bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Challenge in Psychiatric Settings
Authors: Kanniah Guna , Kumar Rishi , Subramaniam Ganesh
Published: January 2022

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a condition that was only identified relatively recently. It often presents in psychiatric settings, with clinical presentations that may overlap with those of other psychiatric disorders such as psychoses secondary to schizophrenia, substance use, or brief delusional disorder. It often presents in women of child bearing age and has a relatively high mortality rate. The treatment approach for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is considerably different from that used for other psychiatric and neurological conditions. Early recognition, correct diagnosis, and appropriate management of the condition are of vital importance to the prognosis, including reducing mortality rate, admissions to intensive care units, recurrence, complications of the disease and in some cases, irreversible hippocampal damage. We present a case that highlights the typical presentation of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a young woman and discuss management and outcome.
Suicide and Life Insurance
Authors: Berman Alan L. , Silverman Morton M. , Wortzel Hal S. , McIntosh John L.
Published: January 2022

Much has been written about the history of suicide and, notably, about societies that condemned both the act and the actor, resulting in a perpetuation of suicide being stigmatized in many cultures. One aspect of this perceived stigmatization involves exclusionary clauses in life insurance policies that reject paying benefits to survivor-beneficiaries of the decedent if the decedent has died by suicide within a prescribed time frame. From the perspective of the individual, life insurance is designed to protect the estate of a decedent from a significant financial burden. From the insurer’s perspective, there are essentially 2 reasons for having a suicide exclusion clause: limiting risk and preventing or discouraging fraud. This column examines these rationales in light of the estimated few suicides that do occur during exclusionary clause time frames. Observations are made about the effect of these clauses on those impacted by the loss of a loved one who died by suicide within the exclusionary time frame. An examination of the perspectives of both the life insurance industry and the impacted survivors of suicide decedents raises questions about what are reasonable and appropriate exclusionary clause time frames that protect both the insurer and survivor-beneficiaries. The forensic expert consulting on such cases should be cognizant of these competing perspectives and engage in therapeutic assessment whenever possible, identifying opportunities to promote thoughtful suicide postvention.
The Normal Lung Index From Quantitative Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Disease
Authors: Barros Marcelo C. , Hochhegger Bruno , Altmayer Stephan , Zanon Matheus , Sartori Gabriel , Watte Guilherme , do Nascimento Marcos H. Sant’Ana , Chatkin Jose M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Our objective was to evaluate whether the normal lung index (NLI) from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) analysis can be used to predict mortality as well as pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Materials and Methods:

Normal subjects (n=20) and patients with COPD (n=172) and ILD (n=114) who underwent PFTs and chest CT were enrolled retrospectively in this study. QCT measures included the NLI, defined as the ratio of the lung with attenuation between –950 and –700 Hounsfield units (HU) over the total lung volume (−1024 to −250 HU, mL), high-attenuation area (–700 to –250 HU, %), emphysema index (>6% of pixels < –950 HU), skewness, kurtosis, and mean lung attenuation. Coefficients of correlation between QCT measurements and PFT results in all subjects were calculated. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to assess mortality prediction by disease.

Results:

The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the NLI correlated moderately with the forced expiratory volume in 1 second in subjects with COPD (r=0.490, P<0.001) and the forced vital capacity in subjects with ILD (r=0.452, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the NLI of <70% was a significant independent predictor of mortality in subjects with COPD (hazard ratio=3.14, P=0.034) and ILD (hazard ratio=2.72, P=0.005).

Conclusion:

QCT analysis, specifically the NLI, can also be used to predict mortality in individuals with COPD and ILD.
Should rapid antigen tests be government funded in Australia? An economic evaluation
Authors: Karnon Jonathan , Afzali Hossein , Bonevski Billie
Published: January 2022

Objective

Easy and equitable access to testing is a cornerstone of the public health response to COVID-19. Currently in Australia, testing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 is free-to-the-user, but the public purchase their own Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). We conduct an economic analysis of government-funded RATs in Australia.

Design

An interactive decision tree model was developed to compare one policy in which government-funded RATs are free-to-the-user, and one in which individuals purchase their own RATs. The decision tree represents RAT and PCR testing pathways for a cohort of individuals without COVID-19-like symptoms, to estimate the likelihood of COVID-19 positive individuals isolating prior to developing symptoms and the associated costs of testing, from a government perspective.

Data sources

Test costs and detection rates were informed by published studies, other input parameter values are unobservable and uncertain, for which a range of scenario analyses are presented.

Data synthesis

Assuming 10% prevalence of COVID-19 in a cohort of 10,000 individuals who would use government-funded RATs, the model estimates an additional 464 individuals would isolate early at a cost to the government of around $52,000. Scenario analyses indicate that the incremental cost per additional COVID-19 positive individual isolating with no symptoms remains at a few hundred dollars at 5% prevalence, rising to $2,052 at 1% prevalence.

Conclusions

Based on the presented decision tree model, even only minor reductions in COVID-19 transmission rates due to early isolation would justify the additional costs associated with a policy of government-funded RATs.
The epidemiological impact of the Canadian COVID Alert App
Authors: Sun Shuo , Shaw Mairead , Moodie Erica EM , Ruths Derek
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We analyzed the effectiveness of the Canadian COVID Alert app on reducing COVID-19 infections and deaths due to the COVID-19 virus.

Methods

Two separate, but complementary approaches, were taken. First, we undertook a comparative study to assess how the adoption and usage of the COVID Alert app compared to those of similar apps deployed in other regions. Next, we used data from the COVID Alert server and a range of plausible parameter values to estimate the numbers of infections and deaths averted in Canada using a model that combines information on number of notifications, secondary attack rate, expected fraction of transmissions that could be prevented, quarantine effectiveness, and expected size of the full transmission chain in the absence of exposure notification.

Results

The comparative analysis revealed that the COVID Alert app had among the lowest adoption levels among apps that reported usage. Our model indicates that use of the COVID Alert app averted between 6,284 and 10,894 infections across the six Canadian provinces where app usage was highest during the March - July 2021 period. This range is equivalent to 1.6%-2.9% of the total recorded infections across Canada in that time. Using province-specific case fatality rates, 57-101 deaths were averted during the same period. The number of cases and deaths averted was greatest in Ontario, whereas the proportion of cases and death averted was greatest in Newfoundland and Labrador. App impact measures were reported so rarely and so inconsistently by other countries that the relative assessment of impact is inconclusive.

Conclusions

While the nationwide rates are low, provinces with widespread adoption of the app showed high ratios of averted cases and deaths (upper bound was greater than 60% of averted cases). This finding suggests that the COVID Alert app, when adopted at sufficient levels, can be an effective public health tool for combatting a pandemic such as COVID-19.
Differential Effects of Race/Ethnicity and Social Vulnerability on COVID-19 Positivity, Hospitalization, and Death in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Tam Cho Wendy K. , Hwang David G.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Higher COVID-19 incidence and morbidity have been documented for US Black and Hispanic populations but not as clearly for other racial and ethnic groups. Efforts to elucidate the mechanisms underlying racial health disparities can be confounded by the relationship between race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVE

Examine race/ethnicity and social vulnerability effects on COVID-19 out-comes in the San Francisco Bay Area, an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse region, using geocoded patient records from 2020 in the University of California, San Francisco Health system.

KEY RESULTS

Higher social vulnerability, but not race/ethnicity, was associated with less frequent testing yet a higher likelihood of testing positive. Asian hospitalization rates (11.5%) were double that of White patients (5.4%) and exceeded the rates for Black (9.3%) and Hispanic patients (6.9%). A modest relationship between higher hospitalization rates and increasing social vulnerability was evident only for White patients. Hispanic patients had the highest years of expected life lost due to COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 outcomes were not consistently explained by greater social vulnerability. Asian individuals showed disproportionately high rates of hospitalization regardless of social vulnerability status. Study of the San Francisco Bay Area population not only provides valuable insights into the differential contributions of race/ethnicity and social determinants of health to COVID-19 outcomes but also emphasizes that all racial groups have experienced the toll of the pandemic, albeit in different ways and to varying degrees.
Citizen Science and Public Health- Can eBird data inform relationships between public health and access to biodiversity?
Authors: LaFantasie J.J.
Published: January 2022

The relationship between access to nature and public health outcomes has been well-studied and established in the literature. However, most studies use simple greenness indices as a proxy for access to nature, which ignores the “quality” of the nature since greenness indices are not able to predict biodiversity. My objective was to investigate the relationship between citizen scientist collected biodiversity data from the eBird platform, urban greenness and four human health outcomes (asthma, coronary heart disease, and self-assessed mental and physical health). I mapped and tested for correlations among eBird record species richness, greenness as NDVI and PLACES human health data in urban census tracts located in three metro areas/ecological zones (Albany, NY: eastern deciduous forest, Kansas City, MO: tallgrass prairie, and Phoenix, AZ: Sonoran Desert). eBird species richness was related to greenness, measures of urbanization and several human health factors; however, the correlations varied by metro area and in strength. Provided confounders are controlled for, eBird data could help to refine models surrounding relationships between public health and nature access.
Longitudinal single-cell transcriptomics reveals distinct patterns of recurrence in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhai Yanan , Singh Prashant , Dolnik Anna , Brazda Peter , Atlasy Nader , Gaudio Nunzio del , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut , Minucci Saverio , Martens Joost , Altucci Lucia , Megchelenbrink Wout , Bullinger Lars , Stunnenberg Hendrik G.
Published: January 2022

The heterogeneity and evolution of AML blasts can render therapeutic interventions ineffective in a yet poorly understood patient-specific manner. To gain insight into the clonal heterogeneity of diagnosis (Dx) and relapse (Re) pairs, we employed whole-exome sequencing and single-cell RNA-seq to longitudinally profile two t(8;21) (AML1-ETO = RUNX1-RUNX1T1), and four FLT3-ITD AML cases.

The single cell RNA data underpinned the tumor heterogeneity amongst patient blasts. The Dx-Re transcriptomes of high risk FLT3-ITD pairs formed a continuum from extensively changed in the absence of significantly mutational changes in AML-associated genes to rather similar Dx-Re pair of an intermediate risk FLT3-ITD. In one high risk FLT3-ITD pair, a pathway switched from an AP-1 regulated network in Dx to mTOR signaling in Re. The distinct AML1-ETO pairs comprise clusters that share genes related to hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and cell migration suggesting that the Re leukemic stem cell-like (LSC-like) cells probably evolved from the Dx LSC-like cells.

In summary, our study revealed a continuum from drastic transcriptional changes to extensive similarities between respective Dx-Re pairs that are poorly explained by the well-established model of clonal evolution. Our results suggest alternative and currently unappreciated and unexplored mechanisms leading to therapeutic resistance and AML recurrence.
Three amphioxus reference genomes reveal gene and chromosome evolution of chordates
Authors: Huang Zhen , Xu Luohao , Cai Cheng , Zhou Yitao , Liu Jing , Zhu Zexian , Kang Wen , Chen Duo , Pei Surui , Xue Ting , Cen Wan , Shi Chenggang , Wu Xiaotong , Huang Yongji , Xu Chaohua , Yan Yanan , Yang Ying , He Wenjing , Hu Xuefeng , Zhang Yanding , Chen Youqiang , Bi Changwei , He Chunpeng , Xue Lingzhan , Xiao Shijun , Yue Zhicao , Jiang Yu , Yu Jr-Kai , Jarvis Erich D. , Li Guang , Lin Gang , Zhang Qiujin , Zhou Qi
Published: January 2022

The slow-evolving invertebrate amphioxus has an irreplaceable role in advancing our understanding into the vertebrate origin and innovations. Here we resolve the nearly complete chromosomal genomes of three amphioxus species, one of which best recapitulates the 17 chordate ancestor linkage groups. We reconstruct the fusions, retention or rearrangements between descendants of whole genome duplications (WGDs), which gave rise to the extant microchromosomes likely existed in the vertebrate ancestor. Similar to vertebrates, the amphioxus genome gradually establishes its 3D chromatin architecture at the onset of zygotic activation, and forms two topologically associated domains at the Hox gene cluster. We find that all three amphioxus species have ZW sex chromosomes with little sequence differentiation, and their putative sex-determining regions are nonhomologous to each other. Our results illuminate the unappreciated interspecific diversity and developmental dynamics of amphioxus genomes, and provide high-quality references for understanding the mechanisms of chordate functional genome evolution.
SARS-CoV-2 Genetic diversity and lineage dynamics of in Egypt
Authors: Roshdy Wael H. , khalifa Mohamed K. , San James Emmanuel , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Showky Shymaa , Martin Daren Patrick , Moir Monika , Naguib Amel , Elguindy Nancy , Gomaa Mokhtar R. , Fahim Manal , Elsood Hanaa Abu , Mohsen Amira , Galal Ramy , Hassany Mohamed , Lessells Richard J , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. , EL-Shesheny Rabeh , Kandeil Ahmed M. , Ali Mohamed A. , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Egypt on 14 February 2020. By the end of November 2021, over 333,840 cases and 18,832 deaths had been reported. As part of national genomic surveillance, 1,027 SARS-CoV-2 near whole-genomes had been generated and published by the end of May 2021. Here we describe the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt over this period using a subset of 976 high-quality Egyptian genomes analysed together with a representative set of global sequences within a phylogenetic framework. We show that a single lineage, C.36, introduced early in the pandemic was responsible for most cases in Egypt. Furthermore, we show that to remain dominant in the face of mounting immunity from previous infection and vaccination, this lineage evolved into various sub-lineages acquiring several mutations known to confer adaptive advantage and pathogenic properties. These results highlight the value of continuous genomic surveillance in regions where VOCs are not predominant and enforcement of public health measures to prevent expansion of existing lineages.
Heart Block in the Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ahammed Md Ripon , Sharath Medha , Sinha Mehul , Sestacovschi Cristina , Retnakumar Varadha , Solanki Naisargee
Published: January 2022

Background

Since the emergence of the SARS COV-19 pandemic, multiple extrapulmonary manifestations of the virus have been reported from around the world. Cardiovascular complications including arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19 have been described in multiple studies. Our aim was to review various case reports detailing the new onset of heart block in COVID-19 patients and to summarise the clinical course of these patients.

Methods

We systematically reviewed all reports published and indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase between March 2020 to May 2021, analyzing the relation between the demographics of the patients, pre-existing comorbidities, and the progression of heart block in patients infected with COVID-19.

Results

We identified and included in this study 30 relevant articles describing 49 COVID-19 patients with heart block. Among them, 69.3% (n=34) of patients suffered from at least one comorbidity. 36.73% (n=18) of the patients showed spontaneous resolution of the heart block. Conversely, 63.26% (n=31) of the patients had persistent heart block, out of which 16.33% (n=8) and 42.86% (n=21) were implanted with a temporary and permanent pacemaker respectively. The reported mortality rate was 22.45% (n=11) during hospitalization. We noted that 45.45% (n=5) of the patients who died had complete heart block. 24.49% (n=12) of the patients in the studies we reviewed were suspected of having myocarditis. However, none were confirmed with MRI or cardiac biopsy.

Conclusions

Additional research is necessary to unearth the mechanism of development of heart block in COVID-19 patients as well as its implications on the clinical course and prognosis. Physicians must be aware of the importance of monitoring patients hospitalized for COVID-19 for arrhythmias including heart blocks, especially in the presence of comorbidities. Early detection can improve the prognosis of the patient.
The impact of vaccination on incidence and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with kidney failure in Scotland
Authors: Bell Samira , Campbell Jacqueline , Lambourg Emilie , Watters Chrissie , O’Neil Martin , Almond Alison , Buck Katharine , Carr Edward J , Clark Laura , Cousland Zoe , Findlay Mark , Joss Nicola , Metcalfe Wendy , Petrie Michaela , Spalding Elaine , Traynor Jamie P , Sanu Vinod , Thomson Peter , Methven Shona , Mark Patrick B
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients with kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) are at high risk of complications and death following SARS-CoV-2 infection with variable antibody responses to vaccination reported. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on incidence of infection, hospitalization and death of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Study design was an observational data linkage cohort study. Multiple healthcare datasets were linked to ascertain all SARS-CoV-2 testing, vaccination, hospitalization, and mortality data for all patients treated with KRT in Scotland, from the start of the pandemic over a period of 20 months. Descriptive statistics, survival analyses and vaccine effectiveness were calculated.

Results

As of 19th September 2021, 93% (n=5281) of the established KRT population in Scotland had received two doses of an approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Over the study period, there were 814 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection (15.1% of the KRT population). Vaccine effectiveness against infection and hospitalization was 33% (95% CI 0-52) and 38% (95% CI 0-57) respectively. 9.2% of fully vaccinated individuals died within 28 days of a SARS-CoV-2 positive PCR test (7% dialysis patients and 10% kidney transplant recipients). This compares to <0.1% of the vaccinated Scottish population being admitted to hospital or dying death due to COVID19 during that period.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate a primary vaccine course of two doses has limited impact on COVID-19 infection and its complications in patients treated with KRT. Adjunctive strategies to reduce risk of both COVID-19 infection and its complications in this population are urgently required.
The impact of demographic factors on numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Europe and the regions of Ukraine
Authors: Nesteruk Igor , Rodionov Oleksii
Published: January 2022

The accumulated numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths per capita are important characteristics of the pandemic dynamics that may also indicate the effectiveness of quarantine, testing, vaccination, and treatment. The statistical analysis based on the number of cases per capita accumulated to the end of June 2021 showed no correlations with the volume of population, its density, and the urbanization level both in European countries and regions of Ukraine. The same result was obtained with the use of fresher datasets (as of December 23, 2021). The number of deaths per capita and per case may depend on the urbanization level. For European countries these relative characteristics decrease with the increase of the urbanization level. Opposite trend was revealed for the number of deaths per capita in Ukrainian regions.
Developmental maturation of the hematopoietic system controlled by a Lin28b-let-7-PRC1 axis
Authors: Wang Dahai , Tanaka-Yano Mayuri , Meader Eleanor , Kinney Melissa A. , Morris Vivian , da Rocha Edroaldo Lummertz , Liu Nan , Orkin Stuart H. , North Trista E. , Daley George Q. , Rowe R. Grant
Published: January 2022

Hematopoiesis changes over life to meet the demands of maturation and aging. Here, we find that the definitive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment is remodeled from gestation into adulthood, a process regulated by the heterochronic Lin28b/let-7 axis. Native fetal and neonatal HSPCs distribute with a pro-lymphoid/erythroid bias with a shift toward myeloid output in adulthood. By mining transcriptomic data comparing juvenile and adult HSPCs and reconstructing coordinately activated gene regulatory networks, we uncover the Polycomb repressor complex 1 (PRC1) component Cbx2 as an effector of Lin28b/let-7’s control of hematopoietic maturation. We find that juvenile Cbx2-/- hematopoietic tissues show impairment of B-lymphopoiesis and a precocious adult-like myeloid bias and that Cbx2/PRC1 regulates developmental timing of expression of key hematopoietic transcription factors. These findings define a novel mechanism of epigenetic regulation of HSPC output as a function of age with potential impact on age-biased pediatric and adult blood disorders.
Cardiomyocyte differentiation from iPS cells is delayed following knockout of Bcl-2
Authors: Vervliet Tim , Duelen Robin , Rovere Rita La , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: January 2022

Anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) regulates a wide array of cellular functions involved in cell death, cell survival decisions and autophagy. Bcl-2 acts by both direct interaction with different components of the pathways involved and by intervening in intracellular Ca2+ signalling. The function of Bcl-2 is in turn regulated by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation at different sites by various protein kinases. Besides functions in cell death and apoptosis, Bcl-2 regulates cell differentiation processes, including of cardiomyocytes, although its mechanism of action in this process is not fully elucidated. To further address the role of Bcl-2 in cardiomyocyte differentiation, we investigated the effect of its genetic knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 on the differentiation and functional maturation trajectory of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) to cardiomyocytes. Our results indicate that differentiation of hiPSC to cardiomyocytes is delayed by Bcl-2 KO. This effect was associated with smaller areas of spontaneously beating cells. At the cell population level this exhibited in reduced expression and activity of the cardiomyocyte Ca2+ toolkit. However, when restricting the comparison to the active areas exclusively Bcl-2 KO did not show to significantly alter the functionality of the differentiated cardiomyocytes. Finally, Bcl-2 KO reduced c-Myc expression early in the cardiac differentiation process which may account at least in part for the here observed delay in cardiac differentiation resulting reduced efficiency of the differentiation process. These data are supportive of a pivotal role for Bcl-2 in cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation.
Capturing additional genetic risk from family history for improved polygenic risk prediction
Authors: Lu Tianyuan , Forgetta Vincenzo , Richards J Brent , Greenwood Celia MT
Published: January 2022

Family history of complex traits may reflect transmitted rare pathogenic variants, intra-familial shared exposures to environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as a common genetic predisposition. We developed a latent factor model to quantify trait heritability in excess of that captured by a common variant-based polygenic risk score, but inferable from family history. For 941 children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort, a joint predictor combining a polygenic risk score for height and mid-parental height was able to explain ∼55% of the total variance in sex-adjusted adult height z-scores, close to the estimated heritability. Marginal yet consistent risk prediction improvements were also achieved among ∼400,000 European ancestry participants for 11 complex diseases in the UK Biobank. Our work showcases a paradigm for risk calculation, and supports incorporation of family history into polygenic risk score-based genetic risk prediction models.
4-[(Benzylamino)carbonyl]-1-methylpyridinium halogenide salts: X-ray diffraction study and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Shishkina Svitlana V. , Shaposhnik Anna M. , Baumer Vyacheslav M. , Rudiuk Vitalii V. , Levandovskiy Igor A.
Published: January 2022

Two salts of 4-[(benzylamino)carbonyl]-1-methylpyridinium (Am) with chloride (C14H15N2O+·Cl−) and bromide (C14H15N2O+·Br−) anions were studied and compared with the iodide salt. AmCl crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P21/n while AmBr and AmI form crystals in the Sohncke space group P212121. Crystals of AmBr are isostructural to those of AmI. The cation and anion are bound by an N–H...Hal hydrogen bond. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to compare different types of intermolecular interactions in the three structures under study.
Effect of chord-wise flexibility in the lift generation of flapping MAV with membrane wing
Authors: S. Syam Narayanan , R. Asad Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to experimentally analyse the effect of flexible and stiffened membrane wings in the lift generation of flapping micro air vehicle (MAV).

Design/methodology/approach

This is analysed by the rectangle wing made up of polyethylene terephthalate sheets of 100 microns. MAV is tested for the free stream velocity of 2 m/s, 4 m/s, 6 m/s and k* of 0, 0.25, 1, 3, 8. This test is repeated for flapping MAV of the free flapping frequency of 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz, 10 Hz and 12 Hz.

Findings

This study shows that the membrane wing with proper stiffeners can give better lift generation capacity than a flexible wing.

Research limitations/implications

Only a normal force component is measured, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the model.

Practical implications

In MAVs, the wing structures are thin and light, so the effect of fluid-structure interactions is important at low Reynold’s numbers. This data are useful for the MAV developments.

Originality/value

The effect of chord-wise flexibility in lift generation is the study of the effect of a flexible wing and rigid wing in MAV. It is analysed by the rectangle wing. The coefficient of normal force at different free stream conditions was analysed.
Is restaurant crowdfunding immune to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Yang Yun (Yvonne) , Koh Yoon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on global health care and the economy. The restaurant industry has been especially hit hard by the statewide “stay-at-home” orders. To get back on track, many of these businesses need capital. A new and effective form of fundraising for business startups is crowdfunding (CF). However, there has been little research on the pandemic impact on CF. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the pandemic-related impact on restaurant CF.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extracted all 2,686 restaurant CF projects in the USA from the Kickstarter platform from April 2010 to January 2021. By conducting descriptive analyses and multiple logistic regression models, this study examined the pandemic impact on CF success.

Findings

This study finds that, while controlling the effects of other determinants, businesses in the midst of the pandemic are more likely to be successfully funded than businesses unaffected by the pandemic. Findings also reveal that restaurant startups lowered their funding goals and posted more updates/comments/pledge levels during the pandemic, which made projects more likely to be selected as a “Project We Love” and increased the odds of funding success. However, mentioning COVID-19-related information or locating projects in “red zones” are not found to have any significant direct or moderating impact on the funding success.

Research limitations/implications

This study pioneers the research topic restaurant CF and attempts to raise the research attention of small- and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurial financing. Using quantitative methods, it provides a new perspective on pandemic-impact research. Social exchange theory is extended to the context of reward-based CF under crisis. Finally, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first investigation of the possible moderating effect of project location on the relationship between restaurant CF characteristics and success.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest restaurateurs to be confident about the fundraising of their startup business through reward-based CF, even when located within so-called pandemic red zones, and perform appropriate communication strategies while using the reward-based CF.

Originality/value

This study is one of the earliest to examine the main and moderating effects of the pandemic-related factors on business CF in the hospitality realm. The findings are reference for researchers and restaurateurs on fundraising in a crisis context.
A conceptual framework for operational performance measurement in wholesale organisations
Authors: Al Majali Faris Odeh
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Performance measurement involves gaining useful information about performance. The purpose is to develop a conceptual framework to assist wholesale managers in selecting useful information to evaluate operational performance. The proposed framework identifies core operations, measures of operational performance and factors that affect the performance of wholesale organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research essentially relies on the available literature to develop a conceptual framework and define related components. Research primary data were used to validate the framework components and to implement the framework in wholesale organisations by allocating performance factors to the different components of the proposed framework. Using a semi-structured interview design, ten face-to-face interviews were conducted with managers of ten different wholesale organisations.

Findings

The research identifies five core operations that affect the operational performance in wholesale organisations, four measures for evaluating efficiency and effectiveness in every core operation and 28 factors that influence operational performance in wholesale organisations.

Originality/value

Operational performance is monitored by evaluating the achievement of efficiency and effectiveness in operations. The research introduces a performance measurement framework that identifies the required information to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of core operations in wholesale organisations.
Different roots, intertwined branches: linking International Business and Economic Geography through the Uppsala Model and Global Production Network
Authors: Oliveira Renan , Figueira Ariane Roder , Silva-Rêgo Bernardo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to propose a link between international business (IB) and economic geography, which are two streams of thought that have developed without one acknowledging the other. We use the Uppsala model and the Global Production Network as pillars to sustain this link. We expect that this research triggers a collaboration with allied social sciences in important debates surrounding the business-societal interface.

Design/methodology/approach

We selected papers produced by Johanson and Vahlne to understand the development of the Uppsala model over 40 years. The same was done with the Global Production Network, where we scrutinized the work of Henderson, Coe, Dicken, Hess and Yeung – scholars from the Manchester School of Geography – in the last twenty years. Based on Humphrey et al. (2019), we applied an inductive and inferential approach to uncover similarities and differences between the Uppsala model and Global Production Network.

Findings

The Uppsala model reinforces the strategic role of network position in the internationalization process, while the Global Production Network aims to explain how the governance of global firms scattered world-wide affects the development and upgrading opportunities of the various regions and firms involved. Despite these clear differences, the geographical nature of IB and shared similarities accounting the network as a channel to foster and provide access to important resources and practices regarding management, coordination and governance of dispersed parts of multinational enterprises give room to using these two theories as pillars to link IB and economic geography.

Originality/value

While attempts to link IB and economic geography are not new, none of these studies have focused on the Uppsala model and Global Production Network as pillars to create a link. We foresee an intense cross collaboration and an even possible renaissance of IB and economic geography to target the ever-changing business environment and its impact on social and economic development.
The non-financial reporting practices of Hungarian listed public interest entities considering the 2014/95/EU Directive
Authors: Lippai-Makra Edit , Kovács Zsuzsanna Ilona , Kiss Gábor Dávid
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the non-financial reporting (NFR) practices of Hungarian listed public interest entities for 2016–2018 in terms of the required disclosure content based on the 2014/95/EU Directive (ED).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply content analysis methodology on Hungarian firms subject to mandatory reporting under the ED. The target variable in the multivariate model is the reporting quality (Qi) measured by a combined index.

Findings

The authors find that the ED had a moderate impact on Hungary's reporting quality because the overall disclosure of the sample only increased from low to medium level. The authors found that the value of intangible assets is a determinant of the reporting quality before and after the implementation of the ED. The findings support the effect of coercive isomorphism on Hungarian NFR practices.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the research is the number of firms examined. However, the authors covered the entire (non-bank) community of the Hungarian firms subject to the ED.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that reporting entities build upon the synergy between intellectual capital disclosure and NFR when elaborating their reporting strategies. The authors recommend the integration of ethical matters into corporate strategies and policies. Policymakers may consider the revision of the Hungarian regulations. The authors suggest academics embrace these topics in teaching.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the impact of ED in the context of Hungary. The authors contribute to the existing literature by adding the results of the ridge regression model, highlighting the importance of intangible assets.
The relationship between narcissism, managerial overconfidence and comparability of financial statements of listed companies
Authors: Almaleki Mohammad , Salehi Mahdi , Moradi Mahdi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of managerial narcissism and overconfidence on financial statements’ comparability. In other words, this paper seeks to answer the question of whether the personality characteristics of managers may affect the level of financial statements’ quality of commercial entities or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses are tested using a sample of 896 observations taken from the Tehran Stock Exchange and 245 observations from the Iraqi Stock Exchange during 2012 and 2018 using the multiple regression model based on the combined data technique.

Findings

The findings show that managerial narcissism is positively and significantly associated with Iran’s financial statement comparability. In contrast, Iraqi data articulate a negative association between these two variables. This paper finds that Chief Executive Officer overconfidence and financial statements’ comparability are negatively related in both countries. Following the market variation, the different findings suggest that institutional settings such as the general managerial style, adopting international accounting standards (now IFRS) leading to the extent of auditing market globally in Iraq and suffering from international sanctions in Iran, the governing business environment may play an allocative role in preparing financial statements.

Originality/value

The present research is the first research conducted in two emerging markets (Iran and Iraq) examining the relationship between managers’ narcissism and overconfidence and financial statements’ comparability. Therefore, the present research in this area can significantly contribute to the development of science and knowledge.
R&D expenditure and managerial ownership: evidence from firms of high-vs-low R&D intensity
Authors: Hassanein Ahmed , Al-Khasawneh Jamal Ali , Elzahar Hany
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Corporate managers spend on research and development (R&D) for reasons of growth and survival. However, they may be less willing to invest in R&D because of its long-term horizon, high failure rate and uncertain outcomes. This study aims to explore the extent to which managerial ownership influences R&D expenditure decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Apart from the linear regression models, this study uses a semi-parametric quantile regression analysis for a sample of German non-financial firms throughout 2009–2018.

Findings

This study finds a nonmonotonic sensitivity of R&D spending to the level of managerial ownership over various quantiles of R&D distribution. That is, managerial ownership increases the expenditure on R&D at low R&D intensity firms. However, it decreases the expenditure on R&D at high R&D intensity firms. These results suggest the presence of a maximum level of R&D expenditure, after which owner-managers would be unwilling to spend on R&D.

Practical implications

The results confirm the importance of corporate ownership structure for firm R&D and innovation activities. It provides an implication for corporate policymakers to reform the corporate ownership structures to encourage corporate managers and owners to invest in R&D projects.

Originality/value

This study offers two distinct contributions study. First, it provides the first German shred of evidence on the nonlinear relationship between managerial ownership and R&D expenditure decisions by distinguishing between high and low R&D intensity firms. Second, unlike prior research, it uses a semi-parametric quantile regression analysis. This method is more efficient than least-squares estimators and produces robust estimators to heteroscedasticity of the residuals.
An integrated SWOT-AHP-fuzzy TOPSIS approach for maturity management following the COVID-19 outbreak: lessons learned from fast fashion
Authors: Fares Naila , Lloret Jaime
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Focussing on issues that have impacted textiles, clothing and fast fashion following the COVID-19 outbreak, this study aims to identify agility factors pertinent to retail maturity management, mainly on resilience. These factors were then assessed based on priority.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to identify the main factors. This analysis was integrated with the analytic hierarchy process to rank the internal and external factors. Then, the authors used fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution to evaluate the significant strategies from the SWOT analysis based on adaptability and flexibility. Thus, the authors produced a prioritised list of relevant factors and guidelines useful in practical settings.

Findings

The authors identified and ranked 14 agility and resilience SWOT factors for maturity management and proposed and prioritised six relevant strategies. These highlighted changes and adaptations must be undertaken by various actors, ranging from the supply/manufacturing side to global retail locations.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling study of experts is limited, and the application is focussed on one area. Future research might investigate other fields, for retail and industry.

Practical implications

The output of this study enables a better understanding of the internal and external factors of maturity management for fast-fashion retailers. Hence, it will further help them go through resilience and agility challenges following the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the literature because the results can guide retailers in developing effective decision-making systems for mature business operations following the pandemic outbreak. Here, the authors incorporate internal, external, agility and resilience aspects into one decision-making support system while enhancing existing knowledge on fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making applications. Further, this study discusses critical issues that have affected several aspects of the fashion and textile industry and will likely persist for some time.
A new behavioral finance mean variance framework
Authors: Feldman Todd , Liu Shuming
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The author proposes an update to the mean variance (MV) framework that replaces a constant risk aversion parameter using a dynamic risk aversion indicator. The contribution to the literature is made through making the static risk aversion parameter operational using an indicator of market sentiment. Results suggest that Sharpe ratios improve when the author replaces the traditional risk aversion parameter with a dynamic sentiment indicator from the behavioral finance literature when allocating between a risky portfolio and a risk-free asset. However, results are mixed when using the behavioral framework to allocate between two risky assets.

Design/methodology/approach

The author includes a dynamic risk aversion parameter in the mean variance framework and back test using the traditional and updated behavioral mean variance (BMV) framework to see which framework leads to better performance.

Findings

The author finds that the behavioral framework provides superior performance when allocating between a risky and risk-free asset; however, it under performs when allocating between risky assets.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on back testing; therefore, it cannot be concluded that this strategy will perform well in real-time circumstances.

Practical implications

Portfolio managers may use this strategy to optimize the allocation between a risky portfolio and a risk-free asset.

Social implications

An improved allocation between risk-free and risky assets that could lead to less leverage in the market.

Originality/value

The study is the first to use such a sentiment indicator in the traditional MV framework and show the math.
Efficacy and predictors of rechallenge with immune checkpoint inhibitors in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Takahara Yutaka , Tanaka Takuya , Ishige Yoko , Shionoya Ikuyo , Yamamura Kouichi , Sakuma Takashi , Nishiki Kazuaki , Nakase Keisuke , Nojiri Masafumi , Kato Ryo , Shinomiya Shohei , Fujimoto Yuki , Oikawa Taku , Mizuno Shiro
Published: January 2022

Background

The efficacy of rechallenge with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has not yet been fully clarified. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with NSCLC who benefited from rechallenge with ICIs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 24 patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC and rechallenged with ICIs between August 2016 and July 2021.

Results

Of the 24 patients included in the study, 11 were in the responder group (45.8%) and 13 in the nonresponder group (54.2%). The number of patients who used a different ICI from that used in the initial therapy was significantly higher in the responder group than in the nonresponder group (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified lung metastasis and female sex as significant independent risk factors for nonresponse to rechallenge with ICIs. Compared to the nonresponder group, the duration of treatment after rechallenge with ICIs was significantly longer in the responder group (p = 0.016), and there was a trend toward longer overall survival (p = 0.059).

Conclusions

Patients with lung cancer who were rechallenged with ICIs and without progressive disease after initial ICI therapy were able to continue ICI therapy for a longer period of time. This may be associated with longer survival. Patients with lung metastases and female patients are more likely to be nonresponsive to rechallenge with ICIs. Administration of a different type of ICI from that used in the initial ICI therapy may result in disease control.
Proprietary costs and the choice of hard and soft greenhouse gas emissions’ disclosure
Authors: Hollindale Janice , Kent Pamela , Qu Xin
Published: January 2022

We test whether proprietary costs (relating to competition) are associated with disclosure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of companies in annual and stand‐alone sustainability reports. We use the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 disclosure requirement to create a natural experiment to control for endogeneity issues. Disclosure is significantly higher when there are lower proprietary costs from existing rivals and higher proprietary costs from potential new entrants for hard, and soft disclosures.