bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health care expenditure and child mortality in Nigeria
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus , Faboya Omolara Morounkeji
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Health improves the proficiency and output generated by individuals. It also raises physical as well as mental abilities, which are required for the growth and advancement of any economy. Many infant diseases have been recognised via contemporary technology in a bid to tackle these diseases. However, children within the African continent (Including Nigeria) die en masse from diseases. This has made the government of Nigeria allocate sizeable part of the nation's budget to healthcare system. The allocation to health is, however, yet to translate to improved health condition for Nigerians. It does not measure up to the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards for apportioning budget to the health sector. This study also analyses empirically the impact of healthcare expenses on the mortality level of infants as well as Nigeria's neonatal mortality level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on Nigeria. Vector auto regression model techniques, unit root tests and cointegration test were carried out using time series date for the period between 1986 and 2016.

Findings

The outcome has revealed that expenditure on healthcare possesses a negative correlation with the mortality of infants and neonates. The study discovers that if the Nigerian government raises and maintains health expenditure specifically on activities focused on minimising infant mortality, it will translate to reduction in infant mortality in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This paper has contributed exhaustively to solution to poor expenditure on healthcare, especially child mortality, in Nigeria.
Analyzing the effects of incivility beyond workplaces
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to peruse a strike enacted by the police force (PF) from a southeast state of Brazil and its consequences to the population through the lens of workplace incivility (WI) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a qualitative research design and social constructivism paradigm. In addition, it uses the template analysis, a peculiar form of thematic analysis, which is grounded on the hierarchical coding. Accordingly, it allows the researcher to yield a broad structure (obviously through the task of analyzing textual data, i.e. published texts) as well as providing enough flexibility to comply with the needs of a study.

Findings

Overall, there was a slightly shift between the initial template and the second one. Rather, the initial thematic assumptions were largely confirmed, namely, antecedents, strike strategy, reactions and consequences; yet, findings also showed other theme, i.e. mitigating decisions. The template analysis used here turned to be a consistent path given that it allowed finding a range of categories related to the themes, which substantiated the results. On the other hand, this investigation shows that even society, as a whole, may be seriously affected by WI.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation has some limitations regarding that it is a qualitative endeavor. Therefore, the outcomes cannot be generalized, and it constitutes the chief limitation of this study.

Practical implications

In terms of practical implications, findings suggest that public managers, mayors and governors must pay strong attention to the task of motivating their workforce. Robust human resource policies and fair salary may avoid job dissatisfaction.

Social implications

Data also indicated that incivility may be related to complex dynamics whose negative impacts may go beyond the workplaces.

Originality/value

This study expands the theory of WI by paying attention to a generally neglected group (police officers). In addition, it focuses on an emergent economy, which is at odds with robust problems of finance and public management nature. In doing so, it provides evidence of other consequences of WI. Broadly speaking, citizens and businesses are consumers of public services, including safety. Finally, it suggests that WI may be associated with two instigators simultaneously. In this case, it was intertwined with governor’s weak human resources policies and the civil servants’ irresponsibility.
Fabrication and characterization of TiB2-reinforced functionally graded aluminum matrix material
Authors: Savaş Ömer
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the production and abrasive wear rate of functionally graded TiB2/Al composites. TiB2 particles have been spontaneously formed in liquid matrix using in situ technique. The properties of composites such as hardness, abrasive wear rate and microstructure have been examined.

Design/methodology/approach

In situ TiB2 reinforcement phase was synthesized by using a liquid Al–Ti–B system. A semi-solid composite (Al(l)-TiB2(s)) prepared at 900°C was solidified under a centrifugal force to both grade functionally and give the final shape to materials. Abrasive wear test of materials was conducted using the pin-on-disk method at room temperature. The wear tests were carried out with two different loads of 1 Newton (N) and 2 N, a sliding velocity of 3.5 m s−1 and a sliding distance of 75 m.

Findings

This research provided the following findings; TiB2 particles can be successfully synthesized with in situ reaction technique in molten aluminum. It was determined that abrasive wear rate increases with increasing load and decreases with increasing TiB2 reinforcement content within matrix.

Originality/value

In previous studies, there have been many trials on the in situ production of TiB2-reinforced aluminum matrix composites. However, there are few studies on production of in situ TiB2-reinforced aluminum matrix functionally graded materials. At the same time, there is no study that the properties of composite, such as hardness and abrasive wear rate, are examined together according to centrifugal force.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2019-0538/
It is so! (if you think so!) – IT professionals’ social representation of cloud computing
Authors: Joia Luiz Antonio , Marchisotti Gustavo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the social representation of cloud computing from the perspective of Information Technology (IT) professionals in emerging countries, comparing it with the extant literature on this subject.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from IT professionals in Brazil, which was used as a proxy for the emerging countries’ context related to cloud computing. Social Representation Theory was then applied to analyze the data.

Findings

Mismatches between theory and practice on cloud computing make it clear that most of the current scientific literature on cloud computing is, to a great extent, based on the context of developed countries rather than on the context of emerging ones.

Research limitations/implications

Errors of inference may have been made during the categorization of the words evoked. Furthermore, Brazil was used as a proxy for the emerging countries’ context related to cloud computing.

Practical implications

IT professionals in emerging countries have quite an operational view of cloud computing. Thus, companies in these countries have to align cloud computing better with new business models and corporate strategies in order to take advantage of the transformational impacts of cloud computing.

Originality/value

IT professionals in emerging countries have failed to notice the strategic value of cloud computing, the new business models enabled by same, the privacy issues related to it and the impact cloud computing adoption can have on the IT costs of an organization. Moreover, mobility can be a paramount issue related to cloud computing in emerging countries – a fact thus far overlooked by academia.
Designing a model developed to assess the capabilities of technological innovation in Iranian construction of power plant equipment industries
Authors: Khamseh Abbas , Marei Parisa
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In this research, we investigate the capability level of technological construction for power plant equipment industries in Iran based on the development of a domestic model. In which we identify the strengths and weaknesses of technological capabilities and work to improve them.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, we investigate the capability level of technological construction for power plant equipment industries in Iran based on the development of a domestic model. In this study, more than 80 industry experts have filled the questionnaire that was designed based on the AHP method to measure the technological level of the industry. The result has shown the overall technology level about 63.26%. Based on this investigation, the technical capability in this industry is in the “C” class. However, the strategic, R&D and innovation capabilities of the industry have ranked the highest in the dimensions of technological capabilities.

Findings

Because overall level of technological innovation capabilities in the industry is 63.50%, construction of power plant equipment industries in Iran is among the industries that are on the way to being strategic or class C industries. Industries in class C (strategic class) have proper insight into the way of promoting their technological capabilities. They are highly ability in project implementation and a strategic view of capability-building. Owing to a transparent priority attitude, these industries are able to formulate strategies and increase their internal capabilities in management and technical areas. Although industries in class C are able to react to new environment-orientated technological regulations quickly and effectively, they need a new policy for increasing innovation in leadership sections, and they need better access to capital and service goods. Class C industries take advantage of strategic awareness focused on the latest technologies required for mid and long term, and they need the support of other industries and institutions for development of technology among small- and medium-scale and other less-developed industries. These industries transcend technological boundaries in most areas and are able to turn into class D (innovative and creative) industries gradually. To this end, considering the ranking, strategic and R&D capabilities, as well as learning and innovation capabilities, rank the highest among other aspects of technological innovation capabilities for industries. Thus, the improvement projects of industries should be of a higher priority and implemented quickly.

Originality/value

This article can be used as a model developed for technology-based companies in the field of power plant and energy supply in developing countries.
Exploring the team dynamic learning process in software process tailoring performance
Authors: Lee Jung-Chieh , Chen Chung-Yang
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Software process tailoring (SPT) is a knowledge- and learning-intensive activity in which a software project team customizes its software development processes to accommodate project particularities. Because SPT critically influences how a project is conducted, SPT performance should be investigated, but the extant literature lacks investigations into how team knowledge mechanisms and team environments contribute to SPT performance. To fill this gap, this study looks into a team's absorptive capacity (AC) and combines a transactive memory system (TMS) and team climate inventory (TCI) to develop a theoretical research model to facilitate the understanding of SPT performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual study that uses the propositional methodology with a focused review of existing literature pertaining to SPT, AC, TMS and TCI to develop a theoretical model to foster SPT performance. Because this study is conceptually established, further empirical research and studies are also suggested.

Findings

The proposed model provides guidance for firms conducting SPT. It also contributes to future research aiming to empirically understand the mechanisms behind the identified team-based knowledge and environmental enablers in the dynamic team learning process that lead to superior SPT performance.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides a fresh look at the dynamic capabilities theory in SPT and innovatively identifies a team's dynamic learning process to show how a team can conduct effective SPT through AC and facilitated by TMS. Environmental climates characterized by vision, participative safety, task orientation and support for innovation act as positive moderators in promoting the team dynamic learning process.
Causality in Islamic marketing research
Authors: Kadirov Djavlonbek , Bahiss Ibraheem , Bardakcı Ahmet
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Highlighting the need for a profound move towards desecularisation of Islamic scholarship, this conceptual paper aims to clarify the concept of causality from the Islamic marketing research perspective and extends a number of suggestions for improving theory building and hypothesis development in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is largely conceptual. In addition, this study collates the stated hypotheses in the articles published in this journal in the past five years and analyses the structure of causal statements to uncover key tendencies.

Findings

The review of historical and current views on causality indicates that most commentators agree that assuming the existence of the necessary connection between cause and effect is misleading. The Islamic traditions based on occasionalism and modern science agree that causal statements reflect, at best, probabilistic assumptions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers a number of insights and recommendations for theory building and hypothesis development in Islamic marketing. By following the occasionalism perspective and the notion of Sunnah of Allah, researchers will be able to build methodologically coherent and genuine Islamic marketing knowledge.

Practical implications

Correctly stated and tested hypotheses can be used by public policymakers to enforce effective consumer and market policies.

Originality/value

This paper tackles a complex issue of causality in Islamic marketing research which has not hitherto been discussed well in the literature. This research is also a unique step towards developing pioneering avenues within the domain of Islamic marketing research methodology.
Meeting effectiveness and task performance: meeting size matters
Authors: Allen Joseph A. , Tong Jiajin , Landowski Nicole
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how a key meeting design characteristic, meeting size, affects the relationship between meeting effectiveness and task performance through employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-wave time-lagged survey design was used to gather data concerning meeting experiences from employees for statistical model testing.

Findings

Using a moderated mediated path analysis, we found that effective meetings only translated into end-of-the-day task performance through engagement when the meeting size was small.

Research limitations/implications

Although much research supports the current findings related to group size and meetings, meeting science has not investigated meeting design characteristics as levers to be pulled to enhance or detract from both meeting outcomes and organizationally desired outcomes. The findings, though are limited, due to potential common method bias, which was limited using methodological and statistical processes.

Practical implications

Managers and meeting attendees should consider how to maintain relatively small meeting size when possible so as to maximize both engagement and performance.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the few to look at meeting size directly as a moderator and helps demonstrate, once again, the importance of effectively designing meetings for success.
Marketing intangibles: the case of library services in higher education institutions
Authors: Ofori Wilhemina Odarkor , Markwei Evelyn , Quagraine Nana Tuhufo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the adoption of marketing techniques in academic libraries in Ghana, and how they are applied in the promotion of their services to patrons.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting the qualitative research approach, a total of 21 professional and para-professional library staff from three private universities participated in the study. The main data collection instrument was the use of semi-structured interviews. Data gathered was analysed, discussed and presented thematically.

Findings

The findings revealed that the study's participants are fully aware of the benefits of inculcating marketing activities into their daily routines and were making efforts at making their users aware of their products and services with the use of various strategies including the deployment of social media tools. Some of the challenges that were discovered to hinder the success of marketing in the libraries were lack of funds, lack of knowledge of marketing techniques by staff and a lack of marketing policy to guide marketing in the libraries.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study imply that, even though carried on a few academic libraries, the same can apply to most academic libraries as the characteristics are generally the same.

Practical implications

To boost marketing initiatives in the selected university libraries, the following recommendations informed by the findings of the study are made: creation of marketing policies, increase use of social networking sites for marketing, organization of seminars and workshops on marketing, diversifying sources of funding for libraries and conducting user surveys.

Social implications

The implementation of the recommendations has the potential to increase the level of interactions between academic libraries and their patrons as well as impact positively on the information-seeking behaviour of library patrons.

Originality/value

Apart from the application of works of other scholars, which have been duly cited and acknowledged, the entirety of this study or research output is the result of the handiworks of the researchers. Again, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work has not been a production of existing research nor is earlier published in any journal.
Work engagement, job crafting and innovativeness in the Indian IT industry
Authors: Sharma Anupama , Nambudiri Ranjeet
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of work engagement on job crafting and innovativeness in the Indian information technology (IT) industry. The authors also theorized and examined the moderating effect of perceived supervisory support (PSS) and openness-to-experience (OTE) in aforementioned relationships respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors base their arguments on the job-demands and resource (JDR) theoretical model and broaden-and-build theory. Field data from 377 working IT professionals were collected using the survey method. The model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) technique.

Findings

Results support the main effects hypothesis. The authors find a significant and positive relationship between work engagement and job crafting behavior and innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

The study makes a reasonable contribution to existing knowledge on work engagement and its outcomes. However, the use of cross-sectional data may constrain causal inferences.

Practical implications

Innovativeness and job crafting behaviors are valuable to most organizations, but more critical in IT organizations. As illustrated in this paper, work-engaged employees display higher levels of innovativeness and job-crafting behavior. These results suggest that IT organizations should focus on work-engagement for better productivity and faster growth.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt towards a better understanding of work engagement and its micro level individual outcomes which have not been examined earlier.
Four-dimensional model: a literature review in online organisational knowledge sharing
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet-Mai
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Online knowledge sharing is a popular activity worldwide and can be leveraged by organisations to innovate, create and sustain competitive advantage. Although there have been a number of studies examining knowledge sharing to encourage employees to convey their skills and experiences to others in an organisation, few attempts have been made to investigate the key motivators of online knowledge sharing in an organisation. Based on the theory of planned behaviour and technological acceptance model, this study aims to review the literature to establish a conceptual framework examining motivators of online knowledge sharing in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous studies that investigated motivators of online knowledge sharing in organisations in the literature were reviewed to propose a conceptual framework.

Findings

Four-dimensional model, which includes four types of key motivators of online knowledge sharing, namely, individual, social, organisational and technological, was established.

Originality/value

The model serves as a roadmap for future researchers and managers considering their strategy to enhance online knowledge sharing in organisations.
Life history predicts flight muscle phenotype and function in birds
Authors: DuBay Shane G. , Wu Yongjie , Scott Graham R. , Qu Yanhua , Liu Qiao , Smith Joel H. , Xin Chao , Hart Reeve Andrew , Juncheng Chen , Meyer Dylan , Wang Jing , Johnson Jacob , Cheviron Zachary A. , Lei Fumin , Bates John
Published: March 2020

Functional traits are the essential phenotypes that underlie an organism's life history and ecology. Although biologists have long recognized that intraspecific variation is consequential to an animals’ ecology, studies of functional variation are often restricted to species‐level comparisons, ignoring critical variation within species. In birds, interspecific comparisons have been foundational in connecting flight muscle phenotypes to species‐level ecology, but intraspecific variation has remained largely unexplored.

We asked how age‐ and sex‐dependent demands on flight muscle function are reconciled in birds. The flight muscle is an essential multifunctional organ, mediating a large range of functions associated with powered flight and thermoregulation. These functions must be balanced over an individual's lifetime.

We leveraged within‐ and between‐species comparisons in a clade of small passerines (Tarsiger bush‐robins) from the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. We integrated measurements of flight muscle physiology, morphology, behaviour, phenology and environmental data, analysing trait data within a context of three widespread, adaptive life‐history strategies—sexual dichromatism, age and sex‐structured migration, and delayed plumage maturation. This approach provides a framework of the selective forces that shape functional variation within and between species.

We found more variation in flight muscle traits within species than has been previously described between species of birds under 20 g. This variation was associated with the discovery of mixed muscle fibre types (i.e. both fast glycolytic and fast oxidative fibres), which differ markedly in their physiological and functional attributes. This result is surprising given that the flight muscles of small birds are generally thought to contain only fast oxidative fibres, suggesting a novel ecological context for glycolytic muscle fibres in small birds. Within each species, flight muscle phenotypes varied by age and sex, reflecting the functional demands at different life‐history stages and the pressures that individuals face as a result of their multi‐class identity (i.e. species, age and sex).

Our findings reveal new links between avian physiology, ecology, behaviour and life history, while demonstrating the importance of demographic‐dependent selection in shaping functional phenotypic variation.
Learned pacing for adults with chronic pain: A randomised controlled trial feasibility study
Authors: Guy Lauren , McKinstry Carol , Bruce Chris
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Chronic pain can significantly impact on an individual's occupational performance and quality of life. Pacing is a pain management strategy regularly used in occupational therapy practice; however, evidence for its effectiveness has not been established.

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a learned pacing intervention on occupational performance and satisfaction for adults with chronic pain.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial feasibility study was conducted with participants randomly assigned to a learned pacing intervention or a waitlist control group. The primary outcome measure was the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐eight people were screened for eligibility over 36 weeks, with 74 people invited to participate. Twelve were randomly assigned, eight to the learned pacing group and four to the control group. Those receiving the learned pacing intervention had clinically important changes in occupational performance and occupational satisfaction. Participants in the waitlist control group also had clinically important changes in occupational satisfaction. The method design was deemed feasible; however, several improvements would increase the rate of participant recruitment and reduce attrition. Recruitment from multiple sites is required to obtain an adequate sample size of 60.

Conclusion

Undertaking a future randomised controlled trial is feasible and warranted to establish the effectiveness of a learned pacing intervention on occupational performance and satisfaction for adults with chronic pain.
Effects of tocolysis with nifedipine or atosiban on child outcome: follow‐up of the APOSTEL III trial
Authors: van Winden TMS , Klumper J , Kleinrouweler CE , Tichelaar MA , Naaktgeboren CA , Nijman TA , van Baar AL , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis AG , Roseboom TJ , van’t Hooft J , Roos C , Mol BW , Pajkrt E , Oudijk MA
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare the long‐term effects of tocolysis with nifedipine or atosiban on child outcome at age 2.5–5.5 years.

Design

The APOSTEL III trial was a multicentre randomised controlled trial that compared tocolysis with nifedipine or atosiban in 503 women with threatened preterm birth. Neonatal outcomes did not differ between both treatment arms, except for a higher incidence of intubation in the atosiban group.

Methods

Parents were asked to complete four questionnaires regarding neurodevelopment, executive function, behaviour problems and general health.

Main outcome measures

The main long‐term outcome measure was a composite of abnormal development at the age of 2.5–5.5 years.

Results

Of the 426 women eligible for follow‐up, 196 (46%) parents returned the questionnaires for 115 children in the nifedipine group and 110 children in the atosiban group. Abnormal development occurred in 32 children (30%) in the nifedipine group and in 38 children (38%) in the atosiban group (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.41–1.34). The separate outcomes for neurodevelopment, executive function, behaviour, and general health showed no significant differences between the groups. Sensitivity analysis for all children of the APOSTEL III trial, including a comparison of deceased children, resulted in a higher rate of healthy survival in the nifedipine group (64 versus 54%), but there was no significant difference in the overall mortality rate (5.4 versus 2.7%). There were no significant subgroup effects.

Conclusion

Outcomes on broad child neurodevelopment, executive function, behaviour and general health were comparable in both groups. Neither nifedipine nor atosiban can be considered as the preferred treatment for women with threatened preterm birth.

Tweetable abstract

Nifedipine‐ and atosiban‐exposed children had comparable long‐term outcomes, including neurodevelopment, executive function and behaviour.
Influence of refining processes on the bioactive composition, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and their correlation of perilla seed oil
Authors: Pan Fengguang , Wen Baoli , Luo Xiangdan , Wang Chunshuang , Wang Xiaoqing , Guan Xinrui , Xu Yufei , Dang Wenjun , Zhang Mingdi
Published: March 2020

The effect of chemical refining process on the bioactive composition, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and their correlation of perilla seed oil (PSO) were investigated. In this paper, seven samples corresponding to each step of the refining process (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization, winterization, crude, and refined oils) were studied. The results showed that phenolic compounds and tocopherols were removed from PSO to a degree of 19.4% and 5.4%, respectively. In addition, the carotenoid content of PSO decreased during the refining process. The main carotenoid of PSO was found to be lutein, and the compound was lost completely during the bleaching step of the refining process. In this paper, we analyzed the variation of carotenoid content in PSO during the refining process for the first time. Neutralization affected the contents of phytosterols the most, followed by the effects of degumming and bleaching. The demonstrated results of Pearson product–moment correlation indicated that total tocopherols were significantly correlated with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) values, whereas carotenoids were significantly correlated with the DPPH value. However, phenolic compounds and phytosterols have no significant difference with DPPH, 2,2'‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, ORAC, and ferric reducing antioxidant power values. The collected information can be applied to seeking out optimum factors needed to suffice the fundamental requirements for PSO production and minimize micronutrient losses to enhance its market value.

Practical Application

The present study aimed to determine influence of chemical refining in the bioactive composition of perilla seed oil (PSO) as well as its antioxidant capacity in vitro. Moreover, we also intend to find the correlation between them. Results indicated that this study supplies a good reference for the industrial parameters of the refining process to minimize micronutrient losses and further obtain high‐quality PSO products for consumers.
Identification of Priority Areas for Integrated Management of Semiarid Watersheds in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Arteaga Juan , Ochoa Pablo , Fries Andreas , Boll Jan
Published: March 2020

Integrated watershed management (IWM) is a priority, especially in semiarid regions that are concurrently affected by population growth, land use change, soil erosion, and poor governance. In developing countries, IWM is often done without any support tool, scientific data, or deep knowledge of territory characteristics. The aim of this study was to present a case study to apply a decision support tool to prioritize areas for territory management. A simple, quantitative multi‐criteria analysis was applied in a semiarid basin of the Ecuadorian Andes to identify the zones of greatest concern for implementation of resource conservation and management practices at a local and regional scale. In addition to describing the current state of the conditions of this basin, our results suggest scenarios of change in relation to official population projections based on spatial analysis of land use change. Analysis resulted in a scattered distribution of priority values within the watershed, so a hierarchical rule was incorporated to define priorities at the subwatershed (SW) scale. Our analysis identified four SW of very high priority and urgent need to implement management practices. Based on projections of future change due to population growth and land cover change, the number of subbasins that require more attention was doubled. Finally, this study includes zones for management or conservation of the land, according to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Impaired substrate‐mediated cardiac mitochondrial complex I respiration with unaltered regulation of fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress status in type 2 diabetic Asian Indians
Authors: Jayakumari Nandini R. , Rajendran Raji S. , Sivasailam Ashok , Vimala Surabhi S. , Nanda Saurabh , Manjunatha Shankarappa , Pillai Vivek V. , Karunakaran Jayakumar , Gopala Srinivas
Published: March 2020

Background

The cardiovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus could be attributed to changes in myocardial mitochondrial metabolism. Though it is a known fact that permeabilized cardiac muscle fibers and isolated mitochondria are metabolically compromised in the Caucasian population, studies of Asian Indian myocardial mitochondrial function are lacking. Thus, the objective of the present study is to analyze if there is altered cardiac mitochondrial substrate utilization in diabetic Asian Indians.

Methods

Mitochondrial substrate utilization was measured using high‐resolution respirometry in isolated mitochondria prepared from right atrial appendage tissues of diabetic and nondiabetic subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Western blotting and densitometric analysis were also done to compare the levels of proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism and regulation.

Results

The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate for fatty acid substrate was shown to be decreased in diabetic subjects compared to nondiabetic subjects along with an unvaried mitochondrial DNA copy number and uniform levels of electron transport chain complex proteins and proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism and regulation. Decreased glutamate but unchanged pyruvate‐mediated state 3 respiration were also observed in diabetic subjects.

Conclusion

The current study reports deranged cardiac mitochondrial fatty acid‐mediated complex I respiration in type 2 diabetic Asian Indians with comparable levels of regulators of fatty acid oxidation to that of nondiabetic myocardium. Altered glutamate‐mediated mitochondrial respiration also points toward possible alterations in mitochondrial complex I activity. When compared with previous reports on other ethnic populations, the current study suggests that Asian Indian population too have altered cardiac mitochondrial substrate utilization.
Exploring density‐ and frequency‐dependent interactions experimentally: An r program for generating hexagonal fan designs
Authors: Rozins Carly , Hood Michael E. , Cho Jae Hoon , Antonovics Janis
Published: March 2020

Species interactions and diversity are strongly impacted by local processes, with both the density of a focal species and its frequency in the community having an impact on its growth, survival and fecundity. Yet, studies that attempt to control for variation in both frequency and density have traditionally required a large number of replicates.

Hexagonal fan designs can include a range of both densities and frequencies in a single plot, providing large economies in space and material for studying local interactions such as competition and disease transmission. However, in practice such experiments can be difficult to plan and implement.

This study presents an R program whereby the user can rapidly view a variety of designs and determine the configurations that work best with their space and material constraints. Simple instructions for implementing the fan in any design setting are also provided.

We illustrate the implementation of a simple form of the hexagonal fan design in a field experiment to assess the impact of host density on pollinator movement and disease transmission.
Warmer and less variable temperatures favour an accelerated plant phenology of two invasive weeds across sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island
Authors: March‐Salas Martí , Pertierra Luis R.
Published: March 2020

The great plasticity and diverse reproductive strategies of invasive alien plants are widely assumed to contribute to invasion success, even in extreme areas, often displacing native species. In this context, climate change creates new opportunities for biological invasions. Environmental variability and global warming are two of the climatic processes that may promote invasiveness, since alien species modulate their phenology to succeed under these circumstances. We monitored the phenological development (phenological stage advancement) of the two main invasive alien species:Poa annuaL. andCerastium fontanumBaumg. in the sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island during the austral summer period along an altitudinal gradient. We found that higher temperatures lead to increased plant height and accelerated phenological development than lower temperatures inP. annuabut found no direct evidence of the latter inC. fontanum. However, increased temperature variability negatively affected the phenological development of both species. Interestingly, despite their different reproductive strategy (rapid and impromptu inP. annua, and more synchronic and gradual inC. fontanum), both species prolifically succeeded in producing seeds at all sites showing the great acclimation of these two alien species even in limiting conditions. Since both alien species in Macquarie Island showed larger size and faster phenology at lower altitudes (i.e. milder conditions), this would indicate a great influence of ameliorating abiotic extremes on alien plant invasive capabilities at environmental extremes. Thus, our results warn of the increasing capabilities under climatic warming scenarios for alien plants to reproduce even at such remote ranges. This highlights the need to reinforce calls for special attention to prevent the spread of these kinds of species to other similar sub‐polar areas, where intensive post‐introduction management may be difficult or expensive.
Novel variant p.(Ala102Thr) in SDHB causes mitochondrial complex II deficiency: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kaur Parneet , Sharma Suvasini , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Girisha Katta Mohan , Shukla Anju
Published: March 2020

Leigh syndrome is a clinically and radiologically heterogeneous condition with approximately 75 genes, nuclear and mitochondrial, known to be implicated in its pathogenesis. Leigh syndrome due to complex II deficiency constitutes 2% to 7% of these cases. Previously, nine individuals with Leigh syndrome have been reported with pathogenic variants in SDHB, which encodes for the iron–sulfur cluster subunit of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II. The proband presented with Leigh syndrome. Exome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense variant p.(Ala102Thr) in SDHB. In silico protein modeling of the wild‐type and mutant proteins showed potentially decreased protein stability. We hereby report another individual with Leigh syndrome due to SDHB‐related mitochondrial complex II deficiency and review the phenotype and genotype associated with this condition.
Fifth‐year medical students' perceptions of the importance of frailty and competence in assessing, diagnosing and managing frailty before and after a geriatric medicine course
Authors: Arakawa Martins Beatriz , Jadczak Agathe Daria , Dollard Joanne , Barrie Helen , Mahajan Neha , Tam Khai Loon , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: March 2020

Objective

To assess the changes in fifth‐year medical students' perceptions of the importance of frailty and competence in assessing, diagnosing and managing frailty after a 4.5‐week geriatric medicine course.

Methods

Students' perceived importance and competence was assessed before and after the course using a 26‐item Likert scale questionnaire with scores ranging from 1 to 6.

Results

Students' perceptions of the importance of defining frailty (P = .01), explaining what frailty is (P = .03), advising on nutritional needs (P = .001) and exercise (P = .001) and prescribing an exercise program (P < .001) significantly improved after the course. Medical students' perceived competence in assessing, diagnosing and managing frailty was low to moderate precourse and increased significantly postcourse (2.3 [1.2] 4.9 [2.9], mean [IQR], P < .001) across all items.

Conclusion

An appropriate curriculum focusing on geriatric health conditions such as frailty can improve senior medical students' perceived importance and competence in assessing, diagnosing and managing frailty.
Prediction of preterm pre‐eclampsia at midpregnancy using a multivariable screening algorithm
Authors: Black Carin , Rolnik Daniel Lorber , Al‐Amin Ahmed , Kane Stefan C. , Stolarek Caroline , White Adrienne , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Brennecke Shaun
Published: March 2020

Background

Competing risk models used for midpregnancy prediction of preterm pre‐eclampsia have shown detection rates (DR) of 85%, at fixed false‐positive rate (FPR) of 10%. The full algorithm used between 19+0 and 24+6 weeks includes maternal factors, mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) level in multiples of the median (MoM), and soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) level in MoM.

Aims

To assess performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm at midpregnancy to screen for preterm (<37 weeks) pre‐eclampsia. The outcome measured was preterm pre‐eclampsia.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective study including singleton pregnancies at 19–22 weeks gestation. Maternal bloods were collected and analysed using three different immunoassay platforms. Maternal characteristics, medical history, MAP, mean UtAPI, serum PlGF MoM and serum sFlt‐1 MoM were used for risk assessment. DR and FPR were calculated, and receiver operating characteristic curves produced.

Results

Five hundred and twelve patients were included. Incidence of preterm pre‐eclampsia was 1.6%. Using predicted risk of pre‐eclampsia of one in 60 or more and one in 100 or higher, as given by the FMF predictive algorithm, the combination with the best predictive performance for preterm pre‐eclampsia included maternal factors, MAP, UtAPI and PlGF MoM, giving DRs of 100% and 100%, respectively, and FPRs of 9.3 for all platforms and 12.9–13.5, respectively. Addition of sFlt‐1 to the algorithm did not appear to improve performance. sFlt‐1 MoM and PlGF MoM values obtained on the different platforms performed very similarly.

Conclusions

Second trimester combined screening for preterm pre‐eclampsia by maternal history, MAP, mean UtAPI and PlGF MoM using the FMF algorithm performed very well in this patient population.
The evolving algorithm of biological selection in severe asthma
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Barnes Peter , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Gaga Mina , Heaney Liam , Menzies‐Gow Andrew , Kritikos Vicky , Fitzgerald Mark
Published: March 2020

New therapeutic options for severe asthma have recently emerged, mostly in the form of monoclonal antibodies (“biologicals”) targeting relevant inflammatory pathways. Currently available agents target different aspects of “Type 2” immunity, and their indications often include overlapping patient groups. We present a round‐table discussion that took place during the Annual Meeting of the Respiratory Effectiveness Group (REG), on the reasoning behind the use of different add‐on medications for severe asthma, and crucially, on selection strategies. The proposed rational is based on current evidence, including real‐life studies, as well as on the appreciation of the relevant complexities. Direct head‐to‐head comparisons of biologicals are lacking; therefore, algorithms for initial choice and potential switch between agents should be based on understanding the key characteristics of different options and the development of a clear plan with predefined targets and shared decision‐making, in a structured way.
Audio/visual recording of doctors in hospitals
Authors: Yentis S. M. , Shinde S. , Bogod D. , Flatt N. , Hartley H. , Keats P. , Leifer S. , Pappachan J. , Parfitt E. , Pooni J. , Rowland A.
Published: March 2020

Guidelines are presented that summarise the legal position regarding the audio/visual recording of doctors and others in hospitals. In general, there are few, if any, legal grounds for refusing a request by patients to record procedures and/or discussions with clinicians, although some staff may feel uncomfortable being recorded. Trusts and others are advised to draw up local policies and ensure staff and patients are adequately informed.
Explaining poverty and business with network concepts analysis
Authors: Semprebon Elder , Porsse Melody de Campos Soares , Gurak Elis Cristina , Dameto Flavia
Published: March 2020

Poverty observed from business in the academic field has evolved in some publications and is characterized as a multidimensional phenomenon, having several theoretical strands that add their attention to this problem. The objective of this study is to identify and cluster the variables of poverty in the business area through the network analysis. There were 1,745 keywords mentioned in 566 papers about the theme present in the Scopus database between 2000 and 2016. The results demonstrate a network with four clusters: (a) Economy, government and people; (b) Community, institutions and market; (c) Business and environment; and (d) Social aspects and finance. From the network, it is possible to understand the most cited categories of variables (research methodology and business aspects), the most consolidated relations between categories of variables (poverty and economic aspects), the most studied area (Economy, government and people), and the gaps to be explored.
Frozen embryos and the obligation to adopt
Authors: Blackshaw Bruce P. , Colgrove Nicholas
Published: March 2020

Rob Lovering has developed an interesting new critique of views that regard embryos as equally valuable as other human beings: the moral argument for frozen human embryo adoption. The argument is aimed at those who believe that the death of a frozen embryo is a very bad thing, and Lovering concludes that some who hold this view ought to prevent one of these deaths by adopting and gestating a frozen embryo. Contra Lovering, we show that there are far more effective strategies for preserving the lives of frozen embryos than adoption. Moreover, we point out that those who regard the deaths of frozen embryos as a very bad thing will generally regard the deaths of all embryos as a very bad thing, whether they are discarded embryos, aborted embryos or embryos that spontaneously abort. This entails that these other embryos must be taken into account when considering moral obligations, as well as other human lives at risk from preventable causes.
Empirical research in clinical ethics: The ‘committed researcher’ approach
Authors: Fournier Véronique , Bretonnière Sandrine , Spranzi Marta
Published: March 2020

After the ‘empirical turn’ in bioethics, few specific approaches have been developed for doing clinical ethics research in close connection with clinical decision‐making on a daily basis. In this paper we describe the ‘committed researcher’ approach to research in clinical ethics that we have developed over the years. After comparing it to two similar research methodological approaches, the ‘embedded researcher’ and ‘deliberative engagement’, we highlight its main features: it is patient‐oriented, it is implemented by collegial and multidisciplinary teams, it uses an ethical grid to build the interview guide, and it is geared towards bringing the results to bear on the public debate surrounding the issue at stake. Finally, we position our methodological approach with respect to the ‘is vs. ought’ distinction. We argue that our ‘commitment researcher’ approach to clinical ethics research takes concerned people’s life‐building values as the main data, and compares them to the larger normative framework underlying the medical practice at stake.