bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local meaning-making in discursive, embodied and affective registers
Authors: Pors Justine Grønbæk
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue and explore how local meaning-making processes of leaders also occur in embodied and affective registers. The paper aims to introduce the theoretical concept of affect to studies of local public leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports from an ethnographic study of local leaders managing educational institutions in Denmark. The paper takes a constructivist or interpretive approach where it is acknowledged that data is not just out-there ready to be collected and reported but is constructed and interpreted in particular manners as part of the complex encounter between researcher and field.

Findings

The paper zooms in one particular instance where a leader breaks down in tears and where the tears seem to evoke a particular affective atmosphere. Thus, the paper shows how, just below the elite narrative of a need for stronger, individual and more evidence-based management, we find a myriad of meaning-making processes that transgress distinctions between the corporeal, affective and discursive.

Research limitations/implications

As an ethnography conducted in a local setting, the paper avoids broad generalisations. The findings reflect the theoretical ambition of discussing the role of embodiment and affect in local leadership as much as the studied setting.

Practical implications

The study testify to how policy implementation can take many unexpected turns as local leaders interpret and make sense of policy ambitions in many different ways. Moreover, it testifies to how leaders are informed by embodied experiences and affective atmospheres in their sense-making processes.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first attempts in public leadership to discuss the role of embodiment and affect in local public leadership.
An analysis of factors influencing omnichannel retailing adoption using ISM-DEMATEL approach: an Indian perspective
Authors: Mishra Ruchi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The study aims to identify and analyse complex interrelationships among factors influencing omnichannel retailing adoption in Indian apparel firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies an integrated interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach for understanding the hierarchical and contextual relationship structure among the factors influencing omnichannel retailing adoption.

Findings

The integrated ISM–DEMATEL approach identifies that financial commitment is the most crucial factors followed by technological capability, training and development, performance metrics, supportive organisational structure, collaboration and knowledge sharing, offline–online information aggregation and integrated technological platform. Also, the study reveals that financial commitment and supportive organisational structure impact the majority of factors but are affected by only a few factors.

Research limitations/implications

Unlike previous studies, this study suggests an alternate approach to theory building emerging from the various factors that could be considered while developing omnichannel retailing.

Practical implications

Practitioners should pay close attention to leading factors that influence the adoption of omnichannel retailing, namely, financial commitments, supportive organisational structure, technological capability, integrated technological platform and training and development rather than focusing on significant receivers, such as warehouse management and assortment management.

Originality/value

The integrated approach of ISM-DEMATEL offers a hierarchical model and cause–effect relationship among factors influencing omnichannel retailing adoption.
Active fault-tolerant control of rotation angle sensor in steer-by-wire system based on multi-objective constraint fault estimator
Authors: Yang Qinjie , Shen Guozhe , Liu Chao , Wang Zheng , Zheng Kai , Zheng Rencheng
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Steer-by-wire (SBW) system mainly relies on sensors, controllers and motors to replace the traditionally mechanical transmission mechanism to realize steering functions. However, the sensors in the SBW system are particularly vulnerable to external influences, which can cause systemic faults, leading to poor steering performance and even system instability. Therefore, this paper aims to adopt a fault-tolerant control method to solve the safety problem of the SBW system caused by sensors failure.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an active fault-tolerant control framework to deal with sensors failure in the SBW system by hierarchically introducing fault observer, fault estimator, fault reconstructor. Firstly, the fault observer is used to obtain the observation output of the SBW system and then obtain the residual between the observation output and the SBW system output. And then judge whether the SBW system fails according to the residual. Secondly, dependent on the residual obtained by the fault observer, a fault estimator is designed using bounded real lemma and regional pole configuration to estimate the amplitude and time-varying characteristics of the faulty sensor. Eventually, a fault reconstructor is designed based on the estimation value of sensors fault obtained by the fault estimator and SBW system output to tolerate the faulty sensor.

Findings

The numerical analysis shows that the fault observer can be rapidly activated to detect the fault while the sensors fault occurs. Moreover, the estimation accuracy of the fault estimator can reach to 98%, and the fault reconstructor can make the faulty SBW system to retain the steering characteristics, comparing to those of the fault-free SBW system. In addition, it was verified for the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control framework.

Research limitations/implications

As the SBW fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control in this paper only carry out numerical simulation research on sensors faults in matrix and laboratory/Simulink, the subsequent hardware in the loop test is needed for further verification.

Originality/value

Aiming at the SBW system with parameter perturbation and sensors failure, this paper proposes an active fault-tolerant control framework, which integrates fault observer, fault estimator and fault reconstructor so that the steering performance of SBW system with sensors faults is basically consistent with that of the fault-free SBW system.
An epidemic model to address the spread of plant pests. The case of Xylella fastidiosa in almond trees
Authors: Signes-Pont María Teresa , Cortés-Plana José Juan , Mora Higinio , Mollá-Sirvent Rafael
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a discrete compartmental susceptible-asymptomatic-infected-dead (SAID) model to address the expansion of plant pests. The authors examined the case of Xylella fastidiosa in almond trees in the province of Alicante (Spain) to define the best eradication/contention protocol depending on the environmental parameters such as climatic factors, distance between trees, isolation of the plots, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach considers the expansion of the disease among the almond trees orchards by means of a grid model. The cells of the grid represent a tree (or even a group of trees) that can be susceptible (healthy), asymptomatic (infected by the bacterium but without symptoms), infected or dead. When time passes, the status of the cells is determined by binary rules that update following both a neighborhood and a delay pattern. The model assumes that the environmental parameters have a crucial impact on the expansion of the disease, so a grid is assigned to each parameter to model the single effect caused by this parameter. The expansion is then the weighted sum of all the grids.

Findings

This proposal shows how the grid architecture, along with an update rule and a neighborhood pattern, is a valuable tool to model the pest expansion. This model has already been analyzed in previous works and has been compared with the corresponding continuous models solved by ordinary differential equations, coming to find the homologous parameters between both approaches. Thus, it has been possible to prove that the combination neighborhood-update rule is responsible for the rate of expansion and recovering/death of the illness. The delays (between susceptible and asymptomatic, asymptomatic and infected, infected and recovered/dead) may have a crucial impact on both the peak of infected and the recovery/death rate. This theoretical model has been successfully tested in the case of the dissemination of information through mobile social networks and is also currently under study in the case of expansion of COVID-19.

Originality/value

This work develops a new approach for the analysis of expansion of plant pests. This approach provides both behavioral variability at the cell level (by its capability to modify the neighborhood and/or the update rule and/or the delays) and modularity (by easy scaling the number of grids). This provides a wide range of possibilities to deal with realistic scenarios.
A systematic literature review for industry 4.0 maturity modeling: state-of-the-art and future challenges
Authors: Elibal Kerem , Özceylan Eren
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review for industry 4.0 maturity modeling research studies to obtain a clear view of the current state-of-the-art. Identifying characteristics of the studies; gaps, limitations and highlighted features has been aimed to guide future research studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes a systematic literature review conducted on Scopus, IEEE Xplore and Web of Science databases and 90 publications have been reviewed. A novel qualitative taxonomy has been constructed which aims to reduce the cognitive load of the readers.

Findings

While industry 4.0 maturity modeling is an emerging concept and taking researchers’ attraction, review studies are still in infancy. Current review papers are inadequate in getting a clear idea about the concept, especially from the perspective of guiding future researchers. By the conducted approach of classification conducted in this paper, it has been seen that there are some challenges for improving the industry 4.0 maturity modeling.

Research limitations/implications

Findings represented in this study can serve academicians and practitioners to develop and/or improve industry 4.0 maturity models.

Originality/value

The study includes a novel classification for the reviewed papers. Constructed taxonomy is among the first and tabular representations instead of prose analogy that aims to simplify the review of papers.
The project steering committee, project governance and trust: insights from a practical case study
Authors: Karlsen Jan Terje
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Trust in how projects are managed is important because leaders have the power to make decisions that impact project outcomes. Steering committees provide strategic direction and governance for projects and they support the project manager. The purpose of this paper is to study how steering committees contribute to governance and trust. More specifically, the aim is to explore, which steering committee features and governance mechanisms are important for building trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected using in-depth interviews. The studied case concerns the Norwegian Navy’s experience with a steering committee in the project of building new frigates.

Findings

Findings show that the steering committee had a significant impact on governance and trust in the project. The identified governance mechanisms performed by the steering committee included: control and performance measurement, support, decision-making, relationship management, reporting, resource management, risk management and strategic focus.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limitations of studying only a single case, the findings may provide general learning, as well as important practical information and experience to managers interested in the role of the project steering committee.

Practical implications

The paper provides key managerial implications that project owners should take into account when organizing a steering committee. The analysis identifies composition, competence, authority, responsibility, commitment and continuity as steering committee features that contribute to building trust. Findings particularly highlight the choice to include external steering committee members to be successful.

Originality/value

This research extends the current understanding of how through different features and governance mechanisms a steering committee can build trust in the management of projects.
Understanding users’ and hosts’ motives to co-working space: Case of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Tan Teck Hong , Lau Kelly
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge gap by analysing the motivations of driving both users and hosts to the co-working space in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as the motives of co-working space is related to how well that space supports their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a mixed-methods approach, users’ and hosts’ behaviours were studied through the survey and in-depth interview, where 60 users were interviewed, as well as six operators of co-working space and two real estate market experts.

Findings

Based on the results, convenient location, open space layout and ambiance, shared facilities, membership costs, flexible leases and knowledge sharing are the main motives that drive users to the co-working space and these motives are significantly related to user satisfaction. The results also showed that the users’ motives for working in the co-working space differ mostly from hosts in terms of service attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The co-working space is more than just an office alternative but is a service-oriented real estate business. By providing the appropriate combination of attributes to succeed financially, co-workspace providers can support most of their members’ tasks, which leads to member satisfaction.

Originality/value

Research on the co-working place is still inadequate, particularly in Malaysia. Greater knowledge of attributes that influence users’ and hosts’ responses could lead to a better understanding and prediction in determining their needs and preferences.
Comparison of vegetation patch dynamics after the eruptions of the volcano Mount Usu, northern Japan, in 1977–1978 and 2000, detected by imagery chronosequence
Authors: Végh Lea , Tsuyuzaki Shiro
Published: December 2020

Vegetation patch dynamics were analyzed to detect vegetation development patterns after eruptions on two sites (summit destroyed in 1977–1978, and a foothill, Konpira destroyed in 2000) on the volcano Mount Usu, in northern Japan. Aerial photos and satellite images taken in 2000, 2006, and 2014 were used to develop an imagery chronosequence of vegetation patch dynamics. Vegetation patches were identified by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for satellite images, and by the Normalized Green‐Red Difference Index (NGRDI) for aerial photos. We categorized the vegetation patch types based on whether the patches overlapped (touching) or not (isolated) with the future vegetation patches and whether their area increased (growing) or decreased (shrinking). Afterwards, patch dynamics were compared between the two sites through changes in patch types, dense vegetation, and patch growth with slope degree, elevation, and time. Isolated patches were established more at the summit and showed high mortality, while at Konpira most isolated patches survived until 2006 and merged into touching patches by 2014. Moreover, the vegetation density of patches was higher at Konpira than at the summit. Patch growth was associated with patch types at both sites. However, the time was more important for the patch dynamics at the summit, and the vegetation density affected the dynamics more at Konpira. Therefore, the two sites had different vegetation patch dynamics, which were related to the characteristics of topography and eruptions. In conclusion, the imagery chronosequence proposed in this study monitored patch dynamics well, and patches developed faster at Konpira.
Gender, Authority and the Image of Queenship in English and Scottish Ballads, 1553–1603
Authors: HYDE JENNI
Published: December 2020

This article uses contemporary ballads to show that dynastic right was of central importance to the popular view of the accessions of Mary I and Elizabeth I, as well as that of the foreign king James VI when he acceded to the English throne in 1603. It challenges our view of Tudor iconography by showing that although popular songs were not afraid to tackle the gender implications of queens regnant, the popular image of Elizabeth I was not centred on her femininity. The article compares the positive English view of Mary I's femininity with negative portrayals of Mary Queen of Scots in Scotland, while suggesting that the issue of femininity was not raised in ballads about Elizabeth I because her half‐sister had already normalised the idea of a woman on the throne.
The First World War Seen from the Periphery: The Case of Spain and Portugal (1914–1916)
Authors: PAULA PIRES ANA
Published: December 2020

This article seeks to analyse the political and diplomatic effects of the outbreak of the First World War in the Iberian peninsula, considering the relationship of two small powers, Portugal and Spain, in the context of the political and diplomatic instability caused by the Sarajevo assassination in the summer of 1914, and the debates between neutrality and belligerency that occurred in both countries. Neutral and non‐belligerent societies had to legitimate themselves within total war; they had also to reflect on the role played by their respective nations and build an Iberian narrative to sustain it. The article proposes that Spanish neutrality and Portuguese non‐belligerency, until 1916, should be analysed in relation to the roles and challenges faced by small and medium powers during the First World War.
Remaking the ‘Born’ Murderer: The Case of Moscow Serial Killer Vasili Komarov and Lombrosian Legacies in Early Soviet Criminological Discourse
Authors: VINCENT MARK
Published: December 2020

The 1917 revolutions and ensuing Russian Civil War (1918–22) resulted in a number of profound changes throughout the embryonic Soviet state. Greater ideological freedom and increased government support during the reconstructive period of the New Economic Policy (1921–8) led to the development of several professional organisations within the social sciences. One of the most prominent of these was a Moscow group which looked to develop theories regarding how the urban environment contributed negatively towards the continuation of crime following 1917. Criminologists from the group were particularly influenced by the nineteenth‐century writings of Enrico Ferri, a one‐time protégé of controversial Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso. Focusing on the social environment rather than the atavistic traits advocated by his mentor, Ferri's work was developed in a 1924 publication from the Moscow group which looked to understand violent crime in the new Soviet capital. Alongside collecting information from current inmates, this also included the well‐known case of a serial killer who had murdered over thirty people in his Moscow apartment during the early 1920s. Along with discussing the development of the Moscow organisation and the background of the criminologists involved, this article will seek to demonstrate how the Komarov case was adapted and adjusted to fit into the main thesis of their approach to crime.
Oxygen metabolism shapes microbial settlement on photosynthetic kelp blades compared to artificial kelp substrates
Authors: Weigel Brooke L. , Pfister Catherine A.
Published: December 2020

We examined factors shaping community assembly of the bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) microbiome by comparing microbial biofilm formation on photosynthetic kelp blade tissues and artificial kelp substrates (‘agar substrates’) deployed into a kelp forest. New kelp blade tissues were colonized by markedly distinct microbial taxa relative to agar substrates during the same time interval, even when agar substrates were infused withN. luetkeanablades, suggesting that microbial settlement onto kelp surfaces is more than just attraction to a polysaccharide‐rich surface. Further, common seawater taxa such asColwellia sp. andPsychromonas sp. became abundant on agar substrates but avoided new kelp blade tissues, indicating that host‐specific factors may deter certain surface‐associated marine microbial taxa. Over two‐thirds of the bacterial taxa in the kelp microbiome were associated with strictly aerobic metabolisms; thus, photosynthetic production of O2may favour aerobic microbial metabolisms. While living kelp blades primarily recruited aerobic microbes, including the obligate aerobeGranulosicoccus sp., microbes that colonized agar substrates were predominantly facultative anaerobes. We also found that infusion of kelp tissues into agar substrates altered microbial community composition and lowered taxonomic diversity relative to control agar substrates, suggesting that non‐living components of the kelp blade also impact microbial community assembly.
When waterholes get busy, rare interactions thrive: Photographic evidence of a jaguar (Panthera onca) killing an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
Authors: Perera‐Romero Lucy , Garcia‐Anleu Rony , McNab Roan Balas , Thornton Daniel H.
Published: December 2020

During a camera trap survey conducted in Guatemala in the 2019 dry season, we documented a jaguar killing an ocelot at a waterhole with high mammal activity. During severe droughts, the probability of aggressive interactions between carnivores might increase when fixed, valuable resources such as water cannot be easily partitioned.
Debate: The greater the needs the lesser the evidence – therapeutic residential care for young people
Authors: Bellonci Christopher , Holmes Lisa
Published: December 2020

In this debate article, we provide our thoughts and reflections on the issues and uses of Therapeutic Residential Care (TRC) in child welfare systems in the US and England. We highlight the issues associated with the lack of clarity of how TRC is defined and when and how it is used. The premise for the article is that some of our most vulnerable young people are living in residential homes without there being a sufficient evidence base to understand whether their needs are being adequately met, or the best outcomes are being achieved. We set out some suggested elements to try to progress debates and decisions that will ultimately improve the services and placements that are provided.
Hypertrophic post‐acne scarring is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs243865) in the matrix metalloproteinase‐2 gene
Authors: Gupta Navya , Bishnoi Anuradha , Mathew Don , Arora Amanjot , Handa Sanjeev , Kaur Jyotdeep , De Dipankar , Pal Arnab
Published: December 2020

Background and Objective

Aberrant tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinases has been observed in acne. Our objective was to study the relevance of MMP‐2 (‐1306 C/T, rs243865) and TIMP‐2 (‐418 G/C, rs8179090) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in acne and post‐acne scarring.

Patients and methods

512 patients (169 having acne without scarring, 319 having atrophic acne scarring, 24 having hypertrophic acne scarring) and 161 age‐matched controls were recruited from the Dermatology Outpatient Department after obtaining informed written consent. Venous blood (5 ml) was collected for genotyping by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)‐Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. The severity of acne and acne‐scarring were graded.

Results

Males had a significantly increased risk of developing severe acne (P = 0.012), extra‐facial acne (P = 0.047) and extra‐facial acne scarring (P = 0.0001). The presence of inflammatory acne positively correlated with severity of scarring (P = 0.001). Subjects with a homozygous CC genotype of MMP‐2 (‐1306 C/T) had 1.0, 7.8 and 8.2 times the odds of developing hypertrophic scarring when compared to controls (P = 0.05, 95 % CI: 0.7–1.6), subjects having acne without scarring (P = 0.047, 95 % CI: 1.0–59.9) and subjects having atrophic scarring, respectively (P = 0.041, 95 % CI: 1.1–59.9).

Conclusions

A significant association was observed between hypertrophic post‐acne scarring and the CC genotype of MMP‐2 (‐1306 C/T).
Assoziation hypertropher Post‐Akne‐Narben mit Einzelnukleotid‐Polymorphismus (rs243865) im Matrix‐Metalloproteinase‐2‐Gen
Authors: Gupta Navya , Bishnoi Anuradha , Mathew Don , Arora Amanjot , Handa Sanjeev , Kaur Jyotdeep , De Dipankar , Pal Arnab
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund und Ziel

Bei Akne wurde eine abweichende Gewebeexpression von Matrix‐Metalloproteinasen beobachtet. Ziel unserer Studie war es, die Bedeutung von Polymorphismen einzelner Nukleotide (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) in MMP‐2 (‐1306 C/T, rs243865) und TIMP‐2 (‐418 G/C, rs8179090) bei Akne und Post‐Akne‐Narben zu untersuchen.

Patienten und Methoden

512 Patienten (169 mit Akne ohne Narbenbildung, 319 mit atrophen Aknenarben, 24 mit hypertrophen Aknenarben) und 161 gleichaltrige Kontrollen wurden nach Erhalt der schriftlichen Einwilligungserklärung aus der Ambulanz der Hautklinik in die Studie aufgenommen. Zur Genotypisierung mittels Polymerasekettenreaktion‐Restriktionsfragmentlängenpolymorphismus (PCR‐RFLP) wurde venöses Blut (5 ml) entnommen. Der Schweregrad von Akne und Akne‐bedingter Narbenbildung wurde bestimmt.

Ergebnisse

Männer hatten ein deutlich erhöhtes Risiko schwere Akne (p = 0,012), Akne außerhalb des Gesichts (p = 0,047) und Aknenarben außerhalb des Gesichts (p = 0,0001) zu entwickeln. Entzündliche Akne korrelierte positiv mit dem Schweregrad der Narbenbildung (p = 0,001). Die Wahrscheinlichkeit für die Bildung hypertropher Narben war bei Personen mit homozygotem CC‐Genotyp von MMP‐2 (‐1306 C/T) gegenüber Kontrollen nicht verändert (Faktor 1,0; p = 0,05; 95 %‐KI: 0,7–1,6), jedoch gegenüber Personen mit Akne ohne Narbenbildung um den Faktor 7,8 (p = 0,047; 95 %‐KI: 1,0–59,9) und gegenüber Personen mit atrophen Narben um den Faktor 8,2 (p = 0,041; 95 %‐KI: 1,1–59,9) erhöht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Es wurde eine signifikante Assoziation zwischen der Bildung hypertropher Post‐Akne‐Narben und dem CC‐Genotyp von MMP‐2 (‐1306 C/T) beobachtet.
Ductile fracture of hydrostatic‐stress‐insensitive metals using a coupled damage‐plasticity model
Authors: Wang Hui‐Min , Shen Tao , Yu Feng , Zheng Rong‐Yue
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new coupled damage‐plasticity model is proposed to predict plastic response and ductile fracture for two hydrostatic‐stress‐insensitive metals. A convenient hybrid experiment–simulation approach is designed to calibrate model parameters. Geometry transferability of model parameters is validated to various notched tensile specimens. With the characteristics of the present constitutive model, the critical damage parameter is demonstrated to be an appropriate fracture criterion, where fracture strains of various notched tensile specimens are in good agreement with experimental data. The study also reveals that there exist complementing mechanisms for the stress‐triaxiality‐dependent damage evolution and strain hardening of effective (undamaged) stress, respectively, that result in the non‐uniform distribution of overall (damaged) equivalent stress–strain curves on the minimum cross section of tensile specimens. Then, it is the combined effect of non‐uniformly distributed overall equivalent stress–strain curves that results in the phenomenon of hydrostatic‐stress insensitivity in metals.
Improved production of bacterial cellulose through investigation of effects of inhibitory compounds from lignocellulosic hydrolysates
Authors: Kim Haeun , Son Jemin , Lee Jonghwa , Yoo Hah Young , Lee Taek , Jang Min , Oh Jong‐Min , Park Chulhwan
Published: December 2020

Although the unique nanostructure of bacterial cellulose (BC) imparts superior mechanochemical properties and thus allows for diverse applications, the high production cost of BC necessitates the development of more cost‐effective solutions, for example, those using lignocellulosic biomass as a substrate and relying on its pretreatment and saccharification to generate fermentable sugars. However, the various species (e.g., aliphatic acids, furans, and phenolics) produced during pretreatment may interfere with bacterial cell growth and BC production. Herein, we investigated the effects of aliphatic (acetic and formic) acids, furans (5‐hydroxymethylfurfural [5‐HMF] and furfural), and phenolics (syringaldehyde and p‐coumaric acid) on the production of BC. This production was enhanced at low aliphatic acid concentrations (1 g/L acetic acid and 0.5 g/L formic acid) but was suppressed by at least 90% in cases of 0.75 g/L formic acid, 0.4 g/L furfural, 4 g/L 5‐HMF, 2.5 g/L syringaldehyde, and 2.5 g/L p‐coumaric acid. BC production efficiencies of 97.86%, 76.66%, and 73.50% were observed for Miscanthus, barley straw, and pine tree hydrolysates, respectively, under optimal conditions. Therefore, these results provided the possibility to utilize the most abundant and sustainable lignocellulose on the planet for BC production.
Self‐reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia
Authors: Ab Majid Nur Liana , Rodzlan Hasani Wan Shakira , Mat Rifin Halizah , Robert Lourdes Tania Gayle , Jane Ling Miaw Yn , Saminanthan Thamil Arasu , Ismail Hasimah , Ahmad Ahzairin , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli
Published: December 2020

Aim

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of self‐reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia and their associated factors.

Methods

The study used data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2018. It was a cross‐sectional study with two‐staged stratified cluster sampling design. In total, 3977 adults aged ≥60 years were selected for this study. Respondents were interviewed face to face using a structured questionnaire. Self‐reported diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia was defined as having ever been told they have these diseases by a medical doctor or paramedic. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with the prevalence of self‐reporting.

Results

The prevalence of self‐reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia were 27.7%, 51.1% and 41.8% respectively. Presence of other comorbidities and being obese showed higher odds for all three diseases. Indians, unemployed, inactive had higher odds for diabetes. Other Bumiputras, unemployed, non‐smoker, obese and inactive had higher odds for hypertension. Non‐smoker had higher odds for hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusions

Health promotion, vigilance, attention and services targeting on the associated factors should be strengthened for older persons in Malaysia to ensure healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 79–84.
Prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chan Ying Ying , Lim Kuang Kuay , Omar Mohd Azahadi , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Ahmad Noor Ani , Abd Razak Mohamad Aznuddin , Baharudin@Shaharuddin Azli , Mahmud Nur Azna , Mahmud Mohd Amierul Fikri , Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Mohd Hairi Noran Naqiah
Published: December 2020

Aim

Physical inactivity in older adults is linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, disability and various poor health outcomes. As the aging population rises, the prevalence of diseases associated with aging also increases. Regular physical activity in older adults is important to improve overall health and promote healthy aging. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia.

Methods

This study was based on 3969 Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years who completed the physical activity module in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018, a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire through a face‐to‐face interview. Participants were classified as physically active or inactive. Associations between physical inactivity, sociodemographic characteristics and a range of selected independent variables were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Overall, three out of 10 (29.8%) Malaysian older adults were physically inactive. Results of multivariable analysis showed that older age group (≥80 years), of Bumiputera Sarawak ethnicity, unemployed/retirees/homemakers, functional limitation, diabetes mellitus and dementia were significantly associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity. Women, with secondary education level and good social support were less likely to be physically inactive.

Conclusions

The present study reported the status of physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia. There is the need to design effective public health programs and interventions to promote active living and healthy aging among Malaysian older adults, particularly in those at‐risk older population subgroups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 49–56.
Elder abuse: Nationwide findings among community‐dwelling Malaysian older persons
Authors: Sooryanarayana Rajini , Ganapathy Shubash Shander , Wong Norazizah Ibrahim , Rosman Azriman , Choo Wan Yuen , Hairi Noran Naqiah
Published: December 2020

Aim

Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. This study aims to estimate its prevalence and associated factors, using representative national Malaysian data.

Methods

A nationwide population‐based survey involving 3977 community‐dwelling older persons aged ≥60 years was conducted via face‐to‐face interview, of whom 3466 older persons were eligible for screening using a locally validated tool. Elder abuse was defined as any one occurrence of neglect, financial, psychological, physical or sexual abuse perpetrated by someone in a position of trust that was experienced in the past 12 months.

Results

About 9.0% of older persons in Malaysia have experienced elder abuse in the past 12 months, with neglect being the commonest type experienced (7.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.54, 10.07). There is no significant difference by age group and geographical location. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.60), poorer social support (aOR 5.0; 95% CI: 2.25, 11.22), dependency in activities of daily living (aOR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.44) and a previous history of abuse (aOR 10.1; 95% CI: 4.50, 22.86) show higher odds of experiencing elder abuse. Almost 5% of abused older persons reported experiencing multiple types of abuse. Reporting is low at 19.3% with none reporting to healthcare personnel.

Conclusions

The prevalence of elder abuse in this study is lower than global estimates, but similar to local studies. Preventive measures and programs are crucial to overcoming elder abuse and need to be carried out at multiple levels – the individual, community, healthcare and other stakeholders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 85–91.
Effect of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions on the sintering and spectroscopic properties of cr‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet ceramics
Authors: Gołębiewski Przemysław , Węglarz Helena , Nakielska Magdalena , Wajler Anna
Published: December 2020

In this work, we investigated the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions and annealing temperature on the spectroscopic parameters of chromium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet ceramics (Cr:YAG). Samples were obtained with either a separate or a simultaneous addition of calcium and magnesium oxides. To achieve this, aqueous suspensions were prepared using Y2O3, Al2O3, Cr2O3, MgO, and CaO high‐purity powders as raw materials. The obtained suspensions were freeze‐granulated, pressed into pellets, debinded, and subjected to reactive sintering in vacuum at 1715°C for 6 h. Each material was annealed in air with temperatures between 1300 and 1700°C. Samples were also compared to Cr:YAG ceramics with the addition of silica as a sintering aid. All the materials obtained were then exposed to 445 nm excitation, and emission spectra in the visible and infrared wavelengths were recorded. The results showed that the emission spectra of Cr:YAG ceramics varied according to the annealing conditions: as‐sintered samples exhibited strong emissions of around 680 nm and, after air annealing, of around 1400 nm. This phenomenon is attributed to the Cr3+→Cr4+ transition. Samples doped solely with MgO exhibited the highest emission intensity in the infrared region. Thus, Mg2+ ions provided the best conversion efficiency of chromium ions.
Timing of food consumption in Hispanic adolescents with obesity
Authors: Vidmar Alaina P. , Jones Roshonda B. , Wee Choo Phei , Berger Paige K. , Plows Jasmine F. , Claudia Rios R. D. , Raymond Jennifer K. , Goran Michael I.
Published: December 2020

Background

Little is known about the normal eating time periods in adolescents with obesity and how these patterns change throughout development. As the obesity epidemic continues to rise in adolescence, it becomes imperative to understand developmentally appropriate eating behaviours and to create weight management strategies that build on those innate patterns and preferences. The purpose of this study was to determine the most common habitual eating windows observed in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Participants were 101 Hispanic adolescents (mean age 14.8 ± 2.1 years; 48 male/53 female) with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) who were recruited as part of a larger clinical trial. Dietary intake and meal timing was determined using multiple pass 24‐hours recalls. Histograms were utilized to determine the natural distribution of percent consumption of total kilocalories, carbohydrates and added sugar per hour.

Results

The majority of total kilocalories (65.4%), carbohydrates (65.3%) and added sugar (59.1%) occurred between 11:00 and 19:00. Adolescents were 2.5 to 2.9 times more likely to consume kilocalories, carbohydrates, and added sugar during the 8‐hour window between 11:00 am and 19:00 pm than other time windows examined (all P < .001). The consumption of these calories did not differ between weekdays and weekend (P > .05) or by sex.

Conclusions

In this cohort, more than 60% of calories, carbohydrates and added sugar were consumed between 11:00 am and 19:00 pm, which is concordant with an afternoon/evening chronotype that is common in adolescents. Our findings support this 8‐hour period as a practical window for weight loss interventions that target pre‐specified eating periods in this population.
Relative importance of Al(V) and reinforcement to the flexural strength of geopolymer composites
Authors: Samuel Devon M. , Sutrisno Andre , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: December 2020

We prepared 1 cm × 1 cm × 10 cm geopolymer bars from sodium silicate and six commercial metakaolins, both unreinforced and reinforced with 20 wt% of 55‐μm wollastonite (CaO·SiO2) needles, to evaluate the relative contributions of five‐coordinated aluminum in the metakaolin and the presence of a reinforcing phase to the flexural strength of geopolymers. Two metakaolins, with about 20 at% and lower of five‐coordinated aluminum content, did not react sufficiently with our processing method and could not be tested. The flexural strengths of the other four geopolymers were similar at about 11–14 MPa unreinforced and 22–29 MPa reinforced. The effect of reinforcement on flexure strength is more significant than the choice of metakaolin provided that the metakaolin is reactive. The geopolymerization reaction depends on the amount of five‐coordinated aluminum present in the metakaolin and is the primary difference between the samples that reacted and those that did not react.
The Politics of Normative Power Europe: Norm Entrepreneurs and Contestation in the Making of EU External Human Rights Policy
Authors: Jenichen Anne
Published: December 2020

The literature on Normative Power Europe (NPE) largely omits the question of why the EU chooses to focus on particular norms in the first place. This paper goes beyond the assumption that the EU simply externalizes its internal norms, because such a perspective does not sufficiently explain why the EU prioritizes certain norms over others, particularly in the case of contested norms. Using LGBTI rights and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in the EU's external human rights policy as two cases, I demonstrate how norm entrepreneurs – both external and internal – have been essential for bringing these norms to the EU's attention. Only after initial internal resistances had been overcome, were these norms able to reach the EU's external agenda. The two cases illustrate the internal political struggles that precede norm selection, supporting recent calls for a more politics‐oriented perspective on Normative Power Europe.
Association of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Song Dandan , Li Chengqian , Wang Zhongchao , Zhao Yuhang , Shen Baoming , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: December 2020

Aims/Introduction

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more and more prevalent in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Evidence connecting NAFLD to diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasing, but the results vary. Thus, we undertook a meta‐analysis to explore the effect of NAFLD on diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus database were searched for until September 30, 2019. Original studies analyzing the association between NAFLD and diabetic retinopathy in the type 2 diabetic population were included. This meta‐analysis was processed by RevMan 5.3 software. Subgroup analyses based on countries were carried out. The pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the association between NAFLD and diabetic retinopathy incidence. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity of studies.

Results

We retrieved 414 articles, and nine studies involving 7,170 patients were included in the final analysis. The pooled effects estimate suggested that NAFLD was not associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subgroup analysis suggested that in China, Korea and Iran, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with NAFLD had a decreased risk for diabetic retinopathy compared with the non‐NAFLD individuals. However, in Italy and India, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with NAFLD had an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy compared with the non‐NAFLD individuals. In addition, no relevance between NAFLD and diabetic retinopathy was found in America.

Conclusions

On the whole, there was no association between NAFLD and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, subgroup analysis showed that a difference of country may have an influence on the result.
Chromosomal abnormality: Prevalence, prenatal diagnosis and associated anomalies based on a provincial‐wide birth defects monitoring system
Authors: Xie Donghua , Yang Wenzhen , Fang Junqun , Li Haoxian , Xiong Lili , Kong Fanjuan , Wang Aihua , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Hua
Published: December 2020

Aim

To investigate the epidemiology of chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in fetuses of all pregnancies based on a provincial‐wide birth defects‐monitoring system, which could provide scientific basis for making relatively policy and research.

Methods

Chromosomal abnormalities cases were collected from all hospitals in Hunan Province, China, between 2016 and 2019. The prevalence of CAs was calculated to examine associations among infant sex, maternal age and region. The rates of prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy (TOP) involving CA or associated anomalies were calculated as rates or proportions.

Results

From 2016 to 2019, a total of 2 883 890 perinatal infants (28 weeks of gestation to postpartum 7 days) underwent prenatal screening and diagnostic tests, and 3181 fetuses were diagnosed as CA, with the prevalence of 11.03/10 000. The average prevalence of CAs was higher for male than female fetuses (11.33/10 000 vs 10.06/10 000) (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.21), which was higher in urban areas than rural areas (23.03/10 000 vs 7.13/10 000) (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 3.02–3.47), and the prevalence increased linearly with maternal age ( = 1821.844, P = 0.000). Among the fetuses with CAs, 3097 (97.36%) were diagnosed prenatally, and 3046 (98.35%) underwent TOP. The majority of CA were numerical abnormalities (90.18%). The main types of numerical autosomal abnormalities were trisomy 21 (6.69/10 000, 59.57%), trisomy 18 (1.13/10 000, 10.04%) and trisomy 13 (0.21/10 000, 1.88%). The main types of numerical gonosomal abnormalities were Klinefelter syndrome (0.68/10 000, 6.02%), Turner syndrome (0.49/10 000, 4.39%), Triple X syndrome (0.26/10 000, 2.29%) and 47,XYY syndrome (0.21/10 000, 1.91%). The three associated anomalies with the highest proportions were congenital heart defects (CHD) (41.06%), cleft palate or/and cleft lip (10.89%) and congenital talipes equinovarus (8.94%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of CA was lower than that reported. Chromosome detection should be further promoted including test contest and coverage, especially for urban areas, older mothers and fetuses with CHD, cleft palate or/and cleft lip or congenital talipes equinovarus.
Nuclear abnormalities in umbilical cord blood lymphocytes of newborns from the Ahome and Guasave municipalities in Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Martínez‐Valenzuela Carmen , Huichapan José , Ortega Luis Daniel , Irineo Ana Bertha , Zenteno Edgar , Ruiz‐Ramos Rubén
Published: December 2020

Aim

We measured the frequency of nuclear abnormalities of 210 blood samples from the umbilical cord, since human fetuses are exposed to environmental mixtures of pesticides that induce DNA damage.

Methods

The determinations were made through the micronucleus assay test in lymphocytes from the umbilical cord blood of newborns whose mothers live in Ahome (n = 105) and Guasave (n = 105), Sinaloa, Mexico.

Results

The average frequency of anomalies in 1000 cells were, respectively: micronucleus 0.4 vs. 2.9, pyknotic cells 18.3 vs. 109.2, chromatin condensation 7.7 vs. 150.1, karyolitic cells 1.8 vs. 24.4, and binucleated cells 4.9 vs. 74.6. The calculated Pearson correlation factors of nuclear abnormality frequencies between both municipalities were low and negative, suggesting that they did not correlate between the Ahome and Guasave newborns and indicating a higher number of mothers exposed in Guasave.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that monitoring nuclear abnormalities in umbilical cord blood samples could be a useful tool to identify transplacental mutagens perfusion that is being discharged into the local environment.