bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical target cascading for multi-level supply chain decisions in cloud perspective
Authors: Huang Yun , Gao Kaizhou , Wang Kai , Lv Haili , Gao Fan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt a three-stage cloud-based management system for optimizing greenhouse gases (GHG) emission and marketing decisions with supplier selection and product family design in a multi-level supply chain with multiple suppliers, one single manufacturer and multiple retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The manufacturer purchases optional components of a certain functionality from his alternative suppliers and customizes a set of platform products for retailers in different independent market segments. To tackle the studied problem, a hierarchical analytical target cascading (ATC) model is proposed, Jaya algorithm is applied and supplier selection and product family design are implemented in its encoding procedure.

Findings

A case study is used to verify the effectiveness of the ATC model in solving the optimization problem and the corresponding algorithm. It has shown that the ATC model can not only obtain close optimization results as a central optimization method but also maintain the autonomous decision rights of different supply chain members.

Originality/value

This paper first develops a three-stage cloud-based management system to optimize GHG emission, marketing decisions, supplier selection and product family design in a multi-level supply chain. Then, the ATC model is proposed to obtain the close optimization results as central optimization method and also maintain the autonomous decision rights of different supply chain members.
Religion vs ethics: hedge and safe haven properties of Sukuk and green bonds for stock markets pre- and during COVID-19
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Raza Rabbani Mustafa , Karim Sitara , Billah Syed Mabruk
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the hedge and safe-haven properties of the Sukuk and green bond for the stock markets pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hedge and safe-haven characteristics of Sukuk and green bonds for stock markets, the study first uses the methodology proposed by Ratner and Chiu (2013). Next, the authors estimate the hedge ratios and hedge effectiveness of using Sukuk and green bonds in a portfolio with stock markets.

Findings

Strong safe-haven features of ethical (green) bonds reveal that adding green bonds into the investment portfolios brings considerable diversification avenues for the investors who tend to take fewer risks in periods of economic stress and turbulence. The hedge ratio and hedge effectiveness estimates reveal that green bonds provide sufficient evidence of the hedge effectiveness for various international stocks.

Practical implications

The study has significant implications for faith-based investors, ethical investors, policymakers and regulatory bodies. Religious investors can invest in Sukuk to relish low-risk and interest-free investments, whereas green investors can satisfy their socially responsible motives by investing in these investment streams. Policymakers can direct the businesses to include these diversifiers for portfolio and risk management.

Originality/value

The study provides novel insights in the testing hedge and safe-haven attributes of green bonds and Sukuk while using unique methodologies to identify multiple low-risk investors for investors following the uncertain COVID-19 pandemic.
User experience research on social robot application
Authors: Tung Wei-Feng , Jara Santiago Campos Jaileez
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Social robot, a subtype of robots that is designed for the various interactive services for human, which must deliver superior user experience (UX) by expressing human-like social behavior or service and emotional sensitivity. This study develops a social robot app called the “Music Buddy” in ASUS Zenbo that provides a situational music based on the users' electroencephalogram (EEG) data. The research uses this app to explore its UX criteria and the prioritization of human robot interaction (HRI).

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodologies include the both system development and decision analysis for the social robot. The first part is to design and develop a social robot app. The second part is to investigate the criteria of HRI through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) from UX aspects.

Findings

In view of the results of the AHP, the first-layer criteria consist of personalized function, easy-to-use the system and intelligent process. In terms of prioritization of multi-criteria, the overall ranking discloses the nine criteria in order including autonomy for robot, easy-to-use EEG device, accurate music preference, simple operations for brainwave device and easy-to-use applications, active music recommendation, automatic updates of music and easy-to-use robot as well as fast detection for emotion.

Originality/value

This research includes a self-developed social robot app and its UX research using AHP. This paper contributes to the improvement and innovation of the social robot design according to the results of UX research on HRI of social robot.
Exploring micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities for social enterprises
Authors: Bhardwaj Rohit , Srivastava Saurabh , Taggar Rashi , Bindra Sunali
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Social enterprises (SEs) operate with a primary goal of meeting a social purpose while creating economic wealth for the fulfillment of their primary mission. These organizations need to develop a certain set of capabilities that facilitates the successful pursuit of their dual mission goals. This paper aims at exploring the micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities (DCs) that enable SEs to recognize and exploit opportunities and reconfigure their resources to pursue their dual-mission goals and adjust with the environmental dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multiple case design and an abductive research approach to conduct an in-depth and in-due course investigation of the development of DCs in two distinct SEs selected on the basis of theoretical-purposive sampling and availability of the richness of the information about them.

Findings

This study finds certain generic and exclusive micro-foundations of DCs that contribute to sensing opportunities, seizing opportunities and reconfiguring resources in SEs. The exclusive micro-foundations of DCs of SEs noted in this study are sustainability of beneficiaries, involving beneficiaries in decision-making, defining unique business models and selective suppliers for critical resources.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study lies in its dependence on retrospective data, which may perhaps influence the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the acquired data. This study, although, implemented the measures to minimize the bias, by supplementing the interview data with archival sources.

Practical implications

To the researchers, this study proffers an in-depth and in-due course explanation of the micro-foundations of DCs that facilitate SEs to sense opportunities, seize opportunities and reconfigure their resources with time. To practitioners working in the area of social entrepreneurship, this process study is an outline of reference that answers the how and why concerning the importance of micro-foundations of DCs for SEs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study has explored the micro-foundations of DCs in the context of SEs from emerging economies. The exclusive micro-foundations of DCs for SEs found in this study are the unique and original contribution that outlines the path for future academic inquiry in this evolving research area.
Analytical and numerical analyses of filling progression and void formation in flip-chip underfill encapsulation process
Authors: Ng Fei Chong , Abas Aizat , Nashrudin Muhammad Naqib , Tura Ali M. Yusuf
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the filling progression of underfill flow and void formation during the flip-chip encapsulation process.

Design/methodology/approach

A new parameter of filling progression that relates volume fraction filled to filling displacement was formulated analytically. Another indicative parameter of filling efficiency was also introduced to quantify the voiding fraction in filling progression. Additionally, the underfill process on different flip-chips based on the past experiments was numerically simulated.

Findings

All findings were well-validated with reference to the past experimental results, in terms of quantitative filling progression and qualitative flow profiles. The volume fraction filled increases monotonically with the filling displacement and thus the filling time. As the underfill fluid advances, the size of the void decreases while the filling efficiency increases. Furthermore, the void formed during the underfilling flow stage was caused by the accelerated contact line jump at the bump entrance.

Practical implications

The filling progression enabled manufacturers to forecast the underfill flow front, as it advances through the flip-chip. Moreover, filling progression and filling efficiency could provide quantitative insights for the determination of void formations at any filling stages. The voiding formation mechanism enables the prompt formulation of countermeasures.

Originality/value

Both the filling progression and filling efficiency are new indicative parameters in quantifying the performance of the filling process while considering the reliability defects such as incomplete filling and voiding.
Human papillomavirus self‐sampling: A tool in cancer prevention and sexual health promotion
Authors: Mamo Laura , Pérez Ashley E. , Rios Lucy
Published: December 2021

This article examines human papillomavirus (HPV) self‐sampling as an approach to cervical cancer prevention and the ways self‐sampling kits are promoted directly to consumers in the United States. Public health, biomedicine and health tech have increasingly imagined self‐sampling, which allows individuals to collect their own vaginal specimen, mail to a laboratory for testing and receive delivered results, as a component of cervical cancer prevention and sexual health promotion. This article examines the scientific and biomedical claims used to configure the problem in need of this solution and the ways persons, publics and markets are established. We analyse scientific literature, interviews with clinicians and other key actors, and websites of directly to consumers (DTC) companies. HPV self‐sampling is constructed as both a solution to inequities and gaps in cervical cancer screening and a solution to the wants and needs of those already engaged in self‐projects of body monitoring and risk reduction. These multidirectional biomedical tendencies also reveal how sexuality and sexual health and cervical cancer prevention and sexual health promotion are entangled objects. While we do not want to undermine the potential of HPV self‐sampling, we encourage a focus on equity and care and not commodified markets that reinforce notions of ‘good’ patients monitoring their health.
Bouguer Gravity Anomaly in the Andean Orogenic Belt and its Dynamic Implications for Regional Tectonic Evolution
Authors: ZHU Xiaosan , LU Minjie , ZHENG Hongwei
Published: December 2021

Calculated Bouguer gravity anomalies from the Andean orogenic belt interpreted as derived from regional gravity data to aid understanding of the lithospheric structure and tectonic evolution of the belt. These anomalies reveal lithospheric structures distributed throughout the belt, including linear and circular structures. NE‐trending structures reflect sinistral transpression across the northern part of the belt, and NW‐trending structures represent dextral transtension in the southern part. These results are supported by gravity‐anomaly patterns that demonstrate mantle flow in a trench‐parallel direction both northward and southward away from the stagnation band that is beneath the subducting Nazca slab. This mantle flow has served as an important driving force in the evolution of the Andean orogenic belt. Features of the modified tectonic model of the Andean orogenic belt are consistent with the spatial variation in and interpretation of Bouguer gravity anomalies.
Giomer composite compared to glass ionomer in occlusoproximal ART restorations of primary molars: 24‐month RCT
Authors: Pássaro AL , Olegário IC , Laux CM , Oliveira RC , Tedesco TK , Raggio DP
Published: December 2021

Background

Occlusoproximal restorations of primary molars usually fail, so it is necessary to investigate new materials that may overcome this challenge. Thus, this trial aimed to evaluate the longevity of occlusoproximal ART restorations in primary molars using a glass ionomer cement – GIC (Equia Forte® – GC Corp) and a Giomer resin composite – GCR (Beautifil Bulk Restorative® – Shofu Inc) after 24 months.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐two (182) children aged from 4 to 8 years were selected and randomly assigned to GIC or GCR. A paediatric dentist treated them in the school setting in Cerquilho, Brazil, and the restorations were assessed after 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. The primary outcome was the restoration survival, evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier and superiority Cox regression analyses. Intention to treat (ITT) was performed as a sensitivity analysis using superiority test P value and confidence interval (CI = 95%). Independent variables included gender, age, molar, jaw, cavity volume and caries experience.

Results

The restoration survival after 24 months was GIC = 58.1% and GCR = 49.1% (HR = 1.24; CI = 0.97–1.59). ITT analysis showed a success of GIC = 61.1% and GCR = 52.2% (RR = 1.17; CI = 0.91–1.52). The superiority hypothesis was not proved in both analyses (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

GCR does not have superior longevity than GIC in occlusoproximal ART restorations of primary molars.
Copy number variants in genomes of local sheep breeds from Russia
Authors: Igoshin A. V. , Deniskova T. E. , Yurchenko A. A. , Yudin N. S. , Dotsev A. V. , Selionova M. I. , Zinovieva N. A. , Larkin D. M.
Published: December 2021

Copy number variants (CNVs) are genomic structural variations that contribute to many adaptive and economically important traits in livestock. In this study, we detected CNVs in 354 animals from 16 Russian indigenous sheep breeds and analysed their possible functional roles. Our analysis of the entire sample set resulted in 4527 CNVs forming 1450 CNV regions (CNVRs). When constructing CNVRs for individual breeds, a total of 2715 regions ranging from 88 in Groznensk to 337 in Osetin breeds were identified. To make interbreed CNVR frequency comparison possible, we also identified core CNVRs using CNVs with overlapping chromosomal locations found in different breeds. This resulted in 137 interbreed CNVRs with frequency >15% in at least one breed. Functional enrichment analysis of genes affected by CNVRs in individual breeds revealed 12 breeds with significant enrichments in olfactory perception, PRAME family proteins, and immune response. Function of genes affected by interbreed and breed‐specific CNVRs revealed candidates related to domestication, adaptation to high altitudes and cold climates, reproduction, parasite resistance, milk and meat qualities, wool traits, fat storage, and fat metabolism. Our work is the first attempt to uncover and characterise the CNV makeup of Russian indigenous sheep breeds. Further experimental and functional validation of CNVRs would help in developing new and improving existing sheep breeds.
Antiphospholipid antibody‐induced trophoblast responses are differentially modulated by viral dsRNA and viral ssRNA
Authors: DeSpenza Rachel A. , Jones Deidre M. , Chamley Lawrence W. , Abrahams Vikki M.
Published: December 2021

Problem

Women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are at increased risk for pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. aPL target the trophoblast and induce a pro‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenic and anti‐migratory profile. Since infection during pregnancy can increase the risk for preeclampsia, a viral infection could further increase this in women with aPL. The goal of this study was to characterize the effect of viral components on trophoblast responses to aPL.

Method of study

A human first trimester trophoblast cell line was treated with or without aPL or control IgG in the presence of media, viral dsRNA or viral ssRNA. Supernatants were measured for inflammatory IL‐1β and IL‐8; inflammasome‐associated uric acid and caspase‐1 activity; and anti‐angiogenic sFlt‐1. Trophoblast migration was measured using a two‐chamber assay.

Results

Viral dsRNA augmented aPL‐induced trophoblast caspase‐1 activity, and IL‐1β and IL‐8 secretion in an additive manner. Viral ssRNA inhibited aPL‐induced uric acid, IL‐1β and sFlt‐1 secretion, and further exacerbated aPL‐inhibition of trophoblast migration.

Conclusion

While viral ssRNA may have some protective effects on aPL‐induced inflammation and anti‐angiogenic responses, viral dsRNA exacerbated aPL‐mediated inflammation and viral ssRNA further limited cell migration, which could prove detrimental to placentation. Thus, viral infections may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with aPL.
Impact of concomitant cardiac valvular surgery during implantation of continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices: A European registry for patients with mechanical circulatory support (EUROMACS) analysis
Authors: Loforte Antonio , de By Theo M. M. H. , Gliozzi Gregorio , Schönrath Felix , Mariani Carlo , Netuka Ivan , Pya Yuriy , Zimpfer Daniel , Cavalli Giulio Giovanni , Gummert Jan , Meyns Bart , Pacini Davide , Potapov Evgenij ,   EUROMACS Investigators
Published: December 2021

Background

We investigated the clinical outcomes after cardiac valvular surgery procedures concomitant (CCPs) with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation compared to propensity score (PS) matched controls using the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS) data.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2018, 2760 continuous‐flow LVAD patients were identified. Of these, 533 underwent a CCP during the LVAD implant.

Results

Cardiopulmonary bypass time (p < 0.001) and time for implant (p < 0.001) were both significantly longer in the LVAD+CCP group.

Hospital mortality was comparable between the two groups from the unmatched population (15.7% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.073). Similarly, short‐to‐mid‐term survival was similar in both groups, with 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival rates of 67.9%, 48.2%, and 27.7% versus 66.4%, 46.1%, and 26%, respectively (log‐rank, p = 0.25). The results were similar in the PS‐matched population. Hospital mortality was comparable between the two groups (18.9% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.074). The short‐to‐mid‐term Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was similar for both groups, with 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival rates of 63.4%, 49.2%, and 24.7% versus 66.5%, 46%, and 25.1%, respectively (log‐rank, p = 0.81).

In the unmatched population, LVAD+CCP patients had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays (p < 0.0001), longer mechanical ventilation time (p = 0.001), a higher rate of temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support (p = 0.033), and a higher rate of renal replacement therapy (n = 35, 6.6% vs. n = 89, 4.0%, p = 0.014). In the PS‐matched population, the LVAD+CCP patients had longer ICU stays (p = 0.019) and longer mechanical ventilation time (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The effect of additive valvular procedures (CCPs) does not seem to affect short‐term survival, significantly, based on our registry data analysis. However, the decision to perform CCPs should be balanced with the projected type of surgery and preoperative characteristics. LVAD+CCP patients remain a delicate population and adverse device‐related events should be strictly monitored and managed.
Differential regulation on C5 expression in goose versus mammals by glucose/palmitate provides a potential protection for goose fatty liver
Authors: Jin Zidi , Liu Long , Xu Cheng , Yan Chunchi , Li Shuo , Geng Tuoyu , Gong Daoqing
Published: December 2021

Goose fatty liver is a specific type of nonalcoholic fatty liver that is protected from harmful effects associated with severe steatosis. Our previous findings suggest that suppression of the complement C5 may be relevant, but the mechanism is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we first verified the expression pattern of complement genes (including C5) during goose fatty liver formation and then determined the liver fat content and fatty acid composition by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), followed by selecting the differential metabolites to treat HepG2, goose and mouse primary hepatocytes, aiming to explore the mechanism of C5 and inflammation suppression in goose fatty liver. The data confirmed the suppression of complement genes (including C5) in goose fatty livers. Moreover, fat content was significantly higher in fatty liver versus normal ones, with oleic acid and palmitic acid dominantly accounting for the difference. In line with this, high concentration of palmitate led to down regulation of C5 expression in goose primary hepatocytes whereas upregulation in mouse primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, regulation on C5 expression by fatty liver related factors including high level of palmitic acid may contribute to the protection of goose liver from severe hepatic steatosis.
Commentary: Timely recognition of mental health needs in young children – parental perception as a way for professionals to understand child, parent, and family needs? – a commentary on McGinnis et al. (2021)
Authors: Scheper Frederike Y. , Visser Janne C.
Published: December 2021

There is a growing awareness that identification and intervention of mental health problems in early childhood are effective and have a preventive effect. Nevertheless, the use of mental health services in early childhood is still limited. Investigating parental perception of mental health needs in young children is highly relevant, as parents are the primary informants for young children. In this commentary, we discuss the findings reported by McGinnis et al. on child and parent factors associated with parent perception of mental health needs in young children. We agree with their plea for a shift from the individual child to the family in assessment and intervention, and elaborate on the relevance of endorsing a transdiagnostic, relationship‐based approach to early detection, assessment, and intervention. We propose beginning with the acknowledgment and deeper understanding by professionals of parental perception of young children’s mental health problems and needs, and the realization that the young child’s symptoms and needs are connected with the family and broader (relational) context.
Caregiver burden in cerebral palsy: Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of caregiver difficulties scale
Authors: Atar Emel , Dilekçi Erdal , Özsoy Ünübol Tuğba , Gündüz Nermin , Atar Murat , Aşkın Ayhan
Published: December 2021

Background

This study aims to translate the caregiver difficulties scale (CDS) into Turkish language and to reveal its reliability and validity in Turkish informal family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

This study included 130 participants (39.9 ± 7.8 years; range 24–58 years; 106 females and 24 males). Demographic properties of participants, relationship with the care recipient, income, caregiving time, CP type and diseases of the child (e.g., epilepsy, hydrocephalus and congenital heart disease) and the caregiver were recorded. The CDS, caregiver well‐being scale (CWBS), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL‐BREF) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) were used for data collection. The internal consistency of the CDS was assessed using the calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A test–retest interval of 2 weeks was used to assess the reliability. The intercorrelation of variables was evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to find the predictive power of CDS scores for depression.

Results

A total of 130 family caregivers of children with CP completed the test/retest procedures. The Cronbach alpha coefficients were found as 0.878 for the test and 0.852 for the retest. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value was found between 0.83 and 0.90 for test–retest reliability of the CDS. In addition, the CDS showed a significantly strong correlation with CWBS‐activities of living subscale and WHOQOL‐BREF psychological, physical and environment domains, as well as a significantly moderate correlation with CWBS basic needs subscale, BDI and WHOQOL‐BREF general health and social domains. CDS scores that are >46 resulted in a sensitivity of 81.48% and a specificity of 73.79% for moderate–severe depression.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the CDS is a valid and reliable measure for caregiver burden of family caregivers of children with CP.
Parental experiences of educational supports offered during their child's cancer treatment
Authors: Huang Hsiu‐Mei , Yeh Ting‐Chi , Liu Hsi‐Che , Lee Tzu‐Ying
Published: December 2021

Background

To explore how parents of children with cancer offer educational supports during the treatment process.

Methods

Based on a descriptive qualitative method design, 29 mothers and 19 fathers of children with cancer were interviewed on their experiences of supporting their child's education during their child's treatment through semi‐structured interviews.

Result

Six themes were summarized from the parents' experiences in supporting their child's education during treatment: initial emphasis on survival over education; educational strategies important when returning to everyday life post‐treatment; parents and educators have different expectations; child's extracurricular activities provided a sense of accomplishment; preparing for transition to school; and long‐term concern was for the child's health and happiness.

Conclusion

Education is part of children's normal development, but education is often placed on hold for a child receiving cancer treatment. Parents of children with cancer are unable to focus on the child's education because of the threat to their child's life. When their child's illness stabilizes, they will begin to utilize their resources to arrange lessons to facilitate returning to school. Through understanding parents' learning expectations, medical professionals can support adjustments to parents' attitudes.
Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in Crohn's disease and the effect on surgery rates
Authors: Eberhardson Michael , Myrelid Pär , Söderling Jonas K. , Ekbom Anders ,   the SWIBREG Study Group, Everhov Åsa H. , Hedin Charlotte R. H. , Neovius Martin , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Olén Ola
Published: December 2021

Aim

Surgery is an important therapeutic option for Crohn's disease. The need for first bowel surgery seems to have decreased with the introduction of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi; adalimumab or infliximab). However, the impact of TNFi on the need for intestinal surgery in Crohn's disease patients irrespective of prior bowel resection is not known. The aim of this work is to compare the incidence of bowel surgery in Crohn's disease patients who remain on TNFi treatment versus those who discontinue it.

Method

We performed a nationwide register‐based observational cohort study in Sweden of all incident and prevalent cases of Crohn's disease who started first‐line TNFi treatment between 2006 and 2017. Patients were categorized according to TNFi treatment retention less than or beyond 1 year. The study cohort was evaluated with regard to incidence of bowel surgery from 12 months after the first ever TNFi dispensation.

Results

We identified 5003 Crohn's disease patients with TNFi exposure: 3748 surgery naïve and 1255 with bowel surgery prior to TNFi initiation. Of these patients, 7% (n = 353) were subjected to abdominal surgery during the first 12 months after the start of TNFi and were subsequently excluded from the main analysis. A majority (62%) continued TNFi for 12 months or more. Treatment with TNFi for less than 12 months was associated with a significantly higher surgery rate compared with patients who continued on TNFi for 12 months or more (hazard ratio 1.26, 95% CI 1.09–1.46; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Treatment with TNFi for less than 12 months was associated with a higher risk of bowel surgery in Crohn's disease patients compared with those who continued TNFi for 12 months or more.
Long‐term oncological outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open surgery for colon cancer: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Vogelsang Rasmus Peuliche , Fransgaard Tina , Falk Klein Mads , Gögenur Ismail
Published: December 2021

Aim

To estimate the effect of laparoscopy versus laparotomy on recurrence status in patients undergoing intended curative resection for stage I–III colon cancer using nationwide data.

Method

A retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected nationwide quality assurance data on all patients undergoing elective, intended curative surgery for UICC stage I–III colon cancer in Denmark from 1 January 2010, through 31 December 2013. The association between laparoscopic versus open surgery and recurrence status was investigated using cause‐specific hazard and subdistribution hazard models with death from any cause as a competing event.

Results

In total, 4369 patients undergoing elective intended curative surgery for colon cancer were included in the analysis. Overall, 3243 (74.2%) patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. During a median follow‐up time of 84 months, 1191 (27.2%) patients experienced recurrence, and 1304 (29.8%) patients died. The cause‐specific hazard of recurrence following laparoscopic versus open surgery was HRCS = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.90–1.28, p = 0.422. The subdistribution hazard of recurrence following laparoscopic versus open surgery was HRSD=0.99, 95% CI: 0.84–1.16, p = 0.880.

Conclusion

Elective laparoscopic resection for UICC stage I–III colon cancer is oncologically safe and comparable with open resection. These results confirm the external validity of previous RCTs in everyday clinical settings.
A randomized crossover study comparing different tacrolimus formulations to reduce intrapatient variability in tacrolimus exposure in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bunthof Kim L. W. , Al‐Hassany Linda , Nakshbandi Gizal , Hesselink Dennis A. , van Schaik Ron H. N. , ten Dam Marc A. G. J. , Baas Marije C. , Hilbrands Luuk B. , van Gelder Teun
Published: December 2021

A high intrapatient variability (IPV) in tacrolimus exposure is a risk factor for poor long‐term outcomes after kidney transplantation. The main objective of this trial was to investigate whether tacrolimus IPV decreases after switching patients from immediate‐release (IR)‐tacrolimus to either extended‐release (ER)‐tacrolimus or LifeCyclePharma (LCP)‐tacrolimus. In this randomized, prospective, open‐label, cross‐over trial, adult kidney transplant recipients on a stable immunosuppressive regimen, including IR‐tacrolimus, were randomized for conversion to ER‐tacrolimus or LCP‐tacrolimus, and for the order in which IR‐tacrolimus and the once‐daily formulations were taken. Patients were followed 6 months for each formulation, with monthly tacrolimus predose concentration assessments to calculate the IPV. The IPV was defined as the coefficient of variation (%) of dose corrected predose concentrations. Ninety‐two patients were included for analysis of the primary outcome. No significant differences between the IPV of IR‐tacrolimus (16.6%) and the combined once‐daily formulations (18.3%) were observed (% difference +1.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.1% to ‒4.5%, p = 0.24). The IPV of LCP‐tacrolimus (20.1%) was not significantly different from the IPV of ER‐tacrolimus (16.5%, % difference +3.6%, 95% CI −0.1% to 7.3%, p = 0.06). In conclusion, the IPV did not decrease after switching from IR‐tacrolimus to either ER‐tacrolimus or LCP‐tacrolimus. These results provide no arguments to switch kidney transplant recipients from twice‐daily (IR) tacrolimus formulations to once‐daily (modified‐release) tacrolimus formulations when the aim is to lower the IPV.
Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of incontinentia pigmenti – a large case series
Authors: Hübner Stefanie , Schwieger‐Briel Agnes , Technau‐Hafsi Kristin , Danescu Sorina , Baican Adrian , Theiler Martin , Weibel Lisa , Has Cristina
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X‐linked dominantly inherited systemic disease affecting primarily the skin but also other neuroectodermal tissues such as teeth, hair, eyes, and the central nervous system.

Patients and methods

This multicenter case series study was conducted at three European departments of Dermatology including 30 patients with incontinentia pigmenti. Twenty patients were evaluated clinically and genetically, another ten only genetically.

Results

The study included 28 females and two males with a median age of three years. Cutaneous manifestations were present in all 20 patients with clinical data. Stage I was observed in 90 % of those patients. Stage IV was observed as early as one year of age. Dental (81 %), hair (78 %) and neurological anomalies (53 %) were more frequent than previously reported. Fourteen skin biopsies showed typical features of the corresponding stage. Genetic testing of 24 patients revealed the common exon 4–10 deletion in 14 cases and seven other pathogenic variants, including three unpublished mutations. In another three cases, no genetic alterations were found.

Conclusions

In this study, the phenotype ranged from only subtle cutaneous involvement to severe multisystemic disorders. Extracutaneous involvement should be evaluated at the time of diagnosis and in regular intervals, as some manifestations may develop over time.
From unimagined communities to slow hope
Authors: Kull Anne
Published: December 2021

Imagined communities go hand in hand with unimagined communities. Various experiments have been made to imagine metaphorically and narratively our single planetary community. Our pathologies are many, but we do need multiple paths from fear to hope. We have some positive examples where the societies have moved from fear to hope. We need critical hope to break the cycle of oppression and irresponsibility.
Developing and recognising accomplished school leadership in Australia
Authors: Ingvarson Lawrence , De Araugo Jillian
Published: December 2021

There are many accomplished school leaders in Australia, but the profession has yet to develop credible systems for recognising their impact. This article provides a progress report on research initiated by professional associations of school principals, to provide school leaders with authentic and feasible methods for documenting their practice for purposes such as professional learning and certification. Recent research indicates that successful school principals draw on the same repertoire of leadership practices. Standards for school leadership synthesise this research to form a bridge between research and practice that serves a variety of purposes, including self‐assessment, leadership preparation and development, selection, professional certification and career progression. To be useful, however, the standards need to be operationalised. The article outlines this research program, and the results of a pilot program that field tested methods school principals might use to show how they meet leadership standards in their school context. Procedures for training assessors and setting standards for certification were also developed and tested for their reliability. The article summarises lessons learned during the research about the challenges involved in administering an assessment program and supporting school principals as they describe their leadership, prepare evidence of its efficacy and reflect on its impact.
Mobile application for couple relationships: Results of a pilot effectiveness study
Authors: Troitskaya Olga , Batkhina Anastasia
Published: December 2021

Mobile apps in mental health have seen a significant growth in recent years. Most of them are aimed at treating depression, anxiety, and stress disorders using cognitive behavioural therapy methods and relatively few apps are being developed to address interpersonal issues. This study tested the effectiveness of the iCognito Relationship Program, a self‐help application for couple relationships based on the chatbot technology. A between‐group experimental study was conducted in Russia using the bibliotherapy as a control condition (N = 58, female sample), with results showing that, after 2 weeks, iCognito's users had increased satisfaction, tenderness, constructive communication, as well as commitment to the relationship. Also, indicators for relationship self‐efficacy, communicative skills in relationships, and self‐esteem regarding relationship skills had significantly increased, while level of conflicts had decreased. A medium effect size was reported for most indicators. The participants of an experimental group expressed a high level of satisfaction with the technology and a generally positive attitude towards the idea of working with a “virtual psychologist”‐chatbot on their personal issues. Despite the need to reproduce the research results, iCognito program demonstrates that both mobile application and chatbot technologies can be useful for training individuals’ relationship satisfaction and communication skills, and that they can be more efficient in increasing satisfaction and reducing conflict in relationships than self‐help books.
Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors – pleiotropic functions in insect immunity and metamorphosis
Authors: Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: December 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) enable tissue remodeling and immune responses by degrading extracellular matrix proteins. They are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Mammals produce more than 20 MMPs but insects produce fewer than 3, at odds with the extensive tissue remodeling required during metamorphosis and inflammation. Addressing this apparent paradox, Liuet al. demonstrate the pleiotropic functions of silkworm MMPs and TIMP. They measured expression levels during pupation and during a response to viral infection in transgenic overexpression and knockout lines for selected MMP/TIMP genes. This confirmed the multiple roles of these key enzymes in insect immunity and metamorphosis.

Comment onhttps://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16313
ATF2 accelerates the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting the miR‐548p/TUFT1 axis
Authors: Li Zhen‐Jie , Zhang Jin‐Ping , Li Dong‐Ying , Yang Hui‐Yu , Liu Bing‐Rong
Published: December 2021

Aim

Due to high invasion and metastasis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as one of the most fatal carcinomas. We aim to further investigate regulatory mechanisms of invasion and metastasis to elucidate HCC pathogenesis and develop novel medications.

Methods

Patient specimens were collected for assessing gene expression and correlation between gene expressions. The expression of Ki67 and E‐cadherin in subcutaneous xenograft tumor were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The expression of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), miR‐548p and TUFT1 were determined using Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and PI3K/AKT signaling‐associated markers were examined with western blot. The proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was assessed via Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Gene interaction was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase activity assays. Subcutaneous and intravenous xenograft mouse models were established for analyzing HCC growth and metastasis in vivo.

Results

ATF2 was up‐regulated in HCC patients and cells. ATF2 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis through directly targeting miR‐548p and controlling its expression. miR‐548p suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and enhanced cell apoptosis. miR‐548p directly bound to the 3′UTR of TUFT1 to restrain its expression and subsequently suppress the PI3K/AKT signaling. ATF2 knock‐down significantly suppressed the growth and metastasis of HCC.

Conclusion

ATF2 accelerates HCC progression by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis, which is dependent on regulating the miR‐548p/TUFT1 axis.
Ethical leadership, perceived cultural inclusion, and job behaviors: A two‐sample study of mediation and moderation effects
Authors: Haar Jarrod , Brougham David
Published: December 2021

The present study tests whether the influence of ethical leadership on organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) is mediated by perceived cultural inclusion. Further, we test the moderating effect of the supervisor's organizational embodiment, which should enhance positive effects. Finally, we combine these to test for moderated mediation. Using two New Zealand (NZ) samples (N = 205 and N = 266) across a broad range of occupations and ethnicities, we find strong support for our model. In both studies, ethical leadership is positively related to OCBs and perceived cultural inclusion mediates ethical leadership effects. Significant moderation and moderated mediation effects are found, showing enhanced effects when employees consider their supervisor as the embodiment of the organization. This study extends the links between ethical leadership and OCBs by including inclusion.
The relative importance of industrial relations ideas in politics: A quantitative analysis of political party manifestos across 54 countries
Authors: Lamare J. Ryan , Budd John W.
Published: December 2021

Ideas are important but hard to quantify, making large‐scale, quantitative analyses difficult. Political parties are important ideational contributors, and their election year manifestos provide explicit compilations of their ideas. Using Comparative Manifesto Project data, we propose three channels through which ideas enter into manifestos and examine the fraction of manifesto content devoted to pro‐worker and anti‐union statements to measure the importance of these ideas. Multivariate analyses across 54 countries, 75 years, and 1132 parties uniquely uncover predictors of industrial relations ideas, including party characteristics, responses to other parties, and economic and political conditions. Further, pro‐worker ideas matter to voters during elections.
Cardiovascular risk factors of airport visitors in India: results from a nation‐wide campaign
Authors: Verberk Willem J. , Goswami Nilesh
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular diseases have become the major cause of death in India, but overall awareness is still low. Therefore, the initiative was undertaken to set up health care screening booths at eight airports and one hospital throughout India to increase awareness and to determine cardiovascular risk factors. Participants were screened for hypertension (systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP≥90 mmHg), diabetes [fasting blood glucose (FBG) level ≥126  or ≥200 mg/dL for random blood glucose (RBG)], and body mass index (BMI). Among 100 107 participants screened (46 ± 13 years; 17% women), prevalence of diabetes was 12 571 (15%), hypertension: 30 345 (33%) and overweight: 61 219 (65%). Diabetes was treated more often than hypertension (44% vs 11%). Hypertension and diabetes prevalence values were relatively high in young obese adults; BMI correlated significantly (p < .001) stronger to both systolic BP and RBG for subjects younger than 40 years than for those who were older (r = 0.27 vs r = 0.06 and r = 0.15 vs r = 0.03, respectively). Among obese women aged 60 years and older the hypertension prevalence was higher than 40%, in obese men this prevalence value was already seen from the group of 30 to 40 years old. For participants older than 50 years with hypertension, diabetes prevalence was 20%. These results show that screening initiatives like these are highly needed to increase the overall awareness of diabetes and particularly of hypertension. Systematic screening programs also help to identify specific patient populations and cope with undertreatment of those at the highest cardiovascular risk. The fact that women were underrepresented in the present screening campaign suggests actions are needed to encourage them to participate in health care programs.
Clogged Intermediation: Were Home Buyers Crowded Out?
Authors: CHOI DONG BEOM , CHOI HYUN‐SOO , KIM JUNG‐EUN
Published: December 2021

Postcrisis policy interventions significantly increased the demand for mortgage refinancing, but there is an unexplored possibility that the surge in refinancing applications crowded out the supply of credit to home buyers. We examine two frictions that hamper financial intermediation and cause banks to substitute away from home purchase loans and toward refinance loans. Banks with limited risk capacity may prefer safer loans, and banks with limited operating capacity may prefer applications that require less processing time. We find that, following the 2008 financial crisis, banks constrained by these capacity limits rationed credit to home buyers while supplying more refinancing credit.
Conceptualizing China's tea history in the 19th century: Incorporation into the capitalist world‐economy
Authors: Ru Sung Hee
Published: December 2021

Recent accounts of China's tea history in the 19th century have been presented without adequate attention to global capitalism's dynamics, despite the fact that researchers have explicitly or implicitly accepted the idea that China experienced a massive and unprecedented change in tea cultivation during this period, prompted by the penetration of capitalist logics. By analysing China's capitalist incorporation process, I show why and how tea‐growing areas in southern China drove an export‐oriented process of tea cultivation, increasing the number of seasonal workers—including Chinese tea growers migrating to British India's tea plantations—and contributing to ecological degradation and economic underdevelopment. In addition, analysis of China's incorporation process helps to investigate the relationship between China's tea industry and its early industrialization. By allowing us to examine China's tea history and the dynamics of the capitalist world‐economy in the long 19th century in tandem, the concept of China's incorporation process elicits macrolevel, global, and historical narratives of the 19th century Chinese tea history.