Attachment Model Research Articles

Podocalyxin is a key negative regulator of human endometrial epithelial receptivity for embryo implantation.

How is endometrial epithelial receptivity, particularly adhesiveness, regulated at the luminal epithelial surface for embryo implantation in the human? Podocalyxin (PCX), a transmembrane protein, was identified as a key negative regulator of endometrial epithelial receptivity; specific downregulation of PCX in the luminal epithelium in the mid-secretory phase, likely mediated by progesterone, may act as a critical step in converting endometrial surface from a non-receptive to an implantation-permitting state. The human endometrium must undergo major molecular and cellular changes to transform from a non-receptive to a receptive state to accommodate embryo implantation. However, the fundamental mechanisms governing receptivity, particularly at the luminal surface where the embryo first interacts with, are not well understood. A widely held view is that upregulation of adhesion-promoting molecules is important, but the details are not well characterized. This study first aimed to identify novel adhesion-related membrane proteins with potential roles in receptivity in primary human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs). Further experiments were then conducted to determine candidates' in vivo expression pattern in the human endometrium across the menstrual cycle, regulation by progesterone using cell culture, and functional importance in receptivity using in vitro human embryo attachment and invasion models. Primary HEECs (n = 9) were isolated from the proliferative phase endometrial tissue, combined into three pools, subjected to plasma membrane protein enrichment by ultracentrifugation followed by proteomics analysis, which led to the discovery of PCX as a novel candidate of interest. Immunohistochemical analysis determined the in vivo expression pattern and cellular localization of PCX in the human endometrium across the menstrual cycle (n = 23). To investigate whether PCX is regulated by progesterone, the master driver of endometrial differentiation, primary HEECs were treated in culture with estradiol and progesterone and analyzed by RT-PCR (n = 5) and western blot (n = 4). To demonstrate that PCX acts as a negative regulator of receptivity, PCX was overexpressed in Ishikawa cells (a receptive line) and the impact on receptivity was determined using in vitro attachment (n = 3-5) and invasion models (n = 4-6), in which an Ishikawa monolayer mimicked the endometrial surface and primary human trophoblast spheroids mimicked embryos. Mann-Whitney U-test and ANOVA analyses established statistical significance at *P ≤ 0.05 and **P ≤ 0.01. PCX was expressed on the apical surface of all epithelial and endothelial cells in the non-receptive endometrium, but selectively downregulated in the luminal epithelium from the mid-secretory phase coinciding with the establishment of receptivity. Progesterone was confirmed to be able to suppress PCX in primary HEECs, suggesting this hormone likely mediates the downregulation of luminal PCX in vivo for receptivity. Overexpression of PCX in Ishikawa monolayer inhibited not only the attachment but also the penetration of human embryo surrogates, demonstrating that PCX acts as an important negative regulator of epithelial receptivity for implantation. Primary HEECs isolated from the human endometrial tissue contained a mixture of luminal and glandular epithelial cells, as further purification into subtypes was not possible due to the lack of specific markers. Future study would need to investigate how progesterone differentially regulates PCX in endometrial epithelial subtypes. In addition, this study used primary human trophoblast spheroids as human embryo mimics and Ishikawa as endometrial epithelial cells in functional models, future studies with human blastocysts and primary epithelial cells would further validate the findings. The findings of this study add important new knowledge to the understanding of human endometrial remodeling for receptivity. The identification of PCX as a negative regulator of epithelial receptivity and the knowledge that its specific downregulation in the luminal epithelium coincides with receptivity development may provide new avenues to assess endometrial receptivity and individualize endometrial preparation protocols in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The study also discovered PCX as progesterone target in HEECs, identifying a potentially useful functional biomarker to monitor progesterone action, such as in the optimization of progesterone type/dose/route of administration for luteal support. Study funding was obtained from ESHRE, Monash IVF and NHMRC. LR reports potential conflict of interests (received grants from Ferring Australia; personal fees from Monash IVF Group and Ferring Australia; and non-financial support from Merck Serono, MSD, and Guerbet outside the submitted work. LR is also a minority shareholder and the Group Medical Director for Monash IVF Group, a provider of fertility preservation services). The remaining authors have no potential conflict of interest to declare. NA.

Why We Love It Here: Exploration of Affection and Attachment in a Brazilian Urban Periphery

This research interprets the marginalized neighborhood of Serrinha as a place in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil, by examining the relations between the physical neighborhood and internal social networks. I use concepts from the anthropology of materiality and an interdisciplinary understanding of place attachment to examine how the social and physical dimensions of place coalesce within Serrinha. I employ data from eight weeks of ethnographic research and Scannell and Gifford’s tripartite model of place attachment to frame the everyday experiences and affects of Serrinha residents, especially to illustrate Serrinha outside of the typical stereotypes of favelas. In doing so, the study analyzes the symbolic significance of brick as the material of choice for Serrinha’s self-built houses and asserts that the brick is a metaphor for local and global relationships. Ultimately, this research argues that autoconstruction of the house with brick constitutes a significant social and emotional process of attachment in Serrinha.

The Effects of Mobility Expectation on Community Attachment: A Multilevel Model Approach

According to the systemic model of community attachment, high residential stability serves as a precondition on which residents build formal and informal social ties within their communities, ultimately resulting in increased community attachment. However, previous studies have only measured residents’ length of residence in the community to measure residential stability, not considering whether expectations of staying in the community in the future affect residents’ community attachment. This study aims to test if mobility expectation influences residents’ community attachment by employing the logistic multilevel model to analyze 31,159 householders from 31 municipalities in Gyeonggi Province, Korea. The results show that residents’ mobility expectation, in addition to the length of residence, is a significant determinant of community attachment after controlling for individual and regional-level covariates. The results provide implications for urban and regional policies aiming to promote community attachment and participation among residents in the age of increasing residential mobility.

Scale-free degree distributions, homophily and the glass ceiling effect in directed networks

AbstractPreferential attachment, homophily, and their consequences such as scale-free (i.e. power-law) degree distributions, the glass ceiling effect (the unseen, yet unbreakable barrier that keeps minorities and women from rising to the upper rungs of the corporate ladder, regardless of their qualifications or achievements) and perception bias are well-studied in undirected networks. However, such consequences and the factors that lead to their emergence in directed networks (e.g. author–citation graphs, Twitter) are yet to be coherently explained in an intuitive, theoretically tractable manner using a single dynamical model. To this end, we present a theoretical and numerical analysis of the novel Directed Mixed Preferential Attachment model in order to explain the emergence of scale-free degree distributions and the glass ceiling effect in directed networks with two groups (minority and majority). Specifically, we first derive closed-form expressions for the power-law exponents of the in-degree and out-degree distributions of each of the two groups and then compare the derived exponents with each other to obtain useful insights. These insights include answers to questions such as: when does the minority group have an out-degree (or in-degree) distribution with a heavier tail compared to the majority group? what factors cause the tail of the out-degree distribution of a group to be heavier than the tail of its own in-degree distribution? what effect does frequent addition of edges between existing nodes have on the in-degree and out-degree distributions of the majority and minority groups? Answers to these questions shed light on the interplay between structure (i.e. the in-degree and out-degree distributions of the two groups) and dynamics (characterized collectively by the homophily, preferential attachment, group sizes and growth dynamics) of various real-world directed networks. We also provide a novel definition of the glass ceiling faced by a group via the number of individuals with large out-degree (i.e. those with many followers) normalized by the number of individuals with large in-degree (i.e. those who follow many others) and then use it to characterize the conditions that cause the glass ceiling effect to emerge in a directed network. Our analytical results are supported by detailed numerical experiments. The DMPA model and its theoretical and numerical analysis provided in this article are useful for analysing various phenomena on directed networks in fields such as network science and computational social science.

MSO 0-1 law for recursive random trees

We prove the monadic second-order 0-1 law for two recursive tree models: uniform attachment tree and preferential attachment tree. We also show that the first order 0-1 law does not hold for non-tree uniform attachment models.

Neonatal Suckling, Oxytocin, and Early Infant Attachment to the Mother.

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) promotes maternal care and social affiliation in adults but its importance in infant attachment still remains unknown. True animal models of infant attachment are extremely rare, and the sheep (in complement to non-human primates) is one of the few that provides the opportunity to investigate its neuroendocrinological basis. In the lamb, access to the udder has strong rewarding properties for the establishment of a preferential relationship with the mother. Therefore, the present study explored the possible involvement of OT through its release during close social contacts with the mother. The first experiment revealed that lambs having free access to the udder from birth onward developed, by 12 h of age, a clear preference for their mothers over another maternal ewe. Delaying access to the udder for six, four or even only 2 h starting at birth, by covering the ewe’s udder, resulted in the lack of such a preference without affecting general activity. These effects persisted in most cases at 24 h but by 72 h of age a bond with the mother was clearly expressed. Experiment two showed that social interactions with the mother were followed by a release of OT in the plasma when lambs had the possibility to suckle. Non-nutritive interactions were without effects. Preliminary data on two subjects suggested that OT might also increase in the cerebrospinal fluid after suckling. Finally, in the third experiment, oral administration of a non-peptide OT receptor antagonist (L-368-899, Merck) over the first 4 h after birth led to decreased exploration of the mother’s body compared to lambs receiving saline, and impaired the expression of a preference for the mother at 24 h. The effects were no longer observed at 48 h. Our findings demonstrate that both delayed access to the mother’s udder and OT receptor antagonist alter the onset of mother preference in newborn lambs. This suggests that central OT facilitates the development of filial attachment through its release during suckling.

Zero forcing number of graphs with a power law degree distribution.

The zero forcing number is the minimum number of black vertices that can turn a white graph black following a single neighbor color forcing rule. The zero forcing number provides topological information about linear algebra on graphs, with applications to the controllability of quantum dynamical systems. Here, I investigate the zero forcing number of undirected graphs with a power law degree distribution p_{k}∼k^{-γ} by means of numerical simulations. For graphs generated by the preferential attachment model, with a diameter scaling logarithmically with the graph size, the zero forcing number approaches the graph size when γ→2. In contrast, for graphs generated by the deactivation model, with a diameter scaling linearly with the graph size, the zero forcing number is smaller than the graph size independently of γ. Therefore the scaling of the graph diameter with the graph size is another factor determining the controllability of dynamical systems. These results have implications for the controllability of quantum dynamics on energy landscapes, often characterized by a complex network of couplings between energy basins.

Use of Quorum Sensing Inhibition Strategies to Control Microfouling.

Interfering with the quorum sensing bacterial communication systems has been proposed as a promising strategy to control bacterial biofilm formation, a key process in biofouling development. Appropriate in vitro biofilm-forming bacteria models are needed to establish screening methods for innovative anti-biofilm and anti-microfouling compounds. Four marine strains, two Pseudoalteromonas spp. and two Vibrio spp., were selected and studied with regard to their biofilm-forming capacity and sensitivity to quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors. Biofilm experiments were performed using two biofilm cultivation and quantification methods: the xCELLigence® system, which allows online monitoring of biofilm formation, and the active attachment model, which allows refreshment of the culture medium to obtain a strong biofilm that can be quantified with standard staining methods. Although all selected strains produced acyl-homoserine-lactone (AHL) QS signals, only the P. flavipulchra biofilm, measured with both quantification systems, was significantly reduced with the addition of the AHL-lactonase Aii20J without a significant effect on planktonic growth. Two-species biofilms containing P. flavipulchra were also affected by the addition of Aii20J, indicating an influence on the target bacterial strain as well as an indirect effect on the co-cultured bacterium. The use of xCELLigence® is proposed as a time-saving method to quantify biofilm formation and search for eco-friendly anti-microfouling compounds based on quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) strategies. The results obtained from these two in vitro biofilm formation methods revealed important differences in the response of biosensor bacteria to culture medium and conditions, indicating that several strains should be used simultaneously for screening purposes and the cultivation conditions should be carefully optimized for each specific purpose.

Attachment security and striatal functional connectivity in typically developing children

Attachment security is formed through interactions with a main caregiver during the first three years of life and reflects inter-individual differences in mental representations for the relationship. The striatum is known to be a key structure to initiate attachment behaviours and maintain attachment relationships as well as to modulate reward-related processing as part of the approach module in current neurobiological models of human attachment. Although findings have suggested critical roles of the striatum in inter-individual differences in attachment, most studies were based on a wide variety of tasks and very few have investigated these associations in intrinsic brain connectivity in typically developing children. In the present study, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the striatal functional connectivity according to children’s attachment security in 68 nine-year-olds (Secure attachment = 39, Insecure attachment = 29, mean age/SD = 9.62/0.69). Children with secure attachment demonstrated increased functional connectivity in the tempro-limbic region, compared to children with insecure attachment. In addition, the child-reported attachment security scores were negatively associated with the caudate-prefrontal connectivity, but positively with the putamen-visual area connectivity. These data demonstrate that inter-individual differences in attachment can be captured in striatal functional connectivity organization in the typical brain.

Modelling the critical roles of zeta potential and contact angle on colloidal fouling with a coupled XDLVO - collision attachment approach

A coupled XDLVO-collision attachment (CA) model is proposed to quantitatively evaluate the critical roles of zeta potential ζ and contact angle θ of foulant on colloidal fouling. In this model, the XDLVO theory is applied to relate ζ and θ to foulant-membrane interaction energy barrier (ΔEb). The latter is further bridged to membrane fouling rate (dmf/dt) by the CA theory, recognizing fouling as foulant colliding with a membrane surface followed by its attachment. XDLVO-CA model predictions agree well with the experimental water flux declines under various solution pHs. Modelling results show that severe fouling occurs at low ζ2, and increasing ζ2 can substantially lower dmf/dt as a result of the increased ΔEb. Interestingly, a negative linear relationship is observed between ζ2 and logarithm of dmf/dt at high ζ2. For the role of contact angle for water, glycerol and diiodomethane, there exists a critical θ, below (or above) which little fouling occurs owing to the dramatically increased ΔEb and thus decreased dmf/dt by orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the threshold θ corresponds to the acid-base interaction energy transiting from attraction to repulsion. Our modelling results reveal the importance of optimally tailoring foulant ζ and θ for fouling control.

Vitamin C mediates the activation of green tea extract to modify nanozero-valent iron composites: Enhanced transport in heterogeneous porous media and the removal of hexavalent chromium

Both green tea (GT) extract and vitamin C (VC) were used for the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe0 using a green synthesis method. Modified nanozero-valent iron (GT-nZVI@VC nanocomposites) was successfully obtained and characterized as α-Fe0-iron oxide/VC by multiple analytical methods. The GT-nZVI@VC nanocomposites showed better transportability than nZVI, in that transport behavior was slightly dependent on various ratios of sand/soil in water-saturated heterogeneous porous media. Breakthrough curves of GT-nZVI@VC nanocomposites in paddy soil exhibited “blocking effects” and were well described using a first-order straining coefficient (k2) on site 2 obtained from a two-site kinetic attachment model. In particular, GT-nZVI@VC (VC/Fe = 0.6) showed higher Cr(VI) removal (especially reducibility) in both paddy soil and water compared to that of nZVI and VC. It is likely that the synergistic effects of VC (ascorbic acid) and tea polyphenols can increase the released free electrons into solution, favoring the high reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) (i.e., FeOCr2O3, Cr(OH)3 and Cr2O3), where Cr(III) is prone to be immobilized by the nanocomposites in soil. This research highlights that VC can mediate the activation of GT extract to successfully modify nZVI, which could be beneficial for efficient transport in subsurface and remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil and underground water.

Modelling the Player and Avatar Attachment based on Student’s Engagement and Attention in Educational Games

The Player and Avatar attachment help to motivate a student to strengthen their engagement in gameplay. The different types of avatar designs deployed in a game have an impact on students' engagements. The avatars are designed with different roles, wherein each role offers varying motivational effects on students' engagement. Several research in human and computer interaction have assessed user engagement and user attention in a computer or system application as well as in gameplay. Among the usual approaches to assess user engagement are using questionnaire and eye-tracking. Investigating the possible use of these approaches in determining the player and avatar attachment, particularly the attachment that associated with the various avatar designs and their effect on students' engagement are inconclusive and remains untapped. Essentially, studying students' engagement and attention perception while learning enriches one's comprehension about engagement in the education segment. As such, this study proposes a new model of player and avatar attachment based on the students' engagement and focus attention on the gameplay of digital educational games (DEGs). The model is developed follows a stepwise approach consisting component identification, relationship of the components, model development, and model validation. Several components were scrutinized, summarized, and developed into the model proposed in this study. A significant attachment can determine the avatar design that may influence a student's engagement in gameplay. Hence, this study offers several constructive recommendations for future avatars in game design for education purpose, which may validate the user's engagement based on his or her focus attention.

Electronic structure modelling of the edge-functionalisation of graphene by MnxOy particles.

The use of graphenic carbon is attractive as a basal or intermediate support for catalytic particles in advanced catalytic electrodes. This popularity is motivated by its excellent electrical properties and ability to form foliated conformal coatings of exceptional surface area and flexibility. Surface- and edge-functionalisation of graphene sheets affords diverse routes to the covalent attachment of candidate catalytic species. Of particular interest to advanced water oxidation is the possibility of covalent attachment of MnxOy species partially recapitulating the chemistry of the Mn4O5Ca active site of Photosystem II (PSII), which achieves the four-electron oxidation of water under physiological conditions. Here, we report aperiodic density functional theory (DFT) investigations of candidate attachment geometries for a variety of manganese oxide particles to graphene sheets. We find that the flexibility of graphene sheets as well as the conformational degrees of freedom of candidate edge functionalisation permits a large variety of realistic attachment geometries that can act as attachment sites for molecular manganese-oxide species or nuclei for the growth of periodic manganese oxides. We find that substantially simplified models of graphene attachment afford an excellent compromise between computational efficiency, tractability, and accuracy, and characterise the accuracy of these models in detail.

Attachment processes following traumatic loss: A mediation model examining identity distress, shattered assumptions, prolonged grief, and posttraumatic growth.

Sudden or violent death of a loved one poses unique challenges for the bereaved. Research has found such losses to be associated with higher levels of chronic psychological distress. The present study explored underlying mechanisms and risk and protective factors for both prolonged grief and posttraumatic growth, considering both human and divine attachment. In a mixed college and community sample of 374 traumatically bereaved adults, we examined associations between adult attachment to close others, adult attachment to God, identity distress, and shattered assumptions with the outcome variables of prolonged grief and posttraumatic growth. Correlations indicate that religious individuals' attachment patterns in close adult relationships were partially mirrored in their relationship with God. Regression analyses indicate a curvilinear relationship between prolonged grief and posttraumatic growth. Path analyses indicate significant associations between insecure attachment strategies and prolonged grief symptoms through the mediators of identity distress and shattered assumptions. Specifically, attachment anxiety in relation to close others and God, and attachment avoidance in relation to close others, were indirectly associated with prolonged grief. Attachment avoidance in relation to God was negatively associated with prolonged grief and posttraumatic growth, but there was no evidence for mediation. Faced with the traumatic loss of a loved one, the ability and desire to effectively access relationships facilitating emotional processing and cognitive reorganization is predicated on survivors' internal working model of attachment. These results inform the assessment and treatment of individuals bereaved through sudden or violent means. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Improving the surface hydrophobicity by the solvent effect to reduce the water erosion of the CL-20/TNT cocrystal explosive

The mechanism of water erosion on the CL-20/TNT cocrystal faces was investigated based on the modified attachment model, which could provide guidance for the crystallization process to reduce the negative performance impact.

Evidence for a two-stage particle attachment mechanism for phyllosilicate crystallization in geological processes

AbstractThe understanding of crystal nucleation and growth has evolved over the past two decades from the conventional atom-by-atom model to a non-classical approach, involving particle aggregation and amorphous transformation pathways. Whereas aggregation of particles instead of individual atoms/ions/molecules has been recognized as a common crystallization pathway at the Earth’s surface conditions, few cases are known for high-temperature (e.g., melt) mineralization, which is of great importance for understanding geological processes.Here, we present texture data for natural (e.g., igneous and metamorphic biotite and muscovite) and synthetic (e.g., fluorophlogopite) phyllosilicates suggesting that a particle attachment formation should be considered, although other crystal growth models cannot be excluded. A nonclassical crystallization model is proposed for phyllosilicates forming at elevated temperatures in magmatic and metamorphic environments whereby oriented attachment of building blocks occurs along the (001) plane or the [001] direction, or both simultaneously. In this model, the crystallization of phyllosilicates occurs in steps, with multi-ion complexes forming nanoparticles, and nanoparticles coalescing (self-assembly) to form nano-flakes that become domains in larger crystallites by oriented attachment. Adjacent domains can share a common crystallographic orientation or may be rotated at various angles relative to each other. Nanoparticles may be associated with distorted bonds or may be space separated. Thus, the phyllosilicate grows into a mosaic crystal.Mosaic crystals can also form following classical crystallization models, but the process differs in that the mosaic character involves the intergrowths of nucleation sites (classical crystal-growth process) instead of the coalescence of nanoparticles building blocks (crystallization by particle attachment). These processes may be discerned by the textural differences that result. Oriented particle attachment of building blocks in phyllosilicates is recognized by a loss of closest packing by bond distortion or by space separation at domain boundaries. Crystallization by atom attachment occurs with closest packing within layers, and particles grow independently. The two processes may occur within a single environment and are not mutually exclusive. However, defects generated, for example, by chemical inhomogeneity, mechanical deformation, or sample preparation, cannot be completely excluded, although the use of synthetic, end-member material (e.g., fluorophlogopite) generated from a melt reduces these possibilities. Nonetheless, a particle attachment model is a viable alternative to classical crystal growth processes for high-temperature phyllosilicates with the presented supporting data, although still not yet proven.

Conceptual Analysis: A Social Neuroscience Approach to Interpersonal Interaction in the Context of Disruption and Disorganization of Attachment (NAMDA).

Humans are strongly dependent upon social resources for allostasis and emotion regulation. This applies especially to early childhood because humans—as an altricial species—have a prolonged period of dependency on support and input from caregivers who typically act as sources of co-regulation. Accordingly, attachment theory proposes that the history and quality of early interactions with primary caregivers shape children's internal working models of attachment. In turn, these attachment models guide behavior, initially with the set goal of maintaining proximity to caregivers but eventually paving the way to more generalized mental representations of self and others. Mounting evidence in non-clinical populations suggests that these mental representations coincide with differential patterns of neural structure, function, and connectivity in a range of brain regions previously associated with emotional and cognitive capacities. What is currently lacking, however, is an evidence-based account of how early adverse attachment-related experiences and/or the emergence of attachment disorganization impact the developing brain. While work on early childhood adversities offers important insights, we propose that how these events become biologically embedded crucially hinges on the context of the child–caregiver attachment relationships in which the events take place. Our selective review distinguishes between direct social neuroscience research on disorganized attachment and indirect maltreatment-related research, converging on aberrant functioning in neurobiological systems subserving aversion, approach, emotion regulation, and mental state processing in the wake of severe attachment disruption. To account for heterogeneity of findings, we propose two distinct neurobiological phenotypes characterized by hyper- and hypo-arousal primarily deriving from the caregiver serving either as a threatening or as an insufficient source of co-regulation, respectively.

Shapeshifting attachment: Exploring multi‐dimensional people–place bonds in place‐based citizen science

Abstract Research on citizen science programmes has highlighted that they can foster science content and knowledge gain, enhance pro‐environmental behaviour and cultivate civic action among participants. Especially in the case of place‐based citizen science, which requires hands‐on repeated activity in an out‐of‐door setting through a scientific lens, evidence suggests that some of these outcomes may be linked to the unique people–place relationships and interactions afforded by such programmes. Even still, studies that empirically examine the influence of place on citizen science participant and programme outcomes are scant. This is due, in part, to the methodological challenges involved in interrogating complex aspects of a person's sense of place—aspects like place attachment—the emotional bonds between people and place. Here, an adapted three‐dimensional model of place attachment is proposed as a theoretical framework from which place‐based citizen science experiences and outcomes might be empirically examined in depth. The model, which posits personal, social and natural environment dimensions of place attachment is contextualized with research findings from the US‐based Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) citizen science programme. Data from COASST suggest that participants do exhibit place attachment in all three dimensions of attachment, categorized within seven unique constructs, although questions remain regarding the unique intensity, make‐up (shape) and scale (spatial, social and nature‐science) of individual‐level attachment along the three central dimensions. Critically, more research is needed to investigate whether the unique place attachment ‘profile’ of participants is a function of personal, social or programmatic variables pre‐ and post‐programme participation. To encourage further scholarship on potential links between the experiences, exposures and programme components of place‐based citizen science and the place attachment profiles of participants, this paper includes a brief review of the research opportunities presented by the adapted three‐dimensional place attachment model discussed. Advancing this line of inquiry is an important component of broader efforts to understand how sense of place is altered via place‐based citizen science and whether or not that is linked to specific programme outputs or participant outcomes in science knowledge, ecological understanding and civic engagement. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Petrochemical Facility Lightning Protection Primer: Part 1: History and Basic Science

The development of lightning protection standards for petrochemical processing and storage facilities has progressed significantly over the past 20 years. Standard requirements have become more stringent and prescriptive. Understanding of the development and propagation of lightning has grown with the advent of 3D-detection systems. This is part 1 of a three-part primer on lightning protection systems (LPSs) for petrochemical production, storage, and processing facilities. Part 1 covers the basic science behind lightning strikes and the history of lightning research, protection systems, and models of attachment. The purpose of this article and this primer series is to update the design and operating engineer?s knowledge of lightning protection at petrochemical facilities and to increase worker and equipment safety in these facilities.

An Empirical Investigation of the Mediating Role of Customer Attachment in South African Private Hospitals

Abstract Background and purpose: Relationship marketing literature acknowledges the important role of attachment in customer-organization relationships, but shows limited theoretical and empirical understanding of the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of attached customers. To address this gap, this paper draws on the relationship marketing view and synthesizes important relationship constructs with the aim of developing a mediated attachment model for private hospitals in South Africa. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative descriptive research design was implemented, collecting 303 useable questionnaires via non-probability convenience sampling. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to determine the reliability and validity of the measures respectively, and a SEM was conducted for the mediation analysis. Results: The results indicate that respondents’ relationship value was significantly related to attachment, loyalty and fear of relationship loss, and attachment was significantly related to loyalty and fear of relationship loss. Moreover, the indirect effect of attachment in the relationship between relationship value and loyalty, as well as in the relationship between relationship value and fear of relationship loss was found to be significant. Conclusion: Attachment plays a significant role in both the direct and indirect relationships with key relationship marketing constructs. The importance of attachment in building patient-hospital relationships should therefore not be ignored, and private hospitals are encouraged to invest in their relationships with patients, with the aim of establishing attachment.