bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of geopolymer cement concrete for highway infrastructure applications
Authors: Dave Niragi , Sahu Vaishali , Misra Anil Kumar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to study the in-situ performance of ternary geopolymer concrete in road repair work. Geopolymer cement concrete is an attractive alternative to Portland cement concrete owing to environmental, economic and performance benefits. Industrial wastes, such as fly ash (FA) and ground granular blast furnace slag (GGBS), have been extensively used to manufacture unitary and binary geopolymer concrete with heat activation (at different temperature); however, it has indicated a limitation for its application in precast industry only.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, efforts have been made to produce a ternary geopolymer concrete mix, using GGBS, FA and Silica fumes (SF) in varied proportion mixed with 8 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as alkali activator and cured at ambient temperature. Total ten geopolymer concrete mixes have been prepared and tested for strength and durability properties and compared with control mix of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Based on the mechanical properties of various mixes, an optimum geopolymer concrete mix has been identified. The control mix and optimum geopolymer have been studied for microstructural properties through scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The in situ performance of the optimum mix has been assessed when used as a road repair material on a stretch of road. The ternary geopolymer concrete mixes (a) 65% GGBS + 25% FA + 10% SF, (b) 70% GGBS + 20% FA + 10% SF, and (c) 75% GGBS + 15% FA + 10% SF have resulted in good strength at ambient temperature and the mix 75% GGBS + 15% FA + 10% SF have shown good in situ performance when tested for road repair work.

Originality/value

Geopolymer concrete is gaining interest in many fields as an alternative to conventional concrete, as it not only reduces carbon footprint due to huge cement production but also provides a sustainable disposal method for many industrial wastes. This paper focuses on finding some alternative of OPC concrete to reduce dependency on the OPC.
Out to explore the cybersecurity planet
Authors: Bella Giampaolo
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Security ceremonies still fail despite decades of efforts by researchers and practitioners. Attacks are often a cunning amalgam of exploits for technical systems and of forms of human behaviour. For example, this is the case with the recent news headline of a large-scale attack against Electrum Bitcoin wallets, which manages to spread a malicious update of the wallet app. The author therefore sets out to look at things through a different lens.

Design/methodology/approach

The author makes the (metaphorical) hypothesis that humans arrived on Earth along with security ceremonies from a very far planet, the Cybersecurity planet. The author’s hypothesis continues, in that studying (by huge telescopes) the surface of Cybersecurity in combination with the logical projection on that surface of what happens on Earth is beneficial for us earthlings.

Findings

The author has spotted four cities so far on the remote planet. Democratic City features security ceremonies that allow humans to follow personal paths of practice and, for example, make errors or be driven by emotions. By contrast, security ceremonies in Dictatorial City compel to comply, hence humans here behave like programmed automata. Security ceremonies in Beautiful City are so beautiful that humans just love to follow them precisely. Invisible City has security ceremonies that are not perceivable, hence humans feel like they never encounter any. Incidentally, the words “democratic” and “dictatorial” are used without any political connotation.

Originality/value

A key argument the author shall develop is that all cities but Democratic City address the human factor, albeit in different ways. In the light of these findings, the author will also discuss security ceremonies of our planet, such as WhatsApp Web login and flight boarding, and explore room for improving them based upon the current understanding of Cybersecurity.
Agency problems and the value of advertising expenditures in an emerging market: role of product market competition
Authors: Farooq Omar , Pashayev Zakir
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper documents the impact of product market competition on the value of advertising expenditures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the data for non-financial firms from India and the pooled regression procedure to test their arguments during the period between 2009 and 2018.

Findings

The results show that advertising expenditures of firms operating in sectors with relatively high competition are more valuable than advertising expenditures of firms operating in sectors with relatively low competition. The results of the study are robust across various proxies of advertising expenditures and firm performance. Furthermore, the results also show that the positive impact of product market competition on the value of advertising expenditures is confined only to firms that already have lower agency problems.

Originality/value

The results of the study highlight the importance of product market competition on the value of advertising expenditure in the emerging market setting, where agency problems are supposed to be high.
Considerations on privacy in the era of digitally logged lives
Authors: Gupta Rashmi , Crane Martin , Gurrin Cathal
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The continuous advancements in wearable sensing technologies enable the easy collection and publishing of visual lifelog data. The widespread adaptation of visual lifelog technologies would have the potential to pose challenges for ensuring the personal privacy of subjects and bystanders in lifelog data. This paper presents preliminary findings from a study of lifeloggers with the aim of better understanding their concerns regarding privacy in lifelog data.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we have collected a visual dataset of 64,837 images from 25 lifelogging participants over a period of two days each, and we conducted an interactive session (face to face conversation) with each participant in order to capture their concerns when sharing the lifelog data across three specified categories (i.e. Private (Only for Me), Semi-Private (Family/Friends) and Public).

Findings

In general, we found that participants tend to err on the side of conservative privacy settings and that there is a noticeable difference in what different participants are willing to share. In summary, we found that the categories of images that the participants wished to be kept private included personally identifiable information and professional information; categories of images that could be shared with family/friends include family moments or content related to daily routine lifestyle, and other visual lifelog data could potentially be made public).

Originality/value

We analysed the potential differences in the willingness of 25 participants to share data. In addition, reasons for being a volunteer to collect lifelog data and how the lifelogging device affected the lifestyle of the lifelogger are analysed. Based on the findings of this study, we propose a set of challenges for the anonymisation of lifelog data that should be solved when supporting lifelog data sharing.
Business pedagogy: a qualitative analysis to inform library support
Authors: Ireland Ashley , Thompson Dana Statton , Bourke Brian
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study seeks to illuminate business instructors' undergraduate pedagogical processes toward developing resources and services to support their teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors recruited participants through purposeful sampling and collected data through semi-structured interviews. The transcriptions were coded using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrate that faculty are motivated to be good teachers and want to engage in opportunities to improve. However, lack of time and teaching with technology pose pedagogical learning curves for faculty. Institutional support for improving teaching is welcomed, but it may also be perceived as white noise against competing priorities and a deluge of information. Lastly, business, as a discipline, may uniquely use informational formats such as multimedia and case studies that may pose a challenge to traditional collection development.

Research limitations/implications

The project was designed to be exploratory, small-scale and grounded in approach. This study does not purport to be statistically representative nor are the recommendations meant to be prescriptive.

Practical implications

Academic libraries should be more intentional about positioning subject librarians to provide suggestions for textbooks or other course materials, collecting, organizing and preserving case studies and multimedia and their relationships with publishers that use models that subvert collecting textbooks. Libraries should also partner with technology and pedagogy support units to offer cooperative programming when possible.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the fields of library and information studies, business and education by articulating the unique needs of instructors within the larger contexts of business pedagogy, and the evolving relationship between libraries and undergraduate teaching support.
Assessing old and new individual study desks
Authors: Zaugg Holt , Belliston C. Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper examines student perceptions of new individual study desks (ISDs) and how they improved the students' learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study describes the process for developing new ISDs. When about half of the old ISDs were replaced with new ISDs, two parallel surveys were used to understand why students used the ISDs, what their experiences were and any suggested improvements.

Findings

Results indicate that the new ISDs were used by students for significantly longer periods of time. They enjoyed the ambiance and amenities of the new desks, including a whiteboard used by over 90% of students. Many students using new ISDs expressed a desire for more new ISDs, so it would not be as hard to find an available one; students using old ISDs called for improvements that would make the old ISDs more like the new ISDs.

Practical implications

This study has two practical implications. It emphasizes the importance of both engaging student patrons throughout the design process and conducting follow-up assessments to determine if changes make things better.

Originality/value

The value of this study is in understanding the optimal steps for developing new study spaces for students. These steps include integrating student input during development and design, prototyping a change and following up to determine the degree to which a change worked on the changes made.
Analysis of urban thermal environments based on the perception and simulation of the microclimate in the historic city of Tlemcen
Authors: Ghaffour Wafa , Ouissi Mohammed Nabil , Velay Dabat Marc André
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The preservation of historic urban centres prevents anarchic development of the city and ensures a harmonious evolution of the urban form. It also improves the quality of life in the context of climate and environmental change. Morphological and geometric indicators of the urban fabric are key parameters in the formation of external microclimates. They provide a positive effect on the thermal comfort of pedestrians. The objective of this work is to study the impact of the site morphology on the external microclimate and to understand the relationship between the subjective perception and the objective quantification of the thermal environment. The result of this study has allowed us to propose solutions for the creation of a microclimate favourable to the appropriation of outdoor spaces. The authors finally propose guidelines for the design and rehabilitation of the historic site based on the establishment of links between the site's configuration, microclimatic conditions and users' perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Part of this study included the analysis of the microclimate of the historic “Bab El Hadid” district of the City of Tlemcen, by developing a questionnaire survey and a numerical simulation validated by measurements of the microclimate the authors made on site. To complete this task, the authors applied the Envi-met 4.1 model during the coldest month of the winter and the hottest month of the summer. Urban parameters are represented at different measurement points characterised by a variability of the sky view factor (SVF).

Findings

The results presented in terms of average expected the predicted mean vote (PMV) voting, solar access and air temperature. They show that thermal conditions are directly related to the SVF, the height/width ratio (H/L) of streets as well as the orientation of urban canyons. The points located in the streets facing North–South, present an acceptable performance. Streets shaded by trees with a canyon aspect ratio of between 1.18 and 1.70 reduce heat stress in outdoor spaces. The PMV models discussed provide information on the most appropriate locations for pedestrians. The authors have proposed urban orientations that could limit unfavourable conditions in outdoor spaces. They are useful for architects and urban planners in the design and rehabilitation of historic centres.

Originality/value

In Tlemcen, the microclimate is not taken into account in the design and rehabilitation of urban fabrics. For this specific purpose, the authors want to stress in the research the importance of safeguarding urban heritage through the renewal of the old city and the bioclimatic rehabilitation of its urban spaces.
Lessons learnt from the experience of countries in the Caribbean in aligning tourism investment, business and operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Nair Vikneswaran , McLeod Michelle
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to critically review the contribution made by this theme issue in responding to the strategic question: “How can Caribbean tourism investment, business and operations align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?”

Design/methodology/approach

A critical content analysis of the papers selected for the theme issue was undertaken to learn about the best practices and experiences from countries in the Caribbean. The rationale for the issue was explored using a set of questions to determine the selected material.

Findings

This summary paper highlights the most significant outcomes from the theme issue in terms of the contributions to knowledge and/or professional practice and also the implications for management action and applied research arising from the outcomes and best practices in some of the countries in the Caribbean. Case studies discussed include relevant experiences derived from application of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize Grenada, Cuba, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.

Research limitations/implications

This paper outlines the challenges and new approaches that are needed to manage tourism investment, business and operations in line with the UN’s SDGs that are now well established in other countries and regions.

Originality/value

The paper explores the extent to which the lessons and innovative approaches discussed in this theme issue could be replicated and applied in small island developing states that are trying to comply with the UN SDG 2030 target.
SARS‐CoV‐2 variants: Relevance for symptom granularity, epidemiology, immunity (herd, vaccines), virus origin and containment?
Authors: Danchin Antoine , Timmis Kenneth
Published: May 2020

The origin of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus remains enigmatic. It is likely to be a continuum resulting from inevitable mutations and recombination events. These genetic changes keep developing in the present epidemic. Mutations tending to deplete the genome in its cytosine content will progressively lead to attenuation as a consequence of Muller's ratchet, but this is counteracted by recombination when different mutants co‐infect the same host, in particular, in clusters of infection. Monitoring as a function of time the genome sequences in closely related cases is critical to anticipate the future of SARS‐CoV‐2 and hence of COVID‐19.
Mobile, Community‐Based Buprenorphine Treatment for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness With Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot, Feasibility Study
Authors: Iheanacho Theddeus , Payne Kevin , Tsai Jack
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

Adults experiencing homelessness with opioid use disorder (OUD) utilize buprenorphine (BUP), a first‐line medication for OUD, at very low rates. Innovative and tailored approaches are needed to reduce barriers to treatment and increase utilization of BUP in this population. This study describes a pilot Mobile Community‐based Access Team (M‐CAT) that used mobile technology and FaceTime in addition to existing community‐based case management programs to provide BUP treatment for veterans with OUD experiencing homelessness who had difficulties engaging in the regular BUP clinic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of veterans enrolled in M‐CAT or the usual BUP clinic between January 2015 and December 2017 (N = 36). We abstracted demographic, medical, substance use, prescription, health care utilization, and drug use data from medical records.

Results

Twelve veterans were enrolled in M‐CAT and 24 were enrolled in BUP clinic. Mean retention in treatment was 19.2 months (standard deviation [SD] = 10.2) in M‐CAT and 36 months (SD = 27.6) in BUP clinic. At the endpoint, 66.7% (n = 8) in M‐CAT and 100% (n = 24) in BUP clinic remained on BUP.

Discussion and Conclusion

M‐CAT is an innovative and tailored pilot project that successfully integrated specific OUD medication treatment into existing case management programs for veterans experiencing homelessness using mobile technology and Facetime. M‐CAT can potentially increase utilization of BUP for OUD among high‐risk population of veterans experiencing homelessness who are otherwise not engaged in treatment.

Scientific Significance

Integrating telemedicine, BUP treatment, and community‐based case management to treat OUD among veterans experiencing homelessness is feasible with high treatment retention. (Am J Addict 2020;29:485–491)
Feto‐placental Dopplers are not altered in women with obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms
Authors: Robertson Nicole , Okano Satomi , Kumar Sailesh
Published: May 2020

Background

Snoring, gasping or choking during sleep are common symptoms of sleep‐disordered breathing and are associated with multiple adverse maternal and obstetric outcomes. The mechanisms responsible remain unknown; however, placental dysfunction is suspected.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate feto‐placental and fetal cardiac function in women with pregnancies complicated by obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study at a large tertiary obstetric hospital in Australia. Women were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms. They also underwent an ultrasound scan where Doppler indices of various feto‐placental vessels and fetal cardiac function were measured. Regional cerebral perfusion was also assessed.

Results

A total of 255 women were included in the final analysis. Of these, 36.1% (92/255) of women reported no obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms; 63.9% (163/255) reported they experienced some form of obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms that included any frequency of snoring or choking/gasping, while 42.0% (107/255) complained of severe obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms (snoring ≥ 3 times a week or choking/gasping). There were no significant differences in feto‐placental Dopplers or fetal cardiac function parameters in women with obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms. There were also no differences in regional cerebral blood flow between groups, or any correlation with severity of symptoms.

Conclusions

Our data challenge the current perspective that adverse perinatal outcomes in women with obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms are related primarily to placental dysfunction and fetal compromise.
Children’s exposure to psychological abuse and neglect: A population‐based study in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Atiqul , Moniruzzaman Syed , Janson Staffan , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Mashreky Saidur Rahman , Eriksson Ulla‐Britt
Published: May 2020

Aim

We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of child psychological abuse and neglect in a rural area of Bangladesh.

Methods

Data were obtained from interviewing 1416 children aged 11‐17 years administering the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Child Abuse Screening Tool for Children between March and April 2017. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the risks of child psychological abuse and neglect.

Results

The prevalence rates of at least one form of psychological abuse both in the past year and lifetime were more than 97 per cent. Moreover, the rates of at least one form of neglect were about 58 per cent during the past year and 78 per cent over lifetime. Living separately from parents posed children to significant risks of neglect and psychological abuse. Working children and greater number of siblings in a family were risk factors for neglect, whereas witnessing family violence and being bullied were risk factors for psychological abuse. Children with more years of schooling experienced less neglect and psychological abuse.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of child psychological abuse and neglect in this study shows child maltreatment as an ignored issue in Bangladesh.
Control‐value theory in the context of teaching: does teaching quality moderate relations between academic self‐concept and achievement emotions?
Authors: Lazarides Rebecca , Raufelder Diana
Published: May 2020

Background

Students’ self‐concept of ability is an important predictor of their achievement emotions. However, little is known about how learning environments affect these interrelations.

Aims

Referring to Pekrun’s control‐value theory, this study investigated whether teacher‐reported teaching quality at the classroom level would moderate the relation between student‐level mathematics self‐concept at the beginning of the school year and students’ achievement emotions at the middle of the school year.

Sample

Data of 807 ninth and tenth graders (53.4% girls) and their mathematics teachers (58.1% male) were analysed.

Method

Students and teachers completed questionnaires at the beginning of the school year and at the middle of the school year. Multi‐level modelling and cross‐level interaction analyses were used to examine the longitudinal relations between self‐concept, teacher‐perceived teaching quality, and achievement emotions as well as potential interaction effects.

Results

Mathematics self‐concept significantly and positively related to enjoyment in mathematics and negatively related to anxiety. Teacher‐reported structuredness decreased students’ anxiety. Mathematics self‐concept only had a significant and positive effect on students’ enjoyment at high levels of teacher‐reported cognitive activation and at high levels of structuredness.

Conclusions

High teaching quality can be seen as a resource that strengthens the positive relations between academic self‐concept and positive achievement emotions.
Incidence and survival of multiple myeloma: a population‐based study of 10 524 patients diagnosed 1982–2017
Authors: Langseth Øystein O. , Myklebust Tor Å. , Johannesen Tom B. , Hjertner Øyvind , Waage Anders
Published: May 2020

Population‐based studies from high‐quality nationwide cancer registries provide an important alternative to clinical trials in the assessment of the impact of modern myeloma treatment. Based on data from the Cancer Registry of Norway, we investigated trends in incidence and relative survival (RS) for 10 524 patients in three age groups diagnosed between 1982 and 2017. Nationwide myeloma drug consumption statistics were obtained from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Patients aged <65 years had a steady increase in both 5‐ and 10‐year RS across all calendar periods from 1982. For patients aged 65–79 years, RS was stable until the calendar period 1998–2002, followed by an improvement in both 5‐ and 10‐year RS. The 5‐year RS for patients aged ≥80 years also increased significantly between the first and the last calendar period. In conclusion, we demonstrate a significant improvement in 5‐year RS in all age groups. Improved RS in patients aged ≥80 years at the time of diagnosis is only rarely described in other population‐based studies. For patients aged ≥65 years, the improvement in RS coincides with the introduction of modern drugs, whereas patients aged <65 years had an ongoing improvement before the introduction of autologous stem‐cell transplant.
Indigenous student labour and settler colonialism at Brandon Residential School
Authors: Giancarlo Alexandra
Published: May 2020

This paper contends that unfree Indigenous student labour at residential schools was a key—and underappreciated—component of settler colonialism in Canada. Colonial administration and the churches attempted to “civilize” and assimilate Indigenous people—and prepare the frontier for white settlers—through residential schooling. Labour, in accordance with Euro‐Canadian gender norms, was expected to usher Brandon Industrial Institute (later Brandon Residential School) students from the “backwardness” of traditional lifeways to the industriousness and assimilation necessary for their roles in the serving classes of modern society. I use archival sources—newspapers, unpublished reports, Department of Indian Affairs documents, and United Church correspondence and photographs—and employ a version of Norman et al.'s “settler‐colonial grid of recognizability” to examine student labour. This paper argues that the Department of Indian Affairs and church officials at Brandon Residential School sought to make Indigenous youth “legible” under the settler‐colonial grid of recognizability through agricultural and manual work for boys and domestic labour for girls, both of which ensured the school's financial viability. I propose that this under‐explored aspect of settler colonialism could be understood through three main themes—imperial settler‐humanitarianism, the logic of containment, and productive bodies—that are traced across the lifetime of the school.
Nuclear magnetic resonance‐based tissue metabolomic analysis clarifies molecular mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Gu Jinping , Huang Caihua , Hu Xiaomin , Xia Jinmei , Shao Wei , Lin Donghai
Published: May 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and the progression of gastric carcinogenesis (GCG) covers multiple complicated pathological stages. Molecular mechanisms of GCG are still unclear. Here, we undertook NMR‐based metabolomic analysis of aqueous metabolites extracted from gastric tissues in an established rat model of GCG. We showed that the metabolic profiles were clearly distinguished among 5 histologically classified groups: control, gastritis, low‐grade gastric dysplasia, high‐grade gastric dysplasia (HGD), and GC. Furthermore, we carried out metabolic pathway analysis based on identified significant metabolites and revealed significantly disturbed metabolic pathways closely associated with the 4 pathological stages, including oxidation stress, choline phosphorylation, amino acid metabolism, Krebs cycle, and glycolysis. Three metabolic pathways were continually disturbed during the progression of GCG, including taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glutamine and glutamate metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Both the Krebs cycle and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism were profoundly impaired in both the HGD and GC stages, potentially due to abnormal energy supply for tumor cell proliferation and growth. Furthermore, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and glycolysis were significantly disturbed in the GC stage for higher energy requirement of the rapid growth of tumor cells. Additionally, we identified potential gastric tissue biomarkers for metabolically discriminating the 4 pathological stages, which also showed good discriminant capabilities for their serum counterparts. This work sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of GCG and is of benefit to the exploration of potential biomarkers for clinically diagnosing and monitoring the progression of GCG.
A novel method for measurement of the recto‐anal inhibitory reflex using anal acoustic reflectometry
Authors: Heywood N. A. , Sharma A. , Kiff E. S. , Klarskov N. , Telford K. J.
Published: May 2020

Aim

The recto‐anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) is currently measured using manometry catheters, which potentially distort the anal canal. Anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) is considered to be a catheter‐free technique and primarily measures the function of the internal anal sphincter. We sought to determine if RAIR could be measured using AAR.

Method

Patients aged 18 and over attending the hospital for investigation of pelvic floor dysfunction were included. AAR parameters were obtained before (prerectal distension) and after (postrectal distension) inflation of a rectal balloon catheter with 100 ml of air. Minimum opening pressure (Op, cmH2O), opening elastance (Oe, cmH2O/mm2), closing pressure (Cp, cmH2O), closing elastance (Ce, cmH2O/mm2) and hysteresis (Hys, %) were recorded. The presence of RAIR was defined by a reduction of prerectal distension Op by 20% or more.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were included, 26 of whom were women. The mean age of patients was 57.5 years (SD 11.3 years). Nine patients had faecal incontinence, six patients had obstructive defaecation and 17 patients had both. RAIR was seen in 30/32 patients. The mean reduction in Op was 58.8% (range −59.18% to 100%). Three patients had 100% reduction. Comparison of pre‐ and post‐RAIR parameters showed a significant difference in Op (34.44 vs 15.41, P < 0.0001), Oe (1.39 vs 1.1, P = 0.004), Cp (20.06 vs 8.00, P < 0.0001) and Ce (1.31 vs 1.13, P < 0.0001) but not Hys (39.71 vs 39.90, P = 0.88).

Conclusion

We describe a novel method for the measurement of RAIR. Rectal distension appears to alter resting pressure and the resistance of the anal canal to opening and closing, with complete inhibition of the sphincter complex in three patients.
Donor thyroid hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of graft dysfunction after heart transplantation
Authors: Peled Yael , Lavee Jacob , Kassif Yigal , Arad Michael , Kogan Alexander , Peled Amir , Tirosh Amir , Sternik Leonid , Ram Eilon
Published: May 2020

Objective

Heart transplantation (HT) is uniquely associated with the potential impact of thyroid hormone therapy at three intersecting levels—donor, operation, and recipient. We aimed to study the effect of thyroid hormone therapy of the donor on primary graft dysfunction (PGD).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 209 HT recipients assessed from 1997 to 2018; for 33 of the recipients, the donors had received T4 (DT4 group), and for 176, the donors had not (NoDT4 group). The primary endpoint was PGD defined according to the International Society for Heart and Lung consensus statement.

Results

Both the incidence (58% vs 35%, P = .022) and the severity of PGD (42% vs 25% moderate/severe, P = .007) were significantly higher in the DT4 recipients. Multivariable analysis showed donor T4 therapy to be independently associated with a ~3.5‐fold increased risk for PGD (OR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.26‐9.86). These results remained consistent after propensity score analysis.

Conclusions

Donor thyroid hormone therapy is independently associated with an increased risk of PGD. Hypothesizing a “withdrawal effect” as the cause, we suggest that administration of thyroid hormone to the recipient at time of reperfusion could counter this negative effect. Prospective studies are needed to validate this hypothesis‐generating study.
Pre‐release packing and chilling reduce host‐searching ability of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata used in the augmentative control of tephritid flies
Authors: Cancino Jorge , Mazariegos Diana , Pérez César , Ayala Amanda , Díaz‐Fleischer Francisco , Leal‐Mubarqui Rubén , Angulo Roberto
Published: May 2020

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary parasitoid used in augmentative releases to control Tephritidae (Diptera) fruit flies of economic importance. Pre‐release process includes packing adult parasitoids in cages at high densities and expose them to a temperature of 2 ± 2 °C during 105 min. In this process, females’ antennae may be damaged resulting in a reduction in their host‐searching ability and fecundity. Here we measured, for five consecutive days after chilling, the searching ability and fecundity of parasitoids with damaged (D) and undamaged (ND) antennae compared with parasitoids that were not chilled. Female individual responses to fruit infested by Anastrepha spp. was determined in an olfactometer. Latency in the response and latency in making a choice were recorded. Additionally, groups of 30 females were used to measure their ability to find hosts in infested fruit in the laboratory. Fecundity was determined by using artificial oviposition units with Anastrepha ludens (Loew) larvae. In the olfactometer test, ND had lower response than control females during the 1st and 2nd days after chilling. However, no difference in the response was observed between ND and D and the control females on the 5th day. Additionally, chilled females showed a longer latency of response to infested fruit than females of the control treatment when tested in groups. However, after a 24–48 h period, no difference between D and ND and control females was observed. Our results showed similar searching ability and fecundity among parasitoids of the three tested conditions at individual and at group levels. We conclude that pre‐release chilling reduces female searching ability only for the first 1–2 days after chilling.
The sensitivity of cosmogenic radionuclide analysis to soil bulk density: Implications for soil formation rates
Authors: Evans Daniel , Rodés Ángel , Tye Andrew
Published: May 2020

Improving our knowledge of soil formation is critical so that we can better understand the first‐order controls on soil thickness and more effectively inform land‐management decisions. Cosmogenic radionuclide analysis has allowed soil scientists to more accurately constrain the rates at which soils form from bedrock. In such analysis, the concentration of an isotope, such as Beryllium‐10, is measured from a sample of bedrock. Because this concentration is partly governed by the lowering of the bedrock‐soil interface, a cosmogenic depth‐profile model can be fitted to infer the bedrock and surface lowering rates compatible with the measured concentrations. Given that the bedrock‐soil interface is shielded by soil, the cosmic rays responsible for the in‐situ production of the radionuclide are attenuated, with attenuation rates dependent on the density profile of this soil. Many studies have assumed that soil bulk density is either equal to that of the bedrock or constant with depth. The failure to acknowledge the variations in soil bulk density means that cosmogenically derived soil formation rates previously published may be under‐ or overestimates. Here, we deploy a new model called “CoSOILcal” to a global compilation of cosmogenic analyses of soil formation and, by making use of estimated bulk density profiles, recalculate rates of soil formation to assess the sensitivity to this important parameter. We found that where a soil mantle >0.25 m overlies the soil‐bedrock interface, accounting for the soil bulk density profile brings about a significantly slower rate of soil formation than that previously published. Moreover, the impact of using bulk density profiles on cosmogenically derived soil formation rates increases as soil thickens. These findings call into question the accuracy of our existing soil formation knowledge and we suggest that future cosmogenic radionuclide analysis must consider the bulk density profile of the overlying soil.

Highlights

The effect of heterogeneities in soil bulk density on cosmogenically derived soil formation rates is unknown.

Soil formation rates are recalculated using a new model to analyse the effect of density variations.

Accounting for density in soils >0.25 m thickness brings about significantly slower soil formation rates.

Measuring soil bulk density is essential when cosmogenically deriving soil formation rates.
The effects of livestock grazing on biodiversity are multi‐trophic: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Filazzola Alessandro , Brown Charlotte , Dettlaff Margarete A. , Batbaatar Amgaa , Grenke Jessica , Bao Tan , Peetoom Heida Isaac , Cahill James F.
Published: May 2020

Anthropogenic disturbance has generated a significant loss of biodiversity worldwide and grazing by domestic herbivores is a contributing disturbance. Although the effects of grazing on plants are commonly explored, here we address the potential multi‐trophic effects on animal biodiversity (e.g. herbivores, pollinators and predators). We conducted a meta‐analysis on 109 independent studies that tested the response of animals or plants to livestock grazing relative to livestock excluded. Across all animals, livestock exclusion increased abundance and diversity, but these effects were greatest for trophic levels directly dependent on plants, such as herbivores and pollinators. Detritivores were the only trophic level whose abundance decreased with livestock exclusion. We also found that the number of years since livestock was excluded influenced the community and that the effects of grazer exclusion on animal diversity were strongest in temperate climates. These findings synthesise the effects of livestock grazing beyond plants and demonstrate the indirect impacts of livestock grazing on multiple trophic levels in the animal community. We identified the potentially long‐term impacts that livestock grazing can have on lower trophic levels and consequences for biological conservation. We also highlight the potentially inevitable cost to global biodiversity from livestock grazing that must be balanced against socio‐economic benefits.
Genomic population structure of Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Fear River
Authors: LeBlanc Nathalie M. , Gahagan Benjamin I. , Andrews Samuel N. , Avery Trevor S. , Puncher Gregory N. , Reading Benjamin J. , Buhariwalla Colin F. , Curry R. Allen , Whiteley Andrew R. , Pavey Scott A.
Published: May 2020

Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum, 1792), is an anadromous fish species that supports fisheries throughout North America and is native to the North American Atlantic Coast. Due to long coastal migrations that span multiple jurisdictions, a detailed understanding of population genomics is required to untangle demographic patterns, understand local adaptation, and characterize population movements. This study used 1,256 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci to investigate genetic structure of 477 Striped Bass sampled from 15 locations spanning the North American Atlantic coast from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, to the Cape Fear River, United States. We found striking differences in neutral divergence among Canadian sites, which were isolated from each other and US populations, compared with US populations that were much less isolated. Our SNP dataset was able to assign 99% of Striped Bass back to six reporting groups, a 39% improvement over previous genetic markers. Using this method, we found (a) evidence of admixture within Saint John River, indicating that migrants from the United States and from Shubenacadie River occasionally spawn in the Saint John River; (b) Striped Bass collected in the Mira River, Cape Breton, Canada, were found to be of both Miramichi River and US origin; (c) juveniles in the newly restored Kennebec River population had small and nonsignificant differences from the Hudson River; and (d) tributaries within the Chesapeake Bay showed a mixture of homogeny and small differences among each other. This study introduces new hypotheses about the dynamic zoogeography of Striped Bass at its northern range and has important implications for the local and international management of this species.
Mitochondrial energy metabolism is negatively regulated by cannabinoid receptor 1 in intact human epidermis
Authors: Oláh Attila , Alam Majid , Chéret Jérémy , Kis Nikolett Gréta , Hegyi Zoltán , Szöllősi Attila Gábor , Vidali Silvia , Bíró Tamás , Paus Ralf
Published: May 2020

Epidermal energy metabolism is relevant to skin physiology, ageing and photodamage. While selected hormones stimulate epidermal keratinocyte mitochondrial activity, its negative regulation remains unknown. In several cell types, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is expressed both on the cell membrane (cmCB1) and on the mitochondrial outer membrane (mtCB1), where its stimulation directly suppresses mitochondrial functions. In the current pilot study, we investigated if CB1 is a negative regulator of human epidermal energy metabolism under physiological conditions. Using organ‐cultured full‐thickness human skin specimens of healthy individuals, we showed that antagonizing the homeostatic CB1 signalling by the administration of the CB1 inverse agonist AM251 increased respiratory chain complex I and II/IV activity. The effect was CB1‐dependent, since the CB1‐selective agonist arachidonyl‐2'‐chloroethylamide could prevent the effect. Moreover, the phenomenon was also reproduced by siRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of CB1. As revealed by the unaltered expression of several relevant markers (TFAM, VDAC1, MTCO1 and NDUFS4), modulation of CB1 signalling had no effect on the epidermal mitochondrial mass. Next, by using immunoelectron microscopy, we found that human epidermal keratinocytes express both cmCB1 and mtCB1. Finally, by using equipotent extracellularly restricted (hemopressin) as well as cell‐permeable (AM251) inverse agonists, we found that mitochondrial activity is most likely exclusively regulated by mtCB1. Thus, our data identify mtCB1 as a novel negative regulator of keratinocyte mitochondrial activity in intact human epidermis, and raise the question, whether topical therapeutic interventions capable of selectively activating mtCB1 can reduce excessive mitochondrial ROS production resulting from dysregulated mitochondrial activity during skin ageing or photodamage.
Economic globalization and decentralization: A centrifugal or centripetal relationship?
Authors: Jurado Ignacio , León Sandra
Published: May 2020

One of the most significant economic trends in the last decades has been the integration of countries in international markets. What have been the consequences of global economic integration upon the territorial organization of the states? Has it contributed to centralize powers or to further decentralization? The literature so far has provided inconclusive evidence. In this article we shed new light on the relationship between economic globalization and territorial politics by using a varied source of data such as the Regional Authority Index, and the KOF indices of globalization for the period 1970–2010. Results show that economic globalization is positively associated to decentralization, particularly in those countries with more regionalist parties and where levels of inequality are lower.
Exploratory descriptive analysis of opioid prescribing prevalence of nurse practitioners and the specialties associated with the top prescribers
Authors: Pan Kevin , Collins Andrea
Published: May 2020

Background

Opioid prescription drug abuse is increasingly becoming a concern beyond the United States. Little is known regarding nurse practitioners' opioid prescribing patterns or settings.

Aim

To examine nurse practitioners' opioid prescription patterns.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional descriptive study of the 2016 Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use File and analysed the association between the number of nurse practitioners and the number of opioid prescriptions. We conducted Web searches on the top 1% of prescribers to obtain the specialty areas in which nurse practitioners worked.

Results

There was no significant correlation between the prevalence of nurse practitioners and the opioid prescription rates among the states in the United States. Most nurse practitioners do not prescribe opioids. Opioid prescription is highly concentrated among nurse practitioners, as 1% of nurse practitioners account for one third of opioids prescribed by nurse practitioners. Most of the top 1% opioid prescribers practice in specialty care with board‐certified pain medicine physicians.

Conclusions

The prevalence of nurse practitioners is not likely a significant contributing factor to the opioid epidemic. Rather than increased scrutiny of opioid prescribing, a better approach to curb the opioid crisis might be to facilitate collaboration among physicians, nurse practitioners and patients.
The health of the nursing workforce. A survey of National Nurse Associations
Authors: Wills J. , Hancock C. , Nuttall M.
Published: May 2020

Aim

This investigation explored the extent to which nurses’ own health is a priority for global National Nursing Associations.

Background

There is a growing body of evidence linking staff health and well‐being and key dimensions of service quality, including patient safety, patient experience and the effectiveness of patient care.

Introduction

The International Council of Nurses is a federation of more than 130 National Nurses Associations, representing more than 20 million nurses worldwide. Representatives from these Associations attended a Congress in Singapore in 2019 at which a survey was conducted.

Methods

A convenience sample of 37 leaders of National Nurse Associations from 33 countries and 61 nurse representatives took part in a survey.

Results

The majority of nurse leaders and participants believed that nurses’ own health should be a priority to be addressed, principally because a healthy nurse is better able to provide good patient care. All of the examples offered about how these Associations address nurses’ own health were about actions to prompt individual health behaviour change.

Discussion

The National Nurses Associations did not have a common terminology to talk about nurses’ own health. Taking care of one’s own health was included as part of the professional role and most nurse leaders thought that working conditions contributed to ill health.

Conclusions

There is widespread agreement that nurses’ own health matters but for most National Nurses Associations it is not a current priority.

Implications for Nursing Policy

Going forward nurse health and wellbeing should be a core principle for health services and professional associations, and additional research is needed that demonstrates if improving working environments contributes to nurse retention and recruitment.