bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
catena-Poly[[[bis(acetonitrile-κN)(4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)copper(II)]-μ-trifluoromethanesulfonato-κ2
O:O′] trifluoromethanesulfonate]
Authors: Adrian Rafael A. , Hernandez Diego R. , Arman Hadi D.
Published: October 2020

The central copper(II) atom of the title salt, {[Cu(CF3SO3)(CH3CN)2(C12H12N2O2)](CF3SO3)}
n
or [[Cu(CH3CN)2(diOMe-bpy)(CF3SO3)](CF3SO3)]
n
where diOMe-bpy is 4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine, C12H12N2O2, is sixfold coordinated by the N atoms of the chelating bipyridine ligand, the N atoms of two acetonitrile molecules, and two trifluoromethanesulfonate O atoms in a tetragonally distorted octahedral shape. The formation of polymeric chains [Cu(CH3CN)2(diOMe-bpy)(CF3SO3)]+

n
leaves voids for the non-coordinating trifluoromethanesulfonate anions that interact with the complex through weak hydrogen bonds. The presence of weakly coordinating ligands like acetonitrile and trifluoromethanesulfonate makes the title compound a convenient starting material for the synthesis of novel metal–organic frameworks.
Open and distance learning in social work programme: a study of MSW learners of India
Authors: Saumya Saumya , Singh Tushar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The paper reports the feedback collected from students of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Programme of the School of Social Work (SOSW), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), through open and distance learning (ODL), in India. The paper discusses findings related to learner profile, student support services, assignments, academic counselling, fieldwork, audio/video/teleconferencing facilities, Internet access and challenges faced by the learners. The findings will be useful for researchers and practitioners, will help in improving the overall quality of the programme, in designing the delivery mechanism as per the needs of MSW learners and in preparing them to be trained professionals to work in social development sector in India.

Design/methodology/approach

For data collection, a questionnaire was prepared and sent to all the students of the MSW programme along with assignment, across India. Responses from 290 students were voluntarily received.

Findings

The research findings are that MSW (ODL) students are older, mostly married with the average male learners age being 35 years and that of female learners being 30 years, there are more female learners than male learners, majority of the learners are Hindu from general category, tend to be employed, mostly full-time and some part-time, with work experience. They are from urban, semi-urban, rural and tribal areas with Internet access. Most of the students preferred to read printed self-learning materials than digitally available on eGyanKosh or IGNOUmobile app especially in rural areas though with increasing access to Internet, students are gradually opting for online materials while filling up the admission form. Majority of students found the quality and standard of study materials to be very good. Though maximum respondents gave positive feedback about the student support services and their learning experiences, some of the learners faced challenges like unco-operative staff members, administrative delays, non-allotment of academic counsellor/fieldwork supervisor, irregularity, late reception of study materials, lack of staff members at study centre, far distance of regional centre/study centre from residence, etc.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will help in designing and delivering the MSW programme in a more effective way. Based on the feedback received, the next revision of the programme will take into consideration the concerns of the learner. The limitation of the study is that not all learners responded to all the questions. Not all potential MSW learners filled the questionnaire and submitted it at the school. And those who responded had left some questions unanswered. Those who did not submit response may differ in their responses from what is received.

Originality/value

It is an original work and will be valuable in understanding the distance learner of MSW programme in India, programme delivery and challenges.
Inlet air and fuel flow pressure fluctuation effect on supersonic combustion
Authors: Tahsini AmirMahdi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of pressure fluctuations on the combustion efficiency of the hydrogen fuel injected into the supersonic oxidizing cross flow. The pressure fluctuations are imposed on inlet air flow and also on the fuel flow stream. Two different situations are considered: the combustion chamber once without and again with the inlet standing oblique shock wave.

Design/methodology/approach

The pressure fluctuations are imposed on inlet air flow and also on the fuel flow stream. Two different situations are considered: the combustion chamber once without and again with the inlet standing oblique shock wave. The unsteady turbulent reacting flow solver is developed to simulate the supersonic flow field in the combustion chamber with detail chemical kinetics, to predict the time-variation of the combustion efficiency due to the imposed pressure fluctuations.

Findings

The results show that the response of the reacting flow field depends on both the frequency of fluctuations and the existence of the inlet shock wave. In addition, the inlet standing shock wave has some attenuating role, but the reacting flow shows an amplifying role on imposed oscillations which is also augmented by imposing anti-phase fluctuations on both inlet and fuel flow streams.

Originality/value

This study is performed to analyze the instabilities in the supersonic combustion which has not been considered before in this manner.
A mediator of consumers' willingness to pay for halal logistics
Authors: Ag Majid Dg Ku Zunaidah , Abdul Hanan Suhaila , Hassan Hazlinda
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The halal industry has been growing in recent years, seeing an increasing demand for halal products from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers and acknowledging that halal is a universal concept accepted by both Muslim and non-Muslim societies. Service-related providers, such as logistics, could influence the demand for halal products by consumers. This paper aims to investigate the factors that influence consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for halal logistics among young non-Muslim adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of survey questions were distributed to young non-Muslim adults and 280 questionnaires were analysed.

Findings

The results indicate that three independent variables had a direct relationship and significant influence on the WTP for halal logistics among non-Muslim consumers. These variables are concern on halal, knowledge about halal and perception of halal logistics. Meanwhile, the awareness of halal logistics significantly influenced the consumers' WTP for halal logistics, provided that it was mediated by the perception of halal logistics.

Originality/value

Given the gap in research on halal logistics and WTP, this paper presents a consolidated examination of this subject, particularly the WTP of young non-Muslim adults. Furthermore, by including the perception of halal logistics as a mediator, this study leverages the halal logistics knowledge to a new level, thus deepening the understanding of this topic and contributing additional knowledge. This study also presents some opportunities for future empirical research.
Development of market-oriented strategies through cross-functional integration in the context of the food and beverage industry
Authors: Murillo Oviedo Ana Beatriz , Pimenta Marcio Lopes , Piato Éderson Luiz , Hilletofth Per
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyze how cross-functional integration contributes to the development of market-oriented strategies in the context of food and beverage manufacturers in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study was conducted in two multinational companies in Costa Rica and Brazil. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were carried out with managers, leaders and supervisors.

Findings

The results showed four market-oriented processes: product launch, product delivery, customer complaints solution and improvement and innovation projects. Within these processes, 12 integration factors that impact market orientation were characterized. They also indicate that the concepts of market orientation and cross-functional integration should be integrated in the organizational culture to facilitate the understanding of the different needs and levels of urgency.

Originality/value

The studied literature does not emphasize the way integration is operationalized to allow organizations to be market oriented. According to our findings, responsive strategies depend on the integration of various internal functions to generate market intelligence. Managers must realize that when the workers are motivated and informed, they become more willing to take on a group vision and commit to organizational goals. This paper presents seven propositions on the operationalization of market orientation through cross-functional integration.
The effects of hotel green business practices on consumers’ loyalty intentions: an expanded multidimensional service model in the upscale segment
Authors: Assaker Guy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present and empirically examines an expanded service model that incorporates green hotel practices together with a multidimensional/higher-order measurement model of service quality, as well as perceived value and satisfaction, to examine the relationships among these variables and hotel consumers’ loyalty/behavioral intentions (BI).

Design/methodology/approach

The model was examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using data gathered in August 2018 from 200 surveys completed by UK subjects who stayed at upscale European hotels.

Findings

The results of PLS-SEM found that hotel service quality has a direct and positive effect on perceived value, satisfaction and BI. There is also an indirect effect of service quality on BI through perceived value and satisfaction, while green practices only had a direct effect on perceived value, not satisfaction or BI.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers new insights into the network of causal relationships among determinants of hotel consumers’ BI. The results offer hotel operators a better understanding of specific green practices and service quality attributes they can use to more favorably influence consumers’ intentions to revisit the property and recommend them through positive word-of-mouth.

Originality/value

This research is particularly relevant in today’s reality characterized by travelers’ growing concern for green issues and business’ responsibilities toward the environment. Moreover, unlike previous studies, this study assumes a multidimensional scheme for service quality, further enhancing the understanding of hotel consumers’ BI relationships.
Solving intra-group conflicts by supporting employees’ identification and commitment
Authors: Krajcsák Zoltán
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how employee commitment and identification affect the intra-group conflicts and to demonstrate the moderator role of some dimensions of core self-evaluation (CSE) on the relationship between commitment and conflict. Exploring relationships can provide a better understanding of the nature of intra-group conflicts and the development of prevention and conflict management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses case studies to illustrate the factors that amplify and weaken conflicts. Case studies describe conflicts within a single multinational company.

Findings

According to the results, the high levels of affective commitment and the degree of group identification reduce the relationship conflict, and the impact of affective commitment on the relationship conflict is moderated by the degree of self-esteem. The high levels of normative commitment and the degree of organizational identification reduce the process conflict, and the impact of normative commitment on process conflict is moderated by the degree of self-control. The high levels of professional commitment and the degree of occupational identification reduce the task conflict and that the impact of professional commitment on the task conflict is moderated by the degree of self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The results should also be confirmed by research using a quantitative method.

Practical implications

Managers need to increase employees’ commitment in a targeted way to increase their performance and to prevent conflicts. An important lesson for recruitment professionals is that in jobs where conflict prevention is particularly important, CSE levels that determine personality traits should also be tested.

Originality/value

The degree of commitment and identification also largely depends on organizational circumstances and the support of the manager. The factors brought into play by the employees, including the personality of the staff involved in the conflict, also play a role in conflicts. While these do not trigger it, some personality variables influence the outcome of conflicts. The study demonstrates that targeted enhancement of employee commitment and identification can address intra-group conflicts and that CSE is able to prevent certain types of intra-group conflicts through its moderating effect.
Impact of globalization on human rights: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Takiyar Aman , Rao N.V.M.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of globalization and its multiple dimensions on human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study extends the Poe and Tate (1994) model, which enumerates the various determinants of human rights. Ordered probit estimation is used to estimate the impact of globalization and its dimensions. For the purpose of empirical analysis, the period has been divided into three phases: short, medium and long term. This helps in understanding how the impact of the different dimensions of globalization has evolved over a period of time. Furthermore, analysis has been carried out to detect causality between human rights and globalization.

Findings

As per the results, overall globalization and social dimension of globalization do have a positive impact on human rights in long and medium term and, also, Granger-cause human rights. The political dimension of globalization has a positive relation with human rights, though there exists no causality between the two. On the other hand, the economic dimension of globalization fails to have a statistically significant impact on human rights. Impact of the social dimension of globalization dominates that of other dimensions of globalization.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that examine, in an empirical fashion, the impact of globalization on human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The role of online advertising on purchase intention of smartphones: mediating effects of flow experience and advertising value
Authors: Mustafi Mohitul Ameen Ahmed , Hosain Md Sajjad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The paper aims at identifying the role of online advertising on the purchase intention (PI) of smartphones of Bangladeshi customers. The independent variable (online advertising) has been divided into five dimensional segregations: informativeness (INFO), irritation (IRR), entertainment (ENT), incentives (INC) and credibility (CRD). For increasing the value of investigation to further extent, the authors included two mediators termed as flow experience (FE) and advertising value (ADD).

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been conducted on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire received from a valid sample of 281 smartphone users selected on a random basis. SPSS (Version 24) has been used for descriptive statistical analysis, while structural equation modeling technique (utilizing AMOS 24) has been used to test the hypothetical relationships among the variables.

Findings

After a careful and bias-free statistical analysis, the results indicate that purchase intention is positively and significantly affected by all the independent components INFO, IRR, ENT, INC and CRD. Regarding the mediating effect, FE can partially mediate the relationships between IRR and PI and ENT and PI as both the direct and indirect effects are significant. On the other hand, ADD can partially mediate the relationships between IRR and PI and INC and PI, respectively, since both the direct and indirect effects are significant.

Research limitations/implications

This empirical study is expected to be beneficial for the academicians in finding some unique dimensional aspects regarding online advertising and purchase intentions.

Practical implications

The policymakers can formulate some unique online advertising policies with a view to identifying customer psychology and increase sales volume based on the findings.

Originality/value

Smartphone market in Bangladesh is growing steadily. This empirical paper has shed some lights on the unique role of online advertising on PI of smartphones of Bangladeshi customer base. Since the market scenario in Bangladesh is somewhat unique than those of Western and Eastern countries, the authors hope that the findings will add numerical theoretical and practical values for further investigation in South Asian markets.
Does person–organization spirituality fit stimulate ethical and spiritual leaders: an empirical study in Jordan
Authors: Koburtay Tamer , Haloub Radi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper emphasizes the theoretical relevance that workplace spirituality may add to the person–organization (P-O) fit theory through the examination of a framework that comprises how workplace and self-spirituality fit enhances the perceived P-O spirituality fit. A related aim is to test how the perceived P-O spirituality fit enhances both employees' ethical and spiritual leadership behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a quantitative study of 132 employees across various organizations in Jordan. Data were firstly checked by the use of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability tests. Hypotheses have been tested by the use of hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Findings

In line with the hypotheses, the study's results exhibited that workplace and self-spirituality fit positively enhances the perceived P-O spirituality fit. The results also show that the perceived P-O spirituality fit enhances both employees' ethical and spiritual leadership behaviors.

Practical implications

The present study warrants several practices for human resource management (HRM), policy and development. It suggests that HRM practices should encourage a more “spiritual– and ethical-friendly” environment by ensuring that staffing and other HRM responsibilities are clearly committed to ethics and supportive of spirituality. Specifically, within performance appraisal policies, HR managers may include specific policies and ethical action targets to promote more ethical behaviors. There may be regular monitoring to track the trajectory of the HRM practices in this regard.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper extends beyond the vast literature on P-O fit with the generation of a new concept (i.e. P-O spirituality fit) to the literature in a Muslim-majority country. This offers reinvigorated awareness of the topic under study and suggests specific future research directions.
The effects of age on the demography of a perennial plant depend on interactions with size and environment
Authors: Baden H. Maria , Roach Deborah , Schweingruber Fritz H. , Reitzel Kasper , Lundgreen Kim , Dahlgren Johan P.
Published: October 2020

Age‐dependence of the demographic rates survival, fecundity and individual growth is a fundamental aspect of population biological theory. Knowledge about plant ageing can also be important for conservation and agriculture as it will improve the accuracy of population viability assessments and long‐term performance assessments in perennial crops. Recent studies show age effects on demographic rates for several plant species, yet much remains to be learned about the patterns and mechanisms of plant ageing, particularly about how age effects interact with the environment and with plant size.

We collected age‐and‐size‐based demographic data, as well as individual‐based environmental data, for the perennial herb Plantago lanceolata in Denmark over three annual transitions (4 years). We combined frequent field monitoring of carefully mapped individuals with the underused technique of root histology to determine age of herbaceous plants. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to assess how age, soil properties and year influenced survival, growth and reproduction.

Our results show no strong evidence of consistent age declines, rather, we found mostly positive effects of age on vital rates. For all vital rates, i.e. survival, growth, flowering and reproductive output, age effects also differed significantly among years. Additionally, we detected an interactive effect of age and size in the growth model. Size, and temporal and spatial environmental variation also affected vital rates independently of age.

Synthesis. Our study shows that age‐dependence of demographic rates can depend both on individual size and environmental variation. These results suggest that a consideration of potential age‐interactions may improve the accuracy of comparative studies of ageing and population projections. Moreover, this study shows that much is still unknown about how plant ageing can be affected by the environment.
Unraveling the relative role of light and water competition between lianas and trees in tropical forests: A vegetation model analysis
Authors: Meunier Félicien , Verbeeck Hans , Cowdery Betsy , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Smith‐Martin Chris M. , Powers Jennifer S. , Xu Xiangtao , Slot Martijn , De Deurwaerder Hannes P. T. , Detto Matteo , Bonal Damien , Longo Marcos , Santiago Louis S. , Dietze Michael
Published: October 2020

Despite their low contribution to forest carbon stocks, lianas (woody vines) play an important role in the carbon dynamics of tropical forests. As structural parasites, they hinder tree survival, growth and fecundity; hence, they negatively impact net ecosystem productivity and long‐term carbon sequestration.

Competition (for water and light) drives various forest processes and depends on the local abundance of resources over time. However, evaluating the relative role of resource availability on the interactions between lianas and trees from empirical observations is particularly challenging. Previous approaches have used labour‐intensive and ecosystem‐scale manipulation experiments, which are infeasible in most situations.

We propose to circumvent this challenge by evaluating the uncertainty of water and light capture processes of a process‐based vegetation model (ED2) including the liana growth form. We further developed the liana plant functional type in ED2 to mechanistically simulate water uptake and transport from roots to leaves, and start the model from prescribed initial conditions. We then used the PEcAn bioinformatics platform to constrain liana parameters and run uncertainty analyses.

Baseline runs successfully reproduced ecosystem gas exchange fluxes (gross primary productivity and latent heat) and forest structural features (leaf area index, aboveground biomass) in two sites (Barro Colorado Island, Panama and Paracou, French Guiana) characterized by different rainfall regimes and levels of liana abundance.

Model uncertainty analyses revealed that water limitation was the factor driving the competition between trees and lianas at the drier site (BCI), and during the relatively short dry season of the wetter site (Paracou). In young patches, light competition dominated in Paracou but alternated with water competition between the wet and the dry season on BCI according to the model simulations.

The modelling workflow also identified key liana traits (photosynthetic quantum efficiency, stomatal regulation parameters, allometric relationships) and processes (water use, respiration, climbing) driving the model uncertainty. They should be considered as priorities for future data acquisition and model development to improve predictions of the carbon dynamics of liana‐infested forests.

Synthesis. Competition for water plays a larger role in the interaction between lianas and trees than previously hypothesized, as demonstrated by simulations from a process‐based vegetation model.
Mangiferin protect oxidative stress against deoxynivalenol induced damages through Nrf2 signalling pathways in endothelial cells
Authors: Al‐Saeedi Fatma J.
Published: October 2020

Several cereal grains contain a mycotoxin food contaminant called deoxynivalenol (DON), which presents a significant health risk as it is one of the most commonly found mycotoxins. The current paper examines the ameliorative effect of mangiferin (MAN) in vascular endothelial cells induced through activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway on dietary DON‐induced oxidative changes. The study infers that the intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and malondialdehyde decrease due to MAN. Other effects include in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the oxidative stress‐induced cell damage is reduced due to protective effects and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities also reveal an improvement. In HUVECs, the Nrf2‐regulated antioxidant enzyme genes' expression is activated by Nrf2 nuclear translocation induction and this activity suppresses the oxidative stress damage. The genes in HUVECs include HO‐1 and NQO1. Moreover, in HUVECs, the nucleus translocation of Nrf2 reduces the Nrf2, HO‐1, whereas NQO1 expression decreases the cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress reduce with the rejection of Nrf2 with siRNA. This paper pioneers in inferring that oxidative stress‐induced HUVECs' cell injury is suppressed by MAN through Nrf2, signalling pathway activation.
Enhanced oral bioavailability and biodistribution of atractylodin encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticle in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Omar Abdifetah Ibrahim , Plengsuriyakarn Tullayakorn , Chittasupho Chuda , Na‐Bangchang Kesara
Published: October 2020

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. and its bioactive compound atractylodin (ATD), have been shown to exert promising anticancer activity against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) both in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical development of ATD could be hindered due to hydrophobicity and poor pharmacokinetic properties, and thus, the requirement of high dose administration and the risk of toxicity. In the present study, ATD‐loaded in PLGA nanoparticles (ATD‐PLGA) and that coated with chitosan (ATD‐PLGA‐CS) were developed using nanoprecipitation and single emulsification methods, respectively. The optimized ATD‐PLGA formulation provided superior physical and pharmaceutical properties over ATD‐PLGA‐CS. The antiproliferative activity of ATD‐PLGA against the two CCA cell lines, HuCCT1 and CL6, and the normal cell line (OUMS‐36T‐1F) was evaluated using MTT assay. Results showed that normal epithelial cell was less sensitive to ATD‐PLGA compared to both CCA cell lines. In mice, the radiolabelled 99mTc‐ATD‐PLGA showed superior pharmacokinetic profile over free 99mTc‐ATD, as evidenced by a 2.7‐fold increase of area under plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐∞), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (tmax), and mean residence time (MRT). Higher accumulation of 99mTc‐ATD‐PLGA was observed in vital organs/tissues such as blood, liver, heart, and kidney, compared with free 99mTc‐ATD‐PLGA. Altogether, the results suggest that PLGA NPs could be a suitable drug delivery carrier for ATD in CCA.
The importance of self‐regulation: a mediator of early socio‐emotional difficulties on later socio‐emotional and relational outcomes
Authors: Nucifora Alice , Walker Sue
Published: October 2020

Research suggests that a childhood diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with poorer teacher–child relationship quality and higher rates of externalising behaviours. It is proposed that the socio‐emotional problems experienced by those children with ASD and/or ADHD lead to poor teacher–child relationship quality and an increase in externalising behaviours. It is also proposed that self‐regulation skills and language ability may mediate these relationships. Data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) from 5107 participants whose ages ranged from 2 to 3, 6 to 7 and 10 to 11 years were used for these analyses. Outcome variables were teacher–child relationship quality and externalising behaviours. There were direct effects between ADHD/ASD and externalising behaviours (SDQ). Externalising behaviours were also fully mediated by self‐regulation. All other models showed significant partial mediation. Findings suggest that language was not significantly related to either outcome variable. These results support the conclusion that self‐regulation is a protective factor for those diagnosed with ASD and other disorders with associated socio‐emotional problems such as ADHD. Results also suggest that a focus on self‐regulation skills in educational programs has the potential to improve socio‐relational outcomes for all children with socio‐emotional difficulties.
Production, structure–function relationships, mechanisms, and applications of antifreeze peptides
Authors: Chen Xu , Wu Jinhong , Cai Xixi , Wang Shaoyun
Published: October 2020

Growth of ice crystals can cause serious problems, such as frozen products deterioration, road damage, energy losses, and safety risks of human beings. Antifreeze peptides (AFPs), a healthy and effective cryoprotectant, have great potential as ice crystal growth inhibitors for a variety of frozen products. In this review, methods and technologies for the production, purification, evaluation, and characterization of AFPs are comprehensively summarized. First, this review describes the preparation of AFPs, including the methods of enzymatic hydrolysis, chemical synthesis, and microbial fermentation. Next, this review introduces the major methods by which to evaluate AFPs’ antifreeze activity, including nanoliter osmometer, differential scanning calorimetry, splat‐cooling, the biovaluation model, and novel technology. Moreover, this review presents an overview of the molecular characteristics, structure–function relationships, and action mechanisms of AFPs. Furthermore, advances in the application of AFPs to frozen food, including frozen dough, meat products, fruits, vegetable products, and dairy, are summarized and holistically analyzed. Finally, challenges of AFPs and future perspectives on their use are also discussed. An understanding of the production, structure–function relationships, mechanisms and applications of AFPs provides inspiration for further research into the use of AFPs in food science and food nutrition applications.
Impact of COVID‐19 social restrictions on trauma presentations in South Australia
Authors: Harris Daniel , Ellis Daniel Y , Gorman David , Foo Ngee , Haustead Daniel
Published: October 2020

Objective

To review the impact of COVID‐19 social restrictions on trauma presentations in South Australia.

Methods

Retrospective database review.

Results

During the period of social restrictions, there was a reduction in presentations of trauma and major trauma by 17% and 33%, respectively. The reduction in presentation rates was due to a large decrease in those aged over 40, with an increase in presentations in those younger than 40. Review by mechanism and location of injury revealed a reduction in road trauma, yet an increase in pedestrian trauma and trauma at home.

Conclusion

Social restrictions alter the characteristics of trauma presentations.
Dictyostelium discoideum as a non‐mammalian biomedical model
Authors: Martín‐González Javier , Montero‐Bullón Javier‐Fernando , Lacal Jesus
Published: October 2020

Dictyostelium discoideum is one of eight non‐mammalian model organisms recognized by the National Institute of Health for the study of human pathology. The use of this slime mould is possible owing to similarities in cell structure, behaviour and intracellular signalling with mammalian cells. Its haploid set of chromosomes completely sequenced amenable to genetic manipulation, its unique and short life cycle with unicellular and multicellular stages, and phenotypic richness encoding many human orthologues, make Dictyostelium a representative and simple model organism to unveil cellular processes in human disease. Dictyostelium studies within the biomedical field have provided fundamental knowledge in the areas of bacterial infection, immune cell chemotaxis, autophagy/phagocytosis and mitochondrial and neurological disorders. Consequently, Dictyostelium has been used to the development of related pharmacological treatments. Herein, we review the utilization of Dictyostelium as a model organism in biomedicine.
A review of the methods for studying biotic interactions in phenological analyses
Authors: de la Torre Cerro Rubén , Holloway Paul
Published: October 2020

Phenological events play a key role modulating ecosystem services; however, the complex and interlinked nature of ecosystems indicates that interactions among different taxa during phenological events can have consequences for the entire ecosystem. Currently, there is a lack of a unified criteria on the methodologies studying phenology and biotic interactions.

We performed an extensive integrative review of works evaluating phenology and biotic interactions. We identified four broad categories of studies that have explored biotic interactions within phenology research: (a) spatial and temporal asynchronies, (b) biotic factors as covariates, (c) simulation studies and (d) interaction indices.

We found that spring phenology has received much more attention than any other season, while mutualistic and obligated interactions, as well as trophic interactions and networks have been explored more routinely than facilitation or competition. Authors tend to interpret coexistence among species as biotic interactions without any direct measurement, particularly in spatial and temporal asynchrony studies, but this also occurs to a certain extent in all categories. We also found a lack of formal examination in most studies exploring phenological mismatches in response to climate change.

We propose a conceptual framework for the inclusion of phenology in the study of biotic interactions that apportions research into the conceptualisation and modelling of biotic interactions. Conceptualisation explores phenological data, types of interactions and the spatiotemporal dimensions, which all determine the representation for biotic interactions within the modelling framework, and the type of models that are applicable.

Finally, we identify emerging opportunities to investigate biotic interactions in phenology research, including spatially and temporally explicit species distribution models as proxies for phenological events and the combination of novel technologies (e.g. acoustic recorders, telemetry data) to quantify interactions.
Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern‐era clinical studies
Authors: Andersen Kristoffer A. A. , Carhart‐Harris Robin , Nutt David J. , Erritzoe David
Published: October 2020

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of modern‐era (post‐millennium) clinical studies assessing the therapeutic effects of serotonergic psychedelics drugs for mental health conditions. Although the main focus was on efficacy and safety, study characteristics, duration of antidepressants effects across studies, and the role of the subjective drug experiences were also reviewed and presented.

Method

A systematic literature search (1 Jan 2000 to 1 May 2020) was conducted in PubMed and PsychINFO for studies of patients undergoing treatment with a serotonergic psychedelic.

Results

Data from 16 papers, representing 10 independent psychedelic‐assisted therapy trials (psilocybin = 7, ayahuasca = 2, LSD = 1), were extracted, presented in figures and tables, and narratively synthesized and discussed. Across these studies, a total of 188 patients suffering either cancer‐ or illness‐related anxiety and depression disorders (C/I‐RADD), major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) or substance use disorder (SUD) were included. The reviewed studies established feasibility and evidence of safety, alongside promising early data of efficacy in the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD, and tobacco and alcohol use disorders. For a majority of patients, the therapeutic effects appeared to be long‐lasting (weeks‐months) after only 1 to 3 treatment session(s). All studies were conducted in line with guidelines for the safe conduct of psychedelic therapy, and no severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The resurrection of clinical psychedelic research provides early evidence for treatment efficacy and safety for a range of psychiatric conditions, and constitutes an exciting new treatment avenue in a health area with major unmet needs.
'Tell someone who cares’: Participation action research on workplace engagement of caregivers in aged residential care, NZ
Authors: Prentice Jenny , Weatherall Mark , Grainger Rebecca , Levack William
Published: October 2020

Objective

To use participatory action research (PAR) to understand workplace engagement of caregivers in aged residential care (ARC) in New Zealand.

Methods

A PAR study was conducted in a 40‐bed ARC facility providing rest home‐ and hospital‐level care in rural New Zealand. The four‐step study included an advisory group of caregivers (N = 6) who co‐designed the process. Data were collected via verbatim transcripts of four advisory group meetings, five interviews with staff and field notes over a period of six months. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

A model was developed to describe factors that encouraged caregivers’ engagement in their work. Caregivers were more engaged in their workplace when the influencers of ‘Communication’, ‘Contributing to the workplace’ and ‘Caring for oneself’ were present and when they experienced ‘feeling valued’, ‘being heard’ and ‘being listened to’.

Conclusion

Factors influencing positive changes in workplace engagement were identified that could be considered when implementing organisational change or service development in other ARC facilities. These factors could potentially increase productivity and quality of care at little cost, as well as improve workplace satisfaction.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in multiparous women with the use of epidural anaesthesia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Putri Inge , Simons Koen , Nettle Jonathan , Woodward Anthony
Published: October 2020

Background

The use of epidural as a form of analgesia is increasingly common in labour, but this has shown to have been associated with increased rates of instrumental delivery, and prolonged second stage, resulting in increased rates of OASIS (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury).

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the impact of epidural anaesthesia in multiparous women undergoing vaginal deliveries on OASIS and secondary maternal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of multiparous women with singleton pregnancies delivering at term ≥37 weeks and the use of epidural analgesia in labour at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the Royal Women's Hospital was undertaken between the period 2012–2018. Maternal outcomes were collated and dichotomised according to the presence of epidural use. Multiparous women with no prior history of a vaginal birth and non‐cephalic presentation during labour were excluded.

Results

There were 14 124 multiparous women who met the inclusion criteria; spontaneous labour is associated with an increased risk of OASIS at adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.46, P = 0.012. The overall rate of epidural use was 17%. Women with epidural use had significantly lower chances of sustaining OASIS in normal vaginal births and instrumental vaginal births. (1% vs 1.8%, aOR 0.49, P = 0.004). Epidural is associated with increased rates of prolonged second stage (8.5% vs 3.8%, P < 0.05), instrumental delivery (26.1% vs 4%, P < 0.05), and episiotomy use (23.8% vs 10.2%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of epidural analgesia in multiparous women is associated with a reduction in anal sphincter injuries.
Validation of electrocardiographic criteria for identifying left ventricular dysfunction in patients with previous myocardial infarction
Authors: Panicker Gopi Krishna , Narula Dhiraj D. , Albert Christine M. , Lee Daniel C. , Kothari Snehal , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Cook Nancy , Schaechter Andi , Kim Eunjung , Moorthy M. Vinayaga , Pester Julie , Chatterjee Neal A. , Kadish Alan H. , Karnad Dilip R.
Published: October 2020

Background

Eleven criteria correlating electrocardiogram (ECG) findings with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been previously published. These have not been compared head‐to‐head in a single study. We studied their value as a screening test to identify patients with reduced LVEF estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods

ECGs and CMR from 548 patients (age 61 + 11 years, 79% male) with previous myocardial infarction (MI), from the DETERMINE and PRE‐DETERMINE studies, were analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of each criterion for identifying patients with LVEF ≤ 30% and ≤ 40% were studied. A useful screening test should have high sensitivity and NPV.

Results

Mean LVEF was 40% (SD = 11%); 264 patients (48.2%) had LVEF ≤ 40%, and 96 patients (17.5%) had LVEF ≤ 30%. Six of 11 criteria were associated with a significant lower LVEF, but had poor sensitivity to identify LVEF ≤ 30% (range 2.1%–55.2%) or LVEF ≤ 40% (1.1%–51.1%); NPVs were good for LVEF ≤ 30% (range 82.8%–85.9%) but not for LVEF ≤ 40% (range 52.1%–60.6%). Goldberger's third criterion (RV4/SV4 < 1) and combinations of maximal QRS duration > 124 ms + either Goldberger's third criterion or Goldberger's first criterion (SV1 or SV2 + RV5 or RV6 ≥ 3.5 mV) had high specificity (95.4%–100%) for LVEF ≤ 40%, although seen in only 48 (8.8%) patients; predictive values were similar on subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

None of the ECG criteria qualified as a good screening test. Three criteria had high specificity for LVEF ≤ 40%, although seen in < 9% of patients. Whether other ECG criteria can better identify LV dysfunction remains to be determined.
Love and the Liminality of Revolution: Interpersonal Transformations In Between the April–May Events in Armenia
Authors: Shirinian Tamar
Published: October 2020

The 2019 “Velvet Revolution” in Armenia, which became colloquially referred to as the “Revolution of Love and Solidarity” (April 13–May 1, 2018), made some arguably major political shifts in the postsocialist republic, removing the oligarchic Prime Minister Serj Sargsyan and setting up a new regime that would fight corruption. Through ethnographic research in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, however, I found that many leftist activists who had participated in grassroots social and political initiatives for years denied that an actual revolution had taken place. Instead they located the potential of this movement in the liminal timespace of the political events, which opened up possibilities of collective action and the transformation of forms of citizen relation. By examining the interpersonal and intimate feelings of activists who were involved in these massive mobilizations, I argue that love, pleasure, joy, and celebration allow us to see the transformational possibilities of social movements that are embedded not in the movement as a historical event as such but in the in between of the event.
Turnbull–Cutait technique without ileostomy after total mesorectal excision is associated with acceptably low early post‐operative morbidity
Authors: Guner Osman Serhat , Tumay Latif Volkan
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aimed to compare the standard one‐stage coloanal anastomosis (CAA) technique plus diverting ileostomy and the Turnbull–Cutait (T–C) technique with delayed CAA in terms of early post‐operative morbidity in patients with low rectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 33 patients with non‐metastatic distal rectal cancer who were operated with one of the two different reconstruction methods (one‐stage CAA plus diverting ileostomy or two‐stage T–C technique with delayed CAA) after total mesorectal excision were included in this retrospective study. The two groups were compared for early post‐operative morbidity within 30 post‐operative days using complication frequency, Clavien–Dindo classification and Comprehensive Complication Index scores.

Results

The two groups did not differ in terms of morbidity parameters, including frequency of any morbidity, presence of grade 3b morbidity requiring management under general anaesthesia, as well as Comprehensive Complication Index score (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the two techniques did not differ in terms of early post‐operative morbidity. Owing to its comparable morbidity and safety to CAA plus concomitant ileostomy performed at the same session, the T–C technique may be considered in distal rectal cancer patients refusing to have a temporary stoma and in patients in whom CAA poses technical difficulties during the initial operation.
Traumatic choroidal injuries – classification, incidence, diagnosis and prognosis twenty‐year results of Eye Injury Vitrectomy Study
Authors: Chen Hui‐Jin , Feng Kang , Feng Xue‐Feng , Wang Chang‐Guan , Ma Zhi‐Zhong
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To characterize the classification, incidence, diagnosis and prognosis of traumatic choroidal injuries.

Methods

Subjects were selected from the database of the Eye Injury Vitrectomy Study (EIVS) and were examined for occurrences of different categories of choroidal injuries. Standard photographs were collected. Anatomical and visual outcomes were assessed in patients with greater than 1 year of follow‐up. Eyes that had no light perception (NLP) and/or phthisis bulbi were defined as having had unfavourable outcomes. The percentage of eyes with an unfavourable outcome was analysed for different types of choroidal injuries.

Results

Nine categories of choroidal injuries with distinctive features were identified in the EIVS database. The incidence and the percentage of eyes with an unfavourable outcome in each injury category were as follows: suprachoroidal effusion, 21.2% (7.2%); suprachoroidal haemorrhage, 12.8% (11.2%); massive suprachoroidal haemorrhage, 4.0% (64.9%); choroidal avulsion, 4.2% (92.2%); traumatic chorioretinal rupture, 1.8% (13.3%); choroidal rupture, 4.8% (6.8%); choroidal loss, 1.6% (79.3%); choroidal hole, 1.1% (5.3%); and choroidal damage at the wound site, 39.2% (17.7%).

Conclusions

Ocular trauma can cause a variety of choroidal injuries that have distinctive features, some of which are associated with a high frequency of unfavourable prognoses.