bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical analysis of organizational transformation – PSR
Authors: Naslund Dag , Wlliamson Steven
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Hunter Harrison, CEO of the railroad company CSX, died on December 16, 2017. Harrison, known as the railroad transformation guru, was a controversial person. While his transformations were applauded by investors, they were also subject to significant criticism. The author changes triggered service disruptions, customer complaints and federal scrutiny. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the transformation at CSX and to develop a framework for the analysis of organizational transformation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors critically analyze the transformation at CSX – known as precision scheduled railroading (PSR). The authors base the initial analysis on the Lean approach to organizational change the authors compare and contrast the two approaches and the authors highlight both positive and negative aspects. The empirical data was collected via two rounds of interviews with employees at CSX – the first informal, the second structured. The lack of academic articles dealing with PSR, the authors focused on the review on trade and newspaper articles.

Findings

First, while many transformations are conducted under the assumption that they will improve both effectiveness and efficiency, they are in reality often mainly efficiency improvement programs that can, in fact, hurt both effectiveness and employee morale. Second, the paper presents a framework for the analysis of transformation projects.

Research limitations/implications

The authors identify factors for analysis of transformation programs and the authors develop a framework, which structures significant change aspects into three categories, namely, purpose, process and people.

Practical implications

Organizations can use the framework to understand the requirements for successful transformation, to analyze if the chosen method matches the organizational strategy and to facilitate successful implementation in the companies.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper on PSR and the first paper contrasting PSR with other transformation methods.
Impact of process parameters of resistance spot welding on mechanical properties and micro hardness of stainless steel 304 weldments
Authors: Kumar Raman , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Goyal Rohit , Chauhan Piyush
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is an essential process in the automobile sector to join the components. The steel is the principal material utilized in car generation because of its high obstruction against erosion, toughness, ease of support and its recuperation potential. Due to this, it was planned to study the mechanical properties, hardness and microstructure characteristics of RSW of Stainless steel 304.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present research, RSW of 304 stainless steel plates with 1 mm thickness and effect of current intensity, welding time, electrode pressure and holding time on nugget diameter, tensile strength microhardness and microstructure of the joints was investigated. The specimens were prepared according to the dimensions of 30 × 100 mm with 30 mm overlaps joint through the RSW machine. The tensile test of the specimen was carried out on a universal testing machine and microhardness of specimens measured using Vickers’s hardness tester. Taguchi L16 orthogonal array was used to scrutinize the significant parameters for each output.

Findings

It has been observed that the tensile strength of the specimen is affected by the current intensity and nugget diameter, and the weld time has a significant effect on the tensile strength. Microhardness is highly influenced by electrode pressure and holding time, as the increase in both these parameters resulted in the increase of microhardness. This is due to rapid cooling, which is done by the cooling water flowing through the copper electrodes.

Originality/value

This study was carried out using a copper electrode with a flat face with selected parameters and response factors. The study can be useful for researchers working on optimization of welding parameters on stainless steel.
Integration of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and IOTs in academia: a state-of-the-art review on the concept of Education 4.0 in Pakistan
Authors: Butt Rameen , Siddiqui Hammad , Soomro Raheel Ahmed , Asad Muhammad Mujtaba
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This era is the time for upskilling and producing workforce that is capable of effectively dealing with the day-by-day increasing demand of the industry. As the world is changing, its needs are changing in the same way and at the same speed. The world has become more digitized now. Moreover, we have a dramatic shift from Education 1.0 to Education 4.0 these days. The world now is practicing the internet of things, cloud storage, cyber-physical system and artificial intelligence. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that affect the level of motivation toward the integration and implication of Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 in the education system of Pakistan by considering the Government policies.

Design/methodology/approach

For analyzing these factors, 150 research articles were sought out, out of which 84 were chosen for reviewing purpose based on the authentication of and relevance to this study by considering the Pakistani context. All the research articles have been selected from reputed indexed journals from databases (Scopus and Web of Science).

Findings

The findings of this review suggest that many factors affect the motivation toward integration and implementation of IR 4.0. These factors mainly include human factors, intrinsic values and influencing factors. Moreover, there is no such framework that provides the base to Education 4.0 in Pakistan because the things exist but are not systematic. Educators are motivated, but there are no resources; policies are there, but there is no practice or implementation. Pakistan is lacking in the latest trends related to Education 4.0 and even has no experience because people are used to doing things manually, but technology is the need of this era. Furthermore, the findings of this study will be useful for developing a systematic plan or a framework of the integration and implication of IR 4.0 that ultimately gives rise to Education 4.0 in the education system of Pakistan.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, no other study has been conducted on this topic in Pakistan. Also, there is a very little work done on this topic anywhere else in the world. The world is still exploring the IR 4.0, and our topic is solemnly related to these resolutions. Thus, there is a very little amount of literature related to this study.
Ethical decision-making among professional accountants in Nigeria: the influence of ethical ideology, work sector, and types of professional membership
Authors: Oboh Collins Sankay , Ajibolade Solabomi Omobola , Otusanya Olatunde Julius
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of ethical ideological orientation (moral idealism and moral relativism), work sector and types of professional membership on the ethical decision-making (EDM) process of professional accountants in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study obtained primary data from 329 professional accountants with the aid of a structured questionnaire containing four scenarios of ethical dilemmas. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression techniques.

Findings

The results revealed both idealistic and relativistic moral orientation among the accountants surveyed with a higher mean score (>4.0) recorded for moral idealism. Moral idealism was found to have a positive influence, while moral relativism a negative influence on the three stages (ethical recognition, ethical judgement and ethical intention) of EDM examined. Professional accountants with idealistic orientation showed a higher disposition towards making ethical decisions in situations involving ethical dilemmas than those tending towards relativistic orientation. The results also revealed that work sector (private or public) and types of professional membership play significant roles in predicting the EDM process of professional accountants in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The study provides empirical evidence that could be used to support educational and legislative efforts in enhancing the moral ideological orientation of professional accountants, which will, in turn, enhance their EDM processes. The findings could be used to enhance ethics instructions and training of current and prospective professional accountants in educational settings, especially in countries such as Nigeria where there is yet to be a discrete ethics course in the curriculum for accounting undergraduate degree programmes. Professional accounting bodies in Nigeria and other developing countries could use the evidence in this study to strengthen the ethics code for professional accountants.

Originality/value

The study is unique in focussing on professional accountants in developing countries using Nigeria to represent developing countries with high corruption profile and weak institutions and governments and, as such, it contributes to the scarce research output on accounting ethics in developing countries.
Ecotourism development challenges and opportunities in Wondo Genet and its environs, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wondirad Amare
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and examine the challenges and opportunities of ecotourism development in Wondo Genet and its vicinity, southern Ethiopia and thereby forward suggestions to pertinent ecotourism stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-method research approach and collects primary data from 412 research participants (400 survey respondents and 12 interviewees). Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis are used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Findings

The research findings unfold several constraints that deter successful ecotourism development along with opportunities that can be used in future development. Ecotourism is suggested as a complementary form of tourism development in Wondo Genet and its vicinity, as the area is known for its natural and cultural resources.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer substantive insights to policymakers, private investors and local communities about the existing challenges and opportunities of ecotourism development in the context of emerging destinations. Given time, budget and human resource are acute restraints in developing countries; the current study is relevant in terms of highlighting the most pressing challenges that demand urgent action to unleash the development of a sustainable tourist destination.

Practical implications

The findings of this study also provide crucial practical implications to various stakeholders about the complementary nature of ecotourism and sustainable placemaking to conserve destinations’ environmental resources while improving socioeconomic conditions.

Originality/value

Despite Wondo Genet's immense ecotourism resource potential as one of the prime destinations both in the country and in the region, a huge gap exists in the current literature, where the current study intends to bridge in a comprehensive manner.
Consumer territorial responses in service settings
Authors: Ashley Christy , Gilbert Jonathan Ross , Leonard Hillary A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Customers can be territorial, which results in reactive behaviors that can hurt firm profitability. This study aims to expand the typology of customer territorial responses previously identified in the environmental psychology and marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a mixture of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The exploratory studies elicit and test a typology of consumer territorial responses using critical incident technique and factor analysis. Two surveys use the typology. Study 1 examines intrusiveness in grocery store settings. Study 2 expands the model with specialty store shoppers to examine how rapport, employee greed, entitlement and time pressure interact with intrusion pressure and relate to customer territorial responses.

Findings

The results indicate a new category of territorial responses – deferential verbalizations – and show relationships between intrusion pressure and deferential actions, retaliatory verbalizations, retaliatory actions and abandonment. The relationships are affected by the moderators, including rapport, which interacts with intrusion pressure to increase the likelihood of switching.

Research limitations/implications

Collecting data near closing time restricted observations and consumer time to participate using self-report data. The results should be replicated with other populations and service providers.

Practical implications

Managers should monitor customer treatment during closing time. The results indicate consumer responses to closing time cues not only impact their shopping trip but also affect whether they will patronize the store in the future.

Originality/value

The study provides an expanded typology of territorial responses, identifies moderating factors that may affect responses and links employee intrusiveness and territorial responses to store patronage.
“Of course, cooperation first”: the effect of subsidiary capability and perception gaps for subsidiary development
Authors: Chen Lu-Jui , Tsou Hung-Tai
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to discuss not only the relationship between performance and cooperation but also discusses whether a subsidiary should prioritize performance above cooperation or whether a subsidiary should prioritize cooperation above performance. In addition, because the headquarters-subsidiary relationship influences the subsidiaries, the perception gaps (PGs) between headquarters and subsidiaries are taken as moderators to explore when there are perception differences between headquarters and subsidiaries and the effect on the relationship between subsidiaries’ cooperation (SCO) and performance (SP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtained the data through a survey of 170 subsidiaries in China; chief executive officer or senior managers were selected as the data collection sources. AMOS analysis was used to address sophisticated data analysis issues.

Findings

The empirical evidence indicates that subsidiary capabilities have direct impacts on SCO and SP. In addition, SCO and performance have mediating effects. More specifically, SCO has a full mediating effect and SP has a partial mediating effect. For the moderating effects, the PG weakens the effect of SCO on SP.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on subsidiary capabilities by offering a headquarters-subsidiary relationship model. As both the conceptual and empirical research studies on this topic are still underdeveloped, the study provides fresh insights into collaborative management and offers significant theoretical and managerial implications. Specifically, this study focuses on the impacts that subsidiary capabilities and PG have on cooperation and performance.
Influence of surface roughness of ten tropical woods species on their surface free energy, varnishes wettability and bonding quality
Authors: Darmawan Wayan , Ginting Monica Br. , Gayatri Asih , Putri Rumanintya L. , Lumongga Dumasari , Hasanusi Aulia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The surface characteristics of wood such as surface roughness, surface free energy (SFE) and wettability are important properties influencing further manufacturing processes such as gluing and coating. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of surface roughness of ten tropical woods on their SFE, wettability and bonding quality for water-based acrylic and solvent-based alkyd varnishes.

Design/methodology/approach

The woods tested in this study were fast-growing teak, afrika, sungkai, mindi, merbau, durian, lamtoro, pulai, acacia and kempas. Wood surfaces were prepared in unsanded and sanded using an abrasive paper of 120 grits. SFE values were calculated based on the Rabel method. Wettability values were measured based on the contact angle between varnish liquids and wood surfaces using the sessile drop method, and the S/G model was used to evaluate the wettability of the varnishes on the woods surface. The bonding quality of the varnishes was measured using a cross-cut test based on the ASTM 3359-02 standard.

Findings

The results show that unsanded kempas wood had the roughest surface with a Ra value of 16.24 µm, whereas sanded lamtoro wood has the smoothest surface with a Ra value of 6.86 µm. The unsanded afrika wood had the highest SFE value of 53.61 mJ/m2, whereas sanded fast-growing teak had the lowest SFE value of 36.17 mJ/m2. Sanded merbau woods had the lowest K value of 0.022 for the water-based acrylic varnish, whereas unsanded afrika wood had the highest K value of 9.253 for the alkyd varnish. Afrika wood with the highest K values (highest wettability) for both acrylic and alkyd varnishes produced the highest bonding quality (grade 4-5). Compared to the water-based acrylic varnish, the solvent-based alkyd varnish was more wettable and generated better bonding quality.

Research limitations/implications

Improving the quality of fast-growing wood from plantation by painting could be considered to increase their use for higher value wood products.

Practical implications

Compared to water-based acrylic varnish, solvent-based alkyd varnish was more wettable and generated better bonding quality.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is to evaluate the values of surface free energy. SFE could be used to quantitatively determined the wettability of paints liquid in the surface of wood
The anatomy of circular economy transition in the fashion industry
Authors: Mishra Sita , Jain Sheetal , Malhotra Gunjan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Unsustainable fashion consumption and wasteful practices have recently garnered attention in practice and academia; however, research in this field is limited. This study is based upon an extensive review of the literature and aims to fill this gap by providing an in-depth understanding of various drivers and actors operating in the closed-loop fashion value chain. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework of transformation from the linear economy (LE) to the circular economy (CE) for the fashion industry based on “transition theory.”

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, a bibliographic compilation on the given subject is done. In Phase 2, data about the case company is collected through trade media and semi-structured interviews with the founder and the designers.

Findings

The study found that key drivers for the closed-loop fashion value chain are collaboration with partners, innovation, waste management system, customer connect and changing utilization patterns. Based on the extensive literature review and analysis of the case study, it can be concluded that to incorporate CE principles, namely, reduce, repair, reuse and recycle into current business models, redefining existing value propositions and transforming various business model elements is essential.

Practical implications

A three-level (discrete level, aggregator level and the peripheral level) framework is developed that can help the fashion industry in transition from LE to CE. This study will help fashion houses to understand how they can work in tandem with various stakeholders to develop sustainable business models.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research by advancing the understanding of how to further develop and redesign an innovative business model framework for the circular fashion value chain. A three-level framework is developed that can be used for transition from LE to CE, especially in the fashion industry. This study is one of the first research that has tried to analyze the Indian case company for CE practices in fashion.
Co‐introduction of native mycorrhizal fungi and plant seeds accelerates restoration of post‐mining landscapes
Authors: Vahter Tanel , Bueno Carlos Guillermo , Davison John , Herodes Koit , Hiiesalu Inga , Kasari‐Toussaint Liis , Oja Jane , Olsson Pål Axel , Sepp Siim‐Kaarel , Zobel Martin , Vasar Martti , Öpik Maarja
Published: May 2020

Grasslands are among the most threatened terrestrial biomes, and habitat conservation alone will be insufficient to meet biodiversity goals. While restoration of indigenous grasslands is a priority, conflict with economic objectives means that incorporation of alternative habitats is necessary to offset grassland loss. With up to 800,000 km2 of land affected by mining globally, there is an opportunity to create additional grassland habitat in post‐mining landscapes.

We aimed to assess whether co‐introduction of native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and plants is an efficient means of initializing species‐rich vegetation recovery in barren post‐mining landscapes. We established an experiment in three post‐mining areas in Estonia, where we seeded plots with native plant seeds and inoculated them with trap‐cultured native AM fungi from a similar habitat. We measured the abundance and composition of soil AM fungal and above‐ground plant communities in two consecutive years using relevés, high‐throughput sequencing and fatty acid profiling.

Our results demonstrate that co‐introduction of native plants and AM fungi is an effective way to establish species‐rich vegetation in post‐mining areas. Co‐introduction of symbiotic partners resulted in higher richness, diversity and abundance of plants and AM fungi than when either partner was introduced individually. However, the plant and AM fungal communities in sown and inoculated plots were not distinct from those in uninoculated treatments; they rather formed a subset of all taxa present on the sites but exhibited higher diversity than in uninoculated plots.

Synthesis and applications. This study shows that managing the below‐ground microbiome is an essential part of vegetation restoration. The availability of symbiotic partners can be considered a key aspect determining the diversity of restored vegetation. Targeted inoculations with native and habitat‐specific native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could therefore increase restoration success.
Restoring functionally diverse communities enhances invasion resistance in a freshwater wetland
Authors: Byun Chaeho , de Blois Sylvie , Brisson Jacques
Published: May 2020

Understanding how plant communities reassemble is particularly relevant when invaders are part of the species pool and can compromise restoration or conservation goals. If initial species composition has a lasting impact on community dynamics, it may be possible to enhance biotic resistance to invasion, particularly through diversity effects, by manipulating early community composition. Diversity effects have been investigated much less in wetlands than in uplands.

We conducted a large plant community restoration experiment in a freshwater wetland to investigate species and functional diversity effects on biotic resistance to invasion during early community assembly. The wetland was under propagule pressure mostly from Phragmites australis (common reed), but all species not sown in this experiment that established in the plots were treated as ‘invaders’, whether exotic or native. We used a two‐step model selection approach and a diversity‐interaction model framework to test hypotheses about the contribution to invasion success of abiotic conditions, species richness, as well as functional group richness, identity and pairwise interactions, providing a rare test of diversity effects against multiple invaders in wetlands.

In all, 20 species invaded the plots. They were grouped for analysis to evaluate the overall resistance of resident communities. The three main invaders, P. australis and two native taxa (Salix spp., Populus deltoides), were also analysed separately. Diversity‐interaction models revealed invader‐specific responses. Functional group identity determined resistance to P. australis, whereas pairwise interactions between functional groups explained resistance to Salix spp. Both effects were retained when grouping all invaders. Resistance to P. deltoides was determined by abiotic conditions.

The contribution of specific functional groups varied with invader. Annuals and clonal perennials explained resistance to P. australis, suggesting priority and limiting similarity effects. Interactions, when significant, mostly included fast‐growing annuals. When considering all invaders, identity effects were detected for all functional groups.

Synthesis. Diversity effects on invasion resistance vary with invaders in early assembly of restored wetland communities. Restoring functionally diverse communities provides resistance against multiple invaders. Consistent responses between this field experiment and previous pot experiments with the same species suggest that results are robust enough to inform management.
The prevalence of improper solution‐making technique places molar solutions in crisis
Authors: Calvert Ryan D. , Crawford Ciera R. , Running Cordelia A.
Published: May 2020

Properly made solutions are critical to the scientific method. However, in various laboratories and collaborative environments, we have noticed a lack of proper technique for making solutions. Instead of measuring the moles of solute then filling up to the needed volume with solvent, we observed many individuals would measure the moles of solute then add a premeasured volume of solvent, resulting in more dilute solutions. This disturbing trend is particularly of interest for high‐molarity solutions, such as sucrose solutions common in sensory science. The higher the molarity, the greater the skew from the incorrect technique. Therefore, we designed a survey investigating the prevalence of improper solution‐making techniques. We had 811 participants of which 186 we determined likely to make solutions based on field of study and job description. The 186 participants were categorized by current position as faculty, postdoctoral fellow, research assistant, or graduate student. Our results indicate that almost a third of scientists may be making molar solutions incorrectly. Given the current crisis of reproducibility in science, and the importance of concentration in a variety of applications, the possibility of the concentrations being mismatched from one research group or even one lab member to another is concerning. We urge all researchers to document and seek/provide training for day‐to‐day work in research laboratories, ensuring all researchers can correctly perform even very basic procedures.
Plant carotenoids evolution during cultivation, postharvest storage, and food processing: A review
Authors: Ngamwonglumlert Luxsika , Devahastin Sakamon , Chiewchan Naphaporn , Raghavan Vijaya
Published: May 2020

Carotenoids in nature are predominantly C40 hydrocarbons that may contain oxygenated functional groups. Although they are well‐recognized to exhibit key human health benefits, they cannot be synthesized in the human body and must be obtained from the diet. Fruit and vegetables are the primary dietary sources of carotenoids because plants automatically synthesize these compounds to protect cells from oxidative damage that may occur upon photosynthesis due to light. Biosynthesis and accumulation of carotenoids in plants begin during cultivation through postharvest storage. However, these compounds naturally degrade upon plant senescence and also during food processing (e.g., blanching, pasteurization, and drying). In this article, evolution of carotenoids during cultivation, postharvest storage, and food processing is comprehensively reviewed. Appropriate conditions and methods to cultivate, store, and process fruit and vegetables to help retard carotenoid degradation and enhance carotenoid biosynthesis are also reviewed and identified.
Northwestward range expansion of the bumblebeeBombus haematurusinto Central Europe is associated with warmer winters and niche conservatism
Authors: Biella Paolo , Ćetković Aleksandar , Gogala Andrej , Neumayer Johann , Sárospataki Miklós , Šima Peter , Smetana Vladimir
Published: May 2020

Species range expansions are crucial for understanding niche formation and the interaction with the environment. Here, we studied the bumblebeeBombus haematurusKriechbaumer, 1870, a species historically distributed from northern Serbia through northern Iran which has very recently started expanding northwestward into Central Europe without human‐mediated dispersal (i.e., it is a natural spread). After updating the global distribution of this species, we investigated if niche shifts took place during this range expansion between newly colonized and historical areas. In addition, we have explored which climatic factors may have favored the natural range expansion of the species. Our results indicated thatBombus haematurushas colonized large territories in 7 European countries outside the historical area in the period from the 1980s to 2018, a natural expansion over an area that equals 20% of the historical distribution. In addition, this bumblebee performs generalism in flower visitation and it occurs in different habitats, although a preference for forested areas clearly emerges. The land‐use associated with the species in the colonized areas is similar to the historical distribution, indicating that no major niche shifts occurred during the spread. Furthermore, in recently colonized localities, the range expansion was associated with warming temperatures during the winter and also during both queen overwintering and emergence phases. These findings document a case of natural range expansion due to environmental change rather than due to niche shifts, and specifically they suggest that warmer winters could be linked to the process of natural colonization of new areas.
Larval feeding status regulates the transcript levels of genes encoding PTTH and allatoregulatory peptides in silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Kh. Sanathoibi D. , Keshan Bela
Published: May 2020

In Bombyx mori, two dorsolateral neurosecretory cells (NSCs) in each of the two brain lobes have been identified as prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) producing cells. This neuropeptide in insects stimulates the prothoracic gland for the synthesis and release of ecdysone, responsible for the molting events. Allatotropin (AT) and allatostatin (AST) are allatoregulatory neuropeptides that regulate juvenile hormone biosynthesis. Here, by using RT‐qPCR, we showed that in B. mori, nutritional stress modulates the mRNA expression of AT and AST‐C (allatostain type C) in the central nervous system consisting of the brain lobes and all the associated ganglia. Using whole‐mount in situ hybridization, we showed that the feeding status of Bombyx larvae also influences the expression of PTTH in the NSCs of the brain. Food deprivation significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of PTTH in larvae at active or terminal growth period. Further, we showed that insulin modulates the expression level of PTTH. However, its action was dependent on the feeding status of the larvae. At feeding, the insulin decreased the PTTH expression level, while at food deprivation, the insulin increased the PTTH expression level. The data thus indicates that larval feeding status plays an important role in altering the mRNA expression levels of allatoregulatory peptide genes and PTTH.
Analyzing the Variability of Remote Sensing and Hydrologic Model Evapotranspiration Products in a Watershed in Michigan
Authors: Herman Matthew R. , Nejadhashemi A. Pouyan , Hernandez‐Suarez Juan Sebastian , Sadeghi Ali M.
Published: May 2020

The goal of this paper was to statistically explore the spatiotemporal performance of remotely sensed actual evapotranspiration (ETa) datasets and a remotely sensed ensemble in a region that lacks observed data. The remotely sensed datasets were further compared with ETa results from a physically based hydrologic model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) to examine the differences and determine the level of agreement between the ETa datasets and the model outputs. ETa datasets were compared on temporal (i.e., monthly and seasonal basis) and spatial (i.e., landuse) scales at both watershed and subbasin levels. The results showed a lack of consistent similarities and differences among the datasets when evaluating the monthly ETa variations; however, the seasonal aggregated data presented more consistent similarities and differences during the spring and summer compared to the fall and winter. Meanwhile, spatial analysis of the datasets showed the MOD16A2 500 m ETa product was the most versatile of the tested datasets, being able to differentiate between landuses during all seasons. Furthermore, the use of an averaging ensemble was able to improve overall ETa performance in the study area. This study showed that the remotely sensed ETa products are not similar throughout the year, but the appropriate application periods for different ETa products were identified. Finally, spatial variabilities of the ETa products are more in tune with landuse and climate characteristics.
Antihyperglycemic properties of hydroxychloroquine in patients with diabetes: Risks and benefits at the time of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Infante Marco , Ricordi Camillo , Fabbri Andrea
Published: May 2020

The antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has long been used as a disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug for the treatment of several inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Over the last three decades, various studies have shown that HCQ also plays a role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Although the mechanisms of action underlying the glucose‐lowering properties of HCQ are still not entirely clear, evidence suggests that this drug may exert multifaceted effects on glucose regulation, including improvement of insulin sensitivity, increase of insulin secretion, reduction of hepatic insulin clearance, and reduction of systemic inflammation. Preliminary studies have shown the safety and efficacy of HCQ (at a dose ranging from 400 to 600 mg/day) in patients with type 2 diabetes over a short‐term period. In 2014, HCQ has been approved in India as an add‐on hypoglycemic agent for patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. However, large randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy profile of HCQ in patients with type 2 diabetes over a long‐term period. With regard to the COVID‐19 pandemic, several medications (including HCQ) have been used as off‐label drugs because of the lack of proven effective therapies. However, emerging evidence shows limited benefit from HCQ use in COVID‐19 in general. The aim of this manuscript is to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on the antihyperglycemic properties of HCQ and to critically evaluate the potential risks and benefits related to HCQ use in patients with diabetes, even in light of the current pandemic scenario.
Impact of interstitial lung disease and simultaneous lung cancer on therapeutic possibilities and survival
Authors: Barczi Eniko , Nagy Tamas , Starobinski Livia , Kolonics‐Farkas Abigel , Eszes Noemi , Bohacs Aniko , Tarnoki Adam Domonkos , Tarnoki David Laszlo , Müller Veronika
Published: May 2020

Background

Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are associated with poor survival and an increased risk of developing lung cancer (LC). Patient and LC characteristics, therapeutic possibilities and survival in this rare patient population are not well established.

Methods

Fibrosing ILD patients treated at the Department of Pulmonology Semmelweis University were reviewed retrospectively between 2012–2018 (N = 160). All patients with concomitant LC (N = 23) underwent detailed pulmonary evaluation. Cancer characteristics including driver mutation data, as well as therapy and survival were analyzed.

Results

ILD‐LC patients (56% men, mean age 73 ± 6 years) had mild‐moderate lung functional impairment (forced vital capacity [FVC]: 80 ± 24%ref., forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1]: 76 ± 27%ref.; transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide [TLCO]: 62 ± 25% reference). In 56% of cases histology confirmed adenocarcinoma followed by squamous cell carcinoma in 26%. Lobectomy could only be performed in one case; driver mutation was present in one patient. Chemotherapy was most commonly administered; however, 26% could only receive supportive palliative care. Four idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients received concomitant nintedanib to their LC treatment. Median survival of ILD‐LC patients was only 321 days.

Conclusions

Diagnosis and therapy of ILD‐LC is challenging and patients have a very limited survival. A significant proportion of patients could only receive palliative care indicating the need for better management strategies in this special patient population. The evaluation of the effect of cotreatment with antifibrotics needs further study.

Key points

Interstitial lung diseases are often associated with lung cancer

Diagnosis is challenging and therapy often limited due to underlying lung disease. Patients received platinum based chemotherapy or only supportive care.
Quantifying the recent expansion of native invasive rush species in a UK upland environment
Authors: Ashby Mark A. , Whyatt James Duncan , Rogers Karen , Marrs Rob H. , Stevens Carly J.
Published: May 2020

Rushes, such as soft rush (Juncus effusus L.), hard rush (Juncus inflexus L.), and compact rush (Juncus conglomeratus L.) have become problem species within upland grasslands across the United Kingdom and the coastal grasslands of western Norway. Indeed, being largely unpalatable to livestock and having a vigorous reproductive ecology means that they can rapidly come to dominate swards. However, rush dominance results in a reduction in grassland biodiversity and farm productivity. Anecdotal evidence from the United Kingdom suggests that rush cover within marginal upland grasslands has increased considerably in recent decades. Yet, there is currently no published evidence to support this observation. Here, we use recent and historical Google Earth imagery to measure changes in rush frequency over a 13‐year period within four survey years: 2005, 2009, 2015, and 2018. During each survey year, we quantified rush presence or absence using a series of quadrats located within 300 upland grassland plots in the West Pennine Moors, United Kingdom. Data were analysed in two stages, first, by calculating mean rush frequencies per sample year using all the available plot‐year combinations (the full dataset), and second by examining differences in rush frequency using only the plots for which rush frequency data were available in every sample year (the continuous dataset). The full dataset indicated that rush frequency has increased by 82% between 2005 and 2018. Similarly, the continuous dataset suggested that rush frequency has increased by 174% over the same period, with the increases in frequency being statistically significant (p < .05) between 2005–2018 and 2009–2018. We discuss the potential drivers of rush expansion in the West Pennine Moors, the ecological and agronomic implications of grassland rush infestations, and priorities for future research.
Endangered Pinzgauer cattle subtype Jochberger Hummel are genetically distinct
Authors: Brenig B.
Published: May 2020

Autochthonous cattle breeds are an important part of cultural heritage and reservoir of genetic diversity. Usually, such breeds have been selected over centuries and reflect adaptation to a specific local environment and human demands. However, owing to low effective population size in conjunction with increased inbreeding and genetic drift, many of these lineages are threatened with extinction. The Jochberger Hummel (‘Jochberger Bumblebee’) is such an endangered subtype of the Pinzgauer cattle originating from a single polled female calf. To evaluate the suspected uniqueness of this subtype and to assess whether it should be kept separate or managed together with the Pinzgauer cattle as one population, I examined the genetic diversity in a set of 844 cattle (Angus, Charolais, Holstein, Jochberger Hummel, Pinzgauer, Uckermaerker and Tux‐Zillertaler) using principal component and biogeographical ancestry analysis. The analysis showed that the Jochberger Hummel is still a distinct subtype of Pinzgauer cattle with less than 5% admixture and a low inbreeding coefficient.
MEFV c.2230G>T p.(Ala744Ser) rs61732874 previously misclassified as pathogenic variant due to lack of a population specific database
Authors: Alsubaie Lamia , Alkhalaf Randa , Aloraini Taghrid , Amoudi Manal , Swaid Abdulrahman , Al Mutairi Fuad , Alfadhel Majid , Eyaid1 Wafaa , Sewairi Wafaa , Alfares Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever is a hereditary inflammatory disorder caused by variants in MEFV. c.2230G>T p.(Ala744Ser) rs61732874 is considered to be an established pathogenic variant in MEFV, but in this study we provide a complete evaluation that suggests this variant is likely benign.

Methods

Using an in‐house exome database from 924 individuals, we extracted all individuals harboring this variant for clinical, laboratory, and familial evaluation.

Results

We identified the variant in 58 individuals from 39 families. The allele frequency of this variant in our database is 4.2%. None of the identified individuals match the diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever. Using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines for variant classification, this variant is classified as likely benign and not pathogenic.

Conclusion

Conflicting evidence about variants creates challenges for testing laboratories and impacts patient care. Sharing information drawn mainly from underrepresented populations and clinical phenotyping are important tools for precise curation of genetic variants.
Breast shield design impacts milk removal dynamics during pumping: A randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Sakalidis Vanessa S. , Ivarsson Lennart , Haynes Alan G. , Jäger Linda , Schärer‐Hernández Nania G. , Mitoulas Leon R. , Prime Danielle K.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

While many studies have investigated the importance of optimizing pumping patterns for milk removal, the influence of breast shield design on milk removal has not been the focus of extensive investigation. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of breast shields with either a 105° or a 90° flange opening angle on breast drainage and milk volume expressed during pumping.

Material and methods

This study was a cross‐over, randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial (Registration; NCT03091985). Mothers (n = 49) of breastfeeding infants participated in the study over two study sessions. Participants were randomly assigned to pump both breasts simultaneously for 15 minutes with either the 105° or 90° breast shield in the first session, and the other shield in the second session. Effectiveness (breast drainage) and efficiency (volume expressed) of both breast shields were assessed after 15 minutes of pumping. Intention‐to‐treat and per protocol analyses were performed to determine if the 105° breast shield was non‐inferior to the 90° breast shield for breast drainage and volume expressed. Perceived comfort was assessed via questionnaire.

Results

The 105° breast shield was both non‐inferior and superior compared to the standard 90° shield for breast drainage (intention‐to‐treat, 3.87% (0.01‐7.72), P = .049) and volume expressed (intention‐to‐treat, 9.14 mL (1.37‐16.91), P=.02). In addition, the 105° shield was rated as feeling more comfortable (P < .001) and as having an improved fit to the breast (P < .001) compared to the 90° shield.

Conclusions

Expressing with the 105° breast shield was more efficient, effective and comfortable compared to the 90° shield. Breast shield design can significantly impact pumping outcomes, and an opening angle of 105° improves both the dynamics and comfort of milk removal.
Survival of very elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma according to treatment intensity in the immunochemotherapy era: a Swedish Lymphoma Register study
Authors: Sonnevi Kristina , Wästerlid Tove , Melén Christopher M. , Harrysson Sara , Smedby Karin E. , Wahlin Björn E.
Published: May 2020

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) incidence rises with increasing age. Rituximab‐anthracycline‐based regimens offer a potential cure but also risks of adverse events, especially in the elderly. Using Swedish registers, we conducted a nationwide, population‐based study of DLBCL in the very elderly. We obtained information on clinical characteristics, residence, comorbidity, therapy and survival for the 1194 patients aged ≥80 years diagnosed in Sweden 2007–2014. To address selection bias, we also investigated treatment differences between Sweden’s Healthcare Regions and whether there were survival differences between the Regions. The 2‐year overall and relative survivals were better in patients aged ≥80 years given treatment with curative intent (54%; 64%) than low‐intensity (26%; 33%), or palliative treatment (6%; 7%). The fraction of patients treated with curative intent varied between the Healthcare Regions (45–76%). Survival was significantly inferior in Regions with few patients treated with curative intent (multivariable hazard ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.6). When treatment intensity and Regions competed, Regions were no longer independent, suggesting that Regional survival differences are due to therapeutic differences. Furthermore, we found that the age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index was independently associated with survival. We conclude that patients aged ≥80 years with DLBCL appear to benefit from rituximab‐anthracycline‐based treatment given with curative intent.
Avoiding deep pelvic complications using a ‘Five‐Step’ technique for high submuscular placement of inflatable penile prosthesis reservoirs
Authors: Baumgarten Adam S. , Kavoussi Mehraban , VanDyke Maia E. , Ortiz Nicolas M. , Khouri Roger K. , Ward Ellen E. , Hudak Steven J. , Morey Allen F.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To compare our extended experience with high submuscular (HSM) reservoir placement to traditional space of Retzius (SOR) placement and to present our current, refined ‘Five‐Step’ technique (FST) for HSM placement.

Patients and Methods

Data were retrospectively collected on patients undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement between January 2009 and June 2019. Re‐operative cases were excluded. Reservoir‐related complications and subsequent revisions were compared between SOR (2009–2012) and HSM reservoir groups (2012–2019). HSM patients were subdivided into two cohorts: ‘Initial Technique’ (2012–2014) and FST (2014–2019). The refined FST protocol was developed in 2014 to optimise outcomes and includes the following steps: (i) Position and Access; (ii) Develop Lower HSM Pocket; (iii) Develop Upper HSM Pocket; (iv) Reservoir Delivery (fill and fine‐tune); (v) Confirm and Connect.

Results

Between January 2009 and June 2019, 733 total IPP procedures (586 HSM, 147 SOR) were performed by a single surgeon at our institution, 561 of which were virgin cases (430 HSM, 131 SOR) and included in this analysis. Overall, surgical revision was required in 10/430 (2.3%) HSM cases (one delayed bowel obstruction, nine herniations) and six of 131 (4.6%) SOR cases (one bladder erosion, two vascular injuries, and three herniations, P = 0.22). When comparing the FST to the Initial Technique, we noted a significant decrease in complications requiring surgical revision (P = 0.01). Among 133 cases performed with the Initial Technique, seven (5.3%) required surgical revision (one bowel obstruction after placement into the peritoneal cavity, six herniations). Among 297 FST cases, three (1.0%) required revision, all due to herniation.

Conclusion

HSM placement of IPP reservoirs is a safe alternative to traditional SOR placement. Major deep pelvic reservoir complications were minimised using our current refined FST.