bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal HBV Viremia and Association With Adverse Infant Outcomes in Women Living With HIV and HBV
Authors: Bhattacharya Debika , Guo Rong , Tseng Chi-Hong , Emel Lynda , Sun Ren , Chiu Shih-Hsin , Stranix-Chibanda Lynda , Chipato Tsungai , Mohtashemi Neaka Z. , Kintu Kenneth , Manji Karim P. , Moodley Dhayendre , Thio Chloe L. , Maldonado Yvonne , Currier Judith S.
Published: November 2020

Background:

There is limited information on perinatal outcomes in HIV-hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection.

Methods:

HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 046 was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of perinatal transmission that evaluated 6 months of infant nevirapine versus placebo among breast-fed infants. Women living with HIV and their infants enrolled in sub-Saharan Africa from 2007 to 2010; 78% received antiretroviral therapy (ART). Maternal samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). High and low HBV viral load (VL) was defined as ≥106 IU/mL and <106 IU/mL. The association between HIV-HBV coinfection and maternal and infant outcomes was assessed using multivariate (MV) logistic and Cox regression.

Results:

Among 2025 women, 88 (4.3%) had HBV. HIV-HBV women with high HBV VL had lower median CD4, versus HIV alone or HIV-HBV women with low HBV VL [320, 490 and 434 cells/mm3, respectively (P < 0.007)]. In MV analysis, adjusted for maternal CD4, age and maternal ART, infants born to women with high HBV VL were more likely to be low birth weight (LBW), versus HIV+/HBV– and low HBV VL women: [30% (3/10) vs. 10% (194/1953) vs. 6% (5/78), respectively, P = 0.03). High HBV VL was associated with HIV perinatal transmission [(hazard ratio 6.75 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.86 – 24.50)]. There was no impact on infant mortality or maternal outcomes at 18 months.

Conclusions:

In HIV-HBV women, high HBV viral loads increase the risk of LBW and potentially HIV perinatal transmission. Reduction of antepartum HBV viremia may have beneficial effects beyond the prevention of HBV perinatal transmission.
Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome During Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Raff Lauren A. , Maine Rebecca G. , Reid Trista S.
Published: November 2020

Despite overall improvements in critical care, mortality from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains high. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) is used to rescue patients with severe ARDS. Although V-V ECMO can be life-saving, there are significant risks associated with this therapy. Hemorrhage is one of the most common complications. Therefore, some providers are reluctant to use V-V ECMO in patients with severe ARDS who concurrently have a high risk of bleeding or recent active hemorrhage. Several studies have been published detailing the safety of heparin-sparing or completely heparin-free anticoagulation strategies in patients on V-V ECMO. We present the cases of two patients with hemorrhagic shock and ongoing transfusion requirements who developed severe and refractory ARDS while in the operating room for hemorrhage control. After the massive bleeding was stopped, both patients were placed on V-V ECMO and were managed with minimal or no therapeutic anticoagulation for the duration of their course on V-V ECMO. Both patients required multiple operations and procedures while on V-V ECMO and there were no significant hemorrhagic complications. In conclusion, V-V ECMO can be considered for use in select patients with severe ARDS and high risk of hemorrhage, active hemorrhage, or ongoing transfusion requirements.
Development of New Hemodialysis Catheter Using Numerical Analysis and Experiments
Authors: Cho Seongsu , Song Ryungeun , Park Sun Cheol , Park Hoon Suk , Abbasi Muhammad Salman , Lee Jinkee
Published: November 2020

A hemodialysis (HD) catheter, especially one with a symmetric tip design, plays an important role in the long-term treatment of patients with renal failure. It is well known that the design of the HD catheter has a considerable effect on blood recirculation and thrombus formation around it, which may cause inefficiencies or malfunctions during HD. However, hemodynamic analyses through parametric studies of its designs have been rarely performed; moreover, only comparisons between the existing models have been reported. In this study, we numerically analyzed the design of the HD catheter’s side hole and distal tip for evaluating their effects on hemodynamic factors such as recirculation rate (RR), shear stress, and blood damage index (BDI). The results indicated that a larger side hole and a nozzle-shaped distal tip can significantly reduce the RR and shear stress around the HD catheter. Furthermore, based on these hemodynamic insights, we proposed three new HD catheter designs and compared their performances with existing catheters using numerical and in vitro methods. These new designs exhibited lower RRs and BDI values, thus providing better performance than the existing models. These results can help toward commercialization of more efficient HD catheters.
Health behaviours of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cancer survivors living in regional and remote geographic areas of Australia: a short report
Authors: Elder-Robinson Elaina C. , Parikh Darshit Rajeshkumar , Diaz Abbey , Ferguson Megan M. , Reeves Marina M. , Garvey Gail
Published: November 2020

Background:

Health behaviors are becoming increasingly recognized as important for cancer survivors in optimizing health after diagnosis. The current study aims to describe adherence to health behaviour guidelines in a sample of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cancer patients in Australia's Northern Territory.

Methods:

A structured survey collecting self-reported sociodemographic and health behaviour data was administered to a sample of cancer patients within 1 year of their cancer diagnosis at a cancer care center in Darwin, Northern Territory. Clinical data were collected via medical chart review.

Results:

In 63 participants (median age 58 years; 32% Indigenous), most met guidelines for fruit (73%), red meat (76%), and alcohol (75%) intake, whereas adherence to vegetable (10%), processed meat (33%), and physical activity (25%) guidelines was low. Almost one-third (32%) reported being current smokers. Indigenous patients more frequently met guidelines than non-Indigenous patients for fruit intake and physical activity, and less for vegetable, red and processed meat, alcohol intake and smoking. Although there were some notable changes post-cancer diagnosis, about half of the participants reported no change in most behaviors.

Conclusions:

Adherence to some recommended health behaviors was poor in this sample, regardless of Indigenous status, reflecting previous cancer survivorship and general national reports. For some this may be due to changes resulting from their cancer and treatment, whereas for others this may reflect pre-diagnosis low adherence. Further investigation is needed to better understand health behaviour decision-making for cancer patients and survivors in Northern Territory, to inform public health messaging and interventions for this population.
18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for Initial Staging of Renal Cell Carcinoma in an End-Stage Renal Disease Patient
Authors: Marafi Fahad , Sasikumar Arun , Aldaas Mariam , Esmail Abdulredh
Published: November 2020

A 46-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and renal cell carcinoma underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for initial staging followed by 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT. Unlike 18F-FDG, which undergoes renal clearance, 18F-PSMA-1007 undergoes hepatobiliary clearance and thus generates superior quality images. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed intense tracer-avid left renal mass lesion (FDG nonavid); lytic bone lesions (FDG avid) and single liver lesion (FDG nonavid). This case highlights the superiority of 18F-PSMA-1007 over 18F-FDG PET/CT in identifying primary lesion as well as metastatic sites in case of renal cell carcinoma even in the presence of end-stage renal disease.
Ileal Ulcer Associated With a Large Bezoar Mimicking Malignancy on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Ji Xia , Dong Hui , Dong Aisheng
Published: November 2020

A 34-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain for 2 months. Abdominal CT revealed a large bezoar in the distal ileum with surrounding thickened ileal wall and enlarged mesentery lymph nodes. On FDG PET/CT, the thickened ileal wall and enlarged mesentery lymph nodes showed increased FDG uptake. Ileal malignancy with mesentery lymph node metastasis was suspected. The distal ileum and enlarged mesentery lymph nodes were removed. Benign ileal ulcer and mesentery reactive lymphoid hyperplasia were confirmed by histopathology.
“Hot Cord” Sign on 18F-FDG PET/CT in a Patient With Acute Myelitis Due to Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Alkhaja Maryam Ahmed , Cheng Lenith Tai Jit , Loi Hoi Yin , Sinha Arvind Kumar
Published: November 2020

A 44-year-old woman presented with prolonged low-grade fever, bilateral upper limb weakness, and hyperesthesia. MRI showed hyperintense T2 signal and enhancement of the cervicothoracic spinal cord. 18F-FDG PET/CT was requested to investigate pyrexia of unknown origin. It demonstrated diffusely increased FDG uptake along the entire spinal cord, suggestive of extensive acute myelitis. Initial blood work was positive for antinuclear antibodies and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytosis and detected the presence of neuromyelitis optica aquaporin-4–immunoglobulin G antibodies, fulfilling the criteria for diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
Giant Liver Hemangioma Mimicking a Hydronephrotic Kidney on 99mTc-DTPA Scintigraphy
Authors: Boey Ching Yeen , Mohamed Aslum Khan Farahnaz , Amir Hassan Siti Zarina
Published: November 2020

We report a case of a 56-year-old woman who underwent 99mTc-DTPA renal scintigraphy for the evaluation of a right pelviureteric junction calculi, which incidentally showed radiotracer uptake in a giant liver hemangioma. The initial scintigraphic images showed a large lobulated lesion with peripheral uptake of radiotracer at the right abdominal region, resembling a large hydronephrotic kidney. However, the pattern of progression of the radiotracer, coupled with the clinical history and available corresponding radiologic images, confirmed the uptake to be that of a giant liver hemangioma.
Bicameral Gallbladder With Chronic Cholecystitis on Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy
Authors: Won Kyu Yeoun , Kim Chanwoo
Published: November 2020

Bicameral gallbladder, also known as segmental adenomyomatosis, is not a rare benign condition with the lumen divided into 2 interconnected chambers. Here we present 2 interesting cases of the bicameral gallbladder, which shows unremarkable findings on hepatobiliary scintigraphy at first appearance. However, the CT scan revealed that the fundal chamber was not visualized on the scintigraphy unlike the ductal chamber. These cases suggest that the findings of the bicameral gallbladder on hepatobiliary scintigraphy can lead to misdiagnosis without carefully correlating with anatomic imaging findings.
Colonic Visualization of 99mTc-DMSA Due to Enterovesical Fistula
Authors: Telli Tuğçe , Kaya Gürsan , Işik Zeynep , Tuncel Murat
Published: November 2020

A 60-year-old woman with recurrent urinary tract infection who had several operations for colorectal carcinoma underwent 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy which showed an unexpected accumulation of radiotracer in the colon. When symptoms were reviewed, we noticed that she was suffering from pneumaturia and fecaluria which raised the suspicion of enterovesical fistula. Rectal contrast-enhanced computer tomography of pelvis demonstrated enterovesical and enterovaginal fistulas. Colonic radioactivity was considered to be related to retrograde peristalsis of 99mTc-DMSA from bladder activity via enterovesical fistula. In patients with pelvic surgeries and radiotherapy, radioactivity in the colon should raise the suspicion of enterovesical fistula.
Elevated 123I-MIBG Activity in Intramuscular Hemangioma
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Xu , Yang Jigang
Published: November 2020

A 3-year-old boy with high-risk neuroblastoma underwent 123I-MIBG scan to evaluate the disease status after surgery and chemotherapy. 123I-MIBG SPECT/CT demonstrated liver metastasis. In addition, mildly increased uptake in the inferior left erector spinae was noted. Contrast-enhanced CT suggested intramuscular hemangioma. The 123I-MIBG accumulation in the intramuscular hemangioma persisted during the follow-up scan, whereas the abnormal activity in the liver was resolved.
68Ga–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Solitary Base of Skull Prostate Adenocarcinoma Metastasis
Authors: Yip Joshua Wei Liang , Hilliar Luke , Le Ken , Loh Han , Mansberg Robert
Published: November 2020

A 74-year-old man with prostate adenocarcinoma (Gleason 7) was referred for 68Ga–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-HBED-CC) PET/CT scan for staging. Findings confirmed the prostate malignancy and demonstrated a solitary metastasis in the left skull base, with no evidence of regional or distant metastasis elsewhere. Solitary base of the skull metastasis may be subtle and easily overlooked, highlighting the need for thorough evaluation of the region.
Frontal Sinus Fracture Management Meta-analysis: Endoscopic Versus Open Repair
Authors: Le Paulina , Martinez Roberto , Black Jonathan
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Frontal sinus fracture management continues to be a point of controversy. Many systematic reviews have been done, but meta-analyses comparing various approaches to frontal sinus fractures are scarce. Our study focuses on open surgical repair versus endoscopic repair of frontal sinus fractures.

Materials and Methods:

A MEDLINE search was performed to identify prospective RCTs, non-RCTs, guidelines, case-control, and observational studies published in English before April 2019. Search terms included (1) frontal sinus, (2) skull fractures, (3) frontal bone, alone or in combination. An in-depth review was conducted to identify publications relevant to this analysis. Studies that included pediatric patients, case reports, and review articles without original data were excluded. Postoperative outcomes included were cosmesis, sinus function, mucocele, sinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and brain abscess. Meta-analysis of proportions, Fisher exact test, and relative risks were calculated.

Results:

Seven studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The assessment of heterogeneity indicated that the studies are comparable. The weighted outcome proportions of patients with postoperative cosmetic deformity and mucocele are found to be significantly higher in patients who underwent open repair compared to patients who received endoscopic treatment. No significant difference between the 2 intervention groups in regards to the other outcomes.

Conclusion:

Based on this meta-analysis, no definitive conclusions regarding superiority of one approach over the other can be made. There are currently no universally accepted algorithms that aid in the decision to proceed with either approach. It is likely that these 2 techniques will come to serve different roles in treatment, as they can each be utilized to achieve different goals. At this time, the only recommendation is to proceed with whichever technique can be safely performed based upon surgeon experience and fracture pattern.
A novel peptide nucleic acid- and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of mutations in the 23S rRNA gene of Treponema pallidum
Authors: Tarumoto Norihito , Imai Kazuo , Nakayama Shu-ichi , Itoda Ichiro , Sakai Jun , Murakami Takashi , Maesaki Shigefumi , Hayakawa Satoshi , Ohnishi Makoto , Maeda Takuya
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Macrolides could be a potential alternative treatment for

Treponema pallidum

infections in patients; however, macrolide-resistant

T. pallidum

is spreading rapidly worldwide.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There are presently no alternatives to serological tests for syphilis that can be used to evaluate therapeutic effects due to the fact that

T. pallidum

cannot be cultured in vitro.

Aim. In this study, we constructed a method for rapidly identifying

T. pallidum

and confirming macrolide resistance by using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with peptide nucleic acids (PNAs).

Methodology. A set of LAMP primers was designed to span nucleotide positions 2058 and 2059 in 23S rRNA. A PNA clamping probe was also designed to be complementary to the wild-type sequence (A2058/A2059) and positioned to interfere with both the annealing of the 3′ end of the backward inner primer and the concomitant extension. Prior to the LAMP assay, swab samples from suspected syphilitic lesions were boiled for DNA extraction.

Results. The assay had an equivalent detection limit of 1.0×101 copies/reaction and showed specificity against 38 pathogens. In the presence of a 4 µM PNA probe, LAMP amplified up to 1.0×101 copies/reaction using plasmids harbouring the complementary mutant sequences (A2058G or A2059G), whereas amplification was completely blocked for the wild-type sequence up to a concentration of 1.0×103 copies/reaction. For the 66 PCR-positive clinical specimens, the overall detection rate via LAMP was 93.9 % (62/66). Amplification was successful for all 53 mutant samples and was incomplete for all nine WT samples by the PNA-mediated LAMP assays.

Conclusion. We developed a PNA-mediated LAMP method that enabled us to rapidly identify

T. pallidum

and determine its macrolide susceptibility via a culture-independent protocol.
Polysaccharides from the fungusInonotus obliquusactivate macrophages into a tumoricidal phenotype via interaction with TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1a
Authors: Wold CW , Christopoulos PF , Arias MA , Dzovor DE , Øynebråten I , Corthay A , Inngjerdingen KT
Published: November 2020

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) may both promote and suppress tumor development. Therefore, molecules that are able to activate and repolarize these cells into a tumoricidal phenotype could be of great interest as a new strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Fungal β-glucans have been suggested as a promising way of activating TAMs, but most of the research has been carried out on particulate β-glucans of large sizes (> 500 kDa), which potentially have different biological properties than smaller, water-soluble molecules with similar structures.

Methods

Bone marrow-derived mouse macrophages were treated with 6 different purified polysaccharides isolated from the medicinal fungusInonotus obliquus. Nitric oxide concentration was quantified using the Griess assay and by qPCR of iNOS mRNA. IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were quantified using Luminex ELISA technology (using human monocyte-derived macrophages and mouse bone-marrow derived macrophages). Growth inhibition of cancer cells was measured using radiolabeled thymidine. Receptor interaction was determined using HEK-Blue™ reporter cell lines and TLR4 KO macrophages.

Main findings

The acidic, water-soluble polysaccharides AcF1, AcF2 and AcF3 induced nitric oxide (NO) production by mouse macrophages when combined with IFN-γ, leading to a strong subsequent tumoricidal activity by the macrophages. Tumoricidal activity of AcF1 and AcF3 was fully retained in TLR4 knockout macrophages, demonstrating that the macrophage activation was not dependent on TLR4. Further, AcF3 induced high levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in human and mouse macrophages, independent of co-activation with IFN-γ. The polysaccharides were shown to bind TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1a to varying degrees, and these receptors were likely to be responsible for the macrophage activation. The acidic polysaccharides AcF1, AcF2 and AcF3 strongly activated TLR2, while AcF3 and AcF1 activated TLR4. The acidic polysaccharides had low affinity to Dectin-1a compared to the polysaccharides IWN, EWN and A1, which suggests that this receptor is not the main receptor for the pro-inflammatory activity observed.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study demonstrates thatI. obliquuspolysaccharides are able to bind multiple pattern recognition receptors to activate macrophages into a pro-inflammatory anti-tumor phenotype. The induction of tumoricidal activity in the macrophages as well as the interaction with TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1a suggest that theI. obliquuspolysaccharides may have unique ways of interacting with macrophages, which could open up for new treatment options in cancer immunotherapy.
Cell autonomous TGF-beta signaling is essential for cell recruitment into degenerating tendons
Authors: Tan Guak-Kim , Pryce Brian A. , Stabio Anna , Keene Douglas R. , Tufa Sara F. , Schweitzer Ronen
Published: November 2020

Understanding the role of cell recruitment in tendon disorders is critical for improvements in regenerative therapy. We recently reported that targeted disruption of TGFβ type II receptor in the tendon cell lineage (Tgfbr2ScxCre) resulted in tenocyte dedifferentiation and tendon degradation in post-natal stages. Here we extend the analysis and identify direct recruitment of stem/progenitor cells into the degenerative mutant tendons. Cre-lineage tracing indicates that these cells are not derived from tendon ensheathing tissues or from aScleraxis-lineage, and they turned on tendon markers only upon entering the mutant tendons. Through immunohistochemistry and inducible gene deletion, we further find that the recruited cells originated from aSox9-expressing lineage and their recruitment was dependent on cell-autonomous TGFβ signaling. These results thus differ from previous reports of cell recruitment into injured tendons, and suggest a critical role for TGFβ signaling and cell recruitment in the etiology and treatment of tendon degeneration.
Sexually dimorphic DNA damage responses and mutation avoidance in the mouse germline
Authors: Bloom Jordana C. , Schimenti John C.
Published: November 2020

Germ cells specified during fetal development form the foundation of the mammalian germline. These primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo rapid proliferation, yet the germline is highly refractory to mutation accumulation compared with somatic cells. Importantly, while the presence of endogenous or exogenous DNA damage has the potential to impact PGCs, there is little known about how these cells respond to stressors. To better understand the DNA damage response (DDR) in these cells, we exposed pregnant mice to ionizing radiation (IR) at specific gestational time points and assessed the DDR in PGCs. Our results show that PGCs prior to sex determination lack a G1 cell cycle checkpoint. Additionally, the response to IR-induced DNA damage differs between female and male PGCs post-sex determination. IR of female PGCs caused uncoupling of germ cell differentiation and meiotic initiation, while male PGCs exhibited repression of piRNA metabolism and transposon derepression. We also used whole-genome single-cell DNA sequencing to reveal that genetic rescue of DNA repair-deficient germ cells (Fancm−/−) leads to increased mutation incidence and biases. Importantly, our work uncovers novel insights into how PGCs exposed to DNA damage can become developmentally defective, leaving only those genetically fit cells to establish the adult germline.
The core clock transcription factor BMAL1 drives circadian β-cell proliferation during compensatory regeneration of the endocrine pancreas
Authors: Petrenko Volodymyr , Stolovich-Rain Miri , Vandereycken Bart , Giovannoni Laurianne , Storch Kai-Florian , Dor Yuval , Chera Simona , Dibner Charna
Published: November 2020

Circadian clocks in pancreatic islets participate in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Here we examined the role of these timekeepers in β-cell regeneration after the massive ablation of β cells by doxycycline-induced expression of diphtheria toxin A (DTA) in Insulin-rtTA/TET-DTA mice. Since we crossed reporter genes expressing α- and β-cell-specific fluorescent proteins into these mice, we could follow the fate of α- and β cells separately. As expected, DTA induction resulted in an acute hyperglycemia, which was accompanied by dramatic changes in gene expression in residual β cells. In contrast, only temporal alterations of gene expression were observed in α cells. Interestingly, β cells entered S phase preferentially during the nocturnal activity phase, indicating that the diurnal rhythm also plays a role in the orchestration of β-cell regeneration. Indeed, in arrhythmic Bmal1-deficient mice, which lack circadian clocks, no compensatory β-cell proliferation was observed, and the β-cell ablation led to aggravated hyperglycemia, hyperglucagonemia, and fatal diabetes.
Spiral tetrahedral packing in the β-Mn crystal as symmetry realization of the 8D E
8 lattice
Authors: Talis Alexander , Everstov Ayal , Kraposhin Valentin
Published: November 2020

Experimental values of atomic positions in the β-Mn crystal permit one to distinguish among them a fragment of the helix containing 15 interpenetrating distorted icosahedra, 90 vertices and 225 tetrahedra. This fragment corresponds to the closed helix of 15 icosahedra in the 4D {3, 3, 5} polytope. The primitive cubic lattice of these icosahedral helices envelopes not only all atoms of β-Mn, but also all tetrahedra belonging to the tiling of the β-Mn structure. The 2D projection of all atomic positions in the β-Mn unit cells shows that they are situated (by neglecting small differences) on three circumferences containing 2D projections of 90 vertices of the {3, 3, 5} polytope on the same plane. Non-crystallographic symmetry of the β-Mn crystal is defined by mapping the closed icosahedral helix of the {3, 3, 5} polytope into 3D Euclidean space E
3. This interpretation must be correlated also with the known previous determination of non-crystallographic symmetry of the β-Mn crystal by mapping into the 3D E
3 space system of icosahedra from the 6D cubic B
6 lattice. The recently proposed determination of non-crystallographic symmetry of the β-Mn crystal actually uses the symmetries of the 8D E
8 lattice, in which both the 4D {3, 3, 5} polytope and cubic 6D B
6 lattice can be inserted.
Sense of belonging of sexual minority students participating in work-integrated learning programs
Authors: Drysdale Maureen T.B. , Callaghan Sarah A. , Dhanota Arpan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study examined sexual minority status on perceived sense of belonging and compared sexual minority students and exclusively heterosexual students as a function of participating in work-integrated learning (WIL).

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, quantitative design was used with participants grouped by sexual minority status and participation in WIL.

Findings

Sexual minority students (WIL and non-WIL) reported lower sense of belonging than exclusively heterosexual students (in WIL and non-WIL). Sexual minority students in WIL also reported significantly weaker sense of belonging compared to non-WIL sexual minority students suggesting that WIL presents some barriers to establishing a strong sense of belonging for sexual minority students.

Originality/value

The findings provide evidence for developing programs to ensure all students are in a safe environment where they can develop and strengthen their sense of belonging regardless of minority status. This is important given that a sense of belonging impacts mental health and overall well-being.
Variational principle and its fractal approximate solution for fractal Lane-Emden equation
Authors: Wang KangLe
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Lane–Emden equation by the fractal derivative and establish its variational principle by using the semi-inverse method. The variational principle is helpful to research the structure of the solution. The approximate analytical solution of the fractal Lane–Emden equation is obtained by the variational iteration method. The example illustrates that the suggested scheme is efficient and accurate for fractal models.

Design/methodology/approach

The author establishes the variational principle for fractal Lane–Emden equation, and its approximate analytical solution is obtained by the variational iteration method.

Findings

The variational iteration method is very fascinating in solving fractal differential equation.

Originality/value

The author first proposes the variational iteration method for solving fractal differential equation. The example shows the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. The variational iteration method is valid for other nonlinear fractal models as well.
Trade and FDI thresholds of CO2emissions for a Green economy in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to focus on assessing how improving openness influences carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study focusses on 49 countries in SSA for the period 2000–2018 divided into: 44 countries in SSA for the period 2000–2012; and 49 countries for the period 2006–2018. Openness is measured in terms of trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments.

Findings

The following main findings are established. First, enhancing trade openness has a net positive impact on CO2emissions, while increasing FDI has a net negative impact. Second, the relationship between CO2emissions and trade is a Kuznets shape, while the nexus between CO2emissions and FDI inflows is a U-shape. Third, a minimum trade openness (imports plus exports) threshold of 100 (% of gross domestic product (GDP)) and 200 (% of GDP) is beneficial in promoting a green economy for the first and second samples, respectively. Fourth, FDI is beneficial for the green economy below critical masses of 28.571 of net FDI inflows (% of GDP) and 33.333 of net FDI inflows (% of GDP) for first and second samples, respectively. It follows from findings that while FDI can be effectively managed to reduce CO2emissions, this may not be the case with trade openness because the corresponding thresholds for trade openness are closer to the maximum limit.

Originality/value

This study complements the extant literature by providing critical masses of trade and FDI that are relevant in promoting the green economy in SSA.
Collaborative e-business efforts and firm performance
Authors: Alsheyadi Anwar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how e-business (EB) practices and performance are directly and indirectly related, and to examine the complementary effects of adopting various types of EB practices on both business and operational performance, where the latter is conceptualized as a mediator between EB practices and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modelling was used to examine the conceptual model using data collected through a survey of 108 Omani manufacturing firms. EB was conceptualized as a second-order factor resulted from a production of a simultaneous adoption of three distinct groups of EB practices to examine the complementarity effect of EB practices on performance.

Findings

Controlling for the variations of firm size and age effects, the empirical analysis of this study found support for the superior effects of the complementarities amongst various EB practices on business performance, but this effect will be indirect through the operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings may lack generalisability due to the possible effects of other contextual factors which should be considered by future research studies.

Practical implications

Several implications are highlighted for the effective deployment of collective EB competencies, and for the role of operational performance on achieving higher business benefits.

Originality/value

This paper satisfies the need to validate the complementarity effects model in different contexts such as EB, and the need to investigate the mediating effect of other factors on EB practices and business performance.
Allowing wine and strong beer in grocery stores: the tale of Tennessee
Authors: Maisch John , Nica Mihai , Oller Jeremy David
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether the introduction of wine or regular strength beer (B) sales in Tennessee grocery stores significantly increased the number of alcoholic beverages (AB) consumed or excise taxes collected in the state.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses both a time series and a model-based approach to assess if a significant change in alcoholic beverage excise tax collections occurred after the natural experiment. The study evaluates monthly tax collections from B, mixed drinks and AB between January 1968 and September 2018 published by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Findings

The findings suggest that neither alcoholic beverage consumption nor excise taxes collected increased substantially in Tennessee as a result of the introduction of wine and regular strength B in grocery stores. It is likely, however, that some changes inside the industry were significant.

Originality/value

This study assists policymakers and analysts in determining whether allowing the sale of wine and regular strength B in grocery stores will have a substantial impact on the total amount of AB consumed or excise taxes collected by the jurisdiction.
Effect of misalignment and rarefaction effect on the comprehensive characteristic of MEMS gas bearing
Authors: Li Liangliang , Xie Yonghui
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Owing to the development of the smaller-sized rotational machinery, the demand for the high-speed and low-resistance gas bearing increases rapidly. The research of micro gas bearing in the condition of rarefied gas state is still not satisfied. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present a numerical investigation of the effect of misalignment and rarefaction effect on the comprehensive performance of micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) gas bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The Fukui and Kaneko model is expanded to 2D solution domain to describe the flow field parameters. The finite element method is used to discretize the equation. Newton–Raphson method is used to solve the nonlinear equations for the static performance of gas bearing, and partial deviation method is adopted for the solution of dynamic equations.

Findings

The static and dynamic characteristics of MEMS gas bearing are calculated, and the comparison is made to study the influence of rarefaction effect and misalignment. The results show that the rarefaction effect will decrease bearing load capacity compared with traditional solution of Reynolds equation, and the misalignment will reduce the stability of bearing. The influence of misalignment on gas film thickness is also analyzed in this paper.

Originality/value

The investigation of this paper emerges the change regularity of comprehensive performance of MEMS gas bearing considering rarefaction effect and misalignment, which provides a reference for the actual manufacturing of MEMS gas bearing and for the safety operation of micro dynamic machinery.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2020-0023/
How does internet usage affect the credit consumption among Chinese college students? A mediation model of social comparison and materialism
Authors: Zhu Xiaowen , Ren Wei , Chen Qiang , Evans Richard
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The use of consumer credit by Chinese citizens has risen rapidly in the Internet era. The purpose of this paper is to predict a mechanism for credit consumption through Internet usage, with social comparison and materialism as mediators. Four types of Internet usage (social use, entertainment use, informational use, and online shopping) were identified to investigate whether different types of Internet usage influence credit consumption differently and whether the influencing mechanisms vary.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured online survey involving 558 valid responses from Chinese college students was completed, with structural equation modeling being applied to analyze the collected data.

Findings

Among the four types of Internet activities, online shopping was found to be the most significant predictor of credit consumption; results show that it influences credit consumption through two indirect pathways: materialism and a combination of social comparison and materialism. Social use was found to only affect credit consumption through materialism. In contrast, the influences of both informational use and entertainment use on credit consumption were insignificant.

Originality/value

By testing the concurrent mediating effects of social comparison and materialism, this study broadens our understanding of how Internet usage and credit consumption are connected. While most studies empirically test overall Internet usage and focus on direct relationships, we identify four types of Internet activities and demonstrate the mechanisms by which different types of Internet usage influence credit consumption, and how consumption varies based on Internet activity.
Roles of information propagation of Chinese microblogging users in epidemics: a crisis management perspective
Authors: Sun Li , Pang Patrick Cheong-Iao , Si Yain-Whar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the usage characteristics and the information propagation patterns of Chinese microblogs in different stages of an epidemic, given that the microblogging in China is different from other parts of the world. In addition, the authors aim to conceptualize the roles of different users and provide insights for using microblogging platforms to disseminate information in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an analysis on Sina Weibo microblogs about the African Swine Fever epidemic from August to October 2018. The authors firstly applied a label propagation algorithm to classify users into government, media, verified users and nonverified users. The authors analyzed several user metrics, traced the information propagation patterns of their microblogs and calculated the average speed of information propagation using computational approaches.

Findings

The authors’ findings show that different types of users played different roles, such as supplying information, amplifying information, relaying information and engaging with other users. The microblogs posted by media dominated the propagation in most cases, but general users can propagate information faster. The direction of information propagation is one-way for the majority of microblogs, and few users repost earlier information. Additionally, microblogs attract more attention at the beginning and the middle phases of an epidemic. In the context of managing epidemics, the authors recommend governments and other verified users can work together to use microblogging platforms efficiently.

Originality/value

This research is one of the few studies to investigate information propagation patterns of different user categories on a Chinese microblogging platform during an epidemic. The authors’ work can be used by government agencies and public health authorities for disseminating information efficiently during epidemics or emergencies, especially in the early stages.
Do profitability and authenticity co-exist? A model of sales promotion stereotype content and its perception differences among groups
Authors: Lu Changbao , Li Hang , Xu Taoran
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Almost every consumer has many experiences of sales promotion and different stereotypes of it. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the model of sales promotion stereotype content (model of SPSC) and its perception differences among groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the methods testifying stereotype content model and mixed stereotype proposed by Fiske et al. (2002), the authors decomposed the SPSC model into two dimensions, namely, the profitability and authenticity of sales promotion, and developed a multidimensional scale for profitability and authenticity. Then a survey that examined 765 participants was conducted to test the reliability of profitability and authenticity as the two primary dimensions of the model of SPSC and perception differences among consumer groups.

Findings

The model which consists of two dimensions, authenticity and profitability, was shown to be reliable and valid. Furthermore, the authors find that the profitability and the authenticity reflect consumers' evaluation (perception) of an enterprise's intention and its ability to enact the intention of sales promotion. In addition, mixed stereotypes of promotion can also explain consumers' entanglement when making promotion decisions.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap in the existing literature of which the single dimension stereotype of sales promotion by the model of SPSC. In addition, the results show that consumers' stereotype of promotion varied in demographics and psychographic characteristics. Furthermore, this paper provides a basis for exploring the social stereotypes of specific things and related marketing activities.
A framework for optimizing sustainment logistics for a US Army infantry brigade combat team
Authors: Reich Daniel , Lewis Ira , Winkler Austin J. , Leichty Benjamin , Bobzin Lauren B.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help optimize sustainment logistics for US Army brigade combat teams, which may face challenges in transporting their assigned assets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a simulation framework with an integrated integer programming optimization model. The integer-programming model optimizes sustainment outcomes of supported battalions on a daily basis, whereas the simulation framework analyzes risk associated with shortfalls that may arise over the entire duration of a conflict.

Findings

This work presents a scenario reflecting the steady resupply of an infantry brigade combat team during combat operations and presents an in-depth risk analysis for possible fleet compositions.

Originality/value

The risk curves obtained allow decision-makers and commanders to optimize vehicle fleet design in advance of a conflict.
The effect of maintenance operation, time utility and occupancy to sustainability with transit oriented development moderation
Authors: Sinaga Makjen , Suharyono Suharyono , Musadieq Muhammad Al , Iqbal Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to test and analyze the effect of maintenance operation, time utility and occupancy on sustainability with transit oriented development (TOD) as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a quantitative research. The data in this study are a combination of primary data obtained through a questionnaire. The research took place at PT MRT Jakarta with all the board of directors as a sample in this study. The sampling technique used is saturated sampling and data analysis using structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

The result shows that maintenance and operation (M&O) have a positive and significant effect on time utility, M&O have a positive and significant effect on sustainability, time utility has a positive and significant effect on occupancy, occupancy has a positive and significant effect on sustainability and the influence of TOD does not significantly influence the relationship between time utility on occupancy and occupancy on sustainability.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in testing the maintenance operation, time utility and occupancy variables on sustainability with the renewal of TOD as a moderating variable.
Regulatory fit/nonfit and in-game advertising effectiveness on children
Authors: Hang Haiming , Zhang Cui-Lin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to see whether children’ regulatory fit/nonfit can moderate the implicit influence of in-game advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was done with 418 children (aged 7–11) from three primary schools in a middle-size city in China that voluntarily took part in the experiment. Children were randomly allocated to the following four conditions: playing a game without any brands (a control group), playing the same game and exposed to a subtle in-game advertising (a test control group), playing the same branded game with regulatory fit (regulatory fit group) and playing the same branded game with regulatory nonfit (regulatory nonfit group).

Findings

The results first suggest exposure to in-game advertising makes children more likely to choose it afterward, despite most of them are not aware being exposed to it. The results further suggest children’s regulatory fit does not further increase children’s choice of the focal brand, suggesting linking the focal brand to fun and engaging game experiences is sufficient to influence their brand choice. However, children’s regulatory nonfit attenuates the implicit influence of in-game advertising.

Originality/value

By focusing on children’s game strategy, this research complements the extant literature that only focuses on advertising features and/or game character to document the implicit influence of in-game advertising. In addition, by focusing on regulatory fit/nonfit, this paper provides initial evidence how contextual factors such as children’s game strategy may help them cope with advertising influence built on affect transfer.
Rare tree species have narrow environmental but not functional niches
Authors: Mi Xiangcheng , Sun Zhenhua , Song Yunfeng , Liu Xiaojuan , Yang Jie , Wu Junjie , Ci Xiuqin , Li Jie , Lin Luxiang , Cao Min , Ma Keping
Published: November 2020

The majority of species in many communities are rare, and it is an enduring challenge to understand the mechanism of species rarity and commonness in local communities. The niche partitioning hypotheses posit that common species occupy wide and core positions, while rare species occupy narrow and outlying niche positions. We test these hypotheses here, simultaneously considering both an environmental and a functional perspective on niches.

We examined how niches correlate with species abundance in environmental and functional space by quantifying relationships between species abundance and niche width and niche position. Environmental niches were defined as the section of an environmental gradient where each species occurred, and functional niches using species traits were thought to be related to resource acquisition. Hypotheses were tested using a dataset including functional traits collected from 4,302 individual trees of 423 species and environmental data in one subtropical and one tropical forest in China.

Consistent with the niche partitioning hypotheses, rare species in our two study systems tended to occupy the edges of the functional and environmental niche space. This likely allows rare species to avoid competition from dominant species. However, rare species tended to have a similar or larger niche width than common species in functional space, which contrasts with their narrower niche width in environmental space.

Synthesis. Our results support the prediction that rare species occupy outlying niches to avoid competition with common species. We found inconsistent evidence, though, about the niche width of rare species. Rare species may be less constrained in functional space, and persist by dint of their functional lability and ability to use a variety of resources. Our work supports previously hypothesized mechanisms underlying local species abundance patterns, but highlights new idiosyncrasies when considering environmental niche or functional space alone.

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