bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working together or separately? The role of different review arguments in consumers' home-sharing service purchasing: evidence from China
Authors: Ruan Yanya , Liang Ni
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to distinguish between service arguments and communication arguments within a home-sharing review and to investigate their roles in consumer purchase decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the setting of Airbnb, a 3 (service argument valence: positive, neutral, and negative) × 3 (communication argument valence: positive, neutral, and negative) online experiment was conducted. Data collected from 379 participants were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The three main determinants of purchase intention: perceived host service quality, perceived facility service quality, and perceived social value, are affected by both service arguments and communication arguments. Service arguments positively influence perceived host service quality and perceived facility service quality, while communication arguments contribute significantly to perceived host service quality and perceived social value. However, perceived facility service quality is affected by the combination of service arguments and communication arguments rather than by the service arguments only, because service argument trustworthiness, a factor influencing the effect of service arguments, varies across the combination of two types of arguments.

Practical implications

This research helps home-sharing platform managers to understand how to facilitate transaction success through displaying different review arguments needed by consumers. Additionally, the dual role of communication arguments emphasizes a necessity for hosts to encourage positive communication arguments and provide additional cues on the facility service quality.

Originality/value

The service arguments and communication arguments in home-sharing reviews are distinguished, and their distinct roles in consumers' purchase intention have been uncovered.
The moderating roles of trust and felt trust on the relationship between proactive personality and voice behaviour
Authors: Hao Shuwei , Han Ping
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating roles of trust in leaders and felt trust by leaders on the relationship between proactive personality and voice behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-report data were collected from 242 employees in China using an online survey.

Findings

Trust strengthens, whereas felt trust weakens the relationship between proactive personality and voice behaviour. Proactive personality is related to voice behaviour more positively when trust in leaders is high or when felt trust by leaders is low.

Practical implications

Trust in leaders and felt trust by leaders provide different motivational cues for employee proactivity. It would be wise for leaders to develop different trusting relationships with employees who have different levels of proactive personality. If leaders expect to promote voice behaviour in the workplace, they should gain trust from proactive employees by demonstrating their own trustworthiness while signalling or granting trust to less proactive employees by engaging in trusting behaviours.

Originality/value

The present research extends the boundary conditions of the effectiveness of proactive personality by demonstrating that proactive employees' motivation to speak up can be enhanced or substituted by relational variables. The authors thus underscore the importance of the personality × relations perspective when examining employee proactivity. In addition, the authors contribute to the trust literature by advancing the understanding of different roles of trust and felt trust in influencing proactive motivation in social interactions.
How safe are hemp-based food products? A review and risk assessment of analytical data from Germany
Authors: Steinmetz Fabian Pitter , Nahler Gerhard , Wakefield James Christopher
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Hemp-based food products and supplements have gained popularity within recent years in Europe. Apart from the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol, these products may also contain Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which can be of concern for safety and regulatory compliance. In the European Union, the currently accepted limit for THC in hemp is 0.3%. As many hemp-based products have been withdrawn from the German market within recent months/years, this study aims to investigate the current safety limit and potential concerns based on available analytical data.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, a publicly accessible, analytical data set from the German food authority was analysed and complemented by literature data and expert opinions regarding THC in food products. Furthermore, critical exposures have been calculated based on different product types and limits.

Findings

A safety-based limit of 11.9 µg/kg/day is proposed. Importantly, the authors’ examination of hemp seed oils, one of the most common food products, showed that 4 of the 102 samples were identified as having a low-to-moderate risk for inducing impairment – confirming the general need for regulation. For hemp leaf tea and common supplements, calculated exposures to THC were not considered critical. This has been also reflected by the absence of intoxication reports in the scientific literature.

Originality/value

Whilst for most hemp-derived foods safety concerns for the general public are considered low, this may not be the case for some products, suggesting the general need for regulatory compliance. Nevertheless, a more realistic safety limit should be applied.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on architecture design studio pedagogy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alburgawi Saeed Ali , Al-Gamdi Mohamad Alissan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on architecture education during the lockdown in Saudi Arabia, as well as the new normal that has emerged. This indicates the potential to develop frameworks and strategies for adapting architectural pedagogy modes to unexpected situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on qualitative research with phenomenological aspects, focusing on a phenomenon experienced by a group of people involved in a Bachelor of Architecture degree program. This paper uses data collected from a literature study, as well as interviews conducted at the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture of Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia; the data sources include tutors, students and recent graduates with common teaching and learning experiences in design studios.

Findings

The study shows the feasibility of conducting part of the design course in a distance mode and the rest as on-campus attendance, to ensure effectiveness and to produce quality architectural designs with maximum detail. However, research reveals that both students and educators need greater awareness of the self-learning process.

Originality/value

The research value lies in exploring how the imposition of a distance architecture design studio due to the COVID-19 lockdown has potentially established a new pedagogical model for teaching architecture design studio.
Detection of unusual scores of individual students for immediate remedy according to daily assessment data
Authors: Alauddin Nursuhana , Yamada Shu
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The availability of daily assessment data in a centralized monitoring system at school provides the opportunity to detect unusual scores soon after the assessment is carried out. This paper introduces a model for the detection of unusual scores of individual students to immediately improve performances that deviate from a normal state.

Design/methodology/approach

A student's ability, a subject's difficulty level, a student's specific ability in a subject, and the difficulty level of an assessment in a subject are selected as factor effects of a linear ANOVA model. Through analysis of variance, a case study is conducted based on 330 data points of assessment scores of primary grade students retrieved from an international school in Japan.

Findings

The actual score is below the lower control limit, which is recognized as an unusual score, and the score can be detected immediately after sitting for an assessment and is beneficial for students to take immediate remedies based on daily assessment. This is demonstrated through a case study.

Originality/value

The detection of unusual scores based on a linear model of individual students soon after each assessment benefits from immediate remedy aligns with a daily management concept. The daily assessment data in a school system enable detection based on individual students, subject-wise and assessment-wise to improve student performances in the same academic year.
Suicides in Turkey: 25‐year trend (1995–2019)
Authors: Kartal Erhan , Demir Ugur , Hekimoglu Yavuz , Keskin Siddik , Asirdizer Mahmut
Published: June 2022

The assessment of national suicide risks is considered critical in many countries for the establishment of suicide prevention initiatives aimed at considerably lowering suicide rates. The aim of this study is to identify at‐risk suicide populations by reviewing the suicides in Turkey over a 25‐year period. The Turkish Statistical Institute's suicide statistics for 1995–2019 in Turkey was retrospectively reviewed in current article. The data collected in the study was statistically analyzed using the MINITAB vn 14 software. Between 1995 and 2019, the total number of suicides in Turkey was 66,819, and suicide rates, especially in males, showed an increasing trend in this period. Males comprised 68.3% of the total cases, and most (27.2%) were aged 15–24 years. Suicides mostly occurred between May and July (27.7%), of individuals with a primary school level of education (51.7%) and who were married (6.0 per 100,000). Illness was most important risk factor for suicide (36.8%) and hanging (47.5%) was the leading suicide method in all age groups and in both genders. Despite the fact that Turkey's suicide rate is lower than many other countries, the growth in male suicide rates is concerning. Suicides are likely to become a severe problem in Turkey in the near future unless measures like education, psychiatric evaluations, the reactivation of psychological counseling service phone lines, and the establishment of youth counseling centers, as described in this paper, are taken.
Evaluating breast biopsy practice and breast biopsy marker utilisation in the clinical setting
Authors: Radic Rose , Taylor Donna Blanche
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Breast Screen Australia and Breast Screen Aotearoa guidelines recommend breast biopsy marker (BBM) use in indicated patients. This study aims to evaluate breast biopsy practice and BBM utilisation by modality.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated to radiologists who identified ‘breast imaging’ as their area of practice in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) customer relationship management system. Survey questions addressed participant demographics and factors relating to BBM use.

Results

Most respondents (72%) place between 1 and 4 BBMs per week. Almost all (99%) respondents perform ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the breast or axillary nodes, with 85% performing stereotactic or tomosynthesis‐guided breast biopsy and 27% performing MRI‐guided breast biopsy. BBM utilisation differs by modality, with 97% respondents always placing a BBM post‐MRI‐guided breast biopsy, 50% always placing a BBM post‐stereotactic‐guided biopsy and 3% always placing a BBM post‐ultrasound‐guided breast biopsy.

Conclusions

Almost all radiologists perform breast biopsy using ultrasound, stereotactic/tomosynthesis or MRI guidance. BBM utilisation varies by modality, with 72% of respondents placing between 1 and 4 clips per week. Reasons for placing or not placing BBM aligned with prior studies. This is the first study to evaluate the number of breast biopsies performed by radiologists on a weekly or monthly basis, providing a useful platform for comparison in the local setting.
Thermal Lithospheric Thickness of the Sichuan Basin and its Geological Implications
Authors: ZHU Chuanqing , QIU Nansheng , CHEN Tiange , XU Ming , DING Rui , YANG Yabo
Published: June 2022

Thermal lithospheric thickness is an important parameter in studying the tectonic‐thermal evolution of basins and plate dynamics. Based on the measured geothermal data and thermophysical properties of the rocks, the thermal lithospheric thickness of the Sichuan Basin was calculated according to the principles of heat conduction in the crust and lithospheric mantle. The calculation results revealed that the thickness of the thermal lithosphere in the Sichuan Basin is 140–190 km and is unevenly distributed. The thickness of the thermal lithosphere in central Sichuan and southwestern Sichuan is less than 160 km, while that in the western Sichuan depression and eastern Sichuan is larger (∼180 km). The distribution of the thermal lithospheric thickness in the basin has a good correlation with the geological units and the thickness of the sedimentary layers. The thickness of the thermal lithosphere in the depression area, which has thick sedimentary layers and the fault‐fold zone with shallow crustal deformation and thickening, are larger than that in the basement uplifted area, which has thin sedimentary layers. The calculated thermal lithospheric thickness is in good agreement with the geophysical data and reflects the stable conduction temperature field in the Sichuan Basin. The present thermal regime and thermal lithospheric thickness of the Sichuan Basin indicate that flexural thickening of the lithosphere occurred in the eastern Sichuan fault‐fold belt and the Longmen Mountain–Western Sichuan depression foreland basin system, while asthenospheric uplift occurred in the central Sichuan region, which were the result of the expansion of the Xuefeng orogeny from the east and the compression of the Tibetan Plateau from the west.
Abiotic Hydrocarbons Generation Simulated by Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis under Hydrothermal Conditions in Ultra‐deep Basins
Authors: ZHAO Zhongfeng , LIU Xinran , LU Hong , Peng Ping'an
Published: June 2022

FTT experiments with water as a hydrogen source and three types of possible carbon sources in the subsurface (diiron nonacarbonyl, siderite and formic acid, representing CO, CO2 and a simple organic acid, respectively) were carried out in this study. Our experimental results showed that n‐alkanes with the highest carbon number of C33 were produced when CO was used as a carbon source (series A); a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in series B with CO2 as a carbon source; gaseous hydrocarbons were also detected with formic acid added (series C). The different products in the three series showed that there were different hydrocarbon generation mechanisms and reaction processes with different carbon sources. The generation of long‐chain n‐alkanes in series A provided experimental support for the formation of abiogenic petroleum underground, which was of significance to early membranes on the Earth. PAHs in series B provide experimental support for the possibility of an abiotic source of reduced carbon on other planets. The carbon isotopes of gaseous hydrocarbons produced by CO exhibited a partial reversed order (δ13C1 < δ13C2 > δ13C3 > δ13C4 > δ13C5), while the gaseous hydrocarbons produced by CO2 and HCOOH showed a positive order (δ13C1 < δ13C2 < δ13C3 < δ13C4 < δ13C5). Based on these, the alkylene mechanism and the carbonyl insertion mechanism were used to reasonably explain these characteristics.
Virtual clinics in gynaecology – Can we shorten the wait? A randomised controlled trial implementing a novel care pathway for postmenopausal bleeding
Authors: Mooney Samantha S. , Gill Gurjot Kaur , Readman Emma
Published: June 2022

Background

Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), a common symptom of endometrial cancer, necessitates prompt clinical and sonographic assessment, often followed by hysteroscopy. Unfortunately, due to traditional gynaecology outpatient clinic paradigms, unnecessary patient–clinician encounters are common and may lead to delays in diagnosis.

Aim

The aim was to assess a novel clinic model for the management of women with PMB based on virtual assessment and routine use of the outpatient hysteroscopy clinic.

Methods

An unblinded pragmatic randomised controlled trial was performed, comparing a ‘virtual clinic’ to routine outpatient clinical care. The primary outcome for assessment was time, measured as the interval (days) between referral triage and discharge for definitive management or to the general practitioner. Demographical and clinical data were collected. After discharge from the system, patients completed a satisfaction and feedback questionnaire. Log‐rank tests were used to compare the equality of time‐to‐event functions across randomised groups.

Results

There were 96 participants, 46 in the intervention arm and 50 controls. The total time spent in the gynaecology system differed between groups (Χ2(1) = 6.94, P = 0.008), with a median total time of 55 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 37–66 days) for the intervention group compared to a median of 84 days (95% CI: 54–101 days) for the control group. The number of in‐person gynaecology encounters differed between those randomised to intervention (P < 0.001). Overall, 96% of respondents indicated a positive score for overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

The proposed clinic model resulted in a significant reduction in the time between referral and discharge, without compromising patient satisfaction.
Tax the élites! The role of economic inequality and conspiracy beliefs on attitudes towards taxes and redistribution intentions
Authors: Salvador Casara Bruno Gabriel , Filippi Silvia , Suitner Caterina , Dollani Ervin , Maass Anne
Published: June 2022

Taxation is one of the most widely acknowledged strategies to reduce inequality, particularly if based on progressivity. In a high‐powered sample study (N = 2119) we investigated economic inequality and conspiracy beliefs as two key predictors of tax attitude and support for progressive taxation. We found that participants in the high economic inequality condition had lower levels of tax compliance and higher levels of conspiracy beliefs and support for progressive taxation. Furthermore, the effect of the experimental condition on tax compliance was mediated by conspiracy beliefs. Finally, conspiracy belief scores were positively associated with support for progressive taxation. Our results provide evidence that attitudes towards taxation are not monolithic but change considering the aims and targets of specific taxes. Indeed, while the perception of economic inequality prompts the desire for equal redistribution, it also fosters conspiracy narratives that undermine compliance with taxes.
Spatial patterns and life histories of Macrotermes michaelseni termite mounds reflect intraspecific competition: insights of a temporal comparison spanning 12 years
Authors: Wildermuth Benjamin , Oldeland Jens , Arning Carsten , Gunter Felicitas , Strohbach Ben , Juergens Norbert
Published: June 2022

Termite mounds contribute to the heterogeneity and productivity of many semi‐arid ecosystems worldwide. Regular spatial patterns of termite mounds are well documented but the underlying pattern‐building mechanisms remain to be clarified.

This study analysed a comprehensive data set of Macrotermes michaelseni mound metrics, spatial patterns and dynamics, recorded 12 years apart within 1 km2 of Namibian thornbush savanna. We used both unmarked and marked point pattern analyses to assess spatial distributions of termite mounds.

We recorded 485 termite mounds in 2007 and 2019. Out of the investigated 142 active termite mounds in 2007, 81 were active 12 years later. Only 2% (n = 3/129) of remnant mound sites in 2007 were newly colonised in 2019. All mounds were distributed at regular distances. Mounds higher than 2 m and long‐term active mounds (active in 2007 and 2019) showed high regularity. Mounds up to 0.7 m height and new mounds occurred in clusters and showed a spatial repulsion to large and long‐term active colonies. The spatial distribution of Boscia albitrunca trees generally clustered around termite mounds, but did not cluster around young colonies.

The results contradict the hypothesis of preferred colony settlement on previously inhabited mound sites. Remnant mounds are relatively unlikely to be recolonised when recently abandoned. The observed spatial patterns show that intraspecific competition between large colonies is the decisive factor for regular spatial patterns of termite colonies, whereas small and young colonies are limited to unoccupied patches. Surrounding trees are a pattern‐building factor of only secondary importance.

The spatio‐temporal scale in our study reveals general trends of termite mound life histories and spatial pattern‐building mechanisms. Availability of not previously inhabited sites form the patterns of founding new colonies. Well‐established mounds are highly regulated by intraspecific competition. This highlights that termites contribute to ecosystem heterogeneity through self‐organised spatial regularity.
Contrasting sex roles in two species with stable biparental care
Authors: Trumbo Stephen T.
Published: June 2022

Biparental care involves multiple forms of care and is organized between males and females in diverse ways. When this organization varies among closely related species, there are potential insights into both the evolutionary lability of sex roles and the factors that stabilize biparental care. Recent work on burying beetles suggests stark differences among species in which parent, if either, is specialized for defending the nest and brood. I investigated the relative ability of single male and female parents to both raise and defend offspring in two additional species. In contests, male Nicrophorus marginatus were more successful than females, both as resident defenders and as intruders. Defenders also had more success against same‐sex intruders than opposite‐sex intruders, and injuries were more common in same‐sex encounters, evidence that sexually selected infanticide influenced decisions about defense. When residents excluded intruders from the nest, males and females produced broods of similar size. In N. defodiens, males and females were also equally successful in rearing offspring, but, in contrast to N. marginatus, neither sex was more successful in contests. These findings and a review of earlier work suggest that despite many similarities in caregiving within this genus, species have diverged in sex‐role specialization of brood defense (male‐biased, female‐biased, and sex‐neutral). I hypothesize that variation in competitive environments alters selection on body size and defense specialization, but that this does not have qualitative effects on the stability of biparental care in this genus.
Don't fear the reaper: An alternative relief option for dementia patients and familial caregivers
Authors: Conklin Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

The number of Americans diagnosed with a form of dementia is steadily increasing, yet the research and available treatments for the disease remain concerningly stagnant. All too often, the burden of caring for elderly dementia patients falls on the patients' adult children. As the patients' ability to communicate diminishes, the child caretakers are forced to guess on appropriate end‐of‐life decisions. This Note proposes an amendment to state statutes for physician‐assisted death that would give dementia patients the opportunity to make plans for a dignified death. This would alleviate both emotional and financial burdens on their child caretakers.
Geohazards explained 10
Authors: Ozturk Ugur
Published: June 2022

On the eve of the new year, 2021, a single landslide claimed 70 souls in Ask, a village in Norway. This tragic event highlighted, once again, the need to understand whether research efforts to map landslide susceptible areas could help save lives and if these identified landslide‐prone regions change with time. A landslide is a downslope gravitational mass wasting of earth materials. Hence, a classification model could estimate the likelihood of a landslide occurring under certain terrain conditions studying the landslide predisposing factors, such as hillslope inclination and land cover, of old landslides. Projecting these likelihoods in a landscape would be a landslide susceptibility map, which highlights areas that could potentially generate a landslide without any implication of an occurrence time. However, landslide predisposing factors change over time, resetting those susceptibility estimates—they are not static as traditionally assumed by most models. These changes could be evident, such as artificial alterations in land cover, or disguised, such as accumulated damage on hillslopes in the form of subsurface cracks due to a large earthquake. In times referred to as legacy effects, those latter hidden effects could be assessed by studying the spatial distribution of those landslides triggered by the same event. This perspective lists several potential biases of the time‐invariant landslide susceptibility approach and offers hints to overcome these challenges using a more dynamic model that evolves.
Pancreatic hamartoma: detection of harbouring NAB2::STAT6 fusion gene
Authors: Tanigawa Masahiko , Koga Yutaka , Naito Yoshiki , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Iwasaki Takeshi , Kohashi Kenichi , Ohike Nobuyuki , Hanada Keiji , Higashi Michiyo , Komatsu Masato , Imai Hiroshi , Yamakita Keisuke , Nagakawa Tatsuya , Okabe Yoshinobu , Kato Seiya , Noguchi Hirotsugu , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Yasuda Masanori , Kusano Hironori , Akiba Jun , Oda Yoshinao , Yano Hirohisa
Published: June 2022

Aim

Hamartomas in the pancreas are rare and are often histologically and morphologically similar to solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs). We examined the differences between hamartomas and SFTs at the molecular level.

Methods and results

Thirteen patients histopathologically diagnosed with pancreatic hamartoma were included in the study. We also performed STAT6 immunohistochemistry (IHC), which is used in the diagnosis of SFT. Furthermore, for the three cases in which RNA was extracted, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to search for NAB2::STAT6 fusions was used. Macroscopically, 13 patients had well‐demarcated tumour lesions. Histologically, no islets of Langerhans were observed in the lesions, acinar tissue and ducts were unevenly distributed and elastic fibres were not observed around the ducts by Elastica van Gieson staining. One case contained a lipomatous hamartoma composed mainly of adipose tissue. Seven of the 13 cases demonstrated expression of STAT6 in the nuclei of intervening spindle cells. NAB2::STAT6 fusions were observed in two of the three cases in which RNA was extracted. These two cases also demonstrated STAT6 expression in spindle cells using STAT6 IHC. In one case of lipomatous hamartoma, we did not confirm NAB2::STAT6 fusion or STAT6 expression in STAT6 IHC.

Conclusion

Of the 13 patients histopathologically diagnosed with hamartoma, two demonstrated NAB2::STAT6 fusions, suggesting the existence of pancreatic hamartomas with molecular‐level components identical to those of SFT.
Deep‐learning‐based classification of desmoplastic reaction on H&E predicts poor prognosis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kouzu Keita , Nearchou Ines P , Kajiwara Yoshiki , Tsujimoto Hironori , Lillard Kate , Kishi Yoji , Ueno Hideki
Published: June 2022

Aims

Desmoplastic reaction (DR) categorisation has been shown to be a promising prognostic factor in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The usual DR evaluation is performed using semiquantitative scores, which can be subjective. This study aimed to investigate whether a deep‐learning classifier could be used for DR classification. We further assessed the prognostic significance of the deep‐learning classifier and compared it to that of manual DR reporting and other pathological factors currently used in the clinic.

Methods and results

From 222 surgically resected ESCC cases, 31 randomly selected haematoxylin–eosin‐digitised whole slides of patients with immature DR were used to train and develop a deep‐learning classifier. The classifier was trained for 89 370 iterations. The accuracy of the deep‐learning classifier was assessed to 30 unseen cases, and the results revealed a Dice coefficient score of 0.81. For survival analysis, the classifier was then applied to the entire cohort of patients, which was split into a training (n = 156) and a test (n = 66) cohort. The automated DR classification had a higher prognostic significance for disease‐specific survival than the manually classified DR in both the training and test cohorts. In addition, the automated DR classification outperformed the prognostic accuracy of the gold‐standard factors of tumour depth and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that DR can be objectively and quantitatively assessed in ESCC using a deep‐learning classifier and that automatically classed DR has a higher prognostic significance than manual DR and other features currently used in the clinic.
Immune response in colorectal carcinoma: a review of its significance as a predictive and prognostic biomarker
Authors: Bell Phoenix D , Pai Reetesh K
Published: June 2022

Colorectal carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. There is significant prognostic heterogeneity in stages II and III tumours, necessitating the development of new biomarkers to more clearly identify patients at risk of disease progression. Recently, the tumour immune environment, particularly the type and quantity of T lymphocytes, has been shown to be a useful biomarker in predicting prognosis for patients with colorectal carcinoma. In this review, the significance of the immune response in colorectal carcinoma, including its influence on prognosis and response to therapy, will be detailed.
Predicting the loss to follow‐up (LTFU) of HIV/AIDS patients in China using a recency‐frequency (RF) model
Authors: Li Min , Wang Qunwei
Published: June 2022

Background

We constructed a recency‐frequency (RF) model for predicting the loss to follow‐up (LTFU) in HIV/AIDS patients in China.

Methods

Data on HIV/AIDS outpatients in the research unit from 1 August 2009 to 30 September 2020 and from 1 October to 31 December 2020 were exported as the observation and prediction datasets, respectively. The classic recency‐frequency‐monetary (RFM) model was expanded into RFm, RF, RFL and RFmL models. In the observation dataset, the best predictive model was obtained using k‐means clustering and C5.0 verification. Then, two rounds of k‐means modelling were performed on the best model: data with R ≤ 6 months were retained, randomly divided into a training set (70%) and a testing set (30%) and used to perform the second round of modelling to subdivide the churn and non‐churn patients. Next, an ANN algorithm was used to predict LTFU, and the confusion matrix with prediction datasets was constructed.

Results

The observation and prediction datasets included 16 949 and 10 748 samples, respectively. The RF model with three clusters and a quality of 0.82 was the best predictive model. From the observation set, 13 799 samples were retained, and the model accuracy was 100% on the training and testing sets. These 13 799 samples were subdivided into 1563 samples of churn patients and 12 216 samples of non‐churn patients. The accuracy of ANN prediction was 99.89%. The accuracy and precision of the confusion matrix were 85.41% and 99.76%, respectively.

Conclusion

The RF model is effective in predicting the LTFU of HIV/AIDS patients in China and preventing its occurrence.
Un siècle de recherche sur le monde du travail: un regard historique sur la Revue internationale du Travail, 1921‐20211
Authors: HOEHTKER Dorothea
Published: June 2022

Cet article est consacré à l'histoire de la Revue internationale du Travail, publication périodique majeure de l'Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT), créée en 1921, en vertu de l'article 396 du Traité de Versailles de 1919. L'autrice examine, sous divers angles, la transformation de la Revue, périodique institutionnel polyvalent devenu revue académique moderne, notamment son évolution institutionnelle, le rôle des rédacteurs qui l'ont dirigée et les profils de ses auteurs. Elle étudie la contribution de la Revue à d'importants débats aca‐démiques et politiques, ainsi que son rôle pour l'OIT, en situant dans une perspective historique le contenu, les sujets et le champ géographique de près de 3 000 articles signés publiés à ce jour.
Immune responses to Sinopharm/BBIBP‐CorV in individuals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jeewandara Chandima , Aberathna Inoka Sepali , Pushpakumara Pradeep Darshana , Kamaladasa Achala , Guruge Dinuka , Wijesinghe Ayesha , Gunasekera Banuri , Tanussiya Shyrar , Kuruppu Heshan , Ranasinghe Thushali , Dayarathne Shashika , Dissanayake Osanda , Gamalath Nayanathara , Ekanayake Dinithi , Jayamali Jeewantha , Jayathilaka Deshni , Dissanayake Madushika , Madusanka Deshan , Jayadas Tibutius Thanesh , Mudunkotuwa Anushika , Somathilake Gayasha , Harvie Michael , Nimasha Thashmi , Danasekara Saubhagya , Wijayamuni Ruwan , Schimanski Lisa , Rijal Pramila , Tan Tiong K. , Dong Tao , Townsend Alain , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: June 2022

As there are limited data of the immunogenicity of the Sinopharm/BBIBP‐CorV in different populations, antibody responses against different SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern and T cell responses, we investigated the immunogenicity of the vaccine, in individuals in Sri Lanka. SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies were measured in 282 individuals who were seronegative at baseline, and ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, antibodies to the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the wild‐type (WT), alpha, beta and delta variants, ex vivo and cultured IFNγ ELISpot assays, intracellular cytokine secretion assays and B cell ELISpot assays were carried out in a sub cohort of the vaccinees at 4 and 6 weeks (2 weeks after the second dose). Ninety‐five percent of the vaccinees seroconverted, although the seroconversion rates were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in individuals >60 years (93.3%) compared to those who were 20–39 years (98.9%); 81.25% had ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies at 6 weeks, and there was no difference in these antibody titres in vaccine sera compared to convalescent sera (p = 0.44). Vaccinees had significantly less (p < 0.0001) antibodies to the RBD of WT and alpha, although there was no difference in antibodies to the RBD of beta and delta compared to convalescent sera; 27.7% of 46.4% of vaccinees had ex vivo IFNγ and cultured ELISpot responses respectively, and IFNγ and CD107a responses were detected by flow cytometry. Sinopharm/BBIBP‐CorV appeared to induce a similar level of antibody responses against ACE2 receptor, delta and beta as seen following natural infection.
Characterization of the immune regulatory property of CD22+CD9+ B cells
Authors: Yang Gui , Suo Limin , Hu Suqin , Liu Huazhen , Wang Xinxin , Xiao Xiaojun , Liu Jie , Zeng Xianhai , Hong Jingyi , Guan Li , Xue Jinmei , Yang Pingchang
Published: June 2022

Immunodisruptive homeostasis is recognized in allergic disorders. The mechanism of restoration of immunologic homeostasis in the body is not fully understood. Galectin‐9 (Gal9) and CD22 have immune regulatory functions. The goal of this study is to test the role of CD22+ CD9+ B regulatory cells in immune homeostasis the body. A much smaller amount of IL‐10 in B10 cells was detected in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in contrast to healthy subjects. The IL‐10 expression levels in B10 cells were positively correlated with the CD22 expression. CD22 mediated the effects of Gal9 on the enhanced expression of IL‐10 in AR B10 cells. Gal9 overcame the refractory induction of IL‐10 in B‐cells of AR subjects. The immune regulatory ability of AR B10 cells could be restored by Gal9. Combination of Gal9 and SIT induced and activated antigen‐specific B10 cells. The B10 cells of Gal9/specific immunotherapy‐treated AR mice showed immunosuppressive functions on T‐cell activities and induction of type 1 regulatory T cells in an antigen‐specific manner. Administration of Gal9 potentiated the effects of specific immunotherapy in mice with AR. In summary, a fraction of regulatory B cells, the CD19+ CD22+ CD9+ B cells, was characterized in the present study. CD22 mediates the effects of Gal9 to promote immunotherapy for allergic diseases by inducing B10 cells. In an antigen‐specific manner, the B10 cells suppressed CD4+ T cell activities, and alleviated experimental AR.
The way digitalization is impacting international financial markets: Stock price synchronicity
Authors: Chen Chen , Moeini Gharagozloo M. Mahdi , Darougar Layla , Shi Lei
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates whether and how the development level of a country's digital economy affects stock price synchronicity. The results indicate that countries with high levels of digital economy development exhibit low stock price synchronicity. Additionally, by decomposing stock price synchronicity into systematic and firm‐specific stock return variations, we find that systematic (firm‐specific) variations of stock returns decrease (increase) with the level of a country's digitalization. These findings shed light on the future trend of stock price synchronicity in financial markets around the world and support the information‐based interpretation of stock price synchronicity.
Accuracy of genomic prediction of maternal traits in pigs using Bayesian variable selection methods
Authors: Kjetså Maria V. , Gjuvsland Arne B. , Nordbø Øyvind , Grindflek Eli , Meuwissen Theo
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to compare three methods of genomic prediction: GBLUP, BayesC and BayesGC for genomic prediction of six maternal traits in Landrace sows using a panel of 660 K SNPs. The effects of different priors for the Bayesian methods were also investigated. GBLUP does not take the genetic architecture into account as all SNPs are assumed to have equally sized effects and relies heavily on the relationships between the animals for accurate predictions. Bayesian approaches rely on both fitting SNPs that describe relationships between animals in addition to fitting single SNP effects directly. Both the relationship between the animals and single SNP effects are important for accurate predictions. Maternal traits in sows are often more difficult to record and have lower heritabilities. BayesGC was generally the method with the higher accuracy, although its accuracy was for some traits matched by that of GBLUP and for others by that of BayesC. For piglet mortality within 3 weeks, BayesGC achieved up to 9.2% higher accuracy. For many of the traits, however, the methods did not show significant differences in accuracies.
Characteristics and antimicrobial activity of microfluidized clove essential oil nanoemulsion optimized using response surface methodology
Authors: Pilong Puncharat , Chuesiang Piyanan , Mishra Dharmendra K. , Siripatrawan Ubonrat
Published: June 2022

Clove essential oil nanoemulsion with optimal antimicrobial activity and stability was formulated and analyzed using response surface methodology with a central composite design (CCD). The optimal clove oil nanoemulsion was obtained from a microfluidizer (10,000 psi of operating pressure) of 1% (v/v) clove oil and 3% (v/v) of Tween® 80 (surfactant), with a droplet size of 30.76 nm, 0.179 polydispersity index (PDI), −50.01 mV Zeta potential, and 7.81 cP viscosity. It also exhibited good stability against particle aggregation and phase separation during 48 h of storage at 5°C. Clove essential oil nanoemulsion had higher amount of eugenol, but lower amount of benzyl alcohol and caryophyllene than those contained in bulk oil. The clove oil nanoemulsion exhibited better antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when compared to clove oil. Bacterial cell morphological destruction caused by clove oil nanoemulsion or clove oil was also observed using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x‐ray spectrometer (SEM‐EDS). The results suggested that the fabrication of clove essential oil into nanoemulsion improved its antimicrobial activity and has the potential to be used as a natural preservative for food applications.

Novelty Impact Statement

The experiments in this research were designed to determine the feasibility of using the clove oil nanoemulsion as antimicrobial agent directly in food and its stability if used under different food processing conditions, storage, or usages. Our study is, however, not only the first to optimize the important factors required to formulate antimicrobial clove essential oil nanoemulsion using microfluidization but also the first to report the chemical stability of clove essential oil after nanoemulsion formation and storage. In addition, the bacterial cell morphology was visualized using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x‐ray spectrometer (SEM‐EDS) to verify the antimicrobial efficiency of clove essential oil nanoemulsion, clove essential oil, and kanamycin sulfate (as control), which has never been reported in the literature.
Quantitative analysis of 3D cellular geometry and modelling of the Arabidopsis embryo
Authors: Yoshida Saiko , Weijers Dolf
Published: June 2022

As many multicellular organisms, land plants start their life as a single cell, which forms an embryo. Embryo morphology is relatively simple, yet comprises basic tissues and organs, as well as stem cells that sustain post‐embryonic development. Being condensed in both time and space, early plant embryogenesis offers an excellent window to study general principles of plant development. However, it has been technically challenging to obtain high spatial microscopic resolution, or to perform live imaging, that would enable an in‐depth investigation. Recent advances in sample preparation and microscopy now allow studying the detailed cellular morphology of plant embryos in 3D. When coupled to quantitative image analysis and computational modelling, this allows resolving the temporal and spatial interactions between cellular patterning and genetic networks. In this review, we discuss examples of interdisciplinary studies that showcase the potential of the early plant embryo for revealing principles underlying plant development.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia
Authors: Varghaei Aida , Rostami Anahita , Yarmohamadi Mahsa , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Balighi Kamran , Daneshpazhooh Maryam
Published: June 2022

Background

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary patterned cicatricial alopecia with different manifestations.

Aims

Its incidence is increasing worldwide. Like other types of alopecia, FFA can affect patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). However, this effect has been rarely discussed. This study was designed to evaluate HRQOL in patients with FFA.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 49 patients with confirmed FFA were asked to complete Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) questionnaires. Disease severity was evaluated with the Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Severity Score Index (FFASI).

Results

Significant relation between SF‐36 scores and other covariants was not detected. According to the DLQI, most of the patients (54%) had impaired HRQOL, which was of low grade for most of them (84%). Patients with face papules and patients who were in the group of nail, limb, and flexural involvement had significantly lower HRQOL (p‐value 0.03).

Conclusion

We found that FFA negatively impacts HRQOL, which was more pronounced in patients with involvement of other ostensible areas.
The first broad replication study of SNPs and a pilot genome‐wide association study for androgenetic alopecia in Asian populations
Authors: Kim In‐Young , Kim Ji‐Hye , Choi Ja‐Eun , Yu So‐Jin , Kim Joo Hee , Kim Soon Rye , Choi Mi Soo , Kim Myung Hwa , Hong Kyung‐Won , Park Byung‐Cheol
Published: June 2022

Background

Many candidate genes for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) have been identified in studies of the Caucasians and some Asian populations.

Aims

This study aimed to confirm the known susceptibility genes reported in previous studies and find additional candidate genes for high‐risk individuals for AGA in Korean population.

Patients/Methods

We recapitulated the previously reported SNPs and identified the novel Korean AGA risk genetic variants using a Korean hospital‐based AGA case and control samples. The population was consisting of 494 individuals (275 AGA cases and 146 controls). Using the 800 K SNPs of precision medical research array (PMRA SNP microarray chip) and imputation‐based SNPs, 12 previous GWAS reports for AGA and a total of 62 160 SNPs were examined in our study samples. Also, we conducted the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) by the logistic regression analyses for AGA cases and controls with controlling the age as the covariates.

Results

Among the 62 160 SNPs, a total of 1143 SNPs in 76 gene regions showed weak replication tendency with the p‐values <0.05 and same direction of effects. Additionally, the GWAS results showed 110 SNPs in 13 independent regions with the suggestive p‐values <1.00 × 10−5. The most significantly replicated SNP resided on chromosome 20, which were similar to other AGA replication studies including Chinese study. The GWAS identified two SNPs (rs11010734 and rs2420640) increasing the risk for AGA in our study population.

Conclusions

Our study would be a reference of the non‐European studies to better understand AGA in different populations and ancestral contexts.
Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Tsai Rung , Chou Fan‐Hao , Wang Hsiu‐Hung , Wang Ruey‐Hsia
Published: June 2022

Aims and objectives

This study explored the physical and psychological effects of scar massage on burn patients.

Background

Hypertrophic scar development is highly prevalent following burn injuries. Scar massage may have physical and psychological effects, although evidence of its effectiveness for burn scar improvement remains inconsistent.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental trials.

Methods

This study was conducted following the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, EMBASE, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services were searched for studies published between January 1990 and February 2022. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Appraisal Checklist. The final recommendation strength was assessed according to the JBI recommendation rating. A meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.4 software with a random‐effect model.

Results

Seven studies (420 participants) investigating scar massage for burn patients were included. The scar massage sessions lasted 5–30 min and were delivered by massage therapists 1–3 times a week for 12 weeks. Overall, scar massage decreased pain levels (standardised mean difference [SMD]: −2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.96 to −0.83), improved scar thickness (mean difference: ‐0.05; 95% CI: −0.1 to −0.0), reduced pruritus (SMD: ‐1.89; 95% CI: −2.95 to −0.82) and reduced anxiety (SMD: ‐1.52; 95% CI: −2.73 to −0.32), but no significant effect on depression(SMD: ‐0.92; 95% CI:‐2.28 to 0.44).

Conclusions

The meta‐effects of scar massage among burn patients are significantly improved scar formation and reduced pruritus and anxiety. Providing scar massage is feasible and effective for burn patients. Future research should evaluate its long‐term effects.

Relevance to clinical practice

Scar massage is relatively convenient and effective in preventing and alleviating hypertrophic burn scarring. Further research can provide detailed suggestions for effective scar massage implementation.