bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food security and disruptions of the global food supply chains during COVID-19: building smarter food supply chains for post COVID-19 era
Authors: Alabi Michael Omotayo , Ngwenyama Ojelanki
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of the complex global food supply chains (GFSCs) which has drastically affected the essential flow of food from the farms and producers to the final consumers. The COVID-19 outbreak has served as a great lesson for the food businesses and companies to re-strategize toward the post-COVID-19 era. This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food security and global food supply chains using the two countries (Canada and the United States) in North America as the case studies and provides appropriate strategy or framework to build smarter and resilience food supply chains for post-COVID-19 era.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a general review of the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on food security and disruptions of the GFSCs. This paper conducted a comprehensive literature review to have a complete understanding of the study, identify the research problem and missing gaps in literature and to formulate appropriate research questions. This study uses two countries from North America (Canada and the US) as case studies by analyzing the available open data from Statistics Canada and some recent studies conducted on food insecurity in the US. Finally, based on the findings, a proposed approach or framework was presented.

Findings

The findings from this study establishes that COVID-19 pandemic has greater impacts on the food security and GFSC due to disruption of the food supply chain leading to increase food insecurity in Canada and the US. The findings clearly show how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the GFSC in the following ways – poor economy, shortage of farm worker, limitation to food accessibility, restriction in the transportation of farm commodities, changes in demand of consumers, shutdown of food production facilities, uncertainty of food quality and safety, food trade policies restriction, delays in transportation of food products, etc. The main findings of this study show that food and beverages sector needs to re-strategize, re-shape and re-design their food supply chains with post-COVID-19 resilience approach in mind. As a result, this study presents a proposed approach or framework to build a smarter and resilience GFSCs in the post-COVID-19 era. The findings in this study highlights the way the proposed framework provide solutions to the identified problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic in affecting the GFSC.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study towards the existing body of knowledge in food security and GFSC is in the form of a proposed approach or framework for building smarter and resilience GFSC that would assist the key players in the food industry to respond better and faster to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including post-COVID-19 era.
Impact of cooperative entrepreneurship on territorial human development in Morocco – Spatial analysis
Authors: Ibourk Aomar , Raoui Soukaina
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper deals with the spatial impact of cooperative entrepreneurship on territorial human development in Morocco. Within the background of the new development model in Morocco, this study aims to explore how the social and solidarity economy (SSE) through the cooperative model can reduce territorial inequalities by promoting economic dynamics in territories with suboptimal human development.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical material is compiled from a database of 75 provinces in Morocco. After establishing a typology of the SSE in these territories, a test of the spatial effect of some indicators, such as the rate of urbanization and female employment, was undertaken. Moreover, a spatial impact study of the cooperatives' entrepreneurship and the local human development index will be carried out among the cooperatives' numbers and the share of their members.

Findings

This study's results indicate a diversity in the participation of the SSE in the regulation of territories. First, there is a heterogeneous relationship in the Moroccan space. Then, the cooperative model in Morocco shows that it plays a central role in readjusting social and spatial inequalities, pointing territories with suboptimal human development.

Research limitations/implications

Although our theoretical contribution covers the impact of the three components of the SSE on territorial human development in Morocco. The empirical work of this study is limited to only one component of the SSE which are the cooperatives. The future perspectives of this work are to follow the impact of the three components after the implementation of the new development model in Morocco.

Practical implications

The main implication of this study is to map out the spatial role of cooperatives in territorial planning in Morocco. Policy makers still need to consolidate the implication of the cooperatives as a tool for promoting spatial equity, through the governance and the convergence between the different support and accompaniment programs for cooperatives in areas of human development deprivation.

Originality/value

The originality of this work comes from the exploration of the spatial dimension for the analysis of the role of the cooperatives for the promotion of a territorial human development. The SSE typologies described in the Moroccan provinces can allow actors to develop a business plan for the implementation of SSE initiatives.
Farmers' livelihood and adaptive capacity in the face of climate vulnerability
Authors: Akhtar Rulia , Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change on farmers' livelihoods and adaptive capacity while highlighting specific adaptation strategies in the local climate context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Respondents were selected from seven farmer organizations (Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan) located in Kedah, Malaysia.

Findings

The study revealed that farmers perceive the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change. These adverse effects of climate change have an impact on their livelihoods as well as their adaptive capacity. The findings also demonstrated that farmers' livelihoods mediate the relationship between economic and environmental impacts of climate change as well as the adaptive capacity of farmers.

Originality/value

Climate change severely affects the agricultural sector as well as farmers' livelihoods. To minimize its effect, scientists and policymakers emphasize the improvement of farmers' adaptive capacity as well as appropriate adaptation methods. However, there is little research on how climate change affects the livelihoods of farmers in the context of Malaysia. Therefore, the results of the study will provide a new perspective for policymakers to formulate a better adaptation policy framework as well as select appropriate adaptation strategies for sustainable agricultural development.
Potential demand for Islamic banking: examining the Islamic consumer behavior as driving factor
Authors: Puteri Hesi Eka , Parsaulian Baginda , Azman Heru Aulia
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of Islamic consumer behavior on the potential demand for Islamic banking by using the Islamic religiosity approach. By classifying the potential demand into the high, middle and low categories, this study attempts to examine whether the level of potential demand is influenced by aspects of social, cultural, psychological and personal considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was a quantitative study based on a survey on 18 regions in West Sumatera, Indonesia in 2019. Data were collected from 1818 respondents and analyzed by using multinomial logistic regression.

Findings

The findings reveal that the increasing factor of social and personal causes the tendency of the community to be in the high potential group as an Islamic bank customer by 1,661 times and 1,592 times as compared to in the low potential group. Psychological aspects also increase the probability of the community being in the medium demand potential as an Islamic bank customer.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study has attempted to elaborate on the consumers’ behavior variable with an Islamic religiosity perspective, theoretically this concept is not yet well established and still requires many applications in future research. Future studies are expected to enrich this analysis by examining more cases with communities that have different socio-demographic characteristics. This study also limits the exogenous variables used as predictors.

Practical implications

This study aims to assist managers of Islamic banks to formulate strategies for developing Islamic banks based on Islamic consumer behavior because the facts showed that understanding of Islamic law and religious education in the family, Islamic lifestyle and also religious beliefs affected the potential demand for Islamic banks.

Social implications

From a policy perspective, this finding can be a consideration for Islamic banks, that the expansion of the market share of Islamic banks will be more appropriately directed to Muslim groups with indications of high adherence to Islamic values, those with Islamic lifestyles, and the Muslim community groups with Islamic understanding backgrounds and good religious education.

Originality/value

This study measures the impact of Islamic religiosity on the probability of people being in the high, medium or low potential group in adopting Islamic bank services, and these findings are important in the development of Islamic banking in Muslim-majority countries.
Designing micro-fintech models for Islamic micro financial institutions in Indonesia
Authors: Ascarya Ascarya , Sakti Ali
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to design appropriate micro-fintech models for Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFIs), especially Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT) in Indonesia, thus enabling BMT to combine Islamic social and commercial microfinance optimally.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the analytic network process and Delphi methods, with three groups of experts as the respondents, namely, academician-regulators, BMT practitioners and Fintech practitioners.

Findings

The first results show that the micro-fintech tools needed by IMFI/BMT are digital banking, payment, peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, P2P social and e-commerce. These could be developed by a BMT alone or with an APEX or Association, which could also collaborate with an existing fintech company that specialises in micro-fintech, applying the offline to online approach. This means that commercial funding, as well as social fundraising of zakat and waqf, would be conducted online, whereas commercial financing for micro and small enterprise customers and the disbursement of zakat and waqf would be conducted offline. The second results show that the limited open ecosystem and hybrid ecosystem are the most appropriate micro-fintech ecosystems for IMFIs/BMT, with various alternative models. In addition, the private closed ecosystem preferred by BMT would be feasible if all criteria show improvement in the future.

Research limitations/implications

This study is qualitative in nature. The methods used have limitations, meaning the models could be improved by incorporating other methods. Moreover, the case and respondents are all Indonesian, which means that the results may only be applicable to BMTs in Indonesia.

Practical implications

A BMT and/or BMT association could immediately apply micro-fintech with a limited open ecosystem, while in the future, they could apply micro-fintech with a private closed ecosystem.

Social implications

The micro-fintech model could be used to optimise the collections of zakat, infaq and waqf, meaning BMT could provide more social programmes for those in need.

Originality/value

The growth of fintech in Islamic microfinance has occurred only recently, while only a limited number of studies have been conducted; therefore, no study exists on the development of a micro-fintech model appropriate for IMFIs, especially BMT.
The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth and public debt: an analysis of India and the global economy
Authors: Pratibha S. , Krishna M.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study attempts to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic growth and public debt of the Indian economy. The authors also attempt to make quarterly projections of economic growth and external debt (ED) for the next five years. The objective is to understand how much time the economy takes to recover and at what pace. Consequently, this study elucidates the composition of debt after the crisis in the next five years.

Design/methodology/approach

To predict India's gross domestic product (GDP) and ED for the next five years, the authors used an auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. This model was built under a Box–Jenkins methodology (Box and Jenkins, 1976) and was subjected to an augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test to check the stationarity of the data. The methodology includes three main steps to estimate and forecast the model: identification, estimation, and diagnostic and forecasting.

Findings

The study finds that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significant implications for economic growth and public debt. The economy faced contraction in the first quarter of the year 2020 due to the suspension of economic activities and still struggling with the negative values of GDP. The forecasting results reveal that ED will continue to grow to meet the increasing health expenditure needs, and GDP will also bounce back slowly after the end of the year 2021. It has been noticed that the recurrent crisis derails the developing economies from the path of sustainable development to a prolonged economic slump with mounting public debt.

Originality/value

The study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth and public debt with particular reference to India. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the quarterly projections for GDP and ED have been made after the COVID-19 crisis.
Drivers of satisfaction and usage continuance in e-grocery retailing: a collaborative design supported perspective
Authors: Kumar Amresh , Sikdar Pallab , Gupta Manali , Singh Pratibha , Sinha Neena
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify the key antecedents relating to the interaction design of the e-groceryretail mobile applications and offer innovative marketing interventions to facilitate consumer–brand interaction and generate continuous usage intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the subjects using a personally administered questionnaire by adopting a non-probability method. The target respondents of this study were individuals who are users of smartphone and have purchased groceries through mobile applications at least once in two months. On the basis of responses received, a sequential predictive analytic method that includes structural equation modelling (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques were employed.

Findings

The findings of the study highlighted the critical role of collaboration design in harbouring satisfaction and maintaining a regular clientele for e-grocery applications by confirming the presence of complementary mediation. Such validated proposition and tested research model backed by significant methodological rigour advances the research based on post-acceptance behavioural affordances in interactive marketing literature.

Originality/value

The study endeavours to understand users' post-acceptance behaviour by analysing the contemporary factors relating to the interaction design of the platform in terms of mobile application attributes that would drive user patronage intentions. Further, the study highlights the pioneering role of collaboration design for e-grocery retailers, as the recent alliances among strategic players to achieve synergistic business leadership have proven to be a game-changing evolution in the industry.
Leader favorable feedback and withdrawal behavior: a moderated mediation model of gratitude and leader-member exchange
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Qu Yuanmei (Elly)
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study investigates why and when leader favorable feedback inhibits employees’ withdrawal behaviors. The authors propose that leader favorable feedback reduces employees’ withdrawal behaviors via employees’ gratitude toward the leader. The authors further posit that this mediation is contingent on leader-member exchange, arguing that as the quality of leader-member exchange increases, employees are more likely to feel grateful and are less likely to withdraw from work.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave, multisource field data collected from 662 employees were used to test our hypotheses.

Findings

Employees’ feelings of gratitude mediated the negative relationship between leader favorable feedback and employees’ withdrawal behavior. The negative effect of gratitude on withdrawal behavior was stronger under higher levels of leader-member exchange, as was the indirect effect of leader favorable feedback on withdrawal behavior via employees’ gratitude.

Originality/value

These results contribute to a social exchange-based understanding of gratitude as an emotional mechanism underlying the feedback and withdrawal relationship and provide important practical implications for managers.
Dementia care partners’ reported outcomes after adaptive riding: a theoretical thematic analysis
Authors: Lassell Rebecca , Fields Beth , Cross Jennifer E. , Wood Wendy
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This case study aims to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia through examining family members’ (care partners) reported outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience sampling, persons living with dementia and their care partners were recruited in Northern Colorado; after meeting inclusion criteria, they were invited to participate in the adaptive riding program. The program occurred for weekly, hour-long sessions for eight weeks. Field notes were collected during each session, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five care partners after the program and analyzed by using theoretical thematic analysis.

Findings

Care partners found the adaptive riding program appropriate. Reported outcomes comprised three themes: well-being, meaning through social connections and function in daily life and aligned with the positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment (PERMA) theory of well-being.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia and their care partners who broadened understandings of the emotional, social and physical benefits. Findings support the inclusion of care partners in adaptive riding and may inform health-care providers’ recommendations for such programs.
The moderation of gender in the effects of Chinese traditionality and patriotism on Chinese domestic travel intention
Authors: Shen Ke , Wu Yanbin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to incorporate Chinese traditionality (CT) and patriotism (PAT) within the theory of reasoned action (TRA). It tests the moderating effect of gender with the aim to provide a deeper understanding of why Chinese tourists choose to take domestic travels.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is collected from 370 Chinese tourists. Convenience sampling is used. Structural equation modelling is used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this paper show that PAT is positively related to tourists’ attitudes (ATs) and Chinese domestic travel intention (CTI). Moreover, CT is found to influence PAT, ATs and subjective norms (SNs) directly, as well as CTI indirectly. However, the positive relationship between PAT and SNs is not supported. Additionally, the influence of PAT on CTI for females is significantly higher than that for males.

Research limitations/implications

The current paper adopts convenience sampling; data is collected using an online questionnaire which may cause sample bias and even reduce the reliability of the data. Future studies may adopt quota sampling based on the population of each province to gain more reliable data. Further research can consider including more constructs to better understand why Chinese people choose to travel domestically.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first attempts to include PAT and CT within the TRA and contributes to the pool of literature on the TRA. It provides a comprehensive understanding of CTI. Second, PAT and CT are linked to the TRA, which expands the application of PAT and CT to the context of hospitality and tourism. Finally, the moderating role of gender contributes to the knowledge regarding the moderating effect between their respective relationships.
Ageing perception and social functioning in older adults: a narrative review
Authors: Shoushtari-Moghaddam Elaheh , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Nazari Mahin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Older people have a different perception of ageing and different factors can influence this perception. Among the factors influencing the perception of ageing are various functions including physical, mental and social functioning of the elderly. Therefore, in this study, the authors intend to investigate the relationship between the perception of ageing and social functioning.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search was conducted of four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus). Citations within identified reports were also searched. Studies were included if they included perceptions of ageing and social functioning measures involving older participants. Study selection and data extraction were conducted using predefined criteria. Older adults’ perceptions of ageing and social functioning were assessed with a variety of measures.

Findings

From a total of 79 articles, eight reports met the criteria for inclusion. In these studies, the positive and negative aspects of ageing perception and various social functions of the elderly in society such as economic, political, social activities; social support; and formal and informal participation have been raised.

Originality/value

The results of this narrative review demonstrate that there is a two-way relationship between the perception of ageing and social functioning. Therefore, it is suggested that appropriate practical and educational interventions be taken to increase the positive perception of ageing in the elderly and increase the social performance of the elderly in society.
Hotspots of pest‐induced US urban tree death, 2020–2050
Authors: Hudgins Emma J. , Koch Frank H. , Ambrose Mark J. , Leung Brian
Published: March 2022

Urban trees are important nature‐based solutions for future well‐being and liveability but are at high risk of mortality from insect pests. In the United States (US), 82% of the population live in urban settings and this number is growing, making urban tree mortality a matter of concern for most of its population. Until now, the magnitudes and spatial distributions of risks were unknown.

Here, we combine new models of street tree populations in ~30,000 US communities, species‐specific spread predictions for 57 invasive insect species and estimates of tree death due to insect exposure for 48 host tree genera.

We estimate that 1.4 million street trees will be killed by invasive insects from 2020 through 2050, costing an annualized average of US$ 30 M. However, these estimates hide substantial variation: 23% of urban centres will experience 95% of all insect‐induced mortality. Furthermore, 90% of all mortality will be due to emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB), which is expected to kill virtually all ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in >6,000 communities.

We define an EAB high‐impact zone spanning 902,500 km2, largely within the southern and central US, within which we predict the death of 98.8% of all ash trees. ‘Mortality hotspot cities’ include Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; and New York, NY.

We identify Asian wood borers of maple and oak trees as the highest risk future invaders, where a new establishment could cost US$ 4.9B over 30 years.

Policy implications. To plan effective mitigation, forest pest managers must know which tree species in which communities will be at the greatest risk, as well as the highest risk species. We provide the first country‐wide, spatial forecast of urban tree mortality due to invasive insect pests. This framework identifies dominant pest insects and spatial impact hotspots, which can provide the basis for spatial prioritization of spread control efforts such as quarantines and biological control release sites. Our results highlight the need for emerald ash borer (EAB) early‐detection efforts as far from current infestations as Seattle, WA. Furthermore, these findings produce a list of biotic and spatiotemporal risk factors for future high‐impact US urban forest insect pests.
Shoot senescence in herbaceous perennials of the temperate zone: Identifying drivers of senescence pace and shape
Authors: Mašková Tereza , Herben Tomáš , Hošková Kristýna , Koubek Tomáš
Published: March 2022

Perennial herbaceous species form their above‐ground parts every year anew and discard them before the advent of winter. The senescence of above‐ground structures is thus an inevitable part of their life cycle. This is also a key process that determines photosynthetic gain late in the season and the economy of soil‐borne nutrients.

Here we address patterns and drivers of the shoot senescence of perennial herbaceous plants. We present a comparative study of 231 temperate species, ranging from spring ephemeroids to species senescing in late autumn, in a common botanical garden collection. We assessed senescence by measuring size decline in the autumn part of the season.

There were two main directions of variation in senescence trajectories: the pace–date axis, separating early and fast senescing species from late and slowly senescing species, and the shape‐asynchrony axis, separating species with accelerating and synchronised senescence from constant senescence asynchronous among individual shoots. While accelerating senescence late in the season can be due to passive effects of the environment (e.g. frost), accelerating senescence early in the season is likely to be an indication of an active process driven by the enzymatic activity of the plant.

The pace and shape of shoot senescence were associated with both leaf‐ and shoot‐level traits. Species having leaves with high dry matter content senesced linearly and with higher asynchrony. Species with a larger specific leaf area senesced earlier and faster, while tall plants and plants with monocyclic shoots senesced later and in a more synchronous and accelerating manner.

Species from different habitats varied in their senescence patterns. Forest species postpone their senescence relative to open‐habitat species, presumably to boost their photosynthetic balance. We did not confirm the hypothesis that plants from nutrient‐poor habitats senesce earlier to retain soil‐borne nutrients before the winter.

Synthesis. Shoot senescence in herbaceous plants is a neglected phenomenon in its own right, which bears only superficial similarity to autumn leaf shedding in trees. Individual species differ strongly in the pace, shape and synchrony of their senescence trajectories, with a potential bearing on the carbon and nutrient dynamics of their habitats.
Peer‐reading racetracks for word reading of low‐achieving graduating students with learning disabilities and behavioural problems
Authors: Barwasser Anne , Nobel Kerstin , Grünke Matthias
Published: March 2022

The number of students with reading difficulties is increasing and reading motivation is decreasing. Although serious reading problems can still persist during secondary education, most reading instruction happens in primary schools. In particular, students with learning disabilities and externalising behavioural problems are confronted with hurdles in reading literacy that need to be overcome. For this reason, this study focused on a simple reading intervention to promote sight vocabulary in 10th grade readers with learning disabilities and behavioural problems. A peer‐tutored motivational reading racetrack intervention was implemented three times a week over a five‐week period through a multiple baseline design across participants in three small groups. The results indicate that the combined intervention is an appropriate method to help students, even those in a graduating class, to improve their sight words in a short period of time, and thus provide them with important reading skills.
Application of infrared spectroscopic techniques to cheese authentication: A review
Authors: Silva Larissa K R , Santos Leandro S , Ferrão Sibelli P B
Published: March 2022

Infrared spectroscopy has been shown to be efficient in cheese authentication due to the advantages of high sensitivity and speed of analysis, especially when associated with chemometrics. This review discusses approaches on the authenticity, the principles of near‐ and middle‐infrared techniques and the importance of chemometrics for cheese authentication. The spectroscopic techniques proved to be promising for the cheese geographical origin identification, analysis of adulterants and monitoring of maturation stages. The application of principal component analysis, partial least squares and linear discriminant analysis associated with spectroscopy has provided powerful tools for the cheese authentication.
Alternative direct‐to‐amplification sperm cell lysis techniques for sexual assault sample processing
Authors: Schellhammer Sarah K. , Hudson Brittany C. , Cox Jordan O. , Dawson Green Tracey
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of sexual assault cases and increasingly sensitive DNA analysis methods have resulted in sexual assault kit backlogs in the United States. Although traditional DNA extraction and purification utilizing detergents, proteinase K, and DTT have been the primary technique for lysing sperm cell fractions from these samples, it is labor‐intensive and inefficient regarding time and sperm DNA recovery – hindering the ability of forensic analysts to keep pace with evidence submissions. Thus, this study examined seven alternative sperm cell lysis techniques to develop a method that could efficiently lyse sperm and consistently generate high‐quality profiles while also reducing time, labor, and cost requirements. Microscopic examination of lysates indicated only Casework Direct and alkaline techniques could lyse all spermatozoa within samples, while quantification results demonstrated all methods performed comparably to the control method of forensicGEM™ Sperm (p > 0.06). Amplification with 0.25 ng DNA revealed that unpurified lysates from Casework Direct, alkaline, and NP‐40 techniques produced DNA profiles with acceptable mean STR peak heights and interlocus balance, both of which were similar to or better than the control. Overall, this study demonstrated the ability of Casework Direct, alkaline, and NP‐40 methods to efficiently lyse spermatozoa and provide high‐quality STR profiles despite the absence of a purification step. Ultimately, based on the data reported herein, alkaline lysis is the recommended alternative sperm lysis approach given its ability to generate high‐quality profiles, save time, and decrease the cost per reaction when compared to traditional sperm cell lysis methods.
A theoretical analysis of taxonomic binning accuracy
Authors: De Sanctis Bianca , Money Daniel , Pedersen Mikkel Winther , Durbin Richard
Published: March 2022

Many metagenomic and environmental DNA studies require the taxonomic assignment of individual reads or sequences by aligning reads to a reference database, known as taxonomic binning. When a read aligns to more than one reference sequence, it is often classified based on sequence similarity. This step can assign reads to incorrect taxa, at a rate which depends both on the assignment algorithm and on underlying population genetic and database parameters. In particular, as we move towards using environmental DNA to study eukaryotic taxa subject to regular recombination, we must take into account issues concerning gene tree discordance. Though accuracy is often compared across algorithms using a fixed data set, the relative impact of these population genetic and database parameters on accuracy has not yet been quantified. Here, we develop both a theoretical and simulation framework in the simplified case of two reference species, and compute binning accuracy over a wide range of parameters, including sequence length, species–query divergence time, divergence times of the reference species, reference database completeness, sample age and effective population size. We consider two assignment methods and contextualize our results using parameters from a recent ancient environmental DNA study, comparing them to the commonly used discriminative k‐mer‐based method Clark (Current Biology, 31, 2021, 2728; BMC Genomics, 16, 2015, 1). Our results quantify the degradation in assignment accuracy as the samples diverge from their closest reference sequence, and with incompleteness of reference sequences. We also provide a framework in which others can compute expected accuracy for their particular method or parameter set. Code is available at https://github.com/bdesanctis/binning‐accuracy.
3‐Methylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one reduces the aggregation ofDendroctonus pseudotsugae barraganiand corresponding mortality ofPseudotsuga menziesiiin northern Mexico
Authors: Sánchez‐Martínez Guillermo , Mehmel Constance J. , González‐Gaona Ernesto , Mori Sylvia R. , López‐Hernández Juan Antonio , Monárrez‐González José Carlos , García‐Rodríguez José Leonardo , Mejía‐Bojórquez Jorge Manuel , Gillette Nancy E.
Published: March 2022

Dendroctonus pseudotsugaeis the most important forest insect pest of Douglas‐firPseudotsuga menziesiiin North America.

Two subspecies of Douglas‐fir beetle are recognized:D.pseudotsugae pseudotsugae, which inhabits southwestern Canada and western United States, andDendroctonus pseudotsugae barragani, which occurs in northern Mexico.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of 3‐methylcylohex‐2‐en‐1‐one (MCH) in reducing aggregation ofD.pseudotsugae barragani, and corresponding Douglas‐fir mortality by this insect.

Two field experiments were conducted: the first consisted of three doses of MCH in bubble caps (plus a control treatment) applied within 16 0.5 ha plots. The second consisted of three doses of MCH disrupt micro‐flakes (plus a control treatment) applied within 16 1.0 ha plots.

MCH bubble caps at 28.8 and 44.0 g AI/ha and MCH disrupt micro‐flakes at 185.3 and 741 g AI/ha significantly reduced the aggregation ofD.pseudotsugae barragani.

When applying MCH as bubble caps, only the highest dose (44.0 g AI/ha) significantly reduced the number of successfully attacked trees. However, MCH micro‐flake doses of 185.3 and 741 g AI/ha reduced the number of successfully attacked trees to zero.
Anatomical and histological investigation of the pineal gland in the lake van fish (Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814))
Authors: Örği Elif , Oğuz Ahmet Regaib
Published: March 2022

The pineal gland and melatonin secreted from the gland regulate the biological clock and adaptation to seasonal changes, glucose balance, nutrition and locomotor activities. In this study, the pineal gland of the Lake Van fish was examined anatomically and histologically. The melatonin level secreted from the pineal gland was determined in fish plasma sampled from both lakes and streams during reproduction migration. The pineal gland in the Lake Van fish, as in other teleost fish, is located in the head, under the translucent pineal window, which does not contain many pigment cells. The gland consists of pineal vesicle and pineal stalk parts on the dorsal sac in the Lake Van fish. It was determined that the pineal gland showed good vascularity. The presence of pinealocytes and different types of cells in the pineal organ was determined histologically. Pinealocytes were intensely localized in the lumen of the pineal vesicle. The plasma melatonin level increased in fish passing from lake to stream for reproductive migration.
Impact of COVID‐19 on appendicitis presentations in children in Australia and New Zealand
Authors:   ANZSCRAFT Collaborative, Roberts Kiera
Published: March 2022

Background

In contrast to many countries, the prevalence of COVID‐19 in Australia and New Zealand has been low. We hypothesised, however, that a potential secondary effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic would be delayed presentation of paediatric appendicitis, with resultant higher rates of complicated appendicitis. This study was an initiative of the Australian and New Zealand Surgery in Children Registrars' Association for Trials collaborative, a trainee‐led research group based in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

A binational multicentre, retrospective review was undertaken of paediatric patients with appendicitis early in the COVID‐19 pandemic (20 March–30 April 2020), compared with previous years (2018, 2019). Primary outcomes were the duration of symptoms prior to presentation and the severity of disease.

Results

A total of 400 patients from six centres were included. Duration of symptoms prior to presentation, sepsis at presentation, complicated disease and presence of complications did not differ significantly between time periods. Duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment and overall antibiotic treatment were both significantly shorter during 2020 (2.4 days versus 3.5 in 2018 and 3.0 in 2019 [P = 0.0038] and 3.7 days versus 5.2 in 2018 and 4.6 in 2019 [P = 0.04], respectively). Management approach did not differ, with the majority of patients managed operatively.

Conclusions

We did not demonstrate any difference in duration of symptoms prior to presentation or other markers of disease severity early in the pandemic. Duration of antibiotic treatment was shorter during this period compared with previous years. Management of children with appendicitis, both simple and complicated, did not appear to change as a result of COVID‐19.
Meta‐analysis: analysis of mechanistic pathways in the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Evidence from a Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ng Cheng Han , Muthiah Mark D. , Xiao Jieling , Chin Yip Han , Lim Grace , Lim Wen Hui , Tay Phoebe , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Yong Jie Ning , Pan Xin‐Hui , Koh Jeffery Wei Heng , Chew Nicholas , Syn Nicholas , Tan Eunice , Huang Daniel Q. , Siddiqui Mohammad Shadab , Loomba Rohit , Sanyal Arun J. , Noureddin Mazen
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common cause of liver disease. However, there is lack of comparison of efficacy between different NASH drug classes. We conducted a network meta‐analysis evaluating drug classes through comparing histological outcomes and targets of drugs.

Approach and Results

Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating NASH drugs in biopsy‐proven NASH patients. Primary outcomes included NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis, at least 2‐point reduction in Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease Activity Score (NAS) without worsening of fibrosis and at least 1‐point reduction in fibrosis. Treatments were classified into inflammation, energy, bile acid and fibrosis modulators. The analysis was conducted with Bayesian network model and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis. Among 49 included trials, treatments modulating energy (Risk ratio (RR): 1.92, Credible intervals (Crl): 1.59‐2.34) were most likely to achieve NASH resolution followed by treatments modulating fibrosis (RR 1.66, Crl: 0.65‐4.50), bile acids (RR: 1.37, Crl: 0.99‐1.92) and inflammation (RR: 1.00, Crl: 0.75‐1.33). Energy and bile acids modulation were effective in at least 2‐point NAS reduction without worsening of fibrosis (RR: 1.52, Crl 1.30‐1.77; RR: 1.69, Crl 1.41‐2.03) and at least 1‐point reduction in fibrosis (RR: 1.26, Crl:1.05‐1.49; RR: 1.54, Crl: 1.20‐1.97).

Conclusions

This network analysis demonstrates the relative superiority of drugs modulating energy pathways and bile acids in NASH treatment. This guides the development and selection of drugs for combination therapies.
The quantification of midwifery research: Limiting midwifery knowledge
Authors: Newnham Elizabeth , Rothman Barbara Katz
Published: March 2022

As two academics researching in the area of maternal health, we are increasingly concerned with what we see as a positivist turn in midwifery research. In this paper, we examine this idea of the quantification of midwifery research, using as an example the current esteem given to the systematic literature review, and its creep into other methodologies. We argue that the current favor toward quantitative research and expertise in midwifery academia risks the future of midwifery research by the lack of equal development of qualitative experts, diluting qualitative research rigor within the profession, and limiting the kinds of questions asked. We identify the similarity between the current prominence of quantitative research and medical dominance in midwifery and maintain that it is of vital importance to the profession (research and practice) that the proper attention, contemplation, and merit are given to qualitative research methods.
Ermin deficiency leads to compromised myelin, inflammatory milieu, and susceptibility to demyelinating insult
Authors: Ziaei Amin , Garcia‐Miralles Marta , Radulescu Carola I. , Sidik Harwin , Silvin Aymeric , Bae Han‐Gyu , Bonnard Carine , Yusof Nur Amirah Binte Mohammad , Ferrari Bardile Costanza , Tan Liang Juin , Ng Alvin Yu Jin , Tohari Sumanty , Dehghani Leila , Henry Lily , Yeo Xin Yi , Lee Sejin , Venkatesh Byrappa , Langley Sarah R. , Shaygannejad Vahid , Reversade Bruno , Jung Sangyong , Ginhoux Florent , Pouladi Mahmoud A.
Published: March 2022

Ermin is an actin‐binding protein found almost exclusively in the central nervous system (CNS) as a component of myelin sheaths. Although Ermin has been predicted to play a role in the formation and stability of myelin sheaths, this has not been directly examined in vivo. Here, we show that Ermin is essential for myelin sheath integrity and normal saltatory conduction. Loss of Ermin in mice caused de‐compacted and fragmented myelin sheaths and led to slower conduction along with progressive neurological deficits. RNA sequencing of the corpus callosum, the largest white matter structure in the CNS, pointed to inflammatory activation in aged Ermin‐deficient mice, which was corroborated by increased levels of microgliosis and astrogliosis. The inflammatory milieu and myelin abnormalities were further associated with increased susceptibility to immune‐mediated demyelination insult in Ermin knockout mice. Supporting a possible role of Ermin deficiency in inflammatory white matter disorders, a rare inactivating mutation in the ERMN gene was identified in multiple sclerosis patients. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for Ermin in maintaining myelin integrity. Given its near‐exclusive expression in myelinating oligodendrocytes, Ermin deficiency represents a compelling “inside‐out” model of inflammatory dysmyelination and may offer a new paradigm for the development of myelin stability‐targeted therapies.
Big data, computational social science, and other recent innovations in social network analysis
Authors: Tindall David , McLevey John , Koop‐Monteiro Yasmin , Graham Alexander
Published: March 2022

While sociologists have studied social networks for about one hundred years, recent developments in data, technology, and methods of analysis provide opportunities for social network analysis (SNA) to play a prominent role in the new research world of big data and computational social science (CSS). In our review, we focus on four broad topics: (1) Collecting Social Network Data from the Web, (2) Non‐traditional and Bipartite/Multi‐mode Networks, including Discourse and Semantic Networks, and Social‐Ecological Networks, (3) Recent Developments in Statistical Inference for Networks, and (4) Ethics in Computational Network Research.
Featured Cover
Authors: Germain Dominique P. , Levade Thierry , Hachulla Eric , Knebelmann Bertrand , Lacombe Didier , Seguin Vanessa Leguy , Nguyen Karine , Noël Esther , Rabès Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2022

The cover image is based on the Review Challenging the traditional approach for interpreting genetic variants: Lessons from Fabry disease by Dominique P. Germain et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.14102.

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Boardroom gender diversity and investment inefficiency: New evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Farooq Sanaullah , Gan Christopher , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Research Question/Issue

Motivated by the recent regulatory reforms, in the forms of the UK Corporate Governance Code (UK CGC) in 2011 and the enaction of section 414C of the Companies Act 2006, to increase female representation on corporate boards, this study investigates the effect of boardroom gender diversity (BGD) on investment inefficiency (IE). These reforms were aimed at enhancing corporate governance by allowing a pool of female directors into directorship positions and bringing fresher and independent perspective of female directors, thus strengthening board monitoring and its internal control systems. This study therefore seeks to understand whether and how female directors align managers' and shareholders' interests by improving investment efficiency.

Findings

Using a sample of UK listed firms from 2005 to 2018, this study provides the first empirical evidence on the impact of BGD on IE. Consistent with our theoretical predictions, we find a negative and statistically significant association between BGD and IE. Furthermore, in a difference‐in‐differences analysis, we find a significant impact of UK CGC on the BGD‐IE relationship. We also identify three possible channels (board dynamics, stewardship effect, and information environment) through which BGD is likely to affect IE. Finally, we also document that the said relationship is more pronounced in firms with three or more female directors, which is consistent with critical mass theory, and that BGD mitigates concerns surrounding both the underinvestment and overinvestment decisions. Our main results are robust to endogeneity bias, alternative measures of BGD and IE, and controlling for potential bias with a two‐step investment estimation method.

Policy Implications

Our findings have important implications for regulators, policy‐makers, and other corporate stakeholders. Most importantly, the recent policy initiatives on improving representation of female directors can strengthen board monitoring and could reduce inefficient investments.