bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food consumption experiences: a framework for understanding food tourists’ behavioral intentions
Authors: Soltani Morteza , Soltani Nejad Nima , Taheri Azad Fatemeh , Taheri Babak , Gannon Martin Joseph
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop a framework to identify the drivers underpinning food tourists' behavioral intentions (BIs). This framework centers on examining how local food consumption value (TLFCV), local food experiential value (TLFEV) and social media influencers (SMIs) impact upon tourists’ attitudes toward local food (ATLF) and food destination image (FDI). The impact of ATLF and FDI on tourists’ BIs is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

PLS-SEM was used to test the hypothesized relationships using survey responses from 379 tourists visiting Rasht, Iran.

Findings

The results demonstrate that TLFCV, TLFEV and SMIs can be used to populate a theoretical framework for predicting and understanding the factors influencing tourists’ ATLF and FDI. Specifically, positive ATLF and FDI stimulated positive BIs (e.g., intending to recommend Iranian food to others and intending to revisit Iran in future for culinary tourism purposes).

Practical implications

The findings provide managers and practitioners within the culinary tourism industry with suggestions for how best to strategically market their offerings to increase inbound food tourism.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically evaluate the drivers of food tourists' BIs, presenting a newly developed model for deployment in future research. Originality is also established by simultaneously investigating TLFCV and TLFEV within the context of food tourism.
Importance of F&B operation in luxury hotels: the case of Asia versus the US
Authors: Mun Sung Gyun , Woo Linda , Seo Kwanglim
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the effect of food and beverage (F&B) services on the operating performance of luxury hotels and to identify the heterogeneous effects of the luxury hotels’ F&B operation on the business performance between Asia and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Operating performance of luxury hotels in Asia (37 hotels), including Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong and in the USA (72 hotels), including New York, California, Florida, Illinois and Texas was collected from STR reports. This study applied generalized estimating equations models to reach the conclusions.

Findings

The emphasis on F&B services exhibits a significant positive effect on the operating performance of luxury hotels in Asia. The occupancy rate and gross operating profit per available room of luxury hotels in Asia have improved with the investment in F&B offerings. Therefore, a distinctive F&B offering should be considered as one of the main products and services rather than a supplementary service in Asia. While devotion to F&B services lacks a significant positive effect on luxury hotels in the USA.

Originality/value

This study is the first effort to identify the importance of luxury hotels’ F&B operation for the overall hotel performance in Asia and the USA by focusing on the entire industry’s operating information.
Comparing the influence of substantive and communicative servicescape on healthcare traveler emotions: the moderating effect of accommodation type and interior design style
Authors: Song Seobgyu , Suess Courtney , Mody Makarand Amrish , Dogru Tarik
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between two dimensions of servicescape (i.e. substantive and communicative servicescape), health care travelers’ emotions, perceived value and word-of-mouth intentions. It also assesses the moderating effects of accommodation type (i.e. hotel and Airbnb) and interior design styles (i.e. traditional and modern) on the relationship between the two servicescape dimensions and travelers’ emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample from a survey of 692 health care travelers who stayed at either a peer-to-peer accommodation (i.e. Airbnb) or a hotel, a multi-step structural equation model analysis tested the relationships among variables. It examined the moderating effects of accommodation type and interior design style.

Findings

The relationships between servicescape, emotions, perceived value and word-of-mouth were significant. Also, the two moderators affected how servicescape influenced the emotions of health care travelers. For Airbnb guests, communicative servicescape had a more substantial effect on enhancing their positive emotions than hotel guests. For health care travelers who stayed at an accommodation with a traditional interior design style, in addition to enhancing positive emotions of health care travelers, substantive servicescape significantly reduced their negative emotions.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the need for the lodging industry to examine how health care travelers perceive and experience their accommodations with unique interior design characteristics. Also, stakeholders in the lodging industry should leverage the aspects of substantive servicescape in terms of relevant interior design styles, which, in turn, influence health care travelers’ positive word-of-mouth intentions. Given the increase in medical mobility and demand for accommodations by those traveling to receive health care services, understanding the lodging environment and how it affects travelers in this segment is essential.

Originality/value

This research develops a comprehensive servicescape model with a focus on the communicative dimension. Moreover, this study significantly contributes to the hospitality literature regarding how the core experience and various interior design styles influence a rapidly growing segment of health care travelers. Health care travelers’ emotions are essential to consider given the propensity to experience stress related to travel situational health factors.
Factors impacting innovation performance for entrepreneurs in India
Authors: Gupta Sangeeta , Saha Raiswa , Kaur Jaspreet , Kathuria Sakshi , Paul Justin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Social media technology use has elicited an increased interest among academicians and researchers worldwide. The present study examines the latent constructs, such as social media technology use (SMTU), innovation capability (IC), entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and innovation performance (IP), which have not been studied by researchers in the past. The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of SMTU and IC on EO and highlight the impact of EO on IP.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from 164 entrepreneurs, which included CEO/owners, managers or founders of start-up companies from India. The data were analysed with the structural equation model technique.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the model proposed in this study supports all the hypotheses of SMTU, IC, EO and IP. The results of this study provide evidence for the importance of SMTU as a crucial factor that came out from the analysis of Indian entrepreneurs which reiterates the point that the user-generated content could be very important. The results of the research show that entrepreneurs value and are looking forward to using social media for getting individual reviews from consumers about their marketing campaigns, product development and innovation.

Practical implications

At the level of practice there are significant implications for decision-makers in start-up firms to become more attuned to how SMTU can significantly add importance to the customer experience. This study would also help managers and policymakers in understanding the importance of SMTU when seeking to improve the performance of the organizations.

Originality/value

Owing to the increasingly collaborative innovation environment in entrepreneurship, the authors draw the attention of managers to the need of SMTU for innovation actions and provide a logical framework to guide action for organizational analysis.
“Doing gender” in critical event studies: a dual agenda for research
Authors: Dashper Katherine , Finkel Rebecca
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To introduce critical gender theory to events studies and set an agenda for research in this area. This paper focuses on various contexts, approaches and applications for “doing gender” in critical event studies. It draws upon interdisciplinary frameworks to develop robust theoretical ways of interrogating issues related to power and structural inequalities in events contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion of “doing gender” and critical gender theory and review of relevant research in this area within event studies. Adopting feminist and intersectional perspectives and applying them to events environments has potential to inform current theoretical developments and wider sector practices, and, ultimately, change the dominant heteronormative patriarchal paradigm of the experiential landscape.

Findings

Event studies has been slow to engage with gender theory and gender-aware research, to the detriment of theoretical and practical development within the field.

Research limitations/implications

A call for more gender-aware research within event studies. The goal of this paper is to galvanise gender-aware events research to centralise the marginalised and amplify feminist voices in critical event studies. Feminist and gender-aware frameworks encourage researchers to be critical and to question the underlying power structures and discourses that shape practices, behaviours and interactions. This creates new pathways to find ways to overcome inequalities, which can improve overall events praxis.

Originality/value

The paper introduces critical gender theory as a fruitful framework for future events research. It is an under-researched area of study, representing a significant gap in ways of theorising and representing different aspects of events. We argue it is imperative that researchers take up the challenge of incorporating feminist and/or gender-aware frameworks within their research as a matter of routine.
Optimal design, control and implementation of multi-drones for commercial utility
Authors: Indragandhi V. , Chitra A. , Raja Singh R. , Bajiya Aishvardhan , Tilak Yash , Subramaniyaswamy V.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This proposed drone is used for surveillance purpose like medical, agriculture and military in the commercial point of view with less cost and size.

Design/methodology/approach

During emergency calls out the technology enabled modes to have quick and timely response for the mankind. As human society continues to spend months together locked inside their homes, it leads to the entire change in the human lifestyle. This also demands the society and the government to get adopt with the technological concepts such as drones to handle this pandemic scenario in a more scientific and safe mode. The major constraints in the utility segment is the cost and performance factor of the drones. This paper aims to design a drone flight management system, which can be used to operate single or multiple drone systems in a wireless mode. The major focus of this work is to minimize the cost of drone flying systems so that it can be accessible to a more massive crowd. The technological design behind the drone has been discussed in detail with mathematical equations. Also the control aspect has been presented in this work. For comparative analysis three drone have been designed and their performance have been compared.

Findings

The multi drone is designed , modelling is done and implemented in simulation and hardware. Its having less weight and cost compared to existing drone models.

Originality/value

75% original, 25% of the basic clarifications are taken from existing works.
Sustainable value chain management based on dynamic capabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: de Moura Graziela Breitenbauch , Saroli Letícia Godoy
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this research is to analyze sustainable value chain management based on dynamic capabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is used, through a multiple case study with three SMEs, to identify the conceptual relationship between the sustainable value chain and dynamic capabilities. Interviews are conducted with managers, and the data are analyzed through content analysis.

Findings

It is observed that breaking down barriers in processes is important for establishing the sustainable value chain, generating dynamic capabilities with the readaptation of activities.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that studies be conducted in other sectors and in large companies, to identify new perspectives.

Practical implications

The findings of this study demonstrate the constant processes of SMEs in response to legal, bureaucratic and logistical changes, in the generation of dynamic capabilities and sustainable value chain management, to achieve their customers' goals.

Social implications

The research contributes to the literature on the management of dynamic capabilities in the value chain in Brazilian companies and to the supply chain field, particularly in relation to SMEs.

Originality/value

This research analyzes sustainable value chain management based on dynamic capabilities in Brazilian SMEs, gathering the managers' perceptions regarding changes in the external environment that influence adaptations and alignments, impacting on their businesses.
Gender differences in new venture financing: evidence from equity crowdfunding in Latin America
Authors: Cicchiello Antonella Francesca , Kazemikhasragh Amirreza , Monferrà Stefano
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper aims to understand whether gender disparity has an impact on the likelihood of obtaining equity crowdfunding financing in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a unique database of 492 projects from different equity crowdfunding platforms in Latin America over a period of 2013–2017.

Findings

Results indicate that the involvement of at least one woman in the board of firms seeking equity financing increases campaigns' success significantly. Team gender has no impact on the project's likelihood to experience overfunding.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on women's access to crowdfunding financing in Latin America, not yet considered so far.
Interpersonal conflict at work and knowledge hiding in service organizations: the mediator role of employee well-being
Authors: Losada-Otálora Mauricio , Peña-García Nathalie , Sánchez Iván D.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of interpersonal conflicts in the social workplace on various rationalized, knowledge-hiding behaviors in service organizations. This research also examines employee well-being as a mediator to explain the effects of interpersonal conflicts at work on knowledge-hiding behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

First, relevant literature provided the theoretical basis for the conceptual model that links the core constructs of this research. A quantitative study collected data from 395 employees of a global consulting firm with a branch located in a developing country. Finally, an analysis of the structural equation modeling with MPlus 7 software tested the measurement and the structural model.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that interpersonal conflict at work influences knowledge-hiding and that employee’s well-being mediates this relationship. In other words, employees strategically choose what knowledge-hiding behaviors to use – such as evasion or “playing dumb” – to cope with the lack of well-being caused by high interpersonal conflicts in the workplace.

Originality/value

Although contextual and individual factors may trigger knowledge-hiding behavior at work, the current literature has overlooked the combined effects of such factors, especially in service settings. Knowledge hiding in service organizations is a weakness that can lead to significant economic losses, especially in firms that are intensively knowledge-based. Thus, it is necessary to identify the antecedents of knowledge-hiding behavior to deter low performance in these organizations.
Procedure model to integrate digital elements into lean production systems
Authors: Rybski Christoffer , Jochem Roland
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is one of the most used terms in the current industrial discussion. There are several perspectives and approaches related to Industry 4.0 so far, but no universal definition. Often-mentioned basic requirements to “implement” Industry 4.0 are lean and well-organized processes. In the past and still until today, a lot of companies try to implement lean production systems (LPS) according to the example of Toyota to realize a systematic approach to ensure well-organized processes. The process model aims to support organizations to integrate Industry 4.0 elements into LPS, regardless of the size of the organization. The purpose of this paper to describe a model as a first basis for further elaborations that could focus on the detailed design of each model-phases. Furthermore, the identified digital elements of Industry 4.0 build a first foundation to choose pilot projects related to existing challenges of the organizations LPS. In this context, especially the suitability of LPS and Industry 4.0 elements should be further investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the current status regarding the realization of Industry 4.0 approaches and related challenges in the German industry, the two authors realized a survey with over 300 participants from different sectors and company sizes, using an online questionnaire. The results of the survey will be a part of this paper and a technology analysis, which was the outcome of an extensive literature analysis. The results were summarized in a model to integrate digital elements into existing LPS. Practitioners can use the process model as a first orientation to integrate industry 4.0 technologies into their existing LPS, based on specific challenges with their LPS processes.

Findings

Even if most of the participating German companies recognize Industry 4.0 as an important or very important topic, many of them do not consider themselves well prepared. The participants see huge challenges with regard to the needed qualifications and investments Industry 4.0 requires. In general, the companies hope to improve productivity and customer satisfaction to name two main objectives of the implementation of digital elements of Industry 4.0. In addition to the survey, a profound literature analysis was made and identified eight core digital elements. On this basis a milestone-based model to integrate these digital elements into existing LPS was developed.

Originality/value

This paper considers results from a study and analysis regarding the potentials of digital elements of Industry 4.0 for production system from different angles and introduces a model for integrating these elements.
Selling actors in multi-actor sales ecosystems: who they are, what they do and why it matters
Authors: Weretecki Patrick , Greve Goetz , Henseler Jörg
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate selling actors in multi-actor sales ecosystems. When selling actors start taking over tasks that were formerly performed by salespeople, the distribution of tasks, allocation of responsibilities and finally the role of the salespeople changes. However, little is known about salespersons’ perceptions of selling actors’ identities and participation behavior in multi-actor sales ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a World Café, a new qualitative method to the field of sales research, to obtain first data on selling actor identities in multi-actor sales ecosystems. Salespeople, who had the chance to observe and interact with more than 98,000 selling actors, disclosed their perceptions of selling actors’ participation behavior in a multi-actor sales ecosystem. Four different data sources were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic and to test validity through the convergence of information from different sources.

Findings

Using identity theory, a salesperson–selling actor relationship/behavior typology for multi-actor sales ecosystems was developed. Eight different selling actor identities were identified: avoider, observer, receptive actor, prepper, expecter, savvy actor, challenger and coworker.

Originality/value

The typology provides researchers and managers with a tool to better understand and evaluate sales ecosystems. This knowledge can be used as a starting point for the reassessment of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for salespeople in multi-actor sales ecosystems and to improve their training and coaching. The firsthand experiences reported by the participants of the World Café enable salespeople to identify different selling actors faster and prepare fitting approaches for all selling actor identities.
Normalcy for children in foster care in the time of coronavirus
Authors: Collins Mary Elizabeth , Baldiga Sarah
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how a sense of normalcy for young people in foster care can be critical to their well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on policy and practice efforts in the USA to promote normalcy for youth in care. The authors review policy that promotes normalcy and report on one organization's efforts to support these goals.

Findings

COVID-19 has offered profound challenges to the goal of normalcy. Rise Above has adapted to meet the challenges.

Originality/value

The authors argue that COVID may also offer opportunities to build toward a more robust paradigm of normalcy within child welfare policy and practice.
Does corporate tax aggressiveness explain future stock price crash? Empirical evidence from France
Authors: HAMZA Taher , ZAATIR Elhem
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate tax aggressiveness on future stock price crash. It also tests the impact of corporate tax aggressivness in predicting stock price crash for a two-year forecast window.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 1,169 firm-years observations. The multivariate analysis uses three measures of stock price crash risk, as a dependent variable. The key variable is tax aggressiveness lagged by one period (one year) as all independent variables. As a robustness check, this paper uses alternate measures of earning management and a longer forecast window (two years) to predict stock price crash risk.

Findings

Tax aggressiveness activity is positively related to a firm-specific future stock price crash. Moreover, corporate tax aggressiveness predicts stock price crash risk for a long forecast window (two years). The findings are robust to a number of checks and have several policy implications.

Practical implications

The cost of continuing to accumulate bad news will be greater than the cost of revealing them. Thus, board of directors should encourage disclosure in order to reveal private news and then, to increase the amount of firm-specific information in returns. Another point is that tax aggressiveness behavior implies a risk to be perceived by the market as socially irresponsible, and may harm the firm reputation. This fact leads, in terms of portfolio management, to deter investment in firm-equity. Therefore, Investors should be cautious about the different risks of corporate tax aggressiveness.

Social implications

The accounting system in France, as in most European countries, relies upon codified rules and government requirement. Thus, our results provide some evidence of the effectiveness of the French laws and regulations in preventing indirectly earnings management from affecting stock price crash risk.

Originality/value

French companies are among the heavily taxed in Europe which makes France a particularly suitable context for studying tax aggressiveness issues. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in the french context, that document a signifcant and positive relation between tax aggressiveness and future crash risk. It focuses on the important role of corporate tax planning as a means of withholding bad news and its consequences in inflating stock prices.
COVID-19 health crisis and prevalence of anxiety among individuals of various age groups: a qualitative study
Authors: Ahmed Ammar , Aqeel Muhammad , Aslam Naeem
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The monetary and psycho-social ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic have been extensive and unimaginable around the globe. The purpose of this study was to have a psycho-social analysis of people confronting this situation and its impact in the situation of a health crisis on them.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, participants were divided according to their different backgrounds and professions based on the types of measures taken by the Pakistani government to limit the spread of the virus and people who are not disturbed by any of the measurement categories but are troubled by the coronavirus. The interviews based on five open-ended questions were conducted with the eight participants, comprising questions that helped participants in remembering and realizing the purpose of the interview in the mode of an open questioning. Phenomenological interpretative analysis was used to understand how participants make meaning of the phenomenon being studied, an in-depth analysis of the human subject was considered in its singularity, and personal accounts and experiences were noted regarding this pandemic.

Findings

The results indicated that the participant’s experiences were marked by stress, insecurity, anger, fear, anxiety, traces of painful emotions and a feeling of weakness. Also the prevalence of unknown precariousness and vulnerability of coronavirus aggravated the psychological frailness among people existing in an anxiety-prone situation created by the novel coronavirus. Confronted with these painful experiences, the participants however, used a variety of cognitive and behavioral efforts which needs to be strengthened by psychological care.

Research limitations/implications

This study based on qualitative method was performed on diverse socio-professional levels, giving an insight to what they are undergoing, their current fears, desires and their feeling. The outcome of this study reveals traces of uncertainty, anxiety, fears, insecurity and hidden imminent death from coronavirus, therefore highlighting a need for immediate psychological interventions.

Originality/value

This study explores the individual understanding regarding current coronavirus pandemic situation on subjective lived experiences and psychological health in an anxiety-prone context manifested by the health crisis created by the novel corona virus.
The effect of audit of outgoing leading officials’ natural resource accountability on environmental governance: evidence from China
Authors: Wu Xiting , CAO Qun , Tan Xiaoping , Li Liang
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the audit of outgoing leading officials' natural resource accountability and environmental governance, as well as the internal mechanism of audit of outgoing leading officials' natural resource accountability that plays a role in national environmental governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on city-level panel data from 2012 to 2015, this paper adopts a difference-in-difference model to examine the role of government audit in national governance from an environmental perspective. Furthermore, using a mediating effect model, the study sheds light on the internal mechanism of audit of outgoing leading officials’ natural resource accountability that plays a role in national environmental governance.

Findings

This paper finds that: the implementation of the audit of outgoing leading officials’ natural resource accountability has significantly improved the water quality of the pilot area, but its effects on waste gas and smoke are not obvious; environmental supervision partly plays a mediating role in the improvement of regional environmental governance by the audit of outgoing leading officials’ natural resource accountability; the audit of outgoing leading officials’ natural resource accountability can complement the incentive mechanism of promotion. The older the local officials are, the more obvious the effect of the audit of outgoing leading officials’ natural resource accountability on the environmental quality of the pilot areas is.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the role of government audit from the perspective of environmental governance. It provides empirical evidence for policy regarding the audit of outgoing leading officials' natural resource accountability.
Care pathways for people with intellectual disabilities who present with behaviours that challenge
Authors: Roy Ashok , Baker Peter , Carmichael Sue
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Care pathways are being increasingly used in the national health service to outline an anticipated programme of care in relation to a particular illness, condition or set of symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to inform those using the service of what they might expect within what time frame. They are designed to reduce variation in practice and allow optimal quality of care across a variety of care settings. Care pathways map out a patient’s journey, providing coordination of services for users. They aim to have: “the right people, doing the right things, in the right order, at the right time, in the right place, with the right outcome”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines care pathways in relation to people with intellectual disabilities who present with behaviour that challenges.

Findings

It is likely that many people will have a lifelong need for support, so discharge from clinical services should only be considered if it is genuinely appropriate. Reductions in a person’s behaviours that challenge are likely to be a consequence of changes that have been made to the person’s environment and supports. Therefore, any reductions in the level or type of support that the person receives may lead to an escalation of the behaviour again.

Originality/value

Standards in relation to care pathways are presented.
Commentary on a “unified approach to behaviours that challenge”: my freedom – the perspective of people with learning disabilities
Authors: Chapman Steve , Lillis Michael , Lamb Sammy , Clifton Matt , Clay Charlotte
Published: November 2020

Purpose

As self-advocate leaders, the authors aim to present the perspective of people with learning disabilities on “Behaviour that Challenges: A Unified Approach”. Building on firsthand accounts which reveal compassion and cruelty in the health-care system, the authors propose ways of working, which confirm and add to the thinking in “A Unified Approach”, especially “Capable Environments”.

Design/methodology/approach

To ensure integrity, the authors engaged contributors with lived experience of admission to secure care after acting in ways that put themselves or others at risk. The authors included the perspective of people whose severe learning disabilities limit them to few or no words as best they could by interviewing their parents. The authors were supported and advised in the writing of this commentary while retaining full control throughout.

Findings

While recognising compassionate care, the authors suggest the provider’s power over a person’s life is a central reason for the care system’s vulnerability to the cruelty evident in firsthand accounts. The authors propose practical ways to offset this power. Firsthand accounts suggest the key features of capable environments are communication, valuing families and developing a valued, caring, well-trained workforce. Lived experience in workforce training and peer-support to individuals offer great potential to transform outcomes.

Originality/value

The perspectives of diverse contributors with learning disabilities bring lived experience insight to the challenges of “behaviour that challenges”. The authors aim to add value by blending lived experience viewpoints with the emotion of firsthand accounts of care. The insights of lived experience – too often a marginal consideration in health-care design – are presented here as central to care that fully achieves what people want and need.
Denoising of magnetotelluric data using K‐SVD dictionary training
Authors: Li Jin , Peng Yiqun , Tang Jingtian , Li Yong
Published: November 2020

Magnetotelluric is one of the mainstream exploration geophysical methods, which plays a vital role in studying deep geological structures and finding deep hidden blind ore bodies. The seriousness of human electromagnetic noise causes a large number of abnormal waveforms in the time series of measured magnetotelluric data, and the data can no longer objectively reflect the underground electrical distribution. In this work, we propose a magnetotelluric time series data processing method based on K singular value decomposition dictionary training. First, a training matrix and a to‐be‐processed matrix are built with the pending magnetotelluric signals. Then, let the K singular value decomposition dictionary training process the training matrix to obtain an over‐complete dictionary reflecting the characteristics of the pending signal. Lastly, orthogonal matching pursuit is combined with an over‐complete dictionary updated in real time to sparsely represent the to‐be‐processed matrix and remove human electromagnetic interference in the signal. Experimental results show that the method can update the over‐complete dictionary in real‐time according to the pending magnetotelluric signals, realize the self‐learning signal–noise separation of magnetotelluric signals, and effectively retain low‐frequency information. Compared with method of directions dictionary learning, remote reference method, and orthogonal matching pursuit method, the reconstructed data of the proposed method can more accurately reflect the underground electrical structure information.
COVID‐19 outbreak and sectoral performance of the Australian stock market: An event study analysis
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Wei Haitian , Wahid Abu N. M.
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of COVID‐19 has weakened the economy of Australia and its capital market since early 2020. The overall stock market has declined. However, some sectors become highly vulnerable while others continue to perform well even in the crisis period. Given this new reality, we seek to investigate the initial volatility and the sectoral return. In this study, we analyse data for eight sectors such as, transportation, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, food, real estate, telecommunications and technology of the Australian stock market. In doing so, we obtain data from Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and analysed them based on ‘Event Study’ method. Here, we use the 10‐days window for the event of official announcement of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Australia on 27 February 2020. The findings of the study show that on the day of announcement, the indices for food, pharmaceuticals and healthcare exhibit impressive positive returns. Following the announcement, the telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and healthcare sectors exhibit good performance, while poor performance is demonstrated by the transportation industry. The findings are vital for investors, market participants, companies, private and public policymakers and governments to develop recovery action plans for vulnerable sectors and enable investors to regain their confidence to make better investment decisions.
Value of thyroglobulin post hemithyroidectomy for cancer: a literature review
Authors: Tourani Saam S. , Fleming Bill , Gundara Justin
Published: November 2020

Background

An increasing number of patients with low and moderate risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are now managed with lobectomy alone. The value of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) in the follow up of these patients remains poorly defined.

Methods

A review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to assess the utility of Tg in the follow up of patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for DTC.

Results

A total of five retrospective reviews were identified including 1136 patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy with or without prophylactic central neck dissection. The overall locoregional recurrence rate was 3.7%. Changes in serum Tg following hemithyroidectomy for cancer were found to be clinically useful in one study only. The proposed cut‐off value of 30 ng/mL following hemithyroidectomy as a predictor of recurrent disease was not validated by any study.

Conclusion

Serum Tg values are not useful in the follow up of DTC patients managed with lobectomy alone. Good quality neck ultrasound appears to be an effective modality in the detection of locoregional recurrence in these patients while research efforts continue to identify and validate novel biomarkers.
L‐lactate induces neurogenesis in the mouse ventricular‐subventricular zone via the lactate receptor HCA1
Authors: Lambertus Marvin , Øverberg Linda Thøring , Andersson Krister A. , Hjelden Malin S. , Hadzic Alena , Haugen Øyvind P. , Storm‐Mathisen Jon , Bergersen Linda Hildegard , Geiseler Samuel , Morland Cecilie
Published: November 2020

Aim

Adult neurogenesis occurs in two major niches in the brain: the subgranular zone of the hippocampal formation and the ventricular‐subventricular zone. Neurogenesis in both niches is reduced in ageing and neurological disease involving dementia. Exercise can rescue memory by enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis, but whether exercise affects adult neurogenesis in the ventricular‐subventricular zone remains unresolved. Previously, we reported that exercise induces angiogenesis through activation of the lactate receptor HCA1. The aim of the present study is to investigate HCA1‐dependent effects on neurogenesis in the two main neurogenic niches.

Methods

Wild‐type and HCA1 knock‐out mice received high intensity interval exercise, subcutaneous injections of L‐lactate, or saline injections, five days per week for seven weeks. Well‐established markers for proliferating cells (Ki‐67) and immature neurons (doublecortin), were used to investigate neurogenesis in the subgranular zone and the ventricular‐subventricular zone.

Results

We demonstrated that neurogenesis in the ventricular‐subventricular zone is enhanced by HCA1 activation: Treatment with exercise or lactate resulted in increased neurogenesis in wild‐type, but not in HCA1 knock‐out mice. In the subgranular zone, neurogenesis was induced by exercise in both genotypes, but unaffected by lactate treatment.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that neurogenesis in the two main neurogenic niches in the brain is regulated differently: Neurogenesis in both niches was induced by exercise, but only in the ventricular‐subventricular zone was neurogenesis induced by lactate through HCA1 activation. This opens for a role of HCA1 in the physiological control of neurogenesis, and potentially in counteracting age‐related cognitive decline.
Pandemics: past, present, future
Authors: Høiby Niels
Published: November 2020

The major epidemic and pandemic diseases that have bothered humans since the Neolithic Age and Bronze Age are surveyed. Many of these pandemics are zoonotic infections, and the mathematical modeling of such infections is illustrated. Plague, cholera, syphilis, influenza, SARS, MERS, COVID‐19, and new potential epidemic and pandemic infections and their consequences are described and the background for the spread of acute and chronic infections and the transition to endemic infections is discussed. The way we can prevent and fight pandemics is illustrated from the old and new well‐known pandemics. Surprisingly, the political reactions through different periods have not changed much during the centuries.
Clinical studies assessing the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of remdesivir in management of COVID‐19: A scoping review
Authors: Pimentel Juan , Laurie Cassandra , Cockcroft Anne , Andersson Neil
Published: November 2020

Aims

Remdesivir is 1 of the repurposed drugs under investigation to treat patients with COVID‐19. Clinicians and decision‐makers need a summary of the most recent evidence. This scoping review maps the evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of remdesivir for patients with COVID‐19, up to 14 September 2020.

Methods

Our scoping review searched Pubmed, Embase (Ovid), Scopus and 17 primary trial registries for empirical publications or active registered clinical trials for data on the efficacy, effectiveness, or safety of remdesivir for COVID‐19 or SARS‐CoV‐2. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the included publications.

Results

Seventeen empirical studies and 23 clinical trial registrations (n = 40) accumulated 46 508 participants. We found 4 published randomized–controlled trials accumulating 2293 patients. Two trials reported shorter median recovery time and better clinical status among patients who received remdesivir compared with the control groups. Observational studies report an association between remdesivir treatment and decreased mortality, as well as increased survival. The most common adverse reaction was hepatic impairment, although the trials reported a similar proportion of adverse events in the intervention and control groups.

Conclusion

Remdesivir might shorten the time to clinical improvement among hospitalized adults with severe COVID‐19. Trial data report a similar proportion of adverse events in treated and control groups. The results of the 23 registered active trials, including more than 30 000 participants, will shed light on the efficacy and safety of the antiviral. The findings of the remaining clinical trials expected to report results in 2020 will allow a quantitative synthesis of available evidence.
The presence of TIM‐3 positive cells in WHO grade III and IV astrocytic gliomas correlates with isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation status
Authors: Sørensen Mia D. , Nielsen Ole , Reifenberger Guido , Kristensen Bjarne W.
Published: November 2020

Diffuse gliomas are aggressive brain tumors that respond poorly to immunotherapy including immune checkpoint inhibition. This resistance may arise from an immunocompromised microenvironment and deficient immune recognition of tumor cells because of low mutational burden. The most prominent genetic alterations in diffuse glioma are mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes that generate the immunosuppressive oncometabolite d‐2‐hydroxyglutarate. Our objective was to explore the association between IDH mutation and presence of cells expressing the immune checkpoint proteins galectin‐9 and/or T cell immunoglobulin and mucin‐domain containing‐3 (TIM‐3). Astrocytic gliomas of World Health Organization (WHO) grades III or IV (36 IDH‐mutant and 36 IDH‐wild‐type) from 72 patients were included in this study. A novel multiplex chromogenic immunohistochemistry panel was applied using antibodies against galectin‐9, TIM‐3, and the oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (OLIG2). Validation studies were performed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. IDH mutation was associated with decreased levels of TIM‐3+ cells (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between galectin‐9 and IDH status (p = 0.10). Most TIM‐3+ and galectin‐9+ cells resembled microglia/macrophages, and very few TIM‐3+ and/or galectin‐9+ cells co‐expressed OLIG2. The percentage of TIM‐3+ T cells was generally low, however, IDH‐mutant tumors contained significantly fewer TIM‐3+ T cells (p < 0.01) and had a lower interaction rate between TIM‐3+ T cells and galectin‐9+ microglia/macrophages (p < 0.05). TCGA data confirmed lower TIM‐3 mRNA expression in IDH‐mutant compared to IDH‐wild‐type astrocytic gliomas (p = 0.013). Our results show that IDH mutation is associated with diminished levels of TIM‐3+ cells and fewer interactions between TIM‐3+ T cells and galectin‐9+ microglia/macrophages, suggesting reduced activity of the galectin‐9/TIM‐3 immune checkpoint pathway in IDH‐mutant astrocytic gliomas.
Children living with parental substance misuse: A cross‐sectional profile of children and families referred to children's social care
Authors: Roy Jessica
Published: November 2020

Parental substance misuse is a significant public health and children's rights issue. In the United Kingdom, social workers frequently work with children and families affected by substance misuse. However, relatively little is known about this population, particularly at point of referral to children's social care. This paper reports on the largest known study of parental substance misuse as a feature of children's social care work in England. The paper provides a cross‐sectional profile of 299 children living with parental substance misuse and referred to children's social care in one local authority in England. Data were collected from social work case files at the point of referral to social care about the child, family, the wider environment, and parental substance misuse. The findings show that children affected by parental substance misuse frequently had other support needs relating to their well‐being and mental health. Children were also likely to be experiencing other parental and environmental risk factors. The significant historical—and in some cases intergenerational—social care involvement for some families indicates potential issues with the capacity of services to meet needs. Recommendations for practice are discussed with a particular focus on the need for early, comprehensive support for children and families.
Systematic map of conservation psychology
Authors: Wallen Kenneth E. , Landon Adam C.
Published: November 2020

Conservation science and practice commonly draw on the theories and methods of social psychology to explain human cognition, emotion, and behavior germane to biodiversity conservation. We created a systematic map of the cross‐disciplinary conservation science literature, which draws on social psychology concepts and methods in their application broadly described as conservation psychology. Established protocols were used to systematically collect and collate peer‐reviewed research published in an explicit selection of multidisciplinary conservation journals. We sought to catalog the literature, elucidate trends and gaps, and critically reflect on the state of conservation psychology and its research practices that aim to influence conservation outcomes. The volume of publications per year and per decade increased from 1974 to 2016. Although a diversity of research designs and methods was applied, studies disproportionately focused on specific concepts (attitudes and beliefs), locations (North America and Europe), and contexts (terrestrial, rural). Studies also tended to be descriptive, quantitative, and atheoretical in nature. Our findings demonstrate that although conservation psychology has generally become more visible and prominent, it has done so within a limited space and suggest that disciplinary research principles and reporting standards must be more universally adopted by traditional and multidisciplinary conservation journals to raise the floor of empirical research.