bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How much does regional bias affect China's regional agricultural trade?
Authors: Jia Wei , Nuetah J. Alexander
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Market integration in China is still progressing, while the border effects of trade among regions still exist. The question of whether eliminating or weakening regional bias can promote of China's agricultural trade still remains an important issue. This paper analyzes the impact of regional bias on China's agricultural trade.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructs a pure exchange computable general equilibrium model of nine regions and three sectors, and analyzes the impact of regional bias on China's regional agricultural trade; Comparing the differences of regional bias on China's inter-regional and external agricultural trade, the paper especially analyzes the impact of the agricultural imports and exports in eight regions of China.

Findings

The results show that regional bias has had substantial impacts on China's agricultural trade. Elimination of regional bias would therefore increase China's agricultural exports and imports by factors of 1.32 and 1.63, respectively while its agricultural trade deficit would increase by 84%. Inter-regional agricultural trade in China would increase by 3.53 times. With the elimination of regional bias, the Northern coastal, Central and Northwestern regions would have the largest increase in inter-regional agricultural trade. Unlike the Northern coastal region, inter-regional agricultural import in the Central and Northwestern regions tends to be greater than inter-regional agricultural exports.

Originality/value

This paper thus aims to fill existing gap in investigating the impacts of regional bias on China's agricultural trade. Firstly, the model proposed in this paper does not only consider the linkage between the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, but also the inter-regional agricultural trade linkages of the different regions in China. Secondly, the authors decompose home bias into national and regional biases and assess how regional bias affects agricultural trade of the various regions of China.
Barriers to stakeholder engagement in sustainable procurement of public works
Authors: Agyekum Amma Kyewaa , Fugar Frank Desmond Kofi , Agyekum Kofi , Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Pittri Hayford
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The absence of effective stakeholder engagement at the early planning and implementation stages impact projects negatively. However, the role of stakeholders in Sustainable Procurement (SP) is not well recognized and as such there is limited involvement of stakeholders in sustainable procurement of public (SPP) works. This research aims to examine the barriers to stakeholder engagement in SPP works.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 104 respondents from eight procurement entities of tertiary institutions in Ghana was undertaken and validated with seven procurement experts. After satisfying all the necessary tests of reliability of the survey instrument and sample size, the data was subjected to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the critical barriers.

Findings

The study's results indicate that there are three cluster of barriers to stakeholder engagement in SPP works. They are organisational structures and knowledge driven factors, attitudinal and stakeholder fatigue and relational and information sharing processes.

Practical implications

This study offers relevant data for policy makers, organisations and local communities in establishing controls against barriers to stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, this research presents policy makers with recommendations to improve communication and organisational policies in enhancing stakeholder participation in SPP works in Ghana and other developing countries.

Originality/value

Although studies on SP has increased with time, issues such as obstacles to stakeholder engagement in SP remain unexplored. Empirical data presented in this study bridges the gap that exists on the barriers of stakeholder engagement in SPP works in the Ghana Construction Industry.
Bargaining optimization model for risk renegotiation with fairness concerns in infrastructure PPP projects
Authors: Chen Canjun , Lv Lelin , Wang Zhuofu , Qiao Ran
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Reasonable risk sharing is the key to the smooth implementation of infrastructure public-private partnership (PPP) projects and the optimization of benefit distribution among the participants. This study aims to explore the risk redistribution ratio between the government and the private sector under different degree of fairness concern.

Design/methodology/approach

Renegotiation is a mechanism to provide flexibility and make up for incompleteness of PPP contracts. However, the threshold value of risk redistribution ratio and negotiation cost are not explicitly considered in previous studies. In addition, these studies do not consider the influence of the fairness concern psychology on the negotiation process. To address these gaps, based on risk-income equilibrium analysis, this paper established the bargaining optimization model of PPP projects renegotiation considering the fairness concerns of the negotiating parties. Furthermore, this study analyzed the influence of fairness concern degree on negotiation thresholds, negotiation results, and negotiation incomes under three scenarios.

Findings

The results showed that excessive focus on the fairness of incomes may exclude the risk redistribution ratio that is most beneficial to project incomes from the negotiation threshold. Moreover, the increase in the fairness concerns of negotiating parties can reduce the negotiation success period, but the net income may not necessarily be improved.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to propose a new risk renegotiation methodology based on the risk-income equilibrium analysis, which is helpful to develop risk management strategies in the construction field. The research results can provide government with reference about renegotiation in decision making and provide theoretical support for the practice of PPP renegotiation.
An exploration of accounting students’ attitudes toward integrating forensic accounting in accounting education
Authors: Ebaid Ibrahim El-Sayed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Because of the increasing number of corruption and financial fraud cases, especially in developing countries, the education of forensic accounting has become important and universities should offer it as part of its curriculum. This study aims to explore the current status of forensic accounting education in Saudi Arabia as a developing country and its adequacy from the perspectives of accounting students in Saudi universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of accounting students from four Saudi universities. The questionnaire contained five groups of questions aimed at exploring the students’ perception of the benefits of forensic accounting education, their perception of the current status of integrating forensic accounting in the accounting curriculum and their satisfaction with this status, their desire for greater coverage of forensic accounting in the accounting curriculum, their opinion regarding the appropriate approach for covering forensic accounting in the accounting curriculum and the topics of forensic accounting that should be covered.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed a clear weakness in integrating forensic accounting into accounting education in Saudi universities. This weak level of integration does not satisfy most students who believe in the increased demand for the forensic accounting profession in the future and therefore the need to make greater coverage of forensic accounting in the accounting curriculum to acquire the skills that qualify them to work in this profession after graduation. The students expressed that the appropriate approach for covering forensic accounting in the accounting curriculum is to add a stand- alone course that includes all forensic accounting topics.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide indications to the administrators of Saudi universities to start developing accounting curriculum to integrate forensic accounting topics into accounting education. This will result in an increase in the effectiveness of the role of these universities in achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to achieve transparency and combat corruption and fraud in Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature concerning the forensic accounting by focusing on the integration of forensic accounting in accounting education in Saudi Arabia as context that has not previously examined.
Being an academic retiree: a qualitative, follow-up study of women academics in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Cahill Mairead , Galvin Rose , Pettigrew Judith
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Retirement is a complex process that can impact daily lives and relationships. While some gender differences in academic retirement experiences have been noted, few studies have focused exclusively on women academics’ retirement experiences. This follow-up study aims to explore the meaning of retirement and its impact on retired women academics' daily lives and relationships over time from an occupational perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative, longitudinal descriptive design, semi-structured interviews (n = 11) were completed with women retirees from one university and an academically linked university-level, college of education and liberal arts, in the Republic of Ireland (n = 11). This paper presents the findings of follow-up interviews conducted one year later (n = 10). Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis. A longitudinal analysis was then undertaken using a recurrent cross-sectional approach (Grossoehme and Lipstein, 2016) to enable discussion of changes and continuity that had occurred over time in their daily lives.

Findings

The analysis yielded four themes: (i) continuing to navigate occupational identity challenges, (ii) structuring free time, (iii) appreciating health and well-being and (iv) continuing meaningful professional relationships and activities. Participants described on-going occupational identity challenges linked with contextual factors and experiences of occupational injustices of lack of recognition, lack of inclusion and a lack of choice to continue working in their paid academic employment.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that occupational therapists advocate for older adults, so that meaningful choices in retirement timing can be offered to all equally and so that older people are acknowledged for their contributions to society.
Trusted routing protocol for federated UAV ad hoc network
Authors: Kariri Elham , Yadav Kusum
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In the final step, the trust model is applied to the on-demand federated multipath distance vector routing protocol (AOMDV) to introduce path trust as a foundation for routing selection in the route discovery phase, construct a trusted path, and implement a path warning mechanism to detect malicious nodes in the route maintenance phase, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A trust-based on-demand multipath distance vector routing protocol is being developed to address the problem of flying ad-hoc network being subjected to internal attacks and experiencing frequent connection interruptions. Following the construction of the node trust assessment model and the presentation of trust evaluation criteria, the data packet forwarding rate, trusted interaction degree and detection packet receipt rate are discussed. In the next step, the direct trust degree of the adaptive fuzzy trust aggregation network compute node is constructed. After then, rely on the indirect trust degree of neighbouring nodes to calculate the trust degree of the node in the network. Design a trust fluctuation penalty mechanism, as a second step, to defend against the switch attack in the trust model.

Findings

When compared to the lightweight trust-enhanced routing protocol (TEAOMDV), it significantly improves the data packet delivery rate and throughput of the network significantly.

Originality/value

Additionally, it reduces the amount of routing overhead and the average end-to-end delay.
Impacts of joint municipal agencification on the democratic governance of waste management
Authors: Valkama Pekka , Torsteinsen Harald , Kettunen Pekka
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study examines how introducing joint municipal arm's length bodies (ALBs) into municipal waste management has influenced the preconditions of democratic governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe and explain the democratic implications of joint municipal agencification by reviewing the perspectives of representative and participative democracy. Through this approach, the authors apply the exit–voice framework developed by Albert Hirschman to highlight the potential roles and rights of citizens. This research includes country case studies of Finland and Norway. The authors analyse and systematize Finnish and Norwegian waste and organizational policies by reviewing national regulatory documents, commentaries and guidance materials to identify the fundamental missions and institutional traditions of the alternative organizational forms of joint ALBs.

Findings

The study findings highlight that joint agencification has an adverse effect on the democratic governance of waste management policy and services even though these are public monopoly services. They also demonstrate that all joint municipal ALBs limit the classic elements of representative democracy in general, and that private-law ALBs limit residents' rights to influence and participate.

Originality/value

This study contributes to local public management studies by applying Hirschman's theory to comparative reviews of joint agencification and ALBs. It revealed the similarities and differences between the different organizational forms of joint ALBs applied in Finland and Norway. It also demonstrated how the democratic rights of residents depend on how municipalities collaborate.
“Ibu-Ubu” boyhood initiation rites and the conservation of cultural heritage in Afikpo, southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Nwashindu Vitalis , Onu Ambrose
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study explores the nexus between Ibu-Ubu boyhood initiation and the conservation of cultural heritage in Afikpo, Southeast Nigeria. The study is motivated by the rarity of such cultural conservation through initiation rites in an age of Christian-inspired culture terrorism against Igbo traditional religion, arts and relics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted cultural anthropological research method. The boyhood initiation rite was studied through participant observation of the initiation between September and November 2017. As a cultural anthropological study, oral evidence was derived from the men who had undergone the rite. Through the oral evidence, interpretations were given to the material culture, monuments and heritage that have been conserved through Ibu-Ubu initiation rite.

Findings

The study discovered that amid the deluge of Christian-motivated culture terrorism and erosion of Igbo cultural arts, relics and heritage, the people of Afikpo have preserved most of their tangible and intangible heritage through the Ibu-Ubu boyhood initiation rites.

Originality/value

This study will assist in the reinvigoration of campaigns on environmental and heritage conservation in Igboland. It is sufficient to posit that Igboland is ridden with myriads of environmental and cultural terrorism, perpetrated by some Christian fanatics. The study reveals the relevance of the boyhood initiation rites in ensuring the preservation and conservation of Igbo cultural heritage in a century marked with fanatical Christian evangelism, culture-terrorism and destruction of both tangible and intangible heritages, which the Christians have labelled evil, barbaric and fetish.
Large-scale analysis of query logs to profile users for dataset search
Authors: Sharifpour Romina , Wu Mingfang , Zhang Xiuzhen
Published: April 2022

Purpose

With an explosion of datasets available on the Web, dataset search has gained attention as an emerging research domain. Understanding users' dataset behaviour is imperative for providing effective data discovery services. In this paper, the authors present a study on users' dataset search behaviour through the analysis of search logs from a research data discovery portal.

Design/methodology/approach

Using query and session based features, the authors apply cluster analysis to discover distinct user profiles with different search behaviours. One particular behavioural construct of our interest is users' expertise that the authors generate via computing semantic similarity between users' search queries and the title of metadata records in the displayed search results.

Findings

The findings revealed that there are six distinct classes of user behaviours for dataset search, namely; Expert Research, Expert Search, Expert Explore, Novice Research, Novice Search and Novice Explore.

Research limitations/implications

The user profiles are derived based on analysis of the search log of the research data catalogue in this study. Further research is needed to generalise the user profiles to other dataset search settings. Future research can take on a confirmatory approach to verify these user groups and establish a deeper understanding of their information needs.

Practical implications

The findings in this paper have implications for designing search systems that tailor search results matching the diverse information needs of different user groups.

Originality/value

We propose for the first time a taxonomy of users for dataset search based on their domain expertise and search behaviour.
Persistent inefficiency, transient inefficiency and firm unobserved heterogeneity: a comparison of two frontier approaches using simulated and real data
Authors: Minviel Jean-Joseph , Kudawoo Yawose , Ben Bouheni Faten
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recent advances in stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) suggest two alternative approaches to account for unobserved heterogeneity and to distinguish between persistent and transient inefficiency. The first approach is the generalized true random effects (GTRE) model, and the second approach is an autoregressive inefficiency (ARI) model. This study compares them to highlight whether they capture similar inefficiency aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using recent methodological advances in SFA, the authors estimate the GTRE and the ARI models using a Monte Carlo experiment and two real datasets from two industries (banking and agriculture).

Findings

The authors find that the two models provide quite different results in terms of inefficiency persistence and overall inefficiency (combination of transient and persistent inefficiency), regardless of the dataset considered.

Practical implications

The study findings suggest that researchers should be careful when referring to these two models because they do not capture the same inefficiency aspects, even though they have the same conceptual basis. This work is a warning about the empirical aspects of the persistent and transient efficiency framework, in order to convey a consistent story to the reader on firms' performance.

Originality/value

Even though they are used in a large number of studies, the present paper contributes to the productivity and efficiency literature by providing the first comparison of the GTRE and the ARI models.
Revisiting fiscal deficit sustainability in South Africa
Authors: Ndoricimpa Arcade
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study reexamines fiscal deficit sustainability in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies three cointegration testing approaches, namely testing for multiple structural changes in a cointegrated regression model, time-varying cointegration test and asymmetric cointegration test.

Findings

The results point to the existence of a level relationship between government revenue and spending. In addition, the long-run equilibrium relationship between government revenue and spending in South Africa is found to be characterized by breaks. As such, assuming a constant cointegrating slope may be misleading. Results from time-varying cointegration and an estimation of a cointegrated two-break model indicate that cointegrating coefficient has been time-varying but has remained less than 1 for the entire study period, indicating that fiscal deficits have been weakly sustainable. This finding is also confirmed by the results from an estimated asymmetric error correction model.

Practical implications

In view of the findings, authorities should put in place policies to improve the fiscal budgetary stance and reinforce the sustainability of the fiscal deficits in South Africa. Among other things, South Africa could undertake reforms to state-owned companies to reduce their reliance on public funds, slow down the pace of the public sector wage growth and devise effective economic measures to boost long-term growth. In addition, tax compliance and other revenue collection measures should be enhanced for additional tax revenue.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is twofold; first, the study uses a long series of annual data spanning over a century, from 1913 to 2020. Indeed, cointegration is better modeled using long spans of time series data. Second, to examine the existence of a level relationship between spending and revenue, the study uses cointegration tests which allow capturing time-variation in the cointegrating slope coefficient, and accounting for asymmetries in the relationship between government spending and revenue. It is important to allow for time-variation in the cointegrating slope coefficient, especially when it has been hardly treated in the empirical literature on fiscal deficit sustainability. Allowing for time-variation in the cointegrating slope coefficient helps us to analyze fiscal deficit sustainability by periods of time. Indeed, the degree of fiscal sustainability can change from one time period to another.
Employee-(ro)bot collaboration in service: an interdependence perspective
Authors: Le Khanh Bao Quang , Sajtos Laszlo , Fernandez Karen Veronica
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Collaboration between frontline employees (FLEs) and frontline robots (FLRs) is expected to play a vital role in service delivery in these increasingly disrupted times. Firms are facing the challenge of designing effective FLE-FLR collaborations to enhance customer experience. This paper develops a framework to explore the potential of FLE-FLR collaboration through the lens of interdependence in customer service experience and advances research that specifically focuses on employee-robot team development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a conceptual approach rooted in the interdependence theory, team design, management, robotics and automation literature.

Findings

This paper proposes and defines the Frontline employee – Frontline robot interdependence (FLERI) concept based on three structural components of an interdependent relationship – joint goal, joint workflow and joint decision-making authority. It also provides propositions that outline the potential impact of FLERI on customer experience and employee performance, and outline several boundary conditions that could enhance or inhibit those effects.

Practical implications

Managerial insights into designing an employee-robot team in service delivery are provided.

Originality/value

This study is the first to propose a novel conceptual framework (FLERI) that focuses on the notion of human-robot collaboration in service settings.
Stacking punishment: The imposition of consecutive sentences in Pennsylvania
Authors: Galvin Miranda A.
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

This study introduces the decision to impose consecutive sentences as a “window of discretion” in modern sentencing regimes that has the potential to produce extreme and disparate punishment. Among cases sentenced in Pennsylvania between 2015 and 2019, consecutive sentences were present in more than 20% of all cases, including 35% of cases resulting in a primary sentence to prison and 39% of cases resulting in a primary sentence to jail. The length of consecutive incarceration and probation often exceed primary sentence length and substantially extend justice involvement.

Policy Implications

In the absence of guidance, consecutive sentences undermine policy efforts at uniformity and correctional control. Further, relatively common use of (long) probation tails may contribute to “mass probation.” Such decisions should be deserving of the same consideration as given the imposition of primary sentences, meaning the promulgation of guidance regarding imposition and reasonable limits for length.
Usefulness of positron‐emission tomography for predicting the World Health Organization grade of thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Kanou Takashi , Funaki Soichiro , Minami Masato , Ose Naoko , Kimura Toru , Fukui Eriko , Watabe Tadashi , Shintani Yasushi
Published: April 2022

Background

It is often difficult to distinguish between thymoma and thymic carcinoma by preoperative radiological tests. While there have been some reports that the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) is useful to this end, no large‐scale analysis has been performed. We therefore analyzed the usefulness of the SUVmax and tumor size (TS) for differentiating thymic epithelial tumors.

Methods

From 2011 to 2019, 129 patients with thymic epithelial tumor who underwent PET‐CT before surgical treatment were enrolled. The relevance of the SUVmax to the World Health Organization (WHO) histological type was assessed. To reduce the impact of the TS, the ratio of the SUVmax to the TS was also investigated.

Results

A total of 99 thymoma cases and 30 thymic carcinoma cases were enrolled into the study. The SUVmax and SUVmax/TS of thymic carcinoma were significantly higher than those of thymoma (SUVmax: 7.7 ± 3.4 vs. 3.3 ± 1.3, p < 0.01; SUVmax/TS: 1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 0.6 ± 0.4, p < 0.01). Focusing on the patients with a moderate SUVmax of ≤5 (84 thymoma and 4 thymic carcinoma), the SUVmax/TS values of thymic carcinoma were still significantly higher than those of thymoma (1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 0.6 ± 0.4, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

PET‐CT might provide significant information for differentiating images of thymoma and thymic carcinoma. We experienced several cases of thymic carcinoma with a moderate SUVmax of ≤5, and SUVmax/TS was considered a useful parameter for differentiating such cases.
Accurate and sensitive detection of areca palm yellow leaf phytoplasma in China by droplet digital PCR targeting tuf gene sequence
Authors: Yu Shao‐shuai , Zhang Xin‐chun , Song Wei‐wei , Qin Wei‐quan
Published: April 2022

Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a method for qualitative and quantitative detections of nucleic acid molecules with high sensitivity. In this study, a ddPCR detection system for areca palm yellow leaf (AYL) phytoplasma was developed using the primers Atf/Atr and probe AtProbe, which were designed based on the tuf gene of the phytoplasma. AYL phytoplasma‐infected samples were collected from different regions in Hainan Province of China and the concentration distribution of AYL phytoplasma in the samples was detected and analysed by the ddPCR detection system. The results indicated that the phytoplasma was significantly detected in the AYL sample with the primers Atf/Atr and the probe AtProbe in ddPCR, and the number of droplets generated in each ddPCR reaction system was more than 10,000, indicating that the absolute quantitative results were reliable. Using the ddPCR assay for AYL phytoplasma, the phytoplasma was detected in the AYL samples collected from different regions such as Ding'an, Sanya, Tunchang, Wenchang and Wanning counties in Hainan Province of China. The lowest concentration of AYL phytoplasma that was detected by ddPCR method was 0.07 copies · μl−1. Compared with LAMP detection, the sensitivity of ddPCR detection was improved about 1,000 times better. The concentration distribution of the AYL phytoplasma in the same leaf from the same diseased areca palm was significantly uneven (p < 0.05). The ddPCR detection system established based on the tuf gene of phytoplasma in the study would be valuable for the qualitative and quantitative detections of AYL phytoplasma, and it will also assist in the study of the epidemiology and management of the disease.
Sex differences in brain regional homogeneity during acute abstinence in cocaine use disorder
Authors: Sanvicente‐Vieira Breno , Rothmann Leonardo Melo , Esper Nathalia Bianchini , Tondo Lucca Pizzato , Ferreira Pedro Eugênio , Buchweitz Augusto , Franco Alexandre Rosa , Grassi‐Oliveira Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

There are significant sex differences in the clinical characteristics of cocaine use disorder (CUD). As this is a brain disorder that involves changes in functional connectivity, we investigated the existence of sex differences among people with CUD and controls. We used a data‐driven method comparing males (n = 20, CK‐M) and females with CUD (n = 20, CK‐F) and healthy controls (20 males, HC‐M and 20 females, HC‐F). The participants undertook a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging exam. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) was performed to identify group and sex differences. Persons with CUD of both sexes presented lower ReHo parameters than controls, especially within the parietal lobule. Males with CUD showed higher ReHo than females in three right‐side brain areas: postcentral gyrus, putamen and fusiform gyrus. It was found that abstinence symptoms severity was associated with lower ReHo values in the right postcentral gyrus and the right fusiform gyrus. Participants with CUD exhibited altered ReHo parameters compared to controls, similar to what is found in ageing‐related disorders. Our data also indicate that cocaine has sex‐specific effects on brain functioning when analysing ReHo.
Soil‐dwelling Bacillus spp. affects aphid infestation of calabrese and natural enemy responses in a context‐specific manner
Authors: Gadhave Kiran R. , Gange Alan C.
Published: April 2022

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria in the genus Bacillus have been shown to reduce growth and increase parasitism of some aphids, but the generality of these interactions is unknown. All previous studies have taken place in temperate conditions.

We studied the effects of seed application of three Bacillus species, singly and in mixture, on three aphid pests and their natural enemies, on field‐grown calabrese (green sprouting broccoli) in the subtropical climate of South West India.

All three bacteria reduced populations of Brevicoryne brassicae and Myzus persicae, but had no effect on numbers of Lipaphis erysimi. Chewing insects (flea beetles and diamondback moth larvae) were also unaffected by the treatments. However, parasitism rates of aphids were higher on plants treated with the bacteria.

We conclude that Bacillus spp. shape above ground interactions in a context‐specific manner, directly via altered field infestations of some pests and indirectly via natural enemy responses.
Inadvertent malposition of a permanent ventricular lead into the middle cardiac vein was misdiagnosed as lead perforation
Authors: Chen Mingxian , Wu Zhihong , Liu Zhenjiang , Hu Lin , Li Xuping , Liu Qiming , Zhou Shenghua
Published: April 2022

A 54‐year‐old man had a dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation 9 years ago because of sick sinus syndrome at a different facility. The patient did not undergo any evaluation of his pacemaker for a long time with cardiologist. The patient was admitted to another hospital manifesting dyspnea and palpitation with atrial fibrillation for 1 month, and he was diagnosed with ventricular lead perforation. For further treatment, he was referred to our hospital, and an elective replacement indicator (ERI) of the battery state and a malpositioned ventricular lead into the middle cardiac vein were found. Finally, the pacing lead was left in the primary place and the pacemaker was replaced.
Bjarne K. H. Semb: The contriver of the first implantation of a total artificial heart in Europe
Authors: Kvitting John‐Peder Escobar , Koul Bansi , Geiran Odd R.
Published: April 2022

In 1985, the surgical team led by Bjarne Semb implanted the first total artificial heart (TAH) in Europe, and the following year the first successful bridge to transplant in Europe using the Symbion J‐7/100 TAH. Together with the clinical experiences of colleagues in the United States, these early cases preceded the subsequent development of scores of mechanical assist devices to treat advanced heart failure. Semb proved to have the pioneering spirit needed to use the early generation of a TAH, but these early implants also generated much controversy in the medical community as well as the general public.
Dynamics of a Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis simulation model
Authors: Schwartz Franziska A. , Nielsen Luna , Struve Andersen Jessica , Bock Magnus , Christophersen Lars , Sunnerhagen Torgny , Lerche Christian Johann , Bay Lene , Bundgaard Henning , Høiby Niels , Moser Claus
Published: April 2022

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the inner surface of heart, resulting from minor lesions in the endocardium. The damage induces a healing reaction, which leads to recruitment of fibrin and immune cells. This sterile healing vegetation can be colonized during temporary bacteremia, inducing IE. We have previously established a novel in vitro IE model using a simulated IE vegetation (IEV) model produced from whole venous blood, on which we achieved stable bacterial colonization after 24 h. The bacteria were organized in biofilm aggregates and displayed increased tolerance toward antibiotics. In this current study, we aimed at further characterizing the time course of biofilm formation and the impact on antibiotic tolerance development. We found that a Staphylococcus aureus reference strain, as well as three clinical IE isolates formed biofilms on the IEV after 6 h. When treatment was initiated immediately after infection, the antibiotic effect was significantly higher than when treatment was started after the biofilm was allowed to mature. We could follow the biofilm development microscopically by visualizing growing bacterial aggregates on the IEV. The findings indicate that mature, antibiotic‐tolerant biofilms can be formed in our model already after 6 h, accelerating the screening for optimal treatment strategies for IE.
Beyond ‘do no harm’? On the need for a dynamic approach to research ethics
Authors: Hammett Daniel , Jackson Lucy , Bramley Ryan
Published: April 2022

Despite ongoing critical engagements with the remit and functioning of research ethics boards and review processes – not least in the limitations of transposing medico‐scientific ethics approaches to the social sciences – the need for ethical practice in research is well established and accepted. Consequently, we see the ubiquitous requirement for academic social science research – whether by an undergraduate student, a PhD candidate, or an established professor – to undergo ethical review. Despite (or perhaps because of) this ubiquity in expectation, engagement with research ethics often remains perfunctory, formulaic, and procedural. Too often research ethics is reduced to a bureaucratic hurdle, a singular moment of approval that overlooks the dynamic, messy, and complex realities of the research journey. Moreover, this reductionist approach to research ethics is often replicated in teaching and training and reinforced as review duties are subsumed into the general administrative burden of academic life. How, then, might we move beyond the procedural and static to a substantive and dynamic research ethics process? Building on existing debates, we set out a number of possible strategies for realising this aim – not only in individual practice but linked to institutional processes in the set‐up and management of ethics review, and opportunities for promoting the teaching of research ethics in a dynamic manner.
Propagation distance thresholds of woody Cerrado species in a pasture matrix
Authors: Issii Thais M. , Pereira‐Silva Erico F. L. , Furquim Sheila A. C. , Vallejo V. Ramon , de Pablo Carlos T. López , Hardt Elisa
Published: April 2022

Question

Is there a decrease in the richness, structural variables and composition similarity of woody Cerrado species with habitat–matrix distance, potentially influenced by soil compaction and propagule dispersal strategies in the pasture matrix?

Location

We studied three landscapes of a pasture matrix in areas of the Cerrado biome in southwestern São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods

We sampled 110 plots of 2 m × 2 m in the matrix, stratified in ranges perpendicular to the edge of the habitat, and 10 plots in the forest with no edge effect (60 m from the edge). We undertook soil sampling and collected information about the plants (taxonomy, height, circumference and establishment form by germination or resprouting). We defined habitat distance as the predictor variable for the following response variables: abundance, richness, establishment form, mean height, mean diameter at soil height and dispersal syndrome of the individuals sampled; in addition to the porosity and bulk density of the sampled soil.

Results

We found significant differences between habitat and matrix for abundance, richness, mean height and germination number, but non‐significant differences for resprouting number and mean diameter at soil height. There was no relationship regarding matrix–habitat distances for structural variables, and habitat species composition was similar only for the first 10 m distance from the habitat edge.

Conclusion

Pasture did not prevent plant establishment but might act as an environmental filter. Pasture matrices modify the composition and diversity of the plant community compared with the Cerrado community. Pastures are dominated by resprouting, autochory and grassland species. Regenerating plants from the propagule bank of the matrix showed the potential for natural regeneration of Cerrado areas in pasture as a restoration strategy.
Perinatal outcomes of women with gestational breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Sullivan Elizabeth , Safi Nadom , Li Zhuoyang , Remond Marc , Chen Tina Y. T. , Javid Nasrin , Dickinson Jan E. , Ives Angela , Hammarberg Karin , Anazodo Antoinette , Boyle Frances , Fisher Jane , Halliday Lesley , Duncombe Greg , McLintock Claire , Wang Alex Y. , Saunders Christobel
Published: April 2022

Objective

To determine the epidemiology, clinical management, and outcomes of women with gestational breast cancer (GBC).

Methods

A population‐based prospective cohort study was conducted in Australia and New Zealand between 2013 and 2014 using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS). Women who gave birth with a primary diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy were included. Data were collected on demographic and pregnancy factors, GBC diagnosis, obstetric and cancer management, and perinatal outcomes. The main outcome measures were preterm birth, maternal complications, breastfeeding, and death.

Results

Forty women with GBC (incidence 7.5/100 000 women giving birth) gave birth to 40 live‐born babies. Thirty‐three (82.5%) women had breast symptoms at diagnosis. Of 27 women diagnosed before 30 weeks' gestation, 85% had breast surgery and 67% had systemic therapy during pregnancy. In contrast, all 13 women diagnosed from 30 weeks had their cancer management delayed until postdelivery. There were 17 preterm deliveries; 15 were planned. Postpartum complications included the following: hemorrhage (n = 4), laparotomy (n = 1), and thrombocytopenia (n = 1). There was one late maternal death. Eighteen (45.0%) women initiated breastfeeding, including 12 of 23 women who had antenatal breast surgery. There were no perinatal deaths or congenital malformations, but 42.5% of babies were preterm, and 32.5% were admitted for higher‐level neonatal care.

Conclusions

Gestational breast cancer diagnosed before 30 weeks' gestation was associated with surgical and systemic cancer care during pregnancy and planned preterm birth. In contrast, cancer treatment was deferred to postdelivery for women diagnosed from 30 weeks, reflecting the complexity of managing expectant mothers with GBC in multidisciplinary care settings.
Anti‐CD20 therapeutic options in immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Maitta Robert W.
Published: April 2022

Immunosuppression with rituximab in immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura helps decrease production of autoantibody mediating ADAMTS13 clearance from circulation. Failure to respond to rituximab in a satisfactory way or made difficult by adverse events to the medication does not represent a reason to stop considering anti‐CD20 therapies to control antibody production. Therefore, both of atumumab and obinutuzumab with specificity to CD20, represent potentially valuable therapeutic tools in patients who are not candidates for rituximab.

Commentary on: Doyle et al. The use of obinutuzumab and ofatumumab in the treatment of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Br J Haematol. 2022;198:391‐396.1
Moving beyond narrative archetypes among children with cancer
Authors: Neville Alyssa R. , Campbell Sydney , Moola Fiona J.
Published: April 2022

Children's narrations of their experiences with cancer provide researchers/clinicians with an understanding of their lived experiences. Arthur Frank's illness narrative framework—restitution, quest, and chaos—was used to explore 11 children's experiences with cancer. Several participants identified with the restitution narrative of “overcoming” an illness, whereas others identified with the quest narrative of a changed identity after an illness. Two participants voiced emotional struggles with cancer, identifying with the chaos narrative. The Medical Agency theme encompassed children who appeared to be experts on their own illness experiences. These findings highlight the importance of centring children's voices and stories in clinical and research settings.
Prognostic implications of traditional and non‐traditional cardiovascular risk factor profiles in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bhat Aditya , Gan Gary C. H. , Chen Henry H. L. , Nawaz Sumreen , Khanna Shaun , Dobbins Timothy , Tan Timothy C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent disease with associated mortality risk, mediated in large part through its associated cardiovascular risk factors. Standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs; hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, diabetes and smoking) are established drivers of cardiovascular disease; however, the importance of non‐traditional mediators of cardiovascular risk (NTRFs) such as chronic renal impairment, obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity is emerging. The differential impact of these risk factors on outcomes in patients with AF is not well studied.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted to our service between January 2013 and January 2018 with a primary diagnosis of non‐valvular AF were assessed. Assessment of demographic, anthropometric, risk factor profile and pharmacotherapeutics was performed. The clinical course of these patients was followed for up to five years for the composite outcome of all‐cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Results

Of the 1010 patients (62.29 ± 16.81 years, 51% men) included, 154 (15%) had no risk factors, 478 (47%) had only SMuRFs, 59 (6%) had only NTRFs and 319 (32%) had both SMuRFs and NTRFs. Over a mean follow‐up period of 33.18 ± 21.27 months, a total of 288 patients met the composite outcome. On Cox regression, the coexistence of SMuRFs and NTRFs was an independent predictor of the composite outcome (HR 1.40; 95%CI 1.09–1.82, p = .01). Other independent predictors included age, heart failure, CHA2DS2VASc score, persistent AF and anaemia.

Conclusions

The presence of both SMuRFs and NTRFs has prognostic implications in patients with non‐valvular AF.
Optimization of the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in Mythimna separata
Authors: Tang Rui , Li Sali , Liang Junhao , Yi Hao , Jing Xiangfeng , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: April 2022

Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most destructive phytophagous pests. Here we present detailed instructions to achieve successful application of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing on M. separata. We optimized procedures, including egg collection and incubation. We further successfully conducted microinjection on the washed eggs by applying water on the egg surface. We then evaluated the effects of injection timing on both egg viability and genome editing efficiency using NPC1b as the target gene. We observed that Cas9 protein injection had significantly less effect on the viability of the eggs at the earlier stage (<2 h old) than at later stages, although no significant effect was observed on the postembryonic development between different egg ages. All larvae were edited when the eggs were <6 h old, and the editing efficiency decreased when older eggs were used. Moreover, mutants were detected among G1 progenies, which demonstrated that the mutation generated by the Cas9/sgRNAs system on M. separata was heritable. As far as we know, this is the first report of CRISPR/Cas9 for this important pest. The successful application of genome editing on M. separata is essential to understanding its biology and developing novel control methods.
Haematology Outcomes Network in Europe (HONEUR)—A collaborative, interdisciplinary platform to harness the potential of real‐world data in hematology
Authors: Bardenheuer Kristina , Van Speybroeck Michel , Hague Clare , Nikai Enkeleida , Price Martin
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There remains a need to optimize treatments and improve outcomes among patients with hematologic malignancies. The timely synthesis and analysis of real‐world data could play a key role.

Objectives

The Haematology Outcomes Network in Europe (HONEUR) is a federated data network (FDN) that aims to overcome the challenges of heterogenous data collected from different registries, hospitals, and other databases in different countries. It has the functionality required to analyze data from various sources in a time efficient manner, while preserving local data security and governance. With this, research studies can be performed that can increase knowledge and understanding of the management of patients with hematologic malignancies.

Methods

HONEUR uses the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) common data model, which allows analysis scripts to be run by multiple sites using their own data, ultimately generating aggregated results. Furthermore, distributed analytics can be used to run statistical analyses across multiple sites, as if data were pooled. The external governance model ensures high‐quality standards, while data ownership is retained locally. Twenty partners from nine countries are now participating, with data from more than 26 000 patients available for analysis. Research questions that can be addressed through HONEUR include assessments of natural disease history, treatment patterns, and clinical effectiveness.

Conclusions

The HONEUR FDN marks an important step forward in increasing the value of information routinely captured by individual hospitals, registries and other database holders, thus enabling larger‐scale studies to be undertaken rapidly and efficiently.