bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media reporting on public procurement: an analysis of UK press coverage, 1985–2018
Authors: Flynn Anthony , Harris Irina
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The media is an important actor in public procurement, but research on its role is limited. This paper aims to investigate how the media has engaged with public procurement, using UK newspapers as a case example.

Design/methodology/approach

The method consisted of searching Nexis database for news articles on public procurement; automatic extraction of article attributes such as length, section, authorship; and manually coding each article for its theme and industry context. This produced quantitative indicators about the extent and focus of press coverage on public procurement.

Findings

Press coverage of public procurement increased between 1985 and 2018. The focus of coverage has been on governance failure and socio-economic policy. Governance failure, which includes corruption, cronyism and supplier malpractice, is associated with construction, outsourcing and professional services sectors. Socio-economic policy, which includes supporting small suppliers and favouring domestic industry, is associated with manufacturing, defence and agriculture.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis included UK media only. While the trends observed on the extent and focus of public procurement news coverage likely reflect the situation in other countries, international comparative research is still required.

Practical implications

Government officials should be more proactive in countering the “negativity bias” in news coverage of public procurement by showcasing projects where value-for-money has been achieved, services have been successfully delivered and social value has been realised.

Social implications

The media accentuates the negatives of public procurement and omits positive developments. The end-result is a selective and, at times, self-serving media narrative that is likely to engender cynicism towards public procurement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on media coverage of public procurement. It highlights that while there are similarities between media and academic treatment of public procurement, particularly in relation to its socio-economic side, the media emphasises governance failings and negative developments to a greater extent.
Correlates of disclosure of non-suicidal self-injury amongst Australian university students
Authors: Mirichlis Sylvanna , Hasking Penelope , Lewis Stephen P. , Boyes Mark E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with psychological disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviours; disclosure of NSSI can serve as a catalyst for help-seeking and self-advocacy amongst people who have self-injured. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic, NSSI-related, socio-cognitive and socio-emotional correlates of NSSI disclosure. Given elevated rates of NSSI amongst university students, this study aimed to investigate these factors amongst this population.

Design/methodology/approach

Australian university students (n = 573) completed online surveys; 80.2% had previously disclosed self-injury.

Findings

NSSI disclosure was associated with having a mental illness diagnosis, intrapersonal NSSI functions, specifically marking distress and anti-dissociation, having physical scars from NSSI, greater perceived impact of NSSI, less expectation that NSSI would result in communication and greater social support from friends and significant others.

Originality/value

Expanding on previous works in the area, this study incorporated cognitions about NSSI. The ways in which individuals think about the noticeability and impact of their NSSI, and the potential to gain support, are associated with the decision to disclose self-injury. Addressing the way individuals with lived experience consolidate these considerations could facilitate their agency in whether to disclose their NSSI and highlight considerations for health-care professionals working with clients who have lived experience of NSSI.
Fire resistance of partially encased composite columns subjected to eccentric loading
Authors: Fellouh Abdelkadir , Bougara Abdelkader , Piloto Paulo , Benlakehal Nourredine
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Investigate the fire performance of eccentrically loaded concrete partially encased column (PEC), using the advanced calculation method (ANSYS 18.2, 2017) and the simple calculation method in Annex G of Eurocode 4 (EN 1994-1-2, 2005). This work examines the influence of a range of parameters on fire behaviour of the composite column including: eccentricity loading, slenderness, reinforcement, fire rating and fire scenario. In this study, ISO-834 (ISO834-1, 1999) was used as fire source.

Design/methodology/approach

Currently, different methods of analysis used to assess the thermal behaviour of composite column exposed to fire. Analytical method named simplified calculation methods defined in European standard and numerical simulations named advanced calculation models are treated in this paper.

Findings

The load-bearing capacity of the composite column becomes very weak in the presence of the fire accident and eccentric loading, this recommends to avoid as much as possible eccentric loading during the design of construction building. The reinforcement has a slight influence on the temperature evolution; moreover, the reinforcement has a great contribution on the load capacity, especially in combined compression and bending. When only the two concrete sides are exposed to fire, the partially encased composite column presents a high load-bearing capacity value.

Originality/value

The use of a three-dimensional numerical model (ANSYS) allowed to describe easily the thermal behaviour of PEC columns under eccentric loading with the regard to the analytical method, which is based on three complex steps. In this study, the presence of the load eccentricity has found to have more effect on the load-bearing capacity than the slenderness of the composite column. Introducing a load eccentricity on the top of the column may have the same a reducing effect on the load-bearing capacity as the fire.
How big data alters value creation: through the lens of big data competency
Authors: Wu Xiaobo , Liang Liping , Chen Siyuan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

As various different and even contradictory concepts are proposed to depict a firm's capabilities related to big data, and extant relevant research is fragmented and scattered in several disciplines, there is currently a lack of holistic and comprehensive understanding of how big data alters value creation by facilitating firm capabilities. To narrow this gap, this study aims to synthesize current knowledge on the firm capabilities and transformation of value creation facilitated by big data.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt an inductive and rigorous approach to conduct a systematic review of 185 works, following the “Grounded Theory Literature-Review Method”.

Findings

The authors introduce and develop the concept of big data competency, present an inductive framework to open the black box of big data competency following the logic of virtual value chain, provide a structure of big data competency that consists of two dimensions, namely, big data capitalization and big data exploitation, and further explain the evolution of value creation structure from value chain to value network by connecting the attributes of big data competency (i.e. connectivity and complementarity) with the transformation of value creation (i.e. optimizing and pioneering).

Originality/value

The big data competency, an inclusive concept of firm capabilities to deal with big data, is proposed. Based on this concept, the authors highlight the significant contributions that extant research has made toward our understanding of how big data alters value creation by facilitating firm capabilities. Besides, the authors provide a future research agenda that academics can rely on to study the strategic management of big data.
Influence of Industry 4.0 technologies on corporate operation and performance management from human aspects
Authors: Obermayer Nóra , Csizmadia Tibor , Hargitai Dávid Máté
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover how Hungarian manufacturing companies interpret technology and human resources as driving forces and barriers in terms of Industry 4.0 implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with corporate leaders and applied qualitative content analysis using Atlas.ti software.

Findings

The authors formulated a new definition of Industry 4.0 which emphasises the role of human factors. The authors identified driving forces (efficiency with speed/information flow/precision) and barriers (technology compatibility, human fears and lack of digital skills) in terms of Industry 4.0 implementation and developed the DIGI-TEcH performance management dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Comparison with other countries is limited. Given the exploratory and qualitative nature, further quantitative research would be needed to generalise results. Finally, only manufacturing companies are examined.

Practical implications

It provides empirical evidence to practitioners to understand concerns about technology and human resource in terms of Industry 4.0 implementation. In addition, corporate performance management can be extended by the developed DIGI-TEcH dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper reveals key evidence for the uptake of technology and human factors in terms of Industry 4.0 implementation and their impacts on corporate operation and performance. It also provides an insight into a specific country context, which can be a useful benchmark for other Central and Eastern European countries.
Evaluation of optical properties of fluorescent nanofiber using image-processing technique
Authors: Shams Nateri Ali , Asadi Laleh
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is evaluate the optical properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers containing fluorescent agents such as fluorescent dye and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by using image-processing technique of Fluorescence microscope image.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluorescence microscope image of the pure PAN, PAN/CQDs and PAN/fluorescent dye nanofibers composite was analyzed using several image-processing techniques such as color histogram, lookup table (LUT), Fourier transform, RGB profile and surface plot analysis.

Findings

The fluorescence microscope image indicates that the fluorescence emission of nanocomposites depends on the type of fluorescent agent. The fluorescence intensity of nanofiber containing CQDs is more than nanofiber containing fluorescent dye. Various image-processing methods provide similar results for optical property of nanocomposites. Analyzing the LUT, the blue value of CQDs/PAN nanocomposite image was significantly higher than other nanocomposites. This was confirmed by other methods such as Fourier transform, color histogram and 3D topography of the electrospun nanofibers. According to analysis of colorimetric parameters, higher negative value of b* indicates bluer color for CQDs/PAN nanofibers than other nanocomposites. The obtained results indicate that the image-processing technique can be used to evaluate the optical property of fluorescent nanocomposite.

Originality/value

This study evaluates the optical properties of fluorescent nanocomposites by using image-processing techniques such as Fourier transform, color histogram, RGB profiles, LUT, surface plot and histogram analysis.
A functional model explaining the dynamics of flourishing during adolescence: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Nandinee Durgesh , Rana Suvashisa , Seema Naga
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The objectives of the study were to explore the lived experiences of adolescents for understanding the process of their flourishing and develop a functional model to explain the dynamics of flourishing during adolescence.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by the qualitative approach, the authors used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore how various factors affect the process of flourishing during adolescence. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 10 adolescents to collect qualitative data.

Findings

A total of eight boosters (four internal and four external) and seven barriers (five internal and two external) emerged. The results highlighted the importance of a functional model that explained the dynamics of adolescents' flourishing. Though the authors conceded that the presence of boosters and absence of barriers were instrumental in enhancing flourishing during adolescence, based on the extant literature, the authors assumed the existence and operation of other intra-individual and inter-individual factors or correlates.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study participants are school-going adolescents living in a supported urban family environment where expectations to study and achieve are an important cultural component. Second, the study has focussed on the participants belonging to late adolescence—a transitional phase to emerging adulthood.

Practical implications

There are three implications of the study—theoretical (conceptualisation of a functional model), practical (construction of a new measure of flourishing) and clinical (designing intervention programmes to enhance positive living in adolescents).

Originality/value

The study has provided a deeper insight into adolescents' flourishing from insiders' perspectives using the framework of IPA and discovered and elaborated a functional model of adolescents' flourishing.
Competitive advantage in algorithmic trading: a behavioral innovation economics approach
Authors: Cooper Ricky , Currie Wendy L. , Seddon Jonathan J.M. , Van Vliet Ben
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the strategic behavior of algorithmic trading firms from an innovation economics perspective. The authors seek to uncover the sources of competitive advantage these firms develop to make markets inefficient for them and enable their survival.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors review expected capability, a quantitative behavioral model of the sustainable, or reliable, profits that lead to survival. Second, they present qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews with industry professionals as well as from the academic and industry literatures. They categorize this data into first-order concepts and themes of opportunity-, advantage- and meta-seeking behaviors. Associating the observed sources of competitive advantages with the components of the expected capability model allows us to describe the economic rationale these firms have for developing those sources and explain how they survive.

Findings

The data reveals ten sources of competitive advantages, which the authors label according to known ones in the strategic management literature. We find that, due to the dynamically complex environments and their bounded resources, these firms seek heuristic compromise among these ten, which leads to satisficing. Their application of innovation methodology that prescribes iterativeexposthypothesis testing appears to quell internal conflict among groups and promote organizational survival. The authors believe their results shed light on the behavior and motivations of algorithmic market actors, but also of innovative firms more generally.

Originality/value

Based upon their review of the literature, this is the first paper to provide such a complete explanation of the strategic behavior of algorithmic trading firms.
Exploring online consumer reviews of wearable technology: The Owlet Smart Sock
Authors: Hasan Md Nakib-Ul , Stannard Casey R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyze consumers’ post-purchase reviews of the Owlet Smart Sock (OSS) and investigate the factors influencing continued use and product recommendation.

Design/methodology/approach

The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 and the privacy calculus model were used to focus both on technology and privacy aspects of OSS – a wearable technology product for baby monitoring. A sample of 450 online consumer review data was collected from Owletcare.com and Amazon.com. The data analysis was done by using NVivo 11.

Findings

Findings show that effort expectancy, price value and performance expectancy played the most striking role during adoption, continued future use and recommendation to others, whereas perceived privacy risk had the least importance.

Research limitations/implications

Consumer empowerment through online reviews plays a crucial role in conveying their specific needs and desires to both manufacturers and other prospective consumers. The research is also expected to contribute research and development of technology-integrated products.

Practical implications

The research findings will provide valuable insights for manufacturers and retailers to understand consumers’ actual preferences and acceptance during the use of wearable technology.

Originality/value

This study extends research work on consumer use behavior by evaluating online reviews that provide them the opportunity to express their satisfaction and concerns. Insights from experience consumers’ reviews facilitate designers, developers and manufacturers to have a strategic focus during wearable technology development.
Disentangling the roles of plant functional diversity and plaint traits in regulating plant nitrogen accumulation and denitrification in freshwaters
Authors: Choudhury Maidul I. , Hallin Sara , Ecke Frauke , Hubalek Valerie , Juhanson Jaanis , Frainer André , McKie Brendan G.
Published: January 2022

There is a growing recognition that functional measures of diversity, based on quantification of functionally important species traits, are useful for explaining variation in ecosystem processes. However, the mechanisms linking functional diversity to different processes remain poorly understood, hindering development of a predictive framework for ecosystem functioning based on species traits.

The current understanding of how the functional traits of aquatic plants (macrophytes) affect nitrogen (N) cycling by regulating microbial communities and their activity in freshwater habitats is particularly limited. Denitrifying bacteria are typically associated with the roots of both aquatic and terrestrial plants and denitrification is the main cause of loss of N from ecosystems. Disentangling the interplay between plants and microbial denitrifiers is key to understanding variation in rates of denitrification from local to landscape scales.

In a mesocosm experiment, we varied the species richness (monocultures or two‐species mixtures) and composition of macrophytes. We quantified effects of both macrophyte functional diversity, quantified as functional trait dissimilarity, and functional trait composition, quantified as community weighted mean trait values, on N removal in wetlands. We used structural equation modelling to disentangle the direct and indirect influences of traits on N accumulation in plant biomass, denitrification activity and abundance of key bacterial denitrification genes (nirS and nirK).

Both functional diversity and functional trait composition regulated N removal, explaining 70%–94% variation in the underlying ecosystem processes. Increased macrophyte functional diversity increased plant N accumulation, and indirectly enhanced denitrification by increasing denitrification gene abundance. Among traits, greater plant relative growth rates, specific leaf area and above‐ground biomass increased plant N accumulation. Denitrification activity increased with increasing below‐ground biomass but decreased with increasing root diameter.

These findings improve our understanding of N removal in freshwater wetlands dominated by macrophytes, and have broad ecological implications for wetland management targeting enhanced ecosystem services. Our results highlight the potential for optimizing denitrification and plant N accumulation in wetlands and thereby improving water purification by increasing macrophyte functional diversity and ensuring the presence of key traits in macrophyte assemblages.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Impact of water resource development on connectivity and primary productivity across a tropical river floodplain
Authors: Molinari Bianca , Stewart‐Koster Ben , Malthus Tim J. , Bunn Stuart E.
Published: January 2022

Floodplain wetlands provide an important subsidy for riverine food webs as sites of high algal production. However, this subsidy depends on the degree of landscape connectivity during flood pulses, which provides the opportunity for movement of higher order consumers between rivers and floodplains to access these productive habitats. Changes in floodplain inundation extent and duration, due to variable wet season flows or water resource development (WRD), can impact landscape connectivity and ultimately the magnitude of the food web subsidy.

We explored landscape connectivity using graph theory and derived four new metrics to measure how different flow scenarios can affect connectivity and algal production. We considered a historic scenario with the present level of water resource development in our study area, the Mitchell River, and a WRD scenario with the inclusion of three new dams in the catchment. We generated 240 unique daily spatial graphs, using surface water inundation maps across 40‐day flood events to compare a dry year (2006), an average flow year (2001) and a wet year (2009) with and without a WRD scenario.

Drier years and WRD scenario resulted in floodplain fragmentation, potentially constraining the movement of higher order consumers. Changes in connectivity due to WRD resulted in predicted reductions of up to 26% of algal production on the floodplain that was otherwise connected to the main river channels.

Synthesis and applications. The approach developed in this study provides new metrics to identify how changes in floodplain surface water extent due to water resource development and climatic variation may impact ecosystem function such as connectivity that facilitates access of higher order consumers to primary production in floodplain wetlands. With a direct link to river flow alteration, these metrics can inform catchment planning and management to ensure that the conservation of floodplain ecosystem functions is adequately considered in water resource management decisions.
Potential occupational therapy scope of practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition in Australia
Authors: Eagers Jackie , Franklin Richard C. , Broome Kieran , Yau Matthew K. , Barnett Fiona
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Retirement, being a major life event and a focus of healthy ageing in society, creates the opportunity for occupational therapists to support people transitioning from work to retirement. Little is known about the scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work‐to‐retirement transition. The aim of this study was to, in Australia, (1) explore the potential scope of practice and factors influencing the potential scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work‐to‐retirement transition and (2) map findings to occupational therapy theoretical frameworks to assist in articulating scope of practice.

Methods

A qualitative study (thematic analysis as an independent approach within a qualitative descriptive methodology) was undertaken using semi‐structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists.

Findings

Australian occupational therapists (n = 14) were interviewed. Four themes were identified which related to the potential scope of occupational therapy practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition: finding meaningful occupation; modifying lifestyles and homes for better living; work engagement; and application of occupational therapy skills. Six themes were identified which related to contextual factors influencing the potential scope of occupational therapy practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition: right time; valuing our expertise; promoting occupation(al therapy); finding the money; life, work and retirement longevity; and social responsibility.

Conclusion

The work‐to‐retirement transition can be incorporated into other practice areas or can be a unique practice area allowing for a more targeted service. The frameworks of who, what, when, and where and enablement skills assist in articulating occupational therapy scope of practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition. A number of contextual factors can be barriers and/or facilitators to occupational therapy practice. More clearly articulating occupational therapy practice in the work‐to‐retirement transition will enable the profession to promote their scope of practice assisting in obtaining professional and public recognition and overcoming barriers such as funding to enable provision of services within this area.
Person‐centred care in speech‐language therapy research and practice for adults: A scoping review
Authors: Forsgren Emma , Åke Sabina , Saldert Charlotta
Published: January 2022

Background

Person‐centred care (PCC) has shown positive effects in various health‐care settings and therefore is desirable in clinical work. However, as PCC is still being developed, the literature reflects a heterogeneous use of both terminology and conceptualisation. This lack of consistency hinders the implementation or adaptation of PCC in general and in select fields of practice such as speech‐language therapy (SLT).

Aims

To describe how the concept of PCC manifests in current speech and language therapy research and practice for adult patients.

Methods & Procedures

Searches for published literature were conducted in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Psych INFO, and Linguistics and Language Behaviour Abstracts) using search terms related to PCC and SLT. Records were included if they involved an adult population, were written in English, and focused on PCC and SLT irrespective of year of publication.

Main Contribution

A total of 134 records published 1996–2020 were included in this review. Many of these records were discussion papers that described how speech‐language therapists (SLTs) can or should work in a person‐centred way. The search did not find any records that explore the implementation, effects, or patients’ views of person‐centred SLT. This literature review revealed that person‐centred SLT practice mainly relates to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework, and the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia. Studies incorporating exploration of proposed clinical routines of PCC demonstrate specific context‐dependant aspects including barriers to eliciting a patient narrative, involving patient and family members, and documenting SLT.

Conclusions & Implications

This study provides information that can be used to implement person‐centred care in SLT education, clinical practice, and research by providing an inventory of the current knowledge and the existing gaps.

What is already known on the subject

PCC has shown positive effects and is currently being implemented in various health‐care settings worldwide.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study provides an account of the current state in research and practice on how PCC for adults is described, discussed, and evaluated. While related concepts such as family‐centred care have mainly been explored within paediatrics, little is known about how PCC manifests in SLT for adults. Our results show that PCC is presently being discussed and valued in SLT although obstacles exist, and few studies explore whether current practice is person centred and the potential effects of such practice.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

This study provides clinicians, researchers, and policymakers’ guidance on what aspects to consider when working to implement person‐centred SLT for adults.
Beyond ‘solidarity’ with Black Lives Matter: Drawing on liberation psychology and transformative justice to address institutional and community violence in young Black lives
Authors: Afuape Taiwo , Kerry Oldham Shanea
Published: January 2022

The authors, a Systemic Therapist (Author 1) and a young activist (Author 2), call for an approach that draws on Liberation Psychology and Transformative Justice to address pervasive racism in society, beyond statements of solidarity with Back Lives Matter. This requires addressing the impact on Black communities of the criminal legal (or criminal INjustice) system, ‘perpetual community trauma’ and grief, multiple forms of social disadvantage and exclusion and the relationship between these forms of racial trauma and serious youth violence. Rather than going back to business as usual once the current focus on Black Lives Matter dissipates, such as calls for more police, more prisons and more exclusion, the authors suggest that we work against the grain and envision alternative systems based on community‐based responses to trauma and oppression with mental health practitioners and community activists working together.

Practitioner points

Drawing on Liberation Psychology can enable us to go to the root of problems and directly challenge oppression

Liberation Psychology advocates for (1) explicitly naming oppression, (2) reconnecting to a collective history of resistance and solidarity and (3) drawing on peoples’ creativity

Radical change requires radical thinkers who can imagine alternative social systems based not on punishment and oppression but on Healing, Restorative and Transformative Justice
An “order of data acquisition” for digital forensic investigations
Authors: Horsman Graeme
Published: January 2022

Data acquisition is a fundamental stage of the digital forensic workflow, where without it, it may not be possible to conduct many criminal inquiries effectively. While any investigative team may want access to all digital data available, it is no longer an approach that is considered justifiable or proportionate in all cases. There is now an increasing narrative highlighting the invasiveness of digital data acquisition processes and their impact upon privacy, with calls to ensure greater scrutiny is placed upon their use. This work proposes the “Order of Data Acquisition” which defines 10 digital data acquisition methods that are available to practitioners as a part of a forensic examination, derived from a review of existing literature and best practice acquisition approaches, and arranged by their “invasiveness.” Each method is discussed with examples provided in order to clarify and formalize the process of determining a suitable acquisition method in every case while acknowledging privacy invasion concerns. Finally, conclusions are drawn.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals regional specialization of gene expression in larval silkworm (Bombyx mori) midgut
Authors: Shen Yunwang , Zeng Xiaoqun , Chen Guanping , Wu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2022

Insect midgut plays a central role in food digestion and nutrition absorption. Larval silkworm midgut could be divided into 3 distinct regions based on their morphological colors. However, it remains rudimentary of regional gene expression and physiological function in larval silkworm midgut. Through transcriptome sequencing of 3 midgut compartments, a comprehensive analysis of gene expression atlas along the anterior–posterior axis was conducted. Posterior midgut was found transcriptionally divergent from anterior and middle midgut. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed the regional specialization of digestive enzyme production, transmembrane transport, chitin metabolism, and hormone regulation in different midgut regions. In addition, gene subsets of pan‐midgut and region‐specific transcription factors (TFs) along the length of midgut were also identified. The results suggested that homeobox TFs might play an essential role in transcriptional variations across the midgut. Altogether, our study provided the first fundamental resource to investigate physiological function and regulation mechanism in larval midgut compartmentalization.
The effect of the diet of nitrogen‐free analogs of essential amino acids on chronic kidney disease deterioration: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Wenjuan
Published: January 2022

Introduction

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of the diet of nitrogen‐free analogs of essential amino acids on chronic kidney disease deterioration.

Methods

A systematic literature search up‐to September 2021 was done and 14 studies included 1574 subjects with chronic kidney disease at the start of the study; 786 of them had the very low‐protein diets supplemented with nitrogen‐free analogs and 788 had the conventional low‐protein diet.

Results

Very low‐protein diet supplemented with nitrogen‐free analogs had significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate, lower serum creatinine, and lower blood urea nitrogen; however, it had no significant difference in serum albumin, serum cholesterol, serum phosphorous, serum calcium, and parathyroid hormone compared to conventional low‐protein diet in subjects with chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

The very low‐protein diets supplemented with nitrogen‐free analogs had significantly better kidney functions results compared to the conventional low‐protein diets in subjects with chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to validate these findings.
Can HR adapt to the paradoxes of artificial intelligence?
Authors: Charlwood Andy , Guenole Nigel
Published: January 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely heralded as a new and revolutionary technology that will transform the world of work. While the impact of AI on human resource (HR) and people management is difficult to predict, the article considers potential scenarios for how AI will affect our field. We argue that although popular accounts of AI stress the risks of bias and unfairness, these problems are eminently solvable. However, the way that the AI industry is currently constituted and wider trends in the use of technology for organising work mean that there is a significant risk that AI use will degrade the quality of work. Viewing different scenarios through a paradox lens, we argue that both positive and negative visions of the future are likely to coexist. The HR profession has a degree of agency to shape the future if it chooses to use it; HR professionals need to develop the skills to ensure that ethics and fairness are at the centre of AI development for HR and people management.
Effects and mechanism of sucrose on retrogradation, freeze–thaw stability, and texture of corn starch–tamarind seed polysaccharide complexes
Authors: Xie Fan , Zhang Hui , Xiong Zhiqiang , Wu Yan , Ai Lianzhong
Published: January 2022

In this work, we investigated the effects of sucrose (0%–30%, w/w) on the pasting properties, retrogradation, freeze–thaw stability, texture, and the possible interaction with corn starch–tamarind seed polysaccharide (CS–TSP) mixtures. Sucrose increased the gelatinization temperature (from 76.4 ± 0.1 to 87.6 ± 0.0°C), peak viscosity (from 3358.0 ± 1.4 to 7732.5 ± 44.5 cP), and final viscosity (from 3514.0 ± 31.1 to 7724.5 ± 142.1 cP) of CS–TSP mixtures. Further, sucrose limited the increase in the storage modulus of the mixture pastes, transfer of bound water to free water, and water syneresis during the freeze–thaw process. Additionally, sucrose resulted in a more complete gel structure with stronger resistance. Scanning electron microscope and fluorescence labeling analysis showed that the presence of sucrose helped in tight entanglement or cross‐link between amylose or between amylose and TSP. Thus, these results in this study could help to improve physicochemical properties of starch‐based products, such as glue pudding and other starch desserts.
Radio frequency heating of green peas (Pisum sativum L.): The improvement of heating uniformity and its dry blanching effect
Authors: Zhang Caiyue , Dong Yuehan , Sun Yanan , Liu Yang , Wang Yequn , Fu Hongfei , Chen Xiangwei , Wang Yunyang
Published: January 2022

A radio frequency (RF) heating system was used to process green peas and a rotating system was introduced to improve heating rate and heating uniformity. Results revealed that rotation treatment accelerated heating rate effectively and improved heating uniformity index significantly (p < 0.05) from 0.175 (0 rpm, 55°C) to 0.029 (60 rpm, 55°C). After being treated with RF and traditional hot water blanching at 85°C, the residual lipoxygenase activities of green peas were 1.90 ± 0.71% and 35.51 ± 5.25%, respectively, confirming RF possessed better blanching efficiency. Meanwhile, weight loss, electrolyte leakage rate, color, and texture of green peas all had significant changes (p < 0.05) through RF heating.

Practical Application

A rotation device can effectively improve heating uniformity of RF electromagnetic heating. The rotation device could be expanded or further developed into continuous feeding conveying device for industrial production.
Enhanced thermal stability of anthocyanins through natural polysaccharides from Angum gum and cress seed gum
Authors: Gharanjig Hamid , Iri Marjan , Hosseinnezhad Mozhgan , Gharanjig Kamaladin , Jafari Seid Mahdi
Published: January 2022

Enhanced thermal stability of anthocyanins from black barberry was obtained using an optimum concentration of Angum gum (AG) and cress seed gum (CSG). To this goal initially, the phytochemical characteristics, and the thermal stability of purified and non‐purified anthocyanins were investigated to perceive the effect of the purification process. Then the effect of each gum and its concentration was evaluated on the thermal degradation kinetics of anthocyanins. Results demonstrated that both gums enhanced the thermal stability of anthocyanins, while CSG had a superior effect. Findings also revealed that the half‐life of anthocyanin was increased at 60°C from 366 ± 22.8 to 432 ± 4.2 and 636 ± 52.8 min in presence of AG and CSG, respectively. TGA results confirmed that the presence of SF‐AG and CSG in their optimum concentration enhanced the heat stability of anthocyanin extract. Also, physical molecular bondings were confirmed by the FTIR spectrums where some peaks attributed to both of the extract and the gums were shifted. Plateau or flake‐like micro‐particles were detected by SEM which correspond with the most freeze‐dried microcapsules.

Practical Application

The results of this study may contribute to the enhanced thermal stability of anthocyanins from barberry that can be used as a coloring agent in beverage and food systems. Moreover, it can be used in preparation of natural nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
Normal rice flours perform better in gluten‐free bread than glutinous rice flours
Authors: Gui Yijie , Chen Gengjun , Tian Wenfei , Yang Shaohua , Chen Jianmin , Wang Feng , Li Yonghui
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine gluten‐free bread‐making potential of different types of rice, particularly comparing normal rice versus glutinous rice flours. Proximate and chemical compositions, hydration, and dough mixing and pasting properties of ten rice cultivars (i.e., seven types of normal rice and three types of glutinous rice), and quality parameters (specific volume, texture profile, and crumb structure) of gluten‐free bread from these flours were assessed. Significant differences were observed in flour properties among different types of rice. Significant correlations were observed between bread specific volume and rice amylose content (r = 0.91, p < 0.01), as well as pasting peak time (r = 0.86, p < 0.01) and final viscosity (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Further, strong correlations were observed between bread resilience and properties of rice flour, such as amylose content (r = 0.91, p < 0.01), pasting peak viscosity (r = 0.83, p < 0.01), and final viscosity (r = 0.93, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the normal rice types exhibited much better gluten‐free bread‐making performances than glutinous flour. Important parameters of rice flour determining its gluten‐free bread‐making properties include amylose content, water retention capacity, and pasting properties.

Practical Application

Compared with glutenous rice flour, normal rice flour leads to more viscous paste and gluten‐free breads with larger volume, evener texture, and better resilience. This study provides guidance for practical uses of rice flours in improving gluten‐free dough and bread quality.
Test of communication between potato plants in response to herbivory by the Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Vázquez‐González Carla , Rasmann Sergio , Moreira Xoaquín
Published: January 2022

Plant communication via airborne volatile organic compounds is a widespread phenomenon by which volatile organic compounds from damaged plants boost herbivore resistance in receiver plants. This phenomenon has been studied only in a handful of crop species.

We tested for communication between potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants in response to herbivory by the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. For this, we performed a greenhouse experiment with 15 potato varieties for which we caged pairs of plants (i.e., emitters and receivers) of the same variety. Half of the emitter plants were subjected to leaf damage by beetle larvae and the other half remained intact. We collected volatile organic compounds from emitter plants and estimated L. decemlineata damage on receivers.

We found no evidence of quantitative (total production) or qualitative (compound composition) changes in volatile organic compound emissions due to beetle herbivory. In addition, the leaf damage treatment on emitters had no significant effect on receiver herbivore resistance, suggesting no communication between infested and non‐infested potato plants in response to Colorado potato beetle damage.

Overall, this study provides baseline information on airborne signalling (or the lack of thereof) in potato plants which can inform subsequent work that identifies airborne volatiles with potentially strong effects on priming or defence induction.
Excess of cesarean births in pregnant women with COVID‐19: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Omar Mahmoud , Youssef Mohanad R. , Trinh Lily N. , Attia Abdallah S. , Elshazli Rami M , Jardak Christina L , Farhoud Ashraf S , Hussein Mohammad H , Shihabi Areej , Elnahla Ahmed , Zora Ghassan , Abdelgawad Mohamed , Munshi Ruhul , Aboueisha Mohamed , Toraih Eman A. , Fawzy Manal S , Kandil Emad
Published: January 2022

Background

Studies have suggested that cesarean birth in pregnant women with COVID‐19 may decrease maternal adverse events and perinatal transmission. This systematic review aimed to evaluate variations in clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and maternal/neonatal outcomes in COVID‐19 patients who delivered vaginally versus via cesarean.

Methods

A comprehensive search following PRISMA guidelines was performed for studies published up to May 23, 2020, using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Science Direct, and clinicaltrials.gov. Original retrospective and prospective studies, case reports, or case series with sufficient data for estimating the association of COVID‐19 with different pregnancy outcomes with no language restriction and published in peer‐reviewed journals were included. Pooled mean and arcsine transformation proportions were applied. Next, a two‐arm meta‐analysis was performed comparing the perinatal outcomes between the study groups.

Results

Forty‐two studies with a total of 602 pregnant women with COVID‐19 were included. The mean age was 31.8 years. Subgroup analysis showed that Americans had the lowest gestational age (mean = 32.7, 95%CI = 27.0‐38.4, P < 0.001) and the highest incidence of maternal ICU admission (95%CI = 0.45%‐2.20, P < 0.001) of all nationalities in the study. There was no significant difference in perinatal complications, premature rupture of membrane, placenta previa/accreta, or gestational hypertension/pre‐eclampsia between women who delivered vaginally versus by cesarean. Importantly, there were also no significant differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion

Vaginal delivery was not associated with worse maternal or neonatal outcomes when compared with cesarean. The decision to pursue a cesarean birth should be based on standard indications, not COVID‐19 status.
Implementation strategies within a complex environment: A qualitative study of a shared decision‐making intervention during childbirth
Authors: Spigel Lauren , Plough Avery , Paterson Victoria , West Rebecca , Jurczak Amanda , Henrich Natalie , Gullo Susan , Corrigan Brett , Patterson Pam , Short Trisha , Early Lisa , Bridges Margie , Pesek Elizabeth , Pizzitola Marianne , Davis Dianna , Kirby Keri , Borduz Christina , Shah Neel , Weiseth Amber
Published: January 2022

Background

Shared decision‐making (SDM) may improve communication, teamwork, patient experience, respectful maternity care, and safety during childbirth. Despite these benefits, SDM is not widely implemented, and strategies for implementing SDM interventions are not well described. We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of TeamBirth, an SDM solution that centers the birthing person in decision‐making through simple tools that structure communication among the care team. We identified and described implementation strategies that bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study among four hospitals in the United States to understand the acceptability and feasibility of TeamBirth. We interviewed 103 clinicians and conducted 16 focus group discussions with 52 implementers between June 2018 and October 2019. We drew on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to understand acceptability and feasibility, and to identify and describe the underlying contextual factors that affected implementation.

Results

We found that clinicians and implementers valued TeamBirth for promoting clarity about care plans among the direct care team and for centering the birthing person in decision‐making. Contextual factors that affected implementation included strength of leadership, physician practice models, and quality improvement culture. Effective implementation strategies included regular data feedback and adapting “flexible” components of TeamBirth to the local context.

Discussion

By identifying and describing TeamBirth's contextual factors and implementation strategies, our findings can help bridge the implementation gap of SDM interventions. Our in‐depth analysis offers tangible lessons for other labor and delivery unit leaders as they seek to integrate SDM practices in their own settings.