bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of informal learning on work engagement: older workers in the US public sector
Authors: Uhunoma Osaretin , Lim Doo Hun , Kim Woocheol
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating relationship between organizational culture, informal learning and work engagement of older workers in a public organizational setting. More specifically, this study aimed to investigate if informal learning is a pivotal component connecting an organizational-level factor (culture) to work engagement, which, in turn, directly influences business performance in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

After a careful review of the selected and relevant literature, four hypotheses were developed to test the structural relationships between the selected variables.

Findings

The data analysis indicated that informal learning mediated the relationship between organizational culture and work engagement for older employees working in a public organizational setting.

Practical implications

The findings from this study provide a solid justification for promoting informal learning in organizations to ensure knowledge transfer between younger and older generations while minimizing knowledge and financial loss for organizations.

Originality/value

In previous research, little emphasis has been placed on the impact of informal learning on work engagement. This study presents a valuable finding about the role of informal learning to facilitate work engagement for older workers.
Unpacking stakeholder relationship management in the public and private sectors: the comparative insights
Authors: Belyaeva Zhanna , Shams S.M. Riad , Santoro Gabriele , Grandhi Balakrishna
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This literature review paper attempts to discuss and present one’s current knowledge on the wide spectrum of stakeholder relationship management, to highlight future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a literature review methodology involving different streams of research.

Findings

Diverse and distinct sections concerning stakeholder relationship management with specific regard to corporate governance and CSR, entrepreneurship and open innovation/open social innovation are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper presents future research opportunities concerning the wide spectrum of stakeholder relationship management.
Conflict between younger and older workers: an identity-based approach
Authors: Ho Henry C.Y. , Yeung Dannii Y.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

With age diversity in the workplace becoming increasingly prevalent, the conflict between younger and older workers can be pervasive because of their increased interpersonal tensions from heterogeneous interactions. Adopting an identity-based approach, this study aims to examine the causes, underlying mechanisms and specific strategies used to manage such conflict. It was hypothesized that there is an interaction effect between age-group identification and organizational identification on conflict strategies and that this relationship can be explained by the mediating role of motivational goal orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 380 clerical workers in Hong Kong, aged 19–65, responded to two hypothetical scenarios about conflict with a younger and an older worker using a structured questionnaire on social identity, motivational goal orientation and conflict strategies. Moderated mediation analyzes were performed to test the hypothesized conditional indirect effects.

Findings

Results showed that workers who identified with the organization emphasized less on independent goals (with a younger opposing party) and more on cooperative goals (with an older opposing party) when they did not perceive an age-group differentiation, and thus, they were more likely to respond in a way that de-escalates the conflict, including the use of integrating, obliging and compromising strategies.

Originality/value

Extending age-related conflict research beyond identifying generational differences, this study highlights the role of social identity and suggests that employers and managers should strengthen employees’ organizational identification and build a fair work environment that facilitates positive interaction between younger and older workers.
Perceived project complexity: a survey among practitioners of project management
Authors: Mikkelsen Mogens Frank
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Project complexity has been comprehensively investigated over the last two decades, resulting in many descriptive frameworks and models. The common layout is a multidimensional construct. While the perception of the complexity of projects is essential for a managerial approach, only scant research has been conducted into how practitioners perceive project complexity. The purpose of the paper is to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a quantitative study based on a large survey among managers of projects with more than 1,000 participants. The questionnaire is designed based on a review of research literature on project complexity.

Findings

The findings indicate that practitioners' mental models are concentrated on only a few dimensions of the many found in descriptive models. Further, the findings indicate that the mental models are much influenced by the project role of the perceiver and less so by the type of project and sector.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the differentiation of concepts of perceived project complexity and provides a framework for a survey of the topic. The contribution of the paper is an increased understanding of practitioners' perceptions of project complexity as a concept very different from the descriptive frameworks that have been the focal point for research in project complexity thus far. The project complexity might be in the eye of the beholder; however, the findings indicate that the eyes are very much influenced by the project role of the beholder.
Blockchain security research: theorizing through bibliographic-coupling analysis
Authors: Patrício Lurdes D. , Ferreira João J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The continuous presence and intensity of the Internet of things (IoT) in our lives and the risk of security breaches in traditional transactional and financial platforms are the major cause of personal and organizational data losses. Blockchain emerges as a promised technology to ensure higher levels of data encryption and security. Thus, this study aims to develop a systematic literature review analyzing the previous literature and to purpose of a framework to better understand the process of blockchain security.

Design/methodology/approach

The 75 articles reviewed were obtained through the Scopus database and a bibliographic-coupling analysis was developed to identify the main themes of this research area, via VOSviewer software.

Findings

The results enable the categorization of the existing literature revealing four clusters: 1) feasibility, 2) fintech and cryptocurrency, 3) data trust and share and 4) applicability. Blockchain technology is still in its early stage of development and counting on researchers in security and cryptography to take it further to new highs, to allow its applicability to different areas and in long-term scenarios.

Originality/value

This systematic literature creates a base to reduce the blockchain security literature gap. In addition, it provides a framework that enables the scientific community to access the main subjects discussed and the articulation between concepts. Furthermore, it enhances the state-of-the-art literature on blockchain security and proposes a future research agenda.
The innovation-employment nexus: an analysis of the impact of Airbnb on hotel employment
Authors: Mhlanga Oswald
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of Airbnb on hotel employment.

Design/methodology/approach

A triple-difference regression framework was used to compare changes in hotel employment in three cities in South Africa where Airbnb started operating relative to cities without this home-sharing platform. Data on hotel employment was drawn from the survey on hotel service conducted by Smith Travel Research whereas the data on Airbnb’s listings was drawn from the Airbnb’s homepage for the period between July 2015 and December 2018. The analysis was restricted to 792 hotels.

Findings

Although prior studies have showed that Airbnb has an adverse impact on hotel performances, the findings show that total hotel employment expanded after the entry of Airbnb, accompanied by a marked relative shift towards self-employment. Airbnb supply negatively affected permanent employment, which was compensated by increase in temporary employment and self-employment. While the paper finds no evidence of adverse employment impacts, the hourly earnings declined for hotel employees were compensated by increase in income among self-employed Airbnb hosts. Although these findings might be contradictory to the general conjecture, such evidence calls for a comprehensive investigation of Airbnb’s overall economic impact.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study was based on the impact of Airbnb on hotel employment in South Africa. Caution is therefore required when generalising the findings of this study in other geographic areas. Second, some variables that may affect employment have not been included in this study because of the unavailability of data.

Practical implications

The results show that the sharing economy plays an important role in solving the unemployment problem, particularly in South Africa, where there is a high rate of unemployment. More practical implications are further discussed.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, this paper provides the first systematic evidence of the impact of Airbnb on labour market outcomes in the hotel industry in South Africa.
Motivating language and employee outcomes: a multinational investigation
Authors: Nguyen Cau Ngoc , Ning Wei , Alikaj Albi , Tran Quoc Nam
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of managerial use of motivating language on employee absenteeism, turnover intention, job satisfaction and job performance for employees from three nations: India, the USA and Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is collected from 614 employees working in India, the USA and Vietnam. A variance-based partial least squares structural equation modeling technique is used to test the hypotheses. In addition, a statistical test is used to examine the statistical differences in the results across the three nations.

Findings

The findings are consistent with the motivating language theory, in that managerial use of motivating language can be an effective strategy in motivating employees. Specifically, motivating language is found to significantly decrease employee absenteeism and turnover intention, as well as significantly increase job satisfaction and performance across the three nations. The effect sizes indicate that, across all samples, motivating language has a medium effect for all employee outcomes, except absenteeism, which is shown to have a small effect size. Moreover, the results indicate that employees in different cultures perceive and interpret the leader’s use of motivating language in different ways. Whereas motivating language may receive greater success in promoting workers’ job performance in eastern cultures, it is also more effective in retaining employees in western cultures.

Originality/value

The study adds to the literature in three major ways. First, it provides evidence for two understudied relationships: motivating language and absenteeism and motivating language and turnover intention. Second, it assesses the generalizability of the motivating language theory by investigating data from India, the USA and Vietnam. Finally, this paper offers a statistical comparison of the three samples to analyze how the relationship between motivating language and worker outcomes differ among the three samples.
Usefulness of neuron‐specific enolase as a serum marker of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Sato Sayuri , Kato Junji , Sawada Masahide , Horimoto Kohei , Okura Masae , Hida Tokimasa , Uhara Hisashi
Published: July 2020

Treatment strategies for advanced melanoma are dramatically changing, due to immune‐checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Nevertheless, reliable serum markers for evaluation of treatment responses and the outcome are still limited. Some previous reports suggested that serum neuron‐specific enolase (sNSE) may be a useful marker for melanoma; however, its usefulness is controversial. Moreover, NSE has not been examined in vitro by using melanoma cell lines. We retrospectively evaluated sNSE and serum lactate dehydrogenase (sLDH) levels at the initial diagnosis and during therapy in 33 melanoma patients of various stages. We analyzed the NSE concentrations in cell lysates and supernatants from melanoma cell lines by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The median sNSE was significantly higher in stage IV patients compared with stages I/II and III (16.3, 12.7 and 12.1 ng/mL, respectively). sNSE was elevated in 20% (2/10) of stage III and 61.1% (11/18) of stage IV patients but not in stages I/II. sNSE and sLDH tended to correspond to the total tumor volume (P = 0.48 and 0.58; 95% confidence intervals, 0.005–0172 and 0.776–0.836, respectively). The coincidence rate of sNSE and sLDH in stage IV at the initial diagnosis was 11 of 18 (61.1%). Of the remaining patients, elevated sNSE but not sLDH was observed in five patients (27.8%) and elevated sLDH but not sNSE was observed in two (11.1%). Four of the five patients showing elevated sNSE and normal sLDH were of the mucosal type. NSE was detected in both supernatant and cell lysate of all four melanoma cell lines (0.30–237.32 ng/mL and 137–483.04 ng/mg, respectively). Two cell lines with a high supernatant NSE level contained many dead cells in the supernatant. The combination of sNSE and sLDH could contribute to the early detection of distant metastasis and disease condition evaluations for advanced melanoma patients.
Alexia and agraphia in Spanish
Authors: Gonzalez Rafael , Rojas Macarena , Ardila Alfredo
Published: July 2020

Background

Every language has certain specific idiosyncrasies in its writing system. Cross‐linguistic analyses of alexias and agraphias are fundamental to understand commonalities and differences in the brain organization of written language. Few reports of alexias and agraphias in the Spanish language are currently available.

Aims

To analyse the clinical manifestations of alexias and agraphias in Spanish, and the effect of demographic variables.

Methods & Procedures

Spanish versions of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) were used for language assessment. Lesion localization was obtained by using computed axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The final sample included 200 patients: 195 (97.5%) right‐handed and five (2.5%) left‐handed; 119 men and 81 women with a mean age of 57.37 years (SD = 15.56), education of 13.52 years (SD = 4.08), and mean time post‐onset of 6.58 months (SD = 12.94). Using the WAB, four quotients were calculated: aphasia quotient (AQ), reading–writing quotient (RWQ), language quotient (LQ) and cortical quotient (CQ).

Outcomes & Results

The types of aphasia were: global = 11 patients (5.5%), Broca = 31 (15.5%), Wernicke = 30 (15.0%), conduction = 22 (11.0%), transcortical sensory = 17 (8.5%), transcortical motor = 3 (1.5%), amnesic or anomic = 54 (27.0%) and mixed non‐fluent = 32 (16.0%). The degree of oral and written language impairment differed across the various aphasia types. Most severe reading and writing difficulties were found in global, mixed non‐fluent and transcortical motor aphasia; fewer difficulties were observed in amnesic, Broca and conduction aphasia. The severity of the written language impairments paralleled the severity of the oral language disturbances. Age negatively, while schooling positively, correlated with the scores in reading and writing tests. No effect of sex and time since onset was found.

Conclusions & Implications

In Spanish‐speaking aphasia patients, difficulties in reading and writing are similar to oral language difficulties. This similarity of performance is mostly based on severity rather than the participants’ patterns of errors.

What this paper adds

What is already known on the subject

There is limited information about alexia and agraphia in Spanish.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

An extensive study with a large sample of patients.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

The study contributes to the clinical management of patients with reading and writing disturbances.
Shear‐dependent platelet aggregation size
Authors: Chan Chris Hoi Houng , Inoue Masataka , Ki Katrina K. , Murashige Tomotaka , Fraser John F. , Simmonds Michael J. , Tansley Geoff D. , Watanabe Nobuo
Published: July 2020

Nonsurgical bleeding is the most frequent complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Supraphysiologic shear rates generated in LVAD causes impaired platelet aggregation, which increases the risk of bleeding. The effect of shear rate on the formation size of platelet aggregates has never been reported experimentally, although platelet aggregation size can be considered to be directly relevant to bleeding complications. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of shear rate and exposure time on the formation size of platelet aggregates, which is vital in predicting bleeding in patients with an LVAD. Human platelet‐poor plasma (containing von Willebrand factor, vWF) and fluorochrome‐labeled platelets were subjected to a range of shear rates (0‐10 000 s−1) for 0, 5, 10, and 15 minutes using a custom‐built blood‐shearing device. Formed sizes of platelet aggregates under a range of shear‐controlled environment were visualized and measured using microscopy. The loss of high molecular weight (HMW) vWF multimers was quantified using gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. An inhibition study was also performed to investigate the reduction in platelet aggregation size and HMW vWF multimers caused by either mechanical shear or enzymatic (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13—ADAMTS13, the von Willebrand factor protease) mechanism under low and high shear conditions (360 and 10 000 s−1). We found that the average size of platelet aggregates formed under physiological shear rates of 360‐3000 s−1 (200‐300 μm2) was significantly larger compared to those sheared at >6000 s−1 (50‐100 μm2). Furthermore, HMW vWF multimers were reduced with increased shear rates. The inhibition study revealed that the reduction in platelet aggregation size and HWM vWF multimers were mainly associated with ADAMTS13. In conclusion, the threshold of shear rate must not exceed >6000 s−1 in order to maintain the optimal size of platelet aggregates to “plug off” the injury site and stop bleeding.
The Effect of Attachment Diversity on Team Performance and the Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support
Authors: Reizer Abira , Schechter Ofri , Ein‐Dor Tsachi
Published: July 2020

Attachment personality theory provides an interpersonal and relational perspective of human functioning. The current research examines the role of attachment diversity within the theoretical framework of the categorization‐elaboration model (CEM). We hypothesized that teams comprised of diverse attachment orientations would be beneficial to team performance. Specifically, diverse anxiety teams may have members who would be more vigilant to team threats, whereas diverse avoidance teams could comprise individuals who may be more goal‐oriented. Also, we examined whether perceived organizational support (POS) moderates the association between attachment diversity and team performance. The study was conducted at a large private communications company. Data were obtained for 44 sales teams (N = 404). Supplementing this data, the company’s administrative systems provided team performance ratings derived from team achievements. Findings indicated that the relationship between anxiety diversity and performance were stronger under lower POS levels than under higher POS levels. Interpersonal avoidance strategies seem to be less productive in avoidance diversity teams under lower levels of POS. However, higher POS levels buffered the negative impact of avoidance diversity on team performance.
Social connections and editorship in economics
Authors: Miniaci Raffaele , Pezzoni Michele
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the determinants of editorial board membership, for 17 leading journals in economics, from 1997 to 2009. We find that the researcher's scientific profile and connections to the editors in charge are significant predictors of editorship. Ceteris paribus, after controlling for unobserved researcher heterogeneity, scholars with links to editors in the co‐authorship network are more likely to serve as editors and this advantage decreases sharply with the social distance. Being a present or former departmental colleague or protégé of an editor‐in‐charge is positively associated with the probability of appointment to the board.

Liens sociaux et comités éditoriaux en économie. Cet article explore les éléments déterminants relatifs à la composition des comités éditoriaux de 17 revues économiques de premier plan entre 1997 et 2009. Nous avons constaté que le profil scientifique du chercheur ainsi que ses relations avec les éditeurs augmentent la probabilité d’être membre d’un comité éditorial. Toutes choses étant égales par ailleurs, et après avoir neutralisé l’hétérogénéité non observée des chercheurs, il apparaît que les chercheurs en lien avec des éditeurs dans un réseau de corédaction sont davantage susceptibles de devenir éditeurs à leur tour, et que cet avantage s’amenuise drastiquement avec la distance sociale. Le fait d’avoir été collègue au sein d’un même département ou mentoré par un éditeur est associé de fac¸on positive à la probabilité d’intégrer le comité éditorial.
Pharmacological evaluation of imidazole‐derived bisphosphonates on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand‐induced osteoclast differentiation and function
Authors: Lin Jianguo , Peng Ying , Liu Qingzhu , Li Ke , Lv Gaochao , Seimbille Yann , Huang Gang , Gao Feng , Qiu Ling
Published: July 2020

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been commonly used in the treatment of osteolytic bone lesions, such as osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta. However, serious side‐effects can occur during the therapy. To search for novel potent BPs with lower side‐effects, a series of imidazole‐containing BPs (zoledronic acid [ZOL]; ZOL derivatives by substitution of the hydrogen at the 2‐position on the imidazole ring with a methyl [MIDP], ethyl [EIDP], n‐propyl [PIDP], or n‐butyl group [BIDP]) were developed and the effects on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast differentiation were investigated using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells at the protein, gene, and morphological and functional levels. Influences of these BPs on the cell growth and proliferation of RAW 264.7 were also studied in order to determine cytotoxicity. The results showed that PIDP significantly inhibited the RANKL‐induced osteoclast formation in a dose‐dependent fashion without inducing cytotoxicity under the concentration of 12.5 μM. It exerted remarkable suppressive effects on the development of actin rings, the bone resorption, and the expressions of osteoclastogenesis‐related gene and protein markers. The down‐regulation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), protein kinase B (Akt), and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B (IκB) phosphorylation in the early signaling event and subsequent inhibition of the expression of c‐Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) might be involved in these effects. All these results indicated that PIDP might be a promising drug to treat bone‐related disorders.
Asian‐specific vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio cut‐off for glaucoma screening: An evidence‐based recommendation from a multi‐ethnic Asian population
Authors: Soh Zhi Da , Chee Miao Li , Thakur Sahil , Tham Yih Chung , Tao Yijin , Lim Zhi Wei , Mani Baskaran , Wong Tina T. , Aung Tin , Cheng Ching‐Yu
Published: July 2020

Importance

Evidence‐based guidelines are essential for glaucoma screening to work effectively.

Background

To derive a vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio (VCDR) cut‐off for glaucoma screening in a multi‐ethnic Asian population.

Design

The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (SEED) study is a population‐based study conducted from 2004 to 2011 in a single tertiary care research institute.

Participants

SEED comprised of 10 033 Chinese, Malay and Indian adults aged ≥40 (response rate 75.6%). After excluding participants with a history of glaucoma medication or surgery, 9673 participants were included for analysis.

Methods

A systematic eye examination, which included applanation tonometry, visual field testing, gonioscopy and dilated fundus examination was conducted.

Main Outcome Measure

Diagnosis of glaucoma.

Results

The distribution of VCDR and VCDR asymmetry were relatively homogenous in this multi‐ethnic Asian population, with a 97.5th percentile value of 0.67 and 0.17, respectively. In the absence of more definite signs of glaucoma, VCDR ≥0.60 and VCDR asymmetry ≥0.20 provided the best balance between sensitivity (95.1%) and specificity (90.9%) in detecting glaucoma. For larger optic disc (≥2.0 mm), VCDR ≥0.65 with VCDR asymmetry ≥0.20 provided the best balance between sensitivity (84.8%) and specificity (93.2%).

Conclusion and relevance

Overall, VCDR ≥0.60 with VCDR ≥0.20 asymmetry provides a good balance between sensitivity and specificity in detecting glaucoma. For larger optic disc, VCDR ≥0.65 should be considered instead to mitigate against false‐referrals due to larger physiological disc cupping. Our findings may act as a reference to populations with similar VCDR distribution.
Surgiflo®may have a potential impact on the healing process in cricotracheal resection anastomosis
Authors: El‐Fattah Ahmed Musaad Abd , Ebada Hisham Atef , Tawfik Ali
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the role of thrombin‐based haemostatic agent Surgiflo®(Ethicon) in improving the outcome of cricotracheal resection anastomosis.

Design

Randomised controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt.

Participants

This study included 55 patients with grade III and IV subglottic and/or cervical tracheal stenosis, who underwent cricotracheal resection anastomosis. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Surgiflo group (n = 20) and control group (n = 35). In Surgiflo patients, Surgiflo®was applied at the end of surgery over the whole operative field including the line of airway anastomosis with the purpose of adequate haemostasis and enhancing healing of the anastomosis.

Main outcome measures

The success rate and the incidence of complications in both groups were compared.

Results

At the end of treatment, decannulation rate was 95% (19/20) in the Surgiflo groups and 82.8% (29/35) in the control group. The overall incidence of complications was significantly lower in the Surgiflo group (P = .021). Need for further surgical airway interventions in the form of repeated dilatation, granulation tissue removal or performing a tracheotomy was reported in 22.9% (8/35) of control group patients, in comparison with 5% (1/20) in Surgiflo group.

Conclusion

Direct Surgiflo®application in the operative field enhances the anastomotic healing, decreases the incidence of anastomotic complications and subsequently improves the outcome. It can be recommended as an adjuvant to surgery in patients undergoing cricotracheal resection anastomosis.
Invasion costs, impacts, and human agency: response to Sagoff 2020
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Bacher Sven , Blackburn Tim M. , Briski Elizabeta , Diagne Christophe , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Essl Franz , Genovesi Piero , Haubrock Phillip J. , Latombe Guillaume , Lenzner Bernd , Meinard Yves , Pauchard Aníbal , Pyšek Petr , Ricciardi Anthony , Richardson David M. , Russell James C. , Simberloff Daniel , Courchamp Franck
Published: July 2020

Article impact statement: In an era of profound biodiversity crisis, invasion costs, invader impacts, and human agency should not be dismissed.
Addressing the needs of disabled children and their families during a pandemic: an AACPDM perspective
Authors: Sienko Susan
Published: July 2020

This article is commented on by Leviton on page 1006 of this issue.

Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/djwaGWTocKQ
Additional diagnostic accuracy of global longitudinal strain at peak dobutamine stress in patients with moderate pretest probability of coronary artery disease
Authors: Elamragy Ahmed A. , Abdelwahab Mohamed A. , Elremisy Dalia R. , Hassan Mohamed , Ammar Waleed A. , Taha Hesham S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous studies confirmed the feasibility of 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in assessing myocardial ischemia in patients with previous myocardial infarction. It is unknown whether it improves the diagnostic accuracy in young patients with intermediate pretest probability for coronary artery disease (CAD) and no prior cardiovascular events.

Methods

We prospectively studied 101 patients by DSE and STE, followed by coronary angiography within 1 month. Significant CAD was defined as diameter stenosis ≥ 50%. Receiver operating characteristic analysis obtained global longitudinal strain (GLS) cutoff values of significant area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Mean age: 53 ± 8 years, 56% females, 49 had significant CAD (group 1) and 52 had normal/mild CAD (group 2); no significant baseline differences except more males in group 1 (P: .002). DSE sensitivity and specificity for CAD were 79.6% and 92.3%, respectively, positive predictive value (PPV): 90.6%, negative predictive value (NPV): 82.7%, and diagnostic accuracy: 86%. At peak stress, all strain parameters were significantly lower in group 1. However, GLS had the highest AUC: 0.88, P: <.001. GLS cutoff value ≤ −20.5 had 89.8% sensitivity, 84.6% specificity, 84.6% PPV, 89.8% NPV, and 87% diagnostic accuracy. Combining GLS cutoff with DSE had higher AUC than either alone (0.9, P < .001): 95.9% sensitivity, 84.6% specificity, 85.5% PPV, 95.7% NPV, and 90% diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

2D‐STE‐derived GLS increases DSE precision to detect CAD in intermediate pretest probability patients: It improves DSE sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy. It is reproducible and has comparable specificity.
Estimation of carbon stocks in boreal cropland soils ‐ methodological considerations
Authors: Heikkinen Jaakko , Keskinen Riikka , Regina Kristiina , Honkanen Henri , Nuutinen Visa
Published: July 2020

High expectations to harness agricultural soils as sinks for atmospheric carbon (C) necessitate methods for verifying changes in soil organic C (SOC) stocks and improving the accuracy of regional SOC stock estimates specific to various land‐use and management types. In this study we used a sample set included in the Finnish national soil monitoring network (n = 125) to determine the SOC stock and its vertical distribution in Finnish agricultural mineral soils using fixed depth (FD) and equivalent soil mass (ESM) methods. Further, we explored the within‐field variation in SOC stock and minimum sample size in the context of SOC sequestration. Boreal agricultural mineral soils were found to be rich in SOC. The average SOC stock ranged between 8.4 and 9.8 kg m−2 in the top 30 cm depending on cropping system and soil type. Cultivation of perennial crops tended to enrich the C close to the soil surface in comparison to dominantly annual crops, which exhibited a less steep C gradient with depth. The commonly used van Bemmelen factor of 1.724 to convert results of loss on ignition to SOC was found to be appropriate for coarse‐textured Finnish agricultural soils. However, the results showed that in clay‐rich soils, it is critical to take into account the structural water bound in clay particles to avoid overestimation of the SOC content. The study also demonstrated that the minimum sample size required to detect the change of 0.1 kg C m−2 at field level is typically several hundreds. Therefore empirical soil sampling is not at all cost‐effective enough for verifying the changes in SOC stocks with regard to compensation of C sequestration for farmers. Thus, alternative verification methods, such as SOC modelling in combination with field‐level data collected, for example, using remote sensing should be developed further.

Highlights

Boreal agricultural mineral soils are rich in C

Rotations where perennial crops dominated tended to enrich C in the soil surface

Soil clay content should be taken into account when converting SOM to SOC

The sample size required to verify SOC stock changes for C trading is extremely high
A modification to the van Genuchten model for improved prediction of relative hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated soils
Authors: Kuang Xingxing , Jiao Jiu Jimmy , Shan Jipeng , Yang Zhenlei
Published: July 2020

Modelling of flow and transport in unsaturated soils requires information on two fundamental hydraulic properties: the soil water retention curve and relative hydraulic conductivity. A soil's relative hydraulic conductivity is frequently predicted from the soil water retention curve. The most widely used combination is the van Genuchten model for the soil water retention curve and the Mualem model for relative hydraulic conductivity (VGM). Previous studies show that the VGM model underestimates measured relative hydraulic conductivity for soils with fine textures; a sharp drop in relative hydraulic conductivity can be seen near saturation. A new modification of the van Genuchten soil water retention model is proposed with the aim of improving the agreement between predicted and measured relative hydraulic conductivity. The Brooks and Corey‐Burdine model is used to predict relative hydraulic conductivity from the modified van Genuchten soil water retention curve (MVG‐BCB). The modified model assumes independent m and n in the van Genuchten model but with constraints n > 2 and 0 < m < 1. The MVG‐BCB model is evaluated by comparing calculated and measured data for 59 soils that have widely varying soil textures, ranging from sandstone to clay. The MVG‐BCB model improves the agreement between calculated and measured data for both the soil water retention curve and relative hydraulic conductivity. The MVG‐BCB model is closer to measured relative hydraulic conductivity data for most of the selected soils and the sharp drop near saturation is eliminated. Both the modified soil water retention curve and relative hydraulic conductivity functions are smooth curves and can easily be incorporated into vadose zone flow and transport modellings.

Highlights

A new modification to the van Genuchten soil water retention model.

The model improves the fit to measured soil water retention data.

The chosen model improves the prediction of relative hydraulic conductivity.
When Assessment Validation Neglects Any Strand of Validity Evidence: An Instructive Example from PISA
Authors: Pepper David
Published: July 2020

The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing identify several strands of validity evidence that may be needed as support for particular interpretations and uses of assessments. Yet assessment validation often does not seem guided by these Standards, with validations lacking a particular strand even when it appears relevant to an assessment. Consequently, the degree to which validity evidence supports the proposed interpretation and use of the assessment may be compromised. Guided by the Standards, this article presents an independent validation of OECD's PISA assessment of mathematical self‐efficacy (MSE) as an instructive example of this issue. OECD identifies MSE as one of a number of “factors” explaining student performance in mathematics, thereby serving the “policy orientation” of PISA. However, this independent validation identifies significant shortcomings in the strands of validity evidence available to support this interpretation and use of the assessment. The article therefore demonstrates how the Standards can guide the planning of a validation to ensure it generates the validity evidence relevant to an interpretive argument, particularly for an international large‐scale assessment such as PISA. The implication is that assessment validation could yet benefit from the Standards as what Zumbo calls “a global force for testing”.
Short‐term impacts of prescribed burning on Orange‐bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) food plant abundance
Authors: Stojanovic Dejan , Neeman Teresa , Crates Ross , Troy Shannon , Heinsohn Robert
Published: July 2020

Fire has important implications for the availability of suitable types of habitat for animals. Different species vary in their responses to fire, and quantifying the responses of key habitat attributes may facilitate manipulation of fire regimes to improve conditions for species of conservation concern. The Orange‐bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster prefers recently burned habitat for foraging when breeding but knowledge of how fire affects this species and its habitat is limited. We implemented a 2‐year before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) study to quantify short‐term impacts of fire on food plants and habitat features. Relative to control sites, the four food plants we monitored in the treatment area responded differently to fire: one did not recover, two reached pre‐burn abundance after 20 months and another recovered by 1 year after fire, and by 20 months was more common in treatment sites. Relative to controls, the proportion of bare earth at treatment sites increased after fire and then gradually declined, while mean vegetation height at treatment plots declined after fire and then gradually increased. Twenty months after fire, parrots foraged on abundant regeneration of the Dwarf Everlasting (Helichrysum pumilum) and fed the seeds of this species to their nestlings. Fire alters the availability of key resources needed by breeding Orange‐bellied Parrots, and ongoing manipulation of fire regimes may relieve limitation of natural foods for this species.
Genome‐wide quantitative trait loci detection for biofuel traits in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)
Authors: Ali Shahjahan , Serba Desalegn D. , Walker Dennis , Jenkins Jerry , Schmutz Jeremy , Bhamidimarri Suresh , Saha Malay C.
Published: July 2020

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified as a potential feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production in United States for its high biomass yield and adaptation to marginal lands. Composition of the cell wall plays an important role in bioethanol conversion. A total of 209 pseudo‐F1 testcross progenies obtained from a biparental cross, AP13 × VS16, were grown at three locations from 2008 to 2011. Near‐infrared spectroscopy was used to estimate cell wall composition from biomass harvested at maturity. A linkage map of the pseudo‐F1 testcross was constructed with 8,757 SNPs developed by genotyping‐by‐sequencing. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed on eight lignocellulosic traits, namely, klason lignin, sugar, glucose, xylose, hexose, ethanol, hexosoic ethanol, and cell wall ethanol conversion percentage. A total of 327 QTL were recorded for the eight lignocellulosic traits. We have identified 111 major regions in the switchgrass genome that underlie these lignocellulosic traits. Scanning of the genome sequence for genes flanking the QTL peaks, we identified 45 important genes that are involved in lignin biosynthesis, carbohydrate and sugar metabolism, and other biological and cellular functions. Identification of valuable genes associated with QTL along with pleotropic effects of the significant number of QTL suggests that simultaneous selection and genetic improvement of these traits are possible using marker‐assisted selection.
Medicine and public health in twentieth‐century China: Histories of modernization and change
Authors: Baum Emily
Published: July 2020

Over the past two decades, an increasing amount of scholarly attention has turned to the history of medicine in twentieth‐century China, with many works demonstrating how the Chinese pursuit of health has been inextricably tied to the quest for national sovereignty and political self‐strengthening. This essay examines recent English‐ and Chinese‐language research on the history of medicine, public health, and the body in modern China, focusing specifically on the themes of modernization and change. Proceeding chronologically and thematically, it shows how current historiography has traced the source of China's medical modernization efforts to colonialism, ideological conflicts between practitioners of Chinese and Western medicine, the politicization of medical practice under the Nationalist Party (Guomindang), and the Chinese Communist Party's desire to revolutionize health care.
Radiation‐associated sarcomas other than malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours demonstrate loss of histone H3K27 trimethylation†
Authors: Panse Gauri , Mito Jeffrey K , Ingram Davis R , Wani Khalida , Khan Samia , Lazar Alexander J , Doyle Leona A , Wang Wei‐Lien
Published: July 2020

Background and aims

Complete loss of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) has recently emerged as a biomarker for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST). Loss of H3K27me3 staining has also been reported in post‐radiation MPNST; however, it has not been evaluated in a large series of radiation‐associated sarcomas of different histological subtypes. The aim of this study was to assess H3K27me3 labelling by immunohistochemistry in radiation‐associated sarcomas and to determine the prevalence of H3K27me3 loss in these tumours.

Methods and results

Radiation‐associated sarcomas (n = 119) from two tertiary care referral centres were evaluated for loss of H3K27me3, defined as complete loss of staining within tumour cells in the presence of a positive internal control. Twenty‐three cases (19%) showed H3K27me3 loss, including nine of 10 (90%) MPNST, seven of 77 (9%) undifferentiated spindle cell/pleomorphic sarcomas, five of 25 (20%) angiosarcomas, one of five (20%) leiomyosarcomas and one of two (50%) osteosarcomas.

Conclusions

Complete H3K27me3 loss was present in 19% of radiation‐associated sarcomas in our series. Our findings demonstrate that loss of H3K27me3 is not specific for radiation‐associated MPNST and may also occur in other histological subtypes of RAS, including radiation‐associated undifferentiated spindle cell/pleomorphic sarcoma, angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma.
Sugarcane cystatin CaneCPI‐1 promotes osteogenic differentiation in human dental pulp cells: a new insight into cysteine proteases inhibitors
Authors: Rodrigues E. M. , Viola K. S. , Gomes‐Cornélio A. L. , Soares‐Costa A. , Henrique‐Silva F. , Rossa‐Junior C. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M.
Published: July 2020

Aim

To investigate the biocompatibility, type of cell death, osteogenic bioactivity and mRNA expression of the osteogenic markers, induced by CaneCPI‐1 in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).

Methodology

hDPCs exposed to CaneCPI‐1 and not exposed (control) were evaluated for cell viability by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; apoptosis by flow cytometry; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by calculation of thymolphthalein release; gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), ALP, osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP) by qPCR; and mineralized nodules production by using alizarin red staining. The data were analysed by one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Turkey’s post‐test, two‐way anova and Bonferroni post‐test or t‐test (P < 0.05).

Results

CaneCPI‐1 induced no apoptosis and had no cytotoxic effect, except in the concentration of 33.20 µm, in which cell viability was significantly lower than the control (α‐MEM nonosteogenic medium serum‐free) (P < 0.05). There was significantly greater ALP activity, greater expression of the BMP‐2, RUNX2, ALP, OC and BSP genes and greater mineralized nodules production in the CaneCPI‐1 group in comparison with the control or osteogenic α‐MEM control (α‐MEM osteogenic medium – L‐ascorbic acid and β‐glycerophosphate) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

CaneCPI‐1 was cytocompatible and also induced the differentiation of hDPCs in osteogenic phenotype in vitro. CaneCPI‐1 is a promising molecule to induce pulp repair.
Nanohardness reduction and root dentine erosion after final irrigation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic, etidronic and peracetic acids
Authors: Ulusoy Ö. İ. , Mantı A. Ş. , Çelik B.
Published: July 2020

Aim

To evaluate the nanohardness reduction and erosion in root canal dentine after application of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 9% etidronic acid (HEBP) and 2% peracetic acid (PAA) either alone or combined with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Methodology

One hundred and sixty single‐rooted teeth were decoronated and their root canals were chemomechanically prepared. For the nanohardness evaluation, 80 roots with instrumented canals were split longitudinally into two halves. Dentine blocks with a length of 7 mm were obtained from the middle third of one half of each tooth and were embedded in epoxy resin blocks exposing the root canal walls. Initial nanohardness values of root canal dentine were measured for each specimen using a nanoindenter with a Berkovich tip. The specimens were divided into seven experimental (n = 10) and one control (n = 10) group according to the final irrigation regimens: Group 1: 2.5% NaOCl, Group 2: 17% EDTA, Group 3: 2.5% NaOCl‐17% EDTA, Group 4: 2% PAA, Group 5: 2.5% NaOCl‐2% PAA, Group 6: 9% HEBP, Group 7: 2.5% NaOCl + 9% HEBP and Group 8: Distilled water (control). The measurement of the nanohardness values was repeated for each specimen after being exposed to the irrigants. The nanaohardness reduction of each sample was calculated and recorded. The other 80 instrumented root canals were used for scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation. First, they were irrigated with the same protocols stated above and longitudinally split into two halves. One half of each root canal was viewed using SEM for the amount of erosion. The erosion scores were recorded. Data were analysed statistically using Kruskal–Wallis and Bonferroni‐adjusted Mann–Whitney U‐tests with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Use of etidronic acid and NaOCl + HEBP reduced the nanohardness values significantly more than the other experimental solutions (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the values for the nanohardness reduction in the samples irrigated with a single chelator and chelator combined with NaOCl (P > 0.05). Peritubular and intertubular erosion were observed in the samples irrigated with HEBP and NaOCl + HEBP.

Conclusion

Final irrigation of root canals using etidronic acid alone or combined with NaOCl was associated with structural alterations in root canal dentine of extracted teeth.