bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGF-β1 inAplysia: Role in Long-Term Changes in the Excitability of Sensory Neurons and Distribution of TβR-II-Like Immunoreactivity
Authors: Chin Jeannie , Angers Annie , Cleary Leonard J. , Eskin Arnold , Byrne John H.
Published: November 2021

Exogenous recombinant human transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1) induced long-term facilitation ofAplysiasensory-motor synapses. In addition, 5-HT-induced facilitation was blocked by application of a soluble fragment of the extracellular portion of the TGF-β1 type II receptor (TβR-II), which presumably acted by scavenging an endogenous TGF-β1-like molecule. Because TβR-II is essential for transmembrane signaling by TGF-β, we sought to determine whetherAplysiatissues contained TβR-II and specifically, whether neurons expressed the receptor. Western blot analysis ofAplysiatissue extracts demonstrated the presence of a TβR-II-immunoreactive protein in several tissue types. The expression and distribution of TβR-II-immunoreactive proteins in the central nervous system was examined by immunohistochemistry to elucidate sites that may be responsive to TGF-β1 and thus may play a role in synaptic plasticity. Sensory neurons in the ventral–caudal cluster of the pleural ganglion were immunoreactive for TβR-II, as well as many neurons in the pedal, abdominal, buccal, and cerebral ganglia. Sensory neurons cultured in isolation and cocultured sensory and motor neurons were also immunoreactive. TGF-β1 affected the biophysical properties of cultured sensory neurons, inducing an increase of excitability that persisted for at least 48 hr. Furthermore, exposure to TGF-β1 resulted in a reduction in the firing threshold of sensory neurons. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that TGF-β1 plays a role in long-term synaptic plasticity inAplysia.
Improved resolution crystal structure ofAcanthamoebaactophorin reveals structural plasticity not induced by microgravity
Authors: Quirk Stephen , Lieberman Raquel L.
Published: November 2021

Actophorin, a protein that severs actin filaments isolated from the amoebaAcanthamoeba castellanii, was employed as a test case for crystallization under microgravity. Crystals of purified actophorin were grown under microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) utilizing an interactive crystallization setup between the ISS crew and ground-based experimenters. Crystals grew in conditions similar to those grown on earth. The structure was solved by molecular replacement at a resolution of 1.65 Å. Surprisingly, the structure reveals conformational changes in a remote β-turn region that were previously associated with actophorin phosphorylated at the terminal residue Ser1. Although crystallization under microgravity did not yield a higher resolution than crystals grown under typical laboratory conditions, the conformation of actophorin obtained from solving the structure suggests greater flexibility in the actophorin β-turn than previously appreciated and may be beneficial for the binding of actophorin to actin filaments.
Fluorenonophane chlorobenzene solvate: molecular and crystal structures
Authors: Dyakonenko Viktoriya V. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Bogashchenko Tatiana Yu. , Lyapunov Alexander Yu. , Kirichenko Tatiana I.
Published: November 2021

The title compound, 19H,79H-3,5,9,11-tetraoxa-1,7(2,7)-difluorena-4,10(1,3)-dibenzenacyclododecaphane-19,79-dione (fluorenonophane), exists as a solvate with chlorobenzene, C42H28O6·C6H5Cl. The fluorenonophane contains two fluorenone fragments linked by twom-substituted benzene fragments. Some decrease in its macrocyclic cavity leads to a stacking interaction between the tricyclic fluorenone fragments. In the crystal, the fluorenonophane and chlorobenzene molecules are linked by weak C—H...π(ring) interactions and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. The Cl atom of chlorobenzene does not form a halogen bond. A Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were used to analyse the intermolecular contacts found in the crystal structure.
The blind accountant in Blindness by José Saramago and accountant stereotypes
Authors: Carnegie Garry D.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to encourage the extension of the literature on accountant stereotypes beyond primarily Angelo-American contexts based on reflections formed on reading the novel, Blindness, by José Saramago.

Design/methodology/approach

A mindful insight into how an accountant, blind since birth, is portrayed in the novel Blindness by acclaimed Portuguese author Saramago, a Nobel Prize for Literature recipient.

Findings

The study reveals characters under extreme circumstances when a city is plunged into a blindness epidemic, or distinctive “white blindness”, and failings in human behaviour, particularly by hoodlums and their leaders, including the blind accountant.

Research implications

By reflecting on what we take for granted in the accountant stereotypes literature, this paper illuminates how we can all contribute new understandings of accounting and accountants more specifically in all contexts in which the discipline and its practitioners operate, including non-Anglo-American contexts.

Originality/value

The paper presents the insights of a member of the historical and interdisciplinary accounting research community with experience in research and publication on accountant stereotypes.
Components to foster organizational resilience in tourism SMEs
Authors: Núñez-Ríos Juan E. , Sánchez-García Jacqueline Y. , Soto-Pérez Manuel , Olivares-Benitez Elias , Rojas Omar G.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) mainly rely on their structure and internal networks to achieve their goals and remain competitive. However, their limited internal capabilities and complex environments can hinder their stability. Thus, this study evaluated the relationships among specific factors toward fostering organizational resilience (OR) in tourism SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-methodological approach was adopted to address this research study, including (1) social network analysis (SNA) to formulate the conceptual model and (2) construct validation through partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM).

Findings

The six proposed hypotheses were supported. These results suggest that addressing these variables and relationships after considering management style and people development as critical factors can foster OR in tourism SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The ideas that were developed were constrained to the organizational domain. Although the results apply to the Mexican context, this limitation can be offset by extending the proposal to other emergent regions or organizations. This can also increase the generalization of the results and foster improvements in the approaches applied.

Practical implications

Academics and managers must rethink resilience as the final state generated by multiple factors. This requires reconfiguring inner organizational interactions, providing more autonomy to operative units, reinforcing business intelligence and improving feedback mechanisms.

Originality/value

This research study contrasts previous studies because it proposes that SNA be exploited to avail of the advantages it confers in designing the conceptual model. In this regard, we present new relationships to promote OR and provide new avenues in order to improve the analysis of adaptation processes.
Influence of job insecurity on coal miners’ safety performance: the role of emotional exhaustion
Authors: Yi Tao , Dong Yao , Li Jizu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Under the de-capacity circumstances of coal production in China, the purpose of this paper is to examine the processes underlying the association between job insecurity (JI) and miners’ safety performance, proposing that resource consumption is a prominent theoretical explanation for this association. By developing a mediation model, the authors examined the mediating role of emotional exhaustion (EE) between JI and miners’ safety performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the time-lagged survey method, the authors collected 349 samples from three coal mines in Shanxi Lu’an Group, the hypotheses were tested through confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation model analysis and bootstrapping in AMOS software.

Findings

Results shed light on that JI negatively predicts the safety performance subfactors, including safety compliance (SC) and safety participation (SP). EE plays a partial mediating role between JI and safety performance. In particular, the finding indicated that JI exerts a more significant impact on SP than SC, revealing that JI produces a more significant adverse effect on miners’ conscious safety behaviors than skill-based safety behaviors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to display the influence path of JI as a stressor on miners’ safety performance in the coal mine rather than a stimulus. The mediation model results not only help us understand the association between JI and safety performance but also provide a feasible way to mitigate the negative effects of JI.
A piecewise analytical model of bearingless switched reluctance motor for full rotor angular positions
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Honghua , Zhang Jingwei , Tan Chao
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM) for the full rotor angular positions. The proposed model varies from the existing models, which are only applicable to the partial-overlapping positions of stator and rotor poles. By extending the applicable rotor angular positions, this model provides a basic analytical model for the multi-phase excitation control of BSRM.

Design/methodology/approach

The full rotor angular positions are classified into the partial-overlapping positions and the non-overlapping positions. At first, two different air gap subdividing methods are proposed, respectively, for the two-position ranges. Then, different integration paths are selected accordingly. Furthermore, two approximate methods are presented to calculate the average flux density of each air gap subdivision. Finally, considering the mutual coupling between the two perpendicular radial suspension forces, a piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model is derived for the full rotor angular positions of BSRM.

Findings

A piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of BSRM is built for the full rotor angular positions, and applicable to the multi-phase excitation mode of BSRM. For the partial-overlapping positions and the non-overlapping positions, two sets of air gap subdividing methods, integration paths and approximate calculation methods of air gap flux densities are proposed, respectively. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed model are verified by the finite element method.

Originality/value

The piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of BSRM for the full rotor angular positions is proposed for the first time. The novel air gap subdividing methods, integration paths, approximate calculation methods of air gap flux densities and the coupling between the two radial suspension forces are adopted to improve the modeling accuracy. As the applicable range of rotor angular position is extended, this model overcomes the limitation of the existing models only for single-phase excitation mode and contributes to the accurate control of BSRM multi-phase excitation mode.
Keeping key suppliers alive during the COVID-19 pandemic: artificial supply chain resilience and supplier crisis response strategies
Authors: Fracarolli Nunes Mauro , Lee Park Camila , Paiva Ely
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The study investigates supply chain leaders’ initiatives to support their partners in the early stages of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, identifying measures taken to increase supply chain resilience and their impact on the quality of supply chain relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Two complementary phases are employed. First, an exploratory approach is adopted, with the method of discourse analysis being employed in the identification of the supplier crisis response strategies by S&P500’s top 30 firms. Second, two scenario-based experiments with 983 participants evaluated the impact of such strategies in two dimensions of supply chain relationships’ quality (supplier satisfaction and supplier commitment).

Findings

Phase one revealed five initiatives’ groups adopted: safety measures, innovative tools, information and knowledge sharing, supply chain finance and supply chain continuity. Phase two results indicate that supplier crisis response strategies have positive effects on both supplier satisfaction and commitment. Data also suggest that safety measures, innovative tools, and information and knowledge sharing strategies negatively impacted supplier satisfaction and commitment, when compared with strategies adopted by other buying firms competing for the same supplier. Supply chain continuity was negatively associated with both dimensions when other buying firms implemented innovative tools and information and knowledge sharing strategies with their suppliers, while supply chain finance yielded in no differences in comparison to strategies adopted by competing buying firms.

Originality/value

The authors offer a theoretical typology for supply chain resilience (i.e. natural and artificial), providing support for buying firms’ decisions regarding supplier crisis response strategies through the strengthening of artificial supply chain resilience to increase the likelihood of vulnerable key suppliers’ survival.
Fintech – stick or carrot – in innovating and transforming a financial ecosystem: toward a typology of comfort zoning
Authors: Turcan Romeo V. , Deák Bernadett
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Fintech is an “untilled field” in which the relation between Fintechs and incumbents is yet to be understood. This paper aims to explore this relationship and advance its theoretical and practical understanding. It further contributes toward Fintech paradigm and research domain emergence that both to date remain yet elusive.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted a multiple-case study strategy for the purpose of theory building. Seven players from the Fintech ecosystem in Quebec (Canada) were selected, representing financial institutions, Fintech start-ups and Quebec’s financial cluster. Primary data was collected via in-depth interviews with ten respondents at the level of vice presidents, Managers, directors, chief executive officers and founders, and unobtrusive data – in the form of running records, mass-media news reports, presentations and proceedings from Fintech events. Data analysis was informed by grounded theory methods and techniques.

Findings

Grounded in data, this paper puts forward a typology of “comfort zoning” and its four types: nimbling, imperiling, cocooning and discomforting.

Research limitations/implications

Following the tenets of the grounded theory, four criteria are used to evaluate the emergent theory: fit, relevance, workability and modifiability. It is expected the interpretation and adoption of comfort zoning typology will be challenged, modified and enhanced by Fintech researchers and practitioners.

Practical implications

The comfort zoning typology would aid practitioners in their efforts to define and refine the domain of Fintech, problematize it and eventually enhance the relationship between Fintechs.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to explore the relationship between Fintechs and incumbents and advance the theoretical and practical understanding of this relationship.
Heat transfer enhancement in microchannels using ribs and secondary flows
Authors: Paramanandam Karthikeyan , S. Venkatachalapathy , Srinivasan Balamurugan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics of microchannel heatsinks with ribs, cavities and secondary channels. The influence of length and width of the ribs on heat transfer enhancement, secondary flows, flow distribution and temperature distribution are examined at different Reynolds numbers. The effectiveness of each heatsink is evaluated using the performance factor.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional solid-fluid conjugate heat transfer numerical model is used to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics in microchannels. One symmetrical channel is adopted for the simulation to reduce the computational cost and time. Flow inside the channels is assumed to be single-phase and laminar. The governing equations are solved using finite volume method.

Findings

The numerical results are analyzed in terms of average Nusselt number ratio, average base temperature, friction factor ratio, pressure variation inside the channel, temperature distribution, velocity distribution inside the channel, mass flow rate distribution inside the secondary channels and performance factor of each microchannels. Results indicate that impact of rib width is higher in enhancing the heat transfer when compared with its length but with a penalty on the pressure drop. The combined effects of secondary channels, ribs and cavities helps to lower the temperature of the microchannel heat sink and enhances the heat transfer rate.

Practical implications

The fabrication of microchannels are complex, but recent advancements in the additive manufacturing techniques makes the fabrication of the design considered in this numerical study feasible.

Originality/value

The proposed microchannel heatsink can be used in practical applications to reduce the thermal resistance, and it augments the heat transfer rate when compared with the baseline design.
Every coin has two sides: the impact of time pressure on employees’ knowledge hiding
Authors: Zhang Xianchun , Yao Zhu , Qunchao Wan , Tsai Fu-Sheng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Time pressure is the most common kind of work pressure that employees face in the workplace; the existing research results on the effect of time pressure are highly controversial (positive, negative, inverted U-shaped). Especially in the era of knowledge economy, there remains a research gap in the impact of time pressure on individual knowledge hiding. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of different time pressure (challenge and hindrance) on knowledge hiding and to explain why there is controversy about the effect of time pressure in the academics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected two waves of data and surveyed 341 R&D employees in China. Moreover, they used regression analysis, bootstrapping and Johnson–Neyman statistical technique to verify research hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that challenge time pressure (CTP) has a significant negative effect on knowledge hiding, whereas hindrance time pressure (HTP) has a significant positive effect on knowledge hiding; job security mediates the relationship between time pressure and knowledge hiding; temporal leadership strengthen the positive impact of CTP on job security; temporal leadership can mitigate the negative impact of HTP on job security.

Originality/value

The findings not only respond to the academic debate about the effect of time pressure and point out the reasons for the controversy but also enhance the scholars’ attention and understanding of the internal mechanism between time pressure and knowledge hiding.
Brand ageing: an analysis from a Latin American perspective
Authors: Villegas Juliana , Guevara Ruben , Escalante Juan Esteban
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Acknowledging that brands age over time, this paper aims to investigate the exogenous and endogenous factors that influence this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on brand ageing is scarce. Through a study of several Colombian organisations that have an international presence, the paper uses a grounded-theory qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews and documentary brand reviews over a longitudinal time dimension, to perform an analysis of specific aspects that affect brand ageing processes.

Findings

The results revealed that the factors that determine brand ageing can be classified into the following two subgroups: exogenous (conditions of the economic environment, category conditions, entrance of new competitors, ageing current consumers and entry of new consumers) and endogenous (organisational growth, upper management convictions, marketing structure, brand architecture, inappropriate naming and obsolete brand image) factors.

Originality/value

This research provides substantial academic value and insights that allow a better understanding of specific aspects that influence the brand ageing process.
Stock market investment and different behavioural patterns: an exploratory study
Authors: Argan Metin , Sevil Güven , Yalaman Abdullah , Manahov Viktor
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to gain an understanding about how stock market investors impact various behavioural personality traits in various consumer groups with differing levels of motivation and capacity to absorb emerging stock market data.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the validity of the theoretical model.

Findings

The current paper is the first study that uses stock market data from an emerging economy to examine the relationship between stock market investment and different behavioural patterns such as stock market attachment, trust, satisfaction and loyalty. The authors observe the presence of direct positive relationships between stock market investment and different behavioural personality traits. Moreover, the authors also observe that stock market attachment can be seen as an intermediary variable between stock investment involvement and satisfaction. The empirical findings also suggest the presence of indirect relationships between stock investment involvement and satisfaction and between stock market attachment and loyalty. The authors find that the indirect relationship between stock market attachment and loyalty occurs when the level of satisfaction is higher. Therefore, satisfaction appears to facilitate the relationship between stock market attachment and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

One major limitation of the study is data availability. More specifically, the study was conducted with customers of eight different banks in the province of Eskisehir, Turkey. From the 250 questionnaires distributed, 173 were returned, yielding a response rate of 69.2%.

Practical implications

By identifying the trait characteristics of segments of stock market participants relative to their propensity to invest in stocks, it is possible to tailor messages that influence people to invest for the long term.

Originality/value

The paper deploys stock market data from an emerging economy to investigate the relationship between stock market investment and different surface traits such as stock market attachment, trust, satisfaction and loyalty. To the best of the authors' knowledge the current paper is the first such study.
Records management in government schools in South Africa: a case study in Limpopo province
Authors: Mojapelo Samuel Maredi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate records management in selected government schools in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research approach to collect in-depth data from the principals or administrators working as records managers at the school level. In all, a sample of principals and administrators from seven schools were interviewed face-to-face to enable the researcher to visit the schools in person.

Findings

The findings indicate that although the principals or administrators make concerted efforts to manage school records, there is no uniform system in place for this purpose. This results in haphazard record keeping and records management at the schools. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education in Limpopo develop a file plan or model for schools to use to manage records uniformly in a standardised manner that would support accountability, transparency and good governance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to seven primary schools in Lebopo Circuit, Limpopo province and secondary schools were excluded.

Practical implications

The author obtained a thorough understanding and direct insight into how principals or administrators manage school records. This study makes recommendations for the effective management of records in government schools.

Originality/value

This is one of the few research papers on records management in government schools in South Africa.
Use of 4D-printing and shape memory alloys to fabricate customized metal jewels with functional properties
Authors: Nespoli Adelaide , Bennato Nicola , Bassani Enrico , Passaretti Francesca
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine customized NiTi jewels with functional properties fabricated through four-dimensional (4D)-printing.

Design/methodology/approach

Two opened rings are fabricated through selective laser melting starting from 55.2Ni-Ti (wt.%) micrometric powder. After the additive process the two rings present the one-way shape memory effect (OWSME). A specific training is accomplished on one of the two printed rings to promote the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME). Both the samples, namely, the rings, respectively, presenting the OWSME and TWSME property, follow a series of post-processing routes to improve the surface finish. Furthermore, a thermal treatment at high temperature is used to create a thin colored oxide layer on the sample surface.

Findings

Results show that the change of shape owing to the OWSME and TWSME properties allows the customized 4D-printed rings to be adaptable to environmental changes such as load and temperature variations. This adaptability improves comfort and fit of the jewels.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, in this work, first cases of additively manufactured NiTi jewels are reported to propose innovative solutions in the design and processing industry of jewels.
Professional services companies need to practise what they preach: the need to fast-track digital transformation in the industry
Authors: Nichols Chris
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between professional services companies and changing customer expectations. It proposes following the digital transformation process and outlines how companies can adopt agile, digital-first ways of doing business to tackle major long-term pain points.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper’s author draws on the author’s deep domain expertise on delivering digital transformation projects to businesses and organisations in a variety of industries, including professional services. The author explains the crucial applications for technology to help industry leaders address key business pain points.

Findings

This paper provides insights into how companies have an opportune moment to build long-term digital foundations for greater management, process efficiency and collaboration – with data-driven reporting, end-to-end business management solutions, dedicated HR modules and greater connectivity capabilities. This paper demonstrates that a digital-first approach can help companies achieve higher levels of customer engagement and secure their place in a highly competitive market.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to explain how professional services companies can embark on digital transformation journeys to tackle outdated and manual ways of doing business.
Human capital management and performance of community-based health planning and service (CHPS): a mediator analysis
Authors: Foli Rejoice Wodomdedzi , Caesar Livingstone Divine
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the complexity of the relationship between human capital management (HCM) and the performance of community-based health planning and services (CHPS) from an emerging market perspective. It further explores the mediating role of community orientation; institutional intervention and capability of resources in the hypothesized relationship between HCM and the performance of CHPS.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data was collected (through a survey) from 210 health volunteers using a systematic random sampling technique. A 95% response rate was realized and the data was analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression.

Findings

HCM has a direct relationship with the performance of the CHPS model. It also emerged that institutional intervention and capability of resources partially mediate the relationship between HCM and CHPS performance; while community orientation fully mediates the same relationship.

Practical implications

Capacity building for staff must be wired into the workings of the CHPS model to yield the maximum impact. This points to the need for training packages that focus on building both social and cultural competence for staff working among locals under the CHPS model. Effective planning is, thus, needed to ensure a seamless allocation of adequate resources to boost performance. Also, community engagement is critical to the success of the CHPS model as it could serve as a platform for awareness creation among locals.

Originality/value

This paper introduces community orientation, institutional intervention and capability of resources as mediating variables to investigate the hypothesized relationships. It offers a developing country insight into how HCM-related factors might be impacting the performance of community-based health programs.
Purchasing behavior of tourists toward prominent souvenirs of Odisha
Authors: Behera Sachin Kumar , Gautam Punit , Lenka Sarat Kumar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study examines how tourists’ buying behavior toward souvenirs plays a pivotal role and explores the moderating role of prominent souvenirs in the marketing context. This study aims to examine the importance and the current status of the souvenir purchase behavior in Raghurajpur and Pipili village of Puri district in Odisha.

Design/methodology/approach

Purchasing behaviors of tourists such as different variables and tourist demographics were examined. The current study used the structural equation model (SEM) and regression in analyzing unique data from 400 tourists visiting the villages.

Findings

The research findings indicate that all the variables taken into consideration for research are accurate and are positively associated with tourist engagement in souvenir buying. All the factors are taken into consideration also proved significant toward the dependent variable, i.e. buying behavior. It is argued that adequate attention to the purchase behavior of tourists was not given by academic scholars, professionals and officials in Odisha.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was limited to the two prominent villages of Odisha famous for handicrafts. Future research might address behavioral studies in other states of India or the place of Odisha. In the present study, data were collected from the tourist sample while exiting the village after shopping. Methods could be developed to elicit responses from tourists after they reached their homes to determine if their responses toward souvenir buying differ. Souvenirs and souvenir buying behavior is an untapped field of research in India.

Practical implications

This study has enormous potential to contribute to the existing literature on souvenir purchase behavior of tourists in Indian context. The current study will use the identified variables to predict the behavior of tourists towards souvenirs so that craftsmen and policy makers can make an effective marketing mix to brand the souvenirs.

Social implications

This study is intended to anchor on souvenir purchase patterns of tourists in Pipili and Raghurajpur. An investigation of tourist shopping orientations for souvenir product holds potential for retailers to better direct marketing efforts to a non-local clientele. Understanding and analyzing variables would give government, craftsmen and other stakeholders to properly make marketing strategies for the handicraft sector. Handicrafts of Odisha are rapidly becoming commercialized items, and the authenticity is dying. This study can make the stakeholders aware of the tourist’s needs and preferences.

Originality/value

The authors provide a holistic and grounded understanding of the souvenir buying behavior of tourists in two prominent villages of Odisha through SEM and other indicators of souvenir buying from tourist’s perspective.
Operational and environmental efficiency of U.S. oil and gas companies towards energy transition policies: A comparative empirical analysis
Authors: Jarboui Sami
Published: November 2021

Global warming and climate change have been critical global issues in recent years. The evaluation of environmental and operational efficiency would be an important first step towards sustainable development. Renewable energies are playing an increasingly important role in the energy sector. Following energy transition policies, oil and gas companies are gradually transforming into energy companies. First, this article measures the operational and environmental efficiency of 45 U.S. oil and gas companies over the period 2000–2018. Second, this research aims to assess the effect of renewable energies on the two types of efficiency. Two methods are used in this research: the true fixed‐ model applied for measuring the efficiency scores and evaluate the inefficiency determinants, and the system generalised method of moments approach to verify the effect of energy and environmental policy on both the types of efficiencies and to test the robustness of our results. The results reveal that the overall average operational efficiency (desirable output) of the U.S. oil and gas companies is 76% for a period of 19 years, while the overall average level of CO2 emissions efficiency (undesirable output) of the oil and gas companies is 79%. The results highlight that U.S. oil and gas companies have begun to transition to low CO2 emission in recent years. Furthermore, the biofuel, hydroelectric power, wind power and solar energy contribute to promote the environmental efficiency of oil and gas companies.
Jewish cultural and religious factors and uptake of population‐based BRCA testing across denominations: a cohort study
Authors: Reisel D , Burnell M , Side L , Loggenberg K , Gessler S , Desai R , Sanderson S , Brady AF , Dorkins H , Wallis Y , Jacobs C , Legood R , Beller U , Tomlinson I , Wardle J , Menon U , Jacobs I , Manchanda R
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association of Jewish cultural and religious identity and denominational affiliation with interest in, intention to undertake and uptake of population‐based BRCA (Breast Cancer Gene)‐testing.

Design

Cohort‐study set within recruitment to GCaPPS‐trial (ISRCTN73338115).

Setting

London Ashkenazi‐Jewish (AJ) population.

Population or sample

AJ men and women, >18 years.

Methods

Participants were self‐referred, and attended recruitment clinics (clusters) for pre‐test counselling. Subsequently consenting individuals underwent BRCA testing. Participants self‐identified to one Jewish denomination: Conservative/Liberal/Reform/Traditional/Orthodox/Unaffiliated. Validated scales measured Jewish Cultural‐Identity (JI) and Jewish Religious‐identity (JR). Four‐item Likert‐scales analysed initial ‘interest’ and ‘intention to test’ pre‐counselling. Item‐Response‐Theory and graded‐response models, modelled responses to JI and JR scales. Ordered/multinomial logistic regression modelling evaluated association of JI‐scale, JR‐scale and Jewish Denominational affiliation on interest, intention and uptake of BRCA testing.

Main outcome measures

Interest, intention, uptake of BRCA testing.

Results

In all, 935 AJ women/men of mean age = 53.8 (S.D = 15.02) years, received pre‐test education and counselling through 256 recruitment clinic clusters (median cluster size = 3). Denominational affiliations included Conservative/Masorti = 91 (10.2%); Liberal = 82 (9.2%), Reform = 135 (15.1%), Traditional = 212 (23.7%), Orthodox = 239 (26.7%); and Unaffiliated/Non‐practising = 135 (15.1%). Overall BRCA testing uptake was 88%. Pre‐counselling, 96% expressed interest and 60% intention to test. JI and JR scores were highest for Orthodox, followed by Conservative/Masorti, Traditional, Reform, Liberal and Unaffiliated Jewish denominations. Regression modelling showed no significant association between overall Jewish Cultural or Religious Identity with either interest, intention or uptake of BRCA testing. Interest, intention and uptake of BRCA testing was not significantly associated with denominational affiliation.

Conclusions

Jewish religious/cultural identity and denominational affiliation do not appear to influence interest, intention or uptake of population‐based BRCA testing. BRCA testing was robust across all Jewish denominations.

Tweetable abstract

Jewish cultural/religious factors do not affect BRCA testing, with robust uptake seen across all denominational affiliations.
Necroptosis contributes to chronic inflammation and fibrosis in aging liver
Authors: Mohammed Sabira , Thadathil Nidheesh , Selvarani Ramasamy , Nicklas Evan H. , Wang Dawei , Miller Benjamin F. , Richardson Arlan , Deepa Sathyaseelan S.
Published: November 2021

Inflammaging, characterized by an increase in low‐grade chronic inflammation with age, is a hallmark of aging and is strongly associated with various age‐related diseases, including chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because necroptosis is a cell death pathway that induces inflammation through the release of DAMPs, we tested the hypothesis that age‐associated increase in necroptosis contributes to chronic inflammation in aging liver. Phosphorylation of MLKL and MLKL oligomers, markers of necroptosis, as well as phosphorylation of RIPK3 and RIPK1 were significantly upregulated in the livers of old mice relative to young mice and this increase occurred in the later half of life (i.e., after 18 months of age). Markers of M1 macrophages, expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6 and IL1β), and markers of fibrosis were all significantly upregulated in the liver with age and the change in necroptosis paralleled the changes in inflammation and fibrosis. Hepatocytes and liver macrophages isolated from old mice showed elevated levels of necroptosis markers as well as increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines relative to young mice. Short‐term treatment with the necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin‐1s (Nec‐1s), reduced necroptosis, markers of M1 macrophages, fibrosis, and cell senescence as well as reducing the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the livers of old mice. Thus, our data show for the first time that liver aging is associated with increased necroptosis and necroptosis contributes to chronic inflammation in the liver, which in turn appears to contribute to liver fibrosis and possibly CLD.
Dentinal microcracks and cemental tears related to chemo‐mechanical root canal instrumentation: a micro‐CT Cadaver Study
Authors: Tan VL , Hardiman R , Pilbrow V , Parashos P
Published: November 2021

Background

The prevalence of radicular defects after root canal instrumentation is unresolved. This study used micro‐CT to assess the relationship between the formation of radicular defects and chemo‐mechanical instrumentation in a cadaver model.

Methods

Maxillary and mandibular molars (n = 24) were sectioned from cadaver specimens as a tissue block containing the teeth, alveolar bone and attached mucogingival tissues. After a baseline micro‐CT scan (13.45 μm), the specimens were distributed into 3 groups (n = 8 molars): Reciproc®, ProTaper Next™ and Mtwo®. Micro‐CT scans of each specimen were obtained after access, glide path and preparation with each instrument. The pre‐operative and final post‐operative micro‐CT cross‐sectional images of the roots were screened by two blinded examiners to identify any pre‐existing and new radicular defects. Pre‐existing and new radicular defects were examined histologically.

Results

Overall, 16 pre‐existing radicular defects were identified in 12 of the 24 molars (50%). Most of these were cemental tears (87.5%), and not true dentinal microcracks. New dentinal microcracks were observed in the post‐operative micro‐CT scans of only 3 canals (3.9%; 3/77). However, only one of these defects was found to be present histologically.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the study, chemo‐mechanical instrumentation did not routinely promote the formation of radicular defects.
Resistance and Care in the Time of COVID‐19: Archaeology in 2020
Authors: d'Alpoim Guedes Jade , Gonzalez Sara , Rivera‐Collazo Isabel
Published: November 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic offered humanity a portal through which we could break with the past and imagine our world anew. This article reviews how over the course of 2020, a series of intersecting crises at the nexus of racism, settler colonialism, climate change, and sexual harassment have prompted acts of resistance and care in the field of archaeology. Throughout the article, we provide concrete suggestions as to how we can continue the work of movements begun over the course of the past year to improve dynamics within our field and use the lessons from our field to improve life for all people in the world and for our planet. [resistance, care, COVID‐19, 2020, climate change, #MeToo, restorative justice]
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women of migrant origin in Finland: A population‐based study
Authors: Bastola Kalpana , Koponen Päivikki , Skogberg Natalia , Gissler Mika , Kinnunen Tarja I.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. We studied the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women of migrant origin in Finland.

Material and Methods

This study used data from the nationwide Medical Birth Register. Information on the most recent singleton birth of women who delivered between 2004 and 2014 (n = 382 233) was included. Women were classified into nine regional categories based on the country of origin. Women of Finnish origin were the reference group. Generalized linear models adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic position, smoking in pregnancy, parity, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, preexisting diabetes and delivery year were used to study the association between region/country of origin and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Results

Among the study population, almost 8% were of migrant origin. The prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy varied from 1.3% (women of East Asian origin) to 4.2% (women of Sub‐Saharan African origin), compared with 4.6% in the Finnish origin reference group. Compared with women of Finnish origin, the risk for any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy after adjustment for confounders was lower for women of migrant origin, with an exception for women of Sub‐Saharan African origin. When analyzing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia outcomes separately, Sub‐Saharan African origin women had a lower risk for gestational hypertension (risk ratio [RR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–0.56) but a higher risk for preeclampsia (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.44–2.17) than women of Finnish origin.

Conclusions

In general, women of migrant origin in Finland had a lower risk for any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational hypertension. The risk for preeclampsia was higher among women of Sub‐Saharan African origin and may warrant special attention.
Key findings from the UKCCMP cohort of 877 patients with haematological malignancy and COVID‐19: disease control as an important factor relative to recent chemotherapy or anti‐CD20 therapy
Authors: Booth Stephen , Curley Helen M. , Varnai Csilla , Arnold Roland , Lee Lennard Y. W. , Campton Naomi A. , Cook Gordon , Purshouse Karin , Aries James , Innes Andrew , Cook Lucy B. , Tomkins Oliver , Oram Helen S. , Tilby Michael , Kulasekararaj Austin , Wrench David , Dolly Saoirse , Newsom‐Davies Tom , Pettengell Ruth , Gault Abigail , Moody Sam , Mittal Sajjan , Altohami Mohammed , Tillet Tania , Illingworth Jack , Mukherjee Leena , Apperly Jane , Ashcroft John , Rabin Neil , Carmichael Jonathan , Cazier Jean‐Baptiste , Kerr Rachel , Middleton Gary , Collins Graham P. , Palles Claire ,   UKCCMP team
Published: November 2021

Patients with haematological malignancies have a high risk of severe infection and death from SARS‐CoV‐2. In this prospective observational study, we investigated the impact of cancer type, disease activity, and treatment in 877 unvaccinated UK patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and active haematological cancer. The primary end‐point was all‐cause mortality. In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities, the highest mortality was in patients with acute leukaemia [odds ratio (OR) = 1·73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·1–2·72, P = 0·017] and myeloma (OR 1·3, 95% CI 0·96–1·76, P = 0·08). Having uncontrolled cancer (newly diagnosed awaiting treatment as well as relapsed or progressive disease) was associated with increased mortality risk (OR = 2·45, 95% CI 1·09–5·5, P = 0·03), as was receiving second or beyond line of treatment (OR = 1·7, 95% CI 1·08–2·67, P = 0·023). We found no association between recent cytotoxic chemotherapy or anti‐CD19/anti‐CD20 treatment and increased risk of death within the limitations of the cohort size. Therefore, disease control is an important factor predicting mortality in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection alongside the possible risks of therapies such as cytotoxic treatment or anti‐CD19/anti‐CD20 treatments.
Review: Therapist factors and their impact on therapeutic alliance and outcomes in child and adolescent mental health – a systematic review
Authors: Ryan Rachael , Berry Katherine , Hartley Samantha
Published: November 2021

Background

Young people’s mental health is a significant concern globally. The evidence suggests that there is a strong relationship between therapeutic alliance and children’s reported outcomes such as symptoms and dropout of services. There are indications that therapist characteristics – including static qualities and dynamic behaviours – can be associated with both alliance and outcomes.

Method

The aim of this review was to systematically collate, summarise and critique studies reporting on therapist characteristics that might influence the therapeutic alliance or outcomes for young people accessing child and adolescent mental health services. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis guidelines were followed, and four databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE and CINAHL) were searched for ‘therapist’ and ‘characteristic’ combined with ‘alliance’ or ‘outcome’ and related terms associated with these topics.

Results

A review of 15 papers showed that therapists’ in‐session behaviours and interpersonal style have a significant impact on alliance or outcome. One study also indicated important associations with attachment style. Findings related to ethnicity, gender and level of experience were complex; highlighting differences between subgroups, ages, outcome measurement and diagnostic categories. Methodological issues such as secondary analysis on administrative data confounded the interpretation of results.

Conclusions

There are indications that specific therapist factors can impact on alliance and outcomes in child and adolescent mental health services. Future research needs to adopt a prospective design and measure therapist characteristics and their relationship to alliance or outcome over time in a broad range of settings.