bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability-oriented technology adoption in Tonga: the impact of Government's incentives and internal factors
Authors: Faasolo Malia , Sumarliah Eli
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The paper seeks to investigate the impacts of government's incentives and internal aspects (i.e. firms' ethics and firms' attitudes) on the implementation of sustainability-oriented technology (SOT) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tonga. Those aspects are imperative to examine as numerous enterprises in developing nations possess insufficient assets that suspend applying innovations, specifically SOT incorporated with enterprise management. Thus, it is unavoidable for an intermediary to intervene in technology implementation, and developing the more effective implementation process is reckoned. Meanwhile, governments possess the assets and authority to motivate the SOT implementation extensively. Therefore, this paper assesses governmental factors as influencing drivers for realizing cost-effective and well-organized implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to assess the information collected from 266 Tongan SMEs.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that government's policy and subsidies positively and significantly shape firms' ethics and attitudes regarding SOT implementation in Tonga.

Research limitations/implications

The research analyzes the SOT implementation in a single country of Tonga; thus, the findings cannot be generalized to other emerging countries. Besides, this study selects SMEs as the sample; hence, it cannot be used to explain the behaviors of large companies.

Originality/value

The research is the first attempt to assess such impacts in the SMEs of a South Pacific nation.
From the “age of instability” to the “age of responsibility”: economic uncertainty and sustainable investments
Authors: Caferra Rocco , Falcone Pasquale Marcello
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper sets out to investigate investors' sustainable preferences under different market conditions. Specifically, the authors examine the existence of a positive sustainable asset pricing gap, and whether it is influenced by the socioeconomic and financial sentiments. The increase of uncertainty rises investors' skepticism whether sustainable companies are under-performing the traditional counterparts, causing larger increasing gap. Conversely, if sustainable assets are overperforming, the increase of market uncertainty raises investors' sustainable preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the existence of a positive sustainable asset pricing gap, and whether it is influenced by the socioeconomic and financial sentiments. Through a quantile regression, the authors remark the variability of sustainable preferences where market participants, although recognizing the present and future value added of sustainable investing, also show skepticism (i.e. asymmetric tail behavior). However, the analysis of the total change of sustainable investments returns over time demonstrates the emergence of positive viewpoints incentivized by economic and market uncertainty.

Findings

The market-driven social responsibility exalts the positive insights regarding the future of sustainable developments. As the authors discuss along the paper, investors are gaining awareness about the environmental and social goals pursued by socially responsible companies. Hence, the authors consider how economic instability might stimulate the assessment of the social and environmental impact of the unsustainable production systems, switching investments toward virtuous sustainable companies. This could generate a series of positive externalities that might improve the welfare conditions of the whole society.

Originality/value

The authors conduct an original empirical exercise, combining different techniques (i.e. quantile regressions and wavelet analysis). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper trying to evidence a systematic connection between market uncertainty and sustainable preferences accounting for different market states (thanks to quantile regressions).
The effects of military expenditures on labor productivity, innovation and economic growth for the most militarized countries: panel data analysis
Authors: Inal Veysel , Gurdal Temel , Degirmenci Tunahan , Aydin Mucahit
Published: November 2022

Purpose

There is extensive literature on the effect of military expenditure on economic growth. However, there is also a wide gap in the literature on the relationship between productivity and innovation, which is considered the driving force of economic growth and military expenditures. To this end, this study examines the effect of military expenditures on economic growth, innovation and labor productivity for the period 1995–2019 in most militarized countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The tests used in the study's empirical analysis are techniques that take into account cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. The stationarity of the variables was tested with the Pesaran’s (2007) unit root test. Then, empirical findings were revealed based on the analysis through Westerlund’s (2008) cointegration test and Emirmahmutoglu and Kose’s (2011) panel causality test.

Findings

According to the empirical results, there is a long-run relationship, in other words, a cointegration between military expenditures and productivity, innovation and economic growth. Additionally, there are causality relationships between military expenditures and productivity, innovation and economic growth.

Practical implications

These results support the arguments of military Keynesianism and the Benoit hypothesis.

Originality/value

Despite the widespread theoretical debate, no empirical study tests the effect of military expenditure on productivity and innovation to the author's best knowledge. Hence, this study aims to fill this gap in the literature. Moreover, the fact that the econometric method used is based on second generation tests and the timeliness of the period range makes the study's findings more significant.
A review: effect of copper percentage solder alloy after laser soldering
Authors: Abdullah Asyraf , Aisha Idris Siti Rabiatull
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to review the effect of copper percentage in Sn-based solder alloys (Sn-xCu,x= 0–5 Wt.%) on intermetallic compound (IMC) formation and growth after laser soldering.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the interfacial reactions at the solder joint interface, solder joint morphology and the theory on characterizing the formation and growth of IMCs. In addition, the effects of alloying and strengthening mechanism, including wettability, melting and mechanical properties are discussed.

Findings

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the composition of tin-copper (Sn-Cu) solders with a potential to enhance their microstructure, mechanical characteristics and wettability by varying the Cu percentage. The study found that the best Cu content in the Sn-xCu solder alloy was 0.6–0.7 Wt.%; this composition provided high shear strength, vibration fracture life value and ideal IMC thickness. A method of solder alloy preparation was also found through powder metallurgy and laser soldering to improve the solder joint reliability.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on interfacial reactions at the solder joint interface, solder joint morphology, modelling simulation of joint strength and the theory on characterising the formation and growth of IMC.

Originality/value

The paper comprehensively summarises the useful findings of the Sn-Cu series. This information will be important for future trends in laser soldering on solder joint formation.
Prioritising the determinants of Industry-4.0 for implementation in MSME in the post-pandemic period – a quality function deployment analysis
Authors: Agarwal Alpana , Ojha Ravindra
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are witnessing an accelerated transformation by the advent of Industry-4.0 (I4.0) in the post-pandemic period. It is offering promising customer responsiveness, competitiveness, business growth and sustainability and thereby, compelling its integration to MSMEs. Therefore, it is imperative for researchers to explore Industry 4.0 challenges and their specific implementation requirements and also provide useful insights to the stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper has identified, explained and analysed various determinants of the I4.0 implementation, in MSME context. Focus group approach has been applied for taking inputs from experts for developing the House of Quality (HOQ) tool of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology from the Total Quality Management (TQM) tool-box.

Findings

Based on the responses and after applying QFD, a conceptual model suggesting relevant strategies to execute I4.0 by Indian MSMEs has been developed. The model highlights three key challenges being faced by the Indian MSMEs –Top management support, Incompatible resources and Transition cost. The model also reveals vital few designer's descriptors – Cultural reorientation, IT enabled digitization, Process automation and knowledge and skill in I4.0 implementation (Knowhow) for a structured implementation of I4.0.

Practical implications

The evolved HOQ framework has provided some useful insights - priority areas in the MSME challenges and the designer's descriptors for I4.0 implementation in MSME. The research has also provided the understanding of the dynamics between the I4.0 components through the 10 × 10 interrelationship matrix of the HOQ. Farsighted MSME leaders, practising consultants, sourcing managers and policy makers can use the developed framework as a reference in formulating tactics to mitigate the I4.0 implementation barriers.

Originality/value

The non-conventional application of HOQ in the QFD approach from the TQM tool-box is a useful value addition to the TQM practitioners. The useful insights to the MSME leaders, policy makers, sourcing managers of OEM, consultants engaged in I4.0 transformation and academic researchers are the other contribution.
Understanding barriers to inbound medical tourism in the United Arab Emirates from a provider's perspective
Authors: Mishra Vinaytosh , Rana Sudhir
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify the important barriers to the development of medical tourism in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Further, it aims to establish a relationship among these barriers and propose a framework to overcome them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a narrative review of the literature to identify barriers to medical tourism development (MDT) in the UAE. Using a graph theory-based Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) approach to explaining the hierarchy of the identified barriers and interpret the relationship links. The study further uses Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis to validate the finding of the study and derive conclusions.

Findings

The study identifies barriers related to MDT as (1) Policies and Regulations (2) Government support (3) Healthcare costs (4) Healthcare Capacity (5) Healthcare Quality (6) Medical Insurance (7) Facilitator and Marketing (8) International Relations (9) Ease of Travel, and (10) Religion, Culture, and Language. The study concludes that Healthcare Cost, Healthcare Quality, and the inapplicability of international medical insurance are the most important barriers. More than fifty percent of barriers fall under the linkage quadrant in MICMAC analysis which reflects that overcoming one barrier helps in overcoming other barriers as well.

Originality/value

This study is one of the most comprehensive accounts of the barriers to MDT in the UAE and strategies to overcome these barriers. To the best of our knowledge, we were not able to find a similar study.
The remarkable invisibility of NHS 111 online
Authors: Pope Catherine , MacLellan Jennifer , Prichard Jane , Turnbull Joanne
Published: November 2022

In 2017, the NHS 111 telephone service was augmented by an online service. This is an exemplar of ‘digital‐first’, the push to enrol digital technologies to deliver services, and is viewed by policymakers as an important vehicle for managing demand for overburdened health services. This article reports the qualitative component of a larger multi‐method study of NHS 111 online. Qualitative telephone interviews with 80 staff and stakeholders implicated in primary, urgent and emergency care service delivery explored the impact of NHS 111 online on health‐care work. The analysis presented here draws on Susie Scott’s work on the ‘sociology of nothing’ and theories of the marked and unmarked, which we reached for when confronted by the remarkable invisibility of this seemingly core NHS service in the wider landscape of health care. Despite the apparently high use by patients and the public (30 million visits over 6 months in the 2020 pandemic), we were surprised to find very low awareness among our interviewees. Confusion about nomenclature, an exceedingly crowded digital field (littered with alternative technologies and ways of accessing care) and constant change in service provision provide some cogent reasons for this invisibility, and sociology helps explain our data about this digital technology.
Three birds with one stone? Sex ratios of seized critically endangered helmeted hornbill casques reveal illegal hunting of males, females and juveniles
Authors: Hatten C. E. R. , Tilley H. B. , Hadiprakarsa Y. , Dingle C.
Published: November 2022

Hunted wildlife can often be used to answer questions about wild individuals. Sex ratios of hunted individuals can be important for understanding changes in population demographics and viability. Here we determined the sex ratio of the illegally hunted helmeted hornbillRhinoplax vigil, a critically endangered species from Southeast Asia, to examine their vulnerability to hunters. Using casques seized in Hong Kong SAR between 2012 and 2016, we identified the sex of seized individuals using morphological and molecular methods as well as discriminant analysis. AsR. vigilfemales can spend up to 6 months of the year sealed into tree cavity nests, they are reliant on males for food. The unique breeding ecology of this elusive species means that males are more likely to be observed than females throughout the year. These behavioural differences mean that there are several potential outcomes which may be observed in the sex ratio of the seized casques, depending on hunting strategies. Our results suggest that sex identification is possible via visual inspection of the gular skin colour and beak‐tip markings, but when these are not available, genetic methods or morphological measurements can be used. Our findings also indicated a primarily male‐biased sex ratio across the seizures; however, females, as well as juveniles, were also present in seizures. Although removing one sex from the wild can cause shifts in demographic dynamics over time, illegal and unsustainable hunting of any measure of a critically endangered species will ultimately heighten its risk of extinction. These methods and results are useful to conservationists and researchers interested in further study of hornbill populations and their viability and are ultimately important for the conservation and management of this critically endangered species.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound use in emergencies: what every anaesthetist should know
Authors: Haskings E. M. , Eissa M. , Allard R. V. , MirGhassemi A. , McFaul C. M. , Miller E. C.
Published: November 2022

Point‐of‐care ultrasound has been embraced by anaesthetists as an invaluable tool for rapid diagnosis of haemodynamic instability, to ensure procedural safety and monitor response to treatments. Increasingly available, affordable and portable, with emerging evidence of improved patient outcomes, point‐of‐care ultrasound has become a valuable tool in the emergency setting. This state‐of‐the‐art review describes the feasibility of point‐of‐care ultrasound practice, training and maintenance of competence. It also describes the many uses of point‐of‐care ultrasound for the anaesthetist and describes the most salient point‐of‐care ultrasound views for anaesthetic emergencies including: undifferentiated shock; hypoxemia; and trauma. Procedural safety is also discussed in addition to relevant important governance aspects. Cardiac function should be assessed using the parasternal long axis, parasternal short basal/mid‐papillary/apical, apical four chamber and subcostal four chamber views, and should include a visual estimation of global left ventricular ejection fraction. Other cardiovascular conditions that can be identified using point‐of‐care ultrasound include: pericardial effusion; cardiac tamponade; and pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary emergency conditions that can be diagnosed using point‐of‐care ultrasound include pneumothorax; pleural effusion; and interstitial syndrome. The extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination may of value in patients who are hypotensive in order to identify intra‐abdominal haemorrhage, pneumothoraces and haemothoraces.
ICT diffusion in public administrations and business dynamics: Evidence from Italian municipalities
Authors: Matteucci Nicola , Santolini Raffaella , Di Fabio Silvio
Published: November 2022

Public administrations have been adopting information and communication technologies (ICT) to transform their internal organization and provide better public services to citizens and firms. However, the external benefits, despite being deemed relevant, have been empirically overlooked. We first explore the relation between ICT diffusion in public administrations and business demography at the municipal level by studying the Italian context. Our results show that ICT diffusion in the PA contributes to significantly reducing the death rate of firms and boosting their turnover rate. The adoption of ICT in the PA also exerts a positive impact on the firm birth rate, although it is not statistically significant. These results shed light on the importance of promoting e‐government and framing coherent digital agendas as public instruments for supporting entrepreneurship and regional economic development.
Overlooked and under‐evidenced: Community health and long‐term care service needs, utilization, and costs incurred by people with severe obesity
Authors: Williamson Kath , Blane David N. , Grieve Eleanor , Lean Michael E. J.
Published: November 2022

Numbers of people with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), with need for community health and long‐term care (LTC) services, are increasing, but documentation is lacking. We identified individuals with severe obesity known to community health and care professionals in a representative United Kingdom region and used an investigator‐administered questionnaire to record needs and use of community health and LTC services. Data were verified against health and LTC records. Local and published sources informed detailed micro‐costing. Twenty‐five individuals (15 women) consented, aged 40–87 (mean = 62) years, BMI 40–77 (mean = 55) kg/m2: 20 participants (80%) were housebound. Twenty‐two different cross‐sector community health and LTC services were used, including community equipment service (n = 23), district nursing (n = 20), occupational therapy (n = 14), and LTC (n = 12). Twenty‐four (96%) participants used three or more services, with longest care episode lasting over 14 years. Total annual service costs incurred by participants varied from £2053 to £82 792; mean £26 594 (lower estimate £80 064; mean £22 462/upper estimate £88 870; mean £30 726), with greatest costs being for LTC. Individual costs for equipment (currently provided) and home adaptations (ever provided) ranged widely, from zero to £35 946. Total mean annual costs increased by ascending BMI category, up to BMI 70 kg/m2. This study provides a framework with which to inform service provision and economic analysis of weight management interventions. People with severe obesity may need sustained care from multiple community care services.
Training and cultivating the translational science workforce: Responses of Clinical and Translational Science Awards program hubs to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bredella Miriam A. , Volkov Boris B. , Doyle Jamie M.
Published: November 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has dramatically changed our lives and the delivery of healthcare. The pandemic also led to widespread disruption in the research activities and training of pre‐doctoral, post‐doctoral, and early career faculty researchers. This mini‐review uses the Local Adaptive Capacity Framework to describe successful practices, challenges, and lessons learned on how Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs have used their expertise, resources, and collaborations to advance clinical and translational science research and workforce development while facing and adapting to a pandemic. Data for this mini‐review were taken from the scientific literature (23 articles) and the Research Performance Progress Reports of 50 unique CTSA hubs (40 TL1 and 50 KL2 awards). Institutions responded in innovative ways to the disruption of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Electronic and virtual platforms were used to overcome challenges related to physical distancing, laboratory closures, and travel bans. The importance of mentorship and well‐being led to the creation of new virtual programs to expand mentoring and networking beyond the home institution and to promote well‐being and resilience. These solutions to translational workforce development can be implemented to address future public health emergencies.
Foreign Divestment – Crisis or Chance for China's Innovation Edge?
Authors: Fang Guopei , Görg Holger , Hanley Aoife , Mao Haiou
Published: November 2022

The recent move towards decoupling from China, prompted by the 2018 trade conflict, has implications for the innovativeness of Chinese firms. Using patent data from the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office, together with comprehensive firm‐level data, and applying an inverse propensity score reweighting methodology to deal with selection bias, we estimated changes in the patenting activity of firms following ownership transition to Chinese owners, linking these changes to the differential taxation incentives offered to foreign investors. Far from crippling innovation, divestment has sparked an increase in patent applications – including higher end invention patents – and other innovation measures. Together with robustness checks, our estimations suggest a real improvement in innovation rather than just a window‐dressing exercise. We suggest that one possible explanation may be an effort by the new Chinese owners to reduce their tax burden. Our supplementary findings on tax payments and subsidy receipts following divestment appear in line with this interpretation.
Could premature ventricular contractions lead to atrial remodeling?
Authors: Keles Nursen , Kahraman Erkan , Parsova Kemal Emrecan , Bastopcu Murat , Karatas Mesut , Yelgec Nizamettin Selcuk
Published: November 2022

Background

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is a frequent kind of arrhythmia that affects around 1% of the general population. While PVC most frequently impairs ventricular function in structurally normal heart, retrograde ventriculo‐atrial conduction can occur in people with PVC. These retrograde atrial activations may mimic pulmonary vein‐derived atrial ectopies. As a result, PVC may raise the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) by retrograde ventriculo‐atrial conduction. The Four‐Dimensional Automated Left Atrial Quantification (4D Auto LAQ) tool is a left atrial analytical approach that utilizes three‐dimensional volume data to quantify the volume, as well as LA longitudinal and circumferential strains. The purpose of this study was to determine if clinical diagnosis of PVC is connected with abnormal LA function as determined by LA strain evaluation utilizing a 4D Auto LAQ compared to the healthy population.

Methods

The 58 patients with frequent PVCs and 53 healthy volunteers as a control group were enrolled in the study. Imaging was performed using the GE Vivid E95 echocardiography equipment (GE Healthcare; Vingmed Ultrasound, Horten, Norway) equipped with an M5S probe (frequency range: 1.5–4.6 MHz) and a 4V probe (frequency range: 1.5–4.0 MHz). Images were imported into and were selected for analysis using the EchoPAC203 software (GE Healthcare). The analysis mode was selected, followed by the volume and 4D Auto LAQ submodes. Following that, the sample point was positioned in the center of the mitral orifice in each of the three planes. The review function was used to acquire the LA parameters measured by 4D Auto LAQ, including volume and strain parameters.

Results

The maximum left atrial volume (LAVmax) and minimal left atrial volume (LAVmin) were significantly higher in the patient group (38.91 ± 9.72 vs. 46.31 ± 10.22, 17.75 ± 4.52 vs. 23.10 ± 7.13, respectively, all p values <.001). On the other hand left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain (LASr), conduit longitudinal strain (LAScd), contraction longitudinal strain (LASct), reservoir circumferential strain (LASr‐c), conduit circumferential strain (LAScd‐c), and contraction circumferential strain (LASct‐c) were significantly lower in patient group (26.64 ± 5.64 vs.19.16 ± 4.58, ‐19.53 ± 3.72 vs. ‐11.28 ± 3.47, ‐10.34 ± 1.56 vs. ‐4.59 ± 1.49, 30.72 ± 4.04 vs. 19.31 ± 2.60, ‐19.91 ± 1.78 vs. ‐13.38 ± 2.85, ‐15.89 ± 6.37 vs. ‐9.24 ± 1.63, respectively, all p values <.001).

Conclusions

The present study found that premature ventricular complexes can lead to atrial remodeling as well as ventricular remodeling in patients with PVC and 4D LAQ technology can quantitatively examine left atrial function and determine these alterations early.
Spatial patterns and climatic drivers of phylogenetic structure for ferns along the longest elevational gradient in the world
Authors: Qian Hong , Kessler Michael , Jin Yi
Published: November 2022

Many biodiversity hotspots are located in montane regions, thus, understanding the underlying mechanisms driving species assembly along elevational gradients is of major interest in ecology and biogeography. Here, we assess spatial patterns and climatic drivers, and the effects of clade age, on patterns of phylogenetic structure of ferns along the world's longest elevational gradient in the central Himalaya. We used correlation and regression analyses to relate metrics of phylogenetic structure reflecting both shallow (tip‐weighted) and deep (basal‐weighted) evolutionary histories of ferns, and their two major groups reflecting different ages (polypods representing a young clade, all other ferns representing old clades), in fifty 100‐m vertical bands to climatic factors representing different aspects of climatic conditions (mean climate, stressful climate and climate seasonality). Variation partitioning analysis was used to determine the relative importance of each group of climatic factors on phylogenetic structure. We find that the composition of fern assemblages along the Himalayan elevational gradient in Nepal shows strong signatures of evolutionary processes. In a simplified way, species‐rich assemblages at mid‐elevations are likely the result of recent radiations in combination with low extinction rates, whereas species‐poor assemblages at low elevations are composed of numerous lineages with limited radiations, and those at high elevations of few lineages, also with limited signature of recent radiations. Variables related to temperature and climatic extremes tended to play a more important role than precipitation‐ and seasonality‐related variables, respectively, in driving fern phylogenetic structure. Combining the results of ferns and angiosperms suggests that there are a few generally consistent evolutionary processes that apply to all plant groups (e.g. niche conservatism and environmental filtering), but that the specific outcomes of these processes vary with elevation, clade age and taxon.
Behavioural thermoregulation in cold‐water freshwater fish: Innate resilience to climate warming?
Authors: Amat‐Trigo Fatima , Andreou Demetra , Gillingham Phillipa K. , Britton J. Robert
Published: November 2022

Behavioural thermoregulation enables ectotherms to access habitats providing conditions within their temperature optima, especially in periods of extreme thermal conditions, through adjustments to their behaviours that provide a “whole‐body” response to temperature changes. Although freshwater fish have been detected as moving in response to temperature changes to access habitats that provide their thermal optima, there is a lack of integrative studies synthesising the extent to which this is driven by behaviour across different species and spatial scales. A quantitative global synthesis of behavioural thermoregulation in freshwater fish revealed that across 77 studies, behavioural thermoregulatory movements by fish were detected both vertically and horizontally, and from warm to cool waters and, occasionally, the converse. When fish moved from warm to cooler habitats, the extent of the temperature difference between these habitats decreased with increasing latitude, with juvenile and non‐migratory fishes tolerating greater temperature differences than adult and anadromous individuals. With most studies focused on assessing movements of cold‐water salmonids during summer periods, there remains an outstanding need for work on climatically vulnerable, non‐salmonid fishes to understand how these innate thermoregulatory behaviours could facilitate population persistence in warming conditions.
Is it possible to measure good science?
Authors: Holding Andrew N. , McIntyre Kirsty R. , Lynch Paul T.
Published: November 2022

Metrics play a vital part in the valuation and funding of research for scientists worldwide. We review the challenges that metrics pose in providing a fair and equitable system for research funding. We highlight the attempts with declarations, including the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (SF‐DORA), to improve the research environment and specific impacts that metric choice can have on the evaluation and progression of Early Career Lecturers (ECLs). While there is much evidence that metrics will never be entirely satisfactory, we conclude there are opportunities that would benefit ECLs and reason for optimism for researchers.
Substrate availability and not thermal acclimation controls microbial temperature sensitivity response to long‐term warming
Authors: Domeignoz‐Horta Luiz A. , Pold Grace , Erb Hailey , Sebag David , Verrecchia Eric , Northen Trent , Louie Katherine , Eloe‐Fadrosh Emiley , Pennacchio Christa , Knorr Melissa A. , Frey Serita D. , Melillo Jerry M. , DeAngelis Kristen M.
Published: November 2022

Microbes are responsible for cycling carbon (C) through soils, and predicted changes in soil C stocks under climate change are highly sensitive to shifts in the mechanisms assumed to control the microbial physiological response to warming. Two mechanisms have been suggested to explain the long‐term warming impact on microbial physiology: microbial thermal acclimation and changes in the quantity and quality of substrates available for microbial metabolism. Yet studies disentangling these two mechanisms are lacking. To resolve the drivers of changes in microbial physiology in response to long‐term warming, we sampled soils from 13‐ and 28‐year‐old soil warming experiments in different seasons. We performed short‐term laboratory incubations across a range of temperatures to measure the relationships between temperature sensitivity of physiology (growth, respiration, carbon use efficiency, and extracellular enzyme activity) and the chemical composition of soil organic matter. We observed apparent thermal acclimation of microbial respiration, but only in summer, when warming had exacerbated the seasonally‐induced, already small dissolved organic matter pools. Irrespective of warming, greater quantity and quality of soil carbon increased the extracellular enzymatic pool and its temperature sensitivity. We propose that fresh litter input into the system seasonally cancels apparent thermal acclimation of C‐cycling processes to decadal warming. Our findings reveal that long‐term warming has indirectly affected microbial physiology via reduced C availability in this system, implying that earth system models including these negative feedbacks may be best suited to describe long‐term warming effects on these soils.
Old keys do not open new doors: Twenty years of restorative justice in Northern Ireland prisons: An insight into making it happen
Authors: Eagleson David
Published: November 2022

This article outlines how restorative practices (RPs) were introduced into prisons in Northern Ireland (NI) over a period of 20 years. It explains the context of how this change was introduced, using real life case examples underpinned by an approach based on praxis (Freire, 1985; Schön, 1983). Through the synthesis of relevant theory and practice experience it identifies the barriers to bringing about effective and meaningful change to practice and ways of overcoming these at the micro, meso and macro level (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The RIPPLE model is introduced as a means of successfully implementing and sustaining innovative and creative practice within a complex and potentially hostile environment. It is the success story of an accomplishment that has never been achieved before in any prison service.
Thermal expansion and Young's modulus evolution of fused silica and crystalline silica‐containing materials
Authors: Yin Yucheng , Jin Shengli , Zhu Qingyou , Dai Yajie , Li Yiwei , Xia Zhongfeng
Published: November 2022

Fused silica bricks (FSBs) with exceptional thermal shock resistance are frequently used to repair localized damage in coke ovens and are hold promising candidates for the efficient construction of new coke ovens. To maximize their utilization, the effects of thermal history on the thermal expansion and Young's modulus evolution of FSBs were investigated in comparison to crystalline silica bricks (CSBs). Due to the gradual phase transformation of fused silica into cristobalite, the thermal expansion of FSBs are sensitive to the thermal cycle; both silica materials exhibit an increase in thermal expansion after five cycles at 1200°C, whereas the thermal expansion of CSBs is five times greater than that of FSBs. When the testing temperature is less than 1000°C, Young's modulus of CSBs is more sensitive to the thermal history, which is caused by phase transformation‐induced microcracks. This sensitivity reduces when the testing temperature is 1200°C, as microcracks healed by liquid phase as well as the softening of residual glass phase. By contrast, when the testing temperature is 1200°C, Young's modulus of fused silica specimens is sensitive to the thermal history owing to the microcracks caused by the gradual phase transformation of fused silica to cristobalite.
Firing properties and corrosion resistance of mullite‐Al2TiO5 saggar materials
Authors: Xiang Kun , Li Shujing , Li Yuanbing , Wang Hailu , Xiang Ruofei , He Xiaohong
Published: November 2022

Conventional refractory materials used for calcining ternary lithium‐ion battery cathode materials, such as mullite, cordierite, and magnesia‐alumina spinel, are vulnerable to attack by Li(NixCoyMn1−x−y)O2 (LNCM) materials and therefore have a short service life. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of refractory materials to LNCM materials, mullite‐Al2TiO5 materials with different contents were synthesized in this paper by using calcined mullite powder, TiO2 powder, and La2O3 powder as raw materials, which were calcined at 1500–1600°C temperature, respectively. In this study, the potential of the materials for the preparation of LNCM materials was investigated in terms of its physical properties, resistance to the corrosion of LNCM materials, and resistance to thermal shock. The results showed that mullite‐Al2TiO5 composites can be successfully synthesized at 1500–1600°C, and the physical properties of the materials met the production requirements. The prepared mullite‐Al2TiO5 composites also exhibited better physical properties, good corrosion resistance, and proper thermal shock resistance compared with mullite refractories.
Enhanced passive safety surveillance of high‐dose and standard‐dose quadrivalent inactivated split‐virion influenza vaccines in Germany and Finland during the influenza season 2021/22
Authors: Gandhi‐Banga Sonja , Wague Sophie , Shrestha Anju , Syrkina Olga , Talanova Oxana , Nissilä Markku , Stuff Karl , Monfredo Céline
Published: November 2022

Background

Enhanced passive safety surveillance (EPSS) was conducted for quadrivalent inactivated split‐virion influenza vaccines (IIV4) in Germany (high dose [HD], aged ≥60 years) and in Finland (standard dose [SD], aged ≥6 months) at the beginning of the northern hemisphere 2021/22 influenza season. The primary objective was to assess adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring ≤7 days post‐vaccination.

Methods

Vaccinees were issued vaccination cards (VC) and were encouraged to report ADRs via an electronic data collection system or by telephone. ADRs were assessed by frequency, time to onset, intensity and by age group. The vaccinee reporting rate (RR) was calculated as the number of vaccinees reporting ≥1 ADR divided by total vaccinees. Reactogenicity was compared with previous experiences with each vaccine.

Results

Among 903 HD‐IIV4 vaccinees in Germany, 17 reported ≥1 ADR within ≤7 days post‐vaccination: RR, 1.88% (95% CI: 1.10, 3.00). Time to onset was known for 53/65 ADRs, all of which occurred ≤7 days post‐vaccination. In Germany, seven ADRs were reported that were not listed previously. Among the 1000 SD‐IIV4 vaccinees in Finland, 49 reported ≥1 ADR within ≤7 days post‐vaccination: RR, 4.90% (95% CI: 3.65, 6.43). Time to onset was known for 126/134 ADRs, of which 125 occurred ≤7 days post‐vaccination. In Finland, 21 ADRs were reported that were not listed previously. No ADRs reported during follow‐up were serious.

Conclusions

The EPSS for HD‐IIV4 and for SD‐IIV4 in the 2021/22 influenza season did not suggest any clinically relevant changes in safety beyond what is known/expected for IIV4s.
Nurse and pharmacist systemic anti‐cancer therapy review clinics and their impact on patient experience and care: A systematic review
Authors: Barrott Lisa , Wiseman Theresa , Tsianakas Vicki , Czuber‐Dochan Wladyslawa
Published: November 2022

Aim

To review the evidence of how nurse and pharmacist roles have been incorporated into the management of patients undergoing systemic anti‐cancer therapy (SACT) services and their impact on patient experience and care provision.

Design

Systematic Review.

Data Sources

Seven databases were searched on 10 April 2022.

Review Methods

Research studies that met defined inclusion criteria were included. Quantitative findings were converted into textual descriptions and combined with qualitative results for thematic analysis. Data were categorized and aggregated into themes. Heterogeneity of studies meant meta‐analysis was not possible.

Results

Fifteen papers were included. Three main themes were identified: advanced clinical practice (ACP) SACT service development; ACP skills and qualifications; and the impact of ACP SACT services on patient care and outcomes. There is a variation in tasks undertaken by nurses and pharmacists and role integration is restricted by limited physician engagement. Role titles used and skills and qualifications acquired differ and professional autonomy is variable. Qualitative studies were limited.

Conclusion

Evidence of how nursing and pharmacist ACP roles are implemented, what skills are essential and how roles are impacting patient experience and outcomes is limited. More research is required to explore patient and physician experience of, and satisfaction with multi‐professional care, alongside further evaluation of clinical delivery models.
Spatial‐ and lineage‐dependent processes underpin floristic assembly in the megadiverse Eastern South American mountains
Authors: Barros‐Souza Yago , Borges Leonardo M.
Published: November 2022

Aim

The astonishing diversity of ancient mountains was likely shaped by multiple evolutionary processes. However, there is an ongoing debate on what were the main processes driving the assembly of campos rupestres, the mega‐diverse flora of Eastern South American mountains. Although the ancient nature of these mountains suggests their flora should be composed by relatively older lineages, they harbour a number of recently diverged clades. To better understand the evolution of ancient mountains' floras, we tested if the campos rupestres are mainly composed by relatively old or recent communities and if angiosperm diversity is geographically structured using analyses of diversity and endemism.

Location

Eastern South America.

Time Period

Oligocene/Miocene to the present.

Taxon

Flowering plants.

Methods

We used analyses of diversity and endemism for 10% of the campos rupestres flora. We obtained distribution data from online databases, and phylogenetic hypotheses from the literature. With these datasets, we estimated alpha and beta metrics of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, and conducted categorical analyses of neo‐ and palaeo‐endemism.

Results

Phylogenetic overdispersion predominates in the campos rupestres. However, this general pattern is permeated by both lineage‐ and site‐specific phylogenetic clustering, suggesting that recent diversification events depend on particular regional conditions and on the overall maintenance of old lineages. Although endemism patterns vary among different campos rupestres sites, palaeo‐endemism is widespread and particularly prominent where phylogenetic overdispersion is evident. Moreover, while phylogenetic composition indicates variable past spatial connections across different sites, taxonomic composition is highly geographically structured and seems to be influenced by the vegetation surrounding the campos rupestres and/or by abiotic conditions.

Main Conclusions

Our results reinforce the idiosyncratic nature of diversification patterns in ancient mountains and suggest that old, climatically buffered, infertile montane ecosystems not only include both relatively old and recent lineages, but that recent diversification is lineage‐ and spatially‐dependent.
Non‐fitting FLIM‐FRET facilitates analysis of protein interactions in live zebrafish embryos
Authors: Auer Julia M. T , Murphy Laura C , Xiao Dong , Li David U. , Wheeler Ann P
Published: November 2022

Molecular interactions are key to all cellular processes, and particularly interesting to investigate in the context of gene regulation. Protein–protein interactions are challenging to examine in vivo as they are dynamic, and require spatially and temporally resolved studies to interrogate them. Foerster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is a highly sensitive imaging method, which can interrogate molecular interactions. FRET can be detected by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM‐FRET), which is more robust to concentration variations and photobleaching than intensity‐based FRET but typically needs long acquisition times to achieve high photon counts. New variants of non‐fitting lifetime‐based FRET perform well in samples with lower signal and require less intensive instrument calibration and analysis, making these methods ideal for probing protein–protein interactions in more complex live 3D samples. Here we show that a non‐fitting FLIM‐FRET variant, based on the Average Arrival Time of photons per pixel (AAT− FRET), is a sensitive and simple way to detect and measure protein–protein interactions in live early stage zebrafish embryos.
Implementation of COVID‐19 Preventive Measures and Staff Well‐Being in a Sample of English Schools 2020‐2021
Authors: Sundaram Neisha , Abramsky Tanya , Oswald William E , Cook Sarah , Halliday Katherine E , Nguipdop‐Djomo Patrick , Sturgess Joanna , Ireland Georgina , Ladhani Shamez N , Mangtani Punam , Langan Sinéad M , Hargreaves James R , Bonell Chris ,   COVID‐19 Schools Infection Survey Study Group
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

We examined fidelity and feasibility of implementation of COVID‐19 preventive measures in schools, and explored associations between adherence to these measures and staff well‐being, to inform policy on sustainable implementation and staff wellbeing.

METHODS

Surveys were conducted across 128 schools in England with 107 headteachers and 2698 staff‐members with reference to autumn term 2020, examining school‐level implementation of preventive measures, adherence, and teacher burnout (response rates for headteacher and staff surveys were 84% and 59%, respectively).

RESULTS

The median number of measures implemented in primary and secondary schools was 33 (range 23‐41), and 32 (range 22‐40), respectively; most measures presented challenges. No differences were found regarding number of measures implemented by school‐level socio‐economic disadvantage. High adherence was reported for staff wearing face‐coverings, staff regularly washing their hands, (secondary only) desks facing forwards, and (primary only) increased cleaning of surfaces and student hand‐washing. Adherence to most measures was reported as higher in primary than secondary schools. Over half of school leaders and 42% (517/1234) of other teaching staff suffered from high emotional exhaustion. Higher teacher‐reported school‐wide adherence with measures was consistently associated with lower burnout for leaders and other teaching staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate a tremendous effort in implementing preventive measures and an urgent need to support investments in improving teacher wellbeing.
Cognitive strategies to improve symptoms of restless legs syndrome
Authors: Chenini Sofiene , Barateau Lucie , Guiraud Lily , Rollin Marie‐Lou , Lopez Regis , Jaussent Isabelle , Beziat Severine , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: November 2022

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome are relieved by movement. Whether a cognitive task decreases sensory discomfort remains understudied. We aimed to assess the frequency of patients with restless legs syndrome who report decreased sensory discomfort during cognitive activities, and quantify this decrease during a cognitive task. Three‐hundred and fifty‐eight consecutive adults with restless legs syndrome (age 55.17 ± 14.62 years; 55.87% women; 27.65% treated) answered the question: “Does the intensity of your restless legs syndrome symptoms decrease when you perform activities other than moving your legs?” rated on a nine‐point Likert scale (from fully‐agree to totally‐disagree). A subgroup of 65 consecutive drug‐free patients underwent an 80‐min suggested immobilisation test at 20:00 hours to quantify legs discomfort on a visual analogue scale before polysomnography, including 40 patients performing a cognitive task (balloon analogue risk task) from the 60 to 80 min. A total of 130 (36.3%) patients reported a decrease, 158 (44.1%) no decrease, and 70 (19.5%) uncertain changes in severity of restless legs syndrome symptoms during cognitive activities, with a similar proportion whether treated or not. Patients experiencing a decrease had less severe restless legs syndrome symptoms. In the suggested immobilisation test, mixed‐effect regression models showed that legs discomfort decreased in patients performing the cognitive task while it continued to increase in those without task, with a larger difference in patients reporting a self‐reported decrease in restless legs syndrome during cognitive activities. In conclusion, one‐third of patients reported a self‐reported decrease of restless legs syndrome symptoms during cognitive activities, this improvement in restless legs syndrome was confirmed during a sustained cognitive task. Cognitive strategies could be implemented for the management of restless legs syndrome.