bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum states of an electromagnetic field interacting with a classical current and their applications to radiation problems
Authors: Bagrov V. G. , Gitman D. M. , Shishmarev A. A. , Farias A. J. D.
Published: June 2020

Synchrotron radiation was originally studied by classical methods using the Liénard–Wiechert potentials of electric currents. Subsequently, quantum corrections to the classical formulas were studied, considering the emission of photons arising from electronic transitions between spectral levels, described in terms of the Dirac equation. In this paper, an intermediate approach is considered, in which electric currents generating the radiation are considered classically while the quantum nature of the radiation is taken into account exactly. Such an approximate approach may be helpful in some cases; it allows one to study one-photon and multi-photon radiation without complicating calculations using corresponding solutions of the Dirac equation. Here, exact quantum states of an electromagnetic field interacting with classical currents are constructed and their properties studied. With their help, the probability of photon emission by classical currents is calculated and relatively simple formulas for one-photon and multi-photon radiation are obtained. Using the specific circular electric current, the corresponding synchrotron radiation is calculated. The relationship between the obtained results and those known before are discussed, for example with the Schott formula, with Schwinger calculations, with one-photon radiation of scalar particles due to transitions between Landau levels, and with some previous results of calculating two-photon synchrotron radiation.
Measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement
Authors: O'Connell Brendan Thomas , De Lange Paul , Martin-Sardesai Ann , Agyemang Gloria
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine prominent issues and knowledge contributions from research exploring measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement. This paper also provides an overview of the other papers presented in this AAAJ Special Issue and draws from their findings to scope out future impactful research opportunities in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Consists of a review and examination of the prior literature and the other papers published in this AAAJ Special Issue.

Findings

The paper identifies and summarises three key research themes in the extant literature: research productivity of accounting academics; the rise of the “Corporate University” and commodification of research; and, the benefits and limitations of Research Assessment Exercises. It draws upon work within these research themes to set out four broad areas for future impactful research.

Research limitations/implications

The value of this paper rests with collating and synthesising several important research themes on the nature and impact of measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement, and in prompting future extensions of this work through setting out areas for further innovative research in the area.

Practical implications

The research examined in this paper and the future research avenues proposed are highly relevant to university academics, administrators and regulators/policymakers. They also offer important insights into matters of accounting measurement, accountability, and control more generally.

Originality/value

This paper adds to vibrant existing streams of research in the area by bringing together authors from different areas of accounting research for this AAAJ Special Issue. In scoping out an agenda for impactful research in the nature and impact of measurement and assessment of accounting research, impact and engagement, this paper also draws attention to underexplored issues pertaining to areas such as the “lived experience” of academics in the corporatised university and envisioning what a future “optimal” system of measurement and assessment of research quality might look like?
Enhancing classroom instruction with online news
Authors: Ekstrand Michael D. , Wright Katherine Landau , Pera Maria Soledad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates how school teachers look for informational texts for their classrooms. Access to current, varied and authentic informational texts improves learning outcomes for K-12 students, but many teachers lack resources to expand and update readings. The Web offers freely available resources, but finding suitable ones is time-consuming. This research lays the groundwork for building tools to ease that burden.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports qualitative findings from a study in two stages: (1) a set of semistructured interviews, based on the critical incident technique, eliciting teachers' information-seeking practices and challenges; and (2) observations of teachers using a prototype teaching-oriented news search tool under a think-aloud protocol.

Findings

Teachers articulated different objectives and ways of using readings in their classrooms, goals and self-reported practices varied by experience level. Teachers struggled to formulate queries that are likely to return readings on specific course topics, instead searching directly for abstract topics. Experience differences did not translate into observable differences in search skill or success in the lab study.

Originality/value

There is limited work on teachers' information-seeking practices, particularly on how teachers look for texts for classroom use. This paper describes how teachers look for information in this context, setting the stage for future development and research on how to support this use case. Understanding and supporting teachers looking for information is a rich area for future research, due to the complexity of the information need and the fact that teachers are not looking for information for themselves.
Beyond the horizon of words: silent landscape experience within spiritual retreat tourism
Authors: Mourtazina Ellina
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion and function of silent landscape in a touristic experience by presenting the findings of a study on silent retreats in a Buddhist meditation retreat center in Northern India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a sensory ethnography approach applied through interviews and participant observation methods conducted during and after nine retreats in a meditation center.

Findings

This study suggests that silent landscapes are not only backdrops of touristic experiences but can be considered as inter-subjective performative and resourceful milieu of engagement that intertwine intimate embodied experiences with broader social and cultural values.

Originality/value

Despite landscapes having been thoroughly investigated in tourist studies, this paper underlines the pertinence of mobilizing the lens of other forms of presences such as affects, embodiment, sensoriality and sonority to understand the inter-relation between tourists-selves and the surrounding world encountered during their travels.
Low-cost IoT framework for irrigation monitoring and control
Authors: Borah Siddhanta , Kumar R. , Mukherjee Subhradip
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to make an IoT-based low-cost and power-efficient portable system to control irrigation using a threshold value algorithm and to measure soil-irrigation-related parameters such as soil moisture, soil temperature, humidity and air temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a threshold value algorithm to optimize power consumption and to control irrigation process.

Findings

The system uses ESP-12F 8266 as the main microcontroller unit to monitor and control irrigation system. The system also consists of an actuator system that triggers automatically based on a threshold value algorithm. An open-source cloud platform is used to monitor and store all the data for future perspective. To make the system run for a long time without any human intervention, a solar panel is used as an alternate source of energy for charging the 12V lithium-ion battery. The battery takes 2.64 h for full charging considering peak intensity of sunlight. A capacitive moisture sensor is included using less expensive 555 timer and calibrated to measure water content in the soil. The 555 timer is used in astable mode of configuration to generate a signal of 572 KHz. The calibrated sensor data when compared with a standard SEN0193 moisture sensor shows an error of 3.4%. The prototype model is made to optimize the power consumption. This can be achieved by utilizing sleep mode of ESP-12F 8266. The total cost involved to make the system is 3900.55 Indian rupees and around US$54.90.

Practical implications

The device is tested in a flower garden during winter season of Nagaland, India, for 75 days to collect all the data and to automate the irrigation process.

Originality/value

The proposed threshold value algorithm optimizes the power consumption of the device, and wastage of water is reduced up to 60% as compared to the traditional method of irrigation.
The relationship between corporate governance, corporate characteristics and agricultural credit supply: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Mehedi Sohel , Rahman Habibur , Jalaludin Dayana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the level of agricultural credit by commercial banks and the determinants that influence the commercial banks to the increased level of agricultural credit through the pressures of the institutional environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study selects seventeen sample commercial banks following the market capitalization method and investigates a total of 85 annual reports during the period from 2013 to 2017. The study conducts a pooled regression to conclude the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The present study finding indicates that the average of agricultural credits to total credits is 2.25% among the sample commercial banks. The study finds a positive significant association between board gender diversity, foreign director, management team and agricultural credit. Furthermore, the study has found that the role of the deposit in enhancing agricultural credit is positive. On the other hand, the association between independent directors, profitability and agricultural credits is negative.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on secondary data with five firm-year observations of commercial banks. The study finding is based on commercial banks, so it should not be generalized to non-bank financial institutions.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes policymakers’ attention towards the level of agricultural credit and determinants that influence the level of agricultural credit by commercial banks in emerging markets.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the study is to focus on the reformist role of the determinants in promoting the increased level of agricultural credit in the emerging markets.
Numerical study of fatigue damage under random loading using Rainflow cycle counting
Authors: Kebir Tayeb , Correia José A.F.O. , Benguediab Mohamed , Jesus Abilio M.P. De
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this scientific work is to simulate the fatigue damage under random loading, taking into account the mean stress effect on fatigue lifetime and using the Rainflow counting technique to assess the fatigue damage by the Ansys software. The used material is aluminum alloy 6082-T6. A comparison with literature results has confirmed this investigation in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The study of fatigue under random loading is based on the same concepts as constant loading with the addition of damage summation. The proportion of damage caused by a stress cycle depends not only on the alternating stress but also on the mean stress.

Findings

Analysis of the fatigue damage shows that the number of relative damage due to each cycle.

Originality/value

This paper aims to simulate the fatigue damage under random loading for aluminum alloys.
The effect of early career social capital on long-term income development in Finland
Authors: Oinas Tomi , Ruuskanen Petri , Hakala Mari , Anttila Timo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In this study, the authors examine whether social capital embedded in individuals' social networks is connected to employees' long-term income development in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyses are based on 25–35-year-old employees from the Finnish Living Conditions Survey of 1994 combined with register data on earned incomes from 1995 to 2016. The authors used questions addressing the frequency of meeting parents or siblings, spending free time with co-workers and participation in associational, civic or other societal activities as measures of the extent of network capital. Ordered logistic model was used to examine whether the size and composition of social networks differ by gender and socio-economic status. Linear growth curve models were employed to estimate the effect of social capital on long-term income development.

Findings

Results indicate minor differences in network composition according to gender, but large differences between socio-economic groups. The authors found that income development was faster for those who participated in civic activities occasionally or who met their relatives or co-workers on a monthly basis, that is, for the “middle group”.

Research limitations/implications

Results are generalizable only to Finnish or Nordic welfare state context. The authors’ measures of social capital come from cross-sectional survey. Thus, the authors are not able to address the stability or accumulation of social capital during life course. This restriction will probably cause the authors’ analysis to underestimate the true effect of social capital on earned incomes.

Practical implications

Moderate-level investments to network capital seem to be the most beneficial with regard to the long-term income development.

Social implications

The study results give support to the idea that social capital can be transformed into economic capital. The results also imply that in economic terms it is important to balance diverse forms of social capital. At the policy level, a special emphasis should be directed to employees with low-socio-economic position. These people are especially vulnerable as their low level of income is combined with network composition that hinders their further income development.

Originality/value

The combined survey and register data give unique insight on how the social capital embedded in individuals' social networks is connected with long-term income development.
The moderating effect of virtual integration on intergenerational governance and relationship performance in international customer–supplier relationships
Authors: Jean Ruey-Jer Bryan , Kim Daekwan , Lien Yung-Chih , Ro Sangbum
Published: June 2020

Purpose

With the growing trend of digital technology in global supply chains, how to manage global supply chain relationships under digital transformation becomes a critical issue. However, academic research in this area is sparse. This study develops and tests a theoretical framework of the moderating effect of virtual integration on interorganziational governance in international customer supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

We chose to examine the specific cross-border relationships between Taiwanese suppliers and their international OEMs because Taiwanese suppliers tend to be smaller than their international OEM customers, and thus their relationships usually show power asymmetry. Furthermore, the Taiwanese electronics industry offers a valuable empirical context because its industry members have served as pioneers in information technology development, have championed cross-border relationships with US and European industry leaders and are actively participating in the world economy

Findings

Our empirical findings indicate that virtual integration will strengthen the effect contractual governance on relationship performance. However, the moderating effect of virtual integration on relational governance is not significant. The paper discusses the theoretical and managerial implications in the end.

Originality/value

This study contributes to interorganizational governance literature in international contexts. Previous work on international relationship management has focused much on MNE buyers' perspectives and paid little attention to the suppliers' perspectives. This study extends this stream of research by empirically examining how suppliers can govern their MNEs' customers via different governance mechanisms. The findings extend literature on virtual integration and show that virtual integration can complement detailed contract and safeguard opportunism, which in turn, enhance relationship performance in international customer–supplier relationships.
Increasing or decreasing reading trend: an overview of the current status of the public libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Rafi Muhammad , Ahmad Khurshid , Jian Ming Zheng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

As the human race moved from the Paleolithic to the current phases of the Neolithic period, the learning process developed from inscriptions on stones to clay tablets, from papyrus to papers and, ultimately, to digital technology. From ancient times to the present, public libraries have become open universities that are more democratic in the provision of educational and information services and the preservation of cultural heritage, regardless of gender and belief. This study attempts to understand reading trends and the use of citizens’ resources in public libraries in the age of technology as an open university.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study on regular visitors, permanent library members, and information on the library inventory was collected from each public library administration through personal visits and interviews. In addition, data on regional population and literacy rates were collected from the Government of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Bureau of Statistics. The authors used descriptive statistics to analyze data for comparative studies.

Findings

The results show that daily visitors, regular library members and their use of library resources are decreasing compared to the literacy rate in each district. It was also concluded that, due to a lack of education and training in the area of information and digital literacy, the accessed database resources are not used properly. Moreover, each densely populated district relies on a single public library to meet general education and information needs.

Practical implications

The results of this study will help the government expand the network of public libraries at the union council level with competent working staff to increase general motivation to improve reading and resource usage trends. Given the current literacy and population growth in each district, the law on the public library can also be amended and implemented to support the existing library system better and create more libraries in the public interest.

Originality/value

This study was conducted for the first time to determine the current state of public libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to help public library authorities improve their existing public library service status based on the results.
Environmental disclosure quality and risk: the moderating effect of corporate governance
Authors: Rezaee Zabihollah , Alipour Mohammad , Faraji Omid , Ghanbari Mehrdad , Jamshidinavid Babak
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between environmental disclosure quality (EDQ) and risk and to further examine whether corporate governance (CG) practices moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a set of unique, hand collected data (from 2011 to 2016) to measure EDQ for a sample of 762 firm-years Iranian listed companies. Ordinary least squares regression analysis is performed in testing hypotheses after controlling for a variety of firm, industry and year effects. Moreover, several analyses are performed to establish the robustness of the findings.

Findings

The results indicate a negative association between EDQ and firm risk. While board independence moderates this relationship, other CG practices such as CEO duality and board size do not show any effects on the relationship between EDQ and risk. The results remain robust after performing sensitivity tests and under various specifications, including the fixed-effects panel data and Heckman two-stage regressions.

Research limitations/implications

Results are from a sample of firms from one country.

Practical implications

The results have implications for policymakers, legislators and corporate executives, as environmental initiatives are gaining more attention worldwide.

Social implications

Sustainability initiatives in the areas of environmental and social performance and disclosure are gaining global attention. This study addresses the link between firm risk and EDQ.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the relationship between corporate risk-taking and EDQ in the context of a developing economy.
Non‐neuronal kappa‐opioid receptor activation enhances epidermal keratinocyte proliferation, and modulates mast cell functions in human skin ex vivo
Authors: Chéret Jérémy , Gherardini Jennifer , Soeberdt Michael , Hundt Jennifer E. , Abels Christoph , Bertolini Marta , Paus Ralf
Published: June 2020

Kappa‐opioid receptor (KOR) activation reportedly elicits anti‐inflammatory responses and can downregulate neuropeptide release from sensory nerve fibers. While this renders KOR agonists (KORAs) potentially interesting therapeutics in skin diseases associated with neurogenic inflammation, it remains poorly understood how KOR agonists impact on human skin and dermal mast cells (MCs) ex vivo, in the absence of functional innervation. The KORA 5a was administrated to the culture medium (200 nmol/L and 1 µmol/L) in human skin organ culture, thus mimicking a “systemic” mode of application. We show that KORA significantly increased epidermal thickness and upregulated the number and proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. Unexpectedly, it also stimulated epidermal keratinocyte apoptosis in situ, compared with vehicle. Moreover, KORA significantly decreased the number of c‐Kit‐positive MCs, but did not significantly alter the number or degranulation of mature (tryptase‐ or toluidine blue‐positive) MCs. These pilot observations render the tested KORA (5a) an interesting candidate for the management of inflammatory dermatoses in which MC‐dependent neurogenic skin inflammation plays an important role (e.g. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis).
Common variants in IL17F gene contributed to the risk of hip osteoarthritis susceptibility in Han Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Tianyun , Ma Chi , Wang Wei , Zhao Bin , Xie Baopin , Liu Jibin
Published: June 2020

Aim

The prevalence of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) varies by ethnicity, suggesting genetic heterogeneity in populations and predilection sites. Given the unknown mechanism of IL17F gene in the etiology of OA, it is necessary to examine the potential shared susceptibility of IL17F gene between knee OA and hip OA (HOA). This study aimed to evaluate the association of the IL17F gene and susceptibility to HOA in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 2650 study subjects, comprising 796 HOA patients and 1854 controls, were recruited into the present study. Seven tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for genotyping. Single marker‐based genetic association analyses were conducted at both the genotypic and allelic levels. χ2 statistics were calculated for statistical testing, and odds ratios were obtained to estimate the effects of genotypes and alleles for each SNP.

Results

The SNP rs763780 was identified to be significantly associated with the risk of HOA at both genotypic (χ2 = 12.45, P = .002) and allelic levels (χ2 = 11.83, P = .0006). A linkage disequilibrium (LD) block comprised of 3 SNPs (rs12201582‐rs12203736‐rs722323) was also significantly associated with the risk of HOA. In addition, rs2294835 was identified to be associated with HOA severity (χ2 = 12.10, P = .02).

Conclusion

Our results showed that IL17F gene contributed to the risk of HOA in a Han Chinese population, which would help to elucidate the pathogenesis of OA and facilitate the development of novel medicines and treatments for OA.
Diet‐MEF2 interactions shape lipid droplet diversification in muscle to influence Drosophila lifespan
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Li Xiaotong , Shi Xiangyu , Karpac Jason
Published: June 2020

The number, size, and composition of lipid droplets can be influenced by dietary changes that shift energy substrate availability. This diversification of lipid droplets can promote metabolic flexibility and shape cellular stress responses in unique tissues with distinctive metabolic roles. Using Drosophila, we uncovered a role for myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) in modulating diet‐dependent lipid droplet diversification within adult striated muscle, impacting mortality rates. Muscle‐specific attenuation of MEF2, whose chronic activation maintains glucose and mitochondrial homeostasis, leads to the accumulation of large, cholesterol ester‐enriched intramuscular lipid droplets in response to high calorie, carbohydrate‐sufficient diets. The diet‐dependent accumulation of these lipid droplets also correlates with both enhanced stress protection in muscle and increases in organismal lifespan. Furthermore, MEF2 attenuation releases an antagonistic regulation of cell cycle gene expression programs, and up‐regulation of Cyclin E is required for diet‐ and MEF2‐dependent diversification of intramuscular lipid droplets. The integration of MEF2‐regulated gene expression networks with dietary responses thus plays a critical role in shaping muscle metabolism and function, further influencing organismal lifespan. Together, these results highlight a potential protective role for intramuscular lipid droplets during dietary adaptation.
Practical wisdom: A virtue for leaders. Bringing together Aquinas and Authentic Leadership
Authors: Ferrero Ignacio , Rocchi Marta , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Reichert Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

This article analyzes in detail the virtue of practical wisdom as described by Thomas Aquinas, and on this basis it develops a comprehensive framework to enrich Authentic Leadership theory, establishing the virtue of practical wisdom as foundational for the authentic leader’s behavior and character development, and highlighting shortfalls that may stem from vices opposed to it. The goal of the article is two‐fold: First, it seeks to fill a void on the role of virtues–and in particular practical wisdom–in leadership studies; second, it aims to show how cultivating the virtue of practical wisdom as described by Aquinas promotes the development of exactly those traits that are characteristic of an authentic leader, offering a set of propositions delineating these correlations.
The psychosocial impact of facial palsy: A systematic review
Authors: Hotton Matthew , Huggons Esme , Hamlet Claire , Shore Danielle , Johnson David , Norris Jonathan H. , Kilcoyne Sarah , Dalton Louise
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Facial palsy is a condition which can lead to significant changes in facial function and appearance. People with facial palsy often report psychosocial difficulties, including withdrawal from social activities, anxiety, negative body image, and low mood. This paper aimed to review all published research investigating the psychosocial impact of facial palsy on adults.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and AMED databases was performed. The quality of included studies was assessed, and data were extracted with regard to characteristics of participants; study methodology and design; outcome measures used; and psychosocial outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies met inclusion criteria. A high proportion of people with facial palsy reported clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression, with greater difficulties typically reported by females, compared to males. Other difficulties consistently reported include low quality of life, poor social function, and high levels of appearance‐related distress. Objective severity of facial palsy was consistently shown to not be associated with anxiety or depression, with psychological factors instead likely mediating the relationship between the severity of facial palsy and psychosocial well‐being.

Conclusions

Irrespective of objective symptom severity, facial palsy has the potential to have a significant impact on psychosocial well‐being and quality of life. The various methodological limitations of the included studies are discussed, along with clinical implications, including the need for greater access to psychological screening and interventions for people with facial palsy.
A systematic review on mutation markers for bladder cancer diagnosis in urine
Authors: Hentschel Anouk E. , van der Toom Emma E. , Vis André N. , Ket Johannes C.F. , Bosschieter Judith , Heymans Martijn W. , van Moorselaar R. Jeroen A. , Steenbergen Renske D.M. , Nieuwenhuijzen Jakko A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To systematically summarise the available evidence on urinary bladder cancer (BC) mutation markers. Gene mutations are expected to provide novel biomarkers for urinary BC diagnosis. To date, evidence on urinary BC mutation markers has not proven sufficient to be adopted by clinical guidelines. In the present systematic review, diagnostic accuracy of urinary mutation analysis is separately assessed for primary BC diagnosis (BC detection) and for follow‐up of BC patients (BC surveillance).

Methods

A literature search (PubMed, Embase.com and Wiley/Cochrane Library) and systematic review was performed up to 31 October 2019. As studies were too heterogeneous, no quantitative analysis could be performed.

Results

In total, 25 studies were summarised by qualitative analysis. For BC detection, diagnostic accuracy differed considerably for single mutation markers (sensitivity 1–85%, specificity 84–100%), and for marker panels (sensitivity 50–94%, specificity 43–97%). Similarly, for BC surveillance, diagnostic accuracy was highly variable for single mutation markers (sensitivity 0–85%, specificity 66–100%), and for marker panels (sensitivity 51–84%, specificity 66–96%).

Conclusion

Urinary mutation analysis showed to be a promising diagnostic tool for non‐invasive BC diagnosis. Nonetheless, we observed substantial differences in diagnostic accuracy of urinary BC mutation markers among publications. To translate the data summarised in the present review to future clinical practice, heterogeneity in research design, BC population, mutation analysis technique and urinary DNA should be considered. Eventual clinical implementation of urinary BC mutation markers can only be achieved by collecting more and stronger evidence. Combining different molecular assays might overcome current shortcomings of urinary mutation analysis.
Generation of a novel CD30+ B cell subset producing GM-CSF and its possible link to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Higashioka K , Kikushige Y , Ayano M , Kimoto Y , Mitoma H , Kikukawa M , Akahoshi M , Arinobu Y , Horiuchi T , Akashi K , Niiro H
Published: June 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis. Efficacy of B cell depletion therapy underscores antibody-independent functions of B cells in SSc. A recent study showed that the Th2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 induces granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-producing effector B cells (GM-Beffs) in humans. In this study, we sought to elucidate the generation mechanism of GM-Beffs and also determine a role of this subset in SSc. Among Th-associated cytokines, IL-4 most significantly facilitated the generation of GM-Beffs within memory B cells in healthy controls (HCs). In addition, the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β further potentiated IL-4- and IL-13-induced GM-Beffs. Of note, tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, inhibited the expression of GM-CSF mRNA and protein in memory B cells induced by IL-4, but not by TGF-β. GM-Beffs were enriched within CD20+CD30+CD38−/low cells, a distinct population from plasmablasts, suggesting that GM-Beffs exert antibody-independent functions. GM-Beffs were also enriched in a CD30+ fraction of freshly isolated B cells. GM-Beffs generated under Th2 conditions facilitated the differentiation from CD14+ monocytes to DC-SIGN+CD1a+CD14−CD86+ cells, which significantly promoted the proliferation of naive T cells. CD30+ GM-Beffs were more pronounced in patients with SSc than in HCs. A subpopulation of SSc patients with the diffuse type and concomitant interstitial lung disease exhibited high numbers of GM-Beffs. Together, these findings suggest that human GM-Beffs are enriched in a CD30+ B cell subset and play a role in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for dysarthria in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan F. , Guo X. , Wei X. , Xie F. , Zheng J. , Huang Y. , Huang Z. , Chang Z. , Li H. , Guo Y. , Chen J. , Guo J. , Tang B. , Deng B. , Wang Q.
Published: June 2020

Approximately 89% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from dysarthria. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a behavioral therapy, aims to improve speech and voice functions. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of LSVT compared with other/no speech interventions for dysarthria in patients with PD. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, were searched. The publication date of all included studies was before 6 March 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the LSVT intervention compared with other/no speech intervention were considered. The data obtained from the included studies were described and the mean differences were calculated. Eight RCTs were included in this meta‐analysis comparing LSVT with other/no speech interventions. In the comparison of LSVT versus no intervention, vocal intensity for sustained ‘Ah’ phonation, reading the ‘Rainbow passage’, monologue and describing a picture increased by 8.87, 4.34, 3.25 and 3.31 dB, respectively, after 1 month of therapy. Compared with the respiratory therapy group, the LSVT group also showed significant improvement in vocal intensity for sustained ‘Ah’ phonation, reading the ‘Rainbow passage’ and monologue immediately after treatment (13.39, 6.66 and 3.19 dB). Positive improvement still existed after 24 months. There was no difference in the therapeutic effect between face‐to‐face and online LSVT. The effectiveness of LSVT for dysarthria in patients with PD was verified in these trials. However, future RCTs with sufficient participants are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of LSVT for dysarthria.
Health information professionals: delivering core services and value in extraordinary times
Authors: Johnson Frances
Published: June 2020

The 2020 virtual issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal (HILJ) is published to link to the CILIP Health Libraries Group Conference which was to take place in Scotland 22–25th July. Whilst the conference was postponed in light of the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, its themes of (i) Working in Partnership; (ii) Resilience and Well‐being; (iii) Public and Patient involvement; (iv) Quality Impact and Metrics; and (v) Improvement and Innovation have nevertheless provided the basis on which to compile this virtual issue. Overarching these themes is a core value of the HIL profession, to provide relevant, timely and sustainable information services, and the articles selected from HILJ (2018 through to March 2020) contribute to the aim of meeting and going beyond these goals under the conference banner of ‘not your average day in the office’. The virtual issue mirrors the format of a regular issue of HILJ, a review article, four original articles and three from our regular features: ‘Dissertations into Practice’, ‘International Perspectives and Initiatives’ and ‘Teaching and Learning in Action’. The authors come from Canada, China, Croatia, Sweden and the UK. All articles included in this issue are available online.
Evaluation of the use of lactic acid bacteria and Thymus vulgaris essential oil on Suffolk and Ile de France lamb breed (MuscuIus gluteus) quality parameters
Authors: Klupsaite Dovile , Zavistanaviciute Paulina , Sakiene Vytaute , Lele Vita , Mozuriene Erika , Klementaviciute Jolita , Sidlauskiene Sonata , Buckiuniene Vilija , Tolpeznikaite Ernesta , Ruibys Romas , Bartkiene Elena
Published: June 2020

In the present study, Lactobacillus plantarum (LUHS135), Thymus vulgaris essential oil (0.1% v/v) and their combination were used to treat Suffolk and Ile de France lamb meat. Changes in the microbiological profile and physicochemical parameters of meat were evaluated after 24 h of treatment at 4 °C. Treatments resulted in significantly lower mould/yeast, total enterobacteria (by up to 45%) counts, water‐holding capacity (by 21–63%) and cooking loss (by 17–35%) in all samples. Moisture content increased, on average, by 14.5% in the Suffolk meat. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content increased after all treatments. Treatments and breed significantly affected the content of malondialdehyde and some biogenic amines. Sensory analysis showed that raw lamb meat colour was more acceptable after all treatments, while the odour acceptability was ranked highest after combined treatment. These findings suggest that the applied treatments could be used to improve microbiological safety and some quality characteristics and to increase the PUFA content of lamb meat.
Improving mental health of student and novice nurses to prevent dropout: A systematic review
Authors: Bakker Ellen J. M. , Kox Jos H. A. M. , Boot Cécile R. L. , Francke Anneke L. , van der Beek Allard J. , Roelofs Pepijn D. D. M.
Published: June 2020

Aims

To provide: (a) an overview of interventions aimed at improving mental health of student or novice nurses; and (b) an evaluation of their effectiveness on dropout‐related outcomes.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Research papers published between January 1971–February 2019 were identified from the following databases: Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Review methods

We followed the procedures recommended by the Editorial Board of the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group. We included peer‐reviewed articles with a quantitative research design, examining interventions aimed at improving mental health of student and novice nurses and their effect on dropout‐related outcomes. The large variation in studies prohibited statistical pooling and a synthesis without meta‐analysis of studies was performed.

Results

We identified 21 studies with three areas of focus: managing stress or stressors (N = 4); facilitating the transition to nursing practice (N = 14); and a combined approach (N = 3). Five studies showed a statistically significant effect on dropout‐related outcomes. The overall risk of bias was high.

Conclusion

A wide range of interventions are available, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited. There is a need for high‐quality studies in this field, preferably with a randomized controlled design.
Asymmetric information consolidation and price discovery: Inferring bad news from insider sales
Authors: Karamanou Irene , Pownall Grace , Prakash Rachna
Published: June 2020

Due to the paucity of sources of negative firm‐specific information, US capital markets have more difficulty identifying and incorporating bad news into stock prices than they do good news. Even though insider selling is a potentially important proxy for undisclosed bad news, researchers have difficulty ex ante identifying information‐based sales due to an inability to separate liquidity‐motivated from information‐based insider trades. We hypothesize that when insiders in multiple firms sell shares of one firm in which they are insiders and at the same time buy shares of other insider portfolio firms, the sale is more likely to be information‐based, since the proceeds are reinvested. Conversely, when an insider sells one firm without purchasing others or sells multiple insider firms the sale is likely liquidity‐motivated. We find that insider sales identified as information‐based using this algorithm are followed by significant negative abnormal returns. Information‐based sales are also more likely to be associated with delistings, earnings declines and earnings restatements. Analysts are also more likely to revise their earnings forecasts downwards for these firms. It is thus possible to ex ante identify insider sales with information content. Our results will be of interest to investors and also to regulators designing insider trading rules.
The association between allergic rhinitis and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Charoenngam Nipith , Ponvilawan Ben , Rittiphairoj Thanitsara , Tornsatitkul Surapa , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Rujirachun Pongprueth , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Potentially eligible studies were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to November 2019. Eligible cohort study must report relative risk with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of incident RA between AR patients and comparators. Eligible case‐control studies must include cases with RA and controls without RA, and must explore their history of AR. Odds ratio with 95% CIs of the association between AR and RA must be reported. Point estimates with standard errors from each study were combined using the generic inverse variance method.

Results

A total of 21,824 articles were identified. After two rounds of the independent review by three investigators, two cohort studies and 10 case–control studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled analysis showed no association between AR and risk of RA (RR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.20; I2 = 84%). However, when we conducted a sensitivity analysis including only studies with acceptable quality, defined as Newcastle‐Ottawa score of seven or higher, we found that patients with AR had a significantly higher risk of RA (RR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.65; I2 = 45%).

Conclusions

The current systematic review and meta‐analysis could not reveal a significant association between AR and RA. However, when only studies with acceptable quality were included, a significantly higher risk of RA among patients with AR than individuals without AR was observed.
Deficiency of mitochondrial outer membrane protein 64 confers rice resistance to both piercing‐sucking and chewing insects in rice
Authors: Guo Hui‐Min , Li Hai‐Chao , Zhou Shi‐Rong , Xue Hong‐Wei , Miao Xue‐Xia
Published: June 2020

The brown planthopper (BPH) and striped stem borer (SSB) are the most devastating insect pests in rice (Oryza sativa) producing areas. Screening for endogenous resistant genes is the most practical strategy for rice insect‐resistance breeding. Forty‐five mutants showing high resistance against BPH were identified in a rice T‐DNA insertion population (11,000 putative homozygous lines) after 4 years of large‐scale field BPH‐resistance phenotype screening. Detailed analysis showed that deficiency of rice mitochondrial outer membrane protein 64 (OM64) gene resulted in increased resistance to BPH. Mitochondrial outer membrane protein 64 protein is located in the outer mitochondrial membrane by subcellular localization and its deficiency constitutively activated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) signaling, which stimulated antibiosis and tolerance to BPH. The om64 mutant also showed enhanced resistance to SSB, a chewing insect, which was due to promotion of Jasmonic acid biosynthesis and related responses. Importantly, om64 plants presented no significant changes in rice yield‐related characters. This study confirmed OM64 as a negative regulator of rice herbivore resistance through regulating H2O2 production. Mitochondrial outer membrane protein 64 is a potentially efficient candidate to improve BPH and SSB resistance through gene deletion. Why the om64 mutant was resistant to both piercing‐sucking and chewing insects via a gene deficiency in mitochondria is discussed.
LncRNA Fendrr inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by downregulating p53 expression
Authors: Li Xiang , Ni Liangchun , Wang Weixin , Zong Liang , Yao Bi
Published: June 2020

Objective

LncRNA Fendrr plays an important role in cardiac development, but its role in myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. P53 has been shown to be an important regulator of apoptosis and is involved in myocardial I/R-induced apoptosis. This study aims at investigating whether Fendrr affects hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through p53.

Methods

The left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat was ligated for 30 min and then reperfusion for 120 min by releasing the suture. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) and rat cardiac cell line H9c2 were cultured for 6 h in hypoxia (95% N2 and 5% CO2), followed by reoxygenation (95% air and 5% CO2) for 6 h. Transfection were performed in cells. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination assay, GST pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation were used to detect the regulation of Fendrr on p53 protein.

Key findings

Fendrr was decreased in I/R-induced myocardium and H/R-induced cardiomyocyte, and overexpression of Fendrr inhibited H/R-induced NRVM or H9c2 cells apoptosis. Further research found that the 1381–2100 nt of Fendrr bound to p53 protein and Fendrr promoted t direct binding of p53 to Cop1. The inhibition of Fendrr reduced the binding of E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1 (COP1) to p53 and reduced the ubiquitination of p53. Furthermore, the inhibition of Fendrr on H/R-induced NRVM or H9c2 cells apoptosis could be reversed by overexpression of p53.

Conclusions

Fendrr can inhibit H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which is partly through promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of p53 by increasing the binding of Cop1 and p53.
Sacral nerve stimulation ameliorates colonic barrier functions in a rodent model of colitis
Authors: Tu Lei , Gharibani Payam , Yin Jieyun , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: June 2020

Background

The mucosal barrier damage is recognized as one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of colitis. While sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) was reported to have therapeutic potential for colitis, its mechanisms of actions on colonic permeability remained largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS in rats. Five days later, they were treated with SNS or sham‐SNS for 10 days. The effects of SNS on colonic permeability were assessed by measuring the expression of tight‐junction proteins involved in regulating permeability and the FITC‐dextran test. The mechanism of actions of SNS was investigated by studying the function of the enteric nervous system (ENS) cells and analyzing the autonomic nervous system.

Key Results

SNS decreased the disease activity index, microscopic and macroscopic scores, myeloperoxidase activity, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6). SNS increased the expression of Zonula Occludens‐1, Occludin, Claudin‐1, and Junctional adhesion molecule‐A in the colon tissue. The FITC‐dextran test showed that the colonic permeability was lower with SCS than sham‐SNS. SNS increased ChAT, pancreatic polypeptide, and GDNF and reduced norepinephrine NGF, sub‐P, and mast cell overactivation in the colon tissue. Concurrently, SNS increased acetylcholine in colon tissues and elevated vagal efferent activity.

Conclusions & Inferences

SNS ameliorates colonic inflammation and enhances colonic barrier function with the proposed mechanisms involving the increase in parasympathetic activity and modulation of the activity of the ENS and immune system, including mast cells.