bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing individual readiness for change in healthcare: a review of measurement scales
Authors: Beasley Lisa , Grace Sandra , Horstmanshof Louise
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Understanding how individuals respond and adapt to change is essential to assist leaders to manage transformational change effectively. Contemporary health care environments are characterised by frequent and rapid change, often with unrealistic and challenging timeframes. Researchers have employed a range of assessment scales to assess individual readiness for change. Hence, to select the appropriate scale, it is critical to compare the properties of these instruments. A scoping review will be conducted to identify scales that measure an individual's response to change in the healthcare environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article the authors used the PIC (Population or Problem, Interest, and Context) design and undertook a comprehensive literature search conducted in Eric, MEDLINE, EmCare, CINAHL, PsychINFO and PubMed. Management databases were also searched including Business Source Premium (Ebesco) and Business Collection (InfoRMIT). Reference lists were scrutinized, and citation searches were performed of the included studies. The primary outcome was the quality of the literature searches and the secondary outcome was time spent on the literature search when the PIC model was used as a search strategy tool, compared to the use of another conceptualizing tool or unguided searching.

Findings

This scoping review identified eight scales used to measure an individual's response to change. This scoping review did not identify any individual change readiness scales specifically designed for use in the healthcare environment. However, two scales (the Acceptance of Change Scale and the Resistance to Change Scale) had applicability across a wide variety of organisational settings.

Research limitations/implications

Scoping reviews do not set out to comprehensively source all relevant literature but rather to ascertain the nature and extent of the published literature in the field. Therefore, it is possible that a systematic review might uncover additional relevant papers.

Practical implications

This scoping review will assist change leaders to gain a better understanding of the different scales used to measure individual response to change.

Originality/value

To manage change effectively, change leaders first need to develop an understanding of how individuals respond and adapt to change. Change leaders require the necessary scales to assist them to understand change processes, providing an understanding of where individuals are placed on the change continuum. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this scoping review is the first of its kind to identify and review scales to measure individual response to change.
Ethical challenges of researching emergent socio-material-technological phenomena: insights from an interdisciplinary mixed-methods project using mobile eye-tracking
Authors: Kaufmann Katja , Bork-Hüffer Tabea , Gudowsky Niklas , Rauhala Marjo , Rutzinger Martin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss research ethics in mixed-methods research (MMR) and MMR development with a focus on ethical challenges that stem from working with technical instruments such as mobile eye-trackers.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of an interdisciplinary mixed-methods development study that aimed at researching the impacts of emerging mobile augmented-reality technologies on the perception of public places serves as an example to discuss research-ethical challenges regarding (1) the practical implementation of the study, (2) data processing and management and (3) societal implications of developing instruments to track and understand human practices.

Findings

This study reports challenges and experiences in ethical decision-making in the practical implementation of the study regarding the relationship to research subjects, the use of mobile research instruments in public places and the interdisciplinary cooperation among research team members. Further, this paper expounds on ethical challenges and recommendations in data processing and management and with a view to societal implications of method development and the aspirations of transdisciplinarity. This study concludes that institutionalized ethics need to become more flexible, while applied ethics and reflection must make their entry into university curricula across disciplines.

Originality/value

Complex interdisciplinary mobile and mixed-methods projects that involve sensors and instruments such as mobile eye-trackers are on the rise. However, there is a significant lack of engagement with practical research ethical challenges, practices and requirements in both mixed-methods and method-development literature. By taking a context- and process-oriented perspective focusing on doing ethics, the paper contributes a concrete empirical case to these underdeveloped fields.
The role of brand personality in the formation of consumer affect and self-brand connection
Authors: McManus Justin F. , Carvalho Sergio W. , Trifts Valerie
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of brand personality traits in explaining how different levels of brand favorability evoke affect from and forge connections to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a quantitative approach consisting of within-subjects (Study 1) and between-subjects (Study 2) experimental designs. Mediation analyses were tested using OLS regression with the MEMORE and PROCESS macros.

Findings

Findings suggest increases in brand excitement and sincerity to be related to differences in positive affect evoked by favorable and unfavorable brands; decreases in brand sincerity to be related to differences in negative affect between favorable and unfavorable brands (Study 1); brand competence and excitement to be related to the relationship between brand favorability and self-brand connection; and brand competence and excitement to best distinguish favorable brands from unfavorable brands (Study 2).

Originality/value

These results support the importance of brand personality traits that are considered to be universally positive and provide managers with an initial roadmap for which brand personality traits should be prioritized when communicating with consumers.
A degree of recognition across policing: embedding a degree apprenticeship encompassing work-based research
Authors: Pepper Ian , Brown Ian , Stubbs Paul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As the police service across England and Wales moves towards degree-level study for new recruits as a component of recognising the profession of policing, this paper describes and discusses the introduction of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the core skills of evidence-based policing (EBP) as an educational theme for solving work-based problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Authored by both policing practitioners and researchers, this paper refers to key literature whilst exploring the implementation of the PCDA as a component of a Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). It highlights some of the challenges faced with its implementation along with the benefits of the adopting this degree-level education and work-based programme where EBP is embedded in to both study and professional practice.

Findings

There are significant benefits to the police service of adopting the PCDA as one of the entry routes for new police constables and embracing the educational development and professional application of EBP. However, this does not come without a number of challenges for the service and the professional body for policing.

Originality/value

This paper, co-authored by both policing practitioners and researchers, provides a contemporary view on the introduction of the PCDA as an initial entry route for new police constables and the embedding of EBP within both their learning and professional practice. As the first graduates complete their studies, the paper discusses the opportunities the adoption presents and the challenges it faces both locally and nationally.
The growing trend of India's participation in planetary science research
Authors: Mohan B.S. , Kumbar Mallinath
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The present investigation aims to present the status of planetary science research in India using different scientometric indicators, as reflected in the Web of Science Core Collection database.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher adopted systematic approaches to retrieve the data from the Web of Science Core Collection database for 20 years by using AAS Astronomical subject keywords. A total of 1,504 Indian publications and 55,572 World's publications were considered for analysis. The data were analyzed using the biblioshiny application of bibliometrix to investigate the most productive countries/territories, institutions, authors, research fields, journals, keywords, and h, g-index. The VOSviewer program is used to construct and visualize scientometric networks and analyze the co-occurrence of terms. “Webometric Analyst 2.0” is used to retrieve the Altmetric attention scores for the articles.

Findings

The results revealed that the publications on planetary science research has increased over time, with an annual growth rate of 9.66%. The study also revealed the prolific authors and institutions, productive journals and most frequently cited journals. The USA was the major collaborating partner of India. The results also provided valuable information on the citations made to these papers on planetary science, including a total number of citations, average citations per item, cited rate and h-index. There were 28,086 citations to 1,504 papers. The top 67 citation papers were the h-core papers on planetary science in India. Altmetric score for planetary science articles ranged from 1 to 2,418. Twitter (69%), news outlets (16%), blogs (6%), and Facebook (6%) were the most popular Altmetric data resources.

Originality/value

This investigation is the first attempt to employ scientometrics and visualization techniques to planetary science research in India.
MIS faculty collaboration in research and journal publication
Authors: Chuang Yung-Ting , Kuan Hsi-Peng
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study applies D3.js and social network analysis (SNA) to examine the impact of collaboration patterns, research productivity patterns and publication patterns on the Ministry of Education (MOE) evaluation policies across all Management Information Systems (MIS) departments in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first retrieved data from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST) website from 1982 to 2015, the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) website, the Web of Science (WOS) website and Google Scholar. Then it applied power-law degree distribution, cumulative distribution function, weighted contribution score, exponential weighted moving average and network centrality score to visualize the MIS collaborations and research patterns.

Findings

The analysis concluded that most MIS professors focused primarily on SCIE-/SSCI-/TSSCI-/core indexed journals after 2005. Professors from public universities were drawn to collaboration and publishing in high-quality-based journals, while professors from private universities focused more on quantity-based publications. Female professors, by contrast, have a slightly higher single-authorship publication rate in SCIE-/SSCI-/TSSCI-indexed journals than do male professors. Meanwhile, professors in northern Taiwan emphasized quantity-based journal publications, while a focus on quality was more typical in the south. Furthermore, National Cheng Kung University has the most single-authorship or intrauniversity publications in SCIE-/SSCI-/TSSCI-/core journals, and National Sun Yat-Sen University published more SSCI-indexed articles than SCIE-indexed articles. All of these findings show that there is an explicit relation between MOE evaluation policies and MIS faculty members' collaboration/publication strategies.

Originality/value

The above findings explain how MOE evaluation policies affected MIS faculty members' collaboration and publication strategies in Taiwan, and the authors hope that such findings can constitute a resource for understanding and characterizing networking with MIS departments in Taiwan.
Towards a conceptual framework for non-financial reporting inclusive of pandemic and climate risk reporting
Authors: Abhayawansa Subhash , Adams Carol
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate non-financial reporting (NFR) frameworks insofar as risk reporting is concerned. This is facilitated through analysis of the adequacy of climate- and pandemic-related risk reporting in three industries that are both significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk from climate change. The pervasiveness of pandemic and climate-change risks have been highlighted in 2020, the hottest year on record and the year the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Stakeholders might reasonably expect reporting on these risks to have prepared them for the consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

The current debate on the “complexity” of sustainability and NFR frameworks/standards is critically analysed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to “build back better”. Context is provided through analysis of risk reporting by the ten largest airlines and the five largest companies in each of the hotel and cruise industries.

Findings

Risk reporting on two significant issues, pandemics and climate change, is woefully inadequate. While very little consideration has been given to pandemic risks, disclosures on climate-related risks focus predominantly on “risks” of increased regulation rather than physical risks, indicating a short-term focus. The disclosures are dispersed across different corporate reporting media and fail to appreciate the long-term consequences or offer solutions. Mindful that a conceptual framework for NFR must address this, the authors propose a new definition of materiality and recommend that sustainable development risks and opportunities be placed at the core of a future framework for connected/integrated reporting.

Research limitations/implications

For sustainable development risks to be perceived as “real” by managers, further research is needed to determine the nature and extent of key sustainable development risks and the most effective mitigation strategies.

Social implications

This paper highlights the importance of recognising the complexity of the issues facing organisations, society and the planet and addressing them by encouraging robust consideration of the interdependencies in evolving approaches to corporate reporting.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current debate on the future of corporate reporting in light of two significant interconnected crises that threaten business and society – the pandemic and climate change. It provides evidence to support a long-term oriented and holistic approach to risk management and reporting.
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in liver and muscle tissues of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Tashiro Yutaka
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the lipid content and fatty acid composition in the liver and muscle of a porcupinefish species inhabiting waters around the Ryukyu Islands to investigate their potential as a source of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Porcupinefish were collected along the Okinawa Island coast. The composition of fatty acids and cholesterol in both liver and muscle were analyzed using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer.

Findings

The liver of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish was rich in lipids whose content correlated to the proportion of liver/body weight. Fatty acid compositions in their liver and muscles were similar to each other. LC-PUFAs occupied 44% of total fatty acids, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being the dominant (42%), whereas eicosapentaenoic acid occupied 2.4%. The liver contained 1,690 mg of cholesterol and 14.8 g of DHA per 100 g, whose proportion decreased in summer compared to other seasons (p = 0.036).

Originality/value

The liver of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish, which has not yet been commercially used although its non-toxicity is claimed, can be an excellent source of LC-PUFAs, especially DHA, accentuating its potential in food supplements’ production.
Tweet so good that they can't ignore you! Suggesting posting strategies to micro-celebrities for online engagement
Authors: Iqbal Khan Shahid , Ahmad Bilal
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of post content, post media and post scheduling strategies on online engagement on Twitter in context of micro celebrities in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research, micro celebrities of Pakistan have been defined as the target population. Secondary data consisting of 464 tweets from walls of six micro celebrities belonging to both genders and diverse set of socio-political fields was collected. Tweedie estimation analysis was run to accept or reject the hypotheses. Mean values with standard deviations were utilized to analyze the different engagement patterns of dichotomous variables (content type, content language, mentions, hashtags, text, images, links, videos, hour of the day and day of the week) on online engagement.

Findings

Content type, content language, content length, hashtags, mentions, images, links, videos, hour of the day and day of the week have been found to have a significant relationship with online engagement on Twitter.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study has been conducted in context of micro celebrities on Twitter. It did not include influencers on other social media networks. Second, study considered only quantitative aspects of engagement based on secondary data ignoring qualitative aspects of phenomenon due to time and methodology constraints. Third, study did not include link clicks as a measure of engagement as clicks data is not publicly available on the posts.

Practical implications

The study contributes significantly to find out valuable “micro celebrity” strategies in Pakistan. The study suggests micro celebrities to tweet soft content in Urdu language along with relevant hashtags and mentions to get higher engagement on their tweets. Further, tweets should contain maximum number of characters. Micro celebrities should not insert images, links and videos in their tweets as these media types result in lower engagement on Twitter. Micro celebrities should tweet at low hours and weekends.

Social implications

As this study focuses on investigation of better engagement practices for micro celebrities, it will help general public to express themselves more effectively through social media.

Originality/value

First, this is the first study that investigates the online engagement model for micro celebrities. Second, the online engagement model designed in this study has yet not been investigated to best of our knowledge. The theoretical model combines multiple engagement factors discussed in previous studies conducted on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.
Microstructure evolution along build direction for thin-wall components fabricated with wire-direct energy deposition
Authors: Kulkarni Janmejay Dattatraya , Goka Suresh Babu , Parchuri Pradeep Kumar , Yamamoto Hajime , Ito Kazuhiro , Simhambhatla Suryakumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The use of a gas metal arc welding-based weld-deposition, referred to as wire-direct energy deposition or wire-arc additive manufacturing, is one of the notable additive manufacturing methods for producing metallic components at high deposition rates. In this method, the near-net shape is manufactured through layer-by-layer weld-deposition on a substrate. However, as a result of this sequential weld-deposition, different layers are subjected to different types of thermal cycles and partial re-melting. The resulting microstructural evolution of the material may not be uniform. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess microstructure variation along with the lamination direction (or build direction).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out for two different boundary conditions, namely, isolated condition and cooled condition. The microstructural evolution across the layers is hypothesized based on experimental assessment; this included microhardness, scanning electron microscopy imaging and electron backscatter diffraction analysis. These conditions subsequently collaborated with the help of thermal modeling of the process.

Findings

During a new layer deposition, the previous layer also is subject to re-melt. While the newly added layer undergoes rapid cooling through a combination of convection, conduction and radiation losses, the penultimate layer, sees a slower cooling curve due to its smaller exposure area. This behavior of rapid-solidification and subsequent re-melting and re-solidification is a progressing phenomenon across the layers and the bulk of the layers have uniform grains due to this remelt-re-solidification phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

This paper studies the microstructure variation along with the build direction for thin-walled components fabricated through weld-deposition. This study would be helpful in addressing the issue of anisotropy resulting from the distinctive thermal history of each layer in the overall theme of metal additive manufacturing.

Originality/value

The unique aspect of this paper is the postulation of a generic hypothesis, based on experimental findings and supported by thermal modeling of the process, for remelt-re-solidification phenomenon followed by temperature raising/lowering repetitively in every layer deposition across the layers. This is implemented for different types of base plate conditions, revealing the role of boundary conditions on the microstructure evolution.
The Conservative Nation since 1974
Authors: Vinen Richard
Published: July 2021

Andrew Gamble's The Conservative Nation, published in 1974, is interesting when read in the light of more recent events. Though the pre‐Thatcher Conservative Party is often depicted as ‘unideological’, Gamble reminds us that it was often a centre of intense intellectual ferment before 1975. Four men—Harold Macmillan, Rab Butler, Iain Macleod and Enoch Powell were particularly important to debates in the party. Of all these, Powell, seemed to cast the longest shadow in 1974, but he never had the influence that some hoped, or feared, that he would. The reasons why he failed illustrate his own idiosyncrasies, but also the difficulties of what Gamble labelled ‘the politics of support’. Seen in the light of Gamble's early work, Thatcherism can be seen as something that built on existing strata of conservatism and the changes brought by Thatcher were, in many ways, less dramatic than those that have transformed the party since 2016.
Male heterogametic sex determination in Rana dybowskii based on sex‐linked molecular markers
Authors: XU Yuan , DU Zhiheng , LIU Jiayu , SU Hang , NING Fangyong , CUI Shiquan , WANG Lijuan , LIU Jianming , REN Chuanshuai , DI Shengwei , BAI Xiujuan
Published: July 2021

Identifying the mechanism for sex determination in amphibians is challenging. Very little is known about sex determination mechanisms of Rana dybowskii, a species of importance to evolutionary and conservation biology. We screened for sex‐linked molecular markers in R. dybowskii in China using target region amplification polymorphism with 2 fixed primers against the sequences of Dmrt1. We found 2 male‐linked molecular markers in R. dybowskii, which were 222 bp and 261 bp long. The detection rates of 222 bp marker in males form Xinglong, Huadian, and Dandong were 93.79%, 69.64%, and 13.64%, respectively, while the rate in females from Huadian was 27.50%. Besides, the detection rates of 261 bp marker in the above 3 regions were only observed in males at the rate of 93.79%, 87.50%, and 32.73%, respectively. The inheritance patterns of sex‐linked molecular markers showed that the 2 sex‐linked molecular markers were heterozygous. Compared to the XY‐male parent, progeny from XX‐pseudo‐male parent possessed lower sex reversal ratio at the same rearing temperature, and the proportion of female froglets from an XX‐pseudo‐male parent was more than 95% at low rearing temperature (15°C). Our findings suggest that R. dybowskii displays male heterogamety, and the 2 sex‐linked molecular markers may have a guiding significance for the protection and utilization of R. dybowskii.
pH and light‐responsive polycaprolactone/curcumin@zif‐8 composite films with enhanced antibacterial activity
Authors: Cai Ying , Guan Jingwei , Wang Wen , Wang Li , Su Jianyu , Fang Liming
Published: July 2021

Food packaging materials, especially biodegradable polymer composites incorporated with natural antimicrobial agents with excellent antibacterial activities, are in high demand and attracted immense attention. Herein, a polycaprolactone/curcumin@zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (PCL/Cur@ZIF‐8) composite film with enhanced antibacterial activity was developed. Curcumin, a natural photosensitizer, was loaded in the highly porous nanocrystals ZIF‐8 to improve its poor water solubility and stability. The integral structure of Cur@ZIF‐8 was maintained well in the PCL matrix even at the highest loading of 35% (w/w), and all composite films had good light transmittance at 420–430 nm. The PCL/Cur@ZIF‐8 composite films responded to the acidic growth environment of bacteria by releasing zinc ions and curcumin molecules. Furthermore, upon blue light irradiation (420–430 nm, 2.2 mW/cm2), curcumin molecules generated singlet oxygen. With the synergistic effects of zinc ions and singlet oxygen, the composite films exhibited a 99.9% reduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains when the amount of Cur@ZIF‐8 loading was more than 15% (w/w), as well as a strong anti‐adhesion effect on bacteria. Moreover, bacterial resuscitation tests indicated that the composite films exhibited 99.9% reduction in the adhered bacteria population through treatment with photodynamic sterilization. This is the first study presenting that the incorporated curcumin ZIF‐8 nanoparticles in the matrix of polymer are pH and light responsive for anti‐adhesion of bacteria, which is of great potential application as antibacterial packaging material for the food industry.

Practical Application

A novel, biodegradable, pH, and light‐responsive composite film was developed for antibacterial activity. Natural photosensitizer curcumin was encapsulated in ZIF‐8 nanocrystals (Cur@ZIF‐8) as the antimicrobial agent. With the synergistic effects of Zn2+ and singlet oxygen, the composite film exhibited a 99.9% reduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains, and a strong anti‐adhesion property toward bacteria. This composite film is of great potential application as an antibacterial packaging material that enhances the shelf life of fruits, meat, and so on.
History and current situation of neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer
Authors: Li Junyi , Ma Shaohua
Published: July 2021

Esophageal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors, especially in north China. Surgery is one of the major treatments. However, for locally advanced cases, surgery alone does not achieve an ideal prognosis. As a result of rapid development in recent years, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery are becoming the “standard treatment pattern” for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, and an improvement in prognosis is evident. With the gradual application of immunotherapy in esophageal cancer, neoadjuvant immunotherapy has also shown an important role. This article mainly focuses on the history and current status of neoadjuvant treatment and its future role in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Icotinib alone or with bevacizumab as first‐line therapy in Chinese patients with advanced nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer and activating EGFR mutations: A retrospective study
Authors: Jiang Zhansheng , Zhang Jing , Sun Haiyan , Wang Cong , Zhang Yu , Li Yanyang , Pan Zhanyu
Published: July 2021

Background

This study focused on comparing the safety and therapeutic effects between icotinib monotherapy and icotinib plus bevacizumab combined therapy in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases harboring EGFR mutations.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from the Cancer Institute and Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between October 2018 and December 2019, where the NSCLC cases that harbored EGFR mutations underwent first‐line therapy with icotinib in the presence or absence of bevacizumab. This study included 90 cases, of which 60 patients were in the icotinib group (I) and 30 in the icotinib plus bevacizumab group (IB).

Results

The follow‐up period to evaluate median PFS in our study was 18 months. Median PFS was 18.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.7–21.3) with icotinib plus bevacizumab and 11 months (95% CI: 8.9–13.1) with icotinib alone (hazard ratio 0·54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.92; p = 0.029). According to the subgroup analyses based on the type of EGFR genomic aberration, a prolonged median PFS was observed in the cases harboring exon 21 point mutation (Ex21.L858R) in the IB group compared to the I group (not reached vs. 11 months [8.8–13.2], p = 0.021). However, the difference between the cases harboring exon 19 deletions in the EGFR gene was not significant. The DCR and ORR were comparable between both groups. Substantially higher incidences of hypertension and proteinuria were observed in the combined group compared to the icotinib monotherapy group.

Conclusions

This is the first study to provide further evidence of the benefits of applying icotinib in combination with bevacizumab as first‐line treatment for advanced NSCLC cases harboring EGFR mutations. However, these findings need to be verified through prospective phase 3 clinical studies.
Early intervention and prevention of allergic diseases
Authors: Brough Helen A. , Lanser Bruce Joshua , Sindher Sayantani B. , Teng Joyce M. C. , Leung Donald Y. M. , Venter Carina , Chan Susan M. , Santos Alexandra F. , Bahnson Henry T. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Gupta Ruchi S. , Lack Gideon , Ciaccio Christina E. , Sampath Vanitha , Nadeau Kari C. , Nagler Cathryn R.
Published: July 2021

Food allergy (FA) is now one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood often lasting throughout life and leading to significant worldwide healthcare burden. The precise mechanisms responsible for the development of this inflammatory condition are largely unknown; however, a multifactorial aetiology involving both environmental and genetic contributions is well accepted. A precise understanding of the pathogenesis of FA is an essential first step to developing comprehensive prevention strategies that could mitigate this epidemic. As it is frequently preceded by atopic dermatitis and can be prevented by early antigen introduction, the development of FA is likely facilitated by the improper initial presentation of antigen to the developing immune system. Primary oral exposure of antigens allowing for presentation via a well‐developed mucosal immune system, rather than through a disrupted skin epidermal barrier, is essential to prevent FA. In this review, we present the data supporting the necessity of (1) an intact epidermal barrier to prevent epicutaneous antigen presentation, (2) the presence of specific commensal bacteria to maintain an intact mucosal immune system and (3) maternal/infant diet diversity, including vitamins and minerals, and appropriately timed allergenic food introduction to prevent FA.
Outcomes of attempted vaginal births after previous recurrent operative vaginal deliveries: An individual cumulative risk analysis
Authors: Rottenstreich Misgav , Rotem Reut , Hankin Aviel , Rottenstreich Amihai , Sela Hen Y. , Shen Ori , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina
Published: July 2021

Background

Data about the risk of recurrence of vacuum extraction (VE) in multiple consecutive deliveries are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the pattern and individual cumulative risk of recurrence of VE in consecutive term deliveries.

Study Design

A retrospective cohort study based on a validated electronic database at a single center between 2005 and 2019. For the purpose of the study, we focused on consecutive term deliveries of all primiparas (P1) that had a record of at least one additional delivery during the study period. We identified P1 VE deliveries (reference group) and calculated the individual cumulative risk of repeated VE for three consecutive deliveries. Multivariate analysis was conducted adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

We identified 35 113 primiparas that met inclusion criteria. The overall VE rate for P1 was 17.9% (6969 parturient). The cumulative rates of repeated VEs at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th deliveries were 8.6%, 26.8%, and 25.0%, respectively. The risk of recurrent VE for each of the consecutive deliveries was confirmed after adjustment for confounders (aOR [95% CI]: 5.8 [4.76‐7.04], 34.2 [18.59‐62.81], and 113.9 [9.77‐1328.69] for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th consecutive deliveries, respectively).

Conclusion

Women with VE at the first and second deliveries have a substantially increased risk of VE in their following deliveries; this finding may influence woman's preference when choosing future mode of delivery.
Accurate transcriptome assembly by Nanopore RNA sequencing reveals novel functional transcripts in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fang Yuanchang , Chen Geng , Chen Feng , Hu En , Dong Xiuqing , Li Zhenli , He Lei , Sun Yupeng , Qiu Liman , Xu Haipo , Cai Zhixiong , Liu Xiaolong
Published: July 2021

The long reads of Nanopore sequencing permit accurate transcript assembly and ease in discovering novel transcripts with potentially important functions in cancers. The wide adoption of Nanopore sequencing for transcript quantification, however, is largely limited by high costs. To address this issue, we developed a bioinformatics software, NovelQuant, that can specifically quantify long‐read‐assembled novel transcripts with short‐read sequencing data. Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing was carried out on three hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients’ tumor, matched portal vein tumor thrombus, and peritumor to reconstruct the HCC transcriptome. Then, based on the reconstructed transcriptome, NovelQuant was applied on Illumina RNA sequencing data of 59 HCC patients’ tumor and paired peritumor to quantify novel transcripts. Our further analysis revealed 361 novel transcripts dysregulated in HCC and that 101 of them were significantly associated with prognosis. There were 19 novel prognostic transcripts predicted to be long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and some of them had regulatory targets that were reported to be associated with HCC. Additionally, 42 novel prognostic transcripts were predicted to be protein‐coding mRNAs, and many of them could be involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Moreover, the tumor‐suppressive roles of two representative novel prognostic transcripts, CDO1‐novel (lncRNA) and CYP2A6‐novel (protein‐coding mRNA), were further functionally validated during HCC progression. Overall, the current study shows a possibility of combining long‐ and short‐read sequencing to explore functionally important novel transcripts in HCC with accuracy and cost‐efficiency, which expands the pool of molecular biomarkers that could enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCC.
Investment in research and development and export performances of Canadian small and medium‐sized agri‐food firms
Authors: Tamini Lota D. , Valéa Aristide B.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of research and development (R&D) investment on the export performance of Canadian agrifood small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and on that of related sectors, namely, the textile and clothing sector and the manufacture of leather goods and similar products. First, we analyzed explanatory factors for R&D expenses, and then, we analyzed the impact of R&D on extensive (market access) and intensive (trade value) margins of trade using a difference‐in‐differences approach. We used data obtained from the Statistics Canada's National Accounts Longitudinal Microdata File (NALMF) for 2010–2015 and the Trade by Exporter Characteristics (TEC) database. The size of firms and their support from the Canadian government affect their propensity to invest in R&D and the amount of R&D expenses and their intensity, measured as the ratio of R&D to sales of goods and services. Overall, our results show that investment in R&D has a positive impact on the export performance of agrifood SMEs; the impact is smaller when the destination is one of the states in the United States.
ESCP Safe Anastomosis ProGramme in CoLorectal SurgEry (EAGLE): Study protocol for an international cluster randomised trial of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy
Authors:   ESCP EAGLE Safe Anastomosis Collaborative
Published: July 2021

Aim

Cohort data suggest that anastomotic leak occurs after 8% of right colectomies causing significant morbidity and mortality. Patient selection, intra‐operative factors, and technical variation all contribute to risk of leak. The EAGLE study will assess whether implementation of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Safe Anastomosis Intervention reduces anastomotic leak following right colectomy.

Methods

An international, multi‐centre, cluster randomised trial will be undertaken with hospitals as clusters. Hospitals will be recruited in a number of distinct phases, with each phase following the same research plan, in which clusters are randomised to one of three, staggered (dog‐leg) schedules for implementation of the Safe Anastomosis Intervention.

Results

Results from different phases will be meta‐analysed. The intervention is a three‐component behavioural change programme for surgeons, anaesthetists and operating room staff, supported by an online learning environment. All colorectal surgical units around the world will be eligible. Adults undergoing elective or emergency right colectomy or ileocaecal resection, by any approach and for any indication will be included. The primary outcome is 30‐day anastomotic leak rate, defined as clinical or radiologically‐detected leak or intra‐abdominal or pelvic collection. Assuming hospitals provide data for an average of 10 patients per two month recruitment period, 333 clusters (4440 patients in total) will allow for detection of an absolute risk reduction of anastomotic leak from 8.1% to 5.6% (relative risk reduction 30%). This protocol adheres to Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials (SPIRIT).

Discussion

The protocol describes the methods for an evaluation of a hospital‐level, education‐based quality improvement intervention targeted to reduce the life‐threatening surgical complication of anastomotic leak.
Scara3 regulates bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell fate switch between osteoblasts and adipocytes by promoting Foxo1
Authors: Chen Peng , Hu Biao , Xie Ling‐Qi , Jiang Tie‐Jian , Xia Zhu‐Ying , Peng Hui
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Scavenger receptor class A, member 3 (Scara3) was involved in adipogenesis. However, the effect of Scara3 on the switch between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) remains elusive.

Materials and Methods

The correlations between SCARA3 with the osteogenic‐related were analysed based on the GTEx database. The effects of Scara3 on osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs were evaluated by qPCR, Western blot (WB) and cell staining. The mechanisms of Scara3 regulating Foxo1 and autophagy were validated by co‐expression analysis, WB and immunofluorescence. In vivo, Scara3 adeno‐associated virus was injected into intra‐bone marrow of the aged mice and ovariectomized (OVX) mice whose phenotypes were confirmed by micro‐CT, calcein double labelling and immunochemistry (HE and OCN staining).

Results

SCARA3 was positively correlated with osteogenic‐related genes. Scara3 expression gradually decreased during adipogenesis but increased during osteogenesis. Moreover, the deletion of Scara3 favoured adipogenesis over osteogenesis, whereas overexpression of Scara3 significantly enhanced the osteogenesis at the expense of adipogenesis. Mechanistically, Scara3 controlled the cell fate by promoting Foxo1 expression and autophagy flux. In vivo, Scara3 promoted bone formation and reduced bone marrow fat accumulation in OVX mice. In the aged mice, Scara3 overexpression alleviated bone loss as well.

Conclusions

This study suggested that Scara3 regulated the switch between adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation, which represented a potential therapeutic target for bone loss and osteoporosis.
A retrospective multi‐center experience of renal transplants from India during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Jha Pranaw Kumar , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Siddini Vishwanath , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Sharma Reetesh , Anandh Urmila , Jeloka Tarun , Reddy Sreedhar , Pokhariyal Saurabh , Nandwani Ashish , Jain Salil , Saxena Vishal , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Bansal Dinesh , Jain Manish , Sodhi Puneet , Gadde Ashwini , Augustine Rohan , Zafar Feroz Amir , Ghosh Prasun , Tiwari Aseem Kumar , Ahlawat Rajesh , Kher Vijay
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic led to a sudden drop in renal transplant numbers across India in the initial months of 2020. Although the transplant numbers increased with easing of lockdown, the outcome of these transplants remains unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational, multi‐center study done across eight different transplant centers in India. All the transplants done from January 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020 were included. The primary outcomes studied were patient and death censored graft survival as well as incidence of COVID‐19 infection and its outcomes.

Results

During the study period a total of 297 kidney transplants were done. After a median follow up of 265 days the patient and death censored graft survival was 95.3% and 97.6%, respectively. Forty‐one patients (13.8%) developed COVID‐19 post‐transplant. Majority (58.5%) were asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic and the case fatality ratio was 14.6%. On multivariable logistic regression analysis older age was associated with higher likelihood of COVID‐19 infection (odds ratio 1.038; CI 1.002–1.077).

Conclusions

Patient and graft outcome of kidney transplants done during the COVID‐19 pandemic in India was acceptable. The incidence of COVID‐19 was 13.8% with a high case fatality ratio.
Corruption and disasters in the built environment: a literature review
Authors: Sanderson David , Patel Sonny S. , Loosemore Martin , Sharma Anshu , Gleason Kelsey , Patel Ronak
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the findings of a review of academic literature concerning the degree to which corruption worsens disasters triggered by natural hazards in the built environment. The research employed a ‘systematic literature review’ methodology to analyse leading academic databases, resulting in a detailed analysis of 59 peer‐reviewed, published papers. It found that while much of the literature focuses on earthquakes (relating to building and infrastructure collapse), the quality of governance, and the drivers of corruption, there is presently very limited scholarship on the general scope, reach, and scale with respect to how disasters are worsened by corruption. It is notable that the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and a number of other high‐level reports fail to mention corruption. The paper argues that this serious gap in understanding and expressing how corruption increases vulnerability in the built environment within disaster studies perversely supports the furtherance of corruption in worsening disasters
Validation of non‐formal and informal learning: The hero with a thousand faces?
Authors: Villalba‐García Ernesto
Published: July 2021

Validation of non‐formal and informal learning has been gaining political momentum in Europe within the implementation of lifelong learning policies since the early 2000s. Policy documents claim a variety of education, socio‐political and economic benefits from the implementation of validation, making validation a hero for lifelong learning. This article discusses the concept of validation of non‐formal and informal learning and provides an overview of the different faces and interpretations of validation. Starting with the terminology, the article discusses related terms such as recognition, prior learning, assessment, accreditation or certification and their different connotations. Principles and aspects that characterise the current use of validation as a policy priority in Europe are presented. The article highlights the major themes on validation and their implications for policy and research.
Lymphoid malignancy in common variable immunodeficiency in a single‐center cohort
Authors: Smith Tukisa , Cunningham‐Rundles Charlotte
Published: July 2021

One of the complications of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the development of lymphoid malignancy. In this retrospective, single‐center study of 647 CVID subjects followed over 4 decades, we present immunologic and clinical phenotypes, pathology, treatment, and outcomes of 45 patients (15 males and 30 females, 7%) who developed 49 lymphoid malignancies. The mean age at CVID diagnosis was 42.6 years) and at lymphoma diagnosis was 48.8 years. Of the 41 with known follow up, 29 (70%) have died, 27 of these due to this diagnosis. Twelve are alive, in remission or have achieved cure; four others were alive at last encounter. Some patients had a history of only recurrent infections (36.3%); others had autoimmunity (33%), enteropathy (20%), and/or granulomatous disease (11%). Six had previously been treated for another cancer. This report also includes 6 additional living CVID patients who had been diagnosed with NHL; 4 were given treatment for this. However, on pathology review, the initial diagnosis was reversed, as the findings were more consistent with a benign lymphoproliferative process. This study outlines the high incidence of lymphoma in this single CVID cohort, and some of the diagnostic challenges presented due to immune dysregulation characteristic of this immune defect.