bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of the data science capability maturity model: a survey-based research
Authors: Gökalp Mert Onuralp , Gökalp Ebru , Kayabay Kerem , Koçyiğit Altan , Eren P. Erhan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate social and technical drivers of data science practices and develop a standard model for assisting organizations in their digital transformation by providing data science capability/maturity level assessment, deriving a gap analysis, and creating a comprehensive roadmap for improvement in a standardized way.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes the existing literature-related to data science and 183 practitioners' considerations by employing a survey-based research method. By blending the findings of this research with a well-established process capability maturity model standard, International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 330xx, and following a methodological maturity development framework, a theoretically grounded model, entitled as the data science capability maturity model (DSCMM) was developed.

Findings

It was found that organizations seek a capability/maturity model standard to evaluate and improve their current data science capabilities. To close this research gap, the DSCMM is developed. It consists of six capability maturity levels and twenty-seven processes categorized under five process areas: organization, strategy management, data analytics, data governance and technology management.

Originality/value

This paper validates the need for a process capability maturity model for the data science domain and develops the DSCMM by integrating literature findings and practitioners' considerations into a well-accepted process capability maturity model standard to continuously assess and improve the maturity of data science capabilities of organizations.
Organising to beat the Trade Union Act (2016) voting thresholds: a case study of organising and tactics from the University and College Union
Authors: Richards James , Ellis Vaughan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A retrospective action-research case study of one branch of the University and College Union (UCU) is used to show how threshold requirements of the Act can be systematically beaten.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper responds to calls for “best practice” on how trade unions may react to member voting threshold requirements of the Trade Union Act 2016 (the Act). A broader aim is to make a theoretical contribution related to trade union organising and tactics in “get the vote out” (GTVO) industrial action organising campaigns.

Findings

Findings are presented as a lead organiser's first-hand account of a successful GTVO campaign contextualised in relation to theories of organising. The findings offer “best practice” for union organisers required to beat the Act's voting thresholds and also contribute to theories surrounding trade union organising tactics.

Research limitations/implications

Further development and adaptation of the proposed model may be required when applied to larger bargaining units and different organising contexts.

Practical implications

The findings can inform the organising practices/tactics of trade unions in relation to statutory ballots. The findings also allow Human Resource (HR) practitioners to reflect on their approach to dealing with unions capable of mounting successful GTVO campaigns.

Social implications

The findings have the potential to collectively empower workers, via their trade unions, to defend and further their interests in a post-financial crisis context and in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This is the first known empirical account of organising to exceed voting thresholds of the Act, providing practical steps for union organisers in planning for statutory ballots. Further value lies in the paper's use of a novel first-hand account of a GTVO campaign, offering a new and first, theoretical model of organising tactics to beat the Act.
How do public companies respond to national challenges through sustainability reporting? – The case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Dinithi , Tilt Carol A. , Qian Wei
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability reporting is shaped by the global influences and particular national context where businesses operate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses both content analysis of published sustainability information and semi-structured interviews with corporate managers to explore how sustainability reporting is used to address unique social and environmental challenges in a developing country – Sri Lanka. The use of integrative social contracts theory in investigating sustainability reporting offers novel insights into understanding the drivers for sustainability reporting practices in this particular country.

Findings

The findings reveal that managers’ perceptions about usefulness of sustainability reporting, local contextual challenges and global norms influence the extent to which companies engage in sustainability reporting and the nature of sustainability information reported. In particular, Sri Lankan company managers strive to undertake sustainability projects that are beneficial not only to their companies but also to the development of the country. However, while company managers in Sri Lanka are keen to undertake sustainability reporting, they face different tensions/expectations between global expectations and local contextual factors when undertaking sustainability projects and reporting. This is also showcased in what is ultimately reported in company annual reports, where some aspects of sustainability, e.g. social, tend to focus more on addressing local concerns whereas other disclosures are on issues that may be relevant across many contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Important insights for government and other regulatory authorities can be drawn from the findings of this study. By capitalising on the strong sense of moral duty felt by company managers, policymakers can involve the business sector more to mitigate the social and environmental issues prevalent in Sri Lanka. The findings can also be used by other developing countries to enable pathways to engage with the corporate sector to contribute to national development agendas through their sustainability initiatives and projects.

Originality/value

While the usual understanding of developing country’s company managers is that they try to follow global trends, in Sri Lanka, this research shows how managers are trying to align their responsibilities at a national level with global principles regarding sustainability reporting. Therefore, this paper highlights how both hypernorms and microsocial rules can interact to define how company managers undertake sustainability reporting in a developing country.
Residents' perceptions of the environmental and social impact of tourism in rural areas
Authors: Liasidou Sotiroula , Stylianou Christiana , Berjozkina Galina , Garanti Zanete
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an understanding of residents' perceptions of how tourism activity in a rural area impacts their environment as well as their economic and social lives individually and as a community.

Design/methodology/approach

As a primary method of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 residents in the rural areas of Cyprus.

Findings

The study's findings suggest that tourism activity in the rural areas provides a plethora of opportunities to residents, but comes with challenges and threats. Both social and environmental impacts are mainly for the benefit of the local communities as the engine of development. Emphasis is given to the revival of the local culture with the emergence of small and medium enterprises, along with the motivation of younger populations and women to become active entrepreneurs. However, a more holistic approach should be taken to sustainable tourism development in Cyprus, ensuring that all local communities have an opportunity to develop small-scale niche tourism products that enhance the image of rural destinations and which become a source of pride for the residents.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by enhancing knowledge of the relationship between tourism and local rural communities. Shedding light on residents' perceptions by evaluating social and environmental impacts can guide government policy making and implementation.
Introduction: what are the challenges and opportunities for tourism sustainability in Cyprus?
Authors: Garanti Zanete , Berjozkina Galina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper provides an overview and explains the context of this theme issue. The paper outlines the theme issue approach and profiles the articles written in response to the strategic question that aims to explore the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the theme issue approach to exploring challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus. The strategic question is tackled in a series of articles that contain literature reviews, reviews of data and evidence, interactions with practitioners and practical solutions.

Findings

The findings of the theme issue focus on sustainability challenges and opportunities in Cyprus and provide insights into the history, current state of development and progress made in implementing sustainable development in its tourism and hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This theme issue outlines the challenges that the tourism industry faces in a small island state that is highly dependent on income generated by conventional tourism activity. In turbulent times where all stakeholders actively demand more sustainable, balanced tourism activity, the articles in this theme issue provide insights on stakeholder involvement, support availability, residents' perceptions of tourism activity, opportunities to develop innovative, technologically advanced solutions, themed tourism activities in remote regions and destinations and the implementation of sustainability concepts in tourism and hospitality education.
Predictive features associated with chronic spontaneous urticaria recurrence
Authors: Toubi Elias , Vadasz Zahava
Published: September 2021

When chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is resolved, patients are often apprehensive about the likelihood of recurrence, and want to know if we can predict this using clinical or laboratory markers. This question is crucial because CSU is frequently accompanied by a high incidence of stressful comorbidities, and the fear of experiencing this again can be devastating to the patient. This study was designed with the aim of focusing on the prevalence and characteristics of the recurrence of CSU. We used our CSU patient registry that includes data on 180 patients who are followed periodically. In 23 (13%) patients, CSU was resolved during the first year. In 47 (26%) patients, CSU lasted more than 5 years. The recurrence of CSU was recorded in 21% of our patients after having experienced a full remission anywhere between 1 to 10 years (mean ± 2.9 years). While investigating predictive clinical or laboratory markers, we noticed that bronchial asthma existed in 10/25 (40%) of patients in whom CSU recurred as compared with 45/180 (25%) in the general CSU population (p = 0.049). In addition, increased levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig)E were found in 10/25 (40%) of the recurrence group as compared with 34/150 (23%) of the general CSU group (p = 0.04). Anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibodies were also found in 11/25 (44%) of the recurrence group as compared with 32/160 (20%) of the general group (p = 0.003). The prevalence of CSU recurrence after a full remission is significantly higher among patients with existing bronchial asthma, increased levels of total IgE, and autoimmunity. Further studies are required in order to substantiate this important issue.
Voices of the establishment or of cultural subversion? The Western canon in the curriculum
Authors: Williams Kevin
Published: September 2021

The argument of this paper is that many texts of the Western literary canon rather than being vehicles of establishment values are critical of these values. Teaching these texts allows educators to challenge the interests of those who hold power in society as well as conventional sexual morality and gender stereotypes. Many important works of literature, in addition to denouncing hypocrisy, self-righteousness and all forms of exploitation, undermine occidental cultural preconceptions regarding the status of European civilisation and attitudes to religion and male–female relations. Yet there is an ambivalence in some texts that deal with racism and Europe's colonial legacy, and this ambivalence is also considered.
Influence of tannins, human saliva, and the interaction between them on volatility of aroma compounds in a model wine
Authors: Lyu Jiaheng , Chen Shuang , Xu Yan , Li Jiming , Nie Yao , Tang Ke
Published: September 2021

During wine drinking, aroma release is mainly impacted by wine matrix compositions and oral physiological parameters. Notably, tannins in wine could interact with saliva protein to form aggregates which might also affect the volatility of volatiles. To explore tannins, saliva, and the interaction between them on the volatility of volatiles, the volatility of 16 aroma compounds in the model wine mixed with the commercial tannin extracts, human saliva, or both respectively, was evaluated in vitro static condition by using HS‐SPME‐GC/MS. The volatility of aroma compounds with high hydrophobicity or benzene ring appeared to decrease more when increasing the tannin levels. Specifically, the volatility of ethyl octanoate, β‐ionone, and guaiacol was decreased more than 20% by adding 2 g/L tannin extract. The addition of human saliva could significantly inhibit volatility of most aroma compounds in the model wine. Furthermore, the volatility of most aroma compounds in the mixture of tannins and human saliva was significantly lower than the control or the sample which were added with tannins or human saliva individually. The volatility of some aroma compounds in the mixture of the tannin and saliva was only around 50% or less, relative to the control. Two‐way ANOVA analysis showed that there was a synergistic effect between tannin and saliva on decreasing the volatility of most aroma compounds (p < 0.05). Overall, understanding the effect of key factors such as tannins and saliva on volatility of volatiles could help to understand the sophisticated retronasal perceptions during wine tasting.

Practical Application

The outputs of this research will be helpful in understanding the impact of tannins on retronasal aroma release during wine tasting. It might promote the control of tannins in the viticulture and brewing process to improve the retronasal perception of wine aroma.
Atypical imaging presentation of herpes simplex virus encephalitis in paediatric immunocompromised oncology patients
Authors: Kapadia Tejas , Sahu Arpita , Gupta Anurag , Dhamne Chetan , Prasad Maya , Chinaswamy Girish , Kembhavi Seema
Published: September 2021

Introduction

We aim to assess the imaging manifestations of brain involvement in paediatric immunocompromised patients with haematological malignancies on chemotherapy presenting with encephalitis and positive HSV CSF PCR. We also aim to determine whether our findings are similar or different to those described in literature for paediatric patients in general.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in paediatric ALL/lymphoma patients on chemotherapy, and cases with positive CSF HSV‐PCR with at least one head MRI scan were included. On imaging, location(typical/atypical), post‐contrast enhancement and haemorrhage/diffusivity/gliosis were evaluated.

Result

A total of 28 scans were included in study from 16 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria, 12 (75%) HSV‐1 and 4 (25%) HSV‐2. Of the 16 initial scans (CT n = 10, MRI n = 6), 11 were normal (CT = 7, MRI = 4). Fourteen patients had follow‐up MRI, of which two had normal scans. On the abnormal initial scan (5/16), only 20% had typical medial temporal/inferomedial frontal/cingulate involvement. Most had frontal (80%), parietal (60%) and non‐medial temporal (40%) lesions. Abnormal diffusivity/haemorrhage was absent in all, and postcontrast enhancement was seen in 20%. On follow‐up, more patients (33%) had typical medial temporal/inferomedial frontal/cingulate involvement. Widespread atypical site involvement of frontoparietal (75%), thalamus (58%), non‐medial temporal (50%), occipital/basal ganglia (33%) and cerebellum (8%) was noted. Most lesions were cortical (91%)/subcortical (75%) with few periventricular lesions (58%). Few showed abnormal diffusivity (16%), post‐contrast parenchymal enhancement/haemorrhage (8%), post‐contrast meningeal enhancement (25%) and gliosis (16%).

Conclusion

Immunocompromised paediatric patients with haematological malignancies have widespread atypical brain involvement in herpes simplex encephalitis with lack of diffusion restriction and post‐contrast enhancement, likely due to haematogenous spread of HSV across the blood–brain barrier, lack of cellular immunity and limited inflammatory cytokine response.
Strength in Numbers: How Women's Groups Close India's Political Gender Gap
Authors: Prillaman Soledad Artiz
Published: September 2021

In India, there persists a striking gender gap in political participation. Women's political participation is important both on normative grounds of inclusion and because when women participate, politics changes. I develop a theoretical model of women's political behavior, arguing that women's lack of political participation is the result of the structure of women's political networks in patriarchal societies. I then evaluate the effect of expanding women's networks by leveraging a natural experiment that created as‐if random variation in access to women‐only credit groups. Participation in these groups had a significant and substantial impact on women's political participation—women's attendance at public meetings doubled. I provide suggestive evidence of three mechanisms underlying this effect: (1) larger networks, (2) increased capacity for collective action within networks, and (3) development of civic skills. These findings contribute to our understanding of how networks affect political behavior and underlie gendered inequalities in political participation.
Psychological difficulties of LVAD patients and caregivers: A follow up over one year from discharge
Authors: Rossi Ferrario Silvia , Panzeri Anna , Pistono Massimo
Published: September 2021

Background

After the rehabilitation program, patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are discharged home, but the adaption to the daily life with the implant is challenging, both with practical and psychological consequences. Literature is lacking detailed information about the quality of life of LVAD patients and caregivers after discharge to home.

Objective

This study aimed at evaluating the post‐discharge outcomes of both LVAD patients and their caregivers in terms of quality of life, affectivity, and psychological health.

Methods

In this observational follow‐up study, LVAD dyads discharged home from 1 year to 6 years were re‐contacted by phone and received by mail an envelope with self‐report questionnaires. Responses of 39 complete dyads of patients (mean age 68.59 ± 4.31; males: 92.31%) and their caregivers (mean age 61.59 ± 11.64; males: 17.95%) were analyzed.

Results

Patients and caregivers reported the moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and caregiver strain, and Illness denial and conscious avoidance were associated between them. The couples often reported that the LVAD has impairments for their sleep and for their affective–sexual relationship. Caregivers often reported impairment in social life and self‐care.

Discussions

Despite the satisfaction for the medical and territorial assistance, patients showed psychological difficulties such as anxious and depressive symptoms and caregivers tend to neglect themselves. Even after a long time from discharge to home, the psychological distress of LVAD patients and caregivers is still considerable. Structured and continuous psychological interventions are required to support their psychological health overtime after the discharge to home.
Examining the relationship between children's health‐related quality of life and their perception of parental support toward physical activity: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ha Amy S. , Ng Johan Y. Y. , Wong Rosa S.
Published: September 2021

This study investigated how health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) affected perception of parental support for physical activity (PA) in 529 children from the “Fun to Move@JC Project.” They self‐reported their HRQOL, PA enjoyment and motivation, barriers to PA, and attachment to parents in the first semester (Time 1) and perceived parental PA support in the second semester (Time 2). Mediation analyses were performed to examine the underlying mechanisms. Greater Time 1 HRQOL scores predicted higher Time 2 perceived parental PA support through PA enjoyment and motivation, barriers to PA, and attachment to parents at Time 1. The specific indirect effect via attachment to parents was particularly strong in girls, whereas the association of PA enjoyment with perceived parental PA support was stronger in boys. Our findings suggest that children with poor HRQOL may not perceive parents to be supportive of their PA. Interventions promoting parental PA support should emphasize PA enjoyment and benefits to attachment security for parents of boys and girls, respectively.
What influences the provision and reception of oral health education? A narrative review of the literature
Authors: Barnes Emma , Bullock Alison , Chestnutt Ivor Gordon
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Most common diseases of the mouth are preventable through behavioural changes, oral hygiene routines and regular professional care. Research suggests dental professionals may prioritize clinical experience, personal values and preferences over evidence when delivering such interventions. Research also suggests variable rates of patient behaviour change following oral health education (OHE) interactions. This review explores the literature to answer the question: what factors influence the provision and reception of OHE messages and the wider OHE process?

Methods

A structured search of literature was carried out with databases covering a range of academic disciplines (healthcare sciences, social sciences, education). Key words/terms were searched to elicit papers published since 1998. Citation mining (relevant citations within papers) and citation tracking (papers citing relevant papers) were also used. Recurring themes within the papers were identified and coded using NVivo12 and presented in a conceptual model.

Results

The studies analysed tended to employ small‐scale surveys, larger‐scale surveys (some with low response rates), or interview studies of varying sizes. There was also a limited number of review papers. However, several key messages were identified regarding dental professionals' and patients' views on OHE and the factors that influence its provision. Factors that were identified related to the wider social and policy context (macro), community‐level factors (meso), the individual practitioner and patient (micro), factors that influenced the nature of OHE interaction and any resulting behaviour change, and how the outcomes of the process influence future OHE interactions for both parties.

Conclusions

The literature highlighted how factors influence the OHE process before, during and after the educational interaction. The resultant conceptual model acknowledges the influence of wider ‘upstream’ factors alongside interpersonal and individual influences which should be taken into consideration when developing OHE interventions.
The impact of price hedging on subsidized insurance: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Slade Peter
Published: September 2021

This article examines the effect of price hedging on publicly subsidized insurance. Theoretically, the effect of hedging is found to have an ambiguous effect on the incentive to purchase revenue insurance. A simulation is used to analyze the relationship between hedging and the Canadian AgriStability program in three regions in Saskatchewan. AgriStability is a margin insurance product, though in the simulation I hold input use constant, allowing the program to operate as if it were revenue insurance. Hedging is found to substantially reduce enrolment in AgriStability in each region. Furthermore, in some simulations the benefits that producers receive from AgriStability are smaller than the value of government subsidies. The results offer an explanation for low participation in AgriStability and show that the risk‐reducing effect of AgriStability is moderated by the ability of crop producers to hedge price risk through other means.
Cutaneous ectopia of lung, located on back and neck: Hitherto undescribed presentation
Authors: Osama Md , Sharma Rupali , Dhawan Shashi
Published: September 2021

Ectopia is defined as the presence of a normal‐appearing tissue in an abnormal location, where it is not normally found. In the literature, it is also referred to as heterotopia and is described as choristoma when it forms a mass. Lung tissue ectopia is a rare anomaly and is characterized by the presence of mature lung tissue comprising well‐formed bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli at an abnormal location. Occurrence of ectopic lung tissue in the skin is an extremely rare entity and the diagnosis is mostly established by histopathologic examination. This report documents a rare occurrence of cutaneous ectopic lung tissue at two locations (neck and back). Cutaneous ectopia at multiple sites has not been described in the literature till date.
Testing the causes of richness patterns in the paleotropics: time and diversification in cycads (Cycadaceae)
Authors: Liu Jian , Lindstrom Anders J. , Nagalingum Nathalie S. , Wiens John J. , Gong Xun
Published: September 2021

The paleotropics harbor many biodiversity hotspots and show many different species richness patterns. However, it remains unclear which factors are the most important in directly shaping richness patterns among regions in the paleotropics (i.e. diversification rates, colonization times, and dispersal frequency). Here we used Cycadaceae as a model system to test the causes of regional richness patterns in the paleotropics. Specifically, we tested the roles of dispersal frequency, colonization time, diversification rates, and their combined role in explaining richness patterns among regions. We generated a well‐sampled, time‐calibrated phylogeny and then used this to estimate dispersal events, colonization times, and diversification rates. Richness patterns were significantly associated with the timing of the first colonization of each region and were best explained by the combined effects of colonization time and diversification rates. The number of dispersal events into each region and the diversification rates of species in each region were not significantly related to richness. Ancestral‐area reconstructions showed frequent migrations across Wallace's line, with a higher diversification rate east of Wallace's line than west of it. Overall, our study shows that colonization time can be an important factor for explaining regional richness patterns in the paleotropics.
The role of habitat fragmentation in Pleistocene megafauna extinction in Eurasia
Authors: Mondanaro Alessandro , Di Febbraro Mirko , Melchionna Marina , Maiorano Luigi , Di Marco Moreno , Edwards Neil R. , Holden Philip B. , Castiglione Silvia , Rook Lorenzo , Raia Pasquale
Published: September 2021

The idea that several small, rather than a single large, habitat areas should hold the highest total species richness (the so‐called SLOSS debate) brings into question the importance of habitat fragmentation to extinction risk. SLOSS studies are generally addressed over a short time scale, potentially ignoring the long‐term dimension of extinction risk. Here, we provide the first long‐term evaluation of the role of habitat fragmentation in species extinction, focusing on 22 large mammal species that lived in Eurasia during the last 200 000 years. By combining species distribution models and landscape pattern analysis, we compared temporal dynamics of habitat spatial structure between extinct and extant species, estimating the size, number and degree of the geographical isolation of their suitable habitat patches. Our results evidenced that extinct mammals went through considerable habitat fragmentation during the last glacial period and started to fare worse than extant species from about 50 ka. In particular, our modelling effort constrains the fragmentation of habitats into a narrow time window, from 46 to 36 ka ago, surprisingly coinciding with known extinction dates of several megafauna species. Landscape spatial structure was the second most important driver affecting megafauna extinction risk (ca 38% importance), after body mass (ca 39%) and followed by dietary preferences (ca 20%). Our results indicate a major role played by landscape fragmentation on extinction. Such evidence provides insights on what might likely happen in the future, with climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation acting as the main forces exerting their negative effects on biodiversity.
The effect of maturity and season on health‐related bioactive compounds in wild harvested fruit of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Exell)
Authors: Phan Anh Dao Thi , Damyeh Maral Seidi , Chaliha Mridusmita , Akter Saleha , Fyfe Selina , Netzel Michael E. , Cozzolino Daniel , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: September 2021

This study reports changes in the concentrations of important health‐related bioactive compounds (vitamin C and ellagic acid) and morphology of wild harvested Kakadu plum fruits that were collected during three harvest seasons and four maturities. The results showed that fruit weight increased, whereas fruit length and width changed slightly with the advance in maturity. Vitamin C increased up to 20 folds (from 1.2 to 21.2% dry weight [DW]) from immature to mature stage, whereas ellagic acid decreased approximately three times (from 6.5 to 2.1% DW). Similar trends were observed over the three harvest seasons studied. A positive correlation between fruit weight and vitamin C, whereas a negative correlation with ellagic acid was observed, indicating that maturity plays an important role in contributing to the variation of ellagic acid and vitamin C. Season also had an effect and showed the influences of rainfall, temperature and solar exposure on the biosynthesis of vitamin C and ellagic acid.
Construction of a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) double emulsion system based on oyster peptides and characterisation of freeze‐dried products
Authors: Yang Wen , Li Jinzhen , Ren Dingding , Cao Wenhong , Lin Haisheng , Qin Xiaoming , Wu Leiyan , Zheng Huina
Published: September 2021

In order to broaden the range of applications for oyster peptides in the food field, the amino acid composition of oyster peptide was analysed, after which the peptide sequence was identified using liquid‐mass spectrometry technology. A W1/O/W2 double emulsion was prepared by the two‐step shear emulsification method. The W1/O/W2 double emulsion was further freeze‐dried after addition of alginate to obtain the final product, and the characteristics of the related product were analysed. The results show that oyster peptides are mainly composed of short peptides with molecular weights between 459.3 Da and 2716.3 Da. Polyglycerol polyrinoleate (PGPR) was selected as the emulsifier and added at 5% of the mass of the oil phase. The mass ratio of the oil phase to the water phase was O:W = 6:4, and optimal stability of the W1/O emulsion was obtained by shearing and emulsifying for 2 min at 12 000 rpm. A superior W1/O/W2 double emulsion can be obtained by secondary emulsification in which the hydrophilic emulsifier Tween 80 was added at 0.8% (w/w) of the mass of the external water phase (W2). The mass ratio of the emulsion to the external water phase was 5:5. The lyophilised product has good re‐solubility, with the reconstituted emulsion maintaining the double‐emulsion structure. Electronic nose results showed that the peculiar smell of the reconstituted emulsion was significantly lower than that of the oyster peptide solution. The results of this research provide a reference for the development and application of oyster peptides in the field of functional health foods.
An explainable machine learning model for predicting in‐hospital amputation rate of patients with diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Xie Puguang , Li Yuyao , Deng Bo , Du Chenzhen , Rui Shunli , Deng Wu , Wang Min , Boey Johnson , Armstrong David G. , Ma Yu , Deng Wuquan
Published: September 2021

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious and alarming diabetic complications, which often leads to high amputation rates in diabetic patients. Machine learning is a part of the field of artificial intelligence, which can automatically learn models from data and better inform clinical decision‐making. We aimed to develop an accurate and explainable prediction model to estimate the risk of in‐hospital amputation in patients with DFU. A total of 618 hospitalised patients with DFU were included in this study. The patients were divided into non‐amputation, minor amputation or major amputation group. Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) and 5‐fold cross‐validation tools were used to construct a multi‐class classification model to predict the three outcomes of interest. In addition, we used the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm to interpret the predictions of the model. Our area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristic curve (AUC) demonstrated a 0.90, 0.85 and 0.86 predictive ability for non‐amputation, minor amputation and major amputation outcomes, respectively. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the developed explainable machine learning model provided accurate estimates of the amputation rate in patients with DFU during hospitalisation. Besides, the model could inform individualised analyses of the patients' risk factors.
Room‐temperature dislocation plasticity in SrTiO3 tuned by defect chemistry
Authors: Stich Stephan , Ding Kuan , Muhammad Qaisar Khushi , Porz Lukas , Minnert Christian , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Durst Karsten , Rödel Jürgen , Frömling Till , Fang Xufei
Published: September 2021

Dislocations have been identified to modify both the functional and mechanical properties of some ceramic materials. Succinct control of dislocation‐based plasticity in ceramics will also demand knowledge about dislocation interaction with point defects. Here, we propose an experimental approach to modulate the dislocation‐based plasticity in single‐crystal SrTiO3 based on the concept of defect chemistry engineering, for example, by increasing the oxygen vacancy concentration via reduction treatment. With nanoindentation and bulk compression tests, we find that the dislocation‐governed plasticity is significantly modified at the nano‐/microscale, compared to the bulk scale. The increase in oxygen vacancy concentration after reduction treatment was assessed by impedance spectroscopy and is found to favor dislocation nucleation but impede dislocation motion as rationalized by the nanoindentation pop‐in and nanoindentation creep tests.
Perioperative risk factors for new‐onset postoperative atrial fibrillation among patients after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting: A retrospective study
Authors: Choi Hong‐Jae , Seo Eun Ji , Choi Jae‐Sung , Oh Se Jin , Son Youn‐Jung
Published: September 2021

Aims

Incidence of atrial fibrillation is considerably high after open heart surgery, which may prolong hospitalization and increase mortality. The aim of the present study is to investigate the perioperative risk factors for the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 327 Korean patients recorded to have undergone first‐time isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and no preoperative history of atrial fibrillation were included. The data were obtained from electronic health record from January 2010 to December 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. Predictors of new‐onset atrial fibrillation after the surgery were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The incidence rate of new‐onset atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting was approximately 28.4%, and the highest occurrence rate was 44.1% on postoperative day 2. Our main finding showed that advanced age was the strongest predictor of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, history of stroke and depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and intraoperative use of intra‐aortic balloon pump were shown to be the risk factors.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that approximately 28% patients had new‐onset atrial fibrillation after the surgery. Healthcare professionals should proactively assess risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation and focus more on older adults with pre‐existing comorbidities, such as stroke, depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Impact

Older adults with history of stroke, depression and comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be carefully monitored closely during perioperative period. The study highlights that early assessment of new‐onset postoperative atrial fibrillation can contribute to promote the quality of nursing care and frontline nurses may be a vital role in timely detection of atrial fibrillation after surgery. Prospective studies are required to identify the mechanisms connecting perioperative risk factors for atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.
Feasibility and acceptability of targeted salivary cytomegalovirus screening through universal newborn hearing screening
Authors: Webb Emma , Gillespie Alanna N , Poulakis Zeffie , Gartland Tim , Buttery Jim , Casalaz Dan , Daley Andrew J , Donath Susan , Gwee Amanda , Jacobs Susan E , Phuong Linny K , Pszczola Rosalynn , Purcell Rachael , Saunders Kerryn , Kadambari Seilesh , Jones Cheryl A. , Sung Valerie ,   the HearS‐cCMV Study Team
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and parental acceptability of screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) through saliva polymerase chain reaction in infants who did not pass their newborn hearing screening. Additionally, the utility (i.e. time to diagnosis and treatment) of this enhanced clinical pathway was evaluated.

Methods

The study was conducted through the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Programme (VIHSP) across four maternity hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, during June 2019–March 2020. Parents were approached by VIHSP staff about obtaining a test for cytomegalovirus (CMV) at the time of their baby's second positive (‘refer’) result on the VIHSP screen. Participating parents collected a saliva swab for CMV polymerase chain reaction from their infants. Feasibility was determined by the proportion of ‘referred’ infants whose parents completed the salivary CMV screening test ≤21 days of life. Acceptability was measured through parent survey.

Results

Of 126 eligible families, 96 (76.0%) had salivary screening swabs taken ≤21 days of life. Most families (>92.0%) indicated that screening was acceptable, straightforward and thought testing their baby for cCMV was a good idea. One infant screened positive on day 30, was diagnosed with cCMV via confirmatory testing by day 31 and commenced valganciclovir on day 32.

Conclusions

Obtaining a saliva sample to screen for cCMV in infants who do not pass their newborn hearing screen is feasible and appears acceptable to parents. This targeted cCMV screening method could be an option where mothers are rapidly discharged from hospital, especially in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Effects of dialectical behaviour therapy on reducing self‐harming behaviours and negative emotions in patients with borderline personality disorder: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Shu‐Yan , Cheng Yin , Zhao Wei‐Wei , Zhang Yan‐Hong
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Dialectical behaviour therapy(DBT) has been widely used for borderline personality disorder(BPD). Existing studies are limited to behaviours such as self‐harm, and the results for reducing self‐harm were controversial. Few have systematically evaluated the effect of DBT on self‐harming behaviours and negative emotions.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effects of DBT on self‐harming behaviours and negative emotions in patients with BPD.

Methods

RCTs on DBT for BPD were searched from PubMed, Embase, etc., and the results were performed by RevMan 5.3.

Results

The meta‐analysis demonstrated that DBT reduced self‐harming behaviours, and alleviated depression, but had a negligible effect on suicidal ideation and anger. One subgroup revealed that standard DBT improved depression significantly, but DBT skills training improved poorly. Another subgroup revealed that there was a significant reduction in depression among patients receiving DBT for 4 months to 14 months, but not at 4 months.

Discussion and implications for practice

Findings indicate that DBT can reduce self‐harming behaviours and improve depression, but effects on suicidal ideation and anger are insignificant. Subgroup analysis suggests that standard DBT and DBT‐ST lasting beyond 4 months benefits on BPD. Given the quality and quantity restrictions of RCTs, more high‐quality RCTs need to verify these effects.
The effectiveness of text message delivered interventions for weight loss in developing countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alamnia Tilahun Tewabe , Tesfaye Wubshet , Kelly Matthew
Published: September 2021

Recent advances in mobile technologies have provided an opportunity to disseminate health information on a variety of health conditions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that text messaging helps people to lose weight, but the effectiveness of interventions varies between studies. Thus, this review aimed to (1) identify RCTs that used text messages for overweight management, (2) identify components of the interventions, and (3) test their effectiveness. PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Quality scores for selected articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for interventional studies. The effectiveness of the interventions was tested using random effect models. Twelve studies that met inclusion criteria were included in this review. Ten of the included studies reported that text message interventions had a significant effect on weight loss. The pooled mean difference in body mass index (BMI) change after the intervention was −0.43 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval, − 0.63 to – 0.23 kg/m2). Synthesis of the included studies provides evidence that (1) regular text messages; (2) interventions targeting weight monitoring, diet habit, and physical activity; and (3) the use of behavior change techniques led to significant weight loss.
Complexity and data mining in dental research: A network medicine perspective on interceptive orthodontics
Authors: Gili Tommaso , Di Carlo Gabriele , Capuani Silvia , Auconi Pietro , Caldarelli Guido , Polimeni Antonella
Published: September 2021

Procedures and models of computerized data analysis are becoming researchers' and practitioners' thinking partners by transforming the reasoning underlying biomedicine. Complexity theory, Network analysis and Artificial Intelligence are already approaching this discipline, intending to provide support for patient's diagnosis, prognosis and treatments. At the same time, due to the sparsity, noisiness and time‐dependency of medical data, such procedures are raising many unprecedented problems related to the mismatch between the human mind's reasoning and the outputs of computational models. Thanks to these computational, non‐anthropocentric models, a patient's clinical situation can be elucidated in the orthodontic discipline, and the growth outcome can be approximated. However, to have confidence in these procedures, orthodontists should be warned of the related benefits and risks. Here we want to present how these innovative approaches can derive better patients' characterization, also offering a different point of view about patient's classification, prognosis and treatment.
The Effect of Weather Conditions on Fertilizer Applications: A Spatial Dynamic Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Billé Anna Gloria , Rogna Marco
Published: September 2021

Given the extreme dependence of agriculture on weather conditions, this paper analyses the effect of climatic variations on this economic sector, by considering both a huge data set and a flexible spatiotemporal model specification. In particular, we study the response of N-fertilizer application to abnormal weather conditions, while accounting for other relevant control variables. The data set consists of gridded data spanning over 21 years (1993–2013), while the methodological strategy makes use of a spatial dynamic panel data (SDPD) model that accounts for both space and time fixed effects, besides dealing with both space and time dependences. Time-invariant short- and long-term effects, as well as time-varying marginal effects are also properly defined, revealing interesting results on the impact of both GDP and weather conditions on fertilizer utilizations. The analysis considers four macroregions—Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and Africa—to allow for comparisons among different socio-economic societies. In addition to finding both spatial (in the form of knowledge spillover effects) and temporal dependences as well as a good support for the existence of an environmental Kuznets curve for fertilizer application, the paper shows peculiar responses of N-fertilization to deviations from normal weather conditions of moisture for each selected region, calling for ad hoc policy interventions.
Two-Sample Inference for High-Dimensional Markov Networks
Authors: Kim Byol , Liu Song , Kolar Mladen
Published: September 2021

Markov networks are frequently used in sciences to represent conditional independence relationships underlying observed variables arising from a complex system. It is often of interest to understand how an underlying network differs between two conditions. In this paper, we develop methods for comparing a pair of high-dimensional Markov networks where we allow the number of observed variables to increase with the sample sizes. By taking the density ratio approach, we are able to learn the network difference directly and avoid estimating the individual graphs. Our methods are thus applicable even when the individual networks are dense as long as their difference is sparse. We prove finite-sample Gaussian approximation error bounds for the estimator we construct under significantly weaker assumptions than are typically required for model selection consistency. Furthermore, we propose bootstrap procedures for estimating quantiles of a max-type statistics based on our estimator, and show how they can be used to test the equality of two Markov networks or construct simultaneous confidence intervals. The performance of our methods is demonstrated through extensive simulations. The scientific usefulness is illustrated with an analysis of a new fMRI data set.