bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring sustainable student travel behaviour in The Netherlands: balancing online and on-campus learning
Authors: Versteijlen Marieke , van Wee Bert , Wals Arjen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Daily commuting trips of higher education (HE) students account for a large proportion of the carbon footprint of a HE institution. Considerations of students underlying their choice of travel mode and their decision to make the trip to campus or to study online are explored as a necessary first step for finding an optimal balance between online and on-campus learning from both a sustainability and an educational perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group conversations were held with student groups from different study programmes of a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands.

Findings

Dutch students’ travel mode choices seem to depend on measures regulating travel demand such as a free public transport card and high parking costs. The findings indicate that students make reasoned choices about making a trip to campus. These choices depend on considerations about their schedule, type, lecturer and content of a course, social norms and their own perceived behavioural control. Alternative online options can provide students with more flexibility to make choices adapted to their needs.

Social implications

While these findings are useful for sustainable and educational reasons, they also seem helpful in times of COVID-19 which calls for a re-design of curricula to allow for blended forms of online and on-campus learning.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first studies looking at students’ considerations when deciding whether to travel to campus to learn or stay at home learning online.
Smart practices in HEIs and the contribution to the SDGs: implementation in Brazilian university
Authors: Dalla Gasperina Liane , Mazutti Janaina , Londero Brandli Luciana , dos Santos Rabello Roberto
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Smart campuses can be seen as the future of higher education efforts, especially for their contributions to sustainability and to encourage innovation. This paper aims to present the benefits of smart practices in a Higher Education Institutions and highlights its connections to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is divided into three steps: first, an international search and assessment of smart practices at universities; second, the identification of smart practices in a university campus in southern Brazil; and third, the presentation of the benefits of smart practices and their relationship with the SDGs.

Findings

The results showed that globally, the area most covered by smart practices in universities is the environment and, specifically, focused on waste reduction. in the context of this case study, the benefits of implementing smart practices mainly reach SDGs 4 and SDG 9, especially due to aspects of teaching technologies for the new classroom models and the optimization of campus infrastructure management.

Practical implications

The study encourages other universities to implement smart practices in their campuses, to becoming smart campuses while they also collaborate in achieving the SDGs while raising the discussion on the importance of committed actions taken on a university campus with the UN SDGs, to leverage synergies on campus operations at universities.

Originality/value

This paper presents a set of smart practices that universities are applying both globally and locally (in southern Brazil). In addition, it contributes to sustainability research by showing how smart practices have the potential to promote SDGs in universities, especially through campus operations.
Is the human resources management qualification required? An observation of human resources executives in Singapore and Macau integrated resorts and hotels
Authors: Austin Ian Patrick , Danny N.G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the human resources (HR) knowledge and cross-cultural and interpersonal skills needed by HR managers/directors to administer the integrated resort and hotel (IR&H) organizational talent.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative method in the form of extensive interviews.

Findings

The labor-intensive nature of the IR&Hs have forced these organizations to be innovative in terms of retaining their top talents and to look overseas for foreign workers to ensure smooth operations.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to two Asian geographies and the high regulatory nature of the industry correspondingly limits the number of HR executives in operation within IR&Hs.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights for current and future Asian-based IR&Hs policy planners and HR managers.

Social implications

The paper provides an understanding of national and organizational skills shortages and their impact upon work and workers.

Originality/value

No previous comparative research in relation to Singapore and Macau has been conducted.
Trade integration, product diversification and the gravity equation: evidence from the Chinese merchandise imports
Authors: Karkanis Dimitrios , Fotopoulou Myrsini
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify trade integration and structure effects on bilateral trade between China and its partners, focusing on Chinese merchandise imports during the period 1995–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach applied here uses the augmented gravity model to investigate the factors lying behind import intensity, by use of the ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimators.

Findings

The findings provide evidence of complementarity between the Chinese demand and the world commodity markets. Free trade agreements between China and third countries seem to gradually lose significance, as the Chinese economy consolidates in world trade. Higher product diversification in export structures of China’s trading partners can become advantageous for facilitating market penetration. Diversification of energy resources, the steady, high demand for infrastructure equipment and more sophisticated consumer products constantly determine the structure of Chinese merchandise imports originating mainly and increasingly from countries with direct access to the Pacific Ocean.

Originality/value

The analytical breakdown of Chinese imports, presented in this paper, adds value to the existing literature with regard to trade structure analysis for China, paving the way for similar research for other developing countries as well.
Awareness of preservation of historic buildings and sites in Ghana: the case of residents in Kumasi
Authors: Twumasi-Ampofo Kwadwo , Oppong Rexford Assasie , Quagraine Victor K.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study focuses on historic buildings and site preservation (HBSP), which forms part of cultural heritage amidst rampant demolishing and seeming neglect of such heritage in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to assess public awareness of the importance of HBSP in Kumasi.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews based on a purposive sampling technique. Respondents were residents of Kumasi.

Findings

The study revealed that awareness of the importance of HBSP is dependent on the demographic variables. The young generation below 30 years seems more aware of the importance of HBSP.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the fact that respondents were not willing to reveal income levels. Laws governing cultural heritage, including HBSP at the MMDAs, was not studied in detail and could be an area for further research.

Practical implications

This study brings out the need to be aware of the importance of HBSP and train staff to enforce laws governing HBSP in six metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) as part of Ghana's urban regeneration. This study further raises awareness among residents for sustainable architectural heritage preservation in Ghana.

Originality/value

The concept of HBSP is not popular in Ghana. This academic paper apparently assesses the level of awareness of the importance of HBSP among residents in Kumasi with an aim to identify and train staff of MMDAs on laws governing HBSP.
Different women, different viewpoints: age, traits and women’s reaction to advertisements
Authors: Branchik Blaine J. , Ghosh Chowdhury Tilottama , Sacco Jennifer Schenk
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine different consumption attitudes between two age-based cohorts of female consumers as it relates to the processing of marketing communications.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies use 10 iterations of an ad for an alcoholic beverage. Ads vary in the number of models, age of those models and ad value message. Cohorts are divided into pre-millennial (35 and older) and millennial (18–34) age groups. Subjects respond to a variety of statements associated with the ads. ANOVAs are run to determine significant differences or similarities between cohorts.

Findings

Women of different ages have different value systems. Pre-millennials prefer ads featuring other-focused value messages and containing multiple female models. That preference is moderated for those who feel a strong closeness to other women. They prefer ads featuring single female models with other-focused messages. Millennials express no preference for the number of models or value messages. Those with high perceptions of closeness to women, however, express a preference for ads featuring multiple models, irrespective of value message. Further, perceived age similarity between consumers and models moderates the pre-millennial’s versus millennial’s attitude toward ads featuring mature female models and single versus multiple models.

Research limitations/implications

Only American women were surveyed for this research. Further, only one product was used to assess attitudes.

Practical implications

Advertisers must be cognizant of the age of targeted consumers. Further, any cultural values expressed in ads have different impacts depending on consumer age. Finally, the number of models can have an impact on consumer attitude depending on viewers’ age and preference.

Originality/value

This research fills an existing lacuna in studies involving female consumers by exploring and testing significant differences among women of different ages and value systems and their attitudes toward marketing communications.
Temporal patient trajectories: long stories in short admissions
Authors: Scheller Vibeke Kristine
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how trajectory management in hospitals is challenged by the introduction of accelerated discharge schemes. The patient trajectory is formed by short stays within health-care organizations, which requires a substantial effort for professionals to be successful in clarifying each patient's medical situation. The patients, at the same time, often have complicated illness stories, and professionals only see a limited part of the patient's trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on extensive ethnographic studies in a newly established cardiac day unit introducing same-day discharge schemes for patients with ischemic and arrhythmic heart disease.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the patient trajectory becomes a “temporal patient trajectory” and encounters a short-term reality, where tensions arise between admission time and the trajectory as a whole. In managing temporal patient trajectories, formal organizing and patient experiences intersect in events that emerge from conversations and span past, present and future in relation to patient treatment. Professionals engage in articulation work to maintain coherence by allowing patients to hold different events together over time.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insights into the challenges of managing trajectories in same-day discharge schemes where the pressure to move quickly and ensure patient discharge is intense. The paper offers a novel theoretical perspective on trajectory management as an ongoing temporal process. The analysis displays temporal tensions between patient experiences and the accelerated discharge scheme and how professionals manage to overcome these tensions by bridging the patient's long illness story and the short trajectory within the cardiac day unit.
Nonlinearity in the relationship between intellectual capital and corporate performance: evidence from Vietnamese listed companies
Authors: Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Lu Wen-Min , Le Hanh Thi My
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Consensus on how intellectual capital (IC) affects corporate performance is limited because of various measurement models of IC and corporate performance. This study thus aims to further the debate on the relationship between IC and corporate performance from the perspectives of nonlinearity, the capital values of IC and the use of a holistic measure of corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 1,395 firm-year observations derived from Vietnamese listed companies from 2010 to 2018, this study focuses on (1) presenting an IC model benchmarked on value-creating expenses; (2) using a directional distance function (DDF)-based stochastic nonparametric envelopment of data (StoNED) framework to scrutinize multiple performance indicators and the capital values of people, structures and relationships simultaneously; and (3) adopting firm-year cluster-robust regressions to analyze the nonlinear association between IC and corporate performance empirically with an appropriate U test.

Findings

Results suggest that human capital (HC), structural capital (SC) and relational capital (RC) are the main contributors of high corporate efficiency, whereas only HC and RC contribute to high corporate profitability. These results are absent when this study employs the conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA), which is also a multidimensional framework, as the dependent variable. More importantly, IC and its components can improve corporate performance, namely, both corporate efficiency and corporate profitability up to a critical point, after which the effects would drop.

Practical implications

Overall, this study highlights not only the need to invest in IC but also its associated costs. That is, policymakers also need to note the marginal cost of investing in IC, which may in the end outweigh the benefits from IC.

Originality/value

This study extends IC-related studies by investigating the nonlinear relationship between IC and corporate performance. Moreover, the value of this study also lies in the multidimensional DDF-based StoNED framework.
Effects of inter- and intra-organizational learning activities on SME innovation: the moderating role of environmental dynamism
Authors: Oh Seok-Young , Kim Sehwa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the inter-organizational learning (inter-OL) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) promote intra-organizational learnings (intra-OL) and how inter- and intra-OL jointly promote organizational innovation in the Korean electronics industry. This study also examines the moderating effect of organizational dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique theoretical model shows how inter-OL promotes organizational innovation through intra-OL, knowledge flows and stocks. Data was collected from 201 SMEs in the Korean electronics industry and analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings show that inter-OL directly and indirectly influences innovation. Inter-OL promotes both knowledge flows and stocks, but the only feedforward flows influence innovation through knowledge stocks while feedback flows directly influence innovation. Additionally, the study finds an indirect effect of inter-OL on knowledge stocks and a strong direct effect on innovation when dynamism is high. Intra-OL activities fully mediate between inter-OL and innovation when dynamism is low.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses single informants to measure all constructs. Future studies should use multiple informants.

Practical implications

This study shows that OL in SMEs is shaped by internal processes and external collaborations. Maintaining a connection with various external knowledge sources and creating collaborative opportunities to share learning experiences is critical to innovation.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically examine the relationship between inter- and intra-OL activities within a conceptual framework. The study provides a strategic view of how to facilitate OL activities considering the degree of organizational dynamism.
Entrepreneurial orientation, competitive advantage and strategic knowledge management capability in Malaysian family firms
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Hughes Mathew , Sambasivan Murali
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the thesis that the family firm’s success hinges on effective strategic knowledge management (SKM) capability coupled with an entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Contingency theory holds that entrepreneurial success is contingent on strategic capabilities and resource orchestration theory explains how well family firms nurture capabilities to structure, bundle and leverage resources that define competitive advantage (CA). This study combines these two theoretical viewpoints to propose the effects of EO and SKM capability on CA to achieve successful performance in family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a hybrid approach applying structural equation modelling (SEM) and deep-learning artificial intelligence (DL-AI) analysis to survey data on 268 Malaysian family firms.

Findings

SEM results confirm that CA mediates the relationship between innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking dimensions of EO and firm performance. Autonomy and competitive aggressiveness have no bearing, however. The relationships among innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking with CA and performance are positively moderated by SKM capability, becoming more potent at higher levels. Moreover, four additional DL-AI models reveal the necessity of specific EO dimensions and the interacting effects of EO–SKM capability to influence CA and to attain performance success subsequently.

Originality/value

This study theorizes and presents two new boundary conditions to a knowledge-based theory of the family firm and its firm performance. First, CA mediates the relationship between EO and performance; and second, SKM capability moderates the relationships between EO and CA and between EO and family firm performance. Methodologically, this study uses DL-AI to embrace non-linearity and prioritize predictor variables based on normalized importance to produce greater accuracy over regression analysis. Hence, DL-AI adds methodological novelty to the knowledge management and family firm literature.
Business incubators vs start-ups: a sustainable way of sharing knowledge
Authors: Paoloni Paola , Modaffari Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In recent years the role of business incubators (BIs) within the small-medium enterprise (SME) dimension has grown fast, supporting SMEs, especially during the early stage. For these reasons, this paper aims to investigate how BI supports entrepreneurs in the early stage and what specific instruments are used? What kinds of relations do start-ups use (RQ2)? Finally, the authors intend to explore the long-term influence of these relationships on the economic value of the start-ups (RQ3)?

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper is supported by a qualitative methodology of a single case study. To reach the declared goal in terms of relationship observation, the paper applies the CAOS model (Paoloni, 2021), an interpretative model useful for analysing the relational capital within the SME dimension.

Findings

This first explanatory research confirms the crucial role of the BI in the firm’s development process. Especially in the early stage, the knowledge transfer from the BI allows the start-up to overcome its main difficulties: the organizational aspect and finance capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation concerns the number of start-ups observed. Future lines of research will be focused on the study of other firms to acquire more data on the topic of BI programmes and start-ups.

Practical implications

The managerial implication refers to advancing knowledge and practice in the area of knowledge sharing actuated by BIs. The present work underlines the importance of relational capital as an intangible asset in the development of the younger company.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to two different fields: knowledge sharing by relational capital and gender studies.
Leading open strategizing practices for effective strategy implementation
Authors: Doeleman Henk J. , van Dun Desirée H. , Wilderom Celeste P.M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Implementing a new organizational strategy effectively nowadays is said to require open strategizing practices. The purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of three intertwined open strategizing practices in conjunction with a transformational leadership style towards effective strategy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted within 37 geographically dispersed locations of a Dutch governmental organization. The top managers and senior managers were surveyed at two points in time (n T1 = 548;n T2 = 414) and group interviewed atT2. Exploratory factor and linear regression analyses were performed. The qualitative data pertaining to the specific way in which leaders can impact the relationship between open strategizing practices and strategy implementation was analyzed using the Gioia methodology.

Findings

As hypothesized, transformational leadership moderates the positive relationship between open strategizing practices and effective strategy implementation. This moderating effect was corroborated through the interview data in which the managers stressed the need for “intrinsically motivated” and “empowering” leaders to effectively support the adoption of their own locally-developed location strategy, as part of the overall strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the timely focus on the three intertwined open strategizing practices, the findings are only based on the perceptions of the various top and senior managers employed by one Western public sector organization.

Practical implications

Top and senior managers who need to improve their organization's strategy implementation can apply the here tested three open strategizing practices. They should also be aware of the key role of transformational leadership.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the “open” strategy-as-practice domain by showing how top and senior managers' transformational leadership style supports the beneficial effects of adopting the three practices.
The role of precious metals in extreme market conditions: evidence from stock markets
Authors: Kangalli Uyar Sinem Guler , Uyar Umut , Balkan Emrah
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize three different points: How safe haven properties of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium) differentiate in two recent major crises such as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic? How safe haven properties of precious metals change by the severity and the duration of shocks? and whether precious metals have hedge properties or not in normal conditions against different stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the time-varying behavior of precious metals with respect to stock market returns, the authors used the rolling window approach. After obtaining the time-varying beta series that way, the authors regressed the beta series on different severities of stock market shocks.

Findings

The findings show that the number of safe haven precious metals increases in the COVID-19 pandemic period compared to the GFC. Furthermore, the number of safe haven precious metals increases as the severity of shocks increases and the duration of them extended. Finally, in the absence of an extreme market condition, only gold has strong hedge asset properties.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first that examines the safe haven and hedge properties of all tradable precious metals against seven major stock markets. Besides this, it presents a comparative analysis for the safe haven properties of precious metals in terms of two major crises.
SERPINA1, generalized pustular psoriasis, and adult‐onset immunodeficiency
Authors: Kantaputra Piranit , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn , Kiratikanon Salin , Chaiwarith Romanee , Choonhakarn Chareon , Intachai Worrachet , Quarto Natalina , Tongsima Sissades , Ketudat Cairns James R. , Ngamphiw Chumpol , McGrath John A. , Chuamanochan Mati
Published: August 2021

Adult‐onset immunodeficiency syndrome (AOID) with anti‐interferon (IFN)‐γ autoantibodies is characterized by an AIDS‐like illness with disruptive IFN‐γ signaling. Patients generally present with recurrent and disseminated opportunistic infections along with neutrophilic dermatoses. Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #614204) is characterized by acute generalized erythema and scaling with numerous aseptic pustules. Mutations in SERPINA3 have been reported as predisposing risk factors for both AOID and GPP. Here, we report two unrelated patients, one with AOID and a pustular skin reaction and the other with GPP, who both carried the same heterozygous variant c.718G>A (p.Val240Met) in SERPINA1. Our observation of a shared mutation in SERPINA1 in AOID and GPP indicate possible pathobiological and disease mechanism similarities in these two disorders. Thus, variants in both SERPINA1, SERPINA3, and potentially other SERPIN family members may be associated with the etiology of GPP and AOID.
A review of Canadian and international food safety systems: Issues and recommendations for the future
Authors: Charlebois Sylvain , Juhasz Mark , Music Janet , Vézeau Janèle
Published: August 2021

In January 2019, the Safe Food for Canadians Act/Safe Food for Canadians regulations (heretofore identified as SFCR) came into force across Canada and brought a more streamlined process to food safety practice in Canada. Food trade and production processes have evolved rapidly in recent decades, as Canada imports and exports food products; therefore it is critically important to remain aware of the latest advances responding to a range of challenges and opportunities in the food safety value chain. Looking through the optics of the recent SFCR framework, this paper places the spotlight on leading domestic and international research and practices to help strengthen food safety policies of the future. By shedding some light on new research, we also draw attention to international developments that are noteworthy, and place those in context as to how new Canadian food safety policy and regulation can be further advanced. The paper will benchmark Canada through a review study of food safety best practices by juxtaposing (i) stated aspirations with, (ii) actual performance in leading Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) jurisdictions.
Gelation behavior and crystal network of natural waxes and corresponding binary blends in high‐oleic sunflower oil
Authors: Shi Yifei , Liu Chunhuan , Zheng Zhaojun , Chai Xiuhang , Han Wanjun , Liu Yuanfa
Published: August 2021

Wax‐based oleogels attract considerable attention for their perfect gelation properties, but the waxy mouthfeel severely limits their implementation in food. Herein, we developed a novel strategy via designing the crystal network to produce wax‐based oleogels with a suitable mouthfeel. Four natural waxes with different melting points were selected as oleogelators to investigate the gelation behavior. All waxes at 5 wt% concentrations could form stable oleogels with low‐frequency dependence. Especially, rice bran wax (RBW) and beeswax (BW) with high oil‐binding capacity indicated that the ordered crystal network with fiber or needle‐like morphology is more suitable for trapping liquid oil. Interestingly, China lacquer wax (ZLW) presented satisfactory oral melting characteristics according to the melting properties. Subsequently, to enhance the structure of ZLW‐oleogel, RBW and BW with desirable crystal networks were added at varying mass ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). The binary oleogels exhibited monotectic behavior from thermodynamic phase diagrams. The polarization microscope indicated that similar needle‐like crystals in BW/ZLW system enhanced the order of network structure, while long fiber‐like crystals by RBW dominated the crystallization of RBW/ZLW binary oleogels. Finally, the BW/ZLW binary oleogels with ratios of 25:75 and 50:50 showed no‐waxy mouthfeels in sensory analysis. These findings provide strong theoretical support for the application of wax‐based oleogels in plastic fats replacement.

Practical Application

Natural wax‐based oleogel has been widely investigated due to the high oil binding capacity and perfect gelation properties. But its waxy mouthfeel severely limits the application in the food industry. In this study, oleogels with no‐waxy an mouthfeel were obtained by designing wax‐blend crystalline network. These findings provide strong theoretical support for the application of wax‐based oleogels in plastic fats replacement.
Microbial food: microorganisms repurposed for our food
Authors: Choi Kyeong Rok , Yu Hye Eun , Lee Sang Yup
Published: August 2021

Sustainable food production is a key to solve complicated and intertwined issues of overpopulation, climate change, environment and sustainability. Microorganisms, which have been routinely consumed as a part of fermented foods and more recently as probiotic dietary supplements, can be repurposed for our food to present a sustainable solution to current food production system. This paper begins with three snapshots of our future life with microbial foods. Next, the importance, possible forms, and raw materials (i.e. microorganisms and their carbon and energy sources) of microbial foods are discussed. In addition, the production strategies, further applications and current limitations of microbial foods are discussed.
Low mortality rates among critically ill adults with COVID‐19 at three non‐academic intensive care units in south Sweden
Authors: Taxbro Knut , Granath Andreas , Sunnergren Ola , Seifert Stefanie , Jakubczyk Milena N. , Persson Magnus , Hammarskjöld Anneli , Alkemark Catarina , Hammarskjöld Fredrik ,   the RJL COVID‐19 Research Group
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put an exceptional strain on intensive care units worldwide. During the first year, the survival of patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure appears to have improved. We aimed to describe the mortality rates, management characteristics and two pandemic waves during the first year at three non‐academic rural intensive care units in Sweden.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed all cases of COVID‐19 admitted to intensive care units in Region Jönköping County during 1 year. The primary endpoint was 30‐day mortality.

Results

Between 14th March 2020 and 13th March 2021, 264 patients were admitted to undergo intensive care with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The 30‐day mortality rate after the initial intensive care admission was 12.9%, and this rate remained unchanged during both pandemic waves. However, we found several distinct differences between the two pandemic waves, including an increase in the use of high‐flow nasal oxygen but a decrease in invasive mechanical ventilation use, biochemical markers of inflammation, continuous renal replacement therapy and length of stay in the intensive care unit.

Conclusion

Our study showed that critically ill patients with COVID‐19 in Sweden have a low 30‐day mortality rate which compares well with results published from academic centres and national cohorts throughout Scandinavia. During the second pandemic wave, the proportion of patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy was lower than that in the first wave. This could be the result of increased knowledge and improved therapeutic options.
The foreign experience and investment performance of venture capitalists
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Xueyong
Published: August 2021

This study examines the impact of venture capitalists with foreign experience on investment performance. Based on venture capitalist‐ and deal‐level samples, venture capitalists with foreign experience are found to yield significantly worse investment performance than those with domestic experience in China. The study findings hold across a wide range of robustness checks. Further results indicate that venture capitalists with foreign experience are more prone to follow prudent investing strategies, invest shortly before exiting and conduct less supervision. One underlying mechanism through which venture capitalists with foreign experience yield poorer performances is cultural distance.
Understanding dispersal patterns can inform future translocation strategies: A case study of the threatened greater stick‐nest rat (Leporillus conditor)
Authors: Onley Isabelle R. , Austin Jeremy J. , Mitchell Kieren J. , Moseby Katherine E.
Published: August 2021

Dispersal behaviour and sociality are significant factors influencing survival at both the individual and population levels. In translocation and breeding programmes, social structure and sex‐biased philopatry and dispersal should be considered in order to maximise population viability and conservation outcomes. Here, we use the greater stick‐nest rat (Leporillus conditor), a native Australian rodent, as a case study to understand how knowledge of social structure and dispersal can inform conservation and translocation programmes. We combine high‐throughput DNA sequencing with field trapping data from a translocated population of greater stick‐nest rats at Arid Recovery Reserve, South Australia, to provide the first empirical evidence of female philopatry and male‐biased dispersal in this species. Males were found to disperse, on average, 1.5 km from the natal nest, while females typically did not disperse beyond 500 m. Further, recapture data showed that females demonstrated a higher degree of nest fidelity than males over time. Based on these findings, we make two key recommendations for future translocations of the species. Firstly, founders should be harvested in small groups at adjacent nest sites with groups separated by a minimum of 1.5 km allowing family group structure to be retained during translocation while simultaneously maximising genetic diversity. Secondly, translocated individuals should be released in family cohorts into patches of optimal habitat that contain adequate shelter substrates interspersed over short distances (~300–500 m, the maximum dispersal distance of females found in this study), thereby facilitating nest establishment and maintenance of family groups. The results of this study have implications for conservation and reintroduction biology as a whole; we highlight the importance of considering spatial genetic structure during all stages of translocations to improve outcomes, and the value of combining genetic and field data to better understand species’ social and spatial preferences.
Risk factors associated with veterinary attrition from clinical practice: a descriptive study
Authors: Arbe Montoya AI , Hazel SJ , Hebart ML , McArthur ML
Published: August 2021

A sustainable workforce is important for the veterinary profession to meet the demands of society. To maintain a sustainable workforce, it has been recommended to retain veterinary clinicians. However, there seems to be an increasing issue with retention of veterinarians in clinical practice. In the following study, the researchers sought to understand the associations between demographic and work‐related factors and attrition of veterinarians from clinical practice. Responses to an online cross‐sectional survey of 881 current and former Australian veterinary clinicians were analysed. A logistic regression model was used to identify and describe associations between attrition from veterinary clinical practice and salary, working hours, role in practice, years of experience, field of work, interaction with regulatory authorities, region of work and on‐call duties. Lower salary, longer working hours, having on‐call duties and having worked in both rural and metropolitan regions were found to significantly (P < 0.05) increase the likelihood of leaving clinical practice. The results may inform intervention strategies to assist the industry to retain veterinarians in clinical practice.
Effects of a learning analytics‐based real‐time feedback approach on knowledge elaboration, knowledge convergence, interactive relationships and group performance in CSCL
Authors: Zheng Lanqin , Niu Jiayu , Zhong Lu
Published: August 2021

Learning analytics (LA) has been widely adopted in research on education. However, most studies in the area have conducted LA after computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL) activities rather than during CSCL. To address this problem, this study proposed a LA‐based real‐time feedback approach based on a deep neural network model to improve CSCL performance. In total, 72 university students participated in the study and were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The students in the experimental group learned with the LA‐based real‐time feedback approach, whereas the students in the control group learned with the conventional online collaborative learning approach. To analyse the data, both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted. The results indicated that the LA‐based real‐time feedback approach significantly promoted knowledge convergence, knowledge elaboration, interactive relationships and group performance. The interview results also confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Practitioner notes

What is already known regarding this topic

Learning analytics (LA) has been widely used in education.

Most studies in the area have presented LA results only after collaborative learning and have lacked real‐time analysis and feedback.

What this paper adds

A LA‐based real‐time feedback approach was proposed and validated in the computer‐supported collaborative learning (CSCL) context.

The experimental results indicated that the LA‐based real‐time feedback approach significantly promoted knowledge elaboration, knowledge convergence, interactive relationships and group performance.

Implications for practice and/or policy

To shed light on progress in CSCL, real‐time LA are recommended.

Deep neural network models, such as bidirectional encoder representations from transformers, can be adopted to automatically analyse online discussion transcripts.

Real‐time feedback based on LA results can promote CSCL performance.
Risk factors of hospitalisation for thrombosis in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia, including disease‐specific treatments: a French nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lafaurie Margaux , Maquet Julien , Baricault Bérangère , Ekstrand Charlotta , Christiansen Christian F. , Linder Marie , Bahmanyar Shahram , Nørgaard Mette , Sailler Laurent , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Sommet Agnès , Moulis Guillaume
Published: August 2021

We aimed to assess the risk factors of venous thrombosis (VT) and arterial thrombosis (AT) in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), particularly in relation to treatments. The population comprised all incident primary ITP adults in France between 2009 and 2017 (FAITH cohort; NCT03429660) built in the national health database. Outcomes were the first hospitalisation for VT and AT. Multivariable Cox regression models included baseline risk factors, time‐varying exposure to ITP drugs, splenectomy and to cardiovascular drugs. The cohort included 10 039 patients. A higher risk of hospitalisation for VT was observed with older age, history of VT, history of cancer, splenectomy [hazard ratio (HR) 3·23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·26–4·61], exposure to corticosteroids (HR 3·55, 95% CI 2·74–4·58), thrombopoietin‐receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs; HR 2·28, 95% CI 1·59–3·26) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg; HR 2·10, 95% CI 1·43–3·06). A higher risk of hospitalisation for AT was observed with older age, male sex, a history of cardiovascular disease, splenectomy (HR 1·50, 95% CI 1·12–2·03), exposure to IVIg (HR 1·85, 95% CI 1·36–2·52) and TPO‐RAs (HR 1·64, 95% CI 1·26–2·13). Rituximab was not associated with an increased risk. These findings help to estimate the risk of thrombosis in adult patients with ITP and to select treatment.
A validation study of the identification of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in England using population‐based health data
Authors: Bishton Mark J. , Stilwell Peter , Card Tim R. , Lanyon Peter , Ban Lu , Elliss‐Brookes Lucy , Manson Jessica , Nanduri Vasanta , Earp Kate , Flower Luke , Amarnani Raj , Rankin Judith , Sen Ethan S. , Tattersall Rachel S. , Crooks Colin J. , Aston Jeanette , Siskova Veronika , West Joe , Bythell Mary
Published: August 2021

We assessed the validity of coded healthcare data to identify cases of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) identified 127 cases within five hospital Trusts 2013–2018 using ICD‐10 codes D76.1, D76.2 and D76.3. Hospital records were reviewed to validate diagnoses. Out of 74 patients, 73 were coded D76.1 or D76.2 (positive predictive value 89·0% [95% Confidence Interval {CI} 80·2–94·9%]) with confirmed/probable HLH. For cases considered not HLH, 44/53 were coded D76.3 (negative predictive value 97·8% [95% CI 88·2–99·9%]). D76.1 or D76.2 had 68% sensitivity in detecting HLH compared to an established active case‐finding HLH register in Sheffield. Office for National Statistics (ONS) mortality data (2003–2018) identified 698 patients coded D76.1, D76.2 and D76.3 on death certificates. Five hundred and forty‐one were coded D76.1 or D76.2 of whom 524 (96·9%) had HLH in the free‐text cause of death. Of 157 coded D76.3, 66 (42·0%) had HLH in free text. D76.1 and D76.2 codes reliably identify HLH cases, and provide a lower bound on incidence. Non‐concordance between D76.3 and HLH excludes D76.3 as an ascertainment source from HES. Our results suggest electronic healthcare data in England can enable population‐wide registration and analysis of HLH for future research.
Selective actions of benzodiazepines at the transmembrane anaesthetic binding sites of the GABAA receptor: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: McGrath Megan , Hoyt Helen , Pence Andrea , Forman Stuart A. , Raines Douglas E.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

In addition to binding to the classical high‐affinity extracellular benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor, some benzodiazepines occupy transmembrane inter‐subunit anaesthetic sites that bind etomidate (β+/α− sites) or the barbiturate derivative R‐mTFD‐MPAB (α+/β− and γ+/β− sites). We aimed to define the functional effects of these interactions on GABAA receptor activity and animal behaviour.

Experimental Approach

With flumazenil blocking classical high‐affinity extracellular benzodiazepine site effects, modulation of GABA‐activated currents by diazepam, midazolam and flurazepam was measured electrophysiologically in wildtype and M2‐15′ mutant α1β3γ2L GABAA receptors. Zebrafish locomotive activity was also assessed in the presence of each benzodiazepine plus flumazenil.

Key Results

In the presence of flumazenil, micromolar concentrations of diazepam and midazolam both potentiated and inhibited wildtype GABAA receptor currents. β3N265M (M2‐15′ in the β+/α− sites) and α1S270I (M2‐15′ in the α+/β− site) mutations reduced or abolished potentiation by these drugs. In contrast, the γ2S280W mutation (M2‐15′ in the γ+/β− site) abolished inhibition. Flurazepam plus flumazenil only inhibited wildtype receptor currents, an effect unaltered by M2‐15′ mutations. In the presence of flumazenil, zebrafish locomotion was enhanced by diazepam at concentrations up to 30 μM and suppressed at 100 μM, suppressed by midazolam and enhanced by flurazepam.

Conclusions and Implications

Benzodiazepine binding to transmembrane anaesthetic binding sites of the GABAA receptor can produce positive or negative modulation manifesting as decreases or increases in locomotion, respectively. Selectivity for these sites may contribute to the distinct GABAA receptor and behavioural actions of different benzodiazepines, particularly at high (i.e. anaesthetic) concentrations.
Factors influencing rehabilitation effect in prelingually deafened late‐implanted cochlear implant users, and the construction of a nomogram
Authors: Liu Riyuan , Wang Qian , Jiao Qingshan , Ji Fei , Zhao Hui , Li Jianan , Yang Shiming
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Our study aimed to identify potential factors that may influence rehabilitation outcomes in late‐implanted adolescents and adults with prelingual deafness and to construct a user‐friendly nomogram.

Design

This cross‐sectional study included 120 subjects under 30 years of age who had received cochlear implantation at a single medical centre. The Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) scale was used to evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes. A nomogram was constructed by using the R and EmpowerStats software.

Results

Univariate analysis indicated higher rates of auditory performance improvement in younger aged subjects. Residual hearing and regular implant use were more frequently seen among subjects with auditory performance improvement. Multivariate analysis identified residual hearing (Hazard Ratio, 6.11; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.83–20.41; p < .01), age group (Hazard Ratio, 0.31; 95% Confidence Interval, 0.14–0.83; p = .02) and regular CI use (Hazard Ratio, 7.79; 95% Confidence Interval, 2.50–24.20; p < .01) as independent predictors for auditory performance improvement. The nomogram's predictive performance was satisfactory as shown by the calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Conclusions

Factors such as residual hearing, younger age and regular CI use are associated with auditory performance improvement in this cochlear implant user population. The nomogram model also demonstrates a satisfactory predictive performance.
Technical factors that minimize the occurrence of early graft failure in pancreas transplantation
Authors: Ryu Je Ho , Ko Hyo Jung , Shim Jae Ryong , Lee Tae Beom , Yang Kwang Ho , Kim Taeun , Choi Byung Hyun
Published: August 2021

Pancreatic transplantation is the only treatment for insulin‐dependent diabetes resulting in long‐term euglycemia without exogenous insulin. However, pancreatic transplantation has become debatable following the improvements in the results of islet transplantation and artificial pancreas. Therefore, surgeons who perform pancreas transplants require the best surgical technique that can minimize technical failure. We aimed to report our experiences with pancreatic transplantations.

We transplanted 65 pancreatic grafts between 2015 and 2020. Except for one death due to hypoxic brain damage after surgery, no postoperative technical failure was observed. We usually perform duodeno‐duodenal anastomosis using the transperitoneal approach, with retrocolic placement of the graft pancreas.

There was no leakage from the duodenum even after immunologic graft failure. To prevent venous thrombosis, which is the most common cause of technical failure, we used the inferior vena cava for anastomosis and added graft venoplasty with a patch of donor vena cava or aortic interposition graft to the bench procedure; subsequently, there were no cases of technical failure due to thrombosis post‐transplantation. Therefore, the 1‐year graft survival (insulin‐free) rate was more than 95%. The improving the surgical technique will maintain pancreatic transplantation as the best treatment for insulin‐dependent diabetes.