bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure energy aware routing protocol for IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks
Authors: Alateeq Abdulla , Elmedany Wael , Ababneh Nedal , Curran Kevin
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the latest research related to secure routing protocols in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and propose a new approach that can achieve a higher security level compared to the existing one. One of the main security issues in WSNs is the security of routing protocols. A typical WSN consists of a large number of small size, low-power, low-cost sensor devices. These devices are very resource-constrained and usually use cheap short-range radios to communicate with each other in an ad hoc fashion thus, achieving security in these networks is a big challenge, which is open for research.

Design/methodology/approach

The route updates and data messages of the protocol are authenticated using Edwards-curves Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA). Routing protocols play an essential role in WSNs, they ensure the delivery of the sensed data from the remote sensor nodes to back-end systems via a data sink. Routing protocols depend on route updates received from neighboring nodes to determine the best path to the sink. Manipulating these updates by inserting rouge nodes in the network that advertise false updates can lead to a catastrophic impact on the compromised WSN performance.

Findings

As a result, a new secure energy-aware routing protocol (SEARP) is proposed, which uses security enhanced clustering algorithm and EdDSA to authenticate route advertisements and messages. A secure clustering algorithm is also used as part of the proposed protocol to conserve energy, prolong network lifetime and counteract wormhole attacks.

Originality/value

In this paper, a SEARP is proposed to address network layer security attacks in WSNs. A secure clustering algorithm is also used as part of the proposed protocol to conserve energy, prolong network lifetime and counteract wormhole attacks. A simulation has been carried out using Sensoria Simulator and the performance evaluation has been discussed.
A picture is worth a thousand words: a photo-thematic analysis of city hospitality in municipal popular reporting
Authors: Del Gesso Carla
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the disclosure of information about city hospitality within municipal popular reporting documents, by conducting a photo-thematic analysis of the photographic imagery contained therein. These documents have great potential for integrating supplementary information in a simplified, short and attractive form. Supplementary disclosure by means of pictures, such as that concerning city hospitality, has not previously been researched.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research uses visual data, specifically photographs, as a data source. To capture city hospitality disclosure, a photo-thematic analysis was conducted on a total of 495 photographs contained in a sample of 30 US municipal Popular Annual Financial Reports singled out for best practice. Photographs were inductively thematized using the qualitative data analysis software “QDA Miner”.

Findings

The photo-thematic analysis yielded an array of themes and sub-themes important to an overall understanding of municipal government disclosure about city hospitality. Going far beyond hosting the hospitality industry segment, city hospitality proved to be a complex area involving city livability and sustainability; it encompasses environmental and landscape resources, facilities, services, activities, events, culture, history, sociability, innovation and much more. Photographs were able to suitably provide supplementary nonfinancial disclosure in popular reports, conveying a welcoming image to the city’s guests – including both its citizens and visitors – in a timely and appealing way.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine information disclosure via photographs in popular reporting, focusing on municipal government disclosures about city hospitality. It, therefore, offers new knowledge in both the areas of city hospitality and popular reporting, using an innovative qualitative research approach which gives insight into the power of pictures to generate and convey information beyond textual data.
Intention to consume halal pharmaceutical products: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Kasri Rahmatina Awaliah , Ahsan Abdillah , Widiatmoko Dono , Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Despite the importance of pharmaceutical products in everyday life, particularly after the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, only a few studies have attempted to analyse consumer behaviour with regard to halal pharmaceutical products. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing purchase intention for halal pharmaceutical products among Indonesian Muslims.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a theory of planned behaviour approach, in which religiosity and knowledge of halal product variables are added to attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control variables. Primary data were collected from 225 Indonesian Muslims in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study found that the intention to purchase halal pharmaceutical products is positively affected by attitude, religiosity, knowledge of halal products and perceived behavioural control. However, the influence of the subjective norm variable was found to be insignificant in this study.

Research limitations/implications

It is possible to improve the empirical model by including more explanatory variables and investigating the mediating effect of the variables. The study could also be scaled up to reach more respondents in different regions and countries. These additional aspects would provide better insights into the behaviour of consumers when considering halal pharmaceutical products.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the importance of designing and implementing appropriate strategies and campaigns to enhance knowledge of halal products, of positive attitudes and of better resources/opportunities to consume halal pharmaceutical products. The industry needs to highlight its products’ halal and tayyib aspects through proper branding and promotion strategies. The government and other stakeholders could also implement education campaigns to increase halal products and halal literacy knowledge. These are ultimately expected to enhance the effectiveness of halal regulations and meet Muslim consumer expectations in the country.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of halal pharmaceutical products, this area has received limited attention in the academic literature. Thus, this study attempts to elaborate on consumer behaviour in this niche area.
How does organizational learning contribute to corporate social responsibility and innovation performance? The dynamic capability view
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Peivand , Rezayat Sorkhabadi Seyed Mahdi , Kebriaeezadeh Abbas , Nazari Jamal Aldin , Farzaneh Mandana , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Innovative organizations are increasingly facing challenges in a dynamic market to address corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues; however, research on how organizational learning (OL) contributes to organizations’ social responsibility and innovation remains sparse. This study aims to bridge the gap in previous research and examines how OL and dynamic capabilities (DCs) act as drivers of CSR performance (CSRP) and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is survey-based and uses time-lagged, multisource data from 151 pharmaceutical industry-related companies in Iran. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the validity of the measurement model and hierarchical regression was used to test the key hypotheses.

Findings

DCs mediate the relationship between OL and CSRP. Moreover, CSRP significantly mediates the relationship between OL and innovation.

Originality/value

Drawing on the perspective of DCs, this research is among the first to offer new insights in a new context on what antecedent conditions lead to the successful implementation of organizational CSRP and how CSRP would, in turn, lead to subsequent innovation performance improvement.
“Until they fit in.” Maltese educators’ practices and attitudes towards migrant students in middle and secondary schools
Authors: Chircop Louise
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the attitudes of Maltese educators towards migrant students and how these attitudes impinge on their practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach, informed by critical theory, was taken to conduct this study. Nineteen middle and secondary school educators were recruited through snowball sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. Critical discourse analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The presence of migrant students in schools has caught the Maltese education system unprepared. As yet there are no policies to guide educators on practices that would enhance migrant students’ sense of belonging. This paper shows how many of the educators engaged in exclusionary practices and argued that migrant students had to fit in within the present education system. While the language barrier was the greatest bone of contention, the presence of non-Catholic students was also seen as problematic. However, one could also observe accommodating practices and there were educators who embraced this diversity and implemented inclusive practices whenever possible.

Originality/value

This study, locally new in its field, highlights the need for adequate training both in terms of pedagogies and methodologies that are inclusive, as well as professional development that targets the intellectual growth of educators in terms of exposure to sociological and philosophical theories, to become more conscious of the political implications of their actions and hopefully strive to create a more equitable educational experience for their students.
Toward the measurement of market orientation: scale development and validation
Authors: Farooq Rayees , Vij Sandeep
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dimensionality of the market orientation (MO) scale.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a firm-level study. A purposive sample of 400 firms (with 2–3 key informants from each firm) has been taken to study the MO of the firms. The psychometric testing of the MO scale was done using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results have shown that the dimensionality of MO exhibits a different pattern across the sample. The four factors delineated dimensions explain more than 62% of the variance in the data set and are found to be the valuable and versatile measure of MO. Overall, the results provide enough evidence of the validity, reliability and generalizability of the MO scale. The results of SEM indicate a satisfactory nomological validity of the scale.

Originality/value

The study develops a valid measure of MO with a major focus on market intelligence. The study proposes MO as a function of customer orientation, competitor orientation, inter-functional coordination and market intelligence which was largely ignored in the marketing literature.
Provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG regulates weight gain, lipids and postprandial glycemia in wistar rats and humans
Authors: Oguntoye Modupeola , Ezekiel Olufunke , Oridupa Olayinka
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effect of probiotic provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (hLGG) on weight and lipid profile of Wistar rats and its glycemic index using Wistar rats and human subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

Adult male Wistar rats (n = 40, 120–150 g) were orally administered provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with 1 × 1010, 2 × 1010 and 4 × 1010 CFU/g encapsulated or CFU/mL free Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for 30 days, during which weight and lipid profile of rats were monitored. Blood glucose levels of rats and human subjects were also measured in Oral Glucose Tolerance Test to determine the Glycemic indices of hLGG.

Findings

Rats administered the highest doses of free or encapsulated hLGG [(4 × 1010 CFU) (PHE4 and PHF4, respectively)] had the lowest (18.2 ± 0.7 and 8.0 ± 0.6%, respectively, p < 0.001) percentage body weight gain compared to control (40 ± 0.6%). Lowest cholesterol and triglyceride (42.4 ± 0.5 and 44.4 ± 0.7 g/dL, p < 0.001, respectively) were observed in rats administered PHE4, with the lowest plasma glucose concentrations in PHE4 and PHF4 groups (43 ± 1 and 49 ± 0.7 g/dL, p < 0.001, respectively). Oral Glucose Tolerance Test for rats and human subjects showed lower peak blood glucose levels and glycemic indices in hLGG groups compared to controls in a dose-dependent manner.

Originality/value

Consumption of soft drinks, which supply non-nutritive energy, may lead to degenerative metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Beverages with probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, on the other hand, offer a positive weight management approach. Development of non-dairy beverages such as provitamin A cassava hLGG is ongoing. Provitamin A cassava hLGG showed its ability to control weight gain, blood glucose levels and serum lipids. Thus, the beverage can be consumed as a healthy alternative to soft drinks and for weight management.
Mobilizing a pluralist theoretical approach to understand microlending digital platforms: the AfricaMC case
Authors: van Heck Eric , Souza Ana Clara , Pozzebon Marlei , Petrini Maira
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore how a microlending digital platform connects social investors in developed countries and micro-entrepreneurs in Africa. However, additional research is necessary to discuss how online auction models are designed and implemented and how existing theories can explain their use in the so-called developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a single case study: an online auction model for microlending named AfricaMC. Two main methods collected empirical data, namely, online participant observation, i.e. real-time participation in the online auction market and in the forum of discussions, where the authors observed the processes of microlending transactions as registered members; analysis of online documents, by reviewing forum discussions, analyzing reports, blogs, chats and other materials.

Findings

The results suggest that using sociological and information systems theoretical lenses in a complementary manner could provide greater value than using economics.

Originality/value

The study makes two main contributions. First, it mobilizes a pluralist theoretical approach based on economic, sociological and information systems perspectives to improve the understanding of microlending digital platforms using online auction models. Second, it uses the understanding produced from data analysis of one particular African case to validate propositions derived from these three theoretical approaches that might be applied to other cases.
Situating LIS pedagogy and curriculum in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism: a reflection on process
Authors: Winn Jade G. , Miller Melissa L. , Muglia Caroline , Stewart Christopher , Wallach Ruth
Published: December 2021

Purpose

A working group of Masters in Management of Library and Information Science (MMLIS) Librarian Faculty was formed to address diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism (DEIA + AR) specifically in pedagogy and curriculum, resulting in actionable items and recommendations that will ensure the program is promoting diversity, equity, inclusive, accessable and anti-racist strategies, curriculum, resources and pedagogical practices in our classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

The Working Groups charge was designed to begin the work of dismantling the inequitable power structures which will lead to more equitable opportunities and access for marginalized groups that will become leaders in information sciences in the future.

Findings

The efforts of the DEIA + AR Working Group resulted in several supplemental documents in addition to the formal recommendations including curricular and pedagogical best practices, a terminology document (establishing a shared language), a commitment document, recommendations, and a resource repository.

Practical implications

A working group of MMLIS Librarian Faculty was formed to address DEIA + AR specifically in the program's pedagogy and curriculum, resulting in actionable items and recommendations that will ensure the program is promoting anti-racist strategies, curriculum, resources and pedagogical practices in our classrooms.

Social implications

This process study has value and impact for academics from any discipline to learn about one University's MMLIS program prioritizing DEIA + AR in program development, curriculum and pedagogical practices.

Originality/value

The converging events of the international pandemic and the national crisis of inequity in the United States in 2020 prompted a renewed commitment by the MMLIS program at the University of Southern California (USC) to revisit the program's DEIA policies and procedures and add anti-racism constructs into the curriculum.
Impact of human resource management practices on TQM: an ISM-DEMATEL approach
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Agrawal Nishant , Saharan Teena , Raut Rakesh D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The theory-building around the quality of human resources has received extensive attention in recent years. Numerous quantitative studies discuss and test theories related to total quality management and human resource linkages. The study aims to understand interlinkages of quality and human resources using Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology and DEMATEL.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses ISM methodology to examine the interrelationship between the identified variables and the DEMATEL approach to find cause–effect relationships. An integrated approach helps managers for better total quality management (TQM) implementation. This study further extended using Total Interpretative Structural Modeling (TISM).

Findings

The integrated approach of ISM and DEMATEL shows that leadership development, hiring process and training development become most important for TQM implementation. The outcome of ISM shows customer satisfaction and corporate image are depending on other practices, where DEMATEL analysis revealed that eight practices cause and remaining are effective practices.

Originality/value

This research's integrated approach helps the firm identify essential practices, and further interdependency can be developed from cause and effect analysis. The study also provided a novel approach to implementing TQM practices.
Facilitating SMEs' profitability through total quality management: the roles of risk management, digitalization, stakeholder management and system deployment
Authors: Lepistö Kari , Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of total quality management (TQM) on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ' profitability by examining whether the new TQM dimensions of risk management, digitalization, stakeholder management and system deployment, facilitate the impact of traditional TQM dimensions on profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured survey of 271 Finnish SMEs divided into industry companies and service companies was used.

Findings

Risk management facilitates the relation between continuous improvement and company profitability. Digitalization does not facilitate the relation between TQM dimensions and company profitability. Stakeholder management facilitates the relation between management/leadership and company profitability, customer focus and company profitability and continuous improvement and company profitability. System deployment does not facilitate the relation between TQM dimensions and company profitability.

Originality/value

Most prior studies are based on the traditional TQM classification. The TQM dimensions of this study are more comprehensive than previous studies and take into account the latest trends in business development. The findings of this study differ from most previous studies and provide a source of reflection for SME management on how TQM should be implemented so that it affects the company's profitability.
Entrepreneurial resilience and business continuity in the tourism and hospitality industry: the role of adaptive performance and institutional orientation
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Saad Samar Kamel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the dynamics of resilience in tourism and hospitality enterprises by investigating the influence of internal and external contextual factors (i.e. adaptive performance and institutional orientation) on the relationship between entrepreneurs’ resilience and business continuity indicators (i.e. perception of career insecurity and business exit intention).

Design/methodology/approach

In the Covid-19 pandemic context, quantitative data were collected using self-administrated questionnaires from entrepreneurs (founders of small-sized restaurants and travel agents in Egypt) using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study reveals that entrepreneurs’ resilience under adversities directly correlates with business continuity indicators, with adaptive performance and institutional orientation functioning as mediators.

Research limitations/implications

The socio-demographic characteristics of entrepreneurs could be further investigated to observe the differences based on age, education and region. The type of business (i.e. restaurants and travel agents) could have an impact on the examined relationships. Therefore, further studies can use multi-group analysis to examine such differences between various sub-sectors of the hospitality business. Finally, the cross-sectional sample method used in this study is another limitation. In any study in which causality is inferred, longitudinal research confirms stronger inferences (Morgan & Hunt, 1994).

Practical implications

An instant implication is that entrepreneurs can take proactive actions to enhance their resilience. Entrepreneurs should seek to influence their own skills and abilities through various educational and training programs. For example, they can take advantage of business seminars, workshops and executive education courses. Entrepreneurs who have the chance of enhancing their skills in solving complex problems, identifying their strengths, managing their emotions are better able to adapt to unfavorable circumstances.

Social implications

The inhabited environment. Entrepreneurs should be institutionally oriented by building strong communications and networks with key actors and business-to-business customers. This would help entrepreneurs to understand the rules of the game, adapt to the environment, gain market legitimacy and accordingly acquire the social and financial support when hazards occur.

Originality/value

The extant literature lacks evidence about the internal and external contextual factors underlying the process of resilience in small and medium-sized enterprises and its outcomes. Research on entrepreneurship has rarely discussed the antecedents of business withdrawal. This study contributes to addressing this research gap.
The experience of SENCOs in England during the COVID‐19 pandemic: the amplification and exposure of pre‐existing strengths and challenges and the prioritisation of mental health and wellbeing in schools
Authors: Boddison Adam , Curran Helen
Published: December 2021

A national survey of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in England was conducted during the summer of 2020 in the midst of the global COVID‐19 pandemic. The annually conducted survey typically collates demographic data about the SENCO workforce, but given the wider context, this particular survey also included nine questions about SENCOs' experiences during the pandemic. More than 1000 SENCOs participated in the survey and the findings demonstrate the critical contribution of SENCOs in supporting pupils with SEND and maintaining effective communication with their families during the pandemic. The study provides evidence of an amplification effect in relation to the strengths and challenges that SENCOs had been experiencing prior to the pandemic. The study also demonstrates the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing in schools for both pupils and staff in the wake of the pandemic, with this being the key priority identified by SENCOs across all types of setting and all phases of education.
To bee, or not to bee? One leg is the question
Authors: Cavill Emily Louisa , Liu Shanlin , Zhou Xin , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: December 2021

Temporal genomic studies that utilise museum insects are invaluable for understanding changes in ecological processes in which insects are essential, such as wild and agricultural pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and food web architecture, to name a few. However, given such analyses come at the cost of physical damage to museum specimens required for such work, there is a natural interest in the development and/or application of methods to minimise the damage incurred. We explored the efficacy of a recently published single stranded library construction protocol, on DNA extracted from single legs taken from eight dry‐preserved historic bee specimens collected 150 years ago. Specifically, the DNA was extracted using a “minimally destructive” method that leaves the samples' exterior intact. Our sequencing data revealed not only that the endogenous DNA recovered from some of the samples was at a relatively high level (up to 58%), but that the complexity of the libraries was sufficient in the best samples to theoretically allow deeper sequencing to a predicted level of 69x genome coverage. As such, these combined protocols offer the possibility to generate sequencing data at levels that are suitable for many common evolutionary genomic analyses, while simultaneously minimising the damage conferred to the valuable dried museum bee samples. Furthermore, we anticipate that these methods may have much wider application on many other invertebrate taxa stored in a similar way. We hope that the results from this research may be able to contribute to the increased willingness of museums to loan much needed dry‐preserved insects for future genomic studies.
18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing combined with culture‐based surveys of maize rhizosphere protists reveal dominant, plant‐enriched and culturable community members
Authors: Taerum Stephen J. , Micciulla Jamie , Corso Gabrielle , Steven Blaire , Gage Daniel J. , Triplett Lindsay R.
Published: December 2021

Protists play important roles in shaping the microbial community of the rhizosphere and defining these roles will require the study of protist isolates. However, there is still a limited understanding of how well protist isolation efforts can capture the diversity and composition of rhizosphere protistan communities. Here, we report a simultaneous isolation and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing survey describing the protist diversity of maize rhizospheres in two climatically and pedologically distinct sites. We demonstrated that the maize rhizosphere exerted significant and site‐dependent effects on the protistan community structure and defined a set of core and rhizosphere‐enriched protists. From the same root samples, we generated a library of 103 protist isolates representing 46 18S rRNA gene sequence variants from six eukaryotic supergroups. While cultured isolates represented a small proportion of total protist diversity recovered by sequencing, they included taxa enriched in rhizosphere soils across all samples, encompassing 9% of all core sequence variants. The isolation approach also captured 17 protists not detected through 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. This study demonstrated that maize roots select for distinct protistan communities, and established a diverse protist culture collection that can be used for future research linking protists to rhizosphere status and plant health.
GROUPS 2 CONNECT: An online activity to maintain social connection and well‐being during COVID‐19
Authors: Bentley Sarah V. , Haslam Catherine , Haslam S. Alexander , Jetten Jolanda , Larwood Joel , La Rue Crystal J.
Published: December 2021

COVID‐19 has had significant negative consequences for well‐being. As well as the primary effects of the virus itself, secondary effects have resulted from the social isolation caused by the lockdowns imposed to slow the spread of the virus. Recognising the toxic effects of isolation, researchers, practitioners and policy‐makers are conscious of the need to mitigate the negative effects of social distancing. Drawing on insights from a large body of research on the Social Identity Approach to Health, we devised an online activity—GROUPS 2 CONNECT (G2C)—aimed at helping people to maintain social connectedness when face‐to‐face interaction was not possible. Across four studies (N = 1021), we found that after completing the G2C activity, participants reported an increase in perceived quality of social connection, perceived ability to stay connected and well‐being, with results showing that for two of the three longitudinal studies these uplifts were stable over time, and for all studies, the uplifts remained consistently higher for those who reported completing their social connection goals. These findings provide initial evidence of the value of G2C as a tool to support social connection, thereby reducing the risk of social isolation.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of dexmedetomidine in children using real‐world data from electronic health records and remnant specimens
Authors: James Nathan T. , Breeyear Joseph H. , Caprioli Richard , Edwards Todd , Hachey Brian , Kannankeril Prince J. , Keaton Jacob M. , Marshall Matthew D. , Van Driest Sara L. , Choi Leena
Published: December 2021

Aims

Our objectives were to perform a population pharmacokinetic analysis of dexmedetomidine in children using remnant specimens and electronic health records (EHRs) and explore the impact of patient's characteristics and pharmacogenetics on dexmedetomidine clearance.

Methods

Dexmedetomidine dosing and patient data were gathered from EHRs and combined with opportunistically sampled remnant specimens. Population pharmacokinetic models were developed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. Stage 1 developed a model without genotype variables; Stage 2 added pharmacogenetic effects.

Results

Our final study population included 354 post‐cardiac surgery patients aged 0–22 years (median 16 mo). The data were best described with a 2‐compartment model with allometric scaling for weight and Hill maturation function for age. Population parameter estimates and 95% confidence intervals were 27.3 L/h (24.0–31.1 L/h) for total clearance, 161 L (139–187 L) for central compartment volume of distribution, 26.0 L/h (22.5–30.0 L/h) for intercompartmental clearance and 7903 L (5617–11 119 L) for peripheral compartment volume of distribution. The estimate for postmenstrual age when 50% of adult clearance is achieved was 42.0 weeks (41.5–42.5 weeks) and the Hill coefficient estimate was 7.04 (6.99–7.08). Genotype was not statistically or clinically significant.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the use of real‐world EHR data and remnant specimens to perform a population pharmacokinetic analysis and investigate covariate effects in a large paediatric population. Weight and age were important predictors of clearance. We did not find evidence for pharmacogenetic effects of UGT1A4 or UGT2B10 genotype or CYP2A6 risk score.
Informative title: Guided bone regeneration with and without rhBMP‐2: 17‐year results of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Kovacs Marionna N. , Thoma Daniel S. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess long‐term outcomes of implants placed in conjunction with guided bone regeneration (GBR) with or without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).

Materials and Methods

Eleven patients with at least two lateral bone defects (split‐mouth design) received a total of 34 implants. The defects were treated with a xenogenic bone substitute with (test) or without (control) rhBMP‐2 and covered with a collagen membrane. Eight patients could be reexamined after at least 17 years. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were performed to assess differences between test and control groups.

Results

The implant survival rate was 100% for all test and control sites. Mean marginal bone levels were 2.51 mm (SD ±1.64) (mesial test), 1.83 mm (SD ±0.93) (mesial control) (p = .055), 2.36 mm (SD ±1.70) (distal test), and 2.13 mm (SD ±0.84) (distal control) (p = 1.000). Compared with the mean values at baseline, a mean bone loss of 1.16 mm (SD ±1.60) (test) and 0.70 mm (SD ±1.02) (control) was found. The mean buccal bone gain after 17 years was 5.38 mm (test) and 3.14 mm (control) based on the comparison between the measurements at the cone beam CT after 17 years and the data from the intraoperative measurements at baseline. Further, mean values for (i) bone thickness ranged from 1.36 to 3.09 mm (test) and 1.18 to 3.39 mm (control) and for (ii) mucosal thickness of 1.24 mm (test) and 1.26 mm (control).

Conclusion

Implants placed in conjunction with GBR applying a xenogenic bone substitute and a collagen membrane with and without the addition of rhBMP‐2 demonstrate excellent clinical and radiographic results after at least 17 years.
Enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: The X‐COVID‐19 Randomized Trial
Authors: Morici Nuccia , Podda GianMarco , Birocchi Simone , Bonacchini Luca , Merli Marco , Trezzi Michele , Massaini Gianluca , Agostinis Marco , Carioti Giulia , Saverio Serino Francesco , Gazzaniga Gianluca , Barberis Daniela , Antolini Laura , Grazia Valsecchi Maria , Cattaneo Marco
Published: December 2021

Background

It is uncertain whether higher doses of anticoagulants than recommended for thromboprophylaxis are necessary in COVID‐19 patients hospitalized in general wards

Methods

This is a multicentre, open‐label, randomized trial performed in 9 Italian centres, comparing 40 mg b.i.d. versus 40 mg o.d. enoxaparin in COVID‐19 patients, between April 30 2020 and April 25 2021. Primary efficacy outcome was in‐hospital incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE): asymptomatic or symptomatic proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed by serial compression ultrasonography (CUS), and/or symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Secondary endpoints included each individual component of the primary efficacy outcome and a composite of death, VTE, mechanical ventilation, stroke, myocardial infarction, admission to ICU. Safety outcomes included major bleeding.

Results

The study was interrupted prematurely due to slow recruitment. We included 183 (96%) of the 189 enrolled patients in the primary analysis (91 in b.i.d., 92 in o.d.). Primary efficacy outcome occurred in 6 patients (6.5%, 0 DVT, 6 PE) in the o.d. group and 0 in the b.id. group (ARR 6.5, 95% CI: 1.5–11.6). The absence of concomitant DVT and imaging characteristics suggests that most pulmonary artery occlusions were actually caused by local thrombi rather than PE. Statistically nonsignificant differences in secondary and safety endpoints were observed, with two major bleeding events in each arm.

Conclusions

No DVT developed in COVID‐19 patients hospitalized in general wards, independently of enoxaparin dosing used for thromboprophylaxis. Pulmonary artery occlusions developed only in the o.d. group. Our trial is underpowered and with few events.
Cutaneous histiocytoses in children
Authors: Fraitag Sylvie , Emile Jean‐Francois
Published: December 2021

Cutaneous histiocytoses constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases characterised by the cutaneous accumulation of cells with the cytological and phenotypic features of macrophages or dendritic cells. The clinical spectrum ranges from self‐resolving, skin‐limited conditions to severe, multiorgan disease with a high morbidity rate. Until recently, cutaneous histiocytoses were classified according to the immunophenotype of the pathological cells, with differentiation between Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) [CD1a+, CD207 (langerin)+] and non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis (CD68+, CD163+, CD1a−, CD207−). Over the last 12 years, a number of new pathophysiological findings (in particular, molecular pathology results) regarding histiocytoses have contributed to a new classification based on molecular alterations, as well as on clinical and imaging characteristics and the phenotype. The most frequent entities in children are juvenile xanthogranuloma and LCH.
Molecular testing for melanocytic tumors: a practical update
Authors: Andea Aleodor A
Published: December 2021

The work‐up of melanocytic tumors has undergone significant changes in the last years following the exponential growth of molecular assays. For the practicing pathologist it is often difficult to sort through the myriad of different tests available currently for clinical use. The molecular tests used in melanocytic pathology can be broadly divided into 4 categories: (i) Tests useful in the differential diagnosis of nevus versus melanoma (primarily used as an aid in the diagnosis of histologically ambiguous melanocytic tumors), (ii) Tests that predict prognosis in melanoma, (iii) Tests useful in the classification of melanocytic tumors and (iv) Tests that predict response to systemic therapy in melanoma. This review will present an updated overview of major ancillary tests used in clinical practice.
Predictors of societal and professional impact of Endodontology research articles: A multivariate scientometric analysis
Authors: Doğramacı Esma J. , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: December 2021

Aim

To identify factors that are predictive of short‐term professional and societal impact of research within the specialty of Endodontology and to identify the top‐10 articles that achieved the greatest societal impact and describe their characteristics.

Methodology

Research articles in the field of Endodontology published in 2019 were eligible for inclusion, with the sample identified using Medline. Following screening of titles and abstracts, bibliometric data of the identified articles were exported into a spreadsheet, where further data related to continental origin, type of article, type of journal (endodontic or non‐endodontic) and grant‐funding were collated, with additional data concerning presence of journal impact factor, citations, news mentions and Altmetric‐tracked‐mentions and scores compiled using Clarivate, Scopus, ProQuest and Altmetric Explorer, respectively. Data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, cross‐tabulations and un/adjusted negative binomial regression models (p < .05).

Results

The search retrieved 30 443 articles; 951 were included for analysis. Most articles originated from Asia (43.2%) with over 51.5% of articles published in endodontic journals and 80% published in a journal with an impact factor. Over three‐quarters of articles were primary research, 141 were grant‐funded, 165 had a news mention, 338 achieved an Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) and 808 were cited. The five‐highest ranked articles were mentioned in general news bulletins, five of the top‐10 articles were primary research and six of the top‐10 were published in endodontic journals. The highest AAS and citation count were 100 and 87, respectively. Adjusted models demonstrated that the type of article, publication in a journal with an impact factor, absence of grant‐funding and coverage within general news bulletins predicted the AAS 's (p < .001). Article type, publication in an impact‐factor journal and presence of an AAS were predictive of citations (p < .001).

Conclusions

Article type and publication in a journal with an impact factor were significant predictors of both societal and professional impact of research articles within Endodontology in the short‐term. Non grant‐funded research and coverage in general news bulletins achieved greater societal impact, whereas an article achieving an AAS was also strongly related to professional impact.
Present status and future directions: Managing endodontic emergencies
Authors: Abbott Paul V.
Published: December 2021

Endodontic emergencies are common in both general dental practices and specialist Endodontic practices. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of endodontic emergencies. Endodontic emergencies can be a result of many different conditions of the pulp, root canal and periradicular tissues. They may occur before endodontic treatment has been started, between appointments when treatment is being performed over multiple visits, or after endodontic treatment has been completed. In the latter situation, the emergency may be very soon after the treatment or it may occur many years later, in which case it is usually a new disease process as a result of the root canal system becoming infected. An emergency can be a stressful situation for both the patient and the dentist (or endodontist) as it is usually an unexpected event. It is incumbent on dental professionals to provide timely assistance to patients who have an emergency, and it is also important to allow sufficient time to manage the situation comprehensively. Management of endodontic emergencies should follow the principles of the 3D’s—Diagnosis, Definitive dental treatment and Drugs—and in that sequence. An accurate diagnosis, the first “D”, is essential so the appropriate treatment can be provided. Diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of the various conditions that can cause the emergency and this can be helped by having a comprehensive classification of the various conditions. The diagnosis should also direct the clinician to the appropriate Definitive dental treatment, the second “D”. Root canal treatment will not always be required as some cases can be managed conservatively. Other cases may require root canal re‐treatment. The specific details of how the treatment are done can also vary, according to the diagnosis. The final “D” is Drugs—the use of drugs should also be dependent on the diagnosis and the dental treatment. Drugs should only be an adjunct following the treatment. The clinician must also differentiate between inflammation and infection in order to provide the appropriate treatment and to prescribe the appropriate medication for effective pain relief and resolution of other symptoms or signs such as swelling.
Optimization of a cultivation procedure to selectively isolate lactic acid bacteria from insects
Authors: Gallus Marion K. , Vogel Rudi F. , Ehrmann Matthias A.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Natural niches and transmission routes of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are highly versatile. Proposed routes of transmission to food fermentations are from plant material via insects or vice versa. This study aimed to establish a method for the selective isolation of LAB from insects.

Methods and Results

Varied parameters that influence growth and selectivity are temperature, type of carbohydrate and atmosphere. Additionally, the effects of antibiotics to suppress non-LAB species were evaluated. A model consortium consisting of 12 species representing different lifestyles was inoculated in a growth medium to identify conditions for the highest diversity and recovery rate. The method was applied to isolate LAB from Drosophila melanogaster, Sitotroga cerealella, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor. Isolated species were Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Paucilactobacillus vaccinostercus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from D. melanogaster and L. mesenteroides, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Latilactobacillus curvatus from T. molitor. No LAB could be isolated from T. castaneum and S. cerealella. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of DNA obtained from insects corroborated part of our results.

Conclusion

A combination of different enrichment conditions ensures a high probability to isolate LAB species from insects and can be helpful above already known non-cultivation methods.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The novel method allows to selectively isolate LAB from insects and the strategy of the method is of interest to study other niches.
The Risks and Benefits of Differentiated Integration in the European Union as Perceived by Academic Experts
Authors: Kröger Sandra , Loughran Thomas
Published: December 2021

This article sheds light on how academic experts assess the benefits and risks of differentiated integration (DI) in the European Union (EU). DI denotes particular member states either being allowed to opt out of specific EU policies, or being excluded or exempted from participating in them until certain conditions are met. The findings of a novel expert survey (n = 95) highlight two key divisions amongst experts, namely, first a regional divide between scholars based in Western Europe and those based in Eastern Europe, with the former more favourable to DI than the latter; and second, a substantive divide between those, more numerous, who are favourable to DI, and those who are more critical. For the former, the perceived benefits outweigh the perceived risks. What drives the support of or objection to DI also differs between experts. Whereas supporters favour pragmatic reasons for DI, opponents mostly mobilize principled reasons against it.
Editorial: ‘The giant’s shoulders’: understanding Michael Rutter’s impact on science and society
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke Edmund , Fearon Pasco , Scott Stephen
Published: December 2021

The recent death of our colleague and friend Professor Sir Michael Rutter has quite rightly been greeted by an outpouring of gratitude and respect from distinguished commentators across the globe working in diverse fields of the basic, social and clinical sciences as well as from clinicians and policy makers. These have without exception highlighted his seminal role as a pioneer, perhaps The Pioneer, of the application of the scientific method to the study of child and adolescent mental health and disorder – the father of evidence‐based Child Psychiatry and the most influential voice in the new field of Developmental Psychopathology (Stevenson, 2022). In this editorial, we will attempt to build on these commentaries. We will parse Mike’s scientific contributions to our field, in order to identify the personal characteristics and intellectual modus operandi that made him such a uniquely important figure, whose influence will resonate through the many fields he influenced for decades to come. We will also attempt something of a reframing of that contribution. Our thesis being that, although he never agitated for it politically or even stated it as a goal explicitly, Mike’s work was motivated by a desire for social reform and created the scientific catalyst for such reform to occur.