bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Calcium/Palmitoylation Switch Interfaces the Signaling Networks of Stress Response and Transition to Flowering
Authors: Park Hee Jin , Gamez-Arjona Francisco , Lindahl Marika , Aman Rashid , Villalta Irene , Carranco Raul , Lim Chae Jin , García Elena , Bressan Ray A. , Lee Sang Yeol , Sánchez-Rodríguez Clara , Pardo Jose M , Kim Woe-Yeon , Quintero Francisco J. , Yun Dae-Jin
Published: August 2021

The precise timing of flowering in adverse environments is critical for plants to secure reproductive success. We report a novel mechanism controlling the time of flowering by which the palmitoylation-dependent nuclear import of protein SOS3/CBL4, a Ca2+-signaling intermediary in the plant response to salinity, results in the selective stabilization of the flowering time regulator GIGANTEA inside the nucleus under salt stress, while degradation of GIGANTEA in the cytosol releases the protein kinase SOS2 to achieve salt tolerance. S-acylation of SOS3 was critical for its nuclear localization and the promotion of flowering, but dispensable for salt tolerance. SOS3 interacted with the photoperiodic flowering components GIGANTEA and FKF1 on the CONSTANS gene promoter to sustain the transcription of CO and FT under salinity. Thus, SOS3 acts as a Ca2+- and palmitoylation-dependent molecular switch that fine-tunes flowering in a saline environment through the shared spatial separation and selective stabilization of GIGANTEA. The SOS3 protein connects two signaling networks to co-regulate stress adaptation and time of flowering.

Short summary

S-acylation promoted the nuclear import of SOS3/CBL4 for the selective stabilization of the photoperiodic floral regulator GIGANTEA to fine-tune flowering time in a saline environment. Spatial separation of SOS3 acts as a molecular switch co-regulating stress adaptation and time of flowering.
Research on the stress corrosion and cathodic protection of API X80 steel under AC stray current interference
Authors: Guo Yanbao , Liu Zhenyuan , Huang Hui , Wang Deguo , He Renyang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The corrosion of buried steel pipelines is becoming more serious because of stress corrosion, stray current corrosion and other reasons. This paper aims to study the various alternating current (AC) interference densities on the stress corrosion cracking behaviors of X80 steel samples under cathodic protection (CP) in the simulated soil electrolyte environment by using an electrochemical method.

Design/methodology/approach

The change of corrosion rate and surface morphology of the X80 steel samples at various AC current densities from 0 to 150 A/m2 or CP potential between −750 and −1,200 mV in the soil-simulating environment was revealed by the electrochemical methods and slow strain rate testing methods.

Findings

The results revealed that with the increase of interference density, the corrosion potential of the X80 steel samples shifted to the negative side, and the corrosion pitting was observed on the surface of the sample, this may cause a danger of energy leak. Moreover, the corrosion rate was found to follow a corresponding change with the stress–strain curve. Besides, with the introduction of the CP system, the corrosion rate of the X80 steel working electrode decreased at a low cathodic potential, while showed an opposite behavior at high cathodic potential. In this study, the correlation between AC stray current, cathodic potential and stress was established, which is beneficial to the protection of oil and gas pipeline.

Originality/value

Investigation results are of benefit to provide a new CP strategy under the interference of AC stray current corrosion and stress corrosion to reduce the corrosion rate of buried pipelines and improve the safety of pipeline transportation.
Influence of micro-nano surface texture on the hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of a Ti6Al4V alloy surface
Authors: Xu Bochun , Zou Nan , Jia Yunhao , Feng Chao , Bu Jiajia , Yan Yu , Xing Zhipeng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of micro-nano surface texture on the corrosion resistance of a titanium alloy and investigate the correlation between corrosion resistance and hydrophobicity.

Design/methodology/approach

The surface of the Ti6Al4V alloy was modified by laser processing and anodizing to fabricate micro-pits, nanotubes and micro-nano surface textures. Afterward, the surface morphology, hydrophobicity and polarization curve of the samples were analyzed by cold field scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement instruments and a multi-channel electrochemical workstation.

Findings

The micro-nano surface texture can enhance the hydrophobicity of the Ti6Al4V surface, which may lead to better drag reduction to ease the friction of implants in vivo. Nevertheless, no correlation existed between surface hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance; the corrosion resistance of samples with nanotubes and high-density samples with micro-nano surface texture was extremely enhanced, indicating the similar corrosion resistance of the two.

Research limitations/implications

The mechanism of micro-dimples on the corrosion resistance of the micro-nano surface texture was not studied.

Practical implications

The density of micro-pits needs to be optimized to guarantee excellent corrosion resistance in the design of the micro-nano surface texture; otherwise, it will not fulfill the requirement of surface modification.

Originality/value

The influence of the micro-nano surface texture on the corrosion resistance, as well as the relationship between hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of the titanium alloy surface, were systematically investigated for the first time. These conclusions offer new knowledge.
The effects of airline strategies on environmental sustainability
Authors: Orhan Gamze
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Deregulation of domestic markets and the liberalization of international markets have dramatically changed air transportation. One of the important results of this change is the environmental effects of air transportation. This study aims to examine the implications of air transportation on environmental sustainability in the context of airline business strategies in liberalized and globalized air transport industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the relationship between liberalization, airline strategies and environmental sustainability of air transportation using the related literature. Then, to show some environmental impacts on the axis of the relationship discussed, emission rates for the aircraft landing and take-off phase were calculated on a global basis based on the aircraft traffic.

Findings

The discussion in the paper shows that the liberalization policies and the strategies of airlines supported by these policies, in essence, contradict the environmental sustainability of air transport. Considering the flight share projections of EUROCONTROL for different aircraft types on a global basis and the World Bank’s global flight traffic forecast for the years 2016 and 2025, it has been demonstrated that the number of aircraft departures will increase by 30%, whilst the number of aircraft emissions will increase by 41.5%.

Practical implications

Airlines are one of the main actors that will play a role in reducing the environmental impacts of air transportation. Therefore, this study is important in giving an idea to both policymakers and airline managers on how airline companies’ strategies should be shaped to realize both corporate sustainability and environmentally sustainable air transportation.

Originality/value

There are many studies in the literature regarding the environmental effects of air transport. However, there are not many studies linking environmental impacts with airline strategies that directly affect air transport demand. This study is different in that it gives environmental sustainability by associating it with its root causes.
Community resilience for urban flood-prone areas: a methods paper on criteria selection using the Fuzzy Delphi method
Authors: Ali Sameer , George Abraham
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Community resilience decides a lot on a city's ability to withstand an external shock. It has evolved naturally from a bounce-back approach to a more robust and meaningful bounce-forward process. The study explores gaps found in community resilience and finds that criteria specific to different disasters are absent.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a multi-criteria decision analysis technique, fuzzy Delphi, to select criteria. Derivation of the initial list of criteria was from a pilot study, a focus group discussion and other literature studies which was followed by the fuzzy Delphi survey.

Findings

After two rounds of fuzzy Delphi analysis, the consensus among 65 experts resulted in selecting 125 sub-sub-criteria within seven criteria. Findings show that many criteria previously not discussed in other pieces of literature project high fuzzy scores such as “availability of drinking water post-disaster” and “cracking down fake news spreaders by the police”. In addition, positive cooperation between political and religious institutions have proven to expedite disaster recovery.

Research limitations/implications

The future scope also includes weighing the selected criteria using analytical hierarchy process (AHP).

Practical implications

Policymakers in the disaster management domain can use the study findings in implementing effective disaster mitigation strategies.

Originality/value

The selection of criteria is based on the community resilience shown by the Kerala community during the floods of 2018 and 2019 (in Kerala). Measures demonstrated by the community need to be studied, which will help foster disaster mitigation better in future scenarios.
Your network is your net worth: political ties and innovation performance
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Raza Ali , Waheed Abdul
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Based on the social network theory, this study investigates the impact of political ties on innovation performance. Besides, this study also tests a mediation role of absorptive capacity (AC) and a moderation role of technology turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

A hypothetico-deductive approach is adopted to test the hypotheses. Data were collected from the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) managers/owners through a structured questionnaire.

Findings

Partial least square structural equation modeling technique is used to analyze the hypothesized relationships; the findings showed that political ties significantly impact the innovation performance, and this relationship is mediated by AC. Moreover, technological turbulence moderated the relationship between political ties and innovation performance.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing attention to the role of networking in improving innovation, there is a scarcity of studies on the role of political ties, AC and technology turbulence in fostering organizational innovation; thus, this study is a unique contribution to literature.
Bouncecasting: a seminar gaming approach to foresight
Authors: Kahan James P.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present “Bouncecasting,” a seminar gaming foresight approach useful for examining “wicked problems” where the path to the future is uncertain and malleable and where major stakeholders may have different preferences for different futures. The approach gets its name because it goes back and forth between forecasting and backcasting, provides for give and take among different groups of stakeholders and creates and compares multiple scenarios depicting plausible futures.

Design/methodology/approach

After defining Bouncecasting, presenting its main features and providing a recommended way of conducting Bouncecasting studies, the approach is illustrated by four Bouncecasting projects conducted between 1998 and 2004.

Findings

The four projects taken together show that Bouncecasting can be used to address a range of wicked problems in a practical way. The projects considered in sequence show the evolution of the method.

Originality/value

Bouncecasting is a way of doing foresight that examines in an integrated way multiple characteristics of a policy problem, thereby providing promising solutions for complex issues. Although there have been over a dozen Bouncecasting studies conducted by the author and different sets of colleagues, this is the first general description of the approach.
Implications of the Covid-19 mitigation model on people’s right to health in Uganda
Authors: Buwule Robert Stalone , Ssebunya Margaret , Kisitu Gyaviira
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the approach used by the Ugandan Government in implementing the Covid-19 mitigation model and establish whether it did not expose government’s failure to soundly protect and respect all her citizens’ right to health during the first four months of the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was qualitative focusing on a population of households of vulnerable and chronically ill patients in Mukono and Wakiso districts of Uganda. The sample was identified through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Purposive and snowball sampling was chosen for this study to select unique informative cases which were subjected to in-depth interviews.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens of Uganda experienced severe and increased shortages of food, increased cases of ill-health, compromised ability and mobility to access health services as a result of the government's Covid-19 mitigation model.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection exercise was conducted during the Covid-19 lockdown when the mobility was restricted to only essential services so data was collected in the two districts of Mukono and Wakiso in Uganda.

Practical implications

Pandemic mitigation models ought to be people-centred executed by a multidisciplinary team which are empathetic towards the views of disadvantaged communities and thereby cultivate a culture of care over time.

Social implications

Public health models and policies work more effectively if they are contextualized to work for both the high and low classes of people across the whole spectrum.

Originality/value

Given this awareness of the Covid-19 mitigation model, this paper unveils the immediate consequential effects of the model considering the manner under which it was formulated and implemented in the Ugandan society. While the government implemented the model in exercise of its obligations, contextual factors had advance limitations to the efficacy of the model. Most significantly, among the expectant mothers, the old, the sick with terminal illnesses, the physically challenged and hunger-stricken families with no daily sources of income.
Using lean techniques and discrete-event simulation for performance improvement in an outpatient clinic
Authors: Demirli Kudret , Al Kaf Abdulqader , Simsekler Mecit Can Emre , Jayaraman Raja , Khan Mumtaz Jamshed , Tuzcu E. Murat
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Increased demand and the pressure to reduce health-care costs have led to longer waiting time for patients to make appointments and during the day of hospital visits. The purpose of this study is to identify opportunities to reduce waiting time using lean techniques and discrete-event simulation (DES).

Design/methodology/approach

A five-step procedure is proposed to facilitate the effective utilization of lean and DES to improve the performance of the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Outpatient Clinic at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. While lean techniques were applied to reduce the potential sources of waste by aligning processes, a DES model was developed to validate the proposed solutions and plan patient arrivals under dynamic conditions and different scenarios.

Findings

Aligning processes resulted in an efficient patient flow reducing both waiting times. DES played a complementary role in verifying lean solutions under dynamic conditions, helping to plan the patient arrivals and striking a balance between the waiting times. The proposed solutions offered flexibility to improve the clinic capacity from the current 176 patients up to 479 (without violating the 30 min waiting time policy) or to reduce the patient waiting time during the visit from the current 33 min to 4.5 min (without violating the capacity goal of 333 patients).

Research limitations/implications

Proposing and validating lean solutions require reliable data to be collected from the clinic and such a process could be laborious as data collection require patient and resource tracing without interfering with the regular functions of the clinic.

Practical implications

The work enables health-care managers to conveniently conduct a trade-off analysis and choose a suitable inter-arrival time – for every physician – that would satisfy their objectives between resource utilization (clinic capacity) and average patient waiting time.

Social implications

Successful implementation of lean requires a supportive and cooperative culture from all stakeholders involved.

Originality/value

This study presents an original and detailed application of lean techniques with DES to reduce patient waiting times. The adopted approach in this study could be generalized to other health-care settings with similar objectives.
A novel approach to diagnose ADHD using virtual reality
Authors: Son Ha Min , Lee Dong Gyu , Joung Yoo-Sook , Lee Ji Woo , Seok Eun Ju , Chung Tai-Myoung , Oh Soohwan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The current golden standard for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis is clinical diagnosis based on psychiatric interviews and psychological examinations. This is suboptimal, as clinicians are unable to view potential patients in multiple natural settings – a necessary condition for objective diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to improve the objective diagnosis of ADHD by analyzing a quantified representation of the actions of potential patients in multiple natural environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use both virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create an objective ADHD diagnostic test. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) and ADHD Rating Scale are used to create a rule-based system of quantifiable VR-observable actions. As a potential patient completes tasks within multiple VR scenes, certain actions trigger an increase in the severity measure of the corresponding ADHD symptom. The resulting severity measures are input to an AI model, which classifies the potential patient as having ADHD in the form inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, combined or neither.

Findings

The result of this study shows that VR-observed actions can be extracted as quantified data, and classification of this quantified data achieves near-perfect sensitivity and specificity with a 98.3% accuracy rate on a convolutional neural network model.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to incorporate VR and AI into an objective DSM-5-based ADHD diagnostic test. By including stimulation to the visual, auditory and equilibrium senses and tracking movement and recording voice, we present a method to further the research of objective ADHD diagnosis.
Influence of temperature on wear performance of greases in rolling bearings
Authors: Rosenkranz Laura , Richter Silvia , Jacobs Georg , Mikitisin Adrian , Mayer Joachim , Stratmann Andreas , König Florian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Rolling bearing operation under mixed and boundary lubrication conditions may lead to heavy adhesive or abrasive wear, which may lead to wear-induced rolling bearing failure. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the wear protection capabilities of different grease compositions at varying temperatures. It is considered that the temperature influences the lubrication conditions, the behaviour of grease components, namely, bleed oil and thickener, as well as the tribofilm formation due to tribo-chemical interactions between additives and surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, four different greases were produced on the basis of a mineral base oil by varying the thickener and the addition of ZDDP. Various grease-lubricated rolling bearing experiments were conducted in a wide temperature range from 0°C to 120°C. Subsequently, the wear pattern, tribofilm formation and grease structures were analysed. Thereby, the influence of the different grease thickeners and the performance of ZDDP as a common antiwear and extreme pressure additive was evaluated.

Findings

The results show a strong temperature-dependency and allow a classification of temperature ranges concerning wear protection. At low temperatures, all greases provide a very good wear protection without the evidence of additive-based tribofilm formation. In the experiments at elevated temperatures, ZDDP tribofilms were formed. The formation depends on the thickener type: in comparison to lithium thickener, polyurea thickener favours more protective tribofilms at the same temperature. The experimental results show that medium temperatures in the range of 40°C–60°C are critical concerning wear due to the insufficient tribolayer formation and limited load carrying capacity of the grease.

Originality/value

Temperature is a key operating parameter for grease lubrication in roller bearings. The experimental work enables consideration of different impact pathways of temperature by combining roller bearing tests and microanalysis.
Islamic stock markets and COVID-19-induced shocks: simulations with global VAR approach
Authors: Adediran Idris A. , Salawudeen Abdulfatai , Ashraf Sabzwari Syed Nasir
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to make the first attempt to study the transmission of COVID-19 pandemic-induced shocks to the global Islamic stock markets in the midst of the overall macroeconomic environment and cross-country trade linkages. This is made possible by constructing a global vector autoregressive (GVAR) model and with it the authors arrive at noteworthy conclusions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper estimates both fixed and time-varying weights GVAR models for 15 Islamic stock markets with 5,000 bootstrap replications and reports impulse response functions. It simulates four shocks associated with the pandemic: first, a standard error negative shock to oil price; second, a standard error negative shock to the global Islamic stock markets; third, a standard error positive shock to equity-based uncertainty index; and fourth, a standard error negative shock to economic activity (inflation).

Findings

The paper shows that the pandemic engenders immediate negative impacts on the Islamic stock markets with the biggest impacts borne by the USA and China and the least by markets in the Middle East. The study documents the magnitudes of the responses to the shocks and shows that the impacts of the pandemic will take about 20 months to wither completely.

Originality/value

The findings throw up diversification benefits for investors toward the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and other Middle East markets especially during crisis. It further reveals the need for counter-cyclical measures in all countries to curtail the negative impacts of the pandemic which could linger for up to 20 months.
Study on generalized friction coefficient between base and surface layers of asphalt pavement
Authors: Yu Tengjiang , Zhang Haitao , Sun Junfeng , Wang Yabo , Huang Shuang , Chen Dan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Using typical structure of asphalt pavement in Harbin area of China, and the formula of generalized friction coefficient between base and surface layers of asphalt pavement in cold area is established.

Design/methodology/approach

Through structural characteristics analysis of asphalt pavement in cold area, the generalized formula of friction coefficient between base and surface layers of asphalt pavement in cold area is derived. The formula can quickly calculate the friction coefficient between layers of asphalt pavement.

Findings

Based on quantitative analysis to the contacting state between layers of asphalt pavement in cold area, the relationships between generalized friction coefficient and resilient modulus of asphalt mixtures, temperature shrinkage coefficient and temperature have been established.

Originality/value

The findings can enrich the description methods about the contacting state between layers of asphalt pavement, and have a certain theoretical and practical value. Through the application of the formula of generalized friction coefficient between layers, it can provide a technical basis for the asphalt pavement design, construction and maintenance in cold area.
Enablers and barriers to circular supply chain management: a decision-support tool in soft wheat bread production
Authors: Formentini Marco , Secondi Luca , Ruini Luca , Guidi Matteo , Principato Ludovica
Published: August 2021

Purpose

There is a limited understanding of effective strategies for tackling food loss and waste (FLW) following a circular supply chain management approach. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of the FLW Reporting and Accounting Standard for identifying FLW occurrences throughout the agri-food supply chain and facilitate their measurement. Our objective is to describe how this FLW is then reused within a circular economy (CE) perspective, thus enabling companies to implement a circular supply chain approach for effective decision-making based on the concept of waste hierarchies, the 3R and 4R rules.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth analysis of Barilla's soft bread supply chain is provided in this study. By gathering both qualitative and quantitative data, this study investigates the implementation of the FLW standard by (1) identifying the main enablers and obstacles in measuring FLW throughout the entire production system; (2) providing a useful standardized tool for sustainable FLW measurement, minimization and reuse in other agricultural supply chains to enable circular economy approaches and (3) developing a decision-support strategy to use within the company for effective measurement, analysis and reuse according to a CE perspective.

Findings

The analyses carried out throughout Barilla's soft wheat bread supply chain provide an interesting example of a circular management system since almost nothing is lost or wasted while the value of resources is recovered through reuse thanks to a systematic and integrated measurement, representing a basis for effectively minimizing waste. The importance of developing an interconnected supply chain management emerged in order to obtain a comprehensive accounting framework for accurately quantifying and reporting the overall amount of wastage generated in the various phases of food production, paying particular attention to ex ante prevention initiatives and ex-post assessment actions.

Originality/value

An interdisciplinary approach integrating circular economy and supply chain management research streams was adopted in order to develop a decision-support tool that also includes the identification of the main facilitators and obstacles to the implementation of a comprehensive standardized accounting process that would enable companies to reduce-reuse-recycle losses and waste throughout the entire production process. Besides the studies available in the literature, the original of this study is that it focuses on organizational implications related to FLW measurement.
A decision support system to solve the problem of health care priority-setting
Authors: Pinho Micaela , Moura Ana
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a decision support tool to deal with the problem of seting priorites among patients competing for limited health care resources. Limited resources and unlimited demands prevent health-care services to be provided to all those in need. This became publicity evident with the current Covid-19 pandemic. Although controversial, health care rationing has always existed and is now inevitable. Setting priorities becomes then inevitable. How to define those priorities is a complex and yet irresolvable issue mainly because it involves several and conflicting criteria, translated into efficiency and equity considerations. This is why multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was introduced to health care as an appropriate decision-support framework for solving complex problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes the application of two combined approaches – analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and AHP-VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), as decision support tools to rank patients with competing needs in a more effective and equitable way. A rationing scenario involving four patients, differentiated by personal characteristics and health conditions, is used to illustrate, test and compare the applicability of both approaches. After extraction of the relative weights of the prioritization criteria involved in the hypothetical scenario from paired wise comparison methods, TOPSIS and VIKOR priority setting methods were designed.

Findings

Results suggest that patients ranking from both combination approaches are similar and in accordance with the order made directly by health-care professionals. Therefore, the relative weights computed by AHP in combination with TOPSIS and/or VIKOR methods could be used with suitable applicability by health-care decision-makers.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to apply a combination of MCDA methods to patients’ prioritization context and the first to cross previous studies to deepen and consolidate the research.
The mixed blessing of supervisor bottom-line mentality: examining the moderating role of gender
Authors: Zhang Yun , Huang Qihai , Chen Hanjing , Xie Jun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the double-edged effects of supervisor bottom-line mentality (BLM) on subordinates' work-related behaviors (work performance and knowledge hiding) and the moderating role of subordinate gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model was tested using a sample of 218 three-wave multi-source data collected from employees of five firms in southern China.

Findings

The results revealed that supervisor BLM is positively associated with subordinate BLM. Although subordinate BLM can enhance their work performance, it can also lead to knowledge hiding toward coworkers. Furthermore, these indirect effects are moderated by subordinate gender.

Practical implications

Managers should pay more attention to the potential positive and negative consequences of supervisor BLM and intervene to mitigate the negative impact of BLM.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine how supervisor BLM can be a mixed blessing and elicit both positive and negative behaviors from their subordinates. Moreover, by illuminating how subordinate gender moderates the relationship between supervisor BLM and subordinates' work-related behaviors, we enrich and extend the BLM literature.
The role of digital skill in mitigating digital divide: evidences from Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Maji Sumit Kumar , Laha Arindam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to make a modest attempt to classify the Asia-Pacific countries in terms of the access to information and communication technology (ICT) to unearth the prevalence of digital divide (if any) in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to that, this paper also examines the role played by the digital skill in bridging the digital divide in the context of Asia–Pacific countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data on 43 Asia-Pacific countries for the period from 2012 to 2017 was collected from International Telecommunication Union (ITU) database and World Development Indicators, World Bank. K-means clustering technique was applied to explore the natural grouping of the Asia-Pacific countries based on ICT access. The role of digital/ICT skill in narrowing the access-based digital divide was investigated using panel data regression technique.

Findings

Clustering of countries suggested a significant difference amongst the Asia-Pacific countries in terms of ICT access, signifying the prevalence of access based digital divide. Digital skill played pivotal role in promoting ICT access and thereby reducing the digital divide during the period of the study. Per capita income level, level of education, openness of the economy and urbanisation were observed to be the determining factors in reducing the digital divide during the period of study in the Asia-Pacific region.

Originality/value

The study makes an unique attempt to explore the role of digital/ICT skill in tapering the access-based digital divide in the context of Asia-Pacific region.
Graphene as a stimulus for mechanical strength in glass-fiber reinforced polymers composite
Authors: Kumar Dwivedi Vijay , Kumar Dipak
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is related with the comparative study between graphene-based glass fiber–reinforced polymer composites and without graphene composite on polymer matrix. The current study explains the result of amalgamation of 4 Wt.% graphene oxide (GO), in comparison to without graphene, on the mechanical strength of glass fiber/epoxy (GE).

Design/methodology/approach

A hand layup technique is used for the experimental study. For this, chemical synthesis process is approached based on Hummer’s theory. For mechanical testing of glass fiber–reinforced graphene composites and without graphene composites, American Society for Testing and Materials-3039 (ASTM3039) standards was adopted. Furthermore, comparatively, composites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

Reinforcement of 4.0 Wt.% GO in epoxy matrix material showed 7.46% and 12.31% improvement in mechanical strength and elongation, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy results showed the influence of graphene cumulations in the failure of GO-reinforced GE (GO-GE) composites.

Originality/value

The inimitable things of graphene grounded nanofillers have encouraged in the world of material for their thinkable manipulation in glass fiber polymeric composites. In this work, for the first time, graphene is used as nanofiller in glass fiber epoxy coatings, and their fractography study is investigated.
Explaining citizens’ pro‐environmental behaviours in public and private spheres: The mediating role of willingness to sacrifice for the environment
Authors: Tsai Chin‐Chang , Li Xiangyu (Dale) , Wu Wei‐Ning
Published: August 2021

Prior public administration research emphasises the importance of environmental protection and sustainability, but most studies have focused on governmental actions and public employees’ pro‐environmental behaviours (PEBs). Little is known about why and how citizens perform PEBs in their public or private spheres. To fill the research gap, we draw from related literature and develop a conceptual model explaining how citizens’ perceptions of public values, government, and the environment impact citizens’ PEBs in public and private spheres. By analysing a Taiwan Social Change Survey data, we find that the willingness to sacrifice for the environment shows a significant mediating effect on the relationships between citizens’ PEBs and most public values, government, and environmental determinants. The results also demonstrate how citizens’ PEBs in the public sphere differ from those in the private sphere. Implications for theory and practice are addressed.
Patterns of adoption of robotic radical prostatectomy in the United States and England
Authors: Maynou Laia , Mehtsun Winta T. , Serra‐Sastre Victoria , Papanicolas Irene
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To compare patterns of technological adoption of minimally invasive surgery for radical prostatectomy across the United States and England.

Data Sources

We examine radical prostatectomy in the United States and England between 2005 and 2017, using de‐identified administrative claims data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse in the United States and the Hospital Episodes Statistics in England.

Study Design

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery for radical prostatectomy. We compared the trends of adoption over time within and across countries. Next, we explored whether differential adoption patterns in the two health systems are associated with differences in volumes and patient characteristics. Finally, we explored the relationship between these adoption patterns and length of stay, 30‐day readmission, and urology follow‐up visits.

Data Collection

Open, laparoscopic, and robotic radical prostatectomies are identified using Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Classification of Interventions and Procedures (OPCS) codes in England and International Classification of Diseases ninth revision (ICD9), ICD10, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in the United States.

Principal Findings

We identified 66,879 radical prostatectomies in England and 79,358 in the United States during 2005–2017. In both countries, open surgery dominates until 2009, where it is overtaken by minimally invasive surgery. The adoption of robotic surgery is faster in the United States. The adoption rates and, as a result, the observed centralization of volume, have been different across countries. In both countries, patients undergoing radical prostatectomies are older and have more comorbidities. Minimally invasive techniques show decreased length of stay and 30‐day readmissions compared to open surgery. In the United States, robotic approaches were associated with lower length of stay and readmissions when compared to laparoscopic.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery has become the standard approach for radical proctectomy in the United States and England, showing decreased length of stay and in 30‐day readmissions compared to open surgery. Adoption rates and specialization differ across countries, likely a product of differences in cost‐containment efforts.
COVID‐Apps: Misdirecting Public Health Attention in a Pandemic
Authors: Erikson Susan
Published: August 2021

When there is no vaccine for a disease, ‘Test, Trace, Treat/Isolate’ is the public health go‐to directive. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, mobile phone apps are designed to improve on this. But COVID‐apps have not been effective as a public health tool. Countries spend millions to develop them, yet they have been shown to have terrible return on investment. This commentary explores why COVID‐apps are generally championed and provides three brief case studies (Germany, Sierra Leone, Canada) of non‐app public health success. In conclusion, I argue that we need to get our public health care priorities straight: Better and more testing; increased investment in manual contact tracing and treatments; hospitalization when necessary; and wrap‐around care – assistance with groceries, cleaning, child‐ or eldercare responsibilities, telehealth doctor appointment hookups – for sick people in home isolation.
Double‐tagging scores of seabirds reveals that light‐level geolocator accuracy is limited by species idiosyncrasies and equatorial solar profiles
Authors: Halpin Luke R. , Ross Jeremy D. , Ramos Raül , Mott Rowan , Carlile Nicholas , Golding Nick , Reyes‐González José Manuel , Militão Teresa , De Felipe Fernanda , Zajková Zuzana , Cruz‐Flores Marta , Saldanha Sarah , Morera‐Pujol Virginia , Navarro‐Herrero Leia , Zango Laura , González‐Solís Jacob , Clarke Rohan H.
Published: August 2021

Light‐level geolocators are popular bio‐logging tools, with advantageous sizes, longevity and affordability. Biologists tracking seabirds often presume geolocator spatial accuracies between 186 and 202 km from previously innovative, yet taxonomically, spatially and computationally limited, studies. Using recently developed methods, we investigated whether assumed uncertainty norms held across a larger‐scale, multispecies study.

We field‐tested geolocator spatial accuracy by synchronously deploying these with GPS loggers on scores of seabirds across five species and 11 Mediterranean Sea, east Atlantic and south Pacific breeding colonies. We first interpolated geolocations using the geolocation package FLightR without prior knowledge of GPS tracked routes. We likewise applied another package, probGLS, additionally testing whether sea‐surface temperatures could improve route accuracy.

Geolocator spatial accuracy was lower than the ~200 km often assumed. probGLS produced the best accuracy (mean ± SD = 304 ± 413 km, n = 185 deployments) with 84.5% of GPS‐derived latitudes and 88.8% of longitudes falling within resulting uncertainty estimates. FLightR produced lower spatial accuracy (408 ± 473 km, n = 171 deployments) with 38.6% of GPS‐derived latitudes and 23.7% of longitudes within package‐specific uncertainty estimates. Expected inter‐twilight period (from GPS position and date) was the strongest predictor of accuracy, with increasingly equatorial solar profiles (i.e. closer temporally to equinoxes and/or spatially to the Equator) inducing more error. Individuals, species and geolocator model also significantly affected accuracy, while the impact of distance travelled between successive twilights depended on the geolocation package.

Geolocation accuracy is not uniform among seabird species and can be considerably lower than assumed. Individual idiosyncrasies and spatiotemporal dynamics (i.e. shallower inter‐twilight shifts by date and latitude) mean that practitioners should exercise greater caution in interpreting geolocator data and avoid universal uncertainty estimates. We provide a function capable of estimating relative accuracy of positions based on geolocator‐observed inter‐twilight period.
Alkaline conditions can affect the volume and chemical characteristics of dental gutta‐percha
Authors: Atmeh Amre R. , AlMadi Madi , AlShwaimi Emad
Published: August 2021

The effects of alkaline pH on the size and surface characteristics of gutta‐percha were studied. Forty ProTaper Universal‐F2 gutta‐percha cones (GPC) were stored individually for 8‐weeks. GPC were distributed into 2 groups (n = 20) based on the storage solutions’ pH (pH7, pH12). The GPC volume was measured after 1,2,3,4 and 8‐weeks using water displacement method and compared to the baseline volume. The surfaces of representative GPCs were analysed using Raman spectroscopy and assessed later using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy‐Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Samples t test was used to compare the change in volume of GPC and a repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the effects of storage durations. After 8‐weeks, GPCs aged in high‐pH exhibited significant drop in their volume (16%) compared with GPCs aged in water (2.5%). The surface of GPCs stored in water or high‐pH both demonstrated structural and chemical alterations in comparison with non‐aged GPCs.
The effect of women's nutrition knowledge and empowerment on child nutrition outcomes in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Melesse Mequanint B.
Published: August 2021

Child malnutrition remains widespread in Ethiopia. Women's nutrition knowledge and empowerment are emphasized as key impact pathways for nutrition‐sensitive programs and interventions. This paper examines effects of women's nutrition knowledge and empowerment on child nutrition outcomes using survey data from rural Ethiopia. Employing econometric strategies that account for potential endogeneity concerns, nutrition knowledge, and empowerment are found to have strong and significant effects on children's dietary diversity and stunting. Their interaction is significantly correlated only with stunting, perhaps suggesting the importance of the interaction between nutrition knowledge and empowerment for long‐term nutrition outcomes. A disaggregated analysis of empowerment reveals that empowering women in household agricultural decisions and increasing their access to and control of economic resources are more promising for improving child nutrition. Overall, the findings suggest that efforts targeting to improve child nutrition in Ethiopia need to be complemented by efforts to improve women's nutrition knowledge and empowerment.
Predictors of dementia knowledge in a rural general public sample
Authors: Eccleston Claire E. , Courtney‐Pratt Helen , McInerney Fran , Johnstone Amber , Doherty Kathleen
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate dementia knowledge within a rural Australian general public cohort and understand demographic predictors of knowledge in this population.

Design

A cross‐sectional study comprising quantitative surveys.

Setting

321 participants were recruited from the Tasmanian general public (February‐September 2017).

Participants

28% of participants were from remote or outer regional postcodes; the remainder were from inner regional areas. The median age was 46 years; 35% were male. 30% had participated in prior dementia education, 29% had worked with people living with dementia, and 23% had no identified personal experience of people living with dementia.

Interventions

No interventions were conducted as part of this study.

Main outcome measures

Dementia knowledge was assessed using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale. Demographic variables were also collected.

Results

Mean dementia knowledge was moderate and participants scored highest on the care considerations subscale. Those with personal experience with a person living with dementia scored significantly higher on all subscales, and overall, than those without. Dementia education, general education, and previous work, care or close relationship with people living with dementia were all significant predictors in a regression model explaining nearly a third of the variance in overall dementia knowledge.

Conclusion

While personal experience of dementia improves knowledge of the condition, dementia education is the most important predictor. Deficits identified in knowledge of risk factors, and incomplete knowledge about aspects important to quality care, suggest a need for further education for the general public, particularly in the light of the rising prevalence of dementia in ageing rural populations.
Genetic variants associated with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions induced by carbamazepine
Authors: Nakkam Nontaya , Konyoung Parinya , Amornpinyo Warayuwadee , Saksit Niwat , Tiamkao Somsak , Khunarkornsiri Usanee , Khaeso Kanyarat , Pattanacheewapull Oranuch , Jorns Teekayu Plangkoon , Chumworathayi Pansu , Tassaneeyakul Wichittra
Published: August 2021

Aims

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most common causative drugs of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) including Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Although genetic polymorphisms of the human leucocyte antigens (HLA) are well recognized key elements for the susceptibility to CBZ‐induced SCARs, some evidence suggest that polymorphisms of microsomal epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) may also contribute to the risk of these SCARs. This study investigated the association between the HLA and EPHX1 polymorphisms on CBZ‐induced SCARs in large sample sizes and well‐defined SCARs patients.

Methods

Ninety‐one CBZ‐induced SCARs Thai patients and 144 CBZ‐tolerant patients were enrolled in the study. The genotypes of HLA‐A, HLA‐B and EPHX1 were determined.

Results

Only 2 HLA alleles including HLA‐B*15:02 and HLA‐A*24:07 were statistically significant association with CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN. The highest risk was observed in patients with HLA‐B*15:02 allele (OR = 44.33, 95% confidence interval = 20.24–97.09, corrected P‐value = 6.80 × 10−29). Moreover, HLA‐B75 serotypes were significantly associated with CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN groups with an odds ratio of 81.00 (95% confidence interval = 32.39–202.56, corrected P‐value = 3.84 × 10−34). There is no association between EPHX1 c.337 T > C polymorphism and all phenotypes of CBZ‐induced SCARs.

Conclusion

The HLA‐B*15:02 allele is the strongest genetic marker for the prediction of SJS/TEN induced by CBZ in Thai population. Screening for other alleles in the HLA‐B75 serotype increases sensitivity for prediction of a life‐threatening SCARs caused by CBZ.