bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploration of ethnic minorities' needs for multilingual information access of public digital cultural services
Authors: Wu Dan , Fan Shu , Yao Shengyi , Xu Shuang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Ethnic minorities (EMs), who make up a sizable proportion of multilingual users, are more likely to browse and search in their native language. It is helpful to identify multilingual users' information needs to provide public digital cultural services (PDCS) for making their life better.

Design/methodology/approach

The in-context interview is an efficient way to explore EMs' information needs and evoke their daily experience with PDCS. The material from 31 one-on-one interviews with EMs in China was recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that language proficiency is a critical factor influencing multilingual information access (MLIA) and multilingual users' information needs. Moreover, language ability, digital literacy and cultural literacy are important components of multilingual information literacy (MLIL), which is helpful for EMs to access PDCS. In light of Kochen's theory, the information needs of PDCS can be classified into the aroused need of resources, the recognized need of functions and services and expressed need. For the expressed need, it is necessary to develop a one-stop convergence platform of PDCS to process various requests of resources, functions and services in the future.

Originality/value

The findings will be valuable for governments, public institutions and social organizations in identifying, addressing and resolving these issues about PDCS.
The venture creation process and entrepreneurial intention in emerging economies – a system dynamic’s approach
Authors: Parra Juan Felipe , Valencia-Arias Alejandro , Bermúdez-Hernández Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Entrepreneurial intention is one of the main predictors of venture creation. However, the approaches used to analyze the entrepreneurial intention and venture creation are mostly linear approaches, leaving aside the fact that new ventures arise in a context characterized by fluctuations and instability, especially in emerging economies where economic and social factors are highly variables. Nevertheless, a dynamic approach could best represent its behavior. This study aims to propose an alternative approach and a starting point for more complex dynamic models in the entrepreneurship process that surpass the limitation of the current linear methodologies and allow gathering isolated studies' contributions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a method to shed light on the processes related to the venture creation process and entrepreneurial intention by designing a system dynamics simulation model.

Findings

The results reveal that the delayed effect of expectations produces a growing tendency in project creation, venture establishment and venture creation. Likewise, the entrepreneurial intention is not a static variable; it changes by the system’s dynamics and disturbs the venture creation process, which produces an increase in oscillations in the model and, therefore, reduces the project’s growth and venture creation.

Research limitations/implications

This model is a generic approach for the study of venture creation and entrepreneurial intention. The model can analyze entrepreneurial intention and venture creation in different contexts, adjusting the different model parameters. The authors run a sensitivity analysis to encompass deviation from the parameter established and the uncertainty about them. However, the empirical data used for the model’s testing, in this case, correspond to an approximation to the behavior of venture creation in Colombia, which is considered an emerging economy. The model proposed does not pretend to incorporate all the variables and phenomena about entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The approach suggested in this work aims to conceptualize venture creation as a complex process that emerges from the occurrence and combination of simpler states, instead of activities that represent building blocks. In addition, the term “entrepreneurial process” is defined as a composite of different perspectives that use a series of multidisciplinary theories to address the topic.
Actuarial model for takaful contributions via optimal retakaful
Authors: El Attar Abderrahim , El Hachloufi Mostafa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present an actuarial model of takaful to cover death and permanent total deficit of contributors benefiting from Mourabaha financing for real estate, taking into account modern takaful systems around the world. The main goal of this paper is to design an optimization program that helps to obtain a marketable and profitable takaful product by using the retakaful as a safety and technical support tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an actuarial approach for determining takaful contributions and optimal choice of an adequate form of retakaful to maximize the technical surplus of a takaful company. A resolution method based on genetic algorithms is also developed to solve the optimization program.

Findings

This actuarial model allows to provide high added-value support to takaful and Islamic finance and also reassures clients of purchasing real estate through the Mourabaha product.

Research limitations/implications

It should be noted that the choice of an effective Islamic borrower insurance product (takaful borrower) obviously depends on the strategy adopted by the takaful operator (type of takaful, pricing, experience and statistics observed, etc.), the form of retakaful, the behavior of the participants and the nature of the portfolio. Moreover, the program developed in this paper is suitably affordable and is closely linked to the hypotheses.

Originality/value

The strong point of the present program relies on the case where the reinsurer establishes itself as a partner of choice and to enrich the takaful fund. In addition, the actuarial tools used in agreement with genetic algorithms have made it possible to optimize with efficiency and ease of calculation.
Unmasking intellectual capital from gender and nationality diversity on university spin-offs’ boards: a study on non-linear effects upon firm innovation
Authors: Prencipe Antonio , Boffa Danilo , Papa Armando , Corsi Christian , Mueller Jens
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of human capital related to gender and nationality diversity in boards of directors on the innovation of university spin-offs (USOs) in their entrepreneurial ecosystem. Following the intellectual capital (IC) framework and the resource dependence theory, upper echelons theory and critical mass theory, it hypothesizes that the relationship between board diversity and USOs’ firm innovation is non-linear.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the research hypotheses empirically, a sample of 827 Italian USOs over the period 2009–2018 was analyzed using zero-inflated Poisson regression modeling. A robustness test was also performed.

Findings

Gender obstacles remain in USOs’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, with little involvement of women in boards, and the benefits of human capital for firm innovation emerge with increased female representation. Nevertheless, a few foreign-born directors embody valued IC in terms of human capital from an internationally linked entrepreneurial ecosystem, which decreases with more foreign-born directors due to communication costs and coordination problems.

Research limitations/implications

The emerging non-linear relationships imply that gender- and nationality-diverse boards in USOs constitute critical human capital factors boosting the devolvement of entrepreneurial processes, in terms of firm innovation, in university entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the move from traditional corporate governance analysis through an IC framework, fostering an understanding of the role of human capital and its diversity determinants in spurring firm innovation among USOs considering the university entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Role of virtual communities of practice (VCoP) in continuous professional development of librarians: a case of Yahoo mailing group from Pakistan
Authors: Qutab Saima , Iqbal Abid , Ullah Farasat Shafi , Siddique Nadeem , Khan Muhammad Ajmal
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Virtual communities of practice (VCoP) are becoming increasingly popular as professional networking. These communities support and shape professional development, especially in countries with limited opportunities and constrain like time and distance. This study throws light on the role of VCoP and its impact on the continuous professional development (CPD) of librarians in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is carried out with qualitative research methods to understand effects of VCoP on CPD. With a thematic content analysis on the email conversations of a library and information science (LIS) Yahoo mailing group “plagpk”, the impact of virtual communities (VCs) on librarians' professional development in Pakistan over the past 20 years was analyzed.

Findings

This study demonstrates that VCs contribute to professional learning, problem-solving, knowledge creation, professional awareness and identity creation in the LIS field. Further, this study contributes a model to explain the formal and informal professional development for individuals and groups through VCoP engagement.

Social implications

It is hoped that this study will help the librarian community create, get involved in the VCoP for personal, professional development consciously and create an impact in the profession. The finding of this study is generalizable to any social sciences or humanities professionals VCoPs.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies in the LIS field to analysis the impact of VCs on the professional development of the librarians.
Effect of low caffeine doses on jumping performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Grgic J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of low doses of caffeine (<3 mg/kg) on jumping performance using a meta-analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The search for eligible studies was performed through six databases, with additional backward and forward citation tracking. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compare the effects of caffeine vs placebo on jump height. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the physiotherapy evidence database checklist.

Findings

Eight studies were included in the review. They were classified as good or excellent methodological quality. The pooled number of participants across all studies was 203. Four studies provided caffeine in relative doses, ranging from 1 to 2 mg/kg. Four studies provided caffeine supplementation in absolute doses of 80, 150 or 200 mg. The meta-analysis found that caffeine ingestion increased vertical jump height (Cohen’s d: 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.31; p < 0.001; +3.5%).

Originality/value

The present meta-analysis found that caffeine doses of ∼1 to 2 mg/kg enhance jumping height. The effects observed herein are similar to those with higher caffeine doses, which is relevant as low caffeine doses produce minimal side effects. For most individuals, a caffeine dose of ∼1 to 2 mg/kg is equivalent to an amount of caffeine in an energy drink, one to two cups of coffee, one to two pieces of caffeinated chewing gum or several cups of green tea.
Does top management team’s job mobility experience matter for corporate innovation?
Authors: Jia Jing , Li Zhongtian , Hu Yuanyuan , Tao Baoshan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether top management team (TMT)’s job mobility experience is related to firm innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use different strategies, including a two-stage instrumental model, difference-in-differences analysis based on TMT members’ sudden deaths, propensity score matching and firm fixed-effects model, to mitigate endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The authors find that firms whose TMT experienced more job mobility have better firm innovation. In addition, the authors reveal that the job mobility experience is positively related to engagement in explorative innovation strategies that generate new knowledge. The findings are robust to a battery of tests to alleviate potential endogeneity concerns. Overall, the results highlight the role of job mobility experience in influencing firm innovation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the rising literature on the determinants of firm innovation. By showing the TMT’s job mobility experience is related to innovation, the authors expand the literature about the economic consequences of the heterogeneous TMT characteristics. Given that firm innovation is essential to competitive advantage, the results should be of interest to a range of stakeholders, including investors, directors and managers and policymakers.
“I'm just different–that's all–I'm so sorry … ”: Black men, ASD and the urgent need for DisCrit Theory in police encounters
Authors: Hutson Turea Michelle , McGhee Hassrick Elizabeth , Fernandes Sherira , Walton Jessica , Bouvier-Weinberg Kathryn , Radcliffe Antoinette , Allen-Handy Ayana
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Limited research focuses on the challenges that exist at the intersection of race and dis/ability for Black men on the autism spectrum in encounters with law enforcement. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary to fully comprehend and mitigate the complex challenges. This conceptual article presents Critical Dis/ability (DisCrit) Theory, a framework usually applied to education, as a lens through which to think about encounters between Black autistic men and police officers. The article concludes with recommendations for collaboration between social scientists, police scholars, law enforcement and the public to improve the outcomes of police encounters involving Black men on the autism spectrum.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a literature review and analysis of current events, this conceptual article explores the intersections of race and disability, specifically neurodiversity, in policing using Critical Dis/ability (DisCrit) theory, and its predecessors, Intersectionality Theory and Critical Race Theory (CRT).

Findings

An interdisciplinary approach might be a potential solution to improve police encounters with Black autistic men. Expanding the theoretical frameworks utilized in scholarship about policing might allow for innovative approaches to examine current practices in law enforcement. Collaboration and critical dialogue may yield opportunities for further research and shifts in practice.

Originality/value

This conceptual article uses two incidents from recent events to highlight the need for increased scholarship around the intersections of autism and race, with a particular focus on Black autistic men. It advocates for the use of social science frameworks, namely DisCrit Theory, as a novel way to approach new research regarding race and dis/ability.
Are post-COVID return-to-growth plans gaining priority over transformation?
Authors: Anderson Cindy , Bieck Christian , Marshall Anthony
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper looks at the elements underpinning employee satisfaction and loyalty, as well as how these are related to performance. The questionnaire results revealed that the IT consultant employees were overall satisfied or very satisfied, and in turn were loyal to their current company. This satisfaction drove good job general job performance, but didn’t have the same impact on task performance. Managers are advised to acknowledge and strive to meet the needs of their employees at a human level by deploying empathy and by viewing each individual as being unique, as opposed to just a job role holder.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Buffering role of positive religious coping against the helplessness of elderly people under Covid stress
Authors: Wilson M.J. Antony , Sia Surendra Kumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand the relationship between Covid stress and helplessness among the elderly people in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India, and moreover, whether positive religious coping can have any influence on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a field study approach, data were collected from 187 elderly people aged more than 60 years in different parts of the Tirunelveli district. Moderated regression analysis was carried out to examine the moderating role of positive religious coping on the relationship between Covid stress and helplessness.

Findings

In line with the formulated hypotheses, the findings reveal a significant positive contribution of Covid stress toward the helplessness of elderly people. However, despite Covid stress, the helplessness gets reduced for elderly people executing a higher level of positive religious coping.

Research limitations/implications

The findings substantiate the conservation of resources theory and suggest the role of positive religious coping as a personal resource against the stress experienced by the elderly.

Practical implications

The findings of the present study indicate the responsibility of government agencies, community leaders, family members as well as religious leaders in providing the scope to the elderly for religious interactions as well as practices that may facilitate positive religious coping among them.

Originality/value

The present study is one of its kind to be carried out among community-dwelling elderly under the pandemic crises. Moreover, the buffering role of positive religious coping as a personal resource to withstand the difficult situation has been examined in this study in an empirical manner.
New insights into the drivers of moss‐associated nitrogen fixation and cyanobacterial biomass in the eastern Canadian boreal forest
Authors: Renaudin Marie , Blasi Charlotte , Bradley Robert L. , Bellenger Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2022

Moss‐associated cyanobacteria nitrogen (N2‐) fixation can contribute to support moss growth and constitutes a major source of new N in boreal forest ecosystems. The biomass of moss‐colonizing cyanobacteria and their N2‐fixation are usually considered linearly correlated. Yet, recent evidence has shown that cyanobacterial biomass and N2‐fixation can be decoupled, suggesting that they are not necessary affected by the same environmental and ecological drivers. Climate and nutrients were reported as affecting moss‐associated N2‐fixation, with equivocal results, whereas drivers of moss cyanobacterial biomass remain unclear. In addition, these drivers are often determined through manipulative experiments (e.g. fertilization and incubation) and remain to be validated with complementary observational studies to help us better understand future impacts of global change on the moss–cyanobacteria symbiosis.

We hypothesized that moss‐associated cyanobacterial biomass is controlled in situ by factors affecting bacterial growth, whereas N2‐fixation is controlled by factors affecting enzymatic reactions.

Using random forests, Spearman correlations and linear mixed‐effects models, we determined the main drivers of cyanobacterial biomass and N2‐fixation of two feather moss species, which were collected over 3 years along a 1000‐km latitudinal transect in the eastern Canadian boreal forest.

We found that temperature, precipitation and phosphorus were the main positive drivers of moss cyanobacterial biomass and that temperature and molybdenum were the main positive drivers of N2‐fixation. Vanadium was a negative driver of N2‐fixation, suggesting the use of alternative nitrogenases by cyanobacteria.

Both cyanobacterial biomass and N2‐fixation were strongly influenced by the moss species and were negatively correlated with moss C:N stoichiometry, highlighting the role of N2‐fixation in moss N enrichment.

Synthesis. We identified for the first time some environmental drivers of moss‐associated cyanobacterial biomass and showed that they contrast with the drivers of N2‐fixation, which should be considered in further research and confirmed in other experimental settings. This is an important advance in our knowledge of moss–cyanobacteria associations, which would greatly help in better predicting the impacts of global change on this symbiosis and on nitrogen inputs in boreal forest ecosystems.
Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland: Fritillaria meleagris
Authors: Tatarenko Irina , Walker Kevin , Dyson Miranda
Published: March 2022

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Fritillaria meleagris L. (Snake's Head Fritillary). The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation.

Fritillaria meleagris is a perennial spring bulb that grows in wet mesotrophic meadows and wet openings in woodlands. In Britain, it is localised to floodplain meadows but occurs as an intentional introduction in a range of habitats. There are several large populations on the floodplains of the River Thames and its tributaries in Wiltshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Fritillaria meleagris occurs on mesotrophic alluvium soils often overlaying calcareous gravel with a relatively wide pH range. It favours a high ground water table during winter months and spring followed by good drainage of the soil throughout the summer.

Fritillaria meleagris plants regularly experience prolonged dormancy. From 30% to 99% of plants in a population can remain below‐ground for more than a year.

Fritillaria meleagris produces nectar and is mainly pollinated in April by bumblebee queens in England. Other pollinators include insects of the orders Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera, particularly bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies.

The release of the seeds from the pod in May–June can take a month. Seeds require warm and cold treatments for the embryo to fully form. Air pockets aid seed flotation on the surface of flood water for up to a month. The seeds of Fritillaria meleagris do not form a seed bank, germinating either during flotation or on bare ground.

Fritillaria meleagris declined in Britain during the 20th century due to agricultural improvement and ploughing of floodplain grasslands. In all, 20 or so remaining populations survive in ancient hay meadows. Several of its British locations receive statutory protection as designated sites. However, recent work suggests that F. meleagris was probably introduced to Britain as an ornamental, and the level of protection it receives is therefore likely to change.
A qualitative exploration of the future of nutrition and dietetics in Australia and New Zealand: Implications for the workforce
Authors: Boak Rachel , Palermo Claire , Beck Eleanor J. , Patch Craig , Pelly Fiona , Wall Clare , Gallegos Danielle
Published: March 2022

Aim

We aimed to explore the future roles of nutrition and dietetics professionals, and what capabilities the workforce would need to fulfil these roles.

Method

A qualitative interpretive approach was employed. We conducted individual interviews with nutrition and non‐nutrition thought leaders external to the profession. In addition, we conducted focus groups with experts within the nutrition and dietetics profession, academic dietetics educators and students/recent nutrition and dietetics graduates (total sample n = 68). Key nutrition‐related issues and challenges, drivers for change and potential future roles of the profession were explored. Data were analysed using a team‐based thematic analysis approach.

Results

Future roles of nutrition and dietetics professionals were described as food aficionados, diet optimisers, knowledge translators, equity champions, systems navigators and food systems activists, change makers, activists and disruptors. In addition, science was identified as a uniting framework underpinning the professions. An additional 16 critical capabilities were considered to underpin practice.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the current and future needs for workforce education and development need to address the impact of climate change, growing inequities, the democratisation of knowledge and the disruption of health and food systems. Education providers, regulators, professional associations and citizens need to work together to realise roles that will deliver on better health for all.
Disparities in radiation therapy utilization for cancer patients in Victoria
Authors: Ong Wee Loon , Finn Norah , Te Marvelde Luc , Hornby Colin , Milne Roger L , Hanna Gerard G , Pitson Graham , Elsaleh Hany , Millar Jeremy L , Foroudi Farshad
Published: March 2022

Introduction

To evaluate the proportion of cancer patients who received radiation therapy (RT) within 12 months of cancer diagnosis (RTU12) and identify factors associated with RTU12.

Methods

This is a population‐based cohort of individuals with incident cancer, diagnosed between 2013 and 2017 in Victoria. Data linkages were performed between the Victorian Cancer Registry and Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Dataset. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had RTU12. For the three most common cancers (i.e., prostate, breast and lung cancer), the time trend in RTU12 and factors associated with RTU12 were evaluated.

Results

The overall RTU12 in our study cohort was 26–20% radical RT and 6% palliative RT. Of the 21,735 men with prostate cancer, RTU12 was 17%, with no significant change over time (P‐trend = 0.53). In multivariate analyses, increasing age and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher RTU12 for prostate cancer. Of the 20,883 women with breast cancer, RTU12 was 64%, which increased from 62% in 2013 to 65% in 2017 (P‐trend < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, age, socioeconomic status and area of residency were independently associated with RTU12 for breast cancer. Of the 13,093 patients with lung cancer, RTU12 was 42%, with no significant change over time (P‐trend = 0.16). In multivariate analyses, younger age, male and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with higher RTU12.

Conclusion

In this large population‐based state‐wide cohort of cancer patients, only 1 in 4 had RT within 12 months of diagnosis. There were marked sociodemographic disparities in RTU12 for prostate, breast and lung cancer patients.
Optimizing aerial imagery collection and processing parameters for drone‐based individual tree mapping in structurally complex conifer forests
Authors: Young Derek J. N. , Koontz Michael J. , Weeks JonahMaria
Published: March 2022

Recent advances in remotely piloted aerial systems (‘drones’) and imagery processing enable individual tree mapping in forests across broad areas with low‐cost equipment and minimal ground‐based data collection. One such method involves collecting many partially overlapping aerial photos, processing them using ‘structure from motion’ (SfM) photogrammetry to create a digital 3D representation and using the 3D model to detect individual trees. SfM‐based forest mapping involves myriad decisions surrounding methods and parameters for imagery acquisition and processing, but it is unclear how these individual decisions or their combinations impact the quality of the resulting forest inventories.

We collected and processed drone imagery of a moderate‐density, structurally complex mixed‐conifer stand. We tested 22 imagery collection methods (altering flight altitude, camera pitch and image overlap), 12 imagery processing parameterizations (image resolutions and depth map filtering intensities) and 286 tree detection methods (algorithms and their parameterizations) to create 7,568 tree maps. We compared these maps to a 3.23‐ha ground reference map of 1,775 trees >5 m tall that we created using traditional field survey methods.

The accuracy of individual tree detection (ITD) and the resulting tree maps was generally maximized by collecting imagery at high altitude (120 m) with at least 90% image‐to‐image overlap, photogrammetrically processing images into a canopy height model (CHM) with a twofold upscaling (coarsening) step and detecting trees from the CHM using a variable window filter after applying a moving window mean smooth to the CHM. Using this combination of methods, we mapped trees with an accuracy exceeding expectations for structurally complex forests (for canopy‐dominant trees >10 m tall, sensitivity = 0.69 and precision = 0.90). Remotely measured tree heights corresponded to ground‐measured heights with R2 = 0.95. Accuracy was higher for taller trees and lower for understorey trees and would likely be higher in less dense and less structurally complex stands.

Our results may guide others wishing to efficiently produce broad‐extent individual tree maps of conifer forests without investing substantial time tailoring imagery acquisition and processing parameters. The resulting tree maps create opportunities for addressing previously intractable ecological questions and informing forest management.
Specific metabolic syndrome components predict cognition and social functioning in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and severe mental disorders
Authors: Sánchez‐Ortí Joan Vicent , Balanzá‐Martínez Vicent , Correa‐Ghisays Patricia , Selva‐Vera Gabriel , Vila‐Francés Joan , Magdalena‐Benedito Rafael , San‐Martin Constanza , Victor Víctor M. , Escribano‐Lopez Irene , Hernández‐Mijares Antonio , Vivas‐Lalinde Juliana , Crespo‐Facorro Benedicto , Tabarés‐Seisdedos Rafael
Published: March 2022

Objective

Obesity and metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) are more prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ). MetS components might be associated with neurocognitive and functional impairments in these individuals. The predictive and discriminatory validity of MetS and its components regarding those outcomes were assessed from prospective and transdiagnostic perspectives.

Methods

Metabolic syndrome components and neurocognitive and social functioning were assessed in 165 subjects, including 30 with SZ, 42 with BD, 35 with MDD, 30 with T2DM, and 28 healthy controls (HCs). A posteriori, individuals were classified into two groups. The MetS group consisted of those who met at least three of the following criteria: abdominal obesity (AO), elevated triglycerides (TG), reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), elevated blood pressure (BP), and elevated fasting glucose (FPG); the remaining participants comprised the No‐MetS group. Mixed one‐way analysis of covariance and linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Cognitive impairment was significantly greater in the MetS group (n = 82) than in the No‐MetS group (n = 83), with small effect sizes (p < 0.05; η²p = 0.02 – 0.03). In both groups, the most robust associations between MetS components and neurocognitive and social functioning were observed with TG and FPG (p < 0.05). There was also evidence for a significant relationship between cognition and BP in the MetS group (p < 0.05). The combination of TG, FPG, elevated systolic BP and HDL best classified individuals with greater cognitive impairment (p < 0.001), and TG was the most accurate (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Specific MetS components are significantly associated with cognitive impairment across somatic and psychiatric disorders. Our findings provide further evidence on the summative effect of MetS components to predict cognition and social functioning and allow the identification of individuals with worse outcomes. Transdiagnostic, lifestyle‐based therapeutic interventions targeted at that group hold the potential to improve health outcomes.
Comparison of two‐stage and three‐stage surgery for obstructing left‐sided colon cancer
Authors: Lin Yu‐Zu , Cheng Hou‐Hsuan , Huang Sheng‐Chieh , Chang Shih‐Ching , Lan Yuan‐Tzu
Published: March 2022

Background

Whether the timing of stoma reversal after emergency diversion for obstructive left‐sided colon cancer affects patient outcomes is unknown. Our study compared the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of two‐ and three‐stage operations for obstructive left‐sided colon cancer.

Methods

Patients with obstructive left‐sided colon cancer who underwent staged resection at a referral hospital between January 2002 and December 2015 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics and outcomes were analysed and compared between the two groups. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 191 patients were reviewed. The overall complication rate was higher for two‐stage surgery than for three‐stage surgery (57.1% versus 36.0%, p < 0.01). Surgical site infection and/or wound dehiscence were the most common complications. Other complications, including anastomotic leakage, ileus, and bowel obstruction, were not significantly different between the two groups. The five‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival in stage II and III patients were comparable.

Conclusion

Among patients with obstructive left‐sided colon cancer who underwent staged resection, two‐stage surgery was associated with a higher complication rate, especially for surgical site infection and/or wound dehiscence, which could be managed by local treatment. The timing of stoma reversal was not associated with survival differences in patients with stage II and III disease. However, issues such as the location of the tumour and diverting stoma, along with the need to resect other upper abdominal organs, should all be considered when deciding between two‐ and three‐stage surgeries.
Effectiveness and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Bhurwal Abhishek , Mutneja Hemant , Bansal Vikas , Goel Akshay , Arora Shilpa , Attar Bashar , Minacapelli Carlos D. , Kochhar Gursimran , Chen Lea Ann , Brant Steve , Seril Darren
Published: March 2022

Introduction

There are concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. This systematic review and meta‐analysis comprehensively summarises the available literature regarding the safety and effectiveness of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in IBD.

Methods

Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles describing the response of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in patients with IBD. Primary outcomes were (1) pooled seroconversion rate SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in IBD patients (2) comparison of breakthrough COVID‐19 infection rate SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in IBD patients with control cohort and (3) pooled adverse event rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. All outcomes were evaluated for one and two doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. Meta‐regression was performed. Probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Egger’s test.

Results

Twenty‐one studies yielded a pooled seroconversion rate of 73.7% and 96.8% in IBD patients after one and two doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine respectively. Sub‐group analysis revealed non‐statistically significant differences between different immunosuppressive regimens for seroconversion. Meta‐regression revealed that the vaccine type and study location independently influenced seroconversion rates. There was no statistically significant difference in breakthrough infection in IBD patients as compared to control after vaccination.

Conclusion

In summary, the systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine is safe and effective in IBD patients.
Medium‐Term growth effects of Disasters‐Empirical analysis based on provincial panel data in China
Authors: Guo Jing , Liu Wei , Sun Qiping , Zhou Yiqun , Wu Yonggang
Published: March 2022

Based on a panel of 31 provinces and cities from 1990 to 2019, we first conduct an empirical analysis using the maximum likelihood (ML) procedure to examine the effects of various disasters (i.e. droughts, floods, earthquakes, storms, typhoons and low and freezing temperatures) on the medium‐term economic growth of China and its three economic regions (i.e. the eastern, central and western regions). We identify the transmission channels through which these disasters affect economic growth by investigating the medium‐term relationships among disasters, capital accumulation, human capital accumulation and total factor productivity. The interprovincial empirical analysis demonstrates that the effects differ across the economic regions. Thus, disasters affect economic growth through different channels but mainly through capital stock. Further research indicates that the growth effect of disasters largely benefits from Chinese government expenditures on disaster relief.
Associative effects of ensiling mixtures of sweet sorghum and korshinsk pea shrub on fermentation quality, chemical composition, and in vitro rumen digestion characteristics
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Li Yuan , Liu Guibo , Gao Run , Bao Jinze , Wang Lei , Wu Zhe , Yu Zhu
Published: March 2022

Silages processed with gramineous grass and wood feed mixtures may have positive associative effects on silage quality and animal performance when ruminants are fed those silages. The present study was conducted to evaluate the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and in vitro rumen digestion characteristics of silages produced with mixtures of sweet sorghum (SS) and korshinsk pea shrub (KP) in six different ratios of fresh weights: 100:0 (0%KP), 80:20 (20%KP), 60:40 (40%KP), 40:60 (60%KP), 20:80 (80%KP), and 0:100 (100%KP). As the proportion of KP increased in the silages, the contents of lactic acid, acetic acid, starch, total phenolics, hydrolysable tannins, and condensed tannins decreased (p < 0.05), while the pH value and the contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ether extract, crude protein, and ash increased (p < 0.05). The silages were evaluated in 48 h incubations with rumen liquor. The in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility, and in vitro gas production decreased as the proportion of KP increased (p < 0.05). This study suggests that ensiling SS–KP at a ratio of 80:20 is a practical method for preserving such low‐DM forages (SS) and that these silage mixtures offer an opportunity to optimize the nutrient supply for ruminant production.
Poverty, noncommunicable diseases, and perceived health risks among older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic in urban Thailand
Authors: Pothisiri Wiraporn , Vicerra Paolo Miguel Manalang , Buathong Thananon
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had negative impacts on vulnerable populations worldwide. This study aimed to examine the association between the health worries of urban older people in Thailand and covariates related to income and non‐income poverty, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and metabolic risk factors (MRFs). The study utilized the 2021 Survey on Housing and Support Services for Poor Older Adults, which sampled lower‐income urban adults aged at least 55 years from five national regions. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationships of NCDs and MRFs with the covariates. Then, binary logistic regression was used to analyze outcomes of perceived health risks including becoming infected with COVID‐19, declining health status, and being unable to access health care. Higher educational attainment and income levels were observed to be negatively correlated with worse health status and the inability to access health care. Subjective household crowding consistently had a positive association with the three health concerns. Having MRFs was related only to concerns about health status and access to health care during the pandemic. Welfare and health policies need to improve their responsiveness to the needs of the older population, especially for protection from socioeconomic shocks such as those seen with the current pandemic.
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure–response of anti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 monoclonal antibody dostarlimab in advanced solid tumours
Authors: Melhem Murad , Hanze Eva , Lu Sharon , Alskär Oskar , Visser Sandra , Gandhi Yash
Published: March 2022

Aim

Develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model to characterise the pharmacokinetics (PK) of anti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) antibody dostarlimab, identify covariates of clinical relevance, and investigate efficacy/safety exposure–response (ER) relationships.

Methods

A PopPK model was developed using Phase 1 GARNET (NCT02715284) trial data for dostarlimab (1, 3 or 10 mg kg−1 every 2 wk; 500 mg every 3 wk or 1000 mg every 6 wk; 500 mg every 3 wk × 4 then 1000 mg every 6 wk [recommended regimen]) serum concentrations over time. Concentration–time data were analysed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling with standard stepwise covariate modelling. ER was explored for treatment‐related adverse events and overall response rate (ORR) using logistic regression.

Results

PopPK model/adverse event ER analyses included 546 patients (ORR ER analysis n = 362). Dostarlimab PK was well described by a 2‐compartment model with time‐dependent linear elimination. Time‐dependent clearance decreased over time to a maximum of 14.9%. At steady state, estimated dostarlimab geometric mean coefficient of variation % clearance was 0.179 (30.2%) L d−1; volume of distribution was 5.3 (14.2%) L; terminal elimination half‐life was 23.5 (22.4%) days. Statistically significant covariates were age, body weight, sex, time‐varying albumin and alanine aminotransferase for clearance; body weight, albumin and sex for volume of distribution of the central compartment. Hepatic or renal impairment did not affect PK. There were no clinically significant ER relationships.

Conclusion

Dostarlimab PK parameters are similar to other anti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 antibodies. The clinical impact of covariates on exposure was limited‐to‐moderate, supporting recommended dostarlimab monotherapy therapeutic dosing.
Maternal factors associated with interbirth intervals in Australia: Results from a population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Mishra Gita D. , Baneshi Mohammad Reza , Dobson Annette J. , Tooth Leigh R.
Published: March 2022

Background and objective

Short and long intervals between successive births are associated with adverse birth outcomes, especially in low‐income and middle‐income countries, yet the birth intervals in high‐income countries remain relatively understudied. The aim was to examine maternal factors associated with birth intervals in Australia.

Methods

The sample comprised 6130 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who were born in 1973‐1978, had two or more births, and responded to regular surveys between 1996 and 2018. Interbirth interval (IBI) was defined as the time between successive live births. Maternal factors were examined using accelerated failure time models.

Results

For women with only two births (n = 3802), the median time to the second birth was 34.0 months (IQR 23.1, 46.2) with shorter IBI associated with higher socioeconomic status (eg, university education (31.9 months), less income stress (31.1)), and longer IBI associated with age over 35 (39.7), fair/poor health (43.0), untreated fertility problems (45.5), miscarriage (39.4), or abortion (41.0). For women with three or more births (n = 2328), the median times to the second and third births were 31.2 months (19.9, 42.1) and 36.5 months (25.3, 50.1), respectively; some factors were consistent between the first IBI and second IBI (eg, university education and being married were associated with shorter IBI), whereas income stress was associated with longer first IBI but not with second IBI.

Conclusions

Understanding maternal factors associated with birth intervals in a high‐income country like Australia may enable more nuanced tailoring of guidelines for prepregnancy care.
Short flowers for long tongues: Functional specialization in a nocturnal pollination network of an asclepiad in long‐tongued hawkmoths
Authors: Amorim Felipe W. , Marino Salvador , Sanz‐Veiga Priscila Andre , Ollerton Jeff , Oliveira Paulo Eugênio
Published: March 2022

Since Darwin, very long and narrow floral tubes have been known to represent the main floral morphological feature for specialized long‐tongued hawkmoth pollination. However, specialization may be driven by other contrivances instead of floral tube morphology. Asclepiads are plants with a complex floral morphology where primary hawkmoth pollination had never been described. We detailed here the intricate pollination mechanism of the South American asclepiad Schubertia grandiflora, where functional specialization on long‐tongued hawkmoth pollinators occurs despite the short floral tube of this species. We studied two plant populations in the Brazilian Cerrado and recorded floral visitors using different approaches, such as light‐trapped hawkmoths for pollen analysis, direct field observations, and IR motion‐activated cameras. Finally, using a community‐level approach we applied an ecological network analysis to identify the realized pollinator niche of S. grandiflora among the available niches in the pollinator community. Throughout a period of 17 years, long‐tongued hawkmoths were consistently recorded as the main floral visitors and the only effective pollinators of S. grandiflora. Flowers rely on highly modified corona and gynostegium, and enlarged nectar chambers, to drive visitors and pollination mechanism. Despite its relative short‐tube, network analysis placed S. grandiflora in the module including exclusively long‐tongued hawkmoth pollinators and the most phenotypically specialized sphingophilous plants in the community. These results represent the first example of functional specialization in long‐tongued hawkmoths in an asclepiad species. However, this specialization is uncoupled from the long floral tubes historically associated with the sphingophily syndrome.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.