bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational IT support and knowledge sharing behaviour affecting service innovation performance: empirical evidence from the hospitality industry
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Mamgain Pradeep , Pasumarti Srinivas Subbarao , Singh Pooja K.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship among organisation information technology support (OITS), knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) and service innovation performance (SIP) in the context of the Indian Hospitality Industry (IHI). This study also attempts to examine the role of KSB as a mediator in the relationship between IT support and SIP and the firm age test as a moderating variable for service innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposed relations are empirically examined, and the study was carried out on 115 employees from 71 randomly selected hotels situated in the major five travel destinations of Uttarakhand state of India. Initially, confirmatory factor analysis was performed to validate the construct, afterword structural equation modeling (SEM)-Path analysis was accomplished. The researcher examines the mediation and moderation relations of the variables through statistical tests executed with the help of AMOS 24 and SPSS 26.

Findings

The study result indicated that organisation IT support has a positive influence on knowledge sharing and SIP. The mediation result findings showed KSB is partially mediated between OITS and SIP. Sequentially, firm age moderation found the statistical results shown significant difference in young and old hotels.

Research limitations/implications

This study only covers the aspect of the “knowledge sharing behaviour” dimension among the major organizations’ IT support capabilities and examined both variables that might be anticipated in SIP. Considering this limitation, new areas of research investigation are open to future researchers.

Practical implications

The study has both theoretical and managerial implications for academicians, practitioners and researchers. An attempt to conceptualise detailed insights on organisational IT support adaptation and KSB enhancement, which further leads to lifting SIP. Moreover, the study recommended for professionals to implement KM practices and mobilise the knowledge resources optimally to achieve better organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

The study attempts to delineate the proposed relationship and provides valuable insights for practitioners and academicians by including the knowledge sharing dimension to improve the SIP context of the IHI.
Integrating species metrics into biodiversity offsetting calculations to improve long‐term persistence
Authors: Marshall Erica , Visintin Casey , Valavi Roozbeh , Wilkinson David P. , Southwell Darren , Wintle Brendan A. , Kujala Heini
Published: January 2022

Several methods of measuring biodiversity in development‐offset trades exist. However, there is little consensus on which biodiversity metrics should be used for quantifying development impacts and assigning offsets.

We simulated development impacts in a virtual landscape and offset these impacts using six biodiversity metrics: vegetation area, vegetation condition, habitat suitability, species abundance, metapopulation connectivity and rarity‐weighted richness. We tested long‐term impacts of metric choice during offsetting by combining simulated landscapes with population viability analyses.

No net loss or net gains in habitat were achieved using all metrics except vegetation area and condition. Limited habitat and like‐for‐like requirements resulted in offsets exhausting available habitat in each vegetation class before offset requirements were met when using vegetation‐based metrics. We also found that impact avoidance was an important driver in how much compensation offsets could deliver. When impacts avoided high‐suitability habitats, all six metrics achieved no net loss or net gains for most species. However, when core habitats were developed, none of the metrics were able to consistently prevent population declines.

Synthesis and application. When impacts on high‐quality habitat were avoided, and assuming the protection and restoration benefits can occur in practice, vegetation‐based metrics may produce offsets which deliver gains in species abundance equivalent to species‐specific metrics. However, species‐specific metrics outperformed vegetation‐based metrics when core habitats were lost. Applying avoidance measures as a first step to minimise biodiversity impacts during development will significantly improve offset outcomes for species and result in greater long‐term population benefits delivered through offsetting.
Focal Times and Spaces: How Ethnography Foregrounds the Spatiotemporality of International Organizations and Global Governance
Authors: Eckl Julian
Published: January 2022

Drawing on a long‐term political ethnography of sites of global health governance, the paper makes methodological and substantive contributions. First of all, it shows that ethnography induces researchers to experience international organizations (IOs) and global governance as spatiotemporal phenomena. This experience overlaps with the lived realities of practitioners and spotlights aspects that are otherwise easily overlooked. Both practitioners and ethnographers have to be in specific spaces at particular times. This practical challenge illustrates that there are focal times and spaces, which are linked to the cyclical and sited character of global health governance. These focal times and spaces provide an important coordination mechanism and ease the general flow of knowledge – within IOs and between IOs and their environment. However, there is also the constant danger that they develop a self‐referential life of their own and become disconnected from other processes. Similarly, not just researchers but also practitioners are struggling to develop a comprehensive understanding of IOs since they experience them only partially and in specific settings. Thus, a spatiotemporal account highlights both overlooked links and unexpected disconnections. The conclusion mentions that the current – COVID‐19‐induced – mainstreaming of digital technologies will impact the spatiotemporal dimension of global health governance.
Experiencing Time and Space within the United Nations
Authors: Kimber Leah R. , Maertens Lucile
Published: January 2022

Departing from an objective understanding of time and space, this article investigates time and space together as daily individual and social experiences within the United Nations (UN) system. Focused on both staff members and civil society partners, it explores how experiences of time and space affect the way the UN functions. Based on two case studies, it first shows that time and space as they are experienced by individuals shape UN everyday practices pointing to a form of unlimited connectedness among individuals and overlapping and delocalized temporalities. It then demonstrates that time and space constitute socially constructed resources to maintain hierarchical relations: looking at temporal and spatial experiences gives insight into power dynamics over decision‐making within the UN. Overall these findings show that time and space are relevant to capture overlooked dimensions in the study of the UN.
Understanding Change in International Organizations Across Time and Spaces: The Rise of UN Country Teams
Authors: Campos Luciana
Published: January 2022

This article analyses the progress of the agenda committed to tackle the fragmentation of the UN system to better understand the process of institutional change in International Organizations. Focusing on changes undergone by the UN's country‐level presence, the case study of the voluntary implementation of Delivering as One initiative (DaO) in Mozambique and Vietnam demonstrates how common plans, joint programs and pooled funds have promoted better divisions of labor and settled divergences among UN entities. This has fostered the national ownership of UN country‐level activities and developed the nexus of humanitarian‐development agendas. Pilot countries and donors resorted to selective incentives for the engagement of UN bureaucracies, who, especially at headquarters, remained resistant to reforms. Reform was subject to incentives and constraints that were introduced and manifested unevenly across spaces and over time. It lost momentum both in Mozambique and Vietnam following the pilot phase, when donors’ engagement faltered, but had more enduring effects in the latter, where the government’s greater capacity to engage in favor of reforms supported the compliance of UN country offices. This indicates the United Nations Country Teams (UNCT) consolidation amid institutional changes based on layering institutional innovations alongside extant structures, overcoming conflicts of loyalties.
Does IFRS and GRI adoption impact the understandability of corporate reports by Chinese listed companies?
Authors: Sun Yanqi , Wang Jenny Jing , Huang Kevin Tairan
Published: January 2022

This study examines whether the adoption of IFRS and GRI impacts the readability and conciseness of corporate reports. We investigate the corporate reports of the top 100 A‐share listed Chinese companies from 2014 to 2018. Our results suggest that both readability and conciseness of the corporate reports are at a low level and indicate a downward trend over our sample period. We also find that IFRS adoption results in a longer and more readable report, whereas GRI adoption leads to a longer but less readable report. Our findings are of interest to academics, management, investors, and regulators.
Identification of predatory arthropods of the invasive Halyomorpha halys through molecular gut content analysis
Authors: Bulgarini Giacomo , Piemontese Lucia , Guidetti Roberto , Cesari Michele , di Bella Emanuele , Maistrello Lara
Published: January 2022

Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) is an invasive agricultural pest in North America and Europe.

Most of the information on H. halys predators in invaded areas comes from North America. This work focused on the molecular identification of arthropod predator species capable of feeding on H. halys in northern Italy. Predatory arthropods were collected in the field in four urban parks using the tree‐beating technique. A real‐time PCR workflow was applied to detect H. halys DNA from the gut content of predators.

Of the 190 predator individuals analysed, 46 were positive for H. halys DNA and belonged to 10 insect taxa (1 Dermaptera, 3 Coleoptera, 2 Hemiptera and 4 Orthoptera) and six arachnid taxa (2 Opiliones and 6 Araneae).

The integration of gut content analysis with laboratory bioassays and field observations allows the identification of a greater number of predators and therefore a better understanding of how the invaded ecosystem is responding to the introduction of a new species, given that samples are taken from the invaded environment itself. Therefore, the gut content analysis provides essential elements for conservation biocontrol in integrated pest management programmes.
Peter’s anomaly—A homeotic gene disorder
Authors: Kylat Ranjit I.
Published: January 2022

Peter's anomaly is a rare form of congenital anterior segment dysgenesis of the eye. Varying degrees of central corneal opacity and lenticulo‐corneal or irido‐corneal synechiae are the key hallmarks. The association of Peter's anomaly along with short stature, rhizomelia, broad short hands or brachydactyly, with facial dysmorphism, cleft lip, cleft palate, genitourinary and cardiovascular anomalies is a distinct and is often termed Peter's plus syndrome. Early detection is imperative to prevent sensory deprivation amblyopia. Glaucoma can be present at initial diagnosis or at any stage later, but treatment can be difficult. For the dense leukoma, corneal graft may be needed but visual prognosis is poor. Research focussing on gene editing and regenerative medicine using native corneal endothelial cells is ongoing.
Understanding cultural and logistical contexts for urologists in low‐income countries
Authors: Campain Nicholas , Mabedi Charles , Savopoulos Vanessa , Payne Stephen R. , MacDonagh Ruaraidh
Published: January 2022

The provision of effective urological management in low‐ and middle‐income countries requires the delivery of appropriate and effective care adapted to the needs, capability and resources of the host country. However, a deeper cognisance of the culture, the religious practices and the logistics of healthcare in that environment determines the ability to effectively to ‘twin’, that is, to provide a long‐term healthcare partnership. Patient beliefs can have profound effects on the understanding of the aetiology of illness, its relevance to their long‐term health and the stigmatization of their family's social status. Consequently, individuals may have a greater willingness to seek help from practitioners of traditional medicine due to its availability as well as the lower costs of such medicine by comparison to those of medicine from high‐income countries (HICs). This can influence the treatment of many urological conditions and lead to late‐presenting states such as malignant ureteric obstruction. Social mores, such as cultural paternalism, can also influence many practices that are assumed by HICs to be part of normal healthcare provision, including the delivery of patient information and provision of informed consent to treatment. Doctor's status and dress have greater importance in many countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (sSA) than in the UK and the modes of greeting and addressing colleagues and patients can affect the fluency and effectiveness of clinical interactions. A local cultural and religious knowledge is essential, therefore, to optimize the assimilation of external help. Logistics are perhaps the most important factor that needs to be grasped to provide a sustainable healthcare environment. Limitations in resource allocation are a major factor in planning effective urological treatment in many countries in sSA, whether this is the provision of trained personnel, basic infrastructure, a tenable workspace, equipment or drugs. This paper explores all of these factors, and looks at how their recognition assists urologists in providing a twinning process.
Capturing the complexity of autism: Applying a developmental cascades framework
Authors: Bradshaw Jessica , Schwichtenberg Amy J. , Iverson Jana M.
Published: January 2022

Developmental change emerges from dynamic interactions among networks of neural activity, behavior systems, and experience‐dependent processes. A developmental cascades framework captures the sequential, multilevel, cross‐domain nature of human development and is ideal for demonstrating how interconnected systems have far‐reaching effects in typical and atypical development. Neurodevelopmental disorders represent an intriguing application of this framework. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and heterogeneous, with biological and behavioral features that cut across multiple developmental domains, including those that are motor, cognitive, sensory, and bioregulatory. Mapping developmental cascades in ASD can be transformational in elucidating how seemingly unrelated behaviors (e.g., those emerging at different points in development and occurring in multiple domains) are part of an interconnected neurodevelopmental pathway. In this article, we review evidence for specific developmental cascades implicated in ASD and suggest that theoretical and empirical advances in etiology and change mechanisms can be accelerated using a developmental cascades framework.
Choledochoduodenostomy is associated with fewer post‐transplant biliary complications compared to Roux‐en‐Y in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients
Authors: Jonica Emily R. , Han Samuel , Burton James R. , Pomposelli James J. , Shah Raj J.
Published: January 2022

Background

For primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT), a consensus regarding biliary reconstruction remains unresolved. Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) represents an alternative to Roux‐en‐Y (RY) and duct‐to‐duct. We compared long‐term post‐transplant outcomes between CDD and RY.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients transplanted for PSC who received CDD or RY, with minimum 12‐months follow‐up. The primary outcome was need for biliary intervention, with either percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Secondary outcomes included biliary stricture(s) and cholangitis admission(s).

Results

Ninety‐three patients were transplanted between August 2004 and October 2019 (34 living donor [LDLT] and 59 deceased donor [DDLT]; 40 RY, 53 CDD). Need for either ERCP or PTC was similar (45.0% RY vs. 32.1% CDD, P = .203), though RY exhibited more anastomotic strictures (AS) (35.0% RY vs. 11.3% CDD, P = .006), which was also observed in LDLT subanalyses (50.0% LDLT/RY vs. 10.0% LDLT/CDD; P = .036). Cholangitis admissions were more frequent in RY versus CDD (37.5% vs. 15.1%, P = .013).

Conclusions

CDD does not impart greater risk of biliary complications, and RY may have an incremental effect combined with LDLT status for predisposing to AS. CDD maintains standard endoscopic access without additional risk of biliary complications, thus should be considered when anatomically feasible.
Using species distribution models and decision tools to direct surveys and identify potential translocation sites for a critically endangered species
Authors: Eyre Arabella C. , Briscoe Natalie J. , Harley Dan K. P. , Lumsden Lindy F. , McComb Leo B. , Lentini Pia E.
Published: January 2022

Aim

Occurrence records for cryptic species are typically limited or highly uncertain, leaving their distributions poorly resolved and hampering conservation. This can apply to well‐studied species, and increased survey effort and/or novel methods are required to improve distribution data. Here, we paired species distribution modelling (SDM) with decision tools to direct surveys for the critically endangered Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) outside its current restricted range. We also assessed survey areas for their suitability to host translocations.

Location

Victoria, Australia.

Method

We used both recent and historic records (now out of range and spatially uncertain) of Leadbeater's possum to build SDMs using MaxEnt. The SDMs informed an initial multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) that enabled prioritization of 80 survey sites across seven forest patches (13–145 km outside the known range), which we surveyed using camera traps. Site and vegetation data were used in a post‐survey MCDA to rank their potential translocation suitability.

Results

The SDM predictions were consistent with the species’ ecology, identifying cold areas with high rainfall that had not recently burnt as suitable. The spatial uncertainty of records did not exert a strong influence on either model predictions or the ranking of patches for surveys. Camera trap surveys yielded records of 19 native species, with Leadbeater's possum detected in only one survey patch, 13 km outside of its previously known range. The post‐survey MCDA identified three forest patches as potentially suitable for conservation translocations, and these priorities were not sensitive to the decision criteria used.

Main conclusions

The approach outlined here prioritized survey effort over a large area, resulting in detection of Leadbeater's possum in one new patch. The potential translocation sites identified could present an important risk‐spreading measure for the species given the threat posed by bushfire. Combining SDMs and decision tools can help target surveys and guide subsequent conservation strategies.
Approach to echocardiography in ARDS patients in the prone position: A systematic review
Authors: Ajam Mustafa , Drake Matthew , Ran Ran , Mukundan Srini , Masri Ahmad , Rahmouni Hind
Published: January 2022

Echocardiography is commonly utilized in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) for assessment of cardiac function, volume status, and the potential development of acute cor pulmonale. In severe ARDS, prone positioning is frequently used, which imposes technical challenges during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) image acquisition. Moreover, prone positioning can affect cardiopulmonary function in ways that are reflected on the echocardiographic findings in this position. Historically, a transesophageal approach was recommended when a patient is prone, with few studies reporting utility of TTE in this setting. However, recent publications have begun to address this knowledge gap. This review explores recent literature addressing the use of TTE in prone patients with ARDS, with a special focus on the cardiopulmonary effects of proning and potential solutions to the technical difficulties that arise in this position.
Treatment outcomes with purine nucleoside analog alone or with rituximab for hairy cell leukemia at first relapse
Authors: Hu Rachel , Wei Wei , Mian Agrima , Gonter‐Aubin Kristen , Kabel Charlene , Mato Anthony , Stephens Deborah M. , Hanlon Ashley , Khajavian Sirin , Shadman Mazyar , Brander Danielle , Madanat Yazan , Park Jae H. , Tallman Martin , Pinilla‐Ibarz Javier , Hill Brian T.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Frontline treatment of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) with a single course of the purine nucleoside analog (PNA) produces a high rate of complete remission (CR) with prolonged durations. At the time of relapse, although treatment guidelines recommend re‐treatment with a PNA alone or in combination with rituximab (R), practice patterns vary and data supporting each approach are limited.

Methods

We conducted a multisite outcomes analysis of patients treated for HCL between 1995 and 2018 at six US medical centers. All patients were treated with frontline PNA and subsequently required treatment with a PNA alone (PNA) or with R (+R).

Results

Of the 88 patients analyzed, 56 (63.6%) received second‐line PNA and 22 (36.4%) received a PNA + R. Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. There was no difference in median PFS [67 months (95% CI 43.8 non‐reached (NR)) vs. 65 months (95% CI 60‐NR)] or 5‐year OS [98% (95% CI 0.94–1) vs. 94% (95% CI 0.83–1), p = .104] in the PNA versus PNA + R cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the largest study evaluating the role of R in treatment of relapsed HCL and suggests that there is no advantage to the addition of R to PNA therapy at the time of first re‐treatment.
How to theorize about hope
Authors: Kwong Jack M. C.
Published: January 2022

In order to better understand the topic of hope, this article argues that two separate theories are needed: One for hoping, and the other for hopefulness. This bifurcated approach is warranted by the observation that the word “hope” is polysemous: It is sometimes used to refer to hoping and sometimes to feeling or being hopeful. Moreover, these two senses of “hope” are distinct, as a person can hope for some outcome yet not simultaneously feel hopeful about it. I argue that this distinction between hoping and hopefulness is not always observed or fully appreciated in the literature and has consequently caused much confusion. This article then sketches what theorizing about hope looks like in light of this clarification and discusses some of its implications.
ETF ownership and corporate cash holdings
Authors: El Kalak Izidin , Tosun Onur K.
Published: January 2022

Do exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) influence corporate cash holding decisions? Consistent with reduced managerial learning from the stock market and increased uncertainty due to higher ETF ownership, we show that firms included in ETF baskets have higher cash holdings as a precautionary response. We address endogeneity concerns through different natural experiments, namely, the reconstitution of the Russell 1000/2000 index and BlackRock's acquisition of iShares. We identify changes in revenue, external financing, share repurchases and net working capital as potential channels through which cash holdings increase due to higher ETF ownership, with cash holdings increases having a positive impact on firm value.
Statement on falls in long‐term care facilities by the Japan Geriatrics Society and the Japan Association of Geriatric Health Services Facilities
Authors: Rakugi Hiromi , Sugimoto Ken , Arai Hidenori , Kozaki Koichi , Matsui Yasumoto , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Okochi Jiro , Akishita Masahiro
Published: January 2022

In current clinical practice, when a fall occurs in a long‐term care facility, it is often treated as an accident. Falls are classified as one of the most commonly prevalent geriatric syndromes. As their causes are extremely diverse and complex, their occurrence rate depends on individual susceptibility, even if appropriate fall prevention measures are taken. Falls are common among older adults, and fractures and intracranial hemorrhage resulting from falls can lead to the deterioration of activities of daily living and death. For this reason, it is recommended that the risk of falls is assessed in the general population of older adults, and that appropriate interventions are carried out for those at high risk. In response to this situation, the Japan Geriatrics Society and the Japan Association of Geriatric Health Services Facilities have issued the following statements on falls as a geriatric syndrome based on scientific evidence, especially considering the frequent occurrence of falls in long‐term care facilities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 193–205.
Relationship between social exclusion and anxiety in older people during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Aslan Gülpınar , Kant Elif
Published: January 2022

Aim

This study aims to determine the relationship between social exclusion and anxiety in older people during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This descriptive research was conducted with individuals aged ≥65 years who were registered with Family Health Centers between July and September 2021. The sample size was calculated using a sampling method with an unknown population and was determined as 400 individuals; a random sampling method was utilized for selecting the participants. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Social Exclusion Scale in the Elderly and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory.

Results

Social exclusion level was found to be significantly higher in those who were illiterate who were single/widowed, who lived in rural areas, who reportedly had a low income, who had a chronic disease, who used an assistive device and who perceived their health as bad (P < 0.05). The geriatric anxiety level was found to be significantly higher in those who had an education level of university and above, who were married, who lived with their spouse and children, who worked, who had a good income, who lived in urban areas, who did not use an assistive device, who were dependent in their daily activities, who did not have a chronic disease, who perceived their health condition as good, and who did exercises regularly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study found a negative and significant relationship between the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and the Social Exclusion Scale. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 240–245.
‘A tragic destiny overtook him’1: Misunderstanding the Introduction to Schleiermacher's The Christian Faith and his Letters to Lücke
Authors: Pedersen Daniel J.
Published: January 2022

In this article I address some important related criticisms of the Introduction to Schleiermacher's The Christian Faith and his Letters to Lücke which have persisted from Schleiermacher's day to the present: namely, the supposed a priori determination of dogmatic content by the Introduction, the role of philosophy in Christian dogmatics, and Schleiermacher's call for an ‘eternal covenant’ between theology and science. I use examples to illustrate a single overall point: that the Introduction to The Christian Faith and the Letters to Lücke can only be adequately understood in light of the concrete dogmatic claims found in the body of The Christian Faith.
Impact of Gleason pattern 5 on prognosis for newly diagnosed metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer with Gleason score ≥8
Authors: Morozumi Kento , Mitsuzuka Koji , Narita Shintaro , Takahashi Masahiro , Kawamura Sadafumi , Tochigi Tatsuo , Arai Yoichi , Hoshi Senji , Shimoda Jiro , Ishidoya Shigeto , Okamoto Teppei , Hatakeyama Shingo , Sakurai Toshihiko , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Ohyama Chikara , Habuchi Tomonori , Ito Akihiro
Published: January 2022

Objective

We evaluated the impact of Gleason pattern 5 presence on prognosis among de novo metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer patients with a Gleason score ≥8.

Methods

The data of 559 patients diagnosed as metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer with a Gleason score ≥8, who were initially treated with androgen deprivation therapy from 2008 to 2016, were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups as high and low volume based on the CHAARTED trial criteria.

Results

The median overall survival of the 559 metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer patients with Gleason score ≥8 was 70 months, with a median follow‐up period of 36 months. Gleason pattern 5 was confirmed in 341 patients (61.0%), in which primary Gleason pattern 5 was confirmed in 164 patients (29.3%). The number of patients with high metastatic volume group was 363 (64.9%). In total and high metastatic volume groups, hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase were significant factors for predicting overall survival, but both Gleason pattern 5 and primary Gleason pattern 5 did not show a statistically significant difference. In the low‐volume metastatic group, the median overall survival in patients with or without primary Gleason pattern 5 was 40 and 78 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only primary Gleason pattern 5 was an independent predictive factor for overall survival in the low‐volume metastatic group (hazard ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 1.88–8.67; P = 0.0026).

Conclusion

The presence of Gleason pattern 5 was not associated with overall survival in metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer with a Gleason score ≥8. In low‐metastatic volume metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer, primary Gleason pattern 5 was a poor prognostic factor, which might show a separate treatment option for this group.
Multiscale SiCnw and carbon fiber reinforced SiOC ceramic with enhanced mechanical and microwave absorption properties
Authors: Qian Junjie , Du Bin , He Chao , Cai Mei , Zhong Xinrong , Xiong Hao , Zeng Shenghui , Shui Anze
Published: January 2022

The hierarchical SiOC/SiCnws/CF composites (A/B/C structure) were designed via precursor infiltration and pyrolysis process. The SiOC ceramics served as the wave‐transparent characteristic materials to adjust the impedance matching. Herein, the in situ growth of SiCnws not only was used for the absorber but served as the reinforcement of SiOC matrix composites. In detail, the SiOC/SiCnws/CF‐1200°C‐2 exhibits excellent electromagnetic absorption performance with minimum reflection loss of −46 dB at 14.4 GHz with the thickness of 1.6 mm, and its effective absorption band reaches 4.3 GHz. Its compressive strength reaches 8.69 and 16.41 MPa in z and x/y directions, separately. This contribution has a guidance for the application of carbon fiber/ceramics matrix composites in harsh environment.
Phase formation between La(Sr)Ga(Mg)O3 and Ce(La)O2 for solid oxide fuel cell applications
Authors: Kumar Samayendra , Chakraborty Abhilash , Kobi Sushobhan , Gopalan P. , Prasanna T. R. S.
Published: January 2022

In strontium‐ and magnesium‐doped LaGaO3 (LSGM) electrolyte‐based solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), lanthanum‐doped CeO2 (LDC) is usually used as buffer layer material to prevent reactions between LSGM electrolyte and NiO‐based anode. In literature, based on results for one particular LSGM composition, a fixed buffer layer composition of 40% La‐doped ceria (LDC40) has been used even with electrolytes of different LSGM compositions. In this study, we report the results of a comprehensive study of phase formations between various LSGM and LDC compositions. Our results show that only one LSGM/LDC combination results in no additional phases. For the other combinations, at least one and often two additional phases, LaSrGaO4 and LaSrGa3O7, result. Because LaSrGa3O7 has much lower conductivity, it is necessary to select combinations that avoid this phase. We propose that the combination that results in no additional phase should be considered favorably for SOFCs. For other LSGM compositions, LDC50 should be used as a buffer layer instead of LDC40 as is presently done in SOFC studies. Alternately, if LDC40 is preferred for buffer layer, then lower Sr content LSGM compositions should be used as electrolytes. These combinations are likely to lead to better long‐term SOFC performance.
Mechanical and thermal shock properties of Cf/SiBCN composite: Effect of sintering densification and fiber coating
Authors: Niu Zi‐bo , Wang BingZu , Pan Lijun , Li Daxin , Jia Dechang , Yang Zhihua , Peng Hao , Ye Shuqun , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2022

In this work, resin‐derived carbon coating was prepared on carbon fibers by polymer impregnation pyrolysis method, then silicoboron carbonitride powder was prepared by mechanical alloying, and finally carbon fiber‐reinforced silicoboron carbonitride composites were prepared by hot‐pressing process. The effects of sintering densification and fiber coating on microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal shock resistance, and failure mechanisms of the composites were studied. Fiber bridging hinders the sintering densification, causing more defects in fiber‐dense area and lower strength. However, higher sintering temperature (1800–2000°C) can improve mechanical properties significantly, including bending strength, vickers hardness, and elastic module, because further sintering densification enhances matrix strength and fiber/matrix bonding strength, while the change of fracture toughness is not obvious (2.24–2.38 MPa·m1/2) due to counteraction of higher debonding resistance and less pull‐out length. However, fiber coating improves fracture toughness greatly via protecting carbon fibers from chemical corrosion and damage of thermal stress and external stress. Due to lower coefficient of thermal expansion, lower fiber loading ratio, less stress concentration at the fiber/matrix interface, and better defect healing effect, lower sintering temperature favors thermal shock resistance of composites, and thermal shock recession mechanisms are the damage of interface.
Value of artificial intelligence with novel tumor tracking technology in the diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors by contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Kamata Ken , Ishihara Rika , Handa Hisashi , Otsuka Yasuo , Yoshida Akihiro , Yoshikawa Tomoe , Ishikawa Rei , Okamoto Ayana , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Nakai Atsushi , Omoto Shunsuke , Minaga Kosuke , Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Watanabe Tomohiro , Nishida Naoshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim

Contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH‐EUS) is useful for the diagnosis of lesions inside and outside the digestive tract. This study evaluated the value of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors by CH‐EUS.

Methods

This retrospective study included 53 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and leiomyomas, all of whom underwent CH‐EUS between June 2015 and February 2020. A novel technology, SiamMask, was used to track and trim the lesions in CH‐EUS videos. CH‐EUS was evaluated by AI using deep learning involving a residual neural network and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. The diagnostic accuracy of AI in discriminating between GISTs and leiomyomas was assessed and compared with that of blind reading by two expert endosonographers.

Results

Of the 53 patients, 42 had GISTs and 11 had leiomyomas. Mean tumor size was 26.4 mm. The consistency rate of the segment range of the tumor image extracted by SiamMask and marked by the endosonographer was 96% with a Dice coefficient. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of AI in diagnosing GIST were 90.5%, 90.9%, and 90.6%, respectively, whereas those of blind reading were 90.5%, 81.8%, and 88.7%, respectively (P = 0.683). The κ coefficient between the two reviewers was 0.713.

Conclusions

The diagnostic ability of CH‐EUS results evaluated by AI to distinguish between GISTs and leiomyomas was comparable with that of blind reading by expert endosonographers.
VA's enduring commitment to veterans
Authors: Hartronft Scotte , Morey Miriam
Published: January 2022

See related article by Jeffrey Levine
Post‐Covid‐19‐vaccination adverse events and healthcare utilization among individuals with or without previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Huang Lei , Peng Kuan , Li Xue , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Wong Carlos King Ho , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Wong Ian Chi Kei
Published: January 2022

Background

Post‐marketing pharmacovigilance data are scant on the safety of Covid‐19 vaccines among people with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection compared with ordinary vaccine recipients. We compared the post‐vaccination adverse events of special interests (AESI), accident and emergency room (A&E) visit, and hospitalization between these two groups.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a territory‐wide public healthcare database with population‐based vaccination records in Hong Kong.

Results

In total, 3922 vaccine recipients with previous SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and 1,137,583 vaccine recipients without previous SARS‑CoV‑2 infection were included. No significant association was observed between previous SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and AESI or hospitalization. Previous SARS‑CoV‑2 infection was significantly associated with a lower risk of A&E visit (CoronaVac: hazard ratios [HR] = 0.56, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.32–0.99; Comirnaty: HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47–0.82).

Conclusion

No safety signal of Covid‐19 vaccination was detected from the comparison between vaccine recipients with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and those without infection.
Public expenditure allocation, lobbying, and growth
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ravi
Published: January 2022

I develop a two sector model of growth where the final good in each sector is produced using labor and a publicly provided private input (public input). The public input is funded by a proportional tax on the consumption of the two final goods. In the benchmark case, the government allocates the public input between the two sectors to maximize consumer welfare. I contrast the benchmark case to one where the public input allocation is determined via lobbying by firms in the two sectors. In this set up, I first show that allocation of the public input is determined by the relative lobbying power of the firms in the two sectors. Further, lobbying can generate the welfare maximizing allocation only under a very specific set of conditions and, if those set of conditions are not met, then an initial misallocation of the public input gets magnified over time.
Photo‐identification confirms polyandry in loggerhead sea turtles
Authors: Papafitsoros Kostas , Dimitriadis Charalampos , Mazaris Antonios D. , Schofield Gail
Published: January 2022

While polyandry in sea turtles is indicated through multiple‐paternity analyses of offspring, confirmed observations of the same female mating with multiple males are extremely challenging to obtain. To contribute to this discussion, we analysed a long‐term photo‐identification database (>20 years) of adult male and female loggerhead sea turtles frequenting the breeding area of Zakynthos, Greece, Mediterranean. A total of 38 records of mating individuals within and across seasons were assimilated via field surveys and citizen science records between 2003 and 2020. For one female, we recorded it mating with two different males within a 5.5‐h interval on the same day in 2015. This observation constitutes the first direct evidence of polyandry in sea turtles, in addition to highlighting the potential for photo‐identification to contribute information on less well‐known aspects of sea turtle biology, such as validating outputs of genetic studies.
A graph convolution network‐deep reinforcement learning model for resilient water distribution network repair decisions
Authors: Fan Xudong , Zhang Xijin , Yu Xiong (Bill)
Published: January 2022

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are critical infrastructure for communities. The dramatic expansion of the WDNs associated with urbanization makes them more vulnerable to high‐consequence hazards such as earthquakes, which requires strategies to ensure their resilience. The resilience of a WDN is related to its ability to recover its service after disastrous events. Sound decisions on the repair sequence play a crucial role to ensure a resilient WDN recovery. This paper introduces the development of a graph convolutional neural network‐integrated deep reinforcement learning (GCN‐DRL) model to support optimal repair decisions to improve WDN resilience after earthquakes. A WDN resilience evaluation framework is first developed, which integrates the dynamic evolution of WDN performance indicators during the post‐earthquake recovery process. The WDN performance indicator considers the relative importance of the service nodes and the extent of post‐earthquake water needs that are satisfied. In this GCN‐DRL model framework, the GCN encodes the information of the WDN. The topology and performance of service nodes (i.e., the degree of water that needs satisfaction) are inputs to the GCN; the outputs of GCN are the reward values (Q‐values) corresponding to each repair action, which are fed into the DRL process to select the optimal repair sequence from a large action space to achieve highest system resilience. The GCN‐DRL model is demonstrated on a testbed WDN subjected to three earthquake damage scenarios. The performance of the repair decisions by the GCN‐DRL model is compared with those by four conventional decision methods. The results show that the recovery sequence by the GCN‐DRL model achieved the highest system resilience index values and the fastest recovery of system performance. Besides, by using transfer learning based on a pre‐trained model, the GCN‐DRL model achieved high computational efficiency in determining the optimal repair sequences under new damage scenarios. This novel GCN‐DRL model features robustness and universality to support optimal repair decisions to ensure resilient WDN recovery from earthquake damages.
Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review
Authors: Jain Rishika , Larsuphrom Phureephat , Degremont Alexia , Latunde‐Dada Gladys Oluyemisi , Philippou Elena
Published: January 2022

Recent evidence suggests that vegetarian and vegan diets may increase the risk and symptoms of depression, a mental health condition affecting 350 million people globally. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the associations between vegetarian and/or vegan diets and the risk or symptoms of depression using evidence from both observational and intervention studies. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with pre‐specification of all methods. A systematic search for relevant papers was performed on Medline and Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for cohort, case‐control, cross‐sectional studies or randomised controlled trials examining associations between a vegetarian or vegan diet and depression in adults. Three independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health for Quality Assessment of Observational Cohort and Cross‐Sectional Studies and Controlled Studies. Evidence was tabulated according to the type of diet analysed as vegetarian, vegan or both and narratively synthesised. A total of 23 studies (18 cross‐sectional, three prospective cohort and two randomised controlled trials) with 25 study outcomes were eligible for inclusion in this review. Conflicting evidence was found on the association between vegetarian or vegan diets and depression. Eleven (44%) of the outcomes indicated that vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with higher rates of depression, while seven (28%) outcomes revealed beneficial effects of the diets on depression. Seven (28%) outcomes found no association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression, although two of these studies found a higher risk of depression in some groups. The quality of evidence was rated as good for four of the studies with the remaining 19 studies rated as fair. The evidence on the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on depression is contradictory, possibly due to the heterogeneity of the studies analysed. Further research, including longitudinal and intervention studies, is required to resolve this observation.
Effects of phosphate binders on bone biomarkers and bone density in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Udomkarnjananun Suwasin , Phannajit Jeerath , Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Tumkosit Monravee , Kingpetch Kanaungnit , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam‐Ong Somchai , Susantitaphong Paweena
Published: January 2022

Aim

The incidences of osteoporosis, fracture and vascular calcification increase concordantly with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD‐mineral bone disease (CKD‐MBD) induced by hyperphosphatemia is a major pathophysiologic mechanism. The effects of phosphate binders on bone turnover biomarkers and bone mineral density (BMD) in haemodialysis patients are still inconclusive. Our aim is to demonstrate the effects of these phosphate binders on different aspects of CKD‐MBD.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort of 65 haemodialysis patients to investigate the effect of 12‐month monotherapy of phosphate binders composing calcium‐based phosphate binders (CPB) or non‐calcium‐based phosphate binders (NCPB), including sevelamer and lanthanum, on bone turnover biomarkers and BMD changes. The performance of bone turnover biomarkers to predict low BMD was attentively determined.

Results

When compared with CPB, NCPB use was associated with higher levels of bone turnover biomarkers. NCPB was also associated with lower BMD at lumbar and distal radius. Total procollagen type 1N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP), bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) provided the best performance for diagnosing low BMD in haemodialysis patients.

Conclusion

Switching from CPB to NCPB might increase bone biomarkers and prevent the development of adynamic bone disease. On the contrary, NCPB should be cautiously used in haemodialysis patients who already had low BMD. P1NP, BALP and TRAP5b could be used to guide the appropriate management, including anti‐resorptive and anabolic medications, and predict low BMD in haemodialysis patients treated with phosphate binders.