bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and locomotion analysis of the tetrahedral mobile robot with only revolute joints (TMRR)
Authors: Wang Zhirui , Li Yezhuo , Su Bo , Jiang Lei , Zhao Ziming , Yao Yan-An
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a tetrahedral mobile robot with only revolute joints (TMRR). By using rotation actuators, the mechanism of the robot gains favorable working space and eliminates the engineering difficulties caused by the multilevel extension compared with liner actuators. Furthermore, the rolling locomotion is improved to reduce displacement error based on dynamics analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The main body of deforming mechanism with a tetrahedral exterior shape is composed of four vertexes and six RRR chains. The mobile robot can achieve the rolling locomotion and reach any position on the ground by orderly driving the rotation actuators. The global kinematics of the mobile modes are analyzed. Dynamics analysis of the robot falling process is carried out during the rolling locomotion, and the rolling locomotion is improved by reducing the collision impulse along with the moving direction.

Findings

Based on global kinematics analysis of TMRR, the robot can realize the continuous mobility based on rolling gait planning. The main cause of robot displacement error and the corresponding improvement locomotion are gained through dynamic analysis. The results of the theoretical analysis are verified by experiments on a physical prototype.

Originality/value

The work introduced in this paper is a novel exploration of applying the mechanism with only revolute joints to the field of tetrahedral rolling robots. It is also an attempt to use the improved rolling locomotion making this kind of mobile robot more practical. Meanwhile, the reasonable engineering structure of the robot provides feasibility for load carrying.
Sustainable practices and financial performance in fashion firms
Authors: Medcalfe Simon , Miralles Miro Eva
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between sustainable practices and financial performance in fashion firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical analysis (fixed effects and ordinary least squares) of publicly available financial data combined with sustainable practices taken from the Baptist World Aid Australia Ethical Fashion Reports to determine if companies with better sustainable practices have significantly better financial performance.

Findings

The research shows that there is a strong positive correlation between sustainable practices and financial performance in fashion firms. There is stronger evidence that better sustainable practices lead to better financial performance and vice versa.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is limited to publicly available financial data and may not be generalized to all fashion firms. A quarter of firms were unresponsive to Baptist World Aid Australia's requests for information on sustainable practices creating potential selection bias.

Social implications

Consumers, employees, government and non-governmental organizations are advocates for greater corporate responsibility in fashion firms. Given the positive relationship between sustainable practices and return on equity, shareholders can be added to this list.

Originality/value

This research is the first to analyze objective financial performance with a range of sustainable indicators to determine if certain practices are more valuable than others.
Examining the drivers of deviant service adaption in fashion retailing: the role of tenure
Authors: Mortimer Gary , Wang Shasha
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Fashion retail employees sometimes “bend the rules” to help their customers. Referred to as customer-oriented deviance, this study responds to calls to examine the motivational antecedents of this behavior. This research also tests the moderating effect of tenure on the relationships between a frontline employee's motivations, their customer-oriented deviance behaviors and commitment to the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a self-completed, anonymous, online survey provided to a sample of 390 sales associates employed in retail fashion businesses.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that fashion retail employees were inclined to adapt service procedures and engage in deviant communication about either their organization and/or the products they sell for both pro-social and self-directed reasons. Interestingly, long-tenured employees demonstrated consistently lower motivations to engage in consumer-oriented deviance compared to short-tenured employees. However, analysis indicated no significant differences between short-tenured and long-tenured employees in their consumer-oriented deviance behaviors and commitment to the organization.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature and single-level data collection naturally put limitations on the generalizability of this research. The study does not examine alternative constructs that might mediate/moderate tested relationships, such as perceived empowerment, gender or risk, hence, future potential avenues for further inquiry are presented.

Originality/value

This research contributes to positive deviance theory and extends existing knowledge by developing an extensive model of motivational antecedents, a moderator and an outcome of consumer-oriented deviant behavior. For managers, this research provides valuable insights for organizations, which may create positive effects on service quality and a reduction in employee turnover.
Development of a machine-learning-based decision support mechanism for predicting chemical tanker cleaning activity
Authors: Cankaya Burak , Eren Tokgoz Berna , Dag Ali , Santosh K.C.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a machine learning-based automatic labeling methodology for chemical tanker activities that can be applied to any port with any number of active tankers and the identification of important predictors. The methodology can be applied to any type of activity tracking that is based on automatically generated geospatial data.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology uses three machine learning algorithms (artificial neural networks, support vector machines (SVMs) and random forest) along with information fusion (IF)-based sensitivity analysis to classify chemical tanker activities. The data set is split into training and test data based on vessels, with two vessels in the training data and one in the test data set. Important predictors were identified using a receiver operating characteristic comparative approach, and overall variable importance was calculated using IF from the top models.

Findings

Results show that an SVM model has the best balance between sensitivity and specificity, at 93.5% and 91.4%, respectively. Speed, acceleration and change in the course on the ground for the vessels are identified as the most important predictors for classifying vessel activity.

Research limitations/implications

The study evaluates the vessel movements waiting between different terminals in the same port, but not their movements between different ports for their tank-cleaning activities.

Practical implications

The findings in this study can be used by port authorities, shipping companies, vessel operators and other stakeholders for decision support, performance tracking, as well as for automated alerts.

Originality/value

This analysis makes original contributions to the existing literature by defining and demonstrating a methodology that can automatically label vehicle activity based on location data and identify certain characteristics of the activity by finding important location-based predictors that effectively classify the activity status.
Perceived age discrimination in the workplace: the mediating roles of job resources and demands
Authors: Yeung Dannii Y. , Zhou Xiaoyu , Chong Sherry
Published: May 2021

Purpose

With a growing number of older workers in the labor force, cultivating an age-friendly working environment becomes increasingly important. Inspired by the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, this study aims to investigate whether the negative effects of perceived age discrimination (PAD) on work-related outcomes would be explained by job resources and demands.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 333 Hong Kong Chinese employees aged 40 and above (M = 46.62, SD = 6.21; 60% female) completed an online survey that covered measures on workplace age discrimination, job resources and demands, work engagement, intention to stay and work strain.

Findings

PAD at work was associated with reduced job resources and increased job demands. The results of the mediation analyses showed support from supervisor and coworkers could account for the effects of PAD on work engagement and intention to stay, whereas emotional demand or workload could explain the effects of PAD on work engagement and work strain.

Practical implications

The findings of this research unveil the underlying mechanisms between age discrimination and work-related outcomes through job resources and job demands. Cultivating a supportive organizational climate toward older employees and offering awareness-based training programs are necessary to mitigate age biases in the workplace.

Originality/value

Building on the JD-R model, this study revealed the possible mechanism underlying the negative effects of PAD. Perceptions of age discrimination decrease older workers' job resources and increase their job demands, subsequently lower their work engagement and intention to stay and increase their work strain.
Predicting fire resistance of SRC columns through gene expression programming
Authors: Hassani Meisam , Safi Mohammad , Rasti Ardakani Reza , Saedi Daryan Amir
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to predict the fire resistance of steel-reinforced concrete columns by application of the genetic algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 11 effective parameters are considered including mechanical and geometrical properties of columns and loading values as input parameters and the duration of concrete resistance at elevated temperatures as the output parameter. Then, experimental data of several studies – with extensive ranges – are collected and divided into two categories.

Findings

Using the first set of the data along with the gene expression programming (GEP), the fire resistance predictive model of steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) composite columns is presented. By application of the second category, evaluation and validation of the proposed model are investigated as well, and the correspondent time-temperature diagrams are derived.

Originality/value

The relative error of 10% and the R coefficient of 0.9 for the predicted model are among the highlighted results of this validation. Based on the statistical errors, a fair agreement exists between the experimental data and predicted values, indicating the appropriate performance of the proposed GEP model for fire resistance prediction of SRC columns.
The interrelationship of marketing, accounting and auditing with corporate social responsibility
Authors: Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationship of marketing, accounting and auditing with corporate social responsibility (CSR) to determine the benefit of CSR marketing, the responsibility of Board of Directors (BODs) with CSR accounting and the duty of external auditors with CSR that has influence on corporate sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses exploratory and qualitative data obtained from multiple research methods, to investigate benefit of CSR marketing, the responsibility of BODs with CSR accounting and the duty of external auditors with CSR and of its practices by companies’ websites, google search, annual reports and CSR reports from all listed companies in the Muscat Securities Market, Oman. The data are used to critically examine and revise a previously published explanatory framework that identifies interrelationship of CSR marketing, accounting with CSR and auditing with CSR.

Findings

Results indicate that CSR marketing, CSR accounting and CSR auditing are closely interrelated for accepting and implementing CSR requirements by corporates. This finding suggests that the benefit of CSR marketing, the responsibility of BODs with CSR accounting and the duty of external auditors with CSR has positively influence on corporate sector. The finding helps to build good image by corporates.

Practical implications

Organizations from developing countries such as Oman should be aware of CSR marketing, CSR accounting and CSR auditing that affects decisions with CSR adoption and implementation by organizations that could also lead to competitive advantage when it operates in developed countries. Though, organizations in developed countries are also equip for higher expectations by applying innovative CSR initiatives.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first academic literature review on interrelationship of marketing, accounting and auditing with CSR based on evidence from an Oman context. The paper contributes by exploring the benefit of CSR marketing, the responsibility of BODs with CSR accounting and the duty of external auditors with CSR which influence on corporate sector.
Practicing mundane consumer resistance in the REKO local food system
Authors: Leipämaa-Leskinen Hanna
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to answer two research questions, namely, what kinds of mundane resistance practices emerge in the local food system and which spatial, material and social elements catalyse the resistance practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a post-humanist practice approach and focusses on exploring the agentic capacity of socio-material elements to generate resistance practices. The data were generated through a multi-method approach of interviews, field observations and Facebook discussions collected between 2014 and 2017.

Findings

The empirical context is the rejäl konsumtion local food network in Finland. The analysis presents two types of resisting practices – resisting facelessness and resisting carelessness – which are connected to spatial, material and social elements.

Research limitations/implications

The study focusses on one local food system, highlighting the socio-material structuring of resistance in this specific cultural setting.

Practical implications

The practical implications highlight that recognising the socio-material elements provides tools for better engagement of consumer actors with local food systems.

Originality/value

The study adds to the extant research by interweaving the consumer resistance literature and local food systems discussions with the neo-material approach. The findings present a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which consumer resistance is actualised in a non-recreational, mundane context of consumption. Consequently, the study offers new insights into the agentic socio-material actors structuring the local food system.
Smarter real estate marketing using virtual reality to influence potential homebuyers' emotions and purchase intention
Authors: Azmi Athira , Ibrahim Rahinah , Abdul Ghafar Maszura , Rashidi Ali
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the potentials of virtual reality (VR) for residential real estate marketing to influence house purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the relevant literature in consumer behaviour, this study hypothesised the relationships between atmosphere with pleasure and arousal emotions and the subsequent influence of emotions towards house purchase intention in a virtual environment. A within-subjects experimental design was conducted with 60 real potential homebuyers to test the hypotheses. Data were analysed using paired samples t-test and partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Results revealed that there is a significant difference in the atmosphere and house purchase intention between real and virtual environments. On the other hand, pleasure and arousal emotions evoked in real and virtual environments showed no significant difference. The results show that the atmosphere significantly affects pleasure and arousal, where pleasure, in turn, has a significant effect on purchase intention, and arousal showed an insignificant effect on purchase intention in the virtual environment.

Research limitations/implications

Due to budget limitation, this study was constrained to the use of HTC Vive as the VR equipment and evaluation of only one type of housing design.

Practical implications

This study contributes to facilitating the revitalisation of real estate marketing with the integration of VR by providing notable empirical results and recommendations based on the research findings.

Originality/value

This study extends the current knowledge from the stimulus-organism-response framework for a smart real estate marketing strategy using VR.
Price discovery and market efficiency of cardamom in India
Authors: Vijayakumar A.N.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Transparent and fair price discovery is essential to commodity market participants in the trade value chain for competitive benefit. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the price discovery of Indian cardamom at e-auction, spot and futures markets in addition to the existence of the day of the week effect at e-auction apart from exploring a novel price risk management framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used Johansen co-integration, vector error correction model, Granger causality and regression with dummy variables to understand a day of the week effect in high-value agri-commodity of cardamom e-auction prices. These price data were based on authenticated sources of Spices Board India and Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.

Findings

The statistical results indicate price discovery exists in the e-auction market and it leads to spot and futures prices. cardamom e-auction prices are negatively related to cardamom futures and positively related to spot prices. It also finds the non-existence of the day of the week effect in the high-value cardamom e-auction system in India. The study revealed that a cardamom e-auction is more active in price discovery than a cardamom futures contract.

Research limitations/implications

These results shall facilitate policymakers to explore intervention of online forward market mechanism at the national level to ensure price discovery and market efficiency. However, the study did not explore reasons for the non-equilibrium of a cardamom futures contract with spot and e-auction market.

Practical implications

The results of this study are useful in understanding the price discovery of cardamom e-auction and its role in the spot and futures market. Cardamom price discovery depends upon the e-auction system; any change of auction policy shall be binding on Indian cardamom prices. The introduction of an online forward market mechanism as described in the paper shall facilitate price risk management apart from improving the efficiency of price discovery.

Originality/value

This is the first study considering cardamom e-auction, spot and futures prices in the price discovery process in India. Statistical results of a day of the week effect clearly show no significant volatility of cardamom prices during the week. Besides, this study did not find the role of cardamom futures contracts intended to serve the economic function of price discovery and price risk management. Hence, suggests policy intervention for implementing an online Forward Market mechanism for Indian cardamom to ensure market efficiency and manage price risk.
Parental awareness of new online advertising techniques targeting children: an exploratory study of American parents
Authors: Lapierre Matthew A. , Choi Eunjoo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine what parents from across the USA know about online advertising/marketing tactics directed at children, their familiarity with these tactics and what they believe about the appropriateness of using these promotional methods to target children.

Design/methodology/approach

The online survey company Qualtrics was used to collect data from 500 parents in the USA. Parents had to have at least one child between the ages of 5 and 14 to participate. To ensure socio-economic diversity, half of the participants had an associate degree or more of schooling while the other half of participants had some college or less. Participants were given vignettes describing 11 different online advertising/marketing tactics and were asked how familiar they were with each tactic, whether they could identify the tactic by name, at what age they believed their child could understand the promotional intent of the tactic and the age that they thought it was ethical to use this tactic with children.

Findings

The results revealed that parents were only moderately familiar with many of these advertising/marketing tactics and had difficulty identifying most of them by name. In addition, parents reported that, on average, most 11-year-old children would understand the purpose of these marketing approaches and that it was ethical to target children with them.

Originality/value

The results of this exploratory study offer researchers some key insights into how American parents perceive online advertising that targets children.
Genetic and plastic rewiring of food webs under climate change
Authors: Barbour Matthew A. , Gibert Jean P.
Published: May 2021

Climate change is altering ecological and evolutionary processes across biological scales. These simultaneous effects of climate change pose a major challenge for predicting the future state of populations, communities and ecosystems. This challenge is further exacerbated by the current lack of integration of research focused on these different scales.

We propose that integrating the fields of quantitative genetics and food web ecology will reveal new insights on how climate change may reorganize biodiversity across levels of organization. This is because quantitative genetics links the genotypes of individuals to population‐level phenotypic variation due to genetic (G), environmental (E) and gene‐by‐environment (G × E) factors. Food web ecology, on the other hand, links population‐level phenotypes to the structure and dynamics of communities and ecosystems.

We synthesize data and theory across these fields and find evidence that genetic (G) and plastic (E and G × E) phenotypic variation within populations will change in magnitude under new climates in predictable ways. We then show how changes in these sources of phenotypic variation can rewire food webs by altering the number and strength of species interactions, with consequences for ecosystem resilience. We also find evidence suggesting there are predictable asymmetries in genetic and plastic trait variation across trophic levels, which set the pace for phenotypic change and food web responses to climate change. Advances in genomics now make it possible to partition G, E and G × E phenotypic variation in natural populations, allowing tests of the hypotheses we propose.

By synthesizing advances in quantitative genetics and food web ecology, we provide testable predictions for how the structure and dynamics of biodiversity will respond to climate change.
Comparison of mitochondrial genomes provides insights into intron dynamics and evolution in Botryosphaeria dothidea and B. kuwatsukai
Authors: Wang Bo , Liang Xiaofei , Hao Xiaojuan , Dang Haiyue , Hsiang Tom , Gleason Mark L. , Zhang Rong , Sun Guangyu
Published: May 2021

Botryosphaeria dothidea is one of the most common fungal pathogens on a large number of hosts worldwide. Botryosphaeria dothidea and B. kuwatsukai are also the main causal agents of apple ring rot. In this study, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the circular mitogenomes of 12 diverse B. dothidea isolates (105.7–114.8 kb) infecting various plants including apple, and five diverse B. kuwatsukai isolates (118.0–124.6 kb) from apple. B. dothidea mitogenomes harboured a set of 29–31 introns and 48–52 ORFs. In contrast, B. kuwatsukai mitogenomes harboured more introns (32–34) and ORFs (51–54). The variation in mitogenome sizes was associated mainly with different numbers of introns and insertions of mobile genetic elements. Interestingly, B. dothidea and B. kuwatsukai displayed distinct intron distribution patterns, with three intron loci showing presence/absence dynamics in each species. Large numbers of introns (57% in B. dothidea and 49% in B. kuwatsukai) were most likely obtained through horizontal transfer from non‐Dothideomycetes. The mitochondrial gene phylogeny supported the differentiation of the two species. Overall, this study sheds light into the mitochondrial evolution of the plant pathogens B. dothidea and B. kuwatsukai, and intron distribution patterns could be useful markers for studies on population diversity.
The association between nocturia, hormonal symptoms and bladder parameters in women: an observational study
Authors: Bower WF , Rose GE , Whishaw DM , Ervin CF , Wang AC , Moore KH
Published: May 2021

Objective

Postmenopausal nocturia is poorly understood. This study aimed to identify hormonal and lifestyle factors associated with nocturia and to understand the relative contribution of altered urine production and bladder storage dysfunction in women.

Design, setting, population and methods

Women ≥40 years presenting to public continence services were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study. A total of 153 participants completed a hormone status questionnaire, a validated nocturia causality screening tool and a 3‐day bladder diary. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models for nocturia severity and bladder diary parameters were computed.

Results

Overall, 91.5% reported nocturia, 55% ≥2 /night. There was a difference of 167.5 ml (P < 0.001) in nocturnal urine volume between women with nocturia ≥2 (median 736 ml) versus less often (517 ml). Significant predictors of self‐reported disruptive nocturia were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.002–1.073) and vitamin D supplementation (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.11–4.91). Nocturnal polyuria was significantly more common with nocturia ≥2 compared with less frequent nocturia (P < 0.002). Exercise for 150 minutes a week was protective for nocturnal polyuria (OR 0.22, P = 0.001). Nocturia index >1.3 was significantly predicted by age (OR 1.07, P < 0.001), regular exercise (OR 0.41, P = 0.036), day flushes (OR 4.00, P = 0.013) and use of vitamin D (OR 2.34, P = 0.043). Maximum voided volumes were significantly lower with nocturia ≥2 versus less often (night: 268 ml versus 350 ml; day: 200 ml versus 290 ml).

Conclusions

Bothersome nocturia in postmenopausal women is associated with changes to both nocturnal diuresis and bladder storage. Regular physical activity, prolapse reduction and oestrogen replacement may be adjunctive in managing bothersome nocturia in women.
Familial risk for endometriosis and its interaction with smoking, age at menarche and body mass index: a population‐based cohort study among siblings
Authors: Kim HJ , Lee H‐S , Kazmi SZ , Hann HJ , Kang T , Cha J , Choi S , Swan H , Kim H , Lee YS , Ahn HS
Published: May 2021

Objective

To quantify familial risk of endometriosis among full siblings and examine interactions between family history and smoking, age at menarche or body mass index (BMI).

Design, setting and population

Population‐based nationwide cohort study.

Methods

Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance and Screening Programme databases on kinship, healthcare utilisation, lifestyle and anthropometrics, we identified 2 109 288 women with full siblings and their environmental risk factors from 2002 to 2018. Familial risks were estimated using Cox proportional‐hazards models, represented as incidence risk ratios (IRR) with 95% CI. Interaction between family history and smoking, age at menarche or BMI were assessed on an additive scale.

Main outcome measures

IRR of endometriosis among women with and without affected siblings.

Results

From 19 195 women with affected siblings, 1126 developed endometriosis with an incidence of 35.45/10 000 person‐years. Familial risk of endometriosis with versus without affected siblings was increased to IRR 2.75 (95% CI 2.25–3.36), and the highest risk was with affected twins (IRR 6.98; 95% CI 4.19–11.62). Women with both a family history and either smoking, early menarche or low BMI had a significantly higher risk of endometriosis compared with the general population and can be regarded as a high‐risk group, the IRRs were 4.28 (95% CI 2.43–7.55), 3.47 (95% CI 2.82–4.26) and 3.09 (95% CI 2.68–3.56), respectively. Substantial effect modification of the associations was noted by smoking and early menarche, as their combined risk with family history exceeded the sum of their individual risks, which was also statistically significant.

Conclusion

Genetic factors are the primary contributor to the familial aggregation of endometriosis. Significant gene–environment interaction exists between family history and smoking or early menarche.

Tweetable abstract

Significant gene–environment interaction exists between family history of endometriosis and smoking or early menarche.
A clinicopathologic analysis of microscopic extension in small cell lung cancer and lung adenocarcinoma: Determination of clinical target volume with precise radiotherapy
Authors: Gao Liwei , Wang Xiuhong , Yang Xiongtao , Gu Runchuan , Zhu Guangying , Gao Xianshu
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The identification of the clinical target volume (CTV) is particularly important in the precise radiotherapy of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the extension margin from gross tumor volume (GTV) to CTV in primary small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) by microscopic extension (ME).

Material and Methods

The data of 25 cases of SCLC and 29 cases of ADC from August 2015 to August 2020 were analyzed. The measurement of tumor size between preoperative thoracic computed tomography (CT) and postoperative macroscopic specimens was compared, and the ME range of tumor cells was measured under a microscope to determine its correlation with clinical features and pathological manifestations.

Results

A total of 217 slides were examined, corresponding to 103 slides for SCLC and 114 slides for ADC. The radiologic sizes of the tumors in SCLC and ADC were 12.8 and 7.9 mm, respectively (p = 0.09), and the macroscopic sizes were 12.5 and 8.5 mm, respectively (p = 0.07). There was a significant correlation between the radiologic and macroscopic size of the same tumor sample (r = 0.886). Compared with ADC, more SCLC tumor cells infiltrated through vascular or lymphatic dissemination (16% vs. 9%, p = 0.047). The mean ME value was 2.81 mm for SCLC and 2.02 mm for ADC (p = 0.012). To take into account 95% of the ME, a margin of 8 and 7.7 mm must be expanded for SCLC and ADC, respectively. The ME value of the tumor was related to the presence of atelectasis, the location of the tumor, and the Ki‐67 cell proliferation index.

Conclusion

The GTV of the tumor was contoured according to CT images, which was basically consistent with the actual tumor size. The GTVs of SCLC and ADC should be expanded by 8 and 7.7 mm, respectively, to fully cover the subclinical lesions in 95% of cases.
Al‐Khidr site on Failaka Island in the Bronze Age: Pottery perspective
Authors: Kovár Branislav , Daňová Klaudia , Pieta Karol
Published: May 2021

The objective of this article is to evaluate the results of the excavation at the site of Al‐Khidr on Failaka Island that was probably a port or a fishermen’s settlement in the past. A very large number of stone architectural remains and artifacts have been discovered there. Al‐Khidr is a typical Dilmun culture site and the settlement was probably contemporary with the known sites F3 and F6 located on the south‐west coast of the island. Based on the pottery that has been processed, we preliminarily dated the site to a period between the beginning of the second millenium and approximately 1500 BC, although older settlement may have occurred, beginning at the end of the third millennium.
Biomarkers for oxidative stress and organ injury during Transnasal Humidified Rapid‐Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange compared to mechanical ventilation in adults undergoing microlaryngoscopy: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Forsberg Ida‐Maria , Mkrtchian Souren , Ebberyd Anette , Ullman Johan , Eriksson Lars I. , Lodenius Åse , Jonsson Fagerlund Malin
Published: May 2021

Background

Apnoeic oxygenation using Transnasal Humidified Rapid‐Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) during general anaesthesia prolongs the safe apnoeic period. However, there is a gap of knowledge how THRIVE‐induced hyperoxia and hypercapnia impact vital organs. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial was to characterise oxidative stress and, secondary, vital organ function biomarkers during THRIVE compared to mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods

Thirty adult patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1–2, undergoing short laryngeal surgery under general anaesthesia were randomised to THRIVE, FIO2 1.0, 70 L min−1 during apnoea or MV. Blood biomarkers for oxidative stress, malondialdehyde and TAC and vital organ function were collected (A) preoperatively, (B) at procedure completion and (C) at PACU discharge.

Results

Mean apnoea time was 17.9 (4.8) min and intubation to end‐of‐surgery time was 28.1 (12.8) min in the THRIVE and MV group, respectively. Malondialdehyde increased from 11.2 (3.1) to 12.7 (3.1) µM (P = .02) and from 9.5 (2.2) to 11.6 (2.6) µM (P = .003) (A to C) in the THRIVE and MV group, respectively. S100B increased from 0.05 (0.02) to 0.06 (0.02) µg L−1 (P = .005) (A to C) in the THRIVE group. No increase in TAC, CRP, leukocyte count, troponin‐T, NTproBNP, creatinine, eGFRcrea or NSE was demonstrated during THRIVE.

Conclusion

While THRIVE and MV was associated with increased oxidative stress, we found no change in cardiac, inflammation or kidney biomarkers during THRIVE. Further evaluation of stress and inflammatory response and cerebral and cardiac function during THRIVE is needed.
Brain imaging of cannabinoid type I (CB1) receptors in women with cannabis use disorder and male and female healthy controls
Authors: Spindle Tory R. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Eversole Alisha , Nandi Ayon , Vandrey Ryan , Antoine Denis G. , Umbricht Annie , Guarda Angela S. , Wong Dean F. , Weerts Elise M.
Published: May 2021

Cannabis effects are predominantly mediated by pharmacological actions on cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Prior positron emission tomography (PET) studies in individuals who use cannabis included almost exclusively males. PET studies in females are needed because there are sex differences in cannabis effects, progression to cannabis use disorder (CUD), and withdrawal symptom severity. Females with CUD (N = 10) completed two double‐blind cannabis smoking sessions (Session 1: placebo; Session 2: active), and acute cannabis effects were assessed. After Session 2, participants underwent 3 days of monitored cannabis abstinence; mood, craving, and withdrawal symptoms were assessed and a PET scan (radiotracer: [11C]OMAR) followed. [11C]OMAR Distribution volume (VT) from these participants was compared with VT of age/BMI‐similar female non‐users of cannabis (“healthy controls”; N = 10). VT was also compared between female and male healthy controls (N = 7). Females with CUD displayed significantly lower VT than female healthy controls in specific brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, cingulate, and insula). Amygdala VT was negatively correlated with mood changes (anger/hostility) during abstinence, but VT was not correlated with other withdrawal symptoms or cannabis effects. Among healthy controls, females had significantly higher VT than males in all brain regions examined. Chronic cannabis use appears to foster downregulation of CB1 receptors in women, as observed previously in men, and there are inherent sex differences in CB1 availability. Future studies should elucidate the time course of CB1 downregulation among females who use cannabis and examine the relation between CB1 availability and cannabis effects among other populations (e.g., infrequent users; medicinal users).
Mu‐opioid receptors in septum mediate the development of behavioural sensitization to a single morphine exposure in male rats
Authors: Li Yu‐Ling , Wei Shoupeng , Liu Qing , Gong Qi , Zhang Qing‐Jie , Zheng Tian‐Ge , Yong Zheng , Chen Feng , Lawrence Andrew J. , Liang Jian‐Hui
Published: May 2021

Behavioural sensitization (BS) is characterized by enhanced psychomotor responses to a dose of substance of abuse after prior repeated exposure. We previously reported that BS can be induced by a single injection of morphine in rats, whereas septal nuclei are specifically involved in the development phase of BS. Here, we demonstrated that intra‐LS or intra‐MS microinjections also incubated BS to a systemic morphine injection in a cross‐sensitization fashion, whereas inactivation of either subdivision of septal nuclei (LS: lateral septum; MS: medial septum) can negate this ability of morphine. Then, non‐selective (naloxone) and selective (μ‐, δ‐ and κ‐)opioid receptor antagonists were directly delivered into LS or MS, respectively, ahead of a morphine microinjection, whereas only μ‐opioid receptors in both LS and MS play indispensable roles in mediating the BS development. Finally, there was a pronounced elevation in the levels of the monoamines (i.e. dopamine, homovanillic acid, 5‐hydroxytryptamine and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid) in the septum, 8 h after a morphine injection detected with a HPLC‐ECD method, suggesting that dopaminergi and serotoninergic systems are implicated in the BS formation. Our studies demonstrated that septal nuclei critically participate in the BS development. Essentially, μ‐ instead of δ‐ or κ‐opioid receptors in LS and MS mediate sensitization to opiates.
Salivary β‐galactosidase, halitosis parameters in periodontal health and disease, and their changes after periodontal treatment
Authors: Aliyev B , Pasaoglu O , Pasaoglu H , Gungor K , Guner E , Celik B , Tuter G
Published: May 2021

Background

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the salivary β‐galactosidase and Halimeter values (HMV), organoleptic scores (OLS) and Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) in periodontal health and periodontitis (P), and also their changes after phase I periodontal therapy and tongue cleaning.

Methods

The participants were separated as follows: 25 P with halitosis (Group 1), 25 P without halitosis (Group 2) and 25 healthy controls (Group 3). Periodontal recordings, HMV, OLS and WTCI scores were recorded, and whole saliva β‐galactosidase levels were measured colorimetrically in the samples at baseline and 1 month after the therapy.

Results

The baseline values of HMV, OLS, WTCI and salivary β‐galactosidase levels were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in periodontal recordings, HMV, OLS, WTCI and salivary β‐galactosidase levels in all P patients by the therapy (P < 0.05). However, major reductions in halitosis measurements and saliva enzyme levels were observed in Group 1 after the treatment.

Conclusion

Our results showed that salivary β‐galactosidase was associated with halitosis parameters and phase I periodontal therapy played an important role to reduce this enzyme level and halitosis parameters in P.
Progress in the management of ovarian granulosa cell tumor: A review
Authors: Li Junting , Chu Ran , Chen Zhongshao , Meng Jinyu , Yao Shu , Song Kun , Kong Beihua
Published: May 2021

Ovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare, low‐grade malignant tumor that accounts for 70% of the sex cord‐stromal tumors. It has two histopathologic types with different clinical and biologic features: adult GCT and juvenile GCT. Most women diagnosed with the adult GCT have a favorable prognosis, with a 5‐year survival rate of 97%–98%, but adult GCT has a feature of late relapse; the recurrence time could be more than 20 years after diagnosis. Juvenile GCT has a survival rate of 97% in stage I and a 5‐year survival rate of 0%–22% in advanced stage with earlier recurrence than adult GCT. Consequently, the scenario emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, standardized treatment protocols, and long‐term follow up. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding accurate diagnosis of GCT and adjuvant treatment. Furthermore, GCT tends to occur in young women, which emphasizes the viability of fertility‐sparing surgery. The current review performed a systematic literature review of 60 articles to summarize the latest advances in GCT, with an emphasis on the molecular pathogenesis and survival after fertility‐sparing surgery. We found that young women with fertility‐sparing surgery had a desirable reproductive and survival outcome compared with those undergoing radical surgery.
Perinatal outcomes in women with cystic fibrosis: Data from the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Registry
Authors: Padoan Rita F. , Quattrucci Serena , Amato Annalisa , Salvatore Marco , Salvatore Donatello , Campagna Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Data from the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Registry concerning pregnancies in the period 2010–2015 were used to investigate the association between the preconception clinical status and perinatal outcomes of women with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Material and methods

The assessed clinical variables were genotype, age at the time of conception, body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (ppFEV1). The analyzed outcomes were gestational age, birthweight and the frequency of cesarean deliveries. A generalized linear mixed model (GLIMMIX) was used to evaluate the association between type of delivery and age at the time of becoming pregnant, BMI, ppFEV1 and gestational age. Robust multivariable regression was used to evaluate the relation between gestational age and age at the time of becoming pregnant, BMI and ppFEV1. Multivariable linear regression was performed to verify association between birthweight and BMI, and ppFEV1.

Results

Complete information concerning mother and child was available for 56 completed pregnancies. Median age at the time of conception was 30.8 years (range: 18.7–42.3); median BMI was 21.5 kg/m2 (range: 16.5–26.8); and median ppFEV1 was 73.9 (range: 30–128). In all, 31 women (55.36%) had a genotype consisting of two CF‐causing variants. Eight were homozygous for the F508del mutation (14.28% of the total). The median duration of pregnancy was 37 weeks (range: 31–41) and the frequency of prematurity (<37 weeks of gestational age) was 28.30%. Median birthweight was 2910 g (range: 1300–3650). The overall frequency of cesarean sections was 63.64%. A low preconception ppFEV1 was associated with prematurity (p = 0.014), and birthweight was positively related to ppFEV1 (p = 0.04). There was no association between the clinical variables or gestational age and the type of delivery.

Conclusions

Maternal preconceptional respiratory function correlates with the duration of pregnancy and the birthweight of newborns. Cesarean deliveries are also frequent among young women with CF with normal respiratory function.
Impact that the COVID‐19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccinations and challenges ahead: A narrative review
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Parigi Sara , Galli Luisa , Licari Amelia , Brambilla Ilaria , Angela Tosca Maria , Ciprandi Giorgio , Marseglia Gianluigi
Published: May 2021

Aim

To document the decline in vaccination coverage in the first months of 2020 as an indirect effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We performed a literature review in medical databases. Overall, 143 articles were initially retrieved, out of which 48 were selected and included in the review.

Results

Our review retrieved similar data in many countries worldwide, and, globally, preliminary data from the first 4 months of 2020 indicate a decline in diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis coverage, generally considered the marker of vaccination coverage across countries. World Health Organization recommends maintaining vaccination services, prioritising primary series vaccinations especially for measles‐rubella or poliomyelitis, but it also lets each country decide whether to maintain the immunisation services evaluating the current epidemiology of vaccine‐preventable diseases and the COVID‐19 local transmission scenario. Successively, recovering of vaccinations should be planned. Moreover, during the pandemic, influenza vaccination should be promoted as a central public health measure.

Conclusion

Future challenges will be to maintain the vaccination programmes, especially in children younger than 2 years old and adolescents, to plan the recovery of vaccinations for subjects who postponed them during the lockdown, and to early identify any vaccine‐preventable disease outbreak.
Editorial: determining disability in IBD – ‘See(k) and you shall find’
Authors: Limdi Jimmy K.
Published: May 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tannoury et al and Tannoury & Amiot papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16353 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16384
Letter: budesonide for functional dyspepsia with duodenal eosinophilia—randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled parallel‐group trial
Authors: Talley N.J. , Walker M.M. , Jones M. , Keely S. , Koloski N. , Cameron R. , Fairlie T. , Burns G. , Shah A. , Hansen T. , Harris G. , Holtmann G.
Published: May 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ronkainen et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15308
Customer aggression, employee voice and quit rates: Evidence from the frontline service workforce
Authors: Liu Xiangmin , van Jaarsveld Danielle D. , Yanadori Yoshio
Published: May 2021

In this study, we examine how establishment‐level aggression originating from customers can lead to voluntary turnover. We also examine whether establishment‐level factors, such as collective voice, high involvement work practices and control‐based work practices, moderate this relationship. By analysing a sample of 139 call centres in Canada, we found that establishment‐level customer aggression is positively related to the workforce quit rate. Furthermore, we found that this positive relationship is weaker in establishments where employees have access to collective voice and in establishments that use fewer control‐based human resource practices.