bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cereulide synthetase acquisition and loss events within the evolutionary history of Group IIIBacillus cereus sensu latofacilitate the transition between emetic and diarrheal foodborne pathogen
Authors: Carroll Laura M. , Wiedmann Martin
Published: May 2020

Cereulide-producing members ofBacillus cereus sensu lato(B. cereus s.l.) Group III, also known as “emeticB. cereus”, possess cereulide synthetase, a plasmid-encoded, non-ribosomal peptide synthetase encoded by thecesgene cluster. Despite the documented risks that cereulide-producing strains pose to public health, the level of genomic diversity encompassed by “emeticB. cereus” has never been evaluated at a whole-genome scale. Here, we employ a phylogenomic approach to characterize Group IIIB. cereus s.l.genomes which possessces(ces-positive) alongside their closely relatedces-negative counterparts to (i) assess the genomic diversity encompassed by “emeticB. cereus”, and (ii) identify potentialcesloss and/or gain events within the evolutionary history of the high-risk and medically relevant sequence type (ST) 26 lineage often associated with emetic foodborne illness. Using all publicly availableces-positive Group IIIB. cereus s.l.genomes and theces-negative genomes interspersed among them (n= 150), we show that “emeticB. cereus” is not clonal; rather, multiple lineages within Group III harbor cereulide-producing strains, all of which share a common ancestor incapable of producing cereulide (posterior probability [PP] 0.86-0.89). The ST 26 common ancestor was predicted to have emerged asces-negative (PP 0.60-0.93) circa 1904 (95% highest posterior density [HPD] interval 1837.1-1957.8) and first acquired the ability to produce cereulide before 1931 (95% HPD 1893.2-1959.0). Three subsequentcesloss events within ST 26 were observed, including among isolates responsible forB. cereus s.l.toxicoinfection (i.e., “diarrheal” illness).

Importance

“B. cereus” is responsible for thousands of cases of foodborne disease each year worldwide, causing two distinct forms of illness: (i) intoxication via cereulide (i.e., “emetic” syndrome) or (ii) toxicoinfection via multiple enterotoxins (i.e., “diarrheal” syndrome). Here, we show that “emeticB. cereus” is not a clonal, homogenous unit that resulted from a single cereulide synthetase gain event followed by subsequent proliferation; rather, cereulide synthetase acquisition and loss is a dynamic, ongoing process that occurs across lineages, allowing some Group IIIB. cereus s.l.populations to oscillate between diarrheal and emetic foodborne pathogen over the course of their evolutionary histories. We also highlight the care that must be taken when selecting a reference genome for whole-genome sequencing-based investigation of emeticB. cereus s.l.outbreaks, as some reference genome selections can lead to a confounding loss of resolution and potentially hinder epidemiological investigations.
Active disturbance rejection control strategy for airborne radar stabilization platform based on cascade extended state observer
Authors: Mei Dong , Yu Zhu-Qing
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the anti-interference ability of the airborne radar stabilization platform, especially the ability to suppress continuous disturbance under complex air conditions to ensure the clarity and stability of airborne radar imaging.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a new active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy based on the cascade extended state observer (ESO) for airborne radar stabilization platform, which adopts two first-order ESOs to estimate the angular velocity value and the angular position value of the stabilized platform. Then makes the error signal which subtracts the estimated value of ESO from the output signal of the tracking-differentiator as the input signal of the nonlinear state error feedback (NLSEF), and according to the output signal of the NLSEF and the value which dynamically compensated the total disturbances estimated by the two ESO to produce the final control signal.

Findings

The simulation results show that, compared with the classical ADRC, the ADRC based on the cascade ESO not only estimates the unknown disturbance more accurately but also improves the delay of disturbance observation effectively due to the increase of the order of the observer. In addition, compared with the classical PID control and the classical ADRC, it has made great progress in response performance and anti-interference ability, especially in the complex air conditions.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is the adoption of a new ADRC control strategy based on the cascade ESO to ameliorate the anti-interference ability of the airborne radar stabilization platform, especially the ability to suppress continuous interference under complex air conditions.
Practical implementation of 4D-trajectories in air traffic management: system requirements and time windows monitoring
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz Álvaro , Claramunt Puchol Cecilia , Pérez-Castán Javier A. , Gómez Comendador Fernando , Arnaldo Valdés Rosa M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The current air traffic management (ATM) operational approach is changing; “time” is now integrated as an additional fourth dimension on trajectories. This notion will impose on aircraft the compliance of accurate arrival times over designated checkpoints (CPs), called time windows (TWs). This paper aims to clarify the basic requirements and foundations for the practical implementation of this functional framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the operational deployment of 4D trajectories, by defining its relationship with other concepts and systems of the future ATM and communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) context. This allows to establish the main tools that should be considered to ease the application of the 4D-trajectories approach. This paper appraises how 4D trajectories must be managed and planned (negotiation, synchronization, modification and verification processes). Then, based on the evolution of a simulated 4D trajectory, the necessary corrective measures by evaluating the degradation tolerances and conditions are described and introduced.

Findings

The proposed TWs model can control the time tolerance within less than 100 s along the passing CPs of a generic trajectory, which is in line with the expected future ATM time-performance requirements.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is the provision of a holistic vision of the systems and concepts that will be necessary to implement the new 4D-trajectory concept efficiently, thus enhancing performance. It also proposes tolerance windows for trajectory degradation, to understand both when an update is necessary and what are the conditions required for pilots and air traffic controllers to provide this update.
Cash crops financing, agricultural performance and sustainability: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Asaleye Abiola John , Alege Philip O. , Lawal Adedoyin Isola , Popoola Olabisi , Ogundipe Adeyemi A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

One of the challenging factors in achieving sustainable growth is the inability of the Nigerian government to diversify the country's revenue base. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cash crop financing and agricultural performance in Nigeria.

Design/methodology

Four crops were considered, namely, cotton, cocoa, groundnut and palm oil. The impact of cash crop finance shock on agricultural performance was investigated using the vector error correction model (VECM), while the long-run relationship was examined through the identification of long-run restrictions on the VECM.

Findings

The variance decomposition showed that financing shock is more sensitive to cause variation in aggregate employment than aggregate agricultural output in palm oil, while for cocoa, cotton and groundnut showed otherwise. The long-run structural equations exert a positive relationship between cash crop financing and agricultural performance, except for oil palm and cocoa financing that has a negative connection with agrarian employment.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the unavailability of data for agriculture sector capital utilisation, which was not used.

Practical implications

These results show that long-run benefit can be maximised by appropriate funding in cotton and groundnut production to promote sustainable growth.

Originality/value

The study examines the impact of cash crop financing on agricultural performance with the aim to promote sustainable growth in Nigeria using identified VECM.
Competitive intelligence and strategy formulation: connecting the dots
Authors: Cavallo Angelo , Sanasi Silvia , Ghezzi Antonio , Rangone Andrea
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how competitive intelligence (CI) relates to the strategy formulation process of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the novelty of the phenomenon and to the depth of the investigation required to grasp the mechanisms and logics of CI, a multiple case study has been performed related to four companies located in Brazil that adopted CI practices within dedicated business units to inform and support strategic decision-making.

Findings

The authors provide detailed empirical evidence on the connection and use of CI practices throughout each stage of the strategy formulation process. Moreover, the study suggests that CI practices, despite their strategic relevance and diffusion, are still extensively adopted for tactical use.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on how CI practices may inform, support, and be integrated in the strategy formulation process, as few studies have done before.
A three-phase interpenetrating continua approach for wave and porous structure interaction
Authors: Yang Liang , Buchan Andrew , Pavlidis Dimitrios , Jones Alan , Smith Paul , Sakai Mikio , Pain Christopher
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a three-phase interpenetrating continua model for the numerical simulation of water waves and porous structure interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast with one-fluid formulation or multi-component methods, each phase has its own characteristics, density, velocity, etc., and each point is occupied by all phases. First, the porous structure is modelled as a phase of continua with a penalty force adding on the momentum equation, so the conservation of mass is guaranteed without source terms. Second, the adaptive unstructured mesh modelling with P1DG-P1 elements is used here to decrease the total number of degree of freedom maintaining the same order of accuracy.

Findings

Several benchmark problems are used to validate the model, which includes the Darcy flow, classical collapse of water column and water column with a porous structure. The interpenetrating continua model is a suitable approach for water wave and porous structure interaction problem.

Originality/value

The interpenetrating continua model is first applied for the water wave and porous structure interaction problem. First, the structure is modelled as phase of non-viscous fluid with penalty force, so the break of the porous structure, porosity changes can be easily embedded for further complex studies. Second, the mass conservation of fluids is automatically satisfied without special treatment. Finally, adaptive anisotropic mesh in space is employed to reduce the computational cost.
Paramedic student empathetic attitudes towards homelessness: a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Prakash Shamant , Brown Shannon , Murphy Michelle , Williams Brett
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Current statistics highlight the increasing prevalence of homelessness in Australia, however, there is scant research regarding empathy and homelessness in the paramedic literature. Research in other areas of healthcare demonstrates that interaction with the homeless can positively impact empathetic attitudes and also highlights the opportunity to examine if these results are consistent or generalisable to the Australian paramedic profession. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore paramedic students' empathetic attitudes towards homelessness.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mixed method design study was undertaken using a repeated measures and focus group approach. Paramedic students participated in clinical experience, involving interactions with the homeless. This entailed participating in at least four shifts (11 pm – 5 am) where students gained experience at the Salvation Army Health Café or with the Youth Street Teams in Melbourne, Australia. Empathy levels of the paramedic students toward homelessness, both pre- and post- were measured using the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS) and the Health Professionals' Attitudes Toward the Homeless Inventory (HPATHI). A focus group with student participants was also conducted to obtain further detailed information about their perceptions of the experience.

Findings

A total of 20 students participated (100% response rate). Statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases were observed on the MCRS pre- to post- data with total mean scores of 48.35 (SD ± 8.33) and 51.65 (SD ± 5.56), respectively. On the HPATHI a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) increase in Personal Advocacy was observed. Eight of these students took part in a subsequent focus group. Following thematic analysis of the focus group, a number of common themes were identified that included: communication, empathy and rapport, and a change in perception and attitude.

Originality/value

The results of this pilot study demonstrate that through participation in a project involving experience interacting with the homeless population, paramedic students showed a greater level of empathy towards the homeless. Increases in empathetic regard, social advocacy and personal advocacy were also found.
Store disorderliness effect: shoppers' competitive behaviours in a fast-fashion retail store
Authors: Coskun Merve , Gupta Shipra , Burnaz Sebnem
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of store messiness and human crowding on shoppers' competitive behaviours, in-store hoarding and in-store hiding, through the mediating effect of perceived scarcity and perceived competition.

Design/methodology/approach

2 (store messiness: messy × tidy) × 2 (human crowding: high × low) between-subject factorial experiment was conducted online to manipulate retail store atmospheric factors. A total of 154 responses were collected through Amazon MTurk. The hypotheses were analysed using ANOVA and PROCESS (Hayes, 2013) procedure.

Findings

Results suggest that store messiness and human crowding within a fast-fashion store lead to perception of scarcity and competition that further affects competitive behaviours. When consumers experience store messiness, they are likely to hide merchandise in store, thus making it inaccessible for other consumers. Further, when they experience human crowding in the store, they feel that the products will be gone immediately so they have a tendency to hoard them.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the effects of scarcity perception by studying the case of fast-fashion retailers; generalizability needs to be established across different contexts.

Practical implications

Retailers by manipulating human crowding and store messiness can create a perception of scarcity in their stores, thus enhancing sales. However, they should also pay attention to deviant behaviours such as in-store hoarding and in-store hiding as these behaviours may decrease the store sales.

Originality/value

This research contributed to the retailing literature by finding a significant relationship between human crowding, store messiness and competitive behaviours through perceived scarcity and competition.
Effect of chewing and cutting condition for V-shape three-dimensional titanium miniplate for fixation of mandibular angle fractures (MAFs)
Authors: Daud Ruslizam , Wenzhao Xu , Ibrahim Ishak , Kamarrudin Nur Saifullah , Basaruddin Khairul Salleh , Mat Fauziah , Ismail Rohaizar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Miniplate shapes determine the fixation stability to promote best healing and osseointegration process of mandibular fracture. In clinical treatment, the common method used two straight-type miniplate or I-shape miniplate; sometimes this method is not stable enough or limited by the fracture geometry and caused high risk of failure due to screw loosening. This paper aims to investigate a new type of miniplate called V-shape miniplate design as an alternative to the standard straight plate based on total displacement, von Mises stress, stress transfer parameter (STP) and strain energy density transfer parameters (SEDPTs) for two types of bite force condition, which is cutting and chewing condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The 3D fixation models were constructed and the finite element (FE) simulation is based on the two-bite force load that ranges from 50 to 700 N based on cutting and chewing bite force condition using ANSYS Workbench 19.2.

Findings

In result comparison, the maximum loading of the V-shape miniplate can reduce deformation by 5.9%, reduce stress by 0.58% reduce strain by 8.1% in cutting condition while reducing deformation by 6.43%, reduce stress by 15.25%, reduce strain by 10.1% in chewing condition. To assess the stress transfer behavior of miniplates fixations to the mandibular bone, the STP and SEDPT were evaluated at the normal cortex screw and the locking head screw. In the simulation, the locking head screw is vertical to the bone structure while the cortex screw is 95 degrees to the bone structure, as a result, the STP value for locking head screw is 1.0073 while in cortex screw is 0.7408.

Research limitations/implications

Meanwhile, the SEDPT value for locking head screw is 2.7574 and 1.8412 for cortex screw.

Practical implications

Clinically, V-shape miniplate has shown factual data that can be used for prototyping. STP and SEDTP values provide evidence of how fixation stability is better than I-shape miniplate.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the newly designed V-shape miniplate has overall better stability than the standard I-shape miniplate, and the locking head screw has the STP value closer to 1 than the standard cortex screw; it means the locking screw is better in reducing the stress shielding.
Does total antioxidant capacity affect the features of metabolic syndrome? A systematic review
Authors: Rasaee Sama , Alizadeh Mohammad , Kheirouri Sorayya , Abdollahzad Hadi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

There is some evidence that suggest a higher dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) is associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Considering the conflicting results in this field, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive summary of studies on the association of DTAC and components of MetS.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, published from inception to September 2018, with defined keywords, was done. Duplicate or irrelevant reports were screened out and data were extracted through critical analysis. Finally, among the 353 articles, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Findings

The included cohort studies revealed that higher DTAC was associated with reduced risk of MetS. Also, the association between DTAC and mortality risk of MetS was insignificant in these studies. The case–control studies showed high DTAC is inversely associated with MetS, its components and complications. The randomized controlled trials found that changes in DTAC were negatively correlated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and there was a positive association between DTAC and subjects’ weight and body mass index. Finally, results from the cross-sectional studies were inconsistence in this regard.

Originality/value

The assessed relationship between MetS or its components with DTAC is inconsistent in the included studies. Different sample size, dietary assessment tools, DTAC index values and geographical location may justify the observed inconsistencies. It seems that further studies are needed to reveal more confident and reliable findings.
Researching family food decision making processes: highlights, hits and pitfalls when including young children’s perspectives
Authors: Grønhøj Alice , Gram Malene
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate and discuss a number of child-centric research methods/stimuli involving young children (5-6 years old) in interviews without, and subsequently with their parents. Existing and new methods were selected and developed for a study which aimed at obtaining insights into parents’ and young children’s understandings of children’s influence and family interaction with regard to family food consumption practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 35 children were interviewed using semi-structured interviews in five kindergartens. Subsequently, 13 families were interviewed in their homes. The latter interviews included the same children as were interviewed in the kindergarten. The methods discussed include drawings, a desert-island-choice task, a sentence completion task, photographs, vignettes and a video-clip.

Findings

When interviewing young children about family decision making influence, the use of engaging methods contributes to the quality of data achieved and to the participants’ enjoyment of their participation. Care should be taken not to overload children with exercises. Visual rather than verbal methods worked better for engaging the children in the research process; for parents all included methods worked well.

Research limitations/implications

The current study shows that a method developed specifically for the study (desert-island-choice task) was apt at including all family members’ perspectives; future studies should develop methods that capture shared rather than individual experiences. The study was carried out in wealthy areas in Denmark. It would be highly relevant to broaden the sample to other socio-economic and cultural contexts.

Originality/value

The study is based on interviews with children usually deemed too young to interview. The contribution is novel methods that allow for studying the interaction between children and parents and that are not based on reading and writing skills to access the perspectives of 5-6-year old children. Precautions regarding using existing methods are offered.
The influence of Google search index on stock markets: an analysis of causality in-mean and variance
Authors: Gonzalez Sanchez Mariano
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This empirical work studies the influence of investors’ Internet searches on financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an asset pricing model with six factors is used, and autoregression, heteroscedasticity and moving average are taken into account to extract the independent shocks of each variable. Subsequently, a causality in-mean and in-variance analysis is performed to test the influence of Google searches on financial market variables, specifically, to test whether there is an influence on the idiosyncratic returns of financial assets.

Findings

Unlike most of the literature, the results show that Google searches on the name of listed companies have little influence on the trend and volatility of asset returns. On the contrary, these searches are shown to have a significant influence on trading volumes in the following week.

Practical implications

When analyzing specific effects, such as the influence of Internet searches, on financial markets, it is necessary that the model must include financial properties (asset valuation models) and statistical characteristics (stylized facts); otherwise, the empirical results could be inconsistent, since, among other issues, statistical findings may not be robust given autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity, and if an asset valuation model is not considered, the specific effect analyzed could simply be an indirect effect of a risk factor excluded from the model.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence shows that individual investors using Google have a significant influence on volume only so that institutional investors using other sources of information drive market prices. This means that potential investors should only be interested in the Internet searches index if their interest is focused on trading volume
Unfinished business: a multicommodity intertemporal planner–doer framework
Authors: Shefrin Hersh
Published: May 2020

Purpose

There was unfinished business to address in the version of the planner–doer model developed in Thaler and Shefrin (1981). The unfinished business involved identifying and modeling the crucial roles played by temptation and mental accounting in pensions and savings behavior. The present paper has two objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The first objective is to describe the key lessons learned in transitioning from the model in Thaler and Shefrin (1981) to the model in Shefrin and Thaler (1988), a transition which addressed some of the unfinished business. The second objective is to describe as yet unfinished business associated with developing a multicommodity, intertemporal version of the planner–doer framework, incorporating the concepts of temptation and mental accounting, to replace the neoclassical theory of the consumer.

Findings

Doing so will provide a theoretical foundation for nudges related to household budgeting, spending, saving, borrowing and investing.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first behavioral theory of the consumer, focusing on the manner in which consumers actually make decisions about budgeting, spending. borrowing and saving. The approach in the paper can be viewed as a behavioral counterpart to the neoclassical theory of the consumer. In contrast to the neoclassical approach, which assumes that consumers set and follow utility maximizing budgets, the empirical evidence indicates that only a small minority of consumers describe themselves as setting and following budgets. The behavioral theory presented here focuses on the heuristic nature of consumers' actual budgeting processes and extends the approach described in Thaler and Shefrin's 1981 seminal paper on self-control. The core of the present paper is a working paper which Shefrin and Thaler began in 1980, and as such represents unfinished business from that time. The first part of this paper describes earlier unfinished business from the 1981 framework that the authors subsequently addressed as they developed the behavioral life cycle hypothesis during the 1980s.
Understanding and mapping stakeholders of sport clubs: particularities
Authors: Mendizabal Xabier , San-Jose Leire , Garcia-Merino Jose Domingo
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Professional basketball clubs generate value not only for shareholders, but also for other stakeholders. These organizations create a broader social value for a wide range of stakeholders, and thus, it is useful to consider these stakeholders' perceptions of social value creation. Therefore, under the generic framework of grounded theory, this paper aims to create a stakeholder map of professional basketball clubs, taking into account the common coopetition context in sporting competitions.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 49 qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted in collaboration with the representatives of two Spanish basketball clubs to establish the particularities of the stakeholders of these organizations compared with non-sport businesses (NsP) to confirm the stakeholder map. The Bryson process was used to develop the stakeholder map.

Findings

The map shows that there are three kinds of stakeholders of professional basketball clubs compared with non-sport organizations: similar, singular and entirely different. The perception of different social value dimensions confirm the findings of the stakeholder map, emphasizing that these organizations should take into account multidimensional stakeholder-value creation (functional, social, emotional and epistemic).

Originality/value

This study provides evidence from a holistic point of view that economic performance is not a unique indicator for measuring basketball clubs as efficient organizations, proving the usefulness of the stakeholder map.
Online content responsiveness strategies in the hospitality context: exploratory insights and a research agenda
Authors: Ciasullo Maria Vincenza , Montera Raffaella , Palumbo Rocco
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The article investigates different types of strategies for managing user-generated content (UGC) and provides some insights into their implications.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique sample of Italian hotels with current and prospective customers in the digital environment is investigated. A taxonomy of user-provider interactions mediated by UGC is developed. A mixed approach was designed to meet the study aims. Firstly, an exploratory factor analysis was performed in order to illuminate different strategies of UGC and electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) management. Secondly, a cluster analysis was implemented in order to explain hoteliers' behavior toward users' contents.

Findings

The study results suggested the existence of three clusters, which reflected three different types of interactions between hotels and customers in the digital domain. Interestingly, most of Italian hotels were found to adopt a reductionist approach to UGC and E-WOM management, turning out to be ineffective to exploit them for the purpose of quality improvement and hospitality service excellence.

Research limitations/implications

Hotels were found to be largely unaware of the importance of UGC and web-based communication with customers to improve their digital business strategy. Tailored management approaches are needed to realize the full potential of hotels' online content responsiveness for the purpose of value co-creation and service co-production.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies investigating the strategic and management perspectives embraced by hotels to handle their interactions with customers in the digital arena.
Decoding the biological information contained in two ancient Slavonic parchment codices: an added historical value
Authors: Piñar Guadalupe , Tafer Hakim , Schreiner Manfred , Miklas Heinz , Sterflinger Katja
Published: May 2020

This study provides an example in the emerging field of biocodicology showing how metagenomics can help answer relevant questions that may contribute to a better understanding of the history of ancient manuscripts. To this end, two Slavonic codices dating from the 11th century were investigated through shotgun metagenomics. Endogenous DNA enabled to infer the animal origin of the skins used in the manufacture of the two codices, while nucleic sequences recovered from viruses were investigated for the first time in this material, opening up new possibilities in the field of biocodicology.

In addition, the microbiomes colonizing the surface of the parchments served to determine their conservation status and their latent risk of deterioration. The saline environment provided by the parchments selected halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms, which are known to be responsible for the biodegradation of parchment. Species of Nocardiopsis, Gracilibacillus and Saccharopolyspora, but also members of the Aspergillaceae family were detected in this study, all possessing enzymatic capabilities for the biodeterioration of this material. Finally, a relative abundance of microorganisms originating from the human skin microbiome were identified, most probably related to the intensive manipulation of the manuscripts throughout the centuries, which should be taken with caution as they can be potential pathogens.
Effects of mono‐ and diglycerides of fatty acids on the milk fat globule membrane after heat treatment
Authors: Atehli Dima , Wang Jianming , Yu Jinghua , Ali Fatma , Wang Yi
Published: May 2020

In this study, the effect of mono‐ and diglycerides (M‐DGs) on milk fat globule membrane properties after heating was studied. The samples with M‐DGs exhibited higher numbers of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) particles (6–7%) compared to the other samples without M‐DGs (5.5%). The samples with low concentrations of M‐DG were more stable than the samples without M‐DG. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results showed that the bonds of MFGM proteins were strongly stained in the samples with M‐DGs compared to heated samples without M‐DG. M‐DGs are promising emulsifiers as they may protect MFGM during heating and therefore improve the stability of MFGM emulsions.
Postmortem Computed Tomography in Firearm Homicides: A Retrospective Case Series,
Authors: Vester Marloes E. M. , Nolte Kurt B. , Hatch Gary M. , Gerrard Chandra Y. , Stoel Reinoud D. , van Rijn Rick R.
Published: May 2020

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is integrated into the evaluation of decedents in several American medical examiner offices and medicolegal death investigative centers in many other countries. We retrospectively investigated the value of PMCT in a series of firearm homicide cases from a statewide centralized medical examiner’s office that occurred during 2016. Autopsies were performed or supervised by board‐certified forensic pathologists who reviewed the PMCT scans prior to autopsy. PMCT scans were re‐evaluated by a forensic radiologist blinded to the autopsy findings and scored by body region (head–neck, thoracoabdominal, and extremities). Injury discrepancies were scored using a modified Goldman classification and analyzed with McNemar’s test. We included 60 males and 20 females (median age 31 years, range 3–73). Based on PMCT, 56 (79.1%) cases had injuries relevant to the cause of death in a single body region (24 head–neck region, 32 thoracoabdominal region). Out of these 56 cases, 9 had a missed major diagnosis by PMCT outside that region, including 6 extremity injuries visible during standard external examination. Yet all had evident lethal firearm injury. We showed that PMCT identifies major firearm injuries in homicide victims and excludes injuries related to the cause of death in other regions when a single body region is injured. Although PMCT has a known limited sensitivity for soft tissue and vascular pathology, it can be combined with external examination to potentially reduce or focus dissections in some of these cases depending on the circumstances and medicolegal needs.
Adaptation of Climate Model Projections of Streamflow to Account for Upstream Anthropogenic Impairments
Authors: Townsend Nolan T. , Gutzler David S.
Published: May 2020

A statistical procedure is developed to adjust natural streamflows simulated by dynamical models in downstream reaches, to account for anthropogenic impairments to flow that are not considered in the model. The resulting normalized downstream flows are appropriate for use in assessments of future anthropogenically impaired flows in downstream reaches. The normalization is applied to assess the potential effects of climate change on future water availability on the Rio Grande at a gage just above the major storage reservoir on the river. Model‐simulated streamflow values were normalized using a statistical parameterization based on two constants that relate observed and simulated flows over a 50‐year historical baseline period (1964–2013). The first normalization constant is a ratio of the means, and the second constant is the ratio of interannual standard deviations between annual gaged and simulated flows. This procedure forces the gaged and simulated flows to have the same mean and variance over the baseline period. The normalization constants can be kept fixed for future flows, which effectively assumes that upstream water management does not change in the future, or projected management changes can be parameterized by adjusting the constants. At the gage considered in this study, the effect of the normalization is to reduce simulated historical flow values by an average of 72% over an ensemble of simulations, indicative of the large fraction of natural flow diverted from the river upstream from the gage. A weak tendency for declining flow emerges upon averaging over a large ensemble, with tremendous variability among the simulations. By the end of the 21st Century the higher‐emission scenarios show more pronounced declines in streamflow.
Revealed value of volunteering: A volunteer centre network
Authors: Dostál Jakub
Published: May 2020

This article deals with the revealed value of volunteering. The revealed value approach is one way to determine the value of non‐market goods or services. Most studies focused on the value of volunteering have built their research on the presumption that there is no way to reveal the value of volunteering, and therefore proxies must be used. This research uses a plausibility probe case study to explore and identify revealed information about the value of volunteering. The research was conducted using data over a seven‐year period (2012–18) from ADRA, a large volunteer centre network in the Czech Republic that has 14 volunteer centres coordinating more than 2,500 volunteers in about 50 cities. I used the data about all the public funding of all the centres in this network between 2012 and 2018 in order to calculate the revealed value of volunteering from the perspective of various governmental institutions. I calculated the total value of volunteering, including financial grants, donations, and the value of volunteer hours. Interestingly, all three values were found within or slightly around the interval estimate of the value of volunteering.
Alirocumab in a high cardiovascular risk patient on hemodialysis with liver abnormalities
Authors: Dousdampanis Periklis , Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Syrocosta Ioulia , Ntouvas Ioannis , Gkouias Kostas , Trigka Konstantina
Published: May 2020

We present a male diabetic type 2 patient on hemodialysis (HD) with high cardiovascular (CVD) risk and hyperlipidemia. The patient was under cholesterol‐lowering therapy with statin and ezetimibe but he was obligated to discontinue due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Statins and ezetimibe may exert a potential hepatotoxic effect and for this reason, we attempted to find an alternative treatment to prevent CVD. Given that a potential hepatotoxic effect has not been reported for Abs SPCK9, we administered alirocumab 150 mg every 2 weeks for a total of 8 weeks. Low‐density lipoprotein levels have decreased and no side effects have been observed. In conclusion, alirocumab is a safe and efficient alternative therapy approach for HD patients with high CVD risk and liver abnormalities. We suggest that SPCK 9 inhibitors should be considered as a first line treatment for lowering cholesterol in this specific patient group.
Immunological fortification at our barrier organs: Protecting us as we age
Authors: Harker James A. , Pallett Laura J.
Published: May 2020

Summary

Our barrier surfaces are fundamental in protecting us from the outside world and segregating key biological processes. The immunological fortifications found at these sites therefore possess many distinct qualities, which are discussed in Immunology's series of reviews on Barrier Immunity. Together these reviews showcase novel biological processes identified through the use of state‐of‐the‐art technologies, and specifically highlight how these change throughout our lives.
Do firms benefit from related party transactions with foreign affiliates? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Kwon Taek Ho
Published: May 2020

We extend the existing literature on related party transactions (RPTs) from a domestic to an international dimension and uncover new evidence of resource transfer by foreign direct investment (FDI) firms to their foreign affiliates through overseas RPTs. Employing uniquely‐constructed RPT data of Korean firms during 2005–2010, we find significantly negative effects of such transactions on the values of parent firms, which are further confirmed from two‐stage least square regressions after correcting for the endogeneity issue. Further analyses reveal that negative valuation effects are most pronounced for overseas RPTs of FDI firms which are in the high‐tech industry and whose foreign affiliates are in emerging countries. These results indicate that high‐tech FDI firms use RPTs as a means of transferring resources to support their poorly‐performing foreign affiliates in emerging countries, especially surrounding the global financial crisis. We find little evidence that FDI firms use RPTs to withdraw or tunnel investment returns of foreign affiliates back to the home country for the benefits of investing firms during our sample period.
Relationships among economic stress, social support, age and quality of life in patients with chronic wounds: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Ren Hui , Ding Yanming , Hu Haiyan , Gao Tingting , Qin Zeying , Hu Yueyang , Cao Ruilin , Liang Leilei , Li Chuanen , Mei Songli
Published: May 2020

Aims

The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to determine if social support mediates the relationship between economic stress and quality of life; and (b) to explore whether participants’ ages would moderate the indirect relationship between economic stress and quality of life through social support.

Design

A questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From January 2015–June 2016, a total of 300 patients with chronic wounds were recruited from three hospitals. Data regarding economic stress, social support and quality of life were collected through survey questionnaires. The moderated mediation analysis was examined using the Hayes’ PROCESS macro modelling tool, based on the bias‐corrected bootstrapping method.

Results

Economic stress was negatively correlated with quality of life and social support. The indirect effect of economic stress on quality of life through social support was negative. Furthermore, age moderated the relationship between economic stress and quality of life, as well as the relationship between economic stress and social support.

Conclusion

Reducing economic stress and improving social support are important strategies for improving quality of life in patients with chronic wounds, especially for younger patients.

Impact

Patients with chronic wounds experience considerable economic stress and severely impaired quality of life; however, little is known about the inner mechanisms of this relationship. This study emphasized the importance of providing social support in coping with the damage that economic stress causes to health. Clinical nurses should strengthen the comprehensive assessment of the socioeconomic status of patients and adjust nursing plans timely, to reduce the economic burden of patients based on the rational use of wound care materials. Moreover, when nursing for patients with chronic wounds, especially the elders, caregivers should strengthen the evaluation of social support and develop interventions to improve social support.
Impact of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in hypertensive individuals
Authors: Stewart Glenn M. , Wheatley‐Guy Courtney M. , Johnson Bruce D. , Shen Win K. , Kim Chul‐Ho
Published: May 2020

The present study investigated the impact of 12 weeks of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on peripheral vascular function, blood pressure (BP), and nitric oxide in hypertensive individuals. Thirty hypertensive individuals (SBP > 130 mm Hg and/or MAP > 100 mm Hg) were assigned to either PEMF group (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). During pre‐assessment, participants underwent measures of flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), BP, and blood draw for nitric oxide (NO). Subsequently, they received PEMF therapy 3x/day for 12 weeks and, at conclusion, returned to the laboratory for post‐assessment. Fifteen participants from the PEMF group and 11 participants from the control group successfully completed the study protocol. After therapy, the PEMF group demonstrated significant improvements in FMD and FMDNOR (normalized to hyperemia), but the control group did not (P = .05 and P = .04, respectively). Moreover, SBP, DBP, and MAP were reduced, but the control group did not (P = .04, .04, and .03, respectively). There were no significant alterations in NO in both groups (P > .05). Twelve weeks of PEMF therapy may improve BP and vascular function in hypertensive individuals. Additional studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which PEMF affects endothelial function.
Overexpression of long non‐coding RNA ANRIL promotes post‐ischaemic angiogenesis and improves cardiac functions by targeting Akt
Authors: Huang Qun , Pan Miao , Zhou Ji‐Peng , Yin Fei
Published: May 2020

Angiogenesis is critical for re‐establishing the blood supply to the surviving myocardium after myocardial infarction (MI). Long non‐coding RNA ANRIL (lncRNA‐ANRIL) has been reported to regulate endothelial functions in cardiovascular diseases. This study was to determine the role of lncRNA‐ANRIL in Akt regulation and cardiac functions after MI. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) to mimic in vivo ischaemia. The MI model in mice was induced by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery. OGD remarkably decreased lncRNA‐ANRIL expression level, reduced the phosphorylated levels of Akt and eNOS proteins, and inhibited NO release and cell viability, which were duplicated by shRNA‐mediated gene knockdown of lncRNA‐ANRIL. Conversely, all these effects induced by OGD were abolished by adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of lncRNA‐ANRIL in HUVECs. Further, OGD impaired cell migrations and tube formations in HUVECs, which were reversed by lncRNA‐ANRIL overexpression or Akt up‐regulation. RNA immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that the affinity of lncRNA‐ANRIL to Akt protein was increased in OGD‐treated cells. In animal studies, adenovirus‐mediated lncRNA‐ANRIL overexpression increased the phosphorylated levels of Akt and eNOS, promoted post‐ischaemic angiogenesis and improved heart functions in mice with MI surgery. LncRNA‐ANRIL regulates Akt phosphorylation to improve endothelial functions, which promotes angiogenesis and improves cardiac functions in mice following MI. In this perspective, targeting lncRNA‐ANRIL/Akt may be considered to develop a drug to treat angiogenesis‐related diseases.