bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buy domestic or foreign brands? The moderating roles of decision focus and product quality
Authors: Yu Sherry Xueer , Zhou Guang , Huang Jing
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This article sought to explore the effect of brand origin on consumer preference and examine the moderating effects of decision focus (buying for self vs buying for others) and product quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two studies to test our hypotheses. In Study 1, the authors explored consumers' general preferences for domestic and foreign brands. Based on the evidence, Study 2 further explored the moderating roles of decision focus and product quality.

Findings

In general, consumers in developing countries prefer foreign brands. The effect can be moderated by the decision focus that this preference will be more obvious when consumers buy for others than when they buy for themselves. Product quality can also moderate the role of decision focus; in other words, consumers' preference for foreign brand when buying for others will be stronger when the product quality is low than when the product quality is high.

Practical implications

Foreign brands have a natural appeal to local consumers in developing countries. Moreover, foreign brands can also invoke consumers' awareness of buying for others (such as giving gifts) to boost sales. Domestic brands are at a disadvantage comparing to foreign brands, but they can increase their attractiveness by invoking consumers' awareness of rewarding themselves. In addition, domestic brands need to improve product quality to fundamentally improve their competitiveness.

Originality/value

The research contributed to literature by combining decision focus and product quality in studying consumer preference for domestic and foreign brands from the perspective of construal level theory, which provides valuable insights in the field of international marketing and consumer behavior.
Assessment of ICT policies for digital transformation in Colombia: technology readiness for IoT adoption in SMEs in the trading sector
Authors: Parra-Sánchez Diana Teresa , Talero-Sarmiento Leonardo Hernan , Guerrero Cesar Dario
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess information and communication technologies (ICT) policies for digital transformation in Colombia to determine their effectiveness in technology readiness for Internet of Things (IoT) adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the trading sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a longitudinal study using the ICT module of the Annual Trade Survey (2017–2018) to determine the relationship between SMEs in the trading sector adopting ICT applications and ICT policy enforcement. In this sense, this study applied a chi-square test for independence and addressed a descriptive analysis to determine SMEs’ causes for adopting or rejecting ICT applications.

Findings

This study presents the state of ICT adoption in Colombian SMEs in the trading sector between 2017 and 2018, highlighting that technology readiness is crucial for adopting technological trends.

Research limitations/implications

The data source used for the study is only available for analysis one year after implementing ICT policies focused on digital transformation.

Practical implications

The results support the need for the National Government to formulate IoT policies that favor the adoption of e-commerce based on IoT technologies in SMEs in the trading sector.

Social implications

IoT adoption can mitigate e-commerce problems strengthening SMEs’ competitiveness in the trading sector leading the digital transformation in Colombia.

Originality/value

This study presents the need to formulate IoT policies in Colombia focused on deploying IoT applications to strengthen e-Commerce in SMEs in the trading sector.
A theoretical framework for classifying project complexity at the preconstruction stage using cluster analysis techniques
Authors: Sing Michael C.P. , Edwards David J. , Leung Arthur W.T. , Liu Henry , Roberts Chris J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The accuracy and reliability of subjectively assessing a construction project's complexity at the pre-construction stage is questionable and relies upon the project manager's tacit experiences, knowledge and background. The purpose of this paper is to develop a scientifically robust analytical approach by presenting a novel classification mechanism for defining the level of project complexity in terms of work contents (WCs), scope, building structures (BSs) and site conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Empiricism is adopted to deductively analyze variables obtained from secondary data within extant literature and primary project data to develop project type classifications. Specifically, and from an operational perspective, a two-stage “waterfall process” was adopted. In stage one, the research identified 56 variables affecting project complexity from literature and utilized a structured questionnaire survey of 100 project managers to measure the relevance of these. A total of 27 variables were revealed to be significant and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is adopted to cluster these variables into six-factor thematic groups. In stage two, data from 62 real-life projects (including the layout and structural plans) were utilized for computing the factor score using the six-factor groups. Finally, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) is adopted to classify the projects into collected distinctive groups and each of a similar nature and characteristics.

Findings

The developed theoretical framework (that includes a novel complex index) provides a robust “blueprint platform” for main contractors to compile their project complexity database. The research outputs enable project managers to generate a more accurate picture of complexity at the pre-construction stage.

Originality/value

While numerous research articles have provided a comprehensive framework to define project complexity, scant empirical works have assessed it at the pre-construction stage or utilized real-life project samples to classify it. This research addresses this knowledge gap within the prevailing body of knowledge.
An empirical evaluation of tech interventions to improve financial decision-making
Authors: Tommasi Francesco , Ceschi Andrea , Weller Joshua , Costantini Arianna , Passaia Giulia , Gostimir  Marija , Sartori Riccardo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically compare the degree to which two technological interventions, based on the computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and the technology acceptance model (TAM), were associated with a different incidence of financial biases.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. The authors randomly assigned the participants (N = 507) to one of two training conditions or a control group, and in turn, we assessed the incidence of financial biases after the training interventions.

Findings

Participants who took part in the TAM-based group reported lower financial biases than those in the CSCL-based training group and the control group.

Research limitations/implications

Literature suggests that two educational approaches, i.e. the CSCL and the TAM, can implement individuals’ financial decision-making. These educational approaches involve technology to support individuals in reducing the incidence of cognitive biases. This study contributes by advancing empirical evidence on technological supports for interventions to improve financial decision-making.

Practical implications

Suboptimal decision-making may lead to adverse consequences both at the individual and social levels. This paper contributes to the literature on debiasing interventions by offering initial evidence on technological-based interventions in the domain of financial decision-making. The authors discuss the application of this evidence in lifelong training.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on how different technological interventions are associate with a lower incidence of financial biases.
Readiness for change: which source of justice and support really matters?
Authors: Arnéguy Elodie , Ohana Marc , Stinglhamber Florence
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Although justice perceptions have been proven to be a critical determinant of readiness for change (RFC), research is still needed to investigate which source(s) of justice fosters employee's preparedness to face change within his/her organization. The aim of this study is to examine the simultaneous influence of three sources of justice, namely the organization, the supervisor and the coworkers, on RFC through perceived organizational support, perceived supervisor support and perceived coworker support, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different sets of data were collected from employees in the United States and in Europe. Path analyses were performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that perceived organizational support mediates the relationship between organizational justice and RFC. Conversely, however, the effect of supervisory justice and coworkers justice on RFC was not mediated by perceived supervisor support and perceived coworker support.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the simultaneous influence of organizational, supervisory and coworkers justice on RFC. In doing so, it highlights the need to consider justice stemming from the organization as a priority when considering implementing an organizational change, as opposed to justice emanating from the supervisor and coworkers. In addition, this study responds to long-standing calls for the simultaneous examination of multiple sources of justice and the exploration of the largely neglected role of justice stemming from coworkers.
Examining the effect of functional diversity on organizational team innovation
Authors: Abiew Gladys Esinu , Okyere-Kwakye Eugene , Ellis Florence Yaa Akyia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Underpinned by the information processing theory, this study aims to investigate the relationship between functional diversity and team innovation by examining the moderating role of some selected cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity-femininity) in the relationship between functional diversity and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was used using a structured questionnaire as a tool to collect data from 251 respondents drawn from research institutions in Ghana. Data was analysed using simple regression and hierarchical multiple regression. In addition, a structural equation model was used to conduct confirmatory factor analyses to examine whether the variables in the hypothesized model for the study captured distinct constructs that the variables were designed to measure.

Findings

The study revealed that functional diversity was positively related to team innovation. The study also found that functionally diverse groups are more innovative when they exhibit low uncertainty avoidance, femininity and low power distance.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that practices such as team communication, honesty, respect and trust would foster team unity and commitment, which would enable members to share diverse expertise towards the creation and execution of new ideas and improvement of productivity in the country.

Originality/value

The study examined the relationship between functional diversity and team innovation by examining the moderating role of some selected cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity-femininity) in the relationship between functional diversity and innovation.
Physics-based trade-off curves to develop a control access product in set-based concurrent engineering environment
Authors: Araci Zehra Canan , Al-Ashaab Ahmed , Garcia Almeida Cesar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a process to generate physics-based trade-off curves (ToCs) to facilitate lean product development processes by enabling two key activities of set-based concurrent engineering (SBCE) process model that are comparing alternative design solutions and narrowing down the design set. The developed process of generating physics-based ToCs has been demonstrated via an industrial case study which is a research project.

Design/methodology/approach

The adapted research approach for this paper consists of three phases: a review of the related literature, developing the process of generating physics-based ToCs in the concept of lean product development, implementing the developed process in an industrial case study for validation through the SBCE process model.

Findings

Findings of this application showed that physics-based ToC is an effective tool to enable SBCE activities, as well as to save time and provide the required knowledge environment for the designers to support their decision-making.

Practical implications

Authors expect that this paper will guide companies, which are implementing SBCE processes throughout their lean product development journey. Physics-based ToCs will facilitate accurate decision-making in comparing and narrowing down the design-set through the provision of the right knowledge environment.

Originality/value

SBCE is a useful approach to develop a new product. It is essential to provide the right knowledge environment in a quick and visual manner which has been addressed by demonstrating physics knowledge in ToCs. Therefore, a systematic process has been developed and presented in this paper. The research found that physics-based ToCs could help to identify different physics characteristics of the product in the form of design parameters and visualise in a single graph for all stakeholders to understand without a need for an extensive engineering background and for designers to make a decision faster.
Understanding the differences across data quality classifications: a literature review and guidelines for future research
Authors: Haug Anders
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Numerous data quality (DQ) definitions in the form of sets of DQ dimensions are found in the literature. The great differences across such DQ classifications (DQCs) imply a lack of clarity about what DQ is. For an improved foundation for future research, this paper aims to clarify the ways in which DQCs differ and provide guidelines for dealing with this variance.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review identifies DQCs in conference and journal articles, which are analyzed to reveal the types of differences across these. On this basis, guidelines for future research are developed.

Findings

The literature review found 110 unique DQCs in journals and conference articles. The analysis of these articles identified seven distinct types of differences across DQCs. This gave rise to the development of seven guidelines for future DQ research.

Research limitations/implications

By identifying differences across DQCs and providing a set of guidelines, this paper may promote that future research, to a greater extent, will converge around common understandings of DQ.

Practical implications

Awareness of the identified types of differences across DQCs may support managers when planning and conducting DQ improvement projects.

Originality/value

The literature review did not identify articles, which, based on systematic searches, identify and analyze existing DQCs. Thus, this paper provides new knowledge on the variance across DQCs, as well as guidelines for addressing this.
The pricing of corporate real estate holdings on the UK capital market
Authors: Seger Julian , Stoner Kristina , Pfnuer Andreas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find out if corporate real estate ownership is priced into the capital market performance of non-property companies in the UK. This is of particular interest because ownership still represents a significant weight on the balance sheets and is predominantly considered unfavourable due to its bulkiness and difficult revisability in the event of changes in space demand. This draws attention to the UK as one of the most important European economies that have been exposed to strong uncertainties and dynamics, for example, due to the withdrawal voting of the United Kingdom from the European Union (BREXIT).

Design/methodology/approach

A first look at the real estate assets reported in balance sheets provides insight into possible changes in ownership strategy. This serves as a basis for subdividing companies based on their real estate assets using a portfolio-based approach and that are then analysed using the Fama and French multi-factor model with regard to their influence on capital market returns.

Findings

In general, the share of real estate assets has fallen over the past 10 years, although coinciding with BREXIT voting, some industries such as manufacturing show a turnaround. At the same time, ownership is priced in as a factor on the capital market, which applies to a sample across industries, as well as to separately considered sectors in the manufacturing and service industries. The pricing also shows a counter-cyclical pattern.

Practical implications

Corporate real estate management should be aware of the negative influence of ownership, especially against the background of economic fluctuations. The reduction of ownership can reduce the associated cost of capital and increase company success.

Originality/value

Previous UK-related studies mostly refer to a period before the global economic crisis in 2008, and therefore, are too old to reflect a changed view on corporate real estate ownership because of new corporate environmental conditions, based on inaccurate proxies or mainly refer to the retail segment. This research gap is closed.
Exploring post-pandemic struggles and recoveries in the rural tourism based on Chinese situation: a perspective from the IAD framework
Authors: Pan Haiying , Chen Meihong , Shiau Wen-Lung
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The public health emergency of COVID-19 (Corona-virus disease) pandemic has greatly impacted tourism industry, especially in the rural tourism. This paper aims to study how rural tourism practitioners can get out of the mire of the pandemic. By analyzing the behaviors of various stakeholders and the logic of the impact of the pandemic, the behaviors of participants and future development were sorted out. The key elements that promote the recovery of rural tourism were discovered.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the framework of institute analysis and development (IAD), this research selected six rural tourist communities in China as subjects for the studies. Based on the seven basic principles of hermeneutics and the inductive research method, following the analysis method of “first-order coding, second-order coding, aggregated dimensions,” the texts obtained through in-depth interview and work reports were analyzed and concepts were extracted.

Findings

The paper extracted 44 first-order concepts and 14 second-order concepts, and obtained 7 aggregation dimensions, including policy formulation and implementation, improvement of integrated marketing capabilities, improvement of tourism product quality, restrictions on rural tourism development, protection and optimization of environmental resources, industrial integration strategies and improvement of managerial and coordinating capabilities. During the pandemic, the government, enterprises and associations, as the service providers of rural tourism, can optimize the environmental resources and industrial resources of rural tourism by formulating policies, refining products and strengthening marketing in the action arena, to promote the industrial integration of rural tourism and provide better products and services for tourists.

Originality/value

This paper uses the IAD framework to study how rural tourism communities can successfully recover from the impact of the pandemic. It is found that the rapid recovery of rural tourism is the result of collective action. The core of establishing the collective action mechanism of rural tourism is consensus mechanism, co-construction mechanism and sharing mechanism. By studying the path and possibility of collective action of rural tourism communities, this paper explores the approach of multi-center governance of rural tourism communities to promote the imminent recovery of rural tourism.
The impact of support on employees' adaptive behavior: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Maden-Eyiusta Ceyda , Yalabik Zeynep Yesim , Nakiboglu Mehmet Ali Burak
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study focuses on the impact of perceived organizational support (POS) and perceived supervisor support (PSS) on employees' adaptive (selling) behavior in a personal selling context. As part of the support-adaptive behavior relationship, the authors also explore the mediating role of psychological empowerment and the moderating role of customer orientation (CO).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 200 salespeople from the financial and pharmaceutical sectors in Turkey. Hypotheses were tested with hierarchical multiple regressions and hierarchical moderated regressions.

Findings

Supported salespeople feel more empowered in their jobs and show adaptive (selling) behavior. Our results also show that the impact of support on adaptive selling behavior through empowerment is stronger for salespeople with low CO.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two limitations: the generalizability of its findings and cross-sectional design. Still, it significantly contributes to support, empowerment and adaptive behavior literature.

Practical implications

By creating a supportive work environment and by training their managers to improve their support skills, organizations boost their employees' adaptability. Both of these support practices motivate employees to use their discretion in sales situations. Organizations should also evaluate and manage their employees' level of CO by conducting company surveys and by increasing top management communication.

Originality/value

This study tests the mediating role of psychological empowerment on the relationship between POS, PSS and adaptive behavior in the understudied personal selling context. The authors also test the moderating role of CO in the proposed model.
Responsive stewardship and library advocacy in dystopian times: using information from the Civil Rights Movement and 1984 to strengthen libraries
Authors: Hunter Lily , Buchanan Sarah A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The authors ask the question of how libraries can advocate for themselves and for those who most need the library during the pandemic, and evaluate how the authors adapt to a future of helping underserved and underrepresented populations in new ways after it subsides.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data currently being provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other sources, prior issue analyses dealing with library programs and advocacy, and lessons from a few dystopian novels, the authors lay out the political and social implications of the coronavirus on libraries now and in the future.

Findings

Because the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic shut down physical library buildings everywhere, forcing extremely slow re-openings and decimating library programs, conversation is building now on how libraries will overcome its massive blow. Underrepresented populations who most need library information (namely, the homeless, Native Americans, Black and Hispanic peoples among others) are suffering disproportionately from the pandemic and its aftereffects that are just beginning to reverberate.

Originality/value

This paper presents a viewpoint backed by lessons from American history, specifically the Civil Rights Movement, and the dystopian novel 1984 by George Orwell. Currently, the conversations around what will happen to libraries are limited, but will hopefully grow as libraries (and the rest of the world) attempt to move forward in an unprecedented situation.
The two‐component system RstAB regulates production of a polysaccharide capsule with a role in virulence in the marine pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae
Authors: Matanza Xosé M. , López‐Suárez Laura , do Vale Ana , Osorio Carlos R.
Published: August 2021

The marine bacterium Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae (Pdd) causes disease in marine animals and humans. Previous studies demonstrated that mutation of the two‐component system RstAB strongly impacts virulence of this pathogen, but the RstAB regulon has not been thoroughly elucidated. We here compared the transcriptomes of Pdd RM‐71 and ΔrstA and ΔrstB derivatives using RNA‐seq. In accordance with previous studies, RstAB positively regulated cytotoxins Dly, PhlyP and PhlyC. This analysis also demonstrated a positive regulation of outer membrane proteins, resistance against antimicrobials and potential virulence factors by this system. Remarkably, RstAB positively regulated two hitherto uncharacterised gene clusters involved in the synthesis of a polysaccharide capsule. Presence of a capsular layer in wild‐type cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, whereas rstA and rstB mutants were non‐capsulated. Mutants for capsule synthesis genes, wza and wzc exhibited acapsular phenotypes, were impaired in resistance against the bactericidal action of fish serum and mucus, and were strongly impaired in virulence for fish, indicating a major role of capsule in virulence. Collectively, this study demonstrates that RstAB is a major positive regulator of key virulence factors including a polysaccharide capsule essential for full virulence in a pathogenic Photobacterium.
THE AESTHETICS OF GENTRIFICATION: Modern Art, Settler Colonialism, and Anti‐Colonialism in Washington, DC
Authors: Bockman Johanna
Published: August 2021

In 1988 a local homeowner in Washington, DC, commissioned a 30‐foot mural of an artwork by modernist painter Piet Mondrian on the side of a public housing building, along with several other similar murals across the street. Three months later all the residents of the public housing development were moved out. Later, the buildings were destroyed. Here I explore how these murals enabled the residents’ permanent displacement. Explaining this displacement and destruction by pointing to the federal Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE) VI policy is completely insufficient. I argue for looking beyond the conventional actors in policy history to other actors, such as, but not limited to, aesthetics, art, artists and art purveyors. I examine Mondrian's years in Paris, during which he developed his abstract art and philosophy of spiritual evolution, white supremacy and total urban renewal. The homeowner brought Mondrian's art and philosophy to Washington, DC, at a time of an ideological shift towards global revanchism and gentrification. These specific murals reveal the settler colonial nature of gentrification in confrontation with anti‐colonial art and geographies. This study provides new insight into gentrification by illuminating the battles of multiple globalizations in cities and even on individual blocks.
Kawasaki disease with dilatation of the common bile duct: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Morita Atsushi , Imagawa Kazuo , Ishiodori Takumi , Tagawa Manabu , Takada Hidetoshi
Published: August 2021

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a syndrome that results in acute systemic vasculitis and is a major cause of acquired heart disease in developed countries. KD is diagnosed based on certain characteristic symptoms and echocardiogram results. It has been reported that abdominal ultrasound is of value in supporting the diagnosis of KD. Nevertheless, abdominal ultrasound is not a routine procedure in KD. Moreover, dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD) has been rarely reported in previous cases.

Case presentation

A 4‐year‐old boy presented with fever and markedly high transaminase level (aspartate aminotransferase, 5323 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 1554 U/L). The patient was diagnosed as having KD based on characteristic symptoms and echocardiogram findings. Ultrasound revealed dilatation of the CBD as well as cervical lymphadenopathy resembling a cluster of grapes, thickening of the gallbladder wall, and increased periportal echogenicity throughout the liver parenchyma. The patient received initial treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin at day 4 of fever and second‐line treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and prednisolone because of recurrent fever on day 6. Dilatation of the CBD was improved from 6.6 mm on day 4 to 3.1 mm on day 8. Although re‐dilatation was observed, it gradually diminished and normalized (4.3 mm on day 28, 4.0 mm on day 63, 3.3 mm on day 105, and 2.8 mm on day 182).

Conclusion

This case highlights the usefulness of abdominal ultrasound and the importance of considering dilatation of the CBD as one of the complications of KD.
Corporate Governance Reforms and Cross‐Listings: International Evidence*
Authors: Liao Chih‐Hsien , Tsang Albert , Wang Kun Tracy , Zhu Nathan Zhenghang
Published: August 2021

In this study, we examine whether a country's implementation of major corporate governance reforms affects firms' cross‐listing activities. Cross‐listing is important in overcoming international investment barriers and thus it is worth investigating whether enhanced corporate governance at the country level contributes to the integration of international capital markets. Using a difference‐in‐differences research design, we predict and find that following the implementation of corporate governance reforms in their home countries, firms are more likely to engage in cross‐listing activities and tend to cross‐list in host countries with stronger investor protection and more developed markets than those in countries with no reforms in the same period. The results from country‐level cross‐sectional tests indicate that this effect is greater for firms in home countries with weaker investor protection and less developed stock markets in the prereform period. The reforms also have a stronger effect on firms subject to less analyst following and greater external finance dependence. Finally, we find a stronger association between cross‐listing activities and institutional ownership after the reforms. Taken together, this study increases understanding of the trade‐off between cross‐border capital supply and demand. Our finding suggests that country‐level corporate governance plays an important role in facilitating the supply of cross‐border capital, which in turn incentivizes firms to cross‐list. Our study also offers policy implications for national stock exchanges and securities regulators by suggesting that countries without well‐developed capital markets should strengthen their corporate governance to improve firms' ability to raise external financing and attract cross‐border capital flows.
Clinical frailty scale: Inter‐rater reliability of retrospective scoring in emergency abdominal surgery
Authors: Fornæss Katarina M. , Nome Pia L. , Aakre Elin Kismul , Hegvik Tor‐Arne , Jammer Ib
Published: August 2021

Background

Frailty is a complex syndrome shown to be an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality after surgery in older patients. Frailty scoring may, therefore, be important, for example, for pre‐operative risk assessment and prognosis estimation. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) has been developed to help operationalize frailty in the individual patient. However, the inter‐rater reliability of retrospective CFS scoring through patient records by health care personnel is currently unknown in patients over 80 years of age undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.

Methods

Retrospective review of electronic patient journal of 112 patients over 80 years of age undergoing emergency abdominal surgery between 2015 and 2016. Three researchers individually assigned each patient a CFS score. The inter‐rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's weighted kappa for the comparison of pairs of assessors, as well as Kendall's coefficient of concordance for the comparison of all three raters simultaneously.

Results

The agreement across raters was strong, with Cohen's kappa values ranging between 0.74 and 0.85 and a Kendall's coefficient of concordance of 0.86.

Conclusions

The inter‐rater reliability of assigned CFS from patient journals seems acceptable. This could permit retrospective research utilizing CFS measures from several raters and across centers.
Editorial: 5‐ASA in IBD patients on biologics—'stop or continue'? Authors' reply
Authors: Bernstein Charles N. , Tennakoon Aruni , Singh Harminder , Targownik Laura
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Bernstein et al and Veyrard et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16518 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16541
BEX2 is required for maintaining dormant cancer stem cell in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fukushi Daisuke , Shibuya‐Takahashi Rie , Mochizuki Mai , Fujimori Haruna , Kogure Takayuki , Sugai Takahiro , Iwai Wataru , Wakui Yuta , Abue Makoto , Murakami Kazuhiro , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Yasuda Jun , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Sugamura Kazuo , Shibata Chikashi , Katayose Yu , Satoh Kennichi , Tamai Keiichi
Published: August 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for therapy resistance and share several properties with normal stem cells. Here, we show that brain‐expressed X‐linked gene 2 (BEX2), which is essential for dormant CSCs in cholangiocarcinoma, is highly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions compared with the adjacent normal lesions and that in 41 HCC cases the BEX2high expression group is correlated with a poor prognosis. BEX2 localizes to Ki67‐negative (nonproliferative) cancer cells in HCC tissues and is highly expressed in the dormant fraction of HCC cell lines. Knockdown of BEX2 attenuates CSC phenotypes, including sphere formation ability and aldefluor activity, and BEX2 overexpression enhances these phenotypes. Moreover, BEX2 knockdown increases cisplatin sensitivity, and BEX2 expression is induced by cisplatin treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that BEX2 induces dormant CSC properties and affects the prognosis of patients with HCC.
LncRNA AC020978 facilitates non–small cell lung cancer progression by interacting with malate dehydrogenase 2 and activating the AKT pathway
Authors: Xu Fei , Hua Qian , Zhang Aimi , Di Zhang , Wang Yining , Zhao Li , Yang Hao , Liu Jianjun , Huang Gang
Published: August 2021

Long non–coding RNA AC020978 (lncRNA AC020978) is an oncogenic regulator of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the function of AC020978 in regulating NSCLC metastasis and the potential molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of AC020978 in a series of NSCLC tissues using FISH assays and found that higher AC020978 expression levels were closely associated with metastasis and unfavorable prognosis. Functional studies showed that AC020978 promoted NSCLC migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation demonstrated that AC020978 interacted with malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2) and maintained MDH2 stability. Knockdown of MDH2 weakened the facilitating effect on cell metastasis and 2‐hydroxyglutarate (2‐HG) metabolism in AC020978‐overexpressed NSCLC cells. RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and western blotting revealed that AC020978 was associated with the AKT signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings revealed that AC020978 might serve as a prognostic biomarker and activate the AKT pathway by stabilizing MDH2, leading to metastasis and progression of NSCLC.
Scalable Surface Reconstruction with Delaunay‐Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Sulzer R. , Landrieu L. , Marlet R. , Vallet B.
Published: August 2021

We introduce a novel learning‐based, visibility‐aware, surface reconstruction method for large‐scale, defect‐laden point clouds. Our approach can cope with the scale and variety of point cloud defects encountered in real‐life Multi‐View Stereo (MVS) acquisitions. Our method relies on a 3D Delaunay tetrahedralization whose cells are classified as inside or outside the surface by a graph neural network and an energy model solvable with a graph cut. Our model, making use of both local geometric attributes and line‐of‐sight visibility information, is able to learn a visibility model from a small amount of synthetic training data and generalizes to real‐life acquisitions. Combining the efficiency of deep learning methods and the scalability of energy‐based models, our approach outperforms both learning and non learning‐based reconstruction algorithms on two publicly available reconstruction benchmarks.
Species richness and food‐web structure jointly drive community biomass and its temporal stability in fish communities
Authors: Danet Alain , Mouchet Maud , Bonnaffé Willem , Thébault Elisa , Fontaine Colin
Published: August 2021

Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning and food‐web complexity–stability relationships are central to ecology. However, they remain largely untested in natural contexts. Here, we estimated the links among environmental conditions, richness, food‐web structure, annual biomass and its temporal stability using a standardised monitoring dataset of 99 stream fish communities spanning from 1995 to 2018. We first revealed that both richness and average trophic level are positively related to annual biomass, with effects of similar strength. Second, we found that community stability is fostered by mean trophic level, while contrary to expectation, it is decreased by species richness. Finally, we found that environmental conditions affect both biomass and its stability mainly via effects on richness and network structure. Strikingly, the effect of species richness on community stability was mediated by population stability rather than synchrony, which contrasts with results from single trophic communities. We discuss the hypothesis that it could be a characteristic of multi‐trophic communities.
Distinct intra‐arterial clot localization affects tissue‐level collaterals and venous outflow profiles
Authors: Faizy Tobias D. , Kabiri Reza , Christensen Soren , Mlynash Michael , Kuraitis Gabriella , Broocks Gabriel , Flottmann Fabian , Meyer Lukas , Leischner Hannes , Lansberg Maarten G. , Albers Gregory W. , Marks Michael P. , Fiehler Jens , Wintermark Max , Heit Jeremy J.
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Arterial clot localization affects collateral flow to ischemic brain in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS‐LVO). We determined the association between vessel occlusion locations, tissue‐level collaterals (TLC), and venous outflow (VO) profiles and their impact on good functional outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of consecutive AIS‐LVO patients who underwent thrombectomy triage. Baseline computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was used to localize vessel occlusion, which was dichotomized into proximal vessel occlusion (PVO; internal carotid artery and proximal first segment of the middle cerebral artery [M1]) and distal vessel occlusion (DVO; distal M1 and M2), and to assess collateral scores. TLC were assessed on computed tomographic perfusion data using the hypoperfusion intensity ratio. VO was determined on baseline CTA by the cortical vein opacification score. Primary outcomes were favorable VO and TLC; secondary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale after 90 days.

Results

A total of 649 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 376 patients (58%) had a PVO and 273 patients (42%) had a DVO. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression showed that DVO predicted favorable TLC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24–2.52, p = 0.002) and favorable VO (OR = 7.2, 95% CI = 5.2–11.9, p < 0.001). DVO (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1–5.6, p < 0.001), favorable VO (OR = 6.4, 95% CI = 3.8–10.6, p < 0.001), and favorable TLC (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 2–5.3, p < 0.001), but not CTA collaterals (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.60–1.91, p = 0.813), were predictors of good functional outcome.

Conclusions

DVO in AIS‐LVO patients correlates with favorable TLC and VO profiles, which are associated with good functional outcome.
Probing strain rate effect on the creep–fatigue fracture mechanism of 9%Cr steel‐welded joint via nanoindentation characterization
Authors: Song Yuxuan , Dai Yunling , Gao Zengliang , Huang Huandong , Chen Hongyu , Ma Yi
Published: August 2021

The strain rate‐related creep–fatigue (CF) interactions on the long‐term service damage of 9%Cr steel‐welded joint were investigated at low‐strain amplitude (0.2%). Initially, the average CF life gradually increased from 1,103 to 2,185 cycles as strain rate increased from 0.0001 to 0.002 s−1, and then it slowly decreased from 2,185 to 1,503 cycles as continuously increase the strain rate from 0.002 to 0.005 s−1. By increasing strain rates, the microscale observation indicates the CF fracture location could be shifted from the fine‐grained heat‐affected zone (FGHAZ) to the base metal (BM) region. Meanwhile, the local microscale mechanical properties including hardness, elastic modulus, creep resistance, and strain rate sensitivity on the fractured specimens with a series of strain rates were detected by instrumental nanoindentation. With increasing CF strain rates, the nanoindentation hardness and creep resistance evidently dropped. Based on the characteristics of microstructural evolution and the variation in local mechanical properties, strain rate effects of CF interaction on fracture mechanism of the welds were systematically discussed.
Runaway History and Past 30‐Day Opioid Misuse in Justice‐Involved Adolescents
Authors: Johnson Micah E. , Lloyd Shawnta L. , Bristol Skye C. , Rosel Giselle , Otufowora Ayodeji A. , Epps Nathan N.
Published: August 2021

This study used a sample from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (n= 79,960) to analyze the association between runaway history and past 30‐day opioid misuse (OM) among justice involved adolescents. Past 30‐day OM was confirmed using a urine analysis. Adolescents who were runaways in their lifetime were twice as likely to misuse opioids, and those who were runaways at the time of arrest were three times as likely to be opioid misusers compared to adolescents who never ran away or been kicked out of a home. These findings emphasize a need for resources that focus on developing strong attachment bonds.
Do oxytocin neurones affect feeding?
Authors: Worth Amy A. , Luckman Simon M.
Published: August 2021

There has been a long history of research on the effects of oxytocin on feeding behaviour. The classic‐held view is that the neurohormone is anorexigenic at least in rodents, although the data for humans are not so clear cut. Likewise, a physiological role for oxytocin is disputed. Thus, although pharmacological, anatomical and physiological data suggest oxytocin may have a function in satiety signalling, this view is not supported by the latest research using the genetic recording and manipulation of oxytocin neurones. Here, we avoid a discussion of the pharmacological effects of oxytocin and examine evidence, from both sides of the argument, concerning whether the endogenous oxytocin system has a role in the regulation of normal feeding.
The moral distress model: An empirically informed guide for moral distress interventions
Authors: Morley Georgina , Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Ives Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Aims and Objectives

To explore moral distress empirically and conceptually, to understand the factors that mitigate and exacerbate moral distress and construct a model that represents how moral distress relates to its constituent parts and related concepts.

Background

There is ongoing debate about how to understand and respond to moral distress in nursing practice.

Design

The overarching design was feminist empirical bioethics in which feminist interpretive phenomenology provided the tools for data collection and analysis, reported following the COREQ guidelines. Using reflexive balancing, the empirical data were combined with feminist theory to produce normative recommendations about how to respond to moral distress. The Moral Distress Model presented in this paper is a culmination of the empirical data and theory.

Methods

Using feminist interpretive phenomenology, critical care nurses in the United Kingdom (n = 21) were interviewed and data analysed. Reflexive Balancing was used to integrate the data with feminist theory to provide normative recommendations about how to understand moral distress.

Results

There are five compounding factors that exacerbate/ mitigate nurses' experiences of moral distress: epistemic injustice; the roster lottery; conflict between one's professional and personal responsibilities; ability to advocate and team dynamics. In addition to the causal connection and responses to moral distress, these factors make up the moral distress model which can guide approaches to mitigate moral distress.

Conclusions

The Moral Distress Model is the culmination of these data and theorising formulated into a construct to explain how each element interacts. We propose that this model can be used to inform the design of interventions to address moral distress.
Making space for relational reflexivity in longitudinal qualitative research
Authors: Gordon Lisi
Published: August 2021

In this commentary Gordon introduces relational reflexivity and discusses how researchers, participants and the research encounter can be involved in the creation of new knowledge.
Geobacter sulfurreducens inner membrane cytochrome CbcBA controls electron transfer and growth yield near the energetic limit of respiration
Authors: Joshi Komal , Chan Chi Ho , Bond Daniel R.
Published: August 2021

Geobacter sulfurreducens utilizes extracellular electron acceptors such as Mn(IV), Fe(III), syntrophic partners, and electrodes that vary from +0.4 to −0.3 V versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), representing a potential energy span that should require a highly branched electron transfer chain. Here we describe CbcBA, a bc‐type cytochrome essential near the thermodynamic limit of respiration when acetate is the electron donor. Mutants‐lacking cbcBA ceased Fe(III) reduction at −0.21 V versus SHE, could not transfer electrons to electrodes between −0.21 and −0.28 V, and could not reduce the final 10%–35% of Fe(III) minerals. As redox potential decreased during Fe(III) reduction, cbcBA was induced with the aid of the regulator BccR to become one of the most highly expressed genes in G. sulfurreducens. Growth yield (CFU/mM Fe(II)) was 112% of WT in ∆cbcBA, and deletion of cbcL (an unrelated bc‐cytochrome essential near −0.15 V) in ΔcbcBA increased yield to 220%. Together with ImcH, which is required at high redox potentials, CbcBA represents a third cytoplasmic membrane oxidoreductase in G. sulfurreducens. This expanding list shows how metal‐reducing bacteria may constantly sense redox potential to adjust growth efficiency in changing environments.