bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An appraisal of the adoption internet of things (IoT) elements for sustainable construction
Authors: Arowoiya Victor Adetunji , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Aliu John
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the adoption of internet of things (IoT) element with the view of increasing usage so that benefits of convenience, increased performance and timely completion of work can be improved. This research was conducted so that there can be increase in the usage of IoT elements for construction performance and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted survey design and various construction professionals were used to assessing the level of adoption of IoT elements. Convenience sample was used by distributing the structured questionnaire to registered professionals. Mean score, bar chart, Kruskal–Wallis H test, one-sample t-test and Shapiro–Wilk were used for analyzing the data gathered.

Findings

The findings revealed that wireless fidelity, visualization, wireless sensor networks, Bluetooth, electronic product code and internet protocol are the most adopted element of IoT in the industry. The study also shows that there are areas where there is no significance attached by construction professionals in the usage of IoT elements. These are data storage and analytics, barcode, Zigbee, gateway, near field communication and actuators. It is recommended that less significant areas can be improved through training and educating professionals about the whole concept of IoT and other design professionals. When the importance of IoT elements are understood it will help in the level of adoption.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the possible ways of increasing the adoption of IoT elements with a view to achieving better usage for convenience, high productivity of workers and easy access to information.
The effect of halal foods awareness on purchase decision with religiosity as a moderating variable
Authors: Muslichah M. Muslichah M. , Abdullah Rose , Abdul Razak Lutfi
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between awareness and purchase decision of halal foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a convenience sampling procedure, 200 questionnaires were distributed to various local higher education institutions with a 64% response rate. A moderated regression analysis is used to test the relationship between awareness and purchase decision, with religiosity as the moderating variable.

Findings

As expected, the authors find that among the sample, the level of awareness toward halal foods is high, and that the effect of awareness on purchase decision is positive and significant. Importantly, they find that religiosity acts as a moderating variable on the relationship between awareness and purchase decision.

Research limitations/implications

First, the sample was taken from higher institutions only and respondents were selected using convenience sampling. Hence, it may not be fully representative of the Brunei Muslim population. Second, there may also be omitted variables not considered in the study. Third, the survey instrument and conceptualization of religiosity are both issues that may require further investigation in the literature.

Practical implications

The results indicate that awareness is an important antecedent of Muslim students’ intention to purchase halal foods. Marketers should design their campaigns focusing on creating awareness regarding their compliance with halal products. Moreover, food manufacturers and sellers should use the reliable halal certification and logo as a way to inform their consumers that their products are truly halal.

Originality/value

This study adds to the current limited knowledge of halal foods research. In particular, the authors investigate the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between awareness and purchase decision of halal foods.
Beyond the job description
Authors: Mekpor Benjamin , Dartey-Baah Kwasi
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether or not leaders' emotional intelligence plays a mediating role in the relationship between leadership styles and voluntary work behaviours among employees of selected banks in Ghana. Specifically, the objective was to determine the mediating effect of leaders' emotional intelligence on the relationship between transactional and transformational leadership styles and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) and counterproductive workplace behaviours (CWB).

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative approach to research was adopted to collect data from 234 respondents. More so, both purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used for the selection of respondents for the study.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that amongst the various leadership styles and OCB and CWB relationships, only the relationship between transformational leadership and OCB was mediated by leaders' emotional intelligence.

Practical implications

It was however recommended that transformational leadership style be adopted in the quest to encourage employees to exhibit OCB and mitigate employees' involvement in CWB since such leaders are more prone to exhibiting high levels of emotional intelligence in the dealing with employees.

Originality/value

For the first time in the Ghanaian banking sector, this research explores the leaders' emotional intelligence as mediator on the nexus between leadership styles and voluntary work behaviours of employees of selected banks in Ghana.
Developing leaders through mindfulness practice
Authors: Reitz Megan , Waller Lee , Chaskalson Michael , Olivier Sharon , Rupprecht Silke
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The study's objective was to examine whether and how mindfulness training and practice might impact indicators of three capacities identified as critical for leading in the twenty-first century: resilience, leading in complex contexts and collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a non-randomised wait-list controlled study with 57 senior leaders (81 per cent female) who undertook an eight-week “Mindful Leader” programme.

Findings

Our findings suggest the programme was effective in developing leaders in terms of their mindfulness, resilience and self-perceived leadership competencies such as collaboration and agility in complex situations. The amount of mindfulness practice the leaders undertook was associated with improvements in mindfulness, resilience and collaboration. Furthermore, participants reported that the programme was beneficial for them as leaders and that the training format was feasible. However, objective measures of cognitive functioning and leadership competence did not improve significantly within the mindfulness intervention group.

Practical implications

Mindfulness practice may be a promising and effective method for leader development. Our results suggest that mindfulness can be learnt and developed by executive leaders, as long as they practice for at least 10 min per day.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate how resilience, leading in complex contexts and collaboration can be developed through mindfulness training.
Market orientation, brand management processes and brand performance
Authors: Iyer Pramod , Davari Arezoo , Srivastava Saurabh , Paswan Audhesh K.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the manner in which market orientation types facilitate the development of brand management processes (strategic brand management and internal branding), and brand performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is assessed using data collected from brand executives. Existing scales are used to measure all the focal constructs. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using the Smart-PLS 3.0 software is used to check for the psychometric properties of the scales and to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that proactive and reactive market orientation influence the internal branding and strategic brand management. The mediating role of strategic brand management in the relationship between proactive market orientation (PMO) and brand performance is significant. Similarly, internal branding mediates the relationship between PMO and brand performance. Also, strategic brand management and internal branding mediate the relationship between responsive market orientation (RMO) and brand performance. Results also indicate that market turbulence negatively moderates the relationship between strategic brand management and brand performance.

Research limitations/implications

Building on literature from brand management, organizational capabilities and market orientation, this study explicates the role of PMO and RMO in influencing different strategic brand management and internal branding, and subsequently, brand performance. The perspective used in this study provides an insight into how organizations can develop and manage brands from a process perspective.

Practical implications

To develop the brand management capability, organizations may benefit from cultivating processes that seek to meet the latent customer needs through explorative and proactive information seeking, and at the same time, pursing processes that focus on capturing the existing customer and competitor trends in the market.

Social implications

This study hopefully helps marketers realize that brand management function needs to move toward being more dynamic in nature.

Originality/value

This study borrows from the existing research on market orientation, branding and brand management to argue that organizations are required to not only maximize the brand returns in the existing market but also to adapt to the changes in the future.
An intelligent pre-estimation method of design time for complex products based on v-SVM
Authors: Zheng Yujie , Li Meiyan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Improving the prediction accuracy of design time for complex products is significant for improving the accuracy of product development and control plans. The purpose of this study is to propose an intelligent pre-estimation method of design time for complex products based on v-SVM.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an evaluation model for designer knowledge abilities based on v-SVM is built, which considers the fuzziness and dynamics of designer knowledge abilities. Next, a pre-estimation method for the design time of complex products based on v-SVM is built. This method takes into account the impacts of designer knowledge abilities and design task characteristics on the design time. Then, an adaptive genetic algorithm is programmed to optimize the parameters in the evaluation model and the pre-estimation method. Finally, a practical application and comparative analysis of the proposed pre-estimation method is suggested to verify the validity and applicability of this research.

Findings

First, the evaluation of designer knowledge abilities is a prediction problem that is both fuzzy and multivariate time series. Second, the pre-estimation of design time is a problem that is fuzzy and multivariate. Third, the pre-estimation accuracy of the proposed method is higher when compared with traditional methods.

Originality/value

This paper presents an intelligent pre-estimation method of design time for complex products. Unlike previous research, the pre-estimation method takes into account the impacts of both the designer knowledge abilities and the design task characteristics on the design time.
The effect of family control on audit fees during financial crisis
Authors: Al-Okaily Jihad
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the effect of family involvement in ownership, management and directorship on audit fees during the crisis and non-crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

Following Anderson and Reeb (2003), this paper uses a two-way fixed effect model to examine the impact of family control on audit fees in crisis and non-crisis periods. The fixed effects include dummy variables for each year and each industry code in the sample.

Findings

This paper finds that during normal economic periods, family firms pay lower audit fees relative to non-family firms because of the incentive alignment or monitoring effect. While, during crisis periods, family firms pay higher audit fees because of the shareholder expropriation effect.

Research limitations/implications

The results reported in this paper have both practical and policy implications for the demand and supply of audit services to firms having different ownership structures.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind to examine the effect of family ownership and involvement on audit fees during the crisis period.
International expansion: mediation of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Ledesma-Chaves Pablo , Arenas-Gaitán Jorge , Garcia-Cruz Rosario
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Taking into account the resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities theory, the main aim of this research is to analyse how the intensification of the internationalisation process entails a solution for the problems generated by an economic crisis in the national market. To do so, we establish two specific goals. The first is to find out the mediator value of the dynamic marketing capability in the relation between the strategy of increasing markets and performance. The second is to determine if there exist differences in this relation between firms of incremental internationalisation and firms of early internationalisation, called international new ventures (INV).

Design/methodology/approach

The study provides information on these problems via testing hypotheses of a conceptual model, which uses a sample of 145 Spanish export firms. The data analysis employs a structural equation modelling (SEM) through partial least squares (PLS) as a statistical instrument.

Findings

The results lead to two main conclusions: (1) in times of economic crisis, the dynamic marketing capability plays a mediator role between the increase of the number of international markets served and the international and national results; (2) the dynamic marketing capabilities bring about learning effects in the internationalisation process, which affect incremental firms and INV differently.

Originality/value

This work explores, in times of crisis, how internationalisation becomes a way out for firms to increase the levels of demand and improve their general performance. Furthermore, it also analyses the mediator role of the dynamic marketing capability in the relation between the increase of the level of internationalisation and the firm performance. In this relation, it establishes that there are significant differences in the results obtained between incremental internationalisation firms and INV, determining the notable strategic differences between the two management models when facing periods of economic recession.
Strategic orientations and capabilities' effect on SMEs' performance
Authors: Alnawas Ibrahim , Abu Farha Allam
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to: first, examine the effect of interaction orientation (IO) and brand orientation (BO) on marketing capabilities and small and medium enterprises' (SMEs') performance, and second, assess the complementarity effect of IO and BO on marketing capabilities and SMEs' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was developed and tested using a survey methodology. Data were collected from 538 SMEs located in Qatar and analysed by structural equation modelling with AMOS.

Findings

First, IO affects SMEs' performance only indirectly via marketing capabilities, whereas BO affects SMEs' performance both directly and indirectly. Second, contrary to expectations, the complementarity between IO and BO produced a destructive/suppressive effect, rather than a synergistic effect, on both marketing capabilities and SMEs' performance, reflecting the importance of a trade-off to enhance both marketing capabilities and SMEs' performance.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the complementary effect of BO and IO on marketing capabilities and performance.
Is ISO14001 certification of the corporate effective?
Authors: Zhang Zhaoguo , Zhang Chi , Cao Danting
Published: March 2020

Purpose

At present, the number of corporates certified by ISO14001 in China is ranked first in the world. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of ISO14001 certification and the moderating effect of financial performance and external institutional pressures on the effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper selects Shenzhen and Shanghai A-share listed companies in the heavy polluting industry from 2010 to 2017 as the research sample, and studies the impact of ISO14001 certification on corporate environmental performance and the moderating effect of financial performance and external institutional pressures.

Findings

This paper finds that ISO14001 certification has a positive impact on corporate environmental performance; corporate financial performance has a positive moderating effect in the relationship between ISO14001 certification and corporate environmental performance; government regulation, industry competition and media supervision also have positive moderating effects; and corporate environmental information disclosure has not yet had a positive moderating effect.

Originality/value

Most of the current empirical research on this topic are carried out in the context of developed countries, and lack empirical evidence from developing countries. This paper will help to make up for this deficiency. In addition, this paper will help explain why the effectiveness of ISO14001 certification generates variation in different corporates and under what conditions it will play a positive role.
Living closely: residents' health and wellbeing in small multi-owned residential buildings
Authors: Levin Iris , Arthurson Kathy
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes, the nature and the extent of unneighbourly relations between neighbours living in small multi-owned residential buildings (MOBs, sometimes called strata) in Australian cities, and the effect of these relations on the health and wellbeing of residents. The impact of neighbour relations and conflicts on residents' health and wellbeing has not been explored before in the context of small MOBs in Australia (under 12 units).

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved an analysis of secondary data on common problems experienced in MOBs between neighbours, in-depth face-to-face interviews with twenty-six residents and interviews with five managers of management agencies in metropolitan Melbourne (Victoria) and Adelaide (South Australia), Australia.

Findings

When strata processes and management worked well residents were positive about living in such an arrangement. However, when the strata group was less harmonious residents reported that it impacted negatively on their health and wellbeing.

Research limitations/implications

The study's findings are subject to the widely acknowledged limitations of small sample-based interview research. Findings indicate that there is a need to explore the benefits and disadvantages of living in small multi-owned residential buildings in Australia on a larger scale.

Practical implications

There are three policy implications from the findings: a need for better education of prospective buyers regarding the nature of strata living; tighter regulation of rules for small multi-owned apartment buildings is required, (in a similar way to how the regulations operate in large apartment buildings); and a need to include private rental tenants living in strata in the everyday life around the management of the building.

Originality/value

The impact of neighbourly relations and conflicts on the health and wellbeing of residents living in MOBs, particularly small ones, has not been studied adequately, as current research focuses on large apartment buildings. This research addresses a gap in the literature in the study of small living arrangements (town houses, apartment buildings, terraces), with 12 or less apartments, with a focus on residents' health and wellbeing.
Fundamentals and review on material science, control theory and parametric inter-dependencies during friction stir welding of aluminium metal matrix composites
Authors: S.G. Rahul , A. Sharmila
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts and terminologies pertaining to different types of aluminium metal matrix composites, their joining techniques and challenges, friction stir welding (FSW) process, post-welding characterizations and basic control theory of FSW, followed by the discussions on the research reports in these areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Joining of aluminium metal matrix composites (Al-MMC) poses many challenges. These materials have their demanding applications in versatile domains, and hence it is essential to understand their weldability and material characteristics. FSW is a feasible choice for joining of Al-MMC over the fusion welding because of the formation of narrow heat affected zone and minimizing the formation of intermetallic compounds at weld interface. The goal in FSW is to generate enough thermal energy by friction between the workpiece and rotating tool. Heat energy is generated by mechanical interaction because of the difference in velocity between the workpiece and rotating tool. In the present work, a detailed survey is done on the above topics and an organised conceptual context is presented. A complete discussion on significance of FSW process parameters, control schemes, parameter optimization and weld quality monitoring are presented, along with the analysis on relation between the interdependent parameters.

Findings

Results from the study present the research gaps in the FSW studies for joining of the aluminium-based metal matrix composites, and they highlight further scope of studies pertaining to this domain.

Originality/value

It is observed that the survey done on FSW of Al-MMCs and their control theory give an insight into the fundamental concepts pertaining to this research area to enhance interdisciplinary technology exploration.
Toward a more temporally explicit framework for community ecology
Authors: Yang Louie H.
Published: March 2020

Although ecologists have long understood the fundamentally dynamic nature of communities, ecology has until recently seemed to emphasize other aspects of ecological complexity, such as diversity and spatial structure, ahead of temporal variation. Climate change has made studies into the temporal dimensions of community ecology more immediate and urgent, and has exposed the limits of our general understanding about how species interactions change over time. Here, I suggest four specific ways to continue building toward a more temporally explicit understanding of community ecology: (a) by increasing the representation of temporal change in interaction networks, (b) by developing both specific and general insights into event‐driven dynamics, (c) by developing and testing sequential hypotheses to describe proposed explanations that unfold over time and (d) by characterizing seasonal windows of opportunity. A great deal about the temporal dynamics of communities remains uncertain, but temporally explicit studies have the potential to improve our fundamental understanding of how communities function.
Bone‐protective effects of Lactobacillus plantarum B719‐fermented milk product
Authors: Lee Chul Sang , Lee Sun Ho , Kim Sae Hun
Published: March 2020

The current study aimed to investigate the anti‐osteoporotic effects of a Lactobacillus plantarum B719‐fermented milk product (FMP‐B719). Higher proliferation and mineralisation were observed in FMP‐B719‐treated MC3T3‐E1 mouse pre‐osteoblastic cells than those in L. casei ATCC 393‐FMP‐treated MC3T3‐E1 cells. Moreover, FMP‐B719 normalised the serum alkaline phosphatase (9.37 ± 1.92 U/L) and phosphorus (8.28 ± 0.1 mg/dL) in a rat model of ovariectomy‐induced postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, FMP‐B719 normalized the bone volume in the proximal femur and increased the femur strength that was decreased in ovariectomized rats. Hence, the results of this study suggest that FMP‐B719 could serve as a potential candidate for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
The value of navigation bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Simin , Xie Fangfang , Mao Xiaowei , Ma Haifeng , Sun Jiayuan
Published: March 2020

Background

To compare the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) with and without navigation system.

Methods

Studies dating from January 1990 to October 2019 were collected from databases. Diagnostic yield of navigation bronchoscopy and non‐navigation bronchoscopy was extracted from comparative studies. Subgroup analysis was adopted to test diagnostic yield variation by lesion size, lobe location of the lesion, distance from the hilum, bronchus sign and nature of the lesion.

Results

In total, 2131 patients from 10 studies were enrolled into the study. Diagnostic yield of navigation bronchoscopy was statistically higher than non‐navigation bronchoscopy for PPLs (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32, 2.18, P < 0.001), particularly for PPLs in the peripheral third lung (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.48, 3.44, P < 0.001) and for bronchus sign positive PPLs (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.21, 4.26, P = 0.011). Navigation bronchoscopy had better performance than non‐navigation bronchoscopy when PPLs were ≤ 20 mm (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.44, 3.03, P < 0.001). It also elevated diagnostic yield of malignant PPLs (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26, 2.22, P < 0.001) and PPLs in the bilateral upper lobes (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09, 2.08, P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Navigation bronchoscopy enhanced diagnostic yield when compared to non‐navigation bronchoscopy, particularly for PPLs in the peripheral third lung, PPLs being bronchus sign positive, PPLs ≤ 20 mm, malignant PPLs and PPLs in the bilateral upper lobes.

Key points

The current study provided systematic evaluation on the diagnostic value of navigation bronchoscopy by comparing it with non‐navigation bronchoscopy, and exploring the factors affecting the diagnostic yield.
Deregulated hypoxic response in myeloid cells: A model for high‐altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE)
Authors: Gojkovic Milos , Darmasaputra Gabriella S. , Veliça Pedro , Rundqvist Helene , Johnson Randall S.
Published: March 2020

Aim

High‐altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) is a non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema that can occur during rapid ascent to a high‐altitude environment. Classically, HAPE has been described as a condition resulting from a combination of pulmonary vasoconstriction and hypertension. Inflammation has been described as important in HAPE, although as a side effect of pulmonary oedema rather than as a causative factor. In this study, we aim to understand the role of hypoxic response in myeloid cells and its involvement in pathogenesis of HAPE.

Methods

We have generated a conditional deletion in mice of the von Hippel‐Lindau factor (VHL) in myeloid cells to determine the effect of a deregulated hypoxic response in pulmonary oedema.

Results

The deletion of VHL in pulmonary myeloid cells gave rise to pulmonary oedema, increased pulmonary vascular permeability and reduced performance during exertion. These changes were accompanied by reduced stroke volume in the left ventricle.

Conclusion

In this model, we show that a deregulated myeloid cell hypoxic response can trigger some of the most important symptoms of HAPE, and thus mice with a deletion of VHL in the myeloid lineage can function as a model of HAPE.
Examining the contemporary digital divide of university students with specific reference to students with special educational needs
Authors: Lebeničnik Maja , Istenič Starčič Andreja
Published: March 2020

The contemporary digital divide is characterised by the uneven distribution of access to information communication technology (ICT), originating in the different motivation, physical access and skills of users. We synthesised existing theories and frameworks to develop and then empirically validate a theoretical model to predict university students' use of online learning resources (OLRs) at the crossroads of formal and informal learning. Because access to digital content may be a bigger issue for students with special educational needs (SEN), we also examined OLR use among this group. Fifty‐six students with SEN and 1642 mainstream students participated in the survey. Our main conclusions are as follows. In the whole sample, personal socio‐cognitive factors (beliefs, self‐efficacy) are the only significant predictors of OLR use. The results suggest that motivational and skills‐related differences between students contribute more to the digital divide than do either differences related to unpleasant environmental conditions (eg, inaccessibility, high prices, etc.) or personal context (eg, study‐fit, learning preferences, etc.). Separate regressions show that beliefs were significant predictors for both SEN students and their peers, while self‐efficacy was a significant predictor for the mainstream students only. Measuring unpleasant environmental factors as a continuum (environmental and contextual barriers) explained OLRs better than solely differentiating between SEN and mainstream students.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about the topic

The use of online educational resources (OLRs) is student‐driven and needs to be examined through the lens of the digital divide.

There is currently no established theoretical or empirical model that can predict the use of OLRs, especially in informal learning settings.

Inaccessibility of OLRs for students with special educational needs (SEN) is a result of socially constructed barriers such as designing inaccessible technical environments.

What this paper adds

A research model designed to predict the use of OLRs, combining psychological and ICT theories and frameworks.

Application of the concept of environmental and contextual barriers to measure the effect of imposed and selected environments on OLRs.

Identification of environmental barriers as a measure of diverse access and accessibility needs of mainstream and SEN students.

Implications for practice and policy

The findings suggest that the secondary digital divide is more related to cognitive and motivational aspects than to the lack of access to ICT and accessible online content for both groups.

The developers of university learning environments should focus on the central role of cognitions in students' actual behaviour.

The role of personal context and the identification of “pure” environmental factors in informal learning settings should be further explored.
Second‐line treatment trends and long‐term outcomes of 392 children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: the French experience over the past 25 years
Authors: Ducassou Stéphane , Gourdonneau Anne , Fernandes Helder , Leverger Guy , Pasquet Marlène , Fouyssac Fanny , Bayart Sophie , Bertrand Yves , Michel Gérard , Jeziorski Eric , Thomas Caroline , Abouchallah Wadih , Viard Florence , Guitton Corinne , Cheikh Nathalie , Pellier Isabelle , Carausu Liana , Droz Cécile , Leblanc Thierry , Aladjidi Nathalie ,   for the Centre de Référence National des Cytopénies Auto‐immunes de l’Enfant (CEREVANCE)
Published: March 2020

Childhood chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (cITP) is a rare disease. In severe cases, there is no evidence for the optimal therapeutic strategy. Our aim was to describe the real‐life management of non‐selected children with cITP at diagnosis. Since 2004, patients less than 18 years old with cITP have been enrolled in the national prospective cohort, OBS’CEREVANCE. From 1990 to 2014, in 29 centres, 392 children were diagnosed with cITP. With a median follow‐up of six years (2·0–25), 45% did not need second‐line therapy, and 55% (n = 217) received one or more second lines, mainly splenectomy (n = 108), hydroxychloroquine (n = 61), rituximab (n = 61) or azathioprine (n = 40). The overall five‐year further second‐line treatment‐free survival was 56% [95% CI 49·5–64.1]. The use of splenectomy significantly decreased over time. Hydroxychloroquine was administered to children with positive antinuclear antibodies, more frequently older and girls, and reached 55% efficacy. None of the patients died. Ten years after the initial diagnosis, 55% of the 56 followed children had achieved complete remission. Children with cITP do not need second‐line treatments in 45% of cases. Basing the treatment decision on the pathophysiological pathways is challenging, as illustrated by ITP patients with positive antinuclear antibodies treated with hydroxychloroquine.
Platelet factor 4 inhibits ADAMTS13 activity and regulates the multimeric distribution of von Willebrand factor
Authors: Nazy Ishac , Elliott Taylor D. , Arnold Donald M.
Published: March 2020

The efficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in thrombus formation is related to its multimeric size, which is controlled by the protease ADAMTS13. However, it is not clear what regulates ADAMTS13 activity. In this study, we investigated whether PF4 could bind to VWF and inhibit ADAMTS13 activity. We found that PF4 binds to VWF and protects against ADAMTS13 activity. We also found that VWF‐PF4 complexes circulate in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Our data provides the first evidence that PF4 may have a novel role in regulating VWF multimers during primary haemostasis and thrombosis.
Explorative randomized controlled study comparing soft tissue thickness, contour changes, and soft tissue handling of two ridge preservation techniques and spontaneous healing two months after tooth extraction
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Bienz Stefan P. , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Lee Wan Zhen , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To compare two ridge preservation techniques and spontaneous healing in terms of soft tissue thickness, contour changes, and soft tissue handling two months after tooth extraction.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients were included with buccal bone plate dehiscences of up to 50% after single‐tooth extraction in the esthetic zone. They were randomly assigned to receive one of three procedures: a deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBM‐C) covered with a collagen matrix (DBBM‐C/CM), DBBM‐C alone, or spontaneous healing (SH). Two months later, the status of soft tissue healing was assessed, and the thickness of the mucosa was measured at the center of the site. Thereafter, implants were placed and the need for further guided bone regeneration (GBR) to cover exposed implant surfaces was assessed.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were evaluated at the day of implant placement. An invagination of the soft tissues was recorded in 41.7% (n = 12), 53.8% (n = 13), and 90.9% (n = 11) of the sites in groups DBBM‐C/CM, DBBM‐C, and SH, respectively. The median thickness of the mucosa measured was 3.0 mm in group DBBM‐C/CM, 2.1 mm in group DBBM‐C, and 1.5 mm in group SH. Additional GBR was necessary in 66.7% (n = 12), 53.8% (n = 13), and 90.9% (n = 11) of the sites in groups DBBM‐C/CM, DBBM‐C, and SH, respectively.

Conclusions

The present explorative study revealed slight tendencies for more favorable soft tissue conditions with less invaginations as well as increased soft tissue volume and thickness in groups having received an alveolar ridge preservation procedure compared to spontaneously healed sites at 8 weeks of healing.
Lymphomatoide Papulose
Authors: Wagner Gunnar , Rose Christian , Klapper Wolfram , Sachse Michael Max
Published: March 2020

Die lymphomatoide Papulose (LyP) zeichnet sich durch eine klinische Polymorphie der Läsionen in Form von Erythemen, Papeln, Pusteln, Vesikeln, Plaques, Knoten und Ulzerationen aus. Für den biologischen Verlauf ist in der Regel eine spontane Rückbildung der Morphen typisch. Gleichzeitig jedoch entsprechen die histopathologischen Befunde der LyP einem kutanen T‐Zell‐Lymphom. Die 10‐Jahres‐Überlebensrate ist mit über 90 % jedoch ungewöhnlich hoch, wenn keine Assoziation mit einer anderen Lymphomform vorliegt – ebenfalls ein charakteristisches Merkmal der LyP. Die Ätiologie und Pathogenese der LyP sind bislang nicht geklärt. Bei einem Subtyp der LyP wurde ein chromosomales Rearrangement des DUSP22‐IRF4‐Lokus auf dem Chromosom 6p25.3 beschrieben. Die Therapie ist abhängig von den klinischen Befunden. Neben einer abwartenden Haltung werden topische Glukokortikoide und PUVA‐Behandlungen favorisiert.
Heat‐Shock protein A12A is a novel PCNA‐binding protein and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth
Authors: Cheng Hao , Cao Xiaofei , Min Xinxu , Zhang Xiaojin , Kong Qiuyue , Mao Qian , Li Rongrong , Xue Bin , Fang Lei , Liu Li , Ding Zhengnian
Published: March 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. However, the long‐term dismal prognosis of HCC mandates more investigation to identify novel regulators in HCC pathogenesis. Heat‐shock protein A12A (HSPA12A) encodes a novel member of the HSP70 family. Here, we report that HCC cells showed increased HSPA12A expression, and overexpression of HSPA12A promoted HCC growth and angiogenesis in mice. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐functional studies demonstrated that the proliferation of HCC HepG2 cells, as well as β‐catenin expression and nuclear translocation, was promoted by HSPA12A overexpression, but in turn suppressed by HSPA12A knockdown. HSPA12A did not impact PCNA expression; however, mass spectrometry and co‐immunoprecipitation immunoblotting analysis revealed that HSPA12A directly binds to PCNA and promotes its trimerization, which is an essential functional conformation of PCNA for carcinogenesis. Importantly, PCNA inhibition by PCNA‐I1 reversed the HSPA12A‐mediated HepG2 cell differentiation. These findings indicate that HSPA12A is a novel regulator of HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth through binding to PCNA for its trimerization. HSPA12A inhibition might represent a viable strategy for the management of HCC in humans.
Too hot to handle: Unprecedented seagrass death driven by marine heatwave in a World Heritage Area
Authors: Strydom Simone , Murray Kathy , Wilson Shaun , Huntley Bart , Rule Michael , Heithaus Michael , Bessey Cindy , Kendrick Gary A. , Burkholder Derek , Fraser Matthew W. , Zdunic Katherine
Published: March 2020

The increased occurrence of extreme climate events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs), has resulted in substantial ecological impacts worldwide. To date, metrics of thermal stress within marine systems have focussed on coral communities, and less is known about measuring stress relevant to other primary producers, such as seagrasses. An extreme MHW occurred across the Western Australian coastline in the austral summer of 2010–2011, exposing marine communities to summer seawater temperatures 2–5°C warmer than average. Using a combination of satellite imagery and in situ assessments, we provide detailed maps of seagrass coverage across the entire Shark Bay World Heritage Area (ca. 13,000 km2) before (2002 and 2010) and after the MHW (2014 and 2016). Our temporal analysis of these maps documents the single largest loss in dense seagrass extent globally (1,310 km2) following an acute disturbance. Total change in seagrass extent was spatially heterogeneous, with the most extensive declines occurring in the Western Gulf, Wooramel Bank and Faure Sill. Spatial variation in seagrass loss was best explained by a model that included an interaction between two heat stress metrics, the most substantial loss occurring when degree heating weeks (DHWm) was ≥10 and the number of days exposed to extreme sea surface temperature during the MHW (DaysOver) was ≥94. Ground truthing at 622 points indicated that change in seagrass cover was predominantly due to loss of Amphibolis antarctica rather than Posidonia australis, the other prominent seagrass at Shark Bay. As seawater temperatures continue to rise and the incidence of MHWs increase globally, this work will provide a basis for identifying areas of meadow degradation, or stability and recovery, and potential areas of resilience.
Conscription in Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Canada during the Second World War
Authors: Littlewood David
Published: March 2020

During the early stages of the Second World War, the governments of Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Canada each adopted sweeping powers to conscript men into their respective armed forces. When conscription was subsequently extended to encompass productive as well as military activities, and made applicable to women as well as men, it quickly became a web that entangled every aspect of wartime life. However, the existing historiographies have focused largely on the political and institutional dimensions of these measures or have assessed their impacts by reference only to certain groups within society. Relatively little has been written about how populations as a whole were affected by conscription and how people from various walks of life responded to its many impositions. While a few scholars have started to upset these trends by producing wide‐ranging social and cultural analyses, even their works have remained almost totally confined within national frameworks.
Spotlight on insects: trends, threats and conservation challenges
Authors: Didham Raphael K. , Barbero Francesca , Collins C. Matilda , Forister Matthew L. , Hassall Christopher , Leather Simon R. , Packer Laurence , Saunders Manu E. , Stewart Alan J. A.
Published: March 2020

There is mounting concern over the conservation status and long‐term trends in insect populations. Many insect populations have been reported to be falling and many species are threatened with extinction. While this is true, the evidence does not support unqualified statements of ‘global insect decline’. Global environmental change does not affect all species equally, and there are clear winners as well as losers from anthropogenic impacts.

In this special issue of Insect Conservation and Diversity, we draw together articles that (i) identify key challenges in robust inference about insect population trends, (ii) present new empirical evidence for declines (and increases) in insect populations, spanning whole communities down to single species, in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and (iii) address the interacting drivers of population change, from empirical studies of environmental correlates, to experimental manipulation of driving mechanisms.

We argue that the way forward for insect conservation includes more nuanced language and approaches when communicating ecological evidence to peer and public audiences, beyond just a simplistic focus on the insect decline narrative. This will require an expanded portfolio of approaches to promote the value of insects to society, which in turn, should reinforce the social licence to prioritise insect conservation research. This should help us to deliver the rigorous science necessary to document ongoing trends and understand the drivers and mechanisms of population change. Only then will we be able to mitigate or reverse declining populations.
T‐cells producing multiple combinations of IFNγ, TNF and IL10 are associated with mild forms of dengue infection
Authors: Gonçalves Pereira Marcela Helena , Figueiredo Maria Marta , Queiroz Camila Pereira , Magalhães Télcia Vasconcelos Barros , Mafra Adriana , Diniz Lilian Martins Oliveira , da Costa Último Libânio , Gollob Kenneth J. , Antonelli Lis Ribeiro do Valle , Santiago Helton da Costa
Published: March 2020

Multifunctional interleukin 10 (IL10)+Th1 cells have been implicated in favorable evolution of many infectious diseases, promoting an efficacious immune response while limiting immunopathology. Here, we investigated the presence of multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells that expressed interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or its combinations during dengue infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from outpatients with dengue (mild dengue forms) and hospitalized patients (or patients with dengue with warning signs and severe dengue) were cultured in the presence of envelope (ENV) or NS3 peptide libraries of DENV during critical (hospitalization period) and convalescence phases. The production of IFNγ, IL10 and TNF by CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Our data show that patients with mild dengue, when compared with patients with dengue with warning signs and severe dengue, presented higher frequencies of multifunctional T‐cells like NS3‐specific IFNγ/IL10‐producing CD4+ T‐cells in critical phase and NS3‐ and ENV‐specific CD8+ T‐cells producing IFNγ/IL10. In addition, NS3‐specific CD8+ T‐cells producing high levels of IFNγ/TNF and IFNγ/TNF/IL10 were also observed in the mild dengue group. We observed that multifunctional T‐cells produced higher levels of cytokines as measured by intracellular content when compared with single producer T‐cells. Importantly, multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells producing IFNγ, TNF and IL10 simultaneously displayed positive correlation with platelet levels, suggesting a protective role of this population. The presence of IL10+Th1 and IL10+Tc1 multifunctional cells was associated with mild dengue presentation, suggesting that these cells play a role in clinical evolution of dengue infection.
Interventions to improve nurses' job satisfaction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Niskala Jenni , Kanste Outi , Tomietto Marco , Miettunen Jouko , Tuomikoski Anna‐Maria , Kyngäs Helvi , Mikkonen Kristina
Published: March 2020

Aims

To identify current best evidence on the types of interventions that have been developed to improve job satisfaction among nurses and on the effectiveness of these interventions.

Design

The systematic review is a quantitative systematic review and meta‐analysis following a profile‐likelihood random‐effects model.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Medic, and Pubmed (Medline).

Review Methods

PICOS eligibility criteria were used to select original studies published between 2003–2019. The articles were screened by title (N = 489), abstract (N = 61), and full‐text (N = 47). A total of 20 articles remained after the full‐text screening process and further assess on risk of bias. The screening process was conducted by two authors independently and finally agreed together. A meta‐analysis was performed to determine how the identified interventions influence nurses' job satisfaction.

Results

The interventions were primarily educational and consisted of workshops, educational sessions, lessons, and training sessions. The postintervention differences between intervention and control groups in meta‐analysis revealed that two interventions significantly improved nurses' job satisfaction. Notably, the spiritual intelligence training protocol and Professional Identity Development Program were found to be effective in improving job satisfaction.

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations and managers should consider implementing effective interventions to improve nurses' job satisfaction and reduce turnover. The results reported in this study highlight that nurse managers should focus on organizational strategies that will foster the intrinsic motivation of employees.

Impact

The current nursing shortage and increased turnover intentions are proving to be a global problem. For this reason, it is imperative that nurse managers plan strategies to improve nurses´ job satisfaction. The effective interventions detected in this study are a first step for developing human resource strategies for healthcare organizations. These findings propose that extrinsic factors (e.g., salary and rewards) will never be as effective in maintaining job satisfaction as intrinsic factors (e.g., spiritual intelligence, professional identity, and awareness).