bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of finite elements modeling to analyze phase shifting transformer in steady-state service conditions
Authors: Ciesielski Marcel , Witczak Pawel Zygmunt
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to find a fast-acting numerical model of the phase shifter.

Design/methodology/approach

The 3D FE model of the investigated unit is presented and compared with the results of the measurements. Due to its size, it is not suitable for transient analyses. The simplified 2D finite elements approach is discussed afterwards, with the identity of the magnetic energy stored in both models as the criterion of similarity between 2D and 3D models.

Findings

The introduction of scaling factors for the magnetic permeability values in particular volumes of the two-transformer set of the phase shifter enabled acceptable accuracy in calculations of the basic exploitation parameters of the phase shifter.

Research limitations/implications

The developed methodology allows the analysis of the exploitation conditions of two separated transformers connected in a power grid inside the single finite elements model.

Originality/value

Although the numerical models of power transformers are extensively discussed in the literature, the usage of the equivalent fast 2D model for the representation of two cooperating transformers at load conditions was not published yet.
CSR, marketing capabilities and human resource development: the endogenous role of network capabilities
Authors: Binh Tu Van , Duong Linh Nguyen Khanh , Thy Ngo Giang , Khoa Huynh Dang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between human resource development (HRD) and the interaction between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and marketing capabilities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses the extended regression model on a sample of 2,649 food SMEs in Vietnam.

Findings

This research found that CSR and marketing strategies positively influence HRD; the interaction of CSR and marketing capabilities has a negative effect on HRD; the endogenous role of network capabilities on the effects of CSR and marketing capabilities on HRD.

Originality/value

This research helps food companies use their resources in allocating resources for CSR and conduct marketing reasonably and effectively. This study highlights that the impact of CSR and marketing on HRD is dominated by endogenous networking.
Investigating critical failure drivers of construction project at planning stage in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsulamy Saleh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the constraints and restrictions and their impact on the construction projects in Saudi Arabia from three key participants' perspectives for the planning stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a descriptive-analytical approach, this research described and analyzed the frequency and severity of failure factors in construction projects in the planning stage using a five-Likert scale questionnaire in Saudi Arabia construction between 2019 and 2020. A total of 100 experts from contractors, consultants and owners were included in the study.

Findings

The findings have shown that time dispute was the major factor affecting the projects to be failed. Similarly, cost overrun and total abandonment have an impact on project failures. The findings have indicated that government officials were involved in delaying the projects while contractors also failed in the project deliveries.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between failure characteristics and project success measures in the same stage, in addition to, factors of failure for construction projects' life-cycle stages.

Originality/value

The findings have indicated that government officials were involved in delaying the projects while contractors also failed in the project deliveries.
Taking the lead in misinformation-related conversations in social media networks during a mass shooting crisis
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Britt Brian C. , Kanthawala Shaheen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Misinformation (i.e. information identified as false) spreads widely and quickly on social media – a space where crowds of ordinary citizens can become leading voices – during a crisis when information is in short supply. Using the theoretical lenses of socially curated flow and networked gatekeeping frameworks, we address the following three aims: First, we identify emergent opinion leaders in misinformation-related conversations on social media. Second, we explore distinct groups that contribute to online discourses about misinformation. Lastly, we investigate the actual dominance of misinformation within disparate groups in the early phases of mass shooting crises.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used network and cluster analyses of Twitter data that focused on the four most prevalent misinformation themes surrounding the El Paso mass shooting.

Findings

A total of seven clusters of users emerged, which were classified into five categories: (1) boundary-spanning hubs, (2) broadly popular individuals, (3) reputation-building hubs, (4) locally popular individuals and (5) non-opinion leaders. Additionally, a content analysis of 128 tweets in six clusters, excluding the cluster of non-opinion leaders, further demonstrated that the opinion leaders heavily focused on reiterating and propagating misinformation (102 out of 128 tweets) and collectively made zero corrective tweets.

Originality/value

These findings expand the intellectual understanding of how various types of opinion leaders can shape the flow of (mis)information in a crisis. Importantly, this study provides new insights into the role of trans-boundary opinion leaders in creating an echo chamber of misinformation by serving as bridges between otherwise fragmented discourses.
Public-private strategies to establish a successful avocado export cycle: cases from Colombia
Authors: Pérez Luis Fernando , Gómez Miguel I.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the Colombian avocado export industry, identify key insights associated with creating and sustaining the avocado value chain, and to understand the impact of the public policies affecting this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consists of two case studies to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of developing a sustainable avocado value chain in Colombia. One case deals with a vertically integrated business (Arcángel Miguel) while the other focuses on an association of small growers (Asohass). The analysis was informed by a series of interviews with key actors along the avocado supply chain to uncover the business strategies to move avocados to destination markets. The authors compare and contrast approaches to business development, international expansion, and role of public policies.

Findings

The authors found that the strategies followed by these organizations differ in means but aim for the same objective: maximize profits, improve environmental performance, and enhance the social wellbeing of growers. The authors found that each type of business model requires distinct public policies to succeed and different strategies to appropriately allocate efforts. The findings are relevant to other high-value crops and other Latin American countries with similar geographical and social characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

These insights underscore the need of public policies tailored to the specific needs of the different actors in the value chain. The current emphasis on certifications and export markets works well for large agribusinesses, but smallholder growers need policies tailored to new investments in physical, human, and social capital.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on avocado value chains in Latin America, emphasizing the challenges faced by the emergent Colombia avocado sector, a country that only began exporting this commodity in 2010.
Judging an Airbnb booking by its cover: how profile photos affect guest ratings
Authors: Jang Hyunkyu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This research aims to examine whether the facial appearances and expressions of Airbnb host photos influence guest star ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyzed the profile photos of over 20,000 Airbnb hosts and the guest star ratings of over 30,000 Airbnb listings in New York City, using machine learning techniques.

Findings

First, hosts who provided profile photos received higher guest ratings than those who did not provide photos. When facial features of profile photos were recognizable, guest ratings were higher than when they were not recognizable (e.g. faces too small, faces looking backward or faces blocked by some objects). Second, a happy facial expression, blond hair and brown hair positively affected guest ratings, whereas heads tilted back negatively affected guest ratings.

Originality/value

This research is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to analyze the facial appearances and expressions of profile photos using machine learning techniques and examine the influence of Airbnb host photos on guest star ratings.
Diversification benefits of Turkey-based investors: evidence from top trading partners based on a multivariate-GARCH approach
Authors: Kılıç Nagihan , Uluyol Burhan , Hassan Kabir
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to measure portfolio diversification benefits of the Turkey-based equity investors into top trading partner countries. Portfolio diversification benefits are analyzed from the viewpoint of two types of investors in Turkey: conventional equities investors and Islamic equity investors.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to evaluate the time-varying correlations of the trading partner country's stock index returns with the Turkish stock index returns, the multivariate-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity–dynamic conditional correlation (GARCH-DCC) is applied based on daily data covering 13 years' period between January 22, 2008 and January 22, 2021.

Findings

The results revealed that the US stock indices provide the most diversified benefit for both conventional and Islamic Turkey-based equity investors. In general, Islamic indices exhibit relatively lower correlation with trading partners than conventional indices. Turkey and Russia are recorded as the most volatile indices.

Originality/value

The diversification potential in trading partners for Turkey-based Islamic equity investors has not been studied yet. This study is to fill in this gap in the literature and to give fruitful insights to both conventional and Islamic investors.
Confucianism and auditor changes: evidence from China
Authors: Ye Chengang , Wang Yanyan , Wu Yongmin , Jiang Ming , Shahab Yasir , Lu Yang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Confucianism on auditor changes by highlighting the role of the cultural embeddedness mechanism in audit contracts from the perspective of credit governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique sample of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2008 to 2018, this study uses logit regression as the baseline methodology while controlling for macro-level factors and firm-level characteristics, as well as industry and year fixed effects. This study also conducts different mediation/channel analyses, endogeneity tests (using two-stage least squares and difference-in-differences techniques) and robustness checks.

Findings

The findings show that the embeddedness of Confucianism in a corporation reduces auditor changes. Furthermore, the channel analyses (using moral self-discipline, social trust, professional ethics and the quality of accounting information as four potential channels) reveal that Confucianism can improve moral credit and consolidate the cultural foundation of credit governance. Specifically, the stronger the embeddedness of Confucianism, the more stable the auditing contract. Finally, Confucianism in formal and informal systems can be mutually substituted.

Originality/value

There is limited research on how culture affects auditing contracts. This study offers new contributions and extends the literature on the connection between cultural embeddedness and contract stability. Confucianism has the potential to strengthen the efficiency of credit governance and maintain the stability of contracts. This study offers a thoughtful orientation toward duly using Confucianism vis-à-vis credit governance.
The impact of SMEs’ sustainability on competitiveness
Authors: Lopez-Torres Gabriela Citlalli
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in sustainable development. Indeed, national and international governments call for urgent transformations into sustainable development, where firms are affected and affecting this situation. However, recent evidence has shown that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) present low interest, commitment and maturation levels on sustainability; they seem to neglect and question the actual impact of transforming sustainability as a priority in their operations. Thus, this paper aims to measure the impact of sustainability on competitiveness in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This is empirical research on sustainability and competitiveness in SMEs with a quantitative approach through structural equation modeling. Three hundred twenty-five surveys were applied to SMEs’ manufacturing, construction, trade and services, operating in Mexico. Before measuring variables’ multiple correlations, tests were carried out to establish the validity and reliability of the model. The data collection, validation and analysis were carried out with statistical package for social sciences and analysis of moment structures.

Findings

The results indicate a significant positive effect of SMEs’ sustainability on competitiveness. The adjusted measurement model shows validity and reliability through the various tests applied. Thus, firms should not view sustainability as detrimental to their competitiveness.

Originality/value

Because firms are crucial in the urgent sustainability transformation, recent research has shown their low commitment and maturation to sustainability. This research’s originality empirically measures and demonstrates sustainability’s impact on SMEs’ competitiveness. Therefore, empirically testing this impact becomes essential and original to provide better insights into SMEs’ needs to be uncovered, prioritied and done in their specific and evolving contexts.
“A new direction? The “mainstreaming” of sustainability reporting”
Authors: Abela Mario
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current developments to “mainstream” and standardise sustainability reporting and the consequences of those changes. Those changes give rise to the colonisation of sustainability reporting through the adoption of financial reporting concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on critical theory, particularly the work of Foucault, to understand the dynamics of accounting change. This approach provides an alternative to the current narrative that the concepts that underpin reporting are universal and timeless.

Findings

It is suggested that if the aim of mandatory sustainability reporting is to promote companies adopting sustainable business models, then it must properly reflect the context of the company. Both transactive and relationship information is critical to providing an account that can be used to judge the performance of the corporation beyond its production of short-term net positive cash flows.

Practical implications

The design of standard setting arrangements for sustainability reporting needs to recognise that it may be unhelpful to simply adopt financial reporting concepts for the purposes of directing corporate behaviour towards sustainable development.

Social implications

Continuing to adopt a view of the corporation as a nexus of contracts with no clear accountability to stakeholders is likely to stymie efforts to deal with the environmental and social crisis facing people and planet.

Originality/value

Whilst other works have considered the development of sustainability reporting, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to consider the impacts of “mainstreaming” it within mandatory corporate reporting.
COVID-19 and education: insights into the impact of E-learning on accounting education: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Makhlouf Mohammed Hassan , Alani Rawand
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the impact of e-learning on accounting education amid COVID-19 in Jordanian universities from the viewpoint of faculty members.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire is used as a study instrument distributed to faculty members at the Accounting Departments of the Jordanian public and private universities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Forms has been used to distribute 117 questionnaires that have been analyzed via the partial least squares-smart program.

Findings

The results show a negative impact of learning difficulties on accounting education, a negative impact on the personal skills of faculty members on the digitization of accounting education, no impact on the personal skills of faculty members, a positive impact on training courses, the use of technology on accounting education and the digitization of accounting education, as well as a positive impact on the skills of faculty members on the digitization of accounting education.

Research limitations/implications

These results are significant in determining the adequacy of online learning for accounting education at the Accounting Departments of Jordanian public and private universities from the viewpoint of faculty members amid COVID-19.

Originality/value

This study highlights the impact of the e-learning system imposed amid COVID-19 on accounting education, teaching efficiency and the future of accounting education.
Effects of Spartina invasion on the soil organic carbon content in salt marsh and mangrove ecosystems in China
Authors: Xu Xiao , Wei Shujuan , Chen Hongyang , Li Bo , Nie Ming
Published: May 2022

Coastal wetlands are large reservoirs of soil carbon (C) and have been invaded globally by the exotic species Spartina alterniflora. However, the effects of these invasions on soil C content remain unclear.

We performed a meta‐analysis of 2479 soil organic C (SOC) content observations collected from 91 field studies conducted in coastal China, the world's largest introduced range for S. alterniflora.

Spartina alterniflora invasions had no significant effect on the SOC content in vegetated native wetlands in coastal China. S. alterniflora increased the SOC content in the top 30 cm of salt marshes after invading only one of the nine marsh types, which was dominated by a dwarf succulent species, Suaeda salsa in the northern subtropics and decreased the SOC content in the top 60 cm of mangroves dominated by Kandelia obovata and mixed communities after invasion in the southern subtropics. S. alterniflora invasions did not significantly affect the SOC content in the other salt marsh or mangrove ecosystems. Moreover, the SOC content in S. alterniflora‐invaded ecosystems increased only on a decadal scale and then decreased, rather than increasing monotonically.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings reveal that the SOC content of S. alterniflora‐invaded ecosystems is similar to or lower than that of most native ecosystems. As soil bulk density is often reduced by S. alterniflora invasions, the C storage capabilities of vegetated native ecosystems might be substantially reduced after S. alterniflora invasions. Moreover, the SOC content in these invaded ecosystems gradually decreased after long‐term S. alterniflora invasions (>20 years). Therefore, the displacement of native salt marsh or mangrove species by S. alterniflora may not be considered a natural climate solution to increase the C sink in coastal China. Future efforts are required to control S. alterniflora preferentially in coastal wetlands where S. alterniflora invasions do not increase the SOC content, and to conserve and restore native coastal wetlands, which are the core areas of the World Natural Heritage site serving as China's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries that have been severely threatened by S. alterniflora invasions, to increase ecological integrity and C sinks and to mitigate climate change.
Perspectives of college students' attitudes and knowledge about people with disabilities
Authors: Harnek Kegan Diane M. , Vejar Cynthia M. , Martinelli Beasley Lisa A.
Published: May 2022

Although there is a growing presence of college students with disabilities, there are still a number of barriers that need to be addressed. College campuses provide an arena to challenge students' worldviews and bring awareness of challenges to marginalized populations. The present study is an evaluation of a disability awareness workshop for college students to improve knowledge and attitudes about people with disabilities. The workshop included presentations by students with disabilities, professionals who work with people with disabilities, and knowledge‐building activities. It was evaluated using a pre‐test, post‐test comparison group design and was found to improve college students' knowledge and attitudes about people with disabilities. Qualitative analyses further depict attitudes toward people with disabilities. Implications for university initiatives and disability services educators are discussed.
Chemoradiation followed by adjuvant durvalumab in stage III non–small cell lung cancer: Real‐world comparison of treatment outcomes to historical controls treated with chemoradiation alone
Authors: Saad Akram , Goldstein Jeffrey , Appel Sarit , Daher Sameh , Urban Damien , Onn Amir , Gantz‐Sorotsky Hadas , Lobachov Anastasiya , Gottfried Teodor , Spieler Benjamin , Bar Jair
Published: May 2022

Objective

Compare outcomes in patients with stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with chemoradiation and adjuvant durvalumab to historical controls treated with chemoradiation alone.

Methods

The records of patients with stage III NSCLC treated with definitive chemoradiation ± adjuvant durvalumab were reviewed retrospectively. Primary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AE).

Results

Between September 2009 and September 2020, 215 patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiation (n = 144) or concurrent chemoradiation followed by adjuvant durvalumab (n = 71). Compared to historical controls, durvalumab use was associated with improved PFS: median (27 months vs. 10 months, p < 0.0001), 1‐year (83.1% vs. 43.8, p < 0.0001); and improved OS; median (not reached vs. 24 months, p < 0.0001), 1‐year (85.9% vs. 81.9%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed adjuvant durvalumab was associated with increased OS (p = 0.005) and PFS (p = 0.001). Within the durvalumab group, only clinical stage IIIA versus IIIB/C was associated with improved OS (p = 0.049), but not PFS. There was no association between PFS or OS and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, prior history of immune disease, programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) receptor status, delay in starting durvalumab beyond 42 days, or development of an AE. During durvalumab treatment, 63 AE were reported in 52 patients with treatment discontinuation in 11. Pneumonitis was the most common AE reported (n = 35, 49%). Most AE were grade 1–2 (n = 57). Grade 3–4 AE were uncommon (n = 6) and none were grade 5.

Conclusion

Treatment with adjuvant durvalumab following chemoradiation was associated with improved PFS and OS compared to chemoradiation alone.
ACT001 inhibits the proliferation of non‐small cell lung cancer cells by upregulating NKTR expression
Authors: Zhao Min , Qin Tingting , Huang Dingzhi
Published: May 2022

Background

Lung cancer, the primary cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, is diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major histological type of lung malignancy. This study investigated the effect of ACT001, a novel sesquiterpene lactone derivative, on the proliferation of NSCLC cells and explored the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The effect of ACT001 on cell proliferation was examined by clone formation and MTT assay. Differentially expressed genes and enrichment pathways were analyzed by RNA‐seq. Flow cytometry and cell cycle‐related protein expression analysis were performed to study the cell cycle. Phosphorylated AKT was detected to explore the mechanism in natural killer cell triggering receptor (NKTR) KD cells with AKT activator and/or inhibitor. The therapeutic effect of ACT001 in vivo was studied in the xenograft tumor model.

Results

ACT001 inhibited the proliferation and G1/S transition in NSCLC cell lines. By RNA‐seq analysis, NKTR may be the target of ACT001. Moreover, knockdown NKTR promoted cell proliferation and reversed the effects of ACT001. In addition, ACT001 inhibited AKT phosphorylation, but NKTR knockdown promoted AKT phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Our results suggested NKTR may be the target of ACT001 in NSCLC. ACT001 holds promise as a novel method for the treatment of NSCLC.
Guidelines for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department 2 (GRACE‐2): Low‐risk, recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department
Authors: Broder Joshua S. , Oliveira J. e Silva Lucas , Bellolio Fernanda , Freiermuth Caroline E. , Griffey Richard T. , Hooker Edmond , Jang Timothy B. , Meltzer Andrew C. , Mills Angela M. , Pepper Joan D. , Prakken Steven D. , Repplinger Michael D. , Upadhye Suneel , Carpenter Christopher R.
Published: May 2022

This second Guideline for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE‐2) from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine is on the topic “low‐risk, recurrent abdominal pain in the emergency department.” The multidisciplinary guideline panel applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations regarding four priority questions for adult emergency department patients with low‐risk, recurrent, undifferentiated abdominal pain. The intended population includes adults with multiple similar presentations of abdominal signs and symptoms recurring over a period of months or years. The panel reached the following recommendations: (1) if a prior negative computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP) has been performed within 12 months, there is insufficient evidence to accurately identify populations in whom repeat CTAP imaging can be safely avoided or routinely recommended; (2) if CTAP with IV contrast is negative, we suggest against ultrasound unless there is concern for pelvic or biliary pathology; (3) we suggest that screening for depression and/or anxiety may be performed during the ED evaluation; and (4) we suggest an opioid‐minimizing strategy for pain control.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The GRACE‐2 writing group developed clinically relevant questions to address the care of adult patients with low‐risk, recurrent, previously undifferentiated abdominal pain in the emergency department (ED). Four patient‐intervention‐comparison‐outcome‐time (PICOT) questions were developed by consensus of the writing group, who performed a systematic review of the literature and then synthesized direct and indirect evidence to formulate recommendations, following GRADE methodology. The writing group found that despite the commonality and relevance of these questions in emergency care, the quantity and quality of evidence were very limited, and even fundamental definitions of the population and outcomes of interest are lacking. Future research opportunities include developing precise and clinically relevant definitions of low‐risk, recurrent, undifferentiated abdominal pain and determining the scope of the existing populations in terms of annual national ED visits for this complaint, costs of care, and patient and provider preferences.
Acaricidal properties of the selected components, blends and essential oils of species of genus Protium (Burseraceae) against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Born Flávia de Souza , Gomes da Câmara Cláudio Augusto , de Moraes Marcilio Martins , Melo João Paulo Ramos de
Published: May 2022

This study describes the chemical composition of essential oils from the leaves of Protium aracouchine and Protium giganteum, evaluates their acaricidal properties and investigates the role of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in toxicity to Tetranychus urticae by fumigation and residual contact. The chemical analyses revealed that spathulenol (32.2 ± 1.6%) and β‐caryophyllene (27.3 ± 1.1%) were the major constituents of the P. aracouchine and P. giganteum oils, respectively. Both Protium oils were toxic to the mite by fumigation and residual contact. The oils exhibited the same level of toxicity by residual contact, where the P. aracouchine oil was fivefold more toxic by fumigation than the P. giganteum oil. Among the chemical constituents tested, the mite was more susceptible to β‐caryophyllene and spathulenol, independently of the method used. The blends prepared with terpenes selected from the P. giganteum oil had the same level of toxicity as the essential oil. The investigation of the role of terpenes in the form of blends revealed that β‐caryophyllene and spathulenol contributed significantly to the acaricidal effects. These results suggest that the preparation of artificial oils is a promising strategy for the control of T. urticae.
Short‐term mortality following tramadol poisonings in Denmark
Authors: Sørensen Anne Mette Skov , Petersen Janne , Christensen Mikkel Bring , Schelde Astrid Blicher , Andersen Jon Trærup , Jimenez Solem Espen , Petersen Tonny Studsgaard
Published: May 2022

Tramadol is a commonly used opioid with a potential of addiction and abuse. Using Danish nationwide registers, we aimed to (1) characterise opioid poisonings; (2) assess the 30‐day mortality following morphine, oxycodone, and mixed poisonings compared to tramadol poisonings; and (3) assess the development in tramadol poisonings during a 12‐year period.

Poisonings were identified from 2006 to 2017. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 30‐day mortality following morphine, oxycodone or mixed poisonings compared to tramadol poisonings.

We identified 7718 opioid poisonings among 6365 patients. The patients with a tramadol poisoning were younger and had less comorbidities than the patients with a morphine, oxycodone or mixed poisoning. Within 30 days, a total of 205 patients died. The 30‐day mortality risk was higher following morphine (aHR 3.2, 95% CI 2.0–5.1), oxycodone (aHR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.6) and mixed poisonings (aHR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.7) compared to tramadol poisonings. The annual number of tramadol poisonings increased from 233 in 2006 to 501 in 2013 and declined to 348 in 2017.

In conclusion, despite a lower mortality risk compared to other opioid poisonings, physicians should consider the poisoning and abuse risks when prescribing tramadol.
From Hopelessness and Despair to Hope and Recovery: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy as Effective Agent of Change in the Treatment of a Psychiatric Patient
Authors: Sekechi Mahnaz , Chiesa Marco
Published: May 2022

In this paper we present the main features of a 10‐year, twice‐weekly psychoanalytic psychotherapy with a female subject (Clare) who presented with severe depression, self‐harm and suicidality. Serious traumatic events in her upbringing led to the formation of a pathological defensive structure based on a rigid identification with the aggressor, used as a dysfunctional means of protecting her against the threat of severe anxiety and psychic annihilation. Although the prognosis appeared bleak, her motivation for greater self‐understanding, her resilience and her therapist's commitment to analytic work allowed for a strengthening of the therapeutic alliance. Gradually and painfully, Clare succeeded in recognizing the difference between her cruel primary figures and the figure of a caring and containing psychotherapist, which in turn allowed her a more robust internalization of a benign object. The change in the nature of the transference towards greater trust coincided with improvements in her life, in the quality of her interpersonal relationship and external functioning. Psychiatric medication was gradually withdrawn and Clare found a part‐time job. Improvements were maintained by follow‐up consultations. The positive outcome confirms that long‐term psychoanalytically oriented therapy is an effective approach for the treatment of subjects presenting with severe emotional difficulties.
Maternal color‐consciousness is related to more positive and less negative attitudes toward ethnic‐racial outgroups in children in White Dutch families
Authors: Mesman Judi , de Bruijn Ymke , van Veen Daudi , Pektas Fadime , Emmen Rosanneke A. G.
Published: May 2022

A prerequisite to anti‐racist socialization in families is acknowledging ethnic‐racial (power) differences, also known as color‐consciousness. In a sample of 138 White Dutch families from the urban Western region of the Netherlands with children aged 6–10 years (53% girls), observations and questionnaires on maternal color‐consciousness and measures of children's attitudes toward Black and Middle‐Eastern ethnic‐racial outgroups were collected in 2018–2019. Variable‐centered analyses showed that maternal color‐conscious socialization practices were related to less negative child outgroup attitudes only. Person‐centered analysis revealed a cluster of families with higher maternal color‐consciousness and less prejudiced child attitudes, and a cluster with the opposite pattern. The mixed results emphasize the importance of multiple methods and approaches in advancing scholarship on anti‐racism in the family context.
The safety of pranlukast and montelukast during the first trimester of pregnancy: A prospective, two‐centered cohort study in Japan
Authors: Hatakeyama Shiro , Goto Mikako , Yamamoto Ayaka , Ogura Jiro , Watanabe Norikazu , Tsutsumi Seiji , Yakuwa Naho , Yamane Ritsuko , Nagase Satoru , Takahashi Kunihiko , Kosaki Rika , Murashima Atsuko , Yamaguchi Hiroaki
Published: May 2022

For leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), especially pranlukast, safety data during pregnancy is limited. Therefore, we conducted a prospective, two‐centered cohort study using data from teratogen information services in Japan to clarify the effects of LTRA exposure during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women who being counseled on drug use during pregnancy at two facilities were enrolled. The primary outcome of this study was major congenital anomalies. The incidence of major congenital anomalies in women exposed to montelukast or pranlukast during the first trimester of pregnancy was compared with that of controls. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the effects of maternal LTRA use during the first trimester of pregnancy on major congenital anomalies. The outcomes of 231 pregnant women exposed to LTRAs (montelukast n = 122; pranlukast n = 106; both n = 3) and 212 live births were compared with those of controls. The rate of major congenital anomalies in the LTRA group was 1.9%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that LTRA exposure was not a risk factor for major congenital anomalies (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.23–2.05; p = 0.653). In addition, no significant difference was detected in stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and low birth weight between the two groups. The present study revealed that montelukast and pranlukast were not associated with the risk of major congenital anomalies. Our findings suggest that LTRAs could be safely employed for asthma therapy during pregnancy.
Molar‐incisor hypomineralisation: Knowledge and perception of Syrian undergraduate and postgraduate dental students
Authors: Hamza Blend , Karkoutly Mawia , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Bshara Nada
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Dentists' knowledge and expertise, especially in their early career, are primarily shaped during undergraduate studies. This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of Syrian under‐ and postgraduate students regarding diagnosing and managing molar‐incisor hypomineralisation (MIH)‐affected teeth.

Materials and Methods

Final‐year dental students (FY‐students), postgraduates in paediatric dentistry (PD‐postgraduates) and postgraduates in other lines of specialty (OS‐postgraduates) in all Syrian dental schools were invited to participate in an established web‐based survey covering the knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis and management of MIH. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact/chi‐squared tests at 5%.

Results

In total, 1142 post‐ and undergraduate students from six public and five private dental schools in Syria participated in this study (867 FY‐students, 74 PD‐postgraduates and 201 OS‐postgraduates). PD‐postgraduates were found to present statistically significantly better knowledge regarding MIH compared with the two other groups. Only 19% of FY‐students and 54% of OS‐postgraduates reported themselves familiar with MIH (compared with 97% of PD‐postgraduates). Similarly, 18% of FY‐students and 27% of OS‐postgraduates were capable of diagnosing MIH (compared with 81% of PD‐postgraduates). Stainless‐steel crowns and direct composite fillings were chosen as most suitable for treating MIH‐affected molars from all responders.

Conclusions

FY‐students and even OS‐postgraduates in Syria lack knowledge and confidence when confronted with MIH. The university curricula need to include more educational materials to equip the students with the necessary tools to manage MIH clinically.
Knowledge and attitude in implant dentistry training courses amongst undergraduate dental students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Moeini Golnoosh , Ghazanfari Rezvaneh , Habibzadeh Sareh , Kharazifard Mohammad Javad
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Due to the increase of implant treatments in daily practice, graduates should be well acquainted with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge in implantology. This study sought to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate students towards the benefits of their courses in the implant dentistry curriculum.

Materials and Methods

This survey study was performed on all senior dental students at Pardis International Campus, School of Dentistry of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire containing various items on knowledge and attitude. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were already approved. Collected data were coded, entered in Microsoft Excel 2019, and analysed byt‐test (α = .05).

Results

Forty questionnaires were filled out by 28 female and 12 male students. Only 7.5% and 12.5% of students reported that they had adequate knowledge to conduct the surgical and prosthetic steps of dental implant treatment, respectively. The majority of students had a positive attitude towards the quality of theoretical education. However, less than 50% of them perceived the same about their practical education. No significant difference existed between male and female students regarding their responses to the knowledge and attitude questions (p = .458 andp = .288, respectively). Ninety percent of the students felt the need for further education regarding dental implant treatment in the undergraduate curriculum.

Conclusion

Despite the satisfaction of the theoretical knowledge, most senior students believed that they did not achieve adequate expertise to practice after graduation and were willing to receive further practical training in implantology.
Hippocampus mediates nocebo impairment of opioid analgesia through changes in functional connectivity
Authors: Bingel Ulrike , Wiech Katja , Ritter Christoph , Wanigasekera Vishvarani , Ní Mhuircheartaigh Roisin , Lee Michael C. , Ploner Markus , Tracey Irene
Published: May 2022

The neural mechanisms underlying placebo analgesia have attracted considerable attention over the recent years. In contrast, little is known about the neural underpinnings of a nocebo‐induced increase in pain. We previously showed that nocebo‐induced hyperalgesia is accompanied by increased activity in the hippocampus that scaled with the perceived level of anxiety. As a key node of the neural circuitry of perceived threat and fear, the hippocampus has recently been proposed to coordinate defensive behaviour in a context‐dependent manner. Such a role requires close interactions with other regions involved in the detection of and responses to threat. Here, we investigated the functional connectivity of the hippocampus during nocebo‐induced hyperalgesia. Our results show an increase in functional connectivity between hippocampus and brain regions implicated in the processing of sensory‐discriminative aspects of pain (posterior insula and primary somatosensory/motor cortex) as well as the periaqueductal grey. This nocebo‐induced increase in connectivity scaled with an individual's increase in anxiety. Moreover, hippocampus connectivity with the amygdala was negatively correlated with the pain intensity reported during nocebo hyperalgesia relative to the placebo condition. Our findings suggest that the hippocampus links nocebo‐induced anxiety to a heightened responsiveness to nociceptive input through changes in its crosstalk with pain‐modulatory brain areas.
Host plants and insecticides shape the evolution of genetic and clonal diversity in a major aphid crop pest
Authors: Roy Lise , Barrès Benoit , Capderrey Cécile , Mahéo Frédérique , Micoud Annie , Hullé Maurice , Simon Jean‐Christophe
Published: May 2022

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of pesticide resistance at the landscape scale is essential to anticipate the evolution and spread of new resistance phenotypes. In crop mosaics, host plant specialization in pest populations is likely to dampen the spread of pesticide resistance between different crops even in mobile pests such as aphids. Here, we assessed the contribution of host‐based genetic differentiation to the dynamics of resistance alleles in Myzus persicae, a major aphid pest which displays several insecticide resistance mechanisms. We obtained a representative sample of aphids from a crop mosaic through a suction trap for 7 years and from various crops as a reference collection. We genotyped these aphids at 14 microsatellite markers and four insecticide‐resistant loci, analyzed the genetic structure, and assigned host‐based genetic groups from field‐collected aphids. Four well‐defined genetic clusters were found in aerial samples, three of which with strong association with host‐plants. The fourth group was exclusive to aerial samples and highly divergent from the others, suggesting mixture with a closely related taxon of M. persicae associated with unsampled plants. We found a sharp differentiation between individuals from peach and herbaceous plants. Individuals from herbaceous hosts were separated into two genetic clusters, one more strongly associated with tobacco. The 4‐loci resistance genotypes showed a strong association with the four genetic clusters, indicative of barriers to the spread of resistance. However, we found a small number of clones with resistant alleles on multiple host‐plant species, which may spread insecticide resistance between crops. The 7‐year survey revealed a rapid turn‐over of aphid genotypes as well as the emergence, frequency increase and persistence of clones with resistance to several families of insecticides. This study highlights the importance of considering landscape‐scale population structure to identify the risk of emergence and spread of insecticide resistance for a particular crop.
Autologously transplanted dermis‐derived cells alleviated monobenzone‐induced vitiligo in mouse
Authors: Erdoğan Aslı , Mutlu Hasan Serdar , Solakoğlu Seyhun
Published: May 2022

Vitiligo is a depigmentation disease which affects skin and hair follicles with a prevalence of 0.5%–1% worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate treatmental potential of dermis‐derived cells in monobenzone (MBEH)‐induced mouse vitiligo model with light and electron microscopy. MBEH (40%) cream was topically applied to C57BL/6 mice until depigmentation occured in vitiligo and experimental groups. In experimental groups, dermis‐derived cells obtained from back skin biopsy samples before induction of vitiligo, were injected intradermally to vitiligo mice. On Days 3 and 15 after cell transplantation to experimental groups, skin biopsies were compared with biopsies of control and vitiligo groups. Dermis‐derived cells obtained from back skin biopsy samples of experimental groups showed nestin and versican immunoreactivity. Melanin in hair follicles of control group was detected by histochemical stainings (Haematoxylin and eosin and Fontana–Masson) whereas sparse melanin granules were observed in hair follicles of vitiligo group. In experimental groups, there was an increase in the number of hair follicles with melanin compared with vitiligo group. We observed MART‐1 immunoreactive cells mostly around the hair follicles in control group and within dermis in vitiligo group. Electron microscopic investigation showed presence of melanosomes in hair follicles of control group and lacking in vitiligo group. In experimental groups, both type of hair follicles were observed with electron microscope. Our data suggest that autologously transplanted dermis‐derived cells may be effective in vitiligo treatment by contrubuting to melanin production.
Keratinocyte EGF signalling dominates in atopic dermatitis lesions: A comparative RNAseq analysis
Authors: Timms Kate , Guo Hui , Arkwright Peter , Pennock Joanne
Published: May 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) remains a highly heterogenous disorder with a multifactorial aetiology. Whilst keratinocytes are known to play a fundamental role in AD, their contribution to the overall immune landscape in moderate‐to‐severe AD is still poorly understood. In order to design new therapeutics, further investigation is needed into common disease pathways at the molecular level. We used publicly available whole‐tissue RNAseq data (4 studies) and single‐cell RNAseq keratinocyte data to identify genes/pathways that are involved in keratinocyte responses in AD and after dupilumab treatment. Transcripts present in both keratinocytes (single‐cell) and whole‐tissue, referred to as the keratinocyte‐enriched lesional skin (KELS) genes, were analysed using functional/pathway analysis. Following statistical testing, 2049 genes (16.8%) were differentially expressed in KELS. Enrichment analyses predicted increases in not only type‐1/type‐2 immune signalling and chemoattraction, but also in EGF‐dominated growth factor signalling. We identified complex crosstalk between keratinocytes and immune cells involving a dominant EGF family signature which converges on keratinocytes with potential immunomodulatory and chemotaxis‐promoting consequences. Although keratinocytes express the IL4R, we observed no change in EGF signalling in KELS after three‐month treatment with dupilumab, indicating that this pathway is not modulated by dupilumab immunotherapy. EGF family signalling is significantly dysregulated in AD lesions but is not associated with keratinocyte proliferation. EGF signalling pathways in AD require further study.