bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct and mediation effect of supply chain complexity drivers on supply chain performance: an empirical evidence of organizational complexity theory
Authors: Chand Pushpendu , Kumar Anil , Thakkar Jitesh , Ghosh Kunal Kanti
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In today's globalized business environment, growing supply chain complexity (SCC) is arguably a major threat to the firm's business continuity with an adverse impact on the firm's competitive advantage and business performance. Researchers, though, investigated the impact of SCC drivers on a firm's operational performance, but the key question “Which supply chain complexity drivers severely impact the supply chain performance (SCP)?” remains largely unanswered from empirical research. The present study aims to decompose the SCC into four major constituting sub-categories (upstream, operational, downstream and external) to explore the causal impact of SCC drivers on SCP in direct and mediated manner.

Design/methodology/approach

The indicators applied for measuring constructs in the “Measurement model” are obtained from existing literature to increase the validity and reliability of the model. First, a pilot survey involving 25 SC managers from various manufacturing firms was conducted for indicator refinement and content validation. Second, the large-scale response data were collected through extensive surveys. This research explores the causality by testing the hypothesis applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on the responses received from 246 firms.

Findings

The study investigates the impact of SCC drivers on SCP through direct and mediation effect. The results indicate that upstream and operational SCC drivers play a mediating role in managing SCP. The findings reveal that upstream and operational SCC drivers adversely impact the SCP. Furthermore, the impact of downstream complexity on SCP is moderated through operational complexity drivers. The result explains the theoretical relation among SCC drivers supported by empirical validity.

Practical implications

The outcome offers practical relevance to supply chain (SC) managers in SCC and SCP management. Knowing the effect of SCC drivers among themselves and on SCP will facilitate the SC managers in devising the right strategies. The study provides a framework for prioritizing the resource in addressing the SCC issues among many.

Originality/value

The study addresses the apparent gap in the literature by modeling the impact of SCC drivers on SCP, which remained largely unexplored. First, it contributes to developing complex relationships among SCC drivers. Second, the direct and mediated causal effect of the SCC drivers individually and combinedly on SCP are explicated.
Market impact cost asymmetry of the National Pension Service and its determinant analysis
Authors: Eom Yunsung , Woo Mincheol
Published: April 2022

As of March 2021, the National Pension Service (NPS) is the world’s 3rd largest pension fund with 872.5tn won (KRW) in management. Recently, the NPS proposed a policy to gradually reduce the proportion of domestic stocks in the portfolio in the future. This change in the asset allocation strategy is related to the NPS’s exit strategy for domestic stocks. This study aims to examine the market impact cost asymmetry between buys and sells of the NPS and suggest a trading strategy for mitigating the market impact cost. The results are as follows. First, there is an asymmetry between buys and sells in the market impact cost of the NPS. The market impact cost of the NPS is gradually increasing over time. In particular, the market impact cost from selling has increased significantly in recent years. Second, past returns, volatility, liquidity and trading intensity can be found as external factors affecting the asymmetric market impact cost of the NPS. Although there is no difference between the buying and selling ratios of the NPS, the market impact cost from sells is relatively higher than that from buys. Third, after controlling for the order execution size of the NPS, the longer the trade execution period, the lower the market impact cost. This result implies that the strategy of splitting orders as a way to reduce the market impact cost is effective. The trading behavior of the NPS directly or indirectly affects other investors. If the sell of the NPS incurs excessive market impact cost, the negative impact on the stock price will be further exacerbated. Therefore, it is necessary for the NPS to reduce the market impact cost through split trading in executing orders in the domestic stock market. Findings of this study provide implications for countermeasures and long-term management strategies that can minimize the market impact cost of the NPS in the process of reducing the proportion of domestic stocks in the future.
Is there a link between undernourishment, political climate and other socio-economic variables? Evidence from low-income countries
Authors: Dabir-Alai Parviz , Arvin Mak , Pradhan Rudra P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The authors investigate the role played by the political climate and other covariates on the prevalence of undernourishment for 34 low-income countries across a 21-year period.

Design/methodology/approach

Political climate is measured in terms of political freedoms and civil liberties. The authors follow a Granger causality approach, which looks at predictive causality (i.e. causality in a temporal sense). For the socio-economic data, the authors rely on annual time series data from the World Bank.

Findings

Most of the findings are in keeping with our expectations: (1) Lowering women's fertility rate lowers undernourishment; (2) undernourishment converges to its long-run equilibrium path in response to changes in income, political climate, health expenditure, fertility rate and drinking water access; (3) the effect of an instantaneous shock from income, changes to the political climate, health expenditure, fertility rate and drinking water access on undernourishment are completely adjusted in the long run. One surprising result is that there is a positive and significant relationship between the prevalence of undernourishment and political freedom. The authors offer several possible explanations for this unexpected result.

Practical implications

Given our results, careful attention to the co-curation of policies is desirable. As an example, the authors would advocate a more proactive role by the richer countries in terms of their commitments to foreign aid in addressing the identified problems.

Originality/value

The authors use advanced panel data techniques, considering a long span of time. Unlike other studies which aim to establish correlations, the authors test for Granger causality.
Australian COVID-19 measures and its international investment obligations
Authors: Sharmin Tanjina , Laryea Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the prospect for international investment disputes in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic due to measures implemented by the Australian government to tackle the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Doctrinal research. Contains qualitative analysis.

Findings

This paper finds that claims based on the protections in the International Investment Agreements (IIAs) signed by Australia are unlikely to succeed and that Australia’s COVID-19 measures can be justified as necessary measures under the general and security exception clauses included in more recent IIAs and under customary international law.

Originality/value

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars have written papers apprehending possible claims by international investors against emergency measures adopted by host countries to face the pandemic which might also have damaged the interest of the foreign investors. The existing literature is too vague and general. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that draws some specific conclusions in this regard applicable to the COVID-19 regulatory measures taken by Australia. While the existing literature projects the possibility of such investor claims, this paper argues that at least no such claim would succeed against the COVID-19 measures taken by Australia.
Flexibilization and precarization of working conditions and labor relations in the perspective of app-based drivers
Authors: Silva Júnior Jeová Torres , Carneiro Jailson Santana , Lessa Patrick Wendell Barbosa , Vieira Carlos Leandro Soares
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The challenges of the growth of the sharing economy are becoming more and more noticeable and urgent, especially concerning labor relations (e.g. uberization). The purpose of this paper is to understand what app-based drivers think of working conditions and labor relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out in three stages: bibliographical and documental research, and two empirical research, a quantitative one with the application of a questionnaire in a sample of 54 respondents and another qualitative one using an interview script with ten drivers. For data analysis, the abductive method and the content analysis technique were used.

Findings

The results reveal they have an exhausting labor routine, by checking that they work more hours per week than those who have a formal job. They are driven mainly by the extra income and flexibility that digital platforms of the sector of shared private transportation can offer, although the costs intrinsic to the activity often affect their revenues significantly.

Research limitations/implications

The number of answers from women was very small, which hinders the analysis of the potential specificities of women app-based drivers. Future studies could focus on this public for a more precise analysis, to bring the discussion on gender to the working context of app-based drivers.

Practical implications

The authors’ intention with the research reports was to make them relevant, leading to effective policies concerning working conditions and labor relations in the sharing economy, and to stimulate other surveys to understand the activity of an app-based driver of shared private transportation.

Originality/value

The authors’ research and this article contribute to the discussion on new work relationships, motivations and (dis)satisfaction with the activity, from the perspective of app-based drivers.
Crisis communication and learning: the US higher education’s response to a global pandemic
Authors: Islam Khairul , Edwards America L. , Shi Duli , Lim JungKyu Rhys , Sheppard Ronisha , Liu Brooke Fisher , Seeger Matthew W.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the processes that the US universities and colleges used to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors that facilitated and impeded their learning processes.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this study’s research questions, this study used a crisis communication and learning lens to interview crisis response team members from 30 US higher education institutions in May 2020 (the first pandemic semester). In October 2020 (the second pandemic semester), this study conducted follow-up interviews with 25 of the original interviewees. Overall, this study conducted 55 interviews.

Findings

Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic is facilitated by a recognition of a serious deficiency in the current system and impeded by the need to act quickly. The findings demonstrate the process by which decisions, actions and strategies emerged during crises.

Originality/value

This investigation illustrates how crises can prompt organizational learning while demonstrating the critical role of internal and external resources in the learning process.
The influence of seabirds on their breeding, roosting and nesting grounds: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grant Megan L. , Bond Alexander L. , Lavers Jennifer L.
Published: April 2022

Seabird species world‐wide are integral to both marine and terrestrial environments, connecting the two systems by transporting vast quantities of marine‐derived nutrients and pollutants to terrestrial breeding, roosting and nesting grounds via the deposition of guano and other allochthonous inputs (e.g. eggs, feathers).

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis and provide insight into what types of nutrients and pollutants seabirds are transporting, the influence these subsidies are having on recipient environments, with a particular focus on soil, and what may happen if seabird populations decline.

The addition of guano to colony soils increased nutrient levels compared to control soils for all seabirds studied, with cascading positive effects observed across a range of habitats. Deposited guano sometimes led to negative impacts, such as guanotrophication, or guano‐induced eutrophication, which was often observed where there was an excess of guano or in areas with high seabird densities.

While the literature describing nutrients transported by seabirds is extensive, literature regarding pollutant transfer is comparatively limited, with a focus on toxic and bioaccumulative metals. Research on persistent organic pollutants and plastics transported by seabirds is likely to increase in coming years.

Studies were limited geographically, with hotspots of research activity in a few locations, but data were lacking from large regions around the world. Studies were also limited to seabird species listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. As seabird populations are impacted by multiple threats and steep declines have been observed for many species world‐wide, gaps in the literature are particularly concerning. The loss of seabirds will impact nutrient cycling at localized levels and potentially on a global scale as well, yet it is unknown what may truly happen to areas that rely on seabirds if these populations disappear.
Dose‐dependent glucosuria of DWP16001, a novel selective sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor, in healthy subjects
Authors: Hwang Jun Gi , Lee SeungHwan , Huh Wan , Han Jumi , Oh Jaeseong , Jang In‐Jin , Yu Kyung‐Sang
Published: April 2022

Aims

DWP16001 is a novel sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of DWP16001 after single and multiple doses in healthy subjects.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and active‐controlled, single‐ and multiple‐dose study was conducted. Twelve subjects in each dose group received a single dose (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 5.0 mg) or multiple doses (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg once daily for 15 consecutive days) of DWP16001, dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo at a ratio of 8:2:2. Serial blood and interval urine samples were collected for the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses. The safety and tolerability of DWP16001 were also assessed.

Results

A dose‐dependent increase in the urinary glucose excretion was observed after a single dose, and the steady state urinary glucose excretion was 50–60 g/d after multiple doses in the dose range of 0.3–2.0 mg. DWP16001 was rapidly absorbed with the time to peak plasma concentration of 1.0–3.0 hours, and it exhibited a mean elimination half‐life of 13–29 hours. The systemic exposure to DWP16001 increased proportionally with multiple dose administrations in the range of 0.1–2.0 mg. DWP16001 was well tolerated in all dose groups.

Conclusion

DWP16001 induced glucosuria in a dose‐dependent manner, and systemic exposure was observed after multiple doses. DWP16001 was well tolerated in single oral doses of up to 5.0 mg and in multiple oral doses of up to 2.0 mg.
Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) at risk in western Mexico
Authors: Reyes‐Gonzalez Alejandro , Mora Francisco , Porter‐Boland Luciana , Ramírez M. Isabel , del‐Val Ek
Published: April 2022

The current global pollinator crisis highlights the need to investigate the diversity and distribution of ecologically and socially relevant taxa such as tropical stingless bees. We analyzed the diversity and composition of stingless bee (Meliponini) communities at a regional scale in west‐central Mexico using an extensive direct search along an altitudinal gradient encompassing different climate and vegetation types. Our hypothesis was that meliponine bee diversity would be greater in tropical warmer. We found a total of 14 meliponine bee species, including two new records for the region. We identified three types of bee assemblages: one in hot lowland climates with tropical dry forest vegetation, one in temperate highland climates with mixed oak‐pine forest vegetation, and one in the warm ecotone with mixed subdeciduous forest vegetation between the hot and temperate zones. As expected, the lowland assemblage in the tropical dry forest vegetation had the greatest diversity (11 species). In the warm ecotone, meliponine species from temperate highlands and hot lowland habitats converged; this region should therefore be considered a high conservation priority area. Fifty percent of the meliponine bees found are endemic and have a very low incidence, suggesting that their populations may be endangered. Given the extensive and ongoing change of land use to avocado plantations in the warm ecotone and temperate highlands with mixed oak‐pine forest vegetation cover, specific conservation plans should be generated to conserve the natural ecosystems and this important native pollinator group.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Use of rivaroxaban attenuates renal function impairment in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights of the EMIR study
Authors: López‐Gálvez Raquel , Rivera‐Caravaca José Miguel , Anguita Sánchez Manuel , Sanmartín Fernández Marcelo , Rafols Carles , Pérez‐Cabeza Alejandro Isidoro , Barón Esquivias Gonzalo , Lekuona Goya Iñaki , Vázquez Rodríguez José Manuel , Cosín Sales Juan , Arribas Ynsaurriaga Fernando , Barrios Vivencio , Freixa‐Pamias Román , Marín Francisco
Published: April 2022

Background

In atrial fibrillation (AF) patients on vitamin K antagonists, a progressive deterioration of renal function is common but there is limited evidence with long‐term use of rivaroxaban. Herein, we investigated the change in renal function in AF patients after 2 years of rivaroxaban treatment.

Methods

The EMIR registry is an observational and multicentre study including AF patients treated with rivaroxaban for at least 6 months prior to inclusion. Changes in analytical parameters were recorded during 2 years of follow‐up. Renal function was estimated using the Cockroft‐Gault equation.

Results

1433 patients (638, 44.5% women, mean age of 74.2 ± 9.7 years) were included. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was available at baseline and at 2 years in 1085 patients. At inclusion, 33.2% of patients had impaired renal function (CrCl <60 ml/min). At 2 years, we were not able to find changes in the proportion of patients with impaired renal function, which increased to 34.6% (p = 0.290). However, the baseline mean CrCl was 76.0 ± 30.5 ml/min and slightly improved at 2 years (77.0 ± 31.8 ml/min; p = 0.014). Overall, the proportion of patients with CrCl <60 ml/min at baseline that had CrCl ≥60 ml/min at 2 years was significantly higher compared to that of patients with CrCl ≥60 ml/min at baseline and CrCl <60 ml/min after (22.2% vs. 13.1%; p < 0.001)

Conclusions

In AF patients on long‐term rivaroxaban therapy, a decrease in renal function was not observed. We even observed a slight improvement in the patients with renal impairment. These results reinforce the idea that rivaroxaban may be a safe option even in patients with renal impairment.
Revisiting the East‐West advancement flap: great for multiple anatomic locations
Authors: Parke Milbrey A. , Powell Emily M. , Cervantes Jose A. , Orengo Ida
Published: April 2022

Background

The east‐west advancement flap is a simple flap traditionally used to repair Mohs surgery defects on the nose. We aim to demonstrate this flap can be used with good cosmetic outcome and minimal complications on a variety of anatomical sites.

Methods

This study was a case series of four patients taking place between March 2021 and September 2021 with 4‐ to 6‐week postoperative follow‐up.

Results

Four male patients were included in the study. Repair sites included the helix, chin, wrist, and scalp. All patients and the Mohs surgeon reported satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome at 4‐ to 6‐week postoperative follow‐up with no complications.

Conclusion

The east‐west advancement flap is a viable repair option for Mohs surgery defects on a variety of anatomical sites.
Case report of rescue of a patient with COVID‐19 and shock after holmium laser lithotripsy
Authors: Qu Jiachun , Xu Kui
Published: April 2022

Lithotripsy is the primary form of treatment for ureteral calculus. According to clinical data, ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) is characterized by better efficacy, a lower risk of complications, and a quicker postoperative recovery, when compared with open surgery. However, elderly patients often have a variety of chronic diseases that can directly or indirectly influence intraoperative care and postoperative recovery. It is important that medical staff closely observe changes in the postoperative condition of patients and provide them with the best quality care. In order to control the progression of disease and reduce mortality rates, it is very important to promptly eliminate the cause of shock, supplement blood volume, and correct cardiovascular disorders. During the pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), there has been a significant focus on management, predominantly operating rooms but also intensive care units (ICUs), to ensure that hospitals can provide prompt and effective diagnosis and treatment for every patient with COVID‐19 and also prevent the spread of the virus and guarantee the safety of medical staff. During surgery on patients suspected of having COVID‐19, it is important that specific personnel take control of the designated work and implement three strict levels of protection to prevent the transmission of the virus by air, droplets, and personal contact. Attention should be paid to the transfer of patients, the protection of medical staff, the management and control of negative pressure operation rooms, and postoperative treatment, thereby ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff. In this case report, we describe the nursing experience of rescuing a patient with COVID‐19 who developed septic shock following flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. The causes of septic shock were subsequently examined to inform a new protective strategy for rescuing patients with COVID‐19 in the operating room and ICU, and to prevent and control cross‐infection with the virus during surgery.
Delayed medical care and its perceived health impact among US older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhong Selena , Huisingh‐Scheetz Megan , Huang Elbert S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Medical care delivery has been substantially disrupted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, leading to delays in medical care, particularly among older adults. Less is known about how these delays have affected different segments of this population. Understanding the negative health consequences older adults face from delayed care will provide critical insights into the longer‐term population health needs following the pandemic.

Methods

We used data from a COVID‐19 substudy embedded in a nationally representative longitudinal study of older adults, the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Data were collected between September 14, 2020, and January 27, 2021. Two thousand six hundred seventy‐two individuals responded to the survey. Using logistic and multinomial logistic regressions, we determined respondent‐level characteristics associated with delayed medical care, experiencing a negative impact on physical health from delayed care, and with reporting worsening physical health during the pandemic.

Results

Nearly, one‐third (32.8%) of older adults reported delayed medical care during the pandemic. Female sex, higher levels of education, greater concerns about the pandemic, and poorer self‐rated physical health were associated with delayed medical care. Blacks and those who are 70 and older were less likely to report delayed care. Among those whose care was delayed, 76.5% reported having already recovered delayed care. Nearly one in five (17.6%) reported that delayed care negatively affected their health. Older adults with worse self‐rated physical and mental health or who had not fully recovered delayed care were more likely to report perceived negative health impacts from the delay. Regardless of delayed medical care, 10.2% reported worse physical health during the pandemic.

Conclusions

One‐third of older adults experienced care delays during the pandemic. Despite high rates of care recovery, nearly one in five older adults who experienced delayed care reported being negatively affected. Strategies must be developed to reach these vulnerable patients to increase their healthcare utilization.
Patterns and impacting factors of gene evolutionary rate between wild and cultivated emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum)
Authors: Lei Peng-Zheng , Ai Qi , Xiong Zhu-Pei , Lu Jia‐Nan , Wei Xiu-Lan , Song Weining , Liu Xiao-Qin , Nie Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2022

Tetraploid emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum L., BBAA) is the founder progenitor of bread wheat, providing the valuable genetic resource and gene pool for wheat improvement. However, the evolutionary trajectory of tetraploid wheat, especially the evolutionary fate of different types of genes has not been well studied. In this study, the rate of non‐synonymous substitution (dN) and synonymous substitution (dS) was calculated by comparing the orthologs between the wild emmer and cultivated durum wheat at the whole genome and subgenome levels to obtain the positively selected genes (PSGs) and negatively selected genes (NSGs). Then, mutation rate, gene length, exon number, GC content, codon bias, and expression level were comprehensively investigated and compared between the PSGs and NSGs. Within both wild emmer and cultivated durum wheat, PSGs between A and B subgenome displayed shorter gene and exon lengths as well as fewer exon numbers compared with NSGs, whereas from wild emmer to cultivated durum wheat, PSGs showed longer gene length and more exon numbers. Furthermore, PSGs displayed much higher expression levels and stronger codon usage bias, but lower genetic diversity compared with NSGs. Finally, two PSGs TdER1‐6B, and TdLC7‐2A, were found to play the crucial roles in regulating grain width and plant height of tetraploid wheat, respectively. This study systematically investigated the evolutionary, structural, and functional difference between PSGs and NSGs in tetraploid wheat, which will contribute to a better understanding of the selective mode and evolutionary trajectory during wheat domestication and evolution.
Analysis of ecosystem change recent years based on Ecopath models in the Aoshan Bay ecosystem
Authors: Su Meng , Yang Chaojie , Kong Hao , Wang Lingling
Published: April 2022

Ecopath model is a snapshot of a particular ecosystem at a time to quickly reflect the real‐time status, characteristics and nutritional relationships of remaining systems in the water. Based on Aoshan Bay fishery resource data collected in 2006, 2013 and 2018, Ecopath models of the Aoshan Bay ecosystem were constructed for these 3 years using EwE 6.6 software. The models of the Aoshan Bay ecosystem included 15 functional groups. Based on the 3 models, we compared and analysed changes in ecosystem structure and phylogenetic characteristics. The trophic interactions between the 15 functional groups were aggregated within four effective trophic levels at 2006, 2013 and 2018. Most of the functional groups were laid within the trophic levels TL 2 and TL 3. The average trophic levels in 2006, 2013 and 2018 were 2.318, 2.444 and 2.410, respectively. The calculated ecotrophic efficiency (EE) value for this ecosystem was highest for Zooplankton (EE = 0.898, 2006), Nibea albiflora (EE = 0.857, 2013) and other demersal fishes (EE = 0.963, 2018). In this study, the calculated TPP/TR was 4.572 (2006), 4.484(2013), 5.347(2018), which indicates the ecosystem is in a developmental stage (not fully mature), the highest mature ecosystem is 2013 and gradually decrease in 2018. In 2013, the FCI is 4.814 and higher ecosystem's maturity than 2006 and 2018, indicating high utilization of primary productivity and detritus. Through analysis of Ecopath models for different years, the characteristics of ecosystem changes in the Aoshan Bay over the past decade were revealed, indicating that the Aoshan Bay ecosystem is still in an unstable and immature state, which provides scientific reference materials for the restoration of fishery resources in this sea area.
Effects of soil conditioning, root and shoot litter addition interact to determine the intensity of plant–soil feedback
Authors: Aldorfová Anna , Dostálek Tomáš , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: April 2022

Plant–soil feedback (PSF) is recognized as an important mechanism shaping plant communities and determining plant abundance and coexistence. Under natural conditions, plants affect the outcome of plant–soil interactions simultaneously by conditioning the soil by living roots and by litter inputs into the soil. However, most experimental studies only focus on one of the pathways, which limits our understanding of PSF in the field.

Here, we simultaneously explored the effect of soil conditioning by living roots and of root and shoot litter addition on the performance of sevenImpatiensspecies grown in a two‐phase garden experiment.

Soil conditioning negatively affected plant performance, which was at least partly explained by nutrient depletion. Root litter addition affected plant performance negatively and the results suggest that biotic effects such as pathogen transmission via the root litter played a role. The effects of root litter addition were more pronounced in control soil which, contrary to the conditioned soil, supposedly did not accumulate pathogens during the conditioning phase. Shoot litter addition increased soil nutrient levels, but had no impact on plant performance. However, presence of shoot litter aggravated the negative effects of root litter, probably due to increased amounts of nutrients available for soil biota and thus their faster growth and intensified effect on the plants.

Overall, our study suggests that root and shoot litter have contrasting roles in plant–soil interactions and understanding their separate and interactive effects together with effects of soil conditioning is crucial for assessing the complexity of PSF.
Women in respiratory medicine: Perspectives from China Mainland and Hong Kong
Authors: Ip Mary S. M. , Dai Huaping
Published: April 2022

See related Editorial
Extension of the Adjustable Localization Operator Method to Anisotropic Elasto-Plastic Behavior for Low-Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction
Authors: Le Bail Jean-Baptiste , Levieil Bruno , Moyne Sylvain , Doudard Cédric , Calloch Sylvain
Published: April 2022

The adjustable localization operator (ALO) method allows for the local analytical calculation of complex structures under multiaxial confined plasticity cyclic loadings. This study proposes a theoretical framework for the extension of the method to cover anisotropic yield surface materials. The application is carried out on steel tubes that have been axially compressed beforehand to create a bulge that acts as a stress concentration factor during the fatigue loading process. The ALO method is compared to the reference finite element anisotropic analysis at different steps of the fatigue design chain. Results have shown that although a slight gap on the absolute strain values exists, the strain amplitude and thus the fatigue life are correctly predicted with a reduction of the calculation time by 100.
Two sides of the same coin: Protective versus pathogenic CD4
+
resident memory T cells
Authors: Oja Anna E. , van Lier René A. W. , Hombrink Pleun
Published: April 2022

The ability of the adaptive immune system to form memory is key to providing protection against secondary infections. Resident memory T cells (T
RM
) are specialized T cell populations that reside within tissue sites where they await reencounter with their cognate antigen. T
RM
are distinct from circulating memory cells, including central and effector memory T cells, both functionally and transcriptionally. Since the discovery of T
RM
, most research has focused on CD8
+
T
RM
, despite that CD4
+
T
RM
are also abundant in most tissues. In the past few years, more evidence has emerged that CD4
+
T
RM
can contribute both protective and pathogenic roles in disease. A complexity inherent to the CD4
+
T
RM
field is the ability of CD4
+
T cells to polarize into a multitude of distinct subsets and recognize not only viruses and intracellular bacteria but also extracellular bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In this review, we outline the key features of CD4
+
T
RM
in health and disease, including their contributions to protection against SARS-CoV-2 and potential contributions to immunopathology associated with COVID-19.
Hybrid Proteins with Short Conformational Epitopes of the Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Promote Production of Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies When Used for Immunization
Authors: Karyagina Anna S. , Gromov Alexander V. , Grunina Tatyana M. , Lyaschuk Alexander M. , Poponova Maria S. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Strukova Natalia V. , Generalova Maria S. , Ryazanova Anna V. , Galushkina Zoya M. , Dobrynina Olga Yu. , Bolshakova Tatyana N. , Sergeeva Maria V. , Romanovskaya-Romanko Ekaterina A. , Krasilnikov Igor V. , Subbotina Marina E. , Lunin Vladimir G.
Published: April 2022

Based on the previously developed approach, hybrid recombinant proteins containing short conformational epitopes (a.a. 144-153, 337-346, 414-425, 496-507) of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S protein) were synthesized in Escherichia coli cells as potential components of epitope vaccines. Selected epitopes are involved in protein–protein interactions in the S protein complexes with neutralizing antibodies and ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). The recombinant proteins were used for immunization of mice (three doses with 2-week intervals), and the immunogenicity of protein antigens and ability of the resulting sera to interact with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and RBD produced in eukaryotic cells were examined. All recombinant proteins showed high immunogenicity; the highest titer in the RBD binding assay was demonstrated by the serum obtained after immunization with the protein containing epitope 414-425. At the same time, the titers of sera obtained against other proteins in the RBD and inactivated virus binding assays were significantly lower than the titers of sera obtained with the previously produced four proteins containing the loop-like epitopes 452-494 and 470-491, the conformation of which was fixed with a disulfide bond. We also studied activation of cell-mediated immunity by the recombinant proteins that was monitored as changes in the levels of cytokines in the splenocytes of immunized mice. The most pronounced increase in the cytokine synthesis was observed in response to the proteins containing epitopes with disulfide bonds (452-494, 470-491), as well as epitopes 414-425 and 496-507. For some recombinant proteins with short conformational epitopes, adjuvant optimization allowed to obtained mouse sera displaying virus-neutralizing activity in the microneutralization assay with live SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/Russia/StPetersburg-3524/2020 EPI_ISL_415710 GISAID). The results obtained can be used to develop epitope vaccines for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral infections.
Study of the Fundamental Causes Behind the Collapse of the Soviet Union is an Urgent Problem for Russian Science (Russian Federation Council)
Authors: Degtyarev A. Ya.
Published: April 2022

According to the author, Soviet localization policy and the almost complete expulsion of Russians from the administrative apparatuses of the Union republics predetermined the avalanche-like sovereignization at the end of the 1980s–beginning of the 1990s. The factor that accelerated this process was the ill-conceived chaotic policy adopted by the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CC CPSU) and the Politburo, headed by M.S. Gorbachev.
“Ah, Comrade Descendants, Socialism was Built on Trickery”
Authors: Krasovitskaya T. Yu. , Khristoforov V. S.
Published: April 2022

This article contains a polemic with conclusions by B.N. Mironov. The author points out that the 1920s forced the authorities in the USSR to use the external signs of the federal structure to establish control over the national margins of the former Russian Empire. Federalism, in her opinion, was a lateral and induced branch of the party goal. During the 1920s, many national leaders who had previously collaborated with the Soviet government were replaced, killed, or exiled. A monopolistic organization of power, reliance on the administrative levers of control, a strict hierarchy of the political elite, and the ideologization of the political system as a whole were established in the country.
Partial response to dabrafenib and trametinib in relapsed BRAF V600E-Mutated multiple myeloma and possible mechanisms of resistance
Authors: Ernst Tina , Aebi Stefan , Zander Andrea , Zander Thilo
Published: April 2022

BRAF V600E mutations are detected in 3%–10% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and are associated with more aggressive disease, higher frequency of extramedullary growth and shorter survival. Monotherapy with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib has been disappointing in MM. In patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, MEK and BRAF inhibition has been a successful approach. Here we describe a very good partial response and possible mechanisms of resistance to a combination of the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib in a patient with BRAF V600E-mutant refractory MM.
Role of intravenous lipid emulsion therapy and packed red blood cell transfusion as adjuvant treatment in the management of a child with severe organophosphate poisoning (chlorpyrifos)
Authors: Joson Marquis Von Angelo Syquio G , Castor Fides Roxanne M , Micu-Oblefias Charmaine Victoria
Published: April 2022

A previously well 3-year-old child presented with rapidly deteriorating clinical status minutes after ingestion of an orange-coloured liquid housed in a soda bottle (HomeTrek—chlorpyrifos). She had miotic pupils, copious oral secretions, crackles on lung auscultation, hyperactive bowel sounds, impending signs of respiratory failure and declining sensorium. A diagnosis of severe organophosphate (OP) toxicity was made. Despite resuscitation and atropine administration, she deteriorated and exhibited atropine toxicity. She was given 20% intravenous lipid emulsion therapy and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion as adjunctive therapy with favourable outcome. She was discharged after 11 days and her RBC cholinesterase levels were 45% and 17% below normal, taken on day 10 and day 35 postingestion, respectively. She showed no signs of intermediate syndrome and delayed polyneuropathy. This case highlights the need for timely recognition of severe OP poisoning, and the role of lipid emulsion therapy and packed RBC transfusion as adjunctive treatment.
Anaesthetic management of a parturient patient with a malignant hyperthermia partner
Authors: Dolan Rachael , Corcoran Felicity
Published: April 2022

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but deleterious anaesthetic emergency that has an autosomal dominant inheritance. Successful management of the MH-susceptible fetus hinges on early suspicion and preparation. This case highlights the importance of knowing paternal anaesthetic risk as well as maternal in the parturient population. Paternal anaesthetic history is paramount in this situation, especially with a normal maternal risk, and preparation of the patient, staff and equipment is at the centre of the peripartum management of these patients.
Neovascular glaucoma following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy: a rare complication in a postvitrectomised patient with diabetes
Authors: Gadde Santosh Gopi Krishna , Sridharan Akhila , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Jayadev Chaitra
Published: April 2022

To describe a case of acute-onset neovascular glaucoma (NVG) after a neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy in a diabetic vitrectomized eye of a patient with severe systemic and ocular comorbidities. A man in his 50s underwent a Nd:YAG capsulotomy for visually significant posterior capsular opacification with a previous history of vitrectomy with silicone oil in situ for diabetic retinopathy. He had systemic and ocular comorbidities implicating an advanced ischaemic status, both systemically and locally. Five days post Nd:YAG capsulotomy, extensive neovascularisation of the iris and angles was noted. Despite maximum antiglaucoma medication, an evisceration ensued due to intractable NVG. This case report highlights the importance of irreversible complications after a seemingly simple capsulotomy in eyes with advanced ocular conditions and systemic comorbidities necessitating extreme caution.
Can medical algorithms be fair? Three ethical quandaries and one dilemma
Authors: Bærøe Kristine , Gundersen Torbjørn , Henden Edmund , Rommetveit Kjetil
Published: April 2022

Objective

To demonstrate what it takes to reconcile the idea of fairness in medical algorithms and machine learning (ML) with the broader discourse of fairness and health equality in health research.

Method

The methodological approach used in this paper is theoretical and ethical analysis.

Result

We show that the question of ensuring comprehensive ML fairness is interrelated to three quandaries and one dilemma.

Discussion

As fairness in ML depends on a nexus of inherent justice and fairness concerns embedded in health research, a comprehensive conceptualisation is called for to make the notion useful.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates that more analytical work is needed to conceptualise fairness in ML so it adequately reflects the complexity of justice and fairness concerns within the field of health research.
Impact of air temperature and containment measures on mitigating the intrahousehold transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a data-based modelling analysis
Authors: Liu Di , Tai Qidong , Wang Yaping , Pu Miao , Zhang Lei , Su Bo
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Air temperature has been considered a modifiable and contributable variable in COVID-19 transmission. Implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) has also made an impact on COVID-19 transmission, changing the transmission pattern to intrahousehold transmission under stringent containment measures. Therefore, it is necessary to re-estimate the influence of air temperature on COVID-19 transmission while excluding the influence of NPIs.

Design, setting and participants

This study is a data-based comprehensive modelling analysis. A stochastic epidemiological model, the ScEIQR model (contactable susceptible-exposed-infected-quarantined-removed), was established to evaluate the influence of air temperature and containment measures on the intrahousehold spread of COVID-19. Epidemic data on COVID-19, including daily confirmed cases, number of close contacts, etc, were collected from the National Health Commission of China.

Outcome measures

The model was fitted using the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm with a cost function based on the least squares method. The LOESS (locally weighted scatterplot smoothing) regression function was used to assess the relationship between air temperature and rate of COVID-19 transmission within the ScEIQR model.

Results

The ScEIQR model indicated that the optimal temperature for spread of COVID-19 peaked at 10℃ (50℉), ranging from 5℃ to 14℃ (41℉−57.2℉). In the fitted model, the fitted intrahousehold transmission rate (β’) of COVID-19 was 10.22 (IQR 8.47–12.35) across mainland China. The association between air temperature and β’ of COVID-19 suggests that COVID-19 might be seasonal. Our model also validated the effectiveness of NPIs, demonstrating that diminishing contactable susceptibility (Sc) and avoiding delay in diagnosis and hospitalisation (η) were more effective than contact tracing (κ and ρ).

Conclusions

We constructed a novel epidemic model to estimate the effect of air temperature on COVID-19 transmission beyond implementation of NPIs, which can inform public health strategy and predict the transmission of COVID-19.
Results of a community-based screening programme for chronic kidney disease and associated risk factors, (obesity, diabetes and hypertension) in a Samoan cohort
Authors: Tafuna'i Malama , Turner Robin , Matalavea Ben , Voss David , Hazelman Lose , Richards Rosalina , Walker Robert
Published: April 2022

Objectives

In 2019, under the World Kidney Day theme of ‘Kidney health for everyone everywhere’, the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa undertook an extensive community screening campaign to detect the estimated prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated risk factors in the community.

Setting

Fifteen screening sites, with 11 urban and rural sites on the main island of Upolu, and 4 in different rural areas on the island of Savaii.

Participants

All participants were self-referrals to the various screening sites. In total, 1163 Samoans were screened, with similar numbers from both urban and rural areas and similar numbers of female and male.

Screening activities

All participants were screened for CKD using point of care serum creatinine determinations, with calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate using the CKD-EPI formula and dipstix urinalysis. A standardised screening survey was used to capture demographic and medical history with associated risk factors of obesity, diabetes, using point of care determination of HbA1c and hypertension. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association of CKD with risk factors.

Results

In total, 1163 people were screened for CKD within the month of March 2019. The prevalance of CKD (grades 1–5) was 44.5% (95% CI 41.6% to 47.4) with individual grade prevalence CKD 1: 3.7%, CKD 2: 6.1%, CKD 3: 30.7%, CKD 4: 2.9% and CKD 5: 1.0%. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥32), diabetes and hypertension was 66.3%, 30.8% and 54.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first paper to report the estimated prevalence of CKD in Samoa or any other Pacific Island nation. It reveals an urgent need for further studies on the epidemiology of CKD in Samoa, to develop country-specific prevention strategies to mitigate this growing burden and prevent subsequent CKD associated complications including development of kidney failure and premature death.