bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Important factors in measuring learners' satisfaction and continuance intention in open and distance learning (ODL) institutions
Authors: Masrani Saiful Ahmad , Mohd Amin Mohd Rushidi , Sivakumaran Vinesh Maran , Piaralal Shishi Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore and establish the relationships between justice dimensions, expectation-confirmation model (ECM) and continuance intention and also to examine the mediating effect of learners’ satisfaction and perceived usefulness toward continuance intentions of the university learning management system (LMS) within open and distance learning (ODL) context.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design was used, and the data were collected from a sample of 366 respondents utilizing the online survey questionnaire approach. Hypotheses were tested using the partial least square (PLS) SEM technique.

Findings

The findings reveal that justice dimensions (distributive, procedural, interpersonal and informational justice) have a significant relationship with learners’ satisfaction. Performance confirmation have significant relationship with learners’ satisfaction and perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness has a direct significant relationship toward learners’ satisfaction, and learners’ satisfaction has a direct significant relationship toward continuance intention. For mediation analysis, learners’ satisfaction was found to have a mediation effect in the relationship between the justice dimensions and continuance intention. Learners’ satisfaction was also found to have a mediation effect on the relationship between performance conformation and continuance intention. However, learners’ satisfaction was found not to have a mediation effect on the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention, and perceived usefulness does not have a mediation effect in the relationship of performance confirmation and learners’ satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge and provides valuable insights to practitioners and academic scholars to have a better understanding of the effective attributes of the university LMS, and also to maximize the revenues and the sustainability of the institutions in long term, especially in the 21st century.
Reconfigurable wheel-crawler-integrated walking mechanism design and kinetic analysis
Authors: Zhou Pengfei , Tang Shufeng , Liu Yubin , Zhao Jie , Sun Zaiyong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to the complex and unpredictable terrain environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scientific research station, such as cement road, wetland, gravel desert, snowfield, ice surface, grassland, slimy ground, steep slope, step, etc., a reconfigurable walking mechanism based on two movement modes of wheel and triangular crawler was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the deformation mechanism of the walking mechanism, a reconfigurable wheel-crawler-integrated walking mechanism and the configuration scheme are designed. The analysis of the kinematics and mechanical properties of the swing arm system and the deformation mechanism of the walking mechanism.

Findings

The reconfigurable wheel-crawler-integrated walking mechanism can be switched between the wheel and triangular crawler modes by driving the deformation mechanism. Through the numerical simulation of its movement process, and the trial production and experiment of the prototype, indicates the validity of the reconfigurable wheel-crawler-integrated walking mechanism design.

Originality/value

The work of this paper provides a reconfigurable wheel-crawler-integrated-walking mechanism, which can be used by robots in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scientific research station. It has excellent reconfigurability and can effectively improve the robot’s adaptability to complex terrain.
Proposing a conceptual model of the sustainable digital supply chain in manufacturing companies: a qualitative approach
Authors: Ahmad Amouei Mahdieh , Valmohammadi Changiz , Fathi Kiamars
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In the digital age, emerging technologies have affected every industry. Information and communications technology and digital technologies have transformed traditional supply chains into smart and more resilient ones, enabling effective management of challenges. Given the importance of the two topics, namely sustainable supply chain management and Industry 4.0 in supply chain management, on the one hand, and the dearth of theoretical research performed in this area on the other, this study aims to propose a conceptual model on a sustainable digital supply chain management in manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a qualitative approach. First, an in-depth review of the relevant literature was done. Then, following a multi-grounded theory methodology, relevant data were gathered by reviewing 92 papers and conducting nine semi-structured interviews with industry experts. These data were analyzed using the MAXQDA software.

Findings

A total of 41 concepts, ten sub-components and three main components (dimensions) were extracted, and the proposed conceptual model was presented. Finally, based on this conceptual model, three propositions were suggested.

Research limitations/implications

Considering that the present study was performed in the context of Iranian manufacturing companies, caution should be exercised in relation to the generalizability of the obtained results. Also, due to the problems in the digital technology infrastructure and the limited use of these technologies by manufacturing companies (emphasized by the interviewees), this study focused on the theoretical dimension of using digital technologies by these companies.

Practical implications

The proposed comprehensive model can help academicians as well as practitioners to focus better and explore the variables and constructs of the model, paving the way toward successful implementation of digital technologies in the manufacturing supply chain.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is among the first of its kind which presents a holistic and comprehensive digital supply chain model aimed at guiding companies to consider sustainability from all the main dimensions and their relevant indicators.
Global hidden factors predicting financial distress in Gulf Arab states: a quantile–time–frequency analysis
Authors: Trabelsi Nader
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to uncover the main predictors of financial distress in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using a wide range of global factors and asset classes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses novel approaches that take into account extreme events as well as the nonlinear behavior of time series over various time intervals (i.e. short, medium and long term) and during boom and bust episodes. This study primarily uses the conditional value at risk (CoVaR), the quantile multivariate causality test and the partial wavelet coherence method. The data collection period ranges from March 2014 to September 2022.

Findings

US T-bills and gold are the primary factors that can increase financial stability in the GCC region, according to VaRs and CoVaRs. More proof of the predictive value of the oil, gold and wheat markets, as well as geopolitical tensions, uncertainty over US policy and volatility in the oil and US equities markets, is provided by the multivariate causality test. When low extreme quantiles or cross extreme quantiles are taken into account, these results are substantial and sturdy. Lastly, after adjusting for the effect of crude oil prices, this study’s wavelet coherence results indicate diminished long-run connections between the GCC stock market and the chosen global determinants.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the implications of the author’s research for decision makers, there are some limitations mainly related to the selection of Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) GCC ex-Saudi Arabia. Considering the economic importance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the region, the author believes that it would be better to include this country in the data to obtain more robust results. In addition, there is evidence in the literature of the existence of heterogeneous responses to global shocks; some markets are more vulnerable than others. This is another limitation of this study, as this study considers the GCC as a bloc rather than each country individually. These limitations could open up further research opportunities.

Originality/value

These findings are important for investors seeking to manage their portfolios under extreme market conditions. They are also important for government policies aimed at mitigating the impact of external shocks.
Investigation of effective factors on WOM in the context of reasoned action theory of tourists preferring local restaurants: Afyonkarahisar case
Authors: Baydeniz Erdem , Türkoğlu Turgut , Aytekin Engin , Pamukcu Hüseyin , Sandikci Mustafa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study attempts to ascertain how behavioral intention and word-of-mouth communication is affected by belonging, attitude toward behavior and subjective norm found in the theory of reasoned action. The research universe consists of customers visiting local restaurants operating in Afyonkarahisar.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey technique was used to collect data from customers visiting local restaurants between 05 September and 05 November 2022, using the convenience sampling method. The acquired data (n = 385) were analyzed using the structural equation model and the SmartPLS statistical tool.

Findings

The study findings indicate that behavioral intention is positively and significantly influenced by behavioral attitude, subjective norm and behavioral norm, but not by belonging. However, behavioral intention significantly and favorably influences word-of-mouth. When the indirect effect of study findings was analyzed, it was showcased that behavioral intention and attitude indirectly influence subjective norm and word-of-mouth communication, but belonging has no such effect.

Practical implications

The results suggest that businesses should focus on using local products as customers have a positive attitude toward them and provide customers with a sense of belonging to increase word-of-mouth communication. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of subjective norms in shaping customers' intentions and behavior toward local products.

Originality/value

The contribution of this article is valuable in terms of meeting this quest of visitors who have the motivation to introduce and experience the local culture, especially the Reasoned Action Theory of Word-of-Mouth communication approach of the customers, who play an essential role in the promotion and marketing of local restaurants selling local products, and to make a difference in their travels. Findings indicate that businesses should use local products, and customers need a sense of belonging. However, there is a subjective norm and attitude toward local products, and they should provide the necessary tendencies to gain a sense of belonging.
Virtual currencies and money laundering: existing and prospects for jurisdictions that comprehensively prohibited virtual currencies like Pakistan
Authors: Sultan Nasir , Mohamed Norazida , Martin Mervyn , Latif Hafizah Mohd
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations on virtual currencies (VCs) and how Pakistan has responded to them.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative document and jurisprudence analysis techniques were used to achieve the study’s goal.

Findings

According to this study, VCs are modern FinTech that no jurisdiction can ignore. However, Pakistan has not adopted regulations to govern VCs but comprehensively prohibits their use. It is primarily due to the apathy of various regimes and regulators. Furthermore, the geographical location, undocumented economy and rampant corruption could facilitate the abuse of VCs for money laundering.

Originality/value

This study has provided a significant overview for developing regulations for VCs in Pakistan and other developing jurisdictions with the same characteristics.
Wikipedia and large language models: perfect pairing or perfect storm?
Authors: Thomas Paul A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential benefits and challenges of using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to edit Wikipedia.

Design/methodology/approach

The first portion of this paper provides background about Wikipedia and LLMs, explicating briefly how each works. The paper's second section then explores both the ways that LLMs can be used to make Wikipedia a stronger site and the challenges that these technologies pose to Wikipedia editors. The paper's final section explores the implications for information professionals.

Findings

This paper argues that LLMs can be used to proofread Wikipedia articles, outline potential articles and generate usable Wikitext. The pitfalls include the technology's potential to generate text that is plagiarized or violates copyright, its tendency to produce “original research” and its tendency to generate incorrect or biased information.

Originality/value

While there has been limited discussion among Wikipedia editors about the use of LLMs when editing the site, hardly any scholarship has been given to how these models can impact Wikipedia's development and quality. This paper thus aims to fill this gap in knowledge by examining both the potential benefits and pitfalls of using LLMs on Wikipedia.
Preparation of epoxy-based silicone prepolymers with applications in UV-curable coatings
Authors: Bian Fuping , Lin Shudong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects on coatings performance in the epoxy silicone resin system owing to the existence of the different chain length of open-chain epoxy monomer. In this paper, [4-Methylphenyl-(4–(2-methylpropyl) phenyl)]iodonium as photoinitiator was added into epoxy silicone resin by ultraviolet (UV)-cured polymerization to investigate the effects on coatings performance owing to the existence of the different chain length of open-chain epoxy monomer.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple hydrosilylation reaction was used to synthesize epoxy-based silicone prepolymers by using hydrogen-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, 1,2-epoxy-5-hexene, 1,2-epoxy-7-octene and 1,2-epoxy-9-decene as precursors.

Findings

The results revealed that the glass transition temperatures (Tg) and hydrophobicity increased with the chain length of open-chain epoxy monomer in the UV curable epoxy-based silicone coatings, and these films had excellent heat resistance, hydrophobicity, antigraffiti and ink removal properties.

Research limitations/implications

The cationic photocuring systems are not susceptible to the effect of oxygen inhibition. However, the limitation of cationic light curing process is that it requires a long curing time.

Originality/value

The coatings prepared via the UV curing approach can provide superior antismudge effects, and thus they are promising candidates for use in various industries, especially in fields such as antismudge coatings and antigraffiti coatings.
Quality of the accounting programmes of private universities in Ghana: alumni group perspectives
Authors: Bruce-Twum Ernest
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Private universities in Ghana are perceived to offer low-quality education, even though the few studies conducted have produced contradictory findings. In addition to the paucity of research in this area, the debate has not largely reflected the views of alumni. This study aims to present the perspectives of a major stakeholder group in education on the quality of the accounting programme offered by a chartered private university in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was sent to 150 alumni from a private university who graduated between 2011 and 2015 to gather data and analysed using descriptive statistical methods and hierarchical factor analysis.

Findings

In contrast to the perception of low-quality programmes in private universities in Ghana, the alumni group believed that the private institution offered good-quality accounting programmes. The accounting programme was accessed to be fit for its purpose, and it has generally transformed the lives of the alumni group, thus making the programme meet their quality expectations.

Practical implications

The study’s findings are an important contribution to the debate on the quality of private universities programmes in general and specifically in accounting.

Originality/value

Although some research has been done on quality assurances and accounting programmes in public universities in Ghana, the authors know very little about the quality in private universities. The study presents the opinions of an alumni group on the controversy over private universities quality of education. This study closes a gap in the literature.
Conclusion: what is the impact of luxury yachting on the well-being of consumers and relevant stakeholders?
Authors: Gladkikh Tatiana , Séraphin Hugues
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This concluding paper offers an overview of the academic and practitioner approaches to the issue of well-being in the luxury yachting sector of tourism, highlighting the significance of the theme issue. The paper proposes a Model of Luxury Yachting Research illustrating the relationship between the areas directly affecting well-being and suggests that the Model can serve as a road map for further research in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that luxury yachting could be considered as a form of tourism which contributes to the well-being of a wide range of stakeholders relevant to the sector, and not only to those who experience their holidays on board luxury yachts. It builds on the range of contributions in this theme issue, using a synthesis of the knowledge generated from this publication.

Findings

The paper argues that luxury yachting as a specific and unique sector of tourism, which presents itself as a meta economic sector, is representative of the evolution of global finance and the global economy. Additionally, luxury yachting can act as a transformative societal force which positively encompasses and impacts its relevant stakeholders and sectors. The synthesises of the articles presented in this issue identifies four main areas of further academic enquiry in the field.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it presents luxury yachting as a prism which enables the investigation of the issue of well-being in the context of luxury tourism. This theme issue has addressed the well-being aspect of the luxury yachting tourism and, by doing so, has emphasised the significance of luxury yachting as a field of research which is ripe for extensive academic investigation. The outcomes of the issue have informed the Model of Luxury Yachting Research, a road map which is offered as a guide for further research in the field of luxury tourism.
The emergence of virtual influencers: a shift in the influencer marketing paradigm
Authors: Jhawar Anand , Kumar Prashant , Varshney Sanjeev
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to gain insights into the rise of virtual social media influencers and identify the significant theories governing virtual influencers’ (VIs) interaction with followers on social media platforms. Studies on VI being scarce in marketing literature, the authors attempt to propose a theoretical model to understand the acceptance of VIs by social media users (SMUs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structured literature review and a case study approach, a conceptual model is developed and propositions are offered.

Findings

Parasocial interaction (PSI) between the SMU and VIs builds up source credibility, thereby leading to the acceptance of VIs. Thus, the authors establish that PSI and source credibility theory combine to explain the acceptance of VIs by SMUs. Furthermore, similarity with the VI is another added dimension of source credibility, as suggested by this study. A comparative analysis of the growth of five major VIs elucidates that the fashion, electronic, tourism and health-care industries can use them for promotions and as influencers, especially for luxury products.

Research limitations/implications

VIs are a potent tool to achieve improved brand awareness and to target young consumers (especially Gen Y and Gen Z – millennials).

Originality/value

The emergence of VIs being recent; little is comprehended about their interaction with SMUs. Hence, it becomes important to delineate the foundations of VI–SMU interaction. Thus, this study addresses the gap in identifying the theoretical background and proposes a conceptual model elucidating VI acceptance by SMUs.
A posteriori insertion of information for focusing and time–depth conversion of ground‐penetrating radar data
Authors: Persico Raffaele , Marasco Francesco , Morelli Gianfranco , Esposito Giuseppe , Catapano Ilaria
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with ground‐penetrating radar prospecting and exploits a semi‐heuristic strategy to account for inhomogeneous background media, empty cavities or topography of the surface. We assume here that no more than a commercial processing software is available. Customarily, commercial codes assume a homogeneous soil and a flat interface in order to achieve the focusing of the data. Therefore, this is also the model exploited here, whereas the data are referred to an inhomogeneous soil or to a non‐flat interface. The proposed strategy exploits the principle that ‘the data speak’, even if with some ambiguity and some reticence, and they can reveal or at least suggest important features of the underground scenario. On this basis, heuristically, we exploit features derived from the data themselves as a posteriori information, improving the available focusing and time–depth conversion even having at disposal a basic model of the background scenario.
Spatiotemporal isolation of oilseed rape fields reduces insect pest pressure and crop damage
Authors: Boetzl Fabian A. , Bommarco Riccardo , Aguilera Guillermo , Lundin Ola
Published: May 2023

Pest management is essential to maintain agricultural production, but recent shifts in policies and the development of insecticide resistance have restricted the availability of insecticides for pest suppression. Identifying the landscape‐level resource requirements of pests to complete their life cycles might unveil new sustainable solutions to regulate their populations and prevent crop damage.

We assessed the effects of landscape composition and configuration at different spatial scales on flea beetle densities and crop damage in 56 spring oilseed rape fields sampled over 5 years in Sweden. We considered the cover of non‐crop habitats as an aspect of landscape composition and the distances to the host crop and an alternative host crop in the previous year, edge density and crop diversity as aspects of landscape configuration.

The distance from spring oilseed rape in the previous year reduced flea beetle densities and crop damage across most species and spatial scales. Edge density reduced the densities of two flea beetle species, predominantly at the 500 m radius landscape scale. The cover of forests and permanent pastures as well as crop diversity in the previous year increased the densities of different species at several, mostly larger (1000–2000 m) spatial scales. Increasing permanent pasture cover at the 500 m scale also increased crop damage.

Synthesis and applications: We find that there is no one fits all approach in designing landscapes for flea beetle regulation as habitat use and scales of effect are species‐specific for these pests. However, increasing the spatiotemporal isolation of host crop fields is a promising and potentially more general means of disrupting pest populations and reducing crop damage. Considering the ecological traits of the pest species is a possible next step to optimise landscape‐based pest management.
Effective management for deadwood‐dependent lichen diversity requires landscape‐scale habitat protection
Authors: Hämäläinen Aino , Fahrig Lenore , Strengbom Joachim , Ranius Thomas
Published: May 2023

Habitat loss is considered a major threat for biodiversity. However, the scales on which its effects occur are still insufficiently understood, namely, is the amount of available habitat important for species richness on both local and landscape scales? We studied the effects of local and landscape‐scale habitat amount on local‐scale species density of deadwood‐dependent lichens in Swedish boreal forests. Creation and retention of deadwood are common practices to benefit forest biodiversity, and recognizing the relevant scale is critical for them to be successful.

We surveyed deadwood‐dependent lichens in 90 unmanaged forest stands that differed in the local and landscape habitat amount. The local habitat amount was measured as the amount of deadwood in the sampled stands (m2 deadwood ha−1), while six alternative proxies were used to estimate the landscape habitat amount, that is, the amount of deadwood in the surrounding landscapes. Lichen species density (number of species per standardized deadwood area of 3.7 m2) was modelled as a function of local and landscape habitat amount at multiple scales (300 m–5 km from the stands).

Lichen species density increased with the landscape habitat amount. The proportion of old forests (>100 years, including newly clear‐cut stands that until recently were old forests) within 5 km from the stands explained species density better than the other proxies of landscape habitat amount. Local deadwood amount did not affect species density, and there was no interaction between the local and landscape habitat amount.

Synthesis and applications: To promote the conservation of deadwood‐dependent lichens, the amount of old forests in managed forest landscapes should be maintained or increased. A certain amount of deadwood hosted more lichen species when situated in a landscape with more old forest, while there was no effect of the local deadwood amount. This suggests that management aimed at increasing the local species density of deadwood‐dwelling lichens should focus on creating and maintaining habitat in the surrounding landscape rather than only adding deadwood to that local site. In other words, effective management for deadwood‐dependent lichen diversity requires landscape‐scale habitat protection.
Consuming Contests: The Effect of Outcome Uncertainty on Spectator Attendance in the Australian Football League*
Authors: Ferguson Patrick J. , Lakhani Karim R.
Published: May 2023

Contests that non‐contestants consume for entertainment are a fixture of economic, cultural and political life. We exploit injury‐induced changes to teams' line‐ups in a professional sports setting to examine whether individuals prefer to consume contests that have more uncertain outcomes. Studying data from the Australian Football League, we use an instrumental variables design to show that a one standard deviation increase in game outcome uncertainty causes, on average, an 11.2 per cent increase in attendance. When presented alongside ordinary least square's estimates, our results suggest that previous studies may heavily underestimate spectators' preferences for evenly balanced contests.
IL‐26 modulates T cell function in autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: He Wei , Qian Qi Wei , Liu Qiao Yan , Li Yi Kang , Miao Qi , Wang Qi Xia , Ma Xiong , You Zheng Rui , Tang Ru Qi
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an aberrant autoimmune condition mediated by T cell abnormality, which may cause fulminant liver failure and persistent liver injury. This study aimed to disclose the histopathological and functional engagement of interleukin (IL)‐26, a potent inflammation mediator, in AIH disease progression.

Methods

We conducted immunohistochemical staining on liver biopsy samples to evaluate intrahepatic expression of IL‐26. Cellular sources of hepatic IL‐26 were detected by confocal microscopy. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the immunological alterations of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells following in vitro IL‐26 treatment on primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy controls.

Results

Statistically significant increase in IL‐26 level was observed in AIH (n = 48) liver samples in comparison with patients having chronic hepatitis B (n = 25), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 18), and healthy donors for living donor liver transplantation (n = 10). The number of intrahepatic IL‐26+ cells was positively correlated with histological and serological severity. An immunofluorescence staining indicated that liver‐infiltrating CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD68+ macrophages orchestrated IL‐26 secretion in AIH. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells demonstrated effective activation, lytic, and proinflammatory functions upon IL‐26 stimulation.

Conclusion

We observed elevated IL‐26 in AIH liver which promoted T cell activation and cytotoxic capacity, indicating a therapeutic potential of IL‐26 intervention in AIH.
Viral infections at the animal–human interface—Learning lessons from the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: May 2023

This Lilliput explores the current epidemiological and virological arguments for a zoonotic origin of the COVID‐19 pandemic. While the role of bats, pangolins and racoon dogs as viral reservoirs has not yet been proven, a spill‐over of a coronavirus infection from animals into humans at the Huanan food market in Wuhan has a much greater plausibility than alternative hypotheses such as a laboratory virus escape, deliberate genetic engineering or introduction by cold chain food products. This Lilliput highlights the dynamic nature of the animal‐human interface for viral cross‐infections from humans into feral white tail deer or farmed minks (reverse zoonosis). Surveillance of viral infections at the animal‐human interface is an urgent task since live animal markets are not the only risks for future viral spill‐overs. Climate change will induce animal migration which leads to viral exchanges between animal species that have not met in the past. Environmental change and deforestation will also increase contact between animals and humans. Developing an early warning system for emerging viral infections becomes thus a societal necessity not only for human but also for animal and environmental health (One Health concept). Microbiologists have developed tools ranging from virome analysis in key suspects such as viral reservoirs (bats, wild game animals, bushmeat) and in humans exposed to wild animals, to wastewater analysis to detect known and unknown viruses circulating in the human population and sentinel studies in animal‐exposed patients with fever. Criteria need to be developed to assess the virulence and transmissibility of zoonotic viruses. An early virus warning system is costly and will need political lobbying. The accelerating number of viral infections with pandemic potential over the last decades should provide the public pressure to extend pandemic preparedness for the inclusion of early viral alert systems.
Identification of the aldolase responsible for the production of 22‐hydroxy‐23,24‐bisnorchol‐4‐ene‐3‐one from natural sterols in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis
Authors: Hernández‐Fernández Gabriel , Acedos Miguel G. , García José L. , Galán Beatriz
Published: May 2023

Mycobacterial mutants blocked in ring degradation constructed to achieve C19 synthons production, also accumulate by‐products such as C22 intermediates throughout an alternative pathway reducing the production yields and complicating the downstream purification processing of final products. In this work, we have identified the MSMEG_6561 gene, encoding an aldolase responsible for the transformation of 22‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐cholest‐4‐ene‐24‐carboxyl‐CoA (22‐OH‐BCN‐CoA) into the 22‐hydroxy‐23,24‐bisnorchol‐4‐ene‐3‐one (4‐HBC) precursor (20S)‐3‐oxopregn‐4‐ene‐20‐carboxaldehyde (3‐OPA). The deletion of this gene increases the production yield of the C‐19 steroidal synthon 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione (AD) from natural sterols, avoiding the production of 4‐HBC as by‐product and the drawbacks in the AD purification. The molar yield of AD production using the MS6039‐5941‐6561 triple mutant strain was checked in flasks and bioreactor improving very significantly compared with the previously described MS6039‐5941 strain.
Discursive challenges: Power, state legitimacy and counter‐narratives in the Arab world
Authors: Walsh Tom , Dogan‐Akkas Betul
Published: May 2023

The three articles in this special section address several processes of legitimisation in the contemporary Arab World. They provide compelling insights into why Islamist movements moderate, how alternative political orders arise in response to issues of state legitimacy and the ways in which regional and international actors legitimise their involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. Unifying the three articles is a motivation to understand processes of legitimacy, sectarian identity and discourse, in the power vacuum following the Iraq War of 2003 and the Arab Spring of 2011. These seismic regional events have created a wave of identity entrepreneurs, who have pragmatically attached themselves to concepts of Islam, sect and democracy, in order to solidify their hold on legitimacy and power.
Clinical and genetic factors associated with post‐operative nausea and vomiting after propofol anaesthesia
Authors: Ahlström Sirkku E. , Bergman Paula H. , Jokela Ritva M. , Olkkola Klaus T. , Kaunisto Mari A. , Kalso Eija A.
Published: May 2023

Background

The incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains at about 30% despite all therapeutic efforts to reduce it. The clinical risk factors guiding the prophylactic treatment are well established, but genetic factors associated with PONV remain poorly known. The aim of this study was to explore clinical and genetic factors impacting PONV by performing a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) together with relevant clinical factors as covariates, and systematically attempt to replicate previously reported PONV associations. Relevant clinical factors are explored with logistic regression model.

Methods

This was an observational case control study in Helsinki University Hospital between 1 August 2006 and 31 December 2010. One thousand consenting women with elevated risk for PONV, undergoing breast cancer surgery with standardised propofol anaesthesia and antiemetics. After exclusions for clinical reasons and failed genotyping, 815 patients were included with 187 PONV cases and 628 controls. Emergence of PONV up to 7th post‐operative day was recorded. PONV at 2–24 h after surgery was selected to be the primary outcome. The GWAS explored associations between PONV and 653 034 genetic variants. Replication attempts included 31 variants in 16 genes.

Results

The overall incidence of PONV up to 7th post‐operative day was 35%, where 3% had PONV at 0–2 h and 23% at 2–24 h after surgery. Age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists status, the amount of oxycodone used in the post‐anaesthesia care unit, smoking status, previous PONV, and history of motion sickness were statistically significant predictive factors in the logistic model. The receiver operating characteristic‐area under the curve of 0.75 (95% CI 0.71–0.79) was calculated for the model. The GWAS identified six variants with suggestive association to PONV (p < 1 × 10−5). Of the previously reported variants, association with the DRD2 variant rs18004972 (TaqIA) was replicated (p = .028).

Conclusions

Our GWAS approach did not identify any high‐impact PONV susceptibility variants. The results provide some support for a role of dopamine D2 receptors in PONV.
Identifying neonatal adverse events in preterm and term infants using a paediatric trigger tool
Authors: Dillner Pernilla , Unbeck Maria , Norman Mikael , Nydert Per , Härenstam Karin Pukk , Lindemalm Synnöve , Wackernagel Dirk , Förberg Ulrika
Published: May 2023

Aim

To explore the incidence and characteristics of inpatient neonatal adverse events in a Swedish setting.

Methods

A retrospective record review, using a trigger tool, performed by registered nurses and a neonatologist, at a University Hospital. The identified adverse events were categorised by, for example, preventability, severity and time of occurrence.

Results

A random selection of 150 admissions representing 3531 patient days were reviewed (mean [SD] birthweight 2620 [1120]g). Three hundred and sixty adverse events were identified in 78 (52.0%) infants, and 305 (84.7%) of these were assessed as being preventable. The overall adverse event rate was 240 per 100 admissions and 102.0 per 1000 patient days. Preterm infants had a higher rate than term infants (353 versus 79 per 100 admissions, p = 0.001); however, with regard to the length of stay, the rates were similar. Most adverse events were temporary and less severe (n = 338/360, 93.9%) and the most common type involved harm to skin, tissue or blood vessels (n = 163/360, 45.3%). Forty percent (n = 145) of adverse events occurred within the first week of admission.

Conclusion

Adverse events were common in neonatal care, and many occurred during the first days of treatment. Characterisation of adverse events may provide focus areas for improvements in patient safety.
A dose‐dependent increase in the risk of inflammatory bowel disease after exposure to broad‐spectrum antibiotics: A national population study in Korea
Authors: Oh Shin Ju , Kim Hyo Jong , Lee Chang Kyun ,   The Big Data Research Group (BDRG) of the Korean Society of Gastroenterology
Published: May 2023

Background

The association between antibiotic use and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly among adults, remains unclear. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of data among non‐Western countries.

Aims

To investigate the association and dose–response relationships between antibiotic use and subsequent IBD risk across all ages

Methods

This population‐based case–control analysis used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2004–2018). We compared 68,633 patients with new‐onset IBD to matched controls (n = 343,165) using multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis. We also examined the dose–response relationship using non‐linear regression analysis, and separately analysed childhood‐onset IBD (aged ≤14 years) risk following early‐life antibiotic exposure.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 45.2 ± 16.8 years. Antibiotic prescriptions between 2 and 5 years before diagnosis significantly increased the odds of developing IBD (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.27). Additionally, sensitivity analysis revealed an elevated risk up to 9 years before diagnosis. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics increased IBD risk, independent of gastroenteritis. A distinct dose–response relationship was observed irrespective of the IBD subtype and study population (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, antibiotic exposure within the first year of life was linked with the risk of childhood‐onset IBD (OR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.25–1.82).

Conclusions

Broad‐spectrum antibiotics dose‐dependently increased the risk for IBD in the Korean population. Our findings provide a fundamental epidemiological basis for identifying antibiotic use as a significant risk factor for IBD across different environmental backgrounds.
Books under threat: Open access publishing and the neo‐liberal academy
Authors: Gandy Matthew
Published: May 2023

In April 2022 UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) announced that all books must be open access from January 2024 onwards. If the UKRI proposals are formalised as part of the next REF (Research Excellence Framework) exercise, this will have damaging consequences for geography and other disciplines. In this commentary I argue that this is an ill‐considered proposal that is already disrupting academic book publishing. There is an urgent need to evaluate alternative open access models that will not entrench existing forms of academic inequality, marginalise the significance of books as a distinctive facet of intellectual life, or threaten the production of rigorous peer‐reviewed monographs.
Barriers to the Usefulness of Non‐profit Financial Statements: Perspectives From Key Internal Stakeholders
Authors: Gilchrist David J. , West Andrew , Zhang Yuyu
Published: May 2023

The extent to which financial reports are useful is of central importance in relation to the accounting standards that underpin them. This is as true of non‐profit financial reporting as it is of financial reporting in the commercial and public sectors. In this paper we report on our findings related to a research project focused on examining the usefulness of Australian accounting standards from the point of view of non‐profit directors, preparers of non‐profit financial statements and their auditors. Undertaking a series of round tables specific to each cohort, we examine the question of who is responsible, for what and to whom in the context of financial reporting. Our research reinforces a number of issues negatively impacting the usefulness of General Purpose Financial Reports (GPFRs) in the non‐profit sector. We draw particular attention to concerns around the financial literacy of non‐profit directors, potential misunderstandings in relation to financial profitability, and complexity across a range of issues, including revenue recognition. Overall, the project finds that there are manifest specific issues and aspects particular to the sector and that simply adopting the same approach with regard to accounting standards as taken in the for‐profit sector is insufficient to ensure the utility of non‐profit GPFRs.

Undertaking round tables for non‐profit directors, preparers of non‐profit financial statements and auditors, we examine the issues negatively impacting the utility of General Purpose Financial Reports in the non‐profit sector. We draw attention to concerns around the financial literacy of non‐profit directors, misunderstandings in relation to financial profitability, and complexity across a range of issues, including revenue recognition.
Construction and validation of ShaMaq developmental screening tool
Authors: Maqbool Shazia , Brown Nick , Farid Aisha , Ali Anam , Iftikhar Kamila , Bari Attia , Ullah Ehsan , Hafeez Shahid
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The diagnosis of developmental delay and early intervention ameliorates long‐term sequelae. There is a need for an appropriate, regionally adapted and reliable developmental screening tool to be used in low and middle‐income countries with scarce resources.

Aim

The aim of this research is to construct and validate a screening tool for identifying developmental delay in Pakistani children.

Method

ShaMaq developmental screening tool (SDST) was developed consisting of five proformas to be administered at different age groups: 6–8 weeks (Group 1), 6–10 months (Group 2), 18–24 months (Group 3), 3–3.5 years (Group 4), and 4.5–5.5 years (Group 5). On an average, Groups 1–3 took 10–15 min, whereas Groups 4 and 5 took 20–25 min. We sampled children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5.5 years and tested them all within their designated age groups. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Interobserver testing was done for reliability and concurrent validity was undertaken by using the senior consultant developmental paediatrician's final diagnosis as the gold standard.

Results

Out of 550 healthy children, 8–19% in the five groups were found to have some form of developmental delay using SDST. Approximately 50% of the families were in the low‐to‐moderate income bracket, and nearly 93% lived in a joint family system. Internal consistency of items in the five groups ranged from 0.784 to 0.940, whereas both interobserver reliability and concurrent validity ranged from 0.737 to 1.0. SDST showed 94.4% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity.

Conclusion

SDST is an effective tool for identifying delay in healthy children with good internal consistency, reliability, and validity.
Histopathologic features predictive of perivascular deposition of IgA on direct immunofluorescence in cases of leukocytoclastic vasculitis: A retrospective study of 112 specimens
Authors: Xie Fangyi , Johnson Emma F. , Wetter David A. , Camilleri Michael J. , Todd Austin , Lehman Julia S.
Published: May 2023

IgA vasculitis is a small‐vessel vasculitis subtype with increased risk of systemic involvement. We aimed to investigate if any light‐microscopic features can predict the presence of perivascular granular IgA deposits on direct immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy. We performed a retrospective search of cutaneous pathology reports from our internal and consultation practice (January 1, 2010–October 5, 2021) with a diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and accompanying DIF. A blinded dermatopathologist reviewed standard microscopy slides for predetermined histopathological features. Fifty‐six biopsies (48 patients) and 56 biopsies (42 patients) met inclusion criteria for IgA+ and IgA−, respectively. The presence of eosinophils and mid and deep dermal inflammation were statistically more associated with IgA− (41/56 [73.2%] and 31/56 [55.4%], respectively) than IgA+ cases (28/56 [50.0%] and 14/56 [25.0%]; p = 0.049 and 0.006, respectively, chi‐squared test). Other microscopic criteria recorded were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05, chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests). In this retrospective study of 112 cases, we found that while the absence of eosinophils and absence of mid‐ and deep inflammation were correlated with increased likelihood of IgA perivascular deposition on DIF, no other histopathological features on light microscopy tested could reliably predict the presence of IgA perivascular deposition on DIF. Therefore, DIF remains a necessary component for the accurate diagnosis of cutaneous IgA vasculitis.
Pseudoxanthoma‐elasticum‐like changes on the soft palate
Authors: Weigelt Maximillian A. , Franklin Matthew J. , Mathur Deepan , Billings Steven D. , Ronen Shira
Published: May 2023

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by aberrant fragmentation and calcification of elastic fibers, leading to characteristic cutaneous, ophthalmic, and cardiovascular manifestations. PXE demonstrates significant phenotypic variability; involvement of the oral mucosa may be the only clue to the diagnosis. Reports on mucous membrane involvement in PXE are scarce. Here, we present a case of PXE‐like changes in the oral cavity. A 70‐year‐old male patient presented with a painless leukoplakic lesion on the soft palate. Biopsy revealed numerous degenerated fibers in the lamina propria. Verhoeff‐van Gieson and von Kossa staining confirmed their identity as calcified elastic fibers. A histopathological diagnosis of PXE‐like changes was made; the patient was referred to ophthalmology where angioid streaks were visualized fundoscopically. PXE‐like changes in the absence of the characteristic genetic mutation have also been reported with or without systemic manifestations. Furthermore, PXE‐like changes have been reported in up to 10% of oral biopsy specimens undertaken without clinical suspicion for PXE. Therefore, the significance of such changes in isolation is unclear. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the potential oral manifestations of PXE to facilitate prompt diagnosis and subspecialist referral.