bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green intellectual capital and social innovation: the nexus
Authors: Sheikh Aarif Mohd
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The term “social innovation” refers to interorganizational activity ostensibly designed to address environmental issues. Green intellectual capital (IC) has been considered to be a vitally important mechanism for companies to move towards green production. By adopting the Intellectual capital-based view (ICV) as the underpinning theory, this study aims to investigate the green intellectual capital and social innovation tie-up.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted in this study. The mail survey was used to collect data from managers of 509 manufacturing units operating in J&K, India. The study model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Based on the SEM results, the key factors that significantly influence social innovation were green human capital and green structural capital. The results also posited that green relational capital was not significantly related to social innovation.

Originality/value

As revealed by the existing literature, no similar work has been done yet. Therefore, this study's originality lies in its exploration of green intellectual capital (IC) and social innovation interplay in an environmentally sensitive sector, manufacturing. Besides, this study offers insights to academics and practitioners in the manufacturing sector, especially in emerging economies.
An investigation of adoption intention of halal traceability system among food SMEs
Authors: Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , Muhamad Nur Aminin , Mohd Nawi Nolila
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The incredulity among Muslim consumers due to fake and doubtful halal logos has led to some querying the halal compliance and halal integrity among food small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By using the traceability systems consumers may track and trace the movement of food products available in the market. The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence food SMEs’ intention to adopt a halal traceability system.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was developed and administered to a systematic random sampling of 260 food SMEs. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Chi-square analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The results revealed a strong correlation between the environmental aspect (EA) and perceived usefulness (PU) of a halal traceability system. Sales turnover, PU, perceived ease of use, technological aspect, organizational aspect and EA are the factors that influenced food SMEs’ intention to adopt a halal traceability system.

Research limitations/implications

The context of this study is confined to the SMEs in the food industry in Peninsular Malaysia, thereby limiting the generalizability of the findings to other industries.

Practical implications

This study shows a halal traceability system facilitates food SMEs in enhancing their business and provides tremendous potential to further improve the halal industry in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The traceability system that is perceived to be easy and useful are the most influential factors toward the adoption of technology among food SMEs. Thus, this study confirms the growing importance of the halal traceability system in the food industry.
Reading between the lines: untwining online user-generated content using sentiment analysis
Authors: Rasool Gowhar , Pathania Anjali
Published: June 2021

Purpose

One of the major challenges within the airline industry is to keep pace with the changing customer perception toward their service quality. This paper aims to demonstrate how sentiment analysis of user-generated big data can be used to research airline service quality as a more comprehensive alternative to other survey-based models by investigating real-time passenger insights.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research uses the case of Indigo airlines by studying passenger's trip advisor reviews regarding the low-cost commercial airline service. The authors analyzed 1,777 passenger reviews, which were classified, to uncover sentiments for five dimensions of airline service quality (AIRQUAL).

Findings

The findings of the study demonstrate the need for harnessing the brand-related user-generated content shared on online platforms to identify the critical attributes for airline service quality. Further, through the application of sentiment analysis, the paper provides much-needed clarity in the processing of user-generated content. It illustrates the investigation of passenger interactions as a reflection of their satisfaction, expectation, intention and overall opinion toward the airline service quality.

Practical implications

The analytical framework adopted in the study for examining user-generated content (UGC) can be functional for the marketing managers and equip them for handling large-scale data readily available in action-oriented interactive marketing research.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates how sentiment analysis of user-generated data can be used to research airline service quality as a more comprehensive alternative to other survey-based models. The study supplements the methodological advances in the field of UGC analysis and adds to the existing knowledge domain.
Examination of the effect of fire retardant materials on timber
Authors: Lubloy Eva , Takács Lajos Gábor , Enczel David Istvan , Cimer Zsolt
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The fire safety of structures is an existing and important design aspect, which is assured by strict regulations. As a means to adhere to the strict requirements, fire protection has become a core problem. It is particularly difficult to comply with these regulations in the case of timber, which is a combustible material. These problems could be solved by enveloping the wood in fire retardant materials. MSZ EN 1995-1-2 currently does not take into consideration the fire-retardant materials charring rate under fire exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

However, currently these fire retardants are proving to be reliable and depending on their application can achieve better reaction-to-fire classifications. During the research, the authors used five different fire-retardant materials on three different types of wood and tested their behaviours in a laboratory. When selecting them, it was important to choose the species that are most commonly used in the building industry but which have significantly different densities. Our choice fell upon spruce (360 kg/m3), Scots pine (540 kg/m3) and oak (650 kg/m3). During the tests, we examined the weight reduction and the process of burning on the specimens treated with the fire retardant material. In addition, the authors also performed tests by derivatography on both untreated and treated specimen.

Findings

The question is whether the effects of the fire retardants should be taken into consideration when calculating the extent of the burn. The Eurocode (MSZ EN 1995-1-2) does not provide any opinions. On the market, there are manufacturers who are already discussing the possibilities of reducing the burn rate during the qualification of paints. In this paper, based on the results we received, we discuss the beneficial effects of the fire retardants which can be taken into account while measuring cross-sections.

Originality/value

By using fire retardants, a high proportion of cross-sectional area gain is only possible in case of small cross-sections; therefore, it is advisable to use them here as well. This can be effective for example in many smaller cross-sections, when there is a little space and therefore requires a small cross-section. Thus, if a larger cross-section without protection is not possible, it can be replaced by a smaller cross section, treated with a fire retardant.
Re-thinking gig economy in conventional workforce post-COVID-19: a blended approach for upholding fair balance
Authors: Mahato Manjari , Kumar Nitish , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Despite the trend, managing and maximizing the effectiveness of blended workforce is not well-understood. The purpose of this paper is to institutionalize a blended workforce model in the post-COVID era, that is, a movement from homogenous workforce to heterogenous workforce of full-time employees working in tandem with gig talents connected via digital platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of gig economy is presented for contextualizing the development of prospective business models in the post-COVID era to establish clarity on the relationship between the employers and the blended workforce. To achieve this conceptual switch, a framework is proposed to support this type of workforce for creating a fair balance.

Findings

By drawing on the concepts of various talent management functions, propositions were made predicting that the alignment of the multilateral activities of the gig workers with permanent workforce will be leveraged in the future to address the needs of short-term specialized skill-sets and scalable operations while creating a fair balance through a flexible and agile workforce.

Originality/value

First, the paper explores how bridging the gap between the traditional and gig workforce can impact the key antecedents of a blended workforce ensuring a fair trial. Second, on an economical level, the COOKIE framework proposed in the paper is expected to play a crucial role in creating new job opportunities, boosting employee morale while minimizing costs and increasing productivity of the organizations.
Firm- and country-level determinants of green investments: an empirical analysis
Authors: Barabanov Sergey S. , Basnet Anup , Walker Thomas J. , Yuan Wangchao , Wendt Stefan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the determinants of corporate green investments (GI) by using a series of both firm- and country-level factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect information on environmental expenditures of 763 firms from 40 countries and use random effects regressions to identify the determinants of GI.

Findings

The authors find that larger firms tend to invest more in green projects, whereas firms that are highly valued or more profitable are less likely to go green. In terms of country-level determinants, we find that the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and population are positively related with GI, while GDP growth and surface area are negatively associated with GI. Additionally, firms in common-law countries and English-speaking countries make fewer GI than firms in other countries.

Social implications

The findings of this research not only contribute to the academic literature in these areas, but also have important implications for both regulators and policymakers in countries that exhibit sub-par GI or who otherwise aim to increase GI by firms operating in their country.

Originality/value

The authors identify and explore the key determinants of GI from both a firm- and country-level perspective.
Towards a general model explaining physical and digital counterfeits
Authors: Molina-Castillo Francisco-Jose , Penz Elfriede , Stöttinger Barbara
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Demand for fake physical and digital products is a global phenomenon with substantive detrimental effects on companies and consumers. This raises various questions and issues, such as whether there are generalizable explanations of purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on consumer samples from three different countries. This paper develops and tests a model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain both the demand for counterfeits and digital piracy. Respondents were questioned about physical products (e.g. clothing, accessories) from well-known brands and digital products (e.g. software, music).

Findings

Socially oriented motives such as embarrassment potential, ethical concerns and social norms explain the intention to purchase fake physical and digital products, while personally oriented motives (e.g. self-identity) have indirect effects but not a direct impact on purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

As our results show, we find evidence for a general model – contributing and supporting our first and primary research goal of providing a theoretically robust model that bridges the gap between two streams of literature.

Practical implications

The fact that drivers of buying counterfeit physical and digital goods are similar across countries provides justification for companies and international organizations to bundle their efforts and thus leverage them more strongly on a global scale.

Originality/value

We provide a basis for consolidating future research on demand for counterfeits and pirated goods because underlying factors driving demand are similar across the three countries studied herein.
Influence of energy density on polyamide 12 processed by SLS: from physical and mechanical properties to microstructural and crystallization evolution
Authors: Czelusniak Tiago , Amorim Fred Lacerda
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a detailed study on influence of the laser energy density on mechanical, surface and dimensional properties of polyamide 12 (PA12) parts produced by selective laser sintering (SLS), providing the microstructural and crystallization evolution of the samples produced at different energy densities.

Design/methodology/approach

Making use of a space filling design of experiments, a wide range of laser sintering parameters is covered. Surface morphology is assessed by means of profile measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Mechanical testing, SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to assess the influence of energy density on structural and mechanical properties.

Findings

Results show a high dependency of the properties on the laser energy density and also a compromise existing between laser exposure parameters and desired properties of laser sintered parts. Surface roughness could be associated to overlap degree when using higher scan line spacing values and lower laser speeds improved surface roughness when high scan line spacing is used. Higher mechanical properties were found at higher energy density levels, but excessively high energy density decreased mechanical properties. A transition from brittle to ductile fracture with increasing energy density could be clearly observed by mechanical analysis and SEM. XRD and DSC measurements show a decrease on the crystal fraction with increasing energy densities, which corroborated the plastic behavior observed, and FTIR measurements revealed polymer degradation through chain scission might occur at too high energy densities.

Originality/value

Valuable guidelines are given regarding energy density optimization for SLS of PA12 considering not only quality criteria but also microstructure characteristics. Surface properties are studied based on the concept of degree of overlap between laser scanning lines. For the first time, crystallization behavior of SLS PA12 parts produced at different energy levels was studied by means of XRD measurements. Polymer degradation of SLS PA12 parts was evaluated with FTIR, which is a non-destructive and easy test to be conducted.
Natural and anthropogenic sources of habitat variation influence exploration behaviour, stress response, and brain morphology in a coastal fish
Authors: Jenkins Matthew R. , Cummings John M. , Cabe Alex R. , Hulthén Kaj , Peterson M. Nils , Langerhans R. Brian
Published: June 2021

Evolutionary ecology aims to better understand how ecologically important traits respond to environmental heterogeneity. Environments vary both naturally and as a result of human activities, and investigations that simultaneously consider how natural and human‐induced environmental variation affect diverse trait types grow increasingly important as human activities drive species endangerment.

Here, we examined how habitat fragmentation and structural habitat complexity affect disparate trait types in Bahamas mosquitofish Gambusia hubbsi inhabiting tidal creeks. We tested a priori predictions for how these factors might influence exploratory behaviour, stress reactivity and brain anatomy.

We examined approximately 350 adult Bahamas mosquitofish from seven tidal‐creek populations across Andros Island, The Bahamas that varied in both human‐caused fragmentation (three fragmented and four unfragmented) and natural habitat complexity (e.g. fivefold variation in rock habitat).

Populations that had experienced severe human‐induced fragmentation, and thus restriction of tidal exchange from the ocean, exhibited greater exploration of a novel environment, stronger physiological stress responses to a mildly stressful event and smaller telencephala (relative to body size). These changes matched adaptive predictions based mostly on (a) reduced chronic predation risk and (b) decreased demands for navigating tidally dynamic habitats. Populations from sites with greater structural habitat complexity showed a higher propensity for exploration and a relatively larger optic tectum and cerebellum. These patterns matched adaptive predictions related to increased demands for navigating complex environments.

Our findings demonstrate environmental variation, including recent anthropogenic impacts (<50 years), can significantly affect complex, ecologically important traits. Yet trait‐specific patterns may not be easily predicted, as we found strong support for only six of 12 predictions. Our results further highlight the utility of simultaneously quantifying multiple environmental factors—for example had we failed to account for habitat complexity, we would not have detected the effects of fragmentation on exploratory behaviours. These responses, and their ecological consequences, may be complex: rapid and adaptive phenotypic responses to anthropogenic impacts can facilitate persistence in human‐altered environments, but may come at a cost of population vulnerability if ecological restoration was to occur without consideration of the altered traits.
Interdependence among West African stock markets: A dimension of regional financial integration
Authors: Emenike Kalu O.
Published: June 2021

Understanding the nature of interdependence between international stock markets is vital for portfolio diversification, risk management and market regulation. This paper examines the nature of interdependence among West African stock markets using correlation analysis, the Granger causality test and a multivariate BEKK‐GARCH (1,1) model. The results show evidence of a weak relationship among West African stock markets. The results also show absence of causal dependence between the Côte d'Ivoire BRVM (Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières), and the Ghana stock market, but evince feedback relationship between the Côte d'Ivoire BRVM and the Nigeria stock market as well as between the Ghana and Nigeria stock markets. The results further reveal no evidence of volatility spillover between the Côte d'Ivoire BRVM and the Ghana stock market, but show evidence of unidirectional volatility spillover from the Nigeria stock market to the Côte d'Ivoire BRVM as well as bidirectional volatility spillover between the Nigerian and Ghanaian stock markets. Overall, the findings reveal existence of weak interdependence among West African stock markets, and that West African financial markets are interdependent through the Nigerian market. These findings are relevant to stock market stabilisation and investment policy in West Africa.
How Risky Is Australian Household Debt?
Authors: Kearns Jonathan , Major Mike , Norman David
Published: June 2021

Household indebtedness has increased substantially in Australia. We consider how significant a risk this debt poses. Our results suggest that banks appear resilient to a severe downturn, thanks to moderate loan‐to‐valuation ratios on residential mortgages and generally sound lending criteria. Household debt seems to pose a bigger risk to consumption, since a large but plausible decrease in asset prices could precipitate a substantial decrease in consumption. Moreover, the increase in indebtedness over the past decade has slightly increased the potential decline in consumption. However, the distribution of debt across households appears to slightly mitigate these risks.
Simple chemical tests to identify Cannabis derivatives: Redefinition of parameters and analysis of concepts
Authors: Grijó Daniel Ribeiro , Olivo José Eduardo , da Motta Lima Oswaldo Curty
Published: June 2021

The chemical identification of Cannabis is commonly carried out using the Duquenois–Levine (DL) colorimetric test. On the other hand, its active substances called cannabinoids are differentiated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC). This work aims to optimize parameters of these two chemical tests using different samples of Cannabis in natura and previously heated (decarboxylated), as well as their isolated bioactive and possible false positives. The efficiency of the DL test without using ether and aliphatic aldehyde was evaluated, comparing the removal or not of the solid sample from the reaction medium after applying different concentrations of the vanillin ethanolic solution. The chemical properties of different cannabinoids and solvents were estimated and correlated with the TLC retention factors. DL tests applied directly to the plant matrix did not show the expected color, even using a high concentration of vanillin. However, obtaining ethanolic extracts from the samples using low vanillin concentration was sufficient without detecting false positives described in the literature. Cannabinoids with high dipole moment () were poorly eluted in TLC, indicating a great interaction with the stationary phase. Their identifications could be conducted based on their distinct lipophilic characteristics () and the choice of a more polar solvent mix (). It is concluded that the DL test can be conducted with reagents of less toxicity, but it is necessary to remove the plant matrix from the reaction medium. The correlation of the TLC results with the chemical properties of cannabinoids and solvents was consistent and can be extrapolated for more complex analyses.
Fever phobia in caregivers presenting to New Zealand emergency departments
Authors: MacMahon Donagh , Brabyn Christine , Dalziel Stuart R , McKinlay Christopher JD , Tan Eunicia
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of fever phobia among caregivers of children presenting to New Zealand EDs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was administered to caregivers of children <5 years of age presenting to three New Zealand EDs. We defined fever phobia as caregivers having a high level of concern regarding fever or having incorrect beliefs regarding the consequences of fever.

Results

A total of 502 caregivers completed the survey. Fever phobia was present in 365 (74.3% [95% confidence interval, CI 70.3–78.0%]) respondents, with 242 (49.3% [95% CI 44.9–53.7%]) caregivers reporting a high level of concern regarding fever, and 288 (61.8% [95% CI 57.3–66.1%]) caregivers reporting at least one incorrect belief regarding the consequences of fever. Majority of caregivers (n = 383, 87.6% [95% CI 84.2–90.4%]) knew the correct dosing interval for paracetamol, compared to less than half of caregivers (n = 179, 42.5% [95% CI 37.9–47.3%]) for ibuprofen. Caregivers reported non‐evidence‐based fever management practices such as sponging, always giving paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for fever, and waking children from sleep to give antipyretics. Over one‐third of caregivers identified ED doctors (n = 195, 40.2% [95% CI 34.7–43.2%]) and ED nurses (n = 173, 35.7% [95% CI 31.5–40.0%]) as sources of information regarding fever management. A higher level of education was associated with fever phobia (odds ratio 1.68 [95% CI 1.04–2.72], P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Fever phobia is prevalent among caregivers of children presenting to New Zealand EDs. Opportunistic caregiver education in the ED in conjunction with public health strategies are needed to dispel undue fears and misconceptions about fever.
Multilateralism, Bilateralism and Institutional Choice: The Political Economy of Regime Complexes in International Trade Policy
Authors: De Bièvre Dirk , van Ommeren Emile
Published: June 2021

The global trading regime is characterized by the co‐existence of bilateral and multilateral politics. In this article, we offer a political economy explanation for this regime complex, by tracing public actors’ institutional choices back to political incentives for economic sectors and the firms active within them. First, we argue that product differentiation creates mixed motives on the part of firms, which in turn leads to a preference for the segmentation of markets, and thus bilateralism. Second, we contend that among these firms, multinational corporations (MNCs) are particularly well‐positioned to exert influence over policy decisions in multiple international fora, both bilateral and multilateral. This provides incentives for multinationals to push governments to create and sustain regime complexes in the form of nested regimes. We show how these expectations are largely born out in an empirical test for six different economic sectors.
Programmed death ligand‐1 expression levels, clinicopathologic features, and survival in surgically resected sarcomatoid lung carcinoma
Authors: Ağaçkıran Yetkin , Aksu Funda , Akyürek Nalan , Ercan Caner , Demiröz Mustafa , Aksu Kurtuluş
Published: June 2021

Aim

To determine the programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression rates in sarcomatoid lung carcinomas and to compare clinicopathologic features and survival rates of PD‐L1‐positive and negative patients.

Methods

PD‐L1 expression was evaluated in 65 surgically resected sarcomatoid carcinomas. The clinicopathologic features of cases with PD‐L1‐positive and negative tumors were compared. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. Multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of overall survival.

Results

PD‐L1 antibody positivity was found in 72.3% of surgically resected sarcomatoid lung carcinomas. Regarding histopathologic subtypes, PD‐L1 expression was positive in 80.4% of pleomorphic carcinomas, 62.5% of spindle‐ and/or giant‐cell carcinomas, and 16.7% of carcinosarcomas. Pleural invasion was observed in 68.1% of PD‐L1‐positive cases and 27.8% of PD‐L1‐negative cases (P = 0.008). No difference in survival was found between PD‐L1‐positive and ‐negative tumors. The only factor significantly associated with poor survival was the pathological stage of the tumor.

Conclusions

This study reveals a high rate of PD‐L1 positivity in a large number of sarcomatoid lung carcinoma cases with pleomorphic carcinoma, spindle‐ and/or giant‐cell carcinoma, and carcinosarcoma subtypes. The only significantly different clinicopathologic feature in PD‐L1‐positive cases is pleural invasion. PD‐L1 positivity is not a significant predictor of survival in sarcomatoid lung carcinomas.
At Death’s Door in Cancun: Sun, Sea, and Santa Muerte
Authors: Kingsbury Kate
Published: June 2021

This article describes a visit to a Santa Muerte shrine in Cancun, offering insight into why devotees are dedicated to the Mexican Saint of Death. Rites to the folk saint allow locals to express their needs and demands in a tourist city where they are otherwise beholden to visitors and their requirements. A quiet form of feminism is at play at the shrine, run by a woman, self‐identified bruja, shaman, and curandera, Yuri Mendez, and her all‐women team who support their community through their spiritual offerings and in return acquire prestige and financial independence.
Skin tone bias and the US presidency: The portrayal of a Black incumbent and a Black candidate in newspaper photographs
Authors: Kemmelmeier Markus , Nesbitt Ian Scot , Erhart Ryan S.
Published: June 2021

Across cultures, darker skin tone is associated with lower social status. We propose that Black politicians are subject to skin tone biases in US newspapers, with hostile biases resulting in them being portrayed as more dark‐skinned. We hypothesized that such biases occur as a function of negative racial attitudes. We contrast this with an ingroup bias hypothesis, according to which partisans denigrate Black politicians of the other side, but not their own side. The present research evaluated skin tone biases toward President Barack Obama, a Democrat, and Dr. Ben Carson, a Republican, in US newspapers. We collected published photographs of President Obama during his first term in office (n= 3781 from 34 newspapers) as well as for Dr. Carson during his 2015–2016 presidential run (n= 1049 from 53 newspapers) from high‐circulation newspapers, which had endorsed Democratic or Republican presidential candidates. Blind coders rated the darkness of Obama's and Carson's skin tone. Multilevel modeling revealed that Democratic‐leaning newspapers portrayed both Obama and Carson as lighter than Republican‐leaning newspapers. Findings did not support a partisan ingroup bias. We conclude that Black politicians of either party are subject to a skin tone bias, where Republican‐leaning newspapers portray them with darker skin tones, regardless of whether they are a Democrat or a Republican.
Maternal perceptions of cesarean birth care: A qualitative study to inform ERAS guideline development
Authors: Wollny Krista , Metcalfe Amy , Corrigan Crystal , Drobot Ashley , Gilmour Loreen , Wood Stephen , Wilson R. Douglas , Gramlich Leah , Nelson Gregg
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Cesarean birth (CB) is the most common inpatient surgical procedure, and until recently, there were no internationally accepted, standardized clinical guidelines available. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) program aims to improve outcomes through the development of international guidelines (IGs). As an ERAS IG for CB was being developed, this qualitative study was conducted to explore and consolidate women's experiences with CB.

METHODS

Qualitative methods were used to assess the patient experience with current evidence‐based CB protocols across operative phases. Twelve women who experienced CB at a single center in Canada were interviewed using an open‐ended, semi‐structured interview guide at six weeks postpartum. Two researchers coded the emerging themes separately and compared findings.

RESULTS

Women described feeling informed, but felt they did not have a choice. Presurgery, women wanted more information about the risks of CB. Preoperatively, women expressed confusion with the procedures, but felt informed about local anesthesia and thermoregulation. Post‐CB, women felt informed about pain and nausea control; however, urinary catheter removal was delayed when compared to the ERAS recommendations. Information about postpartum infant care was not well communicated, as many women were uninformed about delayed cord clamping and infant thermoregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study provides opportunities to improve communication, the patient‐practitioner relationship, and the overall satisfaction throughout the CB process. The findings support the implementation of patient decision aids and training with the shared decision model. The improved procedures recommended in the ERAS IG for CB have the potential to deliver significant improvements to patient care and patient satisfaction.
The bacterial microbiota of Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Nickel J. Curtis , Ehrlich Garth D. , Krol Jaroslaw E. , Ahmed Azad , Sen Bhaswati , Bhat Archana , Mell Joshua C. , Doiron R. Christopher , Kelly Kerri‐Lynn , Earl Joshua P.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To undertake the first comprehensive evaluation of the urinary microbiota associated with Hunner lesion (HL) interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Despite no previous identification of a distinct IC/BPS microbial urotype, HL IC/BPS, an inflammatory subtype of IC/BPS, was hypothesized most likely to be associated with a specific bacterial species or microbial pattern.

Participants and Methods

The bacterial microbiota of midstream urine specimens from HL IC/BPS and age‐ and gender‐matched IC/BPS patients without HL (non‐HL IC/BPS) were examined using the pan‐bacterial domain clinical‐level molecular diagnostic Pacific Biosciences full‐length 16S gene sequencing protocol, informatics pipeline and database. We characterized the differential presence, abundances, and diversity of species, as well as gender‐specific differences between and among HL and non‐HL IC/BPS patients.

Results

A total of 59 patients with IC/BPS were enrolled (29 HL, 30 non‐HL; 43 women, 16 men) from a single centre and the microbiota in midstream urine specimens was available for comparison. The species abundance differentiation between the HL and non‐HL groups (12 species) was not significantly different after Bonferroni adjustments for multiple comparisons. Similarly, the nine differentiating species noted between female HL and non‐HL patients were not significantly different after similar statistical correction. However, four species abundances (out of the 10 species differences identified prior to correction) remained significantly different between male HL and non‐HL subjects: Negativicoccus succinivorans, Porphyromonas somerae, Mobiluncus curtisii and Corynebacterium renale. Shannon diversity metrics showed significantly higher diversity among HL male patients than HL female patients (P = 0.045), but no significant diversity differences between HL and non‐HL patients overall.

Conclusions

We were not able to identify a unique pathogenic urinary microbiota that differentiates all HL from all non‐HL IC/BPS. It is likely that the male‐specific differences resulted from colonization/contamination remote from the bladder. We were not able to show that bacteria play an important role in patients with HL IC/BPS.
Fluorescent nanoparticles as tools in ecology and physiology
Authors: Färkkilä Sanni M. A. , Kiers E. Toby , Jaaniso Raivo , Mäeorg Uno , Leblanc Roger M. , Treseder Kathleen K. , Kang Zhenhui , Tedersoo Leho
Published: June 2021

Fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs) have been widely used in chemistry and medicine for decades, but their employment in biology is relatively recent. Past reviews on FNPs have focused on chemical, physical or medical uses, making the extrapolation to biological applications difficult. In biology, FNPs have largely been used for biosensing and molecular tracking. However, concerns over toxicity in early types of FNPs, such as cadmium‐containing quantum dots (QDs), may have prevented wide adoption. Recent developments, especially in non‐Cd‐containing FNPs, have alleviated toxicity problems, facilitating the use of FNPs for addressing ecological, physiological and molecule‐level processes in biological research. Standardised protocols from synthesis to application and interdisciplinary approaches are critical for establishing FNPs in the biologists’ tool kit. Here, we present an introduction to FNPs, summarise their use in biological applications, and discuss technical issues such as data reliability and biocompatibility. We assess whether biological research can benefit from FNPs and suggest ways in which FNPs can be applied to answer questions in biology. We conclude that FNPs have a great potential for studying various biological processes, especially tracking, sensing and imaging in physiology and ecology.
Assessing early erythrolysis and the relationship to perihematomal iron overload and white matter survival in human intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Novakovic Nemanja , Wilseck Zachary M. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Xi Guohua , Keep Richard F. , Pandey Aditya S. , Chaudhary Neeraj
Published: June 2021

Aims

Iron released from lysed red blood cells within the hematoma plays a role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐related neurotoxicity. This study utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the time course, extent of erythrolysis, and its correlation with perihematomal iron accumulation and white matter loss.

Methods

The feasibility of assessing proportional erythrolysis using T2* MRI was examined using pig blood phantoms with specified degrees of erythrolysis. Fifteen prospectively enrolled ICH patients had MRIs (3‐Tesla) at days 1–3, 14, and 30 (termed early, subacute, and late periods, respectively). Measurement was performed on T2*, 1/T2*, and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps.

Results

Pig blood phantoms showed a linear relationship between 1/T2* signal and percent erythrolysis. MRI on patients showed an increase in erythrolysis within the hematoma between the early and subacute phases after ICH, almost completing by day 14. Although perihematomal iron overload (IO) correlated with the erythrolysis extent and hematoma volume at days 14 and 30, perihematomal white matter (WM) loss significantly correlated with both, only at day 14.

Conclusion

MRI may reliably assess the portion of the hematoma that lyses over time after ICH. Perihematomal IO and WM loss correlate with both the erythrolysis extent and hematoma volume in the early and subacute periods following ICH.
Gaps in DNA sequence libraries for Macaronesian marine macroinvertebrates imply decades till completion and robust monitoring
Authors: Vieira Pedro E. , Lavrador Ana S. , Parente Manuela I. , Parretti Paola , Costa Ana C. , Costa Filipe O. , Duarte Sofia
Published: June 2021

Aim

DNA metabarcoding has great potential to improve biomonitoring in island's marine ecosystems, which are highly vulnerable to global change and non‐indigenous species (NIS) introductions. However, the depth and accuracy of the taxonomic identifications are mainly dependent on reference libraries containing representative and reliable sequences for the targeted species. In this study, we evaluated the gaps in the availability of DNA sequences and their accuracy for macroinvertebrates inhabiting Macaronesia's shallow marine habitats.

Location

Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canaries).

Methods

Checklists of marine invertebrates occurring above 50 m depth were compiled using public databases and published checklists. The availability of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA (18S) gene sequences was verified in BOLD and GenBank. Finally, COI data were audited to check the congruence between morphospecies and Barcode Index Numbers (BINs).

Results

The taxonomic coverage of different phyla was greater for COI but unbalanced and variable among archipelagos. NIS were better represented in genetic databases (up to 73% and 59%, for COI and 18S, respectively) than native species (up to 47% and 31%, for COI and 18S, respectively). NIS displayed a higher number of discordant records, and native species, a higher quantity of cases of multiple BINs. Notably, DNA sequences generated from specimens collected from Macaronesia were found in less than 10% of the species. Projection of the rates of accretion of DNA sequences suggests that decades will be needed to complete these reference libraries.

Main conclusions

The level of completion of reference libraries for Macaronesia's marine macroinvertebrates is generally poor. Without a solid effort to speed up the production of sequence data (i.e. generate more DNA barcodes), the ability to employ DNA‐based biomonitoring of such vulnerable fauna is compromised. The high levels of suspected hidden diversity further deepen the expected gaps and reinforce the vulnerability of this endemism‐rich fauna.
Digitizing Taxation and Premature Formalization in Developing Countries
Authors: Roy Pallavi , Khan Mushtaq H.
Published: June 2021

The digitization of taxation systems can assist inclusion. However, it can also inadvertently lead to adverse outcomes for the poor in developing countries where many firms in the informal sector have low capabilities. Moreover, larger formal sector firms are often politically networked and in a position to engage in extractive informal transactions that digitization alone cannot restrict. Thus, while digitization creates tools for the enforcement of formal regulations, formalization can be unequal. This contribution focuses on digitized taxation as an application of a more general problem with digitization as a tool for formalization, referring to evidence from the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Using the analysis of political settlements, the authors distinguish between types of rule violations in developing economies. Networked higher‐capability firms engage in ‘informal’ transactions when they violate rules to extract rents. This is different from the informality of unregistered micro and small enterprises in the informal sector who often violate rules they cannot adhere to, and make informal payments to enforcers to continue operating. When digital technologies are used in these contexts, adverse outcomes for welfare and inclusion can follow from ‘premature formalization’. A more cautious and inclusive path to formalization is necessary to protect vulnerable groups.
Predictors of diabetes‐related distress before and after FreeStyle Libre‐1 use: Lessons from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists nationwide study
Authors: Deshmukh Harshal , Wilmot Emma G. , Gregory Robert , Barnes Dennis , Narendran Parth , Saunders Simon , Furlong Niall , Kamaruddin Shafie , Banatwalla Rumaisa , Herring Roselle , Kilvert Anne , Patmore Jane , Walton Chris , Ryder Robert E. J. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat
Published: June 2021

Aim

To identify the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics associated with diabetes‐related distress (DRD) and factors associated with improvement in DRD after initiating use of the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) in people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

The study was performed using baseline and follow‐up data from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists nationwide audit of people with diabetes who initiated use of the FSL in the United Kingdom. DRD was assessed using the two‐item diabetes‐related distress scale (DDS; defined as the average of the two‐item score ≥3). People living with T1D were categorized into two groups: those with high DRD, defined as an average DDS score ≥3 and those with lower DRD, defined as a DDS score <3. We used a gradient‐boosting machine‐learning (GBM) model to identify the relative influence (RI) of baseline variables on average DDS score.

Results

The study population consisted of 9159 patients, 96.6% of whom had T1D. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 45.1 (32‐56) years, 50.1% were women, the median (IQR) baseline body mass index was 26.1 (23.2‐29.6) kg/m2 and the median (IQR) duration of diabetes was 20 (11‐32) years. The two components of the DDS were significantly correlated (r2 = 0.73; P < 0.0001). Higher DRD was prevalent in 53% (4879/9159) of people living with T1D at baseline. In the GBM model, the top baseline variables associated with average DDS score were baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; RI = 51.1), baseline Gold score (RI = 23.3), gender (RI = 7.05) and fear of hypoglycaemia (RI = 4.96). Follow‐up data were available for 3312 participants. The top factors associated with improvement in DDS score following use of the FSL were change in Gold score (RI = 28.2) and change in baseline HbA1c (RI = 19.3).

Conclusions

In this large UK cohort of people living with T1D, diabetes distress was prevalent and associated with higher HbA1c, impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and female gender. Improvement in glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia unawareness with the use of the FSL was associated with improvement in DRD in people living with T1D.
Use of once‐weekly semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice: Results from the SURE Canada multicentre, prospective, observational study
Authors: Yale Jean‐François , Catarig Andrei‐Mircea , Grau Katrine , Harris Stewart , Klimek‐Abercrombie Agnieszka , Rabasa‐Lhoret Rémi , Reardon Laura , Woo Vincent , Liutkus Joanne
Published: June 2021

Aim

To investigate once‐weekly (OW) semaglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

The SURE Canada study was a multicenter, prospective, observational study. Adults with T2D and one or more documented HbA1c values 12 weeks or less before semaglutide initiation were enrolled. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to end of study (EOS; ~30 weeks). Secondary endpoints included change in body weight (BW), waist circumference and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c of less than 7.0%, weight loss (WL) of 5% or higher, and a composite of HbA1c reduction of 1% or higher and WL of 3% or higher at EOS. Data were analysed and presented for patients on semaglutide at EOS overall and for the following baseline medication subgroups: oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) only; GLP‐1RA experienced; insulin ± OADs without GLP‐1RA.

Results

In total, 452 patients initiated semaglutide and 356 completed the study on treatment. For the 452 patients, mean baseline HbA1c was 8.1%; 86 (19.0%) patients had HbA1c of less than 7.0%. Mean dose of semaglutide at EOS was 0.76 ± 0.31 mg. Mean HbA1c was reduced by 0.9%‐point (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97; 0.78). Mean BW was reduced by 4.3 kg (95% CI: 4.79; 3.76). At EOS, 46.9% of patients achieved HbA1c of less than 7.0%, 40.9% achieved WL of 5% or higher and 24.1% achieved the composite endpoint. PROs improved from baseline to EOS. No new safety concerns were reported.

Conclusions

In SURE Canada, patients treated with OW semaglutide in routine clinical practice experienced clinically significant improvements in HbA1c, BW and other outcomes, supporting semaglutide use in routine clinical practice.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: An overview of 46 systematic reviews
Authors: Augusto Gustavo A. , Cassola Nicolle , Dualib Patrícia M. , Saconato Humberto , Melnik Tamara
Published: June 2021

Aims

To summarize the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus placebo or active comparators for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We searched six databases between 2014 and 2021. We assessed the quality of evidence using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and summarized the main outcome results according to their evidence of benefit (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019132431).

Results

We included 46 SRs, comprising 175 RCTs and 136 096 participants. The results showed “clear evidence of benefit” in relation to: myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]/hazard ratio [HR] 0.85 to 0.91); cardiovascular mortality (OR/HR 0.67 to 0.86); heart failure (OR/HR 0.64 to 0.69); albuminuria progression and composite renal outcome (relative risk [RR]/HR 0.55 to 0.63); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) versus placebo (mean difference [MD] −0.49% to −0.77% [5.4 to 8.4 mmol/mol]); and weight versus placebo (MD −1.09 kg to −2.99 kg). “Possible benefit” was observed in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (OR/HR 0.80 to 0.89), all‐cause mortality and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. SGLT2 inhibitors showed “clear evidence of no effect or equivalence” in relation to stroke and fractures. “Clear evidence of harm” was observed in relation to genital infections (RR/OR 2.06 to 5.25) and ketoacidosis (HR/OR 1.36 to 2.20). Regarding amputation risk and urinary tract infections, we found “no conclusions possible due to lack of evidence”.

Conclusions

Our results showed that SGLT2 inhibitors have beneficial effects in relation to renal and cardiovascular outcomes (except for stroke), HbA1c and weight. Further studies are needed to assess urinary infections and amputation risk.