bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards social network metrics for supply network circularity
Authors: Marques Leonardo , Manzanares Marina Dastre
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Despite the systemic nature of circular economy (CE), theorisation that draws from a supply network perspective is only incipient. Moreover, the operations and supply chain management (OSCM) field has engaged in little dialogue with circularity. This study explores social network analysis (SNA) to depict how the shift from linear to circular not only leads to higher rates of resource economy, repair and recycle but also reshapes governance dynamics and network structure of supply networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study departs from a systematic review of the literature and draws from core concepts in OSCM, CE and SNA to offer theoretical propositions that articulate how social network metrics can depict supply network circularity. The framework is illustrated with examples from fashion and electronics industries.

Findings

Four theoretical propositions enlighten how betweenness centrality, eigenvector centrality and network density can explain the shift from linear to circular supply networks across the three CE strategies of narrowing, slowing and closing.

Originality/value

The combination of biomimicry, CE, the push–pull dichotomy and social network metrics offer a theory-driven framework for supply network circularity.
Quality functions' use of customer feedback as activation triggers for absorptive capacity and value co-creation
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Birch-Jensen Andrea , Kumar Maneesh , Löfberg Nina
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose is to understand how the role of quality functions might evolve amidst digitalisation and an increased focus on services. This study focuses on customer feedback and how it can function as activation triggers for developing absorptive capacity, as well as how it relates to the value creation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative research design, the authors gathered primary data from interviews with quality managers at 17 UK and Swedish firms and triangulated it with secondary information from the firms' web pages.

Findings

The findings show that customer feedback-based activation triggers can support development of absorptive capacity in the quality function if there are established processes for acting on customer feedback. This is often the case for codified feedback, which normally concerns products. However, digitalisation offers new opportunities of engaging in value co-creation, and firms need to develop digital capabilities to manage new technologies and data analytic tools. For personalised feedback (the main category of service-related feedback), established processes are missing.

Originality/value

This study work contributes to knowledge about how quality functions respond to customer feedback on both products and services. It clarifies why the quality function sometimes struggles to contribute to service quality as much as to product quality. From a theory development perspective, the authors contribute to understanding customer feedback-based activation triggers, how they lead to development of absorptive capacity and their relation to value co-creation on a functional level.
African immigrants self-employment journey: navigating contextual challenges in South Africa
Authors: Muchineripi Justice , Chinyamurindi Willie , Chimucheka Tendai
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The study explores experiences of African immigrants in their self-employment journey. South Africa has been receiving many African immigrants seeking for socio-economic survival. This presents a gap to understand the self-employment journey of such immigrants post-settlement.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative inquiry is used with semi-structured interviews using a sample of African immigrants based in South Africa. Narrative enquiry was utilised in trying to understand the African immigrant self-employment journey.

Findings

The findings show strategies used by African immigrant entrepreneurs in their self-employment journey. These include immigrant relying on established relationships to respond to contextual challenges. Further, immigrant entrepreneurs turned to borrowing from family, including personal savings and using fronts as a capital generation strategy.

Originality/value

Based on the findings strategies are suggested as a useful precursor in advancing understanding of the African immigrant self-employment journey. This becomes useful especially considering ideals for assisting post-settlement of migrants.
Physical manufacturing: the basic theory and technical system
Authors: Yue Zhufeng , Li Ming , Li Lei , Zhou Zude
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new concept of product manufacturing mode which takes physical manufacturing theory as the basic starting point. In this work, the authors intend to systematically define the basic connotation and extension of physical manufacturing, and sort out the typical characteristics of physical manufacturing, in order to propose the general concept of physical manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

How to study the combination of physics, mathematics, mechanics and other disciplines with the manufacturing disciplines, and how to elevate modern manufacturing science to a new height, has always been a problem for scientists in the field of manufacturing and engineering construction people to deeply think about. Therefore, on the basis of tracing the development of physics and combining the attributes and functions of manufacturing, the authors propose the basic concept of physical manufacturing. On this basis, the authors further clarify the connotation and extension, theoretical basis and technical system of physical manufacturing, reveal the basic problem domain of research and construct the theoretical foundation of physical manufacturing research, which are of great theoretical value and practical significance to adjust and optimize the manufacturing industry structure, improve the quality of manufacturing industry development and promote the green development of manufacturing industry.

Findings

The research on the basic theory and technical system of physical manufacturing will therefore broaden the way of thinking and make a better understanding of manufacturing science and technology, which will promote the development of manufacturing industry to some extent.

Originality/value

On the basis of continuous improvement of the basic theory and conceptual system of physical manufacturing, the physical manufacturing technology will become more and more perfect; physical manufacturing system and intelligent manufacturing system will become the mainstream of next-generation manufacturing system.
Enhancing BIM competencies of built environment undergraduates students using a problem-based learning and network analysis approach
Authors: Obi Lovelin Ifeoma , Omotayo Temitope , Ekundayo Damilola , Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) is an innovative, collaborative process underpinned by digital technologies introduced to improve project performance in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Growth in industry demands has necessitated BIM inclusion into the higher education (HE) curricula as both a pedagogic and practical objective to prepare and develop aspiring built environment (BE) professionals with the required competence for contemporary practice. However, comprehension of BIM concepts and subsequent development of the skill set required for its application remains overwhelming for students. In mitigating this challenge, adopting appropriate learner-centred strategies has been advocated. Problem-based learning (PBL) is becoming a widespread strategy to address concerns associated with authentic practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the impact of the PBL strategy on students' accelerated learning of BIM based on a case study of 53 undergraduate students in a BIM module. The network analysis and centrality measures were employed in understudying the most applicable BIM skills.

Findings

From the analyses, PBL benefits students' knowledge acquisition (cognitive and affective) of BIM concept and development of transferable skills (academic and disciplinary), equipping them with capabilities to become BIM competent and workplace ready for the AEC industry.

Originality/value

The BIM pedagogy evolves, and new skillsets emerge. Analytical, communications and collaboration skills remain sacrosanct to delivering BIM modules. These skills mentioned above are essential in getting undergraduate students ready to apply BIM in the AEC sector.
Blockchain integration into electronic document management (EDM) system in construction common data environment
Authors: Kiu Mee San , Lai Kai Wen , Chia Fah Choy , Wong Phui Fung
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The digitization of electronic document management (EDM) in the construction industry has become more common in nature with the evolution of technology. However, there are still some limitations in EDM in the common data environment which can be improved with the integration of blockchain technology. The purpose of this paper is to identify the limitations of the current EDM system in the construction industry, to determine the potential of blockchain in improving the EDM system in the construction industry and challenges towards blockchain-based EDM.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine (9) respondents with background from the construction industry and blockchain expertise. Content analysis was used to analyze the primary data.

Findings

Current EDM system in the construction industry possessed limitations such as system maturity, high cost, slow adoption of technology and security concerns. Blockchain is able to make improvements in the current EDM system in terms of data integrity, data tracking, data immutability, data security, data trustability, and data accountability. Several challenges such as costs, blockchain scalability and industry knowledge, industry culture and hardware need to overcome prior blockchain-based EDM systems can be widely applied in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The research findings provide insight on future EDM in the construction industry and aids future research in this field.
Critical reflection and critical reflexivity as core processes for critical WOP: Precarious employment as an example
Authors: Seubert Lisa , McWha‐Hermann Ishbel , Seubert Christian
Published: August 2022

This work suggests that researchers in work and organizational psychology (WOP) and WOP as a discipline would benefit from a critical perspective on their own research and practice. We highlight the value of critical reflection and critical reflexivity on contexts of research and practice in order to increase the practical impact of WOP for everyone. First, we outline how WOP currently fails to address pressing global issues, such as precarious employment, by focusing on work‐related phenomena in affluent societies and neglecting issues relevant to the majority of the world's working population. Second, we present a heuristic framework of four fundamental contextual components that are important to consider when engaging in a continuous process of critical reflection and critical reflexivity: history; economy and politics; society and culture; and personal background. Third, we illustrate why these contexts are important for WOP with the example of precarious employment. Considering context more explicitly is important for future WOP research because context not only co‐determines the experiences of the working people under investigation but also the subjectivity of researchers themselves. We hope to encourage WOP researchers to engage in critical reflection and critical reflexivity to promote a more critical WOP.
Clinical role of ambulatory reflux monitoring in PPI non‐responders: recommendation statements
Authors: Yadlapati Rena , Gawron Andrew J. , Gyawali C. Prakash , Chen Joan , Clarke John , Fass Ronnie , Jain Anand , Lynch Kristle , Khan Abraham , Katz Philip O. , Katzka David A. , Richter Joel , Schnoll‐Sussman Felice , Spechler Stuart J. , Vaezi Michael F. , Vela Marcelo , Pandolfino John E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Optimal ambulatory reflux monitoring methodology in symptomatic reflux patients continues to be debated.

Aims

To utilise published literature and expert opinion to develop recommendation statements addressing use of ambulatory reflux monitoring in clinical practice

Methods

The RAND Appropriateness Method (RAM) was utilised among 17 experts with discussion, revision and two rounds of ranking of recommendation statements. Ambulatory reflux monitoring protocol, methodology and thresholds ranked as appropriate by ≥80% of panellists met the criteria for appropriateness.

Results

Prolonged (96‐h recommended) wireless pH monitoring off proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was identified as the appropriate diagnostic tool to assess the need for acid suppression in patients with unproven gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and persisting typical reflux symptoms despite once‐daily PPI. Acid exposure time (AET) <4.0% on all days of monitoring with negative reflux‐symptom association excludes GERD and does not support ongoing PPI treatment. Conversely, AET >6.0% across ≥2 days is conclusive evidence for GERD and supports treatment for GERD, while AET >10% across ≥2 days identifies severe acid burden that supports escalation of anti‐reflux treatment. In previously proven GERD, impedance‐pH monitoring on PPI is helpful in defining refractory GERD and mechanisms of continued symptoms; the presence of <40 reflux events, AET <2.0% and a negative reflux‐symptom association does not support escalation of anti‐reflux treatment. In contrast, AET > 4.0% and positive reflux‐symptom association support escalation of anti‐reflux treatment, including use of invasive therapeutics.

Conclusions

Statements meeting appropriateness for average clinical care have been identified when utilising reflux monitoring in patients with typical reflux symptoms and PPI non‐response.
A paradigm shift in pharmacogenomics: From candidate polymorphisms to comprehensive sequencing
Authors: Zhou Yitian , Koutsilieri Stefania , Eliasson Erik , Lauschke Volker M.
Published: August 2022

Genetic factors have long been recognized as important determinants of interindividual variability in drug efficacy and toxicity. However, despite the increasing number of established gene–drug associations, candidate polymorphisms can only explain a fraction of the genetically encoded functional variability in drug disposition. Advancements in genetic profiling methods now allow to analyse the landscape of human pharmacogenetic variations comprehensively, which opens new opportunities to identify novel factors that could explain the “missing heritability.” Here, we provide an updated overview of the landscape of pharmacogenomic variability based on recent analyses of population‐scale sequencing projects. We then summarize the current state‐of‐the‐art how the functional consequences of variants with unknown effects can be quantitatively estimated while discussing challenges and peculiarities that are specific to pharmacogenes. In the last sections, we discuss the importance of considering ethnogeographic diversity to provide equitable benefits of pharmacogenomics and summarize current roadblocks for the implementation of sequencing‐based guidance of clinical decision‐making. Based on the current state of the field, we conclude that testing is likely to gradually shift from the interrogation of selected candidate polymorphisms to comprehensive sequencing, which allows to consider the full spectrum of pharmacogenomic variations for a true personalization of genomic prescribing.
The oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve is generally left‐shifted inCOVID‐19 patients at admission to hospital, and this is associated with lower mortality
Authors: Valle Andrea , Rodriguez Javier , Camiña Félix , Rodriguez‐Segade Miguel , Ortola Juan B. , Rodriguez‐Segade Santiago
Published: August 2022

Lung damage caused by SARS‐Cov‐2 virus results in marked arterial hypoxia, accompanied in many cases by hypocapnia. The literature is inconclusive as to whether these conditions induce alteration of the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen. We studied the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curves (ODCs) of 517 patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) for whom arterial blood gas analysis (BGA) was performed upon hospitalization (i.e., before treatment). With respect to a conventional normal p50 (pO2at 50% saturation of haemoglobin) of 27 mmHg, 76% had a lower standardized p50 (p50s) and 85% a lowerin vivop50 (p50i). In a 33‐patient subgroup with follow‐up BGAs after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days' treatment, p50s and p50i exhibited statistically significant differences between baseline values and values recorded at all these time points. The 30‐day Kaplan–Meier survival curves of COVID‐19 patients stratified by p50i level show a higher probability of survival among patients who at admission had p50 values below 27 mmHg (p = 0.012). Whether the observed alteration of the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen in COVID‐19 patients is a direct or indirect effect of the virus on haemoglobin is unknown.
Trade creation and trade diversion in deep agreements
Authors: Mattoo Aaditya , Mulabdic Alen , Ruta Michele
Published: August 2022

Preferential trade agreements have boomed in recent years and extended their reach well beyond tariff reduction, to cover policy areas such as investment, services, competition and intellectual property rights. This paper uses new information on the content of preferential trade agreements to examine the trade effects of deep agreements and revisit the classic Vinerian question of trade creation and trade diversion. Our results indicate that deep agreements lead to more trade creation and less trade diversion than shallow agreements. Furthermore, some provisions of deep agreements have a public good aspect and increase trade also with non‐members.
Researching governance in difficult times and places: Reflections from Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan
Authors: Mohmand Shandana Khan , Anderson Colin
Published: August 2022

Motivation

Fragility and closing civic space present significant challenges for research, making research processes more onerous and difficult, particularly on social and political issues. And yet these contexts may be those that may most need to be researched to understand the trend in democratic backsliding being witnessed in many parts of the world.

Purpose

How can researchers navigate difficult contexts characterized by fragility and closing space to conduct rigorous yet safe research? We contribute to a growing literature on this question by exploring researcher strategies in contexts characterized by both fragility and closing civic spaces, as well as the obstacles and challenges they face.

Methods and approach

We draw on the reflections and experiences of researchers directly engaged in managing and undertaking research on social and political action in four contexts affected by varying levels of conflict and violence over a five‐year period. Their insights were gathered through observations, informal interviews and discussions over that time, and a focus group discussion.

Findings

Based on the experiences of these researchers we argue that fragile citizen–state relations make the research process and its associated relationships themselves more fragile, indeterminate, and tentative. We note challenges of access, both formal and informal, low trust, and ethical dilemmas. We then highlight four strategies that stand out as common in navigating these challenges and undertaking research successfully.

Policy implications

We argue that research in fragile contexts with closing civic spaces needs long‐term collaboration with local partners that includes building the capacity of emerging researchers and maintaining close accompaniment to create relationships of equality and a community of practice. This requires such research to be more rather than less involved and engaged with participants and research partners located in these contexts, in contrast to suggestions elsewhere that more remote or virtual engagement is the answer. But this research needs to take account upfront of the inherent challenges and uncertainty of research process, and where findings can be safely shared.
Do house prices affect campaign contributions?
Authors: Lessem Rebecca , Niebler Sarah , Urban Carly
Published: August 2022

Individual campaign contributions are the largest source of financing for U.S. presidential and congressional candidates, though the body of research examining why people give remains small. To help understand these decisions, we estimate the causal impact of house prices on donations across campaigns and parties using an instrumental variables strategy. Our results indicate that an increase in house prices increases ZIP code‐level donations to Democratic presidential and congressional candidates, with minuscule or no effect for Republican candidates. The effects in areas with a greater proportion of renters are larger than areas with more homeowners. Since this population is likely to experience higher rents as a result of house price increases, this suggests that pleas for policy may inspire giving. Further, areas with the highest fraction of college educated residents also see the largest effects, when compared to less‐educated areas, suggesting a wealth effect exists as well.
Partnership of schools and civil society organisations to support education of students of varied linguistic backgrounds—The situation in the Czech Republic, Italy and Spain
Authors: Wolf Janet , Casado‐Muñoz Raquel , Pedone Francesca
Published: August 2022

This article reports on research examining the intensity and forms of partnership between civil society organisations (particularly non‐profit non‐governmental organisations with a focus on students with a different mother tongue) and schools in three European geographical areas, answering three research questions: (1) What services do non‐profits offer for teachers? (2) How do non‐profits see the current cooperation? (3) Do teachers know about the existence of non‐profits in this area and are they interested in such cooperation? A mixed methods research approach was used. A questionnaire was used for eliciting responses from 34 non‐profit organisations (nine in Czech Republic, nineteen in Spain, six in Italy); and fifteen teachers (five for each country) were interviewed. The findings reveal a great potential of non‐profit organisations as partners in education for covering important themes from intercultural education. All interviewed teachers were in favour of cooperating with the non‐profit sector even though most had never collaborated with non‐profits. Several teachers had experienced difficulties in teaching students of varied linguistic backgrounds. Non‐profits acknowledged that collaboration with teachers and schools had not been ideal and suggested strategies which might empower such partnerships.
Strength and morphology of a suprahyoid muscle and their relationship to forward head posture in healthy older adults
Authors: Tamai Tomoe , Hara Koji , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Namiki Chizuru , Yamaguchi Kohei , Yoshimi Kanako , Yanagida Ryosuke , Hasegawa Shohei , Nakane Ayako , Okumura Takuma , Ishii Miki , Tohara Haruka
Published: August 2022

Aim

Forward head posture, an abnormality in head and trunk positioning, adversely affects suprahyoid muscle activity. Jaw‐opening force, which reflects suprahyoid muscle strength, is a useful index of dysphagia. However, the relationship between forward head posture and strength and morphology of suprahyoid muscles remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the relationship between forward head posture, jaw‐opening force and morphology of suprahyoid muscles.

Methods

During October 2018, we enrolled older adults aged ≥65 years. The craniovertebral angle was measured, and an angle <49° was defined as forward head posture. Jaw‐opening force was also measured. The geniohyoid muscle (GHM) was selected to represent the suprahyoid muscles, and its cross‐sectional area and length were measured using ultrasonography. Sarcopenia was also determined based on the criteria of the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between morphological characteristics of the suprahyoid muscle and jaw‐opening force as well as the association between the former and forward head posture.

Results

Data of 87 participants were analyzed. Sex, cross‐sectional area and length of the GHM, and sarcopenia were significantly associated with jaw‐opening force. In addition, sex and forward head posture were significantly associated with the length of the GHM.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that an overextended length of suprahyoid muscles mediates the relationship between forward head posture and jaw‐opening force. Forward head posture is easily visualized and can be a useful indicator of decline in suprahyoid muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 779–784.
Improved functional properties of wheat gluten hydrolysate by covalent conjugation with chlorogenic acid
Authors: He Dong , Xing Yifan , Wang Yi , Zeng Wen , Gao Wei , Su Nan , Zhang Chong , Chen Haihong , Xing Xin‐Hui
Published: August 2022

Appropriate modification of wheat gluten with polyphenols or other natural compounds can greatly increase its functional properties and provide a high‐quality protein source at a relative lower price. In this paper, covalent modification of wheat gluten hydrolysate (WGH) was performed with chlorogenic acid (CGA) by free‐radical grafting. The structural changes in WGH by conjugating with CGA were characterised by ultraviolet spectrum, FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and fluorescence scanning, as well as physicochemical properties and biological functions. Results showed that WGH‐CGA conjugates had higher thermal stability, better emulsifying and foaming capabilities, stronger antioxidant activity and lower allergenicity than the non‐conjugated WGH. These findings indicated that the WGH‐CGA conjugates had potential use value as functional food materials and additives in the food industry.
Barriers to self‐monitoring implementation in the oral anticoagulated population: A qualitative study
Authors: Magon Arianna , Arrigoni Cristina , Durante Angela , Falchi Chiara , Dellafiore Federica , Stievano Alessandro , Caruso Rosario
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore and understand the barriers perceived by Italian nurses to adopting self‐monitoring for managing oral anticoagulation in real‐life settings.

Background

Barriers to self‐monitoring implementation for managing oral anticoagulation have been poorly described.

Design

The study had a qualitative descriptive and exploratory design with a hybrid approach.

Methods

A literature review was conducted to identify a priori barriers (deductive approach), while a small and semi‐structured focus group discussion was performed to explore the contextual barriers experienced by Italian nurses (inductive approach). A classic content analysis technique was adopted. Data were collected in 2019.

Findings

Two main categories were identified. Organizational barriers referred to the lack of inter‐professional collaboration and health‐care system strategies to provide clinical pathways for self‐monitoring. Individual barriers encompassed professional characteristics (e.g. university background, professional knowledge, continuum education and accountability/responsibility) and patient characteristics (e.g. patient health literacy and knowledge, engagement/empowerment and educational programmes). Finally, unwarranted clinical variation in oral anticoagulation management arose as a barrier determined by organizational and individual elements.

Conclusions

The results of this study pointed out an urgent public health issue in addressing barriers influencing self‐monitoring practice and in sustaining care models that might enhance the quality improvement of self‐monitoring for managing oral anticoagulation.
Comparison of area measurement methods in the routine assessment of diabetic foot ulcers—A consistency analysis method
Authors: Luo Yi Xin , Li Li , Mai Li Fang , Liu Xing Zhou , Yang Chuan
Published: August 2022

Background

Ulcer area is a critical parameter in diabetic foot ulcer assessment but existing methods have deficiencies for routine measurement.

Aim

We hypothesized that the Image J‐based Computer Analysis method has a high level of agreement with the commonly used Maximum Length and Width and the Transparent Dressing‐based Square Grid methods and aimed to test the consistency and verify the feasibility of the Image J‐based Computer Analysis method in the routine assessment of ulcers.

Methods

Outpatient attendees with diabetic foot ulcers at the Department of Endocrinology of Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital were enrolled between October 2020 and October 2021. The three methods sequentially assessed the area of 65 included ulcers. Results were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance and Bland–Altman plots to perform consistency analysis.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation ulcer area measured using the three methods were 14.79 ± 5.39, 14.35 ± 5.26, and 14.30 ± 5.26 cm2, respectively. The measurement differences among the three groups or between any two were not statistically significant. Bland–Altman plots showed good consistency between the Image J‐based Computer Analysis and the other two methods.

Conclusion

The Image J‐based Computer Analysis method can be interchanged with the other methods to assess ulcer areas. It is freely accessible, accurate and home‐operable, thus worth consideration by nurses for routine ulcer area assessment.
A new self‐consistent empirical potential model for multicomponent borate and borosilicate glasses
Authors: Bertani Marco , Pallini Annalisa , Cocchi Marina , Menziani Maria Cristina , Pedone Alfonso
Published: August 2022

A new self‐consistent empirical potential model based on the BMP potential [Bertani et al., Phys. Rev. Mat. 5 (2021) 045602] has been developed for the simulation of multicomponent borate and borosilicate glasses. We exploited the Bayesian optimization approach to create a set of parameters for the B–O interaction, which depends on the glass composition, and in particular on the R = ([A2O]+[AEO])/[B2O3] (A = alkaline and AE alkaline‐earth ions) and K = [SiO2]/[B2O3] ratios. The obtained force field (FF) has been applied to several borate and borosilicate glass series containing, as modifier oxide, Na2O, Li2O, CaO, and MgO and tested on experimental data, such as the fraction of BO4 (N4), density, non‐bridging oxygen speciation, neutron diffraction spectra, 11B, 29Si, and 17O magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance. A comparison with other interatomic potentials available in literature has also been performed. The results show that the FF reproduces well almost all the abovementioned properties, showing excellent agreement with experimental data in a wide range of compositions.
The effects of sublethal doses of imidacloprid and deltamethrin on honeybee foraging time and the brain transcriptome
Authors: Zhang Zu Yun , Li Zhen , Huang Qiang , Zeng Zhi Jiang
Published: August 2022

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has occurred in the United States since 2006 and has been reported in many countries with varying levels of severity. Although the cause of CCD is multifactorial, pesticide is a major factor that leads to colony collapse. At sublethal doses, pesticide is known to negatively affect honeybee physiological development and behaviour. Previously, we found the insecticides imidacloprid and deltamethrin significantly reduced honeybee dancing and foraging efficiency. In our experiments, the duration of honeybee imbibing food at the feeder declined and the returning period from the feeder to the hive increased in both insecticide groups compared with the control group. As a follow‐up, we performed a deep RNA‐seq analysis to reveal the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying this altered foraging performance. Genes involved in detoxification were upregulated in both the imidacloprid and the deltamethrin‐treatment groups. Gene members in immune pathways, odorant receptors and major royal jelly protein families were significantly downregulated in the treatment groups compared with the controls. This fluctuating gene expression profile shows that multifaceted aspects of honeybee physiology were affected by the two insecticides, which may lead to inaccurate communication and impaired learning and memory. Our findings reveal candidate molecular mechanisms leading to impaired dance performance in honeybees exposed to insecticides.
Factors related to recruitment and retention of patients into diabetes group visits in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Naik Aaditi G. , Staab Erin , Li Jefferine , Siddiqui Sara , Wan Wen , Schaefer Cynthia T. , Campbell Amanda , Quinn Michael , Baig Arshiya A.
Published: August 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

To examine factors related to recruitment of eligible patients and retention of enrolled patients in diabetes group visits (GVs).

Method

As part of a cluster randomized trial, 272 eligible patients were contacted and 75 patients were eventually enrolled in GVs at six community health centers (CHC). Fisher's exact tests and χ2 tests were used to compare enrolled and nonenrolled patients by patient recruitment method, gender and preferred language. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate characteristics associated with GV attendance such as diabetes self‐empowerment and diabetes‐associated distress. Content analysis was used to analyse patients' open‐ended survey responses, and template analysis was used to analyse CHC staff interviews.

Results

In terms of recruitment and enrollment analysis, patients who received in‐person contact only and both phone and in‐person contact comprised a greater fraction of the enrolled than unenrolled group, while those who received phone only and both phone and mail comprised a smaller fraction of the enrolled than unenrolled group (p = 0.004). In terms of retention analysis, 70 of the 75 enrolled patients attended at least one GV (93%). The average number of GVs was 3.2 out of 6 visits. Higher GV attendance was associated with lower baseline diabetes empowerment (p = 0.03). Patients' most common self‐reported motivating factors to attend GVs were to learn more about diabetes, gain improved blood glucose control and find support from peers.

Conclusion

In‐person recruitment for GVs at CHCs was more effective than recruitment by telephone/mail. Patients who felt less empowered to manage their diabetes were most motivated to attend GVs. These findings could help clinicians implement targeted recruitment of patient populations who are more likely to attend diabetes GVs and tailor self‐management education interventions to their patient populations, particularly for underserved patients who face disparate clinical outcomes.
Chemical and mechanical accelerated and long‐term stability evaluation of sunscreen formulation containing grape seed extract
Authors: Yarovaya Liudmila , Waranuch Neti , Wisuitiprot Wudtichai , Khunkitti Watcharee
Published: August 2022

Background

Sunscreens and catechins from grape seed extract (GSE) are sensitive to various environmental factors and undergo certain changes over time that might affect the effectiveness of the final product. To this date, effects of thermal storage conditions have not been sufficiently addressed to guarantee the long‐term stability of sunscreen formulations.

Aims

To study the chemical and mechanical accelerated and long‐term stability of sunscreen formulation containing GSE at the Climatic Zone IVb conditions.

Methods

Stability studies were performed for 6 months for accelerated stability study at 30°C ± 2 and 50°C ± 2, 75 ± 5% relative humidity; and long‐term stability study at 5°C ± 5. The quantification of constituents of three formulations: sunscreen with GSE, cream with UV filters only, and cream with GSE only was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In vitro spectrophotometry was used to determine changes in sun protection effectiveness through SPF and UVAPF values. Mechanical stability was evaluated by textural and rheological analyzes.

Results

All tested formulations were less stable at high‐temperature conditions. The contents of catechin (С) and epicatechin (EC) in sunscreen with GSE were reduced to 37% and 50% at 50°C, respectively, whereas UV filters appeared to be stable. However, despite the significant reduction in catechins over time, polyphenols in GSE remained unchanged at different stored conditions. The SPF values and water resistance of sunscreen with GSE were maintained throughout the study.

Conclusions

A current in vitro study has shown that sunscreen with GSE is a value‐added anti‐aging ingredient in sunscreen formulation because its polyphenolic composition as well as SPF values and water resistance were maintained under all temperature conditions over time.
Flânerie in Text and City: The Heterogeneous Urban Publics of the Georgian Feuilleton
Authors: Manning Paul
Published: August 2022

The Georgian feuilleton developed in fits and starts in the first 5 years of the first Georgian newspaper, Droeba. The feuilleton is an exemplary genre in the development of Georgian publics, both urban and print. The digressive narrative of the feuilleton meanders between, ties together, and dialogizes the disembodied world of public texts and the embodied world of real public places, drawing together two different, seemingly antithetical senses of “public”. First, the “metatopical” public created by the circulation of Droeba, a disembodied reflexive intertextual world of stranger‐contemporaries, fellow readers of the newspaper reading in their private homes, writing about different somewheres from the perspective of a voice from nowhere. Second, the concrete spatialized set of public places and the quoted, overheard, voices of crowds, stranger‐consociates, to be found in those public places, the streets and especially gardens, of the city of Tbilisi which is the exemplary locale which can be presupposed as a “here” shared between the writer and his readers. The feuilletonist dialogizes the garden heterotopias of the city, just as he dialogizes the heteroglossia of the city. The feuilletonist‐qua‐flâneur then arises at the conjuncture of two public worlds, two parallel streams of circulation of literature and life.
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Experiencing Homelessness and Substance Use in the School Context: A Statewide Study
Authors: Moore Hadass , De Pedro Kris
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE

This study explored differences between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)‐housed and homeless students regarding substance use patterns on and off school grounds and the unique contribution of homelessness to substance use in school.

METHODS

Data were from the 2013‐2015 California Healthy Kids Survey, a statewide survey of school protective factors and risk behaviors. A representative sample of 9th‐ and 11th‐grade students (N = 20,337) was used. Comparisons between housed (n = 19,456) and homeless (doubled up: n = 715; acute homeless: n = 166) LGB students were conducted. We used chi‐square tests to compare rates of lifetime, past‐30‐day, and in‐school substance use and conducted multivariate logistic regression models for each substance use variables.

RESULTS

Chi‐square test results indicated significant differences in rates of substance use among students experiencing homelessness (both categories) and housed LGB students. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual students experiencing homelessness were more likely to report substance use off and on school grounds. Results from logistic regression analyses indicated that LGB students who experience homelessness were significantly more likely to report recent and in‐school substance use. For example, students experiencing acute homelessness were about 3 times as likely to report heavy episodic drinking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.13, 4.26) and more than 5 times as likely to smoke marijuana in school (AOR = 5.38; 95% CI = 3.46, 8.36), compared to housed LGB students.

CONCLUSIONS

LGB students who experience homelessness are at higher risk than housed LGB students of substance use on and off school grounds. Findings highlight the need to provide support in the school context for this subpopulation.
Evaluation of full‐fatted and hydrolysate mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae as a substitute for spray‐dried plasma protein diet in weaning pigs
Authors: Cho Kyung Hoon , Sampath Vetriselvi , Kim Al Ji , Yoo Jong Sang , Kim In Ho
Published: August 2022

The goal of this experiment was to examine the effect of dietary inclusion of full‐fatted mealworm larvae (FFML) or hydrolysate mealworm larvae (HML) (Tenebrio molitor) as a substitute for spray‐dried plasma protein (SDPP) as a protein source on the performance and immune status of nursery pigs. A total of 150 crossbred piglets (6.48 ± 0.01 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 dietary groups in two feeding phases: phase 1 (Days 0−14) and phase 2 (Days 15−35). Each treatment had 10 replicates with 5 pigs per replicate. The nutritious diets were: Phase 1: SDPP—CON (control‐basal diet) + 6% SDPP diet; FFML—CON + 3% SDPP and 3% FFML diet; HML—CON + 3% SDPP and 3% HML diet. Phase 2: SDPP—CON (basal diet) + 3% SDPP diet; FFML—CON + 3% FFML diet; HML—CON + 3% HML diet. The inclusion of FFML or HML diet did not show significant difference but had a comparable effect as that of standard control diet containing SDPP on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal score throughout the trial. In comparison to pigs fed SDPP diet, pigs fed FFML and HML diets had similar and/or higher (p < 0.05) serum immunoglobulin (IgA and IgG) concentration at the end of phase 1 and 2. The result of the present study indictes that SDPP would be partially or fully replaced with FFML or HML to suit weaning pigs diet.
Clinical findings, surgical treatment and long‐term outcome of dogs and cats with double aortic arch: four cases (2005–2022)
Authors: Rossanese M. , Cinti F. , Chanoit G. P. A. , Brockman D. J.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment and long‐term outcome following surgery of dogs and cats undergoing surgical treatment for a double aortic arch.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs and cats diagnosed with a double aortic arch between 2005 and 2022 at three small animal referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Long‐term outcome was assessed by a clinical examination and/or by contacting the owners or referring veterinarians.

Results

Two dogs and two cats were included. Regurgitation after eating, stunted growth and poor weight gain were the predominant clinical features. All animals had thoracic radiography and oesophagography; a dilation of the cranial thoracic oesophagus cranial to the heart base, was described in all animals. CT angiography confirmed double aortic arch in three of these and the right aortic arch was larger and appeared more well developed compared with the left aortic arch in all based on CT or surgical findings. Surgery was performed via a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy; ligation and transection of the lesser left aortic arch was performed. Follow‐up time ranged from 360 to 1563 days. All animals showed a marked improvement during the postoperative period, and all gained weight gradually. Owners' perception of the surgical procedure outcome and quality of life was described as excellent for all animals.

Clinical Significance

Surgical ligation of the lesser aortic arch in dogs and cats with double aortic arch is associated with a favourable prognosis for recovery, resolution of clinical signs, and quality of life with only minor feeding modifications.
Mefenoxam and pyraclostrobin: toxicity and in vitro inhibitory activity against Pythium insidiosum
Authors: Stibbe P.C. , Ianiski L.B. , Weiblen C. , Maciel A.F. , Machado M.L. , da Silveira T.L. , Soares F.A.A. , Santurio J.M. , Soares M.P. , Pereira D.I.B. , Sangioni L.A. , de Avila Botton S.
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study is to verify in vitro susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum against the agricultural fungicides mefenoxam and pyraclostrobin and evaluate the toxicity of both compounds. Twenty-one P. insidiosum isolates were tested against mefenoxam and pyraclostrobin using the broth microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory and oomicidal concentrations for both compounds were established. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was performed on P. insidiosum hyphae treated with the sublethal concentration of each fungicide. The toxicity of the compounds was evaluated in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model. The concentration to inhibit 100% of P. insidiosum growth ranged from 0·625 to 10 μg ml−1 for mefenoxam and from 0·019 to 5 μg ml−1 for pyraclostrobin. The SEM analysis revealed changes on the surface of the hyphae treated with the fungicides, suggesting possible damage caused by these compounds. There was no evidence of toxicity in vivo models. Mefenoxam and pyraclostrobin did not show toxicity at the doses evaluated and have inhibitory effects on the pathogenic oomycete P. insidiosum. However, further evaluations of their pharmacokinetics and toxicity in different animal species and possible pharmacological interactions are necessary to infer a possible use in the clinical management of pythiosis.
Impact on purchasing behaviour of implementing ‘junk free checkouts’: A pre‐post study
Authors: Fildes Alison , Lally Phillippa , Morris Michelle A. , Dalton Alexandra , Croker Helen
Published: August 2022

In 2015, Tesco Express convenience stores implemented a healthy checkouts initiative; products high in fat, salt or sugar were removed from in‐queue areas. We compare purchasing of less healthy foods before and after its introduction. Tesco provided store‐level sales data (n = 1151) for Express stores in England over two 8‐week periods, May–July 2014 and 2015. Paired t‐tests examined if spending on less healthy foods (biscuits, cakes, crisps and confectionery), as a proportion of total spend, changed between 2015 and 2014. Analyses were repeated for the quantity of less healthy products sold. Compliance was measured through unannounced store visits (n = 41). Complete sales data were available for 1101 stores (96%). Mean overall spend increased in 2015 compared with 2014 (£666 079.70 [SD 406 385.00] vs. £653 786.59 [SD 447 580.77]; p < 0.001). The proportion of total spend from less healthy foods decreased in 2015 versus 2014 (8.03% [SD 2.07] vs. 8.21% [SD 2.17]; p < 0.001). Confectionery accounted for the largest proportion of less healthy product spend, showing the biggest reduction (3.91% [SD 1.16] in 2015 vs. 4.12% [SD 1.24] in 2014; p < 0.001). Results were similar for quantity of less healthy products sold. Like‐for‐like sales data from major supermarkets revealed spend on less healthy products rose across the UK over this period. Thirty‐nine per cent of stores were fully compliant. In conclusion, following implementation of Tesco's healthier checkouts initiative, there was a small reduction in sales of less healthy foods, largely accounted for by confectionery products. These findings suggest that removal of less healthy products from checkouts might lead to healthier purchasing behaviour. However, store compliance was poor, suggesting scope for improvement.