bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive co-expression network analysis inVibrio cholerae
Authors: DuPai Cory D. , Wilke Claus O. , Davies Bryan W.
Published: February 2020

Research into the evolution and pathogenesis ofVibrio choleraehas benefited greatly from the generation of high throughput sequencing data to drive molecular analyses. The steady accumulation of these datasets now provides a unique opportunity forin silicohypothesis generation via co-expression analysis. Here we leverage all publishedV. choleraeRNA-sequencing data, in combination with select data from other platforms, to generate a gene co-expression network that validates known gene interactions and identifies novel genetic partners across the entireV. choleraegenome. This network provides direct insights into genes influencing pathogenicity, metabolism, and transcriptional regulation, further clarifies results from previous sequencing experiments inV. cholerae(e.g. Tn-seq and ChIP-seq), and expands upon micro-array based findings in related gram-negative bacteria.

Importance

Cholera is a devastating illness that kills tens of thousands of people annually.Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, is an important model organism to investigate both bacterial pathogenesis and the impact of horizontal gene transfer on the emergence and dissemination of new virulent strains. Despite this importance, roughly one third ofV. choleraegenes are functionally un-annotated, leaving large gaps in our understanding of this microbe. Through co-expression network analysis of existing RNA-sequencing data, this work develops an approach to uncover novel gene-gene relationships and contextualize genes with no known function, which will advance our understanding ofV. choleraevirulence and evolution.
GSK3 activity is a cell fate switch that balances the ratio of vascular cell type
Authors: Tamaki Takayuki , Oya Satoyo , Naito Makiko , Ozawa Yasuko , Furuya Tomoyuki , Saito Masato , Sato Mayuko , Wakazaki Mayumi , Toyooka Kiminori , Fukuda Hiroo , Helariutta Ykä , Kondo Yuki
Published: February 2020

The phloem transports photosynthetic assimilates and signalling molecules. It mainly consists of sieve elements (SEs), which act as “highways” for transport, and companion cells (CCs), which serve as “gates” to load/unload cargos. Though SEs and CCs function together, it remains unknown what determines the ratio of SE/CC in the phloem. In this study, we develop a novel culture system for CC differentiation named VISUAL-CC, which reconstitutes the SE-CC complex formation. Comparative expression analysis in VISUAL-CC reveals that SE and CC differentiation tends to show negative correlation, while total phloem differentiation is unchanged. This varying SE/CC ratio is largely dependent on GSK3 kinase activity. Indeed, gsk3 hextuple mutants possess much more SEs and less CCs in planta. Conversely, gsk3 gain-of-function mutants induced by phloem-specific promoter partially increased the CC ratio. Taken together, GSK3 activity appears to function as a cell fate switch in the phloem, thereby balancing the SE/CC ratio.
mRNA secondary structure stability regulates bacterial translation insulation and re-initiation
Authors: Chemla Yonatan , Peeri Michael , Heltberg Mathias Luidor , Eichler Jerry , Jensen Mogens Høgh , Tuller Tamir , Alfonta Lital
Published: February 2020

In bacteria, translation re-initiation is crucial for synthesizing proteins encoded by genes that are organized into operons. The mechanisms regulating translation re-initiation remain, however, poorly understood. We now describe the ribosome termination structure (RTS), a conserved and stable mRNA secondary structure precisely localized downstream of stop codons, which serves as the main factor governing re-initiation efficiency in a synthetic Escherichia coli operon. We further report that in 95% of 128 analyzed bacterial genomes representing all phyla, this structure is selectively depleted when re-initiation is advantageous yet selectively enriched so as to insulate translation when re-initiation is deleterious.
Shocks and entrepreneurship: a study of career shocks among newly graduated entrepreneurs
Authors: Rummel Sophie , Akkermans Jos , Blokker Rowena , Van Gelderen Marco
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the career shocks that young, newly graduated entrepreneurs experience in the process of starting a business.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach, drawing upon 25 semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs who recently graduated from university (up to the age of 30) in different European countries.

Findings

The analysis identifies several career shocks that can confront entrepreneurs before and after starting a business and reveals how these shocks influence graduates’ decisions to become and continue to be an entrepreneur.

Research limitations/implications

The study sheds light on the diverse nature of career shocks and the importance of integrating agency concepts and environmental influences in career research. It identifies important factors relevant for school-to-work transition research and complements work in entrepreneurship research on necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship, push and pull motives, and entrepreneurial intentions.

Practical implications

Organizations can use the findings to attract and retain young entrepreneurial employees, while higher education organizations can use the findings to better prepare students for a successful transition into entrepreneurship, whether in the corporate or independent form.

Originality/value

The paper integrates the concept of career shocks with literature on entrepreneurship and offers a categorization of career shocks in the pathway to entrepreneurship.
Automating construction manufacturing procedures using BIM digital objects (BDOs)
Authors: Al-Saeed Yahya , Edwards David John , Scaysbrook Stephen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel proof-of-concept framework for implementing building information modeling (BIM) Digital Objects (BDO) to automate construction product manufacturers’ processes and augment lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed interpretivist and post-positivist epistemological lens is adopted to pursue the proof-of-concept’s development. From an operational perspective, a synthesis of literature using interpretivism provides the foundation for deductive research inquiry implemented within a case study approach. Within the case study, participatory action research (PAR) is implemented to test the proof of concept via three “waterfall” research phases, namely, literature diagnosis and BIM package selection, BDO development and validation and evaluation.

Findings

The findings illustrate that a BDO (which represents the digital twin of manufacturing products) can augment and drive automation processes and workflows for construction product manufacturers within a contractor’s supply chain. The developed framework illustrates the benefits of a BDO, by reducing the number of manufacturing processes to effectively eliminate early errors in the model, generates financial savings and reduces material wastage.

Originality/value

This research provides a seminal case study that implements BDO to automate construction product manufacturing processes and demonstrates the utilisation of BDO at an operational (vis-à-vis theoretical) level. Future research is proposed to implement a longitudinal approach to measure and report upon the success (or otherwise) of the proof of concept when implemented on fabrications and shop floor procedures.
Preparing future business professionals for a globalized workplace through intercultural virtual collaboration
Authors: Ferreira-Lopes Luana , Van Rompay-Bartels Ingrid
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Universities have increasingly been adopting intercultural virtual collaboration (IVC) to connect and develop the intercultural competence of students from different locations. However, the design and implementation of IVC have proved to be challenging, and thus there is a need for sharing positive experiences. This paper explores students’ overall impressions toward their participation in an IVC project involving a Spanish and Dutch university and discusses the on-going improvement process inherent to such practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents (a) the results obtained from a content analysis of students’ feedback collected through a satisfaction survey, and (b) the observations of participating teachers on the challenges encountered during the implementation of the intercultural virtual collaborative project.

Findings

The analysis shows the potential of IVC to develop different aspects of students’ intercultural competence, especially intercultural teamwork, awareness and skills. Students appreciated the experience of working in intercultural teams, “the real-life application” of the project and the opportunity to gain cultural knowledge. At the institutional level, the biggest challenge related to aligning participating institutions’ courses, schedules, and grading systems. At the classroom level, it is argued that interaction between students should happen gradually. The discussion also approaches how partnerships between universities and companies could contribute to making training in intercultural virtual collaboration more authentic.

Originality/value

Given its impact on the development of students’ intercultural competence, the intercultural virtual collaborative project has been recognized as a best-practice in both universities, being officially incorporated into the curriculum of the participating institutions and replicated to other subject areas.
Natural plants in hospitality servicescapes: the role of perceived aesthetic value
Authors: Apaolaza Vanessa , Hartmann Patrick , Fernández-Robin Cristobal , Yáñez Diego
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of natural plants on satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality servicescape and provides a theoretical framework explaining the underlying processes.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study (plants vs no-plants) was conducted in a restaurant with a sample of 119 individuals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and bootstrapping moderated mediation analysis (Hayes, 2013).

Findings

The results of the study confirmed significant effects of indoor natural plants on consumers’ satisfaction and loyalty, mediated by the experiential value components of aesthetic value, service excellence and escapism. The absence of an interaction of these influences with consumers’ connectedness to nature indicates that the beneficial effects of indoor plants universally affect all individuals, independent of their personal degree of feeling connected with nature.

Practical implications

Indoor natural plants as ambient elements in restaurants can improve satisfaction and loyalty by enhancing the dimensions of aesthetics and escapism of the service experience, as well as the perception of service quality.

Originality/value

This is the first experimental study analyzing the effects of indoor plants on customer satisfaction and loyalty conducted in a real-life restaurant setting using actual plants. The findings contribute theoretically by providing an integrated conceptual model of the satisfaction and loyalty effects of atmospheric stimuli (i.e. plants) in the hospitality servicescape, which offers a process explanation based on the mediating influence of aesthetic value and the sequential mediations of aesthetic value → service excellence and aesthetic value → escapism.
Frugal innovation enablers: a comprehensive framework
Authors: Niroumand Marjan , Shahin Arash , Naghsh Amirreza , Peikari Hamid Reza
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework for the dimensions of frugal innovation enablers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research approach has been applied. First, by a comprehensive literature review, the most important factors influencing frugal innovation have been identified. Then, an interview has been conducted with 18 experts who were selected by snowball sampling method. In the next step, all identified variables have been modified in a questionnaire with 48 factors, which were distributed to 200 employees and managers of SMEs in the home appliance manufacturing industry of Isfahan province, who were selected by non-random sampling. Data has been analyzed using SPSS-25 software for exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

Findings indicated that the most important enablers of frugal innovation are world-class design, human aspect, marketing, support, knowledge, social aspect, prototyping, cultural aspect, environmental aspect, distinct brand creation, core functions focus, local R&D, cost-cutting business model and low-cost production.

Practical implications

The proposed framework provides an effective basis to managers and decision-makers in the field of frugal innovation to evaluate their capabilities in implementing frugal innovation, the results of which are helpful in developing a roadmap for achieving frugal innovation in SMEs and particularly in home appliance manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

The comprehensive framework of this study has not been applied, developed or studied in the literature. The proposed framework provides new insights for future studies on the subject of frugal innovation, e.g. investigating the influence of frugal innovation on frugal innovation performance.
A review of literature on IFRS in Africa
Authors: Tawiah Vincent , Boolaky Pran
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper is an appraisal of existing literature on IFRS in Africa. In a bid to determine what exists and what is missing in the literature, the authors have reviewed three streams of studies, namely, adoption, compliance/harmonisation and consequences of IFRS in Africa, with the aim to suggest what remains to be investigated on IFRS in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a systematic review approach including synthesis of a variety of archival materials. Articles on Africa were summarised under three main headings: adoption, compliance/harmonisation and consequences of IFRS.

Findings

This review finds limited research on IFRS in Africa. It reveals that although past cross-continent studies claimed to cover Africa, they are limited to only a few countries and mainly predominated by South Africa. The authors identified only one study that investigated the impact of economic and cultural factors on IFRS adoption in Africa and few cross-continent studies but considering only very few African countries. Regarding compliance, four studies concluded that compliance with IFRS is dependent on a firm’s characteristics. The authors also identified that some of the generalised findings from prior research on consequences of IFRS are of limited significance in the African context.

Originality/value

This study suggests the determinants of adoption, compliance and consequences of IFRS in Africa are different if studied separately. It identifies some gaps in the literature that require further research, specifically, IFRS on taxation, fair valuation practices and the institutional capacities of countries to implement the standards.
Reframing financial abuse of parishioners: an analysis of a Church of England disciplinary tribunal hearing regarding Rev. Karl Wray
Authors: Redmond Mark
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Traditional understandings of financial abuse are limited to particular situations and people who have close access to vulnerable adults. This paper aims to add to a debate that intends to push the boundaries of the understanding of financial abuse further. In particular, it seeks to add to the understanding of what financial abuse might look like and who the perpetrators of such abuse can be. In so doing, it seeks to offer greater protection to the vulnerable.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on exploring the minutes of Church of England disciplinary tribunals, held to provide accountability for clergy, this paper considers how the church seeks to represent and construct the victims of financial abuse.

Findings

The paper identifies that the victims of financial abuse are whitewashed out of the tribunal minutes and discovers that the disciplinary tribunal is solely concerned with the financial loss afforded by the church. This discovery offers a new context in which it is possible to explore the competing interest in, what has been regarded as, the “legitimate assets” of older parishioners. It provides an example of how organisations and individuals compete for them.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the debate about the everyday nature of financial abuse and when and where it might take place. It provides an opportunity to reconsider potential offenders and the means by which abuse might be reduced. In exploring how the financial abuse of potentially vulnerable people can be reframed so that it is hidden by process and procedure, this paper offers an insight into the means by which it is possible to promote transparency and greater accountability.
A study of serious case reviews between 2016 and 2018: what are the key barriers for social workers in identifying and responding to child neglect?
Authors: Solem Linda , Diaz Clive , Hill Lauren
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment but is also one of the most complex. Neglect has a long-term negative impact on children and young people’s development and wellbeing. This study examined 20 recent serious case reviews that had taken place in England where neglect was a feature. The purpose of this study is sought to explore the barriers, which exist for social workers in England in identifying and responding to neglect in a timely, appropriate and effective manner.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis identified four main themes that were likely to impact upon effective interventions.

Findings

Challenges in terms of the definition of neglect and how to identify it; the use of neglect toolkits; the impact of organisational cultures on practice and the voice of the child.

Originality/value

In spite of its prevalence there is a dearth of literature relating specifically to the issue of neglect. There is a need for further research to be undertaken because of the acknowledged, seriousness and potential longstanding negative impact on children even into adulthood (Horwath, 2013). It is hoped that this study provides a useful insight into some of the barriers that exist for social workers in working effectively with children and families for whom neglect is an issue.
Viewpoint: at the intersections of information, computing and internet research
Authors: Ess Charles M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new collaboration between the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR) and the Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society (JICES).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses historical, comparative and ethics-based approaches.

Findings

The collaboration is catalyzed by central interests shared between AoIR and JICES, namely, in the ethical and social impacts of the internet. The collaboration accordingly aims to bring research and reflection developed for the AoIR conferences to the JICES’ readership.

Originality/value

The value of this collaboration is considerable, as it promises extensive new cross-fertilization between the two communities. The viewpoint begins with a brief overview of the collaboration’s initiation by Prof Simon Rogerson and its logistics over the next two years. Following a general review of Information and Computing Ethics and Intercultural Information Ethics, an overview of ethical considerations fostered by AoIR is offered, focusing on the development of internet research ethics (IRE), especially its most recent expression in an IRE 3.0.
A Web application for generating 3D motifs of Indonesian batik using triangle mesh
Authors: Endah Sukmawati Nur , Suhartono Suhartono , Kusumaningrum Retno , Ulfattah Roihan Auliya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Currently, the industrial field has entered the revolution era 4.0. This era is marked by rapid globalization and the combination of information and communication technology with conventional technology to significantly improve production efficiency and customer service. One area of industry that is currently developing is the textile field. Indonesia has one of its flagship textiles, namely, Batik. Batik has different motives in each region, one of which is monumental batik typical of the area of Semarang. But making batik is still made by conventional methods. Based on the development of industry 4.0, making batik motifs can be improved by using 3D printing as the latest technology in the batik industry.

Design/methodology/approach

3D batik motifs are produced by the triangle mesh method.

Findings

In this research, Web-based applications are produced to produce 3D batik motifs with triangular mesh and batik ordering based on the designed batik designs

Originality/value

We can make 3D batik motifs, especially monumental building in Semarang
Transprocessing: a proposed neurobiological mechanism of psychotherapeutic processing
Authors: Novac Andrei , Bota Robert G.
Published: February 2020

How does the human brain absorb information and turn it into skills of its own in psychotherapy? In an attempt to answer this question, the authors will review the intricacies of processing channels in psychotherapy and propose the term transprocessing (as in transduction and processing combined) for the underlying mechanisms. Through transprocessing the brain processes multimodal memories and creates reparative solutions in the course of psychotherapy. Transprocessing is proposed as a stage-sequenced mechanism of deconstruction of engrained patterns of response. Through psychotherapy, emotional-cognitive reintegration and its consolidation is accomplished. This process is mediated by cellular and neural plasticity changes.
Study of inter-relationship of depression, seizure frequency and quality of life of people with epilepsy in India
Authors: Mehta Shubham , Tyagi Alok , Tripathi Richa , Kumar Mahesh
Published: February 2020

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can have profound physical, social and psychological consequences. We aimed to assess the clinical predictors of quality of life of people with epilepsy. We recruited 31 patients suffering from epilepsy in this cross-sectional study. Their clinical profile was recorded. Quality Of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31) was used to assess quality of life of our patients. Depression was screened by Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy (NDDI-E). Among all the clinical variables, only seizure frequency significantly correlated with seizure worry (P=0.002), emotional well-being (P=0.026) and social functions (P=0.013) subscales of QOLIE-31. NDDIE score showed a significant negative correlation with all the subscales of QOLIE-31 except medication effects (P=0.993). A significant positive correlation was also noted between seizure frequency and NDDI-E score (r=0.417, P=0.020). Seizure frequency and depression are the most important predictors of quality of life in epilepsy patients. The management of patients with epilepsy should not only be aimed at just preventing seizures but the treating clinicians should also be cognizant about depression which itself can significantly affect the quality of life of patients.
Thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism in a patient on lithium
Authors: Kar Nilamadhab , Hullumane Surabhi R. , Williams Carol
Published: February 2020

While hypothyroidism is common in lithium-treated patients, thyrotoxicosis is rarely reported. We present a female patient on lithium for maintenance therapy of bipolar affective disorder, who developed thyrotoxicosis for few months which was followed by hypothyroidism which continued. There was no further thyrotoxicosis episode during a five year follow up period. While she was treated for thyroid dysfunction, lithium was continued. There was no clinical impact on the maintenance of the bipolar affective disorder during the follow up period; she was maintained well in the community.
Diagnostic stability of acute and transient psychotic disorders in developing country settings: an overview
Authors: Mehta Shubham
Published: February 2020

Acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPD), introduced in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnostic system in 1992, are not receiving much attention in developing countries. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to review the literature related to the diagnostic stability of ATPD in developing countries. A PubMed search was conducted to review the studies concerned with this issue in the context of developing countries, as diagnostic stability is more of a direct test of validity of psychiatric diagnoses. Four publications were found. According to the literature search, the stability percentage of the ICD-10 ATPD diagnosis is 63-100%. The diagnostic shift is more commonly either towards bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, if any. Shorter duration of illness (<1 month) and abrupt onset (<48 hours) predict a stable diagnosis of ATPD. Based on available evidence, the diagnosis of ATPD appears to be relatively stable in developing countries. However, it is difficult to make a definitive conclusion, as there is a substantial lack of literature in developing country settings.
High rates of same-sex attraction/gender nonconformity in the offspring of mothers with thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy: proposal of prenatal thyroid model
Authors: Sabuncuoglu Osman
Published: February 2020

Both youngsters and adults with same-sex attraction are at greater risk for negative health outcomes. Despite mounting efforts to determine the biological background, a satisfactory conclusion has not been reached and there is a need to explore alternate factors like functioning of thyroid system during pregnancy. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 790 eligible children and adolescents who had been admitted to child psychiatry between 2005 and 2013. This population consisted of 520 (65%) males and 270 (35%) females, aged 8 to 17 years. Fifteen mothers (1.8%) were found to have a history of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Sixteen youngsters (2%) had a history of same-sex attraction. Twelve overlapping cases with both same-sex attraction and maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy were identified, which was extremely significant (P<0.0001, by Fisher's exact test). The association was also significant for each sex (P<0.0001, by Fisher's exact test). There is evidence that thyroid gland plays a crucial and decisive role in determining sexual orientation in people. Maternal thyroid dysfunctions during pregnancy may result in homosexual orientation in the off-spring.
Testing brief intervention and phone contact among subjects with suicidal behavior: a randomized controlled trial in French Polynesia in the frames of the World Health Organization/Suicide Trends in At-Risk Territories study
Authors: Amadéo Stéphane , Rereao Moerani , Malogne Aurelia , Favro Patrick , Nguyen Ngoc Lam , Jehel Louis , Milner Allison , Kolves Kairi , Leo Diego De
Published: February 2020

The World Health Organization Suicide trends in at-risk territories study is a multi-site regional research program operating first in French Polynesia and countries of the Western Pacific, then extended to the world. The aims of the study were to establish a monitoring system for suicidal behaviors and to conduct a randomised control trial intervention for non-fatal suicidal behaviors. The latter part is the purpose of the present article. Over the period 2008-2010, 515 patients were admitted at the Emergency Department of the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française for suicidal behavior. Those then hospitalized in the Psychiatry Emergency Unit were asked to be involved in the study and randomly allocated to either Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU plus Brief Intervention and Contact (BIC), which provides a psycho-education session and a follow-up of 9 phone contacts over an 18-months period. One hundred persons were assigned to TAU, while 100 participants were allocated to the BIC group. At the end of the follow-up there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of number of presentations to the hospital for repeated suicidal behaviors. Although the study could not demonstrate the superiority of a treatment over the other, nevertheless – given its importance – the investigation captured public attention and was able to contribute to the awareness of the need of suicide prevention in French Polynesia. The BIC model of intervention seemed to particularly suit the geographical and health care context of the country.
Acute dystonia in a patient with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Kontoangelos Konstantinos , Maillis Antonis , Maltezou Maria , Tsiori Sofia , Papageorgiou Charalambos C.
Published: February 2020

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (di George syndrome) is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders. The clinical features of the syndrome are distinct facial appearance, velopharyngeal insufficiency, conotruncal heart disease, parathyroid and immune dysfunction; however, little is known about possible neurodegenerative diseases. We describe the case of an 18-year old patient suffering from 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Since adolescence, he presented with behavioral disorders, recommended treatment with 2 mg aloperidin and he presented cervical dystonia and emergence of torticollis and trunk dystonia. Antipsychotic medications either accelerate or reveal dys-tonic symptoms.
Mental health literacy among undergraduate students of a Saudi tertiary institution: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mahfouz Mohamed S. , Aqeeli Abdulwahab , Makeen Anwar M. , Hakami Ramzi M. , Najmi Hatim H. , Mobarki Abdullkarim T. , Haroobi Mohammad H. , Almalki Saeed M. , Mahnashi Mohammad A. , Ageel Osayd A.
Published: February 2020

The issue of mental health literacy has been widely studied in developed countries, with few studies conducted in Arab countries. In this study we aimed to investigate mental health literacy and attitudes towards psychiatric patients among students of Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students using a validated Arabic-version questionnaire. A total of 557 students were recruited from different Jazan university colleges. The majority of students (90.3%) have intermediate mental health literacy. Regarding the etiology of mental illness, students agreed that genetic inheritance (45.8%), poor quality of life (65%) and social relationship weakness (73.1%) are the main causes of mental illness. The majority thought that mentally ill people are not capable of true friendships (52.5%) and that anyone can suffer from a mental illness (49.4%). Students' attitudes towards psychiatric patients were mixed, with 68.7% reporting that they could maintain a friendship with a mentally ill person and that people with mental illness should have the same rights as anyone else (82.5%). Mental health literacy among university students was intermediate. There is an urgent need for health educational programs to change the attitudes of students regarding this important health issue.
Onset of depressive symptomatology in a sample of university students
Authors: Santangelo Omar Enzo , Provenzano Sandro , Piazza Dario , Firenze Alberto
Published: February 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate depressive symptomatology within the student population of the University of Palermo (Italy). An anonymous online questionnaire was provided to the students of the University of Palermo. The first section investigated demographic and social data, while in the second section the QIDSSR16 (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report) test was administered. 539 students (68.3% female) gave informed consent and completed the questionnaire. Considering as a dependent variable: Depressive symptomatology moderate-severe-very severe, the statistically significant independent variables associated are I don't live with my family (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.01-2.63, P=0.043), I currently smoke (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.01-2.39, P=0.048) and Low perceived health status (aOR 4.14, 95% CI 2.73-6.28, P<0.001). Smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing a high-grade depressive symptomatology. Family plays a crucial role in decreasing the risk of moderate, severe or very severe symptoms.
The relaxation effect of prolonged expiratory breathing
Authors: Komori Teruhisa
Published: February 2020

This study was performed to confirm that autonomic nervous activity is affected by breathing speed. I hypothesized that prolonged expiratory breathing would promote parasympathetic dominance, whereas rapid breathing would promote sympathetic dominance. Ten healthy men, ages 21-28 years old, were instructed to perform prolonged expiratory breathing (6 seconds expiration, 4 seconds inspiration) after spontaneous breathing and rapid breathing (1 second expiration, 1 second inspiration) after spontaneous breathing; changes in high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF)/HF of heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during each type of breathing. During prolonged expiratory breathing, parasympathetic nervous function was significantly activated. Conversely, during rapid breathing, parasympathetic nervous function was significantly suppressed. The HRV method assessing sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation in this study is an indirect, noninvasive method with clear limitations. The use of additional techniques should be considered to clarify the relationships between the breathing speed and the mind.
Psychological wellness, yoga and quality of life in patients affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A pilot study
Authors: Caponnetto Pasquale , Auditore Roberta , Maglia Marilena , Pipitone Stefano , Inguscio Lucio
Published: February 2020

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder characterized by positive symptoms, negative symptoms and neurocognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to estimate relationships between wellness, yoga and quality of life in patients affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Participants were 30 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in care at the Rehabilitative Psychiatry and Research Villa Chiara Clinic in Mascalucia (Catania, Italy), after that randomly assigned to two groups. The first group followed the experimental treatment with sets of yoga exercises conducted by a yoga trainer and a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist expert in yoga, while a second control group was treated with usual care. The results revealed a significant difference, before and after treatment, between the experimental group and the control group in quality of life.
Acute transaminitis after initial days of starting haloperidol
Authors: Gabriel Rami , Wojtanowicz Todd , Farokhpay Reza , Bota Robert
Published: February 2020

Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic butyrophenone that is lipophilic, readily absorbed, and extensively metabolized in the liver. The occurrence of elevated liver enzymes with haloperidol is reported to be 2.4% with cases generally occurring in the setting of chronic use. In this case, we present a patient who developed elevated liver enzymes 1-2 days after starting haloperidol treatment on two separate occasions and in the context of negative hepatic viral and autoimmune serology. Liver enzymes consistently had alanine transaminase > aspartate transaminase and peaked at 288 U/L prior to discontinuation of the medication. The patient was taken off haloperidol after serology resulted and clozapine regimen started. He was able to tolerate clozapine well with recovery of his transaminitis and psychiatric stabilization.
Impact of stakeholder pressure on the adoption of carbon management strategies
Authors: Yunus Somaiya , Elijido-Ten Evangeline O. , Abhayawansa Subhash
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the perceived pressures from stakeholders with high potential to cooperate and/or threaten the firm’s survival affect the decision to adopt carbon management strategies (CMSs).

Design/methodology/approach

A logistic panel regression model is estimated using longitudinal data from Australia’s Top-200 listed firms over seven years from 2009 to 2015. The authors test the firm’s propensity to adopt CMSs conditioned on the influence of four groups of stakeholders: the regulators, institutional investors, media and creditors. Data on CMSs adopted by firms are sourced from Thomson Reuters ASSET4 database, the Carbon Disclosure Project survey, annual reports, company websites and sustainability reports.

Findings

The authors show that stakeholder pressures are associated not only with the adoption or non-adoption of CMSs but also with the type of CMSs adopted. Three types of CMSs are identified, namely, compensation, reduction and innovation strategies. The findings reveal that CMS adoption and the firms’ propensity to adopt compensation and reduction strategies are significantly related to perceived pressures from the regulators, media and creditors. While pressure from the regulators is also associated with the firms’ propensity to adopt innovation strategies, a more advanced type of CMSs, the potential pressure from the media and creditors are not significantly related.

Practical implications

The findings imply that a firm’s adoption of CMSs is not merely about managing stakeholders in the regulatory sphere but also about taking into account the perceived pressures from non-regulatory stakeholders and the context-dependent nature of their influences. The authors show that by influencing the voluntary disclosure of carbon emissions, the government continues to be effective in encouraging firms to take action on climate change despite the abolition of the carbon tax in Australia.

Social implications

This study highlights that, apart from a heavy-handed approach, regulators can adopt softer forms of regulation such as the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Act and a less invasive, stakeholder-driven approach to encourage firms to adopt CMSs and thereby work towards climate change mitigation.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature by showing that perceived pressure from some stakeholders found to be influential in relation to some corporate decisions (such as environmental strategy adoption and climate-change-related disclosure) may not necessarily be influential in relation to CMS adoption.
Electronic food records among middle‐aged and older people: A comparison of self‐reported and dietitian‐assisted information
Authors: Lancaster Rebecca , Radd‐Vagenas Sue , Fiatarone Singh Maria , Noble Yian , Daniel Kenneth , Mavros Yorgi , Sachdev Perminder S. , Lautenschlager Nicola , Cox Kay , Brodaty Henry , O'Leary Fiona , Flood Victoria M.
Published: February 2020

Aim

Nutrition‐based applications (“apps”) offer enormous research potential, however evidence of their use and acceptability among older adults is limited. We compared self‐reported and dietitian‐adjusted dietary intake records among adults aged 55 to 75 years using the Research Food Diary (RFD) app.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the 45 and Up Study and completed a 3‐day food record using the RFD. A follow‐up dietetic telephone interview was performed to confirm the electronic dietary data. Independent of these interviews, a set of adjustments based on dietetic skills, nutritional database knowledge, food composition and dietary assessment was established to resolve probable reporting errors. The “adjusted” and “dietitian‐assisted” records were compared to self‐reported records for nutrient intakes and serves of The Five Food Groups using one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Sixty‐two participants were recruited, with 48 using the RFD app which included eight records without any identified errors. Reporting errors contained in the raw self‐reported records included: food items with missing/implausible quantities or insufficient descriptions to allow automatic coding. After removal of unusable records, 44 records were analysed. Differences were found between the self‐reported and adjusted records for protein, calcium, vitamin B12, zinc and dairy food serves (all P < .001; differences up to 8%). No significant differences were found between the adjusted and dietitian‐assisted measures.

Conclusions

Similarities between adjusted and dietitian‐assisted records suggest carefully applied dietetic assumptions are likely to improve accuracy of self‐reported intake data where dietitian interviews are not possible. We provide four key recommendations to guide this process.
Microbial, nutritional, and organoleptic quality of pomegranate juice following high‐pressure homogenization and low‐temperature pasteurization
Authors: Benjamin Ofir , Gamrasni Dani
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the effects of high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) on microbial, nutritional, and organoleptic qualities of pomegranate juice. Juices subjected to HPH at 100 and 150 MPa were compared to those subjected to thermal pasteurization at 55, 65, and 75 °C for 15 s, and to combined treatments. Physicochemical properties of pomegranate juices, such as color, pH, acidity, and total soluble solids, were marginally affected by either treatment. Significant microbial inactivation for the juices inoculated with Escherichia coli and yeast was achieved during 28 days of shelf life by HPH at 150 MPa, followed by thermal treatment at 65 °C. There was no significant difference in ascorbic acid levels between the treated and fresh juice. Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were measured to be higher in case of both treatment methods. Analyzing treated HPH samples with electronic tongue and nose showed similar flavor profiles to the fresh juice.

Practical Application

The work shows the benefits of using the advanced high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) compared to common thermal treatment used today in fruit juice pasteurization. HPH is capable to provide sufficient reduction in microbial with better nutritional and organoleptic quality. In this manuscript, we showed the potential of HPH as alternative method for pasteurization on a highly healthy fruit like pomegranate. The work describes the advantages in HPH process through comprehensive analysis for nutritional, microbial, and sensorial quality.
Prevention of hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with hematological malignancies and resolved hepatitis B virus infection: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheung Carmen Ka Man , Law Man Fai , Chao David Chun , Wong Sunny Hei , Ho Rita , Chao Amelia Chien Wei , Lai Jennifer Wing Yan , Chan Ted Yun Tat , Tam Mark Tsz Kin , Lau Sam Lik Fung , Tam Tommy Ho Chi
Published: February 2020

Objective

Patients with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are at risk of HBV reactivation during treatment for hematological malignancies. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the data on the efficacy of antiviral prophylaxis for the prevention of HBV reactivation in this group of patients.

Methods

We conducted a systemic literature search of PubMed including MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to 31 January 2019 to identify studies published in English comparing antiviral prophylaxis with no prophylaxis for HBV reactivation in patients treated for hematological malignancies. The search terms used were (“occult hepatitis B” OR “resolved hepatitis B”) AND (“reactivation”) AND (“haematological malignancy” OR “hematological malignancy” OR “chemotherapy” OR “immunotherapy” OR “chemoimmunotherapy” OR “lymphoma” OR “leukemia” OR “transplant”). The primary outcome was the reactivation of HBV infection. Pooled estimates of relative risk (RR) were calculated.

Results

We identified 13 relevant studies including two randomized controlled trials (RCT), one post hoc analysis from RCT and 10 cohort studies. There was a trend towards a lower rate of HBV reactivation using antiviral prophylaxis, but the difference was not significant (RR 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–1.40, P = 0.22). When limiting the analysis to the three prospective studies of patients receiving anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies, we found antiviral prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower risk of HBV reactivation (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.49, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Antiviral prophylaxis reduced the risk of HBV reactivation in patients receiving anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies for hematological malignancies but not in a broader group of patients receiving anticancer therapy.
Modifying twisted nematic LCD screens to create dichromatic visual stimuli with LEDs
Authors: Didion Jeremiah E. , Smith Karleigh , Layne John E.
Published: February 2020

The use of computers to create and display animations/videos in the study of visually guided behaviours has been instrumental in understanding sensory mechanisms underlying complex traits. Using computer displays, scientists are able to create a wide array of colours using three differently coloured lights (Red, Green, Blue [RGB]). While it is possible to generate scenes with RGB displays that mimic animals' colour perceptual experience, this can be problematic because it requires knowledge of the spectral absorbance of the animals' photoreceptor classes, which are often unknown and are difficult to obtain. Even then, stimuli are limited to the central part of the visible spectrum (e.g. ultraviolet (UV) stimuli are not possible).

We present a cost‐effective way of modifying a twisted nematic LCD screen that utilizes coloured LEDs, that allows measuring animals' sensitivity to, and discrimination between, wavelengths of light. It has the benefit of not requiring a‐priori knowledge of animals' photoreceptor classes. An LCD screen can be modified by removing the screen's back polarizer (behind the liquid crystal layer) and backlighting the screen with LEDs of two different colours. One of the LED colours transmits through a polarizer with a transmission axis parallel to the screen's front polarizer, and other LED colour transmits through a polarizer orthogonal to the first.

To test colour discrimination, one can create a dichromatic stimulus in which both LED colours are ‘ON’ and the current through one LED colour is decreased, while the other is constant, which generated a maximum intensity contrast of 1.84 log units in our setup. To test colour sensitivity, one can create a monochromatic stimulus in which only one LED colour is ‘ON’, which generates a contrast similar to the dichromatic stimulus.

This technique overcomes many of the limitations of RGB‐based LCD screens in a cost‐effective way, and allows more accurate testing of the role of colour in visually guided behaviours. Besides the questions in vision research, this setup can answer, it can also be used as an outreach tool in classrooms where children can learn about light, colour, polarization and technology.
Electoral Institutions and Electoral Cycles in Investment Incentives: A Field Experiment on Over 3,000 U.S. Municipalities*
Authors: Jensen Nathan M. , Findley Michael G. , Nielson Daniel L.
Published: February 2020

Through a field experiment and audit study, we test how the electoral calendar affects the use of local economic development policies. We explore how electoral timing along with local political institutions and party composition affect local governments’ offers of investment incentives to outside firms. We legally incorporated a consultancy and, on behalf of a real investor in manufacturing, approached roughly 3,000 U.S. municipalities with inquiries. The main experimental results show no greater tendency to offer incentives for investment anticipated prior to than after elections—a null result that is estimated with high precision. Limiting the sample to municipalities that specialize in manufacturing, the relevant subgroup, suggests that election timing matters in this most likely set of locales. Some observational findings include additional evidence on how direct elections of executives and partisanship correlate with incentive offers.