bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition Wheels: Visualizing dissolved organic matter using common composition metrics across a variety of Canadian Ecozones
Authors: Aukes Pieter J. K. , Schiff Sherry L.
Published: December 2020

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a ubiquitous component of aquatic systems, impacting aquatic health and drinking water quality. These impacts depend on the mixture of organic molecules that comprise DOM. Changing climates are altering both the amount and character of DOM being transported from the terrestrial system into adjacent surface waters, yet DOM composition is not monitored as often as overall concentration. Many DOM characterization methods exist, confounding comparison of DOM composition across different studies. The objective of this research is to determine which parameters in a suite of relatively simple and common DOM characterization techniques explain the most variability in DOM composition from surface and groundwater sites. Further, we create a simple visualization tool to easily compare compositional differences in DOM. A large number of water samples (n=250) was analyzed from six Canadian ecozones for DOM concentration, ultraviolet-visible light absorbance, molecular size, and elemental ratios. Principal component analyses was used to identify quasi-independent DOM compositional parameters that explained the highest variability in the dataset: spectral slope, specific-UV absorbance at 255nm, humic substances fraction, and dissolved organic carbon to dissolved organic nitrogen ratio. A ‘Composition Wheel’ was created by plotting these four parameters as a polygon. Our results find similarities in DOM composition irrespective of site differences in vegetation and climate. Further, two main end-member Composition Wheel shapes were revealed that correspond to DOM in organic-rich groundwaters and DOM influenced by photodegradation. The Composition Wheel approach uses easily visualized differences in polygon shape to quantify how DOM evolves by natural processes along the aquatic continuum and to track sources and degradation of DOM.
Multi-omics profiling of living human pancreatic islet donors reveals heterogeneous beta cell trajectories toward type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wigger Leonore , Barovic Marko , Brunner Andreas-David , Marzetta Flavia , Schöniger Eyke , Mehl Florence , Kipke Nicole , Friedland Daniela , Burdet Frederic , Kessler Camille , Lesche Mathias , Thorens Bernard , Bonifacio Ezio , Quigley Cristina Legido , Delerive Philippe , Dahl Andreas , Simons Kai , Aust Daniela , Weitz Jürgen , Distler Marius , Schulte Anke M , Mann Matthias , Ibberson Mark , Solimena Michele
Published: December 2020

Existing studies do not sufficiently describe the molecular changes of pancreatic islet beta cells leading to their deficient insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we address this deficiency with a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of metabolically profiled pancreatectomized living human donors stratified along the glycemic continuum from normoglycemia to T2D. Islet pools isolated from surgical samples by laser-capture microdissection had remarkably heterogeneous transcriptomic and proteomic profiles in diabetics, but not in non-diabetic controls. Transcriptomics analysis of this unique cohort revealed islet genes already dysregulated in prediabetic individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. Our findings demonstrate a progressive but disharmonic remodeling of mature beta cells, challenging current hypotheses of linear trajectories toward precursor or trans-differentiation stages in T2D. Further, integration of islet transcriptomics and pre-operative blood plasma lipidomics data enabled us to define the relative importance of gene co-expression modules and lipids positively or negatively associated with HbA1c levels, pointing to potential prognostic markers.
Networks of marine protected areas under fluctuating connectivity: The importance of within-MPA dynamics
Authors: Bani Ridouan , Peller Tianna , Marleau Justin , Fortin Marie-Josée , Guichard Frédéric
Published: December 2020

The design of marine protected areas (MPAs) has been optimized under assumptions of spatially and temporally homogeneous larval dispersal, despite complex spatiotemporal patterns displayed by ocean currents. Here we studied the effect of dispersal variability on the effectiveness of MPA networks across scales. We adopted a nested approach integrating the dynamics of both within and among MPA connectivity into a stochastic metapopulation model and first derived metapopulation persistence (required reproductive effort) and stability over MPA networks by partitioning within and among MPA contributions in relation to the spatial resolution of within-MPA connectivity. We applied this framework over a range of dispersal traits (spawning time and pelagic larval duration) and MPA network configurations, based on simulated biophysical connectivity along the northeast Pacific coast. Our results show how within-MPA dynamics affect predictions based on parameters of MPA networks such as MPA size, spacing, and pelagic larval duration. Increasing within-MPA spatial resolution predicted increasing population persistence and stability independently of other network properties. High-resolution within-MPA dynamics also predicted a negative relationship between species persistence and MPA spacing while that relationship was non-monotonic under low-resolution within-MPA dynamics. Our analysis also resolved the role of pelagic larval duration for scaling up within-MPA dynamics to MPA networks: species with short larval duration led to increasing network stability with MPA spacing while the opposite was observed for species with long larval duration. Our study stresses the importance of integrating fluctuating larval connectivity, both within and among MPAs, and more specifically suggest the benefit of small and nearby MPAs under increasing ocean variability.
Transientgrb10aKnockdown Permanently Alters Growth, Cardiometabolic Phenotype and the Transcriptome inDanio rerio
Authors: Evans Bridget L , Garner Terence , De Leonibus Chiara , Wearing Oliver H , Shiels Holly A , Hurlstone Adam F L , Clayton Peter E , Stevens Adam
Published: December 2020

Embryonic growth trajectory is a risk factor for chronic metabolic and cardiovascular disorder. Grb10 is a negative regulator of the main pathways driving embryonic growth. This study investigates the long-term cardiometabolic consequences and transcriptomic profiles of transient disruption of grb10a expression in Danio rerio. Knockdown was associated with increased embryonic growth (+7%) and metabolic rate (+25%), and decreased heart rate (- 50%) in early life. Juvenile growth and respiratory rate were also elevated (+30% and 7-fold increase respectively). The transcriptome was permanently remodelled by this transient disruption, with dysregulation of multiple growth, cardiac, and metabolic pathways. Phenotypic alteration persisted into adulthood, resulting in a leaner body with elevated skeletal and cardiac muscle content and aerobic scope (43%). This study not only confirms for the first time that transient disruption of a single gene can result in permanent transcriptomic remodelling but correlates this remodelling with persistent alterations to the adult cardiometabolic phenotype.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on the risk of commercial banks with different levels of financial constraint
Authors: Nguyen Liem Thanh , Nguyen Khuong Vinh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This research investigates the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and bank risk-taking in Vietnam and introduces the constraint factor to see whether this link alters with different levels of constraint.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of commercial banks in Vietnam from 2008 to 2017, this study employs two-step system generalized method of moments (Sys GMM) with a finite sample correction mechanism to estimate the models.

Findings

The results suggest that CSR activities reduce bank risk-taking, and this relationship is only present in the case of financially constrained banks. Unconstrained banks, on the other hand, are more likely to invest in unnecessary CSR, thus reducing bank performance and increasing bank risk-taking.

Research limitations/implications

The first implication from this study is that CSR activities might be considered as a risk-mitigating tool and should be invested in that respect. Secondly, regulatory units and investors should be more cautious about CSR expenditures since this type of spending could increase default risk, especially for banks with easy access to external financing. One particular limitation of this study is the low number of observations available for banks in Vietnam. Future studies could use texture analysis to expand the sample or consider macro-level governance characteristics to examine which factors might modify the relationship between CSR and bank risk.

Originality/value

Very limited studies discussed the link between corporate social responsibility and bank performance and bank risk. There are even fewer papers examining the relationship between CSR and risk, and most of these papers deal with advanced economies. Furthermore, no studies investigate the interaction effect of CSR and financial constraint, which should be prevalent in developing countries on bank risk. As a consequence, the current study seeks to verify the impact of financial constraints on the link between CSR and bank risk.
Barriers to innovation and willingness to innovate in the food sector: the case of Chile
Authors: Valdés Gonzalo , Astorga Jonathan , Fuentes-Solís Rodrigo , Alonso Dos Santos Manuel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The goal of this research is to evaluate obstacles to innovation according to the perception of firms in the Chilean food sector, and to assess the relationships of these obstacles with innovation spending and willingness to innovate.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed data from the Chilean National Innovation Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Innovación) of 2017 and 2019, which were administered by the Ministry of Economy and the National Institute of Statistics. This survey is designed to be nationally representative. The methods we employed to analyze the data include linear regression, probit and logit models and factor analysis.

Findings

We found that obstacles to innovation can be grouped into five types, namely: cost-based, knowledge-related, market problems, lack of necessity for innovations and regulatory. Cost was positively, and significantly, associated with innovation (expenditures and willingness to innovate). We argue that this is because as firms engage in innovation, they become aware of the associated costs. Also, knowledge obstacles and lack of necessity were negatively associated with innovation. This may mean that as firms engage in innovation, they are able to overcome said obstacles; which speaks well of their innovation ecosystem.

Originality/value

We develop the argument that survey-based studies of obstacles are amenable to a perception-based interpretation of obstacles, because most surveys tend to collect firms' perceptions. Consequently, we provide perception-based explanations for our findings. Additionally, most empirical studies of obstacles in the food sector are of a qualitative nature. Our work supplements this literature with a quantitative analysis that can expand our understanding of innovation in the food industry.
Global reform meets local context: cultural compatibility and practice adoption in public sector reform
Authors: Yee Wai-Hang , van Thiel Sandra
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The paper proposes that public sector organizations facing institutionalized reform pressure may not only integrate the reform into their operation when it fits but also pace the integration while undergoing organizational cultural transformations to fit with the reform. The newly cultivated cultural characteristics, nonetheless, need to be compatible externally with the ideational basis of the reform and internally with existing values and beliefs embodied by the organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on a neo-institutionalist perspective, the paper develops a model which considers the possibilities and conditions that local cultural change in the reforming organizations may facilitate reform integration. To test the model's analytical potential, the paper analyzed reform responses of semi-autonomous agencies from Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden under the New Public Management (NPM) reform. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression models were performed on the survey data collected from agency heads (or representative) during the peak of the reform trend. Analyzing this sample of later adopters whose government generally enjoyed high degrees of capacity and autonomy provided a preliminary test to the model's potential.

Findings

Significant statistical relations were found between the adoption of operation-level NPM practices and the extent that an agency's cultural characteristics fit with both the ideational basis of NPM and the exiting value-belief mix the agency embodied. Agency characteristics of “proactive responsiveness” and “goal-oriented cooperation” were found significantly related to adoption of NPM practices, showing the possibility of cultivating local cultural changes in reforming organizations.

Originality/value

While compatible with neo-institutionalist emphasis on local continuity, the paper describes an alternative scenario of reform integration for public managers.
Responding to funding scarcity: governance challenges in Swedish and South African development partnerships
Authors: Jönsson Jayne , Huzzard Tony
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In the context of the general funding scarcity in the nonprofit sector, this paper aims to inquire into the governance challenges facing nonprofit aid organizations in a donor–recipient partner relationship. In particular, the authors focus on the challenges of commercial diversification as the espoused alternative to aid-funding.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design was deployed to collect and analyze data collected from interviews conducted in three case organizations in an aid development partnership.

Findings

The various responses at the organizational level are presented as well as analyses of the inter-organizational aspects. All organizations have responded strategically to reductions in funding from state/government and other aid sources by attempting to diversify commercially yet at the same time maintain dependency on aid-funding. This entailed tensions between the logics of the market and mission. These tensions are manifest not only within the organizations but also in the relations between them.

Originality/value

Analyses of the twin-track strategies have highlighted that maintaining aid dependency and resource diversification have different and conflicting relational prerequisites and require diverse and conflicting internal capabilities. The paper develops a conceptual framework for capturing the governance challenges of this strategic dilemma and concludes that the choices of pursuing continued aid-funding and seeking new commercial opportunities are invariably mutually exclusive.
The effects of illicit financial flows on oil and gas revenue generation in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Bello , Mohammed Zayyanu
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent illicit flows affect the oil and gas revenue generation in Nigeria specifically the activities concerning oil theft.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using a systematic quantitative assessment technique was used to select peer-reviewed articles and reports that discussed crude oil theft in Nigeria. This was followed by the use of empirical evidence and content analysis.

Findings

Crude oil theft in Nigeria accounts for 10% of illicit financial flows (IFFs) from Africa annually and this amounts to US$6bn annually.

Research limitations/implications

Oil theft is a new subject area of public policy and academic research; data, secondary literature and peer-reviewed journal articles are limited. This paper was from the public sector perspective only.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few works to highlight the connection between crude oil theft and IFFs.
Aid diversion, accountability and questions unanswered: contextualising the World Bank working paper on offshore capture of foreign aid
Authors: Damianos Stephen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage a contentious World Bank publication beyond its controversy. In particular, it assesses mechanisms that facilitate elite capture of foreign aid and potential strategies of accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts desk research methodology, relying primarily upon journal papers, books and internet sources related to international development and corruption.

Findings

This paper isolates three factors that contribute to elite capture of foreign aid: the codified secrecy of offshore tax havens, customary clientelism and decentralised aid. Regarding accountability measures, it advocates decreasing livelihood dependence on local elites and encouraging meaningful involvement by civil society.

Originality/value

This paper de-sensationalises the controversial World Bank working paper, providing a contextualised reading that at the time of publication does not yet exist.
The anti-money laundering law in Tanzania: whither the ongoing “war” against economic crimes?
Authors: Mniwasa Eugene E.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the evolution of the law for combating economic crimes including money laundering in Tanzania and explore the current developments in the anti-money laundering (AML) law and the ongoing fight against these crimes in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A desk-based review of documents on money laundering and its control in Tanzania was conducted. The paper presents qualitative data from the documentary sources. It applies the doctrinal legal research approach to examine, analyze and describe the AML law applicable in Tanzania. The paper uses the “law-in-context” research approach to explore some non-law aspects of money laundering in Tanzania and interrogate how the law addresses non-law dimensions of money laundering. Policy documents and media reports were analyzed. The thematic data analysis technique was applied, which involved identifying, describing and reporting issues according to the themes emerging from the data.

Findings

The AML law in Tanzania emerged from the law that was originally enacted to curb economic crimes. The law has evolved for some decades. Its evolution has been driven by domestic factors and foreign drivers which are political, economic and social in nature. The role of the AML law has been changing. Initially, the law was a tool for curbing economic crimes. Recently, the law has acquired a new role, namely, to facilitate the recovery of illicit funds and non-financial assets from offenders and enable the authorities in Tanzania to use those economic resources for developmental purposes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper underscores the need for the Government of Tanzania to re-consider the broader implications involved in its current efforts to tackle economic crimes and money laundering. The balance between the implementation of the measures to combat money laundering and economic crimes in Tanzania and the importance of protecting rights of persons indicted with those offences should be struck. The AML law should be applied in such a way not to infringe the rights of the accused persons and not to throttle economic activities including the flow of legitimate foreign investments into Tanzania.

Originality/value

This paper generates insightful information to policymakers, law enforcers, regulators and other stakeholders who undertake activities to tackle money laundering and its control in Tanzania and researchers who study these issues for purposes of providing understanding of the problem and facilitating policy and legal reforms. The paper raises issues that can be explored further in future and contribute to the discourse on money laundering and its control in Tanzania.
Computational and experimental study of lattice structured patterns for casting process
Authors: Ablyaz Timur Rizovich , Muratov Karim Ravilevich , Sumkov Aleksey Aleksandrovich , Shlykov Evgeniy Sergeevich , Dhiman Sahil , Sidhu Sarabjeet Singh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The quality of lost foam casted engineering components is directly influenced by the characteristics of the respective ceramic shell mold (CSM) and hence casting pattern. In this present work, rapid prototyping (RP) was used to fabricate the lattice structured patterns (LSPs) to reduce the defects and cracks in CSM during the heating stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality of the LSPs was accessed by measuring the dimensional accuracy. Further, the thermal stress in the CSM during the heating of porosity varied LSPs was analyzed using ANSYS software package 16.0. The Ni-alloy casting was fabricated by using the designed LSP and compared with its respective CAD model to access its quality.

Findings

The obtained results revealed that the Wigner–Seitz LSPs retained high accuracy and minimized the stress for defect-free CSM. Also, the thermal stress generated in the CSM depends upon the porosity coefficient of the LSP. Hence the interplay with porosity coefficient of LSPs leads to the formation of defect free CSM and hence high quality casting.

Originality/value

RP was used to develop LSPs and investigated the dependency of unit cell parameters on the accuracy of the final casting.
Position paper: digital engineering and building information modelling in Australia
Authors: Hosseini M. Reza , Jupp Julie , Papadonikolaki Eleni , Mumford Tim , Joske Will , Nikmehr Bahareh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This position paper urges a drive towards clarity in the key definitions, terminologies and habits of speech associated with digital engineering and building information modelling (BIM). The ultimate goal of the paper is to facilitate the move towards arriving at an ideal definition for both concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the “explanation building” review approach in providing prescriptive guidelines to researchers and industry practitioners. The aim of the review is to draw upon existing studies to identify, describe and find application of principles in a real-world context.

Findings

The paper highlights the definitional challenges surrounding digital engineering and BIM in Australia, to evoke a debate on BIM and digital engineering boundaries, how and why these two concepts may be linked, and how they relate to emerging concepts.

Originality/value

This is the first scholarly attempt to clarify the definition of digital engineering and address the confusion between the concepts of BIM and digital engineering.
Wind resource and energy potential assessment of the Sujawal site, Sindh Pakistan
Authors: Hulio Zahid Hussain
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The objective of this paper to assess the wind energy potential of the Sujawal site for minimizing the dependence on fossil fuels.

Design/methodology/approach

The site-specific wind shear coefficient and the turbulence model were investigated. The two-parameter, k and c, Weibull distribution function was used to analyze the wind speed of the Sujawal site. The standard deviation of the site was also assessed for a period of a year. Also, the coefficient of variation was carried out to determine the difference at each height. The wind power and energy densities were assessed for a period of a year. The economic assessment of energy/kWh was investigated for selection of appropriate wind turbine.

Findings

The mean wind shear of the Sujawal site was found to be 0.274. The mean wind speed was found to be 7.458, 6.911, 6.438 and 5.347 at 80, 60, 40 and 20 m, respectively, above the ground level (AGL). The mean values of k parameter were observed to be 2.302, 2.767, 3.026 and 3.105 at 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively, for a period of a year. The Weibull c m/s parameter values were found to be 8.415, 7.797, 7.265 and 6.084 m/s at 80, 60, 40 and 20 m, respectively. The mean values of standard deviation were found to be 0.765, 0.737, 0.681 and 0.650 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The mean wind power density (W/m2) was found to be 287.33, 357.16, 405.16 and 659.58 for 20, 40, 60 and 80 m, respectively. The economic assessment showed that wind turbine 7 had the minimum cost/kWh US$ 0.0298.

Originality/value

The Sujawal site is suitable for installing the utility wind turbines for energy generation at the lowest cost; hence, a sustainable solution.
Predator control may not increase ungulate populations in the future: A formal meta‐analysis
Authors: Clark T. J. , Hebblewhite Mark
Published: December 2020

Human‐dominated landscapes are being recolonized by large carnivores, thereby increasing conflicts worldwide via predation of livestock and harvested wildlife such as ungulates. Recent meta‐analyses have shown that predator control (hereafter, predator removal) has mixed success in reducing livestock predation. Yet, it is unknown how effective predator removal is in decreasing predation on ungulates due to a lack of quantitative synthesis, despite the long history of implementation in North America.

We quantified the demographic responses of ungulate survival and recruitment rates, abundance, and population growth to experimental predator removal and identified the ecological and experimental design factors affecting ungulate responses to predator removal. We conducted a literature review of management and natural experiments to increase ungulate demography finding 52 predator removal experiments and 10 natural experiments from 47 publications. We then conducted a meta‐analysis to determine the overall effect size and factors which increased ungulate demography during predator removal. Lastly, we tested for evidence of publication bias and experimental rigour for these experiments.

We found that predator removal in both management and natural experiments increased ungulate demographic responses by 13% (95% CI = 4.1%–23%), yet prediction intervals overlapped with 0 (95% PI = −34% to 93%). Focusing just on management removals, ungulate demographic responses increased only by 7.8% (95% PI = −32% to 72%), indicating that future experiments could have negligible effects. Predator removal in both management and natural experiments was more successful in improving the demography of young (e.g. recruitment ES = 44%, 95% CI = 13%–83%) but equivocal in improving adult survival (ES = 5.4%, 95% CI = −18% to 36%) and ungulate abundance (ES = 13%, 95% CI = −17% to 31%). The low and variable effectiveness of predator removal for ungulate populations might be linked to ungulates' slow life history and the compensatory mortality of carnivores on ungulates, though effects were stronger on endangered prey.

We identified the experimental design factors that led to greater uncertainty in ungulate responses to predator removal, including lack of randomization, low replication and short temporal length. Lastly, we found evidence of publication bias, where experiments with poor rigour and negative effects (i.e. reduced ungulate demography following predator removal) were under‐reported.

Synthesis and Applications. We recommend future predator removal experiments be conducted with a more rigorous experimental design to overcome these weaknesses, especially for endangered species where predator removal may work more effectively. We suggest that managers attempting to evaluate experimental practices to increase ungulate populations through predator removal could employ an open standards framework akin to the ‘Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation’ framework.
Mosses reduce soil nitrogen availability in a subarctic birch forest via effects on soil thermal regime and sequestration of deposited nitrogen
Authors: Koranda Marianne , Michelsen Anders
Published: December 2020

In high‐latitude ecosystems bryophytes are important drivers of ecosystem functions. Alterations in abundance of mosses due to global change may thus strongly influence carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling and hence cause feedback on climate. The effects of mosses on soil microbial activity are, however, still poorly understood. Our study aims at elucidating how and by which mechanisms bryophytes influence microbial decomposition processes of soil organic matter and thus soil nutrient availability.

We present results from a field experiment in a subarctic birch forest in northern Sweden, where we partly removed the moss cover and replaced it with an artificial soil cover for simulating moss effects on soil temperature and moisture. We combined this with a fertilization experiment with 15N‐labelled N for analysing the effects of moss N sequestration on soil processes.

Our results demonstrate the capacity of mosses to reduce soil N availability and retard N cycling. The comparison with artificial soil cover plots suggests that the effect of mosses on N cycling is linked to the thermal insulation capacity of mosses causing low average soil temperature in summer and strongly reduced soil temperature fluctuations, the latter also leading to a decreased frequency of freeze‐thaw events in autumn and spring. Our results also showed, however, that the negative temperature effect of mosses on soil microbial activity was in part compensated by stimulatory effects of the moss layer, possibly linked to leaching of labile substrates from the moss. Furthermore, our results revealed that bryophytes efficiently sequester added N from wet deposition and thus prevent effects of increased atmospheric N deposition on soil N availability and soil processes.

Synthesis. Our study emphasizes the important role of mosses in carbon and nutrient cycling in high‐latitude ecosystems and the potential strong impacts of reductions in moss abundance on microbial decomposition processes and nutrient availability in subarctic and boreal forests.
Microscale heterogeneity of the soil nitrogen cycling microbial functional structure and potential metabolism
Authors: Han Shun , Luo Xuesong , Hao Xiuli , Ouyang Yang , Zeng Luyang , Wang Li , Wen Shilin , Wang Boren , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Chen Wenli , Zhou Jizhong , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: December 2020

Soil aggregates, with complex spatial and nutritional heterogeneity, are clearly important for regulating microbial community ecology and biogeochemistry in soils. However, how the taxonomic composition and functional attributes of N‐cycling‐microbes within different soil particle‐size fractions under a long‐term fertilization treatment remains largely unknown. Here, we examined the composition and metabolic potential for urease activity, nitrification, N2O production and reduction of the microbial communities attached to different sized soil particles (2000–250, 250–53 and <53 μm) using a functional gene microarray (GeoChip) and functional assays. We found that urease activity and nitrification were higher in <53 μm fractions, whereas N2O production and reduction rates were greater in 2000–250 and 250–53 μm across different fertilizer regimes. The abundance of key N‐cycling genes involved in anammox, ammonification, assimilatory and dissimilatory N reduction, denitrification, nitrification and N2‐fixation detected by GeoChip increased as soil aggregate size decreased; and the particular key genes abundance (e.g., ureC, amoA, narG, nirS/K) and their corresponding activity were uncoupled. Aggregate fraction exerted significant impacts on N‐cycling microbial taxonomic composition, which was significantly shaped by soil nutrition. Taken together, these findings indicate the important roles of soil aggregates in differentiating N‐cycling metabolic potential and taxonomic composition, and provide empirical evidence that nitrogen metabolism potential and community are uncoupled due to aggregate heterogeneity.
Deadly falls into wells: A retrospective study of 72 autopsy cases from Kairouan, Tunisia
Authors: Mlayeh Souheil , Ben Abderrahim Sarra , Haggui Firas , Ghzel Raja , Jedidi Maher
Published: December 2020

Falls are a traumatic event that represents a major public health problem worldwide. The literature is rich in published studies of falls from heights, but only a few articles have focused on falls into wells. The region of Kairouan, in central Tunisia, is characterized by an arid climate, hence the abundance of wells for watering crops. In this study, 72 cases of deadly falls into wells were retrospectively investigated at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kairouan over eight years (01/01/2008 to 31/12/2015). A male predominance was found (sex ratio of 2.42), with a mean age of 29 ± 16.1 years. Sixty‐five cases (90.3%) were from rural areas, 62.5% had a low level of education, and 50% were unemployed. In our series, the deceased fell from a distance between 3 and 70 meters with an average of 28.3 m. The falls occurred into functional wells in 61.1%, which were filled with water in 51.4%, and were unprotected in 88.9%. Autopsy findings showed bone fractures in 51.4% of cases of which 44.4% were rib fractures. Visceral injuries were identified in 55.6% of cases. The predominant manner of death was suicide (73.2%), and severe polytrauma was the most frequent cause of death (52.8%). This study highlights the need for increased safety measures to keep wells covered and protected in order to prevent these falls.
Choosing and following a very low calorie diet program in Australia: A quasi‐mixed methods study to understand experiences, barriers, and facilitators in a self‐initiated environment
Authors: Roesler Anna , Marshall Skye , Rahimi‐Ardabili Hania , Duve Emily , Abbott Kylie , Blumfield Michelle , Cassettari Tim , Fayet‐Moore Flavia
Published: December 2020

Aim

In Australian adults, this study seeks to describe the experiences and factors associated with the perceived outcomes of using a very low calorie diet (VLCD) program for ≥4 weeks.

Methods

A mixed method study using the method perspective was conducted to analyse individual semi‐structured interviews conducted via videoconference and cross‐sectional survey data. Australians 18 to 65 years were eligible if they were currently consuming at least one VLCD product daily for ≥4 weeks or had ceased consumption within 4 weeks. Interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

Weight loss (19 kg [SD: 18 kg]) and duration (5 months [SD: 5 months]) of VLCD product use of the 31 participants (female: 97%, 44 [SD: 11] years, body mass index >30 kg/m2: 84%) were strongly correlated (r= 0.73,P < .001). Participants' experiences were influenced by a journey of learning from their previous weight loss attempts, discerned the VLCD program as credible, and chose to commence the VLCD due to a convergence of internal motivators. Early health‐related outcomes were a reinforcing stimulus and participants developed new health behaviours but felt dependent on the VLCD long term. Throughout these experiences the participants identified various individual, program structure, and environment related factors which either facilitated their VLCD program use or created barriers to achieving their goals. Health care professionals were minimally engaged.

Conclusions

A model of care to support facilitators and overcome barriers would mean more meaningful engagement of health care professionals to ultimately improve the experience and adherence of the VLCD program users in Australia.
Associations between breakfast consumption from childhood to adulthood and cardiometabolic health: A systematic review
Authors: Lukomskyj Natalya , Shi Yumeng , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret , Rangan Anna
Published: December 2020

Aim

Breakfast consumption may be associated favourably with cardiometabolic health. Most studies only measure breakfast consumption at one timepoint, whereas repeated measures allow for associations to be explored from a life course perspective. This systematic review assessed evidence from cohort studies on associations between breakfast consumption from childhood to adulthood and cardiometabolic health.

Methods

Seven databases were searched; eligible records included analyses assessing breakfast consumption in childhood and adulthood, and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity or associated clinical risk factors. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for cohort studies.

Results

Six eligible articles were reviewed, representing four cohort studies from two countries. Body composition was the only outcome investigated by five articles; the sixth article investigated body composition as well as a metabolic syndrome score and serum cardiometabolic risk markers. Most articles found significant associations between breakfast consumption in childhood and adulthood and cardiometabolic benefits, however the quality of evidence was poor. Childhood and adulthood breakfast consumption were each associated with cardiometabolic benefits, and breakfast consumption over both life stages was associated with greater benefits. An increase in breakfast consumption from childhood to adulthood was also associated with cardiometabolic benefits.

Conclusions

We evaluated the available literature and found limited studies of low quality to suggest that more frequent breakfast consumption across both childhood and adulthood may be associated with the greatest cardiometabolic benefits. Further research is needed to develop an understanding of the relationship between breakfast and cardiometabolic health from a cross‐lifestage perspective.
Factors associated with severity, incidence or persistence of internet gaming disorder in children and adolescents: a 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Jeong Hyunsuk , Yim Hyeon Woo , Lee Seung‐Yup , Lee Hae Kook , Potenza Marc N. , Lee Hyunyong
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study examined factors associated with severity, incidence and/or persistence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in children and adolescents.

Design, Setting, Participants

Prospective cohort study with 2‐year follow‐up study in South Korea. A total of 2319 3rd‐, 4th‐ and 7th‐graders enrolled into the internet user cohort for unbiased recognition of gaming disorder in early adolescence [intramural Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (iCURE)] and analyzed for the current study.

Measurements

Severity of the IGD features was assessed by the Internet Game Use‐Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS), a self‐reported questionnaire based on the DSM‐5 IGD criteria. Participants with IGUESS scores ≥ 10 were considered to be at high risk for IGD (HIGD). Time spent playing on‐line games, game types, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, social support, openness of communication with parents, attachment to parents and potential confounders were assessed by self‐report.

Findings

A total of 175 (7.5%) students were classified as HIGD cases upon initial assessment. The independent risk factors of incidence of HIGD included playing on‐line games for ≥ 240 minutes/day, playing multi‐player games, depressive symptoms and ADHD symptoms [adjusted rate ratios (aRRs) = 2.03, 1.63, 2.04, 2.53, respectively; all P < 0.05]. Factors related to changing IGD severity scores were playing on‐line games for 60–239 minutes/day, playing single‐player on‐line games, higher attachment and social support [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRRs) = 1.38, 1.22, 0.86, 0.87, respectively; all P < 0.05]. Independent predictors of persistence of HIGD were playing on‐line games for ≥ 240 minutes/day and ADHD symptoms (aRRs = 2.63, 2.14, respectively; all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among adolescents in South Korea, the existence of ADHD symptoms and spending more than 4 hours per day playing on‐line games were associated with the occurrence or persistence of high risk for internet gaming disorder.
Evaluation of the London Smoking Cessation Transformation Programme: a time–series analysis
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Beard Emma , West Robert , Brown Jamie
Published: December 2020

Background and aim

National social marketing campaigns have been shown to promote smoking cessation in England. There is reason to believe that regional and city‐wide campaigns can play a valuable role in reducing smoking prevalence over and above any national tobacco control activity. This study aimed to assess the impact of the London Smoking Cessation Transformation Programme, a multi‐component citywide smoking cessation programme, on quit attempts and quit success rates.

Design and Setting

Interrupted time–series analyses, using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and generalized additive models (GAM) of population trends in the difference between monthly quit attempts and quit success rates among smokers who made a quit attempt in London versus the rest of England before and during the first year of the programme.

Participants

A total of 55 528 past‐year adult smokers who participated in a monthly series of nationally representative cross‐sectional surveys in England between November 2006 and August 2018. Twelve and a half per cent of smokers lived in London (intervention region) and 87.5% lived in the rest of England (control region).

Measurements

Monthly prevalence of quit attempts and quit success rates among smokers who made a quit attempt.

Findings

The monthly difference in prevalence of quit attempts in London compared with the rest of England increased by 9.59% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.35–14.83, P < 0.001] from a mean of 0.04% pre‐intervention to 9.63% post‐intervention. The observed increase in success rates among those who tried was not statistically significant (B = 4.72; 95% CI = –2.68 to 12.11, P = 0.21); Bayes factors indicated that these data were insensitive. GAM analyses confirmed these results.

Conclusion

The promotion of the London Smoking Cessation Transformation Programme during September 2017 was associated with a significant increase in quit attempts compared with the rest of England. The results were inconclusive regarding an effect on quit success among those who tried.
Searching for meso‐level superordinate identities: An assessment of managerial value orientations across six industries
Authors: Weber James
Published: December 2020

Values research generally confirms that personally held values influence an individual's decision processes and behavior. Yet this academic research often is limited to the individual or organizational level of analysis. This study utilizes social identity and personal values theories to search for the presence of superordinate identities emerging at the meso level from six different industries. The six selected industries—accounting, banking, construction, education, energy, and manufacturing—represent a mix of highly respected and disrespected industries, as well as industries that have an ethical professional association and those that do not. Results provide evidence of meso‐level superordinate identities, distinguishing managers' personal value orientations from a generalized population, and across the six selected industries. Implications emanating from this research for the human resource practitioners and academic scholars are discussed.
The vicious cycle of dental fear at age 31 in a birth cohort in Southern Brazil
Authors: Silveira Ethieli R. , Cademartori Mariana G. , Schuch Helena S. , Corrêa Marcos B. , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Armfield Jason , Horta Bernardo L. , Demarco Flavio F.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This longitudinal study assessed the prevalence of dental fear in adulthood and the association with socio‐economic, behavioural and clinical variables. Also, the existence of a vicious cycle of dental fear was tested.

Methods

A random sample of adults (n = 535) from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil, was selected. Socio‐economic data, behavioural characteristics and clinical variables were collected during different cohort waves. Oral health data were collected at ages 15, 24 and 31 years old, using questionnaires and oral examination. Dental fear (the outcome) was assessed by the question: ‘Are you afraid of going to the dentist?’, with possible responses: dichotomized into ‘No’ or ‘A little/Yes/A lot’. Exposure variables were as follows: dental visit in the last years (at the ages 15 and 31); caries experience (DMFT ≥ mean) at the ages 15 and 31; the trajectory of caries prevalence from 15 to 31 years old; dental pain in the last six months in the two ages evaluated; and self‐rated oral health at age 31. Several multivariable Poisson regression models were used to investigate the association between each of the exposure variables and dental fear.

Results

Dental fear prevalence was 22.1%, and it was more prevalent among non‐white individuals and females. After controlling for potential confounders, dental fear was more likely to be reported by those individuals who had dental pain or a higher prevalence of dental caries at the age 15. Dental fear was also associated with a worse trajectory of dental caries, negative self‐rated oral health at age 31 and with not having visited the dentist in the last year (at the age 31). Results supported the proposed vicious cycle of dental fear.

Conclusions

Dental fear in adulthood was related to exposures occurring across the lifecourse. Also, it was possible to observe the occurrence of the vicious cycle of dental fear in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Therefore, preventive measures during different periods of the life course are required to prevent dental fear and adulthood.
Experienced support from family, school and friends among students in out‐of‐home care in a school‐based community survey
Authors: Tordön Rikard , Sydsjö Gunilla , Bladh Marie , Svanström Jennie , Svedin Carl Göran
Published: December 2020

Youth in out‐of‐home care have elevated risks for adverse events and detrimental circumstances possibly affecting their development. Responses from 311 students in out‐of‐home care (OHC) were compared with peers living in birth parent care (BPC) and in single birth parent care (sBPC) in a regional school survey, directed to students in compulsory school eighth year and upper secondary school second year. Results indicate OHC students to experience less satisfaction with friends, leisure time, and families. They state less trust in support from friends and families but a more similar level to teachers, counsellors or nurses. OHC students also express being more exposed to abusive experiences online and perceive less sense of security at home and in school. We conclude that welfare institutions need to recognize the components in building trust and safety for students in OHC and that school and other professional institutions have an important role in serve resilience and promote well‐being for children in OHC.
Care(ful) relationships: Supporting children in secure care
Authors: Ellis Katie , Curtis Penny
Published: December 2020

Secure children's homes are used to accommodate children aged 10–16 under two main categories; while half are sentenced after committing a serious offence, the other half are placed because there are serious concerns around their safety in the community. Secure children's homes are prized within the secure estate, and they administer complex therapeutic support to ‘the most vulnerable’ young people, however little is known about the experiences of those employed to work in such spaces. This paper shares findings from PhD research conducted in one secure children's home over 1 year. Data presented are drawn from sensitive ethnographic fieldwork and in‐depth interviews with residential staff and residents in the home. Although young people's views are important, we concentrate here on the perspectives of residential staff to share their reflections of delivering ‘care’ and the strategies used to manage successful relationships within a secure setting. We conclude that residential staff tread a fine line between creating emotional closeness while maintaining physical distance and that they are sometimes unable to return the intensity of feeling that residents' direct towards them. We recommend that all residential staff receive regular and detailed supervision to provide opportunity to request support when necessary.