bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable strategies of industrial tourism in the agri-food business: an exploratory approach
Authors: Badia Francesco , Galeone Graziana , Shini Matilda
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the opportunities and potential of industrial tourism for the agri-food industry in the current post-pandemic scenario. Industrial tourism can favor appropriate behaviors by companies and tourists to address emerging challenges in the post-pandemic era, such as responsible production and consumption and the containment of waste production.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted research method is a case study with exploratory purposes, applied to an industrial tourism experiment called “Make it in Puglia” (Apulia Region, Italy). The case study was based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

This study analyzes how industrial tourism in active agri-businesses allows local areas to be enhanced while simultaneously improving and strengthening sustainable strategies and choices for organizations and customers, especially in the changing context of the post-pandemic era.

Research limitations/implications

The country specificity of this project and the limited duration of the investigation in the post-pandemic period were the main limitations of this study.

Practical implications

Industrial tourism in the agri-food business can contribute to a sustainable strategy for destination management based on new elements of attractiveness. Moreover, industrial tourism represents an opportunity for agri-food businesses, through the promotion of “business tours,” to respond to requests for more sustainable practices, especially considering that food waste and resource use efficiency have become a topic of growing concern.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first studies that considers industrial tourism as a strategy for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the agribusiness sector, as it analyzes industrial tourism as an instrument in the construction of a cohesive ecosystem where tourism, agri-food business and local communities together pursue preservation and safeguarding of the environment, heritage and territory.
Supply chain information integration, supply chain innovativeness and supply chain resilience among manufacturing firms in a developing context
Authors: Muhwezi Moses , Mutebi Henry , Tukamuhabwa Benjamin , Mayanja Samuel S. , Izimba Kasiko Isabella , Balunywa Rashid
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically explore the influence of supply chain information integration (SCII) on supply chain innovativeness (SCI) and supply chain resilience (SCRE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 403 manufacturing companies in Uganda were analyzed using Analysis of Moments of Structures version 27. Unmeasured common latent factors were used to minimize the bias of common methods.

Findings

SCII, SCI and SCRE have significant positive relationships. About 41% of SCII and SCRE are partially mediated by SCI.

Research limitations/implications

Considering variations in perception of SCRE, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits generalizability and transferability. Experiments and interviews are recommended to explore differences between firms in SCRE.

Practical implications

SCII and SCI capabilities buffer a firm’s SCRE.

Originality/value

This study establishes SCI as a mediator between SCII and SCRE by studying manufacturing firms in a developing country context.
General prediction model of residual pretightening force of bolt group with one-step and multi-step pretightening and analysis of influencing factors from the perspective of elastic interaction
Authors: Pan Wujiu , Li Xianmu , Sun Lele , Song Hongxing , Wang Minghai
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose is to predict the distribution of the residual pretightening force of the bolt group under the action of any initial pretightening force, and to achieve the final residual pretightening force as the target to solve the initial pretightening force value to be applied.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the finite element method and the elastic interaction theory between bolt group, this paper establishes a prediction model for the residual pretightening force distribution of bolt group for one-step pretightening and multi-step pretightening of gasketless flange connection systems. In addition, using the general modeling method given in this paper, the prediction model of residual pretightening force of long plate bolt connection system is established, and compared with reference, which fully proves the effectiveness and universality of the general prediction model of residual pretightening force of bolt group.

Findings

The appropriate pretightening sequence, increasing the number of pretightening steps and variable amplitude loading can effectively reduce the influence of elastic interaction and improve the uniformity of residual pretightening force of the bolt group. And the selection of material, number of bolts and connected thickness of bolt connection system also has a great influence on the distribution of residual pretightening force of bolt groups.

Originality/value

The general prediction model for the residual pretightening force of bolt group of connecting structural components considering elastic interaction given in this paper can provide a reference for the design and optimization of the bolt assembly process of the rotor system and the casing system in aero-engine and the prediction of the performance of the connecting system.
Non-tradables in Brazilian economic history
Authors: Reis Eustáquio
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose is to market a reinterpretation of Brazilian economic history highlighting the importance of non-tradable goods to understand major historical developments such as the lack of industrialization in the mining boom; the rise and contribution of industries to development in the early 20th century; indexation as hyperinflation in the late 20th century; growth and cycles in the early 21st century.

Design/methodology/approach

Section 2 introduces analytical perspectives on the relationship between non-tradables, transport costs and external shocks. Section 3 presents a historical overview of the gold and coffee cycles in the Brazilian economy, which highlights the crucial role played by transport costs in the genesis of industrialization. Thus, in a more precise way, industrialization was not an import substitution process but the substitution of non-tradables by the domestic tradable manufactures.

Findings

Section 4 shows that Brazilian statistical records and historiography disregard this characterization and, to that extent, underestimate economic growth in the primary export phase (1872–1920) and overestimate growth rates in the industrialization period (1920–1940). Section 5 shifts to the end of the 20th century to analyze the relationship between non-tradables, indexation and hyperinflation. Section 6 concludes with a brief discussion of the role played by the terms of trade and non-tradables in the unfolding of the 2014 economic crisis.

Originality/value

Distance from international markets and a continental geographic size made transport costs in Brazil historically prohibitive: the relevance of non-tradables in the Brazilian economic history. While the theme is not new, it seldom received proper attention in the historiography.
Analysis on the establishment of natural reserves and the transfer of agricultural labor forces taking Jiangxi Province as an example*
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Hui
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact and its mechanism on the transfer of agricultural labor forces in the surrounding areas resulting from the establishment of a natural reserve, which holds great significance. The significance of this analysis is on the ecological protection of the natural reserve and the coordinated development of local social economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first performs an analysis on the impact and its mechanism on the establishment of the natural reserve on the transfer of agricultural labor forces from two aspects, which are push and pull factors. Then, based on county panel data in Jiangxi Province from 1995 to 2012, this study builds a generalized difference-in-difference model and performs an empirical study on the impact, heterogeneity and its mechanism on the establishment of the natural reserve on the transfer of agricultural labor forces.

Findings

The empirical analysis reveals that the establishment of natural reserves would significantly promote the transfer of agricultural labor forces to non-agricultural sectors. The robust test and placebo test with changed estimation methods verify the robust of the result. The result passes the parallel trend test and shows that the impact is most significant within one year after the implementation of the policy. From the mechanism analysis, the impact mainly comes from the “push” effect brought by the restricted development of agricultural production and primary industry on agricultural labor forces, and the “pull” effect brought by the development of local tertiary industry.

Originality/value

The conclusion of this study enriches the understanding of the internal mechanism between the establishment of natural reserves and the transfer of agricultural labor forces from the push and pull factors, and can provide reference for formulating policies to promote the coordinated development of natural reserve construction and regional social economy.
Understanding perceived value as important factors for the successful implementation of value co-creation at the dyadic level
Authors: Yeboah Dora
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The different dimensions and contexts within which value is co-created has generated varied views of how value is understood or formed. This study aims to examine employee-guest perceived value as important factors for the successful implementation of value co-creation (VCC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs an interpretive paradigm, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation in a qualitative design to increase understanding of employee-guest perceived value to aid the implementation of VCC at the dyadic level.

Findings

Findings highlight eight value perceptions including value for money, hotel location, physical evidence, mutual respect, appreciation, safety & security, quality & varieties of food and technological characteristics of service as important factors for the successful implementation of VCC at the dyadic level.

Research limitations/implications

Generalisability of the findings is a limitation not only due to the smaller sample size but also due to industry-specific context. The study follows rigorous procedures to minimise biases, yet research limitation is acknowledged from the researcher’s participation in the research process.

Practical implications

The notion that actor’s assess value differently from the same service suggests that diverse service elements might be experienced differently. This study provides insights for hotel managers to recognise not only individuals’ value preferences but also service types that reflect employee-guest collective service preferences for sustainability.

Originality/value

This study integrates and extends extant literature by examining employees’ and guests’ individual and collective views at distinct hotel contexts to gain useful insights into value and VCC. The study proposes a framework that hospitality firms can use to address service failure and competition-related issues.
The decision-making of internet recycler considering Internet-of-Things application
Authors: Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Piprani Arsalan Zahid , Yu Zhang
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to examine the decision-making process of a reverse supply chain within a cooperative-competitive environment, with a particular emphasis on the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the recycling process.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of IoT on recycling effectiveness, RF (refurbished) product demand and remanufacturing expenses is analyzed. The game-theoretic models are constructed to incorporate the co-competitive relationship between a IR (Internet Recycler) and a remanufacturer, with specific attention paid to the IR's application of IoT technology.

Findings

The results indicate that the use of IoT reduces the costs associated with remanufacturing, leading to an increase in the transfer price of pre-owned items procured from IRs. The efficacy of the reverse supply chain depends not only on its cost-saving capabilities but also on consumer preferences toward RF and remanufactured (RM) items.

Practical implications

IoT technology can benefit Internet recycling and remanufacturing by enhancing transparency, quality monitoring and automation of processes. It can also help reduce operating costs, improve customer engagement and incentivize cooperation between organizations.

Originality/value

This study examined the strategic decision-making processes in the context of cooperation and competition between IR and remanufacturers. In addition, this research makes a valuable contribution to the literature by elucidating the optimal conditions for the effective implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in recycling operations.
Who is making the decisions? How retail managers can use the power of ChatGPT
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Gupta Nimit , Bapat Gautam
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore ChatGPT’s (generative pre-trained transformers) potential as a tool for retailers to improve customer experience and boost sales. While it provides benefits like personalized recommendations and 24/7 assistance, there are limitations, like difficulty in understanding unconventional language. The paper stresses careful integration to overcome these limitations and create a better customer experience. Additionally, it discusses the potential for further development and integration of ChatGPT in retail, such as generating product descriptions and virtual try-on experiences. Finally, the paper encourages retailers to embrace ChatGPT to meet their customer needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Case-based methodology involves using specific cases or examples to explore a broader issue or phenomenon. Researchers have analysed real-world cases to identify patterns, themes and insights that can be applied to other contexts or situations. This was useful for understanding complex and multifaceted issues as it allowed us to delve deeper into specific examples and explore the nuances of the situation.

Findings

While ChatGPT is a powerful tool for retailers, limitations such as difficulty in understanding non-standard accents and unconventional language can arise, causing customer frustration. Retail managers must integrate ChatGPT in a way that enhances customer experience. In the future, ChatGPT has the potential to generate product descriptions, provide virtual try-on experiences and integrate with augmented or virtual reality technology to offer more immersive experiences. Careful consideration and integration can help retailers overcome these limitations and offer personalized recommendations, round-the-clock assistance and an engaging customer experience that improves sales.

Originality/value

The case topic is very much in a novel stage of research and writing.
From rapid decline to high growth: where in the distribution did COVID hit hardest?
Authors: Coad Alex , Bauer Peter , Domnick Clemens , Harasztosi Peter , Pál Rozália , Teruel Mercedes
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The authors explore how did the COVID shock hit European firms at the upper quantiles (high-growth superstars) and the lower quantiles (rapidly declining firms).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the European Investment Bank Investment Survey (2016–2020). This exploratory paper applies graphical techniques and quantile regression to evaluate the COVID shock along the growth rates distribution.

Findings

Regarding growth of sales and growth of value added, COVID had a negative effect on growth across the growth rates distribution. The negative COVID effect is larger at the lower quantiles. Employment growth shows no effect for many firms that have zero employment growth, but at the extreme quantiles, the authors can observe that some declining firms were adversely affected by COVID. For labour productivity growth, the COVID effect is small. Analysis of subsamples, and quantile regressions with interaction terms, emphasize that firms receiving policy support were relatively strongly affected by COVID, consistent with interpretations that COVID policy support was reaching the intended recipients. Finally, fully digitalized firms may have been somewhat shielded from the harmful effects of COVID.

Originality/value

First, previous studies have focused on the average effect of COVID on the growth performance. Our research contributes to understanding how the COVID shock affected the entire growth rates distribution, ranging to high-growth firms and declining firms. Second, governments devoted financial support to firms. Our analysis explores if COVID policy support was given to companies more affected by this shock. Third, previous digitalization may have boosted resilience by shielding firms from COVID’s harmful effects on firm growth.
Test and application of 60 kg·m−1 bainite rails for heavy-haul railway
Authors: Jin Jiyong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In order to develop high-strength, high-toughness and high-wear-resistance rails suitable for the development and application of heavy-haul railways.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the trial production of 60 kg·m−1 bainite rails, the Zeiss inverted optical microscope, transmission electron microscope and static hydraulic universal tester were used to test the microstructure and property of rail base metal and welded joints. Meanwhile, a trial laying of rails, wing rails of frogs and switch rails for turnouts was performed to systematically analyze their strength, toughness and wear resistance.

Findings

The results show that the base metal of 60 kg·m−1 bainite rail is of a uniform microstructure, with a carbide-free bainite matrix, a few of stable residual austenite and M/A islands, and it features high hardness, good wear resistance and good strength-toughness balance. The welded joint is of a uniform microstructure and has good properties.

Originality/value

A bainite rail, laid in a curve section of heavy-haul railway is able to serve for 48 months with a gross traffic tonnage of nearly 600 million tons, whose service life is more than one time longer than that of pearlite rail; the service life of the wing rail of frog and the switch rail for turnout with 60 kg·m−1 bainite rails is 3–4 times longer than that with U75V rails, and no serious damage occurs. The bainite rails also have strong peeling and spalling resistance.
Benefits of foreign direct investment subsidies: The role of funding sources
Authors: Han Wontae , Wang Jian , Wang Xiao
Published: June 2023

Using a two‐country model with heterogeneous firms, we show that the optimal level and welfare gains of foreign direct investment (FDI) subsidies critically depend on how they are funded. In a setting that resembles tax distortions in emerging markets, we compare the effects of distortionary taxes that are imposed to fund FDI subsidies and examine their cross‐country spillovers. We find that the optimal level of FDI subsidies and the associated welfare gains are much lower than those for non‐distortionary taxes. FDI subsidies funded by distortionary taxes are also found to be beggar thy neighbour, although they generate positive cross‐country spillovers if funded by non‐distortionary taxes.
Pathology testing in non‐trauma patients presenting to the emergency department with recurrent seizures
Authors: Burgess Michael , Savage Simon , Mitchell Robert , Mitra Biswadev
Published: June 2023

Objective

Excessive pathology testing is associated with ED congestion, increased healthcare costs and adverse patient health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the frequency, yield and influence of pathology tests among patients presenting to the ED with atraumatic recurrent seizures.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a level 4 adult ED in Australia and included atraumatic patients presenting to ED with recurrent seizures over a 4‐year period (2017–2020). The primary outcome was the frequency of pathology tests. Additionally, the proportion of abnormal pathology test results and the association between pathology tests and change in management were assessed.

Results

Of the 398 eligible presentations, 346 (86.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 83.3–89.9%) underwent at least one pathology test. In total 18.3% (n = 517) of pathology tests had an abnormal result which led to 15 changes in ED management among 12 presentations. Patients who had an abnormal pathology test result were more likely to undergo a change in antiepileptic drug management (odds ratio 2.08, 95% CI 1.23–3.65; P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Most patients presenting to the ED with atraumatic recurrent seizures underwent pathology tests. Abnormalities were frequently detected but were uncommonly associated with change in management. Abnormal pathology test results were associated with changes in antiepileptic drug management although rarely led to acute changes in patient management. This study suggests that pathology tests may be excessively requested in this population.
Endoscopic features help to identify the histopathological patterns of colorectal polyps in Cronkhite–Canada syndrome
Authors: Xu Qiu Shi , You Yan , Liu Shuang , You Wen , Zhang Sheng Yu , Li Jing Nan , Yang Ai Ming , Li Ji , Qian Jia Ming
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare nonhereditary gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis syndrome with a high risk of colorectal cancerogenesis. It is challenging to discriminate adenomas from nonneoplastic colorectal polyps macroscopically. This study aimed to explore the endoscopic features of different histopathological patterns of colorectal polyps in CCS.

Methods

Sixty‐seven lesions from 23 CCS patients were prospectively biopsied or resected during the colonoscopic examination for histopathological analysis. The Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistical analysis were conducted to reveal the predictive endoscopic features of CCS polyps with low‐grade dysplasia (LGD) and adenomas.

Results

There were seven (10.4%) adenomas, 20 (29.9%) CCS‐LGD, and 40 (59.7%) nonneoplastic CCS polyps. Polyps were large (>20 mm) in none of the adenomas, 30.0% of CCS‐LGD polyps, and 2.5% of nonneoplastic CCS polyps (P < 0.001). The color of the polyps was whitish for 71.4% of adenomas, 10.0% of CCS‐LGD polyps, and 15.0% of nonneoplastic CCS polyps (P = 0.004). Pedunculated polyps were detected in 42.9% of adenomas, 45.0% of CCS‐LGD polyps, and 5.0% of nonneoplastic CCS polyps (P < 0.001). The proportions of types IV and VI in the Kudo classification were 42.9%, 95.0%, and 35.0% in adenomatous, CCS‐LGD, and nonneoplastic CCS polyps, respectively (P = 0.002). The endoscopic activity was in remission for 71.4% of adenomas, 5.0% of CCS‐LGD polyps, and 10.0% of nonneoplastic CCS polyps (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Endoscopic features, including the size, color, sessility, Kudo's pit pattern classification of polyps, and endoscopic activity, help identify the histopathological patterns of colorectal polyps in CCS.
Cardiovascular risk factors among Jordanian patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cohort study
Authors: Al Zo’ubi Mazen , Al Tarawneh Bushra , Al Zaydi Marwan , Al Daoud Shadi , Awida Majid Abu
Published: June 2023

Aim

To determine the frequency of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Jordan.

Method

During this study, 158 patients with RA were enlisted from the outpatient rheumatology clinic at King Hussein Hospital of the Jordanian Medical Services, from 1 June 2021, to 31 December 2021. Demographic data and disease duration were recorded. After 14 h of fasting, venous blood samples were drawn to determine the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein, and low‐density lipoprotein. History of smoking, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension was recorded. Body mass index and Framingham's 10‐year risk score (FRS) were calculated for each patient. Disease duration was noted.

Results

The mean age of the male population was 49.29 years and that of the female population was 46.06 years. Most of the study population were female (78.5%) and 27.2% of the study population had one modifiable risk factor. The most frequent risk factors observed in the study were obesity (38%) and dyslipidemia (38%). Diabetes mellitus was the least frequent risk factor, with a frequency of 14.6%. The FRS differed significantly between the sexes, with the risk score of men being 9.80, whereas that of women was 5.34 (p < .00). Regression analysis revealed that age increased the odds ratio of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and a high‐to‐moderate FRS by 0.7%, 10.9%, 0.33%, and 10.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have increased chances of developing cardiovascular risk factors leading to cardiovascular events.
Avoidable hospital admissions depend on the primary healthcare governance model? A global health perspective from Europe countries
Authors: Magalhães João Paulo , Pestana Joana , Silva Renato Lourenço , Pereira António , Biscaia André
Published: June 2023

Primary healthcare (PHC) governance model, namely its financing scheme, might impact the health outcomes, particularly in chronic conditions, through avoidable hospital admissions (AvH). Therefore, the study aims to assess how the PHC financial governance model determines AvH, as well as how this interacts with the health system financing (HSF) scheme. An observational study comparing the GP employment type (publicly and self/privately) with asthma and COPD, and Diabetes AvH per 100,000 habitants in 26 countries of the European Region, was performed. It considered 4 regression models with structural determinants, service delivery and HSF schemes. GP self/privately employed group associated with social health insurance scheme was significantly associated with higher total AvH (OR = 28.27 [CI 95% 2.34–77.54]), and for asthma and COPD AvH (OR = 21.88 [CI 95% 6.69–180.18]). Diabetes AvH were significantly associated with increasing GP outpatient coverage (model 1) and GP availability (model 2) under a GP self/privately employed group (respectively, OR = 17.01 [CI 95% 3.67–20.63] and OR = 17.80 [CI 95% 8.12–130.35]). The study evidenced that publicly employed GPs working in a tax‐based HSF scheme ensure better health outcomes for the population. Although some limitations of equity and categorisation, the results show that the governance model might influence population health outcomes.
Upper gastrointestinal series in healthy neonates with bilious vomiting—is it still obvious? A retrospective observational study
Authors: Eshel Fuhrer Audelia , Doyev Reut , Koppelmann Tal , Shiran Shelly I. , Herzlich Jacky , Mandel Dror , Sukhotnik Igor , Marom Ronella
Published: June 2023

Aim

Demand for upper gastrointestinal contrast series (UGI) to investigate bilious vomiting (BV) has increased in recent years, mostly due to greater awareness of the need to rule out malrotation and midgut volvulus (MGV). We aimed to examine predictive value of clinical parameters in the management of healthy neonates presenting with BV and re‐assess the role of UGI in their management.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including medical, imaging and surgical data of neonates who underwent UGI due to BV.

Results

A total of 157 term neonates, eight neonates (5.1%) had confirmed surgical diagnosis of malrotation, five of them had malrotation with MGV, including two neonates who underwent extensive intestinal resection due to necrosis. Neonates with a combination of abnormal plain radiograph and abdominal distention had 10 times higher odds of malrotation diagnosis, adjusting for age at first BV (p = 0.017). Neonates with a combination of abnormal plain radiograph, abdominal distention and abdominal tenderness had 25 times higher odds of MGV (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study reaffirms the role of UGI as the current main diagnostic tool for malrotation and MGV. Physical examination and plain radiograph findings can help but cannot substitute UGI study.
Ultrasound‐assessed lung aeration, oxygenation and respiratory care in neonatal bile acid pneumonia: A nested case–control study
Authors: Regiroli Giulia , La Malfa Giulia , Loi Barbara , Vivanti Alexandre , Centorrino Roberta , De Luca Daniele
Published: June 2023

Aim

Neonatal bile acid pneumonia (NBAP) occurs in neonates following obstetric cholestasis. We aimed to study the lung aeration and respiratory support of NBAP.

Methods

Nested, case/control study enrolling age‐matched neonates with NBAP, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or transient tachypnoea (TTN). Lung aeration and oxygenation were assessed with lung ultrasound score, oxygenation index and SpO2/FiO2.

Results

Nineteen, 22 and 25 neonates with NBAP, RDS and TTN, respectively were studied (mean gestational age = 33 (2.2) weeks, 30 (45.5%) males). Upon admission, RDS patients had the worst lung ultrasound score (p = 0.022) and oxygenation index (p = 0.001), while NBAP and TTN neonates had similar values. At the worst time‐point, NBAP and RDS patients showed similar oxygenation index (NBAP: 4.6 [2], RDS: 5.7 [3]) and SpO2/FiO2 (NBAP: 3.1 [1.1], RDS: 2.7 [1]) which were worse than those of TTN patients (oxygenation index: p = 0.015, SpO2/FiO2: p = 0.001). RDS neonates needed the longest continuous positive airway pressure and highest mean airway pressure, but NBAP neonates needed invasive ventilation (26.3%, p = 0.01) and surfactant (31.6%, p = 0.003) more often than TTN patients who never needed these.

Conclusion

NBAP was a mild disorder in the first hours of life but subsequently worsened and became similar to RDS.
Use of deprescribing search filters in systematic review search strategies: A case study
Authors: Morel Thomas , Heinrich Clara H. , Zerah Lorène , Hurley Eoin , Christiaens Antoine , Fournier Jean‐Pascal
Published: June 2023

Two deprescribing search filters for MEDLINE and one deprescribing search filter for Embase have been recently developed, including objectively developed search filters. The objective of this case study was to implement these three deprescribing search filters in systematic review (SR) search strategies and to assess their effect on performances. SR that independently developed original search strategies (OSS) were selected. The deprescribing filters were implemented in each OSS, generating two implemented search strategies (ISS1 and ISS2) in MEDLINE and one ISS (ISS3) in Embase. OSS were re‐run on the same date as ISS. The performances of ISS and OSS were calculated and compared. Two SR were included (SR1 and SR2). For MEDLINE, SR1 included 12 articles. The sensitivity was 50% for OSS, 58% for ISS1 and 42% for ISS2. SR2 included four articles. The sensitivity of OSS, ISS 1 and 2 was 25%. For Embase, SR1 included 12 articles. The sensitivity was 33% for OSS and 58% for ISS3. SR2 included four articles. None of the four included articles were retrieved with OSS or ISS3. While sensitivity of OSS was moderate, the objectively developed deprescribing filters maintained or slightly improved this sensitivity when implementing.
A randomized controlled trial comparing myoinositol with metformin versus metformin monotherapy in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Nazirudeen Roshan , Sridhar Subbiah , Priyanka Raghavendran , Sumathi Baskaran , Natarajan Vasanthiy , Subbiah Eagappan , Raghavan Kasthuri Santharam , Sangumani Jayaraman
Published: June 2023

Objective

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia plays an important role in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin, Myoinositol and d‐chiro‐inositol acts as insulin sensitizers and exerts a beneficial effects in PCOS. The objective is to compare the effect of metformin monotherapy versus a combination of metformin with Myoinositol and d‐chiro‐inositol in PCOS.

Design

This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted over a period of 6 months. All overweight and obese women with PCOS with the age group between 18 and 35 were included and randomized into two groups, 27 in the metformin monotherapy arm and 26 in the myoinositol combination arm.

Patients and Measurements

The variables assessed were duration of menstrual cycle, anthropometric parameters, modified Ferriman Gallwey score, global acne score, Fasting insulin, HOMA‐IR, fasting lipid profile, serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, anti‐Mullerian hormone, and pelvic ultrasound to assess ovarian volume, PCOS Questionnaire score. Changes in the parameters from baseline at the end of 6 months of treatment were assessed and compared between the groups.

Results

Menstrual cycle regularity improved in both groups with significantly greater improvement in the group receiving myoinositol‐based therapy (p < .001). Pregnancy rate was equal in both the arms. There was a significant improvement in PCOSQ score in myoinositol‐based therapy group (p < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in other hormonal, metabolic parameters between two groups in spite of symptomatic benefits.

Conclusions

The addition of myoinositol to metformin exerts additional benefits in improving menstrual cycle regularity, and quality of life in women with PCOS.
rTMS ameliorates depressive‐like behaviors and regulates the gut microbiome and medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: Zhou Cui‐Hong , Chen Yi‐Huan , Xue Shan‐Shan , Shi Qing‐Qing , Guo Lin , Yu Huan , Xue Fen , Cai Min , Wang Hua‐Ning , Peng Zheng‐Wu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a clinically useful therapy for depression. However, the effects of rTMS on the metabolism of fatty acids (FAs) and the composition of gut microbiota in depression are not well established.

Methods

Mice received rTMS (15 Hz, 1.26 T) for seven consecutive days after exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The subsequent depressive‐like behaviors, the composition of gut microbiota of stool samples, as well as medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids (MLCFAs) in the plasma, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampus (HPC) were evaluated.

Results

CUMS induced remarkable changes in gut microbiotas and fatty acids, specifically in community diversity of gut microbiotas and PUFAs in the brain. 15 Hz rTMS treatment alleviates depressive‐like behaviors and partially normalized CUMS induced alterations of microbiotas and MLCFAs, especially the abundance of Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the hippocampus and PFC.

Conclusion

These findings revealed that the modulation of gut microbiotas and PUFAs metabolism might partly contribute to the antidepressant effect of rTMS.
TL1A promotes the postoperative cognitive dysfunction in mice through NLRP3‐mediated A1 differentiation of astrocytes
Authors: Wang Genghuan , Shen Jian , Zhai Liping , Lin Yingcong , Guan Qiaobing , Shen Heping
Published: June 2023

Aim

We investigated the mechanism, whereby tumor necrosis factor‐like ligand 1A (TL1A) mediates the A1 differentiation of astrocytes in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).

Methods

The cognitive and behavioral abilities of mice were assessed by Morris water maze and open field tests, while the levels of key A1 and A2 astrocyte factors were detected by RT‐qPCR. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to examine the expression of GFAP, western blot was used to assay the levels of related proteins, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Results

The results showed that TL1A could promote the progression of cognitive dysfunction in mice. Astrocytes differentiated into A1 phenotype, while unobvious changes were noted in astrocyte A2 biomarkers. Knockout of NLRP3 or intervention with NLRP3 inhibitor could inhibit the effect of TL1A, improving the cognitive dysfunction and suppressing the A1 differentiation.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that TL1A plays an important role in POCD in mice, which promotes the A1 differentiation of astrocytes through NLRP3, thereby exacerbating the progression of cognitive dysfunction.
Perceived economic prospects during the early stage of COVID‐19 breakout
Authors: Li Keyang , Qin Yu , Wu Jing , Yan Jubo
Published: June 2023

How does a new epidemic affect individuals' expectations on economic prospects in the early stage of the breakout? We implemented an incentivized longitudinal online survey soon after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic in China to answer this question. Results show that fewer new confirmed COVID‐19 cases significantly increase individuals' expectations on gross domestic product and consumer price index growth rates. Our finding provides evidence that at the early stage of an unfamiliar epidemic, containing the spread of the disease may help to maintain positive economic expectations among individuals.
Global patterns of phylogenetic relatedness of invasive flowering plants
Authors: Qian Hong
Published: June 2023

Aim

The ability of predicting which naturalized non‐native species are likely to become invasive can help manage and prevent species invasions. The goal of this study is to test whether invasive angiosperm (flowering plant) species are a phylogenetically clustered subset of naturalized species at global, continental and regional scales, and to assess the relationships of phylogenetic relatedness of invasive species with climate condition (temperature and precipitation).

Location

Global.

Time period

Current.

Taxon

Angiosperms (flowering plants).

Methods

The globe is divided into 290 regions, which are grouped into seven biogeographic (continental) regions. Two phylogenetic metrics (net relatedness index and nearest taxon index), which represent different evolutionary depths, are used to quantify phylogenetic relatedness of invasive angiosperms, with respect to different tailor‐made species pools. Phylogenetic relatedness of invasive angiosperms is related to climatic variables.

Results

The global assemblage of invasive angiosperm species is a strongly phylogenetically clustered subset of the species of the entire global angiosperm flora. Most invasive angiosperm assemblages are a phylogenetically clustered subset of their respective naturalized species pools, and phylogenetic clustering reflecting shallow evolutionary history is greater than that reflecting deep evolutionary history. In general, the phylogenetic relatedness of invasive species is greater in regions with lower temperature and precipitation across the world.

Main conclusions

The finding that invasive angiosperm assemblages across the globe are, in general, phylogenetically clustered subsets of their respective naturalized species pools has significant implications in biological conservation, particularly in predicting and controlling invasive species based on phylogenetic relatedness among naturalized species.
Capacity allocation for producing age‐based products
Authors: Jahandideh Hossein , McCardle Kevin , Tang Christopher , Fahimnia Behnam
Published: June 2023

We consider a firm's production and sales decisions for an age‐based product whose value increases with ageing (e.g., whisky, wine, and cheese). The firm has been selling ayounger‐agedproduct but is considering introducing anewproduct by setting some of its production aside to age longer (in the “maturation” process). With a fixed production capacity dictated by the “distilling” process that takes place before the maturation process, the firm needs to decide if and when to sell different aged products aspartial substitutes. Specifically, the firm must decide, period by period, how much, if any, of its younger‐aged product to set aside for additional ageing. Because the younger product has been selling for some time, the firm knows its market size. For the new product, we consider two scenarios in which the market size is either: (1) known (deterministic) or (2) not yet fully known (stochastic). For the deterministic market size scenario, we provide an analytic solution to the infinite horizon problem and show that the optimal fraction of production reserved for additional ageing increases and converges to a steady‐state solution with a closed‐form expression. Though our model is dynamic, we show that a static policy, which is easy to compute and is intuitively appealing, performs quite well. For the stochastic market size scenario, we show that a “certainty equivalence” policy is optimal under reasonable conditions, and near‐optimal when these conditions do not hold. Hence the stochastic problem is effectively equivalent to the deterministic market size case. We also examine the case when the production process is subject to a deterministic yield loss and obtain similar structural results.
Successful combination treatment of bilateral guttural pouch mycosis with salpingopharyngeal fistulation and potassium iodide
Authors: Rowe Áine , Duggan Vivienne , Kearney Clodagh
Published: June 2023

A 9‐month‐old Thoroughbred colt was presented to the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital for investigation of suspected neck pain. Clinical signs included severe dullness, bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, ptosis of the right eyelid, reduced range of motion of the neck and ataxia. Endoscopy of the medial compartment of both guttural pouches showed fungal‐like plaques, from whichAspergilluswas cultured. Laser salpingopharyngeal fistulation was performed under standing sedation and the colt received treatment with oral potassium iodide. The colt developed bacteraemia post‐operatively which resolved after antimicrobial treatment. Serial endoscopic evaluation of the guttural pouches showed complete resolution of fungal plaques 4 months post‐operatively. Minimal neurologic deficits remained 6 months post‐operatively. This report highlights the importance of considering guttural pouch mycosis in young horses and those presenting with reduced range of neck motion and neck pain. It offers support for the use of salpingopharyngostomy as an effective treatment method for guttural pouch mycosis and documents its use in the case of bilateral disease confirmed by fungal culture. It also documents the recovery of a horse from GPM with associated severe neurological signs.
The faecal microbiome of Exmoor ponies shows step‐wise compositional changes with increasing levels of management by humans
Authors: Bull Katie , Davies Gareth , Jenkins Timothy P. , Peachey Laura
Published: June 2023

Background

Horses can suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disease in domestic environments, often precipitated by human‐led changes in management. Understanding the consequences of these changes on equine gut microbiota is key to the prevention of such disease episodes.

Objective

Profile the faecal microbiota of adult female Exmoor ponies under three management conditions, representing increasing levels of management by humans, encompassing different diets; whilst controlling for age, breed and sex.

Study design

Cross‐sectional descriptive.

Methods

Faecal samples were collected from three populations of Exmoor ponies kept under contrasting management conditions: 29 adult female ponies in groups with low management (LM) (n = 10), medium management (MM) (n = 10) and high management (HM) (n = 9) levels, based on diet, drug use, handling and exercise. Faecal microbial composition was profiled via high‐throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, and functional metagenome predictions.

Results

We observed profound step‐wise changes in microbiome structure in the transition from LM to MM to HM. A relatively high abundance of Proteobacteria and Tenericutes was associated with the HM group; higher abundance of Methanobacteria was observed in the LM group. The MM group had intermediate levels of these taxa and exhibited high ‘within group’ variation in alpha diversity. Functional predictions revealed increased amino acid and lipid metabolism in HM; energy metabolism in LM and carbohydrate metabolism and immune/metabolic disease pathways in MM.

Main limitations

Low group sizes, incomplete knowledge of bacterial genomes in equine gut microbiota and it was not possible to assess the relative impact of diet, drug use, handling and exercise on the microbiome as variables were confounded.

Conclusions

Human‐led management factors had profound step‐wise effects on faecal microbial composition. Based on functional metagenome predictions, we hypothesise that dietary differences between groups were the major driver of observed differences.
Early prediction of breast cancer based on the classification ofHER‐2 andERbiomarkers using deep neural network
Authors: Saranyaraj D. , Manikandan M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Owing to the highly coarse chromatin, multi‐dimensionality of the histo image, irregularity of shape and size, texture and appearance, nuclei extraction is challenging. To address these complexities, a deep‐learning algorithm called a stacked sparse autoencoder was considered as a research factor in this study.

Methods and Materials

This study focuses on detecting the epithelial regions and extracting high‐level features to segment the patches based on the nuclei and classify the biomarkers concerning the nuclei patches. We used 6,53,400 microscopic image patches of 363 patients sourced from the BreakHis database, of which 4,90,050 prominent image patches containing only nuclei were utilized for biomarker classification (essentially eliminating the non‐nuclei patches from 363 whole‐slide images (WSI)). Non‐nuclei patches were eliminated owing to an imbalanced class distribution. From the nuclei patches the biomarkers oestrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER‐2) that are crucial for the early diagnosis of breast cancer are predicted based on the nuclei count and Nuclei intensity. These indicators aid in predicting the risk of breast cancer as well as the severity and potential effectiveness of various treatments. About 20%–25% of breast cancer cases have an overexpression of the protein HER‐2, which makes the tumour more aggressive and on the other hand, the majority of breast cancer cases express the protein ER.

Results

The classifier finally classified if the nuclei detected based on the features were benign, malignant, or normal with an accuracy of 99.73%, using which early prediction is performed by extracting and classifying the biomarkers HER‐2 and ER. The overall classification rate for classifying HER‐2 and ER was 97.52%.

Conclusion

HER‐2 +ve was classified with an intensity above 23%, and total nuclei in the range of 150–1000 were termed ER‐positive. Based on these 40 HER‐2 +ve patients, 25 ER +ve patients were detected in 363 patients. From this observation, it is concluded that 25–40 patients are at risk of breast cancer in the next 5 years due to the cell proliferation rate of 7000.