bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing two-period decentralized service chain incentives with the consideration of customer acquisition and retention
Authors: Wang Tian , Duan Yunan , Liang Yangyang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The authors address a two-dimensional (both customer acquisition and retention) incentive in a decentralized service chain consisting of a risk-neutral brand and agent (or averse). 

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the relationship between acquisition and retention, that is, retained customers (repeated purchases) are based on and come from the acquired (new) customers in the former period. The authors also design a two-period separate incentive on both dimensions.

Findings

The authors found that a targeted incentive strategy should be applied for achieving more revenue when the incentive intensities are relatively small. Otherwise, the brand needs to adjust the targeted incentive strategy into incentivizing the opposite dimension, particularly on acquisition. Under the optimal contract, the brand needs to be very careful with deciding the fixed part of the incentive salary and the incentive intensities on both dimensions. For example, the fixed salary initially decreases and then increases in the incentive intensities. For the optimal incentive policies, the brand should incentivize acquisition but outsource retention if the agent is risk-neutral. When the agent is becoming risk-averse, the brand should lower its incentive intensity as the risk degree and variances become larger. Interestingly, the brand may benefit from introducing risks.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by considering the following points. First, the authors extend the principal-agent incentive model by considering two-period decisions of customer acquisition and retention. Second, based on the two-period principal-agent problem, the authors design separate incentive intensities on acquisition and retention, respectively. While, most of the literature focused on acquisition incentives. Third, different from other works focusing on either risk-neutral or risk-averse environments, the authors consider both and compare the cases of risk-neutral and risk-averse to analyze the impact of risk on the optimal decisions and the brand's expected profit.
Quality intervention, supplier performance and buyer–supplier relationships: evidence from the garment industry
Authors: Hoque Imranul , Maalouf Miguel Malek
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of a buyer-assisted quality intervention on suppliers' quality performance and buyer–supplier relational dynamics in the garment industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a multiple-embedded case study following a qualitative research approach. The study used data from buyer-assisted quality interventions in sewing lines of four garment supplier factories. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews of buyer's representatives at their office and senior managers, line inspectors, supervisors and workers in supplier factories. In addition, data related to product quality was obtained from quality check sheets and observations on the shop floor. Data were analysed using qualitative data analysis techniques.

Findings

This study demonstrates that a buyer-assisted quality intervention improves product quality performance by reducing quality defects in targeted garment products resulting in improved buyer–supplier relationships. Moreover, this study identifies the lack of a systematic approach in quality control as a key reason for poor product quality.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds knowledge to the literature on quality improvement and buyer–supplier relationships by analysing buyer-assisted quality interventions in the garment industry in Bangladesh. The study demonstrates that buyer's assistance and adopting a systematic approach in quality control can significantly improve product quality in the garment industry.

Practical implications

This research can help the quality assurance managers in buyer and supplier firms understand the significance of quality interventions and systematic quality control approach to decrease product quality defects and ensure smooth buyer–supplier relationships.

Originality/value

The study adds new knowledge on the link between buyer-assisted quality interventions, systematic quality control and product quality in garments factories in Bangladesh.
Improving competitiveness in education institutes – ABC’s neglected potential
Authors: Sorros John , Lois Petros , Charitou Melita , Karagiorgos Alkiviadis Theofanis , Belesis Nicholas
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Because of the education sector’s evolution, accounting initiatives are required regarding competitiveness. Activity-based costing’s (ABC) neglected potential as a cost strategic tool initiated this research, which aims to identify administrative and operational factors that support or hinder its implementation in educational institutions as a predictor of competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was proposed and tested through structural equation modeling to identify relationships between accounting departments, cost procedures, the transmissibility of information and competitiveness. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, a scale of items was derived, denoting an institute’s cost strategy and ABC implementations and returned from 417 Greek education institutes.

Findings

An accounting department’s role in accurate data transmissibility and an institution’s organizational structure significantly affect cost-related competitiveness. The importance of information sharing is strengthened by current cost allocation capabilities and the accounting department’s influence on management.

Research limitations/implications

ABC’s limited implementation in the Greek education sector complicated the theoretical model’s construction, as a variety of geographical and institutional factors were taken into consideration.

Practical implications

Customer value provides a competitive advantage and constitutes the basis of solid price strategies. Research demonstrates ABC’s importance for education institutions’ competitiveness and resource exploitation.

Social implications

Education’s commercialization urges costing strategy prioritization. ABC could benefit competitiveness and attract long-term funds and investments. To create value institutions, the allocation of incurred costs to added-value activities is crucial.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on vague issues institutions face when dealing with ABC. Understanding accounting departments’ influence shows ABC’s feasibility even for smaller or less efficiency-oriented education institutions.
Organizational competencies toward digital transformation at the events of disruptive changes: an operational process innovation perspective
Authors: Al-Edenat Malek
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Digital transformation becomes the future path for all organizations. Organizations are in need to progress the technology in the event of rapid environmental changes in all aspects. This implies the essential need to adapt to these changes, not only to benefit from the vast opportunities it offers yet even to stay relevant in this instability, complexity, uncertainty and vagueness environment. This paper aims to examine the impact of different variables such as disruptive change, technological process innovation and industry 4.0 (I4.0) on digital transformation. It helps identify the different capabilities needed for digitalization and digital maturity, identify the supporting methods for adopting different technologies and offer answers to overwhelmed those challenges and obstacles resulting in this environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used in conducting this research, whereas a questionnaire survey strategy was used for this investigation. In total, 450 participants have been surveyed from three major private mining organizations in the Jordanian context. Structural equation modeling was used for the analysis stage and hypotheses testing.

Findings

The results of the analysis revealed that support the direct impact of the event of disruptive change, technological process innovation on digital transformation. In addition, the results showed that there is a positive direct impact of the event of disruptive change on technological process innovation. While I4.0 was found to moderate the relationship between the event of disruptive change and digital transformation.

Practical implications

Decision-makers are responsible for directing their organization toward digitalization. This transformation needs capabilities that help organizations in competing and survive in this challenging environment. That is, it is essential to increase process innovation and moving toward more adoption of I4.0. However, the event of disruptive change should be considered as a motivation for the organizations rather than an obstacle. Moreover, different populations, methods and other variables that may affect digitalization may generate novel insights in further research.

Originality/value

Theoretically, novel insights into the event of the disruptive change and its implications have been added to the literature. The models used in the current examination provide new directions for understanding and studying digital transformation and organizational capabilities that are needed for transformation. From the managerial perspective, these findings enhance understanding of practices in which the event of disruptive change supports innovation and highlight the values added through recommending more adopting of I4.0 applications to yield more innovative harvests.
Theoretical model for mental health management of project management practitioners in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations
Authors: Tijani Bashir , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to develop a multi-level mental health management framework for project management practitioners (PMPs) in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) project organizations through organizational design theories to extend current knowledge on mental health by revealing organizational, project and external environmental factors contributing to mental health management in AEC project organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was adopted to propose a theoretical model that integrated five organizational design theories: institutional theory, agency theory, resources-based theory (RBT), contingency theory and complexity theory.

Findings

The model reveals permanent organization, project organization and external environment factors for mental health management in AEC project organizations. It further proposed hypothetical interrelationships between elements of permanent organization, project organization, external environment and mental health management indicators to unravel the resultant effects of the interactions on mental health of PMPs.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the body of knowledge by developing a multi-level mental health management framework that identify and shows how combination permanent organization, project organization and external environment elements impact mental health of PMPs in AEC project organizations. It offers a model that offers guidance to practitioners on permanent organization and project organization management practices that can be implemented to improve mental health.
A theoretical framework for developing the MAU model to determine the most appropriate use for historic buildings
Authors: Sharifi Ali Asghar , Farahinia Amir Hossein
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study is to develop an accurate assessment tool to identify the factors that may influence determining the appropriate use for historic buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method in this study is qualitative. The integrated MCDM (multi-criteria decision-making) method is used to determine the most appropriate use for historic buildings, which ultimately led to the development of the MAU (most appropriate use) model.

Findings

The results of this study show that, in terms of preserving identity and cultural heritage, the role intangible criteria have to play is seemingly more important than that of tangible criteria. Also, weighted criteria in the matrix relating the “use” options demonstrate cultural-social, commercial and educational uses being apparently more important than other uses.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is in providing a framework to facilitate contribution to determine the most suitable use for historic buildings with the ability to set criteria and separate weights for each building aiming to increase the useful life to the maximum extent and delaying the need for a subsequent major overhaul.
From knowledge to wisdom: will wisdom management replace knowledge management?
Authors: Jakubik Maria , Müürsepp Peeter
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to contribute to the knowledge management (KM) literature by seeking to determine whether wisdom management (WM) will replace KM in future.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory paper follows the interpretivist research philosophy and the deductive approach. The data collection is based on selected literatures from three disciplines (KM, philosophy and psychology). The findings were qualitatively analysed.

Findings

The findings are threefold: (1) the discussion of wisdom has been either neglected or superficially discussed in the KM literature; (2) despite the fact that wisdom is widely discussed and researched in philosophy and psychology disciplines, there is no commonly agreed upon definition of wisdom, and a dichotomy exists between the implicit and explicit theories of wisdom; (3) wisdom research in philosophy and psychology disciplines provides valuable input to KM by identifying the dimensions, components and characteristics of wisdom and wise individuals.

Research limitations/implications

Important sources may have been unintentionally overlooked in this paper. This paper identifies the need for empirical research and discussion about WM as the next potential phase of KM. It offers several implications for researchers, managers and management educators as this paper shows that WM is emerging as a new discipline.

Originality/value

This paper makes a theoretical contribution to the fifth phase of KM by drawing attention to wisdom and WM as the next potential phase of KM.
A bibliometric study of the applied linguistics research output of Saudi institutions in the Web of Science for the decade 2011-2020
Authors: Mohsen Mohammed Ali
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the research contributions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of applied linguistics (AL) indexed in the Web of Science core collection for the period between 2011 and 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The author searched key terms in the Social Science Citation Index and Science Citation Index Expanded categories that publish documents in AL. The author compiled the data, classified these documents according to their research focus and investigated different metrics such as keywords analysis, citation analysis, overseas collaboration and productivity over authors, institutions and sources by using VOSviewer and Excel sheet.

Findings

Results found that publications in Saudi Arabia have tremendously increased around three times in the years 2016–2020 than before. As unexpected, highly cited researchers, sources and institutions for the social science and arts and humanities disciplines were higher than the scientific disciplines that investigated linguistic issues such as neurology, audiology and computer science. The area of language teaching and learning was the most researched area in which the highly cited author, journals and keywords analysis metrics occurred within its scope. The highly cited articles were those that collaborated with the world contributing authors and acted as corresponding authors.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of literature of AL which shares other categories that investigated language as a central issue. The study provides a fine-grained picture about the research productivity of AL in scientific and social science categories in Saudi Arabia.
“I haven’t earned the right to just play around with my literacy programme”: strategies, tactics and policy actors/subjects
Authors: Tilson Jane , Sandretto Susan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this New Zealand study is to analyse the influence of the literacy course from an initial teacher education degree, to support beginning teachers to view themselves as policy actors, not mere policy subjects. In our role as teacher educators, we sought to support beginning teachers to find freedom within the constraints of official literacy policy to include multiliteracies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using de Certeau’s dialectic of strategies and tactics, the authors critically analysed the influence of the literacy course. The data included an assignment from the literacy course, an end-of-literacy course survey and a follow-up interview six months into their first teaching position with a group of five beginning primary school teachers.

Findings

The findings shed light on our apparent inability to support beginning teachers to see themselves as policy actors/subjects. The analysis reveals the beginning teachers’ tactical responses to our strategies intended to position them as policy actors. The analysis also illustrates how the tactics the authors deployed were viewed as strategies by the beginning teachers, ironically further solidifying the literacy policy they had sought to critique and destabilise and (re)positioning them as policy subjects.

Originality/value

de Certeau’s framework supported the illumination of the complex interplay of strategies and tactics deployed by ourselves and beginning teachers as the authors sought to support them to identify the freedoms within the constraints of official literacy policy. Any future attempt to develop beginning teachers as policy actors/subjects will benefit from the careful examination of the strategies and tactics at play in initial teacher education.
Convective drying performance of porous moist objects under turbulent flow conditions: effects of object shape and material
Authors: Coban Seda Ozcan , Selimefendigil Fatih , Oztop Hakan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the coupled heat and mass transport of different shaped porous moist objects in a rectangular channel under the effects of convective drying. Numerical simulations were performed under turbulent conditions for cylindrical, triangular and rectangular shaped different food products in a two-dimensional channel.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element method was used for the unsteady problem and, effects of drying air velocity (AV) and temperature on transport mechanism were evaluated. Three different food materials were used for the circular shaped object and drying performance of the products under different conditions was compared.

Findings

Results showed that, changing the air temperature has an important effect on drying for all shaped objects and all materials. The same effect was seen for the AV as, increasing the velocity had positive effects on drying. Two identical objects were placed in the channel one behind the other, and this configuration showed that location of the object in the channel is also important for drying. The moisture content in the object at the front is lower than in the object behind at the end of drying.

Originality/value

This paper can provide technical support to optimize drying performance in the industry with comprehensive data for the process.
Psychological distress among students of higher education due to e-learning crackup: moderating role of university support
Authors: Qazi Zubaida , Qazi Wasim , Raza Syed Ali , Khan Komal Akram
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The emergence of electronic learning during the COVID-19 outbreak has been the way by which higher education has attempted to save the situation. However, e-learning still causes psychological distress because of its crackups and fear. Hence, the authors aim to study the impact of e-learning crackup on fear of academic year loss and psychological distress by incorporating university support as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been used to analyze data.

Findings

The results depict that e-learning crackup fosters students' fear of academic year loss, but e-learning crackup has an insignificant impact on psychological distress. However, psychological distress is driven by fear of an academic year loss. Lastly, university support moderates the relationship between e-learning crackup and psychological distress, but no moderating role exists between fear of academic year loss and psychological distress.

Originality/value

The recent pandemic has severely affected the mental health of students. Therefore, it is crucial to study the reasons that foster distress among them. But, unfortunately, there is a prominent absence of research for inspecting students' psychological distress because of the e-learning crisis, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
Accountability disclosure of SOEs: comparing hybrid and private European news agencies
Authors: Yetano Ana , Sorrentino Daniela
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the financial and non-financial accountability disclosure patterns of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as hybrid organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting the hybridity concept and resorting to stakeholder theory, this paper works on a comparison between the accountability disclosure patterns of hybrid and private organizations operating in the same industry. European national news agencies are selected as units of analysis and an extensive web content analysis is performed on three categories of information.

Findings

SOEs are found to disclose a broader spectrum of information than private organizations, and differences between them have been found. Nevertheless, both financial and non-financial disclosures are underdeveloped in the two organizational types.

Research limitations/implications

This paper illustrates how hybridity explains SOEs’ accountability disclosure patterns. Results could not be complemented through information on disclosure through alternative channels. Future studies are encouraged to perform simultaneous comparisons among hybrid, public and private organizations, as well as considering industry specifics.

Practical implications

As web accountability disclosure helps to address the demands of distant stakeholders, efforts are needed to enhance SOEs’ web accountability disclosures and not to undermine democratic accountability relationships.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the accountability mechanisms and style of SOEs. Using a framework for hybrid organizations provides an understanding of how SOEs, as hybrid organizations, disclose information for accountability. In turn, this allows, and then promotes, the investigation of social phenomena by conceiving hybridity as a standalone institutional space.
Evidence for reciprocal evolution of the global repressor Mlc and its cognate phosphotransferase system sugar transporter
Authors: Yoon Ji‐Hee , Jeon Min‐Seung , Eyun Seong‐il , Seok Yeong‐Jae
Published: October 2021

Because the bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is involved in the regulation of various physiological processes in addition to carbohydrate transport, its expression is precisely regulated in response to the availability of PTS sugars. The PTS consists of enzyme I and histidine phosphocarrier protein, and several sugar‐specific enzymes II. In Escherichia coli, genes for enzymes II specific for glucose and related sugars are co‐regulated by the global repressor Mlc, and glucose induction of the Mlc regulon genes is achieved by its interaction with glucose‐specific enzyme II (EIIGlc). In this study, we revealed that, in Vibrio species, which are phylogenetically older than Enterobacteriaceae, the membrane sequestration of Mlc and thereby the induction of its regulon genes is mediated by N‐acetylglucosamine (NAG)‐specific EII. While Vibrio Mlc interacts only with the EIIB domain of EIINag, E. coli Mlc interacts with the EIIB domain of both EIIGlc and EIINag. The present data suggest that EIINag may be the primordial regulator of Mlc, and EIIGlc has evolved to interact with Mlc since an EIIA domain was fused to EIINag in Enterobacteriaceae. Our findings provide insight into the coevolutionary dynamics between a transcription factor and its cognate regulator according to long‐term resource availability in the bacterial natural habitat.
Public life as identity construction: A case study based on an SL square‐dancing group in Shanghai
Authors: Lu Yuanjing , Yang Jun , Qin Tianli
Published: October 2021

This article explores how the group identity is constructed in the process of individualization by reconstructing the public life of square‐dancing groups. The study finds that, on the one hand, groups whose members retired from the work‐unit and whose family structure is waning obtain institutional identities and group membership through external forces. On the other hand, groups play different roles, relying on three types of capital including power, ability, and relationships, and they ultimately reshape the collective identity of the groups with the internally made identity consensus and the externally assimilated identity mechanism. With the social changes in China, the groups have achieved identity construction during the interaction between the state and the individuals. The mutual influence of the reflexive actions of individuals and the support of the state system is also addressed in this paper. Thus, in the interaction between the state and the individual, the basic question of whether free individuals can achieve a universal connection that allows them to maintain public life is answered.
Participant Experiences on a Medicinal Plant Diet at Takiwasi Center: An In‐Depth Small‐Scale Survey
Authors: Rumlerová Tereza , Friso Fabio , Torres Romero Jaime , Kavenská Veronika , Politi Matteo
Published: October 2021

The medicinal plant diet is a healing process used in traditional Amazonian medicine (TAM), and it is poorly described within the scientific literature. This work analyzes the experience of seven participants in this therapy performed at the Takiwasi Center in Peru. Semistructured interviews were performed before and after treatment, documenting participants’ motivation, psychological experience, and perceived personal changes (physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually), as well as the role played by each medicinal plant. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Reasons to participate in the plant diet included self‐discovery, personal development, interest in plant medicine, and professional realization. The experience was perceived as intense and allowed participants to experience self‐acceptance, self‐discovery, mental balance, rest, cleansing, and connection with nature. Three months after the experience, participants felt physical changes (n = 6), psychological changes (n = 7), social changes (n = 5), and spiritual changes (n = 5).
Perinatal outcomes in women living with HIV‐1 and receiving antiretroviral therapy—a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shinar Shiri , Agrawal Swati , Ryu Michelle , Walmsley Sharon , Serghides Lena , Yudin Mark H. , Murphy Kellie E.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Antiretroviral therapy‐naïve pregnant women living with HIV are at an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. It remains controversial whether this risk persists with antiretroviral therapy. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate whether pregnant women living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy antenatally, are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with HIV‐negative controls.

Material and methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EBM Reviews, PubMed (non‐MEDLINE records), EBSCO CINAHL Complete, Clarivate Web of Science, African Index Medicus, LILACS and Google Scholar for all observational studies comparing pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy with HIV‐negative controls from 1 January 1994 to 10 August 2021 with no language or geographic restrictions. Perinatal outcomes included preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight, small‐for‐gestational age and preeclampsia. Using a random‐effects model we pooled raw data to generate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each outcome. Sub‐analyses for high and low resource countries and time of antiretroviral therapy initiation were performed. This systematic review and meta‐analysis is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020182722.

Results

Of the 7900 citations identified, 27 were eligible for analysis (12 636 pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and 7 812 115 HIV‐negative controls). ORs (95% CI) of PTB (1.88 [1.63–2.17]), small‐for‐gestational age (1.60 [1.18–2.17]) and low birthweight (2.15 [1.58–2.92]) were significantly higher in pregnant women living with HIV than in HIV‐negative women, while the risk of preeclampsia (0.86 [0.57–1.30]) was comparable. The risk of PTB and low birthweight was higher in both high resource and low resource countries, while the risk of small‐for‐gestational age was higher only in the former. Preconceptional antiretroviral therapy was associated with a higher risk of PTB compared with antenatal initiation.

Conclusions

Pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy have an increased risk of PTB, low birthweight and small‐for‐gestational age in high resource countries, as well as PTB and low birthweight in low income countries compared with HIV‐negative controls.
The genetic deletion of the Dual Specificity Phosphatase 3 (DUSP3) attenuates kidney damage and inflammation following ischaemia/reperfusion injury in mouse
Authors: Khbouz Badr , Rowart Pascal , Poma Laurence , Dahlke Eileen , Bottner Martina , Stokes Matthew , Bolen Géraldine , Rahmouni Souad , Theilig Franziska , Jouret François
Published: October 2021

Aim

Dual Specificity Phosphatase 3 (DUSP3) regulates the innate immune response, with a putative role in angiogenesis. Modulating inflammation and perfusion contributes to renal conditioning against ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). We postulate that the functional loss of DUSP3 is associated with kidney resistance to I/R.

Methods

Ten C57BL/6 male WT and Dusp3−/− mice underwent right nephrectomy and left renal I/R (30 min/48 hours). Renal injury was assessed based on serum levels of urea (BUN) and Jablonski score. The expression of CD31 and VEGF vascular markers was quantified by RT‐qPCR and immuno‐staining. Renal resistivity index (RRI) was measured in vivo by Doppler ultrasound. Comparative phosphoproteomics was conducted using IMAC enrichment of phosphopeptides. Inflammatory markers were quantified at both mRNA and protein levels in ischaemic vs non‐ischaemic kidneys in WT vs Dusp3−/−.

Results

At baseline, we located DUSP3 in renal glomeruli and endothelial cells. CD31‐positive vascular network was significantly larger in Dusp3−/− kidneys compared to WT, with a lower RRI in Dusp3−/− mice. Following I/R, BUN and Jablonski score were significantly lower in Dusp3−/− vs WT mice. Phosphoproteomics highlighted a down‐regulation of inflammatory pathways and up‐regulation of phospho‐sites involved in cell metabolism and VEGF‐related angiogenesis in Dusp3−/− vs WT ischaemic kidneys. Dusp3−/− ischaemic kidneys showed decreased mRNA levels of CD11b, TNF‐α, KIM‐1, IL‐6, IL‐1β and caspase‐3 compared to controls. The numbers of PCNA‐, F4‐80‐ and CD11b‐positive cells were reduced in Dusp3−/− vs WT kidneys post‐I/R.

Conclusion

Genetic inactivation of Dusp3 is associated with kidney conditioning against I/R, possibly due to attenuated inflammation and improved perfusion.
Trends and topics in geographically weighted regression research from 1996 to 2019
Authors: De La Hoz‐M Javier , Fernandez‐Gómez María José , Mendes Susana
Published: October 2021

This research was conducted in order to improve the understanding of the structure, contents, and trend of topics within the existing literature in the field of geographically weighted regression. Additionally, it intended to determine and produce a mapping of scientific networks in the domain of geographically weighted regression. The proposed methodology implements a combination of bibliometric techniques and modelling of topics in order to extract the latent topics from the collected literature by utilising latent Dirichlet allocation and a machine learning tool. The results identified the most prolific authors, the most cited authors, the most representative articles and journals, and the countries which are responsible for the publications.
Food rescue as collective care
Authors: Diprose Gradon , Lee Louise
Published: October 2021

Recent research into waste has moved beyond focusing on individual behaviour change to the wider practices, systems, and social norms that construct and perpetuate waste. Running alongside this work on waste, community economy scholars have been exploring how communities form around and care for commons. In this paper we draw on social practice theory and community economy thinking to illustrate how a food rescue organisation, Kaibosh, based in Wellington, New Zealand, has created practices and mobilised meanings that enable people to collectively manage surplus food, address food poverty, and reduce waste. We show how these food rescue and distribution practices push back against individualised despair, moralism, or guilt, and connect people across food systems. Recent critiques of food rescue and wider food philanthropy argue that such practices can be used to justify further welfare retreat, or distract from the need for genuine agri‐food sector reform. While we are sympathetic to these critiques, our findings suggest something different: people get involved in food rescue as a practical way to address food injustice and waste. We show how social practice theory can be used to understand how communities form around a commons that responds to pressing socio‐environmental issues in the here and now.
Real‐world data on NGS using the Oncomine DxTT for detecting genetic alterations in non‐small‐cell lung cancer: WJOG13019L
Authors: Sakata Shinya , Otsubo Kohei , Yoshida Hisako , Ito Kentaro , Nakamura Atsushi , Teraoka Shunsuke , Matsumoto Naohisa , Shiraishi Yoshimasa , Haratani Koji , Tamiya Motohiro , Ikeda Satoshi , Miura Satoru , Tanizaki Junko , Omori Shota , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Hata Akito , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: October 2021

Considering the increasing number of identified driver oncogene alterations, additional genetic tests are required to determine the treatment for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Next‐generation sequencing can detect multiple driver oncogenes simultaneously, enabling the analysis of limited amounts of biopsied tissue samples. In this retrospective, multicenter study (UMIN ID000039523), we evaluated real‐world clinical data using the Oncomine Dx Target Test Multi‐CDx System (Oncomine DxTT) as a companion diagnostic system. Patients with NSCLC who were tested for a panel of 46 genes using the Oncomine DxTT between June 2019 and January 2020 were eligible for enrollment. Patients from 19 institutions affiliated to the West Japan Oncology Group were recruited. The primary endpoint of the study was the success rate of genetic alteration testing in four driver genes (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF) using the Oncomine DxTT. In total, 533 patients were enrolled in the study. The success rate of genetic alteration testing for all four genes was 80.1% (95% CI 76.5%‐83.4%). Surgical resection was associated with the highest success rate (88.0%), which was significantly higher than that for bronchoscopic biopsy (76.8%, P = .005). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant difference for surgical resection alone (P = .006, 95% CI 1.36‐6.18, odds ratio 2.90). Although the success rate of genetic alteration testing immediately after Oncomine DxTT induction was not sufficient in this study, optimizing specimen quantity and quality may improve the use of driver gene testing in clinical settings.
Requirements for human cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yu Miao , Lei Wei , Cao Jiani , Wang Lei , Ma Aijin , Zhao Zhen‐Ao , Yang Huang‐Tian , Shen Zhenya , Lan Feng , Cao Feng , Liang Ping , Pei Xuetao , Xiang Andy Peng , Yu Junying , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yong , Li Qiyuan , Zhou Jiaxi , Wei Jun , Peng Yaojin , Zhu Huanxin , Liang Lingmin , Cao Nan , Fu Boqiang , Hao Jie , Zhao Tongbiao , Hu Shijun
Published: October 2021

‘Requirements for human cardiomyocytes', jointly drafted and agreed upon by experts from the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research, is the first guideline for human cardiomyocytes in China. This standard specifies the technical requirements, test methods, test regulations, instructions for use, labelling requirements, packing requirements, storage requirements, transportation requirements and waste disposal requirements for human cardiomyocytes, which is designed to normalize and standardize human cardiomyocyte research and production. It was originally released by the China Society for Cell Biology on 9 January 2021. We hope that the publication of this guideline will promote institutional establishment, acceptance and execution of proper protocols, and accelerate the international standardization of human cardiomyocytes for applications.
Clinical and EEG factors associated with antiseizure medication resistance in idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Kamitaki Brad K. , Janmohamed Mubeen , Kandula Padmaja , Elder Christopher , Mani Ram , Wong Stephen , Perucca Piero , O’Brien Terence J. , Lin Haiqun , Heiman Gary A. , Choi Hyunmi
Published: October 2021

Objective

We sought to determine which combination of clinical and electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics differentiate between an antiseizure medication (ASM)–resistant vs ASM‐responsive outcome for patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE).

Methods

This was a case‐control study of ASM‐resistant cases and ASM‐responsive controls with IGE treated at five epilepsy centers in the United States and Australia between 2002 and 2018. We recorded clinical characteristics and findings from the first available EEG study for each patient. We then compared characteristics of cases vs controls using multivariable logistic regression to develop a predictive model of ASM‐resistant IGE.

Results

We identified 118 ASM‐resistant cases and 114 ASM‐responsive controls with IGE. First, we confirmed our recent finding that catamenial epilepsy is associated with ASM‐resistant IGE (odds ratio [OR] 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–10.41, for all study subjects) after covariate adjustment. Other independent factors seen with ASM resistance include certain seizure‐type combinations (absence, myoclonic, and generalized tonic‐clonic seizures [OR 7.06, 95% CI 2.55–20.96]; absence and generalized tonic‐clonic seizures [OR 4.45, 95% CI 1.84–11.34]), as well as EEG markers of increased generalized spike‐wave discharges (GSWs) in sleep (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.12–11.36 for frequent and OR 7.21, 95% CI 1.50–54.07 for abundant discharges in sleep) and the presence of generalized polyspike trains (GPTs; OR 5.49, 95% CI 1.27–38.69). The discriminative ability of our final multivariable model, as measured by area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve, was 0.80.

Significance

Multiple clinical and EEG characteristics independently predict ASM resistance in IGE. To improve understanding of a patient's prognosis, clinicians could consider asking about specific seizure‐type combinations and track whether they experience catamenial epilepsy. Obtaining prolonged EEG studies to record the burden of GSWs in sleep and assessing for the presence of GPTs may provide additional predictive value.
Shifting stoichiometry: Long‐term trends in stream‐dissolved organic matter reveal altered C:N ratios due to history of atmospheric acid deposition
Authors: Rodríguez‐Cardona Bianca M. , Wymore Adam S. , Argerich Alba , Barnes Rebecca T. , Bernal Susana , Brookshire E. N. Jack , Coble Ashley A. , Dodds Walter K. , Fazekas Hannah M. , Helton Ashley M. , Johnes Penny J. , Johnson Sherri L. , Jones Jeremy B. , Kaushal Sujay S. , Kortelainen Pirkko , López‐Lloreda Carla , Spencer Robert G. M. , McDowell William H.
Published: October 2021

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) are important energy and nutrient sources for aquatic ecosystems. In many northern temperate, freshwater systems DOC has increased in the past 50 years. Less is known about how changes in DOC may vary across latitudes, and whether changes in DON track those of DOC. Here, we present long‐term DOC and DON data from 74 streams distributed across seven sites in biomes ranging from the tropics to northern boreal forests with varying histories of atmospheric acid deposition. For each stream, we examined the temporal trends of DOC and DON concentrations and DOC:DON molar ratios. While some sites displayed consistent positive or negative trends in stream DOC and DON concentrations, changes in direction or magnitude were inconsistent at regional or local scales. DON trends did not always track those of DOC, though DOC:DON ratios increased over time for ~30% of streams. Our results indicate that the dissolved organic matter (DOM) pool is experiencing fundamental changes due to the recovery from atmospheric acid deposition. Changes in DOC:DON stoichiometry point to a shifting energy‐nutrient balance in many aquatic ecosystems. Sustained changes in the character of DOM can have major implications for stream metabolism, biogeochemical processes, food webs, and drinking water quality (including disinfection by‐products). Understanding regional and global variation in DOC and DON concentrations is important for developing realistic models and watershed management protocols to effectively target mitigation efforts aimed at bringing DOM flux and nutrient enrichment under control.
A Micro‐Econometric Store Choice Model Incorporating Multi‐ and Omni‐Channel Shopping: The Case of Furniture Retailing in Germany
Authors: Wieland Thomas
Published: October 2021

Online retailing and multi‐/omni‐channel shopping are gaining in importance. However, there is a significant lack of research focused on incorporating online shopping into models of spatial shopping behavior. The present study aims (1) to construct a store choice model which includes both physical and online stores as well as the opportunity for omni‐channel shopping, and (2) to identify the main drivers of spatial shopping behavior given the availability of both channels. Based on a representative survey, this study employs a revealed‐preference approach toward store choice and expenditures in furniture retailing. The statistical analysis is performed using a hurdle model approach, with the expenditures of individual consumers at (online or physical) furniture stores serving as the dependent variable. Results show that channel choice (online vs. offline) is mainly influenced by psychographic characteristics, place of residence, and age of the consumers. Store choice and expenditures are primarily explained by store features such as assortment size, omni‐channel integration, and accessibility. This study demonstrates that e‐shopping can be integrated into a store choice model and that both the modeling approach and the subsequent findings are of significance for retail companies and spatial planning.
Impact of smoking on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Yu Jing , Yang Peng , Qin Xiangrong , Li Chunjian , Lv Yiming , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim

Although the association between the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and smoking has been confirmed through a meta‐analysis, many new studies have reported inconsistent conclusions. An up‐to‐date meta‐analysis based on published relevant studies was conducted in this study to address this issue.

Methods

Eligible studies up to January 2021 were screened and retrieved using PubMed and Web of Science as well as by performing a manual review of references. We calculated the pooled odd ratios (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Begg's test was used to determine the publication bias.

Results

In total, 39 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The results showed that smoking increases the failure rate of H. pylori eradication treatment (OR = 1.70, 95%CI, 1.49–1.93). The risk of failure also increases with an increase in the smoking dose (>5 cigarettes per day) (OR = 2.59, 95%CI, 1.28–5.24) and the current smoking status (continued to smoke during treatment) (OR = 2.49, 95%CI, 1.52–4.06). Studies with a large proportion of patients with peptic ulcer (OR = 2.14, 95%CI, 1.51–3.02) revealed a higher failure rate among smokers than those with a low proportion of patients with peptic ulcer (OR = 1.57, 95%CI, 1.36–1.81). When vonoprazan (VPZ) was used to treat H. pylori infection, smoking did not affect the eradication rate (OR = 0.94, 95%CI, 0.51–1.75).

Conclusion

Smoking increases the failure rate of H. pylori eradication treatment. The risk of H. pylori eradication failure in smokers increases with a current smoking status and a high smoking dose. However, when VPZ is used to treat the H. pylori infection, smoking has no effect on the eradication rate.
Industrie 4.0 ou réseaux de production? Plusieurs voies pour la transformation numérique de l'industrie manufacturière et du travail
Authors: BUTOLLO Florian , SCHNEIDEMESSER Lea
Published: October 2021

Dans cette analyse théorique et empirique sur les différentes options en vue d'une transformation numérique de l'industrie manufacturière, les auteurs reprennent des idées de Piore et Sabel (1989) pour dénoncer les partis pris du concept d'industrie 4.0, lui opposant le modèle du réseau de production, dans lequel la flexibilité dépend non pas de techniques de production sophistiquées, mais de la réorganisation des interactions clients‐fournisseurs au moyen de plateformes numériques. Avec quels effets pour le travail? Une montée en gamme, si on évolue vers un travail plus qualifié, de type artisanal, mais un nivellement par le bas dans les secteurs très sensibles au prix.