bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case study for surgical mask production during the COVID-19 pandemic: continuous improvement with Kaizen and 5S applications
Authors: Aktar Demirtas Ezgi , Gultekin Ozgul Sevval , Uskup Cigdem
Published: December 2022

Purpose

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the production shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, has become increasingly significant. It is vital to quickly provide high-quality, hygienic PPE during pandemic periods. This comprehensive case study aims to confirm that Kaizen and 5S applications reduce wastage rates and stoppages, which as a result, created a more efficient and sustainable workplace in a small–mediumenterprise (SME) producing PPE in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The method for this case is discussed with the help of a flowchart using the DMAIC cycle: D-define, M-measure, A-analyse, I-improve and C-control.

Findings

The total stoppages due to fishing line, gripper, piston and yarn welding have decreased by approximately 42.4%. As a result of eliminating wasted time and reduced changeovers, a total of 5,502 min have been saved per month. This increased production of approximately 10.55% per month, led to an addition of 506,184 units.

Originality/value

The use of lean manufacturing (LM), Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies are not common in textile SMEs. Based on the current literature reviewed, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive case study that combines statistical tools, such as hypothesis tests and LM practices, in the production process for a PPE company operating as a textile SME.
Female directors and corporate innovation in family firms in India. Do leverage ratios and mandatory CSR expenditure matter?
Authors: Oware Kofi Mintah , Appiah Kingsley
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Based on data collected using the purposive sampling technique extracted from a secondary data source, this paper aims to examine the relationship between female directors and firm innovation. The paper also examines the impact of leverage ratios and corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure on the association between female directors and firms’ innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The feasible general least regression technique was applied to overcome potential endogeneity issues associated with female directors and corporate innovation spending.

Findings

With subsequent control of individual and firm variables, the first findings of this study indicate that female directors significantly decrease firms’ innovation spending. The second outcomes of this study show that the leverage ratio considerably improves corporate innovation spending. The third findings show that the leverage ratio positively moderates the association between female directors and corporate innovation spending. The fourth findings show that CSR expenditure significantly improves firm innovation spending but does not moderate the association between female directors and corporate innovation spending.

Research limitations/implications

Based on dependency theory, robust and reliable conclusions suggest that female directors’ engagement on the Indian board needs more than biological sex, that is, the required expertise. The paper also provides policy implications for female expertise in minority engagement on the board of listed firms in India, especially when the firm desires to increase its corporate innovation spending.

Originality/value

This study is among the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to comment on mandatory CSR expenditure as an independent variable on innovation or a moderating variable between female directors and corporate innovation. Similarly, the family-controlled management perspective in this study deepens the debate on gender diversity and corporate innovation.
AI-powered touch points in the customer journey: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: He Ai-Zhong , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Various consumer-facing artificial intelligence (AI) applications are used to interact with consumers at all purchase stages, and related research has sharply increased. This study aims to synthesize the literature related to consumer–AI interaction using the customer journey framework, identify the factors affecting AI's effectiveness in interactive marketing and offer an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study undertakes a framework-based systematic review of 239 articles on AI in marketing from the consumer perspective published in peer-reviewed journals from 2007 to 2021.

Findings

This review identifies the roles of AI touch points and factors affecting the acceptance and effectiveness of consumer–AI interaction in each stage of the customer journey.

Originality/value

This study is the first to review the existing literature using a customer journey framework to identify the factors that influence customer interactions with AI touch points at each purchase stage and pave the way for future research.
The role of uncertainties on sustainable stocks and green bonds
Authors: Cagli Efe Caglar , Taşkin Dilvin , Evrim Mandaci Pınar
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between sustainable investments and a series of uncertainties from January 2014 to December 2021, including many economic and political turbulences and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Rényi’s transfer entropy method, a nonparametric flexible tool that considers both the center distribution and lower quantiles, capturing extreme rare events that give additional insights to analysis.

Findings

The authors’ results indicate significant bidirectional information transmissions between the crude oil volatility and sustainability indices. The authors report information flows between the cryptocurrency uncertainty and sustainability indices considering tail events. The results are essential for market participants making decisions during turbulent times.

Originality/value

This paper is carried out for a variety of uncertainty measures and environmental, social and governance (ESG) portfolios of both developed and developing markets. It adds to literature in terms of methodology used. Rényi’s transfer entropy methodology is first used to measure the relationship between uncertainties and ESG investments.
Contribution of sustainable investment to sustainable development within the framework of the SDGS: the role of the asset management industry
Authors: Folqué María , Escrig-Olmedo Elena , Corzo Santamaría María Teresa
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand how scholarly research addresses sustainable investments’ contribution to sustainable development (SD) within the sustainable development goals (SDG) framework. This is achieved by focusing on how the asset management industry, through the practice of advanced sustainable investment strategies, can contribute more efficiently to SD.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a systematic literature review using the content analysis method and comprised between the years 2015 and 2021 is carried out.

Findings

A systematic literature review shows that the asset management industry is critical to integrating SDGs in financial markets, through their influence on investee companies or their investment products. The findings also indicate that SDGs are integrated into investment portfolios, particularly those managed according to the impact investment strategy and those that practice active ownership. However, the integration is not homogeneous.

Research limitations/implications

This review has limitations derived from search engineering. In addition, research goals have conditioned the exclusion of articles that merely refer to the SDGs. Moreover, since SDGs were launched in 2015, not enough time has elapsed to analyze the total contribution of sustainable investment to achieving the SDGs.

Practical implications

This study provides the basis for a multidisciplinary debate related to developing a good integration of SDGs in the asset management industry under new global challenges.

Social implications

Given the disconnection between the expansion of sustainable investment and sustainability achievements, this research aims to deepen the understanding of how sustainable investment can contribute more efficiently to SD within the framework of SDGs.

Originality/value

This analysis advances previous academic research by providing insights into new pathways for future studies on how to approach the asset management industry's challenges to contribute to sustainable development efficiently in the current context.
Examining online learning platform characteristics and employee engagement relationship during Covid-19
Authors: Ghosh Vinit , Bharadwaja Manaswita , Mukherjee Hory
Published: December 2022

Purpose

As work-from-home policies were being implemented during Covid-19, organizations have been migrating their learning and development programs to digital platforms. This study aims to understand the role of employees’ perceptions about four key attributes of online learning platforms (OLPs), namely, online environment, ease of use, online content (OC) and online engagement anchors in their levels of work engagement (WE). Further, it also investigates how the personality attributes of the employees and financial incentives for online learning influence this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the snowball sampling technique, online questionnaires were distributed to about 350 employees in four IT firms in India who were working from home during the Covid-19 period. The total number of valid responses was 306 and consisted of software developers, technical leads, process specialists, testers and managers. The analysis was done using Python software (V.3.7.4) packages and Process Macro (pyprocessmacro V.1.0.8) developed for Python.

Findings

Perceived OLP features significantly influence employee WE. OC and ease of use are significant influencers of employee WE. The perception of OLP features indirectly affects WE through the learner’s personality characteristics. Moreover, the financial incentive to learn online shares a negative interaction effect with OLP features to influence WE.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing literature on virtual knowledge management by identifying the driving factors that reinforce the acceptance of OLPs. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to link online learning management system key characteristics with employee outcome as engagement. Most of the previous work has ignored exploring such a relationship in an organizational setting.
Analyzing the effect of inoculant addition on the solidification of ductile cast irons using thermal analysis
Authors: Sangame Bahubali Babanrao , Reddy Y. Prasannatha , Shinde Vasudev D.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The final properties of ductile iron are decided by the inoculant processing while pouring the melt. The shape and size of nodules generated during solidification are of paramount importance in solidification of ductile cast iron. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of different inoculant addition on the solidification of ductile cast iron melt through thermal analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal analysis has recently grown as a tool for modeling the solidification behavior of ductile cast irons. Iron properties will be predicted by analyzing the cooling curve patterns of the melts and predicting the related effectiveness of inoculant processing. In this study, thermal analysis is used to evaluate the need for inoculation.

Findings

The amount and type of inoculation will affect the amount of undercooling during the solidification of ductile cast iron. It is found that the addition of 0.1 to 0.4 Wt.% inoculant lowers the austenite dendrite formation starting temperature while increasing the eutectic freezing temperature. Microstructure analysis revealed that the addition of inoculation increases the nodule count from 103 to 242 nodules. The beneficial effects of inoculation are sustained by an improved graphitization factor, which shows the formation of graphite nodules in the second phase of the eutectic reaction.

Originality/value

The inoculation treatment has improved metallurgical occurrences such as carbide to graphite conversion, graphite microstructure control, graphite nodule count at the start of solidification and the last stage of solidification, which determines the soundness of casting. The foundry industry can follow these steps for monitoring the solidification of ductile iron castings.
Brain‐infecting parasites leave lasting effects on behaviour even in resistant hosts
Authors: Vindas Marco A. , Midttun Helene L. E. , Nadler Lauren E. , Fontaine Romain , Weltzien Finn‐Arne , Øverli Øyvind , Johansen Ida B.
Published: December 2022

Parasites can have profound effects on intra‐ and interspecific interactions at the population and community levels through their influence on host behaviour, physiology and fitness. While host phenotypic changes are typically thought of in terms of established infections, parasite encounters may be sufficient to induce behavioural changes, even when no viable infections are established.

Here, we use the Japanese rice fish medaka Oryzias latipes and the brain‐infecting microsporidan parasite Pseudoloma neurophilia to understand how parasite resistance influences behaviour.

Although a previous study suggested that medaka are a suitable host for P. neurophilia, an eight‐week parasite exposure regime resulted in no detectable infection in our study. Both parasite‐exposed and control (no parasite exposure) medaka were tested in behavioural assays that assessed boldness, activity and sociality. We detected considerable changes in medaka behaviour following parasite exposure, with parasite‐exposed fish being more active, less bold and more social when compared to control fish.

These data indicate that parasite encounters may induce behavioural alterations even in non‐susceptible hosts. In addition to established infection, individual differences in parasite exposure must also be considered in studies of host responses across ecological scales.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Relocating the future: biographical objects, aspiration, and repair in urban Taipei
Authors: Tamburo Elisa
Published: December 2022

How might urban relocation unfold as a time of social reproduction? Taking the case of Zhongxin Village in Taipei, a military settlement that was relocated in 2016, I show in this article that while mainland Chinese veterans experienced the move with reluctance, their Taiwanese wives readily stepped up to bridge family histories. Offering new ethnography on ‘family repair’ and the arranging of ancestral altars, I suggest that loss is often not the only force at play when moving home. The Taiwanese wives of Zhongxin Village recount family stories that are elicited through their engagement with ‘biographical objects’. They transmit family lore through daily acts of care even as they project aspirations for the futures of their descendants onto the furnishing of new flats. This marriage of materiality, aspiration, repair, and affect shows that relocation can encourage the social reproduction of the family and, for some, a move from remembrance to aspiration.
Effects of hot‐air drying on the bioactive compounds, quality attributes, and drying and color change kinetics of coffee leaves
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Sun Yu , Lu Tingting , Chen Xiumin
Published: December 2022

Drying is a key step that affects the chemical composition and quality of tea. In the present study, we reported the impacts of drying temperature and time on drying and color change kinetics, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and surface microstructure of coffee leaves during hot‐air drying. The results showed that drying temperature was positively (p < 0.05) correlated with the drying rate (DR), color index a* and total color change ΔE, and total soluble sugar (TSS), while negatively correlated with color indexes b* and L*, soluble protein content, and the DPPH scavenging capacity. Drying time has similar impacts on the color indexes and soluble protein as drying temperature. The content of total free amino acid and TSS increased by 62.5% and 47.4%, respectively, when coffee leaves were dried at 160°C for 24 min, under which the total phenolic content and DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacities reached the maximum of 108.04 mg GAE/g, 515.07 µmol Trolox/g, and 606.70 µmol Trolox/g, respectively. Drying significantly decreased the contents of chlorogenic acids and mangiferin and antioxidant activity, while high‐temperature short‐time drying helped retain phenolic compounds in coffee leaves. The DR fitted Page kinetic model. The color changes fitted the first‐order kinetic models and the activation energies ranged from 16.00 to 31.06 kJ·mol−1. Prolonged drying time caused serious wrinkles on the surface of coffee leaves and the stomata closed.

Practical Application

Drying decreased soluble protein while increasing free amino acid and soluble sugar. High‐temperature short‐time drying helps retain phenolics in the coffee leaves. The color change of coffee leaves during drying follows first‐order kinetic. Prolonged drying time resulted in loosened texture of coffee leaves. Our study suggested that drying coffee leaves at 160°C for 24 min results in the coffee leaf tea being of better quality.
Impact of functional spray coatings on smoke volatile phenol compounds and Pinot noir grape growth
Authors: Tran Trung T. , Jung Jooyeoun , Garcia Lindsay , DeShields Joseph B. , Cerrato D. Cole , Penner Michael H. , Tomasino Elizabeth , Levin Alexander D. , Zhao Yanyun
Published: December 2022

The frequency and intensity of wildfires have been increasing over the last 50 years and negatively impacted the wine industry. Previous methods of smoke mitigation during grape processing have shown little impact in reducing smoke taint in wines. Therefore, a novel method of using edible spray coatings for vineyard application was developed to help prevent volatile smoke phenol uptake in wine grapes. Four cellulose nanofiber‐based coating suspensions incorporated with chitosan and/or β‐cyclodextrin were evaluated. Films derived from the coating suspensions were exposed to volatile phenols found in wildfire smoke (guaiacol, 4‐methyl guaiacol, m‐cresol, o‐cresol, p‐cresol, syringol, and 4‐methyl syringol) and evaluated with ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy where the results indicated that the coatings could uptake smoke phenols in varying degrees. The coatings were also applied in a vineyard at three different application times during grape growth: pea‐sized, pre‐bunch closure, and both at pea‐sized and pre‐bunch closure. The results showed that the application time did not have a significant (p < 0.05) effect on berry size, weight, °Brix, pH, or titratable acidity. The type of coating, time of application and washing were found to impact the number of volatile phenols in the grapes after a smoke event. Results from this study indicated that edible coatings could help mitigate smoke uptake in wine grapes without sacrificing the growth and key composition parameters of wine grapes.

Practical Application

This research provides a novel spray coating that can be applied to wine grapes in the vineyard to potentially mitigate volatile smoke compounds in wine grapes without impacting fruit growth and key compositional parameters of wine grapes, thus maintaining high quality of wines for consumers. Results from this study can also be potentially applied to other agricultural commodities to solve the issues caused by the wildfire smoke.
Mitigating crop raiding by forest elephants and baboons at Kibale National Park
Authors: Kyokuhaire Anna Muchwampaka , Chapman Colin A. , Omeja Patrick A. , Tumusiime David Mwesigye , Abwoli Banana Yabezi , Lawes Michael J.
Published: December 2022

In Africa, most protected forests are in densely human‐dominated landscapes where human–wildlife conflict is intense. We documented farmer perceptions and responses to crop‐raiding wildlife from Kibale National Park, Uganda. Crop raiding was mostly (95%) by baboons (Papio anubis) and elephants (Loxodonta africana). While the financial loss caused by baboons and elephants did not differ, elephants were perceived as more damaging. Guarding and trenches were perceived as the most effective deterrent strategies for baboons and elephants, respectively. Distance from the park boundary and household income were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of crop raiding. Distance from the park, household head age and the species that raided crops, influenced whether a household applied one or more deterrent strategies. Households headed by women or older adults were most vulnerable, experiencing greater losses to raiding. Patterns of human–wildlife conflict around Kibale forest are complex, but the extent of crop damage was mostly determined by distance from the park and farm socio‐economic status and thus their ability to mitigate or deter raiding. Managing crop raiding requires collaboration between the park and affected farmers to ensure that mutually managed deterrent methods, such as trenching (elephants) and guarding (baboons), are effectively shared, applied and maintained.
Effectiveness and safety of risankizumab induction therapy for 100 patients with Crohn's disease: A GETAID multicentre cohort study
Authors: Fumery Mathurin , Defrance Antoine , Roblin Xavier , Altwegg Romain , Caron Benedicte , Hébuterne Xavier , Stefanescu Carmen , Meyer Antoine , Nachury Maria , Laharie David , Nancey Stephane , Le Berre Catherine , Serrero Melanie , Geyl Sophie , Giletta Cyrielle , Ah‐Soune Philippe , Duveau Nicolas , Uzzan Mathieu , Abitbol Vered , Biron Amelie , Tran‐Minh My‐Linh , Paupard Thierry , Vuitton Lucine , Elgharabawy Yasmine , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: December 2022

Background

Phase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of risankizumab in moderate‐to‐severe Crohn's disease (CD), but no real‐world data are currently available. We aimed to assess the short‐term effectiveness and safety of risankizumab in patients with CD.

Methods

From May 2021 to May 2022, all patients with refractory luminal CD treated with risankizumab in 22 French GETAID centres were retrospectively included. The primary endpoint was steroid‐free clinical remission at week 12 (Harvey‐Bradshaw [HB] score <5). Secondary endpoints included clinical response (≥3‐point decrease of HB score and/or (HB) score <5), biochemical remission (CRP ≤ 5 mg/L), need for CD‐related surgery and adverse events.

Results

Among the 100 patients included, all have been previously exposed to anti‐TNF agents, 94 to vedolizumab, 98 to ustekinumab (all exposed to at least three biologics) and 61 had a previous intestinal resection. All but three (97%) received a 600 mg risankizumab intravenous induction at weeks 0–4–8. At week 12, steroid‐free clinical remission was observed in 45.8% of patients, clinical remission in 58% and clinical response in 78.5%. In subgroup analysis restricted to patients with objective signs of inflammation at baseline (n = 79), steroid‐free clinical remission at week 12 was observed in 39.2% of patients. Biochemical remission was observed in 50% of patients. Six patients discontinued risankizumab before the week 12 visit due to lack of efficacy. CD‐related hospitalisation was needed in six patients, and three underwent intestinal resection. In multivariable analysis, only a history of ustekinumab loss of response (vs primary failure) (odds ratio (OR), 2.80; 95% CI: 1.07–7.82; p = 0.041) was significantly associated with clinical remission at week 12. Twenty adverse events (AE) occurred in 20 patients including 7 serious AE corresponding to 6 CD exacerbation and one severe hypertension.

Conclusion

In a cohort of highly refractory patients with luminal CD and multiple prior drug failures including ustekinumab, risankizumab induction provided a clinical response in about 3 out of 4 patients and steroid‐free clinical remission in about half of patients.
Intrapartum pudendal nerve block analgesia and childbirth experience in primiparous women with vaginal birth: A cohort study
Authors: Waldum Åsa Henning , Lukasse Mirjam , Staff Anne Cathrine , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Sørbye Ingvil Krarup , Jacobsen Anne Flem
Published: December 2022

Background

A negative childbirth experience has short‐ and long‐term consequences for both mother and child. This study aimed to investigate the association between intrapartum pudendal nerve block (PNB) analgesia and childbirth experience.

Methods

Primiparous women with a singleton cephalic vaginal live births at term at Oslo University Hospital from January 1, 2017, to June 1, 2019, were eligible for inclusion. The main outcome was total score on a childbirth experience questionnaire (range 1.0–4.0, higher score indicates better childbirth experience). An absolute risk difference of 0.10 was considered clinically relevant. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between women with and without PNB. The analyses were stratified by spontaneous vs instrumental birth. Subanalyses of the questionnaire's domains (own capacity, professional support, perceived safety, and participation) were performed.

Results

Of 979 participating women, mean age was 32 years. Childbirth experience did not differ between women with and without PNB, either in spontaneous (absolute risk difference of the mean: −0.05, P value 0.36) or in instrumental birth (absolute risk difference of the mean: 0.03, P value 0.61). There were no statistically significant differences between PNB group scores for the separate domains.

Conclusions

Women's childbirth experiences did not differ between birthing people with or without PNB, either in spontaneous or in instrumental births. The clinical implications of our study should be interpreted in light of the pain‐relieving effects of PNB.PNB should be provided on clinical indication, including for individuals with severe labor pain.
Prograding early to middle Jurassic margin, Neuquén Basin: Topset process stratigraphy and morphodynamic sediment partitioning
Authors: Steel Ronald J. , Olariu Cornel , Rossi Valentina M. , Minisini Daniel , Brinkworth Walter , Loss Laura M. , Giunta David , Vocaturo Griselda
Published: December 2022

New Cuyo Group outcrop data complement recently published seismic and well data that detail the progradational character of the Lower‐Middle Jurassic Neuquén Margin (Argentina). The deepwater margin, with shelf topset (Lajas Formation), slope break and deepwater slope to basin‐floor deposits (Los Molles Formation), prograded northward and westward as large‐scale clinoforms (250–500 m high) for 120 km, during 13 My, supplied by sediment mainly from the North Patagonian Massif. The studied Lajas Formation topsets are themselves progradational, with a 500 m‐thick vertical succession of subaqueous delta, shoreface with associated tidal flat, mouth bar, fluvio‐tidal channel and alluvial plain deposits. This pattern is confirmed by facies analysis in five areas of outcrops and well data but is interrupted by frequent marine transgressions that add a short‐term cyclicity to the succession. A new paleogeographic map suggests previous disagreements on process stratigraphy are due to shoreline/paralic strike variability and to increased basinal process impact as the topset/shelf widened. A marked feature of each Lajas topset sequence is a differential partitioning of sand and mud, though not with a simple proximal to distal grain‐size reduction. The sand‐prone outer shelf passes landward to a channelized muddy shoreline environment, and then to a mixed sandy and muddy channelized coastal and alluvial plain. This type of partitioning, important for the characterization and prediction of reservoir quality, can also be recognized on seismic and well log data.
Impact of local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers on peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Monje Alberto , Kan Joseph Y. , Borgnakke Wenche
Published: December 2022

Background

Strong evidence suggests the infectious nature of peri‐implant diseases occurring in susceptible hosts. Epidemiological reports, though, indicate that peri‐implantitis is a site‐specific entity. Hence, the significance of local factors that may predispose/precipitate plaque accumulation and the impact of systemic drivers that alter the immune response are relevant in the prevention and management of peri‐implant disorders.

Purpose

The purpose of the present review is to shed light on the significance of local and systemic factors on peri‐implant diseases, making special emphasis on the associations with peri‐implantitis.

Methods

The biologic plausibility and supporting evidence aiming at providing a concluding remark were explored in the recent scientific literature for local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers related to peri‐implant diseases.

Results

Local predisposing factors such as soft tissue characteristics, implant position and prosthetic design proved being strongly associated with the occurrence of peri‐implant diseases. Hard tissue characteristics, however, failed to demonstrate having a direct association with peri‐implant diseases. Robust data points toward the strong link between residual sub‐mucosal cement and peri‐implant diseases, while limited data suggests the impact of residual sub‐mucosal floss and peri‐implantitis. Systemic drivers/habits such as hyperglycemia and smoking showed a strong negative impact on peri‐implantitis. However, there is insufficient evidence to claim for any link between metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and obesity and peri‐implant diseases.

Conclusion

Local predisposing/precipitating factors and systemic drivers may increase the risk of peri‐implant diseases. Therefore, comprehensive anamnesis of the patients, educational/motivational programs and exhaustive prosthetically‐driven treatment planning must be fostered aiming at reducing the rate of biological complications in implant dentistry.
Visual outcomes after anterior temporal lobectomy and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy: A quantitative comparison of clinical and diffusion data
Authors: Pruckner Philip , Nenning Karl‐Heinz , Fischmeister Florian Ph.S , Yildirim Mehmet‐Salih , Schwarz Michelle , Reitner Andreas , Aull‐Watschinger Susanne , Koren Johannes , Baumgartner Christoph , Prayer Daniela , Rössler Karl , Dorfer Christian , Czech Thomas , Pataraia Ekaterina , Kasprian Gregor , Bonelli Silvia
Published: December 2022

Objective

Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy (tsSAHE) are effective treatment strategies for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy but may cause visual field deficits (VFDs) by damaging the optic radiation (OpR). Due to the OpR's considerable variability and because it is indistinguishable from surrounding tissue without further technical guidance, it is highly vulnerable to iatrogenic injury. This imaging study uses a multimodal approach to assess visual outcomes after epilepsy surgery.

Methods

We studied 62 patients who underwent ATL (n = 32) or tsSAHE (n = 30). Analysis of visual outcomes was conducted in four steps, including the assessment of (1) perimetry outcome (VFD incidence/extent, n = 44/40), (2) volumetric OpR tractography damage (n = 55), and the (3) relation of volumetric OpR tractography damage and perimetry outcome (n = 35). Furthermore, (4) fixel‐based analysis (FBA) was performed to assess micro‐ and macrostructural changes within the OpR following surgery (n = 36).

Results

Altogether, 56% of all patients had postoperative VFDs (78.9% after ATL, 36.36% after tsSAHE, p = .011). VFDs and OpR tractography damage tended to be more severe within the ATL group (ATL vs. tsSAHE, integrity of contralateral upper quadrant: 65% vs. 97%, p = .002; OpR tractography damage: 69.2 mm3 vs. 3.8 mm3, p = .002). Volumetric OpR tractography damage could reliably predict VFD incidence (86% sensitivity, 78% specificity) and could significantly explain VFD extent (R2 = .47, p = .0001). FBA revealed a more widespread decline of fibre cross‐section within the ATL group.

Significance

In the context of controversial visual outcomes following epilepsy surgery, this study provides clinical as well as neuroimaging evidence for a higher risk and greater severity of postoperative VFDs after ATL compared to tsSAHE. Volumetric OpR tractography damage is a feasible parameter to reliably predict this morbidity in both treatment groups and may ultimately support personalized planning of surgical candidates. Advanced diffusion analysis tools such as FBA offer a structural explanation of surgically induced visual pathway damage, allowing noninvasive quantification and visualization of micro‐ and macrostructural tract affection.
Biophysical approaches to predicting species vulnerability
Authors: Wolf Blair O. , McKechnie Andrew E.
Published: December 2022

We provide a commentary on Briscoe et al. (2022) highlighting the opportunity that biophysical models provide for predicting species' responses to climate change.
The future of grand challenges research: Retiring a hopeful concept and endorsing research principles
Authors: Seelos Christian , Mair Johanna , Traeger Charlotte
Published: December 2022

Editorial notes in leading management journals have urged scholars to address Grand Challenges (GC) as an opportunity for producing knowledge that matters for society. This review explores whether current conceptualizations of GC support a productive path for management and organizational scholarship by guiding empirical inquiry, facilitating cumulative theory development, and informing practice. We systematically examine scholarly articles, calls for papers, and editorial notes published in management journals for consistency in how researchers use and define the concept of GC and the scope of associated phenomena and attributes. We find three prominent conceptual architectures in use: discursive, family resemblance, and phenomenon driven. The variety and incoherence of current uses of the GC concept and the lack of efforts to improve its analytical competence lead us to suggest its retirement. Instead, we propose building on the enthusiasm around GC research and using GC as a term to define research principles that collectively help align research efforts and improve theoretical development and practice. The principles we propose capture a genuine origin story for management research on GC.
‘They tell us after they've decided things’: A cross‐country analysis of unions and digitalisation in retail
Authors: Payne Jonathan , Lloyd Caroline , Jose Secki P.
Published: December 2022

The role of trade unions in the social shaping of digital technologies is a vital question for research, public policy and social justice. This article draws on interviews with two unions in the grocery retail sector in the United Kingdom and Norway, and examines their involvement in technology decisions, and whether they can shape better outcomes for workers. By comparing a ‘neo‐liberal’ economy and a ‘Nordic welfare state’, the article considers whether stronger institutional power and regulatory supports in Norway provide for greater influence in a sector regarded as challenging for unions. The findings indicate relatively few country differences and help shed light on the factors that enable and constrain unions’ role in digitalisation.
Beyond bulevirtide: Alternative therapeutic options for the management of hepatitis delta virus
Authors: Asselah Tarik
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a small RNA virus which needs Hepatitis B Surface Antigen for its envelope, for entry into hepatocytes and secretion. HDV chronic infection affects around 12 million people worldwide. HDV infection is believed to be the most severe form of viral hepatitis, with a high risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Pegylated interferons has been used and recommended by guidelines, although not approved, with low efficacy and poor tolerability. Bulevirtide (entry inhibitor) has been recently conditionally approved by the European Medicines Agency. These treatments have many advantages, but they have also limitations since there are non‐responders to these previous therapies. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs. In this article, we review antiviral treatments under development for HDV chronic infection (except bulevirtide reviewed in a specific article), including those in the HBV cure programme, outlining their respective mechanisms‐of‐action.
Serum HBV RNA is associated with liver fibrosis regression in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Bian Dandan , Zhao Jing , Liao Hao , Wang Yang , Ren Yan , Jiang Yingying , Liu Shuang , Chen Xinyue , Hu Zhongjie , Duan Zhongping , Lu Fengmin , Zheng Sujun
Published: December 2022

Noninvasive methods for assessing hepatic fibrosis are clinically necessary. This study aims to explore HBV markers correlated with liver fibrosis and capable of diagnosing significant fibrosis and predicting fibrosis regression. Seventy‐four HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were enrolled and started on entecavir or adefovir therapy. Serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg and hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) levels were measured at baseline and during treatment. Liver fibrosis was assessed at baseline and month 60 by liver biopsy. Fibrosis regression was defined as Ishak fibrosis score decreased ≥1‐point. At baseline, HBsAg, HBcrAg and HBV RNA levels had a stronger correlation with Ishak fibrosis score (r = −.441, p = .002; r = −.469, p = .001; r = −.398, p = .001) than APRI and FIB‐4 (r = .321 p = .006; r = .371, p = .001). HBsAg >4 log10 IU/ml plus HBcrAg >7 log10 IU/ml or HBsAg >4 log10 IU/ml plus HBV RNA >5 log10 copies/ml exhibited the same excellent diagnostic ability for significant fibrosis with the AUROC of 0.857. After 60 months of antiviral treatment, 66.7% of patients who suffered significant fibrosis at baseline achieved fibrosis regression, and an HBV RNA decline from baseline to month 6 greater than 0.63 log10 copies/ml could predict the fibrosis regression at month 60. In conclusion, serum HBsAg, HBcrAg and HBV RNA are potential markers for predicting significant liver fibrosis. HBV RNA measurement would be particularly useful for monitoring hepatic fibrosis changes in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients.
Effects of jaw movement in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on the upper airway: Computational fluid dynamics analysis
Authors: Nomura Tsutomu , Sasaki Au , Fujimoto Mai , Mano Mikiko , Suda Naoto , Kondo Kenji
Published: December 2022

Maxillomandibular repositioning in orthognathic surgeries has both morphologic and functional effects. These surgeries are thought to change the pharyngeal space and cause obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, however. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of jaw movement in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on airway function and to identify the morphometric factors that can predict postoperative airway function. The subjects were 11 males and 12 females who had undergone orthognathic surgeries of the maxilla and mandible. The results of cephalometric analysis, cross‐sectional area of the pharynx (CSA), pharyngeal volume and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were compared. The CSA of the nasal (CSA1), total volume and total nasal volume decreased after surgery with statistical significance. Velocity at the oropharyngeal space (V2) increased after surgery with statistical significance. V2, CSA of the oropharyngeal space (CSA2) and PV were correlated with the horizontal posterior movement of point B, point Menton and overjet. V2 and CSA2 were correlated with SNB before and after surgery in all 46 analyses. Changes in pharyngeal airflow were more affected by pressure drop in the pharyngeal space (ΔPp) than by pressure drop in the nasal space (ΔPn). The relationship between the actual amount of change in the cephalometric reference point and the airway function is evident. CFD may thus be very useful as morphological analysis in preoperative treatment decision making.
Predictors of early death risk among untransplanted patients with combined immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity: A multicenter report
Authors: Al‐Herz Waleed , Ziyab Ali H. , Adeli Mehdi , Al Farsi Tariq , Al‐Hammadi Suleiman , Al Kuwaiti Amna Ali , Al‐Nesf Maryam , Al Sukaiti Nashat , Al‐Tamemi Salem , Shendi Hiba
Published: December 2022

Background

There is an increased demand for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) to treat various diseases including combined immunodeficiencies (CID), with limited worldwide availability. Variables affecting the decision regarding CID patients' prioritization for HSCT are not known. We aimed to determine general, clinical, and immunologic factors associated with the higher risk of early death (≤6 months after diagnosis) in untransplanted CID patients.

Methods

Data collection was done retrospectively from five centers and included general patients' information, and clinical and laboratory variables. Inclusion criteria were untransplanted patients who are either dead or alive with a follow‐up period ≥6 months after diagnosis.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐six CID patients were reported by participating centers, of whom 111 were included in the study with a cumulative follow‐up period of 278.6 years. Seventy‐two patients died with the median age of death of 10.5 months. 35.1% of the patients succumbed within 6 months after the diagnosis. Having a history of Candida infections, sepsis or hepatomegaly was associated with an increased risk of early death. None of the other general or clinical variables was associated with such risk. Bivariate analysis of lymphocyte subsets showed that patients with the following counts: CD3+ < 100, CD4+ < 200, CD8+ < 50, or CD16+CD56+ <200 cells/μl had increased risk of early death. In adjusted analysis, increased risk of early death was observed among patients with CD3+ count <100 cells/μl.

Conclusion

Combined immunodeficiencies patients with a history of Candida infections, sepsis, hepatomegaly, or severe T‐lymphopenia should be given priority for HSCT to avoid early death.
Auriculotherapy in a patient with Arnold Chiari malformation type II: Case report
Authors: Molena Kelly Fernanda , Paulo Alana Cândido , Borsatto Maria Cristina , Torres Carolina Paes , Díaz‐Serrano Kranya Victoria , Bezerra Segato Raquel Assed , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino
Published: December 2022

Aims: Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic method of traditional Chinese Medicine in which a stimulus is exerted on the ear and activates energy channels throughout the body, helping to control anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, illnesses chronic, and possibly can be used in patient with Arnold Chiari Malformation type II who have painful symptoms that are difficult to resolve. Thus, the aim of this article is to present a case in a patient with Chiari Malformation II where auriculotherapy and effect of laser therapy were performed, to relieve symptoms of agitation, anxiety and healing of self‐mutilation injuries.

Case report: Data from medical records were used to collect medical and dental history, complaints and treatments performed. Eight sessions of auriculotherapy and one of laser therapy were carried out in order to heal the lesions. The patient presented lower levels of anxiety, agitation and ceased the habit of self‐mutilation and, consequently, the pain.

Conclusions: The use of auriculotherapy led to a considerable improvement in the patient's painful condition and reduced anxiety, also benefiting the interaction with her family members and laser therapy promoted wound healing.
Secular trends in 20 m shuttle run test performance of 14‐ to 15‐year‐old adolescents from 1995 to 2020
Authors: Huotari Pertti , Gråstén Arto , Huhtiniemi Mikko , Jaakkola Timo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To investigate whether Finnish adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness measured using the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) changed between 1995 and 2020 and to examine between‐group variation in the five datasets during the past 25 years.

Methods

Data on five cohorts were collected in 1995 (n = 498), 1998 (n = 796), 2003 (n = 2383), 2010 (n = 1383), and 2020 (n = 719). The 20mSRT was administered, following the exact same protocol, to all cohorts. A general linear contrast model was used to examine cohort differences in the 20mSRT scores. Variation across cohorts was tested using chi‐square‐based between‐group tests.

Results

Girls' 20mSRT scores decreased from 1995 to 2010 and remained stable from 2010 to 2020. Boys' 20mSRT scores decreased continuously from 1995 to 2020. In addition, the variation in girls' 20mSRT scores was larger in the 2020 than 2003 cohort, indicating the growth of SRT differences between individuals in 2020 cohort compared to 2003 cohort. Similarly, boys' scores showed greater variation, especially in the 2010 and 2020 cohorts than in the 1998 cohort.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed an overall decline in the cardiorespiratory fitness performance measured by 20mSRT of Finnish adolescents. Boys' scores decreased continuously from 1995 to 2020, whereas girls' scores remained stable after 2010. Examination of the variation in scores further revealed that the gap in scores between the adolescents with the highest and lowest scores increased over time.
Autoploid origin and rapid diploidization of the tetraploid Thinopyrum elongatum revealed by genome differentiation and chromosome pairing in meiosis
Authors: Shi Qinghua , Guo Xianrui , Su Handong , Zhang Yingxin , Hu Zanmin , Zhang Jing , Han Fangpu
Published: December 2022

Polyploidy is a common mode of evolution in flowering plants. Both the natural tetraploid Thinopyrum elongatum and the diploid one from the same population show a diploid‐like pairing in meiosis. However, debate on the chromosome composition and origin of the tetraploid Th. elongatum is ongoing. In the present study, we obtained the induced tetraploid Th. elongatum and found that the induced and natural tetraploids are morphologically close, except for slower development and lower seed setting. Using probes developed from single chromosome microdissection and a Fosmid library, obvious differentiations were discovered between two chromosome sets (E1 and E2) of the natural tetraploid Th. elongatum but not the induced one. Interestingly, hybrid F1 derived from the two different wheat‐tetraploid Th. elongatum amphiploids 8802 and 8803 produced seeds well. More importantly, analysis of meiosis in F2 individuals revealed that chromosomes from E1 and E2 could pair well on the durum wheat background with the presence of Ph1. No chromosome set differentiation on the FISH level was discovered from the S1 to S4 generations in the induced one. In metaphase of the meiosis first division in the natural tetraploid, more pairings were bivalents and fewer quadrivalents with ratio of 13.94 II + 0.03 IV (n = 31). Chromosome pairing configuration in the induced tetraploid is 13.05 II + 0.47 IV (n = 19), with the quadrivalent ratio being only slightly higher than the ratio in the natural tetraploid. Therefore, the natural tetraploid Th. elongatum is of autoploid origin and the induced tetraploid Th. elongatum evolutionarily underwent rapid diploidization in the low generation.