bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing an enhanced business process improvement methodology (EBPIM)
Authors: Ubaid Alaa Mashan , Dweiri Fikri T.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This research paper aims to develop and validate an enhanced business process improvement methodology (EBPIM) by integrating the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and the comprehensive business process management (CBPM) methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review and analysis were conducted to prove the novelty of the research approach and identify the similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses of the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies. The EBPIM was proposed based on the analysis results. Then, a focus group approach was used to evaluate and validate the methodology.

Findings

The EBPIM consists of nine activities: preparation, selection, description, quantification, modeling, enactment, improvement opportunities selection, analysis and improvement and monitoring. The proposed methodology adopted the systematic and structured process of the DMAIC methodology by having one tollgate between every two activities to check the progress and authorize the team to go to the next activity. At the same time, it has the ability of the CBPM methodology to enhance the interaction between human activities and business process management systems (BPMS).

Research limitations/implications

The EBPIM was evaluated and validated by a focus group of academic professors. However, the main limitation of the proposed methodology is that it is still theoretical and needs to be empirically tested. Therefore, future work will focus on testing the EBPIM in different industries and organization sizes.

Practical implications

From the theoretical perspective, the proposed methodology adds value to the knowledge in the scope of business processes improvement methodologies (BPIMs) by integrating the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies. It takes advantage of and combines the strengths of the DMAIC and CBPM methodologies. From the practical perspective, the proposed methodology presents a valuable tool that can facilitate the organization’s mission to improve the areas that need improvement using a systematic improvement methodology that will effectively enhance organizational performance (OP).

Originality/value

The BPIMs literature analysis proved that most of the reviewed methodologies could not support all phases of the business process improvement (BPI) activities. It was concluded that integrating the DMAIC and the CBPM methodologies is a novel approach. The proposed methodology will enhance the efficiency of both methodologies, fill the gaps that may exist in both of them and lead to better results in terms of BPI.
Exploring the challenges and facilitators in the adoption of e-HRM practices in Indian higher education institutions: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Rana Shikha , Kaur Divneet
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Due to government policies, accreditation demands, competition, digital India reforms and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the need for electronic human resource management (e-HRM) has increased considerably in the Indian higher education (HE) sector, but the literature has revealed that the adoption of e-HRM practices in Indian HE institutions (HEIs) is still in its embryonic stage; therefore, the purpose of the current qualitative study is to explore the challenges and facilitators of e-HRM adoption in the Indian HE sector through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study incorporates IPA, to capture the personal lived experiences of the HR executives employed in the Indian HEIs. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the HR executives employed in Indian universities and institutions to know the perspectives on the adoption of e-HRM practices in Indian HEIs.

Findings

The study identified two superordinate themes, namely, challenges and facilitators of e-HRM adoption in the Indian HE sector. The superordinate theme “challenges” comprises eight sub-themes. Further, the theme “facilitators” consists of six subthemes.

Practical implications

The study has implications for the stakeholders of the HE sector, i.e. HR practitioners, top executives of the HE sector, government and HE regulators and other stakeholders of the HE sector.

Originality/value

This study has given deep insights into the challenges and facilitators in the adoption of e-HRM practices in the Indian HE sector, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study till date has filled this knowledge gap through qualitative exploration using IPA.
Investigating the impact of service leaders’ competencies, organisational service orientation, network capabilities, and perceived service quality on Umrah travel agencies’ performance
Authors: Ande Diin Fitri , Wahyuni Sari , Kusumastuti Ratih Dyah
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to fill several gaps in the literature. First, it examines the Umrah industry from the supply side, investigating the pivotal factors for travel agencies’ performance. Second, it empirically investigates service leaders’ competencies specific to the hospital and tourism industry. Third, it clarifies whether there is a direct impact of organisational service orientation on business performance. Fourth, it explores the influence of network capabilities in a service context, specifically in travel agencies, which has rarely been discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a mixed-method study with sequential explanatory research design. First, a quantitative approach was conducted with 150 authorised travel agencies in Indonesia, with two manager-level employees representing each agency. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. A qualitative study was conducted to enrich the findings by interviewing the Director of Umrah and Hajj Development of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and three other respondents.

Findings

Service leaders’ competencies and resource capacity significantly influence organisational service orientation, leading to enhanced perceived service quality and performance. In addition, resource capacity influences network capabilities, improving performance.

Originality/value

This study identifies factors affecting the performance of Umrah travel agencies in an intensely competitive environment, which has rarely been discussed. This sheds light on how travel agencies can survive and succeed in this competitive industry. Moreover, this study provides evidence regarding the role of network capabilities in the tourism industry and the impact of organisational service orientation, both directly and indirectly, on performance.
How to identify norms, laws, and regulations that facilitate illicit financial flows and related financial crimes
Authors: Cardao-Pito Tiago
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Illicit financial flows are targeted by the United Nations’ (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, these illicit flows are not entirely understood. Furthermore, they can benefit from economic norms, laws and regulations that lack mechanisms to detect and penalize them. This paper aims to investigate whether a recent test, the embezzler test, can be used to identify regulatory architectures that facilitate illicit financial flows and related financial crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a more advanced version of the embezzler test in terms of definitions and practical implementation methodology.

Findings

In this test, the definition of embezzlement can be understood to be the occurrence of illicit financial flows crossing the boundaries of organizations and/or countries. This is a multistage test, which intentionally simulates illicit financial flows to observe how well equipped is the regulatory architecture to deal with other financial offences that are related with these flows, such as theft, money laundering, fraud, corruption, market manipulation and tax evasion.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can use the version of this test to stress test a large range of economic norms, laws and regulations.

Social implications

This test’s new version can assist achieve the UN SDGs’ illicit financial flow reduction target. Furthermore, it can be used to study both existing and proposed norms, laws and regulation.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first explicit test that has been presented to identify norms, laws and regulations that facilitate illicit financial flows and related financial crimes.
Entrepreneurial education and intention: fear of failure, self-efficacy and gender
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Vu Ngoc Xuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This research adopts the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) and a moderated mediation model to investigate the moderating impacts of entrepreneurial fear of failure (FOF) and gender on the direct and mediation relationships between entrepreneurial education (EE), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial intention (EI).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a three-phase random sampling to compile a dataset from 1,890 graduate students from nine universities and higher education institutions in Vietnam. Cronbach's alpha and confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the key study variables were reliable and valid. Harman's single-factor method and other tests of analysis assumptions ruled out common method bias and other confounding factors. The authors utilized the PROCESS macro to test a hypothesized moderated mediation model that included direct, indirect and conditional indirect effects.

Findings

The findings yield that ESE partially and positively mediates the relation between EE and EI. FOF was found to negatively moderate the impacts of EE on ESE and EI, and the direct effect of ESE on EI among females is stronger than among males. More importantly, the mediation influence of FOF on the linkage between EE and EI becomes weaker when the level of FOF is high, yet this mediation relationship among females is higher than among males at all levels of FOF.

Practical implications

The results of this research are valuable for educators, policymakers and practitioners so that they may inspire individuals' entrepreneurial pursuits, especially those of female entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the entrepreneurship and gender literature by applying the SCCT to elucidate the moderated mediation impacts of FOF, ESE and gender on the relationship between EE and EI.
Niche complementarity among plants and animals can alter the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship
Authors: Amyntas Angelos , Berti Emilio , Gauzens Benoit , Albert Georg , Yu Wentao , Werner Alexandra S. , Eisenhauer Nico , Brose Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Species‐rich communities exhibit higher levels of ecosystem functioning compared with species‐poor ones, and this positive relationship strengthens over time. One proposed explanation for this phenomenon is the reduction of niche overlap among plants or animals, which corresponds to increased complementarity and reduced competition.

In order to examine the potential of increased complementarity among plants or animals to strengthen the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functions, we integrated models of bio‐energetic population dynamics and food‐web assembly. Through the simulation of various scenarios of plant and animal complementarity change, we sought to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed increases in (1) primary productivity, (2) control of herbivores by predators and (3) reduction of herbivore pressure on plants in species‐rich communities.

Our findings reveal that increased niche complementarity of plants can steepen the diversity–function relationships if it does not increase their intraspecific competition, while increasing complementarity among animals during community assembly can also have a positive effect but with considerable variability.

The study highlights the importance of trait variation both among and within species and the interplay between intra‐ and interspecific competition strength in shaping the functioning of ecosystems over time. These results offer insights into the mechanisms underpinning the diversity–functioning relationship and have practical implications for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Financial dualism: An analysis of the effects of informal finance on formal finance in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries
Authors: Coulibaly Moussa , Sirpe Gnanderman
Published: August 2023

This paper analyzes the effects of informal finance on formal finance in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries. To this end, it uses a Probit model with a binary endogenous regressor and data from the Global Findex database, 2021. The findings indicate that having already saved informally positively affects the behavior of individuals to save formally. They also indicate that informal financial credit positively affects formal financial credits in the WAEMU. These findings indicate that formal finance is complementary to informal finance in the WAEMU. On the other hand, the findings show that labour force participation, mobile banking use and online banking use increase the likelihood of use of formal and informal services in the WAEMU. This paper suggests that formal financial institutions (mainly banks and microfinance institutions) should strengthen their collaboration with actors (money keepers, itinerant bankers, tontines systems) involved in the provision of informal financial services to populations in order to improve formal financial intermediation in the WAEMU.
Understanding the costs of co‐commissioning: Early experiences with co‐commissioning in Australia
Authors: Bates Shona , Harris‐Roxas Ben , Wright Michael
Published: August 2023

Public services, such as health and other human services, are increasingly being delivered by third‐party providers (providers) under contract to public sector organisations (PSOs). While often advantageous to PSOs, this creates a fragmented service context which is difficult for consumers to navigate. Further, providers often deliver services under multiple contracts to multiple funders, with high reporting requirements, high administrative costs, and low operational sustainability. Policymakers have encouraged co‐commissioning—where PSOs come together to jointly commission services—to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of outsourcing. This article seeks to understand the costs of co‐commissioning in Australia, and consequently the enablers and barriers to co‐commissioning. This qualitative study is based on the early experiences of co‐commissioning by one of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Using transaction cost economics (TCE) theory, the study explains how the PHN started co‐commissioning services with other PHNs, before co‐commissioning with other types of organisations. The PHN also co‐commissioned relatively simple activities first, before moving on to more complex services. The insights provided using TCE theory help explain why co‐commissioning is initially complicated (and costly), requiring time to understand both the services to be commissioned and the governance requirements of each party involved. While initial transaction costs may be high when co‐commissioning, this may reflect organisational learning and capacity development costs ‐ therefore, costs are expected to reduce over time.

Points for practitioners

Fragmentation in policy and funding also leads to fragmentation of human services and high costs to service providers.

Co‐commissioning is where multiple funders pool funds and strategically commission services together.

Co‐commissioning offers a way to reduce fragmentation and reduce costs to service providers, potentially offering better public value.

Co‐commissioning can initially take time and resources to establish.

Over time, as organisations learn, the cost of co‐commissioning reduces potentially offering benefits to funders, providers, and service users.
Navigating the nexus of subjectivity and trust in researcher/participant relationships
Authors: Kroeger Janice , Vah Seliskar Holli
Published: August 2023

We describe our decision points to disclose parts of our personal selves while building trust with vulnerable populations in schools during ethnographic studies. Finding how our subjective identities were similar to and different than those of our participants helped us to better understand the participants' lives. We argue in this article that the introspection created by negotiating subjectivities in our contrasting examples of intersectionality taught us more about structural inequality in schools than we learned via ethnographic data collection methods alone.
Religious Mobilization and the Selection of Political Elites: Evidence from Postwar Italy
Authors: Pulejo Massimo
Published: August 2023

Three key characteristics of effective electoral mobilizers have been identified in the literature: reputation, embeddedness in the local community, and the ability to reward and sanction voters. Religious leaders may possess all these characteristics. Can they favor their preferred candidates? Using a novel data set of connections between politicians and Italian Catholic bishops throughout the twentieth century, I conduct the first quantitative assessment of the electoral returns of personal connections to a religious leader. Leveraging the timing of bishops’ nominations within a difference‐in‐differences strategy, I estimate that bishops born in the electoral district yield a 27% increase in the individual preference votes for their connected candidate. Additional analyses point to the provision of campaign opportunities as the main mechanism driving the effect. These findings suggest that religious authorities can use their local embeddedness to mobilize voters, eventually influencing the selection of representatives in democratic systems.
Reciprocity and intimate capital in household work: Exchanging love and care for labor rights in contemporary Buenos Aires
Authors: Baiocchi María Lis
Published: August 2023

In 2013, Argentina promulgated Law 26844, transforming household workers’ juridical status from “servants,” with almost nonexistent labor rights, to “workers,” with rights virtually equal to all other workers under the law. This article examines how household workers in Buenos Aires who share amicable or kin‐like relationships with their employers and the people they care for experience the transition from a discriminatory normative order of patronage and servanthood into an egalitarian normative order of full labor rights. The article shows, first, that rather than adopting a purely contractual rationality of labor rights and obligations, workers instead often make claims to labor rights in the registers of reciprocal obligation extant in their relationships with their employers and the people they care for. Second, the article shows that, as a type of social capital, the intimate capital that workers accrue in their relationships with their employers and the people they care for, in the form of relational ties with them, sometimes enables workers to access labor rights. Thus, the article demonstrates how household workers claim and access their legal equality against the backdrop of enduring intersectional inequalities between them and their employers in a context of widespread violation of household workers’ labor rights.
Is kidney biopsy necessary in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome?
Authors: Bekassy Zivile , Lindström Martin , Rosenblad Therese , Aradóttir Sunna , Sartz Lisa , Tullus Kjell
Published: August 2023

Aim

To investigate the need, in the Northern European setting, to perform kidney biopsy in children with steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

Methods

In this retrospective study 124 individuals aged 1–18 years with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, followed in the paediatric hospitals in southern Sweden from 1999 to 2018, were included.

Results

There was a median follow‐up time of 6.5 (0.2–16.8) years. The majority (92%) of children were steroid‐sensitive and of them, 60.5% were frequently relapsing or steroid‐dependent. Microscopic haematuria was found at onset in 81.1% and hypertension in 8.7%. At least one kidney biopsy was performed in 93 (75%). The most common indication was a steroid‐dependent or relapsing course (58.4%). One of 79 steroid‐sensitive children had another histological diagnosis than minimal change nephropathy 1.3%, 95% confidence interval (0.002, 0.068). Bleeding occurred after eight biopsies (6.6%). Twenty individuals (30.7%) were transferred to adult units, 18 still on immunosuppression.

Conclusion

We have in our cohort of unselected children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome confirmed that a kidney biopsy rarely gives important medical information in steroid‐sensitive children without any other complicating factor and that the liberal policy of kidney biopsy in the Nordic countries safely can be changed.
Effects of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber percentages in the diet of Japanese Black steers on rumen fluid properties, blood biochemical properties, and carcass characteristics
Authors: Masaki Tatsunori , Iwamoto Eiji , Ikuta Kentaro , Kushibiki Shiro
Published: August 2023

The effects of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) percentages in the diet of Japanese Black steers on rumen fluid properties, blood biochemical properties, and carcass characteristics were examined. Twelve 13‐month‐old Japanese Black steers were used for this study and slaughtered at 30 months of age. Steers were assigned to a control group (n = 6) and test group (n = 6) and were fed a concentrate containing 12.9%–13.9% CP and 26.5%–29.8% NDF or 9.1%–9.6% CP and 29.9%–31.2% NDF, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide activity levels in rumen fluid were lower in the test group than in the control group. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and γ‐glutamyltransferase remained lower in the test group than in the control group. In contrast, plasma vitamin A concentrations remained higher in the test group than in the control group. Carcass characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. These results suggest that dietary CP and NDF percentages in feed for Japanese Black steers older than 13 months of age affected rumen fluid properties and blood biochemical properties, indicating a reduced load on the liver with a small effect on carcass characteristics.
Optimizing Treatment Allocation in Randomized Clinical Trials by Leveraging Baseline Covariates
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhiwei , Liu Aiyi
Published: August 2023

We consider the problem of optimizing treatment allocation for statistical efficiency in randomized clinical trials. Optimal allocation has been studied previously for simple treatment effect estimators such as the sample mean difference, which are not fully efficient in the presence of baseline covariates. More efficient estimators can be obtained by incorporating covariate information, and modern machine learning methods make it increasingly feasible to approach full efficiency. Accordingly, we derive the optimal allocation ratio by maximizing the design efficiency of a randomized trial, assuming that an efficient estimator will be used for analysis. We then expand the scope of optimization by considering covariate-dependent randomization (CDR), which has some flavor of an observational study but provides the same level of scientific rigor as a standard randomized trial. We describe treatment effect estimators that are consistent, asymptotically normal, and (nearly) efficient under CDR, and derive the optimal propensity score by maximizing the design efficiency of a CDR trial (under the assumption that an efficient estimator will be used for analysis). Our optimality results translate into optimal designs that improve upon standard practice. Real-world examples and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed designs can produce substantial efficiency improvements in realistic settings.
Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ameliorates tau accumulation‐induced synaptic damage and cognitive dysfunction via autophagy enhancement
Authors: Zhang Tao , Tian Yuan , Zheng Xiaoqing , Li Ruomeng , Hu Li , Shui Xindong , Mei Yingxue , Wang Quling , Zhang Mi , Zheng Xiuzhi , Wang Long , Chen Dongmei , Tao Wucheng , Lee Tae Ho
Published: August 2023

Aims

The autophagy‐lysosomal pathway is important for maintaining cellular proteostasis, while dysfunction of this pathway has been suggested to drive the aberrant intraneuronal accumulation of tau protein, leading to synaptic damage and cognitive impairment. Previous studies have demonstrated that the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) by capsaicin has a positive impact on cognition and AD‐related biomarkers. However, the effect and mechanism of TPRV1 activation on neuronal tau homeostasis remain elusive.

Methods

A mouse model of tauopathy was established by overexpressing full‐length human tau in the CA3 area. Mice were fed capsaicin diet (0.0125%) or normal diet for 9 weeks. The cognitive ability, synaptic function, tau phosphorylation levels, and autophagy markers were detected. In vitro, capsaicin‐induced alterations in cellular autophagy and tau degradation were characterized using two cell models. Besides, various inhibitors were applied to validate the role of TRPV1‐mediated autophagy enhancement in tau clearance.

Results

We observed that TRPV1 activation by capsaicin effectively mitigates hippocampal tau accumulation‐induced synaptic damages, gliosis, and cognitive impairment in vivo. Capsaicin promotes the degradation of abnormally accumulated tau through enhancing autophagic function in neurons, which is dependent on TRPV1‐mediated activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and subsequent inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Blocking AMPK activation abolishes capsaicin‐induced autophagy enhancement and tau degradation in neurons.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that capsaicin‐induced TRPV1 activation confers neuroprotection by restoring neuronal tau homeostasis via modulating cellular autophagy and provides additional evidence to support the potential of TRPV1 as a therapeutic target for tauopathies.
What is the role of psychology in bariatric surgery? A survey of the differing views of psychologists, the multidisciplinary team, and patients in the UK
Authors: Ratcliffe Denise , Banting Esme
Published: August 2023

Although psychologists are a key member of the bariatric multidisciplinary team (MDT), there is a lack of clarity about the specific remit of their role. This exploratory study was conducted to identify differences, priorities and clarify how the role of psychology is perceived in the United Kingdom. We conducted surveys of three major stakeholder groups (psychologists, patients, and the bariatric multidisciplinary team) which focused on their perception of psychology in bariatric surgery. The results showed that in UK bariatric services, psychologists are spending the majority of their clinical time providing pre‐operative assessments. Differences emerged between psychologists and MDT in how they viewed the purpose of these assessments, with the MDT viewing them as identifying contraindications to surgery whereas psychologists viewed them as identifying readiness for surgery. A total of 51% of patients reported they had not been able to access psychology services when needed and viewed provision of post‐operative psychological support to be a key priority. Key themes and tensions emerged around (a) high demand for services yet limited psychology resource, (b) the purpose of the pre‐operative assessment and (c) the provision of pre‐operative versus post‐operative support. These themes combine and interact in a way that currently makes it extremely challenging to provide coherent psychology services. There is clearly a need for education, consensus and adequate resourcing of the psychology role within bariatric surgery services in the United Kingdom.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and structural brain imaging: The Cross‐Cohort Collaboration
Authors: Weinstein Galit , O'Donnell Adrienne , Frenzel Stefan , Xiao Tian , Yaqub Amber , Yilmaz Pinar , de Knegt Robert J. , Maestre Gladys E. , Melo van Lent Debora , Long Michelle , Gireud‐Goss Monica , Ittermann Till , Frost Fabian , Bülow Robin , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Grabe Hans J. , Ikram M. Arfan , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Prior studies reported conflicting findings regarding the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis with measures of brain health. We examined whether NAFLD and liver fibrosis are associated with structural brain imaging measures in middle‐ and old‐age adults.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study among dementia‐ and stroke‐free individuals, data were pooled from the Offspring and Third Generation cohorts of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), the Rotterdam Study (RS), and the Study of Health in Pomerania. NAFLD was assessed through abdominal imaging. Transient hepatic elastography (FibroScan) was used to assess liver fibrosis in FHS and RS. Linear regression models were used to explore the relation of NAFLD and liver fibrosis with brain volumes, including total brain, gray matter, hippocampus, and white matter hyperintensities, adjusting for potential confounders. Results were combined using fixed effects meta‐analysis.

Results

In total, 5660 and 3022 individuals were included for NAFLD and liver fibrosis analyses, respectively. NAFLD was associated with smaller volumes of total brain (β = −3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −5.4 to −1.7), total gray matter (β = −1.9, 95% CI = −3.4 to −0.3), and total cortical gray matter (β = −1.9, 95% CI = −3.7 to −0.01). In addition, liver fibrosis (defined as liver stiffness measure ≥8.2 kPa) was related to smaller total brain volumes (β = −7.3, 95% CI = −11.1 to −3.5). Heterogeneity between studies was low.

Conclusions

NAFLD and liver fibrosis may be directly related to brain aging. Larger and prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and identify liver‐related preventive strategies for neurodegeneration.
Artificial intelligence and the blood film: Performance of the MC‐80 digital morphology analyzer in samples with neoplastic and reactive cell types
Authors: Zini Gina , Mancini Francesca , Rossi Elena , Landucci Stefania , d'Onofrio Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Implementing artificial intelligence‐based instruments in hematology laboratories requires evidence of efficiency in classifying pathological cells. In two‐Universities, we assessed the performance of the Mindray® MC‐80 for hematology patients with frequent leukemic and dysplastic cells.

Methods

The Mindray MC‐80® locates and pre‐classifies cells in blood films. In a two‐university study, four films were prepared from 591 samples, two each for the analyser MC‐80 and the microscope reference method, using reagents from two different manufacturers. We used Microsoft Excel® statistics for imprecision and distributional inaccuracy and a matrix table model (H20‐A2 CLSI standard) for sensitivity, specificity and predictive value for atypical cells.

Results

The results indicate minimal within‐run imprecision (ICSH method) and good intra‐method consistency even on duplicate analysis of 413 samples with a high incidence of hematological abnormalities (r = 0.942 or more, except for basophils, r = 0.841, and reactive lymphocytes, r = 0.847). Distributional inaccuracy was also very low compared to the microscope reference, with a pass rate higher than 80% for pathological cells (except 75.1% for reactive lymphocytes). The primary causes of discrepancy were bizarre shapes of dysplastic neutrophils and inconsistent nomenclature for lymphoma cells. Sensitivity for critical samples containing cells typically absent in circulating blood (immature or malignant) was 98.8% for immature granulocytes, 83.8% for all types of neoplastic cells, 93.6% for reactive lymphocytes and 97.5% for nucleated red blood cells. The negative predictive values of MC‐80 were 98.8% for immature granulocytes, 88.4% for the different types of neoplastic cells, 97.8% for reactive lymphocytes, and 96.9% for nucleated red blood cells.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the outstanding diagnostic performance of this artificial intelligence–based blood film analyzer for hematology patients with circulating abnormal cells. We appreciated the morphological harmonization of cells observed on the screen and those seen in the microscope.
Evaluation of the sterilization effect on biphasic scaffold based on bioactive glass and polymer honeycomb membrane
Authors: Coquen Audrey Deraine , Bondzior Bartosz , Petit Laeticia , Kellomäki Minna , Pauthe Emmanuel , Boissière Michel , Massera Jonathan
Published: August 2023

The sterilization is a core preoccupation when it comes to implantable biomaterials. The most common in industry is the gamma sterilization; however, the radiation used in this method can induce modifications in the material properties. This study investigates the impact of such radiations on the physicochemical properties and biological toxicity of a new biomaterial based on a poly‐l‐co‐d,l‐lactide polymer honeycomb membrane and bioactive glass (BG), combined, to form an assembly (membrane/BG assembly). The investigated BGs are the S53P4, which is FDA approved and clinically used, and 13‐93B20, a BG containing boron promising for bone regeneration. Infrared and photoluminescence measurements revealed that, upon irradiation, defects are created in the BGs molecular matrix. Defects were identified to be mainly non‐bridging oxygen hole center and occur in higher proportion in the 13‐93B20 making it more sensitive to irradiation compared to the S53P4. However, the irradiation does not significantly impact the structure of the BGs. On the membrane side, the molecular weight is divided by two resulting in a lower shear stress resistance. However, the membrane honeycomb topography does not seem to be impacted by the irradiation. In contact with cells, no toxicity effect was observed, and BGs keep their bioactive properties by releasing ions beneficial to the cell fate and with no influence on apatite precipitation speed. Overall, this study showed that, despite some impact on the physicochemical properties, the irradiation does not induce deleterious effect on the membrane/BG assemblies and is therefore a suitable method for the sterilization of this novel biomaterial.
The ecology and fishery of the vendace (Coregonus albula) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Lehtonen Topi K. , Gilljam David , Veneranta Lari , Keskinen Tapio , Bergenius Nord Mikaela
Published: August 2023

Brackish water ecosystems often have high primary production, intermediate salinities, and fluctuating physical conditions and therefore provide challenging environments for many of their inhabitants. This is especially true of the Baltic Sea, which is a large body of brackish water under strong anthropogenic influence. One freshwater species that is able to cope under these conditions in the northern Baltic Sea is the vendace (Coregonus albula), a small salmonid fish. Here, we review the current knowledge of its ecology and fishery in this brackish water environment. The literature shows that, by competing for resources with other planktivores and being an important prey for a range of larger species, C. albula plays a notable role in the northern Baltic Sea ecosystem. It also sustains significant fisheries in the coastal waters of Sweden and Finland. We identify the need to better understand these C. albula populations in terms of the predator–prey interactions, distributions of anadromous and sea spawning populations and other putative (eco)morphs, extent of gene exchange between the populations, and effects of climate change on their future. In this regard, we recommend strengthening C. albula‐related research and management efforts by improved collaboration and coordination between research institutions, other governmental agencies, and fishers, as well as by harmonization of fishery policies across national borders.
Efficacy of ceramide‐containing sunscreen on skin barrier
Authors: Cao Yu , Zhang Xianghua , He Xiaofeng , Wang Wenna , Yi Yi , Ai Yunfei
Published: August 2023

Background

UV rays not only cause oxidative damage to the skin, but also damage its barrier function. The use of sunscreen is crucial in preventing skin from UV radiation, but it may have an impact on the function of the skin barrier. While much research has focused on the protective effects of sunscreen against UV oxidative damage, little is known about the impact of daily sunscreen use on the skin barrier.

Objective

This study mainly investigated the changes in skin barrier function of volunteers (including those with sensitive skin) before and after using a ceramide‐containing sunscreen.

Methods

A total of 60 volunteers used SPF30 sunscreen containing ceramide every morning. Using non‐invasive methods to detect skin barrier changes in TEWL, hydration, facial redness based on VISIA‐CR image, and Erythema index (EI) value after 4 weeks of using ceramide‐containing sunscreen. Adverse reactions were also assessed.

Results

After 4 weeks of using ceramide‐containing sunscreen, significant reductions were observed in skin redness with both an 11.89% decrease in a* value and a 5.68% decrease in skin EI, while there was also a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) with a reduction of 22.96%, and a significant increase in skin hydration with a 21.96% increase in the moisture content of the stratum corneum. No adverse events occurred during the entire testing process.

Conclusion

Daily application of ceramide‐containing sunscreen can increase skin hydration while enhancing the function of the skin barrier.
Association of type of oral anticoagulation with risk of bleeding in 45,114 patients with venous thromboembolism during initial and extended treatment—A nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Glise Sandblad Katarina , Schulman Sam , Rosengren Annika , Sörbo Jan , Philipson Jacob , Hansson Per‐Olof
Published: August 2023

Background

Safety data for different anticoagulant medications in venous thromboembolism (VTE) are scarce, in particular for extended treatment.

Objectives

To compare major bleeding rates depending on the choice of anticoagulation during initial (first 6 months) and extended treatment (6 months up to 5 years).

Methods

A nationwide register‐based study including cancer‐free patients with a first‐time VTE between 2014 and 2020. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare bleeding rates.

Results

We included 6558 patients on warfarin, 18,196 on rivaroxaban, and 19,498 on apixaban. At 6 months, 4750 (72.4%) remained on warfarin, 11,366 (62.5%) on rivaroxaban, and 11,940 (61.2%) on apixaban. During initial treatment, major bleeding rates were 3.86 (95% CI 3.14–4.58), 2.93 (2.55–3.31), and 1.95 (1.65–2.25) per 100 patient‐years for warfarin, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, respectively, yielding adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.71–1.12) for rivaroxaban versus warfarin, 0.55 (0.43–0.71) for apixaban versus warfarin, and 0.62 (0.50–0.76) for apixaban versus rivaroxaban. During extended treatment, major bleeding rates were 1.55 (1.19–1.91), 1.05 (0.85–1.26), and 0.96 (0.78–1.15) per 100 patient‐years for warfarin, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, respectively, with aHRs of 0.72 (0.53–0.99) for rivaroxaban versus warfarin, 0.60 (0.44–0.82) for apixaban versus warfarin, and 0.85 (0.64–1.12) for apixaban versus rivaroxaban. Previous bleeding and increasing age were risk factors for bleeding both during initial and extended treatment.

Conclusion

Apixaban had a lower bleeding risk than warfarin or rivaroxaban during initial treatment. During extended treatment, bleeding risk was similar for apixaban and rivaroxaban, and higher with warfarin.
Technological Uncertainty, Value Appropriation, and Dense Versus Dispersed Patent Portfolios
Authors: Heeley Michael B. , Covin Jeffrey G. , Matusik Sharon F.
Published: August 2023

Patented inventions play an important role in generating firm value, with conventional wisdom generally suggesting that dense patent portfolios promote greater value. We challenge the universality of this assumption and argue that the relationship between patent portfolio density and firm value depends on factors reflecting other key invention‐related conditions and choices. Specifically, we hypothesize that dispersed patent portfolios are positively associated with firm value when technology inputs are young and the technology is far from the locus of inventive activity, and dense portfolios are positively associated with firm value under the opposite conditions. We examine these relationships using a stock return response model, finding support for our hypotheses based on data collected from firms patenting in the chemicals technology area.
Hydronidone ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting activation of hepatic stellate cells via Smad7‐mediated degradation of TGFβRI
Authors: Xu Xianjun , Guo Yuecheng , Luo Xin , Shen Zhenyang , Sun Zhongshang , Shen Bo , Zhou Cui , Wang Junjun , Lu Jingyi , Zhang Qingqing , Ye Yanping , Luo Ying , Qu Ying , Cai Xiaobo , Dong Hui , Lu Lungen
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose

Liver fibrosis is a wound‐healing reaction that eventually leads to cirrhosis. Hydronidone is a new pyridine derivative with the potential to treat liver fibrosis. In this study, we explored the antifibrotic effects of hydronidone and its potential mode of action.

Methods

The anti‐hepatic fibrosis effects of hydronidone were studied in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐ and 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC)‐ induced animal liver fibrosis. The antifibrotic mechanisms of hydronidone were investigated in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The antifibrotic effect of hydronidone was further tested after Smad7 knockdown in HSCs in mouse models of fibrosis.

Results

In animal models, hydronidone attenuated liver damage and collagen accumulation, and reduced the expression of fibrosis‐related genes. Hydronidone decreased the expression of fibrotic genes in HSCs. Impressively, hydronidone significantly upregulated Smad7 expression and promoted the degradation of transforming growth factor β receptor I (TGFβRI) in HSCs and thus inhibited the TGFβ‐Smad signalling pathway. Specific knockdown of Smad7 in HSCs in vivo blocked the antifibrotic effect of hydronidone.

Conclusion

Hydronidone ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation via Smad7‐mediated TGFβRI degradation. Hydronidone is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Leaf relative water content at 50% stomatal conductance measured by noninvasive NMR is linked to climate of origin in nine species of eucalypt
Authors: Coleman David , Windt Carel W. , Buckley Thomas N. , Merchant Andrew
Published: August 2023

Stomata are the gatekeepers of plant water use and must quickly respond to changes in plant water status to ensure plant survival under fluctuating environmental conditions. The mechanism for their closure is highly sensitive to disturbances in leaf water status, which makes isolating their response to declining water content difficult to characterise and to compare responses among species. Using a small‐scale non‐destructive nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer as a leaf water content sensor, we measure the stomatal response to rapid induction of water deficit in the leaves of nine species of eucalypt from contrasting climates. We found a strong linear correlation between relative water content at 50% stomatal conductance (RWCgs50) and mean annual temperature at the climate of origin of each species. We also show evidence for stomata to maintain control over water loss well below turgor loss point in species adapted to warmer climates and secondary increases in stomatal conductance despite declining water content. We propose that RWCgs50 is a promising trait to guide future investigations comparing stomatal responses to water deficit. It may provide a useful phenotyping trait to delineate tolerance and adaption to hot temperatures and high leaf‐to‐air vapour pressure deficits.
TaSINA2B, interacting with TaSINA1D, positively regulates drought tolerance and root growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Wang Yudie , Tang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Dongyang , Zhang Daijing , Li Chunxi , Li Wei , Li Tian , Jiang Lina
Published: August 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important food crop mainly grown in arid and semiarid regions worldwide, whose productivity is severely limited by drought stress. Although various E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligases regulate drought stress, only a few SINA‐type E3 Ub ligases are known to participate in such responses. Herein, we identified and cloned 15 TaSINAs from wheat. The transcription level of TaSINA2B was highly induced by drought, osmotic and abscisic acid treatments. Two‐type promoters of TaSINA2B were found in 192 wheat accessions; furthermore wheat accessions with promoter TaSINA2BII showed a considerably higher level of drought tolerance and gene expression levels than those characterizing accessions with promoter TaSINA2BI that was mainly caused by a 64 bp insertion in its promoter. Enhanced drought tolerance of TaSINA2B‐overexpressing (OE) transgenic wheat lines was found to be associated with root growth promotion. Further, an interaction between TaSINA2B and TaSINA1D was detected through yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. And TaSINA1D‐OE transgenic wheat lines showed similar drought tolerance and root growth phenotype to those observed when TaSINA2B was overexpressed. Therefore, the variation of TaSINA2B promoter contributed to the drought stress regulation, while TaSINA2B, interacting with TaSINA1D, positively regulated drought tolerance by promoting root growth.
Intracellular and mitochondrial proteomic analysis reveals antifungal mechanisms of borate on mango black spot pathogen Alternaria alternata
Authors: Chen Tingting , He Shuting , Li Shuhui , Xiao Hongmei , Song Haichao , Meng Lanhuan , Shi Xuequn
Published: August 2023

Boron, in the form of potassium tetraborate, has previously been found to be effective at inhibiting mango black spot disease, caused by Alternaria alternata. However, the mechanisms involved in this inhibition are largely unknown. In this study, A. alternata was treated in vitro with potassium tetraborate at a concentration of 5–10 mM for 48 or 72 h. The intracellular and mitochondrial proteins were extracted from mycelium and separated using two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using bioinformatics tools and differences between protein spots were derived from mass spectrometry (MS). Using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐ToF‐MS/MS), 96 intracellular and 56 mitochondrial DEPs were identified. The intracellular proteins identified were found to be involved in posttranslational modifications, protein turnover and chaperones, while the mitochondrial proteins were involved in electron transport chains. Our results demonstrate that various metabolic pathways are involved in the antifungal activity of boron. The differential expression of 20 genes was also verified at the mRNA level by reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR. Our study suggests that borate could be used as a potential substitute for synthetic fungicides to control this postharvest disease of mango fruits.