bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australian universities in a pandemic world: transforming a broken business model?
Authors: Parker Lee D.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique the accounting and financial orientation of Australian universities’ business model to identify the future university financial management and accounting role in universities’ strategic trajectory responding to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed by Habermasian perspectives on change, it uses published research into university commercialisation and media commentaries on COVID-19 impacts.

Findings

Australian universities have aggressively pursued an accounting-based private sector business model. Their revenue generating reliance on international student revenues has been undermined by the COVIS-19 crisis. Nonetheless, university management clings to their commercialised university identity and role colonised by the accounting structures. Fundamental change requires a reversal of this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Future research must observe and evaluate university strategic crisis reactions and their impacts on national and societal well-being with a view to identifying alternative futures.

Practical implications

Universities face decisions concerning their ongoing role in society and their future approach to balancing operational strategies and the accounting influence.

Social implications

This study raises the issue of whether universities should continue being seen as an export industry supporting the national economy or as knowledge, educational and social resource for their national and regional communities.

Originality/value

This paper integrates research into universities over several decades into a strategic critique of their current reaction to an unprecedented global pandemic.
Connect vs conquer? CEO gender and implicit motives
Authors: Brueckner Julie , Bosak Janine , Lang Jonas W.B.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study examined gender differences in CEOs' expression of implicit achievement, power and affiliation motivation. Building on the role congruity account of sex differences and similarities in motivation and existing literature on implicit motives, the study tested whether female CEOs would express higher affiliation motivation than male CEOs and similar levels of achievement motivation. In addition, gender differences in power motivation were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used propensity score matching to generate a comparable sample of male and female CEOs from publicly traded companies. Subsequently, the authors content-coded CEO letters from annual reports using Winter's (1994) manual for scoring motive imagery in running text.

Findings

Overall, CEOs expressed more achievement and power motivation than affiliation motivation. Comparisons between male and female CEOs showed that female CEOs expressed lower power and higher affiliation motivation than male CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

By integrating implicit motive theory with social role theory and the role congruity account of motivation, this study provides a theoretical framework and novel demonstration that understanding social roles and gender roles can lend insights into motive expression by CEOs.

Originality/value

The study uses established theory and a validated scoring method in a novel way by analyzing implicit motives from CEO letters, a critical communication channel in the CEO–shareholder relationship. In doing so, this study adopts a sociocultural perspective. Informed by the role congruity account of motivation, the study demonstrates the importance of social roles and gender roles for motivational displays.
College women leaders, 1985–2015: achievement motivations across generations
Authors: Offermann Lynn R. , Lanzo Lauren A. , Foley Kira O. , Harvey Taniyia J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Given continuing gender inequality in the upper echelons of organizations, women's leadership aspirations and orientations are of significant research interest. Controversy remains as to whether today's “Millennial” college women approach work with different leadership aspirations and attitudes than previous generational cohorts. This study compares the leadership and achievement orientations of college women leaders from 1985 to 2015, along with peer comparators from 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from attendees at a conference for college women leaders in 1985 and 2015; male and female comparators were surveyed in 2015.

Findings

Comparing 1985 and 2015 cohorts of college women leaders suggests both similarity and change, as well as differences between women leaders and their male and female peers. Women leaders from 2015 demonstrated no differences in intrinsic direct achievement, lower self-esteem and higher power apprehension and lower levels of leadership motivation compared to the 1985 cohort. Millennial women leaders reported higher intrinsic direct and power direct achievement than male and female peers, with men higher on competitive achievement than either female group. Millennial women were more concerned about workplace gender equity, about sharing household responsibilities and were more favorable toward using external childcare while working compared to male peers.

Practical implications

Implications for developing young women with leadership potential are discussed.

Originality/value

These results make a strong contribution to understanding the leadership aspirations, achievement orientations and work–life expectations of the next generation of organizational leaders.
Ideological tensions amidst rapid and continuous organizational change in healthcare
Authors: McMillan Kim , Perron Amélie
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the nature of frontline nurses' experiences of living with rapid and continuous organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical hermeneutic approach was utilized. This was a qualitative inquiry theoretically guided by critical management studies.

Findings

Participants recognized that many change initiatives reflected an ideological shift in healthcare that supported a culture of service, whilst sacrificing a culture of care. A culture of service prioritized cost-savings and efficiency, which saw nurses lose the time and resources required to provide quality, safe care.

Practical implications

Nurses felt morally responsible to uphold a culture of care, which proved challenging and at times unobtainable. The inability to provide quality, safe care in light of organizational changes resulted in a multitude of negative emotional repercussions, which fostered moral distress.

Originality/value

The findings from this study bring to light ideological tensions that negatively impact nurses. This study supports the conclusion that the planning, implementation and evaluation of organizational change initiatives must reflect a culture of care in order to alleviate the many negative experiences of organizational change noted in this study.
The effect of knowledge management processes on organizational innovation through intellectual capital development in Iranian industrial organizations
Authors: Zahedi Mohammad Reza , Naghdi Khanachah Shayan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship among knowledge management (KM), intellectual capital and organizational innovation. The present literature in these three areas of study, the effect of KM on organizational innovation through the development of intellectual capital has been rarely studied so far. Therefore, in this research, the authors tried to examine the effect of KM processes on organizational innovation through the development of intellectual capital in Iranian industrial organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this research has been gathered and aggregated through the distribution of a closed questionnaire in a sample of 384 people selected from the statistical population consisting 4,589 managers and senior managers of the Iranian industrial organizations. Data were then analyzed using SPSS software and structural equation modeling method which was used to measure the models integrity.

Findings

The results of this research indicate that KM processes affect the development of intellectual capital of an organization. KM processes are also effective in promoting innovation in the organization. KM processes also contribute to improving the level of innovation in the organization through intellectual capital development. The results also show that managers need to focus on the development of their human capital through the use of young native educated specialists to maximize internal capacity and knowledge creation and move toward improving human capital of the organization.

Originality/value

The present literature in these three areas of study, the effect of KM on organizational innovation through the development of intellectual capital has not been studied so far. This study of industrial organizations is also a valuable factor in this paper.
A bibliometric analysis and science mapping of scientific publications of Alzahra University during 1986–2019
Authors: Doulani Abbas
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Currently, the evaluation of scientific performance of universities is one of the important indicators in various ranking systems. One way to evaluate the academic performance of universities is to analyze the scientific documents of universities in reputable international databases. The purpose of this article is to analyze and evaluate the scientific publications of Alzahra University (Iran) as the top 100–200 universities during 1986–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was performed using bibliometrics and visualization techniques. The Scopus database was used to collect data. Affiliation search and advanced search were used to retrieve the data. Excel, VOSviewer and CRExplorer software were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results showed that the scientific publications and received citations by Alzahra University documents during the time have been upward. At the national level, it was the most scientific collaboration with researchers at the University of Tehran. Also at the international level, the most scientific collaboration has been with the United States, Canada and Germany. In total, 80% of scientific publications were published by 20% of authors. Also, 70% of the highly cited articles were published in journals with quartile 1. Finally, clustering results showed that Alzahra University's scientific publications are in five main categories, including “chemistry,” “physics,” “biology,” “psychology and educational sciences” and “accounting sciences, management, and computer science.”

Originality/value

This study could be a good model for evaluating the performance of scientific productions of universities and scientific institutions with bibliometrics and visualization approaches.
The effect of exploitative leadership on knowledge hiding: a conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Guo Limin , Cheng Ken , Luo Jinlian
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aims to explore the influencing mechanism of exploitative leadership on knowledge hiding. Specifically, this study focuses on the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of hostile attribution bias in affecting the mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 324 employees of a high-technology company in China by a three-wave questionnaire survey. Hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping approach were employed to test hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that exploitative leadership was positively related to knowledge hiding and that psychological distress mediated this relationship. Moreover, the results revealed that the positive relationship between exploitative leadership and psychological distress and the indirect effect of exploitative leadership on knowledge hiding via psychological distress were stronger when hostile attribution was high rather than low.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer guidance for managers to better undermine the negative effects of exploitative leadership.

Originality/value

First, this study extends the literature on exploitative leadership by verifying the positive effect of exploitative leadership on knowledge hiding. Second, this study enriches one’s understanding of the “black box” underlying the link between exploitative leadership and its consequences by demonstrating the mediating role of psychological distress. Third, by verifying the moderating role of hostile attribution bias, this study provides insights into the boundary conditions of the impact of exploitative leadership.
Open innovation, network embeddedness and incremental innovation capability
Authors: Han Shaojie , Lyu Yibo , Ji Ruonan , Zhu Yuqing , Su Jingqin , Bao Lining
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims at developing a better understanding of the relationship between network embeddedness and incremental innovation capability and further examines the moderating effect of open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts hierarchical regressions to validate the theoretical model and collect the patent data of the top 54 firm patentees in the smartphone industry as empirical sample. Using patent citation network data, this paper estimates the relationship between open innovation, network embeddedness and incremental innovation capability.

Findings

This paper empirically shows that structural embeddedness exerts a negative effect on incremental innovation capability, while relational embeddedness is positively related to incremental innovation capability. And open innovation strengthens the relationship between network embeddedness and incremental innovation capability.

Originality/value

This paper shifts the focus of the determinants of incremental innovation capability from internal factors to the external network features by exploring the linkage between network embeddedness and incremental innovation capability. A counterintuitive conclusion is that structural embeddedness shows a negative effect on firm's incremental innovation capability. Furthermore, in contrast to most previous studies, which only focus on the direct effect of open innovation on the firm's incremental innovation capability, our study examines the moderating effect of open innovation on the relationships between network embeddedness and incremental innovation capability. At last, the results provide practical guidance for firms to occupy the beneficial network positions and adopt appropriate open innovation strategies to improve their incremental innovation capability.
Impact of economic and financial development on carbon emissions: evidence from emerging Asian economies
Authors: Rajpurohit Surendra Singh , Sharma Rajesh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper not only aims to validate the environment Kuznets curve concerning five Asian economies but also attempts to analyze the impact of some additional factors like financial development, energy consumption and foreign direct investment (FDI) on carbon emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies pooled mean group approach on the variables of a panel of five Asian economies namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia for a period of 35 years from 1980 to 2014.

Findings

This study finds that while moderate economic growth as well as moderate financial development increase carbon emissions, accelerated or exponential economic growth as well as exponential financial development eventually reduce the level of carbon emissions. Energy consumption was found to have a direct and significant relationship with carbon emissions. FDI inflows when analyzed on a stand-alone basis were observed to have an inverse relationship with carbon emissions, while FDI inflows when clubbed with financial development were observed to have a direct relationship with carbon emissions.

Practical implications

The findings of this study, which validate the environmental Kuznets curve, suggest striving for higher economic growth, even if it causes increased carbon emissions to begin with, as the effects on carbon emissions would eventually get reversed when the economic growth accelerates at a higher rate. This study also suggests the appropriate routing of FDI through a mature and developed financial sector to leverage its impact on the environment in a positive way.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge of the authors of this paper, there has not been any research carried out so far, which has analyzed the impact of the combination of variables selected for this study concerning the five Asian economies covered in this paper.
500 days of Thingiverse: a longitudinal study of 30 popular things for 3D printing
Authors: Novak James I.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the way object data on Thingiverse changes over time, analyzing the relationships among views, downloads, likes, makes, remixes and comments over 500 days.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 30 of the most popular things on Thingiverse were tracked between August 26, 2018 and January 7, 2020, with data collected about the different interactions at five intervals.

Findings

Highlights include: “#3DBenchy” became the first thing to reach one million downloads during this study. The “Xbox One controller mini wheel” achieved the highest documented download rate of 698 downloads per day. The average conversion rate from downloads to makes for all 30 things was one make for every 474 downloads at the start of the study, declining to one make for every 784 downloads by the conclusion.

Research limitations/implications

With over 1.6 million things on Thingiverse, this study focused on an exclusive group of things that have gained significant attention from makers and does not represent most things on the platform.

Practical implications

Although often considered a novelty or niche maker community, this research shows that things on Thingiverse are achieving popularity comparable to digital music, video and imagery, and a large ecosystem of things has been growing that has implications for designers, manufacturers, supply chain managers and universal popular culture.

Originality/value

This is the first study to track the digital behaviors of 3D printable things over time, revealing new knowledge about how people interact with content and the scale of these interactions.
Nondestructive evaluation of fused filament fabrication 3D printed structures using optical coherence tomography
Authors: De Pretto Lucas Ramos , Amaral Marcello Magri , Freitas Anderson Zanardi de , Raele Marcus Paulo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The quality of components under fused filament fabrication (FFF) is related to the correct filament spacing and bonding of successively deposited layers and is evaluated mainly by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, it is a destructive technique and real-time evaluation is not possible. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), on the other hand, is an optical method that acquires cross-sectional images non-invasively and in real-time. Therefore, this paper aims to propose and validate the use of OCT as a non-destructive quality evaluation tool for FFF using Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments.

Design/methodology/approach

PLA three-dimensional (3D) printed samples were made in a variety of nozzle temperatures and mesh spacing. These samples were fractured in liquid nitrogen and inspected using SEM (as a gold standard) to evaluate dimensions and morphology, then the samples were evaluated by OCT in the same area, allowing the results confrontation.

Findings

Our results indicate a good correlation between OCT and SEM for the dimensional assessment of layers. When the filament was extruded in lower temperatures, the OCT images presented sharply defined interfaces between layers, in contrary to higher nozzle temperatures, denoting better fusion between them. However, higher extruding temperatures are incurred in greater deviations from nominal dimensions of the mesh. Finally, we demonstrate the advantage of a full 3D tomographic reconstruction to inspect within a FFF sample, which enabled the inspection of “hidden” information, not visible on a single cross-sectional cut.

Originality/value

This paper proposes OCT as a novel and nondestructive evaluation tool for FFF.
Quality management effects on operating theater's productivity: a participatory action research
Authors: Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad , Afshari Mahnaz
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The operating theater (OT) is resource-intensive, costly and assuring its productivity is a high priority. This study aimed to examine a quality management model's effects on a hospital's OT productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The participatory action research approach was used for the intervention. A multidisciplinary quality improvement team was formed. The team improved OT operational processes using an eight-step quality management model. OT’s key performance indicators such as surgical cases, surgical cancellation, bill deductions, successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patients' complaints and employees' job satisfaction were collected before the intervention and compared with those of after intervention to determine the efficacy of the quality management model.

Findings

Applying a quality management strategy increased surgical patients' number by 14.96%, reduced surgery operations cancellation by 14.6 %, and decreased bill deduction by 44.9%. Besides, successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation increased by 21.17%, patients' complaints reduced by 61.5% and, finally, staff satisfaction increased by 15.6 %. Improved OT productivity resulted in improved financial performance. As a result, the OT revenue has risen by 68.8%.

Originality/value

This study highlights that implementing the right quality management model properly enhances hospitals' productivity. It also offers suggestions on how to implement a quality management model successfully in a hospital setting.
Detrimental impacts of climate change may be exacerbated by density‐dependent population regulation in blue mussels
Authors: Jaatinen Kim , Westerbom Mats , Norkko Alf , Mustonen Olli , Koons David N.
Published: October 2020

The climate on our planet is changing and the range distributions of organisms are shifting in response. In aquatic environments, species might not be able to redistribute poleward or into deeper water when temperatures rise because of barriers, reduced light availability, altered water chemistry or any combination of these. How species respond to climate change may depend on physiological adaptability, but also on the population dynamics of the species.

Density dependence is a ubiquitous force that governs population dynamics and regulates population growth, yet its connections to the impacts of climate change remain little known, especially in marine studies. Reductions in density below an environmental carrying capacity may cause compensatory increases in demographic parameters and population growth rate, hence masking the impacts of climate change on populations. On the other hand, climate‐driven deterioration of conditions may reduce environmental carrying capacities, making compensation less likely and populations more susceptible to the effects of stochastic processes.

Here we investigate the effects of climate change on Baltic blue mussels using a 17‐year dataset on population density. Using a Bayesian modelling framework, we investigate the impacts of climate change, assess the magnitude and effects of density dependence, and project the likelihood of population decline by the year 2030.

Our findings show negative impacts of warmer and less saline waters, both outcomes of climate change. We also show that density dependence increases the likelihood of population decline by subjecting the population to the detrimental effects of stochastic processes (i.e. low densities where random bad years can cause local extinction, negating the possibility for random good years to offset bad years).

We highlight the importance of understanding, and accounting for both density dependence and climate variation when predicting the impact of climate change on keystone species, such as the Baltic blue mussel.
Antagonistic action of Streptomyces pratensis S10 on Fusarium graminearum and its complete genome sequence
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Jing , Hu Lifang , Jia Ruimin , Ma Qing , Tang Jiangjiang , Wang Yang
Published: October 2020

Wheat scab, mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, can decrease wheat yield and grain quality. Chemical pesticides are currently the main control method but have an inevitable negative consequence on the environment and in food safety. This research studies a promising substitute, Streptomyces pratensis S10, which was isolated from tomato leaf mould and shows a significant inhibition effect on F. graminearum based on antagonism assays. The biocontrol mechanism is studied by enhanced green fluorescent protein labelling, quantitative real‐time PCR, the Doskochilova 8 solvents system test and complete genome sequencing. Strain S10 can colonize in the wheat root, control wheat scab and decrease deoxynivalenol (DON) content. The control effects in vitro, planta and the plot experiments were 92.86%, 68.67% and 40.87% to 86.62%, respectively. S10 decreased DON content by inhibiting the mycelium growth and DON synthesis gene expression. The active substances of the S10 secondary metabolites had a high‐temperature resistance and 29 putative biosynthetic gene clusters in its genome. The S10 control mechanism is multivariate, which shows potential in controlling wheat scab.
A gender‐sensitive approach to U.S. crisis communication for COVID‐19 and beyond
Authors: Subert Maria
Published: October 2020

Examining the COVID‐19 pandemic communication from a gender perspective is ethically critical and socially timely. Combined with class, it helps us to identify how effective communication has been during this pandemic. This Forum contribution takes a gender‐sensitive approach with the premise that all public health crises are inherently gendered phenomena. Two global initiatives are crucial for our purposes: The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Based on the four strategic pillars (prevention, participation, protection, and relief and recovery) we ask the following: “Who (a) is prevented from harm by the COVID‐19 recovery efforts, who (b) is participating in, who (c) receives protection from and who (d) will receive assistance through the COVID‐19 recovery efforts?". We conclude that the COVID‐19 crisis has had its worst effects on the poorest and most vulnerable. During the pandemic, there was a strong military‐style communication limited to government and health professionals that lacked empathy. The gender‐sensitive perspective reflected by UNSCR 1325 and the WPS requires us to give up military masculinity in communication, include more empathy and dialog (mutuality and cooperation), and extend women's participation to reduce the damaging effects of any given crisis on all people.
Designing asynchronous online fermentation science materials including using a home fermented foods project to engage online learners
Authors: Holle Maxwell J. , Miller Michael J.
Published: October 2020

The number of online courses offered by universities in America continues to increase. Due to limited direct interactions with students, these courses can struggle to promote student engagement. Food science is uniquely situated for implementation of hands‐on project‐based learning opportunities since basic experiments can be performed in a kitchen with minimal supplies and equipment. The purpose of this teaching and learning tip is to share materials designed for an asynchronous online course, instructional fermentation vignettes, and the Home Fermented Foods Project assignment, which tasks students with creating two fermented foods with two accompanying documents explaining the science of each employed steps. Students are engaged with the projects while connecting the lecture material to familiar products that they create such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and bread. Overall, based on student evaluations and our interactions with the students, our implementation of this project has been positive. Downloadable handouts containing assignment details are available as Supporting Information.
A comparison of three shoe sole impression lifting methods at high substrate temperatures
Authors: Taylor Kate M. , Krosch Matt N. , Chaseling Janet , Wright Kirsty
Published: October 2020

Footwear impressions are a common form of evidence found at crime scenes, and the accurate recovery and recording of such impressions is critical for shoe sole comparison and identification. The lifting of shoe sole impressions from hot surfaces (>30°C/86°F) and in hot environments has received little attention in the literature, particularly in relation to the recovery of class and randomly acquired characteristics (RACs) required for accurate comparisons. This study addressed this knowledge gap by comparing the performance of three common impression lifters (gelatin, adhesive, and vinyl static cling film) at recovering shoe sole impressions in dust from hot flooring substrates. Dry origin dust shoe sole impressions were made on ceramic tile, galvanized metal, and laminated wood flooring using a shoe that possessed two RACs and five class characteristics present on the sole. Substrates were left in direct full sun for five hours during a summer day prior to lifting. Performance was measured by the proportion of RACs and class characteristics visible in each lifted impression. Results demonstrated that the vinyl static cling film tested performed poorly across all substrates, particularly for metal (23.8% marks recovered), including notable shrinkage of the lifted impression. In contrast, adhesive (~96% marks recovered over all substrates), and to a lesser extent gelatin (~85%), lifts were highly successful on hot substrates. These data suggest that adhesive lifts can consistently and accurately recover shoe sole impressions from hot substrates. This study contributes critical information for crime scene examiners to improve and expand evidence recovery in hot environments.
Impact of COVID‐19 ‘circuit‐breaker’ measures on emergency medical services utilisation and out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest outcomes in Singapore
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Lee Ebenezer ZH , Tay Joey AM , Arulanandam Shalini
Published: October 2020

Objective

To understand the impact of COVID‐19 restrictions on emergency medical services (EMSs) utilisation and out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest outcomes in Singapore.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study comparing data collected by the Singapore Civil Defence Force on EMS utilisation in Singapore from 1 April to 31 May 2020 to previous figures.

Results

Overall, EMS call volume and total out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests remained comparable to past years. There was an appreciable decline in prehospital return of spontaneous circulation rates, albeit not statistically lower than pre‐COVID periods (P = 0.078).

Conclusion

The findings contribute to a growing body of literature internationally on the potential impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on EMS utilisation and outcomes.
Effect of aerial spraying of thiacloprid on pine sawyer beetles (Monochamus alternatus) and honey bees (Apis mellifera) in pine forests
Authors: Suh Dong Yeon , Jung Jong‐Kook , Lee Sun Kun , Seo Sang‐Tae
Published: October 2020

Monochamus alternatus is a very important vector of the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) which is the causal agent of pine wilt disease. To reduce population density of M. alternatus, thiacloprid has been sprayed by aircrafts on pine forests. Thus, we examined the effect of aerial spraying as contact toxicity and thiacloprid residues of pine branches as ingestion toxicity on the mortality of M. alternatus in pine forests in Yangsan, Korea. In addition, the effect of aerial spraying on honey bees, Apis mellifera, was tested in the same locality. Thiacloprid was sprayed once a month from June to August in 2016. To test the effect of thiacloprid, eight M. alternatus and ten honey bees were put into each small mesh cage, which were hung on pine trees in each study plot. Thiacloprid appeared to be effective for reducing longevity of M. alternatus, while mortality and abnormal behaviors were not found for honey bees. In addition, longevity of M. alternatus beetles was declined by thiacloprid residues of pine branches compared to the control group. However, we found that dead pine trees infected by pine wood nematodes in the next year similarly occurred in our study area whether thiacloprid‐aerial spraying occurred or not. Consequently, thiacloprid sprayed by aircraft may be an effective control agent for Monochamus beetle adults without negative effect on honey bees, but aerial application to prevent expansion of pine wilt disease should be reassessed.
Ginsenoside Rb2 alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats through SIRT1 activation
Authors: Xue Yan , Fu Wenwen , Liu Yanzhe , Yu Ping , Sun Mingyang , Li Xin , Yu Xiaofeng , Sui Dayun
Published: October 2020

The cardioprotective effects of ginsenoside Rb2 on oxidative stress, which is induced by hydrogen peroxide and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, have been studied. The mechanisms were associated with the inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, a high concentration of antioxidant defense enzymes, and scavenging oxidative stress products. Because of the association with oxidative reaction and cardioprotection, sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) was selected as a promising target for investigating whether MI/R injury can be alleviated by ginsenoside Rb2 pretreatment through SIRT1 activation. The rats were exposed to ginsenoside Rb2 with or without SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 before ligation of coronary artery. Ginsenoside Rb2 reduced myocardial superoxide generation; downregulated gp91phox expression; and decreased the mRNA expression levels and activities of interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. The results demonstrated that ginsenoside Rb2 significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation induced by MI/R injury. In addition, ginsenoside Rb2 upregulated SIRT1 expression and downregulated Ac‐p53 expression. However, EX527 blocked the protective effects, indicating that the pharmacological action of ginsenoside Rb2 involves SIRT1. Our results thus revealed that ginsenoside Rb2 alleviated MI/R injury in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response through SIRT1 activation.

Practical Application

Ginsenoside Rb2 has a protective effect on MI/R injury by activating SIRT1 expression, reducing myocardium inflammation, and alleviating oxidative stress. Thus, ginsenoside Rb2 is a promising novel agent for ameliorating MI/R injury in ischemic heart diseases and cardiac surgery.
Association ofTG/HDLCratio trajectory and risk of type 2 diabetes: A retrospective cohort study inChina
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Qin Pei , Lou Yanmei , Zhao Ping , Li Xue , Qie Ranran , Wu Xiaoyan , Han Minghui , Huang Shengbing , Zhao Yang , Liu Dechen , Wu Yuying , Li Yang , Yang Xingjin , Zhao Yang , Feng Yifei , Wang Changyi , Ma Jianping , Peng Xiaolin , Chen Hongen , Zhao Dan , Xu Shan , Wang Li , Luo Xinping , Zhang Ming , Hu Dongsheng , Hu Fulan
Published: October 2020

Background

The association of ratio of triglycerides to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL‐C ratio) change trajectory with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between risk of T2DM and TG/HDL‐C ratio change trajectory.

Methods

A total of 18 444 participants aged 18‐80 years old were included in this cohort study. Linear regression and quadratic regression models were used to determine the TG/HDL‐C ratio change trajectory. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between TG/HDL‐C ratio change trajectory and probability of T2DM.

Results

T2DM developed in 714 participants during a median follow‐up of 5.74 years (92 076.23 person‐years of follow‐up). After adjusting for baseline potential confounders, odds of T2DM were greater for participants with the increasing, U‐shape, bell‐shape, and other shape change vs decreasing change (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.01, 95% CI 1.42‐2.81; 1.56, 1.15‐2.13; 1.60, 1.17‐2.20; and 1.49, 1.13‐2.00, respectively). The results were robust in the sensitivity analyses on excluding baseline participants with T2DM. Moreover, the associations remained significant with male sex, age <60 years and body mass index <24 kg/m2.

Conclusions

This retrospective study revealed increased probability of T2DM with increasing, U‐shape, bell‐shape, and other‐shape TG/HDL‐C ratio change trajectories, especially with male sex, age <60 years and body mass index <24 kg/m2.
Corporate Role Conceptions in Global Forest Governance
Authors: Weber Anne‐Kathrin
Published: October 2020

Multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasingly seen as key actors in global governance. This article introduces the concept of corporate role conceptions as a new and interdisciplinary approach for analysing the self‐conception of MNCs. To illustrate its analytical strength, the concept is used to explore how MNCs operating in major forest‐risk supply chains, that is, cattle, palm oil, pulp, soy and timber, conceive themselves and their function in global forest governance. The empirical analysis shows that their self‐conception is both complex and multifaceted as they seek to perform several functions at the same time: corporate decision‐makers consider it appropriate for their corporation to be a pioneer, a role model, a supporter and co‐creator, a dedicated worker, a force for prosperity, a good global citizen and a good steward. However, these corporate role conceptions are overlapping and partly incompatible, which leads to role conflict. I argue that this role conflict constrains corporate agency in global forest governance and therefore diminishes the potential of MNCs to promote positive change.
Genetic variants as predictors of toxicity and response in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer undergoing first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy: Design of the multicenter PGxLUNG study
Authors: de Jong Corine , Herder Gerarda J.M. , Deneer Vera H.M.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Platinum–based chemotherapy is currently the most frequently applied first‐line treatment for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without targetable mutations or high PD‐L1 expression. Unfortunately, chemotherapy‐induced toxicity is prevalent and may affect patients' quality of life to a considerable extent. Presumably, genetic variants of genes, coding for proteins involved in the processes of the development of toxicity, may be of interest as predictors of benefits and harms of platinum‐based chemotherapy.

The primary objective of the study is to investigate the influence of genetic variants on the incidence of chemotherapy‐induced toxicity in patients with NSCLC undergoing first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy. The main secondary objectives are to study the association between genetic variants and treatment response and to study the association between skeletal muscle mass (SMM) as well as patient‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and treatment response and toxicity.

Methods

In this multicenter prospective follow‐up study, a total of 350 patients with NSCLC (stage II–IV) undergoing first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy will be included. Blood samples for DNA isolation and genotyping, questionnaires and data on patients risk factors and disease stage will be recorded. The primary endpoint is chemotherapy‐induced (non‐)hematological toxicity, comprising; nephrotoxicity, neuropathy, esophagitis, ototoxicity, pneumonitis, gastrointestinal toxicity, anemia, leukocytopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Secondary endpoints include dose‐limiting toxicity, HRQOL, and treatment response (radiological response [RECIST 1.1] and overall survival [OS]).

Discussion

Results of the PGxLUNG study will be primarily used to determine the influence of genetic variants on the incidence of chemotherapy‐induced toxicity in patients with NSCLC undergoing first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy.
Superior efficacy of immunotherapy‐based combinations over monotherapy for EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs
Authors: Yang Lu , Hao Xuezhi , Hu Xingsheng , Wang Zhijie , Yang Ke , Mi Yuling , Yang Yaning , Xu Haiyan , Yang Guangjian , Wang Yan
Published: October 2020

Background

While prospective clinical studies on immunotherapy in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are ongoing, this study aimed to investigate the outcomes of immunotherapy combinations in such a population in a real‐world setting.

Methods

The clinical data of pretreated EGFR‐mutated NSCLC patients who acquired EGFR‐TKI resistance and received immunotherapy were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was assessed using the Kaplan‐Meier log‐rank test, and univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 31 patients were analyzed in this study. A total of 25 (80.6%) patients received combination immunotherapy. In the univariate analysis, patients who received combination immunotherapy seemingly acquired longer PFS than those who received monotherapy, although there was no significant difference (3.42 months vs. 1.61; P = 0.078; hazard ratio (HR) 0.43, 95% CI: 0.16–1.13). Patients who received antiangiogenic drugs prior to immunotherapy acquired better PFS (3.42 months vs. 1.58; P = 0.027; HR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.93), while patients with liver metastasis had inferior PFS (2.04 months vs. 3.42; P = 0.031; HR 2.83, 95% CI: 1.05–7.60). Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed that the above three factors had independent prognostic value.

Conclusions

The study revealed that immunotherapy combinations are better choices than single‐agent regimens in previously treated and EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with progressive disease. In addition, antiangiogenic drugs administered before immunotherapy might be a favorable prognostic factor, while liver metastasis was associated with a short PFS in this setting. In future, more robust and prospective clinical trial results are expected to guide clinical practice.

Key points

Significant study findings

Immunotherapy‐based combination therapies are better choices than single‐agent regimens in heavily treated EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients.

What this study adds

Patients without liver metastasis and with prior antiangiogenic drugs obtained more benefit from immunotherapy in this setting.
Systemic treatments in the management of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Siegels Doreen , Heratizadeh Annice , Abraham Susanne , Binnmyr Jonas , Brockow Knut , Irvine Alan D. , Halken Susanne , Mortz Charlotte G , Flohr Carsten , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter , Van der Poel Lauri‐Ann , Muraro Antonella , Weidinger Stephan , Werfel Thomas , Schmitt Jochen ,   the European Academy of Allergy, Clinical Immunology Atopic Dermatitis Guideline group
Published: October 2020

Background

As an evidence resource for the currently planned European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) clinical practice guideline “systemic treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD),” we critically appraised evidence on systemic treatments for moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Methods

We systematically identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the safety and efficacy of systemic treatments for AD up to February 2020. Primary efficacy outcomes were clinical signs, AD symptoms and health‐related quality of life. Primary safety outcomes included cumulative incidence rates for (serious) adverse events. Trial quality was assessed applying the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Meta‐analyses were conducted where appropriate.

Results

50 RCTs totalling 6681 patients were included. Trial evidence was identified for apremilast, azathioprine (AZA), baricitinib, ciclosporin A (CSA), corticosteroids, dupilumab, interferon‐gamma, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), mepolizumab, methotrexate (MTX), omalizumab, upadacitinib and ustekinumab. Meta‐analyses were indicated for the efficacy of baricitinib [EASI75 RD 0.16, 95% CI (0.10;0.23)] and dupilumab [EASI75, RD 0.37, 95% CI (0.32;0.42)] indicating short‐term (ie 16‐week treatment) superiority over placebo. Furthermore, efficacy analyses of AZA and CSA indicated short‐term superiority over placebo; however, nonvalidated scores were used and can therefore not be compared to EASI.

Conclusion

The most robust, replicated high‐quality trial evidence is present for the efficacy and safety of dupilumab for up to 1 year in adults. Robust trial evidence was further revealed for AZA, baricitinib and CSA. Methodological restrictions led to limited evidence‐based conclusions for all other systemic treatments. Head‐to‐head trials with novel systemic treatments are required to clarify the future role of conventional therapies.
Approximate two‐sided tolerance intervals for normal mixture distributions
Authors: Tsai Shin‐Fu
Published: October 2020

Universal and individual two‐sided tolerance intervals that take the inherent structure of normal mixture distributions into account are introduced in this paper for the purpose of monitoring the overall population and specific subpopulations. On the basis of generalised fiducial inference, a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler is proposed to generate realisations from the generalised fiducial distributions of unknown parameters for obtaining the required tolerance intervals. Based on the simulation results, it is shown that the proposed method can maintain the empirical coverage rates sufficiently close to the nominal level. In addition, a lake acidity monitoring study is used to illustrate the proposed method.
Inference for short‐memory time series models based on modified empirical likelihood
Authors: Piyadi Gamage Ramadha D. , Ning Wei
Published: October 2020

Empirical likelihood (EL) has been extensively studied to make statistical inferences for independent and dependent observations. However, it experiences the problem of under‐coverage which causes the coverage probability of the EL‐based confidence intervals to be lower than the nominal level, especially in small sample sizes. In this paper, we propose modified versions of different EL‐related methods to tackle this issue, including the adjusted EL, the EL with theoretical Bartlett correction and the EL with estimated Bartlett correction for short‐memory time series models. Asymptotic distributions of the likelihood‐type statistics are established as the standard chi‐square distribution. Simulations are conducted to compare coverage probabilities with other existing methods under different distributions. Two real data set applications demonstrate how to construct confidence regions of parameters.