bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring influential factors leading to the poor performance of public construction project in Ethiopia using structural equation modelling
Authors: Gadisa Benti , Zhou Hong
Published: September 2020

Purpose

It is well recognized that the construction industry is characterised by inefficient and ineffective service delivery due to various causative factors. Thus this study aims to examine the influential factors affecting public construction project performance in Ethiopia to improve the industry's service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

From the extensive literature reviewed, 58 potential factors affecting construction project performance have been compiled. Based on the evidence accumulated, the conceptual model of this paper has been developed. By using survey questionnaires, valuable data were collected from the construction industry professionals in Ethiopia; analysed and interpreted with the use of both SPSS and AMOS software.

Findings

It is concluded that failure factors related to the “performance” of the contractor, the “capability” of the owner, the “project design-procurement process,” and project contract management can significantly contribute to the poor performance of public construction projects in Ethiopia. Ten key factors include inadequate contractor capacity, weak project site management and supervision, weak project management skills and capabilities of the owner, additional work orders, delayed payment, lack of comprehensive project plans between parties and incomplete project design, rising material prices, ineffective project schedules, and cost management, rising market prices and devaluation of the currency.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this study confined to public projects in Ethiopia. It suggests that further research needs to consider public and private construction from a comprehensive perspective in the developing countries.

Practical implications

It provides practitioners with information and guidance on the factors that affect the performance of construction projects.

Originality/value

It provides inclusive evidence related to many factors that affect the performance of public construction projects.
An economic view of entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Nakara Walid Adam , Laouiti Rahma , Chavez Roberto , Gharbi Samiha
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The role of macrolevel factors in entrepreneurial intention remains as an underexplored issue in the literature. The purpose of this study is to reduce this gap by testing the effect of economic development on entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative approach that formally tests for a quadratic relationship between economic development measured by the gross domestic product (GDP) and the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)) and entrepreneurial intention based on longitudinal data covering 72 countries over the 2010–2016 period. Data are gathered from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Findings

The results reveal the existence of a U-shaped relationship between the country's GDP per capita and individuals' entrepreneurial intention. The results also support a similar relationship between GCI and entrepreneurial intention. These findings suggest that individuals' entrepreneurial intentions differ between countries depending on the level of economic development.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this article presents the first attempt to investigate the role of economic development on entrepreneurial intention based on longitudinal data covering a large sample of countries. Moreover, by providing evidence of a U-shaped relationship between economic progress and individuals' propensity to attempt an entrepreneurial career, this study enhances the understanding of the macrolevel determinants of entrepreneurial intention.
Psychological ownership of a team of change agents during second-order change in schools and its implications for school culture
Authors: Benji-Rabinovitz Shiran , Berkovich Izhak
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Taking ownership is considered vital for sustaining change in organizations, particularly when second-order changes are the goal. Yet, few studies explored psychological ownership of change agents in educational organizations. Moreover, no knowledge exists on how agents' individual psychological ownership augments psychological ownership in schools and on how collective psychological ownership of change relates to school culture. The present study aims to address these two lacunae.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method was adopted to investigate the psychological ownership of teams of change agents in schools. Six Israeli secondary state religious schools adopting a new liberal curricular program were studied. Thirty one interviews were conducted with principals, program coordinators, mid-level teacher leaders and teachers who were active change agents in the promotion of the program. The interviews were complemented by quantitative data on students' perceptions of school discipline and tolerance of diversity based on the national school culture survey.

Findings

The analyses revealed the prevalence of three types of psychological ownership in the sample of schools. The analyses also showed how key components of psychological ownership, i.e. responsibility and territoriality in relation to change manifest in the schools that were explored. Institution-level analysis shed light on the different effects psychological ownership of the change team had on sharing within the faculty. In addition, analyses showed how the scope of agreement between two key change agents, the program initiator and the principal, on psychological ownership affected various psychological ownership aspects of the team. Last, the analysis shows that two types of collective psychological ownership emerged in the course of a liberal school change, and that types were differently related to school outcomes.

Originality/value

The study offers an innovative typology of collective psychological ownership during second-order change in schools, mapping two ideal types: cooperative and fragmented collective psychological ownership. The new types provide a better understanding of the dynamic of collective psychological ownership and its outcomes in organizations in general and schools in particular.
Innovation community and content providers' new service development performance in technology-based service ecosystem
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Bo , Mu Huimin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the paths through which innovation community affects content providers' new service development (NSD) performance in technology-based service ecosystem and contingency factors exist in the paths.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is built based on service-dominant (S-D) logic, exploring the relationship among innovation community, content providers' knowledge acquisition and content providers' NSD performance as well as the moderating role of content providers' technology readiness and content providers' complexity. Using survey data collected from 386 content providers of selected open network platforms in China, this study finds broad support for the proposed research model.

Findings

The findings of this paper reveal that content providers' tacit knowledge acquisition from users plays a mediating role between the innovation community and new service ratings. Content providers' technology readiness plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between innovation community and their explicit or tacit knowledge acquisition. Content providers' task complexity negatively moderates the effects of their explicit knowledge acquisition from users on new service volumes or ratings, but positively moderates the effects of tacit knowledge acquisition from users on new service volumes or ratings.

Originality/value

Though extant literature highlights the importance of knowledge acquisition in NSD performance, few studies explore the antecedents of content providers' knowledge acquisition from users and the paths through which these antecedents affect content providers' NSD performance. Moreover, boundary conditions exist in the process of improving NSD performance are generally ignored in previous literature. With the lens of S-D logic, this paper explicates how content providers of different technology readiness and different task complexity enhance their new service volumes and ratings through acquiring explicit and tacit knowledge from users in innovation community. Adopting S-D logic from marketing area to NSD area, this paper not only enriches the theoretical accumulations of antecedents and boundary conditions of content providers' NSD performance but also offers insights for content providers and users on how to synergistically advance NSD activities and co-create value in the technology-based service ecosystem.
Design of robust layout for unequal area dynamic facility layout problems with flexible bays structure
Authors: Hunagund Irappa Basappa , Pillai V. Madhusudanan , Kempaiah Ujjani Nagegowda
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for the design of robust layout for unequal area-dynamic facility layout problem with flexible bay structure (UA-DFLP with FBS) and test the suitability of generated robust layout in a dynamic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts formulation of a mathematical model for generating a single layout for unequal area facility layout problems with flexible bay structure under dynamic environment. The formulated model for the robust layout formation is solved by developing a simulated annealing algorithm. The proposed robust approach model for UA-DFLP with FBS is validated by conducting numerical experiments on standard UA-DFLPs reported in the literature. The suitability of the generated robust layout in a dynamic environment is tested with total penalty cost criteria.

Findings

The proposed model has given a better solution for some UA-DFLPs with FBS in comparison with the adaptive approach’s solution reported in the literature. The total penalty cost is within the specified limit given in the literature, for most of the layouts generated for UA-DFLPs with FBS. In the proposed model, there is no rearrangement of facilities in various periods of planning horizon and thus no disruptions in operations.

Research limitations/implications

The present work has limitations that when the area and aspect ratio of the facilities are required to change from one period to another, then it is not possible to make application of the robust approach-based formulation to the dynamic environment facility layout problems.

Practical implications

Rearrangement of facilities in adaptive approach disrupts the operations whereas in the proposed approach no disruption of production. The FBS approach is more suitable for layout planning where proper aisle structure is required. The solution of the proposed approach helps to create a proper aisle structure in the detailed layout plan. Thus, easy interaction of the material handling equipment, men and materials is possible.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a mathematical formulation for the design of robust layout for UA-FLPs with FBS in a dynamic environment and an efficient simulated annealing algorithm as its solution procedure. The proposed robust approach generates a single layout for the entire planning horizon. This approach is more useful for facilities which are difficult/sensitive to relocate in various periods of the planning horizon.
Obstacles to comprehensive real estate asset management
Authors: Read Dustin C. , Sanderson Danielle Claire
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Motivated by behavioral theories of the firm, this study aims to consider the extent to which knowledge gaps, organizational inertia and conflicts of interest prevent large real estate investment management firms from approaching asset management in a comprehensive manner.

Design/methodology/approach

Results of 93 semi-structured interviews conducted with real estate practitioners working in the USA are thematically analyzed.

Findings

All of the aforementioned factors are found to influence real estate asset management practices and serve as potential obstacles to operational excellence.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative analysis is limited in the sense that it focuses exclusively on the perceptions of real estate practitioners in the USA who work for relatively large organizations. However, it offers compelling evidence that comprehensive asset management is difficult under the best of circumstances, and becomes even more so in the presence of knowledge gaps, organizational inertia and conflicts of interest.

Practical implications

Those working in asset management or with asset managers must be mindful of the obstacles discussed if they hope to encourage and facilitate process improvement.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a small but growing, body of research examining the challenges large real estate investment management firms face when trying to derive value from their asset management platforms.
Countering the pedagogic hegemony of neo-liberalism in the workplace: a Freirean analysis of the contribution of union-led learning to enhanced worker participation in the UK
Authors: Bennett Tony
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the degree to which current union learning strategy and practice in the UK can become a catalyst for greater activism and participation by their members in the workplace and beyond. To this end, the paper seeks to draw on the rich heritage of pedagogic theory and practice in adult education writing to bring a fresh perspective to a key aspect of industrial relations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a meta-analysis of the current literature on the role of union learning representatives, learning centres and the context of that learning, the paper seeks to enhance understanding of how such initiatives in addition to upskilling workers lead to members' greater enlightenment with respect to the asymmetric power relations within the workplace and society. Using a conceptual model devised by the author from Freirean theory, this potentially increased awareness of their position in the organisation and society leading to greater levels of subsequent activism and participation by these learners is then critically assessed.

Findings

Utilising the radical perspective of Paulo Freire, the article critically analyses the key elements of current union learning strategies in the UK. The paper concludes that union pedagogy strategy not just often raises members' awareness, as Freire would advocate, of their “subordinate” position in society, but potentially also genuinely equips them with the skills, knowledge and understanding to challenge that position through subsequent union activism and, therefore, greater participation in decision-making in the workplace. Union-facilitated learning, it is argued, can also develop the skills and knowledge necessary to increase members' job security.

Originality/value

To the author's knowledge, this is the first time that a Freirean analysis has been applied to this key element of contemporary trade union strategy and practice. In particular, the study seeks to also go beyond most studies of union pedagogic approaches and focus on the learner's journey and how this may imbue a propensity to become more active in the union and, therefore, the workplace.
AI redefining the hospitality industry
Authors: Ruel Huub , Njoku Esther
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have redefined the hospitality industry. It develops a theoretical framework to evaluate its impact on employee engagement, retention and productivity levels, stemming from its potential implications for service quality and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the exploration of relevant literature, role theory and service-profit chain were used to develop – role-service-profit chain.

Findings

Role-service-profit chain is an analytical tool which has strong implications for investment and deployment analysis of the new technologies in hospitality and tourism businesses. It proposes how managers can evaluate how the role expectation of technological innovations relate to service quality and customer satisfaction through its impact on employee-related outcomes (such as employee engagement, retention and productivity), and assess the corresponding impact on profitability and growth, in the context of their own unique internal environment and position in the market.

Research limitations/implications

Although an empirical assessment of the hypothesised relationships in the model is required to evaluate and validate it in the hospitality industry, role-service-profit chain presents promising implications for tourism and hospitality practice and future research.

Practical implications

Role-service-profit chain is an analytical tool from which managers can make improvements on talent and talent management practices and adjust expectations and behaviours in ways that facilitate improvements in service quality and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper makes an important contribution to hospitality and tourism literature, as it explores how AI technologies implemented to improve on talent and talent management practices impact on service quality and customer satisfaction, and develops analytical tools by which this may be evaluated.
Reliability of internal logistics distribution in a hospital
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme , Moliner Farjas Guillermo , Li Wen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The main objective of the research is to propose a method to assess the reliability of hospitals' internal logistics distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured methodology was defined in five stages: (1) data collection and current state mapping; (2) future state design; (3) identification of the uncertainties and sources of variation; (4) reliability analysis of the proposed future state and (5) identification and prioritization of improvements.

Findings

Results show shortcomings of the future state design and propose solutions to obtain a state that is more realistic and possible to perform. Subsequently, the feasibility of these improvements was analysed in order to be implemented in a real context, searching and identifying different uncertainty sources occurring inside the system.

Originality/value

Studies that have addressed hospital's internal logistics are scarce. Such gap highlights the need for this research developments that address the reliability enhancement in hospitals internal logistics.
Forest cover and proximity decrease herbivory and increase crop yield via enhanced natural enemies in soybean fields
Authors: González Ezequiel , Landis Douglas A. , Knapp Michal , Valladares Graciela
Published: September 2020

Non‐crop habitats are essential for sustaining biodiversity of beneficial arthropods in agricultural landscapes, which can increase ecosystem services provision and crop yield. However, their effects on specific crop systems are less clear, such as soybean in South America, where the responses of pests and natural enemies to landscape structure have only recently been studied.

Here, we analysed how native forest fragments at local and landscape scales influenced arthropod communities, herbivory and yield in soybean fields in central Argentina. To do this, we selected soybean fields located in agricultural landscapes with varying proportions of forest cover. At two distances (10 and 100 m) from a focal forest fragment, we sampled natural enemy and herbivore arthropods, and measured soybean herbivory and yield. We focused on herbivore diversity, abundance of key soybean pests in the region (caterpillars and stink bugs), and their generalist and specialist natural enemies.

Higher abundance of predators, lower herbivory rates and increased yield were found near forests, while overall forest cover in the landscape was positively related with parasitoid and stink bug abundance, soybean yield, and negatively with herbivory. Moreover, yield was positively linked to richness and abundance of generalist and specialist enemies and independent of herbivory according to piecewise Structural Equation Models.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show positive effects of native forests on biodiversity and yield in soybean crops, highlighting the need for conservation of forest fragments in agricultural landscapes. Moreover, the relation between natural enemies and crop yield suggests that Chaco forests support a diverse and abundant community of natural enemies that can provide sustained levels of ecosystem services and result in positive effects for farmers.
Biogeochemistry and hydrography shape microbial community assembly and activity in the eastern tropical North Pacific Ocean oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Beman J. Michael , Vargas Sonia Marie , Vazquez Samantha , Wilson Jesse Mac , Yu Angela , Cairo Ariadna , Perez‐Coronel Elisabet
Published: September 2020

Oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycles due to extensive microbial activity. How OMZ microbial communities assemble and respond to environmental variation is therefore essential to understanding OMZ functioning and ocean biogeochemistry. Sampling along depth profiles at five stations in the eastern tropical North Pacific Ocean (ETNP), we captured systematic variations in dissolved oxygen (DO) and associated variables (nitrite, chlorophyll, and ammonium) with depth and between stations. We quantitatively analysed relationships between oceanographic gradients and microbial community assembly and activity based on paired 16S rDNA and 16S rRNA sequencing. Overall microbial community composition and diversity were strongly related to regional variations in density, DO, and other variables (regression and redundancy analysis r2 = 0.68–0.82), displaying predictable patterns with depth and between stations. Although similar factors influenced the active community, diversity was substantially lower within the OMZ. We also identified multiple active microbiological networks that tracked specific gradients or features – particularly subsurface ammonium and nitrite maxima. Our findings indicate that overall microbial community assembly is consistently shaped by hydrography and biogeochemistry, while active segments of the community form discrete networks inhabiting distinct portions of the water column, and that both are tightly tuned to environmental conditions in the ETNP.
Common plant flavonoids prevent the assembly of amyloid curli fibres and can interfere with bacterial biofilm formation
Authors: Pruteanu Mihaela , Hernández Lobato José I. , Stach Thomas , Hengge Regine
Published: September 2020

Like all macroorganisms, plants have to control bacterial biofilm formation on their surfaces. On the other hand, biofilms are highly tolerant against antimicrobial agents and other stresses. Consequently, biofilms are also involved in human chronic infectious diseases, which generates a strong demand for anti‐biofilm agents. Therefore, we systematically explored major plant flavonoids as putative anti‐biofilm agents using different types of biofilms produced by Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. In Escherichia coli macrocolony biofilms, the flavone luteolin and the flavonols myricetin, morin and quercetin were found to strongly reduce the extracellular matrix. These agents directly inhibit the assembly of amyloid curli fibres by driving CsgA subunits into an off‐pathway leading to SDS‐insoluble oligomers. In addition, they can interfere with cellulose production by still unknown mechanisms. Submerged biofilm formation, however, is hardly affected. Moreover, the same flavonoids tend to stimulate macrocolony and submerged biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For Bacillus subtilis, the flavonone naringenin and the chalcone phloretin were found to inhibit growth. Thus, plant flavonoids are not general anti‐biofilm compounds but show species‐specific effects. However, based on their strong and direct anti‐amyloidogenic activities, distinct plant flavonoids may provide an attractive strategy to specifically combat amyloid‐based biofilms of some relevant pathogens.
Does information on food safety affect consumers' acceptance of new food technologies? The case of irradiated beef in South Korea under a new labelling system and across different information regimes
Authors: Caputo Vincenzina
Published: September 2020

Consumer aversion to new food technologies may be partly explained by the gap between the problem that the technology solves and what consumers actually understand about the food technology. This study assesses how accepting consumers are of food irradiation when exposed to prior information about food safety‐related issues. Using a hypothetical discrete choice experiment, this study also explores consumer demand for a new food irradiation labelling system in South Korea under different information on food irradiation (positive, negative, and positive and negative). The results indicate that Korean consumers have a negative perception of irradiated foods and that they fail to link the use of food irradiation as a vehicle to solve food safety issues, even with the new version of the irradiated food label. However, providing consumers with information about food safety‐related issues alongside with the benefits implied by the use of food irradiation resulted in more general acceptance of food irradiation. Furthermore, we conclude with a discussion of the relevant implications for policymakers, academics and food industry professionals.
Distracted learning: Big problem and golden opportunity
Authors: Schmidt Shelly J.
Published: September 2020

Numerous studies from psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience have generated substantial evidence suggesting that multitasking while doing schoolwork has a significant detrimental effect on student learning and performance. Despite this evidence, attending to multiple streams of information and entertainment while doing homework, writing a paper, studying, or even during class (face‐to‐face or online) has become common behavior among young people. Thus, the objective of this trends article is to discuss some of the latest research findings associated with distracted learning, including why students, and people in general, get distracted in the first place, and to share some effective approaches and ideas to help our students, and ourselves, get focused. Learning how to become indistractable is an essential and timeless skill for success in education, as well as many other facets of life.
Fonio grains: Physicochemical properties, nutritional potential, and food applications
Authors: Zhu Fan
Published: September 2020

Fonio grains are a type of small‐seeded cereals native to Western Africa and are important cereal crops for food security. The two species are white fonio (Digitaria exilis) (commonly called acha) and black fonio (Digitaria iburua) (commonly called iburu). As a novel food, fonio has attracted attention from other parts of the world due to their attractive nutritional properties (e.g., in whole grain form and being gluten free) and potential food applications. The information regarding the functional properties and applications of fonio is rather scattered. This review summarizes the chemical composition, physicochemical and nutritional properties, and diverse food applications of fonio. The nutritional composition and processing properties of fonio are similar to other cereals. Fonio has potential to be complementary to major cereals for diverse food uses. There are research opportunities to better explore fonio grains for value‐added applications.
Incidence, bystander emergency response management and outcomes of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest at exercise and sport facilities in Australia
Authors: Sekendiz Betul
Published: September 2020

Objective

Despite growing emphasis on automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at sport venues in Australia, the risk of cardiac events at such locations is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at exercise and sport facilities (ESF) in Australia and the impact of effective bystander‐initiated CPR and AED use on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to hospital admission.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Queensland Ambulance Service for the 8‐year period between January 2007 and January 2015. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, non‐parametric correlational tests and logistic regression. The OHCA incidence rate (IR) for ESF categories was standardised for 100 000 participant‐years.

Results

Over the 8‐year period, there were 250 OHCA events with a median age of 62 years (interquartile range 49–69) comprising mostly males (86.6%,n= 187). The risk of OHCA for 100 000 participants per year was highest at outdoor sports facilities (IR 5.1) followed by indoor sports or fitness facilities (IR 0.8). On arrival of paramedics, bystander‐initiated CPR and AED was present at 12.4% (n= 31) of the cases achieving 33.3% (n= 9) ROSC to hospital admission. The odds of ROSC for effective CPR was 2.3 times the odds of ROSC for no CPR (P= 0.01).

Conclusion

These findings have implications for policy development by government agencies and major sport and exercise organisations to improve bystander CPR and AED. This can help to ensure that ESF can properly respond to cardiac emergencies to save lives.
The effects of packaging materials on the fatty acid composition, organic acid content, and texture profiles of Tulum cheese
Authors: Tomar Oktay , Akarca Gökhan , GÖK Veli , Çağlar M. Yusuf
Published: September 2020

In this research, Erzincan Tulum cheese was packaged in its original packaging material, the skin bag, small intestine, and appendix to observe the changes in its physical, chemical, and textural properties during storage day. Lactic acid% values increased in all Tulum cheeses throughout storage stage. At the end of the storage period, the highest value was determined in the sample filled in the small intestine (20.10%). All fatty acid values were increased, and the highest increase was identified in oleic acid (C 18:1) (skin bag 2.18%), linoleic acid (18:2) (appendix 0.41%), and palmitic acid (C 16:0) (small intestine 0.34%), respectively. All organic acids increased in stored sample. The highest increase among organic acids was determined to be 4.47% in lactic acid. As a result of the Texture Profile Analyses (TPA), the hardness, and adhesiveness of Tulum cheeses increased during storage periods, whereas the springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness values decreased. Gumminess value declined in the sample filled into the appendix (with a value of 36.01), whereas it increased in the other two samples. The highest increase in hardness values was 2,520.27 N at given storage time was in the samples filled into appendix while the highest adhesive values of −49.82 were determined in the sample filled into small intestine.

Practical Application

Tulum cheese is usually produced by filling sheep or goat skin bag. Goat or sheep skin bag are not always available, and the amount of cheese produced in them is excessive. Therefore, cheeses were also filled to small intestine and appendix. At the end of the study, there were no negative effects on cheeses filled with intestine and appendix. The use of small intestine and appendix has helped to develop a product that will be appreciated by the consumers with no adverse effects in the physicochemical and textural properties of cheese.
Effect of nanoliposomal entrapment on antioxidative hydrolysates from goose blood protein
Authors: Huang Jin , Wu Mengting , Yang Kun , Zhao Manman , Wu Di , Ma Jing , Ding Baomiao , Sun Weiqing
Published: September 2020

In this study, the encapsulation of goose blood hydrolysate (GBH) was performed within nanoliposomes. We investigated the physicochemical properties, stability, antioxidant indices, the morphology of nanoparticles, the digestion stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. GBH was successfully encapsulated into nanoliposomes using reverse‐phase evaporation method. The entrapment efficiency of GBH‐loaded nanoliposomes was about 70.99 ± 2.85%, the average particle size was 93.3 ± 2.45 nm, the zeta‐potential of GBH‐loaded nanoliposomes was −30 mV, and the morphology of GBH‐loaded nanoliposomes was characterized by transmission electron microscope. Moreover, the results of DSC and FTIR showed that the GBH nanoliposome was more stable than the empty liposomes due to hydrogen bond complexation between liposome and GBH. The release of GBH from nanoliposomes could be significantly controlled, and the release ratios were 48.9 ± 2.96% in simulated gastric fluid and 59.9 ± 5.30% in simulated intestinal fluid, respectively, proving that degradation rate of antioxidant activities of GBH encapsulated in nanoliposomes was decreased. In conclusion, nanoliposomes embedding is a promising and effective way to increase the stability of hydrolysates from GBH and produce various types of functional food.
Economic Evaluation of the Emergency Department After Implementation of an Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing Unit
Authors: Stamy Chris , Shane Dan M. , Kannedy Levi , Van Heukelom Paul , Mohr Nicholas M. , Tate Jodi , Montross Kelsey , Lee Sangil
Published: September 2020

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the impact of an emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing (EmPATH) unit on emergency department (ED) revenue, psychiatric boarding time, and length of stay (LOS).

Methods

We conducted a before‐and‐after economic evaluation of a single academic midwestern ED (60,000 annual visits) for all adult (≥18 years) patients before (December 2017–May 2018) and after (December 2018–May 2019) opening an EmPATH unit. These are outpatient hospital‐based programs that provide emergent treatment and stabilization for mental health emergencies from ED patients. The Holt–Winters method was used to forecast pre‐EmPATH expected ED levels of patients leaving without being seen, leaving against medical advice, eloping, or being transferred using 3 years of ED visits. ED revenues were calculated by finding the difference of pre‐EmPATH expected and post‐EmPATH observed values and multiplying by the revenue per visit. ED boarding time and LOS were obtained from the hospital’s electronic medical record.

Results

There were 23,231 and 23,336 ED visits evaluated during the pre– and post–EmPATH unit periods. The ED generated an estimated additional $404,954 in the 6 months and $861,065 annually after the implementation of the EmPATH unit. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) psychiatric boarding time decreased from 212 (119–536) minutes to 152 (86–307) minutes (mean difference = 189 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 150 to 228 minutes) and median (IQR) LOS decreased from 351 (204–631) minutes to 334 (212–517) minutes (mean difference = 114 minutes, 95% CI = 87 to 143 minutes).

Conclusion

The EmPATH unit had a positive impact on ED revenue and decreased ED boarding time and LOS for psychiatric patients.
Impact of smoking behavior on clozapine blood levels – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wagner E. , McMahon L. , Falkai P. , Hasan A. , Siskind D.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Tobacco smoking significantly impacts clozapine blood levels and has substantial implications on individual efficacy and safety outcomes. By investigating differences in clozapine blood levels in smoking and non‐smoking patients on clozapine, we aim to provide guidance for clinicians how to adjust clozapine levels for patients on clozapine who change their smoking habits.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis on clozapine blood levels, norclozapine levels, norclozapine/clozapine ratios, and concentration to dose (C/D) ratios in smokers and non‐smokers on clozapine. Data were meta‐analyzed using a random‐effects model with sensitivity analyses on dose, ethnic origin, and study quality.

Results

Data from 23 studies were included in this meta‐analysis with 21 investigating differences between clozapine blood levels of smokers and non‐smokers. In total, data from 7125 samples were included for the primary outcome (clozapine blood levels in ng/ml) in this meta‐analysis. A meta‐analysis of all between‐subject studies (N = 16) found that clozapine blood levels were significantly lower in smokers compared with non‐smokers (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) −0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.55 to −0.22, P < 0.001, I2 = 80%). With regard to the secondary outcome, C/D ratios (N = 16 studies) were significantly lower in the smoker group (n = 645) compared with the non‐smoker group (n = 813; SMD −0.70, 95%CI −0.84 to −0.56, P < 0.00001, I2 = 17%).

Conclusion

Smoking behavior and any change in smoking behavior is associated with a substantial effect on clozapine blood levels. Reductions of clozapine dose of 30% are recommended when a patient on clozapine stops smoking. Reductions should be informed by clozapine steady‐state trough levels and a close clinical risk‐benefit evaluation.
miR223‐3p, HAND2, and LIF expression regulated by calcitonin in the ERK1/2‐mTOR pathway during the implantation window in the endometrium of mice
Authors: Niknafs Behrooz , Hesam Shariati Mohammad Bakhtiar , Shokrzadeh Naser
Published: September 2020

Problem

Approximately one‐third of infertility cases are related to the female partner, and implantation failure is the primary reason for female infertility. The current research was established to assess the impact of calcitonin on endometrial receptivity.

Methods of study

64 female BALB/c mice were assigned to 2 groups as follows: mice with regular ovarian cycle and mice with stimulated ovarian cycle. The two groups were further divided into four subgroups as follows: control (Ctrl), calcitonin (CT), pp242, and CT + pp242 groups. Calcitonin and pp242 were injected on days 3, 4, and 5 of pregnancy. On day 5 of gestation, all of the animals were sacrificed, and their uterine was removed for the morphological analysis, as well as the expression assessment genes and proteins.

Results

The results demonstrated that ovarian stimulation increased the rate of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins, and resulted in the upregulation of miR‐223‐3p. The administration of calcitonin also elevated the expression levels of LIF and HAND2 gene in both regular ovarian and ovarian‐stimulated cycles. In ovarian‐stimulated groups, the administration of calcitonin led to a decrease in the expression of miR‐223‐3p. Calcitonin administration also markedly increased the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and ERK1/2 in the regular ovarian cycle.

Conclusion

It seems that calcitonin is capable of enhancing the endometrial receptivity of the uterine, thereby the overexpression of HAND2 and LIF and downregulation of miR‐223‐3p through the ERK1/2‐mTOR signaling pathway.
Effect of ethnicity and rurality on treatment delays in patients with colorectal cancer in Northland, New Zealand
Authors: Matthews Christina , Walker Michael , McLaughlin Scott , Milloy Michal , Harmston Chris
Published: September 2020

Background

Ethnic and rural disparities in medical treatment and outcomes have been demonstrated across a range of conditions, including colorectal cancer. Timely treatment and investigation of symptoms in patients with suspicion of cancer is likely to improve outcomes and patient experience. Achieving equity in timeliness of care is important in achieving the goal of equitable cancer outcomes outlined in the New Zealand cancer action plan. The aim of this study was to compare treatment times in patients with colorectal cancer, between Māori and non‐Māori patients as well as urban and rural patients in Northland, New Zealand.

Methods

All adult patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma from 2011 to 2016 were identified using hospital coding. Further information on the primary cohort was then obtained using the hospitals electronic results system, CONCERTO. The primary outcomes of interest were differences in delays to treatment between Māori and non‐Māori as well as Urban versus rural residence. Secondary outcomes of interest included rate of emergency admission and treatment by curative intent in different groups.

Results

A total of 511 patients formed the primary cohort; 12% were Māori and were on average 6 years younger than non‐Māori. Māori had a 6% higher emergency admission rate and a 5% higher rate of palliative treatment intent. No significant difference in treatment delay times was seen between different ethnicities or different domiciles.

Conclusion

Ethnicity and rurality were not shown to affect treatment delays. Further research in this area is needed to help attain equitable outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer in New Zealand.
How should we assess renal function in neonates and infants?
Authors: Filler Guido , Bhayana Vipin , Schott Clara , Díaz‐González de Ferris Maria E.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Review of current knowledge on assessing renal function in term and preterm neonates.

Methods

Literature review and analysis of own data.

Results

Prematurity, genetic, environmental and maternal factors may alter peak nephron endowment and life‐long renal function. Nephrogenesis continues until 34‐36 weeks of gestation, but it is altered with premature delivery. Variability of nephron endowment has a substantial impact on the clearance of renally excreted drugs. Postnatally, glomerular function rate (GFR) increases daily, doubles by two weeks, and slowly reaches full maturity at 18 months of age. Ideally, renal function biomarkers should be expressed as age‐independent z‐scores, and evidence suggests indexing these values to post‐conceptual age rather than chronological age. Newborn and maternal serum creatinine correlate tightly for more than 72 hours after delivery, rendering this biomarker unsuitable for the assessment of neonatal renal function. Cystatin C does not cross the placenta and may be the preferred biomarker in the neonate. Here, we provide preliminary data on the natural evolution of the cystatin C eGFR in infancy.

Conclusion

Cystatin C may be superior for GFR estimation in neonates, but the best approach to drug dosing of renally excreted drugs remains to be established.
Postactivation performance enhancement: Does conditioning one arm augment performance in the other?
Authors: Wong Vickie , Yamada Yujiro , Bell Zachary W. , Spitz Robert W. , Viana Ricardo B. , Chatakondi Raksha N. , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: September 2020

The purpose was to determine whether postactivation performance enhancement is specific to the muscle being conditioned or if it is also observed within the homologous muscles of the contralateral limb (after accounting for the warm‐up and random error). We also investigated whether this differed based on training status or muscle size. One hundred seven participants (75 untrained; 32 trained) participated in four sessions. Visit 1 included baseline measurements and familiarization. Visits 2–4 included the completion of one of the three experimental conditions: (a) control, (b) same side and (c) crossover completed in a randomized order. The control condition completed all testing except for the conditioning contraction. The same side condition completed the conditioning contraction on the same side as the strength test. The crossover condition completed the conditioning on the arm opposite to the strength test. The variable of interest was the change from baseline in isokinetic strength. Our analysis indicated that of the hypotheses compared, the posterior probabilities (posterior probability of 0.506) favoured the hypothesis that the effect was local and greatest in those who were resistance trained [mean (SD) of 1.4 (2.2) Nm over the control in those resistance trained]. We found no relationship between muscle size and postactivation performance enhancement. In conclusion, there is an influence of training status pertaining to the postactivation performance enhancement effect but no influence from baseline muscle size. It appears unlikely that the effect is due to a systemic mechanism.
Schisandrin A restrains osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting reactive oxygen species and activating Nrf2 signalling
Authors: Ni Shuo , Qian Zhi , Yuan Yin , Li Dejian , Zhong Zeyuan , Ghorbani Farnaz , Zhang Xu , Zhang Fangxue , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Zichen , Yu Baoqing
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by receptor activator of NF‐kB ligand (RANKL) has been proven to be a critical factor in the development of osteoclasts. This study aimed to prove that schisandrin A (Sch), a novel anti‐oxidant compound, is able to suppress osteoclastogenesis and prevent bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice by suppressing ROS via nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2).

Material and Methods

Micro‐CT was used to detect bone formation. The effects of Sch on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL)‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining in vivo and 2',7'‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 in vivo. siRNA was used to evaluate the effect of Nrf2 in osteoclastogenesis.

Results

Sch suppresses RANKL‐induced ROS production by regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, Sch enhances the expression of Nrf2 by regulating the degradation of Nrf2. Further, Sch suppresses phosphorylation of P65 and its nuclear translocation, as well as the degradation of IκBα. Collectively, our findings reveal that Sch protects against OVX‐induced bone loss by suppressing ROS via Nrf2.

Conclusions

Our results showed the potential of anti‐oxidant compound schisandrin A in the treatment of osteoporosis, highlighting Nrf2 as a novel promising target in osteoclast‐related disease.
Kappa and lambda immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the evaluation of atypical cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates
Authors: Hristov Alexandra C. , Comfere Nneka I. , Vidal Claudia I. , Sundram Uma
Published: September 2020

Background

Atypical cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates are challenging lesions in dermatopathology. We present a summary of the literature regarding kappa and lambda immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) in the evaluation of atypical cutaneous or mucosal lymphoid infiltrates.

Methods

Relevant articles from 1967 to 2018 in the English language were identified and summarized. In the absence of larger studies, case series of n ≥ 3 were included.

Results

Sixty‐three articles assessing kappa and lambda IHC and/or ISH were identified. Most focused on marginal zone lymphomas. Other lymphomas included follicle center lymphoma, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, plasmablastic lymphoma, multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes (POEMS). Non‐neoplastic lesions included reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, cutaneous plasmacytosis, connective tissue disease, IgG4‐related disease, acrodermatitis chronic atrophicans, Zoon balanitis, dermatitides, and infiltrates around epithelial dysplasias/neoplasias.

Conclusion

Kappa and lambda IHC and ISH are useful tools in the evaluation of cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas and plasma cell neoplasms. The literature supports that the detection of light‐chain restriction by IHC and ISH is one of the most useful findings in the differential diagnosis of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia vs B‐cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation.