bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the practices of continuing professional development in digital environments: a systematic review
Authors: Abbas Fakhar , Batool Syeda Hina , Ameen Kanwal
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In the ever-changing circumstances, library professionals need to maintain their competencies in line with the new trends. Continuing professional development (CPD) is a mechanism out of these; social media (SM) is a major channel usually used by the professionals for CPD, more specifically the video conferencing mediums such as YouTube, Skype, Zoom and Google meet. These outreach mediums can be used by library professionals to communicate with each other irrespective of their location. This study aims to highlight the effective use of such channels by library professionals to meet the needs of CPD through a systematic review of prior studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial search was carried out in Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA) (n = 94), Google Scholar (n = 20), Search on hand (n = 13), Scopus (n = 1) and Web of Science (n = 0). The keywords combinations were used as a formula, i.e. [(Information professional) (Librarians) + CPD + Continuing Professional Development + Youtube + Skype + Zoom + Google meet + Video conferencing]. This search produced a cumulative of 128 results out of the five main databases and hand searches. Moreover, for the purpose of screening and identification of paper, the preferred-reporting of items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement was used.

Findings

The review findings show that the adoption of these channels for CPD purposes has a significant potential to hone up the skills of the professionals who are well proficient in using modern technologies. The results mentioned YouTube as a leading channel of SM used for CPD, followed by Skype. This review further provided practical implications for the information professionals and suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

This study will not only increase the body of knowledge but also attract the researchers to know about the current scenario that how much library professionals are using SM channels for their continuing professional development as well as assists the stakeholders to devise their policies accordingly.
Critical solutions to the lapses of supply chain management in Nigeria's construction industry
Authors: Okafor Chigozie Collins , Sydney Ani Ugochukwu , Ugwu Onuegbu
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recent studies on construction supply chain management (CSCM) evaluated its vulnerability and challenging factors, but studies that have identified and examined the possible corrective measures of CSCM are rare. This study sets out to bridge this gap by identifying and evaluating the most effective CSCM corrective measures that will benefit the global construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology was designed to obtain the corrective measures of CSCM. Data were collected from 68 experts who served as research participants in this study, through a questionnaire survey and were analyzed statistically using the severity index analysis, Mann–Whitney test and factor analysis which includes KMO and Barlett's test, commonalities, total variance pattern matrix.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that free exchange of information between parties from both suppliers and site/firm is the best CSCM corrective measures, according to the research participant's opinion using the severity index analysis. Further analysis revealed seven underlying factors of CSCM corrective measures.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have identified the most critical solutions to the lapses of CSCM. These will serve as adequate corrective measures to the challenges of CSCM and benefit the global construction industry.

Originality/value

This study contributed seven underlying factors of CSCM corrective measures which can be adopted as adequate corrective measures to the lapses of CSCM. The study further contributed to CSCM research theory.
Resilience development and digitalization of the healthcare supply chain: an exploratory study in emerging economies
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme , Prashar Anupama , Samson Daniel , Kurnia Sherah , Fogliatto Flavio S. , Capurro Daniel , Antony Jiju
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Healthcare supply chains (HSCs) have been adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) as a means to boost their resilience. The first objective of this study is to identify the effect of contextual variables of HSCs on resilience development and I4.0 adoption. Second, the paper examines the pervasiveness of the relationship between resilience and I4.0 across different contextual characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

179 organizations from the HSC in Brazil and India were surveyed. Responses were analyzed using multivariate data techniques.

Findings

Large HSC agents are more likely to develop resilience abilities and adopt I4.0 technologies when these factors are analyzed independently. However, the joint analysis of resilience and I4.0 displayed a large number of significant correlations among small organizations.

Originality/value

Findings provide managers of HSC arguments to enhance resilience through the digitalization. HSC organizations can identify HSC organizations' context to tailor initiatives on resilience and digitalization.
Ethical leadership, workplace spirituality, and job satisfaction: moderating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Aftab Junaid , Sarwar Huma , Kiran Alina , Qureshi Muhammad Imran , Ishaq Muhammad Ishtiaq , Ambreen Sadaf , Kayani Arqam Javed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In the 21st century, spirituality is becoming an interesting phenomenon in the workplace and has been discussed by academicians, researchers, and practitioners alike. This growing knowledge offers important insights and calls for conceptual and empirical studies on workplace spirituality. Accordingly, the current research aims to examine how ethical leadership (EL) helps to foster workplace spirituality and job satisfaction (JS) in the information technology (IT) industry. Additionally, it investigates the mediating role of workplace spirituality and moderating role of self-efficacy (SE) in the relationship between EL and JS.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional design, the data were collected from 268 employees in the IT industry and analyzed on SmartPLS 3.2 using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicated that EL promotes a sense of spirituality and increases JS. Additionally, results suggested that workplace spirituality partially mediates, and SE moderates the relationship between EL and JS.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the top executives should work on identifying and developing ethical qualities to promote a sense of meaningfulness (workplace spirituality) and increase JS.

Originality/value

The research provides an important contribution to the academic literature by exploring the role of EL in fostering spirituality among employees and the moderation of SE on the relationship between EL and JS in the services industry.
Product variety in retail: the moderating influence of demand variability
Authors: Sweeney Kevin , Riley Jason , Duan Yongrui
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to empirically investigate how demand variability impacts product category inventory levels and stockout rates of retail firms. Additionally, the moderating effect of product variety on these performance metrics is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 78 individual retail stores of a single firm located in China, the authors develop a three stage least squares regression model to examine the simultaneous impact of product variety and demand variability on product inventory levels and stockout rates.

Findings

The results indicate that product variety and demand variability both negatively influence product category inventory levels and stockout rates. However, contrary to results for manufacturing or distributor environments, product variety dampens the negative relationship between demand variability and inventory.

Practical implications

For products or categories with a high amount of demand variability, retailers can leverage more product variety to help improve their inventory performance. This is likely due to product substitution behaviors.

Originality/value

The authors show that previously examined relationships between product variety, demand variability, and firm performance are different in the retail environment than in the manufacturing or distributor context.
The role of information quality, trust and anxiety on intention to buy food supplements at the time of COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Najib Mukhamad , Fahma Farah , Suhartanto Dwi , Sumardi Retno Santi , Sabri Mohamad Fazli
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting consumer`s intention to buy food supplements during COVID-19 pandemic using the expanding theory of planned behavior model. The variables of perceived information quality, trust and anxiety are integrated in the model of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 553 valid questionnaire responses were collected via an online survey in the epicenter of the pandemic in Indonesia, such as Jakarta and surrounding cities. To evaluate the causal links between latent variables, structural equation modeling was adopted using LISREL software. Before the research hypothesis had been tested, validity and reliability analysis was carried out to make sure the measurement can be used.

Findings

The findings indicate that perceived information quality influences trust and anxiety, and then both of them influence attitude toward food supplements. Moreover, the intentions to buy food supplements are determined by the consumer`s attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This study assumes all consumers have similar access to information because they are living in the greater Jakarta. Nevertheless, in fact, the access of information is not similar between age groups and locations. Future research may wish to differentiate evaluations of a full-information group from those of the limited-information groups.

Originality/value

This study provides a model of consumers` buying intentions toward food supplement products in the time of a health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic as a novelty. The implications of this study provide meaningful direction for marketing decisions and policy interventions in developing food supplement industries.
Affordances advancing user-created communication (UCC) in service: interactivity, visibility and anonymity
Authors: Ciuchita Robert , Medberg Gustav , Penttinen Valeria , Lutz Christoph , Heinonen Kristina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Digital platform users not only consume but also produce communication related to their experiences. Although service research has explored users' motivations to communicate and focused on outcomes such as electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), it remains largely unexplored how users iteratively interact with communication artifacts and potentially create value for themselves, other users and service providers. The purpose of this paper is, thus, to introduce communicative affordances as a framework to advance user-created communication (UCC) in service.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the literature in communication, service research and interactive marketing, an affordance perspective on UCC in service is introduced.

Findings

Three UCC affordances for the service context are presented – interactivity, visibility and anonymity – opportunities and challenges for service providers associated with these affordances are discussed and, finally, affordance-specific research questions and general recommendations for future research are offered.

Research limitations/implications

By conceptualizing UCC in service from an affordances perspective, this paper moves beyond the traditional sender–receiver communication framework and emphasizes opportunities and challenges for service research and practice.

Practical implications

Instead of focusing separately on specific technologies or user behaviors, it is recommended that service managers adopt a holistic perspective of user goals and motivations, use experiences and platform design.

Originality/value

By conceptualizing UCC as an augmenting, dialogical process concerning users’ experiences, and by introducing communicative affordances as a framework to advance UCC in service, an in-depth understanding of the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of communication in service is offered.
Study on the influence of process parameters on high performance Ti-6Al-4V parts in laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Dongju , Fan Jinwei , Sun Kun , Wu Shuiyuan , Li Jia , Sun Yueqiang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the performance and quality of Ti-6Al-4V fabricated by laser powder bed fusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Single-track experiments were conducted during the fabrication process to obtain the single tracks with excellent wettability to narrow the process parameter window. The effects of process parameters on the build surface, cross-section, relative density, defects, surface roughness, microstructure and mechanical properties of the parts were analyzed through multilayer fabrication experiments and surface optimization experiments.

Findings

The point distance has the greatest influence on the build surface of the fabricated parts, and the unmelted defects can be eliminated when the point distance is 35 µm. The relative density of the fabricated parts decreased with the increase of the point distance, and the hatch spacing has different characteristics with respect to the relative density of the fabricated parts under different laser powers. It was observed that the most of experimental groups with higher relative densities than 99%, and the highest density could reach 99.99%. The surface roughness can be reduced to less than 10 µm through remelting optimization.

Originality/value

The research results can provide theoretical support for scientific researchers and data support for engineers.
Leanness assessment of a complex assembly line using integrated value stream mapping: a case study
Authors: Sangwa Narpat Ram , Sangwan Kuldip Singh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper proposes an integrated value stream mapping (VSM) for a complex assembly line to improve the leanness of a complex automotive component manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study depicts the application of VSM at the case organization, where top management is concerned about the challenges of higher cycle time and lower productivity. Gemba walks were conducted to establish the concept of “walk the flow, create the flow” along the assembly line. The multi-hierarchical cross-functional team developed the current value stream map to know the “as-is” state. Then, the team analysed the current VSM and proposed the future VSM for the “to-be” state.

Findings

The integrated VSM shows different processes and work cells, various wastes, non-value-added activities, cycle time, uptime and the material and information flows for both products of the assembly line on the same map. The integrated VSM reduced cycle time, non-value-added activities, work in process inventory and improved line efficiency and production per labour hour for both the products, simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is that the study focussed only on the application of VSM for one complex assembly only. Future research may be conducted using the developed integrated VSM approach in other complex production environments.

Practical implications

Managers can identify and reduce system waste by incorporating the concept of integrated VSM in a complex production or assembly environment where two or more products are being manufactured/assembled with low similarity.

Originality/value

The application of VSM for assembly lines is highly challenging because of merging flows, a large number of child parts in the lines and assembly of more than one product on the same line.
Darier disease successfully treated with a topical agent containing vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), vitamin E, and urea
Authors: Miyazaki Akira , Taki Tomoki , Takeichi Takuya , Kono Michihiro , Yagi Hiroaki , Akiyama Masashi
Published: April 2022

Darier disease (DD), also called keratosis follicularis, is an autosomal dominant hereditary keratinization disorder that manifests as keratotic papules with plaques in seborrheic areas. There are no validated curative treatments for DD, with the majority of cases treated symptomatically. We report the efficacy of a topical over‐the‐counter agent which contains retinyl palmitate, vitamin E, and urea for a patient with DD. A 13‐year‐old girl had brown papules on her scalp, neck, shoulders, and axillae since entering elementary school. A skin biopsy revealed hyperkeratosis, suprabasal acantholysis, and dyskeratosis manifested as corps ronds and grains in the epidermis. Sanger sequencing found the previously reported heterozygous mutation c.1484C>T in ATP2A2. The application of an over‐the‐counter topical agent containing retinyl palmitate 2750 μg/g (5000 IU/g), tocopheryl acetate 20 mg/g, urea 200 mg/g, and monoammonium glycyrrhizinate 5 mg/g twice daily for 2 months improved the papules without serious adverse events. Oral or topical aromatic vitamin A analogs (retinoids) are often used to treat DD. However, several adverse events are associated with retinoid treatment, and many patients only undergo their intermittent use or discontinue the treatments. Retinyl palmitate is more stable and has a lower irritative profile than other retinoic acids. When applied topically, however, retinyl palmitate cannot penetrate the skin as well as retinol can. Some reports have noted that vitamin E increases the biological availability of vitamin A and that urea helps mechanical percutaneous drug delivery. Our case suggests that retinyl palmitate has a sufficient therapeutic effect when combined with vitamin E and urea. In conclusion, we propose that topical agents containing retinyl palmitate, vitamin E, and urea might have a satisfactory effect on the skin lesions of DD patients, without the serious risks of adverse events.
Understanding occupational therapy practice in residential aged care facilities under the Aged Care Funding Instrument: A qualitative study
Authors: Calderone Lora , Bissett Michelle , Molineux Matthew
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Australian occupational therapy practice in residential aged care facilities has been largely funded using the Aged Care Funding Instrument since March 2008. Literature indicates that the funding model constrains occupational therapy practice, impacting on therapists' and residents' experiences. In preparation for the implementation of the new funding model, the Australian National Aged Care Classification, it is timely to understand current practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore occupational therapy practice in residential aged care facilities under the Aged Care Funding Instrument. The objectives were (1) to understand occupational therapists' experiences of working in residential aged care facilities under the Aged Care Funding Instrument; and (2) to explore occupational therapists' perceptions of how the Aged Care Funding Instrument influences residents' occupational performance and engagement.

Methods

A phenomenological research design was employed to understand therapists' perspectives. Data were collected from seven occupational therapists using a demographic form and a semi‐structured interview. Data were analysed using a modified Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological data analysis. Ethics approval was obtained.

Findings

Two themes emerged from the study's findings: a restrictive practice context that disables residents; and a restrictive practice context that inhibits occupational therapists. The first theme describes how the Aged Care Funding Instrument constrains practice and incentivises the disabling of residents. The second theme describes the challenges faced by occupational therapists throughout their journey of employment under the funding model.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists perceived that the Aged Care Funding Instrument restricts occupational therapy practice and prevents residents from living occupationally rich lives. With the introduction of the Australian National Aged Care Classification in late 2022, it is crucial that national associations and employers advocate to policymakers to ensure future practice reflects the profession's unique knowledge and skills to optimise the health and wellbeing of residents.
Asexual reproductive potential trumps virulence as a predictor of competitive ability in mixed infections
Authors: Bernasconi Alessio , Alassimone Julien , McDonald Bruce A. , Sánchez‐Vallet Andrea
Published: April 2022

Natural infections frequently involve several co‐infecting pathogen strains. These mixed infections can affect the extent of the infection, the transmission success of the pathogen and the eventual epidemic outcome. To date, few studies have investigated how mixed infections affect transmission between hosts. Zymoseptoria tritici is a highly diverse wheat pathogen in which multiple strains often coexist in the same lesion. Here we demonstrate that the most competitive strains often exclude their competitors during serial passages of mixed infections. The outcome of the competition depended on both the host genotype and the genotypes of the competing pathogen strains. Differences in virulence among the strains were not associated with competitive advantages during transmission, while differences in reproductive potential had a strong effect on strain competitive ability. Overall, our findings suggest that host specialization is determined mainly by the ability to successfully transmit offspring to new hosts during mixed infections.
Genes and enzymes involved in the biodegradation of the quaternary carbon compound pivalate in the denitrifying Thauera humireducens strain PIV‐1
Authors: Jacoby Christian , Ebenau‐Jehle Christa , Saum Katharina , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Brüls Thomas , Boll Matthias
Published: April 2022

Quaternary carbon‐containing compounds exist in natural and fossil oil‐derived products and are used in chemical and pharmaceutical applications up to industrial scale. Due to the inaccessibility of the quaternary carbon atom for a direct oxidative or reductive attack, they are considered as persistent in the environment. Here, we investigated the unknown degradation of the quaternary carbon‐containing model compound pivalate (2,2‐dimethyl‐propionate) in the denitrifying bacterium Thauera humireducens strain PIV‐1 (formerly Thauera pivalivorans). We provide multiple evidence for a pathway comprising the activation to pivalyl‐CoA and the carbon skeleton rearrangement to isovaleryl‐CoA. Subsequent reactions proceed similar to the catabolic leucine degradation pathway such as the carboxylation to 3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA and the cleavage of 3‐methyl‐3‐hydroxyglutaryl‐CoA to acetyl‐CoA and acetoacetate. The completed genome of Thauera humireducens strain PIV‐1 together with proteomic data was used to identify pivalate‐upregulated gene clusters including genes putatively encoding pivalate CoA ligase and adenosylcobalamin‐dependent pivalyl‐CoA mutase. A pivalate‐induced gene encoding a putative carboxylic acid CoA ligase was heterologously expressed, and its highly enriched product exhibited pivalate CoA ligase activity. The results provide the first experimental insights into the biodegradation pathway of a quaternary carbon‐containing model compound that serves as a blueprint for the degradation of related quaternary carbon‐containing compounds.
Entrepreneurs’ Decisions in Perceived Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Zayadin Rana , Zucchella Antonella , Anand Amitabh , Jones Paul , Ameen Nisreen
Published: April 2022

This research advances the understanding of entrepreneurial decisions in the context of perceived uncertainty related to regional political instability. Using qualitative data from a sample of 29 entrepreneurs, we captured the entrepreneurs’ perceptions of uncertainty and how these perceptions informed their judgement and led to confidence in their decisions. The perceptions of uncertainty that influenced the entrepreneurs’ decision‐making were grouped into three main categories: efforts to understand changes in regional markets; efforts to understand changes in local markets; and identifying multiple and compounded layers of uncertainty. The entrepreneurs’ decisions were informed by the interactions between their perceptions of a dynamic and changing environment and their judgements about mobilizing resources in response to that environment. The findings of this research extend the current understanding of how entrepreneurs use judgement to arrive at decisions in contexts of uncertainty and highlight the dynamic relationship between individuals and context. The research has theoretical and practical implications for developing and leveraging entrepreneurial decision‐making in uncertain environments.
Steering consumers to lenders in residential real estate markets
Authors: Lopez Luis Arturo , McCoy Shawn J. , Sah Vivek
Published: April 2022

Using novel data on property listings that allow us to observe private information exchanges between real estate agents, we identify bidding constraints requiring financed buyers to obtain a prequalification letter from a seller‐preferred lender even if the buyers have been prequalified with other lenders. More than half of the steering activity is driven by sellers of foreclosed properties. We find evidence that steering increases the likelihood of sale but not that it drives borrowers to take out high‐cost or complex mortgages. However, steering‐kickback arrangements potentially crowd out buyers who rely on mortgage financing.
Sports‐related ocular injuries at a tertiary eye hospital in Australia: A 5‐year retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Ashraf Gizem , Arslan Janan , Crock Carmel , Chakrabarti Rahul
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe the demographics and outcomes of sports‐related ocular injuries in an Australian tertiary eye hospital setting.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive study from the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital from 2015 to 2020. Patient demographics, diagnosis and injury causation were recorded from baseline and follow‐up. Outcomes included visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular injury diagnosis, investigations and management performed.

Results

A total of 1793 individuals (mean age 28.67 ± 15.65 years; 80.42% males and 19.58% females) presented with sports‐related ocular trauma. The top three injury‐causing sports were soccer (n = 327, 18.24%), Australian rules football (AFL) (n = 306, 17.07%) and basketball (n = 215, 11.99%). The top injury mechanisms were projectile (n = 976, 54.43%) and incidental body contact (n = 506, 28.22%). The most frequent diagnosis was traumatic hyphaema (n = 725). Best documented VA was ≥6/12 at baseline in 84.8% and at follow‐up in 95.0% of cases.

The greatest risk of globe rupture/penetration was associated with martial arts (odds ratio [OR] 16.22); orbital blow‐out fracture with skiing (OR 14.42); and hyphaema with squash (OR 4.18): P < 0.05 for all. Topical steroids were the most common treatment (n = 693, 38.7%). Computed tomography orbits/facial bones were the most common investigation (n = 184, 10.3%). The mean IOP was 16.1 mmHg; 103 (5.7%) cases required topical anti‐ocular hypertensives. Twenty‐six individuals (1.45%) required surgery with AFL contributing the most surgical cases (n = 5, 19.23%).

Conclusion

The top three ocular injury causing sports were soccer, AFL and basketball. The most frequent injury was traumatic hyphaema. Projectiles posed the greatest risk.
Detection and identification of marine fish mislabeling in Guangzhou's supermarkets and sushi restaurants using DNA barcoding
Authors: Liu Bo , Yang Jing‐Wen , Liu Bao‐Suo , Zhang Nan , Guo Liang , Guo Hua‐Yang , Zhang Dian‐Chang
Published: April 2022

In this study, DNA barcoding was applied to identify the distinct species of fish products in Guangzhou supermarkets and sushi restaurants in order to confirm whether products were correctly labeled. Samples were analyzed using mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (CO I) gene as the target. Our results showed that the CO I gene of all 139 samples examined was successfully amplified by PCR. When sequenced, 30 samples (21.58%) were mislabeled as the wrong species, 11 samples had insufficient information provided on the label to determine if the labeling was correct (7.91%), and four samples failed sequencing (2.88%). We also found that the use of proper labels for fish products in sushi restaurants was higher than that in supermarkets. As a simple, rapid, and efficient technology, DNA barcoding can be widely used for species identification of fish products. Our work shows that regulation of the labeling of fish products, as we evaluated in Guangzhou and other markets in China, is needed on a global scale.
Impaired glucose tolerance is associated with enhanced postprandial pancreatic polypeptide secretion
Authors: Zhao Yanyun , Zhou Yue , Xiao Min , Huang Yajing , Qi Mengmeng , Kong Zili , Chi Jingwei , Che Kui , Lv Wenshan , Dong Bingzi , Wang Yangang
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to compare serum pancreatic polypeptide (PP), insulin, C‐peptide, and glucagon in different glucose tolerance stages; analyze the influencing factors of PP secretion; and further explore the role of PP in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Data were collected from 100 subjects from hospital. According to the results of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the subjects were divided into a normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group, an impaired glucose regulation (IGR) group, and a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) group. PP and the related parameters were measured, and the area under the curve (AUC) 120 min after OGTT was calculated. AUCpp (AUC of PP) was used as the dependent variable and the potentially influencing factors were used as the independent variable for multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Postprandial 60 min PP in the IGR group was higher than those in the NGT group (2973.80 [±547.49] pg·h/mL vs 2663.55 [±594.89] pg·h/mL, p < 0.05). AUCpp was significantly higher in the IGR group (428.76 pg·h/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] [41.06 –816.46], p = 0.031) and newly diagnosed T2DM group (404.35 pg·h/mL, 95% CI [5.37–803.33], p = 0.047) than in the NGT group. AUCpp was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.235, p = 0.038) and positively correlated with postprandial 60 min blood glucose (r = 0.370, p = 0.001) and AUCbg (AUC of blood glucose) (r = 0.323, p = 0.007). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that there was a linear correlation between BMI, AUCbg, and AUCpp (p = 0.004, p = 0.001), and the regression equation was calculated as: AUCpp = 6592.272 + 86.275 × AUCbg‐95.291 × BMI (R2 = 12.7%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with NGT subjects, IGR and T2DM patients have an enhanced postprandial PP secretion. In T2DMs, the secretion of PP is mainly affected by BMI and blood glucose.
Design and implementation of multiplexed amplicon sequencing panels to serve genomic epidemiology of infectious disease: A malaria case study
Authors: LaVerriere Emily , Schwabl Philipp , Carrasquilla Manuela , Taylor Aimee R. , Johnson Zachary M. , Shieh Meg , Panchal Ruchit , Straub Timothy J. , Kuzma Rebecca , Watson Sean , Buckee Caroline O. , Andrade Carolina M. , Portugal Silvia , Crompton Peter D. , Traore Boubacar , Rayner Julian C. , Corredor Vladimir , James Kashana , Cox Horace , Early Angela M. , MacInnis Bronwyn L. , Neafsey Daniel E.
Published: April 2022

Multiplexed PCR amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) is an increasingly popular application for cost‐effective monitoring of threatened species and managed wildlife populations, and shows strong potential for the genomic epidemiology of infectious disease. AmpSeq data from infectious microbes can inform disease control in multiple ways, such as by measuring drug resistance marker prevalence, distinguishing imported from local cases, and determining the effectiveness of therapeutics. We describe the design and comparative evaluation of two new AmpSeq assays for Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites: a four‐locus panel (“4CAST”) composed of highly diverse antigens, and a 129‐locus panel (“AMPLseq”) composed of drug resistance markers, highly diverse loci for inferring relatedness, and a locus to detect Plasmodium vivax co‐infection. We explore the performance of each panel in various public health use cases with in silico simulations as well as empirical experiments. The 4CAST panel appears highly suitable for evaluating the number of distinct parasite strains within samples (complexity of infection), showing strong performance across a wide range of parasitaemia levels without a DNA pre‐amplification step. For relatedness inference, the larger AMPLseq panel performs similarly to two existing panels of comparable size, despite differences in the data and approach used for designing each panel. Finally, we describe an R package (paneljudge) that facilitates the design and comparative evaluation of genetic panels for relatedness estimation, and we provide general guidance on the design and implementation of AmpSeq panels for the genomic epidemiology of infectious disease.
Short‐ and long‐read metabarcoding of the eukaryotic rRNA operon: Evaluation of primers and comparison to shotgun metagenomics sequencing
Authors: Latz Meike A. C. , Grujcic Vesna , Brugel Sonia , Lycken Jenny , John Uwe , Karlson Bengt , Andersson Agneta , Andersson Anders F.
Published: April 2022

High‐throughput sequencing‐based analysis of microbial diversity has evolved vastly over the last decade. Currently, the go‐to method for studying microbial eukaryotes is short‐read metabarcoding of variable regions of the 18S rRNA gene with <500 bp amplicons. However, there is a growing interest in applying long‐read sequencing of amplicons covering the rRNA operon for improving taxonomic resolution. For both methods, the choice of primers is crucial. It determines if community members are covered, if they can be identified at a satisfactory taxonomic level, and if the obtained community profile is representative. Here, we designed new primers targeting 18S and 28S rRNA based on 177,934 and 21,072 database sequences, respectively. The primers were evaluated in silico along with published primers on reference sequence databases and marine metagenomics data sets. We further evaluated a subset of the primers for short‐ and long‐read sequencing on environmental samples in vitro and compared the obtained community profile with primer‐unbiased metagenomic sequencing. Of the short‐read pairs, a new V6‐V8 pair and the V4_Balzano pair used with a simplified PCR protocol provided good results in silico and in vitro. Fewer differences were observed between the long‐read primer pairs. The long‐read amplicons and ITS1 alone provided higher taxonomic resolution than V4. Together, our results represent a reference and guide for selection of robust primers for research on and environmental monitoring of microbial eukaryotes.
Clinical outcomes of EGFR+/METamp+ vs. EGFR+/METamp‐ untreated patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Peng Kai‐Cheng , Su Jun‐Wei , Xie Zhi , Wang Han‐Min , Fang Mei‐Mei , Li Wen‐Feng , Chen Yu‐Qing , Guan Xu‐Hui , Su Jian , Yan Hong‐Hong , Zhang Xu‐Chao , Tu Hai‐Yan , Zhou Qing , Chen Hua‐Jun , Wu Yi‐Long , Yang Jin‐Ji
Published: April 2022

Background

MET dysregulation has been implicated in the development of primary and secondary resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. However, the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients harboring EGFR‐sensitive mutations and de novo MET amplifications still need to be explored.

Methods

A total of 54 patients from our hospital with non‐small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR‐sensitive mutations and/or de novo MET amplifications were included in this study. Survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank statistics. Lung cancer organoids (LCOs) were generated from patient‐derived malignant pleural effusion to perform drug sensitivity assays.

Results

Fifty‐four patients with the appropriate clinicopathological characteristics were enrolled. MET FISH was performed in 40 patients who were stratified accordingly into two groups: EGFR+/METamp‐ (n = 22) and EGFR+/METamp + (n = 18). Survival rates for EGFR+/METamp‐ and EGFR+/METamp + patients respectively, were as follows: the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 12.1 and 1.9 months (p<0.001); the median post‐progression overall survival (pOS) was 25.6 and 11.6 months (p = 0.023); the median overall survival (OS) was 33.2 and 12.7 months (p = 0.013). Drug testing conducted in LCOs derived from malignant pleural effusion from EGFR+/METamp + patients showed that dual targeted therapy was more effective than TKI monotherapy.

Conclusion

EGFR+/METamp + patients treated with first‐line TKI monotherapy had poor clinical outcomes. Dual targeted therapy showed potent anticancer activity in the LCO drug testing assay, suggesting that it is a promising first‐line treatment for EGFR+/METamp + patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate these results.
Methylation risk scores for childhood aeroallergen sensitization: Results from the LISA birth cohort
Authors: Kilanowski Anna , Chen Junyu , Everson Todd , Thiering Elisabeth , Wilson Rory , Gladish Nicole , Waldenberger Melanie , Zhang Hongmei , Celedón Juan C. , Burchard Esteban G. , Peters Annette , Standl Marie , Hüls Anke
Published: April 2022

Background

Epigenomic (e.g., DNA methylation [DNAm]) changes have been hypothesized as intermediate step linking environmental exposures with allergic disease. Associations between individual DNAm at CpGs and allergic diseases have been reported, but their joint predictive capability is unknown.

Methods

Data were obtained from 240 children of the German LISA cohort. DNAm was measured in blood clots at 6 (N = 234) and 10 years (N = 227) using the Illumina EPIC chip. Presence of aeroallergen sensitization was measured in blood at 6, 10, and 15 years. We calculated six methylation risk scores (MRS) for allergy‐related phenotypes, like total and specific IgE, asthma, or any allergies, based on available publications and assessed their performances both cross‐sectionally (biomarker) and prospectively (predictor of the disease). Dose–response associations between aeroallergen sensitization and MRS were evaluated.

Results

All six allergy‐related MRS were highly correlated (r > .86), and seven CpGs were included in more than one MRS. Cross‐sectionally, we observed an 81% increased risk for aeroallergen sensitization at 6 years with an increased MRS by one standard deviation (best‐performing MRS, 95% confidence interval = [43%; 227%]). Significant associations were also seen cross‐sectionally at 10 years and prospectively, though the effect of the latter was attenuated when restricted to participants not sensitized at baseline. A clear dose–response relationship with levels of aeroallergen sensitization could be established cross‐sectionally, but not prospectively.

Conclusion

We found good classification and prediction capabilities of calculated allergy‐related MRS cross‐sectionally, underlining the relevance of altered gene‐regulation in allergic diseases and providing insights into potential DNAm biomarkers of aeroallergen sensitization.
Cerebrospinal fluid white cell count to red cell count ratio as a predictor of ventriculitis in patients with external ventricular drains
Authors: Brooks Michael , Duong Dannielle , Shivapathasundram Ganeshwaran , Sheridan Mark
Published: April 2022

Introduction

External ventricular drain (EVD) associated ventriculitis is a complication of EVD placement associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Gold‐standard for EVD associated bacterial ventriculitis diagnosis involves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling from the EVD with microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing. The ratio of white blood cells to red blood cells has anecdotally been considered a predictive factor in diagnosing EVD associated ventriculitis, however no study has been done demonstrating this.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was designed to assess whether the ratio of CSF white blood cells to red blood cells could be used to diagnose EVD associated ventriculitis. Data was collected for all patients undergoing EVD insertion at a major neurosurgical unit in Sydney, Australia. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine if this ratio was useful, and Youden's index was calculated to determine the appropriate cut‐off point.

Results

This sample of n = 157 consecutive patients a total of 29 patients were diagnosed with ventriculitis. The area under the ROC curve was significant (0.706, P <0.001), and Youden's index demonstrated an appropriate cut‐off point was a ratio of 1:106.

Discussion

CSF parameters have long been considered predictive of EVD associated ventriculitis. We demonstrated that using a component of routine testing it is possible to accurately predict a ventriculitis diagnosis. As the ratio is used, it enables discrimination in a raised white blood cell count due to local trauma with interventricular bleeding.

Conclusion

CSF white blood cell to red blood cell ratio is an appropriate diagnostic test for ventriculitis.
Indonesia's response to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Indo‐Pacific: A pivotal state's hedging strategy
Authors: Yoshimatsu Hidetaka
Published: April 2022

Regional politics surrounding Southeast Asia has exhibited significant developments with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and counter initiatives through the Indo‐Pacific concept. This article seeks to examine Indonesia's strategic reactions to such regional developments. It argues that Indonesia has exhibited policy responses to the BRI and the Indo‐Pacific concept by hedging against uncertainties created by China's economic prowess through the adoption of mutually contradictory policy options. Such a hedging strategy was present in various dimensions: adopting economic accommodation and economic diversification regarding the BRI; taking confrontational strategies in maritime security tensions with China while pursuing economic pragmatism for attracting BRI funds; and restraining reliance on China and its BRI by pushing forwards Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) regional initiative that uses the Indo‐Pacific term. The findings indicate that Indonesia's position is crucial for bolstering ASEAN's status as the main regional organization under evolving regional politics.
Crying in the first 12 months of life: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cross‐country parent‐reported data and modeling of the “cry curve”
Authors: Vermillet Arnault‐Quentin , Tølbøll Katrine , Litsis Mizan Samouil , C. Skewes Joshua , Parsons Christine E.
Published: April 2022

Crying is an ubiquitous communicative signal in infancy. This meta‐analysis synthesizes data on parent‐reported infant cry durations from 17 countries and 57 studies until infant age 12 months (N = 7580, 54% female from k = 44; majority White samples, where reported, k = 18), from studies before the end Sept. 2020. Most studies were conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada (k = 32), and at the traditional cry “peak” (age 5–6 weeks), where the pooled estimate for cry and fuss duration was 126 mins (SD = 61), with high heterogeneity. Formal modeling of the meta‐analytic data suggests that the duration of crying remains substantial in the first year of life, after an initial decline.
Associations between cross‐racial friendships and children’s social and academic adjustment in racially diverse classrooms
Authors: Qi Hongyuan , Mikami Amori Yee , Owens Julie Sarno
Published: April 2022

This study examined bidirectional associations between cross‐racial friendships and children's social and academic adjustment. Participants were 583 elementary school‐age children in western Canada, or the midwestern United States (4–10 years; 279 girls; 143 Asian, 88 Black, 65 Hispanic or Latinx, 171 White, 116 mixed). Children's adjustment (social preference, academic enablers, academic performance) and friendship nominations (reciprocated, received, given) were measured in fall and spring over one school year from 2017 to 2018, or from 2018 to 2019. Regarding reciprocated nominations, fall adjustment positively predicted spring reciprocated cross‐racial friendships, but not vice‐versa. For received nominations, academic enablers and received cross‐racial friendship nominations were positively and bidirectionally related to one another. Fall same‐racial friendship nominations positively predicted spring academic performance and social preference. Effect sizes were small.
Bankers' remuneration reforms and new challenges
Authors: Zalewska Anna (Ania)
Published: April 2022

Research Question/Issue

The desire to structure bankers' remuneration in a way that it is risk sensitive and aligned with the long‐term incentives of their institutions was at the center of the post Global Financial Crisis (GFC) regulatory reforms. A decade later, it is unclear whether the reforms achieved what they were intended for and whether they have resulted in some unintended consequences. The issue of unintended consequences is particularly important given that the banking sector needs to embrace technological innovation (Fintech) and the sustainable banking agenda.

Research Findings/Insights

We are still far from understanding the real costs and benefits of the remuneration reforms because it is difficult to isolate the impact of remuneration restrictions from the impact other regulations and policies had on restricting risk taking, banking structures and bonus culture. However, even if it is questionable whether the remuneration reforms contributed significantly towards improving the stability of the banking sector, they seem unsuitable for promoting Fintech and the sustainable banking agenda.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The post‐GFC remuneration reforms may not sufficiently align bankers with stakeholders' interests which is essential to promote adoption of Fintech and sustainable banking agenda.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The lack of in‐depth understanding of the effects of the remuneration reforms creates a barrier to understand the impact of the reforms on how banks innovate to adopt Fintech and the sustainable banking agenda. If the existing remuneration regulation limits the openness to innovation and strategic change, then the regulation needs to be revisited and modified.