bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the US–China trade war on Taiwanese firms' R&D investment and outward investment to technologically advanced countries
Authors: Lai Yu-Cheng , Sarkar Santanu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impending relationship between the impact of the US–China trade war on Taiwanese firms' spending on R&D and their offshore investment in technologically advanced countries (TAC), the authors examined if changes in these firms' R&D ratios and the growing presence of skilled workers in Taiwan's labour market during the trade war have affected their offshore investments in TAC.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a model built on pooled cross-sectional time-series data from 2012–2019, the authors examined whether a change in R&D ratios of domestic firms in Taiwan and the growing presence of skilled workers in Taiwan's labour market have affected the offshore investment by these firms during the trade war. Using data from the Manpower Utilisation Survey, the authors applied differences–in–differences–in–differences and differences–in–differences–in–differences–in–differences estimation methods and found that the trade war indeed gave a boost to Taiwan's job market, particularly for skilled workers.

Findings

From the estimation results, the authors noticed a rise in employment opportunities alongside a decline in the earnings of skilled workers in industries where more firms have spent on R&D as well as invested in offshore operations. However, firms in Taiwan that had not heavily spent on R&D from industries where investment in foreign operations was otherwise high have also attracted skilled workers during the trade war.

Practical implications

An in-depth analysis of the impact of the trade war on domestic firms' spending on R&D and their investment in offshore operations in TAC should be helpful to policymakers interested in understanding the effects of the trade war and subsequent changes in firms' spending on R&D on labour market outcomes. If changes in the R&D ratios and a steady supply of skilled workers influenced the outflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to TAC, this insight could be helpful for those devising policies and measures to curb the impact of the trade war on domestic spending on R&D.

Originality/value

The study findings not only provide broad lessons to policymakers in Taiwan, but the country case study can guide growing economies that are equally careful while perceiving trade war as a significant deterrent to domestic R&D spending and the outflow of FDI.
Mastering customer lock-in by servitization innovation strategies of asset specificity
Authors: Chiu Wen-Hong , Dai Zong-Jie , Chi Hui-Ru
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how manufacturing firms master customer lock-in through value creation by servitization innovation strategies from the perspective of asset specificity.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study with triangulation fashion is adopted to identify servitization innovation strategies. Several manufacturing firms were investigated, which are distributed in different positions of the value chain. Content analysis and abductive approaches are adopted to analyze the data. Moreover, an in-depth interview and participatory observation were conducted to refine the analysis results.

Findings

This study identified four different focusing points of servitization operations. Based on these, the paper further induces an innovative servitization strategy matrix of customer lock-in, concerning communion, intellectual, existential and insubstantial strategies. Furthermore, a conceptual model of customer lock-in by servitization innovation from the perspective of asset specificity is elaborated. It is suggested that companies can use tangible or intangible resources by sharing or storing operations to create servitization value.

Originality/value

This study theoretically proposes a conceptual model to extend servitization innovation as an intangible asset and adopt the new perspective of asset specificity to illustrate the value creation in servitization to generate customer lock-in.
The impact of climate change on the right to access to food within the East African Community
Authors: Nabawanda Violla
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims at navigating the effects of climate change on the right to access to food within the East African Community region, using the case study of Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used doctrinal review of different policies and strategies that have been developed and implemented by the EAC to address the growing patterns of food insecurity and climate change.

Findings

Findings show that besides climate change, there are other factors that have played a major role in contributing to food insecurity in the region such as the impact of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, absence of food storage reserves/banks, scarring effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, inadequate implementation of agricultural policies on climate change, high post-harvest losses and food waste amongst others.

Originality/value

This research paper is the author’s sole writing and has never been submitted for publication in any journal.
Hurdles to handicraft marketing for artisan entrepreneurs in an emerging economy
Authors: Dalal Arunava , Bhattacharya Subhajit , Chattopadhyay Subrata
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Crafts embody the history and heritage of their country of origin and can play an essential role in the country's socioeconomic development by providing significant job opportunities for the rural population. This article investigates the significant challenges that artisan entrepreneurs face when creating, communicating and selling handcrafted goods to potential customers in emerging economies. This study attempted to rate the impediments based on their severity using the voices of artisan entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis was followed to identify the leading causes of the artisans' pain points. In the first phase, empirical observations were gathered through focus group discussions with artisan entrepreneurs, and the identified factors were quantitatively ranked using the analytic hierarchy process in the second phase.

Findings

The mixed-method research assisted in identifying the primary constraints affecting the efficient and effective operation of the artisan-driven small handicraft business. This study identified six factors that were ranked based on the voices of artisan entrepreneurs during the survey, as barriers to effective handicraft marketing.

Originality/value

Few studies on the handcraft industry have sought to explore the issues faced by artisan businesses holistically. The voices of artisan entrepreneurs were gathered for this study to identify and rate the present obstacles influencing the functioning of small handicraft firms in emerging nations. Handicraft marketing will become more effective and efficient if these barriers are removed.
The effect of humble leadership on the success of international development projects: the mediating role of organizational learning
Authors: Remy Kesner , Sané Seydou
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of humble leadership on project success. In addition, we examine the mediating effect of organisational learning on the relationship between humble leadership and the success of international development projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative research methodology based on questionnaire data collected from 80 international development project managers from different sectors in Senegal (West Africa). The variance-based structural equation method, following the partial least squares approach, was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that humble leadership is positively related to project success. Furthermore, organizational learning mediates the relationship between humble leadership and project success.

Research limitations/implications

This research has several limitations. The authors did not examine the role of organizational culture as a moderating variable. However, the authors believe that the cultural variable can have an impact on project success and team building, and future studies should consider this aspect as well. In the African context, each country has its own culture, which may affect the behaviour of the project manager. Also, the authors admit that the sample size is relatively small, which greatly reduces the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications. First, because a project leader’s humility enhances project success, it is critical for development projects to select leaders who demonstrate modest conduct in the workplace. The perfect selection of a humble leader depends heavily on judgements about the characteristics of a humble leader from new project manager candidates.

Originality/value

Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this study found that humble leadership is important for project success, thus extending the utility of the concept of humble leadership to the project literature.
Numerical and experimental study of ultrasonic seismic waves propagation and attenuation on high‐quality factor samples
Authors: Deheuvels Marine , Faucher Florian , Brito Daniel
Published: November 2023

We propose an approach for measuring seismic attenuation at ultrasonic frequencies on laboratory‐scale samples. We use a Gaussian filter to select a bandwidth of frequencies to identify the attenuation in a small window and, by moving the window across the frequency content of the data, we determine the frequency‐dependent attenuation function. We assess the validity of the method with three‐dimensional numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation across different sample geometries, using free surface boundary conditions. We perform the simulations using viscoelastic media under various seismic attenuation models. Our numerical results indicate that we can successfully recover the representative viscoelastic attenuation parameters of the media, regardless of the sample geometry, by processing the seismic signal recorded either within the volume or at the boundaries. Due to the equipartition phenomenon, the energy of S‐waves is consistently higher in seismic records than that of P‐waves. Therefore, we systematically recover the attenuating properties of S‐waves in the medium. We also conduct experiments of seismic wave propagation on samples of aluminum and Fontainebleau sandstone to validate our approach with real data. The quality factor of the S‐wave in the aluminum medium increases from 300 to 7000 between 60 kHz and 1.2 MHz. The Fontainebleau sandstone, which is more attenuating, exhibits a that increases from 200 at 60 kHz to 1000 at 1.2 MHz. With our approach, we are not only able to recover the attenuation property but also identify the frequency‐dependent attenuation model of the samples. Our method allows for seismic attenuation recovery at ultrasonic frequencies in low‐attenuating media.
Division of Household Labour and Fertility Outcomes Among Dual‐Income Australian Couples
Authors: Snopkowski Kristin
Published: November 2023

Gender revolution theories of fertility posit that when employed women have extensive child care and household responsibilities, they opt to reduce family size. This study examines how household gender inequality influences decisions to have children. Several possible mediators, including wellbeing, relationship quality, and changes in desired family size, are examined. Results from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey show that household inequality reduces the likelihood of third births when both parents work full‐time. This is mediated by relationship satisfaction: when men contribute more to household labour, their partners are more satisfied, which is associated with increased fertility.
Does the choice of induction agent in rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department influence the incidence of post‐induction hypotension?
Authors: Tamsett Zacchary , Douglas Ned , King Cathy , Johnston Tanya , Bentley Connor , Hao Brian , Prinsloo Duron , Bourke Elyssia M
Published: November 2023

Objective

To describe the effects of different induction agents on the incidence of post‐induction hypotension (PIH) and its associated interventions during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in the ED.

Methods

A single centre retrospective study of patients intubated between 2018 and 2021 was conducted in a regional Australian ED. The impact of induction agent choice, in addition to demographic and clinical factors on the incidence of PIH were determined using descriptive statistics and a multivariate analysis presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Ketamine and propofol, used either individually or in conjunction with fentanyl, were significantly associated with PIH (ketamine aOR 4.5, 95% CI 1.35–14.96; propofol aOR 4.88, 95% CI 1.46–16.29). Age >60 years was associated with a greater requirement for vasopressors (aOR 4.46, 95% CI 2.49–7.97) and a higher risk of mortality after RSI (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.87–9.40). Patients with a shock index >1.0 were significantly more likely to require vasopressors (aOR 5.13, 95% CI 2.35–11.2) and have a cardiac arrest within 15 min of RSI (aOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.07–11.8).

Conclusions

Exposure to both propofol and ketamine is significantly associated with PIH after RSI, alongside age and shock index. PIH is likely multifactorial in nature, and this data supports the sympatholytic effect of induction agents as the underlying cause of PIH rather than the choice of agent itself. Further prospective work including a randomised controlled trial between induction agents is justified to further clarify this important clinical question.
Prolonging broccoli shelf life through controlled release of plai essential oil using palm wood sachet as a novel absorbent material with reusable properties
Authors: Matan Narumol , Kongchoosi Nattana
Published: November 2023

Palm wood powder derived from palm wood waste was utilized as a novel absorbent material. The investigation involved exploring its pore structure and size to achieve the controlled release of bioactive compounds from plai oil, providing protection against pathogenic bacteria and thereby extending the shelf life of broccoli. The palm wood sachet was prepared before being placed into the broccoli bag. The process to create the sachet involved freezing the palm wood at −10°C and then drying it at a temperature of 200°C. After drying, the material was ground to achieve a particle size of 20 mesh and then packaged into sachets made from wood pulp. The optimized palm wood plai oil sachet (PWPS), measuring 5 × 7 cm, with a thickness of 0.58 µm, was produced by soaking 2 g of palm powder in plai oil at a concentration of 30 µL/mL before drying and packing it inside a 5‐L polyethylene plastic bag (24 × 34 cm) along with broccoli (150 g). The packages were kept at 4°C for 20 days to determine the antimicrobial activity of the PWPS and broccoli quality. PWPS significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes in broccoli for at least 20 days. The sachet demonstrated complete inhibition of all bacteria when reused at least two times and an 80% reduction in efficacy after three uses. Moreover, the PWPS controlled the growth of total aerobic bacteria and yeast and mold in broccoli, meeting microbiological criteria for up to 14 days. Broccoli stored with PWPS showed good quality results and contained high antioxidant value. These results demonstrate the potential application of PWPS in controlling food pathogens and spoilage microbes during storage.

Practical Application

This study introduces a novel absorbent material made from palm wood powder, addressing the need for utilizing abundant waste palm wood in the food industry. The material benefits the safe transportation of vegetables from farms to markets. Its porous structure allows efficient absorption of plai oil emulsion, ensuring pathogen‐free and high‐quality treated broccoli. The reusable sachets benefit farmers seeking to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. This cost‐effective method utilizes plai oil vapor, making it suitable for large‐scale production.
The pursuit of positive accountability in the cyber domain
Authors: Pawlak Patryk
Published: November 2023

Debates about accountability in cyberspace are dominated by state‐centric and security‐driven approaches that disregard the complexity of the institutional ecosystem in cyberspace and the diverse ways through which different stakeholder groups may pursue accountability. Such an approach has contributed to a flawed interpretation of accountability in cyberspace as applicable solely to malicious actors who need to be punished for their actions. Despite greater policy and research attention to this line of reasoning, holding states accountable for their behaviour has yielded limited results due to the legal, political and technical complexities. At the same time, the non‐malicious activities in cyberspace that might have unintended negative effects remain exempted from scrutiny. Cyber capacity‐building activities, which aim at supporting governments and societies in strengthening their cyber resilience, illustrate this point well. This article introduces the concept of positive accountability to describe accountability for actions that are not malicious in their intent. It argues that the anticipatory potential of mechanisms like deliberation, joint problem‐solving, interactive learning and competition plays an important role in strengthening accountability by eliminating or minimising any unintended or undesired spillovers. It concludes with a proposal that broadly defined capacity building might also be considered a form of anticipatory and deliberative accountability mechanism.
Ad hoc coalitions: From hierarchical to network accountability in peace operations?
Authors: Hofmann Stephanie C. , Karlsrud John , Reykers Yf
Published: November 2023

Launching multinational peace operations are time and politically sensitive decisions that frequently involve the use of force. As a result, a host of accountability issues arise. To date, mainly backward‐looking and hierarchical accountability measures have been developed to guide the implementation of multinational peace operations led by the most prominent actors in this policy domain: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and ad hoc coalitions (AHCs). We argue that the existing accountability mechanisms have their flaws, which hypothetically speaking could at least be partly addressed by converting AHCs into network hubs with an emphasis on pluralistic and horizontal accountability practices. AHCs bring a diverse set of actors together and operate with a light institutional framework, in which actors meet on equal grounds. If used as network hubs, AHCs can facilitate an open information exchange and exchange of best practices.
Filter no more: A modified plankton sampler for rapid in‐water eDNA capture
Authors: Pochon Xavier , Laroche Olivier , von Ammon Ulla , Zaiko Anastasija
Published: November 2023

The combination of an efficient sampling method and high‐throughput analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) can be a powerful approach for characterising biodiversity across aquatic ecosystems. Plankton net tows are one of the oldest, simplest, and least expensive methods for seston and eDNA collection, but require laborious filtration steps which often lead to clogging and/or the introduction of contaminants.

In this study, we used a cruising speed net (CSN) device enabling the collection of seston‐derived eDNA at 5 knots speed combined with a novel modified cod‐end with 20 μm nylon mesh inserts enabling eDNA capture while towing. We compared the performance of the CSN sampling protocol with the original conventional filtration of water sample versus the modified cod‐end.

Samples were collected in parallel horizontal tows along New Zealand's North‐Eastern coastline. Concentrated water was filtered on conventional 5 μm cellulose acetate membranes, while the 20 μm nylon mesh inserts were immediately isolated post‐towing. Metabarcoding of bacterial 16S rRNA, eukaryotic nuclear 18S rRNA and mitochondrial COI genes, revealed no significant difference in alpha diversity between filtration techniques. In terms of community composition, a clear and significant shift could be observed between sampling sites and environments. Significant differences could be detected between filtration methods for 16S and COI markers, likely driven by fine‐scale differences at more turbid sheltered sites. Nonetheless, each technique could detect shifts in communities between sites and environments with similar sensitivity.

Our results demonstrate the promising potential of the modified cod‐end to enable practical and cost‐effective isolation of eDNA‐derived biodiversity data from any vessel types (at ≤5 knots) across a large range of aquatic ecosystems and biogeographic scales.
Understanding seminal plasma in male infertility: emerging markers and their implications
Authors: Vashisht Ashutosh , Gahlay Gagandeep Kaur
Published: November 2023

Infertility affects a significant proportion of the reproductive‐aged population, with male‐associated factors contributing to over half of the cases. However, current diagnostic tools have limitations, leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence of male infertility. While traditional semen parameters provide some insights, they fail to determine the true fertility potential in a substantial number of instances. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate additional molecular targets responsible for male infertility to improve understanding and identification of such cases. Seminal plasma, the main carrier of molecules derived from male reproductive glands, plays a crucial role in reproduction. Amongst its multifarious functions, it regulates processes such as sperm capacitation, sperm protection and maturation, and even interaction with the egg's zona pellucida. Seminal plasma offers a non‐invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has shown promise in identifying biomarkers associated with male reproductive disorders. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of seminal plasma in the diagnosis of male infertility, exploring its composition, function, methods used for analysis, and the application of emerging markers. Apart from the application, the potential challenges of seminal plasma analysis such as standardisation, marker interpretation and confounding factors have also been addressed. Moreover, we have also explored future avenues for enhancing its utility and its role in improving diagnostic strategies. Through comprehensive exploration of seminal plasma's diagnostic potential, the present analysis seeks to advance the understanding of male infertility and its effective management.
Citizen‐rentier‐ship: Delivering the Undocumented to Labour Platforms in Paris
Authors: Baril Émile
Published: November 2023

Platform food delivery workers have been under much scrutiny over the last couple of years. Undocumented riders, and their recent strikes and protests in France, have not received as much attention as other issues regarding platform labour (contract work, algorithmic control, surveillance). This article follows fieldwork conducted in Paris and interviews with food couriers. Building on work by critical urban studies, migration studies and science and technology studies, this research puts forward citizen‐rentier‐ship, a tool to understand how multiple parties profit from aspects of precarious status. Interviews with undocumented couriers who worked in Paris highlight how the subletting of accounts, the complicit role of the state, the hypocrisy of employers and the interdependency with the “regularised” put undocumented couriers in hyper‐precarious situations. This article concludes that labour laws, misclassification and migration policies are at the centre of the struggles of Paris’ delivery workers and that they need changes.
Biofunctionalization of surfaces to minimize undesirable effects in cardiovascular assistance devices
Authors: de Sa Rosa Correa Leoncio , de Andrade Aron Jose Pazin , Antunes Vagner Roberto , Salvadori Cecilia , de Sa Teixeira Fernanda , Corat Evaldo Jose , Moro Joao Roberto , Bock Eduardo Guy Perpetuo , Trava‐Airoldi Vladimir Jesus
Published: November 2023

Background

The reactivity of blood with non‐endothelial surface is a challenge for long‐term Ventricular Assist Devices development, usually made with pure titanium, which despite of being inert, low density and high mechanical resistance it does not avoid the thrombogenic responses. Here we tested a modification on the titanium surface with Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures followed by Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating in different thicknesses to customize the wettability profile by changing the surface energy of the titanium.

Methods

Four different surfaces were proposed: (1) Pure Titanium as Reference Material (RM), (2) Textured as Test Sample (TS), (3) Textured with DLC 0.3μm as (TSA) and (4) Textured with 2.4μm DLC as (TSB). A single implant was positioned in the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats and the effects of hemodynamic interaction were evaluated without anticoagulant drugs.

Results

After twelve weeks, the implants were extracted and subjected to qualitative analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy under low vacuum and X‐ray Energy Dispersion. The regions that remained in contact with the wall of the aorta showed encapsulation of the endothelial tissue. TSB implants, although superhydrophilic, have proven that the DLC coating inhibits the adhesion of biological material, prevents abrasive wear and delamination, as observed in the TS and TSA implants. Pseudo‐ neointimal layers were heterogeneously identified in higher concentration on Test Surfaces.
Assessment of the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative showed suboptimal knowledge and a low exclusive breastfeeding rate in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdul Rafiq A. , Agbede Catherine O. , Adekoya Adesola O. , Abolurin Olufunmilola O. , Obadina Olufunke O.
Published: November 2023

Aim

Implementing the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) programme has been fraught with challenges globally. The study aimed to assess the implementation of the BFHI and breastfeeding practices in healthcare facilities in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods

It was a questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study carried out between August and October 2019 among 100 healthcare workers and 110 mothers from health facilities in Ijebu‐Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.

Results

Nearly two‐thirds (61.0%) of the healthcare workers were community health workers while the others were nurses. Less than a quarter (23.8%) of the healthcare workers had ever attended breastfeeding educational programmes since they started working. About half of the healthcare workers had good knowledge, attitude and practice of BFHI. Nurses had a significantly better practice of BFHI than community health workers. Understaffing was a major limitation to the implementation of BFHI. The mothers had an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 47%.

Conclusion

The knowledge, attitude, and practice of BFHI were suboptimal and the exclusive breastfeeding rate among the mothers was low. There is a need to improve staff strength, training and re‐training of staff, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation of healthcare facilities on the implementation of BFHI.
Local and regional diversity of frog communities along an extensive rainforest elevation gradient in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Dahl Chris , Richards Stephen J. , Basien Ismale , Mungkaje Augustine J. , Novotny Vojtech
Published: November 2023

Rainforests on high tropical mountains are globally important species diversity hotspots. We studied amphibians along an extensive rainforest elevation gradient on Mt. Wilhelm (4509 m) in Papua New Guinea. We established eight sites at 500 m elevation increments between 200 and 3700 m a.s.l. and relate their community composition to the known species pool of New Guinea island. We recorded 3390 frogs from 55 species, which is three times more species than at any local community along the elevation gradient. Species diversity peaked at 1700 m a.s.l. for Mt. Wilhelm communities, and at 500–1100 m a.s.l. in the broader New Guinea fauna, probably reflecting increasing speciation and decreasing dispersal rates with increasing elevation. The beta diversity between frog communities was high and increased with increasing elevation. The change in frog community composition across 500 m elevation corresponded to the change over 200 km distance within lowland forests. A majority of frog species were distributed over narrow <500 m elevational ranges, at Mt Wilhelm and the New Guinea fauna more broadly. We did not detect Rapoport's pattern of wider elevation range for species at higher elevations than for lowland species, for Mt. Wilhelm communities or the New Guinea fauna. The high beta diversity patterns along elevation gradients generated by rapid species turnover with narrow elevation ranges make frog communities vulnerable to change in environment, including climate change.

Abstract in Melanesian Pidgin is available with online material.
A novel homozygous variant in PMVK is associated with enhanced IL1β secretion and a hyper‐IgD syndrome‐like phenotype
Authors: Jairaman Amit , Badiger Vaishnavi Ashok , Raj Spoorthy , Nair Karthik Vijay , Balan Suma , Narayanan Dhanya Lakshmi
Published: November 2023

The evolutionarily conserved mevalonate pathway plays an important role in the synthesis of cholesterol and isoprenoid compounds. Mevalonate kinase (MVK) and phosphomevalonate kinase (PMVK) enzymes regulate key rate‐limiting steps in this pathway by sequentially phosphorylating mevalonic acid to yield downstream metabolites that regulate protein prenylation and cell signaling. Biallelic pathogenic variants in MVK cause a spectrum of rare autoinflammatory disorders that encompass milder forms of hyper‐IgD syndrome (HIDS) at one end and the more severe mevalonic aciduria on the other. In contrast, pathogenic variants reported in PMVK are heterozygous and associated with porokeratosis, a skin disorder with no systemic manifestations. Recently, biallelic variants in PMVK were reported as a cause for an autoinflammatory disorder for the first time in two unrelated patients. In this study, we describe a child with recurrent arthritis and a HIDS‐like phenotype harboring a novel homozygous variant c.398 C>T (p.Ala133Val) in PMVK. Mononuclear cells isolated from the patient showed significantly elevated production of interleukin 1β, a key cytokine that shapes the inflammatory response in HIDS. Protein modeling studies suggested potential defects in PMVK enzyme activity. These results posit a further expanding of the genotypic spectrum of autoinflammatory disease to include biallelic PMVK variants.
Osseodensification versus lateral window technique for sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implant placement: A randomized clinical trial on patient‐reported outcome measures
Authors: Gaspar João , Botelho João , Proença Luís , Machado Vanessa , Chambrone Leandro , Neiva Rodrigo , Mendes José João
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare patient‐reported outcome measures and additional surgical outcomes after sinus floor elevation (SFE) with osseodensification (OD) versus lateral window (LW), both with simultaneous implant placement.

Materials and Methods

Twenty participants requiring single‐implant rehabilitation with residual bone height (RBH) ≤4 mm were enrolled. Pain experience, quality of life (QoL) via the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), analgesics intake, and other symptoms were self‐reported for a week on a daily basis. Surgery duration, complications, and implant stability quotient at baseline (ISQ T0) and after 6 months (ISQ T6) were registered. Participants were followed up for 1 year.

Results

From Day 0 (day of surgery) to Day 3, pain experience was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the OD group. OHIP‐14 score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the OD group on all postoperative days, except on Day 5. Average analgesics intake was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the OD group. Surgery mean duration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in LW compared to OD (71.1 ± 10.4 vs. 32.9 ± 5.3 min). After osseointegration period, all implants were successfully restored with screw‐retained crowns.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that OD and LW techniques were similarly effective in SFE with simultaneous implant placement when RBH ≤ 4 mm. However, OD significantly outperformed LW in pain experience, impact on self‐perceived QoL, surgery duration, postoperative edema, and analgesics intake.
Pushcarts and Fountains: Masculinity, Agency and Labour Culture among Water Workers of N'Djamena, Chad
Authors: Maazaz Ismaël
Published: November 2023

Waters fountain managers and private porters are essential workers operating in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. Striving to supply water to areas and households that do not have connections to Chad's official provider, the Société Tchadienne des Eaux, water workers are subjected to a regulatory framework which complicates already precarious situations. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork around water spots in peripheral and working‐class neighbourhoods of N'Djamena, this article argues that precariousness and constraints associated with water labour produce a specific form of masculine working culture. This culture combines manifestations of solidarity with a flexible set of unspoken rules and norms. Designed as a response to precarity, harsh constraints and uncertainties, this culture has managed to prevail despite high turnover among workers. It identifies water workers as a distinct socio‐economic group. By turning the spotlight on this original, gendered infrastructure of water labour as shaped by workers’ solidarity, interaction with customers and struggles against authorities, this article contributes to ongoing academic debates on agency, labour and natural resource management in urban settings.
Factors associated with maternal hyperglycaemia and neonatal hypoglycaemia after antenatal betamethasone administration in women with diabetes in pregnancy
Authors: Rowe Christopher W. , Rosee Patrick , Sathiakumar Angeline , Ramesh Soundarya , Qiao Vivian , Huynh Jason , Dennien Georgia , Weaver Natasha , Wynne Katie
Published: November 2023

Aims

Bespoke glycaemic control strategies following antenatal corticosteroids for women with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) may mitigate hyperglycaemia. This study aims to identify predictive factors for the glycaemic response to betamethasone in a large cohort of women with DIP.

Methods

Evaluation of a prospective cohort study of 347 consecutive DIP pregnancies receiving two doses of 11.4 mg betamethasone 24 h apart between 2017 and 2021 and treated with the Pregnancy‐IVI intravenous insulin protocol. Regression modelling identified factors associated with maternal glycaemic time‐in‐range (TIR) and maternal insulin requirements following betamethasone. Factors associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia (glucose <2.6 mmol/L) in infants born within 48 h of betamethasone administration (n = 144) were investigated.

Results

The mean maternal age was 31.9 ± 5.8 years, with gestational age at betamethasone of 33.5 ± 3.4 weeks. Gestational diabetes was present in 81% (12% type 1; 7% type 2). Pre‐admission subcutaneous insulin was prescribed for 63%. On‐infusion maternal glucose TIR (4.0–7.8 mmol/L) was 83% [IQR 77%–90%] and mean on‐IVI glucose was 6.6 ± 0.5 mmol/L. Maternal hypoglycaemia (<3.8 mmol/L) was uncommon (0.47 h/100 on‐IVI woman hours). Maternal glucose TIR was negatively associated with indicators of insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome), late‐pregnancy complications (pre‐eclampsia, chorioamnionitis) and the 1‐h OGTT result. Intravenous insulin requirements were associated with type of diabetes, pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine infection, the 1‐h OGTT result and the timing of betamethasone administration. Neonatal hypoglycaemia was associated with pre‐existing diabetes but not with measures of glycaemic control.

Conclusion

An intravenous infusion protocol effectively controls maternal glucose after betamethasone. A risk‐factor‐based approach may allow individualisation of therapy.
A single coiled‐coil domain mutation in hIKCa channel subunits disrupts preferential formation of heteromeric hSK1:hIKCa channels
Authors: Charlick James N. , Bozadzhieva Daniella , Butler Andrew S. , Wilkinson Kevin A. , Marrion Neil V.
Published: November 2023

The expression of IKCa (SK4) channel subunits overlaps with that of SK channel subunits, and it has been proposed that the two related subunits prefer to co‐assemble to form heteromeric hSK1:hIKCa channels. This implicates hSK1:hIKCa heteromers in physiological roles that might have been attributed to activation of SK channels. We have used a mutation approach to confirm formation of heterometric hSK1:hIKCa channels. Introduction of residues within hSK1 that were predicted to impart sensitivity to the hIKCa current blocker TRAM‐34 changed the pharmacology of functional heteromers. Heteromeric channels formed between wildtype hIKCa and mutant hSK1 subunits displayed a significantly higher sensitivity and maximum block to addition of TRAM‐34 than heteromers formed between wildtype subunits. Heteromer formation was disrupted by a single point mutation within one COOH‐terminal coiled‐coil domain of the hIKCa channel subunit. This mutation only disrupted the formation of hSK1:hIKCa heteromeric channels, without affecting the formation of homomeric hIKCa channels. Finally, the Ca2+ gating sensitivity of heteromeric hSK1:hIKCa channels was found to be significantly lower than the Ca2+ gating sensitivity of homomeric hIKCa channels. These data confirmed the preferred formation of heteromeric channels that results from COOH‐terminal interactions between subunits. The distinct sensitivity of the heteromer to activation by Ca2+ suggests that heteromeric channels fulfil a distinct function within those neurons that express both subunits.
Thiamine deficiency‐related neuropathy: A reversible entity from an endemic area
Authors: Nisar Sobia , Yousuf wani Irfan , Altaf Umair , Muzaffer Umar , Kareem Ozaifa , Tanvir Masood , Ganie Mohd. Ashraf
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Despite thiamine deficiency being a lesser‐known entity in modern times, beriberi in various forms, including thiamine deficiency‐related neuropathy, remains endemic in Kashmir due to the consumption of polished rice as a staple food. This observational study investigates cases of peripheral neuropathy of unknown etiology and their potential responsiveness to thiamine administration.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled adult patients presenting to the emergency department with weakness consistent with thiamine deficiency‐related neuropathy and conducted a therapeutic challenge with thiamine on 41 patients. Response to thiamine therapy was monitored based on subjective and objective improvements in weakness and power. Patients were divided into thiamine responders (n = 25) and nonresponders (n = 16) based on their response to thiamine therapy and nerve conduction studies.

Results

Most of the baseline characteristics were similar between responders and nonresponders, except the responders exhibited lower thiamine levels and higher partial pressure of oxygen and lactate levels compared to nonresponders. All patients had a history of consuming polished rice and traditional salt tea. Although weakness in the lower limbs was present in both groups, nonresponders were more likely to exhibit weakness in all four limbs. Clinical improvement was observed within 24 h, but proximal muscle weakness persisted for an extended period of time.

Conclusions

Thiamine deficiency‐related neuropathy presents with predominant lower limb weakness, exacerbated by vomiting, poor food intake, psychiatric illness, and pregnancy. Thiamine challenge should be followed by observation of clinical and biochemical response.
CD271 promotes proliferation and migration in bladder cancer
Authors: Myoen Shingo , Mochizuki Mai , Shibuya‐Takahashi Rie , Fujimori Haruna , Shindo Norihisa , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Yasuda Jun , Abe Jiro , Imai Takayuki , Sato Ikuro , Adachi Hisanobu , Kawamura Sadafumi , Ito Akihiro , Tamai Keiichi
Published: November 2023

Bladder cancer is a urothelial cancer and effective therapeutic strategies for its advanced stages are limited. Here, we report that CD271, a neurotrophin receptor, promotes the proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells. CD271 knockdown decreased proliferation in both adherent and spheroid cultures, and vice versa when CD271 was overexpressed in bladder cancer cell lines. CD271 depletion impaired tumorigenicity in vivo. Migration activity was reduced by CD271 knockdown and TAT‐Pep5, a known CD271‐Rho GDI‐binding inhibitor. Apoptosis was induced by CD271 knockdown. Comprehensive gene expression analysis revealed alterations in E2F‐ and Myc‐related pathways upon CD271 expression. In clinical cases, patients with high CD271 expression showed significantly shortened overall survival. In surgically resected specimens, pERK, a known player in proliferation signaling, colocalizes with CD271. These data indicate that CD271 is involved in bladder cancer malignancy by promoting cell proliferation and migration, resulting in poor prognosis.
World‐class universities cut off from the West: Russian higher education and the reversal of the internationalisation norm?
Authors: Crowley‐Vigneau Anne , Kalyuzhnova Yelena , Baykov Andrey
Published: November 2023

The Western‐style internationalisation of Russian universities, which guided the evolution of the country's higher education sector for over three decades, has been challenged by Western sanctions following the 2022 Russian ‘Special military operation in Ukraine’. The authors show through the prism of constructivist theory how the norm on the internationalisation of higher education characterised by the strive for Westernised world‐class universities was adopted and then came to unravel in Russia. A qualitative case study based on 42 expert interviews and an analysis of political discourse and legal documents reveals how the key features of the internationalisation of Russian universities are being challenged. The authors contribute to the expert literature the notion of ‘norm reversal’, defined as the process whereby an institutionalised and internalised international norm is ‘cancelled’ in a specific country. The paper shows that the reversal in Russian higher education, which was initially ‘circumstantial’ is becoming ‘intentional’, with legal documents being drawn up to accelerate and claim ownership of it.
Exit strategy or springboard for career development? The case of university executives' remuneration
Authors: Civera Alice , Lehmann Erik E. , Meoli Michele , Otto Jonah M. , Paleari Stefano
Published: November 2023

The steady increase of chief executives' compensation in both public and private universities has long been at the centre of public debate and has received a lot of criticism in the UK. As higher education is considered as an industry, a pay for performance relationship is expected. This paper differs by demonstrating that UK Vice Chancellors consider incentives other than remuneration in their career progression. By constructing a comprehensive dataset of UK Vice Chancellors covering academic years 2012/2013 to 2016/2017, we demonstrate that UK university chief executives, especially if young, are willing to accept lower salaries when they interpret their role as a springboard for visible high‐profile positions in the public arena.
Analysis of Turkish cuisine flavors network
Authors: Ozhan Beyza , Tugrul Bulent
Published: November 2023

The variety of ingredients used in regional cuisine depends on cultural characteristics and the agricultural products available in a region. Native and in‐season foods are frequently used in local cooking. Products like fruits and vegetables may be obtained from nearby farms. The cultural backgrounds of the local population might also have an impact on the cuisine. A balanced combination of four different tastes (bitter, sweet, salty and sour) increases the appeal of a dish. In this study, a flavour network of Turkish cuisine is built and analysed by examining the relationships between recipes, ingredients and components (including vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium). We created a data set containing recipes and ingredients from five different regional cuisines of Turkiye that span a wide range of geographical and climatic areas. Several analyses have been conducted on Turkish cuisine at both the regional and country levels. This data set also contains component information that can be used to perform various analyses, such as calorie information and allergen identification. The results revealed that Turkish cuisine favours cattle meat from animal products, lemon from fruits, yogurt from dairy products, butter from oils and wheat flour from cereal products.
The Role of Women in the Church in Botswana
Authors: Nkomazana Fidelis , Setume Doreen Senzokuhle
Published: November 2023

This article explores the role and contribution of women in the church with a specific focus on Reverend Boiketlo T. Ngwako of the Revelation Blessed Peace Church in Botswana (RBPC). The paper examines the contribution and experiences of Reverend Ngwako in a male‐dominated church in Botswana. Data was collected through personal observations and by attending church services, listening to the testimonies, preaching, singing, and prayers of members of the RBPC as led by Reverend Ngwako. Reverend Ngwako, the key participant, was interviewed to understand her role and contribution in the life of the church and to collect data on her views on a wide range of issues, such as politics. Content analysis of the data allowed the mapping of different themes of Ngwako's development as a minister of religion in the context of a male‐dominated Christian leadership and cultural environment. The results suggest that the cultural environment and the biblical doctrines of the church have an impact on the development and ministry of a pastor. The study concludes that biblical doctrine is interpreted and understood in the light of Tswana cultural contexts, which continue to have an impact on her ministry, gender relations, and leadership style.