bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociomaterial practices for value co-creation in the sharing economy
Authors: Du Peng , Chou Hsin-Hui
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the research question of how human actors and technology interact together in practices in the context of a sharing economy. The theoretical foundation of this paper is based on the existing literature about the sharing economy and studies that have been carried out examining value co-creation and sociomateriality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a qualitative case study method for the empirical investigation. Using theoretical sampling, Xbed, an internet, unmanned and self-service hotel platform based in Guangzhou, China, was chosen for the empirical investigation. The case was built on multiple sources of data, including archival materials, on-site fieldwork and in-depth interviews. Then, the case was interpreted based on a number of theoretical concepts, with a particular emphasis on the sociomaterial perspective.

Findings

This paper shows how human actors and technology interact with one another in a number of interrelated ways, which collectively result in the value co-creation necessary for creating a sharing economy. The authors have found that various forms of sociomateriality (the intersection between technology, work and organization) play a key role in co-creation and that interactions between these sociomaterial assemblages (assemblage-to-assemblage (A2A)) drive the development of a sharing economy. These sociomaterial assemblages have dynamic and evolving characteristics.

Practical implications

The authors argue that the key to the success of a sharing economy lies in how to engage participating actors with material entities (e.g. technology applications) to form action-enabling sociomaterial assemblages, as well as in determining how these assemblages can be systematically arranged to collectively form a larger assemblage. We suggest that managers need to conceive how relations between the social and the material realms can be structured by adopting a service logic that aims to help the beneficiary function better. The authors also suggest that managers have to consider what assemblages are necessary and how they are connected, to construct a full access-based service.

Originality/value

This paper conceptualizes the sharing economy as a system of value co-creation practices and empirically examines such practices from a sociomaterial perspective. This paper adopts the concept of sociomaterial assemblages to investigate sharing practices, through which the knowledge of the role of technology in the development of a sharing economy is enhanced. This paper also expands the knowledge of service-dominant logic by using a microfoundation perspective to look at the value co-creation that emerges as a result of the interaction between sociomaterial assemblages. These assemblages also act as constitutive elements of a service ecosystem.
Using tangible user interfaces for teaching concepts of internet of things
Authors: Nathoo Amaan , Bekaroo Girish , Gangabissoon Tanveer , Santokhee Aditya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the use of tangible user interfaces for teaching concepts related to internet of things by focusing on two aspects, notably, usability and learning effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the usability of IoTTT, Nielsen’s principles were used due to its relevance and popularity for usability assessment. In the usability questionnaire, four attributes were evaluated, notably, learnability, efficiency, errors and satisfaction. As for evaluating learning effectiveness, learning assessment was conducted through pre-tests and post-tests. Two groups of 20 students participated where the first group attended conventional lectures on IoT, whereas the second group used IoTTT for learning same concepts. In the process, data was collected through the usability questionnaire and tests for usability and learning effectiveness assessment.

Findings

Results revealed a positive score for the usability of the TUI solution with an average rating of 3.9. Although this score demonstrated an acceptable solution, different issues were identified, based on which a set of recommendations have been made in this paper. On the other hand, in the common pre-tests, an average score of 6.40 was obtained as compared to a mean score of 7.33 in the post-tests for all participants. Knowledge gains were significantly higher for students who learnt IoT concepts through the TUI-based system where performance improved by 18 per cent.

Originality/value

The results revealed in this study are expected to help the research community, course designers and tutors comprehend the prospects of using tangible user interfaces to foster teaching and learning of IoT concepts. In addition, educational solution providers could consider commercialisation prospects of this technology to innovate in teaching and learning, while also building-up on limitations identified within this study.
Consumer legitimacy: conceptualization and measurement scales
Authors: Randrianasolo Arilova A. , Arnold Mark J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the concept of consumer legitimacy, develops scales to measure this concept and shows its utility and relevance in the international marketing field.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-step deductive approach (construct definition, item generation, scale purification and scale validation) is used to develop scales for three dimensions of consumer legitimacy, then a structural model of antecedents and outcomes of the construct provides validity for the developed scales.

Findings

Results validate the developed scales with different multinational enterprise contexts across two countries. It is found that perception of social responsibility influences three dimensions of consumer legitimacy, both moral and cognitive legitimacy influence willingness to buy firm products, and moral legitimacy influences attitudes toward the firm.

Practical implications

As a crucial resource, legitimacy can offer firms comparative advantages that lead to competitive advantages. The findings of this research provide a new perspective on how firms may measure, acquire and/or increase this resource.

Originality/value

This paper shifts the discussion of legitimacy to a key firm stakeholder that has been ignored in the literature: consumers. Thus, it implies that both researchers and practitioners should provide stronger consideration to the consumer role in granting legitimacy.
How does foreign direct investment affect growth in sub-Saharan Africa? New evidence from threshold analysis
Authors: Ibhagui Oyakhilome
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The threshold regression framework is used to examine the effect of foreign direct investment on growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The growth literature is awash with divergent evidence on the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth. Although the FDI–growth nexus has been studied in diverse ways, very few studies have examined the relationship within the framework of threshold analysis. Furthermore, even where this framework has been adopted, none of the previous studies has comprehensively examined the FDI–growth nexus in the broader SSA. In this paper, within the standard panel and threshold regression framework, the problem of determining the growth impact of FDI is revisited.

Design/methodology/approach

Six variables are used as thresholds – inflation, initial income, population growth, trade openness, financial market development and human capital, and the analysis is based on a large panel data set that comprises 45 SSA countries for the years 1985–2013.

Findings

The results of this study show that the direct impact of FDI on growth is largely ambiguous and inconsistent. However, under the threshold analysis, it is evident that FDI accelerates economic growth when SSA countries have achieved certain threshold levels of inflation, population growth and financial markets development. This evidence is largely invariant qualitatively and is robust to different empirical specifications. FDI enhances growth in SSA when inflation and private sector credit are below their threshold levels while human capital and population growth are above their threshold levels.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, the paper streamlines the threshold analysis of FDI–growth nexus to focus on countries in SSA – previous studies on FDI-growth nexus in SSA are country-specific and time series–based (see Tshepo, 2014; Raheem and Oyınlola, 2013 and Bende-Nabende, 2002). This paper provides a panel analysis and considers a broader set of up to 45 SSA countries. Such a broad set of SSA countries had never been considered in the literature. Second, the paper expands on available threshold variables to include two new important macroeconomic variables, population growth and inflation which, though are important absorptive capacities but, until now, had not been used as thresholds in the FDI–growth literature. The rationale for including these variables as thresholds stems from the evidence of an empirical relationship between population growth and economic growth, see Darrat and Al-Yousif (1999), and between inflation and economic growth, see Kremer et al. (2013).
Predictors of patients' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding uncomplicated malaria in the primary healthcare facilities of Plateau state, Nigeria
Authors: Jimam Nanloh Samuel , Ismail Nahlah Elkudssiah
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study determined factors that influenced patients' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding uncomplicated malaria in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities of Plateau state, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 956 patients treated for uncomplicated malaria in PHC facilities of Plateau state were used for the study. Inferential statistical analyses were conducted to identify factors that influenced patients' KAP on the disease and its management.

Findings

The study revealed age (p < 0.001), level of education (p = 0.012), attitudes (p = 0.007) and practices (p < 0.001) as significant predictors of knowledge outcomes on uncomplicated malaria, while their attitudes towards the disease and its management was predicted by their gender (p = 0.011), occupation (p = 0.049), monthly income (p = 0.018), knowledge (p < 0.001) and practices (p < 0.001). Furthermore, their practices were significantly predicted by monthly incomes (p = 0.043), knowledge (p < 0.001), attitudes (p < 0.001) and number of anti-malarial and adjunct drugs administered to them (p = 0.041).

Originality/value

The study revealed a mixed influence of patients' characteristics on their KAP outcomes. This calls for appropriate intervention measures towards achieving the desired patients' therapeutic outcomes.
How do features of social media influence knowledge sharing? An ambient awareness perspective
Authors: Zhao Yuqing , Zhang Xi , Wang Jingyi , Zhang Kaihua , Ordóñez de Pablos Patricia
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the relationship between the features of social media and knowledge sharing, and to examine how ambient awareness mediates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment is designed to stimulate the knowledge work in a famous Chinese business college and 156 valid samples were obtained. AMOS was used in this paper to examine the theoretical model.

Findings

There is a correlation among features of social media, ambient awareness and knowledge sharing. Surprisingly, network translucence, which indicates individuals’ meta-knowledge of others’ connections, has no influence on knowledge sharing. Although this is inconsistent with conjecture of the existing literature, it can be well explained by the phenomenon in real life, such as privacy setting in social media.

Practical implications

For employees who use social media to promote knowledge sharing within organizations, this study reminds them of the importance of ambient awareness. For managers, this study can give them some suggestions to make employees take full advantage of social media to achieve optimal benefits of knowledge sharing, thus improving organizational performance and innovation. For social media designers, they can make social media more useful in knowledge work by improving its specific features.

Originality/value

This paper proposes that ambient awareness is the mediator of the effect path between communication and knowledge sharing. And the status perception of coworkers’ exchanging information is closely related to knowledge sharing.
Implementing sustainable procurement in the United Arab Emirates public sector
Authors: Al Nuaimi Bader Khamis , Khan Mehmood , Ajmal Mian
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Despite making significant strides in transforming its environmental outlook over the past few years and promoting sustainable procurement (SP) in the public sector, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still facing serious challenges in moving up the global sustainability ranks. Thus, this study aims to assess and prioritize critical factors, including cost, organization, innovation capability, stakeholder, culture and market-related factors, and their respective sub-factors for the implementation of SP, and come up with recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the analytical hierarchy process model to prioritize the main factors and sub-factors that can critically affect the implementation of SP in the UAE public sector. Data were collected through a survey of 17 procurement experts working in procurement departments in public organizations in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Findings

The results reveal that cost is the highest ranked critical factor, followed by an organization, whereas innovation capability is the lowest ranked of the main factors. The initial cost of green products and their life-cycle cost are the most prioritized of cost factors. An individual’s commitment to change, top management support and organizational commitment are the highest-ranked sub-factors. Social awareness is the most important sub-factor among culture, and the supplier’s capability is the highest ranked sub-factor in the market.

Social implications

The government should issue a standard practices handbook for SP to be used by public organizations to provide public procurers a clear method for conducting a proper cost–benefit analysis to evaluate and decide on sustainable purchases that fit the economy and society and meet the national sustainability agenda. Furthermore, additional attention needs to be paid to cultural factors such as social and environmental awareness by policymakers to succeed in achieving SP. Finally, top management and government officials must reevaluate their own personal values and commitment to sustainability issues as they participate in forming policies, rules, regulations and training programs designed for procurement managers within government organizations.

Originality/value

Although considerable research has been conducted on this topic, this study is unique in its presentation of a critical understanding of which factors and sub-factors are likely to significantly affect SP implementation in the UAE, which shall provide the relevant researchers and practitioners with the necessary knowledge to be ready for the changes that may lie ahead.
Research on the impact of academic libraries – areas, methods, indicators
Authors: Głowacka Ewa
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicate the place of assessment of the impact of libraries in the overall quality evaluation of these institutions. In the paper, an attempt has been made to separate the concepts of the impact and values of library services and, according to the designated scope, the most important areas of research, methods and indicators for the assessment of the impact of academic libraries were characterized. The focus was on the most important areas, i.e. on the impact of libraries on didactics and academic research, information literacy and on its assessment in the cultural and environmental aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature-based overview of actual insights on tasks and areas, methods, indicators research on the impact of academic is provided.

Findings

The author has determined that the analysis of the impact of academic libraries can mainly concern the following areas: information (influence on didactics, research and information competence of users), cultural and environmental. That is why it is worth analyzing the most important methods and indicators of research on the impact of academic libraries in these areas. The best way to research the quality of libraries, and especially to determine its impact on users and the environment, is to use a mixed methodology – a whole set of quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques. Triangulation can involve the use of both qualitative and quantitative data or the use of multiple methods to develop one type of data.

Research limitations/implications

However, these methods were used to study the impact of academic libraries, whose results do not determine the financial value.

Practical implications

The paper shows the methods of research on the quality of the functioning of academic libraries with a special emphasis on the study of their impact on users and the social environment.

Social implications

The paper shows the methodology of determining the social role of academic libraries.

Originality/value

The paper intends to add to the body of knowledge about the research methodology for the impact of academic libraries.
What drives people to participate in online firestorms?
Authors: Gruber Maria , Mayer Christiane , Einwiller Sabine A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Social media empower individuals to voice their opinions about issues that they perceive to be unacceptable. When many others add their opinions and large quantities of messages containing negative word-of-mouth suddenly spread online, an online firestorm occurs. By extending the situational theory of problem solving (Kim and Grunig, 2011) into the domain of online communication, this study aims to identify the drivers for participating in online firestorms.

Design/methodology/approach

With reference to a fictitious online firestorm trigger (i.e. perceived moral misconduct) posted on Facebook, a qualitative pre-study and quantitative online survey were conducted. Based on the responses of 410 participants, an ordinary least squares regression was modeled to examine the factors of participating in the online firestorm. Later, structural equation modeling was applied to test the model and gauge its fit with the data.

Findings

Participants' involvement recognition, perception of being collective actors and approval of slacktivism behaviors positively predicted their participation in the online firestorm, whereas non-anonymity hampered it.

Originality/value

The study's findings not only contribute to the current understandings of online firestorms but are also valuable for developing theory and forms of professional crisis management. Moreover, they offer insights into the factors of online communication environments that encourage users to voice their opinions.
“International arbitration in investment disputes” case study of Egypt
Authors: Farag Sabah Ahmd
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This theme will be addressed through main points: Special Nature of Investment Disputes and its methods of peaceful settlement. International legal framework governing Arbitration in investment disputes: A. Multilateral legal framework. B. Bilateral legal framework/Investment promotion and protection agreementsTypes of arbitration in investment disputes. The Egyptian experience in investment disputes arbitration. The National legal framework. Egypt on the map of investment disputes in the world. A case study. Conclusion: Results related to the legal framework regulating investment disputes in Egypt. Results related to The arbitration cases against Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher investigates the subject of international arbitration in investment disputes in the framework of voluntary theory, which is based on the premise that the satisfaction of people who are addressing the international legal norm is the basis of the same rule. In other words, the basis of international law is based on the satisfaction of the State and other international legal persons Both, and then express or implied consent.

Findings

Despite the availability of domestic and regional arbitration mechanisms in Egypt represented by a large number of cases.

Research limitations/implications

The theme for the study primarily on Egypt and the international arbitration of investment disputes, through theoretical and practical study of disputes arbitration which Egypt is a party defendant in which to focus on what was issued in which the provisions of the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, in an attempt to find out the reasons for the verdicts image released it, where it came mostly against Egypt, and whether these judgments against them in investment disputes due to reasons related to the legal framework of the arbitration process, or for reasons of bodies of arbitration issued by those provisions, or to the defense, which represents the Egyptian party, or to the circumstances Economic and political (which represents the investment climate).

Originality/value

The proposed solutions to improve the conditions and factors surrounding the arbitration disputes that Egypt is waging against foreign investors, whether they are initially alleged or accused of drafting agreements and contracts, through amending the relevant legislation and laws, selecting arbitration bodies and defense bodies.
Teaching financial literacy through the use of market research and advertising instruction
Authors: Vaaler Alyson , Wilhelm Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how librarians used elements of market research, advertising and media literacy in a personal finance class.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians each semester guest lecture one session in a personal finance class “Foundations of Money Education.” Through this class, librarians present engaging material about market research and advertising in an effort to encourage students to think about how these external forces influence their spending behavior.

Findings

Students appreciate learning about advertising through the engaging use of commercials. While responses were mixed as to the applicability of the topic, the majority of students agreed that the topic was a worthwhile addition to the personal finance curriculum.

Originality/value

Topics such as budgets, savings, and mortgages are typically taught in personal finance classes. Teaching information about market research and advertising is a topic that is usually not covered in a personal finance class.
Influence of dietary intake and decision‐making during pregnancy on birth outcomes
Authors: James‐McAlpine Janelle M. , Vincze Lisa J. , Vanderlelie Jessica J. , Perkins Anthony V.
Published: February 2020

Aim

This study aimed to examine dietary intake and decision‐making in a cohort of pregnant South‐East Queensland women to determine compliance with dietary guidelines and the relationships between dietary intake, decision‐making and birth outcomes.

Methods

Pregnant women attending maternity services at participating hospitals reported food frequency and motivations using the Maternal Outcomes and Nutrition Tool, a novel digital instrument. Birth outcomes were sourced from hospital records. A cross‐sectional cohort design was used to examine the data.

Results

Analysis demonstrated suboptimal intake of core food groups; meat and alternatives (median [IQR]) (2.6 [2.0‐3.4] serves/day) and grains (3.1 [2.1‐4.1]) fell below recommendations; fruit (3.8 [2.5‐5.3]) and discretionary foods (3.1 [2.1‐4.4]) exceeded them. Hypertensive disorders demonstrated a negative linear relationship with vegetable intake (P = .017). Cultural diversity was significantly associated with decreased birthweight (P= .022) but increased intake of meat and alternatives (3.1 vs 2.6,P < .001) compared to Caucasian women; median intake of meat and alternatives was lower in women who reported smoking in the examined time frame. Smokers were less likely to declare health motives for food selection than non‐smokers; smoking and health were inversely associated with increasing maternal age. Food choice was primarily sensory‐driven.

Conclusions

This cohort demonstrated poor adherence to dietary guidelines. Culturally and linguistically diverse women and smokers exhibit dietary behaviours which may contribute to suboptimal birth outcomes; targeted nutrition counselling may improve outcomes in these women. These findings highlight the need for transdisciplinary maternity care and provide a foundation for further research aimed at optimising nutrition‐related birth outcomes in at‐risk groups.
Inhibition of the growth and development of mosquito larvae of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) treated with extract from flower of Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae)
Authors: Al‐Mekhlafi Fahd A. , Abutaha Nael , Al‐Malki Ahmed M. , Al‐Wadaan Muhammad
Published: February 2020

Mosquitoes can transfer many adverse diseases to human and animals therefore, there is a need to fight their spread. Among promising larvicidal sources is the use of plant extracts, which will play an important role in the future. This study was conducted to assess the larvicidal activity of Ferula hermonis Boiss,Achillea millefolium, Salvia officnalis, Psidium guaja and Matricaria chamomilla extract against Culex pipiens. The plant materials were extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol using a Soxhlet extractor. The extracts were evaluated for larvicidal activity against Cx. pipiens the mortality was monitored after 24 and 48 h of exposure. None of the extracts tested showed larvicidal acitivties except M. chamomilla. The ethyl acetate extract showed the most promising larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 287.1 and 209.4 ppm after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Treatment of the eggs with different concentrations of the active extract decreased the hatchability of the eggs dose dependently from 95 to 86.49%. Similarly, the pupal duration increased in treated groups. The larval period lasted for 12 d, whereas that of the control group lasted for 10 d. Furthermore, the pupal period lasted 3 d (control 2 d) in treated groups. The data also revealed a significant decrease in the growth index in treated groups (0.00–7.53) than that of the control (8.5). The GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 1.6.10‐dodecatriene, 7,11‐dimethyl‐3‐methylene (89.68%), 1,6‐cyclodecadiene, 1‐methyl‐5‐methylene‐8‐(1‐methylethyl)‐, [S‐(E,E)] (6.34%), 2H‐pyran −3‐ol (4.04%), and 2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one (0.079%).
ICU discharge screening for prediction of new‐onset physical disability—A multinational cohort study
Authors: Milton Anna , Schandl Anna , Soliman Iwo , Joelsson‐Alm Eva , van den Boogaard Mark , Wallin Ewa , Brorsson Camilla , Östberg Ulrika , Latocha Kristine , Savilampi Johanna , Paskins Stinne , Bottai Matteo , Sackey Peter
Published: February 2020

Background

Methods to identify patients at risk for incomplete physical recovery after intensive care unit (ICU) stay are lacking. Our aim was to develop a method for prediction of new‐onset physical disability at ICU discharge.

Methods

Multinational prospective cohort study in 10 general ICUs in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Adult patients with an ICU stay ≥12 hours were eligible for inclusion. Sixteen candidate predictors were analyzed with logistic regression for associations with the primary outcome; new‐onset physical disability 3 months post‐ICU, defined as a ≥10 score reduction in the Barthel Index (BI) compared to baseline.

Results

Of the 572 included patients, follow‐up data are available on 78% of patients alive at follow‐up. The incidence of new‐onset physical disability was 19%. Univariable and multivariable modeling rendered one sole predictor for the outcome: physical status at ICU discharge, assessed with the five first items of the Chelsea critical care physical assessment tool (CPAx) (odds ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81‐0.93), a higher score indicating a lower risk, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.68 (95% CI 0.61‐0.76). Negative predictive value for a low‐risk group (CPAx score >18) was 0.88, and positive predictive value for a high‐risk group (CPAx score ≤18) was 0.32.

Conclusion

The ICU discharge assessment described in this study had a moderate AUC but may be useful to rule out patients unlikely to need physical interventions post‐ICU. For high‐risk patients, research to determine post‐ICU risk factors for an incomplete rehabilitation is mandated.
PR depression with multilead ST elevation and ST depression in aVR by left circumflex artery occlusion: How to differentiate from acute pericarditis
Authors: Zhan Zhong‐Qun , Nikus Kjell , Birnbaum Yochai
Published: February 2020

PR‐segment depression with multilead ST‐segment elevation and ST‐segment depression in lead aVR are classic ECG manifestation of acute pericarditis. We present a patient, where the etiology of these ECG features was acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction due to left circumflex artery occlusion. To avoid misdiagnosis, unnecessary examinations, and inappropriate therapeutic decisions, the possibility of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction should be kept in mind even when ECG changes typical for pericarditis are encountered in chest pain patients. Findings of QRS widening and QT interval shortening in leads with ST‐segment elevation could help to differentiate acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction from acute pericarditis.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of percutaneous cholecystostomy in an Australian population
Authors: Corbetta Machado Maria Julia , Gray Andrew , Cerdeira Marisol P. , Gani Jon
Published: February 2020

Background

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a well‐recognized management option for the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC) in high‐risk patients. Patient characteristics, efficacy and particularly the longer‐term outcomes for patients having PC across the Hunter New England Local Health District were analysed.

Methods

A retrospective audit from January 2013 to September 2017 was undertaken. Patients were followed up until September 2019. All were retrospectively risk assessed using the P‐POSSUM risk assessment tool, complications and mortality were recorded. In addition to short‐term data, longer‐term outcomes including patient's living situation at 6 and 12 months were analysed.

Results

A total of 82 patients were assessed at ≥12 months post procedure or until death. Successful initial gallbladder drainage was achieved in 99% of cases. The mean P‐POSSUM score for mortality was 11%, confirming that this is a high‐risk group; 17% had inpatient complications recorded; 10% of these were major (Clavien‐Dindo ≥III). Outpatient complications were seen in 45%, 59% underwent further biliary tree intervention and 24% had recurrent AC. Thirty‐day mortality was 12% and 1‐year mortality was 22%. Functional capacity changed significantly for 41% of patients at 1 year, with 12% requiring a new admission to high‐level nursing home care.

Conclusion

Our series represents the largest reported Australasian series of PC for AC published to date. It confirms that PC is well‐established and safe in high‐risk patients. However, further intervention rates and recurrence rates of AC are high and escalation of dependency of care affects almost half of patients.
Opposition to Immigration and (Anti‐)Environmentalism: An Application and Extension of the Social Dominance‐Environmentalism Nexus with 21 Countries in Europe
Authors: Graça João
Published: February 2020

The social dominance–environmentalism nexus proposes that orientations for inequality and domination are expressed both in human–human and human–nature relations. In two studies, the present work applies and extends this proposition to understand endorsement of environmental values, concern with climate change, support for climate policies, and responsibility for climate action. In study one, using a representative random sample from Portugal (N = 1270, 53.3% female; European Social Survey, ESS8), social dominance orientation showed unique associations with concern with climate change. Moreover, opposition to immigration (as expression of anti‐egalitarianism in intergroup relations) showed unique associations with all four measures of environmentalism. In study two, multi‐level analyses using representative random samples from 20 other countries in Europe (N = 38830, 51.5% female; ESS8) confirmed the associations between opposition to immigration and environmentalism, controlling for a set of sociodemographic covariates, political orientation, and nesting at the country level. However, there were differences in the strength and direction of these associations based on country levels of societal development (i.e., Human Development Index; HDI). These differences reinforce the notion that context or situational variables may shape the links between diverse expressions of (anti‐)egalitarianism and (anti‐)environmentalism. Inputs for applied research on hierarchy‐affirming tendencies toward others and the natural environment are proposed and discussed.
Nonparametric estimation of distributions and diagnostic accuracy based on group‐tested results with differential misclassification
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Aiyi , Li Qizhai , Albert Paul S.
Published: February 2020

This article concerns the problem of estimating a continuous distribution in a diseased or nondiseased population when only group‐based test results on the disease status are available. The problem is challenging in that individual disease statuses are not observed and testing results are often subject to misclassification, with further complication that the misclassification may be differential as the group size and the number of the diseased individuals in the group vary. We propose a method to construct nonparametric estimation of the distribution and obtain its asymptotic properties. The performance of the distribution estimator is evaluated under various design considerations concerning group sizes and classification errors. The method is exemplified with data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study to estimate the distribution and diagnostic accuracy of C‐reactive protein in blood samples in predicting chlamydia incidence.
Determinants of low‐quality warfarin anticoagulation in patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves. The nationwide PLECTRUM study
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Poli Daniela , Antonucci Emilia , Rubino Luca , Menichelli Danilo , Saliola Mirella , Violi Francesco , Palareti Gualtiero , Pignatelli Pasquale ,   the Italian Federation of Anticoagulation Clinics (FCSA)
Published: February 2020

Quality of warfarin therapy in patients with a mechanical prosthetic heart valve (MPHV) has been barely investigated. We analysed determinants of low time in the therapeutic range (TiTR <60%) in 2111 patients with MPHVs from the nationwide PLECTRUM study by the Italian Federation of Anticoagulation Clinics. Overall, 48·5% of patients had a TiTR of < 60%. At logistic regression analysis, arterial hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1·502, P < 0·001), diabetes (OR 1·732, P < 0·001), heart failure (OR 1·484, P = 0·004), mitral site (vs. aortic) (OR 1·399, P = 0·006), international normalised ratio (INR) ranges of 2·5–3·5 (OR 2·575, P < 0·001) and 3·0–4·0 (OR 8·215, P < 0·001) associated with TiTR < 60%. TiTR is substantially suboptimal in MPHV patients, particularly in higher INR ranges.
The influence of conspiracy beliefs on conventional and unconventional forms of political participation: The mediating role of political efficacy
Authors: Ardèvol‐Abreu Alberto , Gil de Zúñiga Homero , Gámez Elena
Published: February 2020

Recent approaches from social psychology lend support to conspiracy beliefs as a motivated form of social cognition, structured around and consistent with a higher‐order belief system, which may have an impact on the way people understand their political environment and respond to it. Building on these accounts, this study examines the influence of conspiracism on political efficacy and, indirectly, on conventional and unconventional forms of political participation. Drawing on two‐wave panel data collected in five democracies (United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Poland, and Estonia; n = 5,428), results suggest that individuals who hold conspiracy beliefs tend to regard the political system as less responsive to citizens’ demands – external dimension of political efficacy. We also found a less clear and country‐specific effect of conspiracy beliefs on perceptions of being less equipped to partake in the political process – internal efficacy. Furthermore, conspiratorial beliefs negatively affect conventional modes of political participation, indirectly through reduced external efficacy. We finally examine group differences by country that suggest that both individual‐ and contextual‐level factors may explain the observed pattern of influences. Our results emphasize the potential of currently widespread conspiratorial narratives to undermine attitudes and behaviours that lie at the heart of the democratic process.
Frequent homozygous deletion of Cdkn2a/2b in tremolite‐induced malignant mesothelioma in rats
Authors: Okazaki Yasumasa , Misawa Nobuaki , Akatsuka Shinya , Kohyama Norihiko , Sekido Yoshitaka , Takahashi Takashi , Toyokuni Shinya
Published: February 2020

The onset of malignant mesothelioma (MM) is linked to exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers are classified as serpentine (chrysotile) or amphibole, which includes the crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite types. Although few studies have been undertaken, anthophyllite has been shown to be associated with mesothelioma, and tremolite, a contaminant in talc and chrysotile, is a risk factor for carcinogenicity. Here, after characterizing the length and width of these fibers by scanning electron microscopy, we explored the cytotoxicity induced by tremolite and anthophyllite in cells from an immortalized human mesothelial cell line (MeT5A), murine macrophages (RAW264.7), and in a rat model. Tremolite and short anthophyllite fibers were phagocytosed and localized to vacuoles, whereas the long anthophyllite fibers were caught on the pseudopod of the MeT5A and Raw 264.7 cells, according to transmission electron microscopy. The results from a 2‐day time‐lapse study revealed that tremolite was engulfed and damaged the MeT5A and RAW264.7 cells, but anthophyllite was not cytotoxic to these cells. Intraperitoneal injection of tremolite in rats induced diffuse serosal thickening, whereas anthophyllite formed focal fibrosis and granulomas on peritoneal serosal surfaces. Furthermore, the loss of Cdkn2a/2b, which are the most frequently lost foci in human MM, were observed in 8 cases of rat MM (homozygous deletion [5/8] and loss of heterozygosity [3/8]) by array‐based comparative genomic hybridization techniques. These results indicate that tremolite initiates mesothelial injury and persistently frustrates phagocytes, causing subsequent peritoneal fibrosis and MM. The possible mechanisms of carcinogenicity based on fiber diameter/length are discussed.
Identification of a predominant cognitive phenotype in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zurawski J. , Healy B. C. , Ratajska A. , Barker L. , Glanz B. I. , Houtchens M.
Published: February 2020

Background and purpose

Cognitive impairment occurs frequently in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the prevalence and clinical characteristics of cognitive MS phenotype are not well established. The aim of the study was to characterize the clinical course and neurocognitive impairment of patients with MS meeting an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)‐defined cognitive phenotype.

Methods

A total of 2302 patients from the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study were studied. Predominant cognitive MS phenotype was defined as EDSS Cerebral Functional System (FS) subscore ≥3 and remaining EDSS FS subscores ≤2 on at least one clinical visit. Demographic/clinical characteristics, phenotype stability and neurocognitive domain impairment of these subjects were assessed.

Results

A total of 60 of 2302 (2.6%) patients (age 52.8 ± 10.8 years, 68% female, 82% relapsing MS) met criteria for phenotype designation. A total of 29 of 60 (48%) were designated within 10 years of their presenting MS symptom. The mean cohort annualized relapse rate was 0.38 and EDSS score at last clinical assessment was 3.2 ± 1.3. Cognitive phenotype status was poorly sustained, with only 27% of subjects maintaining Cerebral FS score ≥2 throughout all follow‐up. However, predominant cognitive phenotype subjects with clinical neuropsychiatric testing [n = 39/60 (65%)] frequently had cognitive impairment (1.5 SD below mean) in ≥1 domain [n = 30/39 (77%) of subjects] affecting memory, attention/executive function and processing speed. A total of 11 of 39 (28%) patients had severe‐range cognitive impairment (3.0 SD below mean). Cognitive phenotype designation was associated with low rate of employment at last clinical assessment.

Conclusion

Predominant cognitive MS phenotype is rare, although an EDSS‐based definition identifies patients with multidomain cognitive impairment and may serve as a practical screen for identification of patients who might warrant close monitoring of neurocognitive status.
Species–area relationships on small islands differ among plant growth forms
Authors: Schrader Julian , König Christian , Triantis Kostas A. , Trigas Panayiotis , Kreft Holger , Weigelt Patrick
Published: February 2020

Aim

We tested whether species–area relationships of small islands differ among plant growth forms and whether this influences the prevalence of the small‐island effect (SIE). The SIE states that species richness on small islands is independent of island area or relates to area in a different way compared with larger islands. We investigated whether island isolation affects the limits of the SIE and which environmental factors drive species richness on small islands.

Location

Seven hundred islands (< 100 km2) worldwide belonging to 17 archipelagos.

Major taxa studied

Angiosperms.

Methods

We applied linear and breakpoint species–area models for angiosperm species richness and for herb, shrub and tree species richness per archipelago separately, to test for the existence of SIEs. For archipelagos featuring the SIE, we calculated the island area at which the breakpoints occurred (breakpoint area) and used linear models to test whether the breakpoint areas varied with isolation. We used linear mixed‐effect models to discern the effects of seven environmental variables related to island area, isolation and other environmental factors on the species richness of each growth form for islands smaller than the breakpoint area.

Results

For 71% of all archipelagos, we found an SIE for total and herb species richness, and for 59% for shrub species richness and 53% for tree species richness. Shrub and tree species richness showed larger breakpoint areas than total and herb species richness. The breakpoint area was significantly positively affected by the isolation of islands within an archipelago for total and shrub species richness. Species richness on islands within the range of the SIE was differentially affected by environmental factors across growth forms.

Main conclusion

The SIE is a widespread phenomenon that is more complex than generally described. Different functional groups have different environmental requirements that shape their biogeographical patterns and affect species–area and, more generally, richness–environment relationships. The complexity of these patterns cannot be revealed when measuring overall plant species richness.
Abscisic acid response to water status in Dactylis glomerata differs with expression of summer dormancy
Authors: Norton Mark R. , Xian Lisa , Kalic Jesse N. , Hughes Trijntje , Gubler Frank
Published: February 2020

Summer dormancy confers superior drought survival in cool‐season perennial grasses and is likely to be of increasing importance as climate change proceeds although relatively little is known about this trait. This paper explores the relationship between the level of abscisic acid (ABA), the expression of summer dormancy and the onset and relief of water deficit in cool‐season perennial grasses. Three cultivars of Dactylis glomerata L. (cocksfoot) known to differ in expression of summer dormancy were grown in the field over summer and in the glasshouse over winter under water deficit or full irrigation. Hydration and osmotic potentials of basal tissues were measured to assess the level of water deficit, and endogenous ABA was determined in the tissues by monoclonal immunoassay analysis. In a winter trial, higher contents of ABA were present when plant water deficits became greater so that there were no differences between the cultivars in the concentrations of ABA observed. In a summer trial a short period of waterlogging caused water status to increase in all cultivars, although in the maritime cultivar Oasis this was also associated with a rise in ABA contents. In contrast, in the summer‐dormant cultivar Kasbah, only low ABA concentrations were observed throughout the entire period whether waterlogged or in drying soil. Heightened ABA levels are not induced by water deficit when summer dormancy is expressed in Dactylis glomerata. This contrasted with those cultivars unable to express summer dormancy where particularly in early summer severe water deficit was associated with heightened ABA levels.
Harvest interval affects lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) taproot total yield, starch, nitrogen and water‐soluble carbohydrates
Authors: Mitchell Meredith L. , Clark Stephen G. , Butler Kym L. , Nie Zhongnan , Burnett Vivianne F. , Meyer Richard , Zollinger Reto , Seymour Gregory R.
Published: February 2020

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) has a large taproot to store and release starch, carbohydrates and nutrients during the plant's growth. Recommended management of the lucerne crop aims to keep the taproot stable subject to the demands for feed provision and stand longevity. Field experiments were conducted in Victoria, Australia, to examine the effects of recovery period on taproot mass and nutritive status. Both experiments used established SARDI Seven lucerne crops and were either cut every 21 days (short recovery SR) or every 42 days (long recovery LR). At each defoliation, taproots were extracted for determination of DM yield and starch, water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and nitrogen (N) concentration and DM yield. At both sites, WSC and N DM yields along with total taproot DM yield did not change greatly as the experiment progressed. Starch was responsive to herbage accumulation with both concentration and DM yield, increasing when herbage accumulation rates were high and decreasing when herbage accumulation rates were low. At both sites, LR taproots had starch levels equal to or higher than those of SR taproots. We conclude that short intervals between defoliations disrupt the energy cycling between shoots and roots. This is likely to reduce lucerne productivity, particularly during periods of rapid growth.