bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-ambient X-ray and neutron diffraction of novel relaxor ferroelectricxBi2(Zn2/3,Nb1/3)O3–(1 –x)BaTiO3
Authors: Marshall Jessica , Walker David , Thomas Pamela
Published: September 2021

The first determination of the phase diagram of the novel ferroelectric relaxorxBi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3–(1 − x)BaTiO3(BZN-BT) has been achieved with a combination of high-resolution X-ray and neutron diffraction up to the miscibility limit nearx(BZN) = 20.0% over a temperature range 20 <T< 400 K. The combined X-ray and neutron data show that the instability within thexBZN-(1−x)BT system reaches a maximum atx= 3.9% and is driven byB-site displacement and distortion of the oxygen octahedra in the polar phases. Composition-dependent effects include a narrowAmm2-dominated region focused atx= 3.9%, significant convergence of the lattice parameters in bothP4mmandAmm2 phases, and sharp maxima in piezoelectric coefficientd33and maximum polarizationPmax. Lattice parameter dilation atx≥ 4.0% was observed for bothP4mmandAmm2 unit cells, alongside the first appearance ofPm3mat 295 K and the onset of significant dielectric relaxation. Low-temperature neutron diffraction indicated a weak or non-existent temperature dependence on the transition from ferroelectric atx= 3.9% to ferroelectric relaxor atx= 4.0%. Temperature-dependent phase transitions were eliminated nearx= 3.0%, with the ferroelectric limit observed atx= 5.0% and a transition to a low-loss relaxor dielectric nearx= 8.0%.
The wavevector star channel and symmetry group
Authors: Kim Il Hwan , Sin Kye Ryong , Pak Jong Ok , Kim Il Hun , Jang Kum Ok , Kim Chol Jin
Published: September 2021

The concepts of `wavevector star channel' and `wavevector star channel group' are newly defined, which allow the effective study of phase transitions considering directly the translational symmetry breaking in crystals. A method is suggested by which the wavevector star channels can be found using the image of the representation of the translational group. According to this method, the wavevector star channels are found for the 80 Lifschitz stars in the reciprocal lattice. The wavevector star channel group is defined as the set of symmetry elements of the parent phase which leave the star channel invariant, and the wavevector star channel groups with one, two, three and four arms are calculated. It is shown that the complicated symmetry changes in the pyroelectric crystal Pb1−x
Ca
x
TiO3 (PCT) can be described using the new five-component reducible order parameter transformed according to the representation of the wavevector star channel group, rather than the nine-component one based on the theory of the full irreducible representation of the space group.
The usefulness of IFRS-compliant reports: perceptions of Sri Lankan investors and lenders
Authors: Bandara Saman , Falta Michael
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine differential perceptions of lenders and investors on (1) the use, perceived usefulness, importance and adequacy of annual reports, (2) the importance of qualitative characteristics (QCs) and (3) the perceived impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on financial reporting quality (FRQ) in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey study of practising professionals consisting of Sri Lankan investors (N = 214) and lenders (N = 235).

Findings

In relation to (1), lenders and investors rank three out of ten information sources ahead of the remaining seven: both include annual reports and personal knowledge. However, the highest average response for lenders is direct communication with clients, and for investors, it is stock market publications. Within annual reports, both decision-makers identify financial statements as the most useful part. Concerning (2), they both identified understandability as the most important QC followed by timeliness. Relevance ranked last, surprisingly. In relation to (3), both groups perceived that the new IFRS reporting environment improved the FRQ compared to the previous Sri Lanka Accounting Standards regime.

Practical implications

Ranking understandability as the most important QC in terms of decision usefulness contradicts IASB's categorisation. The authors provide empirical data on the perceived degree of success of adopting IFRS in a developing economy.

Originality/value

The authors design a decision-oriented (lending vs investing) and context-specific (IASB's financial reporting framework) questionnaire to examine the perceptions of key capital providers separately on the issues mentioned above in “Purpose” within a developing economy. The survey fits into two aspects of the decision-useful theory: useful to make what decisions and useful to whom.
“I Drew Myself Right There”: third grade girls restorying for visual justice
Authors: Wiseman Angela M. , Turner Jennifer D. , Cappello Marva
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present three girls’ visual annotations and digital responses that restory a scene in the picturebook I’m New Here. The authors focus on how children use multimodal tools to reflect their critical knowledge of the world by illuminating how this group of girls responded to and incorporated broader social issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes place in a third-grade classroom. Using qualitative methods that build on critical multimodal literacy, the authors documented and analyzed children’s visual and digital interpretations. Data were generated from classroom sessions that incorporated interactive readalouds, as well as students’ annotated visual images, sketches, video and digital responses. The collaborative analytic process involved multiple passes to interpret visual, textual and multimodal elements.

Findings

The analyses revealed how Aliyah, Tiana and Carissa used multimodal tools to engage in the process of restorying. Through their multimodal composition, they designed images that illuminated their solidarity with the young female character wearing the hijab; their desire to disrupt xenophobic bullying; and their hope for a respectful and inclusive climate in their own classroom.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors examine how three girls in a third-grade classroom restory using critical multimodal literacy methods. These girls’ multimodal responses reflected how they disrupted dominant storylines of exclusionary practices. Their authentic acts of visual advocacy give us hope for the future.
Compatibility about the concept of energy hub: a strict and visual review
Authors: Hammad Mahmoud A. , Elgazzar Sara , Obrecht Matevž , Sternad Marjan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Despite the concept of energy hub becoming widely signed and used in recent literature for addressing energy geopolitics, policies and relationships, it is still being confused interchangeably with other concepts. Hence, the present paper aims to shed light on the concepts of an energy hub, energy corridor, energy transit and energy center to clarify the main differences among these concepts through conducting a systematic review for the previous studies using the VOSviewer software targeting the identification of the main research gaps and clearing any confusion related to these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted a systematic review based on a qualitative synthesis for the available publications from Web of Science and Scopus databases. It also followed strict search and filtration criteria based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. In this review, a total of 47 papers, which met the inclusion criteria were selected and identified in the synthesis, and a bibliometric visualization approach were implemented by using VOSviewer software.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis presented the growth of the research topic recently. Besides, text mining and keyword analysis revealed the key themes that address energy hubs issues such as security, geopolitics, relationships, policies and transit of energy. The main research gaps identified in this review will provide a reference point that will encourage and open new avenues for other interested researchers for future studies. Furthermore, this review contributes to our understanding of the literature related to energy hub area through bibliometric analysis and visualization of publications data.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this review may be the first bibliometric analysis and systematic review of the energy hub domain.
Challenging experiences: recommendations for promoting individual development
Authors: Carvalho Sheldon , Carvalho Charles , Carvalho Fallan Kirby
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Existing research on challenging experiences has focused primarily on the positive outcomes of these experiences for individuals and organizations. However, some studies have also highlighted the potential downsides to these experiences. This paper offers recommendations for organizations, including specific actions and interventions to foster development using challenging experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the academic and practitioner literature on challenging experiences to formulate their recommendations.

Findings

Based on a review of the literature, the authors offer five recommendations for organizations to manage challenging experiences effectively and, thus, foster the development of their employees.

Originality/value

The authors hope that the adoption of their five recommendations may assist organizations in improving their leadership bench strength.
Measuring higher education performance in Brazil: government indicators of performance vs ideal solution efficiency measures
Authors: Wanke Peter F. , Antunes Jorge J.J. , Miano Vitor Y. , Couto Cassio L.P. do , Mixon Franklin G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study extends the educational institutions' performance and efficiency literature by examining Brazil's Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology (FIEST), which consists of educational units throughout the country that span several levels of education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors build and analyze a covariance matrix consisting of both a group of efficiency measures and a group of performance indicators used by Brazil's Ministry of Education (BME). The values in the covariance matrix are maximized through application of the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), in which the weights of each variable are optimized in order to capture the direction of the relationship between the two sets of efficiency measures.

Findings

Although the authors find that the collective efficiency of the educational units analyzed did not change during the period of study, the analysis reveals that government indicators of performance do not exhibit a strong relationship to the ideal solution efficiency measures used in this study.

Originality/value

This study extends the educational institution efficiency literature by examining Brazil's FIEST, which consists of 40 educational units throughout the country that spans several levels of education, from upper high school vocational courses to higher degrees.
Study on micro-plastic behavior and tribological characteristics of granular materials in friction process
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Wei , Zhang Yi , Zhang Xu , Hu Zhaowen , Liu Kun , Wei Daogao
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the micro-plastic behavior of granular material in three-body friction interface and its effect on friction characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical model of particle breakage in friction contact was constructed based on the discrete element method. The influence of friction pair working condition and internal bonding strength on the micro-plastic behavior of particulate matter was analyzed. A reciprocating linear tribometer was used to verify the simulation results.

Findings

The results show that when the granular materials are squeezed and sheared by the friction pair, a shear zone inclined to the left is gradually formed, which leads to particle breakage. The breakage of the particle leads to the reduction of load-bearing capacity and the increase of friction coefficient. Due to the differences in bond strength and friction pairs working conditions, the particle plastic behavior is divided into the following three states: elastic deformation, breakage and plastic rheology.

Originality/value

This study is helpful to understand the effect of the micro-plastic behavior of particles on the three-body friction characteristics.
Reading time: exploring the temporal experiences of reading
Authors: Rothbauer Paulette M. , Cedeira Serantes Lucia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore various concepts of time and temporal dimensions in the context of everyday reading experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses theoretical bricolage that puts existing reading research into conversation with theories of time and temporalities.

Findings

Three registers of time in reading are put forward: (1) libraries and books as places that readers return to again and again over time, (2) temporalized reading bodies and (3) everyday reading as a temporalized practice.

Research limitations/implications

Using lenses of time and temporalities, everyday reading is shown to be central to ways of being in time. Subjectives experiences of time in the context of reading expand the limited ways that time is presented in much Library and Information Science (LIS) reading research.

Originality/value

This paper offers a new conceptual framework for studies of reading and readers in LIS.
Analysis of barriers intensity for investment in big data analytics for sustainable manufacturing operations in post-COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Kumar Narender , Kumar Girish , Singh Rajesh Kr
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study presents various barriers to adopt big data analytics (BDA) for sustainable manufacturing operations (SMOs) post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemics. In this study, 17 barriers are identified through extensive literature review and experts’ opinions for investing in BDA implementation. A questionnaire-based survey is conducted to collect responses from experts. The identified barriers are grouped into three categories with the help of factor analysis. These are organizational barriers, data management barriers and human barriers. For the quantification of barriers, the graph theory matrix approach (GTMA) is applied.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents various barriers to adopt BDA for the SMOs post-COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, 17 barriers are identified through extensive literature review and experts’ opinions for investing in BDA implementation. A questionnaire-based survey is conducted to collect responses from experts. The identified barriers are grouped into three categories with the help of factor analysis. These are organizational barriers, data management barriers and human barriers. For the quantification of barriers, the GTMA is applied.

Findings

The study identifies barriers to investment in BDA implementation. It categorizes the barriers based on factor analysis and computes the intensity for each category of a barrier for BDA investment for SMOs. It is observed that the organizational barriers have the highest intensity whereas the human barriers have the smallest intensity.

Practical implications

This study may help organizations to take strategic decisions for investing in BDA applications for achieving one of the sustainable development goals. Organizations should prioritize their efforts first to counter the barriers under the category of organizational barriers followed by barriers in data management and human barriers.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is that barriers to BDA investment for SMOs in the context of Indian manufacturing organizations have been analyzed. The findings of the study will assist the professionals and practitioners in formulating policies based on the actual nature and intensity of the barriers.
A practical framework for performance measurement of facilities management services in developing countries’ public hospitals
Authors: Amos Daniel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) plays a vital role toward creating the hospitable environment that supports the core clinical business of rendering quality health care. To ensure optimal performance of FM, public hospitals require a performance measurement (PM) framework that could guide and assist facilities managers in their operations. This paper aims to respond to this need by developing a performance measurement framework useful to improve FM performance within the context of developing countries hospital FM services delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper synthesizes knowledge from a comprehensive review of FM performance measurement literature and the results of an earlier PhD research on FM performance measurement in Ghana’s public hospitals.

Findings

The paper presents a simplified performance measurement framework which demonstrates four key performance measurement tasks: establishing performance goals; measuring the FM service delivery; evaluating FM outcomes; and performance review and reporting. The study suggests the establishment of a central coordination point to enhance performance measurement activities of public hospitals’ FM practices.

Research limitations/implications

Although reference is made to research on key performance indicators (KPIs), future study is recommended to develop appropriate methodology for selecting relevant KPIs. The author also intends to pilot the framework to a health facility in Ghana to leverage its usefulness, given the fact that it has not been tested empirically.

Practical implications

The application of the framework is expected to lead to the identification of performance gaps and weakness which when acted upon could lead to operational effectiveness and efficiency of the FM process, ultimately leading to improved FM performance.

Originality/value

The paper develops a novel performance measurement framework useful within the context of the nascent FM industry in the developing world.
Facilities technology management framework for public health-care institutions in a developing country
Authors: Dela Cruz Ramiro Z. , Ortega-Dela Cruz Ruth A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop a Facilities technology management framework for public health-care institutions in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used descriptive research design to identify the specifications of the framework via strategic initiatives anchored on efficiency, sustainability, ecological-friendliness and technological innovation. These measures are wrapped into a facilities TM framework which incorporates concepts and practices on risk management, facility management (FM) and TM.

Findings

Results of the survey of the public HCIs in the Philippines, show high levels of acceptability of proposed measures which identify the technologies, innovations and materials which are in the viable context of public hospital circumstances in the country.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are limited to the public HCIs in a developing country, and thus cannot be generalized to other HCIs particularly the private institutions.

Practical implications

The framework seeks to help improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of public HCIs in a developing country like the Philippines. The discussions on TM revolve around the application of TM approaches. Also, the study incorporates discussions on sustainability, technology innovation and the conformity of these with HCI standards, best practices and government requirements.

Social implications

The study takes into consideration the identification of FM principles and practices that are deemed suitable and applicable for public HCIs in a developing country. This study is intended to develop a TM framework for FM services which is cost-effective but not sacrificing safety, security, employees and the environment. Then the foremost consideration is the perceived suitability of the framework in the public HCI environment.

Originality/value

This is an original study. It has as its scope the fusion of FM and TM approaches that would help in the identification of challenges, requirements for manpower, processes and technologies (especially, information and communications technolog-based technologies), and a corresponding TM system framework for public HCI facilities in a developing country.
Analysis of the activities of law enforcement authorities in the field of combating crime and corruption offences
Authors: Omelchuk Oleh M. , Haiur Ihor Yo. , Kozytska Olena G. , Prysiazhna Anna V. , Khmelevska Natalia V.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the activities of law enforcement bodies in the field of combating crime and corruption offences.

Design/methodology/approach

In modern conditions in Ukraine, effective cooperation between law enforcement bodies and authorities at all levels, as well as with partner organisations and agencies at the national, regional and international levels to effectively combat crimes related to organised crime and corruption is of particular importance. Improving the investigative and detective capacity of the criminal justice system, combined with efforts to intensify cooperation, contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of joint struggle in this area, thus helping to deter, detect, punish and prevent crime and corruption offences. They must be directly part of a sustainable, long-term and comprehensive strategy to reduce the scope for corruption and open the political and economic system to greater competition.

Findings

The results of this study allow substantiating that the Ukrainian leadership understands the seriousness of corruption and organised crime: the state takes decisive legislative measures based on international experience.

Originality/value

The obvious mechanisms for reducing the level of corruption and organised crime in Ukraine can be: implementation of measures to ensure business freedom; the formation of anti-corruption business strategies; introduction of special methods of anti-corruption education; approbation in Ukraine of positive normative legal acts and practices of law enforcement of preventive nature of the European Union for joint activity of law enforcement bodies and civil society in the field of combating crime and corruption offences.
Crime scripting the criminal activities of money laundering – holistically
Authors: Gilmour Nicholas
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the benefit of applying crime script analysis at a macro level to expose money laundering as an interconnected series of events that contradict understanding which defines money laundering as a series of typological studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using previously captured data and detailed research studies alongside the professional experience of the author, this study creates a horizontal crime script for three distinct methods of money laundering – to determine characteristic nodes and identify pathways.

Findings

Despite significant research into money laundering typologies, this paper demonstrates that the process of money laundering cannot be separated into typological studies. By applying crime script analysis to each method of money laundering prior to analysing the nodes, activities and behaviours, money laundering can be identified as a series of interconnected services, business formalities and management activities.

Practical implications

This study is of value to government policymakers, regulators and financial institutions considering future preventative measures. It is also of value to financial investigators and law enforcement agencies intent on investigating money laundering. By applying the method of analysis outlined in this paper to each method of money laundering and then combining them together, it is possible to understand money laundering as a holistic process, in which webs of interconnected criminal events can be identified for investigative and preventative purposes.

Originality/value

Interest in crime script analysis is now supporting understanding of different crime types. This study goes beyond the analysis of individual types of money laundering and applies it in a “test format” against three methods of money laundering to create, for the first time, a holistic or macro appreciation of the interconnected series of events, activities and behaviours which exist beyond the characteristics routinely captured in money laundering typology reports.
Analyzing smart cities' reporting: do they report “smart”?
Authors: Cohen Sandra , Karatzimas Sotirios
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines the reporting practices of a sample of awarded smart cities that report in English by analyzing the financial and non-financial reports published in their websites.

Design/methodology/approach

The study performs a manifest content analysis on the financial and non-financial reports published by a sample of awarded – by various networks and organizations – smart cities. Integrated Popular Reporting that builds on Integrated Reporting, Popular Reporting and ICT advancements is used as the reference paradigm to analyze the content and the characteristics of these reports.

Findings

The results indicate that smart cities' reports are mainly developed conventionally and do not embed technological advancements. However, there are several smart cities that adopt a reporting paradigm where the five capitals of Integrated Reporting, over and above the financial one, are discussed.

Originality/value

Systematizing the way the existing reports of smart cities are developed provides evidence whether smart cities adopt reporting means that are consistent with their character, as well as, the specific areas they should focus to achieve that. Toward this end, collaborations between citizens and smart city councils, in the philosophy of co-production and co-creation of public value, could prove helpful in the development of useful reports.
In vitro evaluation of cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of ethanolic extract of sweet apricot kernel on PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Aamazadeh Fatemeh , Barar Jaleh , Rahbar Saadat Yalda , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of sweet apricot kernel ethanolic extract (SAEE) on human cancerous PANC-1 and 293/KDR normal cells.

Design/methodology/approach

The extract was prepared by maceration, and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The biological effects of SAEE on PANC-1 and 293/KDR cells were investigated using MTT (3–(4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and AnnexinV/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time q-PCR) analysis.

Findings

The SAEE showed the selective growth inhibitory activity against PANC-1 cells with an IC50 (the 50% inhibitory concentration) value of about 1 mg/mL at 72 h. Further investigations by DAPI staining and flow cytometry revealed nucleus fragmentation and elevation of apoptotic cells, respectively. Also, a significant decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated x protein (Bax) ratio (0.41, p = 0.001) and the up-regulation of caspase-3 expression (1.5 fold, p = 0.002) indicated the induction of apoptosis in PANC-1 cells but not in 293/KDR non-cancerous cells. These results suggest that SAEE could induce apoptosis in cancer cells via a mitochondrial dependent pathway. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis showed that the SAEE is rich in γ-sitosterol and γ-tocopherol. Overall, the findings suggest that because of the selective impacts of SAEE on PANC-1 cells, it can be considered as a supportive care in adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer. However, the potent anticancer effects of main components of SAEE and its clinical value as an antitumor drug should be further investigated.

Research limitations/implications

Considerable limitations of this study were that the related mechanisms of selective impacts of SAEE on cancerous and normal cells and potent cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of γ-sitosterol and γ-tocopherol as major components of SAEE were not investigated.

Originality/value

Recently, a growing interest has been dedicated to plant-based natural products. Sweet apricot kernel exerts a number of pharmacological activities; however, the anticancer effect, related mechanisms and its active compounds were rarely investigated. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of SAEE on human cancerous PANC-1 and 293/KDR normal cells.
Green natural dye from Buddleja officinalis and its ultrasonic dyeing on cotton fabric
Authors: Ke Guizhen , Zhao Ziying , Shuhui Chen , Li Jianqiang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a new eco-friendly green textile dyeing. Natural plant Buddleja officinalis is traditionally used as yellow pigment addition in rice. It is worth developing its application and dyeing performance in cotton fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

Buddleja officinalis dried flower was extracted with ethanol aqueous. The extraction conditions including ethanol concentration, material to liquor ratio, extract time and temperature were optimized. Then cotton fabrics were dyed with Buddleja officinalis extraction under conventional and ultrasonic conditions. The effects of dyeing time, bath ratio, pH value of dyeing bath, dyeing temperature and mordants on K/S values were studied and the resulting color strength obtained by conventional and ultrasonic dyeing were compared. The ultraviolet (UV) transmittance of Buddleja officinalis dyed cotton fabric was also evaluated.

Findings

The color strength of the fabric dyed with Buddleja officinalis under ultrasonic conditions was higher than that under conventional conditions. Alum, Fe and Cu as simultaneous mordants improved the K/S value of the dyed cotton fabrics. Both washing fastness and rubbing fastness were fairly good in all Buddleja officinalis dyed cotton fabrics, washing fastness = 3–4 and rubbing fastness = 4. What’s more, the dyed cotton fabrics showed lower transmittance values as compared to undyed cotton fabrics and indicated potential UV protection capability.

Practical implications

Buddleja officinalis can be a new natural dye source for the ultrasonic dyeing of cotton fabric.

Originality/value

It is for the first time that Buddleja officinalis is used as a natural dye in cotton fabric dyeing with less water and the dyeing using ultrasound has been found to have an obvious improvement in the color strength and color-fastness.
Customers’ willingness of irresponsible industry 4.0 companies to co-create sustainable practices
Authors: Escobar-Sierra Manuela , García-Cardona Alejandra , León-Darder Fidel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this regard, this paper aims to wonder how willing to co-create sustainable practices customers of irresponsible Industry 4.0 (I4.0) companies are? With this purpose, the authors began introducing I4.0 and sustainability, showing their theoretical gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

I4.0 has recently spread with its technological developments and social, economic and political ambitions, facing challenges-related, for example, to the implementation of sustainable practices and the stakeholders’ participation.

Findings

Then the authors conduct a literature review following a sequential mix-method approach that begins with a bibliometric analysis and ends with a content study to propose a conceptual model for I4.0 and sustainability. Once the authors understood the theoretical gaps in the framework of the conceptual model, the authors conducted an empirical verification between clients of a Colombian company of the I4.0 belonging to the logistic sector, specifically of the deliveries, asking them about the labor issues that the company faces with delivery people and their willingness to co-create. The authors analyzed the collected data through a structural equation modeling model, where the authors found that customers’ willingness to co-create depends on intrinsic behaviors like “responsible behavior,” followed by extrinsic behaviors such as “helping.”

Originality/value

In fact, stakeholders may support companies, but customers must learn how to assume a critical posture during their purchase decision.
Larval dispersal and fishing pressure influence recruitment in a coral reef fishery
Authors: Hamilton Richard J. , Lozano‐Cortés Diego , Bode Michael , Almany Glenn R. , Harrison Hugo B. , Pita John , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Gereniu Collin , Waldie Pete A. , Peterson Nate , Choat John Howard , Berumen Michael L.
Published: September 2021

Understanding larval connectivity patterns in exploited fishes is a fundamental prerequisite for developing effective management strategies and assessing the vulnerability of a fishery to recruitment overfishing and localised extinction. To date, however, researchers have not considered how regional variations in fishing pressure also influence recruitment.

We used genetic parentage analyses and modelling to infer the dispersal patterns of bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum larvae in the Kia fishing grounds, Isabel Province, Solomon Islands. We then extrapolated our Kia dispersal model to a regional scale by mapping the available nursery and adult habitat for B. muricatum in six regions in the western Solomon Islands, and estimated the relative abundance of adult B. muricatum populations in each of these regions based on available adult habitat and historical and current fishing pressure.

Parentage analysis identified 67 juveniles that were the offspring of parents sampled in the Kia fishing grounds. A fitted larval dispersal kernel predicted that 50% of larvae settled within 30 km of their parents, and 95% settled within 85 km of their parents. After accounting for unsampled adults, our model predicted that 34% of recruitment to the Kia fishery was spawned locally. Extrapolating the spatial resolution of the model revealed that a high proportion of the larvae recruiting into the Kia fishing grounds came from nearby regions that had abundant adult populations. Other islands in the archipelago provided few recruits to the Kia fishing grounds, reflecting the greater distances to these islands and lower adult abundances in some regions.

Synthesis and applications. This study shows how recruitment into a coral reef fishery is influenced by larval dispersal patterns and regional variations in historical fishing pressure. The scales of larval connectivity observed for bumphead parrotfish indicate that recruitment overfishing is unlikely if there are lightly exploited reefs up to 85 km away from a heavily fished region, and that small (<1 km2) marine‐protected areas (MPAs) are insufficient to protect this species. We recommend greater efforts to understand the interactions between larval dispersal and gradients of fishing pressure, as this will enable the development of tailored fisheries management strategies.
Cross‐border bank flows through foreign branches and the effect of a macroprudential policy
Authors: Yun Youngjin
Published: September 2021

Global banks play an important role in the international transmission of shocks by allocating funds across the world through their foreign affiliates. Using monthly data on individual foreign bank branches in Korea from 2004 to 2018, this paper investigates how global banks propagate shocks and examines the effect of one particular macroprudential measure that was introduced to reduce the volatility of cross‐border bank flows. I find that foreign bank branches actively adjust their borrowing from headquarters by responding to changes in interest rates and the covered interest parity deviations. An important underlying heterogeneity is revealed: branches with high shares of loans in their balance sheets are more sensitive to interest rate changes, while branches with high bond shares respond more to the covered interest parity deviation. The macroprudential policy restricting the foreign exchange derivative positions of banks to be less than certain multiples of the long‐term capital does make the branches capitalize more by borrowing over the long term from parent banks, but the policy mostly affects the bond‐type branches and has no effect on total borrowing from the parent banks.
Ibudilast attenuates alcohol cue–elicited frontostriatal functional connectivity in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Burnette Elizabeth M. , Ray Lara A. , Irwin Michael R. , Grodin Erica N.
Published: September 2021

Background

Ibudilast, a novel neuroimmune modulator being studied to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), was shown in a randomized controlled trial (NCT03489850) to reduce ventral striatum (VS) activation in response to visual alcohol cues. The present study extended this finding by probing the effects of ibudilast on alcohol cue–elicited functional connectivity (i.e., temporally correlated activation) with the VS seed. The study also tests the association between functional connectivity and alcohol use during the trial.

Methods

Non–treatment‐seeking participants (n = 45) with current alcohol use disorder were randomized to receive twice‐daily dosing with either ibudilast (50 mg; n = 20) or placebo (n = 25). Upon reaching the target dosagee of the medication or placebo, participants completed a functional neuroimaging alcohol cue reactivity paradigm. Drinks per drinking day were assessed at baseline and daily during the 2‐week trial.

Results

Ibudilast reduced alcohol cue–elicited functional connectivity between the VS seed and reward‐processing regions including the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices compared with placebo (p < 0.05). Cue‐elicited functional connectivity was correlated with drinks per drinking day (R2 = 0.5351, p < 0.001), and ibudilast reduced this association in similar reward‐processing regions compared with placebo.

Conclusions

Ibudilast's effects on drinking outcomes may be related to the attenuation of functional connectivity in frontostriatal circuits related to reward processing. These results provide an important proof of concept for this novel pharmacotherapy and support the clinical utility of incorporating neuroimaging—and especially functional connectivity—analyses into medication development.
Trajectories of early alcohol use milestones: Interrelations among initiation and progression
Authors: Jackson Kristina M. , Marceau Kristine , Colby Suzanne M. , Barnett Nancy P. , Rogers Michelle L. , Hayes Kerri L.
Published: September 2021

Background

Alcohol use shows age‐graded patterning, with normative use progressing through characteristic milestones of escalating use or severity. Despite some knowledge about the timing of milestone attainment and sequencing across milestones, there is a gap in our understanding of the earliest stages of use. This study characterizes the timing, sequencing, and speed of progression through milestones beginning with the first sip of alcohol.

Methods

Sixth through eighth graders (N = 1023; 52% female; 76% White;M = 12.23 years old) completed web surveys through the end of high school. Participants reported on alcohol experiences including the first sip, full drink, consumption of 3+ drinks/occasion (heavy drinking), being drunk, and experiencing acute consequences, from which milestone age and speed of progression (duration) were calculated. Milestone prevalence, sequencing, and timing were characterized, and associations between age of attainment and speed of progression were examined. We also examined whether milestone timing and progression varied by sex and racial/ethnic group.

Results

Overall, milestones followed the expected ordering with the exception of heavy drinking (3+ drinks/occasion) and being drunk, which appear to index similar experiences. An earlier age of attainment was associated with an increased likelihood of attaining each of the milestones. In contrast, once a milestone was achieved, there was reduced risk of initiation of subsequent adjacent milestones for individuals with an earlier first sip and full drink, and earlier initiation was associated with a longer duration to subsequent milestones. Girls were more likely to attain all milestones than boys, but there was no sex difference in the age of attainment. In contrast, Hispanic youth reported earlier ages of initiation than White non‐Hispanic youth, but the likelihood of attainment did not vary by race/ethnicity. Rapid progression was observed in females but did not vary by race/ethnicity.

Discussion

Risks associated with early drinking are complex, with little support for normative ordering of milestones beyond the first sip. Although early drinking is associated with an increased risk of subsequent drinking, it does not appear to place the drinker on an accelerated course to heavier use. A nuanced understanding of risks associated with milestone timing may inform intervention efforts.
Training in obstetric anal sphincter injuries in Australia and New Zealand: A survey of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists trainees
Authors: Young Rebecca , Nippita Tanya A. C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Training in obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in Australia and New Zealand relies upon consultant teaching and has not previously been assessed.

Aims

The aims of this study are to establish if training in OASIS is consistent and optimal in Australia and New Zealand and to evaluate trainee perspectives on supervision and teaching, along with confidence in repairing OASIS.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists trainees were sent a 21‐question survey. The survey was distributed to 725 trainees, and 132 trainees provided complete responses (18.2%). The main outcome measures were (i) comparison of confidence in performing a caesarean section versus OASIS repair and (ii) descriptive analysis of views towards training and suggestions for improvement.

Results

Trainees were significantly more confident in performing a caesarean section independently compared to OASIS repair (P < 0.05). This was the case for all year groups. Confidence increased with each year of training. Only 62% reported credentialing at their site. Whereas 50% reported training at the time of first unsupervised repair as good or excellent, 22.7% felt it was suboptimal and 2.3% unsatisfactory; 75.8% had attended a workshop; 38.6% requested mandatory workshops. Requests included that workshops be yearly, include video training and be required at consultant level. Trainees asked for supervision despite credentialing and for separate credentialing for 3A/B‐ and 3C/4th‐degree tears.

Conclusions

Trainees have increasing confidence in their ability to independently perform OASIS repairs throughout training. They requested that improvements be made to training and that there be an increase in structured teaching.
The impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on glycaemic control and use of health services among children followed at a Danish diabetes clinic
Authors: Kofoed Poul‐Erik , Timm Signe
Published: September 2021

Aim

During COVID‐19 restrictions, the paediatric clinic only accepted essential outpatient visits, schools closed, sports activities and social life were limited. Most employees worked at home. This quasi‐experiment evaluates how this affected glycaemic control and use of health services among children with diabetes.

Methods

Paired t‐tests were used to compare HbA1c‐values before, during and after lockdown. Sub‐analyses were stratified by pre‐lockdown HbA1c‐values.

Results

Overall mean HbA1c decreased from 58.3 to 56.9 mmol/mol (p = 0.025) from pre‐ to post‐lockdown, a decrease also seen during the same season the previous year. HbA1c decreased by −4.2 mmol/mol (p = 0.002) for patients with pre‐lockdown HbA1c > 59 mmol/mol, but increased slightly by 0.8 mmol/mol (p = 0.176) for patients with HbA1c < 52 mmol/mol. HbA1c measured 8 months post‐lockdown increased again, most pronounced for patients with lowest HbA1c. During lockdown, virtual contacts increased from 0.1 to 0.5 contacts/patient/month and stayed post‐lockdown at 0.3 contacts/patient/month.

Conclusion

Compared to 2019, overall the COVID‐19 restrictions did not influence the glycaemic control negatively. However, patients with pre‐lockdown HbA1c < 52 mmol/mol experienced a deterioration, whereas those with HbA1c > 59 mmol/mol experienced an improvement. Less stress and more contact with parents may contribute to the last‐mentioned finding. The lockdown enforced more virtual contacts between patients and the clinic.
Zoonotic and reverse zoonotic transmission of viruses between humans and pigs
Authors: Glud Helena Aagaard , George Sophie , Skovgaard Kerstin , Larsen Lars Erik
Published: September 2021

Humans and pigs share a close contact relationship, similar biological traits, and one of the highest estimated number of viruses compared to other mammalian species. The contribution and directionality of viral exchange between humans and pigs remain unclear for some of these viruses, but their transmission routes are important to characterize in order to prevent outbreaks of disease in both host species. This review collects and assesses the evidence to determine the likely transmission route of 27 viruses between humans and pigs.
Italian adolescents’ adjustment before and during the coronavirus disease 2019: A comparison between mothers’ and adolescents’ perception
Authors: Babore Alessandra , Morelli Mara , Trumello Carmen
Published: September 2021

The current cross‐sectional study aimed to analyse adolescents’ adjustment during and before the lockdown caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, by evaluating levels of emotional problems and hyperactivity as referred by adolescents themselves. A further purpose was to compare adolescents’ and mothers’ perception about adolescents’ adjustment. Participants comprised 206 adolescents (50.5% females; mean age = 12.2; SD = 3.3) and their mothers (mean age = 43.9; SD = 5.9). Findings showed that levels of emotional symptoms and hyperactivity in adolescents during the pandemic were significantly higher than before. This worsening was consistently detected by both mothers and adolescents themselves. Two main conclusions are highlighted by the current research: During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, adolescents participating to this study detected a worsening in their well‐being; mothers’ perceptions of their adolescents’ psychological problems may be considered reliable and consistent with the offspring’s point of view.

Practitioner points

Italian adolescents’ adjustment during the COVID‐19 outbreak has been little investigated.

The current study highlighted a worsening in adolescents’ well‐being, in terms of higher emotional symptoms and hyperactivity, with respect to the pre‐pandemic period.

This worsening was consistently highlighted by both adolescents themselves and their mothers.