bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions among rooting traits for deep water and nitrogen uptake in upland and lowland ecotypes of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)
Authors: Griffiths Marcus , Wang Xueyan , Dhakal Kundan , Guo Haichao , Seethepalli Anand , Kang Yun , York Larry M.
Published: February 2021

Plant phenotypic plasticity in response to nutrient and water availability is an important adaptation for abiotic stress tolerance. Roots intercept water and nutrients while foraging through soil searching for further resources. Substantial amounts of nitrate can leach into groundwater; yet, little is known about how deep rooting affects this process. Here, we phenotyped root system traits and deep 15N nitrate capture across 1.5 m profiles of solid-media using tall mesocosms in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a cellulosic bioenergy feedstock. Root and shoot biomass, photosynthesis and respiration, and nutrient uptake traits were quantified in response to a water and nitrate stress factorial experiment in the greenhouse for switchgrass upland (VS16) and lowland (AP13) ecotypes. The two switchgrass ecotypes shared common plastic abiotic responses to nitrogen (N) and water availability and yet showed genotypic differences for root and shoot traits. A significant interaction between nitrogen and water stress for axial and lateral root traits represents a complex and shared root development strategy for stress mitigation. Deep root growth and 15N capture were found to be closely linked to aboveground growth. Together, these results represent the wide genetic pool of switchgrass and that deep rooting promotes nitrate capture, plant productivity, and sustainability.

Highlight

Two main ecotypes of switchgrass have both shared and different root responses to varying water and nitrogen conditions, with deep rooting shown to be closely linked to aboveground growth.
High levels of truncated RHAMM cooperate with dysfunctional p53 to accelerate the progression of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Feng Jennifer , Lin Anthony , Chen Xiang , Wang Dunrui , Wong Megan , Zhang George , Na Joseph , Zhang Tiantian , Chen Zhengming , Chen Yao-Tseng , Nancy Du Yi-Chieh
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate in all types of cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages. A better therapeutic development for this devastating disease is urgently needed. Receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM), not expressed in adult pancreas, has been suggested as a prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET). In this study, we initially sought to determine whether genetic deletion of RHAMM would slow down pancreatic cancer progression using Rhamm-/- mice. However, we found that Rhamm-/- mice expressed a truncated HMMRΔexon8-16 protein at higher abundance levels than wild-type RHAMM. While HMMRΔexon8-16 did not enable malignant progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in p48-Cre; LSL-KRASG12D mice, it accelerated the formation of invasive PDAC and shortened the survival of p48-Cre; LSL-KRASG12D mice with heterozygous p53 knockout. KrasG12D PDAC mice with homozygous p53 knockout mice died around 10 weeks, and the effect of HMMRΔexon8-16 was not apparent in these mice with short-life span. In addition, HMMRΔexon8-16 shortened the survival of PNET-bearing RIP-Tag mice, which had inactivated p53. In our analysis of TCGA dataset, pancreatic cancer patients with mutant TP53 or loss of one copy of TP53 had higher RHAMM expression, which, combined, predicted worse outcomes. Taken together, by collaborating with dysfunctional p53, high levels of HMMRΔexon8- 16 that lacks the centrosome targeting domain and degrons for interaction with the Anaphase-Promoting Complex (APC) accelerated pancreatic cancer progression.
Letters: Complex response of beta diversity to dispersal in meta-community models
Authors: Lu Muyang
Published: February 2021

Dispersal is one of the most important drivers of community assembly. The conventional belief that dispersal leads to biotic homogenization (lower beta diversity) has been recently challenged by an experiment conducted in nectar microbes (Vannette & Fukami, 2017), showing that dispersal could lead to community divergence. In this paper, I re-examined the relationship between beta diversity and local dispersal in a range of theoretical models: from the classic island biogeography model and meta-population model to a meta-community model that incorporates biotic interactions. I find that the emergence of hump-shaped beta diversity-dispersal relationship is closely related to local dispersal (rather than global dispersal), non-neutrality and biotic interactions. The results reveal rich metacommunity dynamics in relation to dispersal types and biotic interactions which might be overlooked in previous theoretical and empirical studies. The findings call for more realistic experimental manipulations on dispersals in future community assembly studies.
Genomic and Spectral Visual Adaptation in Southern Leopard Frogs during the Ontogenetic Transition from Aquatic to Terrestrial Light Environments
Authors: Schott Ryan K , Bell Rayna C , Loew Ellis R , Thomas Kate N , Gower David J , Streicher Jeffrey W , Fujita Matthew K
Published: February 2021

Many animals have complex life cycles where larval and adult forms have distinct ecologies and habitats that impose different demands on their sensory systems. While the adaptive decoupling hypothesis predicts reduced genetic correlations between life stages, how sensory systems adapt across life stages at the molecular level is not well understood. Frogs are a compelling system to study this question in because most species rely on vision as both aquatic tadpoles and terrestrial adults, but these habitats present vastly different light environments. Here we used whole eye transcriptome sequencing to investigate differential expression between aquatic tadpoles and terrestrial juveniles of the southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus). Because visual physiology changes with light levels, we also tested how constant light or dark exposure affected gene expression. We found 42% of genes were differentially expressed in the eyes of tadpoles versus juveniles, versus 5% for light/dark exposure. Analyses targeting a curated set of visual genes revealed significant differential expression between life stages in genes that control aspects of visual function and development, including spectral sensitivity and lens composition. Light/dark exposure had a significant effect on a smaller set of visual genes. Finally, microspectrophotometry of photoreceptors confirmed shifts in spectral sensitivity predicted by the expression results, consistent with adaptation to distinct light environments. Overall, we identified extensive expression-level differences in the eyes of tadpole and juvenile frogs related to observed morphological and physiological changes through metamorphosis, and corresponding adaptive shifts to optimize vision in aquatic versus terrestrial environments.
A novel generalized grey target decision method with index and weight both containing mixed types of data
Authors: Ma Jinshan , Tian Di , Yue Jinmeng
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper is to propose a novel generalized grey target decision method (GGTDM) with index and weight both containing mixed types of data.

Design/methodology/approach

The decision-making steps of the proposed approach are as follows. First, all mixed attribute values of alternatives and weights are transformed into binary connection numbers and also comprised two-tuple (determinacy, uncertainty) numbers. Then, the two-tuple (determinacy, uncertainty) numbers of target center indices are calculated. Next, the certain weights are determined by the Gini–Simpson (G–S) index-based method. Following this, the comprehensive-weighted Kullback–Leibler distances (CWKLDs) of all alternatives and the target center are obtained. Finally, the alternative ranking relies on the CWKLD considering the smaller value as the better option.

Findings

The certain weights determined by the improved Gini–Simpson index (IGSI) based method are more accurate in compared with that by the proximity-based method and the weight function method. The discrimination ability of alternatives ranking of the proposed approach is stronger than that of the compared comprehensive-weighted proximity (CWP) based method and comprehensive-weighted Gini–Simpson index (CWGSI) based method.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method fulfills the decision-making task relying on CWKLD, which solves the uncertain measurement from the viewpoint of entropy.

Originality/value

The proposed approach adopts the IGSI to transform uncertain weights into certain ones and takes the CWKLD as the basis for the decision-making.
Thermo-mechanical disturbances in a nonlocal rotating elastic material with temperature dependent properties
Authors: Sheoran Devender , Kumar Rajesh , Thakran Seema , Kalkal Kapil Kumar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study two-dimensional deformations in a nonlocal, homogeneous, isotropic, rotating thermoelastic medium with temperature-dependent properties under the purview of the Green-Naghdi model II of generalized thermoelasticity. The formulation is subjected to a mechanical load.

Design/methodology/approach

The normal mode analysis technique is adopted to procure the exact solution of the problem.

Findings

For isothermal and insulated boundaries, discussions have been made to highlight the influences of rotational speed, nonlocality, temperature-dependent properties and time on the physical quantities.

Originality/value

The exact expressions for the displacement components, stresses and temperature field are obtained in the physical domain. These are also calculated numerically for a magnesium crystal-like material and depicted through graphs to observe the variations of the considered physical quantities. The present study is useful and valuable for the analysis of problems involving mechanical shock, rotational speed, nonlocal parameter, temperature-dependent properties and elastic deformation.
How do hotels in developing countries manage the impact of COVID-19? The case of Lebanese hotels
Authors: Yacoub Laurent , ElHajjar Samer
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Many researchers have attempted to outline the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the growth of economies across the world. Few researchers consider addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as a crisis that needs effective crisis management measures. In particular, there is a gap in research that maps a way forward that managers can use as a guide to recover and revive the hospitality industry after the pandemic. This paper aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through interviews with 26 hoteliers managing 4- and 5-star hotels in the city of Beirut. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Findings show that the level of preparedness toward dealing with such a pandemic had been low. Hotels have been focused on ensuring transparency with the employees, providing adequate information and decentralizing power to the departmental levels to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. Operationally, hotel managers are shifting focus toward more safety-conscious operations across all departments; emphasizing the importance of local tourists rather than complete dependence on foreigners as a source of revenue; increasing flexibility in bookings and cancellations to incentivize customers. Shifts are expected to be made, making operations in hotels more technologically-aligned and focused.

Research limitations/implications

The aim of this study is to address the managerial reactions of the hotel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and the potential strategic approaches that hotels might adopt in the future. A focus on the Lebanese context can provide scholars with a new model and inform managers on how to approach a crisis of such nature and magnitude, especially in a country that is facing its worst political and economic crisis. The main challenge of this paper is that it examines the hotel industry only in the Lebanese context. The development of the hospitality sector cannot be studied outside the institutional context in which it operates.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study to which extent hotel managers were prepared to deal with a crisis the size of a global pandemic, what shifts in strategies were implemented and what is the future of the hospitality industry?
The “interactive” performance measurement system and team performance – Towards optimal organizational utility
Authors: Yuliansyah Yuliansyah , Khan Ashfaq Ahmad , Triwacananingrum Wijaya
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the significance of Performance Measurement System (PMS) as an “interactive” system that adapts to the organization's peculiar operational setup, thereby delivering optimal employee performance management benefits. Using Schatzki's (2002) “site of the social” theoretical conceptualization, it aims to empirically investigate the influence PMS's such strategic adaptation could have on employees' team performance through its mediating effect on improving organizational learning and knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

In pursuit of the set objective, we conducted a survey of 200 employees in public accounting firms located in the two major Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Surabaya. The survey yielded 89 responses of which 87 were deemed fit for empirical analyses. The statistical analyses of the data were performed using SmartPLS.

Findings

The statistical analyses using SmartPLS found evidence that the strategic use of the PMS positively influences team performance, both directly and indirectly, through its role in enhancing organizational learning; however, its role in enhancing knowledge sharing did not demonstrate leveraging team performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study conclusions are based on a relatively small data sample and the context of a developing economy, and, hence, need to be replicated with caution.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the management accounting theory and practice and emphasizes the strategic use of PMS to help improve organizational performance. Its novel “site” and context directs researchers' and practitioners' attention to the “interactive”, rather than passive and standalone, use of PMS to influence team performance and instigates a new debate on the management tool's optimal use.
Determinants, persistence and value implications of liquidity creation: an evidence from Indian banks
Authors: Grover Naina , Sinha Pankaj
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the micro and macro factors affecting liquidity creation by scheduled commercial banks (excluding Regional Rural Bank) in India from 2005 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Two measures of liquidity creation, the broad and narrow measures, are constructed using RBI data available on Indian banks. System generalized method of moments has been applied to explore the factors affecting liquidity creation.

Findings

This study finds high level of persistence in liquidity creation in banks. Variation in the broad measure is explained by equity ratio, market share, GDP, gross savings and lending rate, whereas the narrow measure is explained by equity ratio, market share, size and lending rate. The Global Financial Crisis had a negative effect on liquidity creation as per both the measures, and the impact was more severe for the broad measure as compared to the narrow measure.

Research limitations/implications

This study finds a positive correlation between bank value and liquidity creation which suggests that the investors favourably evaluate banks that create more liquidity. This study is confined to India only.

Practical implications

There is a negative influence of capital on liquidity created by banks, which implies a trade-off that exists between financial stability and liquidity creation. Basel III norms impose higher capital and liquidity standards which will have negative implications for liquidity creation.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the Indian context that focusses on factors affecting liquidity creation in a dynamic framework and determines the relationship between liquidity creation and market value of a bank.
Competitive advantage and processor demand for local and imported food ingredients: analysis from an urban dairy market in West Africa
Authors: Vroegindewey Ryan , Richardson Robert B. , Chung Kimberly , Theriault Veronique , Ortega David L.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In Mali, dairy processors mostly use imported powdered milk rather than local fresh milk, constraining the development of a domestic milk sector. We investigate factors motivating a firm's choice of milk input, to identify measures that can encourage demand for fresh milk.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilize case study data from nine firms that use fresh and powdered milk to varying degrees, and which are representative of dairy processing in Bamako. To model firm motivations, we assess how each input contributes to or detracts from firm competitive advantage, through its influence on cost and differentiation.

Findings

Firms using fresh milk pay a higher input price, incur higher transaction costs and face additional challenges in production and distribution. Firms distinguish themselves from competitors through four potential sources of differentiation: novel product types, quality enhancements, quality-signaling and unique packaging. However, fresh milk firms are less likely to exploit each source of differentiation.

Research limitations/implications

Competitive advantage is a useful framework for understanding firm behavior in developing markets and can be applied in other contexts to strengthen external validity.

Originality/value

The extant economics literature on African dairy development has been surprisingly silent on the threat of import competition. This research is one of the first to investigate this issue in the under-studied middle segment of food value chains.
The linkages among supplier relationship, customer relationship and supply performance
Authors: Vanichchinchai Assadej
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the links among supplier relationship (SR), customer relationship (CR) and supply performance (SP): cost, flexibility, partnership and responsiveness for manufacturing sector in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

Having extensively reviewed literature, the survey instruments were proposed and validated by experts and statistical techniques. Path analysis of structural equation modeling was used to assess the hypotheses.

Findings

It revealed that CR has significant positive direct effects on every SP construct. SR has a significant positive direct effect on CR but has no significant positive effects on SP. However, SR has significant positive total effects and indirect effects on every SP through CR.

Originality/value

This study presents insights into the arguments about the links among SR, CR and SP. SR should not be introduced alone. It should be applied together with CR to improve SP.
Ethical misconducts within the invitation to tender and tender evaluation and award stages of construction contracts in Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Kofi , Adinyira Emmanuel , Amudjie Judith
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the views of construction practitioners on the prevalence of ethical misconduct within the invitation to tender and tender evaluation and award stages of construction contracts in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a critical comparative review of literature resulting in the identification of 18 potential misconducts within the invitation to tender and 11 potential misconducts within the tender evaluation and award stages of construction contracts, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 65 construction professionals. Data obtained from the survey were analysed using both descriptive (i.e. frequencies, mean scores and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (paired t-test), followed by gap analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that corrupt, fraudulent, collusive or coercive practices, client divulging more information to the preferred bidder and inflating tender prices by tenderers in return for kickbacks are key unethical practices prevalent at the invitation to tender stage. Following these key unethical practices, the findings further suggested through gap analysis that submission of bids on non-working days and inadequate time for preparation and submission of tenders were the top two unethical practices that needed serious interventions at this stage. At the tender evaluation and award stage, the findings revealed that interference by influential people in political positions, fake tendering and bid shopping are prevalent. Again, from the gap analysis, interference by influential people in political positions and poor definition of selection criteria were identified to be the two key unethical practices that need urgent intervention at this stage of construction contracts.

Practical implications

This study holds a significant practical implication in the sense that key unethical practices at the invitation to tender and tender evaluation and award stages of construction contracts have been identified, and this provides a suitable basis for stakeholders that spearhead such activities to offer suitable interventions to control such practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge as it uncovers ethical misconducts within two important phases of construction contracts in a developing country setting. As there is a continuous effort by the international community towards finding lasting solutions to such misconducts, the findings from this study can be used as a starting point for appropriate policies to be put in place in Ghana to control such misconducts.
Developing a fuzzy goal programming model for health, safety and environment risks based on hybrid fuzzy FMEA-VIKOR method
Authors: Nabizadeh Masoumeh , Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Ebrahimnejad Sadoullah , Ershadi Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The activities of the oil industry from discovery to distribution of oil products have adverse effects on human and environment. Thus, the companies that are active in this industry should identify and manage their risks. The purpose of this paper is to prioritize the identified risks based on different measures such as cost, occurrence, etc. Then, selecting the most important corrective actions using goal-programming approach is another objective of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the health, safety and environment (HSE) risks, the Fuzzy Delphi method was used. The failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fuzzy Vlse Kriterijumsk Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) methods covering the deficits of FMEA were used to rank the HSE risks. Unlike similar researches, in the proposed FMEA–VIKOR method, the risk priority number was not calculated. In addition to severity, occurrence and detection, the parameters such as time, cost and quality, being considered for ranking the risks, were weighted by the Eigenvector method. Then, a fuzzy goal-programming model was developed for determining the best solutions of risk response.

Findings

The research findings indicated that the most important risks include fire and blast because of tank and pipeline, leakage of connections and pipelines and industrial waste. Also, the most important risk responses include using and strengthening the alarm and fire extinguishing systems, using fiberglass tanks to prevent pipeline corrosion, using modern technology to have more efficient oil refining.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is using hybrid approach of FMEA–VIKOR for risk ranking by considering different measures such as time, cost and quality besides severity, occurrence and detection. Providing a fuzzy goal-programming framework for determining the main risk responses is another value for this research.
Institutional ownership of dual-class companies
Authors: Burson Jonathan J. , Jensen Marlin R.H.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine institutional ownership of companies that go public with dual-class share structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Several recent studies have discussed the potential advantages and disadvantages of the dual-class structure, which allows founders and insiders to maintain control of the firms they created through superior voting rights. Institutional investors oppose the dual-class structure, arguing that inferior voting rights make it difficult to respond to poor governance or performance. Previous research has shown the early value-added to the dual-class firm declines through time. This study examines institutional ownership of dual-class companies through time and compares institutional investments in initial public offerings with perpetual superior-class structures versus those with provisions to sunset those shares to one-share, one-vote structures.

Findings

Evidence suggests that institutional investors view perpetual dual-class structures as potentially riskier in terms of poor governance or performance and prefer dual-class companies with sunset provisions.

Originality/value

This study suggests that founders and insiders should consider either the dual-class structure with a sunset provision or if they choose the perpetual dual-class, it should include some type of event-driven safeguards.
External debt vulnerability in emerging markets and developing economies during the COVID-19 shock
Authors: Elkhishin Sarah , Mohieldin Mahmoud
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess to what extent the COVID-19 shock is expected to create a debt crisis in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) through two main questions: what are the main determinants of EMDEs external vulnerability? How vulnerable are EMDEs to the current COVID-19 shock compared to the global financial crisis (GFC)?

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to a descriptive analysis of the determinants of EMDEs external vulnerability, this paper designs two sub-indices of overindebtedness and financial fragility that capture EMDEs’ distinct characteristics. The two sub-indices together illustrate the overall external vulnerability to the current shock.

Findings

EMDEs are more vulnerable compared to the GFC era. Current debt threats arise mainly from debt architecture and the domination of volatile debt forms – primarily foreign currency-denominated bonds. Excessive fear of debt-deflation spirals after the GFC prompted EMDEs to expand their growth trajectories through a pattern of cheap private lending, loose measures and unmonitored fiscal expansion.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusive post-crisis data are still unavailable.

Practical implications

EMDEs need to balance between temporary accommodative measures and a post-shock policy mix that prevent a deflation spiral without worsening indebtedness and financial fragility. Moreover, financial prudence in face of growing credit demand is crucial, particularly in light of the monetary expansion and injected liquidity.

Originality/value

The indices offer a framework for examining external vulnerability in EMDEs based on theoretical and historical revisions, IMF benchmarks and EMDEs specific debt characteristics. The indices components can be offered for empirical examination in separate future research once conclusive data become available.
Social value cocreation: a mode of value cocreation
Authors: Haase Michaela
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a value cocreation framework that furthers understanding of social value cocreation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an interdisciplinary conceptual analysis drawing on social enterprise studies, marketing research and philosophical value theory. It applies a visible-hand approach to the study of market relationships and, in line with philosophical research strategies, unfolds its analysis using conceptual distinctions.

Findings

This study provides a framework that substantiates the distinction between two modes of value cocreation and identifies the structure of the social enterprise business model. It explains how social enterprises can be conceived as role models for for-profit organizations, and it elucidates why social value cocreation is a demanding objective.

Research limitations/implications

This paper develops an integrative, nondichotomist view of value cocreation that does not conceptualize social and economic value cocreation as opposing goals.

Practical implications

Social enterprises can use the business model structure and two modes of value cocreation and view themselves as role models for for-profit organizations.

Social implications

This paper applies a visible-hand approach to both for-profit organizations and social enterprises. Using its framework, for-profit organizations can reflect on the consequences of their actions on society and how social value cocreation can improve social enterprise effectiveness.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first to bridge service-oriented approaches to marketing and social enterprise studies using philosophical value theory to improve understanding of social value cocreation.
Examining the bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and healthcare spending
Authors: Johnson Karl T. , Palakshappa Deepak , Basu Sanjay , Seligman Hilary , Berkowitz Seth A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To improve food insecurity interventions, we sought to better understand the hypothesized bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and health care expenditures.

Data Source

Nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States (2016‐2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey [MEPS]).

Study Design

In a retrospective longitudinal cohort, we conducted two sets of analyses: (a) two‐part models to examine the association between food insecurity in 2016 and health care expenditures in 2017; and (b) logistic regression models to examine the association between health care expenditures in 2016 and food insecurity in 2017. We adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic variables as well as 2016 health care expenditures and food insecurity.

Data Collection

Health care expenditures, food insecurity, and medical condition data from 10 886 adults who were included in 2016‐2017 MEPS.

Principal Findings

Food insecurity in 2016, compared with being food secure, was associated with both a higher odds of having any health care expenditures in 2017 (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.60) and greater total expenditures ($1738.88 greater, 95% CI: $354.10 to $3123.57), which represents approximately 25% greater expenditures. Greater 2016 health care expenditures were associated with slightly higher odds of being food insecure in 2017 (OR 1.007 per $1000 in expenditures, 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.012, P =0.01). Exploratory analyses suggested that poor health status may underlie the relationship between food insecurity and health care expenditures.

Conclusions

A bidirectional relationship exists between food insecurity and health care expenditures, but the strength of either direction appears unequal. Higher health care expenditures are associated with a slightly greater risk of being food insecure (adjusted for baseline food insecurity status) but being food insecure is associated with substantially greater subsequent health care expenditures (adjusted for baseline health care expenditures). Interventions to address food insecurity and poor health may be helpful to break this cycle.
A review of bread qualities and current strategies for bread bioprotection: Flavor, sensory, rheological, and textural attributes
Authors: Dong YiNing , Karboune Salwa
Published: February 2021

The unequivocal economical and social values of bread as a staple food commodity lead to constant interests in optimizing its postproduction quality and extending its shelf life, which is related to the maintenance and enhancement of flavors and textural properties, and finally, to the delay of microbial spoilage. The latter has been the subject of a multitude of studies and reviews, in which the different approaches and views were discussed. However, variations in bread freshness, flavor, and textural quality are still of concerns for the bread making industry, in conjunction with the expectation from consumers for bread products with high‐quality attributes and free of synthetic ingredients that satisfy their pleasure and their sustainable lifestyle. This review mainly focuses on the quality profiles of bread, including flavor, rheological, textural, and sensorial aspects; on the modalities to assess them; as well as on the conventional and emerging approaches developed so far over the past decades. The applications of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and enzymes as bioprotective technologies are examined and discussed, along with active packaging and novel processing technologies for either the maintenance or improvement of bread qualities during storage.
High pressure processing combined with selected hurdles: Enhancement in the inactivation of vegetative microorganisms
Authors: Yang Peiqing , Rao Lei , Zhao Liang , Wu Xiaomeng , Wang Yongtao , Liao Xiaojun
Published: February 2021

High pressure processing (HPP) as a nonthermal processing (NTP) technology can ensure microbial safety to some extent without compromising food quality. However, for vegetative microorganisms, the existence of pressure‐resistant subpopulations, the revival of sublethal injury (SLI) state cells, and the resuscitation of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state cells may constitute potential food safety risks and pose challenges for the further development of HPP application. HPP combined with selected hurdles, such as moderately elevated or low temperature, low pH, natural antimicrobials (bacteriocin, lactate, reuterin, endolysin, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase system, chitosan, essential oils), or other NTP (CO2, UV‐TiO2 photocatalysis, ultrasound, pulsed electric field, ultrafiltration), have been highlighted as feasible alternatives to enhance microbial inactivation (synergistic or additive effect). These combinations can effectively eliminate the pressure‐resistant subpopulation, reduce the population of SLI or VBNC state cells and inhibit their revival or resuscitation. This review provides an updated overview of the microbial inactivation by the combination of HPP and selected hurdles and restructures the possible inactivation mechanisms.
Preparation, and physicochemical and biological evaluation of chitosan‐Arthrospira platensis polysaccharide active films for food packaging
Authors: Luo Aiguo , Hu Bianfang , Feng Jia , Lv Junping , Xie Shulian
Published: February 2021

Active films from chitosan incorporated with Arthrospira platensis polysaccharide (APP) of various ratios (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%, w/v) were developed by solution casting. The effect of APP on the structural, physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of the chitosan‐APP films (CA‐film) was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) confirmed successful incorporation of chitosan and APP. The compact structure of the films was observed clearly in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns suggest the semi‐crystalline structure was increased upon addition of APP. The composite films showed an improved water resistance and vapor barrier properties, and reduced by at least 27.4% and 32.1% in swelling degree (Sd) and water vapor permeability (WVP) compared with chitosan film (C‐film), respectively. However, the transparency decreased slightly, which may be due to the shrinkage of the spacing of the polymer interchain. The composite films also displayed enhanced the mechanical properties. The antimicrobial activity of the CA‐film showed an increase of at least of 0.41‐fold in inhibition zone diameter for E. coli. At a concentration of 1.2 mg/mL, the antioxidant activity of CA‐film was enhanced by more than threefold compared with C‐film. Therefore, CA‐films have good potential as sources of active packaging material for the food industry.
Characteristic gut microbiota and metabolic changes in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Shuting , Yang Liya , Hu Haiyang , Lv Longxian , Ji Zhongkang , Zhao Yanming , Zhang Hua , Xu Min , Fang Rongfeng , Zheng Lin , Ding Cheng , Yang Meifan , Xu Kaijin , Li Lanjuan
Published: February 2021

Intestinal flora provides an important contribution to the development of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). We performed a cross‐sectional study in 52 healthy controls (HCs) and 83 patients with untreated active PTB to assess the differences in their microbiomic and metabolic profiles in faeces via V3‐V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Patients with PTB had considerable reductions in phylogenetic alpha diversity and the production of short‐chain fatty acids, dysbiosis of the intestinal flora and alterations in the faecal metabolomics composition compared with HCs. Significant alterations in faecal metabolites were associated with changes in the relative abundance of specific genera. Our study describes the imbalance of the gut microbiota and altered faecal metabolomics profiles in patients with PTB; the results indicate that the gut microbiota and faecal metabolomic profiles can be used as potential preventive and therapeutic targets for PTB.
Remarkable response to pembrolizumab with platinum‐doublet in PD‐L1‐low pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Taniguchi Hirokazu , Takemoto Shinnosuke , Ozasa Mutsumi , Honda Noritaka , Suyama Takayuki , Umeyama Yasuhiro , Dotsu Yosuke , Nakao Takumi , Tomohito Kojima , Gyotoku Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Miyazaki Taiga , Sakamoto Noriho , Obase Yasushi , Fukuda Minoru , Fukuoka Junya , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is an aggressive subtype of lung cancer that exhibits resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Although programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors have been reported to show antitumor effects in patients with high programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expressing SC, the efficacy of combined therapy with PD‐1 inhibitor plus cytotoxic chemotherapy has not previously been clarified. We herein report a case of SC with low expression of PD‐L1 and few pre‐existing tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes which showed a remarkable response to pembrolizumab plus cytotoxic chemotherapy as first‐line treatment. Our findings suggest that combined treatment might enhance the immunogenic response, even in immunologically ignored SCs.
Nocturnal foraging and activity by diurnal lizards: Six species of day geckos (Phelsuma spp.) using the night‐light niche
Authors: Baxter‐Gilbert James , Baider Cláudia , Florens F.B. Vincent , Hawlitschek Oliver , Mohan Ashwini V. , Mohanty Nitya P. , Wagener Carla , Webster Kathleen C. , Riley Julia L.
Published: February 2021

Altered environments in urban areas are known to impact and change animal behaviour. In particular, artificial light at night (ALAN) affects behaviour across taxonomic groups, including reptiles. Geckos in the genus Phelsuma are predominantly diurnal, but some have been documented to alter their foraging behaviour from a diurnal to nocturnal activity period when they have access to artificial light sources. Herein, we report new observations of six Phelsuma spp. (Andaman day geckos, P. andamanensis; blue‐tailed day geckos, P. cepediana; Madagascar giant day geckos, P. grandis; Réunion ornate day geckos, P. inexpectata; gold dust day geckos, P. laticauda; Mahé day geckos, P. sundbergi longinsulae) using artificial lights to engage in nocturnal activity that includes foraging, courtship, and agonistic behaviour. Artificial light at night augments the amount of time predators, especially visual predators, can spend foraging. This can increase their overall daily activity period (i.e. the amount of time spent active within 24 h), and research is yet to fully understand the cost–benefit trade‐offs this altered behaviour has on individual fitness. Overall, our novel accounts of six Phelsuma spp. contribute to knowledge regarding the diversity of animals that have altered their behaviour in response to ALAN and highlight the behavioural flexibility of this group of geckos.
Peers in the Field: The Role of Ability and Gender in Peer Effects among Agricultural Workers
Authors: Hill Alexandra E. , Burkhardt Jesse
Published: February 2021

This article presents evidence on peer effects among U.S. agricultural workers. On average, we find that a 10% increase in peer productivity increases focal worker productivity by 2.8%. This effect is modified by the ability and gender of workers and peers. Exceptionally slow workers are least responsive to peers and have pronounced negative spillovers on the productivity of their coworkers—their presence decreases productivity by 2%. Male workers are more responsive to their peers than female workers—a 10% increase in peer productivity increases the productivity of men by 3% and women by 2.6%. Workers are also generally more responsive to peers of similar ability and gender. Workers increase their speed the most when in the presence of peers with abilities just above their own. Male workers are more responsive to male peers than female peers, and female workers are more responsive to female peers.
Association between structural social support and quality of life among urban older Malaysians
Authors: Abu Hammattah Alaa’ , Mohd Yunus Raudah , Matthias Müller Andre , Bahyah Kamaruzzaman Shahrul , Naqiah Hairi Noran
Published: February 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the association between structural social support and quality of life (QoL) among urban older people in Malaysia.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data of 1484 participants from the first wave of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) were analysed. QoL was measured with the Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization, and Pleasure 12‐item scale (CASP‐12). Multivariate analyses were run using the generalised linear interactive model (GLIM) to determine the association between structural social support measures and QoL.

Results

The mean age of the sample was 70.1 (SD = 7.4) years. Being married (B = 0.05, 95%CI 0.02, 0.08), larger social networks (B = 0.01, 95%CI 0.01, 0.02) and social participation (B = 0.02, 95%CI 0.02, 0.09) were associated with higher QoL, while living alone (B= −0.04, 95%CI −0.06, −0.02) was associated with lower QoL.

Conclusion

Structural social support plays an important role in the QoL of older people in Malaysia.
Prospective analysis of syncope/pre‐syncope in a tertiary paediatric orthopaedic fracture outpatient clinic
Authors: Davies Jonathan , MacDonald Leigh , Sivakumar Brahman , Carty Christopher , Whiting Donal , Graham David
Published: February 2021

Background

The incidence of vasovagal syncope (VVS) precipitated by medical procedures such as blood donation is quoted as between 0.13% and 4.17%. Vasovagal events have been observed to occur following cast removal at our paediatric orthopaedic clinic; however, there is no available information in the existing literature regarding incidence or risk factors. This study aims to identify the incidence and demographic traits of patients experiencing syncopal events following cast removal.

Methods

Over a 12‐month period, paediatric patients experiencing a syncopal or pre‐syncopal event during an outpatient appointment for cast removal were prospectively enrolled into the study. Basic demographic data were recorded, as well as injury and procedure details and a description of the event. Statistical analysis as well as calculation of incidence of vasovagal events were performed.

Results

A total of 6078 patients presented for cast removal in the 12‐month period. Twenty syncopal or pre‐syncopal events were recorded. Incidence was calculated as 0.32%. Mean patient age was 10.8 years. Male : female ratio was 2.3:1. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 20.08, with a trend for higher prevalence of males under the 50th BMI percentile‐for‐age. The mean time post‐injury was 31.4 days. Ninety‐five percent of patients were being treated for an upper limb injury and 30% had injuries that had been treated surgically. There were no associated secondary complications or injuries.

Conclusions

Incidence of VVS following cast removal is comparable to the values quoted in literature for other medical procedures. Demographic data of our cohort suggested that those who experienced VVS were predominantly young males of lower‐than‐average BMI.
Suicide prevention in psychiatric patients
Authors: Wasserman Danuta , Carli Vladimir , Iosue Miriam , Javed Afzal , Herrman Helen
Published: February 2021

An increased risk of suicide has been reported for psychiatric patients. In several world regions, an underlying psychiatric disorder is reported in up to 90% of people who die from suicide, though this rate seems to be considerably lower in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Major psychiatric conditions associated with suicidality are mood disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Comorbidity between different disorders is frequently associated with a higher suicide risk. A history of suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, impulsivity and aggression, adverse childhood experiences, severe psychopathology, and somatic disorders are common risk factors for suicide among psychiatric patients. Stressful life events and interpersonal problems, including interpersonal violence, are often triggers. A comprehensive and repeated suicide risk assessment represents the first step for effective suicide prevention. Particular attention should be paid during and after hospitalization, with the first days and weeks after discharge representing the most critical period. Pharmacological treatment of mood disorders and schizophrenia has been shown to have an anti‐suicidal effect. A significant reduction of suicidal thoughts and behavior has been reported for cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Brief interventions, including psychoeducation and follow‐ups, are associated with a decrease in suicide deaths. Further development of suicide prevention in psychiatric patients will require a better understanding of additional risk and protective factors, such as the role of a person's decision‐making capacity and social support, the role of spiritual and religious interventions, and the reduction of the treatment gap in mental health care.