bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the dynamic interaction of systemic inflammation and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis during and after cardiac surgery
Authors: Galvis Daniel , Zavala Eder , Walker Jamie J. , Upton Thomas , Lightman Stafford L. , Angelini Gianni D. , Evans Jon , Rogers Chris A. , Phillips Kirsty , Gibbison Ben
Published: April 2022

Major surgery and critical illness produce a potentially life-threatening systemic inflammatory response. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the key physiological systems that counterbalances this systemic inflammation through changes in adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. These hormones normally exhibit highly correlated ultradian pulsatility with an amplitude modulated by circadian processes. However, these dynamics are disrupted by major surgery and critical illness. In this work, we characterize the inflammatory, ACTH and cortisol responses of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and show that the HPA axis response can be classified into one of three phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics. We develop a mathematical model of cortisol secretion and metabolism that predicts the physiological mechanisms responsible for these different phenotypes. We show that the effects of inflammatory mediators are important only in the single-pulse pattern in which normal pulsatility is lost—suggesting that this phenotype could be indicative of the greatest inflammatory response. Investigating whether and how these phenotypes are correlated with clinical outcomes will be critical to patient prognosis and designing interventions to improve recovery.
Keels of boxfish carapaces strongly improve stabilization against roll
Authors: Van Gorp Merel J. W. , Goyens Jana , Alfaro Michael E. , Van Wassenbergh Sam
Published: April 2022

Boxfish (Ostraciidae) have peculiar body shapes, with conspicuous keels formed by their bony carapaces. Previous studies have proposed various hydrodynamic roles for these keels, including reducing drag during swimming, contributing to passive stabilization of the swimming course, or providing resistance against roll rotations. Here, we tested these hypotheses using computational fluid dynamics simulations of five species of Ostraciidae with a range of carapace shapes. The hydrodynamic performance of the original carapace surface models, obtained from laser scanning of museum specimens, was compared with models where the keels had been digitally reduced. The original carapaces showed no reduced drag or increased passive stability against pitch and yaw compared to the reduced-keel carapaces. However, consistently for all studied species, a strong increase in roll drag and roll-added mass was observed for the original carapaces compared to the reduced-keel carapaces, despite the relatively small differences in keel height. In particular, the damping of roll movement by resistive drag torques increased considerably by the presence of keels. Our results suggest that the shape of the boxfish carapace is important in enabling the observed roll-free forward swimming of boxfish and may facilitate the control of manoeuvres.
Transmission, distribution and drug resistance-conferring mutations of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Oostvogels Selien , Ley Serej D. , Heupink Tim H. , Dippenaar Anzaan , Streicher Elizabeth M. , De Vos Elise , Meehan Conor J. , Dheda Keertan , Warren Rob , Van Rie Annelies
Published: April 2022

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), defined as resistance to at least isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), a fluoroquinolone (FQ) and a second-line injectable drug (SLID), is difficult to treat and poses a major threat to TB control. The transmission dynamics and distribution of XDR

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

(Mtb) strains have not been thoroughly investigated. Using whole genome sequencing data on 461 XDR-Mtb strains, we aimed to investigate the geographical distribution of XDR-Mtb strains in the Western Cape Province of South Africa over a 10 year period (2006–2017) and assess the association between Mtb sub-lineage, age, gender, geographical patient location and membership or size of XDR-TB clusters. First, we identified transmission clusters by excluding drug resistance-conferring mutations and using the 5 SNP cutoff, followed by merging clusters based on their most recent common ancestor. We then consecutively included variants conferring resistance to INH, RIF, ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide (PZA), SLIDs and FQs in the cluster definition. Cluster sizes were classified as small (2–4 isolates), medium (5–20 isolates), large (21–100 isolates) or very large (>100 isolates) to reflect the success of individual strains. We found that most XDR-TB strains were clustered and that including variants conferring resistance to INH, RIF, EMB, PZA and SLIDs in the cluster definition did not significantly reduce the proportion of clustered isolates (85.5–82.2 %) but increased the number of patients belonging to small clusters (4.3–12.4 %, P=0.56). Inclusion of FQ resistance-conferring variants had the greatest effect, with 11 clustered isolates reclassified as unique while the number of clusters increased from 17 to 37. Lineage 2 strains (lineage 2.2.1 typical Beijing or lineage 2.2.2 atypical Beijing) showed the large clusters which were spread across all health districts of the Western Cape Province. We identified a significant association between residence in the Cape Town metropole and cluster membership (P=0.016) but no association between gender, age and cluster membership or cluster size (P=0.39). Our data suggest that the XDR-TB epidemic in South Africa probably has its origin in the endemic spread of MDR Mtb and pre-XDR Mtb strains followed by acquisition of FQ resistance, with more limited transmission of XDR Mtb strains. This only became apparent with the inclusion of drug resistance-conferring variants in the definition of a cluster. In addition to the prevention of amplification of resistance, rapid diagnosis of MDR, pre-XDR and XDR-TB and timely initiation of appropriate treatment is needed to reduce transmission of difficult-to-treat TB.
Aerodynamic study of low Reynolds number airfoil and mini-unmanned aerial vehicle in simulated rain environment
Authors: V. Somashekar , A. Immanuel Selwynraj
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Rainfall is one of the main atmospheric conditions that significantly affect the aerodynamic performance of the low Reynolds number flights. In this paper, the adverse effects of rain on the aerodynamic performance of a two-dimensional (2D) airfoil with a chord-based low Reynolds number of 2 × 105 and the mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for various flight conditions, i.e. 0°–40° at Mach number 0.04 were studied numerically. The purpose of this study is to explore the aerodynamic penalties that affect the liquid water content (LWC = 5.33) of the airfoil and UAV performance in rain under different flying conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Eulerian–Lagrangian two-phase flow method is adopted to simulate the rain environment over an airfoil and mini-UAV aerodynamic performances. The Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are considered to solve the time-averaged equations of motion for fluid flow.

Findings

The effect of rainfall on the airfoil and mini-UAV is studied numerically and validated experimentally. For 2D airfoil, the lift and drag coefficients for both numerical and experimental results show a very good correlation at Reynolds number 2 × 105. For three-dimensional (3D) mini-UAV, the lift and drag coefficients for both numerical and experimental results show a very good correlation at Mach number 0.04. The raindrops distribution around the airfoil, premature trailing edge separation, boundary-layer velocity profiles at five different chord positions (i.e. LE, 0.25c, 0.5c, 0.75c and 0.98c) on the upper surface of the airfoil, water film height and the location of rivulet formation on the upper surface of the airfoil are also presented.

Originality/value

For 2D airfoil, the recorded maximum variation of the coefficient of lift and lift-to-drag (L/D) ratio is observed to be 5.33% at an 8° and 10.53% at a 4° angle of attack (AOA) between numerical and experimental results under the influence of rainfall effect for LWC = 5.33. The L/D ratio percentage degradation is seen to be 61.9% at an AOA of 0°–2° for the rain environment. For 3D mini-UAV, the recorded maximum variation of the coefficient of lift and L/D ratio are observed to be 2.84% and 4.60% at a 30° stall AOA under the influence of rainfall effect for LWC = 5.33. The numerical results are impressively in agreement with the experimental results. UAV designers will benefit from the findings presented in this paper. This will be also helpful for training the pilots to control the airplanes in a rain environment.
Executive competencies and individual ambidexterity: shaping late-career transition to Canada’s recreational cannabis industry
Authors: McPhee Deborah M. , Schlosser Francine K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The authors contribute to scholarship on motivation for late-career transition, by examining how older executives drew on individual ambidexterity (IA) in the stigmatized, Canadian-licensed recreational cannabis industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology utilizes a qualitative method, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 late-career executives. Inductive examination of data uncovered subthemes related to motivations for late-career transition, exploring and exploiting competencies, and known and unknown boundary conditions.

Findings

Motivations explained the impetus to join, while ambidexterity allowed executives to employ explorative and exploitive competencies to weather boundary conditions. Late-career transitioning to a stigmatized emerging industry presents an unprecedented mode of bridging employment for older workers.

Research limitations/implications

This small exploratory study of a nascent industry is limited in its generalization across different contexts but relevant to others in cannabis and other emerging industries. Increased focus on Human resources management (HRM) related research on late-career transition due to limited studies and IA.

Practical implications

Cannabis can be a risky employment venture for older workers that may affect future job prospects due to stigmatized views or present devastating financial risk. Older workers with knowledge, experience and skill remain relevant utilizing IA and their ability to manage difficult boundary conditions. Older experienced workers can bridge novel new opportunities before retiring.

Originality/value

The authors incorporated IA, expanding on literature related to boundary conditions in the late-career transition of executives into stigmatized recreational Cannabis. The authors introduce a new mode of bridge employment for late-career workers.
Issue-based environmental sustainability factors in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry: the perspectives of academics
Authors: Jeremiah Mfon Solomon , Woldesenbet Beta Kassa , Etim Raphael S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop a framework that enables the identification of sustainability factors from industry-specific environmental issues, and it proposes that these factors, in turn, can influence the corporate environmental performance (CEP) of firms in such an industry. It also validates the factor identification aspect of the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by reviewing relevant literature extensively and then developing an issue-based environmental sustainability framework to highlight the structural relationship of industry-specific sustainability factors with CEP. By involving 131 participants from academics in Niger Delta, the paper uses exploratory factor analysis techniques to reduce industry-specific sustainability factors from several environmental and socio-economic issues in the Nigerian oil and gas (O&G) industry.

Findings

Environmental risk originates from business environmental issues, and it triggers community reaction, which impacts negatively on corporate image. The nature of firm’s strategic responsiveness to these factors determines CEP.

Research limitations/implications

The study draws from the perspectives of academics on environmental issues in Niger Delta to validate the factor identification aspect of the framework. The views of other stakeholders are not included, and hence, it should be applied with caution.

Practical implications

Useful in identifying and managing industry-specific environmental issues, and thus, achieving some sustainable development objectives.

Originality/value

Although most previous studies have focused on generic CEP drivers, this study proposes sustainability factors that can originate from industry-specific environmental issues as crucial drivers of CEP in such an industry. It provides empirical evidence of such credible sustainability factors emerging from the Nigerian O&G industry’s environmental issues.
Are satisfied employees less inclined to quit? Moderating effects of human capital and abusive supervision
Authors: Wei Yu-Chen
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study investigates the moderating effect of individual human capital in the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention. In addition, the moderating effect of abusive supervision on moderation by individual human capital was considered.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used cross-sectional, self-reported data from 133 human resource specialists and their supervisors, who responded to a matching dyad survey.

Findings

The study found that human capital moderated the negative effects of job satisfaction on turnover intention. The results also verified the moderated moderating effect of abusive supervision on the interaction effect of human capital and job satisfaction on turnover intention. More specifically, the moderating effect of human capital on the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention was more pronounced when employees perceived high levels of abusive supervision.

Originality/value

The study developed a moderated moderation model to understand the risk of human capital and abusive supervision for an organization and provided a new perspective indicating that job satisfaction is a key determinant in retaining low-human capital employees but not high-human capital employees. Accordingly, companies may strategically choose to employ suitable employees, rather than star employees. In addition, talent management should focus beyond reward/compensation and prevent negative leadership behaviors.
Critical barriers to prevention through design in construction in Developing Countries: a qualitative inquiry
Authors: Umeokafor Nnedinma , Windapo Abimbola Olukemi , Manu Patrick , Diugwu Ikechukwu , Haroglu Hasan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Given the complexities in improving safety in the construction industry globally, which is exacerbated by the complex safety environment in developing countries (DCs), prevention through design (PtD) has been established to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) where applied. However, it has received very little attention in DCs and the extant literature with limitations. Using Nigeria as a case study, the current study advances the understanding of PtD in DCs by investigating the critical barriers to PtD and other potential OSH responsibilities of designers in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews and e-interviews of architects, builders and civil engineers in Nigeria were analysed using the six-phase thematic analysis. To improve the trustworthiness of the research, triangulation, peer-debriefing, refining the interview protocol and thick detailed description were done.

Findings

The study's findings question the extant general knowledge and understanding of PtD among clients and designers and its technical aspect among designers where it is skewed to structural safety and omitted in universities' curricula. This explains the inconclusive findings of existing studies on why there is a high level of awareness of PtD but a low level of implementation. There is little client support for PtD, and designers have limited influence on clients in terms of it. The fear of liability from PtD is exacerbated by the limited legal system and lack of adequate legislation in the country. The demotivating attitudes of clients and contractors towards designers in terms of PtD are also reported, just as there are project delivery barriers such as traditional procurement not supporting PtD as design and build procurement does.

Social implications

For the sustainable growth in the practice of PtD, the increased and improved quality of education and awareness of PtD is needed but this must focus on instilling a robust understanding of it among designers based on the local context. This educational requirement can be supported by statute.

Originality/value

Through qualitative data, the findings explain and offer insight into the inconclusive findings in the extant studies on PtD in Nigeria. Also, it contributes to improving health and safety by advancing the understanding of the critical barriers to PtD and other potential OSH responsibilities of designers in D Nigeria's construction using qualitative data.
Divorce status in the Pakistani workplace: women's narratives on stigma, outcomes and coping strategies
Authors: Saeed Abubakr , Kehkishan Sundas , Sameer Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the processes associated with divorced female employees' experiences at workplaces in the context of a developing country, Pakistan. Specifically, this study analyzes divorced women's narratives to better understand the nature of discrimination, its outcomes and their coping strategies within the workplace environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology consisting of 25 semistructured interviews with women employees having divorce status was adopted.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that divorced women experience a considerable amount of discrimination at their workplace from colleagues (victimized through gossiping). Moreover, they are also offered less training opportunities. This discrimination not only increases turnover intentions and stress but also decreases cognitive performance and disturbs work–life balance. The major coping strategies identified in the research include avoiding the situation and/or concealing their identity.

Originality/value

First, this study undertakes an in-depth examination of experiences and consequences of stigma amongst female individuals with divorced identity from an understudied, yet highly relevant, context of Pakistan. In so doing, the authors respond to the call for more research that examines the role of context in shaping the psychological process. Second, contextualizing the concepts of discrimination and inclusion in the workplace setting, this work gives voice to females with divorce identity. Lastly, by examining the interaction between visible and invisible identities, the authors provide further evidence that individuals with multiple subordinate identities are more prone to greater stigma and other negative consequences.
A nationwide strike uncovers unethical practices: consulting on socially responsible collaborator management in Mexico
Authors: López-Fernández Andrée Marie
Published: April 2022

Learning outcomes

It is expected that students enhance their awareness of businesses’ role in human rights protection as a key factor in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement and core objective achievement, as well as understand the effects of gender-based violence on organizational performance and identify and develop policies for a socially responsible strategic plan for effective communication with current and potential stakeholders.

Case overview/synopsis

The case of AFF Consulting Group in Mexico illustrates the challenges that firms face when doing business in an environment riddled with inequality and gender-based violence. The firm is challenged with developing a socially responsible strategic plan to ensure effective communication with stakeholders. The case has been developed as a narrative to demonstrate the intricacies of internal dynamics and discussions, which lead to strategic planning and decision-making.

Complexity academic level

The case study illustrates the challenges of business dynamics in an emerging market. It is applicable, especially, for undergraduate and graduate students in management studies related to CSR, ethics, human resources, collaborator management and human rights.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Internal market orientation, interdepartmental relationships and market performance: the pivotal role of employee satisfaction
Authors: Yu Qionglei , Barnes Bradley Richard , Ye Yu
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to signal the relevance of internal market orientation (IMO) as an organizational process for improving interdepartmental relationships and employee satisfaction, which, in turn, serves to leverage performance. The study has three main objectives: to consider the adaptation of IMO at the departmental level, whereby internal departments are identified as internal customers; gauging the impact of IMO on interdepartmental relationships, employee satisfaction and organizational performance; and testing the mediating role of employee satisfaction in linking interdepartmental relationships, i.e. connectedness and conflict with organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study observes the proposed relationships by drawing on a sample of 816 managers from 272 companies. Through accessing three respondents in each organization and asking them to focus on different constructs, the study’s methodology avoids common methods bias. Partial least square was used to test the hypotheses posited in the concept.

Findings

The findings confirm that IMO at the departmental level is critical for facilitating interdepartmental relationships within the organization. In particular, high levels of IMO can enhance interdepartmental connectedness, reduce interdepartmental conflict and improve employee satisfaction. Employee satisfaction not only influences firm performance directly but also plays a mediating role in linking interdepartmental relationships, i.e. connectedness and conflict with performance.

Research limitations/implications

While this study is conducted in the Chinese context, future research may consider testing the framework in different sectors and geographical areas. In addition, more objective measures of firm performance could be used in future studies, and other mediating and moderating variables may be added to further advance the understanding of the subject at large.

Practical implications

The identification of IMO at the departmental level can help firms collect ideas from staff across different departments, facilitate open and constructive communication and react promptly to other departments. Through a social information processing lens, this leads to the creation of a positive organizational atmosphere, contributing significantly to enhancing employee satisfaction and firm performance.

Originality/value

The findings of the study contribute to the area by supporting the legitimacy of IMO at the departmental level and its positive impact on internal relationships and employee satisfaction, which, in turn, leverages performance advantages for the firm.
Effect of accelerated aging by temperature and moisture variation cycles on the durability of concrete
Authors: Abou Houraira Ayoub , Ouali Abdellah , Elhammoumi Ouafa , Fekri Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Morocco is facing climate change, as shown by national studies conducted to date. The purpose of our research work is, on one hand, to develop an experimental protocol; simulating the Moroccan climate, through exposing concretes to accelerated aging in different cycles of temperature variation (+5 to +40 C°) and humidity (60–98% RH) and on another hand, to determine the effect of exposure to temperature and humidity variation cycles on the durability indicators (of concrete [with and without thermal cure]).

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, three classes of concrete were studied (C35, C40 and C55). Each class of concrete was considered first with no addition of silica fume (SF) and then with a 10% addition of SF. The concrete samples underwent three types of conditioning before performing the tests. The control concretes (Ct) were demoulated after 24 h and stored under stable temperature and humidity conditions (20 ± 2 °C and 80% ± 5 RH). Treated concretes (CV) demouled after 24 h and exposed to 300 cycles of 12 h of temperature and moisture variation in a climate chamber. And finally, concretes that have undergone a heat cure (CTV) for 5 h at 90 °C, were then removed from the mold and exposed to temperature and moisture variations cycles identical to treated concrete (CV).

Findings

The results obtained show that aging accelerated by temperature change, and humidity improves durability indicators compared to Ct. Concretes that have undergone a thermal cure, followed by accelerated aging, show an improvement in durability indicators between 50 and 200 cycles, but the performance of concrete decreases after 200 exposure cycles. The addition of SF plays a beneficial role in the durability of concrete in the three exposure environments.

Originality/value

The originality of the work is, to develop an experimental protocol, simulating the Moroccan climate, through exposing concretes to accelerated aging in different cycles of temperature variation (+5 to +40 C°) and humidity (60–98% RH) and on another hand, to determine the effect of exposure to temperature and humidity variation cycles on the durability indicators of conventional concrete (with and without thermal cure).
Covid-19 and consumers' online purchase intention among an older-aged group of Kosovo
Authors: Toska Asdren , Zeqiri Jusuf , Ramadani Veland , Ribeiro-Navarrete Samuel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the online purchase intention of an older-aged group in Kosovo. Very few studies have analyzed the online purchase intention of these age groups in emerging countries including Kosovo, during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increased usage of online shopping among older adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative methodology and a structured questionnaire was used for collecting the data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using partial least squares (PLS) was used to analyze 262 responses from an older-aged group of consumers from Kosovo.

Findings

The findings of this study showed that COVID-19 as a perceived risk affected online purchase intention. In addition, panic from perceived risk, perceived usefulness of social media and delivery in time also positively impacted the online purchase intention of this group of generations.

Originality/value

The study provides theoretical implications to consumer behavior literature during pandemics and how certain age groups behave during their purchase intention. The study also provides insight into other studies in emerging countries to see similarities and differences in online purchase behavior.
Effects of Super Bowl advertising on online brand search: ten years of insights from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Li Dan , Watanabe Nicholas Masafumi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the cross-media effect of Super Bowl ads on online search behavior. Furthermore, the authors explored the role of ad likability in the effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quasi-experiment method to test the hypotheses. The subjects of investigation are the brands advertised during the past ten years of Super Bowl from 2011 to 2020 (n = 389). Search volume index data were collected through Google Trends. The authors used Ad Meter ratings to measure ad likability.

Findings

The findings indicate that Super Bowl advertisements stimulate consumers' likelihood to seek information about the advertised brands via search engines. The search volumes for brands hit a peak right after the Super Bowl advertising exposure. Additionally, ad likability influenced the increase in search volume. Consumers tend to search a brand online if they liked its Super Bowl ad.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on Super Bowl advertising effectiveness by examining the impact of Super Bowl advertising on online search behavior and the role of ad likability in the relationship. Marketers will be able to utilize the increase in search volumes after the Super Bowl advertising exposure to further enhance brand engagement.
Barriers and gaps within services which affect Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic access to community Forensic CAMHS
Authors: Holt Bethany
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to determine any barriers and gaps within one community Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (FCAMHS) provision for young people presenting with risk of harm to others or involvement with the youth justice system, from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a systematic review of literature into the barriers and gaps within community FCAMHS, which showed little research in the area. Because of this, referral numbers for five major cities within the Yorkshire and Humber community FCAMHS region were compared to population statistics and youth justice caution and sentencing data.

Findings

Comparison suggests that BAME young people are under-represented across referrals to community FCAMHS. Also, there were differences in the representation of BAME young people when compared to youth justice data across the five major cities.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of literature, combined with disparities in proportional representation of BAME young people within the Yorkshire and Humber FCAMHS, shows the need for a detailed study and analysis within national community FCAMHS.

Practical implications

More needs to be done within community FCAMHS to ensure that services are meeting the needs of young people at risk of criminalisation.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there is currently no published literature that explores ethnic representation and access to community-based FCAMH services. Exploration within one regional service suggests that young people from BAME backgrounds may be under-represented within such services, whilst at the same time being over-represented within formal criminal justice.
Value co-creation through social media: a multistakeholder, communication perspective
Authors: Ravazzani Silvia , Hazée Simon
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Despite an increasing body of research on value co-creation through social media, service organizations still face difficulties in leveraging the potential of social media communication to facilitate value co-creation with multiple stakeholders. This article addresses this challenge by adopting a multistakeholder, communication perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a conceptual approach and builds upon concepts widely recognized in the public relations (PR) literature to assess communication in multistakeholder social media-mediated exchanges.

Findings

This article discusses the role of social media communication in enabling value co-creation as well as the communicative challenges that come along with it. Moreover, applying PR academic insights to the service innovation and service recovery research fields, it advances theoretical propositions that predict how service organizations can successfully build upon the social media communication fundamentals – namely dialogue, engagement, social presence and conversational human voice – to trigger value co-creation with and among multiple stakeholders.

Originality/value

This article introduces selected relevant theoretical concepts from the PR field and develops novel theoretical propositions that are likely to make unique contributions to the service management field. The article also advances future research avenues that will help service and communication scholars together move the field forward.
Convergence of educational leadership behaviours and socio-economic status of students amidst academic capitalism, consumerism and commodification
Authors: Borde Prashant Sunil , Arora Ridhi , Kakoty Sanjeeb
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on academic capitalism, consumerism and commodification (A3C) in higher education. Additionally, this study aims to understand core attributes of educational leadership behaviours with ethical leadership (EL) and transformational leadership (TL) styles can contribute to inclusive and equitable quality education for students belonging to diverse socio-economic status (SES).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a literature review methodology initially on themes of A3C, EL, TL and SES, adopting social learning theory and social identity theory. Further, organizational behavioural dynamics related to students and faculty in higher educational institutions are illustrated. Simultaneously, suggestions with practical focus are offered.

Findings

This paper synthesizes the literature on the convergence of leadership and SES and develops propositions to encourage future inquiry. Further, the study illuminates several attributes of four groups of student populations, namely, “privileged,” “contestant,” “dependent” and “deprived” formed because of this convergence.

Research limitations/implications

A3C have posed several severe questions for the sustainable development of society. Educational leaders must benefit society, offer equitable opportunities and develop affirmative leadership.

Originality/value

Leaders with high EL and TL behaviours can considerably contribute to achieve United Nations Sustainable Goals of Quality Education. This paper presents realistic solutions and scrutinizes organizational dynamics because of convergence of leadership and SES. Further, pragmatic leadership development strategies are suggested.
Purification and characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum‐derived bacteriocin with activity against Staphylococcus argenteus planktonic cells and biofilm
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Mei , Jiang Yu‐Hang , Li Hong‐Wei , Li Xiu‐Zhang , Zhang Qi‐Lin
Published: April 2022

Bacteriocins inhibit various foodborne bacteria in planktonic and biofilm forms. However, bacteriocins with antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus argenteus, a pathogen that can cause food poisoning, are still poorly known. Here, the novel bacteriocin LSB1 derived from Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 1.12934 was purified and characterized extensively. LSB1 had a molecular weight of 1425.78 Da and an amino acid sequence of YIFVTGGVVSSLGK. Moreover, LSB1 exhibited excellent stability under heat and acid–base stress and presented sensitivity to pepsin and proteinase K. LSB1 exhibited an extensive antimicrobial spectrum against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration of LSB1 against S. argenteus_70917 was 10.36 µg/ml, which was lower than that of most of the previously found bacteriocins against Staphylococcus strains. Furthermore, LSB1 significantly inhibited S. argenteus_70917 planktonic cells (p < 0.01) and decreased their viability. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that cell membrane permeability of S. argenteus_70917 upon exposure to LSB1 showed leakage of cytoplasmic contents and rupture, leading to cell death. In addition, biofilm formation ability of S. argenteus_70917 was significantly (p < 0.01) impaired by LSB1, with the percent inhibition of 35% at 10 µg/ml and 80% at 20 µg/ml. Overall, this study indicates that LSB1 can be considered a potential antibacterial agent in the control of S. argenteus in both planktonic and biofilm states.

Practical Application

Foodborne pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus argenteus, and their biofilms represent potential risks for food safety. In recent years, customers’ demand for “natural” products has increased food control. This study describes the novel bacteriocin LSB1 produced by the lactic acid bacterium species Lactobacillus plantarum. LSB1 showed strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against S. argenteus as well as thermal and acid–alkaline stability. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of LSB1 on S. argenteus were preliminarily explored. These results indicate that LSB1 might be potentially used as an effective and natural food preservative.
Recurrent risk of hospitalization among older people with problematic alcohol use: a multiple failure‐time analysis with a discontinuous risk model
Authors: Jemberie Wossenseged Birhane , Padyab Mojgan , McCarty Dennis , Lundgren Lena M.
Published: April 2022

Background and aims

Older people with problematic alcohol use vary in psychosocial functioning, age of onset for problem drinking and use of other drugs. The study measured the differential risks of all‐cause, alcohol‐, polydrug‐ and psychiatric‐related repeated hospitalizations among older people with problematic alcohol use.

Design

A linked register‐based cohort study with discontinuous multiple‐failure (time‐to‐repeated‐event) data. Hospitalization and mortality were considered as failure.

Setting

Sweden, March 2003–November 2017, using data from the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) register linked to National Inpatient Register and the Swedish cause of death register.

Participants

Participants aged 50 years and older (n = 1741; 28.2% women), with one or more alcohol problem days in the 30 days before an ASI assessment.

Measurements

Five mutually exclusive latent classes of problematic alcohol use, identified with 11 ASI items, were the independent variables: ‘late onset with fewer consequences (LO:FC; reference group)’; ‘early onset/prevalent multi‐dimensional problems (EO:MD)’; ‘late onset with co‐occurring anxiety and depression (LO:AD)’; ‘early onset with co‐occurring psychiatric problems (EO:PP)’; and ‘early onset with major alcohol problem (EO:AP)’. Covariates included socio‐demographic characteristics, previous hospitalization and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Outcome measurements included recurrent hospitalization and/or mortality due to: (a) all‐cause, (b) alcohol‐related disorders and diseases (c) polydrug use and (d) other psychiatric disorders.

Findings

During the study period, more than 75% were hospitalized at least once or died. 57.3% were hospitalized with alcohol‐related, 8.5% with polydrug use and 18.5% with psychiatric‐related diagnoses. Compared with LO:FC, EO:PP had higher risk for all‐cause [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.59] and alcohol‐related (aHR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.02–1.75) hospitalizations. Adjusted risks for polydrug‐related hospitalization were 2.55, 95% CI = 1.04–6.27 for EO:MD and 2.62, 95% CI = 1.07–6.40 for EO:PP. Adjusted risk for psychiatric‐related hospitalization was higher for LO:AD (aHR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.16–2.73 and EO:PP (aHR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.22–3.38).

Conclusions

Older addiction service users in Sweden have varying risks of hospitalization due to alcohol use, polydrug use and psychiatric disorders. Older people with problematic alcohol use who have multiple needs and are assessed in social services may benefit from earlier interventions with an integrated focus on substance use and mental health.
Thermal sum requirements for development and flight initiation of new‐generation spruce bark beetles based on seasonal change in cuticular colour of trapped beetles
Authors: Fritscher Danja , Schroeder Martin
Published: April 2022

The spruce bark beetle Ips typographus is the most important pest on Norway spruce in Europe. To improve predictions of bark beetle phenology in a warmer climate, correct thermal sums representing the development time of the new generation are needed.

A standardized method for classifying adults into five different colours was used for describing the seasonal change in colour of beetles in breeding substrate and in weekly trap catches from regions located in southern, central and northern Sweden in 2015–2020.

Repeated sampling of I. typographus from breeding substrate demonstrated that the adults get gradually darker, from light brown when newly moulted to dark brown or black in the following summer.

In spring, four to five colours co‐occurred among trapped beetles. Over time, the proportions of darker individuals increased until the two lightest colours were absent except for 2 cases out of 21 trapping locations/years. Thereafter, the individuals of the two lightest colours started to occur again, indicating that they belonged to the new generation.

The average thermal sum from start of flight of parental generation in spring until onset of new‐generation flight in summer was higher for southern Sweden [lower developmental threshold (LDT) 5°C = 744 degree‐days (dd); LDT 8.3°C = 467 dd] than for northern Sweden (LDT 5°C = 668 dd; LDT 8.3°C = 418 dd).

New‐generation flight occurred in every year and region, but generally constituted only a small proportion of total seasonal flight activity.
Male breast cancer: a Singapore perspective
Authors: Lim Joshua S. H. , Sim Yirong , Ngeow Joanne , Yuen Jeanette , Tan Veronique K. M. , Tan Benita Kiat Tee , Yong Wei‐Sean , Wong Chow Yin , Lim Sue Zann , Hamzah Julie Liana B. , Tan Si Ying , Wong Fuh Yong , Madhukumar Preetha
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare, representing <1% of all breast cancers. Treatment recommendations have been extrapolated from trial data of female breast cancer patients. This study aims to report our institutional experience of MBC across a 20 year period, analyse the survival outcome and prognosis of this group against female breast cancer patients treated at the same centre.

Methods

Clinical, histopathological, treatment and survival data of male and female breast cancer patients treated between Jan 1999 and July 2019 at Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore were identified and analysed.

Results

Fifty‐seven male patients were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years. Majority had invasive ductal carcinoma (86%) and presented at an early disease stage: 70.2% presented as Tis/T1/T2 and 49.1% had no axillary nodal involvement. 84.2% had a simple mastectomy with either a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary clearance. The median follow up was 5.69 years for males and 5.83 years for females. The median survival was 11.86 years for males and 16.3 years for females. At 5 years, overall survival (OS) was 69.9% (52.3–82.1%) and disease free survival (DFS) was 62.9% (44.9–76.5%) for males compared with OS 83.8% (83.21–84.39%) and DFS 74.5% (73.91–75.09%) for females.

Conclusion

MBC remains understudied. Our institutional data indicates that good long term survival in South‐East Asian patients can be achieved with treatment protocols that are similar to female breast cancer. More prospective studies are required.
Ethnicity, gender and seasonal variations all play a role in vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Trollfors Birger
Published: April 2022

Aim

(1) To explore the adherence of recommendations of vitamin D supplementation to children aged 0–4 years. (2) To compare serum levels of vitamin D in children and adolescents aged 0–17 years originating from different parts of the world. (3) To compare levels between boys and girls and (4) To determine seasonal variation.

Methods

A review of vitamin D levels in children with parents from different parts of the world was conducted. 2502 children aged 0–17 years were included between 22 January 2004 and 17 May 2021.

Results

Fifty‐nine of 363 children aged 0–4 years received the recommended vitamin D supplementation. Children from all parts of the world had lower levels of serum 25(OH)D than Swedish children. Girls from the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Africa had the lowest levels of s‐25(OH)D. Seasonal variation with higher levels during the summer was seen in children from Sweden, the rest of Europe, Russia and Latin America. Overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (≤25 nmol/L) was 928/2198 (42%) in children not receiving supplementation. Seven children had clinical rickets.

Conclusion

Adherence of giving children aged 0–4 years the recommended vitamin D supplementation was very low. Vitamin D deficiency is common in immigrant children of all ages in Sweden.
High levels of screen time were associated with increased probabilities of lagged development in 3‐year‐old children
Authors: Yu Yen‐Ting , Hsieh Ton‐Lin , Lin Gong‐Hong , Lee Shih‐Chieh , Huang Chien‐Yu , Chen Kuan‐Lin
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study determined whether higher screen time was associated with the development of 3‐year‐old children in Taiwan. It also examined whether differences would be found between television and other screen‐based media in the probability of lagged development.

Methods

We examined 2139 children aged 3 years and their parents. The association between daily screen time was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. All the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the rates of lagged developmental achievement, with the group who used screens for less than 1 h a day as the reference category. Screen time comprised television and other screen‐based media, such as smartphones, touch screens, computers and laptops.

Results

Children who used screens for more than 3 h per day had the lowest developmental scores and highest probabilities of lagged development. The children who used other screen‐based media for more than 1 h per day had greater probabilities of lagged developmental achievements (ORs 1.85–4.98, all p < 0.05) than those who watched television for the same amount of time (OR 1.41–2.77, all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased screen time was associated with higher probabilities of lagged developmental achievement in multiple development domains in 3‐year‐old children, particularly other screen‐based media.
Concentrations of psychoactive substances in blood samples from non‐fatal and fatal opioid overdoses
Authors: Edvardsen Hilde Marie Erøy , Aamodt Carl , Bogstrand Stig Tore , Krajci Peter , Vindenes Vigdis , Rognli Eline Borger
Published: April 2022

Aim

The primary aim was to compare concentrations of psychoactive substances in blood in non‐fatal and fatal opioid overdoses. The secondary aim was to assess the concentration levels of naloxone in blood in non‐fatal overdoses and the association between naloxone findings and concomitantly detected drugs.

Method Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Norway. Fatal overdoses from 2017 and non‐fatal overdoses from February 2018 to September 2019.

Cases

Thirty‐one non‐fatal and 160 fatal opioid overdose cases. Data from the non‐fatal overdoses were collected from hospital records and blood samples, and data from the fatal overdoses were collected from autopsy reports. Concentrations of psychoactive substances (including ethanol) in blood samples were collected at the time of hospital admission for the non‐fatal overdoses and during autopsy for the fatal overdoses.

Results

The median number of different substances detected was four for fatal and five for non‐fatal overdoses. The fatal overdoses had higher pooled concentrations of opioids (188 vs 57.2 ng/mL, P < .001), benzodiazepines (5467 vs 2051 ng/mL, P = .005) and amphetamines (581 vs 121 ng/mL, P < .001) than the non‐fatal overdoses. A linear relationship between naloxone and concomitant pooled opioid concentrations was found (95% confidence interval = 0.002‐0.135, P < .05).

Conclusion

The total load of drug concentrations was associated with the fatal outcome of an overdose, while the number of drugs used, to a lesser extent, differentiated between those who survived and those who died from an overdose. Higher opioid concentrations were associated with treatment with higher naloxone doses.