bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In women, we trust! Exploring the sea change in investors’ perceptions in equity crowdfunding
Authors: Cicchiello Antonella Francesca , Kazemikhasragh Amirreza , Monferra Stefano
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Women’s entrepreneurial activity can significantly impact economic and social development globally, particularly in developing countries. The significant challenges entrepreneurial women face draw the attention of researchers and policymakers. This paper aims to analyse the impact of gender disparity on the likelihood of obtaining equity financing through crowdfunding. The equity crowdfunding industry was selected because it is a non-traditional financial market where gender bias may act differently for women.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the relationship between gender and equity financing through crowdfunding, this paper applies ordinary least squares regression. The analysis is based on a unique data set of 492 equity crowdfunding campaigns launched between 2013 and 2017 on all existing platforms in Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the involvement of at least one woman on the board of firms seeking equity financing increases campaign success rates in terms of the investors’ average pledge, the target amount reached at the end of the campaign and the percentage raised at the end of the campaign exceeding the initial fundraising goal. Altogether, this suggests that equity crowdfunding campaigns should be based on gender equality in the firms’ boards. The research finds evidence that there is no gender disparity in the likelihood of a campaign being financed by a greater number of investors.

Practical implications

These findings have implications for Latin American female entrepreneurs when selecting funding sources and policymakers when defining political actions to remove the barriers at the root of this historic inequality in female entrepreneurs’ access to finance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this document analyses the gender disparity in the Latin American equity crowdfunding market, shedding light on women’s access to crowdfunding financing for the first time.
Drivers of multiple eco-innovation and the impact on sustainable competitive advantage: evidence from manufacturing SMEs in Egypt
Authors: Mady Khalid , Abdul Halim Muhammad Abi Sofian , Omar Khatijah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers of three main eco-innovation types within the manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt, as well as to examine the impact of these types in sustaining competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The positivist methodological paradigm is adopted in this study, with 183 valid questionnaires collected from the owners and executives of manufacturing SMEs. The SmartPLS has been used to analyse the data.

Findings

Results show that internal drivers (organisational capabilities, absorptive capacity and strategically environmental orientation) affect eco-innovation types. External drivers (regulation, eco-friendly products demand and competitive advantage) do not significantly affect eco-innovation types. The results also reveal that both eco-organisational and eco-process innovations significantly affect sustainable competitive advantage.

Practical implications

This study has presented valuable insights for owners and executives of SMEs and policymakers in the business and manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

This study has presented valuable insights for literature on eco-innovation, owners and executives of SMEs and policymakers manufacturing industry to depth-understanding of drivers of eco-innovation types. in addition, the role of eco-innovation types in sustaining competitive advantage for SMEs has been a significant contribution to eco-innovation literature.
What drives an innovative behaviour of sustainable community-based enterprises? Insights from a qualitative case study
Authors: Phukrongpet Pimporn , Daovisan Hanvedes , Satsanasupint Panarat
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the drivers of innovative behaviour of sustainable community-based enterprises (SCBEs) in the Mahasarakham province, Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on insights from a qualitative case study method, this paper uses a purposive sampling technique with 30 SCBEs from December 2019 to December 2020. This study uses in-depth interviews and applied content analysis (e.g. theme, categorisation, quotation and coding), using the ATLAS.ti software.

Findings

This case study shows that transforming the community into an enterprise is related to creation, venture and innovative management, sustained in community-based enterprises. The findings reveal that innovative behaviour is associated with intention, thinking, orientation, product development, service, collaboration, competition and technology, which drives SCBEs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of community-based group and cooperative community-based enterprise with innovative behaviour, which can drive SCBEs growth.
Financing employee healthcare: fusing the preferences of employees in decision-making
Authors: Ochieng'a George Ouma , Ogada Maurice
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Good health is important for the happiness and productivity of employees of any organization and a nation. With the declining government funding for public Universities in Kenya, providing health cover for employees is a real challenge. Thus, the universities have to explore widely acceptable and sustainable options. This study aims to explore the correlations of employee preferences for health care schemes and evaluated the cost implications of each of the available Schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a multinomial probit analysis on cross-sectional data from Taita Taveta University (TTU) in Kenya's coastal region. Cost-benefit analysis was used to rank alternative healthcare schemes. For triangulation of information, individual interviews were supplemented with key informant interviews.

Findings

Two sets of factors, personal attributes of employees and the attributes of the health care provider, were found to drive employee preferences for health care schemes. Thus, the universities need to consider these attributes in their choice sets of health care schemes to gain employee support.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a cross-sectional survey that may not capture the dynamic elements in institutional management. Thus, future research may build panel data on the current one for further analysis.

Practical implications

The study found that household characteristics and the perceived attributes of the healthcare providers are key drivers of the preferences. Thus, it is important to consider the characteristics of the employees (for example, age, family sizes, etc.) and attributes of healthcare providers before selecting a healthcare scheme for the workers

Originality/value

This is a pioneer study on the choice of healthcare scheme for institutions of higher learning in Kenya. Universities are made aware of what informs employee's preferences for health schemes. This is important for tailoring health care schemes to match employee preferences for greater satisfaction.
Preparation and tribological characteristics of graphene/triangular copper nanoplate composites as grease additive
Authors: Wang Jing , Mi Hongying , Zhou Weigui , Yang Xin , He Yan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to the preparation and tribological characteristics of graphene/triangular copper nanoplate composites (abbreviated as GN/Cu nanoplates) as grease additive and clarifies the growth mechanism and tribological mechanism of GN/Cu nanoplates by different analysis methods. In this paper, it is expected to alleviate the problems of easy aggregation and poor dispersion stability of graphene in lubricants and provide theoretical support for the application of graphene and its composites in the tribology field.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the GN/Cu nanoplates have been successfully prepared by the electrostatic self-assembly method. The structural characteristics of GN/Cu nanoplates were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Then the tribological properties of GN/Cu nanoplates were investigated under different loads with SRV-IV [Schwingung, Reibung, Verschleiß (German); oscillating, friction, wear (English translation)] tribotester. White-light interferometry was applied to quantify the wear loss of the disk. The element chemical state on worn surfaces was analyzed by an X-ray photoelectron spectroscope to clarify the tribological mechanism of graphene composites.

Findings

The electrostatic force between the negative charge of graphene and the positive charge of triangular copper nanoplates promotes the self-assembly of GN/Cu nanoplates. With the addition of GN/Cu nanoplates, the wear loss and average friction coefficient under the load of 200 N have been decreased by 72.6% and 18.3%, respectively. It is concluded that the combined action of graphene deposition film and the copper melting film formed on the worn surface could effectively improve the antiwear ability and friction reduction performance of the grease.

Originality/value

This manuscript fulfills a new approach for the preparation of GN/Cu nanoplates. At the same time, its tribological properties and mechanism as a lubricating additive were studied which provide theoretical support for the application of graphene and its composites in the tribology field.
Evaluating key capabilities for developing global collaborative networks using a multi-layer decision-making approach
Authors: Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Hafeez Khalid , Abbasi Kamardi Ali Asghar , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper proposes a multi-layer hybrid decision-making approach to evaluate the capability alternatives for developing a collaborative network to operate in the international market.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is contextualised in the Iranian pistachio export industry. An extensive review of the state-of-the-art literature on supplier collaboration was conducted to identify key capabilities that are essential to establish a collaborative network. The set of defined capabilities were then optimised through interviews with 14 experts from the relevant industry, academics and export authorities. A combination of the fuzzy Delphi method and the best–worst method (BWM) approach was, respectively, used to reduce the number of capability alternatives and assign priority weights to these alternatives. Subsequently, a weighted aggregated sum product assessment method (WASPAS) was employed to rank and evaluate the ability to creating a collaborative network for the export of pistachio.

Findings

From the extant literature review, 18 capabilities for the formation of coordination networks in the international markets were identified. Then, the prominent indicators in forming a global network were extracted. After ranking the top pistachio export countries/regions to formalise an efficient collaborative network, it was revealed that although Iran exports approximately 30% of the global market, it falls behind the USA and European Union. The competitors have scored higher in critical criteria, including “trust and commitment”, “strategy and management”, “managerial control and standardization” and “financial resources”.

Originality/value

The proposed hybrid approach encompassing fuzzy Delphi–BWM–WASPAS offers to solve the capability evaluation and selection as well as ranking the possible alternative to formalise a collaborative network in an integrated fashion. This combination of methods is capable to first identify the most important factors, then measuring their importance and eventually rank the possible alternatives. The suggested framework provides an approach to deal with the uncertainty of global collaborative network formation.
From lifelong learning to later life self-employment: a conceptual framework and an Israeli enterprise perspective
Authors: Eppler-Hattab Raphael
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight important aspects of adopting a lifelong learning mindset as a way to improve entrepreneurial employability and self-employment capabilities among older workers, and to examine their practicality in enterprise services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a two-method research approach that synthesizes an original conceptual framework based on current gerontological and work psychology literature with qualitative organizational case study in the Israeli labor market.

Findings

The process of lifelong learning and accumulation of employability underpins a fulfilling career in self-employment later in life, through continuous self-acquisition of necessary knowledge and complementary skills. Adopting a lifelong learning mindset may contribute to older workers developing lifelong employability by self-realizing their meaningful life wisdom alongside becoming lifelong learners, and consequently, by becoming protean career owners capable of acquiring entrepreneurial competencies and skills. Program analysis of social and business enterprises established in Israel to meet the demand for the acquisition of later life skills demonstrates the various ways in which they play a role in supporting this process.

Research limitations/implications

The need for future research and practice on the conceptual framework presented in this paper is analyzed and discussed in the Israeli context.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on third-age entrepreneurship, by conceptually linking the core concept of lifelong learning to entrepreneurial employability, and demonstrating its application in the Israeli work culture.
The role of green practices toward the green word-of-mouth using stimulus-organism-response model
Authors: Hameed Irfan , Hussain Hamid , Khan Kamran
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Consumer's environmental awareness and friendliness have been growing, and consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of hotel operations on the environment. This study evaluated the effect of green practices on the customer's green word-of-mouth (GWOM) intention for hotels with environment-friendly operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data have been collected from tourists by using the judgmental sampling technique, and a usable sample size of 257 respondents has been achieved. The data analysis has been performed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

There is a strong relationship between green practices adopted by hotels and the green image of hotels. This study also found that the green image of a hotel positively impacts consumer green satisfaction and green trust, and these two variables have significant influence over the GWOM.

Practical implications

The study can be helpful in the promotion of environmentally sustainable consumer behavior in response to a stimulus being generated by the marketers and policymakers.

Social implications

This study will further help society to share and discuss favorable information about environmental sustainability through GWOM.

Originality/value

The study investigated the effect of green hotels on GWOM approximately after one year of the COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, the results can ascertain to be the basis of the new policies of the hotels in post-COVID world.
Development of innovation ecosystem framework for successful adoption of industry 4.0 enabling technologies in Indian manufacturing industries
Authors: Pasi Bhaveshkumar Nandanram , Mahajan Subhash K. , Rane Santosh B.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an industry 4.0 (I4.0) innovation ecosystem framework by exploring the essential components of the same to ensure the collaborative efforts of different stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research work, important perspectives and their sub-components for the I4.0 innovation ecosystem framework are identified by performing a systematic literature survey of peer-reviewed journal articles. Then, I4.0 challenges among higher education (HE) institutions students and industries in India are explored by adopting the questionnaire-based research approach. Finally, the importance of the identified perspectives and their sub-components and causal relations among components are analyzed by using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method.

Findings

From the literature survey, three perspectives and their 45 sub-components are identified for the I4.0 innovation ecosystem framework. The outcomes show that the industry has a direct impact on HE institutions and the government. While HE institutions are most influenced by the industry and government.

Research limitations/implications

I4.0 innovation ecosystem framework is developed by analyzing responses received through questionnaires. There are other methods also available for ecosystem framework development, which are beyond this study.

Practical implications

This research work will facilitate policy formulation by the government. It will also help the managers to develop strategies for the adoption of I4.0 enabling technologies in their business.

Originality/value

This research study gives an idea about the innovation ecosystem framework for the successful adoption of I4.0 enabling technologies in Indian Manufacturing Industries.
Mindful tourism: nothing left behind–creating a circular economy society for the tourism industry of Krabi, Thailand
Authors: Pongsakornrungsilp Pimlapas , Pongsakornrungsilp Siwarit
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This research aims to demonstrate how the circular economy is employed to drive the sustainability of the tourism industry in Krabi, Thailand, through the concept of mindful consumption and service-dominant logic (hereafter S-D logic).

Design/methodology/approach

A seven-year longitudinal study (2013–2020) was conducted through four studies from different perspectives, including macro, meso and micro levels of development in Krabi province.

Findings

Krabi tourism stakeholders have collaborated to co-create green culture and behavior whereby the value network among stakeholders plays an important role in driving the circular economy in practice.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an understanding of how the circular economy society has been co-created. However, further research should be conducted in other tourism cities by focusing on the key success factors that drive the circular economy.

Originality/value

The longitudinal study with multi-perspective micro, macro and meso levels of development in this study has shed the light on how the circular economy (CE) policy can be turned into practice.
How do managers promote workplace learning? Learning-oriented leadership in daily work
Authors: Wallo Andreas , Kock Henrik , Reineholm Cathrine , Ellström Per-Erik
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore managers’ learning-oriented leadership, and what conditions managers face when working with the promotion of employees’ learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with managers in three manufacturing firms. Verbatim expressions of the interview participants were analysed using stepwise analytical procedures.

Findings

The managers used many kinds of activities to promote learning. Most common were activities related to learning opportunities that arose during daily work. The identified activities ranged from being planned to occurring more spontaneously. Depending on the situation or the learning activity, the managers used different behaviours to promote learning. They supported, educated and confronted employees, and they acted as role models. Factors constraining the implementation of learning-oriented leadership included limited resources, and a lack of commitment from top management, employees or the managers themselves.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should study learning-oriented leadership from the employees’ perspective.

Practical implications

Managers’ notions about learning and development constitute an important condition for learning-oriented leadership. Therefore, managers need to be trained in how to promote their employees’ learning at work.

Originality/value

This study adds to the limited knowledge of how managers carry out a learning-oriented leadership in their daily work. The findings contribute knowledge regarding managerial practices of promoting employees’ workplace learning by identifying different activities and behaviours that managers could incorporate into their leadership.
Effects of antibiotics on the viability of and toxin production by Clostridium botulinum
Authors: Yutani Masahiro , Matsumura Takuhiro , Fujinaga Yukako
Published: July 2021

Clostridium botulinum causes infant and adult intestinal botulism by colonizing in the intestine and producing botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). Antimicrobial agents are not currently used for treatment due to the potential facilitation of BoNT production and bacterial cell lysis, which releases toxins into the intestinal lumen. In this study, we analyzed effects of four antibiotics on the viability of and BoNT production by four C. botulinum group I strains. Our results indicate that metronidazole rapidly reduced their viability without enhancing BoNT production. Antibiotics with these properties may promote elimination of C. botulinum from the intestines while maintaining low levels of BoNT.
Resources do not limit compensatory response of a tallgrass prairie plant community to the loss of a dominant species
Authors: Chaves Francis A. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: July 2021

The effect of species loss on ecosystem productivity is determined by both the functional contribution of the species lost, and the response of the remaining species in the community. According to the mass ratio hypothesis, the loss of a dominant plant species, which has a larger proportionate contribution to productivity, is expected to exert an overwhelming effect on this important ecosystem function. However, via competitive release, loss of a dominant species can provide the opportunity for other plant species to establish, thrive and become abundant in the community, potentially compensating for the function lost. Furthermore, if resource limitation is removed, then the compensatory response of function to the loss of a dominant species should be greater and more rapid than if resources are more limiting.

To evaluate how resources may limit compensation of above‐ground productivity to the loss of a dominant plant species, we experimentally removed the C4perennial tallgrass,Andropogon gerardii, from intact plant communities. We added water for 4 years, as well as nitrogen in the fourth year, to test the effect of resource limitation on the compensatory response.

Overall, above‐ground biomass production increased in the remaining community with both water and nitrogen addition. However, this increase in biomass production was not sufficient to fully compensate for the loss ofA. gerardii, indicating water and nitrogen were not limiting short‐term compensation in this community.

Following the removal of the dominant species, there was reordering of species abundances in the community, rather than changes in species richness. The C4grassBouteloua curtipendulawas the most responsive species, increasing by 57.9% in abundance with water addition and 91.0% with both water and nitrogen addition. Despite this dramatic increase in abundance, its short stature and lower per capita biomass production prevented this species from compensating for the loss ofA. gerardii.

Synthesis. Short‐term compensation after the loss of a dominant plant species can be hastened by increased resource availability, but ultimately full compensation appears to be limited by the presence and abundance of species in the remaining community that possess traits that allow them compensate for the species lost.
Sequence Stratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous Uraniferous Measures and Mineralization of the Sandstone‐hosted Tamusu Large Uranium Deposit, North China
Authors: LIU Bo , SHI Zhiqiang , PENG Yunbiao , ZHANG Pengfei , LI Peng
Published: July 2021

The Bayingobi basin is the Mesozoic–Cenozoic basin in North China in which the Tamusu uranium deposit is located. The ore‐target layer of the deposit is the Lower Cretaceous Bayingobi Formation, which developed as a fan delta‐shallow lacustrine deposit. The distributary channel sand body of the fan delta plain and the underwater distributary channel sand body of the fan delta front formed a favorable uranium reservoir, so the study of sequence stratigraphy is extremely important to understanding the genesis of uranium deposits. On the basis of field investigation and a large number of borehole logs, the high resolution sequence stratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous is divided and the system tracts of different periods are established. The relationship between deposition, interlayer oxidation and uranium enrichment is discussed. The Lower Cretaceous Bayingobi Formation can be divided into two fourth‐order sequences (Sq1 and Sq2). The lower member of the Bayingobi Formation is referred to as Sq1, which is composed of a falling‐stage system tract (FSST) on top. On the other hand, the upper member of the Bayingobi Formation is referred to as Sq2, which is composed of a lowstand system tract (LST), transgressive system tract (TST) and highstand system tract (HST). The lowstand system tract forms a favorable stratigraphic structure (mud‐sand‐mud formation) with the lacustrine mudstone of the overlying transgressive system tract, that is conducive for the migration of uranium‐bearing oxygen water. The organic matter and pyrite in the fan delta sand body, as well as the dark mudstone in the distributary bay, provided a reducing medium for uranium mineralization. The ore body mainly occurs in the distributary channel, underwater distributary channel or the mouth bar of the fan delta. As a result of the moderate thickness, high permeability, favorable barrier and rich reducing medium, the rich ore body mainly occurs in the underwater distributary channel and mouth bar sand body of the delta front. Based on study of the sequence stratigraphy, the model of the sequence, sedimentation and mineralization of the uranium deposit is established, which enriches uranium metallogenic theory and provides a reference for exploration of the same type of uranium deposits.
Histone methyltransferase SETD1A participates in lung cancer progression
Authors: Du Mei , Gong Piping , Zhang Yun , Liu Yanguo , Liu Xiaozhen , Zhang Feng , Wang Xiuwen
Published: July 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, with an estimated 1.2 million deaths each year. Despite advances in lung cancer treatment, 5‐year survival rates are lower than ~15%, which is attributes to diagnosis limitations and current clinical drug resistance. Recently, more evidence has suggested that epigenome dysregulation is associated with the initiation and progress of cancer, and targeting epigenome‐related molecules improves cancer symptoms. Interestingly, some groups reported that the level of methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) was increased in lung tumors and participated in abnormal transcriptional regulation. However, a mechanistic analysis is not available. In this report, we found that the SET domain containing 1A (SETD1A), the enzyme for H3K4me3, was elevated in lung cancer tissue compared to normal lung tissue. Knockdown of SETD1A in A549 and H1299 cells led to defects in cell proliferation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by inhibited WNT and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathways, compared with the control group. Xenograft assays also revealed a decreased tumor growth and EMT in the SETD1A silenced group compared with the control group. Mechanistic analysis suggested that SETD1A might regulate tumor progression via several critical oncogenes, which exhibited enhanced H3K4me3 levels around transcriptional start sites in lung cancer. This study illustrates the important role of SETD1A in lung cancer and provides a potential drug target for treatment.
The effect of preoperative jaundice in the surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Lv Tian‐Run , Hu Hai‐Jie , Regmi Parbatraj , Liu Fei , Li Fu‐Yu
Published: July 2021

Background

An updated meta‐analysis was performed on the significance of preoperative jaundice in the surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC).

Methods

A thorough database searching was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library for comparative studies between jaundiced and non‐jaundiced GBC patients. RevMan5.3 and Stata 13.0 software were used for statistical analysis. A total of nine measured outcomes were identified: resectability, R0 resection rate, concurrent bile duct resection, major hepatectomy, vital vascular reconstruction, combined adjacent organ resections, postoperative morbidities, mortalities, and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of eight studies were finally included. Newcastle– Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for evaluating the quality of all included studies and the details were recorded in Table S1. Our pooled results revealed that preoperative jaundice was associated with a significantly lower resectability (p < 0.00001), a significantly lower R0 resection rate (p < 0.00001), a significantly higher concurrent bile duct resection rate (p < 0.00001), major hepatectomy rate (≥3 segments) (p < 0.00001), and vital vascular reconstruction rate (portal vein or hepatic artery) (p < 0.00001). Moreover, jaundiced patients experienced more postoperative morbidities (p < 0.00001), mortalities (p < 0.0001), and worse OS (p < 0.00001). However, jaundice was not related to combined adjacent organ resections (p = 0.58).

Conclusion

Preoperative jaundice in GBC patients seems to be contraindicated to curative resection and the optimal therapeutic strategies should be identified via multidisciplinary team rather than surgery alone. Candidates for curative surgery should be highly selected and experienced centers are preferred. More significant well‐designed studies are required for further exploration.
Potential positive effects of bariatric surgery on healthcare resource utilisation
Authors: Chadwick Chiara , Burton Paul R. , Playfair Julie , Shaw Kalai , Wentworth John , Liew Danny , Fineberg Daniel , Way Andrew , Brown Wendy A.
Published: July 2021

Background

To determine whether a bariatric surgical procedure is associated with a reduction in healthcare utilisation among patients with obesity and high pre‐procedural healthcare needs.

Methods

Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary Victorian public hospital. Participants: Twenty‐nine adults who underwent publicly funded primary bariatric surgery between 2008 and 2018 at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne and had high resource use over the year prior to surgery, defined as at least two of ≥3 hospital admissions, ≥7 inpatient bed days for obesity‐related co‐morbidities or inpatient hospital costs ≥$10 000. Main outcome measures: Change in inpatient and outpatient resource use.

Results

After 1 year following bariatric surgery, total hospital bed days decreased from 663 to 80 and the median (Q1, Q3) per patient decreased from 7 (4.5, 15) to 5 (2.25, 9.75) (p = 0.001) and the total number of hospital admissions fell from 118 to 67 (p < 0.001). The median cost of inpatient care decreased from $11 405 ($4408, $22251) to $3974 ($0, $4325) per annum (p < 0.001). The total and median number of outpatient attendances did not significantly change 12 months after bariatric surgery, but the demand for outpatient services unrelated to bariatric surgery declined by a median of four visits per patient (p = 0.013).

Conclusions

The evidence from this small pilot study suggests that Bariatric surgery has the potential to decrease resource use and inpatient hospital costs over a 1‐year time frame for obese patients with high resource use. These data will be used to design a prospective randomised controlled trial to provide more definitive information on this important issue.
An en face swept source optical coherence tomography study of the vitreous in eyes with anterior uveitis
Authors: Pichi Francesco , Neri Piergiorgio , Hay Steven , Parrulli Salvatore , Zicarelli Federico , Invernizzi Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To analyse vitreous anatomy patients with anterior uveitis (AU) using swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT).

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed AU and healthy participants were scanned using 16‐mm SS‐OCT B‐scans and 12 × 12 mm cube centred at the fovea. Linear SS‐OCT scans were evaluated to identify the premacular bursa (PB) above the macula and the Cloquet’s canal above the optic disc. A dynamic evaluation of the 12 × 12 mm cube enableden facemeasurement of the vertical and horizontal diameters of the PB and the presence/absence of communication between the PB and Cloquet’s canal.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐five subjects were included in the study. Forty‐five patients were healthy (mean age 33.47 years).En facemeasurements of the horizontal and vertical PB mean diameters were 5.2 mm and 4.7 mm. In 90 subjects with AU (mean age 30.10 years), the mean horizontal and vertical diameter of the PB were significantly larger (p < 0.01). Thirty‐seven eyes with AU presented with cystoid macular oedema (CME). The mean diameters of the PB in this subgroup were significantly larger (p < 0.01). In 75% of the entire cohort (51% of eyes in the control group, 87% of eyes with AU and 100% of eyes with AU and CME), a channel connecting the PB and Cloquet’s canal could be identified.

Conclusions

SS‐OCT identification of a connecting channel between the PB and the Cloquet’s canal suggests that inflammatory cytokines may drain from the anterior chamber through this system of channels, thus increasing the risk of CME.
Hospitalization for adverse events under abiraterone or enzalutamide exposure in real‐world setting: A French population‐based study on prostate cancer patients
Authors: Scailteux Lucie‐Marie , Despas Fabien , Balusson Frédéric , Campillo‐Gimenez Boris , Mathieu Romain , Vincendeau Sébastien , Happe André , Nowak Emmanuel , Kerbrat Sandrine , Oger Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

Aims

Safety profiles of abiraterone and enzalutamide rely mainly on Phase III clinical trials. Our objective was to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for certain adverse events leading in real life to hospitalization (atrial fibrillation, acute heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, acute kidney injury [AKI], ischaemic stroke, torsade de pointe/QT interval prolongation, hepatitis and seizure), comparing abiraterone to enzalutamide. We also set out to discuss previously identified safety signals.

Method

Using the French National Health Insurance System database, all patients newly exposed to abiraterone or enzalutamide between 2013 and 2017 and followed until 31 December 2018 were targeted. IRRs for each event were estimated using a Poisson model in a sub‐population of patients without contraindications or precautions for use for either treatment.

Results

Among 11 534 new users of abiraterone and enzalutamide, AKI (IRR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01–2.00), liver monitoring suggestive of hepatic damage (IRR 3.06, 95% CI: 2.66–3.53) and atrial fibrillation (IRR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.19) were significantly more often observed with abiraterone than with enzalutamide.

Conclusion

Our study provides knowledge on abiraterone and enzalutamide real‐life safety profiles, especially for events leading to hospitalization. Despite several limitations, including the lack of clinical data, the safety signal for AKI under abiraterone is in line with results of an analysis of the French pharmacovigilance database, which requires further specific investigations. Enlightening the clinicians' therapeutic choices for patients treated for prostate cancer, our study should lead to clinicians being cautious in the use of abiraterone.
A placebo‐controlled investigation of the analgesic effects, abuse liability, safety and tolerability of a range of oral cannabidiol doses in healthy humans
Authors: Arout Caroline A. , Haney Margaret , Herrmann Evan S. , Bedi Gillinder , Cooper Ziva D.
Published: July 2021

Aims

Preclinical studies demonstrate that cannabidiol (CBD) elicits an antinociceptive response in animal models of neuropathic pain; in humans, limited data are available to support such analgesic effects. Few studies have examined CBD's analgesic effects when administered without other compounds, and little is known regarding dose‐dependent effects in noncannabis users.

Methods

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within‐subject outpatient clinical laboratory study sought to determine the analgesic effects, abuse liability, safety and tolerability of acute CBD (0, 200, 400 and 800 mg orally) in healthy noncannabis‐using volunteers (n = 17; 8 men, 9 women). Outcomes included experimental pain threshold and pain tolerance using the cold pressor test (CPT), subjective ratings of CPT painfulness and bothersomeness, subjective ratings of abuse liability and mood, and cardiovascular measures, which were assessed at baseline and several time points after drug administration. Data analyses included repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with planned comparisons.

Results

CBD failed to consistently affect pain threshold and tolerance in the CPT relative to placebo. All doses of CBD increased ratings of painfulness compared to placebo (P < .01). Further, CBD had dose‐dependent, modest effects on mood and subjective drug effects associated with abuse liability. Oral CBD was safe and well tolerated, producing small decreases in blood pressure (P < .01).

Conclusion

CBD did not elicit consistent dose‐dependent analgesia and in fact increased pain on some measures. Future studies exploring CBD‐induced pain relief should consider using a more extensive pain assessment paradigm in different participant populations.
Amplifying children's voices within photovoice: Emerging inclusive education practices in Indonesia
Authors: Bonati Michelle L. , Andriana Elga
Published: July 2021

Accessible summary

Inclusive education is being developed for the first time in Indonesia.

Children with learning disabilities have been excluded from regular schools in the past, but now some schools are welcoming these students.

Supporting social inclusion is important for students with learning disabilities who have been excluded from participating in school and their communities.

This article talks about how a research method called photovoice can be used to support social inclusion in school.

This article shows how photovoice can be used to understand how students with learning disabilities think and feel about social inclusion, their communities and belonging.

Background

Inclusive education is a recent phenomenon in Indonesia. Students with learning disabilities have been historically and currently marginalised within most schools and communities, with limited opportunities for social inclusion.

Methods

Photovoice, a qualitative, participatory methodology was implemented to engage 31 students with learning disabilities and without disabilities in projects connected with their school curricula that focused on the overarching themes of social inclusion, belonging and community. The students served as co‐researchers, which involved taking photographs and thematically analysing them during individual interviews and during group discussions. The project culminated with a public photo exhibition and presentations by the students. Data collection occurred over 6 weeks, in two schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and further cross‐case analysis of the data was conducted by the authors. The research question examined was as follows: How do students with and without disabilities perceive social inclusion, belonging and their community during a photovoice project in Indonesia?

Findings

Three themes emerged in response to the research question focused on the overarching topics of social inclusion, belonging and community. These themes included: (1) Inclusive Characters, (2) Cultural and Civic Engagement in the Community, and (3) Self‐Determination.

Conclusions

Photovoice methodology can provide a pedagogical tool within inclusive education practices. Photovoice also provided opportunities to amplify the voices of students with learning disabilities to express their experiences and perspectives of social inclusion in their schools and communities. Students with and without disabilities also developed a sense of agency to transform the communities in which they belong.
“Martin Luther King Fixed It”: Children Making Sense of Racial Identity in a Colorblind Society
Authors: Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Moffitt Ursula , Foo Christina
Published: July 2021

Children in the United States grow up in a context wherein colorblindness and racism coexist. This article examined how colorblindness functions as a societal “master narrative” that shapes how children construct their own racial identities. Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews with 217 Black, White, and Multiracial children (Mage = 9.92) in public schools in the Pacific Northwest during 2013–2014 academic year. Our analysis identified four race narratives, which varied systematically by child age and race. Associations were also found between narrative types and children’s ratings of racial identity importance. Although colorblindness infuses many of the racial narratives, there was evidence that children also question and disrupt this master narrative with stories of resistance that counter colorblind norms.
Treatment concepts of horizontally deficient ridges—A retrospective study comparing narrow‐diameter implants in pristine bone with standard‐diameter implants in augmented bone
Authors: Schiegnitz Eik , Kämmerer Peer W. , Hellwich Philipp , König Jochem , Sagheb Keyvan , Al‐Nawas Bilal
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To compare clinical and radiological outcomes of narrow‐diameter implants (NDI) placed in pristine bone to standard‐diameter implants placed in combination with horizontal bone augmentation procedures (SDI+A) for horizontally deficient alveolar ridges.

Material and Methods

For this retrospective study, the outcome of 597 NDI (∅ 3.3 mm, 272 patients), inserted in pristine bone, were compared with 180 SDI (∅ 4.1 mm, 83 patients), inserted in combination with horizontal augmentation procedures. Oral health‐related quality of life was assessed in patients available for recall.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of 37.6 ± 40 months for the NDI and of 42.4 ± 49 months for the SDI+A, survival rates were 96.1% for NDI and 95.6% for SDI+A. Cumulative 5‐year and 10‐year implant survival rates were 94.3% and 92.2% for the NDI group and 97.0% and 88.3% for the SDI+A group, indicating no significant difference (p = .89). According to the criteria of Buser et al., an implant success rate of 84.3% was obtained for the NDI and an implant success rate of 81.3% for the SDI+A (p = .79). Regarding oral health‐related quality of life, a similar and high patient satisfaction could be observed in both groups.

Conclusions

NDI without augmentation procedures showed a similar clinical outcome as SDI in combination with augmentation procedures after a follow‐up of more than 3 years. Therefore, NDI might be a reasonable alternative in cases of horizontal bone atrophy (no clinical trial registration as patient inclusion started 2003).
Microplastic contamination in Great Lakes fish
Authors: Munno Keenan , Helm Paul A. , Rochman Chelsea , George Tara , Jackson Donald A.
Published: July 2021

Freshwater ecosystems, generally adjacent to human population and more contaminated relative to adjacent marine ecosystems, are vulnerable to microplastic contamination. We sampled 7 species of fish from Lake Ontario and Lake Superior and assessed their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts to quantify ingested microplastics and other anthropogenic particles. A subset of the microparticles were chemically analyzed to confirm polymer types and anthropogenic origins. We documented the highest concentration of microplastics and other anthropogenic microparticles ever reported in bony fish. We found 12,442 anthropogenic microparticles across 212 fish (8 species) from nearshore Lake Ontario, 943 across 50 fish (1 species) from Humber River, and 3094 across 119 fish (7 species) from Lake Superior. Fish from Lake Ontario had the greatest mean abundance of anthropogenic microparticles in their GI tracts (59 particles/fish [SD 104]), with up to 915 microparticles in a single fish. Fish from Lake Superior contained a mean [SD] of 26 [74] particles/fish, and fish from Humber River contained 19 [14] particles/fish. Most particles were microfibers. Overall, ≥90% of particles were anthropogenic, of which 35‐59% were microplastics. Polyethylene (24%), polyethylene terephthalate (20%), and polypropylene (18%) were the most common microplastics. Ingestion of anthropogenic particles was significantly different among species within Lake Ontario (p< 0.05), and the abundance of anthropogenic particles increased as fish length increased in Lake Ontario (ρ= 0.62). Although we cannot extrapolate the concentration of microplastics in the water and sediments of these fish, the relatively high abundance of microplastics in the GI tracts of fish suggests environmental exposure may be above threshold concentrations for risk.
Should doctors work with the pharmaceutical industry? An ethical miasma
Authors: Chambers Henry G
Published: July 2021

Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/VYKqc8Oj7u4
Mesoscale productivity fronts and local fishing opportunities in the European Seas
Authors: Druon Jean‐Noël , Gascuel Didier , Gibin Maurizio , Zanzi Antonella , Fromentin Jean‐Marc , Colloca Francesco , Hélaouët Pierre , Coll Marta , Mannini Alessandro , Bluemel Joanna K , Piroddi Chiara , Bastardie Francois , Macias‐Moy Diego , Vasilakopoulos Paraskevas , Winker Henning , Serpetti Natalia , Guillen Jordi , Palialexis Andreas , Gras Michaël , Hekim Zeynep , Dubroca Laurent , Pinto Cecilia , Steenbeek Jeroen , Martinsohn Jann
Published: July 2021

This study evaluates the relationship between both commercial and scientific spatial fisheries data and a new satellite‐based estimate of potential fish production (Ocean Productivity available to Fish, OPFish) in the European Seas. To construct OPFish, we used productivity frontal features derived from chlorophyll‐ahorizontal gradients, which characterize 10%–20% of the global phytoplankton production that effectively fuels higher trophic levels. OPFish is relatively consistent with the spatial distribution of both pelagic and demersal fish landings and catches per unit of effort (LPUEs and CPUEs, respectively). An index of harvest relative to ocean productivity (HPindex) is calculated by dividing these LPUEs or CPUEs with OPFish. The HPindex reflects the intensity of fishing by gear type with regard to local fish production. Low HPlevels indicate lower LPUEs or CPUEs than expected from oceanic production, suggesting over‐exploitation, while high HPlevels imply more sustainable fishing. HPallows comparing the production‐dependent suitability of local fishing intensities. Our results from bottom trawl data highlight that over‐exploitation of demersal species from the shelves is twice as high in the Mediterranean Sea than in the North‐East Atlantic. The estimate of HPindex by dominant pelagic and demersal gears suggests that midwater and bottom otter trawls are associated with the lowest and highest overfishing, respectively. The contrasts of fishing intensity at local scales captured by the HPindex suggest that accounting for the local potential fish production can promote fisheries sustainability in the context of ecosystem‐based fisheries management as required by international marine policies.