bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Issues of e-government services quality in the digital-by-default era – the case of the national e-procurement platform in Czechia
Authors: Špaček David , Špačková Zuzana 
Published: November 2022

PurposeScholarly research on e-procurement has been limited and, like e-government, e-procurement has been researched primarily from the perspective of adoption/non-adoption. This paper aims to focus on public administration employees’ perceptions of the quality of národní elektronický nástroj (NEN) – the Czech national e-procurement tool they are required to use.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based primarily on statistical analysis of data obtained through two questionnaire surveys addressed to contacts from of all Czech central state administration bodies using NEN; 175 completed questionnaires were gathered in 2020 and 128 in 2022 and subjected to statistical analysis in SPSS.FindingsNEN was launched as fully operational in August 2015. The research indicates that in 2022 there were still important gaps in the quality of NEN as perceived by public employees.Social implicationsThe paper has important practical implications for e-procurement policymakers. It shows that making the e-procurement system compulsory is not sufficient. The government needs to guarantee that it would be competitive with tools that would otherwise be preferred. Otherwise, the application of the digital-by-default principle may lead to institutionalisation of services that are not user-friendly. This has important implications for e-government/e-procurement management and change management.Originality/valueLittle is known about public employees’ perceptions of the quality of e-government and e-procurement. Although e-procurement is an area where the digital-by-default principle was implemented rather early, the quality of e-procurement has still received limited attention in research.
Social bricolage and business model innovation: a framework for social entrepreneurship organizations
Authors: Scuotto Adriana , Cicellin Mariavittoria , Consiglio Stefano 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe last two decades have witnessed a surge of interest in social entrepreneurship organizations (SEOs). Understanding their business models is crucial for sustaining their long-term growth. This paper analyses how SEOs that use the approach of social bricolage adapt their business model to develop social innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study used in-depth multiple comparative case studies and narrative analysis to focus on the South of Italy, where these ventures play a crucial role in the entrepreneurial process of minor and abandoned cultural heritage sites, generating economic and social value and employment opportunities.FindingsBy developing a conceptual framework, this paper enhances current understanding of the social dimensions of SEOs’ business model. These ventures using the approach of social bricolage can produce social innovation, reinventing and innovating their business model. The business model innovation of the cases revealed a strong social mark and identified peculiar strategies that both respond to social needs and long-term sustainability in complex contexts.Practical implicationsThis study connects previous knowledge on social bricolage with the business model innovation, highlighting routines and processes used by ventures, and provides a starting point for social entrepreneurs and innovators in the complex and often uncertain cultural domain of the Third Sector in Italy.Originality/valueThe paper aims to contribute to the literature on SEOs by exploring their main features and social dimensions. By combining social bricolage and business model innovation, it offers a novel conceptual framework for developing social innovation and for the study of SEOs.
CCN1 upregulates IL‐36 via AKT/NF‐κB and ERK/CEBP β‐mediated signaling pathways in psoriasis‐like models
Authors: Zhang Jie , Shu Jie , Sun Hanxiao , Zhai Tianhang , Li Huidan , Li Haichuan , Sun Yue , Huo Rongfen , Shen Baihua , Sheng Huiming 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic skin disorder characterized by epidermal keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammatory infiltration. CCN1 (also termed CYR61 or cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61) is an extracellular matrix‐associated protein that is involved in multiple physiological functions. In psoriasis, we recently demonstrated that the overexpression of CCN1 promoted keratinocyte proliferation and activation. Furthermore, CCN1 was highly expressed in psoriatic skin lesions from psoriasis vulgaris patients. Here, we dissect the underlying molecular mechanism in imiquimod (IMQ) and interleukin (IL)‐23‐induced psoriasis‐like models. Our results demonstrate that CCN1 can significantly upregulate IL‐36 production in the murine skin of IMQ and IL‐23‐induced psoriasis‐like models. Injection of CCN1‐neutralizing antibody improved epidermal acanthosis and significantly reduced IL‐36 production in vivo. These results suggest that CCN1 can be a critical upstream pro‐inflammatory factor in psoriasis. In primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes, we demonstrated that CCN1 can selectively induced the production of IL‐36α and IL‐36γ through the activation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) and extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK)/CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (CEBPβ) signaling pathways via integrin receptor α6β1 in vitro. Our results suggest that targeting CCN1 can be a potential therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.
Buccal mucosal graft in ureteral strictures: A case series and review of literature
Authors: Cheung Fu Ho Victor , Chow Henry , Ng Chi Yuen , Poon Yick Kwan Vincent , Ip Chi Ho , Chiu Yi , Chu Tin Yu , Ma Wai Kit , Lam Yiu Chung 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveProximal ureteric stricture is one of the many challenging problems urologists face. We aim to evaluate the results of buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty at our institution.MethodologyAll buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasties performed at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, between December 2020 and July 2022 were reviewed. This review included patients with ureteric strictures of different aetiologies and various stricture lengths. Collected data consisted of patients' demographics, previous interventions, surgical approach, early and intermediate outcomes.ResultsSix patients (median age 59.5 years) were included in this case series. Four had previously failed ureteral interventions. Pre‐operatively four had ureteral stents and two were on nephrostomy tubes. Five had a robotic‐assisted laparoscopic repair while one had an open repair. Onlay graft was performed in five patients and augmented anastomotic repair in one patient. The median stricture length was 2 cm. Median operative time was 268 min, estimated blood loss was 200 mL, and length of stay was 7.5 days. Four patients with adequate follow‐up were considered successful at a median follow‐up of 13.7 months.There were no intra‐operative complications. Anastomotic leakage and donor site bleeding were observed in one patient (Clavien‐Dindo III).ConclusionBuccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty is suitable in appropriately selected patients with proximal ureteral strictures. Robotic surgical approaches have made this technique promising. Long‐term outcomes are eagerly awaited.
Identifying sensory drivers of liking for plant‐based milk coffees: Implications for product development and application
Authors: Chung Yi‐Lin , Kuo Wan‐Yuan , Liou Bo‐Kang , Chen Po‐Chuan , Tseng Yu‐Chuan , Huang Rui‐Yu , Tsai Mei‐Chu 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe global plant‐based product market is growing rapidly, and plant‐based milks show promising potential in the coffee beverage sector. This study aimed to identify sensory drivers of liking of plant‐based milk coffees for guiding the development of plant‐based products with competitive advantages over dairy milk coffees. Twelve coffee samples were prepared with plant‐based (oat, soy, almond, and coconut) and dairy (cow) milk. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to generate sensory attribute terms for the 12 samples. Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) questions were given to consumers to evaluate the sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of the 12 samples. Correspondence analysis and cluster analysis of the CATA results from 80 consumers showed that the oat and soy milk coffee samples were closer to what the consumers perceived as “typical” milk products, while the coconut and almond milk coffee samples were closer to the “flavored” milk products. Partial least squares regression results revealed that the attributes smooth, milky, and thick were important drivers of liking for the milk coffee samples. On the contrary, rancid oil, greasy, astringent, and rice bran were the major sensory attributes lowering the panelists’ acceptance of the milk coffee samples. The majority of consumers (53.5%) were “dairy milk lovers,” who specifically liked the dairy milk coffee sample and had low acceptance for the plant‐based milk coffee samples. There was also a group of consumers (46.2%) classified as “plant‐based milk coffee lovers.” They enjoyed coffees prepared with a wide range of milks (both dairy and nondairy milks) and represent high‐potential consumers for plant‐based milk coffee products.Practical ApplicationThe positive and negative drivers of liking for plant‐based milk coffee samples were identified. A competitive landscape analysis method for assessing the acceptability and sensory attributes of 12 milk coffee samples (11 commercial plant‐based milks and 1 dairy milk product) in the current Asian market was established. The sensory terms developed in this study can also be applied to evaluate sensory profiles of other plant‐based and dairy milk coffee samples.
How can we possibly resolve the planet's nitrogen dilemma?
Authors: Matassa Silvio , Boeckx Pascal , Boere Jos , Erisman Jan Willem , Guo Miao , Manzo Raffaele , Meerburg Francis , Papirio Stefano , Pikaar Ilje , Rabaey Korneel , Rousseau Diederik , Schnoor Jerald , Smith Peter , Smolders Erik , Wuertz Stefan , Verstraete Willy 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNitrogen is the most crucial element in the production of nutritious feeds and foods. The production of reactive nitrogen by means of fossil fuel has thus far been able to guarantee the protein supply for the world population. Yet, the production and massive use of fertilizer nitrogen constitute a major threat in terms of environmental health and sustainability. It is crucial to promote consumer acceptance and awareness towards proteins produced by highly effective microorganisms, and their potential to replace proteins obtained with poor nitrogen efficiencies from plants and animals. The fact that reactive fertilizer nitrogen, produced by the Haber Bosch process, consumes a significant amount of fossil fuel worldwide is of concern. Moreover, recently, the prices of fossil fuels have increased the cost of reactive nitrogen by a factor of 3 to 5 times, while international policies are fostering the transition towards a more sustainable agro‐ecology by reducing mineral fertilizers inputs and increasing organic farming. The combination of these pressures and challenges opens opportunities to use the reactive nitrogen nutrient more carefully. Time has come to effectively recover used nitrogen from secondary resources and to upgrade it to a legal status of fertilizer. Organic nitrogen is a slow‐release fertilizer, it has a factor of 2.5 or higher economic value per unit nitrogen as fertilizer and thus adequate technologies to produce it, for instance by implementing photobiological processes, are promising. Finally, it appears wise to start the integration in our overall feed and food supply chains of the exceptional potential of biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen produced by the nitrogenase enzyme, either in the soil or in novel biotechnology reactor systems, deserves to have a ‘renaissance’ in the context of planetary governance in general and the increasing number of people who desire to be fed in a sustainable way in particular.
Lycopersene: A review on extraction, identification and purification and applications
Authors: Arumugam Sathishkumar , Ramessh Chelvi , Kaliappan Gobala Krishnana , Govindhan Rajiv , Prakasam Sebastein Belciya , Murugan Silambarasan , Pandian Sureshkumar , Asgar Ebadollahi , Ravi Prasanth 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLycopersene is a stable and safe triterpenoid. Lycopersen had utilized as an antioxidant, antimutagenic, antiproliferative, cytotoxicity, antibacterial and pesticide. Obtaining pure Lycopersene from natural sources is very important for fundamental research and the above applications. The present overview provides an up‐to‐date and comprehensive summary of the various methods used for extraction, isolation and purification of Lycopersene from natural sources with its applications in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields. Many different extraction methods ranging from conventional techniques (e.g. Soxhlet extraction, Maceration and Rotary evaporator) and other advanced extraction technologies (e.g. Solid‐phase microextraction, steam distillation with Clevenger, Clevenger apparatus, Chromatography on SiO2 column, centrifuge, sonication) had been used to obtain Lycopersene from flora and fauna. Purification techniques, alone or in combination, have been investigated for isolation and purification of Lycopersene from crude extracts in various natural sources. The review of Lycopersene identified cap areas like purity and application in various fields.
The sound stimulation method and EEG change analysis for development of digital therapeutics that can stimulate the nervous system: Cortical activation and drug substitution potential
Authors: Kim Deachang , Woo JaeHyun , Jeong Jeahoon , Kim Sungmin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study is to propose a treatment method and the effect on the nervous system of digital therapeutics, which is a new treatment method to replace surgery and drug prescription for the treatment and prevention of diseases.MethodsThe 20 subjects who participated in the experiment, including men and women, had an average age of 26 ± 2.40 years. The proposed treatment method used three types of sound stimulation and air or bone conduction sound transmission methods to induce total of 6‐time EEG electroencephalogram(EEG) changes. EEG was measured with 200 sampling rate each in the P4, Cz, F8 and T7 channel located in the parietal, central, frontal and temporal lobes, respectively, according to the 10/10 system. A total of 2 min of data were created by extracting EEG signals with less noise from the measured data and the extracted data were applied with a 1–40 Hz Butterworth filter and a 50 Hz notch filter with a quality factor of 30. After that, EEG are subdivided into delta (0.5–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), beta (13–30 Hz), and gamma (30–45 Hz) bands. Finally, EEG changes in response to sound stimuli were analyzed using power spectral density and T‐test validation in the frequency band.ResultsWhen a sound stimulus of less than 1 KHz was stimulated by air conduction, brainstem activation was induced and the reticular activation system was activated. In addition, a great potential for replacing drugs was confirmed by inducing changes in the nervous system similar to drugs used for sedation.ConclusionThese results will be able to expand the concept of digital therapeutics, and it is expected that it will be developed as a safer treatment method that can replace surgery and drugs.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the face: A clinicopathologic and molecular study of 34 cases
Authors: Han Qianqian , Chen Min , Yang Jieliang , Du Tianhai , Peng Heng 
Published: November 2022

SummaryBackgroundDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is one of the most common dermal sarcomas, but facial DFSP is rare.Patients and MethodsThe clinicopathological characteristics of 34 facial DFSPs were reviewed. Additional immunostaining (CD34) and PDGFB/COL1A1‐PDGFB fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detection were performed.ResultsPatients were aged from 24 to 64 years (mean 42.9 years), with a male‐to‐female ratio of 4.7 : 1. Morphologically, classic DFSP (25/34, 73.5 %), pigmented DFSP (2/34, 5.9 %), DFSP with myoid differentiation (1/34, 2.9 %) and fibrosarcomatous DFSP (FS‐DFSP) (6/34, 17.6 %) were found. Moreover, myxoid degeneration was observed in three FS‐DFSP cases (3/6, 50.0 %). All 29 cases that underwent CD34 immunohistochemistry exhibited positive staining (100 %). Genetically, PDGFB rearrangement/COL1A1‐PDGFB fusion was detected in 94.1 % (16/17) of patients. Regarding prognosis, the recurrence (83.3 % vs. 59.1 %) and metastasis (33.3 % vs. 0 %) rates were higher in FS‐DFSPs than that in ordinary DFSPs. All available surgical margins were positive before DFSPs recurrence. All patients with negative excision or re‐excision margins were alive without evidence of disease (mean, 81.8 months; median, 81 months).ConclusionsFacial DFSP occurs predominantly in males, while FS‐DFSPs are more likely to exhibit myxoid degeneration and a worse prognosis. Notably, negative surgical margin status determined a satisfactory prognosis.
Medical and surgical treatment of postbariatric hypoglycaemia: Retrospective data from daily practice
Authors: de Heide Loek J. M. , Wouda Sterre H. T. , Peters Vincent J. T. , Oosterwerff‐Suiker Mirjam , Gerdes Victor A. , Emous Marloes , van Beek André P. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimTo evaluate medical and surgical treatment of postbariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) in daily practice.Materials and MethodsRetrospective data were extracted from medical records from four hospitals. PBH was defined by neuroglycopenic symptoms together with a documented glucose <3.0 mmol/L in the postprandial setting after previous bariatric surgery. Data were scored semiquantitatively on efficacy and side effects by two reviewers independently. Duration of efficacy and of use were calculated.ResultsIn total, 120 patients were included with a median follow‐up of 27 months with a mean baseline age of 41 years, total weight loss of 33% and glucose nadir 2.3 mmol/L. Pharmacotherapy consisted of acarbose, diazoxide, short‐ and long‐acting octreotide and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist analogues (liraglutide and semaglutide) with an overall efficacy in 45%‐75% of patients. Combination therapy with two drugs was used by 30 (25%) patients. The addition of a second drug was successful in over half of the patients. Long‐acting octreotide and the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist analogues scored best in terms of efficacy and side effects with a median duration of use of 35 months for octreotide. Finally, 23 (19%) patients were referred for surgical intervention. Efficacy of the surgical procedures, pouch banding, G‐tube placement in remnant stomach and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass reversal, pooled together, was 79% with a median duration of initial effect of 13 months.ConclusionsIn daily practice, pharmacotherapy for PBH was successful in half to three quarters of patients. Combination therapy was often of value. One in five patients finally needed a surgical procedure, with overall good results.
Safety and efficacy of an oral insulin (Capsulin) in patients with early‐stage type 2 diabetes: A dose‐ranging phase 2b study
Authors: New Roger R. C. , Ramanujam Sukumar , Chaudhari Varsha , Bogus Michal , Travers Glen N. , Namjoshi Gajanan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimTo compare the pharmacodynamic properties of different doses of regular human insulin administered in capsule form twice daily in a randomised twelve‐week open‐label study.MethodsA total of 100 individuals (48 males, 52 females) with type 2 diabetes on metformin completed the study according to the protocol. The mean (SD) age was 48.5 (6.7) years, body mass index 25.7 (2.8) kg/m2 and HbA1c 8.10% (0.65%). Subjects randomized upon admission were assigned to one of three groups receiving formulated regular insulin at dose levels of 75 iu BD, 150 iu insulin BD, or 300 iu BD, all in enteric‐coated capsules. The primary and secondary endpoints were change from baseline in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), respectively.ResultsThe study met its primary clinical endpoint of a decrease in HbA1c of 0.5% or higher (least square mean decrease 0.52%; P = .004, median decrease 0.6%) in the dose group receiving 150 iu BD. In a subset of this population, with starting HbA1c values of 9% to 9.5%, an average decrease of 1.575% was observed. In the total population, least square mean decreases in HbA1c for the 75 and 300 iu BD groups were −0.11% and −0.42%, respectively. Mean change in FPG in the 150 iu BD dose group was −18.8 mg/dl (P = .017) and −14.8 and −2.7 mg/dl for the 75 and 300 iu BD groups, respectively. A decrease of 20% for triglycerides (−40 mg/dl) was observed in the 150 iu BD dose group. No significant increases in body weight were observed, and significant decreases in systolic blood pressure were seen in all groups. No serious treatment‐related adverse events were recorded, and no incidence of hypoglycaemia was reported throughout the entire 12‐week study period.ConclusionsCapsulin oral insulin administered twice per day at a dose of 150 iu per capsule is safe, with no confirmed treatment‐linked hypoglycaemic events, and results in significant decreases from baseline in HbA1c, FPG and triglycerides.
Inflammatory cytokines and their correlations with different left ventricular geometries and functions in PHT patients
Authors: Zan Yu , Wang Jian , Wang Wenjuan , Cui Tong , Xu Kun , Li Yiying , Huang Xiaochun , Zhang Yanjing , Wei Na , Xing Xueqing 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate relationships between hypersensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor ‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A), and interferon ‐γ (IFN‐γ), with left ventricular geometry (LVG) and function in patients with primary hypertension (PHT).MethodsA total of 396 PHT patients were assigned into four groups: Normal Geometry (NG), Concentric Remodeling (CR), Eccentric Hypertrophy (EH), and Concentric Hypertrophy (CH). The correlation between hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐17A, IFN‐γ, and clinical, biochemical parameters were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis and Logistic regression. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the clinical values of hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ for abnormal LVG prediction.ResultsNG, CR, EH, and CH group all presented increasingly higher levels of Hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ, and the increase was the most prominent in the CH group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that hs‐CRP, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ were all positively correlated with LASct. Hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, and IL‐17A were all negatively correlated with GLS, LASr, and LAScd. However, IFN‐γ was only negatively correlated with GLS and LAScd. Logistic regression analysis showed that hs‐CRP and IL‐17A were independently correlated with CR; hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17A were independently correlated with EH and CH. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of hs‐CRP was 0.816. When the optimal diagnostic threshold of hs‐CRP was 3.04 mg/L, the sensitivity and specificity of the abnormal LVG were 72.1% and 81.5%, respectively.ConclusionIn PHT patients, hs‐CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ were correlated with abnormal LVG and left ventricular function, suggesting that inflammatory cytokines may be involved in the process of PHT‐induced abnormal left ventricular structure and function. In addition, hs‐CRP can be used as a health screening index for patients at high risk of abnormal LVG.