bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hoshin Kanri on lean management: a case study in the food retail industry
Authors: Cortés Rodríguez Rafael , Gutierrez Leopoldo , Fuentes-Fuentes María del Mar
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe how the Hoshin Kanri (HK) strategic methodology facilitates implementation of lean management (LM), achieving greater integration of the strategic and operational levels, resulting in higher performance level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an in-depth case study of a top-10 Spanish food retail company with experience in HK and LM. First, the authors conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with the management team. Second, the authors analyzed all minutes from meetings of the key management entities for HK monitoring over a period of 3 years (2016–2019). Third, the authors evaluated the reports and key scorecards for the same period. Finally, authors visited the operating facilities and attended multiple team management meetings.

Findings

This study demonstrates that deploying HK creates the strategic ecosystem for operations management that facilitates successful implementation of LM. By sharing common cultural concepts, both methodologies generate faster transformation of the organization and thus push it towards its strategic objectives with more determination and better performance.

Originality/value

The lack of strategic alignment is one of the most important reasons for LM failure. Although HK is a strategic methodology that facilitates this alignment, a gap exists in the literature on the benefits of HK for implementation of continuous improvement initiatives such as LM. Our research shows how HK enables a participative connection between the strategic and operational areas of the firm that reinforces the fundamental elements of LM. Employee involvement, widespread use of plan-do-check-act (PDCA) methodology and multidisciplinary work (among other effects) make HK a key element for successful implementation of LM.
Analysis of vernacular houses in southern Vietnam, and potential applications of the learned lessons to contemporary urban street houses
Authors: Na Le Thi Hong , Park Jin-Ho , Jeon Yangsook , Jung Sejung
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study examines spatial layouts and sustainable features of vernacular houses in southern Vietnam to apply the lessons learned to the development of a contemporary housing design. This study proposes hypothetical low-rise street-house models popular in contemporary urban Vietnam by applying the spatial and ecological lessons learned from the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 23 well-preserved vernacular houses in Dong Hoa Hiep – an 18th century village in the Tien Giang Province – were chosen for a 2-month, on-site investigation. During the field survey, the houses were measured to fabricate scale drawings for detailed analysis, and photographs were taken.

Findings

An in-depth evaluation highlighted unique characteristics of spatial compositions, sustainable features, and architectural components that contribute to climate adaptive strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Although numerous potential arrangements of the models are possible, a few examples are illustrated to validate that the assembly could help achieve a dynamic streetscape for street houses.

Social implications

From this perspective, vernacular houses in Vietnam are a rich architectural resource and a significant cultural heritage, because these houses have adopted sustainable design strategies suitable for the local climate and culture to ensure comfort and well-being for a long time. Perhaps, sustainable lessons drawn from Vietnam's indigenous houses are a prerequisite to developing contemporary housing in the country.

Originality/value

Employing the lessons learned from vernacular houses, this study developed three sustainable prototypical designs for the development of contemporary street houses in densely populated cities in Vietnam.
Thermal airflow sensor design and temperature compensation research based on the thermostatic method
Authors: Tong Xin , Hao Baoer , Chen Zhi , Liu Haiyang , Xuan Chuanzhong
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to solve the typical thermal airflow sensor's high power consumption and integration difficulties, based on the FS5 thermal element and constant temperature measurement method, a flow sensor is developed with high measurement accuracy, low power consumption, small size, low cost and easy system integration.

Design/methodology/approach

A small wind tunnel was used to test and assess the sensor's measurement range, reaction time, stability, repeatability, measurement accuracy and multi-temperature calibration was performed in the temperature range of −10°C to 30°C. The effect of ambient temperature on the sensor's measurement data is investigated, and the coefficient correction method of power function was investigated to implement the sensor's software temperature compensation function.

Findings

The results show that the sensor is stable and repeatable, the output voltage has a power function relationship with the airflow rate, the flow rate measurement range is 0–18 m/s, the response time is less than 3 s, the measurement accuracy at high flow rates is within 0.4 m/s and the temperature-corrected airflow rate measurement error is less than 5%. Setting the temperature calibration interval to 2°C and 5°C has the same temperature compensation effect, reducing the sensor's calibration effort significantly.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that a thermostatic method is used to construct a thermal wind speed sensor that delivers accurate measurements in the wind speed measuring range of 0–18 m/s under test conditions. In addition, the sensor's performance is evaluated, and calibration tests for a wide range of temperatures are done. Finally, based on the power function correction method, a temperature compensation algorithm is proposed.
Early treatment of white‐nose syndrome is necessary to stop population decline
Authors: Grider John , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Grant Evan H. Campbell , Bernard Riley F. , Russell Robin E.
Published: July 2022

Since its introduction to North America, white‐nose syndrome has been associated with declines greater than 90% in several bat species, prompting the development of treatments to reduce disease‐related mortality. As treatment application is scaled up, predicting responses at the population level will help in the development of management plans.

We develop a model allowing for the implementation of multiple treatment scenarios in bat populations at risk of severe mortality from white‐nose syndrome. Our model allows for variation in over 10 parameters, including effectiveness of treatment, treatment‐related disturbance, number of individuals treated, number of hibernacula treated, herd immunity and movement among hibernacula. Additionally, the model allows treatments to be applied to individuals, the hibernaculum or a combination of the two. We simulated treatments for populations of 1000, 10,000 and 100,000 individuals, with the distribution of individuals within hibernacula based on field surveys of Myotis lucifugus.

When treatments are applied to individuals, we found that treatment success was most influenced by the number of bats effectively treated, the magnitude of disturbance and the year of first treatment relative to initial mortality. For treatments applied to hibernacula, we found year of first treatment relative to initial mortality, magnitude of disturbance and effectiveness of treatment to be the best predictors of success.

Treatments have the potential to mitigate white‐nose syndrome‐related mortality, but application of treatments after initial mass mortality seems to be of limited benefit. Unknowns surrounding influential treatment parameters, such as disturbance to hibernating bats, created substantial variation across outcomes and highlight the importance of obtaining field estimates of parameters associated with treatments.

Synthesis and applications: While treatment applications can increase survival from white‐nose syndrome, their potential is strongly diminished when not applied before or during the early epidemic stages. Once the disease is established, increasing survival and reproduction through methods other than disease treatments could be a better option. In the United States, most areas yet to reach the late epidemic or established stage are in the west where bats do not aggregate in large colonies and treating a substantial number of individuals will be difficult.
D‐pinitol attenuates isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction by alleviating cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress and ultrastructural changes in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Khan Aamir , Iqubal Ashif , Wasim Mohd , Syed Mansoor Ali , Haque Syed Ehtaishamul
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are the most disturbing problems throughout the world. The side effects of existing drugs are continuously compelling the scientist to look for better options in terms of safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness. Our study is also a move in this direction. We have chosen D‐pinitol to see its cardioprotective role in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in Swiss albino mice. Grouping was made by dividing mice into eight groups (n = 6). Group I, control; Group II, isoproterenol (ISO) (150 mg/kg, i.p.); Group III, D‐pinitol (PIN) (25 mg); Group IV, PIN (50 mg); Group V, PIN (100 mg) per kg per oral, respectively with ISO; Group VI, PIN per se (100 mg D‐pinitol only); Group VII, Propranolol (PRO) (20 mg/kg/oral) with ISO; and Group VIII, PRO per se (20 mg/kg, p.o.). After 24 h of the last dose, the blood sample was collected for biochemical parameters, then mice were, killed through cervical dislocation under anaesthesia and cardiac tissue was collected for biochemical, histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation. Administration of ISO in mice altered the level of antioxidant markers, cardiac injury markers and inflammatory markers, which were significantly restored towards normal by D‐pinitol at the dose of 50 and 100 mg. 25 mg of D‐pinitol dosage, did not produce significant cardio protection. The histopathological and ultrastructural analysis further confirmed these findings. Our study showed that D‐pinitol significantly protected myocardial damage which was induced by ISO and reverted oxidative stress and inflammation considerably.
High Resolution ID‐TIMS Redefines the Distribution and Age of the Main Mesozoic Lacustrine Hydrocarbon Source Rocks in the Ordos Basin, China
Authors: CUI Jingwei , ZHU Rukai , ZHANG Zhongyi , RAMEZANI Jahandar , LI Yang
Published: July 2022

Using high‐precision zircon U‐Pb ID‐TIMS geochronology, tuffs from the Chang 9 shale and the Chang 7 shale were dated. The tuff in the Chang 9 shale is 241.47 ± 0.17 Ma, which falls between the top tuff age of 241.06 ± 0.12 Ma and the bottom tuff age of 241.558 ± 0.093 Ma in the Chang 7 shale. These reveal that the Chang 9 and Chang 7 shales are contemporaneous, belonging to the Ladinian stage of the Middle Triassic. This insight expands the region of the main source rock of Chang 7 to the northeast and will inform the search for the deep Chang 9 shale petroleum system, increasing the scope for exploring the Chang 7 shale system in northern Shaanxi. The research results clarify the relationship between the two sets of shale in the Yanchang Formation and redefine the distribution range of the Chang 7 shale in the Ordos Basin. At the same time, it shows that there is a cross‐layer problem in the stratigraphic division of the Yanchang Formation in different regions, the high‐precision U‐Pb dating technology providing a reference for the fine stratigraphic correlation of other continental basins in the world.
Distribution, habitat use and human disturbance of gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) in the Ebo forest, Littoral Region, Cameroon
Authors: Mbouombouo Mfossa Daniel , Abwe Ekwoge Enang , Whytock Robin Cameron , Morgan Bethan J. , Huynen Marie‐Claude , Beudels‐Jamar Roseline C. , Brotcorne Fany , Tchouamo Roger Isaac
Published: July 2022

Great apes are threatened by many factors including habitat loss, forest degradation and disease. Despite the improved understanding of the distribution of gorillas in Cameroon, there is a lack of fine‐scale knowledge about their habitat use. We used the Kernel Density Estimate method combined with grid cell counting to assess gorilla distribution, habitat use and human disturbance on one of the least studied gorilla populations in Cameroon. Proportions of different habitat types in the landscape were quantified using classification and regression tree approach applied to Landsat‐8 and digital elevation model data. We found that the distribution of gorillas was restricted to the central band of the site (~22 km2). Although the area was dominated by mature forest, the goodness‐of‐fit test showed that gorillas used grassland areas more frequently. Intensive human activities were noted across the gorilla range, with used cartridge shells being the most evidence hunting sign. Our results can be used to guide conservation and sustainable development stakeholder decisions in the area. With increasing anthropogenic threats throughout the landscape, we recommend the implementation of noninvasive research activities focusing on threat monitoring, nesting and dietary ecology, and the promotion of community‐led conservation initiatives to reduce pressure on the gorilla habitat.
Survival outcomes of perineural spread in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Phung Daniel , Ahmadi Navid , Gupta Ruta , Clark Jonathan R. , Wykes James , Ch'ng Sydney , Elliott Michael S. , Palme Carsten E. , Shannon Kerwin , Wu Raymond , Lee Jenny H. , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert)
Published: July 2022

Aim

To present an institution's experience and survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) and perineural spread (PNS).

Method

Retrospective study of patients with HNcSCC and PNS treated between January 2010 and August 2020 from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute database, Sydney, Australia; a high‐volume, tertiary, academic head and neck centre. Patient demographics, primary site, involved cranial nerves, treatment modality, loco‐regional failure and survival data were obtained.

Results

Forty‐five patients were identified, of which 32 patients were male (71%). Mean age at diagnosis was 68.7 years (range 43–90). Median follow‐up was 16.1 months (range 1–107). The trigeminal nerve was most frequently involved (n = 30, 66.6%) followed by facial nerve (n = 13, 28.9%). Most patients underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy (n = 33, 73%) and eight received definitive radiotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 4.5 years (95% CI 3.71–5.38), median disease‐specific survival 5.1 years (95% CI 4.21–5.97) and median disease‐free survival (DFS) was 1.7 years (95% CI 1.11–2.22). The estimated 5‐year OS and DFS were 45% and 25%, respectively. Patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy with a clear proximal nerve margin had favourable DFS (P = 0.035) and trended towards better OS (P = 0.134) compared with patients with an involved nerve margin. Patients treated surgically with involved proximal nerve margins had similar outcomes compared with patients with treated definitive radiotherapy (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.29–2.22,P = 0.664).

Conclusion

The likelihood of achieving a clear proximal nerve margin should be a strong consideration in the selection of appropriate patients for primary surgery
Reliability analysis using the in‐lux examination method for dental indices in adolescents for use in epidemiological studies
Authors: Pinto Rafaela da Silveira , Vettore Mario Vianna , de Abreu Mauro Henrique Guimarães Nogueira , Palmier Andrea Clemente , de Moura Rosa Núbia Vieira , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate thein‐luxexamination method to assess the reliability of examiners for oral health surveys.

Methods

A calibration study involving 10 examiners and 27 patients was conducted, and high‐quality photographs of dental epidemiological indices were projected. The latter refers to thein‐luxexamination method. Two groups, comprised of five examiners each, were trained to assess dental caries (DMFT index) and malocclusion (DAI). The first group carried out in vivo (clinical) andin‐luxexaminations in the same patients. The second group performedin‐luxexaminations only. The measurements were repeated to obtain intraexaminer weighted kappa coefficients.

Results

Interexaminer weighted kappa coefficients of the in vivo examination method for DMFT and DAI ranged from 0.597 to 0.851 and from 0.574 to 0.844, respectively. The values forin‐luxexamination were between 0.440 and 0.856 (DMFT) and between 0.524 and 0.783 (DAI). The intraexaminer kappa coefficients of the in vivo examination method ranged between 0.569 and 0.851 (DMFT) and between 0.644 and 0.834 (DAI). In thein‐luxmethod, these values were between 0.426 and 0.831 (DMFT) and between 0.341 and 0.838 (DAI). Three examiners did not reach the minimum acceptable kappa value (k = 0.610) for DMFT, and one for DAI. Of these, one examiner managed to reach the minimum kappa coefficient for DMFT after additional training. The three others maintained the kappa coefficients at lower than acceptable limits.

Conclusions

Calibration, using both in vivo andin‐luxexamination methods, was able to discriminate the examiners regarding their reliability to reproduce dental indices. Thein‐luxexamination method was considered reliable and can replace the in vivo examination method. Thein‐luxmethod might be more feasible to evaluate the reliability of examiners when clinical calibration is unrealistic due to logistic issues and when a large number of examiners are involved in the survey.
A multicentric study on dermoscopic patterns and clinical–dermoscopic–histological correlates of basal cell carcinoma in Indian skin
Authors: Vinay Keshavamurthy , Ankad Balachandra S. , Narayan R. Vignesh , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Bhat Yasmeen Jabeen , Neema Shekhar , Shah Swapnil , Chauhan Payal , Khare Soumil , Rajput Chetan , Jadhav Prashant , Beergouder Savitha L. , Chandele Vishaka , Arsad Sandip , Damle Dhananjay , Dogra Sunil
Published: July 2022

Background

Literature on the dermoscopic patterns of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in India is limited.

Aim

To describe the dermoscopic pattern and dermoscopic–histopathological correlation in a large cohort of patients with BCC from India, with a particular focus on skin of colour (SOC).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted under the aegis of the Dermatoscopy Society of India. Clinical details were collected, and two lead authors independently analysed dermoscopic images of BCC for a predefined set of characteristics. Histopathological slides/blocks were reviewed, and dermoscopic–histological correlation attempted.

Results

In total, 143 patients with BCC and skin phototypes IV–VI were included. The mean largest BCC diameter was 3.10 ± 3.68 cm and there was a significant but weak association between duration and largest dimension of the lesion (Spearman ρ = 0.33, P < 0.01). Nearly half of the cases were diagnosed with pigmented BCC and the most common histological subtype was nodular BCC (37.9%). Dermoscopically, blue–grey dots and arborizing vessels were the most common features (60.0%). Pigmentary changes were found in the majority of cases, and included blue–white veil, blue–grey ovoid nests and maple leaf-like areas. A third of our patients had short linear telangiectasia, polymorphic vessels and regular dotted vessels, and another third exhibited a dermoscopic rainbow effect. Arborizing vessels were significantly more common with micronodular (78.9%) and nodular variants (74.1%, P = 0.05), whereas regular dotted vessels (68.4%, P = 0.04), blue–white veil (84.2%, P = 0.02) were significantly associated with micronodular variant.

Conclusion

The dermoscopic patterns of blue–white veil and regular dotted vessels are indicators towards micronodular BCC in SOC and can help in prioritizing treatment.
Abnormal expression of CD96 on natural killer cell in peripheral blood of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Feng Xiaowen , Liu Pengcheng , Ye Jing , Tao Rui , Li Renming , Shen Bing , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Xuefu , Zhao Dahai
Published: July 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells are regarded as the host's first line of defense against viral infection. Moreover, the involvement of NK cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been documented. However, the specific mechanism and biological changes of NK cells in COPD development have not been determined. In this study, we extracted NK cells from the peripheral blood of 18 COPD patients who were recovering from an acute exacerbation and 45 healthy donors (HDs), then we labeled NK cells with different antibodies and analyzed with flow cytometry. The data showed that the frequencies of total NK cells in the peripheral blood of COPD patients were lower compared with HDs. Moreover, the inhibitory receptors on NK cells expressed higher levels and the expression of activating receptors were generally low. Importantly, both the expression levels of CD96 in NK cells and the frequencies of CD96+ NK cells were significantly upregulated in COPD patients. These findings suggest that surface receptor CD96 from NK cells may be a risk factor in the evolution of COPD.
Running on debt: Financing land protection with loans
Authors: Fovargue Rachel , Fargione Joseph E. , Roth Sarah , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: July 2022

New land protection is expensive, and many conservation NGOs rely on loans to help fund land acquisition in the short term. Conservation loans are offered by a range of philanthropic organizations that often allow much more flexible terms than traditional loans. Thus, conservation loans may behave differently from other types of loan. There are costs and benefits to relying on loan financing to fund land protection that organizations need to consider, but few data are available to inform such evaluations. Here, we focus on estimating the financial cost of these loans, by analyzing loans used to support land protection projects that were provided through an internal revolving fund at a large U.S. conservation NGO. We estimate loan financing cost through accrued interest and test deal‐level characteristics for their ability to explain or predict loan interest. We find that loan performance can be highly uncertain and costs can be substantial in relation to the total purchase price. An improved ability to estimate the overall cost of conservation loans upfront may determine just which conservation projects are prioritized for investment and avoid costly misallocations of conservation resources.
Impact of the donor hepatectomy time on short‐term outcomes in liver transplantation using donation after circulatory death: A review of the US national registry
Authors: Bekki Yuki , Kozato Akio , Kusakabe Jiro , Tajima Tetsuya , Fujiki Masato , Gallo Amy , Melcher Marc L , Bonham Clark A , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: July 2022

Background

During the donor hepatectomy time (dHT), defined as the time from the start of cold perfusion to the end of the hepatectomy, liver grafts have a suboptimal temperature. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of prolonged dHT on outcomes in donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

Using the US national registry data between 2012 and 2020, DCD LT patients were separated into two groups based on their dHT: standard dHT (< 42 min) and prolonged dHT (≥42 min).

Results

There were 3810 DCD LTs during the study period. Median dHT was 32 min (interquartile range 25–41 min). Kaplan‐Meier graft survival curves demonstrated inferior outcomes in the prolonged dHT group at 1‐year after DCD LT compared to those in the standard dHT group (85.3% vs 89.9%; P < .01). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models for 1‐year graft survival identified that prolonged dHT [hazard ratio (HR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19 – 1.79], recipient age ≥ 64 years (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14 – 1.72), and MELD score ≥ 24 (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.16 – 1.76) were significant predictors of 1‐year graft loss. Spline analysis shows that the dHT effects on the risk for 1‐year graft loss with an increase in the slope after median dHT of 32 min.

Conclusion

Prolonged dHTs significantly reduced graft and patient survival after DCD LT. Because dHT is a modifiable factor, donor surgeons should take on cases with caution by setting the dHT target of < 32 min.
Sequential small cell transformation and T790M mutation in an epidermal growth factor‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma: A rare occurrence with significant management implications
Authors: Shastri Malvika , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Singh Navneet , Bal Amanjit , Srinivasan Radhika , Khosla Divya
Published: July 2022

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance may be acquired via genotypic and/or phenotypic transformations. Herein, we report an extremely uncommon case with sequential small cell transformation and EGFR T790M mutation, in an elderly female with EGFR exon 21 L858R‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma, following treatment with a first‐generation EGFR‐TKI.

Case

A 67‐year‐old female never‐smoker presented with a cough and dyspnoea of 2 months' duration. Computerised tomography revealed a 39 mm lesion in the upper lobe of the right lung with pleural effusion. Pleural fluid cytology revealed metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, and EGFR testing revealed exon 21 L858R mutation. She was started on gefitinib. After a progression‐free survival of 31 months, she presented with disease progression and multiple extra‐thoracic metastases. Fine needle aspiration cytology of a chest wall lesion revealed metastatic small cell carcinoma. EGFR testing on this aspirate revealed persistent L858R mutation only. In view of small cell transformation, chemotherapy (etoposide and carboplatin) was administered. After 4 months, ascitic fluid cytology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma with persistent L858R mutation and an acquired T790M mutation (both detected on liquid biopsy as well) indicating amplification of the adenocarcinoma clone and regression of the small cell carcinoma clone. She was then initiated on osimertinib.

Conclusions

The index case highlights the significance of serial EGFR genotyping along with repeated tissue and/or blood sampling in the prompt detection of genetic and phenotypic resistance mechanisms to EGFR‐TKIs. Furthermore, it lends evidence in support of the upfront treatment approaches targeting the heterogeneity of acquired EGFR‐TKI resistance mechanisms.
Cellular debris on negative liquid‐based cytology cervicovaginal smears
Authors: Nagamine Michiko , Ichii Risako , Taira Tomoki , Teramukai Satoshi , Konishi Eiichi
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of cellular debris (CD) on benign cervicovaginal liquid‐based cytology (LBC) smears and which factors predict the presence and larger amount of CD.

Methods

Cervicovaginal smears evaluated as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) between 1 January and 31 March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed to record the presence and amount of CD. All smears were prepared with the SurePath platform. Patient ages and past medical and surgical histories were also retrieved. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to find positive predictors of a larger amount of CD.

Results

Three hundred forty‐nine NILM smears were included in this study. The cohort consisted of 222 cervical smears (CS), and 127 vaginal smears (VS) taken from patients who had undergone hysterectomy. Overall, CD was observed in 111 (31.8%) cases. The positive predictors of CD were increasing age, specimen type (VS compared to CS), history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy (CRT), and more than mild background inflammation. Among the VS group, CD was present in 64 cases (50.4%) regardless of the time between the hysterectomy and specimen collection. Positive predictors in the VS group were age and more than mild inflammation. By contrast, the prevalence of CD in the CS group was 21.2%, and age was the only positive predictor. Histories of CRT, conisation, and inflammation were not statistically significant positive predictors for CD among CS.

Conclusions

Cellular debris could be seen in as much as 50% of NILM smears taken after hysterectomy, regardless of the time since the procedure. Increasing age was a positive predictor of the presence and a larger quantity of CD. These findings are helpful when evaluating smears with moderate to abundant debris in the background with questionable cellular atypia.
Is neonatal hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy manageable without continuous conventional EEG?
Authors: Nguyen The Tich Sylvie
Published: July 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Bourel‐Ponchel et al. on pages 58–66 of this issue.
Rising Stars: Expert Reviews and Reputational Yardsticks in the Research Excellence Framework
Authors: Battistin Erich , Ovidi Marco
Published: July 2022

We use the UK's 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) to study the attributes of top‐scoring (four‐star) publications in Economics and Econometrics. Although official documents contain aggregate scores for each institution, we show how these aggregates can be used to infer the score awarded by REF panellists to each publication. We demonstrate that this score responds to journal prestige as measured by the Thomson Reuters Article Influence Score. Several econometric analyses confirm the limited contribution of other publication attributes, such as the citation counts, to the awarded score, and publications in the top generalist and top five economics journals are awarded four stars unambiguously. We conclude that in large‐scale evaluations such as the REF, peer reviews and bibliometrics should be viewed as complementary modes of assessment; the time‐consuming task of peer reviews would be more cost‐effective if targeted at publications whose quality cannot be classified unambiguously using bibliometrics.
Hydrogen peroxide induces heme degradation and protein aggregation in human neuroglobin: roles of the disulfide bridge and hydrogen‐bonding in the distal heme cavity
Authors: Di Rocco Giulia , Bernini Fabrizio , Battistuzzi Gianantonio , Ranieri Antonio , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto , Borsari Marco , Sola Marco
Published: July 2022

In the present study, human neuroglobin (hNgb) was found to undergo H2O2‐induced breakdown of the heme center at a much slower rate than other globins, namely in the timescale of hours against minutes. We investigated how the rate of the process is affected by the Cys46/Cys55 disulfide bond and the network of non‐covalent interactions in the distal heme side involving Tyr44, Lys67, the His64 heme iron axial ligand and the heme propionate‐7. The rate is increased by the Tyr44 to Ala and Phe mutations; however the rate is lowered by Lys67 to Ala swapping. The absence of the disulfide bridge slows down the reaction further. Therefore, the disulfide bond‐controlled accessibility of the heme site and the residues at position 44 and 67 affect the activation barrier of the reaction. Wild‐type and mutated species form β‐amyloid aggregates in the presence of H2O2 producing globular structures. Furthermore, the C46A/C55A, Y44A, Y44F and Y44F/C46A/C55A variants yield potentially harmful fibrils. Finally, the nucleation and growth kinetics for the aggregation of the amyloid structures can be successfully described by the Finke–Watzky model.
Assessing academic writing self‐efficacy belief and writing performance in a foreign language context
Authors: Teng Mark Feng , Wang Chuang
Published: July 2022

The first purpose of this empirical study was to assess and validate the Academic Writing Self‐Efficacy Belief Questionnaire (AWSEBQ) framed by social cognitive theory. The second purpose was to evaluate the predictive effects of different aspects of self‐efficacy beliefs on academic writing performance. Data were collected from 743 learners at a Chinese university. The assessment and validation process involved a series of rigorous confirmatory factor analyses. The results validated the hypothesized five‐dimensional structure of academic writing self‐efficacy beliefs, including linguistic knowledge efficacy (LKE), self‐regulatory efficacy (SRE), information organization efficacy (IOE), writing performance efficacy (WPE), and rehearsal and memory efficacy (RME). Model comparisons confirmed the function of self‐efficacy beliefs as a multidimensional construct, in which the five factors were intercorrelated. The results of regression analysis demonstrated the significant predictive effects of five dimensions (i.e., LKE, SRE, IOE, WPE, and RME) on English as a foreign language (EFL) academic writing performance. The findings suggest that self‐efficacy beliefs can explain EFL academic writing performance. This study ends by providing theoretical and empirical implications for writing assessment and the possible enhancement of EFL academic writing.
Single‐atom microscopy in wide‐bandgap nitrides
Authors: Ishikawa Ryo , Shibata Naoya , Oba Fumiyasu , Taniguchi Takashi , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: July 2022

Wide bandgap III‐nitrides, such as cubic boron nitride and wurtzite‐type aluminum nitride, are promising systems for optoelectronics. To extend their luminescent properties, we doped single Ce atoms into III‐nitride single crystals using reactive flux with a temperature gradient method at high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions. To fully understand such properties in a large size‐mismatch system, it is critically important to determine the point‐defect structures of single dopants, their spatial distribution in three dimensions, and their atomistic dynamics at an atomic level. This review discusses point defect structures and their dynamics in III‐nitrides using single‐atom‐sensitive scanning transmission electron microscopy, and the recent progress in the related field of electron microscopy.
Evaluation of chemotherapy‐induced cutaneous side effects in cancer patients
Authors: Saadet Elif Demirci , Tek Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

Background

Cutaneous side effects are commonly seen in cancer chemotherapy. As new chemotherapy drugs are developed, the frequency and the diversity of these cutaneous side effects increase. For this reason, identification and management of these side effects are an important part of the treatment of cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate mucocutaneous side effects of conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy agents that are used in cancer patients.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 231 cancer patients, who received single or combination chemotherapy at the oncology department of our hospital between 2013 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed, and mucocutaneous side effects we evaluated.

Results

The ages of the patients varied between 27 and 90 years with a median age of 60 years. Of the patients, 136 (58.9%) were women, and 95 (41.1%) were men. Combination chemotherapy was applied to 174 patients (71.9%). A total of 558 mucocutaneous side effects were present in 231 patients. The most common side effect was alopecia, which was observed in 158 patients (65.6%). This was followed by mucositis (39.4%), hand–foot syndrome (35.3%), papulopustular rash (22%), dermatitis (18.3%), xerosis (14.1%), nail disorders (12%), and others.

Conclusions

Although chemotherapy‐induced cutaneous side effects are not usually life‐threatening, they may lead to the development of morbidity and discontinuance or termination of the treatment. Therefore, these side effects should be well managed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Are all politicians the same? Reproduction and change of chief executive career patterns in democratic regimes
Authors: Vercesi Michelangelo
Published: July 2022

The scholarship on political careers and recruitment has increasingly focused on the conditions that foster the emergence of new political elites. However, top politicians in democratic regimes often share socio‐economic backgrounds and occupy similar political positions before entering office. Career patterns in politics are relatively stable and tend to reproduce themselves over time; this leads to the persistence of core background traits among the members of the political elite. The lack of profile renewal seems at odds with the claim of democratic theory, which asserts that democratic competition is open, inclusive, and expansive. Despite its relevance, the causal mechanisms behind career patterns’ stability among political elites have received little systematic attention. This article contributes to fill the gap, by focusing on democratic chief executives. First, it clarifies the core concepts for the study of political elites and careers. Second, it proposes an understanding of the formation and stability of chief executives’ career patterns as functions of path‐dependent institutional effects. Third, the work uses this theory to investigate persistence and renewal of the background characteristics of all US presidents, from George Washington (1789) to Joe Biden (2021). The analysis contributes to the literature on elite stability, circulation, and renewal in democracy.
Genome‐wide scan for signatures of selection in the Brangus cattle genome
Authors: Álvarez Cecco Paulo , Rogberg Muñoz Andrés , Balbi Marianela , Bonamy Martín , Munilla Sebastián , Forneris Natalia Soledad , Peral García Pilar , Cantet Rodolfo Juan Carlos , Giovambattista Guillermo , Fernández María Elena
Published: July 2022

Brangus is a composite cattle breed developed with the objective of combining the advantages of Angus and Zebuine breeds (Brahman, mainly) in tropical climates. The aim of this work was to estimate breed composition both genome‐wide and locally, at the chromosome level, and to uncover genomic regions evidencing positive selection in the Argentinean Brangus population/nucleus. To do so, we analysed marker data from 478 animals, including Brangus, Angus and Brahman. Average breed composition was 35.0% ± 9.6% of Brahman, lower than expected according to the theoretical fractions deduced by the usual cross‐breeding practice in this breed. Local ancestry analysis evidenced that breed composition varies between chromosomes, ranging from 19.6% for BTA26 to 56.1% for BTA5. Using approaches based on allelic frequencies and linkage disequilibrium, genomic regions with putative selection signatures were identified in several chromosomes (BTA1, BTA5, BTA6 and BTA14). These regions harbour genes involved in horn development, growth, lipid metabolism, reproduction and immune response. We argue that the overlapping of a chromosome segment originated in one of the parental breeds and over‐represented in the sample with the location of a signature of selection constitutes evidence of a selection process that has occurred in the breed since its take off in the 1950s. In this regard, our results could contribute to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in cross‐bred cattle adaptation and productivity in tropical environments.
Dyadic profiles of family resilience among patients with first‐episode stroke: A longitudinal study of the first 6 months after stroke
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ye Ming‐Ming , Gao Ya‐Jing , Zhou Lan‐Shu
Published: July 2022

Background

The importance of family resilience in the recovery of stroke patients has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, little is known about post‐stroke family resilience.

Aims

To investigate the family resilience of stroke patients from a patient–caregiver dyadic perspective during the first 6 months after stroke.

Methods

A total of 288 dyads of patients diagnosed with a first‐episode stroke and their principal caregivers were recruited from neurology departments of 7 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai and Shangqiu, China. Family resilience and family function were assessed during hospitalisation and at 1, 3 and 6 months after stroke. K‐means cluster analysis was used to identify different clusters of family resilience based on family resilience of patients and caregivers during hospitalisation. The STROBE guidelines for observational studies were followed.

Results

Three clusters of family resilience were identified with distinct trajectories: cluster of high resilience (HR), cluster of low resilience (LR) and cluster of discrepant resilience (DR). The level of family function was consistently highest in cluster HR and lowest in cluster with LR at four time points. Most (69.8%) families fell into the cluster with low resilience and low family function. Characteristics such as the Rankin scores and education level of patients, education level of caregivers, family monthly income and living district were different among the three clusters.

Conclusions

We concluded that family resilience was linked to the family functioning of patients with a first‐episode stroke, however, the levels of resilience in most families were low. Factors, including the education level, family income and stroke severity of patients were revealed to influence the family resilience and its development.

Relevance to clinical practice

A resilience‐focused approach to family‐related treatment is beneficial for families. Therefore, understanding family resilience among stroke survivors is needed to inform the development of interventions for enhancing the recovery of stroke families.
Neonates at high risk of hypoglycaemia: Is admission necessary?
Authors: Dalrymple Hannah M , Lutz Tracey , Gordon Adrienne
Published: July 2022

Aim

To evaluate the practice of routine admission of infants at high risk of hypoglycaemia by determining the incidence of hypoglycaemia, factors that predict necessary admission and breastfeeding outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of neonates admitted to a tertiary neonatal unit for high risk of hypoglycaemia. Clinical data, including blood glucose concentrations, body fat percentage and time to initiation of feeding, were collected for 122 infant–maternal dyads for a 3‐year period from April 2016 to May 2019. Descriptive statistical analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were undertaken.

Results

Hypoglycaemia developed in 39.3% of the neonates identified as high risk. Overall, 69 out of 122 admissions were potentially avoidable. Initial blood glucose was the most significant predictive factor for necessary admission with odds ratio of 3.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–10.17) for an initial glucose of 1.6–2.0 and 27.05 (95% CI 5.06–144.42) for initial glucose ≤1.5. Exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge were lower in admitted infants (59%) compared to the overall hospital rate (75.6%).

Conclusions

Neonates at high risk of hypoglycaemia should be monitored with their mothers as most infants needing admission are detected by initial blood glucose concentration. This would reduce infant–maternal separation and potentially improve breastfeeding rates.
Ameliorative impacts of sodium humate on heat‐stressed laying Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)
Authors: El‐Ratel Ibrahim T. , El Basuini Mohammed F. M. , Khattab Ahmed A. A. , Mekawy Aml I. , Fouda Sara F.
Published: July 2022

A total of 300 laying Japanese quails (230.10 ± 20 g body weight) divided into four groups (15 birds in 5 replicates/group) were used to examine the impacts of dietary sodium humate (SH) supplementation at levels of 0% (control diet), 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% on egg variables and physiological merits of laying quails for 10 weeks under heat stress conditions (15 June and 23 August 2021). Results showed 0.4% SH increased (p < 0.05) weight (12.27 vs. 11.91 g), production (79.84% vs. 69.20%), mass (597.13 vs. 510.48 g) and brokenness (2.8% vs. 5.4%) of eggs as compared to control. Egg shape, shell thickness, shell strength and cholesterol content as well as feed conversion ratio were higher (80.2, 295.8 µm, 1.468 kg/cm,2 11.08 mg/g and 2.69, p < 0.05) in 0.4% SH than in control group (75.2, 279.0 µm, 1.304 kg/cm,2 14.94 mg/g and 2.76). Feed intake, percentages of eggs' shells, yolk, albumen and serum biochemistry (total protein, albumin, AST and HDL) were not altered with the dietary SH. Birds fed on SH diets showed higher levels of globulin, calcium and phosphorus, as well as lower contents of albumin/globulin ratio, triglycerides, cholesterol, corticosterone compared with the control. Regression analysis of antioxidants expected higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase at 0.35%, and glutathione at 0.40% SH, while the lowest concentration of malondialdehyde was computed at 0.45%. Similarly, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) maximum values were determined at 0.35% and 0.40% levels. Moreover, the concentration of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha increased (p < 0.05) in all SH levels as compared to the control group. It is conceivable to conclude that the dietary implementation of SH at a level of 0.4% improved egg variables and well‐being aspects of laying quail exposed to heat stress conditions.
CD36 and GPR120 mediated orogustatory perception of dietary lipids and its physiological implication in the pygmy mouse Mus booduga
Authors: Shanmugamprema Deepankumar , Muthuswamy Karthi , Ponnusamy Vinithra , Subramanian Gowtham , Velusamy Thirunavukkarasu , Krishnan Vasanth , Subramaniam Selvakumar
Published: July 2022

Fat taste perception has long been concerned in the regulation of dietary fat intake. Substantial experimental evidence defends fat as a sixth taste modality, but its allied peripheral mechanisms are not yet well established. The present study aimed to analyse the diet‐induced changes in fat taste perception and its associated physiological variations in Mus booduga. Four groups of animals were used for the present study and were fed any one of the following diet; normal diet (10% fat), low‐fat diet (4% fat), high‐fat diet (36% fat), or high‐fat diet (HFD) (36% fat) + rapeseed oil (HFRDO) (14%) for 9 weeks. The animals were then subjected to metabolic tolerance, fat preference, and conditioned taste aversion studies. Diet‐induced alterations in the expression of genes associated with lipogenesis, inflammation, and fat taste (CD36 and GPR120) were analysed. Capacitative calcium signalling induced by both linoleic acid and grifolic acid in taste bud cells (TBCs) was also analysed. In result, both the HFD and HFDRO groups revealed deterioration in glucose homoeostasis and displayed decreased preference scores for fatty acids, which are associated with lower CD36 expression and increased GPR120 expression in TBCs. Furthermore, change in [Ca2+]i induced by LA was also compromised in CD36 positive TBCs along with elevated systemic inflammatory and lipidemic responses in both these obese groups. Overall, for the first time, our results support that chronic HFD feeding alters the CD36 and GPR120 mediated fat taste perception in M. booduga.