bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of noise variance estimations in Bayes threshold denoising under stationary wavelet domain on brain lesions and tumor MRIs
Authors: Pidchayathanakorn Papangkorn , Supratid Siriporn
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A major key success factor regarding proficient Bayes threshold denoising refers to noise variance estimation. This paper focuses on assessing different noise variance estimations in three Bayes threshold models on two different characteristic brain lesions/tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Here, three Bayes threshold denoising models based on different noise variance estimations under the stationary wavelet transforms (SWT) domain are mainly assessed, compared to state-of-the-art non-local means (NLMs). Each of those three models, namely D1, GB and DR models, respectively, depends on the most detail wavelet subband at the first resolution level, on the entirely global detail subbands and on the detail subband in each direction/resolution. Explicit and implicit denoising performance are consecutively assessed by threshold denoising and segmentation identification results.

Findings

Implicit performance assessment points the first–second best accuracy, 0.9181 and 0.9048 Dice similarity coefficient (Dice), sequentially yielded by GB and DR; reliability is indicated by 45.66% Dice dropping of DR, compared against 53.38, 61.03 and 35.48% of D1 GB and NLMs, when increasing 0.2 to 0.9 noise level on brain lesions MRI. For brain tumor MRI under 0.2 noise level, it denotes the best accuracy of 0.9592 Dice, resulted by DR; however, 8.09% Dice dropping of DR, relative to 6.72%, 8.85 and 39.36% of D1, GB and NLMs is denoted. The lowest explicit and implicit denoising performances of NLMs are obviously pointed.

Research limitations/implications

A future improvement of denoising performance possibly refers to creating a semi-supervised denoising conjunction model. Such model utilizes the denoised MRIs, resulted by DR and D1 thresholding model as uncorrupted image version along with the noisy MRIs, representing corrupted version ones during autoencoder training phase, to reconstruct the original clean image.

Practical implications

This paper should be of interest to readers in the areas of technologies of computing and information science, including data science and applications, computational health informatics, especially applied as a decision support tool for medical image processing.

Originality/value

In most cases, DR and D1 provide the first–second best implicit performances in terms of accuracy and reliability on both simulated, low-detail small-size region-of-interest (ROI) brain lesions and realistic, high-detail large-size ROI brain tumor MRIs.
A new path plan method based on hybrid algorithm of reinforcement learning and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Liu Xiaohuan , Zhang Degan , Zhang Ting , Zhang Jie , Wang Jiaxu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To solve the path planning problem of the intelligent driving vehicular, this paper designs a hybrid path planning algorithm based on optimized reinforcement learning (RL) and improved particle swarm optimization (PSO).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors optimized the hyper-parameters of RL to make it converge quickly and learn more efficiently. Then the authors designed a pre-set operation for PSO to reduce the calculation of invalid particles. Finally, the authors proposed a correction variable that can be obtained from the cumulative reward of RL; this revises the fitness of the individual optimal particle and global optimal position of PSO to achieve an efficient path planning result. The authors also designed a selection parameter system to help to select the optimal path.

Findings

Simulation analysis and experimental test results proved that the proposed algorithm has advantages in terms of practicability and efficiency. This research also foreshadows the research prospects of RL in path planning, which is also the authors’ next research direction.

Originality/value

The authors designed a pre-set operation to reduce the participation of invalid particles in the calculation in PSO. And then, the authors designed a method to optimize hyper-parameters to improve learning efficiency of RL. And then they used RL trained PSO to plan path. The authors also proposed an optimal path evaluation system. This research also foreshadows the research prospects of RL in path planning, which is also the authors’ next research direction.
Measuring coherence of performance measurement indicators in complex and changing environments
Authors: Di Luozzo Sebastiano , Del Beato Fabrizia , Schiraldi Massimiliano Maria
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper discusses and integrates the concept of complexity in the performance measurement and management (PMM) theory by providing a comprehensive framework to design and evaluate the overall coherence alignment of an indicators hierarchy in unstable and changing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An original, comprehensive and dynamic framework has been proposed and then applied on a sample case of a large-scale retail trade (LSRT) company, starting from relevant frameworks and criteria in the scientific literature.

Findings

This research shows that organizational changes may significantly impact the coherence alignment of an organization's indicators hierarchy. In addition, it finds that even though the alignment at the operational level is obtained, its effectiveness should be evaluated in relation to the organization's strategic orientation. Indeed, without assessing the strategic alignment of an indicators system, an aligned hierarchy at the operational level could lead to ineffective results.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the topic of measuring the coherence inside an indicators hierarchy, which seems not to be addressed in the literature. Thus, it opens a new research stream, integrating the studies on performance indicators with an essential element that often causes flawed performance measures in organizations.

Practical implications

Organizations could adopt this framework to design effective PMM systems and maintain them in light of the organizational changes.

Originality/value

This study introduces different metrics to evaluate the coherence and alignment of an indicators system, being one of the few research studies to address this topic in the context of complex and changing environments.
Developing a hybrid software reliability growth model
Authors: Shrivastava Avinash Kumar , Sharma Ruchi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new software reliability growth model considering different fault distribution function before and after the change point.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors have developed a framework to incorporate change-point in developing a hybrid software reliability growth model by considering different distribution functions before and after the change point.

Findings

Numerical illustration suggests that the proposed model gives better results in comparison to the existing models.

Originality/value

The existing literature on change point-based software reliability growth model assumes that the fault correction trend before and after the change is governed by the same distribution. This seems impractical as after the change in the testing environment, the trend of fault detection or correction may not follow the same trend; hence, the assumption of same distribution function may fail to predict the potential number of faults. The modelling framework assumes different distributions before and after change point in developing a software reliability growth model.
Knowledge management practices in an agribusiness chain: differences between farmers who are members of agricultural cooperatives and suppliers of firms
Authors: Zanuzzi Cinthya Mônica da Silva , Foguesatto Cristian Rogério , Tonial Graciele , Pivoto Dieisson , Selig Paulo Maurício
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Driven by scientific and technological intensification, Brazilian agribusinesses are among the main food producers and exporters worldwide. Knowledge management contributes to the development of agribusinesses. The objective of this study is to analyze knowledge management practices in the supply chain of broilers at the level of farmers and compare the differences between farmers who are members of cooperatives, and those who are suppliers of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a sample of broiler farmers (n = 240, where 80 respondents are associated with cooperatives) from Brazil, descriptive statistics were used to measure the four knowledge management dimensions (leadership, people, process and technology). The Mann–Whitney test was performed to verify the difference in the adoption of knowledge management practices between farmers who are members of cooperatives, and those who are suppliers of firms.

Findings

The results showed significant differences between the analyzed groups of broiler farmers that are members of an agricultural cooperative and suppliers of firms. Farmers who supply firms adopt knowledge management practices with greater intensity. They are also more technified and have a larger scale of production.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a single agribusiness chain. Future studies may look at another method of knowledge management assessment to see if the results will be similar.

Practical implications

The results can contribute to the development of programs and policies, incorporating knowledge management into agribusiness as a competitive strategy.

Originality/value

While knowledge management is a widely studied topic, there has been little focus on this subject with regard to agribusiness. Empirical findings of an important agribusiness supply chain are provided and show the differences in knowledge management perceptions between farmers who are members of cooperatives and those who are suppliers of firms.
Level of awareness of formwork design in the Ghanaian construction industry; enabling future technology application
Authors: Boakye Danquah Clement , Acheampong Alex , Adjei-Kumi Theophilus
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI), the option for stakeholders to adopt formwork design as a building construction requirement is uncommon place. This is due to the low level of awareness and practice of formwork design. As a result of this, there have been formwork accidents, cost and time overruns in construction. This paper aims to solicit the view of stakeholders on the awareness of formwork design practices in the GCI.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted the interpretivism research philosophy and inductive reasoning. Through a semi-structured interview guide, data was collected. The data (interview) recorded was transcribed using the Amberscript web application. This study used thematic analysis in analyzing the data collected using Nvivo 10 software.

Findings

The data collected from the 22 professionals indicated that the respondents were unaware of the concept of formwork design and its practice, neither could they speak to the existence of any specific regulation nor code of practice. However, the respondents established that there was a need to design formwork and stated some benefits of it.

Originality/value

From the literature, little research has been done on formwork design and its context in the GCI is yet to be explored. This research attempts to fill this gap. The findings indicate that to practice formwork design, there must be education and training of human resources for formwork design, there must be a code of practice to guide the design process and legal backing through policies and regulations to mandate the design.
Exploring determinants of brand extension attitude to promote optimal levels of movement among children and youth
Authors: Lithopoulos Alexander , Dacin Peter A. , Tremblay Mark S. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Some health behaviour promotion organizations are interested in promoting multiple behaviours to increase their health impact on a population. However, many of these organizations are better known for promoting only certain behaviours. The purpose of this study is to examine responses to an organization with a narrow brand (i.e. ParticipACTION) in its promotion of the different recommended movement-related behaviours (i.e. sleep, limited sedentary behaviour [SB], light physical activity [PA] and moderate to vigorous PA) to children. Potential brand-related determinants of attitude towards promotion of each behaviour (i.e. extension attitude) were specifically examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in 2017 using an online cross-sectional survey. Canadian parents with at least one child 5–12 years of age (N = 109) were recruited through online advertisements and word-of-mouth. One multiple regression per behaviour was conducted. Extension attitude was the dependent variable and brand attitude, fit and the interaction between brand attitude and fit were the predictors.

Findings

For light and moderate PA, brand attitude was a strong predictor. For limited SB and sleep, fit was the dominant predictor. However, for light and moderate PA and limited SB, an interaction indicated that a positive brand attitude and the perception of high fit between the brand and the behaviour leads to the most positive extension attitude.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that movement promotion organizations should ensure parents have a positive brand attitude and have high perceptions of fit between the brand and the promoted behaviour.

Originality/value

This study provides the first evidence that determinants of brand extension attitude observed in the commercial domain also apply in the movement promotion domain. This research provides important information to organizations regarding how to effectively promote various behaviours when interested in expanding their usual repertoire.
How does corporate social responsibility affect firm leverage?
Authors: Ho Kung-Cheng , Wang Qian , Sun Xianming , Wang Leonard F.S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A commitment to social responsibility is indispensable to the sustainable development of a firm, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a key corporate evaluation indicator. CSR's economic consequences have long been a hot topic in academic research. The authors analyze the relationship between CSR and corporate capital structure and also investigate channels through which such links are transmitted.

Design/methodology/approach

Using CSR score (CSRS) data published by China's Hexun (hexun.com) from 2010 to 2018, the authors control some influencing variables of the nature and characteristics of enterprises and discover that CSR can effectively improve firm leverage using ordinary least square regression. In addition, the research results remain robust for other CSR proxies, different dimensions of CSR, alternative measures of leverage and endogenous testing.

Findings

The authors discover that CSR can significantly reduce firm leverage. In addition, the research results confirm that investor attention and liquidity are the main channels by which CSR effectively reduces leverage, and other influence channels are worthy of further exploration. After examining the substitution variables and endogenous characteristics of CSR, the results remain robust.

Originality/value

Regarding decision-making and governance within companies, the authors conclude that CSR reports not only announce the status of CSR activities to corporate stakeholders but also reveal information on corporate financial decisions. Considering the widespread agency problems in companies, management may take advantage of investor understanding of CSR reports and conceal real information or disclose false information. They distort investors' understanding of the financial policies of financial reports to achieve their self-interests. Hence, companies must reinforce their governance and construct comprehensive monitoring mechanisms for CSR disclosure to protect their investors, establish a strong corporate reputation and facilitate long-term development.
Setting the boundaries of COVID-19 lockdown relaxation measures
Authors: Saab Samer , Al Abbas Mohammad , Samaha Rola Najib , Jaafar Rayana , Saab Khaled Kamal , Saab Jr Samer Said
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a simple deterministic model that quantifies previously adopted preventive measures driven by the trend of the reported number of deaths in both Italy and India. In addition, the authors forecast the spread based on some selected quantified preventive measures. The optimal exiting policy is derived using the inverse dynamics of the model. Furthermore, the model developed by the authors is dependent on the daily number of deaths; as such, it is sensitive to the death rate but remains insensitive to trends in deaths.

Design/methodology/approach

In the wake of COVID-19, policymakers and health professionals realized the limitations and shortcomings of current healthcare systems and pandemic response policies. The need to revise global and national pandemic response mechanisms has been thrust into the public spotlight. To this end, the authors devise an approach to identify the most suitable governmental non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) policies, previously adopted in a community, country or region that serve as the foundation for most pandemic strategies.

Findings

Leveraging Italy, the authors compare the aftermath by considering three scenarios: (a) recently adopted preventive measures, (b) strictest preventive measures previously adopted, and (c) the optimal exiting policy. In comparison to the second scenario, the authors estimate about twice the number of recoveries and deaths within five months under the first scenario and about 80 times more under the optimal scenario. Whereas in India, the authors applied one scenario of recently adopted preventative measures to showcase the rapid turnaround of their model. According to the new timeline, almost 90% of all deaths in India could have been prevented if the policies implemented in April 2021 were put in place three months prior, i.e. in January 2021.

Originality/value

The novelty of the proposed approach is in the use of inverse dynamics of a simple deterministic model that allows capturing the trend of contact rate as a function of adopted NPIs, regardless of pandemic type.
When abusive supervision leads to good performance: an exploration of the bright side of abusive supervision
Authors: Hameed Filza , Shaheen Sadia , Ahmad Bashir , Anwar Muhammad Mudassar , Ahmad-ur-Rehman Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The successful performance of organizations depends on the smooth working relations between their leaders and employees. Considering the importance of the behaviors of leaders/supervisors, this study intends to explore the bright side of abusive supervision on the performance of trainees in different police colleges in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected from police colleges and supervisors in Pakistan, and the sample comprised police trainees and their instructors (N = 254 responses from 50 instructors and 254 police trainees). The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling via Amos to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results reveal a positive connection between abusive supervision and the performance of trainees. Moreover, the moderating role of passion for a cause in the relationship between abusive supervision and trainee performance is supported.

Research limitations/implications

Despite its relevance, this study has certain limitations. First, this study was conducted in a specific occupational and cultural context. A comprehensive understanding of the diverse occupational and cultural context considerations can increase this study's value. Second, this study used cross-sectional data for analysis, which hindered us from making causal inferences. For a clear and improved understanding, longitudinal studies can help facilitate the process.

Originality/value

This study intends to explore the bright side of abusive supervision on the performance of trainees in different police colleges in Pakistan. The literature demonstrated the “dark side” of abusive supervision on work-related attitudes and behaviors. However, few studies investigated or explored the “bright side” of abusive supervision.
Green human resource management in nonprofit organizations: effects on employee green behavior and the role of perceived green organizational support
Authors: Aboramadan Mohammed , Kundi Yasir Mansoor , Becker Annika
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Building on the theories of social exchange and organizational support, this study proposes a research model to investigate the impact of green human resources management (GHRM) on nonprofit employees' green work-related outcomes, namely green voice behavior, green knowledge-sharing behavior and green helping behavior. In the model, perceived green organizational support (PGOS) is theorized and employed as an intervening mechanism between the examined linkages.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in two different waves from 408 employees working in the Palestinian nonprofit sector. Covariance based-structural equation modeling was used to validate the study's research model and to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that GHRM is positively associated with green voice behavior, green knowledge-sharing behavior and green helping behavior. Moreover, the results show that PGOS exhibits a significant mediation effect between the aforesaid links. This study thus provides initial empirical evidence in the field of GHRM, with particular focus on the nonprofit sector.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a roadmap to nonprofit managers and practitioners on how GHRM can encourage employees to speak up, share information and help others in the environmental and green domain. By supporting nonprofit managers strengthening green employee behavior, it provides an additional source to fostering intrinsically motivated behaviors in the workplace.

Originality/value

In response to urgent environmental threats, this study contributes to green and sustainable management research with a focus on GHRM, thereby providing initial empirical research from a nonprofit perspective.
Negotiating cultural appropriation while re-imagining co-production via Afrofuturism
Authors: Eseonu Temidayo , Duggan James
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of claims of cultural appropriation in negotiating who has the right to utilise specific racial, cultural or communities' ways of knowing in research co-production. Cultural appropriation is a claim made against those making illegitimate use of traditions, knowledge and practises that originate from specific racial and/or cultural group. Appropriation helps us interrogate the ways in which rewards and benefits in academia are distributed and shared, denied or hoarded, and by whom.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a dialogue between two researchers in the in-betweens of research co-production, specifically in the negotiation of claiming the right to lead or engage in Afrofuturist work with communities.

Findings

The claim of cultural appropriation is useful in naming, drawing boundaries and creating spaces for negotiation around access and ownership of academic work but must also develop as part of a broader transformative agenda towards racial equality in academia.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to ethical considerations about power imbalances and extractive practises, research co-production should also be concerned with acknowledging and crediting knowledge production practises that originate from specific racial and/or cultural groups.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to explore issues of cultural appropriation in research co-production, and co-production in relation to Afrofuturism. This extends ethical concerns on research co-production beyond academic power imbalances with, and extracting value from, communities to negotiating the relationships between academics and traditions, knowledge and practises developed by specific racial and/or cultural groups.
Conclusion: emerging issues for Indian hospitality and tourism businesses: How are managers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Tiwari Shweta , Sanjeev Gunjan M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This concluding article summarizes the main findings in response to the theme issue strategic question: How are hospitality and tourism businesses in India responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Design/methodology/approach

The conclusion identifies some contemporary and relevant areas for development in the post-pandemic era. To summarize, this paper draws out the key findings of the theme issue articles and presents the main recommendations for industry action.

Findings

This conclusion highlights emerging issues for Indian hospitality and tourism businesses and includes specific recommendations for industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in relation to strategies that could be adopted to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

Given the wide impact of the pandemic across industries, this issue will be of interest to practitioners, higher education leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders as it draws on industry-focused research to explore the challenges and possible solutions to current and pending challenges. This issue also provides insights for further collaborative research.

Originality/value

This article provides insights from practitioners and academics relating to the current and on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and developmental steps that the hospitality and tourism industry in India is taking in response.
Responding to the coronavirus pandemic: emerging issues and challenges for Indian hospitality and tourism businesses
Authors: Sanjeev Gunjan M. , Tiwari Shweta
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered a paradigm shift in all businesses, and given the restrictions that followed, hospitality and tourism has been significantly affected. This article identifies some emerging issues and trends in hospitality and tourism businesses related to this, and in so doing, it introduces the theme issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on recent reports and articles and on several rounds of discussion between academics, practitioners and other stakeholders to identify the issues arising, which are then explored in the articles featured in this theme issue.

Findings

The study findings reveal that the pandemic response has prompted advances in technology, profit management, training, service blueprinting and online education, coupled with industry integration, sustainability practices, housekeeping services, medical tourism and virtual tourism among others.

Originality/value

The theme issue sought to address the real-life issues that are impacting hospitality and tourism in India and some of the wider implications. This exploratory work is based on inputs from industry professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in relation to the emerging issues and the formulation of strategies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on hospitality and tourism businesses in India.
Perturbation‐based traveltime approximation for two acoustic assumptions in the transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis
Authors: Xu Shibo , Stovas Alexey
Published: July 2021

The accuracy of an explicit traveltime‐offset approximation affects the results of the velocity analysis that plays a crucial role in the seismic data processing. Seismic anisotropy is important to account for large offset and azimuth since it can provide detailed information comparing with the isotropic assumption. For the perturbation‐based method, different traveltime approximation forms result in different accuracy. It is necessary to find the optimal traveltime approximation for specific signs and magnitudes of the anellipticity and different offset ranges. In this paper, a series of perturbation‐based traveltime approximations from different acoustic assumptions and parameterizations are specified. The perturbation coefficients are derived from the corresponding acoustic eikonal equations. We test the accuracy of the defined perturbation approximations in four homogeneous transversely isotropic medium with vertical symmetry axis (VTI) medium with a different set of anisotropy parameters and one multilayered transversely isotropic medium with vertical symmetry axis medium. The sensitivity in anellipticity for different approximations is also analysed. We find that different approximation achieves different accuracy under the circumstance of specific offset range and the value of anellipticity. Therefore, the optimal approximation form with higher accuracy can be selected based on different offset ranges and the magnitudes of anellipticity.
Facing the wrath of enigmatic mutations: a review on the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants amid coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chadha Jatin , Khullar Lavanya , Mittal Nidhi
Published: July 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is an emerging respiratory virus responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic. More than a year into this pandemic, the COVID‐19 fatigue is still escalating and takes hold of the entire world population. Driven by the ongoing geographical expansion and upcoming mutations, the COVID‐19 pandemic has taken a new shape in the form of emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. These mutations in the viral spike (S) protein enhance the virulence of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants by improving viral infectivity, transmissibility and immune evasion abilities. Such variants have resulted in cluster outbreaks and fresh infection waves in various parts of the world with increased disease severity and poor clinical outcomes. Hence, the variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 pose a threat to human health and public safety. This review enlists the most recent updates regarding the presently characterized variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 recognized by the global regulatory health authorities (WHO, CDC). Based on the slender literature on SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, we collate information on the biological implications of these mutations on virus pathology. We also shed light on the efficacy of therapeutics and COVID‐19 vaccines against the emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Expanding toy play through visually structured tasks and scripting for young children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Hampshire Patricia Korzekwa , Crawford Michael
Published: July 2021

Children first establish the foundations of subsequent social interactions by learning basic toy manipulations skills (Weiss and Harris, 2001). Once the child has established these skills in isolation, they can then be expanded into the symbolic and dramatic levels of play. For children who do not display these foundational toy play skills, the likelihood of isolation in inclusive settings is greater. A multiple baseline design across students and stimuli (i.e., toys) was used to test the effectiveness of an intervention package that included three Evidence Based Practices, Visual Supports, Scripts, and Least to Most Prompting. The following study included three preschool age children (i.e., 4–5) with identified Developmental Disabilities who were participating in an inclusive classroom at a local early learning center. Results of this study indicate an increase in level of play following the implementation of the intervention package. Students were able to progress from basic levels of play (e.g., non‐functional sensory‐based interactions) to more imaginative dramatic levels of play. In addition, students demonstrated the ability to go beyond the play script by bringing in additional play materials and expanding the interactions between objects. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are described.
“My Next Question is, Could I Have Some Blood?”
Authors: Cernat Alexandru , Sakshaug Joseph W.
Published: July 2021

Interviewer effects are a recognised problem in social surveys, but what about biosocial surveys, where blood and other biomeasures are collected? Alexandru Cernat and Joseph W. Sakshaug investigate
Phage and phage lysins: New era of bio‐preservatives and food safety agents
Authors: Xu Yingmin
Published: July 2021

There has been an increase in the search and application of new antimicrobial agents as alternatives to use of chemical preservatives and antibiotic‐like compounds by the food industry. The massive use of antibiotic has created a reservoir of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria that find their way from farm to humans. Thus, there exists an imperative need to explore new antibacterial options and bacteriophages perfectly fit into the class of safe and potent antimicrobials. Phage bio‐control has come a long way owing to advances with use of phage cocktails, recombinant phages, and phage lysins; however, there still exists unmet challenges that restrict the number of phage‐based products reaching the market. Hence, further studies are required to explore for more efficient phage‐based bio‐control strategies that can become an integral part of food safety protocols. This review thus aims to highlight the recent developments made in the application of phages and phage enzymes covering pre‐harvest as well as post‐harvest usage. It further focuses on the major issues in both phage and phage lysin research hindering their optimum use while detailing out the advances made by researchers lately in this direction for full exploitation of phages and phage lysins in the food sector.
Lack of predictive value of retinal oxygen saturation for visual outcome after angiostatic treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Jeppesen Signe Krejberg , Bek Toke
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that the retinal oxygen saturation in central retinal vein occlusion treated with anti‐VEGF compound has no predictive value for visual outcome after 12 months. It is of interest to evaluate whether this conclusion is similar for patients with branch retinal vein occlusion among whom only some patients are treated.

Methods

Retinal oxygen saturation, visual acuity and central retinal thickness were studied at the time of referral and after six and 12 months in 111 patients successively referred to the Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, with a venous occlusion affecting branches peripheral from the central retinal venule. The predictive value of the oxygen saturation at referral was investigated in treated and untreated patients.

Results

Seventy‐three patients with visual acuity between 35 and 70 ETDRS letters at referral were treated with intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGF compound. Over 12 months, the venous oxygen saturation improved in parallel with central retinal thickness and visual acuity but had no predictive value for visual outcome. In 12 untreated patients with visual acuity >70 ETDRS letters, younger age and high oxygen saturation at the time of referral were positive predictors for the visual outcome after 12 months.

Conclusion

Oxygen saturation, visual acuity and central retinal thickness improve in parallel during treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion with intravitreal anti‐VEGF medication. Retinal oximetry at referral cannot predict visual acuity after 12 months in treated patients but may perhaps become a tool for predicting the visual prognosis in a subgroup of patients where treatment is omitted because of a too high visual acuity at the time of diagnosis of the disease.
Intra‐abdominal desmoid‐type fibromatosis successfully resected using laparoscopic fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green after intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Sumimoto Satoko , Inoue Akira , Kagawa Yoshinori , Komori Takamichi , Nishizawa Yujiro , Hirano Masataka , Song Xiuyu , Matsumoto Sayaka , Itami Takefumi , Nakai Shigeto , Yokono Yoshinori , Komatsu Hisateru , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Tomokuni Akira , Matsuoka Keiko , Motoori Masaaki , Iwase Kazuhiro , Fujitani Kazumasa
Published: July 2021

Successful resection of intra‐abdominal tumors using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has not been reported. Here, we report a rare case of an intra‐abdominal desmoid‐type fibromatosis successfully resected using this technique after intersphincteric resection (ISR) for rectal cancer. One year after ISR for rectal cancer in a 47‐year‐old man, computed tomography showed a 50‐mm intra‐abdominal tumor near the left common iliac vein. Surgical resection was performed. The tumor was located in the mesentery of the remnant rectum after ISR. ICG fluorescence imaging confirmed the blood supply to the mesentery of the distal remnant rectum after tumor excision. The anal canal was successfully preserved without creating a permanent colostomy. The tumor was safely resected with resection margins, diagnosed as desmoid‐type fibromatosis. No tumor recurrence was observed 6 months post‐resection. This was the first case report to demonstrate the utility of this technique for an intra‐abdominal tumor resection.
Preliminary system of rapid analysis of blood retinol level in cattle
Authors: Iwasaki Wataru , Morita Nobutomo , Inoue Tetsuro , Iwanaga Yasufumi , Nakashima Akinobu , Suzuki Shinji , Morita Kinichi
Published: July 2021

Control of blood retinol levels in cattle during fattening is important in the production of marbled beef. However, it is difficult to easily measure the blood retinol concentration in the field. In this study, we attempted to develop an analysis method that does not require blood cell separation and uses a compact fluorescence analyzer that can be carried around as a preliminary system for measuring blood retinol concentration in the field. This system was used to monitor blood retinol levels in 12 fattening cattle (14 to 27 months old) and demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.78) with the results obtained by the standard high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Stronger correlations (r = 0.87) were obtained until the cattle were 24 months of age. These results suggest that higher correlations can be expected to be obtained by improving the robustness of the extraction system. Refinements for practical use need to be considered, but whole blood extraction and the vitamin A analyzer that was developed show potential to be used for on‐farm monitoring of retinol levels.
“Them two are around when I need their help” The importance of good relationships in supporting people with learning disabilities to be “in a good space”
Authors: Fish Rebecca , Morgan Hannah
Published: July 2021

Accessible summary

We talked to people who lived in a secure unit and their staff. We asked them about good relationships with each other. The majority of the people said that good relationships with staff can help people move back to the community and be “in a good space”.

Staff said that good relationships can stop people feeling angry. They said that they like to help people and have trust. It is important to have a good staff team who know the person well.

Residents said staff help them and listen to them when they are upset. They said they like it when staff spend time with them doing activities.

Based on what residents told us, we think it is important that services work on helping people to have good relationships. This is because these relationships were very important in helping people to move more quickly back into the community.

Please see an easier to read version here: https://wp.me/pcRSAn‐3V

Background

Despite repeated policy initiatives, an enduring number of people with learning disabilities remain resident in secure settings (also referred to as locked wards). The spatial and emotional distance from family and friends means that relationships with staff become central to people's lives, and are critical for a successful transition to making their home in the community.

Methods

This article uses a synthesis of evidence from two qualitative studies. We re‐analysed data from fieldnotes and interview transcripts with people with learning disabilities resident in secure settings and with staff who worked with them. The purpose of the original studies was service improvement however, relationships —particularly with between staff and residents— emerged as a significant theme in both studies. Therefore, the data were revisited to explore these relationships in more depth.

Findings

The analysis identified that positive relationships with staff were critical in enabling residents to be “in a good space”—something they and staff viewed as a crucial factor for moving on. The analysis identified four main themes: (i) the characteristics of positive relationships, (ii) the challenges for positive relationships, (iii) how positive relationships can be encouraged and (iv) how positive relationships support people to move on.

Conclusion

We conclude that flattening the hierarchy between staff and residents is key when supporting people with learning disabilities to move on. We stress the importance of the “soft skills” in enabling people to transition back to their community. There is a pressing need for research with people who have made the transition from hospital to generate retrospective narratives about what elements of these relationships are most significant in supporting a successful transition.
Insights into the mechanism by which atropine inhibits myopia: evidence against cholinergic hyperactivity and modulation of dopamine release
Authors: Thomson Kate , Kelly Tamsin , Karouta Cindy , Morgan Ian , Ashby Regan
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose

The ability of the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist atropine to inhibit myopia development in humans and animal models would suggest that cholinergic hyperactivity may underlie myopic growth. To test this, we investigated whether cholinergic agonists accelerate ocular growth rates in chickens. Furthermore, we investigated whether atropine alters ocular growth by downstream modulation of dopamine levels, a mechanism postulated to underlie its antimyopic effects.

Experimental Approach

Muscarinic (muscarine and pilocarpine), nicotinic (nicotine) and non‐specific (oxotremorine and carbachol) cholinergic agonists were administered to chicks developing form‐deprivation myopia (FDM) or chicks that were otherwise untreated. Vitreal levels of dopamine and its primary metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were examined using mass spectrometry MS in form‐deprived chicks treated with atropine (360, 15 or 0.15 nmol). Further, we investigated whether dopamine antagonists block atropine's antimyopic effects.

Key Results

Unexpectedly, administration of each cholinergic agonist inhibited FDM but did not affect normal ocular development. Atropine only affected dopamine and DOPAC levels at its highest dose. Dopamine antagonists did not alter the antimyopia effects of atropine.

Conclusion and Implications

Muscarinic, nicotinic and non‐specific cholinergic agonists inhibited FDM development. This indicates that cholinergic hyperactivity does not underlie myopic growth and questions whether atropine inhibits myopia via cholinergic antagonism. This study also demonstrates that changes in retinal dopamine release are not required for atropine's antimyopic effects. Finally, nicotinic agonists may represent a novel and more targeted approach for the cholinergic control of myopia as they are unlikely to cause the anterior segment side effects associated with muscarinic treatment.
Public housing, market rentals, and neighbourhood characteristics
Authors: Leviten‐Reid Catherine , MacDonald Melanie , Matthew Rebecca A.
Published: July 2021

Market‐based rentals are increasingly prioritized as the tenure type through which to provide housing assistance to low‐income households: it is argued that public housing places tenants in neighbourhoods with concentrated poverty, while the private sector is purported to offer households the opportunity to live in locations with less disadvantage. We test this assumption through a case study of a Nova Scotian municipality. Using chi‐square tests to examine associations between housing type and neighbourhood deprivation, we find that while 47% of public units are located in places with high social and economic deprivation, one‐third of market rentals are located in neighbourhoods with similar characteristics. In addition, in looking at the location of lower‐cost market units in particular, we find limited differences in the neighbourhood characteristics in which these more affordable rentals and public housing are found. We argue for the importance of connecting policy and programming to place‐based community development and poverty‐reduction strategies to support low‐income households.
Ten‐year changes in children’s oral health disparities: Findings from the 3rd and 4th oral health surveys in Beijing, China
Authors: Yun Qingping , Liu Min , Zhao Mei , Chen Wei , Zhang Hui , Hou Wei , Chang Chun
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Little is known about children's oral health disparities and their changes in developing countries. This study aimed to measure rural‐urban and maternal education‐related disparities in dental visits and untreated caries among Chinese children, and to describe their changes between 2005 and 2015.

Methods

The 12‐year‐old children's oral health data were from the 3rd (2005) and 4th (2015) oral health surveys in Beijing, China. Rural‐urban disparities and maternal education‐related disparities in dental visits and untreated caries were measured. The slope index of inequality (SII) and a relative index of inequality (RII) were applied to reflect the absolute and relative disparities respectively. These were estimated using a generalized linear regression model.

Results

Data were analysed from 388 children in 2005 and 1926 children in 2015. The proportion of 12‐year‐old schoolchildren who visited the dentist was 24.0% in 2005 and 36.0% in 2015. Untreated caries prevalence in 2005 and 2015 was 20.9% and 16.2% respectively. Rural‐urban disparities in dental visits narrowed between 2005 and 2015 (SII: −10.75 to −3.30, RII: 0.55 to 0.87), and maternal education‐related disparities in dental visits also decreased during this decade (SII: −18.52 to −8.49, RII: 0.38 to 0.65). These changes were statistically significant. For disparities in untreated caries, only maternal education‐related disparities in untreated caries in 2015 were found. The SII and RII were 6.39% (95% CI: 1.65, 11.13) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.20) respectively. The change in disparities in untreated caries was not statistically significant for rural‐urban disparities (P = .319) or maternal education‐related disparities (P = .501).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that in Beijing, China, disparities in children's dental visits narrowed between 2005 and 2015. However, maternal education‐related disparities in dental visits and in untreated caries were still apparent, suggesting that policies to improve children's oral healthcare utilization equality should target the children with less‐educated mothers.