bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Less is more: the role of frugality in the Malaysian hotel industry
Authors: Mohamed Sadom Nur Zulaikha , Quoquab Farzana , Mohammad Jihad , Hussin Nazimah
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The environmental impact of excessive use of natural resources such as energy and water in the tourism industry has increased significantly. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the notion of frugality in this industry. Particularly, this study aims to examine the effect of green marketing strategies (eco-labelling and environmental advertising) and hotel guests’ green attitude towards frugality in the context of the Malaysian hotel industry. Furthermore, the mediating effect of green attitude is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Stimulus-organism-response theory was used to develop the research framework. The data were collected via a self-administered survey questionnaire, which yielded 150 complete and usable responses. A partial least square-structural equation modelling approach was used to validate the proposed model.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that environmental advertising and eco-labelling, directly and indirectly, affect frugality. Moreover, the link between green attitude and frugality also was supported. Furthermore, data supported the mediating effect of green attitude in the relationship between green marketing strategies and frugality.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can benefit hoteliers who are targeting frugal and environmentally conscious consumers. Moreover, the hoteliers will be able to understand the drivers of frugality in the tourism industry. It can assist them to formulate better marketing strategies in attracting and retaining frugal consumers.

Social implications

The findings from this study offer a number of important social implications for society, the local government and the city and tourism council. Particularly, understanding the strategies towards frugality can pave the way towards the formation of a “less consumption” community. Moreover, it will serve as the guideline for designing the green and sustainability campaign for the nation.

Originality/value

This study is among the pioneers to investigate the issue pertaining to frugality in the tourism industry context. This study examines new linkages such as the indirect effect of green marketing strategies towards frugality. Moreover, the mediating effect of green attitude in the relationship between green marketing strategies (eco-labelling and environmental advertising) and frugality is comparatively a new link.
Returning to school: children and young people living with chronic illness
Authors: Gray Nicola J. , Jourdan Didier , McDonagh Janet E.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The reopening of schools during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is full of challenges for families, which are heightened for children and young people (CYP) who live with chronic illnesses. This paper aims to offer a framework to support the successful return of CYP with chronic illnesses to school using appropriate intersectoral strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on research data on the impact of school closure on CYP with chronic illness and emerging findings of global research about their lives during the pandemic. It is also informed by the perspectives of practitioners in the field, who are working with these CYP and their families.

Findings

A framework based on three different strategies for a successful return is established. A small but significant group of CYP living with conditions such as cancer will not yet return and will need ongoing home education provision. CYP with well-controlled symptoms of chronic illness will benefit from school routines and socialization with peers. CYP with poorly controlled illness will need close supervision and individual plans. All groups will benefit from better intersectoral working across education and health and from recent rapid developments in hybrid learning models and telemedicine.

Originality/value

This viewpoint highlights the need for a strategic approach to the return to school of CYP with chronic illness that goes well beyond classifying them as vulnerable students. This group of CYP is already at risk of lower educational attainment, so widening inequalities must be halted. This paper provides a framework for anchoring local intersectoral approaches adapted to the different situations of CYP.
Implementing E-mentoring with care-experienced youth under “lock-down” – a South African experience
Authors: MacDonald Mandi , Dellis Andrew , Mathews Shanaaz , Marco Jenna-Lee
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the challenges and potential benefits of moving a mentoring programme for young people in care and care leavers to an online mode of delivery in response to the South African Government’s efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive account incorporating reflections from staff responsible for the move to e-mentoring and from South African and UK researchers undertaking an exploratory study of mentoring vulnerable youth at the time when COVID-19 restrictions were imposed.

Findings

E-mentoring can provide an effective means to maintaining the essential elements of a well-established mentoring programme for young people in care and care leavers under government enforced “lock-down”. E-mentoring presents particular challenges and benefits in the South African context. Youth in care and care leavers have unequal access to a digital infrastructure, but this can be overcome by investment in resourcing, equipping and training carers, mentors and mentees. The geographical reach offered by online platforms gives young people access to a more diverse pool of mentors.

Originality/value

Both care leaving services and the use of e-mentoring to meet the needs of vulnerable young people are emerging areas of practice and research interest. This paper brings the two areas together in the context of South Africa under COVID-19 “lock-down” through describing the response of one mentoring programme and highlighting the benefits and challenges.
The 2008–2009 global financial crisis and the cost of debt capital among SMEs: Swedish evidence
Authors: Yazdanfar Darush , Öhman Peter
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to describe and analyse the relationship between the 2008–2009 global financial crisis and small and medium-sized enterprises' cost of debt capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical methods, including multiple OLS and dynamic panel data, were used to analyse a longitudinal cross-sectional panel dataset of 3865 Swedish SMEs operating in five industry sectors over the 2008–2015 period.

Findings

The results suggest that the cost of debt was influenced by the financial crisis and another macroeconomic factor, i.e. the interbank interest rate, and by firm-specific factors such as firm size and lagged cost of debt.

Originality/value

To the authors' best knowledge, this is one of few studies to examine the cost of debt among SMEs during the crisis and post-crisis periods using data from a large-scale, longitudinal, cross-sectional database.
Permanent and transitory effect of public debt on economic growth
Authors: Abubakar Attahir Babaji , Mamman Suleiman O.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study examines the effect of public debt on the economic growth of OECD countries by disentangling the effect into permanent and transitory components. The study covers 37 OECD countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The Mundlak decomposition was employed to decompose the effect of public debt into its transitory and permanent effect on economic growth. To account for potential endogeneity problem, the Hausman and Taylor estimator was employed to estimate the decomposed model. Further, the study disaggregated the OECD model into country group models for further analysis of the dynamics of the relationship between the variables.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that in the full OECD model public debt exerts a significant negative permanent and positive transitory effect on economic growth. This was robust to alternative model specifications. The magnitude of the negative permanent effect of debt was found to be larger than the positive transitory effect. Further, the estimates of the disaggregated models reveal that though public debt has a negative permanent effect across all the country groups, it was not the case for the transitory effect of debt. Also, a net public debt model was estimated, and its effect on public debt was found to be largely insignificant, exhibiting a Ricardian-like behaviour.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study, particularly in the OECD context that employed the Mundlak transformation to examine the permanent versus transitory effect of public debt on economic growth.
Mechanical, morphological, flamability and thermal properties of artificial wood plastic
Authors: Shafik Emad S. , Tawfic Medhat L. , Younan Adel F.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to manufacture composites from sawdust and polymer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different loading from alum as natural and cheap flame retardant and subsequently characterized using standard analytical tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Artificial wood plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared by mixing HDPE with sawdust as a filler with constant ratio (2:1) using hot press. Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) used as a coupling agent between two parents of the composites with different ratios (2.5, 5, 7 and 10). Alum as a flame retardant was incorporated into HDPE with 5 phr polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) with different ratios (10, 15 and 20). Flame retardant efficiency was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and the technique of ASTM E162.

Findings

The results revealed that the composite containing 5 phr from (PE-g-MAH) exhibited higher mechanical properties and this proved that (PE-g-MAH) act as an efficient coupling agent using the aforementioned ratio. The results also revealed that incorporation of alum as a flame retardant increased the thermal stability of the composites.

Originality/value

Artificial WPCs are ecofriendly materials with a wide range of applications in the constructions field. Moreover, they have high mechanical and physical properties with low cost. Evaluate alum as a natural and cheap flame retardant.
Driving healthcare wearable technology adoption for Generation Z consumers in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Man Lai , Leung Wilson K.S. , Chan Haksin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Young consumers have increasingly adopted wearable health-care technology to improve their well-being. Drawing on generation cohort theory (GCT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study aims to illuminate the major factors that drive the adoption of health-care wearable technology products by Generation Z (Gen-Z) consumers in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administrated online survey was used to collect data from a sample of Gen-Z consumers in Hong Kong with experience in using health-care wearable technology. Data analysis was performed using partial least-squares-structural equation modeling to verify four hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that consumer innovativeness (CI) and electronic word-of-mouth referral (EWOM) are significant predictors of perceived credibility, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which subsequently drive online engagement intention and adoption intention (AI).

Practical implications

This research provides practical guidance for marketers of health-care wearable technology products. In particular, CI and EWOM hold the key to young consumers’ product perceptions (and thereby their online engagement and AIs).

Originality/value

This research leverages the insights of GCT to enrich the TAM, specifically by including CI and EWOM as antecedents and online engagement as a consequence in the context of health-care wearable technology. The results of an empirical study enhance theoretical understanding of Gen-Z consumers’ perceptions and behavioral intentions toward health-care wearable technology. They also point to actionable recommendations for marketing this new technology to young consumers.
The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator, FTY720, prevents the incidence of diabetes in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii rats
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuma , Sasase Tomohiko , Ishii Yukihito , Katsuda Yoshiaki , Miyajima Katsuhiro , Yamada Takahisa , Ohta Takeshi
Published: September 2020

The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator regulates lymphocyte trafficking, resulting in its depletion from circulation, which ultimately causes immunosuppression. In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of fingolimod (FTY720) in the non‐obese type 2 diabetic model, Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats. The S1P receptor modulator, FTY720 (0.3 mg/kg p.o.), was administered for 12 weeks to SDT rats from 5 to 17 weeks of age. Based on our findings, FTY720 could suppress the incidence of diabetes in SDT rats. Further, glucose intolerance was improved in FTY720‐treated SDT rats at 14 weeks of age. Based on the haematological and histological analyses performed at 17 to 18 weeks of age, a decrease in lymphocytes and monocytes in the peripheral blood and a decrease in lymphocyte and atrophy in spleen occurred in the FTY720‐treated SDT rats. Furthermore, the pancreatic changes, such as inflammation, atrophy, and fibrosis in islets observed in SDT rats were improved by FTY720 treatment. These findings suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of FTY720 reduced the pancreatic lesion in SDT rats, thereby demonstrating its preventive effect against diabetes. The development of diabetes in SDT rats is related to disorders of the immune system. However, the S1P receptor modulator may be useful for treating type 2 diabetes.
Negative illness feedbacks: High‐frisk policing reduces civilian reliance on ED services
Authors: Kerrison Erin M. , Sewell Alyasah A.
Published: September 2020

Objective

This paper demonstrates that localized and chronic stop‐question‐and‐frisk (SQF) practices are associated with community members’ utilization of emergency department (ED) resources. To explain this relationship, we explore the empirical applicability of a legal epidemiological framework, or the study of legal institutional influences on the distribution of disease and injury.

Data and Study Design

Analyses are derived from merging data from the Philadelphia Vehicle and Pedestrians Investigation, the National Historical Geographic Information System, and the Southeastern Philadelphia Community Health database to zip code identifiers common to all datasets. Weighted multilevel negative binomial regressions measure the influence that local SQF practices have on ED use for this population. Analytic methods incorporate patient demographic covariates including household size, health insurance status, and having a doctor as a usual source of care.

Principal Findings

Findings reveal that both tract‐level frisking and poor health are linked to more frequent use of hospital EDs, per respondent report. Despite their health care needs, however, reporting poor/fair health status is associated with a substantial decrease in the rate of emergency department visits as neighborhood frisk concentration increases (IRR = 0.923; 95% CI: 0.891, 0.957). Moreover, more sickly people in high‐frisk neighborhoods live in tracts that have greater racial disparities in frisking—a pattern that accounts for the moderating role of neighborhood frisking in sick people's usage of the emergency room.

Conclusions

Findings indicating the robust association reported above interrogate the chronic incompatibility of local health and human service system aims. The study also provides an interdisciplinary theoretical lens through which stakeholders can make sense of these challenges and their implications.
Unraveling the identity of gastric cardiac cancer
Authors: Huang Qin , Read Matthew , Gold Jason S. , Zou Xiao Ping
Published: September 2020

The classification of gastric cardiac carcinoma (GCC) is controversial. It is currently grouped with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) as an adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Recently, diagnostic criteria for adenocarcinoma in the GEJ were established and GCC was separated from EAC. We viewed published evidence to clarify the GCC entity for better patient management. GCC arises in the cardiac mucosa located from 3 cm below and 2 cm above the GEJ line. Compared with EAC, GCC is more like gastric cancer and affects a higher proportion of female patients, younger patients, those with a lower propensity for reflux disease, a wider histopathologic spectrum, and more complex genomic profiles. Although GCC pathogenesis mechanisms remain unknown, the two‐etiology proposal is appealing: in high‐risk regions, the Correa pathway with Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic inflammation, low acid and intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma may apply, while in low‐risk regions the sequence from reflux toxin‐induced mucosal injury and high acid, to intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma may occur. In early GCC a minimal risk of nodal metastasis argues for a role of endoscopic therapy, whereas in advanced GCC, gastric cancer staging rules and treatment strategy appear to be more appropriate than the esophageal cancer staging scheme and therapy for better prognosis stratification and treatment. In this brief review we share recent insights into the epidemiology, histopathology and genetics of GCC and hope that this will stimulate further investigations in order to improve the clinical management of patients with GCC.
The Role of Financial Capability and Culture in Financial Satisfaction
Authors: Çera Gentjan , Khan Khurram Ajaz , Belas Jaroslav , Ribeiro Humberto Nuno Rito
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an integrated framework for understanding the determinants of financial satisfaction in the context of two European nations with different cultural environments. The direct, indirect and interactive effects were tested through the path analysis method. It was found that to be financially capable is imperative because it governs the impacts of financial attitude and financial knowledge on financial satisfaction. Moreover, findings show that culture matters in explaining differences between countries. Hence, individualistic societies, compared to collectivistic ones, reflect a stronger relationship between financial attitude and financial satisfaction. Additionally, countries showing a high propensity in avoiding uncertainty reflect a negative association between risk tolerance and financial satisfaction, while those lacking such preference manifest a positive relationship.
There is plenty of room at the plant science: A review of nanoparticles applied to plant cultures
Authors: Freitas Daniel C. , de Andrade Aline M. , da Costa Luana F. , Azevedo Ricardo A. , Arruda Marco A. Z.
Published: September 2020

Because of the revolution in plant science studies, driven by nanotechnology, with the development of the concept as precision farming, which utilises, among others, nanoparticles (NP) as sensors, nano‐encapsulated fertilisers, among others, the accurate understanding of how NPs affect a plant culture becomes of paramount importance. In this way, this review addresses not only fundamental and important aspects regarding NP production and characterisation, emphasising up‐to‐date developments for these tasks, but also discusses the most recent results in terms of NP internalisation into a plant, to enlarge the comprehension of the interaction between NPs and plants. Because there is a broad horizon opened regarding nanotechnology applied to plant science, this review also presents some possible trends, indicating that there is still plenty of room for future developments. It is also an open field for more work on the effects of NPs on stress responses in plants.
Thermal suit connected to a forced‐air warming unit for preventing intraoperative hypothermia: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lauronen Sirkka‐Liisa , Mäkinen Marja‐Tellervo , Annila Päivi , Huhtala Heini , Yli‐Hankala Arvi , Kalliomäki Maija‐Liisa
Published: September 2020

Background

Inadvertent intraoperative hypothermia is a common occurrence in surgical patients. A thermal suit is an option for passive insulation. However, active warming is known to be more effective. Therefore, we hypothesised that a forced‐air warming (FAW) unit connected to the thermal suit is superior to a commercial FAW blanket and a warming mattress in breast cancer surgery.

Methods

Forty patients were randomised to this prospective, clinical trial to wear either the thermal suit or conventional hospital clothes under general anaesthesia. The Thermal suit group had a FAW unit set to 38°C and connected to the legs of the suit. The Hospital clothes group had a lower body blanket set to 38°C and a warming mattress set to 37°C. Core temperature was measured with zero‐heat‐flux sensor. The primary outcome was core temperature on admission to the recovery room.

Results

There was no difference in mean core temperatures at anaesthetic induction (P = .4) or on admission to the recovery room (P = .07). One patient in the Thermal suit group (5%) vs six patients in the Hospital clothes group (32%) suffered from intraoperative hypothermia (P = .04, 95% CI 1.9%‐49%). Mean skin temperatures (MSTs) were higher in the Thermal suit group during anaesthesia. No burns or skin irritations were reported. Two patients in the Thermal suit group sweated.

Conclusions

A thermal suit connected to a FAW unit was not superior to a commercial FAW blanket, although the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia was lower in patients treated with a thermal suit.
Management of a perforating internal root resorption using mineral trioxide aggregate: a case report with 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Pereira da Costa Rui , Quaresma Sérgio André , Lopes Fabiane Carneiro , Camargo Rafael , Domingos Pires Mariana , Ginjeira António , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião
Published: September 2020

Internal root resorption is characterised by progressive loss of tooth substance initiating at the root canal wall as a result of clastic activity. This report describes a case of a perforating internal root resorption on a maxillary central incisor in a 25‐year‐old patient. The perforating internal root resorption was firstly diagnosed with periapical radiographs and assessed with full detail with the aid of CBCT, allowing determination of the extension and areas involved in the resorption lesion, as well as the treatment planning. According to these findings, a MTA barrier was performed on the root, ‐coronally to the resorption lesion, leaving the root apically to the resorption lesion untouched. Clinical findings and periapical radiographs indicated complete resolution of the radiolucency associated with the resorptive defect, with reestablishment of lamina dura along the root and occlusion of the lumen of the root canal in the apical segment, after a 5‐year follow‐up.
Deletion of porcine BOLL is associated with defective acrosomes and subfertility in Yorkshire boars
Authors: Nosková A. , Wurmser C. , Crysnanto D. , Sironen A. , Uimari P. , Fries R. , Andersson M. , Pausch H.
Published: September 2020

A recessive sperm defect of Yorkshire boars was detected more than a decade ago. Affected boars produce ejaculates that contain spermatozoa with defective acrosomes, resulting in low fertility. The acrosome defect was mapped to porcine chromosome 15 but the causal mutation has not been identified. We re‐analyzed microarray‐derived genotypes of affected boars and confirmed that the acrosome defect maps to a 12.24 Mb segment of porcine chromosome 15. To detect the mutation causing defective acrosomes, we sequenced the genomes of two affected and three unaffected boars to an average coverage of 11‐fold. Read depth analysis revealed a 55 kb deletion that is associated with the acrosome defect. The deletion encompasses the BOLL gene encoding the boule homolog, an RNA binding protein which is an evolutionarily conserved member of the DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene family. Lack of BOLL expression causes spermatogenic arrest and sperm maturation failure in many species. Boars that carry the deletion in the homozygous state produce sperm but their acrosomes are defective, suggesting that lack of porcine BOLL compromises acrosome formation. Our findings warrant further research to investigate the role of BOLL during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in pigs.
The prognostic significance of T‐wave inversion according to ECG lead group during long‐term follow‐up in the general population
Authors: Istolahti Tiia , Lyytikäinen Leo‐Pekka , Huhtala Heini , Nieminen Tuomo , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Eskola Markku , Anttila Ismo , Jula Antti , Rissanen Harri , Nikus Kjell , Hernesniemi Jussi
Published: September 2020

Background

Inverted T waves in the electrocardiogram (ECG) have been associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. The pathophysiology and prognostic significance of T‐wave inversion may differ between different anatomical lead groups, but scientific data related to this issue is scarce.

Methods

A representative sample of Finnish subjects (n = 6,354) aged over 30 years underwent a health examination including a 12‐lead ECG in the Health 2000 survey. ECGs with T‐wave inversions were divided into three anatomical lead groups (anterior, lateral, and inferior) and were compared to ECGs with no pathological T‐wave inversions in multivariable‐adjusted Fine–Gray and Cox regression hazard models using CHD and mortality as endpoints.

Results

The follow‐up for both CHD and mortality lasted approximately fifteen years (median value with interquartile ranges between 14.9 and 15.3). In multivariate‐adjusted models, anterior and lateral (but not inferior) T‐wave inversions associated with increased risk of CHD (HR: 2.37 [95% confidence interval 1.20–4.68] and 1.65 [1.27–2.15], respectively). In multivariable analyses, only lateral T‐wave inversions associated with increased risk of mortality in the entire study population (HR 1.51 [1.26–1.81]) as well as among individuals with no CHD at baseline (HR 1.59 [1.29–1.96]).

Conclusions

The prognostic information of inverted T waves differs between anatomical lead groups. T‐wave inversion in the anterior and lateral lead groups is independently associated with the risk of CHD, and lateral T‐wave inversion is also associated with increased risk of mortality. Inverted T wave in the inferior lead group proved to be a benign phenomenon.
How does thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease impact upon quality of life? A prospective study
Authors: Chew Carolyn R. , Chin Synn Lynn , Lam Tracey , Drosdowsky Allison , Chan Steven T. F. , Chin‐Lenn Laura
Published: September 2020

Background

Choosing which patients to recommend surgery for benign thyroid conditions can be difficult due to the subjective nature of compressive thyroid and hormonal symptoms. The aim of this prospective study was to analyse changes in quality of life (QOL) following thyroid surgery using a validated disease‐specific assessment tool, the thyroid‐related patient‐reported outcome (ThyPRO) questionnaire.

Methods

Participants undergoing elective thyroid surgery for benign conditions were recruited. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected. ThyPRO consists of 85 questions grouped into 13 physical, mental and social symptom domains. Patients completed a ThyPRO questionnaire pre‐operatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months post‐operatively. ThyPRO items were scored according to protocol to produce 13 subscales. Repeated measures linear models with no random effects were performed using data for each outcome.

Results

Results were available for a total of 72 patients. The sample was predominately female (n = 63, 88%) with average age 49.8 years. The majority of patients underwent surgery for multi‐nodular goitre. At 6 weeks post‐operatively, significant improvement was demonstrated in the goitre, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and anxiety symptom domains. At 6 months post‐operatively, significant improvement was demonstrated in all but four domains. No domains demonstrated significant increase in impairment post‐operatively.

Conclusion

Patients had significant improvement in nine of 13 symptom domains following surgery. Patients did not experience a negative impact on QOL following surgery. Further studies with larger patient cohorts may be able to identify potential pre‐operative predictive factors for a post‐operative improvement in QOL for benign thyroid disease.
Landscape responses to intraplate deformation in the Kalahari constrained by sediment provenance and chronology in the Okavango Basin
Authors: Vainer Shlomy , Matmon Ari , Erel Yigal , Hidy Alan J. , Crouvi Onn , De Wit Mike , Geller Yona ,   ASTER Team
Published: September 2020

The structural depression that occupies the Okavango Basin in southern Africa comprises a depo‐centre within the intracratonic Kalahari Basin where sediments of the Cenozoic Kalahari Group have accumulated. The Okavango Basin has been formed due to stretching and subsidence at an area of diffused deformation, southwestwards to the main East African Rift System (EARS). Sediments from two full Kalahari Group sequences, located on opposite sides of the Gumare Fault that forms a major fault within the Okavango Basin, were studied to determine their provenance and chronology. Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclide (TCN) 26Al/10Be burial dating was used to constrain a chronostratigraphical framework, and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic ratios combined with geochemical and sedimentological analyses were applied to track the source areas of the sediments.Results indicate the following sequence of basin filling: (a) Accumulation between ca. 4–3 Ma during which the currently downthrown (southern) block received a mixture of sediments mostly from the Choma‐Kalomo, Ghanzi‐Chobe, and Damara terranes, and possibly from the Lufilian Belt and/or Karoo basalts during earlier stages of deposition. Simultaneously, the upthrown (northern) block received sediments from more distant Archean sources in the Zimbabwe and/or Kasai cratons, (b) Hiatus in sedimentation occurred at both sites between ca. 3–2 Ma, (c) Sediments on both sides of the Gumare Fault share a similar source (Angolan Shield) with minor distinct contributions to the downthrown block from the Kasai Craton and local sources input to the upthrown block, and (d) Regional distribution of aeolian sand since at least 1 Ma. The change in source areas is attributed to rearrangements of the drainage systems that were probably linked to vertical crustal movements on the margins of the Okavango Basin. The tectonically induced morphodynamics controlled the landscape evolution of the endorheic basin where vast lakes, wetlands and salt pans have developed through time.
Combined effects of occupational exposure to hazardous operations and lifestyle‐related factors on cancer incidence
Authors: Fukai Kota , Kojimahara Noriko , Hoshi Keika , Toyota Akihiro , Tatemichi Masayuki
Published: September 2020

We aimed to examine whether the number of types of hazardous operations at work experienced through a lifetime is associated with cancer incidence, and additionally examined the combined effects with lifestyle‐related factors. Using a nationwide, multicenter, hospital inpatient dataset (2005‐2015), we conducted a matched case‐control study with 1 149 296 study subjects. We classified the participants into those with none, 1, or 2 or more types of hazardous operation experience, based on information of special medical examinations taken, mandatory in Japan for workers engaged in hazardous operations. Using those with no experience as the reference group, we estimated the odds ratios for cancer incidence (all sites, lung, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, pancreas, bile duct, and bladder) by conditional logistic regression with multiple imputations. We also examined the effects of the combination with hazardous operations and lifestyle‐related factors. We observed increased risks for cancer of all sites, and lung, pancreas, and bladder cancer associated with the experience of hazardous operations. Multivariable‐adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of cancer incidence of all sites were 1 (reference), 1.16 (1.12, 1.21), and 1.17 (1.08, 1.27) for none, 1, and 2 or more types of hazardous operation experience, respectively (P for trend <.001). Potential combined associations of hazardous operations with smoking were observed for lung, pancreas, and bladder cancer, and with diabetes for pancreas cancer. Engaging in hazardous operations at work and in combination with lifestyle‐related factors may increase the risk of cancer. We highlight the potential for those engaged in hazardous work to avoid preventable cancers.
HIF‐1α ameliorates tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy via HO‐1–mediated control of mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Jiang Na , Zhao Hao , Han Yachun , Li Li , Xiong Shan , Zeng Lingfeng , Xiao Ying , Wei Ling , Xiong Xiaofen , Gao Peng , Yang Ming , Liu Yu , Sun Lin
Published: September 2020

Objectives

In diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) activation in tubular cells plays an important protective role against kidney injury. The effects may occur via the target genes of HIF‐1α, such as haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), but the exact mechanisms are incompletely understood.

Materials and methods

Mice with proximal tubule‐specific knockout of HIF‐1α (PT‐HIF‐1α−/− mice) were generated, and diabetes was induced in these mice by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. In addition, to mimic a hypoxic state, cobaltous chloride (CoCl2) was applied to HK‐2 cells.

Results

Our study first verified that conditional knockout of HIF‐1α worsened tubular injury in DN; additionally, aggravated kidney dysfunction, renal histopathological alterations, mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS accumulation and apoptosis were observed in diabetic PT‐HIF‐1α−/− mice. In vitro study showed that compared to control group, HK‐2 cells cultured under hypoxic ambiance displayed increased mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential loss and apoptosis. These increases were reversed by overexpression of HIF‐1α or treatment with a HO‐1 agonist. Importantly, cotreatment with a HIF‐1α inhibitor and a HO‐1 agonist rescued the HK‐2 cells from the negative impacts of the HIF‐1α inhibitor.

Conclusions

These data revealed that HIF‐1α exerted a protective effect against tubular injury in DN, which could be mediated via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics through HO‐1 upregulation.
Social Reproduction, Ecological Dispossession and Dependency: Life Beside the Río Santiago in Mexico
Authors: Greene Joshua C. , Morvant‐Roux Solène
Published: September 2020

This article uses an integrated social reproduction theory (SRT) framework to highlight the interrelation between all non‐wage forms of survival, such as debt, community and the environment. The analysis demonstrates how Mexico's unregulated industrialization and social housing policies have created new forms of poverty and market dependency. The article relies on a comprehensive literature review and extensive fieldwork carried out in El Salto, one of Mexico's industrial peripheries, and shows how vulnerable populations become trapped, in this case on the banks of the Río Santiago, one of Mexico's most contaminated rivers. Parallel developments of industrial and housing policies contextualize the conditions unfolding throughout Mexico where populations are relocated to areas without adequate water and where drinking water is supplied by bottled water companies. This contribution highlights why an expanded SRT framework is valuable for understanding the relationship between ecological dispossession and the forced reliance on markets and debt.
A constructive Christian theology for the pluralistic world: Author's introduction of the project and a response to reviewers
Authors: Kärkkäinen Veli‐Matti
Published: September 2020

The author of the five‐volume a Christian theology for the pluralistic world (Eerdmans, 2013–2017), Veli‐Matti Kärkkäinen, introduces the nature, distinctive features, and methodology of the project and also responds to the reviewers whose reviews have been included in this issue.
Clinical supervisors’ reflections on their role, training needs and overall experience as dental educators
Authors: Bartle Emma K. , McGowan Kelly M.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aims of this study were to understand the views of clinical supervisors overseeing final year dental students and investigate their perceived role, level of support and training available, and ways to improve the supervisory experience.

Methods

Clinical supervisors who oversaw fifth‐year dental students in 2019 were invited to participate in an online survey. Respondents who indicated their willingness to participate were contacted for a semi‐structured interview which were analysed using Constant Comparative Methodology.

Results

Sixteen supervisors completed the survey, with a response rate of 73%. Respondents reported low levels of formal training in clinical supervision (38%) and most (75%) felt further training would be beneficial for their role. While nearly all (94%) reported they had developed as a dental professional through supervision, most (63%) were not positively encouraged to develop a career as a supervisor, with tensions between health service delivery and academia identified as a key challenge. The driving motivator to supervise was a desire to teach (62.5%). Seven (44%) participants completed the semi‐structured interview. Participants’ perception of their role varied depending on career stage and clinic location. Lack of recognition and defined career pathways were the biggest challenges reported by participants.

Conclusion

Retention and morale of supervisors may increase with better‐defined career pathways and meaningful professional development opportunities. There is a need to develop tailored training programs for supervisors that enable them to teach critical thinking and clinical judgement while ensuring patient safety.
Magnification loupes in dentistry: A qualitative study of dental students’ perspectives
Authors: Wajngarten Danielle , Botta Ana Carolina , Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The nature of the oral operating field makes it a challenge for dentists to work while maintaining musculoskeletal health. Strategies have been studied in recent years to improve visualisation of the operating field, and the use of magnification systems has been recommended for providing additional benefits. Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting that the use of magnification improves visual acuity, the dentist's posture and the quality of dental procedures, few studies have analysed users’ perspectives on these devices in terms of their adaptation process. These types of studies are important because they provide insight into the reality of the adaptation process required by magnification systems so that adjustments and improvements can be made to adapt these systems to the users’ reality. Thus, we sought to explore the perspectives held by second‐year students in an undergraduate dental program on the use of dental loupes during pre‐clinical laboratory activities.

Materials and Methods

A total of 24 second‐year dental students participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring their perspectives of wearing dental loupes during their pre‐clinical activities. Data collection and analysis were consistent with the qualitative content analysis methodology. All interview data were analysed using version 10 of the NVivo® analytical software.

Results

Participants described that magnification can lead to the improvement of their work postures, hand skills and quality of dental procedures. Nevertheless, they reported a need for an adaptation period and for adjustments to the technical features of the magnification system.

Conclusion

The students had positive perspectives on the use of magnification in their dentistry training program, including improvements in posture, hand skills and procedure quality.
Do you want to perform endovascular therapy? Perspectives from neurology trainees across Europe
Authors: Schreier D. R. , Di Lorenzo F. , Iodice F. , Shribman S. ,   the RRFS National Representatives Network
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Endovascular therapy (EVT) has become standard care for acute ischaemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. However, access to this treatment in Europe remains poor. The lack of operators is a contributing factor and there is on‐going discussion as to whether other specialists, including neurologists, could contribute to the EVT workforce. The question remains whether the next generation of neurologists want to become ‘interventional neurologists’. The aim of this study was to address this question.

Methods

We conducted a short survey within the National Representatives Network (a division of the Resident and Research Fellow Section, European Academy of Neurology) in order to determine the interest of future neurologists in performing EVT.

Results

A total of 1218 responses from 27 European countries were received, with some variation in the number of respondents and results among individual countries. In total, 568 neurology trainees (47%) stated that they would want to be an ‘interventional neurologist’.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that neurologists could make a significant contribution to the workforce performing EVT and have important implications for the development and uptake of training programmes in Europe.
Sex differences in quality of life after stroke were explained by patient factors, not clinical care: evidence from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry
Authors: Phan H. T. , Gall S. L. , Blizzard C. L. , Lannin N. A. , Thrift A. G. , Anderson C. S. , Kim J. , Grimley R. S. , Castley H. C. , Kilkenny M. F. , Cadilhac D. A. ,   the AuSCR Consortium, Stroke123 Investigators
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Women may receive stroke care less often than men. We examined the contribution of clinical care on sex differences and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after stroke.

Methods

We included first‐ever strokes registered in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2010–2014) with HRQoL assessed between 90 and 180 days after onset (EQ‐5D‐3L instrument) that were linked to hospital administrative data (up to 2013). Study factors included sociodemographics, comorbidities, walking ability on admission (stroke severity proxy) and clinical care (e.g. stroke unit care). Responses to the EQ‐5D‐3L were transformed into a total utility value (−0.516 ‘worse than death’ to 1 ‘best’ health). Quantile regression models, adjusted for confounding factors, were used to determine median differences (MD) in utility scores by sex.

Results

Approximately 60% (6852/11 418) of stroke survivors had an EQ‐5D‐3L assessment (median 139 days; 44% female). Compared with men, women were older (median age 77.1 years vs. men 71.2 years) and fewer could walk on admission (37.9% vs. men 46.1%, P < 0.001). Women had lower utility values than men, and the difference was explained by age and stroke severity, but not clinical care [MDadjusted = −0.039, 95% confidence interval: −0.056, −0.021]. Poorer HRQoL was observed in younger men (aged <65 years), particularly those with more comorbidities, and in older women (aged ≥75 years).

Conclusions

Stroke severity and comorbidities contribute to the poorer HRQoL in young men and older women. Further studies are needed to understand age–sex interaction to better inform treatments for different subgroups and ensure evidence‐based treatments to reduce the severity of stroke are prioritized.
Climate‐induced nonlinearity in pelagic communities and non‐stationary relationships with physical drivers in the Kuroshio ecosystem
Authors: Ma Shuyang , Tian Yongjun , Fu Caihong , Yu Haiqing , Li Jianchao , Liu Yang , Cheng Jiahua , Wan Rong , Watanabe Yoshiro
Published: September 2020

Climate‐induced nonlinearity in biological variability and non‐stationary relationships with physical drivers are crucial to understand responses of marine organisms to climate variability. These phenomena have raised concerns in the northeastern North Pacific, but are out of the spotlight in the northwestern North Pacific in spite of potential implications for this productive system under increased climate variability. Pelagic communities in the Kuroshio ecosystem have both ecological and economic importance. However, patterns of climate‐induced nonlinearity in pelagic communities are not well understood, and existence of non‐stationarity in their relationships with physical drivers remains obscure. Here, we compile large numbers of climatic, oceanic and biological long‐term time‐series data and employ diverse statistical techniques to reveal such climate‐induced nonlinearity and non‐stationarity. Results show that pelagic communities in the Tsushima and Pacific areas (major areas in the Kuroshio ecosystem) had regime shifts in the late 1990s and late 1980s, respectively. Winter sea surface temperatures in the Kuroshio Current path and in the eastern part of East China Sea, which are respectively affected by the Kuroshio Current and Siberian High, correlate with dominant variability patterns in their pelagic communities. Furthermore, non‐stationarity was identified with threshold years in the 1990s in the Tsushima area and in the 1980s in the Pacific area as a possible result of the declined variances in the Siberian High and Aleutian Low, respectively. Our findings provide insights on spatial differentiation of climate‐induced nonlinearity and non‐stationarity, which are valuable for the management of pelagic communities in the northwestern North Pacific under changing climatic conditions.
Compassion: The Necessary Foundation to Reunify Families Involved in the Foster Care System
Authors: Markey Katherine , Sankaran Vivek
Published: September 2020

Compassion plays a critical role in ensuring that stakeholders can engage with, and support parents trying to reunify with kids in the foster care system. This Article will explore the compassion crisis in foster care, will present the research documenting the impact of compassion on engaging families, and will identify key steps stakeholders can take to incorporate compassion into their work.