bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does coaching influence teacher implementation of a science programme? Evidence from an experimental study
Authors: Furman Melina , Luzuriaga Mariana , Taylor Inés , Podestá María Eugenia
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The study aimed to understand the effect of instructional coaching on teachers' implementation of a science teaching improvement programme and whether it varies in schools of different socioeconomic statuses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an experimental study. A total of 59 seventh-grade classrooms from a representative sample of public schools from the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were provided with research-based science educative curriculum materials (ECM) as resources to improve their teaching. A randomly selected treatment group received additional instructional coaching. Coaches met one-on-one with teachers on a weekly basis, providing pedagogical support to enact the ECM. After a 12-week intervention, the authors analyzed science teaching practices as evidenced in students' notebooks. The authors used a fidelity framework to understand the programme's implementation (with and without coaching), considering its adherence, dosage and quality, and compared how it varied across schools.

Findings

While teachers in both groups used the ECM in their science lessons (i.e. with high adherence), instructional coaching almost tripled science teaching time (i.e. the dosage) but did not increase the quality of implementation (i.e. the percentage of inquiry-based science activities taught). In low socioeconomic status schools, the effect of coaching on dosage was even more intense.

Originality/value

This study provides robust evidence on the impact of instructional coaching on teaching improvement programmes in science in developing countries, an under researched topic. The findings may contribute to developing targeted coaching interventions considering their effectiveness in different school contexts.
Selection of appropriate maintenance strategy using fuzzy VIKOR technique: application in paper industry
Authors: Chopra Amit , Sachdeva Anish , Bhardwaj Arvind
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The industry is relying on the preventive maintenance techniques that can minimize failures and provide industrial plants with effective equipment, but in many companies the maintenance tasks are performed very frequently and not as per plan and do not take into consideration the conditions of the plant and equipments. The failure of each and every component needs to be studied in order to choose the best maintenance strategy. This paper presents a fuzzy VIKOR (Multicriteria Optimization and Compromise Solution) technique which is used in developing a comprehensive approach for maintenance strategy selection in the Deinking plant of the paper industry to choose the appropriate maintenance strategy thereby reducing the unnecessary cost incurred on the maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the Fuzzy VIKOR based methodology was applied for determining the maintenance criticality index of the deinking plant of the paper industry. The effect of failure of components were evaluated by three maintenance experts on five performance criteria that is chance of failure, chance of non-detection, downtime length, severity, spare part criticality. The components were ranked according to the maintenance criticality index and thereby implementing the appropriate maintenance strategy.

Findings

The Fuzzy VIKOR technique was applied to calculate the ranking of various components of paper industry based on the views and judgment of three maintenance experts. The proposed technique suggested the appropriate maintenance strategy for various components taking into consideration the maintenance criticality index of the components.

Originality/value

The proposed technique will help the maintenance managers to solve a discrete problem with non-commensurable and conflicting criteria. The study will help the industries to reduce the unnecessary maintenance tasks and thereby reduce the maintenance cost. This will help the maintenance practitioners in choosing the best and most effective strategy for the organization with regard to the market and company situation especially in the changing business requirement of Industry 4.0.
The spillover effects of different monetary incentive levels on health experts' free knowledge contribution behavior
Authors: Qi Tuotuo , Wang Tianmei , Yan Jiarui
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Understanding health experts' online free knowledge contribution behavior is vital for promoting health knowledge and improving health literacy. This study focuses on the spillover effects of different monetary incentive levels on health experts' free knowledge contribution behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2016, Zhihu Live and Zhi Hu were launched as two types of paid knowledge products on Zhihu.com, a hybrid knowledge exchange platform. Focusing on the policy impact of launching Zhihu Live and Zhi Hu, this study uses the difference-in-differences model to analyze the heterogeneous spillover effects of high-yield and low-yield monetary incentives on health experts' free knowledge contribution behavior.

Findings

In the short term, the high-yield monetary incentive has positive spillover effects on the quantity and quality of free knowledge contribution while the low-yield monetary incentive generates opposite effects. In the long term, the effects of the high-yield monetary incentive remain significantly positive. The effect of the low-yield monetary incentive on the quantity of free knowledge contribution remains significantly negative, but its effect on the quality of free knowledge contribution is not significant.

Originality/value

This study combines theories of reciprocity and resource limitation to study the spillover effects of different monetary incentive levels on health experts' online behavior. The short-term and long-term effects of different monetary incentive levels on health experts' online behavior are also explored.
Adoption of climate-smart agriculture technology in drought-prone area of India – implications on farmers' livelihoods
Authors: Pal Barun Deb , Kapoor Shreya , Saroj Sunil , Jat M.L. , Kumar Yogesh , Anantha K.H.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Laser land leveling (LLL) is a climate-smart technology that improves water use efficiency and reduces risk in crop cultivation due to weather variability. Hence, this technology is useful for cultivating water-intensive crops in a sustainable way. Given this background, the state government of Karnataka initiated to promote LLL in drought-prone districts and selected Raichur district for implementation. Moreover, farmers in this district had observed drought situation during monsoon paddy growing season in 2018. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the importance of LLL technology for paddy cultivation under drought conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A primary survey with 604 farmer households had been conducted in Raichur in 2018. Among them, 50% are adopters of LLL who have been selected purposively and rest 50% are non-adopters who have grown paddy in the adjacent or nearest plot of the laser-leveled plot. The adoption and causal impact of LLL has been estimated using propensity score matching, coarsened exact matching and endogenous switching regression methods.

Findings

The result reveals a positive and significant impact of LLL on paddy yield and net returns to the farmers. The results indicate an increment of 12 and 16% in rice yield and net income, respectively, for LLL adopters in comparison to the non-adopters of LLL.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the study is that it does not adopt the method of experimental study due to certain limitations; hence, the authors employed a quasi-experimental method to look at the possible impact of adoption of LL.

Originality/value

There have been various agronomic studies focusing on theex-anteassessment of the LLL. This study is anex-postassessment of the technology on the crop yield and farmers' income in a dry semi-arid region of India, which, according to the authors, is the first in this approach.
Financial literacy and personal retirement planning: a socioeconomic approach
Authors: Safari Kulondwa , Njoka Charity , Munkwa Mugisho Guershom
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of financial literacy on personal retirement planning in Bukavu city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is a Sub-Saharan underdeveloped country with a weak pension and social security system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a structural equation modeling and a sample of 361 public sector employees selected in Bukavu city in the DRC. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and SMART PLS software.

Findings

The results from the study revealed that financial literacy has a significant impact on personal retirement planning. Two constructs of financial literacy, respectively, computation capability and financial knowledge were found to have a significant impact on personal retirement planning, while financial education and attitudes toward financial products were found not significant in explaining personal retirement planning.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can be used by policy makers in the DRC to design socioeconomic programs, aiming to increase the level of financial literacy in the country and awareness on personal retirement planning.

Originality/value

The reviewed studies were based mostly on developed countries, and countries were the social security system works effectively. We have not found a study on financial literacy and retirement planning that has been conducted in the DRC, which is a country with specific characteristics compared to developed countries.
COVID-19: it’s impact in Hajj and Umrah and a future direction
Authors: Muneeza Aishath , Mustapha Zakariya
Published: July 2021

Purpose

There is a misconception that Hajj and Umarah is just a worship matter and the consequences of suspending these religious gathering due to the pandemic is only limited to delay of going Saudi Arabia to perform it. However, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the impact of the pandemic in Hajj and Umrah by exploring its impact on different stakeholders affecting its disruption due to the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a library-based study that uses qualitative method to explore the impact of COVID-19 on Hajj and Umrah. Thus, provisions of Quran and hadith on Hajj and Umrah were examined as primary data for the research to establish the importance of the rituals in Islam. Guidelines set by Hajj regulators and instruments enabling them in that behalf were examined likewise. In addition, content analyses were made of relevant secondary data from published sources including articles, books, newspapers and web resources that embody scholarly, scientific and religious views on the issue being studied.

Findings

It is realised that in the first year of the pandemic, while Umrah is entirely suspended, Hajj was scaled back and performed by 10,000 people altogether, a tiny segment of the over two and half million that partook in the ritual previously. Hajj and Umrah have been greatly inhibited and jeopardised by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in religious, social, economic, psychological effects on the eligible but affected Muslims and Muslims countries. Along these lines, recommendations were accordingly proffered on the way forward to better Hajj and Umrah management.

Originality/value

It is anticipated that the findings of the research would assist policy makers to comprehend the impact of the pandemic on Hajj and Umrah to ensure that the policies they make in this regard would adequately cover every aspect affecting the stakeholders which is deliberated in this research. It is also expected that the recommendations provided in this paper will assist stakeholders of Hajj and Umrah to grasp the importance of taking precautions for any crisis similar to COVID-19 when it happens.
How to motivate opinion leaders to spread e-WoM on social media: monetary vs non-monetary incentives
Authors: López Manuela , Sicilia Maria , Verlegh Peeter W.J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Opinion leaders are increasingly important as a source of information, with consumers judging them to be more credible than other media and more influential than other consumers. Thus, companies have an interest in engaging opinion leaders to post about products and brands, and the authors analyse different incentives for encouraging them to spread the word on social media (via electronic word-of-mouth [e-WoM]).

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 3 between-subjects experimental design was developed in which 359 technological opinion leaders (bloggers) participated. The authors manipulated the monetary incentive (money vs no money) and non-monetary incentives (information only vs return product vs keep product) offered in exchange for a brand post.

Findings

Various techniques for approaching opinion leaders are effective, but to differing degrees. Providing a product free of charge increases the likelihood that opinion leaders will post about it, and the highest intention to post is observed when they are allowed to keep the product. In contrast, giving money to opinion leaders could have an indirect negative impact on their intention to post through the expected negative reaction of followers.

Originality/value

It remains unclear how opinion leaders can best be encouraged to spread e-WoM, as incentives used for consumers may work differently for opinion leaders, who have followers that they want to maintain. The main contribution of this paper lies in its explanation of why opinion leaders react differently to monetary versus non-monetary incentives.
Impacts and challenges of Southern African Development Community’s industrialization agenda on Botswana and Tanzania
Authors: Mkwizu Kezia H. , Monametsi Gladness L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impacts and challenges of the Southern African Development Community’s industrialization agenda on the industrialization of two Sub-Saharan African states, Botswana and Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the documentary research method by carefully analyzing relevant policy documents, conference papers, reports, and journals.

Findings

While there is an impact on policy provisions targeted towards industrialization, there are challenges such as poor policy implementation that, if not addressed, could dampen efforts by policymakers in achieving the goal of industrializing the countries.

Practical implications

Governments should ensure equal synergy relations amongst institutions tasked with implementation. Increase investment in research and development (R&D) and human capital as drivers of innovation are needed for industrialization.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the discourse on industrialization. It also highlights challenges faced by countries whose policies have had minimal impact on industrialization.
Impacts of the internet on perceptions of governance at the community level: the case of Jiangqiao Township in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yao Yili , Zhou Xianghong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The rate of urbanisation in China has accelerated community heterogeneity, and yet it has also led to challenges and problems in community governance. This trend has been accompanied by the rapid expansion of information and communication technology (ICT) and online activities. Based on the example of Jiangqiao Township in Shanghai, this paper aims to probe the link between online participation using the internet and its impacts on social capital formation and community development.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted, and a case study method based on quantitative data was applied to test the theoretical framework in the interactions of users’ online participation and perceptions of community governance.

Findings

Participation in an online community through the internet was found to foster new social capital. Distributed social capital had a positive impact on perceptions of governance at the community level, which was due to the resulting network density and social trust of the locality.

Originality/value

This study offers an expanded perspective on the impact of the internet on the behaviour of netizens in China in the context of community governance in new settlements and townships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is interesting to investigate how the use of mass communication channels, such as the internet and other digital platforms, affects social behaviour and generates new social norms. This study offers quantitative evidence from China to support the theory of Putnam (1993; 1995a). It thus extends beyond the field of sociology to the fields of public administration and urban development.
Nonprofit expense management and the zero-profit threshold
Authors: Miller Stephanie Monteiro
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In a wide variety of settings, individuals target round-numbered thresholds, relaxing effort when they are out of reach. This paper aims to investigate whether this phenomenon occurs in nonprofits as well.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper empirically examines nonprofits’ propensity to cut expenses relative to the attainability of the zero-profit threshold.

Findings

This paper finds nonprofit firms are more likely to cut expenses when faced with small expected losses than with larger losses, and this pattern varies predictably with incentives to reach the zero-profit threshold.

Research limitations/implications

This suggests managers are motivated by desire to reach the zero-profit threshold rather than to improve firms’ economic situations, as the propensity to cut expenses is lower when the threshold is out of reach.

Social implications

Additionally, the results suggest that even the lack of explicit profit motive may not quell earnings management behavior.

Originality/value

These results begin to close the gap in our understanding of expense management in nonprofit firms, showing how operating expenses can be used to manage earnings.
Give full play to the talent: exploring when perceived overqualification leads to more altruistic helping behavior through extra effort
Authors: Ma Chao , Chen (George) Zhen Xiong , Jiang Xinhui
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to build a moderate mediation model to delineate when and how employee with perceived overqualification will exert extra effort and therefore engage in more altruistic helping behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses were empirically tested using multitime and multisource survey data. Given the nested nature of data (i.e. 52 immediate supervisors rated 143 subordinates), multilevel structural equation modeling analyses within Mplus were conducted to test the proposed model.

Findings

The results support the proposed moderated mediation effect and indicate that perceived overqualification is positively related to extra effort on a condition that there is either strong desire for higher workplace status or more developmental job opportunities. The extra effort will subsequently lead to more altruistic helping behavior.

Practical implications

Based on the findings of this paper, human resource managers should consider the job applicant’s desire for workplace status and the organizational context the employer can provide when hiring overqualified employees. Second, organizations should carefully conduct job design to improve overqualified employees’ on-the-job developmental experiences. Third, training programs should be conducted to help satisfy needs and improve workplace status of overqualified employees, so that they can exert extra job effort and engage in pro-organizational behaviors.

Originality/value

Drawing on motivation–opportunity–ability theory, this paper extends the limited understanding of important boundary conditions under which perceived overqualification can be beneficial. The findings add to the knowledge on extant literature by identifying altruistic helping behavior as a new outcome of perceived overqualification.
When can felt accountability promote innovative work behavior? The role of transformational leadership
Authors: Kuo Che-Chun , Ni Ying-Lien , Wu Chia-Huei , Duh Rong-Ruey , Chen Mei-Yen , Chang Chiachi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Studies have reported negative effects of felt accountability on employees' extra-role behavior. Deviating from that focus, this study proposes that leadership plays a role in shaping the implications of felt accountability for employees' extra-role behavior. We propose that under high transformational leadership, felt accountability can motivate employees to engage in task-relevant information elaboration and facilitate innovative work behavior, a form of extra-role behavior that seeks to improve the work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a pilot study to validate measurements of felt accountability and task-relevant information elaboration in a sample of 202 employees. We then conducted the main study using a time-lagged, multisource survey design with a sample of 120 supervisor–employee pairs.

Findings

The results from the main study reveal that the association between felt accountability and task-related information elaboration is positive and stronger when transformational leadership is higher. Furthermore, task-relevant information elaboration positively predicts innovative work behavior. Finally, when transformational leadership is higher, the mediation effect of task-relevant information elaboration on the association between felt accountability and innovative work behavior is stronger.

Originality/value

Our study indicates that felt accountability can have positive implications for employees' extra-role behavior contingent on leadership styles. In contrast to previous studies that emphasize the negative implications of felt accountability on employees' behavior, our study depicts when and why felt accountability can have positive implications on employees' behavior.
Liquidity risk, transaction costs and financial closedness: lessons from the Iranian and Turkish stock markets
Authors: Alizadeh Sedighe , Shahiki Tash Mohammad Nabi , Kabderian Dreyer Johannes
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of liquidity risk and transaction costs on stock pricing in Iran, a closed market operating under a financial embargo and compare the results with those of an important neighboring market, namely, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows Liu et al. (2016) and incorporates liquidity risk and transaction costs into the traditional consumption-based asset-pricing model (CCAPM) from 2009 to 2017. Effective transaction costs are estimated a la Hasbrouck (2009) and liquidity risk according to eight different criteria.

Findings

According to the results, both liquidity risk and transaction costs are higher in Iran, possibly due to the financial embargo. Thus, relative to Turkey, this paper should expect a higher increase in the CCAPM pricing performance in Iran when accounting for these two variables. The results are in line with this expectation and indicate that adjusting the CCAPM significantly increases its pricing performance in both countries, but relatively more in Iran.

Originality/value

This study compares liquidity risk and transaction costs in an economy under the extreme case of a financial embargo to an open yet in other important aspects similar economy from the same region.
Conceptualizing Industry 4.0 readiness model dimensions: an exploratory sequential mixed-method study
Authors: Antony Jiju , Sony Michael , McDermott Olivia
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Organizations use Industry 4.0 readiness models to evaluate their preparedness prior to the implementation of Industry 4.0. Though there are many studies on Industry 4.0 readiness models, the dimensions of readiness differ. Besides, there is no study empirically validating the readiness model in different sectors or types of organization. The purpose of this study is to conceptualize the dimensions of the Industry 4.0 readiness model and subsequently evaluate the criticality of these dimensions in manufacturing, service, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises (LEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an exploratory sequential mixed method design. In phase one, 37 senior managers participated through a purposive sampling frame. In phase two, 70 senior managers participated in an online survey.

Findings

The results of the study indicated that the Industry 4.0 readiness model has 10 dimensions. Further, the criticality of the dimensions as applied to different sectors and type of organizations is put forward. This study will help manufacturing, services, SMEs and LEs to evaluate Industry 4.0 readiness before commencing the deployment of Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

The findings can be very beneficial for Industry 4.0 practitioners and senior managers in different organisations to understand what readiness dimensions need to be considered prior to implementation of Industry 4.0 technology.

Originality/value

This paper makes an attempt to conceptualize the Industry 4.0 readiness model and utilizes an exploratory mixed method for critically evaluating the dimensions related to the model.
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor‐associated mucous membrane pemphigoid
Authors: Suezawa Mei , Dainichi Teruki , Kaku Yo , Izumi Maiko , Kataoka Koki , Ishii Norito , Koga Hiroshi , Izumi Kentaro , Nishie Wataru
Published: July 2021

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) are associated with an increased risk of developing bullous pemphigoid (BP) in patients with diabetes. Autoantibodies targeting epitopes on the processed BP180, 120‐kDa (LAD‐1), and 97‐kDa (LABD97) linear immunoglobulin (Ig)A dermatosis antigens are the major autoantibodies in DPP‐4i‐associated BP. However, no case of mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) developing during treatment with DPP‐4i has been reported. We report a case of MMP associated with DPP‐4i. A man in his late 70s presented with oral mucous membrane erosion and a few blisters on his upper chest and back. He had used linagliptin for diabetes for over 1 year when he presented. The immunological characteristics were similar to DPP4i‐associated BP: higher reactivity to LAD‐1 and LABD97 than to the full‐length BP180. The aphthae achieved remission after oral linagliptin was replaced with sitagliptin. However, 6 months later, the aphthae relapsed and any DPP‐4i was discontinued. The aphthae disappeared, and now he is completely free from lesions associated with MMP. This case suggests that the DPP‐4i may have shared roles in the production of IgG antibodies to LAD‐1 or to LABD97 in the pathogenesis of DPP‐4i‐associated BP and MMP. Our case highlights the possibility of overlooking the mild MMP in DPP‐4i‐treated diabetes patients with mucosal lesions.
French Catholic Men at War 1939–1940: A Study of Faith and Masculinity in the Field
Authors: Drapac Vesna
Published: July 2021

This article contributes to the burgeoning scholarship on the intersection of gender and religious faith and practice and engages with new interpretations of the feminisation thesis. Specifically, it sheds light on French Catholic masculinities through a unique body of sources, letters written by soldiers, lay and religious, to the Carmel of Lisieux from the mobilisation in September 1939 to the defeat in June 1940. The correspondents were devotees of the most loved saint of the modern era, Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–97). The letters reveal the deep resonance of Theresian teaching and the ways in which men in the field consciously aimed to model a female saint known as the Little Flower. The material under review points to the limitations of strictly binary gendered interpretations of expressions of belief. Ordinary Catholic men embraced popular devotional practices that have been labelled as ‘feminised’. The evidence suggests, further, that there was a fluidity between masculine and feminine Catholic identities and that there were multiple non‐binary possibilities for the articulation of Catholic manhood at this time.
Influence of kinematics and incidence angles on the cutting efficiency of two single‐file nickel‐titanium rotary instruments
Authors: Pedullà Eugenio , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Romano Giuseppe , Leanza Giuseppe , Rapisarda Silvia , Isola Gaetano , Ferlito Sebastiano , Neelakantan Prasanna , Generali Luigi
Published: July 2021

To compare the cutting efficiency of F6 Sky Taper (F6ST) and One Curve (OC) with different kinematics and cutting inclinations. Cutting efficiency of 80 new F6ST and OC was tested at 90° and 70° inclination in relation to the sample, in continuous rotation and reciprocation, against standardised gypsum samples for 120 seconds using a customised device. Data expressed as weight loss and length of the sample cut were analysed using two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey t‐test (P<.05). F6ST showed significantly higher cutting efficiency in reciprocation, while OC in continuous rotation. Regardless of inclination, F6ST showed statistically higher values than OC in reciprocation, while OC exhibited higher cutting ability in continuous rotation. The 70° inclination significantly improved the cutting efficiency of both files. Reciprocation improved the cutting efficiency of F6ST while continuous rotation enhanced cutting ability of OC. An inclined insertion improved the cutting ability, independently from the movement.
The safe performance of robotic gastrectomy by second‐generation surgeons meeting the operating surgeon's criteria in the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery guidelines
Authors: Shibasaki Susumu , Suda Koichi , Kadoya Shinichi , Ishida Yoshinori , Nakauchi Masaya , Nakamura Kenichi , Akimoto Shingo , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Kikuchi Kenji , Inaba Kazuki , Uyama Ichiro
Published: July 2021

Background

Robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer (GC) has gradually gained nationwide prominence following 2011 guidelines from the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES), including the surgeons' criteria and the proctor system. In this retrospective study, we examined the short‐term outcomes of the initial series of RGs performed by second‐generation operating surgeons trained within our institute.

Methods

Between January 2017 and April 2020, five surgeons each performed RG in 20 patients with clinical stage III or lower GC in accordance with the JSES guidelines. We evaluated both the rate of Clavien–Dindo grade II or higher morbidities and the console time required to reach the learning plateau via cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis.

Results

We observed no mortality and 3% of morbidity following RG. Both the operative time (430 vs 387.5 min, P = 0.019) and console time (380 vs . 331.5 min, P = 0.009) were significantly shorter in the second 10 cases than in the initial 10 cases. We observed a remarkable trend in cases of distal gastrectomy (DG), in which the total operative time and console time were significantly shorter in the later cases. Our CUSUM analysis revealed that seven cases were required to achieve a learning plateau in RG when confined to DG.

Conclusions

Non‐expert RG surgeons meeting the operating surgeon's criteria from the JSES who had trained under an expert RG surgeon safely performed RG in an initial 20 cases.
Path towards efficient paediatric formulation development based on partnering with clinical pharmacologists and clinicians, a conect4children expert group white paper
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Schaufelberger Daniel , Iurian Sonia , Klein Sandra , Batchelor Hannah , Turner Roy , Gizurarson Sveinbjörn , Boltri Luigi , Alessandrini Elisa , Tuleu Catherine
Published: July 2021

Improved global access to novel age‐appropriate formulations for paediatric subsets, either of new chemical entities or existing drugs, is a priority to ensure that medicines meet the needs of these patients. However, despite regulatory incentives, the introduction to the market of paediatric formulations still lags behind adult products. This is mainly caused by additional complexities associated with the development of acceptable age‐appropriate paediatric medicines. This position paper recommends the use of a paediatric Quality Target Product Profile as an efficient tool to facilitate early planning and decision making across all teams involved in paediatric formulation development during the children‐centric formulation design for new chemical entities, or to repurpose/reformulate off‐patent drugs. Essential key attributes of a paediatric formulation are suggested and described. Moreover, greater collaboration between formulation experts and clinical colleagues, including healthcare professionals, is advocated to lead to safe and effective, age‐appropriate medicinal products. Acceptability testing should be a secondary endpoint in paediatric clinical trials to ensure postmarketing adherence is not compromised by a lack of acceptability. Not knowing the indications and the related age groups and potential dosing regimens early enough is still a major hurdle for efficient paediatric formulation development; however, the proposed paediatric Quality Target Product Profile could be a valuable collaborative tool for planning and decision making to expedite paediatric product development, particularly for those with limited experience in developing a paediatric product.
Fluid overload due to intravenous fluid therapy for vaso‐occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Gaartman Aafke E. , Sayedi Ajab K. , Gerritsma Jorn J. , de Back Tim R. , van Tuijn Charlotte F. , Tang Man Wai , Heijboer Harriët , de Heer Koen , Biemond Bart J. , Nur Erfan
Published: July 2021

Intravenous fluid therapy (IV‐FT) is routinely used in the treatment of vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs), as dehydration possibly promotes and sustains erythrocyte sickling. Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk of developing diastolic dysfunction and fluid overload due to IV‐FT. However, data on the adverse effects of IV‐FT for VOC is sparse. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of fluid overload due to IV‐FT in patients with SCD. Consecutive hospitalisations for VOC treated with IV‐FT between September 2016 and September 2018 were retrospectively analysed. The median (interquartile range) age was 25·0 (18·3–33·8) years and 65% had a severe genotype (HbSS/HbSβ0‐thal). Fluid overload occurred in 21% of 100 patients. Hospital stay was longer in patients with fluid overload (6·0 vs. 4·0 days, P = 0·037). A positive history of fluid overload (P = 0·017), lactate dehydrogenase level (P = 0·011), and top‐up transfusion during admission (P = 0·005) were independently associated with fluid overload occurrence. IV‐FT was not reduced in 86% of patients despite a previous history of fluid overload. Fluid overload is frequently encountered during IV‐FT for VOC. IV‐FT is often not adjusted despite a positive history of fluid overload or when top‐up transfusion is indicated, emphasising the need for more awareness of this complication and a personalised approach.
Molecular basis for ligand modulation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor
Authors: Ramesh Karthik , Rosenbaum Daniel M.
Published: July 2021

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor is the most abundant G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in the central nervous system, which mediates the functional response to endocannabinoids and Cannabis compounds. A variety of ligands for CB1 receptors have been developed as promising drug candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders. New high‐resolution structures of CB1 receptor in different functional states have significantly improved our molecular understanding of CB1 ligand interactions, selectivity, receptor activation and allosteric modulation. These advances have paved the way for development of novel ligands for different therapeutic applications. In this review, we describe the structural determinants for modulation of CB1 receptors by different types of ligands, as well as the differences between CB1 and its homologous, the CB2 receptor.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Structure Guided Pharmacology of Membrane Proteins (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.14/issuetoc
Establishment and validation of a predictive model for nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in acid‐fast bacilli smear‐positive patients
Authors: Chen Xianqiu , Zhang Yuan , Xu Jinfu , Li Huiping
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are difficult to distinguish in initial acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) smear‐positive patients.

Objectives

Establish a predictive model to identify more effectively NTM infections in initial AFB patients.

Methods

Consecutive AFB smear‐positive patients in the Respiratory Department of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from January 2019 to February 2020 were retrospectively analysed. A multivariate regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for NTM. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the model's predictive discrimination. The model was validated internally by a calibration curve and externally for consecutive AFB smear‐positive patients from March to June 2020 in this institution.

Results

Presenting with haemoptysis, bronchiectasis, a negative QuantiFERON tuberculosis (QFT) test and being female were characteristics significantly more common in patients with NTM (P ≤ 0.001), when compared with PTB. The involvement of right middle lobe, left lingual lobe and cystic change was more commonly seen on chest high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with NTM (P < 0.05), compared with PTB. Multivariate regression showed female, bronchiectasis, negative test for QFT and right middle lobe lesion were independent risk factors for NTM (P < 0.05). A ROC curve showed a sensitivity and specificity of 85.9% and 93.4%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.963. Moreover, internal and external validation both confirmed the effectiveness of the model.

Conclusions

The predictive model would be useful for early differential diagnosis of NTM in initial AFB smear‐positive patients.
An exploration of differences in infant feeding practices among women with and without diabetes in pregnancy: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Misita Dragana , Yamamoto Jennifer M. , Yuan Yan , Donovan Lois E. , Bell Rhonda C. , Jarman Megan
Published: July 2021

Aims

(1) To determine the likelihood of full breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum in women with and without diabetes in pregnancy (DiP); (2) to explore the associations between diabetes management practices and infant feeding practices in those who had DiP and (3) to examine women's experiences of feeding their infants after having DiP.

Methods

The quantitative study used data from Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort study. Participants who had DiP (n = 62) were matched 1:3 to participants without DiP for pre‐pregnancy BMI, parity, mode of delivery and pre‐term birth. Infant feeding questionnaires, prospective breastfeeding diaries and medical chart data were analysed to determine likelihood of fully breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. For the qualitative study, interviews were conducted with postpartum women who had DiP to explore the experiences of infant feeding. Interviews were thematically analysed, and the results were compared between women who were categorized as ‘full breast feeders’ or ‘mixed feeders’.

Results

The odds of fully breastfeeding were 50% lower in women with DiP than women without DiP (OR: 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.99, p = 0.04). Qualitative interviews identified that although all women showed resilience in the face of infant feeding challenges, those who were fully breastfeeding reported seeking out external infant feeding supports, for example, classes or Doula's. Mixed Feeders perceived there was a lack of infant feeding information and support given to them prior to giving birth.

Conclusion

Women with DiP may require additional prenatal and postnatal infant feeding support to be better prepared to overcome feeding challenges they may face.
Public perception of foreign aid in South Korea: The effects of policy efficacy in an emerging donor
Authors: Kim Eunju , Kim KyungWoo
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Previous studies on public perceptions of foreign aid have mainly focused on individual‐level variables in traditional donor countries. Few studies have been conducted on how citizens of emerging donor countries perceive their own foreign aid policies, although emerging donors have recently gained attention as a new agent of international co‐operation.

Purpose

The study investigates the factors which influence public perceptions of foreign aid policies of South Korea, an emerging donor.

Methods and approach

This study uses Ordered Logistic Analyses to analyse factors influencing the public perception of foreign aid policies at the individual level, as well as at policy level, using nationwide survey data of 1,000 citizens in South Korea.

Findings

In addition to the individual‐level variables that many previous studies have considered, this study shows that the perception of policy efficacy has had a greater effect than policy knowledge on public support for foreign aid and the expansion of the aid budget. Furthermore, the results imply that the greater the appreciation of South Korea’s experience as an aid recipient, the stronger the support for aid when the country later becomes a donor.

Policy implications

The citizens of emerging donor countries support foreign aid policy based on feelings of appreciation and beliefs that such aid has helped their country’s economic and social development. There is a need to accumulate further evidence of success in achieving development effectiveness and contribute to national development through foreign aid among emerging donor countries.
Using logbook‐based catch‐rate data to detect yellow eel population trends in the southern Baltic Sea
Authors: Dorow Malte , Lewin Wolf‐Christian , Lill Dietmar , Ubl Claus , Frankowski Jens
Published: July 2021

Within recent years, a slight but significant increase of European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) recruitment has been documented, but it remains questionable whether or not the increased recruitment levels resulted in higher eel numbers at the regional scale. To detect the changes in yellow eel numbers, logbook data covering a 15‐year time series of catch per unit effort (CPUE) data from the German Baltic Sea were analysed. Monthly mean catch rates were calculated for two different size classes for two passive gears: fyke and stationary trap nets. Change‐point analysis was applied to discover changes in the catch data. After a period of decreasing or constant catch rates, the fyke net data indicated that yellow eel numbers increased slightly in recent years in the Baltic Sea. Besides increasing numbers of immigrating juvenile eels, other population dynamics or conservation efforts might have added to the observed positive stock trend.
Adsorption studies and effect of heat treatment on porous glass microspheres
Authors: Samad Sabrin A. , Arafat Abul , Ferrari Rebecca , Gomes Rachel L. , Lester Edward , Ahmed Ifty
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the effect of heat treatment on porous glass microspheres produced via a novel flame spheroidization process, followed by exploring their suitability for dye removal from water. The effect of simple use of smaller porogen (≤5 µm) followed by heat treatment on the overall changes in textural and porosity profiles was quantified. Heat treatment was applied at different temperatures between 510°C and 540°C and cross‐sectional SEM and nitrogen adsorption–desorption confirmed pore sizes had narrowed significantly from microporous (55 ± 8 µm) to mesoporous to macroporous range (≥2 nm) yet retained their interconnectivity. This decrease in pore morphologies led to an increased specific surface area and pore volume (by 51%). In addition, dye separation studies were explored using anionic Acid Red 88 (AR88), utilizing batch and column adsorption experimental processes. This study showed that the heat‐treated microspheres achieved higher dye adsorption rates (i.e., 125 mg/g in batch adsorption studies, while column adsorption studies revealed 153 mg/g and 76 mg/g for flow rates 2.2 ml/min and 0.5 ml/min, respectively) in comparison with the nonheat‐treated microspheres. Furthermore, the dye separation profiles were achieved via electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and Lewis acid–base interaction, without any internal or external functionalization of the microspheres required.
Balancing the profit and capacity under uncertainties: a target‐based distributionally robust knapsack problem
Authors: Ding Jianpeng , Chen Liuxin , Ke Ginger Y. , Li Yuanbo , Zhang Lianmin
Published: July 2021

As a well‐developed optimization problem, the knapsack problem has been broadly applied in various fields involving resource allocations, especially production planning. In this paper, we propose a target‐based distributionally robust knapsack problem (TDRKP), considering both uncertain profit and capacity, as well as the impact of a given target for profit. Based on a shortfall risk measure and piecewise utility function, the violation risk of the target is investigated. To solve the model efficiently, TDRKP is reformulated into computationally tractable form as a second‐order conic program. Through a series of numerical experiments, we verify that the proposed TDRKP formulation performs better than both the sample average approximation model and the minimizing violation probabilities model.
Durability of a right superior pulmonary vein isolation after an inevitably interrupted single short freeze during cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Miyazaki Shinsuke , Hasegawa Kanae , Iesaka Yoshito
Published: July 2021

Background

In cryoballoon ablation, applications for right superior pulmonary veins (RSPVs) inevitably need to be interrupted for some safety reasons. We retrospectively investigated the RSPV isolation durability after single interrupted short freezes.

Methods

Data from 30 patients who underwent repeat procedures 8.2 (4.1–13.8) months after an inevitably interrupted single short freeze (<180 s) for RSPVs during the index cryoballoon procedures were analyzed. It was interrupted by active deflation due to phrenic nerve injury (PNI) (Group 1: n = 14) or passive deflation due to a balloon temperature of −60°C (Group 2: n = 16).

Results

The freezing time was 145 (107–166) and 142 (127–160) s and nadir balloon temperature −50.7 ± 3.6 and −60°C in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved after interrupted freezing in all except in one patient requiring touch‐up ablation in Group 1. All PNI was asymptomatic and recovered during the follow‐up. Eight/13 (61.5%) and 16/16 (100%) RSPVs were durable during the second procedure in Groups 1 and 2. In Group 1, the freezing time was significantly longer in durable than reconnected RSPVs (p = .032), and the optimal cutoff point for the freezing duration to predict the durability was 94.0 s (sensitivity 100%, specificity 60.0%). When the freezing time was ≥120 s, 80% of the RSPVs were durable. However, when the freezing time was ≤68 s, all RSPVs were reconnected.

Conclusions

The feasibility of second cryoapplications for RSPVs should be discussed considering the freezing time of the interrupted initial applications in Group 1, however, it was not necessary in Group 2.