bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity behavior in the first month after mild traumatic brain injury is associated with physiological and psychological risk factors for chronic pain
Authors: Naugle Kelly M. , Corrona Sam , Smith Jared A. , Nguyen Tyler , Saxe Jonathan , White Fletcher A.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-reported physical activity (PA) in the first month after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) predicts endogenous pain modulatory function and pain catastrophizing at 1 to 2 weeks and 1 month after injury in patients with mTBI.

Methods:

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury completed study sessions at 1 to 2 weeks and 1 month after injury. Assessments included a headache survey, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and several quantitative sensory tests to measure endogenous pain modulatory function including conditioned pain modulation (CPM), temporal summation, and pressure pain thresholds of the head. Hierarchical linear regressions determined the relationship between the PA variables (predictors) and pain catastrophizing and pain modulation variables (dependent variables) cross-sectionally and longitudinally, while controlling for potential covariates.

Results:

In separate hierarchical regression models, moderate PA, walking, and total PA at 1 to 2 weeks after injury predicted pain inhibition on the CPM test at 1 month, after controlling for significant covariates. In addition, a separate regression revealed that minutes sitting at 1 month predicted CPM at 1 month. Regarding predicting pain catastrophizing, the regression results showed that sitting at 1 to 2 weeks after injury significantly predicted pain catastrophizing at 1 month after injury.

Conclusion:

Greater self-reported PA, especially moderate PA, 1 to 2 weeks after injury longitudinally predicted greater pain inhibitory capacity on the CPM test at 1 month after injury in patients with mTBI. In addition, greater sedentary behavior was associated with worse pain inhibition on the CPM test and greater pain catastrophizing at 1 month after injury.
Assessing Motivations and Barriers to Science Outreach within Academia: A Mixed-Methods Survey
Authors: Woitowich Nicole C. , Hunt Geoffrey C. , Muhammed Lutfiyya N. , Garbarino Jeanne
Published: November 2021

The practice of science outreach is more necessary than ever. However, a disconnect exists between the stated goals for science outreach and its actual impact. In order to examine one potential source of this disconnect, we undertook a survey-based study to explore whether barriers to participation (either intrinsic or extrinsic) in science outreach exist within the academic community. We received responses to our survey from 530 individuals, the vast majority of whom engage in some type of science outreach activity on an annual basis. Those who engage in outreach report doing so for both personal and altruistic reasons, and having high (yet varied) levels of comfort with performing outreach activities. Respondents also report the existence of several significant yet surmountable barriers to participation, including lack of time and funding. Our findings demonstrate that both levels of participation in, and attitudes toward, science outreach within the academic community are generally favorable, suggesting that the general ineffectiveness of science outreach is due to other causes. We place our findings within the context of the broader science outreach, science communication and public engagement literature. We make recommendations on how existing approaches and infrastructure can, and must, be changed in order to improve the practice.
Type 1 diabetes risk genes mediate pancreatic beta cell survival in response to proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Benaglio Paola , Zhu Han , Okino Mei-Lin , Yan Jian , Elgamal Ruth , Nariai Naoki , Beebe Elisha , Korgaonkar Katha , Qiu Yunjiang , Donovan Margaret , Chiou Joshua , Newsome Jacklyn , Kaur Jaspreet , Corban Sierra , Aylward Anthony , Taipale Jussi , Ren Bing , Frazer Kelly A , Sander Maike , Gaulton Kyle J
Published: November 2021

Beta cells intrinsically contribute to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), but the genes and molecular processes that mediate beta cell survival in T1D remain largely unknown. We combined high throughput functional genomics and human genetics to identify T1D risk loci regulating genes affecting beta cell survival in response to the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IFNγ, and TNFα. We mapped 38,931 cytokine-responsive candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) active in beta cells using ATAC-seq and single nuclear ATAC-seq (snATAC-seq), and linked cytokine-responsive beta cell cCREs to putative target genes using single cell co-accessibility and HiChIP. We performed a genome-wide pooled CRISPR loss-of-function screen in EndoC-βH1 cells, which identified 867 genes affecting cytokine-induced beta cell loss. Genes that promoted beta cell survival and had up-regulated expression in cytokine exposure were specifically enriched at T1D loci, and these genes were preferentially involved in inhibiting inflammatory response, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, mitophagy and autophagy. We identified 2,229 variants in cytokine-responsive beta cell cCREs altering transcription factor (TF) binding using high-throughput SNP-SELEX, and variants altering binding of TF families regulating stress, inflammation and apoptosis were broadly enriched for T1D association. Finally, through integration with genetic fine mapping, we annotated T1D loci regulating beta cell survival in cytokine exposure. At the 16p13 locus, a T1D variant affected TF binding in a cytokine-induced beta cell cCRE that physically interacted with the SOCS1 promoter, and increased SOCS1 activity promoted beta cell survival in cytokine exposure. Together our findings reveal processes and genes acting in beta cells during cytokine exposure that intrinsically modulate risk of T1D.
Mitochondria-containing Extracellular Vesicles (EV) Reduce Mouse Brain Infarct Sizes and EV/HSP27 Protect Ischemic Brain Endothelial Cultures
Authors: Dave Kandarp M. , Stolz Donna B. , Venna Venugopal R. , Quaicoe Victoria A. , Maniskas Michael E. , Reynolds Michael John , Babidhan Riyan , Dobbins Duncan X. , Farinelli Maura N. , Sullivan Abigail , Bhatia Tarun N. , Yankello Hannah , Reddy Rohan , Bae Younsoo , Leak Rehana K. , Shiva Sruti S. , McCullough Louise D. , Manickam Devika S
Published: November 2021

Ischemic stroke causes brain endothelial cell (BEC) death and damages tight junction integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We harnessed the innate mitochondrial load of endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and utilized mixtures of EV/exogenous heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) as a one-two punch strategy to increase BEC survival (via EV mitochondria) and preserve their tight junction integrity (via HSP27 effects). We demonstrated that the medium-to-large (m/lEV) but not small EVs (sEV) transferred their mitochondrial load, which subsequently colocalized with the mitochondrial network of the recipient primary human BECs. BECs treated with m/lEVs increased relative ATP levels and displayed superior mitochondrial function. Importantly, m/lEVs isolated from oligomycin (mitochondrial complex V inhibitor) or rotenone (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor)-exposed BECs (RTN-m/lEVs or OGM-m/lEVs) did not increase BECs ATP levels compared to naïve m/lEVs. In contrast, RTN-sEV and OGM-sEV functionality in increasing cellular ATP levels was minimally impacted in comparison to naïve sEVs. Intravenously administered m/lEVs showed a reduction in brain infarct sizes compared to vehicle-injected mice in a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke. We formulated binary mixtures of human recombinant HSP27 protein with EVs: EV/HSP27 and ternary mixtures of HSP27 and EV with cationic polymer poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (diethyltriamine): (PEG-DET/HSP27)/EV. (PEG-DET/HSP27)/EV and EV/HSP27 mixtures decreased the paracellular permeability of small and large molecular mass fluorescent tracers in oxygen glucose-deprived primary human BECs. This one-two-punch approach to increase BEC metabolic function and tight junction integrity is a promising strategy for BBB protection and prevention of long-term neurological dysfunction post-ischemic stroke.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

Medium-to-large extracellular vesicles (m/lEVs), not small EVs contain mitochondria

m/lEVs increased ATP and mitochondrial function in brain endothelial cells (BECs)

m/lEVs from oligomycin-exposed BECs did not increase recipient BEC ATP levels

Intravenously injected m/lEVs reduced brain infarct sizes in a mouse stroke model

EV/HSP27 mixtures reduced small and large dextran molecule permeability across BECs
Electronic Mapping of a Bacterial Genome with Dual Solid-State Nanopores and Active Single-Molecule Control
Authors: Rand Arthur , Zimny Philip , Nagel Roland , Telang Chaitra , Mollison Justin , Bruns Aaron , Leff Emily , Reisner Walter , Dunbar William B.
Published: November 2021

We present the first electronic mapping of a bacterial genome using solid-state nanopore technology. A dual-nanopore architecture and active control logic are used to produce single-molecule data that enables estimation of distances between physical tags installed at sequence motifs within double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Previously developed dual-pore “DNA flossing” control generates multiple scans of tagged regions of each captured DNA. The control logic was extended here in two ways: first, to automate “zooming out” on each molecule to progressively increase the number of tags scanned during DNA flossing; and second, to automate recapture of a molecule that exited flossing to enable interrogation of the same and/or different regions of the molecule. New analysis methods were developed to produce consensus alignments from each multi-scan event. The combined multi-scanning and multi-capture method was applied to the challenge of mapping from a heterogeneous mixture of single-molecule fragments that make up the Escherichia coli (E. coli) chromosome. Coverage of 3.1× across 2,355 resolvable sites (68% of reference sites) of the E. coli genome was achieved after 5.6 hours of recording time. The recapture method showed a 38% increase in the merged-event alignment length compared to single-scan alignments. The observed inter-tag resolution was 150 bp in engineered DNA molecules and 166 bp natively within fragments of E. coli DNA, with detection of 133 inter-site intervals shorter than 200 bp in the E. coli reference map. Proof of concept results on estimating distances in repetitive regions of the E. coli genome are also provided. With an appropriately designed array and future refinements to the control logic, higher throughput implementations can enable human-sized genome and epigenome mapping applications.
Tracking neural activity from the same cells during the entire adult life of mice
Authors: Zhao Siyuan , Tang Xin , Partarrieu Sebastian , Guo Shiqi , Liu Ren , Lee Jaeyong , Lin Zuwan , Liu Jia
Published: November 2021

Recording the activity of the same neurons over the adult life of an animal is important to neuroscience research and biomedical applications. Current implantable devices cannot provide stable recording on this time scale. Here, we introduce a method to precisely implant nanoelectronics with an open, unfolded mesh structure across multiple brain regions in the mouse. The open mesh structure forms a stable interwoven structure with the neural network, preventing probe drifting and showing no immune response and neuron loss during the yearlong implantation. Using the implanted nanoelectronics, we can track single-unit action potentials from the same neurons over the entire adult life of mice. Leveraging the stable recordings, we build machine learning algorithms that enable automated spike sorting, noise rejection, stability validation, and generate pseudotime analysis, revealing aging-associated evolution of the single-neuron activities.
Predictors of COVID testing among Australian youth: Insights from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Authors: Islam Md Irteja , Chadwick Verity , Martiniuk Alexandra
Published: November 2021

Background

Testing has played a crucial role in reducing the spread of COVID. Although COVID symptoms tend to be less severe in children and adolescents, a key concern is young people’s role in the transmission of the virus given their highly social lifestyles. In this study, we aimed to identify the predictors associated with COVID testing in Australian youth using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC).

Methods

We used the latest wave 9C1 of the LSAC, where data were collected from 16–21-year-old Australians via an online survey between October and December 2021. In total, 2291 Australian youths responded to the questions about COVID testing and COVID symptom severity. Data was stratified by living with/without parents, and bivariate and logistic regression analyses examined predictor variables (age, sex, country of birth, remoteness, education level, employment, relationship status, number of household members, living with parents, receiving the COVID financial supplement from government and index of relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage) and their distributions over the outcome variable COVID testing.

Results

Youths aged 16-17 were more likely to live at home than youths aged 20-21 years. The strongest predictor of COVID testing was living in major cities (regardless of living with or without parents). Changed household composition was significantly associated with COVID testing among the youths living in the parental home. While among the respondents living without their parents, living with multiple household members and low or no cohesion among household members was associated with higher rates of COVID testing.

Conclusion

Our study revealed young people have been very good at getting tested for COVID. To further incentivise testing in this age group, we should consider providing this age group with continued financial and social support while awaiting the outcome of the test and during any isolation.

Strengths and limitations of this study

Large national cohort of young people strengthened the findings of the study and allowing us to examine the factors associated with COVID testing for the first time in Australia.

A broad-based assessment of potential predictors of COVID testing, including sociodemographic and coronavirus specific factor.

Cross-sectional observational design limits causal inference.

Self-reported information about COVID testing can be subject to recall as well as social desirability bias.
Self-medication with antibiotics- a survey among traders in the central business district of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Ofori S. K. , Akowuah E.A. , Amankwa C.E. , Babatunde D. , Baiden F.
Published: November 2021

Background

The misuse of antibiotics is a global problem, and the form of misuse varies among different countries and cultures. The study explored antibiotic self-medication practices among traders in Accra, Ghana.

Methods

A paper-based questionnaire survey was conducted among traders found in a convenient sample of shops in the Central Business District (CBD) between November 2016 and January 2017. The data was analyzed with Stata version 14.0. Antibiotic self-medication was defined as the use of antibiotics without the prescription of a recognized practitioner within 12 months of the survey. Descriptive analysis and analytical statistics using multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the factors associated with antibiotic self-medication.

Results

Four hundred and seventeen (417) traders (60.0% females) with a mean age of 36 (+10.6) years were surveyed. The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication was 66.7%. Penicillins were the most misused. Upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal tract infections were the leading reasons for antibiotic self-medication. The most common sources of information on self-medicated antibiotics were community pharmacies (55.2%), doctors (17.8%), and package inserts (17.2%). People with tertiary education were less likely to use antibiotics for self-medication compared to those with no education (OR=0.39 (95% C.I; 0.16-0.98). Persons who sold food items (aOR = 3.56, 95% CI; 1.70-7.45), cosmetics (aOR = 2.61, 95% CI; 1.34-5.09), and clothing (aOR= 3.39, 95% CI; 1.88-6.12) were more likely to use antibiotics for self medication compared to those who sold other items.

Conclusion

Self-medication with antibiotics was high among traders in the CBD of Accra, Ghana. Traders need to be educated on the proper home management of URTIs. Measures are required to restrict their access to antibiotics for self-medication.
Tetrode Recording in the Xenopus laevis Visual System Using Multichannel Glass Electrodes
Authors: Hiramoto Masaki , Cline Hollis T.
Published: November 2021

The Xenopus tadpole visual system shows an extraordinary extent of developmental and visual experience–dependent plasticity, establishing sophisticated neuronal response properties that guide essential survival behaviors. The external development and access to the developing visual circuit of Xenopus tadpoles make them an excellent experimental system in which to elucidate plastic changes in neuronal properties and their capacity to encode information about the visual scene. The temporal structure of neural activity encodes a significant amount of information, access to which requires recording methods with high temporal resolution. Conversely, elucidating changes in the temporal structure of neural activity requires recording over extended periods. It is challenging to maintain patch-clamp recordings over extended periods and Ca2+ imaging has limited temporal resolution. Extracellular recordings have been used in other systems for extended recording; however, spike amplitudes in the developing Xenopus visual circuit are not large enough to be captured by distant electrodes. Here we describe a juxtacellular tetrode recording method for continuous long-term recordings from neurons in intact tadpoles, which can also be exposed to diverse visual stimulation protocols. Electrode position in the tectum is stabilized by the large contact area in the tissue. Contamination of the signal from neighboring neurons is minimized by the tight contact between the glass capillaries and the dense arrangement of neurons in the tectum. This recording method enables analysis of developmental and visual experience–dependent plastic changes in neuronal response properties at higher temporal resolution and over longer periods than current methods.
X-ray synchrotron radiation studies of actinide materials
Authors: Caciuffo Roberto , Lander Gerard H.
Published: November 2021

By reviewing a selection of X-ray diffraction (XRD), resonant X-ray scattering (RXS), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), resonant and non-resonant inelastic scattering (RIXS, NIXS), and dispersive inelastic scattering (IXS) experiments, the potential of synchrotron radiation techniques in studying lattice and electronic structure, hybridization effects, multipolar order and lattice dynamics in actinide materials is demonstrated.
Topology optimization of magnetic cores for WPT using the geometry projection method
Authors: Otomo Yoshitsugu , Igarashi Hajime
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to search for an optimal core shape that is robust against misalignment between the transmitting and receiving coils of the wireless power transfer (WPT) device. During the optimization process, the authors maximize the coupling coefficients while minimizing the leakage flux around the coils to ensure the safety of the WPT device.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a novel topology optimization method for WPT devices using the geometry projection method is proposed to optimize the magnetic core shape. This method facilitates the generation of bar-shaped magnetic cores because the material distribution is represented by a set of elementary bars.

Findings

It is shown that an optimized core shape, which is obtained through topology optimization, effectively increases the net magnetic flux interlinked with the receiving coil and outperforms the conventional core.

Originality/value

In the previous topology optimization method, the material distribution is represented by a linear combination of Gaussian functions. However, this method does not usually result in bar-shaped cores, which are widely used in WPT. In this study, the authors propose a novel topology optimization method for WPT devices using geometry projection that is used in structural optimization, such as beam and cantilever shapes.
Second chance schools: background, training and current instructional practices of teachers
Authors: Espinoza Óscar , Gonzalez Luis , McGinn Noel
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The objective of the present study was to assess which teachers hired to teach secondary school dropouts are most likely to adapt their practices to match their students' characteristics. Chile recently initiated a system “second chance” schools for dropouts. Most of the teaching staff were recruited from the secondary schools from which the students had withdrawn. There was little variation in instructional practices or schedules. The second chance schools provide intensive instruction, small classes and flexibility in schedules and sequence of courses. The study sought to identify the teachers most likely to adapt old practices or learn new ones in order to provide students a different educational experience than that offered in conventional secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling design for this study was developed by the Statistics Department of the Ministry of Education. Taking enrollment into account, they randomly selected second chance schools from 13 of Chile's 16 regions. Then, they randomly selected 617 teachers from 38 of the selected schools. The teachers were invited to respond to a self-administered survey questionnaire that covered beliefs about and attitudes toward dropouts, and frequency of use of different teaching methods. The analytical procedures used include nonparametric correlations and logit regression.

Findings

Teaching methods in the second chance schools are influenced mostly by type of in-service training and not by student characteristics. Most teachers expect most students to graduate; teachers with more years of teaching are the least optimistic.

Originality/value

Relatively little research on second chance schools has been published in Latin America. The Second Opportunity Schools are the first effort in Chile to provide public secondary school to dropouts. The study provides detailed information about background and training linked to current teachers' instructional practices. The findings suggest actions that can be taken to improve the new schools.
Career path changer: the case of public and private sector entrepreneurial employee intentions
Authors: Dragan George Bogdan , Schin George Cristian , Sava Valentin , Panait Andrei Alexandru
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify the organisational context and the combinations of antecedent conditions needed to change employee behaviour in public and private sectors towards being an entrepreneurial employee/“intrapreneur”.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework adopted assumed that for employees from both public and private sectors a range of factors contributes to a configurational effect. These factors—that can shift their behaviour towards being or becoming an intrapreneur—are the novelty of entrepreneurship, opportunities for permanent learning, the possibility of creating value for others and personal motivation.

Findings

Four possible combinations of antecedent conditions that could lead to the expected outcome (being or becoming an entrepreneurial employee/intrapreneur) are consistent with the proposed model. Using a quantitative approach was appropriate for examining contrasting entrepreneurial intentions, specifically in identifying the profiles of the employees who might bring the company to the next level: information that could be useful to all managers.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the exploratory nature of the research, with descriptive statistics, the correlations focused solely on the respondents' demographical characteristics. Further comparative analysis should be conducted, therefore, between public and private sectors and with larger numbers of respondents.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, the proposed study is novel as the first empirical integrative study using the fsQCA methodology to address the intrapreneurial phenomenon of employees from public and private organisations.
Luxury during trade tensions. The influence of economic animosity, cosmopolitanism and patriotism on intention to buy foreign luxury products
Authors: Mainolfi Giada
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Using trade tensions as a background scenario, the study aims to investigate the dynamics of coexistence between cosmopolitan trends and the patriotic moods of luxury consumers, and how these feelings interact with both economic animosity and intention to buy luxury products originated in the hostile country.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical framework was tested through an empirical survey carried out on Russian and Chinese consumers. In total, 766 questionnaires were collected and were analysed using structural equation modelling method.

Findings

Results confirm that patriotic sentiments and economic-based feelings are negatively associated with intentions to buy luxury products that originated in the hostile area. Furthermore, results show that cosmopolitanism positively influences intention to buy. However, the positive effect of patriotism on economic animosity combined with its indirect effect on the intention to buy may reduce the strength of luxury products.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications since it identifies strategic suggestions for luxury companies' managers. More specifically, they have to be aware of the patriotic trends affecting Russian and Chinese consumers and should actively seek to leverage local partners' knowledge in order to better connect with customers' expectations.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a better understanding of the influence exerted by cosmopolitan orientation and patriotic feelings on luxury goods purchase intentions. The study also examines cosmopolitanism and patriotism as antecedents of animosity, which have not been extensively researched in the past with respect to the luxury sector.
Labor supply responses to income tax free and bracket expansions
Authors: Lyssiotou Panayiota , Savva Elena
Published: November 2021

Purpose

An important concern of economic policy analysis is how income taxes affect labor supply since this is crucial in assessing the efficiency costs of taxation and designing labor income taxation. The focus in the literature has been mostly to study the responses of high earners and women. The authors contribute to this literature by focusing more on how middle earners respond to financial incentives and whether the responses are different between men and women.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors exploit substantial expansions in the level of individual income exempt from taxation and taxed at a lower marginal tax rate while the schedule of marginal tax rates remained the same. The authors adopt an empirical framework that is similar to Bosch and van der Klaauw (2012) and condition on the effects of other factors, such as inflows of foreign workers that may have affected the wages, participation and working hours of native males and females. The authors also conduct various sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness of the estimates.

Findings

The authors find robust evidence that the tax reforms increased the wages of medium and high educated married males and females significantly. They also had a positive impact on work participation that was more substantial for married women, especially the medium educated. The authors estimate significant positive own wage labor supply elasticities that are small and about the same for men and women when the authors condition on the labor outcome effects of inflows of EU and non-EU foreign workers, which changed the skill distribution of the economy and had a more significant impact on female labor outcomes. Smaller wage labor supply elasticities indicate lower disincentive effects and deadweight losses from the imposition of taxes and have implications on the design of optimal taxation of men and women.

Originality/value

Previous investigations of the labor supply responses of both men and women to a given policy change have been identified mostly by exploiting changes in joint income taxation and marginal tax rates. The authors exploit substantial expansions in the level of individual income exempt from taxation and taxed at a lower marginal tax rate while the schedule of marginal tax rates remained the same. The income effects of these reforms could be limited since the reduced marginal tax rates apply to only part of the income.
An empirical analysis of capital assets condition ratio in local governments: the case of Florida counties
Authors: Wang Xiaoheng , Chen Can
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the political, economic and institutional determinants of capital assets condition ratio in American local governments using government-wide financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on capital assets data from the period of 2011–2016 for the 66 Florida counties as reported on their government-wide financial statements, the authors use a panel two-way fixed effects estimation and a dynamic panel generalized method of moments estimation.

Findings

The authors find that social-economic factors, fiscal capacity and democratic voters explain the capital assets condition ratio in Florida county governments.

Research limitations/implications

The major findings of this study may only apply to county government in one single state. It may raise the issue of the external validity of our research. It provides policy recommendations for local public officials to maintain and upgrade their capital assets.

Originality/value

The study utilizes a new approach of capital assets condition ratio to measure county government investment in capital assets based on the government-wide financial statements.
Predicting the effect of build orientation and process temperatures on the performance of parts made by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Duarte Fernando Moura , Covas José António , da Costa Sidonie Fernandes
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The performance of the parts obtained by fused filament fabrication (FFF) is strongly dependent on the extent of bonding between adjacent filaments developing during the deposition stage. Bonding depends on the properties of the polymer material and is controlled by the temperature of the filaments when they come into contact, as well as by the time required for molecular diffusion. In turn, the temperature of the filaments is influenced by the set of operating conditions being used for printing. This paper aims at predicting the degree of bonding of realistic 3D printed parts, taking into consideration the various contacts arising during its fabrication, and the printing conditions selected.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational thermal model of filament cooling and bonding that was previously developed by the authors is extended here, to be able to predict the influence of the build orientation of 3D printed parts on bonding. The quality of a part taken as a case study is then assessed in terms of the degree of bonding, i.e. the percentage of volume exhibiting satisfactory bonding between contiguous filaments.

Findings

The complexity of the heat transfer arising from the changes in the thermal boundary conditions during deposition and cooling is well demonstrated for a case study involving a realistic 3D part. Both extrusion and build chamber temperature are major process parameters.

Originality/value

The results obtained can be used as practical guidance towards defining printing strategies for 3D printing using FFF. Also, the model developed could be directly applied for the selection of adequate printing conditions.
Novel methods for an interesting time: Exploring U.S. local food systems’ impacts and initiatives to respond to COVID*
Authors: Thilmany Dawn , Brislen Lilian , Edmondson Hailey , Gill Mackenzie , Jablonski Becca B. R. , Rossi Jairus , Woods Tim , Schaffstall Samantha
Published: November 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic and associated public health and social distancing mandates caused unprecedented shifts and disruptions for local and regional food systems (LRFS). The pandemic also brought new and heightened attention to the structure and resiliency of US food systems, and LRFS appeared to be positioned to significantly increase the scope and scale of their market reach as a result. Researchers from three universities collaborated with staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service to recruit leaders from sixteen key coalitions within the U.S. LRFS sector to frame an adaptive, community‐driven set of applied research activities to understand important themes, learn from effective responses and gain insights into how local and regional supply chains may change post‐pandemic. In this paper, we summarise urgent and emergent strategies and innovations from LRFS captured in a fall 2020 consumer survey, with additional insights on how the survey was framed and interpreted, considering synthesis of collaborative discussions and project team interactions. We conclude the article with a set of research, policy and technical assistance priorities that were identified and validated by this LRFS network.
Sitting as a moral practice: Older adults’ accounts from qualitative interviews on sedentary behaviours
Authors: Palmer Victoria J. , Gray Cindy M. , Fitzsimons Claire , Mutrie Nanette , Wyke Sally , Der Geoff , Chastin Sebastien F. M. , Skelton Dawn A. ,   the Seniors USP Team
Published: November 2021

Amidst public health campaigns urging people to sit less as well as being more physically active, this paper investigates how older adults make sense of their sedentary behaviour. Using an accounts framework focusing on how people rationalise their sitting practices, we analysed data from 44 qualitative interviews with older adults. All interviewees had received information about sedentary behaviour and health, visual feedback on their own objectively measured sitting over a week and guidance on sitting less. Participants used accounts to position sitting as a moral practice, distinguishing between ‘good’ (active/‘busy’) and ‘bad’ (passive/‘not busy’) sitting. This allowed them to align themselves with acceptable (worthwhile) forms of sitting and distance themselves from other people whose sitting they viewed as less worthwhile. However, some participants also described needing to sit more as they got older. The findings suggest that some public health messaging may lead to stigmatisation around sitting. Future sedentary behaviour guidelines and public health campaigns should consider more relatable guidelines that consider the lived realities of ageing, and the individual and social factors that shape them. They should advocate finding a balance between sitting and moving that is appropriate for each person.
Efficiency of eDNA and iDNA in assessing vertebrate diversity and its abundance
Authors: Carvalho Carolina S. , de Oliveira Marina Elisa , Rodriguez‐Castro Karen Giselle , Saranholi Bruno H. , Galetti Pedro M.
Published: November 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and invertebrate‐derived DNA (iDNA) have been increasingly recognized as powerful tools for biodiversity assessment and conservation management. However, eDNA/iDNA efficiency for vertebrate diversity assessment remains uncertain, and comparisons to conventional methods are still rare. Through a meta‐analysis of previously published vertebrate diversity surveys, we compared the efficiency of eDNA/iDNA against conventional methods across several types of samplers, vertebrate groups, and locations (tropical vs. temperate zones). We also assess eDNA/iDNA efficiency to estimate relative abundance or biomass over different molecular methods (qPCR and metabarcoding) and type of experiment (in the laboratory or in the field). We showed that for water sampler, fish as a target species, and studies achieved in temperate zones, eDNA presents lower risk of not detecting a species or a site with a target species than conventional methods. These results show that eDNA is an efficient tool to assess fish diversity. Moreover, eDNA data presents positive correlation with fish abundance or biomass. However, such correlation was higher in laboratory experiments than in the field. For the other samplers, vertebrate groups, and in tropical zones we were not able to draw general conclusion, highlighting the urgency of conducting more comparative studies.
Principles of environmentally‐sustainable anaesthesia: a global consensus statement from the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists
Authors: White S. M. , Shelton C. L. , Gelb A. W. , Lawson C. , McGain F. , Muret J. , Sherman J. D. ,   representing the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists Global Working Group on Environmental Sustainability in Anaesthesia
Published: November 2021

The Earth’s mean surface temperature is already approximately 1.1°C higher than pre‐industrial levels. Exceeding a mean 1.5°C rise by 2050 will make global adaptation to the consequences of climate change less possible. To protect public health, anaesthesia providers need to reduce the contribution their practice makes to global warming. We convened a Working Group of 45 anaesthesia providers with a recognised interest in sustainability, and used a three‐stage modified Delphi consensus process to agree on principles of environmentally sustainable anaesthesia that are achievable worldwide. The Working Group agreed on the following three important underlying statements: patient safety should not be compromised by sustainable anaesthetic practices; high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries should support each other appropriately in delivering sustainable healthcare (including anaesthesia); and healthcare systems should be mandated to reduce their contribution to global warming. We set out seven fundamental principles to guide anaesthesia providers in the move to environmentally sustainable practice, including: choice of medications and equipment; minimising waste and overuse of resources; and addressing environmental sustainability in anaesthetists’ education, research, quality improvement and local healthcare leadership activities. These changes are achievable with minimal material resource and financial investment, and should undergo re‐evaluation and updates as better evidence is published. This paper discusses each principle individually, and directs readers towards further important references.
Procurement‐related liver injury for transplantation: an analysis of the risk factors and consequences in an Australian transplant centre
Authors: Walcott James , Fink Michael , Ealing Isaac , Christophi Christopher , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan
Published: November 2021

Background

Liver transplantation is an established treatment for liver failure, and its success relies on the quality of the donated organ amongst other factors. Studies on procurement‐related liver injury (PRLI) are few and some may not apply to modern‐day practice. This is the first Australian study examining risk factors and consequences of PRLI.

Method

The Victorian Liver Transplant Unit database was examined for deceased liver donors from 2010 to 2017. Information regarding the donor, retrieval and subsequent transplantation was obtained. PRLI details were sought from the ‘organ retrieval report form’. PRLI risk factors and their complications were analysed.

Results

A total of 420 transplants were included, with 45 injuries in 44 livers (10%), and significant injuries were observed in 4%. Variant anatomy was associated with an increased risk of PRLI (11% vs. 2%, p < 0.001). Complication rates were not significantly different between livers with and without PRLI however a reduction in early graft survival was observed.

Conclusion

This study shows that PRLI is common, and that variant anatomy is associated with an increased risk of injury. Appropriate feedback and benchmarking are important to maintain a high quality in donor surgery.
Volcanic disruption: the impact of Whakaari White Island on the provision of elective surgical care in Counties Manukau
Authors: Hayes Thomas , Coleman Brendan , Locke Michelle
Published: November 2021

Introduction

On 9 December 2019, Whakaari White Island erupted while 47 people were on the island. Thirty‐one people were subsequently hospitalized. Fourteen volcanic burn victims were managed at the National Burns Centre at Middlemore Hospital. Between December 2019 and March 2020 these patients required 124 procedures in theatre, using 23 709 operative minutes. Elective surgical lists were cancelled to fulfil this demand for acute operating theatre time and theatre staff.

Objectives

To quantify the elective surgical resource lost in the aftermath of the Whakaari White Island eruption by surgical specialty.

Methods

A data set listing all surgical procedures undertaken within Counties Manukau District Health Board during the period 1 December 2019–1 March 2020 and the corresponding months from the preceding 3 years was analysed. Sum operating time and procedures post‐Whakaari were compared with the average of the prior 3 years to quantify loss in resource.

Results

In the 3 months post‐Whakaari, 698 fewer elective operations were completed across all surgical specialties than the average of the previous 3 years, a decrease of 26.3%. All major surgical specialties except urology showed an absolute decrease in elective procedures completed. The most significant decrease was the 59.1% (533 procedures) loss in plastic surgery elective procedures, with no sign of recovery by March 2021.

Conclusions

The plastic surgery department was the worst affected by the Whakaari disaster. Overall elective surgical delivery within Counties Manukau was substantially impacted, and would not yet recover by the time of the national COVID‐19 lockdown in March 2020.
Chemical analyses on late antique glass finds from Histria, Romania
Authors: Bugoi Roxana , Ţârlea Alexandra , Szilágyi Veronika , Harsányi Ildikó , Cliante Laurenţiu , Kasztovszky Zsolt
Published: November 2021

This paper reports the chemical composition of 36 glass finds from Histria, Romania, mainly dated to the Late Antique period (4th–6th c. AD) obtained by Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) at the Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC). Histria glass fragments were identified as Série 2.1, Série 3.2, and Série 3.3 of Foy, HIMT, Roman, and Sb decolorized. Most of the analyzed objects were manufactured from glass originating in Egyptian primary workshops. These analytical results are an additional proof for the trade connection of Histria with the rest of the Roman Empire.
The Effect of Capitalising Operating Leases On Charities
Authors: Fahad Nafiz , Scott Tom
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the effect of capitalising operating leases on the total liabilities to total assets and surplus to total asset ratios for a sample of New Zealand charities. It finds that both ratios have significantly increased post‐capitalisation and that expenditures change. This extends the constructive lease capitalisation literature to the not‐for‐profit sector. This paper also discusses the characteristics of charities’ operating leases and how they differ from the for‐profit sector. Overall, this paper provides timely evidence to standard setters, especially considering the current exposure draft converging International Public Sector Accounting Standard lease accounting with International Financial Reporting Standard 16 Leases.
The commercialized Australian public university: An accountingized transition
Authors: Parker Lee , Martin‐Sardesai Ann , Guthrie James
Published: November 2021

This paper explores the impact of neoliberalism on Australia's public higher education system. It examines flaws in the university system revealed by the COVID‐19 pandemic and identifies how the conditions created by neoliberal policies have limited universities' capacity to respond to a crisis. The paper reviews the previous literature on universities, neoliberalism policies, and new public management practices. It uses data from the literature, newspapers, and contemporary documents to shape an overview of the Australian public sector university system up to 2021 and its transformation by stealth. The impact of this transformation has been a heavy reliance on international onshore student fees to fund operations, infrastructure, and research activities. COVID‐19‐related public health measures have caused a significant downturn in the number of international students studying in Australia, in turn, creating a financial crisis that has seen many tens of thousands of university staff losing their jobs and courses being cut. The transformation has also seen accountingization of both individual academic and university performance to become the norm. The quantified performance metrics associated with accountingization have become universities' new language, and their goal displaced ends. Revenue generation and expenditure has been privileged over making a contribution to the nation and society. We call for a radical rethinking of the public sector university mission for the ultimate benefit of the Australian community.
Motorway proximity affects spatial dynamics of orthopteran assemblages in a grassland ecosystem
Authors: Rebrina Fran , Reinhold Klaus , Tvrtković Nikola , Brigić Andreja
Published: November 2021

Major roads have become significant components of environmental change but their impacts on invertebrate assemblages are insufficiently understood, and therefore rarely considered in road‐planning and management.

In the current study, we test (i) whether and how orthopteran assemblages change with distance from a motorway, and (ii) how road‐induced changes in noise level, vegetation height and microclimate affect assemblage metrics and spatial distribution of orthopteran species.

In 2018, we sampled orthopterans at five distances from a motorway: 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 m, in eight locations within homogeneous portions of a grassland habitat in Lika region, Croatia, using two sampling methods: pitfall trapping and sweep‐netting.

Orthopteran abundance, species richness, true diversity and conservation value decreased at the sites closest to the motorway in the pitfall dataset, primarily due to negative responses of species with low‐frequency acoustic signals.

Road‐influenced vegetation height had a stronger overall impact on orthopteran assemblages than traffic noise and/or microclimate; increased diversity and conservation value at 25 m from the motorway suggest an effect similar to early stages of vegetation succession.

This study shows, for the first time, that a major road can induce changes in adjacent orthopteran assemblages, but negative impacts are confined to a narrow zone.

Our results indicate that road‐induced changes in orthopteran assemblages could be more efficiently assessed using pitfall trapping than sweep‐netting.

Increasing heterogeneity of roadside habitats by appropriate vegetation management could help mitigating negative road impacts on Orthoptera in the study area, while contributing to higher diversity of their assemblages.