bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of stress-blended eddy simulation model for accurate performance prediction of vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Syawitri Taurista Perdana , Yao Yufeng , Yao Jun , Chandra Budi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assess the ability of a stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES) turbulence model to predict the performance of a three-straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The grid sensitivity study is conducted to evaluate the simulation accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. Two types of grid topology around the blades, namely, O-grid (OG) and C-grid (CG) types, are considered for grid sensitivity studies.

Findings

With regard to the power coefficient (Cp), simulation results have shown significant improvements of predictions using compared to other turbulence models such as the k-e model. The Cp distributions predicted by applying the CG mesh are in good agreement with the experimental data than that by the OG mesh.

Research limitations/implications

The current study provides some new insights of the use of SBES turbulence model in VAWT CFD simulations.

Practical implications

The SBES turbulence model can significantly improve the numerical accuracy on predicting the VAWT performance at a lower tip speed ratio (TSR), which other turbulence models cannot achieve. Furthermore, it has less computational demand for the finer grid resolution used in the RANS-Large Eddy Simulation (LES) “transition” zone compared to other hybrid RANS-LES models.

Originality/value

To authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to apply SBES turbulence model to predict VAWT performance resulting for accurate CFD results. The better prediction can increase the credibility of computational evaluation of a new or an improved configuration of VAWT.
Chinese and Indian investment in Ethiopia: infrastructure for ‘debt-trap diplomacy’ exchange and the land grabbing approach
Authors: Addis Amsalu K. , Asongu Simplice , Zuping Zhu , Addis Hailu Kendie , Shifaw Eshetu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the motive of China's and India's engagement in African countries particularly in Ethiopia and to address the land grabbing and debt-trap diplomacy between Ethiopia and the Asian drivers, which creates challenges across the diverse social, political, economic and ecological contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises both primary and secondary data. The available literature is also reviewed. The primary data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and discussions from (1) several authority offices in Ethiopia, sources close to authorities, information-rich informants, employees and (2) perspectives, perceptions and prospects from individual members of society.

Findings

The study unmasks the win-win cooperation strategy from the perspective of the members of society in Ethiopia, evaluates whether China and India have strings attached or land grabbing motives. The study also shows that whether China's and India's move was deliberate, the implications of debt-trap diplomacy and exploitation in Ethiopia are apparent. Additionally, this study investigated several considerable potential threats to Ethiopia that will persist unless significant measures are taken to control the relations with Asian drivers.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the limitations of this paper pertain to the primary data collection process from the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) and other authorities, which was very challenging because people can be punished for talking to journalists or researchers. Furthermore, some investors were not willing to participate in discussions because they were engaged in areas that are not related to their licenses. Many interviewees were also not willing to disclose their names, and the data are not exhaustive in the number of investment projects covered.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on the influence of Chinese and Indian investment, aid and trade on Ethiopia's social, political and economic spheres. Additionally, this study contributes to the ongoing debate on land grabbing and debt-trap diplomacy in Ethiopia.
Improving supply chain collaboration through operational excellence approaches: an IoT perspective
Authors: Cui Li , Gao Meihua , Dai Jing , Mou Jian
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Collaboration is an important emerging dimension of sustainable supply chain management. How to improve supply chain collaboration (SCC) by means of operational excellence approaches has become an important research topic. The Internet of things (IoT), an important means of operational excellence, has also received increased attention. For better collaboration by the IoT, this study proposes a novel methodology to evaluate the measures of IoT adoption in SCC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the six-domain model and the common classification of collaboration, the measures of the IoT and the criteria of SCC are developed, respectively. A hybrid multi-step methodology that combines neutrosophic set theory, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technology for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) is proposed to complete the evaluation.

Findings

The results show that improving information transparency, strengthening the integration of management information systems and improving large data processing abilities are the most important measures of the IoT in improving SCC. Measures such as introducing sensing technology and laser scanning technology rank at the bottom and are relatively unimportant.

Practical implications

The research results provide insights and references for firms to improve SCC by adopting appropriate IoT measures.

Originality/value

Most of existing studies indicate the significance of technology in SCC. But this study shows a different conclusion that technologies rank the bottom, while information transparency is more important. And a suitable explanation is given. It further enriches the theoretical studies in SCC field.
The influence of government transparency on governance efficiency in information age: the environmental governance behavior of Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhang Shujian , Wang Li
Published: June 2020

Purpose

We are in an information age, and the relationship between government governance and market efficiency has become closer. When examining the behavior of governance, the study of government transparency is very important. This paper examines the environmental governance performance of Guangdong province, the most developed coastal region in China.

Design/methodology/approach

DEA method is adopted to calculate the environmental governance efficiency by considering the expected output and the nonexpected output. Then Tobit regression was used to analyze the relationship between fiscal transparency and environmental governance efficiency.

Findings

Through a quantitative study of empirical data of Guangdong province from 2001 to 2017, it is found that fiscal transparency does have a significant positive impact on the efficiency of local environmental governance. Therefore, it is suggested that all regions in Guangdong should be more transparent in administration, intensify industrial transformation and upgrading, and better govern the regional ecological environment.

Originality/value

This paper examines the environmental governance performance of Guangdong province, the most developed coastal region in China. Guangdong has developed economy and people’s living standards are high, so the market and residents are particularly concerned about the government performance in environmental governance. Therefore, it is an important issue to explore the relationship between environmental governance and government transparency in Guangdong.
The traces of ecotourism in a digital world: spatial and trend analysis of geotagged photographs on social media and Google search data for sustainable development
Authors: Go Hanyoung , Kang Myunghwa , Nam Yunwoo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to track how ecotourism has been presented in a digital world over time using geotagged photographs and internet search data. Ecotourism photographs and Google Trends search data are used to evaluate tourist perceptions of ecotourism by developing a categorization of essential attributes, examining the relation of ecotourism and sustainable development, and measuring the popularity of the ecotourism sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers collected geotagged photographs from Flickr.com and downloaded Google search data from Google Trends. An integrative approach of content, trend and spatial analysis was applied to develop ecotourism categories and investigate tourist perceptions of ecotourism. First, the authors investigate ecotourism geotagged photographs on a social media to comprehend tourist perceptions of ecotourism by developing a categorization of key ecotourism attributes and measuring the popularity of the ecotourism sites. Second, they examined how ecotourism has been related with sustainable development using internet search data and investigate the trends in search data. Third, spatial analysis using GIS maps was used to visualize the spatial-temporal changes of photographs and tourist views throughout the world.

Findings

This study identified three primary themes of ecotourism perceptions and 13 categories of ecotourism attributes. Interest over time about ecotourism was mostly presented as its definitions in Google Trends. The result indicates that tracked ecotourism locations and tourist footprints are not congruent with the popular regions of ecotourism Google search.

Originality/value

This research follows the changing trends in ecotourism over a decade using geotagged photographs and internet search data. The evaluation of the global ecotourism trend provides important insights for global sustainable tourism development and actual tourist perception. Analyzing the trend of ecotourism is a strategic approach to assess the achievement of UN sustainable development goals. Factual perspectives and insights into how tourists are likely to seek and perceive natural attractions are valuable for a range of audiences, such as tourism industries and governments.
Critical realism and constructivism: merging research paradigms for a deeper qualitative study
Authors: Bogna Frank , Raineri Aldo , Dell Geoff
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Traditional approaches in qualitative research have adopted one research paradigm linked to an established typology. This paper addresses the unconventional application of two research paradigms in one study. A critical realist approach was used to augment a constructivist analysis of data in a research project seeking to explore the meaning that managers in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) attach to hazard identification, the construction of a hazard profile reflective of the business and its use in assisting to manage hazards within the SME's safety management system framework. Critical realism offered a complementary but essential framework to explore causal mechanisms that led to a deeper understanding of the findings by searching for the processes and causality that lay beneath the social and organizational phenomena observed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the two research paradigms in order to seek junctures and apply them to a research project. Analytical tools applied to each research paradigm within the project are presented, followed by a new multiparadigm conceptual model that integrates critical realism and constructivism, providing an original contribution of knowledge to this field of qualitative research.

Findings

The adoption of a multiparadigm model enabled not only the interpretation of social phenomena but also the determination of its causality, enabling a more insightful answering of the research question and leading to a deeper insight into the phenomenology that was studied. This research approach widens the boundaries of qualitative inquiry within organizational research by promoting strategies that challenge more traditionally anchored research typologies, and consequently contributes to better research outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted across four organizations. Similar research is encouraged across a greater number of case studies to validate the process of using a constructivist and critical realist paradigm to gain a more insightful understanding of events and their causality.

Practical implications

The comparison of two research paradigms and consequent provision of a conceptual model (Figure 3) provides potential for the development of further multiparadigm models for research projects within the field of organizational management.

Social implications

This paper has the potential to promote engagement and collaboration between research scholars seeking to explore the use of multiple research paradigms.

Originality/value

Such an approach has not previously been widely discussed or adopted to examine qualitative data, and advances theory in qualitative research. The application of two research paradigms using such an approach can be applied to businesses in a number of different contexts to gain a more insightful understanding of research participant perspectives, observable events arising from those perspectives and their associated causality.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Canadian family firms
Authors: Zeng Tao
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in Canadian family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an empirical work using a sample of Canadian listed companies for eight years between 2010 and 2017.

Findings

Relying on five measures for CSR, this paper finds that, compared with other listed firms, family listed firms have a higher level of CSR engagement. Further tests show that family-named family firms engage in more CSR activities; family firms with second largest shareholders engage in more CSR activities; and family firms affiliated with large business groups engage in more CSR activities. However, family firms whose family members are CEOs, presidents or board chairpersons engage in less CSR engagement.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current CSR literature by highlighting the importance of family firm heterogeneity in shaping a firm’s CSR practices. It focuses on four characteristics of Canadian family firms that are potentially connected to CSR, namely, family-named family firms; family firms with family members being CEOs, presidents or chairpersons; family firms with second largest shareholders and family firms affiliated with large business groups.
A metacommunity approach for detecting species influenced by mass effect
Authors: Leboucher Thibault , Tison‐Rosebery Juliette , Budnick William R. , Jamoneau Aurélien , Vyverman Wim , Soininen Janne , Boutry Sébastien , Passy Sophia I.
Published: June 2020

Mass effect, allowing species to persist in unfavourable habitats, and dispersal limitation, preventing species from reaching favourable habitats, are the two major dispersal processes. While dispersal limitation can be detected by experimental or modelling techniques, mass effect is more challenging to evaluate, which hampers our ability to disentangle the influence of the environment versus dispersal on species distribution. This is undesirable for biomonitoring programs built on known species–environment relationships.

We developed an approach for detection of species influenced by mass effect. We tested it on stream diatoms, a widely used taxonomic group for stream biomonitoring, from four French watersheds. This approach combined (a) an appropriate spatial framework, the asymmetric eigenvector map (AEM), used in species distribution modelling to measure the relative influence of dispersal versus niche processes, (b) an analysis of negative co‐occurrence patterns to separate mass effect from dispersal limitation and (c) a measurement of niche breadths to distinguish between non‐spatially structured generalists and species influenced by mass effect.

We propose that species characterized by low negative co‐occurrence values, a high correlation to spatial factors and average to low niche breadths are sensitive to mass effect.

Synthesis and applications. We suggest that the sensitivity of species towards mass effect should represent a new ecological trait to be considered for fundamental and applied issues concerning ecology and water quality assessment. Almost all of the species identified here as influenced by mass effect are contributing to the calculation of different diatom‐based indices (e.g. Biological Diatom Index or Specific Pollution‐sensitivity Index) and should be treated with caution when assigning ecological status classes to water bodies.
Time is Money or Money is Time? A Rapid Operational Sequence for Detecting Fingermarks on Polymer Banknotes
Authors: Bengiat Ravell , Liptz Yakir , Rajs Nora , Bentolila Alfonso , Levin‐Elad Michal
Published: June 2020

Banknotes are often found in high‐profile crimes such as armed robberies, bribery, and terrorist activity. However, such exhibits present a challenge to forensic operatives regarding fingermarks development, due to their mass quantities, potential for fingermarks on both sides, and their unique complex background in terms of color, irregular patterns, and topography. Hence, the standard development protocols become inefficient, due to the difficulty in achieving high contrast images over the background. This study focused on finding an operational sequence that would minimize the time of work on polymer banknotes, in terms of both development and image processing. Thirty‐two fingermarks were developed by vacuum metal deposition (VMD), black magnetic powder, and cyanoacrylate fuming (CA) followed by visualization and imaging by reflected short‐wave UV (RUVIS) (96 in total), showing a distinct advantage to the CA and RUVIS imaging over the other two techniques with a 75% success rate in the dark and high background regions, due to its physical principle which neutralizes high background interference. The images were then scanned by the automatic fingerprint identification system (AFIS) to test its ability to correctly differentiate false background features from real ones, again, showing a superiority of the RUVIS with 63% of the total initial marked features, being real. Overall, the CA and RUVIS sequence was found to be an ultimate method for multiple, same‐type surfaces, with the RUVIS capable of visualization and capturing of the images simultaneously, significantly reducing the time of development and image processing.
The welfare and ethics of research involving wild animals: A primer
Authors: Soulsbury Carl D. , Gray Helen E. , Smith Lauren M. , Braithwaite Victoria , Cotter Sheena C. , Elwood Robert W. , Wilkinson Anna , Collins Lisa M.
Published: June 2020

Wild animals are used in scientific research in a wide variety of contexts both in situ and ex situ. Guidelines for best practice, where they exist, are not always clearly linked to animal welfare and may instead have their origins in practicality. This is complicated by a lack of clarity about indicators of welfare for wild animals, and to what extent a researcher should intervene in cases of compromised welfare.

This Primer highlights and discusses the broad topic of wild animal welfare and the ethics of using wild animals in scientific research, both in the wild and in controlled conditions. Throughout, we discuss issues associated with the capture, handling, housing and experimental approaches for species occupying varied habitats, in both vertebrates and invertebrates (principally insects, crustaceans and molluscs).

We highlight where data on the impacts of wild animal research are lacking and provide suggestive guidance to help direct, prepare and mitigate potential welfare issues, including the consideration of end‐points and the ethical framework around euthanasia.

We conclude with a series of recommendations for researchers to implement from the design stage of any study that uses animals, right through to publication, and discuss the role of journals in promoting better reporting of wild animal studies, ultimately to the benefit of wild animal welfare.
The biology and ecology of pine aphid, Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its demographic responses to environmental changes
Authors: Hosseini Seide L. , Poorjavad Nafiseh
Published: June 2020

Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is the most abundant aphid species attacking pine trees in Isfahan, Iran.

Population fluctuations of this species and its natural enemies were studied on Pinus brutia var. eldarica by weekly sampling. Its fertility‐life table parameters were determined in the field in spring and summer 2016. Furthermore, effects of different temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) and irrigation regimens (well irrigated, moderately and highly drought‐stressed) on its performance were investigated in the laboratory.

The aphid population reached its peak abundance between 11 April and 23 May. Also, a minor peak was observed between mid‐November and mid‐December. During the survey, no sexual morphs were observed. Most fertility‐life table parameters of E. tuberculostemmatus were found to be significantly higher in spring than in summer. Aphids reared at 20 and 25 °C had a significantly higher net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite capacity for increase compared to those reared at 15 and 30 °C. Also, the aphid performed significantly better on highly drought‐stressed trees, due to higher survival rate, female adult longevity and fecundity.

Population peaks of the four Coccinellidae predators Adalia bipunctata, Hippodamia variegata, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata and Coccinella septempunctata coincided with that of the aphid.
Increasing comorbidities in a South Korea insured population‐based cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Oh Hyunwoo , Jun Dae Won , Lee I‐Heng , Ahn Hyun Jung , Kim Bo Ok , Jung Sungeun , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: June 2020

Background

It is controversial whether chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have more non‐liver comorbidities than non‐CHB subjects.

Aim

To characterise the demographics, comorbidity and health utilisation of CHB patients in South Korea and compare them to matched controls.

Methods

Using the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) 2007‐2016 database, adult patients with claims for CHB analysed. CHB cases and non‐CHB controls matched in a 1:4 ratio using propensity score matching method.

Results

The age of CHB patients significantly increased from a mean 46.9 years in 2007 to 52.3 years in 2016. The proportions of persons having both liver‐related and non‐liver related comorbidities were higher in CHB patients compared to matched controls (dyslipidaemia [37.23% vs 23.77%, P < 0.0001], hypertension [29.39% vs 25.27%, P < 0.0001] chronic kidney disease (CKD) [3.02% vs 1.14%, P < 0.0001] and osteoporosis/fracture [OF] [4.09% vs 3.23%, P < 0.0001]). Approximately 50% of CHB patients had more than one comorbidity among CKD, diabetes, DLP, and OF. The odds of CKD in CHB patients were 1.42 times higher, and the odds of OF in CHB patients were 1.09 times higher than matched controls after adjustment for confounders (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Prevalence of liver as well as non‐liver comorbidities in patients with CHB was higher than matched controls and increased over time.
The protective effect of modafinil on vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy in rats: A possible role for TRPA1 receptors
Authors: Amirkhanloo Fatemeh , Karimi Gholamreza , Yousefi‐Manesh Hasan , Abdollahi Alireza , Roohbakhsh Ali , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: June 2020

Vincristine (VCR) induces peripheral neuropathy. We aimed to assess the efficacy of modafinil on VCR‐induced neuropathy in rats. Neuropathy was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of VCR (0.1 mg/kg). Neuropathic groups received modafinil (5, 25 and 50 mg/kg); gabapentin (20 mg/kg); and a combination of modafinil (5 and 50 mg/kg) and gabapentin (20 mg/kg,). Then, electrophysiological, behavioural, biochemical and pathological evaluations were performed. Latencies of tail‐flick and von Frey filament tests, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and excitation of nerve conduction were decreased. Moreover, the transient receptor potential cation channel ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) level was increased, while TRPV1 and N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) levels remained unchanged. Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) levels were markedly elevated. Pre‐treatment with modafinil prevented sensorimotor neuropathy by raising latencies, MNCV and excitation, reducing TRPA1, TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels. Modafinil improved behavioural, electrophysiological and pathological disturbances. The results showed that TRPA1 has a more important role than NMDA and TRPV1, in VCR‐induced neuropathic pain. In addition, inflammatory mediators, TNF‐α and IL‐1β, were involved. Further, the combination of modafinil and gabapentin improved the neuroprotective effect of gabapentin. So, modafinil might be a neuroprotective agent in the prevention of VCR‐induced neuropathy.
Restored pelvic anatomy is preserved after laparoscopic and robot‐assisted ventral rectopexy: MRI‐based 5‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Laitakari K. E. , Mäkelä‐Kaikkonen J. K. , Pääkkö E. , Kata I. , Ohtonen P. , Mäkelä J. , Rautio T. T.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Our aim was to compare the long‐term anatomical outcomes between robot‐assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) for external or internal rectal prolapse.

Method

This study is a follow‐up of a single‐centre randomized controlled trial (RCT). Thirty patients were randomly allocated to RVMR (n = 16) or LVMR (n = 14). The primary end‐point was maintenance of the restored pelvic anatomy 5 years after the operation, as assessed by magnetic resonance (MR) defaecography. Secondary outcome measures included the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) measures and functional results assessed using symptom questionnaires.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (14 RVMR and 12 LVMR) completed the 5‐year follow‐up and were included in the study. The MRI results, POP‐Q measurements and symptom‐specific quality of life measures did not differ between the RVMR and LVMR groups. The MRI measurements of the total study population remained unchanged between 3 months and 5 years. In the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI‐20), the RVMR group had lower symptom scores (mean 96.0, SD 70.7) than the LVMR group (mean 160.6, SD 58.9; P = 0.004). In the subscales of pelvic organ prolapse (POPDI‐6) (mean 23.2, SD 24.3 vs mean 52.4, SD 22.4; P = 0.001) and the Colorectal–Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI‐8) (mean 38.4, SD 23.3 vs mean 58.6, SD 25.4; P = 0.009), the patients in the RVMR group had significantly better outcomes.

Conclusion

After VMR, the corrected anatomy was preserved. There were no clinically significant differences in anatomical results between the RVMR and LVMR procedures 5 years after surgery based on MR defaecography. However, functional outcomes were better after RMVR.
Definition and diagnosis of cerebral palsy in genetic studies: a systematic review
Authors: Pham Ryan , Mol Ben W , Gecz Jozef , MacLennan Alastair H , MacLennan Suzanna C , Corbett Mark A , van Eyk Clare L , Webber Dani L , Palmer Lyle J , Berry Jesia G
Published: June 2020

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of phenotypic definition and case ascertainment in published genetic studies of cerebral palsy (CP) to inform guidelines for the reporting of such studies.

Method

Inclusion criteria comprised genetic studies of candidate genes, with CP as the outcome, published between 1990 and 2019 in the PubMed, Embase, and BIOSIS Citation Index databases.

Results

Fifty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. We appraised how CP was defined, the quality of information on case ascertainment, and compliance with international consensus guidelines. Seven studies (12%) were poorly described, 33 studies (58%) gave incomplete information, and 17 studies (30%) were well described. Missing key information precluded determining how many studies complied with the definition by Rosenbaum et al. Only 18 out of 57 studies (32%) were compliant with the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) international guidelines on defining CP.

Interpretation

Limited compliance with international consensus guidelines on phenotypic definition and mediocre reporting of CP case ascertainment hinders the comparison of results among genetic studies of CP (including meta‐analyses), thereby limiting the quality, interpretability, and generalizability of study findings. Compliance with the SCPE guidelines is important for ongoing gene discovery efforts in CP, given the potential for misclassification of unrelated neurological conditions as CP.
Acknowledging Ambivalence in Teaching about Art and Aesthetics
Authors: Brodén Daniel
Published: June 2020

In this article Daniel Brodén explores the ambivalence in teaching about art and aesthetics in the humanities. By comparing and contrasting Gert J. J. Biesta's educational theory and Jacques Rancière's writing on aesthetics, he hopes to bring some of the particularities of aesthetic experiences into focus and to discuss a tension in educational situations that concern students' interpretation of aesthetic texts: how the teacher, on the one hand, will serve as a representative for a formal system of education — or what Rancière calls a system of inequality — and, on the other hand, should respect the autonomy of the aesthetic experience. Brodén argues, however, that more interesting than the ambivalence itself is the question of how we can acknowledge this tension in productive ways. Thus, his aim here is to show how the teacher can contribute to the verification of an interpretive approach to art, with Rancière's axiom of equality in mind. Drawing on Biesta's writings, Brodén also highlights how the teacher can provide students with possibilities to pursue a subject‐ness and how the risks involved call for a deconstructive approach to the enactment of teacher power. The article concludes by suggesting that we would do better not to view the ambivalence in focus as a problem, but instead to see it as something that calls for continuous engagement and critical reflection.
Ethics Education in Democratic Pluralist Contexts
Authors: Franck Olof
Published: June 2020

In this article Olof Franck examines some prerequisites for the development of an emancipatory ethics education in pluralist contexts. He first formulates a platform for the examination with regard to Gert Biesta's educational philosophy, particularly with reference to perspectives on education, subjectification, and democracy, and then discusses the concepts of unexpectedness and risk, as these are approached and elaborated by Biesta, with reference to possible challenges when ethics is taught in pluralist contexts. Next, he poses the question: How can such an education contribute to the development of democratic dialogue and democratic relations as well as to students' subjectification — and emancipation? Franck closes with a discussion of an answer to this question that seems to follow from Biesta's approach; in it, he raises certain critical considerations with respect to that approach and also offers some suggestions for how to find ways to meet challenges to the development of democratic, emancipatory ethics education.
Primary pancreatic lymphoma: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome
Authors: Facchinelli Davide , Sina Sokol , Boninsegna Enrico , Borin Alex , Tisi Maria C. , Piazza Francesco , Scapinello Greta , Maiolo Elena , Hohaus Stefan , Zamò Alberto , Merli Michele , Stefani Piero M. , Mellone Federica , Basso Marco , Sartori Roberto , Rusconi Chiara , Parisi Alice , Manfrin Erminia , Krampera Mauro , Ruggeri Marco , Visco Carlo , Tecchio Cristina
Published: June 2020

Primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) is a rare disease representing 0.1% of malignant lymphomas, which lacks well‐defined diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.

Objectives

To describe PPL clinical, diagnostic and histological characteristics, together with therapy and outcome, in a relatively large series of patients.

Methods

The study includes 39 PPL patients, aged ≥15 years, observed from January 2005 to December 2018, in 8 Italian Institutions.

Results

The main symptoms were abdominal pain (58%) and jaundice (47%). Lactate dehydrogenase serum levels were elevated in 43% of patients. Histological specimens were mostly obtained by percutaneous (41%) or endoscopic (36%) biopsy, with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma being the most frequent (69%) histological diagnosis. Chemotherapy was administered alone in 65% of patients, with radiotherapy in 17%, or after surgery in 9%. The 2‐year overall survival (OS) was 62%, the 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) 44%. Debulking surgery (with or without chemotherapy) was associated with a significant worse OS. Three (9.4%) of 32 high‐grade patients experienced a central nervous system (CNS) relapse.

Conclusions

PPL is rare, often high‐grade, with symptoms and localization similar to other pancreatic malignancies. Biopsy should be the preferred diagnostic method. High‐grade PPL should undergo CNS prophylaxis.
Early initiation of direct anticoagulation after stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: D'Anna L. , Filippidis F. T. , Antony S. , Brown Z. , Wyatt H. , Malik A. , Sivakumaran P. , Harvey K. , Marinescu M. , Bentley P. , Korompoki E. , Veltkamp R.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

The safety of early initiation of anticoagulant therapy in patients with ischaemic stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. We investigated the safety of early initiation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or no anticoagulation.

Methods

This observational, retrospective, single‐centre study included consecutive patients with recent (<4 weeks) ischaemic stroke and AF. The primary outcome was the rate of major (intracranial and extracranial) bleeding in patients on different treatment schemes, i.e. DOACs, VKAs and not anticoagulated. We also investigated the rate of ischaemic cerebrovascular events and mortality.

Results

We included 959 consecutive patients with AF and ischaemic stroke followed up for an average of 16.1 days after the index event. A total of 559 out of 959 patients (58.3%) were anticoagulated with either VKAs (n = 259) or DOACs (n = 300). Anticoagulation was started after a mean of 7 ± 9.4 days in the DOAC group and 11.9 ± 19.7 days in the VKA group. Early initiation of any anticoagulant was not associated with an increased risk of any major bleeding [odds ratio (OR), 0.49; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.21–1.16] and in particular of intracranial bleeding (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.17–1.29; P = 0.143) compared with no anticoagulation. In contrast to VKAs (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.28–2.13), treatment with DOACs (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.10–0.96) reduced the rate of major bleeding compared with no anticoagulation. Early recurrences of ischaemic stroke did not differ significantly among the three groups.

Conclusions

Starting DOACs within a mean of 7 days after stroke appeared to be safe. Randomized controlled studies are needed to establish the added efficacy of starting anticoagulation early after stroke.
Use of in vitro assays to identify antibiotics that are cytotoxic to normal equine chondrocytes and synovial cells
Authors: Pezzanite Lynn , Chow Lyndah , Piquini Gabriella , Griffenhagen Gregg , Ramirez Dominique , Dow Steven , Goodrich Laurie
Published: June 2020

Background

Intra‐articular (IA) antibiotic usage is prevalent in equine practice. However, recent emergence of antimicrobial resistance prompts re‐evaluation of antibiotic selection, particularly when used prophylactically. Furthermore, many commonly used antibiotics exert direct cytotoxicity to equine cells, and appropriate IA doses have not been defined.

Objectives

To screen antibiotics in vitro as an initial assessment of cytotoxicity against normal equine joint cells in monolayer culture and explant tissues.

Study design

In vitro experimental study.

Methods

Chondrocytes and synovial cells were harvested from three horses and plated on 24‐well plates (100 000 cells/wells in triplicate) for 48 hours prior to addition of antibiotics. Joint cells were exposed to antibiotics (n = 15) at various doses (25‐0.39 mg/mL in complete DMEM media) for 24 hours and viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined for each antibiotic. Cartilage explants were obtained from 3 horses, minced and exposed to antibiotics (n = 5) for 72 hours. Live/dead staining was performed, and fluorescence was visualised using Olympus IX83 spinning disk confocal microscope. Percentage of live vs dead cells was quantified.

Results

Antibiotics from different antimicrobial classes expressed dose‐dependent but variable cytotoxicity to equine joint cells in vitro. Aminoglycosides and doxycycline had the lowest IC50 (most toxic). Ampicillin sulbactam, imipenem, tobramycin, ceftiofur sodium and amoxicillin had IC50 > 25 mg/mL for at least one cell line, representing potentially less cytotoxic alternatives.

Main limitations

Further studies are necessary to extrapolate these in vitro data results to the in vivo joint environment.

Conclusions

Targeted IA antibiotic therapy would involve selection of the safest antibiotics (highest IC50) with efficacy based on bacterial culture/sensitivity. Antimicrobial selection and evidence‐based dosing may minimise damage to native articular cartilage and synovial cells and development of antimicrobial resistance when IA antibiotics are used in equine practice.
The challenges of caring for children who require complex medical care at home: ‘The go between for everyone is the parent and as the parent that’s an awful lot of responsibility’
Authors: Page Bethan F. , Hinton Lisa , Harrop Emily , Vincent Charles
Published: June 2020

Background

Increasing numbers of children with complex health‐care needs are cared for at home by their family. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the challenges experienced by families caring for children who need complex medical care at home.

Methods

We conducted a thematic analysis of eleven in‐depth interviews with parents who carry out specialist medical procedures (eg, enteral feeding, bowel washouts and tracheostomy care) for their children at home. Participants were purposely selected from an existing sample of interviews with parents whose child had abdominal surgery in the first year of life.

Results

We identified three overarching themes: (a) responsibilities of the parent, (b) impact on daily life and (c) the parent journey over time. Parents have substantial responsibilities, including performing medical procedures, managing emergencies (sometimes life‐threatening), co‐ordinating care and advocating for their child. Their responsibilities have an enormous impact on the family: going out of the home becomes a challenge, there are constant constraints on time, parents are sleep‐deprived and there are wider impacts on siblings. The third theme explores the parent journey over time as parents become experts and make sense of the new normal.

Discussion

The burden of care on families caring for children with complex medical needs is much greater than is generally understood by either multidisciplinary health‐care teams or the general public. Families need to be better prepared and supported for the responsibilities they take on and the burden of care needs to be shared by others.
Novel approach for the development of dietary fibre‐anthocyanin enriched functional bread from culinary banana bract
Authors: Begum Yesmin Ara , Baishya Pitambar , Das Manas Jyoti , Chakraborty Sourav , Deka Sankar Chandra
Published: June 2020

Dietary fibre (DF)‐anthocyanin formulation was incorporated in bread to develop anthocyanin rich DF powder (ARDFP) fortified bread. Prior to incorporation of DF‐anthocyanin formulation in bread preparation, the cytotoxicity of DF and anthocyanin extracts was assessed. The effect of incorporation of different level of ARDFP with moisture on bread quality characteristics such as specific volume, textural, colour, sensory properties and starch digestibility was studied. The results revealed that extracted DF and anthocyanin of culinary banana bracts were nontoxic towards peripheral blood mononuclear cell and cytotoxic towards HT29 cancerous cell line. Incorporation of 2% ARDFP with 68% moisture was rated as best with higher specific volume (5.50 cm3 g−1), improved textural properties (high springiness and cohesiveness), anthocyanin content (9.08 mg per 100 g), colour characteristics and sensory acceptability next to control. The in vitro digestibility study suggested increased incorporation of ARDFP in bread flour reduced the rate of starch digestibility (0.0035 min−1).
Waist circumference, body mass index, and colorectal cancer risk according to diabetes status: A Korean nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kim Dae Bum , Lee Kang‐Moon , Lee Ji Min , Ko Seung‐Hyun , Han Kyung‐Do , Park Yong Gyu
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

We investigated the relationship of BMI and waist circumference with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) using a population‐based cohort database and to explore the relationship of CRC with diabetes status.

Methods

Retrospective data (age >20 years) on anthropometric variables, blood parameters of fasting sugar, lipid levels, and blood pressure were collected from the National Health Insurance Corporation database between 2009 and 2012. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Of the 23 121 360 people studied, 120 579 were diagnosed with CRC after a median follow‐up period of 5.4 years. Both waist circumference and body mass index were positively associated with increased risk of CRC, regardless of age or sex. After mutual adjustment, only waist circumference was significantly associated with increased risk of CRC (HR = 1.275, 95% CI: 1.205–1.349). When the risk of CRC was compared according to diabetes status among people with the same waist circumference range, risk of CRC was higher for those with worse diabetes status.

Conclusion

When waist circumference and body mass index were mutually adjusted, only waist circumference was associated with CRC risk. In addition, the risk of CRC is gradually higher in those with worsening diabetes, even if their waist circumferences are within the same range.
Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Nursing Home Physicians: Insight from Yelp Reviews, 2009–2018
Authors: Ryskina Kira L. , Wang Hannah , Foley Kierra A. , Merchant Raina M.
Published: June 2020

OBJECTIVES

To describe the content of reviews submitted on Yelp that pertain to nursing home (NH) physicians.

DESIGN

Retrospective qualitative study.

SETTING

NHs in the United States reviewed on Yelp from 2009 to 2018 with reviews that discussed NH physicians.

PARTICIPANTS

Physicians in 375 NHs in 31 states.

MEASUREMENTS

Content analysis was performed to detect recurrent themes and divergent ideas about NH physicians perceived by reviewers.

RESULTS

Average rating among NHs with physician reviews was 2.0 (standard deviation = 1.5; range = 1–5). The major themes from content analysis of reviews that discussed physicians were perceived attitudes of clinicians toward patients and caregivers, physician communication with patients or caregivers, and perceived clinical expertise of the physicians.

CONCLUSION

Unsolicited online reviews of NHs that comment on patient and caregiver perceptions of physician care represent a small but growing number of online comments about NHs. These reviews contain important information about aspects of physician care valued by NH patients and caregivers. However, the sample of comments about physicians represents a small proportion of online reviews and is not representative of all NHs. As online reviews grow in number and become more representative, these data could be used by physicians to improve perceptions of their care by NH patients and their families, and by NHs to inform expectations of their medical director and attending physicians.
Toward a cell‐chemistry specific life cycle assessment of lithium‐ion battery recycling processes
Authors: Mohr Marit , Peters Jens F. , Baumann Manuel , Weil Marcel
Published: June 2020

On the basis of a review of existing life cycle assessment studies on lithium‐ion battery recycling, we parametrize process models of state‐of‐the‐art pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling, enabling their application to different cell chemistries, including beyond‐lithium batteries such as sodium‐ion batteries. These processes are used as benchmark for evaluating an advanced hydrometallurgical recycling process, which is modeled on the basis of primary data obtained from a recycling company, quantifying the potential reduction of environmental impacts that can be achieved by the recycling of different cell chemistries. Depending on the cell chemistry, recycling can reduce significantly the potential environmental impacts of battery production. The highest benefit is obtained via advanced hydrometallurgical treatment for lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide‐type batteries, mainly because of the recovery of cobalt and nickel. Especially under resource depletion aspects, recycling of these cells can reduce their impact to an extent that even leads to a lower “net impact” than that of cells made from majorly abundant and cheap materials like lithium iron phosphate, which shows a more favorable performance when recycling is disregarded. For these cells, recycling does not necessarily provide benefits but can rather cause additional environmental impacts. This indicates that maximum material recovery might not always be favorable under environmental aspects and that, especially for the final hydrometallurgical treatment, the process would need to be adapted to the specific cell chemistry, if one wants to obtain maximum environmental benefit.
Subnational greenhouse gas and land‐based biodiversity footprints in the European Union
Authors: Wilting Harry C. , Schipper Aafke M. , Ivanova Olga , Ivanova Diana , Huijbregts Mark A. J.
Published: June 2020

Insights into subnational environmental impacts and the underlying drivers are scarce, especially from a consumption‐based perspective. Here, we quantified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and land‐based biodiversity losses associated with final consumption in 162 regions in the European Union in 2010. For this purpose, we developed an environmentally extended multi‐regional input–output (MRIO) model with subnational European information on demand, production, and trade structures subdivided into 18 major economic sectors, while accounting for trade outside Europe. We employed subnational data on land use and national data on GHG emissions. Our results revealed within‐country differences in per capita GHG and land‐based biodiversity footprints up to factors of 3.0 and 3.5, respectively, indicating that national footprints may mask considerable subnational variability. The per capita GHG footprint increased with per capita income and income equality, whereas we did not find such responses for the per capita land‐based biodiversity footprint, reflecting that extra income is primarily spent on energy‐intensive activities. Yet, we found a shift from the domestic to the foreign part of the biodiversity footprints with rising population density and income. Because our analysis showed that most regions are already net importers of GHG emissions and biodiversity losses, we conclude that it is increasingly important to address the role of trade in national and regional policies on mitigating GHG emissions and averting further biodiversity losses, both within and outside the region itself. To further increase the policy relevance of subnational footprint analyses, we also recommend the compilation of more detailed subnational MRIO databases including harmonized environmental data.