bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption of contract farming for managing agricultural risks: a case study in rice production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thuyen Thi , Dang Hoa Le , Pham Ngoc Thi Anh , Dang Huy Duc
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Farmers' risk attitudes and risk perceptions play an essential role in shaping risk management strategies to address risks and uncertainties. Contract farming is considered as one of the feasible approaches to tackle farmers' concerns. However, risk perspectives under various categories have not been included in studies on farmers' preferences for contract farming in the literature, especially in Vietnam. This study aims to determine factors affecting farmers' choices of different contract farming practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and multinomial logit model (MNL) were applied to explore the impacts of risk perspectives on farmers' preferences for contract farming. Data have been collected from 211 rice farmers in An Giang Province, “the rice bowl” of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Findings

The study found that farm size, cooperatives, extension, market access and trust have significantly impacted on contract participation while a delay payment was a barrier for farmers' motivation to opt for the contract. Farmers' contract choices were also influenced by their risk attitudes and perceptions under different risk dimensions. The financial, policy and human risk-averse behavior predisposed farmers to single out the full contract while the policy and human risk-loving and production, market and finance risk-averse respondents were in favor of the marketing contract. Moreover, the findings indicated that the more farmers concerned about risk of weather and market, the more choices for the full contract, whereas the risk perceptions of weather and policy encouraged farmers to use the limited contract. By contrast, farmers who perceived the impacts of risk of diseases/pests and human were likely to adopt the marketing contract.

Research limitations/implications

This study just focuses on collecting data from farmers’ perspective. Future studies involving stakeholders such as enterprises and policy makers are strongly recommended so as to design suitable contracts and enforce contract schemes effectively in Vietnam.

Originality/value

The findings also contribute to the literature on different types of contracts and the multidimensional aspect of risk for rice production in Vietnam.
Modeling students' mathematics achievement and performance through teaching quality: SERVQUAL perspective
Authors: Arthur Yarhands Dissou , Dogbe Courage Simon Kofi , Asiedu-Addo Samuel Kwesi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study explored the effect of mathematics teaching quality on mathematics achievement among undergraduate students, using the SERVQUAL model.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised of 320 first-year undergraduate students of a public university in Ghana. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was run in Amos (v.23) to test the various hypotheses.

Findings

The study concluded that the tangible aspect of the SERVQUAL model (service quality), which is very instrument in some service industries such as the airline, had no significant effect on mathematics achievement. Mathematics teaching reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, however, had significant positive effects on mathematics achievement among undergraduate students.

Research limitations/implications

The study assessed the effects of the individual dimensions of SERVQUAL on mathematics achievement, and it was realized that the tangible dimension had no significant effect. Tangibles may however compliment the other dimensions and is therefore imperative to also assess the effect of service quality (as a higher/second order variable) with the five dimensions as its first-order variables.

Practical implications

Human resources (lecturers) were seen as a strategic tool in enhancing students' academic performance and mathematics performance to be specific. Management of universities is therefore expected to invest in building, training and developing their human resources for an enhanced academic performance of students, especially in mathematics.

Originality/value

Although some past studies have applied SERVQUAL to teaching and learning researches, attention was largely focused on the measurement or assessment of teaching quality using SERVQUAL, with little attention on the effect of SERVQUAL on an outcome variable.
Who’s making the decisions? How managers can harness artificial intelligence and remain in charge
Authors: Tabesh Pooya
Published: September 2021

Purpose

While it is evident that the introduction of machine learning and the availability of big data have revolutionized various organizational operations and processes, existing academic and practitioner research within decision process literature has mostly ignored the nuances of these influences on human decision-making. Building on existing research in this area, this paper aims to define these concepts from a decision-making perspective and elaborates on the influences of these emerging technologies on human analytical and intuitive decision-making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first provide a holistic understanding of important drivers of digital transformation. The authors then conceptualize the impact that analytics tools built on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have on intuitive and analytical human decision processes in organizations.

Findings

The authors discuss similarities and differences between machine learning and two human decision processes, namely, analysis and intuition. While it is difficult to jump to any conclusions about the future of machine learning, human decision-makers seem to continue to monopolize the majority of intuitive decision tasks, which will help them keep the upper hand (vis-à-vismachines), at least in the near future.

Research limitations/implications

The work contributes to research on rational (analytical) and intuitive processes of decision-making at the individual, group and organization levels by theorizing about the way these processes are influenced by advanced AI algorithms such as machine learning.

Practical implications

Decisions are building blocks of organizational success. Therefore, a better understanding of the way human decision processes can be impacted by advanced technologies will prepare managers to better use these technologies and make better decisions. By clarifying the boundaries/overlaps among concepts such as AI, machine learning and big data, the authors contribute to their successful adoption by business practitioners.

Social implications

The work suggests that human decision-makers will not be replaced by machines if they continue to invest in what they do best: critical thinking, intuitive analysis and creative problem-solving.

Originality/value

The work elaborates on important drivers of digital transformation from a decision-making perspective and discusses their practical implications for managers.
Evaluation of vernacular housing on sustainability – a case study of weaving settlements of Kushanpuri, Kuisiria and Bhatli village in Bargarh district of Odisha, India
Authors: Panda Sudha , Ray Soumyendu Shankar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The research aims to explore the wisdom, knowledge and practices in vernacular housing settlements with their sustainability underpinnings as tools for modelling rural affordable housing in tropical regions. The study is based on a weaving settlement in Bargarh district of Odisha, which is globally acclaimed for its Ikkat style of weaving.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchical framework of sustainability resting on the three pillars of ecological, economical and environmental dimensions is derived from existing theoretical research. This framework of 22 indicators is subsequently assigned to assess the sustainability of the vernacular weavers' settlement through quantitative evaluation. A qualitative assessment through observation and deduction also verifies the result.

Findings

Since the vernacular weavers settlement performs very well on the sustainability scorecard, the paper suggests that its best practices can be incorporated while designing affordable housing so that social, cultural and heritage values are retained and a climate conscious, energy-efficient sustainable approach is ensured.

Practical implications

The recommendations from the assessment has many lessons while framing policies for rural affordable housing as it cannot have one size that fits all settlement typology irrespective of the occupational, climatic and social needs.

Originality/value

The sustainable design and planning principles embedded in this vernacular settlement offers a valuable blueprint to re-imagine the affordable housing in rural areas which can be myopic if it does not take into account the occupational needs and life style of craftsmen dwellers.
Memory, memorials and the Mongols in Japanese imagination
Authors: Narangoa Li
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses how the history of the Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century was used to create a collective national memory of modern Japan and how individuals and the Japanese public promoted these memories through a campaign of constructing memorials to strengthen Japan's unified national consciousness in times of national crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The main research material is derived from Japanese newspaper archives, National Diet library database as well as Japanese and English secondary literature.

Findings

This paper argues that three Japanese concepts, such as kokunan (national crisis), kokui (national prestige or pride) and gokoku (protecting the country), were essential for the creation of collective Japanese memory and identity.

Originality/value

The paper outlines the narrative formed around the history of the Mongol invasions of Japan to create a unified national identity through a collective historical memory in times of Japanese “national crisis” felt in its external relations.
What we know about successful principals in Mexico
Authors: Torres-Arcadia Celina , Nava-Lara Sergio , Rodríguez-Uribe César , Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to present what is known from the school principals who participated in the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) in Mexico. The paper reviews 14 publications (5 articles, 5 conference papers and 4 books) on successful school principals in Mexico that were published between 2009 and 2021 as part of the ISSPP. The papers were analysed using a conceptual framework consisting of perceived qualities of the principal, school organisation, suitability of teachers and principals, educational materials and methods and educational infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping study review methodology was used to explore publications and conference proceedings on ISSPP research on Mexican principals and schools in order to answer the question: What do we know about successful school principals in the Mexican context? Conference papers, journal articles, book chapters and books formed the knowledge base for the review.

Findings

As a result of the analysis across the five analysis categories it was found that the principals emphasised improving the educational quality of their schools and understood this as the basic criterion to judge their leadership success. Principals were central to school success and a nested model was produced to show how the successful school is built from the core of the principal, as a socio-emotional skills role model, to a culture of continuous improvement. The model included principal socio-emotional skills, school organisation, continuous improvement of teaching and principal practices and having appropriate educational materials, methods and infrastructure.

Originality/value

The ISSPP has produced a large amount of research. The paper is the first review of the substantial contribution from ISSPP research in Mexico. The model produced from the review adds to the several models produced in the ISSPP.
Personality traits and firm innovation performance: the mediation effect of entrepreneurial innovativeness
Authors: Nguyen Chi Thi Phuong , Nguyen Duong Tuan , Nguyen Hang Thu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of entrepreneurs’ personality traits on firm innovation performance through the mediation role of entrepreneurs’ innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of 2,574 firms from a survey of small and medium-scale manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam, a developing and transitioning economy where SMEs constitute an integral part of the economy. The estimation results based on the structural equation model was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicate that an entrepreneur’s innovativeness is positively associated with his extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience but negatively accompanied with his neuroticism. Besides, the three traits – openness to experience, conscientiousness and extraversion have positive indirect effects, while neuroticism has a negative indirect effect on technological improvement and new technology adoption. However, the effects of agreeableness on entrepreneurial innovativeness and firm innovation performance are insignificant. In addition, the diverse backgrounds of the entrepreneur such as education and ethnics are also found to influence his innovativeness and to have indirect effects on firm innovation performance.

Originality/value

This study may contribute to the immature literature on the entrepreneurial process within SMEs by presenting empirical evidence on the relationship between entrepreneurial personality traits and firm innovation with a large sample of SMEs in Vietnam, an emerging economy where SMEs constitute an integral part of the economy.
Boosting the pre-purchase experience through virtual reality. Insights from the cruise industry
Authors: Simoni Michele , Sorrentino Annarita , Leone Daniele , Caporuscio Andrea
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide an exploratory analysis of the role of virtual reality (VR) in the cruise context as a contribution to the limited literature on this topic. In particular, the research investigates immersive VR as a critical touchpoint at the pre-purchase stage of the customer journey.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research aims, the authors use a case study approach by analysing the “immersive configurator” (essentially a virtual catalogue) implemented by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Findings

Three innovative functions emerged from the study of the MSC’s virtual catalogue. First, it improves the customer experience and engagement through its interactivity. Second, it allows customization of the prospective cruise experience by selecting and changing types of ship, the level of service, the position of the cabin and much more. Third, it becomes a new digital marketing system endowed with large amounts of data.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances the current state of knowledge by presenting an empirical case study on the role of immersive VR at the pre-purchase stage of the customer journey. Second, it offers interesting implications for managers who want to take advantage of the opportunities offered by VR.

Originality/value

The present study analyses the pre-purchase stage in tourism marketing focused on the use of VR in the tourist experience at the time of service delivery. Second, it enriches the tourism literature by integrating supply-side and demand-side perspectives. Third, from a methodological point of view, this paper offers an in-depth qualitative study in a context where scholars have mostly applied quantitative methods.
Corporate social responsibility in Islamic banks: to which extent does Abu Dhabi Islamic bank comply with the global reporting initiative standards?
Authors: Abu Al-Haija Elias , Kolsi Mohamed Chakib , Kolsi Mohamed Chakib Chakib
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to explore whether Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) complies with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure practices for the period 2014–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

By analysing both annual and sustainability reports of the bank using content analysis for each Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) category, 100 universal standards, 200 economic standards, 300 environmental standards, 400 social standards. The authors then compute and discuss the degree of compliance of ADIB disclosures by using annual charts and graphs.

Findings

Results show that, although ADIB issues sustainability reports, numerous GRI standards do not appear in the bank’s reports such as general disclosures GRI 102, economic disclosures items such as anti-competitive behaviour GRI 206 and environmental disclosures such as gas emissions GRI 305 due to the nature of bank’s activities. However, the bank focuses mainly on social standards GRI 400 including community services, training and development. Hence, ADIB partially complies with the GRI standards (2016) especially social disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

The study encompasses some limitations: first, due to the discretionary nature of CSR reporting, many items were ignored or missed for the full period. Second, the disclosure of a sustainability report by the company was only available for the year 2017, which, in turn, makes it difficult for comparison.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have important implications for academics and researchers, and practitioners as they pave the way for further investigation regarding CSR compliance of Islamic financial institutions. The results also have important implications for Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions in developing a CSR reporting standard if Islamic banks are to enhance their image globally and to maintain competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing debate on CSR disclosures in the Islamic banking industry by comparing ADIB practices with regard to the GRI standards.
The future of the printed book in the era of technological advancement: an imperative for digital innovation and engagement
Authors: Nyambane Rhoydah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the place of the printed book in the era of technological advancement with the assumption that the print media is facing imminent death in the face of readily available and convenient online information. Also the paper aims to assess how the development of new technologies have affected the production, circulation and readership of the printed book, especially among the young generation.

Design/methodology/approach

Explanatory study was used with closed-ended approach to collect data from 50 students of the Technical University of Kenya and 5 key informant interviews with selected book publishers in Nairobi. The uses and gratification theory was used to explore the knowledge-seeking behavior among the respondents.

Findings

Findings showed that more than 80% of the respondents preferred the internet to the printed book, which, according to them, has no future in the face of technological advancement. Book publishers, on the other hand, felt that the printed book has a bright future among specific audiences who are committed to it, and especially those in the rural areas who have no access to the internet. While they agreed that the internet has posed a major challenge to the sales and readership of the printed book significantly, it is helping in marketing the printed book as opposed to killing it. New bookshops in Nairobi and modern libraries in high schools, tertiary institutions and universities demonstrate that the printed book is not dying soon.

Research limitations/implications

The researcher experienced challenges in data collection as the respondents were busy preparing for final examinations and hence many of them were not willing to spare time to fill the questionnaire. To solve this, the researcher had to spend more time to collect data as opposed to if the students were free and ready to participate in the study without any pressure.

Practical implications

The findings can be used as a basis for further research to widen the scope that can help bring a wider perspective to the topic. The results can also inform policy guidelines on the topic and also contribute to the body of knowledge.

Social implications

The topic touches on social phenomena that are affecting a number of young people and their information-seeking habits in the era of digital revolution. The way the young generation seek and use information should be of interest not only to academic staff but also to policymakers.

Originality/value

The paper is original based on primary data that was collected by the researcher from the respondents. It is backed by secondary data to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Vaccine nationalism and equitable access to COVID-19 pharmaceuticals: TRIPS Agreement under trial (again)
Authors: Chimpango Boniface
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute towards the debate about global access to COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

Design/methodology/approach

The global scramble for COVID-19 vaccine and other related pharmaceutical products have once again exposed the limitations of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). High-income countries are claiming a lion’s share of the first available batches of the COVID-19 vaccine in total disregard of the consequences such approach would have on the low-income countries that lack both the manufacturing wherewithal and the financial resources to purchase the vaccine and other products needed to combat the pandemic. This paper reviews the existing TRIPS Flexibilities and analyses their limitations with respect to equitable access of pharmaceutical products in times of health emergencies. This paper then considers the unique challenges that have been brought to the fore by the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, this paper analytically explores some options that have been proposed so far that the World Trade Organization (WTO) or governments can take in the immediate to near term to facilitate equitable access to COVID-19 pharmaceutical products and technologies. This research is non-empirical, desk-based research. It is, therefore, based on the literature review of existing body of work that is relevant to the topic under discussion. Mindful of the epistemological challenges that are always associated with desk-based research, part of the methodology of this work is to seek support from related empirical studies based on different philosophical underpinnings but that confirm the working hypothesis of this research.

Findings

This paper finds that there is still a need for a comprehensive reform of TRIPS Agreement to streamline the voluntary licencing system which is an important tool for low-income countries’ access to affordable pharmaceuticals. However, for purposes of dealing with COVID-19, WTO members should consider establishing pooled Licencing Facilities and procurement strategies via already existing political, economic or regional trade groupings.

Originality/value

This research is original. All sources have been acknowledged. This research synthesises different research papers and applies different viewpoints to the debate on the impact of the TRIPS Agreement on equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
A model to reduce the risk of project selection utilizing data envelopment analysis
Authors: Sadeghiyan Shaghayegh , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad , Daneshian Behrouz , Azarmir Shotorbani Nima
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Project selection management is a matter of challenge for project-oriented organizations, particularly, if the decision-makers are confronted with limited resources. One of the main concerns is selecting an optimal subset that can successfully satisfy the requirements of the organization providing enough resources to the best subset of the project. The projects for which there are not enough resources or those requiring whole resources of the organization will collapse soon after failed to success. Therefore, the issue is in the risk of choosing a set of projects so that can make a balance in investment versus on collective benefit.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is presented for project selection and has been tested on the 37 available projects. This model could increase the efficiency of the whole subset of the project significantly in comparison to the other model and it was because of choosing a diverse subset of projects.

Findings

Provides a general framework for project selection and a diverse and balanced subset of projects to increase the efficiency of the selected subset. Also, reduces the impact of uncertainty risk on the project selection process.

Research limitations/implications

For the purposes of project selection, any project whose results are uncertain is a risky project because, if the project fails, it will reduce combined project value. For example, a pharmaceutical company’s R&D project is affected by the uncertain results of a specific compound. If the company invests in different compounds, a failure with one will be offset by a good result on another. Therefore, with selecting a diverse set of projects, this paper will have a different set of risks.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the risk of selecting or being responsible for selecting a project under uncertainty. Most of the projects in the field of project selection generally consider the risks facing the projects or existing models that do not take into account the risk.
Make the apps stand out: discoverability and perceived value are vital for adoption
Authors: Jiang Ling , Zhou Wenkai , Ren Zhuoyi , Yang Zhilin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

From an environmental psychology perspective, we aim to uncover the role that app discoverability facilitators play in enabling the various perceived values (e.g. social, information and hedonic) necessary for app adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study was conducted and data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Results show that certain consumer review elements (i.e. review quality, review quantity and app ranking), peer influence and app developers' reputation — to varying degrees — influence the three perceived values, which subsequently affect users' app adoption intention. The three perceived values mediate the relationship between app discoverability facilitators and users' app adoption intention.

Practical implications

App store managers and developers should make a greater effort to effectively optimize discoverability and product differentiation.

Originality/value

Guided by environmental psychology, we confirm the importance of app discoverability facilitators regarding their influence on users' general perceptions of an app (e.g. the three perceived values). We also uncover the differentiated effect of the three perceived values on app adoption intention.
Furthering systems theory towards social theory by revisiting critical systems thinking: connecting problem-solving and theory-building
Authors: Lo Shih-Hui , Liu Cheng-Da
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose is to forward systems theory one more step towards social theory and integrate problem-solving and theory-building, and search for the integration and unity of science by revealing the nature and role of critical systems thinking (CST).

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes relations between systems theory and social theory in three parts. First, it examines the links of systems methodologies with three social science approaches as well as the role of CST. Second, the focus of theory and the form of explanation are discussed from critical social science (CSS) perspective. Third, the direction of theorizing of a CST-based systems theory is investigated.

Findings

First, CST is a hidden assumption of system dynamics (SD)/systems thinking (ST). Second, systems theory is positioned in CSS. Third, CST integrates traditional and soft systems methodologies (SSM), and connects systems science and social science. Fourth, this article reveals hidden links between systems approaches and three corresponding social science approaches. Fifth, the theoretical focus of a CST-based systems theory could be formal/structure theory and/or substantive/content theory. Sixth, the form of explanation could be structural/mechanismic explanation combining causal and interpretive explanations. Seventh, a CST-based systems theory may adopt abduction, which complements a defect in deduction and induction in a difficulty of nonlinearity.

Originality/value

It illustrates a graph of the competing approaches in systems science corresponding to paradigms in social science.
Do social media data indicate visits to tourist attractions? A case study of Shanghai, China
Authors: Liang Huilin , Zhang Qingping
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Can Chinese social media data (SMD) be used as an alternative to traditional surveys used to understand tourists' visitation of attractions in Chinese cities? The purpose of this paper is to explore this question.

Design/methodology/approach

Popular tourism SMD sources in China, such as Ctrip, Weibo and Dazhong Dianping (DZDP), were used as data source, and the relationships between these sources and traditional data sources were studied with statistical methods. Data from Shanghai were used in this study since it is rich in tourism resources and developed in information.

Findings

A systematic research method was followed and led to the following conclusions: There were positive correlations for attraction visitation between Chinese SMD and traditional survey data; Chinese SMD source could temporally indicate visits to Shanghai tourist attractions; Ctrip SMD generally performed less well than Weibo or DZDP, and different SMD performed differently depending on the specific attractions and time units in the visitation calculation process; and factors including visitation, distance from the city center and the grade of attractions might affect the prediction performance based on data from the SMD. The findings suggest that Chinese SMD could be used as a cost-efficient and reliable proxy for traditional survey data to predict Chinese attraction visitation.

Originality/value

This study applies and improves the methods of SMD reliability in attraction use studies, supplies the gap for premise, basis and foundation for the large amounts of tourism researches using SMD in China and could promote and inspire more efficient and advanced measures in tourism management and urban development.
The informalization of doctor–patient relations in a Finnish setting: New social figurations and emergent possibilities
Authors: Wilkinson Iain , Vaananen Ari
Published: September 2021

This article features data drawn from interviews with doctors working in the Finnish occupational health‐care system. These are used to explore the value of an Eliasian approach towards interpreting and assessing the moral meanings and social dynamics of relationships between health practitioners and their patients. We attend to spiralling ‘formalizing’ and ‘informalizing’ processes and how these are operating to reconfigure doctor–patient relationships. We document some of the ways in which Finnish doctors are adapting to these processes. While data drawn from a British context suggest both doctor and patients are inclined to adopt positions of mutual distrust and hostility, by contrast we note that in this Finnish setting more concerted attempts are being made to renegotiate social roles, cultural meanings and individual responsibilities. We propose that this can be taken as an instance where informalization is accompanied by revitalized currents of formalization and new syntheses of moral codes and conduct.
The unexplored role of sedentary time and physical activity in glucose and lipid metabolism‐related placental mRNAs in pregnant women who are obese: the DALI lifestyle randomised controlled trial
Authors: Acosta‐Manzano P , Leopold‐Posch B , Simmons D , Devlieger R , Galjaard S , Corcoy R , Adelantado JM , Dunne F , Harreiter J , Kautzky‐Willer A , Damm P , Mathiesen ER , Jensen DM , Andersen LL , Tanvig M , Lapolla A , Dalfra MG , Bertolotto A , Wender‐Ozegowska E , Zawiejska A , Hill DJ , Snoek FJ , Jelsma JGM , Desoye G , van Poppel MNM
Published: September 2021

Objective

We aimed to explore: (i) the association of sedentary time (ST) and physical activity (PA) during pregnancy with the placental expression of genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women who are obese; (ii) maternal metabolic factors mediating changes in these placental transcripts; and (iii) cord blood markers related to the mRNAs mediating neonatal adiposity.

Design

Multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Hospitals in nine European countries.

Population

A cohort of 112 pregnant women with placental tissue.

Methods

Both ST and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) levels were measured objectively using accelerometry at three time periods during pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

Placental mRNAs (FATP2, FATP3, FABP4, GLUT1 and PPAR‐γ) were measured with NanoString technology. Maternal and fetal metabolic markers and neonatal adiposity were assessed.

Results

Longer periods of ST, especially in early to middle pregnancy, was associated with lower placental FATP2 and FATP3 expression (P < 0.05), whereas MVPA at baseline was inversely associated with GLUT1 mRNA (P = 0.02). Although placental FATP2 and FATP3 expression were regulated by the insulin–glucose axis (P < 0.05), no maternal metabolic marker mediated the association of ST/MVPA with placental mRNAs (P > 0.05). Additionally, placental FATP2 expression was inversely associated with cord blood triglycerides and free fatty acids (FFAs; P < 0.01). No cord blood marker mediated neonatal adiposity except for cord blood leptin, which mediated the effects of PPAR‐γ on neonatal sum of skinfolds (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In early to middle pregnancy, ST is associated with the expression of placental genes linked to lipid transport. PA is hardly related to transporter mRNAs. Strategies aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour during pregnancy could modulate placental gene expression, which may help to prevent unfavourable fetal and maternal pregnancy outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Reducing sedentary behaviour in pregnancy might modulate placental expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in women who are obese.
What is an appropriate caesarean delivery rate for China: a multicentre survey
Authors: Zhang Y , Betran AP , Li X , Liu D , Yuan N , Shang L , Lin W , Tu S , Wang L , Wu X , Zhu T , Zhang Y , Lu Z , Zheng L , Gu C , Fang J , Liu Z , Ma L , Cai Z , Yang X , Li H , Zhang H , Zhao X , Yan L , Wang L , Sun X , Luo Q , Liu L , Zhu J , Qin W , Yao Q , Dong S , Yang Y , Cui Z , He Y , Feng X , He L , Zhang H , Zhang L , Wang X , Souza JP , Qi H , Duan T , Zhang J
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess the current status of caesarean delivery (CD) in China, propose reference CD rates for China overall, and by regions, investigate the main indications for CDs and identify possible areas for safe reduction.

Design

A multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Setting

A total of 94 hospitals across 23 provinces in China.

Population

A total of 73 977 randomly selected deliveries.

Methods

We used a modified Robson classification to characterise CDs in subgroups and by regions, and the World Health Organization (WHO) C‐Model to calculate reference CD rates.

Main outcome measures

CD rates in China.

Results

In 2015–2016, the overall CD rate in China was 38.9% (95% CI 38.6–39.3%). Considering the obstetric characteristics of the population, the multivariable model‐based reference CD rate was estimated at 28.5% (95% CI 28.3–28.8%). Accordingly, an absolute reduction of 10.4% (or 26.7% relative reduction) may be considered. The CD rate varied substantially by region. Previous CD was the most common indication in all regions, accounting for 38.2% of all CDs, followed by maternal request (9.8%), labour dystocia (8.3%), fetal distress (7.7%) and malpresentation (7.6%). Overall, 12.7% of women had prelabour CDs, contributing to 32.8% of the total CDs.

Conclusions

Nearly 39% of births were delivered by caesarean in China but a reduction of this rate by a quarter may be considered attainable. Repeat CD contributed more than one‐third of the total CDs. Given the large variation in maternal characteristics, region‐specific or even hospital‐specific reference CD rates are needed for precision management of CD.

Tweetable abstract

The caesarean rate in 2015–2016 in China was 38.9%, whereas the reference rate was 28.5%.
The effect of real estate prices on peer firms
Authors: Kjenstad Einar C. , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2021

We investigate peer effects from corporate real estate. Shocks to real estate prices shift firms' debt capacity, which has a significant impact not only on firm investment but also on the investment of peer firms. This peer effect from corporate real estate is stronger when firms or their peers have more investment opportunities; financially constrained firms invest more out of their own price shocks, while the peer effect is stronger for unconstrained firms; and we find significant peer effects within groups of small and large firms, respectively. Firms finance additional investment from peer real estate shocks using cash reserves. Overall, we document a new channel through which real estate is an economically significant determinant of corporate investment.
Optimization of wheat flour by product films: A technological and sustainable approach for bio‐based packaging material
Authors: Peron‐Schlosser Bianca , Carpiné Danielle , Matos Jorge Regina Maria , Rigon Spier Michele
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the production of sustainable and biodegradable packages made from a little‐explored by product of wheat‐milling, the glue flour (GF). Films were produced by the casting method and the effect of the incorporation of glycerol, sorbitol, and GF in the properties of the films was investigated following the central composite rotational design (CCRD) approach. The results have been statistically analyzed by the response surface methodology and the desirability function. Due to the rich composition in amylaceous reserve (64.81%; 26% of amylose content), considerable protein content (11.23%), and fibers (8.28%), the GF proved to be suitable for use as a matrix in biopolymer films. All the properties were mainly influenced by the plasticizer type and GF concentration. Film plasticized with glycerol (run 13) was more flexible, had higher moisture (28.39%) content, and was more adhesive than the formulation made with sorbitol (run 11). Film elongation (ELO) ranged from 25.84% to 56.71%, and tensile strength (TS) from 0.10 to 2.8 MPa. The optimized process conditions were 8% for Cf, 0% for Cg, and 4% for Cs. Under these conditions, the films presented low moisture (12.1%), moderate solubility (35.5%) and TS (1.64 MPa), and high ELO (72.06%). This study showed that GF is a promising source for the development of biodegradable films.

Practical Application

Films made from a by product of wheat flour (glue flour) have technological potential to be used as packaging for food products. The valorization of a by product of the agribusiness without pre‐treatment for the production of biodegradable films was made possible. The study by casting technique is a previous for scale‐up production.
Deciphering the molecular signal from past and alive bacterial communities in aquatic sedimentary archives
Authors: Pearman John K. , Biessy Laura , Howarth Jamie D. , Vandergoes Marcus J. , Rees Andrew , Wood Susanna A.
Published: September 2021

Lake sediments accumulate information on biological communities thus acting as natural archives. Traditionally paleolimnology has focussed on fossilized remains of organisms, however, many organisms do not leave fossil evidence, meaning major ecosystem components are missing from environmental reconstructions. Many paleolimnology studies now incorporate molecular methods, including investigating microbial communities using environmental DNA (eDNA), but there is uncertainty about the contribution of living organisms to molecular inventories. In the present study, we obtained DNA and RNA inventories from sediment spanning 700 years to investigate the contribution of past and active communities to the molecular signal from sedimentary archives. Additionally, a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene of the photosynthetic cyanobacterial genera Microcystis was used to explore if RNA signals were from legacy RNA. We posit that the RNA signal is a mixture of legacy RNA, dormant cells, living bacteria and modern‐day trace level contaminants that were introduced during sampling and preferentially amplified. The presence of legacy RNA was confirmed by the detection of Microcystis in sediments aged to ~200 years ago. Recent comparisons between 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and traditional paleo proxies showed that past changes in bacterial communities can be reconstructed from sedimentary archives. The recovery of RNA in the present study has provided new insights into the origin of these signals. However, caution is required during analysis and interpretation of 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding data especially in recent sediments were there are potentially active bacteria.
miR‐24 and its target gene Prdx6 regulate viability and senescence of myogenic progenitors during aging
Authors: Soriano‐Arroquia Ana , Gostage John , Xia Qin , Bardell David , McCormick Rachel , McCloskey Eugene , Bellantuono Ilaria , Clegg Peter , McDonagh Brian , Goljanek‐Whysall Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

Satellite cell‐dependent skeletal muscle regeneration declines during aging. Disruptions within the satellite cells and their niche, together with alterations in the myofibrillar environment, contribute to age‐related dysfunction and defective muscle regeneration. In this study, we demonstrated an age‐related decline in satellite cell viability and myogenic potential and an increase in ROS and cellular senescence. We detected a transient upregulation of miR‐24 in regenerating muscle from adult mice and downregulation of miR‐24 during muscle regeneration in old mice. FACS‐sorted satellite cells were characterized by decreased levels of miR‐24 and a concomitant increase in expression of its target: Prdx6. Using GFP reporter constructs, we demonstrated that miR‐24 directly binds to its predicted site within Prdx6 mRNA. Subtle changes in Prdx6 levels following changes in miR‐24 expression indicate miR‐24 plays a role in fine‐tuning Prdx6 expression. Changes in miR‐24 and Prdx6 levels were associated with altered mitochondrial ROS generation, increase in the DNA damage marker: phosphorylated‐H2Ax and changes in viability, senescence, and myogenic potential of myogenic progenitors from mice and humans. The effects of miR‐24 were more pronounced in myogenic progenitors from old mice, suggesting a context‐dependent role of miR‐24 in these cells, with miR‐24 downregulation likely a part of a compensatory response to declining satellite cell function during aging. We propose that downregulation of miR‐24 and subsequent upregulation of Prdx6 in muscle of old mice following injury are an adaptive response to aging, to maintain satellite cell viability and myogenic potential through regulation of mitochondrial ROS and DNA damage pathways.
Mother’s curse on conservation: assessing the role of mtDNA in sex‐specific survival differences in ex‐situ breeding programs
Authors: Leeflang H. L. , Van Dongen S. , Helsen P.
Published: September 2021

For captive breeding to be an effective conservation tool, population fitness needs to be guaranteed according to the latest insights. Preserving genetic diversity has been a major pillar in conservation breeding, as it is a proxy for long‐term population viability. Small differences on the DNA level can impact an individual’s overall fitness and when situated on the mitochondrial genome might more specifically affect the process of aging and fertility. In general, mitochondrial DNA is transmitted via the mother. In the process of natural selection, variants beneficial for female fitness will be selected for whereas male‐harming variants that are neutral or beneficial in females will never be selected against. This biased selective sieve results in the accumulation of male‐harming mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, a process labelled “mother's curse”. Regardless of the susceptibility of zoo populations to “mother’s curse”, mitochondrial‐induced fitness effects have remained unstudied within captive breeding programs. While current conservation breeding strategies focus on retaining nuclear diversity, studies that specifically concentrate on aberrant extra‐nuclear genetic processes might improve breeding practices. Here, we provide a framework and empirical evidence for the presence of mtDNA‐induced sex‐specific differences starting from readily available population information. We analyzed whether an individual’s mitochondrial background partly affects survival in a sex‐specific manner using studbook data from captive populations representing 16 species. Our results indicate male survival is affected in five maternal lineages on pre‐ and postnatal level. Additionally, we describe the overall beneficial effects some maternal lineages have over others in terms of survival. These results are of interest in the debate on the maintenance of healthy captive populations and how to further improve safeguarding their genetic diversity for both ex‐situ and in‐situ conservation.
Automatic wide complex tachycardia differentiation using mathematically synthesized vectorcardiogram signals
Authors: Kashou Anthony H. , LoCoco Sarah , McGill Trevon D. , Evenson Christopher M. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Hodge David O. , Cooper Daniel H. , Sodhi Sandeep S. , Cuculich Phillip S. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Noseworthy Peter A. , DeSimone Christopher V. , May Adam M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Automated wide complex tachycardia (WCT) differentiation into ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular wide complex tachycardia (SWCT) may be accomplished using novel calculations that quantify the extent of mean electrical vector changes between the WCT and baseline electrocardiogram (ECG). At present, it is unknown whether quantifying mean electrical vector changes within three orthogonal vectorcardiogram (VCG) leads (X, Y, and Z leads) can improve automated VT and SWCT classification.

Methods

A derivation cohort of paired WCT and baseline ECGs was used to derive five logistic regression models: (i) one novel WCT differentiation model (i.e., VCG Model), (ii) three previously developed WCT differentiation models (i.e., WCT Formula, VT Prediction Model, and WCT Formula II), and (iii) one “all‐inclusive” model (i.e., Hybrid Model). A separate validation cohort of paired WCT and baseline ECGs was used to trial and compare each model's performance.

Results

The VCG Model, composed of WCT QRS duration, baseline QRS duration, absolute change in QRS duration, X‐lead QRS amplitude change, Y‐lead QRS amplitude change, and Z‐lead QRS amplitude change, demonstrated effective WCT differentiation (area under the curve [AUC] 0.94) for the derivation cohort. For the validation cohort, the diagnostic performance of the VCG Model (AUC 0.94) was similar to that achieved by the WCT Formula (AUC 0.95), VT Prediction Model (AUC 0.91), WCT Formula II (AUC 0.94), and Hybrid Model (AUC 0.95).

Conclusion

Custom calculations derived from mathematically synthesized VCG signals may be used to formulate an effective means to differentiate WCTs automatically.