bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Undocumented, unregistered and invisible”: an exploratory study of the reasons for and effects of migrating to Thailand of Cambodian young people
Authors: Sampson Isaac Alex , Miles Glenn Michael , Piano Eliza
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper is designed to provide primary research which illuminates both the motivations for Cambodian migration as well as the risks entailed in undertaking migration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper gathered its information through a structured interview with 49 respondents aged between 17–29 years of mixed gender. The questionnaire comprised 18 questions in addition to a demographics section. Findings were subsequently analysed in order to extract commonalities amongst the experiences and perceptions of migrants.

Findings

The present research study found that the migration of Cambodians to Thailand is largely forced in the sense that there is a lack of economic opportunities within Cambodia. Of the respondents, 88% indicated that their preference would be to remain in Cambodia. What is more, the authors found that the migration is fraught with insecurity and risk, with a range of security issues faced by respondents including not being paid, being abused and being overworked.

Research limitations/implications

This response group is not a representative sample of Cambodians who work in Thailand. The study’s respondents in Cambodia were at a deportation centre, where migrants caught by Thai authorities worked without documentation, which had a clear impact upon migration experience. Additionally, the study’s respondents in Pattaya, Thailand, were accessed via an associate of a colleague, so this too is not a representative sample of Cambodians working in Thailand.

Practical implications

This can have practical use for a variety of stakeholders by providing quantitative information as well as analysis into the migration of Cambodians to Thailand. Within the Recommendations section, it is illustrated how a temporary migrant worker programme can be beneficial to the host and receiving countries and individual migrants. Individual migrants can benefit from being employed by legitimate, accountable employers and hence result in higher provision of human rights for this demographic.

Social implications

There is a highly entrenched culture of migration within Cambodia's bordering provinces. Through changes to the personal health, well-being and prosperity of migrants in Thailand because of reduced exploitation and increased pay. Host communities in Cambodia are also likely to receive higher levels of remittances, which can stimulate development in Cambodian communities.

Originality/value

Deepened understanding of the motivations for migration and highlighted lack of desire amongst Cambodians to migrate continue to demonstrate the persistent need for effective and substantial development policies within Cambodia. The proposal of a temporary migrant worker scheme is in its short-term nature and reflects the necessity of this demographic to migrate irrespective of whether they can receive official working papers.
The influence of conflict with suppliers on retailers’ private label performance
Authors: Takashima Katsuyoshi , Kim Changju
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a model investigating the relationship between conflict with private label (PL) suppliers and retailers’ PL performance. The study also examines differences in the relationship based on two PL types, namely, price-oriented and differentiation-oriented PLs.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and data obtained from a survey of general merchandise managers in 190 supermarket chains in Japan.

Findings

The results indicate that conflict with PL suppliers can have negative effects on retailers’ PL performance. Moreover, the use of price-oriented PLs leads to higher levels of conflict with PL suppliers than the use of differentiation-oriented PLs.

Practical implications

This study offers managerial insights into the importance of sophisticated conflict management in relation to PL suppliers and the efficacy of premium PLs, which may cost less in terms of conflict management than price-oriented PLs.

Originality/value

Considering the influence of conflict with suppliers on retailers’ PL performance, this study suggests a novel approach to examining conflict between PL suppliers and retailers by classifying PLs into two types, namely, price-oriented and differentiation-oriented PLs.
Service innovation or collaborative tradition? Public motives for partnerships with third sector organisations
Authors: Hellström Caroline
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate public partners’ motives for seeking and/or accepting partnerships with third sector organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to seek to identify and explain motives from different perspectives; as responses to government failure or voluntary failure, as related to governance structures, and/or as driven by resource dependencies. The empirical material was gathered through semi-structured interviews with public employees in Swedish municipalities. The aim of the interviews was to grasp the public partners’ motives for partnerships with third sector organisations. Each interview started with questions on the presence and forms of partnerships, thus creating a backdrop for the motives, both during the interview and as a map of the partnership landscape.

Findings

The most prominent motives for public engagement in partnerships with third sector organisations are related to democratic values, the need to solve concrete problems, and economic rationality. The motives vary with the type of partnership of which there is considerable variation in scale, content and contribution; the types of partnership vary with different policy fields and services. Different perspectives highlight different motives but none of them excludes other perspectives.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the paper is the empirically based findings of a multi-layered public–third sector partnership landscape where policy fields, forms and complex motives are intertwined.
Dexteria app. therapy versus conventional hand therapy in stroke
Authors: Sawant Neha , Bose Meruna , Parab Shrutika
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Hand impairment post-stroke is a very common and important rehabilitation goal for functional independence. Advanced therapy options such as an app. therapy provides repetitive training, which may be beneficial for improving fine motor function. This study aims to evaluate the effect of app-based therapy compared to conventional hand therapy in improving dexterity in individuals with stroke.

Methodology

In total, 39 individuals within the first year of stroke with Brunnstrom stage of hand recovery IV to VI were randomly divided into three groups. All three groups received 60 min of therapy for 21 sessions over a period of 30 days. Group A received conventional hand therapy; Group B received app. therapy, while Group C received conventional therapy along with the app. therapy. All participants were assessed on the Nine-Hole Peg Test and Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test at the beginning and after completion of 21 sessions of intervention. Kruskal–Wallis (H) test and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

All three groups improved on hand function post-treatment. However, Group C demonstrated significant improvement with 16%–58% increase in hand function performance on outcome measures (p < 0.05).

Findings

Findings of the present study demonstrate improvement in dexterity with the app. therapy and combination therapy, in comparison to conventional therapy alone in individuals with stroke.

Originality

This experimental study focuses the first time on a structured protocol using an enabling technology adjunct to conventional physical therapy to improve hand function in individuals with stroke, which opens up the further scope in Neurorehabilitation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0144/
Supply chain risks in humanitarian relief operations: a case of Cyclone Idai relief efforts in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chari Felix , Ngcamu Bethuel Sibongiseni , Novukela Cawe
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The rising threat of tropical cyclones in Zimbabwe is of great importance in establishing the general sources of humanitarian supply chain risks and assessing their negative impact on relief operations. There is a scarcity of studies that collate such evidence toward enhanced humanitarian supply chains in Southern Africa. With this in mind, this study explored scattered evidence on supply chain risks in the delivery of humanitarian aid to victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

This reflective study evaluates supply chain risks associated with Cyclone Idai humanitarian relief operations through qualitative in-depth interviews with relevant actors in the field. The data were triangulated with secondary information from associated publications, blogs and newspapers to reflect the truth about the phenomena under investigation.

Findings

The results show that Cyclone Idai disaster response operations were adversely affected by social, economic and political/governmental risk factors. In the same breath, poor or inadequate infrastructure and environmental factors were also contributing factors toward the futility of humanitarian relief operations.

Practical implications

This study is significant as it endeavors to contribute toward humanitarian supply chain management, specifically in assisting humanitarian organizations with suggested strategies that would work toward making humanitarian relief supply chains more resilient. However, more research needs to be done toward optimized implementation strategies for the suggested framework.

Originality/value

It is to the best knowledge of these researchers that this is a unique study carried out to examine humanitarian supply chain risk factors in Cyclone Idai relief operations in Zimbabwe.
Knowledge sharing motives and value co-creation behavior of the consumers in physiotherapy services: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Bhatti Waheed Akbar , Glowik Mario , Arslan Ahmad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of consumers’ (patients) motives in knowledge sharing and value co-creation with the service provider in the context of physiotherapy services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used partial least squares structural equation modeling for the analysis of the physiotherapy services users’ data from Germany and Pakistan.

Findings

The results show that in both consumer groups, individualizing, empowering and development motives are common influences on the willingness to share knowledge leading to value co-creation. However, the relating, ethical and concerted motives show varying influences in the data set.

Research limitations/implications

A key research implication relates to specifying the link between consumer knowledge sharing and value creation and the role of cultural factors in this context. It is one of the first studies to undertake a comparative analysis in this specific context by highlighting the changing role of consumers from collective and individualistic societies, in influencing service provision through participation in the service exchange.

Practical implications

For the managerial audience, this paper highlights the importance of being sensitive to cultural elements as they tend to influence personal knowledge sharing by the consumer, especially in the well-being sector, which ultimately influences the value co-creation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current paper is one of the first studies focusing on the knowledge sharing motives of consumers in the specific context of physiotherapy services leading to value co-creation. Moreover, specific focus on individual consumer’s motives and their role in comparative, cross-cultural settings, adds further value to the contribution of this study.
Red tape and change-supportive intention: an extension of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Hassan Hemin Ali , Zhang Xiaodong , Ahmad Ahmad Bayiz
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper builds on and extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by examining empirically the underlying mechanism through which red tape is associated with employee change-supportive intention (CSI). It investigates red tape as an antecedent of CSI and examines the mediation role of change-related attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control (PBC) in the relationship between red tape and CSI.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the study's hypotheses, cross-sectional data were collected from 183 employees working at a public organization in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that was going through a major change. Regression analyses and the PROCESS macro for SPSS were used.

Findings

Consistent with our expectations, the results indicate that red tape negatively predicts CSI. Red tape also predicts change-related attitude, subjective norm and PBC, which consequently predict CSI. The results also reveal that the relationship between red tape and CSI is mediated by change-related attitude and subjective norm.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited in using cross-sectional data at a point in time and in investigating intention only, rather than actual behavior.

Originality/value

While prior work shows that red tape is a relevant factor that may affect employee responses to change in public sector, the psychological processes on which this relationship is based are still not fully explained. Therefore, this is the first study that aims to shed some light on this relationship.
Measuring gaps in healthcare quality using SERVQUAL model: challenges and opportunities in developing countries
Authors: AlOmari Firas
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gauge the health-care services from a patient’s perspective in five private hospitals in the Syrian capital Damascus.

Design/methodology/approach

The five dimensions-SERVQUAL model (tangibility, empathy, assurance, reliability and responsiveness) was implemented to measure the gap between patient’s perception and expectation in health-care service quality.

Findings

The SERVQUAL tool proved to be reliable and valid in assessing service quality in Syrian health-care setting. The assessment of the service quality from a patient’s perspective shows that all SERVQUAL dimensions were negative except for tangible element that scored (+0.57) gap. Based on patient’s expectation, empathy scored the highest score with (4.37), followed by responsiveness (4.17), reliability (3.90), tangibility (3.82) and assurance (3.45). The widest negative gaps among the 22 SERVQUAL items were related to listening skills of hospital staffs (−1.52) and for spending enough time with patient (−1.81). This study indicated that tangible dimension plays a significant role in balancing the deficiency in other service quality dimensions. In addition, communication skills of medical and paramedical staff should be improved to ameliorate patient’s perception about health-care services.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable insights into the patient’s perception, but the feedback from hospital staffs (doctor, nurses) and hospital’s senior managers also considered potential rich information sources. This survey is conducted in the capital, and future research should include replication of this study in the other 13 Syrian governorates before generalizing the findings of this research.

Practical implications

Hospital administrator could use SERVQUAL model to improve their operational performance as well as to benchmark their behavior against other competitors in the health-care market in Damascus. This paper provides valuable information to policymakers and top hospital management to understand patient-centered care and to improve health-care system in Syria. Besides, this research provides a marketing insight to realize what patient expects and how she/he assesses the care service.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is one of very few studies conducted to assess service quality in private health-care sector in Damascus. The main contribution of this study is providing the empirical evidence that the five dimensions-SERVQUAL scale proved to be reliable and valid instrument for measuring and analyzing health-care service quality in Syria.
The use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands
Authors: van Veenstra Anne Fleur , Grommé Francisca , Djafari Somayeh
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Public sector data analytics concerns the process of retrieving data, data analysis, publication of the results as well as re-using the data by government organizations to improve their operations and enhance public policy. This paper aims to explore the use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands and the opportunities and challenges of this use.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper finds 74 applications of public sector data analytics, identified by a Web search and consultation with policymakers. The applications are categorized by application type, organization(s) involved and application domain, and illustrative examples are used to elaborate opportunities and challenges.

Findings

Public sector data analytics is most frequently used for inspection and enforcement of social services and for criminal investigation. Even though its usage is often experimental, it raises concerns for scope creep, repeated targeting of the same (group of) individuals, personal data use by third parties and the transparency of governmental processes.

Research limitations/implications

Drawing on desk research, it was not always possible to identify which type of data or which technology was used in the applications that were found. Furthermore, the case studies are illustrative rather than providing an in-depth overview of opportunities and challenges of the use of data analytics in government.

Originality/value

Most studies either perform a literature overview or present a single case study; this paper presents a more comprehensive overview of how a public sector uses data analytics.
Do visual traits honestly signal floral rewards at community level?
Authors: Ortiz Pedro L. , Fernández‐Díaz Pilar , Pareja Daniel , Escudero Marcial , Arista Montserrat
Published: November 2020

The high variability observed in floral traits has been interpreted as resulting from the adaptation of plants to pollinators, as the latter present innate preferences for specific floral traits and impose selection over them. However, some pollinators such as bees can learn to associate floral signals with rewards, thus increasing floral constancy on more rewarding flowers. The integration of all these rewards and cues is markedly important at community level, where co‐flowering species compete for pollinators.

In order to verify the honesty of the above‐mentioned signals, we examined the association between floral visual signals (size, colour, symmetry and floral display) and rewards (pollen and nectar) for 98 species in a Mediterranean community. The associations between floral traits were analysed considering the phylogenetic relationship between the different species.

Flower colour, size, pollen volume or amount of sucrose exhibited no phylogenetic signal, which suggests an adaptive evolution in response to different conditions in the pollinator community. Flower size was seen to constitute the most honest signal for pollinators, as this was significantly associated with quantities of pollen and nectar. In contrast, nectar concentration was observed to be positively associated with chromatic contrast. We detected no relationship between flower shape and rewards, on the one hand, nor between flower display and rewards, on the other.

Our study unequivocally demonstrates the correlation between rewards and the visual signals perceived by bees, the most effective pollinators in the Mediterranean Basin. In the community studied, bees employed flower size at longer distances and chromatic contrast at shorter distances to predict rewards. The limited number of studies existing in this sense indicates that this kind of association appears to be community specific.
Interspecific social dominance networks reveal mechanisms promoting coexistence in sympatric charr in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Fausch Kurt D. , Nakano Shigeru , Kitano Satoshi , Kanno Yoichiro , Kim Seoghyun
Published: November 2020

Coexistence of species requires equalizing mechanisms that minimize fitness differences, which are balanced by stabilizing mechanisms that enhance negative intraspecific interactions versus interspecific ones. Here, we develop a simple theoretical framework that allows measuring the relative strength of intraspecific versus interspecific competition in dominance hierarchies. We use it to evaluate mechanisms promoting coexistence between two congeneric charr that compete for foraging positions, which strongly influence density‐dependent growth and survival.

Agonistic interactions (n = 761) among 71 Dolly VardenSalvelinus malmaand whitespotted charrSalvelinus leucomaeniswere measured by snorkelling in two pools in the sympatric zone of a Hokkaido stream during two summers. Interspecific dominance hierarchies, analysed using three methods, were closely correlated with fish length but the species treated each other equally. Ranks for the most dominant fish in each pool, determined directly by knockout experiments, were also virtually identical to ranks by length.

Similarly, exponential random graph modelling of the social networks provided no evidence that either species was dominant over the other. Instead, larger fish were more likely to win contests, especially over fish of the next lower ranks.

These results demonstrated that the two species were nearly ecological equivalents in accessing key resources in this sympatric zone. Nearly identical growth and stable densities over 4 years further supported this inference, although Dolly Varden were a minority (29% of the assemblage), a sign of some fitness difference.

Detailed foraging observations coupled with two concurrent studies revealed an effective stabilizing mechanism. Dolly Varden shifted to feeding directly from the benthos when drifting invertebrates declined, a behaviour enhanced by morphological character displacement, thereby partitioning food resources and enhancing intraspecific competition while avoiding agonistic encounters with whitespotted charr.

The plurality of evidence indicates that fitness differences between these ecologically equivalent species are small in this local assemblage, and balanced by resource partitioning, a modest stabilizing mechanism that promotes coexistence. The theoretical framework presented here is a useful tool to evaluate the strength of interspecific versus intraspecific competition, which combined with information on trade‐offs in ecological performance can contribute to a mechanistic understanding of species coexistence.
Accounting for food web dynamics when assessing the impact of mesopredator control on declining prey populations
Authors: Henden John‐André , Ehrich Dorothee , Soininen Eeva M. , Ims Rolf A.
Published: November 2020

Increasing populations of mesopredators are suspected to cause declines in vulnerable wildlife to the extent that mesopredator decimation actions (culling) have become commonplace. Design constraints, especially a lack of spatial replication, often hamper the assessment of the impact of such actions. However, extensive temporal replication (i.e. time series) and accounting for potentially confounding variables may alleviate this problem.

In alpine‐arctic tundra, the red foxVulpes vulpesis increasing, while many bird species are declining, likely due to increased predation. Here, we assessed the impact of a long‐term (12‐year) and spatially extensive (~3,500 km2) red fox culling action on the red‐listed willow ptarmiganLagopus lagopusin the Norwegian Arctic. Ptarmigan populations were monitored annually in the impact area and in an adjacent no‐action area, including a 5‐year period before the action commenced. While logistical constraints prohibited monitoring of red fox population densities, the number of culled foxes and three influential food web covariates were monitored after the onset of the culling action.

A Before‐After‐Control‐Impact‐Paired‐Series (BACIPS) analysis without food web covariates indicated that red fox culling curbed the decline of the population in the impact area, and that ptarmigan population density became ~25% higher than in the reference area.

Spatially and temporally variable drivers within the food web confounded the simple BACIPS analysis. Accounting for three food web drivers as covariates in a linear mixed model after the onset of action, yielded a more unbiased impact estimate that amounted to ~40% higher ptarmigan population density (4.3 more ptarmigan/km2) in the red fox impact area.

Synthesis and applications. We provide the first evidence of the role of the recent expansion of red fox in the decline of bird populations in tundra. We also show that red fox culling may be able to curb such declines, given that management actions are large scale and long term. As mesopredator culling campaigns are often expensive and controversial, it is important that their impacts are accurately assessed. We demonstrate that the accuracy of impact assessments can be profoundly increased by monitoring drivers of food web dynamics that impinge on the target species so that such drivers can be included as covariates in the analysis. This applies in particular to declining bird populations in boreal and arctic food webs ruled by strong multi‐annual interaction cycles.
Would Market Sheds Improve Market Participation and Earnings of Small Ruminant Keepers? Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Zeleke Fresenbet , Kassie Girma T. , Haji Jema , Legesse Belaineh
Published: November 2020

Livestock markets and marketing are crucial components of the agricultural transformation agenda in Ethiopia. There is, however, little or no scientific evidence for the demand for livestock market facilities to guide the national effort. Using panel data, we estimate the effect of livestock market shed provision on market participation and revenue from small ruminants in Central Ethiopia. Experimental market sheds were constructed in nine markets, with baseline and follow‐up surveys conducted with a sample of 50 marketers from each of 16 markets. We employ different formulations of a difference‐in‐differences (DiD) model, including a combined estimation with propensity score matching. Our results show that provision of market sheds significantly increase farmers’ earnings from small ruminant sales. DiD estimated with a matched sample also shows that market participation increased among smallholder farmers close to the markets with sheds. Our findings support the investment in market facilities in the central highlands and other comparable socio‐economic settings in Ethiopia.
Muscle stem cell isolation and in vitro culture for meat production: A methodological review
Authors: Choi Kwang‐Hwan , Yoon Ji Won , Kim Minsu , Lee Hyun Jung , Jeong Jinsol , Ryu Minkyung , Jo Cheorun , Lee Chang‐Kyu
Published: November 2020

Cultured muscle tissue‐based protein products, also known as cultured meat, are produced through in vitro myogenesis involving muscle stem cell culture and differentiation, and mature muscle cell processing for flavor and texture. This review focuses on the in vitro myogenesis for cultured meat production. The muscle stem cell–based in vitro muscle tissue production consists of a sequential process: (1) muscle sampling for stem cell collection, (2) muscle tissue dissociation and muscle stem cell isolation, (3) primary cell culture, (4) upscaled cell culture, (5) muscle differentiation and maturation, and (6) muscle tissue harvest. Although muscle stem cell research is a well‐established field, the majority of these steps remain to be underoptimized to enable the in vitro creation of edible muscle‐derived meat products. The profound understanding of the process would help not only cultured meat production but also business sectors that have been seeking new biomaterials for the food industry. In this review, we discuss comprehensively and in detail each step of cutting‐edge methods for cultured meat production. This would be meaningful for both academia and industry to prepare for the new era of cellular agriculture.
Carbon footprint of a hemodialysis unit in Morocco
Authors: Mtioui Naoufal , Zamd Mohamed , Ait Taleb Abdellah , Bouaalam Abdellah , Ramdani Benyounes
Published: November 2020

Climate changes have a major influence on the overall health of the population. They are directly linked to the emissions of the greenhouse gases (GHG). The extent of GHG emission in relation to hemodialysis has been measured by several studies all over the world. Up to this date, no similar study has been conducted in Morocco. Therefore, the objective of our study is to conduct a review of the GHG emissions and to evaluate its specificities in order to establish a targeted action plan to reduce the ecological impact of hemodialysis in Morocco. To do this, we sought the help of a certified audit firm. Carbon Footprint tool (L'outil Bilan Carbon), established in Morocco in collaboration with Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, was used to analyze the results collected for the year 2019. Our unit (conventional hemodialysis 3 × 4 hours, 424 m2, 24 generators, 80 patients, and 29 nursing staff) generates 408.98 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year (t CO₂‐eq per year) or 5.11 TeqCO2 per patient per year. The largest contributors to GHG emissions are electrical energy consumption (28%), equipment purchase and services (27%), and staff and patients travel (22%). The use of renewable energy for the operation of hemodialysis centers can be a realistic solution to reduce the ecological impact of this type of healthcare in Morocco.
Association Between ALDH2 Polymorphism and Gastric Cancer Risk in Terms of Alcohol Consumption: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Joo Kang Seung , Shin Cheol Min , Sung Joohon , Kim Nayoung
Published: November 2020

Background

Alcohol may increase gastric cancer risk. Alcohol can be more carcinogenic in persons who possess inactive ALDH2. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate whether ALDH2 polymorphism can affect alcohol‐induced gastric carcinogenesis.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify relevant articles published between January 2000 and September 2019. Eligible articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

A total of 7 case–control studies on ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism consisting of 3,251 gastric cancer cases and 4,943 controls were included in the analysis. Inactive ALDH2 genotypes (G/A or A/A) were associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 1.52, p = 0.02, I2 = 64%), compared with active ALDH2 (G/G genotype). Subgroup analysis by alcohol consumption showed that inactive ALDH2 increased risk for gastric cancer in moderate to heavy drinkers (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.52 to 2.25, p < 0.01, I2 = 6%) more than in nondrinkers or mild drinkers (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.36, p < 0.01, I2 = 6%). Moderate/heavy alcohol consumption increased gastric cancer risk in individuals with inactive ALDH2 (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.63 to 3.05, p < 0.01, I2 = 30%) more than those with active ALDH2 (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.98 to 2.01, p = 0.07, I2 = 85%).

Conclusions

The ALDH2 polymorphism modifies the risk of gastric cancer. Moderate/heavy drinkers are more susceptible to gastric cancer than non‐drinkers or light drinkers with inactive ALDH2.
Effect of severe litigation and bank connection on bank financing in China
Authors: Guo Hongling , Xiao Zuoping
Published: November 2020

We empirically examine the effect of severe litigation, bank connection and their interaction on firms’ access to bank financing based on China’s background. We find that (i) firms with a recent history of severe litigation experience a decrease in bank financing regardless of whether they are defendants or plaintiffs; (ii) firms with bank connections obtain more bank financing; and (iii) bank connection can mitigate the detrimental impact of severe litigation on bank financing. Our findings suggest that banks recognise the high costs and risks of severe litigation to firms, thus imposing more financing constraints on firms with severe litigation. Meanwhile, bank connection can help firms recover from the detrimental impact of severe litigation, corroborating the argument that informal mechanisms, such as those based on social relations, promote financial transactions and thus the growth of firms in China.
Correlation between endodontic pulpal/periapical disease and retrograde peri‐implantitis: A case series
Authors: Di Murro Bianca , Papi Piero , Di Murro Carlo , Pompa Giorgio , Gambarini Gianluca
Published: November 2020

Retrograde peri‐implantitis is a symptomatic complication, characterised by radiographic detection of bone loss at the periapex of the implant. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible endodontic aetiology, evaluating the effectiveness of surgical treatment without endodontic therapy of adjacent teeth. In the 10‐year interval, three patients reported symptoms of retrograde peri‐implantitis after a mean period of 30.6 days from implant placement. Mean follow‐up after surgical procedures was 8.66 years, with an implant survival of 100%. Retrograde peri‐implantitis was probably caused by colonisation of the apical surface of the implant by bacteria persisting in the area after endodontic failure/apical periodontitis, reactivated by drilling in the site. In all cases, the adjacent teeth remained vital during the years, showing that a direct cause‐and‐effect relationship between pulpal/periapical disease of adjacent teeth and retrograde peri‐implantitis was never present.
Real‐time intracanal temperature measurement comparing mechanically and laser‐activated irrigation to syringe irrigation
Authors: Donnermeyer David , Schäfer Edgar , Bürklein Sebastian
Published: November 2020

Antibacterial activity and tissue dilution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) are improved by moderately heating the irrigant. Temperature can be risen by preheating or intracanal activation. To assess intracanal temperature development of NaOCl during irrigation activation and syringe activation (SI) in a closed system at 37°C, Type‐K thermocouples were inserted close to the root canal of one human single‐rooted maxillary canine at the apex and 5 and 10 mm from the apical foramen via drilled holes. The root was positioned in a plastic vial filled with alginate simulating surrounding biological structures. Experiments were performed in a closed environment at 37°C (n = 14): EA: EndoActivator (Dentsply Sirona), EDDY: EDDY (VDW), PUI: passive ultrasonic irrigation, PIPS: Photon‐induced photoacoustic streaming (Fotona), S60: SI of 60°C‐NaOCl, S45: SI of 45°C‐NaOCl, and S20: SI of 20°C‐NaOCl. S45, PUI and EDDY lead to minor intracanal temperature increases. EA and PIPS did not influence the intracanal temperature. SI with 60°C‐NaOCl resulted in higher intracanal temperatures than activation systems. Temperature dissipation into simulated tissues buffered intracanal temperature changes.
Advance care planning in New Zealand: A qualitative study of the motivators and barriers to uptake
Authors: Brown Wendy , Baken Donald , Stephens Christine
Published: November 2020

Objective

As a follow‐up to the first national survey of advance care planning uptake in New Zealand, which demonstrated a low level of plan completion, this study seeks to better understand the motivators and barriers associated with uptake.

Methods

Using a qualitative approach and a purposeful sampling method, nine interviewees participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring in further depth their knowledge, attitudes and activities in relation to planning for end‐of‐life care. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts and several key themes identified.

Results

The five key themes were Knowledge of Advance Care Planning; Incomplete Planning; Relational Autonomy; Focus on Family; and Still Time to Plan.

Conclusion

A stepped process to encourage planning uptake is suggested, with legal and financial steps preceding the making of more personal values–based decisions salient to a serious diagnosis.
Tree species composition and diversity in Miombo woodlands between co‐managed and government‐managed regimes, Malawi
Authors: Gondwe Monica Fides Kalagho , Geldenhuys Coert Johannes , Chirwa Paxie Wanangwa Chikusie , Assédé Emeline Sêssi Pélagie , Syampungani Stephen , Cho Moses Azong
Published: November 2020

Comparative information on the composition and diversity in tree species associations in Miombo woodland is limited. This study assessed how tree species associations across forest reserves of Miombo woodland in Malawi varied in composition and diversity concerning site factors and resource use disturbances under co‐management versus government management. Eighty nested circular plots, randomly selected in ArcGIS, were sampled to record stem diameter at breast height (DBH) of tree species: 0.04 ha for stems 5–29.9 cm DBH and 0.16 ha for stems ≥30 cm DBH. The recorded 109 tree species grouped into communities and 14 sub‐communities, using stem counts by species in TWINSPAN analysis. Sub‐divisions to level 5 showed eigenvalues ≥0.3, symbolising the stability of sub‐divisions. North/South sub‐divisions related to site factors; historical/current resource use influenced differences at levels 3–5. Species importance differed, indicating few important species in each sub‐community.BrachystegiaandJulbernardiaspecies showed importance across sub‐communities whileUapaca sansibaricain government management. Disturbances stimulated high species diversity. Recommendations include the need for a policy review towards group‐felling mature stands to stimulate regeneration and selective thinning of suppressed stems in stand development stages to maintain species diversity, productive recovery, diverse resource use value, and monitoring of harvesting impacts.
Social psychology and pandemics: Exploring consensus about research priorities and strategies using the Delphi method
Authors: Hult Khazaie Daniella , Khan Sammyh S.
Published: November 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to calls for contributions from the social and behavioural sciences in responding to the social and behavioural dimensions of the pandemic. The current two‐round Delphi study—involving a panel of 52 professors of social psychology from 25 countries—explored expert opinions and consensus about the contributions that can be made by social psychology and social psychologists, and research priorities and strategies to this end. Responses to open‐ended questions presented to the panel in Round 1 were condensed and reformulated into 100 closed‐ended statements that the panel rated their agreement with in Round 2. Consensus was reached for 55 topics to which social psychology can contribute, 26 topics that should be prioritised, and 19 strategies that should be implemented. The findings contribute to further focusing research efforts in psychology in its response to the social and behavioural dimensions of the COVID‐19 and future pandemics.
Practice parameters for diagnosing and managing iodinated contrast media hypersensitivity
Authors: Torres María José , Trautmann Axel , Böhm Ingrid , Scherer Kathrin , Barbaud Annick , Bavbek Sevim , Bonadonna Patrizia , Cernadas Josefina Rodrigues , Chiriac Anca Mirela , Gaeta Francesco , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana M. , Kang Hye‐Ryun , Moreno Esther , Brockow Knut
Published: November 2020

Immediate and nonimmediate hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM) have been reported to occur in a frequency of about 0.5%‐3% of patients receiving nonionic ICM. The diagnosis and management of these patients vary among guidelines published by various national and international scientific societies, with recommendations ranging from avoidance or premedication to drug provocation test. This position paper aims to give recommendations for the management of patients with ICM hypersensitivity reactions and analyze controversies in this area. Skin tests are recommended as the initial step for diagnosing patients with immediate and nonimmediate hypersensitivity reactions; besides, they may also help guide on tolerability of alternatives. Re‐exposition or drug provocation test should only be done with skin test‐negative ICMs. The decision for performing either re‐exposition or drug provocation test needs to be taken based on a risk‐benefit analysis. The role of in vitro tests for diagnosis and pretreatment for preventing reactions remains controversial.
Effect of summer heat stress on gene expression in bovine uterine endometrial tissues
Authors: Bai Hanako , Ukita Haruka , Kawahara Manabu , Mitani Tomohiro , Furukawa Eri , Yanagawa Yojiro , Yabuuchi Naoto , Kim Heejin , Takahashi Masashi
Published: November 2020

Heat stress negatively affects reproductive functions in cows. Increased temperature disturbs fetal development in utero. However, the effect of heat stress on uterine endometrial tissues has not been fully examined. Using qPCR analysis, we measured the mRNA expression of various molecular markers in uterine endometrial tissue of dairy cows from Hokkaido, Japan, in winter and summer. Markers examined were heat shock proteins (HSPs), antioxidant enzymes (catalase, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase 4), inflammatory cytokines, and interferon stimulated genes. Our results showed heat stress, body and milk temperatures were higher during summer than during winter. Expression levels of HSP27, HSP60, and HSP90 mRNA, and of catalase and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase mRNA were lower in summer than in winter. Tumor necrosis factor alpha expression was higher in summer than in winter. In conclusion, summer heat stress may reduce the expression of HSPs, affecting the levels of inflammatory cytokines in bovine uterine endometrial tissue.
Altered immune response to the annual influenza A vaccine in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Alimam Samah , Ann Timms Jessica , Harrison Claire N. , Dillon Richard , Mare Tracey , DeLavallade Hugues , Radia Deepti , Woodley Claire , Francis Yvonne , Sanchez Katy , Kordasti Shahram , McLornan Donal P.
Published: November 2020

The seasonal influenza A vaccine is recommended for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). We hypothesised that immune deregulation associated with MPNs may affect the immune response gained following vaccinations when compared to healthy controls. Using deep immunophenotyping with high‐dimensional single‐cell analysis and mass cytometry we could demonstrate an altered immune response in MPN patients following vaccination. We found that prior to vaccination, MPN patients had reduced numbers of naive CD4 T cells. Furthermore, at 3‐weeks and 3‐months post‐vaccination there was evidence of both delayed and impaired B‐ and T‐memory cells responses. Thus, although, the immune systems of MPN patients can 'recognise' the Influenza A vaccine, the response appears inferior compared to healthy controls.
Reassessing the inflation uncertainty‐inflation relationship in the tails
Authors: Bampinas Georgios , Konstantinou Panagiotis , Panagiotidis Theodore
Published: November 2020

We revisit the relationship between inflation and its uncertainty, using monthly US data from 1947 to 2014. We employ the cross–quantilogram approach introduced by Han, Linton, Oka, and Whang (2016), that allows testing for directional predictability across the different segments of the conditional distribution. Our results show that the US inflation‐uncertainty relation is non‐monotonic and asymmetric, while is more pronounced in the tails. Low inflation does not lead to lower long‐term inflation uncertainty. The evidence also suggests that inflation–uncertainty future realizations differ substantially in response to large positive/negative shocks.
Efficacy of a self‐help parenting intervention for parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adjunct to usual treatment—Small‐scale randomized controlled trial
Authors: Daley David , Tarver Joanne , Sayal Kapil
Published: November 2020

Background

Multimodal intervention incorporating psychosocial intervention and medication is recommended for school‐aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the adjunctive benefit of the self‐help version of the New Forest Parenting Programme (NFPP‐SH) when offered in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) compared with TAU alone.

Method

Fifty‐two children, receiving medication for ADHD as part of their usual care, were randomized to receive NFPP‐SH + TAU or TAU alone.

Results

When used in adjunct to TAU, NFPP‐SH may have beneficial effects for parenting efficacy (F = 6.28, p = 0.02), child social performance in school and negative comments made by parents during a recorded speech sample. However, the self‐help intervention did not have any additional effect on child behaviour.

Conclusions

This study provides further support for self‐help interventions as potentially low‐intensity and cost‐effective alternatives to therapist‐led parenting interventions. The findings require replication in larger samples before any firm conclusions about adjunctive efficacy of NFPP‐SH can be drawn but underline the potential for self‐help within routine treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02174952).
Clinical and radiological characteristics of oro‐antral communications/fistulae due to implant dentistry procedures: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Ben‐Zvi Yehonatan , Rosenfeld Eli , Masri Daya , Avishai Gal , Chaushu Gavriel , Chaushu Liat
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Assess the unique clinical and radiological sequelae following oro‐antral communications/fistulae (OAC/OAF) due to implant dentistry vs other etiologies.

Materials and Methods

A structured form served to collect data from medical records. All consecutive patients who underwent surgical closure of OACs/OAFs between 2003 and 2020, at a single center were included. Demographic, radiological, clinical, operative and postoperative characteristics were collected. The differences between groups (cases with implant dentistry etiology [IDE] vs cases with other etiologies) were assessed statistically.

Results

Data were gathered from 121 cases. The findings show that IDE cases were more likely to be of older age (OR = 1.07, CI [1.02, 1.13] P = .02); to have a foreign body in the maxillary sinus (OR = 21.04, CI [4.34, 114.92] P < .01); to have fluid passage (OR = 11.40, CI [1.87, 118.73] P = .02) and purulent discharge through the fistula (OR = 3.52, CI [0.86, 16.34] P = .09).

Conclusions

Clinical and radiological sequelae due to OACs/OAFs secondary to implant dentistry procedures are more severe compared to other etiologies. The suggested pathogenesis is foreign body reaction. Early and accurate diagnosis of the foreign body location, followed by its early removal is recommended.