bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degenerate exponential integral function and its properties
Authors: Nantomah Kwara
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the author introduces a degenerate exponential integral function and further studies some of its analytical properties. The new function is a generalization of the classical exponential integral function and the properties established are analogous to those satisfied by the classical function.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods adopted in establishing the results are theoretical in nature.

Findings

A degenerate exponential integral function which is a generalization of the classical exponential integral function has been introduced and its properties investigated. Upon taking some limits, the established results reduce to results involving the classical exponential integral function.

Originality/value

The results obtained in this paper are new and have the potential of inspiring further research on the subject.
Physics-informed neural networks for consolidation of soils
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Lan Peng , Li Hai-Chao , Tong Chen-Xi , Sheng Daichao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Prediction of excess pore water pressure and estimation of soil parameters are the two key interests for consolidation problems, which can be mathematically quantified by a set of partial differential equations (PDEs). Generally, there are challenges in solving these two issues using traditional numerical algorithms, while the conventional data-driven methods require massive data sets for training and exhibit negative generalization potential. This paper aims to employ the physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) for solving both the forward and inverse problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A typical consolidation problem with continuous drainage boundary conditions is firstly considered. The PINNs, analytical, and finite difference method (FDM) solutions are compared for the forward problem, and the estimation of the interface parameters involved in the problem is discussed for the inverse problem. Furthermore, the authors also explore the effects of hyperparameters and noisy data on the performance of forward and inverse problems, respectively. Finally, the PINNs method is applied to the more complex consolidation problems.

Findings

The overall results indicate the excellent performance of the PINNs method in solving consolidation problems with various drainage conditions. The PINNs can provide new ideas with a broad application prospect to solve PDEs in the field of geotechnical engineering, and also exhibit a certain degree of noise resistance for estimating the soil parameters.

Originality/value

This study presents the potential application of PINNs for the consolidation of soils. Such a machine learning algorithm helps to obtain remarkably accurate solutions and reliable parameter estimations with fewer and average-quality data, which is beneficial in engineering practice.
Field models for the electromagnetic compatibility of wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles
Authors: Bertoluzzo Manuele , Di Barba Paolo , Forzan Michele , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Sieni Elisabetta
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The paper presents the Finite Element (FE) evaluation of the magnetic field emitted by a Wireless Power Transfer Systems used to charge the battery of electrical vehicles. An original approach for reducing the mesh size of the 3D FE model is used.

Design/methodology/approach

A minicar equipped with a circular coil is considered, while the transmitting coil is coherent with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard. The different shape of the coils and a possible misalignment are considered as possible sources of emitted magnetic field, which a person could be exposed to. To this end, a FE model is implemented. Because of the complexity of the mesh, a suitable 3D model is used. This model is previously validated and then used for evaluating the magnetic field around the Wireless Power Transfer Systems (WPTS).

Findings

The magnetic flux density around the WPTS is calculated and compared with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) limits.

Originality/value

The proposed 3D model, whose validation is shown in the paper, is able to compute the magnetic field with high accuracy despite the presence of a conductive and ferromagnetic thin structure, the steel layer related to the car frame, which would need a very fine mesh with a large number of elements to solve Maxwell equations.
Emotion in teams: a scoping literature review
Authors: Xie Lei , Wilson Jonathan , Sherron Todd
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The empirical findings of the roles of emotions in teams are mixed. This study, a scoping literature review, aims to synthesize extant research on the roles of emotions in work teams and offers future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixty-nine empirical studies from the past ten years (2012 to 2021) were identified and reviewed. The authors then analyzed these 69 papers based on their research design, focus and nomological network of emotions.

Findings

The authors found that there is a clear increasing research trend of studying emotions in a team setting. In the extant literature, team emotions were studied from three major perspectives: emotions, emotional management and emotion measurement. The authors also summarized findings into the nomological network of team emotions. Last but not least, future research directions regarding the research context, focus and design and analysis were recommended.

Originality/value

The role of emotions in teams has not been extensively reviewed or synthesized, and the empirical findings are mixed. This paper synthesized the role of emotions in teams and critical factors that affect emotions in teams. In particular, the research recommendations for critical human resource development scholars cover three aspects: research context advancement, research focus advancement and research design and analysis advancement.
Antecedents and consequences of co-creation value with a resolution of complex P2P relationships
Authors: Foroudi Pantea , Marvi Reza , Colmekcioglu Nazan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to address the following three questions: What are the main factors influencing co-creation behaviour among peers in a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform? What are the key consequences of such behaviour? and What are the main factors that positively influence a sense of commitment among peers in a P2P platform?

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a positivist paradigm to scrutinise the causal associations between the scale validation and causal configurations of influential factors by using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

Findings indicate that the significance of co-creation behaviour in enhancing the sense of commitment in a P2P platform. The implications for hospitality managers and researchers are discussed.

Practical implications

The findings of this research provide interesting insights for peer providers in a peer platform on how to enhance co-creation. They also offer guidelines on how to build a positive sense of commitment in the peer platform.

Originality/value

By investigating co-creation behaviour at the peer level, this research offers a unique theoretical contribution. Drawing on complexity theory, the research also proposes two tenets supporting the managerial contribution by identifying and clarifying how co-creation behaviour and related constructs can lead to a sense of commitment between peers in a P2P platform.
A conceptual framework of employees’ perceived organisational support on student loyalty
Authors: Koomson Samuel
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This article examines the direct influence of employee’s perceived organisational support (POS) on student loyalty (LOY), exploring the indirect roles of total quality management (TQM) and information communication technology adoption (ADT) and moderating roles of government support (GOS) and co-worker support (COS).

Design/methodology/approach

The article constructs a research model along with postulations by combining both empirical and theoretical literature in multidisciplinary fields.

Findings

This paper proposes that POS will be positively related to LOY, and this positive relationship will be positively mediated by TQM and ADT jointly and independently. Additionally, GOS and COS will positively moderate between POS and LOY.

Research limitations/implications

This article offers suggestions for both academics and specialists in higher educational institutions for achieving LOY by applying POS, TQM and ADT as strategic tools. It also highpoints the crucial role of GOS and support from co-workers in achieving LOY. This paper lays the foundation for upcoming scholars to test this research model, empirically, in different higher educational institutions contexts worldwide.

Practical implications

By valuing contributions, caring about well-being and fulfilling the socio-emotional needs of employees, higher educational institutions stand the chance of achieving LOY via TQM and ADT. Additionally, POS can foster LOY under massive GOS and COS.

Originality/value

The article provides unique understandings into how TQM and ADT connect POS to LOY and how POS relates to LOY under varied levels of GOS and COS. It also highlights the theoretical contributions of the underpinning theories.
Antecedents of sustainable fashion apparel purchase behavior
Authors: Kautish Pradeep , Khare Arpita
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine cosmopolitanism, global social identity, green peer and social media on green apparel knowledge and sustainable fashion perception. Further, it explored the mediating effect of green apparel knowledge and sustainable fashion perception on behavioral intentions and electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a mall intercept method across five cities adjoining the national capital region in India.

Findings

The results indicated that social identification with online (social media) and offline (cosmopolitanism, global self-identity and green peer influence) groups predicted Indian consumers’ perception of sustainable fashion, behavioral intentions and eWOM.

Research limitations/implications

A better discernment between social identity versus self-identity and social media influence versus peer influence may be considered in future studies.

Practical implications

Sustainable fashion designers can use social media to create awareness and promote sustainable apparel. The information about novelty, design and style attributes of sustainable fashion can help overcome the skepticism regarding sustainable clothing.

Originality/value

This study extends the earlier research on online and offline influences by examining their role on green apparel perception, purchase and eWOM.
Mental health of hawkers during COVID-19: a marginal community in Bangladesh
Authors: Moral Iqbal Hossain , Rahaman Md. Saidur , Imran Md. Shikh , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the financial condition and the mental health of millions of workers from various informal sectors. This study aims to look into the hawkers’ community’s mental health and living conditions in Bangladesh during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers have applied the purposive sampling technique to choose ten hawkers from Khulna city, a district in the southern region of Bangladesh. An in-depth interview was taken in the Bengali language in an unstructured manner and lasted 30–40 min per respondent.

Findings

The findings showed that the Hawkers’ income reduced, and specifically, during the pandemic, they had earned half of what they usually made before. Besides, they could not open their stores because law enforcement agencies imposed restrictions on opening business centres during the lockdown except for some emergency necessities shops. This restriction led the hawkers to stop selling their products because there was a high chance of spreading the virus through the products they sold. Due to income reduction, they had to eat cheap food, which caused their health problems. Consequently, this community mentally got depressed.

Practical implications

Policymakers in Bangladesh might think about enacting more effective measures to provide some extrinsic and intrinsic support in improving the mental health of the hawkers’ community.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on the mental of the hawkers’ community during COVID-19.
Aligning research trends of NIPERs, India (2010–2021)
Authors: Tyagi Sunil
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to measure the global research landscape of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) of India on a set of quantitative and qualitative metrics in terms of research output toward exploring research trends and give an overview of collaborative practices by researchers of NIPERs.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study has selected the Scopus database as a tool to retrieve potential publications of studied NIPERs during the last 12 years (2010–2021). NIPER-Mohali, NIPER-Hyderabad, NIPER-Ahmedabad, NIPER-Guwahati and NIPER-Kolkata have been selected for the study. The study has adopted a comprehensive search strategy to extract 3,926 publications data. VOS viewer 1.6.17, BibExcel and Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis and visualization.

Findings

The global scientific research output of NIPERs accrued 3,926 publications with an average of 327 publications per year. The retrieved publications fetched a total of 67,772 citations with an average citation impact of 17.26. There observed a steady growth of publications from 168 to 509 registered with an average growth rate of 18.44%. The mean relative growth rate and doubling time of research output are 0.26 and 2.94. The authorship patterns explore collaborative trends as most of the publications were published by multiple authors (99.39%). NIPERs have expanded their outreach to collaborate with the USA, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Australia and the UK to collaborate on research and regulatory reforms exhibits in the USA as a major contributor.

Originality/value

The present study is the first effort to evaluate the global research productivity of NIPERs and assess the current research trends on a set of quantitative and qualitative metrics to provide some insights into the complex dynamics of research productivity. The study’s outcome may help to identify the current research progress of NIPERs at the global level.
Market share, larger competition and the profitability of rural, small community banks
Authors: Spurlin W. Paul
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Community banks continue to offer important financial services including agricultural and small-business lending as well as residential mortgage origination. Because community banks’ share of available source funds may be threatened in rural markets due to competing larger banks seeking less expensive core deposits, this study examines whether large-bank competition, market share of deposits and changing market share impact the profitability of rural, small community banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a Heckman-type selection model to control for sample selection bias, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis with time and bank fixed effects is conducted to study the drivers of profitability in small, community banks that operate exclusively in rural markets. Profit drivers for rural, small community banks of particular interest in the study are larger-bank competition, market share of deposits and year-to-year change in market share of deposits.

Findings

The research indicates that rural, small community bank profitability decreases in concurrent market share of deposits and may increase in changing market share but that the presence of a larger competitor decreases the profitability of small community banks in rural markets as larger banks compete for deposits in these markets. The paper also finds that increased Internet access in rural markets accompanies lower performance for small community banks, indicating that online banking services may threaten rural, small community banks.

Originality/value

This paper offers new findings to the literature on the performance effects of large competitors in rural banking markets. The results suggest implications for managers of rural, small community banks and offer additional knowledge about profit drivers of rural, small community banks of which regulators should be cognizant.
Retail store entry and online consumer search: the role of cognitive versus physical search costs
Authors: Gao Xiang , Li Bin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Relatively little research explicitly considers how a firm’s channel decisions affect consumer tradeoffs between the cognitive costs of online search and the physical costs of visiting a retail store. This study aims to argue that opening a new retail store affects both cognitive and physical search costs, but that the magnitude of these effects depends on the location of the consumer relative to the new store. In addition, individual differences in consumers’ cognitive costs that should moderate these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes the opening of multiple retailer stores on the same day as the nature experiment. Combining with data from other sources, this study tests the hypotheses using conditional logit for the correction of incidental problem in the traditional fix-effect logit model. Endogeneity issue is tested with the control function approach.

Findings

This study finds that opening a new store leads to a 136% increase in the odds of online visiting by consumers who live in the broader metropolitan area of the new store, while it leads to a 43% decrease in the odds of online visiting by consumers who live in the nearby shopping region. However, the effect of store entry on increasing website search is weaker for consumers who are more loyal, and the effect of store entry on decreasing website search is weaker for consumers who are more efficient in searching online.

Originality/value

This study adds to prior research by identifying when, and for which consumers, opening a physical store has complimentary versus substitutive effects on online search behavior.
Primary production responses to extreme changes in North American Monsoon precipitation vary by elevation and plant functional composition through time
Authors: Munson Seth M. , Bradford John B. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Gremer Jennifer R.
Published: June 2022

Primary production in dryland ecosystems is limited by water availability and projected to be strongly affected by future shifts in seasonal precipitation. Warm‐season precipitation derived from the North American Monsoon contributes 40% of annual precipitation to dryland ecosystems in the southwestern United States and is projected to become more variable. However, there is large uncertainty on whether this variability will be expressed as either extreme wet or dry years and how primary production of different plant functional types will respond across widespread elevation gradients in this region.

We experimentally imposed extreme drought and water addition treatments from 2016 to 2020, during which ambient warm‐season precipitation declined to reach historic lows, to understand production sensitivity of dominant plant functional types along a 1000 m elevation gradient.

We found that the production responses of plant functional types to monsoon precipitation extremes were dependent on the number of treatment years that occurred across sites along the elevation gradient. C4 perennial grasses were most responsive to precipitation manipulation treatments, followed by C3 perennial grasses and annuals, while perennial forbs and shrubs had weak or no responses. C4 perennial grass reductions due to extreme drought were generally stronger or occurred earlier at low elevation sites, while multi‐year extreme drought extended negative effects to C3 perennial grasses at high elevation, and all sites showed delayed responses to multi‐year water addition. We found that the sensitivity of C3 perennial grass production differed for extreme drought and water addition compared to ambient precipitation at one site, but other sites and plant functional types had similar sensitivities to the different treatment types.

Synthesis. The upward advance of primary production responsiveness from single‐ to multi‐year extreme changes in warm‐season precipitation suggests more immediate shifts in functional composition and carbon cycling at low elevation, while high elevation ecosystems may become less resistant as the effects of extreme precipitation compound through time.
Rainy years counteract negative effects of drought on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity: Resilience in annual plant communities
Authors: López‐Rubio Roberto , Pescador David S. , Escudero Adrián , Sánchez Ana M.
Published: June 2022

Climate models forecast changes in the amount and distribution of rain, which may affect ecosystems worldwide, especially in drylands where water is already the limiting factor for plant life. Annual plant communities are common in drylands where they can complete their entire life cycle during the rainy period while avoiding the dry season. Moreover, seed dormancy allows them to disperse over time by remaining in the seed bank for long periods. However, the extent to which these communities will be able to tolerate increasing drought is uncertain.

We performed a 5‐year rainfall reduction treatment under field conditions and determined its effects on annual plant communities in a Mediterranean gypsum ecosystem. We assessed the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of these communities each year for 5 years.

The taxonomic and functional diversity decreased under the rainfall reduction treatment, whereas the phylogenetic diversity increased. Moreover, the relative importance of species with drought‐resistant functional designs increased in the community assemblages. However, after a rainy season with above average rainfall, all of the diversity values recovered completely even under the rainfall reduction treatment.

Our results provide important insights into the responses of these plant communities under a climate change scenario, where they indicate high losses of diversity during drought events but rapid recovery in milder years.

Synthesis. Our findings highlight the great resilience of annual plant communities in drylands, which may allow them to tolerate increased drought under the present climate change scenario.
Adaptation ofListeria monocytogenesto perturbation ofc‐di‐AMPmetabolism underpins its role in osmoadaptation and identifies a fosfomycin uptake system
Authors: Wang Mengyi , Wamp Sabrina , Gibhardt Johannes , Holland Gudrun , Schwedt Inge , Schmidtke Kai‐Uwe , Scheibner Katrin , Halbedel Sven , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: June 2022

The human pathogenListeria monocytogenessynthesizes and degrades c‐di‐AMP using the diadenylate cyclase CdaA and the phosphodiesterases PdeA and PgpH respectively. c‐di‐AMP is essential because it prevents the uncontrolled uptake of osmolytes. Here, we studied the phenotypes ofcdaA,pdeA,pgpHandpdeA pgpHmutants with defects in c‐di‐AMP metabolism and characterized suppressor mutants restoring their growth defects. The characterization of thepdeA pgpHmutant revealed that the bacteria show growth defects in defined medium, a phenotype that is invariably suppressed by mutations incdaA. The previously reported growth defect of thecdaAmutant in rich medium is suppressed by mutations that osmotically stabilize the c‐di‐AMP‐free strain. We also found that thecdaAmutant has an increased sensitivity against isoleucine. The isoleucine‐dependent growth inhibition of thecdaAmutant is suppressed bycodYmutations that likely reduce the DNA‐binding activity of encoded CodY variants. Moreover, the characterization of thecdaAsuppressor mutants revealed that the Opp oligopeptide transport system is involved in the uptake of the antibiotic fosfomycin. In conclusion, the suppressor analysis corroborates a key function of c‐di‐AMP in controlling osmolyte homeostasis inL.monocytogenes.
The Cognitive Micro‐foundations, and Socio‐psychological Mechanisms, of Organizational Decision‐Making in Public Management
Authors: Hodgkinson Ian R. , Hughes Paul , Leite Higor
Published: June 2022

How do cognitive micro‐foundations impact organizational decision‐making in public management? The study focuses on the relationships between two cognitive micro‐processes (intuitive, type I and rational, type II) and the contrasting organizational decision‐making approaches of strategic planning and organizational spontaneity. Drawing on survey data from managers working across a range of public services in Brazil, the findings reveal that rational reasoning drives both approaches to organizational decision‐making. Intuitive reasoning, on the other hand, is observed to drive strategic planning only. Two socio‐psychological mechanisms moderate the core relationships: bureaucracy strengthens the rational reasoning–planning relationship, but weakens the intuitive reasoning–spontaneity relationship, while organizational learning plays a critical role in activating the intuitive reasoning–organizational spontaneity relationship. Post‐hoc analysis of variance reveals a group of public service organizations that rely heavily on both decision‐making modes and highlights the core features enabling paradoxical decision‐making.
Efficacy, acceptability and safety of ablative versus excisional procedure in the treatment of histologically confirmed CIN2/3: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Li , Sauvaget Catherine , Mosquera Isabel , Basu Partha
Published: June 2022

Background

Outcomes of earlier systematic reviews of the efficacy of ablative and excisional techniques to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3) were biased, as most of the included studies did not compare the techniques head‐to‐head.

Objective

To systematically review the outcomes of studies comparing ablative and excisional techniques to treat CIN2/3 head‐to‐head.

Search strategy

Medline, Embase and Global Index Medicus were searched from inception until May 2021.

Selection criteria

Studies directly comparing the efficacy and safety of excisional and ablative treatments on histologically confirmed CIN2/3. Eligibility criteria for the women treated with ablation had to be same as those treated with excision.

Data collection and analysis

A total of 323 articles were archived. Data on the risk of persistence/recurrence and safety were extracted from the original trials. Comparison between the two procedures was reported by forest plots, stratified by follow‐up intervals and by HIV status.

Main results

Six publications were included. The risk of persistence/recurrence following ablation was significantly higher than that following excision (overall, RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.25–2.19; at 6‐month follow‐up, RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.29–2.91; at 12‐month follow‐up, RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.27–2.51; at 24‐month follow‐up, RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.11–2.23). The findings remained similar among women living with HIV (WLHIV). Both procedures were equally safe.

Conclusions

Excisional treatment was more effective than ablative treatment, with both procedures having similar safety profiles. Other programmatic considerations will guide the selection of technique, especially in resource‐limited settings.
High‐throughput colorimetric assays optimized for detection of ketones and aldehydes produced by microbial cell factories
Authors: Kozaeva Ekaterina , Mol Viviënne , Nikel Pablo I. , Nielsen Alex Toftgaard
Published: June 2022

Randomized strain and pathway engineering are critical to improving microbial cell factory performance, calling for the development of high‐throughput screening and selection systems. To facilitate this effort, we have developed two 96‐well plate format colorimetric assays for reliable quantification of various ketones and aldehydes from culture supernatants, based on either a vanillin‐acetone reaction or the 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4‐DNPH) reagent. The vanillin‐acetone assay enabled accurate and selective measurement of acetone titers up to 2 g l−1 in a minimal culture medium. The 2,4‐DNPH‐based assay can be used for a wide range of aldehydes and ketones, shown here through the optimization of conditions for 15 different compounds. Both assays were implemented to improve acetone production from different substrates by an engineered Escherichia coli strain. The fast and user‐friendly colorimetric assays proposed here open the potential for iterative rounds of (automated) strain and pathway engineering and screening, facilitating the efforts towards further boosting production titers of industrially relevant ketones and aldehydes.
Complex population structure and haplotype patterns in the Western European honey bee from sequencing a large panel of haploid drones
Authors: Wragg David , Eynard Sonia E. , Basso Benjamin , Canale‐Tabet Kamila , Labarthe Emmanuelle , Bouchez Olivier , Bienefeld Kaspar , Bieńkowska Małgorzata , Costa Cecilia , Gregorc Aleš , Kryger Per , Parejo Melanie , Pinto M. Alice , Bidanel Jean‐Pierre , Servin Bertrand , Le Conte Yves , Vignal Alain
Published: June 2022

Honey bee subspecies originate from specific geographical areas in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, and beekeepers interested in specific phenotypes have imported genetic material to regions outside of the bees' original range for use either in pure lines or controlled crosses. Moreover, imported drones are present in the environment and mate naturally with queens from the local subspecies. The resulting admixture complicates population genetics analyses, and population stratification can be a major problem for association studies. To better understand Western European honey bee populations, we produced a whole genome sequence and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data set from 870 haploid drones and demonstrate its utility for the identification of nine genetic backgrounds and various degrees of admixture in a subset of 629 samples. Five backgrounds identified correspond to subspecies, two to isolated populations on islands and two to managed populations. We also highlight several large haplotype blocks, some of which coincide with the position of centromeres. The largest is 3.6 Mb long and represents 21% of chromosome 11, with two major haplotypes corresponding to the two dominant genetic backgrounds identified. This large naturally phased data set is available as a single vcf file that can now serve as a reference for subsequent populations genomics studies in the honey bee, such as (i) selecting individuals of verified homogeneous genetic backgrounds as references, (ii) imputing genotypes from a lower‐density data set generated by an SNP‐chip or by low‐pass sequencing, or (iii) selecting SNPs compatible with the requirements of genotyping chips.
dartR v2: An accessible genetic analysis platform for conservation, ecology and agriculture
Authors: Mijangos Jose Luis , Gruber Bernd , Berry Oliver , Pacioni Carlo , Georges Arthur
Published: June 2022

Innumerable approaches to analyse genetic data are now available to guide conservation, ecological and agricultural projects. However, streamlined and accessible tools are needed to bring these approaches within the reach of a broader user base. dartR was released in 2018 to lessen the intrinsic complexity of analysing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and dominant markers (presence/absence of amplified sequence tags) by providing user‐friendly data quality control and marker selection functions. dartR users have grown steadily since its release and provided valuable feedback on their interaction with the package allowing us to enhance dartR capabilities.

Here, we present Version 2 of dartR. In this version, we substantially increased the number of available functions from 45 to 144. In addition to improved functionality, we focused on enhancing the user experience by extending plot customisation, function standardisation, increasing user support and function speed. dartR provides functions for various stages in analysing genetic data, from data manipulation to reporting.

dartR provides many functions for importing, exporting and linking to other packages, to provide an easy‐to‐navigate conduit between data generation and analysis options already available via other packages. We also implemented simulation functions whose results can be analysed seamlessly with several other dartR functions.

As more methods and approaches mature to inform conservation, we envision that accessible platforms to analyse genetic data will play a crucial role in translating science into practice.
Impacts of land cover on reptile movement and habitat use in farming landscapes
Authors: Balouch S. , Driscoll D. A. , Naseer A. , Rais M. , Doherty T. S.
Published: June 2022

Agriculture is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide, but knowledge of how agriculture modifies animal movement, which is crucial for survival, is limited. Here, we examined the effect of landscape composition on the movements of the oriental garden lizard Calotes versicolor in agricultural landscapes of north‐central Pakistan. We radio‐tracked 32 individuals over 5 months to determine whether land cover type (farmland, tree patches, grassland) influences hourly movement rate, inter‐day distance moved, and activity area size. We found that hourly movement rates were higher in tree patches compared to grasslands, and higher when animals moved between land cover types rather than within individual land cover types. Activity area size and movement rates became smaller as the season progressed, but they did not differ according to animal sex or body size. Habitat selection analysis showed that lizards preferred tree patches, avoided farms, roads, water bodies and human dwellings, and used grasslands in proportion to availability. When lizards used farmlands, they were found in field margins 85% of the time. Our results emphasize the importance of treed areas as reptile habitat in these highly modified agricultural lands. Agricultural intensification that reduces the availability of tree patches and field margins will likely reduce the extent to which lizards can use the landscape by removing preferred habitat. Maintaining tree cover and small fields with field margins should promote the coexistence of wildlife conservation and food production in agricultural landscapes.
Thyroidectomy in Australia 2022: lessons from 21,000 consecutive cases
Authors: Papachristos Alexander James , Glover Anthony , Sywak Mark , Sidhu Stan B.
Published: June 2022

In this article, we aim to describe our modern‐day approach to total thyroidectomy, detailing the subtle refinements of our technique, as it has evolved over three decades and 21 000 cases. Since Delbridge's seminal paper in 2003, the major changes to our approach include a retrograde approach to the recurrent laryngeal nerve that allows dissection of the distal RLN from fascial bands within the ligament of Berry before medialisation of the thyroid lobe. Routine use of intraoperative nerve monitoring systems has increased our awareness of temporary neuropraxia, facilitated a reduction in the risk of bilateral RLN palsy and improved our identification and preservation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The increasing use of advanced energy devices has been associated with a reduction in post‐operative haematoma rates. We adopt a low threshold to parathyroid auto‐transplantation, unless all glands are assessed to be clearly not at risk, and routinely supplement patients with Caltrate in the immediate post‐operative period to minimize the risk of symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Ultimately, when we reflect on the subtle refinements that have contributed to improved outcomes, the fundamental principles of exposure and dissection that have evolved over decades remain the basis of our surgical approach and must continue to do so.
Cervical cancer mortality in Norway according to screening attendance and age
Authors: Baasland Ingrid , Vie Gunnhild Å. , Romundstad Pål R. , Lönnberg Stefan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The association between cervical cancer screening and reduction of cervical cancer has been dealt with in much research. However, little has been published on the association between screening and cervical cancer mortality. We assessed cervical cancer deaths according to screening history, histopathology, and age among women in, under, and above screening age.

Material and methods

In this nationwide, registry‐based case–control study from Norway, we included 817 cervical cancer deaths in women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the period 1998–2009. We matched each case with 10 population‐based controls free from cervical cancer, obtained by density‐based sampling. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between screening attendance and cervical cancer mortality were estimated using conditional logistic regression models.

Results

Of all fatal cervical cancers, 35% were diagnosed among women over screening age and altogether, 83% were either in age groups not covered by the screening program or in non‐attenders of screening age. The estimated risk reduction associated with a cytology test in the preceding 3.5 years was 80% in screening age 25–69 years (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.16–0.24) with the largest reduction in squamous cell carcinomas (84%) but also a substantial estimated risk reduction of 65% for adenocarcinomas. The associated risk reduction was strongest in women aged 45–69 years, with ORs in the range 0.09–0.18, compared with ORs 0.42–1.35 in women aged 25–39 years.

Conclusions

To reduce the mortality of cervical cancer, screening programs should focus on increasing adherence to the program, as half of all the fatal cases were in the non‐attender group. Further assessments regarding the potential preventive impact of extending screening to women over the current screening age should be considered.
PD‐L1 in gestational trophoblastic disease: an antibody evaluation
Authors: Hoeijmakers Yvonne M. , Simons Michiel , Bulten Johan , Gorris Mark A. J. , Ottevanger Petronella B. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Sweep Fred C. G. J.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Treatment with antibodies directed against programed‐cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is a novel therapy for patients with gestational trophoblastic disease. Assessment of PD‐L1 expression in tumor tissue is commonly used to identify patients who might benefit from anti‐PD‐L1 treatment. Multiple antibodies are available to detect PD‐L1‐expressing cells, and percentages of PD‐L1‐expressing cells in samples of patients with gestational trophoblastic disease indicated by these antibodies differ substantially. This raises the question which PD‐L1 antibody best reflects PD‐L1 expression to select patients for treatment.

Material and methods

Seven commercially available antibodies for PD‐L1 staining (E1L3N, 73–10, 22C3, CAL10, SP142, 28–8, SP263) were validated on Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells transfected with PD‐L1, PD‐L2, wildtype CHO cells and tonsil tissue. Next, four complete hydatidiform moles and four choriocarcinomas were stained. Samples were independently assessed by two pathologists.

Results

All seven antibodies showed membranous staining in the PD‐L1‐transfected CHO cells. E1L3N and 22C3 scored the highest percentages of PD‐L1‐positive cells (70%–90% and 60%–70%, respectively). E1L3N stained the cytoplasm of non‐transfected CHO cells and was excluded from analysis. The remaining six antibodies predominantly stained syncytiotrophoblast cells of both complete hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinomas. The percentage of PD‐L1‐stained trophoblast cells and staining intensity varied substantially per used PD‐L1 antibody and between complete hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinomas. Agreement between pathologists was best with 22C3 (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94–0.96).

Conclusions

Based on staining results of the CHO cells, gestational trophoblastic disease samples and intraclass correlation coefficient, 22C3 seems the most suitable for adequate detection of PD‐L1‐expressing trophoblast cells. All antibodies detected PD‐L1‐expressing cells in the gestational trophoblastic disease samples, though with great variability, hampering comparison of results between studies in this rare disease and emphasizing the need for uniformity in detecting PD‐L1‐expressing cells.
Editorial: group‐based hypnotherapy as good as individually delivered hypnotherapy for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Lores Taryn
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lövdahl et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16934 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16985
Letter: normalising the ileoanal pouch—more than a one‐step technique
Authors: Lo Sheng Wei , Garg Mayur , Segal Jonathan P.
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Quinn et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16859 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16988
Editorial: chronic DILI and HILI—corticosteroid plus glycyrrhizin as standard therapy? Authors' reply
Authors: Wang Jia‐Bo , Huang Ang , Wang Yijin , Ji Dong , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wang et al papers. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16902 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16943
Letter: normalizing the ileoanal pouch—more than a one‐step technique. Authors' reply
Authors: Quinn Kevin P. , Busciglio Irene A. , Burton Duane D. , Inoue Akitoshi , Lee Yong S. , Heiken Jay P. , Sheedy Shannon P. , Fletcher Joel G. , Raffals Laura E.
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Quinn et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16859 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16954
A BURST‐BAUS consensus document for best practice in the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion: the Finding Consensus for Orchidopexy in Torsion (FIX‐IT) study
Authors: Clement Keiran D. , Light Alexander , Asif Aqua , Chan Vinson Wai‐Shun , Khadhouri Sinan , Shah Taimur T. , Banks Frederick , Dorkin Trevor , Driver Christopher P. , During Vinnie , Fraser Nia , Johnston Maximilian J. , Lucky Marc , Modgil Vaibhav , Muneer Asif , Parnham Arie , Pearce Ian , Shabbir Majed , Shenoy Manoj , Summerton Duncan J. , Undre Shabnam , Williams Alun , MacLennan Steven , Kasivisvanathan Veeru ,   the FIX‐IT collaborators
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To produce a best practice consensus guideline for the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion using formal consensus methodology.

Materials and Methods

A panel of 16 expert urologists, representing adult, paediatric, general and andrological urology used the RAND Corporation / University of California, Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) Appropriateness Consensus Methodology to score a 184‐statement pre‐meeting questionnaire on the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion. The collated responses were presented at a face‐to‐face online meeting and each item was rescored anonymously after a group discussion, facilitated by an independent chair with expertise in consensus methodology. Items were scored for agreement and consensus and the items scored with consensus were used to derive a set of best practice guidelines.

Results

Statements scored with consensus increased from Round 1 (122/184, 66.3%) to Round 2 (149/200, 74.5%). Recommendations were generated in 10 categories: consent; assessment under anaesthetic; initial incision; intra‐operative decision making; fixation; medical photography; closure; operation note; logistics; and follow‐up after scrotal exploration. Our statements assume that the decision to operate has already been made. Key recommendations in the consent process included discussion of the possibility of orchidectomy and the possibility of subsequent infection of the affected testis or wound requiring antibiotic therapy. If after the examination under anaesthesia, the index of suspicion of testicular torsion is lower than previously thought, then the surgeon should still proceed to scrotal exploration as planned. A flow chart guiding decision making dependent on intra‐operative findings has been designed. If no torsion is present on exploration and bell clapper deformity is absent, the testis should not be fixed. When fixing a testis using sutures, a three‐ or four‐point method is acceptable and non‐absorbable sutures are preferred.

Conclusions

We have produced consensus recommendations to inform best practice in the conduct of scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion.
Corporate profit tax, firm entry with unemployment, and income inequality
Authors: Wang Leonard F. S. , Sun Ji
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we provide a general equilibrium analysis of corporate profit tax on income distribution, unemployment, and wage inequality. With firm dynamics in industrial sector, we identify a new channel through which profit tax affects income and wage inequality: profit tax cut will widen not only the wage gap between skilled and unskilled labor, but also exacerbate the wage inequality of unskilled labor among different sectors. The welfare effect of profit tax cut depends on unemployment deepening (labor‐distortion effect) and more manufacturing firms enter the market (business‐creation effect), eroding the market share of incumbent firms (business‐stealing effect).
Why is trust lower in Quebec? A cultural explanation
Authors: Wu Cary , Dawson Andrew
Published: June 2022

In this article, we provide a cultural explanation of a long‐standing trust puzzle in Canada—Quebecers trust much less than their fellow Canadians. Specifically, we develop a novel approach to empirically assess the historical influence of the Catholic Church, using the Quiet Revolution (a period of abrupt modernization in Quebec) as a natural experiment. We find that older cohorts socialized prior to the Quiet Revolution are significantly less trusting—a distinctive trend that is most pronounced among Catholics. Conversely, in the rest of Canada older cohorts are more trusting, following the trend commonly found in other countries. Furthermore, measures of both religious beliefs and modernization account for a large part of the birth cohort trust gap in Quebec. The findings suggest that low trust in Quebec is rooted in the province's Catholic cultural heritage, but that the legacy of the Quiet Revolution is gradually changing the trust culture.
Fading into the woodwork: Doula work and hospital‐based practice
Authors: Young Christina
Published: June 2022

Doulas offer emotional support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postpartum period. In hospitals, doulas support their clients without holding formal status as employees or as a regulated profession. Drawing on interviews with 26 doulas in Toronto, Canada, along with analyses of the legacy of medical dominance in maternity care, I examine how doulas accomplish their work in hospitals. I find that doulas face challenges accessing physical resources and struggle to provide their model of care in light of routine hospital procedures and interventions. In response, many doulas develop strategies to address the constraints imposed by their work contexts. These findings suggest that the medical model of birth is resistant to even minor modifications or perspectives that view birth holistically rather than solely dependent on medical intervention.