bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social divergence: molecular pathways underlying castes and longevity in a facultatively eusocial small carpenter bee
Authors: Shell Wyatt A. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: March 2022

Unravelling the evolutionary origins of eusocial life is a longstanding endeavour in the field of evolutionary-developmental biology. Descended from solitary ancestors, eusocial insects such as honeybees have evolved ontogenetic division of labour in which short-lived workers perform age-associated tasks, while a long-lived queen produces brood. It is hypothesized that (i) eusocial caste systems evolved through the co-option of deeply conserved genes and (ii) longevity may be tied to oxidative damage mitigation capacity. To date, however, these hypotheses have been examined primarily among only obligately eusocial corbiculate bees. We present brain transcriptomic data from a Japanese small carpenter bee,
Ceratina japonica
(Apidae: Xylocopinae), which demonstrates both solitary and eusocial nesting in sympatry and lives 2 or more years in the wild. Our dataset captures gene expression patterns underlying first- and second-year solitary females, queens and workers, providing an unprecedented opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying caste-antecedent phenotypes in a long-lived and facultatively eusocial bee. We find that
C. japonica
's queens and workers are underpinned by divergent gene regulatory pathways, involving many differentially expressed genes well-conserved among other primitively eusocial bee lineages. We also find support for oxidative damage reduction as a proximate mechanism of longevity in
C. japonica
.
Sexual selection and ‘species recognition’ revisited: serial processing and order-of-operations in mate choice
Authors: Gray David A.
Published: March 2022

Following the modern synthesis, mating signals were thought of principally as species recognition traits, a view later challenged by a burgeoning interest in sexual selection—specifically mate choice. In the 1990s, these different signal functions were proposed to represent a single process driven by the shape of female preference functions across both intra- and interspecific signal space. However, the properties of reliable ‘recognition’ signals (stereotyped; low intraspecific variation) and informative ‘quality’ signals (condition dependent; high intraspecific variation) seem at odds, perhaps favouring different signal components for different functions. Surprisingly, the idea that different components of mating signals are evaluated in series, first to recognize generally compatible mates and then to select for quality, has never been explicitly tested. Here I evaluate patterns of (i) intraspecific signal variation, (ii) female preference function shape and (iii) phylogenetic signal for male cricket call components known to be processed in series. The results show that signal components processed first tend to have low variation, closed preference functions and low phylogenetic signal, whereas signal components processed later show the opposite, suggesting that mating signal evaluation follows an ‘order-of-operations'. Applicability of this finding to diverse groups of organisms and sensory modalities is discussed.
Cholera outbreak: antibiofilm activity, profiling of antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence factors of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae isolates reveals concerning traits
Authors: Awuor Silas O. , Omwenga Eric O. , Mariita Richard M. , Daud Ibrahim I.
Published: March 2022

Vibrio cholerae

is a biofilm-forming pathogen with various virulence phenotypes and antimicrobial resistance traits. Phenotypic characteristics play a critical role in disease transmission and pathogenesis. The current study elucidated antibiofilm formation activity, profiled antibiotic-resistant genes and virulence factors of toxigenic

Vibrio cholerae

isolates from the cholera outbreak in Kisumu County, Kenya.

Vibrio cholerae

O1 isolates collected during the 2017 cholera outbreak in Kisumu County, Kenya, were utilized. Biofilm and virulence factors were profiled using standard procedures. The study confirmed 100 isolates as

Vibrio cholerae

, with 81 of them possessing cholera toxin gene (ctxA). Additionally, 99 of the isolates harboured the toxR gene. The study further revealed that 81 and 94 of the isolates harboured the class I integron (encoded by inDS gene) and integrating conjugative element (ICE), respectively. Antibiotic resistance assays confirmed tetracycline resistance genes as the most abundant (97 isolates). Among them were seven isolates resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The study further screened the isolates for antibiofilm formation using various antibiotics. Unlike the four strains (03/17–16, 02/17–09, 04/17–13), three of the strains (04/17–07, 06/17–14 and 05/17–03) did not form biofilms. Further, all the seven isolates that exhibited extensive antibiotic resistance produced haemolysin while 71.42%, 85.71 and 71.42 % of them produced protease, phospholipases and lipase, respectively. This study provides and in-depth understanding of essential features that were possibly responsible for

V. cholerae

outbreak. Understanding of these features is critical in the development of strategies to combat future outbreaks.
Phylogenomic and comparative genomic analyses of Leuconostocaceae species: identification of molecular signatures specific for the genera Leuconostoc, Fructobacillus and Oenococcus and proposal for a novel genus Periweissella gen. nov.
Authors: Bello Sarah , Rudra Bashudev , Gupta Radhey S.
Published: March 2022

The genera

Convivina

,

Fructobacillus

,

Leuconostoc

,

Oenococcus

and

Weissella

, which formed the family

Leuconostocaceae

, have recently been merged within the family

Lactobacillaceae

. Using genome sequences for 47 of the 52 named species from these genera, we report here comprehensive phylogenomic and comparative analyses on protein sequences from these species using multiple approaches. In a phylogenomic tree based on concatenated sequences of 498 core proteins from these five genera, and in a 16S rRNA gene tree, members of the genera

Fructobacillus

,

Leuconostoc

and

Oenococcus

formed distinct strongly supported clades. In contrast,

Weissella

species grouped into two distinct unrelated clades designated as the ‘

Weissella

main clade’ and ‘

Weissella

clade 2’. The presence of these clades is also seen in a matrix of pairwise average amino acid identity based on core protein sequences. In parallel, comparative genomic studies on protein sequences from

Leuconostocaceae

genomes have identified 46 conserved signature indels (CSIs) in diverse proteins that are unique characteristics of the different observed species clades. Of these identified CSIs, five, five and 13 CSIs are uniquely present in members of the genera

Fructobacillus

,

Leuconostoc

and

Oenococcus

, respectively. We also report here six and five CSIs that are exclusively present in the species from the

Weissella

main clade and

Weissella

clade 2, respectively, providing independent evidence supporting their distinctness from each other. The remaining 12 identified CSIs are commonly shared by some or all of the species from the genera

Convivina

,

Fructobacillus

and

Leuconostoc

, clarifying their interrelationships. The identified CSIs provide novel and reliable means for the identification/circumscription of members of the genera

Fructobacillus

,

Leuconostoc

and

Oenococcus

as well as the two

Weissella

species clades in molecular terms. Based on the strong phylogenetic and molecular evidence presented here, we propose that the genus

Weissella

be limited to only the species from the

Weissell

a main clade, whereas the species forming

Weissella

clade 2 should be transferred to a new genus Periweissella gen. nov.
Molecular Characterisation Of Urine And Vaginal Samples And Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern Associated With β-Lactamases Resistance Gene
Authors: Sethi Sonia
Published: March 2022

Infection or inflammation of the vagina is called vaginitis. The two most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial vaginitis and Candida vaginitis. The causative organisms may be sexually transmitted or endogenous, usually by Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis in combination with other anaerobes. Urinary tract infections (UTI) refer to the presence of microbial pathogens within the urinary tract and are caused by a range of pathogens but most commonly by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae etc. Highly increase in antibiotic-resistant among uropathogens, including ESBL producing E.coli, Amp C,Beta lactamase or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (e.g., New Delhi metallo Betalactamase [NDM]) are being reported among health care unit. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a growing concern worldwide and a major challenge by the WHO 2014. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of CTX- M gene and TEM gene and the possible role of ESBL in resistance to antibiotic. A study was conducted on a total of 100 urine and vaginal samples from Dr. B. Lal clinical laboratory and was cultured on Nutrient Agar and MacConkey agar for the detection of etiologic agents. Bacteria isolation, identification & biochemical characterization was done. Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion (KBDS) method was used for detection of ESBL-producing strains. A disc of Cefotaxime (30microgram) and Clavulanic acid (30microgram) were placed at a distance of 20millimeter on Muller Hilton agar plate along with Imipenem (30microgram), Piperacillin/Tazobactam (10microgram) and Ceftazidime (30microgram). The zone of inhibition generally greater than 20mm was considered as ESBL producer. Total 14 isolates were identified as ESBL producer. In order to find out the plasmid profile of these isolates, plasmid DNA isolation was done. Isolates was found to have one or more than one plasmid gene responsible for the ESBL resistance. This finding concludes that CTX-M gene is most common gene in ESBL producing isolates. It is highly recommended that antibiotic prescription should be monitored according to guideline. The prevalence of ESBL is increasing day by day and necessary steps should be taken to prevent the spread and emergence of resistance.
Burden of PCR-Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in the U.S. Veterans Administration, March 2020 – January 2022
Authors:   VA COVID-19 Observational Research Collaboratory
Published: March 2022

An essential precondition for successful “herd immunity” strategies for the control of SARS-CoV-2 is that reinfection with the virus be relatively rare. Some infection control, prioritization, and testing strategies for SARS-CoV-2 were designed on the premise of rare re-infection. The U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) includes 171 medical centers and 1,112 outpatient sites of care, with widespread SARS-CoV-2 test availability. We used the VHA’s unified, longitudinal electronic health record to measure the frequency of re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 at least 90 days after initial diagnosis

We identified 308,051 initial cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed in VHA between March 2020 and January 2022; 58,456 (19.0%) were associated with VHA hospitalizations. A second PCR-positive test occurred in 9,203 patients in VA at least 90-days after their first positive test in VHA; 1,562 (17.0%) were associated with VHA hospitalizations. An additional 189 cases were identified as PCR-positive a third time at least 90-days after their second PCR-positive infection in VHA; 49 (25.9%) were associated with VHA hospitalizations.

The absolute number of re-infections increased from less than 500 per month through November 2021, to over 4,000 per month in January 2022.
Assessment of cardiovascular & pulmonary pathobiology in vivo during acute COVID-19
Authors: Alam Shirjel R , Vinayak Sudhir , Shah Adeel , Doolub Gemina , Kimeu Redemptar , Horn Kevin , Bowen Stephen R , Jeilan Mohamed , Lee Kuan Ken , Gachoka Sylvia , Riunga Felix , Adam Rodney D , Vesselle Hubert , Joshi Nikhil V , Obino Mariah , Makhdomi Khalid , Onyinkwa Kevin , Nganga Edward , Gitau Samuel , Chung Michael , Shah Anoop SV
Published: March 2022

Importance: Acute COVID19 related myocardial, pulmonary and vascular pathology, and how these relate to each other, remains unclear. No studies have used complementary imaging techniques, including molecular imaging, to elucidate this.
Objective: We used multimodality imaging and biochemical sampling in vivo to identify the pathobiology of acute COVID19.

Design, Setting and Participants: Consecutive patients presenting with acute COVID19 were recruited during hospital admission in a prospective cross sectional study. Imaging involved computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA - identified coronary disease), cardiac 2deoxy2[fluorine18]fluoroDglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F FDG PET/CT identified vascular, cardiac and pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR identified myocardial disease), alongside biomarker sampling.

Results: Of 33 patients (median age 51 years, 94% male), 24 (73%) had respiratory symptoms, with the remainder having non-specific viral symptoms. Nine patients (35%, n=9/25) had CMR defined myocarditis. 53% (n=5/8) of these patients had myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration. Two patients (5%) had elevated troponin levels. Cardiac troponin concentrations were not significantly higher in patients with myocarditis (8.4ng/L [IQR 4.0, 55.3] vs 3.5ng/L [2.5, 5.5], p=0.07) or myocardial cell infiltration (4.4ng/L [3.4, 8.3] vs 3.5ng/L [2.8, 7.2], p=0.89). No patients had obstructive coronary artery disease or vasculitis. Pulmonary inflammation and consolidation (percentage of total lung volume) was 17% (IQR 5, 31%) and 11% (7, 18%) respectively. Neither were associated with presence of myocarditis.

Conclusions and relevance: Myocarditis was present in a third patients with acute COVID-19, and the majority had inflammatory cell infiltration. Pneumonitis was ubiquitous, but this inflammation was not associated with myocarditis. The mechanism of cardiac pathology is non-ischaemic, and not due to a vasculitic process.
Frequency of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease in Japanese clinical study settings: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sato Kenichiro , Niimi Yoshiki , Ihara Ryoko , Suzuki Kazushi , Iwata Atsushi , Iwatsubo Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Background

Many of earlier studies reporting the frequency of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among cognitive normal (CN) individuals have based on the clinical study cohort from Western countries, and it has not been validated whether the frequency of preclinical AD in Asian country cohort may differ from that in Western countries.

Methods

We conducted meta-analysis of earlier literature and original data of 4 Japanese cohort study (i.e., AMED-Preclinical, Brain/Minds Aging Imaging Study, J-ADNI, and A4 study screening conducted in Japan), among which we incorporated cognitive normal (CDR = 0) clinical study participants who were examined their amyloid status by amyloid-PET or CSF.

Results

In total, among the reviewed 658 Japanese CN participants from 10 different groups, 103 turned out to be amyloid positive, and the estimated overall frequency of preclinical AD (of any stage) was 17.2% (95% CI: 12.0 – 23.0%) with a high statistical heterogeneity of I2 = 64%. In meta-regression, being the Japanese cohort was barely significantly associated with the lower frequency of preclinical AD (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that currently there is no robust evidence to support the lower frequency of preclinical AD in clinical study settings of Japan than that of Western countries.
PRMT5 as a Novel Druggable Vulnerability for EWSR1-ATF1-driven Clear Cell Sarcoma
Authors: Li Bingbing X. , David Larry L. , Davis Lara E. , Xiao Xiangshu
Published: March 2022

Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (CCSST) is an ultra-rare sarcoma with poor prognosis presently with no cure. It is characterized by a balanced t(12;22) (q13;q12) chromosomal translocation, resulting in a fusion of the Ewing’s sarcoma gene EWSR1 with activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) to give an oncogene EWSR1-ATF1. Unlike normal ATF1, whose transcription activity is dependent on phosphorylation, EWSR1-ATF1 is constitutively active to drive ATF1-dependent gene transcription to cause tumorigenesis. No EWSR1-ATF1-targeted therapies have been identified due to the challenges in targeting intracellular transcription factors. To identify potential druggable targets for CCSST, we show that protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a novel enzyme in enhancing EWSR1-ATF1-mediated gene transcription to sustain CCSST cell proliferation. Genetic silencing of PRMT5 in CCSST cells resulted in severely impaired cell proliferation and EWSR1-ATF1-driven transcription. Furthermore, the clinical-stage PRMT5 inhibitor JNJ-64619178 potently and efficaciously inhibited CCSST cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These results provide new insights into PRMT5 as a transcription regulator and warrant JNJ-64619178 for further clinical development to treat CCSST patients.
Influencing factors of polarization coefficient of hollow fiber membrane
Authors: Zhang Ruihua , Liu Weihua
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of hollow fiber membrane and improve the separation efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

By establishing a mathematical model of hollow fiber membrane gas separation, the influences of parameters such as pressure difference between the inside and outside of the filament, initial oxygen concentration of intake air, intake air flow rate and back pressure outside the filament on the polarization coefficient were analyzed, so as to explore the degree of influence of operating parameters on the concentration polarization, and put forward a technical scheme to reduce the concentration polarization.

Findings

Factors such as pressure difference between the inside and outside of the filament, initial oxygen concentration of intake air, intake air flow rate and back pressure outside the filament have a certain effect on the polarization coefficient. Among them, the polarization coefficient is positively correlated with pressure difference inside and outside the filament, initial oxygen concentration of intake air and back pressure outside the filament, and is negatively correlated with intake air flow.

Practical implications

Negative pressure suction on the permeation side can be used to increase the membrane permeation flow rate and reduce the concentration polarization.

Originality/value

The influence of concentration polarization on membrane performance is reduced by controlling various factors.
ACAS installation on unmanned aerial vehicles: effectiveness and safety issues
Authors: Tomić Lidija , Čokorilo Olja , Vasov Ljubiša , Stojiljković Branimir
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the compatibility of manned-aircraft airborne collision avoidance systems (ACAS) for use on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the Fault Tree method for defining ACAS model adapted for the UAV operations, with the aim of showing the presence of certain factors that configure in such ACAS system, and whose failure can lead to an adverse event – mid-air collision.

Findings

Based on the effectiveness analysis of ACAS solution adapted for the UAV operations, for given inputs, it can be concluded that the probability of ACAS failure is on the order of 10–4, as well as that in the case of autonomous ACAS solution for the UAV, the probability is reduced to 10–5. The most influential factors for the failure of the UAV’s ACAS are as follows: technical implications on the UAV, human factor, sensor error, communication and C2 link issue.

Practical implications

The established model could be used both in the UAV’s ACAS design and application phases, with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the adopted solution. The model outputs not only highlight the critical points of the system but also provide the basis for defining the Target Level of Safety (TLOS) for the UAV operations.

Originality/value

The developed model can be expected to speed up the design and adoption process of ACAS solutions for the UAVs. Also, the paper presents one of the first attempts to quantify TLOS for the UAV operations in the context of collision avoidance systems.
The effect of environmental pressure changes on the bond strength between zirconia ceramic and adhesive resin cement
Authors: Ozkan Ata Secil , Akay Canan , Ata Nazim
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the environmental pressure changes on the bond strength between zirconia ceramics and adhesive resin cement.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 40 rectangular-shaped zirconium-oxide ceramic specimens were prepared. For surface modification, all zirconia specimens were sandblasted with 50 μm alumina particles. The composite resin discs were bonded to modified zirconia surfaces with resin cement. The specimens were divided into four groups; hyperbaric, hypobaric, hyperbaric + hypobaric and control group. The specimen underwent pressure cycles for 30 days. The shear bond strength test was performed by using the universal testing machine, and failures of the debonded samples were examined with scanning electron microscopy and light microscope.

Findings

No significant difference in bond strength was found between the hyperbaric, hypobaric and control groups after 30 days (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the hyperbaric + hypobaric group compared to the control group (p = 0.022). Also, the Weibull modulus was highest in control group and lowest in the hyperbaric + hypobaric group.

Originality/value

Barometric changes due to flying followed by diving may have an adverse effect on the retention of zirconia ceramics. Care should be taken in the selection of materials for dental treatment of people who are exposed to environmental pressure changes.
Explaining student loyalty towards using WhatsApp in higher education: an extension of the IS success model
Authors: Iranmanesh Mohammad , Annamalai Nagaletchimee , Kumar Kavigtha Mohan , Foroughi Behzad
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Recent years have documented the growing interest in using WhatsApp in higher education. However, the determinants of students’ satisfaction and loyalty towards WhatsApp groups have received less attention. This study aims to extend the Delone and McLean information system success model by incorporating social and emotional factors to investigate the drivers of satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through questionnaires completed by 308 undergraduate students. The partial least squares technique was used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that information quality, trust in members and social usefulness play crucial roles in shaping students’ satisfaction and loyalty to WhatsApp groups. System quality has no significant effect on satisfaction. Furthermore, emotional connection negatively moderates the relationship between social usefulness and satisfaction.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will be useful for educators and practitioners seeking to integrate WhatsApp into their pedagogical repertoire. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the social and emotional needs of students in addition to the quality of the information provided.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to integrate system characteristics, particularly with social and emotional factors. Furthermore, this study extends the literature on WhatsApp use in higher education by testing the drivers of students’ satisfaction and loyalty.
Predicting the determinants of academic conference participation decision-making in the post-pandemic situation: the case of Indonesia
Authors: Kusumawardani Kunthi Afrilinda , Komalasari Farida , Goenadhi Felix
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine offline academic conference participation decision-making factors in the post-pandemic situation incorporating the safety measure as one of the factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a new model for examining the factors influencing academic conference participation using a quantitative approach. The responses of 110 academicians were collected and statistically evaluated using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that safety measures implemented by the conference organiser lead to trust and result in the decision to participate in the offline conference. Besides, conference factors also play a crucial role in determining the participation of academic conferences.

Research limitations/implications

The information was gathered from 110 replies, and to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence academic conference participation, a bigger sample size would be required.

Practical implications

The study's findings shed light on the components that affect academicians' decision to attend an offline conference which is critical for conference organisers, hotels and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) business.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that seeks to predict factors influencing academicians to participate in an offline academic conference in a post-pandemic setting by incorporating variables such as safety measures and trust.
Islamic Finance an alternative mode for short term financing – working capital management
Authors: Kayani Umar Nawaz
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review and compare the conventional and Islamic perspectives of working capital management (WCM) to devise the best option of financing for managing working capital (WC) in South Asia. The paper also aims to help the business world for running its operations more smoothly by devising an alternative source of financing especially during crises such as the global financial crisis 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The divergence approach is used for a critical analysis of existing literature to derive the best possible alternative to the conventional system of financing.

Findings

This paper identifies that Islamic financing is an appropriate mode of financing as compared to conventional financing for meeting WC requirements in South Asia. Furthermore, under Islamic financing, the best available alternative way for managing WC needs is the Mudarabah Islamic mode of financing.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical paper and thus does not include empirical results.

Practical implications

This paper provides conventional and Islamic perspectives of WCM. The Islamic banks in South Asia may devise policies to encourage and convenience firms for using Mudarabah mode for meeting their WC needs instead of conventional sources. This paper also identifies that small and medium enterprises may be targeted by Islamic banks in Asian markets for providing funds for their smooth operations especially during a financial crisis when conventional banks refuse to lend. This will help managers to run businesses more efficiently and effectively especially during any kind of financial crisis in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that studies the relationship between WCM and Islamic financing in comparison to conventional financing. Although prior studies identify an alternative to conventional financing as Islamic financing, no one studied while considering the WC as the main variable. This paper informs practitioners and researchers about a “state of the art” Islamic perspective of WCM.
Team emergent states and team effectiveness: the roles of inclusive leadership and knowledge sharing
Authors: Yoo Sangok , Joo Baek-Kyoo (Brian) , Noh Jae Hang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purposes of the study are to examine the relationships between team emergent states (TES) (i.e. compelling direction, team identity and psychological safety) and team effectiveness outcomes (i.e. team performance, team satisfaction and growth experience), and investigate the mediating role of knowledge sharing and the moderating role of inclusive leadership in those relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed hierarchical multiple regression analysis and bootstrap analyses to test the hypotheses by using data from 73 teams in eight South Korean firms.

Findings

Psychological safety was found to be a significant TES for team effectiveness outcomes. Knowledge sharing mediated the relationship between TES and team effectiveness. Lastly, inclusive leadership positively moderated (1) team identity-knowledge sharing; (2) psychological safety-knowledge sharing; and (3) team identity-team performance relationships.

Practical implications

The authors’ findings suggest that managers cultivate a psychologically safe team climate and show inclusiveness to build successful teams. This study also emphasizes the importance of knowledge sharing to turn positive TES into team effectiveness.

Originality/value

From a comprehensive perspective, the findings show the detailed mechanism in which TES relate to team effectiveness mediated by knowledge sharing. In particular, the authors' endeavor further determines the different roles of inclusive leadership, as a boundary condition, in the mechanism.
Investigation on structural integrity of shape distorted 90° back-to-back pipe bends under in-plane closing bending moment
Authors: Vinothkumar A. , Veerappan AR. , Shanmugam S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to ensure the structural integrity of 90° back-to-back (B2B) pipe bends by developing a closed-form numerical solution for estimating the collapse load of shape distorted 90° B2B pipe bends using non-linear finite element (FE) analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The collapse behaviour of 90° B2B pipe bends with ovality (Co) and thinning (Ct) has been evaluated by non-linear FE approach. Moment load is applied in the form of in-plane closing moment (IPCM). The current FE approach was evaluated by the numerical solution for the plastic collapse moment of pipe bends, which has been published in the literature. The collapse moments were obtained from the twice elastic slope (TES) method using the moment-rotation curve of every individual model.

Findings

The implication ofCt/Cthon collapse load is found to be highly insignificant in terms of increasing bend radius andCo.Coweakens the geometry, and its effect on the collapse load is substantial. A closed-form numerical solution has been proposed to calculate the collapse load of 90° B2B pipe bend with shape imperfections.

Originality/value

The implications of shape distortion (CoandCt) in the failure analysis (collapse load) of 90° B2B pipe bends has not been investigated and reported.
Evaluating inconsistency in health responses: evidence from elderly in India
Authors: Ghosh Dona
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper explored the reliability of self-reported health and the impact of the social position in determining the inconsistent health response (IHR), in late life. Reliability of self-reported health is important to evaluate, as it is the primary step for asking health-care facility. As self-reported health is a subjective measure, elderly people might have a tendency of under-reporting the health problem because of lower socioeconomic status. This incidence can cause inaccurate estimate of the health problem of the aged at the time of formulating health policy or providing health-care infrastructure. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the sources of inconsistent responses of self-reported health by comparing it with the existence of chronicle ailment and to identify the vulnerable group that health care supports.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses nationally representative unit-level data from the National Sample Survey of India. Using the bi-variate probit model, joint estimation of reported health and IHRs is determined. The study compares perceived and actual health status and explores how individual characteristics and socioeconomic position contributes to IHRs among the elderly population.

Findings

Major findings of this study are as follows: firstly, self-reported health has little reliability, as it is compared with the existence of chronicle ailment. Older people in the rural areas have greater tendency to under-estimate the health problem, whereas urban elders tend to over-estimate it; and secondly, the inconsistency in health response is significantly associated with social caste, economic status and attainment of education.

Social implications

The results of this study from bivariate probit model offer deeper understandings about the reliability of self-reported health and provide further insights to improve policy design formulated to mitigate the health inequality among the elders. This study might be helpful to design an inexpensive and easily available health measure, which is very important for a highly populated aging country with limited health-care resources.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, it is the first study that has identified the sources of inconsistent health and direction of inconsistency that is where self-reported health over- or under-estimates the actual health response among the elderly in a developing country like India, where the growth rate of population aging is faster than the world.
Subnational economic conditions and the changing geography of mass Euroscepticism: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: MAYNE QUINTON , KATSANIDOU ALEXIA
Published: March 2022

Existing research mainly analyzes mass attitudes towards the European Union (EU) from the national and individual‐level perspective. This paper adds to this literature by focusing on the relationship between EU support and subnational economic conditions, using harmonized survey data covering 40 years and 1.1 million respondents in 197 European regions. We first describe Europe's changing subnational conditions in terms of catch‐up, wealthy, declining and glass‐ceiling regions. The paper then develops and tests a set of hypotheses regarding the temporally dynamic relationship between EU attitudes and regions’ long‐ and short‐term economic conditions. Our analyses reveal important longitudinal variations in this relationship with low levels of geographic differentiation in public opinion giving way to clear spatial differences in recent years. Our findings are consistent with the idea that the Great Recession and Brexit have generated a new geography of both Euroscepticism in Europe's declining regions and EU support in its wealthy and catch‐up regions.
Experimental auctions with exogenous and endogenous information treatment: Willingness to pay for improved parboiled rice in Benin
Authors: Zossou Espérance , Fiamohe Rose , Vodouhe Simple Davo , Demont Matty
Published: March 2022

The impact of information as an extrinsic quality cue on consumers’ valuation of intrinsic food quality attributes can be captured by incorporating ‘information treatments’ in experimental auctions. We combine ‘exogenous’ information treatments (a video broadcast and a radio transcript) on the benefits of a locally produced improved rice processing technology with an ‘endogenous’ information treatment which elicits word‐of‐mouth exchange among consumers. We assess the effects of these information treatments on consumers’ choice and valuation of parboiled rice with upgraded quality in two urban markets in Benin. We find that exogenous information increases market share of the locally produced improved product by 14% at the expense of the competing, imported product, an effect which is further amplified by 11% through endogenous information. Endogenous information has a dampening effect on price premiums though; while visual and auditory information added 6–14% value to local rice, word‐of‐mouth reduced the value by 2%.
Validation and beyond: Next generation sequencing of forensic casework samples including challenging tissue samples from altered human corpses using the MiSeq FGx system
Authors: Senst Alina , Caliebe Amke , Scheurer Eva , Schulz Iris
Published: March 2022

The proceeding developments in next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enable increasing discrimination power for short tandem repeat (STR) analyses and provide new possibilities for human identification. Therefore, the growing relevance and demand in forensic casework display the need for reliable validation studies and experiences with challenging DNA samples. The presented validation of the MiSeq FGx system and the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit (1) investigated sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, concordance, pooling variations, DNA extraction method variances, DNA mixtures, degraded, and casework samples and (2) optimized the sequencing workflow for challenging samples from human corpses by testing additional PCR purification, pooling adjustments, and adapter volume reductions. Overall results indicate the system's reliability in concordance to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE)‐based genotyping and reproducibility of sequencing data. Genotyping success rates of 100% were obtained down to 62.5 pg DNA input concentrations. Autosomal STR (aSTR) profiles of artificially degraded samples revealed significantly lower numbers of locus and allelic dropouts than CE. However, it was observed that the system still exposed drawbacks when sequencing highly degraded and inhibited samples from human remains. Due to the lack of studies evaluating the sequencing success of samples from decomposed or skeletonised corpses, the presented optimisation studies provide valuable recommendations such as an additional PCR purification, an increase in library pooling volumes, and a reduction of adapter volumes for samples with concentrations ≥31.2 pg. Thus, this research highlights the importance of all‐encompassing validation studies for implementing novel technologies in forensic casework and presents recommendations for challenging samples.
Priorities for content for a short‐course on postoperative care relevant for low‐ and middle‐income countries: an e‐Delphi process with training facilitators
Authors:   The Postoperative Short Course Content Study group
Published: March 2022

Most surgical and anaesthetic mortality and morbidity occurs postoperatively, disproportionately affecting low‐ and middle‐income countries. Various short courses have been developed to improve patient outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries, but none specifically to address postoperative care and complications. We aimed to identify key features of a proposed short‐course addressing this topic using a Delphi process with low‐ and middle‐income country anaesthesia providers trained as short‐course facilitators. An initial questionnaire was co‐developed from literature review and exploratory workshops to include 108 potential course features. Features included content; teaching method; appropriate participants; and appropriate faculty. Over three Delphi rounds (panellists numbered 86, 64 and 35 in successive cycles), panellists indicated which features they considered most important. Responses were analysed by geographical regions: Africa, the Americas, south‐east Asia and Western Pacific. Ultimately, panellists identified 60, 40 and 54 core features for the proposed course in each region, respectively. There were high levels of consensus within regions on what constituted core course content, but not between regions. All panellists preferred the small group workshop teaching method irrespective of region. All regions considered anaesthetists to be key facilitators, while all agreed that both anaesthetists and operating theatre nurses were key participants. The African and Americas regional panels recommended more multidisciplinary healthcare professionals for participant roles. Faculty from high‐income countries were not considered high priority. Our study highlights variability between geographical regions as to which course features were perceived as most locally relevant, supporting regional adaptation of short‐course design rather than a one‐size‐fits‐all model.
Ultrasound assessment of gastric contents in children before general anaesthesia for acute appendicitis
Authors: Evain J.‐N. , Allain T. , Dilworth K. , Bertrand B. , Rabattu P‐Y. , Mortamet G. , Desgranges F.‐P. , Bouvet L. , Payen J.‐F.
Published: March 2022

There is increasing evidence that a minority of adults with acute appendicitis have gastric contents, posing an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of children with acute appendicitis who have gastric contents considered to pose a higher risk of pulmonary aspiration. We analysed point‐of‐care gastric ultrasound data routinely collected in children before emergency appendicectomy in a specialist paediatric hospital over a 30‐month period. Based on qualitative and quantitative antral assessment in the supine and right lateral decubitus positions, gastric contents were classified as ‘higher‐risk’ (clear liquid with calculated gastric fluid volume > 0.8 ml.kg−1, thick liquid or solid) or ‘lower‐risk’ of pulmonary aspiration. The 115 children studied had a mean (SD) age of 11 (3) years; 37 (32%; 95%CI: 24–42%) presented with higher‐risk gastric contents, including 15 (13%; 95%CI: 8–21%) with solid/thick liquid contents. Gastric contents could not be determined in 13 children as ultrasound examination was not feasible in the right lateral decubitus position. No cases of pulmonary aspiration occurred. This study shows that gastric ultrasound is feasible in children before emergency appendicectomy. This technique showed a range of gastric content measurements, which could contribute towards defining the risk of pulmonary aspiration.
Risk factors for early recurrence after discontinuing lithium in bipolar disorder
Authors: Baldessarini Ross J. , Pinna Marco , Contu Martina , Vázquez Gustavo H. , Tondo Leonardo
Published: March 2022

Background

Time to a new episode of bipolar disorder (BD) is shorter after discontinuing lithium rapidly. We now address this and other factors associated with the risk of early illness after discontinuing lithium.

Methods

We compared factors for association with recurrences of BD within 12 months of discontinuing long‐term lithium treatment, using bivariate and multivariable analyses, as well as survival analysis to evaluate latency to new episodes versus rate of lithium‐discontinuation and prior treatment duration.

Results

Among 227 BD subjects who received lithium for 4.47 [CI: 3.89–5.04] years and then discontinued, rapid treatment‐discontinuation, and stopping for medical reasons were strongly associated with new illness‐episodes within 12 months, as were diagnosis (BD‐I > BD‐II), greater morbidity during lithium‐treatment, and less education, but neither longer treatment nor serum lithium concentrations. Discontinuation rate was strongly associated with shorter median latency to a new episode (rapid: 3.50; gradual [≥2 weeks]: 10.6 months), even with very early recurrences excluded to avoid potential contributions of emerging illness to treatment‐discontinuation. Early recurrence was not associated with treatment‐duration of ≥2 or ≥5 years or less. In multivariable logistic regression, rapid discontinuation, stopping for medical reasons, and BD‐I diagnosis remained significantly, independently associated with early illness after lithium‐discontinuation, with no effect of treatment duration.

Conclusions

Early recurrence risk was again much greater after rapid discontinuation of lithium and discontinuing for medical reasons, somewhat greater with BD‐I than BD‐II, and following greater morbidity during lithium‐treatment, but not related to dose or duration of preceding treatment exposure.
Androgen/Wnt/β‐catenin signal axis augments cell proliferation of the mouse erectile tissue, corpus cavernosum
Authors: Kajimoto Mizuki , Suzuki Kentaro , Ueda Yuko , Fujimoto Kota , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Hyuga Taiju , Isono Kyoichi , Yamada Gen
Published: March 2022

The murine penile erectile tissues including corpus cavernosum (CC) are composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and connective tissue, showing marked sexual differences. It has been known that the androgens are required for sexually dimorphic organogenesis. It is however unknown about the features of androgen signaling during mouse CC development. It is also unclear how androgen‐driven downstream factors are involved such processes. In the current study, we analyzed the onset of sexually dimorphic CC formation based on histological analyses, the dynamics of androgen receptor (AR) expression, and regulation of cell proliferation. Of note, we identified Dickkopf‐related protein 2 (Dkk2), an inhibitor of β‐catenin signaling, was predominantly expressed in female CC compared with male. Furthermore, administration of androgens resulted in activation of β‐catenin signaling. We have found the Sox9 gene, one of the essential markers for chondrocyte, was specifically expressed in the developing CC. Hence, we utilized CC‐specific, Sox9 CreERT2, β‐catenin conditional mutant mice. Such mutant mice showed defective cell proliferation. Furthermore, introduction of activated form of β‐catenin mutation (gain of function mutation for Wnt/β‐catenin signaling) in CC induced augmented cell proliferation. Altogether, we revealed androgen‐Wnt/β‐catenin signal dependent cell proliferation was essential for sexually dimorphic CC formation. These findings open new avenues for understanding developmental mechanisms of androgen‐dependent cell proliferation during sexual differentiation.
What is desired in future studies of endoscopic balloon dilation for patients with Crohn's disease?
Authors: Yano Tomonori , Kawarai Lefor Alan , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: March 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by T. Takeda et al., p 517‐525 of this issue DEN 34:3.
Evolving gaps: Occupational structure in southern and northern Italy, 1400–1861
Authors: Chilosi David , Ciccarelli Carlo
Published: March 2022

During the Risorgimento (1800–61), southern Italy was less industrial than central‐northern Italy and initially agricultural provinces in the north saw rapid structural transformation. During the Renaissance (1400–1600), structural transformation in the south led to a near halving of the initial difference in agricultural employment share between the centre‐north and the south, but convergence came to a halt with the ‘seventeenth‐century crisis’. These trends suggest that regional inequality was evolving rather than persistent.