bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence and resource commitment as antecedents of supply chain integration
Authors: Tarifa Fernández Jorge
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and further the existing knowledge on supply chain integration (SCI). This study proposes a model and several hypotheses to better understand some SCI antecedents, dependence and resource commitment and their relationships with performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on diverse theoretical approaches, the author develops and tests an integrated model in which dependence and resource commitment are proposed to enhance external integration, leading to an increase in economic performance. This study's empirical validity is reinforced by collecting data from 142 manufacturing firms in Spain and Germany and testing the model using structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

The results support dependence and resource commitment as antecedents of SCI, both with a positive effect. Also, discrepancies in the effect of external integration on performance are found where supplier integration seems not to have any effect on performance.

Originality/value

This study helps to better understand SCI antecedents. It makes both theoretical and managerial contributions by empirically analyzing both antecedents. This furthers extant knowledge regarding the joined impact of resource commitment and dependence on SCI. In particular, it incorporates resource commitment by considering it as the sacrifice firms need to implement to get involved in a long-term relationship.
Obtaining the most exact Jacobian of the time modelling of power electronics structures for gradient-based optimisations
Authors: Gerbaud Laurent , Diarra Zié Drissa , Chazal Herve , Garbuio Lauric
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to deal with the exact computation of the Jacobian of a time criteria from a numerical simulation of power electronics structures, for the sizing by gradient-based optimization algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Runge Kutta 44 is used to solve the state equations. The generic approach combines numerical and symbolic approaches. The modelling of the static converter is based on ideal switches.

Findings

The paper extends the state equations to derivate any state variable according a sizing parameter. The integral expressions used for some sizing performances (e.g. average or RMS values) mix symbolic and numerical approaches. Choices are made for the derivatives of the extrema of which the search is not a continuous process. The use of an object-oriented implementation allows to have generic formulation of some design performances.

Research limitations/implications

The paper aims to propose and to test formulations of sizing criteria and their gradients; so, the modelling of the study case is carried out manually. Due to generic modelling approach used for the power electronics, the model is not completely continuous. So, the derivatives according some parameters (e.g. switch controls) must be carried out by finite differences. However, as the global behaviour is continuous, it is not critical.

Practical implications

The proposed formulations can be easily applied on simple static converter applications. For applications with large state equations, it should be possible to use the basic model of switches used in simulation tools of power electronics. The solving process and the sizing criteria formulation (with their derivatives) are generic and can be instantiate for any study.

Originality/value

The approach proposes formulations giving a numerical sizing dynamic model with a Jacobian computed, if possible, by an exact derivation useful for optimization studies. The approach gives fast simulation and fast computation of the derivatives by combining numerical and analytical approaches.
Influence of social media adoption on the performance of construction small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Abuja – Nigeria
Authors: Oyewobi Luqman , Adedayo Olatunde Folaranmi , Olorunyomi Seth O. , Jimoh Richard Ajayi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of social media adoption on the performance of construction small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Construction SMEs owners and managers in Nigeria were surveyed using questionnaires to gather data. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess measurement reliability and validity, as well as the hypothesized paths provided in the conceptual model that formed part of the final conclusions.

Findings

The empirical finding showed that social media usage increased knowledge accessibility, reduced costs and improved customer relations and service for organizations. Overall, social media adoption was significantly and positively related to SMEs business performance. Also, the paper revealed that learning capability mediates the relationship between social media and SMEs performance.

Research limitations/implications

Data for the study came from only one industry and one related line of business; thus, including more companies from different sectors or industries could be more interesting. The study's findings contributed to the growing body of knowledge about the impact of social media on the efficiency of businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses also need to understand and recognize the impact of social media on the organization's performance in order to achieve a long-term competitive edge from the adoption of social media.

Practical implications

According to the findings, small construction firms can benefit from marketing the brands through social media channels and improved learning capability. In terms of accessibility, cost savings and improved relationships with customers, research shows that social media promotion can be beneficial to businesses. A study like this has the potential to show how social media can help striving small businesses interact cost-effectively with customers all over the world, opening new doors for sales and continuous improvement.

Originality/value

The relationship between SME performance in Nigeria and the use of social media has received very little attention despite social media's promising potentials, particularly for small businesses. The authors hoped that this study will fill a gap in the authors' understanding of how social media affects the performance of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the construction industry.
When does export customer responsiveness strategy contribute to export market competitive advantage?
Authors: Miocevic Dario , Gnizy Itzhak , Cadogan John W.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of the relationship between export customer responsiveness and export growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses primary data obtained by questioning over 200 exporting firms. The model constructed predicts the export growth of those firms with export customer responsiveness data, together with a variety of moderator and control variables. The model is assessed using multiple regression.

Findings

Exporters with higher levels of export customer responsiveness often have higher export sales growth rates than those with lower levels of export customer responsiveness, but not always. For some firms, the opposite is true, such that those with lower levels of export customer responsiveness outperform those with higher levels.

Originality/value

The study is the first to provide export decision-makers with empirically grounded recommendations regarding (1) when it is advisable to have high export customer responsiveness levels and (2) those situations when firms may benefit from having lower export customer responsiveness levels.
Reliability centered maintenance (RCM): literature review of current industry state of practice
Authors: Geisbush James , Ariaratnam Samuel T.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Reliability centered maintenance (RCM) is a process used to determine activities to be taken to ensure an asset continues to perform asset's function in asset's present operating context by identifying asset's function, failure modes that could preclude performing asset's intended function, prioritizing failure modes and determining effective preventative maintenance tasks that can be cost effectively and efficiently implemented to reduce the likelihood of a failure.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive survey of literature was undertaken to examine the current industry state of practice. Various industries were examined to better understand applications of RCM within the various industry sectors and determine those industries that RCM has not historically been readily adopted. A case study example of RCM applied to radial gates for water control in open channel canals for water conveyance is presented to demonstrate a civil infrastructure application.

Findings

The results found that RCM has been used since RCM's inception in the airline industry during the 1960s to reduce the cost of maintaining aircrafts. Over the past 40 years, an assortment of industries has begun implementing cost effective preventative maintenance tasks identified during RCM analysis. However, there is a noticeable lack of civil assets being analyzed by RCM, such as water conveyance systems and other civil infrastructure systems vital to the health and well-being of today's societies.

Originality/value

The comprehensive literature review of the current state of practice will provide a better understanding of the various applications of RCM to facilitate RCM's application to other industries, thereby reducing failure due to early identification of maintenance tasks. An example RCM demonstrates the application to a radial gate, used in water conveyance for the drinking water and irrigation sectors, which have not historically used RCM for developing maintenance strategies.
Cashless preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic: investigating user intentions to continue UPI-based payment systems in India
Authors: Kirmani Mohd Danish , Haque Md. Asadul , Sadiq Muhammad Ahsan , Hasan Faiz
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing user satisfaction with unified payment interface (UPI)-based payment systems during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The study also aimed to examine whether the user satisfaction with UPI-based payment systems during the COVID-19 pandemic will transform into their continuance intention post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was performed in three phases, i.e. pre-testing (for developing questionnaire), pilot study (using exploratory factor analysis to ensure unidimensionality) and the main study. The main study was based on the feedback from a sample of 369 internet users who first used the UPI-based payment system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data generated were analysed using the structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The study findings suggest that the users who are satisfied with UPI-based transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to continue their use of this payment mode in future. Factors such as post-adoption perceived value, perceived usefulness and post-adoption perceived risk were observed to be key constructs in explaining user satisfaction and continued intention for UPI-based payment systems.

Originality/value

The study is one of the pioneering studies, in the sense that it investigated the continuance intention of UPI-based payment systems, which, surprisingly, did not gain much attention from past researchers.
What is the clinical impact of occult HBV infections and anti‐HBc positivity in patients with chronic hepatitis C?
Authors: Cakal Bulent , Cavus Bilger , Atasoy Alp , Poda Mehves , Bulakci Mesut , Gulluoglu Mine , Demirci Mehmet , Sener Leyla Turker , Altunok Damla , Arslan Asli Berru , Akyuz Filiz
Published: June 2022

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined by the persistence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome in the liver of individuals testing negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) is the serological marker that indicates HBV exposure. The impact of anti‐HBc and OBI on patients with chronic hepatitis C remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anti‐HBc and OBI and to evaluate their impact on the clinical and pathological outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The study included 59 HBsAg‐negative chronic hepatitis C patients who underwent a liver parenchymal biopsy. The presence of HBV DNA was investigated using an in‐house nested PCR method. OBI was detected in 16 (27.1%) of the 59 cases and also in 10 (62.5%) of 22 (37.3%) anti‐HBc‐positive patients. None of the patients had positive serum HBV DNA. OBI was associated with the presence of anti‐HBV antibodies (P < 0.05). There was also an association between anti‐HBc positivity and the activity grades and fibrosis stages of the liver and also a prevalence of liver steatosis (P < 0.05). Positive anti‐HBc results may predict OBI and may also be associated with the progression of liver injury in HBsAg‐negative patients with chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with chronic hepatitis C should be screened for anti‐HBc positivity, and anti‐HBc‐positive patients should be carefully evaluated for disease progression.
Causal inference with observational data in addiction research
Authors: Chan Gary C. K. , Lim Carmen , Sun Tianze , Stjepanovic Daniel , Connor Jason , Hall Wayne , Leung Janni
Published: June 2022

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for making causal inferences, but RCTs are often not feasible in addiction research for ethical and logistic reasons. Observational data from real‐world settings have been increasingly used to guide clinical decisions and public health policies. This paper introduces the potential outcomes framework for causal inference and summarizes well‐established causal analysis methods for observational data, including matching, inverse probability treatment weighting, the instrumental variable method and interrupted time‐series analysis with controls. It provides examples in addiction research and guidance and analysis codes for conducting these analyses with example data sets.
Different segmental resection techniques and postoperative complications in patients with colorectal endometriosis: A systematic review
Authors: Darici Ezgi , Salama Mohamed , Bokor Attila , Oral Engin , Dauser Bernhard , Hudelist Gernot
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature by conducting a systematic review to assess the possible effects of nerve‐sparing segmental resection and conventional bowel resection on postoperative complications for the treatment of colorectal endometriosis.

Material and methods

Pubmed, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched from 1997 to 2021 in order to perform a systematic review. Studies including patients undergoing segmental resection for colorectal endometriosis including adequate follow‐up, data on postoperative complications and postoperative sequelae were enrolled in this review. Selected articles were evaluated and divided in two groups: Nerve‐sparing resection (NSR), and conventional segmental resection not otherwise specified (SRNOS). Within the NSRs, studies mentioning preservation of the rectal artery supply (artery and nerve‐sparing SR – ANSR) and not reporting preservation of the artery supply (NSR not otherwise specified – NSRNOS) were further analyzed. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021250974.

Results

A total of 7549 patients from 63 studies were included in the data analysis. Forty‐three of these publications did not mention the preservation or the removal of the hypogastric nerve plexus, or main rectal artery supply and were summarized as SRNOS. The remaining 22 studies were listed under the NSR group. The mean size of the resected deep endometriosis lesions and patients’ body mass index were comparable between SRNOS and NSR. A mean of 3.6% (0–16.6) and 2.3% (0–10.5%) of rectovaginal fistula development was reported in patients who underwent SRNOS and NSR, respectively. Anastomotic leakage rates varied from 0% to 8.6% (mean 1.7 ± 2%) in SRNOS compared with 0% to 8% (mean 1.7 ± 2%) in patients undergoing NSR. Urinary retention (4.5% and 4.9%) and long‐term bladder catheterization (4.9% and 5.6%) were frequently reported in SRNOS and NSR. There was insufficient information about pain or the recurrence rates for women undergoing SRNOS and NSR.

Conclusions

Current data describe the outcomes of different segmental resection techniques. However, the data are inhomogeneous and not sufficient to reach a conclusion regarding a possible advantage of one technique over the other.
Serological biomarkers of type I, III and IV collagen turnover are associated with the presence and future progression of stricturing and penetrating Crohnʼs disease
Authors: Bourgonje Arno R. , Alexdottir Marta S. , Otten Antonius T. , Loveikyte Roberta , Bay‐Jensen Anne‐Christine , Pehrsson Martin , van Dullemen Hendrik M. , Visschedijk Marijn C. , Festen Eleonora A. M. , Weersma Rinse K. , Karsdal Morten A. , Faber Klaas Nico , Mortensen Joachim H. , Dijkstra Gerard
Published: June 2022

Background

Increased collagen remodelling is a key pathophysiological component underlying intestinal stricture and fistula development in Crohn's disease (CD).

Aims

To investigate associations between serological biomarkers of collagen turnover and disease behaviour according to the Montreal classification in patients with CD.

Methods

Serological biomarkers of type III/IV collagen formation (PRO‐C3, PRO‐C4) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) or granzyme‐B (GrzB)‐mediated type I, III, IV and VI collagen degradation (C1M, C3M, C4M, C4G, C6Ma3) were measured using neo‐epitope protein fingerprint assays in 101 patients with CD (Montreal B1: n = 37; B2: n = 27; B3: n = 37) and 96 controls. Patients were followed up until their last outpatient visit to monitor stricturing/penetrating disease progression and recurrence and the occurrence of surgical interventions.

Results

C1M, C3M and C4M were significantly reduced in patients with stricturing disease (Montreal B2) and accurately differentiated them from patients with either non‐stricturing, non‐penetrating (B1) or penetrating (B3) disease (all p < 0.001, multivariable analysis). Similarly, the type IV collagen formation/degradation (PRO‐C4/C4M) ratio demonstrated high discriminative capacity (B1/B2: AUC = 0.90; B1/B3: AUC = 0.87, both p < 0.001, multivariable analysis). Prospectively, higher baseline levels of C1M and C4G were associated with an increased risk of penetrating disease progression (C4G: hazard ratio [HR] 1.71 [1.05–2.81], p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated degradation of type I, III and IV collagen and excessive (relative) formation of type IV collagen strongly associates with stricturing CD. Type I and IV collagen fragments show predictive potential for the risk of penetrating disease progression. These biomarkers may become valuable tools for detection and prediction of stricturing and penetrating CD.
Computer‐supported knowledge building to enhance reading motivation and comprehension
Authors: Hong Huang‐Yao , Lee Yuan‐Hsuan
Published: June 2022

Reading motivation can greatly impact reading comprehension, but it tends to diminish in and beyond elementary school. This study employs knowledge building pedagogy to advance reading motivation and comprehension in an elementary Chinese language arts class. Participants were twenty‐four third graders who spent one class period (ie, 40 minutes) for 18 weeks in Knowledge Forum to study 10 lessons in a reading textbook. Data mainly came from: a reading motivation questionnaire, online interaction logs, online discourse and PILRS reading comprehension assessments. It was found that knowledge building enhanced children's reading motivation (particularly in terms of reading competence) and reading comprehension (especially at the higher levels). Most students demonstrated spontaneous engagement in advanced online activities demanding high‐level agency. A correlation was also identified between children's motivation to read and more advanced online discourse behaviours requiring higher agency, leading to a deeper understanding of reading. Implications for fostering a motivated reading community that values collective knowledge advancement are discussed.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Innovating classroom‐based instruction for enhancing learners' reading motivation and comprehension has been an important challenge in reading education.

Reading motivation is positively associated with reading comprehension but tends to diminish in and beyond elementary school.

Technology‐supported reading and learning are further enhanced by interactive online discussions among learners.

Engaging learners in collective knowledge building activities can facilitate their reading comprehension.

What this paper adds

Learner engagement in knowledge building activities, particularly advanced online activities, is associated with higher reading motivation (especially intrinsic reading competence).

The process analysis shows that learners' online discourses focus more on higher‐level reading comprehension with extended use of knowledge building pedagogy.

Learners exhibit better reading comprehension across all levels of reading comprehension with the implementation of knowledge building pedagogy.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Knowledge building pedagogy, featuring assuming agency, working with ideas, and fostering community practices, can be a viable approach to reading motivation and comprehension.

The design of digital platforms should aim not just to foster knowledge‐acquiring and ‐sharing from reading but also to extend reading into knowledge building activities that highlight idea improvement.
Status of Southeast Asia's marine sharks and rays
Authors: Clark‐Shen Naomi , Chin Andrew , Arunrugstichai Sirachai , Labaja Jessica , Mizrahi Meira , Simeon Benaya , Hutchinson Neil
Published: June 2022

In Southeast Asia, elasmobranchs are particularly threatened. We synthesized knowledge from the peer‐reviewed and gray literature on elasmobranchs in the region, including their fisheries, status, trade, biology, and management. We found that 59% of assessed species are threatened with extinction and 72.5% are in decline; rays were more threatened than sharks. Research and conservation is complicated by the socioeconomic contexts of the countries, geopolitical issues in the South China Sea, and the overcapacity and multispecies nature of fisheries that incidentally capture elasmobranchs. The general paucity of data, funds, personnel, and enforcement hinders management. Reduced capacity in the general fishery sector and marine protected areas of sufficient size (for elasmobranchs and local enforcement capabilities) are among recommendations to strengthen conservation.
Diet analysis of bats killed at wind turbines suggests large‐scale losses of trophic interactions
Authors: Scholz Carolin , Voigt Christian C.
Published: June 2022

Agricultural practice has led to landscape simplification and biodiversity decline, yet recently, energy‐producing infrastructures, such as wind turbines, have been added to these simplified agroecosystems, turning them into multi‐functional energy‐agroecosystems. Here, we studied the trophic interactions of bats killed at wind turbines using a DNA metabarcoding approach to shed light on how turbine‐related bat fatalities may possibly affect local habitats. Specifically, we identified insect DNA in the stomachs of common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) killed by wind turbines in Germany to infer in which habitats these bats hunted. Common noctule bats consumed a wide variety of insects from different habitats, ranging from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., wetlands, farmland, forests, and grasslands). Agricultural and silvicultural pest insects made up about 20% of insect species consumed by the studied bats. Our study suggests that the potential damage of wind energy production goes beyond the loss of bats and the decline of bat populations. Bat fatalities at wind turbines may lead to the loss of trophic interactions and ecosystem services provided by bats, which may add to the functional simplification and impaired crop production, respectively, in multi‐functional ecosystems.
Biolink Model: A universal schema for knowledge graphs in clinical, biomedical, and translational science
Authors: Unni Deepak R. , Moxon Sierra A. T. , Bada Michael , Brush Matthew , Bruskiewich Richard , Caufield J. Harry , Clemons Paul A. , Dancik Vlado , Dumontier Michel , Fecho Karamarie , Glusman Gustavo , Hadlock Jennifer J. , Harris Nomi L. , Joshi Arpita , Putman Tim , Qin Guangrong , Ramsey Stephen A. , Shefchek Kent A. , Solbrig Harold , Soman Karthik , Thessen Anne E. , Haendel Melissa A. , Bizon Chris , Mungall Christopher J. ,   The Biomedical Data Translator Consortium
Published: June 2022

Within clinical, biomedical, and translational science, an increasing number of projects are adopting graphs for knowledge representation. Graph‐based data models elucidate the interconnectedness among core biomedical concepts, enable data structures to be easily updated, and support intuitive queries, visualizations, and inference algorithms. However, knowledge discovery across these “knowledge graphs” (KGs) has remained difficult. Data set heterogeneity and complexity; the proliferation of ad hoc data formats; poor compliance with guidelines on findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability; and, in particular, the lack of a universally accepted, open‐access model for standardization across biomedical KGs has left the task of reconciling data sources to downstream consumers. Biolink Model is an open‐source data model that can be used to formalize the relationships between data structures in translational science. It incorporates object‐oriented classification and graph‐oriented features. The core of the model is a set of hierarchical, interconnected classes (or categories) and relationships between them (or predicates) representing biomedical entities such as gene, disease, chemical, anatomic structure, and phenotype. The model provides class and edge attributes and associations that guide how entities should relate to one another. Here, we highlight the need for a standardized data model for KGs, describe Biolink Model, and compare it with other models. We demonstrate the utility of Biolink Model in various initiatives, including the Biomedical Data Translator Consortium and the Monarch Initiative, and show how it has supported easier integration and interoperability of biomedical KGs, bringing together knowledge from multiple sources and helping to realize the goals of translational science.
Motor development in infants with complex congenital heart disease: A longitudinal study
Authors: Huisenga Darlene , la Bastide‐van Gemert Sacha , Van Bergen Andrew H. , Sweeney Jane K. , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: June 2022

Aim

To evaluate whether infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) have an increased risk of impaired quality of motor behavior and delayed motor milestones.

Method

A cohort of 69 infants with CCHD (43 males, 26 females) were assessed with the Infant Motor Profile (IMP) at three time periods between 6 to 18 months, mean ages in months (SD): 6.4 (0.7); 12.7 (1.0); 18.5 (0.7) IMP data were available from a reference sample of 300 Dutch infants. Analyses included multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate differences in IMP scores below the 15th centile between children with CCHD and the reference group, and linear mixed‐effects models to assess the effect of ventricular physiology and systemic oxygen saturation (SpO2) of less than 90% on IMP outcomes.

Results

Infants with CCHD had increased risks of total IMP scores below the 15th centile (lowest odds ratio [OR] at 18mo: 6.82 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.87–16.19]), especially because of lower scores in the domains of variation, adaptability, and performance. Children with single ventricle CCHD scored consistently 3.03% (95% CI 1.00–5.07) lower than those with two ventricle physiology, mainly from contributions of the variation and performance domains. SpO2 of less than 90% was associated with 2.52% (95% CI 0.49–4.54) lower IMP scores.

Interpretation

CCHD, especially single ventricle physiology, increases risk of impaired motor development.

What this paper adds

Complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) substantially increases risk of impaired motor development.

CCHD is associated with motor delay and reduced motor variation and adaptability.

Single ventricle physiology increases the risk of impaired motor behavior.
Non‐invasive electrical stimulation in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia and spasticity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mai Aaron Shengting , Yong Jung Hahn , Lim Oliver Zi Hern , Tan Eng‐King
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

There are limited treatment options for patients with neurodegenerative ataxia and spasticity. Non‐invasive electrostimulation (NES) is receiving increasing interest because of its ease of implementation, cost‐effectiveness and safety. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of NES.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase were screened for studies using NES in ataxias and spasticity. Key outcome measurements of effectiveness included changes in (1) Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores, (2) cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI), (3) the nine‐hole peg test (9HPT), (4) the 8‐m walking time (8MWT), (5) International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) score and (6) the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials involving 203 patients were included. There were significant improvements in MAS (mean difference [MD] −0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.76 to −0.08, p = 0.015), CBI (MD −0.35%, 95% CI −0.42 to −0.28, p < 0.001), 8MWT (MD −1.88 s, 95% CI −3.26 to −0.49, p = 0.008), ICARS (MD −7.84, 95% CI −11.90 to −3.78, p < 0.001) and SARA (MD −3.01, 95% CI −4.74 to −1.28, p < 0.001). There was almost no heterogeneity across all outcomes except for CBI (I2 = 79%). No significant changes in the 9HPT were observed comparing NES to a sham procedure (MD −3.52 s, 95% CI −9.15 to 2.10, p = 0.220). Most included studies were at low risk of bias, and no severe adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

It was demonstrated that NES is an effective treatment for improving coordination and balance and increased exercise capacity in patients with ataxia and spasticity. There was also a significant modulation of CBI in ataxic patients.
Development and validation of machine learning models for prediction of seizure outcome after pediatric epilepsy surgery
Authors: Yossofzai Omar , Fallah Aria , Maniquis Cassia , Wang Shelly , Ragheb John , Weil Alexander G. , Brunette‐Clement Tristan , Andrade Andrea , Ibrahim George M. , Mitsakakis Nicholas , Widjaja Elysa
Published: June 2022

Objective

There is substantial variability in reported seizure outcome following pediatric epilepsy surgery, and lack of individualized predictive tools that could evaluate the probability of seizure freedom postsurgery. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a supervised machine learning (ML) model for predicting seizure freedom after pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study of children who underwent epilepsy surgery at five pediatric epilepsy centers in North America. Clinical information, diagnostic investigations, and surgical characteristics were collected, and used as features to predict seizure‐free outcome 1 year after surgery. The dataset was split randomly into 80% training and 20% testing data. Thirty‐five combinations of five feature sets with seven ML classifiers were assessed on the training cohort using 10‐fold cross‐validation for model development. The performance of the optimal combination of ML classifier and feature set was evaluated in the testing cohort, and compared with logistic regression, a classical statistical approach.

Results

Of the 801 patients included, 61.3% were seizure‐free 1 year postsurgery. During model development, the best combination was XGBoost ML algorithm with five features from the univariate feature set, including number of antiseizure medications, magnetic resonance imaging lesion, age at seizure onset, video‐electroencephalography concordance, and surgery type, with a mean area under the curve (AUC) of .73 (95% confidence interval [CI] = .69–.77). The combination of XGBoost and univariate feature set was then evaluated on the testing cohort and achieved an AUC of .74 (95% CI = .66–.82; sensitivity = .87, 95% CI = .81–.94; specificity = .58, 95% CI = .47–.71). The XGBoost model outperformed the logistic regression model (AUC = .72, 95% CI = .63–.80; sensitivity = .72, 95% CI = .63–.82; specificity = .66, 95% CI = .53–.77) in the testing cohort (p = .005).

Significance

This study identified important features and validated an ML algorithm, XGBoost, for predicting the probability of seizure freedom after pediatric epilepsy surgery. Improved prognostication of epilepsy surgery is critical for presurgical counseling and will inform treatment decisions.
The King's aquatic desires: 16th‐century fish and crayfish introductions into Spain
Authors: Clavero Miguel
Published: June 2022

Humans have introduced species out of their native areas for millennia, and characterising these historical introductions can provide insights into the long‐term progress of invasion processes. Here, archival sources and other historical documents are used to describe the motivations, negotiations and actions leading to fish and crayfish introductions into Spain in the second half of the 16th century. King Philip II of Spain brought to the Iberian Peninsula several gardening customs from central Europe, including the construction of fish ponds and their stocking with different aquatic species, many of which were naturally absent from Iberia. These interests led to the introduction of pike (Esox Lucius, Esocidae), common carp (Cyprinus carpio, Cyprinidae), tench (Tinca tinca, Cyprinidae) and Italian crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus, Astacidae). Historical documents allowed describing introduction events, their early management and their outcomes with high temporal, spatial and taxonomic precision. These results introduce a centuries‐long view on the history of the presence of these introduced species in the Iberian Peninsula, where they have all been successful invaders in different historical periods. This work exemplifies the large potential of archival documents to inform about long‐term human–nature relationships, with implications for present‐day environmental management (e.g. setting conservation targets). However, this potential has been only sparsely explored, arguably due to the lack of interactions between humanities and natural sciences. Interdisciplinary historical ecology research should be promoted in order to build robust and applicable knowledge on the long‐term variability of ecosystems and their biota.
Befovacimab, an anti‐tissue factor pathway inhibitor antibody: Early termination of the multiple‐dose, dose‐escalating Phase 2 study due to thrombosis
Authors: Mancuso Maria Elisa , Ingham Sheila J. M. , Kunze Marc
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Befovacimab (formerly BAY 1093884) is a fully human monoclonal antibody able to bind to tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and developed as a non‐replacement therapy for individuals with haemophilia A/B, with or without inhibitors.

Aim

To assess the safety of multiple escalating doses of befovacimab in individuals with severe haemophilia A/B with or without inhibitors.

Methods

In this non‐randomised, open‐label Phase 2 study (NCT03597022), adult males with <1% factor VIII or <2% factor IX and ≥4 bleeds in the previous six months were enrolled in three dose cohorts (100/225/400 mg). Participants received befovacimab subcutaneously once weekly. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included annualised bleeding rate (ABR) and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of befovacimab.

Results

A total of 24 participants (n = 8 in each dose cohort) were treated for 2–47 weeks. Patients treated with 100 mg and 225 mg doses of befovacimab demonstrated improved bleeding control compared with pre‐study bleeding rates, with a dose‐dependent effect. Dosing was suspended and the study prematurely terminated following three drug‐related thrombotic serious adverse events (SAEs): two at the 225 mg dose and one at the 400 mg dose. These occurred in the absence of bleeding episodes or concomitant use of replacement/bypass therapies. No laboratory abnormalities were observed, and PK/PD data did not show correlation between SAE occurrence and levels of circulating befovacimab or free TFPI.

Conclusion

Despite favourable initial results from preclinical and clinical studies, a positive safety profile of befovacimab was not confirmed. The lack of SAE‐related laboratory abnormalities or differentiating PK/PD characteristics in participants experiencing SAEs raises concerns about the predictability of thrombosis following befovacimab treatment and emphasises the need for further investigation into the therapeutic window of anti‐TFPI treatment.
Correlates of protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Goldblatt David , Alter Galit , Crotty Shane , Plotkin Stanley A.
Published: June 2022

Antibodies against epitopes in S1 give the most accurate CoP against infection by the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus. Measurement of those antibodies by neutralization or binding assays both have predictive value, with binding antibody titers giving the highest statistical correlation. However, the protective functions of antibodies are multiple. Antibodies with multiple functions other than neutralization influence efficacy. The role of cellular responses can be discerned with respect to CD4+ T cells and their augmentation of antibodies, and with respect to CD8+ cells with regard to control of viral replication, particularly in the presence of insufficient antibody. More information is needed on mucosal responses.
Dynamic utilization of low-molecular-weight organic substrates across a microbial growth rate gradient
Authors: Cyle K. Taylor , Klein Annaleise R. , Aristilde Ludmilla , Martínez Carmen Enid
Published: June 2022

Aim

Low-molecular-weight organic substances (LMWOSs) are at the nexus between micro-organisms, plant roots, detritus, and the soil mineral matrix. The nominal oxidation state of carbon (NOSC) has been suggested as a potential parameter for modelling microbial uptake rates of LMWOSs and the efficiency of carbon incorporation into new biomass.

Methods and Results

In this study, we assessed the role of compound class and oxidation state on uptake kinetics and substrate-specific carbon use efficiency (SUE) during the growth of three model soil micro-organisms, a fungal isolate (Penicillium spinulosum) and two bacterial isolates (Paraburkholderia solitsugae, and Ralstonia pickettii). Isolates were chosen that spanned a growth rate gradient (0.046–0.316 h−1) in media containing 34 common LMWOSs at realistically low initial concentrations (25 μM each). Clustered, co-utilization of LMWOSs occurred for all three organisms. Potential trends (p < 0.05) for early utilization of more oxidized substrates were present for the two bacterial isolates (P. solitsugae and R. pickettii), but high variability (R2 < 0.15) and a small effect of NOSC indicate these relationships are not useful for prediction. The SUEs of selected substrates ranged from 0.16 to 0.99 and there was no observed relationship between NOSC and SUE.

Conclusion

Our results do not provide compelling population-level support for NOSC as a predictive tool for either uptake kinetics or the efficiency of use of LMWOS in soil solution.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Metabolic strategies of organisms are likely more important than chemical identity in determining LMWOS cycling in soils. Previous community-level observations may be biased towards fast-responding bacterial community members.
Antibiofilm mechanism of a novel milk-derived antimicrobial peptide against Staphylococcus aureus by downregulating agr quorum sensing system
Authors: Li Yufang , Li Shijun , Yang Kun , Guo Rongxiang , Zhu Xin , Shi Yanan , Huang Aixiang
Published: June 2022

Aims

Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a serious threat to food safety owing to biofilm formation. The study aimed to examine the antibiofilm mechanism of a novel milk-derived antimicrobial peptide BCp12 against it.

Methods and results

Antibiofilm activity of BCp12 was studied by crystal violet staining, MTT assay, motility, SEM and CLSM. TMT proteome, real-time PCR and molecular docking in silico were conducted to evaluate the mechanism of BCp12 against S. aureus biofilm. The results showed that BCp12 had significant antibiofilm activity at 1 × MIC and sub-MIC. BCp12 induced the dispersion of structure of S. aureus biofilm BCp12 inhibited the movement of S. aureus. A total of 703 proteins were downregulated and 334 proteins were upregulated after BCp12 treatment. The proteins (agrA, agrB, agrC and psmβ) of the QS systems were downregulated. Additionally, the expression of the agr-related genes, agrA, agrB, agrC and psmβ, was downregulated. BCp12 was bound to the receptor proteins agrA and agrC through hydrogen bonds and π–π bonds.

Conclusions

The results showed the antibiofilm activity of BCp12 and it inhibits the biofilm formation by interfering agr QS system.

Significance and Impact of Study

BCp12 has the potential to be a novel antibiofilm agent against S. aureus biofilm and used in the food industry.
Multistage semisupervised active learning framework for crack identification, segmentation, and measurement of bridges
Authors: Zheng Yue , Gao Yuqing , Lu Shiyuan , Mosalam Khalid M.
Published: June 2022

In bridge health monitoring (BHM), crack identification and width measurement are two of the most important indices for evaluating the functionality of bridges. In order to reduce the labor cost in field detection, researchers have proposed a variety of deep learning (DL)‐based detection techniques for crack recognition. However, some problems still exist in extending these techniques to practical applications, such as data annotation difficulty, limited model generalization ability, and inaccuracy of the DL identification of the actual crack width measurement. In this paper, an application‐oriented multistage crack recognition framework is proposed, namely, Convolutional Active Learning Identification‐Segmentation‐Measurement (CAL‐ISM). It includes four steps: (1) pretraining of the benchmark classification model, (2) retraining of the semisupervised active learning model, (3) pixel‐level crack segmentation, and (4) crack width measurement. Beyond numerical experiments, the performance of the CAL‐ISM is validated for practical applications: (i) bridge column test specimen and (ii) field BHM projects. In conclusion, the obtained results from these applications shed light on the high potential of CAL‐ISM for BHM applications, which is recommended in future deployments for BHM.
Exploring epigenomic mechanisms of neural tube defects using multi‐omics methods and data
Authors: Huang Wanqi , Yuan Zhengwei , Gu Hui
Published: June 2022

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a heterogeneous set of malformations attributed to disruption in normal neural tube closure during early embryogenesis. An in‐depth understanding of NTD etiology and mechanisms remains elusive, however. Among the proposed mechanisms, epigenetic changes are thought to play an important role in the formation of NTDs. Epigenomics covers a wide spectrum of genomic DNA sequence modifications that can be investigated via high‐throughput techniques. Recent advances in epigenomic technologies have enabled epigenetic studies of congenital malformations and facilitated the integration of big data into the understanding of NTDs. Herein, we review clinical epigenomic data that focuses on DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNA alterations in human neural tissues, placental tissues, and leukocytes to explore potential mechanisms by which candidate genes affect human NTD pathogenesis. We discuss the links between epigenomics and gene regulatory mechanisms, and the effects of epigenetic alterations in human tissues on neural tube closure.
Human duodenal organoid‐derived monolayers serve as a suitable barrier model for duodenal tissue
Authors: Weiß Franziska , Holthaus David , Kraft Martin , Klotz Christian , Schneemann Martina , Schulzke Jörg D. , Krug Susanne M.
Published: June 2022

Usually, duodenal barriers are investigated using intestinal cell lines like Caco‐2, which in contrast to native tissue are limited in cell‐type representation. Organoids can consist of all intestinal cell types and are supposed to better reflect the in vivo situation. Growing three‐dimensionally, with the apical side facing the lumen, application of typical physiological techniques to analyze the barrier is difficult. Organoid‐derived monolayers (ODMs) were developed to overcome this. After optimizing culturing conditions, ODMs were characterized and compared to Caco‐2 and duodenal tissue. Tight junction composition and appearance were analyzed, and electrophysiological barrier properties, like paracellular and transcellular barrier function and macromolecule permeability, were evaluated. Furthermore, transcriptomic data were analyzed. ODMs had tight junction protein expression and paracellular barrier properties much more resembling the originating tissue than Caco‐2. Transcellular barrier was similar between ODMs and native tissue but was increased in Caco‐2. Transcriptomic data showed that Caco‐2 expressed fewer solute carriers than ODMs and native tissue. In conclusion, while Caco‐2 cells differ mostly in transcellular properties, ODMs reflect trans‐ and paracellular properties of the originating tissue. If cultured under optimized conditions, ODMs possess reproducible functionality, and the variety of different cell types makes them a suitable model for human tissue‐specific investigations.
Parliamentary Hansard records and epicentral influence in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
Authors: Smith Adam , Korhonen Minna
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the possibility of epicentral influence from two endonormative varieties of English – Australian English (AusE) and New Zealand English (NZE) – on a norm‐developing variety, Papua New Guinean English (PNGE). Through a keyword analysis of recent parliamentary Hansard data, we are able to identify some structural language features that distinguish the Pacific varieties from British English (BrE) – the use of got, going (to) and choice of pronoun case. While each of these features showed the Pacific varieties to have shared usage patterns that distinguished them from BrE, a diachronic analysis of them for AusE and NZE did not produce clear patterns from which a source of epicentral influence could be identified. Further study, with more detailed diachronic data, could well prove useful in explaining current trends and identifying whether AusE or NZE act as epicentres within the Pacific region.