bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capabilities to withstand vulnerabilities and boost resilience in industrialized construction supply chains: a Hong Kong study
Authors: Ekanayake E.M.A.C. , Shen Geoffrey , Kumaraswamy Mohan , Owusu Emmanuel Kingsford , Xue Jin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Given the heightened imperatives for boosting supply chain resilience (SCR) in industrialized construction (IC), it is essential to explore the correlational impacts of supply chain vulnerabilities (SCV) and supply chain capabilities (SCC) which are the measures of SCR, specifically in Hong Kong where policymakers actively promote IC. Therefore, this study aims to develop a model to explore the correlational impacts of vulnerabilities and capabilities targeting SCR in IC.

Design/methodology/approach

After drawing on the general literature on SCR, empirical research using an expert opinion survey was conducted following the methodological framework of this study. The gathered data were then subjected to the partial least squares structural equation modeling process. Thereby, four hypotheses were formulated and tested for 20 capability–vulnerability relationships.

Findings

Seven of the 20 statistical relationships tested were identified to be significant. Accordingly, production-based SCV were identified as the most critical disruptions. “Resourcefulness” could substantially withstand production-based SCV, receiving the highest path significance. An “enablers-results framework” for achieving SCR of IC was also developed based on these findings to help industry practitioners with SCR implementation.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first structured evaluation model that measures the correlational impacts of SCC and SCV targeting SCR in the construction domain. Further, this study adds substantially to the existing SCR and construction “body of knowledge” by proposing a model explaining how various SCV and SCC influence SCR in IC. These findings also inform the industry where and how to deploy critical SCC at appropriate levels, targeting critical SCV, to contain or extirpate them.
Impact of client vendor communication on client satisfaction in information system based projects
Authors: Rasool Zeeshan , Xue Jian , Awesi Javeria , Abbas Syed Arslan , Farooq Zahid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The research focuses on the impact of client vendor communication on client satisfaction in information system projects and after client satisfaction that will bridge them toward the information system continuance intention of clients. Importance of this study is to understand the effect of client-vendor communication on client satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample size of the study was 200 respondents and data was collected from electrical manufacturing industries. It is a quantitative field study, and the time horizon of this study is cross-sectional. The data collected was then analyzed by doing the structural equation modeling in PLS-SEM in order to examine the relationships.

Findings

Findings of this study likewise demonstrate the mediating impact of client satisfaction between the relationship of client-vendor communication and information system continuance intention as well as between the relationship of expectation confirmation and information system continuance intention. Future studies may include the multi-motive information system continuance model (MISC) to explain the constructs in more depth because it includes different dimensions of expectation confirmation which will help more to understand information system continuance intention.

Originality/value

This study determines the role of information system continuance intention in terms of client-vendor communication and expectation confirmation through the impact of mediator client satisfaction. Previous studies have explained that client-vendor communication affects client satisfaction positively and confirmation also positively affects the client satisfaction. For this research study, the authors have identified the following research gaps. The authors also have found out that the following study is significant in a related study taken in the developed countries. On the contrary, the authors will follow the study and further observe the impact of improved risks in different cities of Pakistan that how client-vendor communication are affecting the success of information
A holistic model for measuring continuous innovation capability of manufacturing industry: a case study
Authors: Lianto Benny , Dachyar Muhammad , Soemardi Tresna Priyana
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive continuous innovation capability (CIC) measurement model in manufacturing sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of this CIC model was conducted through three stages of research, i.e. identification of manufacturing continuous innovation measures (MCIMs), development of measurement model, followed by model evaluation and validation. MCIMs were identified using systematic literature review and focus group discussion. Selection process for MCIMs employed the fuzzy Delphi method. To develop measurement model, contextual relationships between MCIMs were assessed using total interpretive structural modeling, followed by measurements of MCIMs weight with the analytical network process method. Then, assessment indicators for each MCIM and criteria were determined as well as mathematical model to measure CIC scores. Model evaluation and validation were performed in two case studies: in an automotive company and an electronics company.

Findings

This research produced 50 criteria and 103 assessment indicators, as well as mathematical model to measure CIC scores. The validation process showed that currently developed model was deemed valid.

Practical implications

The results of this research are expected to provide a practical input for manufacturing company managers in managing their innovation activities systematically and comprehensively.

Originality/value

The CIC model is a new comprehensive measurement model; it integrates three fundamental elements of CI capability measurement, considering all important dimensions in a company and also able to explain contextual relationships between measured factors.
Hybridization in a kibbutz industry structure: an Israeli case study
Authors: Moskovich Yaffa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This article analyzes a kibbutz factory and seeks to understand its unique hybrid structure following privatization, comparing it with that of other kibbutz industries in Israeli society.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used qualitative investigation, including interviews and document analysis practice.

Findings

The study describes hybrid model that is based on conflicting logic, as the kibbutz industry contains both communal and familial principles and bureaucratic and business features. This case study succeeded in striking a balance between the two conflicting logics through sound managerial policy adapted for the sake of communal interests.

Practical implications

This typology can be applied to other business organizations that underwent organizational changes as well.

Originality/value

The authors developed an alternative hybrid organization typology capable of describing new trends in kibbutz industry.
Understanding post-adoption behaviour in the context of ride-hailing apps: the role of customer perceived value
Authors: Ofori Kwame Simpe , Anyigba Hod , Adeola Ogechi , Junwu Chai , Osakwe Christian Nedu , David-West Olayinka
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite the perceived role of customer value in post-adoption behaviour in the context of ride-hailing apps such as Uber, there has been limited research on the subject. This paper seeks to enrich the understanding of the relationships between customer perceived value, particularly hedonic value and economic value, customer satisfaction and continued use intentions of ride-hailing apps.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is based on field data collected from 567 users of ride-hailing apps in Ghana. Data collected from the survey were analysed using the partial least square (PLS) approach to structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The paper provides evidence that hedonic value, as well as economic value, positively predicts customer satisfaction and continued use intentions of ride-hailing apps. Further analysis reveals customer satisfaction directly predicts continued use intentions in addition to partially mediating the influence of customer perceived value on continued use intentions of ride-hailing apps. Finally, the findings suggest that hedonic value has a stronger impact on continued use intentions than economic value, while economic value has a greater impact on satisfaction than hedonic value.

Originality/value

The study contributes to post-adoption behaviour research by providing evidence on the relationships among the study constructs in a developing country context. Overall, the findings will stimulate future empirical debates on the subject and guide practitioners in decision-making concerning customers' usage of ride-hailing apps.
First-mover advantages and innovation success: a contingency approach
Authors: Chavez Daniel Eduardo , Chen Haipeng (Allan)
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an overarching unifying theory where first-mover advantages are a conditional effect, not a main effect. By offering a closer look at how the firm, market and product characteristics influence the supply and demand of innovations, this research furthers our understanding of the advantages and disadvantages for first movers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores first-mover advantages as a conditional effect. Adopting a contingency perspective, the authors review the literature in marketing, strategic management, innovation and entrepreneurship to offer a conceptual framework putting innovation success at the core of first-mover advantages. The authors develop an inventory of propositions specifying how first-mover advantages depend on various firm features, market characteristics and product properties through their effects on the success of innovations.

Findings

A conceptual framework centered around innovation success yields testable hypotheses that are coherent with extant research on first-mover advantages and reconcile the seemingly contradictory evidence in that body of work.

Practical implications

This research provides managers with the opportunity to think about one of the most important decisions, i.e. time of entry, not as a linear finite decision, but instead as a flow with the innovations and potential for their success in mind.

Originality/value

This paper distinguishes itself from the existing literature with its focus on innovation within a contingency perspective for first-mover advantages.
Key account management and value co-creation in multi-stakeholder ecosystems. A “market access” mix
Authors: Leone Daniele , Schiavone Francesco , Simoni Michele
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The present study aims to contribute to the growing stream of literature about the network perspective of value co-creation via key account management (KAM) by exploring how firms, in complex industrial markets, use key account strategies to create value, not only for buyers and sellers of industrial products/services but also, more widely, for larger ecosystems of stakeholders. The research question this paper seeks to address is how the KAM approach promotes value co-creation in multi-stakeholder ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this research question, this study uses a qualitative research approach based on data triangulation. This study focuses on the market access (MA) strategies implemented by a multinational UK-based pharmaceutical company within the Italian multi-stakeholder health-care ecosystem over several years.

Findings

The results show that KAM in complex networks acts as a catalyst for value creation, through multiple interactions with different actors and an ad hoc configuration of five strategic levers: product performance, economic impact, institutional relationships, commercial organization and communication. These levers are able to unlock the appropriate value drivers and form a specific “market access mix” implemented by the firm to both promote the adoption of the firm’s products and generate value for all market stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study offers an innovative and comprehensive evidence-based model for designing specific MA strategies aimed at co-creating value within multi-stakeholder ecosystems. The proposed MA mix outlines the fact that knowledge, relationships and innovation are not unique factors that can be leveraged by stakeholders to co-create value.
Passive but defiant: the role of innovative capabilities in knowledge management and corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Khalil Muhammad Azhar , Khalil Muhammad Khuram , Khalil Rashid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of organizational innovative capabilities (OIC) on the relationship between knowledge sharing (KS), corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and firm performance (FP). Specifically, this study uses the knowledge-based view to develop a model that examines the mentioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 520 participants across 75 service sector companies in Thailand, measurement and structure models are tested through structural equation modeling to quantify the impact between constructs.

Findings

This study shows that KS and CE positively affect OIC and FP. A positive relationship is also found between KS and CE. The mediating impact of OIC strengthens the relationship between KS and CE on FP.

Research limitations/implications

Like all research using survey methods, the research is prone to respondent biases and generalizability. However, this paper has put the best effort to minimize such effects by rigorous methodological testing to avoid such biases.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that to improve organizational learning and knowledge-based performance, commitment and understanding of the employees in the entire organization is crucial. KS significantly contributes to developing innovative abilities because of its characteristics of providing firm-specific and socially complex advantages. The way a firm transforms and exploits its knowledge may ascertain its level of innovativeness, such as coming up with certain problem-solving procedures and new product development according to the rapid change in the market demand. However, organizations may only instigate to effectively organize knowledge when their employees are ready to share knowledge. Continuous KS boosts entrepreneurial practices and contributes innovativeness across individuals, groups, units or the entire organization.

Originality/value

The relationship between CE, organization innovative capabilities and FP in the presence of KS is rarely discussed in both theoretical and empirical literature. This study contributes to the literature by arguing that apart from the direct impact of KS on FP, KS can lead the firms toward generating important competitive advantage by forming innovative capabilities that can significantly influence FP.
The role of financial factors and non-financial factors on corporate bond and sukuk rating Indonesia
Authors: Laila Nisful , Rusmita Sylva Alif , Cahyono Eko Fajar , Azman-Saini W.N.W.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the determinants of ratings of corporate bonds and sukuk issued by firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2013–2019 period.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach by testing hypotheses and using logistic regression. Ordinal logistic endogenous (or dependent) variables (Y) in ordinal logistics use data in the form of levels (ordinal scale). Independent (or exogenous) variables (X), include financial and non-financial factors for dependent (or endogenous) variables (Y), namely, of corporate bonds and sukuk ratings. There are two approaches to the study they are Logit and Gompit (Negative Log-Log. The population of the study is Indonesian companies listed on the IDX that issued bonds and sukuk for the 2013–2019 periods. The sampling technique is purposive. In total, 16 corporate companies adhering to the above criteria and issuing bonds and sukuk were chosen. In total, 270 types of bonds and 280 types of sukuk were selected as samples.

Findings

The results of the Logit and Gompit regression show that leverage ratio, firm size, security structure and maturity date are important determinants of corporate bond ratings while profitability and liquidity ratios appear to have no influence on the rating. In the case of sukuk, profitability, liquidity and maturity date play important roles in influencing the corporate sukuk rating. However, there is no evidence to suggest that leverage ratio, company size and security structure may affect sukuk ratings.

Research limitations/implications

For both sukuk and bond issuers, it is necessary to pay attention to the factors that may affect the ratings. Specifically, Sukuk issuers need to pay attention to the return of asset, current ratio, growth and structure. On the other hand, bond issuers need to consider depth to equity, structure and maturity. As for investors, the findings of this study reveal that both bond and sukuk ratings reflect their performance.

Practical implications

This study provides useful information for investors that allows them to assess the risk of sukuk or bonds chosen based on rating and financial performance.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in its econometric methodology used to identify factors which influence sukuk and bond ratings. Specifically, this study used two different techniques that allow a robust conclusion to be drawn. Furthermore, this study provides a systematic analysis which allows comparison between factors which affect bond and sukuk ratings in Indonesia.
Niklas Luhmann's anti-totalitarian observation of systems
Authors: Harste Gorm , Laursen Klaus Brønd
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the philosophical roots of Luhmann's theory in relation to its anti-totalitarian elements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a conceptual discussion of the critical and anti-totalitarian angle in Niklas Luhmann's system theory.

Findings

This paper finds that systems theory has a critical potential.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge the anti-totalitarian element of Niklas Luhmann's system theory has not be discussed before the present contribution.
Linking sustainability and non-financial reporting directive 2014/95/EU through isomorphism lens
Authors: Stefanescu Cristina Alexandrina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the connection between sustainability and non-financial reporting (NFR) settled by the Directive 2014/95/EU, aiming to shed light on how institutional isomorphic pressures (mimetic, coercive and normative) are expressed in terms of sustainability issues influenced its enactment at the European Union (EU) level.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically, the contribution of this study relied on the complexity of the research design that uses the same statistical methods and techniques (e.g. principal component analysis, correlation and regression analysis) within two stages of analysis (main and robustness) to increase the trustworthy of the results reached.

Findings

The results reveal that countries with sound sustainable management pillars (economic, environmental and social) and development goals promoting economic prosperity, environmental protection and societal well-being (prosperity, planet and people) are more likely to bring active support in enhancing NFR by regulating its framework.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical nature of the research left space for some limitations, as long as it relied on country-level data, thus being quite challenging to gauge the commitment to harmonization with the new Directive. Moreover, the model’s explanatory power remains questionable, as the explanatory variables might be measured differently in the model specifications.

Practical implications

The study addresses academia/regulators/practitioners by ascertaining their potential to better understand/promote/apply the new Directive. Thus, each could support the steps toward standardized sustainability reporting by keeping up to date with the latest improvements/addressing cross-country inconsistencies in the transposition/managing future implementation in a more effective and accountable way.

Originality/value

This paper approaches the harmonization process of NFR across Europe in connection with sustainability issues, grounding on institutional isomorphism. Thus, it fills an existing literature gap, as research studies approaching the new Directive from the institutional theory’s perspective are still scarce and focused on particular countries.
Assessing road pricing effects on a multimodal network based on macroscopic fundamental diagram hysteresis
Authors: Wahaballa Amr M. , Hemdan Seham , Kurauchi Fumitaka
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Road pricing is an efficient strategy for managing urban traffic to relieve congestion. The macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD), which relates the average network density and flow, is a simple tool for assessing road pricing effects on transportation network performance. However, recent research indicates that it may have complexity (an MFD hysteresis loop), especially for city-scale networks. Although ignoring MFD hysteresis may provide inaccurate results, pricing models that consider this hysteresis are scarce. This paper aims to assess road pricing effects on network performance considering MFD hysteresis characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluated different pricing strategies spatially and temporally and compared network performance based on MFD shape in the presence of MFD hysteresis loops. These strategies were developed on a multimodal (cars and buses) network using a multi-agent transport simulation (MATSim).

Findings

This study found that pricing some links for a short duration with an optimum charge calculated based on the MFD provides higher travel time savings than the previous relevant studies.

Originality/value

These findings may facilitate assessing road pricing effects on multimodal network performance considering MFD hysteresis.
Effect of oxygen concentrations and branched‐chain amino acids on the growth and development of sub‐seafloor fungus, Schizophyllum commune 20R‐7‐F01
Authors: Zain Ul Arifeen Muhammad , Ma Zhi‐Jun , Wu Si , Liu Jun‐Zhong , Xue Ya‐Rong , Liu Chang‐Hong
Published: August 2021

Fungi have been reported to be the dominant eukaryotic group in anoxic sub‐seafloor sediments, but how fungi subsist in the anoxic sub‐marine sedimental environment is rarely understood. Our previous study demonstrated that the fungus, Schizophyllum commune 20R‐7‐F01 isolated from a ~2 km sediment below the seafloor, can grow and produce primordia in the complete absence of oxygen with enhanced production of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), but the primordia cannot be developed into fruit bodies without oxygen. Here, we present the individual and synergistic effects of oxygen and BCAAs on the fruit‐body development of this strain. It was found that the fungus required a minimum oxygen concentration of 0.5% pO2 to generate primordia and 1% pO2 to convert primordia into mature fruit body. However, if BCAAs (20 mM) were added to the medium, the primordium could be developed into fruit body at a lower oxygen concentration up to 0.5% pO2 where genes fst4 and c2h2 playing an important role in compensating oxygen deficiency. Moreover, under hypoxic conditions, the fungus showed an increase in mitochondrial number and initiation of auto‐phagocytosis. These findings suggest that the fruit‐body formation of S. commune may have multiple mechanisms, including energy and amino acid metabolism in response to oxygen concentrations.
Sociological contributions to race and health: Diversifying the ontological and methodological agenda
Authors: Nelson Hyeyoung Oh , Spencer Karen Lutfey
Published: August 2021

Sociologists have made fundamental contributions to the study of race and health in the United States. They have disrupted biological assumptions of race, uncovered individual and structural factors that drive racial health disparities and explored the effects of racism on health. In recent years, however, with broader shifts towards big data, the work to understand the dynamics between race and health has been increasingly pursued from a quantitative perspective. Often, such analyses isolate intermediary mechanisms to further explain race as a cause of disease. While important, these approaches potentially limit our investigations of underlying assumptions about race and the complexity of this critical social construct. We argue that the resulting dearth of qualitative research on race and health substantially limits the knowledge being produced. After providing an overview of the overwhelming shift towards quantitative methods in the study of race and health, we present three areas of study that would benefit from greater qualitative inquiry as follows: (1) Healthy Immigrant Effect, (2) Maternal Health and (3) End‐of‐Life Care. We conclude with a call to the discipline to embrace the critical role of qualitative research in exploring the dynamics of race and health in the United States.
Evaluating small vessel neutrophils as a marker for sepsis
Authors: Gorski Zuzanna , Parai Jacqueline L. , Milroy Christopher M.
Published: August 2021

A retrospective case‐control study of 100 sepsis autopsy cases and 103 controls over a 9‐year period was conducted to analyze patterns of neutrophils in small caliber vessels of the liver, heart, and lungs in relation to sepsis as the cause of death. Data extracted included demographics of the decedent, cause of death, presence of conditions that could interfere with an inflammatory response, history of hospitalization, and results of microbiology cultures. Histologic sections of the liver, heart, and lungs were assessed. Organs were scored for neutrophilic inflammation based upon a predetermined grading system. Scores of 0, 1, and 2 were assigned according to mild, moderate, and florid neutrophilic presence, respectively; a total score was also assigned based on the sum of the scores from all three organs. Comparing the histologic grading between cases and controls found a statistical difference with the neutrophil grading in the liver (p < 0.001), lung (p < 0.001), and heart (p < 0.001) and between the combined total scores (p < 0.001). Combined neutrophilic scores of 4 and greater showed high specificities (90% to 100%) for sepsis‐related deaths. Examining the percentage of sepsis cases as the histologic neutrophilic score increased found a positive slope in all three organs. However, only the linear regression looking at the lung (p = 0.03) and the combined score (p = 0.001) were statistically significant. Despite the above results, sepsis cases with low scores and controls with moderate and florid neutrophilic infiltrates were also seen.
Conservative management of traumatic pneumothoraces: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gerhardy Benjamin C , Liebenberg Paul , Simpson Graham
Published: August 2021

Objective

Traumatic pneumothoraces (T‐PTXs) are traditionally managed with an intercostal catheter (ICC), despite little evidence for this. Success with conservative management of primary spontaneous PTX has been demonstrated, and our ED has adopted a conservative approach where safe for all PTX.

Methods

We reviewed all T‐PTXs at our institution over a 7‐year period to assess outcomes of those conservatively managed and compare with those who received an ICC. A total of 144 cases were identified, 65 managed conservatively and 79 invasively. Each was individually reviewed and variables including demographics, aetiology, smoking/lung disease history, T‐PTX size (apical interpleural distance and hemithorax percentage), length of stay, Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score and delayed intervention/complications were recorded. Chi‐squared, Z‐score, Mann–Whitney U and t‐tests were used for analysis.

Results

The mean apical interpleural distance was 26.8 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.1–29.7 mm) in the conservative group and 49.1 mm (95% CI 41.2–57.0 mm) in the ICC group (P < 0.05 for difference between groups). Mean T‐PTX percentage 25.9% (95% CI 22.1–29.7%) in the conservative group versus 45.9% (95% CI 39.7–50.5%) in the ICC group (P < 0.05 for difference between two groups) and mean Revised Trauma Score 7.4 (conservative) versus 6.8 (invasive) (P < 0.05). No conservatively managed patient required a delayed intervention for their T‐PTX, and 2 of 79 (3%) patients in the ICC group had a complication (one infection, one haemothorax).

Conclusion

Our data support conservative management of selected T‐PTXs and shows a need for a prospective randomised trial to further examine this intervention.
Antibacterial films made with persimmon (Diospyros kakiL.), pectin, and glycerol: An experimental design approach
Authors: Matheus Julia Rabelo Vaz , Nogueira Talita Braga de Brito , Pereira Ana Paula Aparecida , Correia Thiago Ramos , de Sousa Ana Maria Furtado , Pastore Glaucia Maria , Pelissari Franciele Maria , Miyahira Roberta Fontanive , Fai Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante
Published: August 2021

Persimmon is among the fruits with a significant postharvest loss over the last few years. Thus, it is important to investigate new technical feasibilities to obtain products with higher added value from this fruit. In this study persimmon puree films (Diospyros kakiL.) incorporated with glycerol and pectin by casting technique were formulated using a Plackett–Burman design and characterized. The puree showed high carbohydrate content (175.70 g/kg). In descending order, fructose, glucose, and maltohexaose were the sugars found in persimmon. All the independent variables studied—puree concentration, pectin, glycerol, and temperature—statistically influenced the tensile strength (0.75–1.30 MPa), elongation at break (17.69–26.02%), and Young's modulus (3.34–10.94 MPa) of the films. Water solubility ranged from 68.80% to 80.86%, which were very similar to other films based on puree fruit in the literature. Samples presented high vapor permeability (5.77–6.63 × 10−6g/h/m/Pa) when compared to biodegradable films. Scanning electron microscopy showed smooth surfaces and good plasticizer dispersion. The colorimetric coordinates indicated the films are reddish and yellowish, giving them an orange‐ish visual aspect. The films exhibited antimicrobial activity, especially againstEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. These results indicate that the developed films might be a good candidate for antimicrobial food packaging improving food quality and safety.

Practical Application

The production of fruit‐film packaging with functional and biodegradable characteristics might reduce postharvest loss of fruit and have the potential to develop active food packaging. In this sense, this study is in line with precepts of the circular economy, once it takes advantage of exceeded resources that would be discarded by generating biodegradable films which can be used as edible packaging. Furthermore, given the antimicrobial potential of the films developed, they might be applied as active packaging to improve food safety and extend shelf life.
The inflammatory bowel disease disk application: A platform to assess patients' priorities and expectations from treatment
Authors: Naftali Timna , Richter Vered , Mari Amir , Khoury Tawifik , Shirin Haim , Broide Efrat
Published: August 2021

Objective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts on patients' well‐being. Patients' preferences for treatment outcomes do not necessarily fit physicians' goals. We aimed to investigate patients' priorities and expectations from treatment.

Methods

A questionnaire based on the IBD Disk application was distributed to patients through social media. Patient's preferences were assessed by grading the 10 IBD Disk items on a Likert‐type scale from 1 to 10. A cluster analysis was used to classify patients into homogeneous subgroups according to their preferred items, using the K‐means method.

Results

Among the 224 patients, 69.2% had Crohn's disease (CD). Their mean age was (38.9 ± 14.9) years and 62.9% were female. More CD patients compared with those with ulcerative colitis were treated with biologics compared with those with ulcerative colitis (71.0% vs 39.1%, P < 0.001). Most IBD Disk items ranked high in patients' preferences for treatment outcomes. Their leading preference was reducing abdominal pain, which was more prominent in CD patients, followed by regulating defecation and energy. Least important were interpersonal interactions, sexual functions, and body image. Patients were categorized into three clusters. Cluster 3 patients gave lower scores to most items and were characterized by tertiary education (P = 0.001), higher income (P < 0.001), less active disease (P = 0.02), and higher prevalence of successful treatment (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Patients' preferences for treatment outcomes are influenced by higher education, higher income, rural‐dwelling, and disease activity. Better understanding of individual patient's preferences and the factors that affect them might bridge the gap between patients' and physicians' priorities to achieve better teamwork in controlling disease outcomes.
Mining and engineering exporters for titer improvement of macrolide biopesticides in Streptomyces
Authors: Chu Liyang , Li Shanshan , Dong Zhuoxu , Zhang Yanyan , Jin Pinjiao , Ye Lan , Wang Xiangjing , Xiang Wensheng
Published: August 2021

Exporter engineering is a promising strategy to construct high‐yield Streptomyces for natural product pharmaceuticals in industrial biotechnology. However, available exporters are scarce, due to the limited knowledge of bacterial transporters. Here, we built a workflow for exporter mining and devised a tunable plug‐and‐play exporter (TuPPE) module to improve the production of macrolide biopesticides in Streptomyces. Combining genome analyses and experimental confirmations, we found three ATP‐binding cassette transporters that contribute to milbemycin production in Streptomyces bingchenggensis. We then optimized the expression level of target exporters for milbemycin titer optimization by designing a TuPPE module with replaceable promoters and ribosome binding sites. Finally, broader applications of the TuPPE module were implemented in industrial S. bingchenggensis BC04, Streptomyces avermitilis NEAU12 and Streptomyces cyaneogriseus NMWT1, which led to optimal titer improvement of milbemycin A3/A4, avermectin B1a and nemadectin α by 24.2%, 53.0% and 41.0%, respectively. Our work provides useful exporters and a convenient TuPPE module for titer improvement of macrolide biopesticides in Streptomyces. More importantly, the feasible exporter mining workflow developed here might shed light on widespread applications of exporter engineering in Streptomyces to boost the production of other secondary metabolites.
Increased compositional heterogeneity of mass‐flowering orchard crops does not promote wild bee abundance in orchards
Authors: Pisman Matti , Eeraerts Maxime , Ariza Daniel , Smagghe Guy , Meeus Ivan
Published: August 2021

Due to increasing difficulties to maintain semi‐natural habitat within agricultural landscapes, management of the agricultural matrix may provide a more realistic approach to support farmland biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. We hypothesize that orchard compositional heterogeneity (OCH), that is, different mass‐flowering crops with sequential blooming periods, may support pollinators through continuous abundance of floral resources.

We assessed whether increased OCH at the landscape level had a positive effect on wild bee abundances in sweet cherry and apple orchards during bloom.

We monitored 15 sweet cherry and 14 apple orchards in Flanders, Belgium, situated along a gradient of OCH. We performed pollinator surveys during bloom to measure wild bee and honey bee abundance and monitored fruit development to assess fruit set and quality.

We found no positive effect of OCH on wild pollinator abundance in our study system. Solitary bees showed contrasting responses between crops. Bumble bees showed no response. Wild pollinator abundance had a positive effect on sweet cherry fruit set and apple seed set.

Our results imply that increasing crop compositional heterogeneity solely in terms of orchard crops with a limited difference in bloom phenology may prove to be insufficient to support pollinators. We confirm the importance of wild pollinators for pollination services in horticulture.
Parental and staff experiences of restricted parental presence on a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during COVID‐19
Authors: Garfield Harriet , Westgate Briony , Chaudhary Rajiv , King Mary , O’Curry Sara , Archibald Sarah‐Jane
Published: August 2021

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on parental presence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the first wave. The NICU team at the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, endeavoured to explore the impact on parent and staff experiences of supporting parents throughout the period when visiting was restricted, between 13th August and 11th September 2020.

Methods

Bespoke surveys were designed following the first lockdown to gather information on the impact on staff and parents. The questions were developed in the context of initial observations and conversations with staff and parents.

Results

The findings of this study have illustrated the extent of the restrictions on parental wellbeing and mood, with the restrictions having had an adverse effect on these. In addition, the findings illustrate the adverse effect that the parents reported due to the restricted presence in terms of their babies’ wellbeing, parent‐infant bonding, partners’ wellbeing, parental confidence, the ability to breastfeed confidently and parents’ access to the medical teams.

Conclusion

The findings of this study have a number of clinical implications for parents and staff. Namely, the data supported the decision not to close NICU again during the second and third waves.
Neural oscillations and learning performance vary with an instructor's gestures and visual materials in video lectures
Authors: Pi Zhongling , Zhang Yabo , Yu Qiuchen , Zhang Yi , Yang Jiumin , Zhao Qingbai
Published: August 2021

Instructors' speech and gestures are tightly integrated. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms by which different types of gestures affect learning. We conducted two experiments on the effects of gestures in video lectures that included an instructor and slides, with English vocabulary as the topic. In Experiment 1, we manipulated the instructor's gestures (beat gestures vs. pointing gestures vs. depictive gestures) on neural oscillations and learning performance. The electroencephalogram results showed that students had higher alpha power and higher beta power when the instructor used pointing gestures, suggesting lower sensorimotor involvement in processing. Pointing gestures produced lower learning performance than beat gestures and depictive gestures. In Experiment 2, we manipulated the instructor's pointing gestures and the richness of visual materials in video lectures. The results showed that the effectiveness of pointing gestures was moderated by the richness of the visual materials on the slide. Specifically, pointing gestures were more effective for complex versus simple learning materials. The findings suggest that electroencephalogram oscillations and learning performance vary with the type of gesture the instructor uses and the richness of visual materials in video lectures. This study has applied value for designing effective video lectures in many disciplines: (1) When a video lecture includes simple visual materials, a beat gesture and depictive gesture would be better; (2) when a video lecture includes complex visual materials, the instructor can produce pointing gestures to single out the learning content they are talking about.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Instructors commonly produce gestures while they teach, and their gestures and speech are tightly integrated.

Instructors often use three types of gestures: beat gestures, pointing gestures and depictive gestures.

Different types of gestures influence learning via different neural mechanisms.

What this paper adds

Students' alpha power and beta power had lower amplitudes when observing an instructor's beat gestures, compared to pointing and depictive gestures.

Students showed higher learning performance after viewing the video lectures with the instructor's beat and depictive gestures.

An instructor's pointing gestures facilitated learning performance primarily in video lectures with complex visual materials (CVM) rather than simple visual material (SVM).

Implications for practice and/or policy

When a video lecture includes SVM, the instructor is encouraged to produce beat gestures and depictive gestures rather than pointing gestures.

When a video lecture includes CVM, the instructor is encouraged to produce pointing gestures to single out the learning content they are talking about.
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) deletions as biomarkers of response to treatment of chronic active EBV
Authors: Venturini Cristina , Houldcroft Charlotte J. , Lazareva Arina , Wegner Fanny , Morfopoulou Sofia , Amrolia Persis J. , Golwala Zainab , Rao Anupama , Marks Stephen D. , Simmonds Jacob , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Farrell Paul J. , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Worth Austen J. , Breuer Judith
Published: August 2021

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (CAEBV) disease is a rare condition characterised by persistent EBV infection in previously healthy individuals. Defective EBV genomes were found in East Asian patients with CAEBV. In the present study, we sequenced 14 blood EBV samples from three UK patients with CAEBV, comparing the results with saliva CAEBV samples and other conditions. We observed EBV deletions in blood, some of which may disrupt viral replication, but not saliva in CAEBV. Deletions were lost overtime after successful treatment. These findings are compatible with CAEBV being associated with the evolution and persistence of EBV+ haematological clones that are lost on successful treatment.
Understanding the role of host metabolites in the induction of immune senescence: Future strategies for keeping the ageing population healthy
Authors: Conway Jessica , Certo Michelangelo , Lord Janet M. , Mauro Claudio , Duggal Niharika A.
Published: August 2021

Advancing age is accompanied by significant remodelling of the immune system, termed immune senescence, and increased systemic inflammation, termed inflammageing, both of which contribute towards an increased risk of developing chronic diseases in old age. Age‐associated alterations in metabolic homeostasis have been linked with changes in a range of physiological functions, but their effects on immune senescence remains poorly understood. In this article, we review the recent literature to formulate hypotheses as to how an age‐associated dysfunctional metabolism, driven by an accumulation of key host metabolites (saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, ceramides and lactate) and loss of other metabolites (glutamine, tryptophan and short‐chain fatty acids), might play a role in driving immune senescence and inflammageing, ultimately leading to diseases of old age. We also highlight the potential use of metabolic immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these processes in counteracting immune senescence and restoring immune homeostasis in older adults.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Inflammation, Repair and Ageing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.9/issuetoc
Flexible endoscopic identification and catheterization of congenital H‐type tracheoesophageal fistula using a laryngeal mask
Authors: He Qiuming , Ou Xinxu , Lin Junhong , Wang Zhe , Yan Bin , Xie Xiaoli , Yu Jiakang , Zhong Wei
Published: August 2021

Endoscopy for revealing the orifice of congenital H‐type tracheoesophageal fistula (cTEF) is important for diagnostics and therapeutics. To facilitate the identification and catheterization of cTEF, we developed a new modified flexible endoscopy technique using a laryngeal mask with intermittent airflow. A retrospective case series study was conducted from April 2016 to July 2019 at a national regional children's medical center. Twelve infants with cTEF underwent this flexible endoscopy technique. The intermittent positive pressure airflow through laryngeal mask was able to reveal the orifice of cTEF easily in tracheal lumen. Under the visual flexible endoscope, cannulation with a 3‐Fr ureteral catheter in fistula was successfully used in all cases. There were no immediate or delayed complications. This case series shows that the flexible endoscopy technique is a safe, easy, and technically efficient approach for diagnosis and cannulation of cTEF.
Low risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma among patients with ultrashort‐segment Barrett's esophagus in Japan
Authors: Fukuda Sho , Watanabe Kenta , Yoshida Tatsuki , Takahashi So , Fujimori Shusei , Horikawa Yohei , Komatsu Taiga , Shirane Kenji , Shimodaira Yosuke , Matsuhashi Tamotsu , Iijima Katsunori
Published: August 2021

Objects

Ultrashort‐segment Barrett’s esophagus (USSBE; length of <1 cm) is very frequently diagnosed in Japan, but the cancer risk of USSBE is unknown. In this study, by retrieving endoscopic images, we retrospectively investigated the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) by the grade of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and compared the findings with those of gastric cancer by the degree of endoscopic gastric atrophy in the same population.

Methods

Among consecutive participants who had undergone endoscopy for an annual health checkup in 2014, the 9121 who had received at least one follow‐up endoscopy by December 2020 were enrolled in this study. Using the retrieved endoscopic images, we retrospectively evaluated BE and gastric atrophy. Information on the subsequent occurrence of EAC and gastric cancer as of December 2020 was also collected. The incidence of cancer by the extent of BE and gastric atrophy was calculated and expressed as the percentage per year.

Results

On reviewing the endoscopic image in 2014, 4190 (45.9%) were found to have been diagnosed with BE, of whom 3318 (36.4%) were judged to have USSBE. During an observation period of 54.1 (17.9) months, 89 gastric cancers and only two EACs were identified. The incidence of EAC in USSBE was 0.0068%/year, which was nearly as low as the incidence of gastric cancer in atrophy‐free patients (0.0068% vs. 0.0059%/year).

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of USSBE is quite high (36.4%), the incidence of EAC in USSBE is very low (0.0068%/year). Accordingly, USSBE can be excluded from targets for endoscopic surveillance in Japan.
Winner's curse: The sad aftermath of the discovery of insulin
Authors: Wright James R. , Gale Edwin A. M.
Published: August 2021

Every young researcher dreams of making a great discovery, but few achieve it. If they do, success does not guarantee happiness. There is little satisfaction in discovering something if others get the credit, and those who achieve fame must face the ‘winner's curse’ of living up to their reputation. Few discoveries have been more dramatic than the isolation of insulin which, as Michael Bliss said, resembled a secular miracle. And yet, as he also pointed out, this great discovery brought little happiness to those who made it. Some were sidelined, and Banting and Best were saddled with the winner's curse. Here, we look at the ways in which a great discovery can haunt its discoverers.