bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving productivity among smallholder farmers in Ghana: does financial inclusion matter?
Authors: Peprah James Atta , Koomson Isaac , Sebu Joshua , Bukari Chei
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Does financial inclusion matter for productivity among smallholder farmers? The authors answer this question by using the sixth and seventh rounds of the Ghana Living Standard Survey to examine the extent to which financial inclusion affects productivity among smallholder farmers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a pooled data of the 6th and 7th rounds of the Ghana Living Standard Survey which are national representative data. The authors model an Instrumental Variable (IV) to correct for endogeneity in financial inclusion and a dominance analysis to examine the effects of access to credit, ownership of savings account and insurance product on farmers' productivity.

Findings

Results from the study indicate that financial inclusion significantly enhances productivity. Moreover, credit, savings and insurance products influence productivity at various degrees. Thus, expanding the scope of financial services (access to credit, savings and insurance) among smallholder farmers is crucial for inclusive finance and sustainable agricultural production.

Practical implications

The findings of the study have implications for financial institutions in the design of financial products that the meet the needs of smallholder farmers.

Originality/value

Several studies have looked at how access to credit influences agricultural productivity in Africa. However, in recent times financial inclusion has been advocated for because it goes beyond mere access to credit. This paper to the best of our knowledge is the first of its kind to examine how financial inclusion could affect agricultural productivity in Ghana.
Corporate social responsibility, job pursuit intention, quality of work life and employee performance: case study from Indonesia controversial industry
Authors: Tarigan Josua , Susanto Amelia Rika Sanchia , Hatane Saarce Elsye , Jie Ferry , Foedjiawati Foedjiawati
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether companies in Indonesian controversial industries can rely on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices to improve potential employees' job pursuit intention, which lead to a higher quality of work life (QWL) and a better performance from their employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The target respondents are interns, staff and supervisors of 42 Indonesian listed companies in controversial industries. The data collection method is performed by distributing questionnaires using a seven-point Likert scale. Collected data using partial least squares (PLS) analysis are conducted and tested.

Findings

Consistent with the existing result, the authors find out that potential employees have a higher intention to join and accept a job offer from companies with a higher level of CSR practices. Regarding the corporate social responsibility, it is further proven to have a positive effect on employee's quality of work life. More interestingly, the findings of the current study reveal that CSR also affects employee performance (EP), both directly and indirectly, through QWL.

Research limitations/implications

Findings demonstrate that CSR in Indonesian controversial industry represents an important factor for recruiting top employees that lead to the improvement of the employee's quality of work life and performance.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that enterprises should be more concerned about CSR engagement in attracting new talents, enhancing the quality of work life and cultivating the employee's performance.

Originality/value

This study enhances previous supports and studies on the concept of CSR and human resource management by analyzing the relationship between CSR and employee performance. Previous researches have concentrated their objectives in finding the link between CSR and the financial performance of a company. However, it must be understood that a company's success actually hinges on the performance of one of their greatest assets, the human resources. Additionally, due to the change in generations that will be the job seekers, recruitment strategy to attract job applicants and improve the job pursuit intention (JPI) is now needed more than ever. One of the strategies that Indonesian companies can use to do so is by practicing CSR. Hence, this is the first study in an attempt to observe the overall relationship of the CSR with the job pursuit intention, QWL and EP, especially in the controversial industries. The study will drive companies to intensify their efforts in maintaining good employee performance.
Critical supply chain vulnerabilities affecting supply chain resilience of industrialized construction in Hong Kong
Authors: Ekanayake E.M.A.C. , Shen Geoffrey Qiping , Kumaraswamy Mohan , Owusu Emmanuel Kingsford
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Industrialized construction (IC) has been recognized as a game-changing approach in Hong Kong (HK). However, the increasing risks of disruptions in IC supply chains (SCs) raise SC vulnerability levels, prompting attention to developing supply chain resilience (SCR). Since SCR is only attainable through overcoming critical supply chain vulnerabilities (CSCV) with enhanced SC capabilities, this study first aimed to determine the most CSCV of ICSCs by addressing this current research gap and practical need.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on SCV factors identified from a precursor literature review, an empirical study of IC in HK was conducted using a questionnaire survey and interviews with industry experts. Focussed significance analysis of the data collected through questionnaire survey enabled the selection of 26 CSCV as appropriate to IC. Next, factor analysis was conducted, enabling the grouping of these CSCV under five components. The results were verified and reinforced by interview findings.

Findings

The results revealed 26 CSCV pertinent to resilient ICSCs in HK with five underlying components: economic, technological, procedural, organizational and production-based vulnerabilities. Loss of skilled labour is the most critical vulnerability, whereas organizational SCV is the most critical component identified.

Originality/value

Findings of this study would motivate IC project professionals to appreciate and address the CSCV in the context of five components and thereby develop adequate specific capabilities to successfully withstand these CSCV. This should trigger future studies to map CSCV with appropriate capabilities in developing an envisaged powerful assessment model for evaluating the SCR in IC in HK.
Engineering education development – a business modelling approach
Authors: Kans Mirka
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to promote an innovative approach to education development projects by the application of business modelling tools and methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on tools and methods from the business modelling area, such as stakeholder mapping, SWOT analysis, business modelling canvas and scenario analysis. The applicability of the approach is illustrated by a case study conducted on an engineering programme, where qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through interviews, surveys and workshops.

Findings

Utilising business modelling tools for development projects in higher education gives several benefits: (1) knowledge-informed decision making; the methods require good understanding of the current situation as well as possible strategies to be applied, that is data gathering is necessary before decision making; (2) structured decision making by applying a step-by-step approach for the development project; (3) including different stakeholder's perspectives in order to gain a holistic understanding and avoid sub optimisation.

Originality/value

The approach promotes innovation and action driven development rather than a bureaucratic and metric based improvement process. Tools and models from the business area have previously been applied for educational development. However, a holistic business modelling approach for educational development has not yet been applied.
Electro-magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer of a third-grade fluid using a Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Michaelides Efstathios E.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the electro-magnetohydrodynamic behavior of a third-grade non-Newtonian fluid, flowing between a pair of parallel plates in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. The flow medium between the plates is porous. The effects of Joule heating and viscous energy dissipation are studied in the present study.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-analytical/numerical method, the differential transform method, is used to obtain solutions for the system of the nonlinear differential governing equations. This solution technique is efficient and may be adapted to solve a variety of nonlinear problems in simple geometries, as it was confirmed by comparisons between the results using this method and those of a fully numerical scheme.

Findings

The results of the computations show that the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer parameter and the third-grade fluid model parameter retards, whereas both parameters have an inverse effect on the temperature profile because the viscous dissipation increases. The presence of the magnetic field also enhances the temperature profile between the two plates but retards the velocity profile because it generates the opposing Lorenz force. A graphical comparison with previously published results is also presented as a special case of this study.

Originality/value

The obtained results are new and presented for the first time in the literature.
Awkward ethnography: an untapped resource in organizational studies
Authors: Sløk-Andersen Beate , Persson Alma
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This article explores the analytical gains of what we refer to as “awkward ethnography.” How might our understanding of organizational phenomena benefit from those unexpected moments when our observations are laughed at, when our questions cause discomfort, or when we feel like a failure? While such instances seem to be an inherent aspect of organizational ethnography, they are often silenced or camouflaged by claims of intentionality. This article takes the opposite approach, arguing for the analytical value of awkwardness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on their respective ethnographic fieldwork in the Danish and Swedish armed forces. Based on observations, participation and interviews in two military units, the analysis focuses on situations that rarely find their way into final research publications. These will be explored as analytically productive material that can provide crucial insights into the organizational context studied.

Findings

The authors’ analysis demonstrates that awkward situations that arise during ethnographic work not only bring about unforeseen insights; they also enable vital analytical opportunities for discovering silent knowledge in the organization which researchers might otherwise not have considered to inquire about or understood the gravity of.

Research limitations/implications

Implied in the suggested methodological approach for ethnographers is an acceptance of awkward situations as productive encounters. This means doing away with ideals for (ethnographic) knowledge production steered by notions of objectivity, instead embracing the affective dimensions of fieldwork.

Originality/value

This research addresses a key, and often silenced, aspect of ethnographic fieldwork, and stresses the unique value of the unintended and unexpected when doing ethnography.
Sources and categories of well-being: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Rahman Arafat
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the sources and categories of well-being from the transformative service research (TSR) domain. The paper also aims to offer a unified framework of sources and categories of well-being and several future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review method is applied to address the study aims. A three-phase approach has been applied, which produced a total of 70 peer-reviewed empirical studies for the review.

Findings

The analysis has identified five major sources and their underlying sub-sources of well-being. The major sources are organization-, individual-, collective-, service system-, and situation-driven sources. The findings further identified two major categories or well-being showing the capacity and functioning, and subjective appraisals of life conditions. The identified sources and categories of well-being develop a unified framework showing a simplistic path or relations between the sources and the categories.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers several research agenda explaining what source-related issues can be addressed for enhancing well-being for various entities. It also adds a proposed schema and research questions for examining the possible relations and influences between the sources of well-being and social well-being of individuals.

Practical implications

Practitioners can get important insights about the matters over which they have little or no control such as the activities, motives and processes that take place in individuals' and collectives' spheres and mechanisms of supports in social networks.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to offer a systematic review on the empirical studies of the TSR domain identifying a comprehensive list of sources and categories of well-being and a resulting unified framework and research agenda.
Information needs and sources of electorates in Nigeria
Authors: Ayinde Lateef Adeshina , Keriafe Ejiro Daniel , Abduldayan Fatima Jibril
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the information needs and sources of electorates in Nigeria and identify challenges electorates faced when obtaining electoral information and news.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the description survey design and hypothesized the information needs and sources on demographic variables such as age, sex and academic qualification. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. A quantitative approach used based on a questionnaire completed by 236 respondents and a snow ball nonprobability sampling technique was used in this study. The research adapted Wilson 1999 theory of information seeking behavior.

Findings

The findings identified five information needs that are of interest to the electorates: registration of voter, level of security, right as a voter, manifestoes and candidate profile. It was discovered that WhatsApp, Facebook and friends were sources electorates used most in obtaining election-related news and information. The research went further to streamline the number of times such election-related news and information items were sought in a day and week; it was discovered that the manual system still dominated with the print newspaper rather than Twitter, WhatsApp, friends and colleagues and Facebook. The young person used social media most as source of information compared to aged respondents in Nigeria. Thekre is increasing in women participating in political and electoral information. Formal education does not have significant impact on the usage of election information and news. Language barrier, erratic power supply, expensive network service and no knowledge of where to source for information proved to be challenges electorates faced when seeking election-related news and information.

Research limitations/implications

This research will help to keep abreast of the information electorate needs and how they get such information. This research is limited to small group of electorates.

Practical implications

This paper includes more information about the electorates and political parties information needs.

Social implications

The finding was drawn from limited respondents that were ready to participate in the research by responding to various questions in the questionnaire. Therefore, there is need for further study to consider a wider population scope on information-related research of electorate in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This research was carried out by Ayinde Lateef; Keriafe D.E. and Fatima Ghayen.
Knowledge hiding as the dark side of competitive psychological climate
Authors: Han Myat Su , Masood Khola , Cudjoe Dan , Wang Yonggui
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Previous studies suggest that competitive psychological climate at workplace may influence employee's attitudes and behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether competitive psychological climate leads to increased knowledge-hiding behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the conservation of resources theory, we developed a conceptual model which we empirically tested using survey data collected from 296 salespersons from one of the largest distribution market expansion companies in Myanmar.

Findings

We performed hierarchical regression analyses on the data obtained from 296 salespersons to confirm our hypotheses: competitive psychological climate is positively related to knowledge hiding. This relationship becomes weaker when there is high level of organizational justice and high level of optimism.

Research limitations/implications

The findings shed light on the dark side of competitive psychological climate, such that it translates into knowledge hiding, which is not beneficial for favorable organizational outcomes. To mitigate that, management needs to focus on promoting organizational justice and recruit more optimistic employees.

Originality/value

Although there are many previous studies on competitive psychological climate and its positive and negative impacts, this paper, to the authors' best knowledge, is the first to study its specific effect on knowledge hiding in the sales context.
The prevalence, risks and associations of problematic cell phone use and sexting on mental health
Authors: Scott David A. , McCormick Katlyn , Smith Kirby , Budlong Emily , Vitonis Alexandra
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an examination of how cell phone use and sexting are impacting society and our mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Mental health risks are becoming prominent in this worldwide epidemic affecting children, teens and adults. Cell phones are problematic because of their addictive nature and associations with adverse mental health consequences.

Findings

Because of the mental health implications, it is important to study the prevalence, risk factors, effects, associations and treatment options for excessive cell phone use, including sexting.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper explores the impact of cell phone use and sexting on our mental health.
Field evidence for colour mimicry overshadowing morphological mimicry
Authors: Corral‐Lopez Alberto , Varg Javier Edo , Cano‐Cobos Yiselle P. , Losada Rafael , Realpe Emilio , Outomuro David
Published: December 2020

Imperfect mimicry may be maintained when the various components of an aposematic signal have different salience for predators. Experimental laboratory studies provide robust evidence for this phenomenon. Yet, evidence from natural settings remains scarce.

We studied how natural bird predators assess multiple features in a multicomponent aposematic signal in the Neotropical ‘clear wing complex’ mimicry ring, dominated by glasswing butterflies.

We evaluated two components of the aposematic signal, wing colouration and wing morphology, in a predation experiment based on artificial replicas of glasswing butterflies (model) and Polythoridae damselflies (mimics) in their natural habitat. We also studied the extent of the colour aposematic signal in the local insect community. Finally, we inspected the nanostructures responsible for this convergent colour signal, expected to highly differ between these phylogenetically distinct species.

Our results provide direct evidence for a stronger salience of wing colouration than wing morphology, as well as stronger selection on imperfect than in perfect colour mimics. Additionally, investigations of how birds perceive wing colouration of the local insect community provides further evidence that a UV‐reflective white colouration is being selected as the colour aposematic signal of the mimicry ring. Using electron microscopy, we also suggest that damselflies have convergently evolved the warning colouration through a pre‐adaptation.

These findings provide a solid complement to previous experimental evidence suggesting a key influence of the cognitive assessment of predators driving the evolution of aposematic signals and mimicry rings.
Hurdles and Pathways to Regulatory Innovation in Digital Political Campaigning
Authors: Neudert Lisa‐Maria
Published: December 2020

Targeted online ads, algorithmic analytics tools, clickbait‐y social media campaigns, big data voter databases—digital technologies have become a cornerstone of contemporary political campaigns in the United Kingdom. Candidates, party campaigners, and a multitude of other registered campaigners embrace digital campaigning for democratic engagement, mobilising voters and electioneering. Yet, in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, it has become clear that these technologies are vulnerable to abuse and deception. Pressing issues surrounding privacy, transparency, and human rights persist, and systems of electoral law have become ill‐equipped to enforce good behaviour and compliance with the law. Drawing from empirical evidence ahead of the 2019 UK general election, this article examines systemic obstacles to regulatory innovation. The inquiry provides an analysis of key policy challenges affecting elections and democracy, and develops an analytical framework pathways to regulatory innovation in the digital domain across three dimensions: (1) Institutional structures; (2) organisational processes; and (3) regulatory functions. The article puts forward practical policy recommendations to promote regulatory innovation that is tech‐savvy, evidence‐based and future‐proof.
Methanol bioeconomy: promotion of rice crop yield in paddy fields with microbial cells prepared from natural gas‐derived C1 compound
Authors: Yurimoto Hiroya , Iguchi Hiroyuki , Di Thien Do Thi , Tani Akio , Okumoto Yutaka , Ota Atsushi , Yamauchi Takahiro , Akashi Takahiro , Sakai Yasuyoshi
Published: December 2020

Methylotrophs, which can utilize methanol as a sole carbon source, are promising microorganisms to be exploited in a methanol‐based bioeconomy, in which a variety of useful compounds are biotechnologically produced from natural gas‐derived methanol. Pink‐pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) are common plant phyllospheric bacteria and are known to enhance seedling growth and total biomass of various plants. However, improvement of crop yield by inoculation of PPFMs at the field level has not been well investigated. We herein describe improvement of crop yield of several rice cultivars by foliar spraying of PPFMs. After selection of PPFM strains and rice cultivars by the in vitro seedling growth test, we further conducted paddy field experiments. The crop yield of the sake‐brewing rice Oryza sativa cultivar Hakutsurunishiki was reproducibly improved in a commercial paddy field for over a 5‐year period. A one‐time foliar spray of PPFM cells (living or killed) or a cell wall polysaccharide fraction, after the heading date, acted in the phyllosphere and effectively improved crop yield. Our results show that the established process with PPFMs is feasible for improvement of food production in the methanol bioeconomy.
Viséan Fossil Plants from the Jiujialu Formation in Central Guizhou Province: Implications for Age of Bauxite and Palaeoenvironment
Authors: LUO Chaokun , YANG Ruidong , GAO Junbo , UMAIR Muhammad , WANG Longbo , GAO Lei
Published: December 2020

Fossil plants from the carbonaceous shale of upper part of the Lower Carboniferous Jiujialu Formation in Lindai bauxite deposit fill a gap regarding the distribution of Early Carboniferous flora in Central Guizhou Province. Here the Lindai plant assemblage is systematically described, and its composition and geological age are discussed. Research demonstrates that 9 species in 6 genera of the fossil plants are discovered in this study, and they belong to lycopsids, sphenopsids and ferns, respectively. Based on the analysis of the floral composition, the geological age of the Lindai plant assemblage belongs to the Early Carboniferous Viséan. The discovery of Lindai plant assemblage not only provides a new fossil evidence to restrict the age of bauxite deposits in Lower Carboniferous Jiujialu Formation of Central Guizhou Province, but also has great significance to further research the palaeoecological setting and floral evolution during the Early Carboniferous.
New treatment of bronchopleural fistula following surgical resection of the dorsal segment of the left lower lobe: A case report
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Mao Jinyu , Su Meiqin , Mu Chuanyong , Chen Tao , Zhao Jun , Jiang Junhong
Published: December 2020

Anatomical segment‐based or subsegmental resection for early lung cancer surgery has been used in selected cases, although postoperative complications of bronchopleural fistula sometimes occur. Persistent air leaks can cause complications such as empyema and aspiration pneumonia, resulting in prolonged patient hospitalization. The traditional treatment for postoperative bronchopleural fistula is reoperation, but the advent of bronchoscopic interventional therapy usually prevents patients from needing a second operation. This article details a case of thoracoscopic segmentectomy of the left lower lung dorsal segment resulting in residual subsegmental pleural fistula, and because the use of pleural adhesives made the patient's fistula inappropriate for surgical repair, we finally used bronchoscopic injury of the airway mucosa combined with an absorbable gelatin sponge and an autologous blood closure method for successful treatment.
Delivery room cuddles for extremely preterm babies and parents: concept, practice, safety, parental feedback
Authors: Clarke Paul , Allen Emma , Atuona Sheila , Cawley Paul
Published: December 2020

Aim

Following extreme preterm birth, there has traditionally been felt an imperative to rush baby to the neonatal unit for ongoing intensive care. Immediate needs of parents to bond with their babies through direct early physical contact have often been overlooked; many weeks can pass before parents get to hold their babies for the first time. Recognition of the importance of early contact is growing. We aimed to review the safety and value of routinely practising delivery room cuddles for extremely preterm babies.

Methods

We reviewed delivery room cuddles in babies born <27 weeks’ gestation in our centre between 2006 and 2017 via case‐control. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of mothers who experienced a delivery room cuddle to gain their feedback and perspectives.

Results

We found no difference in age or temperatures on neonatal unit admission. There was no case of inadvertent extubation associated with cuddles. Parental feedback was very positive.

Conclusion

With appropriate safeguards, delivery room cuddles are feasible and achievable for extremely preterm babies irrespective of birth gestation. Facilitation of the cuddle is an early and very important family‐centred care practice which seems much appreciated by parents and which may improve bonding, lactation, and maternal mental health.
A field guide to mortar sampling for radiocarbon dating*
Authors: Daugbjerg T. S. , Lindroos A. , Heinemeier J. , Ringbom Å. , Barrett G. , Michalska D. , Hajdas I. , Raja R. , Olsen J.
Published: December 2020

Radiocarbon dating of mortars is a method for absolute dating of historical mortared stone structures. Successful mortar dating studies have answered chronological questions, while other studies have revealed that mortar samples can have complications and contaminants. These can cause inconclusive results even with present state‐of‐the‐art techniques. Previous research shows that adequate and proper sampling of mortar samples is of fundamental importance for a conclusive radiocarbon analysis. Therefore, this article thoroughly reviews the processes and environmental factors that may cause problems for successful radiocarbon dating of mortar samples, and presents best‐practice sampling strategies for radiocarbon mortar dating.
Supporting families of children with an undiagnosed genetic condition: Using co‐design to ensure the right person is in the right post doing the right job
Authors: Oulton Kate , Gibson Faith , Williams Anna , Geoghegan Sophie , Aldiss Susie , Wray Jo
Published: December 2020

Background

Families and professionals caring for a child without a definitive diagnosis face unique challenges, particularly in relation to managing uncertainty; access to healthcare; obtaining relevant information and support; and trying to navigate a healthcare system that is often fragmented. We used co‐design to inform the establishment of the first UK specialist nursing post dedicated to working with children with undiagnosed genetic conditions and their families. Objectives: (1) To understand what families and hospital staff want from the service; (2) To understand how the post should be operationalized in practice; (3) To develop the job description and person specification for the postholder.

Methods

A range of approaches were used to collect data: interviews (nine parents and 10 hospital staff); a focus group (three parents); a creative workshop (six patients and siblings); and an online forum (81 parents). Data were analyzed using framework and thematic analysis. The strands of data were brought together and reviewed as a whole to formulate the postholder's job description and person specification.

Results

Stakeholders identified nine key elements to the role which were incorporated into the job description: practical support; point of contact; community liaison; signposting to other services; care coordination; supporting families; advocacy; raising awareness; and emotional support.

Conclusions

Highlighted in this paper are the practical aspects of engaging and involving all relevant stakeholders in the process of co‐designing a new post and subsequent staff recruitment. The flexibility employed in the setting and methods of data collection were instrumental in ensuring that the views of a diverse range of participants were ascertained. A major consideration is the resources required to undertake co‐design, in terms of time and finances. We believe that the resources required for the co‐design are offset by the advantages of having the right person in the right post, doing the right job.
The value of bronchoscopy in patients with non‐massive haemoptysis and a clear or benign computer tomogram scan
Authors: Murphy Declan C. , Jackson Karl , Johnston Robert , Welsh Sarah , Webster Rebecca , Lapsley Rebecca , Shah Hussun‐Ara , Mitchell Daniel , Aujayeb Avinash
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The preferred diagnostic pathway for patients presenting with non‐massive haemoptysis and normal or benign computer tomography (CT) radiological findings is unclear. The common approach is to investigate with both CT and bronchoscopy, irrespective of patient‐specific factors. The value of performing fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in patients with non‐massive haemoptysis and clear or benign CT findings remains undetermined. We aimed to investigate its value using a large retrospective case series.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review of 4376 FOBs performed in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust from January 2012 to December 2019 for patients presenting with haemoptysis and clear or benign CT findings. Statistical analysis was performed to describe patient‐specific variables, clinical characteristics, pathological findings and subsequent management decisions.

Results

A total of 4376 FOBs were performed during the study period, 275 were indicated to investigate non‐massive haemoptysis. Two hundred and fifty‐nine patients underwent a CT scan (158 before and 101 after FOB); 16 never had a CT because the treating physician did not feel it was necessary. About 258 CT scans showed normal anatomy. All patients underwent FOB; 192 showed normal findings. Bronchoscopic findings did not alter clinical management in 274 patients. One patient was referred to the ear, nose and throat department following the identification of polypoid vocal cord lesion which, following thorough investigation, was confirmed as benign.

Conclusion

FOB provides minimal value for identifying lung malignancies in patients with non‐massive haemoptysis and a clear or benign CT scan irrespective of patient‐specific risk factors. Cost savings would be associated if physicians altered practice accordingly.
Measuring fatigue: a meta‐review
Authors: Machado Myrela O. , Kang Na‐Young Cindy , Tai Felicia , Sambhi Raman D. S. , Berk Michael , Carvalho Andre F. , Chada Lourdes P. , Merola Joseph F. , Piguet Vincent , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: December 2020

There is a lack of validated tools to measure fatigue in patients with inflammatory skin, neuropsychiatric, and medical disorders. The use of nonvalidated tools may compromise the quality of data. The purpose of this meta‐review was to evaluate existing fatigue scales commonly used to assess fatigue in other inflammatory conditions and to identify if there are scales that have been validated in dermatologic conditions. The PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched from inception through March 10, 2020, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Validated tools were identified and assessed according to their main measurement properties. The literature search identified 403 references, and eight studies were eligible and assessed in this review. The unidimensional fatigue scales included were the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT‐F), Brief Fatigue Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, Numerical Rating Scale – Fatigue, and Visual Analog Scale – Fatigue. The multidimensional fatigue scales found were the Checklist Individual Strength, Chalder Fatigue Scale, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory Scale, and Piper Fatigue Scale. To measure fatigue, a brief scale with the ability to detect change is needed as there is a growing interest in evaluating this dimension of treatment response. In addition, a good content validity is also needed. From this systematic review, none of the selected scales have had content validation, even though the FACIT was validated in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Validation studies in specific disorders are urgently warranted.
Beyond talk: Contributions of quantity and quality of communication to language success across socioeconomic strata
Authors: Masek Lillian R. , Paterson Sarah J. , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick , Bakeman Roger , Adamson Lauren B. , Owen Margaret Tresch , Pace Amy , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy
Published: December 2020

Infants from low‐socioeconomic status (SES) households hear a projected 30 million fewer words than their higher‐SES peers. In a recent study, Hirsh‐Pasek et al. (Psychological Science, 2015; 26: 1071) found that in a low‐income sample,fluency and connectednessin exchanges between caregivers and toddlers predicted child language a year later over and above quantity of talk (Hirsh‐Pasek et al.,Psychological Science, 2015; 26: 1071). Here, we expand upon this study by examiningfluency and connectednessin two higher‐SES samples. Using data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, we sampled 20 toddlers who had low, average, and high language outcomes at 36 months from each of 2 groups based on income‐to‐needs ratio (INR; middle and high) and applied new coding to the mother–toddler interaction at 24 months. In the high‐INR group, the quality of mother–toddler interaction at 24 months accounted for more variability in language outcomes a year later than did quantity of talk, quality of talk, or sensitive parenting. These results could not be accounted for by child language ability at 24 months. These effects were not found in the middle‐INR sample. Our findings suggest that when the quality of interaction,fluency and connectedness, predicts language outcomes, it is a robust relation, but it may not be universal.
Effect of clinical teaching behaviours on transition shock in graduate nurses
Authors: Su Qian , Jiang Mengyao , Yun Bei , Ma Yuxia , Zuo Yamei , Han Lin
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to explore the impact of preceptor clinical teaching behaviours on transition shock in graduate nurses using bi‐directional feedback between graduate nurses and clinical preceptors and to assess preceptor clinical teaching behaviours.

Design

This was a descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted from January‐February 2019. Participants included graduate nurses (N = 117) and clinical preceptors (N = 908) from a major public tertiary hospital in Western China.

Results

Overall level of transition shock of graduate nurses was moderate (mean = 89SD  17.54). Transition shock level of graduate nurses rose with the increasing of time in clinical work. Intensive care unit graduate nurses suffered the strongest transition shock, whereas surgery graduate nurses suffered the least. Graduate nurses thought that clinical preceptors were best at evaluation and feedback, whereas clinical preceptors thought they were best at showing concern and support. The primary factors associated with transition shock in graduate nurses were the time admitted to the hospital, feedback, and evaluation, use of appropriate teaching strategies, and showing concern and support, explaining 63.5% of the total variation in transition shock in graduate nurses.

Conclusion

In Western China, where the development of economic and medical conditions lag, transition shock is a major obstacle to the professional development of graduate nurses and clinical teaching behaviours is the key to overcoming transition obstacles. However, the serious shortage of nurses makes it difficult to not only complete heavy clinical nursing work but also to undertake the teaching of students and graduate nurses. The clinical teaching system is influenced by many factors. Focusing on clinical teaching behaviours and transition shock in graduate nurses will provide valuable data for future intervention studies.

Implication

The findings of this study will be of interest to managers at all levels and will enable them to support graduate nurses by engaging in excellent clinical teaching behaviours. In the clinical teaching process, giving more feedback and evaluation, improving the ability of using appropriate teaching strategies and focusing on the physical and mental health of graduate nurses may effectively decrease transition shock of graduate nurses and reduce the turnover rate.
Group climate, aggressive incidents and coercion in a secure forensic setting for individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning: A multilevel study
Authors: Neimeijer Elien G. , Delforterie Monique J. , Roest Jesse J. , van der Helm Peer , Didden Robert
Published: December 2020

Background

This study examines associations between group climate, aggressive incidents and coercive measures in adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID‐BIF) of a secure forensic setting.

Method

Participants (N = 248) were interviewed about their perception of group climate utilizing the Group Climate Instrument. Data on aggressive incidents and coercive measures were retrieved from the facilities’ electronic database. A multilevel structural equation model was fitted in which variability in perception of group climate within and between living groups was examined.

Results

An open and therapeutic group climate was associated with lower levels of aggression within and between groups. A higher number of aggressive incidents were significantly associated with a higher number of coercive measures.

Conclusions

The findings have implications for the understanding of how group climate may play a role in reducing aggressive incidents at the living group in treatment of individuals with MID‐BIF in secure forensic settings.
The use of antifungal oat‐sourdough lactic acid bacteria to improve safety and technological functionalities of the supplemented wheat bread
Authors: Hajinia Fahimeh , Sadeghi Alireza , Sadeghi Mahoonak Alireza
Published: December 2020

In the present study, predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from oat sourdough. Then, the isolates were screened based on their in vitro antifungal activity. Subsequently, biotechnological capabilities of the selected LAB were evaluated in wheat bread supplemented with controlled fermented oat containing the isolate. Pediococcus pentosaceus was molecular identified as predominant antifungal isolate. Based on our results, fermented oat not only significantly (p < .05) reduced the mold expansion on the produced breads, but also improved the quality attributes of the product. Crumb porosity and antioxidant capacity of the supplemented bread revealed the positive effects of the isolate on textural and functional characteristics of the enriched bread. Wheat bread supplemented with controlled fermented oat had also the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity compared to the other samples. Accordingly, the potential applications of P. pentosaceus isolate as profunctional starter culture in processing of mixed wheat‐oat sourdough bread were verified.
Association of Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs with Kidney Health in Ambulatory Older Adults
Authors: Amatruda Jonathan G. , Katz Ronit , Peralta Carmen A. , Estrella Michelle M. , Sarathy Harini , Fried Linda F. , Newman Anne B. , Parikh Chirag R. , Ix Joachim H. , Sarnak Mark J. , Shlipak Michael G. ,   for the Health ABC Study
Published: December 2020

Background/Objectives

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause kidney injury, especially in older adults. However, previously reported associations between NSAID use and kidney health outcomes are inconsistent and limited by reliance on serum creatinine‐based GFR estimates. This analysis investigated the association of NSAID use with kidney damage in older adults using multiple kidney health measures.

Design

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Setting

Multicenter, community‐based cohort.

Participants

Two thousand nine hundred and ninty nine older adults in the Health ABC Study. A subcohort (n = 500) was randomly selected for additional biomarker measurements.

Exposure

Prescription and over‐the‐counter NSAID use ascertained by self‐report.

Measurements

Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by cystatin C (cysC), urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR), kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1), and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) were measured in 2,999 participants; alpha‐1 microglobulin (α1m), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), propeptide type III procollagen (PIIINP), and uromodulin (UMOD) were measured in 500 participants. GFR was estimated three times over 10 years and expressed as percent change per year.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 74 years, 51% were female, and 41% African‐American. No eGFR differences were detected between NSAID users (n = 655) and non‐users (n = 2,344) at baseline (72 ml/min/1.73 m2 in both groups). Compared to non‐users, NSAID users had lower adjusted odds of having ACR greater than 30 mg/g (0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51–0.89) and lower mean urine IL‐18 concentration at baseline (−11%; 95% CI = −4% to −18%), but similar mean KIM‐1 (5%; 95% CI = −5% to 14%). No significant differences in baseline concentrations of the remaining urine biomarkers were detected. NSAID users and non‐users did not differ significantly in the rate of eGFR decline (−2.2% vs ‐2.3% per year).

Conclusion

Self‐reported NSAID use was not associated with kidney dysfunction or injury based on multiple measures, raising the possibility of NSAID use without kidney harm in ambulatory older adults. More research is needed to define safe patterns of NSAID consumption.
Plant plasma membrane‐resident receptors: Surveillance for infections and coordination for growth and development
Authors: Escocard de Azevedo Manhães Ana Marcia , Ortiz‐Morea Fausto Andres , He Ping , Shan Libo
Published: December 2020

As sessile organisms, plants are exposed to pathogen invasions and environmental fluctuations. To overcome the challenges of their surroundings, plants acquire the potential to sense endogenous and exogenous cues, resulting in their adaptability. Hence, plants have evolved a large collection of plasma membrane‐resident receptors, including RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASEs (RLKs) and RECEPTOR‐LIKE PROTEINs (RLPs) to perceive those signals and regulate plant growth, development, and immunity. The ability of RLKs and RLPs to recognize distinct ligands relies on diverse categories of extracellular domains evolved. Co‐regulatory receptors are often required to associate with RLKs and RLPs to facilitate cellular signal transduction. RECEPTOR‐LIKE CYTOPLASMIC KINASEs (RLCKs) also associate with the complex, bifurcating the signal to key signaling hubs, such as MITOGEN‐ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE (MAPK) cascades, to regulate diverse biological processes. Here, we discuss recent knowledge advances in understanding the roles of RLKs and RLPs in plant growth, development, and immunity, and their connection with co‐regulatory receptors, leading to activation of diverse intracellular signaling pathways.
Glucocorticoid‐mediated mechanisms of hippocampal damage: Contribution of subgranular neurogenesis
Authors: Podgorny Oleg V. , Gulyaeva Natalia V.
Published: December 2020

A comprehensive overview of the interplay between glucocorticoids (GCs) and adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is presented, particularly, in the context of a diseased brain. The effectors of GCs in the dentate gyrus neurogenic niche of the hippocampal are reviewed, and the consequences of the GC signaling on the generation and integration of new neurons are discussed. Recent findings demonstrating how GC signaling mediates impairments of the AHN in various brain pathologies are overviewed. GC‐mediated effects on the generation and integration of adult‐born neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus depend on the nature, severity, and duration of the acting stress factor. GCs realize their effects on the AHN primarily via specific glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. Disruption of the reciprocal regulation between the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the generation of the adult‐born granular neurons is currently considered to be a key mechanism implicating the AHN into the pathogenesis of numerous brain diseases, including those without a direct hippocampal damage. These alterations vary from reduced proliferation of stem and progenitor cells to increased cell death and abnormalities in morphology, connectivity, and localization of young neurons. Although the involvement of the mutual regulation between the HPA axis and the AHN in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits and mood impairments is evident, several unresolved critical issues are stated. Understanding the details of GC‐mediated mechanisms involved in the alterations in AHN could enable the identification of molecular targets for ameliorating pathology‐induced imbalance in the HPA axis/AHN mutual regulation to conquer cognitive and psychiatric disturbances.

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