bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermo-elastohydrodynamic analysis of the inhomogeneous foil bearing with misalignment
Authors: Li Hao , Geng Haipeng , Lin Hao
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The misalignment is generally inevitable in the process of machining and assembly of rotor systems with gas foil bearings, but the exploration on this phenomenon is relatively less. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to carry out the thermo-elastohydrodynamic analysis of the foil bearing with misalignment, especially the inhomogeneous foil bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

The rotor is allowed to misalign in two non-rotating directions. Then the static and dynamic performance of the inhomogeneous foil bearing is studied. The thermal-elastohydrodynamic analysis is realized by combining the Reynolds equation, foil deformation equation and energy equation. The small perturbation method is used to calculate the dynamic coefficients, then the critical whirl ratio is obtained.

Findings

The gas pressure, film thickness and temperature distribution distort when the misalignment appears. The rotor misalignment can improve the loading capacity but rise the gas temperature at the same time. Furthermore, the rotor misalignment can affect the critical whirl ratio which demonstrates that it is necessary to analyze the misalignment before the rotordynamic design.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is the exploration of the thermo-elastohydrodynamic performance of the inhomogeneous foil bearing with misalignment, the analysis procedure and the corresponding results are valuable for the design of turbo system with gas foil bearings.
Adoption of enterprise risk management (ERM) in small and medium-sized enterprises: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Tan Consilz , Lee Su Zy
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The critical success factor of enterprises is the ability to identify risks and subsequently adapt to the ever-changing technology, as well as the business environment. This paper aims to investigate the top risks faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In the meantime, this paper outlines the perspectives on enterprise risk management (ERM)-based best practices and the adoption level of ERM practices in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology was used to collect a comprehensive understanding of the adoption of ERM, especially in SMEs. The research is based on cross-sectional questionnaires and collected from risk practitioners in Malaysia. Detailed analysis of the top risks and best practices presented in this paper to identify the developments of risk management in changing organizations. This study used chi-square tests to examine the distribution of the adoption of the ERM programme using risk and insurance management society risk maturity model attributes. Logit regression was used to test the association of ERM efforts with the probability of adopting/considering ERM practices.

Findings

The findings indicated that business interruption risk and economic slowdown risk are the major concern for companies in Malaysia. A business continuity plan was found to be the most common risk management practice. Efforts such as the establishment of a risk management team and the development of risk appetite and/or risk tolerance statements in an organization are associated with the probability of adopting/considering ERM practices.

Research limitations/implications

This paper helps to identify challenges of implementing risk governance and management in SMEs that shed light on the regulatory setting which we rather know a little about its impacts.

Originality/value

There are limited studies conducted in emerging countries on ERM and the application of the ERM framework in SMEs. Prior research studies are mostly generalized and lack details of risk management strategies applying to specific risks. This paper successfully examined the low maturity level of ERM practices and how SMEs in Malaysia managed those risks that emerged in their organizations.
Exploring women entrepreneurs’ motivations and challenges from an institutional perspective: evidences from a patriarchal state in India
Authors: Shastri Swati , Shastri Shruti , Pareek Abhishek , Sharma Riddhi Sudhan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the motivational drives of women entrepreneurs and highlight the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs operating micro, small and medium enterprises from an institutional perspective in Rajasthan – a patriarchal state in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data collected from a questionnaire survey conducted from July 2018 to January 2019 on 347 women entrepreneurs operating in seven districts of Rajasthan. Descriptive and factor analysis were used to find the major motivations and challenges of the entrepreneurs.

Findings

The findings indicate that intrinsic factors, namely, growth, creativity, autonomy and rejecting stereotypical gender identity are primary motivations driving women entrepreneurship in Rajasthan. Further, institutions pose challenges rather than offering a motivational drive to female entrepreneurs. The two most critical challenges, which the women entrepreneurs face are gender stereotypes and the lack of social capital. In patriarchal societies, entrepreneurial roles are considered masculine than feminine. Furthermore, cultural norms reflected in gender-specific role distribution result in the problem of work-life balance. The lack of both bonding and bridging social capital in terms of family support and networks, respectively, also reflects an unfavorable informal institutional environment.

Originality/value

The study adds to the sparse empirical literature on the motivations and challenges of women entrepreneurs in the Indian context. This study explores the motivations and challenges of female entrepreneurs from an institutional perspective for India in general and Rajasthan, in particular, using a large, heterogeneous sample using factor analysis.
The missing links of sustainable supply chain management and green radical product innovation between sustainable entrepreneurship orientation and sustainability performance
Authors: Afum Ebenezer , Issau Kassimu , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Baah Charles , Dacosta Essel , Essandoh Emmanuel , Agyenim Boateng Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Anchored on the natural resource-based view and stakeholder theories, this study aims to investigate the mediating roles of sustainable supply chain management and green radical product innovation (GRPI) in the link between sustainable entrepreneurial orientation (SEO) and sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The comprehensive research model developed in this study is empirically tested by using data garnered from 248 managers of Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises. Partial least square structural equation modeling is applied as the methodological technique to test all the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results of the study indicate that SEO has a direct significant positive impact on environmental performance and social performance but not financial performance. However, through sustainable supply chain management and GRPI (both mediating variables), SEO tends to have significant impact on all sustainability performance dimensions (environmental, financial and social performance).

Originality/value

This study offers fresh empirical evidence by developing a unified research model that validates the specific mediation role of sustainable supply chain management between SEO and green radical product innovation, as well as the mediating roles of both sustainable supply chain management and GRPI between SEO and sustainability performance dimensions.
Social media adoption and business performance: the mediating role of organizational learning capability (OLC)
Authors: Oyewobi Luqman Oyekunle , Adedayo Olatunde Folaranmi , Olorunyomi Seth Olufemi , Jimoh Richard
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of learning capacity in the relationship between the social media usage by the construction of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their business performance in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey technique was used to collect data from the owner/manager of construction SMEs in Nigeria. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used in the assessment of the measurement model and structural model to assess the validity and reliability of the measures and to evaluate the hypotheses proposed in the conceptual model.

Findings

Empirical findings indicated a significant positive relationship between learning capacity and performance of SMEs. Similarly, the use of social media is significantly and positively associated to the business performance of SMEs. It has also been shown that learning capacity is a mediator of the relationship between social media and SME performance.

Research limitations/implications

The data for the study is are all from a single industry and a related line of business, so it could be more interesting to include more companies across sectors or industries. The finding contributes to the ongoing debate on the effect of social media on business performance. It also defined the need for the owner/manager of SMEs to understand and appreciate the effect of social media through the organization's learning potential to gain a sustainable competitive advantage.

Practical implications

There are a number of theoretical and practical implications for academics and practitioners who are interested in further studies of organizational social media. The research presents a quantitative study on the effect of social media adoption on the organizational performance of the construction industry. This study confirms the mediating role of learning capability in the relationship between the use of social media and performance of SMEs operating in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study empirically examined the relationship between social media adoption and the SMEs learning capability and business performance by evaluating a hypothesized conceptual framework to establish the relationships.
The effects of COVID-19 on self-harm in a high-secure psychiatry hospital
Authors: Challinor Alexander , Naylor Kathryn , Verstreken Patrick
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Self-harm, including death from suicide, remains a significant public health challenge. The prison population is known to be a high-risk group for self-harm and suicide. The purpose of this study is to explore the trends in the frequency of self-harm over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic within a high-secure hospital. The authors hypothesised that the pandemic could adversely affect the mental health of patients, which could increase the rates of self-harm. Reasons for changes in the frequency of self-harm and the strategies used in response to the pandemic were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper encompasses findings from a quality improvement project that investigated self-harming behaviours from February 2020 to February 2021 in a high-secure psychiatric hospital. Incidents of self-harm were recorded based on the hospital’s ward structure. Data was collected on the incidence of self-harm rates over the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on how the pandemic may have had an effect on self-harm.

Findings

This paper found an increase in the incidents of self-harm during the initial stages of the pandemic. The first national lockdown period yielded a rise in self-harm incidents from pre-COVID levels. The frequency of self-harm reduced following the first lockdown and returned to pre-COVID levels. The authors explored the psychological effects of COVID, isolation, interpersonal dynamics and changes in the delivery of care as reasons for these trends.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates the substantial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to secure psychiatric services. Having an awareness of how the pandemic can impact on self-harm is important, as it allows the correct balance of restriction of our patients’ liberty to a degree deemed necessary to control the pandemic and the delivery of effective patient care. The key clinical implications include the importance of direct face-to-face patient contact, effective communication, therapeutic interventions and activities, the psychological impact of quarantine and the influence the pandemic can have on an individual’s function of self-harm.

Originality/value

This paper is the first, to the authors’ knowledge, to explore the impact of COVID-19 in a high-security psychiatric hospital. The authors also explore possible explanations for the changes in the trends of self-harm and include the consideration of strategies for improving the prevention and management of self-harm in high-secure settings during a pandemic.
Natural cellulosic fiber fromCordyline Australisleaves for textile application: extraction and characterization
Authors: Sumihartati Atin , Wardiningsih Wiah , Al Kautsar Naelly , Permana Muhammad , Pradana Samuel , Rudy Ryan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential ofCordyline Australisfibers as an alternate raw material for textile.

Design/methodology/approach

The water retting method was used to extract the fiber.Cordyline Australisfibers were characterized in terms of the morphology of fibers (fiber cross-sectional and longitudinal), fiber chemical functional groups, tensile strength and elongation, fineness, fiber length, moisture regain and friction coefficient.

Findings

Cordyline Australisfiber strands consist of several individual fibers. At the longitudinal section, the fiber cells appeared as long cylindrical tubes with a rough surface. The cross-section of theCordyline Australisfibers was irregular but some were oval. The key components in the fibers were cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The tensile strength of the fiber per bundle was 2.5 gf/den. The elongation of fibers was 13.15%. The fineness of fiber was 8.35 Tex. The average length of the fibers was 54.72 cm. Moisture Regain for fiber was 8.59%. The friction coefficient of fibers was 0.16. The properties of the fiber showed that theCordyline Australisfiber has the potential to be produced into yarn.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, there is no scientific article focused on theCordyline Australisfibers. Natural fibers from the leaves of theCordyline Australisplant could be used as an alternate material for textile.
Bearing capacity of a square shallow foundation on swelling soil using a numerical approach
Authors: Khennouf Abdelaziz , Baheddi Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The estimation of bearing capacity for shallow foundations in swelling soil is an important and complex context. The complexity is due to the unsaturated swelling soil related to the drying and humidification environment. Hence, a serious study is needed to evaluate the effect of swelling potential soil on the foundation bearing capacity. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the bearing capacity of a rough square foundation founded on a homogeneous swelling soil mass, subjected to vertical loads.

Design/methodology/approach

A proposed numerical model based on the simulation of the swelling pressure in the initial state, followed by an elastoplastic behavior model may be used to calculate the foundation bearing capacity. The analyses were carried out using the finite-difference software (FLAC 3 D) with an elastic perfectly plastic Mohr–Coulomb constitutive model. Moreover, the numerical results obtained are compared with the analytical solutions proposed in the literature.

Findings

The numerical results were in good agreement with the analytical solutions proposed in the literature. Also, reasonable capacity and performance of the proposed numerical model.

Originality/value

The proposed numerical model is capable to predict the bearing capacity of the homogeneous swelling soil mass loaded by a shallow foundation. Also, it will be of great use for geotechnical engineers and researchers in the field.
Variation in salinity tolerance and water use strategies in an introduced woody halophyte (Tamarix spp.)
Authors: Long Randall W. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Dudley Tom L. , Hultine Kevin R.
Published: August 2021

The form and function of terrestrial plants is largely governed by the availability of water, with plants in water‐limited environments expressing traits minimizing water loss and tissue damage during drought. Areas with high salinity are analogous to those with low water availability, even where water is abundant. We evaluated variation in salinity tolerance and water use strategies in an introduced halophytic shrub, Tamarix spp by measuring gas exchange rates, biomass accumulation and turgor loss points. We hypothesized that salinity tolerance is not uniformly expressed, with high salinity ecotypes expressing more conservative water use traits that maximize hydraulic safety over high conductance rates.

We studied two populations of Tamarix spp. along the lower Colorado River, where groundwater salinity differed by nearly sixfold. Cuttings collected from the sites were grown in a greenhouse with five salinity levels from 0 to 32 parts per thousand (ppt), imposing increasing water limitation.

In situ measurements of leaf water potentials (Ψ) and branch xylem anatomy were taken on ecotypes sourced from high‐ and low‐salinity sites. In the greenhouse, biomass and gas exchange rates were evaluated over the 0–32 ppt salinity gradient, and a separate dry down experiment was performed to determine turgor loss points and stomatal responses to drying soils.

In the greenhouse, the low salinity population accumulated 72% more biomass when grown at 4 ppt compared to 16 ppt, while the high salinity population produced 50% more biomass when grown at 16 ppt. Net carbon assimilation was greater at lower salinities in the low salinity population but independent of salinity in the high salinity population. The high salinity population had a lower turgor loss point and exhibited greater stomatal control relative to the low salinity population.

Synthesis. Results provide evidence for divergence of traits related to plant water use across salinity gradients in this recently introduced halophyte. Local adaptation to increased salinity has implications in aridland riparian ecosystems, where water management or drought may lead to altered soil salinities. The interaction of trait variation within Tamarix spp. and increasing salinity is likely to favour its continued dominance.
‘Corps a corps’: Martyrs, Models, and Myths in Harriet Hosmer's Beatrice Cenci
Authors: Gustin Melissa L.
Published: August 2021

This essay demonstrates that Harriet Hosmer's Beatrice Cenci (1855–56) not only illustrated a popular literary narrative, but also responded to specific Roman historic, cultural and artistic touchstones as a performance of romanità through visual literacy. It addresses and challenges the accretion of historical myths around Hosmer's sculpture, its models, and its modern interpretations through the written and visual sources available to her in the nineteenth century. I draw attention to the conflation of key historic events in Rome, the execution of Beatrice Cenci, and the production of Stefano Maderno's Saint Cecilia. These narrative parallels and an emphasis on identifiable women's bodies has led to scholarship repeating the rumour of Hosmer's aristocratic model, which I demonstrate is problematic for evidentiary and interpretative reasons. The essay argues that a scholarly emphasis on her biography and psychology as a queer woman has ignored the sophisticated visual and historic citations in her sculpture.
‘Traditional Birth Attendants’ and Reproductive Expertise in Postcolonial Mali
Authors: Golaszewski Devon
Published: August 2021

Over the twentieth century, Malian families turned to older women reproductive specialists like excisers (who initiated young women into adulthood), nuptial counsellors (who educated women for sex within marriage) and popular midwives. Their work reflected an expansive understanding of health and fertility. In the 1970s, Mali's government sought to incorporate ‘traditional medicine’ into the health system. State health workers trained popular midwives as ‘Traditional Birth Attendants’ (TBA). The same health workers defined nuptial counselling and excision as un‐therapeutic and outdated cultural practices. Comparing these responses reveals the role of gender and social status in the making of an African health system.
Thermal processing implications on the digestibility of meat, fish and seafood proteins
Authors: Bhat Zuhaib F. , Morton James D. , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , Kumar Sunil , Bhat Hina F.
Published: August 2021

Thermal processing is an inevitable part of the processing and preparation of meat and meat products for human consumption. However, thermal processing techniques, both commercial and domestic, induce modifications in muscle proteins which can have implications for their digestibility. The nutritive value of muscle proteins is closely related to their digestibility in the gastrointestinal tract and is determined by the end products that it presents in the assimilable form (amino acids and small peptides) for the absorption. The present review examines how different thermal processing techniques, such as sous‐vide, microwave, stewing, roasting, boiling, frying, grilling, and steam cooking, affect the digestibility of muscle proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. By altering the functional and structural properties of muscle proteins, thermal processing has the potential to influence the digestibility negatively or positively, depending on the processing conditions. Thermal processes such as sous‐vide can induce favourable changes, such as partial unfolding or exposure of cleavage sites, in muscle proteins and improve their digestibility whereas processes such as stewing and roasting can induce unfavourable changes, such as protein aggregation, severe oxidation, cross linking or increased disulfide (S‐S) content and decrease the susceptibility of proteins during gastrointestinal digestion. The review examines how the underlying mechanisms of different processing conditions can be translated into higher or lower protein digestibility in detail. This review expands the current understanding of muscle protein digestion and generates knowledge that will be indispensable for optimizing the digestibility of thermally processed muscle foods for maximum nutritional benefits and optimal meal planning.
Slow digestion‐oriented dietary strategy to sustain the secretion of GLP‐1 for improved glucose homeostasis
Authors: Qin Wangyan , Ying Wang , Hamaker Bruce , Zhang Genyi
Published: August 2021

Dysregulated glucose metabolism is associated with many chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and strategies to restore and maintain glucose homeostasis are essential to health. The incretin hormone of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is known to play a critical role in regulating glucose homeostasis and dietary nutrients are the primary stimuli to the release of intestinal GLP‐1. However, the GLP‐1 producing enteroendocrine L‐cells are mainly distributed in the distal region of the gastrointestinal tract where there are almost no nutrients to stimulate the secretion of GLP‐1 under normal situations. Thus, a dietary strategy to sustain the release of GLP‐1 was proposed, and the slow digestion property and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitory activity of food components, approaches to reduce the rate of food digestion, and mechanisms to sustain the release of GLP‐1 were reviewed. A slow digestion‐oriented dietary approach through encapsulation of nutrients, incorporation of viscous dietary fibers, and enzyme inhibitors of phytochemicals in a designed whole food matrix will be implemented to efficiently reduce the digestion rate of food nutrients, potentiate their distal deposition and a sustained secretion of GLP‐1, which will be beneficial to improved glucose homeostasis and health.
Genome‐wide in vitro and in vivo RNAi screens reveal Fer3 to be an important regulator of kkv transcription in Drosophila
Authors: Yue Xiangzhao , Liang Yongkang , Wei Zhishuang , Lv Jun , Cai Yongjin , Fan Xiaobin , Zhang Wenqing , Chen Jie
Published: August 2021

Krotzkopf verkehrt (kkv) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of chitin, an important component of the Drosophila epidermis, trachea, and other tissues. Here, we report the use of comprehensive RNA interference (RNAi) analyses to search for kkv transcriptional regulators. A cell‐based RNAi screen identified 537 candidate kkv regulators on a genome‐wide scale. Subsequent use of transgenic Drosophila lines expressing RNAi constructs enabled in vivo validation, and we identified six genes as potential kkv transcriptional regulators. Weakening of the kkvDsRed signal, an in vivo reporter indicating kkv promoter activity, was observed when the expression of Akirin, NFAT, 48 related 3 (Fer3), or Autophagy‐related 101(Atg101) was knocked down in Drosophila at the 3rd‐instar larval stage; whereas we observed disoriented taenidial folds on larval tracheae when Lines (lin) or Autophagy‐related 3 (Atg3) was knocked down in the tracheae. Fer3, in particular, has been shown to be an important factor in the activation of kkv transcription via specific binding with the kkv promoter. The genes involved in the chitin synthesis pathway were widely affected by the downregulation of Fer3. Furthermore, Atg101, Atg3, Akirin, Lin, NFAT, Pnr, and Abd‐A showed that the potential complex mechanism of kkv transcription is regulated by an interaction network with bithorax complex components. Our study revealed the hitherto unappreciated diversity of modulators impinging on kkv transcription and opens new avenues in the study of kkv regulation and chitin biosynthesis.
Mining the Data Oceans, Profiting on the Margins
Authors: Ebeling Mary F. E.
Published: August 2021

American capitalist medicine has produced a national healthcare system that is the most expensive – and producing the worse outcomes for patients – in the world. For many patients, social inequities and racial disparities embedded throughout the US healthcare system have only deepened and intensified over the last two decades, with very few realizing the promises made by medical technological innovation. Healthcare policy makers are turning to ‘data‐driven healthcare’ as a solution to these endemic problems. Yet the promise that digital technologies and data analytics will solve some of the most vexing questions in medical science, and will make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and equitable, in fact, hides the ongoing, structural inequities and injustices in health care.
What’s Technology Got to Do With It? Power, Politics, and Health Equity Beyond Technological Triumphalism
Authors: Cortinois Andrea A. , Birn Anne‐Emanuelle
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we critically discuss whether digital technology can address health inequities. We reflect on the role technology plays in support of an economic model that produces increasingly significant socio‐economic inequalities, both within and across countries. We focus in particular on the role that technology plays in deepening the historical North/South chasm, briefly analysing economic, political, social, and cultural implications. We conclude by emphasizing how technology can indeed be a useful tool, but only when it is embedded in popular action or policies that redistribute power and resources.
The Too‐Narrow Policy Debate: Lessons from Agricultural Biotechnology for Digital Technology
Authors: Mahajan Manjari
Published: August 2021

The COVID pandemic has brought a spectacular prominence to the role of digital technologies in public health. However, the policy discourse about digital technology has been for the most part strikingly narrow. Even as there is a discussion of the impact of particular digital tools, there is relatively little deliberation on the broader issues of how these technologies are reconstituting core aspects of health systems and polities. How did we get to a narrow debate on a vast topic? One way to understand this irony is by turning to the history of an older technology, namely agricultural biotechnology. This article focuses on two dominant framings that significantly narrowed the debates on agricultural biotechnology: first, a narrative that had a relentless focus on agricultural biotechnology as a neatly delineated field that produced stable products, and second, the ascent of a language of ethics that elided structural explanations and addressed only downstream impacts. The brief foray into the early years of agricultural biotechnology is useful in understanding contemporary politics of digital technology.
Guide for community leaders to meet the challenges of personal preparation in the event of a disaster
Authors: Ingham Valerie , Islam Mir Rabiul , Hicks John , Burmeister Oliver
Published: August 2021

Objective

In the aftermath of fires which swept through a regional community in 2013, community leaders were thrust, unprepared, into the disaster recovery arena. The objective of this research was to investigate the subsequent lived experience of these community leaders and, based on this information, develop a guide to meet the challenges for their personal preparation in the context of disaster.

Design

Ethical approval for the overarching Community Connections project was provided by Charles Sturt University (H2014073). The project design was informed by an interpretivist paradigm and the methodology embraced participatory action research and thus engaged community members and leaders as research partners. This paper reports on the community leader component of the overarching project.

Setting

Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

There were 7 interview participants in both 2014 and 2018; 5 participated in both years. Participants were either managers of a local non‐government organisation, peak body, school, emergency service or large relief organisation with a local presence.

Main outcome measure

The development of a guide for the personal preparation of community leaders.

Results

The stress of community leaders escalated after the disaster, resulting in a debilitating blurring of professional and personal boundaries, heightened demand on personal knowledge, networking relationships and communication strategies.

Conclusion

The guide is practical and far reaching; the researchers could not locate anything similar to guide community leaders in their personal planning and preparation for work in disaster recovery.
Growth and morphologic response of rumen methanogenic archaea and bacteria to cashew nut shell liquid and its alkylphenol components
Authors: Wakai Makimi , Hayashi Shusuke , Chiba Yuko , Koike Satoshi , Nagashima Kyo , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: August 2021

The growth and morphology of rumen methanogenic archaea (15 strains of 10 species in 5 genera, including 7 strains newly isolated in the present study) and bacteria (14 species in 12 genera) were investigated using unsupplemented in vitro pure cultures and cultures supplemented with cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and its phenolic compound components, anti‐methanogenic agents for ruminant animals. Growth of most of the methanogens tested was inhibited by CNSL and alkylphenols at different concentrations ranging from 1.56 to 12.5 μg/ml. Of the alkylphenols tested, anacardic acid exhibited the most potent growth inhibition. Three gram‐negative bacterial species involved in propionate production were resistant to CNSL and alkylphenols (>50 μg/ml). All the methanogens and bacteria that were sensitive to CNSL and alkylphenols exhibited altered morphology; disruption of the cell surface was notable, possibly due to surfactant activity of the tested materials. Cells division was inhibited in some organisms, with cell elongation and unclear septum formation observed. These results indicate that CNSL and alkylphenols, particularly anacardic acid, inhibit both rumen bacteria and methanogens in a selective manner, which could help mitigate rumen methane generation.
Caring for survivors: Do CSR policies matter for post‐restructuring employee performance?
Authors: Cornea Delia , Titova Yulia , Le Roy Jeanne
Published: August 2021

Organizational restructuring involving mass layoffs is an integral part of the corporate strategic landscape. While aimed at increasing a company’s efficiency and profitability, it often falls short of desired objectives, partly due to negative consequences for remaining employees, the so‐called “survivors”. As workforce reductions may jeopardize a company’s legitimacy, we develop a model that links the change in post‐restructuring employee productivity to the factors that help mitigate legitimacy issues. By using a comprehensive and innovative dataset of restructuring announcements reported by European companies over the post‐crisis period, we analyze the moderating effect of the restructuring extent on the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and economic justification as legitimacy tools in counterbalancing the negative effects of job reduction measures. Our findings reveal that in reactive layoffs, induced by financial difficulties, initially high levels of CSR help lessen negative effects of restructuring on employee productivity in low‐extent restructuring events; while in high‐extent restructuring events employee productivity is supported by continuing investments in CSR. We provide evidence that both the level and dynamics of CSR practices play a significant role, and their effect on employee performance is conditional on the restructuring context.
Perspectives on Social Withdrawal in Childhood: Past, Present, and Prospects
Authors: Rubin Kenneth H. , Chronis‐Tuscano Andrea
Published: August 2021

In this article, we provide definitional clarity for the construct of social withdrawal as it was originally construed, and review the original theoretical and conceptual bases that led to the first research program dedicated to the developmental study of social withdrawal (the Waterloo Longitudinal Project). We also describe correlates (e.g., social and social‐cognitive incompetence), precursors (e.g., dispositional characteristics, parenting, insecure attachment), and consequences (e.g., peer rejection and victimization, negative self‐regard, anxiety) of social withdrawal, and discuss how the study of this type of withdrawal led to a novel intervention that targets risk factors that predict social withdrawal and its negative consequences.
Hard and soft tissue healing around implants with a modified implant neck configuration: An experimental in vivo preclinical investigation
Authors: Palombo David , Rahmati Maryam , Vignoletti Fabio , Sanz‐Esporrin Javier , Haugen Håvard Jostein , Sanz Mariano
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Evaluate the dimensions and morphology of peri‐implant tissues around a modified dental implant designed with tissue level connection and a convergent transmucosal neck, when compared with a conventional bone level implant connected to a cylindrical machined titanium abutment.

Material and methods

Eight experimental animals were used for this in vivo investigation, in whom 16 test and 16 control implants were placed following a random allocation sequence. The following histological outcomes at 4 and 12 weeks were evaluated: morphology of peri‐implant tissues, the soft tissue height and thickness, the horizontal and vertical bone remodeling, and the bone to implant contact (BIC).

Results

In both early (4 weeks) and late (12 weeks) healing times, there were no statistically significant differences between test and control implants, with respect to the overall height and thickness of the peri‐implant hard and soft tissues. There was a tendency toward a more coronal free gingival margin (I‐FGM) at the buccal aspect of test when compared to control implants (at 4 weeks, difference of 0.97 mm (p = .572) and 0.30 mm (p = 1.000) at 12 weeks). Similarly, there was a tendency toward a more coronal position of the first bone to implant contact (I‐B) at the buccal aspect of test as compared to control implants (1.08 mm (p = 0.174) at 4 weeks and 0.83 mm (p = 0.724) at 12 weeks).

Conclusions

Hard and soft tissue healing occurred at both implant types with no statistically significant differences. Test implants tended to present a more coronal gingival margin (FGM) and first bone to implant contact (B).
Short strategic implants for mandibular removable partial dentures: One‐year results from a pilot randomized crossover abutment type study
Authors: Enkling Norbert , Nauli Joël , Kraus Dominik , Wittneben Julia Gabriela , Schimmel Martin , Abou‐Ayash Samir
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The present pilot study analyzed two abutment types (a retentive ball and a non‐retentive dome) in implant‐assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs) on 6 mm short implants with respect to clinical, radiological, and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), during the first year.

Materials and Methods

Two implants were placed bilaterally in mandibular molar sites, converting existing free‐end removable partial dentures (RPDs) to IARPDs. Twelve subjects were randomized to initially receive either the dome (Group A, n = 6) or the ball abutment (Group B, n = 6). After eight weeks, the abutments were exchanged. After another 8 weeks, the participants were given the choice of one of the abutments. Mean values and standard deviations (SD) were calculated, and random‐effect linear regression analyses were applied to analyze marginal bone level alterations and PROs (α < .05).

Results

Twelve participants were included in the study; however, one dropout occurred. Patient ratings increased significantly in both study groups. The majority of the participants (82%) ultimately chose the ball abutment. The implant survival rate was 100%, and the success rate was 90.9% twelve months after implant placement (mean peri‐implant bone‐loss: −1.2; SD: 0.6 mm) without a statistically significant difference between the study groups, in terms of clinical‐ and radiological outcomes.

Conclusion

Placing 6 mm short implants at mandibular molar sites of RPD wearers seems to be a viable treatment option, based on this investigation with a short‐term follow‐up. Although only minor differences between the two abutments were observed, patients seem to prefer the ball over the dome abutment.
Osseointegrated implant survival, success and prosthodontic outcomes in composite free flaps: A 10‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Khadembaschi Darius , Russell Peter , Beech Nicholas , Batstone Martin D.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate implant survival, success and prosthodontic outcomes in a variety of composite free flaps.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of patient records was used for data collection of implants placed into flaps. Free flap donor sites included fibula, iliac crest, scapula, medial femoral condyle and radial forearm. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate survival. Cox regression was used to assess variables affecting survival, and binary logistic regression was utilised to determine effect of variables on prosthodontic outcomes.

Results

There were 150 implants placed into 45 fibula, 98 implants into 29 iliac crest, 62 implants into 22 scapula, 6 implants into 3 medial femoral condyle and 2 implants in radial forearm composite free flaps. There was no difference in survival or success between or within the various flaps. Active smoking, increasing age, male gender and radiotherapy were associated with implant failure. Of patients completing prosthodontic rehabilitation, 93% were successful. There was no difference in likelihood of failure between different flap types. Fixed implant‐supported dentures were associated with poor oral hygiene compared with removable designs (OR2.9, 95%CI 1.1–7.8, p = .03).

Conclusions

There is adequate survival and success of implants in common flaps. Caution is required when planning implants in patients exposed to radiotherapy and smokers. Ability to maintain adequate oral hygiene is an important prosthetic design consideration.
Peri‐implant and esthetic outcomes of cemented and screw‐retained crowns using zirconia abutments in single implant‐supported restorations—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dini Caroline , Borges Guilherme Almeida , Costa Raphael Cavalcante , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Maia Lucianne Cople , Barão Valentim Adelino Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the peri‐implant tissue changes and esthetic outcomes of cemented and screw‐retained crowns of single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone using zirconia abutments.

Material and methods

An electronic search was performed on nine databases. The risk‐of‐bias was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized (RoB 2) and non‐randomized (ROBINS‐I) clinical trials. Marginal bone level change, soft tissue thickness, bleeding on probing, probing depth, survival rates of implants and crowns, complications, plaque and papilla indexes, and pink esthetic score data were extracted and analyzed. The certainty of evidence was accessed through the GRADE approach.

Results

Nine records were included and 7 were used in the meta‐analyses. Screw‐retained crowns presented greater marginal bone level change (MD −0.04 [−0.08, −0.00] p = 0.04, I2 = 0%) compared to cemented crowns up to 1‐year. At 3 and 4 years no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed. Soft tissue thickness did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The bleeding on probing was higher in cemented group than in screw‐retained crowns at 1‐year (MD 0.17 [0.08, 0.27] p = 0.0005, I2 = 0%), at medium‐term periods (3 and 4 years) no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for this outcome. Probing depth, survival rates of implants and crowns, complications, and plaque index, as well as esthetic analysis using the papilla index and pink esthetic score did not differ statistically (p > 0.05) between both retention systems at short and medium‐term periods.

Conclusion

The connection system considering zirconia abutments presented no influence on peri‐implant parameters and esthetics evaluation for medium‐term periods (3 and 4 years).
Fracture resistance and crystal phase transformation of a one‐ and a two‐piece zirconia implant with and without simultaneous loading and aging—An in vitro study
Authors: Burkhardt Felix , Spies Benedikt C. , Riemer Lennart , Adolfsson Erik , Doerken Sam , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the influence of artificial aging on the transformation propagation and fracture resistance of zirconia implants.

Methods

One‐piece (with integrated implant abutment, 1P; regular diameter [4.1mm]; n = 16) and two‐piece (with separate implant abutment, 2P; wide diameter [5 mm]; n = 16) zirconia implants were embedded according to ISO 14801. A two‐piece titanium–zirconium implant (Ti‐Zr; 4.1 mm diameter) served as a control (n = 16). One subgroup (n = 8) of each system was simultaneously dynamically loaded (107 cycles; 98N) and hydrothermally aged (85°C, 58 days), while the other subgroup (n = 8) remained untreated. Finally, specimens were statically loaded to fracture. Potential crystal phase transformation was examined at cross sections using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A multivariate linear regression model was applied for statistical analyses.

Results

The fracture resistance of 1P (1,117 [SD = 38] N; loaded/aged: 1,009 [60] N), 2P (850 [36] N; loaded/aged: 799 [84] N), and Ti‐Zr implants (1,338 [205] N; loaded/aged: 1,319 [247] N) was not affected significantly by loading/aging (p = .171). However, when comparing the systems, they revealed significant differences independent of loading/aging (p ≤ .001). Regarding the crystal structure, a transformation zone was observed in SEM images of 1P only after aging, while 2P showed a transformation zone even before aging. After hydrothermal treatment, an increase of this monoclinic layer was observed in both systems.

Conclusions

The Ti‐Zr control implant showed higher fracture resistance compared to both zirconia implants. Loading/aging had no significant impact on the fracture resistance of both zirconia implants. The wide‐body 2P zirconia implant was weaker than the regular body 1P implant.
A unified framework for species spatial patterns: Linking the occupancy area curve, Taylor's Law, the neighborhood density function and two‐plot species turnover
Authors: Kitzes Justin , Brush Micah , Walters Kyle
Published: August 2021

The description of spatial patterns in species distributions is central to research throughout ecology. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that five of the most widely used species‐level spatial patterns are not only related, but can in fact be quantitatively derived from each other under minimal assumptions: the occupancy area curve, Taylor's Law, the neighborhood density function, a two‐plot variant of Taylor's Law and two‐plot single‐species turnover. We present an overarching mathematical framework and derivations for several theoretical example cases, along with a simulation study and empirical analysis that applies the framework to data from the Barro Colorado Island tropical forest plot. We discuss how knowledge of this mathematical relationship can support the testing of ecological theory, suggest efficient field sampling schemes, highlight the relative importance of plot area and abundance in driving turnover patterns and lay the groundwork for future unified theories of community‐level spatial metrics and multi‐patch spatial patterns.
Environmental gradients predict the ratio of environmentally acquired carotenoids to self‐synthesised pteridine pigments
Authors: Stuart‐Fox Devi , Rankin Katrina J. , Lutz Adrian , Elliott Adam , Hugall Andrew F. , McLean Claire A. , Medina Iliana
Published: August 2021

Carotenoids are important pigments producing integument colouration; however, their dietary availability may be limited in some environments. Many species produce yellow to red hues using a combination of carotenoids and self‐synthesised pteridine pigments. A compelling hypothesis is that pteridines replace carotenoids in environments where carotenoid availability is limited. To test this hypothesis, we quantified concentrations of five carotenoid and six pteridine pigments in multiple skin colours and individuals from 27 species of agamid lizards. We show that environmental gradients predict the ratio of carotenoids to pteridines; carotenoid concentrations are lower and pteridine concentrations higher in arid environments with low vegetation productivity. Both carotenoid and pteridine pigments were present in all species, but only pteridine concentrations explained colour variation among species and there were no correlations between carotenoid and pteridine pigments with a similar hue. These results suggest that in arid environments, where carotenoids are likely limited, species may compensate by synthesising more pteridines but do not necessarily replace carotenoids with pteridines of similar hue.