bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A moving average denoise operator and grey discrete production process quality prediction model
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Sifeng , Lin Changhai
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of quality prediction in the equipment production process and provide a method to deal with abnormal data and solve the problem of data fluctuation.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytic hierarchy process-process failure mode and effect analysis (AHP-PFMEA) structure tree is established based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and process failure mode and effect analysis (PFMEA). Through the failure mode analysis table of the production process, the weight of the failure process and stations is determined, and the ranking of risk failure stations is obtained so as to find out the serious failure process and stations. The spectrum analysis method is used to identify the fault data and judge the “abnormal” value in the fault data. Based on the analysis of the impact, an “offset operator” is designed to eliminate the impact. A new moving average denoise operator is constructed to eliminate the “noise” in the original random fluctuation data. Then, DGM (1,1) model is constructed to predict the production process quality.

Findings

It is discovered the “offset operator” can eliminate the impact of specific shocks effectively, moving average denoise operator can eliminate the “noise” in the original random fluctuation data and the practical application of the shown model is very effective for quality predicting in the equipment production process.

Practical implications

The proposed approach can help provide a good guidance and reference for enterprises to strengthen onsite equipment management and product quality management. The application on a real-world case showed that the DGM (1,1) grey discrete model is very effective for quality predicting in the equipment production process.

Originality/value

The offset operators, including an offset operator for a multiplicative effect and an offset operator for an additive effect, are proposed to eliminate the impact of specific shocks, and a new moving average denoise operator is constructed to eliminate the “noise” in the original random fluctuation data. Both the concepts of offset operator and denoise operator with their calculation formulas were first proposed in this paper.
Board gender diversity: implications for environment, social, and governance (ESG) performance of Indian firms
Authors: Yadav Priti , Prashar Anupama
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the phenomena of board gender diversity and its consequences for sustainability performance, as measured by the environment, social and governance (ESG) disclosure score, in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The positivist paradigm influenced the research design for this study. The relationship between firm's ESG performance and female participation on the corporate boards was explored using panel data regression with a fixed effect approach. A total of 712 data points covering the Nifty 100 companies of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) were included in the data set. To add robustness to the findings and to overcome endogeneity bias, authors employed the Dynamic Generalized Method of Moments (GMM).

Findings

The results showed that, a relatively small, percentage of women directors has little impact on ESG performance, but when at least three women directors are in place, these relationships become more favourable. Despite the fact that Indian firms trail behind many developed and developing countries in promoting board gender equality, authors conclude that critical mass theory partially applies in the Indian context.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of corporate governance in the twenty-first century by investigating the subject of women's participation on boards in the context of a rising market and its potential influence on sustainability performance. The use of critical mass theory adds a fresh perspective to the literature.
An econometric investigation of EU's import demand for fresh potato: a source differentiated analysis focusing on Egypt
Authors: Abu Hatab Assem , Surry Yves
Published: May 2022

Purpose

A better understanding of the determinants of demand through accurate estimates of the elasticity of import demand can help policymakers and exporters improve their market access and competitiveness. This study analyzed the EU's demand for imported potato from major suppliers between 1994 and 2018, with the aim to evaluate the competitiveness of Egyptian potato.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted an import-differentiated framework to investigate demand relationships among the major potato suppliers to the EU's. To evaluate the competitiveness of Egyptian potato on the EU market, expenditure and price demand elasticities for various suppliers were calculated and compared.

Findings

The empirical results indicated that as income allocation of fresh potatoes increases, the investigated EU markets import more potatoes from other suppliers compared to imports from Egypt. The results show that EU importers may switch to potato imports from other suppliers as the import price of Egyptian potatoes increases, which enter the EU markets before domestically produced potatoes are harvested.

Research limitations/implications

Due to data unavailability, the present study relied on yearly data on quantities and prices of EU potato imports. A higher frequency of observations should allow for considering seasonal effects, and thereby providing a more transparent picture of market dynamics and demand behavior of EU countries with respect to potato import from various sources of origin.

Originality/value

The study used a system-wide and source differentiated approach to analyze import demand. In particular, the empirical approach allowed for comparing different demand models (AIDS, Rotterdam, NBR and CBS) to filter out the superior and most suitable model for that data because the suitability and performance of a demand model depends rather on data than on universal criteria.
The need for coordination to develop customized competitiveness in agrifood systems: lemon, pork, and dairy in Argentina
Authors: González Andrea Lorena , Hallak Juan Carlos , Scattolo Gabriel , Tacsir Andrés
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to analyze the ability of agrifood systems to construct “customized competitiveness” strategies that can allow firms to meet the specific and constantly changing demands of foreign markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The research performs a comparative analysis of three case studies of agrifood systems in Argentina: lemon, pork, and dairy products. The authors obtained primary data from 79 semi-structured interviews with key persons in each agrifood system carried out online between March 2020 and February 2021. Secondary data was obtained from databases, academic studies, and reports from business associations and public agencies.

Findings

The authors find wide disparities in the development of customized competitiveness strategies between the studied agrifood systems (higher in lemon, lower in dairy products, and incipient in pork). The authors attribute the disparity to the varying degrees in which these systems are capable of coordinating their own actions and their interactions with State agencies.

Originality/value

The paper provides comparative evidence about the role of private coordination in the ability of agrifood systems to construct customized competitiveness strategies.
An intelligent multiple-criteria decision-making approach based on sv-neutrosophic hypersoft set with possibility degree setting for investment selection
Authors: Zhao Jingfeng , Li Bo , Rahman Atiqe Ur , Saeed Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this article is to characterize a novel neutrosophic hypersoft set hybrid called possibility single-valued neutrosophic hypersoft set (psv-NHSS) for evaluation of investment projects by using its aggregation operations and decision-support system.

Design/methodology/approach

Two approaches are employed in this article: set-theoretic approach and algorithmic approach. The former one is used to characterize the novel notion of psv-NHSS and its aggregations. The later one is used to construct a decision-support system by using the aggregations like core matrix, maximum-valued decision, minimum-valued decision and scoring-valued decision of psv-NHSS. The adopted algorithm is implemented in real-world scenario of hydroelectric power station project evaluation for investment purpose.

Findings

The proposed model is more flexible and reliable as it addresses the limitations of literature on neutrosophic set, neutrosophic soft set and other fuzzy set-like models by considering possibility degree, hypersoft setting and neutrosophic setting collectively.

Research limitations/implications

It has limitations for decision-making situations where selection of parameters is of uncertain nature.

Practical implications

The scope of this study may cover a wide range of applications in many fields of mathematical sciences like artificial intelligence, optimization, multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM), theoretical computer science, soft computing, mathematical statistics, etc.

Originality/value

The proposed model bears the characteristics of most of the relevant existing models collectively and fulfills their insufficiencies by introducing a novel approximate mapping.
Social barriers affecting participation in chosen instrumental activities of daily living among community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia in Rwanda
Authors: Turikumana Pierre Damien , Cloete Lizahn G. , Fredericks Jerome Peter
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore social barriers affecting participation in chosen instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia in Rwanda.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study used an embedded single case study design and constructivist epistemology paradigm. Purposive sampling and semistructured interviews of 10 persons with schizophrenia and their 10 caregivers were conducted. Data analysis was done thematically using an inductive analysis approach, following within-case and cross-case analysis.

Findings

The hindrances to participation and community negative attitudes were explored as the two themes. This study focuses on the community negative attitudes including family exclusion and stigmatization, which hinder the participation of persons with schizophrenia in their chosen IADLs.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for psychoeducation about mental illness for the caregivers of the persons with schizophrenia, community outreach activities for sensitizing about mental illness to address stigma toward persons with mental illness and strengthening the activities which promote the social interaction and sense of belonging of persons with mental illness.

Originality/value

Persons with schizophrenia are facing maltreatment and stigma from the community members while participating in their chosen IADLs. Awareness raising of the support needs of persons living with schizophrenia will contribute to relevant stakeholders advocating for inclusion into families and communities.
Toward enhancing the information base on costs of cyber incidents: implications from literature and a large-scale survey conducted in Germany
Authors: von Skarczinski Bennet Simon , Dreißigacker Arne , Teuteberg Frank
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Literature repeatedly complains about the lack of empirical data on the costs of cyber incidents within organizations. Simultaneously, managers urgently require transparent and reliable data in order to make well-informed and cost-benefit optimized decisions. The purpose of this paper is to (1) provide managers with differentiated empirical data on costs, and (2) derive an activity plan for organizations, the government and academia to improve the information base on the costs of cyber incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the benchmark potential of costs within existing literature and conduct a large-scale interview survey with 5,000 German organizations. These costs are directly assignable to the most severe incident within the last 12 months, further categorized into attack types, cost items, employee classes and industry types. Based on previous literature, expert interviews and the empirical results, the authors draft an activity plan containing further research questions and action items.

Findings

The findings indicate that the majority of organizations suffer little to no costs, whereas only a small proportion suffers high costs. However, organizations are not affected equally since prevalence rates and costs according to attack types, employee classes, and other variables tend to vary. Moreover, the findings indicate that board members and IS/IT-managers show partly different response behaviors.

Originality/value

The authors present differentiated insights into the direct costs of cyber incidents, based on the authors' knowledge, this is the largest empirical survey in continental Europe and one of the first surveys providing in-depth cost information on German organizations.
Cross-cultural adaptation of international students in Moroccan higher education: the case study of Sub-Saharan African students at Mohammed First University
Authors: El Boubebkri Abdellah , Saidi Benachour
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This article intends to explore the Sub-Saharan African students' perceptions on their cross-cultural adaptation to the Moroccan society by probing into their adaptive strategies adopted in order to overcome day-to-day challenges as well as factors impeding their adaptation processes. To this end, three central research questions are advanced: (1) what are the factors that influence Sub-Saharan students' cross-cultural adaptation to the Moroccan society? (2) How do Sub-Saharan students perceive the role of host communication competence, host interpersonal relationship, ethnic proximity, host receptivity and personality type in facilitating or hindering their adaptation? And (3) how do they undergo their cross-cultural adaptation to the Moroccan society?

Design/methodology/approach

The main aim of this article is to explore African Sub-Saharan students' perceptions on their adaptation to Moroccan society as well as factors affecting their adaptive experiences. Due to the complex nature of this research, opting for mixed-methods research, the combination of both qualitative and quantitative, would best serve the objective of this study. For this purpose, qualitative methods (interviews) are used to collect non-numerical data about factors that facilitate or hinder the cross-cultural adaptation of Sub-Saharan students in Morocco in the first phase, and then quantitative methods (questionnaires) are used to collect numerical data about their perceptions of their adaptation in the Moroccan society in the second phase.

Findings

The results of the present study revealed that a large number of Sub-Saran African students are well adapted to the Moroccan culture, but with discrepant degrees. Their adaptation is mainly influenced by an array of intersected factors. Firstly, the participants showed that the more they were aware of the Moroccan culture and language, the more likely they would be able to function properly and effectively in different social settings. Secondly, it was found that establishing social ties with the host members was perceived as significant for easing their adaptation due to the cultural, emotional and academic support these ties provided. Thirdly, host receptivity was perceived as an important factor that facilitated the students' cross-cultural adaptation. With the case of some participants, host receptivity, however, hindered their adaptation because they were subject to different types of discriminatory and racist behaviours by some Moroccans. Lastly, intercultural personality traits displayed in flexibility, prior cross-cultural move and intercultural empathy were found to contribute to the students' overall functional fitness in the

Originality/value

This is the first research to tackle the issue of Sub-Saharan African students' cultural adaptation in Morocco.
Revisiting plant hydrological niches: The importance of atmospheric resources for ground‐rooted plants
Authors: Matos Ilaíne Silveira , Binks Oliver , Eller Cleiton B. , Zorger Bianca B. , Meir Patrick , Dawson Todd E. , Rosado Bruno H. P.
Published: May 2022

Occult precipitation events (fog, dew and light rain) can alter plant water and nutritional status, both directly through the aerial uptake of surface water and nutrients, and indirectly via redistribution of atmospheric resources to the soil. However, current frameworks that explain niche segregation, species interactions and coexistence still consider that ground‐rooted plants obtain resources almost exclusively via root absorption from soil.

Here, we expand the plant hydrological niches model to incorporate both soil and atmospheric resource‐axes, thus providing a more complete picture of how ground‐rooted terrestrial plants obtain, remobilise, share and compete for water and soluble nutrients.

First, we describe how plants with different water acquisition strategies access directly or indirectly atmospheric resources. Then, we discuss how the use of such resources may promote spatiotemporal niche segregation, contributing to shape species distribution and abundance within plant communities. We illustrate this argument with examples from arid, mesic and wet vegetation types. Finally, we examine how climate and land‐use changes may influence plant hydrological niches, potentially altering community structure.

Synthesis. Understanding how available atmospheric resources influences niche segregation in plant communities is a crucial step towards better predictions of species responses (e.g. changes in distribution, abundance and interactions) to climate change.
Bromocriptine therapy: Review of mechanism of action, safety and tolerability
Authors: Naz Faiza , Malik Abdul , Riaz Muhammad , Mahmood Qaisar , Mehmood Malik Hassan , Rasool Ghulam , Mahmood Zahed , Abbas Mazhar
Published: May 2022

Bromocriptine is a sympatholytic dopamine D2 receptor agonist with remarkable bioactivities. It has been used clinically as a prescription drug for more than 30 years to treat hyperprolactinemia associated conditions, Parkinson's disease, acromegaly, prolactinomas and other pituitary hormone dependent adenomas and recently, diabetes mellitus as well as various other disorders. Long‐term treatment with bromocriptine has minimal or no harmful effects on renal, hepatic, cardiac or hematologic functions. This review article was planned to study the hypothetical and proposed mechanism of action as well as provide a brief discussion about its safety issues and tolerability. Bromocriptine represents an attractive option with high efficacy and safety profile for hyperprolactinemia‐associated conditions, acromegaly, parkinsonism, type 2 diabetes mellitus and various other diseases in a variety of dosage forms for best possible beneficial effects. It appeared to be an effective and safe addition to the pharmacopoeia of drugs for the treatment of a vast variety of diseases as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs.
‘I do not think I actually do it well’: a discourse analysis of Australian senior secondary teachers’ self‐efficacy and attitudes towards implementation of differentiated instruction
Authors: Porta Tom , Todd Nicole , Gaunt Lorraine
Published: May 2022

Differentiated instruction is a proactive teaching model and philosophy with demonstrated potential to cater for diverse learners and create inclusive classrooms. There is little research, however, into the implementation of this approach in the senior secondary classroom. Teachers’ implementation of differentiated instruction has been shown to be linked to teacher attitudes and self‐efficacy in other settings. This study investigated the impact of teachers’ self‐efficacy and attitudes towards the implementation of differentiated instruction in the senior secondary context across two Australian states with a total of five participating teachers. The A (Affective) B (Behaviour) C (Cognitive) model was employed to define teacher attitudes from interviews concerning differentiated instruction. Findings indicated that teacher knowledge was a major factor influencing differentiation, in addition to attitude and self‐efficacy. The discourse analysis demonstrated that teachers held a greater knowledge of differentiation strategies than the concepts that underpin the differentiated instruction framework. Additionally, time constraints and feelings of failure in implementing differentiation strategies impacted teacher attitudes. Teacher knowledge, attitude and self‐efficacy were interrelated and impacted on teachers’ implementation of differentiated instruction in the senior secondary classroom. Implications for professional development to address student needs through differentiated instruction in the inclusive senior secondary classroom teacher are discussed.
Health benefits of microalgae and their microbiomes
Authors: Krohn Ines , Menanteau‐Ledouble Simon , Hageskal Gunhild , Astafyeva Yekaterina , Jouannais Pierre , Nielsen Jeppe Lund , Pizzol Massimo , Wentzel Alexander , Streit Wolfgang R.
Published: May 2022

Microalgae comprise a phylogenetically very diverse group of photosynthetic unicellular pro‐ and eukaryotic organisms growing in marine and other aquatic environments. While they are well explored for the generation of biofuels, their potential as a source of antimicrobial and prebiotic substances have recently received increasing interest. Within this framework, microalgae may offer solutions to the societal challenge we face, concerning the lack of antibiotics treating the growing level of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and fungi in clinical settings. While the vast majority of microalgae and their associated microbiota remain unstudied, they may be a fascinating and rewarding source for novel and more sustainable antimicrobials and alternative molecules and compounds. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge on health benefits of microalgae and their associated microbiota. Finally, we describe remaining issues and limitation, and suggest several promising research potentials that should be given attention.
Simplifying the Groundwater Model Interface to Provide Enhanced Decision Support
Authors: Craven John , Adams Taylor , McCurry Gordon , Nguyen‐DeCorse Hong , Scott Andrew
Published: May 2022

Groundwater modeling can be made more accessible to stakeholders and water managers through interface tools that prepare model inputs and create graphical outputs. An application of this improved modeling technique is presented here, where a model interface tool, called the Groundwater Management Tool (GMT) was developed for the widely used MODFLOW model. The GMT facilitates the evaluation of various water use scenarios for those who have limited time for and/or experience in modifying groundwater model inputs and outputs, yet who need the complexity of a three‐dimensional numerical groundwater model to adequately represent the hydrologic system of interest. The impacts of new pumping wells and altered pumping regimes in existing wells are easily explored through the current version of this interface tool. The modeling technique employed by the GMT provides water managers with the ability to efficiently leverage the decision‐support power and confidence provided by a calibrated groundwater model without the time‐consuming processing of model input and output files, and thereby increases the value and utility provided by the model in supporting water resource management decisions. The purpose of this Technical Note is to highlight an improved modeling approach by combining the power of FloPy with the widely used Microsoft Excel software, to quickly utilize the power of an existing MODFLOW model.
Leveraging an existing whole‐genome resequencing population data set to characterize toll‐like receptor gene diversity in a threatened bird
Authors: Magid Molly , Wold Jana R. , Moraga Roger , Cubrinovska Ilina , Houston Dave M. , Gartrell Brett D. , Steeves Tammy E.
Published: May 2022

Species recovery programs are increasingly using genomic data to measure neutral genetic diversity and calculate metrics like relatedness. While these measures can inform conservation management, determining the mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression requires information about functional genes associated with adaptive or maladaptive traits. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are one family of functional genes, which play a crucial role in recognition of pathogens and activation of the immune system. Previously, these genes have been analysed using species‐specific primers and PCR. Here, we leverage an existing short‐read reference genome, whole‐genome resequencing population data set, and bioinformatic tools to characterize TLR gene diversity in captive and wild tchūriwat’/tūturuatu/shore plover (Thinornis novaeseelandiae), a threatened bird endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. Our results show that TLR gene diversity in tchūriwat’/tūturuatu is low, and forms two distinct captive and wild genetic clusters. The bioinformatic approach presented here has broad applicability to other threatened species with existing genomic resources in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Revision ofCephalomutillaAndré (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) including one new species, three new sex associations, and nine new synonymies
Authors: Williams Kevin A , Bartholomay Pedro R , Cambra Roberto A , Pitts James P , Oliveira Márcio L
Published: May 2022

CephalomutillaAndré, 1908, a genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae), currently composed of 11 species previously recognized from females only, is here revised. A new species from Colombia,C. cabezonaWilliams,sp. nov., is recognized from both sexes and newly described. The previously unknown male ofC. zelichiCasal, 1963 is associated and described.Mutilla vulneriferaAndré, 1908,syn. nov., is recognized as the male ofC. haematodes(Gerstaecker, 1874), and the following species are recognized as synonymous colour variants ofC. haematodes:C. albicalcarisMickel, 1960,syn. nov.;C. argyrosticta(Burmeister, 1875),syn. nov.; andC. flavigastraMickel, 1960,syn. nov.Cephalomutilla proxima(Smith, 1879),comb. nov., is transferred toCephalomutilla, and the following species previously recognized from females only were recognized as conspecific withC. proxima:C. confluentaMickel, 1960,syn. nov.;C. distinctaMickel, 1960,syn. nov.;C. fasciataMickel, 1960,syn. nov.;C. transversaMickel, 1960,syn. nov.; andC. vivata(Cresson, 1902),syn. nov. Keys and illustrations are provided for all five currently valid species ofCephalomutilla.
Identification of second instar larvae of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) vectors of Orthotospovirus (Tospoviridae) in South America
Authors: Lima Élison F B , Silva Larinne de M R , Fontes Lúcia da S , de Borbón Carlos M
Published: May 2022

Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are the only vectors of Orthotospovirus, a group of viral pathogens that infect plants and cause major economic damage to crops. The virus is acquired by the vector only at the first and early second larval stages and transmitted to plants by adult thrips through the circulatory system and via propagation. Since these vector immatures play a key role in the virus cycle, larval identification can be important for decision‐making about the management of each virus and vector. Thrips identification is mostly based on adult morphology, but second instar larvae recognition can be reliable and may provide advanced diagnosis about the presence and identity of the vector even in the absence of adults. Here, we present an identification tool for second instar larvae of the seven thrips species known to be Orthotospovirus vectors in South America – Frankliniella gemina, F. occidentalis, F. schultzei, F. zucchini, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Thrips palmi and T. tabaci. An illustrated key along with descriptions and comments on each of these species in the continent is provided.
Identification of two leafminer parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae),Neochrysocharis formosaandProacriassp. from Australia, with both showing thelytoky and infection byRickettsia
Authors: Xu Xuefen , Hoffmann Ary A , Umina Paul A , Coquilleau Marianne P , Gill Alex , Ridland Peter M
Published: May 2022

Liriomyza huidobrensis,L. sativaeandL. trifoliiare polyphagous agromyzid leafminers that have recently arrived in Australia, posing a threat to Australian vegetable and ornamental crops. Adventive and endemic hymenopteran parasitoids of agromyzid leafminers already present in Australia should assist in the management of these invasive agromyzid species.Neochrysocharis formosa(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae) is an idiobiont endoparasitoid commonly attackingLiriomyzaspp. in many countries, but it has not been formally identified in Australia. This study provides the first confirmed Australian record ofN. formosaas well as an unidentifiedProacriasspecies, another entedonine species. Females of both species were reared from several adventive and endemic agromyzid leafminers in southern Australia. Laboratory cultures of both species established the presence of thelytokous reproduction. DNA barcodes (5′ COI, 3′ COI, ITS1, ITS2, 28S) were used to delineate species boundaries, with the 5′ end of the mitochondrial COI sequences pointing to multiple cryptic lineages amongN. formosa. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that both species were infected with aRickettsiabacterium, which is related to theRickettsiapresent in thelytokous populations ofN. formosain Japan and China. These findings expand records for parasitoids attacking leafminers in Australia and highlight the potential for an endosymbiont to produce thelytokous strains that could provide for more efficient biocontrol agents for augmentative release.
Towards a complete cycle of care: a multidisciplinary pathway to improve outcomes in complex abdominal wall hernia repair
Authors: Kollias Victoria , Reid Jessica , Udayasiri Dilshan , Granger Jeremy , Karatassas Alex , Hensman Indran , Maddern Guy
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The burden of complex abdominal wall hernia (CAWH) is increasing, with associated high morbidity and healthcare costs. This study evaluates current evidenoptce regarding multidisciplinary care for CAWH patients to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify proposed or established multidisciplinary team (MDT) pathways, necessary MDT constituents, and to evaluate patient outcomes. The pre‐optimization pathways were then compared with a recent Delphi consensus statement.

Results

Seven articles matched the relevant search criteria. Three were concept articles, without prospective data analysis. Four were case series that applied multidisciplinary care and included limited data analyses with outcomes reported up to 50 months. The consensus was that CAWH MDT requires multiple clinical specialties, including hernia, upper gastrointestinal, colorectal and/or plastic and reconstructive surgeons, along with allied health specialists, radiologists, anaesthetists/pain specialists and infectious diseases consultants. A successful MDT should aim to achieve pre‐optimization and plan the definitive repair. These pre‐optimization pathways were similar to the recent Delphi consensus by international hernia experts.

Using these data, we propose a CAWH multidisciplinary pathway model in an Australian tertiary hospital involving a stepwise approach with well‐defined referral criteria, perioperative high‐risk management with pre‐optimization, surgical planning, postoperative care and follow‐up protocols. This pathway incorporates prospective data collection in a Clinical Quality Registry (CQR) to validate its appropriateness.

Conclusions

CAWH MDT can provide comprehensive, patient‐centred care with improved postoperative outcomes. CQR are important to better evaluate long‐term outcomes and ensure rigorous quality control.
Increased sputum lactate during oral glucose tolerance test in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jensen Peter Østrup , Nielsen Bibi Uhre , Kolpen Mette , Pressler Tacjana , Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel , Mathiesen Inger Hee Mabuza
Published: May 2022

Blood glucose levels exceeding 8 mM are shown to increase glucose levels in airway surface in cystic fibrosis (CF). Moreover, high levels of endobronchial glucose are proposed to increase the growth of common CF bacteria and feed the neutrophil‐driven inflammation. In the infected airways, glucose may be metabolized by glycolysis to lactate by both bacteria and neutrophils. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether increased blood glucose may fuel the glycolytic pathways of the lung inflammation by determining sputum glucose and lactate during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Sputum from 27 CF patients was collected during an OGTT. Sputum was collected at fasting and one and two hours following the intake of 75 g of glucose. Only participants able to expectorate more than one sputum sample were included. Glucose levels in venous blood and lactate and glucose content in sputum were analyzed using a regular blood gas analyzer. We collected 62 sputum samples: 20 at baseline, 22 after 1 h, and 20 after 2 h. Lactate and glucose were detectable in 30 (48.4%) and 43 (69.4%) sputum samples, respectively. The sputum lactate increased significantly at 2 h in the OGTT (p = 0.024), but sputum glucose was not changed. As expected, plasma glucose level significantly increased during the OGTT (p < 0.001). In CF patients, sputum lactate increased during an OGTT, while the sputum glucose did not reflect the increased plasma glucose. The increase in sputum lactate suggests that glucose spills over from plasma to sputum where glucose may enhance the inflammation by fueling the anaerobic metabolism in neutrophils or bacteria.
The impact of perceived emotions on toddlers' word learning
Authors: Ma Lizhi , Twomey Katherine , Westermann Gert
Published: May 2022

Others' emotional expressions affect individuals' attention allocation in social interactions, which are integral to the process of word learning. However, the impact of perceived emotions on word learning is not well understood. Two eye‐tracking experiments investigated 78 British toddlers' (37 girls) of 29‐ to 31‐month‐old retention of novel label‐object and emotion‐object associations after hearing labels presented in neutral, positive, and negative affect in a referent selection task. Overall, toddlers learned novel label‐object associations regardless of the affect associated with objects but showed an attentional bias toward negative objects especially when emotional cues were presented (d = 0.95), suggesting that identifying the referent to a label is a competitive process between retrieval of the learned label‐object association and the emotional valence of distractors.
Female infertility in the era of obesity: The clash of two pandemics or inevitable consequence?
Authors: Medenica Sanja , Spoltore Maria Elena , Ormazabal Paulina , Marina Ljiljana V. , Sojat Antoan Stefan , Faggiano Antongiulio , Gnessi Lucio , Mazzilli Rossella , Watanabe Mikiko
Published: May 2022

Obesity is an epidemic that has led to a rise in the incidence of many comorbidities: among others, reduced fertility is often under‐evaluated in clinical practice. The mechanisms underlying the link between reduced fertility and obesity are numerous, with insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and the frequent coexistence of polycystic ovary syndrome being the most acknowledged. However, several other factors concur, such as gut microbiome alterations, low‐grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Not only do women with obesity take longer to conceive, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) is also less likely to succeed. We herein provide an updated state‐of‐the‐art regarding the molecular bases of what we could define as dysmetabolic infertility, focusing on the clinical aspects, as well as possible treatment.
Switching from the clip‐and‐snare method with a prelooping technique to triangle traction in endoscopic submucosal dissection for treatment of gastroesophageal junction early cancer
Authors: Wu Ben‐hua , Hu Jintao , Wang Li‐sheng
Published: May 2022

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Case of successful hemorrhagic anastomotic varices after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Imawari Kana , Iwai Tomohisa , Kusano Chika
Published: May 2022

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How should needle tract seeding be addressed in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration?
Authors: Kogure Hirofumi , Nakai Yousuke , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by M. Kitano et al., p 307–316 of the issue DEN 34:2.
Efficacy of conventional‐dose cytarabine, idarubicin and thioguanine versus intermediate‐dose cytarabine and idarubicin in the induction treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: Long‐term results of the prospective randomized nationwide AML‐2003 study by the Finnish Leukemia Group
Authors: Kolonen Aarne , Sinisalo Marjatta , Huhtala Heini , Rimpiläinen Johanna , Rintala Hannele , Sankelo Marja , Koivunen Elli , Silvennoinen Raija , Räty Riikka , Ruutu Tapani , Volin Liisa , Porkka Kimmo , Jantunen Esa , Nousiainen Tapio , Kuittinen Taru , Penttilä Karri , Pyörälä Marja , Säily Marjaana , Koistinen Pirjo , Kauppila Marjut , Itälä‐Remes Maija , Ollikainen Hanna , Rauhala Auvo , Kairisto Veli , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Elonen Erkki ,   for the Finnish Leukemia Group
Published: May 2022

Objectives

AML‐2003 study sought to compare the long‐term efficacy and safety of IAT and IdAraC‐Ida in induction chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and introduce the results of an integrated genetic and clinical risk classification guided treatment strategy.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive either IAT or IdAraC‐Ida as the first induction treatment. Intensified postremission strategies were employed based on measurable residual disease (MRD) and risk classification. Structured questionnaire forms were used to gather data prospectively.

Results

A total of 356 AML patients with a median age of 53 years participated in the study. Long‐term overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) were both 49% at 10 years. The median follow‐up was 114 months. No significant difference in remission rate, OS or RFS was observed between the two induction treatments. Risk classification according to the protocol, MRD after the first and the last consolidation treatment affected the OS and RFS significantly (p < .001).

Conclusions

Intensified cytarabine dose in the first induction treatment was not better than IAT in patients with AML. Intensification of postremission treatment in patients with clinical risk factors or MRD seems reasonable, but randomized controlled studies are warranted in the future.
A rule‐based account of the regulative use of reason in Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
Authors: Spagnesi Lorenzo
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to propose a novel reading of the critical legitimacy of the regulative use of reason in the Transcendental Dialectic of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. After introducing some key terminology of the Dialectic, I analyse the shortcomings of two influential accounts of the regulative use of reason and identify their common problem in their commitment to the descriptivity of the ideas of reason. I then offer my rule‐based account of the regulative use of reason by clarifying how Kant transforms reason's metaphysical inclinations into prescriptive rules of bottom‐up empirical research. Finally, I explain why such interpretation of reason is metaphysically innocent and thereby a promising approach to understand its role in Kant's scientific project.
Classification of brain tumours in MRI images using convolutional neural network through Cat Swarm Optimization
Authors: V. K. Deepak , R Sarath
Published: May 2022

In humans, a brain abnormality is a serious illness. Cancer which is the greatest cause of mortality can develop from the tumour. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is among a more extensively utilized medical imaging modalities in brain tumours, then it has become the primary diagnosing mechanism for the treatment and evaluation of brain tumours. Computer‐assisted diagnosis has become a requirement due to the exponential expansion in the quantity of MRIs acquired because of these programmes. Computer‐assisted diagnosis strategies created to increase detection without many systematized readings failed to produce significant improvements in performance measurements. In this regard, the usage of deep learning‐based automatic image processing algorithms appears to be a viable route for identifying brain cancer. In this research, introduce a Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO) algorithm based upon a convolutional neural network (CNN) model utilized to segmentation in a classification of brain tumour. Results of experiments on MRI images using the BRATS dataset show that the CSO algorithm‐CNN model achieved high‐performance in term of 98% of accuracy, precision, specificity, sensitivity and F‐score in the proposed classification task when compared to other classification approaches like support vector machines (SVM) as well as back propagation neural networks (BPNN).
Environmental drivers of fish population dynamics in an estuarine ecosystem of south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Jenkins Gregory P. , Coleman Rhys A. , Barrow Joshua S. , Morrongiello John R.
Published: May 2022

Estuaries are dynamic environments and often support rich biodiversity and important fisheries. Linking environmental drivers or events to observed biological changes in these systems provides critical information that can facilitate their management. Historical fish and fisheries data for Western Port, a large embayment in south‐east Australia that supports rich biodiversity, were collated, including catch records, recruitment indices and two novel growth time series. Dynamic factor analysis (DFA) identified three common patterns associated with the biological time‐series data, which in turn were related to both local and regional environmental drivers. On a local scale, nitrogen loads and chlorophyll a concentration affected fish metrics, potentially through the food web and via changes to critical seagrass habitat. On a regional scale, offshore sea surface temperature in Bass Strait was important. Step changes (change points) in the three common patterns were predominantly associated with significant El Niño and La Niña events and, to a lesser extent, recruitment pulses and the cessation of commercial netting.
Elevational diversity patterns of rodents differ between wet and arid mountains
Authors: Kohli Brooks A. , Miyajima Reymond J. , Jarzyna Marta A.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Patterns of species richness along elevation gradients vary with geographic and environmental factors but evidence for similar variation in functional and phylogenetic diversity remains scarce. Here, we provide the most comprehensive evaluation to date of elevational gradients in taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of rodents – one of the most ecologically diverse groups of mammals – and test the effects of latitude and aridity on their variation for the first time.

Location

Forty‐nine mountains on five continents.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Rodents (Rodentia).

Methods

We compiled elevational distributions of 374 rodent species across 49 elevational gradients. For each gradient, we quantified – in 100‐m elevational bins – rodent species richness and functional and phylogenetic richness, evenness, and dispersion, and their species richness‐corrected equivalents. To assess how rodent diversity varies with elevation, we fitted a series of models that included elevation, average latitude, and aridity of each mountain system while accounting for variation in study design and sampling effort.

Results

A common mid‐elevational peak in species richness among mountains contrasts with functional and phylogenetic diversity pattern variation (model shape and slope) explained by the aridity at a mountain's base. Specifically, we find that functional and phylogenetic richness and dispersion decline with elevation in wet mountain systems but increase with elevation in arid mountains.

Main conclusions

In this first comparative analysis of mammal functional and phylogenetic elevational gradients, we find that the decoupling of each from species richness is particularly pronounced in arid regions. Wet‐mountain lowlands and arid‐mountain highlands harbour the most functionally and phylogenetically diverse rodent communities, indicating that water availability is a strong environmental filter in structuring diversity of small mammals on mountain gradients. High regularity of species distances within assemblages supports a constant role for competition across all elevations and niche expansion in elevations with greater species richness.
Clinical implication of immune checkpoint inhibitor on the chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Hagiwara Satoru , Nishida Naoshi , Ida Hiroshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Minami Yasunori , Takita Masahiro , Aoki Tomoko , Morita Masahiro , Chishina Hirokazu , Komeda Yoriaki , Yoshida Akihiro , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: May 2022

Aim

The risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is an important issue that has not yet been fully investigated. ICI is also expected to have an antiviral effect on HBV due to its immune tolerance inhibitory effect. We herein investigated the risk of HBV reactivation and the antiviral effect of ICI administration.

Methods

This study included 892 patients on ICIs between September 2014 and May 2021 at our hospital. The frequency of HBV reactivation and antiviral effects were investigated.

Results

Among the 892 patients who underwent ICI, 27 were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. HBV reactivation was evaluated in 24 cases, among which 4.1% (1/24) had HBV reactivation. Nucleic acid analog prophylaxis was not administered to patients with reactivation. In a study of 15 cases, the amount of HBsAg decreased from baseline; 2.18 ± 0.77 log to 48 weeks later; 1.61 ± 1.38 log (p = 0.17). Forty‐eight weeks after the start of ICI, disappearance of HBsAg was observed in two out of 15 cases (13.3%), and one case each with and without nucleic acid analog.

Conclusion

In rare cases, HBsAg‐positive patients may be reactivated by ICI administration. On the other hand, when ICI is administered, it is expected to have an antiviral effect on HBV due to its immune tolerance inhibitory effect, and future drug development is expected.
Effects of germination time on phenolics, antioxidant capacity, in vitro phenolic bioaccessibility and starch digestibility in sorghum
Authors: Li Ren , Wang Qi , Zhao Guoliang , Peng Hui , Zhang Dongjie , Li Zhijiang
Published: May 2022

The effects of germination time on phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacities, inhibition capacity of α‐amylase, bioaccessibility of phenolic and digestibility of starch in sorghum were evaluated in this study. The levels of total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin in germinated sorghum for 48 h increased by 39.74%, 37.28% and 52.21%, respectively. Germination also increased the composition of phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin in sorghum, and their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory rates of α‐amylase. Additionally, in vitro digestion results showed that phenolic bioaccessibility increased by 10.18%, and digestibility of starch and expected glycaemic index (eGI) decreased by 13.87% and 5.26 in germinated sorghum for 48 h compared with the ungerminated sorghum. These results indicate that germination might be a green method to improve the nutritional quality of sorghum and promote the development of germinated whole‐grain food.