bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and autoimmune disease
Authors: Chaves Carolina , Nunes da Silva Tiago , Dias Pereira Bernardo , Anselmo João , Claro Isabel , Cavaco Branca M. , Saramago Ana , Leite Valeriano
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a familial syndrome that results from the disruption of a tumor suppressor protein called MENIN. Its management is challenging, as MEN1 affects different endocrine tissues and predisposes to both benign and malignant tumors. MENIN-deficient cells have recently been recognized to play a role in triggering autoimmunity. Herein, we present a case of MEN1 with multiple endocrine and autoimmune disorders.

Patient concerns:

A 50 years old female with a 25 years history of complicated nephrolithiasis presented with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Diagnoses:

Over several decades, she was diagnosed with recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, pernicious anemia, metastatic gastric type 1 neuroendocrine tumor, macroprolactinemia, gonadotropin deficiency, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the thyroid gland, positive anti-calcium sensor receptor antibodies, and BRCA 1/2-negative invasive breast cancer. The autoimmune regulator gene was sequenced, but no pathogenic variants were found. Next-generation sequencing revealed both a pathogenic MEN1 mutation and a benign CDC73 gene variant. Familial genetic screening revealed a large kindred with multiple carriers of one or both genetic variants (MEN1 = 19; CDC73 = 7).

Interventions:

The patient underwent surgical excision of three parathyroid glands, total thyroidectomy and breast tumorectomy plus tamoxifen, and monthly injections of octreotide. The patient and family members with the MEN1 mutation are under a life-long surveillance program for MEN1 prototypic tumors.

Outcomes:

The patient was stable and alive during a 24-years follow-up period.

Lessons:

With the present case, the authors highlight a new interplay between MENIN and the immune system, which may have implications for future targeted life-long surveillance and treatment of MEN1 patients.
Comparison of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in adolescents with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, conduct disorders, and hyperkinetic disorders
Authors: Makarow-Gronert Agnieszka , Margulska Aleksandra , Strzelecki Dominik , Krajewska Katarzyna , Gmitrowicz Agnieszka , Gawlik-Kotelnicka Oliwia
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare values of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in adolescent patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, unipolar depression (UNI-DEP), conduct disorders (CD), and hyperkinetic disorders.

The research involved 1122 patients (718 women, 64%); aged 12 to 18 hospitalized in the Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz. We analyzed TSH levels in the whole study population and compared it between the above-mentioned subgroups of diagnoses.

Mean serum TSH concentration in the studied population (n = 1122) was 2.06 μIU/mL. The values of percentiles were as follows: 2.5th – 0.53 μIU/mL, 10th – 0.89 μIU/mL, 25th – 1.31 μIU/mL, 50th – 1.9 μIU/mL, 75th – 2.6 μIU/mL, 90th – 3.43 μIU/mL, 97.5th – 4.72 μIU/mL. TSH values were negatively correlated with patients’ age (P = .00001). Patients with bipolar depression had higher TSH levels than patients with CD (P = .002). Also, when male and female groups were examined separately we found that female patients with UNI-DEP and bipolar disorder had higher TSH levels than female patients with CD (P = .001; P = .001).

Our results confirm that there may be a higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions in bipolar and UNI-DEP subgroups among adolescents and that it is worthy to consider some kind of interventions regarding thyroid function in depressed individuals.
The association of early diarrhea after successful resuscitation following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with neurological outcome
Authors: Schriefl Christoph , Steininger Philipp , Clodi Christian , Mueller Matthias , Poppe Michael , Ettl Florian , Nuernberger Alexander , Grafeneder Juergen , Losert Heidrun , Schwameis Michael , Holzer Michael , Sterz Fritz , Schoergenhofer Christian
Published: December 2021

Gastrointestinal ischemia with reperfusion tissue injury contributes to post-cardiac arrest syndrome. We hypothesized that diarrhea is a symptom of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and investigated whether the occurrence of early diarrhea (≤12 hours) after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome.

We analyzed data from the Vienna Clinical Cardiac Arrest Registry. Inclusion criteria comprised ≥18 years of age, a witnessed, non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), initial shockable rhythm, and ST-segment elevation in electrocardiogram after ROSC with consecutive coronary angiography. Patients with diarrhea caused by other factors (e.g., infections, antibiotic treatment, or chronic diseases) were excluded. The primary endpoint was neurological function between patients with or without “early diarrhea” (≤12 hours after ROSC) according to cerebral performance categories.

We included 156 patients between 2005 and 2012. The rate of unfavorable neurologic outcome was higher in patients with early diarrhea (67% vs 37%). In univariate analysis, the crude odds ratio for unfavorable neurologic outcome was 3.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.11–10.56, P = .03) for early diarrhea. After multivariate adjustment for traditional prognostication markers the odds ratio of early diarrhea was 5.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.28–27.06, P = .02).

In conclusion, early diarrhea within 12 hours after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation was associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome.
Fungal keratitis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and a potential promising therapeutic effect of antibacterial agents
Authors: Kaplan Nasser M. , Al-Dwairi Rami A. , AlRabadi Nasr N.
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Microbial keratitis is a serious potentially blinding corneal infection. Contact lens wear remains the most common predisposing factor. Fungal keratitis represent only a small fraction of the overall number of cases of contact lens-associated microbial keratitis, however they are proportionally more severe.

Patient concerns:

An 18-year-old female, who occasionally used eye cosmetic soft contact lenses, presented with pain, redness, and blurring of vision in her left eye.

Diagnosis:

The left eye showed decreased visual acuity, central corneal ulcer and abscess, and severe ciliary injection. A provisional diagnosis of infectious keratitis was considered.

Intervention:

Corneal scrapings were aseptically collected and directly inoculated onto sterile bacterial and fungal agar plates that were immediately incubated. The patient was admitted and started on topical and systemic antibacterial agents.

Outcomes:

The infection showed signs of satisfactory clinical resolution. However, the mold Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was isolated in pure colonies 5 days after presentation.

Conclusion:

We report the first case from Jordan of fungal keratitis caused by the mold S brevicaulis. A high index of suspicion is required for fungal keratitis caused by S brevicaulis in immunocompetent patients who wear contact lenses despite its rarity. This fungal infection was successfully treated using antibacterial agents. However, larger studies are recommended to investigate the clinical effectiveness of antimicrobial agents that have both antibacterial and antifungal effects and to assess their role as empirical therapeutic modalities for infectious keratitis.
Surgical treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Kamel Reda H. , Khaled Ashraf , Abdelfattah Ahmed F. , Awad Ayman G.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

To highlight how surgery of inverted papilloma has developed during the past year. Moreover, to give our own opinion on the state of research regarding inverted papilloma surgical management.

Recent findings

Recent studies covering surgical treatment of inverted papilloma concentrated on the optimum surgical management aiming at complete resection, least morbidity and best outcome, with special interest regarding the maxillary and frontal sinuses. In maxillary sinus inverted papilloma, to avoid empty nose and/or epiphora, recent articles exerted all attempts to preserve the integrity of both the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct, yet offer best exposure of all maxillary sinus walls specially the anterior and inferior ones. These included the new modifications of the prelacrimal and Denker approaches and lateral nasal wall transposition. In frontal sinus inverted papilloma, to avoid an external approach and insure postoperative patency of frontal sinus ostium, the periorbital suspension was introduced and orbital transposition approach was comprehensively utilized especially in far lateral located lesions and/or in supraorbital recess involvement. Associated malignancy is an important issue to identify as management plans significantly differ. Recurrence occurs early within the first 2 years but long-term follow-up is mandatory.

Surgical procedures of sinonasal inverted papilloma are planned according to origin rather than the tumor extent. Origin targeted surgery and proper management of the site of attachment are the key to achieve complete surgical resection of sinonasal inverted papilloma. Recent trends advise the least destructive surgical techniques that offer best exposure, complete excision SNIP and least recurrence.
Addressing social determinants of health in pediatric health systems: balancing mission and financial sustainability
Authors: Melzer Sanford M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

With increasing recognition of the impact of poverty, racism and other social factors on child health, many pediatric health systems are undertaking interventions to address Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). This review summarizes these initiatives and recent developments in state and federal health policy impacting funding for these efforts.

Recent findings

Although the evidence defining optimal approaches to identifying and mitigating SDoH in children is still evolving, pediatric health systems are making significant investments in different initiatives to address SDoH. With limited reimbursement available through traditional payment streams, pediatric health systems and Accountable Care Organizations are looking to value-based payments to help fund these interventions. Federal and state policy changes, including use of Medicaid funds for nonmedical interventions and introduction of the Accountable Health Communities model to pediatrics, offer additional funding sources to address SDoH.

Initiatives among mission-driven pediatric health systems to address SDoH are increasingly common despite funding challenges. Value-based payments, expansion of Medicaid funding resulting from policy changes and delivery system reform, along with health system philanthropy and operating revenues, will all be needed to meet mission-based goals of addressing SDoH while supporting financial sustainability.
HIV in kidney transplantation
Authors: Glicklich Daniel , Nog Rajat
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to describe recent developments in renal transplantation for HIV-positive recipients, especially the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) trial results.

Recent findings

HOPE trial data show that HIV-positive D+/R+ results are excellent and similar to D−/R+ in patients controlled on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Patients coinfected with hepatitis C or B virus now have effective treatment available. As pretransplant evaluation and post-transplant management is more complex in HIV-positive individuals early referral is important and coordination of evaluation and care with an infectious disease specialist is critical. HIV coordinated care services should be involved for best outcomes. HIV-positive renal transplant recipients have an increased risk of rejection and evidence suggests that standard lymphocyte depletion induction and maintenance immunosuppression be employed. Cardiovascular risk reduction and surveillance and attention to metabolic bone disease are important for HIV-positive renal transplant recipients.

HIV-positive to HIV-positive renal transplantation has been established as well tolerated and successful. Further efforts are needed to expand access to transplantation in this population.

Video abstract

http://links.lww.com/MOT/A29.
Pediatric Acute Liver Failure as Presentation of Autoimmune Hepatitis: Learning from a Fatal Case
Authors: Massabki Lilian H. P. , Sandy Natascha S. , De Tommaso Adriana M. A. , Brandão Maria A. B. , Hessel Gabriel , Lomazi Elizete A.
Published: December 2021

Severe acute liver failure (SALF) is a rare condition in children. Up to 50% of the cryptogenic causes of SALF are associated with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This report presents a 5-year-old girl with progressive jaundice for 10 days. Her 1999 AIH diagnostic score totaled 11 points, compatible with probable AIH. She fulfilled the SALF criteria and the King’s College criteria for liver transplantation, despite treatment with corticosteroids, and underwent the transplant, but died in the immediate postoperative period due to massive bleeding. Subsequently, the liver-kidney microsome type 1 result was 1:80, increasing the AIH score to 13 points. The final diagnosis was probable AIH type 2, associated with SALF. The biopsy of the explanted liver was compatible with fulminant hepatitis. This report highlights the difficult diagnosis of AIH in SALF, limitations of the diagnostic criteria for SALF in indications for emergency transplantation, and the uncertain therapeutic response produced by corticosteroids.
Health-Related Social Needs Facing Youth With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Orkin Sarah , Yodoshi Toshifumi , Sun Qin , Fei Lin , Meryum Syeda , Ley Sanita , Arce-Clachar Ana Catalina , Bramlage Kristin , Xanthakos Stavra , Kahn Robert , Beck Andrew F. , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: December 2021

Background:

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of health-related social needs among youth with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods:

Retrospective review of prospectively administered health-related social needs questionnaires from Steatohepatitis Clinics.

Results:

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 271) were predominantly male (72%) and non-Hispanic (68%). The most common unmet need was food insecurity (13%, n = 36). Families who endorsed food insecurity at the first visit were 27-fold more likely to have unmet health-related social needs persist at subsequent visits than those who were food secure at their first visit (95% confidence interval, 6.7-111).

Conclusions:

Screening for social, economic, and environmental needs may identify previously unrecognized family challenges and may enhance intervention delivery, inform resource allocation, and improve outcomes.
Nutritional Management of Children With Neurological Impairment in China: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Hong Li , Xu Kaishou , Zhu Dengna , Sun Lingxia , Dipasquale Valeria , Romano Claudio
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of Chinese physicians on gastrointestinal and nutritional management of children with neurological impairment (NI) and to assess the practical application of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines on the management of nutritional and gastrointestinal problems in children with NI in Asian countries, particularly in several major medical centers in China.

Methods:

A web-based questionnaire was distributed between November 2020 and January 2021 among Chinese healthcare professionals involved in the clinical management of children with NI. Fifteen questions covering the most relevant aspects of nutritional management and gastrointestinal issues of children with NI were surveyed. A descriptive analysis of responses was performed.

Results:

A total of 577 healthcare professionals from over 28 provinces in China answered the questionnaire. Anthropometrics were the most used parameters (n = 539) to assess nutritional status. Most respondents (n = 455) indicated weight faltering and/or failure to thrive as definition of undernutrition. Direct observation of meals was considered the recommended method for diagnosing oropharyngeal dysfunction by 542 professionals. Fundoplication was indicated at the time of gastrostomy placement in patients with uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux disease by 437 respondents.

Conclusions:

The clinical practice of Chinese healthcare professionals does not completely match the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines, probably due to the medical system and the economic, social, and cultural differences. Further studies are needed to improve clinical practice and knowledge. Multidisciplinary approach is crucial to optimize the overall medical care and quality of life for children with NI.
Porous surfaces: stability and recovery of coronaviruses
Authors: Owen Lucy , Shivkumar Maitreyi , Cross Richard B. M. , Laird Katie
Published: December 2021

The role of indirect contact in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is not clear. SARS-CoV-2 persists on dry surfaces for hours to days; published studies have largely focused on hard surfaces with less research being conducted on different porous surfaces, such as textiles. Understanding the potential risks of indirect transmission of COVID-19 is useful for settings where there is close contact with textiles, including healthcare, manufacturing and retail environments. This article aims to review current research on porous surfaces in relation to their potential as fomites of coronaviruses compared to non-porous surfaces. Current methodologies for assessing the stability and recovery of coronaviruses from surfaces are also explored. Coronaviruses are often less stable on porous surfaces than non-porous surfaces, for example, SARS-CoV-2 persists for 0.5 h–5 days on paper and 3–21 days on plastic; however, stability is dependent on the type of surface. In particular, the surface properties of textiles differ widely depending on their construction, leading to variation in the stability of coronaviruses, with longer persistence on more hydrophobic materials such as polyester (1–3 days) compared to highly absorbent cotton (2 h–4 days). These findings should be considered where there is close contact with potentially contaminated textiles.
Humoral and cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Lim Sean H. , Campbell Nicola , Stuart Beth , Johnson Marina , Joseph-Pietras Debora , Kelly Adam , Jeffrey Danielle , Turaj Anna H. , Rolfvondenbaumen Kate , Galloway Celine , Wynn Thomas , Coleman Adam R. , Ward Benjamin , Long Karen , Bates Andrew T. , Ayres Diana , Lown Robert , Falconer Janlyn , Brake Oliver , Batchelor James , Willimott Victoria , Al-Naeeb Anna Bowzyk , Robinson Lisa , O’Callaghan Ann , Collins Graham P. , Menne Tobias , Faust Saul N. , Fox Christopher P. , Ahearne Matthew , Johnson Peter W.M. , Davies Andrew J. , Goldblatt David
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination protects against COVID-19. Antibodies and antigen-specific T-cell responses against the spike domain can be used to measure vaccine immune response. Individuals with lymphoma have defects in humoral and cellular immunity that may compromise vaccine response. In this prospective observational study of 457 participants with lymphoma, 52% of participants vaccinated on treatment had undetectable anti-spike IgG antibodies compared to 9% who were not on treatment. Marked impairment was observed in those receiving anti- CD20 antibody within 12 months where 60% had undetectable antibodies compared to 11% on chemotherapy, which persisted despite three vaccine doses. Overall, 63% had positive T-cell responses irrespective of treatment. Individuals with indolent B-cell lymphoma have impaired antibody and cellular responses that were independent of treatment. The significant reduction and heterogeneity in immune responses in these individuals emphasise the urgent need for immune response monitoring and alternative prophylactic strategies to protect against COVID- 19.
Modeling COVID-19 Aerosol Transmission in Primary Schools
Authors: Swanson Tessa , Guikema Seth , Bagian James , Payne Claire
Published: December 2021

Schools must balance public health, education, and social risks associated with returning to in-person learning. These risks are compounded by the ongoing uncertainty about vaccine availability and uptake for children under 12 years of age. In this paper, we show how the risk of infections that result directly from in-class aerosol transmission within an elementary school population can be estimated in order to compare the effects of different countermeasures. We compare the effectiveness of these countermeasures in reducing transmission including required masking at three levels of mask effectiveness, improving room airflow exchange rates, weekly testing of the students, and lunch partitioning. Our results show that multiple layers of interventions are necessary to keep in-class infections relatively low. These results can inform school administrators about how these interventions can help manage COVID-19 spread within their own elementary school populations.
Kinetic characteristics of transcriptional bursting in a complex gene model with cyclic promoter structure
Authors: Yang Xiyan , Wang Zihao , Wu Yahao , Zhou Tianshou , Zhang Jiajun
Published: December 2021

While transcription occurs often in a bursty manner, various possible regulations can lead to complex promoter patterns such as promoter cycles, giving rise to an important issue: How do promoter kinetics shape transcriptional bursting kinetics? Here we introduce and analyze a general model of the promoter cycle consisting of multi-OFF states and multi-ON states, focusing on the effects of multi-ON mechanisms on transcriptional bursting kinetics. The derived analytical results indicate that bust size follows a mixed geometric distribution rather than a single geometric distribution assumed in previous studies, and ON and OFF times obey their own mixed exponential distributions. In addition, we find that the multi-ON mechanism can lead to bimodal burst-size distribution, antagonistic timing of ON and OFF, and diverse burst frequencies, each further contributing to cell-to-cell variability in the mRNA expression level. These results not only reveal essential features of transcriptional bursting kinetics patterns shaped by multi-state mechanisms but also can be used to the inferences of transcriptional bursting kinetics and promoter structure based on experimental data.
Deficiency in endocannabinoid synthase DAGLB contributes to Parkinson’s disease and dopaminergic neuron dysfunction
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Yang Nannan , Dong Jie , Tian Wotu , Chang Lisa , Ma Jinghong , Guo Jifeng , Tan Jieqiong , Dong Ao , He Kaikai , Zhou Jingheng , Cinar Resat , Wu Junbing , Salinas Armando , Sun Lixin , Kung Justin , Xie Chengsong , Oldham Braden , Kumar Mantosh , Hawes Sarah , Ding Jinhui , Wang Lupeng , Wang Tao , Chan Piu , Zhang Zhuohua , Le Weidong , Chen Shengdi , Lovinger David M. , Cui Guohong , Li Yulong , Cai Huaibin , Tang Beisha
Published: December 2021

2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endocannabinoid (eCB) in the brain, regulates diverse neural functions. However, whether 2-AG deficiency contributes to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and nigral dopaminergic neurons (DANs) dysfunction is unclear. Diacylglycerol lipase α and β (DAGLA and DAGLB) mediate the biosynthesis of 2-AG. Using homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing, we linked multiple homozygous loss-of-function mutations in DAGLB to a form of early-onset autosomal recessive PD. We then used RNA sequencing and fiber photometry with genetically encoded eCB sensors to demonstrate that DAGLB is the main 2-AG synthase in nigral DANs. Genetic knockdown of Daglb by CRISPR/Cas9 in mouse nigral DANs substantially reduces 2-AG levels in the substantia nigra (SN). The SN 2-AG levels are markedly correlated with the vigor of movement during the acquisition of motor skills, while Daglb-deficiency impairs motor learning. Conversely, pharmacological enhancement of 2-AG levels increases nigral DAN activity and dopamine release and improves motor learning. Together, we demonstrate that DAGLB-deficiency contributes to the etiopathogenesis of PD, reveal the importance of DAGLB-mediated 2-AG biosynthesis in nigral DANs in regulating neural activity and dopamine release, and provide preclinical evidence for the beneficial effects of 2-AG augmentation in PD treatment.
miR-124 regulates Notch and NeuroD1 and to mediate transition states of neuronal development
Authors: Konrad Kalin D. , Song Jia L.
Published: December 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by destabilizing target mRNA and/or inhibiting translation in animal cells. The ability to mechanistically dissect the function of miR-124 during specification, differentiation, and maturation of neurons during development within a single system has not been accomplished. Using the sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) embryo, we take advantage of the manipulability of the embryo and its well-documented gene regulatory networks (GRNs). We incorporated NeuroD1 as part of the sea urchin neuronal GRN and determined that miR-124 inhibition resulted in decreased gut contractions, swimming velocity, and neuronal development. We further integrated post-transcriptional regulation of miR-124 into the neuronal GRN. Inhibition of miR-124 resulted in increased number of cells expressing transcription factors associated with progenitor neurons and a concurrent decrease of mature and functional neurons. Results revealed that miR-124 regulates undefined factors early in neurogenesis during neuronal specification and differentiation in the early blastula and gastrula stages. In the late gastrula and larval stages, miR-124 regulates Notch and NeuroD1. Specifically, miR-124 regulates the transition between neuronal differentiation and maturation, by directly suppressing NeuroD1. Removal of miR-124’s suppression of NeuroD1 results in increased mature neurons with decreased Synaptagmin B-positive mature, functional neurons. By removing both miR-124 suppression of NeuroD1 and Notch, we were able to phenocopy miR-124 inhibitor induced defects. Overall, we have improved the neuronal GRN and identified miR-124 to play a prolific role in regulating various transitions of neuronal development.
Control method of spray curing system for cement concrete members based on the AdaBoost.M1 algorithm
Authors: Yuan Wei , Yang Renfeng , Yu Jianyou , Zeng Qunrong , Yao Zechen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Spray curing has become the preferred curing method for most cement concrete members because of its lower cost and sound effect. However, the spray curing quality of members is vulnerable to random variation environment factors and anthropogenic interferences. This paper aims to introduce the machine learning algorithm into the spray curing system to optimize its control method to improve the spray curing quality of members.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical parameters affecting the spray curing quality of members were collected through experiments, such as the temperature and humidity of the member's surface, the temperature, humidity and wind speed of the environment. The C4.5 algorithm was used as a weak classifier algorithm, and the AdaBoost.M1 algorithm was used to cascade multiple weak classifiers to form a robust classifier according to the collected data.

Findings

The results showed that the model constructed by the AdaBoost.M1 algorithm had achieved higher accuracy and robustness among the two algorithms. Based on the classification model built by the AdaBoost.M1 algorithm, the spray curing system can cause automatic decision-making spray switching according to the member's real-time curing state and environment.

Originality/value

With the classification model constructed by the AdaBoost.M1 algorithm, the spray curing system can overcome the disadvantages that external factors greatly influence the current control method of the spray curing system, and the intelligent control of the spray curing system was realized to a certain extent. This paper provides a reference for applying machine learning algorithms in the intellectual transformation of bridge construction equipment.
Measuring personal and academic differences in students’ perceived social media credibility
Authors: Bashir Iqra , Malik Amara , Mahmood Khalid
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Social media is a popular source for information sharing in the contemporary world. Social media allow individuals to create, publish and diffuse contents directly. This openness has increased the risk of running into misinformation and raised questions about credibility of information shared. This study aims to examine the credibility of social media through the perceptions of university students. It also intends to see the difference in opinions based on their gender, academic disciplines and programs of study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a cross-sectional survey; a structured questionnaire was developed by consulting the relevant literature. Students were selected on convenient basis from all the programs of four universities of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Four hundred students were selected randomly from each university.

Findings

The findings indicated that students considered social media partially credible. Currency, community wellness, understandability and completeness of information were the highly rated facets, while factual and unbiased information was the low rated aspects. The perceived credibility of social media among the university students was the same across genders, programs of study and academic disciplines.

Research limitations/implications

The study may be helpful for social media service providers to address the concerns that students had in their perception regarding its credibility.

Originality/value

This study may likely benefit faculty members, researchers, librarians/information professionals and digital libraries to understand the students’ concerns about social media credibility from a developing country’s perspective. Such understanding will enable them to better address, educate and train university students at how to evaluate the quality of information on social media by offering information literacy programs. It is direly needed that university libraries should train the students to be proficient in assessing the quality of information by offering information or digital literacy programs. Moreover, the study may be helpful for social media service providers to address the concerns that students had in their perception regarding its credibility.
Customer reciprocity in greening: the role of service quality
Authors: Basu Debarati , Chakraborty Kamalika , Mitra Shabana , Verma Nishant Kumar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Firms are increasingly making customers key stakeholders in their greening processes, requiring them to voluntarily use their resources to benefit the firm. In this context, this paper develops a new construct – tangible customer citizenship behaviour (CCB), i.e. voluntary participation of customer in operational processes of the company beyond normal requirements of exchange. This requires more involvement than the already documented intangible CCB. The purpose of the paper is to then explore whether service quality (SQ) (online and offline) influences such voluntary customer reciprocity in greening.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a virtual survey among 400 customers of e-commerce firms that have adopted greening practices requiring customer engagement and regressions were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that both online and offline SQ positively impact intangible CCB but have no impact on customer greening reciprocity (tangible CCB). Additionally, the authors find that offline SQ positively impacts customer greening awareness. However, in spite of the presence of greening awareness and display of intangible CCB, SQ does not have any impact on greening reciprocity.

Originality/value

This study introduces to literature a more tangible form of voluntary behaviour on the part of the customer, i.e. tangible CCB or reciprocity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is also one of the first to study the customer as an important stakeholder and participant in a business-to-consumer firm’s operating processes, particularly in greening which has no direct impact on the firm’s core offering. The focus on greening in the Indian context is also novel given the greening costs and requirements and the price competition are very different in emerging market contexts where e-commerce firms are experiencing the maximum growth.
Building an ethical culture by improving conditions for whistleblowing
Authors: Smaili Nadia
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the importance of an effective internal whistleblowing system in building a more ethical organizational climate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on the literature to make recommendations for organizations, managers and boards of directors regarding implementing an effective whistleblowing process.

Findings

This paper offers practical information on what constitutes an appropriate level of preparedness and responsiveness. Organizations can reinforce their internal ethics by encouraging whistleblowers to report complaints internally. An effective whistleblowing process depends on the organization’s desire to build an ethical climate and its awareness of the power of whistleblowing as an ethical tool.

Originality/value

This study will help managers and other professionals to create and maintain an ethical climate by implementing an effective whistleblowing process. The discussion in this paper is important for any type of organization concerned with empowering whistleblowers and the whistleblowing process.
The incidence of accounting fraud is increasing: is it a matter of the gender of chief financial officers?
Authors: Wahyuningtyas Endah Tri , Aisyaturrahmi Aisyaturrahmi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between accounting fraud and the gender of chief financial officers (CFOs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of US-listed firms for the period from 2000 to 2010. This paper takes this distribution of the sample observations because firms sanctioned by the Securities and Exchange Commission as reported in Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases for fraud are more heavily weighted in the 2000 to 2010 period.

Findings

This study provides considerable evidence to suggest that firms with female CFOs are negatively associated with accounting fraud. The study also suggests that in state-owned enterprises, in which political concerns are likely to be more pronounced, the relationship between female CFOs and accounting fraud is negatively less significant. This study conducts an additional test about when and why boards’ diversity reduces accounting fraud or concerns. The result shows that the structure of gender-mixed boards is better than male-only boards. Therefore, it is important to control the activities or decisions of powerful chief executive officers.

Research limitations/implications

In general, the findings contribute to the current discussion on the necessity of increasing gender diversity as a corporate governance mechanism. This study is specifically focussed on CFOs that may directly have important implications for financial reporting and corporate governance.

Originality/value

This paper extends prior research by addressing the potential effects of female CFOs on accounting fraud. For example, Zhouet al.(2018) examine the relationship between executive compensation and the incidence of corporate fraud in Chinese listed companies from the perspective of delisting pressure. The result documents that there is no a relationship between CFO gender and accounting fraud. The results, however, find that female CFOs are negatively associated with accounting fraud; meaning that the presence of female CFOs brings positive implications for financial reporting and corporate governance.
Goal specificity or ambiguity? Effects of self-quantification on persistence intentions
Authors: Shi Haijiao , Chen Rong
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The current study implies self-quantification to consumer behavior and investigates how self-quantification influences consumers' persistence intentions, then indicates the underlying mechanism and examines the role of sharing in social media context.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested by three experimental studies. In study 1, the authors test the main effect of self-quantification on persistence intentions and demonstrate goal specificity as the mediator. In study 2 and 3, the authors explore sharing and sharing audience as the moderators.

Findings

The current research demonstrates that quantifying personal performance increases consumers' persistence intentions because self-quantification makes the focal goal more specific. However, sharing self-quantification performance with others has a negative effect on the relationship between self-quantification and persistence intentions. Building on goal conflict theory, sharing diverts consumers' focus away from the goal itself and toward others' evaluation and judgment, which makes the focal goal more ambiguous. Moreover, the negative effect depends on who is the sharing audience. When consumers share with close others who hold a similar goal with them, the negative effect of sharing is dramatically reversed.

Practical implications

The present research offers guidelines to managers about how to design self-tracking system to increase user's engagement and how to establish social community on social media platform to motivate users' goal pursuit.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research of self-quantification from consumer behavior perspective. It also enriches interactive marketing literature by broadening self-quantification relevant research from social interaction dimension.
Molecular identification of seed‐feeding flies dissected from herbarium specimens clarifies the 100‐year history of parasitism by Japanagromyza tokunagai in Japan
Authors: Yamashita Yumi , Ogura‐Tsujita Yuki , Nagata Nobuaki , Kurosawa Takahide , Yukawa Tomohisa
Published: December 2021

Insect pests, particularly seed‐feeding flies, can cause serious damage to the fruits of many wild orchid species. Evidence of fly damage has been observed in 55 orchid species, belonging to 25 genera, distributed throughout Japan. Although some authors suggested that the observed increase in fly damage to orchids in recent years is related to the introduction of exotic species, the timing and route of spread remain unclear. We examined herbarium specimens of seven orchid species, collected between 1923 and 2016, to collect coarctate pupae and empty puparia, with minimal damage to the specimens. Genomic DNA was then extracted from the insect tissue and species were identified using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 barcode regions. Long amplicons (660 base pairs [bp]) were obtained from 45.2% of samples and short amplicons (162 bp) were obtained from 90.3% of samples. In total, 51 of 62 samples had nucleotide sequences homologous to Japanagromyza tokunagai, with specimens distributed across collection years and geographic locations. Therefore, the severe damage to Japanese orchids observed in recent years is not related to the recent introduction of an exotic species; it may be related to a rapid increase in a native species. This work highlights the value of herbaria as important resources for elucidating the history and distribution of parasitic insects.
Did amalgamation make local government more fit for the future?
Authors: Drew Joseph , McQuestin Dana , Dollery Brian
Published: December 2021

Local government amalgamations, mostly aimed at improving financial sustainability, remain a strongly contested public policy option. Proponents of amalgamation tend to emphasise the advantages of scale and plan around population size targets. By contrast, some scholars note the importance of understanding the needs and tastes of residents for local public services and stress the dangers of amalgamation dominated by population size considerations alone. In this paper, we conduct a robust empirical investigation of a recent amalgamation program dominated by population size considerations. Our results suggest that local government boundaries constructed principally to secure scale benefits have largely failed to deliver on the pecuniary promise of its public policy proponents. We conclude by offering some central public policy recommendations aimed at ensuring that future amalgamation programs might be more successful.
The journey from infertility to uterus transplantation: A qualitative study of the perspectives of participants in the Dallas Uterus Transplant Study
Authors: Wall Anji E. , Johannesson Liza , Sok Monica , Warren Ann Marie , Gordon Elisa J. , Testa Giuliano
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess how absolute uterine factor infertility affects women who undergo uterus transplantation, how uterus transplantation impacts women with absolute uterine factor infertility and how uterus transplant recipients view uterus transplantation in terms of their reproductive autonomy.

Design

Qualitative semi‐structured interview study.

Setting

Uterus transplant programme in a large academic medical centre in the USA.

Population/sample

Twenty one uterus transplant recipients.

Methods

A medical chart review was conducted to collect patient demographic information and clinical outcomes. Semi‐structured interviews collected information regarding participants’ experience.

Main outcome measure(s)

The outcomes of interest were participants’ experience of infertility, experience with uterus transplantation and general perceptions of uterus transplantation.

Results

Six participants were pregnant (one with a second child), six had experienced early graft failure and removal, five had delivered a healthy baby, and four had a viable graft and were awaiting embryo transfer. The primary themes identified were: the negative impact of absolute uterine factor infertility diagnosis on psychological wellbeing, relationships and female identity; the positive impact of uterus transplantation on healing the emotional scars of absolute uterine factor infertility, female identity and value of research trial participation and the perception of uterus transplantation as an expansion of reproductive autonomy. All participants reported that uterus transplantation was worthwhile, regardless of individual outcome.

Conclusion

Absolute uterine factor infertility has a negative impact on women from a young age, affects multiple relationships and challenges female identity. Uterus transplantation helps to reverse this impact, transforming women's life narrative of infertility and enhancing female identity.

Tweetable Abstract

Absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) adversely affects women. Uterus transplantation helps mitigate the negative impact of AUFI, by transforming women's life narratives of infertility and enhancing female identity.
ISSRseq: An extensible method for reduced representation sequencing
Authors: Sinn Brandon T. , Simon Sandra J. , Santee Mathilda V. , DiFazio Stephen P. , Fama Nicole M. , Barrett Craig F.
Published: December 2021

The capability to generate densely sampled single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data is essential in diverse subdisciplines of biology, including crop breeding, pathology, forensics, forestry, ecology, evolution and conservation. However, the wet‐laboratory expertise and bioinformatics training required to conduct genome‐scale variant discovery remain limiting factors for investigators with limited resources.

Here we present ISSRseq, a PCR‐based method for reduced representation of genomic variation using simple sequence repeats as priming sites to sequence inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) regions. Briefly, ISSR regions are amplified with single primers, pooled, used to construct sequencing libraries with a commercially available kit, and sequenced on the Illumina platform. We also present a flexible bioinformatic pipeline that assembles ISSR loci, calls and hard filters variants, outputs data matrices in common formats, and conducts population analyses using R.

Using three angiosperm species as case studies, we demonstrate that ISSRseq is highly repeatable, necessitates only simple wet‐laboratory skills and commonplace instrumentation, is flexible in terms of the number of single primers used, and can generate genomic‐scale variant discovery on par with existing RRS methods which require more complex wet‐laboratory procedures.

ISSRseq represents a straightforward approach to SNP genotyping in any organism, and we predict that this method will be particularly useful for those studying population genomics and phylogeography of non‐model organisms. Furthermore, the ease of ISSRseq relative to other RRS methods should prove useful to those lacking advanced expertise in wet‐laboratory methods or bioinformatics.
The Management and Oversight of Human Rights Due Diligence
Authors: Hess David
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic showed how vulnerable workers in global supply chains are to adverse human rights impacts. Protecting such workers must be a primary policy goal in the efforts to “build back better” from the crisis, and businesses conducting human rights due diligence (HRDD) is a primary means to do so. In Europe, there is a fast‐moving trend toward legislatively mandating HRDD, and there is potential for similar movement in the United States. Whether HRDD will significantly improve human rights conditions, however, is an open question. Based on our experience with corporate compliance programs, it is clear that the management and oversight of HRDD is an essential factor in ensuring meaningful implementation, as opposed to corporations focusing on form over substance. This article identifies those key internal governance issues and provides advice on how best to ensure effective implementation. The article argues that for most corporations, the day‐to‐day management of HRDD best fits with the compliance function—not the legal function—and this new role could be part of the next step in the evolution of the compliance function. This article also discusses the role of the board of directors and how HRDD combined with recent developments in the law of fiduciary duties can push directors to engage in more rigorous oversight. In addition, it discusses the types of information that are essential for supporting the management and oversight of HRDD.
Economic uncertainty and Australian stock returns
Authors: Chen Xiaoyue , Li Bin , Worthington Andrew C.
Published: December 2021

Motivated by the purportedly close relation between economic uncertainty and future stock returns in the US, we investigate the predictive role of this potential factor in the Australian stock market. Applying portfolio‐sorting strategies based on economic uncertainty exposure measured by individual stock betas, we find that uncertainty betas negatively relate to future stock returns over short‐ and medium‐term trading horizons. Moreover, common asset pricing models, including the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the Fama and French three‐, five‐, and six‐factor models, cannot explain these relations. The results remain robust when applying firm‐level Fama and MacBeth regressions.