bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intellectual capital and knowledge management for overcoming social and economic barriers in the health-care sector
Authors: Paoloni Paola , Cosentino Antonietta , Arduini Simona , Manzo Martina
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how knowledge management (KM) influences the intellectual capital (IC) of organizations operating in health care and how IC and knowledge-sharing (KS) can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in health systems. Notably, this study focuses on telemedicine, investigating how relational capital contributes to KS in the context of remote care services.

Design/methodology/approach

To comply with the paper’s aim, the authors use a qualitative research method based on a polar case study suitable for IC in health-care studies. More precisely, this study analyzes a nonprofit organization that, for over 15 years, has offered a free multispecialist teleconsultation service to answer medical questions from the most disadvantaged places in the world.

Findings

The findings show that the KM significantly contributes to the IC of organizations. Indeed, it improves the data management and transmission system, it increases performance flexibility in times of resource scarcity without compromising business objectives and it can attract new human resources even when not motivated by selfish goals (volunteer physicians).

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to studies on IC in health care by focusing on the contribution of telemedicine to the creation of IC. In particular, this work emphasizes the ability of telemedicine to develop and share knowledge in disadvantaged areas of the world. Moreover, in the current context, still strongly permeated by the health emergency generated by the pandemic and recently by the war in Eastern Europe, the importance of such assistance and diagnosis grows.

Practical implications

The conclusions the research findings lead may guide policymakers toward a policy supporting telemedicine. It would alleviate general health-care costs and completely revolutionize light health care’s role. Moreover, reducing socioeconomic distances, improving access to care and applying innovative technologies for sharing outcomes foster balanced socioeconomic development and knowledge dissemination.

Originality/value

This research has shown how telemedicine represents a new successful business model even in times of crisis. The organizational model makes it possible to offer cutting-edge specialized care, contain costs, easily reach disadvantaged areas of the planet, strengthen the skills and autonomy of the most backward countries through a process of KS and push the structures operating there to interact with those in advanced countries.
Digitalization processes in small professional service firms: drivers, barriers and emerging organisational tensions
Authors: Cardinali Silvio , Pagano Alessandro , Carloni Elisa , Giovannetti Marta , Governatori Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to provide an exploratory analysis of digitalization processes in small professional service firms (SPSFs) by examining their main drivers and barriers and their impact on customer management practices, considering the intra-organizational, inter-organizational and service offering dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative, exploratory and inductive research methodology based on in-depth interviews with 19 owners or consultants of small tax/accounting firms, focusing on the role of digitalization in their internal and external processes.

Findings

The findings reveal external and internal barriers to and drivers of digitalization, as well as its effects on customer management practices. They also reveal the emergence of tensions related to the intra-organizational, inter-organizational and service offering dimensions.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the research on the role of digital technologies in the professional service sector, with a focus on SPSFs, which has thus far received limited attention. This research highlights the complexity of combining increasingly standardized processes and services with the need to maintain flexibility and informality in internal and external interactions.
Engineering sustainable digital transformation projects immune to technical debt
Authors: Sanchez-Segura Maria-Isabel , Medina-Dominguez Fuensanta , Dugarte-Peña German-Lenin , de Amescua-Seco Antonio , González Cruz Roxana
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The current scenario is dominated by an urgent need for economic recovery caused by the global health emergency that has been at work since January 2020. Digital transformation plays a crucial role in bringing about this recovery. However, the failure rate of digital transformation projects over the last 10 years is very high. Considering the growing demand for digital transformation from businesses, the digital transformation failure rate, if unchanged, could lead to an exponential growth in technical debt. Technical debt is acquired when the digital transformation to be deployed at a business fails. The accumulation of technical debt will lead not only to economic stalemate but possibly also to yet another setback.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed set of methodologies form what has been termed the Digital Transformation Governance Engineering Process (DTGEP). This process can help any business wishing to undertake a digital transformation project to materialize their project in a sustainable, productive and competitive way.

Findings

DTGEP prevents the generation of technical debt because organizational knowledge is aligned with the technological solution that best suits the needs of each business in order to support its strategic or business objectives.

Research limitations/implications

DTGEP has already been used to successfully discover the relationship between business features and the prospective digital transformation. However, it needs to be applied in case studies on many other businesses across the economy in order to gather more accurate information that could be clustered by sectors.

Originality/value

DTGEP was tested on a set of 25 projects, and this paper reports several interesting findings regarding its use, like the impact of the digital transformation on different parts of the business model canvas (BMC) and the intellectual capital of the organization developing the digital transformation, and how the status of the organization's intangible assets affects the decision-making process with respect to the prospective digital transformation.
Performance analysis of a novel solar cogeneration system for generating potable water and electricity
Authors: Suraparaju Subbarama Kousik , K. Arjun Singh , Jayan Vijesh , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The utilisation of renewable energy sources for generating electricity and potable water is one of the most sustainable approaches in the current scenario. Therefore, the current research aims to design and develop a novel co-generation system to address the electricity and potable water needs of rural areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The cogeneration system mainly consists of a solar parabolic dish concentrator (SPDC) system with a concentrated photo-voltaic module at the receiver for electricity generation. It is further integrated with a low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) system for generating potable water. Also, a novel corn cob filtration system is introduced for the pre-treatment to reduce the salt content in seawater before circulating it into the receiver of the SPDC system. The designed novel co-generation system has been numerically and experimentally tested to analyse the performance at Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry, India.

Findings

Because of the pre-treatment with a corn cob, the scale formation in the pipes of the SPDC system is significantly reduced, which enhances the efficiency of the system. It is observed that the conductivity, pH and TDS of seawater are reduced significantly after the pre-treatment by the corncob filtration system. Also, the integrated system is capable of generating 6–8 litres of potable water per day.

Originality/value

The integration of the corncob filtration system reduced the scaling formation compared to the general circulation of water in the hoses. Also, the integrated SPDC and LTTD systems are comparatively economical to generate higher yields of clean water than solar stills.
How does environmental quality perception influence people's fertility intention? Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Jiaping , Gong Xiaomei
Published: December 2022

The ongoing population aging and few children are major challenges for human sustainable development in the 21st century. While the external environment is a crucial factor determining people's behaviour, the potential effects of subjective environmental quality on an individual's fertility decision‐making remain poorly understood. Using data from the Chinese General Social Survey, this research has examined the relationship between environmental quality perception and fertility intention in China. Results reveal that an increase in environmental quality perception can significantly promote people's fertility intention. Our study proposes and verifies two pathways through which environmental quality perception affects fertility intention, namely, well‐being and future expectation. This facilitating effect is greater for people with poor socio‐economic conditions. The findings indicate that policymakers should coordinate environmental protection and population policies to promote sustainable development and design various tools targeted based on people's socio‐economic background.
Bicarbonates and carbonates as antioxidants in vegetable oils at frying temperatures
Authors: Hwang Hong‐Sik , Winkler‐Moser Jill K.
Published: December 2022

Antioxidant activity of bicarbonates and carbonates including NaHCO3, Na2CO3, KHCO3, and K2CO3 was evaluated in soybean oil (SBO) at 180°C. KHCO3 and K2CO3 had stronger activity than NaHCO3 and Na2CO3. KHCO3 (5.5 mEq/L, 0.060 wt.%) and K2CO3 (5.5 mEq/L, 0.041 wt.%) were more effective than 0.02 wt.% tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in preventing oxidation of SBO. While the antioxidant activity of KHCO3 and K2CO3 increased with increasing their concentrations up to 5.5 mEq/L, it decreased at 11 mEq/L. KHCO3 and K2CO3 were also effective in preventing oxidation of other vegetable oils including avocado, canola, corn, high oleic soybean, and olive oils. Correlation tests conducted with the results from the six oils showed that KHCO3 and K2CO3 had weak to moderate positive correlations with γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols. In a separate study in stripped SBO, it was found that KHCO3 had a synergistic effect with α‐tocopherol, but not with γ‐ and δ‐tocopherols. KHCO3 had additive or synergistic effect with rosemary extract, epigallocatechin gallate, ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate. Antioxidant activity of KHCO3 was confirmed in frying of potato cubes in SBO and canola oil. Although more studies should be conducted for better understanding of the mechanisms and factors affecting the antioxidant activity of bicarbonates and carbonates, this study demonstrated that they could serve as antioxidants or co‐antioxidants of other antioxidants in frying.

Practical Application

Inorganic salts including NaHCO3, KHCO3, Na2CO3, and K2CO3 hadstrong antioxidant activity in vegetable oils at frying temperatures when they wereadded as powder. Antioxidant activity of 0.06 wt.% KHCO3 was higherthan that of 0.02 wt.% TBHQ in soybean oil and canola oil during frying potato. KHCO3 had additive orsynergistic effect with rosemary extract, epigallocatechin gallate, ascorbicacid, and ascorbyl palmitate indicating that these inorganic salts can be usedas co‐antioxidants to enhance the antioxidant activity of existing antioxidantswhile they can be used alone as well.
Sex differences in neuronal activation during aversion‐resistant alcohol consumption
Authors: Arnold Miranda E. , Butts Arielle N. , Erlenbach Theresa R. , Amico Kristen N. , Schank Jesse R.
Published: December 2022

Background

One of the DSM‐5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder is continued alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. This has been modeled in mice using adulteration of alcohol solution with the bitter tastant quinine. Mice that continue to consume alcohol despite this adulteration are considered aversion resistant. The limited number of studies dissecting the underlying neuronal mechanisms of aversion‐resistant drinking behaviors used only male subjects. We have previously shown that female mice are more resistant to quinine adulteration of alcohol than males. Our aim here is to identify potential sex differences in neuronal activation that may underlie this behavior.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were allowed continuous access to 20% alcohol in a two‐bottle choice procedure. To test aversion‐resistance, the alcohol was adulterated with increasing concentrations (0.03, 0.1, and 0.2 mM) of quinine hydrochloride. After consumption rates were calculated, brains were extracted to examine neuronal activation using Fos immunohistochemistry.

Results

We found that female mice suppressed their intake to a lesser extent than males when the alcohol solution was adulterated with quinine. Our Fos staining revealed three regions of interest that exhibit a sex difference during quinine‐adulterated alcohol drinking: the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), the posterior insular cortex (PIC), and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Both the vmPFC and the PIC exhibited higher neuronal activation in males during quinine‐adulterated alcohol consumption. However, females showed higher Fos activation in the VTA during quinine‐adulterated alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Females more readily exhibit aversion‐resistant alcohol intake than their male counterparts and exhibit some differences in neuronal activation patterns. We conclude that there are sex differences in neurocircuitry that may underlie compulsive drinking behaviors.
Trends in outcomes with adoption of indocyanine green angiography in postmastectomy reconstruction
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Comerford Alexander Peter , Dayaratna Nirmal , Lata Tahmina , Paredes Steven Ronald , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Seah Jue Li , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Pulitano Carlo , Warrier Sanjay Kumar
Published: December 2022

Background

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) aims to reduce ischaemic complications by supplementing intraoperative perfusion assessment of mastectomy flaps. Learning curves for this technology have not been analysed. We evaluated changes in patient outcomes with increasing case volume after ICGA adoption in postmastectomy reconstruction.

Methods

Single‐institution retrospective analysis of 320 implant‐based reconstructions following mastectomy using ICGA from 2015, when it was introduced, to 2021. Cases chronologically divided into tertiles and complications amongst groups evaluated. Trends in ischaemic complications plotted using weighted moving average. CUSUM analysis determined after how many cases plateau was reached. Number of ischaemic complications prior to plateau calculated with AUC analysis.

Results

Ischaemic complications decreased over time (Group 1, 15.1%; Group 2, 11.2%; Group 3, 4.7%, P = 0.034). Cases of delayed reconstruction increased over time (Group 1, 6.6%; Group 2, 28%; Group 3, 22.4%; P < 0.001). Our institution reached plateau of 10% ischaemic complications after 160 cases. Mean incidence of ischaemic complications decreased from 16.9% during the first 160 cases to 3.8% after plateau was reached (P < 0.001). Eleven extra breasts (6.9%) experienced ischaemic complications, that may have been avoided if operated by surgeons after the first 160 cases.

Conclusions

There was increased tendency towards a conservative approach of delaying reconstruction and decreased rates of ischaemic complications with increasing case volume after ICGA implementation. A significant number of cases were needed to reach plateau of minimal ischaemic complications. This data could encourage development of standardized protocols for this technology to shorten learning curves for improved patient outcomes.
Metformin—‘BRAINS & AIMS’ pharmacological/prescribing principles of commonly prescribed (Top 100) drugs: Education and discussion
Authors: Koslover Joshua , Bruce Deborah , Patel Shivani , Webb Andrew J.
Published: December 2022

We review pharmacological/prescribing principles relating to metformin according to our mnemonic framework: ‘BRAINS & AIMS’ (Benefits, Risks, Adverse Effects, Interactions, Necessary prophylaxis, Susceptibilities, Administering, Informing, Monitoring and Stopping):

Benefits: Metformin's licensed uses: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment, reduction in risk or delay of onset. No clear evidence metformin influences patient‐important outcomes [Cochrane Review (2020) of 18 RCTs (n = 10 680)].

Risks: Inexpensive, essential WHO list drug; use contraindicated/not tolerated in 15%: for example, contraindication: lactic acidosis in renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Adverse effects: Common gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are dose‐related and include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, diarrhoea (usually transient), nausea and vomiting, altered taste; vitamin B12 deficiency. Rare: acute metabolic acidosis (lactic acidosis/diabetic ketoacidosis).

Interactions (pharmacokinetic) occur with drugs impairing renal function and hence metformin excretion, and drugs inhibiting organic cation transporter 1 or 2 (OCT1, OCT2), and/or multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1/2‐K), such as cimetidine, ranolazine, trimethoprim and verapamil, and inducers such as rifampicin. The risk of hypoglycaemia may increase when metformin is used in combination with other medications for diabetes (pharmacodynamic interaction).

Necessary prophylaxis: Detect/treat vitamin B12 deficiency.

Susceptible groups: Elderly/renal/liver impairment (lactic acidosis); safe in pregnancy/breastfeeding.

Administering: Initially 500 mg once daily (morning) with breakfast; titrate only after 1 week.

Informing (relevant BRAINS & A(I)MS principles).

Monitoring: Renal function beforehand, and 6–12 monthly, HbA1c 3–6 monthly until controlled. Serum vitamin B12 levels if deficiency is suspected/risk factors for.

Stopping: Encourage patients to continue medication, unless deteriorating renal/liver function. Reasons for deprescribing: no harms from stopping suddenly.
Follow the genuine leader: The “green imitation”
Authors: Calderón Reyes , De Urbina María Ortiz , Expósito Luis
Published: December 2022

The combined effect of coercion (public and private pressure), self‐interest (competitive advantage) and conviction (intrinsically motivated or genuine) explain why environmental issues have become a key priority for companies. While research has explored coercion and competitive advantage, the role of conviction has received little attention. This paper aims to address this gap. Conviction, which has been correlated with institutional and individual drivers, offers more stable results and a potential multiplier effect as good examples are disseminated by imitation throughout an industry. While the role of imitation has drawn increasing attention of business management studies, it has received scant attention in research on sustainability. This is the second gap this paper aims to address, contributing to the literature on sustainability in two ways: firstly, we will further explore the role of conviction in environmental sustainability; secondly, employing a compartmental model of epidemic propagation, used for other social phenomena, we model the role genuine examples by leaders can play within an industry and the dissemination of good behavior by imitation. Defining genuine conviction as the voluntary mitigation of the externalities of a firm's operations beyond that required by law or the market, substantiated in the responsible behavior of its leaders, our model discovers patterns that policymakers could use to create a “sustainability epidemic”. We suggest mathematical models of epidemics can be applied to sustainability, offering a fresh perspective on the phenomenon of imitation, allowing us to discover how some cultural and social habits can be used.
Frequent loss of metastatic ability in subclones of Apc, Kras, Tgfbr2, and Trp53 mutant intestinal tumor organoids
Authors: Morita Atsuya , Nakayama Mizuho , Wang Dong , Murakami Kazuhiro , Oshima Masanobu
Published: December 2022

Cancer evolution is explained by the accumulation of driver mutations and subsequent positive selection by acquired growth advantages, like Darwin's evolution theory. However, whether the negative selection of cells that have lost malignant properties contributes to cancer progression has not yet been fully investigated. Using intestinal metastatic tumor‐derived organoids carrying Apc, Kras, Tgfbr2, and Trp53 quadruple mutations, we demonstrate here that approximately 30% of subclones of the organoids show loss of metastatic ability to the liver while keeping the driver mutations and oncogenic pathways. Notably, highly metastatic subclones also showed a gradual loss of metastatic ability during further passages. Such non‐metastatic subclones revealed significantly decreased survival and proliferation ability in Matrigel and collagen gel culture conditions, which may cause elimination from the tumor tissues in vivo. RNA sequencing indicated that stemness‐related genes, including Lgr5 and Myb, were significantly downregulated in non‐metastatic subclones as well as subclones that lost metastatic ability during additional passages. Furthermore, a CGH analysis showed that non‐metastatic subclones were derived from a minor population of parental organoid cells. These results indicate that metastatic ability is continuously lost with decreased stem cell property in certain subpopulations of malignant tumors, and such subpopulations are eliminated by negative selection. Therefore, it is possible that cancer evolution is regulated not only by positive selection but also by negative selection. The mechanism underlying the loss of metastatic ability will be important for the future development of therapeutic strategies against metastasis.
ABCA9, an ER cholesterol transporter, inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation via SREBP‐2 signaling
Authors: Hwang Hyeon‐Ji , Lee Kang‐Hoon , Cho Je‐Yoel
Published: December 2022

The association between cholesterol metabolism and cancer development and progression has been recently highlighted. However, the role and function of many cholesterol transporters remain largely unknown. Here, we focused on the ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A member 9 (ABCA9) transporter given that its expression is significantly downregulated in both canine mammary tumors and human breast cancers, which in breast cancer patients correlates with poor prognosis. We found that ABCA9 is mainly present in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is responsible for promoting cholesterol accumulation in this structure. Accordingly, ABCA9 inhibited sterol‐regulatory element binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2) translocation from the ER to the nucleus, a crucial step for cholesterol synthesis, resulting in the downregulation of cholesterol synthesis gene expression. ABCA9 expression in breast cancer cells attenuated cell proliferation and reduced their colony‐forming abilities. We identified ABCA9 expression to be regulated by Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). Inhibition of PI3K induced enhanced ABCA9 expression through the activation of the PI3K–Akt–FOXO1 pathway in breast cancer cells. Altogether, our study suggests that ABCA9 functions as an ER cholesterol transporter that suppresses cholesterol synthesis via the inhibition of SREBP‐2 signaling and that its restoration halts breast cancer cell proliferation. Our findings provide novel insight into the vital role of ABCA9 in breast cancer progression.
Novel closure method for a large mucosal defect after endoscopic resection: String clip suturing method with an anchor
Authors: Mizutani Mari , Kato Motohiko , Sasaki Motoki , Iwata Kentaro , Miyazaki Kurato , Masunaga Teppei , Kubosawa Yoko , Hayashi Yukie , Takatori Yusaku , Matsuura Noriko , Nakayama Atsushi , Takabayashi Kaoru , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: December 2022

Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a high‐risk technique; however, prophylactic closure of mucosal defects reduces the risk. Unfortunately, we have encountered cases where closure is difficult, especially in large lesions. Therefore, we developed a novel closure technique, a string clip suturing method with an anchor (SCSM‐A). This study aimed to elucidate the feasibility of this method. Five patients underwent this method for the closure of mucosal defects after duodenal ESD. The initial string clip was deployed at the anal end of the mucosal defects and the second clip was deployed at the other end of the mucosal defect. A third clip was deployed on the muscular layer in the middle of the mucosal defect. The free end of the string was pulled, and additional clips were deployed around the first to the third clips for complete closure. Because of grasping the muscle layer, SCSM‐A can be employed for secure closure without creating a pocket. We reviewed the background and clinical course of hospitalization of patients who underwent this method. The resected specimens ranged from 52 to 103 mm in diameter. Complete closure of the mucosal defects was possible in all the cases. There were no adverse events, and no cases required additional treatment. All the patients were discharged within 7 days. The new method achieved secure closure even for large mucosal defects after duodenal ESD. This is a technique that can be applied to other organs, e.g., the colon.
Decompressive surgery in cerebral venous thrombosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Misra Shubham , Sudhir Pachipala , Nath Manabesh , Sharma Vijay K. , Vibha Deepti
Published: December 2022

Objective

The efficacy of decompressive surgery (DS) in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) patients has been reported in several case reports and case series. We aimed at determining the association of DS compared with medical management and timing of surgery with functional outcome and mortality. We also aimed at determining the prevalence of DS in CVT patients.

Methods

The literature search was conducted till 7 November 2022 in PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. Risk of bias was examined using Joanna Briggs Institute scale for case series and case reports. Association of DS compared with medical management and timing of surgery with functional outcome and mortality was determined using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Pooled prevalence of DS in CVT patients with 95%CI was calculated. Heterogeneity was explored using outlier, meta‐regression, sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Results

Fifty‐one studies consisting of 483 CVT cases with DS were included. The OR of poor outcome with surgery was 0.03; (95%CI: 0.00–0.22) and of mortality with surgery was 0.25; (95%CI: 0.02–2.60) versus that with medical management. Surgery done ≤48 h of admission was significantly associated with less mortality (OR: 0.26; 95%CI: 0.10–0.69). Pooled prevalence of DS in CVT was 12% (95%CI: 8%–17%; I2 = 91%). Revised pooled prevalence after removing outliers was 10% (95%CI: 7%–13%; I2 = 73%).

Conclusions

Surgery ≤48 h of admission might decrease mortality in CVT patients and may result in improved functional outcome. Further prospective studies with appropriate control arms are required to confirm its efficacy over medical management.
The impact of metabolic syndrome on chronic kidney disease development. Insights from a big prospective study
Authors: Fanaei Seyedeh Melika , Mehran Ladan , Amouzegar Atieh , Masoumi Safdar , Amouzegar Atefeh , Azizi Freidoun
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can progress over time and cause renal replacement therapy. Studies showed the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and CKD. Current evidence is from cross‐sectional studies. There is a need for the robust data from big prospective cohort studies with long‐term follow‐up. This study investigated the association between CKD and MetS after 18 years of follow‐up.

Material and Method

Among 15,255 participants aged ≥20 years at baseline (1999–2005), after exclusion of CKD, cancer, and use of corticosteroids, 8987 participants entered the study and followed at a three‐year cycle up to 2018. All participants were divided into five subgroups: (1) MetS‐free, (2) MetS (DM+, HTN−), (3) MetS+ (DM−, HTN+), (4) MetS+ (DM+, HTN+) and (5) MetS+ (DM−, HTN−).

Result

At baseline, the mean age of the participants was 39.8 ± 13.3 years; 4996 (55.6%) were females. CKD was developed in 2038 (22.7%) subjects during 18 years of follow‐up, of whom 1107 had MetS. After adjusting for the confounding variables, MetS (DM+, HTN+) subgroup had the highest risk of CKD (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.32–1.71). MetS subjects with five components had a higher incidence rate of CKD (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.22–1.68). There was no association between high waist circumference (WC) (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.99–1.19) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.98–1.18) with CKD.

Conclusion

CKD significantly develops in patients with MetS. Metabolic syndrome was associated with the development of chronic kidney disease incidence. Hypertension, diabetes, and age were strong indicators, while abdominal obesity and reduced HDL were not associated with the incidence of CKD.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium avenaceum causing a novel needle blight of Picea asperata in China
Authors: Li Zhezhe , Yang Chengde , Cui Lingxiao , Wei Lijuan , Jin Mengjun
Published: December 2022

Picea asperata is a unique tree species in China. It has important economic and ecological values. In this study, the disease symptoms resembling needle blight, a new disease of P. asperata (10‐ to 15‐year‐old), were detected in a forest area in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China, in August 2020. Affected needles turned yellow, the colour became darker at the junction of infected and healthy areas, the needles wilted and even fell off the tree. Through pathogenicity tests, the two pure fungi strains isolated from diseased needles caused distinct needle blight symptoms on P. asperata, with symptoms similar to those observed in the forest. It was observed that they had sickle‐shaped conidia. Subsequently, multilocus phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF‐1α) and RNA polymerase II second major subunit (RPB2) genes was performed. They were found closely clustered with Fusarium oxysporum and F. avenaceum, respectively. Based on morphological and molecular biological determinations, the two pathogens were identified as F. oxysporum and F. avenaceum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of needle blight caused by F. oxysporum and F. avenaceum on P. asperata in China.
Cover Image
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J. , Martin Guillaume
Published: December 2022

The cover image is based on the Original Article Farming with forages can reconnect crop and livestock operations to enhance circularity and foster ecosystem services by Alan J. Franzluebbers et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12592.

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Effects of postharvest processing on aroma formation in roasted coffee – a review
Authors: Cao Xiaotong , Wu Hanjing , Viejo Claudia G. , Dunshea Frank R. , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: December 2022

Postharvest processing of coffee cherries significantly influences sensory characteristics and commercial values. Aroma is one of the critical elements in product qualification and differentiation of coffees from different origins, roasting levels and brewing methods. Except for primary coffee volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (furans and pyrazines), which are generated during postharvest processing (dry, honey, wet processing and roasting), aldehydes, ketones, phenols, sulphur compounds and others could also contribute to the complex coffee flavour. Desirable flavour requires a balance between pleasant and defective VOCs. This review comprehensively discussed the mechanisms of conventional and novel postharvest processing of coffee beans, their impact on the sensorial profile of green and roasted coffee, and the composition, generation and analysis techniques of coffee VOCs. This review shows the feasibility of GC–MS and electronic nose (E‐nose) in coffee VOCs and flavour detection, meanwhile building a comprehensive linkage between postharvest processing and coffee sensory characteristics.
Thermoelectric properties of layered oxyselenides with 3d transition metal ions
Authors: Yang Yueyang , Zhou Zhifang , Wei Bin , Liu Junyan , Lan Jin‐Le , Zou Mingchu , Xu Yushuai , Zheng Yunpeng , Nan Ce‐Wen , Lin Yuan‐Hua
Published: December 2022

Layered oxychalcogenides have received extensive attention in the fields of magnetism, superconductivity, lithium battery, and luminescence due to their unique electronic, magnetic properties, and layered structure, among which layered oxyselenides have excellent and promising thermoelectric performance, such as BiCuSeO and Bi2LnO4Cu2Se2. Here, we successfully synthesized Sr2MO2Cu2Se2 (M = Co, Ni, Zn) and Sr2FeO3CuSe and investigated the thermoelectric properties at a wide temperature range (298–923 K). They have a relatively high Seebeck coefficient (>300 μV K−1) in medium to high temperature range and possess a low thermal conductivity. The power factor and ZT reach 65 μW m−1 K−1 and 0.07 at 923 K for intrinsic Sr2NiO2Cu2Se2, and a higher performance is expected to be achieved by strategies like carrier concentration optimization and band structure engineering.
Developing Empathy Through Design Thinking in Elementary Art Education
Authors: Montero Jane
Published: December 2022

Past research has suggested incorporating design thinking in upper elementary art education helps students develop what are known as the Four Cs: collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. As an instructional strategy, design thinking focuses on empathy first and provides a structure for students to work through real‐world, complex problems in small groups. This exploratory qualitative case study examined the effects of teaching empathy through design thinking in upper elementary art education. Eight teachers participated, representing public, private, charter, and independent school settings. Data included student observations, interviews, and journal reflections. An analysis of findings resulted in three conclusions: (a) design thinking can foster the development of empathy in preadolescents, (b) art education curricula at the upper elementary level can include design thinking, and (c) design thinking is a valid strategy for teaching empathy. Including empathy within art education promotes a classroom culture that is respectful and understanding of others, with students becoming advocates of justice, equity, and inclusion. As society continues to struggle with bullying, physical violence, and social unrest, teaching empathy has the potential to change how students relate to each other in the classroom, and, ultimately, in the world at large.
Impact of an online, individualised, patient reported outcome measures based patient decision aid on patient expectations, decisional regret, satisfaction, and health‐related quality‐of‐life for patients considering total knee arthroplasty: Results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marshall Deborah A. , Trenaman Logan , MacDonald Karen V. , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Stacey Dawn , Hawker Gillian , Smith Christopher , Durand D'Arcy , Bansback Nick
Published: December 2022

Rationale

Total knee arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure but not appropriate for all patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) can promote shared decision making and enhance understanding and expectations of procedures among patients, resulting in better discussions between patients and healthcare providers about whether total knee arthroplasty is the most appropriate option.

Aims and Objectives

Evaluate impact of an individualised PtDA for osteoarthritis patients considering total knee arthroplasty 1 year after baseline assessment.

Methods

Prospective, randomised controlled trial comparing an intervention arm (IA) and routine care arm (RCA). The IA included an online individualised patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) based PtDA and one‐page summary report for the surgeon. We report secondary outcomes from the final assessment: patient expectations, decisional regret, patient satisfaction with outcomes of knee replacement, health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQOL) and depression. We report changes in HRQOL between baseline and final assessments, study arms, and surgical versus non‐surgical patients. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participant characteristics and continuous variables. Dichotomous outcomes (expectations, decisional regret, satisfaction) were analyzed using logistic regression and continuous outcomes (HRQOL, depression) were modelled using linear regression.

Results

Overall, 140 participants completed all study assessments (IA: n = 69, RCA: n = 71); n = 108 underwent surgery (IA: n = 49, RCA: n = 59). Regardless of study arm, most participants reported expectations were met, minimal decisional regret, satisfaction with outcomes of knee replacement, and had improvements in HRQOL. While no significant differences in study outcomes were found between study arms, IA results were in the direction hypothesised in favour of the PtDA.

Conclusions

Although we were not able to detect statistically significant benefits associated with implementing this PROMs‐based PtDA, there was no apparent negative effect on these outcomes 1 year after baseline. We anticipate there may be benefit to implementing this PtDA earlier in the osteoarthritis care pathway where patients have more opportunities to manage their disease non‐surgically.
Enhanced heat utilization and fuel saving in a jaggery plant
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Mahesh
Published: December 2022

The shortage of scientific betterment in jaggery manufacturing processes results in a high fuel consumption and low heat utilization efficiency of conventional jaggery production plants. In the present investigation, a semi‐automatically operated modified jaggery plant (SOMJP) has been designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed. The modifications include implementation of an automatic bagasse dryer, automatic fuel feeder, and improved pans for preheating and concentrating the sugarcane juice for obtaining jaggery. For comparison purpose, a manually operated conventional jaggery plant (MOCJP) has also been fabricated and analyzed. The SOMJP is observed to have higher overall heat utilization efficiency (80.28%), lower bagasse consumption (1.38 kg/kg of jaggery prepared), lower draft generated (11.03 N/m2) and lesser time taken for jaggery production (21 min) than that of MOCJP. In SOMJP, automatic bagasse dryer utilizing thermal energy of waste hot flue gasses has eliminated the labor and space required for the open sun drying of wet bagasse. This resulted in additional profit year by year to the stakeholders and low payback period of the plant. The SOMJP is also observed to be a highly fuel self‐sustainable plant (+12.69 kg/batch).

Practical applications

Majority of the processes adopted in conventional jaggery plants are manual. The drying and feeding of bagasse in conventional jaggery plants are one of the major processes which need more space and labor, because of which the bagasse supply is non‐uniform, higher, time‐consuming, and involves heavy running cost. These drawbacks can be overcome by implementing automation. The implementation of automatic bagasse dryer and feeder would be very helpful to convert a manually operated conventional jaggery plant (MOCJP) into semi‐automatic operated modified jaggery plant (SOMJP). The initial investments involved for making a SOMJP could be recovered, because the adopted modifications have the potential to reduce the fixed and running costs of the plant. The implementation of automation may also improve the overall performance parameters of existing conventional and modified jaggery plants.
A novel hybrid GIS‐based multi‐criteria decision‐making approach for flood susceptibility analysis in large ungauged watersheds
Authors: Sahraei Roya , Kanani‐Sadat Yousef , Homayouni Saeid , Safari Abdolreza , Oubennaceur Khalid , Chokmani Karem
Published: December 2022

Characterizing and identification of flood‐susceptible areas can be a solution to mitigate the damages and fatality rate. This study proposes a novel hybrid MCDM framework to assess flood susceptibility in large ungauged watersheds dealing with data scarcity issues. The proposed method examines the interdependencies and causal relationships between various criteria affecting the flooding procedure using the DEcision‐MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). Moreover, since experts' opinions contain uncertainty, the fuzzy logic is integrated with DEMATEL to overcome this shortcoming. Then, the local weights of criteria were estimated using the Best–Worst Method (BWM) to enhance the pairwise comparisons process. Final criteria weights were obtained using Fuzzy DEMATEL and BWM results in Analytical Network Process (ANP) super‐matrix. Finally, the criteria were distributed spatially using the Complex Proportional Assessment of Alternatives (COPRAS) method based on obtained weights. The proposed method was compared with different approaches such as Fuzzy‐DEMATEL ANP, BWM, and AHP using several statistical measures. We concluded that the novel hybrid proposed method outperformed other approaches based on our results. Moreover, by overlaying classified maps with the historical flood events locations, it was concluded that 85.96% of flooded areas were classified as “high” and “very high.”
A novel smartphone scleral‐image based tool for assessing jaundice in decompensated cirrhosis patients
Authors: Kazankov Konstantin , Nixon‐Hill Miranda , Kumar Rahul , Amin Ahmed , Alabsawy Eman , Chikhlia Anmol , Leung Terence S. , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aim

Serum bilirubin is an established marker of liver disease. Reliable tools for non‐invasive assessment of jaundice in cirrhosis patients, at risk of clinical decompensation, are highly desirable. While smartphone‐based imaging has been described in neonatal jaundice, it has not been investigated in advanced cirrhosis patients.

Methods

We included 46 hospitalized patients with acute cirrhosis decompensation and jaundice. Scleral images using an Android smartphone were taken to derive “Scleral Color Values (SCV),” which were matched with same day serum bilirubin measurements. In 29 patients, repeat SCV and bilirubin measurements were performed over time. We analyzed the relationship of SCV and its dynamics with serum bilirubin, clinical scores, and patient outcomes.

Results

Of 46 patients, 26 (57%) had alcoholic hepatitis as the decompensation precipitant. Seven patients died during admission; a further 12 following hospital discharge. SCV had an excellent linear correlation with serum bilirubin (rho = 0.90, P < 0.001); changes in SCV and serum bilirubin across different time points, were also closely associated (rho = 0.77, P < 0.001). SCV correlated significantly with CLIF Consortium Acute Decompensation score (rho = 0.38, P < 0.001) and grade of Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure (rho = 0.42, P = 0.039). SCV was higher in patients who died, however, not significantly (86.1 [IQR 83.0–89.7] vs 82.3 [IQR 78.5–83.3], P = 0.22). The associations of SCV with clinical parameters mirrored those of serum bilirubin.

Conclusion

Smartphone‐based assessment of jaundice shows excellent concordance with serum bilirubin and is associated with clinical parameters in acute cirrhosis decompensation. This approach offers promise for remote assessment of cirrhosis patients at‐risk of decompensation, post hospital discharge.
Estimating carbon footprints from large scale financial transaction data
Authors: Trendl Anna , Owen Anne , Vomfell Lara , Kilian Lena , Gathergood John , Stewart Neil , Leake David
Published: December 2022

Financial transactions are increasingly used by consumer apps and financial service providers to estimate consumption‐based carbon emissions. This approach promises a low‐resource, ultra‐fast, and highly scalable approach to measuring emissions at different levels of potential policy intervention—spanning the national, subnational, local, and individual level. Despite this potential, there is a lack of research exploring the validity of this approach to carbon profiling. Here we address this oversight in three ways. First, we provide a step‐by‐step description of our approach toward estimating carbon footprints from micro‐level transaction data generated by more than 100,000 customers of a large retail bank in the United Kingdom. Second, we quantitatively compare emission estimates obtained from transaction data with those calculated from a more standard data source used in carbon profiling, the largest household expenditure survey in the United Kingdom. Third, we offer a detailed qualitative comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of transactions versus alternative data sources (such as survey data), across key dimensions including data availability, data quality, and data detail. We find that financial transactions offer a credible alternative to survey‐based sources and, if made more widely accessible, could provide important advantages for profiling emissions. These include objective, micro‐level data on consumption behaviors, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal, frequent data capture.
Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid filler on the treatment of horizontal neck lines
Authors: Rongthong Awika , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Maiprasert Mart , Cembrano Kathryn Anne Guico , Voravutinon Nataya , Rakchart Sarawalai , Sermswan Kanchana , Koonngam Pongsiri
Published: December 2022

Background

Injection of hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) fillers for horizontal neck line correction and rejuvenation has gained popularity in recent years despite conflicting reports on its efficacy and safety. Most published reports are retrospective studies that commonly use the sharp needle technique. In this prospective study, we therefore aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of an HA filler (Belotero Balance®, Merz Aesthetics) on the treatment of horizontal neck lines by blunt cannula injection technique.

Materials and Methods

Thirty subjects were enrolled and treated with HA filler injections on the neck region using a blunt cannula injection technique into the deep dermis. Standardized photographic documentation was done at baseline, immediately after injection, and at 2‐week, 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐up after treatment. The rejuvenation effect was graded by the patients themselves and two blinded dermatologists using comparative photographs. Side effects were likewise recorded at each follow‐up visit.

Results

All 30 subjects completed treatment and attended every follow‐up visit. The study participants comprised both females and males aged 20–69 years with mild, moderate, and severe neck lines based on the Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity Scale (HNWS) (Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 2019, 7, 2366). All patients received approximately 3 ml of HA fillers for the entire treatment area. Both patient and physician ratings revealed peak benefits at 1‐month post‐treatment, with a significant decline at 3 months, which was sustained until 6 months after the procedure. Only one patient developed bruising related to the treatment, which resolved spontaneously without any additional medication.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated efficacy in improving the appearance of horizontal neck lines after one session of HA filler injection. The results showed peak improvement at 1 month, but with sustained rejuvenation effects up to 6 months after injection.