bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of architectural design studio education on perceptions of sustainability
Authors: Calikusu Ayca Nilufer , Cakmakli Aysem Berrin , Gursel Dino Ipek
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Since architectural design studio education has critical importance on the students' knowledge, skills, and awareness of sustainability, this study presents a point of view about relations between architectural education and social, economic, environmental sustainability perception of students within the scope of design studios. The primary purpose is to investigate the role of design studio education in the context of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, the Department of Architecture in Middle East Technical University (METU) was selected as a case study. The impact of design studio education on the understanding of sustainability of architecture students was investigated by conducting a survey with students and in depth-interviews with volunteer lecturers. In quantitative research after formulating four hypotheses, the questionnaire was carried out with 237 architecture students from different years. Then by using the thematic analysis method, the qualitative part of the study was conducted with 11 lecturers.

Findings

Findings reveal that the design studio education and theoretical lectures on sustainability are effective in improving students' sustainability understanding.

Originality/value

Architectural education supports the students about comprehensive understanding and knowledge of national and global issues. This article conducted a case study to investigate the impact of the design studio on the perception of sustainability. Data were collected from architecture students and volunteer lecturers of METU between November 2018 and February 2019. The research is original examining the importance of architectural studio education in the development of knowledge, skills, and awareness of sustainability.
Lean-offsite-simulation nexus for housing construction: a state-of-the-art review of the existing knowledge
Authors: Daniel Emmanuel Itodo , Oshodi Olalekan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an overview of the existing knowledge on the combined application of lean, off-site and simulation (LOS) in housing delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review approach was adopted. Based on a comprehensive search using Scopus, Web of Science and the International Group for Lean Construction databases, 66 relevant journal articles were identified and analysed.

Findings

This study found that the most significant impacts of the combined application of LOS in housing delivery are the capacity to visualise the production processes as a whole in real time, exposure and removal of non-value-adding activities from the production and faster delivery. However, the combined application of LOS is low compared to a single application of each technique in housing delivery.

Practical implications

The results provide relevant stakeholders and actors in the housing sector (private and public housing developers, off-site housing manufacturers and constructors, housing associations and government housing agencies, among others) with the information needed to improve the outcomes of housing delivery through the application of LOS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the ongoing debate on addressing the global housing shortage by presenting an integrated overview of the existing knowledge on the impact of the nexus of LOS and providing compelling evidence for its usage in housing delivery. It also demonstrates how the combined application of LOS supports the achievement of the flow and value view in the transformation flow value model, which was not previously reported.
Owner-based benefit evaluation of BIM applications in China's engineering projects
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Zhou , Jim C.Y. , Lai Jiyu , Chen Xueqing
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a model to evaluate the benefits of building information modeling (BIM) from the owners' perspective. The model analyzes the correlation between five secondary benefit indicators and their subsystems: product, financial, organizational, management and strategic. The final key factors of BIM benefits provide a decision-making basis for owners to raise the efficiency of BIM application.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the authors combed 31 BIM-related literature and interviewed experts to identify 15 preliminary benefit indicators. The authors established a BIM benefit evaluation system based on relevant concepts, including two primary indicators, five secondary indicators and 15 tertiary indicators. Secondly, the authors analyzed the indicators by the extension theory of matter element analysis and a questionnaire survey of expert opinion. Finally, the new method was applied to a case study of a large shopping center in east China for empirical verification.

Findings

A BIM benefit evaluation model, including a three-tiered hierarchy of primary, secondary and tertiary indicators, was constructed through literature review and expert opinions. The model determined the critical factors of BIM benefits, enhanced understanding of owner benefits and improved BIM application under the owners' leadership.

Originality/value

At present, most studies focus on specific project stages or benefit indicators. This study developed an integrated BIM benefit evaluation system that targets owners. The findings could foster the development of China's construction industry, promote owner-led BIM application and advocate adopting the benefit evaluation method.
Modelling organizational resilience structure: insights to assess resilience integrating bounce-back and bounce-forward
Authors: Bartuseviciene Ilona , Butkus Mindaugas , Schiuma Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to model organizational resilience structure. Based on the central insights of the scientific literature, organizational resilience is modelled as the result of an organizational capacity to bounce-back and bounce-forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a quantitative empirical study to support the structural perspective of organizational resilience and investigate the relationships among the dimensions to test the above hypothesis by applying confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) methods.

Findings

The results confirmed three models that could be adopted to assess organizational resilience. The first model endorsed endogenous positive interrelationship among all three dimensions. The second model indicated that bounce-back dimensions, i.e. network and leadership and culture, have endogenous effects. Only the leadership and culture dimension is positively associated with a bounce-forward, i.e. change-ready and learning dimension. And the third model demonstrated that the network dimension is linked to leadership and culture, which is linked to the change ready and learning dimension.

Originality/value

This study attempts to provide empirical evidence identifying the links between the bounce-back and bounce-forward stages of organizational resilience. These results contribute to the development of organizational resilience theory, confirming the conceptual statements that resilience is the ability to return to the routine and to adapt to the changing environment by overcoming dynamic events, stressing the idea of the importance of enhanced learning capacity, which allows for growth by constantly learning from oneself by gaining unique experiences.
Aspiring and inspiring: the role of women in educational leadership
Authors: Mareque Mercedes , de Prada Elena , Pino Juste Margarita
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to delve deep into the differences observed in leadership acquisition and development between men and women and analyse the impact of certain extra-curricular activities demonstrated to influence leadership acquisition. With this evidence, this study intends to detect areas that require deeper analysis and suggest actions to redress the balance and promote a more egalitarian leadership in education in both teaching and management positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Accidental, as opposed to random, sampling was used via a cross-curricular study with a quasi-experimental design. The participants in this study were 335 teacher training students in Spanish universities. The Teamwork Skills Questionnaire was used to evaluate leadership and a self-assessment questionnaire to measure extracurricular activities.

Findings

Female students score lower in leadership skills and are engaged in fewer activities associated with successful leadership skills development. Very few students receive any training on leadership, with even fewer female than male students. Furthermore, the practice of certain extra-curricular activities can boost leadership skills. It has also been noted that these activities are carried out in different ways, depending on student gender.

Originality/value

This study has two points of focus: the level of leadership among education students, differentiating between male and female students, and the impact of certain extra-curricular activities carried out during the academic year, which have proven to have a considerable effect on the development of leadership skills.
University student experiences of work-based placements during COVID-19 pandemic: an inter-disciplinary survey of allied health and social work students
Authors: Quigley Duana , Poole Claire , Whiting Sinead , O'Connor Erna , Gleeson Claire , Alpine Lucy
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Work-based placements are central to the university education of allied health and social work (AHSW) students. As a result of COVID-19, the clinical learning environment of students' work-based placements was dramatically altered resulting in numerous documented challenges. This inter-disciplinary study aimed to evaluate AHSW students' perceptions and experiences of completing a diverse range of work-based placements during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a mixed-method inter-disciplinary study using an anonymous online survey consisting of multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions. Mixed-methods design supported amalgamation of insights from positivism and interpretivism perspectives and enabled research questions to be answered with both breadth and depth. 436 students were invited to participate who were enrolled in five AHSW educational university programmes: speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiation therapy and social work. Data collected was analysed using both quantitative (descriptive and analytical statistics) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methods.

Findings

118 students participated (response rate: 27%) representing a range of AHSW disciplines who attended diverse placement settings. While there was extensive disruption in the learning environment leading to increased levels of stress and concern, a triad of individual and systemic supports helped to ensure positive work-based placement experiences and student success for the majority of AHSW students during COVID-19: (1) university preparation and communication; (2) placement site and supervisor support; and (3) students' resilience and capacity to adapt to a changed work-place environment.

Originality/value

This inter-disciplinary study reports the work-based placement experiences from the professional education programmes of healthcare students during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving a unique view of their perspectives and learning during this unprecedented crisis.
Positive and negative switching barriers: promoting hotel customer citizenship behaviour through brand attachment
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun , Kim Hye-Rhim
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop and test a theoretical model postulating that a hotel customer’s brand attachment is reinforced by positive and negative switching barriers, which, in turn, determine customer citizenship behaviour (CCB) towards hotel brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were conducted and completed by 233 respondents in the USA who had favourite hotel brands and used these brands in the previous year. A framework was developed based on the literature, and eight hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings suggest that a customer’s brand attachment (brand-self connection and brand prominence) to a hotel is strengthened not only by relational benefits (positive switching barriers) but also by switching costs (negative switching barriers). Brand prominence can promote CCB, whereas the impact of brand-self connection on CCB is rather limited.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of affirmative and passive reasons for customers to remain in a relationship with the hotel brand and how sub-dimensions of switching barriers are interrelated to predict a customer’s attitude and behaviour to the brand. By emphasising the role of customers’ hotel brand attachment, this study also ascertains that cognitive and affective bonds towards a hotel brand can be significant antecedents to their extra-role behaviours.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the hospitality literature by expanding the realm of consumer behaviour research on switching barriers, brand attachment and CCB.
Managing complementors in innovation ecosystems: a typology for generic strategies
Authors: Liang Xingkun , Luo Yining , Shao Xiaolin , Shi Xianwei
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Innovation ecosystem research has highlighted complementors as the critical force to determining focal firm innovation’s success in addition to the traditional value chain or supply chain perspective. However, literature is relatively scarce in terms of innovation ecosystem governance, especially, on how to manage various types of complementors. The purpose of this paper is to fill this theoretical gap by developing a typology of managing complementors from multiple case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted multiple case studies of three leading focal firms with ecosystem strategies to understand innovation ecosystem governance. Theoretical themes are inductively generated to reveal their success in managing complementors in their ecosystems.

Findings

The case analysis reveals four generic strategies to manage complementors. These strategies are contingent on the types of complementors and level of interdependence: focal firms tend to engage functional complementors and collaborate with infrastructural complementors when the level of interdependence is higher, and acquire functional complementors and nurture infrastructural complementors when the level of interdependence is lower.

Practical implications

For practitioners, this study can improve their understanding on the mechanisms of innovation ecosystem governance, particularly interdependence between participants in an innovation ecosystem, and developing appropriate strategies to manage different types of complementors in innovation ecosystems.

Originality/value

This study contributes to innovation ecosystem literature by enriching the conceptualization of interdependence in innovation ecosystems and unpacking innovation ecosystem governance with the inductively developed holistic typology of strategies to manage complementors. Meanwhile, this study also suggests underlying mechanisms for how innovation ecosystem governance and, therefore, contributes to a systematic theory on understanding innovation ecosystem governance.
Battery R&D decision of electric vehicle manufacturer considering government subsidy
Authors: Ke Hua , Chen Xingyue
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the authors aim to consider the manufacturer's battery research and development (R&D) decision under subsidy. The supply chain includes two manufacturers, which produce substitutable electric vehicles, and a battery supplier. One of the manufacturers can choose to develop batteries or buy batteries. The authors assume consumers do not have enough trust in the manufacturer-made battery.

Design/methodology/approach

Stackelberg game is made use of to study the battery R&D strategy of the manufacturer under the incentive of government subsidies. This paper makes a comparative analysis on six situations, then the authors get some conclusions and give some managerial insights.

Findings

The results show that subsidy strategies do not necessarily reduce actual payments when the manufacturer does not research and develop batteries. The retail prices and actual payments are closely related to the substitutability and total cost advantage of product. The authors also find consumer trust positively affects the demand of the electric vehicles using the manufacturer-made batteries and then affects the manufacturer's battery R&D decision. When consumers have low trust in manufacturer-made battery, subsidy can bring greater sales and make R&D more profitable than procurement, so that the manufacturer chooses R&D. This study's findings also suggest consumer subsidy is always better for the government.

Originality/value

Distinguished from previous studies, the authors discuss the decision-making of component research, and introduce various government subsidy strategies and consumer trust to study their roles in the manufacturer's battery R&D choice.
The moderating role of age in the relationship between perceived over qualification, employability, job insecurity and global psychological needs satisfaction
Authors: Sabino Ana , Basilio Elizabete , Lopes Silvia , Chambel Maria José , Dias Paulo C. , Cesário Francisco
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived overqualification, perceived employability, perceived job insecurity and global psychological needs satisfaction, considering the moderating role of age groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 350 individuals was used in this study.

Findings

A cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 350 individuals was used in this study.

Originality/value

By addressing the moderating role of age, this study is original and has practical implications for age diversity management.
Sclerotherapy versus percutaneous catheter drainage for treatment of post‐mastectomy seroma: How to select?
Authors: Awad Joseph Rizk , Alkilany Mohamed M. , Abdelhamid Mohamed I.
Published: June 2022

Background

Post‐mastectomy seroma is a well‐known complication which may be a seat for further complications as infection and flap necrosis, or it may cause delay in the adjuvant therapy. Several methods are used now in its prevention and treatment. This opened the door for on‐going evaluation of these methods as in this article.

Methods

This is an interventional study aiming to define predictive factors for selecting the most appropriate treatment modality for post‐mastectomy seroma. Female patients with established diagnosis of post‐mastectomy seroma following modified radical mastectomy, were treated by local injection of tetracycline after the seroma fluid was aspirated, then a crepe bandage was applied over the mastectomy area. Then, after 5 days the patients were examined again for seroma re‐collection and, at this time, percutaneous catheter drainage was applied.

Results

Eighteen patients were submitted to this study where multiple factors were studied regarding their effect on the response gained by local tetracycline injection (and can predict its failure with the need for percutaneous catheter application) like; patient age, physical activities, comorbidities, tumour size and pathological type, total leukocytic count, serum albumin, and the volume of the amount aspirated at the first session. Both serum albumin and the volume of the amount aspirated at the first session showed significant predictive effect (p‐value; 0.019, <0.00001 respectively).

Conclusions

Both serum albumin and the volume of the amount aspirated at the first session are efficient predictors for deciding which treatment modality can be selected.
Risk factor analysis and nomogram development for steatorrhea in idiopathic chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Yu , Yin Xiao Yi , Wang Dan , Dong Zhi Qi , Hao Lu , Chen Cui , Wang Teng , Zhang Di , Ma Jia Yi , Yang Huai Yu , Li Juan , Zhang Ling Ling , Bi Ya Wei , Zhang Yuan , Xin Lei , Chen Hui , Zhang Qi Sheng , Xie Ting , Lu Guo Tao , Li Zhao Shen , Liao Zhuan , Hu Liang Hao
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Steatorrhea, a sign of severe pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), is related to consequences caused by pancreatitis. This study aimed to identify predictors and to construct a nomogram for steatorrhea in idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP).

Methods

ICP patients admitted to our hospital from January 2000 to December 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective–prospective cohort study and randomly assigned to the training and validation cohorts. The cumulative rate of steatorrhea was calculated. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify predictors for steatorrhea and construct the nomogram. Internal and external validation of the nomogram was then performed.

Results

There were 1633 ICP patients enrolled, with a median follow‐up duration of 9.8 years and 20.8% (339/1633) of patients developed steatorrhea following onset of ICP. Steatorrhea was observed in 93, 115, and 133 patients at 1, 3, and 5 years following diagnosis of CP, with a cumulative rate of 6.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1%–7.9%), 8.0% (95% CI 6.2%–9.8%), and 9.3% (95% CI 6.6%–12.0%), respectively. Male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 2.479, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus at/before diagnosis of ICP (HR 2.274, P = 0.003), and aged less than 18 years at onset of ICP (HR 0.095, P < 0.001) were identified risk factors for steatorrhea. Initial manifestations were associated with development of steatorrhea. The nomogram was proven to have good concordance indexes.

Conclusions

We identified predictors and developed a nomogram for predicting steatorrhea in ICP. It was recommended that high‐risk populations be followed up closely, which might contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of PEI.
Station 3A lymph node dissection does not improve long‐term survival in right‐side operable non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Yang Mu‐Zi , Tan Zi‐Hui , Li Ji‐Bin , Long Hao , Fu Jian‐Hua , Zhang Lan‐Jun , Lin Peng , Hou Xue , Yang Hao‐Xian
Published: June 2022

Background

To investigate the impact of station 3A lymph node dissection (LND) on overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in completely resected right‐side non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

A total of 1661 cases with completely resected right‐side NSCLC were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize selection bias, and a logistic regression model was conducted to investigate the risk factors associated with station 3A lymph node metastasis (LNM). The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the impact of station 3A LND on survival.

Results

For the entire cohort, 503 patients (30.3%) underwent station 3A LND. Of those, 11.3% (57/503) presented station 3A LNM. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses showed that station 10 LNM, tumor location, and the number of resected lymph nodes were independent risk factors associated with station 3A LNM. Before PSM, patients with station 3A LND had worse 5‐year OS (p = 0.002) and DFS (p = 0.011), and more drainage on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.041) than those without. After PSM, however, station 3A LND was not associated with the 5‐year OS (65.7% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.432) or DFS (57.4% vs. 56.0%, p = 0.437). The multivariate analysis further confirmed that station 3A LND was not a prognostic factor (OS, p = 0.361; DFS, p = 0.447).

Conclusions

Station 3A LND could not improve long‐term outcomes and it was unnecessary to dissect station 3A lymph nodes during surgery of right‐side NSCLC.
Association of optic nerve sheath lesion and brain or meningeal metastasis caused by lung cancer
Authors: Song Shuai , Chang Dong , Li Hao , Liu Chunquan , Cui Yong , Li Hongyang
Published: June 2022

Background

With the development of imaging, the etiology of ocular lesions caused by lung cancer was not found only intraocular. Neuro‐ophthalmological imaging has been found to be useful for the diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis, although few studies have previously been published. Our study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine if there was a the relationship between ocular symptoms and lung cancer metastasis.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective analysis which included patients with ocular lesions and lung cancer on which orbit MRI was performed together with ocular examination during January 2014 to January 2022. Here, we describe the characteristics of intraocular metastasis and optic nerve sheath lesions.

Results

A total of 21 lung cancer patients had ocular lesions, of which eight cases had choroidal metastasis; a further eight patients had optic nerve sheath lesions. There was one case (12.5%) of choroidal metastasis with brain or meningeal metastasis, and eight cases (100%) with optic nerve sheath lesions with brain or meningeal metastasis. A total of 75.0% patients with choroidal metastasis did not have any history of known lung cancer, and 25.0% of optic nerve sheath lesions in patients were found before a meningeal metastasis diagnosis. The features of optic nerve sheath lesions included thickening and strengthening of the long segment of the orbital optic nerve sheath with a clear boundary.

Conclusions

The pathway of choroidal and optic nerve sheath lesions was different. Optic nerve sheath lesions were associated with brain and meningeal metastasis. When lung cancer‐induced meningeal metastasis is suspected, orbital MRI is recommended to assist in the diagnosis.
Addressing food safety challenges in rapidly developing food systems
Authors: Unnevehr Laurian J.
Published: June 2022

During the past decade, there has been growing awareness of the importance of food safety in developing countries. WHO estimates for 2010 show that the burden of illness from food safety worldwide is comparable to that of malaria and tuberculosis. Furthermore, the dietary transition and associated market transformation will alter and possibly increase food safety risks. Agricultural economic research has moved beyond the question of how food safety standards constitute potential export barriers to consider how food safety incentives and policies may improve food system performance in rapidly growing economies. In this regard, this paper considers the state of the art for answering four questions: How important is food safety in developing countries in terms of both public health and market performance? Why is food safety likely to become more important and more costly as more countries pass through the dietary transition? Are market incentives for improved food safety likely to emerge? What kind of policies can help to ensure a safer food supply in developing country's food systems? While much is still unknown, improving food safety is feasible, but as in high income countries, rarely simple to achieve.
Quality of life in patients with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: a preliminary study
Authors: Maranga Abena , Roche Fritzlaine C. , Alausa Maryam , McWilliams Tara , Margolis David J. , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Lauro Carlo Natale , Cataldo Rosanna , Taylor Susan C.
Published: June 2022

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a common cause of hair loss among patients of African and/or Caribbean descent, and there is little data exploring the quality of life of patients with this condition. This pilot demonstrates that CCCA has a significant impact on overall quality of life, and patients may benefit from resources to address psychosocial aspects of this diagnosis.
Combined assessment of clinical and pathological prognostic factors for deciding treatment strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invading into the muscularis mucosa or submucosa after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro , Hatta Waku , Takahashi So , Koike Tomoyuki , Ohira Tetsuya , Hikichi Takuto , Toya Yosuke , Tanaka Ippei , Onozato Yusuke , Hamada Koichi , Fukushi Daisuke , Watanabe Ko , Kayaba Shoichi , Ito Hirotaka , Mikami Tatsuya , Oikawa Tomoyuki , Takahashi Yasushi , Kondo Yutaka , Yoshimura Tetsuro , Shiroki Takeharu , Nagino Ko , Hanabata Norihiro , Funakubo Akira , Nakamura Jun , Matsumoto Takayuki , Iijima Katsunori , Fukuda Shinsaku , Masamune Atsushi , Ito Kei ,   Tohoku GI Endoscopy Group
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We aimed to clarify the prognostic factors for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) invading into the muscularis mucosa (pT1a‐MM) or submucosa (pT1b‐SM) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled such patients at 21 institutions in Japan between 2006 and 2017. We evaluated 15 factors, including pathological risk categories for ESCC‐specific mortality, six non‐cancer‐related indices, and treatment strategies.

Results

In the analysis of 593 patients, the 5‐year overall and disease‐specific survival rates were 83.0% and 97.6%, respectively. In a multivariate Cox analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 3.56), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) ≥3 (HR 2.53), ages of 75–79 (HR 1.61) and ≥80 years (HR 2.04), prognostic nutrition index (PNI) <45 (HR 1.69), and pathological intermediate‐risk (HR 1.63) and high‐risk (HR 1.89) were prognostic factors. Subsequently, we developed a clinical risk classification for non‐ESCC‐related mortality based on the number of prognostic factors (age ≥75 years, male sex, CCI ≥3, PNI <45): low‐risk, 0; intermediate‐risk, 1–2; and high‐risk, 3–4. The 5‐year non‐ESCC‐related mortality rates for patients without additional treatment were 0.0%, 10.2%, and 45.8% in the low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups, respectively. Meanwhile, the 5‐year ESCC‐specific mortality rates for the pathological low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups were 0.3%, 5.3%, and 18.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

We clarified prognostic factors for patients with pT1a‐MM/pT1b‐SM ESCC after ESD. The combined assessment of non‐ESCC‐ and ESCC‐related mortalities by the two risk classifications might help clinicians in deciding treatment strategies for such patients.
Exome sequencing for patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies in clinical practice
Authors: Scheffer Ingrid E. , Bennett Caitlin A. , Gill Deepak , de Silva Michelle G. , Boggs Kirsten , Marum Justine , Baker Naomi ,   Australian Genomics DEE Flagship, Palmer Elizabeth E. , Howell Katherine B.
Published: June 2022

Aim

To assess the clinical utility of exome sequencing for patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs).

Method

Over 2 years, patients with DEEs were recruited for singleton exome sequencing. Parental segregation was performed where indicated.

Results

Of the 103 patients recruited (54 males, 49 females; aged 2 weeks–17 years), the genetic aetiology was identified in 36 out of 103 (35%) with management implications in 13 out of 36. Exome sequencing revealed pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 30 out of 103 (29%) patients, variants of unknown significance in 39 out of 103 (38%), and 34 out of 103 (33%) were negative on exome analysis. After the description of new genetic diseases, a molecular diagnosis was subsequently made for six patients or through newly available high‐density chromosomal microarray testing.

Interpretation

We demonstrate the utility of exome sequencing in routine clinical care of children with DEEs. We highlight that molecular diagnosis often leads to changes in management and informs accurate prognostic and reproductive counselling. Our findings reinforce the need for ongoing analysis of genomic data to identify the aetiology in patients in whom the cause is unknown. The implementation of genomic testing in the care of children with DEEs should become routine in clinical practice.

What this paper adds

The cause was identified in 35% of patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.

KCNQ2, CDKL5, SCN1A, and STXBP1 were the most frequently identified genes.

Reanalysis of genomic data found the cause in an additional six patients.

Genetic aetiology was identified in 41% of children with seizure onset under 2 years, compared to 18% with older onset.

Finding the molecular cause led to management changes in 36% of patients with DEEs.
Communicating Measurement Outcomes with (Better) Graphics
Authors: Setzer J. Carl , Cui Zhongmin
Published: June 2022

Data visualization is a core tenet of communicating measurement research and outcomes. Measurement professionals utilize data visualization in various phases of research, including exploration and communication. However, data visualization has not received enough attention in the measurement field. While it is true that many measurement graphics are relatively standard, many others are not and there is a wide variety of visualization quality and effectiveness seen in measurement journals. This article provides an overview of the current data visualization trends in measurement and provides some general tips for effective data visualization, with examples. This article is not a comprehensive treatise on data visualization. Therefore, we provide some resources for additional reading. Finally, we call on the measurement community to pay greater attention to the details of data visualization. We also call on measurement training programs to emphasize statistical reasoning through data visualization.
Overturning stereotypes: The fuzzy boundary between recreational and subsistence inland fisheries
Authors: Nyboer Elizabeth A. , Embke Holly S. , Robertson Ashley M. , Arlinghaus Robert , Bower Shannon , Baigun Claudio , Beard Douglas , Cooke Steven J. , Cowx Ian G. , Koehn John D. , Lyach Roman , Milardi Marco , Potts Warren , Lynch Abigail J.
Published: June 2022

Inland recreational fisheries provide numerous socio‐economic benefits to fishers, families and communities. Recreationally harvested fish are also frequently consumed and may provide affordable and sustainable but undervalued contributions to human nutrition. Quantifying the degree to which recreationally harvested fish contribute to food security and subsistence is impeded by lack of data on harvest and consumption and by the difficulty in differentiating among recreational and subsistence fisheries. Recreational harvest records tend to be limited to wealthy, food‐secure countries and well‐monitored fisheries with clear regulations or permitting systems. These records often neglect components of recreational harvest among food‐insecure fishers who are potentially more likely to have consumption as a motivation. Here, we highlight the ‘fuzzy boundary’ that can exist between inland recreational and subsistence fisheries and argue that unreported consumption is likely to be a hidden contributor to food security in some populations. We draw on local case studies from around the world to highlight specific instances where recreationally harvested fish species contribute food and subsistence benefits to participating communities. We use these examples to highlight the diversity of ways that inland recreational fisheries contribute to human nutrition, knowledge gaps in understanding recreational fishing for food, and consequences of not accounting for them as food fisheries in policy and management. The aim of this paper is to draw the attention of resource managers and policy makers, create greater social awareness of the importance of recreational fisheries and bring to light this hidden contribution of inland fisheries to nutrition and subsistence.
In search of interdisciplinary, holistic and culturally informed services: The case of racialized immigrant women experiencing domestic violence in Ontario
Authors: George Purnima , Medhekar Archana , Chaze Ferzana , Osborne Bethany , van Heer Mirelli , Alavi Hafsa
Published: June 2022

Domestic Violence (DV) is a social issue concerning all women, but not all women are oppressed or impacted in the same way. This paper draws on an analysis of fifteen closed Family Law case files of racialized immigrant women in Ontario who experienced DV to examine gaps in services and suggest interventions to fill these gaps. The findings reveal that these women and their children experience multiple and intersecting oppressions. Significantly, few existing services recognize the multiple intersecting vulnerabilities, systemic barriers in the host country, or other socio‐political, economic, and cultural realities these women face. Our research reveals a lack of coordination between different institutions providing services to these women. To respond to these gaps, the authors recommend developing interdisciplinary, holistic and culturally‐informed services offered at a single location to support racialized immigrant women and their children as they navigate the complicated path out of the traumatic entrapment of DV.
Predicting the effects of multiple global change drivers on microbial communities remains challenging
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Daugaard Uriah , Choffat Yves , Zheng Xue , Petchey Owen L.
Published: June 2022

Microbial communities in many ecosystems are facing a broad range of global change drivers, such as nutrient enrichment, chemical pollution, and temperature change. These drivers can cause changes in the abundance of taxa, the composition of communities, and the properties of ecosystems. While the influence of single drivers is already described in numerous studies, the effect and predictability of multiple drivers changing simultaneously is still poorly understood. In this study, we used 240 highly replicable oxic/anoxic aquatic lab microcosms and four drivers (fertilizer, glyphosate, metal pollution, antibiotics) in all possible combinations at three different temperatures (20, 24, and 28°C) to shed light into consequences of multiple drivers on different levels of organization, ranging from species abundance to community and ecosystem parameters. We found (i) that at all levels of ecological organization, combinations of drivers can change the biological consequence and direction of effect compared to single drivers, (ii) that effects of combinations are further modified by temperature, (iii) that a larger number of drivers occurring simultaneously is often quite closely related to their effect size, and (iv) that there is little evidence that any of these effects are associated with the level of ecological organization of the state variable. These findings suggest that, at least in this experimental ecosystem approximating a stratified aquatic ecosystem, there may be relatively little scope for predicting the effects of combinations of drivers from the effects of individual drivers, or by accounting for the level of ecological organization in question, though there may be some scope for prediction based on the number of drivers that are occurring simultaneous. A priority, though also a considerable challenge, is to extend such research to consider continuous variation in the magnitude of multiple drivers acting together.
Gum acacia/pectin/pullulan‐based edible film for food packaging application to improve the shelf‐life of ivy gourd
Authors: Suresh Siva Nandhini , Puspharaj Charumathi , Natarajan Arunadevi , Subramani Ramesh
Published: June 2022

Ternary blend of gum acacia/pectin/pullulan (GPPL) polysaccharide composite film was prepared using solution casting technique with the addition of different ratios of glycerol and sorbitol to increase plasticiser—polysaccharide interactions. The results showed that the film thickness, water contact angle, moisture content, solubility, tensile strength, elongation and anti‐microbial properties were in good agreement with already reported films in the literature. Composite film solution was used as a coating solution to improve the shelf‐life of ivy gourd (Coccinia indica). Weight loss, titrable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), anti‐oxidant, total phenolic content (TPC) and storage time were measured to check the efficiency of the coating solution. The obtained data shows a 35% increase in the shelf‐life of the ivy gourd during the storage period of 23 days. The anti‐microbial test showed that the prepared film/coating is more resistant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to the presence of pullulan. Therefore, our coating shows a significant increase in shelf‐life of ivy gourd up to 23 days of storage time. Thus, the prepared polysaccharide composite films in this study may be suitable for food packaging applications whereas the composite film solution can be used to improve the shelf‐life of various food products in the food industry.
Protective effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Hao9 on dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Han Mei , Liao Wenyan , Si Xiaojing , Bai Chen , Gai Zhonghui
Published: June 2022

Aims

Some probiotics used as food additives or food supplements had an anti-inflammatory effect. We tested the potential protective effects of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Hao9 (Hao9) in mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and determined whether these effects were related to the modulation of gut microbiota and amelioration of inflammation.

Methods and Results

Ulcerative colitis mouse model was established by feeding mice with 2.5% (w/v) DSS in drinking water for 7 days. We analysed the disease activity index (DAI), colon length and histological changes in the colon. In addition, we investigated the effects of Hao9 (1 × 109 colony forming unit/day) and curcumin (CUR) (200 mg/kg/day) on gut microbiota and serum inflammatory cytokines. In this study, CUR was used as a positive control. The results showed that both Hao9 and CUR effectively reduced body mass loss and DAI, restored colon length, alleviated colonic pathological variations and reduced histological scores compared with the UC group. Hao9 reduced the serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-1β) and increased the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, Hao9 promoted the growth of Faecalibaculum and Romboutsia in the gut and helped to maintain intestinal homeostasis.

Conclusions

Hao9 had a protective effect against DSS-induced colitis, and the mechanisms underlying Hao9 may involve controlling inflammation and maintaining host micro-ecological balance. This study provided experimental evidence for the application of Hao9 in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and suggested that Hao9 may be a promising candidate as a dietary supplement against colitis.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The comparison of probiotics and prebiotics in terms of therapeutic efficacy in UC helps us to understand their different patterns of regulation of intestinal microbiota.
Challenging the incumbent: Entry in markets with captive consumers and taste heterogeneity
Authors: Oertel Christian , Schmutzler Armin
Published: June 2022

We analyze entry of a firm with a new and differentiated product into a market with two properties: An existing incumbent has a captive consumer base, and all consumers have heterogeneous tastes. The interaction between the share of captive consumers and the degree of taste heterogeneity leads to nonmonotone effects of both parameters on entry: The captive share can have an inverse‐U relation with entry profits, and higher taste heterogeneity (i.e., less product substitutability) can impede entry in the presence of captive consumers.
A numerical approach to understand the responses of passenger vehicles moving through floodwaters
Authors: Al‐Qadami Ebrahim Hamid Hussein , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Al‐Atroush Mohamed Ezzat , Martinez‐Gomariz Eduardo , Teo Fang Yenn , El‐Husseini Yasser
Published: June 2022

Watercourses and roadways commonly intersect in their layout at many locations through bridges, drainages, and fords. During heavy rain events, watercourses may overflow causing serious disturbance toward traffic movement. Under such circumstances, attempting to drive through these intersections can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, understanding the responses of the vehicles moving through floodwaters is of utmost importance. Between 1967 and 2021, several studies have been published investigating the stability of static flooded vehicles. However, studies on the stability of vehicles in the movement are not sufficient at which only few experimental studies were published. Herein, for the very first time numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the hydrodynamic forces on a full‐scale medium‐size passenger vehicle moving perpendicular to the incoming floodwaters. Sliding and floating instability modes were observed by detecting the position of the vehicle centre of mass at each time step. Further, horizontal (FH) and vertical (FV) forces were measured and plotted against the governing flow parameters. Finally, it was observed that the critical flow depth was 0.38 m, while the minimum threshold function was 0.39 m2/s, for the tested vehicle. Later, a comparison between simulation outcomes and previously published experimental work was performed and a good agreement was observed.
Clin‐Star corner: What's new at the interface of geriatrics, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Advani Sonali D. , Schmader Kenneth E. , Mody Lona
Published: June 2022

Antibiotics are among the leading causes of adverse drug events in older adults. Short‐course antibiotic therapy has been shown to work as well as the traditional longer durations for many types of infections. Antibiotic stewardship interventions including deprescribing strategies have shown a reduction in patient readmissions and mortality among older adults. We identified practice‐changing clinical trials focusing on three major domains of overprescribing antibiotics in older adults – community‐acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and gram‐negative bacteremia. The selected articles underscore the safety and effectiveness of shorter durations of antibiotic treatment for infections in older adults, thus highlighting an opportunity for deprescribing in the aging population. By optimizing antibiotic use, we stand to reduce adverse events and enhance overall health outcomes in older adults.