bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wage premium for soft skills in IT sector
Authors: Ternikov Andrei
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the demand on “soft” skills and suggested salaries for IT specializations in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the database of vacancies, econometric modeling and cluster analysis of job occupations are implemented.

Findings

The results show positive association between demand for “soft” skills and wage if the model is controlled for the working experience and narrow professional occupations. Findings provide evidence that there is significant wage premium for “soft” skills in cases when job positions either imply no experience or require specialists with at least three years of tenure.

Originality/value

This research provides new evidence on the relationship between “soft” skills and wage using job postings data from Russia. This paper identifies the presence of wage premium for “soft” skills among IT specialists if controlling for sub-specializations, year, region and working experience. The robustness checks indicate no significant changes in the obtained results.
The economic impact of workplace physical activity interventions in Europe: a systematic review of available evidence
Authors: Braun Alexander , Franczukowska Arleta Anna , Teufl Irina , Krczal Eva
Published: April 2022

Purpose

There is growing interest in the economic impact of workplace physical activity interventions, but the evidence is still lacking — especially in Europe. Although, some evidence on the return on investment (ROI) is found in literature, the included studies may not be applicable to the Europe situation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review current evidence on the economic impact of workplace physical activity interventions in European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review on the economic impact of worksite health promotion programs aiming at increasing physical activity was conducted. Five electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, NHS-EED and Emerald Insights) were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020.

Findings

A total of 953 abstracts were screened, and 28 were reviewed, 11 of which met all inclusion criteria. The studies varied substantially in sample size, intervention type, duration and frequency of follow-up measurements, valuation methods and assessed economic outcomes. There is inconclusive evidence for decreasing absenteeism, positive net benefit (NB) and positive ROI. No evidence was found to indicate an effect on self-assessed productivity or job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study is the first try to take the different working conditions from Europe into consideration. The authors found that working conditions could have some impact on the valuation of absenteeism costs and thereof on the ROI. Further, this study provides insight into how to deploy effective and efficient workplace physical activity interventions, based on a standardized and validated methodology and program scope.
Family multinationals: a systematic literature review to take stock and look ahead
Authors: Rondi Emanuela , Debellis Francesco , Bettinelli Cristina , De Massis Alfredo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The authors develop a systematic literature review of research on family multinationals, i.e. firms owned by one or more families that engage in foreign direct investments (FDIs). Building on the examination of past and current research, the authors develop an integrative framework and identify directions to advance this area of research.

Design/methodology/approach

Coherently with recommendations for systematic literature reviews, the authors developed and followed a systematic search protocol, selecting and reviewing 92 articles on family multinationals published from 1991 to 2021. The authors then identified the most recurrent and emerging themes in these studies to build an integrative framework.

Findings

In recent years, the literature on family firm internationalization has grown exponentially, and with it the focus on family multinationals. However, the study of family multinationals has many theoretical and methodological shortcomings that have only allowed marginally appreciating their entrepreneurial aspects. In this study, the authors take stock to identify the critical knowledge gaps and motivate future researchers to fill this breach.

Originality/value

In conducting the first systematic literature review of family multinationals, the authors provide an integrative account of current knowledge, develop a reconciling framework and identify directions for future research.
Enhancing consumer perceptions of privacy and trust: a GDPR label perspective
Authors: Fox Grace , Lynn Theo , Rosati Pierangelo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduces significant data protection obligations on all organizations within the European Union (EU) and those transacting with EU citizens. This paper presents the GDPR privacy label and uses two empirical studies to examine the effectiveness of this approach in influencing consumers' privacy perceptions and related behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper tests the efficacy of two GDPR privacy label designs, a consent-based label and a static label. Study 1 examines the effects of each label on perceptions of risk, control and privacy. Study 2 investigates the influence of consumers' privacy perceptions on perceived trustworthiness and willingness to interact with the organization.

Findings

The findings support the potential of GDPR privacy labels for positively influencing perceptions of risk, control, privacy and trustworthiness and enhancing consumers' willingness to transact and disclose data to online organizations.

Practical implications

The findings are useful for organizations required to comply with the GDPR and present a solution to requirements for transparent communications and explicit consent.

Originality/value

This study examines and demonstrates the efficacy of visualized privacy policies in impacting consumer privacy perceptions and behavioral intentions.
Implementation of MiFID II investor protection provisions by private banks within the European Union
Authors: Loonen Tom , Janssen Ronald
Published: April 2022

Purpose

With the introduction of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), financial institutions are faced with many investor protection provisions; this has a major impact on the day-to-day operations of private banks, which provide investment services to predominately retail or non-professional investors. The purpose of this paper is to determine how MiFID provisions regarding investor protection with respect to suitability are complied with in practice by private banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on interviews with 25 representatives of private banks from 10 different European Union (EU) member states, the researchers have determined how these provisions are fulfilled and associated risks mitigated. Mapping out the suitability requirements of MiFID and comparing them with how these have been operationalised, we arrive at the question of whether this leads to a level playing field and investor protection by different private banks.

Findings

Although MiFID is trying to achieve a level playing field between the EU member states, this study shows that this has not been achieved in all areas. Investor protection requirements from MiFID are interpreted and operationalised differently. Although these differences are sometimes small, sometimes they are larger and affect the way the investor is served and suitability determined.

Originality/value

This research provides a unique insight into the way private banks in Europe have implemented the MiFID II requirements and gives insight into best practices. For the future, this research can serve as a prelude to in-depth follow-up research on the implementation of EU provisions.
Viewpoint: plotting a way forward for service research in and out of Africa
Authors: Boshoff Christo , Adeola Ogechi , Hinson Robert E. , Heinonen Kristina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to critically evaluate and reflect on the current state of service research in Africa. The purpose is to develop a roadmap to guide future service research in and out of Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a conceptual reflection and in situ observation of service research and practice in Africa.

Findings

This study delineates scholarly, policy and managerial pathways for further service research in the African context. Service research in Africa is often experience-based rather than concept-based, and such research is often conducted in close collaboration with the local business community. Theoretical development and empirical exploration through collaboration initiatives among institutions with mutual research interests are encouraged.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a theoretical analysis of service research in Africa. Further empirical exploration is needed to delineate service research priorities and methodological directions so as to balance local needs and global relevance.

Practical implications

Africa represents fertile terrain for experience-based insights regarding financial behavior, ecosystem services and nation branding. Grassroots-level involvement in research represents a key component of managerial relevance.

Social implications

This study highlights the role of service research in and about Africa. The discussion demonstrates that the African Ubuntu values of community involvement and a collectivist orientation can expand the relevance of research from the academic business field to broader society.

Originality/value

This study represents a unique perspective on service research in the African context. In doing so, this paper lays the groundwork for more meaningful participation on the part of African-based researchers in the global service research domain. Experience-based research projects focusing on the empirical starting point complement theory development and serve as useful anchors for theory implementation in practice.
Mobile wallets adoption: pre- and post-adoption dynamics of mobile wallets usage
Authors: Jaiswal Deepak , Kaushal Vikrant , Mohan Ashutosh , Thaichon Park
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The main objectives of this study are (1) to identify the determinants of pre- and post-adoption dynamics of mobile wallets (m-wallets) usage; (2) to propose and test the linkage framework of pre-adoption and post-adoption dynamics to understand consumers' psyche of m-wallets usage and (3) to examine the moderation of select demographic variables in the path of consumers' continued usage of m-wallets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considered a cross-sectional approach using a questionnaire survey method. The research model encapsulating pre- and post-adoption dynamics of the m-wallet was examined using a sample of 574 users. The analysis also comprised mediation, moderation and multi-group analysis (MGA).

Findings

The results identified key antecedents of confirmation, such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and individual mobility. Findings also confirmed the partial mediation effects of satisfaction between confirmation and continuance intentions. Results also confirmed the moderating effects of age and education on the relationship between confirmation and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the study is in the form of research progression related to m-wallet usage to test the extended expectation-confirmation model (EECM) in the Indian context by linking the pre-adoption paradigm of extended (unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) UTAUT with individual mobility and post-adoption dynamics of the ECM. The considered framework study also draws support for the role of select demographic variables.
Towards mobilizing educators as environmental ambassadors: a design research approach to inspire teachers to advocate sustainable futures
Authors: Bevolo Marco , Blaise Jean Oneli
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to articulates how educators are ideal candidates to become “brand ambassadors”, triggering dormant qualities to influence behavioral change. The study aims at advocating a call for environmental futures by mobilizing pedagogues for changemaking. The research purpose was to deduce insights of real-life experiences when dealing with social influencers.

Design/methodology/approach

A design research approach was adopted. A sample of educators and students representing two universities of applied sciences was selected for qualitative. An experimental participatory experience was facilitated and observed.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights. Design research findings include a persona profile, and an experimental prototype, designed to activate findings for real world impact. The outcome is for impact in the real world.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted locally at a Dutch university of applied sciences, on behalf of a Norwegian commissioner. Therefore, cultural contextual conditions were factored.

Practical implications

An applicable advice is sketched, tested and shared with non governmental organization’s, institutions or stakeholders who aspire to mobilize and activate educators, turning them into ambassadors for their cause.

Social implications

This paper aims at contributing and taking a position within the current tensions in academia and in the educational sector, in the light of the2012 San Francisco Declaration of Research Assessment declaration and of the urgency of enabling educators to partake to climate change activism.

Originality/value

Besides the engaged topic, this paper is uniquely based on a highly experiential, design thinking approach, which was co-created and facilitated in an experimental setting.
WhatsApp communication service: a controversial tool for luxury brands
Authors: Mrad Mona , Farah Maya , Mehdi Nour
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the pros and cons of WhatsApp communication service and its likely effects on consumer behavior and one’s perception of luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted 27 in-depth interviews with UK-based participants. This study used NVivo12 to thematically analyze the collected data.

Findings

The findings indicate that perceived communication convenience, searching for prepurchase information, intimate consumer–brand relationship, perceived self-worth and the thrill of a new service positively contribute to luxury customers’ acceptance of WhatsApp communication usage. Nevertheless, many factors including push promotional strategy, poor service quality, brand “massification” effect, deficient sensory experience, fear of financial risk and deceptive practices, all curbed the participants’ acceptance of this communication platform. When service is poor, all these factors jeopardized the luxury image, causing an impaired brand image, accompanied with negative word of mouth and in some instances, unexpected anticonsumption reactions.

Research limitations/implications

This study carries the limitations of any exploratory and qualitative research. Therefore, future research should replicate this study in other areas and for other instant messaging platforms.

Practical implications

The implications of this study serve as a reference for luxury brands’ managers when managing their WhatsApp service. This study provides important insights into the risk of using WhatsApp by luxury brands to communicate with customers. The overall conclusion is that WhatsApp communication service requires a close, supervised and innovative use to benefit luxury brands.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the topic of WhatsApp usage as a communication mean in the luxury industry is still largely underexplored, hence filling a gap in the literature that needs to be addressed given its significant implications.
The diffusion of innovations under normative induction in Brazil
Authors: de Freitas Alves Gustavo , Santos Carlos Denner dos
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Hierarchically superior bodies develop normative instructions to induce the diffusion of innovations, stimulating the adoption of management practices in supervised public bodies and seeking public administration efficiency increase. Despite this, the effectiveness of these normative instructions is unknown, as well as its inducing and lasting effects in the diffusion of these innovations, especially in Brazil. This study aims to understand the effects of normative induction.

Design/methodology/approach

The adoption of risk management, integrity & ethics and information security practices was evaluated over a decade (2009 to 2019), including the adoption behavior of more than 200 Brazilian federal agencies. Public open data were collected and analyzed with multinomial logistic regression.

Findings

The normative instructions’ effectiveness in propagating the evaluated practices is remarkable; however, its mere development by the superior bodies cannot be considered enough since the general adoption index can be considered good but not excellent. No evaluated practice reached a saturation level above 75%.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to bringing the international literature’s generic knowledge on the adoption of innovation to the specific Brazilian public administration context, providing insightful implications for policymakers, public managers and researchers.

Practical implications

This work is unique, as it systematically analyzes multiple innovation adoption and presents excellent opportunities for future researchers by reproducing all scripts and automation developed. Furthermore, all data are available and hosted on public platforms with detailed steps and documentation.

Social implications

The use of open data from governmental sources allows enhanced transparency and the discovery of affecting variables while observing innovation adoption in the public administration.

Originality/value

The presence of normative instructions and their adoption rate is rarely measured in the Brazilian public administration.
4D-textiles: development of bistable textile structures using rapid prototyping and the bionic approach
Authors: Schmidt Ann-Malin , Schmelzeisen David , Gries Thomas
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new methodology to develop bistable textile structures with two different states of heat and moisture transfer by taking inspiration from the animal kingdom. Bionic approaches controlling thermoregulation were analyzed, implemented at the textile level and evaluated. Therefore, 4D technology has been applied. This paper presents all the steps necessary for transferring bionic concepts on the textile level by using rapid prototyping and the 4D-textile approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Concepts for thermoregulation are derived from bionic approaches and are evaluated by the metrics of low cost and high adaptability to quickly changing needs. Subsequently, bionic approaches were implemented as prototypes by printing on a pre-stretched textile using an fused deposition modeling printer. The printed patterns and properties were investigated, and the effects of each parameter were evaluated. Finally, the prototypes were tested by comparing the data from the thermal imaging camera of the two bistable states.

Findings

This paper presents two printing pattern concepts for creating textiles with two different states of thermal and moisture transfer. The results show that bionic approaches for thermoregulation transferred to the textile level are possible and quickly put into practice through 3D-printing technology as a tool for rapid prototyping.

Originality/value

The presented methodology fills the technological gap for quickly transferring bionic approaches to the textile level using the 4D-Textile technology. In addition, the possibility of generating two bistable states with different thermophysiological properties in one textile and switching between them easily was shown.
Can kinematic variables deduce functional scales among chronic stroke survivors? A proof of concept for inertial sensors
Authors: Han Shao-Li , Cai Meng-Lin , Yang Hui-Hong , Yang Yun-Chen , Pan Min-Chun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to leverage inertial sensors via a walk test to associate kinematic variables with functional assessment results among walkable subjects with chronic stroke.

Design/methodology/approach

Adults with first-ever stroke survivors were recruited for this study. First, functional assessments were obtained by using Fugl–Meyer Assessment for lower extremity and Berg balance scales. A self-assembled inertial measurement system obtained walking variables from a walk test after being deployed on subjects’ affected limbs and lower back. The average walking speeds, average range of motion in the affected limbs and a new gait symmetry index were computed and correlated with the two functional assessment scales using Spearman’s rank correlation test.

Findings

The average walking speeds were moderately correlated with both Fugl–Meyer assessment scales (γ = 0.62, p < 0.01, n = 23) and Berg balance scales (γ = 0.68, p < 0.01, n = 23). After being modified by the subjects’ height, the new gait symmetry index revealed moderate negative correlations with the Fugl–Meyer assessment scales (γ = −0.51, p < 0.05) and Berg balance scales (γ = −0.52, p < 0.05). The other kinematics failed to correlate well with the functional scales.

Practical implications

Neuromotor and functional assessment results from inertial sensors can facilitate their application in telemonitoring and telerehabilitation.

Originality/value

The average walking speeds and modified gait symmetry index are valuable parameters for inertial sensors in clinical research to deduce neuromotor and functional assessment results. In addition, the lower back is the optimal location for the inertial sensors.
Development of an inkjet-printed electrochemical nanosensor for ascorbic acid detection
Authors: Alhazimeh Hadeel , Al-Fandi Mohamed Ghazi , Al-Ebbini Lina M.K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential vitamin for human health. Therefore, fast and cost-effective detecting of AA is essential, whether in human or food samples. The purpose of this paper is to develop an electrochemical nanosensor for AA detection.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed nanosensor was developed by printing carbon nanoparticles ink and silver nanoparticles ink on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The surface of the PDMS substrate was first treated by corona plasma. Then, the nanomaterials printer was used to deposit both inks on the substrate. The working electrode surface was modified by drop-casting of carbon nanotubes. Morphological evaluation was applied using scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Also, a potentiostat was used to detect AA by differential pulse voltammetry.

Findings

It has been shown that the developed nanosensor linearly worked at a range of (0–5 mM), with a limit of detection lower than 0.8 mM and a relative standard deviation of 6.6%.

Originality/value

The developed nanosensor is characterized by a simple and cost-effective sensing tool for AA. In particular, the nanomaterials enhanced the nanosensor’s sensitivity due to the high catalytic activity.
Designing a social enterprise: the story of Conflictorium
Authors: Bihani Amrita Harshvardhan , Thaker Nimit Ashwinkumar
Published: April 2022

Theoretical basis

The case focuses on the following theoretical basis: • conflict management and its resolution; • multiculturalism and workforce diversity through the lens of Hofstede model; and • the Policies, Legal, Universal, and Self model of ethical of building an ethical organization.

Research methodology

Field study with the leadership team as well as with the key talent (people).

Case overview/synopsis

Conflictorium, situated in Ahmedabad since 2013, is a museum which acknowledges and discusses conflict through various art forms. Since its inception, the museum has fostered values like diversity, transparency and care reflecting in how it deals with its people and finances. Now, as the museum plans to reach out to new audiences, it is confronted with a challenge to preserve its cherished values and still expand its activities.

Complexity academic level

This case study is intended for graduate and postgraduate management students.
Animal tracking moves community ecology: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Costa‐Pereira Raul , Moll Remington J. , Jesmer Brett R. , Jetz Walter
Published: April 2022

Individual decisions regarding how, why and when organisms interact with one another and with their environment scale up to shape patterns and processes in communities. Recent evidence has firmly established the prevalence of intraspecific variation in nature and its relevance in community ecology, yet challenges associated with collecting data on large numbers of individual conspecifics and heterospecifics have hampered integration of individual variation into community ecology.

Nevertheless, recent technological and statistical advances in GPS‐tracking, remote sensing and behavioural ecology offer a toolbox for integrating intraspecific variation into community processes. More than simply describing where organisms go, movement data provide unique information about interactions and environmental associations from which a true individual‐to‐community framework can be built.

By linking the movement paths of both conspecifics and heterospecifics with environmental data, ecologists can now simultaneously quantify intraspecific and interspecific variation regarding the Eltonian (biotic interactions) and Grinnellian (environmental conditions) factors underpinning community assemblage and dynamics, yet substantial logistical and analytical challenges must be addressed for these approaches to realize their full potential.

Across communities, empirical integration of Eltonian and Grinnellian factors can support conservation applications and reveal metacommunity dynamics via tracking‐based dispersal data. As the logistical and analytical challenges associated with multi‐species tracking are surmounted, we envision a future where individual movements and their ecological and environmental signatures will bring resolution to many enduring issues in community ecology.
Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest outcomes, end‐tidal carbon dioxide and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation eligibility: New South Wales pilot data
Authors: Dennis Mark ,   RESET Study Group and Sydney ECMO Research Interest Group
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe on‐scene times for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) transferred to hospital, the number of these that were extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) eligible and potential association between end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and survival so as to inform planned interventional studies.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of all OHCA, of suspected medical cause, where resuscitation was commenced and who were transported to participating hospitals from October 2020 to May 2021.

Results

One hundred and forty‐nine OHCA were included. Forty‐four (30%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Eighteen (8%) met ECPR inclusion criteria. Median on‐scene time was 33 min (interquartile range [IQR] 24–44). Initial hospital ETCO2 for non‐survivors was 35 mmHg (IQR 19–50), survivors 36 mmHg (IQR 33–45); P = 0.215. No patient with an ETCO2 less than 20 mmHg on hospital arrival to survived to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

Average on‐scene time did not differ on survivorship. A small number of transferred patients with OHCA were ECPR eligible. ETCO2 less than 20 mmHg portends adverse prognosis. Our data will be used for future interventional studies.
Elevated BTG2 improves the radiosensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Changchun , Zhang Songling , Xue Aiying , Feng Guoxing , Fan Saijun
Published: April 2022

Background

To identify radio‐responsive genes and explore the biological function of encoded proteins in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Radio‐responsive genes in irradiated H460 cells were screened from microarray data deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect the expression of candidate radio‐responsive genes in irradiated cells. CCK‐8 assay, EDU assay, clone formation assay, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were conducted to evaluate the biological function of B cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) in NSCLC.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis using GES20549 showed that BTG2 was a radio‐responsive gene in irradiated H460 cells. The mRNA expression level of BTG2 was lower in H460 cells compared with that in BEAS‐2B normal lung epithelial cells. BTG2 expression was elevated upon IR exposure, in a dose‐dependent but not a time‐dependent manner. CCK‐8 and EDU assays revealed that BTG2 overexpression inhibited the growth rate of irradiated cells. Clone formation showed that elevated BTG2 promoted DNA damage of irradiated H460 cells. The number of γ‐H2AX foci induced by DNA damage was also markedly increased upon BTG2 overexpression. Flow cytometry showed that BTG2 increased IR‐induced cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

BTG2 may be a novel radio‐responsive factor and a promising therapeutic target for radiotherapy of NSCLC.
A phase II study of anlotinib combined with etoposide and platinum‐based regimens in the first‐line treatment of extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Chang , Liao Jiatao , Wu Xianghua , Zhao Xinmin , Sun Si , Wang Huijie , Hu Zhihuang , Zhang Yao , Yu Hui , Wang Jialei
Published: April 2022

Background

The aim of this prospective, pilot, single‐arm phase II trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anlotinib combined with etoposide and platinum‐based regimens in the first‐line treatment of extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC).

Methods

This phase II study was conducted at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between December 2018 and December 2020. All patients received standard chemotherapy (etoposide plus cisplatin/carboplatin) consisting of four courses and anlotinib at 12 mg once per day for 2 weeks followed by a one‐week rest. Anlotinib administration was continued until disease progression, intolerable adverse events (AEs) or patient withdrawal from the study. The primary outcome measure was progression‐free survival (PFS). The secondary outcome measures were overall survival (OS), objective control rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and AEs.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients were included in this study, and 30 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. ORR and DCR were 90.0% and 96.7%, respectively. The estimated PFS and OS were 6.0 months (95% CI: 1.1–11.9 months) and 14.0 months (95% CI: 8.6–19.4 months), respectively. No unexpected adverse effects were reported. Hypertension (20/37, 54.1%), anemia (16/37, 43.2%), alopecia (15/37, 40.5%), elevated transaminases (9/37, 24.3%) and alkaline phosphatase (9/37, 24.3%) were the most commonly reported AEs. Thirteen patients (35.1%) reported grade 3–5 AEs. No treatment‐related deaths occurred during this study.

Conclusion

The addition of anlotinib to standard etoposide/platinum chemotherapy achieved encouraging PFS and OS in previously untreated ES‐SCLC patients, with an acceptable tolerability profile and no new safety signals observed.
Development of an eDNA‐based survey method for urban fish markets
Authors: Richards John L. , Sheng Victoria , Chung Haze Wing Yi , Liu Min , Tsang Rainbow Hin Hung , McIlroy Shelby E. , Baker David
Published: April 2022

Fish and fishery products are among the most highly traded commodities in the world, and over‐exploitation continues to threaten the biodiversity and sustainability of global stocks. The state of knowledge for many fish species is limited by current monitoring techniques, which rely on labour‐intensive visual or genetic surveys of individual specimens (often at inconsistent or coarse taxonomic resolution).

To address the need for more efficient methods that effectively monitor trade, we developed a novel application of eDNA‐based metabarcoding that can identify a broad range of fish taxa from effluent water draining from urban fish markets. Using samples collected at three Hong Kong fish markets over a 5‐day period, we tested two DNA capture protocols (filtration vs. precipitation) with the goal of ensuring that methods were relatively easy to implement without sacrificing species coverage relative to each other and to a standard visual survey.

eDNA‐based survey methods were able to overcome many of the challenges associated with visual identification, such as resolving morphologically similar species and accounting for butchered fish products. However, rare and/or quickly transiting species occasionally went undetected. The two variations of eDNA isolation methods performed almost identically, emphasizing the relative robustness of eDNA metabarcoding, and allowing for user flexibility depending on the turbidity of collected waters. Our results demonstrate the ability of a few spatial and temporal replicates to generate an efficient and accurate market‐wide species inventory that can complement visual inspections and guide targeted investigations of illegal trade.

This research provides important baseline information on the capabilities of eDNA metabarcoding as a non‐invasive survey tool, with the potential to complement conventional surveys. To our knowledge, this study is the first proof of concept using eDNA metabarcoding to monitor wildlife trade and also highlights the potential for eDNA metabarcoding to be applied to investigations of urban ecology.
Central nervous system monoamine metabolite response to alcohol exposure is associated with future alcohol intake in a nonhuman primate model (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Wood Elizabeth K. , Lemmon Dani P. , Schwandt Melanie L. , Lindell Stephen G. , Barr Christina S. , Suomi Stephen J. , Higley James Dee
Published: April 2022

It is widely held that the central monoamine neurotransmitters modulate alcohol intake. Few studies, however, directly assess the relationship between baseline and alcohol‐induced monoamine turnover, as well as the change from baseline, as predictors of alcohol intake. Using a nonhuman primate model, this study investigates baseline, alcohol‐induced and alcohol‐induced change in monoamine activity and their relationship with alcohol intake. Alcohol‐naïve, adolescent rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, N = 114) were administered a standardized intravenous bolus of alcohol solution (16.8%, v/v) on two occasions, approximately 1 month apart. One month prior to and 1 h following each alcohol infusion, cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained and assayed for monoamine metabolite concentrations. Approximately 6–7 months later, subjects were allowed unfettered access to an aspartame‐sweetened alcohol solution (8.4%, v/v) for 1 h/day, 5 days/week, over 5–7 weeks. Results showed strong positive correlations between baseline and post‐infusion CSF monoamine metabolite concentrations, indicating a trait‐like response. Low baseline and post‐infusion serotonin and dopamine metabolite concentrations and a smaller change in serotonin and dopamine metabolites from one infusion to the next were associated with higher alcohol intake. Low baseline and post‐infusion norepinephrine metabolite concentrations predicted high alcohol intake, but unlike the other monoamines, a greater change in norepinephrine metabolite concentrations from one infusion to the next was associated with higher alcohol intake. These findings suggest that individual differences in naturally occurring and alcohol‐induced monoamine activity, as well as the change between exposures, are important modulators of initial alcohol consumption and may play a role in the risk for excessive alcohol intake.
The net parenchymal thickness predicts pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective cohort study of objective data
Authors: Xu Sun‐Bing , Jia Chang‐Ku , Liu Ling , Zhu Han‐Zhang
Published: April 2022

Background

The clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) is still a challenging complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aims to explore the predictors of CR‐POPF after PD, including net parenchymal thickness (NPT) of pancreatic neck.

Methods

The consecutive patients who underwent PD at a tertiary hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on the perioperative data, which was mainly extracted from the objective data, containing the results from the laboratory tests and the imaging examination. NPT refers to the total thickness of pancreatic gland excluding main pancreatic duct (MPD) at the CT film.

Results

Univariate analyses showed that total serum bilirubin (TBiL) and albumin (ALB) levels, MPD size and NPT were significantly different between the patients with and without CR‐POPF. The white blood cell count, the rate of intra‐abdominal infection (IAI) and the postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) were associated with the incidence of CR‐POPF. The proportion of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma or chronic pancreatitis was significantly lower in the CR‐POPF group than in the non‐CR‐POPF group. Multivariate analyses manifested that ALB ≤35 g/L and NPT >10 mm were two of the independent risk factors for CR‐POPF.

Conclusion

Preoperative ALB ≤35 g/L and NPT > 10 mm were both the independent predictors of CR‐POPF. CR‐POPF was associated with the higher IAI rate and the extended LOS.
Disparities in surgical outcomes for low socioeconomic status patients in Australia
Authors: de Jager Elzerie , Gunnarsson Ronny , Ho Yik‐Hong
Published: April 2022

Background

There are disparities in surgical outcomes for patients of low socioeconomic status globally, including in countries with universal healthcare systems. There is limited data on the impact of low socioeconomic status on surgical outcomes in Australia. This study examines surgical outcomes by both self‐reported unemployment and neighbourhood level socioeconomic status in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective administrative data review was conducted at a tertiary care centre over a 10‐year period (2008–2018) including all adult surgical patients. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for year, age, sex and Charlson Comorbidity Index was performed.

Results

106 197 patients underwent a surgical procedure in the decade examined. The overall adverse event rates were mortality (1.13%), total postoperative complications (10.9%), failure to rescue (0.75%) and return to theatre (4.31%). Following multivariable testing, unemployed and low socioeconomic patients had a higher risk of postoperative mortality (OR 2.06 (1.50–2.82), OR 1.37 (1.15–1.64)), all complications (OR 1.43 (1.31–1.56), OR 1.21 (1.14–1.28)), failure to rescue (OR 2.03 (1.39–2.95), OR 1.38 (1.11–1.72)) and return to theatre (OR 1.42 (1.27–1.59), OR 1.24 (1.14–1.36)) (P < 0.005 for all).

Conclusions

Despite universal healthcare, there are disparities in surgical adverse events for patients of low socioeconomic status in Australia. Disparities in surgical outcomes can stem from three facets: a patient's access to healthcare (the severity of disease at the time of presentation), variation in perioperative care delivery, and social determinants of health. Further work is required to pinpoint why these disparities are present and to evaluate the impact of strategies that aim to reduce disparities.
Machine‐learning algorithms predict soil seed bank persistence from easily available traits
Authors: Rosbakh Sergey , Pichler Maximilian , Poschlod Peter
Published: April 2022

Question

Soil seed banks (SSB), i.e. pools of viable seeds in the soil and on its surface, play a crucial role in plant biology and ecology. Information on seed persistence in soil is of great importance for fundamental and applied research, yet compiling data sets on this trait still requires enormous efforts. We asked whether the machine‐learning (ML) approach could be used to infer and predict SSB properties of a regional flora based on easily available data.

Location

Eighteen calcareous grasslands located along an elevational gradient of almost 2000 m in the Bavarian Alps, Germany.

Methods

We compared a commonly used ML model (random forest) with a conventional model (linear regression model) as to their ability to predict SSB presence/absence and density using empirical data on SSB characteristics (environmental, seed traits and phylogenetic predictors). Further, we identified the most important determinants of seed persistence in soil for predicting qualitative and quantitative SSB characteristics using the ML approach.

Results

We demonstrated that the ML model predicts SSB characteristics significantly better than the linear regression model. A single set of predictors (either environment, or seed traits, or phylogenetic eigenvectors) was sufficient for the ML model to achieve high performance in predicting SSB characteristics. Importantly, we established that a few widely available SSB predictors can achieve high predictive power in the ML approach, suggesting a high flexibility of the developed approach for use in various study systems.

Conclusions

Our study provides a novel methodological approach that combines empirical knowledge on the determinants of SSB characteristics with a modern, flexible statistical approach based on ML. It clearly demonstrates that ML can be developed into a key tool to facilitate labor‐intensive, costly and time‐consuming functional trait research.
Fallacious, misleading and unhelpful: The case for removing ‘systematic review’ from bioethics nomenclature
Authors: Birchley Giles , Ives Jonathan
Published: April 2022

Attempts to conduct systematic reviews of ethical arguments in bioethics are fundamentally misguided. All areas of enquiry need thorough and informative literature reviews, and efforts to bring transparency and systematic methods to bioethics are to be welcomed. Nevertheless, the raw materials of bioethical articles are not suited to methods of systematic review. The eclecticism of philosophy may lead to suspicion of philosophical methods in bioethics. Because bioethics aims to influence medical and scientific practice it is tempting to adopt scientific language and methods. One manifestation is the increasing innovation in, and use of, systematic reviews of ethical arguments in bioethics. Yet bioethics, as a broadly philosophical area of enquiry, is unsuited to systematic review. Bioethical arguments are evaluative, so notions of quality and bias are inapplicable. Bioethical argument is conceptual rather than numerical, and the classification of concepts is itself a process of argument that cannot aspire to neutrality. Any ‘systematic review’ of ethical arguments in bioethics thus falls short of that name. Furthermore, labels matter. Although the bioethics research community may find that adopting the language and the outward methods of clinical science offers apparent prospects of credibility, policy influence and funding, we argue that such misdirection carries risks and is unlikely to pay dividends in the long term. Bioethical sources are amenable to the review methods of the social sciences, and it is on these methods that specific methods of bioethics literature review should be built.
Moving from ‘fully’ to ‘appropriately’ informed consent in genomics: The PROMICE framework
Authors: Koplin Julian J. , Gyngell Christopher , Savulescu Julian , Vears Danya F.
Published: April 2022

Genomic sequencing technologies (GS) pose novel challenges not seen in older genetic technologies, making traditional standards for fully informed consent difficult or impossible to meet. This is due to factors including the complexity of the test and the broad range of results it may identify. Meaningful informed consent is even more challenging to secure in contexts involving significant time constraints and emotional distress, such as when rapid genomic testing (RGS) is performed in neonatal intensive care units. In this article, we propose that informed consent matters not for its own sake, but because obtaining it furthers a range of morally important goals, such as promoting autonomy, well‐being, and trust in medicine. These goals form the basis of a new framework [PROmoting Morally Important Consent Ends (PROMICE)] for assessing the ethical appropriateness of various informed consent models. We illustrate this framework with two examples: (a) a tiered and layered consent model for obtaining consent for GS, and (b) consent for RGS in critically ill newborns. We conclude that appropriately—rather than fully—informed consent provides the correct standard for genomic medicine and research.
A randomised comparison of FLAG‐Ida versus daunorubicin combined with clofarabine in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia: Results from the UK NCRI AML17 trial
Authors: Russell Nigel H. , Hills Robert K. , Kjeldsen Lars , Clark Richard E. , Ali Sahra , Cahalin Paul , Thomas Ian F. , Burnett Alan K.
Published: April 2022

The prognosis for younger patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is generally dismal. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the preferred therapy for these patients. As part of the UK NCRI AML17 trial, daunorubicin/clofarabine (DClo) was compared with fludarabine, cytarabine, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor with idarubicin (FLAG‐Ida) in 311 patients designated high‐risk following course one of induction therapy, which has previously been reported. We now report the results of the same randomisation in patients who were refractory to two induction courses or subsequently relapsed. A total of 94 relapsed or refractory AML patients, usually less than 60 years of age and with mainly favourable or intermediate‐risk cytogenetics, were randomised to receive up to three courses of DClo or FLAG‐Ida, with the aim of proceeding to transplant. Complete remission was achieved in 74% of patients with no difference between the arms. Overall, 57% of patients received a transplant with no difference between the arms, likewise overall survival at five years showed no significant difference (21% for DClo vs. 22% for FLAG‐Ida). No patient who did not receive a transplant survived beyond 21months. A stratified analysis including the 311 post course 1 high‐risk patients who underwent the same randomisation showed a consistent treatment benefit for FLAG‐Ida.