bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cultural Divide
Authors: Desmet Klaus , Wacziarg Romain
Published: December 2020

We study the evolution of cultural divides both theoretically and empirically. We propose a model of cultural change where intergenerational transmission and forces of social influence determine the distribution of cultural traits in society. We conduct an empirical investigation of the evolution of cultural heterogeneity in the USA between 1972 and 2018, using the General Social Survey. In recent decades, cultural heterogeneity between individuals has risen. Cultural divides between identity groups display contrasted patterns: increasing along lines of religion and political orientation, mildly U-shaped along income and racial lines, and flat or decreasing for gender and urbanicity. We interpret these empirical findings in light of our model, arguing that changes in modes of interaction within and across groups can explain the observed dynamics of cultural heterogeneity.
Inclusive digital games in the transcultural communicative classroom
Authors: Blume Carolyn
Published: December 2020

Incorporating inclusive games and game-related tasks enables learners to explore issues of gender and sexuality in the EFL classroom, while simultaneously developing competences relevant specifically to language learning. Carefully selected and didactically prepared games and gaming activities that highlight marginalised genders and sexualities can facilitate reflection of learners’ own identities. In including these games, teachers contribute to a better understanding of alternative identities and cultures that are created and shaped in online and offline worlds, and where transcultural communicative competence is required to navigate these settings. This article, relying on insights drawn from analytical play, discusses how gameplaying that thematically centres queer personae can foster identity development as an essential aspect of transcultural communicative competence. It also highlights ways in which teachers can utilize games in the EFL classroom to facilitate the inclusion of language learners who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, inter- or asexual (LGBTQIA*).
Numerical analysis of interseismic, coseismic and post-seismic phases for normal and reverse faulting earthquakes in Italy
Authors: Albano Matteo , Barba Salvatore , Bignami Christian , Carminati Eugenio , Doglioni Carlo , Moro Marco , Saroli Michele , Samsonov Sergey , Stramondo Salvatore
Published: December 2020

The preparation, initiation and occurrence dynamics of earthquakes in Italy are governed by several frequently unknown physical mechanisms and parameters. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new techniques and approaches for earthquake monitoring and hazard assessments. Here, we develop a first-order numerical model simulating quasi-static crustal interseismic loading, coseismic brittle episodic dislocation and post-seismic relaxation for extensional and compressional earthquakes in Italy based on a common framework of lithostatic and tectonic forces. Our model includes an upper crust, where the fault is locked, and a deep crust, where the fault experiences steady shear.

The results indicate that during the interseismic phase, the contrasting behaviour between the upper locked fault segment and lower creeping fault segment generates a stretched volume at depth in the hangingwall via extensional tectonics while a contracted volume forms via compressional tectonics. The interseismic stress and strain gradients invert at the coseismic stage, with the interseismic dilated volume contracting during the coseismic stage, and vice versa. Moreover, interseismic stress gradients promote coseismic gravitational subsidence of the hangingwall for normal fault earthquakes and elastic uplift for reverse fault earthquakes. Finally, the post-seismic relaxation is characterized by further ground subsidence and uplift for normal and reverse faulting earthquakes, respectively, which is consistent with the faulting style. The fault is the passive feature, with slipping generating the seismic waves, whereas the energy activating the movement is stored mostly in the hangingwall volume. The main source of energy for normal faulting and thrust is provided by the lithostatic load and elastic load, respectively.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Serosurveillance in a Patient Population Reveals Differences in Virus Exposure and Antibody-Mediated Immunity According to Host Demography and Healthcare Setting
Authors: Hughes Ellen C , Amat Julien A R , Haney Joanne , Parr Yasmin A , Logan Nicola , Palmateer Norah , Nickbakhsh Sema , Ho Antonia , Cherepanov Peter , Rosa Annachiara , McAuley Andrew , Broos Alice , Herbert Imogen , Arthur Ursula , Szemiel Agnieszka M , Roustan Chloe , Dickson Elizabeth , Gunson Rory N , Viana Mafalda , Willett Brian J , Murcia Pablo R
Published: December 2020

Identifying drivers of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure and quantifying population immunity is crucial to prepare for future epidemics. We performed a serial cross-sectional serosurvey throughout the first pandemic wave among patients from the largest health board in Scotland. Screening of 7480 patient serum samples showed a weekly seroprevalence ranging from 0.10% to 8.23% in primary and 0.21% to 17.44% in secondary care, respectively. Neutralization assays showed that highly neutralizing antibodies developed in about half of individuals who tested positive with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, mainly among secondary care patients. We estimated the individual probability of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and quantified associated risk factors. We show that secondary care patients, male patients, and 45–64-year-olds exhibit a higher probability of being seropositive. The identification of risk factors and the differences in virus neutralization activity between patient populations provided insights into the patterns of virus exposure during the first pandemic wave and shed light on what to expect in future waves.
Self-reported Pain Associated With Screening With Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
Authors: Moshina Nataliia , Danielsen Anders Skyrud , Hølen Åsne Sørlien , Hanestad Berit , Stephansen Elisabeth , Pedersen Ina Heggernes , Hofvind Solveig
Published: December 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate self-reported pain during screening with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

Methods

The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics in the South East of Norway (2015/424). Women completed a questionnaire about experienced pain directly after the examination, August–November 2019. A numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) was used. Data on compression force (N), pressure (kPa), and compressed breast thickness (mm) were obtained from the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine header and density assessment software. Stepwise ordinary least-squares regression was used to estimate mean self-reported pain score with 95% confidence interval (CI) for values of compression force, pressure, and compressed breast thickness.

Results

The mean pain score was 1.9, whereof 19.3% (822/4266) of the women reported moderate or severe pain. The mean pain score of 2.6 (95% CI: 2.4–2.7) was observed at a compression force of 60 N, decreasing to 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2–1.4) at 130 N. The mean pain score of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.4) was at a compression pressure of 6 kPa, increasing to 2.9 (95% CI: 2.7–3.1) at 16 kPa. The mean pain score was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.4–0.6) at a compressed breast thickness of 20 mm, increasing to 2.9 (95% CI: 2.7–3.1) at 90 mm.

Conclusion

The mean pain score was low, 1.9 on NRS, for women screened with DBT. A compression force of 60–130 N and a pressure 6–16 kPa were associated with no or mild pain.
Generational Change in Chinese Journalism: Developing Mannheim’s Theory of Generations for Contemporary Social Conditions
Authors: Wang Haiyan
Published: December 2020

This article develops Karl Mannheim’s theory of generations as a tool to analyze the profound changes that journalism is experiencing in the mainland of China. The article begins with a discussion of generational theory. It demonstrates that the development of critical journalism that occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s was the result of a unique combination of circumstances. A range of factors, including the introduction of digital technologies and shifts in the political atmosphere, have restricted that kind of journalism. Young people entering journalism today confront different circumstances and their resultant views, as well as their journalistic activities, are significantly different, and less engaged, than those of their seniors. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical modifications which are essential to make the original theory more suitable for contemporary conditions.
CODEX weak lensing mass catalogue and implications on the mass–richness relation
Authors: Kiiveri K , Gruen D , Finoguenov A , Erben T , van Waerbeke L , Rykoff E , Miller L , Hagstotz S , Dupke R , Patrick Henry J , Kneib J-P , Gozaliasl G , Kirkpatrick C C , Cibirka N , Clerc N , Costanzi M , Cypriano E S , Rozo E , Shan H , Spinelli P , Valiviita J , Weller J
Published: December 2020

The COnstrain Dark Energy with X-ray clusters (CODEX) sample contains the largest flux limited sample of X-ray clusters at 0.35 < z < 0.65. It was selected from ROSAT data in the 10 000 square degrees of overlap with BOSS, mapping a total number of 2770 high-z galaxy clusters. We present here the full results of the CFHT CODEX programme on cluster mass measurement, including a reanalysis of CFHTLS Wide data, with 25 individual lensing-constrained cluster masses. We employ lensfit shape measurement and perform a conservative colour–space selection and weighting of background galaxies. Using the combination of shape noise and an analytic covariance for intrinsic variations of cluster profiles at fixed mass due to large-scale structure, miscentring, and variations in concentration and ellipticity, we determine the likelihood of the observed shear signal as a function of true mass for each cluster. We combine 25 individual cluster mass likelihoods in a Bayesian hierarchical scheme with the inclusion of optical and X-ray selection functions to derive constraints on the slope α, normalization β, and scatter σln λ|μ of our richness–mass scaling relation model in log-space: ${\langle {\rm In}\,\, \lambda\!\!\mid\!\!\mu\rangle = \alpha\mu + \beta,} $ with μ = ln (M200c/Mpiv), and Mpiv = 1014.81M⊙. We find a slope $\alpha = 0.49^{+0.20}_{-0.15}$, normalization $\exp (\beta) = 84.0^{+9.2}_{-14.8}$, and $\sigma _{\ln \lambda | \mu } = 0.17^{+0.13}_{-0.09}$ using CFHT richness estimates. In comparison to other weak lensing richness–mass relations, we find the normalization of the richness statistically agreeing with the normalization of other scaling relations from a broad redshift range (0.0 < z < 0.65) and with different cluster selection (X-ray, Sunyaev–Zeldovich, and optical).
Circularization of tidal debris around white dwarfs: implications for gas production and dust variability
Authors: Malamud Uri , Grishin Evgeni , Brouwers Marc
Published: December 2020

White dwarf (WD) pollution is thought to arise from the tidal disruption of planetary bodies. The initial fragment stream is extremely eccentric, while observational evidence suggest that discs are circular or nearly so. Here we propose a novel mechanism to bridge this gap and show that the fragments can rapidly circularise through dust or gas drag when they interact with a pre-existing compact disc. We assume that the tidal stream mainly consists of small cohesive fragments in the size range 10-1000 m, capable of resisting the WD tidal forces, whereas the compact discs span a wide mass range. We provide an analytical model, accompanied by N-body simulations, and find a large parameter space in fragment sizes and orbital separation that leads to full circularization. Partial circularization is possible for compact discs that are several orders of magnitudes less massive. We show that dust-induced circularization inherently produces gas as tidal fragments collisionally vaporize the pre-existing dust along their path. We show that ongoing gas production has a higher probability to occur during the early stages of tidal disruption events, resulting from the fact that smaller fragments are the first to circularize. Intermittent gas production however becomes more likely as the tidal stream matures. This could explain why only a small subset of systems with dusty compact discs also have an observed gaseous component. Additionally, the interaction yields fragment erosion by collisional shattering, sputtering, sublimation and possibly ram-pressure. Material scattered by the collisions might form a thin dusty halo that evolves through PR drag, in compatibility with observed infrared variability.
On ancient solar-type stars – II
Authors: Fuhrmann Klaus , Chini Rolf
Published: December 2020

We report on the progress of our survey on ancient solar-type stars down to main-sequence effective temperatures Teff ≥ 5300 K and within 42 pc of the Sun. High signal-to-noise, high-resolution spectroscopy is presented for a second major subset of the Population II (τ ≥ 12 Gyr) and the intermediate-disc stars (τ ≃ 10 Gyr) within that volume. In conjunction with updates and the analyses of the single and composite sample spectra, we discuss evidence for new companions or candidates from their radial velocities, chromospheric activities, lithium and barium enrichments, and we also draw attention to related sources in the Gaia DR2 data. Among the Population II stars we note a substantial fraction of degenerates, mass transfer, and merger systems that possibly amount to about 20 per cent of that population, with inherently important consequences on the involved stellar ages and the baryonic mass budget. At the present stage, the survey has reached a two-thirds level of local volume-completeness. Key to that objective will be the forthcoming Gaia data, in terms of new companions, companion masses, and precision parallaxes from orbital solutions, in particular at the sample periphery, where many of the sources inevitably reside. In an appendix we describe a subset of about fifty a priori survey candidates, whose analyses discard them as Population I stars.
Targeted deletion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 from proximal tubules is dispensable for diabetic kidney disease development
Authors: Thallas-Bonke Vicki , Tan Sih Min , Lindblom Runa S , Snelson Matthew , Granata Cesare , Jha Jay Chandra , Sourris Karly C , Laskowski Adrienne , Watson Anna , Tauc Michel , Rubera Isabelle , Zheng Guoping , Shah Ajay M , Harris David C H , Elbatreek Mahmoud H , Kantharidis Phillip , Cooper Mark E , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin , Coughlan Melinda T
Published: December 2020

Background

The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase isoform 4 (Nox4) mediates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) at the level of the podocyte. However, the mitochondrial localization of Nox4 and its role as a mitochondrial bioenergetic sensor has recently been reported. Whether Nox4 drives pathology in DKD within the proximal tubular compartment, which is densely packed with mitochondria, is not yet known.

Methods

We generated a proximal tubular–specific Nox4 knockout mouse model by breeding Nox4flox/flox mice with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 promoter. Subsets of Nox4ptKO mice and their Nox4flox/flox littermates were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Mice were followed for 20 weeks and renal injury was assessed.

Results

Genetic ablation of proximal tubular Nox4 (Nox4ptKO) resulted in no change in renal function and histology. Nox4ptKO mice and Nox4flox/flox littermates injected with STZ exhibited the hallmarks of DKD, including hyperfiltration, albuminuria, renal fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Surprisingly, diabetes-induced renal injury was not improved in Nox4ptKO STZ mice compared with Nox4flox/flox STZ mice. Although diabetes conferred ROS overproduction and increased the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, proximal tubular deletion of Nox4 did not normalize oxidative stress or mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results demonstrate that genetic deletion of Nox4 from the proximal tubules does not influence DKD development, indicating that Nox4 localization within this highly energetic compartment is dispensable for chronic kidney disease pathogenesis in the setting of diabetes.
Cognitive Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life of Long-Term Survivors With Brain Metastases Up to 21 Months After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Authors: Verhaak Eline , Schimmel Wietske C M , Gehring Karin , Hanssens Patrick E J , Sitskoorn Margriet M
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Survival rates have improved in the past years for patients with brain metastases (BMs).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in a relatively large sample of long-term survivors.

METHODS

Data from 38 long-term survivors (assessments available ≥ 12 mo post-GKRS) with, at time of enrollment, 1 to 10 newly diagnosed BMs, expected survival > 3 mo, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70 were analyzed. Cognitive functioning and HRQoL were assessed pre-GKRS (n = 38) and at 3 (n = 38), 6 (n = 37), 9 (n = 37), 12 (n = 34), 15 (n = 28), and 21 (n = 21) mo post-GKRS. The course of cognitive test performance and of HRQoL over time was analyzed using linear mixed models. Individual changes in cognitive performance and HRQoL from pre-GKRS to 21 mo were determined using reliable change indexes (RCIs) and clinical meaningful cutoffs, respectively.

RESULTS

Cognitive performances and HRQoL of long-term survivors remained stable or improved up to 21 mo after GKRS. Improvements were found for immediate and delayed verbal memory, working memory, information processing speed, and emotional well-being. On the individual level, most patients had stable or improved test performances or HRQoL. For physical well-being only, most patients (47.6%) showed a decline (vs 28.6% improvement or 23.8% no change) from pre-GKRS until 21 mo post-GKRS.

CONCLUSION

Up to 21 mo after GKRS, cognitive functioning and overall HRQoL improved or remained stable in long-term survivors. In long-term survivors with 1 to 10 BMs, GKRS did not cause (additional) cognitive deteriorations or declines in HRQoL at longer-term follow-up.
Headache History-Taking in an Emergency Department: Impact Evaluation of a Training Session
Authors: Hervás Carlos , Somovilla Alba , Gago-Veiga Ana Beatriz , Alonso Jaime , del Arco Carmen , Vivancos Jose , Quintas Sonia
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Headache represents about 25% of the total neurological consultations at the emergency department (ED). Up to 80% of these consultations are represented by primary headaches, in which an accurate and directed history-taking may help reach the specific diagnosis avoiding unnecessary complementary tests and reducing diagnostic latencies.

Methods

We carried out a training session on headache management at the ED, focusing on history-taking and primary headaches’ diagnoses and management. We retrospectively compared the number of variables included in the medical reports and the percentage of patients who were diagnosed and/or treated for a primary headache between two months before and two months after the training session.

Results

A total of 369 medical histories were analyzed for this study (196 before and 173 after the training session). The number of essential variables regarding pain characteristics included in the medical reports showed a post-intervention increment from 4.34 ± 1.224 to 4.67 ± 1.079 (P = .007) and the number of total items registered also increased from 6.87 ± 1.982 to 7.53 ± 1.686 (P = 0.001). The percentage of patients that were given a specific diagnosis for primary headache showed an increment of 11.8% (P = .002) in the post-intervention group.

Conclusion

Educational interventions can improve history-taking in headache patients in the ED. This fact grants them as potential efficient measures to optimize patient management at Emergency Room.
Attitudes of Nursing Students Regarding Nurses’ Involvement in Health Care Policy: A New Model Predicting Future Involvement
Authors: Gandelman Elinora , Moran Daniel
Published: December 2020

AIM

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of nursing students regarding nurses’ involvement in health care policy and influencing factors.

BACKGROUND

Nurses have the potential to influence health care policy. In practice, their involvement in policy-making decisions has been unremarkable.

METHOD

A cross-section study was performed. A self-report questionnaire measuring nurses’ involvement in determining health care policy was distributed among 400 nursing students from three universities in Israel.

RESULTS

Most students intended to become involved in determining health care policy; however, they claimed that their level of awareness and training in the field was not adequate. Recently, a new model predicted a 74.8 percent involvement of future nurses in determining health care policy.

CONCLUSION

Nursing leaders and designers of nursing education programs must create professional and personal resources through political activism among nursing students in order to preserve patients’ rights and treatment quality.
Managing pain in seriously ill patients with substance use disorders
Authors: Mazanec Polly , Paice Judy , Campbell Grace , Ginex Pamela K. , Harris Melodee , Matzo Marianne
Published: December 2020

Managing pain can be challenging, especially in patients with serious illnesses and a history of substance use disorders. This article discusses the challenges of addressing pain in these patients and offers perspectives regarding their clinical management.
Nursing perspectives from an Italian ICU
Authors: Imbriaco Guglielmo , Monesi Alessandro , Ferrari Patrizia
Published: December 2020

In Europe, the novel coronavirus outbreak started in the northern regions of Italy at the end of February 2020. Initially, resources were insufficient to deal with the abrupt influx of critically ill patients requiring respiratory support. This article recounts the authors' experiences caring for patients with COVID-19 in an Italian ICU during this period in order to help colleagues in the international critical care nursing community successfully manage similar circumstances in the ongoing pandemic.
Adalimumab Concentration Changes After Dose Escalation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Jasurda Jake S. , McCabe Robert P. , Vaughn Byron P.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Dose escalation of adalimumab (ADA) for loss or response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common practice. Recent data suggest improved outcomes with an ADA concentration of 12 mcg/mL, but limited data are available on the ability to achieve a target concentration. The aim of this study was to determine the expected change in serum ADA concentration after a dose escalation performed every 7 days in patients with IBD.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of patients with IBD receiving ADA was divided into every fourteen-day dosing, every 7-day dosing, and dose escalation (ie, q14 to q7 day dosing). The primary outcome was the change in ADA concentration. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of achieving a target ADA concentration of ≥12 mcg/mL.

Results:

Overall, 380 patients were identified, of whom 200 underwent dose escalation, 100 remained on q14 days dosing, and 80 were maintained on q7 day dosing. After dose escalation, the mean ADA concentration increased by 5.5 mcg/mL (P < 0.0001). After dose escalation, a significant proportion of patients achieved an ADA concentration ≥12 mcg/mL (P = 0.0019), as well as clinical remission (P = 0.0053). Based on multiple logistic regression, age of <46 years [odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 4.6; P < 0.01], body mass index of <29 (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.5; P < 0.0001), and initial ADA concentration of ≥3.0 mcg/mL were found to be associated with a target ADA concentration ≥12 mcg/mL (OR: 4.76; 95% CI: 2.3, 9.7; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The average expected increase in serum ADA concentration after dose escalation from q14 to q7 days was 5.5 mcg/mL. The initial ADA concentration, age, and body mass index may influence the ability to achieve a target ADA concentration after dose escalation.
Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation and morphine transiently inhibit trigeminal pain signaling in a chronic headache model
Authors: Cornelison Lauren E. , Hawkins Jordan L. , Woodman Sara E. , Durham Paul L.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Chronic headache conditions are characterized by persistent sensitization of the trigeminal system, which involves dysfunction of descending pain modulation. We previously reported that noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) inhibits trigeminal nociception in models of episodic migraine through a mechanism involving enhanced serotonergic and GABAergic descending pain signaling.

Objectives:

The analgesic effectiveness of nVNS and morphine were investigated in an animal model of chronic headache mediated by the combination of the 3 migraine risk factors of neck muscle tension, paradoxical sleep deprivation, and pungent odors.

Methods:

Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant in the trapezius and sleep deprived for 1 night to promote trigeminal sensitization. After 7 days, animals were exposed to a pungent odor, and mechanical nocifensive head withdrawal responses were determined using von Frey filaments. Beginning on day 3 after odor exposure, animals were treated daily with either nVNS or morphine for 7 days.

Results:

Exposure of animals sensitized by neck inflammation and sleep deprivation to a pungent odor resulted in a prolonged state of trigeminal nociception. Daily administration of nVNS or morphine significantly repressed the nocifensive response; however, cessation resulted in a return to heightened pretreatment nocifensive levels.

Conclusions:

The combination of reported migraine risk factors promotes a state of sustained trigeminal hypersensitivity characteristic of chronic headache. Daily nVNS was similarly effective as morphine in inhibiting nociception and may represent a safer, opioid-sparing therapeutic option for other chronic pain disorders involving sensitization of the trigeminal system by promoting descending pain modulation.
On the influence of magnetic topology on the propagation of internal gravity waves in the solar atmosphere
Authors: Vigeesh G. , Roth M. , Steiner O. , Fleck B.
Published: December 2020

The solar surface is a continuous source of internal gravity waves (IGWs). IGWs are believed to supply the bulk of the wave energy for the lower solar atmosphere, but their existence and role for the energy balance of the upper layers is still unclear, largely due to the lack of knowledge about the influence of the Sun’s magnetic fields on their propagation. In this work, we look at naturally excited IGWs in realistic models of the solar atmosphere and study the effect of different magnetic field topographies on their propagation. We carry out radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of a magnetic field free and two magnetic models—one with an initial, homogeneous, vertical field of 100 G magnetic flux density and one with an initial horizontal field of 100 G flux density. The propagation properties of IGWs are studied by examining the phase-difference and coherence spectra in thekh − ωdiagnostic diagram. We find that IGWs in the upper solar atmosphere show upward propagation in the model with predominantly horizontal field similar to the model without magnetic field. In contrast to that the model with predominantly vertical fields show downward propagation. This crucial difference in the propagation direction is also revealed in the difference in energy transported by waves for heights below 0.8 Mm. Higher up, the propagation properties show a peculiar behaviour, which require further study. Our analysis suggests that IGWs may play a significant role in the heating of the chromospheric layers of the internetwork region where horizontal fields are thought to be prevalent.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
Proper orthogonal and dynamic mode decomposition of sunspot data
Authors: Albidah A. B. , Brevis W. , Fedun V. , Ballai I. , Jess D. B. , Stangalini M. , Higham J. , Verth G.
Published: December 2020

High-resolution solar observations show the complex structure of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave motion. We apply the techniques of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) to identify the dominant MHD wave modes in a sunspot using the intensity time series. The POD technique was used to find modes that are spatially orthogonal, whereas the DMD technique identifies temporal orthogonality. Here, we show that the combined POD and DMD approaches can successfully identify both sausage and kink modes in a sunspot umbra with an approximately circular cross-sectional shape.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
Development of thiamine-rich snacks from brown rice using extrusion technology
Authors: Bhat Tashooq , Hussain Syed Zameer , Naseer Bazila , Hameed Rather Abdul , Ahmad Mir Shakeel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Snack industry is one of the fastest growing food sectors globally, and people are nowadays conscious about intake of healthy snacks on regular basis. There is enormous variety of ready-to-snacks available in the market. Brown rice though highly nutritious in comparison to polished rice is consumed meagerly by masses. Each raw material/ingredient used in extrusion cooking requires specific control of processing variables to meet acceptable product characteristics and consumer demands, which in turn necessitates the need to optimize the conditions for development of brown-rice-based snacks. The aim of this study was to optimize the extrusion cooking conditions for development of brown-rice-based extrudates.

Design/methodology/approach

Extrusion conditions were optimized through design expert using central composite rotatable design (CCRD) experimental design. The effect of feed moisture (10–22%), screw speed (215–385 rpm) and barrel temperature (95–160 °C) on specific mechanical energy (SME), bulk density (BD), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), expansion ratio (ER), breaking strength (BS) and instrumental color (L*, a*, b*) was evaluated.

Findings

All the system and product responses were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by independent variables. Regression models obtained were highly significant with high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.992). The optimum extrusion conditions obtained by numerical optimization for development of snacks were moisture content of 12%, screw speed of 350 rpm and temperature of 133 °C. The vitamin B1 content of brown-rice-based snacks was 0.45 mg/100 (50% of RDA) whereas no vitamin B1 was detected in white-rice-based snacks used as control.

Practical implications

The developed snacks contain 0.45 mg/100 g of vitamin B1. If a person on an average consumes 150 g of snacks in a day, 50% of RDA (1.2 mg/day) for vitamin B1 can be sufficed. Therefore, developed snacks can prove to be a viable vehicle to reduce the vitamin B1 deficiency burden among the target population. Large-scale production and consumption of such type of snacks could improve the nutritional status of vitamin B1 deficient people. Furthermore, it can also provide a good opportunity for snack industry to develop nutritious snacks through utilization of brown rice.

Originality/value

Brown rice flour contains nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, sodium and vitamin B1 in appreciable portions and was thus explored for development of nutritious snacks. Moreover, developed snacks recorded an overall acceptability of 4.70 out of 5, which depicts it is acceptable for mass production and consumption.
Physical stability, rheology and microstructure of salad dressing containing essential oils: study of incorporating nanoemulsions
Authors: Ribes Susana , Fuentes Ana , Barat Jose Manuel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding oregano and clove oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions on the physico-chemical, technological and microstructural properties of minimally processed salad dressings during storage at 8 °C and 25 °C.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples were formulated with either free or encapsulated oregano and clove essential oils in O/W nanoemulsions.

Findings

Noticeable differences in the physical stability and microstructure of salad dressings were observed after 11 storage days and were less marked for the samples formulated with encapsulated oregano or clove oils in the O/W nananoemulsions. Moreover, rheological measurements revealed minor changes in the viscoelastic characteristics of the salad dressings containing the O/W nanoemulsions.

Originality/value

These findings confirm the potential of oregano and clove O/W nanoemulsions for use in minimally processed salad dressings as stabilising and technological agents.
The Internet reshapes China's economic geography: micromechanisms and macro effects
Authors: Yang Chen , An Tongliang
Published: December 2020

Purpose

By observing facts of the “reversal of agglomeration” of Chinese enterprises during the period of rapid Internet development and using a new economic geography model combined with the data of the real estate sector, this paper deduces the influence of the “reshaping mechanisms” of the Internet on China's economic geography based on the “gravitation mechanism” of the Internet that affects the enterprises and the “amplification mechanism” of the Internet that amplifies the dispersion force of house prices.

Design/methodology/approach

In the empirical aspect, the dynamic spatial panel data model is used to test the micromechanisms of the impact of the Internet on enterprises' choice of location and the instrumental variable method is used to verify the macro effects of the Internet in reshaping economic geography.

Findings

It is found that in the era of the network economy, the Internet has become a source of regional competitive advantage and is extremely attractive to enterprises. The rapidly rising house price has greatly increased the congestion cost and has become the force behind the dispersion of enterprises. China's infrastructure miracle has closed the access gap which gives full play to network externalities and promotes the movement of enterprises from areas with high house prices to areas with low house prices.

Originality/value

The Internet is amplifying the dispersion force of congestion costs manifested as house prices and is reshaping China's economic geography. This paper further proposes policy suggestions such as taking the Internet economy as the new momentum of China's economic development and implementing the strategy of regional coordinated development.
Implementing a Lean Six Sigma standardized toolset in a manufacturing company: a case study
Authors: Panayiotou Nikolaos A. , Stergiou Konstantinos E. , Chronopoulos Vassilis
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing company operating in South East Europe in order to understand the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) in LSS adoption and to find out the benefits that the company gained. The second purpose is to propose a standardized toolset based on DMAIC phases, for the application of LSS in small scale projects, in order to facilitate LSS adoption by more manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the interlacement of the Yin's method about case studies and the DMAIC method for the improved deployment of LSS.

Findings

The analysis of this case study shows that the company attained to benefit financially, operationally and organizationally from the implementation of LSS. The already existing mentality of CI inside the company helped the project procedure and the application of changes and improvements fulfilling LSS adoption CSFs.

Practical implications

The paper constructs a toolset and studies the role of CSFs in order to achieve the desirable benefits in a manufacturing environment, constituting a guide for future LSS initiatives.

Originality/value

As stated by literature reviews, even though there are several papers concerning LSS implementation in the manufacturing sector, there is a need for more case studies papers, such as this one, in order to enrich the literature. In this paper, it is also the first time that a specific toolset for small scale projects is proposed based on to DMAIC which can be implemented in further LSS projects.
Academic libraries in COVID-19: a renewed mission for digital literacy
Authors: Martzoukou Konstantina
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed online learning, blended or hybrid provision as the “new normal” in Higher Education. For most universities and their academic libraries, especially those with a less strong online presence, the pandemic has caused numerous challenges. However, it has also been a catalyst for change and resifting of priorities. For academic librarians involved in the delivery of information skills/literacy training, a renewed mission is emerging, addressing access and connectivity to resources, designing for online education and fostering the development of digital literacy of students.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper based on the author's personal experiences and subjective opinion as a Library and Information Science educator with considerable expertise in online distance learning in the UK. Reflecting critically on the impact of the pandemic from an educational point of view and on key changes experienced, the paper centres on the argument that academic librarians could emerge as strategic partners in Higher Education, towards the direction of enhancing students' digital competences development.

Findings

The complete and involuntary shift to online learning due to COVID-19 restrictions has opened the door to multiple challenges in Higher Education, which are complex and ongoing: the implementation of remote tools and practices en masse in online teaching and learning in a way that ensures accessibility and equity for all, issues connecting to online pedagogy and how to prepare students with the information and digital literacy competences required for the new online learning “normal”. As academic libraries move forward, they have a renewed mission to help learners in the online space to become both information rich and digitally competent. There is an opportunity to act as the connecting link that will help to move a step forward a strategic vision that places design for equity at the centre of education.

Originality/value

The impact of COVID-19 within Higher Education and academic libraries more specifically, is a theme that has not been yet sufficiently discussed, researched or critically debated as the world is still currently going through the pandemic crisis. This paper aims to initiate some early thoughts and conversation, as well as put forward the author's personal critical positioning on the issues, challenges and potential opportunities, emerging in the current educational climate for academic librarians, and to highlight areas of importance for the design and direction of information and library science curricula.
Outward specific trust in the balancing of hierarchical government trust: Evidence from mainland China
Authors: Hu Anning
Published: December 2020

This study elaborates the link between social trust and government trust by investigating how the extent of outwardness in one's specific trusting relation, as coalescence of trust strength and radius, relates to the varying trust in governments of different administrative levels. Using survey data collected in China, a country featured by the hierarchical government trust and differential mode of interpersonal association, we show that, in both urban and rural areas, the outward orientation of interpersonal trust is positively associated with the trust in the subnational governments, while being independent from the confidence in the central government, suggesting a less hierarchical and more balanced attitude toward government trust. One's generalized trust fails to show such a pattern. This study illustrates a handy measure that combines trust radius and trust strength and highlights the relevance of specific trust for political attitudes in an authoritarian regime.
Clinicopathological features of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer presenting in the UK versus internationally: An observational cohort study
Authors: Sawant R. , Hey S.Y. , Hulse K. , Hay A. , Gibb F.W. , Adamson R. , Nixon I.J.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Very little data are available regarding differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) managed in the UK, and no UK patients are included in the evidence base upon which international guidelines are based. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological features of patients with DTC presenting in a UK population with international patient cohorts.

Patients and methods

Data were collected from a prospectively held multi‐disciplinary team records from January 2009 to December 2016. The local cohort was compared with cohorts from across the world based on clinicopathological features. Ethical approval was obtained by Lothian Caldicott Guardian (Ref 16 133).

Results

444 cases were diagnosed locally with a median age of 48 years (range 16‐86 years). 78% of patients were female. 25% of our patients had follicular carcinoma with an overall N1 rate of 20%. Distant disease was recorded in 5% cases. In comparison with international data, our local cohort had a higher rate of follicular thyroid carcinoma. Variation was seen in terms of age, gender distribution, primary tumour size, nodal and distant disease. In Korea, where thyroid cancer screening has been undertaken, smaller tumours, higher rates of nodal disease and lower rates of distant disease are described.

Conclusion

In our centre, a higher rate of males is treated with larger primary disease and a higher percentage of follicular carcinoma. The reasons for this geographic variation in clinicopathological features in the UK are unclear. As a result, caution should be applied in translating the international move towards a more conservative approach to DTC in the UK in comparison with other areas of the world.
Ascites development is associated with worse outcome in patients after kidney transplantation
Authors: Leung Marcia , Humphrey Megan L. , Chen Ling‐Xin , Sarkar Souvik
Published: December 2020

Background

We provide detailed analysis and outcomes in patients post‐kidney transplant (KT) developing ascites, which has never been categorically reported.

Methods

Ascites was identified by ICD9/10 codes and detailed chart review in patients post‐KT from 01/2004‐06/2019. The incidence of patient death and graft loss were determined per 100‐person‐years, and the incidence rate ratio was obtained.

Results

Of 3329 patients receiving KT, 83 (2.5%) patients had new‐onset ascites, of whom 58% were male, 21% blacks, and 29% whites. Seventy‐five percentage were on hemodialysis. Patients were maintained primarily on tacrolimus and mycophenolate for immunosuppression. Only 14% of patients with ascites had the appropriate diagnostic workup. There was a trend toward an increased mortality in patients with ascites (incidence rate ratio, IRR [95% CI]: 1.8 [0.92, 3.19], p = .06), and a significantly higher incidence of graft loss (IRR: 5.62 [3.97, 7.76], p < .001), compared with non‐ascites patients. When classified by ascites severity, determined by imaging, moderate/severe ascites patients had the worst clinical outcomes, with a mortality of 32% and graft failure in 57%, compared with 9% and 10%, respectively, in those without ascites.

Conclusion

In this large cohort employing stepwise analysis of ascites post‐KT, worse outcomes were noted, dictating the need for optimized management to improve clinical outcomes.
Authoritarian innovations in labor governance: The case of Cambodia
Authors: Ford Michele , Gillan Michael , Ward Kristy
Published: December 2020

Authoritarian states face a fundamental tension in managing labor conflict. Too much repression can be read as a violation of workers' human rights, but too little undermines their structures of control. In this article, we shift focus from the overt repression of workers and unions to consider how states manage labor dissent through governance reform. Using Cambodia as our case, we examine the government's use of a series of “authoritarian innovations” to reassert control over labor governance mechanisms once dominated by international actors. Through an analysis of the shifting terrain of reform in the areas of labor legislation, minimum wage‐setting, and disputes resolution, we show how institutional pacification has contained labor in ways that have served to defend state legitimacy and protect accumulation. We conclude by discussing the implications of these novel tactics—which signal the state is neither static nor predictable—for our understanding of labor governance under authoritarianism.
Selection influences naive CD8+ TCR‐β repertoire sharing
Authors: Yiu Hao H. , Schoettle Louis N. , Garcia‐Neuer Marlene , Blattman Joseph N. , Johnson Philip L. F.
Published: December 2020

Within each individual, the adaptive immune system generates a repertoire of cells expressing receptors capable of recognizing diverse potential pathogens. The theoretical diversity of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire exceeds the actual size of the T‐cell population in an individual by several orders of magnitude – making the observation of identical TCRs in different individuals extremely improbable if all receptors were equally likely. Despite this disparity between the theoretical and the realized diversity of the repertoire, these ‘public’ receptor sequences have been identified in autoimmune, cancer and pathogen interaction contexts. Biased generation processes explain the presence of public TCRs in the naive repertoire, but do not adequately explain the different abundances of these public TCRs. We investigate and characterize the distribution of genomic TCR‐β sequences of naive CD8+ T cells from three genetically identical mice, comparing non‐productive (non‐functional sequences) and productive sequences. We find public TCR‐β sequences at higher abundances compared with unshared sequences in the productive, but not in the non‐productive, repertoire. We show that neutral processes such as recombination biases, codon degeneracy and generation probability do not fully account for these differences, and conclude that thymic or peripheral selection plays an important role in increasing the abundances of public TCR‐β sequences.