bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric study of the impact of building envelope systems on embodied and operational carbon of residential buildings
Authors: Hamida Amneh , Alsudairi Abdulsalam , Alshaibani Khalid , Alshamrani Othman
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Buildings are responsible for the consumption of around 40% of energy in the world and account for one-third of greenhouses gas emissions. In Saudi Arabia, residential buildings consume half of total energy among other building sectors. This study aims to explore the impact of sixteen envelope variables on the operational and embodied carbon of a typical Saudi house with over 20 years of operation.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation approach has been adopted to examine the effects of envelope variables including external wall type, roof type, glazing type, window to wall ratio (WWR) and shading device. To model the building and define the envelope materials and quantify the annual energy consumption, DesignBuilder software was used. Following modelling, operational carbon was calculated. A “cradle-to-gate” approach was adopted to assess embodied carbon during the production of materials for the envelope variables based on the Inventory of Carbon Energy database.

Findings

The results showed that operational carbon represented 90% of total life cycle carbon, whilst embodied carbon accounted for 10%. The sensitivity analysis revealed that 25% WWR contributes to a significant increase in operational carbon by 47.4%. Additionally, the efficient block wall with marble has a major embodiment of carbon greater than the base case by 10.7%.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a contribution to the field of calculating the embodied and operational carbon emissions of a residential unit. Besides, it provides an examination of the impact of each envelope variable on both embodied and operational carbon. This study is limited by the impact of sixteen envelope variables on the embodied as well as operational carbon.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt on investigating the effects of envelop variables on carbon footprint for residential buildings in Saudi Arabia.
Effect of hydrated lime on efflorescence formation
Authors: de Bem Diogo Henrique , Trentin Priscila Ongaratto , Medeiros-Junior Ronaldo A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Efflorescence formation is very common in cement-based materials. In the case of mortar, efflorescence is more studied when only Portland cement is used as a binder. However, the repair of historical heritage, as well as the construction system of some countries, usually uses mortars composed of hydrated lime and Portland cement. This study aims to determine the influence of the hydrated lime content on the incidence of efflorescence in mortars.

Design/methodology/approach

Mortars with 0%, 50%, and 100% lime/cement ratio were studied, using three different methods to accelerate efflorescence formation. The surface area of mortars affected by efflorescence was quantified by analysis using image software. Also, analysis of mercury intrusion porosity test, flexural tensile, compressive strength, absorption of water by capillarity, porosity, XRD and TGA was performed.

Findings

More efflorescence in mortars with a higher amount of lime in their composition was observed. The results show that the increase in the lime content reduces the flexural tensile and the compressive strength and increased the absorption of water by capillarity and the porosity of the mortars. The material formed by the efflorescence was calcium carbonate, proven by microstructural tests.

Originality/value

The results of greater efflorescence formation in mortars with lime are important to alert users who apply this type of material. Some type of protection must be done more rigorously for lime-cement mortars, especially concerning contact with water, since efflorescence tends to be faster for this type of material.
Including migrant students in the primary school: perspectives of Italian principals
Authors: Biasutti Michele , Concina Eleonora
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of this article is to examine the perspectives, experiences, roles and values of Italian primary school principals regarding the inclusion of migrant children.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of the study is qualitative and consists of a semi-structured interview, which was carried out with 17 primary school principals and examined using content analysis.

Findings

The following six categories emerged: (1) school organisation and services, (2) projects and activities for inclusion, (3) teaching methods and strategies, (4) assessment, (5) networking and (6) challenges. The findings highlighted the complexity of the principals' role; they have to take on several tasks to foster a positive school experience for migrant students. A student-centred approach was considered relevant for intercultural education to promote inclusion and well-being. Curriculum activities were designed according to student needs.

Research limitations/implications

The number of participants was limited, and they all worked in a small area of northeast Italy. Future research should examine the perspective of other school stakeholders such as teacher coordinators, the Commission for School Inclusion, teachers and tutors.

Practical implications

The findings could be used as a framework for defining a model of the organisation of the school useful for discussing the relevance of the activities and for comparing schools in different contexts. The development of reflective practice to analyse the activities inside the schools could be considered.

Social implications

Stakeholders could consider the findings before making decisions and developing policy actions countrywide.

Originality/value

The key factors included the awareness of the school principal role in managing the school and of the importance of connecting their school with the local community and external agencies.
Understanding the difference of values-based motivation of managerial workers in spa businesses in Thailand
Authors: Suwannarat Pornlapas
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study focuses on variations of the importance of core values through motivational domains of individuals by their cultural background. The effect of motivational domains on operational performance has also been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used survey as the main data collection method to elicit data from managerial workers in spa businesses in four regions of Thailand. An unpublished database of spa businesses was provided to the study by the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Findings

Significant variations of the importance of motivational domains of managerial workers can be found according to the subculture of each of the four regions of Thailand. In addition, the motivational domains have found their significant impact on worker operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this study may be the distribution of samples because the study focuses on spa businesses, most of which in each region are located in big tourism provinces that may not be wholly representative of the characteristics of each region.

Practical implications

This study will be of practical value for practitioners or managers of any firms since it is important to consider value variations when assessing the operational performance; workers, especially managerial workers, in each subculture may have different priorities in the motivational domains of their lives. This could affect their operational performance.

Originality/value

This is an original attempt to ascertain variations of core values through motivational domains by subculture. It fills a knowledge gap in under-researched area in the literature since so far a few studies have examined this issue in the ASEAN countries.
The influence of mobile application design features on users' stickiness intentions as mediated by emotional response
Authors: Martinez Briana M. , McAndrews Laura E.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of mobile design features on consumers' mobile app stickiness intentions, as mediated by users' emotional response (pleasure, arousal and dominance).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the stimulus–organism–response model, this study employed conditional process modelling to investigate the influence of three categories of mobile design features on users' stickiness intentions. The emotional responses of pleasure–arousal–dominance were investigated for their mediating effect. The participants included women aged 18–36.

Findings

Design features provided consumer-led interactions’ influence on emotional responses of pleasure, arousal and dominance. Mobile design features were not a significant predictor of stickiness intentions. Arousal was a significant mediator of mobile design features on stickiness intentions, whereas dominance had no mediating effects.

Originality/value

This paper extends the growing research on mobile applications by investigating design features using Magrath and McCormick's (2013) mobile marketing design framework. This paper also adds to the body of knowledge on stickiness within a mobile context.
Social stigma in time of COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from India
Authors: Sahoo Barsa Priyadarsinee , Patel Avanish Bhai
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The stigmatisation of COVID-19 patients or suspected cases is a matter of grave concern across the world, including India. Today, COVID-19 patients or suspected cases are being stigmatised or labelled as “corona carrier” and “corona spreader” because of which they are facing social rejection, mental torture, abusive behaviour and violence in the society. The objectives of the present study are to examine the nature of stigma construction in Indian society during COVID-19 pandemic and to explore its outcome on the well-being of corona-affected people.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses content analysis method to explain the COVID-19 stigma. The data have been collected from various Indian newspapers and magazines. The researchers have analysed the content of the news items related to social stigma which were collected from March to September 2020.

Findings

The study finds that COVID-19 patients or suspected cases are insulted and discriminated rudely by their family members and neighbours, and in many cases, they are not allowed to enter the house or the neighbourhood. The study has also pointed out that many COVID-19 patients or suspected cases have committed suicide as a result of being stigmatisation. Finally, the study explores that this social stigma is spreading due to fake news, lack of awareness and fear of corona infection.

Originality/value

This is an original paper which is based on content analysis. The present study focuses on the social stigma in Indian society during COVID-19. Basically, the present study has applied the theory of Erving Goffman which is based on stigma to examine the nature and problem of social stigma during COVID-19. The study has found that there are three types of social stigma during the corona pandemic: self-made stigma, family-made stigma and society-made stigma.
Improving the quality of the financial accounting information through strengthening of the financial autonomy at public organizations
Authors: Thoa Dau Thi Kim , Nhi Vo Van
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the financial autonomy that affects the financial accounting information quality of public organizations. This study also tests the impact of the financial autonomy on support from leadership. How this impact has affected elements of accounting information systems such as hardware, software, communications technology and chief accountant to support providing the quality of the financial accounting information.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is in the SEM form and measurement models are reflective scales so this study applies the PLS-SEM analysis technique on the Smart PLS 3.2.7 software to test the research hypotheses. Analytical data is collected through survey questionnaires with observed variables measured using the typical 7-point Likert scales. The result obtained after cleaning the data includes 164 Vietnamese public organizations with the different levels of the financial autonomy.

Findings

This research has three primary findings: firstly, FA has a positive direct effect on FAIQ and SL. Secondly, SL influences FAIQ through four mediate variables including AM, HW, SW and CN. Finally, SL also acts as a mediate variable in the relationship of FA and FAIQ.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to examine the role of financial autonomy in leadership support to improve the quality of the accounting information in the public sector in the context of the Vietnamese government is promoting the financial autonomy of public organizations.
The influence of servant leadership on employees' outcomes via job embeddedness in hospitality industry
Authors: Zia Muhammad Qamar , Naveed Muhammad , Bashir Muhammad Adnan , Iqbal Asif
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Drawing from social exchange theory, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behavior, turnover intentions and work performance through mediating role of job embeddedness.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from 252 frontline employees of Pakistan's hotel industry in two-time lags with an interval of two months by using purposive sampling. PLS-SEM was applied for the analysis of data and hypothesis testing.

Findings

The study ascertained that job embeddedness is a potent mediator between the nexus of servant leadership and aforementioned work outcomes. The study results portray that servant leadership promotes job embeddedness, OCB, work performance and reduces turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Hotel management can use job embeddedness to boost servant leadership and reduce turnover intentions. In addition, management should also increase servant leadership by organizing training and workshops for their managers, which ultimately improves followers' organizational citizenship behavior and work performance.

Practical implications

Hotel management can use job embeddedness to boost OCB, work performance and reduce turnover intentions. In addition, management should also increase servant leadership by organizing training and workshops for their managers, which ultimately improves followers' citizenship behavior and work performance.

Originality/value

There are numerous calls for research to ascertain as well as sparse literature available whether job embeddedness act as a mediator in the nexus of servant leadership and work outcomes or not. The current study fills these voids and contributes to the literature by empirically examining the mechanism of job embeddedness between servant leadership and the work outcomes.
The mediating effect of psychological empowerment on leadership styles and task performance of academic staff
Authors: Ambad Sylvia Nabila Azwa , Kalimin Khairiah Mazdiah , Ag Damit Dayang Haryani Diana , Andrew Jasmine Vivienne
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the effect of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on task performance, as well as the mediating role of psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was sent to 177 academic staff in a Public University in Malaysia. The data were analysed using SmartPLS 3.2.9.

Findings

The results show that only psychological empowerment is positively associated with task performance. Unexpectedly, transformational leadership and transactional leadership have no direct effect on task performance. However, there is an indirect positive relationship between leadership styles and task performance, whereby this relationship is mediated by psychological empowerment. Furthermore, both leadership styles positively influenced psychological empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted among academicians from Public Universities in Malaysia using two types of leadership styles. Therefore, it is recommended for future study to include academician from private universities and also to consider more leadership styles dimensions. The finding of this study shows thatR2was 35.3% for psychological empowerment; according to Cohen (1988), this percentage indicates substantial predictive accuracy in explaining psychological empowerment. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to explore other factors.

Practical implications

Empowered employees were highly responsible, put extra work effort and creative in doing their jobs, which tends to increase their performance at work. It is also found that psychological empowerment has the highest and largest effect, contributing to task performance (f2 = 0.389).

Originality/value

The inconsistencies of the previous studies' results provide evidence and opportunities for this study to review by including the mediating variable of leadership styles and task performance relationship.
Capital structure, competitive intensity and firm performance: an analysis of Indian pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Mathur Neeti , Tiwari Satish Chandra , Sita Ramaiah T. , Mathur Himanshu
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This research paper aims to explore the relationship of financial performance and capital structure of Indian pharma firms of BSE 500, the impact of research and development (R&D) expenditure on financial performance and also explore the moderating role of competitive intensity between the existing relationship of capital structure and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The balanced panel data of listed pharma firms of BSE 500 are used for the research study, and the present study adopts both the panel and ordinary least square (OLS) estimation techniques to draw the results.

Findings

The results exhibit that the high debt ratio is harmful for the accounting performance of the selected sample of pharma firms of BSE 500. Besides, market competition negatively moderates the relationship between capital structure and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings provide evidence for the policymakers/regulators that the sample firms should discourage the high debt financing in the presence of competitive intensity in the product marketplace.

Originality/value

The core contribution of the current research is to examine impact of R&D expenditure on financial performance and the moderating role of market competition on the relationship of capital structure and firm performance to the best of the authors' knowledge, and no single study has previously explored this relationship in the context of BSE 500 pharma firms.
Improving the clearance of serious crime: the case of aggravated assault
Authors: Scott Thomas , Wellford Charles
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper addresses the clearance of aggravated assaults (AAs). Specifically, the authors consider variations in these clearances over time for large agencies and test which crime, investigation and agency factors are associated with the likelihood of clearance by arrest or exceptional means. In doing this work, they seek to extend the understanding of how police can improve their investigations and ability to solve serious offenses.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case, investigative and organizational data collected from seven large police departments selected on the basis of their trajectory of index crime clearances, and measures of case characteristics, investigative effort and organizational best practices, this paper uses descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze AA investigations and case clearance.

Findings

Key findings include the following: trajectories of AA clearance vary across large agencies and covary with a measure of organizational best practices, and the relationship between investigative effort and case clearance can depend on organizational practices. The authors find that measures of investigative effort are either not related to case clearance or there is a negative association.

Research limitations/implications

Now that police researchers have a better understanding of AAs and their investigations, they need to test how this knowledge can be used to improve the quality of police investigations. Tests, preferably multi-agency randomized control trials, of new investigative strategies and organizational practices are needed.

Originality/value

This research is original in that it uses a multi-agency sample and crime, investigation and organizational measures to understand AA clearance.
Coprobacter secundus subsp. similis subsp. nov. and Solibaculum mannosilyticum gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from human feces
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ikeyama Nao , Toyoda Atsushi , Murakami Takumi , Mori Hiroshi , Morohoshi Sho , Kunihiro Tadao , Iino Takao , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: April 2021

An obligately anaerobic, Gram‐stain‐negative, rod‐shaped bacterium, designated strain 2CBH44T, was isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy Japanese man. This strain was initially assigned as a novel species of the genus Coprobacter based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities compared with other Coprobacter species. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed strain 2CBH44T had relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.5%) to Coprobacter secundus 177T. However, strain 2CBH44T showed 96.9% average nucleotide identity value with C. secundus 177T, indicating that strain 2CBH44T and C. secundus 177T belong to the same species. On the other hand, the digital DNA‐DNA hybridization value between strain 2CBH44T and C. secundus 177T was 73.5%, indicating that strain 2CBH44T is a subspecies of C. secundus. Another anaerobic, Gram‐stain‐variable, rod‐shaped bacterium, designated strain 12CBH8T, was also isolated from human feces. Strain 12CBH8T had significantly low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (<92.0%) to the validated bacterial species within the family Oscillospiraceae. The percentage of conserved protein values between the genome of strain 12CBH8T and that of the validated related taxa were <50%, suggesting that strain 12CBH8T belongs to a novel genus. On the basis of the collected data, strain 2CBH44T represents a novel subspecies of C. secundus, for which the name Coprobacter secundus subsp. similis subsp. nov. (type strain 2CBH44T = JCM 34079T = DSM 111570T) is proposed. Strain 12CBH8T represents a novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Solibaculum mannosilyticum gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain 12CBH8T = JCM 34081T = DSM 111571T) is proposed.
The Basque Heroine Libe and the Nationalist Press (1895–1936)
Authors: Arrieta Leyre
Published: April 2021

The founder of Basque nationalism, Sabino Arana, wrote Libe. Melodrama dramático (a dramatic melodrama) in 1902. Arana placed the heroine ‘Libe’ in a medieval battle. She was created to convey what the role of Basque women should be in defending their Homeland. Arana died shortly after the script was published in 1903. His successors attempted to disseminate the play and publicise the character and meaning of Libe in the press and the theatre. This article analyses how Libe was presented in the nationalist press and the impact of the successive adaptations and performances of the play . It covers the treatment of female heroism in the nationalist press based on the theoretical framework provided in the research by Teresa del Valle, Mercedes Ugalde, Miren Llona and Nerea Aresti, all of whom have conducted in‐depth studies on the gender discourse of Basque nationalism. The article goes on to consider the scripts of the two plays featuring the Basque heroine Libe, together with the archives of the Basque nationalist press from the onset of the movement in 1895 until the outbreak of the Spanish civil war in 1936.
Mortality Inequality in Finland*
Authors: Huttunen Kristiina , Lombardi Stefano
Published: April 2021

We study inequality in mortality in Finland using registry data that cover the whole population for years 1990–2018. We create municipality‐level indices of regional deprivation (poverty rate), and show how age‐specific mortality rates have evolved across regions and over time. The inequality in mortality has been remarkably low over the time period for most age groups. However, among young and prime‐age males, the mortality rates have been persistently higher in the poorer areas. For these age groups, the leading causes of death are deaths of despair (alcohol and suicides) and accidents. For the cohorts that were young during the deep recession of the early 1990s, we also document higher inequality in middle‐age mortality than for cohorts entering the labour market in recovery periods.
Performance, clinical effectiveness, and safety of immunoadsorption in a wide range of indications
Authors: Fuchs Kornelius , Rummler Silke , Ries Wolfgang , Helmschrott Matthias , Selbach Jochen , Ernst Friedlinde , Morath Christian , Gauly Adelheid , Atiye Saynab , Stauss‐Grabo Manuela , Giefer Mareike
Published: April 2021

Immunoadsorption is well known to selectively remove immunoglobulins and immune complexes from plasma and is applied in a variety of autoimmune diseases and for desensitization before, or at acute rejection after organ transplantation. Performance, safety, and clinical effectiveness of immunoadsorption were the aim of this study. This prospective, noninterventional, multicentre cohort study included patients treated with immunoadsorption (Immunosorba or GLOBAFFIN adsorbers) for any indication. Clinical effectiveness was assessed after termination of the patient's individual treatment schedule. Eighty‐one patients were included, 69 were treated with Immunosorba, 11 with GLOBAFFIN, one patient with both adsorbers. A majority of patients was treated for neurological indications, dilated cardiomyopathy, and before or after kidney or heart transplantation. Mean IgG reduction from pre‐ to post‐treatment was 69.9% ± 11.5% for Immunosorba and 74.1% ± 5.0% for GLOBAFFIN, respectively. The overall IgG reduction over a complete treatment block was 68%–93% with Immunosorba and 62%–90% with GLOBAFFIN depending on the duration of the overall treatment. After termination of the immunoadsorption therapy, an improvement of clinical status was observed in 63.0%, stabilization of symptoms in 29.6%, and a deterioration in 4.9% of patients. Changes in fibrinogen, thrombocytes, and albumin were mostly classified as noncritical. Overall, the treatments were well tolerated. Immunoadsorption in routine clinical practice with both GLOBAFFIN and Immunosorba has been safely performed, was well tolerated by patients, and effective in lowering immunoglobulins with an improvement or maintenance of clinical status, thus represents an additional therapeutic option for therapy refractory immune disorders.
What's Past is Prologue: Twenty Years of EuroChoices Analysed
Authors: Blandford David , Banse Martin
Published: April 2021

This article analyses the content of EuroChoices since its launch in 2001 using textual analysis and a classification of subject matter. The results illuminate the wide coverage of topical issues in agricultural and related policies in the journal. While the focus has been predominantly on Europe and the European Union’s CAP has been a major focus of analysis, there has been considerable coverage of policies in other geographical areas, such as the United States. Over time, the emphasis of contributions has broadened from price and income support policies to those in other areas, including innovation and competitiveness, the environment, rural development, climate change, animal health and welfare, and nutrition and human health. Special Issues and Special Sections have been used to provide in‐depth treatment of topical issues, most recently Brexit and Covid‐19. Many contributions have demonstrated how improvements in data, information and analytical methods (both quantitative and qualitative) can help to illuminate policy issues. The analysis provides important lessons for the future content of the journal. These are: up‐to‐date provision of policy information and analysis; topical treatment of emerging issues; the provision of multiple perspectives on policy options; and in particular the presentation of the results of qualitative and quantitative economic analysis in an understandable form.
The comparison analysis of polyphyllin I and its analogues induced apoptosis of colon and lung cancer cells via mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: You Li‐Jiao , Geng Huan , Yang Xiao‐Fang , Wei Gui‐Lin , Zhu Ya‐Di , Ge Guang‐Bo , Lei Ming , Wang Dan‐Dan
Published: April 2021

Polyphyllin I (PPI) and its analogues, including polyphyllin II (PPII), polyphyllin VI (PPVI) and polyphyllin VII (PPVII), are major bioactive compounds isolated from the Chinese herb Chonglou. However, the susceptibilities of PPI and its analogues towards the different cell lines are diversified and the mechanisms are not fully clarified. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of PPI and its analogues on two different cell lines, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms of these agents via inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. The results showed that PPI and its analogues were cytotoxic agents towards both A549 and HT‐29 cells, with IC50 values ranged from 1.0 to 4.5 μmol/L. Further investigations demonstrated that they decreased the mitochondrial membrane potentials of both A549 and HT‐29 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Among all tested compounds, PPVI and PPI induced the most obvious changes in Ca2+ haemostasis in these two cell lines. In addition, they could induce the accumulation of ROS in cells and down‐regulated the Bcl‐2 expression, up‐regulated the Bax expression and induced the activity of cleaved caspase‐3 in cells. Collectively, our findings clearly demonstrated the cytotoxic differences and mechanisms of PPI and its analogues induced cell apoptosis and could partially explain the anticancer effects of these natural constituents in Chonglou.
Regression‐based negative control of homophily in dyadic peer effect analysis
Authors: Liu Lan , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric
Published: April 2021

A prominent threat to causal inference about peer effects in social science studies is the presence of homophily bias , that is, social influence between friends and families is entangled with common characteristics or underlying similarities that form close connections. Analysis of social study data has suggested that certain health conditions such as obesity and psychological states including happiness and loneliness can spread between friends and relatives. However, such analyses of peer effects or contagion effects have come under criticism because homophily bias may compromise the causal statement. We develop a regression‐based approach which leverages a negative control exposure for identification and estimation of contagion effects on additive or multiplicative scales, in the presence of homophily bias. We apply our methods to evaluate the peer effect of obesity in Framingham Offspring Study.
The Neuropsychological Symptoms Self‐Report: psychometric properties in an adolescent and young adult mental health cohort
Authors: Allott Kelly , Gao Caroline X. , Fisher Caroline , Hetrick Sarah E , Filia Kate M , Menssink Jana M , Herrman Helen E , Rickwood Debra J , Parker Alexandra G , McGorry Patrick D , Cotton Sue M
Published: April 2021

Background

Subjective cognitive symptoms are common in young people receiving mental health treatment and are associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Neuropsychological Symptoms Self‐Report (NSSR), an eight‐item measure recently developed to provide a snapshot of young people’s perceived change in cognitive functioning in relation to mental health treatment.

Method

The sample included 633 youth aged 12–25 years (Mage = 18.2, 66.5% female, 88.6% Australian‐born) who had sought mental health treatment in primary headspace services. At three‐month follow‐up, participants completed the NSSR and self‐report measures of depression and anxiety.

Results

Excellent internal consistency was found: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93. The NSSR had negative correlations with self‐reported anxiety (r = −.33, p < .001) and depression (r = −.48, p < .001) symptoms, suggesting a link with affective symptoms, but still independence of constructs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a single‐factor model. Item response theory (IRT) analysis suggested good model fit (homogeneity, data integrity, scalability, local independence and monotonicity) for all items. There was some evidence of measurement noninvariance (for item thresholds) by sex and age, but not diagnosis. IRT models also supported briefer six‐ and three‐item versions of the NSSR.

Conclusion

In busy clinical practice, clinicians need a rapid and reliable method for determining whether cognitive symptoms are of concern and in need of further assessment and treatment. Study findings support the NSSR as a brief, psychometrically sound measure for assessing subjective cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults receiving mental health treatment.
Visiting borders in education: A creative approach with children in primary education
Authors: Daelman Silke , De Schauwer Elisabeth , Van Hove Geert
Published: April 2021

This study engages with children sharing experiences of belonging at school, of receiving access and of exploring complex relationalities along shifting borders in educational spaces. Their understandings offer a magnifying glass on normativity, difference and social positions in school spaces. Through ‘flattening and folding’ with material and theoretical concepts, the authors map how qualitative data images made by children and theory constitute one another to make sense of complex relationalities discussed by children. The project desires to make sense of blurry borders that exclude children in educational contexts and to push borders in methods and ethics in research with children.
A framework for allocating conservation resources among multiple threats and actions
Authors: Moore Joslin L. , Camaclang Abbey E. , Moore Alana L. , Hauser Cindy E. , Runge Michael C. , Picheny Victor , Rumpff Libby
Published: April 2021

Land managers decide how to allocate resources among multiple threats that can be addressed through multiple possible actions. Additionally, these actions vary in feasibility, effectiveness, and cost. We sought to provide a way to optimize resource allocation to address multiple threats when multiple management options are available, including mutually exclusive options. Formulating the decision as a combinatorial optimization problem, our framework takes as inputs the expected impact and cost of each threat for each action (including do nothing) and for each overall budget identifies the optimal action to take for each threat. We compared the optimal solution to an easy to calculate greedy algorithm approximation and a variety of plausible ranking schemes. We applied the framework to management of multiple introduced plant species in Australian alpine areas. We developed a model of invasion to predict the expected impact in 50 years for each species‐action combination that accounted for each species’ current invasion state (absent, localized, widespread); arrival probability; spread rate; impact, if present, of each species; and management effectiveness of each species‐action combination. We found that the recommended action for a threat changed with budget; there was no single optimal management action for each species; and considering more than one candidate action can substantially increase the management plan's overall efficiency. The approximate solution (solution ranked by marginal cost‐effectiveness) performed well when the budget matched the cost of the prioritized actions, indicating that this approach would be effective if the budget was set as part of the prioritization process. The ranking schemes varied in performance, and achieving a close to optimal solution was not guaranteed. Global sensitivity analysis revealed a threat's expected impact and, to a lesser extent, management effectiveness were the most influential parameters, emphasizing the need to focus research and monitoring efforts on their quantification.
966. CLAVIJA DOMINGENSIS
Authors: Jestrow Brett , Cinea William , Peguero Brígido , Husby Chad , Francisco‐Ortega Javier
Published: April 2021

Clavija domingensis Urb. & Ekman was one of the many Haitian endemics that were described based on collections made by the great Swedish botanist Leonard Ekman between 1924 and 1928. The species is Critically Endangered sensu IUCN (criteria c2a(i); D) and it is currently the focus of conservation initiatives in Jardin Botanique des Cayes (Haiti), Jardín Botánico Nacional Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso (Dominican Republic), and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (U.S.A.). Now known from only six localities from southern Haiti, each locality only represents a single individual. The species is illustrated based on plants grown in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
967. CYNORKIS ACONITIFLORA
Authors: Hermans Johan , Rajaovelona Landy , Sieder Anton
Published: April 2021

Cynorkis aconitiflora Hermans, Andriant. & Sieder from Madagascar was formally described in 2017. It is illustrated here and a full description, history and conservation assessment are provided. It is compared with similar species from the region.
968. CYNORKIS CHRISTAE
Authors: Hermans Johan , Rajaovelona Landy , Sieder Anton
Published: April 2021

Cynorkis christae Hermans, Andriant. & Sieder, from Madagascar was first described a few years ago; it has the largest flowers in the genus. It is compared with similar species from the region; a full description, history, conservation assessment and detailed illustrations are provided.
969. CYNORKIS ELEPHANTINA
Authors: Hermans Johan , Rajaovelona Landy , Sieder Anton
Published: April 2021

Cynorkis elephantina Hermans, Andriant. & Sieder from Madagascar was formally described in 2017. It is illustrated here and a full description, history and conservation assessment are provided. It is compared with similar species from the region, especially Cynorkis mammuthus Hermans & P.J. Cribb.
973. DENDROBIUM HEKOUENSE
Authors: Cribb Phillip , Averyanov Leonid , Schuiteman Andre , Want Terry
Published: April 2021

Dendrobium hekouense Z.J. Liu & L.J. Chen is illustrated. Its distribution, ecology and successful cultivation are described.
977. SAXIFRAGA HYPNOIDES
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: April 2021

Saxifraga hypnoides L., mossy saxifrage or Dovedale moss, is illustrated. Its history, distribution in northern Europe and cultivation are discussed. Its survival in the face of a warmer climate is mentioned in connection with the last remaining population in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset.
An enigma of a rare pulmonary neoplasm in bronchial brushings
Authors: Gupta Ishan , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Mallick Saumyaranjan , Mohan Anant , Jain Deepali
Published: April 2021

This is a rare and interesting case of primary pulmonary tumour reported in a 75‐year‐old lady, who was an ex‐smoker. This article describes for the first time the detailed cytomorphological features of this tumour in a bronchial brush sample and provides educational multiple‐choice questions related to the topic, to help readers better understand this lesion.
Integrating resilience with functional ecosystem measures: A novel paradigm for management decisions under multiple‐stressor interplay in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Jaiswal Deepa , Pandey Usha , Mishra Vibha , Pandey Jitendra
Published: April 2021

Moving beyond monitoring the state of water quality to understanding how the sensitive ecosystems “respond” to complex interplay of climatic and anthropogenic perturbations, and eventually the mechanisms that underpin alterations leading to transitional shifts is crucial for managing freshwater resources. The multiple disturbance dynamics—a single disturbance as opposed to multiple disturbances for recovery and other atrocities—alter aquatic ecosystem in multiple ways, yet the global models lack representation of key processes and feedbacks, impeding potential management decisions. Here, the procedure we have embarked for what is known about the biogeochemical and ecological functions in freshwaters in context of ecosystem resilience, feedbacks, stressors synergies, and compensatory dynamics, is highly relevant for process‐based ecosystem models and for developing a novel paradigm toward potential management decisions. This review advocates the need for a more aggressive approach with improved understanding of changes in key ecosystem processes and mechanistic links thereof, regulating resilience and compensatory dynamics concordant with climate and anthropogenic perturbations across a wide range of spatio‐temporal scales. This has relevance contexting climate change and anthropogenic pressures for developing proactive and adaptive management strategies for safeguarding freshwater resources and services they provide.
Factors related to hospital‐to‐home transitional self‐monitoring blood glucose behaviour among patients with diabetes‐related foot ulcer
Authors: Chin Yen‐Fan , Huang Tzu‐Ting , Yu Hsing‐Yi , Yang Hui‐Mei , Hsu Brend Ray‐Sea
Published: April 2021

Aims

To explore the factors related to hospital‐to‐home transitional self‐monitoring blood glucose behaviour among patients with diabetes‐related foot ulcer.

Background

The 30‐day readmission rate of patients with diabetes‐related foot ulcer can be reduced when good glycaemic control is achieved. The practice of self‐monitoring blood glucose promotes optimal glycaemic control.

Design

A comparative descriptive study.

Methods

In this study, 200 participants, who had been hospitalized due to diabetes‐related foot ulcer, were recruited from August 2017 to July 2018. Before participants were discharged from the hospital, psychosocial factors (family support, threat belief, self‐efficacy and knowledge) and pre‐hospitalization self‐monitoring blood glucose behaviour were collected using a structured questionnaire. Then, after discharge, self‐monitoring blood glucose behaviour delivery was collected again.

Results

Five variables explained 47% of the variance in the delivery of self‐monitoring of blood glucose at home. The delivery of hospital‐to‐home transitional self‐monitoring blood glucose behaviour was more likely for individuals with higher pre‐discharge self‐efficacy, higher post‐discharge self‐efficacy, more attention to pre‐hospitalization glycaemic status and post‐discharge insulin usage and those without an insensitive foot.

Conclusion

Self‐monitoring blood‐glucose behaviour should be promoted among post‐discharge patients with diabetes‐related foot ulcer. The modifiable factors identified in this study can be integrated into the discharge plan.
Launching the Reduction of Peripartum Racial/Ethnic Disparities Bundle: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Arrington Lauren Anita , Edie Alison Hester , Sewell Catherine Angela , Carter Brigit Maria
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Health care organizations have a responsibility to reduce racial and ethnic perinatal health disparities. In the United States, Black women experience the worst perinatal outcomes. The process for successfully addressing this problem in clinical practice remains unclear.

Process

A community hospital implemented components of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Reduction of Peripartum Racial/Ethnic Disparities Patient Safety Bundle. The purpose was to collect and share perinatal disparities data, increase staff awareness of perinatal racial and ethnic disparities, and engage staff to address these disparities at the project site. Perinatal care data were reviewed by race and ethnicity and results were shared with staff. Staff were engaged through a series of activities including a Health Equity Party, implicit bias workshop, Snack and Learn sessions, online modules, 2 grand rounds, and the establishment of a Health Equity Committee.

Outcomes

Racial and/or ethnic disparities were identified for perinatal outcomes and experience of care indicators including rates of cesarean birth, newborn mortality, and 30‐day readmission. Of the staff 137 (65.9%) participated in project activities. The majority of participants were registered nurses (n = 82). Certified nurse‐midwives (n = 10) were the profession with the highest rate of attendance (83.3%). Staff developed 26 new recommendations to address racial and ethnic disparities in care. After project implementation, mean scores of High Provider Attribution, an indicator of readiness to address health disparities, increased from preimplementation scores (P = .01). There was also a significant increase in the number of staff who reported engaging in activities to address the health care needs of racial and ethnic minority patients (P < .001).

Discussion

This quality improvement project demonstrated that interventions at the health care organization level can be effective in influencing health care providers and staff to address racial and ethnic perinatal disparities.
May human epididymis 4 protein play a role in the etiopathogenesis of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome?
Authors: Cam Taner , Cimilli Senocak Gamze Nur , Ozturk Nurinnisa , Topdagi Yilmaz Emsal Pınar
Published: April 2021

Aim

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is an extremely advanced form of preeclampsia. Currently, there is no parameter or marker to predict this syndrome; however, it is emphasized that vascular endothelial damage and abnormal immune responses can be the possible etiologies of HELLP syndrome. It is known that human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a protease inhibitor and previous studies have shown that HE4 protein levels are increased in many malignancies and inflammatory conditions. Considering that metalloproteinases may also play a role in endothelial damage, which is thought to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of HELLP syndrome, we thought that HE4 protein, which is a protease inhibitor, may be associated with vascular damage. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HELLP syndrome and HE4 protein and to identify a biomarker that can be utilized in the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.

Study Design

In this study, 40 patients with HELLP syndrome and 40 healthy pregnant women with similar characteristics without HELLP syndrome were compared.

Results

When the results were evaluated, no statistically significant difference was found between serum HE4 protein levels in patients with HELLP syndrome and patients without HELLP syndrome in this study (p: 0.29).

Conclusion

HE4 protein has no field of use in obstetrics yet. In our study, we aimed to find a new biomarker to identify patients with HELLP syndrome. However, we could not find any statistically significant difference in terms of HE4 protein levels between patients with and without HELLP syndrome. Our study is an important study as it is the first study aiming to use HE4 protein in obstetrics.