bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Drug Reactions at Nonelective Hospital Admission in Children and Adolescents: Comparison of 4 Causality Assessment Methods
Authors: Neininger Martina Patrizia , Wehr Raphaela , Kiesel Lisa Marie , Neubert Antje , Kiess Wieland , Bertsche Astrid , Bertsche Thilo
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to compare assessment methods to determine adverse drug reactions (ADRs) at nonelective hospital admission in pediatric patients, to investigate the interrater reliability of assessment methods in pediatric care, and to analyze symptoms related to ADRs and (suicidal) drug intoxications.

Methods

For 1 year, the medical records of nonelective patients admitted to a university pediatric department were evaluated for potential ADRs using 4 assessments methods by 1 experienced rater. Krippendorff α was calculated from a sample of 14 patients evaluated by 4 experienced raters to determine interrater reliability.

Results

In 1831 nonelective hospital admissions, 63.4% (1161 of 1831) of patients had received at least one drug before admission. We found a potential causal relationship between drugs and symptoms documented at admission and thus potential ADRs according to Naranjo in 23.3% (271 of 1161) of those patients, World Health Organization - Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) in 22.5% (261 of 1161), Koh in 21.7% (252 of 1161), and Begaud in 16.5% (192 of 1161). The probability rating of the potential causal relationships varied considerably between the methods (Naranjo-Begaud, P < 0.01; Naranjo-Koh, P < 0.001; Koh-Begaud, P < 0.01; Begaud-WHO-UMC, P < 0.01). Acceptable interrater reliability (α ≥ 0.667) was only obtained for WHO-UMC (α = 0.7092). The most frequently identified definite ADR was sedation in 1.5% of all nonelective patients with medication before hospital admission. In 1.2% (22 of 1831) of all nonelective admissions, we found drug intoxications with suicidal intent.

Conclusions

The assessment methods showed a high variability in the determination of a potential causal relationship between drug and documented symptom, in the classification of the probability of ADRs, and suboptimal interrater reliability. Thus, their feasibility in pediatric patients is limited.
Adenosine, lidocaine, and magnesium for attenuating ischemia reperfusion injury from resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in a porcine model
Authors: Franko Jace J. , Vu Michael M. , Parsons Michael E. , Conner Jeffrey R. , Lammers Daniel T. , Ieronimakis Nicholas , Reynolds Gregory D. , Eckert Matthew J. , Bingham Jason R.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) following noncompressible hemorrhage results in significant ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Adverse outcomes from IRI include organ dysfunction and can result in profound hemodynamic and molecular compromise. We hypothesized that adenosine, lidocaine, and magnesium (ALM) attenuates organ injury and inflammation responses following REBOA IRI in a porcine model of hemorrhage.

METHODS

Animals underwent a 20% controlled hemorrhage followed by 45 minutes of supraceliac balloon occlusion. They were randomized into two groups: control (n = 9) and ALM intervention (n = 9) to include a posthemorrhage, pre-REBOA bolus (200 mL of 3% NaCl ALM) followed by a continuous drip (2 mL/kg per hour of 0.9% NaCl ALM) during the 4-hour resuscitative period. Primary outcomes included hemodynamic parameters, gene expression of inflammatory signaling molecules, and plasma concentrations of select cytokines and chemokines.

RESULTS

The ALM cohort demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiac output and cardiac index. Plasma concentrations of interleukin 2 and interleukin 10 were significantly lower 3 hours post-REBOA in animals treated with ALM versus vehicle. Interleukin 4 levels in plasma were also lower with ALM at 3 and 4 hours post-REBOA (p < 0.05). Liver expression of IL1RN, MTOR, and LAMP3 messenger RNA was significantly lower with ALM as compared with the vehicle. No significant difference in large bowel gene expression was observed between treatments.

CONCLUSION

In a porcine model of hemorrhage, ALM treatment mitigated inflammatory responses early during post-REBOA resuscitation. Our findings suggest that ALM use with trauma may reduce inflammatory injury and improve outcomes related to REBOA utilization.
Circ_HECTD1 regulates cerebral ischemia injury via mechanisms involving the regulation of let-7c-5p/ROCK1 axis
Authors: Guo Qian , Guo Tingting , Sun Yuanyuan , Chen Tianrong
Published: November 2021

Background

Ischemia is the main cause of cerebral ischemic stroke with a high mortality rate, and it is affected by the dysfunction of circular RNAs. The underlying molecular mechanisms of circ_HECTD1 were explored in cerebral ischemia stroke.

Methods

PC-12 cells were treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) as the cell model of cerebral ischemia model. The expression levels of circ_HECTD1, let-7c-5p, and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR in PC-12 cells. The proliferation ability of PC-12 cells was assessed by 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine and 3-(4,5-dimethylthizol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. The protein expression levels were quantified by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell apoptosis. Lactate dehydrogenase concentration was assessed by a commercialized kit. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction relationships among circ_HECTD1, let-7c-5p and ROCK1.

Results

Circ_HECTD1 was upregulated in OGD/R-treated PC-12 cells. The results also showed that cell proliferation was decreased and apoptosis was increased in OGD/R-treated PC-12 cells, which was overturned by the inhibition of circ_HECTD1. Let-7c-5p was a target of circ_HECTD1, and the protective effects of circ_HECTD1 knockdown on OGD/R-treated PC-12 cells were canceled after co-transfection with let-7c-5p inhibitor. We found that ROCK1 was a potential target of let-7c-5p. Let-7c-5p -mediated the effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of OGD/R-treated PC-12 cells by targeting ROCK1.

Conclusion

Circ_HECTD1 was implicated in the development of cerebral ischemia stroke. Knockdown of circ_HECTD1 protected against cerebral ischemia injury in OGD/R-treated PC-12 cells depending on the regulation of let-7c-5p/ROCK1 axis.
K(Na,K)Na2[Cu2(SO4)4]: a new highly porous anhydrous sulfate and evaluation of possible ion migration pathways
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Charkin Dmitry O. , Kovrugin Vadim M. , Borisov Artem S.
Published: November 2021

Alkali copper sulfates form a rapidly developing family of inorganics. Herein, we report synthesis and crystal structure, and evaluate possible ion migration pathways for a novel Na-K-Cu anhydrous sulfate, K(Na,K)Na2[Cu2(SO4)4]. The CuO7 and SO4 polyhedra share common vertices and edges to form [Cu2(SO4)4]4− wide ribbons, which link to each other via common oxygen atoms forming the host part of the structure. Four guest alkali sites are occupied by solely K+, mixture of K+ and Na+, and solely Na+, which agrees well with the size of the cavities. The crystal structure of K(Na,K)Na2[Cu2(SO4)4] contains two symmetry-independent Cu sites with [4+1+(2)] coordination environments. The overall coordination polyhedra of Cu2+ can be considered as `octahedra with one split vertex'. A similar coordination mode was observed also in some other multinary copper sulfates, mostly of the mineral world. These coordination modes were reviewed and five types of CuO7 polyhedra are identified. CuO7 polyhedra are almost restricted to copper sulfates and phosphates. It was found that a larger amount of the smaller SO4
2− and PO4
3− anions can cluster around a single Cu2+ cation; in addition, for such relatively small anions, both mono (κ1) and bidentate (κ2) coordination modes to the Cu2+ are possible. The correlation between crystallographic characteristics and bond valence energies showed that the new copper sulfate framework, [Cu2(SO4)4]4−, contains one interconnected path suitable for Na+ mobility at tolerable activation energies and that K(Na,K)Na2[Cu2(SO4)4] can be considered as a potential candidate for novel Na-ion conductors.
Low-temperature investigation of natural iron-rich oxoborates vonsenite and hulsite: thermal deformations of crystal structure, strong negative thermal expansion and cascades of magnetic transitions
Authors: Biryukov Yaroslav P. , Zinnatullin Almaz L. , Cherosov Mikhail A. , Shablinskii Andrey P. , Yusupov Roman V. , Bubnova Rimma S. , Vagizov Farit G. , Filatov Stanislav K. , Avdontceva M. S. , Pekov Igor V.
Published: November 2021

This work is devoted to an investigation of the magnetic properties and thermal behaviour of the natural oxoborates vonsenite and hulsite in the temperature range 5–500 K. The local environment, the oxidation states of the Fe and Sn atoms, and the charge distribution were determined using Mössbauer spectroscopy and are in accordance with a refinement of the crystal structure of hulsite from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (SCXRD) in anisotropic approximation for the first time. The magnetic properties were studied by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) (5 ≤ T ≤ 400 K) and are reported for the first time for iron-rich hulsite. Both oxoborates show a very complex magnetic behaviour. Cascades of magnetic transitions are revealed and the critical temperatures were determined. The sequences of magnetic transitions in both vonsenite and hulsite with increasing temperature were found to be as follows: magnetically ordered state → partial magnetic ordering → paramagnetic state. According to X-ray diffraction data (93 ≤ T ≤ 500 K), these processes are accompanied by anomalies in the unit-cell parameters and thermal expansion of the oxoborates at critical temperatures. A strong negative volume thermal expansion is observed for both oxoborates at temperatures below ∼120 K.
Structures of additional crystal forms of Satellite tobacco mosaic virus grown from a variety of salts
Authors: McPherson Alexander
Published: November 2021

The structures of new crystal forms of Satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV) are described. These belong to space groups I2, P21212 (a low-resolution form), R3 (H3) and P23. The R3 crystals are 50%/50% twinned, as are two instances of the P23 crystals. The I2 and P21212 crystals were grown from ammonium sulfate solutions, as was one crystal in space group P23, while the R3 and the other P23 crystals were grown from sodium chloride, sodium bromide and sodium nitrate. The monoclinic and orthorhombic crystals have half a virus particle as the asymmetric unit, while the rhombohedral and cubic crystals have one third of a virus particle. RNA segments organized about the icosahedral twofold axes were present in crystals grown from ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride, as in the canonical I222 crystals (PDB entry 4oq8), but were not observed in crystals grown from sodium bromide and sodium nitrate. Bromide and nitrate ions generally replaced the RNA phosphates present in the I222 crystals, including the phosphates seen on fivefold axes, and were also found at threefold vertices in both the rhombohedral and cubic forms. An additional anion was also found on the fivefold axis 5 Å from the first anion, and slightly outside the capsid in crystals grown from sodium chloride, sodium bromide and sodium nitrate, suggesting that the path along the symmetry axis might be an ion channel. The electron densities for RNA strands at individual icosahedral dyads, as well as at the amino-terminal peptides of protein subunits, exhibited a diversity of orientations, in particular the residues at the ends.
Hunting and raising livestock are associated with meat-related attitudes, norms and frequent consumption: implications for dietary guidance to rural residents
Authors: Linville Twila , Hanson Karla L. , Sobal Jeffery
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Meat consumption is higher than health recommendations, but little is known about potential moderating factors in rural areas. Informed by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper explored potential moderators amongst rural residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors summarized meat-related attitudes (importance, taste preference, healthfulness perceptions), social norms, controls (availability, affordability, self-efficacy) and frequency of consumption (overall, lean meat, wild game) in a cross-sectional survey of rural, adult, US volunteers (n = 572). The authors examined correlations and differences by gender, connection to hunting and to livestock raising.

Findings

These rural residents had positive attitudes toward meat, high family expectations to consume meat and daily consumption. Half of the meat consumed was lean but was infrequently wild game. Respondents with connections to hunting or raising livestock reported more positive meat-related attitudes, norms and self-efficacy, and more frequent meat consumption. Those with a connection to hunting also had higher perceived availability, affordability and consumption of wild game.

Research limitations/implications

Strong meat preferences and expectations may hamper moderation amongst rural residents, particularly in households connected to hunting or raising livestock. Dietary advice can be tailored to respect meat consumption, emphasize the identification and selection of lean meats and highlight wild game as a lean meat that is moderately available and affordable. Future research should disentangle hunting and livestock raising as potential factors in food choice and examine wild game consumption in jurisdictions where it can be sold legally.

Originality/value

This study was novel in examining meat-related practices amongst rural residents, separately examining lean meats and wild game, and identifying hunting and livestock raising as important predictors.
Process maturity and patient orientation in times of a health system reform
Authors: Bogodistov Yevgen , Moormann Jürgen , Sibbel Rainer , Krupskyi Oleksandr P. , Hromtseva Olena
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of the degree of process maturity on the degree of patient orientation in the context of radical process changes. The study is based on a sample of healthcare providers in Ukraine which experiences a fundamental transformation of its healthcare system.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was conducted among the full population of the chief physicians from 53 medical institutions (hospitals, general practitioners centers, dental clinics, and maternity clinics) in one of the largest cities in Ukraine. We investigated the maturity of the process of interaction with patients as perceived by these top managers. We applied variance-based structural equation modeling (SmartPLS3).

Findings

The study shows that each stage of process maturity predetermines the following one. With regard to the impact of each stage of process maturity on patient orientation, all stages show a positive and significant relationship toward patient orientation, i.e. even the lowest stage of maturity is critical for patient orientation. A further contradictory finding to extant literature is, that based on the set of indicators, the process appears to be in different stages at the same time. This speaks against the regular sequence-based approach toward process maturity.

Originality/value

Although it has been assumed that higher degrees of process maturity are associated with higher customer (patient) orientation, this work shows that the relationship holds also for each stage of process maturity separately. This research is based on a very unique sample – the almost complete set of chief physicians and their deputies of practically all medical institutions of a large city.
Energy and time-efficient circuitry of bat-bootstrap and comp-lifier for ultra-low power SAR-ADC
Authors: Faheem Muhammad Yasir , Zhong Shun'an , Azeem Muhammad Basit , Wang Xinghua
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Successive Approximation Register-Analog to Digital Converter (SAR-ADC) has been achieved notable technological advancement since the past couple of decades. However, it’s not accurate in terms of size, energy, and time consumption. Many projects proposed to make it energy efficient and time-efficient. Such designs are unable to deliver two parallel outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, this study introduced an ultra-low-power circuitry for the two blocks (bootstrap and comparator) of 11-bit SAR-ADC. The bootstrap has three sub-parts: back-bone, left-wing and right-wing, named as bat-bootstrap. The comparator block has a circuitry of the two comparators and an amplifier, named as comp-lifier. In a bat-bootstrap, the authors plant two capacitors in the back-bone block to avoid the patristic capacitance. The switching system of the proposed design highly synchronized with the short pulses of the clocks for high accuracy. This study simulates the proposed circuits using a built-in Cadence 90 nm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor library.

Findings

The results suggested that the response time of two bat-bootstrap wings and comp-lifier are 80 ns, 120 ns, and 90 ns, respectively. The supply voltage is 0.7 V, wherever the power consumption of bat-bootstrap, comp-lifier and SAR-ADC are 0.3561µW, 0.257µW and 35.76µW, respectively. Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio is 65 dB with 5 MHz frequency and 25 KS/s sampling rate. The input referred noise of the amplifier and two comparators are 98µVrms, 224µVrms and 224µVrms, respectively.

Originality/value

Two basic circuit blocks for SAR-ADC are introduced, which fulfill the duality approach and delivered two outputs with highly synchronized clock pulses. The circuit sharing concept introduced for the high performance SAR-ADCs.
Solving binary programming problems using homotopy theory ideas
Authors: Alanís-López Lilia , Casas-Ramírez Martha-Selene , Camacho-Vallejo José-Fernando
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study is to show that merging two areas of mathematics – topology and discrete optimization – could result in a viable option to solve classical or specialized integer problems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, discrete topology concepts are applied to propose a metaheuristic algorithm that is capable to solve binary programming problems. Particularly, some of the homotopy for paths principles are used to explore the solution space associated with four well-known NP-hard problems herein considered as follows: knapsack, set covering, bi-level single plant location with order and one-max.

Findings

Computational experimentation confirms that the proposed algorithm performs in an effective manner, and it is able to efficiently solve the sets of instances used for the benchmark. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with a standard genetic algorithm (GA), a scatter search (SS) method and a memetic algorithm (MA). Acceptable results are obtained for all four implemented metaheuristics, but the path homotopy algorithm stands out.

Originality/value

A novel metaheuristic is proposed for the first time. It uses topology concepts to design an algorithmic framework to solve binary programming problems in an effective and efficient manner.
Blow the whistle or dance to a tune! An ethical dilemma
Authors: Qazi Asad Ali , Shaikh Abdul Rehman , Appolloni Andrea
Published: November 2021

Case overview

Mr Qazi was sitting in his office in the Multan branch, reviewing his past month’s key performance indicators when he got a call from his Town Operations Supervisor, Mr Ahmed, based in Bahawalpur. Ahmed was recently promoted and transferred to Bahawalpur, from Multan branch. He informed Qazi about the huge inventory variances, which were not earlier reported by the previous Town Operations Supervisor, Mr Sagheer. Qazi was informed that differences were around 2.37% of total sales vs the allowable company limit of Zero inventory variance. Qazi was worried about whether to report these differences to higher management or not. He was very well aware that reporting might even cost him his job, and that of Sagheer too. He could not see any solution to the recovery of the inventory or cash against the same. Should Qazi take a risk and let go of Sagheer? Should he report the differences?

Expected learning outcome

1. Demonstrate the fraud and integrity-related issues. Why and how happened? 2. Analyzed the role of organizational policies in the decision of blow the whistle. 3. Identify the behaviors that helped a whistle-blower. 4. Assess the ethical dilemmas in which professional duties may conflict with personal ethics. 5. Propose organizational policies to encourage whistle-blowing and to discourage the fraud or integrity-related issues.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.

Study level/applicability

BBA.
A switch from flipped classrooms to emergency remote online teaching (EROT): misconceptions, instructors and preservice teachers perceptions
Authors: Ironsi Chinaza Solomon
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study intends to examine these misconceptions in a bid to reaching a valid conclusion. More importantly, this study intends to elicit information from instructors and preservice teachers on their experiences, successes and challenges on the sudden switch from flipped classroom to emergency remote online teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research design and the main focus of this research design which was is a form of exploratory research design was to understand the reasons opinions and viewpoints of a particular group of people concerning a situation. This paper deems this research design fit for eliciting relevant information from instructors and preservice teachers on their opinions and perceptions on the sudden shift from flipped classrooms to emergency remote online teaching during the previous semester. Data collection for this study was carried out through the use of focus group discussions where participants were asked questions based on the objective of the study.

Findings

The present findings confirm that the mode of instruction delivery was not online teaching rather emergency remote online teaching. Another conclusion that was drawn was with regards to training, use of resources and issues of measurement and evaluation. The study summarized that there was little or no training for the teaching staff before the switch to EROT as instructors were only given guidelines on what to do to implement their lesson plans.

Originality/value

Emergency remote online teaching is a newly emerging approach to lesson delivery, especially in an emergency situation. This study elaborates more on this new dimension of teaching and future prospects as well.
A novel, low-cost technique for modelless calibration of a 3-axis parallel kinematic machine
Authors: Tipary Bence , Erdős Ferenc Gábor
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel measurement technique and a modelless calibration method for improving the positioning accuracy of a three-axis parallel kinematic machine (PKM). The aim is to present a low-cost calibration alternative, for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as educational and research teams, with no expensive measuring devices at their disposal.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a chessboard pattern on a ground-truth plane, a digital indicator, a two-dimensional eye-in-hand camera and a laser pointer, positioning errors are explored in the machine workspace. With the help of these measurements, interpolation functions are set up per direction, resulting in an interpolation vector function to compensate the volumetric errors in the workspace.

Findings

Based on the proof-of-concept system for the linear-delta PKM, it is shown that using the proposed measurement technique and modelless calibration method, positioning accuracy is significantly improved using simple setups.

Originality/value

In the proposed method, a combination of low-cost devices is applied to improve the three-dimensional positioning accuracy of a PKM. By using the presented tools, the parametric kinematic model is not required; furthermore, the calibration setup is simple, there is no need for hand–eye calibration and special fixturing in the machine workspace.
Obtaining the effective gripper dimensions for a kiwifruit harvesting robot using kinematic calibration procedures
Authors: Au Chi Kit , Redstall Michael , Duke Mike , Kuang Ye Chow , Lim Shen Hin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A harvesting robot is developed as part of kiwifruit industry automation in New Zealand. This kiwifruit harvester is currently not economically viable, as it drops and damages too many kiwifruit in the harvesting task due to the positional inaccuracy of the gripper. This is due to the difficulties in measuring the exact effective dimensions of the gripper from the manipulator. The purpose of this study is to obtain the effective gripper dimensions using kinematic calibration procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

A setup of a constraint plate with a dial gauge is proposed to acquire the calibration data. The constraint plate is positioned above the robot. The data is obtained by using a dial gauge and a permanent marker. The effective dimensions of the gripper are used as error parameters in the calibration process. Calibration is exercised by minimizing the difference between target positions and measured positions iteratively.

Findings

The robot with the obtained effective dimensions is tested in the field. It is found that the fruit drops due to positional inaccuracy of the gripper are greatly reduced after calibration.

Practical implications

The kiwifruit industry in New Zealand is growing rapidly and announced plans in 2017 to double global sales by 2025. This growth will put extra pressure on the labour supply for harvesting. Furthermore, the Covid pandemic and resulting border restrictions have dramatically reduced seasonal imported labour availability. A robotic system is a potential solution to address the labour shortages for harvesting kiwifruit.

Originality/value

For kiwifruit harvesting, the picking envelope is well above the robot; the experimental data points obtained by placing a constraint plate above the robot are at similar positions to the target positions of kiwifruit. Using this set of data points for calibration yields a good effect of obtaining the effective dimension of the gripper, which reduces the positional inaccuracy as shown in the field test results.
Robot hand-eye cooperation based on improved inverse reinforcement learning
Authors: Yu Ning , Nan Lin , Ku Tao
Published: November 2021

Purpose

How to make accurate action decisions based on visual information is one of the important research directions of industrial robots. The purpose of this paper is to design a highly optimized hand-eye coordination model of the robot to improve the robots’ on-site decision-making ability.

Design/methodology/approach

The combination of inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) algorithm and generative adversarial network can effectively reduce the dependence on expert samples and robots can obtain the decision-making performance that the degree of optimization is not lower than or even higher than that of expert samples.

Findings

The performance of the proposed model is verified in the simulation environment and real scene. By monitoring the reward distribution of the reward function and the trajectory of the robot, the proposed model is compared with other existing methods. The experimental results show that the proposed model has better decision-making performance in the case of less expert data.

Originality/value

A robot hand-eye cooperation model based on improved IRL is proposed and verified. Empirical investigations on real experiments reveal that overall, the proposed approach tends to improve the real efficiency by more than 10% when compared to alternative hand-eye cooperation methods.
Malacca's “Straits Chinese traditional courtyard eclectic style shophouses”: facades' architectural design elements through place identity
Authors: Zwain Akram , Bahauddin Azizi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The traditional courtyard shophouses modifications, alterations and deterioration over the years have become a source of concern to major stakeholders. In George Town World Heritage Site Malaysia, studies have shown that the worst hit among its various shophouses are the Straits Chinese traditional courtyard eclectic style shophouses. This paper investigates the traditional courtyard shophouses concerning the role of architectural formation design components, and how this can sustain the place identity of the Straits Chinese typology.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach regards the collection of data and analysis of 30 face-to-face interviews and the observation of Lots number 3, 5 and 7, located along Lorong Ikan, George Town World Heritage Site.

Findings

It was found that these Lots express the place identity of the Straits Chinese, and its major exterior architecture components to be observed are the column head (Chi Tou) capital, parapet wall, bressummer beam and ionic column, and gable and gable ends.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to the role of architectural formation design components. Future research is needed to expand the scope of participant elements via a quantitative approach. This will enhance the validation of findings from this paper.

Practical implications

It is recommended the use of the proposed checklist to enhance the sustainability of the architectural components regarding the place identity of these styles of shophouses, which provides salutary lessons on how to preserve the heritage buildings. Also, major stakeholders with leading evidence from relevant government agencies should ensure the preservation of these cultural and heritage buildings for the next generation.

Social implications

This paper found that the family beliefs and social impact were the components that express the place identity of the Straits Chinese.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the role of architectural formation design components regarding place identity of Straits Chinese traditional courtyard eclectic style shophouses cannot be over-emphasised.
Volatility transmission within financial markets during the COVID-19 pandemic: are faith-based investors well off in Tunisia?
Authors: Akinlaso Mustapha Ishaq , Robbana Aroua , Mohamed Nura
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the risk-return and volatility spillover within the Tunisian stock market during the COVID-19 pandemic analyzing both the Islamic and conventional stocks’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Both symmetric (GARCH and GARCH-M) and asymmetric (Threshold GARCH and Exponential GARCH) models are used to analyze the market returns and volatility response. Standard and Poor’s (S&P) index has been used to test both the Islamic and conventional stocks within the Tunisian stock market.

Findings

The findings suggest that both Tunisia Islamic and conventional stock markets are highly persistent; however, the conventional stock index showed a negative return spillover on the Islamic stocks during the pandemic. The conventional stock index has also shown a higher exposure to risk for a lower amount of return, and evidence of potential diversification benefit between both indexes was found during the pandemic, whereas the Islamic market showed a positive leverage effect, indicating a positive correlation between past return and future return; the conventional index implied a negative leverage effect.

Originality/value

The value of this paper emerges in studying three main aspects that are specific to the Tunisian stock market. This includes COVID-19 effect of return spillovers, volatility transmission across both conventional and Islamic stock market within the local financial market.
The Iris Data Set: In Search of the Source ofVirginica
Authors: Unwin Antony , Kleinman Kim
Published: November 2021

The iris data set is one of the best-known and most widely used data sets in statistics and data science. But the origins of at least part of the data have been something of a mystery for decades. Antony Unwin and Kim Kleinman believe they have traced the source
The Role of Second‐Tier Exchange in Corporate Valuation: Evidence from Korea*
Authors: Choi Heejung , Lee Dong Wook
Published: November 2021

Using data from Korea, we show that the second‐tier exchange—also known as the entrepreneurial market—assigns higher valuations to growth‐oriented (i.e. small yet intangibles‐rich) companies despite their low profitability. Such “growth” valuation is most pronounced among companies in an earlier stage of their life cycle as proxied by dividend payments (i.e. dividend non‐payers). Further analysis confirms that the valuation in the second‐tier exchange facilitates access to capital and investments—especially in intangible assets—by the early‐stage growth companies who would not have made it to public equity markets without the second‐tier exchange.
Examining the impetus for internal CSR Practices with digitalization strategy in the service industry during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Low Mei Peng , Bu Maoliang
Published: November 2021

The year 2020 began with a glimpse into the darkness with the onset of the worldwide COVID‐19 pandemic. An invisible, threatening virus has forced many countries to practice restricted movement and impose lockdowns for the sake of their citizens’ safety and well‐being. In response, many business organizations have implemented various remote‐work arrangements. These arrangements have spurred the use of digitalization strategies and have landed many employees in the vulnerable virtual workplace. With employees facing all these uncertainties and vulnerabilities, their commitment to their workplace could come into question. At the same time, organizations facing tremendous challenges are searching for committed employees to navigate through this turbulent time. From a strategic management perspective, organizations could revisit their internal core competencies to prevail through internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. Meanwhile, the rapidly growing pace of digitalization could further augment organizations’ survival and resilience. This research paper showcases the empirical outcomes of the promising match between internal CSR practices and digitalization strategy; and employees’ organizational commitment during times of crisis. The results reveal that internal CSR practices positively stimulate employees’ organizational commitment, while digitalization strategy intercedes in the nexus between internal CSR practices and affective commitment. The empirical outcomes shed light on business organizations and their ability to take a frugal approach in turbulent times.
Comprehensive analysis of human chorionic membrane extracts regulating mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenesis
Authors: Go Yoon Young , Chae Sung‐won , Song Jae‐Jun
Published: November 2021

Objective

Human chorionic membrane extracts (CMEs) from placenta are known to be a natural biomaterial for bone regeneration, with their excellent osteogenic efficacy on osteoblasts. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanism involved.

Methods and Results

We have shown the in vitro and in vivo bone‐forming ability of CME using human osteoblasts and bone defect animal models, suggesting that CME greatly enhances osteogenesis by providing an osteoconductive environment for the osteogenesis of osteoblasts. Proteomic analysis revealed that CME contained several osteogenesis‐related stimulators such as osteopontin, osteomodulin, Thy‐1, netrin 4, retinol‐binding protein and DJ‐1. Additionally, 23 growth factors/growth factor–related proteins were found in CME, which may trigger mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling as a specific cellular signalling pathway for osteogenic differentiation. Microarray analysis showed four interaction networks (chemokine, Wnt signalling, angiogenesis and ossification), indicating the possibility that CME can promote osteogenic differentiation through a non‐canonical Wnt‐mediated CXCL signalling–dependent pathway.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed the function and mechanism of action of CME during the osteogenesis of osteoblasts and highlighted a novel strategy for the use of CME as a biocompatible therapeutic material for bone regeneration.
An improved exponential metric space approach for C‐mean clustering analysing
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Joshi Varun , Dhiman Gaurav , Viriyasitavat Wattana
Published: November 2021

In this article, we present two resilient algorithms, the improved alternative hard c‐means (IAHCM) and the improved alternative fuzzy c‐means (IAFCM). We implement the Gaussian distance‐dependent function proposed by Zhang and Chen (D.‐Q. Zhang and Chen, 2004). In some cases, Zhang and Chen's metric distance does not account for the clustering centroid effect predicted by the large value. R* is employed in IAHCM and IAFCM to discover robust results while minimizing its sensitivity. Experiments are conducted using two‐and three‐dimensional data, including Diamond and Iris real‐world data. The results are based on demonstrating the robust simplicity and applicability of the offered algorithms. Similarly, computational complexity is assessed.
Ecological network for species dependent on ancient broadleaf trees using Osmoderma barnabita as a model species: a new approach
Authors: Valainis Uldis , Balalaikins Maksims , Soms Juris , Bastytė‐Cseh Dalia , Gintaras Alvydas , Banelienė Adelė , Augutis Danas , Žukovskienė Marija , Nitcis Māris , Zolovs Maksims
Published: November 2021

Organisms that depend on rare and endangered microhabitats, such as old, hollow trees, have a high conservation value.

To conserve these species, it is necessary to apply methods that identify habitats suitable for their survival.

Until now, a comprehensive method has not been developed for predicting the occurrence of species associated with old, hollow trees.

Here, we developed criteria to identify habitats for organisms associated with old, hollow trees, using Osmoderma barnabita as a model species.

We used hexagonal tessellation to identify suitable habitats for hermit beetle.

Criteria for predicting the occurrence of a hermit beetle were applied in practise, and as result 47.56% of the known hermit beetle localities coincided with the hexagons where the probability of occurrence of the species was the highest. Based on these results, an ecological network was created for species dependency on old, hollow trees, using the hermit beetle as a model species.

The proposed approach makes it possible to plan and implement environmental protection measures for species living in territories spanning several countries. In this work, we propose a method to identify species occurrence in core areas and to determine ecological corridors and gaps. This method could tailor conservation planning efforts.
Talking to Art and Design Students at Home: Evaluating the Differences in Student Engagement Online
Authors: Marshalsey Lorraine
Published: November 2021

In 2020, because of a pandemic and the subsequent necessary and immediate pivot to online and distance education, physical art and design studio learning dispersed and instantly became (and, it can be argued, irreversibly) remote via a range of university‐approved digital platforms. This article examines a study conducted after distance education had been universally implemented in one college of art in Australia. The data analysis highlighted inconsistency across art and design student engagement. Generally, students who were situated in the later years of their degree programmes fared better than first year students new to the processes, practices and socialisation of studio learning. This article evaluates the differences in student engagement online and proposes strategies for reflective teaching when interacting with students remotely.
Identification of liver‐derived bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐9 as a potential new candidate for treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Cai Chen , Itzel Timo , Gaitantzi Haristi , de la Torre Carolina , Birgin Emrullah , Betge Johannes , Gretz Norbert , Teufel Andreas , Rahbari Nuh N. , Ebert Matthias P. , Breitkopf‐Heinlein Katja
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high‐incidence malignancy worldwide which still needs better therapy options. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the responses of normal or malignant human intestinal epithelium to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐9 and to find out whether the application of BMP‐9 to patients with CRC or the enhancement of its synthesis in the liver could be useful strategies for new therapy approaches. In silico analyses of CRC patient cohorts (TCGA database) revealed that high expression of the BMP‐target gene ID1, especially in combination with low expression of the BMP‐inhibitor noggin, is significantly associated with better patient survival. Organoid lines were generated from human biopsies of colon cancer (T‐Orgs) and corresponding non‐malignant areas (N‐Orgs) of three patients. The N‐Orgs represented tumours belonging to three different consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of CRC. Overall, BMP‐9 stimulation of organoids promoted an enrichment of tumour‐suppressive gene expression signatures, whereas the stimulation with noggin had the opposite effects. Furthermore, treatment of organoids with BMP‐9 induced ID1 expression (independently of high noggin levels), while treatment with noggin reduced ID1.

In summary, our data identify the ratio between ID1 and noggin as a new prognostic value for CRC patient outcome. We further show that by inducing ID1, BMP‐9 enhances this ratio, even in the presence of noggin. Thus, BMP‐9 is identified as a novel target for the development of improved anti‐cancer therapies of patients with CRC.
Transformational leadership as a mediator between work–family conflict, nurse‐reported patient safety outcomes, and job engagement
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , Obeidat Arwa Atef
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Work–family conflict (WFC) is an important issue in nursing administration and management that is associated with reduced work effectiveness and patient safety issues. To date, very few studies have attempted to explain the mechanisms underlying these relationships. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of work–family conflict (WFC) on patient safety outcomes and job engagement via the intermediary role of transformational leadership (TL).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Seven hundred fifty‐four nurses from 10 acute care hospitals in the Philippines were included in this cross‐sectional study.

Findings

A higher perception of WFC was associated with increased adverse events, reduced quality of care and decreased job engagement. WFC was indirectly associated with quality of care, adverse events and job engagement through the intermediary of TL.

Conclusions

The results of this study underscore the important role of nurse managers’ TL in sustaining work–family balance and, in turn, improving patient safety outcomes and enhancing job engagement among nurses.

Clinical relevance

Institutional measures to foster patient safety outcomes and sustain the nursing workforce should involve enhancing nurse managers’ leadership behaviors through theory‐driven interventions, periodic leadership assessment, and implementation of leadership development activities. WFC may be addressed by creating empowering work conditions, providing adequate coaching and mentorship to nurses, and implementing work–family friendly policies in the workplace.
Food Insecurity and Its Association With Alcohol and Other Substance Use Among High School Students in the United States
Authors: Turner Victoria E. , Demissie Zewditu , Sliwa Sarah A. , Clayton Heather B.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Studies show that food insecurity is associated with adverse health behaviors for children and adults. However, published data among adolescents are limited. The objective of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and substance use behaviors among US high school students.

METHODS

Data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 10 states were combined to examine the association between household food insecurity and adolescent use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioid misuse, and illicit drugs using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among surveyed respondents, 12.3% of high school students reported experiencing food insecurity. In unadjusted analyses, the prevalence of substance use was higher among students with food insecurity compared to food secure students: current binge drinking (16.2% vs 11.5%), current marijuana use (24.0% vs 16.2%), lifetime prescription opioid misuse (21.3% vs 12.6%), and lifetime use of illicit drugs (12.3% vs 5.0%) (all p < .05). In adjusted models, food insecurity was associated with lifetime prescription opioid misuse and lifetime use of illicit drugs (aPR 1.38 and 1.70, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Students with food insecurity are a potential group at a higher rise of substance misuse and may benefit from prevention programs designed to address their needs.
Outcome of Surgical Management of Hemophilic Pseudotumor: Review of 10 Cases from Single‐Center
Authors: Yao Yun‐feng , Gao Qiang , Li Jia‐le , Xue Chen‐xi , Fang Wang , Jing Jue‐hua
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the operative methods and clinical results of surgical treatment in a case series of 10 patients with hemophilic pseudotumors.

Methods

Ten patients with hemophilic pseudotumors who received surgical resection treatment in our hospital from October 2017 to June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency).The age range was 20–51 years. Preoperative imaging examination revealed the size of irregular mass from 8.2 cm× 3.3 cm× 2.3 cm to 22.3 cm× 15.5 cm× 17.0 cm. With the supplementary of recombinant coagulation factor VIII, five cases received complete resection; one received resection and skin grafting; one received cytoreduction surgery as the pseudotumor closing to iliac vessel and nerve; three cases received complete resection and construction as bone destruction. The perioperative variables were recorded and all the patients were followed in the outpatient clinic. Clinical and radiological assessments were conducted.

Results

In these patients, the average intraoperative blood loss volume was 783.1 mL (range, 240–2100 mL). Six patients received blood transfusion during perioperative period. The average duration of surgery was 140.7 min (range, 110–240 min). All wounds healed smoothly and there was no infection or chronic sinus formation. The average length of hospital stay was 16.3 days (range, 12–25 days). There is no iatrogenic vascular nerve injury in our series. Complete follow‐up was performed in all patients. Mean follow‐up duration was 14.2 months (range, 6–26 months). One patient with pseudotumor in the thigh had a recurrence 1 year after operation, then secondary operation was performed. In three cases who received complete resection and construction, patient 8 obtained bone graft and late fixation. X‐ray examination showed bone formation in the lesion at the 2‐year follow‐ups after operation. Patient 9 underwent knee replacement, his left knee showed flexion deformity in preoparation. At the last follow‐up, range of motion was improved from 0° to 40° compared with preoperative status. Patient 10 had pseudotumor in the distal femur, received long bone graft and intramedullary nail fixation.

Conclusions

Surgical resection for hemophilic pseudotumors is an effective and safe method. The choice of surgical procedure must be individualized according to the localization and progress of pseudotumor.