0.93–1.09). Moreover, the samples are generally enriched in LILEs and depleted in HFSEs. The rock assemblages and geochemical characteristics of granitoids in the Shanmen deposit suggest that they formed in an active continental margin associated with the Paleo‐Pacific plate subduction. The Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope compositions show that both the granodiorite and monzogranite have low Sr initial ratios and high Sm/Nd initial ratios. TheεNd(t) values and young Nd‐model ages are –3.2 to –1.7 and 990 Ma to 1110 Ma, respectively. Considering the Sr‐Nd isotope compositions, in conjunction with the relatively high206Pb,207Pb and208Pb, alongside the relatively low204Pb, it can be concluded that the Middle Jurassic intermediate‐acidic magma represented by the studied monzogranite and granodiorite in the Shanmen deposit, was derived from the partial melting of juvenile lower crust enriched in mantle‐derived materials and affected by the mixing of ancient crustal materials during the ascension and intrusion processes.
Impact of suspending labour companionship during the COVID‐19 pandemic on intrapartum care and delivery outcomes
Authors: Eu Khin‐Shwe , Chung Carmen Diana
Published: February 2022

Background

As part of infection control measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic, labour companionship was suspended intermittently at public hospitals across Hong Kong.

Aims

The aim was to assess the impact of restricting labour companionship on intrapartum care and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study comparing patients admitted for vaginal delivery with and without a labour companion. Deliveries during 1 February to 20 May and 17 July to 11 September 2020 (‘alone group’) were compared to deliveries during the same periods one year earlier when companionship was unrestricted (‘accompanied group’). Outcomes were controlled for age, parity, body mass index, birth weight, education level and induction of labour.

Results

There were 651 and 491 deliveries in the accompanied and alone groups, respectively. Overall, physiological maternal and neonatal outcomes were not significantly different. Neonates in the alone group were more likely to have skin‐to‐skin contact delayed beyond 60 min after delivery (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.45–1.51). None of these infants were exclusively breastfed at the time of discharge.

Conclusions

The presence of a labour companion may encourage earlier initiation of skin‐to‐skin contact, which has been shown to improve bonding experience. However, families that have already been affected by previous restrictions can be provided some reassurance that physiological outcomes do not appear to be significantly different. In addition, interventions that encourage companion involvement, such as breathing exercises and massages, were not hindered, as midwives took on a greater role in supporting the parturient.
Trait self‐control is associated with lower positive affective instability: Findings from an experience sampling survey
Authors: Kaneko Michihiro , Goto Takayuki , Ozaki Yuka , Kuraya Takumi , Kutsuzawa Gaku
Published: February 2022

Several studies have shown that trait self‐control predicts affective instability: higher self‐control is related to lower affective instability (or higher stability). However, these studies have not discriminated between positive and negative affective instability. In this study, we investigated whether self‐control is related to positive and/or negative affective instability. We conducted an experience sampling survey with 79 participants (20 males and 59 females; Mage = 19.16 years, SDage = 1.11) to measure affective instability and a post‐survey session to measure trait self‐control. In the experience sampling survey period, the participants received six emails a day over 7 days (i.e., 42 signals in total) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at intervals of more than 1 hr and indicated how intensely they experienced positive and negative affect at that time. The results revealed that trait self‐control was related to positive, but not negative, affective instability. We discuss the results and offer some possible explanations for previous findings about the relationship between trait self‐control and affective instability.
Mobile data security: instant messaging in orthopaedics
Authors: McDonald Anna CE , Maling Alexandra , Puttick Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Instant messaging via WhatsApp is used within hospital teams. Group messaging can lead to efficient and non‐hierarchical communication. Despite being end‐to‐end encrypted, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, raising concerns regarding data security. The aims of this study were: (1) to record the prevalence of WhatsApp group instant messaging amongst clinical teams; (2) to ascertain clinician attitudes towards use of instant messaging and (3) to gauge clinicians' awareness of best practice regarding mobile data protection.

Methods

Over a two‐week period in May 2018, clinical nurse specialists in the Auckland District Health Board Orthopaedic department retrospectively collected data from all five team WhatsApp group message threads recording quantity of messages sent and the nature of the messages. Concurrently individuals in these WhatsApp groups completed an anonymous survey of their use of WhatsApp and their awareness of local data security policies and practice.

Results

One thousand three hundred and sixty messages were sent via WhatsApp in a two‐week period. 384 (28%) of the messages contained patient identifiable data. Thirty‐six photos were shared. Participants rated use of WhatsApp at 9.1/10 – extremely beneficial. Sixty‐five percent of clinicians reported they had not read or were unaware of the ADHB policies regarding mobile devices and information privacy and security.

Conclusion

WhatsApp use is widespread within the Orthopaedic department and is the preferred platform of communication with many perceived benefits. Data security is a risk and implementation of appropriate guidelines to assist clinicians in achieving best practice is crucial to ensure patient data remains protected.
Predicting COVID‐19 booster vaccine intentions
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Hamilton Kyra
Published: February 2022

Achieving broad immunity through vaccination is a cornerstone strategy for long‐term management of COVID‐19 infections, particularly the prevention of serious cases and hospitalizations. Evidence that vaccine‐induced immunity wanes over time points to the need for COVID‐19 booster vaccines, and maximum compliance is required to maintain population‐level immunity. Little is known of the correlates of intentions to receive booster vaccines among previously vaccinated individuals. The present study applied an integrated model to examine effects of beliefs from multiple social cognition theories alongside sets of generalized, stable beliefs on individuals' booster vaccine intentions. US residents (N = 479) recruited from an online survey panel completed measures of social cognition constructs (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and risk perceptions), generalized beliefs (vaccine hesitancy, political orientation, and free will beliefs), and COVID‐19 vaccine intentions. Social cognition constructs were related to booster vaccine intentions, with attitude and subjective norms exhibiting the largest effects. Effects of vaccine hesitancy, political orientation, and free will beliefs on intentions were mediated by the social cognition constructs, and only vaccine hesitancy had a small residual effect on intentions. Findings provide preliminary evidence that contributes to an evidence base of potential targets for intervention messages aimed at promoting booster vaccine intentions.
How I manage myeloproliferative neoplasm‐unclassifiable: Practical approaches for 2022 and beyond
Authors: McLornan Donal P. , Hargreaves Rupen , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Harrison Claire N.
Published: February 2022

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)‐unclassifiable (MPN‐U) or not otherwise specified represents a rare, poorly defined and heterogeneous group of MPNs. Disease incidence is difficult to define but likely represents close to 5% of all MPNs when strict World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria are applied. Dynamic review over time is required to assess if the disease can be re‐classified into another MPN entity. A diagnosis of MPN‐U leads to many challenges for both the patient and physician alike including lack of agreed monitoring and therapeutic guidelines, validated prognostic markers and licenced therapies coupled with exclusion from clinical trials. MPN‐U has an inherent risk of an aggressive clinical course and transformation in some but who, and when to treat in the chronic phase, including identifying who may require more aggressive therapy at an earlier stage, remains elusive. Moreover, despite the significant thrombotic risk, there is no agreement on systematic primary thromboprophylaxis. We hereby provide a contemporary overview of MPN‐U in addition to four illustrative cases providing our collective suggested approaches to clinical challenges.
Reduced fracture incidence in patients having surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Nilsson Martin , Ståhl Elin , Åkesson Kristina E , Thier Mark , Nordenström Erik , Almquist Martin , Bergenfelz Anders
Published: February 2022

Objective

The indication of surgery in primary hyperparathyroidism has been controversial, as many patients experience mild disease. The primary aim was to evaluate fracture incidence in a contemporary population‐based cohort of patients having surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. The secondary aim was to investigate whether preoperative serum calcium, adenoma weight or multiglandular disease influence fracture incidence.

Design

A retrospective cohort study with population controls. Primary outcomes, defined by discharge diagnoses and prescriptions, were any fracture and fragility fracture, secondary outcomes were multiple fractures anytime and osteoporosis. Subjects were followed 10 years pre‐ and up to 10 years postoperatively (or 31 December 2015). Multiple events per subject were allowed. Fracture incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for patients pre‐ and postoperatively were tabulated and evaluated with mixed‐effects Poisson regression. Secondary outcomes were evaluated using conditional logistic regression.

Patients

A Swedish nationwide cohort of patients having surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 5009) from the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery between 2003 and 2013 was matched with population controls (n = 14,983). Data were cross‐linked with Statistics Sweden and the National Board of Health and Welfare.

Measurements

Preoperative serum calcium and adenoma weight at pathological examination.

Results

Patients had an increased incidence rate of any fracture preoperatively, IRR 1.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.46), highest in the last year before surgery. Fracture incidence was not increased postoperatively. Serum calcium, adenoma weight and multiglandular disease were not associated with fracture incidence.

Conclusions

Fracture incidence is higher in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism but is normalized after surgery.
How to manage Graves’ disease in women of childbearing potential
Authors: Ashkar Claudia , Sztal‐Mazer Shoshana , Topliss Duncan J.
Published: February 2022

The management of Graves’ disease (GD) in women of childbearing potential has multiple specific complexities. Many factors are involved, which differ at the various stages from preconception, conception, first trimester, later pregnancy, postpartum and lactation, with both maternal and foetal considerations. The incidence and significance of the risks incurred from antithyroid drugs (ATDs) in pregnancy have been re‐evaluated recently and must be balanced against the risks of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism during childbearing years. Contraception is advised until hyperthyroidism is controlled. ATD cessation should be considered in those who are well controlled on low dose therapy before conception and in early pregnancy. Advice on iodine supplementation does not generally differ in those with GD. Radioiodine (RAI) is contraindicated from 6 months preconception until completion of breastfeeding. In all women who have a history of GD, monitoring of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) is strongly recommended during pregnancy, and if elevated, foetal monitoring and assessment of thyroid function in the neonate are required. Of note, RAI increases TRAb for up to a year, making this treatment option even less attractive in this patient group. A small amount of ATD is transferred into breast milk but low doses are safe during lactation. Routine periodic thyroid function testing is recommended in remission to detect postpartum GD recurrence. We present our approach to the Clinical Question ‘How to manage GD in women of childbearing potential?’
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on acute otolaryngology inpatient activity at a tertiary referral centre: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Deekonda Praveena , Mirza Adal Hussain , Jones Huw
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on acute admissions and inpatient activity at a tertiary referral centre.

Design

Retrospective review of coding‐based inpatient electronic records.

Setting

An otolaryngology and head and neck surgery department at a major UK trauma and tertiary referral centre.

Participants

Otolaryngology patients admitted as an emergency over a period of 10 months pre‐COVID19 (01/04/2019‐23/01/2020) and 10 months post‐COVID19 (01/04/2020‐23/01/2021).

Main outcome measures

Baseline characteristics, admission rates, length of stay (LoS), overall mortality and 30‐day mortality.

Results

A total of 1620 records were reviewed; (1066 pre‐COVID19, 554 post‐COVID19). Admissions across all age groups were reduced, with an increase in mean age from 39.88 to 47.4 years (p = .018). LoS remained unchanged (3.85 vs 3.82 days, p = .160). Infection remained the most common presentation, followed secondly by epistaxis which entailed an increased LoS compared to the pre‐COVID19 cohort. GP referrals reduced from 18.3% to 4.2% (n = 195 vs n = 23, p < .001) and ED referrals proportionally increased from 71.9% to 85.9% (n = 766 vs n = 476, p < .001). Critical care admissions were higher in the post‐COVID19 cohort (OR 1.78 (1.07–2.98) [95% CI], p = .027).

There was no significant difference in overall mortality between groups (n = 60, 5.6% vs. n = 33, 6.0%; p = .844). Thirty‐day mortality increased from 0.9% (n = 12) pre‐COVID19 to 2.3% (n = 13) post‐COVID19 (p = .039).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates significant changes and a reduction in acute otolaryngology presentations. Our findings may suggest that sicker, frailer patients were admitted during the pandemic. This study reports the observational effect that the pandemic has had on acute otolaryngology admissions, which may be relevant in addressing unmet care needs in the post‐pandemic period.
Neural correlates of inhibitory control and associations with cognitive outcomes in Bangladeshi children exposed to early adversities
Authors: Sullivan Eileen F. , Xie Wanze , Conte Stefania , Richards John E. , Shama Talat , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: February 2022

There is strong support for the view that children growing up in low‐income homes typically evince poorer performance on tests of inhibitory control compared to those growing up in higher income homes. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the work documenting this association has been conducted in high‐income countries. It is not yet known whether the mechanisms found to mediate this association would generalize to children in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where the risks of exposure to extreme poverty and a wide range of both biological and psychosocial hazards may be greater. We examined relations among early adversity, neural correlates of inhibitory control, and cognitive outcomes in 154 5‐year‐old children living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, an area with a high prevalence of poverty. Participants completed a go/no‐go task assessing inhibitory control and their behavioral and event‐related potential responses were assessed. Cortical source analysis was performed. We collected measures of poverty, malnutrition, maternal mental health, psychosocial adversity, and cognitive skills. Supporting studies in high‐income countries, children in this sample exhibited a longer N2 latency and higher P3 amplitude to the no‐go versus go condition. Unexpectedly, children had a more pronounced N2 amplitude during go trials than no‐go trials. The N2 latency was related to their behavioral accuracy on the go/no‐go task. The P3 mean amplitude, behavioral accuracy, and reaction time during the task were all associated with intelligence‐quotient (IQ) scores. Children who experienced higher levels of psychosocial adversity had lower accuracy on the task and lower IQ scores.
The mechanosensor Filamin A/Cheerio promotes tumourigenesis via specific interactions with components of the cell cortex
Authors: Külshammer Eva , Kilinc Merve , Csordás Gábor , Bresser Tina , Nolte Hendrik , Uhlirova Mirka
Published: February 2022

Cancer development has been linked to aberrant sensing and interpretation of mechanical cues and force‐generating properties. Here, we show that upregulation of the actin crosslinking protein Cheerio (Cher), the fly ortholog of Filamin A (FLNA), and the conformation of its mechanosensitive region (MSR) are instrumental to the malignancy of polarity‐deficient, Ras‐driven tumours in Drosophila epithelia. We demonstrate that impaired growth and cytoskeletal contractility of tumours devoid of cher can be rescued by stimulating myosin activity. Profiling the Cher interactome in tumour‐bearing imaginal discs identified several components of the cell cortex, including the β‐heavy Spectrin Karst (Kst), the scaffolding protein Big bang (Bbg), and 14‐3‐3ε. We show that Cher binds Bbg through the MSR while the interaction with 14‐3‐3ε and Kst is MSR‐independent. Importantly, our genetic studies define Bbg, Kst, and 14‐3‐3ε as tumour suppressors. The tumour‐promoting function of Cher thus relies on its capacity to control the contractile state of the cytoskeleton through interactions with myosin and specific components of the cell cortex.
Yield, nutrient quality and water and phosphorus recovery efficiencies of alfalfa under different drip irrigation and phosphorus levels in Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Shengyi , Liu Xuanshuai , Sun Yanliang , Ma Chunhui , Gu Xinli , Zhang Qianbing
Published: February 2022

Rational water and fertiliser management have an important impact on alfalfa production. This research aimed to explore the effects of water and phosphorus (P) fertiliser on water‐use efficiency (WUE) and phosphorus‐recovery efficiency (PRE) of each cut of alfalfa under drip irrigation and to determine the optimal interaction ratio of water and phosphorus to improve the quality and yield of alfalfa. Different irrigation levels were set, i.e., 5250, 6000 and 6750 m3/ha (referred to as W1, W2, W3, respectively), and P fertiliser levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha P2O5 referred to as P0, P1, P2, P3, respectively) were set to determine the hay yield and nutrient quality of each cut of alfalfa under drip irrigation. The hay yield of each cut of alfalfa increased first and then decreased with increased P fertiliser under the same irrigation amount. WUE decreased gradually with an increasing amount of irrigation under the same P application rate. The WUE of alfalfa increased first and then decreased with the increase of P application rate under the same irrigation amount, and WUE was 0.20%–4.75% (2016) and 1.31%–6.22% (2017) higher in the P treatments than in the non‐phosphorus treatments. PRE decreased gradually with increasing P application rate under the same irrigation amount. Therefore, we concluded that moderate irrigation (6000 m3/ha) and P fertiliser (100 kg/ha) optimised WUE, PRE, hay yield and nutrient quality.
Effect of fertilization and plant protection treatments on seed yield and seed quality of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.)
Authors: Gaier Lukas , Krautzer Bernhard , Graiss Wilhelm , Klingler Andreas , Poetsch Erich M.
Published: February 2022

The propagation and seed multiplication of site‐adapted and drought‐tolerant grass varieties are essential to provide high‐quality forage in temperate grasslands. A field experiment was conducted from 2016–2019 on orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in the province of Styria, Austria. Treatment effects of sulfur, fungicide application and a plant growth regulator, singly and in combination, on seed yield and its reproduction parameters were tested under two different fertilizer nitrogen management systems (single application [N1] and split application [N2]). In terms of seed yield, a combination of all treatments compared to fertilization‐only treatment showed a significant increase of 22% under N2 fertilization. In terms of the thousand seed weight, the fungicide treatments and a combination of all treatments performed significantly better than other treatments within N1 and N2. The use of fungicide and a combination of all treatments also significantly increased the germination capacity in N1. Therefore, a combination of all plant protection treatments is recommended to optimize seed yield, thousand seed weight and germination capacity.