bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation boosts mood recovery after effort exertion
Authors: Ferstl Magdalena , Teckentrup Vanessa , Lin Wy Ming , Kräutlein Franziska , Kühnel Anne , Klaus Johannes , Walter Martin , Kroemer Nils B.
Published: July 2020

Mood plays an important role in our life which is illustrated by the disruptive impact of aberrant mood states in depression. Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, the exact mechanism is still elusive, and it is an open question whether non-invasive VNS could be used to swiftly and robustly improve mood. Here, we investigated the effect of left- and right-sided transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) versus a sham control condition on mood after exertion of physical and cognitive effort in 82 healthy participants (randomized cross-over design). Using linear mixed-effects and hierarchical Bayesian analyses of mood ratings, we found that 90 min of either left-sided or right-sided taVNS improved positive mood (b= 5.11, 95% credible interval, CI [1.39, 9.01], 9.6% improvement relative to the mood intercept, BF10= 7.69,pLME= .017), yet only during the post stimulation phase. Moreover, lower baseline scores of positive mood were associated with greater taVNS-induced improvements in motivation (r= −.42, 95% CI [−.58, −.21], BF10= 249). We conclude that taVNS boosts mood after a prolonged period of effort exertion with concurrent stimulation and that acute motivational effects of taVNS are partly dependent on initial mood states. Collectively, our results show that taVNS may help quickly improve affect after a mood challenge, potentially by modulating interoceptive signals contributing to reappraisal of effortful behavior. This suggests that taVNS could be a useful add-on to current behavioral therapies.
An online headphone screening test based on dichotic pitch
Authors: Milne Alice E. , Bianco Roberta , Poole Katarina C. , Zhao Sijia , Oxenham Andrew J. , Billig Alexander J. , Chait Maria
Published: July 2020

Online experimental platforms can be used as an alternative, or complement, to lab-based research. However, when conducting auditory experiments via online methods, the researcher has limited control over the participants’ listening environment. We offer a new method to probe one aspect of that environment, headphone use. Headphones not only provide better control of sound presentation but can also “shield” the listener from background noise. Here we present a rapid (< 3 minute) headphone screening test based on Huggins Pitch (HP), a perceptual phenomenon that can only be detected when stimuli are presented dichotically. We validate this test using a cohort of “Trusted” online participants who completed the test using both headphones and loudspeakers. The same participants were also used to test an existing headphone test (AP test; Woods et al., 2017,Attention Perception Psychophysics). We demonstrate that compared to the AP test, the HP test has a higher selectivity for headphone users, rendering it as a compelling alternative to existing methods. Overall, the new HP test correctly detects 80% of headphone users and has a false positive rate of 20%. Moreover, we demonstrate that combining the HP test with an additional test - either the AP test or an alternative based on a beat test (BT) - can lower the false positive rate to ∼7%. This should be useful in situations where headphone use is particularly critical (e.g. dichotic or spatial manipulations). Code for implementing the new tests is publicly available in JavaScript and through Gorilla (gorilla.sc).
Form, function, and divergence of a generic fin shape in small cetaceans
Authors: Pavlov Vadim , Vincent Cecile , Mikkelsen Bjarni , Lebeau Justine , Ridoux Vincent , Siebert Ursula
Published: July 2020

Tail flukes as well as the dorsal fin are the apomorphic traits of cetaceans appeared during evolutionary process of adaptation to the aquatic life. Both appendages present a generic wing-like shape associated with lift generation and low drag. Variability of the form of appendages was studied in seven species of cetaceans having different body size, external morphology, and specialization. Hydrodynamic performance of the fin cross-sections was examined with the CFD software and compared with similar engineered airfoils. Affinity of hydrodynamic design of both appendages was found in a wing-like planform and cross-sectional design optimized for lift generation. Distinctions in the planform and cross-sections were found related with the fin specialization in thrust production or swimming stability control. Cross-sectional design of the dorsal fin was found to be optimized for the narrow range of small angles of attack. Cross-sections of tail flukes were found to be more stable for higher angles of attack and had gradual stall characteristics that is associated with their propulsive efficiency as oscillating foils. The results obtained are the evidence of divergent evolutionary pathways of a generic wing-like shape of the fins of cetaceans under specific demands of thrust production and swimming stability control.
Rostro-caudal specificity of corticospinal tract projections in mice
Authors: Steward Oswald , Yee Kelly M. , Metcalfe Mariajose , Willenberg Rafer , Luo Juan , Azevedo Ricardo , Martin-Thompson Jacob H. , Gandhi Sunil P.
Published: July 2020

Rostro-caudal specificity of corticospinal tract (CST) projections from different areas of the cortex was assessed by retrograde labeling with fluorogold and retrograde transfection following retro-AAV/Cre injection into the spinal cord of tdT-reporter mice. Injections at C5 led to retrograde labeling of neurons throughout forelimb area of the sensorimotor cortex, the rostral forebrain area (RFA), and a region in the lateral cortex near the barrel field. Injections at L2 led to retrograde labeling of neurons in the posterior sensorimotor cortex (hindlimb area) but not the RFA or lateral cortex. With BDA injections into the main sensorimotor cortex (forelimb region), labeled axons terminated selectively at cervical levels. With BDA injections into caudal sensorimotor cortex (hindlimb region), labeled axons passed through cervical levels without sending collaterals into the gray matter and then elaborated terminal arbors at thoracic-sacral levels. With BDA injections into the RFA and lateral cortex near the barrel field, labeled axons terminated at high cervical levels. Axons from medial sensorimotor cortex terminated primarily in intermediate laminae; Axons from lateral sensorimotor cortex terminated primarily in deep layers of the dorsal horn. One of the descending pathways seen in rats (the ventral CST) was not observed in most mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

Mice are used extensively for studies of regeneration following spinal cord injury because of the ability to create genetic modifications to explore ways to enhance repair and enable axon regeneration. A particular focus has been the corticospinal tract (CST) because of its importance for voluntary motor function. Here, we document features of the rostro-caudal specificity of CST
Calretinin and calbindin architecture of the midline thalamus associated with prefrontal-hippocampal circuitry
Authors: Viena Tatiana D. , Rasch Gabriela E. , Silva Daniela , Allen Timothy A.
Published: July 2020

The midline thalamus bi-directionally connects the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HC) creating a unique cortico-thalamo-cortico circuit fundamental to memory and executive function. While the anatomical connectivity of midline thalamus has been thoroughly investigated, little is known about its cellular organization within each nucleus. Here we used immunohistological techniques to examine cellular distributions in the midline thalamus based on the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), and calbindin (CB). We also examined these calcium binding proteins in a population of reuniens cells known to project to both mPFC and HC using a dual fluorescence retrograde adenoassociated virus (AAV) based tracing approach. These dual reuniens mPFC-HC projecting cells, in particular, are thought to be important for synchronizing mPFC and HC activity. First, we confirmed the absence of PV+neurons in the midline thalamus. Second, we found a common pattern of CR+and CB+cells throughout midline thalamus with CR+cells running along the nearby third ventricle (3V) and penetrating the midline. CB+cells were consistently more lateral and toward the middle of the dorsal-ventral extent of the midline thalamus. Notably, single-labeled CR+and CB+zones were partially overlapping and included dual-labeled CR+/CB+cells. Within RE, we also observed a CR and CB subzone specific diversity. Interestingly, dual mPFC-HC projecting neurons in RE expressed none of the calcium binding proteins examined, but were contained in nests of CR+and CB+cells. Overall, the midline thalamus was well organized into CR+and CB+rich zones distributed throughout the region, with dual mPFC-HC projecting cells in reuniens representing a unique cell population. These results provide a cytoarchitectural organization in the midline thalamus based on calcium binding protein expression, and sets the stage for future cell-type specific interrogations of the functional role of these different cell populations in mPFC-HC interactions.
Local translation in synaptic mitochondria influences synaptic transmission
Authors: Yousefi Roya , Fornasiero Eugenio F. , Cyganek Lukas , Jakobs Stefan , Rizzoli Silvio O. , Rehling Peter , Pacheu-Grau David
Published: July 2020

Mitochondria possess a small genome that codes for core subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation system, and whose expression is essential for energy production. Information on the regulation and spatial organization of mitochondrial gene expression in the cellular context has been difficult to obtain. Here we addressed this by devising an imaging approach to analyze mitochondrial translation, by following the incorporation of clickable non-canonical amino acids. We applied this method to multiple cell types, including hippocampal neurons, where we found ample evidence for mitochondrial translation in both dendrites and axons. Translation levels were surprisingly heterogeneous, were typically stronger in axons, and were independent of their distance from the cell soma, where mitochondria presumably descent from. Presynaptic mitochondrial translation correlated with local synaptic activity, and blocking mitochondria translation reduced synaptic function. Overall, these findings demonstrate that mitochondrial gene expression in neurons is intimately linked to neuronal function.
Endothelial expression of human APP leads to cerebral amyloid angiopathy in mice
Authors: Tachida Yuriko , Miura Saori , Imamaki Rie , Ogasawara Naomi , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Sahara Naruhiko , Shindo Akihiro , Matsuba Yukio , Saito Takashi , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Saido Takaomi , Kitazume Shinobu
Published: July 2020

The deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) in blood vessels of the brain, known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), is observed in more than 90% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. The presence of such CAA pathology is not as evident, however, in most mouse models of AD, thereby making it difficult to examine the contribution of CAA to the pathogenesis of AD. Since blood levels of soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) in rodents are less than 1% of those in humans, we hypothesized that endothelial APP expression would be markedly lower in rodents, thus providing a reason for the poorly expressed CAA pathology. Here we generated mice that specifically express human APP770 in endothelial cells. These mice exhibited an age-dependent robust deposition of Aβ in brain blood vessels but not in the parenchyma. Crossing these animals with APP knock-in mice led to an expanded CAA pathology as evidenced by increased amounts of amyloid accumulated in the cortical blood vessels. These results show that both neuronal and endothelial APP contribute cooperatively to vascular Aβ deposition, and suggest that this mouse model will be useful for studying disease mechanisms underlying CAA and for developing novel AD therapeutics.
Parallel bimodal single-cell sequencing of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility
Authors: Xing Qiao Rui , Farran Chadi A El , Zeng Ying Ying , Yi Yao , Warrier Tushar , Gautam Pradeep , Collins James J. , Xu Jian , Dröge Peter , Koh Cheng-Gee , Li Hu , Zhang Li-Feng , Loh Yuin-Han
Published: July 2020

Joint profiling of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility within single cells allows for the deconstruction of the complex relationship between transcriptional states and upstream regulatory programs determining different cell fates. Here, we developed an automated method with high sensitivity, assay for single-cell transcriptome and accessibility regions (ASTAR-seq), for simultaneous measurement of whole-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility within the same single cell. To show the utility of ASTAR-seq, we profiled 384 mESCs under naive and primed pluripotent states as well as a two-cell like state, 424 human cells of various lineage origins (BJ, K562, JK1, and Jurkat), and 480 primary cord blood cells undergoing erythroblast differentiation. With the joint profiles, we configured the transcriptional and chromatin accessibility landscapes of discrete cell states, uncovered linked sets of cis-regulatory elements and target genes unique to each state, and constructed interactome and transcription factor (TF)–centered upstream regulatory networks for various cell states.
Melting points of one- and two-component molecular crystals as effective characteristics for rational design of pharmaceutical systems
Authors: Perlovich German
Published: July 2020

Based on the review of the literature results the database of the fusion temperatures of two-component molecular crystals (1947 co-crystals) and individual components thereof was built up. To improve the design of co-crystals with predictable melting temperatures, the correlation equations connecting co-crystals and individual components melting points were deduced. These correlations were discovered for 18 co-crystals of different stoichiometric compositions. The correlation coefficients were analysed, and the conclusions about the main/determinative and slave components of a co-crystal were made. The comparative analysis of the melting points of co-crystals composed from the same components but with different stoichiometry showed a co-crystal melting temperature growth when increasing the content of a high-melting component. The differences in the melting temperatures were determined and discussed for the following: (a) monotropic polymorphic forms, (b) two-component crystals with the same composition and different stoichiometry, and (c) two-component crystals based on racemates and enantiomers. The database analysis revealed the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and co-formers (CFs) more particularly used for co-crystal design. The approach based on an efficacy parameter allowing the prediction of co-crystals with melting points lower than those of individual compounds was developed.
Regio- and stereospecific assembly of dispiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine-1′,5′′-thiazolidines] from simple precursors using a one-pot procedure: synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization, and a proposed mechanism of formation
Authors: Romo Pablo , Quiroga Jairo , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: July 2020

The synthesis and characterization of three new dispiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine-1′,5′′-thiazolidine] compounds are reported, together with the crystal structures of two of them. (3RS,1′SR,2′SR,7a′SR)-2′-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-hexyl-2′′-sulfanylidene-5′,6′,7′,7a′-tetrahydro-2′H-dispiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine-1′,5′′-thiazolidine]-2,4′′-dione, C28H30ClN3O2S2, (I), (3RS,1′SR,2′SR,7a′SR)-2′-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-benzyl-5-methyl-2′′-sulfanylidene-5′,6′,7′,7a′-tetrahydro-2′H-dispiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine-1′,5′′-thiazolidine]-2,4′′-dione, C30H26ClN3O2S2, (II), and (3RS,1′SR,2′SR,7a′SR)-2′-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-fluoro-2′′-sulfanylidene-5′,6′,7′,7a′-tetrahydro-2′H-dispiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine-1′,5′′-thiazolidine]-2,4′′-dione, C22H17ClFN3O2S2, (III), were each isolated as a single regioisomer using a one-pot reaction involving L-proline, a substituted isatin and (Z)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2-sulfanylidenethiazolidin-4-one [5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)rhodanine]. The compositions of (I)–(III) were established by elemental analysis, complemented by high-resolution mass spectrometry in the case of (I); their constitutions, including the definition of the regiochemistry, were established using NMR spectroscopy, and the relative configurations at the four stereogenic centres were established using single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. A possible reaction mechanism for the formation of (I)–(III) is proposed, based on the detailed stereochemistry. The molecules of (I) are linked into simple chains by a single N—H...N hydrogen bond, those of (II) are linked into a chain of rings by a combination of N—H...O and C—H...S=C hydrogen bonds, and those of (III) are linked into sheets by a combination of N—H...N and N—H...S=C hydrogen bonds.
Resource-based view of innovation activity in SMEs: an empirical analysis based on the global competitiveness project
Authors: Lukovszki Lívia , Rideg András , Sipos Norbert
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the corporate functions that contribute most to the innovation success of SMEs with limited resources. After a systematic literature review, the authors used a unique primary data set of 784 SMEs from eight countries. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to show the data set peculiarities. The logistic regression targeted the presence of innovative products and services in sales by 11 dummy variables and 4 principal factors describing SMEs’ different resources and capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a resource-based product innovation model that is synthesising the impact of the company resources and capabilities and of the innovation activity of the company on the actual innovation performance. The authors carry out an empirical analysis of the characteristic features of innovation activity in an international sample of SMEs.

Findings

The results show that two corporate functions play a crucial role in the effectiveness of innovation for SMEs as follows: management and research and development (R&D). In addition, although of lesser importance, the effect of the marketing function also appears significant. The binary logistic regression had 84.2% of explanatory power.

Originality/value

From a scientific point of view, the SME-focussed, complex and synthesising RBV model of innovation construction and literature review can be used as a reference point for future researches. From a practical point of view, the analysis is useful for those SMEs, which want to gain a competitive advantage through innovation. Indeed, the results show that in the case of SMEs, a company wishing to innovate must invest in three corporate functions for innovation to be effective as follows: management, R&D and marketing.
How can a municipal government continue operations during megadisasters? An analysis of preparedness using complex adaptive systems
Authors: Haraguchi Masahiko
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how government continuity planning contributes to strengthening the public sector's emergency preparedness, resulting in enhanced resilience of the public sector. Government continuity plans (GCPs) are a recently focused concept in disaster preparedness, compared to business continuity plans (BCPs) in the private sector. The need for BCPs was widely recognized after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and the 2011 Thailand Floods. However, recent disasters, such as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan, have revealed that local governments without effective GCPs were severely affected by disasters, preventing them from quickly responding to or recovering from disasters. When the GEJE occurred in 2011, only 11% of municipal governments in Japan had GCPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes basic principles of government continuity planning using complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory while summarizing recent developments in theory and practice of government continuity planning.

Findings

This research investigates the Japanese experience of GCPs using self-organization, one of the concepts of CAS. A GCP will complement regional disaster plans, which often focus on what governments should do to protect citizens during emergencies but fail to outline how governments should prepare for an emergency operation. The study concludes that GCPs contribute to increased resilience among the public sector in terms of robustness, redundancy, resourcefulness and rapidity.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications for the development and improvement of a GCP's operational guideline.

Originality/value

This research fulfills an identified need to investigate the effectiveness of a GCP for resilience in the public sector and how to improve its operation using concepts of CAS.
The impact of situated learning activities on technology university students' learning outcome
Authors: Chiou Hua-Huei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate 3D virtual reality (VR) situated activity, preschool reality and how the lecture teaching method affects technology university students' learning outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

The quasi-experimental design is used. Participants are 144 students in three classes who all take Child Development Assessment course. Research instruments include 3D VR animation, preschool live video and child development as the case. One class attended 3D VR situated activities, another observed preschool live video and the other takes a traditional lecture class. Learning outcomes were measured by two paper-and-pencil tests in different times and with one performance assessment. In the writing test, mechanical and meaningful questions were included.

Findings

Major findings of this study are, first, that the auxiliary learning of 3D VR is better than the real-life situation. Second, situational learning activities can enhance participant performance in context-based questions. In summary, this study found that well-organized 3D VR animation is more effective than live situation learning, especially for context-based course content.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of random assignment into test groups leads to non-equivalent test groups which can limit the generalizability of the results to other student population.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that teachers can gradually arrange learning activities, from 3D VR to a real applied workplace; situated learning activities are more likely to support the transfer knowledge to real-life problem solving.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that teachers in arranging the classroom context activities can be the first to use 3D VR before actual reality to avoid novices getting lost in the complicated real situations. If learning activities can be arranged gradually, from 3D VR to real applied workplace, situated learning activities can help students to deploy their newly acquired knowledge and skills in real-life problem solving.
Dufour, Soret and radiation effects with magnetic dipole on Powell-Eyring fluid flow over a stretching sheet
Authors: Vafai K. , Khan Ambreen A. , Fatima G. , Sait Sadiq M. , Ellahi R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of Powell–Eyring fluid induced by a stretched sheet. Heat and mass transfer under the influence of magnetic dipole over a stretching sheet are taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

Nonlinear coupled governing equations are solved using the optimal homotopy asymptotic technique, and a computer software package BVPh 2.0 is used for numerical computations.

Findings

Impact of significant quantities is graphically examined. It is seen that the heat transfer deceases for higher values of viscous dissipation parameter, radiation parameter, Dufour number, whereas it increases for bigger values of Prandtl number. The numerical results have been validated through comparison with existing literature as a special case of proposed model and perceived that the Soret number has reining role to increase the rate of heat transfer.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is reported for the first time.
Normative commitment in an information systems project environment
Authors: Brooks Nita G. , Korzaan Melinda L. , Brooks Stoney
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper builds on previous research in information systems (IS) project management by focusing on key antecedents proposed to play important roles in influencing normative commitment within the IS project environment. The study also further investigates the influence of normative commitment on intentions to continue.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect data for this study, a field survey was administered online, and individuals were selected for participation by a member of upper management from Fortune 500 companies located in the United States. Two-hundred and thirty two (232) survey responses were collected. The model was analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

The results indicated that personal investment, personal responsibility, voluntariness, project-specific self-efficacy and problem-solving competency were all significantly related to normative commitment. Project-specific self-efficacy, problem-solving competency and normative commitment directly influenced intention to continue. Additionally, problem-solving competency moderated both the relationships of project-specific self-efficacy to normative commitment and project-specific self-efficacy to intention to continue. The resulting model explains 63% of intention to continue and 58% of normative commitment.

Originality/value

The findings from this study contribute to commitment theory and enhance one’s understanding of IS project environments by exploring specific antecedents related to developing normative commitment. Additionally, the impact of normative commitment on intention to continue was enhanced by examining key moderating relationships to the model.
Transforming online teaching and learning: towards learning design informed by information science and learning sciences
Authors: Fujita Nobuko
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the practical work of learning designers with the aim of helping members of the information science (IS) and learning sciences (LS) communities understand how evidence-informed learning design of online teaching and online learning in higher education is relevant to their research agendas and how they can contribute to this growing field.

Design/methodology/approach

Illustrating how current online education instructional designs largely ignore evidence from research, this paper argues that evidence from IS and LS can encourage more effective and nuanced learning designs for e-learning and online education delivery and suggest how interdisciplinary collaboration can advance shared understanding.

Findings

Recent reviews of the learning design show that tools and techniques from the LS can support students in self-directed and self-regulated learning. IS studies complement these approaches by highlighting the role that information systems and computer–human interaction. In this paper, the expertise from IS and LS are considered as important evidence to improve learning design, particularly vis-à-vis digital divide concerns that students face during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper outlines important ties between the learning design, LS and IS communities. The combined expertise is key to advancing the nuanced design of online education, which considers issues of social justice and equity, and critical digital pedagogy.
Understanding the entrepreneurial intentions of youth: a PLS multi-group and FIMIX analysis using the model of goal-directed behavior
Authors: Londono Juan Carlos , Wilson Bradley , Osorio-Tinoco Fabian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to test the model of goal-directed behavior (MGB) in the prediction of entrepreneurial intentions of high school students. It also uncovers heterogeneity and differences in structural paths. The study aims to expand the toolbox of theoretical models that are useful to interpret entrepreneurial intentions by including the MGB. The MGB explains the role of desires, anticipated emotions and frequency of past behavior (FPB). These aspects are underplayed in other models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a study using PLS path modeling. The authors applied questionnaires to 643 students (260 boys and 383 girls) from 34 high school institutions of a large metropolitan city in a developing country. Data analysis used a multi-group analysis and a finite mixture (FIMIX) approach.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about the antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions and confirms the role that desires and FPB have in their development. MGA results suggest that PBC relevance depends on gender, and emotions vary with socio economic level (SEL).

Research limitations/implications

Research results are limited to high school students. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further with university students and the general population in other developing and developed countries.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for teaching curriculum and government policy in entrepreneurship. The results encourage the study of entrepreneurship from a young age and the importance of teaching how to overcome negative emotions in the entrepreneurial process.

Originality/value

This paper satisfies a recognized need to evaluate competing models that explain entrepreneurial intentions. The grouping analysis uncovers opportunities to develop innovative education and training strategies.
Embodied “inter-practice” in organizations – the contribution of Merleau-Ponty to carnal organizational practices and studies
Authors: Küpers Wendelin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to develop a critical and extended understanding of practices in organizations from a phenomenological point of view. It explores the relevance of Merleau-Ponty's advanced phenomenology and ontology for understanding the role of the lived body and the embodiment of practices and change in organizational lifeworlds.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review and phenomenology, the role of embodied and relational dimension, the concept of an emergent and responsive “inter-practice” in organizations is developed systematically.

Findings

Based on the phenomenological and relational approach, the concept of (inter-)practice allows an extended more integral and processual understanding of the role of bodily and embodied practices in organizational lifeworlds as emerging events. The concept of inter-practice(ing) contributes to conceiving of new ways of approaching how responsive and improvisational practicing, related to change, coevolves within a multidimensional nexus of organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Specific theoretical and methodological implications for exploring and enacting relational practices as well as limitations are offered.

Practical implications

Some specific practical implications are provided that facilitate and enable embodied practices in organizational contexts.

Social implications

The responsive inter-practice is seen as embedded in sociality and social interactions and links to sociocultural and political as well as ethical dimensions are discussed.

Originality/value

By extending the existing discourse and using an embodied approach, the paper proposes a novel orientation for reinterpreting practice that allows explorations of the emergence and realization of alternative, ingenious and more suitable forms of practicing and change in organizations.
Urban planning decisions: an evaluation support model for natural soil surface saving policies and the enhancement of properties in disuse
Authors: Morano Pierluigi , Tajani Francesco , Anelli Debora
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The present research aims to develop and test an evaluation support model for decisions alert soil surface saving to be used in the redevelopment of abandoned and degraded properties through involvement of private developers.

Design/methodology/approach

Adapting operations research principles to the public–private partnership features that are typical of urban planning issues, the model pursues a complex objective function, that concerns urban parameters to be attributed to properties to be recovered. An elaboration of a Pareto-optimal frontier has defined possible scenarios for different trends of the variables under consideration.

Findings

The efficiency of the model is verified through application to a real case study concerning urban renewal of a property in disuse located in a city in Southern Italy. The outputs confirm the potentialities and flexibility of the proposed model to support urban planning decisions by improving the implementation of conservation policies, in terms of a reduced impact of urban transformation projects on the available natural land surface.

Practical implications

Depending on the objectives of public sector, the model can generate a range of urban parameter combinations to be attributed to the recovered properties to achieve low consumption of natural surfaces, with bargaining between the public and private sectors around these parameters. The model can also be used in the initial phases of the renewal initiative, when it is necessary to define the costs and the revenues involved or to assess alternative solutions capable of reducing impacts on the environment.

Originality/value

The model can be applied to identify the appropriate rewards in a project that can stimulate the private developers to realize further public infrastructures and services than minimum quantities established by the current local urban regulations. In this sense, the model represents an original scientific reference in the current strategies promoted by the European Union for achievement of a “no net land take” by 2050, aimed at reducing natural surface occupied by buildings and roads.
Investigation of food microstructure and texture using atomic force microscopy: A review
Authors: Wen Yadi , Xu Zekun , Liu Yi , Corke Harold , Sui Zhongquan
Published: July 2020

We review recent applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to characterize microstructural and textural properties of food materials. Based on interaction between probe and sample, AFM can image in three dimensions with nanoscale resolution especially in the vertical orientation. When the scanning probe is used as an indenter, mechanical features such as stiffness and elasticity can be analyzed. The linkage between structure and texture can thus be elucidated, providing the basis for many further future applications of AFM. Microstructure of simple systems such as polysaccharides, proteins, or lipids separately, as characterized by AFM, is discussed. Interaction of component mixtures gives rise to novel properties in complex food systems due to development of structure. AFM has been used to explore the morphological characteristics of such complexes and to investigate the effect of such characteristics on properties. Based on insights from such investigations, development of food products and manufacturing can be facilitated. Mechanical analysis is often carried out to evaluate the suitability of natural or artificial materials in food formulations. The textural properties of cellular tissues, food colloids, and biodegradable films can all be explored at nanometer scale, leading to the potential to connect texture to this fine structural level. More profound understanding of natural food materials will enable new classes of fabricated food products to be developed.
Effects of school resource officers on school crime and responses to school crime
Authors: Gottfredson Denise C. , Crosse Scott , Tang Zhiqun , Bauer Erin L. , Harmon Michele A. , Hagen Carol A. , Greene Angela D.
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

We examined the effects of an increase in school resource officer (SRO) staffing on schools in a sample of 33 public schools that enhanced SRO staffing through funding from the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program and a matched sample of 72 schools that did not increase SRO staffing at the same time. In longitudinal analyses of monthly school‐level administrative data, we compared the treatment and comparison schools on disciplinary offenses and actions. We found that increased SROs increased the number of drug‐ and weapon‐related offenses and exclusionary disciplinary actions for treatment schools relative to comparison schools. These negative effects were more frequently found for students without special needs.

Policy Implications

The study findings suggest that increasing SROs does not improve school safety and that by increasing exclusionary responses to school discipline incidents it increases the criminalization of school discipline. We recommend that educational decision‐makers seeking to enhance school safety consider the many alternatives to programs that require regular police presence in schools.
Reducing speeding via inanimate police presence
Authors: Simpson Rylan , McCutcheon Mark , Lal Darryl
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

The present research uses data from a police‐directed field study to explore the effects of police presence on speeding in two large cities in British Columbia, Canada. As part of the study, an inanimate but realistic‐appearing police cut‐out (“Constable Scarecrow”) was strategically positioned along roadways while motorist speed was measured using a radar‐recording device. The analyses of the multisite evaluation reveal that the presence of the cut‐out can reduce speeding when deployed along arterial roadways.

Policy Implications

Traffic collisions are a leading cause of death and nonfatal injuries for people worldwide. A well‐documented contributor to traffic collisions is speed. Controlling speed has thus become a priority for government, police, and community groups across the world. The findings from the present research demonstrate that police can reduce speeding via their inanimate presence. This is the first known study to evaluate the effects of an inanimate but realistic‐appearing police cut‐out on motorist behavior: a sustainable, low‐cost, and easily implementable intervention for communities of all sizes in all places.
Preoperative anaesthesia triage with a patient‐centred system—A prospective clinical study
Authors: Molin Clara , Rovsing Marie Louise , Meyhoff Christian S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Increase in day surgery has challenged preoperative anaesthesia with need to identify a few high‐risk patients requiring detailed preoperative intervention. We aimed to assess if a nurse‐administered Preoperative Patient‐centred Anaesthesia System (Pre‐PAS) could identify high‐risk patients, defined as ASA score III‐IV, before surgery and allow triage in standard preanaesthesia care. We hypothesized that Pre‐PAS ≥ 1 would identify ASA III‐IV patients with high specificity.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study, where twelve preoperative risk factors were recorded before surgery with the Pre‐PAS questionnaire along with a score from zero to twelve based on the number of positive criteria. Only patients with a Pre‐PAS score ≥ 1 were followed by mandatory preoperative anaesthetists' assessment visit. Medical records were reviewed to ensure accurate ASA score evaluation, surgical cancellations and airway difficulties. Association between Pre‐PAS score and ASA score was evaluated by Fisher's exact test.

Results

In a total of 487 included patients, 92% of high‐risk patients (ASA III‐IV) and 54% of low‐risk patients (ASA I‐II) had Pre‐PAS score ≥ 1 (P ≤ .001). Nine out of 12 Pre‐PAS criteria were significantly associated with higher frequency in ASA III‐IV. Pre‐PAS reduced number of preanaesthetic visits by 39%. Pre‐PAS ≥ 1 had a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.46 for ASA III‐IV.

Conclusions

A patient‐centred preoperative triage system had high sensitivity for identifying ASA III‐IV, and multiple Pre‐PAS variables were associated with ASA III‐IV, but the model had low specificity. Pre‐PAS may guide triage of relevant patients to preanaesthetic visit.
Early detection of intraneural and intravascular injections with real‐time injection pressure monitoring in cadavers
Authors: Saporito Andrea , Quadri Christian , Steinfeldt Thorsten , Wiesmann Thomas , Cantini Laura Micòl , Capdevila Xavier
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Injection pressure monitoring can help detecting the needle tip position and avoid intraneural injection. However, it shall be measured at the needle tip in order to be accurate and reproducible with any injection system and non operator‐dependent. With an innovative system monitoring the injection pressure right at the needle tip we show that it is possible to early detect an intraneural and also an intravascular injection.

Methods

We performed supraclavicular block‐like procedures under real‐time ultrasound guidance on two fresh cadaver torsos using a sensing needle with an optical fiber pressure sensor within the shaft continuously measuring injection pressure at the needle tip. A total of 45 ultrasound‐guided injections were performed (15 perineural, 15 intraneural and 15 intravenous injections).

Results

Mean (SD) injection pressure after only 1 mL injected volume was already significantly higher for the intraneural compared to the perineural injections: 70.46 kPa (11.72) vs 8.34 (4.68) kPa; P < .001. Mean (SD) injection pressure at 1 mL injected volume was significantly lower for the intravascular compared to the perineural injections: 1.51 (0.48) vs 8.34 (4.68) kPa; P < .001.

Conclusions

Our results show that injection pressure monitoring at the needle tip has the potential to help identifying an accidental intraneural or intravascular injection at a very early stage.
SNP‐based heritability and genetic architecture of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Cook S. R. , Conzemius M. G. , McCue M. E. , Ekenstedt K. J.
Published: July 2020

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is one of the leading causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. About 6% of Labrador Retrievers suffer from this orthopedic problem. The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of CCLR in this breed using SNP array genotyping data. DNA samples were collected from CCLR‐affected dogs (n = 190) and unaffected dogs over the age of 8 years (n = 143). All 333 dogs were genotyped directly or imputed up to approximately 710k SNPs on the Affymetrix Axiom CanineHD SNP array. Heritability of CCLR was calculated using multiple methodologies, including linear mixed models, Bayesian models and a model that incorporates LD. The covariates of sex and sterilization status were added to each analysis to assess their impact. Across the algorithms of these models, heritability ranged from 0.550 to 0.886, depending on covariate inclusion. The relatively high heritability for this disease indicates that a substantial genetic component contributes to CCLR in the Labrador Retriever.
Adaptation and Mitigation amid the Consequences of Failure
Authors: Cox Paul , Cox Stan
Published: July 2020

Societies once could choose between changing direction or dealing with climatic disaster; now it is necessary to do both at once. The best‐laid plans for mitigation would be hard enough to fulfill in a stable climate, but they will be vastly harder in the climate chaos ahead. If simultaneous mitigation and adaptation are still achievable, such a difficult balance cannot also take on the burden of supporting unrestrained economic growth. The failing efforts so far have been dominated by a search for synergistic ways to mitigate, adapt, and grow economies at the same time, while wishing away the predictable trade‐offs between these goals. Wealthy polluting countries have enforced this optimistic spirit in international climate debates, in part to counter the language of loss and damage, which they have seen as a direct challenge. Key to their effort has been a reframing of adaptation that flips the focus from the vulnerability of exposed populations to their resilience. However, the reality of implementing plans for resilience is running into problems, and those populations are instead taking up the banner of climate justice. Debt‐ and disaster‐plagued Puerto Rico illustrates the failure of both adaptation and mitigation through growth and the promise of climate justice as a means to articulate other forms of balance.
Introduction of the MyoSureLITE in an established outpatient hysteroscopy clinic
Authors: Gordon Hannah G. , Mooney Samantha , Readman Emma
Published: July 2020

Background

Endometrial polyps are a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. The MyoSureLITE intrauterine morcellation device is effective at resecting endometrial polyps; however, its use in the outpatient setting requires appraisal.

Aim

To assess the feasibility, utility, acceptability and costs associated with introduction of the MyoSureLITE into an established outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH) clinic.

Material and Methods

A prospective clinical database from a tertiary Melbourne hospital was analysed from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2018. Three 12‐month time periods were compared: pre‐introduction and trial phase, early use, and established use of the MyoSureLITE. Wait times, patient acceptability, second OPH bookings and procedure costs were measured.

Results

Eight hundred and seventy‐one women underwent OPH during the study period, with 238 (27.3%) women presenting with endometrial polyp(s). At each timepoint, 78.5, 25 and 6.3% of women required rebooking for a subsequent hysteroscopy for pathology otherwise suitable for MyoSureLITE resection. Introduction of the MyoSureLITE avoided a subsequent procedure for 4, 60 and 69 women respectively for each year of use, with potentially reduced treatment costs for the institution. Median (IQR) wait time for definitive treatment of intrauterine pathology was 56 (24–84) days at time‐period 1, decreasing to 0 (0–0) days during time‐period 3, (P < 0.001); 87.6% would undergo OPH again.

Conclusions

Routine use of the MyoSureLITE is effective, feasible, and acceptable to women. Provision of this device in outpatient service allows a ‘see‐and‐treat’ model, saving theatre time and treatment costs, facilitating a more direct throughput from presentation to treatment.