bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Novel Home Visiting Nurse Pilot Program for Victims of Violent Penetrating Injury
Authors: Pino Elizabeth C. , Fontin Francesca , Dugan Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Survivors of violent injuries are at risk for readmission, rehospitalization, and reinjury. In 2017, a novel home visiting nurse pilot program was implemented within a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) to address disparities in care and combat the limited health care literacy and access, and the general mistrust of health care institutions among much of this population.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to review the design and implementation of the home visiting nurse component of the HVIP and to report the demographics, clinical characteristics, home care needs, and short-term health outcomes of the pilot sample.

METHODS:

This retrospective study was performed using a cohort of patients presenting to the emergency department at an urban, Level I trauma center for a violent penetrating injury between 2017 and 2018. The χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare patient demographics and injury characteristics. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate health outcomes.

RESULTS:

Of the 742 victims of violence included in this analysis, the 57 patients enrolled in the home visiting nurse pilot program were more likely to have severe gunshot wounds (68.4% vs. 40.3%, p < .001) requiring hospitalization (80.7% vs. 53.3%, p < .001), with 3.5% requiring rehospitalization within 90 days. The primary interventions provided by the home visiting nurse involved medical navigation and education, wound care, and consultation, underscoring the critical importance of health literacy and outreach for this vulnerable population.

CONCLUSION:

The nurse–advocate partnership provides the foundation for this novel program to aid a marginalized population in overcoming health inequities.
Trauma Registry Data Collection Practices and the Impact of Hospital Data Dictionaries: A National Survey
Authors: Urban Shane , Carmichael Heather , Vasilatos Angela , Moe Martin , Dumond Robbie , Kennard Lori , Vega Stephanie , Krell Regina , Cripps Michael W. , Velopulos Catherine
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

Trauma programs are required to collect a uniform set of trauma variables and submit data to regional, state, and or national registries. Programs may also collect unique data elements to support hospital-specific initiatives.

OBJECTIVE:

This study explored what additional data elements are being collected by U.S. trauma programs and the impact of having a hospital-specific data dictionary.

METHODS:

An anonymous, cross-sectional survey exploring what additional data are being collected, and the impact of having a hospital-specific data dictionary, was distributed by the Society of Trauma Nurses, Trauma System News, and the American College of Surgeons. The survey was open from July 2020 to September, 2020.

RESULTS:

There were 693 respondents from approximately 368 Level I/II trauma programs. The estimated trauma center response rate was 59.4% (n = 368/620). Level I programs had a higher response rate than Level II programs (66.9% and 53.4%, respectively).

In our sample, 85.5% of responding centers collect additional data. The most common additional data collected at Level I/II programs concerned quality improvement initiatives (70.3% and 66.1%, respectively). Other commonly collected data pertained to deaths (60.6%) and complications (50.3%).

Only 43% of responding centers (n = 161/368) have a hospital-specific data dictionary. Hospitals that collect additional data were more likely to have such a resource compared with those that do not (n = 147/315, 46.7% vs. n = 14/53, 26.4%, p = .01).

CONCLUSION:

Most trauma programs collect data outside required fields. Fewer than half define these data in a data dictionary. Centers should consider establishing a data dictionary to define data collected.
Trends in Geriatric Trauma Emergency Department Admissions During COVID-19
Authors: Sultanoğlu Hasan , Demir Mehmet Cihat , Boğan Mustafa
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:

The impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on geriatric trauma presenting to the emergency department is unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine geriatric trauma emergency department admission trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS:

This retrospective, observational, comparison study was conducted in an academic emergency department in Turkey. Trauma patients 65 years and older who presented to the emergency department within 1 year of March 12, 2020, were included. Patients admitted in the same date range in the previous year were included as the control group. The characteristics of the patients, injured area, and injury mechanisms were compared.

RESULTS:

Geriatric trauma admissions decreased (relative risk = 0.71, odds ratio [OR] = 0.69 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.62, 0.77], p < .001). According to the type of injury, there was no significant difference in admissions to the emergency department (p = .318). During the pandemic, there was an increase in falls and a decrease in stab wounds and gunshot wounds (p = .001). Multiple trauma (OR = 5.56 [95% CI: 3.75, 8.23], p < .001), fall (OR = 2.41 [95% CI: 1.6, 3.73], p < .001), and-assault related injuries (OR = 4.43 [95% CI: 2.06, 9.56], p < .001) were determined as factors that increased the admissions to the emergency department compared with the prepandemic.

CONCLUSION:

Although geriatric trauma emergency department admissions decreased during the pandemic, those due to falls and assaults increased. Although curfews and social isolation resulted in a decrease in penetrating injuries, assault-related trauma has increased.
Anticoagulation in Cirrhosis
Authors: Martens Kylee , McMurry Hannah S. , Koprowski Steven , Hum Justine , Haraga Jessica , Jou Janice H. , Shatzel Joseph J.
Published: May 2022

The clinical utility of anticoagulation for patients with cirrhosis and asymptomatic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is widely debated. Complex hemostatic derangements in cirrhosis that increase risk of both bleeding and thrombosis, as well as a lack of randomized controlled data, limit conclusive assessments regarding optimal management of anticoagulation in this setting. In this review, we summarize the relevant literature pertaining to PVT in cirrhosis, including the effect of untreated PVT on the natural progression of liver disease and the overall impact of anticoagulation on clot burden and other relevant clinical outcomes. Apart from patients who are symptomatic or listed for liver transplantation, data supporting anticoagulation for the treatment of PVT is limited and without clear consensus guidelines. In patients with cirrhosis without PVT, emerging evidence for the role of prophylactic anticoagulation to mitigate the progression of fibrosis suggests an optimal risk-benefit tradeoff with decreased rates of liver decompensation and mortality, without a heightened risk of bleeding. In summation, as our understanding of the role of both prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation in cirrhosis continues to evolve, ongoing risk stratification of patients with asymptomatic PVT demands further attention.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is an Effective Treatment Option for Managing Jackhammer Esophagus
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Xie Guofeng , Kim Raymond E.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims:

Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a rare hypercontractile motility disorder often associated with dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. In patients with clinically relevant symptoms, treatment options aim to decrease esophageal contractions. Medical, endoscopic and surgical therapies have limited long-term efficacy. The advent of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has evolved as a minimally invasive treatment option. Yet data regarding JE is scare. As such we aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of JE.

Patients and Methods:

This was a single center retrospective study of consecutive adult patients undergoing POEM for JE from April 2018 to September 2021. All procedures were conducted by a single endoscopist. Primary outcome was clinical success, defined as Eckardt score (ES) ≤3 following the procedure.

Results:

A total of 13 patients (mean age 58, 7 females) underwent POEM with a mean duration of symptoms of 42.6 months. Preprocedure mean ES was 8.92. Nine patients were treatment naive. Pre-POEM endoluminal functional luminal imaging probe (n=10) demonstrated a distensibility index of 0.34. The average length of follow-up after POEM was 15.8 months.

There was a 92.3% (12/13) clinical success rate, with a mean post-POEM ES of 1.53. One patient’s ES improved from 12 to 1 after POEM; however, 2.5 years later she developed recurrent symptoms (ES 10). Only 1 patient had endoscopic evidence of Los Angeles grade A esophagitis. One year after POEM, 5 patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, but only 2 required acid suppression therapy.

Conclusion:

POEM is an effective treatment modality with long-term efficacy. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Noncancer-related Secondary Findings in a Cohort of 231 Children With Cancer and Their Parents
Authors: Wagener Rabea , Walter Carolin , Surowy Harald M. , Brandes Danielle , Soura Stavrieta , Alzoubi Deya , Yasin Layal , Fischer Ute , Dugas Martin , Borkhardt Arndt , Brozou Triantafyllia
Published: May 2022

Application of next-generation sequencing may lead to the detection of secondary findings (SF) not related to the initially analyzed disease but to other severe medically actionable diseases. However, the analysis of SFs is not yet routinely performed. We mined whole-exome sequencing data of 231 pediatric cancer patients and their parents who had been treated in our center for the presence of SFs. By this approach, we identified in 6 children (2.6%) pathogenic germline variants in 5 of the noncancer-related genes on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) SF v3.0 list, of which the majority were related to cardiovascular diseases (RYR2, MYBPC3, KCNQ1). Interestingly, only the patient harboring the KCNQ1 variant showed at the time point of the analysis signs of the related Long QT syndrome. Moreover, we report 3 variants of unknown significance which, although not classified as pathogenic, have been reported in the literature to occur in individuals with the respective disease. While the frequency of patients with SFs is low, the impact of such findings on the patients’ life is enormous, with regard to the potential prevention of life-threatening diseases. Hence, we are convinced that such actionable SF should be routinely analyzed.
A Revolutionary, Proven Solution to Vascular Access Concerns: A Review of the Advantageous Properties and Benefits of Catheter Securement Cyanoacrylate Adhesives
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Lingle Bethany S. , Phelps Shannon
Published: May 2022

Intravascular catheters are widely used among hospitals; however, their failure rates are high, up to 50%, when secured by traditional techniques, such as tape and gauze. The use of catheter securement cyanoacrylate adhesives provides a unique approach to the issues surrounding the use of traditional securement techniques for vascular access devices by providing significant securement strength, barrier properties, antibacterial properties, hemostatic properties, and flexibility. The purpose of this research was to perform a thorough and systematic review of the current literature existing regarding the use of cyanoacrylate adhesive for the care and maintenance of vascular access devices.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Intervention in Adult Biliary Atresia Patients After Kasai Portoenterostomy
Authors: Onishi Yasuyuki , Shimizu Hironori , Ohno Tsuyoshi , Furuta Akihiro , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Okamoto Tatsuya , Okajima Hideaki , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: May 2022

Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) is a standard treatment for patients with biliary atresia (BA). After KP, patients with BA occasionally develop biliary complications, such as recurrent cholangitis, biliary stricture, and cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is one of the treatment options for these biliary complications. However, limited information is available on percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage performed after KP in adult BA patients with native livers. Herein, we describe 8 cases of percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions performed after KP in 7 adult BA patients with native livers. Cholangiography showed multiple cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Advancing a guidewire and catheter was difficult due to the multiple dilatations and strictures of the bile duct. Successful biliary drainage tube placement and clinical improvement was achieved in 5 and 3 cases, respectively. Because of its technical difficulty and limited clinical effectiveness, it is not recommended that it be performed easily.
Management of Artery-Only Digit Replantation: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Crowe Christopher S. , Tolley Philip D. , Mauch Jaclyn T. , Miller Erin A. , Kao Dennis
Published: May 2022

Background:

Artery-only replantation may be necessary in circumstances when venous repair cannot be performed due to their size or vessel injury. Venous congestion of the replanted part is inevitable. A systematic review was performed to identify techniques for mitigating congestion and analyze the outcomes of those techniques.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify relevant articles related to artery-only replantation. An initial query identified 1286 unique articles. A total of 55 articles were included in the final review. Included studies were categorized by decongestive technique. Data from each article included the number of patients treated, level of amputation, graft use, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, replant viability, and follow-up duration. Weighted averages were determined from studies that reported five or more digits.

Results:

A total of 1498 individual digital replantations were described. Very rarely did studies report artery-only replantation proximal to the distal interphalangeal joint. An overall survival rate of 78.5 percent was found irrespective of technique but was variable based on each particular study. Studies utilizing medicinal leech therapy were more likely to report use of intravenous anticoagulation, whereas surface bleeding techniques were more likely to report use of topical or local anticoagulant.

Conclusions:

Lack of a vein for anastomosis should not be regarded as a contraindication to replantation. These digits instead require a method to establish reliable drainage sufficient to allow for low resistance inflow and maintain a physiologic pressure gradient across capillary beds. The surgeon should select a decongestive technique that best suits the patient and their specific injury.
The Impact of Methenamine Hippurate Treatment on Urothelial Integrity and Bladder Inflammation in Aged Female Mice and Women With Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Sawhill Jessica L. , Mora Amy , McDaniel Kendall , Ligon Marianne M. , Lowder Jerry L. , Mysorekar Indira U. , Chu Christine M.
Published: May 2022

Importance

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat and prevent urinary tract infection (UTI), but resistance is growing. Nonantibiotic prophylaxis such as methenamine hippurate (MH) shows clinical promise, but its impact on bladder factors influencing recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) is not well described.

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of MH on bladder inflammation and barrier function in aged mice and women with rUTI.

Study Design

This study included urine samples from an experimental study involving aged female mice with and without methenamine treatment as well as women with rUTI who received either no prophylaxis, MH alone, vaginal estrogen therapy and/or d-mannose alone, or MH in addition to vaginal estrogen therapy and/or d-mannose. We performed a comprehensive cytopathological analysis, which included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunoglobulin A (IgA), interleukin 6 (in human samples), and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated–dextran permeability assay (in mice) to assess for urothelial permeability.

Results

In the aged mice model, there was a decreased urothelial permeability (as seen by retention of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated–dextran fluorescence in superficial cells) and increased urinary IgA in mice treated with MH compared with controls. There was no significant difference in urothelial shedding (P > 0.05). In human samples, there was significantly increased urinary IgA in those taking MH alone compared with no prophylaxis (830.1 vs 540.1 ng/mL, P = 0.04), but no significant difference in interleukin 6.

Conclusions

Methenamine hippurate seems to enhance barrier function as evidenced by decreased urothelial permeability and increased urinary IgA levels, without worsening inflammation. This may reflect another beneficial mechanism by which MH helps prevent rUTI.
Influence of Donor Race and Donor-recipient Race-matching on Pediatric Kidney Transplant Outcomes
Authors: Sun Kennedy , Singer Pamela , Basalely Abby , Lau Lawrence , Castellanos Laura , Fahmy Ahmed E. , Teperman Lewis W. , Molmenti Ernesto P. , Grodstein Elliot I. , Sethna Christine B.
Published: May 2022

Background.

Existing literature has demonstrated the significant relationship between race and kidney transplant outcomes; however, there are conflicting and limited data on the influence of donor race or donor-recipient race-matching on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes.

Methods.

Analysis included kidney-only transplant recipients between ages 2 and 17 from 2000 to 2017 enrolled in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and their associated donors. Multivariable regression models were used to compare outcomes by donor race and donor-recipient race-matched status.

Results.

Of the total 7343 recipients, 4458 (60.7%) recipients received a kidney from a White donor, 1009 (13.7%) from a Black donor, 1594 (21.7%) from Hispanic donor, and 169 (4.1%) from an Asian donor; 4089 (55.7%) were race-matched. No donor races were significantly associated with transplant outcomes (all P > 0.05). Race-matched status was not associated with graft failure (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89-1.2; P = 0.68), mortality (hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.79-1.53; P = 0.56), acute rejection at 1 y (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77-1.15; P = 0.53), or delayed graft function (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80-1.29; P = 0.91).

Conclusions.

Neither donor race nor race-matched status is associated with better transplant outcomes. Further studies are necessary to confirm the impact of donor race and race-matching more fully on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes.
First Experience in Living Liver Donation From Donors With Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Schulze Maren , Zidan Ahmed , Sturdevant Mark , Aljudaibi Sultan , Shagrani Mohammad , Bzeizi Khalid , Alqahtani Saleh , Broering Dieter C.
Published: May 2022

Background.

Living donor liver transplantation is the main source of organs in the Middle East. Therefore, well balanced criteria are needed to avoid unnecessary exclusion of potential donors, while prioritizing donor safety. We face a high incidence of sickle cell trait (SCT; and disease). Therefore, there is vast experience in general and cardiac surgeries in SCT carriers at our center. After studying their management in detail, we considered accepting SCT carriers as living liver donors, on an exceptional basis. This the first single-center case series of living donor liver transplantation with SCT.

Methods.

Between January 2012 and September 2021, 20 donors with SCT were reviewed for age, gender, relation to the recipient, hemoglobin, hemoglobin S (HbS), surgical approach, intensive care unit stay, donor and recipients’ complications, and graft and recipient survival.

Results.

Average age of donors was 28.4 y. Sixteen donated the left lateral segment, 4 the left lobe. Recipients were related children or adults. HbS ranged from 21.2% to 39.9%, being ≥30% in 14 donors. HbS was reduced by phlebotomy or exchange transfusion. We performed 7 open, one laparoscopic, and 12 robotic donor surgeries. Operating room time, blood loss, and intensive care unit stay were comparable to non-SCT donors. There was no SCT-related complication. All donors are alive and free of thromboembolic events. Graft and recipient survival is 100% until follow-up.

Conclusion.

Our experience should encourage other countries with high incidence of SCT to report their experience with this donor population.
Random nature of epithelial cancer cell monolayers
Authors: Roshal Daria S. , Martin Marianne , Fedorenko Kirill , Golushko Ivan , Molle Virginie , Baghdiguian Stephen , Rochal Sergei B.
Published: May 2022

Although the polygonal shape of epithelial cells has been drawing the attention of scientists for several centuries, only a decade and a half ago it was demonstrated that distributions of polygon types (DOPTs) are similar in proliferative epithelia of many different plant and animal species. In this study, we show that hyper-proliferation of cancer cells disrupts this universal paradigm and results in randomly organized epithelial structures. Examining non-synchronized and synchronized HeLa cervix cells, we suppose that the spread of cell sizes is the main parameter controlling the DOPT in the cancer cell monolayers. To test this hypothesis, we develop a theory of morphologically similar random polygonal packings. By analysing differences between tumoural and normal epithelial cell monolayers, we conclude that the latter have more ordered structures because of their lower proliferation rates and, consequently, more effective relaxation of mechanical stress associated with cell division and growth. To explain the structural features of normal proliferative epithelium, we take into account the spread of cell sizes in the monolayer. The proposed theory also rationalizes some highly ordered unconventional post-mitotic epithelia.
Non-hyperbolicity at large scales of a high-dimensional chaotic system
Authors: Wormell Caroline L.
Published: May 2022

The dynamics of many important high-dimensional dynamical systems are both chaotic and complex, meaning that strong reducing hypotheses are required to understand the dynamics. The highly influential chaotic hypothesis of Gallavotti and Cohen states that the large-scale dynamics of high-dimensional systems are effectively uniformly hyperbolic, which implies many felicitous statistical properties. We obtain direct and reliable numerical evidence, contrary to the chaotic hypothesis, of the existence of non-hyperbolic large-scale dynamical structures in a mean-field coupled system. To do this, we reduce the system to its thermodynamic limit, which we approximate numerically with a Chebyshev basis transfer operator discretization. This enables us to obtain a high-precision estimate of a homoclinic tangency, implying a failure of uniform hyperbolicity. Robust non-hyperbolic behaviour is expected under perturbation. As a result, the chaotic hypothesis should not be
a priori
assumed to hold in all systems, and a better understanding of the domain of its validity is required.
Pseudomonas insulae sp. nov., isolated from island soil
Authors: Lee Dong Hyeon , Kim Chung Mi , Kim Seung Bum
Published: May 2022

A novel Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic and motile bacterium designated strain UL073T was isolated from a forest soil of an island, and subjected to taxonomic characterization. Strain UL073T grew at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0–3 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %), respectively. Strain UL073T showed the highest sequence similarity to

Pseudomonas lalkuanensis

PE08T based on 16S rRNA gene analysis with a sequence similarity of 98.08 %, which was well below the suggested cutoff for species distinction. The 16S rRNA gene tree as well as the multilocus sequence analysis and genome-based trees indicated the independent taxonomic position of strain UL073T, and the orthologous average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain UL073T and related species were no higher than 84.7 and 28.3% respectively, thus confirming the distinctive taxonomic position of the strain. The chemotaxonomic properties were consistent with those of the genus, as the major fatty acids of the strain were a summed feature consisting of C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c (31.4 %), another summed feature consisting of C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c (23.1 %), and C16 : 0 (22.0 %), the major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol. The genome size and DNA G+C content of strain UL073T were 4.87 Mbp and 65.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain UL073T should be classified as representing a novel species of

Pseudomonas

, for which the name Pseudomonas insulae sp. nov. (type strain=UL073T=KCTC 82407T=JCM 34511T) is proposed.
Small and intermediate size structural RNAs in the unicellular parasite Cryptosporidium parvum as revealed by sRNA-seq and comparative genomics
Authors: Li Yiran , Baptista Rodrigo P. , Mei Xiaohan , Kissinger Jessica C.
Published: May 2022

Small and intermediate-size noncoding RNAs (sRNAs and is-ncRNAs) have been shown to play important regulatory roles in the development of several eukaryotic organisms. However, they have not been thoroughly explored in Cryptosporidium parvum, an obligate zoonotic protist parasite responsible for the diarrhoeal disease cryptosporidiosis. Using Illumina sequencing of a small RNA library, a systematic identification of novel small and is-ncRNAs was performed in C. parvum excysted sporozoites. A total of 79 novel is-ncRNA candidates, including antisense, intergenic and intronic is-ncRNAs, were identified, including 7 new small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Expression of select novel is-ncRNAs was confirmed by RT-PCR. Phylogenetic conservation was analysed using covariance models (CMs) in related Cryptosporidium and apicomplexan parasite genome sequences. A potential new type of small ncRNA derived from tRNA fragments was observed. Overall, a deep profiling analysis of novel is-ncRNAs in C. parvum and related species revealed structural features and conservation of these novel is-ncRNAs. Covariance models can be used to detect is-ncRNA genes in other closely related parasites. These findings provide important new sequences for additional functional characterization of novel is-ncRNAs in the protist pathogen C. parvum.
Pandemics and stock markets reactions: a panel analysis of emerging markets
Authors: Yiadom Eric B. , Abdul-Mumuni Abdallah
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Pandemics and infectious diseases are almost becoming part of everyday human lives. In this study, the authors model the historical impact of pandemics on the various aspect of the stock market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The Arellano and Bond (1991) GMM is used in estimating the empirical model to help solve possible endogeneity, heteroscedasticity and serial correlation problems in static panel data problems. Particularly, the system GMM is used to control for both the levels and the first difference equations.

Findings

The findings indicate that pandemics reduce the stock market turnover and the value of stock traded. But the stock market capitalization and the number of stock listings will not be affected within the pandemic period. Also, the authors report that the actual impact of the pandemic in terms of the number of people who die from the disease will badly influence all the four indicators of the stock market performances.

Research limitations/implications

This study opens up the frontiers to the use of panel modeling in this area of study which will influence future studies. Additionally, the authors have showcased that the number of deaths from communicable diseases (pandemics) disrupts all four measures of stock markets performance indicators; this finding will guide policymakers to develop a robust approach to fighting pandemics when they occur.

Originality/value

The study is unique in two ways. Unlike recent studies that focus on only the impact of Covid-19 on stock market performance, the authors build a 20-year panel of 41 emerging economies to capture the long-run dynamics. Again, the authors’ variables can capture the immediate and cumulative response of stock market performance to pandemics.
Predicting ratings of social media feeds: combining latent-factors and emotional aspects for improving performance of different classifiers
Authors: Ray Arghya , Bala Pradip Kumar , Rana Nripendra P. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The widespread acceptance of various social platforms has increased the number of users posting about various services based on their experiences about the services. Finding out the intended ratings of social media (SM) posts is important for both organizations and prospective users since these posts can help in capturing the user’s perspectives. However, unlike merchant websites, the SM posts related to the service-experience cannot be rated unless explicitly mentioned in the comments. Additionally, predicting ratings can also help to build a database using recent comments for testing recommender algorithms in various scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors have predicted the ratings of SM posts using linear (Naïve Bayes, max-entropy) and non-linear (k-nearest neighbor, k-NN) classifiers utilizing combinations of different features, sentiment scores and emotion scores.

Findings

Overall, the results of this study reveal that the non-linear classifier (k-NN classifier) performed better than the linear classifiers (Naïve Bayes, Max-entropy classifier). Results also show an improvement of performance where the classifier was combined with sentiment and emotion scores. Introduction of the feature “factors of importance” or “the latent factors” also show an improvement of the classifier performance.

Originality/value

This study provides a new avenue of predicting ratings of SM feeds by the use of machine learning algorithms along with a combination of different features like emotional aspects and latent factors.
Analysis of critical barriers in the sustainable supply chain of MSMEs: a case of Makhana (Foxnut) industry
Authors: Kashyap Abhishek , Shukla Om Ji
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Sustainability is a very important factor to be considered in the supply chain (SC) of any industry. Agricultural industry needs to be addressed even more importantly with the tools of sustainability as it concerns the life of millions. This paper explores the critical barriers (CBs) in the sustainable supply chains (SSCs) of makhana industry located in the northern part of India and seeks to design a model for the researchers and the managers who want to work in this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the CBs were identified with the help of an extensive literature review of sustainability in SCs for agri-industry and discussion with makhana industry experts (consisting of managers and senior managers) and academicians (consisting of professors and research scholars). The study uses the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, namely interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and fuzzy ISM to develop the model. The study finally validates the model using Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that, in the SSC of makhana industry, the role of “Lack of adoption of organic agricultural management techniques” (CB2), “Lack of modern techniques (CB4)”, “Multiple intermediaries” (CB5), “Weak socio-economic conditions” (CB7) and “Lack of proper knowledge” (CB1) are very significant. These barriers are needed to be addressed first as they have the highest driving power and other barriers are directly driven by these CBs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has included seven experts, and the interrelationship between CBs has been developed on the basis of their knowledge and discussion, so the results may be a little bias. Moreover, the paper has obtained the results using the ISM and fuzzy ISM by considering ten CBs; the researchers can explore this research by including more CBs and validate the results using other MCDM techniques like fuzzy-decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), fuzzy-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Best Worst Method (BWM).

Originality/value

This study is unique as per industry point of view and may help the researchers and managers to explore the field of makhana.
Breaking spiritual silences as literacy education scholars: a conversation
Authors: Whitney Anne Elrod , Canagarajah Suresh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This essay-conversation brings together two literacy scholars who have worked with religious literacies: Suresh Canagarajah and Anne Elrod Whitney. They discuss not only the importance of religious literacies research but also their own experiences conducting such research as people of faith themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay is derived from a live interview conversation between the authors, which was later edited along with short introductory and closing material.

Findings

Their conversation addresses religious literacies in disciplinary contexts, in teaching and in the careers of scholars.

Originality/value

This essay offers researchers and practitioners in literacy education a perspective from two scholars whose recent work has treated their own faith explicitly.
Identifying and analysis of key flexible sustainable supply chain management strategies toward overcoming the post-COVID-19 impacts
Authors: Ahmed Tazim , Karmaker Chitra Lekha , Nasir Sumaiya Benta , Moktadir Md. Abdul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The emerging markets are facing a lot of risks and disruptions across their supply chains (SCs) due to the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To mitigate the significant post-COVID-19 consequences, organizations should modify their existing strategies and focus more on the key flexible sustainable SC (SSC) strategies. Still now, a limited number of studies have highlighted about the flexible strategies what firms should adopt to reduce the rampant effects in the context of emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an integrated approach including Delphi method, Bayesian, and the Best-Worst-Method (BWM) to identify, assess and evaluate the importance of the key flexible SSC strategies for the footwear industry in the emerging market context.

Findings

The results found the manufacturing flexibility through automation integration as the most important flexible SSC strategy to improve the flexibility and sustainability of modern SCs. Also, developing omni-channel distribution and retailing strategies and increasing the level of preparedness by using artificial intelligent are crucial strategies for overcoming the post-COVID-19 impacts.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is that the research connects a link among flexible strategies, SCs sustainability, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the research proposes a novel and intelligent framework based on Delphi and Bayesian-BWM to identify and analyze the key flexible SSC strategies to build up sustainable and robust SCs which can withstand in the post-COVID-19 world.
Temperature rise of magnetorheological fluid sealing film in a spiral grooved mechanical
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhou Jianfeng , Meng Xiannian
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In the magnetorheological fluid (MRF) sealing, a large amount of friction heat is generated in the fluid film with micron thickness due to the viscosity dissipation, which leads to seal failure and MRF deterioration. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of temperature rise of MRF film under the action of the three-field coupling of the flow field, temperature field and magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluid film was simplified as a Couette flow in this work to simulate the temperature change in the sealing fluid film under different working conditions. The corresponding experiment for test the temperature rise was also carried out, and the temperature of the characteristic point of the stationary ring was measured to validate the model.

Findings

The results show that the temperature rise is mainly affected by the rotational speed, magnetic field strength and fluid film thickness. The magnetic field enhances the convective heat transfer in the MRF film. The thinner the fluid film, the more frictional heat generated. The MRF film reaches its maximum temperature at the contact with the end face of rotating ring due to frictional heat.

Originality/value

A method for temperature rise analysis of MRF fluid sealing films based on Couette flow is established. It is helpful for the study of liquid film frictional heat in MRF seals.
A systematic review on the role of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Authors: Gogna Simran , Kaur Jaspreet , Sharma Kartik , Bhadariya Vishesh , Singh Jyoti , Kumar Vikas , Rasane Prasad , Vipasha Vipasha
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the health benefits, functional role of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in combating diet-related non-communicable diseases, absorption, metabolism, toxicity and extraction of ALA.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide range of publications were identified through electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and ResearchGate) on the basis of different keywords such as dietary sources, functional role, metabolism, beneficial effects, toxicity and extraction.

Findings

ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is commonly found in dietary sources such as flaxseeds, rapeseed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and fatty fish, with flaxseed being the richest among all the sources. Several convincing evidences depict the functional role of ALA in ameliorating cardiovascular functions, regulating systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improving neurological disorders, thus possessing anti-arrhythmic as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Its promising effect is also noticed on post-menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and headache as well as in balancing the levels of sex hormones in women suffering from PCOS. Furthermore, it was also responsible for reducing the concentrations of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. Its excess consumption may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances such as flatulence and bloating. Various extraction techniques, namely, medium pressure liquid chromatography, silver silica gel chromatography, silver ion-solid phase extraction and silver ion-high pressure liquid chromatography are used for the extraction of ALA from its sources.

Originality/value

This is a novel review which will provide a brief overview of dietary sources, functional role, absorption and metabolism, health benefits, toxicity and extraction of ALA.
Pre-service teachers’ autonomy in English language learning
Authors: Cabugsa Daniel Juan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The present quantitative-descriptive study aims to measure the level of English language learning autonomy of the pre-service teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

A short list questionnaire developed by Dixon (2011) was administered to 61 pre-service English teachers enrolled in Western Mindanao State University in order to measure their English language learning autonomy. Differences on the levels of English language learning autonomy across participants’ gender, number of languages spoken and first language were also explored.

Findings

Results revealed that participants are highly autonomous in English language learning. Gender, number of languages spoken and first language were found to have no significant influence on English language learning autonomy.

Research limitations/implications

Results on the level of English language learning autonomy indicate that pre-service teachers are highly autonomous and, therefore, ready for lifelong learning. This implies pedagogical and instructional advantages, as they can learn and explore the language independently.

Practical implications

Since gender, number of languages spoken and first language do not significantly influence the level of English language learning autonomy, it is suggested that English teachers do not need to develop differentiated instructions and activities anymore, which will cater the three profile variables in fostering autonomous learning, as participants already exhibit a level of autonomy in English language learning.

Social implications

This would allow teachers and students to be aware of the importance of autonomy in language learning. Thus, it will prepare them to be independent and lifelong learners, as they engage themselves in the professional world.

Originality/value

As one of the Asia’s developing countries, the Philippines have captured a small number of studies and contributions to autonomous learning in the field of research (Madrunio, Tarrayo, Tupas and Valdez, 2016 as cited in Iñigo, 2018). Specifically, there is no research study conducted that measures “language learning autonomy” in the Philippine’s higher education much to the knowledge of the researcher. Thus, this study will be the first one to determine the level of autonomy of pre-service teachers in English language learning in the Philippine context. Furthermore, the present study also intended to determine significant differences on the level of language learning autonomy of pre-service teachers across genders, number of languages spoken and their first language.
Tracing the source of liquidity for distressed housing markets
Authors: Ganduri Rohan , Xiao Steven Chong , Xiao Serena Wenjing
Published: May 2022

We show that profit‐seeking institutional investors provide valuable liquidity and spur the recovery of distressed housing markets. Using a quasi‐natural experiment wherein investors purchased prepackaged distressed home portfolios from government‐sponsored enterprises, we find that transaction prices of properties located within 0.25 miles of bulk‐sale properties increased by 1.4% more than homes located farther away. This positive price spillover effect helped reverse the discounts at which such properties were being sold prior to the bulk‐sale event. The price spillover effect due to the bulk‐sale event is greater for foreclosed homes (4.1%), homes similar to the bulk‐sale homes (2.5%), and homes in highly distressed neighborhoods (7.0%). Our results highlight asset disposition through pooling and institutional participation as a potential market‐driven channel for the recovery of distressed housing markets.
A study on the cannibalism behaviour and predation of the larvae of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Mbuji Amosi Leonard , Gong Xueyan , Li Fen , Yang Lei , Shi Xueyan , Peng Zhengqiang , Zhang Ying , Wu Shaoying
Published: May 2022

Cannibalism behaviour in the Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is among of liming factor for mass production of the larvae for laboratory experiment. To understand the change of cannibalism, larvae of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd were used to study cannibalism they were put on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th larvae growth stages in a density of 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70. In this study, the results showed that the functional response of the 3rd ‐5th instar larvae to the 2nd larvae and the 4th–5th instar larvae to the 3rd larvae and 5th and 6th instar larvae to the 4th larvae fitted well with the Holling II mode. The maximum predation of the 3rd‐5th instar larvae on the 2nd instar larvae were 27.17, 74.63, and 232.6 respectively, the maximum predation of the 4th–5th instar larvae on the 3rd instar larvae were 76.92 and 11.82 respectively, and the maximum predation of the 5th–6th instar larvae on the 4th instar larvae were 15.83 and 10.40. The predation of the older larvae to the younger larvae increased with the increase of the density of the younger larvae. This research aims at selecting the minimum number of larvae that will be effective and sustainable for laboratory experiments and minimizing the development of cannibalism in S. frugiperda, reduces crowding for larvae management and promoting healthy larvae. This study provides a pavement of managing larvae ensuring massive indoor larvae rearing to reduce the challenge of inadequate larva for the experiment.
Health‐beneficial aroma and taste compounds in a newly developed kombucha using a Huanglongbing‐tolerant mandarin hybrid
Authors: Kim Dongjoo , Wang Yu
Published: May 2022

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a destructive citrus greening disease; no commercially applicable measures exist. ‘LB8‐9’ Sugar Belle® (SB), originally developed for the fresh market, is the most HLB‐tolerant cultivar among commercially available varieties. Due to the limited capacity of the fresh fruit market, there is a need to increase the demand for SB juice. Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage with black tea and sugar, and is considered a healthy drink with an increasing market. Therefore, we aim to study the potential of using SB juice in kombucha production. Regular (black tea with no citrus juice added), Hamlin (black tea with Hamlin juice added), and SB kombucha (black tea with SB juice added) were prepared and analyzed to observe the composition of aroma and taste compounds in the kombuchas. Aroma and taste compounds in the kombuchas were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry and liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, respectively. For aroma compounds, SB kombucha was characterized by high concentrations of terpenes and their derivatives, which have mandarin‐like aroma characteristics and health benefits such as antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. For taste compounds, SB kombucha contained higher amount of fructose and organic acids, which have the potential to increase the intensity of sweetness and sourness, and flavonoids. This would support the potential benefits of using SB to make kombucha. This study provides valuable information about the aroma and taste compounds in SB kombucha and its potential health benefits, compared with regular and Hamlin kombucha.

Practical Application

This experiment provided valuable information on the elevated aroma and taste compounds, their potential health benefits, and the changes of those compounds during kombucha fermentation in ‘LB8‐9’ Sugar Belle® kombucha, compared to regular and Hamlin kombucha. In the absence of an effective cure or therapy for HLB, this can be the first step for developing alternative citrus product to help the citrus industry mitigate the negative impacts from HLB.