bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of the risk perception of farmer–herder conflicts: evidence from rural Nigeria
Authors: Nnaji Amaka
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the social, economic and demographic determinants of rural households' risk perception of farmer–herder (FH) conflicts in Nigeria. The paper also investigates two aspects of FH conflict risk perception relating to food production and physical insecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

A FH conflict risk perception model is constructed and tested using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), ordinary least squares (OLS) and seemingly unrelated regression equation (SURE) models. The study uses cross-sectional data from 401 rural households in Nigeria.

Findings

Results show that in addition to economic determinants like farm size, land ownership and crop diversity, socio-demographic variables like age and number of languages spoken are significant predictors of household risk perception of FH conflict. Second, although gender and frequency of FH conflict have no significant effect on the risk perception of FH conflict, there is a significant moderating effect of frequency of FH conflicts on the influence of gender on the risk perception of FH conflict. Third, findings also highlight the important predictors of the risk perception of FH conflicts relating to food production and physical insecurity.

Originality/value

Findings give insight into policies targeted at influencing the risk behaviour of rural households. This is important to aid the development of efficient risk management initiatives.
Effect of plastic pyrolytic oil and waste cooking biodiesel on tribological properties of palm biodiesel–diesel fuel blends
Authors: Awang Muhamad Sharul Nizam , Mohd Zulkifli Nurin Wahidah , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba , Zulkifli Muhammad Syahir Amzar , Kalam Md Abul , Mohd Yusoff Mohd Nur Ashraf , Ahmad Muhammad Hazwan , Wan Daud Wan Mohd Ashri
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the lubricity of palm biodiesel (PB)–diesel fuel with plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO) and waste cooking biodiesel (WCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Three quaternary fuels were prepared by mechanical stirring. B10 (10% PB in diesel) fuel was blended with 5%, 10% and 15% of both PPO and WCB. The results were compared to B30 (30% PB in diesel) and B10. The lubricity of fuel samples was determined using high-frequency reciprocating rig in accordance with ASTM D6079. The tribological behavior of all fuels was assessed by using scanning electron microscopy on worn steel plates to determine wear scar diameter (WSD) and surface morphology. The reported WSD is the average of the major and minor axis of the wear scar.

Findings

The addition of PPO and WCB to B10 had improved its lubricity while lowering wear and friction coefficients. Among the quaternary fuels, B40 showed the greatest reduction in coefficient of friction and WSD, with 7.63% and 44.5%, respectively, when compared to B10. When compared to B30a, the quaternary fuel mixes (B40, B30b and B20) exhibited significant reduction in WSD by 49.66%, 42.84% and 40.24%, respectively. Among the quaternary fuels, B40 exhibited the best overall lubricating performance, which was supported by surface morphology analysis. The evaluation of B40 indicated a reduced adhesive wear and tribo-oxidation, as well as a smoother metal surface, as compared to B20 and B30b.

Originality/value

Incorporation of PPO and WCB in PB–diesel blend as a quaternary fuel blend in diesel engines has not been reported. Only a few researchers looked into the impact of PPO and WCB on the lubricity of the fuel.
Silt erosion performance of high velocity oxy fuel- (HVOF) sprayed Al2O3–Cr2O3 composite coatings on turbine steel
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Satish , Mudgal Deepa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the erosion performance of high velocity oxy fuel- (HVOF) sprayed Al2O3–Cr2O3 composite coatings under silt slurry conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The requisite HVOF composite coatings has been deposited on the stainless steel substrate (SS-304). The slurry erosion pot tester of make Ducom was used for conducting the silt slurry erosion tests on the required substrates. The comprehensive experiments were conducted at different particle size of silt in the range 212–250, 150–212, 53–106 µm, and the concentration of the silt ranged from 10%–40% by weight. The rotational speed of the pot tester has been varied between 500 and 1,500 revolutions per minute, and the test duration has been kept to 4 h.

Findings

The erosion wear resistance of the uncoated SS-304 has been greatly enhanced by the application of HVOF-sprayed Al2O3–Cr2O3 composite coatings. The addition of CeO2 has a significant impact in reducing the erosive wear caused by silt slurry. The composite coating powder composition of 65%Cr2O3 + 34.5%Al2O3 + 0.5%CeO2 has shown the highest erosion resistance.

Practical implications

The developed coatings have the potential to be used for hydro turbines as subjected to silt slurry conditions.

Originality/value

The erosion wear experiments are conducted comprehensively for coated and uncoated samples and the scanning electron micrographs supports the findings.
Effect of different Cu6Sn5 morphology on the tribological properties of Babbitt alloy
Authors: Ni Yuquan , Sun Nannan , Zhu Guixiang , Liu Shujie , Liu Jun , Dong Guangneng
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study different morphology Cu6Sn5 effect on Babbitt alloy tribological properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Different morphology Cu6Sn5 of Babbitt was conducted by different cooling modes. Bare Babbitt was marked by Babbitt-0, Babbitt modified by first cooling mode (marked by Babbitt-1) and Babbitt modified by second cooling mode (marked by Babbitt-2). The microstructure and microhardness of specimens were tested. Then, tribological properties of Babbitt-0, Babbitt-1 and Babbitt-2 were performed by reciprocating mode under lubricated condition.

Findings

The results showed that shape Cu6Sn5 of Babbitt was changed from mixed needle and star-like shape to short rod-like or granular shape. The microhardness of Babbitt-1 was highest than that of Babbitt-0 and Babbitt-2. Compared with Babbitt-0 and Babbitt-2, tribological properties of Babbitt-1 were better under lubricated condition due to short rod-like and sparse distribution of Cu6Sn5. Moreover, the simulation result of strain and stress of Babbitt-1 was lowest than that of Babbitt-0 and Babbitt-2.

Originality/value

Different morphology (shape and distributed) of Cu6Sn5 was obtained by different cooling modes. Modulated different forms of Cu6Sn5 around SnSb was beneficial to improve Babbitt alloy tribological properties.
Nexus among blockchain visibility, supply chain integration and supply chain performance in the digital transformation era
Authors: Tan Cheng Ling , Tei Zhongkai , Yeo Sook Fern , Lai Kee-Hung , Kumar Ajay , Chung Leanne
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Digital transformation (DT) in the semiconductor industry goes beyond traditional business operations and supply chain management (OSCM) to the digital world. Despite significant developments in recent years, blockchain implementations for OSCM remain relatively underdeveloped in the semiconductor industry. Therefore, this research aims to examine the relationships between blockchain visibility, supply chain integration (SCI) and supply chain performance (SCP) in the era of DT in Malaysia's semiconductor industry to shed light on this emerging area.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling of 71 operations and supply chain managers attached to semiconductor manufacturing firms in Malaysia were invited to participate in a survey. In assessing blockchain visibility within the industry, key terms namely business intelligence gathering, information exchange, information technology (IT) and knowledge of asset status, were conceptualised from the literature review. The questionnaires developed to collect data were validated by industry and academic experts.

Findings

The results from the analysis confirmed that SCI mediates the link between blockchain visibility (information exchange, business intelligence gathering and knowledge asset status) and SCP. Likewise, the importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) outcomes revealed that IT played a minor role. The results suggested that semiconductor manufacturers should pay less attention to IT since this was identified as having the least priority towards improvement.

Practical implications

The outcomes from this research enable policymakers to strategise and integrate blockchain technology in the era of DT to ensure sustainable SCM in the semiconductor industry in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The research bridge the knowledge gap by revealing the value that blockchain visibility can facilitate SCP and explore SCI as the prevailing factor and demonstrates how Resource-Based Theory and Network Theory can be applied in this study.
Do HRM practices facilitate innovation? A qualitative study in a developing country
Authors: Abdul Ghani Azmi Ilhaamie , Hashim Junaidah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of human resource management (HRM) practices that facilitate innovation in the public sector in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method was engaged whereby a semi-structured interview was conducted to get the responses of two groups of employees which are top management and executive in two types of public organizations which are awarded and non-awarded. The collected data was later analyzed thematically.

Findings

The results show that there are differences and similarities among the public agencies in terms of their implementation of HRM practices that facilitate innovation. Apparently, the awarded public agencies do follow HRM practices that really facilitate innovation such as local training, provide more types of rewards to their employees and set a higher minimum level of innovation in their performance evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

This research confines only 10 public agencies in Malaysia. Future studies might want to include a larger sample size to make the findings more extensive. It also would be interesting to know different approaches in HRM implemented in the private organizations as well as to examine their influences on performance and other organizational factors.

Practical implications

Good and fair HRM practices such as training, reward and performance appraisal practices that focus on innovation facilitate and produce more innovative employees and organization innovation. Thus, public managers should implement them to a higher extent.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that aims to engage the qualitative method in understanding how HRM practices can facilitate innovation in a developing country.
Volunteers' strategies for supporting asylum seekers with information challenges
Authors: Ruokolainen Hilda
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the strategies that volunteers use when supporting asylum seekers with their information challenges to be able to develop services for asylum seekers and promote their access to reliable information in the most suitable way.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven volunteers who help asylum seekers with their asylum cases in two cities in Finland. The interview data was thematically coded and analysed.

Findings

Six types of information-related strategies were identified: information mediatory, language adjustment, spatial and non-verbal communicative, inclusive, and supervisory strategies, as well as strategies with shifting roles. These strategies holistically support asylum seekers' information practices, considering the challenges of their situation and emotional needs.

Originality/value

This study creates new knowledge about volunteers' role in the information practices of asylum seekers, highlighting their unique position both in and outside the asylum system. Information-related strategies are a novel way of examining the ways to holistically support other people's information practices, by understanding that information is intertwined in all kinds of everyday actions and interactions.
Fostering knowledge creation through network capability ambidexterity with the moderation of an innovation climate
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Li Jiamin , Qi Ying
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to adopt the knowledge-based view and social network theory to investigate the relationship between network capability ambidexterity and knowledge creation (KC) in the context of open innovation. It also examines the moderating effects of innovation climate on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper developed a model including network capability ambidexterity, innovation climate and KC. A total of 463 samples were collected from China to test the model and hypotheses by SEM.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that network capability ambidexterity is the crucial antecedent of KC. Specifically, network capability ambidexterity consists of the balanced and combined dimensions that both have significant and positive effects on KC. More importantly, the balanced dimension has a stronger effect on KC than the combined. In addition, an innovation climate positively moderates the effects of network capability ambidexterity and KC.

Originality/value

This study advances a new understanding of how network capability ambidexterity influences KC. Moreover, investigating the relationships should provide fresh insights into network capabilities and KC for practitioners in the open innovation context.
Digital technology to support mental health: a brief introduction to what it is and why it is important?
Authors: Prescott Julie
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to a new regular series for this journal, Mental Health and Social Inclusion, on digital innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this first of a regular series of articles, this paper introduces the reader to the area of digital technology to support mental health and why it is important.

Findings

Technological developments and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to an increasing interest and adoption of digital innovations to support people’s mental health, from both service providers and service users.

Research limitations/implications

This regular series will look at research into digital technologies for support of mental health and well-being.

Practical implications

The series will also consider the implications of various digital technologies for the support of mental health and well-being for different groups of people.

Social implications

Different technologies, approaches and points of view will be considered in relation to their impact on mental health and well-being.

Originality/value

Over the past ten years the author has developed an interest in the use of digital technologies to support mental health. The author has recently edited a book, published by IGI Global, on the topic and feels it is an important regular topic for the Journal of Mental Health and Social Inclusion.
Social sustainability in the supply chain: a literature review of the adoption, approaches and (un)intended outcomes
Authors: Alghababsheh Mohammad , Gallear David
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The concept of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) integrates the environmental and social sustainability dimensions into the management of supply chains. However, the understanding of the management of social sustainability in the supply chain is relatively underdeveloped. This paper, therefore, seeks to explore the adoption, emerging approaches and the (un)intended outcomes of social sustainability in the supply chain as well as supply chain social sustainability in the Arab world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews 396 peer-reviewed papers on social sustainability in the supply chain published between 1997 and 2020.

Findings

The review identifies and discusses three types of factors influencing the adoption of social sustainability in the supply chain: drivers, enablers and barriers. The review also identifies four main approaches to tackling social issues in the supply chain, namely an internal approach (e.g. internal adaptation), a hands-off approach (e.g. supplier switching), a hands-on approach (e.g. collaboration practices) and a relational approach (e.g. justice). The review also reveals that although addressing these issues can generate positive outcomes, it can also lead to unintended negative outcomes such as increased social violations and the perception of unfairness among suppliers.

Originality/value

This study complements the existing literature reviews on the social dimension of SSCM by not only providing an update of the current literature and shedding light on an emerging approaches (e.g. justice) to tackling social issues in supply chains but also by exposing the unintended negative consequences of tackling social issues, a subject that has largely been overlooked to date.
Unravelling the encumbrances in procurement management of Nigeria's infrastructure development: pitfalls and prospects of projects
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin , Aigbavboa Clinton , Awe Emmanuel Omoniyi , Amadi Godpower C. , Emuchay Faith Ebekozien
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Procurement management in infrastructure development has gained considerable attention in developing countries. It is because of the success in the developed nations. Studies have shown that Nigeria's infrastructure development needs far exceed its current provision. Also, studies are scarce to reveal whether procurement management has been successful in infrastructure development projects in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper investigated the root cause of the perceived encumbrances impeding procurement management in infrastructure development projects and proffered policy measures to improve future Nigeria's infrastructure development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via unexplored exploratory virtual interviews and selected cases from secondary sources. The engaged construction and engineering consultants have been involved in the procurement management of infrastructure projects in Nigeria. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The root causes of the pitfalls that emerged from the study include lack of competition and transparency, embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds, snail speed bureaucracy and bottleneck and lack of skills and knowledge. Others are collusion/bid-rigging/price-fixing/cartel formation, corruption, lack of professionalism, unbridled politicking, embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds, incompetence of tender boards, lack of patriotism to national service and lack of government organisations’ procurement capacity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is restricted to unravelling the encumbrances in procurement management of Nigeria's infrastructure development projects. Future research is desirable to adopt a quantitative approach for more extensive coverage and validate findings from this paper.

Practical implications

The paper findings, including those learnt from each case study evaluated, would undoubtedly influence policymakers and construction and engineering practitioners on the key strategies to employ in implementing future procurement management in Nigeria's infrastructure development projects.

Originality/value

This paper would assist policymakers and other stakeholders desirous of improved infrastructure to focus their priorities in mitigating the identified root cause hindering procurement management in Nigeria's infrastructure management.
Growth enhancements of elevated atmospheric [CO2] are reduced under drought‐like conditions in temperate eucalypts
Authors: Bendall Eli R. , Bedward Michael , Boer Matthias , Clarke Hamish , Collins Luke , Leigh Andrea , Bradstock Ross A.
Published: April 2022

Elevated atmospheric [CO2] (‘eCO2’) may alter species composition within vegetation types by favouring the growth of some species over others. However, other related changes in climate conditions, such as increased frequency and severity of drought, may reduce eCO2 fertilisation effects on plant growth. For many species, it is not known if responses will reflect variability in trait adaptations due to environment.

We grew seedlings of nine species of eucalypts indicative of three regional vegetation types (representing a mesic–xeric ecosystem gradient) under two CO2 concentrations (400 parts per million; 640 ppm, i.e. eCO2) and two watering regimes (well‐watered; drought‐like conditions).

Elevated CO2 increased biomass accumulation but drought reduced this effect, with mesic species experiencing larger relative reductions. Elevated CO2 increased the size of storage organs used during resprouting, in the absence of drought. Typical drought responses, such as increased leaf mass per unit area and root mass ratio, were more pronounced in xeric species and were reduced under eCO2.

Seedling growth and resprouting may be enhanced by eCO2, suggesting continued dominance of resprouting species in disturbance‐prone ecosystems, although severe drought is likely to offset eCO2 fertilisation. Xeric species may cope with drought more effectively under eCO2 than mesic species due to resource acquisition and storage traits that are more responsive.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Loan Word Accommodation Biases: Markedness and Finiteness
Authors: Shaw Marlieke , De Smet Hendrik
Published: April 2022

Abstract

One way or another, loan words have to be grammatically integrated in the grammar of their recipient language. For verbs, Wohlgemuth (2009) finds that direct insertion, where native inflections are added directly onto the borrowed stem, is cross‐linguistically the most frequent accommodation strategy. He concludes from this that the borrowing of loan verbs is not constrained by inflection. Based on a two‐fold corpus study on the integration of English loan verbs in Present‐day Dutch and French loan verbs in Late Middle English, we propose a correction to Wohlgemuth's (2009) argument. Even under direct insertion, loan verbs are subject to constraints, as they enter some usage categories more readily than others. More specifically, we find evidence for loan verbs being avoided in finite forms and in morphologically marked forms. We refer to these joint tendencies as accommodation biases. The specific nature of accommodation biases in loan verbs suggests that loan verbs are underrepresented in those categories where they carry a dense functional load as markers of both lexical and grammatical information.
Characteristics and proteolysis of a Spanish blue cheese made with raw or pasteurised milk
Authors: Diezhandino Isabel , Fernández Domingo , Combarros‐Fuertes Patricia , Renes Erica , Fresno José María , Tornadijo María Eugenia
Published: April 2022

Valdeón cheese is a Spanish Protected Geographical Indication of blue‐veined cheese produced on an industrial scale from raw or pasteurised cow and/or goat milk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of pasteurisation on the microbiological, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of cheese. Cheeses made with raw milk showed higher counts of lactobacilli and enterococci, as well as lower values of pH and D‐lactic acid and salt/moisture ratio. Cheeses made with pasteurised milk showed greater extent of proteolysis, higher concentration of free amino acids and lower concentration of biogenic amines. Pasteurisation produced more elastic and harder cheeses, but with a lower sensory profile.
Correcting a bias in the computation of behavioural time budgets that are based on supervised learning
Authors: Resheff Yehezkel S. , Bensch Hanna M. , Zöttl Markus , Rotics Shay
Published: April 2022

Supervised learning of behavioural modes from body acceleration data has become a widely used research tool in Behavioural Ecology over the past decade. One of the primary usages of this tool is to estimate behavioural time budgets from the distribution of behaviours as predicted by the model. These serve as the key parameters to test predictions about the variation in animal behaviour. In this paper we show that the widespread computation of behavioural time budgets is biased, due to ignoring the classification model confusion probabilities.

Next, we introduce the confusion matrix correction for time budgets—a simple correction method for adjusting the computed time budgets based on the model's confusion matrix.

Finally, we show that the proposed correction is able to eliminate the bias, both theoretically and empirically in a series of data simulations on body acceleration data of a fossorial rodent species (Damaraland mole‐rat Fukomys damarensis).

Our paper provides a simple implementation of the confusion matrix correction for time budgets, and we encourage researchers to use it to improve accuracy of behavioural time budget calculations.
Jurema In Contemporary Brazil: Ritual Re‐Actualizations, Mysticism, Consciousness, And Healing
Authors: Grünewald Rodrigo de A. , Savoldi Robson , Collins Mark I.
Published: April 2022

This article proposes an exposition and analysis of perceptions intrinsic to rituals carried out with the use of the jurema plant, especially when mixed with Syrian rue (juremahuasca) in contexts of contemporary esoteric re‐actualizations in Brazil. These rituals are conducted by people who look at jurema as a spiritual path, once acquainted with its psychedelic properties. We highlight the mystical attributes and the cultural bricolage elaborated by these individuals, who conduct ceremonies in ritual spaces in which participants experience altered states of perception and consciousness. Considered as an entheogen, jurema leads to states of mystical transformation in people. Such personal changes are often considered by users as the rhetoric of healing. Life stories and ethnographic contexts form the background of the article, which seeks to advance understandings about jurema based on speculations around the intertwining of the themes of consciousness, mysticism, and healing.
Cardiac surgery on patients with COVID‐19: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gupta Aashray K. , Leslie Alasdair , Hewitt Joseph N. , Kovoor Joshua G. , Ovenden Christopher D. , Edwards Suzanne , Chan Justin C. Y. , Worthington Michael G.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global surgery. In particular, deleterious effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the heart and cardiovascular system have been described. To inform surgical patients, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis aiming to characterize outcomes of COVID‐19 positive patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228533) and conformed with PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched between 1 January 2019 to 24 February 2022 for studies reporting outcomes on COVID‐19 positive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Study screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted in duplicate. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model where at least two studies had sufficient data for that variable.

Results

Searches identified 4223 articles of which 18 studies were included with a total 44 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Within these studies, 12 (66.7%) reported populations undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, three (16.7%) aortic valve replacements (AVR) and three (16.7%) aortic dissection repairs. Overall mean postoperative length of ICU stay was 3.39 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38, 6.39) and mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 17.88 (95% CI: 14.57, 21.19).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated studies of limited quality which characterized cardiac surgery in COVID‐19 positive patients and demonstrates that these patients have poor outcomes. Further issues to be explored are effects of COVID‐19 on decision‐making in cardiac surgery, and effects of COVID‐19 on the cardiovascular system at a cellular level.
Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy in pregnancy: experience from a single institution and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liew Amos Nepacina , Lim Kylie Yen‐Yi , Quach Diane , Tsui Lap Wah , Croagh Daniel , Ackermann Travis George
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute appendicitis remains an uncommon cause of non‐obstetric abdominal pain during pregnancy, with surgery being the preferred management option. We examined our experience with the surgical management of appendicitis during pregnancy, particularly the risk of foetal loss during the 1st and 2nd trimester and performed a meta‐analysis of the available literature.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who had an appendicectomy during pregnancy (January 2010 to December 2019) and a meta‐analysis comparing foetal death in open appendicectomy versus laparoscopic appendicectomy during the 1st and 2nd trimester.

Results

Seventy pregnant patients were included in our study (57 laparoscopic, 13 open). There were 4 foetal deaths during the study period (7%), all of which occurred after the laparoscopic approach (P‐value = 0.578). Open appendicectomies were associated with an increased risk of pre‐term delivery (P‐value = 0.038). The meta‐analysis of 9 studies, which included 311 patients, showed that there was no significant difference between OA and LA in foetal deaths during the 1st and 2nd trimesters (1st trimester foetal deaths: 9/143 laparoscopic versus 4/57 open, M‐H risk difference—0.02, 95% CI, −0.14 to 0.10): 2nd trimester foetal deaths: 7/159 laparoscopic versus 2/154 Open, M‐H risk difference 0.03, 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.09).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest there is no increased risk of foetal loss in pregnant patients undergoing a laparoscopic appendicectomy.
The changing landscape of general surgery in the elderly – trends over a decade in a tertiary centre in Singapore
Authors: Lee Yao Zong , Dharmawan Ayliana , Zhang Xiaojin , Chua Daniel Yong Chuen , Low Jee Keem
Published: April 2022

An ageing population with higher rates of helping seeking behaviour and treatment utilization is a worldwide phenomenon with no exception to Singapore. As elderly patients are fast becoming an increasing large part of our surgical practice, their long term outcomes are particularly important.

Objective

We take stock of our local experience in a high volume tertiary centre in Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital by reviewing the number of surgical procedures performed for elderly patients (65 years old and above) across a decade and reviewing their post‐operative outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included elderly patients (>= aged 65) who underwent surgical procedures under general anaesthesia from January 2008 to December 2019. Demographic data, nature of operation, preoperative American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status of patients and surrogate markers of outcome including average length of stay (ALOS), 30 and 90‐day mortality were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Across a 12‐year period, we observed a nearly overall two‐fold increase in the number of surgical procedures for elderly patients from 1,129 cases in 2008 to 2,118 cases in 2019. The ALOS for elderly surgical patients trended downwards from an average of 12.3 days in 2008 to 9.0 days in 2019. All cause 30‐day mortality rate of elderly patients dropped from 5.8% in 2008 to 2.7% in 2019.

Conclusion

The landscape for general surgery in the elderly is changing in the context of advances in health care and a paradigm shift in treatment beliefs and perspectives. Ultimately, informed decision making, patient engagement and empowerment by the surgeon are keys to better outcomes and improved patient experience.
Fixed dosing of kukoamine B in sepsis patients: Results from population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Wang Teng , Hu Xiaoyun , Deng Chenhui , Jiang Ji , Qin Hanyu , Dong Kai , Chen Shuai , Jin Chunyan , Zhao Qian , Du Bin , Hu Pei
Published: April 2022

Aims

To assess the appropriateness of the body weight or fixed dosing regimen, a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of kukoamine B has been built in sepsis patients.

Methods

Plasma concentrations of kukoamine B and the covariates information were taken from 30 sepsis patients assigned into 0.06 mg/kg, 0.12 mg/kg and 0.24 mg/kg groups in a Phase IIa clinical trial. The PopPK model was built using a nonlinear mixed‐effect (NLME) modelling approach. Based on the final model, PK profiles were respectively simulated 500 times applying the body weight and renal function information of 12 sepsis patients from the 0.24 mg/kg group on the body weight or the fixed dosing regimen. For each dosing regimen, PK profiles of 6000 virtual patients were obtained. Statistical analyses for Cmax and Cmin were performed. If the biases of Cmax and Cmin can all meet the criteria of ±15%, the fixed dosing regimen can substitute for the body weight dosing regimen.

Results

The PopPK model was successfully developed using the NLME approach. A bi‐compartmental model was selected as the basic model. Renal function was identified as a statistically significant covariate of systemic clearance with the objective function value (OFV) decreasing 8.6, resulting in a 5.2% decrease in inter‐individual variability (IIV) of systemic clearance. Body weight was not identified as a statistically significant covariate. Simulation results demonstrated two methods had a bias of 8.1% for Cmax, and 8.6% for Cmin. Furthermore, PK variability was lower on the fixed dosing regimen than the body weight regimen.

Conclusions

Based on the simulation results, a fixed dosing regimen was recommended in the subsequent clinical trials.
Beta‐thalassemia and the advent of new interventions beyond transfusion and iron chelation
Authors: Chauhan Waseem , Shoaib Shoaib , Fatma Rafat , Zaka‐ur‐Rab Zeeba , Afzal Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Beta‐thalassaemia, including sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia E, is most common in developing countries in tropical and subtropic regions. Because carriers have migrated there owing to demographic migration, β‐thalassaemia can now be detected in areas other than malaria‐endemic areas. Every year, an estimated 300 000–500 000 infants, the vast majority of whom are from developing countries, are born with a severe haemoglobin anomaly. Currently, some basic techniques, which include iron chelation therapy, hydroxyurea, blood transfusion, splenectomy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, are being used to manage thalassaemia patients. Despite being the backbone of treatment, traditional techniques have several drawbacks and limitations. Ineffective erythropoiesis, correction of globin chain imbalance and adjustment of iron metabolism are some of the innovative treatment methods that have been developed in the care of thalassaemia patients in recent years. Moreover, regulating the expression of B‐cell lymphoma/leukaemia 11A and sex‐determining region Y‐box through the enhanced expression of micro RNAs can also be considered putative targets for managing haemoglobinopathies. This review focuses on the biological basis of β‐globin gene production, the pathophysiology of β‐thalassaemia and the treatment options that have recently been introduced.
Native language subtitling of educational videos: A multimodal analysis with eye tracking, EEG and self‐reports
Authors: Negi Shivsevak , Mitra Ritayan
Published: April 2022

Language assistance becomes an integral component of the teaching–learning process in non‐English– speaking multilingual societies where education takes place predominantly in local languages. Subtitles have been found to be beneficial in facilitating understanding of English language media in such situations. However, when accompanied with subtitles, information‐rich instructional materials can add to the learner's cognitive load as their attention must be split between the content and the subtitle. To evaluate the cognitive and affective impacts of subtitle language on learning, we conducted a multimodal study using eye tracking, electroencephalogram (EEG), self‐report, and pre–post test data of 51 individuals watching a 12‐minute educational video with either no subtitles, English subtitles (L2) or subtitles in their native language (L1). We discovered (a) positive learning gains for groups with subtitles, whether L1 or L2, which suggested positive impact of subtitles on learning outcome; (b) native language subtitling yielded the highest instructional efficiency and supported effective distribution of visual attention between slide content and subtitle; (c) native language subtitles elicited the lowest cognitive load, as evidenced by both EEG measurements and self‐report data; and (d) gaze data highlighted key strategies of high and low performers during interaction with subtitled media.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Use of subtitles for language acquisition is an extensively researched topic.

It is well established that subtitles are beneficial for language acquisition.

Use of subtitles for content learning is relatively less understood with no robust finding.

What this paper adds

Provides a rich literature review about the impact of subtitles, namely, beneficial, detrimental or neutral, for content learning.

Offers empirical results demonstrating positive impact of native language subtitles for content learning.

Adds to the limited literature of multimodal investigation of learning with subtitles.

Implications for practice and/or policy

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Import liberalization and export product mix
Authors: Fan Haichao , Luong Tuan Anh , Lai Edwin L‐C. , Zhang Lina
Published: April 2022

This paper develops a monopolistic competition model of multi‐product firms to explain the effect of trade liberalization on the product mix of multi‐product exporting firms. The model shows that input‐tariff reduction leads to increases in a firm's export values, especially for products that are farther from a firm's core competency. To test the theoretical predictions, we use the merged data built upon the highly disaggregated Chinese firm‐level production data and customs data for 2000–2006. Consistent with the theory, the positive impact of input trade liberalization on export value is found to be more pronounced for peripheral products, and input‐tariff reduction also expands a firm's product scope, affecting firm's average productivity.
Synthetic peptides bioinspired in temporin‐PTa with antibacterial and antibiofilm activity
Authors: Souza e Silva Patrícia , Ferreira Marcos Antonio , de Moraes Luiz Filipe Ramalho , de Barros Elizângela , Preza Sérgio Leandro Espíndola , Cardoso Marlon Henrique , Franco Octávio Luiz , Migliolo Ludovico
Published: April 2022

Several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been reported in amphibian toxins, as temporin‐PTa from Hylarana picturata. The amino acid distribution within a helical structure of AMPs favors the design of new bioactive peptides. Therefore, this work reports the rational design of two new synthetic peptides denominated Hp‐MAP1 and Hp‐MAP2 derived from temporin‐PTa. These peptides present an amphipathic helix with positive charges of +4 and +5, hydrophobic moment (<µH>) of 0.66 and 0.72 and hydrophobicity () of 0.49 and 0.41, respectively. Hp‐MAP1 and Hp‐MAP2 displayed in vitro activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria from 2.8 to 92 µM, without presenting hemolytic effects. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that the parent and designed temporin‐like peptides lack structural stability in an aqueous solution. By contrast, α‐helical structures were predicted in hydrophobic and anionic environments. Additionally, the peptides were simulated on mimetic membranes composed of anionic and neutral phospholipids 1,2‐dipalmitoylsn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG‐anionic), 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐lyco‐3 phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE‐neutral). When in contact with DPPG/DPPE (90:10) and DPPG/DPPE (50:50) temporin‐PTa, Hp‐MAP1 and Hp‐MAP2 established interactions guided by hydrogen and saline bounds. Therefore, the findings described here reveal that the optimization of the amphipathic α‐helical cationic peptides Hp‐MAP1 and Hp‐MAP2 enabled the generation of new synthetic antimicrobial agents to combat pathogenic microorganisms.
Paid maternal leave is associated with infant brain function at 3 months of age
Authors: Brito Natalie H. , Werchan Denise , Brandes‐Aitken Annie , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Greaves Ashley , Zhang Maggie
Published: April 2022

The first months of life are critical for establishing neural connections relevant for social and cognitive development. Yet, the United States lacks a national policy of paid family leave during this important period of brain development. This study examined associations between paid leave and infant electroencephalography (EEG) at 3 months in a sociodemographically diverse sample of families from New York City (N = 80; 53 males; 48% Latine; data collection occurred 05/2018–12/2019). Variable‐centered regression results indicate that paid leave status was related to differences in EEG power (ps < .02, R2s > .12). Convergent results from person‐centered latent profile analyses demonstrate that mothers with paid leave were 7.39 times as likely to have infants with EEG profiles characterized by increased higher‐Hz power (95% CI, 1.9–36.9), potentially reflecting more mature patterns of brain activity.
Tripartite motif family proteins in inflammatory bowel disease: Mechanisms and potential for interventions
Authors: Chen Rirong , Tie Yizhe , Lu Jinyu , Li Li , Zeng Zhirong , Chen Minhu , Zhang Shenghong
Published: April 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory disease that poses a heavy burden to the global healthcare system. However, the current paucity of mechanistic understanding of IBD pathogenesis hampers the development of aetiology‐directed therapies. Novel therapeutic options based on IBD pathogenesis are urgently needed for attaining better long‐term prognosis for IBD patients. The tripartite motif (TRIM) family is a large protein family including more than 70 structurally conservative members, typically characterized by their RBCC structure, which primarily function as E3 ubiquitin ligases in post‐translational modification. They have emerged as regulators of a broad range of cellular mechanisms, including proliferation, differentiation, transcription and immune regulation. TRIM family proteins are involved in multiple diseases, such as viral infection, cancer and autoimmune disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on TRIM proteins' involvement in the pathophysiology and progression of IBD, in particular, on intestinal mucosal barriers, gene susceptibility and opportunistic infections, thus providing novel therapeutic targets for this complicated disease. However, the exact mechanisms of TRIM proteins in IBD pathogenesis and IBD‐related carcinogenesis are still unknown, and more studies are warranted to explore potential therapeutic targets of TRIM proteins in IBD.
The volume‐outcomes relationship in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation
Authors: Delman Aaron M. , Turner Kevin M. , Ammann Allison M. , Schepers Emily , Vaysburg Dennis M. , Cortez Alex R. , Van Haren Robert M. , Wilson Greg C. , Shah Shimul A. , Quillin Ralph C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation (LT) has become an effective mechanism for expanding the donor pool and decreasing waitlist mortality. However, it is unclear if low‐volume DCD centers can achieve comparable outcomes to high‐volume centers.

Methods

From 2011 to 2019 utilizing the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database, liver transplant centers were categorized into tertiles based on their annual volume of DCD LTs. Donor selection, recipient selection, and survival outcomes were compared between very‐low volume (VLV, n = 1–2 DCD LTs per year), low‐volume (LV, n = 3–5), and high‐volume (HV, n > 5) centers.

Results

One hundred and ten centers performed 3273 DCD LTs. VLV‐centers performed 339 (10.4%), LV‐centers performed 627 (19.2%), and HV‐centers performed 2307 (70.4%) LTs. 30‐day, 90‐day, and 1‐year patient and graft survival were significantly increased at HV‐centers (all P < .05). Recipients at HV‐centers had shorter waitlist durations (P < .01) and shorter hospital lengths of stay (P < .01). On multivariable regression, undergoing DCD LT at a VLV‐center or LV‐center was associated with increased 1‐year patient mortality (VLV‐OR:1.73, 1.12–2.69) (LV‐OR: 1.42, 1.01–2.00) and 1‐year graft failure (VLV‐OR: 1.79, 1.24–2.58) (LV‐OR: 1.28, .95–1.72).

Discussion

Increased annual DCD liver transplant volume is associated with improved patient and graft survival.
Types of diet, obesity, and incident type 2 diabetes: Findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study
Authors: Boonpor Jirapitcha , Petermann‐Rocha Fanny , Parra‐Soto Solange , Pell Jill P. , Gray Stuart R. , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Ho Frederick K.
Published: April 2022

Aim

To investigate the associations between types of diet and incident type 2 diabetes and whether adiposity mediated these associations.

Materials and Methods

In total, 203 790 participants from UK Biobank (mean age 55.2 years; 55.8% women) without diabetes at baseline were included in this prospective study. Using the dietary intake data self‐reported at baseline, participants were categorized as vegetarians (n = 3237), fish eaters (n = 4405), fish and poultry eaters (n = 2217), meat eaters (n = 178 004) and varied diet (n = 15 927). The association between type of diet and incident type 2 diabetes was investigated using Cox‐proportional hazards models with a 2‐year landmark analysis. The mediation role of adiposity was tested under a counterfactual framework.

Results

After excluding the first 2 years of follow‐up, the median follow‐up was 5.4 (IQR: 4.8‐6.3) years, during which 5067 (2.5%) participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for lifestyle factors, fish eaters (HR 0.52 [95% CI: 0.39‐0.69]) and fish and poultry eaters (HR 0.62 [95% CI: 0.45‐0.88]) had a lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes compared with meat eaters. The association for vegetarians was not significant. Varied diet had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Obesity partially mediated the association of fish (30.6%), fish and poultry (49.8%) and varied (55.2%) diets.

Conclusions

Fish eaters, as well as fish and poultry eaters, were at a lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes than meat eaters, partially attributable to lower obesity risk.
Genomics applied to livestock and aquaculture breeding
Authors: Yáñez José M. , Xu Peng , Carvalheiro Roberto , Hayes Ben
Published: April 2022

The increasing global demand for food, due to the continuous growth of human population, requires improvements in the efficiency and sustainability of animal production systems. In addition, several challenges facing farming of aquatic and terrestrial organisms need to be overcome to ensure food security in the upcoming decades, e.g. adaptation to climate change, reduced availability of conventional animal feed ingredients, emerging infectious and parasitic diseases, among others. Genomic technologies such as massive parallel sequencing, high‐throughput genotyping, genome selection and gene editing, combined with highly efficient computational methods can accelerate the rate of genetic progress in animal breeding. Thus, such technologies can help us meet the needs for protein sources for human consumption in the upcoming years. This Special Issue aims at presenting current advancements in the field of genomic tools applied to aquatic and terrestrial farmed animal populations.