bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-of-flight photoelectron momentum microscopy with 80–500 MHz photon sources: electron-optical pulse picker or bandpass pre-filter
Authors: Schönhense G. , Medjanik K. , Fedchenko O. , Zymaková A. , Chernov S. , Kutnyakhov D. , Vasilyev D. , Babenkov S. , Elmers H. J. , Baumgärtel P. , Goslawski P. , Öhrwall G. , Grunske T. , Kauerhof T. , von Volkmann K. , Kallmayer M. , Ellguth M. , Oelsner A.
Published: November 2021

The small time gaps of synchrotron radiation in conventional multi-bunch mode (100–500 MHz) or laser-based sources with high pulse rate (∼80 MHz) are prohibitive for time-of-flight (ToF) based photoelectron spectroscopy. Detectors with time resolution in the 100 ps range yield only 20–100 resolved time slices within the small time gap. Here we present two techniques of implementing efficient ToF recording at sources with high repetition rate. A fast electron-optical beam blanking unit with GHz bandwidth, integrated in a photoelectron momentum microscope, allows electron-optical `pulse-picking' with any desired repetition period. Aberration-free momentum distributions have been recorded at reduced pulse periods of 5 MHz (at MAX II) and 1.25 MHz (at BESSY II). The approach is compared with two alternative solutions: a bandpass pre-filter (here a hemispherical analyzer) or a parasitic four-bunch island-orbit pulse train, coexisting with the multi-bunch pattern on the main orbit. Chopping in the time domain or bandpass pre-selection in the energy domain can both enable efficient ToF spectroscopy and photoelectron momentum microscopy at 100–500 MHz synchrotrons, highly repetitive lasers or cavity-enhanced high-harmonic sources. The high photon flux of a UV-laser (80 MHz, <1 meV bandwidth) facilitates momentum microscopy with an energy resolution of 4.2 meV and an analyzed region-of-interest (ROI) down to <800 nm. In this novel approach to `sub-µm-ARPES' the ROI is defined by a small field aperture in an intermediate Gaussian image, regardless of the size of the photon spot.
Factors influencing community participation in the implementation and monitoring of FLEGT-VPA in Ghana
Authors: Derkyi Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa , Appau Yaw , Boakye Boadu Kwadwo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) offers a framework for open and participatory forest management for forest actors, particularly communities fringing forest reserves. This paper aimed to determine the factors influencing the participation of local communities in the implementation and monitoring of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade-Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in three communities in Goaso Forest District in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Based on a cross-sectional design, 105 (n = 105) community members were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify socio-demographic and cultural factors that influence people's participation in FLEGT-VPA activities. Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to analyse the influence of the environmental role of the forest and participation in FLEGT-VPA activities.

Findings

The study found a significant association between the leadership status of respondents' local customs/taboo days and participation in both implementation and monitoring activities. At the same time, a significant association was found between respondents' participation in previous training programs and FLEGT-VPA monitoring activities. The environmental role of the forest was also found to have a significant association with respondents' participation in FLEGT-VPA activities.

Originality/value

Studies on the factors that influence the participation of forest fringe communities in Ghana in implementing and monitoring FLEGT-VPA activities are non-existent or scarce. This study identified significant socio-demographic and environmental factors contributing to participatory forest conservation modules such as FLEGT-VPA which will guide future forest conservation initiatives that are inclusive of stakeholders’ interests/concerns.
After-hours work-related technology use and individuals' deviance: the role of other-initiated versus self-initiated interruptions
Authors: Khalid Junaid , Weng Qingxiong Derek , Luqman Adeel , Rasheed Muhammad Imran , Hina Maryam
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of after-hours work-related technology use on interpersonal, organizational and nonwork deviance through work–family conflict (WFC) by focusing on the moderating role of other- and self-initiated interruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The online survey included 318 valid samples from employees working in different organizations in the Anhui provinces of the People's Republic of China. The authors applied Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) process macros for testing mediation and moderated mediation analysis while conducting path analytic procedures and bootstrapping analysis.

Findings

This study found that after-hours work-related technology use is positively associated with interpersonal, organizational and nonwork deviance through WFC. This positive relationship strengthens in the presence of other-initiated interruptions compared with self-initiated interruptions. The results show that as compared to self-initiated interruptions, other-initiated interruptions strengthen the relationship between after-hours work-related technology use and its outcomes in the forms of WFC and deviance.

Originality/value

After-hours work-related technology use is a ubiquitous phenomenon and got significant scholarly attention. However, its effect on WFC and individual deviant behaviors has never been studied. Moreover, the moderated-mediation role of self-initiated and other-initiated interruptions presents a unique and important development in the context of after-hours work-related technology use and deviant behavior.
Sustainable recovery for digital entrepreneurs with shared resources: enablers, challenges and solutions
Authors: Jha Ajay , Sindhwani Rohit , Dwivedi Ashish , Saddikuti Venkataramanaiah
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify important criteria for sustainable recovery of digital entrepreneurship from distress situation using shared resources. During pandemic disruption, the importance of sharing economy in managing business efficiency is reflected through this research.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study advances the knowledge on shared resources in business by integrating case study approach with multi criteria decision-making (MCDM) model. A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach is adopted to compute criteria weights, and a fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique is used to rank the sharing economy entrepreneurial ventures during COVID-19 pandemic in the context of emerging economy.

Findings

The present study identified five most important enablers (technological innovation, technology expertise, convergence of virtual and physical spaces, collaboration rather than competition, and benefits to underserved groups through transparency) for sustainable recovery of sharing economy ventures in emerging economy. For example, the study highlights online tutoring through shared intellect as the most sought after sharing economy venture during pandemic disruption, which fulfills the identified enablers.

Practical implications

The proposed framework provides an accurate decision support tool to rank the various identified potential enablers of sharing economy during disruptions. Further, the approach is practically relevant to sharing economy entrepreneurs in selecting the best approach to recover sustainability during pandemic.

Originality/value

The study is unique in addressing the need of sustainability for digital ventures via sharing economy approach in emerging economy (India). To develop a conceptual framework, the present study incorporates a case based approach together with the hybrid MCDM model. Further, the extant literature on disruptions is enhanced by prioritizing the enablers for sharing economy during pandemic.
Were the US workers in “essential” sectors well paid?
Authors: Ou Yi-Pey , Chu Yun-Peng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

When the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic seriously hit the USA, a lot of cities/states announced their lockdowns, in some cases forbidding employees to go to work. But workers in the so called “essential sectors” were exempt from the order, and on the contrary were required to remain on the job in order to maintain the services and functions considered vital to the community. If they have not been paid well in comparison to those in the other sectors, there would be a stronger case for granting them a special hazard pay during the pandemic. This paper aims to design a way to measure the “importance” or being “essential” of the different sectors in the economy, and then investigates whether the actual pay of the workers in these sectors is consistent with the measured importance.

Design/methodology/approach

At least two policy issues emerged from such an arrangement: (1) How can one define the “essential sectors” objectively instead of the authorities preparing a list according to their administrative procedure? (2) How well have been the workers in the essential sectors paid before the pandemic strike? The concept of a revised Leontief forward linkage effect will be used in an input–output model to gauge the relative “importance” of the different sectors in the US economy. Then the measured importance will be compared with the average compensation of the employees in these sectors.

Findings

It is found that for some sectors such as agriculture, retail trade, and repair and installation of machinery and equipment the ratio of workers' compensation relative to the national average is substantially lower than the relative importance of the sectors employing them. That is, many of them have been substantially underpaid in spite of their importance.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this study is limited to one country, the USA, but the methodology can be applied to other countries as well.

Originality/value

This study is an original research that contributes to an improved understanding of the importance of the workers engaged in different sectors in the USA during COVID-19.
Determinant factors of successful social entrepreneurship in the emerging circular economy of Lebanon: exploring the moderating role of NGOs
Authors: El Chaarani Hani , Raimi Lukman
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Social entrepreneurship is gradually becoming a potent driving force for economic and social development in developing countries as a result of governance deficits. The purpose of this study is to examine the determinant factors of successful social entrepreneurship in the emerging circular economy of Lebanon. The objective extends to exploring the mediating role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the success of social entrepreneurship in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional survey design, the authors collected primary data from 389 social entrepreneurs through questionnaires in selected locations in Lebanon. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypotheses were tested using linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) for predicting the impact of independent variable on the dependent variable. The validity, progressive and various models fits were tested using root mean square of approximation, root mean square of residuals, standard root mean square residuals, incremental fit index, fitness of the extracted and non-normal fit index.

Findings

The SEM estimations reveal that three main factors determine the success of social entrepreneurs in Lebanon, namely, environmental factors, psychological factors and prior experience. Moreover, the results reveal that support of NGOs positively moderates the relationships between the success of social entrepreneurship and two different variables (psychological factors and environmental factors), but failed to moderate the relationships between success of social entrepreneurship and four variables (experience, education, leadership and founding team composition).

Originality/value

The study contributes to the entrepreneurship and circular economy literature by explicating empirically the determinant factors of successful social entrepreneurship in Lebanon’s emerging circular economy. It also provides a fact-based social awareness on the role of local and international NGOs in supporting the social entrepreneurs in driving the idea of a circular economy. The study also validates multiple entrepreneurship theories.
Leading with love: learning and shared accountability
Authors: Pronovost Peter , Zeiger Todd M. , Jernejcic Randy , Topalsky V. George
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To describe peer learning and shared accountability and their use within our management system to improve the rate of patient annual wellness visits completed by primary care physicians.

Design/methodology/approach

Our management system implements programs to improve performance on a measure, initially declaring the goal, roles and responsibilities. In the illustrative case in this article, primary care physicians are assigned the goal of completing annual wellness visits for 65% of their patients by the end of 2021. To support physicians, peer learning networks are established, connecting teams, physicians and others to broadly share best practices and support better performance. Shared accountability means higher-level leaders in the organization need to first set lower-level leaders up to succeed before holding lower-level leaders accountable for achieving the declared goal. Our shared accountability model describes processes of the higher-level leader to ensure lower-leader success. The accountability process if a lower-level leader does not improve performance involves 3 steps: (1) a letter; (2) meeting with hospital executives for peer review; (3) review for sanctions/disciplinary action.

Findings

In quarter 1 of calendar year 2021, we identified 30 physicians that were behind pace for reaching the 65% goal of AWVs with patients for 2021 and also had not achieved the 2020 60% goal. After step 1, 22 of 30 (73%) physicians were on target for the goal. After step 2, 3 of 8 physicians were on target for the goal.

Originality/value

Peer learning and shared accountability are underdeveloped in health care, and often viewed as at odds with each other. In our framework we integrate them. Thus, we formed learning networks, connecting every level of the organization and branching out across the health system to share ideas and build capability. Our shared accountability model removes the punitive connotation often connected to accountability by aligning higher and lower-level leaders to work together as a team. This model is improving personal performance among primary care physicians, and now being used for all quality and value efforts in our health system. We believe if broadly applied, this model could help improve value in health care.
Proposing a model of social media user interaction with fake news
Authors: Shirsat Abhijeet R. , González Angel F. , May Judith J.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand the allure and danger of fake news in social media environments and propose a theoretical model of the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research study used the uses and gratifications theory (UGT) approach to analyze how and why people used social media during the 2016 US presidential election.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed people were gratified after using social media to connect with friends and family and to gather and share information and after using it as a vehicle of expression. Participants found a significant number of fake news stories on social media during the 2016 US presidential election. Participants tried to differentiate between fake news and real news using fact-checking websites and news sources and interacted with the social media users who posted fake news and became part of the echo chamber. Behaviors like these emerged in the analysis that could not be completely explained by UGT and required further exploration which resulted in a model that became the core of this study.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small-scale exploratory study with eight diverse participants, findings should not be generalized to larger populations. Time-specific self-reporting of information from social media and fake news during the 2016 US presidential election. Upgrading public policies related to social media is recommended in the study, contributing to burgeoning policy discussions and provides recommendations for both purveyors of social media and public policymakers.

Practical implications

Upgrade in public policies related to social media is recommended in the study and contributes to burgeoning policy discussions and provides recommendations for both purveyors of social media and public policymakers.

Social implications

Social media users are spending increased time on their preferred platforms. This study increases the understanding of the nature, function and transformation of virtual social media environments and their effects on real individuals, cultures and societies.What is original/of value about the paper?This exploratory study establishes the foundation on which to expand research in the area of social media use and fake news.

Originality/value

This exploratory study establishes the foundation to expand research in the area of social media use and fake news.
A nexus between corruption, money laundering (ML) and inflation: evidence from South Asian countries
Authors: Shah Ijaz Hussain , Aish Kinza
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Many studies of corruption and money laundering (ML) have been conducted throughout the previous few decades. The impact of corruption and ML on economic growth, banking performance and corporate financial performance has been the focus of various research. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between ML, corruption and inflation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the panel data of five South Asian countries from 2013 to 2019 (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal). Further, fixed effect (FE) and random effect (RE) econometric regression models are used to analyze the data. Additionally, generalized methods of moment (GMM) technique is used to check the results robustness.

Findings

This study discovered that corruption and ML have a significant and positive link with inflation in five South Asian nations using the corruption perception index and the anti-money laundering (AML) index.

Practical implications

This research advises that government authorities strengthen anti-corruption and AML laws enforcement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that explains the linkage between corruption, ML and inflation in five south Asian nations.
An exploratory study of workplace spirituality and employee well-being affecting public service motivation: an institutional perspective
Authors: Hassan Sobia , Ansari Nighat , Rehman Ali
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The present study aimed to find out the relationship of public service motivation (PSM) with other positive aspects, that is workplace spirituality and employee well-being among academic staff of public sector higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to capture the full picture of the institutional factors that may be responsible for initiating and improving public service motivation among employees, 23 interviews were carried out with employees placed in leadership positions in the public sector universities. The data were qualitatively analyzed through NVivo 12 to gain institutional perspective regarding various organizational factors that could influence PSM.

Findings

The finding of this study elaborates that, although PSM is a personal attribute of the individual, there are many other organizational factors that exert a substantial effect in promoting PSM. The results of qualitative data also affirmed a significant relationship between PSM and workplace spirituality (a type of organizational culture) and the influence of employee well-being in improving the motivation of public employees towards service provision.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from the specific population that is academic staff of public sector universities which limits the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

PSM is a vital concept in public organizations where individuals must understand and focus on public concerns to improve the quality of public service. Therefore, public sector organizations faced the challenge of nurturing an organizational culture in which selfless public service becomes the norm and individuals are driven by the effective accomplishments of their services. Therefore, an organization that is highly oriented towards spirituality likely to improve employee well-being, which is a challenging and important concept in organizations in promoting PSM among employees.

Originality/value

This study is unique in terms of identifying workplace spirituality and employee well-being as organizational influencers in promoting PSM among employees.
Human resources analytics: A legitimacy process
Authors: Belizón María J. , Kieran Sarah
Published: November 2021

Taking a grounded theory approach, this paper explores human resources (HR) Analytics legitimacy in three organisations over a period of 3 years. The research aims to investigate (i) how the HR Analytics legitimacy process presents and develops and (ii) what decisions, activities, and events can shape the legitimacy of HR Analytics in organisations. We draw on institutional theory and industry creation literatures to understand what constitutes HR Analytics legitimacy through a three‐dimensional perspective: cognitive, socio‐political, and technological. A process theory lens as an analytical tool allowed for the mapping of the institutional process in order to isolate key individual decisions, activities, and events over time. Three related, non‐linear sub‐processes of HR Analytics legitimation are identified, namely, HR Analytics as a strategic commitment, the HR data infrastructure decision, and the focus of HR Analytics projects in addition to a number of delaying, enabling, and accelerating elements that influence this process.
Value of pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase as a prognostic and predictive factor for small‐cell lung cancer patients treated with first‐line platinum‐containing chemotherapy
Authors: He Man , Chi Xiaorui , Shi Xinyan , Sun Yang , Yang Xue , Wang Leirong , Wang Bingrui , Li Hongmei
Published: November 2021

Background

The current study aimed to evaluate the serum pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and overall survival (OS) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients who received first‐line platinum‐containing chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 234 SCLC patients, who received first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy between 2013 and 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. The data of hematological characteristics, age, gender, ECOG score, staging, metastatic site, smoking history, chemotherapy cycle, thoracic radiotherapy and hyponatremia were collected. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The statistically significant factors in the univariate analysis were selected for the multivariate COX model analysis.

Results

Age, ECOG score, stage, thoracic radiotherapy, hyponatremia, liver metastasis, brain metastasis, bone metastasis, LDH, NSE and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were closely correlated to OS in the univariate analysis. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that age (<65 years), ECOG score (<2 points), limited‐stage (LD), thoracic radiotherapy and LDH <215.70 U/L were the independent prognostic factors for survival. The median OS time was worse for patients with LDH ≥215.70 U/L. In the subgroup analysis, LDH ≥215.70 U/L was significant for survival in both limited and extensive disease. Patients who achieved CR + PR in the first‐line treatment had lower initial LDH levels. It was found that the pretreatment LDH increased the incidence of patients with liver metastasis.

Conclusions

Positive independent prognostic factors for SCLC patients were age < 65 years old, ECOG score < 2 points, LD‐SCLC, and pretreatment LDH <215.70 U/L. These factors may be useful for stratifying patients with SCLC for treatment approaches.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Age < 65 years old, ECOG score < 2 points, LD‐SCLC, and pretreatment LDH <215.70 U/L are the positive independent prognostic factors for SCLC patients.

What this study adds

The current study provided more references for SCLC diagnosis and treatment and determined more factors for stratifying patients with SCLC for treatment approaches.
Research on chemical soldering in early medieval jewellery: The case of lunula‐type Viking age ornaments
Authors: Miśta‐Jakubowska Ewelina , Czech Błońska Renata , Duczko Władysław , Gójska Aneta , Żabiński Grzegorz , Ciepielewski Paweł , Diduszko Ryszard , Kosińska Anna , Brojanowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2021

The aim of this paper is to discuss technological details of medieval jewellery on the basis of studies on five lunulas (the Obra Nowa hoard, Poland). The types of soldering which were applied in order to attach granules and wire to the artefact surface were studied with the use of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Results confirmed the use of chemical soldering that was based on Cu compounds with resin glue addition. The use of such addition can be assumed due to the fact that C was detected in the solder. The presence of Pb together with Ca, P, Al and Si in the soldering region is related to the use of litharge as a solder mixture component.
Administrative data and scientific evidence: a lesson from France – the safety of systemic treatment for psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cazzaniga S. , Naldi L.
Published: November 2021

Linked Article:  Penso et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:59–68.
The expected missing heritability of hidradenitis suppurativa in perspective
Authors: van Straalen K.R. , Gulliver W.
Published: November 2021

Linked Article:  Kjærsgaard Andersen et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:78–85.
A new topical
Authors: Balak D.M.W. , Hajdarbegovic E.
Published: November 2021

Linked Article:  Saeki et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:40–49.
Early queen infection shapes developmental dynamics and induces long‐term disease protection in incipient ant colonies
Authors: Casillas‐Pérez Barbara , Pull Christopher D. , Naiser Filip , Naderlinger Elisabeth , Matas Jiri , Cremer Sylvia
Published: November 2021

Infections early in life can have enduring effects on an organism's development and immunity. In this study, we show that this equally applies to developing ‘superorganisms’––incipient social insect colonies. When we exposed newly mated Lasius niger ant queens to a low pathogen dose, their colonies grew more slowly than controls before winter, but reached similar sizes afterwards. Independent of exposure, queen hibernation survival improved when the ratio of pupae to workers was small. Queens that reared fewer pupae before worker emergence exhibited lower pathogen levels, indicating that high brood rearing efforts interfere with the ability of the queen's immune system to suppress pathogen proliferation. Early‐life queen pathogen exposure also improved the immunocompetence of her worker offspring, as demonstrated by challenging the workers to the same pathogen a year later. Transgenerational transfer of the queen's pathogen experience to her workforce can hence durably reduce the disease susceptibility of the whole superorganism.
Engineering functional skin constructs: A quantitative comparison of three‐dimensional bioprinting with traditional methods
Authors: Li Juyi , Fu Shi , Lu Kimberly W. , Christie Olias , Gozelski Michael T. , Cottone Michael C. , Cottone Philip , Kianian Sara , Feng Kuan‐Che , Simon Marcia , Rafailovich Miriam , Dagum Alexander B. , Singh Gurtej
Published: November 2021

Tissue engineering has been successful in reproducing human skin equivalents while incorporating new approaches such as three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting. The latter method offers a plethora of advantages including increased production scale, ability to incorporate multiple cell types and printing on demand. However, the quality of printed skin equivalents compared to those developed manually has never been assessed. To leverage the benefits of this method, it is imperative that 3D‐printed skin should be structurally and functionally similar to real human skin. Here, we developed four bilayered human skin epidermal‐dermal equivalents: non‐printed dermis and epidermis (NN), printed dermis and epidermis (PP), printed epidermis and non‐printed dermis (PN), and non‐printed epidermis and printed dermis (NP). The effects of printing induced shear stress [0.025 kPa (epidermis); 0.049 kPa (dermis)] were characterized both at the cellular and at the tissue level. At cellular level, no statistically significant differences in keratinocyte colony‐forming efficiency (CFE) (p = 0.1641) were observed. In the case of fibroblasts, no significant differences in the cell alignment index (p < 0.1717) and their ability to contract collagen gel (p = 0.851) were detected. At the tissue levels, all the four skin equivalents were characterized using histological and immunohistochemical analysis with no significant differences found in either epidermal basal cell count, thickness of viable epidermis, and relative intensity of filaggrin and claudin‐1. Our results demonstrated that 3D printing can achieve the same high‐quality skin constructs as have been developed traditionally, thus opening new avenues for numerous high‐throughput industrial and clinical applications.
Feminist resistance building in the Brazilian agroecology movement: A gender decoloniality study
Authors: Naves Flávia , Fontoura Yuna
Published: November 2021

The agroecology movement in Brazil has politically mobilized the importance of feminism in its slogan. Considering that domination over women persists in the postcolonial context of Latin America, we look at how women in the Brazilian agroecology movement craft resistance in modern‐colonial rural Brazil. Grounded on Maria Lugones' decolonial feminism resistance lenses, we conducted narrative analysis and qualitative field research between 2017 and 2018 with female activists in the movement. The results showed that the complex process of gender decolonization involves constructing resistance through active subjectivity and world‐traveling strategies that encompass hard and almost invisible work, materialized through artifacts, activities, and re‐signifying processes that are part of these women's lives. We contribute to the knowledge on feminist resistance organizing in Latin America and studies on rural women's realities that have often been neglected in Gender and Organization Studies.
Crystallization kinetics and photoluminescence studies on SiO2‐ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ glass ceramics
Authors: Lan Weirong , Luo Wenqin , Gong Jiacheng , Chen Xi , Wu Haiyan , Zhou Ying
Published: November 2021

SiO2‐ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ glass ceramics were prepared by a sol‐gel method. The influence of TiO2 addition on the crystallization behavior and photoluminescence properties were investigated in detail. The nonisothermal crystallization kinetic studies based on Kissinger, Ozawa, and Matusita models were performed on the SiO2‐ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ glasses with different amount of TiO2. The introducing of TiO2 component as nucleant in the glasses can significantly reduce the crystallization activation energy. The results of the crystallization kinetic calculation and scanning electronic microscope observations indicated that the crystallization of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ from the glass possessed a surface nucleation and growth mechanism. Near infrared emission of the glass ceramics was obtained under the excitation at 414 nm. The crystal field parameters around Cr3+ and excited state dynamics of Cr3+ were studied in detailed.
Production of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) powder by innovative and traditional drying techniques
Authors: Demarco Mariana , Moraes Jaqueline Oliveira de , Ferrari Mariana Costa , Neves Fábio de Farias , Laurindo João Borges , Tribuzi Giustino
Published: November 2021

Arthrospira platensis is a cyanobacterium used as food due to its high protein content and bioactive compounds (e.g., phycocyanin) and marketed mainly as a dried powder. Drying may cause quality degradation of Spirulina biomass, depending on the technique and the process conditions. In this study, thin layer drying (3 mm) of Spirulina suspension was performed by different techniques, comparing innovative and traditional driers. The innovative drying technique proposed in this study, called vacuum cast‐tape drying (at 40 and 60°C), was compared, in terms of drying kinetics and quality of the powders, to air drying (at 40 and 60°C), freeze‐drying, and cast‐tape drying. Drying curves, the temporal evolution of water activity, and phycocyanin retention during drying were assessed. The microstructure and color of the powders were also determined in the dried powder. Cast‐tape drying resulted in the highest drying rate but showed a very low (≈10%) phycocyanin retention, while the other techniques allow phycocyanin retention >70%, regard to the raw biomass. The freeze‐dried product presented a lighter color compared to the other techniques. Vacuum cast‐tape drying showed a shorter drying time (90–180 min) than freeze‐drying (720 min) and air drying (420 min), maintaining high phycocyanin retention (about 80–90%). Vacuum cast‐tape drying is an efficient, suitable, and low‐cost technique to dehydrate Spirulina at moderate temperatures in short times, maintaining the high quality in terms of bioactive compounds.

Practical applications

High‐quality Spirulina powders are considered as potential future sources of protein and bioactive compounds. These components should be preserved during drying, necessary for the stabilization of this product. The novel drying technique proposed in this paper for Spirulina powder production is an alternative, low‐cost, and potentially scalable technique for small and medium Spirulina producers. Vacuum cast‐tape drying allows combining the efficiency of cast‐tape drying with the vacuum atmosphere preserving the color and phycocyanin in the dried biomass. In this way, the study of novel drying processes for Spirulina powder production with high quality is of interest to researchers and the food industries.
Disparities among crop species in the evolution of growth rates: the role of distinct origins and domestication histories
Authors: Gómez‐Fernández Alicia , Osborne Colin P. , Rees Mark , Palomino Javier , Ingala Carlos , Gómez Guillermo , Milla Rubén
Published: November 2021

Growth rates vary widely among plants with different strategies. For crops, evolution under predictable and high‐resource environments might favour rapid resource acquisition and growth, but whether this strategy has consistently evolved during domestication and improvement remains unclear.

Here we report a comprehensive study of the evolution of growth rates based on comparisons among wild, landrace, and improved accessions of 19 herbaceous crops grown under common conditions. We also examined the underlying growth components and the influence of crop origin and history on growth evolution.

Domestication and improvement did not affect growth consistently, that is growth rates increased or decreased or remained unchanged in different crops. Crops selected for fruits increased the physiological component of growth (net assimilation rate), whereas leaf and seed crops showed larger domestication effects on morphology (leaf mass ratio and specific leaf area). Moreover, climate and phylogeny contributed to explaining the effects of domestication and changes in growth.

Crop‐specific responses to domestication and improvement suggest that selection for high yield has not consistently changed growth rates. The trade‐offs between morpho‐physiological traits and the distinct origins and histories of crops accounted for the variability in growth changes. These findings have far‐reaching implications for our understanding of crop performance and adaptation.
Early pacemaker implantation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation is safe and effective
Authors: Patel Kush P , Lim Wei Yao , Pavithran Asha , Assadi Rangeena , Wan Daniel , Kennon Simon , Ozkor Mick , Earley Mark , Sporton Simon , Dhinoja Mehul , Hayward Carl , Muthumala Amal , Hunter Ross , Lowe Martin , Lambiase Pier , Segal Oliver , Mathur Anthony , Schilling Richard , Baumbach Andreas , Mullen Michael J , Chow Anthony WC
Published: November 2021

Background

Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a common complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The optimum timing of PPM implantation is still unclear as conduction abnormalities evolve and a balance needs to be struck between conservative delays in the hope of conduction recovery and overutilization of pacing. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of early PPM implantation, without an observation period, among TAVI patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational study of 1398 TAVI patients. Clinical and pacing data were collected at baseline, 30 days and at a median of 15 (4–21) months post‐TAVI. Study endpoints included PPM‐related complications, pacing utilization and hospital length of stay.

Results

One hundred five patients (8.2%) required a PPM, of which 13 were implanted pre and 92 post‐TAVI. Seventy‐six percent required pacing for either second‐ or third‐degree heart block. Time to implantation for post‐TAVI PPM was 1 (0–3) day. Six patients experienced a pacing‐related complication‐ lead displacement (n = 3), hematoma (n = 2), and device infection (n = 1). Pacing utilization defined as pacing >10% of the time or a pacing requirement at the time of the pacing check was demonstrated in 83% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed complete heart block (CHB) was the only independent predictor of pacing utilization. Hospital length of stay for the post‐TAVI PPM group was longer than the group without PPM (4 [2–8] vs. 3 [2–4] days; p < .001).

Conclusions

Early PPM implantation in TAVI patients is safe and majority of patients require pacing in the short and mid‐term.
Future roots for future soils
Authors: Lynch Jonathan P. , Mooney Sacha J. , Strock Christopher F. , Schneider Hannah M.
Published: November 2021

Mechanical impedance constrains root growth in most soils. Crop cultivation changed the impedance characteristics of native soils, through topsoil erosion, loss of organic matter, disruption of soil structure and loss of biopores. Increasing adoption of Conservation Agriculture in high‐input agroecosystems is returning cultivated soils to the soil impedance characteristics of native soils, but in the low‐input agroecosystems characteristic of developing nations, ongoing soil degradation is generating more challenging environments for root growth. We propose that root phenotypes have evolved to adapt to the altered impedance characteristics of cultivated soil during crop domestication. The diverging trajectories of soils under Conservation Agriculture and low‐input agroecosystems have implications for strategies to develop crops to meet global needs under climate change. We present several root ideotypes as breeding targets under the impedance regimes of both high‐input and low‐input agroecosystems, as well as a set of root phenotypes that should be useful in both scenarios. We argue that a ‘whole plant in whole soil’ perspective will be useful in guiding the development of future crops for future soils.
The assessment of cognitive impairment in maintenance hemodialysis patients and the relationship between cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms
Authors: Feng Jianan , Lu Xiangxue , Wang Shixiang , Li Han
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Cognitive impairment and depression are common mental health problems in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Previous studies have proven that cognitive impairment and depression were risk factors for poor prognosis in MHD patients. However, the related factors of cognitive function and the association between cognitive impairment and depression in MHD patients are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the related factors affecting the cognitive function of MHD patients and evaluate the relationship between cognitive function and depression in MHD patients.

Methods

This single‐center, cross‐sectional study enrolled 160 MHD patients. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were measured using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), respectively.

Results

Cognitive impairment was detected in 58.1% of 160 MHD patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that age, level of education and homocysteine (HCY) were independent influencing factors of MoCA scores and the scores of attention and abstract thinking were independently correlated with PHQ‐9 score after adjusting for confounding factors

Conclusions

These findings indicated that age, level of education and HCY were independently associated with cognitive function, and attention and abstract thinking could independently affect depressive symptoms in MHD patients.
Foreign direct investment and onshore employment dynamics: Evidence from German firms with affiliates in the Czech Republic
Authors: Koerner Konstantin , Moritz Michael , Schäffler Johannes
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we revisit questions about the onshore employment effects of firms that conduct foreign direct investment (FDI) in countries with substantially lower average wages. Our results derive from the use of rich administrative records on the universe of employees in German multinational enterprises (MNEs) that were active in the Czech Republic in 2010. Compared with former studies, the unique data set in this study includes a much higher fraction of small‐ and medium‐sized firms and leads to strikingly different results for service MNEs. Applying coarsened exact matching for firms and an event‐study design, we show that the domestic employment growth of MNEs decreases relative to that of non‐MNEs and that the affected workers are those with low or medium educational attainment in the manufacturing sector and with medium or high educational attainment in the service sector. Regarding workers’ tasks, our results do not show that FDI affects routine jobs beyond a worker's skill level.
Development and evaluation of a community of practice to improve stem cell donor recruitment in Canada
Authors: Kum Elena , Jagelaviciute Gabriele , Chen Angela C. , Baharmand Iman , Rihani Samer , Rumball Gabriella , Patel Div , Kandel Rana , Okonofua Sylvia , Li Edward W. , Hrycyshyn Adriyan , Chan Sze Wah Samuel , Kumar Shamini Vijaya , Williams Kenneth , Prokosch Lillie , Ho Michelle , Park Brady , Fingrut Warren
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives

Communities of practice (CoPs) represent effective models to achieve quality outcomes in health care. We report the development and evaluation of a CoP to improve stem cell donor recruitment in Canada.

Materials and Methods

In September 2017, we invited national stakeholders in stem cell donor recruitment to participate in a Facebook group and regular e‐meetings. E‐meetings involved speakers and roundtable discussion on topics related to donor recruitment. The Facebook group facilitated sharing of resources. We evaluated stakeholder perspective of the CoP and the impact on recruitment outcomes.

Results

As of December 2020, the CoP included 382 members who published 243 posts to the Facebook group about patient/donor stories (40%), resources (27%), updates/questions (21%) and recruitment outcomes (12%). In January 2020, we surveyed 44 CoP participants; the majority felt that the Facebook group (86%) and e‐meetings (59%) supported the community, and that the CoP fostered collaboration (82%), improved their donor recruitment knowledge (75%) and practice (77%) and improved their ability to recruit needed donors (64%). The launch of the CoP correlated with improved donor recruitment outcomes. In 2016–2017, CoP participants recruited 2918 registrants (46% male; 55.9% non‐Caucasian) compared to 4531 registrants in 2018–2019 (52.9% male; 62.7% non‐Caucasian). Members of the CoP developed innovative resources to support recruitment efforts and led national campaigns securing coverage in major media outlets.

Conclusion

We describe the first CoP in stem cell donor recruitment to be formally evaluated. The CoP model may be adopted by donor recruitment organisations, registries and blood banks worldwide to improve recruitment outcomes.

Highlights

• A community of practice (CoP) in stem cell donor recruitment was valued by participants and supported efforts to improve recruitment outcomes.

• The CoP model may be adopted by donor recruitment organizations, donor registries, and blood banks worldwide to improve recruitment outcomes.
Motivation, blood donor satisfaction and intention to return during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Weidmann Christian , Derstroff Marie , Klüter Harald , Oesterer Martin , Müller‐Steinhardt Michael
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to describe motives as well as donation experiences and the intention to return for further donations of German whole blood donors who donated at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

To describe motives and donor experiences, a retrospective survey was conducted among whole blood donors that had a donation appointment at the German Red Cross Blood Donation Service in the first 4 weeks of the pandemic. A donor questionnaire including 17 retrospective questions was sent to 7500 donors. Donor motivation and donor experiences were compared for different donor groups using chi‐square statistics. Finally, in an ordinal logistic regression model predictors for the intention to return were identified.

Results

More than half of the participating donors (56.9%) wanted to contribute to the fight against the pandemic by donating blood. Most of the donors were satisfied with their last donation experience and felt safe during the blood donor appointment. However, some donors would have liked more information on how to deal with the pandemic (20.3%). Intention to return for further donations was strongly associated with overall satisfaction (OR: 1.67, CI: 1.47–1.90) and the feeling of being safe during blood donation (OR: 1.33, CI: 1.05–1.68).

Conclusion

Donor satisfaction with the last donation was high and the vast majority of donors felt very safe. However, those donors who felt unsafe expressed a low intention to return and blood donation services should therefore carefully monitor donor satisfaction.