bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary male slings for stress urinary incontinence: advances in device technology and refinements in surgical techniques
Authors: Chung Eric
Published: July 2023

Synthetic male sling (MS) is considered an effective surgical treatment to restore male stress urinary incontinence. The modern MS can be categorised into adjustable or non-adjustable types, while the surgical techniques can be divided into retropubic or transobturator approaches. This narrative review paper evaluates the contemporary MS devices in the current commercial market regarding clinical outcomes and refinements in surgical techniques. Scientific advances in device design and technology, coupled with further surgical refinements will enhance the clinical outcomes and improve the safety profile of MS surgery. The newer generation of modern MS not only provides direct compression of the bulbar urethra but also allows for proximal urethral relocation by realigning the mobile sphincter complex to provide further urethral sphincter complex coaptation. Strict patient selection, use of MS with proven clinical records, adherence to safe surgical principles and judicious postoperative care are critical to ensure a high continence rate, good patient satisfaction and low postoperative complications.
Digital health care and data work: Who are the data professionals?
Authors: Bossen Claus , Bertelsen Pernille Scholdan
Published: July 2023

Background:

This article reports on a study that investigated data professionals in health care. The topic is interesting and relevant because of the ongoing trend towards digitisation of the healthcare domain and efforts for it to become data driven, which entail a wide variety of work with data.

Objective:

Despite an interest in data science and more broadly in data work, we know surprisingly little about the people who work with data in healthcare. Therefore, we investigated data work at a large national healthcare data organisation in Denmark.

Method:

An explorative mixed method approach combining a non-probability technique for design of an open survey with a target population of 300+ and 11 semi-structured interviews, was applied.

Results:

We report findings relevant to educational background, work identity, work tasks, and how staff acquired competences and knowledge, as well as what these attributes comprised. We found recurring themes of healthcare knowledge, data analytical skills, and information technology, reflected in education, competences and knowledge. However, there was considerable variation within and beyond those themes, and indeed most competences were learned “on the job” rather than as part of formal education.

Conclusion:

Becoming a professional working with data in health care can be the result of different career paths. The most recurring work identity was that of “data analyst”; however, a wide variety of responses indicated that a stable data worker identity has not yet developed.

Implications:

The findings present implications for educational policy makers and healthcare managers.
Defining career success: A cross-sectional analysis of health information managers’ perceptions
Authors: Nexhip Abbey , Riley Merilyn , Robinson Kerin
Published: July 2023

Background:

Career success can be defined as the accomplishment of desirable outcomes in an individual’s work experiences. It can be divided into objective and subjective career success. Objective success refers to tangible and measurable outcomes such as promotions and position titles. Subjective career success relates to an individual’s interpretations of their success or accomplishments. The career success of health information management professionals has not been explored in the literature.

Aim:

To determine the indicators of career success as reported by health information managers (HIMs) and identify whether there are any differences based on length of time in the profession.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional study design, an online survey was administered to a sample of La Trobe University and Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences Medical Record Administration and Health Information Management graduates from 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015, which included the following question: “How would you define success in your career?”

Results:

Almost 88% ( n = 63) of overall participants in the study responded to this item. Subjective factors ( n = 77) of career success, compared to objective factors ( n = 22), were more common. The categories of recognition (feeling valued/appreciated), job satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment/sense of achievement were commonly reported.

Discussion:

Subjective factors of an individual’s career success were deemed to be more significant than objective factors among HIMs.

Conclusion:

Factors such as recognition and appreciation at work, job satisfaction, fostering high-quality work outputs and creating a sense of achievement should be the major foci for managers, organisations and individuals.
Isolation and Quantification of 2-O-Caffeoyl-hydroxycitric Acid, an Active Component in Hot Water Extracts of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), Which Inhibits Degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells
Authors: Ikeda Tsuyoshi , Sugahara Takuya , Kanamitsu Honoka , Nakashima Keisuke , Onda Hiroyuki , Yoshino Nanami , Nishi Kosuke , Ishida Momoko
Published: July 2023

Objectives: Natural compounds that can effectively prevent and alleviate allergic symptoms, such as hay fever, are widely sought after from sources such as natural ingredients that can be ingested daily. Coriander extracts have been reported to show anti-allergic activity; however, hot water extracts have not been tested previously. Here, we found that a hot water extract of the aerial parts of coriander inhibited the degranulation of rat basophilic leukemia cell line RBL-2H3 cells and identified the active compounds. Methods: Chromatographic methods were used to isolate compounds from the hot water extract of coriander. The chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data. The degranulation activity of compounds was evaluated using the β-hexosaminidase release assay. Results: We analyzed the components to identify active compounds. 2 S,3 S-2- O-caffeoyl-hydroxycitric acid (1), and 2- O-caffeoyl-hydroxycitric acid 6′- O-methyl ester (2) were isolated from the hot water extract of coriander, and both compounds showed degranulation inhibitory activity in RBL-2H3 cells at a concentration below 2.5 mM. The content of compound 1 in the freeze-dried coriander powder was calculated to be 2.0% via HPLC quantification. Conclusions: Compound 1 was considered to be the primary active contributor in the hot water extract of coriander.
Fibula Stress Fractures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Encinas Rodrigo , Sharpe John , Bakaes Yianni , Mazoue Chris , Jackson Benjamin , Gonzalez Tyler
Published: July 2023

Background

Fibula stress fractures are moderately common injuries among athletes and military recruits. Most of the available data for treatment come from case reports with a limited number of large studies. This systematic review aims to evaluate and present the current literature on fibula stress fractures to help set evidence-based goals and establish realistic expectations for return to activity and sport in injured patients.

Methods

Systematic literature search using 3 databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines were followed. The terms “fibula stress fracture” or “fibular stress fracture” were searched. Date range for inclusion was 2010-2022. Pediatric, non-English, lack of full text available, and studies lacking differentiating fibula stress fracture versus other types of fractures in their data were excluded.

Results

A total of 3 studies with 10 987 subjects were included. Among 521 stress fractures in all 3 studies, there were 45 (8.6% of all fractures) cases involving the fibula. All fibular stress fractures healed successfully with nonoperative measures and non-weight-bearing precautions, on average, by 7 weeks and patients resumed activity, on average, by 9 weeks. Among the 3 studies, there were no reported cases of nonunion or delayed union.

Conclusion

This review found that fibula stress fractures have a relatively moderate incidence among stress fracture injuries with a frequency up to 8.6%. Despite this high number, there is sufficient healing in fibula stress fractures when managed nonoperatively with activity modification in a weight-bearing foot to allow for resumption of baseline activities, on average, by 9 weeks. This review can be used to help set evidence-based goals and establish realistic expectations for return to activity and sport in patients who suffer from fibula stress fractures.

Levels of Evidence:

Level II
Systematic Review of Protein Biomarkers in Adult Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gokani Shyam A. , Espehana Andreas , Pratas Ana C. , Luke Louis , Sharma Ekta , Mattock Jennifer , Gavrilovic Jelena , Clark Allan , Wileman Tom , Philpott Carl M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable personalized approaches to treatment selection.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and summarize clinical studies of biomarkers in adults with CRS in order to inform future research into CRS endotypes.

Methods

We conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to January 30, 2022 and included all clinical studies of adult CRS patients and healthy controls measuring biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or Luminex immunoassays. Outcomes included the name and tissue type of identified biomarkers and expression patterns within CRS phenotypes. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. A narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

We identified 78 relevant studies involving up to 9394 patients, predominantly with CRS with nasal polyposis. Studies identified 80 biomarkers from nasal tissue, 25 from nasal secretions, 14 from nasal lavage fluid, 24 from serum, and one from urine. The majority of biomarkers found to distinguish CRS phenotypes were identified in nasal tissue, especially in nasal polyps. Serum biomarkers were more commonly found to differentiate CRS from controls. The most frequently measured biomarker was IL-5, followed by IL-13 and IL-4. Serum IgE, IL-17, pentraxin-3 and nasal phospho-janus kinase 2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-17A, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and interferon gamma were identified as correlated with disease severity.

Conclusion

We have identified numerous potential biomarkers to differentiate a range of CRS phenotypes. Future studies should focus on the prognostic role of nasal tissue biomarkers or expand on the more limited studies of nasal secretions and nasal lavage fluid. We registered this study in PROSPERO (CRD42022302787).
PKC-δ Promotes IL-1β-Induced Apoptosis of Rat Chondrocytes and Via Activating JNK and P38 MAPK Pathways
Authors: Lu Jinfeng , Yu Miao , Li Jia
Published: July 2023

Objective

Protein kinase C-delta (PKC-δ) is involved in apoptosis. This study aimed to establish whether PKC-δ can further promote IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis by mediating the phosphorylation of the JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways In osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We employed chondrocyte staining to determine the extent of cartilage degeneration. PKC-δ and p38 signal expressions were used in the immunohistochemical (IHC) test and apoptosis was assayed at the TUNEL test in human osteoarthritic and controls. We stimulated rat cartilage cells using IL-1β (10 ng/ml)/rottlerin (10 μM) or lentivirus. To determine the apoptosis rate, we employed flow cytometry. The mRNA of both BCL2-related X (BAX) and cysteine aspartate protease 3 (caspase-3) could be measured via qRT-PCR. Western blot measured the protein levels of BAX, caspase-3, PKC-δ, p-JNK/JNK and p-p38/p38.

Results

The positive rate of PKC-δ and the apoptotic rate of chondrocytes in OA were higher than controls. The manifestation of PKC-δ was positively related to the degree of cartilage degeneration, p38 protein expression, and apoptosis rate. IL-1β exposure upregulated PKC-δ expression in chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Decreasing PKC-δ expression and its phosphorylation in OA can inhibit MAPK signaling pathway activation (phosphorylation) by downregulating JNK and p38 protein phosphorylation and expression. This inhibition decreases caspase-3 and BAX levels, consequently lowering the apoptosis rate in chondrocytes.

Conclusion

PKC-δ activation by IL-1β in OA promotes chondrocyte apoptosis via activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signal pathways, thereby promoting the OA progression.
Method for manufacture and cryopreservation of cartilage microtissues
Authors: Shajib Md. Shafiullah , Futrega Kathryn , Franco Rose Ann G , McKenna Eamonn , Guillesser Bianca , Klein Travis J , Crawford Ross W , Doran Michael R
Published: July 2023

The financial viability of a cell and tissue-engineered therapy may depend on the compatibility of the therapy with mass production and cryopreservation. Herein, we developed a method for the mass production and cryopreservation of 3D cartilage microtissues. Cartilage microtissues were assembled from either 5000 human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSC) or 5000 human articular chondrocytes (ACh) each using a customized microwell platform (the Microwell-mesh). Microtissues rapidly accumulate homogenous cartilage-like extracellular matrix (ECM), making them potentially useful building blocks for cartilage defect repair. Cartilage microtissues were cultured for 5 or 10 days and then cryopreserved in 90% serum plus 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or commercial serum-free cryopreservation media. Cell viability was maximized during thawing by incremental dilution of serum to reduce oncotic shock, followed by washing and further culture in serum-free medium. When assessed with live/dead viability dyes, thawed microtissues demonstrated high viability but reduced immediate metabolic activity relative to unfrozen control microtissues. To further assess the functionality of the freeze-thawed microtissues, their capacity to amalgamate into a continuous tissue was assess over a 14 day culture. The amalgamation of microtissues cultured for 5 days was superior to those that had been cultured for 10 days. Critically, the capacity of cryopreserved microtissues to amalgamate into a continuous tissue in a subsequent 14-day culture was not compromised, suggesting that cryopreserved microtissues could amalgamate within a cartilage defect site. The quality ECM was superior when amalgamation was performed in a 2% O2 atmosphere than a 20% O2 atmosphere, suggesting that this process may benefit from the limited oxygen microenvironment within a joint. In summary, cryopreservation of cartilage microtissues is a viable option, and this manipulation can be performed without compromising tissue function.
Struggling over new asset geographies
Authors: Birch Kean , Ward Callum
Published: July 2023

In this response, we address criticisms of our definition of assetization from an accounting perspective, its overlap with financialization, and the relationship between value and valuation it posits. We reflect on a future agenda around assetization emphasizing the political dimensions of externalizing future costs and the implications of rising inflation.
The Fruit and Vegetable Sector in Andalusia (Spain): Key in Terms of Linkages and the Effect of Economic Multipliers?
Authors: de Pablo Valenciano Jaime , Milán-García Juan , Uribe-Toril Juan , Ruiz-Real José Luis
Published: July 2023

The agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sectors are very important in Andalusia (Spain), being strongly focused on foreign markets, which has required them to make great efforts to improve their competitiveness. The aim of this work is to understand the interrelationships between the fruit and vegetables sector and the remaining sectors of the Andalusian economy, as well as knowing its multiplying effects on production, income, and employment. To this end, the input-output tables of Andalusia for 2016 will be used in order to know if it is a key sector and how it can help to establish economic policy objectives. Regarding forward linkages, the branches that most demand fruit and vegetable products are the industries related to other food products, and the preparation of canned fish and vegetables. In relation to backward linkages, they focus on the manufacture of basic chemicals, and other agricultural crops and services. Despite its importance in Andalusian agriculture, the fruit and vegetable sector is not considered a key sector according to the Rasmussen coefficients, as it is classified as an independent industry. The reasons may be that it uses few primary inputs, is poorly integrated with the rest of the productive sectors, and its production is destined to satisfy final demand (national and international). However, it generates an above average impact on the economy in most multipliers, being important for stimulating economic policy measures.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Vision for Citizen-centric Administration
Authors: Ashrafi Naved
Published: July 2023

After Independence from the British rule, India adopted a new Constitution in 1950 framed by the Constituent Assembly. Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru as the first Prime Minister, India followed the path of ‘democratic socialism’ to establish the ‘socialistic pattern of society’. Though Nehru started with a new vision and vigour, yet he was left with a traditional administrative machinery inherited from the colonial era. Nehru wanted to overhaul the Indian Civil Service (ICS) machinery to suit the objectives of new India by making it more citizen-centric and more participatory, and constituted the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in its place. This article tries to outline the vision of Nehru for a citizen-centric public administration. The article analyses the role of the Preamble to the Constitution and Nehru’s Objectives Resolution in defining popular moorings and sanctions for public administration. Delineating major colonial inheritances in the administrative machinery, the article in its later part, analyses Nehru’s thoughts on citizen-centric administration, especially focusing on a human touch in Indian public administration.
Career and Technical Education at Community Colleges: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Soliz Adela
Published: July 2023

I review the literature evaluating sub-baccalaureate career and technical education (CTE) at community colleges. The goal of this study is to review the evidence describing how earning these types of credentials affects students’ outcomes, as well as which program characteristics contribute to student success. The research suggests that, on average, there are significant labor-market returns to obtaining short, technical credentials, although the returns vary across locations and fields of study. Researchers examining career pathway programs, sectoral partnerships, and apprenticeships have found mixed effects of participating in these programs, although so far, the literature is largely limited to short-term outcomes. More research is needed that ties program characteristics to student outcomes to develop our understanding of how to increase the probability of success for students enrolling in postsecondary CTE. We also need more studies examining the long-term outcomes for students graduating from these programs.
Masculinity and Femininity by Racial Identification: Racialized Differences in Responses to Self-Rated Gender Scales for Cisgender Men and Women
Authors: Pao Christina
Published: July 2023

Gradational gender scales, which ask respondents to rate their masculinity and femininity, have become increasingly popular on social surveys. Nonetheless, there is little descriptive work to show differences in response to gradational gender scales by other socially relevant identities, such as race and ethnicity. This data visualization uses original survey data (N = 2,483) to display the means and 95 percent confidence intervals of responses to self-rated masculinity and femininity for cisgender men and women. Across all racial groups, there are high levels of masculinity and femininity for the “sex-typical” scales (e.g., femininity for women) and lower levels for the “sex-atypical” scales (e.g., masculinity for women). Nonetheless, there are significant differences between racial groups that align with intersectional theories of gendered racialization (e.g., higher self-rated masculinity for Black women and higher self-rated femininity for Asian men than their White counterparts). The findings encourage further subgroup analysis with gradational gender scales in the future.
End-of-life doulas: international reflections on a transnational movement
Authors: Krawczyk Marian , Clare Emma , Collins Erin , Farr Sarah , Johnson Elizabeth , Mallmes Jennifer , Mallon Annetta , Oberle Kelly , Rigal Jennifer
Published: July 2023

This review article summarizes the findings from the first virtual International End-of-Life Doula Symposium, held over 3 days on 25–27 April 2022. More than 40 people attended from seven countries, predominantly from Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and they were primarily experienced practitioners. In this article, we focus on participants’ topics of conversations and experiences that were relevant across international boundaries, organized through the symposium themes of developments, disruptions, dilemmas and directions. All authors took de-identified handwritten notes across the 3 days of discussion, as well as reflexive notes about our own thoughts and perspectives on the topics discussed. We then collated our notes and abductively focussed our analysis on topics that generated significant conversation and/or came up repeatedly within the overall symposium themes, as well as trying to capture any unexpected issues and perspectives. We identify and summarize a wide range of interests and concerns within the development of the end-of-life doula (EOLD) role. We provide a model for integration pathways within existing health care systems, as well as an innovative conceptual framework synthesizing key intersecting developmental issues that are relevant across regional and national boundaries. The symposium was the first opportunity for EOLDs to collectively discuss their work and interests within an international context. Our findings indicate that there are fundamentally similar developmental issues across countries, along with some variations. As the first international event of its kind, our ‘state of the field’ summary review of the symposium holds significant insights relevant to both national and international contexts, and to a diversity of stakeholders interested in the development of this new care role and emerging transnational movement.
Explaining Interoperable Technologies Assimilation in Government: Technology, Organization and Environmental Perspective
Authors: Ray Dibakar , Gulla U , Gupta MP
Published: July 2023

Role of interoperable technologies in government to provide on-stop government services is well recognized. However, assimilation of interoperable technologies in government is not very encouraging. This article uses Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework to provide a theoretical foundation for exploring assimilation of interoperable technology in government. Within this broad framework, various factors influencing technology adoption decision are selected from literature. For selecting environmental factors help of Institutional Theory is taken. A theoretical model and related propositions are provided to guide future research.
Employees’ Performance Appraisal and Improvement: A Composite Model
Authors: Manoharan T.R. , Muralidharan C. , Deshmukh S.G.
Published: July 2023

Performance appraisal (PA) is being prided as one of the most critical among all HRM. An effectively designed, implemented, and administered PA system can provide the organisation, the manager and the employee with a plethora of benefits. This paper demonstrates how an integrated tool like Data envelopment analysis (DEA), fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making (FMADM), with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), fuzzy quality function deployment (FQFD) are applied as a fair evaluating and sorting tool to support PA system. The fuzzy linguistic approach has the advantage of reducing distortion and losing of information. FMADM focuses on the best practices of employees for the purpose of improving overall performance. Unlike traditional performance appraisals, FMADM searches for the highly skilled employees, those serve as peers. This study supports the ideas that rating formats need re-examination as an alternative to traditional rating methods. FMADM could overcome shortfalls of earlier adopted methods that seldom identified and quantified individual factors for improvement. Based on the results of FMADM improvement in employees’ performance are possible by way of providing training, talent enhancement and further qualification wherever required. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) is used to analyse inter-relationships among PA factors to plan and design employees training programme for enhancing their knowledge, skills and attributes(KSA)
Pay Per Click Advertising – A Quantitative Perspective
Authors: Malhotra Gunjan Malhotra , Sridevi U.
Published: July 2023

Today most of our population uses the internet significantly and an advertiser cannot ignore this medium for advertising. One of the famous online advertising forms is the Pay per Click (PPC) advertising. Paid search advertising is commonly much simpler than any other form of advertising. The most striking feature of this type of advertising is total control on the costs. This study tries to analyse the Google PPC advertising function & attempts to provide a reasonable idea on how simple quantitative tools can help in making a wise decision on the allocation of funds to the PPC advertising. Further it tries to estimate the correlation between the average position of the ad shown & the number of clicks by using regression equation. The study concludes that marketer can manage the PPC advertising budgets judiciously
SEZ (Special Economic Zones) in India: A Review of Macro Environment variables
Authors: Dhingra Tarun , Singh Tripti , Sinha Ambalika
Published: July 2023

This paper evaluates the concept of SEZ (Special Economic Zones), its classification, competitiveness in terms of exports and employment generated and also analyse the macro environment like Economic, legal, political and social issues of SEZ. The paper found from the analysis that success factors associated with SEZ are location decision of SEZ, linkages with domestic economy, Government and its institution support and ability of zones to attract factors of production (men, machine, money and materials) and macro environment issues dominate the SEZ policy formulation and execution
Job Content and Job Context Dimensions of Employee Expectations in the Psychological Contract A cost- reward Analysis in the IT Context
Authors: Vijaya V.
Published: July 2023

This paper uses factor analysis to identify dimensions of employee expectations in the psychological contract in the IT sector. The paper also provides an analysis of the cost-reward implications of fulfilling employee expectations. The study identified four factors of expectations: two related to job content and two related to job context. The study found that learning and project expectations emerge as strong job content expectations and Job context expectations are comparatively lower in strength. It also indicates that there is no direct and immediate connection in terms of the cost as well as rewards incurred. The study concludes that job content expectations are stronger than job context expectations
Role of Manufacturing Competencies on Performance of Indian Manufacturing Firms -An Empirical Study
Authors: Dubey Rameshwar
Published: July 2023

India is one of the fastest emerging global manufacturing hubs with a large number of firms shifting their manufacturing base to the country due to cheap labour and good suppliers base. Over the years, India has the largest number of companies, besides Japan, that have been recognized for excellence in quality. As many as 21 companies have received the Deming Excellence awards; 153 companies have achieved Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Excellence Award for their total productivity management practices by the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) committee (Source: IBEF, 2010).Here in this research article author conducted an empirical survey among Indian manufacturing firms to understand how manufacturing competency effects the firm performance. It has been observed that manufacturing competency has a negative impact on firm performance which is contradicting with the so far empirical studies conducted in European, Japanese and American countries. Here in this study authors have provided an in depth analysis to explain this negative impact and how this can lead to positive impact.
Determination of Exchange Rate under Flexible Exchange Rate Regime in India: An Analysis Using ARDL Model
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Sharma Akhilesh Kumar , Rai Mr.
Published: July 2023

Since March 1993, the Indian economy has accepted the flexible exchange rate regime in which the rates are determined by the market. In this flexible exchange rate regime, the degree of volatility has been observed to be comparatively high, and it affects the economy in many different ways. The present paper is an attempt to examine and explain these variations in exchange rate through the theory of purchasing power parity. The primary purpose of this study is to develop an empirical framework to estimate the determinants of exchange rate by employing a time series data of exchange rate and gross domestic product measured at purchasing power parity, and for this, the data used have been for the period 1994 to 2013. In the present paper, the statistical tools such as Pair wise Granger Causality Tests, Breakpoint Unit Root Test, Cointegration Test and finally ARDL model have been applied to develop a viable relationship between regressor and regressand. The result of this endeavor has revealed that there is a definite causal relationship between exchange rate and gross domestic product expressed at purchasing power parity, but the larger variation in the exchange rate is explained by the lag value exchange rate.
Assessing the Long-Run and Short-Run Relationship between Macroeconomic Variables and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in India
Authors: Agarwal Manjari
Published: July 2023

Foreign Direct Investment has an unfathomable contribution in the growth of the developing economies like India. Foreign Direct Investment generally referred as FDI involves long term relationship, lasting interest and control. The World Bank defines it as “net inflows of investment to acquire a lasting management interest (10 percent or more of voting stock) in an enterprise operating in an economy other than that of the investor. It is the sum of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, other long-term capital, and short-term capital as shown in the balance of payments.” Therefore, it is not only an important source of foreign savings to an economy but also synergistically contributes in the economic growth and development by passing on technological advances, entrepreneurial and managerial expertise, know-how assistance, market access and the likes. Therefore, tangible and intangible benefits offered by FDI inflows can collectively contribute in sustainable economic growth and development of India. The association between macroeconomic variables and FDI has become imperative over the past few decades. Further, many studies across the globe have proved that there is a direct or indirect relationship between Macroeconomic Variables and Foreign Direct Investment. Therefore, this paper attempts to explore the causal relationship between selected macroeconomic variables and FDI Net Inflows in India by using econometric analysis. The paper also endeavors to assess the short term and long term relationship between the selected variables using annual data over the period of 1980to 2013.
Assessment of Customer Satisfaction and Behavioural Intentions in Terms of Customer Service Quality Perception towards Technology- Based Banking Services Provided by Selected Commercial Banks Operating in India
Authors: Kumar Rajiv , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2023

The usage of technology-based banking services (TBBS) in India is on rising. The banking customers are using a variety of TBBS as per their requirements. The purpose of the study is to assess customer service quality perception and satisfaction towards TBBS provided by commercial banks in India. The present study used SSTQUAL scale to assess customer service quality perception and customer satisfaction. The study also estimated banking customer’s behavioral intentions regarding their future use of such services. The study surveyed 750 customers based on convenience sampling method of fifteen selected banks operating in India. For the purpose of the study, an equal number of banks from public sector banks, private sector banks, and foreign banks included in the survey. The findings of the study revealed the moderate level of Customer service quality perception and satisfaction towards TBBS provided by selected banks. The study results showed that private sector banks have the highest level of customer service quality perception and customer satisfaction as compared to the Public sector and foreign banks. The findings also validated that customer satisfaction is an antecedent of customer behavioral intentions. The study provides an assessment of customer service quality perception and customer satisfaction towards TBBS provided by selected banks. The bank leaders may get benefited from the results of the study. The bank leaders may work on functionality, customization, design and Enjoyment dimensions of TBBS to make customer satisfied. While making bank customer to reuse the TBBS bank leaders can work on assurance dimension of TBBS.
Homeostasis of cellular amino acids in Acanthamoeba castellanii exposed to different media under amoeba-bacteria coculture conditions
Authors: Tsai Chih-Ming , Chen Chun-Hsien , Cheng Wei-Hung , Stelma Foekje F. , Li Sung-Chou , Lin Wei-Chen
Published: July 2023

Background

Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living protist that feeds on diverse bacteria. A. castellanii has frequently been utilized in studies on microbial interactions. Grazing bacteria also exhibit diverse effects on the physiological characteristics of amoebae, such as their growth, encystation, and cytotoxicity. Since the composition of amoebae amino acids is closely related to cellular activities, it can indicate the overall responses of A. castellanii to various stimuli.

Method

A. castellanii was exposed to different culture conditions in low-nutrient medium with heat-killed DH5α to clarify their effects. A targeted metabolomic technique was utilized to evaluate the concentration of cellular amino acids. The amino acid composition and pathways were analyzed by two web-based tools: MetaboAnalyst and Pathview. Then, long-term exposure to A. castellanii was investigated through in silico and in vitro methods to elucidate the homeostasis of amino acids and the growth of A. castellanii.

Results

Under short-term exposure, all kinds of amino acids were enriched in all exposed groups. In contrast to the presence of heat-killed bacteria, the medium exhibited obvious effects on the amino acid composition of A. castellanii. After long-term exposure, the amino acid composition was more similar to that of the control group. A. castellanii may achieve amino acid homeostasis through pathways related to alanine, aspartate, citrulline, and serine.

Discussion

Under short-term exposure, compared to the presence of bacteria, the type of medium exerted a more powerful effect on the amino acid composition of the amoeba. Previous studies focused on the interaction of the amoeba and bacteria with effective secretion systems and effectors. This may have caused the effects of low-nutrient environments to be overlooked.

Conclusion

When A. castellanii was stimulated in the coculture system through various methods, such as the presence of bacteria and a low-nutrient environment, it accumulated intracellular amino acids within a short period. However, different stimulations correspond to different amino acid compositions. After long-term exposure, A. castellanii achieved an amino acid equilibrium by downregulating the biosynthesis of several amino acids.
Phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase1-overexpression stimulates lipid turnover, oil production and fitness in cold-grown plants
Authors: Klińska-Bąchor Sylwia , Kędzierska Sara , Demski Kamil , Banaś Antoni
Published: July 2023

Background

Extensive population growth and climate change accelerate the search for alternative ways of plant-based biomass, biofuel and feed production. Here, we focus on hitherto unknow, new promising cold-stimulated function of phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (PDAT1) – an enzyme catalyzing the last step of triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis.

Result

Overexpression of AtPDAT1 boosted seed yield by 160% in Arabidopsis plants exposed to long-term cold compared to standard conditions. Such seeds increased both their weight and acyl-lipids content. This work also elucidates PDAT1’s role in leaves, which was previously unclear. Aerial parts of AtPDAT1-overexpressing plants were characterized by accelerated growth at early and vegetative stages of development and by biomass weighing three times more than control. Overexpression of PDAT1 increased the expression of SUGAR-DEPENDENT1 (SDP1) TAG lipase and enhanced lipid remodeling, driving lipid turnover and influencing biomass increment. This effect was especially pronounced in cold conditions, where the elevated synergistic expression of PDAT1 and SDP1 resulted in double biomass increase compared to standard conditions. Elevated phospholipid remodeling also enhanced autophagy flux in AtPDAT1-overexpresing lines subjected to cold, despite the overall diminished autophagy intensity in cold conditions.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that PDAT1 promotes greater vitality in cold-exposed plants, stimulates their longevity and boosts oilseed oil production at low temperature.
The determination of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pod-sizes during the rapid-growth stage by phytohormones
Authors: Lv Zhenghao , Zhou Dongying , Shi Xiaolong , Ren Jingyao , Zhang He , Zhong Chao , Kang Shuli , Zhao Xinhua , Yu Haiqiu , Wang Chuantang
Published: July 2023

Background

Pod size is an important yield target trait for peanut breeding. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the determination of peanut pod size still remains unclear.

Results

In this study, two peanut varieties with contrasting pod sizes were used for comparison of differences on the transcriptomic and endogenous hormonal levels. Developing peanut pods were sampled at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after pegging (DAP). Our results showed that the process of peanut pod-expansion could be divided into three stages: the gradual-growth stage, the rapid-growth stage and the slow-growth stage. Cytological analysis confirmed that the faster increase of cell-number during the rapid-growth stage was the main reason for the formation of larger pod size in Lps. Transcriptomic analyses showed that the expression of key genes related to the auxin, the cytokinin (CK) and the gibberellin (GA) were mostly up-regulated during the rapid-growth stage. Meanwhile, the cell division-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mostly up-regulated at 10DAP which was consistent with the cytological-observation. Additionally, the absolute quantification of phytohormones were carried out by liquid-chromatography coupled with the tandem-mass-spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and results supported the findings from comparative transcriptomic studies.

Conclusions

It was speculated that the differential expression levels of TAA1 and ARF (auxin-related), IPT and B-ARR (CK-related), KAO, GA20ox and GA3ox (GA-related), and certain cell division-related genes (gene-LOC112747313 and gene-LOC112754661) were important participating factors of the determination-mechanism of peanut pod sizes. These results were informative for the elucidation of the underlying regulatory network in peanut pod-growth and would facilitate further identification of valuable target genes.
Prescribing patterns of fall risk-increasing drugs in older adults hospitalized for heart failure
Authors: Liu Esther , Nahid Musarrat , Musse Mahad , Chen Ligong , Hilmer Sarah N. , Zullo Andrew , Kwak Min Ji , Lachs Mark , Levitan Emily B. , Safford Monika M. , Goyal Parag
Published: July 2023

Background

Older adults hospitalized for heart failure (HF) are at risk for falls after discharge. One modifiable contributor to falls is fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs). However, the prevalence of FRIDs among older adults hospitalized for HF is unknown. We describe patterns of FRIDs use and examine predictors of a high FRID burden.

Methods

We used the national biracial REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a prospective cohort recruited from 2003–2007. We included REGARDS participants aged ≥ 65 years discharged alive after a HF hospitalization from 2003–2017. We determined FRIDs –cardiovascular (CV) and non-cardiovascular (non-CV) medications – at admission and discharge from chart abstraction of HF hospitalizations. We examined the predictors of a high FRID burden at discharge via modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors.

Results

Among 1147 participants (46.5% women, mean age 77.6 years) hospitalized at 676 hospitals, 94% were taking at least 1 FRID at admission and 99% were prescribed at least 1 FRID at discharge. The prevalence of CV FRIDs was 92% at admission and 98% at discharge, and the prevalence of non-CV FRIDs was 32% at admission and discharge. The most common CV FRID at admission (88%) and discharge (93%) were antihypertensives; the most common agents were beta blockers (61% at admission, 75% at discharge), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (36% vs. 42%), and calcium channel blockers (32% vs. 28%). Loop diuretics had the greatest change in prevalence (53% vs. 72%). More than half of the cohort (54%) had a high FRID burden (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) score ≥ 6), indicating high falls risk after discharge. In a multivariable Poisson regression analysis, the factors strongly associated with a high FRID burden at discharge included hypertension (PR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.65), mood disorder (PR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.38), and hyperpolypharmacy (PR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.64, 2.14).

Conclusions

FRID use was nearly universal among older adults hospitalized for HF; more than half had a high FRID burden at discharge. Further work is needed to guide the management of a common clinical conundrum whereby guideline indications for treating HF may contribute to an increased risk for falls.
Differential gait adaptation patterns in Parkinson’s disease – a split belt treadmill pilot study
Authors: Plotnik Meir , Arad Evyatar , Grinberg Adam , Salomon Moran , Bahat Yotam , Hassin-Baer Sharon , Zeilig Gabi
Published: July 2023

Background

Interventions using split belt treadmills (SBTM) aim to improve gait symmetry (GA) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Comparative effects in conjugated SBTM conditions were not studied systematically despite potentially affecting intervention outcomes. We compared gait adaptation effects instigated by SBTM walking with respect to the type (increased\decreased speed) and the side (more/less affected) of the manipulated belt in PD.

Methods

Eight individuals with PD performed four trials of SBTM walking, each consisted of baseline tied belt configuration, followed by split belt setting – either WS or BS belt's speed increased or decreased by 50% from baseline, and final tied belt configuration. Based on the disease's motor symptoms, a 'worst' side (WS) and a 'best' side (BS) were defined for each participant.

Results

SB initial change in GA was significant regardless of condition (p ≤ 0.02). This change was however more pronounced for BS-decrease compared with its matching condition WS-increase (p = 0.016). Similarly, the same was observed for WS-decrease compared to BS-increase (p = 0.013). Upon returning to tied belt condition, both BS-decrease and WS-increased resulted in a significant change in GA (p = 0.04). Upper limb asymmetry followed a similar trend of GA reversal, although non-significant.

Conclusions

Stronger effects on GA were obtained by decreasing the BS belt’s speed of the best side, rather than increasing the speed of the worst side. Albeit a small sample size, which limits the generalisability of these results, we propose that future clinical studies would benefit from considering such methodological planning of SBTM intervention, for maximising of intervention outcomes. Larger samples may reveal arm swinging asymmetries alterations to match SBTM adaptation patterns. Finally, further research is warranted to study post-adaption effects in order to define optimal adaptation schemes to maximise the therapeutic effect of SBTM based interventions.
Secular trends of low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age in Shanghai from 2004 to 2020: an age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Zhou Rongfei , Yu Huiting , Qian Naisi , Jin Shan , Cai Renzhi , Chen Lei , Wang Chunfang , Wu Fan
Published: July 2023

Background

Although highly heterogeneous among countries, the incidence rates of low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA) have been increasing globally over the past two decades. To better understand the cause of these secular trends, this study aimed to investigate the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on LBW, PTB, and SGA rates in Shanghai.

Methods

Data from 2,958,695 singleton live births at 24–41 gestational weeks between 2004 and 2020 were obtained for this study. Age-period-cohort models based on Poisson regression were used to evaluate the independent effects of maternal age, delivery period, and maternal birth cohort on the trends in LBW, PTB, and SGA.

Results

The overall prevalence rates of LBW, PTB, and SGA were 2.9%, 4.7%, and 9.3%, respectively, and significant changes were observed (average annual change: + 10.7‰, + 9.1‰, -11.9‰) from 2004 to 2020. Cohort effect increased steadily, from 1960 (risk ratio [RR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.78) to 1993 (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–1.01) for LBW and from 1960 (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.64–0.75) to 2004 (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.94–1.12) for PTB. A strong cohort effect was found with the highest risk of SGA (RR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.72–1.93) in 1960 and the lowest risk (RR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.54–0.61) in 2004, compared with the reference cohort of 1985. There was a “U-shaped” maternal age effect on LBW and PTB and a weak period effect on the three birth outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested a significant independent effect of age, period, and birth cohort on the three birth outcomes. The increasing rates of LBW and PTB motivated us to focus on young and advanced pregnant women. Meanwhile, the prevalence of SGA decreased steadily, illustrating the need for further research on the mechanisms underlying these trends.