bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between integrated reporting and firm performance in a voluntary disclosure regime: insights from Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Shafiqul
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is observing the disclosure pattern of integrated reporting (IR) and investigating its relationship with a firm's operational, financial and market growth performance measured in the form of return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and market-to-book value ratio respectively in the voluntary disclosure regime of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is quantitative, based on a pooled-OLS regression analysis of 20 firms listed under ten different nonfinancial industries of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) for three financial years from 2015–2016 to 2017–2018, with 60 firm-year observations. A manual content analysis based on a structured integrated reporting disclosure index (IRDIN) measures the extent of disclosure in the corporate annual reports. The practical model consists of the dependent variable IRDIN and the independent variables ROA, ROE and market-to-book value ratio. The natural logarithm of total assets and financial leverage are the two controlling variables used in the model.

Findings

The findings deduced from the empirical results indicate that the IRDIN is positively and significantly related to all three performance variables. Content analysis shows an increasing pattern of disclosure of the constructed index elements by the sample firms.

Research limitations/implications

A Small sample size may deter the generalization of the research findings in other voluntary disclosure regimes. Self-constructed IRDIN index scores may be affected by subjective judgment while assessing the annual reports.

Practical implications

Capital market regulators can gain valuable insights regarding the suitability of implementing IR in Bangladesh as the results show a positive relationship of firm performance with the adoption of this revolutionary paradigm in corporate reporting.

Originality/value

This study adds value to the existing limited literature of IR disclosure and firm performance in Bangladesh by incorporating content analysis and regression analysis to understand how firms respond to the demand of value creation by the stakeholders in a voluntary disclosure regime. This study captures sample firms from all the nonfinancial industries of Bangladesh with a unique IR index, which is the first of its kind.
Leakage and rotordynamic characteristics of labyrinth seal and hole-pattern damping seal with special-shaped 3D cavity
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Jiang Jin-Bo , Peng Xudong , Li Jiyun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance sealing and rotordynamic performance of hole-pattern damping seal (HPDS) and labyrinth seal (LS) by structural innovation and geometrical optimization of special-shaped hole or annular-groove cavity.

Design/methodology/approach

The unsteady flow was transformed into steady one using moving reference frame method. The full period numerical models of LS and HPDS were established. The influence of special-shaped hole or annular-groove cavity at axial inclined angle on leakage rate and rotordynamic coefficient of these two seals at different whirl angular speed were investigated.

Findings

The results show that dynamic characteristics of straight-tooth LS are better than that of slanted-tooth LS. Compared to typical straight-hole damping seal, HPDS with windward oblique-hole when axial inclined angle ranges from 50 to 60° has superiority in both leakage and rotordynamic characteristics by considering smaller cross-coupled stiffness coefficient and whirl frequency ratio, larger direct damping coefficient and effective damping coefficient.

Originality/value

A novel HPDS with special-shaped three-dimensional hole cavity was proposed to enhance leakage and rotordynamic performance. The optimized geometrical structures of HPDS for excellent sealing and rotordynamic characteristics were obtained.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0262/
Understanding the impact of CSR domain on brand relationship quality
Authors: Shankar Amit , Yadav Rambalak
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The study investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) domain on millennials' brand relationship quality (BRQ). It also attempts to understand how the relationship between CSR domain and millennials' BRQ is moderated by consumer moral foundation and skepticism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a 2 (CSR domain: individual versus group) × 2 (moral foundation: individualizing versus binding) × 2 (consumer skepticism: high versus low) between-subjects experimental design. MANCOVA was performed to examine the hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that group domain CSR practices have more impact on millennials' BRQ compared to individual domain CSR practices. The findings also reported the moderating effect of skepticism and consumer moral foundation in influencing the relationship between CSR domain and millennials' BRQ.

Research limitations/implications

As the study was conducted in India, the findings are not generalizable to customers from other countries.

Practical implications

Practically, the findings will help marketers in designing their CSR practices to enhance BRQ among millennials.

Originality/value

The study has considered CSR as a heterogeneous action (CSR domain: individual versus group-oriented) and measured its impact on millennials' BRQ. The study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of CSR domain (heterogenous CSR action) on millennials' BRQ (BRQ as a multi-dimensional construct) in services industry, specifically for the banks. This study enriches bank marketing literature by adding a new CSR perspective.
Meaningful work on career satisfaction: a moderated mediation model of job embeddedness and work-based social support
Authors: Dechawatanapaisal Decha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine a moderated mediation model for answering how and why work meaningfulness influences career satisfaction through job embeddedness as an intervening mechanism. There is also an investigation of how work-based social support from supervisors and co-workers are contingent upon such effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 1,137 accountants in various disciplines from one of the largest corporations in Thailand, including its numerous subsidiaries and joint ventures. The hypotheses were tested and analyzed by means of structural equation modeling, hierarchical regression and a bootstrapping procedure.

Findings

The results reveal that the direct relationship between meaningful work and career satisfaction was partially mediated by job embeddedness. Perceptions of supervisor and co-worker support were found to have moderating effects on meaningful work and job embeddedness. However, the conditional indirect effect was only confirmed for supervisor support.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings may be narrow due to the nature of the sample, which involved only one occupation. Future research may expand the generalizability by considering different vocations, business contexts and industries.

Practical implications

This study offers important implications to researchers and practitioners by highlighting that an integrative model of organizational factors should be considered in managing human resources.

Originality/value

This research is among the initial attempts to extend relevant knowledge in the fields of meaningful work and job embeddedness by identifying organizational mechanisms that amplify the structural relationship.
Relationship-centred CogniCare: an academic–digital–dementia care experts interface
Authors: Macaden Leah , Muirhead Kevin , Melchiorre Giulia , Mantle Ruth , Ditta Geraldine , Giangreco Adam
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to reports on an academic–industry service development innovation to advance the symptom monitor and track feature within the CogniCare app to support family carers of people living with dementia. Expert opinion from dementia care professionals identified key monitoring strategies for enhanced carer competence and confidence in the early identification of relevant symptoms that would help facilitate meaningful hospital/social care consultations.

Design/methodology/approach

A co-production approach between industry and academia included stakeholder representation from NHS Highland and Alzheimer Scotland. Dementia care experts validated items to be included for symptom monitoring and tracking using a newly developed A2BC2D2EF2 framework as part of this project and recommended additional strategies for monitoring symptom change, including carer well-being.

Findings

Dementia care experts perceived the symptom monitoring and track feature to have the potential to support family carers with dementia care at home and foster a relationship-centred approach to dementia care to facilitate meaningful hospital/social care consultations.

Originality/value

The CogniCare app is the first platform of its kind that aims to support family carers to care for people living with dementia at home. This unique service development collaborative combined dementia and digital expertise to create innovative digital solutions for dementia care. The proposed monitoring and tracking feature is perceived by dementia care experts as a tool with the potential to enhance carer confidence and thus enable safe and effective dementia care within the home environment.
Impacts of recurrent dry and wet years alter long‐term tree growth trajectories
Authors: Serra‐Maluquer Xavier , Granda Elena , Camarero Jesús J. , Vilà‐Cabrera Albert , Jump Alistair S. , Sánchez‐Salguero Raúl , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Imbert Juan B. , Gazol Antonio
Published: December 2020

Climate extremes, such as abnormally dry and wet conditions, generate abrupt shifts in tree growth, a situation which is expected to increase under predicted climate conditions. Thus, it is crucial to understand factors determining short‐ and long‐term tree performance in response to higher frequency and intensity of climate extremes.

We evaluated how three successive droughts and wet years influenced short‐ and long‐term growth of six dominant Iberian tree species. Within species variation in growth response to repeated dry and wet years was evaluated as a function of individual traits related to resource and water use (diameter at breast height [DBH], wood density [WD] and specific leaf area [SLA]) and tree‐to‐tree competition across climatically contrasted populations. Furthermore, we assessed how short‐term accumulated impacts of the repeated dry and wet years influenced long‐term growth performance.

All species showed strong short‐term growth decreases and enhancements due to repeated dry and wet years. However, patterns of accumulated growth decreases (AcGD) and enhancements (AcGE) across climatically contrasting populations were species‐specific. Furthermore, individual trait data were weakly associated with either AcGD or AcGE and the few relevant associations were found for conifers. Intraspecific variations in tree growth responses to repeated climates extremes were large, and not explained by intraspecific variability in SLA and WD. Accumulated impacts of repeated dry and wet years were related to long‐term growth trends, showing how the recurrence of climate extremes can determine growth trajectories. The relationships of AcGD and AcGE with long‐term growth trends were more common in conifers species.

Synthesis. Repeated climate extremes do not only cause short‐term growth reductions and enhancements but also determine long‐term tree growth trajectories. This result shows how repeated droughts can lead to growth decline. Conifers were more susceptible to the accumulated effects of extreme weather events indicating that in the future, more intense and frequent climate extremes will alter growth performance in forests dominated by these species.
Systemic mitochondrial disruption is a key event in the toxicity of bacterial pore‐forming toxins to Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Zhang Fengjuan , Chen Ling , Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario , Sun Ming
Published: December 2020

Pore‐forming toxins (PFTs) are important weapons of multiple bacterial pathogens to establish their infections. PFTs generally form pores in the plasma membrane of target cells; however, the intracellular pathogenic processes triggered after pore‐formation remain poorly understood. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model and Bacillus thuringiensis nematicidal Cry PFTs, we show here that the localized PFT attack causes a systemic mitochondrial damage, important for the PFT toxicity. We find that PFTs punch pores only in gut cells of nematodes, but unexpectedly mitochondrial disruption is able to occur in distal unperforated regions, such as the head and muscle tissues. We demonstrate that PFTs affect the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I resulting in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), which causes further mitochondrial fragmentation and the reduction of total mitochondrial content. Worms with decreased ΔΨm or inhibited MRC activity show higher sensitivity to PFTs. The inhibition of mitochondrial fission or the increase of mitochondrial content markedly improves the survival of animals treated with PFTs. These findings suggest that mitochondrial changes underpin PFT‐mediated toxicity against nematodes and that systemic mitochondrial disruption caused by localized pore‐formation represents a conserved key intracellular event in the mode of action of PFTs.
Ethanol Exposure Attenuates Immune Response in Sepsis via Sirtuin 2 Expression
Authors: Gandhirajan Anugraha , Roychowdhury Sanjoy , Kibler Christopher , Bauer Seth R. , Nagy Laura E. , Vachharajani Vidula
Published: December 2020

Background

Sepsis and septic shock kill over 270,000 patients per year in the United States. Sepsis transitions from a hyper‐inflammatory to a hypo‐inflammatory phase. Alcohol dependence is a risk factor for mortality from sepsis. Ethanol (EtOH) exposure impairs pathogen clearance through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) interferes with pathogen clearance in immune cells but its role in the effects of EtOH on sepsis is unknown. We studied the effect of EtOH exposure on hyper‐ and hypo‐inflammation and the role of SIRT2 in mice.

Methods

We exposed C57Bl/6 (WT) mice to EtOH via drinking water and used intraperitoneal cecal slurry (CS)‐induced sepsis to study: (i) 7‐day survival, (ii) leukocyte adhesion (LA) in the mesenteric microcirculation during hyper‐ and hypo‐inflammation, (iii) peritoneal cavity bacterial clearance, and (iv) SIRT2 expression in peritoneal macrophages. Using EtOH‐exposed and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 (RAW) cell macrophages for 4 hours or 24 hours, we studied: (i) tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and SIRT2 expression, and (ii) the effect of the SIRT2 inhibitor AK‐7 on inflammatory response at 24 hours. Lastly, we studied the effect of EtOH on sepsis in whole body Sirt2 knockout (SIRT2KO) mice during hyper‐ and hypo‐inflammation, bacterial clearance, and 7‐day survival.

Results

WT EtOH‐sepsis mice showed: (i) Decreased survival, (ii) Muted LA in the microcirculation, (iii) Lower plasma TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression, (iv) Decreased bacterial clearance, and (v) Increased SIRT2 expression in peritoneal macrophages versus vehicle‐sepsis. EtOH‐exposed LPS‐stimulated RAW cells showed: (i) Muted TNF‐α, IL‐6, and increased IL‐10 expression at 4 hours, (ii) endotoxin tolerance at 24 hours, and (iii) reversal of endotoxin tolerance with the SIRT2 inhibitor AK‐7. EtOH‐exposed SIRT2KO‐sepsis mice showed greater 7‐day survival, LA, and bacterial clearance than WT EtOH‐sepsis mice.

Conclusion

EtOH exposure decreases survival and reduces the inflammatory response to sepsis via increased SIRT2 expression. SIRT2 is a potential therapeutic target in EtOH with sepsis.
Clinical and biochemical discriminants between functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Phylactou Maria , Clarke Sophie A. , Patel Bijal , Baggaley Caitlin , Jayasena Channa N. , Kelsey Tom W. , Comninos Alexander N. , Dhillo Waljit S. , Abbara Ali
Published: December 2020

Background

Secondary oligo/amenorrhoea occurs in 3%–5% of women of reproductive age. The two most common causes are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (2%–13%) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) (1%–2%). Whilst both conditions have distinct pathophysiology and their diagnosis is supported by guidelines, in practice, differentiating these two common causes of menstrual disturbance is challenging. Moreover, both diagnoses are qualified by the need to first exclude other causes of menstrual disturbance.

Aim

To review clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters that could aid the clinician in distinguishing PCOS and FHA as a cause of menstrual disturbance.

Results

FHA is uncommon in women with BMI > 24 kg/m2, whereas both PCOS and FHA can occur in women with lower BMIs. AMH levels are markedly elevated in PCOS; however, milder increases may also be observed in FHA. Likewise, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is more frequently observed in FHA than in healthy women. Features that are differentially altered between PCOS and FHA include LH, androgen, insulin, AMH and SHBG levels, endometrial thickness and cortisol response to CRH. Other promising diagnostic tests with the potential to distinguish these two conditions pending further study include assessment of 5‐alpha‐reductase activity, leptin, INSL3, kisspeptin and inhibin B levels.

Conclusion

Further data directly comparing the discriminatory potential of these markers to differentiate PCOS and FHA in women with secondary amenorrhoea would be of value in defining an objective probability for PCOS or FHA diagnosis.
Hand function and self‐care in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Burgess Andrea , Boyd Roslyn N , Chatfield Mark D , Ziviani Jenny , Wotherspoon Jane , Sakzewski Leanne
Published: December 2020

Aim

To examine the relationship between self‐care and bimanual performance in children aged 8 to 12 years with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study of 74 children with CP (unilateral n=30, bilateral n=44; 48 males, 26 females; median age 9y 8mo [25th, 75th centiles 9y 1mo, 10y 8mo], Manual Abilities Classification System level I=30, II=28, III=16). Self‐care was measured using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory–Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI‐CAT), and bimanual performance using the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and Both Hands Assessment (BoHA). Measures of cognition, behavioural regulation, inattention, and gross motor function were included. Analyses used a directed acyclic graph to select variables for linear regression modelling.

Results

Higher AHA and BoHA scores were associated with higher PEDI‐CAT scores. An increase of 1 AHA unit was associated with an increase of 0.12 PEDI‐CAT scores, and a 1 BoHA unit increase was associated with an increase of 0.17 PEDI‐CAT scores. The BoHA accounted for 57% of variance in PEDI‐CAT scores for children with bilateral CP, while BoHA and cognition accounted for 68% of variance. The AHA accounted for 40% of variance in PEDI‐CAT scores for unilateral CP with no effect of cognition on self‐care.

Interpretation

Self‐care was strongly and positively associated with bimanual performance. Associations between self‐care and bimanual performance differed for those with unilateral and bilateral CP.

What this paper adds

There is a strong positive relationship between self‐care and bimanual performance for unilateral and bilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Both Hands Assessment (BoHA) scores have a stronger association with self‐care than Assisting Hand Assessment scores.

BoHA scores also account for more variation in self‐care.

There is a strong positive relationship between self‐care and cognition overall.

The effect of cognition on self‐care performance differed for bilateral and unilateral CP.
Measuring Comparison Effects: A Critical View on the Internal/External Frame of Reference Model
Authors: Wolff Fabian
Published: December 2020

The internal/external frame of reference (I/E) model describes the formation of students’ math and verbal self‐concepts by the joint effects of social comparisons (where students compare their subject‐specific achievements with those of their classmates) and dimensional comparisons (where students compare their math and verbal achievements with each other). To date, researchers have examined this model in dozens of studies. However, these studies have overestimated the effects of social comparisons because they did not recognize that the social comparison effects in the I/E model also result from dimensional comparisons. This article aims to explain this misunderstanding by developing the difference I/E (dIff/E) model, which represents the joint effects of social and dimensional comparisons more adequately than the classic I/E model. Specific findings of prior I/E model studies are discussed, which require a reinterpretation or only become plausible in light of this research's insights (e.g., where researchers compared the social comparison effects in the I/E model between groups). Moreover, empirical data are analyzed to provide support for the validity of the dIff/E model. As a key conclusion, researchers should understand that the social comparison effects in the I/E model do not only represent effects of social comparisons.
The versatile biochemistry of iron in macrophage effector functions
Authors: Behmoaras Jacques
Published: December 2020

Macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes with remarkable polarization ability that allow them to have tissue‐specific functions during development, homeostasis, inflammatory and infectious disease. One particular trophic factor in the tissue environment is iron, which is intimately linked to macrophage effector functions. Macrophages have a well‐described role in the control of systemic iron levels, but their activation state is also depending on iron‐containing proteins/enzymes. Haemoproteins, dioxygenases and iron–sulphur (Fe‐S) enzymes are iron‐binding proteins that have bactericidal, metabolic and epigenetic‐related functions, essential to shape the context‐dependent macrophage polarization. In this review, I describe mainly pro‐inflammatory macrophage polarization focussing on the role of iron biochemistry in selected haemoproteins and Fe‐S enzymes. I show how iron, as part of haem or Fe‐S clusters, participates in the cellular control of pro‐inflammatory redox reactions in parallel with its role as enzymatic cofactor. I highlight a possible coordinated regulation of haemoproteins and Fe‐S enzymes during classical macrophage activation. Finally, I describe tryptophan and α‐ketoglutarate metabolism as two essential effector pathways in macrophages that use diverse iron biochemistry at different enzymatic steps. Through these pathways, I show how iron participates in the regulation of essential metabolites that shape macrophage function.
Submerged macrophytes affect the temporal variability of aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Lürig Moritz D. , Best Rebecca J. , Dakos Vasilis , Matthews Blake
Published: December 2020

Submerged macrophytes are important foundation species that can strongly influence the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems, but only little is known about the temporal variation and the timescales of these effects (i.e. from hourly, daily, to monthly).

Here, we conducted an outdoor experiment in replicated mesocosms (1,000 L) where we manipulated the presence and absence of macrophytes to investigate the temporal variability of their ecosystem effects. We measured several parameters (chlorophyll‐a, phycocyanin, dissolved organic matter [DOM], and oxygen) with high‐resolution sensors (15‐min intervals) over several months (94 days from spring to autumn), and modelled metabolic rates of each replicate ecosystem in a Bayesian framework. We also implemented a simple model to explore competitive interactions between phytoplankton and macrophytes as a driver of variability in chlorophyll‐a.

Over the entire experiment, macrophytes had a positive effect on mean DOM concentration, a negative effect on phytoplankton biomass, and either a weak or no effect on mean metabolic rates, DOM composition, and conductivity. We also found that macrophytes increased the variance of dissolved organic carbon composition and metabolic rates, and, occasionally in the observed period, increased the variance of phytoplankton biomass and conductivity. The observation that macrophytes decreased the mean but increased the variance of phytoplankton biomass was consistent with the model that we implemented.

Our high‐resolution time series embedded within a manipulative experiment reveal how a foundation species can affect ecosystem properties and processes that have characteristically different timescales of response to environmental variation. Specifically, our results show how macrophytes can affect short‐term dynamics of algal biomass, while also affecting the seasonal build‐up of DOM and the variance of ecosystem metabolism.
The effect of rice bran on physicochemical, textural and glycaemic properties of ready‐to‐eat extruded corn snacks
Authors: Renoldi Niccolò , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Peressini Donatella
Published: December 2020

In this work, corn extruded snack products were enriched with rice bran (RB) at 10% and 15%. A co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder was used with a feed moisture content of 16 g 100 g−1, a screw speed of 240 r.p.m. and four heating sections of the barrel (100, 140, 150 and 150 °C). The impact of RB inclusion on nutritional profile, starch digestion, physicochemical and textural properties of snack products was evaluated. RB‐enriched extrudates showed a lower specific volume and hardness and higher crispness than control. RB at 15% gave a water‐holding capacity lower than control. Rheology of extrudate dispersions indicated an increase in elastic interactions and solid‐like behaviour with RB supplementation. Differences in rheological properties resulted in attenuation of predictive glycaemic response for RB‐enriched snacks.
Pandemics in ancient Greek and Roman coinage: medical memories at the service of hope
Authors: Iniesta Ivan
Published: December 2020

Medical goddesses and gods invoked in the Hippocratic Oath were called on in times of pandemics along with Greek physicians such as Galen of Pergamum. Ancient Greek and Roman coinage provide insights into the coexisting religious and rational approaches to medicine rooted in Classical Antiquity, portraying medical symbols and gestures akin to contemporary medicine.
Motivation, engagement, and performance across multiple virtual reality sessions and levels of immersion
Authors: Huang Wen , Roscoe Rod D. , Johnson‐Glenberg Mina C. , Craig Scotty D.
Published: December 2020

This study investigated changes in learners' motivation, engagement, performance, and spatial reasoning over time and across different levels of virtual reality (VR) immersion. Undergraduate participants explored a virtual solar system via a moderately immersive or highly immersive VR platform over three sessions. In a third condition, participants initially learned with moderate immersion and transitioned to higher immersion after the second session. Following research on novelty effects, we explored whether subjective experiences and performance would decline over time (e.g., decreasing motivation or performance) as participants became familiar with the virtual environment and tools. However, we hypothesized that transitional immersion (i.e., switching from moderate to higher immersion) might lead to a renewed sense of novelty. Results suggested that both moderate and higher levels of immersion were motivating, engaging, and supportive of learning. In contrast to predictions based on novelty effects, these outcomes did not decline overall as learners gained familiarity with the systems. However, transitional immersion emerged as a promising and testable pedagogical approach for future VR education. All participants also showed gains in spatial reasoning.
Innovative use of concentrated growth factors combined with corticosteroids to treat discoid lupus erythematosus alopecia: A case report
Authors: Fang Huijuan , Liu Qingwu , Cheng Tiantian , Yang Chaowei , Wu Ruiying , Yang Zhishan , Yang Dingquan
Published: December 2020

Alopecia for patients with discoid lupus erythematosus can sometimes be a refractory condition, where mixed infiltrates of T lymphocytes and histiocytes leads to destruction of hair follicles, which might cause permanent scarring. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can achieve hair regeneration and prevent further disease progression. Concentrated growth factor, a novel autologous plasma extract, contains various growth factors that could promote tissue regeneration. In this article, we report a case of cell growth factor combined with corticosteroids for the treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus alopecia. This case study concludes with satisfactory clinical effect.
Attitudes toward organic cosmetics: A cross‐sectional population‐based survey from the Middle East
Authors: Kaliyadan Feroze , Al Dhafiri Mahdi , Aatif Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The exponential increase in the market for cosmetics has been accompanied by an increasing demand for organic cosmetics. However, this demand and awareness of organic cosmetics and awareness of its relation to environmental sustainability is likely to vary according to the geographical region. The available literature related to the subject is sparse in our region.

Objective

To study the attitudes, awareness, and practices related to organic cosmetics in our population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted among a population of Saudi adult females (18‐50 years). An electronic questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Statistics included percentages and chi‐square test was used to compare between groups, with a P value < 0.05 taken as significant.

Results

Out of a total of 413 respondents, 278 (67.3%) agreed/strongly agreed that ingredients in cosmetics need to be environment friendly, but only 193 (46.7%) regularly checked ingredient details before use. 338 subjects (81.8%) agreed/agreed strongly that cosmetics with organic ingredients were better for the environment and 233 (56.4%) agreed/strongly agreed that they would prefer using cosmetics with organic ingredients; however, only 199 (48.1%) were willing to pay extra for these cosmetics. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to the level of education. Regarding the willingness to pay more for organic cosmetics, the consensus was higher in younger respondents.

Conclusion

There was a high level of awareness in our study about organic cosmetics and their environmental implications. Although organic cosmetics were preferred by the majority, cost appeared to be a factor impeding actual use. Younger respondents were more likely to prefer organic cosmetics.
Affinity‐based proteomics reveals novel targets of inositol pyrophosphate (5‐IP7)‐dependent phosphorylation and binding in Trypanosomacruzi replicative stages
Authors: Mantilla Brian S. , Kalesh Karunakaran , Brown Nathaniel W. , Fiedler Dorothea , Docampo Roberto
Published: December 2020

Diphosphoinositol‐5‐pentakisphosphate (5‐PP‐IP5), also known as inositol heptakisphosphate (5‐IP7), has been described as a high‐energy phosphate metabolite that participates in the regulation of multiple cellular processes through protein binding or serine pyrophosphorylation, a posttranslational modification involving a β‐phosphoryl transfer. In this study, utilizing an immobilized 5‐IP7 affinity reagent, we performed pull‐down experiments coupled with mass spectrometry identification, and bioinformatic analysis, to reveal 5‐IP7‐regulated processes in the two proliferative stages of the unicellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Our protein screen clearly defined two cohorts of putative targets either in the presence of magnesium ions or in metal‐free conditions. We endogenously tagged four protein candidates and immunopurified them to assess whether 5‐IP7‐driven phosphorylation is conserved in T. cruzi. Among the most interesting targets, we identified a choline/o‐acetyltransferase domain‐containing phosphoprotein that undergoes 5‐IP7‐mediated phosphorylation events at a polyserine tract (Ser578‐580). We also identified a novel SPX domain‐containing phosphoribosyltransferase [EC 2.7.6.1] herein termed as TcPRPPS4. Our data revealed new possible functional roles of 5‐IP7 in this divergent eukaryote, and provided potential new targets for chemotherapy.
Biogenesis and discharge of the rhoptries: Key organelles for entry and hijack of host cells by the Apicomplexa
Authors: Ben Chaabene Rouaa , Lentini Gaëlle , Soldati‐Favre Dominique
Published: December 2020

Rhoptries are specialized secretory organelles found in the Apicomplexa phylum, playing a central role in the establishment of parasitism. The rhoptry content includes membranous as well as proteinaceous materials that are discharged into the host cell in a regulated fashion during parasite entry. A set of rhoptry neck proteins form a RON complex that critically participates in the moving junction formation during invasion. Some of the rhoptry bulb proteins are associated with the membranous materials and contribute to the formation of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane while others are targeted into the host cell including the nucleus to subvert cellular functions. Here, we review the recent studies on Toxoplasma and Plasmodium parasites that shed light on the key steps leading to rhoptry biogenesis, trafficking, and discharge.
Local conditions and the demand for independence: A dataset of secessionist grievances
Authors: Griffiths Ryan D. , Martinez Angely
Published: December 2020

There are more than 60 secessionist movements around the world, and they all advance arguments for why they deserve independence. These include a history of conflict with the state, illegal occupation and the democratic right to choose independence, among others. Yet no one has conducted a comparative analysis to see how these claims stack up and examined whether some movements actually deserve independence more than others. In this article, we construct a dataset of secessionist grievances. We develop a set of grievance indicators, we specify how they are operationalized and we detail how the grievances are categorized and aggregated. We then tally the results for each contemporary movement and discuss the broader patterns. Our findings show that the secessionist movements with the highest combined scores are, in order, the Saharawis, Palestinians, Tamils, Kachins and Cabindans. The nations with the lowest scores are the Scots and the Faroese.
Functional characterization of ATF1, GREM2 AND WNT10B variants associated with tooth agenesis
Authors: Williams Meredith , Zeng Yu , Chiquet Brett , Jacob Helder , Kurtis Kasper Fred , Harrington Daniel A. , English Jeryl , Akyalcin Sercan , Letra Ariadne
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine the functional effects of ATF1, WNT10B and GREM2 gene variants identified in individuals with tooth agenesis (TA).

Settings and sample population

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) were used as an in vitro model system to test the effect of TA‐associated variants.

Materials and methods

Plasmid constructs containing reference and mutant alleles for ATF1 rs11169552, WNT10B rs833843 and GREM2 rs1414655 variants were transfected into SHED for functional characterization of variants. Allele‐specific changes in gene transcription activity, protein expression, cell migration and proliferation, and expression of additional tooth development genes (MSX1, PAX9 and AXIN2) were evaluated. Data analyses were performed using Student's t‐test. P‐values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Mutant variants resulted in significantly decreased transcriptional activity of respective genes (P < 0.05), although no changes in protein localization were noted. Expression of MSX1 was significantly decreased in ATF1‐ and GREM2‐mutant cells, whereas PAX9 or AXIN2 mRNA expression was not significantly altered. Mutant WNT10B had no significant effect on the expression of additional TA genes. ATF1‐ and GREM2‐mutant cells presented increased cell migration. Cell proliferation was also affected with all three mutant alleles.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that ATF1, WNT10B and GREM2 mutant alleles have modulatory effects on gene/protein function that may contribute to TA.
Relationships among environmental pollution, energy use and economic growth: a global perspective
Authors: Ashraf Sania , Raja Sekar T , Abraham Jaya
Published: December 2020

This study examines the relationships between the environmental pollution, energy use and economic growth of countries around the world using secondary sources of 44 countries collected from the World Energy Outlook 2019. Cointegration tests with sophisticated econometric panel models and autoregressive distributed lag models were used to measure the relationship between the above variables ranging from 1990 to 2018. Our study’s empirical model finds that high energy usage improves a country’s economic position but at the cost of environmental pollution (carbon dioxide emissions). It also observes that countries in the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and North and Latin American across the Pacific region support the hypothesis of an inverted N‐shaped environmental Kuznets curve. However, the situation in Asia and Africa suggests the N‐shaped environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, which indicates that these countries experience ups and downs in their environmental quality all the time and their environmental quality is substandard at any point in time. Those countries that show both long‐term and short‐term relationships among these three factors must adopt environmental safety measures such as renewable energy sources and green concepts to reduce their levels of carbon dioxide emissions and increase their environmental quality.
Partially Constrained Compliant Stages for High Resolution Imprint Lithography
Authors: Choi B. J. , Johnson S. , Sreenivasan S. V. , Colburn M. , Bailey T. , Willson C. G.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents design of partially constrained compliant stages for high-resolution (sub 100nm) imprint lithography machines. The kinematic designs of the stages allow passive alignment of two flat surfaces and enable shear-free separation. This stage is a critical component in a new lithography process known as Step and Flash Imprint Lithography (SFIL). The orientation stage requirements are distinct from those used in traditional photolithography since the depth of focus of projection optics allows for larger errors in the alignment process. Experiments have been performed to demonstrate sub 100nm imprints on silicon substrates.
On the Degrees of Freedom of Motion of Planar-Spatial Mechanisms
Authors: Razmara N. , Kohli D. , Dhingra A. K.
Published: December 2020

This paper addresses determination of Degrees of Freedom (DOF) in any planar, spatial, or a combined planar-spatial mechanism. The mechanisms under study may have multiple planar and/or spatial closed loops, open chains with links in series, and/or a combination of the two. It is seen that equations available in the literature to calculate the DOF of such general mechanisms with special joint arrangements such as adjacent joints with parallel and/or intersecting axes over-predict the “true” mobility of links. To overcome this difficulty, new concepts as the Degrees of Freedom of Motion (DOFM) and Degrees of Freedom of Workspace (DOFW) have been introduced. The new definition of Degrees of Freedom of Motion yields a tight upper bound on the connectivity between any two links of a mechanism containing neighboring joints with parallel and/or intersecting joint axes.
Kinematic Synthesis of Coupled Serial Chain Mechanisms for Planar Path Following Tasks Using Fourier Methods
Authors: Pang Yeow-Wei , Krovi Venkat
Published: December 2020

Single Degree-of-freedom Coupled Serial Chain (SDCSC) mechanisms are a novel class of mechanisms that can be realized by coupling successive joint rotations of a serial chain linkage, by way of gears or cable-pulley drives. Such mechanisms combine the benefits of single degree-of-freedom design and control with the anthropomorphic workspace of serial chains. The forward kinematics equations take the form of a finite trigonometric series in terms of the input crank rotations. The proposed Fourier-based synthesis method exploits the special structure of these equations to achieve the combined number and dimensional synthesis of SDCSC mechanisms for planar path following tasks.
Efficient Workspace Generation of a Modular Variable-Geometry-Truss Manipulator
Authors: Zanganeh Kourosh E. , Sinatra Rosario
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we present an efficient method for the generation of the workspace of a modular variable-geometry-truss (VGT) manipulator, called Trussarm, using common graphical tools of computer-aided-design (CAD) and other software packages. Our proposed approach is based on a graphical convolution on the workspaces of the manipulator modules. The algorithm generates the workspace in linear time with respect to the number of modules, as opposed to the exponential time required by the brute force approach. We illustrate the application of the proposed method on the existing twelve-degree-of-freedom (12-DOF) prototype of Trussarm. However, this method is general and can be applied to other VGT and modular manipulators.
The Importance and Challenges of Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections
Authors: Babiker Ahmed , Marvil Charles E. , Waggoner Jesse J. , Collins Matthew H. , Piantadosi Anne
Published: December 2020

Reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection have raised important questions about the strength and durability of the immune response to primary infection, which are key factors in predicting the course of the pandemic. Identifying reinfection requires detecting the virus at two different time points and using viral genomic data to distinguish reinfection from persistent viral carriage.
Effect of the Use of Galectin-9 and Blockade of the TIM-3 Receptor in the Latent Cellular Reservoir of HIV-1
Authors: Sanz Marta , Madrid-Elena Nadia , Serrano-Villar Sergio , Vallejo Alejandro , Gutiérrez Carolina , Moreno Santiago
Published: December 2020

HIV-1 infection is a health problem of enormous importance that still causes significant mortality. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has demonstrated efficacy in the control of HIV-1 replication, decreasing the morbidity and mortality of the infection, but it cannot eradicate the virus.
Associations between changes in adipokines and exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter in ambient air in Beijing residents with and without pre-diabetes
Authors: Chen Wu , Han Yiqun , Wang Yanwen , Chen Xi , Qiu Xinghua , Li Weiju , Yao Yuan , Zhu Tong
Published: December 2020

Objective

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a risk factor to diabetes, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Adipokines play important roles in glucose metabolism. This study examined the associations between short-term exposure to ambient PM and adipokine levels and evaluated whether metabolic disorders could enhance susceptibility to PM-induced health effects.

Research design and methods

In a panel study (SCOPE, Study Comparing the Cardiometabolic and Respiratory Effects of Air Pollution Exposure on Healthy and Pre-diabetic Individuals) in Beijing, China, 60 pre-diabetic individuals and 60 healthy controls completed two to seven clinical visits. The associations between serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels and the moving average (MA) mass concentration of PM2.5and number concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFP) and accumulation-mode particles (AMP) during the 1–14 days prior to clinical visits, and the effects of metabolic disorders on any such associations, were evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model.

Results

Short-term exposure to ambient UFP and AMP was inversely associated with adipokine levels at 1–14 days prior to clinical visits. For example, each IQR increment in 1 day MA UFP exposure (6.0×103/cm3) was associated with −14.0% (95% CI −20.9%, −6.4%), −6.6% (95% CI −12.4%, −0.4%), and −8.5% (95% CI −14.5%, −2.2%) changes in adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels, respectively. There was no significant association between adipokine levels and PM2.5exposure. UFP and AMP exposure was associated with a greater decrease in adiponectin level and a weaker change in leptin level among participants with high insulin resistance levels. Glucose status did not modify PM-induced changes in adipokine levels.

Conclusion

High level of insulin resistance could aggravate the adverse metabolic impact of exposure to UFP and AMP.
Assessment of objective ocular cyclodeviation under monocular condition and binocular condition using fundus photography
Authors: Murata Noriaki , Toda Haruo , Amaki Haruna , Suzuki Kanako , Nagai Yumi , Omiya Yuna , Kurashima Tomomi , Udagawa Sachiko , Ohkubo Shinji
Published: December 2020

Objective

The relationship between retinal structure and function of glaucomatous eyes has attracted a great deal of research attention. However, visual field tests are conducted under monocular condition, and ophthalmic imaging was performed in patients without occlusion. We aimed to assess the objective ocular cyclodeviation between monocular occlusion and binocular conditions using fundus photography.

Methods and analysis

This study included 76 healthy participants. We obtained six photos of the right eye of each patient using fundus photography. Three of the photographs were taken under monocular conditions, and the other three, under binocular conditions. We measured the optic disc margin-fovea angle (MFA) of the line connecting one point of the disc limbus and the fovea. One-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare the angles under both conditions. We also examined the direction of ocular rotation under the binocular condition regarding the monocular condition.

Results

The MFAs were 12.12°±3.83° and 12.19°±3.95° under the monocular and binocular conditions, respectively. There was no significant difference in both MFAs (F=1.19, p=0.28). The mean cyclodeviation was 0.07°±0.80° (range: −2.40° to +2.75°). A total of 38 eyes showed excycloduction, while another 38 showed incycloduction.

Conclusion

Significant cyclodeviation did not occur regardless of the existence of an occlusion. When examining the relationship between retinal structure and function, the difference in rotation angle under both conditions need not be taken into consideration if the other disease did not cause pathological cyclodeviation.