bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late spontaneous posterior capsule rupture after hydrophilic intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Yehezkeli Veronika , Wong John X.H. , Assia Ehud I.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To describe and discuss the presentation and management of 4 cases of late (17 to 20 years) postoperative spontaneous posterior capsule rupture (PCR) and intraocular lens (IOL) subluxation in eyes implanted with the same hydrophilic 1-piece IOL.

Setting:

Center for Applied Eye Research, Meir Medical Center and the Ein-Tal Eye Center, Israel.

Design:

Case series.

Methods:

Four patients presented with spontaneous rupture and posterior dislocation of the same design IOL (B-Lens) 17 to 20 years after implantation. No trauma or any other direct causative factor was identified in any of the cases.

Results:

Of the 4 cases reported, the IOLs were successfully repositioned to the ciliary sulcus and sutured to the scleral wall (1 case) or the iris (2 cases), and the IOL was stable in the sulcus without the need for further sutured fixation in 1 case, with effective vision restored in all cases.

Conclusions:

Spontaneous PCR is a rare postoperative complication and has not been reported, to the authors' knowledge, in cases without predisposing factors. A mechanism of late capsular tear was not confirmed, but the specific design of the IOL might have been a contributing factor.
Characteristics and influence of type 2 diabetes in cirrhosis ascites with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Xiaofei , Qi Ying , Zhao Yang , Wang Frank , Ma Hongyan , Qin Xuzhen , Fan Danni , Kong Xiangyi , Qi Zhihong , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the characteristics and influence of type 2 diabetes in hepatocirrhosis ascites complicated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) to support clinical management of this condition.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to collect patients with hepatocirrhosis ascites with hospitalization from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019. The patients were classified according to whether they had type 2 diabetes and SBP. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed on the data of the two groups.

Results

A total of 214 patients were enrolled in the study, including 121 males and 93 females; 21 diabetics and 193 non diabetics; 119 SBP patients and 95 control subjects. There were 18 cases of SBP in hepatocirrhosis ascites complicated with diabetes, accounting for 85.7%, which was significantly higher than that in the non-diabetic group. The times of ascites, age and hospitalization days of cirrhotic ascites complicated with diabetes were 2 (1-3) times, 74 (60-76) years old and 25 (15-36) days, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the non-diabetic group, P < 0.05. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes, the times of hepatocirrhosis ascites, hospitalization days and total bilirubin (TBIL) increased the independent risk factors of SBP in hepatocirrhosis ascites, with OR values of 5.126 (1.358-19.345), 1.949 (1.428-2.660), 1.028 (1.010-1.047), 1.006 (1.001-1.010), respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

the patients with hepatocirrhosis ascites complicated with diabetes showed older age, longer hospitalization time, more SBP and more ascites; diabetes mellitus, times of ascites, hospitalization days and TBIL increased the risk of SBP in hepatocirrhosis ascites.
Promoter-specific changes in initiation, elongation and homeostasis of histone H3 acetylation during CBP/p300 Inhibition
Authors: Hsu E , Zemke NR , Berk AJ
Published: September 2020

Regulation of RNA Polymerase II (Pol2) elongation in the promoter proximal region is an important and ubiquitous control point for gene expression in metazoan cells. We report that transcription of the adenovirus 5 E4 region is regulated during the release of paused Pol2 into productive elongation by recruitment of the super elongation complex (SEC), dependent on promoter H3K18/27 acetylation by CBP/p300. We also establish that this is a general transcriptional regulatory mechanism for ∼6% of genes expressed with FPKM>1 in primary human airway epithelial cells. We observed that a homeostatic mechanism maintains promoter, but not enhancer H3K18/27ac in response to extensive inhibition of CBP/p300 acetyl transferase activity by the highly specific small molecule inhibitor A-485. Further, our results suggest a function for BRD4 association at enhancers in regulating paused Pol2 release at nearby promoters. Taken together, our results uncover processes regulating transcriptional elongation by promoter region histone H3 acetylation and homeostatic maintenance of promoter, but not enhancer, H3K18/27ac in response to inhibition of CBP/p300 acetyl transferase activity.
Longitudinal multi-omics along gingivitis development reveal a suboptimal-health gum state with periodontitis-like microbiome
Authors: Huang Shi , He Tao , Yue Feng , Xu Victor , Wang Spring , Zhu Pengfei , Teng Fei , Sun Zheng , Liu Xiaohui , Jing Gongchao , Su Xiaoquan , Jin Lijian , Liu Jiquan , Xu Jian
Published: September 2020

Most adults experience episodes of gingivitis, which can progress to the irreversible, chronic state of periodontitis. However the mechanistic roles of plaque in gingivitis onset and progression to periodontitis remain elusive. Here, we integrated the longitudinal multi-omics data from plaque metagenome, metabolome and salivary cytokines in 40 adults who transit from naturally-occurring gingivitis (NG), to healthy gingivae (baseline) and then to experimental gingivitis (EG). During EG, rapid and consistent alterations in plaque microbiota, metabolites and salivary cytokines emerged as early as 24-72 hours after pause of oral hygiene, defining an asymptomatic ‘sub-optimal health’ (SoH) stage. SoH also features a steep and synergetic decrease of plaque-derived betaine andRothiaspp., suggesting an anti-gum-inflammation mechanism by health-promoting microbial residents. Global, cross-cohort meta-analysis revealed a high Microbiome-based Periodontitis Index at SoH state, due to its convergent taxonomical and functional profiles towards those of periodontitis. In contrast, caries SoH features a microbial signature very distinct from caries. Thus SoH is a universal state of polymicrobial inflammations with disease-specific features, which is key to maintaining a disease-preventive plaque.
Changes in the potential distribution of the guava fruit flyAnastrepha striata(Diptera, Tephritidae) during the current and possible future climate scenarios in Colombia
Authors: Amat Eduardo , Altamiranda-Saavedra Mariano , Canal Nelson A , Gómez-Piñerez Luz M
Published: September 2020

Climate change has affected the geographical distributions of most species worldwide; in particular, insects of economic importance inhabiting tropical regions have been impacted. Current and future predictions of change in geographic distribution are frequently included in species distribution models (SDMs). The potential spatial distributions of the fruit flyAnastrepha striataSchiner (the main species of agricultural importance in guava crops) under current and possible future scenarios in Colombia were modeled, and the establishment risk was assessed for each guava-producing municipality in the country. The SDMs were developed using 221 geographical records in conjunctuin with nine scenopoetic variables. The model for current climate conditions indicated an extensive suitable area for the establishment ofA. striatain the Andean region, smaller areas in the Caribbean and Pacific, and almost no areas in the Orinoquia and Amazonian regions. A brief discussion regarding the area suitability for the fly is offered. The expansion of the suitable area was observed in all future scenarios; moreover, this effect was more pronounced in the Amazonian region. The Colombian guava-producing municipalities were classified according to the degree of vulnerability to the fly establishment as follows: 42 were high-risk, 16 were intermediate-risk, and 17 were low-risk. The implementation of future integrated management plans must include optimal spatial data and must consider environmental aspects, such as those suggested by the models presented here. Control decisions should aim to mitigate the positive relationship between global warming and the increase in the dispersal area of the fruit fly.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG at the epidemic peak in French Guiana
Authors: Flamand Claude , Enfissi Antoine , Bailly Sarah , Sarmento Christelle Alves , Beillard Emmanuel , Gaillet Mélanie , Michaud Céline , Servas Véronique , Clement Nathalie , Perilhou Anaïs , Carage Thierry , Musso Didier , Carod Jean-François , Eustache Stéphanie , Tourbillon Céline , Boizon Elodie , James Samantha , Djossou Félix , Salje Henrik , Cauchemez Simon , Rousset Dominique
Published: September 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies are crucial for clarifying dynamics in affected countries and determining the route that has already been achieved towards herd immunity. While Latin America has been heavily affected by the pandemic, only a few seroprevalence studies have been conducted there.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed between 15 July 2020 and 23 July 2020 in 4 medical biology laboratories and 5 health centers of French Guiana, representing a period shortly after the epidemic peak. Samples were screened for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG directed against domain S1 of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using the anti-SARS-CoV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from Euroimmun.

Results

The overall seroprevalence was 15.4% [9.3%-24.4%] among 480 participants, ranging from 4.0% to 25.5% across the different municipalities. The seroprevalence did not differ according to gender (p=0.19) or age (p=0.51). Among SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals, we found that 24.6% [11.5%-45.2%] reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed high levels of infection across the territory but a low number of resulting deaths, which can be explained by young population structure.
Characteristic and Sex Differences in Auditory Function and Cochlear Pathophysiology in a Noise-exposed Cohort: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bei Li , Qixuan Wang , Lu Yang , Yun Li , Zhiwu Huang , Hao Wu
Published: September 2020

Background

To determine the characteristics and sex differences of auditory perception and cochlear function in individuals with long-term occupational noise exposure.

Methods

Young workers with long-term occupational noise exposure from a shipyard were recruited in the current study as the hidden hearing loss (HHL) risk group. Age-matched office workers in the same shipyard who had no occupational noise-exposure history were enrolled in the control group. The auditory processing ability of speech-in-noise (SIN) score and gap detection threshold (GDT) were further examined by sex. The cochlear function of action potential (AP) and summating potential (SP)/AP values were tested and compared by sex and side. The correlation between the SIN score and cochlear function was studied by sex. The correlation between either auditory processing ability or cochlear function and occupational-noise working length (OWL) was also analysed in the HHL risk group.

Results

Significantly decreased SIN scores and a higher GDT of the 4 kHz gap marker were only found in men in the HHL risk group. Although the hearing thresholds of the women in the HHL risk group were slightly but significantly worse than those of the women in the control group, no significant defects in auditory processing or temporal resolution were found between the two groups. Significantly decreased cochlear function and increased SP/AP values in the left ear were only found in men in the HHL risk group. Neither the AP amplitude nor the AP latency differed significantly between the two groups by sex. A correlation study indicated that only the correlation between the SIN score and the AP amplitude of the right ear in men was significant. No significant difference was found between the SIN score and cochlear function in women. The AP latency of the right ear was only significantly correlated with OWL in men.

Conclusion

In long-term occupational working exposure individuals with normal hearing, defects in auditory processing, temporal resolution and cochlear function showed sex differences, none of which were significant in women. In men, a weak correlation between the SIN score and the AP amplitude of the right ear was found. There was only a weak correlation between OWL and the AP latency of the right ear in men. Our findings indicate men are more vulnerable to occupational noise than women. Considering the noise-exposure dose differences between the control and HHL risk groups, our measures are insensitive to cochlear synaptopathy in humans.
Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19: A living systematic review
Authors: Verdugo-Paiva F , Acuña P , Sola I , Rada G ,   COVID-19 L·OVE Working Group
Published: September 2020

Objective

This living systematic review aims to provide a timely, rigorous and continuously updated summary of the evidence available on the role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We adapted an already published common protocol for multiple parallel systematic reviews to the specificities of this question.

Eligible studies were randomised trials evaluating the effect of remdesivir versus placebo or no treatment.

We conducted searches in the L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19, a system that maps PICO questions to a repository maintained through regular searches in electronic databases, preprint servers, trial registries and other resources relevant to COVID-19. All the searches covered the period until 25 August 2020. No date or language restrictions were applied. Two reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible studies according to predefined selection criteria, and extracted data on study characteristics, methods, outcomes, and risk of bias, using a predesigned, standardised form.

We performed meta-analyses using random-effect models and assessed overall certainty in evidence using the GRADE approach.

A living, web-based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will resubmit it every time the conclusions change or whenever there are substantial updates.

Results

Our search strategy yielded 574 references. Finally, we included 3 randomised trials evaluating remdesivir in addition to standard care versus standard care alone. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of remdesivir on mortality (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.05; very low certainty evidence) and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.24; very low certainty evidence). On the other hand, remdesivir likely results in a large reduction in the incidence of adverse effects in patients with COVID-19 (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.84; moderate certainty evidence).

Conclusions

The evidence is insufficient for the outcomes critical for making decisions about the role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, so it is not possible to balance the potential benefits, if any, with the adverse effects and costs.

PROSPERO Registration number

CRD42020183384

Abstract Figure
Completion of the gut microbial epi-bile acid pathway
Authors: Doden Heidi L. , Wolf Patricia G. , Rex Gaskins H. , Anantharaman Karthik , Alves João M. P. , Ridlon Jason M.
Published: September 2020

Bile acids are detergent molecules that solubilize dietary lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins. Humans synthesize bile acids with α-orientation hydroxyl groups which can be biotransformed by gut microbiota to toxic, hydrophobic bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA). Gut microbiota can also convert hydroxyl groups from the α-orientation through an oxo-intermediate to the β-orientation, resulting in more hydrophilic, less toxic bile acids. This interconversion is catalyzed by regio-(C-3 vs. C-7) and stereospecific (α vs. β) hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs). So far, genes encoding the urso-(7α-HSDH & 7β-HSDH) and iso-(3α-HSDH & 3β-HSDH) bile acid pathways have been described. Recently, multiple human gut clostridia were reported to encode 12α-HSDH, which interconverts DCA and 12-oxolithocholic acid (12-oxoLCA). 12β-HSDH completes the epi-bile acid pathway by converting 12-oxoLCA to the 12β-bile acid denoted epiDCA; however, gene(s) encoding this enzyme have yet to be identified. We confirmed 12β-HSDH activity in cultures of Clostridium paraputrificum ATCC 25780. From six candidate C. paraputrificum ATCC 25780 oxidoreductase genes, we discovered the first gene (DR024_RS09610) encoding bile acid 12β-HSDH. Phylogenetic analysis revealed unforeseen diversity for 12β-HSDH, leading to validation of two additional bile acid 12β-HSDHs through a synthetic biology approach. By comparison to a previous phylogenetic analysis of 12α-HSDH, we identified the first potential C-12 epimerizing strains: Collinsella tanakaei YIT 12063 and Collinsella stercoris DSM 13279. A Hidden Markov Model search against human gut metagenomes located putative 12β-HSDH genes in about 30% of subjects within the cohorts analyzed, indicating this gene is relevant in the human gut microbiome.
Genome variation and population structure among 1142 mosquitoes of the African malaria vector species Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii
Authors:   The Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes Consortium
Published: September 2020

Mosquito control remains a central pillar of efforts to reduce malaria burden in sub-Saharan Africa. However, insecticide resistance is entrenched in malaria vector populations, and countries with a high malaria burden face a daunting challenge to sustain malaria control with a limited set of surveillance and intervention tools. Here we report on the second phase of a project to build an open resource of high-quality data on genome variation among natural populations of the major African malaria vector species Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii. We analyzed whole genomes of 1142 individual mosquitoes sampled from the wild in 13 African countries, as well as a further 234 individuals comprising parents and progeny of 11 laboratory crosses. The data resource includes high-confidence single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calls at 57 million variable sites, genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) calls, and haplotypes phased at biallelic SNPs. We use these data to analyze genetic population structure and characterize genetic diversity within and between populations. We illustrate the utility of these data by investigating species differences in isolation by distance, genetic variation within proposed gene drive target sequences, and patterns of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. This data resource provides a foundation for developing new operational systems for molecular surveillance and for accelerating research and development of new vector control tools. It also provides a unique resource for the study of population genomics and evolutionary biology in eukaryotic species with high levels of genetic diversity under strong anthropogenic evolutionary pressures.
Geometric determination of direction of dislocations using synchrotron X-ray transmission topography
Authors: Tuomi T. O. , Lankinen A. , Anttila O.
Published: September 2020

When performing transmission polychromatic beam topography, the extensions to the line segments of the diffraction images of a straight dislocation are shown to intersect at a single point on the X-ray film. The location of this point, together with the diffraction pattern recorded on the film by synchrotron radiation, gives the crystallographic direction [hkl] of the dislocation unambiguously. The results of two synchrotron topography experiments are presented. Very long dislocations found in the center of a large 450 mm-diameter Czochralski silicon crystal align with the growth direction [001]. In the other silicon sample, the dislocations are of mixed type and along the [011] direction.
THORONDOR: a software for fast treatment and analysis of low-energy XAS data
Authors: Simonne David Horst , Martini Andrea , Signorile Matteo , Piovano Alessandro , Braglia Luca , Torelli Piero , Borfecchia Elisa , Ricchiardi Gabriele
Published: September 2020

THORONDOR is a data treatment software with a graphical user interface (GUI) accessible via the browser-based Jupyter notebook framework. It aims to provide an interactive and user-friendly tool for the analysis of NEXAFS spectra collected during in situ experiments. The program allows on-the-fly representation and quick correction of large datasets from single or multiple experiments. In particular, it provides the possibility to align in energy several spectral profiles on the basis of user-defined references. Various techniques to calculate background subtraction and signal normalization have been made available. In this context, an innovation of this GUI involves the usage of a slider-based approach that provides the ability to instantly manipulate and visualize processed data for the user. Finally, the program is characterized by an advanced fitting toolbox based on the lmfit package. It offers a large selection of fitting routines as well as different peak distributions and empirical ionization potential step edges, which can be used for the fit of the NEXAFS rising-edge peaks. Statistical parameters describing the goodness of a fit such as χ2 or the R-factor together with the parameter uncertainty distributions and the related correlations can be extracted for each chosen model.
Continuous flexibility analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike prefusion structures
Authors: Melero Roberto , Sorzano Carlos Oscar S. , Foster Brent , Vilas José-Luis , Martínez Marta , Marabini Roberto , Ramírez-Aportela Erney , Sanchez-Garcia Ruben , Herreros David , del Caño Laura , Losana Patricia , Fonseca-Reyna Yunior C. , Conesa Pablo , Wrapp Daniel , Chacon Pablo , McLellan Jason S. , Tagare Hemant D. , Carazo Jose-Maria
Published: September 2020

Using a new consensus-based image-processing approach together with principal component analysis, the flexibility and conformational dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike in the prefusion state have been analysed. These studies revealed concerted motions involving the receptor-binding domain (RBD), N-terminal domain, and subdomains 1 and 2 around the previously characterized 1-RBD-up state, which have been modeled as elastic deformations. It is shown that in this data set there are not well defined, stable spike conformations, but virtually a continuum of states. An ensemble map was obtained with minimum bias, from which the extremes of the change along the direction of maximal variance were modeled by flexible fitting. The results provide a warning of the potential image-processing classification instability of these complicated data sets, which has a direct impact on the interpretability of the results.
Crystal structures of alpha and beta modifications of Mn as packing of tetrahedral helices extracted from a four-dimensional {3, 3, 5} polytope
Authors: Talis Alexander , Everstov Ayal , Kraposhin Valentin
Published: September 2020

The crystal structures of both α- and β-Mn modifications have been presented as packing of tetrahedral helices extracted from four-dimensional {3, 3, 5} polytope construction. Presentation of the β-Mn structure as a primitive cubic arrangement formed by double tetrahedral helices around a central tetrahedral Coxeter–Boerdijk helix (tetrahelix) enables the inclusion in the structure description not only all atoms but also all tetrahedra; these tetrahedra are not accounted for in the preceding models for the β-Mn structure. The tetrahelix periodicity arising by minimal deformations of tetrahedra edges is equal to eight tetrahedra and coinciding with the lattice periods of both modifications. The linear substructure of α-Mn crystal consists of four tetrahelices which join to each other by edges around the common twofold axis. The α-Mn structure has been presented as primitive cubic arrangement constructed from such rods.
Technological transformation, culinary tourism and stakeholder engagement: emerging trends from a systematic literature review
Authors: Schimperna Federico , Lombardi Rosa , Belyaeva Zhanna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to pinpoint the technological transformation impact on food as the cultural phenomenon for destination brand identity and management as the novel approach for the stakeholder causal scope (SCS) analysis in culinary tourism. Thus, this paper attempts to answer the following research question: What is the role of technological transformation in addressing stakeholder engagement of culinary tourism?

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the systematic two-decade literature review of technological transformation for SCS analysis in culinary tourism. This paper adopted a longitudinal study of ABS2018 list – 2-, 3-, 4- and 4*-star journal articles, collecting literature within the field “sector” and Scopus databases as relevant source to collect articles.

Findings

Following the current severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 emergency to move certain industries to digital space, including culinary tourism, the main findings are directed to advance technological transformation knowledge in culinary tourism to extend the existing framework on SCS.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is confirmed with the contemporary call for technological transformation in culinary tourism assuming that SCS analysis allows examining the status quo and explores future research agenda and practical implications in post-Covid era.
Surviving the Arab Spring: socially beneficial product portfolios and resilience to political shock
Authors: Darendeli Izzet , Hill T.L. , Rajwani Tazeeb , Cheng Yunlin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ideas that social legitimacy (acceptance by the public within a country) serves as a hedge against political risk and that the perceived social value of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs’) products or services improves firms’ social legitimacy and so resilience to political shock.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a unique data concerning global construction activity and taking advantage of the Arab Spring as an exogenous, political shock, this paper teases out the relative effects of pre-shock experience and product/service emphasis.

Findings

The authors find that construction firms that worked on a higher proportion of socially beneficial projects – such as water infrastructure, transportation and telecommunications – recovered more quickly from political shock than did those that worked on projects primarily for manufacturing interests or the oil industry. The authors also find that deep experience in a country had no bearing on a firm’s ability to recover from political shock.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that market behaviors that enhance social legitimacy also enhance MNEs’ ability to survive in volatile political settings. These insights add to the political risk and nonmarket strategy literatures the idea that market strategies that are attentive to nonmarket strategic goals are an important addition to the toolkit for managing political risk. More specifically, when it comes to surviving political shock, pre-shock emphasis on socially beneficial products seems to create a social legitimacy buffer that enhances resilience more than do deep country experience and associated social and political ties with the political elite.
Online mental health communities, self-efficacy and transition to further support
Authors: Prescott Julie , Rathbone Amy Leigh , Hanley Terry
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study is exploratory research which aims to understand how users gain support from the online mental health community (OMHC) 18 percent and whether engagement with this community may possibly lead to increased self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 128 users of an OMHC, 18 percent, completed an online questionnaire that asked open-ended questions about the community and how users engaged with it. The results were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Findings

Based on the construct of self-efficacy within social cognitive theory, it is evident that the platform provides users with increased self-efficacy and encourages further support seeking in a professional capacity, either via an online or offline platform.

Originality/value

OMHCs provide a therapeutic, peer-to-peer space for users in times of crisis which have the possibility to increase self-efficacy when engaged with. However, users must acknowledge that although the online platform is an efficacious resource, it cannot be used as a principal proxy for offline treatment.
The effect of installed photovoltaic panels on the aesthetic perception and evaluation of the mosque architectural form in Jordan
Authors: Ibrahim Anwar , Ali Hikmat H. , Alqarra Wala'a
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the installed photovoltaic (PV) systems on the aesthetic perception of the mosque’s architectural form. It also aims to develop a framework for integrating PV cells with the various elements of the building type.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising both qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection procedures. This includes surveys, literature review, focus groups and an experiment.

Findings

The results revealed a negative impact of the building-applied PV panels on people’s perception of the mosque’s architectural form. However, integrating the PV cells with the mosque form was perceived as more aesthetically pleasing. Certain integrating PV strategies integrated more harmoniously with certain mosque styles.

Research limitations/implications

This study is focused on limited styles of one building type. Extra research is needed to explore the differences between the different participated groups.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research that explores the ways the installed PV systems impact the users’ architectural aesthetic perception of the mosque. This study informs the design process and practice and construction industry by highlighting the opportunities PV systems, as a legitimate sustainable energy resource, offers to architects and manufacturers.
Technology innovation in the Nigerian banking system: prospects and challenges
Authors: Ohiani Adeku Salihu
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The banking system in Nigeria is gradually moving away from transactions “across the counter” to the fingertips of the customers with the adoption of modern technology. However, every development comes with its “pros and cons” because as technology innovation has improved service delivery and profitability of banks in Nigeria, crimes are also at a high side. To activating the minds of bank operators about the importance of technology adoption and its shortcomings, this paper aims to examine the prospects and challenges of technology innovation in the Nigerian banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data were retrieved from the annual reports of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) from 2013 to 2017 to know the interaction between e-banking platforms and performance of banks in Nigeria. The study administered a questionnaire to the bank customers in Lagos Island, Nigeria to understand their perception towards e-banking. This study is anchored on prospect theory to ascertain the risk orientation of the Nigerian banks regarding how they adopt technology and reasoned action theory to understand the intention of bank customers in using the opportunities of e-banking copiously.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal the migration from cheques to electronic related transactions. It further indicates a high rate of fraud committed through those channels. The analysis of primary data shows that innovation adoption, service quality, cybercrime have significant relationship with the competitiveness of banks, the intention of bank customers, and perception of customers towards online services. However, the rate of frauds does not have significant relationship with the usage of mobile banking products which further studies can critically examine.

Originality/value

This study has revealed available huge potentials in the e-banking that are yet to be used in Nigeria. However, consumer orientation needs to be worked on, because, customers still have the fear that cybercrime is mostly committed via e-banking platforms. Unlike in developed countries whereby quite good numbers of customers make use of e-banking platforms, majority of bank customers in Nigeria still prefer using manual methods and the world is already on the verge of moving into 5 G from 4 G.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in southern Iran from 2016 to 2019
Authors: Namayandeh Mandana , Jamalidoust Marzieh , Heydari Marandi Nahid , Aliabadi Nasrin , Ziyaeyan Atoosa , Pouladfar Gholamreza , Ziyaeyan Mazyar
Published: September 2020

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The treatment of HCV infection has become more complicated due to various genotypes and subtypes of HCV. The treatment of HCV has made significant advances with direct‐acting antivirals. However, for the choice of medicine or the combination of drugs for hepatitis C, it is imperative to detect and discriminate the crucial HCV genotypes. The main objective of this study was to determine the pattern of circulating HCV genotypes in southern Iran, from 2016 until 2019. The other aim of the study was to determine possible associations of patients’ risk factors with HCV genotypes. A total of 803 serum samples were collected in 4 years (2016–2019) from patients with HCV antibody positive results. A total of 728 serum samples were HCV‐RNA positive. The prevalence of HCV genotypes was detected using the genotype‐specific RT‐PCR test for serum samples obtained from 615 patients. The HCV genotype 1 (G1) was the most prevalent (48.8%) genotype in the area, with G1a, G1b, and mixed G1a/b representing 38.4%, 10.1%, and 0.3%, respectively. Genotype 3a was the next most prevalent (47.2%). Mixed genotypes 1a/3a were detected in 22 (3.6%) and finally G4 was found in 3 (0.5%) patients. The other HCV genotypes were not detected in any patient. Genotype 1 (1a and 1b alone, 1a/1b and 1a/3a coinfections) is the most prevalent HCV genotype in southern Iran. HCV G1 shows a significantly higher rate in people under 40 years old.
Assessing the effects of oil palm replanting on arthropod biodiversity
Authors: Pashkevich Michael D. , Aryawan Anak Agung Ketut , Luke Sarah H. , Dupérré Nadine , Waters Helen S. , Caliman Jean‐Pierre , Naim Mohammad , Turner Edgar C.
Published: September 2020

Palm oil is the most traded vegetable oil worldwide. Production is concentrated in Southeast Asia, where established oil palm plantations dominate the landscape in many regions. Although levels of biodiversity are much lower than in forest, mature oil palm plantations can support a wide range of generalist species. However, these species may be threatened, as large areas of plantation have already been, or will soon be, replanted as they near the end of their productive life (20–30 years). Replanting changes vegetation complexity and microclimate, but short‐ and long‐term effects on biodiversity are largely unstudied.

We surveyed an oil palm chronosequence (first‐generation mature palms, and replanted second‐generation palms aged 1, 3 and 8 years) in an industrial plantation in Riau, Indonesia to assess the impacts of replanting over an 8‐year period on arthropods in the ground, understorey and canopy microhabitats. Replanting was carried out using current recommended strategies, which included staggering replanting events to promote landscape‐level heterogeneity, retaining mature oil palm riparian buffers, planting a cover crop immediately after replanting, and using chopped mature palms as mulch after clearance. We assessed changes in total arthropod abundance and order‐level community composition, as well as specific changes in spider communities.

We observed no significant declines in total arthropod abundance after replanting, but arthropod order‐level community composition varied across the chronosequence in all microhabitats. These findings were replicated, or more pronounced, in spider‐specific analyses. Spider abundance and species richness decreased in the understorey in the first year after replanting (although these returned to pre‐replanting levels after 3 years), and spider species‐level community composition in all microhabitats differed significantly across the chronosequence.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings indicate that total arthropod abundance is resilient to replanting of oil palm, but that replanting changes total arthropod and spider community composition and decreases spider abundance and species richness in some microhabitats. While it is somewhat encouraging from a management perspective that recommended replanting strategies maintain overall arthropod abundance, the changes in arthropod composition and spider biodiversity that we observed may impact ecosystem processes, such as pest control, in second‐generation oil palm plantations, with potential implications for yield. Additional studies that focus on other taxonomic groups and assess the effects of individual replanting strategies are needed before the long‐term ecological impacts of replanting on existing oil palm plantations can be fully determined.
Macroeconomic Policy to Aid Recovery after Social Distancing for COVID‐19
Authors: McDonald Ian M.
Published: September 2020

Using the Keynesian model set out in McDonald (2020), in which downward wage rigidity is supported by worker loss aversion with respect to wages, this article shows that a period of social distancing (SD) can leave a post‐SD economy with both stimulatory and depressive effects. A loss of productive capacity is stimulating. Costs of restarting firms, lower labour productivity when restarted and a desire to restore wealth from debt incurred during the period of SD are depressive. If, as seems highly probable, the net effect on economic activity is negative then a fiscal expansion can restore activity. To avoid an increased government budget deficit, this expansion would probably require an increased tax rate. Reductions in real wages may also be necessary. A desire to balance the government budget combined with no increase in the tax rate would be unfortunate, because it would cause a further contraction in activity from its post‐SD level.
The ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife): A New Resource for Retirement Policy Research
Authors: Polidano Cain , Carter Andrew , Chan Marc , Chigavazira Abraham , To Hang , Holland Justin , Nguyen Son , Vu Ha , Wilkins Roger
Published: September 2020

The Australian Taxation Office release of annual longitudinally linked individual tax and superannuation records, known as the ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife), opens up opportunities for new research. In this study, we provide an overview of ALife, focusing on its use for retirement income research. To this end, we provide the first longitudinal estimates of superannuation outcomes for 1‐year birth cohorts. Results show marked increase in disparity of super balances in the lead‐up to retirement as those in the top quartile ramp‐up their contributions, possibly to take advantage of the favourable tax treatment of superannuation income in retirement years.
The Problem with Provocation in Trespass
Authors: Field Iain D.
Published: September 2020

Should a defendant to an action in trespass be entitled to a reduction in compensatory damages on the basis of provocation by the claimant? Judges and academic commentators are divided on the issue, although the weight of authority is that, in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, no such reduction is permissible. This article demonstrates that the reasons conventionally offered in support of the current position are unpersuasive, and that a strong moral argument supports the reduction of damages in many commonplace scenarios. However, the article also shows that the continued rejection of provocation might be justified on the grounds that no principled basis exists upon which to preclude its operation in normatively problematic contexts, such as domestic violence and unwanted sexual advances. It is suggested that the best solution would be for the common law to recognise a partial defence of provocation, subject only to certain principled limitations, leaving it to parliament to ‘carve out’ appropriate policy exceptions.
Healing cultural trauma and its application to the Router programme
Authors: Merchant John
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the issue of cultural trauma, which is an area of concern in psychology generally and has emerged as one within the International Association for Analytical Psychology’s Router training programme. A summary of responses to the issues of cultural trauma and complexes (alongside cultural differences) within analytical psychology are presented, followed by an overview of findings from the IAAP’s evaluation of the Router training programme. These findings are then aligned with contemporary sociological research. The significant issues involved in healing cultural trauma seem to be ‘working through’, as well as the place of imagination, dreamwork, symbolism and metaphor. Research in Poland has specifically highlighted the importance of good governance, economic vitality, personal and social capital (as in education and social participation), a meaning system, certain external contingencies, channels of mobility and ritualism.
Maternal risk of hypertension 7–15 years after pregnancy: clues from the placenta
Authors: Holzman CB , Senagore P , Xu J , Dunietz GL , Strutz KL , Tian Y , Bullen BL , Eagle M , Catov JM
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess whether pre‐eclampsia (PE)‐related placental/extraplacental membrane findings are linked to moderately elevated blood pressure (BP) in pregnancy and later‐life hypertension.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

52 prenatal clinics, 5 Michigan communities.

Sample

The POUCH Study recruited women at 16–27 weeks’ gestation (1998–2004) and studied a sub‐cohort in depth. This sample (n = 490) includes sub‐cohort women with detailed placental assessments and cardiovascular health evaluations 7–15 years later in the POUCHmoms follow‐up study.

Methods

PE‐related placental/extraplacental membrane findings (i.e. mural hyperplasia, unaltered/abnormal vessels or atherosis in decidua; infarcts) were evaluated in relation to pregnancy BP and odds of Stage 2 hypertension at follow up using weighted polytomous regression. Follow‐up hypertension odds also were compared in three pregnancy BP groups: normotensives (referent) and moderately elevated BP with or without PE‐related placental/extraplacental membrane findings.

Main outcome measures

Stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg, or using antihypertensive medications) at follow up.

Results

After excluding women with pregnancy hypertension (i.e. chronic, PE, gestational), mural hyperplasia and unaltered/abnormal decidual vessels were each associated with Stage 2 hypertension at follow up: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.6, and aOR = 1.7 (95% CI 0.8–3.4), respectively. Women with moderately elevated BP in pregnancy and evidence of mural hyperplasia or unaltered/abnormal decidual vessels had greater odds of Stage 2 hypertension at follow up: aOR = 4.5 (95% CI 1.6–12.5 and aOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–5.9, respectively.

Conclusions

PE‐related placental/extraplacental membrane findings help risk‐stratify women with moderately elevated BP in pregnancy for later development of hypertension.

Tweetable Abstract

Placental findings associated with mother’s risk of later‐life hypertension.
Capsicum annuum(hot pepper): An ancient Latin‐American crop with outstanding bioactive compounds and nutraceutical potential. A review
Authors: Hernández‐Pérez Talía , Gómez‐García María del Rocío , Valverde María Elena , Paredes‐López Octavio
Published: September 2020

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits, usually termed as chili, have been used since ancient times as food vegetables, flavoring ingredients, natural colorants, and in traditional medicines. Nowadays, a wide variation of sweet and pungent peppers are consumed worldwide in a large variety of forms. Interestingly, the most important hot pepper at the global level in commercial terms isC. annuumwith a high number of varieties. This review comparesC. annuumto otherCapsicumspecies for plant agronomic traits, biochemical composition, the content of capsaicin and capsaicinoids and their nutraceutical and medical potentialities, and the effects of processing on quality and key components of the fruit, among other aspects. Chili contains important levels of pigments (i.e., chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and lutein) with potential health benefits; it also contains additional outstanding health‐promoting chemical compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids, in general. And capsaicin, the major active compound responsible for the pungent taste of these species has been proven to have a positive role in health. We report here on how dietary chili and capsaicinoids consumption, especially capsaicin, are involved in body weight reduction and their potential antiobesity effects, in urinary disorders, as well as antioxidants, antimicrobial, anticancer, and analgesic capacity. Selected characteristics of processing for the fruit preservation on its quality and content of these compounds are described as well. However, additional clinical research on the mechanism of action and efficacy of frequent capsaicinoid consumption on human health is needed.
Determining Shoe Length from Partial Shoeprints
Authors: Zhang He , Liu Luoxi , Luo Yaping , Chang Ran
Published: September 2020

The length of a shoe has significant value in reflecting characteristics of the owner, and thereby, it can help in tracking suspects in criminal cases. However, the shoeprints left at a crime scene are often incomplete, resulting in difficulties in assessing shoe length. To find a way to estimate the shoe length from a partial shoeprint, 109 shoes with different sizes and general patterns were collected, and their prints were lifted using magnetic powder. Four feature points were defined on a shoeprint, and the longest distance between the feature points was defined as shoe length. Using linear, quadratic, and cubic regression analyses, a total of 15 equations were obtained between the shoe length and the other distances between the feature points. Out of these, the five most accurate equations were selected as the optimal equation. The verified test, including another 18 pairs of shoes, showed an average error of equations between 0.591 cm and 0.732 cm. The equations were also applied in two practical cases, resulting in good accuracy. The study demonstrates that shoe length could be determined from partial shoeprints through the proven equations.