bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of heat and mass transport characteristics in microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions for hydrogen production
Authors: Li Shian , Yang Zhi , Liu Yihui , Shen Qiuwan , Yang Guogang , Sunden Bengt Ake
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the heat and mass transport characteristics in microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional model is developed to study the heat and mass transport characteristics in microchannel reactors. The heat and mass transport processes in the microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distribution in the catalytic combustion channel are also studied.

Findings

The simulated results are compared in terms of the distributions of species mole fraction, temperature and reaction rate for the conventional and new designed reactors. It is found that the chemical reaction, heat and mass transport processes are significantly affected and the maximum temperature in the reactor is also greatly reduced when a non-uniform catalyst distribution is applied in the combustion catalyst layer.

Practical implications

This study can improve the understanding of the transportation characteristics in microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions and provide guidance for the design of microchannel reactors.

Originality/value

The design of microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions can be used in methane steam reforming to reduce the maximum temperature inside the reactor.
Safe-haven investments against stock returns in Pakistan: a role of real estate, gold, oil and US dollar
Authors: Imran Zulfiqar Ali , Ahad Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to compare the safe-haven properties of different asset markets such as gold, dollar, oil and disaggregated real estate sector (house, plot and residential) against equity returns in Pakistan over the monthly period of January 2011–December 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use wavelet coherence to encapsulate the overall dependence and correlation of asset classes. Further, the authors also study the potential of diversification at the tail of returns distribution by applying the wavelet value-at-risk (VaR) framework.

Findings

The results of wavelet coherence show that the dependence is weaker (stronger) in the short (long)-term investment horizon. Moreover, the findings of wavelet VaR reveal that the degree of co-movement between gold and equity returns greatly affects the portfolio risk followed by residential property and oil.

Practical implications

The findings are beneficial for the individual investor, fund managers and financial advisors looking for the optimal portfolio combination that hedges the excessive negative movements in equity returns subject to the heterogeneity in the investment horizon.

Originality/value

This is a primary effort to estimate safe-haven investments opportunities at a large spectrum, including disaggregated real estate sector against stock returns in Pakistan. Moreover, this study uses wavelet coherence and wavelet VaR which have an advantage over traditional analysis for diversification.
A fuzzy Bayesian network-based approach for modeling and analyzing factors causing process variability
Authors: Kar Anwesa , Sharma Garima , Rai Rajiv Nandan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In order to minimize the impact of variability on performance of the process, proper understanding of factors interdependencies and their impact on process variability (PV) is required. However, with insufficient/incomplete numerical data, it is not possible to carry out in-depth process analysis. This paper presents a qualitative framework for analyzing factors causing PV and estimating their influence on overall performance of the process.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is used to evaluate the weight of each factor and Bayesian network (BN) is utilized to address the uncertainty and conditional dependencies among factors in each step of the process. The weighted values are fed into the BN for evaluating the impact of each factor to the process. A three axiom-based approach is utilized to partially validate the proposed model.

Findings

A case study is conducted on fused filament fabrication (FFF) process in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed technique. The result analysis indicates that the proposed model can determine the contribution of each factor and identify the critical factor causing variability in the FFF process. It can also helps in estimating the sigma level, one of the crucial performance measures of a process.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed methodology is aimed to predict the process quality qualitatively due to limited historical quantitative data. Hence, the quality metric is required to be updated with the help of empirical/field data of PV over a period of operational time. Since the proposed method is based on qualitative analysis framework, the subjectivities of judgments in estimating factor weights are involved. Though a fuzzy-based approach has been used in this paper to minimize such subjectivity, however more advanced MCDM techniques can be developed for factor weight evaluation.

Practical implications

As the proposed methodology uses qualitative data for analysis, it is extremely beneficial while dealing with the issue of scarcity of experimental data.

Social implications

The prediction of the process quality and understanding of difference between product target and achieved reliability before the product fabrication will help the process designer in correcting/modifying the processes in advance hence preventing substantial amount of losses that may happen due to rework and scraping of the products at a later stage.

Originality/value

This qualitative analysis will deal with the issue of data unavailability across the industry. It will help the process designer in identifying root cause of the PV problem and improving performance of the process.
Sustainable development competencies and student-centered teaching strategies in higher education institutions: the role of professors as gatekeepers
Authors: Rögele Stefan , Rilling Benedikt , Apfel Dorothee , Fuchs Johannes
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of professors as gatekeepers for sustainable development competencies (SDC) in disciplinary study programs. It aims to understand which factors are crucial for professors to integrate SDC into their teaching, their basic understanding of SDC, the actual degree of SDC integration and how suitable they perceive student-centered teaching strategies for teaching SDC.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on the qualitative content analysis of interviews with 16 professors after they participated in a didactic training program focused on combining student-centered teaching strategies with SDC.

Findings

Psychological factors, like the attribution of responsibility, value orientations and cost-benefit considerations, are not the only reasons for integrating SDC into a course, as disciplinary requirements play their role. When teaching SDC, professors focus on systems-thinking, strategic and normative competencies. They consider student-centered teaching strategies especially suitable to teach systems-thinking and interpersonal competencies.

Social implications

Promoting changes toward teaching SDC may best be done by supporting professors’ intrinsic motivations: by fulfilling the need for growth in teaching skills, activating values and creating an environment in which everybody feels responsible for teaching SDC.

Originality/value

Teaching SDC with student-centered teaching strategies is relevant even in study programs that show little relation to sustainability issues. professors are experts in their field, but not necessarily in the field of sustainability. Understanding how such professors might include sustainable development competency development in their syllabi can widen the influence of SDC on higher education.
Analysis of elliptical dam bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid
Authors: Sharma Sanyam , Krishna Chimata Murali , Singh Rajesh
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the theoretical performance of elliptical dam bearing (EDB). The objective of this paper is to study the influence of eccentricity ratio, dam parameters and micropolarity parameters on the stability of EDB with respect to micropolar lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the modified Reynolds’ equation for dynamic state is solved using the finite element method and Galerkin technique. A MATLAB code is written to compute pressure and stability and also to analyse the characteristics. The stability parameters of an EDB are computed for selected values of eccentricity ratios at four levels in the range of 0.20 to 0.35 and for length-diameter ratio of 2.0.

Findings

The results from stability analysis reveal that micropolar lubricated EDB provides better stability at smaller material length due to increased effective viscosity. Hence, it is better to select the smaller characteristic length and higher dam width to achieve optimum performance of these bearings.

Originality/value

Very few researchers investigated the effects of working eccentricity, bearing dam and micropolar fluid parameters on the EDB in the past. It is important to study these aspects for optimum performance of bearings.
Theory of binary-valued data envelopment analysis: an application in assessing the sustainability of suppliers
Authors: Karimi Balal , Azadi Majid , Farzipoor Saen Reza , Fosso Wamba Samuel
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study is to present a binary-valued data envelopment analysis (DEA) theory. The authors’ proposed approach, for the first time, combines binary-valued and integer-valued theories concurrently in the DEA context. To do so, new production possibility sets (PPSs) with some distinguished features are developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors address integer inputs and outputs in the proposed approach by introducing a new PPS.

Findings

To take into account the binary data, the authors develop axiomatic DEA principles. The binary production principles guarantee any combination of convexity and feasibility. Furthermore, the authors develop a new DEA model to consider integer and real data. A case study is presented to show the usefulness of the developed models. Using the proposed models, the authors obtained benchmarks to solve the sustainable supplier selection problems.

Originality/value

(1) For the first time, binary-valued and integer-valued theories are presented in an integrated DEA model. (2) To deal with the pure binary data, a new PPS is proposed. (3) To consider real, integer and binary data, a new PPS is introduced. (4) New technologies are developed to propose feasible solutions. (5) The proposed models can project inefficient decision-making units (DMUs) on efficiency frontier given binary, integer and real data. (6) A case study is given for the performance evaluation of sustainable suppliers.
Antecedents of capital structure and firm performance: evidence from G-7 countries
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Jinghong Shu , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The main goal of this study is to analyze how monetary debt effects firm behavior of 167 registered manufacturing companies in G-7 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the present study is taken from the listed firms in G-7 countries. For the building companies, the yearly financial statements of 2007–2018 have been taken from world stock exchange and Thomson Reuters Data Stream. In this study, regression analysis are directed with panel data over the period of 2007–2018 using ordinary least square summary statistics, correlation matrix and generalized method moments. Data were analyzed by employing E Views and Stata 13 software.

Findings

The significant findings of the current study indicated that fixed assets, tangible assets, taxes, net cash and profitability have positive association with debt level.

Research limitations/implications

The current work include only registered manufacturing firms in G-7 countries. Moreover, ownership types are not accounted for in this study.

Practical implications

The current analysis is an empirical investigation of antecedents of debt regarding G-7 countries with up-to-date data. Various regression inquires have been made to design the models using different measures of debt and measure of firm performance indicators. These works will assist G-7 countries firms to know the effects of identified factors on time raising debt level.

Originality/value

The current work has been finalized using genuine data of yearly reports and database. This study incorporated antecedents of debt, which have limited discourse in prior literature. Furthermore, this study explores the connection between debt level and firm performance of G-7 countries.
Are product design researchers and practitioners on the same page? The way professional product designers view creative design
Authors: Sameti Ardalan , Koslow Scott , Mashhady Arash
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore professional product designers’ views on creative design and to compare their viewpoints with the related academic literature on product marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

To find the designers’ views on creative design, face-to-face in-depth interviews based on repertory grid analysis and semi-structured questions were conducted with 32 professional and award-wining product designers who mostly design for international producers.

Findings

Although marketing scholars often approach design as a noun – something that can be viewed and analysed as a bundle of attributes, dimensions or characteristics – professional designers view design differently. To them, design is a verb, a problem-solving process through which they meet the challenges consumers have with products. Comparing professional product designers’ views on design creativity with the main topics in the product marketing literature places scholars’ dispositionalism against designers’ situationalism; it also enables marketing scholars to improve their viewpoints on product design and to bring practical problem-solving and design thinking into their research. This also increases mutual understanding between marketers and designers.

Research limitations/implications

This research enhances the knowledge of marketing scholars, marketers and designers about each other’s perspectives on product design creativity, which will improve their mutual understanding and the business-to-business relationship between marketers and designers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first study that has attempted to discover product designers’ opinions on the main topics in the related academic literature.
Social network ties, proactive entrepreneurial behavior and successful retail business: a study on Indonesia small enterprises
Authors: Nasution Muhammad Dharma Tuah Putra , Rini Endang Sulistya , Absah Yeni , Sembiring Beby Karina Fawzeea
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between social network ties (SNT) and successful retail business (SRB), as well as the effect of the moderating variable of proactive entrepreneurial behavior (PEB).

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative method with a cross-sectional design is used. A series of questionnaires are distributed and collected from a total of 101 retail business owners selected by a purposive sampling technique. Factor analysis and regression analysis are used to test the validity of the data and hypotheses.

Findings

The results establish that the higher the SNT, the higher the chance of a retail business to be successful. Interestingly, subsequent findings indicate that the role of PEB can strengthen the relationship between SNT and SRBs.

Originality/value

Business owners or entrepreneurs are considering both SNT and PEB in making business decisions. A new insight on the importance of intangible resources is revealed where it is rooted in resource-based and social capital theories.
Eco-friendly polymer composite films based on waste polyvinyl chloride/sunflower seed cake for antimicrobial and antistatic applications
Authors: Saied Mona , Reffaee Abeer , Hamieda Shimaa , Abd- El- Messieh Salwa L. , Shafik Emad S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to get rid of non-degradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste as well as sunflower seed cake (SSC) waste by preparing eco-friendly composites from both in different proportions to reach good mechanical and insulating properties for antimicrobial and antistatic applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Eco-friendly composite films based on waste polyvinylchloride (WPVC) and SSC of concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 Wt.%) were prepared using solution casting method. Further, the effect of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on the biophysical properties of the prepared composites is also investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, mechanical, thermal, dielectric properties were assessed. Besides, the antimicrobial and biodegradation tests were also studied.

Findings

The crystallinity increases by rising SSC concentration as revealed by XRD results. Additionally, the permittivity (ε′) increases by increasing SSC filler and SSO as well. A remarkable increase in dc conductivity was attained after the addition of SSO. While raw WPVC has very low bacterial activity. The composite films are found to be very effective against staphylococcus epidermidis, staphylococcus aureus bacteria and against candida albicans as well. On the other hand, the weight loss of WPVC increases by adding of SSC and SSO, as disclosed by biodegradation studies.

Originality/value

The study aims to reach the optimum method for safe and beneficial disposal of PVC waste as well as SSC for antistatic and antimicrobial application.
Valuations, marketing and uncertainty: a field study of financial analysts and salespeople
Authors: Tarim Emre
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how sell-side analysts and salespeople make sense of uncertainty on their market knowledge, valuation and marketing outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is collected by direct observations of and interviews with analysts and salespeople in the Turkish stock exchange, an emerging market with considerable global fund management activity.

Findings

Analysts face considerable uncertainty on their market value forecasts but dismiss it as local dynamics not incorporable to valuation practices in global sell-side business. Salespeople, despite paying more attention to such dynamics owing to their sales tasks, limit themselves to analyst output in marketing. Both actors recognise the importance of analyst work to be able to have “a right to speak” in global sell-side business.

Research limitations/implications

Changing market conditions and regulations since the time of study have been shaping analysts and salespeople work in global sell-side business, for example, the way sell-side is compensated by buy-side, buy-side’s move to receiving sell-side services from fewer brokers and hence shrinking sell-side teams. The paper does not address these. Nonetheless, it shows how valuation and marketing can be two distinct lines of work in sell-side business irrespective of market conditions and raises the question for future research as to how sell-side professionals manage this distinction, and how they make sense of and cope with broad market dynamics beyond sell-side and buy-side relations (e.g. automated trading machines, online retail trading).

Originality/value

The paper provides rare observation-based insights into analyst and salespeople work, including their sensemaking of uncertainty. It shows the importance of market identities and associated knowledge in valuation and marketing work in sell-side business.
New method for the calibration of a road condition sensor
Authors: Yang Sen
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to improve the calibration accquracy of the road condition sensor. A road condition sensor is widely used to detect water or ice deposits on the road to assess associated driving risks. Its quantitative calibration is central to the thickness measurement accuracy and conventionally performed using the single fitting method-based calibration method. One existing limitation is that the distribution characteristics of calibration data of different road conditions are diversified, which leads to the fitting error can not be minimized when using the conventional calibration method. Thus, the multiple fitting methods-based calibration method is developed to realize an optimal calibration for the road condition sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

A fitting method assignment for the calibration data of different road conditions was introduced to realize an optimal combination for fitting method and calibration data. In the experiments, the calibration methods were tested in the absence of measurement errors, then tested with calibration data, and finally, in the covering thickness measurement.

Findings

The comparison results indicate that compared with the conventional calibration method, the multiple fitting methods-based calibration method cuts the fitting error in the quantitative calibration by 13.3% and contributes to reducing the thickness measurement error by 8.11% for different road conditions.

Originality/value

The multiple fitting methods-based calibration method has been successfully applied for quantitative calibration and shown to reduce calibration errors. The comparison between different calibration methods demonstrates the superior performance of the new calibration method.
Environmental citizenship behavior and sustainability apps: an empirical investigation
Authors: D'Arco Mario , Marino Vittoria
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of sustainability app on environmental citizenship behavior on the basis of norm-activation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey, which comprises five variables (i.e. awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, personal norms, environmental citizenship behavior in a private sphere and environmental citizenship behavior in a public sphere) measured through 16 items, was conducted in the USA by using Amazon Mechanical Turk. With 549 valid respondents’ answers in hand, the collected data were analyzed applying a multi-group structural equation modelling technique with IBM SPSS AMOS 23 software program.

Findings

The results revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, personal norms and environmental citizenship behavior in both private and public sphere. Furthermore, this study attested that sustainability apps utilization has a moderating effect on the predictors of environmental citizenship behaviors.

Originality/value

Past studies have seldom examined the contribution of mobile apps to environmental sustainability. This paper enriches the extant academic literature in the field of technology for behavior change, and bears significant implications on how sustainability apps can be adopted by governments, policymakers, organizations and teacher educators to engage people and stimulate environmental citizenship behaviors.
Plant biodiversity declines with increasing coffee yield in Ethiopia's coffee agroforests
Authors: Zewdie Beyene , Tack Ayco J. M. , Ayalew Biruk , Wondafrash Melaku , Nemomissa Sileshi , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: February 2022

Tropical agroforestry systems provide farmers with resources for their livelihoods, but are also well‐recognized as refuges for biodiversity. However, the relationship between yield and biodiversity might be negative in these systems, reflecting a potential trade‐off between managing for increased yield or biodiversity. The potential for synergies will depend partly on the shape of the biodiversity–yield relationship, where a concave relationship suggests a faster decline in biodiversity with increasing yields than a linear or convex shape.

We studied the relationship between biodiversity (plant species richness and composition) and coffee yield along a gradient of management in south‐western Ethiopia, coffee's native range. We inventoried species richness and community composition of woody plants, herbaceous plants and bryophytes at 60 sites. We also measured coffee management‐related variables and assessed coffee yield for 3 consecutive years at each site.

Species richness of woody plants had a concave relationship with coffee yield, that is, tree richness declined fast initially before levelling out at higher yields, whereas there was no relationship between coffee yield and species richness of herbaceous plants or bryophytes. Species composition of woody plants, herbaceous plants and bryophytes all had a concave relationship with coffee yield.

From a methodological perspective, we found that multi‐year data on yield were necessary to reliably assess the relationship between biodiversity and yield, and that the number of coffee shrubs or coffee dominance were poor proxies for yield when trying to capture the biodiversity–yield relationship.

Synthesis and applications. The concave relationship between biodiversity components (species richness and composition) and yield suggests that there is a strong conflict between the goals of increasing production and conserving biodiversity. However, it is important to recognize that this pattern is largely driven by the very low‐yielding sites in natural forests. Here, even minor intensification of coffee management seems to rapidly erode biodiversity. Along the rest of the productivity gradient, there was generally no negative relationship between yield and biodiversity, implying opportunities for developing strategies for increasing yields without biodiversity loss.
The impact of COVID‐19 restrictions on occupational balance: A mixed method study of the experience of Australian occupational therapists
Authors: Tse Tamara , Roberts Ester , Garvie Jo , Sutton Emma , Munro Adrienne
Published: February 2022

Introduction

COVID‐19 has seen unprecedented changes to the daily occupational lives of citizens across the globe as a result social and physical restrictions. Frontline healthcare workers health and wellbeing have been impacted but what of occupational balance? The aim of this study was to investigate if there was a change in the occupational balance of occupational therapists working in a metropolitan hospital during a COVID‐19 lockdown.

Methods

All occupational therapists working in a metropolitan hospital were invited to participate in an online survey. Occupational Balance was measured using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire‐11 (OBQ11). Participants retrospectively rated their occupational balance before COVID‐19 restrictions were in place and again rated their current status during the restrictions. Participants were also asked to comment on strategies used to help them during the COVID‐19 restrictions.

Results

Forty‐two occupational therapists completed the survey. The mean total score prior to the COVID‐19 restrictions was 19.4 and during restrictions was 19.0 (Z = −0.4, p = 0.68). There was a significant decrease in having sufficient to do during the COVID‐19 restrictions (Z = −3.6, p < 0.001). Satisfaction with how time was spent in rest, recovery and sleep significantly increased during the restrictions (Z = −3.3, p = 0.001). Strategies used included engaging in valued activities, finding alternate ways of doing and showing gratitude.

Conclusion

Occupational balance of occupational therapists remained high and satisfaction in how time was spent improved during COVID‐19 restrictions. Occupational therapists implemented their own theoretical approach of adaptation to cope with the COVID‐19 restrictions.
High expression of NPM1 via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway might predict poor prognosis for patients with prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ruan Yong , Xu Houqiang , Ji Xinqin
Published: February 2022

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) occurs only in males and has a higher incidence rate than other cancers. NPM1 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein that participates in the development of multiple tumours. The aim of this research was to explore the effect of the upregulation or downregulation of the NPM1 protein on the malignancy of prostate cancer and its possible signalling pathway. Prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines were used in this study, including RWPE‐1, PC3, LNCap, and 22RV1 cells. Our research revealed that NPM1 was widely expressed in the PRAD cell lines, as determined by western blotting, and that the levels of NPM1 protein were positively correlated with the degree of malignancy of the PRAD cell lines. Through interference and overexpression experiments, we found that PC3 cell growth was inhibited after NPM1 knockdown and that this inhibition was partly reversed by CTNNB1 overexpression; in contrast, PC3 cells growth was promoted after NPM1 overexpression, and this promotion was partly reversed by CTNNB1 knockdown, suggesting that NPM1 and CTNNB1 play important roles in the progression of prostate cancer cells via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. NPM1 may serve as an important biomarker and candidate therapeutic for patients with prostate cancer.
Fructose prevents the development of hyperglycaemia in WBN/Kob diabetic fatty rats via maintaining high insulin levels
Authors: Kaji Noriyuki , Namekawa Junichi , Takagi Yoshiichi , Watanabe Ayaka , Nemoto Sayaka , Minami Yukako , Katayanagi Atusko , Kobayashi Taiki , Asai Fumitoshi
Published: February 2022

Fructose is considered to negatively affect type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, there are contradictory reports. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of fructose‐rich diet (FRD) on glucose metabolism of Wistar Bonn Kobori (WBN/Kob) fatty diabetic (WBKDF) rats, a spontaneous T2DM model, and Wistar rats. Wistar Bonn Kobori fatty diabetic and Wistar rats were fed either FRD or standard diet (STD) for 4 weeks. The food intake, body weight, plasma glucose and insulin were measured weekly. After the 4‐week challenge, rats were subjected to an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). The liver and pancreas were used for histological analysis. The 4‐week challenge of FRD in Wistar rats did not cause hyperglycaemia, but increased insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA‐IR]). Feeding WBKDF rats with a FRD accelerated obesity, but prevented the onset of severe hyperglycaemia via maintaining high plasma insulin levels. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance in WBKDF rats was not changed by FRD feeding. Intravenous glucose tolerance test revealed that FRD feeding in Wistar rats did not affect glucose tolerance, but slightly increased the plasma insulin level. In contrast, FRD feeding in WBKDF rats significantly reduced the glucose tolerance, but insulin response was not improved. Fructose‐rich diet feeding did not alter the β cell area in Wistar rats, but significantly increased it in WBKDF rats. In conclusion, FRD caused insulin resistance in Wistar rats, suggesting that fructose overconsumption is a risk factor for T2DM, whereas FRD inhibited severe hyperglycaemia by maintaining high insulin levels in WBKDF rats. Fructose may be a beneficial sugar for T2DM patients with severe obesity‐induced insulin resistance.
Adaptations of microbial communities and dissolved organics to seasonal pressures in a mesotrophic coastal Mediterranean lake
Authors: Selak Lorena , Osterholz Helena , Stanković Igor , Hanžek Nikola , Gligora Udovič Marija , Dittmar Thorsten , Orlić Sandi
Published: February 2022

In lake ecosystems, changes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes and the concentration and availability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced within or supplied to the system by allochthonous sources are components that characterize complex processes in the microbial loop. We address seasonal changes of microbial communities and DOM in the largest Croatian lake, Vrana. This shallow lake is connected to the Adriatic Sea and is impacted by agricultural activity. Microbial community and DOM structure were driven by several environmental stressors, including drought, seawater intrusion and heavy precipitation events. Bacterial composition of different lifestyles (free‐living and particle‐associated) differed and only a part of the particle‐associated bacteria correlated with microbial eukaryotes. Oscillations of cyanobacterial relative abundance along with chlorophyll a revealed a high primary production season characterized by increased levels of autochthonous DOM that promoted bacterial processes of organic matter degradation. From our results, we infer that in coastal freshwater lakes dependent on precipitation‐evaporation balance, prolonged dry season coupled with heavy irrigation impact microbial communities at different trophic levels even if salinity increases only slightly and allochthonous DOM inputs decrease. These pressures, if applied more frequently or at higher concentrations, could have the potential to overturn the trophic state of the lake.
Cellular adaptation of Clostridioides difficile to high salinity encompasses a compatible solute‐responsive change in cell morphology
Authors: Michel Annika‐Marisa , Borrero‐de Acuña José Manuel , Molinari Gabriella , Ünal Can Murat , Will Sabine , Derksen Elisabeth , Barthels Stefan , Bartram Wiebke , Schrader Michel , Rohde Manfred , Zhang Hao , Hoffmann Tamara , Neumann‐Schaal Meina , Bremer Erhard , Jahn Dieter
Published: February 2022

Infections by the pathogenic gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile cause severe diarrhoeas up to a toxic megacolon and are currently among the major causes of lethal bacterial infections. Successful bacterial propagation in the gut is strongly associated with the adaptation to changing nutrition‐caused environmental conditions; e.g. environmental salt stresses. Concentrations of 350 mM NaCl, the prevailing salinity in the colon, led to significantly reduced growth of C. difficile. Metabolomics of salt‐stressed bacteria revealed a major reduction of the central energy generation pathways, including the Stickland‐fermentation reactions. No obvious synthesis of compatible solutes was observed up to 24 h of growth. The ensuing limited tolerance to high salinity and absence of compatible solute synthesis might result from an evolutionary adaptation to the exclusive life of C. difficile in the mammalian gut. Addition of the compatible solutes carnitine, glycine‐betaine, γ‐butyrobetaine, crotonobetaine, homobetaine, proline‐betaine and dimethylsulfoniopropionate restored growth (choline and proline failed) under conditions of high salinity. A bioinformatically identified OpuF‐type ABC‐transporter imported most of the used compatible solutes. A long‐term adaptation after 48 h included a shift of the Stickland fermentation‐based energy metabolism from the utilization to the accumulation of l‐proline and resulted in restored growth. Surprisingly, salt stress resulted in the formation of coccoid C. difficile cells instead of the typical rod‐shaped cells, a process reverted by the addition of several compatible solutes. Hence, compatible solute import via OpuF is the major immediate adaptation strategy of C. difficile to high salinity‐incurred cellular stress.
The Elite Education of Education Secretaries
Authors: Hilton Adrian
Published: February 2022

While there is much (party) politicking about the social and educational backgrounds of Members of Parliament, especially presently around the composition of Boris Johnson's Cabinet, it may be observed that the educational backgrounds of Conservative and Labour education secretaries over the decades have not been wildly different. This article examines their elite biographical peculiarities, and how these combine in other education ministers and their networks of advisors to constitute a distinct ‘policy community’ in the pursuit of an agenda in educational reform, presently being that of academies and free schools. It is proposed that while diversity in this context may not always be found in their secondary or higher education, this does not limit, as is sometimes posited, either their capacity for compassion in social deprivation, or their understanding of diverse educational structures.
Longitudinal associations between third‐grade teaching styles and sixth‐grade reading skills: a 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Tang Xin , Kikas Eve , Pakarinen Eija , Laursen Brett , Lerkkanen Marja‐Kristiina
Published: February 2022

Background

Most previous studies of teaching styles and reading skills have been cross‐sectional. Longitudinal research is needed to clarify the direction of effects. The present longitudinal study examined the degree to which differences in teaching styles in the third grade predict the sixth‐grade reading performance. The consistency of the findings was addressed by comparing results across students in two countries (Finland and Estonia).

Methods

A total of 1,057 students (50.9% boys) were followed from the third to sixth grade. Teaching styles of third‐grade teachers (N = 70) were examined as predictors of the development of reading (i.e., third‐grade to sixth‐grade reading fluency and comprehension).

Results

Five patterns of third‐grade teaching practices were found across two countries: child‐centred style, teacher‐directed style, child‐dominated style, extreme child‐centred style, and mixed child‐centred and teacher‐directed style (mixed teaching style). The mixed teaching style and the child‐centred style in the third grade were related to the greatest increases in reading fluency from the third to sixth grade, over and above the contribution of age, gender and maternal education.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of the flexible use of child‐centred and teacher‐directed practices, which are both linked to the development of reading fluency during late primary school years.
Where is the ‘C’ in antenatal care and postnatal care: A multi‐country survey of availability of antenatal and postnatal care in low‐ and middle‐income settings
Authors: Madaj Barbara , Gopalakrishnan Somasundari , Quach Alexandre , Filiaci Simone , Traore Adama , Bakusa Dankom , Mdegela Mselenge , Yousofzai Abdul Wali , Rahmanzai Ahmed Javed , Kodindo Grace , Gami Jean‐Pierre , Rostand Njiki Dounou , Kessely Hamit , Addo Stephen Ayisi , Abbey Mercy , Sapali Mary , Omar Ali , Ernest Alex , Mtandu Rugola , Agossou Abram , Ketoh Guillaume K. , Furtado Nicholas , Mangiaterra Viviana , van den Broek Nynke
Published: February 2022

Objective

Antenatal (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) are logical entry points for prevention and treatment of pregnancy‐related illness and to reduce perinatal mortality. We developed signal functions and assessed availability of the essential components of care.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Afghanistan, Chad, Ghana, Tanzania, Togo.

Sample

Three hundred and twenty‐one healthcare facilities.

Methods

Fifteen essential components or signal functions of ANC and PNC were identified. Healthcare facility assessment for availability of each component, human resources, equipment, drugs and consumables required to provide each component.

Main outcome measure

Availability of ANC PNC components.

Results

Across all countries, healthcare providers are available (median number per facility: 8; interquartile range [IQR] 3–17) with a ratio of 3:1 for secondary versus primary care. Significantly more women attend for ANC than PNC (1668 versus 300 per facility/year). None of the healthcare facilities was able to provide all 15 essential components of ANC and PNC. The majority (>75%) could provide five components: diagnosis and management of syphilis, vaccination to prevent tetanus, BMI assessment, gestational diabetes screening, monitoring newborn growth. In Sub‐Saharan countries, interventions for malaria and HIV (including prevention of mother to child transmission [PMTCT]) were available in 11.7–86.5% of facilities. Prevention and management of TB; assessment of pre‐ or post‐term birth, fetal wellbeing, detection of multiple pregnancy, abnormal lie and presentation; screening and support for mental health and domestic abuse were provided in <25% of facilities.

Conclusions

Essential components of ANC and PNC are not in place. Focused attention on content is required if perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity during and after pregnancy are to be reduced.

Tweetable abstract

ANC and PNC are essential care bundles. We identified 15 core components. These are not in place in the majority of LMIC settings.
A robust approach to estimate relative phytoplankton cell abundances from metagenomes
Authors: Pierella Karlusich Juan José , Pelletier Eric , Zinger Lucie , Lombard Fabien , Zingone Adriana , Colin Sébastien , Gasol Josep M. , Dorrell Richard G. , Henry Nicolas , Scalco Eleonora , Acinas Silvia G. , Wincker Patrick , de Vargas Colomban , Bowler Chris
Published: February 2022

Phytoplankton account for >45% of global primary production, and have an enormous impact on aquatic food webs and on the entire Earth System. Their members are found among prokaryotes (cyanobacteria) and multiple eukaryotic lineages containing chloroplasts. Genetic surveys of phytoplankton communities generally consist of PCR amplification of bacterial (16S), nuclear (18S) and/or chloroplastic (16S) rRNA marker genes from DNA extracted from environmental samples. However, our appreciation of phytoplankton abundance or biomass is limited by PCR‐amplification biases, rRNA gene copy number variations across taxa, and the fact that rRNA genes do not provide insights into metabolic traits such as photosynthesis. Here, we targeted the photosynthetic gene psbO from metagenomes to circumvent these limitations: the method is PCR‐free, and the gene is universally and exclusively present in photosynthetic prokaryotes and eukaryotes, mainly in one copy per genome. We applied and validated this new strategy with the size‐fractionated marine samples collected by Tara Oceans, and showed improved correlations with flow cytometry and microscopy than when based on rRNA genes. Furthermore, we revealed unexpected features of the ecology of these ecosystems, such as the high abundance of picocyanobacterial aggregates and symbionts in the ocean, and the decrease in relative abundance of phototrophs towards the larger size classes of marine dinoflagellates. To facilitate the incorporation of psbO in molecular‐based surveys, we compiled a curated database of >18,000 unique sequences. Overall, psbO appears to be a promising new gene marker for molecular‐based evaluations of entire phytoplankton communities.
The Ambitious Modesty of the High‐Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Authors: Qerimi Qerim
Published: February 2022

The High‐Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development is a unique hybrid structure of authority established at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Its design is conceived on the basis of the experience with, and shortcomings of, its predecessor, the Commission on Sustainable Development. The underlying premise is a grand policy ambition of implementation of sustainable development through follow‐up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 sustainable development goals. Approaching its first decade of existence, the HLPF should be a valid subject of evaluation. This article presents a review and appraisal of its work with a predominant focus on its voluntary national reviews (VNRs) process, revealing some of its fundamental deficiencies and need for rather radical improvement. Given the magnitude of persisting global challenges, institutional limitations and weaknesses surrounding the HLPF and ensuing risks associated with the implementation of sustainable development agenda, this article proposes alternatives to the existing modalities of status and operation.
Does integrated soil fertility management increase returns to land and labor?
Authors: Hörner Denise , Wollni Meike
Published: February 2022

Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is promoted to enhance soil fertility and agricultural productivity among smallholders. Its core is the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers with improved crop varieties. Adoption of these practices potentially involves additional monetary and labor investments, and it remains unclear whether these pay off. This study analyzes the effects of the three core ISFM practices and their combinations on key agricultural outcomes, including land and labor productivity as well as net crop value, in which we account for the shadow costs of unpaid labor. We employ a multinomial endogenous switching model to original survey data from over 6000 teff, maize and wheat plots owned by around 2000 households in Ethiopia. All ISFM practices and their combinations increase land and labor productivity, despite higher labor demand, with the largest effects stemming from the joint use of all three practices. Effects on net crop value are positive for most combinations, but suggest that organic fertilizer with improved seeds may be more beneficial compared to combinations with inorganic fertilizer. The importance of organic fertilizer applications is also supported by our regionally disaggregated analysis that reveals important agroecological heterogeneity.
Epithelial barrier hypothesis: Effect of the external exposome on the microbiome and epithelial barriers in allergic disease
Authors: Celebi Sozener Zeynep , Ozdel Ozturk Betul , Cerci Pamir , Turk Murat , Gorgulu Akin Begum , Akdis Mubeccel , Altiner Seda , Ozbey Umus , Ogulur Ismail , Mitamura Yasutaka , Yilmaz Insu , Nadeau Kari , Ozdemir Cevdet , Mungan Dilsad , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: February 2022

Environmental exposure plays a major role in the development of allergic diseases. The exposome can be classified into internal (e.g., aging, hormones, and metabolic processes), specific external (e.g., chemical pollutants or lifestyle factors), and general external (e.g., broader socioeconomic and psychological contexts) domains, all of which are interrelated. All the factors we are exposed to, from the moment of conception to death, are part of the external exposome. Several hundreds of thousands of new chemicals have been introduced in modern life without our having a full understanding of their toxic health effects and ways to mitigate these effects. Climate change, air pollution, microplastics, tobacco smoke, changes and loss of biodiversity, alterations in dietary habits, and the microbiome due to modernization, urbanization, and globalization constitute our surrounding environment and external exposome. Some of these factors disrupt the epithelial barriers of the skin and mucosal surfaces, and these disruptions have been linked in the last few decades to the increasing prevalence and severity of allergic and inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and asthma. The epithelial barrier hypothesis provides a mechanistic explanation of how these factors can explain the rapid increase in allergic and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss factors affecting the planet’s health in the context of the ‘epithelial barrier hypothesis,’ including climate change, pollution, changes and loss of biodiversity, and emphasize the changes in the external exposome in the last few decades and their effects on allergic diseases. In addition, the roles of increased dietary fatty acid consumption and environmental substances (detergents, airborne pollen, ozone, microplastics, nanoparticles, and tobacco) affecting epithelial barriers are discussed. Considering the emerging data from recent studies, we suggest stringent governmental regulations, global policy adjustments, patient education, and the establishment of individualized control measures to mitigate environmental threats and decrease allergic disease.