bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualising HR outsourcing effectiveness and scale development of HROSERVPERF using PLS-SEM
Authors: Sim Siew Chen , Kaliannan Maniam , Avvari Mohan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide a conceptualisation of HR outsourcing (HRO) effectiveness from a service quality perspective and subsequently develop a scale – HROSERVPERF to measure HRO service performance underpinned S-O-R theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded on theoretical conceptualisation, literature and information collected through semi-structured interviews, HRO service performance items pool were generated. 257 responses from manufacturing firms in Malaysia that have outsourced their HR were collected. PLS-SEM is used for scale confirmation and validation.

Findings

The conceptualisation of HRO effectiveness and HRO service performance suggests a need for scale development that encompasses service quality-satisfaction-loyalty framework supported by S-O-R theory. Operational improvement, resource alignment and service delivery emerged as the service performance dimensions of HROSERVPERF.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to manufacturing firms in Malaysia, hence little generalisation could be drawn beyond this context. However, this serves as future research opportunities.

Practical implications

HR managers and service providers can employ HROSERVPERF to measure and improve HRO service performance more effectively. Service providers can re-strategise and target their scarce resources to better retain their clients.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that provides HRO effectiveness conceptualisation from a service quality perspective followed by a scale development with formative measures using PLS-SEM underpinned S-O-R theory.
Technological knowledge access and transfer of multinational corporations from emerging economies: a comparison study
Authors: Zhang Feng
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the subsequent investment success of EMNCs after their strategic asset-seeking foreign direct investments (FDIs), while internationalization trajectories of multinational corporations from emerging economies (EMNCs) have been extensively studied, Post-internationalization investment success of EMNCs is defined as extensive technological knowledge access and transfer for knowledge combination. This paper focuses on EMNC explicit knowledge access and transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes US patents granted between 2000 and 2014 to leading innovation-oriented EMNCs from China and India as well as to their key competitors from mature industrialized countries (MMNCs). Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test is used to compare the explicit technological knowledge access and transfer patterns of EMNCs and MMNCs. With MMNCs as the benchmark, the comparison allows to imply the patterns and extent of technological knowledge access and transfer of EMNCs.

Findings

While subsidiary reverse knowledge transfer is largely missing, EMNCs adopt a parent-centric approach in which the parent directly accesses and transfers explicit knowledge from the external environment of host locations. In doing so, EMNCs at least partially achieve the knowledge access and transfer goals of strategic asset-seeking FDIs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of EMNCs by empirically testing key predictions in extant EMNC literature, namely, the strategic asset-seeking in host locations and the systematic integration of accessed knowledge and resources with home country activities. This study also pioneers the use of the US patent and citation data to empirically study EMNCs.
A hybrid method for optimizing selective disassembly sequence planning in adaptive reuse of buildings
Authors: Mahmoudi Motahar Mehran , Hosseini Nourzad Seyed Hossein
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A successful adaptive reuse process relies heavily on the strong performance of disassembly sequence planning (DSP), yet the studies in the field are limited to sequential disassembly planning (SDP). Since in sequential disassembly, one component or subassembly is removed with only one manipulator at a time, it can be a relatively inefficient and lengthy process for large or complex assemblies and cannot fully utilize the DSP benefits for adaptive reuse of buildings. This study aims to present a new hybrid method for the single-target selective DSP that supports both sequential and parallel approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses asynchronous parallel selective disassembly planning (aPDP) method, one of the newest and most effective parallel approaches in the manufacturing industry, to develop a parallel approach toward DSP in adaptive reuse of buildings. In the proposed method, three objectives (i.e. disassembly sequence time, cost and environmental impacts) are optimized using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II).

Findings

The proposed method can generate feasible sequential solutions for multi-objective DSP problems as the sequence disassembly planning for buildings (SDPB) method, and parallel solutions lead to 17.6–23.4% time reduction for understudy examples. Moreover, in disassembly planning problems with more complex relations, the parallel approach generates more effective and time-efficient sequences.

Originality/value

This study introduces the parallel approach for the first time in this field. In addition, it supports both sequential and parallel approaches as a novel strategy that enables the decision-makers to select the optimum approach (i.e. either the parallel or the sequential approach) for DSP. Moreover, a metaheuristic method (i.e. NSGA-II) is adopted as the optimization tool with robust results in the field in which those heuristic methods have only been employed in the past.
Moderating effect of career planning on job support and motivational process of training transfer
Authors: Park Yoonhee , Lim Doo Hun , Lee Jaeeun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the direct effects of job support and the indirect effects of individual career planning on the motivational process of training transfer, which consists of the structural relationship between learning goal orientation, learning motivation, transfer motivation and training transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to 255 respondents in South Korea, and 252 valid responses were used for analysis. A hypothetical model was examined using a structural equation model and multi-group analysis.

Findings

This study found that the synchronous process model of training transfer was well validated in the Korean context; moreover, job support promoted employee motivations that led to their training transfer. In addition, career planning was found to have a moderating role in the relationships explored in this study. That is, when the level of career planning was high, job support directly affected the motivation to transfer, and the link between intrinsic learning orientation and motivation to learn was highly activated compared to the group with a low level of career planning.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the single-dimensional measurement of its constructs, including job support, goal orientation and motivation to transfer. This limitation should be considered when interpreting the study’s results. In terms of implications, the study suggests that organizations should help individuals identify their career interests and establish a strategy to achieve their career goals by providing information about specific areas of interest.

Originality/value

This study proposes that the motivational mechanisms leading to training transfer are affected by trainees’ level of career planning. In addition, the study findings emphasize the importance of organizations’ role in guiding individual employees’ career planning to facilitate performance through training transfer.
What influences real estate volatility in Hong Kong? An ARMA-GARCH approach
Authors: Wang Shizhen , Hartzell David
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine real estate price volatility in Hong Kong. Monthly data on housing, offices, retail and factories in Hong Kong were analyzed from February 1993 to February 2019 to test whether volatility clusters are present in the real estate market. Real estate price determinants were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity–Lagrange multiplier test is used to examine the volatility clustering effects in these four kinds of real estate. An autoregressive and moving average model–generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model was used to identify real estate price volatility determinants in Hong Kong.

Findings

There was volatility clustering in all four kinds of real estate. Determinants of price volatility vary among different types of real estate. In general, housing volatility in Hong Kong is influenced primarily by the foreign exchange rate (both RMB and USD), whereas commercial real estate is largely influenced by unemployment. The results of the exponential GARCH model show that there were no asymmetric effects in the Hong Kong real estate market.

Research limitations/implications

This volatility pattern has important implications for investors and policymakers. Residential and commercial real estate have different volatility determinants; investors may benefit from this when building a portfolio. The analysis and results are limited by the lack of data on real estate price determinants.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first study that evaluates volatility in the Hong Kong real estate market using the GARCH class model. Also, this paper is the first to investigate commercial real estate price determinants.
Developing a framework for carbon accounting disclosure strategies: a strategic reference points (SRP) matrix-based analysis
Authors: Vaseyee Charmahali Mehdi , Valiyan Hasan , Abdoli Mohammadreza
Published: February 2021

Purpose

During the current century, environmental sustainability and waste reduction processes have always been subject to scrutiny in developed societies. Developed communities have gained considerable momentum by investing in environmental infrastructure and integrating corporate performance disclosure and less developed communities are involved with it. Carbon disclosure is one of the aspects of green accounting in “corporate strategies,” especially those operating across the capital market. Adherence to the disclosure of facts can facilitate sustainable development in societies. This study aims to present strategic reference points matrix-based model to develop a framework for carbon disclosure strategies through institutional and stakeholder pressures throughout the capital market.

Design/methodology/approach

As a case study, by reviewing similar research on carbon disclosure, this study seeks to illustrate various carbon disclosure aspects and strategies in a matrix based on institutional (vertical axis) and stakeholder (horizontal axis) pressures

Findings

The study attempts to states that carbon disclosure is affected solely by the company because of the presence of agency gaps between external stakeholders and corporate executives.

Originality/value

However, the firm’s decision to adopt a carbon disclosure strategy depends on the performance of stakeholder pressure (stakeholder salience level) and managers’ perceptions of institutional pressure (institutional pressure centrality level).
Enhancing transparency through open government data: the case of data portals and their features and capabilities
Authors: Lněnička Martin , Machova Renata , Volejníková Jolana , Linhartová Veronika , Knezackova Radka , Hub Miloslav
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to draw on evidence from computer-mediated transparency and examine the argument that open government data and national data infrastructures represented by open data portals can help in enhancing transparency by providing various relevant features and capabilities for stakeholders' interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed methodology consisted of a two-step strategy to investigate research questions. First, a web content analysis was conducted to identify the most common features and capabilities provided by existing national open data portals. The second step involved performing the Delphi process by surveying domain experts to measure the diversity of their opinions on this topic.

Findings

Identified features and capabilities were classified into categories and ranked according to their importance. By formalizing these feature-related transparency mechanisms through which stakeholders work with data sets we provided recommendations on how to incorporate them into designing and developing open data portals.

Social implications

The creation of appropriate open data portals aims to fulfil the principles of open government and enables stakeholders to effectively engage in the policy and decision-making processes.

Originality/value

By analyzing existing national open data portals and validating the feature-related transparency mechanisms, this paper fills this gap in existing literature on designing and developing open data portals for transparency efforts.
Academics career success: the impact of organizational context and individual variables
Authors: Crisan Emil Lucian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to address a paucity of research into career success by exploring the impact of organizational context (“in-group” culture and the competitiveness strategy) and individual variables (self-efficacy and goal orientation), on objective career success (academic position) and subjective career success (career satisfaction).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were obtained from 447 faculty members employed by Babeș-Bolyai University (BBU), the best-ranked Romanian higher education institution. For analysis, hierarchical multiple regressions analyzes were used.

Findings

The novel results of this quantitative analysis are that organizational context variables influence both subjective career success and objective career success. Academics who do not attain promotion have lower subjective career success and objective career success, as a result of the publish or perish university strategy. Self-efficacy has a positive impact on both success types, while goal orientation is for subjective career success a weak predictor.

Practical implications

Organizational efforts should be focused on improving academics career development especially for those teachers who are in the current position already for many years. The development of performance-driven career paths should be also considered for diminishing the impact of organizational variables.

Originality/value

This paper extends the knowledge concerning objective and subjective career success by revealing the important impact of contextual determinants, as it confirms the impact of individual self-efficacy in a university context and partially the one of goal orientation.
High temperature erosion behavior of plasma sprayed Al2O3 coating on AISI-304 stainless steel
Authors: Prashar Gaurav , Vasudev Hitesh
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In the present study, Al2O3 coatings were deposited on stainless steel AISI-304 material by using atmospheric plasma spraying technique to combat high temperature solid particle erosion. The present aims at the performance analysis of Al2O3 coatings at high temperature conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The erosion studies were carried out at a temperature of 400°C by using a hot air-jet erosion tester for 30° and 90° impingement angles. The possible erosion mechanisms were analyzed from scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. Surface characterization of the powder and coatings were conducted by using an X-ray diffractometer, SEM, equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. The porosity, surface roughness and micro-hardness of the as-sprayed coating were measured. This paper discusses outcomes of the commonly used thermal spray technology, namely, the plasma spray method to provide protection against erosion.

Findings

The plasma spraying method was used to successfully deposit Al2O3 coating onto the AISI 304 substrate material. Detailed microstructural and mechanical investigations were carried out to understand the structure-property correlations. Major findings were summarized as under: the erosive wear test results indicate that the plasma sprayed coating could protect the substrate at both 30° and 90° impact angles. The coating shows better resistance at an impact angle of 30° compared with 90°, which is related to the pinning and shielding effect of the alumina particle. The major erosion wear mechanisms of Al2O3 coating were micro-cutting, micro-ploughing, splat removal and detachment of Al2O3 hard particles.

Originality/value

In the current study, the authors have followed the standard testing method of hot air jet erosion test as per American society for testing of materials G76-02 standard and reported the erosion behavior of the eroded samples. The coating was not removed at all even after the erosion test duration i.e. 10 min. The erosion test was continued till 3 h to understand the evolution of coatings and the same has been explained in the erosion mechanism. The outcome of the present study may be used to minimize the high temperature erosion of AISI-304 substrate.
A new K-means grey wolf algorithm for engineering problems
Authors: Mohammed Hardi M. , Abdul Zrar Kh. , Rashid Tarik A. , Alsadoon Abeer , Bacanin Nebojsa
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims at studying meta-heuristic algorithms. One of the common meta-heuristic optimization algorithms is called grey wolf optimization (GWO). The key aim is to enhance the limitations of the wolves’ searching process of attacking gray wolves.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of meta-heuristic algorithms has increased by researchers to use them extensively in the field of business, science and engineering. In this paper, the K-means clustering algorithm is used to enhance the performance of the original GWO; the new algorithm is called K-means clustering gray wolf optimization (KMGWO).

Findings

Results illustrate the efficiency of KMGWO against to the GWO. To evaluate the performance of the KMGWO, KMGWO applied to solve CEC2019 benchmark test functions.

Originality/value

Results prove that KMGWO is superior to GWO. KMGWO is also compared to cat swarm optimization (CSO), whale optimization algorithm-bat algorithm (WOA-BAT), WOA and GWO so KMGWO achieved the first rank in terms of performance. In addition, the KMGWO is used to solve a classical engineering problem and it is superior.
Pharmacological corrections of the mutant hERG channels by posaconazole
Authors: Luo Chaodi , Zheng Xinglong , Li Jing , Zhang Yongjian , Shi Tao , Yan Yang , Han Dan
Published: February 2021

Properties of mutant human ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) channels can be modified by some antibiotics. However, the pharmacological effects of posaconazole on cardiomyocyte hERG channels remain unclear. Whole‐cell patch clamping, western blotting and laser confocal scanning microscopy were used to evaluate the effects of posaconazole on wild‐type (WT)‐, A561V‐ and L539 fs/47‐hERG channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. In electrophysiological experiments, HEK 293 cells were transiently co‐transfected with equal amounts of WT‐hERG, WT+A561 V‐hERG and WT+L539 fs/47‐hERG plasmids to mimic a heterozygous genotype. Posaconazole (30 μM) increased tail currents in cells expressing WT‐hERG, WT+A561 V‐hERG and WT+L539 fs/47‐hERG by 82.65%, 147.72% and 134.73%, respectively, compared to controls. Posaconazole increased hERG protein expression in cells expressing WT‐hERG, WT+A561 V‐hERG and WT+L539 fs/47‐hERG compared to controls condition as well as their trafficking to the cell membrane. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that antifungal agent posaconazole rescues the mutant A561 V‐hERG and L539 fs/47‐hERG channels by altering the gating kinetics, enhancing the expression and trafficking of hERG channels. The results demonstrate that posaconazole could be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of long QT syndrome and other arrhythmia‐related diseases.
The Asia‐Pacific Biodiversity Observation Network: 10‐year achievements and new strategies to 2030
Authors: Takeuchi Yayoi , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Yamakita Takehisa , Kano Yuichi , Nagai Shin , Bunthang Touch , Costello Mark John , Darnaedi Dedy , Diway Bibian , Ganyai Tonny , Grudpan Chaiwut , Hughes Alice , Ishii Reiichiro , Lim Po Teen , Ma Keping , Muslim Aidy M. , Nakano Shin‐ichi , Nakaoka Masahiro , Nakashizuka Tohru , Onuma Manabu , Park Chan‐Ho , Pungga Runi Sylvester , Saito Yusuke , Shakya Mangal Man , Sulaiman Mohd Khairulazman , Sumi Maya , Thach Phanara , Trisurat Yongyut , Xu Xuehong , Yamano Hiroya , Yao Tze Leong , Kim Eun‐Shik , Vergara Sheila , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: February 2021

The Asia‐Pacific Biodiversity Observation Network (APBON) was launched in 2009, in response to the establishment of the Biodiversity Observation Network under the Group on Earth Observations in 2008. APBON's mission is to increase exchange of knowledge and know‐how between institutions and researchers concerning biodiversity science research in the Asia‐Pacific (AP) region and thereby contribute to evidence‐based decision‐making and policy‐making. Here we summarize APBON activities and achievements in its first 10 years. We review how APBON has developed networks, facilitated communication for sharing knowledge, and built capacity of researchers and stakeholders through workshops and publications as well as discuss the network plan. Key findings by APBON members include descriptions of species new to science, mapping tropical forest cover change, evaluating impacts of hydropower dams and climate change on fish species diversity in the Mekong, and mapping “Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas” in the oceans. APBON has also contributed to data collection, sharing, analysis, and synthesis for regional and global biodiversity assessment. A highlight was contributing to the “Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services” regional report. New strategic plans target the development of national‐level BONs and interdisciplinary research to address the data and knowledge gaps and increase data accessibility for users and for meeting societal demands. Strengthening networks in AP region and capacity building through APBON meetings will continue. By promoting monitoring and scientific research and facilitating the dialogue with scientists and policymakers, APBON will contribute to the implementation of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the entire AP region.
Troubling content: Guiding discussion of death by suicide on social media
Authors: Brownlie Julie , Ho Justin Chun‐ting , Dunne Nikki , Fernández Nichole , Squirrell Tim
Published: February 2021

Growing concerns about “online harm” and “duty of care” fuel debate about how best to regulate and moderate “troubling content” on social media. This has become a pressing issue in relation to the potential application of media guidelines to online discussion of death by suicide—discussion which is troubling because it is often transgressive and contested. Drawing on an innovative mixed‐method analysis of a large‐scale Twitter dataset, this article explores in depth, for the first time, the complexities of applying existing media guidelines on reporting death by suicide to online contexts. By focusing on five highly publicised deaths, it illustrates the limits of this translation but also the significance of empathy (its presence and absence) in online accounts of these deaths. The multi‐relational and politicised nature of empathy, and the polarised nature of Twitter debate, suggests that we need to step back from calls for the automatic application of guidelines produced in a pre‐digital time to understand more about the sociocultural context of how suicide is discussed on social media. This stepping back matters because social media is now a key part of how lives and deaths are deemed grievable and deserving of our attention.
Forms of resistance in people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities
Authors: Nicholson Clare , Finlay W. Mick L. , Stagg Steven
Published: February 2021

Government policy in the UK emphasises that people with intellectual disabilities should have the opportunity to make choices and exert control over their own lives as much as possible. The ability of a person to resist activities and offers is therefore important, particularly for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities, who are likely to have language impairments and need to communicate their choices non‐verbally. Video and ethnographic data were collected from two services for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. Examples of resistance by people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities and responses to that resistance by support workers were collected and examined using conversation analysis and ethnographic description. A range of non‐verbal resistance behaviours are described, and the difficulty for support workers in identifying resistance when behaviour is ambiguous is discussed. The importance of understanding these behaviours as examples of decision‐making is stressed.
Emerging contaminants, coerced ignorance and environmental health concerns: The case of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Authors: Wickham Grace M. , Shriver Thomas E.
Published: February 2021

Over the past decade, there has been widespread concern about environmental contamination linked to an emerging class of compounds known as PFAS [Poly‐ and per‐fluorinated alkyl substances]. PFAS contamination has been found in drinking water across the United States. Despite the increased interest within the scientific community, little research has been conducted on community environmental health concerns related to this emerging contaminant. This article analyses the case of PFAS water contamination in eastern North Carolina stemming from industrial production. Drawing from in‐depth interviews, newspaper articles and government documents, we examine how uncertainty has permeated the case and influenced both official and community responses. Specifically, we analyse corporate and political officials’ production of "coerced ignorance" surrounding PFAS and residents’ perception of environmental and health concerns under conditions of uncertainty. Implications for future research on PFAS contamination and other emerging contaminants are discussed.
The influence of Close Non‐Match fingerprints similar in delta regions of whorls on fingerprint identification
Authors: Li Kang , Wu Diling , Ai Le , Luo Yaping
Published: February 2021

Fingerprint identification errors may be due to the high similarity of fingerprints from different sources, especially when queries are conducted in a large database with the application of the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). In this study, a database of ten‐prints of 6.964 million individuals was used; 20 sets of 60 simulated fingermarks of different qualities were used and compared with fingerprints from the database. A total of 245 queries were conducted based on both the quality of each fingermark and the number of minutiae. Four types of results were obtained from these queries on the large database, and were categorized as follows: (A) Neither Same Source nor Close Non‐Match appears in the candidate list, (B) Only Same Source appears, (C) Only Close Non‐Matches appear, and (D) Both Same Source and Close Non‐Matches appear. When the quality of the fingermark was improved, more minutiae could be identified, and the degree of accuracy of the placement as well as orientation was higher. As a result, highly Close Non‐Match fingerprints appeared; this made it harder to distinguish these fingerprints from Same Source fingerprints, especially in the large database. We concluded that more highly Close Non‐Matches might appear when the database is consistently expanded, and an increasing number of Close Non‐Matches might be found with a higher ranking and score than the Same Source; this would make the identification harder for examiners and might increase the possibility of identification errors.
Toxic effect of chlorantraniliprole on new‐born larvae of the potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Bacca Tito , Cabrera Nhora J. , Gutiérrez Yeisson
Published: February 2021

The potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora is an invasive species threatening potato crops and stored tubers. Previous studies have shown that South American populations of this species have evolved insecticide resistance to major classes of insecticides (i.e., pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates). Therefore, testing for other methods of pest control is of increasing importance. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effect of chlorantraniliprole against early immature stages of T. solanivora. We carried out a concentration–mortality bioassay using eggs. Subsequently, we subjected eggs to several insecticide application scenarios and evaluated hatching success, larvae activity and overall mortality of immature stages. Additionally, we analysed the hatching behaviour of larvae when the eggs were treated with chlorantraniliprole. After the concentration–mortality bioassay, we calculated an LC50 of 298.6 ppm, yet the mortality did not occur during the egg‐phase, but rather the neonate larvae experienced the toxic effects of chlorantraniliprole. In the subsequent exposure‐mode bioassay, the hatching success was overall high in all treatments, and larvae mortality reached 100% regardless of exposure mode. Consequently, larvae activity was severely reduced when in contact with the insecticide. Furthermore, when eggs are subjected to such LC50 dose, larvae manage to break through the chorion, but after releasing the legs, each hatching stages takes longer than the previous. Our results highlight the potential use of chlorantraniliprole for the control of T. solanivora in stored potato tubers. Additionally, chlorantraniliprole appears to be a promising alternative for the control of T. solanivora populations resistant to neurotoxic insecticides.
Sustained brain response to repeated drug cues is associated with poor drug‐use outcomes
Authors: Regier Paul S. , Jagannathan Kanchana , Franklin Teresa R. , Wetherill Reagan R. , Langleben Daniel D. , Gawyrsiak Michael , Kampman Kyle M. , Childress Anna Rose
Published: February 2021

A threefold increase in fatal cocaine overdoses during the past decade highlights the critical lack of medications for cocaine use disorders. The brain response to drug cues can predict future drug use; however, results have been mixed. We present preliminary evidence that a sustained response to repeated cocaine cues within a single task is a significant predictor of drug‐use outcomes. Seventy‐three cocaine inpatients were administered a passive‐viewing fMRI task, featuring 500 ms novel evocative (cocaine, sexual, aversive) and neutral comparator cues in the first half (Half1), which were then repeated in the second half (Half2). After the baseline scan, patients received eight outpatient treatment weeks with twice‐weekly drug screens. Drug‐use outcome groups were empirically defined based on cocaine‐positive or missing urines averaged across the outpatient phase: GOOD (<40%), POOR (>85%), and Intermediate (INT, between 40% and 85%) outcomes. Differences of response to initial (Half1) and repeated (Half2) cues in a priori (cue‐reactive) regions were tested between outcome groups (3 [Group] × 2 [Halves] ANOVA). An interaction was found in the brain response to drug (but not sex or aversive) cues, with a significant difference between the GOOD and POOR outcome groups in Half2, driven by a significant decrease in brain response by the GOOD outcome group and a sustained brain response by the POOR outcome group, to repeated cocaine cues. The brain response to repeated drug cues may be a useful predictor of future drug use, encouraging future intervention studies to restore a “healthy” (decreasing) response to the repeated presentation of drug cues.
Immediate prepectoral implant reconstruction using TiLOOP Bra Pocket results in improved patient satisfaction over dual plane reconstruction
Authors: Ng E‐Ern Ian , Quah Gaik Si , Graham Susannah , Kanesalingam Kavitha , Meybodi Farid , Hsu Jeremy , Elder Elisabeth E. , French James
Published: February 2021

Background

Implant‐based reconstruction accounts for the majority of breast reconstructive procedures performed in Australia. More recently, immediate prepectoral implant reconstruction using the TiLOOP Bra Pocket has gained popularity. This study compares post‐surgical complications and patient‐reported quality of life outcomes between immediate prepectoral and dual plane implant reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective study of 80 consecutive patients who underwent nipple‐sparing mastectomies and immediate implant reconstruction was conducted. Implants were either completely covered with TiLOOP Bra and/or TiLOOP Bra Pocket (pfm medical, Cologne, Germany) and secured in the prepectoral space (prepectoral group) or placed in the subpectoral plane with inferolateral mesh coverage (dual plane group). Data surrounding patient demographics, clinical details and post‐surgical outcomes were compared. Patient‐related quality of life outcomes were assessed with the Breast‐Q questionnaire.

Results

A total of 80 patients (109 breasts) operated on between June 2016 and December 2018 were included. The prepectoral and dual plane groups comprised of 40 patients each, including 50 and 59 operated breasts, respectively. Post‐operative complications were comparable with 11 (22%) overall complications in the prepectoral group and eight (14%) in the dual plane group (P = 0.313). Implant loss was uncommon with four (8%) cases in the prepectoral group and five (8.5%) in the dual plane group (P = 0.929). Patient‐reported quality of life outcomes were superior after prepectoral reconstruction with patients reporting a significantly higher score in the satisfaction with breasts domain (68.9 versus 57.5; P = 0.036).

Conclusion

Immediate prepectoral implant reconstruction with the TiLOOP Bra Pocket was associated with improved patient satisfaction and demonstrated no difference in early post‐operative outcomes.
Utilization of telehealth by surgeons during the COVID 19 pandemic in Australia: lessons learnt
Authors: Wiadji Elvina , Mackenzie Lisa , Reeder Patrick , Gani Jonathan S. , Carroll Rosemary , Smith Stephen , Frydenberg Mark , O'Neill Christine J.
Published: February 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to the rapid and widespread adoption of telehealth. There is a need for more evidence regarding the appropriateness of telehealth, as well as greater understanding of barriers to its sustained use within surgery in Australia.

Methods

A survey weblink was sent via email to 5558 Australian Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in August 2020. A single reminder email followed this 2 weeks later. Mixed methods analysis was performed of the survey data.

Results

There were 683 (12.3%) complete responses. Telehealth (telephone or video‐link) consultations were undertaken by 638 (85%) respondents as a result of the pandemic, with 583 (85%) of these expressing a desire for continued access to telehealth. Seventy‐seven percent of respondents felt that a satisfactory level of care could be delivered via telehealth in half or more consultations. However, only 38% of respondents felt that quality of care was equivalent comparing telehealth and face‐to‐face consultations, with the inability to perform a clinical examination a frequent concern. The majority agreed that telehealth was appropriate for clinical meetings and arranging investigations (91% each), whereas only 22% and 17%, respectively, felt telehealth was an appropriate means to break bad news and manage conflict. Medicolegal, technical and financial concerns were raised as prominent barriers to the sustained use of telehealth.

Conclusion

Surgeons show good insight into the clinical appropriateness and limitations of telehealth. Medicolegal, technical and financial barriers need to be addressed in order to fully utilize the benefits of telehealth into the future.
Mode of delivery was associated with transient changes in the metabolomic profile of neonates
Authors: Vidarsdottir Harpa , Halldorsson Thorhallur Ingi , Geirsson Reynir Tomas , Bjarnason Ragnar , Franzson Leifur , Valdimarsdottir Unnur Anna , Thorkelsson Thordur
Published: February 2021

Aims

To estimate potential differences in neonatal metabolomic profiles at birth and at the time of newborn screening by delivery mode.

Methods

A prospective study at Women's Clinic at Landspitali—The National University Hospital of Iceland. Women having normal vaginal birth or elective caesarean section from November 2013 to April 2014 were offered participation. Blood samples from mothers before birth and umbilical cord at birth were collected and amino acids and acylcarnitines measured by tandem mass spectrometry. Results from the Newborn screening programme in Iceland were collected. Amino acids and acylcarnitines from different samples were compared by delivery mode.

Results

Eighty three normal vaginal births and 32 elective caesarean sections were included. Mean differences at birth were higher for numerous amino acids, and some acylcarnitines in neonates born vaginally compared to elective caesarean section. Maternal blood samples and newborn screening results showed small differences that lost significance after correction for multiple testing. Many amino acids and some acylcarnitines were numerically higher in cord blood compared to maternal. Many amino acids and most acylcarnitines were numerically higher in newborn screening results compared to cord blood.

Conclusion

We observed transient yet distinct differences in metabolomic profiles between neonates by delivery mode.
Lipid Analysis of Pottery from the Early Bronze Age II Burials at Ayia Triada Cave, Southern Euboea, Greece: Evidence for Ritualized Consumption?
Authors: Vykukal R. , Mavridis F. , Tankosić Ž.
Published: February 2021

Ayia Triada Cave excavations revealed multiple human burials and evidence for feasting in Early Bronze Age (EBA) Greece. Associated pottery was subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to investigate feasting in ritual contexts. Reported here are the first organic residue results from 69 sherds. Abundant residues were preserved, revealing heavy vessel use and multi‐resource mixtures, and echoing domestic consumption patterns. This research also identifies possible functions and associated products of certain EBA vessel types, for example, sauceboats. The linking of ordinary foods and vessels to an important rite of passage, like death, reinforces daily food practices, social relationships, and collective identity.
Machine learning in pharmacometrics: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: McComb Mason , Bies Robert , Ramanathan Murali
Published: February 2021

The explosive growth in medical devices, imaging and diagnostics, computing, and communication and information technologies in drug development and healthcare has created an ever‐expanding data landscape that the pharmacometrics (PMX) research community must now traverse. The tools of machine learning (ML) have emerged as a powerful computational approach in other data‐rich disciplines but its effective utilization in the pharmaceutical sciences and PMX modelling is in its infancy. ML‐based methods can complement PMX modelling by enabling the information in diverse sources of big data, e.g. population‐based public databases and disease‐specific clinical registries, to be harnessed because they are capable of efficiently identifying salient variables associated with outcomes and delineating their interdependencies. ML algorithms are computationally efficient, have strong predictive capabilities and can enable learning in the big data setting. ML algorithms can be viewed as providing a computational bridge from big data to complement PMX modelling. This review provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of ML approaches vis‐à‐vis population methods, assesses current research into ML applications in the pharmaceutical sciences and provides perspective for potential opportunities and strategies for the successful integration and utilization of ML in PMX.
Suicidality among children and youth in Nordic child welfare services: A systematic review
Authors: Milde Anne Marita , Gramm Hedda Bjanger , Paaske Ingeborg , Kleiven Pia Granli , Christiansen Øivin , Skaale Havnen Karen J.
Published: February 2021

Existing research has established child welfare (CW) clients as a vulnerable group for developing negative life trajectories, including mental health problems, work‐ and education‐related challenges and premature mortality. Knowledge of later life conditions including suicidality of clients within child welfare services (CWS) in the Nordic countries is scarce. The overall aim is therefore to gain updated knowledge on how children and youth who have received or are receiving CWS interventions from the Nordic CWS fare in relation to suicidality. The population, intervention, comparator, outcome (PICO) framework guided the search through five multidisciplinary bibliographical databases. The population were former and current CWS clients; comparators were from the general population. Six cohort studies were identified (i.e., one Finnish study and five studies from Sweden), all showing evidence of a significantly elevated risk for suicide and suicide attempt in former CWS clients. CWS clients systematically fare worse concerning suicide and suicide attempt compared to their peers from the general population. In particular, former CWS clients should be recognized as being at high risk for suicide and suicidal behaviour later in life. These findings have substantial implications for CWS practice and service delivery regarding long‐term follow‐up.
Importance of health assessments for conservation in noncaptive wildlife
Authors: Kophamel Sara , Illing Björn , Ariel Ellen , Difalco Morgan , Skerratt Lee F. , Hamann Mark , Ward Leigh C. , Méndez Diana , Munns Suzanne L.
Published: February 2021

Wildlife health assessments help identify populations at risk of starvation, disease, and decline from anthropogenic impacts on natural habitats. We conducted an overview of available health assessment studies in noncaptive vertebrates and devised a framework to strategically integrate health assessments in population monitoring. Using a systematic approach, we performed a thorough assessment of studies examining multiple health parameters of noncaptive vertebrate species from 1982 to 2020 (n = 261 studies). We quantified trends in study design and diagnostic methods across taxa with generalized linear models, bibliometric analyses, and visual representations of study location versus biodiversity hotspots. Only 35% of studies involved international or cross‐border collaboration. Countries with both high and threatened biodiversity were greatly underrepresented. Species that were not listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List represented 49% of assessed species, a trend likely associated with the regional focus of most studies. We strongly suggest following wildlife health assessment protocols when planning a study and using statistically adequate sample sizes for studies establishing reference ranges. Across all taxa blood analysis (89%), body composition assessments (81%), physical examination (72%), and fecal analyses (24% of studies) were the most common methods. A conceptual framework to improve design and standardize wildlife health assessments includes guidelines on the experimental design, data acquisition and analysis, and species conservation planning and management implications. Integrating a physiological and ecological understanding of species resilience toward threatening processes will enable informed decision making regarding the conservation of threatened species.
Participatory scenario planning to facilitate human–wildlife coexistence
Authors: Jiren Tolera Senbeto , Riechers Maraja , Kansky Ruth , Fischer Joern
Published: February 2021

Fostering human–wildlife coexistence requires transdisciplinary approaches that integrate multiple sectors, account for complexity and uncertainty, and ensure stakeholder participation. One such approach is participatory scenario planning, but to date, this approach has not been used in human–wildlife contexts. We devised a template for how participatory scenario planning can be applied to identify potential avenues for improving human–wildlife coexistence. We drew on 3 conceptual building blocks, namely the SEEDS framework, the notion of critical uncertainties, and the three‐horizons technique. To illustrate the application of the proposed template, we conducted a case study in the Zambezi region of Namibia. We held 5 multistakeholder workshops that involved local people as well as numerous nongovernment and government stakeholders. We identified 14 important wildlife species that generated multiple services and disservices. The subsequent benefits and burdens, in turn, were inequitably distributed among stakeholders. Government actors played particularly influential roles in shaping social‐ecological outcomes. We identified 2 critical uncertainties for the future: the nature of governance (fragmented vs. collaborative) and the type of wildlife economy (hunting vs. photography based). Considering these uncertainties resulted in 4 plausible scenarios describing future human–wildlife coexistence. Stakeholders did not agree on a single preferred scenario, but nevertheless agreed on several high‐priority strategies. Bridging the remaining gaps among actors will require ongoing deliberation among stakeholders. Navigating the complex challenges posed by living with wildlife requires moving beyond disciplinary approaches. To that end, our template could prove useful in many landscapes around the world.