bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of depression on the association between colder indoor temperature and higher blood pressure
Authors: Okumura Kazuki , Obayashi Kenji , Tai Yoshiaki , Yamagami Yuki , Kurumatani Norio , Saeki Keigo
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Cold exposure accounts for more than 7% of all-cause mortality worldwide, and cold-induced blood pressure (BP) elevation and consequent cardiovascular events are partially responsible. For prevention, it is important to identify risk factors for exaggerated temperature-sensitivity of BP but this is not fully understood. This study investigated whether depressive symptoms affect the relationship between indoor temperature and BP.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1076 community-based individuals who were at least 60 years of age. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale at a cutoff point of 4/5. We performed ambulatory BP monitoring and indoor temperature measurement on two consecutive days during the cold season in Nara, Japan.

Results:

When using daytime SBP as a dependent variable, multilevel linear regression analyses showed that lower daytime indoor temperature was significantly associated with higher daytime SBP in the depressive group (n = 216, β = −0.804, P < 0.001) but not in the nondepressive group (n = 860, β = −0.173, P = 0.120); moreover, a significant interaction between depression and daytime indoor temperature was observed (P = 0.014). These relationships were independent of potential confounders including age, gender, BMI, medications, and physical activity. Similar results were obtained for morning SBP, nocturnal SBP dipping, and morning BP surge.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that depressive participants are more likely to have cold-induced BP elevation than nondepressive participants. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to determine whether people with depressive symptoms are at a high risk for cold-related cardiovascular events.
Changes Over Time in COVID-19 Incidence, Vaccinations, Serum Spike IgG, and Viral Neutralizing Potential Among Individuals From a North American Gaming Venue
Authors: Wisnewski Adam V. , Cantley Linda , Campillo Luna Julian , Liu Jian , Smith Richard F. , Hager Kelly , Redlich Carrie A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aims to evaluate COVID-19 cases and vaccine responses among workers in the gaming/entertainment industry.

Methods

Participants provided detailed information on occupational risk factors, demographics, COVID-19 history, and vaccination status through questionnaire. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure serum antiviral antibodies and neutralizing capacity.

Results

Five hundred-fifty individuals participated with n = 228 (41.5%) returning for follow-up. At least 71% of participants were fully vaccinated within 8 months of vaccine availability and COVID-19 rates declined concomitantly. Serum anti–spike IgG levels and neutralizing capacity were significantly (P < 0.001) associated COVID-19 history and vaccine type, but not occupational risk factors, and declined (on average 36%) within 5 months. Few vaccine nonresponders (n = 12) and “breakthrough” infections (n = 1) were noted.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a marked decrease in infections; however, individual humoral responses varied and declined significantly over time.
Deciphering SARS CoV-2-associated pathways from RNA sequencing data of COVID-19-infected A549 cells and potential therapeutics using in silico methods
Authors: Natesan Pushparaj Peter , Damiati Laila Abdullah , Denetiu Iuliana , Bakhashab Sherin , Asif Muhammad , Hussain Abrar , Ahmed Sagheer , Hamdard Mohammad Hamid , Rasool Mahmood
Published: September 2022

Background:

Coronavirus (CoV) disease (COVID-19) identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019, is mainly characterized by atypical pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and is caused by SARS CoV-2, which belongs to the Coronaviridae family. Determining the underlying disease mechanisms is central to the identification and development of COVID-19-specific drugs for effective treatment and prevention of human-to-human transmission, disease complications, and deaths.

Methods:

Here, next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA Seq) data were obtained using Illumina Next Seq 500 from SARS CoV-infected A549 cells and mock-treated A549 cells from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE147507), and quality control (QC) was assessed before RNA Seq analysis using CLC Genomics Workbench 20.0. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were imported into BioJupies to decipher COVID-19 induced signaling pathways and small molecules derived from chemical synthesis or natural sources to mimic or reverse COVID -19 specific gene signatures. In addition, iPathwayGuide was used to identify COVID-19-specific signaling pathways, as well as drugs and natural products with anti-COVID-19 potential.

Results:

Here, we identified the potential activation of upstream regulators such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2), interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9), and interferon beta (IFNβ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). COVID-19 infection activated key infectious disease-specific immune-related signaling pathways such as influenza A, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptors, measles, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Besides, we identified drugs such as prednisolone, methylprednisolone, diclofenac, compound JQ1, and natural products such as Withaferin-A and JinFuKang as candidates for further experimental validation of COVID-19 therapy.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, we have used the in silico next-generation knowledge discovery (NGKD) methods to discover COVID-19-associated pathways and specific therapeutics that have the potential to ameliorate the disease pathologies associated with COVID-19.
: Short-term effects of exposure to particulate matter on hospital admissions for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Han Chang Hoon , Pak Haeyong , Lee Jung Mo , Chung Jae Ho
Published: September 2022

We investigated the effects of particulate matter (PM) factors on hospitalization rates for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

We obtained data on pollutants—PM10, PM2.5—in Seoul, South Korea. We also investigated data for asthma and COPD exacerbation that required hospitalization from 2006 to 2016. We used a time-stratified case-crossover design and generalized additive models with log transformation to assess adjusted risk, and conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze these data.

Our study showed that PM10 and PM2.5, on different best lag days, were associated with increased risks of COPD or asthma hospitalization. The odds ratios (ORs) for each per-unit increase in PM10 and PM2.5 were higher in patients with male asthma (PM10: OR, 1.012; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.008–1.016 and PM2.5: OR, 1.015; 95% CI, 1008–1.023), preschool asthma (PM10: OR, 1.015; 95% CI, 1.006–1.015 and PM2.5: OR, 1.015; 95% CI, 1.009–1.024), male COPD (PM10: OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.005–1.019 and PM2.5: OR, 1.013; 95% CI, 1.000–1.026), and senior COPD (PM10: OR, 1.016; 95% CI, 1.008–1.024 and PM2.5: OR, 1.022; 95% CI, 1.007–1.036).

Increasing PM levels increased hospitalizations for asthma and COPD. Additionally, the consequences may be different according to age and sex, and PM2.5 may have a more significant effect on airway disease patients than PM10.
Comparative study between thulium laser and cold knife visual urethrotomy for treatment of short bulbomembranous urethral stricture
Authors: Rehan Mohamed , Elnady Esam A. , Khater Saed , Elsayed Ahmed Fawzi Arafat , Abdel Gawad Ahmed M. , Freeg Mohamed Abdel Hafeez Aly , Mahmoud Alaa R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

The classical way to treat urethral stricture is the direct vision cold knife internal urethrotomy (DVIU). Along with advances in laser technology, laser urethrotomy is widely used, such as neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, argon, potassium titanyl phosphate, and thulium laser. We aimed to compare thulium laser urethrotomy (TLU) and cold knife visual urethrotomy (CKVU) in terms of short bulbomembranous urethral stricture management.

Materials and methods:

This prospective interventional study was conducted for 24 months, from January 2018 to January 2020, on 60 patients with primary short bulbo-membranous urethral stricture who came to the Department of Urology of Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, Egypt. We divided these patients into 2 age-matched groups; 30 patients treated with CKVU and 30 patients with TLU.

Results:

Regarding efficacy, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) was reduced significantly in both groups (P < .001) after 6 months of follow-up; however, the reduction in TLU was greater than CKVU (P = .008). The improvement of Qmax after 6 months was significant and comparable in both groups. Regarding the quality of life, both groups showed a significant (<0.05) improvement in international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) scale, without no significant difference between both groups (>0.05). TLU showed a significantly (P = .038) shorter operative duration (24 ± 4.17 min) than CKVU duration (33 ± 4.86 min). Compared with CKVU, TLU was associated with less blood loss during surgery (P = .001), lower recurrence rate (46.7% vs. 19.97%, respectively), and lower frequencies of urethral dilatation (P = .001).

Conclusion:

TLU is an effective and safe therapy for managing bulbomembranous urethral strictures, with a relatively low recurrence rate. Further investigations of other techniques are recommended to look for the most appropriate procedure to combat the urethral stricture problem.
ERAS® protocol improves survival after radical cystectomy: A single-center cohort study
Authors: Crettenand François , M’Baya Olivier , Grilo Nuno , Valerio Massimo , Dartiguenave Florence , Cerantola Yannick , Roth Beat , Rouvé Jean-Daniel , Blanc Catherine , Lucca Ilaria
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

To evaluate Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) protocol on oncological outcomes for patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).

Methods:

A prospectively maintained single-institutional database comprising 160 consecutive UCB patients who underwent open RC from 2012 to 2020 was analyzed. Patients receiving chemotherapy and those with a urinary diversion other than ileal conduit were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the perioperative management (ERAS® and pre-ERAS®). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the ERAS® protocol on survival at five years after surgery using a Kaplan–Meier log-rank test. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors for cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

Of the 107 patients considered for the final analysis, 74 (69%) were included in the ERAS® group. Median follow-up for patients alive at last follow-up was 28 months (interquartile range [IQR] 12–48). Five-years CSS rate was 74% for ERAS® patients, compared to 48% for the control population (P = 0.02), while 5-years OS was 31% higher in the ERAS® (67% vs. 36%, P = .003). In the multivariable analysis, ERAS® protocol and tumor stage were independent factors of CSS, while ERAS®, tumor stage so as total blood loss were independent factors for OS.

Discussion:

A dedicated ERAS® protocol for UCB patients treated with RC has a significant impact on survival. Reduction of stress after a major surgery and its potential improvement of perioperative patient’s immunity may explain these data.
Comparative Study of Application of Computed Tomography/Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Imaging Guidance Methods in the Microwave Ablation of Liver Cancer
Authors: Liang Junhua , Zhang Songnan , Han Zhezhu , Li Ying , Sun Honghua , Kim Yongmin , Kim Tiefeng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study is to assess the clinical value of the combined computed tomography (CT)/ultrasound (US) guidance in microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

From July 16, 2016, to June 20, 2021, medical records of 150 HCC patients treated with MWA were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-two patients with 115 liver tumors underwent MWA under combined CT/US guidance, and 58 patients with 73 liver tumors received MWA under CT guidance alone. The clinical efficacy of combined CT/US-guided MWA was analyzed. We compared the complications, procedure time, and CT scan times between the 2 groups.

Results

The total complete ablation rate and complete ablation rate of high-risk location tumors were significantly higher in the group treated with combined CT/US guidance (P = 0.0471 and P = 0.0347, respectively), the imaging guidance modality (odds ratio, 0.303; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.095–0.970; P = 0.044) was an independent factor for ablation efficacy. These 2 groups also had significant differences in the procedure time (P = 0.0171), the incidence rate of pneumothorax (P = 0.0209), abdominal pain (P = 0.0196), nausea or vomiting (P = 0.0026), and intraoperative CT scan times (P < 0.001). The overall complication rates (P = 0.4023) and recurrence rates (P = 0.5063) between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. However, CT/US group has a better short-term progressive free survival (log-rank P = 0.103, Breslow P = 0.030). In multivariate analysis, guidance modality (hazard ratio, 0.586; 95% CI, 0.368–0.934; P = 0.025) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (hazard ratio, 2.933; 95% CI, 1.678–5.127; P < 0.001) were risk factor for progressive free survival.

Conclusions

Percutaneous MWA under the combined CT/US guidance for HCC can improve clinical benefits.
High-Risk Features of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation
Authors: Bayley Erin M. , Ivy Megan L. , Shewale Jitesh B. , Ge Phillip S. , Antonoff Mara B. , Francis Ashleigh M. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Mehran Reza J. , Rajaram Ravi , Rice David C. , Roth Jack A. , Sepesi Boris , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Walsh Garrett L. , Lee J. Jack , Louie Brian E. , Swisher Stephen G.
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Clinical predictors of pathological complete response have not reliably identified patients for whom an organ-sparing approach following neoadjuvant chemoradiation be undertaken for esophageal cancer patients. We sought to identify high-risk predictors of residual carcinoma that may preclude patients from a selective surgical approach.

Background:

Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma were identified.

Patients and Methods:

Correlation between clinical and pathologic complete responses were examined. Regression models and recursive partitioning were utilized to identify features associated with residual carcinoma. External validation of these high-risk factors was performed on a data set from an independent institution.

Results:

A total of 326 patients were identified, in whom clinical complete response was noted in 104/326 (32%). Pathologic complete response was noted in only 33/104 (32%) of these clinical complete responders. Multivariable analysis identified that the presence of stricture (P=0.011), positive biopsy (P=0.010), and signet ring cell histology (P=0.019) were associated with residual cancer. Recursive partitioning corroborated a 94% probability of residual disease, or greater, for each of these features. The positive predictive value was >90% for these characteristics. A SUVmax >5.4 at the esophageal primary in the absence of esophagitis was also a high-risk factor for residual carcinoma. External validation confirmed these high-risk factors to be implicated in the finding of residual carcinoma.

Conclusions:

Clinical parameters of response are poor predictors of complete pathologic response leading to challenges in selecting candidates for active surveillance. However, we characterize several high-risk features for residual carcinoma which indicate that esophagectomy should not be delayed.
An Alternative Approach to Tablet Splitting and Grinding for Medication Administration
Authors: Taneja Rajneesh , Scarim Joseph , Pande Poonam G , Scarim Anthony , Nahata Milap C , Jew Rita K , Inabathina Koteswara
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Tablet formulations fail to meet the needs of patients unable to swallow tablets such as pediatric, elderly, and patients that must receive medications via feeding tubes. Our aim was to develop and test a new, simple device (XTEMP-R™) and the methodology for converting tablets into a homogeneous suspension for medication administration.

Methods

We developed a new device comprised of a flexible receptacle, a tight-fitting cap, and a suction cup bottom to convert tablets into liquid preparations. TB treatment drugs, TBAJ-876 and TBI-223, were dispersed within the device utilizing water and commonly available suspending vehicles. We investigated the effectiveness of the XTEMP-R device in dispersing tablets. This was accomplished by visual observations, determining the fineness of dispersion, and measuring the total drug recovery from the dispersions in XTEMP-R. We investigated the accuracy and reproducibility of delivering aliquots from these suspensions by determining the dose reproducibility upon suspension and upon redispersion after 24 hours. The effectiveness of the device was also evaluated using commercially available tablets of acetaminophen, amlodipine, glimepiride, metformin and valsartan.

Results

The suspensions were visually uniform without any large particles. The suspensions passed through #18 sieve confirming that the particles were less than 1000 μm. Average total dose recovery of three suspensions each was determined to be 101.3% and 99.2% for TBI-223 and TBAJ-876, respectively. Reproducibility from aliquots of 2 mL each were 98.9-99.7% for three replicates of TBI-223 suspensions, and 102.6-103.2% for TBAJ-876 suspensions. Aliquots tested after 24 hours confirmed uniform re-dispersibility.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that XTEMP-R can be utilized to prepare homogeneous suspensions can be prepared conveniently and efficiently in less than 10 minutes without any drug loss. Aliquots for partial dose delivery can be withdrawn accurately. These findings demonstrate that XTEMP-R can be used to accurately deliver doses of suspensions for patients who cannot swallow tablets.
Organizational impact of an ID NOW™ COVID-19 point-of-care testing for SARS-CoV2 detection in a maternity ward
Authors: Van Jean-Claude Nguyen , Pilmis Benoît , Khaterchi Amir , Billuart Olivier , De Ponfilly Gauthier Péan , Monnier Alban Le , Azria Elie , Mizrahi Assaf
Published: September 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for more than 550 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide. RT-PCR is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of patients suspected of having COVID-19. During the heightened waves of the pandemic, more rapid tests have been required. Point-of-care tests (POCT) for COVID-19 include antigen tests, serological tests, and other molecular-based platforms. The ID NOW™ COVID-19 assay (Abbott) performs an isothermal gene amplification of a target encoding the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARSCoV-2. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the organizational impact following the implementation of a POC testing platform ID NOW™ in a maternity ward.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included pregnant women admitted for Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph Paris. The study was conducted over 2 periods lasting 6 months each. The first period (P1) corresponded to the 2nd wave in France (July to December 2020) whereas the second (P2) period focused on the 3rd wave (February to July 2021). During P1, viral detection was performed by RT-PCR at the hospital’s laboratory. During P2, it was performed with the ID NOW™ COVID-19 test directly in the delivery room by nursing staff after training and certification. Our primary endpoint was the length of time in the birth room from admission to discharge in the postpartum period.

Results

2447 pregnant women were included, 1053 during P1 and 1394 during P2. The median age, percentage of singleton pregnancies, mean gestational age, percentage of nulliparous individuals, percentage of vaginal deliveries, and COVID19 positivity rate were comparable between the two periods. During P2, the length of stay in the delivery room was significantly shorter than during P1 (17.9 vs 14.7 hours, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Analysis of the data from this study following the implementation of the ID NOW™ POCT in the maternity ward indicates a significant decrease in the length of stay in the birth room. This outcome needs to be confirmed in a multicenter cohort, in particular to precise the specific impact of COVID-19 care on delays.
Deep immune profiling uncovers novel associations with clinical phenotypes of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Authors: Redmond Christopher , Kitakule Moses M. , Son Aran , Sylvester McKella , Sacco Keith , Delmonte Ottavia , Licciardi Francesco , Castagnoli Riccardo , Poli Cecilia , Espinoza Yasmin , Astudillo Camila , Weber Sarah E. , Montealegre Sanchez Gina A. , Barron Karyl , Magliocco Mary , Dobbs Kerry , Zhang Yu , Matthews Helen , Oguz Cihan , Su Helen C. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Frischmeyer-Guerrerio Pamela A. , Schwartz Daniella M.
Published: September 2022

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a systemic inflammatory condition that follows SARS-CoV2 infection or exposure in children. Clinical presentations are highly variable and include fever, gastrointestinal (GI) disease, shock, and Kawasaki Disease-like illness (MIS-C/KD). Compared to patients with acute COVID, patients with MIS-C have a distinct immune signature and expansion of TRVB11 expressing T cells. However, the relationship between immunological and clinical phenotypes of MIS-C is unknown. Here, we measured serum biomarkers, TCR repertoire, and SARS-CoV2-specific T cell responses in a cohort of 76 MIS-C patients. Serum biomarkers associated with macrophage and Th1 activation were elevated in patients with shock, consistent with previous reports. Significantly increased SARS-CoV-2-induced IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α production were seen in CD4+ T cells from patients with neurologic involvement and respiratory failure. Diarrhea was associated with a significant reduction in shock-associated serum biomarkers, suggesting a protective effect. TRVB11 usage was highly associated with MIS-C/KD and coronary aneurysms, suggesting a potential biomarker for these manifestations in MIS-C patients. By identifying novel immunologic associations with the different clinical phenotypes of MIS-C, this study provides insights into the clinical heterogeneity of MIS-C. These unique immunophenotypic associations could provide biomarkers to identify patients at risk for severe complications of MIS-C, including shock and MIS-C/KD.
Small, fat-filled lipid droplets remain spherical as they indent a nucleus, dilute the lamina, and cause rupture
Authors: Ivanovska Irena L. , Tobin Michael P. , Dooling Lawrence J. , Discher Dennis E.
Published: September 2022

The nucleus in many cell types is a stiff organelle, and yet fat-filled lipid droplets (FD’s) in the cytoplasm can be seen to indent and displace the nucleus. FD’s are phase-separated liquids with a poorly understood interfacial tension γ that determines how FD’s interact with other organelles. Here, micron-sized FD’s remain spherical as they indent both the nucleus and peri-nuclear actomyosin, dilute Lamin-B1 locally independent of Lamin-A,C, and trigger rupture with locally persistent accumulation in the nucleus of cGAS, a cytosolic DNA sensor. FD-nucleus interactions initiate rapid mis-localization of the essential DNA repair factor KU80, and nuclear rupture associates with DNA damage and perturbed cell cycle. Similar results are evident in FD-laden cells after constricted 3D-migration, which is impeded by FD’s. Spherical shapes of small FD’s are consistent with a high γ that we measure for FD’s mechanically isolated from fresh adipose tissue as ∼40_mN/m – which is far higher than other liquid condensates, but typical of oils in water and sufficiently rigid to disrupt cell structures.
DC fault current-limiting method based on dual-loop active control for modular multilevel converters
Authors: Quan Lijian , Zeng Guohui
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In the event of a DC short-circuit fault in a flexible DC power grid, the high peak value of the fault current puts forward more stringent requirements on the DC circuit breaker. The existing fault current cutoff mainly focuses on changing the topology structure. To suppress the development of fault current and reduce the investment cost of the DC grid, this paper aims to propose a dual-loop active current-limiting control based on energy difference.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the equivalent circuit at fault is established, and the parameters related to the fault current are analyzed. Then, the relationship between the output voltage change of the bridge arm and the difference between the AC and DC energy is deduced. Finally, the experimental results are discussed on the real-time simulation platform Opal-RT.

Findings

The proposed current-limiting measures can greatly reduce the fault current, reduce the breaking current of the circuit breaker and increase the capacitor voltage during the fault period, which is beneficial to the stability of the AC system. It is verified that the proposed method is also applicable to a certain high-resistance fault.

Originality/value

This paper applies the method of AC fault to DC fault and deduces the relationship between energy difference and voltage variation corresponding to different step lengths based on digital simulation. In addition, two variables are used as control structure parameters to reduce the probability of system misoperation.
Online ride-hailing drivers' organising for interest representation in Ghana
Authors: Akorsu Angela Dziedzom , Britwum Akua Opokua , Bukari Shaibu , Tachie Benjamin Yaw , Dankwah Musah
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Platform work challenges the traditional modes of workers' organising for interest representation. This paper aims to examine the political potential for voice and representation of the organising efforts by ride-hailing drivers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study design was qualitative and exploratory. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with individual drivers, key persons and leaders of ride-hailing drivers' associations were employed. The total number of participants was 40.

Findings

The analysis reveals a bottom-up approach to organising, starting with drivers' exercise of associational power (AP) to self-organise with a membership logic. Affected by mundane internal challenges and limited by the non-existent institutional power and the near absence of structural power for right claiming, they affiliate with TUC as the traditional structural power holders for political influence.

Research limitations/implications

The study has limitations that can be addressed in future research. First, the targeted and small sample size only allows for rich context-specific generalisation. Future studies could target more categories of respondents such as vehicle owners and riders and also seek to include the experiences from other African countries to understand country-specific contextual issues. Second, the allowance for researcher reflexivity inherent in the methodology adopted has the potential for researcher biases. Therefore, a deliberate effort was made to ensure that biases remain only a potential. This was done by participant validation of the data and constant peer-reviewing of the data analysis processes by the authors.

Practical implications

The empirical findings provide trade unions with a stronger basis for and pointers to represent workers in the platform space.

Originality/value

Platform work in Ghana is an emerging phenomenon, and organising amongst platform workers remains unexplored.
The need for attention to mental health of nursing staff during COVID-19 pandemic as their basic human right
Authors: Abdollahzade Sina , Rafiei Sima , Souri Saber
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This purpose of this study was to investigate the role of nurses’ resilience as an indicator of their mental health on sick leave absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2020 to identify the predictors of absenteeism among 260 nurses working in two training hospitals delivering specialized services in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Data was collected through the use of standard questionnaires including demographic information, nurses’ resilience, intention for job turnover and absenteeism from the workplace. To predict sick leave absenteeism, regression analyses were implemented.

Findings

Study results revealed that the most influencing features for predicting the probability of taking sick leave among nurses were marital status, tenacity, age, work experience and optimism. Logistic regression also depicted that nurses who had less faith in God or less self-control were more likely to take sick leave.

Practical implications

The resilience of nurses working in the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively low, which needs careful consideration to apply for organizational support. Main challenge that most of the health systems face include an inadequate supply of nurses which consequently lead to reduced efficiency, poor quality of care and decreased job performance. Thus, hospital managers need to put appropriate managerial interventions into practice, such as building a pleasant and healthy work environment, to improve nurses’ resilience in response to heavy workloads and stressful conditions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine such a relationship, thus contributing findings will provide a clear contribution to nursing management and decision-making processes. Resilience is an important factor for nurses who constantly face challenging situations in a multifaceted health-care system.
Beyond grain: the potential of cowpea in local markets of Mali
Authors: Sissoko Mamadou , Theriault Veronique , Smale Melinda
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The authors assess the development potential of cowpea beyond grain in local markets in Mali by: (1) identifying trader types and types of cowpea products sold; (2) examining trader roles; (3) estimating gross margins and their determinants; and (4) discussing policy opportunities to further develop the value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze data collected through observation and semi-structured questionnaires from 487 sellers in 26 markets, including market, seller, and product characteristics. The authors also calculate gross margins and conduct a regression analysis to identify influential factors.

Findings

The authors identify several types of cowpea sellers in local markets, including processor-retailers, retailers of fresh leaves and fodder, and grain retailers, collectors and wholesalers. Women dominate the marketing of processed products and fresh leaves. The marketing of boiled cowpeas offers retailers higher margin rates compared to fritters and pancakes. Grain sellers, who are mostly men, have lower margins but sell larger quantities. Processor-retailers bring more value to the cowpea value chain. Specialization of the seller in cowpea, regional location of the market and day of the market fair all influence gross margins.

Research limitations/implications

Future work should explore consumer preferences for different types of cowpea products.

Originality/value

This study of the cowpea value chain in Mali has revealed the multidimensional character of the cowpea plant, which goes far beyond its grain and highlight the important roles played by women.
Exploration of the mediating role of physicians’ managerial attitude in the relationship between their self-efficacy and workplace performance
Authors: Morandi Federica , Leonelli Simona , Di Vincenzo Fausto
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Self-efficacy, or a person’s belief in his/her ability to perform specific tasks, has been correlated with workplace performance and role adjustments. Despite its relevance, and numerous studies of it in the management literature, evidence regarding its function in professionals employed in hybrid roles, such as doctor-managers, is lacking. The aim of this study was to fill this gap by exploring the mediating effect of physicians’ managerial attitude on the relationship between their self-efficacy and workplace performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary and secondary data from 126 doctor-managers were obtained from the Italian National Health Service. A structural equation modeling approach was used for analysis.

Findings

This study’s results provide for the first time empirical evidence about a surprisingly little-analyzed topic: how physicians’ managerial attitude mediates the relationship between their self-efficacy and workplace performance. The study offers important evidence both for scholars and organizations.

Practical implications

This study’s results provide valuable input for the human resources management of hybrid roles in professional-based organizations, suggesting a systematic provision of feedback about doctor-managers’ performance, the adoption of a competence approach for their recruitment, and a new design of doctor-managers’ career paths.

Originality/value

The authors provide new evidence about the importance of managerial traits for accountable healthcare organizations, documenting that behavioral traits of physicians enrolled into managerial roles matter for healthcare organizations success.
Financial intelligence (monitoring) during the martial law: main challenges and key points
Authors: Utkina Maryna , Reznik Oleg , Pavlenko Liudmyla
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the main changes during martial law for conducting financial intelligence (monitoring), in particular, in the system of combating legalisation (laundering) of illegally gained income.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology includes general scientific methods of cognition. The authors used it to research the theoretical, organisational and legal aspects of financial intelligence (monitoring) in normal situations and during martial law. The authors also use the doctrinal legal research method to analyse and describe the legislation connected to the financial intelligence (monitoring) during martial laws.

Findings

This paper is an original work written by authors that discusses financial intelligence (monitoring) during martial law. The following changes in the conduction of financial intelligence (monitoring) were highlighted: suspension of scheduled and unscheduled on-site inspections; postponement of the entry into force of the provisions of some regulations on the submission of reports in electronic form; and the norms amending to remove administrative barriers in matters of financial intelligence (monitoring) in martial law. The authors also noted that certain rules for the functioning of the financial intelligence (monitoring) system were being clarified. Thus, the financial intelligence (monitoring) regime is being weakened to some extent.

Originality/value

In connection with the introduction of martial law in the territory of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the most important changes that have taken place in the banking and financial sectors of the economy should be mentioned. In particular, this applies to the issues of the regulation on the statutory and regulatory levels. Certain vital points regarding the mechanism and procedures for conducting financial intelligence (monitoring) also needed to be changed, on a need-to-know basis to adapt to the needs of Ukrainian society during the military aggression of the Russian Federation. This paper is devoted to the study of financial intelligence (monitoring) during martial law. The authors identified the main changes in the procedure for conducting financial intelligence (monitoring) by both the National Bank of Ukraine (one of the main entities) and the legislator (by amending the current regulatory framework).
The configuration of inter-organizational relationship features in the life cycle perspective
Authors: Klimas Patrycja , Sachpazidu Karina , Stańczyk Sylwia , Nadolny Michał , Grześkowiak Alicja , Stanimir Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study examines what is the significance of the features of inter-organizational relationships in consecutive phases of the relationship life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Qu antitative, large-scale surveying was run on 786 software developers operating in Poland. The research hypothesis regarding the systematic increase of relational features (i.e. commitment, communication, (lack of) conflict, cooperation, intensity, investments, longevity, multidimensionality of bonds, trust, and velocity) across the particular relationship life cycle phase le (i.e. initial, development, maintenance, dormant/end, and reactivation) was verified using ANOVA and post-hoc tests.

Findings

The results show that the majority of considered features of inter-organizational relationships non-significantly but progressively strengthen from the initial phase, through the development phase, to the maintenance phase, then significantly weaken in the dormant/end phase and strengthen again in the reactivation phase. Interestingly, velocity–as the only examined feature–significantly increases in dormant/end and then decreases if the relationship is reactivated.

Originality/value

Prior studies were focusing on single feature, this one offers a holistic view considering ten relational facets. Moreover, this is one of the few research studies exploring the changes of relational features adopting the life cycle perspective.
What drives corporate cash holdings in MSMEs?: Evidence from India
Authors: Saxena Vedika , Sahoo Seshadev
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the factors affecting corporate cash holdings for a sample of 598 Indian Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) for nine years (2011–2020).

Design/methodology/approach

The system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach is used to examine the determinants of cash holdings in the Indian MSME context.

Findings

The article shows liquidity, cash flow, leverage, firm size, probability of financial distress and cash flow volatility significant in explaining cash holding decisions for MSMEs in India. No evidence of firm age and growth opportunities as determinants of cash holdings in Indian MSMEs has been found. In addition, strong evidence of cash flow volatility, cash flow and liquidity in differentiating the cash holding decisions in the service and manufacturing industry has been documented.

Originality/value

While earlier research has addressed this problem in developed nations, this is the first study that fulfills the need to investigate the variables that influence MSMEs' cash holding decisions in a developing economy like India.
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of NiTi alloy using elemental powders: the influence of remelting on printability and microstructure
Authors: Chmielewska Agnieszka , Wysocki Bartlomiej Adam , Gadalińska Elżbieta , MacDonald Eric , Adamczyk-Cieślak Bogusława , Dean David , Świeszkowski Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of remelting each layer on the homogeneity of nickel-titanium (NiTi) parts fabricated from elemental nickel and titanium powders using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). In addition, the influence of manufacturing parameters and different melting strategies, including multiple cycles of remelting, on printability and macro defects, such as pore and crack formation, have been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

An LPBF process was used to manufacture NiTi alloy from elementally blended powders and was evaluated with the use of a remelting scanning strategy to improve the homogeneity of fabricated specimens. Furthermore, both single melt and up to two remeltings were used.

Findings

The results indicate that remelting can be beneficial for density improvement as well as chemical and phase composition homogenization. Backscattered electron mode in scanning electron microscope showed a reduction in the presence of unmixed Ni and Ti elemental powders in response to increasing the number of remelts. The microhardness values of NiTi parts for the different numbers of melts studied were similar and ranged from 487 to 495 HV. Nevertheless, it was observed that measurement error decreases as the number of remelts increases, suggesting an increase in chemical and phase composition homogeneity. However, X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of multiple phases regardless of the number of melt runs.

Originality/value

For the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, elementally blended NiTi powders were fabricated via LPBF using remelting scanning strategies.
Epidemiological survey of the quantity and anatomical position of facial pigmented spots in relation to age in 454 Japanese women
Authors: Kikuchi Kumiko , Katsuyama Masako , Yoshikawa Tatsuya , Wakeshima Nozomu , Iizuka Hajime
Published: September 2022

Facial pigmented spots are one of the phenotypes of skin aging, but no quantitative analysis of spot features such as color intensity, size, anatomical position, and number on the cheek has yet been performed. In the current study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of 454 Japanese women in their 20s to 70s and analyzed age‐related changes and site differences of facial pigmented spots. Using image analysis of high‐resolution digital facial photographs, 4912 individual pigmented spots were quantified according to color, size, anatomical position, and total number on the cheek. As a result of color analysis, the color intensity of individual pigmented spots increased with aging, significantly so between ages 30s and 50s. The age‐related increase in melanin index of facial spots was confirmed in all sites but did not significantly differ between facial subregions. Regarding the size of pigmented spots, the frequency of large spots increased with age, and large spots were detected in all facial sites. The total number of pigmented spots on the entire cheek increased with aging, significantly so between the 20s and 40s. The number of pigmented spots tended to increase from the region near the canthi to the lower cheeks. The number of spots was markedly increased in the buccal regions compared with the infraorbital and zygomatic regions. The data and methodology presented in the current study can link the state of facial pigmentation with the various factors involved in the histological development of pigmented spots, opening new possibilities in the fields of skin pharmacology and dermatology.
Interaction networks reveal highly antagonistic endophytic bacteria in native maize seeds from traditional milpa agroecosystems
Authors: Gastélum Gabriela , Aguirre‐von‐Wobeser Eneas , de la Torre Mayra , Rocha Jorge
Published: September 2022

Milpas are traditional Mesoamerican agroecosystems maintained with ancestral practices. Maize landraces are grown in polyculture, creating highly productive and diverse ecosystems. Recent studies suggest that milpas maintain beneficial plant–microbe interactions that are probably absent in modern agroecosystems; however, direct comparisons of the microbiome of plants between traditional and modern agroecosystems are still needed. Here, we studied seed‐endophytic bacterial communities from native maize landraces from milpas and hybrid varieties. First, we quantified the abundance of culturable endophytic microbes; next, we assessed pairwise antagonistic interaction networks between bacterial isolates; finally, we compared bacterial community structure by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We found that seeds from native maize landraces harbour a higher endophytic microbial load, including more bacterial strains with antagonistic activity against soil‐borne bacteria, and overall harbour more diverse bacterial communities than the hybrid varieties. Noteworthy, most of the seed‐endophytic strains with antagonistic activity corresponded to Burkholderia spp. that were only found in native maize seeds, through both culture‐dependent and independent strategies. Altogether, our results support that crop modernization alters the functions and structure of plant‐associated microbes; we propose native maize from milpas could serve as a model for understanding plant–microbe interactions and the effect of modernization.
Teaching good sex: The limits of consent and the role of the virtues
Authors: Archard David
Published: September 2022

I offer an account of sexual ethics, and thus of an education in sexual morality, that tries to make some sense of how a view of consent as central to those ethics might be combined with an education in certain virtues. I do so by exploring what some see as the shortcomings of a standard of consent, namely, how it can deal with instances of prima facie bad sex. I consider and reject various attempts to show that consensuality is sufficient for morally good sex. I then show how a needed supplement to the standard of consent can appeal to a broader view of why consent matters. This in turn connects to those personal and interpersonal virtues that the 2019 Department of Education guidance on relationships and sex education suggests should be taught. Finally, I provide an account of why more than consensuality is needed in the case of sex. In short, I insist on the critical importance of consent but supplement the standard of consent by an appeal to why consent matters and does so especially in the case of sex.
The Law at an Intersection: A Meeting of Attribution, Criminal Law, and the Constructive Trust
Authors: Tan Weiming
Published: September 2022

The principles of corporate attribution have always been a complex area of law, rife with uncertainty and controversy. The recent Supreme Court's decision in Crown Prosecution Service v Aquila Advisory Ltd is notable for clarifying the scope of the principle as articulated in its previous decision of Bilta (UK) Ltd v Nazir. This time, however, the Supreme Court was confronted with an issue that was hitherto unaddressed by previous courts: whether proprietary rights to which a principal would otherwise be entitled against his fiduciary could be asserted in the face of confiscation orders obtained by the Crown Prosecution Service against the fiduciary under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. This article argues that the reasoning and outcome in this significant decision are unsatisfactory.