bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An English-for-specific-purposes motivated analysis of corporate sustainability reports
Authors: Saeli Hooman
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on corporate sustainability reports (CSRs). In doing so, a number of rhetorical moves were identified in such reports and the rhetorical purposes of those moves were investigated. The findings helped understand the corporations’ eco-ideologies and priorities.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 12 CSRs from laptop-manufacturing companies were chosen. The CSRs then underwent data coding which led to the identification of rhetorical moves and sub-moves. The identified moves were then analyzed contextually to interpret the corporations’ larger-scale ideologies.

Findings

The findings identified a number of rhetorical moves. For instance, the corporations were shown to stress issues, such as resource management and waste management, in the CSRs. In addition, linguistic analysis of the CSRs indicated that the companies accepted their share in environmental issues and aimed to address such issues.

Originality/value

The present study is the first known attempt at analyzing the CSRs issues by laptop manufacturers. While some previous studies (Mason and Mason, 2012) have investigated the CSRs issued by a wide array of companies, no existing study has focused on tech companies.
The power of e-commerce
Authors: Hua Nan , Hight Stephen , Wei Wei , Ozturk Ahmet Bulent , Zhao Xinyuan (Roy) , Nusair Khaldoon , DeFranco Agnes
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to offer empirical insights on how investing in e-commerce capabilities affects the relationship between loyalty programs and hotel operating performance so as to aid in identifying proper resource allocation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extended the model in Hua et al. (2015) by testing the interaction of e-commerce and loyalty programs.

Findings

The findings illustrate that proper allocation of company financial resources to e-commerce initiatives can help improve the impact of loyalty programs on hotel operating performance.

Practical implications

The results of this study illustrate that hotel performance can be improved by the synergy between loyalty program and e-commerce initiatives. Thus, hotel managers and owners can use results from this study to improve the efficiency of their asset allocation strategies, with five practical implications offered.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study adapted and extended an integrative model of hotel operating performance (Hua et al., 2015) by identifying critical factors that elucidate the variance in firm performance. In addition, the moderating role of e-commerce provides a new conceptualization of information technology. Practically, this study makes several important contributions as well.
Water accounting knowledge pathways
Authors: Tingey-Holyoak Joanne , Pisaniello John D.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

There are increasing demands on professional accountants in practice to generate water accounts for clients using knowledge from other disciplines within and outside their firms. Whilst many professional service firms have a broad range of in-house and consulting expertise, professional groups within and between these organisations may not be generating and sharing the knowledge required for successful water accounting. The purpose of this paper is to explore how additional disciplinary skills for water volumetric measurement, understanding of licensing and allocations can effectively and efficiently be shared between the disciplines required to be involved.

Design/methodology/approach

Two cross-sectional semi-structured surveys developed using a social network lens were disseminated to Australian accountants operating in professional services firms, and the results were descriptively analysed.

Findings

The authors find that, whilst accounting and engineering are acknowledged as core disciplines for water accounting, there is a need for more standardised measures and frameworks across diverse scales to fit in with current reporting practices and meet stakeholder needs. These need to be nested in a water accounting regulatory model that includes the accountancy professional bodies as a platform for knowledge generation and sharing.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence of perceived barriers to and pathways for interdisciplinary knowledge networks for a new type of accounting. It demonstrates how regulatory frameworks can potentially assist rather than impede accountants in their contribution to solving of complex corporate sustainability problems.
Upregulation of phosphoserine phosphatase contributes to tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Liao Li , Yu Huajian , Ge Mengxi , Zhan Qiong , Huang Ruofan , Ji Xiaoyu , Liang Xiaohua , Zhou Xinli
Published: April 2019

Background

Growing evidence indicates that high phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) expression is associated with tumor prognosis in many types of cancers. However, the role of PSPH in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of PSPH in NSCLC.

Methods

One hundred forty‐three patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC who underwent surgery were included. Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot were used to assess PSPH expression in paired tumor and corresponding adjacent non‐tumorous tissues. The role of PSPH in invasion and cell growth was investigated in vitro.

Results

Compared to adjacent normal lung tissues, PSPH messenger RNA and protein levels were significantly higher in NSCLC tissues, and the PSPH expression level was positively related to clinical stage, metastasis, and recurrence. High PSPH expression was predictive of poor overall survival. A549 cells transfected with small interfering‐PSPH showed inhibited cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. We further demonstrated that PSPH might promote the invasive capabilities of NSCLC cells through the AKT/AMPK signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that PSPH may act as a putative oncogene in NSCLC, and may be a vital molecular marker for the metastasis and proliferation of NSCLC cells by regulating the AKT/AMPK signaling pathway.
Anthropogenic saltpetre: dual (oxygen and nitrogen) isotopic constraints to the biogeochemical processes
Authors: Mizota C. , Hosono T. , Matsunaga M. , Okumura A. , Yamanaka T.
Published: April 2019

Saltpetre constitutes one of the major ingredients of gunpowder, which was a driving force during the political changes in late medieval to early modern times in Japan. Two types of model saltpetre mineralization are studied. One represents efflorescent saltpetre formed as the byproduct of indigo dye manufacture, whereas the second is anthropogenic, derived from relict nitre‐beds. Here, oxygen and nitrogen isotopic analysis, as expressed by δ18O and δ15N notations, is applied. The calculated δ18O values for ambient water, responsible for the microbial‐mediated oxidation of ammonium into oxygen in nitrates, tended to have higher ranges than average local meteoric waters of the relevant regions. An overall trend could be seen, showing the apparent positive nitrogen isotopic fractionation during the microbial transformation from initial organic nitrogen into nitrate product. Dual isotopic analysis for industrial nitrates provides a useful tool for investigation of the provenance of historic gunpowder. Present anthropogenic saltpetre involves positive control over temperature–moisture regimes and oxygen fugacity during formation, the process being distinctive from those prevailed in British India and other European countries.
Performance of Oncomine Fusion Transcript kit for formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded lung cancer specimens
Authors: Sakai Kazuko , Ohira Tatsuo , Matsubayashi Jun , Yoneshige Azusa , Ito Akihiko , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Nagao Toshitaka , Iwamatsu Emi , Katayama Jin , Ikeda Norihiko , Nishio Kazuto
Published: April 2019

Gene fusions play an important role in the carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. The recent association of four oncogenic driver genes, ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK1, as lung tumor predictive biomarkers has increased the need for precision medicine. We used formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue samples of non‐small cell lung cancer from 150 EGFR mutation‐negative cases and 10 fusion status‐known cases and compared the performance of the Oncomine Dx Fusion Transcript Test (ODxFT) with FISH break‐apart for the detection of ALK, RET, and ROS1 fusion genes. RNA was extracted from the paraffin‐embedded tissue samples with or without macrodissection under hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the ALK fusion gene was independently determined using these assays. Fusion detection analyses were successfully carried out using ODxFT in 150 cases, with only one invalid case. ALK fusion genes were detected at a frequency of 7.3% (11/150) in the lung cancer specimens. Concordance rate between the ODxFT and ALK‐FISH analyses was 99.3% (148/149). Sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% and 99.3%, respectively. All the samples with a known fusion status were accurately matched between the two assays. Our results show a high concordance rate between the ODxFT and ALK‐FISH analyses. ODxFT was thus validated as an effective method for detecting clinically significant ALK fusion genes in paraffin‐embedded tissue samples.
Clinical significance of programmed death‐1 and programmed death‐ligand 1 expression in the tumor microenvironment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mikami Shuji , Mizuno Ryuichi , Kondo Tsunenori , Shinohara Nobuo , Nonomura Norio , Ozono Seiichiro , Eto Masatoshi , Tatsugami Katsunori , Takayama Tatsuya , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Kishida Takeshi , Oya Mototsugu ,   the Japanese Society of Renal Cancer
Published: April 2019

Recently, immunotherapy based on blocking immune checkpoints with programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) or PD‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) Abs has been introduced for the treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), especially tumors resistant to vascular endothelial growth factor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF‐TKIs), but the significance of their expression in the tumor microenvironment is unclear. We investigated these immune checkpoint markers in tumor cells and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIIC) in the tumor microenvironment of 100 untreated and 25 VEGF‐TKI‐treated primary ccRCC tissues. Upregulated expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 by TIIC, and PD‐L1 by tumor cells was associated with the histological grade and unfavorable prognosis of RCC patients. High PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression by TIIC was associated with a poorer response to VEGF‐TKI, whereas PD‐L1 expression by tumor cells did not affect the efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, increased PD‐1‐positive TIIC and PD‐L1‐positive TIIC were observed in tumors treated with VEGF‐TKIs compared with those in untreated tumors. Our data suggest that PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression by TIIC in the tumor microenvironment is involved in treatment resistance, and that sequential therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic strategy for ccRCC resistant to VEGF‐TKI treatment.
Keratinized mucosa width is associated with severity of peri‐implant mucositis. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Grischke Jasmin , Karch Annika , Wenzlaff Andreas , Foitzik Magdalena Marta , Stiesch Meike , Eberhard Jörg
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This is a cross‐sectional study designed with the aim to assess associations between the width of keratinized tissue and peri‐implant mucositis.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and thirty one dental implants in 52 patients were evaluated. The width of keratinized mucosa (KM), plaque index (mPI), gingival index (mGI), bleeding on probing index (BoP), and the probing depth (PD) were measured clinically. Reduced KM was defined as a width of KM below 2 mm and 1 mm, respectively. In the primary analysis, data were analyzed on the implant level with the help of a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model. In sensitivity analyses, an adjusted linear mixed model was performed.

Results

Forty four implants in 12 patients had less than 2 mm KM, and 187 implants in 40 patients had ≥ 2 mm KM. In the non‐adjusted analysis on the implant level, reduced keratinized tissue width was significantly associated with peri‐implant mucositis (OR 3.3, 95%‐CI (1.3–8.0), p = 0.009) and severity of disease (mean difference 2.5, 95%‐CI (0.8–4.2) p = 0.004). In sensitivity analyses, reduced keratinized tissue showed a significant association with severity of disease (OR 1.7, 95%‐confidence interval = 0.1–34, p = 0.040).

Conclusion

A reduced width of keratinized tissue around dental implants is a risk indicator for severity of peri‐implant mucositis. The overall tendency of the results indicates that a sufficient amount of KM may contribute to reduce risk for and severity of peri‐implant mucositis.
Hepaticojejunostomy for the right hepatic bile duct using a forward‐viewing echoendoscope in a patient after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Sato Junya , Kaneko Junichi
Published: April 2019

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What Drives Enrolment Gaps in Further Education? The Role of Beliefs in Sequential Schooling Decisions
Authors: Belfield Chris , Boneva Teodora , Rauh Christopher , Shaw Jonathan
Published: April 2019

We study students’ motives to obtain sixth form and university education in a sample of 885 secondary school students in the UK. At each educational stage, perceptions about the consumption value of education explain a substantial share of the variation in students’ intentions to obtain further education, while beliefs about the monetary benefits and costs are not found to play an important role. Beliefs about the consumption value of university predict not only students’ intentions to go to university but also their intentions to go to sixth form, highlighting the importance of dynamic considerations in the choice. We further document that students’ beliefs about the consumption value of further schooling strongly predict students’ perceptions about how likely it is that they will obtain the necessary grades to proceed to the next educational stage. Differences in the perceived consumption value across gender and socioeconomic groups can account for a sizeable proportion of the gender and socioeconomic gaps in students’ intentions to pursue further education as well as in their perceptions about their own performance.
Assessing community readiness for early intervention programmes to promote social and emotional health in children
Authors: Islam Shahid , Small Neil , Bryant Maria , Bridges Sally , Hancock Nicola , Dickerson Josie
Published: April 2019

Objective

Evidence for early intervention and prevention‐based approaches for improving social and emotional health in young children is robust. However, rates of participation in programmes are low. We explored the dynamics which affect levels of community readiness to address the issues of social and emotional health for pregnant women, young children (0‐4 years) and their mothers.

Setting

A deprived inner‐city housing estate in the north of England. The estate falls within the catchment area of a project that has been awarded long‐term funding to address social and emotional health during pregnancy and early childhood.

Methods

We interviewed key respondents using the Community Readiness Model. This approach applies a mixed methodology, incorporating readiness scores and qualitative data. A mean community readiness score was calculated enabling the placement of the community in one of nine possible stages of readiness. Interview transcripts were analysed using a qualitative framework approach to generate contextual information to augment the numerical scores.

Results

An overall score consistent with vague awareness was achieved, indicating a low level of community readiness for social and emotional health interventions. This score suggests that there will be a low likelihood of participation in programmes that address these issues.

Conclusion

Gauging community readiness offers a way of predicting how willing and prepared a community is to address an issue. Modifying implementation plans so that they first address community readiness may improve participation rates.
G‐protein coupled receptors and ligands that organize humoral immune responses
Authors: Lu Erick , Cyster Jason G.
Published: April 2019

B‐cell responses are dynamic processes that depend on multiple types of interactions. Rare antigen‐specific B cells must encounter antigen and specialized systems are needed—unique to each lymphoid tissue type—to ensure this happens efficiently. Lymphoid tissue barrier cells act to ensure that pathogens, while being permitted entry for B‐cell recognition, are blocked from replication or dissemination. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells often need to be primed by dendritic cells before supporting B‐cell responses. For most responses, antigen‐specific helper T cells and B cells need to interact, first to initiate clonal expansion and the plasmablast response, and later to support the germinal center (GC) response. Newly formed plasma cells need to travel to supportive niches. GC B cells must become confined to the follicle center, organize into dark and light zones, and interact with Tfh cells. Memory B cells need to be positioned for rapid responses following reinfection. Each of these events requires the actions of multiple G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their ligands, including chemokines and lipid mediators. This review will focus on the guidance cue code underlying B‐cell immunity, with an emphasis on findings from our laboratory and on newer advances in related areas. We will discuss our recent identification of geranylgeranyl‐glutathione as a ligand for P2RY8. Our goal is to provide the reader with a focused knowledge about the GPCRs guiding B‐cell responses and how they might be therapeutic targets, while also providing examples of how multiple types of GPCRs can cooperate or act iteratively to control cell behavior.
Oxidation mechanisms of SiC‐fiber–reinforced Si eutectic alloy matrix composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Tsunoura Toru , Yoshida Katsumi , Yano Toyohiko , Aoki Takuya , Ogasawara Toshio
Published: April 2019

SiC‐fiber–reinforced binary Si eutectic alloy composites have been developed for aerospace applications using the melt infiltration method. In this study, the oxidation mechanisms of various binary Si eutectic alloys were evaluated at elevated temperatures. We suggest that the oxidation resistance of eutectic alloys could be predicted using the Gibbs energy change for the oxidation reaction. Based on these calculations, eutectic alloys of Si‐16at%Ti, Si‐17at%Cr, Si‐22at%Co, Si‐38at%Co, and Si‐27at%Fe were prepared. These alloys produced uniform SiO2 layers and showed the same oxidation resistance as Si at 1000°C under humid conditions. Therefore, SiC composites using Si alloys with excellent oxidation resistance can be predicted using thermodynamic calculations.
Expression of programmed cell death protein 1 and T‐cell immunoglobulin‐ and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3 on peripheral blood CD4+CD8+ double positive T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and in subjects who spontaneously cleared the virus
Authors: Caraballo Cortés Kamila , Osuch Sylwia , Perlejewski Karol , Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Kaźmierczak Justyna , Janiak Maciej , Jabłońska Joanna , Nazzal Khalil , Stelmaszczyk‐Emmel Anna , Berak Hanna , Bukowska‐Ośko Iwona , Paciorek Marcin , Laskus Tomasz , Radkowski Marek
Published: April 2019

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by increased proportion of CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) T cells, but their role in this infection is unclear. In chronic hepatitis C, immune responses to HCV become functionally exhausted, which manifests itself by increased expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and T‐cell immunoglobulin‐ and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3 (Tim‐3) on T cells. The aim of our study was to determine PD‐1 and Tim‐3 phenotype of DP T cells in subjects with naturally resolved and chronic HCV infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 patients with chronic infection and 14 subjects who cleared HCV in the past were stained with anti‐CD3, anti‐CD4, anti‐CD8, anti‐PD‐1 and anti‐Tim‐3 antibodies and, in 12 HLA‐A*02‐positive subjects, MHC class I pentamer with HCV NS31406 epitope. In chronic and past HCV infection, proportions of total DP T cells and PD‐1+ DP T cells were similar but significantly higher than in healthy controls. DP T cells were more likely to be PD‐1+ than either CD4+ or CD8+ single positive (SP) T cells. HCV‐specific cells were present in higher proportions among DP T cells than among CD8+ SP T cells in both patient groups. Furthermore, while the majority of HCV‐specific DP T cells were PD‐1+, the proportion of HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells which were PD‐1+ was 4.9 and 1.9 times lower (chronic and past infection, respectively). PD‐1 and Tim‐3 were predominantly expressed on CD4highCD8low and CD4lowCD8high cells, respectively, and co‐expression of both markers was uncommon.
Functional and mechanistic characterization of an atypical flavin reductase encoded by the pden_5119 gene in Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Sedláček Vojtěch , Kučera Igor
Published: April 2019

Pden_5119, annotated as an NADPH‐dependent FMN reductase, shows homology to proteins assisting in utilization of alkanesulfonates in other bacteria. Here, we report that inactivation of the pden_5119 gene increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, decreased growth rate and increased growth yield; growth on lower alkanesulfonates as sulfur sources was not specifically influenced. Pden_5119 transcript rose in response to oxidative stressors, respiratory chain inhibitors and terminal oxidase downregulation. Kinetic analysis of a fusion protein suggested a sequential mechanism in which FMN binds first, followed by NADH. The affinity of flavin toward the protein decreased only slightly upon reduction. The observed strong viscosity dependence of kcat demonstrated that reduced FMN formed tends to remain bound to the enzyme where it can be re‐oxidized by oxygen or, less efficiently, by various artificial electron acceptors. Stopped flow data were consistent with the enzyme‐FMN complex being a functional oxidase that conducts the reduction of oxygen by NADH. Hydrogen peroxide was identified as the main product. As shown by isotope effects, hydride transfer occurs from the pro‐S C4 position of the nicotinamide ring and partially limits the overall turnover rate. Collectively, our results point to a role for the Pden_5119 protein in maintaining the cellular redox state.
Conflict Style Associations with Cooperativeness, Directness, and Relational Satisfaction: A Case for a Six‐Style Typology
Authors: Guerrero Laura K.
Published: April 2019

Past research has been inconsistent in identifying the number and type of conflict styles individuals perceive themselves to use. Many typologies of conflict styles are built on the premise that level of cooperation versus competition, as well as directness versus indirectness, underlie various conflict styles. Grounded in a communication perspective, the present study uses dyadic data from 256 romantic couples to examine how self‐reported tendencies to use each of six conflict styles—collaborating, compromising, competitive fighting, yielding, avoiding, and indirect fighting—associate with how (un)cooperative and (in)direct partners generally perceive actors to be during conflict, as well as how relationally satisfied both members of the dyad are. The associations that emerged suggest each of the six styles has a unique profile, that a comprehensive typology of conflict styles should include indirect fighting as well as a more neutral avoiding style, and that compromising is a weak form of collaborating that is lower in cooperativeness and directness.
Efficient genetic transformation and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing in Lemna aequinoctialis
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Yu , Xu Shuqing , Tang Xianfeng , Zhao Jinshan , Yu Changjiang , He Guo , Xu Hua , Wang Shumin , Tang Yali , Fu Chunxiang , Ma Yubin , Zhou Gongke
Published: April 2019

The fast growth, ease of metabolic labelling and potential for feedstock and biofuels production make duckweeds not only an attractive model system for understanding plant biology, but also a potential future crop. However, current duckweed research is constrained by the lack of efficient genetic manipulation tools. Here, we report a case study on genome editing in a duckweed species, Lemna aequinoctialis, using a fast and efficient transformation and CRISPR/Cas9 tool. By optimizing currently available transformation protocols, we reduced the duration time of Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation to 5–6 weeks with a success rate of over 94%. Based on the optimized transformation protocol, we generated 15 (14.3% success rate) biallelic LaPDS mutants that showed albino phenotype using a CRISPR/Cas9 system. Investigations on CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutation spectrum among mutated L. aequinoctialis showed that most of mutations were short insertions and deletions. This study presents the first example of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing in duckweeds, which will open new research avenues in using duckweeds for both basic and applied research.
Bisphenol A attenuates thyroxine‐induced apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells of pigs
Authors: Song Dan , Wu Guoyun , Wei Quanwei , Shi Fangxiong
Published: April 2019

Contents

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical of high production volume that is used widely in many industries and is known as a xenooestrogen and anti‐thyroid hormone endocrine disrupter. There is little information regarding the effects of BPA in the presence of thyroid hormone on porcine granulosa cell development. Thus, the primary granulosa cells were treated with thyroxine (T4, 10 nM), BPA (10 µM) or T4 plus BPA; we subsequently evaluated the effects of T4 or BPA on 17β‐estradiol synthesis, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Our data showed that BPA significantly increased the accumulation of 17β‐estradiol and promoted granulosa cell proliferation, whereas T4 significantly decreased 17β‐estradiol and had no effect on cellular proliferation. In addition, it was noteworthy that T4 treatment induced apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells and BPA co‐incubation attenuated T4‐induced apoptosis as shown from flow cytometric assay analysis. We hypothesized that BPA attenuates T4‐induced apoptosis by regulating 17β‐estradiol accumulation and oestrogen receptor‐mediated signalling pathways. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that T4 affected 17β‐estradiol accumulation and induced cellular apoptosis, but did not affect granulosa cell proliferation. Exposure to BPA increased 17β‐estradiol accumulation, promoted granulosa cell proliferation and attenuated T4‐induced apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells in vitro.
Emergency medical services and cardiac arrest from drug overdose: a protocol for a systematic review of incidence and survival outcomes
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Nehme Ziad , Williams Brett , Smith Karen
Published: April 2019

Review question:

The primary review question is: what is the global incidence rate of emergency medical services (EMS)-attended and EMS-treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) precipitated by drug overdose in adults?

The secondary review questions are: what proportion of adults with EMS-treated overdose OHCA: i) survived to hospital discharge or 30 days, ii) survived with intact neurological function at hospital discharge (i.e. Cerebral Performance Category or modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2), iii) achieved prehospital return of spontaneous circulation, iv) survived to hospital, and v) survived to 12 months?
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce occupational stress among emergency department staff: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Xu Hui (Grace) , Kynoch Kathryn , Tuckett Anthony , Eley Robert , Newcombe Peter
Published: April 2019

Review question:

The aim of the review is to synthesize the best available evidence on interventions targeting occupational stress and burnout among emergency department (ED) staff. The specific review questions are:
Aproximación a las dinámicas del conflicto armado en la ciudad de Barranquilla “Entre la marginalidad insurgente y el control paramilitar 1990-2006”
Authors: Martinez Martinez Franklin , Trejos Rosero Luis Fernando , Badillo Sarmiento Reynell
Published: April 2019

Durante los últimos años, ha sido común considerar que Barranquilla no ha sido escenario de conflicto armado. Sin embargo, el análisis histórico demuestra lo contrario. En el presente trabajo, realizamos una aproximación descriptiva a las dinámicas del conflicto armado en la ciudad, entre 1990 y 2006, observando que tanto guerrillas y estructuras paramilitares hicieron presencia activa en la ciudad, modificando aspectos de la vida social, política, económica e institucional de esta.
Una gran “batalla teopolítica” que merece tres guerreros más
Authors: Pérez Crespo Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2019

El libro del profesor Guerrero ofrece un análisis de los debates teóricos que el célebre y polémico jurista Carl Schmitt provocó a lo largo de su vida en el convulsionado siglo XX. El comentario crítico aquí presentado no tiene como finalidad el reseñar o resumir el texto por capítulos, sino, por el contrario, complementar la discusión a la que nos ha invitado el autor. Efectivamente, este texto debe leerse como una invitación al debate intelectual, y precisamente a esta hemos accedido con honor. Por esa razón, el libro es, antes que una exploración por los distintos campos que exploró el jurista de Plettenberg —ciencia política, constitucionalismo, crítica literaria y relaciones internacionales— una propuesta de pensar en conjunto las discusiones que generó el libro Politische theologie, de 1922. A primera vista, el texto nos llama a reflexionar sobre las vinculaciones entre los campos de la teología y la política, precisamente con una portada de la Torre de Babel, que es una gura icónica dentro de la mística del judeocristianismo. Sin embargo, el libro no es un trabajo de teología ni de filosofía de la religión, sino, esencialmente, de teoría política.
De la victoria de un candidato independiente a los desafíos en la eficacia del desempeño gubernamental: el caso de Nuevo León, México.
Authors: Medellín Mendoza Laura Nelly
Published: April 2019

Se analiza la victoria de un candidato independiente que ganó un gobierno subnacional excluyendo al sistema tradicional de partidos políticos. Como fue una experiencia inédita en México, se toman en cuenta las condiciones del sistema político caracterizado por la dominación de un partido hegemónico en donde su capacidad para minimizar la representación política fue la constante, hasta que gradualmente el proceso de liberalización política por la vía electoral pudo permitir el pluralismo político. En la reforma electoral del 2014 se contó con la posibilidad de tener candidaturas independientes y el estado de Nuevo León, también incluyó la figura. Por tanto, en el análisis del primer gobierno independiente del estado de Nuevo León se toma en cuenta la variable antecedente de cómo fue la ruta electoral ganadora que a través fundamentalmente de una plataforma de redes sociales y no por la vía convencional de hacer campañas electorales, se logró una victoria sin precedentes en la historia local y nacional. Posteriormente centrándose sólo en dos variables para medir eficacia política gubernamental se muestra evidencia empírica para analizar los resultados en materia de corrupción y seguridad pública. Posteriormente se incluye el contexto de la salida de la gubernatura y las conclusiones en primer balance de gobierno.
Characterization of the Effect of Exhaust Back Pressure on Crank Angle-Resolved Exhaust Exergy in a Diesel Engine
Authors: Mahabadipour H. , Partridge K. R. , Jha P. R. , Srinivasan K. K. , Krishnan S. R.
Published: April 2019

To enable efficient exhaust waste energy recovery (WER), it is important to characterize the exergy available in engine exhaust flows. In a recent article (Mahabadipour et al., 2018, Appl. Energy, 216, pp. 31–44), the authors introduced a new methodology for quantifying crank angle-resolved exhaust exergy (including its thermal and mechanical components) for the two exhaust phases, viz., the “blowdown” phase and the “displacement” phase. The present work combines experimental measurements with GT-SUITE simulations to investigate the effect of exhaust back-pressure (Pb) on crank angle-resolved exhaust exergy in a single-cylinder research engine (SCRE). To this end, Pb values of 1, 1.4, and 1.8 bar are considered for conventional diesel combustion on the SCRE. Furthermore, the effect of boost pressure (Pin) between 1.2 and 2.4 bar on the thermal and mechanical components of exhaust exergy is reported at different Pb. The exergy available in the blowdown and the displacement phases of the exhaust process is also quantified. Regardless of Pin, with increasing Pb, the cumulative exergy percentage in the blowdown phase reduced uniformly. For example, at Pin = 1.5 bar and 1500 rpm engine speed, the cumulative exergy percentage in the blowdown phase decreased from 34% to 17% when Pb increased from 1 bar to 1.8 bar. The percentage of fuel exergy available as exhaust exergy was quantified. For instance, this normalized cumulative exergy in the exhaust increased from 10% to 21% when Pb increased from 1 bar to 1.8 bar at 1200 rpm. Finally, although the present work focused on exhaust exergy results for diesel combustion in the SCRE, the overall methodology can be easily adopted to study exhaust exergy flows in different engines and different combustion modes to enable efficient exhaust WER.
Experimental Investigation of an Aerodynamically Mistuned Oscillating Compressor Cascade
Authors: Malzacher Leonie , Schwarze Christopher , Motta Valentina , Peitsch Dieter
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the effect of aerodynamic mistuning on stability of a compressor cascade is studied. The experiments have been carried out at a low-speed test facility of the Technische Universität Berlin. The test section contains a linear cascade with compressor blades that are forced to oscillate in sinusoidal pitching motion. The aerodynamic mistuning is realized by a blade-to-blade stagger angle variation, and three mistuning patterns have been investigated: one-blade mis-staggering, alternating mis-staggering, and random mis-staggering. Mis-staggering can have a stabilizing or destsabilizing effect, but depends strongly on the amount of detuning that alters the flow passage. For positive stagger angle variation for the one-blade and alternating mis-staggering, the trend of the damping curve was maintained, in the sense that the unstable interblade phase angles (IBPAs) remained unstable. For negative stagger angle variation, one IBPA shifted from stable to unstable. For the random pattern, only very moderate changes are observed. The cascade stability was not noticeably affected by the aerodynamic mistuning.
The Cognitive Structure of the Basketball Free Throw in Adolescent Physical Education Students
Authors: England Aaron , Brusseau Timothy , Burns Ryan , Koester Dirk , Newton Maria , Thiese Matthew , Chase Benjamin
Published: April 2019

In adult performers, research suggests that mental representations (MRs) mediate performance of skilled movement. During adolescence, cortical brain areas responsible for generating MRs develop rapidly along with limb size, which, together, may affect movement and movement representations. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between adolescent MRs and free-throw shooting expertise. Using structural dimensional analysis of MRs, skilled (n = 11) and less skilled (n = 11) participants sorted free-throw submovements according to their relatedness in movement execution. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical cluster analysis, factor analysis, and invariance test to examine between-group cluster comparisons. Cluster solutions for the skilled and less skilled participants were significantly variant (λ = 0.56). This method of measuring MRs distinguished expertise-related differences in MRs in an adolescent population. Findings may influence methods in which practitioners detect motor-planning faults, track development, and provide feedback to trainees.
Abdominal cocoon syndrome: an obstructive adhesiolytic metamorphosis
Authors: Renko Abagayle E , Witte Samantha R , Cooper Amanda B
Published: April 2019

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), also known as idiopathic sclerosing peritonitis and primary sclerosing peritonitis, is a rare condition causing small bowel obstruction first described in 1978 by Fooet al. It is characterised by total or partial encasement of the small bowel in a fibrocollagenous cocoon-like sac accompanied by extensive intrinsic small bowel adhesions. While the aetiology of this condition remains largely unknown, ACS can be divided into two subtypes: primary or idiopathic, which is often accompanied by cryptorchidism, and secondary to another cause such as congenital dysplasia or medications. Definitive diagnosis can only be achieved following laparotomy with extensive lysis of adhesions to alleviate the obstruction. However, preoperative diagnosis is possible if clinicians are aware of the condition and its radiologic signs.
Because space matters: conceptual framework to help distinguish slum from non-slum urban areas
Authors: Lilford Richard , Kyobutungi Catherine , Ndugwa Robert , Sartori Jo , Watson Samuel I , Sliuzas Richard , Kuffer Monika , Hofer Timothy , Porto de Albuquerque Joao , Ezeh Alex
Published: April 2019

Despite an estimated one billion people around the world living in slums, most surveys of health and well-being do not distinguish between slum and non-slum urban residents. Identifying people who live in slums is important for research purposes and also to enable policymakers, programme managers, donors and non-governmental organisations to better target investments and services to areas of greatest deprivation. However, there is no consensus on what a slum is let alone how slums can be distinguished from non-slum urban precincts. Nor has attention been given to a more fine-grained classification of urban spaces that might go beyond a simple slum/non-slum dichotomy. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework to help tackle the related issues of slum definition and classification of the urban landscape. We discuss:

The concept of space as an epidemiological variable that results in ‘neighbourhood effects’.

The problems of slum area definition when there is no ‘gold standard’.

A long-list of variables from which a selection must be made in defining or classifying urban slum spaces.

Methods to combine any set of identified variables in an operational slum area definition.

Two basic approaches to spatial slum area definitions—top-down (starting with a predefined area which is then classified according to features present in that area) and bottom-up (defining the areal unit based on its features).

Different requirements of a slum area definition according to its intended use.

Implications for research and future development.
Youth lost to homicides: disparities in survival in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Canudas-Romo Vladimir , Aburto José Manuel
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The homicide rates among young men in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are the highest in the world. It is not clear how this has impacted the life expectancy in these countries. This research has two purposes: (1) to quantify the impact of homicides on the mortality gap between LAC and high-income countries over recent years and (2) to assess the changes in homicide impact in overall survival over time.

Methods

Causes of death data were extracted for 23 countries in the LAC and 15 European countries (average European union-15 [EU-15]), using UN, UNODC, WHO, HMD and IHME databases for the period 2005–2014. The contribution by homicide deaths to the change in life expectancy, over time and as a difference between two populations, was quantified using decomposition methods.

Results

The contribution by homicide mortality to changes in life expectancy levels differed widely across the examined LAC countries. In Honduras, homicide mortality accounted for 1.75 (95% CI 1.64 to 1.86) and 6.30 (95% CI 6.07 to 6.53) years lower life expectancy than in the EU-15 countries for women and men, respectively. Contrary to this, homicide was just accountable for less than a couple of months of life expectancy differences between Chile and EU-15. Jamaica had the largest reduction in homicides and its impact increased life expectancy over time by almost half a year for men. However, Mexican men and Honduran women have experienced increases in mortality by homicide, which decreased their life expectancy by more than a quarter of a year between 2005 and 2014.

Conclusions

Excess mortality related to homicides in young people accounted for major changes in life expectancy in the LAC region. Furthermore, reducing excess mortality due to homicides is a crucial goal to further increase longevity towards levels of low-mortality countries. These reductions might prevent homicides spreading to other parts of Latin America. Decision and policy-makers in LAC need to address this immediately, and investing in the young population needs to be given a high priority.
Tracking global trends in the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy using the Drug Resistance Index
Authors: Klein Eili Y , Tseng Katie K , Pant Suraj , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: April 2019

Background

Evaluating trends in antibiotic resistance and communicating the results to a broad audience are important for dealing with this global threat. The Drug Resistance Index (DRI), which combines use and resistance into a single measure, was developed as an easy-to-understand measure of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. We demonstrate its utility in communicating differences in the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy across countries.

Methods

We calculated the DRI for countries with data on antibiotic use and resistance for the disease-causing organisms considered by the WHO as priority pathogens:Acinetobacter baumannii,Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Enterococcus faeciumandEnterococcus faecalis. Additionally, we estimated pooled worldwide resistance rates for these pathogens.

Results

41 countries had the requisite data and were included in the study. Resistance and use rates were highly variable across countries, butA. baumanniiresistance rates were uniformly higher, on average, than other organisms. High-income countries, particularly Sweden, Canada, Norway, Finland and Denmark, had the lowest DRIs; the countries with the highest DRIs, and therefore the lowest effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, were all low-income and middle-income countries.

Conclusions

The DRI is a useful indicator of the problem of resistance. By combining data on antibiotic use with resistance, it captures a snapshot of how the antibiotics a country typically uses match their resistance profiles. This single measure of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy provides a means of benchmarking against other countries and can, over time, indicate changes in drug effectiveness that can be easily communicated.
Personal Wellbeing Score (PWS)—a short version of ONS4: development and validation in social prescribing
Authors: Benson Tim , Sladen Joe , Liles Andrew , Potts Henry W W
Published: April 2019

Aims

Our aim was to develop a short generic measure of subjective well-being for routine use in patient-centred care and healthcare quality improvement alongside other patient-reported outcome and experience measures.

Methods

The Personal Wellbeing Score (PWS) is based on the Office of National Statistics (ONS) four subjective well-being questions (ONS4) and thresholds. PWS is short, easy to use and has the same look and feel as other measures in the same family of measures. Word length and reading age were compared with eight other measures.

Anonymous data sets from five social prescribing projects were analysed. Internal structure was examined using distributions, intra-item correlations, Cronbach’s α and exploratory factor analysis. Construct validity was assessed based on hypothesised associations with health status, health confidence, patient experience, age, gender and number of medications taken. Scores on referral and after referral were used to assess responsiveness.

Results

Differences between PWS and ONS4 include brevity (42 vs 114 words), reading age (9 vs 12 years), response options (4 vs 11), positive wording throughout and a summary score. 1299 responses (60% female, average age 81 years) from people referred to social prescribing services were analysed; missing values were less than 2%. PWS showed good internal reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.90). Exploratory factor analysis suggested that all PWS items relate to a single dimension. PWS summary scores correlate positively with health confidence (r=0.60), health status (r=0.58), patient experience (r=0.30) and age group (r=0.24). PWS is responsive to social prescribing intervention.

Conclusions

The PWS is a short variant of ONS4. It is easy to use with good psychometric properties, suitable for routine use in quality improvement and health services research.
Rhinitis following intraoperative gastro‐oesophageal reflux in a dog
Authors: Flouraki Eugenia , Kazakos George , Savvas Ioannis , Pardali Dimitra , Adamama‐Moraitou Katerina
Published: April 2019

A four‐month‐old, male dog underwent surgical repair of femoral and pelvic fracture. The dog was premedicated with acepromazine combined with morphine; anaesthesia was induced with propofol to effect and maintained with isoflurane in 100 per cent oxygen. One hour after induction the dog regurgitated and gastric contents emerged through the nares. At the end of the surgery rhinoscopy and oesophagoscopy were performed. The oesophageal mucosa was apparently normal, while posterior and retrograde rhinoscopy revealed diffused hyperaemia and oedema of the nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal mucosa; food particles and moderate amount of mucous exudates were also seen. Copious lavage was performed, and administration of antibiotics, metoclopramide, cimetidine and sucralfate was initiated. Nasal mucosa was re‐evaluated four days later. No abnormalities were detected in both nasal cavities and nasopharynx. The development of rhinitis following regurgitation during anaesthesia should be considered as a possible complication.
If you're suffering from stress, you're not alone
Authors: Allister Rosie
Published: April 2019

Stress is one of the most common themes among calls to Vetlife Helpline according to its manager, Rosie Allister.
Evaluation of thermodynamic properties and correlation of L-glutamic acid solubility in some aqueous chloride solutions from 298.15 to 323.15 K
Authors: Abualreish Mustafa Jaipallah , Noubigh Adel
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the solubility–temperature dependence data for L-glutamic acid (Glu) in water and in some chloride salt (NaCl and KCl) aqueous solutions. Solubility data were determined from 293.15 to 318.15 K under atmospheric pressure by using a thermostatted reactor and the gravimetric method. After the investigation of the impact of inorganic salts on the solvency of Glu, it was found that the salting-out effect decreases in the following order: sodium chloride > potassium chloride. Results demonstrated that the solubility, in unadulterated water and in aqueous chloride solutions, increased with a rising temperature. The experimental data were well correlated by the semi-empirical equation. Using the measured solubilities, the standard molar thermodynamic properties of transfer of Glu (ΔtrG°, ΔtrH°, and ΔtrS°) from pure water to aqueous solutions of the chloride salts were estimated.