bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Function in Premenopausal Women Treated With Ovarian Function Suppression and an Aromatase Inhibitor
Authors: Jordan Jennifer H , D’Agostino Ralph B , Ansley Katherine , Douglas Emily , Melin Susan , Sorscher Steven , Vasu Sujethra , Park Sung , Kotak Anuj , Romitti Paul A , O’Connell Nathanial S , Hundley William G , Thomas Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Background

Premenopausal women with high-risk hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer often receive ovarian function suppression (OFS) with aromatase inhibitor therapy; however, abrupt menopause induction, together with further decrements in estrogen exposure through aromatase inhibition, may affect cardiovascular microcirculatory function. We examined adenosine-induced changes in left ventricular (LV) myocardial T1, a potential subclinical marker of LV microcirculatory function in premenopausal women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Methods

Twenty-one premenopausal women (14 with HR-positive breast cancer receiving OFS with an aromatase inhibitor and 7 comparator women with triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC] who had completed primary systemic therapy) underwent serial resting and adenosine cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging measurements of LV myocardial T1 and LV volumes, mass, and ejection fraction. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

After a median of 4.0 months (range = 3.1-5.7 months), the stress to resting ratio of LV myocardial T1 declined in women with HR-positive breast cancer (−1.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.4% to 0.7%) relative to those with TNBC (3.2%, 95% CI = −1.2% to 7.6%, P = .02). After accounting for age, LV stroke volume, LV ejection fraction, diastolic blood pressure, and breast cancer subtype women with HR-positive breast cancer experienced a blunted T1 response after adenosine relative to women with TNBC (difference = −4.7%, 95% CI = −7.3% to −2.1%, Pdifference = .002).

Conclusions

Over the brief interval examined, women with HR-positive breast cancer receiving OFS with an aromatase inhibitor experienced reductions in adenosine-associated changes in LV myocardial T1 relative to women who received nonhormonal therapy for TNBC. These findings suggest a possible adverse impact on LV myocardial microcirculatory function in premenopausal women with breast cancer receiving hormone deprivation therapy.
Planetary migration in precessing discs for S-type wide binaries
Authors: Roisin Arnaud , Teyssandier Jean , Libert Anne-Sophie
Published: July 2021

The discovery of numerous circumprimary planets in the last few years has brought to the fore the question of planet formation in binary systems. The significant dynamical influence, during the protoplanetary disc phase, of a binary companion on a giant planet has previously been highlighted for wide binary stars. In particular, highly inclined binary companion can induce perturbations on the disc and the planets through the Lidov–Kozai resonance, which could inhibit the formation process. In this work, we aim to study how the disc gravitational potential acting on the planet and the nodal precession induced by the wide binary companion with separation of 1000 au on the disc act to suppress the Lidov–Kozai perturbations on a migrating giant planet. We derive new approximate formulas for the evolution of the disc’s inclination and longitude of the ascending node in case of a rigidly precessing disc with a decreasing mass and perturbed by a wide binary companion, which are suitable for N-body simulations. We carry out 3200 simulations with several eccentricity and inclination values for the binary companion. The gravitational and damping forces exerted by the disc on the planet tend to keep the latter in the mid-plane of the former, and suppress the effect of the binary companion by preventing the planet from getting locked in the Lidov–Kozai resonance during the disc phase. We also confirm that because of nodal precession induced by the binary, a primordial spin–orbit misalignment could be generated for circumprimary planets with an inclined binary companion.
Three-dimensional core-collapse supernovae with complex magnetic structures – I. Explosion dynamics
Authors: Bugli M , Guilet J , Obergaulinger M
Published: July 2021

Magnetic fields can play a major role in the dynamics of outstanding explosions associated to violent events such as gamma-ray bursts and hypernovae, since they provide a natural mechanism to harness the rotational energy of the central proto-neutron star and power relativistic jets through the stellar progenitor. As the structure of such fields is quite uncertain, most numerical models of MHD-driven core-collapse supernovae consider an aligned dipole as initial magnetic field, while the field’s morphology can actually be much more complex. We present three-dimensional simulations of core-collapse supernovae with more realistic magnetic structures, such as quadrupolar fields and, for the first time, an equatorial dipolar field. Configurations other than an aligned dipole produce weaker explosions and less collimated outflows, but can at the same time be more efficient in extracting the rotational energy from the PNS. This energy is then stored in the surroundings of the PNS, rather than powering the polar jets. A significant axial dipolar component is also produced by models starting with a quadrupolar field, pointing to an effective dynamo mechanism operating in proximity of the PNS surface.
Heavy axion-like particles and MeV decay photons from nearby type Ia supernovae
Authors: Mori Kanji
Published: July 2021

Axion-like particles (ALPs) are hypothetical bosons which may couple with photons. Since many ALPs can be emitted from hot and dense astrophysical plasma, nearby supernovae (SNe) are a possible probe into their properties, including the ALP mass ma and the coupling constant gaγ between ALPs and photons. I calculate the ALP emission from a type Ia SN (SN Ia) model with near-Chandrasekhar mass, finding that ALP luminosities from SNe Ia reach ∼1043(gaγ/10−10 GeV−1)2 erg s−1 if ma ≲ 1 MeV. Heavy ALPs emitted from SNe are unstable and decay into photons. I predict the time delay and the flux of decay photons that reach Earth from a nearby SN Ia, finding that the decay photons may provide a constraint on gaγ which is as stringent as the SN 1987A limit if an SN Ia is located 1 kpc away or closer and next-generation MeV γ-ray satellites observe it ∼1–10 yr after the explosion.
Dancing during labor in the midst of COVID-19 outbreak: as an alternative non-pharmacological treatment after digital interventions
Authors: Situmorang Dominikus David Biondi
Published: July 2021

As a result of this writing, I encourage future academics to conduct further study on what sorts of music and movements are acceptable for women during birth, as this is a highly intriguing issue, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Music and dance can also be used as an alternative to non-pharmacological treatments, so that enough pregnant women can be assisted and their tension and anxiety during delivery can be decreased.
VOLUMETRIC THREE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY OF RETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Nakao Shintaro , Kaizu Yoshihiro , Horie Juun , Wada Iori , Arima Mitsuru , Fukuda Yosuke , Ishikawa Keijiro , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate structural and angiographic neovascularization in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy using volumetric three-dimensional optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods:

This prospective, observational cross-sectional study included 29 eyes of 27 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The angiogenic structure, feeding vessel (epicenter), flow volume, and flow volume density of the neovasculatures were evaluated using three-dimensional OCTA imaging. The flow area and the flow area density were also measured using en face OCTA imaging.

Results:

Sites of neovascularization were imaged successfully in 17 of the 29 eyes (58.6%). Three proposed types of neovascularization were identified on the basis of structural features seen on the three-dimensional OCTA images. Neovascularization of the adhesion type (9 of 17, 52.9%) adhered to the retinal vasculature. Those of the traction type (5 of 17, 29.4%) were partially separated from the retinal vascular plexus. Those of the mushroom type (3 of 17, 17.6%) were connected to the retinal vasculature by several epicenters. There was a significant difference between highly leaky (active) and faintly leaky (inactive) neovascularization for flow volume density, but not for flow area, flow volume, or flow area density (P = 0.01, 0.9, 0.6, and 0.1, respectively).

Conclusion:

Volumetric three-dimensional OCTA revealed three types of neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and may be useful for assessing neovascular activity and planning vitrectomies.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Neonates With Blood Stream Infection Due to Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Ntuli Nandi , Wadula Jeannette , Nakwa Firdose , Thomas Reenu , Van Kwawegen Alison , Sepeng Letlhogonolo , Seake Karabo , Kgwadi Dikeledi , Sono Lino , Ondongo-Ezhet Claude , Velaphi Sithembiso
Published: July 2021

Background:

Infection due to Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is rare in neonates; thus, its clinical presentation and outcomes are not commonly reported, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In 2017, South Africa had an outbreak due to LM.

Objective:

To determine demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings and outcomes of all neonates infected with LM during the outbreak period.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analytic study. Clinical and laboratory records of neonates admitted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital from January 2017 to May 2018 with positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture with LM were reviewed for demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, ancillary laboratory test results and outcomes at hospital discharge.

Results:

There were 42 neonates with positive cultures due to LM. Thirty-four (81%) were born preterm. Mode of delivery was vaginal in 78.6% and 31.0% were HIV exposed. All patients presented within the first 6 days of life as an early-onset disease. Common clinical presentation was respiratory depression (52.4%) and respiratory distress (38.1%) with 69% requiring invasive or noninvasive respiratory support. Common abnormal laboratory findings were high C-reactive protein (77.1%) followed by leukopenia (23.8%). Fourteen patients (40%) had features of meningitis based on blood and cerebrospinal fluid findings (4 culture proven). There were 11 deaths at hospital discharge, giving a mortality rate of 26.2%.

Conclusions:

The majority of neonates infected with LM were born preterm, raising the possibility that LM itself may have been responsible for preterm labor. All presented in the first 6 days of life and most presented with respiratory distress or depression. A high proportion had meningitis, and there was a high-mortality overall.
Nonmedical barriers to early steps in kidney transplantation among underrepresented groups in the United States
Authors: Harding Jessica L. , Perez Aubriana , Patzer Rachel E.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review

Despite numerous targeted interventions and policy reforms, underrepresented minorities and patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) continue to have unequal access to kidney transplant. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence on barriers to early kidney transplant steps (i.e. referral and evaluation) among underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities and low SES groups in the United States.

Recent findings

This review highlights the interconnectedness of several patient-level (e.g. medical mistrust, transplant knowledge, access to care), provider-level (e.g. dialysis profit status, patient--provider communication; staff accessibility), and system-level (e.g. center-specific criteria, healthcare logistics, neighborhood poverty, healthcare logistics) factors associated with lower rates of referral and evaluation among underrepresented minorities and low SES groups, and the influence of systemic racism operating at all levels.

Collection of national surveillance data on early transplant steps, as well as routinely captured data on upstream social determinants of health, including the measurement of racism rather than race, is necessary to enhance our understanding of barriers to referral and evaluation. A multipronged approach (e.g. targeted and systemwide interventions, and policy change) implemented at multiple levels of the healthcare system will be necessary to reduce disparities in early transplant steps.
Genetic Study of Fanconi Anemia in Infancy Revealed FANCI Mutations and Defective ALDH2 Variant: A Case Report
Authors: Urata Takayo , Imamura Toshihiko , Osone Shinya , Muramatsu Hideki , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Hosoi Hajime
Published: July 2021

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that manifests as congenital abnormalities and bone marrow failure (BMF). Most patients with FA present with BMF within the first decade of life; however, neonate and early infancy BMF is rare. Recent studies have shown that a defective aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) variant accelerates BMF development in patients with FA. Herein, we described an infant case of FA with compound heterozygous FANCI mutation and the defective ALDH2 variant. Our case developed BMF early probably because of ALDH2 deficiency, while the mild malformation might be because of the locus of FANCI mutation.
An Atypical Case of Very Early-onset Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Associated With Focal Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Henry Asher , Rajasekaran Vivek , Evans Helen M. , Strauss Magreet , Patel Rakesh , Greenslade Mark , Roberts Amin J. , Yap Patrick
Published: July 2021

We describe a female toddler with rectal bleeding from extensive colonic polyposis, and diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis. She has epilepsy from infancy attributed to focal cortical dysplasia. Hepatoblastoma was diagnosed at 13 months of age. Germline testing detected a pathogenic APC (adenomatous polyposis coli gene) variant. We discuss the anecdotal management of this case, including the clinical utility of genetic confirmation. We review the genotype-phenotype correlation of the APC mutational spectrum, and the existing evidence supporting the hypothesis that cortical dysplasia is part of the APC-related spectrum.
Hope and Worry
Authors: Ning Li , Li Yimin , Zhong Changyang , Wang Li , Yuan Changrong , Chen Yujing , Xia Yun
Published: July 2021

Background

With the rapid development of precision medicine, targeted therapy has brought new hope for patients with advanced lung cancer. However, because of the high specificity of targeted therapy, individual differences in treatment have occurred, and drug resistance has led to treatment failure, or unpredictable serious side effects have resulted in reducing or stopping treatment. Such outcomes reduce hope.

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand the phenomena of existential worry and hope in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are receiving targeted therapies.

Methods

The interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used in this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with advanced NSCLC who had received targeted drug therapy at a public cancer hospital in China.

Results

Four themes emerged from the descriptions of 16 patients regarding their psychological experiences of undergoing targeted therapy: wishes and concerns, hopes and fears, expectations and worry, and desires and anxiety.

Conclusions

Non–small-cell lung cancer patients experience positive emotions, such as hope and expectation, as well as negative emotions, such as worry and anxiety, while receiving targeted drug therapy. These different emotions can be experienced concurrently.

Implications for Practice

Our findings illuminate NSCLC patients' psychological perceptions while undergoing targeted drug therapy. Supportive care resources and interventions are required to enhance patients' positive feelings and reduce their worry during targeted therapy. Patients also require better preparation and information to enable them to improve their quality of life and remain safe after undergoing treatment.
Acute Physiological Effects of Continuous Versus Intermittent Walking During Golf in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jayabalan Prakash , Bergman Rachel , Jauregui Emilio , Hanaoka Chad , Stoker Aaron M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the acute effects of walking the golf course versus using a golf cart during a round of golf on biological markers of joint disease, joint pain, and cardiovascular parameters in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Participants with knee OA (n = 10) older than 50 yrs were recruited for this crossover designed study in which they completed two 18-hole rounds of golf: (1) walking the course and (2) using a golf cart. Five control participants (n = 5) performed the walking condition only. Step count, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion and pain using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale were measured during the round. Serum was collected at baseline, 9th hole (halfway), and 18th hole (completion) and tested for biomarkers associated with tissue turnover (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6), and degradative enzyme production (matrix metalloproteinase 3, matrix metalloproteinase 13).

Results

In knee OA participants, walking the course was associated with significantly higher step count and duration of moderate/vigorous physical activity (72.2% vs. 32.6% of the round) but did lead to a significant increase in knee joint pain (P < 0.05). Both conditions caused cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and matrix metalloproteinase 13 concentration increases from baseline to completion (P < 0.05), but inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, and interleukin 1β, P < 0.05) only increased when walking the course. Biomarker concentrations did not increase in control participants.

Conclusions

Walking the course optimizes the duration of moderate/vigorous activity during a round of golf, but the golf cart is a beneficial option in those with exacerbated joint pain and inflammation that would otherwise limit participation.
Parental Reports of Intervention Services and Prevalence of Teasing in a Multinational Craniofacial Microsomia Pediatric Study
Authors: Johns Alexis L. , Luquetti Daniela V. , Heike Carrie L. , Drake Amelia F. , Roque Milagros M. Dueñas , Hurtado-Villa Paula , Pachajoa Harry , Porras-Hurtado Gloria Liliana , Zarante Ignacio , Magee Leanne
Published: July 2021

Children with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) are at increased risk for educational and social concerns. This study describes intervention services and frequency of teasing in a multinational population of children with CFM. Caregivers of children with CFM ages 3 to 18 years in the US and South America were administered a questionnaire. Additional information was gathered from medical charts and photographs. Participants (N = 169) had an average age of 10.1 ± 6.2 years, were primarily male (60%), and from the US (46%) or Colombia (32%). Most participants had microtia and mandibular hypoplasia (70%). They often had unilateral (71%) or bilateral (19%) hearing loss and 53% used a hearing aid. In the US, special education services were provided for 48% of participants enrolled in school; however, similar services were rare (4%) in South America and reflect differences in education systems. Access to any intervention service was higher in the US (80%) than in South America (48%). Caregivers reported children showed diagnosis awareness by an average age of 4.4 ± 1.9 years. Current or past teasing was reported in 41% of the children, starting at a mean age of 6.0 ± 2.4 years, and most often took place at school (86%). As half of the US participants received developmental and academic interventions, providers should screen for needs and facilitate access to services. Given diagnosis awareness at age 4 and teasing at age 6, providers are encouraged to assess for psychosocial concerns and link to resources early in treatment.
The Most Frequently Cited References in the Articles Published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Between 1995 and 2020
Authors: Bahşi Ayşe , Tekin Ahmet Mahmut , Bahşi Ilhan
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to examine the cited-references in the articles published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery between 1995 and 2020. On February 20, 2021, all articles published before January 1, 2021, in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery were listed using advanced search in the Web of Science database. The journal's ISSN and e-ISSN numbers were used to perform this search. All information about these articles has been marked and exported to Tab-delimited (Win) format. It was then analyzed with the VOSviewer software. In the Web of Science database, it was investigated that a total of 11,888 articles were published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery between 1995 and 2020. A total of 137,829 different cited-references were used in these 11,888 articles. The top 15 most cited-references were identified. It was found that the first 3 most cited journals were Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (n: 21,700; 15.74%), Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (n: 12,199; 8.85%), and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (n: 9383, 6.81%), respectively. As far as we know, the present study is the first study to analyze the cited-references in the field of craniofacial surgery. The authors think that the publications determined in this study are fundamental building blocks for both the field of craniofacial surgery and the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.
The Impact of Simulation Based Training on the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery Performance Examination
Authors: Ritter E. Matthew , Park Yoon Soo , Durning Steven J. , Tekian Ara S.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To determine if simulation training is required to pass the FES skills test and assess the relationship between simulation training, clinical training, and FES skills test performance.

Summary of Background Data:

The ABS began requiring completion of the Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum for all applicants beginning in 2018. The role of simulation-based training in FES skills test performance after this requirement has not been evaluated.

Methods:

De-identified data from the initial FES skills tests after the Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum requirement was reviewed, and 731 unique participants with reported simulation experience demographics were identified. Self-reported data included sex, upper (UE) and lower (LE) endoscopy experience, and simulator training hours (SE). Final FES skills exam scores and pass/fail designations for each participant were reported by the FES program staff.

Results:

There was a statistically discernible difference in mean FES total scores between those reporting no SE and more experienced groups (P = 0.002), and between less and more experienced UE and LE groups (P < 0.001). There was no statistically discernible difference in FES skills exam pass rates between SE groups (P = 0.2), but there was a strong relationship between clinical experience (UE & LE) and pass rate (P < 0.001). Finally, on logistic regression analysis, LE was a discernible predictor of passing [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.8, P = 0.02], while UE [odds ratio (OR) = 1, 95% CI 0.8-1.3, P = 0.9] and SE (OR = 1,95% CI 0.9– 1.3, P = 0.7) were not.

Conclusions:

There is no threat to the validity of the FES skills test from a need for simulation training to pass the FES skills test. Similarly, the amount of simulation practice is not predictive of passing, but can improve performance on certain FES tasks.
Population diversity of cassava mosaic begomoviruses increases over the course of serial vegetative propagation
Authors: Aimone Catherine D. , Lavington Erik , Hoyer J. Steen , Deppong David O. , Mickelson-Young Leigh , Jacobson Alana , Kennedy George G. , Carbone Ignazio , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda , Duffy Siobain
Published: July 2021

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) represents a serious threat to cassava, a major root crop for more than 300 million Africans. CMD is caused by single-stranded DNA begomoviruses that evolve rapidly, making it challenging to develop durable disease resistance. In addition to the evolutionary forces of mutation, recombination and reassortment, factors such as climate, agriculture practices and the presence of DNA satellites may impact viral diversity. To gain insight into the factors that alter and shape viral diversity in planta, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the accumulation of nucleotide diversity after inoculation of infectious clones corresponding to African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCV) in the susceptible cassava landrace Kibandameno. We found that vegetative propagation had a significant effect on viral nucleotide diversity, while temperature and a satellite DNA did not have measurable impacts in our study. EACMCV diversity increased linearly with the number of vegetative propagation passages, while ACMV diversity increased for a time and then decreased in later passages. We observed a substitution bias toward C→T and G→A for mutations in the viral genomes consistent with field isolates. Non-coding regions excluding the promoter regions of genes showed the highest levels of nucleotide diversity for each genome component. Changes in the 5′ intergenic region of DNA-A resembled the sequence of the cognate DNA-B sequence. The majority of nucleotide changes in coding regions were non-synonymous, most with predicted deleterious effects on protein structure, indicative of relaxed selection pressure over six vegetative passages. Overall, these results underscore the importance of knowing how cropping practices affect viral evolution and disease progression.
Online user comments responding to deemed consent organ donor legislation in Nova Scotia: a divided public or a few loud voices?
Authors: Marcon Alessandro R. , Wagner Darren N. , Rachul Christen , Weiss Matthew J.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia recently became the first jurisdiction in North America to pass deemed consent organ donation legislation. This change in legislation generated substantial online discussion, which we analyzed to provide insights on public perception.

Methods

We performed directed content analysis on 2663 user-generated comments appearing on two widely-shared Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) articles published online in April 2019. We determined levels of support and opposition in comments and described the specific rhetoric used for doing so. We also performed one-way ANOVA and Pearson chi-square tests to determine how the comments were being received and engaged by other users.

Results

A range of commentary was present in both support and opposition to the changes in legislation. There were more negative than positive comments, and negative commentary generated more replies. Positive comments were received more positively by other users, while negative comments were received more negatively. The total sum of negative comments was greatly influenced by a small number of very active participants. Negative commentary focused more on broad concepts and principles related to government, power, and individual rights rather than specific issues in the Nova Scotian context. Substantial issues of trust in the government and healthcare system were evident.

Conclusions

There were strong positive and negative sentiments expressed in the comments, but the total sum of negativity in the comments was significantly influenced by a small number of commentators. Analysis on the presumed consent concerns can be helpful to inform public outreach efforts.

Implication Statement

This research is the first to examine the robust online commentary regarding reactions to Nova Scotia’s recently-passed deemed consent organ donation law. Our analysis provides extensive detail on the commentary in favour and in opposition to the new law, which has relevance for understanding public perception and designing public outreach.
Cytotoxic Effect of Silver Ions in Combination with Peanut's leaf extract on Cells
Authors: Jung Yeonjo
Published: July 2021

As modern people suffered to various infectious diseases such as MERS and Covid 19, people interest in nature-driven health care has increased. Accordingly, expectations for natural therapeutics that can have a beneficial effect on the human body without being processed have increased. Buckwheat, peanut, and pine are representatives. Among them, peanuts contain polyphenols and flavonoids which are used as nutritional foods in various forms. For example, resveratrol is activated by the CYP1B1 enzyme in peanut sprouts and converted to piceatannol that can act on anticancer activity. Accordingly, increasing the content of polyphenols in peanuts makes possible to produce useful substances that are harmless to the human body as well as the environment. Therefore, I conducted research to find an effective way to increase the content of polyphenols. This study projects an effective way to secure peanuts with high polyphenol content based on the characteristics that the content of polyphenols increases when plants are wounded. Comparative studies were conducted through wounding, and it was confirmed that the polyphenol content increased in the wounded plants. Subsequently, it was confirmed that the content of polyphenol increased through the DPPH experiment, and the content of flavonoids also increased. Using the data of this study can be used to produce peanuts with high polyphenol content. To find an effective method for cultivating peanuts containing high concentration of phenolic compounds, I compared two groups of plants with different conditions. First group was consisted of normal plants with no treatment and second group was consisted of wounded plants. I treated by using these conditions in each group for two days and the results showed that group 2 has high concentration of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. To verify this result, I conducted DPPH assay which provides convincing evidence that group 2 has justifiable anti-inflammatory effects. However, due to the difference of the effects in group 1 and 2 was not that standing out, successively added silver ion to observe synergic effect of anti-inflammatory substances. Combined phenolic compound and silver ion showed dramatic effects in nitric oxide (NO) assay for increasing anti-inflammatory effects compared to other examined groups.
Keywords: Peanut, wounding, antioxidant, polyphenolic compound, flavonoid
Autistic traits in Indian general population and patient group samples: distribution, factor structure, reliability and validity of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient
Authors: Karmakar Asmita , Bhattacharya Manisha , Chatterjee Susmita , Dogra Atanu Kumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a widely used tool to quantify autistic traits in the general population. This study aims to report the distribution, group differences and factor structure of autistic traits in Indian general population. The work also assesses the criterion validity of AQ across three patient group samples – autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, psychometric properties of the adapted AQ were assessed among 450 neurotypical university students matched for age. Confirmatory factor analysis was done to see if the adapted AQ fits the original factor structure. Test–retest, internal consistency reliability and criterion validity were found out. Group differences (gender and field of study) in AQ were also assessed.

Findings

Autistic traits were found to be continuously distributed in the population, and patterns of group differences were consistent with previous studies. The adapted AQ had five factors resembling the original factor structure with a good fit, and 38 items instead of the original 50 items. Acceptable reliability coefficients were demonstrated along with criterion validity across clinical groups.

Originality/value

This work is the first to present the pattern of distribution and factor structure of autistic traits among neurotypical adults from Eastern India, a culturally different population, as well as a reliable and valid tool to assess autistic traits in Bengali, a language with 300 million speakers. The findings add to the growing literature on AQ measurement and the concept of autism as a quantitative trait, examined outside of the western samples.
Achieving construction innovation in best value procurement projects: New Zealand mega projects study
Authors: Ying Fei J. , Zhao Nan , Tookey John
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Best value procurement (BVP) has been recognized for some time as offering significant opportunities to advance process excellence in the construction sector. As an innovative approach to strategic procurement, BVP has attracted attention from the New Zealand (NZ) Government. It has similarly been found that the most substantial benefit of this modified approach to procurement is in value creation and innovative organizational processes through identifying “best value.” Yet to date, there is a lack of robust evidence as to how BVP can exactly influence construction innovation. Accordingly, this paper aims to explore how to improve BVP implementation to promote construction innovation and what are the values to be achieved in BVP mega projects from the view of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 22 participants, including project managers, procurement specialists, engineers and general managers from three organization types, were conducted to explore BVP implementation in a range of mega construction projects in NZ.

Findings

Barriers to BVP implementation and value innovation have been identified in this paper. Data analysis suggested traditional mindset in the procurement process, market constraints, mistrusts and fuzzy definition of BVP are the challenges for BVP implementation; BVP cultivates organizational competition because of diverse collaboration models and value attitudes; and BVP considers more values from the whole supply chain. To promote innovative construction, existing BVP should consider adopting progressive enhancements toward updating procurement guidance, encouraging effective communications, collaborating and promoting changes in stakeholders’ mindset.

Practical implications

Identified barriers to BVP implementation set up a platform for framing guidance, which could provide an effective approach as it enables a better understanding of what BVP means to NZ and what needs to be overcome. Taking this into account, similar small size markets around the world would be able to consider the applicability of BVP for innovative improvements.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into value concepts in project procurement. It theoretically and practically possesses originality in linking BVP to innovative construction. The study of BVP and its application further reveals the importance of establishing a distinct regulation and fostering organizational competition from value aspects to achieve construction innovation.
Love & hate in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver: features of an unusual drug scene
Authors: Stallwitz Anke
Published: July 2021

Purpose

According to conventional research and political conceptions, illicit drug scenes are often characterised by cultures of crime, violence and deceit and customarily met by repressive law enforcement. However, a growing body of research demonstrates the very diverse nature of drug subcultures. This paper aims to explore this diversity and thereby investigates the psychosocial and socio-spatial features people selling and/or using drugs in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver (DTES) attribute to the local drug scene.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 persons with drug selling and/or using experiences in the DTES. Interviews were analysed and interpreted according to grounded theory.

Findings

Participants represent the social fabric of the DTES drug scene as comprising complexly interwoven facets and structures including frequent, brutal violence on the one hand and sincere, heart-rending compassion, care and even love on the other.

Originality/value

Police and social and health services can cooperate constructively with the overriding aim of individual and social harm reduction. Thereby, the existing social network and prosocial orientations of a drug scene can be used in effective approaches such as participatory policy strategies and peer-driven interventions.
The effect of the employee perceived training on job satisfaction: the mediating role of workplace stress
Authors: Sesen Harun , Ertan Senay Sahil
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to mediate the impact of workplace stress and job satisfaction on nurses’ perception of training. It sheds light on the links between job satisfaction, Certified Nursing Assistants’ perception of training and workplace stress in nursing homes.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed in 12 different elderly home care centres in Northern Cyprus during September to October 2017. The sampling frame consists of 317 full-time Certified Nursing Assistants who completed measures of perception of training, job satisfaction and workplace stress. This paper used structural equation modelling to test a theoretical model and hypothesis.

Findings

The findings emphasize that Certified Nursing Assistants’ perception of training has a positive impact on their job satisfaction and negative impact on workplace stress while workplace stress mediates the relationship between their perception of training and job satisfaction. The results indicate that while the motivation for training and support for training have an effect on job satisfaction, access to training and benefits for training do not yield any significant impact on it and workplace stress plays a mediating role.

Originality/value

This study confirms that the CNAs’ perception of training and job stress affect the emergence of job satisfaction, and workplace stress mediated the relation between training and satisfaction posited by social exchange theory.
Six sigma project prioritization and selection methods: a systematic literature review
Authors: Pakdil Fatma
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Given the critical role of project prioritization and selection process in Six Sigma efforts, this study aims to analyse the relevant literature to answer this question: What types of project prioritization and selection methods have been used in Six Sigma research?

Design/methodology/approach

The study implemented the systematic literature review (SLR) method to identify and review all relevant previous studies.

Findings

The study revealed that 59 articles focused on the topic used 111 methods, analytic hierarchy process appeared as the most frequently used method with 12 articles (20%) and one-third of the methods used in the current Six Sigma project selection literature contained multi-criteria decision-making methods. In total, 61% of 59 articles were not published in the journals ranked by the ABDC’s list. Only 17% of the articles reviewed in this study were published in journals ranked as B category and 12% of the articles were published in A category journals.

Practical implications

The findings of this literature review may help Six Sigma practitioners and researchers accurately identify project prioritization and selection methods, considering that qualitative and quantitative scientific methods guarantee to make better decisions than “gut feelings” of the decision makers in this process.

Originality/value

Although a variety of studies focused on the topic, an SLR is lacking in the area of Six Sigma project prioritization and selection. Therefore, this study was constructed using the SLR method to analyse the topic.
Faculty experiences on emergency remote teaching during COVID-19: a multicentre qualitative analysis
Authors: Valsaraj Blessy Prabha , More Bhakti , Biju Seena , Payini Valsaraj , Pallath Vinod
Published: July 2021

Purpose

During COVID 19 pandemic emergency remote teaching (ERT) in higher education emerged and faculty members had to go through a transformation in teaching-learning without preparedness. The purpose of the study is to understand the instructional delivery experiences of faculty members, explore the challenges and how they overcame these challenges during the transition from traditional classroom teaching to ERT.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach using phenomenology is adapted for the study. The study is conducted in selected renowned government and private universities offering professional education in India, Malaysia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Data analysis is using NVivo, data management software, based on Ricouer’s theory of interpretation.

Findings

The findings identify unique challenges and opportunities in faculty experiences during the implementation of ERT and universities require more preparedness in implementing a revised pedagogy. Addressing these unique challenges is, therefore, essential in effective change management and ensuring the effectiveness of instructional delivery.

Research limitations/implications

The study comprises faculty experiences from only selected countries (the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India and Malaysia) and disciplines such as business studies, design and architecture, engineering, hospitality and tourism management, medicine and nursing. The research contributes towards change management and adaptability strategies during emergency transitions.

Practical implications

The study has implications in the field of education, administration, research and society at large. This is an era of change that has witnessed tremendous possibilities of digital technology in enhancing remote teaching and learning at all levels of education worldwide. The study enumerates the factors influencing the paradigm shift in the pedagogy for present and future higher education. The present study also highlights how challenging this transformation was to the lives of professional academics and emphasized how effectively the faculty need to be mentored for the future by the administration. Future research can envisage effective tools and techniques for strengthening professional education at universities. The social context and human experiences in ERT and their impact on the process of learning are also addressed in the study.

Social implications

The study aims to understand the social context and human experiences in the process of ERT and their impact on the process of learning.

Originality/value

The findings of the study would throw light into the factors influencing the paradigm shift in the pedagogy for present and future higher education.
On the complexities of studying sensitive communities online as a researcher–participant
Authors: Hård af Segerstad Ylva
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the complexities of methodological, ethical and emotional challenges of studying sensitive and vulnerable communities online from the perspective of simultaneously being a researcher and a research subject. The point of departure for these explorations consists of the author’s past and ongoing studies of the role and use of a closed grief support group on Facebook for bereaved parents – a community of which the author is a member. The aim is not to provide ready solutions for “how to do ethics,” but rather to contribute to the collective and ongoing work initiated by the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR), among others, and to recognize the necessity of ethical pluralism, cross-cultural awareness and an interdisciplinary approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an explorative study, drawing on an (auto)ethnographic case study. The case serves as a point of departure for discussing the complexities of methodological, ethical and emotional challenges of studying sensitive and vulnerable communities online from the perspective of simultaneously being a researcher and a research subject.

Findings

Being a researcher and a research subject rolled into one, as it were, presents both opportunities and challenges. To conduct responsible research from both these perspectives pose high demands on the researchers’ ethical as well as emotional capacities and responsibilities. Hopes and expectancies of the community under study might put the researcher into a dilemma, ethical aspects of anonymity and informed consent might have to be reconsidered as well as emotional challenges of engaging in and with sensitive research, all of which makes for a complex balancing act. Ethics and methods are inextricably intertwined, so are the emotional challenges of conducting sensitive research intermingled. Studying vulnerable individuals and closed communities online highlights the necessity for case and context sensitive research and for flexibility, adaptivity and mindfulness of the researcher. It also highlights the importance of discussing and questioning theoretical, methodological and ethical developments for studying everyday life practices online.

Originality/value

The challenges encountered in this case study contribute to the experientially grounded approach to research ethics emphasized in AoIR’s ethics guidelines. This case offers an opportunity to explore and discuss complex issues arising from the researcher’s insider position in a closed group devoted to the sensitive topic of supporting bereaved parents. Further, it highlights the necessity for research to be case and context sensitive as well as for the researcher and the research design to be flexible and adaptive. Research on vulnerable communities also heightens the demands of ethical responsibility of the researcher and the research process.
Investors' reactions to COVID-19 related announcements: evidence from the cargo shipping industry
Authors: Marobhe Mutaju Isaack
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic on stock returns of listed cargo shipping companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The author employs the events study methodology to examine this phenomenon. A sample of 49 listed cargo shipping companies in the container, dry bulk and tanker sub-sectors from Asia, North America, and Europe was selected and their daily closing stock prices from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 were utilized.

Findings

The results reveal that there was an overall negative overreaction to the announcement by World Health Organization (WHO) that declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The approvals of USD 857 billion stimulus package by the European Union (EU) and Pfizer vaccine by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in USA received slight positive reactions. The Greek, Singaporean and Taiwanese shipping stocks were the least affected stocks as their respective shipping industries remained resilient during 2020.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides evidence to confirm the fact that COVID-19 has affected stock markets; however the impact is un parallel among cargo shipping stocks of different countries.

Originality/value

The majority of studies have conducted country level analyses of the COVID-19 and stock market performance phenomenon. However, there have been sectoral disparities in terms of their susceptibility to economic shocks from COVID-19. This study's focal point is on the cargo shipping sector which synonymous with other sectors has not been immune to the current pandemic. The study also extends the timeline of events to incorporate those from June to December 2020.