bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the financial impact of equipment performance improvement: ISB and IEB metrics
Authors: Gólcher-Barguil Luis Alejandro , Nadeem Simon Peter , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Equipment performance helps the manufacturing sector achieve operational and financial improvements despite process variations. However, the literature lacks a clear index or metric to quantify the monetary advantages of enhanced equipment performance. Thus, the paper presents two innovative monetary performance measures to estimate the financial advantages of enhancing equipment performance by isolating the effect of manufacturing fluctuations such as product mix price, direct and indirect characteristics, and cost changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research provides two measures, ISB (Improvement Saving Benefits) and IEB (Improvement Earning Benefits), to assess equipment performance improvements. The effectiveness of the metrics is validated through a three stages approach, namely (1) experts' binary opinion, (2) sample, and (3) actual cases. The relevant data may be collected through accounting systems, purpose-built software, or electronic spreadsheets.

Findings

The findings suggest that both measures provide an effective cost–benefit analysis of equipment performance enhancement. The measure ISB indicates savings from performance increases when equipment capacity is greater than product demand. IEB is utilised when equipment capacity is less than product demand. Both measurements may replace the unitary cost variation, which is subject to manufacturing changes.

Practical implications

Manufacturing businesses may utilise the ISB and IEB metrics to conduct a systematic analysis of equipment performance and to appreciate the financial savings perspective in order to emphasise profitability in the short and long term.

Originality/value

The study introduces two novel financial equipment performance improvement indicators that distinguish the effects of manufacturing variations. Manufacturing variations cause cost advantages from operational improvements to be misrepresented. There is currently no approach for manufacturing organisations to calculate the financial advantages of enhancing equipment performance while isolating production irregularities.
A formative measurement model and development of quality of work-life scale based on two-factor theory: evidence from Indian private industries
Authors: Yadav Radha
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study examines the quality of work-life (QoWL) as a formative construct and validates the scale in an Indian context. Taking a cue from the two-factor (Herzberg) theory, the study developed and validated a formative assessment model of QoWL in the current scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data and a self-administered questionnaire were used to analyze the QoWL scale based on a sample of 841 respondents from IT/ITES, BFSI, CPG and manufacturing sectors. Indicators/items of QoWL were considered a first-order reflective construct, and factors of QoWL were considered second-order formative construct in the study. Embedded two-stage approach was used to assess the antecedent construct in the model in which QoWL was measured with seven formative indicators in stage one, and all the constructs of the QoWL are measured with a single item (Global_QWL, i.e. the essence of all constructs) in stage two.

Findings

The study found QoWL as a formative construct with seven significant dimensions; namely, hygiene factors included fairness in compensation (FC), job security (JS), interpersonal relationship (IR), health and wellbeing (HWB), where motivational factors had rewards and career growth (RG), work-life balance (WLB) and learning and development (LD). The study also indicated the strong association of a single item (global_QWL) with all constructs of QoWL. The study findings conceptualize a QoWL as a formative construct within the mentioned sector and can be generalized and extended to other sectors of the economy as well.

Research limitations/implications

Future researchers can take guidance to deal with the formative construct in the development and validation of scale in various topics in the field of HRM. Future researchers can extend the study across cities and different sectors.

Practical implications

In this VUCA world, employees have to be constantly on their toes to ensure their organization remains relevant. In this context, the least organization can do for their employees is to offer a conducive environment and favorable QoWL. This study aims to assist the key decision-makers in applying the QoWL index as a formative construct and aiding them in improving the quality of their decisions.

Social implications

Researcher believes that applying the QoWL index as a formative construct can aid decision-makers in improving the quality of their decisions by equipping them with relevant inputs and knowledge. Government can focus on the employees' welfare and introduce the current motivational and hygiene factors in the area of quality of life of the Indians.

Originality/value

Formative assessment measurement of QoWL model was validated with the two-factor theory to understand the work environment of India in the private sector across different sectors. The unique finding of the study was a single item (global_QWL) to conclude the QoWL index as a formative construct by redundancy analysis.
Preparation of a novel alkanolamine borate and its tribological properties in copper wire drawing oil
Authors: Lang XuJin , Wang Liping , Du Xin , Li Lixia , Zhang Dongya
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize a novel alkanolamine borate and explore the performance of as a copper wire drawing oil.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a copper wire drawing oil (CU-KL) was formulated by using a novel alkanolamine borate, naphthenic base oil, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether and palm oil. The tribological performance of CU-KL and commercial copper wire drawing oils (CU-DRB and CU-8010) was investigated

Findings

Under applied loads of 5 N-15 N, the average friction coefficient of CU-KL was 29.4%, 5.4% and 25.3% lower than that of CU-DRB, respectively. At sliding speed of 1000–5000 rpm, the average friction coefficient of CU-KL was reduced by 14.3%, 6% and 10.3% compared with CU-DRB, respectively. Through scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometry, CU-KL can form B-containing compound at the contact interface, which could synergistically enhance the lubrication effect and improve the wear resistance.

Originality/value

The properties of CU-KL under different test condition were studied, and the findings are of great significance for the application of alkanolamine borate in copper wire drawing oil.
Reviewing in a pandemic? A commentary on COVID-19 and domestic homicide review
Authors: Rowlands James
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper is a commentary on COVID-19’s impact on Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs), the system in England and Wales that enables learning from domestic abuse-related deaths.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a practitioner–researcher perspective, this paper reflects on how COVID-19 affected the delivery and experience of DHRs, the place of victims at the heart of this process and what the pandemic’s impact might mean moving forward.

Findings

This paper explicates some of the challenges of undertaking DHRs in a pandemic. Critically, however, it argues that these challenges illuminate broader questions about the practice of DHR.

Originality/value

This paper’s originality comes from the author’s practitioner–researcher perspective and its use of COVID-19 as a lens to consider DHRs.
Exploring the changes and challenges of COVID-19 in adult safeguarding practice: qualitative findings from a mixed-methods project
Authors: Pritchard-Jones Laura , Mehmi Monique , Eccleston-Turner Mark , Brammer Alison
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a mixed-methods study on the impact that COVID-19 has had on adult safeguarding. The research sought to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19 to both frontline and non-frontline professionals working in adult safeguarding.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods project was undertaken comprising a literature review, survey, semi-structured interviews and a small number of freedom of information requests. This paper presents the findings predominantly from the survey and interviews.

Findings

Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has presented a variety of challenges for professionals working in adult safeguarding. The themes that occurred most often were the day-to-day changes and challenges, relationships across sectors, information and navigating the ethical questions in safeguarding.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the findings represent the first focused qualitative mixed-method study aimed at understanding more about the impact the pandemic has had on adult safeguarding through the eyes of those professionals working in that field.
Bank regulation and risk-taking in sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Gondwe Sopani , Gwatidzo Tendai , Mahonye Nyasha
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In a bid to enhance the stability of banks, supervisory authorities in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) have also adopted international bank regulatory standards based on the Basel core principles. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of these regulations in mitigating Bank risk (instability) in SSA. The focus of empirical analysis is on examining the implications of four regulations (capital, activity restrictions, supervisory power and market discipline) on risk-taking behaviour of banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses two dimensions of financial stability in relation to two different sources of bank risk: solvency risk and liquidity risk. This paper uses information from the World Bank Regulatory Survey database to construct regulation indices on activity restrictions and the three regulations pertaining to the three pillars of Basel II, i.e. capital, supervisory power and market discipline. The paper then uses a two-step system generalised method of moments estimator to estimate the impact of each regulation on solvency and liquidity risk.

Findings

The overall results show that: regulations pertaining to capital (Pillar 1) and market discipline (Pillar 3) are effective in reducing solvency risk; and regulations pertaining to supervisory power (Pillar 2) and activity restrictions increase liquidity risk (i.e. reduce bank stability).

Research limitations/implications

Given some evidence from other studies which show that market power (competition) tends to condition the effect of regulations on bank stability, it would have been more informative to examine whether this is really the case in SSA, given the low levels of competition in some countries. This study is limited in this regard.

Practical implications

The key policy implications from the study findings are three-fold: bank supervisory agencies in SSA should prioritise the adoption of Pillars 1 and 3 of the Basel II framework as an effective policy response to enhance the stability of the banking system; a universal banking model is more stability enhancing; and there is a trade-off between stronger supervisory power and liquidity stability that needs to be properly managed every time regulatory agencies increase their supervisory mandate.

Originality/value

This paper provides new evidence on which Pillars of the Basel II regulatory framework are more effective in reducing bank risk in SSA. This paper also shows that the way regulations affect solvency risk is different from that of liquidity risk – an approach that allows for case specific policy interventions based on the type of bank risk under consideration. Ignoring this dual dimension of bank stability can thus lead to erroneous policy inferences.
Switching to peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA): an extended push-pull-mooring model perspective from emerging economy
Authors: Gupta Anil , Mahajan Honeyka , Dogra Nikita , Dogra Ravinder
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the Push-Pull-Mooring model, this study sheds light on the factors that drive tourists to switch from traditional hotels to peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA) in light of the global spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from 380 participants through an online pan India survey. The data were mainly analyzed by adopting structural equation modeling.

Findings

All the three categories of push, pull and mooring factors are crucial in explaining tourists' switching intentions from hotels to P2PA. Out of all the factors, subjective norm came out to be the most significant factor while satiation (push factor) and authentic experiences (pull factor) also came out to be important indicators.

Practical implications

The findings of this study carry implications for hoteliers as well as P2PA platform hosts. Hotels need to re-conceptualize their standard services, décor and amenities while P2PA hosts need to continue providing authentic experiences and also comply with all the Covid-19 norms.

Originality/value

The study offers a comprehensive PPM model to determine tourists' intentions to switch from hotels to P2PA. Moreover, this paper is one of the early studies to provide insights into tourists' switching intentions amidst Covid-19.
An antibacterial T6SS in Pantoea agglomerans pv. betae delivers a lysozyme‐like effector to antagonize competitors
Authors: Carobbi Andrea , Di Nepi Simone , Fridman Chaya M. , Dar Yasmin , Ben‐Yaakov Rotem , Barash Isaac , Salomon Dor , Sessa Guido
Published: June 2022

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is deployed by numerous Gram‐negative bacteria to deliver toxic effectors into neighbouring cells. The genome of Pantoea agglomerans pv. betae (Pab) phytopathogenic bacteria contains a gene cluster (T6SS1) predicted to encode a complete T6SS. Using secretion and competition assays, we found that T6SS1 in Pab is a functional antibacterial system that allows this pathogen to outcompete rival plant‐associated bacteria found in its natural environment. Computational analysis of the T6SS1 gene cluster revealed that antibacterial effector and immunity proteins are encoded within three genomic islands that also harbour arrays of orphan immunity genes or toxin and immunity cassettes. Functional analyses indicated that VgrG, a specialized antibacterial effector, contains a C‐terminal catalytically active glucosaminidase domain that is used to degrade prey peptidoglycan. Moreover, we confirmed that a bicistronic unit at the end of the T6SS1 cluster encodes a novel antibacterial T6SS effector and immunity pair. Together, these results demonstrate that Pab T6SS1 is an antibacterial system delivering a lysozyme‐like effector to eliminate competitors, and indicate that this bacterium contains additional novel T6SS effectors.
Patterns of discretionary food intake among Australian children and their association with socio‐demographic, lifestyle, and adiposity measures
Authors: Fayet‐Moore Flavia , McConnell Andrew , Tuck Kate , Petocz Peter , Cassettari Tim , Rahimi‐Ardabili Hania , Blumfield Michelle , Marshall Skye
Published: June 2022

Aim

Australian children consume 35% of energy from discretionary food and beverages which increases their risk of non‐communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes. Despite this concerning statistic, broad analysis of the profile of discretionary food intake has not been fully undertaken. This study asks: what is the discretionary food and beverage intake profile, contribution to nutrient intakes, and associations with demographic and health characteristics?

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 2812, 2–18 years) were used to profile discretionary food consumption. Dietary intake was assessed by 24‐h recall. General linear models tested the difference in respondent characteristics by age group, sex, and quartiles of discretionary food energy contribution.

Results

Ninety‐nine percent of respondents consumed discretionary foods, 74% exceeded the maximum discretionary food recommended serves. Among 10 eating occasions available to select: snack, dinner, lunch and morning tea appeared to contribute 76% of discretionary food energy, with snack and dinner contributing 24% each. Age and frequency of discretionary food consumption were positively associated with energy intake from discretionary foods (p < 0.001); while sex, socio‐economic status, physical activity and body composition had no association. High discretionary food consumers chose specific discretionary food items in a large quantity (1.0–3.5‐serves/discretionary food) compared to low discretionary food consumers (0.4–1.4‐serves/discretionary food).

Conclusions

Nearly all Australian children and adolescents consumed discretionary food daily. No demographic or anthropometric characteristics beyond increasing age were associated with higher discretionary food. Targeted public health policy and community interventions are required to focus on addressing the largest contributors to discretionary food intake in terms of equivalent serve sizes, popularity, and eating occasion.
Repurposing chia seed oil: A versatile novel functional food
Authors: Tak Yamini , Kaur Manpreet , Kumar Rajendra , Gautam Chirag , Singh Prabhjot , Kaur Harjeet , Kaur Amanpreet , Bhatia Surekha , Jha Niraj Kumar , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Amarowicz Ryszard
Published: June 2022

Chia seed oil (CSO) has been recently gaining tremendous interest as a functional food. The oil is rich in with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), tocopherols, phenolic acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Extracting CSO through green technologies has been highly efficient, cost‐effective, and sustainable, which has also shown to improve its nutritional potential and proved to be eco‐friendly than any other traditional or conventional processes. Due to the presence of valuable bioactive metabolites, CSO is proving to be a revolutionary source for food, baking, dairy, pharmaceutical, livestock feed, and cosmetic industries. CSO has been reported to possess antidiabetic, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antiobesity, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, insect‐repellent, and skin‐healing properties. However, studies on toxicological safety and commercial potency of CSO are limited and therefore the need of the hour is to focus on large‐scale molecular mechanistic and clinical studies, which may throw light on the possible translational opportunities of CSO to be utilized to its complete potential. In this review, we have deliberated on the untapped therapeutical possibilities and novel findings about this functional food, its biochemical composition, extraction methods, nutritional profiling, oil stability, and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications for its health benefits and ability to counter various diseases.
The clinical utility of cfRNA for disease detection and surveillance: A proof of concept study in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Metzenmacher Martin , Hegedüs Balazs , Forster Jan , Schramm Alexander , Horn Peter A. , Klein Christoph A. , Bielefeld Nicola , Ploenes Till , Aigner Clemens , Siveke Jens T. , Schuler Martin , Lueong Smiths S.
Published: June 2022

Background

CT scans are used in routine clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment surveillance of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, more sensitive methods are desirable. Liquid biopsy analyses of RNA and DNA can offer more sensitive diagnostic approaches. Cell‐free RNA (cfRNA) has been described in several malignancies, but its clinical utility has not previously been explored.

Methods

We evaluated the clinical utility of cfRNA for early detection and surveillance of tumor disease in a proof‐of‐concept study. Using real‐time‐droplet digital polymerase chain reaction we characterized a candidate transcript (MORF4L2) in plasma samples from 41 advanced stage, 38 early stage NSCLC and 39 healthy samples. We compared its diagnostic performance with tumor markers and evaluated its utility for disease monitoring.

Results

MORF4L2 cfRNA was more abundant in patients than in healthy donors (p < 0.0001). Using the Youden index approach (cutoff value of 537 copies/ml was established) with a sensitivity of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.61–0.82) and a specificity of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.73–0.96). Positive and negative predictive values of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.83–0.95) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.47–0.83) were achieved. Combination of cfRNA and Cyfra21‐1 improved its predictive value from 89.5% to 94.7%. Low baseline MORF4L2 levels were associated with better overall survival (HR:0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.7, p = 0.009) and progression‐free survival for patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (p = 0.011) and chemotherapy (p = 0.019). MORF4L2 profile between baseline and follow‐up mirrored radiological response and tumor dynamics better than tumor markers. cfRNA transcripts allowed monitoring tumor dynamics in patients without tumor‐reported genetic alterations.

Conclusion

Our data support clinical utility of cfRNA for detection and surveillance of NSCLC. Further studies with larger cohorts are required.
Paracetamol preceding very preterm birth: Is it safe?
Authors: Laitala Aliisa , Saarela Timo , Vääräsmäki Marja , Hallman Mikko , Aikio Outi
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The use of paracetamol for pain relief in pregnancy is common. However, the influence of paracetamol on the perinatal adaptation of high‐risk infants has not been studied. These data are important for safety, since another inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis is harmful to infants born very preterm and increases serious morbidity. We studied whether the use of paracetamol had an adverse influence on neonatal adaptation and the outcomes of infants during the first hospitalization.

Material and Methods

We studied the patient records of high‐risk mothers and their infants born before 32 weeks of gestation for multiple variables over a period of 84 months in Oulu University Hospital, a regional tertiary care hospital caring for high‐risk deliveries and providing neonatal intensive care. In a matched cohort setting, the exposition was defined as paracetamol use <24 h before childbirth. The controls had consumed no paracetamol up to 1 week before delivery. Infants with major anomalies were excluded. The primary outcome was defined as the need for early interventional treatments for the preterm infants. Outcomes during the first hospitalization were also studied.

Results

Altogether, 170 fetuses from 149 mothers were exposed to paracetamol during the study period. The control population, delivering during the same period, consisted of 118 non‐exposed fetuses from 104 mothers. Among them, the mothers were pairwise matched according to their medications, amniotic fluid leakage time, clinical infections, and delivery mode. After matching, 72 mothers/group remained, resulting in 88 paracetamol‐exposed infants and 85 controls. No perinatal adverse reactions were detected. There were no differences in either circulatory support during the first postnatal day or in the risk for major diseases during the first hospitalization. Paracetamol‐exposed infants needed fewer acute delivery room therapies (51.1% vs 65.9%, mean difference −14.89; 95% confidence interval −0.29 to −0.003). Maternal total paracetamol dose in the 1 week before delivery correlated positively with Apgar scores.

Conclusions

Antenatal paracetamol given within 24 h before birth had no adverse effects on extremely or very preterm infants. The long‐term safety of paracetamol and the potential acute benefits for preterm infants during perinatal transition remain to be proven in larger, prospective settings.
Nicardipine for treating severe antepartum hypertension during pregnancy: Nine years of experience in more than 800 women
Authors: Nij Bijvank Sebastiaan W. , Hengst Micky , Cornette Jerome C. , Huigen Sigrid , Winkelen Anne van , Edens Mireille A. , Duvekot Johannes J.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Women with severe hypertension during pregnancy require prompt stabilization with a combination of magnesium sulfate and rapidly acting intravenously administered antihypertensives. It remains unknown which antihypertensive is best suited for pregnancy. The present study evaluated the intravenous use of the calcium antagonist, nicardipine.

Material and Methods

This multicenter, retrospective case series included all pregnant women beyond 20 weeks of gestation with severe antepartum hypertension that were treated with intravenous nicardipine. Primary outcome measures: successful treatment, time to successful treatment, and maternal safety. Severe hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 160 mm Hg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 110 mm Hg or more.

Results

This study included 830 women. After 1 h of treatment, two‐thirds of the women had SBP below 160 mm Hg and DBP below 100 mm Hg. In three out of four women, the mean arterial pressure was below 120 mm Hg. Within 2 h of treatment, 77.4% of women achieved successful treatment. In all cases, nicardipine was eventually effective. Within the first 2 h, 42.7% of women experienced temporary low DBP (ie below 70 mm Hg) without clinical consequences for the mother or fetus. In all cases, the low DBP resolved after discontinuing or reducing the dosage of nicardipine. One case of fetal distress was attributable to maternal hypotension, and a cesarean section was performed at more than 2 h after initiating therapy. During treatment, headache, nausea, and vomiting decreased significantly.

Conclusions

To date, this was the largest case‐series study on the use of nicardipine for treating severe antepartum hypertension in pregnancy. We found that nicardipine could effectively and safely treat this condition. Based on its high success rate and acceptable safety profile, nicardipine should be considered a first‐line treatment in women with severe hypertension in pregnancy.
Possible links between phenotypic variability, habitats and connectivity in the killifish Aphaniops stoliczkanus in Northeast Oman
Authors: Bidaye Riya G. , Al‐Jufaili Saud M. , Charmpila Eleni A. , Jawad Laith , Vukić Jasna , Reichenbacher Bettina
Published: June 2022

There is a significant gap in our knowledge of the intraspecific morphological variability in freshwater fish, although such data are crucial for understanding species diversity. Here we use the killifish Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Day, 1872; Aphaniidae: Cyprinodontiformes), which is a widespread but poorly known freshwater species in the Middle East, to investigate variability in morphological traits within and between its populations. As otolith morphology is known to evolve on ecological timescales and can signal the presence of cryptic lineages, a special focus lies on otolith variability. Based on samples from six populations in northern Oman, we found that variation in pigmentation, disparities in body shape and otolith variability can be associated with distinctive environmental conditions. The unique otolith shape of A. stoliczkanus from a hot sulphuric spring (Nakhal) suggests that a cryptic lineage may have emerged there. Our new data can serve as a benchmark for future studies on the diversity of Aphaniops and other Aphaniidae and help to clarify whether cryptic diversity is present in some lineages. Moreover, our data can serve as an actualistic model for studies on fossil fishes, in which morphological characters provide the only accessible data source for taxonomic and phylogenetic interpretations.
Prevalence, associated factors and level of dependence of substance use among urban secondary school students, Benin
Authors: Bio‐sya Assad , Damien Georgia Barikissou , Kpatchavi Adolphe C. , Allabi Aurel C.
Published: June 2022

The use of psychoactive substances is constantly increasing, particularly among young people. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and the level of dependence of those substances among secondary school students in Benin. This cross‐sectional study included 627 students in grades 8–12, selected using a multi‐stage sampling technique. Data were collected using the ASSIST questionnaire, followed by urine screening. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate factors associated with substance use. Overall, the lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 95.4% (95% CI = 93.4–96.9), while the current use was 78.8% (95% CI = 75.3–81.9). The most commonly used substances in the past 3 months were alcohol, followed by stimulants and tobacco; 221 samples were analysed. Twenty‐two (9.95%) were positive by urine screening. Substances detected were tramadol, fentanyl, THC, K2, BZDs, alcohol, methamphetamine and cotinine. Of the current users, 2.27% (n = 11) were at high risk of dependency. An association was found between substance use and age (p = 0.02). In conclusion, this study came up with a high prevalence of substance use among students. There is a need to develop and implement a health education programme in secondary schools to raise awareness of the potential risks.
The prognosis of endometrial cancers stratified with conventional risk factors and modified molecular classification
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Asano Hiroshi , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Matsuoka Ryosuke , Konno Yosuke , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Hatanaka Yutaka , Watari Hidemichi
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to validate the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer, a modified version of The Cancer Genome Atlas, using data from 184 patients with endometrial cancer (median age: 57.5 years; median follow‐up period: 109 months) who had undergone radical surgery (including systemic lymphadenectomy) and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy (patients with intermediate or high recurrence risk) from 2003 to 2015. Tissue microarrays were prepared from surgical specimens and classified using the conventional clinical risk classifier. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect mismatch repair proteins, L1 cell adhesion molecule, and p53. Direct sequencing was used to identify hotspot mutations in the polymerase‐epsilon gene. Forty‐five patients were identified as having high L1 cell adhesion molecule expression, 41 as low risk, 34 as mismatch repair‐deficient, 13 as polymerase‐epsilon gene‐mutated, five as having abnormal p53, and 46 as other. Patients were stratified into significantly different prognostic groups (p < 0.0001): favorable (low risk and polymerase‐epsilon gene‐mutated), intermediate (mismatch repair‐deficient and other), and unfavorable (high L1 cell adhesion molecule expression and abnormal p53) with 5‐year disease‐specific survival rates of 100%, 93.8%, and 75.1%, respectively (Kaplan–Meier method). The combination of conventional recurrent risk classification, sequencing for polymerase‐epsilon gene mutations and immunohistochemistry for L1 cell adhesion molecule, p53, and mismatch repair proteins can be used to determine the prognoses of patients with endometrial cancer.
A newly growing asymptomatic facial lesion
Authors: Butt Sanaa , Evans Alan , Green Cathy , Affleck Andrew
Published: June 2022

A 23-year-old man presenting with a 1-year history of a lesion of the right cheek. We highlight this case for awareness as this tumour may mimic other benign lesions, such as pilomatrixoma or benign cysts, as it does not have any uniquely identifying clinical or dermoscopic features. Additionally, it is of concern as malignant transformation can occur and therefore surgery should be considered as both for diagnostic and therapeutic benefit.
The role of bacterial corrosion on recolonization of titanium implant surfaces: An in vitro study
Authors: Weller Julia , Vasudevan Praveen , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Ekat Katharina , Jackszis Mario , Springer Armin , Chatzivasileiou Kyriaki , Lang Hermann
Published: June 2022

Background

Inflammation triggered by bacterial biofilms in the surrounding tissue is a major etiological factor for peri‐implantitis and subsequent implant failure. However, little is known about the direct effects of bacterial corrosion and recolonization on implant failure

Purpose

To investigate the influence of oral commensals on bacterial corrosion and recolonization of titanium surfaces.

Materials and Methods

Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which are key bacteria in oral biofilm formation, were cultured on commercially pure titanium and titanium‐aluminum‐vanadium (Ti6Al4V) plates in artificial saliva/brain heart infusion medium under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Biofilm formation was examined after 7 and 21 days by crystal violet and live/dead staining. Titanium ions released into culture supernatants were analyzed over a period of 21 days by atomic absorption spectrometry. Visual changes in surface morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation on sterilized, biocorroded, and recolonized implant surfaces was determined by crystal violet staining.

Results

S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis formed stable biofilms on the titanium samples. Bacterial corrosion led to a significant increase in titanium ion release from these titanium plates (p < 0.01), which was significantly higher under aerobic conditions on pure titanium (p ≤ 0.001). No obvious morphological surface changes, such as pitting and discoloration, were detected in the titanium samples. During early biofilm formation, the addition of titanium ions significantly decreased the number of live cells. In contrast, a significant effect on biofilm mass was only detected with P. gingivalis. Bacterial corrosion had no influence on bacterial recolonization following sterilization of titanium and Ti6Al4V surfaces.

Conclusion

Bacterial corrosion differs between oral commensal bacteria and leads to increased titanium ion release from titanium plates. The titanium ion release did not influence biofilm formation or bacterial recolonization under in vitro conditions
Does utilization of heart machine perfusion for donation after cardiac death transplantation affect outcomes of other abdominal transplanted organs?
Authors: Okumura Kenji , Misawa Ryosuke , Ohira Suguru , Dhand Abhay , Kai Masashi , Sogawa Hiroshi , Veillette Gregory , John Devon , Diflo Thomas , Nishida Seigo
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Machine perfusion of heart for donation after circulatory death (DCD) is being increasingly utilized. Current protocols for utilizing heart DCD's machine perfusion might prolong donor warm ischemic time for nonheart organs. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of utilizing heart machine perfusion on liver and kidney transplants from the same donor.

Methods

We analyzed data of DCD donors from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) from January‐2020 to September‐2021 among two groups: donors with heart machine perfusion (HM) and without heart machine perfusion (NHM). Propensity score (PS) matching was performed to compare the short‐term outcomes of liver and kidney transplants between two groups.

Results

Total of 102 liver and 319 kidney transplants were performed using organs from donors with HM. After PS matching, no statistically significant difference was seen in 1‐year graft survival (GS) for both liver and kidney transplants between two groups (liver HM 90.6% vs. NHM 90.2%, p = .47; kidney HM 95.2% vs. NHM 92.9%, p = .40). There was no difference in the delayed graft function (DGF) rates in kidney transplantation (KT) (HM 42% vs. NHM 35%, p = .062).

Conclusion

Utilization of heart machine perfusion in DCD donors had no significant impact on 1‐year outcomes of liver and kidney transplantation.
A rare case of cutaneous interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma
Authors: Doan Leandra , Sanyal Riana D. , Cassarino David S.
Published: June 2022

Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcomas (IDCSs) are aggressive tumors of dendritic cells, often presenting with lymphadenopathy. Fewer than 10 cases of primary cutaneous IDCS have been reported. Histopathologically, IDCS presents as atypical spindle cells with irregular nuclei, and therefore can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma, follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, and Langerhans cell tumors by H&E examination alone. We report a unique case of a man with cutaneous IDCS that was initially misdiagnosed as melanoma. Having previously undergone an excision of a reported “melanoma” on the neck, he presented with a new growth on the cheek. Histopathologic findings revealed an atypical dermal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate around vessels and cells forming nests along the dermal‐epidermal junction. Immunohistochemical stains were strongly positive for S100, fascin, and lysozyme; on the other hand, CD1a, langerin, CD21, CD23, and SOX10 were negative. These immunohistochemical findings were consistent with IDCS, and the patient's prior biopsy specimen was then revisited. Similar staining revealed that lesion also to be a cutaneous IDCS. Follow‐up imaging with PET scan was negative for metastases, supporting the diagnosis of primary cutaneous IDCS. Our findings contribute to the limited literature on cutaneous IDCS and highlight a potential pitfall in its diagnosis because of overlapping histopathologic features with melanoma.
Decision biases in revenue management revisited: Dynamic decision‐making under stationary and nonstationary demand
Authors: Cleophas Catherine , Schüetze Claudia
Published: June 2022

State‐of‐the‐art revenue management systems combine forecasting and optimization algorithms with human decision‐making. However, only a few existing contributions consider the behavioral aspects of revenue management. To extend the related research, we examine the impact of nonstationary demand and two dynamic decision tasks. We examine human decision‐making strategies and biases by implementing a related experimental design in a laboratory study and comparing participant decisions to systematic heuristics. Our results highlight that participants struggle to accommodate a nonstationary willingness to pay. In that, they exhibit a combination of optimism and loss aversion biases. We further find that participants anchor their decisions on customers' willingness to pay. We draw implications and further research opportunities to behaviorally inform the design of symbiotic analytics systems from these results.
Changes in the climate suitability and growth rates of trees in eastern North America
Authors: Bernal‐Escobar Manuel , Zuleta Daniel , Feeley Kenneth J.
Published: June 2022

According to the ‘fitness‐suitability' hypothesis, ongoing changes in climate are expected to affect habitat suitability and hence species' fitness. In trees, differences in fitness may manifest as changes in growth rates, which will alter carbon uptake. Using tree‐ring data, we calculated > 1.5 million annual stem growth rate estimates (standardized for tree size) for 15 677 trees representing 37 species from 558 populations throughout eastern North America. We used collections data and species distribution models to estimate each population's climatic suitability from 1900 to 2010. We then assessed the relationships between growth, suitability and time using linear mixed‐effects models. We found that stem growth rates decreased significantly through time independent of changes in climate suitability and that relationships between growth rates and climate suitability were highly variable across species. Contrary to expectations, we found that growth rates were negatively correlated with species' climate suitability, a relationship that was consistent over time for gymnosperms and became more negative through time for angiosperms. These results may suggest that stem growth rates are not a good proxy for fitness and/or that unidentified factors may be slowing tree growth and outweighing any potential benefits of climate change and increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Regardless of the cause, this finding indicates that we should not count on the increased growth of eastern North American trees to help offset anthropogenic carbon emissions.
Behavioral disruption of two orchard hemipteran pests by garlic essential oil
Authors: Denoirjean Thomas , Rivière Mélanie , Doury Géraldine , Le Goff Guillaume Jean , Ameline Arnaud
Published: June 2022

Essential oils (EOs) are promising sources of effective bioactive compounds for insect pest control, especially in heavily treated agrosystems like orchards. Plants belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family – onion, garlic (Allium sativum L.), and others – present an interesting potential in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus communis L., both Rosaceae) tree integrated pest management due to the repellent and deterrent properties of their chemical compounds. This study explores the potential disruption by garlic EOs of the behavior of two hemipteran pests towards their host trees: rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea (Passerini) (Aphididae), on cultivated apple, and pear psyllid, Cacopsylla pyri (L.) (Psyllidae), on pear. Effects on orientation and feeding behavior were evaluated using choice tests and the electropenetrography (EPG) technique. The results revealed that garlic EOs delivered through rubber dispensers were intrinsically repellent, but when combined with the attractive host plant, the repellents and attractants canceled each other out for the two studied hemipterans. Garlic EOs caused disruptions in the feeding behavior of the two insects, particularly the psyllids, which showed a decrease in phloem sap intake. This study highlights the mechanisms disrupting the process of host‐plant colonization, in particular the possible masking of host‐locating cues or the involvement of confusing chemical stimuli due to EO volatiles.
Views of young people with psychosis on using virtual reality assisted therapy. A qualitative study
Authors: Holgersen Guri , Nordgreen Tine , ten Velden Hegelstad Wenche , Bircow Elgen Irene
Published: June 2022

Aim

Service disengagement is a challenge in young individuals struggling with psychosis. Combining cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) with virtual reality (VR) has proven acceptable and potentially effective for symptoms and social functioning in adults with psychosis. However, studies focusing on young adolescents are lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acceptability of VR‐assisted CBTp among adolescents with psychosis.

Methods

A qualitative study investigating the acceptability of VR during exposure‐based social training among adolescents with early onset psychosis. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse, interpret and report patterns from the qualitative interviews.

Results

A total of 27 adolescents with psychosis were invited to participate, 11 declined and 16 were enrolled (59%), and all completed the study. The participants were from 13 until 18 years old, mean age 16 years. None of them had previous experience with use of VR in therapy, but 10 out of 16 participants had prior experience with VR from playing video games. Regarding acceptability, 14 out of 16 had positive expectations towards using VR in CBTp, and they would prefer using VR during exposure‐based social training to real‐life training only.

Conclusions

VR‐assisted CBTp can be an acceptable intervention for adolescents with psychosis, given their comfort with technology and the opportunity to confront their fears in less threatening virtual social settings with fewer social risks. The present study yields support to continue developing VR‐assisted therapy for adolescents, and focusing on VR‐interventions for early onset psychosis.
Spectral variable selection for estimation of soil organic carbon content using mid‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Junwei , Liu Tongqing , Zhang Jixiong , Yuan Huimin , Acquah Gifty E.
Published: June 2022

The non‐destructive and rapid estimation of soil total carbon (SOC) content with mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIR, 4000–400 cm−1) will play a vital role in precision agriculture. However, the benefit derived from the full MIR range is compromised by multicollinearity and noise. Hence, variable selection methods have been developed to reduce the full spectrum to a few variables that contribute the most information to a property of interest. However, only a few studies have applied variable selection methods in the MIR region to estimate organic carbon content in the soil. Therefore, four variable selection methods, namely stability competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (sCARS), bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS), interval combination optimization (ICO) and the interval combination optimization‐successive projections algorithm (ICO‐SPA) method were investigated to ascertain the method that identified the wavebands most sensitive to SOC in order to improve prediction accuracy. The selected variables (i.e., reduced spectrum), as well as the full MIR spectrum, were coupled with partial least squares regression (PLSR) for the model calibration of SOC. The results showed that the models based on variable selection achieved higher prediction accuracy than the full spectrum model. sCARS selected 19 variables, BOSS selected 21 variables, ICO selected 311 variables, whereas ICO‐SPA selected only 9 variables (accounting for 0.38% of all variables), while the prediction accuracy of the ICO‐SPA‐PLSR model was similar to those of the other three variable selection methods. The ICO‐SPA‐PLSR model had an Rp2 value of 0.93, RPD of 3.90 and RMSEP of 0.13%. This method identified 3450, 2920, 2767, 2000, 1800, 1765, 1600, 1560 and 927 cm−1 as the feature wavenumbers with the most useful information in accurately estimating SOC content. Therefore, the combination strategy of interval (ICO) and individual (SPA) variable selection may be a good alternative variables selection method for MIR spectroscopic data.

Highlights

Different spectral variable selection methods were compared for SOC estimation by MIR.

ICO‐SPA variable selection was employed to improve the prediction accuracy of SOC by MIR spectra.

ICO‐SPA method selected informative key spectral variables of SOC in MIR range.

Interval coupled with individual variable selection can be an alternative for spectroscopic data.
“We make new families:” findings from a family court mediation study
Authors: Crampton Alexandra
Published: June 2022

Mediation was brought into family court cases as a divorce litigation alternative. Today, parents are not only encouraged but mandated across most U.S. states to consider mediation before further court action can be taken. Research has not kept up with understanding how publicly mandated and subsidized mediation services become part of court cases and possible case resolution. This article reviews how mediation has evolved from outside alternative to family court “workhorse” within a family dispute resolution paradigm centered on shared parenting as in the best interest of children. Research results from a family court mediation program are presented to highlight how parents encountered and responded to mediation as an embedded part of today's family dispute resolution paradigm/court system. Especially in cases that keep coming back to court, family dispute resolution has become a means of “making family” as much as supporting family separation. Implications for practice include limitations of a mediation service as provided in an under‐resourced court and ultimate reliance upon parents to uphold the best interest standard through ongoing co‐parenting interactions.