bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership attributes and their impact on work-related attitudes
Authors: Karia Noorliza , Abu Hassan Asaari Muhammad Hasmi
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the emergence of employee leadership attributes and, further, examine its impact on employee work-related attitudes in terms of the competitive context of higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A data from a survey of 245 academic employees in Malaysian public universities were tested and analyzed on the 12 proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that the emergence of employee leadership attributes, independently, has a significantly positive effect on work-related attitudes. Specifically, executive leadership has a significantly positive effect on organizational commitment, career satisfaction and job satisfaction, while innovative leadership has a significantly positive effect on organizational commitment and career satisfaction. In contrast, adaptive and effective leadership is associated when explaining organizational commitment, career satisfaction and job satisfaction, while innovative leadership is associated when explaining job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Academic scholars/leaders in higher education should realize that the emergence of employee leadership attributes has a positive effect on work-related attitudes, such as organizational commitment, career satisfaction and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper extends the knowledge regarding complexity leadership theory which explains the emergence of employee leadership attributes naturally and, further, provides empirical evidence.
An integrated AHP-based scheme for performance measurement in humanitarian supply chains
Authors: Anjomshoae Ali , Hassan Adnan , Wong Kuan Yew
Published: March 2019

Purpose

In recent years, several performance indicators have been proposed in humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). Selecting the most relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) is challenging for some humanitarian organizations (HOs) because it involves a considerable amount of complexity and information overload which could lead to judgment biases in the decision-making process. Existing performance measurement studies lack critical analysis for prioritization of performance indicators. Since the process of KPIs selection and categorization is a complex, domain based and subjective process, a systematic guideline is needed. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated performance measurement scheme that can consolidate KPIs into an overall performance score based on the weighting of the performance indicators in HSCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was based on questionnaire surveys and direct interviews with practitioners from international HOs.

Findings

This paper proposes an integrated scheme based on balanced scorecard and analytic hierarchy process for performance evaluation of HOs.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents were limited to the humanitarian logistics experts from Malaysian-based international HOs.

Practical implications

The scheme enables the benchmarking of HOs’ performance that could be useful for decision makers in HSCs.

Originality/value

This paper provides the ranking and prioritization of KPIs in HSCs. The approach presented in this paper enables an effective and integrated performance measurement in HSCs.
Corporate boards, shareholding structures and voluntary disclosure in emerging MENA economies
Authors: Sarhan Ahmed A. , Ntim Collins G.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of voluntary compliance with, and disclosure of, corporate governance (CG) best practices, and the extent to which board characteristics and shareholding structures can explain discernible differences in the level of voluntary CG disclosure in a number of emerging Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a number of multivariate regression methods, namely, ordinary least squares, weighted, non-linear, lagged-effects, two-stage least squares and fixed-effects regression techniques to analyse data collected for a sample of listed corporations in emerging MENA economies from 2009 to 2014.

Findings

First, in general, MENA listed firms have a relatively lower level of voluntary compliance with, and disclosure of, CG practices compared to listed firms in developed countries. Second, the evidence suggests that corporate board characteristics, including board diversity, have a positive association with the level of voluntary CG disclosure. In contrast, the findings indicate that unitary board leadership structure, director shareholdings and government shareholdings negatively impact on the level of voluntary CG disclosure. The study does not, however, find any evidence to suggest that family shareholdings have any significant relationship with the level of voluntary CG disclosure. The findings are generally robust to alternative measures and potential endogeneity problems.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical efforts at investigating the association between CG mechanisms and voluntary disclosure in emerging MENA economies that observably relies on a multi-theoretical framework within a longitudinal cross-country research setting.
The impact of corporate governance characteristics on banks’ corporate social responsibility disclosure
Authors: Matuszak Łukasz , Różańska Ewa , Macuda Małgorzata
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and trend of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in commercial banks in Poland and examine the link between corporate governance characteristics, namely size of the bank, ownership, boards size, board diversity and CSR disclosures in the banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The annual reports and CSR reports of the banks were examined between 2008 and 2015 using content analysis and panel data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that banks improved their CSR reporting practices during examined period. There are statistically significant differences in the level of CSR disclosures between banks with a different ownership structure. Both foreign majority shareholder group as well as state majority shareholder group have a positive influence on CSR as compared with Polish majority shareholder (PMS) group (excluding State). Moreover, being listed on stock exchange has a positive influence on CSR as compared with not being listed. Further, the results also revealed that there is a significant positive effect of almost all variables related to the management board, namely, size, female board leadership and foreign board members on CSR disclosure, whereas all supervisory board variables and all considered ownership variables have no statistically significant impact on CSR disclosure.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature because the banking sector is often excluded from CSR studies due to its specific legal regulations and seemingly little environmental impact. Moreover, there are only few studies analysing the effect of boards characteristics on the banks CSR disclosure, especially in emerging countries. This study is also the first of this kind focusing on the two-tier system. Furthermore, the study provides the instrument to measure CSR in the banking industry. Finally, the research stresses the crucial implications for banking sector, shareholders and regulatory bodies.
Personal and moral intensity determinants of ethical decision-making
Authors: Oboh Collins Sankay
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of personal and moral intensity variables on specific processes, namely, ethical recognition, ethical judgment and ethical intention, involved in the ethical decision making (EDM) of accounting professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire containing four vignettes of ethical dilemmas is used in the paper to obtain data from 329 accounting professionals. The data are analyzed using Pearson correlation matrix, independent samplet-test, one-way analyses of variance and multiple regression estimation techniques.

Findings

The findings of the paper suggest that age, economic status, upbringing, moral idealism and relativism, magnitude of consequence and social consensus are significant determinants of the EDM process of accounting professionals.

Practical implications

The paper provides evidence to guide accounting regulatory bodies on ways to strengthen extant measures that ensure strict compliance with ethics codes among accounting professionals in Nigeria.

Originality/value

The paper provides support for Kohlberg’s cognitive reasoning and moral development theory and Rest’s EDM theoretical model, which will aid the development of a structured curriculum for accounting ethics instruction in Nigeria, as hitherto, there is yet to be a provision for a stand-alone ethics course in the undergraduate accounting programs in Nigeria.
Cause-related marketing and start-ups: moderating role of cause involvement
Authors: Aggarwal Vivek , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Cause-related marketing (CrM) through social campaigns is becoming one of the main strategic marketing tools for large businesses. The purpose of this study is to find out the significance of CrM for start-ups and to evaluate the moderating role of cause involvement of consumer on the impact of CrM campaigns on purchase intention of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Both structural equation modelling and hierarchical analysis were used to evaluate the responses of 1,425 male and female consumers in India towards CrM campaign.

Findings

The results revealed that the effect of CrM campaigns on purchase intention of consumers is significantly moderated by consumers’ cause involvement. Thus, companies must extend support to causes having high consumer involvement.

Research limitations/implications

Based on their findings, the authors suggest finding out the effects of CrM on the long-term sustainability of the start-ups in more detail, especially in developing countries like India. The scope of this study is one country-based; thus, research findings may not be generalised.

Practical implications

Small businesses that are able to understand the needs of their own communities and recognise that through their efforts they can bring large impact on social issues and will see success through their socially responsible mindset. Society today needs businesses to support good causes. The best model of CrM, especially for start-ups, is the one in which while making a payment for a service or purchasing a product, the consumer is asked to make an additional payment for the social cause.

Social implications

Society today needs businesses to support good causes. CrM campaigns provide consumers a chance to help the less fortunate and do so in regular and convenient ways. The study indicates the importance of both corporate citizenship and social responsibility among small businesses.

Originality/value

While the current results show that the majority of studies were based on large business, this paper shows that the CrM can be useful for start-ups, medium and small businesses also. The suggested model can be an innovative way to implement CrM without incurring any additional cost. The conclusions confirm within a wider context the role of cause involvement as a moderator of the purchase intention and can further assist start-ups and small-scale companies in designing better targeted CrM campaigns benefiting the society at large.
Entrenchment vs long-term benefits: classified boards and CSR
Authors: Cullinan Charles P. , Mahoney Lois , Roush Pamela B.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Although most corporate directors face reelection by shareholders each year, directors of companies with classified boards are elected for multiple-year terms. Classified boards may engender managerial entrenchment, which may make directors less responsive to shareholders’ interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Alternatively, classified boards may engender a longer-term focus, which could make the board more willing to engage in projects with longer-term benefits, such as CSR. This study aims to assess whether larger boards, with potentially more diverse voices, may be positively related to CSR, and a larger board may change the classified boards/CSR relationship.

Design/method/approach

The authors examine the relationship between board type (companies with and without classified boards), board size and CSR for 4,489 firm-years (1,540 with classified boards and 2,949 without classified boards) from 2013 through 2015.

Findings

The authors find no difference in CSR strengths between companies with and without classified boards, but the authors do find that companies with classified boards have more CSR concerns than companies without classified boards. For all types of boards, a larger board size is associated with more CSR strengths and reduces the negative impact of having a classified board on CSR concerns.

Practical implications

Classified boards may be less responsive to shareholders’ preference for reduced company CSR concerns, but an increase in board size can mitigate this effect.

Social implications

Classified boards may weaken a company’s CSR performance.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to consider the relationship between classified board and CSR.
On the nature and financial performance of bitcoin
Authors: Alfieri Elise , Burlacu Radu , Enjolras Geoffroy
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide some insights on the true nature of bitcoin and to study empirically its performance by using robust models, widely used in the academic literature. Previous studies assess performance with simple measures such as the Sharpe ratio. Such measures are insufficient because they do not take into account the bitcoin’s specificities, such as the possibilities to diversify risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use quantitative methodologies to assess the performance of financial assets. Performance is defined as a risk-adjusted return. The authors use regression analysis and measure bitcoin’s performance as the constant term (α) of the projection of its returns on the returns of relevant factors of risk.

Findings

Bitcoin has low correlation with the market index and with factor-mimicking portfolios, which indicates opportunities to diversify risk. The performance of bitcoin (α) is positive and significant; this result is robust across period and world region specifications.

Research limitations/implications

The true nature of bitcoin is subject of debate and needs further research. Furthermore, other factors should be considered in analysing the bitcoin’s performance, such as those related to investors’ behaviour or political risk.

Practical implications

The empirical results obtained in this paper may be used by professional portfolio managers to diversify risk and to enhance their portfolio’s performance.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature by arguing that bitcoin has the nature of common stock, and therefore, its performance has to be assessed with models that are relevant for this type of securities. This paper is the first using performance models that adjust returns for relevant sources of risk.
Workplace bullying: an examination of power and perpetrators
Authors: De Cieri Helen , Sheehan Cathy , Donohue Ross , Shea Tracey , Cooper Brian
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of power imbalance to explain workplace and demographic characteristics associated with bullying by different perpetrators in the healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

All 69,927 members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria) were invited to participate in an online survey in 2014; 4,891 responses were received (7 per cent response rate). Participants were asked about their exposure to workplace bullying (WPB) by different perpetrators. The questionnaire addressed demographic characteristics and perceptions of workplace characteristics (workplace type, leading indicators of occupational health and safety (OHS), prioritisation of OHS, supervisor support for safety and bureaucracy). Analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression analyses.

Findings

The study found that the exposure of nurses and health workers to bullying is relatively high (with 42 per cent of respondents experiencing WPB in the past 12 months) and there are multiple perpetrators of bullying. The research revealed several demographic predictors associated with the different types of perpetrators. Downward and horizontal bullying were the most prevalent forms. Workplace characteristics were more important predictors of bullying by different perpetrators than were demographic characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations to the study due to a low response rate and the cross-sectional survey.

Practical implications

Practical implications of this study emphasise the importance of focussed human resource strategies to prevent bullying.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this research is to draw from theoretical explanations of power to inform understanding of the differences between perpetrators of bullying. The study highlights the workplace characteristics that influence bullying.
Supports and barriers to new faculty researcher development
Authors: Gonzalez Laura M. , Wester Kelly L. , Borders L. DiAnne
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Depending on their institutional context, for new faculty members to successfully manage their transition from doctoral studies to early career, they must show potential as researchers. The purpose of this study was to learn about supports and barriers to researcher development in new faculty members.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigators solicited open-ended responses from early career faculty members (N = 49) in an online survey. Content analysis was used to provide an initial categorization of supports and barriers identified by the participants.

Findings

Ten barrier categories (e.g. lack of resources, previous training, lack of mentoring, workload) and eight support categories (e.g. effective research collaborations, supportive university environment, funding) were identified.

Research limitations/implications

Findings were framed with a social cognitive conceptual model, which parallels previous studies in doctoral research training environments and research productivity and builds on our knowledge of early career faculty development. The study was limited in terms of number of participants and online response format.

Practical implications

Practical implications to minimize barriers and enhance supports for new faculty researcher development were identified (also drawing from the conceptual model, SCCT).

Originality/value

Thus, the study has value for university policymakers, administrators, faculty peers, research mentors and assistant professors or doctoral students seeking to develop as researchers.
Economic emission dispatch using an advanced particle swarm optimization technique
Authors: Rezaie Hamid , Abedi Mehrdad , Rastegar Saeed , Rastegar Hassan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This study aims to present a novel optimization technique to solve the combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) problem considering transmission losses, valve-point loading effects, ramp rate limits and prohibited operating zones. This is one of the most complex optimization problems concerning power systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed algorithm has been called advanced particle swarm optimization (APSO) and was created by applying several innovative modifications to the classic PSO algorithm. APSO performance was tested on four test systems having 14, 40, 54 and 120 generators.

Findings

The suggested modifications have improved the accuracy, convergence rate, robustness and effectiveness of the algorithm, which has produced high-quality solutions for the CEED problem.

Originality/value

The results obtained by APSO were compared with those of several other techniques, and the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm was demonstrated. Also, because of its superlative characteristics, APSO can be applied to many other engineering optimization problems. Moreover, the suggested modifications can be easily used in other population-based optimization algorithms to improve their performance.
The emergence of the multi‐species NIP1 effector in Rhynchosporium was accompanied by high rates of gene duplications and losses
Authors: Mohd‐Assaad Norfarhan , McDonald Bruce A. , Croll Daniel
Published: March 2019

Plant pathogens secrete effector proteins to manipulate the host and facilitate infection. Cognate hosts trigger strong defence responses upon detection of these effectors. Consequently, pathogens and hosts undergo rapid coevolutionary arms races driven by adaptive evolution of effectors and receptors. Because of their high rate of turnover, most effectors are thought to be species‐specific and the evolutionary trajectories are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the necrosis‐inducing protein 1 (NIP1) effector in the multihost pathogen genus Rhynchosporium. We retraced the evolutionary history of the NIP1 locus using whole‐genome assemblies of 146 strains covering four closely related species. NIP1 orthologues were present in all species but the locus consistently segregated presence–absence polymorphisms suggesting long‐term balancing selection. We also identified previously unknown paralogues of NIP1 that were shared among multiple species and showed substantial copy‐number variation within R. commune. The NIP1A paralogue was under significant positive selection suggesting that NIP1A is the dominant effector variant coevolving with host immune receptors. Consistent with this prediction, we found that copy number variation at NIP1A had a stronger effect on virulence than NIP1B. Our analyses unravelled the origins and diversification mechanisms of a pathogen effector family shedding light on how pathogens gain adaptive genetic variation.
The Body Inside‐Out: Anatomical Memory at Maubuisson Abbey
Authors: Hartnell Jack
Published: March 2019

The now destroyed Abbey of Maubuisson, situated just northwest of Paris, was a religious foundation that over the centuries crafted a uniquely visceral visual culture. By charting a long history of the institution from its medieval foundation to its early modern demise, this essay looks to Maubuisson's bodies – figures formed of painted wood, marble, gilded copper, and raw preserved flesh – in order to unearth a long‐standing proclivity at the abbey for flipping the human form inside‐out. Maubuisson brings to light a new context with which we might begin to read medieval and early modern objects: a case study in the folding together of medicine, religious ritual, and sculpture into a distinctive form of institutional, anatomical memory.
Ideals for Sale: ‘Ideal Portraits’ and the Display of National Identity in the Nineteenth‐Century Austrian Empire
Authors: Veszprémi Nóra
Published: March 2019

In the multinational Austrian Empire, artists and their works travelled between different regions, from one national context to the next. This essay examines this complex network through the lens of the female ‘ideal portrait’, a genre ubiquitous at mid‐nineteenth‐century exhibitions. Tracing the trajectories of two Venetian painters – Natale Schiavoni and his pupil, Giacomo Marastoni – and investigating their career strategies, it argues that the transnational aspects of the two artists’ careers were mirrored in the way that their works engaged with national identity and international artistic forms. Visualizing ethnic difference in the form of idealized and sensualized female bodies, ideal portraits offered a way for artists to shape their own national ‘brands’ within the multinational art scene of the Empire. At the same time, the playful interchangeability of the women's costumes allows for an interpretation of ideal portraits as subverters of ‘organic’ conceptions of national identity.
Objects without Texts: Mimbres Painted Bowls and the Problematics of Interpretation
Authors: Finegold Andrew
Published: March 2019

The painted bowls of the Mimbres culture (c. 1000–1130 CE) provide a uniquely expansive iconographic record for the American Southwest. In the absence of a closely associated textual record, their imagery has often been interpreted through accounts originating from geographically or temporally removed cultures, an approach that merits critique. Although an iconological understanding of the images might not be possible, a phenomenological account has the potential to illuminate other important aspects of these bowls. In this regard, this essay argues that, in addition to the unrecoverable primary referents of the images, some Mimbres painted bowls self‐referentially draw attention to the material, structural, and contextual conditions of their own apprehension.
Documenting diagnosis: testing, labelling, and the production of medical records in an autism clinic
Authors: Turowetz Jason , Maynard Douglas W.
Published: March 2019

All diagnosis depends on communication between doctors and patients. This is especially so with behavioural disorders such as autism, where structured interactions involving clinicians and children (e.g. standardised tests) play a key role in diagnosing the condition. Although such interactions are collaborative, we find that when reporting test results, clinicians, following administrative protocols, routinely gloss over the embodied interactions constitutive of testing, such that autism is predicated as an inherent feature of the child. In ethnomethodological terms, this is related to the way that “accounts” (Garfinkel 1967), including diagnoses, are reflexively related to the taken‐for‐granted practices that make them objectively reportable in prevailing professional terms. These practices include how the clinicians themselves interact with children they examine, with other professionals, and with the instruments used to test a child. Examining video footage of a multi‐stage autism evaluation, along with the medical report rendering the child's diagnosis, we show how reporting practices, while addressing the administrative features of standardised testing and diagnosis, can also be examined for their grounding in an environment of tacit matters usually unavailable for inspection. We conclude by asking whether, and how, oral and written reports might re‐situate children in the concreteness of their social environments.
Security interventions are frequently undocumented in emergency department clinical notes
Authors: Duncan Jill , Brown Nathan J , Hughes James A , Trudgett Scott , Crilly Julia , Rothwell Sean , Rosengren David
Published: March 2019

Objective

To compare the documentation of security interventions in ED presentations between clinical notes and security records.

Methods

Presentations (n = 680) were randomly selected from all ED presentations to a public tertiary referral hospital in Queensland, Australia between April 2016 and August 2017 that were perceived by the treating clinician as alcohol‐related. Retrospective data, manually extracted from clinical notes and the security service database, were compared for the documentation of any security interventions. Security interventions were defined as observation without physical contact, verbal de‐escalation or physical restraint by security officers.

Results

Forty‐one presentations had security interventions documented in the security services database and, of those, 20 (48.8%) had documentation in the clinical notes. Patients who required security interventions were admitted to hospital in higher proportions compared with those who did not (73.2% vs 26.8%, respectively, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The rate of documentation of security interventions in clinical notes was less than 50%. Documentation of critical information, including alerts and risks, in the clinical notes is an essential component of communication that the multi‐disciplinary team use to ensure patient safety. Strategies aimed at improving the documentation of security interventions in clinical notes will help to optimise risk management and the safety of patients, staff and visitors along the continuum of care.
Gastrointestinal manifestations on impaired quality of life in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Yang Hong , Xu Dong , Li Meng Tao , Yao Yao , Jin Meng , Zeng Xiao Feng , Qian Jia Ming
Published: March 2019

Objective

To analyze the impact of gastrointestinal manifestations on quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to provide clinical evidence for their early treatment and health‐related management.

Methods

Altogether 65 patients admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital selected from a disease cohort and 127 matched controls were enrolled. A self‐assessment questionnaire was completed by all participants. Each participant completed scleroderma gastrointestinal tract 1.0 (SSC‐GIT 1.0) questionnaire (including reflux or indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, distention, emotional well‐being, and social functioning). Autoimmune antibodies were tested in SSc patients.

Results

Among these SSc cases, gastrointestinal manifestations were seen in 84.6%. Reflux/indigestion and diarrhea were more common in SSc patients than in the control group (67.7% vs 27.8%; 27.7% vs 10.2%, P < 0.05). SSc patients had a significantly higher percentage of abnormal social functioning than the control group (33.8% vs 3.9%, P < 0.05). SSc patients with abnormal social functioning and abnormal emotional well‐being had worse distention, diarrhea, and constipation statuses. Patients with reflux or indigestion and diarrhea had lower anti‐Scl‐70 level than those without (both P < 0.05). Patients with distention had higher levels of anti‐RNP and anti‐SSA than those without distention (both P < 0.05). Patients with diarrhea had higher levels of anti‐RNP than those without diarrhea (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal involvement is frequent in SSc, with reflux or indigestion as the most common symptom. The impaired quality of life in patients with SSc indicates that early and active management should be considered.
Lime and ammonium carbonate fumigation coupled with bio‐organic fertilizer application steered banana rhizosphere to assemble a unique microbiome against Panama disease
Authors: Shen Zongzhuan , Wang Beibei , Zhu Jiaxin , Hu Hangwei , Tao Chengyuan , Ou Yannan , Deng Xuhui , Ling Ning , Li Rong , Shen Qirong
Published: March 2019

Microbiome plays a key role in determining soil suppressiveness against invading pathogens. Our previous study revealed that microbial community of bulk soil could be manipulated by lime and ammonium bicarbonate fumigation followed by biofertilizer application. However, the assembly of microbial community suppressive to banana Panama disease in the rhizosphere is still unclear. In this study, we used high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR to explore the assembly of rhizosphere microbiome associated with banana Panama disease suppression in a two‐seasonal pot experiment. We found biofertilizer applied to lime and ammonium bicarbonate fumigated soil significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the abundance of rhizosphere Fusarium oxysporum compared to biofertilizer applied to non‐fumigated soil. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that biofertilizer applied to lime and ammonium bicarbonate fumigated soil re‐shaped the rhizosphere bacterial community composition by increasing the phylogenetic relatedness, and stimulating indigenous microbes, for example, Gemmatimonas, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter and Bacillus. Co‐occurrence analysis revealed that potential species involved in disease suppression were more interrelated in disease‐suppressive soils. Taken together, lime and ammonium bicarbonate fumigation followed by biofertilizer application could induce banana rhizosphere to assemble beneficial microbes dominated consortia to suppress banana Panama disease.
Bacterial cellulose: a versatile biopolymer for wound dressing applications
Authors: Portela Raquel , Leal Catarina R. , Almeida Pedro L. , Sobral Rita G.
Published: March 2019

Although several therapeutic approaches are available for wound and burn treatment and much progress has been made in this area, room for improvement still exists, driven by the urgent need of better strategies to accelerate wound healing and recovery, mostly for cases of severe burned patients. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer produced by bacteria with several advantages over vegetal cellulose, such as purity, high porosity, permeability to liquid and gases, elevated water uptake capacity and mechanical robustness. Besides its biocompatibility, BC can be modified in order to acquire antibacterial response and possible local drug delivery features. Due to its intrinsic versatility, BC is the perfect example of a biotechnological response to a clinical problem. In this review, we assess the BC main features and emphasis is given to a specific biomedical application: wound dressings. The production process and the physical–chemical properties that entitle this material to be used as wound dressing namely for burn healing are highlighted. An overview of the most common BC composites and their enhanced properties, in particular physical and biological, is provided, including the different production processes. A particular focus is given to the biochemistry and genetic manipulation of BC. A summary of the current marketed BC‐based wound dressing products is presented, and finally, future perspectives for the usage of BC as wound dressing are foreseen.
Geospatial Method to Map Potential Risk of Stormwater Thermal Pollution
Authors: Martin Clinton J. , Hodges Clayton , Dymond Randel
Published: March 2019

Thermal pollution is a growing concern as communities strive to protect and improve the nation's waters. The purpose of this study was to develop and analyze a geospatial model that predicts the relative risk of contribution of thermal energy to surface runoff throughout an urban watershed. A geospatial‐based solution could serve as a screening method or planning element, prior to or instead of the development of a more complex simulation of mass‐load transport of thermal energy. The study's theoretical methodology integrated the thermal potential of land cover and thermal decay due to overland travel to inlets. The resulting thermal pollution potential (TPP) index value was then assigned to individual model grid cells for comparison. Analysis of results from application to a case study watershed in Blacksburg, Virginia, indicated the computational methodology is not very sensitive to changes in spatial resolution. The thermal decay constant used in the analysis was varied, and results indicated a low sensitivity to selection of this parameter. A comparison between methods of watershed delineation also indicated use of infrastructure‐corrected watershed delineation yields better results than derivation from automated techniques. The geospatial method presented may be used to reproduce a TPP risk map to prioritize thermal pollution mitigation efforts.
Cardiolipin remodeling by ALCAT1 links mitochondrial dysfunction to Parkinson’s diseases
Authors: Song Chengjie , Zhang Jun , Qi Shasha , Liu Zhen , Zhang Xiaoyang , Zheng Yue , Andersen John‐Paul , Zhang Weiping , Strong Randy , Martinez Paul Anthony , Musi Nicolas , Nie Jia , Shi Yuguang
Published: March 2019

Cardiolipin (CL) is a mitochondrial signature phospholipid that is required for membrane structure, respiration, dynamics, and mitophagy. Oxidative damage of CL by reactive oxygen species is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the underlying cause remains elusive. This work investigated the role of ALCAT1, an acyltransferase that catalyzes pathological remodeling of CL in various aging‐related diseases, in a mouse model of PD induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,4,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We show that MPTP treatment caused oxidative stress, mtDNA mutations, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the midbrain. In contrast, ablation of the ALCAT1 gene or pharmacological inhibition of ALCAT1 prevented MPTP‐induced neurotoxicity, apoptosis, and motor deficits. ALCAT1 deficiency also mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction by modulating DRP1 translocation to the mitochondria. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of ALCAT1 significantly improved mitophagy by promoting the recruitment of Parkin to dysfunctional mitochondria. Finally, ALCAT1 expression was upregulated by MPTP and by α‐synucleinopathy, a key hallmark of PD, whereas ALCAT1 deficiency prevented α‐synuclein oligomerization and S‐129 phosphorylation, implicating a key role of ALCAT1 in the etiology of mouse models of PD. Together, these findings identify ALCAT1 as a novel drug target for the treatment of PD.
BRCA mutation testing for ovarian cancer in the context of available targeted therapy: Survey and consensus of Hong Kong specialists
Authors: Kwong Ava , Cheng Ka‐Leung Danny , Hsue Chan‐Chee Victor , Hui Sze‐Ki , Leung Ching‐Yu Roland , Leung Kwong‐Chuen Angus , Ngan Kai‐Cheong Roger , Soong Sung Inda
Published: March 2019

Aims

BRCA mutation (BRCAmut) testing is an important tool for the risk assessment, prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC), and more recently, for determining patient susceptibility to targeted therapy. This study assessed the current BRCAmut testing patterns and explored physicians’ perspectives on the utilities and optimal sequencing of the testing, in order to facilitate and standardize testing practices.

Methods

Medical specialists in BC and OC in Hong Kong were invited to complete a questionnaire on BRCAmut testing practices. A panel of specialists with extensive BRCAmut testing experience was also convened to develop consensus statements on testing, using the Delphi method and an anonymous electronic voting system.

Results

The survey respondents (n = 71) recognized family history (FH) of BC and/or OC and an early age of onset as key factors for referring BRCAmut testing. The proportion of respondents who would test all OCs regardless of FH or age, as per the recent international guideline, was low (28.2%). The largest hurdles to testing were the cost, as well as the availability of next‐generation sequencing‐accredited testing and genetic counseling facilities. The panelists suggested that the sequence of somatic testing followed by germline testing may help address both the imminent need of treatment planning and longer term hereditary implications. The potential emotional and financial burdens of BRCAmut testing should be weighed against the potential therapeutic benefits, and the type and timing of testing personalized.

Conclusions

Accessibility of BRCAmut testing to all at‐risk individuals will be achievable through improvements in testing affordability, as well as widened availability of accredited testing and genetic counseling facilities.
Anatomic symmetry of anterolateral thigh flap perforators: a computed tomography angiographic study
Authors: Lu David , Chan Philip , Ferris Scott , Shayan Ramin , Angliss Margaret , Bruscino‐Raiola Frank
Published: March 2019

Background

The anterolateral thigh flap is a workhorse reconstructive flap. Versatility in design is a key strength but perforator anatomy can be variable. Inability to locate perforators prompts consideration of contralateral thigh exploration. However, such exploration would be futile if the absence of perforators proves symmetrical. This study assesses the symmetry of anterolateral thigh flap vasculature using computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 20 bilateral thigh CTAs was performed. Each limb was assessed for number, course, location and size of perforators. Only vessels >0.5 mm in size at origin were included. Location was standardized between patients using perforator distance/thigh length ratio. Results were analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

In each thigh, the average number of perforators was 3.58 and average perforator distance/thigh length ratio was 0.358 ± 0.08. Between both limbs of the same patient, the mean difference in number of perforators was 0.55 (P = 0.002), and difference in average perforator size was 0.3 mm (P < 0.001). Average perforator location differed by a mean of 3% of thigh length (P < 0.001) between thighs.

Conclusion

While average vessel size and location appear similar, there does not appear to be symmetry in the number of perforators. Surgical exploration of the contralateral thigh in an absence of perforators should be considered. In patients where abnormal anatomy is expected, mapping with CTA could be considered to reduce morbidity associated with unsuccessful surgical exploration and dissection.
Left‐sided gallbladder: a systematic review of a rare biliary anomaly
Authors: Pereira Ryan , Singh Talbir , Avramovic John , Baker Sam , Eslick Guy D. , Cox Michael R.
Published: March 2019

Background

A left‐sided gallbladder (LSGB) is a rare anatomical anomaly that is often not discovered until surgery. Two cases of LSGB managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) stimulated this systematic review. The aims of this study were in LSGB to define the rate of pre‐operative detection, variations in biliary anatomy, laparoscopic techniques employed and outcomes of surgery for symptomatic gallstones.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses principles.

Results

Fifty‐three studies with 112 patients of which 90 (80.4%) had symptomatic gallstones. Pre‐operative imaging was performed in 108 patients (96.4%) with an LSGB reported on imaging in 32 (29.6%) patients. The remainder of LSGB were discovered at surgery. Ultrasound detected an LSGB in three (2.7%) patients. Five variants of cystic union with the common hepatic duct (CHD) were identified. The most common (67.8%) was union on the right side of the CHD after a hairpin bend anterior to the CHD. A cholecystectomy for gallstone disease was performed in 90 patients, 23.3% open and 76.7% LC. Common variations in LC technique were different port site placement and techniques related to the falciform ligament to improve exposure. Common bile duct injury occurred in four (4.4%) patients.

Conclusion

LSGB is a rare anatomical variation that in patients with symptomatic gallstones is usually discovered at surgery. Cholecystectomy is associated with a higher incidence of common bile duct injury.
Nordic populations are still getting taller – secular changes in height from the 20th to 21st century
Authors: Holmgren Anton , Niklasson Aimon , Aronson A. Stefan , Sjöberg Agneta , Lissner Lauren , Albertsson‐Wikland Kerstin
Published: March 2019

Aim

The study aims to investigate secular changes in adult height among Nordic reference populations during the last four decades and in parents of Swedish study participants, and to study during which growth phase(s) infancy, childhood or puberty changes in height and tempo occurred.

Methods

Length and height data were obtained from publications on populations used as current and previous national height references in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Measurements from birth until adult height and original parental heights of participants in Swedish reference populations born 1956, 1974, and 1990 were used.

Results

Adult height has increased progressively in Nordic populations born in 1950s–1990s; for females by 6 mm/decade Norway, 4 mm; Sweden, 6 mm; Finland and Denmark, 7 mm; for males by 9 mm/decade, in Sweden, 5 mm; Finland, 7 mm; Denmark 8 mm; Norway, 15 mm. This was due to more growth during childhood despite earlier timing of mid‐puberty. Heights of Swedish parents born 1920s–1960s increased 11 mm/decade for mothers, 14 mm/decade for fathers.

Conclusion

The Nordic countries comprise some of the tallest populations in the world yet continue to show a positive secular change in adult height alongside a faster tempo of growth by earlier timing of puberty, highlighting the need to regularly update national height references.
Pharmacokinetics of ferric bepectate—a new intravenous iron drug for treating iron deficiency
Authors: Muñoz Manuel , Olsen Peter Skov , Petersen Tonny Studsgaard , Manhart Susanne , Waldorff Stig
Published: March 2019

IV iron is indicated in clinical conditions, where rapid anaemia alleviation and repletion of iron stores are required. The acute toxicity of IV iron is ascribed to the presence of labile iron in plasma. Thus, shorter plasma residence time might improve the safety profile, even for compounds holding‐on the iron tightly. In this single‐centre, open‐label, single‐dose escalation study, we evaluated the elimination kinetics of ferric bepectate (FBP) compared to those of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM). Thirty‐three iron‐depleted anaemic patients who had undergone cardiac surgery were included and received 200, 500 or 1500 mg FBP or 500 mg FCM. Plasma drug curves were subjected to model‐free analysis. Because saturation kinetics was found, a compartmental model with limited elimination capacity was applied. Urinary iron excretion was also analysed. The initial non‐compartmental analysis revealed an increasing AUC/dose ratio for FBP. For both drugs, the central distribution compartment corresponded to plasma volume, and elimination followed Michaelis‐Menten saturation kinetics. Maximal elimination rates (Vmax) were 224 mg/h and 81 mg/h for FBP 500 mg and FCM 500 mg, respectively; drug concentrations at half Vmax (Km), 99 mg/L and 212 mg/L, respectively; and terminal plasma half‐life (T½), 3.05 h and 8.96 h, respectively. Both drugs were equally effective in eliciting an early ferritin rise. Urinary iron excretion was measurable in all patients receiving FCM but not in those receiving FBP, which was well tolerated. Intravenous iron drugs are subject to capacity‐limited elimination with different saturation thresholds. Urinary iron excretion can be used as a surrogate for labile plasma iron.
Headache: an important symptom possibly linked to white matter lesions in thalassaemia
Authors: Premawardhena Anuja , Ranawaka Udaya , Pilapitiya Taraka , Weerasinghe Gihan , Hapangama Aruni , Hettiarachchi Shantha , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Salvin Karahinarachichige , Silva Ishari , Hameed Nizri , Weatherall Mark , Olivieri Nancy , Weatherall David
Published: March 2019

Neurological manifestations are reported only occasionally in patients with thalassaemia and are given much less prominence than the complications related to anaemia and iron overload. White matter changes (WMCs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with thalassaemia were first reported two decades ago but the significance of these lesions remains unclear. We studied the neurological and cognitive manifestations in 82 older patients with thalssaemia [25 Thalassaemia major (TM), 24 thalassaemia intermedia (TI) and 33 haemaglobin E β thalassaemia (EBT)] and 80 controls, and found that headaches were more common in thalassaemia patients (50/82, 61%) than in controls (18/80, 22·5%: P < 0·001). WMCs on MRI were found in 20/82 (24·3%) patients and 2/29 (6·9%) controls had (P = 0·078). WMC were more common among those with headaches (17/50: 34%) than in those without headache (3/32; 9·3%) (P = 0·023). WMCs were not associated with reduction of cognition. Nevertheless, cognition was lower in the TI and EBT groups compared with those with TM (P = 0·002). The association of headache with WMC in thalassaemia has not been reported before and warrants further study.