bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green pull motives and overall tourist satisfaction: a macro- and micro-levels analysis
Authors: Pekovic Sanja
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The environmental sensitivity of consumers has played an important role in shaping the tourism industry. Although the green trend is an ongoing concern within the tourism industry, empirical research examining the link between green motivation and tourist satisfaction has been lacking in the tourism literature. The study bridges this research gap by examining the relationship between green pull motives and overall tourist satisfaction using empirical data from 28 Member States of the European Union and Turkey, North Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro and Moldova. Moreover, the framework incorporates both macro- and micro-level analyses, thus offering an unbiased approach compared to analyses based on a single-level perspective. The purpose of this paper is also to compare the relationship between green pull motives and tourist satisfaction across different generational cohorts, thus offering new insights into tourist satisfaction across life-courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an examination of 7,450 tourists from 28 Member States of the European Union and Turkey, North Macedonia, Iceland, Montenegro and Moldova derived from the Flash Eurobarometer survey called “Preferences of Europeans towards tourism,” the authors used a Tobit model to test the proposed framework.

Findings

The obtained findings demonstrate that the green pull motives at the macro level are negatively associated with overall tourist satisfaction. In contrast, the green pull motives at the micro level are positively related to overall tourist satisfaction. In addition, the results show that the relationship between green pull motives and overall tourist satisfaction diverges between different generational cohorts.

Practical implications

These results have wide implications for tourism marketers across different European countries, suggesting that adequately managing attributes associated with green motives at both the macro and micro levels, as well as across life-course, considerably contributes to overall tourist satisfaction.

Originality/value

The novel findings increase understanding of the impact of green trends within the tourism sector by providing unbiased analysis of the relationship between green pull motives and overall tourist satisfaction that involves both a multilevel approach and generational cohort comparisons across life-course.
Factors influencing the implementation of workplace health promotion in companies in rural areas
Authors: Hente Luisa , Schlesinger Torsten
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Workplace health promotion (WHP) is becoming increasingly important due to the ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled workers. Nevertheless, too few companies have reacted to the demographic change and introduced health-promoting measures. This paper aims to identify which factors influence the implementation of WHP, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas.

Design/methodology/approach

253 companies in a rural area in the federal state of Saxony (Germany) were surveyed using a standardised questionnaire via a computer-assisted telephone interview. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were carried out. The focus was on the relationship between the status of WHP and the size of the company, pressure of demographic change, health-related attitude and organisational capacity factors.

Findings

It was shown that, in addition to the control variables company size and pressure of the shortage of skilled workers, a company's attitude regarding health promotion, financial capacity and planning and development capacity has a relevant influence on the status of WHP.

Practical implications

Based on the results, targeted measures can be developed and converted to implement WHP, particularly in SMEs in rural regions. The focus should be on sensitisation, knowledge transfer and capacity development.

Originality/value

The present paper reveals the relationship between company size, pressure of demographic change, health-related attitude and organisational capacities regarding the status of health-promoting measures in SMEs in a rural region.
An examination of educator multicultural attitudes before and after a diversity dinner dialogue
Authors: Merlin-Knoblich Clare , Dameron Merry Leigh
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The demographic make-up of students in US public schools is becoming increasingly diverse, and a need exists to train teachers in multicultural competence. Despite this need, little research addresses multicultural competence training for in-service teachers. In this pilot study, we aimed to implement an intervention, known as a diversity dinner dialogue (DDD), in which elementary and university educators read the same diversity-related book, then gathered over dinner to discuss the book and its implications in their work.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a pre-experimental study and measured participants’ reactions to the intervention, as well as changes in multicultural attitudes immediately and six months after the training.

Findings

Findings indicated that participants had positive reactions to the DDD, yet multicultural attitudes decreased after the training, a potential indication that participants encountered racial identity development processes during the intervention.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed on DDDs and interventions affecting educator multicultural attitudes in K-12 schools and higher education.

Originality/value

This study contributes a new potential intervention for use in K-12 school and university partnerships that may support the development of culturally responsive teaching practices and catalyze participant experiences in racial identity development processes.
Antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management in Taiwan's electric and electronic industry
Authors: Huang Yi-Chun , Borazon Elaine Quintana , Liu Jen-Ming
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Environmental sustainability is one of the most pressing issues faced by the electric and electronics industry today. Industries are being challenged to incorporate environmental initiatives in their corporate strategies. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of stakeholder pressures (regulatory, internal and market) on green supply chain management and green corporate resources as well as their effects on the economic and environmental performance of Taiwan's electric and electronic industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 194 valid questionnaires were collected out of the 1,000 questionnaires distributed to Taiwan's electric and electronic product manufacturers. A structural equation modeling, using Amos 22.0, was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the analyses show that stakeholder pressure has a significant positive impact on corporate green resources and green supply chain management practices while green supply chain management practices have a significant and positive impact on organizational performance. Moreover, corporate green resources provide a mediation between organizational stakeholder pressure and green supply chain management.

Practical implications

The results may be of value and interest to supply chain managers and policymakers on the push factors for implementing green supply chain management practices and their consequences.

Originality/value

This paper shows the complementarity of stakeholder and resource-based theories in influencing organizational performance in the electric and electronic industry in the context of sustainable development. This also enhances the understanding of the antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management and provides robust findings on the relationship between environmental and economic performance.
Improving the effectiveness of anti-texting and driving PSAs: the effect of ad elements on attitude change
Authors: Benoit Ilgım Dara , Miller Elizabeth G. , Kordrostami Elika , Ekebas-Turedi Ceren
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Public service announcements (PSAs) are frequently used tools to try to change attitudes and behaviors on social issues, including texting and driving, which has been social problem for over a decade. However, the effectiveness of such PSA campaigns often meet with varying degrees of success, suggesting changes to current anti-texting and driving campaigns are needed. This study aims to examine how to design more effective anti-texting and driving PSA campaigns by identifying the elements of existing campaigns that have the strongest impact on attitude change.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 682 respondents from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk participated in an online study in which they evaluated 162 real-world anti-texting and driving ads. Respondents evaluated the ads on various ad elements (i.e. type of appeal, source of emotion, discrete emotions and perceived creativity), as well as their attitudes toward the issue after seeing the ad.

Findings

PSAs that use emotional (vs rational) appeals, evoke emotion through imagery (vs text) and/or use fear (vs disgust, anger or guilt) result in the largest changes in attitude. In addition, more creative PSAs are more effective at changing attitudes.

Originality/value

Overall, the results provide useful information to social marketers on how to design more effective anti-texting and driving campaigns.
Advancements in liposome technology: Preparation techniques and applications in food, functional foods, and bioactive delivery: A review
Authors: Ajeeshkumar Kizhakkeppurath Kumaran , Aneesh Peruvazhipurath Appu , Raju Navaneethan , Suseela Mathew , Ravishankar Chandragiri Narayanarao , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: March 2021

Liposomes play a significant role in encapsulation of various bioactive compounds (BACs), including functional food ingredients to improve the stability of core. This technology can be used for promoting an effective application in functional food and nutraceuticals. Incorporation of traditional and emerging methods for the developments of liposome for loading BACs resulted in viable and stable liposome formulations for industrial applications. Thus, the advance technologies such as supercritical fluidic methods, microfluidization, ultrasonication with traditional methods are revisited. Liposomes loaded with plant and animal BACs have been introduced for functional food and nutraceutical applications. In general, application of liposome systems improves stability, delivery, and bioavailability of BACs in functional food systems and nutraceuticals. This review covers the current techniques and methodologies developed and practiced in liposomal preparation and application in functional foods.
Northern temperate pastures exhibit divergent plant community responses to management and disturbance legacies identified through a producer survey
Authors: Pyle Lysandra A. , Hall Linda M. , Bork Edward W.
Published: March 2021

Questions

Does plant composition differ among grasslands having divergent disturbance and management histories? Which vegetation attributes and disturbances specifically influence rangeland health?

Location

Northern temperate pastures in the Central Parkland and adjacent Boreal natural regions of central Alberta, Canada.

Methods

Plant composition and rangeland health data from 102 pastures were related to disturbance history acquired from retrospective producer surveys. Health assessments evaluated indicators such as vegetation composition, hydrologic function, and site stability. Producers were asked to identify pasture history (e.g., last cultivation date, whether fire had occurred), contemporary grazing actions (timing of use, grazing systems, type of livestock), and other management activities (i.e. herbicide application, manure spreading).

Results

Cultivation and burn history were the primary drivers of vegetation differences, where previously cultivated pastures were dominated by introduced, naturalized grasses, eliminating most native species. Remnant non‐cultivated grasslands were occupied by a mix of native and invasive plant species. Grazing system had limited impact on vegetation composition due to uniformly high livestock stocking. Plant composition corresponded with gradients in rangeland health, where the latter declined with increased stocking rate and supplemental feeding on pasture. Greater health was characterized by increased cover of graminoids (primarily introduced forages), abundant litter, low plant richness, and reduced stocking rates. Other land management activities had comparatively less impact on the composition and health of these grasslands.

Conclusions

Conversion of native grassland and forest in this region has a strong legacy effect on vegetation. Management actions associated with high stocking rates and supplemental feeding lowered rangeland health.
Solving the Self‐Transformation Puzzle: The Role of Aspiration
Authors: Gordon James R.
Published: March 2021

If the received views on self‐transformation in philosophical literature are correct, then either self‐transformation (1) is caused by forces beyond oneself and beyond one's control, (2) is not rational to pursue, or (3) does not ever really happen. In this essay, James Gordon highlights the philosophical puzzle known as the “self‐transformation puzzle,” as raised by Ryan Kemp, who suggests that transformation of the sort educators are interested in cannot be self‐caused: it is either something that happens to a person, or something that, if agent guided, is not full‐fledged transformation. Next, Gordon turns to an alternative take on the puzzle that tries to recast the conceptual terrain and offer a new way of thinking about self‐transformation, namely, the “aspirational” account of self‐change offered by Agnes Callard. He argues that Callard's aspirational account of transformation shows that at least one of the premises of Kemp's argument is false. Finally, he suggests several ways that those interested in transformative education might appeal to the concept of aspiration to revise their educational practices.
The notion of sensation in Sellars' theory of perception
Authors: Corti Luca
Published: March 2021

This paper reconstructs Sellars' theory of “sensation” or “sense impression,” positioning it in relation to his theoretical distinction between the Manifest and Scientific Image. Though Sellars' account of “sensation” has been a widely neglected part of his thought, it is central not only to his theory of perception but also to understanding his confrontation with traditional accounts of sensing (from Descartes to C.I. Lewis and Husserl). In this article, I first show that Sellars' argument for introducing the notion of “sensation” into his theoretical system should be understood as distinctly explanatory, rather than transcendental or phenomenological. After outlining this argument and analyzing its significance, I explore Sellars' adverbialist construal of “sensation” and its implications in relation to contemporaneous and current forms of adverbialism. Finally, in the last part of the paper, I illuminate how Sellars situates his conceptual framework for “sensations” (correctly understood) in the Manifest Image theory of perception. Highlighting Sellars' understanding of the process by which the Manifest Image substitutes sensation in the Scientific Image, I clarify Sellars' obscure notion of “sensa,” then conclude with a comprehensive account of his stereoscopic view of the phenomenon of sensing.
Boson peak and structural heterogeneity in ternary SiO2‐Al2O3‐B2O3 glasses
Authors: Ando Mariana Fatobene , Fuhrmann Sindy , Pan Zhiwen , Rodrigues Bruno Poletto , Mori Tatsuya , Ebbinghaus Stefan G. , Wondraczek Katrin , Kitani Suguru , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: March 2021

We use low‐temperature heat capacity, low‐frequency Raman scattering, and THz time domain spectroscopy in order to scale the vibrational density of states and the Boson peak in SiO2‐Al2O3‐B2O3 Yb‐laser host glasses. When substituting B2O3 for SiO2 at constant Al2O3 dopant level, we find an optimal value for the ratio of B/Al in terms of mixture stability, at which the excess in the electron donor capability of Al2O3 (relative to the SiO2 backbone) is compensated by the more acidic B2O3. At this composition, Al2O3 plays a mediating role in the structure of aluminoborosilicate glasses, facilitating dissolution of Yb2O3 and admixture of B2O3 into the SiO2 network.
Regional climates shape the biogeographic history of a broadly distributed freshwater crab species complex
Authors: Shi Boyang , Pan Da , Sun Yufang , Liu Xiaorui , Lv Xiulin , Cumberlidge Neil , Sun Hongying
Published: March 2021

Aim

The evolutionary importance of paleoclimate regimes has been noted in biogeographic studies. However, little is known about how paleoclimate differences shaped the biogeographic pattern and diversification history of the freshwater fauna in important zoogeographical boundary regions. Here, we aim to investigate how past regional climatic differences have shaped the biogeographic history of the inland aquatic fauna in China using an endemic freshwater crab species complex found on both sides of the Qinling Mountains–Huaihe River Line (QHL), a critical ecological boundary in eastern China, as a model system.

Location

Eastern China, the Qinling Mountains–Huaihe River Line.

Taxon

The Sinopotamon yangtsekiense species complex.

Methods

A total of 482 individuals of Sinopotamon yangtsekiense sensu lato were collected from 34 localities throughout its entire distributional range. The phylogeographic analyses of population structure, morphological and genetic variations, and demographic dynamics were made based on multiple mtDNA and nuDNA loci and on morphological traits. Fine‐tuned ecological niche modeling was used to reconstruct the location of climatically suitable areas that existed during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Results

The divergence of two freshwater crab lineages across the QHL correlated with significant past variations in monsoon intensity and with the location of multiple refuges. The divergence time was broadly consistent with the timing of the critical paleoclimate transition event in the mid‐Pleistocene (95% HPD, 0.48–1.06 Ma). Each freshwater crab lineage has evolved distinct male genital traits associated with their isolation in areas with different precipitation rates and temperatures in the past. The patterns of crab distribution observed today reflect past contractions of the two lineages in response to glacial and interglacial cycles during the Pleistocene, followed by their subsequent rapid expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum (~15 kya).

Main conclusions

Populations of the widespread species Sinopotamon yangtsekiense s.l. experienced a deep division in the past that led to the phylogeographical isolation observed today. The two main drivers of genetic isolation in this taxon were (a) differences in the intensity of the monsoons on each side of the QHL boundary during the mid‐Pleistocene, and (b) isolation of different populations of S. yangtsekiense s.l. in a number of separate refuges during the LGM.
Registered nurses' understandings of emergency medical dispatch center work: A qualitative phenomenographic interview study
Authors: Kaminsky Elenor , Lindberg Ylva , Spangler Douglas , Winblad Ulrika , K. Holmström Inger
Published: March 2021

Non‐urgent and urgent telephone nursing services are increasing globally, and phenomenographic research has shown that how work is understood may influence work performance. This descriptive study makes a qualitative inductive investigation of understandings of emergency medical dispatch center work among registered nurses. Twenty‐four registered nurses at three mid Swedish emergency medical dispatch centers were interviewed. Analysis based on phenomenographic principles identified five categories in the interviews: (i) Assess, prioritize, direct, or refer; (ii) Facilitate ambulance nursing work; (iii) Perform nursing care; (iv) Always be available for the public; and (v) Have the person behind the patient in mind. The first constitutes the basis of the work. The second emphasizes cooperation with and support for the ambulance staff. The third entails remotely providing nursing care, whilst the fourth stresses serving the entire population. The fifth and most comprehensive way of understanding work involves having a holistic view of the person in need, including person‐centered care. Provision of high‐quality emergency medical dispatch center work involves all categories. Combined, they constitute a “work map,” valuable for reflection, competence development, and introduction of new staff.
Safe procedures despite ultra low radiation doses during catheter ablations of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias—A multicenter experience
Authors: Attanasio Philipp , Huemer Martin , Kaehler Nora , Keller Theresa , Schreiber Tobias , Niehues Reinhard , Katsani‐Potempa Dimitra , Klein Rolf Michael , Landmesser Ulf , Deisenhofer Isabel , Tutdibi Osman , Bourier Felix
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Despite the development of non‐fluoroscopic catheter visualization options, fluoroscopy is still used in most ablation procedures. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new ultra‐low dose radiation protocol for EP procedures in a large number of patients.

Methods and results

A total of 3462 consecutive patients (male 1926 (55.6%), age 64.4 ± 14.0 years, BMI 26.65 ± 4.70) undergoing radiofrequency ablation (left atrial (n = 2316 [66.9%], right atrial (n = 675 [19.5%], or ventricular (n = 471 [13.6%]) in three German centers were included in the analysis. Procedures were performed using a new ultra‐low dose protocol operating at 8nGy for fluoroscopy and 36nGy for cine‐loops. Additionally a very low framerate (2‐3FPS) was used. Using the new protocol very low Air kerma‐area product (KAP) values were achieved for left atrial ablations (104.25 ± 84.22 μGym2), right atrial ablations (70.98 ± 94.79 μGym2) and ablations for ventricular tachycardias or PVCs (78.62 ± 66.59 μGym2). Acute procedural success was achieved in 3289/3388 (97.1%) while the rate of major complications was very low compared to previously published studies not using low dose settings (n = 20, 0.6%).

Conclusion

The ultra‐low dose, low framerate protocol leads to very low radiation doses for all EP procedures while neither procedural time, fluoroscopy time nor success or complication rates were compromised. When compared to current real‐world Air KAP data the new ultra‐low dose fluoroscopy protocol reduces radiation exposure by more than 90%.
Leaf water relations in epiphytic ferns are driven by drought avoidance rather than tolerance mechanisms
Authors: Campany Courtney E. , Pittermann Jarmila , Baer Alex , Holmlund Helen , Schuettpelz Eric , Mehltreter Klaus , Watkins James E.
Published: March 2021

Opportunistic diversification has allowed ferns to radiate into epiphytic niches in angiosperm dominated landscapes. However, our understanding of how ecophysiological function allowed establishment in the canopy and the potential transitionary role of the hemi‐epiphytic life form remain unclear. Here, we surveyed 39 fern species in Costa Rican tropical forests to explore epiphytic trait divergence in a phylogenetic context. We examined leaf responses to water deficits in terrestrial, hemi‐epiphytic and epiphytic ferns and related these findings to functional traits that regulate leaf water status. Epiphytic ferns had reduced xylem area (−63%), shorter stipe lengths (−56%), thicker laminae (+41%) and reduced stomatal density (−46%) compared to terrestrial ferns. Epiphytic ferns exhibited similar turgor loss points, higher osmotic potential at saturation and lower tissue capacitance after turgor loss than terrestrial ferns. Overall, hemi‐epiphytic ferns exhibited traits that share characteristics of both terrestrial and epiphytic species. Our findings clearly demonstrate the prevalence of water conservatism in both epiphytic and hemi‐epiphytic ferns, via selection for anatomical and structural traits that avoid leaf water stress. Even with likely evolutionarily constrained physiological function, adaptations for drought avoidance have allowed epiphytic ferns to successfully endure the stresses of the canopy habitat.
Alleviating aluminum toxicity in plants: Implications of reactive oxygen species signaling and crosstalk with other signaling pathways
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Sinha Ragini , Sharma Tilak Raj , Pattanayak Arunava , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: March 2021

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major limiting factor for plant growth and productivity in acidic soil. At pH lower than 5.0 (pH < 5.0), the soluble and toxic form of Al (Al3+ ions) enters root cells and inhibits root growth and uptake of water and nutrients. The organic acids malate, citrate, and oxalate are secreted by the roots and chelate Al3+ to form a non‐toxic Al‐OA complex, which decreases the entry of Al3+ into the root cells. When Al3+ enters, it leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, which are toxic and cause damage to biomolecules like lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. When ROS levels rise beyond the threshold, plants activate an antioxidant defense system that comprises of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), ascorbic acid (ASA), phenolics and alkaloids etc., which protect plant cells from oxidative damage by scavenging and neutralizing ROS. Besides, ROS also play an important role in signal transduction and influence many molecular and cellular process like hormone signaling, gene expression, cell wall modification, cell cycle, programed cell death (PCD), and development. In the present review, the mechanisms of Al‐induced ROS generation, ROS signaling, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways helping to combat Al toxicity have been summarized, which will help researchers to understand the intricacies of Al‐induced plant response at cellular level and plan research for developing Al‐toxicity tolerant crops for sustainable agriculture in acid soil‐affected regions of the world.
GoNe encoding a class VIIIb AP2/ERF is required for both extrafloral and floral nectary development in Gossypium
Authors: Pei Yanfei , Zhang Jun , Wu Peng , Ye Li , Yang Duofeng , Chen Jiedan , Li Jie , Hu Yan , Zhu Xiefei , Guo Xiaoping , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: March 2021

The floral nectary, first recognized and described by Carl Linnaeus, is a remarkable organ that serves to provide carbohydrate‐rich nectar to visiting pollinators in return for gamete transfer between flowers. Therefore, the nectary has indispensable biological significance in plant reproduction and even in evolution. Only two genes, CRC and STY, have been reported to regulate floral nectary development. However, it is still unknown what genes contribute to extrafloral nectary development. Here, we report that a nectary development gene in Gossypium (GoNe), annotated as an APETALA 2/ethylene‐responsive factor (AP2/ERF), is responsible for the formation of both floral and extrafloral nectaries. GoNe plants that are silenced via virus‐induced gene silencing technology and/or knocked out by Cas9 produce a nectariless phenotype. Point mutation and gene truncation simultaneously in duplicated genes Ne1Ne2 lead to impaired nectary development in tetraploid cotton. There is no difference in the expression of the CRC and STY genes between the nectary TM‐1 and the nectariless MD90ne in cotton. Therefore, the GoNe gene responsible for the formation of floral and extrafloral nectaries may be independent of CRC and STY. A complex mechanism might exist that restricts the nectary to a specific position with different genetic factors. Characterization of these target genes regulating nectary production has provided insights into the development, evolution, and function of nectaries and insect‐resistant breeding.
PD-L1
+
neutrophils contribute to injury-induced infection susceptibility
Authors: Thanabalasuriar Ajitha , Chiang Abby J. , Morehouse Christopher , Camara Margarita , Hawkins Shonda , Keller Ashley E. , Koksal Adem C. , Caceres Carolina S. , Berlin Aaron A. , Holoweckyj Nicholas , Takahashi Virginia N. , Cheng Lily , de los Reyes Melissa , Pelletier Mark , Patera Andriani C. , Sellman Bret , Hess Sonja , Marelli Marcello , Boo Chelsea C. , Cohen Taylor S. , DiGiandomenico Antonio
Published: March 2021

Neutrophils abandon infection control during wound repair.
Evolving tides aggravate nuisance flooding along the U.S. coastline
Authors: Li Sida , Wahl Thomas , Talke Stefan A. , Jay David A. , Orton Philip M. , Liang Xinghui , Wang Guocheng , Liu Lintao
Published: March 2021

Changes in tidal range due to anthropogenic impacts exacerbate nuisance flooding in estuaries along the U.S. coastline.
Plasmonic nanoreactors regulating selective oxidation by energetic electrons and nanoconfined thermal fields
Authors: Zhan Chao , Wang Qiu-Xiang , Yi Jun , Chen Liang , Wu De-Yin , Wang Ye , Xie Zhao-Xiong , Moskovits Martin , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: March 2021

Surface plasmons generated nanoconfined thermal fields and energetic electrons, regulating selective oxidation.
Human embryo research beyond the primitive streak
Authors: Hyun Insoo , Bredenoord Annelien L. , Briscoe James , Klipstein Sigal , Tan Tao
Published: March 2021

It is time to revisit the “14-day limit”
Effect of Spermidine on Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Thongbhubate Kullathida , Nakafuji Yuko , Matsuoka Rina , Kakegawa Sonomi , Suzuki Hideyuki
Published: March 2021

Previous reports have speculated on the effect of polyamines on bacterial biofilm formation. However, the regulation of biofilm formation by polyamines in
Escherichia coli
has not yet been assessed.
Tale of compounding oddities
Authors: Agrawal Umang , Kanjiya Krutarth , Rodrigues Camilla , Sunavala Ayesha
Published: March 2021

We present a case of a 59-year-old man, who on being evaluated for abdominal pain and headache, was found to have a pancreatic head mass and inflammatory hypophysitis. Xpert MTB/Rif of the pancreatic mass biopsy showed the presence of tuberculosis (TB) with a very low load, and rifampicin resistance was detected with absence of probes A and B. Pyrosequencing (a novel genotypic test for TB) of the Xpert MTB/Rif isolate detected a single, rare, high-confidence mutation (S512T) in the rpoB region (rifampicin resistance determining region in the MTB genome). The TB mycobacteria growth indicator tube (TBMGIT) phenotypic drug susceptibility test (DST), however, showed rifampicin susceptibility. Incidentally, he was unable to tolerate rifampicin and responded well to a non-rifampicin-based regimen. We discuss a possible hypothesis of the Xpert-DST discordance in accordance with a recent literature review on phenotypic DST methods. We also discuss the utility of pyrosequencing in clinical practice for the diagnosis of TB and its resistance patterns.
Rothia dentocariosacausing intracranial mycotic aneurysm and ischaemic stroke
Authors: Kisilevsky Eli , Pesin Nataly , Mandell Daniel , Margolin Edward A
Published: March 2021

We describe a case of subacute bacterial endocarditis and mycotic brain aneurysm caused byRothia dentocariosa due to untreated dental caries.R. dentocariosais a rare cause of endocarditis that has a high incidence of aneurysmal and haemorrhagic complications. All patients with intracranial aneurysms who have signs of systemic infection should be considered to have mycotic aneurysms until proven otherwise. Dental habits should be included in regular medical assessment and dental care should be considered for patients presenting with infectious symptoms.
Unique case of metachronous adrenal and hepatic myelolipomas
Authors: Morris Paul David , P'Ng Chow , Pleass Henry
Published: March 2021

We present a unique case of metachronous adrenal and hepatic myelolipomas in a 62-year-old man. Myelolipomas are most commonly found in the adrenal gland, with extra-adrenal sites such as the lung, retroperitoneum and liver reported. They are a form of benign mesenchymal tumour, with only 25 case reports of a hepatic location published to date. The are no guidelines to its management. Our patient underwent resection due to pain, and after a complicated postoperative period is pain free.
Highly effective use of aprepitant in an adolescent girl with severe cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Nivatsi Maria , Aslanidou Ilona , Mantadakis Elpis
Published: March 2021

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder. Diagnosis is based on the Rome III criteria. There are no evidence-based guidelines for the management of paediatric CVS, although ondansetron and antimigraine medications are frequently tried. We describe a 13-year-old adolescent girl with severe CVS and numerous hospital admissions for dehydration because of cyclic vomiting. She had failed oral ondansetron therapy. Oral aprepitant (125 mg in the first, and 85 mg on the second and third days), a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist that has been approved for preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting or postoperative emesis, was tried in our patient at home during the first prodromal signs of an upset stomach. She had a dramatic response to it, with no further episodes of vomiting since its start. There is an urgent need for randomised clinical studies to assess the efficacy of available treatment options, including aprepitant in patients with severe CVS.
Development and psychometric testing of the FLW-MSC scale for measuring frontline worker multisectoral collaboration in rural India
Authors: Glandon Douglas , Leoutsakos Jeannie-Marie , Gupta Shivam , Marsteller Jill , Paina Ligia , Bennett Sara
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Multisectoral collaboration (MSC) is widely recognised as a critical aspect of policies, programmes and interventions addressing complex public health issues, yet it is undertheorised and difficult to measure. Limited understanding of the intermediate steps linking MSC formation to intended health outcomes leaves a substantial knowledge gap about the types of strategies that may be most effective in making such collaborations successful. This paper, which reports the quantitative strand of a broader mixed-methods study, takes a step toward filling in this ‘missing middle’ of MSC evaluation by developing and testing the FLW-MSC scale, an instrument to assess collaboration among the frontline workers of one of India’s largest and most widely known MSCs: the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

Design

This study involved development, field-testing and psychometric testing of an 18-item, Likert-type frontline worker collaboration scale, including internal consistency, construct validity and criterion validity.

Setting

Village-level primary healthcare in rural Uttar Pradesh, India.

Participants

281 anganwadi workers, 266 accredited social health activists and 124 auxiliary nurse midwives selected based on random sampling of anganwadi catchment areas from 346 gram panchayats (GPs), including 173 intervention GPs and 173 pair-matched control GPs from a parent evaluation study.

Results

Results support the scale’s internal consistency (ordinal α=0.92–0.95), construct validity (reasonable exploratory factor analysis model fit for five of the six dyadic relationships Tucker-Lewis Index=0.84–0.88; Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation=0.09–0.11), and criterion validity (regression of collaboration score on an information-sharing indicator β=3.528; p=0.006).

Conclusions

The scale may be useful for ICDS managers to detect and address poor collaboration as the Indian government redoubles its efforts to strengthen and monitor MSC, or ‘convergence’, with important implications for the critical priority of child development. Further, the FLW-MSC scale may be adapted for measuring frontline worker collaboration across sectors in many other scenarios and low/middle-income country contexts.
Determinants of health insurance ownership in Jordan: a cross-sectional study of population and family health survey 2017–2018
Authors: Liu Meilian , Luo Zhaoxin , Zhou Donghua , Ji Lu , Zhang Huilin , Ghose Bishwajit , Tang Shangfeng , Wang Ruoxi , Feng Da
Published: March 2021

Objectives

With about one-third of the population living below the poverty line, Jordan faces major healthcare, social and national development issues. Low insurance coverage among the poor and high out-of-pocket expenditure worsens the financial insecurity especially for the marginalised population. The Government of Jordan aims to achieve universal coverage of health insurance—a bold plan that requires research evidence for successful implementation. In this study, we aimed to assess the proportion of the population covered by any health insurance, and the determinants owing a health insurance.

Design

A population-based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Jordan.

Methods

Data for this study were derived from the Jordan Population and Family Health Survey, which was implemented by the Department of Statistics from early October 2017 to January 2018. Sample characteristics were described as percentages with 95% CIs. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate OR of health insurance ownership. Parsimonious model was employed to assess the sex and geographical differences.

Results

Data revealed that in 2017–2018, 73.13% of the 12 992 men and women had health insurance. There was no indication of age of sex difference in health insurance ownership; however, marital status and socioeconomic factors such as wealth and education as well as internet access and geographical location appeared to be the important predictors of non-use of health insurance. The associations differed by sex and urbanicity for certain variables. Addressing these inequities may help achieve universal coverage in health insurance ownership in the population.

Conclusions

More than one-quarter of the population in Jordan were not insured. Efforts to decrease disparities in insurance coverage should focus on minimising socioeconomic and geographical disparities to promote equity in terms of healthcare services.
Clinical performance and acceptability of self-collected vaginal and urine samples compared with clinician-taken cervical samples for HPV testing among women referred for colposcopy. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ørnskov Dorthe , Jochumsen Kirsten , Steiner Pernille Husted , Grunnet Ivan Moulun , Lykkebo Annemette Wildfang , Waldstrøm Marianne
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To increase effectiveness of the cervical cancer screening program, self-sampling can be an option. Both self-collected vaginal samples (SCV) and urine samples may be useful alternatives to clinician-taken cervical samples (CS).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Colposcopy clinic.

Participants

Women (n=305) referred to colposcopy after abnormal cervical screening result or conditions like postcoital bleeding.

Intervention

All women self-collected a urine and a vaginal sample prior to colposcopy, where a CS and biopsies were taken. All samples were tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) using the Cobas HPV assay. The gold standard was histology diagnoses (CIN2+/CIN3+) from biopsies obtained at the same examination.

Primary outcome

Absolute and relative sensitivity and specificity of HPV testing on SCV and urine to detect CIN2+/CIN3+ compared with the CS.

Secondary outcome

The acceptability by women of self-sampling.

Results

Both the vaginal and urine sample were comparable to the CS in identifying severe intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+/CIN3+). Absolute sensitivity ranged from 93% for urine samples to 96% for SCV for detecting CIN2+, which is comparable to the sensitivity of CS (overlapping 95% CI).

The relative sensitivity for detecting CIN2+ was 1.00 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.04) for SCV and 0.96 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.03) for urine samples. At CIN3+, the relative sensitivity was 1.00 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.08) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.07) for SCV and urine samples, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the self-collected samples and the CS (McNemar’s test >0.05). The relative specificity was also similar (1.03 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.12) for SCV and 0.98 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.09) for urine samples) (McNemar’s test >0.05).

The acceptability of self-sampling was evaluated by questionnaire. The women found the instructions on sample collection easy to understand and were positive about self-sampling with a preference for the urine sample.

Conclusion

Self-sampling by SCV and urine is a clinically safe alternative to CS with a high degree of acceptability.
Towards Automatic Construction of Multi-Network Models for Heterogeneous Multi-Task Learning
Authors: Garciarena Unai , Mendiburu Alexander , Santana Roberto
Published: March 2021

Multi-task learning, as it is understood nowadays, consists of using one single model to carry out several similar tasks. From classifying hand-written characters of different alphabets to figuring out how to play several Atari games using reinforcement learning, multi-task models have been able to widen their performance range across different tasks, although these tasks are usually of a similar nature. In this work, we attempt to expand this range even further, by including heterogeneous tasks in a single learning procedure. To do so, we firstly formally define a multi-network model, identifying the necessary components and characteristics to allow different adaptations of said model depending on the tasks it is required to fulfill. Secondly, employing the formal definition as a starting point, we develop an illustrative model example consisting of three different tasks (classification, regression, and data sampling). The performance of this illustrative model is then analyzed, showing its capabilities. Motivated by the results of the analysis, we enumerate a set of open challenges and future research lines over which the full potential of the proposed model definition can be exploited.
Maternal systemic vascular dysfunction in a primate model of defective uterine spiral artery remodeling
Authors: Albrecht Eugene D. , Babischkin Jeffery S. , Aberdeen Graham W. , Burch Marcia G. , Pepe Gerald J.
Published: March 2021

Maternal vascular dysfunction is a hallmark of abnormal human pregnancy, particularly early-onset preeclampsia, elicited by impaired UAR. The present study makes the novel discovery that maternal systemic vascular dysfunction was induced in a baboon experimental model of impaired UAR. This study highlights the translational relevance of this nonhuman primate model to adverse conditions of human pregnancy underpinned by defective UAR.
The peroxisomal enzyme, FAR1, is induced during ER stress in an ATF6-dependent manner in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Marsh Kayleigh G. , Arrieta Adrian , Thuerauf Donna J. , Blackwood Erik A. , MacDonnell Lauren , Glembotski Christopher C.
Published: March 2021

The peroxisomal enzyme, FAR1, was shown to be an ER stress- and ATF6-inducible protein that localizes to peroxisomes in cardiac myocytes. FAR1 decreases myocyte viability during oxidative stress.
Virus‐Information Coevolution Spreading Dynamics on Multiplex Networks
Authors: Wang Jian , Qin Xiaolin , Fang Hongying
Published: March 2021

Virus and information spreading dynamics widely exist in complex systems. However, systematic study still lacks for the interacting spreading dynamics between the two types of dynamics. This paper proposes a mathematical model on multiplex networks, which considers the heterogeneous susceptibility and infectivity in two subnetworks. By using a heterogeneous mean‐field theory, we studied the dynamic process and outbreak threshold of the system. Through extensive numerical simulations on artificial networks, we find that the virus’s spreading dynamics can be suppressed by increasing the information spreading probability, decreasing the protection power, or decreasing the susceptibility and infectivity.
Effectiveness of Sun Protection Interventions Delivered to Adolescents in a Secondary School Setting: A Systematic Review
Authors: McNoe Bronwen M. , Morgaine Kate C. , Reeder Anthony I.
Published: March 2021

Aim. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the evidence of the effectiveness of interventions targeted to adolescents (13 to 18 years inclusive) and delivered in a secondary school setting with the purpose of improving sun protection behaviour, reducing ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, and/or improving physiological outcomes related to UVR exposure (such as erythema or naevi development). Methods. Peer-reviewed journal articles were identified from seven database searches (Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) to January 2020, forward citation searches of relevant articles, and monitoring of WHO INTERSUN UVR list server for recent publications. Relevant articles were collected and critically analysed using the Effective Public Health Practice framework. Two reviewers independently reviewed, and when deemed eligible, extracted data and performed quality appraisals for each study. Results. Thirteen studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. There were no studies that met a “strong” quality rating, five received a “moderate” quality rating, and eight studies a “weak” quality rating. Three of those with a moderate rating found evidence for effectiveness. The most promising interventions overall (including the pilot/uncontrolled studies) were those that moved beyond a pure health education approach and used innovative approaches such as the provision of shade, or use of technology (e.g., appearance-based apps or real-time ultraviolet index (UVI) monitors). Conclusions. There is a lack of high-quality published studies investigating the interventions delivered in a secondary school setting to protect students from UVR. The evidence could be strengthened if researchers used consistent, standardised outcome measures for sun protection exposure and behaviour. Other factors limiting the strength of evidence were short follow-up times (largely less than 6 months) and/or nonrobust study design.
Analysis of Beam‐Column Designs by Varying Axial Load with Internal Forces and Bending Rigidity Using a New Soft Computing Technique
Authors: Huang Wen , Jiang Tianhua , Zhang Xiucheng , Khan Naveed Ahmad , Sulaiman Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Design problems in structural engineering are often modeled as differential equations. These problems are posed as initial or boundary value problems with several possible variations in structural designs. In this paper, we have derived a mathematical model that represents different structures of beam‐columns by varying axial load with or without internal forces including bending rigidity. We have also developed a novel solver, the LeNN‐NM algorithm, which consists of weighted Legendre polynomials, and a single path following optimizer, the Nelder–Mead (NM) algorithm. To evaluate the performance of our solver, we have considered three design problems representing beam‐columns. The values of performance indicators, MAD, TIC, NSE, and ENSE, are calculated for a hundred simulations. The outcome of our statistical analysis points to the superiority of the LeNN‐NM algorithm. Graphical illustrations are presented to further elaborate on our claims.