bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magneto-radiative gas near an unsmooth boundary with variable temperature
Authors: He Ji-Huan , Elgazery Nasser S. , Abd Elazem Nader Y.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the magneto-radiative gas (water vapor) on an unsmooth boundary.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provided a numerical treatment via the implicit Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method to investigate unsteady compressible magneto-radiative gas (water vapor Pr = 1) flow near a heated vertical wavy wall through porous medium in the presence of inclined magnetic field. The impacts of viscous dissipation, temperature-dependent fluid properties, thermal conductivity and viscosity in the presence of nonlinear thermal radiation are studied. The sinusoidal surface is transformed into a flat one using a suitable transformation. The comparison figures of published data with the present outcomes illustrate a good match. The present steady-state outcomes are presented for the temperature, velocity, Nusselt number and the shearing stress through figures for several interested physical parameters, namely, compressibility, magnetic, radiation, viscosity–temperature variation, thermal conductivity–temperature variation, surface sinusoidal waveform and porous parameters.

Findings

The present numerical outcomes confirm the importance of applying nonlinear thermal radiation cases in all studies that investigate heat transfer under the influence of thermal radiation.

Originality/value

A mathematical model is established for a wavy boundary, and Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method is adopted for the numerical study.
Does practicing spirituality at workplace make teachers more engaged? Examining the role of emotional intelligence
Authors: Pradhan Rabindra Kumar , Jandu Kailash , Samal Jayalaxmi , Patnaik Janaki Ballav
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the positive activity model, this study aims to investigate the impact of workplace spirituality on the level of engagement shown by the teachers at higher education institutions. This study also tries to explore if emotional intelligence acts as a mediator in the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the purposive sampling technique, data were collected from the teachers (N = 287) teaching at various Indian educational institutions imparting tertiary education. The variables under study were measured using standardized instruments. The data were analyzed by means of Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures software tools.

Findings

The findings generated from structural equation modeling analysis revealed that the teachers who practiced spirituality at their workplace were more engaged. Furthermore, emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship.

Practical implications

This study underscores the importance of providing a spiritually conducive work milieu and nurturing emotional intelligence among the higher education teachers for better job outcomes.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the mechanism linking spirituality at the workplace (a positive activity) and employee engagement (an indicator of well-being) in the context of higher education sector.
A meta-analysis of the factors associated with s-commerce intention: Hofstede's cultural dimensions as moderators
Authors: Jadil Yassine , Jeyaraj Anand , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Rana Nripendra P. , Sarker Prianka
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In recent years, the proliferation of social commerce (s-commerce) has attracted many researchers to investigate the drivers of individuals' intentions. However, the empirical results reported in these studies were fragmented and inconsistent. This has led various meta-analyses to synthesize these findings, but without including a large number of s-commerce studies. In addition, investigating meta-analytically the effects of moderators such as the six dimensions of Hofstede's national culture is still lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on nine theories and models, this meta-analysis aims to summarize the findings reported in 109 s-commerce studies published between 2011 and 2021 and to examine the moderating role of national culture. The correlation coefficient (r) has been used as the main effect size for this study. Based on the random-effects method, the CMA V3 software has been employed to calculate the weighted mean effect sizes.

Findings

The meta-analysis results showed that all the 11 hypothesized direct relationships are positive and significant. The moderator results also revealed that five out of six cultural dimensions significantly moderate the examined associations.

Originality/value

This research serves to enrich the existing s-commerce literature by addressing contradictory and mixed results reported in the empirical studies. This study is one of the first of its kind to investigate the role of Hofstede's six cultural dimensions as moderators in the field of s-commerce using the meta-analytic techniques.
Cashew contract farming in Ghana: implications on farm performance and household welfare
Authors: Danso-Abbeam Gideon , Ogundeji Abiodun Akintunde , Fosu Samuel
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Efforts to reduce farmers' market risks and improve buyers' access to farm commodities have encouraged contract farming (CF) in Ghana's cashew sector in recent years. Consequently, the existence of CF shows that farmers who use it may be benefiting from it, as it is their economic responsibility to decide how to sell agricultural products. However, the magnitudes of these benefits or otherwise have been inadequately explored. This paper aims to empirically estimate the impact of CF on farm performance and welfare of smallholder cashew farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used probit-two-stage least square (probit-2sls) as a primary estimator to account for self-selection bias and endogeneity that could arise from both observed and unobserved heterogeneities among farming households to estimate the causal effects of CF on farm performance and household welfare.

Findings

The results indicated that participation in CF contribute significantly to the gains in farm performance (price margins, yields and net farm revenue) and welfare (consumption expenditure per capita), and that the non-participants of CF would have benefited substantially if they had participated. An analysis of the farm size disaggregated into small, medium and large with regards to the outcome variables produces mixed results.

Research limitations/implications

It can be concluded that participating in CF enhances farm performance and household welfare.

Originality/value

While many other studies do not account for changes in farm performance and welfare due to differences in farm size or other observed factors, this study fills a crucial void.
The mediating role of cooperative norms in the formation of buyer commitment in the buyer–seller relationship
Authors: Vieira Valter Afonso , Mayberry Robert , Boles James , Johnson-Busbin Julie , Pereira Rita Cassia
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Drawing on Foa and Foa’s elaboration of social exchange theory, the authors propose that buyers reciprocate perceived commitment on the part of the salesperson and supplier with commitment on their own parts because of strengthening of the relationship’s tacit governance mechanism – cooperative norms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from 155 buyers doing business with a multinational supplier. The buyers were from firms generating less than $100,000 in billings. The salesforce of the supplier firm sponsoring the research is responsible for account management and communicating directly with buyers.

Findings

Buyers, who feel that their suppliers are providing a symbolic, long-term, particularistic benefit (commitment), respond with their own strengthened commitment to the relationship; this mutualism is explained entirely by the mediating effect of the relationship’s cooperative norms. Where buyers perceive generally favorable treatment (satisfaction), without these three qualities, their own reciprocal commitment increases directly and cooperative norms play no part. The results also demonstrate the transition of buyer perceptions of the salesperson as they develop into beliefs about the selling firm as a whole.

Practical implications

Drawing on the “reciprocation-in-kind” principle, supplier firms seeking long-term, open-ended commitment from their customers should cultivate it via similarly long-term and open-ended commitments of their own. Attention must be given to the unwritten, often unstated “rules of the road” for business relationships, as these rules represent the mechanism through which investments in long-term, profitable partnerships bear fruit.

Originality/value

The conceptual model draws on and empirically tests Foa and Foa’s framework within social exchange theory to predict what form of buyer reciprocation will result, based on the characteristics of perceived seller-provided benefits. This study illustrates that the tacit governance structure of a B2B relationship – its cooperative norms – plays a critical role in the strength of a buyer’s commitment to its supplier.
Role of customers’ multidimensional perceived equity in the mobile food delivery industry
Authors: Kwon Jookyung , Ahn Jiseon
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Existing service research has revealed that customers’ perceived equity influences the sustainability of a business. Despite the importance of food service mobile applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies that have examined customers’ loyalty toward mobile applications remain limited. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of mobile application-related attributes on customers’ behavior in the food delivery industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 214 US customers to extend knowledge on perceived equity by examining the effect of multidimensional equity (i.e. value equity, brand equity and relationship equity) on loyalty in the mobile food service context.

Findings

Results of partial least square structural equation modeling suggest that three aspects of customers’ perceived equity are positively related to customers’ attitudinal loyalty, which is linked to behavioral loyalty. Moreover, the role of attitudinal loyalty and demographic characteristics (i.e. gender and age) is described.

Originality/value

This empirical research explores how food delivery brands can increase customers’ positive behavior by investigating the role of multidimensional equity. Service providers must understand certain aspects of customers’ perceived equity to increase food service brand sustainability.
Banking system and economic growth linkages in MENA region: complementarity and substitutability between Islamic and conventional banking
Authors: Belkhaoui Samir
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the channels through which Islamic and/or conventional banking can spur economic growth in MENA region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a range of developed econometric approaches, including panel cointegration technique, panel Granger causality test and a panel-based vector error correction model (VECM), to analyze explicitly all the causal relationships among Islamic banking, conventional banking development and economic growth in a unified framework.

Findings

The empirical results show that Islamic banking in MENA countries not only leads to economic growth but also affects positively and significantly conventional banking development. Thus, Islamic banking has an active role and could be classified as “supply-following” since its development only leads to economic growth, whereas conventional banking, with passive role, could be classified as “demand-following” since it only reacts to economic growth in long run.

Research limitations/implications

The study has two principal limitations. It is conducted within a relatively limited time period and sample of countries. Also, the used models did not take into account the impact of others financial and macroeconomic variables like stock market development, interest rate, inflation and financial crisis.

Practical implications

The results have two main implications. First, in MENA countries, well-functioning Islamic banking sector could not only promote economic growth but also can be served as a development factor for their conventional one. Second, unlike conventional banks, the customer of Islamic banks seems not to be motivated by interest and profits. Rather religious factors are recommended as the main motive for investing and saving in Islamic banks.

Originality/value

The study tries to perceive whether there exists a substitution or complementarity effect between Islamic and conventional banking in promoting economic growth for MENA countries. This situation is neither revealed nor clarified in the relevant literature.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and financial performance of Shariah-compliant companies in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Siew-Peng , Isa Mansor
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices on the financial performance of Malaysian Shariah-compliant companies over the period 2010–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel regression models are used for this study to test the effect of ESG practices on the performance and the interaction variables to examine the impact of double ESG – Shariah screening on firms’ performance.

Findings

This study finds a positive relationship between ESG practices and financial performance, suggesting that ESG practices can enhance firm value. Additionally, the authors also find evidence that double ESG–Shariah screening can enhance the ESG relationship with performance. These results are consistent and robust to three proxies for financial performance and different estimation techniques.

Practical implications

The positive relationship between ESG practices and performance implies that firms should improve their ESG commitment as this is consistent with enhancing performance.

Originality/value

This study presents evidence concerning the impact of ESG practices on the financial performance of Shariah companies, thereby paving the way for further studies in sustainability investments in Shariah companies.
Adoption of digital learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic: merging technology readiness index and UTAUT model
Authors: Reyes-Mercado Pável , Barajas-Portas Karla , Kasuma Jati , Almonacid-Duran Margarita , Zamacona-Aboumrad Guillermo Alfredo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the intentions and use behavior of digital learning environments in business education under the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital learning environments (DLEs) are ready to use bundles of heterogeneous educational technologies used by schools to deliver online courses that contrast to traditional packaged learning management systems. Through the merger of Technology Readiness Index and Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology, a nuanced perspective on the adoption of DLEs under the COVID-19 pandemic is achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey study gathered sample data from Mexico, Malaysia and Spain to assess the effect of broad perceptions on technology and specific technologies embedded in DLEs. Data were analyzed using structural equation models and multigroup analysis.

Findings

Student optimism and innovativeness play a critical role in assessing specific features of DLEs. Discomfort and insecurity as barriers to adoption play a minor role. Performance expectancy has a strong effect on behavioral intention to use DLEs, but the effect of effort expectancy is nonsignificant. Multigroup analysis shows significant differences in technology perceptions between samples from Malaysia versus Mexico and Spain.

Practical implications

DLEs help students complete their academic tasks in online and hybrid settings. Instructors can take advantage of students’ positive perceptions of technology to set up DLE use in classrooms. They need to focus on the facilitating conditions of specific technologies and on learning outcomes that remain more important than learning how to use specific technologies.

Originality/value

Technology adoption studies usually rely on only one model, and this is one of the few studies that merge Technology Readiness Index and Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology models. The results of this study support a comprehensive view of individual perceptions of technology and specific attributes of DLEs and their effects on behavioral intentions in relation to DLEs.
Effects of cues of credence-label structure on consumers’ willingness to purchase health foods
Authors: Jia Peipei , Li Dongjin , Jin Huizhen , Zhang Yudong
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework model of belief consistency on the confirmatory bias theory, trying to explore the interactions between cues of credence-label structure and different controversial types of health foods, as well as the intermediary mechanism of belief consistency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a conceptual framework of belief consistency based on confirmation bias theory. The interactions between cues of credence-label structure and different controversial types of health foods, as well as the intermediary mechanism of belief consistency.

Findings

Consumers’ willingness to purchase varies under interactions between cues of credence-label structure (product-level and ingredient-level credence-label cues) and different controversial types of health foods (noncontroversial health foods and controversial health foods). In the consumption context of noncontroversial health foods, the presence of product-level credence-label cues causes confirmation bias, greater perception of health belief consistency and higher willingness to purchase healthy foods. In the consumption context of controversial health foods, the presence of ingredient-level credence-label cues results in the prevention of confirmation bias, lower perception of unhealthy belief consistency and higher willingness to purchase health foods.

Originality/value

This paper offers a significant tool for researchers to enrich relevant theories in the field of the conceptual framework of cues of credence-label structure. It also discusses practical implications for enterprise marketing and for the health and welfare of consumers.
Comparative study on the properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel parts made by metal fused filament fabrication process and atomic diffusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Lavecchia Fulvio , Pellegrini Alessandro , Galantucci Luigi Maria
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comparison between the mechanical performance and microstructural aspects of stainless steel 17-4 PH processed using, respectively, two technologies: atomic diffusion additive manufacturing (ADAM) and metal fused filament fabrication (MFFF).

Design/methodology/approach

Different tensile specimens have been printed using an industrial system and a consumer three-dimensional (3D) printer, varying two main 3D printing parameters. Mechanical and microstructural tests are executed to make a comparison between these two technologies and two different feedstock material, to identify the main differences.

Findings

These 3D printing processes make parts with different surface quality, mechanical and microstructural properties. The parts, printed by the industrial system (ADAM), showed lower values of roughness, respect those produced using the 3D consumer printer (MFFF). The different sintering process parameters and the two debinding methods (catalytic or solvent based) affect the parts properties such as porosity, microstructure, grain size and amount of δ-ferrite. These proprieties are responsible for dissimilar tensile strength and hardness values. With the aim to compare the performances among traditional metal additive technology, MFFF and ADAM, a basic analysis of times and costs has been done.

Originality/value

The application of two metal extrusion techniques could be an alternative to other metal additive manufacturing technologies based on laser or electron beam. The low cost and printing simplicity are the main drivers of the replacements of these technologies in not extreme application fields.
Sustainable human resources management in learning organizations: consequences of customer incivility and surface acting
Authors: Kuok Kim Oi Mei , Chan Sow Hup Joanne , Kou Hera Kit Wa , Kong Siew Huat , Mac Lancy Vai Iun
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Because of the nature of their work, frontline service employees are highly exposed to customer incivility (CI) and are required to perform surface acting (SA) in such circumstances. Both CI and SA have detrimental impact to a sustainable workforce. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of CI and SA on emotional exhaustion (EE), organizational commitment (OC) and work–family conflict (WFC).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 203 respondents who successfully completed the questionnaire is used for the analysis. Structural equation modelling and bootstrapping were performed to investigate the relationship among variables.

Findings

The study found that both CI and SA are positively related to EE. EE is negatively related to OC and positively related to WFC. EE was engaged as a mediator between CI and OC, and between CI and WFC. EE also served as a mediator between SA and OC, and between SA and WFC.

Originality/value

The findings advanced our knowledge of the impact of CI and SA on EE, OC and WFC. Based on the findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A sustainable destination is an accessible destination: examining the relationship as a remedy to seasonality
Authors: Liasidou Sotiroula , Fella Kassandra , Stylianou Christiana
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this article is to examine Cyprus, an island highly dependent on tourism, by bringing together the aspects of accessibility as a holistic approach to sustainable tourism development and exploiting the potential for mitigating seasonality problems. Accessible tourism has remarkable potential as an emerging market in providing for the holistic development of destinations. Additionally, it can act as a market that can provide year-round demand through activities for people with disabilities (PwD). Seasonality is a significant issue, especially in small island destinations (SIDs) as there is a prevailing mass tourism mindset with a limited tourism season.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 15 semi-structured interviews took place with tourism practitioners, the tourism industry's main stakeholders, and representatives of disability associations in Cyprus.

Findings

The study results suggest that a destination developed to satisfy the needs of PwD is beneficial in many aspects. Additionally, the increasing market of PwD offers an opportunity to address the problem of seasonality. However, this requires the development of a sustainable framework for tourism, including those facilities and activities that can satisfy the needs of PwD and provide opportunities for extended traveling throughout the year.

Originality/value

The study deals with an original topic of discussion since it examines accessibility in sustainable development and the effect on seasonality in SIDs.
Trophic niche of an invasive generalist consumer: Australian redclaw crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus, in the Inkomati River Basin, South Africa
Authors: Zengeya Tsungai Alfred , Lombard Reuhl Jan‐Hendrik , Nelwamondo Vhutali Ernest , Nunes Ana Luisa , Measey John , Weyl Olaf Lawrence
Published: August 2022

Trophic niche analysis can be used to assess ecological opportunities available to alien species in areas of introduction that might aid their establishment, define their functional role and inform on their potential impacts. This study assessed the trophic niche utilized by an invasive population of the Australian redclaw crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus, in the Inkomati River Basin, South Africa. It evaluated the hypothesis that the euryphagous feeding strategy of redclaw crayfish may allow it to shift its niche width and niche position by altering its feeding strategy in response to fluctuations in resource availability. Gut content and stable isotope analyses were used to determine trophic niche and trophic interactions. Redclaw crayfish were shown to be omnivores and their diet consisted mainly of algae, plant material and invertebrates. Small‐sized individuals had a constricted niche width and fed primarily on invertebrates, whereas larger individuals expanded their niche width to include larger proportions of plant material. Crayfish caught from lotic environments had a higher proportion of invertebrates in their diet than crayfish from lentic environments, and the species exploited a wider niche in summer than in winter. These differences are likely related to differences in productivity amongst habitats and fluctuations in resource availability. There was significant niche overlap (>60%) between redclaw crayfish and Sidney's river crab (Potamonautes sidneyi), but not with other native invertebrates. Both species are omnivores and have similar functional roles, possibly making redclaw crayfish functionally redundant in this ecosystem. Even though both species mainly feed on resources (plant material and invertebrates) that are not normally limiting, the redclaw crayfish invasion might be an accelerator of ecosystem processes such as shredding and decomposition rates of plant material. There is, therefore, a need for further studies to examine potentially altered ecosystem functions caused by redclaw crayfish invasion in the Inkomati River system.
XP‐endo Finisher effectively reduces hard‐tissue debris accumulated in root canals with isthmus after preparation with a reciprocating file system
Authors: Poly Ane , Marques Fernando , Lee Josh , Setzer Frank C. , Karabucak Bekir
Published: August 2022

This study compared the accumulated hard‐tissue debris (AHTD) after preparation with WaveOne Gold (WOG) to XP‐endo Shaper (XPS), without and with a supplementary step using XP‐endo Finisher (XPF) using clinically applicable irrigation. Twenty‐four mesial roots with two canals and single foramen were micro‐CT‐scanned and matched. Scans were also taken after preparation with WOG or XPS, and after XPF. Irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl (total: 17 ml per canal) and 17% EDTA (2.5 ml per canal) was performed using a 30ga Max‐I‐Probe needle placed up to the working length. Morphological parameters were calculated and compared within and among groups. XPF significantly reduced unprepared area within XPS and WOG groups, and AHTD within WOG (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between WOG and XPS after preparation and after XPF (p > 0.05). In conclusion, WOG and XPS produced a similar volume of AHTD, but the supplementary step with XPF decreased the AHTD in the WOG group.
Consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods by the African poor: Evidence from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda
Authors: Dolislager Michael , Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Mason Nicole M. , Reardon Thomas , Tschirley David
Published: August 2022

We use national Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) datasets from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda to examine consumption by the rural and urban poor of “unhealthy foods” (including ultra‐processed foods such as sweets and sugary beverages) versus “healthy foods” beyond starchy staples (such as vegetables, beans, animal products, and fruits). Consumption of processed foods and nonstaples is often associated in policy discussion in Africa with middle‐class urban consumers rather than the poor. We analyzed household food consumption expenditure with Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS) curves and augmented Engel regressions. We found that substantial shares of the consumption expenditure of the poor, both rural and urban, are on healthy and unhealthy foods. We found, surprisingly, that the poor's food consumption patterns do not differ sharply from the middle classes’, in rural and urban areas, except for the case of ultra‐processed foods of which the poor still consume much less than the middle class. We found that the poor dedicate 25% of their food consumption expenditure to the category vegetables/beans, versus 22% and 17% by the lower‐middle and upper‐middle‐income strata. Fruits/animal products constitute 17% of the poor's consumption expenditure compared to 23% and 27% by the lower‐ and upper‐middle strata. Ultra‐processed food (e.g., sugar‐sweetened beverages) form 12% of the consumption of the poor, versus 20% and 32% for the lower‐ and upper‐middle strata. Shares are increasing with income starting at incomes well below the poverty line. Nonincome factors play important roles: e.g., rural off‐farm employment is associated with more consumption expenditure of processed foods by the poor due to the opportunity cost of time.
Validated allergen exposure chamber is plausible tool for the assessment of house dust mite‐triggered allergic rhinitis
Authors: Zemelka‐Wiacek Magdalena , Kosowska Anna , Winiarska Ewa , Sobanska Ewa , Jutel Marek
Published: August 2022

Background

Allergen exposure chamber (AEC) is a clinical facility that allows exposure to allergenic airborne particles in controlled environment. Although AECs offer stable levels of airborne allergens, the validation of symptoms and other endpoints induced by allergen challenge is key for their recommendation as a plausible tool for the assessment of patients, especially in clinical research. This study aimed to demonstrate the reproducibility of defined clinical endpoints after AEC house dust mite (HDM) challenge under optimal conditions in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Method

HDM was distributed at different concentrations. The assessment was subjective by the patients: total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and objective by the investigator: acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and nasal secretion weight. Safety was assessed clinically and by peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1).

Results

Constant environment: temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration were maintained during all challenges. The concentration of HDM on average remained stable within the targeted values: 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 particles (p)/m3. Most symptoms were observed at concentrations 3000 p/m3 or higher. The symptoms severity and other endpoints results were reproducible. 5000 p/m3, and challenge duration of 120 min were found optimal. The procedure was safe with no lung function abnormalities due to challenge.

Conclusion

HDM challenge in ALL‐MED AEC offers a safe and reliable method for inducing symptoms in AR patients for the use in controlled clinical studies including allergen immunotherapy.
Responding to child and adolescent‐to‐parent violence and abuse from a distance: Remote delivery of interventions during Covid‐19
Authors: Rutter Nikki , Hall Kirsten , Westmarland Nicole
Published: August 2022

Working with families living with child and adolescent‐to‐parent violence raises a number of challenges which were compounded during the Covid‐19 pandemic. In this article, UK umbrella organisation ‘Respect’ is used as a case study to explore how 10 practitioners navigated social, emotional and safeguarding concerns that occurred when transitioning to remote working. Engagement with children and young people proved difficult, especially for those with special education needs and/or disabilities. However, parental engagement with services increased. Practitioners were quick to adapt to the changing landscape of remote working; continually adapting their practice to otherwise unforeseen safeguarding and/or practical challenges.
Performance evaluation of a novel reticulocyte identification method that uses metachromatic nucleic acid staining based on a crossover analysis of emission DNA/RNA light (RNP Determination™) in hematology analyzer Celltac G+
Authors: Yahagi Kaori , Arai Tomoko , Katagiri Hisako , Yatabe Yoko , Yokota Hiromitsu , Nagai Yutaka , Mitsuhashi Takayuki , Wakui Masatoshi , Murata Mitsuru
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Assessing the percentage of reticulocytes (%Retic) is useful for diagnosing and treating blood diseases that present with anaemia. The Celltac G+™ hematology analyzer (HA) uses a novel reticulocyte identification method that involves metachromatic nucleic acid staining with acridine orange and crossover analysis of emission light of DNA/RNA (determination of red cells, nucleic acid‐containing cells, and platelets, RNP Determination™). The red and green fluorescence generated by stained single‐stranded RNA and double‐stranded DNA express immaturity and morphological abnormality of erythrocytes by detecting erythrocyte RNA and DNA content.

Methods

The basic performance of the test automated analyzer (TAA) Celltac G+ was evaluated and compared with the flow cytometry reference method and the comparative automated analyzer (CAA) XN‐1000/2000™. In addition, its precision, limit of quantity (LoQ), linearity, analytical measurement interval (AMI), accuracy, and comparability and the effects of interfering substances were evaluated.

Results

Evaluation of %Retic by the TAA demonstrated good precision and linearity. The AMI was confirmed from 0.02 to 8.23, and the LoQ in %Retic as the coefficient of variation within an 11% limit (SD, within a 0.01 limit) was 0.14. TAA correlated well with the reference method and routine HA (CAA). Some deviations were found between TAA and CAA in DNA measurements of erythrocytes from abnormal samples.

Conclusion

Celltac G+ uses a novel measurement principle and can assess erythrocyte immaturity independent of DNA contents. It represents a new HA that provides novel, useful information on immaturity and morphological abnormality of erythrocytes.
Effects of comprehensive geriatric care on depressive symptoms, emergency department visits, re‐hospitalization and discharge to the same residence in older persons receiving hip‐fracture surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Shu‐Fen , Lin Shu‐Ni
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate depressive symptoms, emergency department visits, re‐hospitalization and discharge to the same residence of comprehensive geriatric care in patients receiving hip‐fracture surgery.

Background

Hip fractures among older persons result in restricted activities of daily living, longer hospital stays, frequent emergency department visits and re‐presentation to hospital, which may increase depressive symptoms and death risk. The benefits of comprehensive geriatric care have not been determined.

Design

A five‐step Cochrane collaboration meta‐analysis was used.

Data Sources

Randomized controlled trials published from 1980 to 2020 in which comprehensive geriatric care was provided following hip‐fracture surgery were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, Clinical Key, Embase, MEDLINE, OVID and PubMed databases. Indicators were depressive symptoms, emergency department visits, re‐hospitalization and discharge to the same residence.

Review Methods

The Group Reading Assessment, Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, modified Jadad scale and Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Version 3 software were used.

Results

Overall, 1291 patients from six randomised controlled trials were included. Comprehensive geriatric care improved depressive symptoms and lowered emergency department visits but did not improve re‐hospitalization rates or discharge to the same residence.

Conclusion

Comprehensive geriatric care should include depression management and individualized care plans. Further depression‐related studies are required to verify their benefits.
European guideline (EuroGuiDerm) on atopic eczema: part I – systemic therapy
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Kinberger M. , Arents B. , Aszodi N. , Avila Valle G. , Barbarot S. , Bieber T. , Brough H.A. , Calzavara Pinton P. , Christen‐Zäch S. , Deleuran M. , Dittmann M. , Dressler C. , Fink‐Wagner A.H. , Fosse N. , Gáspár K. , Gerbens L. , Gieler U. , Girolomoni G. , Gregoriou S. , Mortz C.G. , Nast A. , Nygaard U. , Redding M. , Rehbinder E.M. , Ring J. , Rossi M. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Simon D. , Szalai Z.Z. , Szepietowski J.C. , Torrelo A. , Werfel T. , Flohr C.
Published: August 2022

The evidence‐ and consensus‐based guideline on atopic eczema was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. Four consensus conferences were held between December 2020 and July 2021. Twenty‐nine experts (including clinicians and patient representatives) from 12 European countries participated. This first part of the guideline includes general information on its scope and purpose, the health questions covered, target users and a methods section. It also provides guidance on which patients should be treated with systemic therapies, as well as recommendations and detailed information on each systemic drug. The systemic treatment options discussed in the guideline comprise conventional immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, ciclosporin, glucocorticosteroids, methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil), biologics (dupilumab, lebrikizumab, nemolizumab, omalizumab and tralokinumab) and janus kinase inhibitors (abrocitinib, baricitinib and upadacitinib). Part two of the guideline will address avoidance of provocation factors, dietary interventions, immunotherapy, complementary medicine, educational interventions, occupational and psychodermatological aspects, patient perspective and considerations for paediatric, adolescent, pregnant and breastfeeding patients.
A review: Application and research progress of bioimpedance in meat quality inspection
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Li Xinxing , Tian Jianjun , Chen Jing , Gao Ge
Published: August 2022

Bioimpedance is an effective analytical technique for electrochemical system, which has the advantages of rapid, nondestructive, inexpensive, and easy to implement, and has shown a wide application for food quality and safety assessment recently. The main objectives of this review are to review recent progress in the application of bioimpedance in the detection of various meat quality attributes, and conduct a classification review in accordance with detection indicators of meat products, including carcass composition (IMF, fat, water, etc.) and physicochemical properties (TVB‐N, pH, shear force, etc.). In addition, we describe the basic principle of bioimpedance and factors affecting the measurement of impedance. Finally, we discussed the challenges of bioimpedance technology applied to meat quality inspection. The measurement device should be further optimized to reduce the effects of electrode polarization and muscle anisotropy, while more effective equivalent circuit models and data processing methods should be investigated. And the integration of other technologies and the development of certain bio‐detection devices, as well as the point‐of‐need diagnostic devices, are expected to be future trends in impedance technology.
Medicare's annual wellness visit: 10 years of opportunities gained and lost
Authors: Coll Patrick P. , Batsis John A. , Friedman Susan M. , Flaherty Ellen
Published: August 2022

Medicare annual wellness visits (AWV) were initiated 10 years ago. Though AWVs emphasize on disease prevention and health promotion for older adults was a huge step forward, the current “one size fits all” approach does not adequately meet the wellness needs of a diverse population of older adults. Current AWVs do not sufficiently take into consideration the medical, psychological, functional, racial, cultural and socio‐economic diversity of older adults. Updated AWVs should be tailored to meet the needs and priorities of older adults receiving them. Several geriatrics approaches to care, including geriatrics Glidepaths and the 4Ms of an Age‐Friendly Health System, could help develop and guide a more patient‐specific geriatrics focused approach to AWVs. Medicare's IPPE is an ideal time to advise new Medicare beneficiaries regarding what they should and should not do to maximize their ability to be healthy and functionally independent into their 80s, 90s, and 100s.
Body care activities and its consequences related to COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mościcka Patrycja
Published: August 2022

Background

Symptoms of illnesses related to COVID‐19 disease include also dermatological changes. Moreover, modification of cosmetic and hygenic habits are widely noted.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to review the literature focused on skin manifestations related to COVID‐19 disease.

Materials and Methods

In order to obtain information contained in this review article electronic databases, such as Google Scholar and PubMed, was searched. Only peer‐reviewed articles published in the past two years have been studied.

Results and Discussion

People have changed their cosmetics and hygenic habits, what has an impact on spreading COVID‐19 disease, as well as on the beauty industry and human health.

Conclusion

More emphasis should be placed on increasing knowledge about skin lesions, which may appear in course of the disease or are associated with changes in hygenic and cosmetics habits.
Monkeypox: A clinical update for paediatricians
Authors: Huang Yuanfei A , Howard‐Jones Annaleise R , Durrani Shireen , Wang Zhicheng , Williams Phoebe CM
Published: August 2022

The global spread of human monkeypox disease, a zoonotic infection related to smallpox and endemic to West and Central Africa, presents serious challenges for health systems. As of July 2022, 14 533 cases have been reported world‐wide, leading to designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Monkeypox disease is spread from animals to humans through infected lesions or fluids; human–human transmission occurs through fomites, droplets or direct contact. Illness is usually self‐limiting, but severe disease can occur in specific groups ‐ particularly children, and people who are immunocompromised or pregnant. Clinical presentation may include fever, lymphadenopathy and skin rash, but the rash may occur without other symptoms. Complications can include secondary bacterial infection of skin lesions, vision loss from corneal involvement, pneumonia, sepsis and encephalitis. Diagnosis of monkeypox requires consideration of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings, with sensitive history‐taking, to elicit close contacts, critical. Supportive management is usually sufficient, but treatment options (where required) include antivirals and vaccinia immune globulin. A paucity of safety data for relevant antivirals may limit their use. There are two types of monkeypox vaccines: a replication‐competent vaccinia vaccine, the use of which is logistically and clinically complex, and a replication‐deficient modified vaccinia Ankara virus vaccine. Preparedness of health systems for addressing the current outbreak is constrained by historic underfunding for research, and compounded by stigma and discrimination against cases and affected communities. Key challenges in halting transmission include improving vaccine equity and countering discrimination against men who have sex with men to aid diagnosis and treatment.
Exposure to screen time and dental neglect
Authors: Yilmaz Nagehan , Avci Gizem
Published: August 2022

Aim

Dental neglect is the failure of parents to meet a child's basic oral health needs and causes complications. Long screen time, and its health impact, is an important public health issue. This study is aimed at determining whether there is a relationship between screen time of children and parents and dental neglect.

Methods

Two hundred and fifteen patients were included in this cross‐sectional observational study. A questionnaire including questions exploring demographic data, children's life‐styles and, screen time of both parents and children. A dental neglect scale was administered to the parents. The children's intraoral examinations were evaluated using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) and pulp, ulcers, fistula, abscess (pufa) indices.

Results

Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that dental neglect was statistically significantly associated with brushing teeth unsupervised and infrequently, frequent snacking, rarely doing exercise, screen exposure at an early age and presence of dental plaque (P < 0.05). Long screen time was statistically significantly associated with high dmft scores, reflecting poor oral health. It was found that children who did not attend daycare, had statistically significantly longer exposure to screens, compared to those who attended daycare.

Conclusions

Early exposure to screens and long‐term screen use are associated with adverse outcomes pertaining to children's oral health.
Anaplastic ganglioglioma—A diagnosis comprising several distinct tumour types
Authors: Reinhardt Annekathrin , Pfister Kristin , Schrimpf Daniel , Stichel Damian , Sahm Felix , Reuss David E. , Capper David , Wefers Annika K. , Ebrahimi Azadeh , Sill Martin , Felsberg Joerg , Reifenberger Guido , Becker Albert , Prinz Marco , Staszewski Ori , Hartmann Christian , Schittenhelm Jens , Gramatzki Dorothee , Weller Michael , Olar Adriana , Rushing Elisabeth Jane , Bergmann Markus , Farrell Michael A. , Blümcke Ingmar , Coras Roland , Beckervordersandforth Jan , Kim Se Hoon , Rogerio Fabio , Dimova Petia S. , Niehusmann Pitt , Unterberg Andreas , Platten Michael , Pfister Stefan M. , Wick Wolfgang , Herold‐Mende Christel , von Deimling Andreas
Published: August 2022

Aims

Anaplastic ganglioglioma is a rare tumour, and diagnosis has been based on histological criteria. The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (CNS WHO) does not list anaplastic ganglioglioma as a distinct diagnosis due to lack of molecular data in previous publications. We retrospectively compiled a cohort of 54 histologically diagnosed anaplastic gangliogliomas to explore whether the molecular profiles of these tumours represent a separate type or resolve into other entities.

Methods

Samples were subjected to histological review, desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation profiling and next‐generation sequencing. Morphological and molecular data were summarised to an integrated diagnosis.

Results

The majority of tumours designated as anaplastic gangliogliomas resolved into other CNS WHO diagnoses, most commonly pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (16/54), glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase protein (IDH) wild type and diffuse paediatric‐type high‐grade glioma, H3 wild type and IDH wild type (11 and 2/54), followed by low‐grade glial or glioneuronal tumours including pilocytic astrocytoma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour and diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumour (5/54), IDH mutant astrocytoma (4/54) and others (6/54). A subset of tumours (10/54) was not assignable to a CNS WHO diagnosis, and common molecular profiles pointing to a separate entity were not evident.

Conclusions

In summary, we show that tumours histologically diagnosed as anaplastic ganglioglioma comprise a wide spectrum of CNS WHO tumour types with different prognostic and therapeutic implications. We therefore suggest assigning this designation with caution and recommend comprehensive molecular workup.