bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmanned aerial vehicles in the construction industry - Towards a protocol for safe preparation and flight of drones
Authors: Szóstak Mariusz , Nowobilski Tomasz , Mahamadu Abdul-Majeed , Pérez David Caparrós
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), colloquially called drones, are widely applied in many sectors of the economy, including the construction industry. They are used for building inspections, damage assessment, land measurements, safety inspections, monitoring the progress of works, and others.

Design/methodology/approach

The study notes that UAV pose new, and not yet present, risks in the construction industry. New threats arise, among others, from the development of new technologies, as well as from the continuous automation and robotization of the construction industry. Education regarding the safe use of UAV and the proper use of drones has a chance to improve the safety of work when using these devices.

Findings

The procedure (protocol) was developed for the correct and safe preparation and planning of an unmanned aerial vehicle flight during construction operations.

Originality/value

Based on the analysis of available sources, no such complete procedure has yet been developed for the correct, i.e. compliant with applicable legal regulations and occupational health and safety issues, preparation for flying UAV. The verification and validation of the developed flight protocol was performed on a sample of over 100 different flight operations.
Incorporating collaborative learning in teacher education to foster self-efficacy to implement environmental citizenship: an action research
Authors: Gan Dafna , Alkaher Iris , Segal Tamar
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Engaging students in environmental citizenship to promote education for sustainability (EfS) as an explicit goal of academic courses is not common, notwithstanding wide consensus on its importance. Collaborative learning has rarely been investigated using action research methods in the context of environmental citizenship in higher education; the purpose of this study is to fill the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting Bandura's (2012) theory of self-efficacy and collective efficacy, this study explores how collaborative learning, used throughout an action research-based course, encouraged students’ efficacy to implement environmental citizenship in their communities. Data were collected through multiple sources: students’ written reflections, instructors’ reflective journals and continuous discussions, interviews with students and different documents (course syllabi, lesson plans and students' scientific posters).

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the authors succeeded in creating an appropriate social academic setting for the students to become acquainted with each other and to share ideas, successes and challenges in an accepting atmosphere, which proved beneficial to developing their self-confidence to promote EfS in practice. Adopting collaborative learning in the context of environmental citizenship also increased students' self-efficacy and collective efficacy. Self-efficacy was strengthened in the four sources discussed by Bandura (2012): mastery experiences, social modeling, social persuasion and emotional states. Collective efficacy was developed both in the academic and practical domains.

Originality/value

The findings of this study suggest that collaborative learning could serve as a powerful way to promote EfS in higher education, especially in teacher education. This contribution was achieved through integrating academic and practical knowledge foundations, which are required to implement environmental citizenship successfully, supporting learners’ initial steps towards becoming change agents in the society.
A systematic bibliometric review of the United Nation’s SDGS: which are the most related to higher education institutions?
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahimi , Lee Chia Kuang
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide the current and future state of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the higher education institutions (HEIs). Since the SDGs’ proliferation, HEIs have played a crucial part in meeting the goals. Despite the central role of HEIs in accomplishing the SDGs, there has been little attention in providing a comprehensive overview of the SDGs in relation to HEIs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 280 publications in the Web of Science database were analyzed through a bibliometric approach consisting of citation analysis, co-citation analysis and co-occurrence of keywords analysis. This review explores the current state of SDGs, its central themes of research streams and predicts future direction in the context of HEIs.

Findings

The findings would assist stakeholders to strategize the SDGs on HEIs, including the government and policymakers, university top management, benefactors and academics. Three main research streams were observed sustainable curriculum; challenges and barriers of SDGs; and COVID-19 and health management.

Research limitations/implications

Implications suggest that to achieve the stipulated goals in the SDGs, proper planning and strategy should be aligned proportionate to the national agenda.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel knowledge structure by mapping the most relevant SDGs in the context of HEIs based on bibliometric analysis.
A dynamic analysis of wine pricing in Argentina
Authors: Larrosa Juan M.C. , Gutiérrez Emiliano M. , Ramírez Muñoz de Toro Gonzalo R. , Uriarte Juan I.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate micro determinants for dynamic wine pricing in Argentina. We test whether attributes and time affect the price rate of change. The rate of change is selected given the inflationary context of the country. The analysis provides valuable information for wine marketing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The modeling approach relies on panel data analysis for exploiting the data cross-section and time dimension. The contribution explores a massive price dataset at a weekly frequency. The dependent variable is the weekly price variation rate for product/wine and covariates are attributes, time and nominal variables. Given that endogeneity issues arose, the estimations rely on a two-stage least squares and instrumental variables with cluster-robust errors.

Findings

Estimations show that attributes, time and cost variables are statistically significant, with clear seasonal patterns and quality segmentation affecting pricing: wines made out of specific grapes such as Chenin, Merlot and Seedling or composing a broad category such as red wine, exhibit price undershooting (price rate of change below average). On the other hand, wines out of grapes such as Bonarda, Margaux, Mistela, Moscatel, Oporto, Tannat and Sauvignon Blanc show price overshooting (rate of change above average). In summary, wine made from determined grapes and specific wineries show divergent pricing.

Research limitations/implications

Covariates such as alcohol content, label descriptor information, winery history, substitute competition and vintage, among others, have not been considered given that the research analyzes more than 750 wine products. Another limitation is that the work does not explore many time-series covariates, such as promotions and idiosyncratic shocks.

Practical implications

The contribution presents new information on wine pricing patterns affected by weeks, months and years, including the effect of the prolonged 2020 Argentine lockdown. It also analyzes estimations on pricing at the level of grape/blend and wineries previously unknown in this market. The information can influence inventory decisions on the side of the sellers and purchase decisions on the side of consumers.

Social implications

The analysis includes fine but also low-cost wines that form part of the diet of low-income families in the country. The work detects a divergent pattern in pricing divided by the quality/price of the wine. It also presents information on price timing that may help consumers in the best moment to buy.

Originality/value

The contribution analyzes unprecedented information on weekly wine prices and presents evidence of pricing tactics from a point-of-sale perspective: It identifies different adjustment speeds related to product features and time effects.
Hands-on interaction in the augmented reality (AR) chemistry laboratories enhances the learning effects of low-achieving students: a pilot study
Authors: Cheng Yufang , Lee Meng-Han , Yang Chung-Sung , Wu Pei-Yu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop the augmented reality (AR) educational program combined with the instructional guidance for supportive learning, which enhanced the thinking process cooperative discussion and problem-solving skills in chemistry subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used the quasi-experimental research design. Of the 45 students who attended this experiment, only 25 with low achievement qualified in operating the AR learning system of saponification and transesterification environment (ARLS-STE) system.

Findings

These results confirmed that the AR educational program could have increased substantial benefits in improvements of students’ knowledge and the ability of the thinking process for the participants with the lowest score. In semi-structured interviews, most of participants enjoyed manipulating the ARLS-STE system, which was realistic, motived and interesting for learning science subjects.

Originality/value

The low-achieving students have often been known with a low learning capability, and they lack in developing constructional knowledge, despite being keen for learning. Regarding educational concerns for this population, providing orientated learning and supportive materials could increase their learning effects. Virtual worlds are an efficient learning tool in educational setting. The AR can offer visual concepts and physical interaction for students with low achievement in learning. Thus, this study investigates the acceptability of an educational program designed in the ARLS-STE, which involves the learning effects of academic knowledge and the capability of thinking process for students with low achievement. The ARLS-STE system was developed for this proposal, based upon the marker-based AR technologies combined with hands-on manipulation.
The role of communication between partners in the process of strategic alliances: a systematic literature review
Authors: Jatobá Mariana Namen , Franco Mário , Rodrigues Margarida
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The formation of alliances between organisations is increasingly common, allowing firms to discover and ensure competitive advantages. This research paper aims to make a critical analysis of studies to understand the role of communication between partners in the process of strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was carried out, using the Web of Science database to obtain data, associating the terms “communication” and “strategic alliances”, which resulted in 240 scientific articles (published between 1993 and March 2021). After data treatment using VOSviewer software and reading of the contents, the final sample consisted of 179 articles on the subject in question.

Findings

The conceptual limits, exploratory descriptive analysis of the data and content analysis of research methods are presented, with five clusters being identified. The results show growing academic interest in studying communication associated with strategic alliances, and authors’ main interest lies in understanding the critical success factors and the relation between communication and knowledge.

Practical implications

This study corroborates understanding of the future of alliances, assuming that learning is the main objective; trust is the factor determining success or failure; technology is the aggregating tool; culture affects the relation; and communication is not an end but a means to construct consolidated, long-lasting and high-performing strategic alliances.

Originality/value

This study is innovative in strategic alliances area. The research confirms that the main factor in forming alliances, in both emerging and international markets, is the learning intention. This fact reinforces the relevance of the learning made possible by this transfer of know-how through communication. In addition, this study gives critical understanding of how the process of communication between partners in an alliance must be distinct; i.e. it must be flexible enough to adjust to the stage in the alliance’s life cycle.
When the supply chain breaks: strategies for the chip shortage
Authors: Chandler Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a political economy framework for strategic supply chain decisions by identifying lessons from the global chip shortage.

Design/methodology/approach

Global supply chains have been viewed as holistic political economies because each supply chain is more important than the individual buyer–supplier relationships that comprise it.

Findings

Each supply chain is a combination of many different vendor–supplier relationships that seem independent but are actually dependent on one another.

Originality/value

With significant geopolitical shifts, it has become necessary holistically consider the cultural, sociopolitical and economic conditions that surround supply chains. This points attention to managing the entire supply chain, rather than the immediate buyer–supplier relationship at hand.
The retailer’s puzzle: influencer opinions and consumer-generated information
Authors: Mukherjee Atmadeep , Mukherjee Amaradri , Iyer Pramod , Smith Ronn J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical approach to the understanding of the potential interplay between influencer opinions and consumer-generated information on consumer decision-making. Given the growth of influencer marketing and the pervasive nature of consumer star-ratings, it becomes critical to understand how and why these information sources influence consumers’ shopping decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the literature on source credibility, this paper proposes that influencer opinion interacts with the influencer’s reach on influencer credibility, skepticism towards the product and purchase intentions. Boundary conditions of consumer-generated information are also tested.

Findings

Convergent results across three studies indicate that the effect of influencer opinion is contingent upon both valence of the opinion and reach of the influencer. Consumer-generated information (i.e. star-ratings and the volume of ratings) moderates the effect of influencer opinion on purchase intentions. These effects are mediated by the credibility of the influencer and skepticism towards the product.

Practical implications

Understanding the relative impact of influencer opinions in the presence of other consumer-generated information provides managers with a framework to effectively manage online communications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper provides a theoretically grounded first look at the potential interplay between two extremely powerful factors, influencer opinion and consumer-generated information. This paper provides a better understanding of the psychological mechanism behind the intricate workings of consumer-generated information.
The optimal insurance demand under an ambiguity aversion
Authors: Hong Jimin
Published: September 2022

This study investigates insurance demand in a two-period model when a decision-maker (DM) is averse to the ambiguity of loss distributions. This study derives sufficient conditions such that the ambiguity-averse DM purchases more insurance than an ambiguity-neutral one when the DM maximises the expected utility. It also derives each sufficient condition to increase insurance demand as ambiguity aversion, ambiguity and downside ambiguity increase, respectively.
Determinants of whistleblowing intentions of accountants: a middle range theoretical perspective
Authors: Otchere Octavia Ama Serwaa , Owusu Godfred Matthew Yaw , Bekoe Rita Amoah
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the key predictors of whistleblowing intention of accountants within the organization. By relying on the benefit-to-cost differential theory, this study examines the influence of professional skepticism, cognitive styles and perceived organizational support on whistleblowing intentions while controlling for the effect of some demographic variables on the estimated results. Further, the authors ascertain whether the threat of retaliation moderates the relationship between professional skepticism and whistleblowing intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was obtained from professional accountants licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana by means of self-administered questionnaires. The partial least square-structural equation modeling technique was used to test for the hypothesized relationships in this study.

Findings

The results of this study suggest the intention to report wrongdoing within the organization is influenced by individuals’ level of professional skepticism, cognitive style and the perception that they will have the backing of their organization in reporting wrongdoing. Moreover, the authors also find females and individuals who have advanced in age to have greater motivation to report wrongdoing in the organization.

Originality/value

This study contributes to whistleblowing literature by highlighting the effect of professional skepticism on whistleblowing intentions. Also, this study provides empirical support for the applicability of the benefit-to-cost differential theory to the whistleblowing literature.
Global financial crisis, international capital requirement and bank financial stability: an international evidence
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye , Forson Joseph Ato , Adu-Darko Eunice , Agbloyor Elikplimi
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Financial crises (FC) remain a global threat to the financial stability of financial institutions and international bank regulatory capital requirement (IBRCR) by the Committee on Banking Supervision provides mechanism for curbing the adverse effect of FC on financial stability. Hence, the purpose of this study is to provide, evidence on how IBRCR tones down the adverse FC effects on bank financial stability (BFS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses 102 economies between 2006 and 2016 in a two-step dynamic generalized method of moments model.

Findings

The results show that while FC and IBRCR negatively and positively impact BFS, respectively, it is observed that under the increasing presence of IBRCR, the negative effect of FC on BFS declines. Additionally, the results show that economies that maintain minimum IBRCR above 10.5% recommended by BASEL III are able to reinforce a significant reduction in the negative effect of FC on BFS.

Practical implications

These findings imply that in as much as financial crisis is injurious to BFS, regulators and policymakers can rely on IBRCR to avert the injurious effects of FC on BFS. Clearly, while IBRCR is necessary for reinforcing BFS through FC, bank managers who maintain IBRCR above the recommended 10.5% stands a better chance to taming the avert effect of FC on BFS. Additionally, economies that have not full adopted the BASEL minimum capital requirement may have to do so given its potential of dampening the adverse effect of FC on BFS.

Originality/value

The study presents an international perspective of how BASEL capital requirements can help tame global financial crisis using a global sample of 102 economies.
“Status quo bias and resistance to positive behaviour support: implications for leaders”
Authors: Ntinas Konstantinos M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on why some practitioners in learning disability services resist implementing evidence-based approaches, such as positive behaviour support, despite its benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Status quo bias theory was used to explain why practitioners choose existing practices over evidence-based approaches despite the negative consequences to their well-being.

Findings

Staff members’ decision to maintain the status quo should not be based solely on a cost–benefit analysis, as is commonly believed, as several factors influence it.

Originality/value

This lies on the development of leadership action based on the factors that influence staff's decision making in favour of the status quo.
Food waste generated by the Mauritian hotel industry
Authors: Bhajan Cheetra , Neetoo Hudaa , Hardowar Shane , Boodia Navindra , Driver Marie Françoise , Chooneea Mahindra , Ramasawmy Brinda , Goburdhun Dayawatee , Ruggoo Arvind
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to shed light on the phenomenon of food waste generation by the food and beverage sector of hotels of Mauritius as well as examine the current status of food waste management.
Morphea disease activity during pregnancy: A case series
Authors: Walker Amanda M. , Bermas Bonnie L. , Jacobe Heidi T.
Published: September 2022

Little is known about pregnancy in women with morphea. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation, pregnancy outcomes, and medical management of morphea during pregnancy. We conducted a case series of female patients of reproductive age (18–49 years) who were part of the longitudinal MAC (Morphea in Adults and Children) cohort seen in the outpatient dermatology clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern from July 2007 to February 2022. Women who were pregnant during research visits and had at least 6 months of follow‐up in the MAC cohort were included. Data collected included demographics, morphea characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and medication history. Median clinical disease activity and damage scores using the Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool were recorded. Ten patients were pregnant during the study period. Five patients had pediatric‐onset morphea and five had adult‐onset morphea. Eight patients had linear and two had plaque morphea. Six patients had at least one morphea lesion on their abdomen. Median age at first pregnancy was 31 years (interquartile range [IQR], 26.0–35.8 years) and median duration of morphea was 13.5 years (IQR, 4.8–19.0 years). In seven patients, damage scores were stable with no increased morphea activity. Three patients (30%) experienced reactivation of morphea activity during pregnancy with a median Localized Scleroderma Activity Index of 4 (IQR, 2.5–10). Only one patient required immunosuppressive therapy during pregnancy for her morphea diagnosis. Seven of 10 patients had cesarean deliveries and one adverse fetal outcome was reported. In this small series, most patients maintained stability of their morphea and there were no adverse pregnancy outcomes directly related to morphea.
Effect of mental health staffing inputs on suicide‐related events
Authors: Feyman Yevgeniy , Figueroa Stuart M. , Yuan Yingzhe , Price Megan E. , Kabdiyeva Aigerim , Nebeker Jonathan R. , Ward Merry C. , Shafer Paul R. , Pizer Steven D. , Strombotne Kiersten L.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To estimate the effects of changes in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health services staffing levels on suicide‐related events among a cohort of Veterans.

Data Sources

Data were obtained from the VHA Corporate Data Warehouse, the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration Infrastructure for Clinical Intelligence, the VHA survey of enrollees, and customized VHA databases tracking suicide‐related events. Geographic variables were obtained from the Area Health Resources Files and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Study Design

We used an instrumental variables (IV) design with a Heckman correction for non‐random partial observability of the use of mental health services. The principal predictor was a measure of provider staffing per 10,000 enrollees. The outcome was the probability of a suicide‐related event.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data were obtained for a cohort of Veterans who recently separated from active service.

Principal Findings

From 2014 to 2018, the per‐pay period probability of a suicide‐related event among our cohort was 0.05%. We found that a 1% increase in mental health staffing led to a 1.6 percentage point reduction in suicide‐related events. This was driven by the first tertile of staffing, suggesting diminishing returns to scale for mental health staffing.

Conclusions

VHA facilities appear to be staffing‐constrained when providing mental health care. Targeted increases in mental health staffing would be likely to reduce suicidality.
The Value of Mandatory Certification: A Real Effects Perspective
Authors: JIANG XU , XIN BAOHUA , XIONG YAN
Published: September 2022

We study the real effects of certification to demonstrate the value of mandatory certification over and above mandatory disclosure in enhancing investment efficiency. In our model, a firm's manager selects a project to maximize the firm's short‐term stock price, which is a function of her certification and disclosure decisions about the outcome of the project. Although the manager might be either forthcoming or strategic with regard to the disclosure of her private information, she can strategically choose whether to incur a cost or not to certify her disclosure, unless mandated. The manager always selects the first‐best project when both certification and disclosure are mandatory. However, when certification is voluntary, project selection is inefficient. In addition, mandating disclosure without mandating certification can lead to lower investment efficiency than mandating neither. In justifying why mandatory certification is beneficial for public firms, our results offer a note of caution regarding the contemplated regulatory moves for increased disclosures by public firms without corresponding certification requirements, for example, the recent SEC proposal requiring extensive climate‐related disclosure.
Characterization of neutral lipases revealed the tissue‐specific triacylglycerol hydrolytic activity in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Hui , Yang Bao‐Jun , Wu Yong , Gao Hao‐Li , Lin Xu‐Min , Zou Jian‐Zheng , Liu Ze‐Wen
Published: September 2022

The lipid metabolism plays an essential role in the development and reproduction of insects, and lipases are important enzymes in lipid metabolism. In Nilaparvata lugens, an important insect pest on rice, triacylglycerol hydrolytic activities were different among tissues, with high activity in integument, ovary, and fat body, but low activity in intestine. To figure out the tissue‐specific triacylglycerol hydrolytic activity, we identified 43 lipases in N. lugens. Of these 43 lipases, 23 belonged to neutral lipases, so this group was selected to perform further experiments on triacylglycerol hydrolysis. The complete motifs of catalytic triads, β9 loop, and lid motif, are required for the triacylglycerol hydrolytic activity in neutral lipases, which were found in some neutral lipases with high gene expression levels in integument and ovary, but not in intestine. The recombinant proteins of 3 neutral lipases with or without 3 complete motifs were obtained, and the activity determination confirmed the importance of 3 motifs. Silencing XM_022331066.1, which is highly expressed in ovary and with 3 complete motifs, significantly decreased the egg production and hatchability of N. lugens, partially through decline of the lipid metabolism. In summary, at least one‐third of important motifs were incomplete in all neutral lipases with high gene expression in intestine, which could partially explain why the lipase activity in intestine was much lower than that in other tissues. The low activity to hydrolyze triacylglycerol in N. lugens intestine might be associated with its food resource and nutrient components, and the ovary‐specific neutral lipases were important for N. lugens reproduction.
Australian older adults' views on using social media for reducing social isolation and loneliness in hearing impaired older adults: A community conversation
Authors: Jayakody Dona M. P. , Tan Ysraelle M. E. , Livings Isabelle , Costello Leesa , Flicker Leon , Almeida Osvaldo P.
Published: September 2022

Objective(s)

The objective of this study was to conduct a community conversation to identify the views of the community members when designing an online community using Facebook to support the psychosocial well‐being of hearing‐impaired older adults.

Methods

A community conversation was held with 40 older adults aged more than 60 years. The participants were divided into groups of five and asked to discuss three open‐ended questions. The researchers facilitated the discussions.

Results

The overwhelming response from this group was that they did not use Facebook or social media as a tool for social connection and did not see the benefits of social media applications. They preferred phone calls or in‐person events to maintain their social relationships.

Conclusions

Implications for areas of future research and interventions that target loneliness in older adults are discussed.
Testing for Mycoplasma genitalium in pelvic inflammatory disease: A clinical audit
Authors: Beesley Victoria , Thng Caroline
Published: September 2022

The records of women attending Gold Coast health hospital sites were retrospectively analysed to determine if women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were being tested for Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Only 11.4% of 299 women were tested for MG despite 74.2% being tested for Chlamydia trichomonas (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). Only 9% of the women were treated with antibiotics which would treat macrolide‐sensitive MG infection. Increasing education and awareness of MG and utilising reflex macrolide testing for MG will help direct effective antibiotic therapy and prevent the long‐term sequalae of PID.
Socioeconomic background affects mortality in Danish children with severe chronic disease
Authors: Jensen Andreas , Greisen Gorm , Stensballe Lone Graff
Published: September 2022

Aim

To assess the association between socioeconomic factors and mortality in Danish children diagnosed with different types of severe chronic disease, including cancer.

Methods

National cohort study 1994–2020 including Danish children with chronic disease. Inclusion was based on diagnoses in The National Patient Register, socioeconomic information was obtained from Statistics Denmark and mortality was ascertained from the Cause of Death Register. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were based on Cox regression. The factors were combined in one common risk score and the association with disease‐specific mortality was analysed overall and by ethnicity status.

Results

Overall, non‐Danish ethnicity (HR = 1.96 (95% CI 1.69–2.28)) was associated with all‐cause mortality in 128 129 children (69 435 male and 58 694 female) with chronic disease. Median age at first diagnosis was 1.42 years (range 0–18 years). Low family income was associated with mortality regardless of ethnicity status, and young maternal age was also a notable risk factor across ethnicities. The socioeconomic association was more pronounced in children with cancer.

Conclusion

In the high‐income setting of Denmark, ethnicity and differences in socioeconomic background were associated with child mortality even among children with severe chronic disease. The pattern was more pronounced in paediatric cancer patients.
Differential expression of checkpoint markers in the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironment of glioblastomas
Authors: Petterson Stine Asferg , Sørensen Mia Dahl , Burton Mark , Thomassen Mads , Kruse Torben A. , Michaelsen Signe Regner , Kristensen Bjarne Winther
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults with an overall survival of only 14.6 months. Hypoxia is known to play a role in tumor aggressiveness but the influence of hypoxia on the immune microenvironment is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of immune‐related proteins in normoxic and hypoxic tumor areas by digital spatial profiling. Tissue samples from 10 glioblastomas were stained with a panel of 40 antibodies conjugated to photo‐cleavable oligonucleotides. The free oligo‐tags from normoxic and hypoxic areas were hybridized to barcodes for digital counting. Differential expression patterns were validated by Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project (GAP) data and an independent patient cohort. We found that CD44, Beta‐catenin and B7‐H3 were upregulated in hypoxia, whereas VISTA, CD56, KI‐67, CD68 and CD11c were downregulated. PD‐L1 and PD‐1 were not affected by hypoxia. Focusing on the checkpoint‐related markers CD44, B7‐H3 and VISTA, our findings for CD44 and VISTA could be confirmed with Ivy GAP RNA sequencing data. Immunohistochemical staining and digital quantification of CD44, B7‐H3 and VISTA in an independent cohort confirmed our findings for all three markers. Additional stainings revealed fewer T cells and high but equal amounts of tumor‐associated microglia and macrophages in both hypoxic and normoxic regions. In conclusion, we found that CD44 and B7‐H3 were upregulated in areas with hypoxia whereas VISTA was downregulated together with the presence of fewer T cells. This heterogeneous expression should be taken into consideration when developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Fanconi anemia caused by biallelic inactivation of BRCA2 can present with an atypical cancer phenotype in adulthood
Authors: Maxwell Kara N. , Patel Vishal , Nead Kevin T. , Merrill Shana , Clark Dana , Jiang Qinqin , Wubbenhorst Bradley , D'Andrea Kurt , Cohen Roger B. , Domchek Susan M. , Morrissette Jennifer J. D. , Greenberg Roger A. , Babushok Daria V. , Nathanson Katherine L.
Published: September 2022

Inherited biallelic pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA2 cause Fanconi Anemia complementation group D1 (FA‐D1), a severe pediatric bone marrow failure and high‐risk cancer syndrome. We identified biallelic BRCA2 PVs in a young adult with multiple basal cell carcinomas, adult‐onset colorectal cancer and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, without bone marrow failure. No PVs were identified in any other known cancer susceptibility gene, and there was no evidence of reversion mosaicism. The proband's deceased sister had a classic FA‐D1 presentation and was shown to carry the same biallelic BRCA2 PVs. A lymphoblastoid cell line derived from the proband demonstrated hypersensitivity to DNA damaging agents, and bone marrow showed aberrant RAD51 staining. Family expansion demonstrated the presence of BRCA2 related cancers in heterozygous family members. Our data highlight the striking phenotypic differences which can be observed within FA‐D1 families and expands the clinical spectrum of FA‐D1 to include adult presentation with a constellation of solid tumors not previously thought of as characteristic of Fanconi Anemia. Early recognition of this syndrome in a family could prevent further morbidity and mortality by implementation of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer screening and treatment strategies for heterozygous family members.
Children's participation in international fora: The experiences and perspectives of children and adults
Authors: Templeton Michelle , Cuevas‐Parra Patricio , Lundy Laura
Published: September 2022

Children and young people are increasingly participating in events organised by international organisations. In spite of a growing body of research on children's participation in decision‐making, little is known about their experiences and the perceptions of adults who attend. This article compares the experiences of 16 children and 12 adults who participated in high‐level global events. Three themes were identified, Representation, Capacity and Impact. Findings suggest that while children and adults identified similar opportunities and challenges for meaningful participation, children's perceptions of their engagement differed from adults' in that they were more likely to be positive about the value of their contribution.
Machine learning based on Optical Coherence Tomography images as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Xin , Jiao Bin , Liu Hui , Wang Yaqin , Hao Xiaoli , Zhu Yuan , Xu Bei , Xu Huizhuo , Zhang Sizhe , Jia Xiaoliang , Xu Qian , Liao Xinxin , Zhou Yafang , Jiang Hong , Wang Junling , Guo Jifeng , Yan Xinxiang , Tang Beisha , Zhao Rongchang , Shen Lu
Published: September 2022

Aims

We mainly evaluate retinal alterations in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, investigate the associations between retinal changes with AD biomarkers, and explore an optimal machine learning (ML) model for AD diagnosis based on retinal thickness.

Methods

A total of 159 AD patients and 299 healthy controls were enrolled. The retinal parameters of each participant were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Additionally, cognitive impairment severity, brain atrophy, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were measured in AD patients.

Results

AD patients demonstrated a significant decrease in the average, superior, and inferior quadrant peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macular retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL) thicknesses, as well as total macular volume (TMV) (all p < 0.05). Moreover, TMV was positively associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, IPL thickness was correlated negatively with the medial temporal lobe atrophy score, and the GCL thickness was positively correlated with CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 and negatively associated with p‐tau level. Based on the significantly decreased OCT variables between both groups, the XGBoost algorithm exhibited the best diagnostic performance for AD, whose four references, including accuracy, area under the curve, f1 score, and recall, ranged from 0.69 to 0.74. Moreover, the macular retinal thickness exhibited an absolute superiority for AD diagnosis compared with other enrolled variables in all ML models.

Conclusion

We identified the retinal alterations in AD patients and found that macular thickness and volume were associated with AD severity and biomarkers. Furthermore, we confirmed that OCT combined with ML could serve as a potential diagnostic tool for AD.
Sustainable corporate governance: A review of research on long‐term corporate ownership and sustainability
Authors: Kavadis Nikolaos , Thomsen Steen
Published: September 2022

Research Question/Issue

Short‐termism is increasingly seen as a problem for developing sustainable and responsible business. We posit that a long‐term ownership horizon is an enabling but not sufficient condition for sustainability and propose owner stewardship as an important contingency.

Research Findings/Insights

We review 161 articles on the relationship between corporate ownership and sustainability/CSR, published during 2017–2021 and not covered by previous reviews. We find (1) in most cases, a positive effect of institutional ownership on sustainability, particularly for long‐term institutional investors; (2) in most cases, a positive effect of state ownership, seen as long‐term‐oriented; and (3) mixed results regarding family ownership, also seen as long‐term‐oriented. We also observe considerable heterogeneity in how prior research defines and measures the key constructs of our review.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Long‐term ownership appears to be an enabling but not sufficient condition for corporate sustainability, and stewardship at the ownership level may be an important missing link. Furthermore, the wide variety of terminology and measures in the literature poses a challenge for knowledge accumulation. Efforts towards convergence and standardization seem important.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

An exclusive focus on short‐termism may be misleading. Business leaders and policymakers ought to consider other parameters, such as steward ownership.
Revisiting the growth rate hypothesis: Towards a holistic stoichiometric understanding of growth
Authors: Isanta‐Navarro Jana , Prater Clay , Peoples Logan M. , Loladze Irakli , Phan Tin , Jeyasingh Punidan D. , Church Matthew J. , Kuang Yang , Elser James J.
Published: September 2022

The growth rate hypothesis (GRH) posits that variation in organismal stoichiometry (C:P and N:P ratios) is driven by growth‐dependent allocation of P to ribosomal RNA. The GRH has found broad but not uniform support in studies across diverse biota and habitats. We synthesise information on how and why the tripartite growth‐RNA‐P relationship predicted by the GRH may be uncoupled and outline paths for both theoretical and empirical work needed to broaden the working domain of the GRH. We found strong support for growth to RNA (r2 = 0.59) and RNA‐P to P (r2 = 0.63) relationships across taxa, but growth to P relationships were relatively weaker (r2 = 0.09). Together, the GRH was supported in ~50% of studies. Mechanisms behind GRH uncoupling were diverse but could generally be attributed to physiological (P accumulation in non‐RNA pools, inactive ribosomes, translation elongation rates and protein turnover rates), ecological (limitation by resources other than P), and evolutionary (adaptation to different nutrient supply regimes) causes. These factors should be accounted for in empirical tests of the GRH and formalised mathematically to facilitate a predictive understanding of growth.
How resistant are levodopa‐resistant axial symptoms? Response of freezing, posture, and voice to increasing levodopa intestinal infusion rates in Parkinson disease
Authors: Imbalzano Gabriele , Rinaldi Domiziana , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Contin Manuela , Amato Federica , Giannini Giulia , Sambati Luisa , Ledda Claudia , Romagnolo Alberto , Olmo Gabriella , Cortelli Pietro , Zibetti Maurizio , Lopiano Leonardo , Artusi Carlo Alberto
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Treatment of freezing of gait (FoG) and other Parkinson disease (PD) axial symptoms is challenging. Systematic assessments of axial symptoms at progressively increasing levodopa doses are lacking. We sought to analyze the resistance to high levodopa doses of FoG, posture, speech, and altered gait features presenting in daily‐ON therapeutic condition.

Methods

We performed a pre‐/postinterventional study including patients treated with levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion (LCIG) with disabling FoG in daily‐ON condition. Patients were evaluated at their usual LCIG infusion rate (T1), and 1 h after 1.5× (T2) and 2× (T3) increase of the LCIG infusion rate by quantitative outcome measures. The number of FoG episodes (primary outcome), posture, speech, and gait features were objectively quantified during a standardized test by a blinded rater. Changes in motor symptoms, dyskinesia, and plasma levodopa concentrations were also analyzed.

Results

We evaluated 16 patients with a mean age of 69 ± 9.4 years and treated with LCIG for a mean of 2.2 ± 2.1 years. FoG improved in 83.3% of patients by increasing the levodopa doses. The number of FoG episodes significantly decreased (mean = 2.3 at T1, 1.7 at T2, 1.2 at T3; p = 0.013). Posture and speech features did not show significant changes, whereas stride length (p = 0.049), turn duration (p = 0.001), and turn velocity (p = 0.024) significantly improved on doubling the levodopa infusion rate.

Conclusions

In a short‐term evaluation, the increase of LCIG dose can improve "dopa‐resistant" FoG and gait issues in most advanced PD patients with overall good control of motor symptoms in the absence of clinically significant dyskinesia.
Cutaneous schistosomiasis: epidemiological and clinical characteristics in returning travelers
Authors: Iriarte Christopher , Marks Dustin H.
Published: September 2022

The clinical manifestations of parasitic diseases are well‐covered in the infectious disease literature; however, cutaneous manifestations often receive limited attention. There is a need to update existing knowledge and improve reporting of disease characteristics. Given continued increases in travel and transportation, more individuals are acquiring cutaneous infections while traveling abroad. Schistosomiasis is the second most important tropical disease among returning travelers and affects more than 200 million individuals worldwide. The literature classically describes three forms of skin disease in those infected with Schistosoma: the immediate pruritic eruption of cercarial dermatitis, the urticarial response of Katayama syndrome, and the granulomatous lesions of late cutaneous schistosomiasis. Over the last two decades, more atypical presentations have been described. Travelers returning from Africa, South America, and Asia are at highest risk given these are the continents in which the parasite is endemic. This review highlights the cutaneous manifestations of schistosomiasis, with a focus on international travelers with atypical presentations. Additionally, genital schistosomiasis will be reviewed given its significant morbidity. The aim of this review is to update the current body of literature. Dermatologists and other physicians evaluating the skin should be aware of the following principles regarding schistosomal infections: (i) the importance of an early skin biopsy in making the diagnosis; (ii) the necessity of adding schistosomiasis to the differential diagnosis for zosteriform lesions; (iii) the resemblance of chronic cutaneous schistosomiasis of the genitals to sexually transmitted infections; and (iv) the need to revise definitions for early and late infection, specifically for cutaneous disease.
Associations between eating behaviours and cardiometabolic risk among adolescents in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment study
Authors: Zhang Zhuoya , Li Nan , Buckley Jessie P. , Cecil Kim M. , Chen Aimin , Eaton Charles B. , Kalkwarf Heidi J. , Lanphear Bruce P. , Yolton Kimberly , Braun Joseph M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Eating behaviours are associated with childhood obesity, but their associations with cardiometabolic risk are less clear.

Objectives

We evaluated cross‐sectional associations between eating behaviours and cardiometabolic risk among 185 adolescents (age 12.4 ± 0.7 years; 53% female; body mass index (BMI)‐z 0.72 ± 1.37) from Cincinnati, Ohio (HOME Study; enrolled 2003–2006).

Methods

Caregivers assessed adolescents' eating behaviours with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. We computed adolescents' cardiometabolic risk scores based on HOMA‐IR, triglycerides to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, adiponectin to leptin ratio, systolic blood pressure, and cross‐sectional area of fat inside the abdominal cavity. Using multivariable linear regression models, we estimated associations of eating behaviour subscales with cardiometabolic risk scores or individual risk components.

Results

Emotional overeating (ß = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.67, 2.01), food responsiveness (ß = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.57), and emotional undereating (ß = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.08, 1.21) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk scores. Satiety responsiveness (ß = −0.79, 95% CI: −1.59, 0.00) was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk scores. Adjusting for adolescent BMI‐z at age 12 attenuated these associations, suggesting that adiposity may mediate these associations.

Conclusion

Hedonistic eating behaviours were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in these adolescents.