bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Paradigm for Measuring Resting State Functional Connectivity in Young Children Using fNIRS and Freeplay
Authors: Kim Jaeah , Ruesch Alexander , Kang Nin Rebecca , Huppert Theodore J. , Kainerstorfer Jana , Thiessen Erik D. , Fisher Anna V.
Published: January 2020

Resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) reflects the organization of functional networks in the brain. Functional networks measured during “resting”, or task-absent, state are correlated with cognitive function, and much development of these networks occurs between infancy and adulthood. However, RSFC research in the intermediate years (especially between ages 3 and 5 years) has been limited, mainly due to a paucity of child-appropriate neural measures and behavioral paradigms. This paper presents a new paradigm to measure RSFC in young children, utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Freeplay, a simple behavioral setup designed to approximate resting state in children. In Experiment 1, we recorded fNIRS data from children aged 3-8 years and adults aged 18-21 years and examined feasibility and validity of our measure of RSFC, and compared measures across the two groups. In Experiment 2, we recorded longitudinal data at two points (approximately 3 months apart) from children aged 3-5 years, and examined reliability under a variety of measures. In both experiments, all children were able to complete testing and provide usable data, a significant improvement over fMRI-based RSFC measurement in children. Results suggest this paradigm is practical and has good construct validity and test-retest reliability, and may contribute towards increasing the availability of reliable data on resting state networks in early childhood. In particular, these are some of the first positive results on the feasibility of reliably measuring functional connectivity in children aged 3-5 years.
Comparative primary paediatric nasal epithelial cell culture differentiation and RSV-induced cytopathogenesis following culture in two commercial media
Authors: Broadbent Lindsay , Manzoor Sheerien , Zarcone Maria , Barabas Judit , Shields Mike , Saglani Sejal , Lloyd Claire M. , Bush Andrew , Custovic Adnan , Ghazal Peter , Gore Mindy , Marsland Ben , Roberts Graham , Schwarze Jurgen , Turner Steve , Power Ultan F.
Published: January 2020

The culture of differentiated human airway epithelial cells allows the study of pathogen-host interactions and innate immune responses in a physiologically relevantin vitromodel. As the use of primary cell culture has gained popularity the availability of the reagents needed to generate these cultures has increased. In this study we assessed two different media, Promocell and PneumaCult, during the differentiation and maintenance of well-differentiated primary nasal epithelial cell cultures (WD-PNECs). We compared and contrasted the consequences of these media on WD-PNEC morphological and physiological characteristics and their responses to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. We found that cultures generated using PneumaCult resulted in greater total numbers of smaller, tightly packed, pseudostratified cells. However, cultures from both media resulted in similar proportions of ciliated and goblet cells. There were no differences in RSV growth kinetics, although more ciliated cells were infected in the PneumaCult cultures. There was also significantly more IL-29/IFNλ1 secreted from PneumaCult compared to Promocell cultures. In conclusion, the type of medium used for the differentiation of primary human airway epithelial cells impacts experimental results.
Providing new insights on the byphasic lifestyle of the predatory bacteriumBdellovibrio bacteriovorusthrough genome-scale metabolic modeling
Authors: Herencias C , Prieto MA , Nogales J
Published: January 2020

In this study we analyze the growth-phase dependent metabolic states ofBdellovibrio bacteriovorusby constructing a fully compartmented, mass and charge-balanced genome-scale metabolic model of this predatory bacterium (iCH457). Considering the differences between life cycle phases driving the growth of this predator, growth-phase condition-specific models have been generated allowing the systematic study of its metabolic capabilities. Using these unprecedented computational tools, we have been able to analyze, from a system level, the dynamic metabolism of the predatory bacteria as the life cycle progresses. We provide solid computational evidences supporting potential axenic growth ofB. bacteriovorus’s in a rich medium based its encoded metabolic capabilities. Our systems-level analysis confirms the presence of “energy-saving” mechanisms in this predator as well as an abrupt metabolic shift between the attack and intraperiplasmic growth phases. Our results strongly suggest that predatory bacteria’s metabolic networks have low robustness, likely hampering their ability to tackle drastic environmental fluctuations, thus being confined to stable and predictable habitats. Overall, we present here a valuable computational testbed based on predatory bacteria activity for rational design of novel and controlled biocatalysts in biotechnological/clinical applications.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Bacterial predation is an interspecific relationship widely extended in nature. Among other predators,Bdellovibrioand like organism (BALOs) have received recently a great attention due to the high potential applications such as biocontrol agent in medicine, agriculture, aquaculture and water treatment. Despite the increasing interest in of this predatory bacterium its complex lifestyle and growth conditions hamper the full exploitation of their biotechnological properties. In order to overcome these important shortcomings, we provide here the first genome-scale model of a predator bacterium constructed so far. By using the model as a computational testbed, we provide solid evidences of the metabolic autonomy of this interesting bacterium in term of growth, as well as its dynamic metabolism powering the biphasic life style of this predator. We found a low metabolic robustness thus suggesting that Bdellovibrio is more niche-specific than previously thought and that the environmental conditions governing predation may be relatively uniform. Overall, we provide here a valuable computational tool largely facilitating rational design of novel and controlled predator-based biocatalysts in biotechnological/clinical applications.
In SilicoIdentification, Characterization and Diversity Analysis of RNAi Genes and their Associated Regulatory Elements in Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L)
Authors: Mosharaf Md. Parvez , Ahsan Md. Asif , Rahman Hafizur , Akond Zobaer , Ahmed Fee Faysal , Islam Md. Mazharul , Moni Mohammad Ali , Mollah Md. Nurul Haque
Published: January 2020

RNA interference (RNAi) plays key roles in post-transcriptional and chromatin modification levels as well as regulates various eukaryotic gene expressions which involved in stress responses, development and maintenance of genome integrity during developmental stages. The whole mechanism of RNAi pathway is directly involved with the gene-silencing process by the interaction of Dicer-Like (DCL), Argonaute (AGO) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) gene families. However, the genes of these three RNAi families are largely unknown yet in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), though it is an economically important fruit plant all over the world. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation for genome-wide identification, characterization and diversity analysis of RNA silencing genes inC. sinensiswas conducted and identified 4 CsDCL, 8 CsAGO and 4 CsRDR as RNAi genes. To characterize and validate the predicted genes of RNAi families, various bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the predicted CsDCLs, CsAGOs and CsRDRs genes into four, six and four subgroups with the relevant genes of Arabidopsis respectively. The domain and motif composition analysis, the gene structure for all three-gene families exhibited almost homogeneity within the same group members while showed significant differences in between groups. The GO enrichment analysis results clearly indicated that the predicted genes have direct involvement into the RNAi process as expected inC. sinensis. Moreover,Cis-regulatory elements and regulatory transcription factor analysis of the reported RNAi genes demonstrated the diverse connection to the huge biological functions and regulatory pathways. The expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis showed that these genes are highly expressed in fruit and leaves which indicate that these reported genes have great involvement inC. sinensisfood, flowering and fruit production. The expression analysis of the reported RNAi genes might be more useful to explore the most effective RNAi genes inC. sinensisfor further biotechnological application.
A high-affinity antibody against the CSP N-terminal domain lacksPlasmodium falciparuminhibitory activity
Authors: Thai Elaine , Costa Giulia , Weyrich Anna , Murugan Rajagopal , Oyen David , Prieto Katherine , Bosch Alexandre , Valleriani Angelo , Wu Nicholas C. , Pholcharee Tossapol , Scally Stephen W. , Wilson Ian A. , Wardemann Hedda , Julien Jean-Philippe , Levashina Elena A.
Published: January 2020

Malaria is a global health concern and research efforts are ongoing to develop a superior vaccine to RTS,S/AS01. To guide immunogen design, we seek a comprehensive understanding of the protective humoral response againstPlasmodium falciparumcircumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). In contrast to the well-studied responses to the repeat region and the C-terminus, the antibody response against the N-terminal domain of PfCSP (N-CSP) remains obscure. Here, we characterized the molecular recognition and functional efficacy of the N-CSP-specific monoclonal antibody 5D5. The crystal structure at 1.85 Å resolution revealed that 5D5 binds anα-helical epitope in N-CSP with high affinity through extensive shape and charge complementarity, and the unusual utilization of an N-linked glycan. Nevertheless, functional studies indicated low 5D5 binding to live Pf sporozoites, and lack of sporozoite inhibitionin vitroand in mosquitoes. Overall, our data on low recognition and inhibition of sporozoites do not support the inclusion of the 5D5 epitope into the next generation of CSP-based vaccines.

Summary Statement

ThePlasmodium falciparumsporozoite surface protein, PfCSP, is an attractive vaccine target, but the antibody response against the CSP N-terminal domain has remained understudied. Here, to guide immunogen design, Thai et al. provide insights into the binding motif and functional efficacy of the N-terminal domain-specific monoclonal antibody, 5D5.
Caspase-8 deficiency induces a switch from TLR3-induced apoptosis to lysosomal cell death in neuroblastoma cell lines
Authors: Locquet Marie-Anaïs , Ichim Gabriel , Dutour Aurelie , Lebeque Serge , Castets Marie , Weber Kathrin
Published: January 2020

TLR3 converts in cancer cells from an inflammatory to a death receptor and TLR3-induced cell death activates the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. Here, we demonstrate that activation of TLR3 triggers a form lysosomal cell death. Following the combinational treatment of IFN-1/poly(I:C) of the Caspase-8 deficient neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, lysosomes enlarge and accumulate before cells display characteristic apoptotic morphologies. However, caspases are not involved in signalling from TLR3 to the lysosome as 25 μM did not inhibit cell death. However, increasing zVAD concentrations to 50 μM which is known to inhibit cathepsins, as well as a specific cathepsin B inhibitor reduced TLR3-induced lysosomal cell death. Thus lysosomal cathepsins have a role in cell death execution and overtake the role of caspase-8 in inducing the apoptotic caspase cascade. Further in the caspase-8 positive neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-AS, knockdown of caspase-8 induces a switch from TLR3-induced apoptosis to lysosomal cell death. Taken together our data suggest that lysosomal cell death represents a default death mechanism, when caspase-8 is absent.
mTORC2 mediate FLCN-induced HIF2α nuclear import and proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Xuyang , Ma Yadong , Cui Jie , Zhao Haiyang , Liu Lei , Wang Yueyuan , Min Pengxiang , Zhang Lin , Chen Yongchang , Du Jun , Zhang Yujie , Gu Luo
Published: January 2020

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), as the most important type of renal carcinoma, has a high incidence and easy metastasis. Folliculin (FLCN) was identified as a tumor suppressor gene. Its deletions and mutations are associated with a potential risk of kidney cancer. At present, the specific molecular mechanism of FLCN-induced proliferation, invasion and migration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma remains elusive.

In this study, we demonstrated that FLCN controled cell proliferation, invasion and migration through PI3K/mTORC2 pathway. FLCN combined with HIF2α in various normal and cancerous renal cells, and mTORC2 mediate FLCN effectively alleviated the deterioration of renal cancer cells by degrading HIF2α. Silencing of FLCN showed promotion of HIF2α protein expression, which in turn led to an increase in downstream target genesCyclin D1andMMP9. Moreover, when interfering with siFLCN, HIF2α degradation rate was delayed, and the time of entry into the nucleus was advanced. Taken together, our study illustrated that mTORC2 promoted the specific molecular mechanism of HIF2α by down-regulated FLCN, and might be a new therapeutic target against renal cancer progression.
PyMDA: microcrystal data assembly using Python
Authors: Takemaru Lina , Guo Gongrui , Zhu Ping , Hendrickson Wayne A. , McSweeney Sean , Liu Qun
Published: January 2020

The recent developments at microdiffraction X-ray beamlines are making microcrystals of macromolecules appealing subjects for routine structural analysis. Microcrystal diffraction data collected at synchrotron microdiffraction beamlines may be radiation damaged with incomplete data per microcrystal and with unit-cell variations. A multi-stage data assembly method has previously been designed for microcrystal synchrotron crystallography. Here the strategy has been implemented as a Python program for microcrystal data assembly (PyMDA). PyMDA optimizes microcrystal data quality including weak anomalous signals through iterative crystal and frame rejections. Beyond microcrystals, PyMDA may be applicable for assembling data sets from larger crystals for improved data quality.
How does trade openness affect female labours?
Authors: Li Jing-Ping , Li Zheng-Zheng , Tao Ran , Su Chi Wei
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the non-linear threshold effects between trade openness and female labours to participate in the labour markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider data for nine Asian countries from 1990 to 2016 period and perform the panel threshold regression method.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that the threshold value is occurred. With the increase of trade openess, the female labour force participation rate shows a trend of rising first and then declining. Furthermore, exports also have an asymmetric threshold effect on female labour force participation, which is partly in accordance with the discrimination model (Becker, 1957). On the other hand, imports dependency will hinder female labour force participation regardless of a threshold effect. The authors obtain similar results when the authors consider the female employment rate as substitution.

Practical implications

Specifically, increased trade openness may contribute positively or negatively towards overall female labour force participation rate (FLFPR), attributed to the relative importance of these opposing effects. Thus, when the cost reduction effect, resulting from intensified competitive pressure and comparative advantages would enhance the participation rate, the technology channel operates in the opposite direction. Therefore, from the perspective of female employment, trade openness is not the more the better.

Originality/value

This study innovatively discusses the non-linear correlation between trade openness and FLFPR and distinguishes the different contributions from exports and imports. The advanced threshold regression model assumes the existence of threshold value from trade to female employment. Thereby, targeted policies for the government should be applied to promote active female in the labour market.
Supply chain innovations for additive manufacturing
Authors: Luomaranta Toni , Martinsuo Miia
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) involves the renewal of production systems and also has implications for firms’ supply chains. Innovations related to AM supply chains are, so far, insufficiently understood, but their success will require firms’ awareness of their systemic nature and their firm-specific implications. The purpose of this paper is to explore the supply chain innovations dealing with AM in business-to-business supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative research design is used. Interviews were conducted in 20 firms, workshops were organized to map AM-related processes and activities, and supply chain innovations were analyzed.

Findings

This study reveals practical changes in supply chains and requirements for AM-related supply chain innovations. While earlier research has centered on technology or firm-specific AM implementations, this study shows that fully leveraging AM will require innovations at the level of the supply chain, including innovations in business processes, technology and structure, as well as supportive changes in the business environment. These innovations occur in different parts of the AM supply chain and are emphasized differently within different firm types.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in one country in the context of the machine building and process industry with a limited data set, which limits the generalizability of the results. The results offer an analytical framework and identify new research avenues for exploring the innovations in partial or complete AM supply chains.

Practical implications

The results offer a framework to assess the current state and future needs in AM-related supply chain innovations. Practical ideas are proposed to enhance AM adoption throughout firms’ supply chains. These results are important to managers because they can help them position their firms and guide the activities and collaborations with other firms in the AM supply chain.

Originality/value

This study draws attention to the supply chain innovations required when firms adopt AM in their processes. The generic supply chain innovation framework is enhanced by adding the business context as a necessary component. Implementation of AM is shown to depend on the context both at the level of the supply chain and the firm’s unique role in the supply chain. The holistic view taken reveals that successful AM technology adoption requires broad involvement from different firms across the supply chain.
Impulse buying behavior: the mobile revolution
Authors: Bellini Silvia , Aiolfi Simone
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of in-store mobile usage on purchase decision making in order to understand whether and to what extent the use of the device changes the shopper behavior in terms of planned and unplanned purchases even across different retail store formats.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire from 406 respondents interviewed in hypermarket and discount stores, after the checkout. Data were measured through t-tests and the analysis of variance.

Findings

The mobile intensifies a process of preparation making it popular and the same across the different store formats, confirming how the growing convergence, making store formats less distinctive in the eyes of the consumer, has somewhat flattened and standardized the pre-shopping out-of-store preparation.

Practical implications

The pervasiveness and the versatility of the mobile, and its ability to influence the decision-making processes, leads to important managerial questions and implications regarding the effectiveness of in-store marketing initiatives and the need to review the mix of out-of-store and in-store investments, with the knowledge that the consumer will continue to become even more prepared and well informed in the future.

Originality/value

Mobile devices could be used out-of-store, as a tool for shopping preparation, and in-store as a tool for self-regulation. Therefore, it becomes crucial to understand how the mobile influences the decision-making process as well as the buying behavior of shoppers.
Gender longevity gap and socioeconomic indicators in developed countries
Authors: Fedotenkov Igor , Derkachev Pavel
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain relations between socioeconomic factors and gender longevity gap and to test a number of contradicting theories.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed effects models are used for cross-country panel data analysis.

Findings

The authors show that in developed countries (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and European Union) a lower gender longevity gap is associated with a higher real GDP per capita, a higher level of urbanization, lower income inequality, lower per capita alcohol consumption and a better ecological environment. An increase in women’s aggregate unemployment rate and a decline in men’s unemployment are associated with a higher gap in life expectancies. There is also some evidence that the effect of the share of women in parliaments has a U-shape; it has a better descriptive efficiency if taken with a four-year lag, which approximately corresponds to the length of political cycles.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are valid only for developed countries.

Practical implications

The findings are important for policy discussions, such as designs of pension schemes, gender-based taxation, ecological, urban, health and labor policy.

Social implications

The factors that increase male and female longevities also reduce the gender longevity gap.

Originality/value

The results contradict to a number of studies for developing countries, which show that lower economic development and greater women discrimination result in a lower gender longevity gap.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2019-0082
High-strength gears produced by powder metallurgical processes – KL500/93-2
Authors: Klocke Fritz , Broeckmann Christoph , Löpenhaus Christoph , Bezold Alexander , Frech Tim , Hajeck Marko , Scholzen Philipp , Gebhardt Christian
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to optimize high-strength gears produced by powder metallurgical process and to provide a material model to predict the tooth root bending fatigue strength. Powder metal (PM) technology offers great opportunities for the reduction of the carbon footprint and improvement of the cost efficiency of gear production. PM gears can achieve flank load-carrying capacities comparable to wrought steel gears if the loaded volume is fully densified. Still, the tooth root strength is of particular importance.

Design/methodology/approach

The tooth root stresses can be minimized by optimizing the tooth root geometry. This usually leads to a target conflict, as fully optimized tooth root geometries cannot be manufactured by generating processes such as hobbing, generating-grinding or rolling. To use the increase in tooth root load-carrying capacity of fully optimized root geometry on PM gears, a non-generating method for surface densifying is needed. The shot-peening process is used as an alternative densification process for PM gears. The properties of both shot peened and cold-rolled PM gears are analyzed and compared. To quantify the effect of both manufacturing processes, the tooth root bending fatigue strength will be evaluated and compared to wrought gears.

Findings

From the fatigue strength perspective, a material model is developed, which is able to predict local endurable stress amplitudes. The model is gained through regression varying carbon content, density and size effect on bending specimens.

Originality/value

It is transferable to PM gears of the same material using a load transfer coefficient.
Linking resilience and organizational commitment: does happiness matter?
Authors: Paul Happy , Budhwar Pawan , Bamel Umesh
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically test a model that examines subjective well-being (SWB) components (affect balance and life satisfaction, colloquially referred to as “happiness”), as the intervening variables between resilience and organizational commitment (OC), drawing on appraisal theory and job demands‒resources model.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an employee sample (n=345) from Indian organizations, this study uses structural equation modeling to confirm the differential mediating mechanism for OC dimensions.

Findings

The results suggest that resilience can create a pathway for positive emotions and increase life satisfaction, which, in turn, can help an employee to stick to the organization. Notably, findings indicate that affect balance fully mediates the linkages between resilience and affective commitment, whereas life satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between resilience and continuance commitment.

Practical implications

Besides making useful contributions to the concerned literature, the findings also have useful messages for managers and organizations trying to develop a committed workforce by building employee resilience.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have supported the relationship between resilience and OC, to date, no study has analyzed the motivational and cognitive process through which resilience relates to each dimension of OC (i.e. affective, normative and continuance).
Internal audit effectiveness: operationalization and influencing factors
Authors: Turetken Oktay , Jethefer Stevens , Ozkan Baris
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework that presents how internal audit effectiveness can be operationalized and what factors are available to influence the effectiveness. Internal audits have become one of the key practices for organizations to control the adherence of their processes to standard procedures and regulations. The benefits of conducting internal audits are well acknowledged in the literature. However, it is difficult for organizations to assess the effectiveness of internal audits and to understand the factors that influence audit effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications and collect and synthesize evidence on the operationalization of internal audit effectiveness and the factors that potentially influence the effectiveness of internal audits.

Findings

A thorough analysis of the relevant studies resulted in a comprehensive list of indicators used for the operationalization of audit effectiveness and a list of potentially influencing factors. The results of the systematic review are synthesized into a framework.

Research limitations/implications

The researchers should consider this study as a comprehensive source that offers pointers on the factors investigated in the literature and a basis for future research in this field to address the gaps that are identified.

Practical implications

Awareness about how the effectiveness of internal audits can be measured, and the factors that can potentially influence this effectiveness can help organizations to understand their current performance and ultimately improve it in the future.

Originality/value

The contributions of this study will help in better understanding the state of the research on internal audit effectiveness, including the influential factors, and gaps and opportunities for future research.
Dietary patterns in relation to major cardiovascular diseases risk factors
Authors: Roohafza Hamidreza , Feizi Awat , Amani Tirani Shahnaz , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of empirically derived dietary patterns with hypertension and hyperlipidemia among a large sample of Iranian industrial employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was done under the framework of Epidemiological Survey of Chronic Diseases on Manufacturing Employees. Major dietary patterns were derived based on a validated short form of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using exploratory factor analysis. Self-administered validated questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic and job-related variables of participants. Multivariable logistic regression was applied for association analyses.

Findings

Higher levels of Western dietary pattern increased significantly the risk of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% CI [1.36-2.53], P trend <0.001) and hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.16-1.81], p = 0.001) even after controlling for confounding variables. The traditional dietary pattern was marginally associated with a significant increase in risk of hyperlipidemia ( = 1.14, 95% CI [0.92-1.41], p = 0.084) in the fully adjusted model. However, higher levels of healthy dietary pattern were significantly associated with a decreased risk of hyperlipidemia in the final model (OR 0.80, 95% CI [0.64-0.90], p = 0.025).

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, an association analysis between dietary patterns and major cardiovascular disease risk in workforce population over the world is scarce and has not yet been conducted among Iranian industrial employees. This study’s findings are especially relevant for the industrial workforce population because they are at high risk of other job-related risks that increase the CVD risk.
Implications of energy drink consumption for hepatic structural and functional changes: a review
Authors: Kutia Sergey , Kriventsov Maxim , Moroz Gennady , Gafarova Elvina , Trofimov Nazar
Published: January 2020

Purpose

In the recent decades, energy drinks consumption has increased dramatically. Many researches found their adverse effects on the structure and function of organs and systems, with nervous and cardiovascular systems most studied. Liver is one of the priority target organs in case of beverages consumption. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of energy drink consumption on morphofunctional conditions of liver.

Design/methodology/approach

A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and eLIBRARY.ru databases was performed using relevant keywords.

Findings

Both clinical and experimental data concerning effects of energy drink use on structure and function of liver are summarized and systematized in this review. Most of them documented hepatotoxicity after prolonged over-consumption of energy drinks. Probable mechanisms of action of their basic ingredients (sugars, caffeine, taurine, D-glucuronolactone, vitamin B3) on morphology and functioning of liver as well as combined use of energy drinks with alcohol are described.

Originality value

This review paper represents evidential information about the negative impact of energy drink consumption on morphofunctional conditions of liver.
Energy dissipation characteristics of additively manufactured CNT/ABS nanocomposites
Authors: Gardea Frank , Cole Daniel P. , Glaz Bryan , Riddick Jaret C.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM). Insight into the energy-dissipation mechanisms introduced and/or enhanced by the addition of CNTs is presented in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

ABS/CNT filaments were fabricated with different concentrations of CNTs. Using a fused deposition modeling approach, unidirectional specimens were printed using a MakerBot Replicator 2X (MakerBot Industries, Brooklyn, NY, USA). Specimens were tested under static and dynamic conditions, with the loading coinciding with the printing direction, to determine elastic modulus, strength and viscoelastic properties.

Findings

A CNT reinforcing effect is evident in a 37 per cent increase in elastic modulus. Likewise, the strength of the composite increases by up to 30 per cent with an increase in weight fraction of CNTs. At low dynamic strain amplitudes (0.05 per cent), a correlation between dissipated strain energy of the butadiene phase and strength of the composite is found such that less dissipation, from constraint of the butadiene particles by the CNTs, leads to higher strength of the composite. At higher dynamic strains, the presence of a high concentration of CNT leads to increased energy dissipation, with a maximum measured value of 24 per cent higher loss factor compared to baseline specimens. Because the trend of the composite behavior is similar (with a higher absolute value) to that of neat ABS, this study’s results indicate that well-established polymer/CNT dissipation mechanisms (such as stick-slip) are not significant, but that the CNTs amplify the dissipation of the ABS matrix by formation of crazes through stress concentrations.

Originality/value

This study provides knowledge of the dissipation behavior in additively manufactured ABS/CNT composites and provides insight into the expansion to new printable materials for dynamics applications.
The state of corporate social responsibility practice in the construction sector
Authors: Olanipekun Ayokunle Olubunmi , Oshodi Olalekan Shamsideen , Darko Amos , Omotayo Temitope
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The development of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the construction sector is slow, thereby leaving many opportunities for further development. To enable operators in the construction sector to effectively capitalise on the opportunities to promote the development of CSR in the sector, this study employs the practice viewpoint to take the stock of CSR activities in the sector. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the state of CSR practice in the construction sector. The study also draws from the development of CSR in the manufacturing, mining and banking sectors to inform the state of CSR practice in the construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study carries out a systematic literature review of 56 journal publications that were published between the year 2000 and 2016. The deductive coding of the publications was done to identify four themes of CSR research that constitute the practice view of the state of CSR in the construction sector.

Findings

The implementation of CSR is the major emphasis in the state of CSR practice in the construction sector. The implementation of CSR is wrapped in the perception of operators about CSR potentials, dimensions of CSR implemented, strategies for implementation and the effects of the implemented CSR practices on performance. The sector characteristics and organisational structure are attributes for comparing the CSR practices between the construction sector and the manufacturing, mining and banking sectors.

Originality/value

This study provides a researchers’ view of the state of CSR in the construction sector. Additionally, the study draws from the development of CSR in the manufacturing, mining and banking sectors to inform the state of CSR practice in the construction sector.
Holocene extinctions of a top predator—Effects of time, habitat area and habitat subdivision
Authors: Englund Göran , Öhlund Gunnar , Olajos Fredrik , Finstad Anders , Bellard Celine , Hugueny Bernard
Published: January 2020

Loss of habitat and changes in the spatial configuration of habitats are major drivers of species extinctions, but the responses to these drivers differ between organisms. To advance theory on how extinction risk from different types of habitat alteration relates to species‐specific traits, there is a need for studies of the long‐term extinction dynamic of individual species.

The goal of this study was to quantify how habitat area and the spatial configuration of habitats affect extinction rate of an aquatic top predator, the northern pike Esox lucius L.

We recorded the presence/absence of northern pike in 398 isolated habitat fragments, each one consisting of a number of interconnected lakes. Time since isolation of the habitat fragments, caused by cut‐off from the main dispersal source in the Baltic Sea, varied between 0 and 10,000 years. Using survival regression, we analysed how pike population survival was affected by time since isolation, habitat size and habitat subdivision. The approach builds on the assumptions that pike colonized all fragments before isolation and that current absences result from extinctions. We verified these assumptions by testing (a) if pike was present in the region throughout the entire time period when the lakes formed and (b) if pike typically colonize lakes that are formed today. We also addressed the likelihood that unrecorded anthropogenic introductions could bias our estimates of extinction rate.

Our results supported the interpretation that current patterns of presence/absence in our study system are shaped by extinctions. Further, we found that time since isolation and fragment area had strong effects on pike population survival. In contrast, spatial habitat subdivision (i.e. if a fragment contained few large lakes or many small lakes) and other environmental covariates describing climate and productivity were unrelated to pike survival. Over all, extinction rate was high in young fragments and decreased sharply with increasing fragment age.

Our study demonstrates how the link between extinction rate and habitat size and spatial structure can be quantified. More similar studies may help us find generalizations that can guide management of habitat size and connectivity.
The inhibitors of risk information sharing in the supply chain: A multiple case study in Turkey
Authors: Can Saglam Yesim , Sezen Bulent , Çankaya Sibel Yildiz
Published: January 2020

One of the greatest threats faced by organizations is disruption in the supply chain arising from not sharing risk information among the supply chain partners. The aim of this study is to identify the inhibitors of risk information sharing in a supply chain by using practical‐side evidence. An exploratory multiple case design was utilized to investigate why supply chain partners in Turkey may be reluctant to share risk information among their members and provide solutions to overcome these barriers. The results of the study indicate that the inhibitors of risk information sharing fall into three categories: risk‐related, organization‐related, and management‐related. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate possible solutions for reluctance in risk information sharing among supply chain partners based on managers' experiences.
Friend or foe? The impact of high‐performance work practices on workplace bullying
Authors: Salin Denise , Notelaers Guy
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between high‐performance work practices (HPWPs) and workplace bullying and identify possible mediators. The study presents hypotheses based on two competing perspectives: a mutual gains perspective, arguing that HPWPs lead to higher perceptions of justice and less role conflict, thereby reducing the risk of bullying; and, a critical perspective, arguing that HPWPs lead to work intensification and competition among colleagues, and thereby to more bullying. A two‐wave survey (n = 209) was conducted among business professionals in Finland. The results show that HPWPs are associated with less bullying, and justice and role conflict mediated the relationship. Thus, the results provide support for the mutual gains perspective on HPWPs, challenging prevailing assumptions in the bullying literature that suggest performance‐enhancing HR practices are a risk factor. Instead, the results point to the significance of HPWPs as an important tool to prevent bullying.
Management of patients with hepatocellular adenoma: a single‐institution experience
Authors: Nahm Christopher B. , Parker Nicholas , Gundara Justin S. , Gill Anthony J. , Bhimani Nazim , Samra Jaswinder S. , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare benign liver tumour that may cause diagnostic and management dilemmas. This study describes the clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients who were treated for HCA in a tertiary referral hospital over a 17‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of prospectively collected data of all patients treated for HCA within the Northern Upper GI Surgical unit between 2002 and 2018. Immunohistochemical β‐catenin expression was evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐two patients had histological or radiologically confirmed HCA. Twenty‐eight patients underwent 30 operations and four patients were treated conservatively. The median age of the operative group was 43 years (range 19–83) and most patients were female (95%). The median body mass index was 28.7 (range 20–51), and nine patients (33%) were obese. Seven patients (25%) had multifocal HCA. Evidence of prior bleed or rupture or a perceived risk of either a bleed or malignant change (i.e. tumours ≥50 mm) were the most common indications for resection. There were no perioperative mortalities. Nuclear expression of β‐catenin by immunohistochemical staining was negative in all cases and there was no malignancy identified in any of the resected lesions. Two patients required transarterial embolization and two patients required a second liver resection for residual HCA.

Conclusion

HCA is a rare lesion predominantly affecting females. Haemorrhage is seen frequently on imaging studies, occasionally requiring urgent angioembolization and/or surgical intervention. Malignant transformation and immunohistochemical β‐catenin expression are uncommon. HCA may be multifocal and residual tumours usually require ongoing surveillance and occasionally further intervention.
Pancreatic resection in patients with synchronous extra‐pancreatic malignancy: outcomes and complications
Authors: Mehta Shreya , Tan Grace I. , Nahm Christopher B. , Chua Terence C. , Pearson Andrew , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Mittal Anubhav
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients may present with a resectable pancreatic tumour in the context of a concurrent primary extra‐pancreatic malignancy. These patients pose a dilemma regarding their suitability for surgery. We evaluated our experience with such patients who underwent pancreatic resection with curative intent and detailed their outcomes and rationale for surgical decision‐making.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with pancreatic concurrent extra‐pancreatic primary malignancy who underwent pancreatic resection at our institution over a 12‐year period (2005–2016) was performed. Clinical, histopathological and perioperative outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Ten patients with a median age of 74 years (40–85 years) were identified. Secondary primary tumours included thyroid (n = 2), gastrointestinal (n = 4), small bowel neuroendocrine (n = 1), renal (n = 1) and haematological malignancies (n = 2). Pancreatic tumours included pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (n = 6), solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (n = 2) and ampullary carcinomas (n = 2). After a median follow up of 41.3 months (31.3–164 months), 8 of 10 patients were still alive. Two patients died due to metastatic disease from the secondary malignancy (small bowel neuroendocrine tumour and sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma). The post‐operative complication rate was 30% with no perioperative 90‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Selected patients with a pancreatic and concurrent primary extra‐pancreatic malignancy may undergo curative pancreatic resection with favourable outcomes.
Costs and outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence in New Zealand: a 10‐year observational study
Authors: Varghese Chris , Wells Cameron I. , O'Grady Gregory , Bissett Ian P.
Published: January 2020

Background

Faecal incontinence is a debilitating condition that affects more than 10% of New Zealanders. In well‐selected cohorts, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) offers a therapeutic option for patients refractory to conservative and other surgical treatments. The aim of this study was to define the clinical efficacy, rate of reinterventions and explants and healthcare costs associated with SNS in the New Zealand setting.

Methods

Clinical records of all consecutive patients undergoing SNS at Auckland District Health Board between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and paired with the results of a postal survey to 100 patients who had retained the implant at August 2019.

Results

Over the 10‐year period, 142 patients underwent stage 1 SNS, of which 126 (88.7%) progressed to a permanent implant and 108 (76.1%) had retained the implant at a median follow‐up of 41.2 months. SNS therapy significantly reduced weekly faecal incontinence episodes (P < 0.001), medication use (P < 0.001) and pad use (P = 0.01) at median 41.2 months. Complications were common, with infections in 9.2%, lead fractures in 4.9% and component migrations in 12.7%. The probability of retaining the same battery at 6.3 years was >90%. In total, reintervetion was necessary in 41.5% of the cohort. SNS therapy was expensive, costing >NZ$30 000 for implantation, increasing to >NZ$46 000 if a further reintervention was required.

Conclusions

SNS is an effective long‐term therapy for faecal incontinence. However, it is expensive and associated with a high rate of reinterventions and explants.
The use of augmented reality to foster conceptual knowledge acquisition in STEM laboratory courses—Theoretical background and empirical results
Authors: Altmeyer Kristin , Kapp Sebastian , Thees Michael , Malone Sarah , Kuhn Jochen , Brünken Roland
Published: January 2020

Learning with hands‐on experiments can be supported by providing essential information virtually during lab work. Augmented reality (AR) appears especially suitable for presenting information during experimentation, as it can be used to integrate both physical and virtual lab work. Virtual information can be displayed in close spatial proximity to the correspondent components in the experimentation environment, thereby ensuring a basic design principle for multimedia instruction: the spatial contiguity principle. The latter is assumed to reduce learners' extraneous cognitive load and foster generative processing, which supports conceptual knowledge acquisition. For the present study, a tablet‐based AR application has been developed to support learning from hands‐on experiments in physics education. Real‐time measurement data were displayed directly above the components of electric circuits, which were constructed by the learners during lab work. In a two group pretest–posttest design, we compared university students' (N = 50) perceived cognitive load and conceptual knowledge gain for both the AR‐supported and a matching non‐AR learning environment. Whereas participants in both conditions gave comparable ratings for cognitive load, learning gains in conceptual knowledge were only detectable for the AR‐supported lab work.
Innovations in indwelling urethral catheterisation
Authors: Jeffery Nicola , Mundy Anthony
Published: January 2020

The indwelling urethral catheter remains an integral part of contemporary medical care, despite its significant design shortcomings. Urethral catheterisation is responsible for well‐recognised complications including catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), catheter‐associated urethral injury (CAUI), catheter blockage, and bladder mucosal irritation. In this narrative review, we provide an update on current innovations in urethral catheter design, aimed at safeguarding against these complications. There is an obvious need to improve catheter technology and urologists should support the translation of innovations into clinical practice.