bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in tobacco smoking status in segments of the Australian population
Authors: de Meyrick Julian , Yusuf Farhat
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify correlates of tobacco smoking behaviour across various socio-demographic segments of the Australian population.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from two nationally representative, probability samples of persons 18 and over, surveyed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2001 and 2017–2018 were analysed using multinomial logistic regression.

Findings

Overall, the prevalence of current smokers declined from 24.3 to 15%. More than half of the population had never smoked. The prevalence of ex-smokers increased slightly to 30%. Prevalence of current smoking was higher among older age groups and among those with lower educational achievement, lower income, living in a disadvantaged area and experiencing increasing stress. Females were more likely than males to be never-smokers. Males were more likely than females to be current smokers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on two cross-sectional surveys conducted 17 years apart. It is not possible to draw any conclusions about the actual trajectories of the changes in the values reported or any correlations between those trajectories. Nor is it possible to make any meaningful forecasts about likely future trends in smoking status in these various segments based on these data sets. The classifications used in the surveys generate some heterogeneous groups, which can obscure important differences among respondents within groups. Data are all self-reported, and there is no validation of the self-reported smoking status. This might lead to under-reporting, especially in a community where tobacco smoking is no longer a majority or even a popular habit. Because the surveys are so large, virtually, all the findings are statistically significant. However, the increasing preponderance of never-smokers in many categories might mean that never-smokers could come to dominate the data.

Practical implications

The findings from this paper will help tobacco-control policy-makers to augment whole-of-community initiatives with individual campaigns designed to be more effective with particular socio-demographic segments. They will also assist in ensuring better alignment between initiatives addressing mental health and tobacco smoking problems facing the community.

Originality/value

The examination of smoking behaviour among individual population sub-groups, chosen by the authors, is commonplace in the literature. This paper uses data from two large surveys to model the whole, heterogeneous population, measured at two different points in time.
Social customer relationship management and organizational performance: testing a conceptual model in the North African context
Authors: Medjani Fares , Barnes Stuart
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Social CRM (SCRM) technologies, as distinct from CRM technologies per se, provide an important new resource for companies to develop their relationships with customers and drive business performance. This research develops and tests an original model exploring the impact of SCRM on firm performance and the relationships between SCRM use, engagement, CRM capabilities and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect a sample from 227 companies using a survey and test the model using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings reveal that all the hypotheses in our research model are supported: the use of SCRM technologies lead to developing capabilities and engagement. These capabilities and engagement are then transformed into business performance through a mediation process. Overall, these findings are consistent with resource-based view and dynamic capability theories; these new technological and relational resources allow the creation organizational capabilities, which are essential to enable firms to improve their performance.

Practical implications

SCRM does not directly lead to performance but facilitates CRM capabilities and engagement that allow businesses to enhance performance.

Originality/value

First, the authors conceptualize and operationalize SCRM as a unique concept, distinct in the literature. Second, the authors provide an original conceptualization of SCRM as a combination of CRM capabilities and engagement. Third, the authors study the mediating effect of CRM capabilities and engagement in the relationship between social CRM use and performance. Finally, this research is conducted in three North African countries where there is currently a dearth of understanding of the impact of modern information systems on organizational performance.
Knowledge sharing in international markets for product and process innovation: moderating role of firm's absorptive capacity
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between knowledge-sharing activities of the firm and its innovation capability. It also investigates the moderating impact of the firms' absorptive capacity on the relationship between knowledge sharing and firm innovation capability from the cross-subsidiary perspective in the international market environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed the literature from the areas of knowledge management, international market and innovation management. Through the literature review, absorptive capacity theory and dynamic capability view (DCV) theory, a conceptual model has been developed. This model has been validated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique with 612 respondents from 16 multinational firms from different countries.

Findings

The study finds that knowledge-sharing activities across subsidiaries of multinational firms are important for product and process innovation. Firms’ absorptive capacity also impacts the relationship between firms' knowledge-sharing activities and their different dynamic capabilities, such as sensing, seizing and transforming. The study also finds that firms' innovation capability positively impacts their competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable inputs to the management of multinational firms to recognize the importance of knowledge-sharing activities across their different subsidiaries in the international marketing knowledge management (MKM) context.

Originality/value

The study adds to the literature on knowledge management, international market and firms' innovation capability. As the study examines the knowledge-sharing activities across different subsidiaries of multinational firms, especially in the context of process and product innovation, it is considered unique. The study also provides a unique validated model.
Privacy helplessness on social media: its constituents, antecedents and consequences
Authors: Cho Hichang
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Many internet users exhibit signs of privacy helplessness and entirely give up online privacy management. However, we know little about what privacy helplessness is, when users are likely to experience it and its implications for privacy behavior. The objectives of this study were twofold: (a) the conceptual explication of privacy helplessness as a novel construct in privacy research and (b) the development of a theoretical model that specifies the antecedents and consequences of privacy helplessness.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model of privacy helplessness that contains three subcomponents of privacy helplessness, five antecedents and one outcome was developed. The model was empirically examined based on survey data collected from 589 Facebook users in the USA.

Findings

The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that privacy helplessness is adequately assessed by a three-factor model with affective, cognitive and motivational components. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that these three aspects of privacy helplessness are uniquely predicted by five theoretical factors: (a) prior experience of privacy risks, (b) personal mastery, (c) perceived costs of adaptive privacy actions, (d) perceived rewards of privacy inactions and (e) perceived vulnerability. Furthermore, it was found that helplessness as motivational deficits (and cognitive helplessness via this) impedes adaptive privacy actions, while cognitive helplessness promotes adaptive privacy actions when they do not result in motivational deficits.

Originality/value

This study pioneers investigation in understanding key constituents, attributes and processes underlying privacy helplessness. First, the present study developed the first theory-derived, successively validated measurement model of privacy helplessness. Second, this research proposed a theoretical model of privacy helplessness, specifying antecedents and consequences of privacy helplessness.
Diagnosis of “acopia”: prescription for neglect?
Authors: Hodges Zoe
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect upon the usefulness of the word “acopia” as a diagnosis in relation to individuals in hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A response to existing literature and consideration of application to practice with adults who may be vulnerable.

Findings

The term “acopia” is derived from medicine but has gained popularity throughout health and social care. It is a term that has no diagnostic tool or agreed characteristics.

Practical implications

Practitioners across a number of professional disciplines need to be aware of the individual circumstances, preferences and priorities of individuals to secure the most appropriate care and support for each person. Failure to acknowledge complexity of an individual’s presenting condition at hospital admission may have fatal consequences.

Originality/value

The importance of language used to refer to adults who are likely to be vulnerable may influence the quality of the care and treatment that they receive.
Promoting safety awareness and protection skills for people with disabilities: a literature review
Authors: Goh Kai Ru , Andrew Cathy
Published: May 2021

Purpose

High prevalence of violence against persons with disabilities (PwDs) has prompted a steady growth of training aimed at equipping PwDs with personal safety skills. This paper aims to examine the efficacy of safety trainings for PwDs.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of relevant electronic databases was conducted to shortlist peer-reviewed literature on empirically evaluated safety trainings for PwDs, between January 2010 and August 2020 with the defined inclusion criteria.

Findings

Six safety programmes were reviewed. Data analysis revealed key themes related to programme modifications for accessibility; fit of intervention to disability type; PwDs’ learning needs; and the context of disability abuse in designing intervention pathways.

Originality/value

PwDs can benefit from and contribute to safety training, if programmes are adequately modified to support their learning and participation. Future studies can target disability abuse by known persons; different disability groups; and generate longitudinal data to strengthen validity of programme efficacy.
Effect of social capital on agribusiness diversification intention in the emerging market
Authors: Lang Le Dang , Behl Abhishek , Dong Nguyen Trung , Temouri Yama , Thu Nguyen Hong
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously affected the global economy. How agribusinessmen are overcoming this crisis is being noticed in emerging markets. Using social capital to diversify agribusiness for getting more customers is a useful solution for the growth of agribusiness. However, there is a lack of evidence on the aggregate measurement scale of social capital and the influence of behavioral goals on the intention toward agribusiness diversification. Therefore, this study aims to develop an integrated measurement of social capital and investigate its effect on agribusiness diversification intention using the expanded theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach is used, including four in-depth interviews, three focus group discussions and two surveys. Structural equation modeling is applied to a sample of 484 respondents to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The study shows the role of social capital in influencing the intention to diversify agribusiness under the premises of the resource-based view (RBV). The scale of social capital is also developed, which is the first integrated measurement of this asset. The findings contribute significantly to the existing knowledge of social capital, the TPB and diversifying agribusiness.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore the comprehensive effect of the facets of social capital on behavioral intention through behavioral goals and determinants of the TPB under the premises of the RBV. The findings will help emerging economies, for example, Vietnam, where most farmers are family business owners or microscaled entrepreneurs in agriculture.
Assessing the knowledge, perceptions, and mental health impact of COVID-19 among students in Rwanda
Authors: Obaje Hawa Iye , Okengwu Grace Chinelo , Kenan Jolly Josiah , Uwimana Aimable , Ndayambaje Andre , Carey Timothy A. , Wong Rex
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the knowledge, perceptions and mental health impact of COVID-19 among students in Rwanda.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a cross-sectional online survey questionnaire.

Findings

The mean knowledge score among the 375 respondents was 75.14% (SD ± 19.1), with 195 (55.1%) of the respondents scoring below 80%. Students who believed that COVID-19 education was sufficient were more likely to have lower knowledge levels (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.15; 2.94). While most respondents were aware of their vulnerability to the virus, they did not see themselves at risk of becoming infected. The percentage of respondents reported to have some form of mental health issues was 49.7%. The three most important factors in influencing mental health were age, history of mental health issues, and the way news was reported. Education quality was less affected for those who received online schooling (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.94).

Practical implications

Education about COVID-19 should be strengthened by capitalizing on existing online and offline learning platforms to frequently update new or changing information.

Originality/value

This paper was the first study assessing the knowledge, perception and mental health impact of COVID-19 among Rwanda students.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of asphalt mixture based on freeze-thaw cycle
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhang Haitao , Xiong Huizhong
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In order to unravel the evolution of microstructure characteristics and the change of mechanical properties of bituminous mixture in the freezing and thawing environment in cold region, this study starts from macroscopic experiments and analyzes the changes in mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures before and after freezing and thawing in detail. On this basis, the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture under the action of external forces (before and after freezing and thawing) is simulated through the combination macroscopic and microscopic methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The climate in China exhibits high complexity and diversity, divided into five zones based on the temperature difference from south to north. Considering that the significant effect of geography and natural climate on the design, construction and maintenance of asphalt pavement, the criterion for the road construction at different areas should be highly different.

Findings

The results show that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture greatly decrease due to the influence of freeze-thaw, and the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture (several representative particle sizes were selected through experiments) is obviously observed because of the action of external force. By analyzing the variation of several key particle sizes after freezing-thawing cycle, the gradation standard of asphalt mixture aggregate suitable for cold area was obtained. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for the design and application of asphalt mixture in cold area.

Originality/value

The results show that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture greatly decrease due to the influence of freeze-thaw, and the displacement of key particles in the structure of asphalt mixture (several representative particle sizes were selected through experiments) is obviously observed because of the action of external force. By analyzing the variation of several key particle sizes after freezing-thawing cycle, the gradation standard of asphalt mixture aggregate suitable for cold area was obtained. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for the design and application of asphalt mixture in cold area.
A sustainable career for interim managers: the role of career communities
Authors: Hennekam Sophie , de Becdelièvre Pauline , Grima François
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study examines how the collective construction of career sustainability takes place through a career community of interim managers.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on 31 interviews with interim managers who are part of a career community in the form of a professional association of interim managers in France.

Findings

The findings show the importance of career communities as a vehicle through which to create a sustainable career. More specifically, we show that occupational career communities provide mutual and reciprocal career support, collective being and belonging through sense-making as well as collective learning leading to the collective creation of a sustainable career.

Originality/value

We add to the literature on sustainable careers by providing a collective community-level analysis and make a theoretical contribution by using the concept of career communities in shedding light on the career sustainability of interim managers. In the light of the increase in non-standard forms of employment, career communities might become an interesting vehicle for career management and development.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of intravenous injection of clonal mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow in five adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Shin Hyun‐Tae , Lee Si Hyub , Yoon Hee Seong , Heo Ji Hye , Lee Seon Bok , Byun Ji Won , Shin Jeonghyun , Cho Yun‐Kyoung , Chung Eunkyung , Jeon Myung‐Shin , Song Sun U. , Choi Gwang Seong
Published: May 2021

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease that is treated with immunosuppressants. However, long‐term use of immunosuppressants may cause toxicity and severe side‐effects. To confirm the long‐term efficacy and safety of clonal mesenchymal stem cell therapy, we performed investigator‐initiated clinical trials and long‐term observation in five adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that was refractory to conventional treatments. The clinical response assessment values such as Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) improved significantly at 16 weeks, and 80% (4/5) of the patients achieved EASI‐50 after one or two treatment cycles. Patients were observed for long‐term efficacy and safety for an average of 38 weeks (range, 16–86) and showed no serious side‐effects. Among the cytokines tested, CCL‐17, interleukin (IL)‐13, and IL‐22 significantly decreased at the end‐point of the five participants, two patients who maintained good clinical response over 84 weeks showed increased IL‐17 cytokine levels in the blood.
Inhibition of the interaction between fibronectin and dermatopontin by Clostridium perfringens fibronectin‐binding proteins
Authors: Matsunaga Nozomu , Narukawa Nodoka , Yamasaki Tsutomu , Katayama Seiichi , Hitsumoto Yasuo
Published: May 2021

Fibronectin (Fn) is an approximately 450 kDa glycoprotein that consists of 12 type I, 2 type II, and 15–17 type III modules. Fibrillation of Fn is important for tissue reconstitution and wound healing. We previously reported that Clostridium perfringens produces several Fn‐binding proteins (Fbps), two of which, FbpA and FbpB, bind to III1‐C (a fragment of Fn derived from the carboxyl‐terminal two‐thirds of the first‐type III module). Dermatopontin (DPT), a 22 kDa noncollagenous extracellular matrix protein, accelerates normal collagen fibrillation and induces Fn fibrillation. DPT interacts with Fn‐type III12–14 (III12–14), leading to a change in Fn conformation and promoting Fn fibrillation. Here, we investigated the effects of FbpA and FbpB on the binding of Fn and the III12–14 fragment to DPT and on the DPT‐induced Fn fibrillation. Both recombinant FbpA (rFbpA) and recombinant FbpB (rFbpB) significantly inhibited Fn binding to DPT and recombinant III12–14 (rIII12–14) binding, and inhibited DPT‐induced Fn fibrillation. Furthermore, it was found that both rFbpA and rFbpB significantly bound to coated DPT in an enzyme‐linked avidin–biotin complex system, whereas rIII12–14 did not bind to either coated rFbpA or rFbpB. In conclusion, both FbpA and FbpB inhibited DPT‐induced Fn fibrillation via their interaction with DPT. Both FbpA and FbpB released from lysed C. perfringens cells in wounds and/or infected tissue may prevent Fn fibrillation and delay the wound healing process, subsequently exacerbating infection.
Atrial natriuretic peptide does not degrade the endothelial glycocalyx: A secondary analysis of a randomized porcine model
Authors: Damén Tor , Kolsrud Oscar , Dellgren Göran , Hesse Camilla , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Nygren Andreas
Published: May 2021

Background

The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) released from the heart regulates intravascular volume and is suspected to increase capillary permeability. Contradictory results regarding ANP and glycocalyx degradation have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate if an infusion of ANP causes degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx.

Methods

Twenty pigs, pretreated with 250 mg methylprednisolone, were randomized to receive an infusion of either ANP (50 ng/kg/min) (n = 10) or 0.9% NaCl (n = 10) during 60 min. Endothelial glycocalyx components (heparan sulphate proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid), Hct, calculated plasma volume and colloid osmotic pressure were measured from baseline to 60 min.

Results

There was no difference between the control and intervention groups for heparan sulphate proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid corrected for the change in plasma volume (P = .333 and 0.197). Hct increased with 1.8 ± 2.2% in the intervention group (P = .029) with no change −0.5 ± 2.3% in the control group (P = .504). The plasma volume decreased in the intervention group with −8.4 ± 10% (P = .034) with no change in the control group 3.1 ± 12% (P = .427). Median changes in colloid osmotic pressures in the control and intervention group were −0.39 [95% CI, −1.88‐0.13] and 0.9 [95% CI, 0.00‐1.58], respectively (P = .012).

Conclusions

In this randomized porcine study, an ANP infusion did not cause endothelial glycocalyx degradation but decreased the plasma volume most probably due to precapillary vasodilation and increased filtration.
Clinical and radiographic outcome of the root canal treatment of infected teeth with associated sinus tract: A retrospective study
Authors: Artaza Liliana , F. Campello Andrea , Soimu Giuliana , Alves Flávio R. F. , Rôças Isabela N. , Siqueira José F.
Published: May 2021

This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of the endodontic treatment/retreatment of teeth with intraoral sinus tracts. Seventy‐two teeth from 70 individuals were included. One operator treated all teeth over about 20 years. Time for the sinus tract to heal was recorded. Treatment outcome was evaluated after at least 1 year and classified as healed, healing or diseased. The overall healed rate of periradicular lesions was 73.6% (74.1% for treatment and 72.2% for retreatment). In 6 (8.3%) teeth, lesions were healing. Thirteen teeth (18.1%) exhibited persistent disease. In 68/72 (94.4%) cases, the sinus tract healed in less than 1 month. No preoperative/intraoperative variable affected the outcome (P > 0.05). Missing restorations had a negative impact (P < 0.05). Healing of both the sinus tract quickly after treatment and the periradicular lesion later were usually achieved. Closure of the sinus tract in the first month was a good predictor of lesion healing.
Pattern of seedling emergence and early growth in Avicennia germinans and Rhizophora racemosa along an experimental salinity gradient
Authors: Sinsin Corine Bitossessi Laurenda , Salako Kolawolé Valère , Fandohan Adandé Belarmain , Zanvo Mahoutin Gildas Serge , Kouassi Konan Edouard , Glèlè Kakaï Romain Lucas
Published: May 2021

Salinity is a major driver of emergence and early growth of mangrove propagules. The magnitude of salinity effects may vary across mangrove ecotypes. Using a randomised complete block design in a semi‐controlled experiment, this study assessed the effect of salinity (low: 3–5, moderate: 15–17 and high: 34–36 Practical Salinity Unit) on the emergence and early growth of Rhizophora racemosa (G.) Meyer and Avicennia germinans (L.) L., two common mangrove species in West Africa. Per cent emergence, total height and number of leaves were recorded daily for 30 days. Data were analysed using a three‐parameter log‐logistic distribution and linear mixed models. For both species, results showed significant effects of salinity on per cent emergence and growth variables. There was a negative correlation between salinity and per cent emergence of A. germinans and between salinity and height and number of leaves during the early growth phase of both species. However, the per cent emergence of R. racemosa was significantly higher for moderate salinity. To avoid the risk of dieback from osmotic shock after transplantation, we recommend the use of water of low or moderate salinity in nursery, depending on whether the soil salinity is low or high where the seedlings will be transplanted.
An updated review on the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on the mucosal biology of the female genital tract
Authors: Ayele Hossaena , Perner Michelle , McKinnon Lyle R. , Birse Kenzie , Farr Zuend Christina , Burgener Adam
Published: May 2021

Background

Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is important for women’s health and essential to mitigate maternal and fetal mortality rates. The progestin‐based contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice with a low failure rate and convenient administration schedule.

Aim

In this review, we compiled observational data from human cohorts that examine how DMPA influences the mucosal biology of the female genital tract (FGT) that are essential in maintaining vaginal health, including resident immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, epithelial barrier function, and the vaginal microbiome

Materials and Methods

This review focused on the recent published literature published in 2019 and 2020.

Results

Recent longitudinal studies show that DMPA use associates with an immunosuppressive phenotype, increase in CD4+CCR5+ T cells, and alterations to growth factors. In agreement with previous meta‐analyses, DMPA use is associated with minimal effects of the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Cross‐sectional studies associate a more pro‐inflammatory relationship with DMPA, but these studies are confounded by inherent weaknesses of cross‐sectional studies, including differences in study group sizes, behaviors, and other variables that may affect genital inflammation.

Discussion & Conclusion

These recent results indicate that the interactions between DMPA and the vaginal mucosa are complex emphasizing the need for comprehensive longitudinal studies that take into consideration the measurement of multiple biological parameters.
Microglia‐leucocyte axis in cerebral ischaemia and inflammation in the developing brain
Authors: Rayasam Aditya , Fukuzaki Yumi , Vexler Zinaida S.
Published: May 2021

Development of the Central Nervous System (CNS) is reliant on the proper function of numerous intricately orchestrated mechanisms that mature independently, including constant communication between the CNS and the peripheral immune system. This review summarizes experimental knowledge of how cerebral ischaemia in infants and children alters physiological communication between leucocytes, brain immune cells, microglia and the neurovascular unit (NVU)—the “microglia‐leucocyte axis”—and contributes to acute and long‐term brain injury. We outline physiological development of CNS barriers in relation to microglial and leucocyte maturation and the plethora of mechanisms by which microglia and peripheral leucocytes communicate during postnatal period, including receptor‐mediated and intracellular inflammatory signalling, lipids, soluble factors and extracellular vesicles. We focus on the “microglia‐leucocyte axis” in rodent models of most common ischaemic brain diseases in the at‐term infants, hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and focal arterial stroke and discuss commonalities and distinctions of immune‐neurovascular mechanisms in neonatal and childhood stroke compared to stroke in adults. Given that hypoxic and ischaemic brain damage involve Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation, we discuss the modulatory role of viral and bacterial TLR2/3/4‐mediated infection in HIE, perinatal and childhood stroke. Furthermore, we provide perspective of the dynamics and contribution of the axis in cerebral ischaemia depending on the CNS maturational stage at the time of insult, and modulation independently and in consort by individual axis components and in a sex dependent ways. Improved understanding on how to modify crosstalk between microglia and leucocytes will aid in developing age‐appropriate therapies for infants and children who suffered cerebral ischaemia.
Photography, composition, and the ephemeral city
Authors: Arnold Emma
Published: May 2021

Photography is ultimately concerned with the ephemeral – with capturing and preserving transient moments. As a place in constant flux, full of ephemera and the ephemeral, the city has long been an important site for photographers. Those who study the city are increasingly incorporating photography into their research thanks to changing and more accessible technologies and epistemological shifts across the social sciences. Photographs are taking on new roles and are not only adjuncts or images that serve to illustrate or support text; they are integral to varied methodologies that centre the creation of images, from participatory methods using photo‐voice to visual urban ethnographies. This paper considers how a move from illustrative and documentary style to more creative and evocative photography is changing the ways geographers compose images. Geographers are not just taking images but making them, involving themselves in a form of hybrid geographic and artistic practice. This shift involves a move from more objective to subjective framings and, in some cases, from more passive to active techniques. Taking graffiti photography as a departure, this paper explores how a hybrid geographic and artistic approach influences the composition and aesthetic qualities of images. The paper takes the reader through five compositions emerging from a study on the politics of graffiti in Norway: 1. Documentation; 2. Obstruction; 3. Abstraction; 4. Reflection; and 5. Negation. These compositions are useful in understanding the place of graffiti, one of the most contested and quintessentially ephemeral features of the urban landscape. This analysis demonstrates how a divergence from more typical representations is important in conducting critical urban photographic research, how an artistic eye is about the analytic as well as the aesthetic.
Capturing a moving target: Interviewing fintech experts via LinkedIn
Authors: Robinson Gary
Published: May 2021

This paper explores possible responses to some of the main challenges associated with conducting elite and expert interviews as part of qualitative research in human geography. Drawing on the example of the dynamic fintech industry, the paper outlines some similarities and differences between elite and expert interviews and uses this to identify and discuss possible responses. Against this backdrop, the paper also reflects on advantages and disadvantages of using the professional social networking site LinkedIn as a research aid for sampling and contacting interviewees as well as for interview preparation. The paper is anticipated to be of interest to those conducting qualitative research involving limited size sample subjects who are potentially difficult to find.
Afterword: Towards a political ecology of labour?
Authors: Coe Neil M.
Published: May 2021

In this brief afterword, I reflect on the contributions to the Area special section on the “Geographies of Labour in a Changing Climate.” I argue that there is an urgent need to develop a research agenda under this theme and that, with its focus on multi‐scalar dynamics and the constrained agency of workers, labour geography already has a toolkit that is well attuned to the task. In conclusion, the case is made for developing an approach that might be characterised as a “political ecology of labour.”
Cybersecurity’s grammars: A more‐than‐human geopolitics of computation
Authors: Dwyer Andrew C.
Published: May 2021

On one June afternoon in 2017, during an autoethnography of a malware analysis and detection laboratory, NotPetya quickly caused destruction. This malware has since been characterised as a key geopolitical event in cybersecurity, causing billions of dollars in damage as it rendered inoperable computers across the world. The hunt to identify those who had written NotPetya occurred almost immediately. However, this paper rearticulates this event through grammar, in a close reading of computation, to urge for a more‐than‐human reading of cybersecurity. By exploring the written propositions of the hackers, various computational materials – including hardware, code, and machine learning algorithms – as well as their ecologies, cybersecurity is understood to be part of an ecology of language‐practice. Engaging with N. Katherine Hayles’ study of non‐human cognition and choice, computation has an ability to read, interpret, and act, and thus intervene. NotPetya is thus not only a tool of hackers but is a political actor which, alongside others, transformed the contours of the geopolitics of cybersecurity. By focusing on grammars, geopolitics does not wholly derive from the (white, male, rational) hacker, analyst, or intelligence agent, but rather from a distributed set of actors that speak to one another. Grammars permit a nuanced appreciation of cyber‐attacks, the hacker's handling of computational cognition and choice, as well as conceptualising the relation between author and computation and the risks of machine learning. Cybersecurity, through grammar, then becomes one of co‐authorship where security is not only performed by humans but is contorted by an alien politics of computation.
Legislating political space for LGBT families: The 2018 referendum on the definition of family in Romania
Authors: Voiculescu Sorina , Groza Octavian
Published: May 2021

As marriage is defined in post‐socialist Romania as the union of two spouses and not specifically between a man and a woman, the legalisation of homosexuality in 2002 created the possibility for legal same‐sex marriage and for a more inclusive sexual citizenship. By 2018, a political alliance mobilised a referendum to redefine marriage in a way that would make families headed by same‐sex couples impossible. LGBT rights organisations and others who promote a more tolerant society urged Romanian citizens to boycott the vote. Eventually, due to a missing quorum the referendum was invalidated leaving the definition of marriage as it was – between two spouses. With a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, we analyse the way that this referendum functioned as a test of the re‐definition of family within the post‐socialist Romanian political space. The failure of this legislation then leads to our central question – were Romanians acting to promote a more tolerant and inclusive definition of family or were they merely reacting against the politicians, religious, and other influential groups who initiated the referendum? First, discourse analysis presents the various sets of ideas employed by actors involved for and against the referendum. Then we conduct a spatial analysis to reveal the territorial articulations of obedience to vote (voter turn‐out) and the results of voting along with other demographic characteristics. Even though the majority of the population with the right to vote preferred to boycott the referendum, our research demonstrates the spatial articulation of attitudes towards LGBT families showing that in Romania there are five overlapping discourses: the tolerant, the politically conformant, the homophobic, the passive rural, and the homosexual.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TAK‐418, a novel inhibitor of the epigenetic modulator lysine‐specific demethylase 1A
Authors: Yin Wei , Arkilo Dimitrios , Khudyakov Polyna , Hazel Jim , Gupta Saurabh , Quinton Maria S. , Lin Jie , Hartman Deborah S. , Bednar Martin M. , Rosen Laura , Wendland Jens R.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Dysregulation of histone methylation epigenetic marks may result in intellectual and developmental disability, as seen in Kabuki syndrome. Animal data suggest that increasing histone methylation by inhibiting lysine‐specific demethylase 1A (LSD1) may improve cognitive outcomes in a model of Kabuki syndrome. TAK‐418 is a novel LSD1 inhibitor, developed as a potential therapeutic agent for central nervous system disorders such as Kabuki syndrome. Here, we report safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of single and multiple doses of TAK‐418 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03228433, NCT03501069).

Methods

Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 studies of oral TAK‐418 were performed, a first‐in‐human single‐rising‐dose (SRD) study (5–60 mg) in healthy adult male and female volunteers (placebo, n = 10; TAK‐418, n = 30), and an SRD (120–160 mg) and multiple‐rising‐dose (MRD) study (20–160 mg once daily for 10 days) in healthy female volunteers (placebo, n = 2 [SRD] and n = 6 [MRD]; TAK‐418, n = 6 [SRD] and n = 18 [MRD]).

Results

TAK‐418 was well tolerated. No clinically significant changes in laboratory test results or vital signs were observed and no serious adverse events were reported. TAK‐418 had a nearly linear pharmacokinetic profile, with rapid absorption and short terminal half‐life across the evaluated dose range. No obvious accumulation was observed after daily administration for 10 days. Administration with food delayed peak plasma concentrations but overall exposure was unaffected. TAK‐418 rapidly crossed the blood–brain barrier and generally showed a dose‐dependent response in the peripheral pharmacodynamic biomarker formyl‐flavin adenine dinucleotide.

Conclusion

The brain‐penetrant LSD1 inhibitor TAK‐418 was well tolerated, with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects that support further investigation.
Oral drug dosing following bariatric surgery: General concepts and specific dosing advice
Authors: Kingma Jurjen S. , Burgers Desirée M. T. , Monpellier Valerie M. , Wiezer Marinus J. , Blussé van Oud‐Alblas Heleen J. , Vaughns Janelle D. , Sherwin Catherine M. T. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J.
Published: May 2021

Bariatric or weight‐loss surgery is a popular option for weight reduction. Depending on the surgical procedure, gastric changes like decreased transit time and volume and increased pH, decreased absorption surface in the small intestine, decreased exposure to bile acids and enterohepatic circulation, and decreased gastrointestinal transit time may be expected. In the years after bariatric surgery, patients will also substantially lose weight. As a result of these changes, the absorption, distribution, metabolism and/or elimination of drugs may be altered. The purpose of this article is to report the general influence of bariatric surgery on oral drug absorption, and to provide guidance for dosing of commonly used drugs in this special population. Upon oral drug administration, the time to maximum concentration is often earlier and this concentration may be higher with less consistent effects on trough concentrations and exposure. Additionally, prescription of liquid formulations to bariatric patients is supported by some reports, even though the high sugar load of these suspensions may be of concern. Studies on extended‐release medications result in an unaltered exposure for a substantial number of drugs. Also, studies evaluating the influence of timing after surgery show dynamic absorption profiles. Although for this group specific advice can be proposed for many drugs, we conclude that there is insufficient evidence for general advice for oral drug therapy after bariatric surgery, implying that a risk assessment on a case‐by‐case basis is required for each drug.
Ethical issues in therapeutic use and research in pregnant and breastfeeding women
Authors: Weld Ethel D. , Bailey Theodore C. , Waitt Catriona
Published: May 2021

Pregnant or potentially pregnant women have historically been excluded from clinical trials of new medications. However, it is increasingly recognised that it is imperative to generate evidence from the population in whom the drugs are likely to be used to inform safe, evidence‐based shared clinical decision making. Reluctance by researchers and regulators to perform such studies often relates to concerns about risk, particularly to the foetus. However, this must be offset against the risk of untreated disease or using a drug in pregnancy where safety, efficacy and dosing information are not known. This review summarises the historical perspective, and the ethical and legal frameworks that inform the conduct of such research, then highlights examples of innovative practice that have enabled high quality, ethical research to proceed to inform the evidence‐based use of medication in pregnancy.
Current and emerging pharmacological targets for medical expulsive therapy
Authors: Lim Iris , Sellers Donna J. , Chess‐Williams Russ
Published: May 2021

The primary goals of medical expulsive therapy are to increase the rate of stone expulsion along the ureter to avoid ureteral obstruction and reduce ureteral colic and thus avoid the need for surgical and more invasive interventions. This review focussed on the findings from in vivo and in vitro animal and human studies that have investigated the pharmacological mechanisms controlling ureteral motility and their translation to current and potentially new clinically used drugs for increasing the rate of stone expulsion along the ureter. The complicated contractility profile of the ureter, which alters with age, tissue segment region, orientation and species contributes to the difficulty of interpreting studies on ureteral pharmacology, which translates to the complexity of discovering ideal drug targets for medical expulsive therapy. Nevertheless, the current drug classes clinically used for patients with stone lodgement include α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers and NSAIDS, whilst there are promising targets for drug development that require further clinical investigations including the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, β‐adrenoceptors and 5‐HT receptors.
Incidence, characteristics and clinical profile of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in patients with pre‐existing primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Spain
Authors: Mingot‐Castellano María E. , Alcalde‐Mellado Patricia , Pascual‐Izquierdo Cristina , Perez Rus Gloria , Calo Pérez Aida , Martinez María P. , López‐Jaime Francisco J. , Abalo Perez Lorena , Gonzalez‐Porras José R. , López Fernández Fernanda , Caparrós Miranda Isabel S. , González‐López Tomás J. , Moreno Beltrán María E. , Rubio Escuin Rebeca , Jimenez Bárcenas Reyes ,   on behalf GEPTI (Grupo Español de Trombocitopenia Inmune)
Published: May 2021

Infections are one of the well‐known precipitating factors for relapses in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can sometimes lead to or be associated with thrombocytopenia due to an increase in peripheral platelet destruction from inflammatory hyperactivation. Currently, we do not know if SARS‐CoV‐2 infection modifies the natural evolution of chronic or persistent ITP or if previous immunosuppression of patients with ITP influences the incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in this group. The present study was an observational, multicentre, national series of 32 adult patients with pre‐existing ITP and subsequent SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, collected by the Spanish ITP Group [Grupo Español de Trombocitopenia Inmune (GEPTI)].
Altered hippocampal kynurenine pathway metabolism contributes to hyperexcitability in human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy–hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Dey Soumil , Banerjee Dixit Aparna , Tripathi Manjari , Doddamani Ramesh Sharanappa , Sharma Mehar Chand , Lalwani Sanjeev , Chandra Poodipedi Sarat , Banerjee Jyotirmoy
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose

Glutamate receptor‐mediated enhanced excitatory neurotransmission is typically associated with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS). Kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid are two important tryptophan–kynurenine pathway metabolites that modulate glutamate receptor activity. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that alteration in metabolism of tryptophan–kynurenine pathway metabolites in the hippocampus of patients with MTLE‐HS contributes to abnormal glutamatergic transmission.

Experimental Approach

Levels of tryptophan–kynurenine pathway metabolites were determined using HPLC and LC–MS/MS in hippocampal samples from patients with MTLE‐HS, compared with autopsy and non‐seizure control samples. mRNA and protein expressions of tryptophan–kynurenine pathway enzymes were determined by qPCR and Western blot. Spontaneous glutamatergic activities were recorded from pyramidal neurons in the presence of kynurenine and kynurenic acid, using whole‐cell patch clamp.

Key Results

Levels of kynurenic acid were reduced and quinolinic acid levels were raised in hippocampal samples from MTLE‐HS patients, whereas kynurenine levels remained unaltered, compared with levels in non‐seizure controls. Spontaneous glutamatergic activity in MTLE‐HS hippocampal samples was higher than that in non‐seizure controls. Treatment with kynurenine inhibited glutamatergic activity in non‐seizure control samples but not in MTLE‐HS samples. However, exogenously applied kynurenic acid inhibited glutamatergic activity in both non‐seizure control and MTLE‐HS hippocampal samples. Also, levels of kynurenine aminotransferase II and its cofactor pyridoxal phosphate were reduced in MTLE‐HS samples.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings indicate that altered metabolism of tryptophan–kynurenine pathway metabolites in hippocampus could contribute to hyperglutamatergic tone in patients with MTLE‐HS.