bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of thrombolytic agents to treat neonatal thrombosis in clinical practice
Authors: Leong Russell , Patel Jay , Samji Nasrin , Paes Bosco A. , Chan Anthony K.C. , Petropoulos Jo-Anne , Bhatt Mihir D.
Published: March 2022

Among children, neonates have the highest incidence of thrombosis. Thrombolytic agents are used for the management of life and/or organ-threatening thrombosis. Literature on the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic agents in neonates is limited. We reviewed the evidence on dosing, administration, monitoring and treatment duration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), streptokinase and urokinase (URK) in neonates (≤ 28days). A systematic literature search was conducted of current databases from inception until 31 March 2021. The initial search yielded 6881 articles and 18 were retained for review. tPA, streptokinase and URK was utilized in 12, seven and four studies on 115, 51 and 16 patients, respectively. The dose range for tPA, streptokinase and URK was 0.01 -0.6 mg/kg/h, 50–2000 and 1000–0 000 units/kg/h, respectively, and treatment duration ranged from 30 min to 30 days. This is the first study to objectively summarize the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic agents in neonates. Overall, thrombolysis was associated with 87.9% complete or partial thrombus resolution and 7.4% recurrence risk. The bleeding risk associated with thrombolytic agents was 23.1% on pooled analysis, which is higher than other anticoagulants. Larger prospective studies are required to determine effective dosing regimens of these therapeutic drugs and further clarify their efficacy and safety. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 33:000–000 Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Association Between Sex Hormone Levels and Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity—A Systematic Review
Authors: d’Afflitto Manfredi , Upadhyaya Advait , Green Alicia , Peiris Madusha
Published: March 2022

Goals/Background:

Animal studies have highlighted how the microbiota acts in a sex-specific manner with sex hormones demonstrating an association with the composition and diversity of the microbiota. This systematic review aimed to gather the available scientific evidence to explore the association between sex hormones and gut microbiota composition and diversity, in humans.

Study:

Four bibliographic databases were searched in July 2020 using terms related to “microbiota,” “microflora,” “sex hormones,” “testosterone,” and “estrogen.” Human studies that investigated the correlation between sex hormones and the microbiota composition or diversity using next-generation sequencing were included.

Results:

A total of 10,468 records were screened with 13 studies included in this review. In healthy women, higher estrogen levels were found to be associated with a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, a lower abundance of Firmicutes, the Ruminococcaceae family and increased diversity. In healthy men, raised testosterone levels positively correlated with Ruminococcus, Acinetobacter, and an increased microbial diversity. Escherichia and Shigella spp. were correlated with raised testosterone in healthy women whereas Ruminococcus spp. was negatively associated with elevated testosterone levels. Women with altered testosterone/estrogen profiles (such as in polycystic ovary syndrome), had a differing gut microbiota compared with healthy women.

Conclusions:

The findings gathered highlight an association between sex hormones and the gut microbiota composition/diversity and may contribute to the sex-based variations observed in disease pathogenesis. Factors such as age and medical conditions are implicated in the associations observed and should be accounted for in future studies. As the understanding of the complex symbiotic relationship between humans and their gut microbiota increases, microbiota modulation could be an attractive option for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Differences in Quality of Life and Emotional Well-being in Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer Patients During Outpatient Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Ulibarri-Ochoa Ainhoa , Ruiz-de-Alegría Begoña , López-Vivanco Guillermo , García-Vivar Cristina , Iraurgi Ioseba
Published: March 2022

Background

Adjuvant chemotherapy used at each cancer site may affect quality of life (QoL) and emotional well-being (affect) of cancer patients differently; however, these differences between groups have not been studied.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess differences in QoL and affect by cancer site at the start of outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy, whether QoL and affect change during this treatment, and whether adverse effects influence these variables.

Methods

A multicenter longitudinal descriptive study was conducted with 247 participants with breast, colon, or lung cancer at the beginning (T1) and end of treatment (T2). We used the SF-12 Health Survey, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and an “ad hoc” adverse effects questionnaire.

Results

At the start of chemotherapy, the lung group had poorer Physical Component Summary and poorer positive and negative affect (P < .05) scores. In the end-of-treatment comparisons, breast and colon cancer patients’ status had worsened, whereas lung cancer patients had tended to stabilize, although they remained the most vulnerable. Adverse effect severity was significant for Physical Component Summary (r = −0.13, P = .035), with decreases in positive affect (r = −0.17, β = −.16) and increases in negative affect (r = 0.15, β = .14).

Conclusions

Changes in QoL and emotional state differ between groups, implying a need for varying levels of follow-up and emotional support. Patients with lung cancer seem particularly vulnerable.

Implications for Practice

Cancer nurses could strengthen the assessment of patients undergoing chemotherapy using more sensitive instruments such as the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and considering differences by cancer site, to provide care tailored to individual patient needs and preferences.
Naloxone prescribing practices in the Military Health System before and after policy implementation
Authors: Pakieser Jennifer , Peters Sidney , Tilley Laura C. , Costantino Ryan C. , Scott-Richardson Maya , Highland Krista B.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Despite public health campaigns, policies, and educational programs, naloxone prescription rates among people receiving opioids remains low. In June 2018, the U.S. Military Health System (MHS) released 2 policies to improve naloxone prescribing.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to examine whether the policies resulted in increased naloxone coprescription rates for patients who met the criteria for 1 or more risk indicators (eg, long-term opioid therapy, benzodiazepine coprescription, morphine equivalent daily dose ≥50 mg, and elevated overdose risk score) at the time of opioid dispense.

Methods:

Prescription and risk indicator data from January 2017 to February 2021 were extracted from the MHS Data Repository. Naloxone coprescription rates from January 2017 to September 2018 were used to forecast prescribing rates from October 2018 to February 2021 overall and across risk indicators. Forecasted rates were compared with actual rates using Bayesian time series analyses.

Results:

The probability of receiving a naloxone coprescription was higher for patients whose opioid prescriber and pharmacy were both within military treatment facilities vs both within the purchased-care network. Bayesian time series results indicated that the number of patients who met the criteria for any risk indicator decreased throughout the study period. Naloxone prescribing rates increased across the study period from <1% to 20% and did not significantly differ from the forecasted rates across any and each risk indicator (adjusted P values all >0.05).

Conclusion:

Future analyses are needed to better understand naloxone prescribing practices and the impact of improvements to electronic health records, decision support tools, and policies.
Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Robin Sequence Using Three-Dimensional Analysis and Planning
Authors: Pourtaheri Navid , Maniskas Seija , Chandler Ludmila , Steinbacher Derek M.
Published: March 2022

The optimal management of patients with Robin sequence may include neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis, which has been used to achieve excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in appropriate patients. This article and video vignette depict the treatment of micrognathia and airway obstruction secondary to Robin sequence, demonstrating the planning and surgical approach of the senior author (D.M.S.) using mandibular distraction osteogenesis.
An Analysis of Serological Response and Infection Outcomes Following Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222) and Pfizer-BioNTech (mRNA BNT162b2) SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Kidney and Kidney-pancreas Transplants
Authors: Asderakis Argiris , Khalid Usman , Koimtzis Georgios , Ponsford Mark J. , Szabo Laszlo , Chalklin Christopher , Bramhall Kathryn , Grant Leanne , Moat Stuart J. , Humphreys Ian R. , Jolles Stephen R.
Published: March 2022

Background.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is associated with high mortality among transplant recipients. Comparative data that define humoral responses to the Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZ) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines are limited.

Methods.

We recruited 920 kidney transplant patients receiving at least 1 dose of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine, excluding patients with virus pre-exposure. Serological status was determined with the COVID-SeroKlir ELISA (Kantaro-EKF Diagnostics). Patients with a corrected antibody level of <0.7 AU/mL were considered seronegative.

Results.

Four hundred ninety-five AZ and 141 Pfizer patients had a sample analyzed after first dose and 593 after second dose (346 AZ versus 247 Pfizer). After first dose, 25.7% of patients seroconverted (26.6% AZ, 22.8% Pfizer). After second dose, 148 (42.8%) of AZ seroconverted compared with 130 (52.6%) of Pfizer (P = 0.02; hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.06). When negative responders were excluded, Pfizer patients were shown to have significantly higher response than AZ patients (median 2.6 versus 1.78 AU/mL, P = 0.005).

Patients on mycophenolate had a reduced seroconversion rate (42.2% versus 61.4%; P < 0.001; hazard ratio, 2.17) and reduced antibody levels (0.47 versus 1.22 AU/mL, P = 0.001), and this effect was dose dependent (P = 0.05). Prednisolone reduced the seroconversion from 58.2% to 43.6% (P = 0.03) among Pfizer but not AZ recipients. Regression analysis showed that antibody levels were reduced by older age (P = 0.002), mycophenolate (P < 0.001), AZ vaccine (versus Pfizer, P = 0.001), and male gender (P = 0.02). Sixteen of 17 serious postvaccine infections occurred to patients who did not seroconvert.

Conclusions.

Both seroconversion and antibody levels are lower in AZ compared with Pfizer vaccinated recipients following 2 vaccine doses. Mycophenolate was associated with lower antibody responses in a dose-dependent manner. Serious postvaccine infections occurred among seronegative recipients.
Blue light exposure increases functional connectivity between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and multiple cortical regions
Authors: Killgore William D.S. , Alkozei Anna , Vanuk John R. , Reign Deva , Grandner Michael A. , Dailey Natalie S.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Blue light is a powerful environmental stimulus that can produce significant phase shifts in the circadian rhythm of melatonin and sleep propensity as well as acute effects on alertness of neurobehavioral performance. Here, we undertook an expansion and reanalysis of our previously published findings to examine the effect of acute blue light exposure on the strength of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between a previously identified region of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and 106 cortical and subcortical regions.

Methods

Twenty-nine healthy adults (16 men and 13 women; age 18–32 years) completed a psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) before and after a single 30-min exposure to either blue (λ = 469 nm; n = 17) or amber wavelength (λ = 578 nm; n = 12) light, immediately followed by an rsFC scan.

Results

Compared with amber light, blue light exposure produced significantly greater functional connectivity between the left DLPFC seed region and 30 cortical and subcortical regions (P < 0.05; false discovery rate–corrected). Although neurobehavioral performance did not differ between light conditions, only those exposed to blue light showed a significant association between rsFC and sustained PVT performance. Better sustained PVT performance was associated with greater connectivity between the left DLPFC and regions associated with visuospatial awareness/motion detection (right temporal-occipital middle temporal gyrus) and memory (left hippocampus), as well as reduced connectivity in a circuit associated with cognitive rumination and distraction (left parahippocampal gyrus).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that blue-wavelength light may facilitate acute alertness and improved cognitive performance through enhanced rsFC between the left DLPFC and cortical regions associated with visuospatial awareness.
Boosting transformation in wheat by BBM-WUS
Authors: Zhou Ziru , Yang Yawen , Ai Guo , Zhao Miaomiao , Han Baozhu , Zhao Chunjie , Chen Yiqian , Zhang Yuwei , Pan Hong , Lan Caixia , Li Qiang , Xu Jieting , Yan Wenhao
Published: March 2022

Agrobacterium–mediated transformation is a cost-effective and convenient way to introduce foreign genetic elements to plants. However, only limited protocols successfully generates transgenic plants with fielder, a spring wheat variety. Wheat transformation method with higher efficiency and without genotype restriction is heavily demanded. Here, a heat-shock protocol, independent of Japan Tobacco had been established. Transgenic plants can be obtained from immature embryo within only 60 days by this protocol. Morphogenic regulators Baby boom and Wuschel (BBM-WUS) was proved to promote transformation efficiency for five to six times in wheat when co-infiltrated with agrobacterium containing target construct. Notably, half of the transformants are BBM-WUS free and moreover, the BBM-WUS containing plants could be picked by florescent marker that was co-expressed with BBM-WUS. In conclusion, we managed to establish a new wheat transformation protocol with shorter duration than published protocol.
High life history diversity within a single genus of phytoplankton viruses
Authors: Lievens Eva J.P. , Agarkova Irina V. , Dunigan David D. , Van Etten James L. , Becks Lutz
Published: March 2022

Phytoplankton viruses are key players in aquatic ecosystems, where they control algal populations and affect nutrient flow. The ecological impact and evolution of these viruses can be understood by studying their life history traits, but very little is known about the life history diversity of related viruses. We quantified the life cycle of 34 strains in the genusChlorovirus, which infects freshwater green algae. All chloroviral life history traits varied 5-to 75-fold across strains, in some cases rivaling the known trait range for all phytoplankton viruses. The trait variation affected viral growth rates but was not detectably constrained by life history trade-offs. This study represents the most in-depth characterization of algal viruses to date and raises the question whether all phytoplankton virus genera are equally diverse.
In vivo CRISPR screens reveal SCAF1 and USP15 as novel drivers of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Martinez Sebastien , Weber Ramona , Woo Tristan , Malik Ahmad , Geuenich Michael , Jang Gun Ho , Dervovic Dzana , Al-Zahrani Khalid N. , Tsai Ricky , Fodil Nassima , Gros Philippe , Sidhu Sachdev S , Gallinger Stephen , Neely G. Gregory , Campbell Kieran , Notta Faiyaz , Sendoel Ataman , Schramek Daniel
Published: March 2022

Functionally characterizing the genetic alterations that drive pancreatic cancer progression is a prerequisite for Precision Medicine. Here, we developed a somatic CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis screen to assess the transforming potential of 125 recurrently mutated ‘long-tail’ pancreatic cancer genes, which revealed USP15 and SCAF1 as novel and potent Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDAC tumor suppressors, with USP15 functioning in a haplo-insufficient manner. Mechanistically, we found that loss of USP15 leads to reduced inflammatory responses associated with TNFα, TGF-β and IL6 signaling and sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to PARP inhibition and gemcitabine. Similarly, genetic ablation of SCAF1 reduced inflammatory responses linked to TNFα, TGF-β and mTOR signaling and increased sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Furthermore, we identified that loss of SCAF1 resulted in the formation of a truncated inactive USP15 isoform at the expense of full length USP15, functionally coupling SACF1 and USP15. Notably, USP15 and SCAF1 mutations or copy number losses are observed in 31% of PDAC patients. Together, our results demonstrate the utility of in vivo CRISPR to integrate human cancer genomics with mouse modeling to delineate novel cancer driver genes USP15 and SCAF1 such as with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Inorganic sulfur fixation via a new homocysteine synthase allows yeast cells to cooperatively compensate for methionine auxotrophy
Authors: Yu Jason S.L. , Heineike Benjamin M. , Hartl Johannes , Correia-Melo Clara , Aulakh Simran Kaur , Lehmann Andrea , Lemke Oliver , Agostini Federica , Lee Cory T. , Demichev Vadim , Messner Christoph B. , Mülleder Michael , Ralser Markus
Published: March 2022

The assimilation, incorporation, and metabolism of sulfur is a fundamental process across all domains of life, yet how cells deal with varying sulfur availability is not well understood. We studied an unresolved conundrum of sulfur fixation in yeast, in which an organosulfur-auxotrophy caused by deletion of homocysteine synthase Met17p is overcome when cells are inoculated at high cell density. We discovered that an uncharacterized gene YLL058Wp, herein named Hydrogen sulfide utilizing-1 (HSU1), acts as a homocysteine synthase and allows the cells to substitute for Met17p by re-assimilating hydrosulfide ions leaked frommet17Δcells into O-acetyl-homoserine and forming homocysteine. Our results show that cells can cooperate to achieve sulfur fixation, indicating that the collective properties of microbial communities facilitate their basic metabolic capacity.

Sulfur limitation activates a dormant hydrogen sulfide fixation route via a novel homocysteine synthase Hsu1p (YLL058Wp).
Molecular architecture of the TasA biofilm scaffold in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Böhning Jan , Ghrayeb Mnar , Pedebos Conrado , Abbas Daniel K. , Khalid Syma , Chai Liraz , Bharat Tanmay A. M.
Published: March 2022

Many bacteria in nature exist in multicellular communities termed biofilms. Cells within biofilms are embedded in a primarily self-secreted extracellular polymeric matrix that provides rigidity to the biofilm and protects cells from chemical and mechanical stresses. In the Gram-positive model biofilm-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis, TasA is the major protein component of the biofilm matrix, where it has been reported to form functional amyloid fibres contributing to biofilm structure and stability. The structure of TasA fibres, however, and how fibres scaffold the biofilm at the molecular level, is not known. Here, we present electron cryomicroscopy structures of TasA fibres, which show that rather than forming amyloid fibrils, TasA monomers assemble into filaments through donor strand complementation, with each subunit donating a β-strand to complete the fold of the next subunit along the filament. Combining electron cryotomography, atomic force microscopy, and mutational studies, we show how TasA filaments congregate in three dimensions to form abundant fibre bundles that are essential for B. subtilis biofilm formation. This study explains the previously observed biochemical properties of TasA and shows, for the first time, how a bacterial extracellular globular protein can assemble from monomers into β-sheet-rich fibres, and how such fibres assemble into bundles in biofilms. We establish a hierarchical, atomic-level assembly mechanism of biofilm scaffolding that provides a structural framework for understanding bacterial biofilm formation.
Real-time denoising of fluorescence time-lapse imaging enables high-sensitivity observations of biological dynamics beyond the shot-noise limit
Authors: Li Xinyang , Li Yixin , Zhou Yiliang , Wu Jiamin , Zhao Zhifeng , Fan Jiaqi , Deng Fei , Wu Zhaofa , Xiao Guihua , He Jing , Zhang Yuanlong , Zhang Guoxun , Hu Xiaowan , Zhang Yi , Qiao Hui , Xie Hao , Li Yulong , Wang Haoqian , Fang Lu , Dai Qionghai
Published: March 2022

A fundamental challenge in fluorescence microscopy is the inherent photon shot noise caused by the inevitable stochasticity of photon detection. Noise increases measurement uncertainty, degrades image quality, and limits imaging resolution, speed, and sensitivity. To achieve high-sensitivity imaging beyond the shot-noise limit, we provide DeepCAD-RT, a versatile self-supervised method for effective noise suppression of fluorescence time-lapse imaging. We made comprehensive optimizations to reduce its data dependency, processing time, and memory consumption, finally allowing real-time processing on a two-photon microscope. High imaging signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be acquired with 10-fold fewer fluorescence photons. Meanwhile, the self-supervised superiority makes it a practical tool in fluorescence microscopy where ground-truth images for training are hard to obtain. We demonstrated the utility of DeepCAD-RT in extensive experiments, including in vivo calcium imaging of various model organisms (mouse, zebrafish larva, fruit fly), 3D migration of neutrophils after acute brain injury, and 3D dynamics of cortical ATP (adenosine 5’-triphosphate) release. DeepCAD-RT will facilitate the morphological and functional interrogation of biological dynamics with minimal photon budget.
Structure of the high-temperature phase of caesium nitrate – the importance of high-resolution data
Authors: Fábry Jan , Kučeráková Monika , Dušek Michal , Buixaderas Elena , Hlinka Jiří
Published: March 2022

A single-crystal structure determination of the cubic phase of CsNO3 based on data collected at 439 K up to sinθmax/λ = 0.995000 Å−1, i.e. to an unprecedentedly high-θ value, is reported. The structure has been refined in Pm
3
m (Z = 1). Analysis of the difference electron-density maps revealed that the most appropriate model is the twelve-orientation model with the Cs, N, O1 and O2 atoms situated on the Wyckoff positions 1a, 6f, 6f and 24l, respectively, rather than the eight-orientation aragonite model with the Cs, N and O atoms situated on the Wyckoff positions 1a, 8g and 24m, respectively. Both models, however, show close similarities if the large anisotropic displacement parameters of the O atoms in the eight-orientation aragonite model are taken into account. The reason for this is shown to lie in the smeared electron density around the positions of the disordered [NO3]− anion.
Ecological consciousness and sustainable purchase behavior: the mediating role of psychological ownership
Authors: Mishra Sita , Malhotra Gunjan , Chatterjee Ravi , Kareem Abdul Waheed
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research focuses on the consumption behavior of young consumers by examining their ecological consciousness and several self-oriented and psychological variables (fashion-orientation, frugality and psychological ownership toward the environment) that may trigger their sustainable purchase behavior. The research used “Psychological Ownership Theory” to examine sustainable purchase behavior in the context of apparel consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

To gather data, a multi-method approach is used, including a scenario-based choice experiment (n = 62) and a structured survey (n = 338) using an online self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS AMOS version 25 and PROCESS SPSS macro.

Findings

The results of the two studies revealed the mediation effect of “psychological ownership toward the environment” between ecological consciousness and sustainable purchasing behavior. Furthermore, fashion-orientation was found to be a significant moderating variable influencing sustainable purchase behavior; however, the impact of frugality was insignificant.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first that examined the mediation impact of psychological ownership of the environment in sustainable purchasing behavior using multi-method. The research focuses on the ecological consciousness of young consumers that develop psychological ownership.
Exploring heterogeneity in meat consumption and eating out by using a latent class model
Authors: Ritzel Christian , Mann Stefan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

While it is incontestable that eating in restaurants leads to a higher energy intake than eating at home, this paper explores the even more environmentally relevant connection between meat intake and the location of eating.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on secondary data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the authors apply a latent class model (LCM), combining latent profile analysis (LPA) and regression analysis. Different (latent) consumer classes are modeled based (1) on share of meat consumption and (2) share of eating out by means of LPA, while class-specific socio-demographic characteristics are estimated by means of ordered logistic regression.

Findings

Results of the LPA reveal four (latent) consumer classes with regard to the share of meat consumption and the share of eating out. One class consists mostly of male meat lovers with a high share of eating out, which, however, only represents 7% of the sample. A much larger class represents an affluent social group that consumes the majority of food outside of the home but does not consume significantly more meat than the large group of moderates who mostly eat at home. The fourth class mostly consists of children with a very low intake of meat.

Originality/value

By applying a LCM, the authors shed some light on the relation between meat consumption and eating out. The authors demonstrated that commonly assumed relations, such as men eating more meat than women, do not necessarily apply. Similar findings apply to factors potentially influencing meat consumption, such as education, marital status and income.
Critical factors of construction workers' career promotion: evidence from Guangzhou city
Authors: Xie Lin-lin , Luo Ziyuan , Zhao Xianbo
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to build a framework of the influencing factors of construction workers' career promotion and identifies the critical determinants so as to propose suggestions for the government and enterprises to offer construction workers a path for career promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the theory of human resources, such as Herzberg's two-factor theory, this study constructs a theoretical framework that affects the career promotion of construction workers. Using evidence from Guangzhou city, valid data provided by 464 workers from 50 sites were collected by a questionnaire survey, and the significance test on the influencing factors of construction workers' career promotion was taken by binary logistic regression.

Findings

The overall career development of construction workers in Guangzhou is worrying. The binary logistic regression indicates that age, working years, type of work, career development awareness, legal awareness, professional mentality, vocational psychological training and career development path are critical factors that affect construction workers' career promotion.

Originality/value

This study for the first time explores the career promotion of frontline construction workers. Specifically, it identifies the critical factors that affect the career promotion of workers and thus lays a foundation for further research and the promotion and continuous and healthy development of the construction industry. Thus, this study is original and has theoretical and practical significance.
Understanding the accessibility of retail mobile banking during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Ozuem Wilson , Ward Philippa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study offers an understanding of vulnerable populations' experiences of actual use of mobile banking and their expectations of mobile banking (MB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated from MB customers and bankers using online reviews, focus groups and semi-structured interviews, as a mix of methods and sources can provide rich and in-depth understanding.

Findings

The affordance of MB for vulnerable populations is explained in four concepts: meaning, material, competency and usability. Recommendations that could further engage and improve the service quality of MB apps for vulnerable populations include customization and personalization of services, access to the digital health data of members of vulnerable populations, audio-based option selection and touchscreen options, and enhancement of service and performance standards.

Research limitations/implications

It is suggested that retail bankers should improve the service quality and performance of their MB apps by considering the recommendations drawn from vulnerable people's experiences. This study discusses implications for retailers.

Originality/value

This study applied social practice theory and affordance of technology theory to understand how those in vulnerable populations experienced MB apps; the results could be used to improve the accessibility, performance and service quality of MB apps.
Trust and beliefs about robots in Latin America
Authors: Marroquin Andres , Saravia Antonio
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to study the factors that determine individuals' beliefs about robots in Latin America. The authors highlight the role of interpersonal trust in shaping these beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from 2018 Latinobarómetro survey in 18 Latin American countries. The analysis includes an empirical strategy that reduces overt bias and weighs hidden bias.

Findings

Robots are not generally supported or positively perceived in Latin America. However, people are less negative about robots when they (1) trust others, (2) are male, (3) are single, (4) are more educated, (5) support democracy and (6) favor free imports. Interpersonal trust is the most consistent covariate. The results provide support to the idea that trusting robots can be the result of trusting humans working in the technological sector (Coeckelbergh, 2012).

Research limitations/implications

This study faces some limitations. The first one relates to the standard caveats associated with the use of survey data – interviewees may not express their true beliefs. Another limitation is that this study examines data for only one year (the 2018 Latinobarómetro survey). Finally, although propensity score matching allow to control for endogeneity due to observable characteristics and the authors perform a sensitivity test regarding hidden characteristics, the nature of the data does not allow to guarantee that there is a causal effect from interpersonal trust to beliefs about robots.

Practical implications

The authors find that the positive relationship between trust and beliefs about robots is particularly strong in the area of health. Medical companies could consider these findings when designing and promoting robots.

Social implications

Negative views about robots may delay the adoption of new technology in the region. To facilitate the adoption of new technologies, stakeholders should pay attention to the prevalent levels of interpersonal trust in society. This is especially important in developing countries.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study that empirically links beliefs about robots and interpersonal trust.
Impact of accounting on reorganization success: empirical evidence from bankrupt SMEs
Authors: Kuttner Michael , Mayr Stefan , Mitter Christine , Duller Christine
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack adequate accounting systems and may even fail because of accounting inefficiencies. Indeed, accounting can mitigate the course of a crisis and support a troubled SME’s turnaround. Its impact on reorganization success, however, has scarcely been researched so far. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effects of several accounting parameters, namely, the quality of accounting systems, quality of early warning systems, formal planning, the standard of financial accounting and reorganization planning on the short- and long-term success of court-supervised reorganization.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of accounting on reorganization success is investigated in a sample of all SME bankruptcy cases with ten or more employees (n = 117) in Upper Austria in 2012 including data for short-term survival (in 2016) and long-term survival (in 2019).

Findings

This study found evidence that the general quality of accounting systems, the quality of early warning systems and written reorganization plans positively influence the outcomes of the analyzed court-supervised reorganizations of SMEs. In particular, the existence of a reorganization plan significantly increases the short- and long-term reorganization success by ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources in the reorganization process.

Practical implications

This study should increase the awareness of SMEs’ owner managers, consultants, creditors and legislators for the importance of accounting in the context of reorganization. The fact that the effect of accounting on reorganization success is less pronounced in the long-term view indicates the necessity of increasing the strategic focus in SMEs’ accounting instruments.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on the impact of specific accounting parameters on the short- and long-term success of the court-supervised reorganization of SMEs. Furthermore, this study points out the high relevance of reorganization plans for SMEs.
Infrastructure design stage considerations for environmental sustainability in Zambia
Authors: Zulu Ephraim , Zulu Sambo Lyson , Chabala Mwansa , Kavishe Neema , Chifunda Charles , Musonda Innocent
Published: March 2022

Purpose

While previous studies have highlighted the importance of incorporating environmental sustainability in building designs, there is a paucity of studies that assess the extent to which design teams in developing countries consider environmental sustainability at the building design stage. Therefore, using Zambia as a case study, this study examined the extent to which infrastructure design teams in a developing country consider environmental sustainability at the design stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative research approach using structured interviews because there are hardly any studies which have explored the extent to which designers incorporate environmental sustainability in infrastructure designs in developing countries. The data is analysed thematically using the ATLAS.ti software.

Findings

The results show that environmental sustainability is not an important design consideration because it is secondary to functional, technical and aesthetic considerations. Environmental considerations are also made in an ad hoc manner and when it is cost-effective for the project. Regulatory requirements pertaining to environmental protection are adhered to without any cost considerations. It was, therefore, theorised that building design teams in developing countries make technical, functional and aesthetic consideration during the infrastructure design stage ahead of environmental considerations.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of studies that have investigated whether building infrastructure designers consider issues of environmental sustainability at the design stage in developing countries. The findings have practical implications on how developing countries can foster environmental sustainability at the design stage and avoid generating a building infrastructure stock that will require environmental resilience adaptation in the future.
Pakistan: a study of market's returns and anomalies
Authors: Tauseef Sana , Dupuy Philippe
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to expand foreign investors' understanding of potential return enhancement and risk diversification advantages offered by equity market of Pakistan through comparing its performance to performances in other markets and investigating what matters for investing in Pakistan's market.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative analysis of Pakistan Stock Exchange is performed using data for 22 developed and 22 emerging markets over the period 1993–2019. Cross-sectional analysis is performed using data for 130 non-financial firms from Pakistan and Carhart (1997) and Fama and French (2015) models are applied. The role of liquidity with five-factor model is analyzed using turnover rate and Amihud (2002) illiquidity cost as liquidity measures.

Findings

Pakistan's equity offers substantial diversification benefits if added to developed market portfolios. However, observed large returns come together with inverted premia for most traditional factors indicating that investors may want to invest preferably in big stocks with low book-to-market and momentum. Finally, global investors can invest in high yielding stocks with low liquidity risk owing to positive connection between liquidity and returns.

Practical implications

This study will provide investment model for foreign investors to enhance their portfolio returns. Policy makers in Pakistan must identify regulatory steps to facilitate foreign investments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study which identifies efficiency gains offered by Pakistan's equity for global investors.
How mobile augmented reality digitally transforms the retail sector: examining trust in augmented reality apps and online/offline store patronage intention
Authors: Kang Ju-Young M. , Kim Jae-Eun , Lee Ji Young , Lin Shu Hwa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify (1) whether aspects of expectancy-value judgments (EVJ) of uses and gratifications, such as novelty, fashion/status, sociability and relaxation, influenced trust in augmented reality (AR) apps; (2) whether trust in AR apps influenced usage intention toward AR apps and online/offline store patronage intention and (3) the moderating effect of consumer self-determination.

Design/methodology/approach

Mobile users (n = 630) were drawn from a USA market research company. The proposed model was tested by structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation.

Findings

The study found that trust in AR apps was a determinant of usage intention toward AR apps and online/offline store patronage intention. Novelty and fashion/status for EVJs of uses and gratifications affected trust in AR apps. Sociability for EVJs of uses and gratifications negatively affected trust in AR apps. Users' self-determination moderated the influence of users' trust in AR apps on usage intention toward AR apps and online/offline store patronage intention.

Originality/value

First, the study elaborates on the impacts of the underlying aspects of an EVJ model of uses and gratifications regarding AR apps on trust in AR apps and EVJ model's influence on usage intention toward AR apps and online/offline store patronage intention. Second, the results of the study suggest useful strategies involved in the development of consumer-driven AR apps that satisfy users' needs and desires.
Behavior of RC flat plate structure subjected to compartment fires
Authors: Abouleiwun Khadejah Alameen , Elbakry Hazem M.F. , Diab Muhammad Ahmed , El-Fitiany S.F.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In this study, the behavior of a multi-story flat plate structure during fire exposure is investigated using numerical simulations conducted with using ABAQUS software.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional finite element model is then carried out on the RC flat slab structure exposed to standard ISO-834 fire at different location arrangements. The model examines mid-span deflection, shear demand on the columns, bending moment and the membrane action of the floor slab.

Findings

The latter plays a main role to increase the capability and ductility of the slab at longer fire exposure to compensate the reduction in the flexural capacity. Also, shear demand in columns becomes bigger in cases of more than one surrounding slab exposed to fire at the same time.

Originality/value

This work focuses on the influence of the horizontal force on columns due to thermal expansion of slab which should be taken into account in the design of multistory multi-bay building considering it the same as the resulted horizontal force from the wind and seismic effect, the traveling fire and the restraint effect.
Multi-skilled worker assignment in seru production system for the trade-off between production efficiency and workload fairness
Authors: Zeng Shaoyu , Wu Yinghui , Yu Yang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper formulates a bi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming model, aimed at minimizing the total labor hours and the workload unfairness for the multi-skilled worker assignment problem in Seru production system (SPS).

Design/methodology/approach

Three approaches, namely epsilon-constraint method, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm 2 (NSGA-II) and improved strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2), are designed for solving the problem.

Findings

Numerous experiments are performed to assess the applicability of the proposed model and evaluate the performance of algorithms. The merged Pareto-fronts obtained from both NSGA-II and SPEA2 were proposed as final solutions to provide useful information for decision-makers.

Practical implications

SPS has the flexibility to respond to the changing demand for small amount production of multiple varieties products. Assigning cross-trained workers to obtain flexibility has emerged as a major concern for the implementation of SPS. Most enterprises focus solely on measures of production efficiency, such as minimizing the total throughput time. Solutions based on optimizing efficiency measures alone can be unacceptable by workers who have high proficiency levels when they are achieved at the expense of the workers taking more workload. Therefore, study the tradeoff between production efficiency and fairness in the multi-skilled worker assignment problem is very important for SPS.

Originality/value

The study investigates a new mixed-integer programming model to optimize worker-to-seru assignment, batch-to-seru assignment and task-to-worker assignment in SPS. In order to solve the proposed problem, three problem-specific solution approaches are proposed.
Martin Library Leadership survey: development, reliability and validation
Authors: Martin Jason
Published: March 2022

Purpose

An effective measurement of library leadership is crucial to understanding the current state of library leadership and to developing library leaders. This study sought to validate and measure the reliability of the Martin Library Leadership survey.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey is based on the Martin Library Leadership Definition, an evidence-based definition of library leadership. The first version of the survey consisted of 28 questions plus questions on respondent and library leader demographics. Each question measured one of the three components of the definition. This version of the survey was distributed to multiple ALA listservs and after analysis 16 items were removed. The resulting 12 question version of the survey was sent to the same ALA listservs and completed by 291 librarians and library staff from various library types and library work areas. The responses were analyzed using SPSS.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis found three factors that align with the three components of the Martin Library Leadership Definition, and questions loaded in their expected factors at least 0.7. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine internal consistency. The alpha for the entire survey was 0.956. The Martin Library Leadership survey was validated and found to be reliable.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide strong and consistent evidence the Martin Library Leadership survey is valid and can be used in further library leadership research and professional development.
How about the service perception during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of tourist experiences from user-generated content on TripAdvisor
Authors: Saydam Mehmet Bahri , Olorunsola Victor Oluwafemi , Avci Turgay , Dambo Tamar Haruna , Beyar Kadir
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in tourists’ attitudes and behaviors mostly as a result of confinement-related problems. Although various studies have been conducted to analyze customers’ perceptions of service quality and satisfaction using a drop-off/pick-up method, the influence of COVID-19 on customers’ perceptions of service quality and satisfaction has not been examined using online reviews. It is critical to evaluate satisfaction aspects from user-generated content to ascertain their preferences for hotel services during the pandemic. This research aims to explore the viewpoint shared online by hotel tourists, as well as identify which service practice is associated with higher and lower satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Caribbean cruise industry and COVID-19: what planned strategic options exist for recovery for small island countries?
Authors: Franklyn-Green Lanna-Gaye Kamara , Meredith Natola , Ajagunna Ibrahim
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to examine the impacts of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the Caribbean cruise industry and assess the post-pandemic prospects for recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach applied through personal interviews as well as data from secondary sources.

Findings

The prospects for the post-pandemic cruise industry reveal the need for long-term plans and strategies from Caribbean countries if the countries are to remain viable.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to Jamaica, St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. The scope could have been broadened to include other Caribbean islands such as Barbados.

Practical implications

The study is practical and useful to tourism practitioners and governments seeking to create a balance between reaping the benefits of cruise tourism and safeguarding its citizens.

Social implications

The pandemic has caused a re-examination of how people interact.

Originality/value

The study adds to the body of literature on the post-pandemic survival of the Caribbean cruise industry and provides a useful briefing for practitioners.