bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SWOT analysis of Industry 4.0 variables using AHP methodology and structural equation modelling
Authors: Jain Vineet , Ajmera Puneeta , Davim João Paulo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Advanced digitalization techniques combined with artificial intelligence and automated robotic systems have created “Smart” organizations resulting in a new revolution in the industrial production systems as Industry 4.0 (I4.0). The research is aimed to do a meticulous scanning of internal and external environment pertaining to I4.0 implementation in the manufacturing industry in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among the manufacturing managers and information technology professionals about the factors affecting I4.0 application, and 20 such internal and external factors were identified. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were executed for factor analysis, and four dimensions in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) factors were determined from the variables. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology was then applied.

Findings

Results show that increased productivity and efficiency appeared to be the biggest strength of I4.0 while the biggest weakness is the need for specialized training and skills. The biggest opportunity is found to be increasing trust of customers in Internet transactions and employee resistance to adopting new technologies turned out to be the biggest threat.

Practical implications

Organizations will be able to evaluate the strengths, work upon weakness, exploit the opportunities and protect against external challenges and threats beforehand while implementing I4.0 technologies.

Originality/value

The four dimensions in terms of SWOT pertaining to manufacturing industry have been identified by collecting original data from the manufacturing industry, and AHP and CFA were then carried out to prioritize and verify them.
Spatial-temporal analysis for the business performance of construction consultancy services in China
Authors: Hu Xiancun , Hu Xianhu , Cui Qinghong , Li Yan , Lemckert Charles , Wei Aifang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper presents a developed spatial-temporal analysis framework for the case of investigating the business performance of construction consultancy services (CCS) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The spatial-temporal analysis is based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. The spatial analysis follows the DEA results under a contemporaneous benchmark technology and a virtual decision-making unit, consisting of ranking analysis, cluster analysis and variation analysis. The temporal analysis is reliant on the DEA results under a global benchmark technology and the time value of money, including trend analysis and driving force analysis containing pure technical and scale efficiency factors.

Findings

Three CCS types in China are investigated, including engineering survey and design, construction supervision and procurement agency. The performance rank order and cluster classifications are mainly related to economic development levels. Engineering survey and design demonstrates the best performance and higher imbalances; however, construction supervision and procurement agency illustrate lower performance and imbalances. Scale efficiency significantly promotes business performance, whereas pure technical efficiency plays an inconspicuous role.

Practical implications

The CCS promote technical efficiency by developing their service and innovation levels. The service of engineering survey and design registered in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong is recommended for entering the service market in China.

Originality/value

The spatial-temporal analysis framework was developed, which is generic and provides a pathway to measure, compare and assess performance comprehensively. The CCS business performance is firstly measured.
Building information modeling to support facilities management of large capital projects: a critical review
Authors: Asare Kofi Asabere Bediako , Liu Rui , Anumba Chimay J.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a review of research developments relating to the application of building information modeling (BIM) to facilities management (FM). It sheds light on major technical and organizational issues with the view of identifying how existing BIM for FM knowledge applies to large capital projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a literature search approach to retrieve relevant articles which were subjected to keyword analysis to enable categorization of extant BIM for FM research into appropriate sub-domains. A qualitative analysis of 94 BIM for FM-related literature was carried out in addition to a review of 9 capital project-related articles, leading to the establishment of research trends, gaps and future directions.

Findings

The review found that research in the BIM-FM integration field is predominantly technology and process-oriented, with less attention paid to people or organizational aspects. Therefore, there is a need for expanding the knowledge base in this direction. Several future research directions were identified to lay the foundations for research on BIM application to FM in large capital projects and other application areas for interested researchers. These future directions were categorized under the identified sub-domains of the field and mapped onto two generic activities, i.e. technical integration and business integration, involved in technology adoption by organizations.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the categorization of existing research on BIM for FM, leading to the identification of research gaps concerning the initiation and implementation of BIM for FM in large capital projects. As a secondary benefit, this study has validated some sub-domains of the BIM for the FM research field identified in previous review papers using an empirical approach. This validation of defined sub-domains is useful for an emerging research field as it provides a common understanding of trends and specific application areas.
Development of theory of mind: importance of nurturance
Authors: Pullangotte Anagha , Mangadu Paramasivam Ganesh
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Theory of mind (ToM) is essential in understanding and predicting human behaviour. Parenting plays a significant role in the overall cognitive development of children. This study aims to understand the development of ToM among children in need of care and protection and then to compare the data with children living under parental care and children living in boarding schools. Further, it explores the extent of physical abuse experienced by children in the study and their relation to the development of ToM.

Design/methodology/approach

ToM Test developed by Muris et al. (1999) was used to measure ToM. Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire was used to understand the children’s relationship with parents and experience of physical abuse. The study used an ex post facto design with a purposive sampling method.

Findings

Findings suggest a significant impact of parental care on the ToM among children. Also, the type of care received mediated the relationship between parental care and the development of ToM. Finally, children living in institutions run by the Child Welfare Department reported that they have received harsher physical punishment from their parents than the other two groups of children.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are a significant theoretical contribution to the ToM development in children, especially in the Indian context.

Social implications

Findings demand more legal and psychological support to vulnerable children living in institutions run by the Child Welfare Department and boarding schools.

Originality/value

The study explores care and abuse from the child’s perspective. Findings are of value to the existing child care system in India.
Chinese fintech companies and their “going out” strategies
Authors: Han Alice Siqi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper outlines the rapid rise of China's fintech companies over the past decade with a focus on their globalization strategies as they enter their next phase of development.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines China's current and prospective influence on global financial digitization trends, and assesses both domestic and foreign opportunities and challenges confronted by China's fintech firms as they look to expand abroad.

Findings

The Chinese government is experimenting with a radically new fintech system and a regulatory regime in response to it. Chinese ambitions to expand fintech influence through private companies and the state-led “digital RMB” (e-CNY) will likely provoke a wave of “digital protectionism” among developed nations to protect internal digital payments.

Originality/value

This paper is an original economic history research on China's fintech industry.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems quality and productive entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial attitude as a mediator in early-stage and high-growth activities
Authors: Kansheba Jonathan Mukiza , Wald Andreas Erich
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines the mediation effects of entrepreneurial attitudes (EAs) on the nexus of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) quality and productive entrepreneurship for early-stage and high-growth entrepreneurial activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM) panel data of 137 economies from 2014 to 2018. Random effect panel regressions and relative effect size estimations were used for data analysis.

Findings

The study’s findings show complementary mediation effects suggesting that EE quality steers entrepreneurial activities via the EA. However, such mediation is much more vivid towards high growth than early-stage activities. Vibrant EEs provide necessary resources that boost the attitude of potential and nascent entrepreneurs to engage in early stage and high-growth entrepreneurial activities.

Research limitations/implications

The study utilizes GEM data to explain the EEs and EA dynamics and their related effects on entrepreneurship at the macro level. Future research may study the phenomena by using micro level data.

Originality/value

The paper explores a less empirically researched question on how EEs steer entrepreneurship growth and development. It reveals a need for new perspectives/logics (e.g. mediation/moderation) for improving the explanations on the extant EEs framework. It further informs policymakers and practitioners to design entrepreneur-centred EE policies and programs.
Exploring determinants influencing information literacy with activity theory
Authors: Li Xuanxi , Islam A.Y.M. Atiquil , Cheng Eddie W.L. , Hu Xiao , Wah Chu Samuel Kai
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to provide evidence to support the use of a wiki called PBworks as a learning tool to foster students' information literacy (IL) skills based on activity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants consisted of 421 students (i.e. form 1 to form 3) from Hong Kong taking a liberal studies course during the 2016–2017 academic year. This study mainly used a mixed methods design, proposing 11 hypotheses. Quantitative data from 374 questionnaires were analysed to test these research hypotheses, while a qualitative method (interviews) was used to explain the quantitative results. A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyse the data, and data triangulation was used to answer the same research questions.

Findings

The results showed that the model components PBworks affordances (PB) and rules and divisions (RD) had significant direct effects on individual activities (IA) and community activities (CA) and significant indirect effects on information literacy (IL). The results also revealed that CA had a significant effect on IA and had an even greater effect on IL.

Research limitations/implications

Using PBworks and the project-based learning (PjBL) approach, this study examined the determinants affecting the IL skills of Hong Kong junior secondary school students and proposed a wiki-based information literary activity (WILA) model.

Practical implications

As students' IL skills have become increasingly important, this study can shed light on related topics for future studies.

Social implications

And contribute to social stability and harmonious development.

Originality/value

This study eventually confirmed the validity of the WILA model with all hypotheses supported.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2020-0092.
Málaga Costa del Sol airport and its new conceptualization of hinterland
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: September 2021

The concept of hinterland is changing with a globalized economy, new needs between airports, stakeholders and the tourist destination challenge new dimensions of operation in the territory. Identifying new factors and actors in the influence zone of the hinterland will allow us to stage the importance of airports in the regional economy and the positive effects derived from these. The aim of this paper is to analyse the hinterland of Málaga Costa del Sol airport and its territorial and economic dimensions. Moreover, to provide an updated and clearer definition of hinterland, assuming future implications for airport operators, management of tourist destination by destination marketing organizations and scholars and practitioners interested in this topic. The results revealed that Málaga’s airport is modifying the hinterland of airport and its area of influence in economic and urban development terms.
Mapping haemodynamic changes with rapid sequence induction agents in the emergency department
Authors: Freeman Jessica , Alkhouri Hatem , Knipp Robert , Fogg Toby , Gillett Mark
Published: September 2021

Objective

Patients intubated in the ED are at an increased risk of post‐intubation hypotension. However, evidence regarding the most appropriate induction agent is lacking. The present study aims to describe and compare the haemodynamic effect of propofol, ketamine and thiopentone during rapid sequence induction.

Methods

This is an observational study using data prospectively collected from the Australian and New Zealand Emergency Department Airway Registry between June 2012 and March 2019. The distribution of induction agents across medical and trauma patients were obtained with descriptive statistics. The relationship between induction agent, dose and change in pre‐ and post‐intubation systolic blood pressure (SBP) was described using multivariable logistic regression. The SBP pre‐ and post‐intubation was the primary measure of haemodynamic stability.

Results

From the 5063 intubation episodes, 2229 met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 785 (35.2%) patients were induced with thiopentone, 773 (34.7%) with propofol and 671 (30.1%) with ketamine. Of the included population, 396 (17.8%) patients experienced a reduction in pre‐intubation SBP exceeding 20%. Both propofol (P = 0.01) and ketamine (P = 0.01) had an independent and dose‐dependent association with hypotension, noting that a higher proportion of patients induced with ketamine had a shock index exceeding 0.9.

Conclusion

Propofol was associated with post‐intubation hypotension and it is recommended clinicians consider using the lowest effective dose to reduce this risk. Reflecting its perceived haemodynamic stability, patients who received ketamine were more likely to have a higher shock index; however, there was also an association with post‐intubation hypotension.
Decolonisation, knowledge production, and interests in liberal higher education
Authors: Rangan Haripriya
Published: September 2021

This essay explores how calls for decolonisation in universities have engaged with ideas about liberalism and liberal education. It maps the historical context of liberal education as embodied in the development of modern European universities and colonial interests in their respective nation‐states. It offers comparative perspectives on how ideas of decolonisation in higher education have confronted liberal and nation‐state interests at different historical conjunctures in three postcolonial settings: in the establishment of a national university in India during the 1960s; in protests by university students in postapartheid South Africa between 2015 and 2017; and in growing commitments to Indigenous recognition and knowledges in Australian universities from the 2000s. The essay highlights the need for those active in contemporary decolonisation movements in universities in the global North and South to confront the paradoxical interests of liberal education and nationalisms in knowledge production, epistemic and socio‐economic justice, and sociality in higher education.

Key insights

Despite enthusiasm about decolonisation in/of academic debates, few have sought to critically analyse its relationship to ideas of liberalism and liberal education in universities. This essay considers how ideas of decolonisation in higher education have confronted liberal and nation‐state interests at different historical moments in India, South Africa, and Australia. The essay highlights the need to confront the paradoxical interests of liberal education and nationalisms in knowledge production, epistemic and socio‐economic justice, and sociality in higher education.
Late‐in‐life treadmill training rejuvenates autophagy, protein aggregate clearance, and function in mouse hearts
Authors: Cho Jae Min , Park Seul‐Ki , Ghosh Rajeshwary , Ly Kellsey , Ramous Caroline , Thompson Lauren , Hansen Michele , Mattera Maria Sara de Lima Coutinho , Pires Karla Maria , Ferhat Maroua , Mookherjee Sohom , Whitehead Kevin J. , Carter Kandis , Buffolo Márcio , Boudina Sihem , Symons J. David
Published: September 2021

Protein quality control mechanisms decline during the process of cardiac aging. This enables the accumulation of protein aggregates and damaged organelles that contribute to age‐associated cardiac dysfunction. Macroautophagy is the process by which post‐mitotic cells such as cardiomyocytes clear defective proteins and organelles. We hypothesized that late‐in‐life exercise training improves autophagy, protein aggregate clearance, and function that is otherwise dysregulated in hearts from old vs. adult mice. As expected, 24‐month‐old male C57BL/6J mice (old) exhibited repressed autophagosome formation and protein aggregate accumulation in the heart, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and reduced exercise capacity vs. 8‐month‐old (adult) mice (all p < 0.05). To investigate the influence of late‐in‐life exercise training, additional cohorts of 21‐month‐old mice did (old‐ETR) or did not (old‐SED) complete a 3‐month progressive resistance treadmill running program. Body composition, exercise capacity, and soleus muscle citrate synthase activity improved in old‐ETR vs. old‐SED mice at 24 months (all p < 0.05). Importantly, protein expression of autophagy markers indicate trafficking of the autophagosome to the lysosome increased, protein aggregate clearance improved, and overall function was enhanced (all p < 0.05) in hearts from old‐ETR vs. old‐SED mice. These data provide the first evidence that a physiological intervention initiated late‐in‐life improves autophagic flux, protein aggregate clearance, and contractile performance in mouse hearts.
A justification of health policy federalism
Authors: Weinstock Daniel
Published: September 2021

The apportionment of responsibility for health policy within multi‐level states should be sensitive to a number of conflicting normative pressures, some of which militate for placing decision‐making authority at the higher reaches of policy‐making structures, while others would seem to require placing them lower down this structure. The principle of subsidiarity is a structural principle that addresses in a manner that is neutral with respect to these values a way of addressing the conflicting claims of these values. Standard accounts of federalism fare poorly with respect to the criterion of subsidiarity. While central governments are at first glance better equipped to apply such a principle to the issue of the distribution of authority, there are strong empirical grounds for thinking that centralized governments will non‐neutrally privilege central authorities in applying the principle. Federal structures that admit of overlapping jurisdictions, and that therefore require that deliberation among federal parties occur as a condition of the problem of the distribution of powers over health care being solved, are most amenable to solving problems of distribution of authority.
Commentary: Did the internet cause an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders? – A commentary on Aboujaoude and Gega (2021)
Authors: Cuijpers Pim
Published: September 2021

The article by Aboujaoude and Gega has made it clear that the internet is associated with new mental health problems, such as internet addiction, and an increase in existing mental health problems, like gambling and compulsive buying, as well as wider issues such as safeguarding and privacy. One question is, however, whether the internet is a causal factor in the incidence of new mental disorders. It is also possible that the people who develop an internet‐related disorder would have developed another disorder if the internet would not have existed. The vulnerability–stress model says that a mental disorder is the result of an interaction between the vulnerability of an individual and the stress caused by life experiences of this person. Nobody will develop a mental disorder without being vulnerable for it. According to this model, it can be expected that most people would indeed have developed another disorder if the internet would not have existed. Unfortunately, it is impossible to examine whether the internet‐related mental health problems increase the overall prevalence of mental disorders or not.
Taxonomy based on limited genomic markers may underestimate species diversity of rockhopper penguins and threaten their conservation
Authors: Frugone María José , Cole Theresa L. , López María Eugenia , Clucas Gemma , Matos‐Maraví Pável , Lois Nicolás A. , Pistorius Pierre , Bonadonna Francesco , Trathan Phil , Polanowski Andrea , Wienecke Barbara , Raya‐Rey Andrea , Pütz Klemens , Steinfurth Antje , Bi Ke , Wang‐Claypool Cynthia Y. , Waters Jonathan M. , Bowie Rauri C. K. , Poulin Elie , Vianna Juliana A.
Published: September 2021

Aim

Delimiting recently diverged species is challenging. During speciation, genetic differentiation may be distributed unevenly across the genome, as different genomic regions can be subject to different selective pressures and evolutionary histories. Reliance on limited numbers of genetic markers that may be underpowered can make species delimitation even more challenging, potentially resulting in taxonomic inconsistencies. Rockhopper penguins of the genusEudyptescomprise three broadly recognized taxa: northern (E. moseleyi), southern (E. chrysocome) and eastern rockhopper (E. filholi). Their taxonomic status has been controversial for decades, with researchers disagreeing about whetherE. chrysocomeandE. filholiare distinct species or conspecific. Our goal is to evaluate genome‐wide patterns of divergence to evaluate genetic differentiation and species delimitation in rockhopper penguins, and to assess which mechanisms may underlie previous discordance among nuclear versus mitochondrial analyses.

Location

Sub‐Antarctic and temperate coastal regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

Methods

We generated reduced‐representation genomic libraries using double digest restriction‐site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing to evaluate genetic differentiation, contemporary migration rates and admixture among colonies of rockhopper penguins.

Results

The extent of genetic differentiation among the three taxa was consistently higher than population‐level genetic differentiation found within these and other penguin species. There was no evidence of admixture among the three taxa, suggesting the absence of ongoing gene flow among them. Species delimitation analyses based on molecular data, along with other lines of evidence, provide strong support for the taxonomic distinction of three species of rockhopper penguins.

Main conclusions

Our results provide strong support for the existence of three distinct species of rockhopper penguins. The recognition of this taxonomic diversity is crucial for the management and conservation of this widely distributed species group. This study illustrates that widespread dispersive seabird lineages lacking obvious morphological differences may nevertheless have complex evolutionary histories and comprise cryptic species diversity.
Five shades of grey: variants of ‘political’ humanitarianism
Authors: Bradley Miriam
Published: September 2021

Humanitarianism is a contested concept. Should humanitarian action seek to address only the symptoms of crises, or also their causes? Can humanitarian agencies best achieve their goals through a commitment to neutrality, or should they take a self‐consciously political approach? This paper argues that debates about the desirability of more ambitious approaches to humanitarianism have been clouded by a lack of conceptual clarity. Showing that the perspective of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is not as apolitical as is often presented, and that so‐called ‘political humanitarianism’ conflates four conceptually distinct ways of being political, the paper suggests that a black and white characterisation of approaches to humanitarianism as either political or apolitical is more accurately rendered as (at least) five shades of grey. Distinguishing the variants of ‘political’ humanitarianism matters, and the paper highlights how their conflation has marred normative debates on the desirability of different approaches.
Listening and spoken language outcomes after 5 years of cochlear implant use for children born preterm and at term
Authors: Robertson Jennifer , Simoes‐Franklin Cristina , Ferguson Olivia , Hussey Antonia , Costello Patsy , Walshe Peter , Glynn Fergal , Viani Laura , Gill Irwin
Published: September 2021

Aim

To compare listening and spoken language outcomes after cochlear implantation for children born preterm and at term, and to examine patterns associated with additional disabilities or gestational age.

Method

Children were included if they underwent cochlear implantation in 2013 or 2014 and had complete 5‐year follow‐up data available. An analysis of assessment data recorded annually was conducted, including outcomes as measured by the Category of Auditory Performance (CAP), the Speech Intelligibility Rating, Second Edition (SIR 2) scale, and the British Picture Vocabulary Scales, Third Edition (BPVS‐3). Analyses were conducted to measure the impact of preterm birth and of additional causes of disability on these outcomes.

Results

Eighty‐two children (39 males, 43 females; median corrected age at first cochlear implantation 28.5mo [interquartile range 16.3–48.5]) were included in the study. Children who underwent cochlear implantation experienced significant improvements as measured by the CAP, SIR 2, and BPVS‐3. Comparable improvements were seen in the groups born at term and preterm. Children with additional disabilities experienced significant improvement in all measures but performed less well than children without additional disabilities.

Interpretation

Infants born preterm benefit from cochlear implantation to a degree comparable to their peers born at term. Additional disabilities may limit improvements in speech intelligibility, listening performance, and receptive vocabulary. Children with additional disabilities, nonetheless, derived significant benefit from cochlear implantation; additional benefits of cochlear implantation for this subgroup may go unmeasured by the outcome tools used in this study.
Echocardiographic evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A review of up‐to‐date knowledge and practical tips
Authors: Anwar Ashraf M. , tenCate Folkert J.
Published: September 2021

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most frequent cardiac disease with genetic substrate, affecting about .2%–.5% of the population. The proper diagnosis is important for optimal management and follow‐up. Echocardiography plays an essential role in the assessment of patients with HCM including diagnosis, screening, management formulation, prognosis, and follow up. It also helps to differentiate HCM from other diseases. The advancement of software and probe technology added many echo modalities and techniques that helped in refining the diagnostic and assessing the prognosis of patients with HCM. In this review, we briefly summarize how to integrate the different echocardiographic modalities to obtain comprehensive assessment supported by an updated knowledge of the latest guidelines and recently published articles. Many practical tips and tricks are included in this review to improve the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography and minimize errors during interpretation.
Detection of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 in Cryphonectria parasitica isolates from Azerbaijan
Authors: Del Carratore Renata , Aghayeva Dilzara N. , Ali‐zade Valida M. , Bartolini Paola , Della Rocca Gianni , Emiliani Giovanni , Pepori Alessia , Podda Alessandra , Maserti Biancaelena
Published: September 2021

Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1) was detected by specific RT‐PCR in two strains of Cryphonectria parasitica from Azerbaijan in which reduction of laccase activity was also observed. This is the first report of a hypovirus in the chestnut blight fungus in Azerbaijan. Our work opens the way to further investigations devoted to characterizing the Azerbaijan CHV1 strain.
Trait anxiety effects on late phase threatening speech processing: Evidence from electroencephalography
Authors: Busch‐Moreno Simon , Tuomainen Jyrki , Vinson David
Published: September 2021

The effects of threatening stimuli, including threatening language, on trait anxiety have been widely studied. However, whether anxiety levels have a direct effect on language processing has not been so consistently explored. The present study focuses on event‐related potential (ERP) patterns resulting from electroencephalographic (EEG) measurement of participants' (n = 36) brain activity while they perform a dichotic listening task. Participants' anxiety level was measured via a behavioural inhibition system scale (BIS). Later, participants listened to dichotically paired sentences, one neutral and the other threatening, and indicated at which ear they heard the threatening stimulus. Threatening sentences expressed threat semantically‐only, prosodically‐only, or both combined (congruent threat). ERPs showed a late positivity, interpreted as a late positive complex (LPC). Results from Bayesian hierarchical models provided strong support for an association between LPC and BIS score. This was interpreted as an effect of trait anxiety on deliberation processes. We discuss two possible interpretations. On the one hand, verbal repetitive thinking, as associated with anxious rumination and worry, can be the mechanism disrupting late phase deliberation processes. Instantiated by inner speech, verbal repetitive thinking might be the vehicle of anxiety‐related reappraisal and/or rehearsal. On the other hand, increased BIS could be simply affecting an extended evaluation stage as proposed by multistep models, maybe due to over‐engagement with threat or to task‐related effects.
Identifying Coercive Control in Canadian Family Law: A Required Analysis in Determining the Best Interests of the Child
Authors: Lux Glenda , Gill Sandy
Published: September 2021

Amendments to the Canadian Divorce Act have required that family violence, specifically coercive controlling behaviour, be considered when making best interest determinations for children. This paper (1) outlines how this concealed, patterned, and harmful behaviour presents in family law disputes and (2) sets out considerations for parenting arrangements. It identifies the perils of subjective impressions as well as where the legal system and its interventions may be vulnerable to misuse. Children in families where coercive control is occurring are at risk of harm. The lack of intentional analysis of coercive control does not serve the best interests of the child.
Do genetic differences in growth thermal reaction norms maintain genetic variation in timing of diapause induction?
Authors: Fossen Erlend I. F. , Raeymaekers Joost A. M. , Einum Sigurd
Published: September 2021

An optimal timing for diapause induction through the sexual production of dormant propagules is expected in organisms with temporary populations. Yet, empirical studies often find high within‐population genetic variation in the sexual production of such propagules, suggesting that this is a common feature of such organisms.

Here, we hypothesize that genetic variation in the propensity to produce dormant propagules,Pd, is maintained by a genotype‐by‐environment interaction in clonal reproductive rates, where fast‐growing genotypes within an environment should delay diapause relative to slow‐growing genotypes. From this, we derive two predictions. First, if reaction norms of clonal reproduction cross between two environments, the genetic correlation ofPdbetween these environments should be negative. Second, the correlation between plasticity values of clonal reproduction andPdshould be negative.

We tested these predictions by quantifying ephippia production in genotypes of a population of the facultative sexual cladoceranDaphnia magnaat two temperatures. The population biomass at the onset of ephippia production was used as a measure ofPd, whereas juvenile somatic growth rate was used as a proxy for clonal reproductive rate. Plasticity for both measurements was derived from thermal reaction norms.

Our results did not support either prediction, as neither the genetic correlation ofPdbetween environments, nor the correlation between plasticity values of growth andPdwere found to be significant.

Our results suggest that genetic variation in the timing of diapause is not maintained by genetic differences in thermal clonal reproduction reaction norms. We propose as an alternative hypothesis that if there is variation across years in how the environment deteriorates over a season, fluctuating selection may favor genotypes with differentPdbetween years.
The effect of climate change on Galaxias maculatus thermal habitat availability in northern Andean Patagonian lakes
Authors: Milano Daniela , Rechencq Magalí , Lippolt Gustavo E. , Vigliano Pablo H.
Published: September 2021

Temperature is a prime driver of biological systems, and has implications for populations, community dynamics and stability across entire lake food webs. Galaxias maculatus is a keystone prey species in Patagonian lakes due to its trophic and habitat coupling roles. Adverse effects on this species could cascade through food webs, threatening the biotic integrity of Patagonian lakes. Our aim was to define the current use of available thermal habitats by three G. maculatus life stages in three morphologically dissimilar lakes of the Andean range and to simulate potential shifts in thermal habitat availability.

Thermal habitat availability simulations derived for the 4.5‐ and 8.5‐W/m2 radiative forcing values of greenhouse gas Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios up to 2099 were run for the three lakes. The availability of simulated thermal habitats for 2099 was used to analyse possible consequences for G. maculatus, using thermal habitat suitability index curves. The curves were defined from the temperature dependence of the maximum consumption of each life stage of G. maculatus considered.

Our results showed that thermoclines would form at greater depths in the two deep lakes and remain stable for longer periods than at present. For the shallow lake, which does not currently form a thermocline, Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios predict higher water temperatures and absence of winter freezing. Galaxias maculatus currently encounters better thermal habitat for food consumption in the shallow than the deep lakes. Simulations for the deep lakes indicated that future climate change will not be detrimental to any G. maculatus life stage. However, in shallow lakes its earlier life stages will encounter lower quality thermal conditions.

Lower quality thermal conditions in shallow lakes could result in a reduction in G. maculatus numbers, which could affect entire food webs given that this species is a keystone prey species. In turn, this could threaten the biotic integrity of these lakes.

Our results raise the question: what happens in other lakes around the world that have low food web complexity, dynamic processes, and structure, which depend on a single vulnerable keystone prey species? The lack of research addressing the role of keystone species in relation to global climate change suggests that this question has not been thoroughly addressed and requires further study around the world.
Pork liver protein hydrolysates as extenders of pork patties shelf‐life
Authors: Borrajo Paula , Pateiro Mirian , Munekata Paulo E.S. , Franco Daniel , Domínguez Rubén , Mahgoub Mohamed , Lorenzo José M.
Published: September 2021

The growing demand for the consumption of more natural products challenges the food industry to meet consumer expectations. In this regard, bioactive peptides obtained from flavourzyme, bromelain and alcalase activity were added to pork patties with the aim of improving their shelf‐life. Five treatments were prepared: control (CON, without enzymatic extract), positive control (ASA, with 150 mg kg−1 of ascorbic acid) and three batches with 250 mg kg−1 of different porcine liver hydrolysates [flavourzyme (FLA), bromelain (BRO) and alcalase (ALC)]. The analysis of raw burgers included proximate composition (moisture, protein, fat and ash contents), colour parameters (L*, a*, b*), metmyoglobin, lipid oxidation, volatile compounds profile and sensory evaluation. Hydrolysate obtained from bromelain enzyme showed the best a* parameter (5.15), the least lipid oxidation (0.63 mg MDA kg−1) and the lowest percentage of metmyoglobin (56.02%). Furthermore, this batch also presented the lowest content of aldehydes and alcohols resulting from lipid oxidation. Our results suggested that the hydrolysates obtained from bromelain activity possessed a good antioxidative activity, and therefore, they could be used as a natural antioxidant to extend the shelf‐life of pork burgers.
Microcephaly in Australian infants: A retrospective audit
Authors: Nunez Carlos , Morris Anne , Hansen Michele , Elliott Elizabeth J
Published: September 2021

Aim

To describe clinical characteristics, outcomes and causes of microcephaly in children whose condition was identified within the first year of life.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of microcephalic children born between 2008 and 2018 and admitted for any reason during the same period to a tertiary paediatric hospital. Microcephaly was defined as occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) more than two standard deviations below the mean (>−2 SD).

Results

Between January 2008 and September 2018, 1083 medical records were retrieved. Of the children, 886 were ineligible and 197 were confirmed cases of microcephaly. Of cases, 73 (37%) had primary microcephaly (at birth) and 72 (37%) had severe microcephaly (OFC > −3 SD). Of microcephalic children, 192 (98%) had congenital anomalies, of whom 93% had major anomalies, mostly cardiovascular or musculoskeletal. Neurological signs or symptoms were reported in 148 (75%), seizures being the most common. Of the 139 children with abnormal central nervous system (CNS) imaging, one or more structural brain abnormalities were identified in 124 (89%). Failure to reach developmental milestones was observed in 69%, visual impairment in 41% and cerebral palsy in 13%. Microcephaly was idiopathic in 51% and 24% had diagnosed genetic disorders. There was no association between developmental outcomes or structural brain anomalies and severity of microcephaly or timing of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the need for a systematic investigative approach to diagnosis, including a careful history, examination, genetic testing and neuroimaging, to determine the underlying cause of microcephaly, identify co‐morbidities, predict prognosis and guide genetic counselling and therapy.
Variability in Australian screening guidelines for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Marriott Emily , Twomey Sarah , Lee Michael , Williams Nicole
Published: September 2021

Aim

To assess the variability in Australian screening guidelines for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE®, EMBASE, EMB Reviews‐Cochrane, CINAHL, TRIP and grey literature were searched to identify screening guidelines for DDH. Key data items related to recommendations for timing and method of screening were extracted and summarised in a table format for qualitative analysis.

Results

Seventeen guidelines met inclusion criteria, comprising nine Australian DDH screening guidelines and eight Child Health Books. The guidelines showed variation in recommendations for the examiner, specific screening methods used for high‐risk groups, timing of examinations and recommendations for referral.

Conclusions

Variability exists within Australian DDH screening guidelines. Lack of knowledge regarding local screening guidelines may contribute to the current trend of increased incidence of late diagnosed DDH in Australia, reported in New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. An evidence‐based and consistent approach to DDH screening is necessary to minimise late detected cases.
The (Financial) Ties That Bind: Social Networks of Intraparty Caucuses
Authors: Gaynor SoRelle Wyckoff
Published: September 2021

Intraparty caucuses in the US Congress are often recognized for the information sharing, voting blocs, and personal relationships they facilitate. This article introduces an additional benefit to joining intraparty caucuses: campaign donations. Applying social network analysis and exponential random graph models to the 115th and 116th Congresses, I find that members are more likely to donate to their fellow caucus members than other members in Congress. In addition, I find that party leaders, particularly Republican party leaders, are less likely to donate to members that join intraparty caucuses, indicating that Leadership PAC funding is strategic for rank‐and‐file members and party leaders alike. This article adds to our understanding of intraparty caucuses, particularly their role in facilitating member‐to‐member campaign donations, and the relationship between caucus members and party leaders.
The relevance of pedigrees in the conservation genomics era
Authors: Galla Stephanie J. , Brown Liz , Couch‐Lewis (Ngāi Tahu: Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Ngāti Waewae) Yvette , Cubrinovska Ilina , Eason Daryl , Gooley Rebecca M. , Hamilton Jill A. , Heath Julie A. , Hauser Samantha S. , Latch Emily K. , Matocq Marjorie D. , Richardson Anne , Wold Jana R. , Hogg Carolyn J. , Santure Anna W. , Steeves Tammy E.
Published: September 2021

Over the past 50 years conservation genetics has developed a substantive toolbox to inform species management. One of the most long‐standing tools available to manage genetics—the pedigree—has been widely used to characterize diversity and maximize evolutionary potential in threatened populations. Now, with the ability to use high throughput sequencing to estimate relatedness, inbreeding, and genome‐wide functional diversity, some have asked whether it is warranted for conservation biologists to continue collecting and collating pedigrees for species management. In this perspective, we argue that pedigrees remain a relevant tool, and when combined with genomic data, create an invaluable resource for conservation genomic management. Genomic data can address pedigree pitfalls (e.g., founder relatedness, missing data, uncertainty), and in return robust pedigrees allow for more nuanced research design, including well‐informed sampling strategies and quantitative analyses (e.g., heritability, linkage) to better inform genomic inquiry. We further contend that building and maintaining pedigrees provides an opportunity to strengthen trusted relationships among conservation researchers, practitioners, Indigenous Peoples, and Local Communities.
In Vitro Effect of Photodynamic Therapy with Indocyanine Green Followed by 660 nm Photobiomodulation Therapy on Fibroblast Viability
Authors: Etemadi Ardavan , Imani Negar , Seyed Jafari Ehsan , Chiniforush Nasim
Published: September 2021

This in vitro study sought to assess the effect of repetitive PBMT on the viability of fibroblasts following aPDT with indocyanine green (ICG). In this in vitro experimental study, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were obtained and incubated in a culture medium. After reaching 10 000 cells cm−2, the cells were divided into five groups of control, aPDT with ICG and 808 nm (energy density of 24 J cm−2), PBMT immediately after aPDT, PBMT with 660 nm (energy density of 7.2 J cm−2) immediately and 24 h after aPDT and PBMT immediately and 24 and 48 h after aPDT in 48‐well plates. Cell viability was evaluated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay after 1, 4 and 7 days of incubation. Statistical analyses were performed using one‐way ANOVA. Cell viability significantly decreased in group 2 (P < 0.002). We observed no significant increase in cell viability at any time point in group 3 (P > 0.05). Cell viability significantly increased in groups 4 and 5 after the first day of incubation (P < 0.000). Emission of 660 nm as PBMT for two and three times along with passage of time would increase the viability of HGFs following aPDT with ICG.
Socioecological factors related to aquaculture introductions and production of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) worldwide
Authors: Martínez‐García María Fernanda , Ruesink Jennifer L. , Grijalva‐Chon José Manuel , Lodeiros César , Arreola‐Lizárraga José Alfredo , de la Re‐Vega Enrique , Varela‐Romero Alejandro , Chávez‐Villalba Jorge
Published: September 2021

Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) have been introduced worldwide for aquaculture, which can benefit food sovereignty and economic development; however, established non‐native populations may present risks for local organisms and habitats. We reviewed the documented introductions of C. gigas by country to evaluate factors related to introduction, establishment and production, and to determine impacts of feral populations. To date, C. gigas has been introduced in 64 countries and 10 territories, has been established in 32 and contributes to cupped oyster production in 36 (additionally, three native range countries). Oysters were more likely to be introduced and to establish in higher‐latitude countries, but the economic factor of per capita Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDPpc) served as a stronger explanatory variable than latitude for introduction. Earlier introduction and the use for extended periods in aquaculture, not just in trials, further increased establishment. Commercial production increased with coastline length and when established populations were present, but in contrast to establishment, declined at higher latitude. Effects of feral populations have been studied in 11 countries, spanning a range from negative to facilitative as expected for an ecosystem engineer, while reaching levels of concern warranting removal from coastlines in the UK, Norway, Sweden Australia and South Africa. The use of GDPpc in analyses revealed a widespread inequity in terms of low investment in Pacific oyster aquaculture in poorer countries, while richer countries were able to invest not only in aquaculture but also in studies of environmental impacts of feral oysters.