bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating sustainability in engineering curriculum: a study of the Australian universities
Authors: Arefin Md. Arman , Nabi Md. Nurun , Sadeque Saalem , Gudimetla Prasad
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Literature limited in scope regarding the incorporation of sustainability into engineering curriculum encouraged authors to look at the current approaches of universities to the integration of sustainability into university curricula. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the literature published and analyse the university secondary data (information published on the university websites and magazines and programme catalogues) to understand the current status of Australian universities regarding the integration of sustainability in engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles and reports from different trustworthy sources have been analysed in this study. A text mining methodology was used to gather information from websites, magazines and programme catalogues.

Findings

Obtained information and data indicate that the universities are considering sustainability seriously with both internal and external stakeholders of universities working towards embedding sustainability in engineering curricula. Most of the Australian universities have successfully implemented sustainable engineering education and the rest are focussing on integrating sustainability into their engineering education curriculum.

Originality/value

This is the first review, which focusses on incorporating sustainability into the engineering education of Australian universities. However, considering current progress and also some drawbacks of the universities regarding the integration of sustainability into engineering curriculum, 15 future research questions have been developed, which should be considered to make the integration process more efficient and equip engineers who would be able to engage and tackle the environmental, personal, social and economic challenges of the twenty-first century.
Improvement of thermal EHL by selecting bush-pin geometry based on an investigation for industrial chains
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Wang Jing , Yang Peiran , Liu Yi , Shang Zhaohua , Dai Longjie
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of geometry of bush-pin pair from a perspective of optimal lubrication through a thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication model for finite line contact.

Design/methodology/approach

A constitutive equation: Ree-Eyring fluid is used in the calculations. The real chain sizes, i.e. equivalent radius of curvature, bush length, length of the rounded corner area and rounded corner radius, are jointed investigated. Moreover, the effects of the length of the rounded corner area and the radius of rounded corner are investigated.

Findings

It is found that the current standard of the chain might not consider the importance of lubrication, and the lubrication state can be improved effectively by choosing an optimal radius of rounded corner and the length of the corner area.

Originality/value

By optimally selecting sizes, the occurrence of high pressure, high temperature rise and near zero film thickness at the ends of bush, especially under heavier load, can be effectively avoided.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2020-0031/
Level and speed of acquisition integration and their effects on technological performance
Authors: Lin Liang-Hung , Ho Yu-Ling
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study concerns two aspects of the integration process critical for the success of acquisitions: (1) levels of human integration and task integration and (2) speeds of human integration and task integration. The purpose of this study is to examine the interaction effects of human/task integration level and human integration speed advantage on acquisition performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data of companies in the Taiwanese high-tech industries at the financial, organizational and industrial levels to examine the proposed hypotheses. Corporate financial and patent data were collected from the Taiwan Securities and Futures Commission databases and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) databases. The organizational level data were collected from 142 publicly traded related acquisitions from 2008 to 2009 in the Taiwanese high-tech industries.

Findings

The results show that (1) a high level of human integration positively affects technological performance; (2) the interaction term of human integration level and human integration speed advantage (i.e., relatively faster human integration coupled with slower task integration) positively affects technological performance; and (3) the interaction term of task integration level and human integration speed advantage positively affects technological performance.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in advancing our understanding of how complex interactions between human/task integration level and human integration speed advantage affect acquisition performance.
Accounting for sustainable finance: does fair value measurement fit for long-term equity investments?
Authors: Palea Vera
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether fair value accounting fits for long-term equity investments, which are considered key to retool economies according to sustainability criteria. In doing so, the paper focuses on the European Union and addresses the European Commission’s (2018a) concern that current accounting rules are unfit for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development goals and the targets of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper grounds in a wide literature review on the effects of fair value accounting on investors’ asset allocation strategies. By critically integrating literature on the notion of long-term investment with theories and possible accounting approaches, the paper provides implications for a revision of the current measurement system for long-term equity investments.

Findings

The literature review supports the view that fair value accounting has played a role in discouraging equity investments over time, thus leaving economies with poorer risk-sharing and weaker long-term investments. The paper contributes to the debate on alternative measurement systems by suggesting possible solutions in relation to controversies arising from empirical evidence.

Originality/value

Reorienting economies according to sustainability criteria represents an urgent issue which requires prompt and policy-oriented responses. Accordingly, this paper offers insights and guidelines that can help policymakers revise current accounting rules for long-term equity investments in line with sustainable development objectives.
Workforce age profile effects on job resources, work engagement and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Farndale Elaine
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The issue of age in organizations has become increasingly salient given expanding age profiles, from millennials to baby boomers. The purpose of this article is to improve the understanding of how age affects individuals' work-related attitudes and behaviors, the authors take a life span perspective to investigate how age profiles moderate the relationship between job resources and work engagement and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected responses from 270 employees of multinational firms operating in India and conducted multiple regression analyses to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors found that age profiles are significant predictors of work engagement. Specifically, the relationship between development opportunities and work engagement was stronger for younger employees than for older employees. However, age profiles were neither positively related to OCB nor a moderator of the job resources–OCB relationship.

Originality/value

The findings provide empirical evidence of the life span perspective, suggesting that age profiles influence work engagement. This is pertinent for organizations offering employees development opportunities to enhance work engagement.
Leaving on a jet plane? The effect of challenge–hindrance stressors, emotional resilience and cultural novelty on self-initiated expatriates' decision to exit China
Authors: Jannesari Milad T. , Sullivan Sherry E.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The number of self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) is growing, yet we know relatively little about their work experiences, especially how they react to stress. The purpose of this study is to examine whether challenge and hindrance stressors influence SIEs' intent to remain as well as the possible influence of emotional resilience and cultural novelty upon these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 249 SIEs working in China.

Findings

As hypothesized, hindrance stressors were negatively related to the SIEs' intent to remain. Contrary to expectations, challenge stressors were not associated with intent to remain. Hindrance (challenge) stressors were negatively (positively) related to emotional resilience, and resilience mediated the relationship between stressors and intent to remain. Cultural novelty failed to moderate the relationship between emotional resilience and intent to remain and did not moderate the mediated effects of challenge stressors on intent to remain via emotional resilience. Cultural novelty did moderate the mediated effects of hindrance stressors on intent to remain via emotional resilience, but not in the hypothesized direction.

Research limitations/implications

This study was cross-sectional. It examined SIEs working in China, and its findings may not be generalizable to SIEs working in other countries.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine how emotional resilience may mediate the relationship between stressors and SIEs' intent to remain and also considered the possible moderating effects of cultural novelty. In addition, unlike most studies that focus only on the negative outcomes of hindrance stressors, this study tested the possible positive effects of challenge stressors.
Psoriasis in the geriatric population: A retrospective study in Asians
Authors: Tseng I‐Lun , Yang Chao‐Chun , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Lee Chaw‐Ning
Published: January 2021

There is a paucity of data focusing on geriatric psoriatic patients. The clinical features were different among those with early‐onset psoriasis and elderly‐onset psoriasis among the geriatric population. From 2014 to 2018, a total of 290 geriatric psoriatic patients were retrospectively enrolled in our study. They were subclassified into two groups, early‐onset (aged <60 years, n = 154) and elderly‐onset (aged ≥60 years, n = 136). The characteristics and treatment course of these two groups were reviewed. Psoriasis of the elderly‐onset group was generally milder than the early‐onset groups (P < 0.05). Less nail involvement and arthritis were noted among the elderly‐onset group (P < 0.05). There were four cases of erythrodermic psoriasis in the early‐onset group and three cases of palmoplantar psoriasis in the elderly‐onset group. Oral medication and biologics for treatment of psoriasis appeared to be safe among the geriatric psoriatic patients. Elderly‐onset psoriasis has features which are distinct from early‐onset psoriasis and may be a particular subtype, which needs further evaluation.
Lead isotope ratios in moss for the assessment of transboundary pollutants in the Yatsugatake Mountains, central Japan
Authors: Oishi Yoshitaka , Shin Ki‐Cheol , Tayasu Ichiro
Published: January 2021

Transboundary atmospheric pollutants emitted from mainland Asia are transported to Japan and pose a serious threat to mountain ecosystems. Pb isotope ratios (207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) of the transboundary pollutants are generally higher than those that characterize domestic pollutants in Japan. Hence, this study examined the influence of transboundary pollutants on the Yatsugatake Mountains by detecting the higher Pb isotope ratios in moss. Based on this examination, we discussed the usefulness of Pb isotope ratios in moss for monitoring transboundary pollutants. As northwesterly–westerly winds transport these pollutants to Japan, we hypothesized that the Pb isotope ratios in moss would be higher on the western slopes of the mountains than on the eastern slopes. Furthermore, this difference would be more apparent at higher elevations because of the smaller influence of domestic Pb pollutants. Contrary to these hypotheses, all the Pb isotope ratios in moss were within the ranges of domestic Pb pollutants across the study area, indicating that the influence of transboundary Pb pollutants on moss was small. Notably, these responses of moss to transboundary Pb pollutants differ from those to transboundary nitrogen pollutants. These results imply that the sensitivity of moss to transboundary pollutants largely depends on pollutant types.
Using psychometric ability to improve education in ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chuan A. , Jeyaratnam B. , Iohom G. , Shorten G. , Lee P. , Miglani S. , Kwofie K. , Szerb J. , Niazi A. U. , Jin R. , Jen T. , McCartney C. J. , Ramlogan R. ,   the Education in Regional Anaesthesia Collaboration (ERAC) Group
Published: January 2021

The learning curve for novices developing regional anaesthesia skills, such as real‐time ultrasound‐guided needle manipulation, may be affected by innate visuospatial ability, as this influences spatial cognition and motor co‐ordination. We conducted a multinational randomised controlled trial to test if novices with low visuospatial ability would perform better at an ultrasound‐guided needling task with deliberate practice training than with discovery learning. Visuospatial ability was evaluated using the mental rotations test‐A. We recruited 140 medical students and randomly allocated them into low‐ability control (discovery learning), low‐ability intervention (received deliberate practice), high‐ability control, and high‐ability intervention groups. Primary outcome was the time taken to complete the needling task, and there was no significant difference between groups: median (IQR [range]) low‐ability control 125 s (69–237 [43–600 s]); low‐ability intervention 163 s (116–276 [44–600 s]); high‐ability control 130 s (80–210 [41–384 s]); and high‐ability intervention 177 s (113–285 [43–547 s]), p = 0.06. No difference was found using the global rating scale: mean (95%CI) low‐ability control 53% (95%CI 46–60%); low‐ability intervention 61% (95%CI 53–68%); high‐ability control 63% (95%CI 56–70%); and high‐ability intervention 66% (95%CI 60–72%), p = 0.05. For overall procedure pass/fail, the low‐ability control group pass rate of 42% (14/33) was significantly less than the other three groups: low‐ability intervention 69% (25/36); high‐ability control 68% (25/37); and high‐ability intervention 85% (29/34) p = 0.003. Further research is required to determine the role of visuospatial ability screening in training for ultrasound‐guided needle skills.
Management of bile leak following blunt liver injury: a proposed guideline
Authors: Oo June , Smith Marty , Ban Ee Jun , Clements Warren , Tagkalidis Peter , Fitzgerald Mark , Pilgrim Charles H. C.
Published: January 2021

Background

Bile leak following blunt liver trauma is uncommon. Management is difficult due to complex vasculo‐biliary and liver parenchymal injury and lack of consensus on optimal care compared with bile leak following elective hepatectomy especially in regards to endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiography (ERCP) timing and patient selection.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study from a level 1‐trauma centre of patients with bile leak following blunt liver injury between July 2010 and December 2019 identified from the trauma registry. Clinical data retrieved include patient demographics, injury severity score, liver injury grading and its associated complications and treatment. This was supplemented by surgical audit database and patients' electronic medical record.

Results

There were 31 bile leaks amongst 639 patients with blunt liver trauma (4.9%). Bile leak was associated with higher liver injury grade (odds ratio (OR) 36, P = 0.001), hepatic embolization (OR 16, P = 0.003) and need for trauma laparotomy (OR 14, P = 0.024). ERCP was performed in 58.1% (n = 18). This was complicated in 27.7% (n = 5) by mild pancreatitis (n = 1) and intra‐abdominal sepsis (n = 4) requiring surgical drainage of abscess (n = 2) and liver resection (n = 1). Bile leak settled conservatively (including percutaneous drainage) without ERCP in the remaining patients (41.9%). Overall mortality was not increased in those with bile leak (P = 0.998).

Conclusion

Bile leaks resolved conservatively in 41.9% of patients. Complications following ERCP were seen in 27.7%, frequently requiring intervention. Failure of conservative management was more likely in patients with hepatic embolization, in whom early ERCP remains appropriate. ERCP should otherwise be reserved for those who fail conservative management to minimize infective complications.
Retinal thickness changes over time in a AD mouse model (APPNL‐F/NL‐F) by SD‐OCT
Authors: Salobrar‐Garcia Elena , López‐Cuenca Inés , Sanchez‐Puebla Lidia , Fernández‐Albarral José A. , Lozano María Pilar Rojas , Ramirez Ana Isabel , Corral Juan José Salazar , Ramirez Jose Manuel , De Hoz Rosa
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Alzheimer' disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain pathology, characterized by a loss of neuron and their synapses. Similar changes have been found in the retina even before appeared in the brain. The retina has been postulated as an accessible biomarker of AD. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in retinal thickness over time in a mouse model of AD (APPNL‐F/NL‐F).

Methods

Retinas of male APPNL‐F/NL‐F (n = 55) and WT (n = 39) animals were evaluated in vivo by SD‐OCT at 6, 9, 12, 15, 17 and 20 months old. The mean total retinal thickness was analysed following the ETDRS sectors. To analyse the RNFL, axonal ring scan around the optic nerve head was carried out. RNFL was measured in six sectors provided by the manufacturer. Only the left eyes were used to study.

Results

In the APPNL‐F/NL‐F group compared to WT animals, the total retinal thickness showed a slight thinning up to the 15 months old, this being significant only at 6 months in the outer temporal ring. At 17 months, there was thickening in the total retinal thickness being significant in the inferior and nasal sectors, both in inner and outer rings. At 20 months, there was a significant thinning in superior and temporal retina, both in inner and outer rings. RNFL thickness showed similar changes, that being only significates, the thinning in the global analysis and in nasal and inner‐temporal sectors at 6 months old.

Conclusions

In the mouse model of AD (APPNL‐F/NL‐F), there is a thinning of the retinal thickness up to 15 months, followed by a thickening at 17 months and a subsequent thinning at 20 months in some retinal areas. These changes over time are similar to those observed in the human retina, with areas of thinning, possibly caused by neurodegeneration, followed by thickening, possibly caused by deposits and neuroinflammation; this experimental AD model could help for an extensive understanding of the different retinal changes during the AD progression.
Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification
Authors: Kontomichos Loukas , Parikakis Efstratios , Batsos Georgios , Chatzirallis Alexandros , Peponis Vasileios , Karagiannis Dimitrios
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To present a case of bilateral idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification.

Methods

An 80‐year‐old female patient presented with gradual decrease of vision in both eyes for the past few months. Her previous medical history included hypertension and dyslipidemia. Her best‐corrected visual acuity was 3/10 in the right eye and 5/10 in the left eye. She had bilateral nuclear cataracts.

Results

Fundus examination showed bilateral significantly elevated yellow lesions in the subretinal space along the inferonasal mid‐periphery in the right eye and superotemporal mid‐periphery in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography and OCT showed neither leakage nor subretinal fluid, respectively. Ultrasound b‐scan revealed highly reflective lesions with orbital shadowing. Full‐body CT scan was normal, so we excluded choroidal metastasis. In addition, blood investigations were all normal including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation, C‐reactive protein, liver function tests, thyroid function tests and electrolytes. Based on complete examination, the diagnosis was idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification.

Conclusions

Sclerochoroidal calcification is a rare clinical disease which has to be differentiated from choroidal metastasis. Patients have been unnecessarily investigated in the past and even treated for tumours. In such cases, it is important to exclude electrolytes abnormality, but prolonged investigations are unnecessary. Reports have been made of sclerochoroidal calcification associated with hyperparathyroidism, and hypomagnesaemia. We report a case of bilateral idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification.
A case of choroidal osteoma
Authors: Abdi Rhizlane , Charoba Siham , Maadan Asmae , Skhsoukh Rachid
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Choroidal osteoma is a benign ossifying tumor of unknown etiology, is characterized by a slightly irregular elevated yellow–white lesion that typically occurs in healthy females in their early twenties or thirties. Associated complications include choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal hemorrhage. To date, no associations have been reported with ocular or systemic diseases; however, some reports suggest links with Stargard's and polypoidal maculopathies.

Methods

17‐year‐old female was referred for complaints of blurring and decreased vision in the right eye who was diagnosed with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with choroidal osteoma.

Results

We report the case of a 17‐year‐old female who presented to the hospital with complaints of blurring and decreased vision and loss of part of temporal visual field in the right eye. The patient had no systemic disease or family history of retinal lesions. Her visual acuity was 20/125 and 20/20 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Fundus examination of the right eye revealed a subretinal orange 4 × 3 disc diameter lesion with irregular distinct margins located in the superior retina with partial macular involvement. B‐scan indicated an echodense lesion sized 7.2 mm × 8.3 mm × 1.1 mm, with thick choroidal hemorrhage, strong shadowing, and subretinal calcification next to the optic disc. angiography showed dye leakage in the foveal region (CNV) and dye staining in an area of chronic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) decompensation overlying the lesion. OCT indicated hyperreflectivity and subretinal fluid. Unilateral choroidal osteoma with secondary CNV was confirmed. The patient received intravitreal anti‐VEGF injection every 2 months. OCT was performed at each visit, indicating subretinal fluid. After 6 months, the clinical examination indicated a dry macular that was confirmed with OCT. There was functional improvement and anti‐VEGF injection continued for a total of seven injections over a period of almost 14 months. At the last visit, FFA indicated a stable dry macula, no CNV. The lesion size and vision were stable. The patient remains under observation.

Conclusions

Long‐term follow‐up is necessary to resolve the fluids, possible development of CNV, and possible of bilateral occurrence.
Population genetic structure of the insular Ryukyu flying fox Pteropus dasymallus
Authors: Chen Shiang‐Fan , Juan Chung‐Hao , Rossiter Stephen J. , Kinjo Teruo , Fukui Dai , Kawai Kuniko , Tsang Susan M. , Veluz Maria Josefa , Sakurai Hiroko , Lin Hua‐Ching , Jang‐Liaw Nian‐Hong , Osawa Keiko , Ko Wen‐Ya , Izawa Masako
Published: January 2021

Small isolated populations are vulnerable to both stochastic events and the negative consequences of genetic drift. For threatened species, the genetic management of such populations has therefore become a crucial aspect of conservation. Flying foxes (Pteropus spp, Chiroptera) are keystone species with essential roles in pollination and seed dispersal in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Yet many flying fox species are also threatened, having experienced dramatic population declines driven by habitat loss and hunting. The insular Ryukyu flying fox (Pteropus dasymallus) ranges from the Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan through Taiwan to the northern Philippines and has undergone precipitous population crashes on several islands in recent decades. To assess the population genetic structure and diversity in P. dasymallus, and its likely causes, we analyzed mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. Both markers showed significant genetic differentiation among most island populations, with mitochondrial haplotypes showing some mixing across the regions, likely reflecting historical colonization and/or dispersal events. In contrast, microsatellite markers showed an overall pattern of isolation by distance; however, this pattern appeared to be driven by the presence of deep ocean trenches between geographically distant populations. Thus, the current distribution of P. dasymallus and its subspecific diversity appear to have arisen through vicariance coupled with a long history of restricted gene flow across oceanic barriers. We conclude that isolated island subgroups should be managed separately, with efforts directed at reducing further declines in genetic diversity.
The pen, the receiver and the pump: Exploring young children's experiences of having a parent with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hansen Julie Elisabeth Dahl , Ersfjord Ellen Margrete Iveland
Published: January 2021

In this article, we explore young children's experiences of having a parent with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In our research we found that the children's knowledge about T1D was not age related, and that some had more in‐depth knowledge than others. This seemed related to how and what the parents taught them about diabetes, the individual child's curiosity and interest, and the parent's history with fluctuating blood sugar levels. Several children were affected by their parents' diabetes in their daily life. Our research contributes to knowledge about how children's lives can be affected by having a parent with chronic illness.
Seasonal and landscape effects on the biotic resistance of forest communities to experimental insect introductions
Authors: Van Hezewijk Brian H. , van Akker Lara , Waring Vincent R.A.
Published: January 2021

Natural enemies play an important role in the regulation of many forest insect populations. The hypothesis that these organisms also reduce invasion potential is one element of a concept known as biotic resistance. While many studies have shown that the abundances of natural enemies are affected by landscape structure and diversity, seasonality, and host tree species, this study tests the hypothesis that these factors affect the biotic resistance of forest communities to invasion by a non‐native tussock moth.

At 20 sites on Vancouver Island, Canada, spanning a range of natural to urban forests, small populations of the rusty tussock moth, Orgyia antiqua, an exotic polyphagous tussock moth, were introduced. Introductions were repeated at three different periods in the year, on coniferous and deciduous host trees, and included both late‐instar larvae and pupae. The survival of these small populations was monitored in relation to four landscape variables measured around each site.

Spring introductions had significantly lower mortality rates than either early or mid‐summer introductions. There was little difference in predation rates between coniferous and deciduous host trees. The amount and type of forest cover in the landscape had important, but seasonally dependent, effects on survival that likely reflect changes in the habitat requirements of a shifting community of generalist predators.

Based on the results, this study concludes that landscapes with intermediate forest cover are the least resistant to invasion by early feeding species such as the rusty tussock moth.
Combination of myeloproliferative neoplasm driver gene activation with mutations of splice factor or epigenetic modifier genes increases risk of rapid blastic progression
Authors: Bartels Stephan , Vogtmann Julia , Schipper Elisa , Büsche Guntram , Schlue Jerome , Lehmann Ulrich , Kreipe Hans
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) comprising polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) follow a bi‐phasic course of disease with fibrotic and/or blastic progression. At presentation in the chronic phase, currently there are only insufficient tools to predict the risk of progression in individual cases.

Methods

In this study, chronic phase MPN (16 PMF, 11 PV, and 11 MPN unclassified) with blastic transformation during course of disease (n = 38, median follow‐up 5.3 years) were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing. MPN cases with a comparable follow‐up period and without evidence of blast increase served as control (n = 63, median follow‐up 5.8 years).

Results

Frequent ARCH/CHIP‐associated mutations (TET2, ASXL1, DNMT3A) found at presentation were not significantly associated with blastic transformation. By contrast, mutations of SRSF2, U2AF1, and IDH1/2 at first presentation were frequently observed in the progression cohort (13/38, 34.2%) and were completely missing in the control group without blast transformation during follow‐up (P = .0007 for SRSF2; P = .0063 for U2AF1 and IDH1/2).

Conclusion

Unlike frequent ARCH/CHIP alterations (TET2, ASXL1, DNMT3A), mutations in SRSF2, IDH1/2, and U2AF1 when manifest already at first presentation provide an independent risk factor for rapid blast transformation of MPN.
Optimal reinsurance and portfolio selection: Comparison between partial and complete information models
Authors: Jang Bong‐Gyu , Kim Kyeong Tae , Lee Hyun‐Tak
Published: January 2021

We consider partial and complete information models to investigate how partial information has a unique quality over complete information for insurers. We find that optimal reinsurance and investment strategies for the partially informed insurer depend on prior beliefs, whereas those for the completely informed insurer do not. In addition, information quality can affect insurer behaviour, mainly through the relative difference between risk‐adjusted market premium and risk‐adjusted insurance premium projected on the financial markets. Numerical results indicate that partial information increases the conservativeness of insurer strategies.
More than just protein building blocks: how amino acids and related metabolic pathways fuel macrophage polarization
Authors: Kieler Markus , Hofmann Melanie , Schabbauer Gernot
Published: January 2021

Macrophages represent the first line of defence in innate immune responses and additionally serve important functions for the regulation of host inflammation and tissue homeostasis. The M1/M2 model describes the two extremes of macrophage polarization states, which can be induced by multiple stimuli, most notably by LPS/IFN‐γ and IL‐4/IL‐13. Historically, the expression of two genes encoding for enzymes, which use the same amino acid as their substrate, iNOS and ARG1, has been used to define classically activated M1 (iNOS) and alternatively activated M2 (ARG1) macrophages. This ‘arginine dichotomy’ has recently become a matter of debate; however, in parallel with the emerging field of immunometabolism there is accumulating evidence that these two enzymes and their related metabolites are fundamentally involved in the intrinsic regulation of macrophage polarization and function. The aim of this review is to highlight recent advances in macrophage biology and immunometabolism with a specific focus on amino acid metabolism and their related metabolic pathways: iNOS/ARG1 (arginine), TCA cycle and OXPHOS (glutamine) as well as the one‐carbon metabolism (serine, glycine).
Climate and land‐use change severity alter trait‐based responses to habitat conversion
Authors: Murray Alexander H. , Nowakowski A. Justin , Frishkoff Luke O.
Published: January 2021

Aim

A major goal in modern ecology is understanding the source of variation in species responses to anthropogenic change. Trait‐based approaches show promise, but traits found to be predictive in one study often fail in others. We seek to understand whether variation in traits’ explanatory power comes about due to interaction effects—between multiple traits and between traits and the environment. We assess the context‐dependence of trait‐based responses to habitat conversion by testing the hypothesis that abundance in converted habitats decreases with arboreality, while including interactions with reproductive mode, a trait of known importance, and biologically relevant climate variables.

Location

Global tropical forest biomes.

Time period

1997–2018.

Major taxa studied

Amphibians.

Methods

Using 18 studies of amphibian communities from across the globe, we evaluate the role of vertical niche position and reproductive mode in determining abundance within primary forest, structurally complex agriculture, and structurally simple agriculture. We examined interactions between traits, land‐use types and climate variables.

Results

Average abundance steadily declined from primary forest, through complex agriculture, and was lowest in simple agriculture. Arboreality (high vertical niche position) leads to increased sensitivity to conversion of forest to simple agriculture, while terrestrial species are more sensitive when habitat is converted to complex agriculture. We found no evidence that trait‐by‐trait interactions determined abundance after habitat conversion. However, the effects of climate can alter how species’ traits determine abundance patterns—while lentic amphibians maintain abundance after conversion regardless of climate zone, direct developers and lotic species become increasingly sensitive to habitat modification in warmer climates.

Major conclusions

Vertical niche position acts as a limiting axis in modified environments, with response to conversion dependent on the availability of vegetative strata. Interactions between traits and the environment play a strong and underappreciated role in defining community composition in converted habitats. Such interactions may underlie the difficulties past studies have had in achieving generality across study locations and faunas.
The influence of egg presence and eggshell colour in the attraction of visually oriented predators to nests of a tropical forest bird
Authors: Zima Paulo V. Q. , Perrella Daniel F. , Francisco Mercival R.
Published: January 2021

Several hypotheses have been proposed to account for the function of eggshell pigmentation. One predicts that patterns of colour and markings provide camouflage against visually oriented nest predators. However, the effectiveness of any anti‐predatory function of eggshell colour may be reduced if predators can use the nests per se as foraging cues (nest‐crypsis hypothesis). Here, we tested whether eggshell pigmentation, and a set of concurrent variables, could explain nest predation in natural nests of the Atlantic Forest endemic Blue Manakin Chiroxiphia caudata containing plasticine eggs. Nests were continuously monitored for predator identification using infra‐red camera traps, and we considered the nest‐crypsis hypothesis by testing the premise that if predators can use nests as visual cues, they would be recorded checking empty nests at rates similar to those containing eggs. Six bird species were identified as visually oriented predators of nest contents, and predation frequencies were low and not influenced by eggshell colour. Empty nests and nests containing eggs were visited by predators at similar frequencies, independently of eggshell colour, which provided the first direct support for the nest‐crypsis hypothesis. It suggests that for this tropical forest, open‐nesting passerine, selective forces driving nest concealment and nest camouflage may be stronger than selection for eggshell colour variation.
Antimicrobial and electrical properties of ce‐ and ni‐doped zns nanoparticles obtained by a sonochemical method
Authors: de Andrade Neto Nivaldo Freire , de Oliveira Patricia Merlim , Corrêa Marcio Assolin , Bomio Delmonte Mauricio Roberto , da Motta Fabiana Villela
Published: January 2021

In this work, cerium‐ and nickel‐codoped ZnS nanoparticles were obtained by a sonochemical method for 20 min. The nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and microscopy electronic transmission (MET). The electrical properties are estimated through I‐V curves and the antimicrobial activity was analyzed against E. coli (gram‐negative) and S. aureus (gram‐positive) bacteria using the diffusion disk methodology. The diffractograms indicate the obtaining of cubic structure ZnS for the pure sample, whereas the doped samples present the cubic and hexagonal structures of the ZnS. The bandgap reduced from 3.60 to 3.52 eV, for pure and codoped samples. I‐V curves indicate an increase in resistivity with doping, being more evident for samples containing cerium. Antimicrobial activity increased as doping occurred, where the codoped sample showed the best results. Even for the low amount of dopant (1 mol%), the antimicrobial activity can be increased by about 50% for the codoped sample, compared to the pure ZnS. Thus, it is known that the doping of ZnS with cerium and nickel provides the stabilization of the hexagonal metastable phase, which acts to restrict electronic mobility and, consequently, improves the antimicrobial response of the material.
Impact of the addition of dolomite to cream‐firing clays on the technological and color properties of sintered ceramics
Authors: Wiśniewska Kornelia , Pichór Waldemar , Kłosek‐Wawrzyn Ewelina
Published: January 2021

Sintered ceramics, represented by ceramic tiles or clinker bricks, are widely used in the building materials industry due to their technological properties and visual qualities. The topic of color changing of ceramic materials from cream‐firing clays with the use of mineral additives has not been addressed to date. The aim of the paper was to investigate the effect of granulation of dolomite additives to ceramic masses based on cream‐firing Borkowice clay on the color and properties of fired ceramic materials. The paper proposes that grain size of mineral additive affects the color of sintered ceramics. In order to confirm this hypothesis, a number of experiments were performed, consisting of determination of the color and technological properties of ceramic materials. The conducted tests showed that the color and technological properties of sintered ceramics are influenced by the grain size of the additives used.
The role of nostalgic brand positioning in capturing brand equity: Theoretical extension and analysis
Authors: Gilal Rukhsana Gul , Gilal Naeem Gul , Gilal Faheem Gul , Gong Zhenxing
Published: January 2021

Drawing on construal level theory, basic psychological need‐candidate theory and gender schema theory, this study aims to develop a multilevel framework that explains how nostalgic brand positioning increases brand equity via nostalgic brand relationship dimensions (i.e., brand passion, brand local iconness and brand authenticity). Moreover, we posit that brand innovativeness and customer gender are important boundary conditions for these indirect effects of nostalgic brand positioning on brand equity through the nostalgic brand relationship dimensions. To this end, a convenience sample of N = 1,171 respondents was used to inspect the hypotheses in settings relating to the fast‐moving consumer goods industry. Results show a positive indirect effect of nostalgic brand positioning on brand equity through brand passion, brand local iconness and brand authenticity. Moreover, moderation results reveal that the effect of nostalgic brand positioning on brand passion and brand authenticity was more salient when brand innovativeness was lower; however, for brand authenticity, the effect was more pronounced when brand innovativeness was higher. Similarly, findings relating to the moderation effect of customer gender indicate that nostalgic brand positioning has a greater effect on brand passion and brand authenticity for females than for their male counterparts. Conversely, for brand iconness, the effect was equally important for both males and females. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are provided and limitations are acknowledged.
The immunopeptidomes of two transmissible cancers and their host have a common, dominant peptide motif
Authors: Gastaldello Annalisa , Ramarathinam Sri H. , Bailey Alistair , Owen Rachel , Turner Steven , Kontouli N. , Elliott Tim , Skipp Paul , Purcell Anthony W. , Siddle Hannah V.
Published: January 2021

Transmissible cancers are malignant cells that can spread between individuals of a population, akin to both a parasite and a mobile graft. The survival of the Tasmanian devil, the largest remaining marsupial carnivore, is threatened by the remarkable emergence of two independent lineages of transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour (DFT) 1 and devil facial tumour 2 (DFT2). To aid the development of a vaccine and to interrogate how histocompatibility barriers can be overcome, we analysed the peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecules from Tasmanian devil cells and representative cell lines of each transmissible cancer. Here, we show that DFT1 + IFN‐γ and DFT2 cell lines express a restricted repertoire of MHC‐I allotypes compared with fibroblast cells, potentially reducing the breadth of peptide presentation. Comparison of the peptidomes from DFT1 + IFNγ, DFT2 and host fibroblast cells demonstrates a dominant motif, despite differences in MHC‐I allotypes between the cell lines, with preference for a hydrophobic leucine residue at position 3 and position Ω of peptides. DFT1 and DFT2 both present peptides derived from neural proteins, which reflects a shared cellular origin that could be exploited for vaccine design. These results suggest that polymorphisms in MHC‐I molecules between tumours and host can be ‘hidden’ by a common peptide motif, providing the potential for permissive passage of infectious cells and demonstrating complexity in mammalian histocompatibility barriers.
“What matters to me”: A multi‐method qualitative study exploring service users’, carers’ and clinicians’ needs and experiences of therapeutic engagement on acute mental health wards
Authors: McAllister Sarah , Simpson Alan , Tsianakas Vicki , Robert Glenn
Published: January 2021

Nurse–patient therapeutic engagement on acute mental health wards is beneficial to service users’ outcomes and nurses’ job satisfaction. However, engagement is not always fulfilled in practice and interventions to improve engagement are sparse and ineffective. We explored the experiences of service users, carers, and clinicians drawing from 80 hours of non‐participant observations in an acute mental health ward and semi‐structured interviews with 14 service users, two carers, and 12 clinicians. Analysis of these data resulted in 28 touchpoints (emotionally significant moments) and eight overarching themes. Service users, carers, and clinicians identified a lack of high‐quality, person‐centred, collaborative engagement and recognized and supported efforts to improve engagement in practice. Potential solutions to inform future intervention development were identified. Our findings align with previous research highlighting negative experiences and support the need to develop multicomponent interventions through participatory methods.
Factors affecting the emergence of diplomacy in Iranian nurse managers: a qualitative study
Authors: Sharafi Simin , Cheraghi Mohammad Ali , Nasiri Ahmad , Mahmoudirad Gholamhossein
Published: January 2021

Aim

To explore the factors affecting the emergence of diplomacy in Iranian nurse managers.

Background

Today, with the development of complex health systems, diplomacy in health care can take place at organizational, national and international levels.

Introduction

Diplomacy's role is to convince others peacefully to achieve goals. Diplomacy in nursing can facilitate professional development and direct policy and decision‐making process towards the development of a healthcare system.

Methods

The study used a qualitative descriptive approach. The sampling method was purposeful, and data were collected via in‐depth, unstructured and face‐to‐face interviews with 16 participants. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through conventional content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman’s work.

Results

In total, 212 codes were generated, which were grouped into three main categories, namely paradigmatic socio‐political changes (two subcategories), nurses’ dissatisfaction with their status in healthcare system (two subcategories) and multidimensional development of the nursing profession (four subcategories).

Discussion/Conclusions

Socio‐political changes, development of the nursing profession and nurses’ dissatisfaction with the health system have led to the emergence of diplomacy roles in nurse managers, the recognition and development of which can improve the effectiveness of nurse managers in policymaking.

Implications for Nursing & Health Policy

The recent COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak has demonstrated the urgent need to use diplomacy to solve health problems and adjust or develop policymaking at the national and international levels. Strengthening their role in diplomacy, nurse managers can play an important role as diplomats at various levels of policymaking and in health crisis management.
Lack of correlation between S1 RNA binding domain 1 SNP rs3213787/rs11884064 and normal‐tension glaucoma in a population from the Republic of Korea
Authors: Yeon Park Hye , Young Shin Hye
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Previous studies have reported the association of the S1 RNA binding domain 1 (SRBD1) gene with open‐angle glaucoma in various ethnic populations. However, in those studies, the definition of the patients differed, as did the results. Therefore, the relevance of the SRBD1 gene to normal tension glaucoma (NTG) appears uncertain at present. Thus, we investigated the relationship between the SRBD1 gene and NTG in a Korean NTG cohort.

Methods

In total, 159 unrelated Korean patients with NTG and 103 Korean control subjects were recruited. Thus, a total of 262 participants were analyzed for SRBD1 (rs3213787 and rs11884064) gene polymorphisms.

Results

The minor allele frequency (MAF) of rs3213787 was found to be 0.13 and 0.19 in NTG cases and controls, respectively. The genetic association analysis of SNP rs3213787 revealed no significant difference in genotype distribution between NTG cases and controls in allelic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.634, p = 0.063), dominant (OR = 0.589, p = 0.066) or recessive models (OR = 0.639, p = 0.7716). The MAF of rs11884064 was found to be 0.24 and 0.25 in NTG cases and controls, respectively. For rs11884064, no significant difference in genotype distribution was observed between NTG cases and controls in allelic (OR = 0.938, p = 0.755), dominant (OR = 0.927, p = 0.798) or recessive models (OR = 0.920, p = 1.000).

Conclusions

The current study suggested that SRBD1 gene polymorphisms (rs3213787 and rs11884064) may not be associated with genetic susceptibility to NTG in a Korean cohort.

References

1. Writing Committee for the Normal Tension Glaucoma Genetic Study Group of Japan Glaucoma S, Meguro A, Inoko H, et al. Genome‐wide association study of normal tension glaucoma: common variants in SRBD1 and ELOVL5 contribute to disease susceptibility. Ophthalmology 2010;117:1331–8 e5.

2. Gibson J, Griffiths H, De Salvo G, et al. Genome‐wide association study of primary open angle glaucoma risk and quantitative traits. Mol Vis 2012;18:1083–92.

3. Cao D, Jiao X, Liu X, et al. CDKN2B polymorphism is associated with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Afro‐Caribbean population of Barbados, West Indies. PLoS One 2012;7:e39278.