bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microcrystal preparation for serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography of bacterial copper amine oxidase
Authors: Murakawa Takeshi , Suzuki Mamoru , Arima Toshi , Sugahara Michihiro , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Tanaka Rie , Iwata So , Nango Eriko , Tono Kensuke , Hayashi Hideyuki , Fukui Kenji , Yano Takato , Tanizawa Katsuyuki , Okajima Toshihide
Published: September 2021

Recent advances in serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (SFX) using X-ray free-electron lasers have paved the way for determining radiation-damage-free protein structures under nonfreezing conditions. However, the large-scale preparation of high-quality microcrystals of uniform size is a prerequisite for SFX, and this has been a barrier to its widespread application. Here, a convenient method for preparing high-quality microcrystals of a bacterial quinoprotein enzyme, copper amine oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformis, is reported. The method consists of the mechanical crushing of large crystals (5–15 mm3), seeding the crushed crystals into the enzyme solution and standing for 1 h at an ambient temperature of ∼26°C, leading to the rapid formation of microcrystals with a uniform size of 3–5 µm. The microcrystals diffracted X-rays to a resolution beyond 2.0 Å in SFX measurements at the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact Free Electron Laser facility. The damage-free structure determined at 2.2 Å resolution was essentially identical to that determined previously by cryogenic crystallography using synchrotron X-ray radiation.
Crystal structure of the complex of DNA with the C-terminal domain of TYE7 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Gui Wei , Xue Lu , Yue Jian , Kuang Zhiling , Jin Yuping , Niu Liwen
Published: September 2021

TYE7, a bHLH (basic helix–loop–helix) transcription factor from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is involved in the regulation of many genes, including glycolytic genes. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that TYE7 also functions as a cyclin and is linked to sulfur metabolism. Here, the structure of TYE7 (residues 165–291) complexed with its specific DNA was determined by X-ray crystallography. Structural analysis and comparison revealed that His185 and Glu189 are conserved in base recognition. However, Arg193 is also involved in base recognition in the structures that were compared. In the structure in this study, Arg193 in chain A has two conformations and makes a salt bridge with the phosphate backbone structure. In addition, a series of corresponding electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to better understand the DNA-binding mechanism of the bHLH domain of TYE7.
Internal branding, employees' brand commitment and moderation role of transformational leadership: an empirical study in Indian telecommunication context
Authors: Binu Raj Asha
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between internal branding (IB) and employees' brand commitment and analyze how transformational leadership (TFL) moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 394 employees in Indian telecommunication sector. The hypotheses and conceptual model were tested by structural equation modeling (SEM), using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS).

Findings

The results suggest that employees' brand commitment is higher when organizations implement IB supported by transformational leaders. Results also indicate that impact of IB on affective commitment (AC) and normative commitment (NC) is greater than its impact on continuance commitment (CC).

Research limitations/implications

Consistent with the brand commitment dimensions, the findings present an empirically tested comprehensive and integrative model of IB moderated by TFL. This study provides scholars a deeper understanding of relationship among IB, employee's commitment and TFL. Though multicollinearity is addressed, presence of cross-sectional data is a limitation in the study.

Practical implications

The study would help practicing managers to gain a new perspective to manage their internal brand mechanisms through TFL style by stimulating change among employees and create emotionally committed brand advocates.

Originality/value

This paper suggests an empirically validated framework of IB tested for moderation effect by TFL. It adds value to literature by reinforcing the effect of IB employees' AC and NC, especially among customer contact employees who represent brand during customer service delivery in telecommunication sector.
Using the playful consumption experience model to uncover behavioral intention to play Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games
Authors: Abbasi Amir Zaib , Rehman Umair , Fayyaz Muhammad Shahzeb , Ting Ding Hooi , Shah Muhammad Umair , Fatima Ramsha
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Playing video gaming is one of the most popular forms of leisure activities. This study looks into a specific video game genre, under the category of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games. The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that lead to the consumption of MOBA games. Three factors, imaginal, emotional and sensory experiences, are investigated through an integration of the hedonic consumption model, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT).

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses a sample of 292 MOBA game players using the PLS-SEM model. The study comprises two stages; in the first stage, an estimation model was used to test the constructs' quality and legitimacy. In the second stage, we assessed the theoretical model to test the relationship between the principle constructs.

Findings

The study found that factors related to emotional experiences, namely enjoyment, emotional involvement, and arousal, led to greater intention to play MOBA games. Similarly, two factors related to imaginal experiences, escapism and role projection, also positively impacted while fantasy carried a negative impact. The study also found that sensory experiences had a significant positive impact on the intention to play MOBA games. Lastly, a positive correlation was also found between the intention to use and usage behavior in MOBA games.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the playful-consumption experiences of pleasure-oriented information systems (I.S.) that is MOBA games that derive behavioral intention to play MOBA games, which in turn determines the usage behavior of MOBA players. The study also incorporates the uses and gratification theory to uncover the needs and experiences that trigger MOBA games' behavioral intention and its further impact on gamers' usage behavior. The study also presents useful insights for game developers and other relevant stakeholders in game development.
Optimum external shading system for counterbalancing glare probability and daylight illuminance in Sydney's residential buildings
Authors: Sorooshnia Ehsan , Rashidi Maria , Rahnamayiezekavat Payam , Rezaei Fatemeh , Samali Bijan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Optimisation of daylight admission through window is crucial for alleviating glare while maintaining useful daylight levels in order to enhance occupants' health, visual comfort and moderating lighting energy consumption. Amongst various solutions, fixed external shade is an affordable solution for housing spaces that need to be sophisticatedly designed, especially during the period of increasing home spaces as working environments. In the humid subtropical region, daylight control plays an important role in indoor comfort, particularly with areas with a high window to wall ratio (WWR). Due to the insufficient amount of such study on non-office spaces in Australia, shading-related standards are not addressed in Australian building codes.

Design/methodology/approach

The chosen methodology for the research is a quantitative data collection and analysis through field measurement and simulation simultaneously. The first step is a multi-objective optimisation of shading elements through a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) on parametric modelling via Rhino3D CAD and simulation engines (DIVA and ClimateStudio). In the second phase, the Pareto front solutions are validated by experimental measurements within a room with a single north-facing window (the most probable for the daytime glare in Sydney) for the seven most common local window configurations.

Findings

Through the simulation of ten genes, 1,560 values and 2.4 × 1,019 of search space, this study found an optimum shade for each local common window layout, resulted in +22% in (UDI) and −16% in views with discomfort glare on average. Moreover, an all-purpose polygonal shade showed an average of 4.6% increase in UDI and a 5.83% decrease in the percentage of views with discomfort glare.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are subject to the room dimensions, window dimensions and layouts, and orientation of windows for selected residential buildings in Sydney.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the development of highly accurate fixed external shading systems with rectangular and tapered-form external shapes. A real-time measurement by luminance-metre sensors and HQ cameras located at six eye levels is conducted to corroborate simulation results of the visual comfort.
Revealing the importance of international and domestic cooperation by using artificial neural networks: case of European radical and incremental innovators
Authors: Prokop Viktor , Stejskal Jan , Mikusova Merickova Beata , Odei Samuel Amponsah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce innovative ideas into the treatment of the radical and incremental innovations and to fill the research gap by using: (1) methods that can perform complicated tasks and solve complex problems leading in creation of radical and incremental innovation and (2) a broad sample of firms across countries. The authors’ ambition is to contribute to the scientific knowledge by producing evidence about the novel usage of artificial neural network techniques for measuring European firms' innovation activities appearing in black boxes of innovation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors incorporate an international context into Chesbrough's open innovation (OI) theory and, on the one hand, support the hypothesis that European radical innovators benefit more from foreign cooperation than incremental innovators. On the other hand, the results of the analyses show that European incremental innovators rely on domestic cooperation supported by cooperation with foreign public research institutes. Moreover, the use of decision trees (DT) allows the authors to reveal specific patterns of successful innovators emerging within the hidden layers of neural networks.

Findings

The authors prove that radical European innovators using either internal or external R&D strategies, while the combinations of these strategies do not bring successful innovation outputs. In contrast, European incremental innovators benefit from various internal R&D processes in which engagement in design activities plays a crucial role.

Originality/value

The authors introduce innovative ideas into the treatment of hidden innovation processes and measuring the innovation performance (affected by domestic or international cooperation) of European firms. The approach places emphasis on the novelty of innovation and the issue of international cooperation in the era of OI by designing the framework using a combination of artificial neural networks and DT.
Do board directors and good corporate governance improve integrated reporting quality? The moderating effect of CSR: an empirical analysis
Authors: Chouaibi Jamel , Belhouchet Saida , Almallah Raghad , Chouaibi Yamina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper targets to shed light on the relationship between board characteristics, good corporate governance and the integrated reporting quality (IRQ) and even if this relationship is moderated by the corporate social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a sample of 185 European firms selected from STOXX 600 Index between 2010 and 2019 are used to test the model using panel data and multiple regression. This paper is motivated by using panel data estimated feasible generalized least squares method. A multiple regression model is used to analyze the moderating effect of the corporate social responsibility on the association between board characteristics, good corporate governance and the IRQ.

Findings

Consistent with the expectations, the results showed that there is a positive relationship between board independence, board diversity, good corporate governance and IRQ. Furthermore, the findings suggest that moderating effect positively affects the relationship between the board characteristics, good corporate governance and IRQ.

Practical implications

The results of this study have an impact on policymakers. The presence of women and independent members of the board should be encouraged. This has a positive effect on the availability of high-quality information, able to drive investment levels and stakeholder participation.

Originality/value

This study supports the existing literature. First, it expands the scientific debate on the topic of integrated reporting (IR). Second, it extends the scope of agency theory, which is rarely used to explain IR-related phenomena. This study is one of the first to examine the moderating effect of corporate social responsibility on the association between a set of governance characteristics (i.e. Board independence and board diversity) and integrated reporting adoption.
Examining stakeholder’s contribution and developing a framework for food banking implementation in Ghana
Authors: Mensah Nicholas Oppong , Asare Jeffery Kofi , Amrago Ernest Christlieb , Donkor Anthony , Tutu Frank Osei , Ansah Emmanuella Owusu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to ascertain stakeholder’s willingness to contribute towards food banking implementation and further develops a framework for implementing food banks in developing country, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaire was used to obtain response from 385 respondents using multistage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics was used to determine frameworks for food banking, whereas Heckman two-stage regression was used to analyse factors influencing stakeholder’s willingness to contribute towards food banking.

Findings

The results revealed that respondents preferred food banking with pantry, which is similar to the American model. Respondents were willing to contribute a minimum of (GH₵1–200, US$ ¢ 0.17-34.12) cedis and a maximum of GH₵ (400–600, US$ 68.23-102.35) monthly towards food bank implementation. Age, marital status and household head had a negative influence on stakeholders’ willingness to contribute towards food banking implementation, whereas income level and food bank awareness influenced willingness to contribute towards food bank implementation positively.

Practical implications

The study gives insight on stakeholder’s willingness to contribute towards food banking via cash or kind and further develops a framework for implementing food banking in Ghana.

Social implications

This study provides empirical contributions and vital information about stakeholders preferred food banking models and framework for implementing food banking, which Government can use as a social intervention policy to help vulnerable Ghanaians. In addition, findings from the study can enlighten and guide non-governmental organizations, individual philanthropists and other corporate bodies who want to contribute to food security, food poverty, hunger alleviation and development through food banking implementation.

Originality/value

In a developing country such as Ghana where there remains a paucity of food banking research, this study adds to existing literature by providing vital information of stakeholders preferred food banking models and frameworks for implementing food banking.
Literature review on network security in Wireless Mobile Ad-hoc Network for IoT applications: network attacks and detection mechanisms
Authors: Pamarthi Satyanarayana , Narmadha R.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Nowadays, more interest is found among the researchers in MANETs in practical and theoretical areas and their performance under various environments. WSNs have begun to combine with the IoT via the sensing capability of Internet-connected devices and the Internet access ability of sensor nodes. It is essential to shelter the network from attacks over the Internet by keeping the secure router.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper plans to frame an effective literature review on diverse intrusion detection and prevention systems in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs) highly suitable for security in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The literature review is focused on various types of attacks concentrated in each contribution and the adoption of prevention and mitigation models are observed. In addition, the types of the dataset used, types of attacks concentrated, types of tools used for implementation, and performance measures analyzed in each contribution are analyzed. Finally, an attempt is made to conclude the review with several future research directions in designing and implementing IDS for MANETs that preserve the security aspects of IoT.

Findings

It observed the different attack types focused on every contribution and the adoption of prevention and mitigation models. Additionally, the used dataset types, the focused attack types, the tool types used for implementation, and the performance measures were investigated in every contribution.

Originality/value

This paper presents a literature review on diverse contributions of attack detection and prevention, and the stand of different machine learning and deep learning models along with the analysis of types of the dataset used, attacks concentrated, tools used for implementation and performance measures on the network security for IoT applications.
An exploration of challenges and support when coaches model instruction for teachers
Authors: Saclarides Evthokia Stephanie
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Modeling is a potentially productive activity in which coaches can engage teachers to support teaching and learning (Gibbons and Cobb, 2017). Yet, there is a lack of empirical research that describes how coaches can productively implement this activity with teachers. The overarching purpose of this study was to explore the challenges and support coaches faced while modeling instruction for teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with five coaches and six elementary teachers in two different school districts in the United States. The data were qualitatively coded using a combination of literature-driven and emergent codes.

Findings

Participants identified 16 distinct challenges they faced during coaching cycles involving modeling, and 11 supports that could ultimately enhance the success of the modeled lesson for all involved parties. These challenges and support spanned the broad categories of contextual factors, management and logistics, pedagogical dilemmas and teacher learning.

Originality/value

Although modeling is a popular coaching activity, researchers have only an emerging understanding of the challenges associated with modeling instruction, as well as the support that can enhance the modeled lesson's success. By having a thorough understanding of such challenges and support, coaches can effectively leverage modeling to support teaching and learning at their schools. Hence, the findings from this study will importantly inform coaching practice, as well as future research directions.
Chinese investment in the Northeast region of Brazil: an analysis about the renewable energy sector
Authors: Nascimento Ademir M. , Liu Liguang , Cumarú Silva Alves João Ricardo , Oriá Pierre
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze the relationship between China and the Northeast region of Brazil, aiming to identify how the renewable energy sector is being developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed secondary data from the official databases from China-Brazil chambers of commerce to establish the main points related to renewable energy in Brazil's Northeast.

Findings

It is possible to notice the main investments, highlighting the wind energy as a more prominent source recently. The authors also point the huge influence from China on Brazil's Northeast energy sector.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to identify the amount of Chinese capital due to the large number of mergers and acquisitions that has been taking place in recent years.

Practical implications

Identification of regions that have been receiving investments and the main interests of Chinese investors in the renewable energy sector.

Social implications

Demonstration of how the renewable energy sector has taken an important turn in Brazil due to Chinese investment.

Originality/value

To evaluate a regional consortium, analyzing its strategies for partnerships with China to help each other in global questions, as is the case of renewable energy.
Application of Soft Landings concept in Sri Lanka to narrow the building performance gap, enablers and barriers
Authors: Samarakkody Aravindi , Perera B.A.K.S.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Like in many other countries, in Sri Lanka, minimal attention is paid to the performance of a building after it has been taken over by its end-user. Hence, a gap often exists between the actual performance of the building and its predicted performance. This performance gap led to the origin of the Soft Landings (SL) framework by Building Services Research Information Association (BSRIA). The applications of SL have been studied only in contexts like Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, although optimal building performance is being discussed extensively all over the world. Thus, this paper aims to determine the possibility of applying SL to building construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Two rounds of expert interviews were conducted to collect data; they were analyzed using content analysis and later validated using pattern matching.

Findings

At a glance, the application of SL is welcoming as the performance gap in Sri Lankan buildings is significant. However, the existing practices encumber the application of certain aspects like three years post-construction aftercare. The actual application to the Sri Lankan context requires a modification to the periods specified for the SL stages in theory.

Originality/value

Adaptability of the SL framework has not been systematically researched in the context of a developing country yet. The enablers and barriers in the application of SL and the level of effort required in its implementation too have not been studied before. The research addressed this literature gap as well as the industry need.
Distinctive age distribution and hair loss pattern putatively highlighting uniqueness of Japanese cases of fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution
Authors: Kinoshita‐Ise Misaki , Fukuyama Masahiro , Ohyama Manabu
Published: September 2021

Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution (FAPD) is a unique entity which presents clinicopathological characteristics of both male/female pattern androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP). This entity was first reported in 2000 and its criteria was recently proposed. Etiopathogenesis of FAPD has been speculated to be immunological destruction involving miniaturized hair follicles but still remains elusive. To date, few Asian FAPD cases have been reported in the literature. In this study, Japanese FAPD cases were identified based on the aforementioned criteria and analyzed to delineate clinicopathological characteristics. By retrospectively revisiting medical records and clinical photographs, 24 Japanese cases comprising 17 women and seven men were diagnosed as FAPD. All male patients had disease onset by their early 30s, whereas most female patients had developed the condition in middle age or later. Their initial diagnoses prior to the diagnostic confirmation of FAPD were mostly LPP. Based on the clinical phenotypes, the cases were categorized into AGA and LPP types. These subtypes were characterized by foremost trichoscopic and histopathological findings of AGA or LPP, respectively. Unlike previously reported cases, our patients tended to manifest hair loss in both vertex and frontal to mid‐scalp with minimal regression of anterior hairline, manifesting unique “parachute” pattern, which has been reported as a representative characteristic of East Asian AGA in the literature. Anti‐inflammatory therapies seemed to be effective to deter hair loss but insufficient to achieve improvement. Further accumulation of the cases is necessary; however, these findings may provide additional pathophysiological insights into FAPD and highlight uniqueness of the etiology and clinical phenotype of Japanese FAPD putatively influenced by racial predispositions.
Clinical study on the effects of the applied volume of moisturizer in patients with asteatosis
Authors: Tsunemi Yuichiro , Nakahigashi Haruka
Published: September 2021

Asteatosis is characterized by decreased stratum corneum water content, and the basic treatment is to keep the skin moisturized. Poor application of moisturizers by patients may reduce treatment efficiency, so it is important to continue application as instructed by dermatologists. Application instructions based on the finger‐tip unit are useful for patients, but there is no clear evidence of its efficacy. We investigated the effects of the volume of the moisturizer (Hirudoid® Cream 0.3%) administrated with 1/3 finger‐tip unit and 1 finger‐tip unit equivalent doses per target lower leg of patients with asteatosis (twice daily, 28 days) on the overall dry skin scores, itch numerical rating scale scores, and skin physiological parameters (stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss, and skin pH). Sixty patients were randomized with a 1:1 allocation ratio into two groups: the 1/3 finger‐tip unit and 1 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose groups. The results showed that 43.3% of the patients in the 1 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose group, compared with 13.3% in the 1/3 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose group, presented zero overall dry skin scores 1 week later. As the overall dry skin scores improved, the stratum corneum water content also increased. In patients with moderate itching, the itch numerical rating scale scores of the 1 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose group decreased significantly compared with those of the 1/3 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose group. The results suggested that the application of 1 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose of the moisturizer twice daily in clinical practice could induce remission more quickly. With the 1/3 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose, prolonged treatment may be necessary to achieve the desired effect; therefore, application adherence is strictly required. In conclusion, the application of a 1 finger‐tip unit equivalent dose would be quite reasonable in clinical practice.
Preserving wintering frugivorous birds in agro‐ecosystems under land use change: Lessons from intensive and super‐intensive olive orchards
Authors: Morgado Rui , Pedroso Rui , Porto Miguel , Herrera José M. , Rego Francisco , Moreira Francisco , Beja Pedro
Published: September 2021

Fleshy fruit production is becoming more intensive worldwide, but how this affects frugivorous birds is poorly known. In the Mediterranean region, intensive and super‐intensive olive orchards are fast expanding, potentially affecting millions of wintering songbirds. Here, we test the idea that intensification may benefit frugivorous birds, at least locally, due to increased fruit availability, while negatively affecting the wider wintering bird community due to intensive management, structural simplification and landscape homogenisation.

We estimated olive abundance and surveyed birds in early, mid‐ and late winter, at traditional, intensive and super‐intensive orchards in southern Portugal. We used Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities to relate species richness, prevalence and abundance to management intensity, winter period, olive availability and landscape context, and evaluated the role of frugivory in modulating observed responses.

Olive availability was much higher throughout the winter in more intensive than in traditional orchards, both in trees and on the ground. Frugivorous bird abundance was higher in more intensive orchards, and the most abundant frugivorous species (blackcap, song thrush, robin) were positively affected by olive availability and/or increasing landscape cover by olive orchards, while intensification level had relatively minor effects after accounting for other variables. Non‐frugivorous richness and abundance were higher in traditional orchards, and many non‐frugivorous species had lower prevalence in more intensive orchards or were negatively affected by landscapes dominated by olive cultivation.

Synthesis and applications. While negatively affecting the wider bird community, our results suggest that olive farming intensification can contribute to sustaining large numbers of frugivorous birds in the Mediterranean region. As frugivorous birds are not seen as damaging by olive farmers, there is an opportunity to promote their conservation in intensive and super‐intensive orchards, which requires management to increase habitat heterogeneity, and to reduce risks such as mortality associated with mechanical harvest and contamination with pesticide residues. Overall, we recommend that efforts to manage farmland biodiversity should consider the impacts and conservation opportunities of fruit crop intensification.
Choice of primary and secondary outcomes in randomised controlled trials evaluating treatment for uterine fibroids: a systematic review
Authors: Amoah A , Chiu S , Quinn SD
Published: September 2021

Background

Core outcome sets aim to reduce research heterogeneity and standardise reporting, allowing meaningful comparisons between studies.

Objectives

To report on outcomes used in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating uterine fibroid treatments, towards the development of a core outcome set for fibroid research.

Selection strategy

Database search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL (inception to July 2021) for all English‐language RCTs involving surgical or radiological fibroid treatments.

Data collection and analysis

A total of 1885 texts were screened for eligibility by two reviewers independently according to PRISMA methodology. JADAD and Management of Otitis Media with Effusion in Cleft Palate (MOMENT) scores were used to assess methodological and outcome reporting quality of studies, respectively. Outcomes were mapped to nine domains. Non‐parametric tests for correlation and to compare group medians were undertaken.

Main results

There were 23 primary outcomes (23 outcome measures) and 173 secondary outcomes (95 outcome measures) reported in 60 RCTs (5699 participants). The domains with highest frequency of primary outcomes reported were bleeding and quality of life (QoL). The most frequent primary outcomes were postoperative pain, QoL and menstrual bleeding. No primary outcomes were mapped to fertility domains. Median MOMENT outcome score was 5 (interquartile range 3). There was correlation between MOMENT outcome score and JADAD scores (r = 0.491,P = 0.0001), publishing journal impact factor (r = 0.419,P = 0.008) and publication year (r = 0.332,P = 0.01).

Conclusion

There is substantial variation in the outcomes reported in fibroid RCTs. There is a need for a core outcome set for fibroid research, to allow improved understanding regarding the effects of different treatments.

Tweetable abstract

There is substantial variation in outcomes reported in uterine fibroid randomised controlled trials.
Incidence and risk factors of female urinary incontinence: a 4‐year longitudinal study among 24 985 adult women in China
Authors: Pang H , Lv J , Xu T , Li Z , Gong J , Liu Q , Wang Y , Wang J , Xia Z , Li Z , Li L , Zhu L
Published: September 2021

Objective

To estimate the incidence of urinary incontinence (UI), including its subtypes stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI) and mixed UI (MUI), and to examine risk factors for de novo SUI and UUI in Chinese women.

Design

Nationwide longitudinal study.

Setting

Six geographic regions of China.

Participants

Women aged ≥20 years old were included using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling method.

Methods

This study was conducted between May 2014 and March 2016, with follow up in 2018. Data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle and physiological and anthropometric information were collected.

Main outcome measurements

Incidence, rate ratio (RR).

Results

Analyses included 24 985 women (mean age 41.9 years).The follow‐up response rate was 55.5%, median follow‐up time was 3.7 years. The standardised incidences of UI, SUI, UUI and MUI were 21.2, 13.1, 3.0 and 5.1 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. Risk factors for de novo SUI included delivery pattern (vaginal spontaneous delivery RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.62–2.78 and instrumental delivery RR 3.30, 95% CI 1.99–5.45), high body mass index (BMI) (overweight RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.33–1.74 and obesity RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32–2.11), cigarette smoking (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12–2.12), chronic cough (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.17–1.76), diabetes (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.60) and older age (50–59 years RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.16–1.90 and 60–69 years RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22–2.13).The risk factors significantly associated with de novo UUI were age (RR increased from 1.21, 95% CI 0.74–1.99, at 30–39 years to 6.3, 95% CI 3.85–10.30, at >70 years) and diabetes (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05–2.09).

Conclusions

The incidence of female UI is 21.2 per 1000 person‐years in China. Delivery (vaginal spontaneous delivery, instrumental delivery), high BMI, cigarette smoking, chronic cough, diabetes and older age were risk factors.

Tweetable abstract

The incidence of female urinary incontinence was 21.2 per 1000 person‐years in China. Delivery, BMI, diabetes and old age are risk factors.
Proposed domains for assessing postpartum recovery: a concept elicitation study
Authors: Sultan P , Jensen SE , Taylor J , El‐Sayed Y , Carmichael S , Cella D , Angst MS , Gaudilliere B , Lyell DJ , Carvalho B
Published: September 2021

Objective

To propose postpartum recovery domains.

Design

Concept elicitation study.

Setting

Semi‐structured interviews.

Population

Ten writing committee members and 50 stakeholder interviews (23 postpartum women, nine general obstetricians, five maternal and fetal medicine specialists, eight nurses and five obstetric anaesthetists).

Methods

Alternating interviews and focus group meetings until concept saturation was achieved (no new themes discussed in three consecutive interviews). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, and an iterative coding process was used to identify domains.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was to identify recovery domains. We also report key symptoms and concerns. Discussion frequency and importance scores (0–100; 0 = not important; 100 = vitally important to recovery) were used to rank domains. Discussion frequency was used to rank factors helping and hindering recovery, and to determine the greatest challenges experienced postpartum.

Results

Thirty‐four interviews and two focus group meetings were performed. The 13 postpartum recovery domains identified, (ranked highest to lowest) were: psychosocial distress, surgical/medical factors, infant feeding and breast health, psychosocial support, pain, physical function, sleep, motherhood experience, infant health, fatigue, appearance, sexual function and cognition. The most frequently discussed factors facilitating postpartum recovery were: family support, lactation/breastfeeding support and partner support. The most frequently discussed factor hindering recovery was inadequate social support. The most frequent challenges reported were: breastfeeding (week 1), breastfeeding (week 3) and sleep (week 6).

Conclusions

We propose 13 domains that comprehensively describe recovery in women delivering in a single centre within the USA. This provides a novel framework to study the postpartum recovery process.

Tweetable abstract

We propose 13 postpartum recovery domains that provide a framework to study the recovery process following childbirth.
Tracking the temporal dynamics of insect defoliation by high‐resolution radar satellite data
Authors: Bae Soyeon , Müller Jörg , Förster Bernhard , Hilmers Torben , Hochrein Sophia , Jacobs Martin , Leroy Benjamin M. L. , Pretzsch Hans , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Mitesser Oliver
Published: September 2021

Quantifying tree defoliation by insects over large areas is a major challenge in forest management, but it is essential in ecosystem assessments of disturbance and resistance against herbivory. However, the trajectory from leaf‐flush to insect defoliation to refoliation in broadleaf trees is highly variable. Its tracking requires high temporal‐ and spatial‐resolution data, particularly in fragmented forests.

In a unique replicated field experiment manipulating gypsy moth Lymantria dispar densities in mixed‐oak forests, we examined the utility of publicly accessible satellite‐borne radar (Sentinel‐1) to track the fine‐scale temporal trajectory of defoliation. The ratio of backscatter intensity between two polarizations from radar data of the growing season constituted a canopy development index (CDI) and a normalized CDI (NCDI), which were validated by optical (Sentinel‐2) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data as well by intensive caterpillar sampling from canopy fogging.

The CDI and NCDI strongly correlated with optical and TLS data (Spearman's ρ = 0.79 and 0.84, respectively). The significantly explained caterpillar abundance (R2 = 0.52). The NCDI at critical timesteps and ΔNCDI related to defoliation and refoliation well discriminated between heavily and lightly defoliated forests.

We demonstrate that the high spatial and temporal resolution and the cloud independence of Sentinel‐1 radar potentially enable spatially unrestricted measurements of the highly dynamic canopy herbivory. This can help monitor insect pests, improve the prediction of outbreaks and facilitate the monitoring of forest disturbance, one of the high priority Essential Biodiversity Variables, in the near future.
Meta‐analysis of the Impact of Adoption of IFRS on Financial Reporting Comparability, Market Liquidity, and Cost of Capital
Authors: Opare Solomon , Houqe Muhammad Nurul , van Zijl Tony
Published: September 2021

A large number of empirical studies have addressed the effects of adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), but the results have been mixed. We use a meta‐analysis of 56 empirical studies with 1,265 effect sizes to determine the impact of adoption of IFRS on financial reporting comparability, market liquidity, cost of equity, and cost of debt. This approach provides an objective view of the empirical results, in contrast to narrative reviews which offer subjective conclusions. We find that IFRS adoption has increased financial reporting comparability and market liquidity, and reduced the cost of equity. For cost of debt, a decrease is observed only for voluntary adoption. Our meta‐regression analysis explains the variation in the observed effect of adoption of IFRS across mandatory and voluntary adoption of IFRS, and choice of measures, control variables, estimation methods, and the strength of the empirical results. We emphasize the importance of these study characteristics and call for further studies focusing on the cost of debt and also studies using recent data to reflect the changes in IFRS. This study should be of interest to regulators and policymakers as they are expected to assess the impacts of adoption of IFRS.
Coppicing and topsoil removal promote diversity of dung‐inhabiting beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, Staphylinidae) in forests
Authors: Ambrožová Lucie , Finnberg Sven , Feldmann Benedikt , Buse Jörn , Preuss Henry , Ewald Jörg , Thorn Simon
Published: September 2021

Central European forests experience a substantial loss of open‐forest organisms due to forest management and increasing nitrogen deposition. However, management strategies, removing different levels of nitrogen, have been rarely evaluated simultaneously.

We tested the additive effects of coppicing and topsoil removal on communities of dung‐inhabiting beetles compared to closed forests. We sampled 57 021 beetles, using baited pitfall traps exposed on 27 plots.

Experimental treatments resulted in significantly different communities by promoting open‐habitat species. While alpha diversity did not differ among treatments, gamma diversity of Geotrupidae and Scarabaeidae and beta diversity of Staphylinidae were higher in coppice than in forest. Functional diversity of rove beetles was higher in both, coppice and topsoil‐removed plots, compared to control plots. This was likely driven by higher habitat heterogeneity in established forest openings. Five dung beetle species and four rove beetle species benefitted from coppicing, one red‐listed dung beetle and two rove beetle species benefitted from topsoil removal.

Our results demonstrate that dung‐inhabiting beetles related to open forest patches can be promoted by both, coppicing and additional topsoil removal. A mosaic of coppice and bare‐soil‐rich patches can hence promote landscape‐level gamma diversity of dung and rove beetles within forests.
Torsade de pointes: A nested case–control study in an integrated healthcare delivery system
Authors: Mantri Neha , Lu Meng , Zaroff Jonathan G. , Risch Neil , Hoffmann Thomas , Oni‐Orisan Akinyemi , Lee Catherine , Iribarren Carlos
Published: September 2021

Background

TdP is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia which develops in the setting of a prolonged QT interval. There are limited data describing risk factors, treatment, and outcomes of this potentially fatal arrhythmia.

Objective

Our goals were as follows: (1) to validate cases presenting with Torsade de Pointes (TdP), (2) to identify modifiable risk factors, and (3) to describe the management strategies used for TdP and its prognosis in a real‐world healthcare setting.

Methods

Case–control study (with 2:1 matching on age, sex, and race/ethnicity) nested within the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Aging (GERA) cohort. Follow‐up of the cohort for case ascertainment was between January 01, 2005 and December 31, 2018.

Results

A total of 56 cases of TdP were confirmed (incidence rate = 3.6 per 100,000 persons/years). The average (SD) age of the TdP cases was 74 (13) years, 55 percent were female, and 16 percent were non‐white. The independent predictors of TdP were potassium concentration <3.6 mEq/L (OR = 10.6), prior history of atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR = 6.2), QTc >480 ms (OR = 4.4) and prior history of coronary artery disease (OR = 2.6). Exposure to furosemide and amiodarone was significantly greater in cases than in controls. The most common treatment for TdP was IV magnesium (78.6%) and IV potassium repletion (73.2%). The in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality rates for TdP cases were 10.7% and 25.0% percent, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings may inform quantitative multivariate risk indices for the prediction of TdP and could guide practitioners on which patients may qualify for continuous ECG monitoring and/or electrolyte replacement therapy.
Mental health indicators in pregnant women compared with women in the general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Denmark
Authors: Severinsen Elin R. , Kähler Lise K. A. , Thomassen Sofie E. , Varga Tibor V. , Fich Olsen Line , Hviid Kathrine V. R. , la Cour Freiesleben Nina , Rod Naja H. , Nielsen Henriette S.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and the associated regulations issued to minimize risk of disease transmission seem to have had an impact on general mental health in most populations, but it may have affected pregnant women even more because of pregnancy‐related uncertainties, limited access to healthcare resources, and lack of social support. We aimed to compare the mental health response among pregnant women with that in similarly aged women from the general population during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Material and methods

From April 14 to July 3, 2020, 647 pregnant women in their second trimester were enrolled in this study. For comparison, 858 women from the general Danish population (20–46 years) were sampled from an ongoing observational study. Participants responded to a questionnaire including six mental health indicators (concern level, perceived social isolation, quality of life, anxiety, mental health, and loneliness). Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Three‐item Loneliness Scale and anxiety by the Common Mental Health Disorder Questionnaire 4‐item Anxiety Subscale.

Results

The pregnant women had better scores during the entire study period for all mental health indicators, and except for concerns, social isolation, and mental health, the differences were also statistically significant. Pregnant women were more concerned about becoming seriously ill (40.2% vs. 29.5%, p < 0.001), whereas the general population was more concerned about economic consequences and prospects. Many pregnant women reported negative feelings associated with being pregnant during the COVID‐19 pandemic and concerns regarding social isolation and regulation‐imposed partner absence during hospital appointments and childbirth. All mental health indicators improved as Denmark began to reopen after the first wave of the pandemic.

Conclusions

Pregnant women exhibited lower rates of poor mental health compared with the general population. However, they were more concerned about becoming seriously ill, expressed negative feelings about being pregnant during the pandemic, and were worried about the absence of their partner due to imposed regulations. These finding may be taken into account by policy‐makers during pandemics to balance specific preventive measures over the potential mental health deterioration of pregnant women.