bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of strategic thinking and its impact on competitive advantage
Authors: Dixit Shubham , Singh Shiwangi , Dhir Sanjay , Dhir Swati
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the antecedents of strategic thinking and its relationship with competitive advantage. Further, this study analyses the mediating effect of strategic thinking between its antecedents and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-reported questionnaire with 51 questions was floated among 220 professionals from various industries in India. The response was analysed using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling methodology using SmartPLS software.

Findings

The direct effect of creativity, corporate culture and knowledge management are established with strategic thinking, as well as a competitive advantage. Also, the study finds a significant relationship between strategic thinking and competitive advantage. The study finds no mediation (direct effect) in the case of creativity, corporate culture and knowledge management. Further, no mediation (no relationship) is found in the case of vision.

Practical implications

Business must start adopting strategic thinking practices in their decision-making process to create a competitive advantage. Further, the influence of corporate culture, creativity and knowledge management on strategic thinking highlights their importance.

Originality/value

The study establishes the impact of antecedents of strategic thinking on competitive advantage. The study highlights the importance of other factors along with strategic thinking for achieving competitive advantage.
An analysis of barriers affecting implementation of sustainable supply chain management in electronics industry: a Grey-DEMATEL approach
Authors: Menon Rakesh R. , Ravi V.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

World over organizations are focusing on sustainable goals, where along with economic success their role in protecting the planet and people are becoming important. Whilst transforming the supply chain into a sustainable one, there would be some barriers which might hinder this process. This paper aims to study these barriers in the context of the electronics industry so that organizations can better implement sustainable supply chain programs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, barriers affecting sustainability implementation in the electronics supply chain are shortlisted from literature review and experts’ opinion. Using the combined methodology of Grey DEMATEL, the causal factors, the effect factors and degree of prominence of barriers is found out. The overall relationship among barriers is established by a diagraph. Sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the results.

Findings

It is found that lack of regulation and guidance from authorities is the primary causal barrier affecting operations of sustainable supply chain management. There are five barriers which fall in the influenced group and among them, complexity in measuring and monitoring sustainability practices has the largest net effect value on the implementation of a sustainable supply chain. The barrier having the highest correlation with other barriers is the high cost for disposal of hazardous wastes. The implications of these findings on managers and academicians is explored in the study.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, the number of barriers shortlisted is limited to 11 in the context of the electronics supply chain. More factors could be added in future research based on the industry being studied.

Originality/value

The research analyses 11 barriers under categories of policy, technology, financial and human resources in the Indian electronics industry by evaluating the cause and effect group of barriers. These results can guide policymakers of the electronic sector and industry for mitigating barriers during the implementation of sustainable programs.
Flexural behaviour of reinforced self compacting concrete beams subjected to elevated temperature before and after retrofitting
Authors: B.P. Sachin , Suresh N.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study the effect of elevated temperature on load carrying capacity of reinforced self compacting concrete beams and the performance of deteriorated beams after retrofitting by GFRP sheets. The reinforced beams which were exposed to sustained elevated temperature and tested for flexural load-carrying capacity. Further deteriorated beams (exposed from 500°C to 800°C) were re-strengthened by adopting retrofitting with GFRP sheets.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation includes the concrete specimens, i.e. cubes of 150 mm, cylinders of size 150 mm dia with 300 mm height and beams of 150 × 150 × 1,100 mm, reinforced with minimum tension reinforcement according to IS 456–2000. The specimens were subjected to elevated temperature from 300°C to 800°C with an interval of 100°C for 2 h. The residual compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, load at first crack of beams and load-carrying capacity of beams for 5-mm deflection were measured before and after retrofitting.

Findings

The result shows that there is a gain in residual compressive strength at 300°C and beyond which it decreases. The modulus of elasticity, load at first crack and load-carrying capacity of beams reduces continuously with an increase in temperature. The decrease in load-carrying capacity of beams is observed from 27.55% and up to 38.77% between the temperature range of 500°C–800°C and after the retrofitting of distressed beams, the load carrying capacity increases up to 24.48%.

Originality/value

Better performance was observed with retrofitting by GFRP sheets when the specimens were distressed due to elevated temperatures.
Fire resistance of 3D printed concrete composite wall panels exposed to various fire scenarios
Authors: Suntharalingam Thadshajini , Upasiri Irindu , Gatheeshgar Perampalam , Poologanathan Keerthan , Nagaratnam Brabha , Rajanayagam Heshachanaa , Navaratnam Satheeskumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Fire safety of a building is becoming a prominent consideration due to the recent fire accidents and the consequences in terms of loss of life and property damage. ISO 834 standard fire test regulation and simulation cannot be applied to assess the fire performance of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) walls as the real fire time-temperature curves could be more severe, compared to standard fire curve, in terms of the maximum temperature and the time to reach that maximum temperature. Therefore, this paper aims to describe an investigation on the fire performance of 3DPC composite wall panels subjected to different fire scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

The fire performance of 3DPC wall was traced through developing an appropriate heat transfer numerical model. The validity of the developed numerical model was confirmed by comparing the time-temperature profiles with available fire test results of 3DPC walls. A detailed parametric study of 140 numerical models were, subsequently, conducted covering different 3DPC wall configurations (i.e. solid, cavity and rockwool infilled cavity), five varying densities and consideration of four fire curves (i.e. standard, hydrocarbon fire, rapid and prolong).

Findings

3DPC walls and Rockwool infilled cavity walls showed superior fire performance. Furthermore, the study indicates that the thermal responses of 3DPC walls exposed to rapid-fire is crucial compared to other fire scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

To investigate the thermal behaviour, ABAQUS allows performing uncoupled and coupled thermal analysis. Coupled analysis is typically used to investigate combined mechanical-thermal behaviour. Since, considered 3DPC wall configurations are non-load bearing, uncouple heat transfer analysis was performed. Time-temperature variations can be obtained to study the thermal response of 3DPC walls.

Originality/value

At present, there is limited study to analyse the behaviour of 3DPC composite wall panels in real fire scenarios. Hence, this paper presents an investigation on the fire performance of 3DPC composite wall panels subjected to different fire scenarios. This research is the first attempt to extensively study the fire performance of non-load bearing 3DPC walls.
Empirical path loss models at 433 MHz in Himalayan snow for health monitoring
Authors: Garg Rajesh Kumar , Soni Surender Kumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of snow on the radio link performance of wireless sensor nodes in Indian Himalayan conditions and to propose empirical path loss models for radio wave propagation.

Design/methodology/approach

At the remote test site, one source and three listening wireless sensor nodes were deployed at frequency of 433 MHz. The path loss models are derived from experimental data collected during the period of snowfall and clear weather conditions. Linear, exponential, second and third-order polynomials path loss models have been investigated along with experimental data.

Findings

With the help of curve fitting and goodness-of-fit tests, it is found that path loss can be modelled through third-order polynomial equation during the snowfall period. However, if sensor is buried, the acceptable path loss model is exponential. Similarly, for unified modelling requirement, exponential path loss model over linear can be a preferred choice.

Originality/value

Results show that path loss can be estimated priori for deciding optimum transmission energy in wireless sensor network. Presented work is usable in extending the lifetime of health monitoring devices buried in snowy environment.
Facial hair shaving behavior and skin problems of shaved areas of males
Authors: Sukakul Thanisorn , Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Chaweekulrat Pichanee , Trakanwittayarak Suphattra , Varothai Supenya
Published: July 2021

Unwanted facial hair is a common problem and requires different grooming regimens or treatments. Shaving beard hair can cause undesirable skin effects, such as irritation, razor burn, razor nick, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. This study explores male behaviors related to shaving facial hair and the consequential effects on the shaved skin. A questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional, analytical study was conducted on 340 healthy men. Most of the participants were manual shavers. Approximately one‐third of the manual shavers prepared their skin for shaving, compared to 13% of the electric shavers. The most common shaving‐related skin problems were irritation and dryness, razor burn, razor nicks, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The shaving‐related skin problems resulted from individual skin conditions and their shaving techniques. Appropriate skin preparation should be undertaken before shaving, and post‐shaving care products should be used to avoid problems.
Preliminary effects of a pilot listening comprehension intervention on the narrative abilities of children with ASD
Authors: Henry Alyssa R. , Solari Emily J. , McIntyre Nancy S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties in narrative production and comprehension. The present study is a pilot test examining the effects of a storybook‐based listening comprehension intervention on the narrative abilities of students with ASD.

Method

16 children with ASD, aged 7‐12, participated in 8 weeks of intervention (3 45‐minute sessions per week). The intervention provided explicit instruction in specific listening comprehension skills, vocabulary, and writing. Descriptive measures and child‐generated narratives were collected prior to and immediately following the intervention. Children’s narratives were analyzed for evaluation characteristics.

Results

Results from a Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated that participants made significant gains in overall narrative evaluation and the use of internal state language following the intervention.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that this intervention shows initial efficacy in ameliorating the narrative difficulties of students with ASD. This pilot study highlights the social and oral language underpinnings of narrative ability and provides further evidence for intervention practices to support narrative development in children with ASD.
Do high‐deductible health plans affect price paid for childbirth?
Authors: Cliff Betsy Q.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To test whether out‐of‐pocket costs and negotiated hospital prices for childbirth change after enrollment in high‐deductible health plans (HDHPs) and whether price effects differ in markets with more hospitals.

Data Sources

Administrative medical claims data from 2010 to 2014 from three large commercial insurers with plans in all U.S. states provided by the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI).

Study Design

I identify employer groups that switched from non‐HDHPs in 1 year to HDHPs in a subsequent year. I estimate enrollees' change in out‐of‐pocket costs and negotiated hospital prices for childbirth after HDHP switch, relative to a comparison group of employers that do not switch plans. I use a triple‐difference design to estimate price changes for enrollees in markets with more hospital choices. Finally, I re‐estimate models with hospital‐fixed effects.

Data Collection

From the HCCI sample, childbearing women enrolled in an employer‐sponsored plan with at least 10 people.

Principal Findings

Switching to an HDHP increases out‐of‐pocket cost $227 (p < 0.001; comparison group base $790) and has no meaningful effect on hospital‐negotiated prices (−$26, p = 0.756; comparison group base $5821). HDHP switch is associated with a marginally statistically significant price increase in markets with three or fewer hospitals ($343, p = 0.096; comparison group base $5806) and, relative to those markets, with a price decrease in markets with more than three hospitals (−$512; p = 0.028). Predicted prices decrease from $5702 to $5551 after HDHP switch in markets with more than three hospitals due primarily to lower prices conditional on using the same hospital.

Conclusions

Prices for childbirth in markets with more hospitals decrease after HDHP switch due to lower hospital prices for HDHPs relative to prices at those same hospitals for non‐HDHPs. These results reinforce previous findings that HDHPs do not promote price shopping but suggest negotiated prices may be lower for HDHP enrollees.
Clinical evidence that the pandemic from 1889 to 1891 commonly called the Russian flu might have been an earlier coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Brüssow Harald , Brüssow Lutz
Published: July 2021

Contemporary medical reports from Britain and Germany on patients suffering from a pandemic infection between 1889 and 1891, which was historically referred to as the Russian flu, share a number of characteristics with COVID‐19. Most notable are aspects of multisystem affections comprising respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms including loss of taste and smell perception; a protracted recovery resembling long covid and pathology observations of thrombosis in multiple organs, inflammation and rheumatic affections. As in COVID‐19 and unlike in influenza, mortality was seen in elderly subjects while children were only weakly affected. Contemporary reports noted trans‐species infection between pet animals or horses and humans, which would concur with a cross‐infection by a broad host range bovine coronavirus dated by molecular clock arguments to an about 1890 cross‐species infection event.
miR‐21‐5p/SMAD7 axis promotes the progress of lung cancer
Authors: Tang Jinming , Li Xu , Cheng Tianli , Wu Jie
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors threatening human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of miR‐21‐5p in lung cancer progression.

Methods

We analyzed the expression levels of miR‐21‐5p in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. The qRT‐PCR and MTT assays were performed after transfection with miR‐21‐5p mimic, inhibitor and negative control into lung cancer cells.

Results

Luciferase reporter assays showed miR‐21‐5p directly target SMAD7. The miR‐21‐5p inhibitor significantly suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. We found that SMAD7 was upregulated in lung cancer tissue. In addition, we found that SMAD7 inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation and miR‐21‐5p mimic damaged the inhibitory effect of SMAD7.

Conclusions

miRNA‐21‐5p may promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion by spoiling SMAD7 expression in lung cancer cells.
Serious diagnoses at revisits in children discharged from the emergency department with back pain
Authors: Zhou Amy Z. , Marin Jennifer R. , Hickey Robert W. , Lam Sandi K. , Ramgopal Sriram
Published: July 2021

Background

Back pain is often benign but can be a harbinger for serious pathology. Little is known about the outcome in children with back pain but no serious diagnoses detected at the initial visit. We sought to estimate the rate of serious diagnoses at revisits among children initially discharged from the emergency department (ED) with back pain.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients from 45 pediatric hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database from October 1, 2015, to March 31, 2019. We included patients discharged from the ED with a principal diagnosis of back pain and excluded patients with trauma and concurrent or previously known serious diagnoses. We identified the rates and types of serious diagnoses made within 30 days of the index visit. We examined the rates of diagnostic tests at the index visit in patients with and without serious diagnoses.

Results

Of the 25,130 patients with back pain, 88 (0.4%, 95% confidence interval = 0.3% to 0.4%) had serious pathology diagnosed within 30 days. The most common diagnoses were anatomic (40%) and nonneurologic (39%) categories such as vertebral fracture and nephrolithiasis; infectious (19%) and neoplastic etiologies (3%) were less common. Diagnoses requiring acute interventions such as cauda equina syndrome (n = 2) and intraspinal abscess (n = 3) were rare. Patients with serious diagnoses at revisits underwent more blood tests and back ultrasound at the index visit compared to patients without serious diagnoses.

Conclusions

In pediatric patients discharged from the ED with a diagnosis of back pain and no serious or trauma diagnoses, there is a low rate of serious pathology on revisits. Of the serious diagnoses identified, high‐acuity diseases were rare. For the subset of patients with clinical suspicion for serious pathology but none identified at the index visit, this represents an opportunity for further research to optimize their management.
Differentiating central from peripheral causes of acute vertigo in an emergency setting with the HINTS, STANDING, and ABCD2 tests: A diagnostic cohort study
Authors: Gerlier Camille , Hoarau Maëlle , Fels Audrey , Vitaux Hélène , Mousset Carole , Farhat Wassim , Firmin Marine , Pouyet Victorine , Paoli Audrey , Chatellier Gilles , Ganansia Olivier
Published: July 2021

Background

Diagnosing stroke in dizzy patients remains a challenge in emergency medicine. The accuracy of the neuroophthalmologic examination HINTS performed by emergency physicians (EPs) is unknown. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of the HINTS examination performed by trained EPs for diagnosing central cause of acute vertigo and unsteadiness and to compare it with another bedside clinical tool, STANDING, and with the history‐based score ABCD2.

Methods

This was a prospective diagnostic cohort study among patients with isolated vertigo and unsteadiness seen in a single emergency department (ED). Trained EPs performed HINTS and STANDING tests blinded to attending physicians. ABCD2 ≥ 4 was used as the threshold and was calculated retrospectively. The criterion standard was diffusion‐weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Peripheral diagnoses were established by a normal MRI, and etiologies were further refined by an otologic examination.

Results

We included 300 patients of whom 62 had a central lesion on neuroimaging including 49 strokes (79%). Of the 238 peripheral diagnoses, 159 were vestibulopathies, mainly benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (40%). HINTS and STANDING tests reached high sensitivities at 97% and 94% and NPVs at 99% and 98%, respectively. The ABCD2 score failed to predict half of central vertigo cases and had a sensitivity of 55% and a NPV of 87%. The STANDING test was more specific and had a better positive predictive value (PPV; 75% and 49%, respectively; positive likelihood ratio [LR+] = 3.71, negative likelihood ratio [LR–] = 0.09) than the HINTS test (67% and 44%, respectively; LR+ = 2.96, LR– = 0.04). The ABCD2 score was specific (82%, LR+ = 3.04, LR– = 0.56) but had a very low PPV (44%).

Conclusions

In the hands of EPs, HINTS and STANDING tests outperformed ABCD2 in identifying central causes of vertigo. For diagnosing peripheral disorders, the STANDING algorithm is more specific than the HINTS test. HINTS and STANDING could be useful tools saving both time and costs related to unnecessary neuroimaging use.
From unfair prices to unfair trading practices: Political economy, value chains and 21st century agri‐food policy
Authors: Swinnen Johan , Olper Alessandro , Vandevelde Senne
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes how value chains play a role in the political economy of agricultural and food policy by (1) discussing historical insights; (2) reviewing an emerging literature on political economy of trade policy and value chains and drawing implications for agricultural and food policy; (3) discussing market power issues with increasing concentration in agri‐food value chains and its implications for government regulations; and (4) presenting a political economy case study of recent regulations that have explicitly targeted value chain structures in the agri‐food sector: the EU regulations on “unfair trading practices (UTPs)”. The case study is of wider relevance since it addresses a key concern in global value chains.
Improved quality and fertilizability of cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa with the supplementation of methionine sulfoxide reductase A
Authors: Indhu Mahalingam Selvaraj , Ramamoorthy Muthu , Pandey Sriti , Mathesh Karikalan , Mahawar Manish , Sarkar Mihir , Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Taru Sharma Guttulu , Bhure Sanjeev Kumar
Published: July 2021

Background

The excessive reactive oxygen species produced during semen‐freezing and ‐thawing damage the macromolecules resulting in impairment of cellular functions. Proteins are the primary targets of oxidative damage, wherein methionine residues are more prone to oxidation and get converted into methionine sulfoxide, thus affecting the protein function. The methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) catalyzes the conversion of methionine sulfoxide to methionine and restores the functionality of defective proteins.

Objectives

To establish the expression of MsrA in male reproductive organs, including semen and its effect on quality of cryopreserved semen upon exogenous supplementation, taking buffalo semen as a model.

Materials and methods

The expression of MsrA was established by immunohistochemistry, PCR, and Western blots. Further, the effect of recombinant MsrA (rMsrA) supplementation on the quality of cryopreserved spermatozoa was assessed in three treatment groups containing 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 µg of rMsrA/50 million spermatozoa in egg yolk glycerol extender along with a control group; wherein the post‐thaw progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and zona binding ability of cryopreserved spermatozoa were studied.

Results

The MsrA was expressed in buffalo testis, epididymis, accessory sex glands, and spermatozoa except in seminal plasma. In group 2, the supplementation has resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement as compared to the control group in mean progressive motility (47.50 ± 2.50 vs. 36.25 ± 2.63), viability (56.47 ± 1.85 vs. 48.05 ± 2.42), HOST (50.76 ± 1.73 vs. 44.29 ± 1.29), and zona binding ability of spermatozoa (149.50 ± 8.39 vs. 29.50 ± 2.85).

Discussion and conclusion

In the absence of native MsrA of seminal plasma, the supplementations of rMsrA may repair the oxidatively damaged seminal plasma proteins and exposed sperm plasma membrane proteins resulting in better quality with a fivefold increase in fertilizability of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. The findings can be extended to other species to improve the semen quality with the variation in the amounts of rMsrA supplementation.
Changes in obstetric interventions and preterm birth during COVID‐19: A nationwide study from Iceland
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Swift Emma Marie , Zoega Helga
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Previous evidence has been conflicting regarding the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic lockdowns on obstetric intervention and preterm birth rates. The literature to date suggests potentially differential underlying mechanisms based on country economic setting. We aimed to study these outcomes in an Icelandic population where uniform lockdown measures were implemented across the country.

Material and methods

The study included all singleton births (n = 20 680) during 2016–2020 identified from the population‐based Icelandic Medical Birth Register. We defined two lockdown periods during March–May and October–December in 2020 according to government implemented nationwide lockdown. We compared monthly rates of cesarean section, induction of labor and preterm birth during lockdown with the same time periods in the 4 previous years (2016–2019) using logit binomial regression adjusted for confounders.

Results

Our results indicated a reduction in the overall cesarean section rate, which was mainly evident for elective cesarean section, both during the first (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–0.99) and second (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52–0.99) lockdown periods, and not for emergency cesarean section. No change during lockdown was observed in induction of labor. Our results also suggested a reduction in the overall preterm birth rate during the first lockdown (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.97) and in the months immediately following the lockdown (June–September) (aOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.89). The reduction during the first lockdown was mainly evident for medically indicated preterm birth (although not statistically significant) and the reduction during June–September was mainly evident for spontaneous preterm birth.

Conclusions

This study suggested a reduction in elective cesarean section during COVID‐19 lockdown, possibly reflecting changes in prioritization of non‐urgent health care during lockdown. We also found a reduction in overall preterm birth during the first lockdown and spontaneous preterm birth following the first lockdown, but further research is needed to shed light on the underlying mechanisms for these findings.
Field observations and survey evidence to assess predictors of mask wearing across different outdoor activities in an Argentine city during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Freidin Esteban , Acera Martini Luz , Senci Carlos Maximiliano , Duarte Cristina , Carballo Fabricio
Published: July 2021

We here studied some potential factors underlying variation in compliance with preventive behaviors against COVID‐19 by studying mask wearing during outdoor recreational activities in a midsize city of Argentina in 2020. The originality of present research relies on the complementation of observational (N = 15,507) and survey (N = 578) data and in assessing the determinants of and disposition to the same preventive behavior across activities. In Study 1, we did 8 weeks of unobtrusive systematic observation of mask wearing in outdoor recreational sites as a function of activity (walking, running, and cycling). In Study 2, we ran an online survey (concomitant with the last weeks of the observational study) to measure self‐reported mask use and relevant beliefs, including self‐ and other‐regarding motives. Behavioral observations showed that mask wearing declined over time for the three activities as predicted from a social dilemma perspective; nonetheless, compliance significantly differed across activities. Self‐reported mask use was predicted by the perceived risk of contagion for the self and for others, perceived comfort costs of wearing masks, and social norms, but not by perceived illness severity or mask effectiveness. We discuss some implications and limitations of present findings for the development of preventive strategies to reduce COVID‐19 transmission.
Persistence of undifferentiated spermatogonia in aged Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kawahara Terumichi , Kanouchi Miki , Naniwa Yousuke , Koyago Masanori , Numabe Takashi , Mizutani Keishi , Tanemura Kentaro , Hara Kenshiro
Published: July 2021

Aging is a major risk factor for spermatogenesis deterioration. However, the influence of age on spermatogenic stem cells and their progenitors in bulls is largely unknown. Here, we report age‐related changes in undifferentiated and differentiating spermatogonia in Japanese Black cattle with nearly constant sperm output, by using spermatogonial markers. The numbers of differentiating spermatogonia and more differentiated spermatogenic cells were significantly decreased in aged bovine testes compared with those in young testes. In contrast, the number of undifferentiated spermatogonia was maintained, and their proliferative activity did not differ significantly between young and aged bovine testes. Although severe calcification was only observed to a small extent in aged testes, fewer Sertoli cells and interstitial fibrosis were observed in noncalcified testicular regions. These results suggest that, even in old bulls with nearly constant sperm output, testicular spermatogenic activity declined whereas undifferentiated spermatogonia numbers were maintained. Thus, we propose that undifferentiated spermatogonia may be resistant to age‐related changes in bovine testes. Because undifferentiated spermatogonia may contain stem cell activity, our findings highlight the potential utility of undifferentiated spermatogonia as an agricultural resource to produce spermatozoa beyond the natural bovine lifetime through transplantation and in vitro spermatogenesis in future animal production.
The design of “TeamBirth”: A care process to improve communication and teamwork during labor
Authors: Aggarwal Reena , Plough Avery , Henrich Natalie , Galvin Grace , Rucker Amber , Barnes Chris , Berry William , Golen Toni , Shah Neel T.
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite evidence that communication and teamwork are critical to patient safety, few care processes have been intentionally designed for this purpose in labor and delivery. The purpose of this project was to design an intrapartum care process that aims to improve communication and teamwork between clinicians and patients.

Methods

We followed the “Double‐Diamond” design method with four sequential steps: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. In Discover, we searched professional guidelines and peer‐reviewed literature to delineate the challenges to quality of intrapartum care and to uncover options for solutions. In Define, we convened an interdisciplinary group of experts to focus the problem scope and prioritize solution features. In Develop, we created initial prototype solutions. In Deliver, we engaged clinicians and patients in rapid cycle testing to iteratively produce a care process called “TeamBirth” that aims to improve team communication.

Results

We designed TeamBirth, an intrapartum care process composed of brief team meetings (“huddles”) between clinicians and patients. Huddles are navigated by a shared planning board placed in the labor and delivery room in view of the patient and their care team. The board promotes transparent and reliable communication and contains four areas to be acknowledged or discussed: (a) the names of the team members, starting with the patient; (b) the patient's preferences; (c) the care plan for the patient, baby, and labor progress; and (d) when the next team huddle is anticipated.

Discussion

We identified an opportunity to improve the safety and dignity of childbirth care through an intrapartum care process that promotes reliable and structured communication and teamwork. Future work should evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementation and potential impact on safety and experience of care.
A multidimensional, person‐centred perspective on teacher engagement: Evidence from Canadian and Australian teachers
Authors: Perera Harsha N. , Yerdelen Sündüs , McIlveen Peter , Part Rachel
Published: July 2021

Background

Hitherto, little work has examined the proposition that teachers may simultaneously invest varying degrees of their energetic resources in the teaching and learning environment.

Aims

Drawing on a multidimensional, person‐centred perspective, the study aimed to identify profiles of teacher engagement, reflecting distinct configurations of teachers’ energetic investments, and their generalizability across Canadian and Australian teachers. Additionally, we examined teachers’ self‐efficacy beliefs as predictors of engagement profile membership and the cross‐country generalizability of these relations. We also examined emotional exhaustion (EE) and job satisfaction (JS) as outcomes of profile membership in Canadian and Australian teachers, respectively.

Samples

The samples comprised 586 Canadian and 595 Australian teachers.

Methods

Data on teachers’ multidimensional engagement and teacher self‐efficacy were collected in both the Canadian and Australian samples. Additionally, data on Canadian teachers’ burnout and Australian teachers’ job satisfaction were collected.

Results

Latent profile analyses revealed three engagement profiles, representing distinct configurations of teachers’ multidimensional energetic investments, which were found to mostly generalize. Additionally, self‐efficacy beliefs were found to predict the likelihood of engagement profile membership equally in Canadian and Australian teachers, and EE in Canadian teachers and JS in Australian teachers were found to differ significantly across the profiles.

Conclusions

The results of the study constitute among the first evidence that teachers may be differentially engaged in the teaching environment with respect to their distinct energetic investments, and such differential profiles of engagement have differential implications for well‐being‐related outcomes and can be predicted by their teaching capability beliefs.
Self‐selection bias in a field experiment: Recruiting subjects under different payment schemes
Authors: Herranz‐Zarzoso Noemí , Georgantzis Nikolaos , Sabater‐Grande Gerardo
Published: July 2021

We examine a potential self‐selection bias in different samples of experimental subjects depending on the payment scheme offered in the recruiting process. We ran four field experiments in which undergraduate students in a microeconomics course were invited to voluntarily set their own goal for the final exam. They were informed that they would be given a monetary reward (else nothing) if their actual grade were higher than or equal to their goal. Rewards were an increasing (quadratic) function of the goal. We aimed at studying whether subjects’ willingness to participate in the experiment depends on their expected performance under different advertised reward criteria, like a rank‐order tournament and piece‐rate pay. Given that judgments about future performance are closely tied to previous performance, the midterm exam scores from the current academic course are compared between participants and nonparticipants in order to analyze sample‐sorting effects. We find that when a rank‐order tournament is offered alone or in combination with another reward mechanism, high‐performing students are more likely than low‐performing ones to participate in the experiment.
Transcriptomics of biopsies identifies novel genes and pathways linked to neutrophilic inflammation in severe asthma
Authors: Sánchez‐Ovando Stephany , Simpson Jodie L. , Barker Daniel , Baines Katherine J. , Wark Peter A. B.
Published: July 2021

Background

Severe asthma is a complex disease. Transcriptomic profiling has contributed to understanding the pathogenesis of asthma, especially type‐2 inflammation. However, there is still poor understanding of non‐type‐2 asthma, and consequently, there are limited treatment options.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in endobronchial biopsies associated with inflammatory phenotypes of severe asthma.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined endobronchial biopsies from 47 adults with severe asthma (neutrophilic asthma (NA) n = 9, eosinophilic asthma (EA) n = 22 and paucigranulocytic asthma (PGA) n = 16) and 13 healthy controls (HC). RNA was extracted and transcriptomic profiles generated (Illumina Humanref‐12 V4) and analysed using GeneSpring GX14.9.1. Pathway identification using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

Results

NA had the most distinct profile, with signature of 60 top‐ranked DEGs (FC >±2) including genes associated with innate immunity response, neutrophil degranulation and IL‐10 signalling. NA presented enrichment to pathways previously linked to neutrophilic inflammation; dendritic cell maturation, Th1, TREM1, inflammasome, Th17 and p38 MAPK, as well as novel links to neuroinflammation, NFAT and PKCθ signalling. EA presented similar transcriptomic profiles to PGA and HC. Despite the higher proportion of bacterial colonization in NA, no changes were observed in the transcriptomic profiles of severe asthma culture positive compared with severe asthma culture negative.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

NA features a distinct transcriptomic profile with seven pathways enriched in NA compared to EA, PGA and HC. All those with severe asthma had significant enrichment for SUMOylation, basal cell carcinoma signalling and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways compared to HC, despite high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids. These findings contribute to the understanding of mechanistic pathways in endobronchial biopsies associated with NA and identify potential novel treatment targets for severe asthma.
Paraganglioma and other tumour detection rates in individuals with SDHx pathogenic variants by age of diagnosis and after the age of 50
Authors: Greenberg Samantha E. , Holman Rachel , Kohlmann Wendy , Buchmann Luke , Naumer Anne
Published: July 2021

Objective

Patients with SDHx germline mutations (SDHA, AF2, B, C, D) are at risk for paragangliomas (PGLs), renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age of SDHx tumour diagnosis in those with pathogenic variants (PVs), notably tumour detection after the age of 50 years.

Study Design

Longitudinal retrospective observational analysis.

Patients

Individuals with SDHx PVs.

Measurements

Demographic, clinical, genetic, screening and tumour detection and treatment data were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Descriptive analysis was utilised.

Results

A total of 165 patients with SDHx PVs from 34 families were evaluated. Sixty‐eight patients (41.2%) had at least one known SDHx‐related tumour in their history, identified through symptoms, screening or incidentally. The average age of SDHx‐related tumour diagnosis was 32.0 years. Age of diagnosis varied by the gene. Nine patients (n = 50; 18.0%) were identified with a tumour after the age of 50, identified via baseline screening after PV identification, or due to symptoms before molecular SDHx diagnosis.

Conclusions

Though tumours were identified in individuals above the age of 50; they were all identified on baseline screening or due to symptoms, confirming that baseline screening is essential. Given the slow‐growing nature of PGLs, these tumours might have been discovered before age 50 if molecular diagnosis and baseline screening had occurred earlier. Considering discontinuing screening after age 50 may be warranted if baseline screen imaging is negative and the individual does not have a prior tumour history.
Stage‐dependent function of Wnt5a during male external genitalia development
Authors: Alcantara Mellissa C. , Suzuki Kentaro , Acebedo Alvin R. , Sakamoto Yuki , Nishita Michiru , Minami Yasuhiro , Kikuchi Akira , Yamada Gen
Published: July 2021

External genitalia development in mice involves multiple developmental processes under the regulation of various signaling pathways. Wnt5a, one of the major Wnt ligands, is a crucial developmental regulator of outgrowing organs such as the limb, the mandible, and the external genitalia. Defects in Wnt5a signaling have been linked to Robinow syndrome, a genetic disorder in which male patients manifest a micropenis and defective urethral tube formation. Whereas Wnt5a is required for cell proliferation during embryonic external genitalia outgrowth, its role for urethral tube formation has yet to be understood. Here, we show that Wnt5a contributes to urethral tube formation as well as external genitalia outgrowth. Wnt5a is expressed in the embryonic external genitalia mesenchyme, and mesenchymal‐specific conditional Wnt5a knockout mice resulted in hypospadias‐like urethral defects. Early deletion of Wnt5a at E10.5 showed severe defects in both external genitalia outgrowth and urethral tube formation, along with reduced cell proliferation. The severe urethral tube defect persisted during later timing deletion of Wnt5a (E13.5). Further analyses revealed that loss of Wnt5a disrupted cell polarity and led to a reduction of the phosphorylated myosin light chain and the focal adhesion protein, vinculin. Altogether, these results suggest that Wnt5a coordinates cell proliferation and directed cell migration in a stage‐dependent manner during male external genitalia development. Furthermore, Wnt5a may regulate cell polarity, focal adhesion formation, and cell contractility, leading to directed cell migration during male‐type urethral formation in a manner that has not been reported in other organ fusion events.
Acceptance, obedience and resistance: Children's perceptions of street trading in Nigeria
Authors: Osaiyuwu Abiodun , Burch Sarah , Sandu Adriana
Published: July 2021

Street trading is an under‐researched form of child labour. This study explores experiences of children aged 10–15 in Nigeria, using interviews and focus groups. Children largely accepted the need to contribute economically to the family, as well as their own school expenses. Trading was demanding, and there were hidden costs, such as reduced school attendance, but an emphasis on obedience made challenge difficult. Children felt resistance, but knowledge of their rights did not support acting on these feelings. Accounts demonstrated the difficulties of living at the intersection of competing constructions of childhood.
Relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate and outcome of ischemic stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Yao Zhelv , Xu Hengheng , Cheng Yue , Xu Yun
Published: July 2021

Aims

We aimed to determine whether preprocedural renal function affects the outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and whether this effect is modified by the onset‐to‐reperfusion time (OTR) and mediated by collateral status.

Methods

Eligible patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) who underwent MT between August 2018 and August 2020 were reviewed. The main outcome was good functional outcome [defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0–2] at 3 months. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between renal function and good functional outcome. A moderation analysis and the Johnson‐Neyman technique were performed to assess the interaction between renal function and OTR to predict the outcome of AIS patients with MT.

Results

Among 100 enrolled patients, 36 (36%) exhibited good functional outcome. A decreased preprocedural estimated glomerular filtration rate (pre‐eGFR) was significantly associated with worse functional outcome [adjusted OR, 1.059 (1.012–1.108); p, 0.014], and this effect was partly mediated by collateral circulation. An interaction between OTR and pre‐eGFR on functional outcome was observed (P for interaction, 0.22), and pre‐eGFR only had a significant effect on functional outcome when OTR exceeded 455.8 min. Moreover, the adverse effect of OTR on functional outcome became no longer significant when the pre‐eGFR was higher than 89.0 mL/min/1.73 mL/min/1.73 m².

Conclusions

Renal function was related to functional outcome at 3 months, and this relationship could be modified by OTR. The results suggested that reducing OTR and improving collateral circulation may mitigate the adverse effect of reduced kidney function on functional outcome.
Early aspirin use, allograft rejection, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplantation
Authors: Bergmark Brian A. , Zelniker Thomas A. , Kim Miae , Mehra Mandeep R. , Stewart Garrick C. , Page Deborah S. , Woodcome Erica L. , Givertz Michael M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Early aspirin (ASA) use after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) has been associated with lower rates of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). We hypothesized that the inverse association between ASA use and CAV incidence may be most pronounced in patients with allograft rejection.

Methods

Patients receiving OHT at a single center 2004–2010 (n = 120) were categorized by early ASA use post‐transplant (ASA use for > 6 months in the first year) and the presence of biopsy‐defined acute cellular rejection (ACR) and/or antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) during 5‐year follow‐up. Propensity scores for ASA treatment were estimated using boosting models and applied by inverse probability of treatment weighting. The association between ASA use and time to moderate/severe CAV (ISHLT ≥ 2) was investigated.

Results

Among patients with ACR or AMR, ASA therapy was associated with significantly lower rates of CAV≥ 2 (3.3 vs. 30.1%; P = .001; HRadj .07; 95% CI .01–.52), whereas ASA therapy was not associated with lower rates of CAV in patients with no rejection (5.6 vs. 5.3%; P = .90; HRadj 1.26; 95% CI .08–20.30; pinteraction = .09).

Conclusions

Early ASA use after OHT was associated with lower rates of moderate to severe CAV only in those patients with episodes of allograft rejection.
Resilience and the role of equids in humanitarian crises
Authors: Clancy Cara , Watson Tamlin , Raw Zoe
Published: July 2021

In times of crisis, working equids can play a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable people in lower middle income countries. However, their contributions are rarely acknowledged in academic research, media reporting, international policy, and development initiatives. This paper explores the involvement of working equids in humanitarian emergencies, notably those pertaining to conflict, drought, climate change, and natural hazards. It presents ‘critical cases’, informed by document analysis of policy papers, historical texts, and academic publications. In addition, it includes the findings of semi‐structured interviews with key informants, primarily field staff working for frontline services in crisis zones, conducted in mid 2020. The paper develops evidence on the role of working equids in crisis situations—expanding the concept of ‘resilience’ to include working animals and contributing to recent academic discussions in the fields of disaster and development studies—highlighting their importance for global policy, resilience programming, and disaster risk reduction, including efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.