bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Waste Separation on the Composting of Organic Waste Fraction from Domestic Solid Waste
Authors: Ibietela Douglas, Salome , Olufunmilayo Williams, Janet , Ijeoma Ekeke, Joy
Published: January 2021

In Nigeria, due to lack of sanitary landfills and general poor attitude towards waste management, various types of wastes such as: commercial, hospital, construction and domestic wastes are mixed and transported in open trucks to unprotected open dumpsites. This is likely to interfere with degradation of biodegradable wastes by non-biodegradable components, which are non-permeable to water and gases. These factors are needed by biodegrading materials for adequate decomposition. This study therefore, evaluates the effect of waste separation on natural biodegradation of solid domestic waste. Domestic waste samples were obtained from three different households at Rivers State University campus senior staff quarters, Port Harcourt, Nigeria and were sorted and categorised into biodegradable (organic), mixed fractions (inorganic and organic) and non-biodegradable. These were composted in open containers and monitored. Samples were withdrawn biweekly and analysed for microbiological and some physicochemical parameters for a period of 12 weeks. Morphological and biochemical characteristics were used for identification of isolates. Statistical analyses of the results were performed using SPSS version 21. Results of total heterotrophic bacterial counts in the biodegradable fraction of the wastes recorded the highest counts that ranged from 8.2±0.01x105 to 8.5±0.01x1806Cfu/g followed by the mixture, that ranged from 8.1±0.02 x104Cfu/g to 6.4 ±0.01x105Cfu/g, paper waste that ranged from 5.0 ±0.00 x103 to 6.7 ±0.01 x104Cfu/g, metal waste; ranging from 4.0 ±0.00 x 102 to 4.7±0.01 x103Cfu/g, plastics waste; ranging from 2.1±2.8 x103 to 4.3 ±0.02 x 102Cfu/g and glass waste that ranged from 4.0 ±0.00 x102 to 4.7±0.01 x 103Cfu/g. The following bacterial genera were identified: Bacillus, Providentia, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Citrobacter, Acetobacter, Serratia, and Chryseobacterium. Fungi identified belong to the following genera: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces, Alternaria, Chlamydosporium, Fusarium and Candida. At the end of the monitoring period, 50% of the biodegradable category, 31% of the mixed category and 17% of the paper waste were degraded. The other categories, metals, plastics and glass did not show differences in weight loss during the monitoring period. Results of statistical analyses revealed that there was significant difference in the decomposition rate of the biodegradable and mixed wastes samples at P<0.05, when compared to the other categories. Hence, waste separation into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories enhanced the maximum rate of degradation of the organic portion and this would reduce the amount of wastes at dumpsites/landfills.
Closing the gap: Raising medical professionals' transgender awareness and medical proficiency through pharmacist-led education
Authors: Congdon Ardsley P. , Tiene Kathryn , Price Cristofer , Dufresne Robert L.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Patients who are transgender have unique population-specific needs and risk factors. Nationwide surveys of health profession school administrators indicate a gap in coverage of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health content in their curricula. To address this gap, a pharmacist-developed transgender–health care focused seminar was presented to medical professionals, trainees, and students accompanied by a novel education assessment scale.

Methods

The seminar was presented by a psychiatric pharmacy resident to health care professionals and trainees in various settings. Subjects covered during the seminar included terminology, diagnostic criteria and prevalence of gender dysphoria, nonhormonal treatment, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and other considerations. The Trans* Health Education Evaluation Scale (THEES) was developed to assess participants' self-perceived proficiency regarding care of patients who are transgender immediately before and after attending a seminar. Total scale scores were compared preseminar and postseminar using a repeated-measures t-test, and sign tests with Bonferroni correction were used for individual scale items. Psychometric properties of this scale were examined.

Results

Five seminars were given, and a total of 100 scales were completed by health care–associated workers and students. The majority of participants were in the pharmacy or medical professions. Attending 1 seminar significantly improved THEES total and individual item scores (P < .001). Additionally, 90% of participants felt the seminar was directly applicable to their practice, and 84% felt more confident in providing care to patients who are transgender.

Discussion

A single, pharmacist-led, trans health–focused education session significantly improved the confidence level and self-perceived proficiency of health care–associated personnel as measured by THEES.
Vertigoheel induced psychosis: A patient case report
Authors: O'Connell Megan , Hunt Elizabeth , VandenBerg Amy
Published: January 2021

Objective

To describe a case of a patient who developed psychosis after ingestion of Vertigoheel for treatment of dizziness.

Case Summary

A 28-year-old male with no psychiatric history presented with 5 days of worsening depression and psychosis. He denied current use of prescription medications, alcohol, or illicit substances. Approximately 2 weeks prior, while visiting family in Germany, he developed dizziness. A provider in Germany prescribed Vertigoheel, 1 tablet to be taken every hour until symptom improvement. This did not improve his dizziness but did cause him to feel as if he were “in a dream.” He stopped taking the medication after 2 days but continued to feel amotivated with decreased appetite and insomnia. Several days later, he developed ego-dystonic auditory hallucinations. He returned to the United States; was admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for 4 days; and given olanzapine 5 mg at bedtime, lorazepam 1 mg every evening, and melatonin 6 mg every evening. He experienced gradual improvement in symptoms and was discharged with olanzapine 5 mg daily and outpatient follow-up.

Discussion

Vertigoheel is a homeopathic preparation containing ambra grisea, Cocculus indicus, Conium maculatum, and petroleum. Psychosis was not reported in any of the randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of Vertigoheel for treatment of vertigo. A literature search revealed no published reports of psychosis as a result of administration of any components of Vertigoheel.

Conclusion

A possible causal relationship was observed between the homeopathic supplement Vertigoheel and an acute episode of psychosis in a young male patient with no comorbidities.
Development and implementation of a physician-pharmacist collaborative practice model for provision and management of buprenorphine/naloxone
Authors: Mailloux Lindsay M. , Haas Matthew T. , Larew Janel M. , DeJongh Beth M.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Physician-pharmacist collaborative practice models (PPCPM) decrease barriers and increase access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) but are not routine in practice. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative is to develop and implement a PPCPM for management of patients on MOUD with buprenorphine/naloxone to minimize provider burden, expand access to treatment, and enhance overall patient care.

Methods

A PPCPM for management of patients on MOUD with buprenorphine/naloxone was piloted in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic. Approximately 4 hours per week were dedicated to physician-pharmacist collaborative medical appointments for a 5-month trial period. The pharmacist met with the patient first and then staffed the case with the collaborating psychiatrist. Descriptive data from PPCPM appointments was collected and compared to data from psychiatrist-only appointments.

Results

Twenty-five patients were seen over 44 appointments with an estimated 33 hours of psychiatrist time saved. Average initial and end buprenorphine doses, urine drug screen (UDS) results, and mental health (MH) medication interventions were similar between patients seen in PPCPM appointments compared with those seen in psychiatrist-only appointments. Collection of UDS, identification and management of MOUD adherence issues, other service referrals, and medication reconciliation intervention were more frequent in PPCPM appointments.

Discussion

Implementation of a PPCPM allowed for provision of a similar level of care regarding MOUD and MH-related medication management while saving psychiatrist time. Other enhancements to patient care provided through pharmacist intervention included more frequent identification and management of MOUD adherence issues, referral for other services, and medication reconciliation interventions.
The Effect of Unemployment on Food Spending and Adequacy: Evidence from Coronavirus‐Induced Firm Closures
Authors: Restrepo Brandon J. , Rabbitt Matthew P. , Gregory Christian A.
Published: January 2021

We estimate the impact of involuntary unemployment following employer shutdowns during the COVID‐19 pandemic on American households' past‐week food expenditures, free food receipt, and food sufficiency, as well as confidence about next month's food adequacy. Over April to June 2020, compared with households containing employed respondents, households with respondents who lost their jobs due to coronavirus‐induced firm closures spent 15% less on food, were 36% more likely receive free food, were 10% less likely to have enough food to eat, and were 21% less likely to report at least moderate confidence in their future ability to afford needed foods.

JEL CLASSIFICATION

I12; J21; J63
Longitudinal accuracy analysis of ultrasound performed during a four‐year emergency medicine residency
Authors: Schleifer Jessica , Haney Rachel M. , Shokoohi Hamid , Huang Calvin K. , Ratanski Daniel , Kimberly Heidi , Liteplo Andrew S.
Published: January 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to analyze patterns of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) performance over 4 years of emergency medicine (EM) residency. Specifically, we aimed to study how accuracy and adherence to standards of scanning changed by postgraduate year (PGY).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of resident‐performed POCUS at an academic emergency department over 6 years. We reviewed records of POCUS scans performed by PGY‐1 to ‐4 residents that had been collected for quality assurance purposes. Data that were collected about EM residents’ performance included the total number and type of scans per year, rate of technically limited scans (TLS), and accuracy on interpreting ultrasound images. Resident performances in each year (PGY‐1 to ‐4) were independently evaluated and reported.

Results

During a 6‐year period, 137 different EM residents performed 50,815 ultrasound scans. The median number of scans was 177 for PGY‐1, 124 for PGY‐2, 118 for PGY‐3, and 76 for residents in PGY‐4. The accuracy of scan interpretations were high across all PGY levels (>97%), but slight degradation was observed as residents progressed through residency. The TLS rate increased from 4.7% among PGY‐1s to 13.6% as PGY‐4s.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of POCUS studies by EM residents, POCUS accuracy rates decreased and rates of TLS significantly increased as residents progressed through residency.
Unexplored dimensions of variability in vegetative desiccation tolerance
Authors: Marks Rose A. , Farrant Jill M. , Nicholas McLetchie D. , VanBuren Robert
Published: January 2021

Desiccation tolerance has evolved recurrently across diverse land plant lineages as an adaptation for survival in regions where seasonal rainfall drives periodic drying of vegetative tissues. Growing interest in this phenomenon has fueled recent physiological, biochemical, and genomic insights into the mechanistic basis of desiccation tolerance. Although, desiccation tolerance is often viewed as binary and monolithic, substantial variation exists in the phenotype and underlying mechanisms across diverse lineages, heterogeneous populations, and throughout the development of individual plants. Most studies have focused on conserved responses in a subset desiccation‐tolerant plants under laboratory conditions. Consequently, the variability and natural diversity of desiccation‐tolerant phenotypes remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we discuss the natural variation in desiccation tolerance and argue that leveraging this diversity can improve our mechanistic understanding of desiccation tolerance. We summarize information collected from ~600 desiccation‐tolerant land plants and discuss the taxonomic distribution and physiology of desiccation responses. We point out the need to quantify natural diversity of desiccation tolerance on three scales: variation across divergent lineages, intraspecific variation across populations, and variation across tissues and life stages of an individual plant. We conclude that this variability should be accounted for in experimental designs and can be leveraged for deeper insights into the intricacies of desiccation tolerance.
Evaluation of Adult Neurology Residency Program Websites
Authors: Daniel David , Vila Cayla , Leon Guerrero Christopher R. , Karroum Elias G.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Neurology residency program websites often serve as the initial face of a program for prospective residents early in the application process. We evaluated adult neurology residency program websites to determine their comprehensiveness to identify areas for improvement.

Methods

A list of adult neurology residency programs in the United States was compiled using information on the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA) websites. A total of 24 website criteria covering educational, recruitment, and compensation content were assessed for comprehensiveness. Programs’ website comprehensiveness was compared based on geographic location, program affiliation (community and/or academic), program size, and program/hospital Doximity and U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Results

A total of 153 US adult neurology residency program websites were evaluated. Fewer than one‐half of program websites were accessible with a direct link from either FREIDA or ERAS. The number of residency program websites reporting each content criterion varied greatly. Mean percentage of overall website comprehensiveness among neurology residency programs was 65.9%. Northeast location, academic affiliation, larger programs, and top‐ranked programs on Doximity were associated with greater program website comprehensiveness.

Interpretation

There is opportunity for all neurology residency programs to improve their websites to provide prospective applicants with a more informed and comprehensive perspective of programs during the application process. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:637–642
Multiple natal Teeth in a one‐week‐old baby: A Case report
Authors: Aljohar Aziza , Alwakeel Hadeel , Palma Antonio
Published: January 2021

Interesting case of an infant presented with multiple natal teeth, later he has a confirm diagnosis of ectodermal dysplasia.
GABA transaminase deficiency. Case report and literature review
Authors: Oshi Amira , Alfaifi Abdullah , Seidahmed Mohammed Z. , Al Hussein Khalid , Miqdad Abeer , Samadi Abdelmohsin , Abdelbasit Omar
Published: January 2021

GABA transaminase deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of early onset epileptic encephalopathies. This case was diagnosed post‐mortem, but increased vigilance to this will allow for earlier diagnoses in other infants and families. This is a case study which involved diagnosis of a rare neurometabolic disorder in one of the babies in the family and eventual genetic counselling of the family. The family has been offered pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis for future pregnancies. This case reporting has been approved by the hospital research and ethical committee.
Interferon‐γ and IL‐5 associated cell‐mediated immune responses to HPV16 E2 and E6 distinguish between persistent oral HPV16 infections and noninfected mucosa
Authors: Paaso Anna , Koskimaa Hanna‐Mari , Welters Marij J. P. , Kero Katja , Rautava Jaana , Syrjänen Kari , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Syrjänen Stina
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the head and neck region is poorly understood, and their impact on collective HPV‐specific immunity is not known.

Materials and methods

In this study, we have performed a systematic analysis of HPV16‐specific cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) in 21 women with known oral and genital HPV DNA status and HPV serology (Ab) based on 6‐year follow‐up data. These women being a subgroup from the Finnish Family HPV Study were recalled for blood sampling to be tested for their CMI‐responses to HPV16 E2, E6, and E7 peptides.

Results

The results showed that HPV16 E2‐specific lymphocyte proliferation was more prevalent in women who tested HPV16 DNA negative in oral mucosa and were either HPV16 seropositive or negative than in HPV16 DNA+/Ab+ women (p = 0.046 and p = 0.035). In addition, the HPV16 DNA−/Ab− women most often displayed E6‐specific proliferation (p = 0.020). Proportional cytokine profiles indicated that oral HPV16‐negative women were characterized by prominent IFN‐γ and IL‐5 secretion not found in women with persisting oral HPV16 (p = 0.014 and p = 0.040, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the naturally arising immune response induced by oral HPV infections displays a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile while women with persisting oral HPV16 might have an impaired HPV16‐specific CMI, shifted partly toward a Th2 profile, similarly as seen earlier among patients with high‐grade genital HPV lesions. Thus, the lack of HPV 16 E2 and E6 specific T memory cells and Th2 cytokines might also predispose women for persistent oral HPV16 infection which might be related to the risk of cancer.
Steroid profiling of glucocorticoids in microdissected mouse brain across development
Authors: Hamden Jordan E. , Gray Katherine M. , Salehzadeh Melody , Kachkovski George V. , Forys Brandon J. , Ma Chunqi , Austin Suzanne H. , Soma Kiran K.
Published: January 2021

Corticosterone is produced by the adrenal glands and also produced locally by other organs, such as the brain. Local levels of corticosterone in specific brain regions during development are not known. Here, we microdissected brain tissue and developed a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method (LC‐MS/MS) to measure a panel of seven steroids (including 11‐deoxycorticosterone (DOC), corticosterone, and 11‐dehydrocorticosterone (DHC) in the blood, hippocampus (HPC), cerebral cortex (CC), and hypothalamus (HYP) of mice at postnatal day (PND) 5, 21, and 90. In a second cohort of mice, we measured the expression of three genes that code for steroidogenic enzymes that regulate corticosterone levels (Cyp11b1, Hsd11b1, and Hsd11b2) in the HPC, CC, and HYP. There were region‐specific patterns of steroid levels across development, including higher corticosterone levels in the HPC and HYP than in the blood at PND5. In contrast, corticosterone levels were higher in the blood than in all brain regions at PND21 and PND90. Brain corticosterone levels were not positively correlated with blood corticosterone levels, and correlations across brain regions increased with age. Local corticosterone levels were best predicted by local DOC levels at PND5, but by local DHC levels at PND21 and PND90. Transcripts for the three enzymes were detectable in all samples (with highest expression of Hsd11b1) and showed region‐specific changes with age. These data demonstrate that individual brain regions fine‐tune local levels of corticosterone during early development and that coupling of glucocorticoid levels across regions increases with age.
Comorbid seizure reduction after pallidothalamic tractotomy for movement disorders: Revival of Jinnai’s Forel‐H‐tomy
Authors: Horisawa Shiro , Miyao Satoru , Hori Tomokatsu , Kohara Kotaro , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: January 2021

Forel‐H‐tomy for intractable epilepsy was introduced by Dennosuke Jinnai in the 1960s. Recently, Forel‐H‐tomy was renamed to “pallidothalamic tractotomy” and revived for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Two of our patients with movement disorders and comorbid epilepsy experienced significant seizure reduction after pallidothalamic tractotomy, demonstrating the efficacy of this method. The first was a 29‐year‐old woman who had temporal lobe epilepsy with focal impaired awareness seizure once every three months and an aura 10‐20 times daily, even with four antiseizure medicines. For the treatment of hand dyskinesia, she underwent left pallidothalamic tractotomy and her right‐hand dyskinesia significantly improved. Fourteen months later, she had experienced no focal impaired awareness seizure and the aura decreased to one to three times per month. The second case was that of a 15‐year‐old boy diagnosed with progressive myoclonic epilepsy, who developed generalized tonic‐clonic seizure, which manifested once every month, despite treatment with five antiseizure medicines. After surgery, myoclonic movements in his right hand slightly improved. A one‐year follow‐up revealed that he had not experienced a generalized tonic‐clonic seizure. The lesion locations in the two cases were close to the vicinity of Jinnai's Forel‐H‐tomy. Forel's field H deserves reconsideration as a treatment target for intractable epilepsy.
Geochemistry and detrital zircon geochronology of the Lower Jurassic clastic rocks of the northern Qiangtang Basin, northern Tibet: Implications for palaeoenvironment, provenance, and tectonic setting
Authors: Zeng Shengqiang , Wang Jian , Fu Xiugen , Chen Wenbin , Song Chunyan , Feng Xinglei , Wang Dong
Published: January 2021

The Lower Jurassic clastic rocks in the Qiangtang Basin, northern Tibet, are generally regarded as the early sediments of the new Mesozoic Qiangtang Basin (Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous). However, little attention has been paid to the palaeoenvironment, provenance, and tectonic setting of this unit. The QZ‐16 well, located in the east of the northern Qiangtang Basin, firstly recovered the Lower Jurassic strata (Quemo Co Formation) in the Qiangtang Basin. In this paper, the whole‐rock major‐trace elemental characteristics of 34 mudstone samples and detrital zircon geochronology of one sandstone, collected from the Quemo Co Formation of the QZ‐16 well, are reported in order to infer the palaeoenvironment, provenance, and tectonic setting. Quemo Co mudstones are dominated by SiO2 and Al2O3, while Fe2O3, CaO, K2O, and MgO are the second most abundant oxides. They are generally characterized by high REE concentrations, enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs), marked negative Eu and Ce anomalies. The REE contents of the mudstones are mainly controlled by terrigenous detrital minerals input. The Lower Jurassic mudstones have relatively high chemical index of alteration (79.1–83.6) values, indicating moderate to high degree of chemical weathering conditions of the source area. Sr/Ba and Rb/K ratios reflect that the marine transgression impact was limited and the mudstones were generally deposited in a brackish water environment. Major, trace, and REE contents indicate that the mudstones were mainly derived from intermediate igneous rocks with subordinate felsic igneous rocks. Prominent age peaks at ca. 200 ~ 400 Ma, 700 ~ 970 Ma, 1,700 ~ 1,900 Ma, and 2,100 ~ 2,700 Ma of the detrital zircon grains suggest that the Lower Jurassic clastic rocks were derived from the Central Qiangtang and Songpan–Ganzi complex. Moreover, tectonic discrimination diagrams based on major and trace elements show that the source of the Lower Jurassic sediments were most likely derived from a collision tectonic setting.
Advanced Techniques and Awaited Clinical Applications for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation into Hepatocytes
Authors: Luce Eléanor , Messina Antonietta , Duclos‐Vallée Jean‐Charles , Dubart‐Kupperschmitt Anne
Published: January 2021

Liver transplantation is currently the only curative treatment for several liver diseases such as acute liver failure, end‐stage liver disorders, primary liver cancers, and certain genetic conditions. Unfortunately, despite improvements to transplantation techniques, including live donor transplantation, the number of organs available remains insufficient to meet patient needs. Hepatocyte transplantation has enabled some encouraging results as an alternative to organ transplantation, but primary hepatocytes are little available and cannot be amplified using traditional two‐dimensional culture systems. Indeed, although recent studies have tended to show that three‐dimensional culture enables long‐term hepatocyte culture, it is still agreed that, like most adult primary cell types, hepatocytes remain refractory to in vitro expansion. Because of their exceptional properties, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be amplified indefinitely and differentiated into any cell type, including liver cells. While many teams have worked on hepatocyte differentiation, there has been a consensus that cells obtained after hPSC differentiation have more fetal than adult hepatocyte characteristics. New technologies have been used to improve the differentiation process in recent years. This review discusses the technical improvements made to hepatocyte differentiation protocols and the clinical approaches developed to date and anticipated in the near future.
Negative mood regulation expectancies moderate the effect of childhood maltreatment on compulsive buying
Authors: Kaur Kiran , Mearns Jack
Published: January 2021

Objective

Two studies investigated childhood maltreatment, alexithymia—the inability to identify one's mood—and negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE)—confidence that one can alleviate one's negative moods—as predictors of compulsive buying (CB).

Method

Participants were recruited from internet CB forums and undergraduate psychology classes. Online, they completed questionnaires and a behavioral task that assessed impulsive spending.

Results

In Study 1 (N = 646), analyses indicated that NMRE, alexithymia, and childhood maltreatment were significant independent predictors of CB. For Study 2, a subset of participants from the Study 1 pool (N = 295) who met the criterion for clinical levels of CB were selected, based on their self‐report. Analyses revealed that NMRE buffered the effect of maltreatment: among participants with high NMRE—higher levels of maltreatment were associated with minimal increases in CB and impulsive spending behavior.

Conclusion

Being confident that one can control one's unpleasant moods was a protective factor from the maladaptive consequences of childhood maltreatment. Increasing NMRE early in psychotherapy for CB may result in clients' using more adaptive coping strategies.
Effects of glycine on cell growth and pigment biosynthesis in Rhodobacter azotoformans
Authors: Yue Huiying , Zhao Chungui , Yang Suping , Jia Yaqiong
Published: January 2021

The effect of exogenous glycine (a precursor for the biosynthesis of bacteriochlorophyll) on the cell growth and photopigment accumulation was investigated in phototrophic growing Rhodobacter azotoformans 134K20. The growth rate and the biomass of strain 134K20 were significantly inhibited by glycine addition when ammonium sulfate or glutamate were used as nitrogen sources and acetate or succinate as carbon sources. A characteristic absorption maximum at approximately 423 nm was present in the absorption spectra of glutamate cultures while it was absent by the addition of high‐concentration glycine of 15 mM. The component account for the 423 nm peak was eventually identified as magnesium protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester, a precursor of bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a). Comparative analysis of pigment composition revealed that the amount of BChl a precursors was significantly decreased by the addition of 15‐mM glycine while the BChl a accumulation was increased. Moreover, glycine changed the carotenoid compositions and stimulated the accumulation of spheroidene. The A850/A875 in the growth‐inhibited cultures was increased, indicating an increased level of the light‐harvesting complex 2 compared to the reaction center. The exogenous glycine possibly played an important regulation role in photosynthesis of purple bacteria.
Developing a theory of brand hate: Where are we now?
Authors: Kucuk S. Umit
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses the similarities and differences between the antecedents and consequences of the brand hate studies done to date. The literature review reveals that “ideologic/identity mismatch” antecedents have deeper and broader implications for markets; therefore, brands should examine their ideological stance and identity perceptions closely to eliminate any future brand hate situations. Furthermore, “attack” type consequences might create severe public insults and the destruction of the brand image in the eyes of consumers. Potential antecedent and consequential interventions were also addressed in order to facilitate better functioning market relationships.
Anti‐consumption in the context of brand relationships
Authors: Fetscherin Marc , KC Raghabendra P.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a conceptual framework that outlines the various brand relationships consumers have with a special focus on negative brand relationships, and those that relate to anti‐brand behaviors. Based on the empathy map, the framework consists of four main parts: how consumers think (share of mind) and feel (share of the heart) about brands, which in turn affect what consumers say (share of voice) and do (share of wallet) with the brands. The framework combines more than 40 branding concepts into one comprehensive, coherent, unified and easy‐to‐understand framework where concepts are categorized by their degree of intensity.
Antecedents of luxury brand hate: A quantitative study
Authors: Bryson Douglas , Atwal Glyn , Hultén Peter , Heine Klaus
Published: January 2021

This study analyses the relationships of the antecedents of “extreme negative affect” toward luxury brands. The results show that the first‐order predictors of luxury brand hate were negative stereotypes of people who use the luxury brand, consumer dissatisfaction with the brand, and negative word‐of‐mouth. The following three strategic approaches: (a) proactive, (b) neutral, and (c) reactive can be considered as a template to address the causes and implications of brand hate.
Anti‐consumer ethics: What consumers will not do for ethical reasons
Authors: Muncy James A. , Iyer Rajesh
Published: January 2021

The exploratory study examines the intersection of anti‐consumption and consumer ethics. It focuses on categories of products and services that consumers refuse to consume for moral or ethical reasons. We asked 292 respondents to indicate a product or service that they choose not to buy for ethical or moral reasons and what those reasons are. Harm was a significant determinant of these consumer's decisions not to buy. Reasons tended to be more of a micro, individualistic nature and usually did not reflect macro, societal level concerns. These results suggest that consumers are interested more in avoiding unethical behavior than in shopping for a better world. Managers should, therefore, make sure that their products are not seen as unethical.
Antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity of Mayan plant foods in rodent models
Authors: Uuh‐Narvaez Jonatan Jafet , Negrete‐León Elizabeth , Acevedo‐Fernández Juan José , Segura‐Campos Maira Rubí
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Postprandial hyperglycemia and decreased insulin secretion are relevant to risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Plant foods with antidiabetic properties could be an affordable alternative in the prevention and treatment of this disease. In the present study, the antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic activity of Bixa orellana, Psidium guajava L., Cucurbita moschata, Raphanus sativus L. and Brassica oleracea var. capitata – Mayan plant foods – were evaluated at doses of 5 and 10 mg kg−1. Antihyperglycemic activity was measured in healthy Wistar rats and those with obesity induced by high‐sucrose diet (group HSD) (20%). The hypoglycemic activity was measure in healthy CD1 mice.

RESULTS

Fasting glucose, Lee index and the body weight of HSD rats increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) after 12 weeks of induction compared to healthy rats. In healthy rats, P. guajava and Bixa orellana (10 mg kg−1) demonstrated higher and statistically different (P ≤ 0.05) antihyperglycemic activity compared to control acarbose (0.5 mg kg−1). In the HSD rat group, all Mayan plant foods (10 mg kg−1 ) demonstrated antihyperglycemic activity statistically equal (P ≤ 0.05) to control acarbose. However, Brassica oleracea and R. sativus registered the highest antihyperglycemic activity. Bixa orellana and P. guajava (5 mg kg−1) showed similar hypoglycemic activity (P ≤ 0.05) to glibenclamide (0.5 mg kg−1) but was not significant (P ≤ 0.05) compared to insulin (5 UI kg−1).

CONCLUSION

The present study provides valuable evidence on the possible health benefits of Mayan plant foods. These foods could contribute to the development of therapeutic diet strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of high‐pressure pre‐soaking on texture and retrogradation properties of parboiled rice
Authors: Wu Zeyu , He Yiwen , Yan Weilong , Zhang Wencheng , Liu Xuewu , Hui Ailing , Wang Haiyan , Li Honghong
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The poor palatability, low digestibility, and unpleasant color of parboiled rice (PR) have severely hampered its acceptance by consumers. It is hence necessary and urgent to develop a new method for producing high‐quality PR. In the current study, the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) pre‐soaking on the color, textural properties, and the degree of retrogradation of PR was investigated.

RESULTS

With HHP from 100 to 500 MPa, the water adsorption rate increased and cooking time decreased. Parboiled rice samples presented higher lightness scores (L) and had lower color intensity (B). Compared with a control group, PR samples treated with high‐pressure pre‐soaking showed a reduction of hardness values from 0.69% to 32.99%, and gumminess values also decreased from 8.58% to 33.62%. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the enthalpy values of PR samples decreased after high pressure pre‐soaking. The molecular structure of PR characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed that HHP pre‐soaking could decrease the retrogradation level.

CONCLUSION

The findings outlined above suggest that the texture and retrogradation properties of PR were improved after high‐pressure pre‐soaking. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Densely sampled spectral modulation for x‐ray CT using a stationary modulator with flying focal spot: a conceptual and feasibility study of scatter and spectral correction
Authors: Gao Hewei , Zhang Tao , Bennett N. Robert , Wang Adam S.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Modulation of the x‐ray source in computed tomography (CT) by a designated filter to achieve a desired distribution of photon flux has been greatly advanced in recent years. In this work, we present a densely sampled spectral modulation (DSSM) as a promising low‐cost solution to quantitative CT imaging in the presence of scatter. By leveraging a special stationary filter (namely a spectral modulator) and a flying focal spot, DSSM features a strong correlation in the scatter distributions across focal spot positions and sees no substantial projection sparsity or misalignment in data sampling, making it possible to simultaneously correct for scatter and spectral effects in a unified framework.

Methods

The concept of DSSM is first introduced, followed by an analysis of the design and benefits of using the stationary spectral modulator with a flying focal spot (SMFFS) that dramatically changes the data sampling and its associated data processing. With an assumption that the scatter distributions across focal spot positions have strong correlation, a scatter estimation and spectral correction algorithm from DSSM is then developed, where a dual‐energy modulator along with two flying focal spot positions is of interest. Finally, a phantom study on a tabletop cone‐beam CT system is conducted to understand the feasibility of DSSM by SMFFS, using a copper modulator and by moving the x‐ray tube position in the X direction to mimic the flying focal spot.

Results

Based on our analytical analysis of the DSSM by SMFFS, the misalignment of low‐ and high‐energy projection rays can be reduced by a factor of more than 10 when compared with a stationary modulator only. With respect to modulator design, metal materials such as copper, molybdenum, silver, and tin could be good candidates in terms of energy separation at a given attenuation of photon flux. Physical experiments using a Catphan phantom as well as an anthropomorphic chest phantom demonstrate the effectiveness of DSSM by SMFFS with much better CT number accuracy and less image artifacts. The root mean squared error was reduced from 297.9 to 6.5 Hounsfield units (HU) for the Catphan phantom and from 409.3 to 39.2 HU for the chest phantom.

Conclusions

The concept of DSSM using a SMFFS is proposed. Phantom results on its scatter estimation and spectral correction performance validate our main ideas and key assumptions, demonstrating its potential and feasibility for quantitative CT imaging.
Protective effect of baicalin against pulmonary arterial hypertension vascular remodeling through regulation of TNF‐α signaling pathway
Authors: Xue Xia , Zhang Shanshan , Jiang Wen , Wang Jue , Xin Qian , Sun Chao , Li Kailin , Qi Tonggang , Luan Yun
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive cardiovascular disease with high mortality. However, there were no efficient medical drugs for PAH to enormously improve the survival and quality of life measures. The present study aimed to explore the protective effect of baicalin against experimental PAH in vivo and vitro. All the experimental rats received intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline (MCT) to induce PAH model. Baicalin was given by intragastric administration from 2 days after MCT injection. Forty animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control, MCT, saline‐, and baicalin‐treated groups (n = 10 in each). Post‐operation, hemodynamic data, and index of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVHI) were recorded to evaluate the inhibition of baicalin on MCT‐induced PAH. Furthermore, pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) model induced by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was used to observe the inhibition of vascular cells proliferation in vitro. The results demonstrated that baicalin significantly attenuated MCT‐induced right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), the index of right ventricular hypertrophy, and vessel wall thickness; inhibit inflammatory and cell proliferation induced by MCT or TNF‐α, respectively. In addition, we found that baicalin might protect against experimental PAH via regulating the TNF‐α/BMPR2 signaling pathway.
Grundsätzliche Untersuchungen zum seismischen Verhalten schienengebundener mobiler Großgeräte der Fördertechnik
Authors: Groß Mirjam , Gaube David , Sadegh‐Azar Hamid
Published: January 2021

Mobile Großgeräte (u. a. Containerkrane, Schaufelradgeräte, Schiffsbelader, Absetzer) sind für die globale Wirtschaft von großer Bedeutung. Zunehmend werden sie aufgrund immer knapper werdender Rohstoffe in seismisch aktiven Gebieten, in denen noch Vorräte schlummern, eingesetzt. Das seismische Verhalten dieser nicht verankerten Strukturen unterscheidet sich durch die Möglichkeit des Abhebens grundlegend von konventionellen Bauwerken und eine zutreffende und wirtschaftliche erdbebengerechte Auslegung ist nach derzeit geltenden Erdbebennormen weltweit kaum möglich. In diesem Beitrag werden die allgemeine Normensituation, der Stand der Forschung und bereits bekannte Versagensmechanismen von mobilen Großgeräten unter seismischer Anregung beleuchtet sowie Modellierungs‐ und Berechnungsansätze zur grundsätzlichen Untersuchung des seismischen Verhaltens von schienengebundenen mobilen Großgeräten der Fördertechnik am Beispiel typischer Schaufelradgeräte abgeleitet.
Meta‐analysis and risk assessment of fluoride contamination in groundwater
Authors: Islam Md. Shajedul , Mostafa M. G.
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of meta‐analysis and risk assessment of the global pooled concentration of fluoride and identify the influencing factors of fluoride loads in groundwater. The study extracted data from 36 most prevalent regions of 20 countries in the world through various search engines using keywords as well as Boolean operators and follows the PRISMA statement in every phase of literature searching. The study illustrated the pooled concentration of fluoride in the selected 20 countries was 2.1267 mg/L (1.650, 2.604) at 95% confidence interval, which was higher than the WHO standards limit of 1.5 mg/L. The results of the meta‐analysis suggested that pH, Na, HCO3 and rainfall was significantly positively correlated (r = ~0.4; p ˂ 0.05) to fluoride and has a weak correction with the other parameters such as local temperature, altitude, water depth, EC, Ca, and Mg (r = −0.064 to +0.214; p ˂ 0.05). Concerning, the risk assessment through oral and dermal route exposure revealed that the consumers in most of the regions were at considerable risk, and the children were more vulnerable than the adults (THQ > 1). The study findings would help to take measures for safe water supply in the affected areas.

Practitioner points

The calculated pooled concentration of fluoride was 2.1267 mg/L (1.650, 2.604) at 95% CI in groundwater of the study areas.

Climatic conditions and lithological composition are the key controlling factors for groundwater fluoride contamination.

Semi‐arid and arid regions are significantly affected by fluoride rather than humid areas.

Regarding fluorosis in selected regions, children (78%) are more vulnerable than adults (23%).
Privacy-Oriented Analysis of Ubiquitous Computing Systems: A 5-D Approach
Authors: Solanas Agusti , Batista Edgar , Casino Fran , Papageorgiou Achilleas , Patsakis Constantinos
Published: January 2021

Ubiquitous computing systems are commonplace. They have opened the door to great benefits for society as a whole. However, they have to be used with care, otherwise they can cause serious risks for their users. In this chapter, we analyze the privacy risks of ubiquitous computing systems from a new individual-centred perspective based on five privacy dimensions, namely identity, location, footprint, query and intelligence. We describe each dimension and provide an introductory view of the main privacy risks of these systems. Also, we discuss some of the challenges that derive from new trends in the field.
On the Reflexive Relations Between Knowledge, Governance, and Space
Authors: Glückler Johannes , Herrigel Gary , Handke Michael
Published: January 2021

Governance is both a contested concept and an increasingly empirical concern. On the one hand, it has become an almost universal and all-encompassing concept, which has attracted scholarly interest from many disciplines and over many decades to tackle the dilemmas of collective action and to facilitate effective coordination of interests and resources toward commonly accepted goals. On the other hand, conceptions of governance vary considerably, and their meanings depend on disciplinary perspectives, theoretical traditions, and empirical focus. Although it is easy to agree what governance is not, it is more challenging to create broad consensus on what it is and how it works effectively. Most capaciously, governance denotes the coordination of collective action. These actions take place in institutionally or physically organized spaces of interaction, where knowledge is needed to shape governance appropriately. Organized spaces and knowledge are both conditions as well as consequences of the governance process.
Ex Ante Knowledge for Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Introducing the Organizational Network Governance Approach
Authors: Raab Jörg , Kenis Patrick , Kraaij-Dirkzwager Marleen , Timen Aura
Published: January 2021

In our paper we investigate to what extent ex ante knowledge about a response network can be made available in order to deal with a crisis such as an infectious disease outbreak. Outbreaks are almost by definition characterized by a lack of information and knowledge. We introduce the organizational network governance approach for producing information prior to an actual outbreak, which is useful in limiting a virus’s transmission and impact. By introducing two fictitious but realistic outbreak scenarios—the outbreak of the West Nile Virus (WNV) and the outbreak of a New Asian Coronavirus (NAC) in the Netherlands—we demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. We formulate recommendations how to use the generated information to strengthen the organizational context in order to limit a virus’s transmission and impact and how to further develop the organizational network governance approach. We also formulate recommendations for how to further develop the organizational network governance approach.
The Remapping of Forest Governance: From Shareholder to Stakeholder
Authors: Hayter Roger , Clapp Alex
Published: January 2021

Resource conflicts are widespread features of contemporary globalization. In forestry-related resource peripheries, such as British Columbia (BC), various societal stakeholders are demanding a reform of resource uses away from industrial priorities towards more ecological and cultural ones. Forest conflicts represent institutional clashes that lead to new forms of governance based on new inventories, resource maps, science, and zoning. The authors of this paper analyze the remapping of forest resources in BC as part of broader paradigmatic transformations of society and economy from shareholder to stakeholder models of resource governance, i.e. as a shift in policy-making from hierarchical control by governments and markets to more diffuse, democratic forms of governance. This process is accompanied by institutional innovation and thickening that still need to be assessed for their effectiveness. Whether stakeholder remapping can be certified as good governance remains a context-dependent empirical question.
Knowledge of Governance as Knowledge for Governance: Spatialized Techniques of Neutralization
Authors: Scott Michael
Published: January 2021

The term governance often evokes processes of negotiation and collaboration between civil society, private sector, and state actors. Yet, governance processes also involve a contest of ideas in efforts to legitimate state-backed decision making. Drawing on empirical cases of coastal property developments in South Australia, this chapter investigates how key actors in land-use governance—such as developers, planners, politicians, and scientists—reflexively deploy “techniques of neutralization” to deflect critiques and manage opposition to contentious new developments. The author explores how these techniques draw on particular spatial metaphors and images to suggest that, somewhat ironically, a tacit meta technique is to neutralize the projected environmental risks to coastal space through narratives of time. By outlining these everyday techniques of neutralization, the author argues that such routines are a form ofknowledge ofgovernance—knowing what can be said and ways of speaking within governance processes—that is in turn a form ofknowledge forgovernance.