bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender disparities in rural education attainments and agricultural landownership from the perspective of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): evidence from 16 Sub-Sahara African countries
Authors: Liu Suyu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between gender disparities in rural education attainments and agricultural landownership (ALO) in Sub-Sahara Africa with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses SDG indicators interactions and pairwise correlation analysis.

Findings

There is a significant negative association between gender disparities in rural education attainments and ALO in Sub-Sahara Africa. Such negative relationship is not influenced by national economic development and living standards.

Research limitations/implications

The data is limited with 16 Sub-Sahara African countries, and as this is an early output of a number of follow-up studies in the author’s plan, the methodology is relatively simple.

Practical implications

Reducing gender disparity in rural Sub-Sahara Africa especially in ALO requires more integrated approaches which also address other aspects of sustainable development. This is particularly the situation because of the strong male-favored customary practices in rural Sub-Sahara Africa. The prioritization of different dimensions of sustainable development is also important in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Social implications

Strong awareness of SDGs is important. Further efforts in collecting data for and use data of sustainable development, especially the SDGs, are essential. Emerging trend of studying the interactions across SDGs reflects the future direction of relevant fields.

Originality/value

This paper has high originality because it is an early-stage research in the SDG interactions in Sub-Sahara African countries with the perspective of gender, gender disparity, Sub-Sahara Africa, SDGs, ALO and rural education attainments. This paper has both academic and practical values because of its innovative research thoughts and policy-oriented implications.
The impact of website quality on online compulsive buying behavior: evidence from online shopping organizations
Authors: Rahman Mst Farjana , Hossain Md Shamim
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The influence of website quality on online compulsive buying behavior (OCBB) in the context of online shopping based on the usage of a credit card (UCC) and online impulsive buying behavior (OIBB) was investigated in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a research model to examine the relationships between the study components as per the prescription. For this investigation, the authors used an online survey form to obtain primary data from 350 respondents on social media. A covariance-based structural equation modeling approach was used to evaluate the structural research model and data.

Findings

The findings reveal that the quality of online shopping websites positively affects consumers' UCC and OIBB, and these in turn positively influence their OCBB.

Practical implications

The study emphasized impacting elements on consumer behavior and gave advice for future research based on the results. Using several dimensions of website quality, this study bridges the knowledge gap between UCC, OIBB and OCBB.

Originality/value

Based on UCC and OIBB, the authors developed a new model to investigate the link between website quality and OCBB. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the first experimental result that assesses the impact of website quality on OCBB.
A beautiful strategy – bridging the gap between the (aesthetic) perception and (strategic) realization of the organizations purpose
Authors: Kerschbaum Clemens
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Recent literature in the field of knowledge management (e.g. Nonaka and Takeuchi, 2021) asks for new, future-oriented approaches to strategy that allow us to deal with an increasingly complex world. Thus, this paper aims to build an approach to exploit aesthetics (human’s sensory perceptions and their felt meanings) to sense an organizations purpose and realize it by means of organizational strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual paper, providing a new perspective on the perception of Organizational Purpose. The abductive argument follows Weick’s notion of Disciplined Imagination (Weick, 1989).

Findings

The main argument of this paper is that aesthetics contribute to the identification of organizational purpose. Thus, aesthetic perceptions can inform strategy to implement a stakeholders’ sense of purpose into strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The argument presented is grounded in recent literature on the concepts of purpose and aesthetics and abductive in nature. Thus, empirical research to validate the argument would be beneficial and worthwhile to be undertaken.

Practical implications

The paper presents the idea to integrate the sense of organizational purpose into a corporate strategy to address stakeholders’ value expectations and build more sustainable organizations. By emphasizing aesthetics, the study takes a stand for the inclusion of nonrational knowledge in organizational decision-making.

Originality/value

As far as the author’s knowledge goes, the concepts of aesthetics and organizational purpose have not theoretically been connected to each other. However, due to the implicit nature of purpose, aesthetics may serve as the matching knowledge tool to work with organizational purpose.
Cohort study of subclinical sensitization against galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose in Japan: Prevalence and regional variations
Authors: Nakagawa Yusei , Chinuki Yuko , Ogino Ryohei , Yamasaki Kenshi , Aiba Setsuya , Ugajin Tsukasa , Yokozeki Hiroo , Kitamura Kaoru , Morita Eishin
Published: September 2022

Sensitization to galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose (α‐Gal) leads to the development of α‐Gal syndrome, which includes red meat allergy and cetuximab‐induced anaphylaxis. Since tick bites represent the main cause of α‐Gal sensitization, it was speculated that sensitization to α‐Gal occurs throughout Japan. However, few cohort studies have investigated α‐Gal sensitization in Japan. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the subclinical sensitization rate to α‐Gal in Japan. Sera were obtained from 300 participants without food or cetuximab allergy at Shimane University Hospital (Shimane prefecture), Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital (Tokyo metropolis), and Tohoku University Hospital (Miyagi prefecture). ImmunoCAP‐bovine thyroglobulin (BTG), ImmunoCAP‐beef, and IgE immunoblotting with cetuximab were performed to detect α‐Gal‐specific IgE. Clinical information was collected from participants using a questionnaire. The overall positivity rate of ImmunoCAP‐BTG was 4.0% without significant inter‐institute differences, whereas that for ImmunoCAP‐beef was 9.7% with a significant inter‐institute difference. Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital (19.0%) had the highest positivity rate. The positivity rate based on cetuximab IgE immunoblotting was 2.7%, without any significant inter‐institute differences. The overall positivity rate for both ImmunoCAP‐BTG and cetuximab immunoblotting was 2.0%, with a significant inter‐institute difference; 5.0% of Shimane University Hospital was the highest. Two cases showed sensitization against the non‐α‐Gal epitope of cetuximab. The overall positivity rate for both ImmunoCAP‐beef and cetuximab immunoblotting was 1.3%, without significant inter‐institute differences. Male sex was associated with positive beef‐specific IgE. The prevalence of subclinical sensitization to α‐Gal is estimated at 2.0%–4.0% in Japan and may be higher in rural areas, supporting an association between tick bites and α‐Gal sensitization. In contrast, the prevalence of subclinical sensitization to beef is 9.7% in Japan and is highest in Tokyo Metropolis, suggesting the presence of another IgE‐binding epitope apart from α‐Gal and another sensitization route in the sensitization to beef IgE.
Farm technical and environmental efficiency and subsidy redistribution in Ireland: A simulation approach of possible performance and equity effects
Authors: Cillero Maria Martinez , Reaños Miguel Tovar
Published: September 2022

We investigate the relationship between EU Common Agricultural Policy environmental payments, and dairy and beef farm level competitiveness and environmental performance. We use an Irish panel of farm level financial data for the years 2000–2017 and apply stochastic frontier analysis. Our estimates identify a positive relationship between technical efficiency and the Green, Low‐Carbon, Agri‐Environment Scheme for dairy farms, in contrast with the negative relation identified for previous payments of this kind such as the Rural Environment Protection Scheme for both beef and dairy. We then simulate increases in the first type of environmental payments financed through reductions in decoupled payments. We use alternative scenarios for payment redistribution such as flat allocation, allocation to farms with low stocking rates or proportional reallocation of payments. We find that under the second scenario, marginal environmental gains can potentially be achieved for dairy farms. For beef farms, the proportional allocation performs best regarding environmental gains. We also find that under this scenario, the impacts on income inequality can be smoothed for both farm types.
Female murderers who mutilate or dismember their victims: An exploration of patterns and sex differences
Authors: Petreca Victor G. , Brucato Gary , Burgess Ann W. , Flores Jessica , Leary Terence
Published: September 2022

Attributes and behavioral patterns of female homicide offenders have been less explored than those of males, particularly in crimes that involve aggravating factors such as dismemberment and mutilation. This study explored the patterns of female murderers who engage in postmortem dismemberment and/or mutilation of victims, contrasting these with the patterns of males who display these same behaviors. Cases were obtained from Radford‐Florida Gulf Coast University Database and public sources, and then analyzed for specific characteristics of the crimes. An informational form was used to derive quantitative parameters. Statistical significance between sex and variables such as motive, dismemberment/mutilation style, and level of organization during the crime were examined. The majority of the cases were consistent with a defensive style. However, 23% of the cases involving females followed an offensive style compared to 33% among males. The nature of prior relationships between offenders and their victims was noteworthy, with the victims of males being largely strangers and the victims of females being primarily known to them. In comparison to males, females were markedly organized. These differences may emphasize aspects of psychological drives and pleasure‐seeking that was more commonly seen among men, who often targeted strangers and were motivated by sadism in 25% of the cases. Dismemberment perpetrated by women primarily followed a defensive style that aimed to dispose of evidence, which would be congruent with the assumption that the murder occurred within a prior background of interpersonal partner violence toward the female perpetrator or other family members.
Brain Gain: The Effect of Employee Quality on Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Wang Muzhi , Yan Weichen
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates whether and how employee quality affects corporate social responsibility (CSR). We find that firms with a high‐quality workforce are associated with more CSR engagement. We use an exogenous shock of household registration reform in China to employee mobility to support a causal inference. The main effect is more pronounced among firms whose human capital has more value‐added (e.g., firms in high‐tech industries, firms with more R&D investment, and patent filings). Further, we show that employees' bargaining power and monitoring role are potential channels through which employee quality affects CSR. Finally, our results also demonstrate that the employee quality effect is economically sizeable and generates positive externalities on future financial performance and firm value.
Modeling intensification decisions in the Kilombero Valley floodplain: A Bayesian belief network approach
Authors: Gebrekidan Bisrat Haile , Heckelei Thomas , Rasch Sebastian
Published: September 2022

The Kilombero Valley floodplain in Tanzania is a major agricultural area. Government initiatives and projects supported by international funding have long sought to boost productivity. Due to increasing population pressure, smallholder farmers are forced to increase their output. Nevertheless, the level of intensification is still lower than what is considered necessary to increase production and support smallholder livelihoods significantly. This article aims to better understand farmers’ intensification choices and their interdependent determinants. We propose a novel modeling approach for identifying determinants of intensification and their interrelationships by combining a Bayesian belief network (BBN), experimental design, and multivariate regression trees. Our approach complements existing lower‐dimensional statistical models by considering uncertainty and providing an easily updatable model structure. The BBN is constructed and calibrated using data from a survey of 304 farm households. Our findings show how the data‐driven BBN approach can be used to identify variables that influence farmers’ decision to choose one technique over another. Furthermore, the most important drivers vary widely, depending on the intensification options being considered.
Older children verify adult claims because they are skeptical of those claims
Authors: Cottrell Samantha , Torres Eric , Harris Paul L. , Ronfard Samuel
Published: September 2022

We investigated children's information seeking in response to a surprising claim (Study 1, N = 109, 54 Female, Range = 4.02—6.94 years, 49% White, 21% Mixed Ethnicity, 19% Southeast Asian, September 2019—March 2020; Study 2, N = 154, 74 Female, Range = 4.09—7.99, 50% White, 20% Mixed Ethnicity, 17% Southeast Asian, September 2020—December 2020). Relative to younger children, older children more often expressed skepticism about the adult's surprising claims (1‐year increase, OR = 2.70) and more often suggested exploration strategies appropriate for testing the specific claim they heard (1‐year increase, OR = 1.42). Controlling for age, recommending more targeted exploration strategies was associated with a greater likelihood of expressing skepticism about the adult's claim.
Meeting in school: Cultural diversity approaches of teachers and intergroup contact among ethnic minority and majority adolescents
Authors: Karataş Savaş , Eckstein Katharina , Noack Peter , Rubini Monica , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the associations between cultural diversity approaches endorsed by teachers and adolescents' positive and negative intergroup contact in schools. Participants were 984 adolescents (Mage = 14.66; 62.7% female; 24.8% ethnic minority) involved in a three‐wave longitudinal study between 2019 and 2020. Results highlighted that perceived equal treatment by teachers was related to higher positive and lower negative contact over time. However, perceived support for contact and cooperation and interest of teachers in children's cultural background were not related to either positive or negative contact over time. Importantly, the results were replicated across ethnic minority and majority adolescents. This study provides novel insights into the key role that teachers can play in promoting cultural diversity approaches to facilitate harmonious intergroup interactions in schools.
A systematic review of the monogenic causes of Non‐Syndromic Hearing Loss (NSHL) and discussion of Current Diagnosis and Treatment options
Authors: Sharma Nandita , Kumari Divya , Panigrahi Inusha , Khetarpal Preeti
Published: September 2022

Hearing impairment is one of the most widespread inheritable sensory disorder affecting at least 1 in every 1000 born. About two‐third of hereditary hearing loss (HHL) disorders are non‐syndromic. To provide comprehensive update of monogenic causes of non‐syndromic hearing loss (NSHL), literature search has been carried out with appropriate keywords in the following databases–PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and Science Direct. Out of 2214 papers, 271 papers were shortlisted after applying inclusion and exclusion criterion. Data extracted from selected papers include information about gene name, identified pathogenic variants, ethnicity of the patient, age of onset, gender, title, authors' name, and year of publication. Overall, pathogenic variants in 98 different genes have been associated with NSHL. These genes have important role to play during early embryonic development in ear structure formation and hearing development. Here, we also review briefly the recent information about diagnosis and treatment approaches. Understanding pathogenic genetic variants are helpful in the management of affected and may offer targeted therapies in future.
Bi‐allelic pathogenic variants in ITGA8 cause slowly progressive renal disease of unknown etiology
Authors: Gómez‐Conde Sara , Dunand Olivier , Hummel Aurélie , Morinière Vincent , Gauthier Marion , Mesnard Laurent , Heidet Laurence
Published: September 2022

Integrin Subunit Alpha 8 gene (ITGA8) encodes an integrin chain that is known to be critical in the early stage of the kidney development. Bi‐allelic pathogenic variants in ITGA8 are associated with bilateral renal agenesis, as well as anomalies involving urogenital system. Here, we report two unrelated patients presenting with slowly progressing chronic kidney disease associated with bilateral renal hypodysplasia carrying homozygous loss of function variants in the ITGA8 gene. These results broaden the clinical and genotypic spectrum of ITGA8 defects, revealing the high and unexpected degree of phenotypic heterogeneity of this autosomal recessive disease. Our study emphasizes the usefulness of Next‐Generation Sequencing in unraveling the genetic cause of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, and raises the question of genetic modifiers involved in the variation of the phenotypes associated with autosomal recessive ITGA8 pathogenic variants.
An annual index of Irish industrial production, 1800–1913
Authors: Kenny Seán , Lennard Jason , O'Rourke Kevin Hjortshøj
Published: September 2022

We assemble the Irish industrial data currently available for the years 1800–1921, the period during which the entire island was in a political union with Great Britain, and construct an annual index of Irish industrial output for 1800–1913. We also construct a new industrial price index. Irish industrial output grew by an average of 1.3 per cent per annum between 1800 and the outbreak of the First World War. Industrial growth was slightly slower than previously thought, especially during the two decades immediately preceding the Great Famine. While Ireland did not experience absolute deindustrialisation either before the Famine or afterwards, its industrial growth was disappointing when considered in a comparative perspective.
Stratifying sudden death risk in adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy: The SUDEP‐CARE score
Authors: Serrand Chris , Rheims Sylvain , Faucanié Marie , Crespel Arielle , Dinkelacker Vera , Szurhaj William , Biraben Arnaud , Bartolomei Fabrice , de Grissac Nathalie , Landré Elizabeth , Denuelle Marie , Vercueil Laurent , Marchal Cécile , Maillard Louis , Derambure Philippe , Dupont Sophie , Navarro Vincent , Mura Thibault , Jaussent Audrey , Macioce Valérie , Ryvlin Philippe , Picot Marie‐Christine
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

A clinical risk score for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy could help improve prevention.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted including (i) definite or probable SUDEP cases collected by the French National Sentinel Mortality Epilepsy Network and (ii) control patients from the French national research database of epilepsy monitoring units. Patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy were eligible. Multiple logistic regressions were performed. After sensitivity analysis and internal validation, a simplified risk score was developed from the selected variables.

Results

Sixty‐two SUDEP cases and 620 controls were included. Of 21 potential predictors explored, seven were ultimately selected, including generalized seizure frequency (>1/month vs. <1/year: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–5.41), nocturnal or sleep‐related seizures (AOR 4.49, 95% CI 2.68–7.53), current or past depression (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.19–3.34) or the ability to alert someone of an oncoming seizure (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.98). After internal validation, a clinically usable score ranging from −1 to 8 was developed, with high discrimination capabilities (area under the receiver operating curve 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.90). The threshold of 3 has good sensitivity (82.3%, 95% CI 72.7–91.8), whilst keeping a good specificity (82.7%, 95% CI 79.8–85.7).

Conclusions

These results outline the importance of generalized and nocturnal seizures on the occurrence of SUDEP, and show a protective role in the ability to alert someone of an oncoming seizure. The SUDEP‐CARE score is promising and will need external validation. Further work, including paraclinical explorations, could improve this risk score.
Sonophoresis enhances the skin penetration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid: A promising pretreatment for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zheng Yujie , Fan Wen , Jiang Li , Lu Yan
Published: September 2022

5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) has a poor penetrance of the skin with topical application, which reduces the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Sonophoresis involves the use of sound waves or ultrasonic energy to enhance the topical or transdermal delivery of drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sonophoresis on the penetration of 5‐ALA into the skin. We calculated in vitro transdermal accumulation of ALA, and the fluorescence images were collected for analysis. The cumulative amount of 5‐ALA that penetrated the skin with sonophoresis increased over time and was significantly larger than that without sonophoresis (p < 0.01). With 5% 5‐ALA and sonophoresis, the distinct localization of 5‐ALA‐PpIX in sebaceous glands started to appear 30 min after 5‐ALA application, which is much earlier than with 5% 5‐ALA only. For all incubation times, fluorescence intensities distributing in sebaceous glands were significantly higher in sonophoresis treated than non‐sonophoresis treated skin (p < 0.05). Sonophoresis could be a technique of choice for enhancing the production of 5‐ALA‐induced PpIX and improving the efficacy of 5‐ALA‐based PDT, which may decrease the treatment time, lower the cost of therapy and enhance the clinical improvement, allowing many more patients to be treated.
Global meta‐analysis reveals diverse effects of microplastics on freshwater and marine fishes
Authors: Hossain Mostafa A. R. , Olden Julian D.
Published: September 2022

Microplastic debris is a globally ubiquitous pollutant with diverse consequences for fishes, ranging from severe negative impacts to neutral, or even, positive effects. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental and observational studies to test for the impacts of microplastic exposure on freshwater, estuarine and marine fishes across diverse taxonomies, geographies, and ecosystem contexts. We report evidence for the detrimental, albeit variable, impacts of microplastics, including reduced consumption, altered feeding behavior, obstructed digestion and assimilation, decreased growth, and compromised immunity. By contrast, microplastics appeared to invoke neutral responses in several other ecological and physiological processes, such as body condition, fecundity, hatching success and survival. The results from this study also point to the mismatch between the types, shapes, and sizes of microplastics investigated in experimental settings versus those found in fish in the wild, as well as a striking difference between the 728 fish species investigated for microplastic contamination in the wild versus the only 22 fish species evaluated for the effects of microplastics in the laboratory. The present study reiterates the necessity for more consistent methodological approaches to analyzing and reporting the effects of microplastic exposure, including greater taxonomic breadth and the use of environmentally relevant polymers in future studies. Furthermore, model simulations that explore individual‐ and population‐level implications of realistic exposure scenarios are needed. Overall, the current weight of evidence supports continued management and policy actions to reduce the microplastic production, use, and release into the world's waters.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of two kinds of weathering steel welded joints
Authors: Cong Tao , Liu Fulin , Huang Wentao , Liu Yongjie , He Chao , Zhang Hong , Wang Chong , Khan Muhammad Kashif
Published: September 2022

The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of welded joints for Q450NQR1 and Q450AWR5 alloys were investigated. The inhomogeneous microstructures of Q450NQR1 and Q450AWR5 welded joints can result in heterogeneous mechanical responses. Microhardness distributions of the two welded joints are not uniform with the highest hardness value in the FZ, followed by the HAZ, and the lowest hardness value in the BM. The tensile strength of Q450AWR5 welded joints is slightly higher than the Q450NQR1 welded joints. The tensile fracture occurred in the BM of both welded joints, probably due to the strengthening effect of bainite with high dislocation density and lattice distortion. The fatigue life is dominated by the welded defects inside the welded joint. The location of fatigue failure occurs mainly near the fusion zone and is limited by the welded defects, independent of the microstructure.
Governance and leverage: International evidence
Authors: Driss Hamdi , El Ghoul Sadok , Guedhami Omrane , Wald John K.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we use board reforms across countries as a natural experiment to examine the effect of governance on firm leverage. We find that board reforms are associated with a statistically significant 1‐percentage‐point increase in leverage overall and a 5‐percentage‐point increase on average for firms that had to make large board changes. These results are robust to a variety of specifications and to controls for potential confounding events. The increase in leverage is also larger for firms in weak shareholder rights countries, suggesting that other shareholder rights can substitute in part for board reforms.
Directionality and developmental mechanism of cross‐linguistic transfer of phonological awareness to early writing skill in young Chinese learners
Authors: Yeung Susanna Siu‐sze , Qiao Shen , Pan Dora Jue , Lin Dan
Published: September 2022

The longitudinal study investigated the directionality and transfer mechanism of cross‐linguistic transfer of phonological awareness between L1 and L2 in predicting early writing (word dictation) in Chinese children learning English as L2. Ninety primary school Grade 1 (P1) students were assessed on phonological awareness in Cantonese (syllable deletion, onset deletion, rime deletion, and tone awareness), phonological awareness in English (syllable deletion, rime detection, and phoneme deletion), Cantonese word writing, and English word writing at Time 1. These students were assessed on the same measures 1 year later at Time 2 when they were in Grade 2. The results demonstrated bidirectional cross‐linguistic transfer of phonological awareness and early writing between Cantonese and English. It also showed that the transfers were achieved through same time writing skills (bidirectional) and future phonological awareness (from L1 to L2 only). No direct effect of earlier phonological awareness to later writing skill was found.
Pitx2 is a useful marker of midgut‐derived neuroendocrine tumours – an immunohistochemical study of 224 cases
Authors: Soukup Jiri , Manethova Monika , Faistova Hana , Krbal Lukas , Vitovcova Barbora , Hornychova Helena , Drugda Jan , Cesak Tomas , Netuka David , Gabalec Filip , Ryska Ales
Published: September 2022

Pitx2 is a transcription factor responsible for establishment of the right–left axis and development of the gut and pituitary. In mouse embryos, Pitx2 is expressed in the greater curvature of the stomach and midgut. Previously, Pitx2 was studied in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours but not in other NETs. Pitx2 expression was immunohistochemically assessed in whole sections and tissue microarrays in a cohort of 224 neuroendocrine neoplasms, and was analysed in 29 cases. The cohort included 18 cauda equina NETs, 38 paragangliomas, 98 cases of primary visceral NETs from different organs, 23 metastases of visceral NETs and 47 neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Pitx2 expression was observed in 29.5% (29 of 98) NETs and 14.9% (7 of 47) NECs, but was not observed in any paraganglioma or cauda equina NET. Pitx2 was observed only in tumours of midgut‐derived organs, including the small intestine (100%, 20 of 20), appendix (88.9%, eight of nine) and large intestine (9.1%, one of 11 – only caecal NET). The NETs of remaining locations were negative. Pitx2 was 96.7% sensitive and 100% specific for NETs of midgut origin. In NECs, Pitx2 positivity was observed in goblet cell adenocarcinoma (75%, three of four), medullary thyroid carcinoma (42.9, three of seven) and one Merkel cell carcinoma (25%, one of four). In metastatic NETs, Pitx2 was observed in all the tumours originating in the small intestine (n = 17) or caecum (n = 1). No positivity was observed in tumours from other locations (four pancreas, one lung). We observed no correlation between immunoreactivity and mRNA expression. Thus, Pitx2 immunohistochemistry can be helpful in assessing the midgut origin of NETs.
Hyperplastic melanocytes with chromosomal aberrations in surrounding skin of subungual melanoma: fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis using whole‐slide digital imaging
Authors: Shojiguchi Naoko , Takai Sayaka , Arai Eiichi
Published: September 2022

Aims

Subungual melanoma (SUM) is increasingly being treated with conservative surgery. Consequently, the evaluation of the resection margins has increased in importance. However, in several cases it is difficult to distinguish the in‐situ lesion of SUM from hyperplastic melanocytes in the surrounding skin. We examined whether PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) labelling of CCND1 (11q13), RREB1 (6p25), MYB (6q23), and centromere 6 (CEP6) genes differentiated SUM from hyperplastic melanocytes.

Methods and results

We reviewed specimens of 36 SUM cases and compared PRAME immunostains of invasive melanoma, melanoma in situ, and hyperplastic melanocytes. PRAME‐positive cases accounted for 90.5% of invasive melanoma, 88.9% of in situ melanoma, and 59.4% of hyperplastic melanocyte specimens. While invasive and in situ melanomas in more than half of the examined cases were diffusely positive, this was found for only 9.4% of hyperplastic melanocyte cases. Four‐coloured FISH using whole‐slide digital imaging was used to analyse positive detection rates and changes in chromosomal aberrations. The FISH positive detection rate was 100% in invasive melanomas, 94.7% in melanomas in situ, and 66.7% in hyperplastic melanocytes. The number of RREB1 (6p25) signals per cell was significantly amplified following tumour progression.

Conclusion

Hyperplastic melanocytes in the surrounding skin of SUM, considered morphologically non‐neoplastic, showed chromosomal aberrations similar to those in melanoma. Such cells are also thought similar to the field cells of acral melanomas. Thus, whole‐slide digital imaging is a technique that allows the evaluation of individual melanocyte lesions by FISH.
Minimal residual membranous urethral length and membranous urethral length predict poor recovery from incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and after open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ohara Eiichiro , Kawamorita Naoki , Satake Yohei , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Mitsuzuka Koji , Saito Hideo , Ishidoya Shigeto , Arai Yoichi , Ito Akihiro
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate how much minimal residual membranous urethral length (mRUL) and maximal urethral length (MUL) measured on MRI preoperatively affect postoperative urinary incontinence (PUI) and recovery in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

Methods

The subjects were 190 and 110 patients undergoing RARP and ORP, respectively, in our institution. Patients underwent preoperative MRI for prostate cancer evaluation and completed the quality of life questionnaire of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite instrument before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The parameters of mRUL and MUL were measured on MRI and analyzed along with other parameters including age, body mass index, and nerve sparing.

Results

The median mRUL and MUL were 7.81 and 14.27 mm in the RARP group and 7.15 and 13.57 mm in the ORP group, respectively. Recovery rates from PUI were similar in the two groups. Multivariate analyses showed that mRUL was a predictor of baseline continence, whereas shorter MUL was a predictor of poor recovery from PUI. Patients with both shorter mRUL and MUL had significantly worse recoveries from PUI after RARP and ORP than patients with longer mRUL and MUL.

Conclusions

Minimal residual membranous urethral length contributes to urethral function as basal urinary continence, whereas MUL represents the potential of recovery from PUI in RARP and ORP. The MUL measured by preoperative MRI can predict poor recovery from PUI after radical prostatectomy and combined evaluation of MUL and mRUL support to anticipate poor recovery of PUI.
Alternative pathway activation: Ever ancient and ever new
Authors: Liszewski M. Kathryn , Atkinson John P.
Published: September 2022

Primitive underpinnings of the alternative pathway (AP), namely, a C3‐like protein, likely arose more than a billion years ago. The development of an AP amplification loop, while greatly enhancing speed and potency, also presents a double‐edged sword. Although critical to combat an infectious disease, it is also potentially destructive, particularly in a chronic disease process involving vital organs where scarring and reduction of regulatory function can occur. Furthermore, new knowledge is pointing to genetic factors involved in an increasing number of complement‐related diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration. However, even a normal functioning repertoire of complement components can drive cellular damage as a result of low‐level complement activation over time. Thus, the modern human AP now faces a new challenge: cumulatively‐driven tissue damage from chronic inflammatory processes that mediate cellular injury. The impact of ongoing low‐level AP‐enhanced complement activation in disease processes is just beginning to be appreciated and studied. However, the sheer numbers of individuals affected by chronic diseases emphasize the need for novel therapeutic agents capable of modulating the AP. The more we learn about this ancient system, the greater is the likelihood of developing fresh perspectives that could contribute to improved human health.
Analyst independence and earnings management
Authors: Huang Zhongwei , Jeanjean Thomas , Lui Daphne
Published: September 2022

We examine whether analyst independence contributes to analysts’ monitoring role in deterring accruals earnings management. We first report a negative association between earnings management and the ratio of independent analysts to brokerage analysts covering a firm. Next, through the lens of the promotion of independent sell‐side research institutions by the 2003 Global Research Analyst Settlement, we document a significant decrease in earnings management on firms affected by the Global Settlement's mandate for time‐limited support to back independent research institutions. Additionally, we find that, as the aforementioned support ended, the extent of monitoring effectiveness reverted to a level indistinguishable from that before the Global Settlement. Finally, using closures and mergers of independent research institutions as a quasi‐natural experiment, we provide corroborating evidence consistent with analyst independence leading to more effective monitoring.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose antihypertensive combination of amlodipine, telmisartan, and chlorthalidone: A randomized, double‐blind, parallel, phase II trial
Authors: Sung Ki‐Chul , Sung Jung Hoon , Cho Eun Joo , Ahn Jeong Cheon , Han Seung Hwan , Kim Weon , Kim Kye Hun , Sohn Il Suk , Shin Jinho , Kim Seok Yeon , Kim Kwang‐il , Kang Seok Min , Park Sung‐Ji , Kim Yong‐Jin , Shin Joon‐Han , Park Seong‐Mi , Park Chang‐Gyu
Published: September 2022

The aim of this clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of low‐dose triple combinations of amlodipine, telmisartan, and chlorthalidone in patients with essential hypertension. After a 2‐week placebo run‐in period, 176 patients were randomized to seven treatment groups (placebo, quarter‐dose combination, third‐dose combination, half‐dose combination, amlodipine 5 mg, amlodipine 10 mg, and telmisartan 80 mg) and administered the assigned study drug orally for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in the mean sitting systolic blood pressure (BP) (MSSBP) at Week 8. The MSSBP and mean sitting diastolic BP in the quarter‐dose and half‐dose groups were significantly lower compared to the placebo and amlodipine 5 mg groups, with similar BP‐lowering effects observed compared to the amlodipine 10 mg and telmisartan 80 mg groups. However, the third‐dose group showed significant BP improvement only compared to the placebo group. A similar pattern was observed for the control rate of hypertension and response rates. Additional analysis was conducted after correcting for gender and age effects, and, as a result, the third‐dose group showed similar results with regard to the BP‐lowering effect as the quarter‐dose and half‐dose groups. In terms of safety, no special adverse events and clinically significant results were noted, and all dose groups of the triple combination are considered safe for use in essential hypertension patients. The current findings indicated that low‐dose triple combination of amlodipine, telmisartan, and chlorthalidone over 8 weeks effectively improved the BP‐lowering effect in patients with essential hypertension without any safety concerns.
Phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autism: a multiperspective qualitative analysis
Authors: Cooper Kate , Mandy William , Butler Catherine , Russell Ailsa
Published: September 2022

Background

Autistic people are overrepresented in gender clinic settings, but limited evidence is available to guide clinical decision making for this patient group. We aimed to generate a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenology of gender dysphoria in autistic people.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), from five different perspectives; autistic young people and adults with experience of gender dysphoria, parents of young people, and clinicians working with autistic people with gender dysphoria in both adult and young person settings (n = 68).

Results

IPA analysis resulted in two themes, ‘discovering gender identity’ and ‘the complexities of moving towards gender comfort’. Participants agreed that there was often an interaction between gender dysphoria and features of autism such as sensory sensitivities. There was relative consensus across groups about the need for autism adaptations to be made in gender clinics. Autistic adults were more likely to see autism as an important identity than young people, but both groups were clear that autism did not impair their understanding of gender. In contrast, some parents and clinicians working with young people expressed concern that autism did impact self‐understanding.

Discussion

While the groups tended to agree on the ways in which particular features of autism can compound gender dysphoria, there were a range of perspectives on the ways in which autism impacted on self‐knowledge.

Conclusion

Recommendations for adaptations when working with autistic people with gender dysphoria are presented.
Employee bonding and turnover efficiency
Authors: Peterson Jonathan R.
Published: September 2022

This study explores how bonding contracts improve employee attraction and retention. These bonds are payment schemes tied to employment duration, such as the vesting of pensions and stock options. This study presents an employee turnover model in which only the worker knows their taste for their current job. This taste gives the current employer monopsonistic power, resulting in deadweight loss from excessive turnover. Bonding contracts serve as a commitment device for future wages and eliminate such deadweight loss, but only when the roles of bondholders and wage setters are separate. Firms that do this are more competitive to new hires. This model offers several empirical findings regarding a variety of common bonding practices.
Pectin extraction from garlic waste under dual acid condition
Authors: Şen Emine , Göktürk Ersen , Uğuzdoğan Erdal
Published: September 2022

A novel approach for the extraction of pectin from garlic waste (peel, stem, and straw) was accomplished under dual acid solution conditions including two organic (citric acid [CA] and acetic acid [AA]), two inorganic (hydrochloric acid [HCl] and sulfuric acid [H2SO4]) and six different mixtures of these acids (CA‐HCl, CA‐H2SO4, CA‐AA, AA‐H2SO4, AA‐HCl, and HCl‐H2SO4) with 1/30 (v/w) solid–liquid ratio at 90°C in 90 min extraction duration. The effects of acid mixture on the yields and physicochemical properties of the extracted pectins from garlic waste were investigated. Applying different acid mixtures during the extraction process allowed to obtain pectin samples with controlled physicochemical properties and higher yields. The maximum pectin yield of 22.4% was observed in the extraction condition carried out HCl‐H2SO4 (1/3 v/v) mixture. Extractions carried out under dual acid mixtures showed higher Gal‐A contents compared with the conditions where organic or inorganic acids were used alone. The extracted pectin samples were generally composed of high methoxyl pectin and their methoxyl contents are observed to be close to that of commercial citrus pectin. FT‐IR spectra results of the extracted samples from garlic waste confirmed the pectin structure compared with the FT‐IR spectrum of commercial citrus pectin. Results indicate that organic–inorganic dual acid mixtures could be used as an efficient extraction media for the controlled physicochemical properties and higher yields of pectin extraction. Considering that about 3.7 million tons of garlic waste is annually produced worldwide, it could be very beneficial to obtain pectin from these wastes as a useful product for the industry.

Practical applications

Garlic waste was converted into a valuable product for the industry and used as an alternative pectin source. Applying organic–inorganic dual acid mixtures during the pectin extraction process from garlic waste allowed to obtain pectin samples with controlled physicochemical properties and higher yields. Extracted pectin samples showed higher Gal‐A contents compared with the conditions where organic or inorganic acids used alone. Obtained pectins were generally composed of high methoxyl pectins and their methoxyl contents are observed to be close to that of the commercial citrus pectin.
Study on extraction, isolation, and biological activity of saponins from quinoa bran
Authors: Tan Minghui , Zhao Qingsheng , Wang Xiaodong , Zhao Bing
Published: September 2022

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) contains 2 to 5% of saponins, which are mainly exist in the bran of seeds in the form of oleanane‐type triterpenoid glycosides or sapogenins. In this study, the extraction process of total saponins from quinoa bran has been optimized. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions for quinoa saponins were extraction time of 2 h, ethanol concentration of 70%, solid–liquid ratio of 1:25 (g/ml), and extraction temperature of 70°C. Macroporous resin separation test demonstrated that HPD600 resin had an excellent adsorption and desorption capacities for the separation of quinoa saponins. The antioxidant experiment demonstrated that the EC50 of quinoa saponins against DPPH‐free radical, ABTS‐free radical, ·OH‐free radical, and O2−‐free radical were 0.10, 0.51, 0.57, and 0.17 mg/ml, respectively. The scavenging effect of the saponins on O2−‐free radical was stronger than that of Vc. The reducing power was equivalent to 1.28% of that of Vc. The anticancer test showed that when the concentration of quinoa saponins was 0.5 mg/ml, the inhibitory rate on HepG‐2 cell was 58%. This study contributes to further exploration on the biological activities of quinoa saponin.

Novelty impact statement

A macroporous resin suitable for separating quinoa saponins was screened.

The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of quinoa saponins on HPD600 were studied.

The in vitro biological activities of quinoa saponins were studied.
The nanoemulsions: A new design and fat‐reducing strategy for the bakery industry. Their effects on some quality attributes of fat‐reduced cakes
Authors: Meral Raciye , Ekin Mehmet Mustafa , Kutlu Nazan , Kose Yagmur Erim
Published: September 2022

Oil‐loaded nanoemulsions (NEs) with a diameter of 192.28–240.70 nm were obtained and NEs (containing 3.75 g nanosized oil) were added to the fat‐reduced cake formulation. The fat content decreased by 42.38%, 44.42, and 45.84%. With the fat reduction, the specific volume increased from 2.43 to 3.07 cm3/g. It was revealed that cakes with less fat were just as soft as the control. The ABTS (2,2‐azino bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)) radical cation scavenging value, which was 62.45 mmol TEAC/g (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity/g) for the control sample, significantly increased with NE replacement. In addition, cakes containing only 3.75 g of a nanosized oil showed sensory qualities similar to the control. Cake samples' greasiness remained the same even though NE‐containing samples had less fat. In summary, adding NE to a cake's formulation can improve the functional, oxidative, and physical properties without lowering the cake's quality. Also, NE addition could limit mold and yeast growth.

Practical applications

The cake is a bakery product consumed by all ages of people. However, its high fat ratio is one of the major problems related to cake. Although researchers and food producers have tried for reducing the fat content with carbohydrate and protein‐based fat replacers, it is a big problem to produce a desirable cake without fat. In this sense, nanoemulsions containing nano‐scale oil can be the solution to overcome this problem. In this study, nanoemulsions with a diameter of 192.28–240.70 nm were successfully fabricated. The nanoemulsions containing only 3.75 g nano‐oil were added to the fat‐reduced cake formulation. According to the results, highly acceptable cakes were obtained by nanotechnology. Sensory properties were improved with nanotechnology despite the fat reduction. A novel, cheap, and easy formulation was developed for fat‐reduced cakes. Consequently, it was revealed, that nanoemulsions can be successfully used in fat‐reduced cake production, also, the functional properties of cakes can be improved via nano‐oil.