bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical separation and ethnic origin influence the human gut microbial composition: a meta-analysis from a Malaysian perspective
Authors: Dwiyanto Jacky , Ayub Qasim , Lee Sui Mae , Foo Su Chern , Chong Chun Wie , Rahman Sadequr
Published: August 2021

Ethnicity is consistently reported as a strong determinant of human gut microbiota. However, the bulk of these studies are from Western countries, where microbiota variations are mainly driven by relatively recent migration events. Malaysia is a multicultural society, but differences in gut microbiota persist across ethnicities. We hypothesized that migrant ethnic groups continue to share fundamental gut traits with the population in the country of origin due to shared cultural practices despite subsequent geographical separation. To test this hypothesis, the 16S rRNA gene amplicons from 16 studies comprising three major ethnic groups in Malaysia were analysed, covering 636 Chinese, 248 Indian and 123 Malay individuals from four countries (China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia). A confounder-adjusted permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) detected a significant association between ethnicity and the gut microbiota (PERMANOVA R
2=0.005, pseudo-F=2.643, P=0.001). A sparse partial least squares – discriminant analysis model trained using the gut microbiota of individuals from China, India and Indonesia (representation of Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic group, respectively) showed a better-than-random performance in classifying Malaysian of Chinese descent, although the performance for Indian and Malay were modest (true prediction rate, Chinese=0.60, Indian=0.49, Malay=0.44). Separately, differential abundance analysis singled out

Ligilactobacillus

as being elevated in Indians. We postulate that despite the strong influence of geographical factors on the gut microbiota, cultural similarity due to a shared ethnic origin drives the presence of a shared gut microbiota composition. The interplay of these factors will likely depend on the circumstances of particular groups of migrants.
The resurgence risk of COVID-19 in the presence of immunity waning and ADE effect: a mathematical modelling study
Authors: Zhou Weike , Tang Biao , Bai Yao , Shao Yiming , Xiao Yanni , Tang Sanyi
Published: August 2021

Since the end of 2020, the mass vaccination has been actively promoted and seemed to be effective to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control. However, the fact of immunity waning and the possible existence of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) make the situation uncertain. We developed a dynamic model of COVID-19 incorporating vaccination and immunity waning, which was calibrated by using the data of accumulative vaccine doses administered and the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020 in mainland China. We explored how long the current vaccination program can prevent China in a low risk of resurgence, and how ADE affects the long-term trajectory of COVID-19 epidemics. The prediction suggests that the vaccination coverage with at least one dose reach 95.87%, and with two-doses reach 77.92% on August 31, 2021. However, even with the mass vaccination, randomly introducing infected cases in the post-vaccination period can result in large outbreaks quickly in the presence of immunity waning, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 variants with higher transmission ability. The results showed that with the current vaccination program and a proportion of 50% population wearing masks, mainland China can be protected in a low risk of resurgence till 2023/01/18. However, ADE effect and higher transmission ability for variants would significantly shorten the protective period for more than 1 year. Furthermore, intermittent outbreaks can occur while the peak values of the subsequential outbreaks are decreasing, meaning that subsequential outbreaks boosted the immunity in the population level, which further indicating that catching-up vaccination program can help to mitigate the possible outbreaks, even avoid the outbreaks. The findings reveal that integrated effects of multiple factors, including immunity waning, ADE, relaxed interventions, and higher transmission ability of variants, make the control of COVID-19 much more difficult. We should get ready for a long struggle with COVID-19, and should not totally rely on COVID-19 vaccine.
Dicer-to-Argonaute switch controls biogenesis of oncogenic miRNA
Authors: Winchester L. , van Bijsterveldt L. , Dhawan A. , Wigfield S. , Triantafyllidis C. , Haider S. , McIntyre A. , Humphrey T.C. , Harris A.L. , Buffa F.M.
Published: August 2021

miRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, controlling biological processes from development to pathogenesis. We asked whether the reshaped functional miRNA landscape in cancers is driven by altered transcription of its precursors, or altered biogenesis and maturation of miRNAs. Integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data in 9,111 samples across 10 cancer types and healthy tissues revealed a recurrent genomic switch from DICER-dependent to non-canonical Argonaute-mediated, DICER-independent, miRNA biogenesis. Experimental validation in AGO2-amplified clinical samples and cancer cell lines confirmed that canonical miRNAs can undergo maturation in a DICER-independent manner, and that elevated Argonaute levels promote selective maturation of the oncogenic miR-106b/25 cluster as shown by the altered ratio of mature miRNA to immature pri-miRNA levels. The preferential maturation of these oncogenic miRNAs, whose processing bypasses DICER1, promotes cancer progression and predicts poor prognosis. This highlights the evolution of non-canonical AGO2-dependent oncomiR processing as a novel driver pathway in cancer.
The role of institutional environment in building communication professionals' trust and satisfaction: a moderated multiple-mediation analysis
Authors: Meng Juan , Berger Bruce K.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

As an important group of internal stakeholders, communication professionals carry the responsibilities to communicate with multiple groups of audience and foster trusted and satisfied relationships, both internally and externally. However, while busy with taking care of various stakeholders, the trust–satisfaction perception of communication professionals is underrated. Therefore, this paper aims to shift the investigation of the trust–satisfaction relationship from general employees to this unique group of communicators. By incorporating three key factors in an institutional environment (i.e. job engagement, leadership performance and organizational culture and support), the authors further investigate the moderated mediating effects of those factors on the trust–satisfaction relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A national online survey of communication professionals working and living in the USA was designed to test the trust–satisfaction relationship. Surveyed communication professionals were asked to evaluate their own perceptions on various institutional factors. A conceptual moderated multiple-mediation structural model was proposed and tested to identify the impact of a complicated institutional environment on the perceived trust–satisfaction relationship.

Findings

Results confirmed a strong positive impact of trust in organization on communication professionals' perceived job satisfaction. Results also confirmed the mediating effects of job engagement and communication leaders' performance on such a trust–satisfaction relationship. The authors' moderated mediation analysis indicated the important role of organizational culture in this complicated institutional environment and its indirect impact on the trust–satisfaction relationship.

Originality/value

The research explored several important factors within a complicated institutional environment and their potential impact on trust–satisfaction relationship. More significantly, the authors focused on one unique group of internal stakeholders, communication professionals, by analyzing how these institutional factors affect their very own perceptions. Even though communication professionals carry the responsibilities of acting as the communication and strategy facilitators on behalf of their organization, their perceptions on trust and satisfaction are equally important and deserve more attention. Results of our research promote the understanding of the complicated mechanisms within corporate communication for an enhanced trust–satisfaction relationship between communication professionals and their organization.
Intercultural sensitivity and its effects on ELT curricula – Teacher insights
Authors: Etri Walead
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This qualitative research set out to understand what teachers’ assessments were of the context of teaching as it relates to the curriculum, and what they consider appropriate for an optimal teaching and learning experience in a university English language teaching (ELT) context.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were deemed required to understand the effects and understanding teachers had of the ELT curriculum as it played out in their teaching context. Focus group interviews and observations were the main method for data generation.

Findings

The context has a bearing on the ongoing development of teachers’ intercultural sensitivity (IS) frames and how they address IS over time in their context of teaching as it pertains to curriculum.

Originality/value

This is an original research paper which gives insight to knowledge about the relationship between ELT, curriculum and culture.
Prospect theory: an analysis of corporate actions and priorities in pandemic crisis
Authors: Tapas Poornima , Pillai Deepa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine and interpret the findings from different sources on the corporate decisions during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The COVID-19 is a new phenomenon; grounded theory research approach is adopted to develop propositions on prospect theory and strategic decisions. The paper examines and interprets the findings from different sources on the corporate decisions during COVID-19.

Findings

Conventionally, it is believed that innovation brings risks, and individuals preferred certainty over uncertainty, even if the gains under uncertainty were twice as high. But, the results of the study indicate a divergent trend. Under threat perceptions of risks, companies explore significant opportunities and possibilities for organizational growth.

Practical implications

The study provides a framework to analyze the strategic decisions of corporate enterprises. The decisions replicate value function as concave in a gain situation and convex in a loss realm in times of pandemic crises.

Originality/value

This paper uses “actions taken” by enterprises offering various solutions in the testing times. The study is multidisciplinary in nature; it analyses the transformation strategic decisions in the context of economic and social dimensions for surviving the pandemic crises. The study provides a foundation for future research, as inferences are based on select examples.
Lessons from CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Famer Henry Ford and the research that they call for in modern supply chains
Authors: van Hoek Remko
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper considers CSCMP Supply Chain Hall of Famer Henry Ford's innovation and its transformative impact on supply chain management. Credited with the assembly line, Ford's innovation also included a supply chain design around the concept of flow, integrated supply and the enablement of economies of scale and productivity to drive down consumer prices and create affordable product for a growing market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers literature and builds upon the history of the innovation to consider supply chain implications and future opportunities to further the innovation into modern supply chains.

Findings

Ford did not “invent” the assembly line but he did build the supply chain around it. He stewarded core supply chain principles of great relevance well before they become popular, including a focus on lifelong learning, making failure safe, waste elimination and helping make the world a better place. There are many opportunities to continue to build upon the innovation for future supply chain success.

Originality/value

The supply chain field is sometimes said to be “historically challenged.” This paper reviews the essence and lessons learned from the assembly line and supply chain design and the leadership principles of Henry Ford and the Ford production system. We also connect leadership principles of the Ford supply chain to those of Ohno and Deming to map out the evolution of the Ford supply chain management approach over multiple decades and into the supply chain body of knowledge. Finally, we reflect upon how supply chain design aspects of the Ford supply chain may need to further evolve into the future. Based upon this reflection we recommend opportunities for further research and innovation that build upon the supply chain management roots provided by Henry Ford.
Analysis of supply chain operations reference (SCOR) and balanced scorecard (BSC) in measuring supply chains efficiency using DEMATEL and DEA techniques
Authors: El-Garaihy Wael Hassan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The strategic management of the supply chain encompasses the development and integration of a supply chain strategy and the evaluation of the findings. An integrated approach is required for linking the supply chain strategy with the overall strategic management of the company for it to be successful. In this regard, this paper aims to examine and compare the relative efficiency of two models, namely, supply chain operations reference (SCOR) and the balanced scorecard (BSC) for measuring the supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design is used and 800 individuals were recruited from the industrial sector in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A three-tier model was used based on BSC, data envelopment analysis (DEA), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL).

Findings

The findings have indicated that DMUs 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 were efficient, while the other DMUs were non-efficient. These non-efficient units were not aware of the training and development and learning and growth. The concern presents comparatively poor performance of employees at this stage even this issue was based on system performance and indifference of managers, establishing complexities in the long-term system. The relationships were determined among four dimensions of BSC by identifying the supply chain metrics and applying the DEMATEL approach.

Originality/value

The current study provides empirical support for the DEA network model concerning its preference and improved performance measurement as compared to BSC model.
Elements of perceived good physician leadership and their relation to leadership theory
Authors: Huikko-Tarvainen Sari
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This research paper aims to discover the elements of good physician leadership as perceived by physicians and to find out how the findings connect to the leadership theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects (n = 50) of this qualitative study are physicians from four hierarchical levels (residents/specialising physicians, specialists, heads of departments and chief physicians). Content analysis with a constructivist-interpretative approach by thematisation was the chosen method, and it was also analysed how major leadership theories relate to good physician leadership.

Findings

Physician leaders are expected to possess the professional skills of physicians, understand how the work affects physicians’ lives and be competent in applying suitable leadership approaches following different situations and people. Trust, fairness, empathy, social skills, two-way communication skills, regular feedback, collegial respect and emotional intelligence are expected. As medical expertise connects leaders and followers, success in medical leadership comes from credibility in medical expertise, making medical leadership an inseparable part of good physician leadership. Subordinates are physician colleagues, who have their informal leadership roles on their hierarchical levels, making physician leadership a multidimensional leadership setting wherein formal leaders lead informal leaders, which blurs the traditional leader–follower boundary. In summary, good physician leadership is leadership through medical expertise combined with good manners, collegiality and traits from different kinds of leadership theories.

Originality/value

This study discovers elements of good physician leadership in a Finnish health-care context in which no similar prior empirical research has been carried out.
Transformation of home environments in pandemic: the concept of “life fits into room” in the new normal
Authors: Birer Emel , Hasgül Esin , Can Eren
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Pandemic process has led re-questioning home environments within adaptations of new activities inside due to the restriction of outdoor usage. This paper aims to reveal spatial transformations carried out through the time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study is carried out based on Garfinkel’s (1961) ethnomethodology method (documentary method of interpretation). Analysis focused on the first month of pandemic in which urgent adaptations and solutions produced at home, and the situation in last two weeks of pandemic is analyzed within a control group and comparisons were made. Perec’s (1974) statement of “a user's manual” is used as a checklist of time-space-activity observations proposed on “mondayness, tuesdayness, wednesdayness, thursdayness, fridayness, saturdayness and sundayness.” Instead of daily period, activities performed on a weekly scale were recorded and time-dependent shifts of functions were revealed.

Findings

Findings introduced new discussion topics to examine dwelling spaces in “new normal.” Comparisons indicate that hypothesis of gathering all activities in room in terms of “life fits into room” concept is directed through rapid spatial behaviors in daily life as primary adaptation.

Research limitations/implications

Although pandemic process continues after study, analysis of first four weeks are accepted as the period of rapid change and compared by last two weeks of pandemic.

Originality/value

Pandemic indicators proposed in study brings along that there is little information on the subject in literature. Socio-spatial findings address the examinations of spatial transformations into pandemic adaptation.
Histometric parameters of the large intestine of hybrid marmosetsCallithrixsp. under the influence of seasonality
Authors: Guimarães‐Lopes Vanessa de Paula , Gomes Maria Raquel Varino Sá , Kagueyama Mislene , Faria Rita de Cássia Vieira , Ribeiro Filho Oswaldo Pinto , Melo Fabiano Rodrigues de , Sartori Sirlene Souza Rodrigues
Published: August 2021

Morphofunctional characteristics of the large intestine are rarely explored to understand the physiology, behavior and ecology of neotropical primates. In this study, we analyzed the histometric parameters of the large intestine of hybrid marmosets (Callithrixsp.) captured in forest fragments of Viçosa‐Brazil, under seasonal interference. These animals were predominantly insectivorous in the rainy season and gummivores in the dry season. Large intestine fragments were collected and processed according to histological methods and stained with toluidine blue for general analysis, periodic acid of Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB) for goblet cells, Grimelius and Masson Fontana for argyrophil and argentaffin endocrine cells. Several histometric parameters were more expressive in the large intestine of the rainy season marmosets: greater thickness of the parietal layers, greater number of argyrophil and argentaffin endocrine cells, and AB‐positive goblet cells, characteristics favor secretomotor functions and reduce the passage time of the fecal bolus, which is consistent with an insectivorous diet. In contrast, parameters such as crypt width, height of the absorptive cells and striated border, and the number of PAS‐positive cells were more expressive in the dry season marmosets, reflecting the need for longer passage time for digestion and absorption of food items from tree gum, which are more complex and demand the action of microorganisms present in the large intestine, as well as greater protection against the abrasive action of dietary fibers and against microorganisms. Thus, it can be said that the marmoset's large intestine has morphological adaptations to maximize energy intake from the diet, which alternates under the influence of seasonality.
Comparison of outcomes between laparoscopic and open Hartmann's reversal: A single‐center retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Sato Aya , Imaizumi Ken , Kasajima Hiroyuki , Obuchi Keisuke , Sato Kentaro , Yamana Daisuke , Tsuruga Yosuke , Umehara Minoru , Kurushima Michihiro , Nakanishi Kazuaki
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal (LHR) has recently been reported to be safer and more feasible than open Hartmann's reversal (OHR); however, there is limited data on the outcomes of LHR compared with those of OHR from Asian countries. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the postoperative outcomes of LHR compared with OHR, and additionally compare the patient outcomes post‐LHR according to the previous Hartmann's procedure (HP) approach.

Methods

Patients who underwent OHR and LHR between January 2006 and September 2020 in a single center in Japan, were retrospectively evaluated. Patient characteristics and perioperative data were collected from the medical and surgical records and assessed.

Results

Overall, 15 and 19 patients underwent OHR and LHR, respectively, between January 2006 and September 2020. LHR was associated with less blood loss (median: 15 mL vs 185 mL; P < .001) and shorter hospital stays (9 days vs 14 days; P = .023) than OHR. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between LHR and OHR (26.3% vs 40.0%, P = .475). However, two severe anastomotic complications in LHR were observed in patients with the stump below the peritoneal reflection. No significant difference in outcomes was observed between LHR patients who underwent open and laparoscopic HP.

Conclusion

LHR resulted in positive outcomes regarding estimated blood loss and postoperative hospitalization, compared with OHR. Although the postoperative complications between LHR and OHR were not significant, patients with the stump below the peritoneal reflection may be at a high risk of anastomotic complications.
Conscientious objections, the nature of medicine, and the need for reformability
Authors: Kim Eric J. , Ferguson Kyle
Published: August 2021

The debate over whether the medical profession should accommodate its members' conscientious objections (COs) has raged on in the bioethics literature and on legislative floors for decades. Unfortunately, participants on all sides of the debate fail to distinguish among different types of CO, a failure that obstructs the view of which cases warrant accommodation and why. In this paper, we identify one type of CO that warrants consideration for accommodation, called Nature of Medicine COs (NoMCOs). NoMCOs involve the refusal of physicians to perform actions they reasonably judge to be contrary to the nature of medicine and their professional obligations. We argue that accommodating NoMCOs can be justified based on the profession's need to preserve reformability. Importantly, this previously underdeveloped position evades some of the concerns commonly raised by opponents of CO accommodations.
Developmental antecedents of young adults’ solidarity during the Covid‐19 pandemic: The role of sympathy, social trust, and peer exclusion from early to late adolescence
Authors: Grütter Jeanine , Buchmann Marlis
Published: August 2021

This study explored characteristics of young adults’ solidarity during the Covid‐19 pandemic by identifying three different profiles, characterized by low (23%), average (54%), and high solidarity (23%). Based on longitudinal Swiss panel data (NT1 = 797, Mage T1 = 12.15 years, 51% female; 28% migration background representing diverse ethnicities; NT2 = 707, Mage T2 = 15.33 years; NT3 = 596, Mage T3 = 18.31 years), the study combined person‐ and variable‐centered approaches to examine whether sympathy, social trust, and peer exclusion at earlier phases in development predicted membership in pandemic‐related solidarity profiles (NT4 = 300, Mage T4 = 20.33 years). All developmental predictors were significantly associated with the likelihood of expressing solidarity during the pandemic as young adults.
Gödelian platonism and mathematical intuition
Authors: Wrigley Wesley
Published: August 2021

This paper has two key aims. The first is to clarify the nature of Gödel's platonism. I offer an interpretation of Gödel's remarks on realism and intuition from which a clarified Gödelian position, calledconceptual platonism, can be extracted. The second aim is to assess the philosophical merits of this theory. I defend it from charges of mysticism and theology, arguing instead that conceptual platonism is problematic for a more familiar reason. Given the familiarity of this problem, there are implications for a broad family of views in the philosophy of mathematics.
Status epilepticus suspected autoimmune: Neuronal surface antibodies and main clinical features
Authors: Suga Hiroki , Yanagida Atsuko , Kanazawa Naomi , Ohara Hiroya , Kitagawa Tadashi , Hayashi Masahiro , Onozawa Yuya , Nagata Naomi , Kaneko Juntaro , Kitamura Eiji , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Iizuka Takahiro
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Status epilepticus (SE) can be associated with neuronal surface antibodies (NS‐Abs) but NS‐Ab detection rate remains unknown in patients with SE of unclear etiology at symptom presentation but suspected of having an autoimmune etiology (SE suspected autoimmune). We aimed to determine the NS‐Ab detection rate and the clinical features that predict the presence of NS‐Abs in patients with SE suspected autoimmune.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of 137 patients with SE suspected autoimmune who underwent testing for NS‐Abs between January 2007 and September 2020. NS‐Abs were examined in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained at symptom onset with established assays. We classified brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings into unremarkable, autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) (bilateral abnormalities highly restricted to the medial temporal lobes), ALE‐Plus (ALE pattern and additional extramedial temporal lobe abnormalities), multifocal cortico‐subcortical (MCS), or other pattern. We compared the clinical features between patients with and without NS‐Abs.

Results

Forty‐four patients (32.1%) had NS‐Abs, including 35 N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (one with concurrent γ‐aminobutyric acid B receptor [GABAbR] and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor [AMPAR]), 5 γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAaR), 2 leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1(LGI1), 1 GABAbR, and 1 unknown antigens. Compared with NS‐Ab‐negative patients, NS‐Ab‐positive patients were more likely to have a preceding headache (56.8% vs 26.7%), preceding psychobehavioral or memory alterations (65.9% vs 20.4%), involuntary movements (79.5% vs 16.1%), CSF pleocytosis (81.8% vs 62.0%), elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) index (45.2% vs 15.6%), oligoclonal bands (51.5% vs 9.5%), tumor (47.7% vs 8.6%), and higher APE2 score (median of 9 vs 7), and they were less likely to have an ALE‐Plus pattern (2.3% vs 23.7%). However, preceding fever and ALE or MCS pattern were not different between the two groups of patients.

Significance

When an autoimmune etiology was suspected, there was a relatively high likelihood (one of three patients) of identifying NS‐Abs. Some clinical features (preceding symptoms, inflammatory CSF) predict a higher likelihood of finding NS‐Ab positivity, but the ALE‐Plus MRI pattern is more likely suggestive of NS‐Ab negativity.
Analysis of the maternal genome ofElymus nutansfrom the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau based on chloroplast genomes
Authors: Liu Ruijuan , Xia Mingze , Liu Demei , Jiang Liling , Shen Jicheng , Chen Wenjie
Published: August 2021

Elymus nutansis an important forage and ecological restoration herbage in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, which is an allohexaploid species with theStStYYHHgenomes. Previous studies suggested thatPseudoroegneriais the maternal genome donor toE. nutans, but exactly whichPseudoroegneriaspecies is still unknown. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of twoE. nutansfrom the Qinghai‐Tibet and fivePseudoroegneriaspecies. The cp genomes of the seven samples ranged narrowly from 134,924 bp to 135,142 bp in size, comprising inverted repeats of 20,808–20,814 bp, single‐copy regions of 80,536–80,754 bp (LSC) and 12,762–12,772 bp (SSC). It encoded 111 total genes, of which 78 protein‐coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. A comparative cp genome analysis and characteristic junctions ofSt‐containing species revealed that the gene content and organization were conserved, but differences were still found in sequence variation and border regions. Further, the Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic tree using the whole chloroplast genome sequence demonstrated thatP. cognatamight be the most likelyStgenome donor ofE. nutansin the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, followed byP. strigosa. However, whetherE. nutanshas other maternal genomes still needs further research.
Parameters of the complete blood count predict in hospital mortality
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Froom Paul , Benbassat Jochanan
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Mortality rates are used to evaluate the quality of hospital care after adjusting for disease severity and, commonly also, for age, comorbidity, and laboratory data with only few parameters of the complete blood count (CBC).

Objective

To identify the parameters of the CBC that predict independently in‐hospital mortality of acutely admitted patients.

Population

All patients were admitted to internal medicine, cardiology, and intensive care departments at the Laniado Hospital in Israel in 2018 and 2019. VARIABLES: Independent variables were patients' age, sex, and parameters of the CBC. The outcome variable was in‐hospital mortality.

Analysis

Logistic regression. In 2018, we identified the variables that were associated with in‐hospital mortality and validated this association in the 2019 cohort.

Results

In the validation cohort, a model consisting of nine parameters that are commonly available in modern analyzers had a c‐statistics (area under the receiver operator curve) of 0.86 and a 10%‐90% risk gradient of 0%‐21.4%. After including the proportions of large unstained cells, hypochromic, and macrocytic red cells, the c‐statistic increased to 0.89, and the risk gradient to 0.1%‐29.5%.

Conclusion

The commonly available parameters of the CBC predict in‐hospital mortality. Addition of the proportions of hypochromic red cells, macrocytic red cells, and large unstained cells may improve the predictive value of the CBC.
Digital platforms and the changing freelance workforce in the Russian Federation: A ten‐year perspective
Authors: SHEVCHUK Andrey , STREBKOV Denis
Published: August 2021

This article traces the development of the online labour market in the Russian Federation and across the wider post‐Soviet space. The authors draw on the unique data of four waves of an online survey for 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2019 on the leading Russian‐speaking general‐purpose platform for creative and knowledge‐based work. The results shed light on key trends, such as spatial decentralization, occupational diversification, feminization, maturing, rising educational attainment and educational mismatch, the consolidation of freelance careers, platformization and legalization. The article discusses these findings and their potential policy implications for the future development of online platform work in the Russian Federation.
Workforce adjustment strategies and concession bargaining in times of crisis: A qualitative approach based on French case studies
Authors: Delahaie Noélie , Perez Coralie
Published: August 2021

Although the scale of the current crisis undoubtedly implies heavy repercussions on employment and work, this paper draws on the experience of French firms that implemented various workforce adjustments during the 2008 crisis. We focus on how adjustments were negotiated and the bargaining leeway for employee representatives. On the basis of 14 case studies, we seek to determine whether the crisis has led to concession bargaining and, if so, assess the characteristics of the bargaining. Mobilizing the power resources approach, we identify three types of concession bargaining based on their reciprocal and reversible features and question how actors were able to mobilize resources (institutional, associational and structural) at the workplace level. Our analysis shows that times of crisis are conducive to concession bargaining, the counterparts of which are not always identifiable for employees. Ultimately, it raises the need to identify new resources that unions could mobilize to defend jobs in the face of the COVID‐19 crisis.
Free and cued identification of individual odorants in blind and sighted individuals
Authors: Sorokowska Agnieszka , Oleszkiewicz Anna
Published: August 2021

Prior visual experience may affect olfactory identification of some odors, yet it remains unclear, whose qualities affect odor salience and familiarity in blindness. It seems very interesting, because such odors could be used to support the visually impaired individuals through novel solutions involving olfactory orientation and navigation. Here, we analyzed identification performance of 44 early blind and 52 sighted people focusing on differences in individual odorants included in a standardized olfactory identification test (SST). We hypothesized that blind people would outperform the sighted in the identification of unpleasant smells, as these odors are relevant for organism protection, and food odors, given blind people's intense odor focus in daily food evaluation. Our study consisted of cued and free identification tasks, each comprising one part of the popular Sniffin' Sticks identification test. We found no evidence of enhanced identification of unpleasant smells or food odors in blindness. Overall, our research suggests that visual impairment does not result in increased odor identification skills, especially in the case of suprathreshold cued odor identification task.

Practical Applications

Blindness is commonly associated with superior olfactory abilities, and this enhanced olfactory perception might be used to support the blind peoples' everyday functioning. We assumed that if odors of certain qualities were particularly salient and identifiable for people with blindness, these odors could be used to support the visually impaired individuals through novel solutions involving olfactory orientation and navigation. We tested whether visual impairment results in better identification of common odorants varying in pleasantness and edibility, as these qualities seem to be relevant for human vital functions. Our study suggests that blindness does not relate to particularly enhanced perception of suprathreshold odors. Therefore, further exploration is necessary to design systems supporting the daily functioning of the blind people through sensory cues.
Validation, reliability, and cross‐cultural adaptation study of Graded Chronic Pain Scale Revised into Turkish in patients with primary low back pain
Authors: Şentürk İlteriş Ahmet , Aşkın Turan Suna , Şentürk Erman , İçen Nilüfer Kale
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aims to assess the adaptation of the Graded Chronic Pain Scale–Revised to the Turkish language and psychometric properties in patients with primary low back pain.

Methods

The translation from the original text into the Turkish language was carried out step by step in accordance with the recommendations. Structural validity was analyzed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Reliability was carried out by internal consistency and test–retest analysis. Convergent validity was evaluated through scales composed in accordance with the research standards for chronic low back pain with the National Institutes of Health Task Force recommendations.

Results

One hundred thirty‐five patients, 58 (43%) men and 77 (57%) women, completed the study. A two‐factor structure was obtained according to EFA. The first factor consisted of questions 3, 4, and 5, and the same questions constitute the Pain, Enjoyment of Life, and General Activity scale. Cronbach α coefficient r = 0.814 (good internal consistency) was calculated for internal consistency.

Conclusion

In this article, we presented the cross‐cultural adaptation process of Graded Chronic Pain Scale–Revised to the Turkish language and evidence of its validity and reliability in a sample of patients with primary low back pain.
Treatment planning considerations in the older adult with periodontal disease
Authors: Curtis Donald A. , Lin Guo‐Hao , Rajendran Yogalakshmi , Gessese Tsegazeab , Suryadevara Jyotirmaie , Kapila Yvonne L.
Published: August 2021

Periodontal health in the elderly is influenced by numerous factors, including systemic conditions, patient compliance, age‐associated changes, and restorative procedures. The numerous comorbidities seen in the elderly necessitate individualized approaches for treatment planning. In this paper, we review how age, comorbidities, oral hygiene, and restorative dental procedures collectively influence the treatment and management of the periodontium in the elderly. The elderly population is predicted to double in 30 years, which will have an economic impact the dental profession needs to plan for. Preventative and noninvasive treatment, supportive periodontal therapy, and patient‐specific maintenance plans are imperative to maintaining oral health in the older population. Multiple coexisting changes, including xerostomia, altered wound healing, altered bone physiology, altered microbiome, and diminished plaque control, can add complexity to periodontal management. Considerations of the patient's general health, the selected periodontal treatment plan, and the selected completed restorative procedures need to be considered. The influence of caries, fixed prosthodontics, partial dentures, shortened dental arch, and implant therapy can have unintended impacts on periodontal health in the elderly. Adverse periodontal outcomes in the elderly can be minimized by carefully assessing the patient's medical history, impact of medications, functional needs, properly finishing and contouring restorations to avoid plaque accumulation, and designing restorations to allow access for hygiene. Partial dentures can be a source of plaque accumulation leading to periodontal disease, caries, and recession around abutment teeth. A shortened dental arch should be considered as a functional and cost‐effective alternative to partial dentures. With dental implants, the patient's tissue phenotype, keratinized tissue quantity, risk of peri‐implantitis, and patient access for maintaining adequate oral hygiene are all important to consider. Implant risk‐assessment tools show promise by providing a systematic approach for early diagnosis to avoid future complications.
State legislative committee deliberations: Why some issues are difficult and where state legislators turn for help
Authors: Taylor Kristin , Sarbaugh‐Thompson Marjorie , Betz Steven
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study explores why state legislators think some issues are difficult and where they turn for help with these issues.

Methods

We use content analysis of legislators’ interview responses to identify sources of difficulty that arose during committee deliberations.

Results

Many legislators say that issues are difficult because of committee and caucus politics, technical information, interest group pressure, jurisdictional competition, and budget constraints. We find few associations between sources of difficulty and legislator characteristics or institutional context. Mundane issues are often seen as difficult, with culture war issues rarely mentioned.

Using cluster analysis, we identify five major categories of issue difficulty. We find that legislators grapple with these categories of difficulty by relying on interest groups, partisan staff, and committee members rather than on caucus leaders, the governor, or their voters.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to our understanding of impediments to policy making that legislators navigate in legislative committees.
Babesia microti in a Canadian blood donor and lookback in a red blood cell recipient
Authors: Drews Steven J. , Van Caeseele Paul , Bullard Jared , Lindsay L. Robbin , Gaziano Teresa , Zeller Michelle P. , Lane Debra , Ndao Momar , Allen Vanessa G. , Boggild Andrea K. , O'Brien Sheila F. , Marko Daniel , Musuka Charles , Almiski Muhamad , Bigham Mark
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

We describe the third documented case of autochthonous human babesiosis in Canada and the second in a Canadian blood donor.

Materials and Methods

Multiple laboratory investigations were carried out on the donor and the immunocompromised recipient of an associated, potentially infectious red blood cell product.

Results

The donor had not travelled except for outdoor exposure in south‐eastern Manitoba, followed by illness and hospital admission. The donor had a notable parasitaemia, positive for Babesia microti using whole blood nucleic acid testing (NAT). The recipient was negative for B. microti by both serology and NAT.

Conclusion

There was no evidence of transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis.
Study of different order of Gaussian Quadrature using Linear Element Interpolation in First Order Polarization Tensor
Authors: Sukri Suzarina Ahmed , Su Hoe Yeak , Ahmad Khairuddin Taufiq Khairi
Published: August 2021

Polarization tensor (PT) has been widely used in engineering application, particularly in electric and magnetic field areas. In this case, suitable method must be employed in the evaluation of PT in order to make sure that the tensor obtained is higher in its accuracy. Our aim in this paper is to provide simple and easy implemented method to compute first order PT which is based on Gaussian quadrature numerical integration involving linear interpolation.  This study provides the comparison between two different orders of Gaussian quadrature, which is order one and order three. The numerical technique of higher order Gaussian quadrature as PT being calculated offer more accurate and higher in its convergence. Relative error for PT is calculated by using provided analytical solution and higher order Gaussian quadrature gives high accuracy and convergence compared to lower order Gaussian quadrature. In this study, the validation of the results obtained by using our proposed method is provided by comparing it with the analytical solution derived from previous researcher. We illustrate the behavior of a tensor of a sphere and ellipsoid with graphical representation.
A Bayesian Copula Approach for Flood Analysis
Authors: Kamaruzaman Izzat Fakhruddin , Wan Zin Wan Zawiah , Mohd Ariff Noratiqah
Published: August 2021

This study aims to provide joint modelling of rainfall characteristics in Peninsular Malaysia using two-dimensional copula. Two commonly regarded as important variables in the field of hydrology, namely rainfall severity and duration were derived using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and their univariate marginal distributions are further identified by fitting into several distributions. The paper uses a Bayesian framework to estimate the parameter values in the marginal and copula model. The approximation of the posterior distribution by random sampling has been done by Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC). Next, the authors compared these findings with those based on the classical procedure. The results indicated that the Bayesian approach can be substantially more reliable in parameter estimation for small samples.
Intelligent Cuckoo Search Algorithm of PID and Skyhook Controller for Semi-Active Suspension System using Magneto-Rheological Damper
Authors: Mohd Yamin A. H. , Mat Darus I. Z. , Mohd Nor N.S. , Ab Talib M. H.
Published: August 2021

This article introduces the application of the Cuckoo Search (CS) Algorithm to tune Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Skyhook controller for the semi-active (SA) suspension system further to improve the vehicle’s ride comfort and stability. Meanwhile, the PID-CSA and Skyhook-CSA intelligent approaches have been compared to the passive suspension system. The performances of the PID controller and Skyhook controller are optimised by Cuckoo Search (CS) Algorithm, respectively. The system’s mean square error (MSE) is defined as an objective function for optimising the proposed controllers. The performance of the proposed PID-CSA and Skyhook-CSA controllers are evaluated with the passive suspension system in the form of body acceleration, body displacement, and tire acceleration. The sinusoidal road profile is set as the disturbance of this system. The percentage improvement for body acceleration and body displacement achieved about 25% for the PID-CSA controller and 1-4% for Skyhook-CSA. These simulated results reflect that the proposed controllers outperformed in comparison with other considered methods to obtain the most effective vehicle stability and ride comfort.
Effects of Magnetohydrodynamics and Heat Transfer in Casson Fluid Through a Channel
Authors: Wan Azmi Wan Faezah , Mohamad Ahmad Qushairi , Hoe Yeak Su , Mat Isa Zaiton , Shafie Sharidan
Published: August 2021

Unsteady flow of Casson fluid past through a vertical channel has been studied by some researchers due to its importance of applications in science and technology. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to obtain exact solutions for unsteady free convection ﬂows of Casson fluid with effects of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) past through vertical channel. This paper is continued study from published article [18] with additional effects of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Dimensional governing equations are converted into dimensionless forms by using appropriate dimensionless variables. Dimensionless parameters are obtained through dimensionless process such as Casson fluid, time, Prandtl number, Grashof number and magnetic field. Laplace transform method is used to solve the dimensionless equations with associated initial and boundary conditions. Solutions for velocity and temperature profiles are obtained. Skin friction and Nusselt number are also calculated. The obtained analytical results for velocity and temperature are plotted graphically to discuss the influence of dimensionless parameters on profiles. It is observed that fluid velocity increases with increases of Grashof number, Gr and time, t whereas it decreases with increases of Casson parameter, γ, magnetic field parameter, M and Prandtl number, Pr. Besides that, it is found that temperature profiles decrease with high value of Prandtl number, Pr while increases with high value of time, t. In order to validate the results, the obtained results in limiting cases are compared with the published results and it is found to be in a mutual agreement.
Forecasting Carbon Dioxide Emissions for Singapore using Grey Model with Cramer’s Rule
Authors: Mustaffa Sulaiman Assif Shamim , Shabri Ani
Published: August 2021

This article analyses and forecasts carbon dioxide () emissions in Singapore for the 2012 to 2016 period. The study analysed the data using grey forecasting model with Cramer’s rule to calculate the best SOGM(2,1) model with the highest accuracy of precision compared to conventional grey forecasting model. According to the forecasted result, the fitted values using SOGM(2,1) model has a higher accuracy precision with better capability in handling information to fit larger scale of uncertain feature compared to other conventional grey forecasting models. This article offers insightful information to policymakers in Singapore to develop better renewable energy instruments to combat the greater issues of global warming and reducing the fossil carbon dioxide emissions into the environment.