bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does crowdsourcing lead to better product design: the moderation of network connectivity
Authors: Jiao Yuanyuan , Wu Yepeng , Hao Linna
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the antecedents of design crowdsourcing decision-making, the impact of design crowdsourcing on new product performance and the moderating effect of network connectivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample (n = 104) was collected from a leading social product development website; the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis and two-stage least square methods were used in the investigation.

Findings

Three design attribute feature configurations (rational, emotional and kinesthetic value configurations) are conducive to firms’ adoption of design crowdsourcing and there are two configurations in which firms do not adopt design crowdsourcing. Design crowdsourcing influences new product performance positively. Network connectivity has an inverted U-shaped effect on the relationship between design crowdsourcing and new product performance.

Originality/value

These findings not only enrich crowdsourcing and social network studies but also guide crowdsourcing firms to better manage their processes and community members.
A bibliometric review of service ecosystems research: current status and future directions
Authors: Gölgeci Ismail , Ali Imran , Ritala Paavo , Arslan Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Service ecosystems are becoming an important domain of joint value creation and resource integration, and the literature in the field is burgeoning. The recent growth in the literature warrants consolidating the findings of the existing literature, summarizing the recent development and identifying avenues for more impactful future research on the topic. This study aims to map the service ecosystems research domain and synthesize insights by integrating qualitative content analysis with quantitative data analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses algorithmic bibliometric review (quantitative) with VOSviewer and R-package and content analysis (qualitative) on 119 service ecosystems papers published between 2003 and 2020.

Findings

The bibliometric analysis uncovers the critical research domains, knowledge trajectories, influential authors and journals and author networks in the field. The content analysis identifies the four most important research themes (value creation, change triggers, strategic and entrepreneurial action and institutional embeddedness and agency) and provides an integrative view of the dynamics among these themes. The authors also find the need for more empirical and theory grounded research around these four themes. Furthermore, based on the review, the authors discuss the disciplinary identity of the service ecosystems field and suggest interesting future research opportunities, along with ideas for useful empirical approaches and theoretical extensions.

Originality/value

This study’s comprehensive analysis offers an overview of the evolution and identity of the service ecosystems research and identifies several promising opportunities for future research on service ecosystems.
I mean business: exploring women entrepreneurs’ journey in India from an emancipation perspective
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Mohapatra Subhalaxmi , Banerjee Dina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the process of women entrepreneurship in India from a social perspective using the concept of entrepreneurship as emancipation.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive approach is applied to address the study objectives, and based on an inductive method, the non-economic antecedents that led women to start entrepreneurship ventures are explored using 33 in-depth interviews. The study explores beyond the motivations and investigates the social process through which a women entrepreneur passes through after taking the decision to start a business venture.

Findings

Major findings indicate entrepreneurship as a change process where changes in both the entrepreneur and her social surroundings are observed with time. More detailed analysis reveal opposing (the entrepreneur) social forces in the initiation phase but more supportive social set up in the later phases of the entrepreneurship. The results support the process of entrepreneurship as emancipation (with stages such as seeking autonomy, authoring and declaring).

Research limitations/implications

The present study supports the concept of entrepreneurship as an emancipation process, and how it unfolds as a gendered process in a society where women (in general) are still not treated as equals.

Practical implications

The study has practical implications for entrepreneurs and their stakeholder networks.

Social implications

The findings have novel social implications on how a broader social structure has an influence on the entrepreneurship journey of a woman.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the phenomenon of entrepreneurship as an emancipation for women entrepreneurs of elite families in a developing nation who have started their business from non-economic needs.
Enhancing sustainability of Indian PPP procurement process using system dynamics model
Authors: Patil Nilesh Agarchand , Thounaojam Nicola , Laishram Boeing
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Increasingly adopted by various governments for infrastructure development, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become a popular procurement delivery system, outperforming other systems. However, PPPs have been especially criticised due to the lack of sustainability aspect during the development and implementation of the projects. In India, similar critiques have been raised, as these qualities have inhibited the development of society and increased the time and cost overrun in the development of PPP projects. This paper, therefore, aims to address the sustainability issues in PPPs and systematically analyses from the perspective of the principles of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature review and focussed interviews with stakeholders in India, a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model using causal loop diagramming is developed to propose the inclusion of various strategies in the PPP procurement process, which can enhance the sustainability of the PPP process. Finally, the integration of these strategies in the current PPP procurement process has been highlighted in the form of the introduction of new mechanisms and policies and modification of the existing mechanism and procurement policies.

Findings

The paper first highlights key sustainability issues in the PPP procurement process and suggests 34 strategies to address the issues. The modelling approaches and the proposed strategies, along with their interrelationships, could help the PPP decision makers in implementing responsive policies in bringing sustainable development in the PPP procurement process.

Research limitations/implications

The SD model developed is based on limited data, primarily focussed on PPP procurement practices in the context of infrastructure development in India. Developing the model with the analysis of a wider range of data and constructing a customised model can take broader perspectives into account.

Social implications

Adoption of the identified strategies can facilitate the inclusion of sustainability practices in the development of infrastructure projects, which are even procured using private finance.

Originality/value

Studies on how to promote sustainable infrastructure development when procured through the PPP route are in the nascent stage. This study, therefore, extends the current body of knowledge on infrastructure projects implementation through PPPs from financial engineering and risk management to a sustainability perspective.
Does sustainable consumption matter? Consumer grocery shopping behaviour andthe pandemic
Authors: Phang Ing Grace , K.P.D. Balakrishnan Bamini , Ting Hiram
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise in early 2020. The preventive measures imposed by many countries limited human movement, causing uncertainty and disrupting consumption patterns and consumer decision-making. This study aims to explore consumers’ panic buying (PB) and compulsive buying (CB) as outcomes of the intolerance of uncertainty (IU). The moderating role of sustainable consumption behaviours (SCBs) (e.g. quality of life [QOL], concern for future generation and concern for environmental well-being) were also tested to raise awareness of responsible and mindful consumption amongst the society and business stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically examine the grocery shopping behaviours of Malaysian consumers during COVID-19, a total of 286 valid grocery consumer survey responses based on a purposive sampling were collected and analysed during the movement control order period between March and July 2020.

Findings

The findings confirmed the statistically significant impact of IU on both PB and CB and the impact of PB on CB behaviour. Amongst the three SCBs tested, only QOL significantly moderated the relationship between the IU and PB.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to construct a framework of consumers’ PB and CB during the pandemic, building upon the stimulus-organism-response model and the concepts of IU and SCB. This study further serves as the pioneering study on the moderating role of SCB in consumer behaviour research in the pandemic context, whereby consumers’ QOL significantly moderates the relationship between their IU and PB. This study has also drawn specific implications for grocery retailers and government agencies for retail and policy planning to promote positive social transformation in consumer buying behaviours during a pandemic or crisis.
Leadership and community healthcare reform: a study using the Competing Values Framework (CVF)
Authors: O’Neill Debra , De Vries Jan , Comiskey Catherine M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The Health Service Executive in Ireland seeks to further develop healthcare in the community. It has identified that this reform requires developing leadership amongst the staff. This study aims to identify what kind of leadership staff in community healthcare observe in practice and their leadership preferences. The core objective has been to identify the readiness of the organisation to implement the adopted national policy of integrated community care reform in terms of leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Organisational Cultural Assessment Instrument, based on the Competing Values Framework. This tool identifies four overarching leadership types: Clan (Collaborative), Adhocracy (Creative), Market (Competitive) and Hierarchy (Controlling). Participants (n = 445) were a representative sample of regional community health care employees. They were asked to identify presently observed leadership and preferred leadership in practice. The statistical analysis emphasised a comparison of observed and preferred leadership types.

Findings

Participants reported the current prevailing leadership type as Market (M = 34.38, SD = 6.22) and Hierarchical (M = 34.38, SD = 22.62), whilst the preferred or future style was overwhelmingly Clan (M = 40.38, SD = 18.08). Differences were significant (all p’s < 0.001). The overall outcome indicates a predominance of controlling and competitive leadership and a lack of collaborative leadership to implement the planned reform.

Originality/value

During reform in healthcare, leadership in practice must be aligned to the reform strategy, demonstrating collaboration, flexibility and support for innovation. This unique study demonstrates the importance of examining leadership type and competencies to indicate readiness to deliver national community health care reform.
Core competencies and challenges among nurses transitioning into positions of leadership – a Caribbean perspective
Authors: Ocho Oscar Noel , Wheeler Erica , Rigby Janet , Tomblin Murphy Gail
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Nurses are a significant part of the professional workforce, but leaders may be promoted without the requisite competencies. This study aims to explore the perspectives of nurse managers about the core competencies necessary for promotion as leaders in health.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a mixed-methods study that targeted nurses (N = 126) who were promoted in four Caribbean countries over the past five years. A 30-item questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Interviews yielded the qualitative data, which were analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis. Ethical approvals were received from ethics committees at the university and country level.

Findings

Most participants were female (n = 112), had 15 or more years’ experience (n = 71) and an associate degree/diploma in nursing (n = 62). Leadership was the most important competency required of nurse leaders in spite of their position within the organization, followed by team building and motivation. Challenges to the transitioning into leadership positions included the prevailing culture and a lack of a systematic approach to building capacity in leadership. There was also between-group statistical significance, as determined by one-way ANOVA for delegation, motivation and leadership as core competencies based on occupations roles.

Research limitations/implications

Notwithstanding the importance of the findings from this research, there were some limitations. While the researchers considered implementing this study in eight Caribbean countries, approvals were received for only four countries. This will affect the ability to generalize the findings to the wider Caribbean countries. One of the strengths of this research was the use of mixed methods for data collection. However, the qualitative component of the findings may be limited by the number of focus groups conducted, notwithstanding the richness of the data collected.

Practical implications

The findings can be used as a framework from which the health system in developing countries can begin to examine practical solutions to developing 21st century leadership competencies in nursing. While there may be remanence of the colonial past in the way systems function, the complexity of health systems requires leadership that is rooted in competence that is multidimensional.

Originality/value

This paper provides an important contribution to the literature on leadership and competencies from the perspective of low- to middle-income resource settings. The qualitative component of the research added richness to the nuances and understanding of the phenomenon of competencies for nurse leaders.
Climate change disclosure ratings: the ideological play
Authors: Bui Binh , Chelli Mohamed , Houqe Muhammad Nurul
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of climate change rating organisations on rated firms, to understand whether disclosure ratings can facilitate enhanced emissions performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 1,848 cross-country firm-year observations from organisations that responded to the carbon disclosure project (the rater) between 2011 and 2015 and, hence, were rated for their disclosure. Drawing on the ideology of numbers, this paper hypothesises that the disciplinary power of ratings will result in rated firms improving their subsequent disclosure scores. Following the environmentally-friendly ideology, this study hypothesises that poorly-rated firms will adopt decoupling behaviour, by improving their climate change disclosure scores without reducing the intensity of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Findings

The results indicate that climate change disclosure ratings pressure poorly-rated firms to improve their disclosure scores in subsequent years, yet these firms are not inclined to lower their GHG emissions. Further, the direct publication of firms’ GHG emissions intensity can exert some restricted disciplinary impact on rated firms, as the more polluting firms tend to improve their subsequent climate change performance compared with those having lower emissions levels.

Practical implications

This paper argues that the ability of corporate sustainability rating schemes to influence corporate behaviour comprehensively is limited and should be used with caution.

Originality/value

This paper sheds new light on the ideological dynamics at play between the rater and the rated, while highlighting new aspects of the power-rating nexus in the climate change arena.
Contamination by citations: references to predatory journals in the peer-reviewed marketing literature
Authors: Moussa Salim
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Predatory publishing is a growing and global issue infecting all scientific domains. Predatory publishers create counterfeit, not (properly) peer-reviewed journals to exploit the open access (OA) model in which the author pays. The plethora of predatory marketing journals along with the sophisticated deceptive practices of their publishers may create total confusion. One of the many highly likely risks of that bewilderment is when peer-reviewed, prestigious marketing journals cite these pseudo-marketing journals. This phenomenon is called citation contamination. This study aims to investigate the extent of citation contamination in the peer-reviewed marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Google Scholar as a citation gathering tool, this study investigates references to four predatory marketing journals in 68 peer-reviewed marketing journals listed in the 2018 version of the Academic Journal Guide by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABSs).

Findings

Results indicate that 59 of the 68 CABS-ranked peer-reviewed marketing journals were, up to late January 2021, contaminated by at least one of the four sampled predatory journals. Together, these four pseudo-journals received (at least) 605 citations. Findings from nonparametric statistical procedures show that citation contamination occurred irrespective of the age of a journal or its 2019 Journal Impact Factor (JIF). They also point out that citation contamination happened independently from the fact that a journal is recognized by Clarivate Analytics or not.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated citations to only four predatory marketing journals in only 68 CABS-listed peer-reviewed marketing journals.

Practical implications

These findings should sound an alarm to the entire marketing community (including academics and practitioners). To counteract citation contamination, recommendations are provided for researchers, practitioners, journal editors and academic and professional associations.

Originality/value

This study is the first to offer a systematic assessment of references to predatory journals in the peer-reviewed marketing literature.
Heat and mass transfer effects on MHD non-Newtonian fluids flow through an inclined thermally-stratified porous medium
Authors: Tharapatla Gladys , Rajakumari Pamula , Reddy Ramana G.V.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze heat and mass transfer of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) non-Newtonian fluids flow past an inclined thermally stratified porous plate using a numerical approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow equations are set up with the non-linear free convective term, thermal radiation, nanofluids and Soret–Dufour effects. Thus, the non-linear partial differential equations of the flow analysis were simplified by using similarity transformation to obtain non-linear coupled equations. The set of simplified equations are solved by using the spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM) and the spectral relaxation method (SRM). SHAM uses the approach of Chebyshev pseudospectral alongside the homotopy analysis. The SRM uses the concept of Gauss-Seidel techniques to the linear system of equations.

Findings

Findings revealed that a large value of the non-linear convective parameters for both temperature and concentration increases the velocity profile. A large value of the Williamson term is detected to elevate the velocity plot, whereas the Casson parameter degenerates the velocity profile. The thermal radiation was found to elevate both velocity and temperature as its value increases. The imposed magnetic field was found to slow down the fluid velocity by originating the Lorentz force.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is to explore the heat and mass transfer effects on MHD non-Newtonian fluids flow through an inclined thermally-stratified porous medium. The model is formulated in an inclined plate and embedded in a thermally-stratified porous medium which to the best of the knowledge has not been explored before in literature. Two elegance spectral numerical techniques have been used in solving the modeled equations. Both SRM and SHAM were found to be accurate.
Study and evaluation of the mechanical properties on sawdust reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Chauhan Shailendra Singh , Singh Vaibhav , Saini Gauranshu , Kaushik Nitin , Pandey Vishal , Chaudhary Anuj
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The growing environmental awareness all through the world has motivated a standard change toward planning and designing better materials having good performance, which are very much suited to the environmental factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact on mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of sawdust-based composites reinforced by epoxy, and the amount of sawdust in each form.

Design/methodology/approach

Manufacturing of the sawdust reinforced epoxy composites is the main area of the research for promoting the green composite by having good mechanical properties, biodegradability or many applications. Throughout this research work, the authors emphasize the importance of explaining the methodology for the evaluation of the mechanical and water absorption properties of the sawdust reinforced epoxy composites used by researchers.

Findings

In this paper, a comprehensive review of the mechanical properties of sawdust reinforced epoxy composite is presented. This study is reported about the use of different Wt.% of sawdust composites prepared by different processes and their mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties. It is studied that after optimum filler percentage, mechanical, thermal properties gradually decrease, but water absorption property increases with Wt.% of sawdust. The changes in the microstructure are studied by using scanning electron microscopy.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in its use of a systematic approach that offers a perspective on choosing suitable processing parameters for the fabrication of composite materials for persons from both industry and academia. A study of sawdust reinforced epoxy composites guides new researchers in the fabrication and characterization of the materials.
A comprehensive nonlinear finite element modelling and parametric analysis of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Pandimani Pandimani , Ponnada Markandeya Raju , Geddada Yesuratnam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present comprehensive nonlinear material modelling techniques and simulations of reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to short-term monotonic static load using the robust and reliable general-purpose finite element (FE) software ANSYS. A parametric study is carried out to analyse the flexural and ductility behaviour of RC beams under various influencing parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop and validate the numerical FE models, a total of four experimentally tested simply supported RC beams are taken from the available literature and two beams are selected from each author. The concrete, steel reinforcements, bond-slip mechanism, loading and supporting plates are modelled using SOLID65, LINK180, COMBIN39 and SOLID185 elements, respectively. The validated models are then used to conduct parametric FE analysis to investigate the effect of concrete compressive strength, percentage of tensile reinforcement, compression reinforcement ratio, transverse shear reinforcement, bond-slip mechanism, concrete compressive stress-strain constitutive models, beam symmetry and varying overall depth of beam on the ultimate load-carrying capacity and ductility behaviour of RC beams.

Findings

The developed three-dimensional FE models can able to capture the load and midspan deflections at critical points, the accurate yield point of steel reinforcements, the formation of initial and progressive concrete crack patterns and the complete load-deflection curves of RC beams up to ultimate failure. From the numerical results, it can be concluded that the FE model considering the bond-slip effect with Thorenfeldt’s concrete compressive stress-strain model exhibits a better correlation with the experimental data.

Originality/value

The ultimate load and deflection results of validated FE models show a maximum deviation of less than 10% and 15%, respectively, as compared to the experimental results. The developed model is also capable of capturing concrete failure modes accurately. Overall, the FE analysis results were found quite acceptable and compared well with the experimental data at all loading stages. It is suggested that the proposed FE model is a practical and reliable tool for analyzing the flexural behaviour of RC members and can be used for performing parametric studies.
Application of Brown–Gibson model in workers’ productivity: an impact study of weighted parameters using experimental research design
Authors: Mishra Ratnakar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The urban-rural divide in developing countries such as India often finds focus in every economic analysis. This paper aims to find the existing gap and to suggest an action plan to reduce the gap identified therein. With an aim to find a good leader in furtherance the group performance operating in rural areas, a multi-plant location model is tested taking its weighted assessment method on assumptions that the unorganized sector is devoid of accessing any scientific model for its growth and sustenance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, two different business groups in the same city location were taken as samples and the multi-plant location (Brown–Gibson) model was used to test the impact of any changes in leadership on the group.

Findings

The result in the first sample group indicated incremental profitability which was under observation for three years. The second group witnessed a varied trend of profitability under two different leaders which was studied for a four-year period.

Research limitations/implications

Purposive behavioural alignment under a controlled research environment often dampens the real objective of the study. A meticulous effort was meted out to remove it from research.

Practical implications

The research aims at providing a long-standing solution to leadership issues in the unorganized sector that contributes to the national economy but usually kept neglected.

Originality/value

Scientific model experimentation on human resources is unique and innovative.
Investigating the antifibrotic potential of N‐acetyl seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline sequence peptides
Authors: Ramasamy Vinasha , Ntsekhe Mpiko , Sturrock Edward
Published: August 2021

N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP) is a physiological antifibrotic peptide that is hydrolysed by angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE). The beneficial antifibrotic effects of ACE inhibitors have been attributed, in part, to its inhibition of Ac‐SDKP cleavage. There is indirect evidence that the SDK fragment of Ac‐SDKP is the main component required for its antiproliferative action. However, the exact component of the physiological peptide that is responsible for its antifibrotic effect has yet to be determined. Ac‐SDKP‐derived analogues that are resistant to ACE degradation may provide a new avenue for fibrosis therapy. We tested the antifibrotic potential of various Ac‐SDKP peptide sequences and an analogue resistant to ACE degradation in lung fibroblasts. We investigated the contribution and molecular mechanism of action of the amino acid residues in the Ac‐SDKP sequence to its antifibrotic effects, and the effects of Ac‐SDKP peptides in the prevention of collagen deposition in cells. The Ac‐DKP fragment moderately inhibited endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) mediated transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐ β) expression, and could be slowly cleaved by ACE, revealing a different sequence requirement for the antifibrotic action of Ac‐SDKP. The Ac‐SDψKP analogue (where the peptide bond between the aspartate and lysine is reduced) inhibited TGF‐β/small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad)‐3 signalling and collagen deposition. The Ac‐SDKP peptide, in combination with ACEi, demonstrated a greater inhibition of hydroxyproline as compared to Ac‐SDKP alone.
Soil protist function varies with elevation in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Mazel Florent , Malard Lucie , Niculita‐Hirzel Hélène , Yashiro Erika , Mod Heidi K. , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Singer David , Buri Aline , Pinto Eric , Guex Nicolas , Lara Enrique , Guisan Antoine
Published: August 2021

Protists are abundant and play key trophic functions in soil. Documenting how their trophic contributions vary across large environmental gradients is essential to understand and predict how biogeochemical cycles will be impacted by global changes. Here, using amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA in open habitat soil from 161 locations spanning 2600 m of elevation in the Swiss Alps (from 400 to 3000 m), we found that, over the whole study area, soils are dominated by consumers, followed by parasites and phototrophs. In contrast, the proportion of these groups in local communities shows large variations in relation to elevation. While there is, on average, three times more consumers than parasites at low elevation (400–1000 m), this ratio increases to 12 at high elevation (2000–3000 m). This suggests that the decrease in protist host biomass and diversity toward mountains tops impact protist functional composition. Furthermore, the taxonomic composition of protists that infect animals was related to elevation while that of protists that infect plants or of protist consumers was related to soil pH. This study provides a first step to document and understand how soil protist functions vary along the elevational gradient.
Environmental contamination with SARS‐CoV‐2 in COVID‐19 hospitals in Wuhan, China, 2020
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Dingchen , Yang Chaojie , Chen Fangyan , Jia Ruizhong , Jia Leili , Xia Xinyi , Fan Shanhong , Tan Qing , Ke Yuehua , Chen Yong , Li Haifeng , Zhan Linfeng , Liu Xiong , You Jianping , Fu Xiaolin , Li Dan , Zhang Lin , Wang Changjun , Han Li
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has caused high number of infections and deaths of healthcare workers globally. Distribution and possible transmission route of SARS‐CoV‐2 in hospital environment should be clarified. We herein collected 431 environmental (391 surface and 40 air) samples in the intensive care unit (ICU) and general wards (GWs) of three hospitals in Wuhan, China from February 21 to March 4, 2020, and detected SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA by real‐time quantitative PCR. The viral positive rate in the contaminated areas was 17.8% (28/157), whereas there was no virus detected in the clean areas. Higher positive rate (22/59, 37.3%) was found in ICU than that in GWs (3/63, 4.8%). The surfaces of computer keyboards and mouse in the ICU were the most contaminated (8/10, 80.0%), followed by the ground (6/9, 66.7%) and outer glove (2/5, 40.0%). From 17 air samples in the contaminated areas, only one sample collected at a distance of around 30 cm from the patient was positive. Enhanced surface disinfection and hand hygiene effectively decontaminated the virus from the environment. This finding might help understand the transmission route and contamination risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 and evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities.
Anthropogenic activities change the relationship between microbial community taxonomic composition and functional attributes
Authors: Liu Lemian , Wang Shanshan , Chen Jianfeng
Published: August 2021

Functional redundancy is considered common in microbial systems, but recent studies have challenged this idea. The mechanism for this contradictory result is not clear. However, in this study, we hypothesize that strong environmental filtering which links to the anthropogenic activities is able to weaken microbial functional redundancy. We used metagenome and 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing to investigate planktonic microbial communities in a subtropical river. We found that the weak anthropogenic activities might result in a low selection pressure in the river upstream area. Therefore, the microbial community functional attributes were stable although the community composition changed with the water temperature and NO3‐N in upstream area (this indicates functional redundancy). However, the strong anthropogenic activities in river downstream area selected pollutant‐degraded functions (e.g. nitrogen metabolism, toluene, xylenes and ethylbenzene degradation) and potentially pollutant‐degraded (tolerant) microbes, and therefore caused the microbial community composition synchronously changed with the variation of community functional attributes. Our results reveal that strong environmental filtering which associates with the anthropogenic activities not only has effects on microbial community composition and community functional attributes but also on their relationships. These results provide a new insight to refine the functional redundancy idea.
A small number of male‐biased candidate pheromone receptors are expressed in large subsets of the olfactory sensory neurons in the antennae of drones from the European honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Fleischer Joerg , Rausch Alexander , Dietze Kathrin , Erler Silvio , Cassau Sina , Krieger Jürgen
Published: August 2021

In the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the olfactory system is essential for foraging and intraspecific communication via pheromones. Honey bees are equipped with a large repertoire of olfactory receptors belonging to the insect odorant receptor (OR) family. Previous studies have indicated that the transcription level of a few OR types including OR11, a receptor activated by the queen‐released pheromone compound (2E)‐9‐oxodecenoic acid (9‐ODA), is significantly higher in the antenna of males (drones) than in female workers. However, the number and distribution of antennal cells expressing male‐biased ORs is elusive. Here, we analyzed antennal sections from bees by in situ hybridization for the expression of the male‐biased receptors OR11, OR18, and OR170. Our results demonstrate that these receptors are expressed in only moderate numbers of cells in the antennae of females (workers and queens), whereas substantially higher cell numbers express these ORs in drones. Thus, the reported male‐biased transcript levels are due to sex‐specific differences in the number of antennal cells expressing these receptors. Detailed analyses for OR11 and OR18 in drone antennae revealed expression in two distinct subsets of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that in total account for approximately 69% of the OR‐positive cells. Such high percentages of OSNs expressing given receptors are reminiscent of male‐biased ORs in moths that mediate the detection of female‐released sex pheromone components. Collectively, our findings indicate remarkable similarities between male antennae of bees and moths and support the concept that male‐biased ORs in bee drones serve the detection of female‐emitted sex pheromones.
Prospective analysis over time of semen parameters in spinal cord‐injured patients: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Chalas Celine , Jilet Lea , Wolf Jean‐Philippe , Drouineaud Veronique , Abdoul Hendy , Patrat Catherine , Denys Pierre , Giuliano Francois
Published: August 2021

Background

Spinal cord injury often results in erectile dysfunction and an ejaculation along with impaired semen parameters. Fertility is a major concern in spinal cord injury adult males and some fear that the delay post‐spinal cord injury may negatively affect sperm quality.

Objectives

We aimed to (i) assess semen parameters over time in SCI patients according to age at spinal cord injury, time post‐spinal cord injury, and the spinal cord injury level and completeness and (ii) measure markers in semen for inflammation and marker of oxidative stress to investigate their impact on sperm parameters.

Materials and Methods

The study is a prospective, longitudinal, pilot study over 18 months. Thirty‐five men with spinal cord injury from 18 to 60 years of age were enrolled. Their mean age was 29.4 ± 6.4 years. Semen retrieval was scheduled every 6 months, allowing analysis of four ejaculates, in association with measurement of granulocyte and seminal plasma elastase concentrations to assess markers in semen for inflammation and spermatozoa DNA fragmentation to assess oxidative stress.

Results

Based on reference limits, a normal total sperm number, decreased motility and vitality of the spermatozoa, and increased morphological abnormalities were found. Mean round cell and granulocyte concentrations were elevated in the semen. Markers in semen for inflammation and marker of oxidative stress were elevated in several semen samples, compared to reference limits. However, neither the presence of markers in semen for inflammation or oxidative stress, the completeness or the level of the spinal cord lesion, the age or the time post‐spinal cord injury had a negative impact on the semen quality over time.

Discussion

There was no significant decline in semen quality in spinal cord injury patients over time within the limitations of this pilot study. Moreover, a chronic genital inflammatory status was not associated with impairment of semen quality.

Conclusion

The present findings are reassuring for men with spinal cord injury and could guide the management of their reproductive ability. According to these preliminary data, not all spinal cord injury patients who are able to ejaculate require systematic freezing of their spermatozoa.
Effect of a nutritional supplementation on growth and body composition in short and lean preadolescent boys: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Fisch Shvalb Naama , Lazar Liora , Demol Sharon , Mouler Marie , Rachmiel Marianna , Hershkovitz Eli , Shamir Raanan , Phillip Moshe , Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation on height, weight and body composition in short and lean male preadolescents.

Methods

A randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of nutritional supplementation of short and lean prepubertal 10–14.5‐year‐old boys. Primary outcomes included Δheight‐SDS and Δweight‐SDS. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition and BMI‐SDS.

Results

Of 160 boys enrolled, 126 (80%) completed 6 months’ intervention. Baseline age, height‐SDS, weight‐SDS, BMI‐SDS, body composition and dietary intake were similar in the formula and placebo groups. ‘Good’ formula consumers (intake of ≥50% of the recommended dose, n = 30) gained significantly more in weight‐SDS, BMI‐SDS, fat‐free‐mass and muscle mass (p < 0.05) than did ‘poor’ consumers (n = 35) and the placebo group (n = 61). Only in the formula group, positive dose‐response correlations were found between consumption of the formula and changes in the outcome parameters examined, including Δheight‐SDS (r = 0.301, p = 0.015). Boys aged >11.4 years who were ‘good’ formula consumers maintained their Δheight‐SDS, while Δheight‐SDS declined in ‘poor’ consumers and the placebo group of the same age (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Intervention with a multi‐nutrient, protein‐rich formula was effective in increasing weight‐SDS, fat‐free‐mass, muscle mass and BMI‐SDS in short and lean prepubertal male adolescents. Good consumption of the formula prevented Δheight‐SDS decline in the older participants.
Health perception by young adults born very preterm
Authors: Girard‐Bock Camille , Flahault Adrien , Bernard Élisabeth , Bourque Claude Julie , Fallaha Catherine , Cloutier Anik , Janvier Annie , Nuyt Anne Monique , Luu Thuy Mai
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study assessed the self‐reported health perception and use of health care by adults born very preterm before 30 weeks of gestation.

Methods

The participants were part of a cross‐sectional observational study that assessed the global health of young adults aged 18–29 years born very preterm in Quebec, Canada. Health perception was explored from 2011 to 2016 using the second Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36v2), and objective health measures were obtained. Further in‐depth open‐ended questions were asked in 2018.

Results

The 101 preterm subjects had similar perceptions of their health to 105 term‐born controls, according to the SF‐36v2, despite significantly more adverse health conditions. Their healthcare use was similar. However, the later in‐depth questionnaire showed that 23% of 45 preterm subjects and 3% of 34 term‐born subjects perceived their health as poorer than the general population. Major factors that could improve their respective health were lifestyle habits (74% vs. 81%) and eliminating specific adverse symptoms (52% vs. 27%). Only 10% of preterm individuals had been asked about their perinatal history by physicians.

Conclusion

Adults born very preterm said their health was poorer than the general population and identified specific factors that should be addressed during routine health monitoring.
Serological SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response, potential predictive markers and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in haematological and oncological patients
Authors: Benda Magdalena , Mutschlechner Beatrix , Ulmer Hanno , Grabher Claudia , Severgnini Luciano , Volgger Andreas , Reimann Patrick , Lang Theresia , Atzl Michele , Huynh Minh , Gasser Klaus , Petrausch Ulf , Fraunberger Peter , Hartmann Bernd , Winder Thomas
Published: August 2021

Haemato‐oncological patients are at risk in case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Currently, vaccination is the best‐evaluated preventive strategy. In the present study, we aimed to assess serological response, predictive markers, and safety of BNT162b2 in haemato‐oncological patients. A total of 259 haemato‐oncological patients were vaccinated with two 30 µg doses of BNT162b2 administered 21 days apart. Serological response was assessed by ELECSYS® Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐S immunoassay before vaccination, and at 3 and 7 weeks after the first dose (T1, T2). Safety assessment was performed. At T2 spike protein receptor binding domain (S/RBD) antibodies were detected in 71·4% of haematological and in 94·5% of oncological patients (P < 0·001). Haematological patients receiving systemic treatment had a 14·2‐fold increased risk of non‐responding (95% confidence interval 3·2–63·3, P = 0·001). Subgroups of patients with lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were at highest risk of serological non‐response. Low immunoglobulin G (IgG) level, lymphocyte‐ and natural killer (NK)‐cell counts were significantly associated with poor serological response (P < 0·05). Vaccination was well tolerated with only 2·7% of patients reporting severe side‐effects. Patients with side‐effects developed a higher S/RBD‐antibody titre compared to patients without side‐effects (P = 0·038). Haematological patients under treatment were at highest risk of serological non‐response. Low lymphocytes, NK cells and IgG levels were found to be associated with serological non‐response. Serological response in oncological patients was encouraging. The use of BNT162b2 is safe in haemato‐oncological patients.
Research agenda setting with children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Lessons learned
Authors: Aussems Karijn , Schoemaker Casper G. , Verwoerd Anouk , Ambrust Wineke , Cowan Katherine , Dedding Christine
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim of this qualitative study is to understand the research priorities of Dutch children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as well as researching how children can be involved.

Background

Several health research agendas have successfully been developed with adults but rarely with children. Children are still seldom recognized as possessing credible knowledge about their own body and life. This research project with focus group discussions and interviews with children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was an innovative addition to a nationwide prioritization of research questions of patients with JIA, their carers and health care professionals, based on the James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology.

Results

Children with JIA appreciated being invited to give their opinion on JIA research prioritization as knowledgeable actors. They have clear views on what topics need most attention. They want more insight on how to medically and socially treat JIA so that they can better fulfil their aspirations at school, later in work and with their relationships.

Conclusion

We have identified the Top 5 research priorities for children with JIA. Most priorities are unique and differ from the priorities of the adolescents and young adults, parents and healthcare professionals in the main JLA priority setting exercise. Ultimately, two of the children's priorities were included in the final JLA Top 10.
Comparing pre‐ and post‐treatment patients' perceptions on dental implant therapy
Authors: Sermsiripoca Khunsiri , Pisarnturakit Pagaporn Pantuwadee , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Subbalekha Keskanya
Published: August 2021

Background

Appropriate patients' perceptions as one of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), are shown to be critical for the sustainable success of implant therapy, little is known however of how they prospectively evolve throughout the treatment process.

Objective

This study aimed to prospectively assess patients' perceptions before and after treatment with dental implants and to identify the impact of patients' characteristics on their perceptions.

Materials and methods

Patients' perceptions on implant therapy were prospectively assessed by means of purpose‐made questionnaire, rating the extent of agreement/disagreement with a set of statements on a visual analog scale. The questionnaire was collected before initial consultation with the implant dentist and post‐treatment at least 1 month after prosthetic loading of the implant. Changes in patients' perceptions were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Pretreatment questionnaire was collected from 359 patients. While 245 of them proceeded with implant therapy, 145 received final restoration within the timeframe of the study and completed the post‐treatment questionnaires between 1 and 6 months after prosthesis delivery. The most common source of information was dental professions (72.4%). Although patients' perceptions were more realistic at post‐treatment, few improper perceptions persisted as only 51% of patients agreed with the statement “There is a chance of dental implant failure,” 28% agreed with the statement “Dental implants last longer than natural teeth,” and higher percentage of patients agreed with “Dental implant therapy is appropriate for all patients.”

Conclusions

Although patients appear to harbor more realistic perceptions of implant therapy, certain improper perceptions still persist at post‐treatment. The design of appropriate patient educational program might be essential to correct misperceptions that might affect long term success of implant therapy.

This study had been registered on Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) with the TCTR identification number: TCTR20181101001.