bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the effect of board diversity on CSR diverse? New insights from one-tier vs two-tier corporate board models
Authors: Jouber Habib
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of board diversity on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The aim is twofold; does board diversity has any effect on CSR, do structural and demographic differences between one-tier and two-tier board models may impact this effect?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a panel generalized method of moments estimator to a sample of 2,544 non-financial listed firms from 42 countries over the period of 2013–2017.

Findings

The findings reveal that board diversity leads to effective CSR. By distinguishing between diversity among boards from diversity within boards, the results display the effects of the specific variables that make up the manner and latter’s constructs within unitary and two-tier board structures. Specifically, this paper reveals that tenure, ideology and educational level (gender and nationality) predominantly appear to drive a firm’s CSR within one (two)-tier boards settings. These results remain consistent when robustness tests are ruled.

Practical implications

The study provides managers, investors and policymakers with knowledge about how among and within board diversity attributes favor the decision-making process around CSR. The evidence is useful for companies in setting the criteria to identify directors who can support their strategic decisions. It benefits, moreover, academics in better understanding firms’ CSR determinants and practices under different corporate board models.

Social implications

Examining how different sets of board diversity affect firms’ CSR given divergences between one-tier and two-tier board structure is a useful and informative endeavor for all community actors.

Originality/value

Unlike prior studies that identify the limited scope of diversity, the study is the first to examine the effect of broader dimensions of board diversity on CSR under both one-tier and two-tier board settings. This paper provides a contribution to a greater understanding of the impacts underlying board models and different attributes of board diversity on CSR. This new understanding will help to improve predictions of different features of board diversity impacts on decision-making processes around organizational outcomes.
Realising supply chain resilience: an exploratory study of Irish firms' priorities in the wake of Brexit
Authors: Brady Maurice
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to validate an industry-wide definition of supply chain resilience (SCRES) within the Irish supply chain sector and measure the key elements of SCRES and their relative importance for Irish firms in light of Brexit.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method is used in this research. Data were collected from supply chain managers in Irish firms. Findings were analysed in accordance with industry sector and exposure to Brexit.

Findings

The results from the respondents confirm a willingness to define and utilise SCRES under a four-phase cycle; ready, respond, recover and grow. Focus on SCRES enablers shifts in accordance with cycle position. Understanding cycle position is paramount for successful execution of a SCRES strategy. Findings can be used as a basis for the development, implementation and management of a SCRES strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Research was conducted at one specific point during Brexit negotiations. Sector specific and longitudinal studies are required to build upon this exploratory study.

Practical implications

Supply chain managers must ensure that phase position and enabler implementation are aligned to maximise the investment in a SCRES strategy. As a disruption event and its associated response evolve, management must demonstrate an ability to deploy and focus efforts on different SCRES enablers throughout the four-phase cycle.

Originality/value

This is the first research focussing on an industry-wide accepted definition of SCRES and its key enablers within Irish supply chains.
Gradient boosting learning for fraudulent publisher detection in online advertising
Authors: Sisodia Deepti , Sisodia Dilip Singh
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Analysis of the publisher's behavior plays a vital role in identifying fraudulent publishers in the pay-per-click model of online advertising. However, the vast amount of raw user click data with missing values pose a challenge in analyzing the conduct of publishers. The presence of high cardinality in categorical attributes with multiple possible values has further aggrieved the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, gradient tree boosting (GTB) learning is used to address the challenges encountered in learning the publishers' behavior from raw user click data and effectively classifying fraudulent publishers.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the GTB effectively classified fraudulent publishers and exhibited significantly improved performance as compared to other learning methods in terms of average precision (60.5 %), recall (57.8 %) and f-measure (59.1%).

Originality/value

The experiments were conducted using publicly available multiclass raw user click dataset and eight other imbalanced datasets to test the GTB's generalizing behavior, while training and testing were done using 10-fold cross-validation. The performance of GTB was evaluated using average precision, recall and f-measure. The performance of GTB learning was also compared with eleven other state-of-the-art individual and ensemble classification models.
Electromagnetic noise analysis and optimization for permanent magnet synchronous motor used on electric vehicles
Authors: Wang Y.S. , Guo H. , Yuan Tao , Ma L.F. , Wang Changcheng
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Electromagnetic noise of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) seriously affects the sound quality of electric vehicles (EVs). This paper aims to present a comprehensive process for the electromagnetic noise analysis and optimization of a water-cooled PMSM.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the noises of an eight-pole 48-slot PMSM in at speeds up to 10,000 rpm are measured. Furthermore, an electromagnetic-structural-acoustic model of the PMSM is established for multi-field coupling simulations of electromagnetic noises. Finally, the electromagnetic noise of the PMSM is optimized by using the multi-objective genetic algorithm, where a multi-objective function related to the slot width of PMSM stator is defined for radial electromagnetic force (REF) optimization.

Findings

The experimental results show that main electromagnetic noises are the 8n-order (n = 1, 2, 3, …) and 12-order noises. The simulated results show that the REFs are mainly generated by the 8n-order (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) vibrations, especially those of the 8th, 16th, 24th and 32th orders. The 12-order noise is a mechanical noise, which might be caused by the bearings and other structures of the PMSM. Comparing the simulated results before and after optimization, both the REFs and electromagnetic noises are effectively reduced, which suggests that an appropriate design of stator slot is important for reducing electromagnetic noise of the PMSM.

Originality/value

In view of applications, the methods proposed in this paper can be applied to other types of PMSM for generation mechanism analysis of electromagnetic noise, optimal design of PMSM and thereby noise improvement of EVs.
Relationship closeness, habit and perceived subjective norms as predictors of volunteer role identity in school-based mentoring programmes
Authors: Pozzi Maura , Marzana Daniela , Marta Elena , Vecina Maria Luisa , Aresi Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine factors associated with volunteer role identity in mentors of school-based mentoring programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on established theoretical models of volunteerism (the Role Identity Model), and research and theory on mentoring programmes, an integrated model of predictors of mentor volunteer role identity was tested. Seventy-one mentors (63 females, mean age 36 years) completed a survey with measures of habit, subjective norms, satisfaction with the mentor-mentee relationship, relationship closeness, social skills and mentor role identity. Path analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings

Fit indexes revealed an acceptable fit to the data. There were six significant paths. Habit and subjective norms were directly related to role identity. The association between mentor role identity and two further predictors, satisfaction with the mentor–mentee relationship and social skills was respectively fully and partially mediated by relationship closeness.

Practical implications

Findings can inform mentoring programmes in supporting mentors to develop a close relationship with their mentees and promote the development of a role identity as a volunteer among mentors. A stronger role identity is in turn expected to enhance mentor retention in the programme.

Originality/value

An important and novel finding of this study is that relationship closeness contributes to mentors developing a volunteer role identity. Also, for the first time, the importance for mentors of support from significant others in fostering sustained volunteer engagement has been examined.
The application of theory in literature reviews – illustrated with examples from supply chain management
Authors: Seuring Stefan , Yawar Sadaat Ali , Land Anna , Khalid Raja Usman , Sauer Philipp C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Literature review articles have become a frequently applied research approach in operations and supply chain management (SCM). The purpose of this paper aims to elaborate on four approaches for developing or employing theory in systematic literature reviews (SLRs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses conceptual arguments and illustrates them by pointing to recent examples. In SLRs, the material collection is usually based on keywords and searching databases, which is comparatively well documented. Data analysis, however, often falls short in documentation and, consequently, is neither well explained nor replicable. Therefore, the focus of this paper is the elaboration of the data analysis and sense-making stage in the research process of SLRs.

Findings

The paper presents four different approaches, which are characterized as theory (1) building, (2) modification, (3) refinement and (4) extension, based on whether new concepts are formed or extant concepts within SCM or other fields of management theory are adopted.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this research is that literature reviews could be conducted and presented in many ways. Since the focus of this research is on systematic literature reviews, only a limited number of approaches can be discussed and presented here.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to explaining the process and expected outcomes of a literature review and, therefore, aids in further developing the related methodological approaches. This is relevant as literature review publications now often replace conceptual or theoretical pieces but still have to deliver concerning demands of theory building.
Impacts of COVID-19 on corporate governance and assurance, international finance and economics, and non-fiction book publishing: some personal reflections
Authors: Kells Stuart
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share personal reflections on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate governance and assurance, international finance and economics and non-fiction book publishing. The paper is intended both as a time capsule and as input for future governance and assurance reform and crisis response planning and related research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an informal capturing and distillation of some personal experiences and insights relating to corporate governance and assurance, international finance and economics and non-fiction publishing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

A key insight from the essay is that the pandemic has had diverse and wide-ranging impacts, many of which are likely to persist beyond the immediate response and recovery periods. The impacts have been felt across the public and private sectors, the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors and different industries.

Originality/value

The author, based in Melbourne, Australia, had an unusually diverse and multi-faceted experience of the pandemic. The essay concludes with directions for further research.
CRM dimensions and performance of SMEs in Yemen:the moderating role of human capital
Authors: AlQershi Nagwan Abdulwahab , Mokhtar Sany Sanuri Mohd , Abas Zakaria Bin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the interaction of human capital and CRM on the performance of SMEs in Yemen.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative approach in investigating the interacting effect of human capital on the relationship between CRM and SMEs' performance in Yemen. The PLS-SEM analysis was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

It was observed that key customer focus, technology-based CRM and CRM knowledge management were effective drivers of SME performance, but not CRM organization tools. It was also ascertained that human capital has no moderating effect on the key customer focus and knowledge management relationships with performance, although it does moderate the relationships between performance and CRM organization and technology-based CRM respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Because this study is limited to manufacturing SMEs in Yemen, the results cannot be generalized to other types of industry such as services, whose structure and vision differ from those of manufacturing SMEs. While the current results may be appropriate for SMEs in other developing countries, the researcher believes they are unsuitable for SMEs in advanced economies with different financial structures and employee and management cultures.

Practical implications

The empirical insights of this study are valuable for the owners, managers and professionals in the SMEs manufacturing sector in developing countries, to enrich their organizational performance through CRM adoption, while considering the moderating effect of human capital.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical work to confirm way the main drivers of human capital, including in the analysis the impact of CRM dimensions and SME performance, in the context of the manufacturing sector. In support of an original conceptual model, the insights contribute to the literature on CRM, SMEs in the manufacturing sector, human capital and emerging economies.
The regulation of virtual currencies in comparative perspective: new private money or niche technological innovation?
Authors: Sadok Hicham , El Maknouzi Mohammed El Hadi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to situate virtual currencies (VCs) in a landscape of regulatory questions that help orient the direction and purpose of a possible legal approach, vis-à-vis this relatively recent technological and financial phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The triangulation of historical overview and comparative examination of regulatory interventions allows to situate VCs in relation to a range of regulatory topics: from monetary policy, to fundraising and money laundering. First, the paper charts the emergence of VCs in time, and situates this innovation on a continuum with historically observed forms of private money. Second, it provides an overview of different regulatory approaches that can be observed on a comparative landscape.

Findings

At present, several features of VC schemes (particularly their deflationary character and fixed supply) prevent them from working as private money, competitive with sovereign currency. Instead, three specific kinds of uses – as security tokens, utility tokens and currency tokens – offer a more realistic picture of the risks and potentials associated with different forms of use.

Originality/value

The paper puts forth an integrated framework for devising a more sensitive regulatory approach towards VCs.
Client negotiation strategy spillover to integrated audit judgments
Authors: Aghazadeh Sanaz , Lambert Tamara , Wu Yi-Jing
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of negotiating audit differences on auditors’ internal control deficiency (ICD) severity assessments, an ensuing, non-negotiated judgment, in an integrated audit.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment manipulates the client’s concession timing strategy as either immediate or gradual, holding the outcome constant. A total of 34 auditors (primarily managers) resolve an audit difference with the client.

Findings

The client’s concession timing strategy during the negotiation of an audit difference spills over to affect auditors’ severity assessment of a related ICD. Auditors judged the ICD severity to be higher (lower) in the immediate (gradual) condition. Client retention risk inferences mediate this effect.

Research limitations/implications

The effect on auditors’ ICD severity assessments may not ultimately affect the audit report. Participants did not control their negotiation strategy, allowing the client’s negotiation strategy and the outcome to be held constant; it is possible that interactive effects between the client and auditor’s strategy might affect the study’s implications.

Practical implications

Features of the auditor–client negotiation process may influence auditors’ downstream, post-negotiation judgments and may therefore help to explain empirical evidence and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspection findings that show auditors often fail to identify an internal control material weakness after identifying a financial statement misstatement.

Originality/value

This paper expands current negotiation research by exploring the impact of inferences made based on counterparty concession strategy for downstream, non-negotiated judgments and current integrated audit research by identifying client retention perceptions as a driving factor of lower ICD severity assessments.
Comparative proteomics of Geobacter sulfurreducens PCAT in response to acetate, formate and/or hydrogen as electron donor
Authors: Mollaei Monir , Timmers Peer H. A. , Suarez‐Diez Maria , Boeren Sjef , van Gelder Antonie H. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: November 2020

Geobacter sulfurreducens is a model bacterium to study the degradation of organic compounds coupled to the reduction of Fe(III). The response of G. sulfurreducens to the electron donors acetate, formate, hydrogen and a mixture of all three with Fe(III) citrate as electron acceptor was studied using comparative physiological and proteomic approaches. Variations in the supplied electron donors resulted in differential abundance of proteins involved in the citric acid cycle (CAC), gluconeogenesis, electron transport, and hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenase. Our results provided new insights into the electron donor metabolism of G. sulfurreducens. Remarkably, formate was the preferred electron donor compared to acetate, hydrogen, or acetate plus hydrogen. When hydrogen was the electron donor, formate was formed, which was associated with a high abundance of formate dehydrogenase. Notably, abundant proteins of two CO2 fixation pathways (acetyl‐CoA pathway and the reversed oxidative CAC) corroborated chemolithoautotrophic growth of G. sulfurreducens with formate or hydrogen and CO2, and provided novel insight into chemolithoautotrophic growth of G. sulfurreducens.
Intra‐species genetic variability drives carbon metabolism and symbiotic host interactions in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus microcarpus
Authors: Plett Krista L. , Kohler Annegret , Lebel Teresa , Singan Vasanth R. , Bauer Diane , He Guifen , Ng Vivian , Grigoriev Igor V. , Martin Francis , Plett Jonathan M. , Anderson Ian C.
Published: November 2020

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are integral to boreal and temperate forest ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling. ECM fungi, however, originate from diverse saprotrophic lineages and the impacts of genetic variation across species, and especially within a given ECM species, on function and interactions with the environment is not well understood. Here, we explore the extent of intra‐species variation between four isolates of the ECM fungus Pisolithus microcarpus, in terms of gene regulation, carbon metabolism and growth, and interactions with a host, Eucalyptus grandis. We demonstrate that, while a core response to the host is maintained by all of the isolates tested, they have distinct patterns of gene expression and carbon metabolism, resulting in the differential expression of isolate‐specific response pathways in the host plant. Together, these results highlight the importance of using a wider range of individuals within a species to understand the broader ecological roles of ECM fungi and their host interactions.
State ownership and corporate risk‐taking: Empirical evidence in Vietnam
Authors: Ho Tuan , Phung Duc N. , Nguyen Yen N.
Published: November 2020

Whether state ownership can affect the behaviour of corporations is an important research question, especially in a context such as severe recession or pandemic where policy makers have to consider bailing out large companies, thus increasing state ownership in corporations. This study investigates the impact of state ownership on corporate risk‐taking in Vietnamese listed firms. We find that state ownership is positively associated with corporate risk‐taking. The findings suggest that state ownership may encourage excessive risk‐taking, which has implications for policy makers when they consider increasing state ownership in corporations. We argue that state ownership representatives in Vietnamese corporations tend to take excessive risks to facilitate their personal gains, consistent with the prediction of the double‐agency problem hypothesis. We highlight the important role of a monitoring mechanism, which can mitigate this agency problem. We find that foreign ownership moderates the relationship between state ownership and risk‐taking in Vietnamese firms, consistent with the usefulness of a corporate‐governance mechanism in mitigating the double‐agency problem.
Optimal certification policy, entry, and investment in the presence of public signals
Authors: Choi Jay Pil , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: November 2020

We explore the optimal disclosure policy of a certification intermediary where (i) the seller decides on entry and investment in product quality, and (ii) the buyers observe an additional public signal on quality. The optimal policy maximizes rent extraction from the seller by trading off incentives for entry and investment. We identify conditions under which full, partial or no disclosure can be optimal. The intermediary's report becomes noisier as the public signal gets more precise, but if the public signal is sufficiently precise, the intermediary resorts to full disclosure. However, the social welfare may reduce when the public signal becomes more informative.
Economic policy uncertainty exposure and earnings management: evidence from China
Authors: Cui Xin , Yao Shouyu , Fang Zhenming , Wang Hua
Published: November 2020

We investigate the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) exposure on the earnings management behaviour of Chinese firms. We find a significantly positive relation between EPU exposure and firms’ earnings management. In addition, the EPU exposure effect is more pronounced for firms with weaker external monitoring mechanisms. We also find that the financial leverage and growth rate of individual stocks have significant predictive ability for EPU exposure. When we examine the potential mechanisms linking EPU exposure to earnings management, we find that financial distress is the dominant mechanism for firms with high leverage, while it is cash flow volatility for the high‐growth firms.
Direct and indirect bronchoprovocation tests in dose‐response studies of inhaled corticosteroids: Past, present, and future directions
Authors: Blais Christianne M. , Davis Beth E. , Nair Parameswaran , Cockcroft Donald W.
Published: November 2020

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a mainstay of treatment in eosinophilic asthma. Many studies have explored the dose‐response effect of different formulations of ICS through direct or indirect bronchoprovocation testing. Such studies are important for investigating efficacy and identifying the relative potency between formulations. However, lack of consistency in methods and designs has hindered the comparability of study findings. This review discusses current knowledge of the dose‐response, or lack thereof, of different formulations of ICS through direct and indirect bronchoprovocation testing. The strengths and weaknesses of past studies inform recommendations for future methodological considerations in this field, such as utilizing a randomized double‐blind crossover design, enrolling participants likely to respond to ICS therapy, and carefully selecting treatment durations and washout periods to assess incremental improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness while reducing the likelihood of a carryover effect.
Seminal plasma components from fertile stallions involved in the epididymal sperm freezability
Authors: Vieira Luis Alberto , Matás Carmen , Torrecillas Alejandro , Saez Fara , Gadea Joaquín
Published: November 2020

Background

Seminal plasma (SP) plays a crucial role in sperm protection and functionality. However, the effect of SP on the sperm cryopreservation is dependent on the stallion and SP composition. The use of epididymal spermatozoa incubated in the presence of SP could help the identification of the components of SP that are able to confer protection upon the spermatozoa during freezing.

Objective

The aims of this study were (i) to identify SP components involved in the potential protection of epididymal spermatozoa during the freeze‐thawing process and (ii) to identify and evaluate the proteins likely related to sperm freezability, using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE).

Materials and Methods

Epididymal spermatozoa from 4 stallions were incubated with SP (80%, v/v) or without SP (control) before freezing. Sperm parameters were evaluated after thawing (viability, chromatin condensation, acrosomal integrity, reactive oxygen species [ROS]) and SP composition: total antioxidant capacity (TAC), fatty acid composition, total protein concentration, and protein components by 2D‐DIGE.

Results

After thawing, the proportions of viable and acrosome‐intact spermatozoa were higher than control when SP from two stallions was used (F and O). The SP of all stallions reduced ROS production in comparison with the control. After analyzing the SP components, it was found that total protein concentration, TAC, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and eight specific proteins identified by 2D‐DIGE were different between stallions.

Discussion

These studies allow the identification of SP components that could be involved in sperm protection or cryotolerance. Use of this information could help in the selection of stallions according to their semen freezing capacity.

Conclusion

The composition of the SP probably contributes to semen cryotolerance capacity. Total protein, TAC, PUFA, and some proteins such as cysteine‐rich secreted protein 3 could be used as biomarkers for the selection for sperm cryotolerance.
Very low blood flow carbon dioxide removal system is not effective in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation setting
Authors: Giraud Raphaël , Banfi Carlo , Assouline Benjamin , De Charrière Amandine , Bendjelid Karim
Published: November 2020

Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) is a low blood flow veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technique that provides artificial blood CO2 removal. Recently, a new ECCO2R system (PrismaLung), providing very low blood flow has been commercialized. The aim of this study is to report its use in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients needing an ECCO2R therapy. Six severe COPD patients with acute exacerbation leading to refractory hypercapnic respiratory acidosis were treated with ECCO2R therapy. Two different systems were used: a PrismaLung system and a conventional ECCO2R device. The maximum blood flow provided by PrismaLung was significantly lower than that with the conventional ECCO2R system. In three patients initially treated with PrismaLung, there were no improvements in pH, PaCO2, or RR. Thus, the therapy was switched to a conventional ECCO2R system in these three patients, and three others were treated from the outset by the conventional ECCO2R system, providing significant improvement in pH, PaCO2, and RR. The present retrospective study describes the first use of PrismaLung in severe COPD patients with acute exacerbation. When compared with a higher blood flow ECCO2R system, our results show that this novel, very low‐flow device is not able to remove sufficient CO2, normalize pH or decrease respiratory rate.
Panacea or Mixed Blessing? Learning Goal Orientation Reduces Psychological Detachment via Problem‐Solving Rumination
Authors: Mehmood Qaiser , Hamstra Melvyn R. W.
Published: November 2020

This study seeks to test whether employee learning goal orientation, due to its prompting of work goal‐related thoughts at home (problem‐solving rumination), is associated with lower detachment from work during non‐work time (and higher work creativity). For learning goal‐oriented employees, the goal to achieve work‐related improvements is chronically cognitively accessible. Moreover, highly accessible work goals could become more frequently activated at home when cues about work tasks permeate the boundaries of the home role. Accordingly, we further hypothesized that the link between learning goal orientation and problem‐solving rumination (and indirectly detachment and creativity) is stronger for individuals with weaker “role segmentation.” A time‐lagged study among 300 employees supported our predictions: learning goal orientation, via problem‐solving rumination, predicted psychological detachment (and creativity), and these direct and indirect relationships were stronger when role segmentation was weaker. The results of this study imply that those highly motivated and strongly contributing LGO employees may also be most vulnerable and may benefit from proper boundary management.
Using protein microarray to identify and evaluate autoantibodies to tumor‐associated antigens in ovarian cancer
Authors: Ma Yan , Wang Xiao , Qiu Cuipeng , Qin Jiejie , Wang Keyan , Sun Guiying , Jiang Di , Li Jitian , Wang Lin , Shi Jianxiang , Wang Peng , Ye Hua , Dai Liping , Jiang Bing‐Hua , Zhang Jianying
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to develop a noninvasive serological diagnostic approach in identifying and evaluating a panel of candidate autoantibodies to tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) based on protein microarray technology for early detection of ovarian cancer (OC). Protein microarray based on 154 proteins encoded by 138 cancer driver genes was used to screen candidate anti‐TAA autoantibodies in a discovery cohort containing 17 OC and 27 normal controls (NC). Indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the content of candidate anti‐TAA autoantibodies in sera from 140 subjects in the training cohort. Differential anti‐TAA autoantibodies were further validated in the validation cohort with 328 subjects. Subsequently, 112 sera from the patients with ovarian benign diseases with 104 OC sera and 104 NC sera together were recruited to identify the specificity of representative autoantibodies to OC among ovarian diseases. Five TAAs (GNAS, NPM1, FUBP1, p53, and KRAS) were screened out in the discovery phase, in which four of them presented higher levels in OC than controls (P < .05) in the training cohort, which was consistent with the result in the subsequent validation cohort. An optimized panel of three anti‐TAA (GNAS, p53, and NPM1) autoantibodies was identified to have relatively high sensitivity (51.2%), specificity (86.0%), and accuracy (68.6%), respectively. This panel can identify 51% of OC patients with CA125 negative. This study supports our assumption that anti‐TAA autoantibodies can be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers for detection of OC; especially a panel of three anti‐TAA autoantibodies could be a good tool in immunodiagnosis of OC.
Predictors of long intensive care need after lung transplantation
Authors: Olsen Jul Eirik , Auråen Henrik , Durheim Michael T. , Fiane Arnt E. , Holm Are M.
Published: November 2020

Background

While expected need for intensive care after lung transplantation (LTx) does not normally affect organ allocation, it would be useful to estimate whether intensive care capacity is limited. The aim of this study was to assess factors available before LTx to identify predictors of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) after LTx.

Methods

All bilateral LTx recipients excluding re‐transplantation and multi‐organ transplantation at Oslo University Hospital from 2000 to 2013 were included (n = 277). Predictive factors for ICU LOS were identified using pre‐ and perioperative variables.

Results

Univariate analyses showed that recipients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, young age, female gender, low body height, low pretransplant actual total lung capacity (aTLC), and recipients who received an oversized donor lung were at risk for long ICU LOS. Patients with emphysema had lower risk of long ICU LOS. In multivariate analyses, a lower aTLC (p < .001) and a higher mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (p = .004) predicted prolonged ICU LOS.

Conclusions

We found that small recipient lung volume and high mPAP were predictors for prolonged ICU LOS. Our observations may be useful in planning use of resources in LTx, particularly in times of limited intensive care resources.
Is Life a Cabaret? A Living Archive of the ‘Other’
Authors: Alto Mama , McKemmish Sue
Published: November 2020

In this article we engage in a co‐authored autoethnographic conversation on Art‐as‐Archive and Archive‐as‐Art. Through the lenses of critical archiving theory and practice, we explore the societal roles that the cabaret and the archive play in storytelling, witnessing, and memorialising. We discuss how from the beginning the cabaret has played a radical, transgressive role as art and archive on the edges of society. By contrast, the traditional archive has privileged information elites and sustained the embedded racism, classism, sexism and heteronormativity of colonial structures and infrastructures. Yet, like the cabaret, the archive holds radical potential and possibilities to subvert, undermine and reconfigure our understandings and societal constructs. Consideration of the cabaret‐as‐archive and archive‐as‐cabaret provokes us to re‐imagine archival spaces as radical, performative nodes in the vast networks of the Archival Multiverse.
Use of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and risk of splanchnic vein thrombosis: A Danish nationwide new‐user active comparator cohort study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Lund Lars Christian , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Folkestad Lars , Hellfritzsch Maja , Hallas Jesper , Kristensen Kasper Bruun
Published: November 2020

Use of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, on the basis of spontaneous adverse event reports, has recently been suspected of causing splanchnic vein thrombosis. Here, we report the results of a population‐based new‐user active comparator cohort study addressing this hypothesis, comparing DPP‐4 inhibitor initiators (n = 75 042) with initiators of glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) or sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (n = 38 718). We estimated the hazard ratio (HR) associating DPP‐4 inhibitor use with risk of splanchnic vein thrombosis using Cox regression. In a crude analysis, the incidence rate of splanchnic vein thrombosis was 0.22/1000 person‐years among DPP‐4 inhibitor initiators, compared to 0.17 among GLP‐1RA/SGLT2 inhibitor initiators, corresponding to an unadjusted absolute incidence rate difference of 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] –0.04 to 0.14) and an HR of 1.29 (95% CI 0.78 to 2.15). Adjusting for potential confounders using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighing, we obtained an absolute incidence rate difference of 0.03/1000 person‐years (95% CI –0.07 to 0.14) and an HR of 1.18 (95% CI 0.62 to 2.26). No evidence of increased risk of splanchnic vein thrombosis was found in supplementary analyses, including an absence of any dose–response patterns. As such, we found no association between DPP‐4 inhibitor use and splanchnic vein thrombosis risk.
The relation of online learning analytics, approaches to learning and academic achievement in a clinical skills course
Authors: Chan Albert K.M. , Botelho Michael G. , Lam Otto L.T.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

This study examined relationships of students’ access of e‐learning (learning analytics) for a healthcare psychomotor skills course, approaches to learning (R‐SPQ‐2F psychometric) and academic achievement (summative examination results). An understanding of the relationships may help in supporting students learning.

Methods

Two consecutive cohorts of 5th year dental students were asked to complete the R‐SPQ‐2F questionnaire and permission to access data of online videos and associated quizzes and two summative written examination results were examined. The summative assessments were an OSCA and a written‐paper question both in prosthodontics. Multiple linear regression and correlation analysis were performed.

Results

Students (n=98) performed a total of 10470 video access events and 7714 attempts in online quizzes. Deep learning approach was the strongest predictor variable (β=0.270; P=.004) on written‐paper question result. While video and quiz access were moderately correlated (r=0.600; P<.001) to each other, video access was not a significant predictor to either of the examination results. Quiz access was negatively associated with academic achievement for the written‐paper question results (β=−0.349; P<.001).

Conclusions

Only deep approach to learning appeared to be relevant for the written‐paper question examination grades. Conversely, the number of video and quiz access did not relate to either examination results. This suggests e‐learning access and examinations do not appear to relate under the conditions explored. Other attributes of learning management access may need to be explored to determine if access to learning management systems may be useful in offering remedial support to students.
A pilot of a Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in dental education. A response to COVID‐19
Authors: Donn James , Scott James Alun , Binnie Vivian , Bell Aileen
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The outbreak of COVID‐19 necessitated a move to online teaching and assessment. The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has been an integral part of dental examinations for several decades. The COVID‐19 pandemic stopped face to face examinations around the world. An Online Virtual OSCE (VOSCE) was developed and piloted for dental undergraduate assessment.

Materials and Methods

This initial report outlines the steps required to run an OSCE online. Planning and preparation required in adaptation of an OSCE for the online environment is dreported. The necessity for familiarisation sessions is addressed, and VOSCE logistics described.

Results

With careful planning, the VOSCE is a useful assessment method in difficult times. Feedback from staff and students was favourable.

Conclusion

Although significant organisation was required, the examination process worked well for both students and examiners. Despite limitations in relation to technical dental procedures, the VOSCE could be a viable alternative to face to face clinical examination.
Environmental change reduces body condition, but not population growth, in a high‐arctic herbivore
Authors: Layton‐Matthews Kate , Grøtan Vidar , Hansen Brage Bremset , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Fuglei Eva , Childs Dylan Z.
Published: November 2020

Environmental change influences fitness‐related traits and demographic rates, which in herbivores are often linked to resource‐driven variation in body condition. Coupled body condition‐demographic responses may therefore be important for herbivore population dynamics in fluctuating environments, such as the Arctic. We applied a transient Life‐Table Response Experiment (‘transient‐LTRE’) to demographic data from Svalbard barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis), to quantify their population‐dynamic responses to changes in body mass. We partitioned contributions from direct and delayed demographic and body condition‐mediated processes to variation in population growth. Declines in body condition (1980–2017), which positively affected reproduction and fledgling survival, had negligible consequences for population growth. Instead, population growth rates were largely reproduction‐driven, in part through positive responses to rapidly advancing spring phenology. The virtual lack of body condition‐mediated effects indicates that herbivore population dynamics may be more resilient to changing body condition than previously expected, with implications for their persistence under environmental change.
The impact of the COVID‐19 outbreak on acute stroke care in Slovakia: Data from across the country
Authors: Gdovinová Zuzana , Vitková Marianna , Baráková Anna , Cvopová Alena
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

A few studies using data from regional databases have recently pointed to a decreased number of patients with stroke. The aim of the present study was to describe country‐level data (the number of patients with stroke, the proportion of patients with acute stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), the proportion of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis [IVT] or mechanical thrombectomy [MT], the door‐to‐needle times [DNT], and the onset‐to‐needle time [ONT]) during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Slovakia.

Methods

The study examined data from the stroke register at the National Health Information Centre. Data from three time periods (March to April 2020; March to April 2019; January to February 2020) were compared using an independent samples t‐test and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney two‐sample rank‐sum test.

Results

The number of stroke patients admitted to hospitals in Slovakia during the COVID‐19 period showed a decrease (1673 vs. 2328 in period 2 and 2155 in period 3). The proportions of patients with TIA remained the same in periods 1 and 2 (9.7% vs. 11.7%) and in periods 1 and 3 (9.7 vs. 11.8%). The percentage of patients treated with IVT during the pandemic (22.4%) did not differ from period 2 (20.0%) or period 3 (21.4%). No difference was found in the rate of MT between the COVID‐19 period (10.2%) and the same period in 2019 (10.7%) and in January to February 2020 (13.1%). The median DNT remained unchanged in periods 1 (30 min), 2 (35 min) and 3 (30 min), and no differences were found in median ONT in periods 1 (130 min), 2 (130 min) and 3 (140 min).

Conclusion

We found a decreased number of stroke patients during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Slovakia, but no evidence of a change in the quality of acute stroke care.
Cerebral aneurysm: De novo genesis and rupture within 15 days
Authors: Münsterberg Justine , Eckert Bernd , Röther Joachim
Published: November 2020

We report the first case of de novo formation of a small 4‐ × 3‐mm symptomatic aneurysm with subsequent subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) within 15 days. A pre‐existing aneurysm was excluded by magnetic resonance angiography, as well as conventional angiography. In this case, there was no history of SAH, which is in contrast to other reported cases of de novo aneurysms that developed after previous aneurysm rupture.
Asian tiger mosquitos (Aedes albopictus) in urban Tokyo, Japan show low cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 diversity
Authors: Namiki Takahiro , Komine‐Aizawa Shihoko , Takada Kazuhide , Hayakawa Satoshi
Published: November 2020

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a common mosquito in East and Southeast Asia, but its habitats have expanded to the American, African and Australian continents, Europe and many other areas. Aedes albopictus can transmit some important arboviruses that cause human mortality. To control the global spread of this mosquito, genetic analyses of A. albopictus populations have been undertaken throughout the world. In Japan, however, few attempts have been made to characterize the population structures of these mosquitos. In this study, adult A. albopictus populations were sampled from seven parks in the urban area of Tokyo, and analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene base sequences revealed small genetic variations. Only three haplotypes were identified, and most of the samples belonged to a single haplotype. In addition, despite a developed international trade network, no establishment of A. albopictus populations from multiple origins was found. We also evaluated the genetic diversity outside Tokyo using data from a previous study for comparison and found that the genetic diversity in the urban area of Tokyo was lower than that in Nagasaki City (Japan) and in other countries, including the USA and Italy, where A. albopictus populations from Japan have been established.
Catchability of Atlantic salmon at high water temperatures: Implications for river closure temperature thresholds to catch and release angling
Authors: Van Leeuwen Travis E. , Dempson Brian , Cote David , Kelly Nicholas I. , Bates Amanda E.
Published: November 2020

Warming water temperatures, combined with increased mortality following catch and release, could have synergistic consequences if rivers remain open to catch and release at high water temperatures, and catchability of fish remains similar across water temperatures. Here archived data for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were used to (a) quantify the influence of water temperature on catchability and (b) refine estimates of absolute catch and release mortality to incorporate the relationship between temperature and catchability. A significant decline in the number of Atlantic salmon caught at warmer water temperatures was found after accounting for the effects of river water height, fishing effort, run duration and year‐to‐year differences in fish abundance. Overall, absolute catch and release mortalities were predicted to be infrequent at cool river temperatures. At river temperatures sometimes associated with fishing closures, mortality due to the catch and release ranged from 6% to 14%. Although post‐release mortality increases with water temperature, it is somewhat compensated by the reduced catchability of Atlantic salmon. Thus, the catchability component of catch and release is an integral consideration when evaluating the effectiveness of river closure temperature thresholds when managing catch and release angling.