bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TLR4 regulatory region variants reduce the susceptibility of small-cell lung cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Gao Hui , Li Ang , Wu Hongjiao , Xie Yuning , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Xuemei
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in the induction and regulation of immune responses and are closely related to the occurrence and development of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study aimed to investigate the impact of polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of TLRs on the susceptibility of SCLC.

Methods

The case–control study included 304 SCLC patients and 304 healthy controls. TLRs gene polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-restrictive fragment length polymorphism analysis and TaqMan assay. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Our results showed that TLR4 rs1927914 GG genotype and TLR4 rs7869402 TT genotype reduced the risk of SCLC with OR (95% CI) of 0.54 (0.32–0.90) and 0.47 (0.28–0.80), respectively. Stratified analysis suggested that TLR4 rs1927914 GG genotypes significantly reduced the risk of SCLC among male (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18–0.69; P < 0.01), the younger patients (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26–0.94; P = 0.03) and non-drinkers (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.89; P = 0.02). TLR4 rs7869402 CT or TT genotype significantly reduced the susceptibility to SCLC among male patients (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19–0.71, P < 0.01), the younger patients (OR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22–0.79; P < 0.01), smokers (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10–0.60; P < 0.01) and drinkers (OR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11–0.88; P = 0.03). TLR3 rs5743303, TLR4 rs11536891, TLR5 rs1640816 and TLR7 rs3853839 had no significant correlation with the risk of SCLC.

Conclusions

These findings emphasized the important role of TLR4 in the development of SCLC.
Folate intake and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and up-to-date meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Fu Hongjuan , He Jianbo , Li Cancan , Deng Zhihui , Chang Hui
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadly cancers worldwide. Epidemiological studies on the relationship between folate intake and the risk of colorectal cancer have reported inconsistent findings since folate fortification in the USA. For this situation, we conducted a large number of data analyses to study the relationship between folate intake and colorectal cancer risk.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases were used to search the literature systematically. Eligible studies were reviewed and meta-analyzed to assess the relationship.

Results

A total of 24 cohort studies involving 37 280 patients and 6 165 894 individuals were included. The results showed that high folate intake was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The combined relative risk (RR) for the highest intake compared with the lowest was 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.83–0.92, P = 10−4). Further studies indicated that the increase of folate intake may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer in people with medium or high alcohol consumption (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P = 0.008; RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98, P  =  0.003), but not in non-drinkers (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98–1.02, P = 0.827). Next, high folate intake may decrease the risk of colon cancer (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.81–0.92, P = 10−4) but not rectal cancer (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.02, P = 0.112). Additionally, the result that high folate intake may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer was observed in the USA and Europe but not in other regions.

Conclusion

High folate intake may be protective against colon cancer, particularly in people with middle or high alcohol consumption, but it still needs to be further confirmed.
Women’s attitudes towards healthy life awareness and breast cancer screening during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Çinar Derya , Çelik Ayşegül , Öztürk Aslihan , Zorba Bahçeli Pinar , Kiliç Akça Nazan
Published: May 2022

Background

In the COVID-19 pandemic, fear of coronavirus infection has caused individuals to hesitate to access medical services and postpone their participation in diagnostic and screening programs. With this research, it was aimed to examine the relationship between women’s wellness awareness and attitudes towards breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The descriptive cross-sectional type research was conducted between 30 January 2021 and 30 July 2021. The sample of the study consisted of 396 women between the ages of 40 and 69 who were in the breast cancer screening population under national cancer screening standards and met the criteria for inclusion. The data of the study were collected using a web-based and self-reported questionnaire, Personal Information Form, Healthy Life Awareness Scale and Cancer Screening Attitude Scale.

Results

It was determined that more than half of women postponed breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the reasons for the postponement were often fear of contamination. It was determined that there was a relationship between the participants’ awareness of healthy living and their attitudes towards cancer screening (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was found that approximately two out of every three women in the screening population during the pandemic did not have screening or postponed it due to fear of contamination. It was determined that women who had awareness of healthy living and had breast cancer screening before the pandemic had a positive attitude towards cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Re-introduction of T-VEC Monotherapy in Recurrent Melanoma is Effective
Authors: Franke Viola , Stahlie Emma H.A. , van der Hiel Bernies , van de Wiel Bart A. , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , van Houdt Winan J. , van Akkooi Alexander C.J.
Published: May 2022

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a modified herpes simplex virus type 1, which can be administered intralesionally in patients with stage IIIB/C-IVM1a (American Joint Committee of Cancer; AJCC 7th edition) unresectable melanoma. In the case of disease recurrence, T-VEC can be re-introduced for the same category of patients. Five patients with recurrent disease after a prior achieved complete response (CR) recommenced treatment with T-VEC monotherapy at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. We collected data on response, adverse events and baseline characteristics. All 5 patients that were re-treated with T-VEC presented with in-transit metastases on the lower limb. Median age at baseline was 72.1 years with a median follow-up time of 30.4 months. Histologically proven CR was achieved after a median of 8 T-VEC courses on the initial exposure. Duration of response (time between first CR and recurrence) varied between 3.8 and 14.2 months. All 5 patients achieved a histologically and/or positron emission tomography/computed tomography proven CR again after re-introduction of T-VEC with a median of 5 courses. One patient (20%) developed a second recurrence and is currently still on treatment with T-VEC. No patients developed distant metastases. Grade 1 adverse events occurred in all patients. Mostly, these consisted of fatigue, influenza-like symptoms and injection site pain. Response to re-introduction of T-VEC monotherapy in this select patient population is promising. This real world data on re-introduction of T-VEC monotherapy in stage IIIB/C-IVM1a melanoma suggests T-VEC could be a treatment option for chronic disease control.
Lack of association between anatomical sites of scalp melanomas and brain metastases does not support direct vascular spread
Authors: Li Andrew T. , Miin Yip Jia , Choksi Harsham , London Kevin , Potter Alison J. , Lo Serigne N. , Saw Robyn P.M. , Shannon Kerwin F. , Pires da Silva Ines , Varey Alexander H.R. , Menzies Alexander M. , Long Georgina V. , Shivalingam Brindha , Scolyer Richard A. , Thompson John F. , Ch’ng Sydney
Published: May 2022

Primary scalp melanomas are associated with a higher rate of brain metastasis than primary cutaneous melanomas occurring at other head and neck and body sites, but the reason is unclear. Spread to brain parenchyma via emissary veins draining from the scalp to dural sinuses has been suggested. We sought to examine the locations of metastases from primary scalp and nonscalp head and neck melanomas to determine whether there was anatomical evidence supporting direct venous spread to the brain. Data from patients who developed distant metastases from cutaneous head and neck melanomas (CHNMs) between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. Anatomical sites of primary scalp melanomas and their respective intracranial metastases were compared. Times to first brain and nonbrain metastases were investigated for scalp and nonscalp primary CHNMs. Of 693 patients with CHNMs, 244 developed brain metastases: 109 (44.7%) had scalp primaries and 135 (55.3%) had nonscalp primaries. There was no significant association between anatomical sites of scalp primary melanomas and brain metastases (Cramer’s V = 0.21; Chi-square P = 0.63). Compared with nonscalp CHNMs, scalp melanomas had no greater propensity for the brain as the first distant metastatic site (P = 0.52) but had a shorter time to both brain metastasis (76.3 vs. 168.5 months; P < 0.001) and nonbrain metastasis (22.6 vs. 35.8 months; P < 0.001). No evidence was found to support a direct vascular pathway for metastatic spread of scalp melanomas to the brain. The increased incidence of brain metastases from scalp melanomas is probably driven by aggressive biological mechanisms.
Update on Exosomes in Aesthetics
Authors: Hartman Nina , Loyal Jameson , Fabi Sabrina
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

In dermatology, exosomes have been leveraged given their roles in wound healing, cell migration, extracellular matrix reconstruction, and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to review the literature investigating the use of exosomes in skin rejuvenation and hair regeneration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed database was searched for studies published through October 2021.

RESULTS

Early preclinical studies in aesthetics have demonstrated promising effects of exosomes on skin rejuvenation and hair growth in in vitro and murine models. Despite this, only 1 clinical study has been published to date, and there are no FDA-approved products on the market.

CONCLUSION

Variation in purification techniques and practical issues surrounding isolation, storage, scalability, and reproducibility of an exosome product represent ongoing hindrances to the movement of exosomes into the clinical sphere.
Change in Risk Score and Behaviors of Soft Contact Lens Wearers After Targeted Patient Education
Authors: Lam Dawn , Wagner Heidi , Zimmerman Aaron B. , Rosner Bernard , Kinoshita Beth , Mickles Chandra , Mitchell G. Lynn , Moreno Megan , Richdale Kathryn
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

To determine if targeted education can influence the behaviors and scores of soft contact lens (SCL) wearers via the Contact Lens Risk Survey (CLRS).

Methods:

This was a multicenter, prospective, case–control study. Cases were symptomatic red eye SCL wearers (age, 18–39 years), and controls were age , sex, and site matched. Participants completed the CLRS and were provided targeted patient education at three time points: baseline, one, and six months. Change in scores and behaviors were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results:

Forty-one cases and 71 controls were analyzed. The mean risk score (mean±SE) from baseline to follow-up improved (reduced) for all participants (−1.96±0.73; P=0.01), mostly driven by the improvement among cases (−2.55±1.32; P=0.05). Case subjects reported a decrease in frequency of wearing lenses while showering (−0.32±0.07; P<0.0001), discarding lens solution (−0.13±0.06; P=0.03), and rinsing lenses with tap water (−0.19±0.08; P=0.02) after targeted education.

Conclusions:

Targeted patient education can influence some behaviors of SCL wearers, especially those who experienced a red eye event. Further study is needed to determine how to improve other risk behaviors and whether these changes are sustained long term.
Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Hematological Malignant Tumors
Authors: Li Tianfu , Li Hanping , Li Lin , Li Jingyun
Published: May 2022

Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) gene sequences are remnants of retroviruses that infected the ancestors of humans millions of years ago and were integrated into human chromosomes, accounting for approximately 8%–9% of the human genome. Most integrated HERVs have lost their coding capacity and remain silent due to frame shifts, mutations, and sequence deletions or insertions over the millions of years, but their expression is highly regulated by epigenetic and host defense mechanisms. However, there are still some HERV genes that have intact open reading frames due to recent integration into the human genome or positive selective pressure. The abnormal activation of HERVs may contribute to diseases or their pathology, such as malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, and nervous system diseases. The occurrence and development of hematological malignant tumors (HMTs) is a complex process involving interactions of multiple genetic and environmental factors. The abnormal activation of HERVs may contribute to the pathology of HMTs via indirect mechanisms. In this review, we address the discovery of endogenous retroviruses in vertebrates, and the classification and genomic structure of HERVs. Among HERV family members, HERV-K is the latest type of HERV integrated into the human genome and it has the strongest transcriptional activity. We explore the currently known expression of HERV-K proto-oncogenes in HMTs and further address potential research and therapeutic approaches. However, much remains to be learned about not only the impact of HERVs on the occurrence of HMTs, but also the potential value of HERVs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HMTs.
Association between troponin and outcome in patients with chest pain and rapid atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study of a single-center 10-year cohort
Authors: García Ana , Miota Natalia , Miró Òscar , López-Ayala Pedro , López-Barbeito Beatriz , Strebel Ivo , Xipell Carolina , Fuenzalida Carolina , Martínez-Nadal Gemma , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Nestelberger Thomas , Twerenbold Raphael , Mueller Christian , Coll-Vinent Blanca
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

The prognosis of myocardial infarction in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation (RAF) is poorly known. We sought to ascertain if troponin concentrations are associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with RAF and chest discomfort suggestive of coronary origin.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients attending an emergency department of a single-center (2008–2017) with chest pain suggestive of coronary origin who had RAF and at least one troponin determination. Patients were classified as having normal/increased troponin. They were followed until December 2019 to detect MACE (primary outcome), which included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularization, stroke, or all-cause death. In addition to cardiovascular death and type I myocardial infarction, these were considered secondary outcomes. The adjusted risk was determined by Cox regression, and sensitivity analysis were run. Relationship between troponin as a continuous variable and outcomes was also evaluated, as well as interaction by sex.

Results

We included 574 patients (median = 76.5 years, IQR = 14, women 56.8%, increased troponin 34.1%) followed by a median of 3.8 years (IQR = 4.8). MACE occurred in 200 patients (34.8%). Increased troponin was independently associated with MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.502, 95% CI, 1.130–1.998), ACS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.488, 95% CI, 1.256–4.928), type I myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.771, 95% CI, 1.212–6.333) and stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.580, 95% CI, 1.888–6.787) but not with death, cardiovascular death or revascularization. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with these results. There was no interaction by sex. When assessed continuously, an increase in troponin concentrations was lineally associated with a steady increase in the risk of MACE.

Conclusions

In patients with RAF who complain of chest pain, increased troponin levels are related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Outcomes of the First 54 Pediatric Patients on Long-Term Home Parenteral Nutrition from a Single Brazilian Center
Authors: Goldani Helena A.S. , Ceza Marilia R. , Godoy Liege L. , Giesta Juliana M. , Beier Simone , Oliveira Juliana G. , Nunes Daltro L. , Feldens Leticia , Lucena Iara R.S. , Taniguchi Adriano N.R. , Hallberg Silvia C. , Durant Daiane , Boettcher Simone , Schneider Marcia A. , Mello Patricia P. , Riberg Mariana G.L. , Signorini Alana V. , Miller Cristina , Santos Berenice L. , Silveira Claudete O. , Morais Maira C.M. , Laggazio Terezinha V. , Costa Carla C. , Kieling Carlos O.
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Data on multidisciplinary programs dedicated to home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in Latin America are limited. This study describes the results of the first multidisciplinary pediatric intestinal rehabilitation program for HPN at a public tertiary hospital in Brazil.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients aged 0–18 years with intestinal failure (IF) who required parenteral nutrition (PN) for >60 days between January/2014 and December/2020.

Results:

Fifty-four patients were discharged on HPN (15 achieved enteral autonomy, 34 continued on HPN at the end of the study, 1 underwent intestinal transplantation, and 4 died). The median (IQR) age at the study endpoint of patients who achieved enteral autonomy was 14.1 (9.7–19) versus 34.7 (20.4–53.9) months in those who did not achieve enteral autonomy. Overall prevalence of catheter-related thrombosis was 66.7% and catheter-related bloodstream infection rate was 0.39/1000 catheter-days. Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) was present in 24% of all patients; none of the patients who achieved enteral autonomy had IFALD. All patients showed significant improvement in anthropometric parameters during the HPN period. The sociodemographic characteristics of the patients’ family members were mothers less than 20 years old (7.5%), schooling time more than 10 years (55.5%), and household income between 1 and 3 times the minimum wage (64.8%). The 5-year survival rate for HPN is 90%, and 27.7% of patients achieve enteral autonomy.

Conclusion:

The treatment of pediatric patients with IF followed by a multidisciplinary pediatric intestinal rehabilitation program with HPN is feasible and safe in the Brazilian public health system.
Approaching the domesticated plant holobiont from a community evolution perspective
Authors: Soldan Riccardo , Fusi Marco , Preston Gail M.
Published: May 2022

Plants establish a pivotal relationship with their microbiome and are often conceptualized as holobionts. Nonetheless, holobiont theories have attracted much criticism, especially concerning the fact that the holobiont is rarely a unit of selection. In previous work, we discussed how the plant microbiome can be considered to be an ‘ecosystem on a leash’, which is subject to the influence of natural selection acting on plant traits. We proposed that in domesticated plants the assembly of the plant microbiome can usefully be conceptualized as being subject to a ‘double leash’, which encompasses both the effect of artificial selection imposed by the domesticator on plant traits and the leash from the plant to the microbiome. Here we approach the domesticated plant holobiont, simply defined as a community of organisms, from a community evolution point of view, and show how community heritability (a measure of community selection) complements the ‘double-leash’ framework in providing a community-level view of plant domestication and its impact on plant–microbe interactions. We also propose simple experiments that could be performed to investigate whether plant domestication has altered the potential for community selection at the holobiont level.
Bis(3-methyl-1-propyl-1,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylidene)silver(I) chlorido(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphinato)cadmate(II)
Authors: Bruekers J. P. J. , Elemans J. A. A. W. , Nolte R. J. M. , Tinnemans P.
Published: May 2022

The structure of the title salt, [Ag(C7H12N2)2][CdCl(C44H28N4)], at 150 K has triclinic symmetry. One of the phenyl rings bonded to the porphyrin molecule and the propyl groups of both ylidene molecules coordinating to silver are disordered over two positions.
Ubi-Flex-Cloud: ubiquitous flexible cloud computing: status quo and research imperatives
Authors: Thyagaturu Akhilesh S , Nguyen Giang , Rimal Bhaskar Prasad , Reisslein Martin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Cloud computing originated in central data centers that are connected to the backbone of the Internet. The network transport to and from a distant data center incurs long latencies that hinder modern low-latency applications. In order to flexibly support the computing demands of users, cloud computing is evolving toward a continuum of cloud computing resources that are distributed between the end users and a distant data center. The purpose of this review paper is to concisely summarize the state-of-the-art in the evolving cloud computing field and to outline research imperatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify two main dimensions (or axes) of development of cloud computing: the trend toward flexibility of scaling computing resources, which the authors denote as Flex-Cloud, and the trend toward ubiquitous cloud computing, which the authors denote as Ubi-Cloud. Along these two axes of Flex-Cloud and Ubi-Cloud, the authors review the existing research and development and identify pressing open problems.

Findings

The authors find that extensive research and development efforts have addressed some Ubi-Cloud and Flex-Cloud challenges resulting in exciting advances to date. However, a wide array of research challenges remains open, thus providing a fertile field for future research and development.

Originality/value

This review paper is the first to define the concept of the Ubi-Flex-Cloud as the two-dimensional research and design space for cloud computing research and development. The Ubi-Flex-Cloud concept can serve as a foundation and reference framework for planning and positioning future cloud computing research and development efforts.
Investigations on the formability, tensile properties, TEM, 3D-surface roughness and corrosion behaviour on Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets during single point and multi point incremental forming process
Authors: Heruthunnisa Shaik , B. Chandra Mohana Reddy
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study formability, tensile properties, dislocation density and surface roughness of incrementally deformed Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets during single-point incremental forming (SPIF) and multi-point incremental forming (MPIF) process. The development of corrosion pits in 3.5% NaCl solution has also been studied during SPIF and MPIF processes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the formability, tensile properties, dislocation density, surface roughness and corrosion behaviour of deformed Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets were studied. A potentio-dynamic polarization (PDP) study was conducted to study the corrosion behaviour of Ti–6Al–4V alloy samples during SPIF and MPIF processes and the results were also compared with base material (BM) in 3.5% NaCl solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were carried out to study the corrosion morphology and dislocation densities of deformed samples.

Findings

The deformed Ti–6Al–4V alloy sheets obtained higher plastic deformation, high tensile strength, good surface roughness and good corrosion resistance during MPIF process when compared with SPIF process.

Research limitations/implications

It has been concluded that the maximum strain and good corrosion resistance have been achieved with MPIF process, which in turn increases the plastic deformation as compared with BM.

Practical implications

This study discussed the formability, tensile properties, surface roughness and corrosion behaviour of deformed Ti–6Al –4V alloy sheets during incremental sheet forming (ISF) process.

Social implications

This study is useful in the field of medical, industrial and automobile applications.

Originality/value

The Ti–6Al–4V alloy is deformed using MPIF process, achieving better formability, tensile strength, good surface roughness and corrosion rate, and the same is evidenced in forming limit diagrams (FLDs) and PDP curves.
Understanding customers’ stickiness of live streaming commerce platforms: an empirical study based on modified e-commerce system success model
Authors: Bao Zheshi , Zhu Yan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Live streaming commerce enhances shopping experience and reduces uncertainty. However, with increasingly fierce competitions, it has become a challenging task for live streaming commerce platforms to retain existing customers. The purpose of this study to explore factors affecting customers’ stickiness intention toward live streaming commerce platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed by modifying e-commerce system success model (ES success model) based on the context of live streaming commerce and meanwhile integrating serendipity and flow into the model. Using the data collected from 380 customers who have live streaming shopping experience, the established model was empirically assessed by partial least squares based structural equation model.

Findings

The results show that vividness, real-time interaction and diagnosticity are antecedents of perceived value and customer satisfaction toward a live streaming commerce platform which in turn influence customers’ stickiness intention. Besides, as new factors introducing into the ES success model, serendipity and flow are two important motivators of satisfaction and stickiness.

Originality/value

This study establishes a well-organized framework to understand the mechanism regarding why customers stick with a live streaming commerce platform. It provides a socio-technical approach to analyze how the stickiness intention can be influenced.
Internal organizational networks and green innovation performance in Chinese new ventures: the roles of corporate proactive environmental strategy and the regulatory quality
Authors: Sebaka Lapologang , Zhao Shuliang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Synthesizing from the institutional theory and social network theory, this study investigates factors influencing green innovation performance in new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings show that the dimensions of internal social network; heterogeneous network and tie strength have significant positive effects on proactive environmental strategy based on a sample of 300 new ventures in China.

Findings

The results further support the mediating role of proactive environmental strategy on internal organizational networks and green innovation performance of new ventures. The study further investigated the moderating role of the regulatory quality as a dimension of institutional environment in China. The results show that the regulatory quality positively moderates the relationship between proactive environmental strategy and green innovation performance. Policy and managerial implications are further discussed.

Originality/value

Over the past 20 years, green innovation has increasingly attracted the attention of policymakers and scholars. However, most studies have focused on mature ventures, and little attention has been given to how newly established ventures attain green innovation performance.
Local government’s role in promoting city hospitality: a meta-ethnography with a public management perspective
Authors: Del Gesso Carla , Lodhi Rab Nawaz , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Adopting a public-management perspective, this study aims to conduct a meta-ethnography to discern local government’s role in city hospitality in terms of promoting the welcome the city gives its guests, filling a gap in research into the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the seven-step iterative approach of Noblit and Hare’s meta-ethnography. By conducting a systematic search in the major bibliographic databases, ten qualitative studies on city hospitality were identified that met the criteria to be included. Concepts alluding to a local government’s role in city hospitality were coded in NVivo 11 software, translated and interpreted through the lens of public management. A total of 14 semi-structured interviews with experts were also conducted to further validate the meta-ethnography findings.

Findings

Six interrelated, third-order constructs were developed and conceptualized into an articulated model describing local government’s role in city hospitality from a public-management perspective: advocating, co-creating, strategizing, planning and implementing city hospitality, and promoting it into a sustainable tourism development. The model, also substantiated by expert feedback, describes local government actions to promote city hospitality and achieve sustainable tourism. It highlights a responsive, proactive and collaborative role for local government as a key actor responsible for the strategic management and co-creation of city hospitality.

Research limitations/implications

The study introduces public governance cues into a city hospitality context, with theoretical and practical implications for hospitality and tourism researchers, businesses, politicians, public managers, city officials and destination marketing/management practitioners.

Originality/value

The study proposes an original conceptual model that serves as an overarching framework and operative tool for understanding and practicing city hospitality in a contemporary public-management perspective. This lays the foundations for the development of a broadened notion of hospitality management, extended from the traditional context of the hospitality industry to that of the city or place. The study also showcases how meta-ethnography can be an effective methodology in business, management and accounting research, within which it is still a novelty.
A toolset for complex decision-making in analyze phase of Lean Six Sigma project: a case validation
Authors: Singh Mahipal , Rathi Rajeev , Antony Jiju , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The analyze phase of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project is an important phase where the project heads and organizational directors need to select the critical issues for further improvements. The present work is primarily focused on analyze phase of LSS project to prioritize the critical to quality (CTQ) in a particular case industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The CTQ prioritization is being done based on the five evaluation criteria found from the literature. The weights of the criteria are determined through the modified digital logic (MDL) method. The identified CTQs in assembly section of case industry have been ranked through the gray relational analysis (GRA) under fuzzy environment. The results of the study have been validated using fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimisacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR).

Findings

It is found that the “cost” criterion is the most significant among other criteria with MDL weight of 0.3. Through fuzzy-GRA, out of ten identified CTQs, non-availability of rack system is found to be the most critical issue in assembly section of case industry. The perceptions of industrial manager and production head of case industry are strongly in favor of the obtained results and have implemented the suggested solutions.

Originality/value

To sustain in the competitive environment and produce quality product at right time, organizations need to control their CTQs as per their criticality. For this, the decision-making becomes quite complex to select the most critical factors because of the fascinating nature of various criteria and sub-criteria. The present study is the first attempt that has implemented the multi-criteria decision-making approach in analyze phase of LSS project.
A point cloud registration-based calibration algorithm for robot offline programming automatic loading in aero-grinding applications
Authors: Mu Zixin , Cai Zhenhua , Zeng Chunnian , Li Zifan , Liang Xufeng , Yang Fan , Chen Tingyang , Dong Shujuan , Deng Chunming , Niu Shaopeng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

During the process of the robotic grinding and polishing operations on aero-engine blades, the key problem of calibration error lies in fixture error and uneven margin. To solve this problem, this paper aims to propose a novel method to achieve rapid online calibration of the workpiece coordinate system through laser-based measurement techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a calibration strategy based on point cloud registration algorithm. The main principle is presented as follows: aero blade mounted on clamping end-effector is hold by industry robot, the whole device is then scanned by a 3D laser scanner to obtain its surface point cloud, and a fast segmentation method is used to acquire the point cloud of the workpiece. Combining Super4PCS algorithm with trimmed iterative closest point, we can align the key points of the scanned point cloud and the sampled points of the blade model, thus obtaining the translation and rotation matrix for calculating the workpiece coordinate and machining allowance. The proposed calibration strategy is experimentally validated, and the positioning error, as well as the margin distribution, is finally analyzed.

Findings

The experimental results show that the algorithm can well accomplish the task of cross-source, partial data and similar local features of blade point cloud registration with high precision. The total time spent on point cloud alignment of 100,000 order of magnitude blade is about 4.2 s, and meanwhile, the average point cloud alignment error is reduced to below 0.05 mm.

Originality/value

An improved point cloud registration method is proposed and introduced into the calibration process of a robotic system. The online calibration technique improves the accuracy and efficiency of the calibration process and enhances the automation of the robotic grinding and polishing system.
Modelling COVID-19 effect on the performance of MENA Health-care sector
Authors: Toumi Amina , El Khoury Rim , Harb Etienne , Nasrallah Nohade
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study models the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of the private health-care sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. This paper aims to address the economic, societal and sustainability of the health-care sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from Bloomberg and the sample consists of 534 firm-year observations from 55 firms listed over 2010–2020. The authors apply panel data and control for the country and governance effects.

Findings

The authors found heterogeneous results regarding the three sub-sectors. The pandemic has a negative effect on the accounting and market performances of the “Pharmaceutical companies” and an insignificant impact on “Healthcare Management and Facilities Services.” Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 on health-care firms’ performance depends on the country’s economic classification and the degree of regulatory and governance frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies may consider a larger sample and other regions. It is recommended to address the health-care sector's challenges to invest in new technologies such as “digital twin” and predictive and personalized medicine. It is worth testing model development theory and its effects on speeding up and designing models to ensure the proper functioning and developing mathematics to determine uncertainties in patient data and model predictions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is novel as it is unique in modeling the impact of COVID-19 on the health-care public companies in the MENA region. The findings pinpoint firms’ and countries’ heterogeneous impacts on financial and market performances.
Contesting Mintzberg's five Ps for strategy: it is time for a product recall
Authors: Khalifa Azaddin Salem
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contest Mintzberg's influential “five Ps for strategy”. It exposes the negative side effect of these “five Ps” and urges a rethinking of the concept of strategy. It also points to an alternative direction for further research building on a more robust definition of strategy that does not aim to combine the five Ps but to focus instead on, and to draw boundaries around, the substance of strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The key arguments of Mintzberg's article are critically evaluated and alternative arguments are advanced.

Findings

None of the “five Ps for strategy” satisfies the criteria of a good definition. However, their impact is still evident, especially the definition of “strategy as pattern” and the idea that any decision can be “more or less” “strategic”. The “five Ps” have served their intent at the time, and their impact now is more negative than positive.

Research limitations/implications

The “five Ps” are no longer useful in advancing the descriptive or prescriptive purposes of the strategy field. Researchers need to rethink the concept of strategy.

Practical implications

Leaders should not be confused by the “five Ps”. Instead, they should look for more rigorous and relevant definitions that help them think through their dynamic and uncertain environment.

Originality/value

This paper is probably the first to specifically contest the five definitions of strategy offered by Mintzberg and the argument behind them.
In the short-term, it is never the wrong time to certify: the mitigating impact of certification on firm valuation
Authors: Pelzer Josette Edwards , Hogan Robert Stephen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the timing of the disclosure of a firm’s environmental certification. In general, certifications comply with signaling and legitimacy theories and serve to bolster a firm’s reputation, financial performance and valuation, among other benefits. However, when a firm finds itself facing a reputational threat, it is unclear whether disclosing a recent certification would provide those same benefits or be perceived by investors as “greenwashing” or a disingenuous distraction from the threat.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a case and survey the authors developed that is supported in methodology and approach by past academic work.

Findings

The findings suggest that in the short term, the disclosure of the certification benefits the firm regardless of the current reputational environment, good or bad. More specifically, investors view the certification as a benefit (rather than an attempt to distract) even when its disclosure was immediately proceeded by a reputational threat.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the population of survey respondents from which the authors collected data and their internal predispositions and biases.

Practical implications

This work is applicable to firms that have engaged in certifications or are considering such certifications as well as firms that provide certification services. The study is also relevant to stakeholders and consumers of information related to certifications.

Originality/value

This study is operationalized through the use of a case and survey the authors developed. The research question the authors attempt to answer is derived from a question raised in the literature. The authors are unaware of any other study that addresses this question.
Internet use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer+ older adults during COVID-19
Authors: Gates Trevor G. , Hughes Mark , Thepsourinthone Jack , Dune Tinashe
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This brief paper aims to examine the extent to which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) older adults in Australia used the internet for social, informational and instrumental needs, including how internet use changed during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a survey advertised to LGBTIQ+ older adults (N = 394), recruited as a sample of convenience, on social networking sites and via LGBTIQ+ and aged care organizations.

Findings

Self-reported internet use decreased during COVID-19, with various significant between-group differences in purposes of internet use and sexuality, gender, living arrangements and time.

Originality/value

The internet can be a critical form of social contact for LGBTIQ+ older adults, and this is among the first studies in Australia about their internet use during COVID-19. Findings from the study suggest patterns of internet use may be decreasing among LGBTIQ+ older adults during the pandemic.
Predicting harvest impact and establishment success when translocating highly mobile and endangered species
Authors: Fischer Johannes H. , Wittmer Heiko U. , Kenup Caio F. , Parker Kevin A. , Cole Rosalind , Debski Igor , Taylor Graeme A. , Ewen John G. , Armstrong Doug P.
Published: May 2022

Harvesting individuals for translocations can negatively impact source populations, a critical challenge for species reduced to small populations. Consequently, translocation cohorts often remain small, reducing the establishment probability at the destination. Balancing the potential benefits and risks of such translocations is further complicated by philopatry and natural metapopulation dynamics if the target species is highly mobile. These challenges highlight the importance of translocation feasibility assessments, but such assessments often remain qualitative to date.

The critically endangered Kuaka (Whenua Hou Diving Petrel; Pelecanoides whenuahouensis) is a philopatric, highly mobile seabird that could benefit from conservation translocations, but only one small population remains. Through expert elicitations with a user‐friendly Shiny app, we developed a novel metapopulation extension to an integrated population model fitted to long‐term data, allowing us to simultaneously project harvest impact on the source and establishment of destination populations under alternative translocation scenarios, while accounting for philopatry and metapopulation dynamics.

Establishment of a destination population without excessive impact on the source was possible, but subject to uncertainty about philopatry and metapopulation dynamics. Accounting for juveniles returning to the source post‐translocations reduced impact on the source, but also decreased establishment at the destination. Natural movements of adults and juveniles between source and destination populations were predicted to modulate effects of different harvest intensities.

Synthesis and application. Using state‐of‐the art integrated population models and expert elicitations, we illustrate how translocation feasibility can be evaluated transparently and quantitatively, even when targeting endangered, philopatric and highly mobile species. Our approach is a considerable improvement on current qualitative feasibility assessments. However, we also illustrate that, ultimately, the favoured translocation strategy depends on balancing biological and other fundamental objectives inherent to translocations. Therefore, the ideal strategy cannot be determined solely mathematically, and feasibility assessments should incorporate explicit value statements. Our methodology is applicable to any future translocation scenario.
Discovery of a chalcone derivative as potent necroptosis inhibitor for the treatment of acute kidney injury
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Qiang‐yu , He Yuan , Liu Yu‐hai , Meng Xiao‐ming , Liu Ming‐ming
Published: May 2022

Necroptosis, a form of inflammation‐related programmed cell death, is a major mechanism of proximal tubular cell injury in acute kidney injury (AKI). Blockade of necroptosis signalling represents a promising strategy for clinical therapy of AKI. Previously, we identified a small molecular receptor‐interacting protein kinases (RIPK)1 inhibitor Cpd‐71 with nephroprotective activities. To discover more nephroprotective agents, in this study, 20 chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti‐necroptosis and nephroprotective activities. Among the chalcone derivatives, Cpd‐2 exhibited the most potent anti‐necroptosis activity (IC50 = 1.08 μM) and protective activity (EC50 = 1.49 μM) through directly binding to RIPK1 and blocking RIPK1‐RIPK3‐mixed‐lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL) signalling pathway. Furthermore, Cpd‐2 effectively attenuated cisplatin or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced injury and necroptotic inflammation in renal cell models. Moreover, in cisplatin‐ or ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced AKI mouse model, detection of creatinine and urea nitrogen in blood showed that Cpd‐2 improved kidney function. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining and immunofluorescence analysis indicated that Cpd‐2 also reduced pathological damage and inhibited inflammatory development in kidney tissues. In summary, although some chalcone derivatives have been reported to prevent kidney injury previously, our present study not only discovered a promising leading compound Cpd‐2, but also provided a novel and successful practice for the development of necroptosis inhibitors from natural products derivatives as AKI therapeutic agents.
Playing to learn: Learning to TALK
Authors: Lindley‐Baker Julia , Mills Laura
Published: May 2022

‘We love the fact she can learn through play, because she is learning but not realizing, and she does not feel pressurized to learn’ (parent of a child with neurodiverse developmental disorders [NDD]). Engaging children with NDD in meaningful learning can be challenging, and that challenge is exacerbated when children are neither motivated nor equipped with the skills to facilitate engagement. Communication barriers hinder learning, and children with NDD need extra support to develop language skills. This action research promoted communication competence through structured interventions, consolidated via play. The findings confirmed that progression in spontaneous communication and interaction interrelates with creative play. An innovative structured teaching approach, including video‐modeling, was devised and named total augmented language and key skills (TALKS). This research affirms that changing the learning environment by employing an integrated teaching model involving connectivity and adopting TALKS. enhances a whole‐school approach to communication competence for children with NDD.
Ecriture et identité féminines. Giustiniana Wynne Orsini v. Rosenberg: Economie relationnelle et formation d’identité de femme auteur dans ses correspondances
Authors: von Kulessa Rotraud
Published: May 2022

The Anglo‐Venetian Giustiniana Wynne, Countess of Rosenberg Orsini, best known for her novel Les Morlaques (1788), had epistolary relations with friends from the Veneto as well as across Europe and is therefore part of the network of the European Republic of Letters. Attached to her homeland, the Republic of Venice, and also a cosmopolitan, she took advantage of her personal network to develop an authorial identity. After a bio‐bibliographical overview, I trace how a woman of letters created herself through the relational economy manifest in the letters addressed to William Beckford, Aurelio Bertola, and Elisabetta Mosconi.