bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality evaluation of gluten-free flat bread prepared by using rice and millet flour
Authors: Omran Azza A. , Mahgoub Saad A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Due to the need and interest of gluten-free products for celiac disease (CD) patients, the study aims to estimate the effect of the substitution of rice flour with millet flour in the presence of sweet lupin and sweet potato powder in gluten-free blends and the impact of the produced blends on gluten-free flat bread quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven gluten-free blends (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 and B7) were prepared with different percentages of rice flour (50–80%) and millet flour (5–35%), 10% sweet lupin and 5% sweet potato powder. Physicochemical analysis and particle size of gluten-free blends were evaluated. The resulted gluten-free bread samples were analyzed for chemical composition, color parameters and staling as well as sensory evaluation.

Findings

Results indicated that substitution of rice flour with millet flour increased protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, calcium, zinc and iron contents of flour blends, while total carbohydrates content, water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC), bulk density, L*, a* and b* values were decreased with increasing millet flour substitution. In addition, substitution with millet flour significantly increased (p < 0.05) protein, fat, ash and crude fiber contents and affected color parameters and staling of produced bread.

Research limitations/implications

As a researchers, the authors need more statistical data about type, needs, age and numbers of CD patients in worldwide and in Egypt to create a specific products for each of them. Besides, the collaboration between researchers, breeders, nutritionist and food manufactures are very vital to add new gluten-free crops.

Practical implications

New gluten-free products will be launched in markets with affordable price.

Social implications

The children with CD, especially Egyptians suffer from a shortage of varied, inexpensive and suitable gluten-free bread to achieve their needs. So the current work may help them to be satisfied.

Originality/value

Rice flour could be substituted up to 10% with millet flour without adverse effect on the sensory attributes of gluten-free bread and this may assist CD patients to discover a diversity of gluten-free blends.
Stimulating frugal innovation via information technology resources, knowledge sources and market turbulence: a mediation-moderation approach
Authors: Usman Shehzad Muhammad , Zhang Jianhua , Le Phong Ba , Jamil Khalid , Cao Ziao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Given the importance of frugal innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in developing countries, this study aims to explore the role of IT resources on frugal innovation through the mediating roles of knowledge sources and to what extent the relationship between sources of knowledge and frugal innovation is strengthened or weakened under the moderating effects of market turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study. Data were gathered from 355 SME employees of Pakistan through a questionnaire survey; the variance-based PLS-SEM approach was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Findings reveal the significant impacts of IT resources on different aspects of frugal innovation, namely, frugal functionality (FF), frugal cost (FC) and frugal ecosystem (FE). Moreover, the paper highlights the mediating roles of sources of knowledge in the relationship between IT resources and frugal innovation in frugal functionality and frugal cost. Findings also revealed that the moderation of market turbulence strengthens the effects of sources of knowledge on frugal functionality and ecosystem, but surprisingly weakens the relationship between sources of knowledge and frugal cost.

Research limitations/implications

To bring a deeper understanding of the significant role of IT and knowledge sources, future research should examine the potential moderating role of environmental factors or perceived organizational support or mediating role of knowledge management processes in the relationship between IT resources and frugal innovation.

Practical implications

The paper provides a valuable understanding and novel approach for directors of SMEs in developing countries to improve their frugal innovation capability through IT and knowledge resources.

Originality/value

This study contributes to bridging research gaps in the literature and advances how IT resources, directly and indirectly, help firms improve frugal innovation capability via mediating roles of sources of knowledge.
Cross-national differences in mobile learning adoption during COVID-19
Authors: Alzaidi Maram Saeed , Shehawy Yasser Moustafa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation; nevertheless, universities will proceed throughout this trying period with the assistance of technology. As such, this paper seeks to develop a conceptual framework to investigate the continued intentions of students to use mobile learning during COVID-19 under different cultural contexts expanding upon the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM) under different cultural contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The suggested model is empirically tested with 1,206 students from different universities in three societies (i.e. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UK) using SEM/PLS.

Findings

Performance expectancy, satisfaction, social influence, facilitating conditions and instructors' competencies positively influence students' continued intentions to use mobile learning. In addition, the findings of the current research indicate that student's isolation negatively impact the continuous usage behavior. Furthermore, the findings indicated that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is insufficient in capturing the heterogeneity of students' intentions to use mobile learning across countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that has been conducted to understand the main determinants of students' continued intentions to use mobile learning under different cultural contexts.
Facility engineering staff benchmarking for workforce modeling at veterans health administration
Authors: Call Steven , Smithwick Jake , Sullivan Kenneth
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to organize and compare benchmark information gathered during the development of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) consensus report Facilities Staffing Requirements for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) – Resource Planning and Methodology for the Future and other publicly available facility engineering staffing benchmarks and rules-of-thumb information.

Design/methodology/approach

Presentations and transcripts were reviewed to identify pertinent facility engineering staffing benchmarks discussed in meetings and workshops held by the Committee on Facilities Staffing Requirements for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) while developing the NASEM consensus report: Facilities Staffing Requirements for VHA – Resource Planning and Methodology for the Future. Researchers also collected and reviewed sources not evaluated in the NASEM consensus report.

Findings

Compared to publicly available benchmarks for FE staffing, the VHA’s FE staffing levels are slightly higher. However, caution should be used when referencing these public benchmarks for the purpose of implementing a staffing model at the VHA. It is difficult to fairly compare VHA and publicly available FE staffing benchmarks because there can be large differences even between public benchmarks regarding similar work units. Other factors, such as average facility size, age and department structure can also vary, making it problematic to assume that these benchmarks are appropriate for the VHA’s unique facility conditions.

Originality/value

The findings can be used as a point of reference by VHA and other health-care systems for implementing staff modeling for the built environment workforce to support workforce planning and benchmarking.
Developing a basic pattern for a design based on the comparison of four basic pattern approaches
Authors: Isaji Ayumi , Kim KyoungOk , Takatera Masayuki
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The authors investigate the effects of four basic bodice pattern shapes and developing methods on the appearances of ladies' fitted bodice design. The authors also clarify the preferred appearance among the four ladies' fitted bodice design as reported by Japanese university students and propose a pattern developing method of the preferred bodice design using the four basic bodices.

Design/methodology/approach

Targeting a ladies' fitted bodice design with designated dimensions, four ladies' fitted bodices were manufactured using four types of basic bodice pattern and their development methods: BUNKA from Japan, ESMOD from France, ARMSTRONG from the United States, and ALDRICH from the United Kingdom. The appearances of the four fitted bodices were observed and explained in terms of ease and darts. The authors also conducted a sensory test regarding the preferred shirt appearance adopting a semantical difference method, for 15 female Japanese university students in their twenties. The authors propose a pattern developing method to design the preferred fitted bodice shape using different basic bodices considering the amount and allocation of ease and size and allocation of darts to front and back of the bodice.

Findings

The appearances of the bodices were different even for the same fitted bodice design depending on the type of basic bodice pattern and its developing method. BUNKA had a slightly constricted silhouette at the waist and ESMOD had a straight silhouette and less constriction. ARMSTRONG had the most constricted silhouette and rounded hips and ALDRICH had a slightly constricted curve from the bust to the hips. The shape differences were strongly related to the amount of ease and the difference in waist darts between front and back of the bodice. The Japanese participants preferred fitted bodices that have a constricted silhouette from front and back views. From the side view, a straight line at the front and a constricted shape and emphasized hip at the back silhouette were preferred. By adjusting the allocations of ease and waist darts to front and back of the bodice, it was possible to design the preferred fitted bodice shape even with different basic pattern.

Originality/value

It was found that the basic bodice pattern and developing method affect the final clothing. It is necessary to adjust the allocation of ease and darts to front and back of the bodice to construct clothing using different patternmaking methods. It was shown that it is more important to consider the patternmaking method than to select a suitable basic bodice pattern. It is necessary to understand the characteristics of allocation and amount of ease and the allocation and size of waist darts in both the basic patternmaking method and developing method. This approach is also useful in making an article of clothing with a shape required in other countries.
Leadership and information dissemination: challenges and opportunities in COVID-19
Authors: Pounder Paul
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore leadership and information dissemination during a crisis like COVID-19. The article reviews the information produced and published during the crisis. The author proposes a typology of information and categorizes messages based on their contextualization within the Caribbean environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is developed around three main stages: a review of literature on leadership and information dissemination; synthesis of information to inform the typology; and discussion of the information reflecting the interplay between leadership and information dissemination.

Findings

The literature shows a legacy of deceit that dominates the history of healthcare for Blacks and Caribbean people. This heritage has helped to fashion individual attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean. The research also highlights that in addressing the several typologies of information, varying leadership styles came to bare. The democratic leadership style was the most dominant among the Caribbean countries, while some illustrations of autocratic leadership were visible. Other leadership facets and traits fashion responses by the leaders in managing information dissemination during the crisis. The paper also observes a triangular system of information which highlights where influences exist between relationships (governments, media/NGOs and society) and how such relationships lend to shaping the behavior of others.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations on the research are based on the author's philosophy and interpretation. In addition, much of the information surrounding COVID-19 is novel and hence difficult to fact-check because of the unique nature of COVID-19.

Practical implications

This paper provides a better understanding of the typology of information during a crisis like COVID-19. The discussion on leveraging leadership strategy and competencies for dissemination of information during a crisis provides an optimistic perspective to guide leaders in managing information dissemination during a crisis.

Social implications

The typology is helpful in delineating the way society interprets information based on other crisis. It also helps with assessing the leadership styles and understanding potential tailor-made strategies.

Originality/value

The development of an information typology that provides insight into the influence that historical perspectives give to interpreting information in a health crisis in a Caribbean context. The research also looks at the strategies pursued by Caribbean leaders as they adopt novel and promising techniques to communicate during a crisis.
Aligning the risk hedging strategy with supplier collaboration and manufacturing competitiveness: a resource-based and contingency approach
Authors: Myamba Benitha Mhoka , Nguni Winnie Samwel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the alignment between the risk hedging strategy and supplier collaboration and its effect on manufacturing competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the resource-based view (RBV) and contingency theory (CT), this study is guided by a positivist philosophy and employs a survey strategy to investigate both the direct relationship between the risk hedging strategy and manufacturing competitiveness and the moderating role of supplier collaboration using data collected from 397 respondents of manufacturing firms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique is used to analyze collected data and to present the research findings.

Findings

Consistent with the RBV and CT, study findings indicate that a significant positive relationship exists between the risk hedging strategy and manufacturing competitiveness and that this relationship becomes stronger when supplier collaboration is interactively aligned. Study findings provide important insights on the role of the risk hedging strategy in promoting manufacturing competitiveness. Furthermore, supplier collaboration as a moderator accounts for a significant proportion of the relationship between the risk hedging strategy and manufacturing competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Internal resources provide an explanation of the competitive differences among firms employing the risk hedging strategy. However, the environment presents opportunities for firms to acquire additional resources to fulfil the unique collaborative requirements of the risk hedging strategy. This study has used the moderation perspective to explain the interaction between the risk hedging strategy and supplier collaboration and its effect on manufacturing competitiveness. Future studies could incorporate other alignment concepts such as mediation and systems approach and compare the results to improve the theory.

Originality/value

This study can be considered as its kind in the supply chain management literature and both practitioners and researchers can benefit from the experience of resource-based and contingency analysis research and the results of aligning the risk hedging strategy with supplier collaboration for higher levels of manufacturing competitiveness.
The evolution of quality: from inspection to quality 4.0
Authors: Broday Evandro Eduardo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Quality has undergone several transformations over the past decades. From the inspection to total quality management (TQM), some tools have been created to improve the performance of industrial processes and services, such as control charts and Pareto’s diagram. Now, the fourth industrial revolution (4th IR), Industry 4.0, has become part of the routine of organizations and people. The purpose of this paper is to verify how traditional quality concepts are being adapted within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

As the term “Quality 4.0” is still recent, this research aimed to conduct a literature review on the topic by using the systematic literature review method called Bibliometrix. Through the combination of keywords, 116 papers were found. After eliminating the repeated papers, an analysis was made with the remaining 104 papers, presenting the sources of publication, period of publication, countries, among other characteristics. Finally, a more detailed analysis of the 10 most recent papers published in journals was performed.

Findings

The main results of this research are: publications on the topic have increased significantly from 2013, mainly in journals and conference papers; the most important elements connected with Quality 4.0 are Quality Management and Industry 4.0; there is not yet a universal definition for Quality 4.0; however, it seems that digital tools can be used to improve the performance of processes; one can expect a natural evolution from TQM to Quality 4.0, not replacing the traditional quality methods; activities inside organizations will be faster and smarter, due to the use of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with traditional quality methods.

Originality/value

Identifying new approaches and gaps for quality research may improve the development of new concepts and tools.
Designing a quality scorecard (QSC) for system integration in the era of Industry 4.0
Authors: Roh Hye Young , Ali Shujaat , Song Hojun , Shin Wan Seon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the criteria to measure and manage a software project’s quality indicator elements needed to implement system integration in the Industry 4.0 era.

Design/methodology/approach

The standard software process model SPICE: a crucial part of the system integration software development process, is analyzed to explore how the factors of the SPICE model rate qualitatively on the quality scorecard (QSC). QSC is a qualitative performance measurement model based on the cost of quality (COQ) perspective. The SPICE model’s effectiveness is examined in terms of system integration (SI) quality, and factors for improving this quality are determined.

Findings

The authors proposed future directions for improving SI management. The seven SPICE process groups were analyzed comparatively by matching them to the QSC. The SPICE model was found to achieve 63% with the required factors in QSC. Also, the uncommitted items indicated need to be considered for additional management in SI quality.

Practical implications

Since SPICE is revised every five years, it is suggested from this study that diagnosing the assessment items from the COQ perspective using QSC is one strategy to quickly enhance the quality of SI management in this rapidly changing technology revolution.

Originality/value

This research is the first study of its kind, proposing a methodology for adapting quickly to the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s changes and showing how the standards have changed the SPICE model over time.
A numerical study on the influence of minimum quantity lubrication parameters on spray characteristics of rapeseed oil as cutting fluid
Authors: Subramani Sivakumar , Nantha Muthu Sivaram , Gajbhiye Narendra Laxman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze spray characteristics of rapeseed oil as a cutting fluid in minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) through numerical simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used in this numerical study. The Eulerian–Lagrangian approach was used in this simulation to project trajectories of the droplets as the cutting fluid is dispersed into a continuous phase, i.e. air. The spray characteristics of the multiphase fluids were obtained numerically using the discrete phase model (DPM).

Findings

The spray characteristics such as particle diameter and velocity were obtained for various pressure level, flow rate and nozzle diameter. The particle diameter decreased with increased pressure, whereas the velocity increased with increased pressure, flow rate and nozzle diameter. The changes in particle diameter are insignificant with respect to flow rate and nozzle diameter. DPM is an effective tool for machining processes to determine the behaviour of different cutting fluids under the MQL system.

Originality/value

In this study, the droplet and velocity distribution of vegetable oil, i.e. rapeseed oil, was investigated at the different air pressure, flow rate and nozzle diameter. This study will give insight for the manufacturer to select the better MQL system parameters to reduce the cost, time of machining processes and enhance the sustainability of the process.
Improving base-of-the-pyramid consumer welfare through mobile technology services
Authors: Pandey Devansh , Mukherjee Srabanti , Das Gopal , Zhang Jonathan Z.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Recent development and democratization of digital technologies call for studying base-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers’ interactions with these technologies. This study aims to explore how BOP consumers interact with mobile information and communication technology (mICT) and improve their welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an extensive literature review, content analysis of the reviewed articles and reports was conducted to build this article’s conceptual foundation.

Findings

This study has conceptualized five mechanisms in which mICT improves the lives of BOP customers through enhanced access and control of resources. In particular, the authors characterize a converging nature of mICT and related applications (social media, internet of things, artificial intelligence and sharing economy) as resources for social change. The authors find a striking contrast between BOP and affluent consumers regarding their motivations and barriers to adopting mICT-based applications. Implications to research, technology design and policymaking are discussed.

Originality/value

The intersection of mICT and BOP is under-researched. With this paper, we tried to address this research gap. Further, this study has brought out several important research questions in each application, serving as a springboard for future researchers.
A brief overview of recently launched digital libraries of India
Authors: Das Anup Kumar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper evaluates the different digital libraries (DLs) in India developed in the past two decades. These DLs help advance scholarship and facilitate the reading habits of their users. Many of these DLs have a rich collection of vernacular literature depicting India’s diverse cultural heritages and traditions. DLs in India also help in outreaching global researchers and knowledge seekers. Many diaspora communities use these DLs frequently and other stakeholders such as the international scholars interested in Indic civilization. This paper finally suggests a way forward to make operational DL initiatives discoverable to humans and machines with the adaptation of FAIR principles that make e-resources findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable for their discovery beyond respective DL portals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a desk survey of DL initiatives in India. Their salient features are obtained from their respective Web portals and social media profiles.

Findings

This study identified twelve operational DL initiatives in India. Out of them, the newest five DL initiatives are described in this paper.

Originality/value

This study reflects original findings on the newest five DL initiatives of India. These findings were not earlier reported in a journal article.
Driving competitiveness with RFID-enabled digital twin: case study from a global manufacturing firm’s supply chain
Authors: Voipio Ville , Elfvengren Kalle , Korpela Jukka , Vilko Jyri
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The digital twin (DT) has become a heated topic among supply chain and information technology practitioners. While many papers in this area focus on technical tactics and learnings, this research paper aims to evaluate its business implications. According to literature, it has also been a weakly covered topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted as a single case study, in which the impact of radio-frequency identification–enabled DT was quantified from the business benefits perspective. The evaluation was carried out using a framework model developed for the assessment identifying key contribution areas and the dynamics explaining how the benefits are expected to land on a business level.

Findings

Implementation of the DT was calculated to provide a significant supply chain performance improvement. The main contributor in the immediate benefits was the reduction in supply chain costs, in person-hours. However, the product availability improvement was conservatively considered in the evaluation, and thus, this paper estimates that it, together with higher cognition tools, constitutes the main financial return in the long run showing in the topline improvement. This paper suggests that the shift to DT can be generally limited by the cost savings perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies released on the business impact of the cutting-edge technical solution area of the DT in supply chain management. In practice, businesses require an understanding of the business implications to decide on the investments in this area; thus, it is a critical part of the discussion.
Research on structural performance evolution of clay based on distribution force model
Authors: Wang You , Ma Tingting , Ren Jialin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the variation law between the clay microstructure and macro external force by using soil scanning electron microscope (SEM) images.

Design/methodology/approach

First, SEM images of clay were pre-processed by MATLAB, and quantitative statistical parameters such as directional probability entropy, fractal dimension and shape factor are extracted. Second, the distribution force model was proposed, considering that the microscopic parameters of soil particles were independent of each other, and the distribution coefficient was determined according to the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, the fitted formula of quantitative statistical parameters based on the distribution force model was obtained by taking the macroscopic distribution force as independent variable and the microscopic parameters of soil particles as dependent variable. Finally, the correctness of corresponding fitting formula was verified.

Findings

The results showed that the change of external consolidation pressure has great influence on the directional probability entropy and fractal dimension, while the shape factor reflecting the regular degree of soil particle shape is less sensitive to the consolidation pressure. The fitting formula has high accuracy, and mostly the R value can reach more than 0.9. All the data have passed the test, which proves that the distribution force model proposed in this paper is rational.

Originality/value

The model can be used to connect the macroscopic stress of soil with the micro-structure deformation of soil particles through mathematical formula, which can provide reference for engineering practice.
Isolate and SEAL: two steps to designing an innovative and potent business model
Authors: Chatterjee Sayan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

A systematic and repeatable process – Isolate and SEAL – can enable strategists to identify such potentially game-changing operational actions that will support significant business model innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

The end-to-end Isolate and SEAL process can be demonstrated using a historical review of the emergent strategy that produced the highly successful business model of Southwest Airlines.

Findings

Instead of trying to decide “what to do” to create an operational advantage, businesses attempting to innovate should first identify the core objective that operationalizes the winning profit logic.

Practical implications

Southwest fortuitously discovered its innovative profit logic when … Kelleher’ had to exhort his team to figure out how to deliver a four-plane schedule with three planes.

Originality/value

The potenrially game-changing two-step process: 10; Step 1 – Isolate: split the value chain’s elements into its component parts. 10; Step 2 – SEAL: Reconstruct the value chain using the four actions that effectively deliver the core objectives (Shift in space and time, Eliminate, Alter/Add, Leverage). 10;
Historic architecture in tourism consumption
Authors: Yabanci Orhan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Historic architecture is one of the most prevalent human-made attractions and image attributes that the tourism industry substantially benefits from. Moreover, this attraction creates a critical value in augmenting destination competitiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss historic architecture in relation to guest experience and to find out if historic buildings used as hotels are, physically, elements of attraction. The findings reveal that historic buildings used as hotels have a specific potential in attracting guests, and these buildings are mainly considered positive by guests. Hotel guests are satisfied by the physical – i.e., architectural and atmospheric – features of hotels serving in historic buildings. This paper will help readers rethink how historic architecture plays a key role in tourism consumption. The paper uniquely seeks to delve into the potential of historic hotel buildings as elements of attraction by examining over 9.8 thousand comments of hotel guests.
Attending to child agency in paediatric palliative care consultations: Adults’ use of tag questions directed to the child
Authors: Ekberg Katie , Ekberg Stuart , Weinglass Lara , Herbert Anthony , Rendle‐Short Johanna , Bluebond‐Langner Myra , Yates Patsy , Bradford Natalie , Danby Susan
Published: January 2022

Children's agency in their own lives is increasingly recognised as important, including within paediatric health care. The issue of acknowledging child agency is complex in the context of paediatric palliative care, where children have serious and complex conditions that often impact their ability to verbally communicate with others. This study explores how clinicians and parents/guardians direct talk towards a child patient when they are present in a consultation. Conversation analysis methods were used to examine 74 video‐recorded paediatric palliative care consultations. Detailed turn‐by‐turn examination of the recorded consultations identified the recurrent use of a practice described by linguists as a ‘tag question’, which follows some statement (e.g. ‘he loves that, don't ya’). Both clinicians and parents/guardians often directed these tag questions towards the child patient. Analysis demonstrated how these tag questions: (1) validated the child's epistemic authority over what was being said and (2) made a child's response a possible, but not necessary, next action. The findings are discussed in relation to the sociology of child agency and how this agency is acknowledged and displayed within and through social interaction. This research provides direct evidence of children's competence as informants about their own symptoms.
Comparative analysis of histone H3K27me3 modifications between blastocysts and somatic tissues in cattle
Authors: Yamazaki Satomi , Ikeda Shuntaro , Minami Naojiro
Published: January 2022

Epigenetic modifications established in the early developmental stages can have long‐term consequences throughout life. This concept encompasses the possibility of controlling livestock health and diseases by epigenetic regulation during early development. To explore the candidates of epigenetic modifications in early embryos that might exert long‐lasting effects in adulthood, we aimed to obtain genome‐wide histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) profiles of bovine blastocysts and compare these data with those from adult somatic tissues in order to extract common and typical features between them. Bovine blastocysts were produced in vitro and subjected to chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing analysis of H3K27me3. Comparative analysis of the blastocyst‐derived H3K27me3 profile performed using publicly available data from adult muscle, fat, and liver tissues revealed that (1) blastocyst‐specific modifications against somatic tissues were enriched in immune function‐related genes, (2) somatic modifications “sieved” by blastocyst modifications were enriched in biological processes in tissue‐specific trends, (3) the modifications common in blastocyst and each somatic tissue were largely overlapped and enriched in developmentally important genes, including homeobox and imprinted genes. The results of this study produced a genome‐wide H3K27me3 profile of bovine blastocysts and revealed its common and typical features in relation to the profiles of adult somatic tissues.
Brentuximab‐induced splinter nail haemorrhages in a patient with Sézary syndrome: A case report
Authors: Filipovic Nika , Likic Robert , Bulat Vedrana , Gašparov Slavko , Delas Azdajic Marija
Published: January 2022

Sézary syndrome is a systemic variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma characterized by erythroderma, lymphadenopathy and circulating atypical lymphocytes (Sézary cells). It may present with nonspecific lesions on multiple digits. We describe an atypical case of brentuximab‐induced splinter nail haemorrhages in a patient with Sézary syndrome, associated with a poor prognosis during follow‐up. Concomitantly with the appearance of nail lesions, significant lymphocytosis was detected as well as infiltration of bone marrow and nail matrices. The lesions followed a precise sequence, which can be traced back to the monthly application of brentuximab and its direct cytotoxic effect on CD30+ T lymphocytes in the nail matrix. Brentuximab‐induced nail lesions might be associated with decreased efficacy of brentuximab in this patient with advanced cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma.
Is social origin, destination or mobility what matters to adult self‐rated oral health?
Authors: Miranda Gabriela , Bernabé Eduardo , Delgado‐Angulo Elsa Karina
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the independent contributions of parental socioeconomic position (SEP), own SEP and social mobility to explain adult self‐rated oral health.

Methods

Data from 6633 participants in the 1970 British Cohort Study were analysed. Parental SEP at the age of 10 years (social origin) and own SEP at the age of 46 years (social destination) were indicated by the 7‐class National Statistics Socioeconomic Classification (NS‐SEC). The study outcome was self‐rated oral health (SROH) at the age of 46 years. Diagonal reference models (DRMs) were used to parse out the effects of parental SEP, own SEP and intergenerational mobility from childhood to middle adulthood, after adjusting for demographic characteristics (sex, ethnicity, country and area of residence).

Results

Overall, 23.1% of participants reported poor SROH. A baseline DRM, with no indicators of social mobility, showed that the contribution of own SEP to explain variations in SROH was higher than that of parental SEP. However, they became almost equal after indicators of social mobility were introduced. Downward mobility was associated with poor SROH (odds ratio: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51), but upward mobility was not (1.01, 95% CI: 0.83–1.23). Also, short‐range downward mobility and long‐range downward mobility (moving 1 and 2+ social classes down in NS‐SEC, respectively) were associated with poor SROH (1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.58 and 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06–1.83, respectively) whilst short‐range upward mobility (1.04, 95% CI: 0.84–1.28) and long‐range upward mobility (0.88, 95% CI: 0.67–1.14) were not.

Conclusions

The contributions of parental and own SEP were similar once social mobility was accounted for. Only downward mobility was associated with poor SROH, with new evidence that long‐range mobility was more strongly associated with poor SROH than short‐range mobility.
Differences between hairdressers and consumers in skin exposure to hair cosmetic products: A review
Authors: Symanzik Cara , Johansen Jeanne D. , Weinert Patricia , Babić Željka , Hallmann Sarah , Havmose Martin S. , Kezic Sanja , Macan Marija , Macan Jelena , Strahwald Julia , Turk Rajka , van der Molen Henk F. , John Swen M. , Uter Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

Hairdressers are at high risk of developing occupational hand eczema. Opinions on the health and safety concerns of nonfood consumer products, such as cosmetics and their ingredients, consider the exposure of a “common consumer,” which may not account for occupational exposure of hairdressers. As a result, there is a parlous scenario in which serious safety concerns about occupational exposures are present. The purpose of this review is to compare the frequency of exposure to various types of hair cosmetic products among hairdressers and consumers. Database searches for this review yielded a total of 229 articles; 7 publications were ultimately included. The analysis showed that—dependent on the task—hairdressers were exposed 4 to 78 times more than consumers to a wide spectrum of hair cosmetic products used in their daily working life, ranging from shampoos, conditioners, oxidative and nonoxidative hair colors, to bleaching agents. The highest frequency was found for coloring hair with oxidative hair color. Consumer use frequency does not appear to be appropriate for representing hairdresser exposure. The current standards do not effectively address the occupational risks associated with hairdressers' use of cosmetics. The findings of this study should cause current risk‐assessment procedures to be reconsidered.
Evaluating the Redistributive Effect of Social Security Programs in China over the Past 30 Years
Authors: Cai Meng , Xu Jing
Published: January 2022

China has improved its social security system in recent decades, with the aim of achieving universal coverage and improving the equity of income distribution. Based on data from the five rounds of Chinese Household Income Project surveys from 1988 to 2018, this paper examines the long‐term redistributive effects of social security programs in China. Our results show that social security programs have reduced income inequality consistently, and the positive redistributive effects have been improving for the past 30 years. Social security transfers have had an increasingly essential role in rural areas, especially after 2002 when China started to establish a comprehensive rural social safety net and expanded the coverage of the social security program. The redistributive efficiency of the social security system has also increased recently.
Self‐employment in Urban China: Entrepreneurship or Disguised Unemployment?
Authors: Ma Xinxin , Li Shi
Published: January 2022

To explore the mechanism of entry to the self‐employed sector in urban China, this study tested two hypotheses: the entrepreneurship hypothesis and the disguised unemployment hypothesis, investigating the impact of mass entrepreneurship and innovation policies on business start‐ups. Three main findings emerged. First, the entrepreneurship hypothesis was rejected for both local urban residents and migrants in 2013 but was supported for both groups in 2018. Second, the causality relationship between mass entrepreneurship and innovation policies and business starts‐ups was not significant. Third, the results differed by group. The entrepreneurship hypothesis was supported for the younger generation of migrants in 2018 but was clearly rejected for the less educated, both in the local urban resident and migrant groups in 2013 and 2018. Robustness checks confirmed these conclusions.
Waist circumference thresholds predicting incident dysglycaemia and type 2 diabetes in Black African men and women
Authors: Goedecke Julia H. , Nguyen Kim A. , Kufe Clement , Masemola Maphoko , Chikowore Tinashe , Mendham Amy E. , Norris Shane A. , Crowther Nigel J. , Karpe Fredrik , Olsson Tommy , Kengne Andre Pascal , Micklesfield Lisa K.
Published: January 2022

Aims

To determine the waist circumference (WC) thresholds for the prediction of incident dysglycaemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Black South African (SA) men and women and to compare these to the advocated International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Europid thresholds.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, Black SA men (n = 502) and women (n = 527) from the Middle‐aged Sowetan Cohort study who had normal or impaired fasting glucose at baseline (2011‐2015) were followed up until 2017 to 2018. Baseline measurements included anthropometry, blood pressure and fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. At follow‐up, glucose tolerance was assessed using an oral glucose tolerance test. The Youden index was used to determine the optimal threshold of WC to predict incident dysglycaemia and T2D.

Results

In men, the optimal WC threshold was 96.8 cm for both dysglycaemia and T2D (sensitivity: 56% and 70%; specificity: 74% and 70%, respectively), and had higher specificity (P < 0.001) than the IDF threshold of 94 cm. In women, the optimal WC threshold for incident dysglycaemia was 91.8 cm (sensitivity 86%, specificity 37%) and for T2D it was 95.8 cm (sensitivity 85%, specificity 45%), which had lower sensitivity, but higher specificity to predict incident dysglycaemia and T2D than the IDF threshold of 80 cm (sensitivity: 97% and 100%; specificity: 12% and 11%, respectively)).

Conclusions

We show for the first time using prospective cohort data from Africa that the IDF Europid WC thresholds are not appropriate for an African population, and show that African‐specific WC thresholds perform better than the IDF Europid thresholds to predict incident dysglycaemia and T2D.
Evolutionary neuroecology of olfactory‐mediated sexual communication and host specialization in Drosophila – a review
Authors: Khallaf Mohammed A. , Knaden Markus
Published: January 2022

In humans, finding a partner is quite a difficult task because there are many criteria that one needs to consider. However, in comparison to many animals, when choosing a partner, we easily discriminate between ourselves and members of other species through various communication systems. On the contrary, many fly species (Diptera) are morphologically similar and overlap in their geographical distributions and ecological habitats. Sexual interactions of most drosophilid flies occur on their hosts. Therefore, flies rely on olfactory sex pheromones, as well as on non‐pheromonal chemicals such as host volatiles – which guide and restrict the search for conspecifics within limited locations – as honest signals for pre‐mating reproductive isolation. A subtle divergence in the perception of these signals can lead to accumulated changes among populations of the same species, and ultimately to a reduction in gene flow and reproductive isolation. In recent years, we have seen an increased interest in how olfactory systems diverge to drive host adaptation and speciation. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary changes of the neural circuits that underlie mate recognition. We shed light onto sex pheromone communication systems, the construction of olfactory nervous systems, and the role of host specialization in reproductive isolation. Finally, leveraging the incipient speciation of Drosophila mojavensis Patterson populations, we highlight the underlying sensory mechanisms of the reproductive isolation barriers. In the end, we propose future research topics of the evolutionary neuroecology field of sexual communication.
Delegating or failing to care: Does relationship with the supervisor change how job autonomy affect work outcomes?
Authors: Lauring Jakob , Kubovcikova Annamaria
Published: January 2022

While the job characteristics model has generally portrayed a positive relation between job autonomy and work outcomes, researchers have started to suggest that under certain circumstances, the role of autonomy is more ambivalent. For example, social context can affect the perception of autonomy, so it is seen as a type of neglect if exercised in circumstances of suboptimal relations between a supervisor and a supervisee. In this study, we aim to test this assertion using a moderated mediation model applied on matched responses from 451 pairs of academic scientific employees. Results showed an overall positive association between job autonomy and work outcomes. However, this was moderated by the social context in the form of a trusting relationship towards the autonomy‐granting supervisor. We can conclude that autonomy yields the highest benefits to the employee only in positive social contexts, because this is vital for attitudinal gains, namely, higher job satisfaction, ultimately translating to performance gains too.
Changes in nonnutritive sweetener intake in a cohort of preschoolers after the implementation of Chile's Law of Food Labelling and Advertising
Authors: Rebolledo Natalia , Reyes Marcela , Popkin Barry M. , Adair Linda , Avery Christy L. , Corvalán Camila , Ng Shu Wen , Taillie Lindsey Smith
Published: January 2022

Background

The first phase of Chile's Law of Food Labelling and Advertising showed important declines in the sugar content of packaged foods, but it is unknown whether the law led to an increase in nonnutritive sweetener (NNS) intake, particularly among preschool children.

Objectives

Estimate the changes in preschoolers' NNS intake after the first phase of the Chilean law.

Methods

We used 24‐h dietary recalls collected in 2016 (pre‐law) and 2017 (post‐law) from a cohort of preschoolers (n = 875). The primary caretaker was the respondent of the recalls. Information on NNS was obtained from nutrition facts panels collected annually and linked to dietary data. We used logistic regression to estimate the changes in the proportion of preschoolers who consume NNS and two‐part models to estimate the changes in mean intake. We determined the percentage of children that surpassed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of each NNS using the National Cancer Institute method.

Results

The proportion of consumers of at least one NNS increased from 77.9% to 92.0% (p‐value < 0.01). The mean intake increased for sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame‐K and steviol glycosides (+20.3, +15.1, +6.1 and +3.3 mg/day, respectively). In addition, NNS dietary sources changed for sucralose and steviol glycosides, becoming industrialized juices and dairy beverages more relevant while tabletop NNS became less relevant. None of the children surpassed the ADI.

Conclusions

NNS intake increased in preschoolers after the first phase of a national policy that promoted sugar reformulation.