bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Proteomics of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Uncovers MUC1 as Combinatorial Biomarker for the Early Detection of High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cooper Tyler T. , Dieters-Castator Dylan Z. , Liu Jiahui , Siegers Gabrielle M. , Pink Desmond , Veliz Lorena , Lewis John D. , Lagugné-Labarthet François , Fu Yangxin , Steed Helen , Lajoie Gilles A. , Postovit Lynne-Marie
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The five-year prognosis for patients with late-stage high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) remains dismal, underscoring the critical need for identifying early-stage biomarkers. This study explores the potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) circulating in blood, which are believed to harbor proteomic cargo reflective of the HGSC microenvironment, as a source for biomarker discovery.

Experimental Design

We conducted a comprehensive proteomic profiling of EVs isolated from blood plasma, ascites, and cell lines of patients, employing both data-dependent (DDA) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) methods to construct a spectral library tailored for targeted proteomics. Our investigation aimed at uncovering novel biomarkers for the early detection of HGSC by comparing the proteomic signatures of EVs from women with HGSC to those with benign gynecological conditions. The initial cohort, comprising 9-10 donors, utilized DDA proteomics for spectral library development. The subsequent cohort, involving 30 HGSC patients and 30 control subjects, employed DIA proteomics for a similar purpose. Support vector machine (SVM) classification was applied in both cohorts to identify combinatorial biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity (ROC-AUC > 0.90).

Results

Notably, MUC1 emerged as a significant biomarker in both cohorts when used in combination with additional biomarkers. Validation through an ELISA assay on a subset of benign (n=18), Stage I (n=9), and stage II (n=9) plasma samples corroborated the diagnostic utility of MUC1 in the early-stage detection of HGSC.

Conclusions

This study highlights the value of EV-based proteomic analysis in the discovery of combinatorial biomarkers for early ovarian cancer detection.
A computational method for Cell type-specific Expression Quantitative Trait Loci mapping using bulk RNA-seq data
Authors: Little Paul , Liu Si , Zhabotynsky Vasyl , Li Yun , Lin Danyu , Sun Wei
Published: April 2022

Mapping cell type-specific gene expression quantitative trait loci (ct-eQTLs) is a powerful way to investigate the genetic basis of complex traits. A popular method for ct-eQTL mapping is to assess the interaction between the genotype of a genetic locus and the abundance of a specific cell type using a linear model. However, this approach requires transforming RNA-seq count data, which distorts the relation between gene expression and cell type proportions and results in reduced power and/or inflated type I error. To address this issue, we have developed a statistical method called CSeQTL that allows for ct-eQTL mapping using bulk RNA-seq count data while taking advantage of allele-specific expression. We validated the results of CSeQTL through simulations and real data analysis, comparing CSeQTL results to those obtained from purified bulk RNA-seq data or single cell RNA-seq data. Using our ct-eQTL findings, we were able to identify cell types relevant to 21 categories of human traits.
Protons in gating the Kv1,2 channel: a calculated conformational change in response to addition of a proton, and a proposed path from voltage sensing domain to gate
Authors: Kariev Alisher M. , Green Michael E
Published: April 2022

We have in the past proposed that protons constitute the gating current in the potassium channel Kv1.2. Here we present a quantum calculation of a protonation change in a 311 atom section of intracellular S4-S5 linker, together with part of the T1 intracellular moiety of the channel. This proton shift leads to a hinge rotation in the linker, which in turn produces a separation of two amino acids, K312 and R326 (using the numbering of the 3Lut pdb structure). Two complete proton wires can then be proposed that would fully account for the gating mechanism with protons; the proton wires have as yet not been completely calculated. However, the path seems reasonably evident, based on the amino acids in the S4-S5 linker, which connects to the pore transmembrane S6 segment as well, and the T1 moiety of the channel, which is part of one proton path. This therefore also accounts for the T1 effect on gating. We had earlier shown how a proton could be generated from the VSD. Taken together the paths from the VSD to the gate show how the VSD can couple to the gating mechanism by having protons move between the VSD and the gate, closing the channel by both producing the hinge rotation and providing electrostatic repulsion to an incoming K+ ion. The protons move under the influence of membrane polarization/depolarization. Taken together, this makes our previous model much more detailed, specifying the role of particular amino acids.
Long-range inhibition synchronizes and updates prefrontal task activity
Authors: Cho Kathleen K.A. , Shi Jingcheng , Sohal Vikaas S.
Published: April 2022

Changes in patterns of activity within the medial prefrontal cortex enable rodents, non-human primates, and humans to update their behavior to adapt to changes in the environment, e.g., during cognitive tasks1–5. Within medial prefrontal cortex, inhibitory neurons expressing parvalbumin are important for updating strategies in a rule shift task6–8. Nevertheless, causal mechanisms through which parvalbumin neurons recruit specific circuits to produce prefrontal network dynamics that switch from maintaining to updating task-related patterns of activity remain unknown. Here we identify a new long-range inhibitory projection from prefrontal parvalbumin neurons to the contralateral cortex that mediates this process. Whereas nonspecifically inhibiting all callosal projections does not prevent mice from learning rule shifts, selectively inhibiting these callosal parvalbumin projections disrupts rule shift learning, desynchronizes gamma-frequency activity that is necessary for learning8, and suppresses changes in prefrontal activity patterns that normally accompany rule shifts. Thus, callosal parvalbumin projections switch prefrontal circuits from maintaining to updating behavioral strategies by synchronizing callosal communication and preventing it from inappropriately maintaining outdated neural representations. These findings may explain how deficits in prefrontal parvalbumin neurons and gamma synchrony cause impaired behavioral flexibility in schizophrenia9–10, and identify long-range projections from prefrontal parvalbumin neurons as a key circuit locus for understanding and treating these deficits.
Small Molecules Restore Azole Activity Against Drug-Tolerant and Drug-ResistantCandidaIsolates
Authors: Alabi Philip E. , Gautier Cécile , Murphy Thomas P. , Gu Xilin , Lepas Mathieu , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Sello Jason K. , Ene Iuliana V.
Published: April 2022

Each year, fungi cause more than 1.5 billion infections worldwide and have a devastating impact on human health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or patients in intensive care units. The limited antifungal arsenal and emerging multidrug resistant species necessitate the development of new therapies. One strategy for combating drug resistant pathogens is the administration of molecules that restore fungal susceptibility to approved drugs. Accordingly, we carried out a screen to identify small molecules that could restore the susceptibility of pathogenicCandidaspecies to azole antifungals. This screening effort led to the discovery of novel 1,4-benzodiazepines that restore fluconazole susceptibility in resistant isolates ofCandida albicans, as evidenced by 100-1000-fold potentiation of fluconazole activity. This potentiation effect was also observed in azole-tolerant strains ofC. albicansand in other pathogenicCandidaspecies. The 1,4-benzodiazepines selectively potentiated different azoles, but not other approved antifungals. A remarkable feature of the potentiation was that the combination of the compounds with fluconazole was fungicidal, whereas fluconazole alone is fungistatic. Interestingly, the potentiators were not toxic toC. albicansin the absence of fluconazole, but inhibited virulence-associated filamentation of the fungus. We found that the combination of the potentiators and fluconazole significantly enhanced host survival in aGalleria mellonellamodel of systemic fungal infection. Taken together, these observations validate a strategy wherein small molecules can restore the activity of highly used anti-infectives that have lost potency.

IMPORTANCE

In the last decade, we have been witnessing a higher incidence of fungal infections, due to an expansion of the fungal species capable of causing disease (e.g.,Candida auris), as well as increased antifungal drug resistance. Among human fungal pathogens,Candidaspecies are a leading cause of invasive infections and are associated with high mortality rates. Infections by these pathogens are commonly treated with azole antifungals, yet the expansion of drug-resistant isolates have reduced their clinical utility. In this work, we describe the discovery and characterization of small molecules that potentiate fluconazole and restore the susceptibility of azole-resistant and azole-tolerantCandidaisolates. Interestingly, the potentiating 1,4-benzodiazepines were not toxic to fungal cells but inhibited their virulence-associated filamentous growth. Furthermore, combinations of the potentiators and fluconazole decreased fungal burdens and enhanced host survival in aGalleria mellonellamodel of systemic fungal infections. Accordingly, we propose the use of novel antifungal potentiators as a powerful strategy for addressing the growing resistance of fungi to clinically approved drugs.
An untargeted metabolomics analysis of exogenous chemicals in human milk and transfer to the infant
Authors: Thomas Sydney , Gauglitz Julia M. , Tripathi Anupriya , Vargas Fernando , Bertrand Kerri , Kim Jae H. , Chambers Christina , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Tsunoda Shirley
Published: April 2022

Human milk is the optimal infant nutrition. However, while human-derived metabolites such as lipids and oligosaccharides in human milk are regularly reported, the presence of exogenous chemicals (such as drugs, food, and synthetic compounds) are often not addressed. To understand the types of exogenous compounds that might be present, human milk (n=996) was analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. This analysis revealed that lifestyle molecules such as medications and their metabolites, food, industrial sources such as plasticizers, cosmetics, microbial molecules, and other personal care products are found in human milk. We provide further evidence that some of these lifestyle molecules are also detectable in the newborn’s stool. Thus, this study gives important insight into the types of exposures infants receiving human milk might ingest due to the lifestyle choices, exposure, or medical status of the lactating parent.
Development of a long-read NGS workflow for improved characterization of fastidious respiratory mycoplasmas
Authors: Framst Isaac , D’Andrea Cassandra , Baquero Monica , Maboni Grazieli
Published: April 2022

Mycoplasmas are respiratory pathogens in humans and animals and due to their fastidious nature, they have been historically underdiagnosed. Lack of standardised diagnostic, typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods makes clinical management and epidemiological studies challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective and accurate sequencing workflow for genotypic characterization of clinical isolates of respiratory mycoplasmas using a rapid long-read sequencing platform. Critical aspects of bacterial whole genome sequencing were explored using fastidious respiratory Mycoplasma (M. felis and M. cynos) isolated from animals including: (i) four solid and liquid-based media based on a specialized formulation for Mycoplasma culture, (ii) three DNA extraction methods modified for sequencing purposes, and (iii) two de novo assembly platforms as key components of a bioinformatic pipeline including Flye and Canu assemblers. DNA quality and quantity compatible with long-read sequencing requirements were obtained with culture volumes of 160ml in modified Hayflick’s broth incubated for 96 hours. The other three culture approaches investigated did not meet the DNA quality criteria required for long-read sequencing. The use of bead-beating bacterial cell lysis in the extraction protocol resulted in smaller fragments and shorter reads compared to enzymatic lysis methods. Overall, Flye generated more contiguous assemblies than the Canu assembler. This novel study provides a step-by-step sequencing workflow including mycoplasma culture, DNA extraction and de novo assembly approaches for the characterization of highly fastidious respiratory mycoplasmas. This workflow will provide diagnosticians, epidemiologists, and researchers with a more comprehensive tool than the laborious conventional methods for a complete genomic characterization of respiratory mycoplasmas.
Impact of 100 LRRK2 variants linked to Parkinson’s Disease on kinase activity and microtubule binding
Authors: Kalogeropulou Alexia F , Purlyte Elena , Tonelli Francesca , Lange Sven M , Wightman Melanie , Prescott Alan R , Padmanabhan Shalini , Sammler Esther , Alessi Dario R
Published: April 2022

Mutations enhancing the kinase activity of LRRK2 cause Parkinson’s disease (PD) and therapies that reduce LRRK2 kinase activity are being tested in clinical trials. Numerous rare variants of unknown clinical significance have been reported, but how the vast majority impact on LRRK2 function is unknown. Here, we investigate 100 LRRK2 variants linked to PD, including previously described pathogenic mutations. We identify 23 LRRK2 variants that robustly stimulate kinase activity, including variants within the N-terminal non-catalytic regions [ARM (E334K, A419V), ANK(R767H), LRR (R1067Q, R1325Q)], as well as variants predicted to destabilise the ROC:CORB interface [ROC (A1442P, V1447M), CORA (R1628P) CORB (S1761R, L1795F)] and COR:COR dimer interface [CORB (R1728H/L)]. Most activating variants decrease LRRK2 biomarker site phosphorylation (pSer935/pSer955/pSer973), consistent with the notion that the active kinase conformation blocks their phosphorylation. We conclude that the impact of variants on kinase activity is best evaluated by deploying a cellular assay of LRRK2-dependent Rab10 substrate phosphorylation, compared to a biochemical kinase assay, as only a minority of activating variants [CORB (Y1699C, R1728H/L, S1761R) and kinase (G2019S, I2020T, T2031S)], enhance in vitro kinase activity of immunoprecipitated LRRK2. Twelve variants including several that activate LRRK2 and have been linked to PD, suppressed microtubule association in the presence of a Type I kinase inhibitor [ARM(M712V), LRR(R1320S), ROC (A1442P, K1468E, S1508R), CORA(A1589S), CORB (Y1699C, R1728H/L) and WD40(R2143M, S2350I, G2385R)]. Our findings will stimulate work to better understand the mechanisms by which variants impact biology and provide rationale for variant carrier inclusion or exclusion in ongoing and future LRRK2 inhibitor clinical trials.
X-ray reflectivity from curved surfaces as illustrated by a graphene layer on molten copper
Authors: Konovalov Oleg V. , Belova Valentina , La Porta Francesco , Saedi Mehdi , Groot Irene M. N. , Renaud Gilles , Snigireva Irina , Snigirev Anatoly , Voevodina Maria , Shen Chen , Sartori Andrea , Murphy Bridget M. , Jankowski Maciej
Published: April 2022

The X-ray reflectivity technique can provide out-of-plane electron-density profiles of surfaces, interfaces, and thin films, with atomic resolution accuracy. While current methodologies require high surface flatness, this becomes challenging for naturally curved surfaces, particularly for liquid metals, due to the very high surface tension. Here, the development of X-ray reflectivity measurements with beam sizes of a few tens of micrometres on highly curved liquid surfaces using a synchrotron diffractometer equipped with a double crystal beam deflector is presented. The proposed and developed method, which uses a standard reflectivity θ–2θ scan, is successfully applied to study in situ the bare surface of molten copper and molten copper covered by a graphene layer grown in situ by chemical vapor deposition. It was found that the roughness of the bare liquid surface of copper at 1400 K is 1.25 ± 0.10 Å, while the graphene layer is separated from the liquid surface by a distance of 1.55 ± 0.08 Å and has a roughness of 1.26 ± 0.09 Å.
Does COVID-19 reduce international cooperation in supply chain research between the US and China?
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Min , Li Rongrong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to systematically analyze the existing literature of the supply chain to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the international cooperation in supply chain research between the US and China.

Design/methodology/approach

Supply chain publications obtained from the Scopus database were analyzed using statistical technique and visual analysis. First, created three datasets of supply chain publications for three time periods: 2010–2019, 2015–2019 and 2020–2021. Then, compared the changes in international cooperation in supply chain research between the US and China before and during the epidemic, as well as the international cooperation patterns for the two countries.

Findings

The study found that during the pandemic, the average monthly number of collaborative publications between China and the US on supply chain research was higher than the five and the ten years before the epidemic. In other words, the epidemic has not led to a decline in international cooperation between the US and China. On the contrary, the epidemic has stimulated international cooperation on supply chain research in the two countries. Secondly, research on the international cooperation patterns of supply chain research shows that China and the US have always been each other's largest partners, and the two countries have generally maintained or increased international cooperation with their top research producing countries during the epidemic. In addition, in supply chain research during the epidemic, the proportion of US–China cooperation in China's international cooperation has declined, while that of the US has increased.

Research limitations/implications

The time span of the datasets used to analyze the research status before and during COVID-19 is different. Due to the nature of data collection, available time of the dataset during COVID-19 is much shorter. Publications during the COVID-19 continue to grow, and the trends shown by the research results may change somewhat. Furthermore, the search query may not be comprehensive enough to capture all publications related to the supply chain.

Practical implications

The research results help determine the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on international cooperation in US–China supply chain research, and it is of great significance to researchers and policymakers in the field of logistics and supply chain operations.

Originality/value

This study gives a feasible analysis strategy for international cooperative research, which adds great value to this field.
Craft beer in the situational context of restaurants: effects of product involvement and antecedents
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Cohen Justin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Craft beer (CB) has gained prominence in the on-premise trade in the USA, which has become the world’s largest market for CB. Academically based research in the hospitality domain examining consumer behavioral psychology-based constructs in the situational consumption context of restaurants has, however, not kept pace with market reality. This study aims to examine how product involvement, knowledge, opinion leadership-seeking, risk perception, information processing and their interactions affect consumption of CB by consumers in the situational context of restaurants in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A national sample of 697 consumers from across the USA covering all categories of restaurants, including bars, pubs and brewpubs, informs the development of a structural equation model (SEM) of the motivational process to examine these effects. In the process, the authors validate latent construct measurement scales specific to CB consumption in the restaurant environment.

Findings

The results support main hypotheses confirming the existence of distinct motivational relationships, thus explicating the processes by which consumers’ CB product involvement, product knowledge, opinion leadership-seeking and risk perception are activated, influence one another and their subsequent information processing-related outcomes. The findings also confirm the unstable nature of the situational involvement construct, the stability of enduring involvement and the pivotal role of psychological risk on opinion leadership and opinion seeking as well as on other antecedents. As far as the interaction effects between the constructs are concerned, the authors confirm five mediating effects and one moderating effect.

Practical implications

Strategies should be developed by hospitality managers to identify consumers with higher enduring involvement with CB. Strategies should also be implemented that mitigate psychological, social and functional risk. The insights into the motivational relationships pertaining to CB consumption in restaurants should be integrated into drinks menu design and be considered in how service staff are trained.

Originality/value

This research provides nuanced insights from a motivational perspective of consumers in the situational context of restaurants from a holistic and consumer-centric behavioral psychology perspective providing deepened insights of focal behavioral psychology constructs and their roles in the hospitality domain.
Entrepreneurial internationalisation of Nepalese artisanal firms: a dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Tiwari Sudip K. , Korneliussen Tor
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This research explores the role of entrepreneurs' dynamic capabilities in small artisanal firms' entrepreneurial internationalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies an inductive, exploratory multiple case study approach to the empirical context of the Nepalese artisanal sector. Primary data were collected through interviews and observations and triangulated by secondary data, such as firms' websites and social media profiles.

Findings

The findings suggest that entrepreneurs' network utilisation, network-building and marketing capabilities are crucial to enabling small artisanal firms' entrepreneurial internationalisation. Entrepreneurs' network-retaining, market-oriented learning and innovative capabilities become more important as firms mature. Accordingly, the paper theorises that artisan entrepreneurs in a developing economy should build and apply different dynamic capabilities based on firms' internationalisation phase.

Originality/value

The fine-grained discussion of the findings and the six propositions from this study advance the current understanding of dynamic capabilities, entrepreneurial internationalisation and artisan entrepreneurship literature.
Social isolation and loneliness in older immigrants during COVID-19: a scoping review
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Northwood Melissa , Sethi Bharati , Zhuang Zhixi Cecilia , Edhi Konain
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The stay-at-home orders were necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19 but have worsened social isolation and loneliness among older persons. Strategies to maintain social connections have been proposed. It is unclear if the reported experiences of social isolation and loneliness are comparable for older immigrants and if the proposed strategies are relevant to this vulnerable population. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This scoping review addressed two questions: What evidence exists on the experience of social isolation and loneliness in older immigrants? What strategies can be beneficial to keep older immigrants socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic? The search for relevant articles was done in several databases covering the scientific and gray literature, using keywords that reflect the diversity of terminology referring to the main concepts (isolation and loneliness) and target population (older immigrants). Discussion papers and research studies were reviewed, and the main points or findings were documented on data abstraction forms and summarized in a table. The information in the table was compared and contrasted to identify common themes.

Findings

Only six articles (four discussion papers and two studies) met the scoping review’s eligibility criteria. Concerns about interruptions of older immigrants’ social connection during the pandemic were partially corroborated with the studies’ results. Most participants shifted the medium of their contacts from in-person to telephone or social media, and perceived no change in the experience of loneliness. Those with high levels of loneliness reported heightened anxiety and depression. The proposed strategies entailed the use of technology to connect with others and to deliver services, outdoor group activities within the constraints of containment measures and provision of culturally tailored social programs or services.

Research limitations/implications

The acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategies should be examined to determine the best practices aimed to promote social connection among older immigrants within and outside the context of the pandemic.

Originality/value

The scoping review identified strategies that can be used to address social isolation and loneliness among older immigrants during the pandemic.
Effect of relationship marketing on hospital loyalty: the mediating role of patient satisfaction
Authors: Yıldırım Yonca , Amarat Mustafa , Akbolat Mahmut
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the mediating role of patient satisfaction on the impact of relationship marketing on hospital loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale questionnaires used in the study was the Relationship Marketing, Hospital Loyalty and the Patient Satisfaction Scale. The population of the study is made up of the patients who received in-hospital services in private hospitals operating in Kocaeli province. The field study was conducted between August 1 and October 31, 2019. After determining the sample size, the study was conducted on 401 patients in private hospitals primarily using the purposive sampling method. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and statistical package for the social sciences Process Macro were used to analyze the data.

Findings

According to the findings of this study, patient satisfaction has an effect on hospital loyalty. Relationship marketing has an impact on hospital loyalty, and this effect is further enhanced by patient satisfaction. In other words, patient satisfaction has a mediating role in the impact of relationship marketing on hospital loyalty. Relationship marketing plays an important role in creating hospital loyalty and patient satisfaction. For this reason, it is recommended that health institutions adopt relationship marketing practices. Hospital loyalty and patient satisfaction will be ensured through relationship marketing. This will allow the health-care institution to continue to exist and to be more advantageous than other institutions.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of the paper lies not only in the only regression findings but also in the methodology used to capture the impact of the lagged effect of marketing relationships on hospital loyalty. Specifically, a regression model is based on both direct and indirect effects.
Assessing service quality and the perceptual difference between employees and patients of public hospitals in a developing country
Authors: Fiakpa Ernest Afene , Nguyen Thu-Huong , Armstrong Anona
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine service quality in Nigerian general hospitals and determines possible differences in service quality perceptions between employees and patients.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Servqual scale, data was collected from 328 employees and patients of two government hospitals in Abuja and Delta states. Analysis was carried out using SPSS 26 package for constructs reliability frequency, mean, standard deviation andt-statistics.

Findings

The study found significant differences in the perception of service quality between employees and patients of the Nigerian general hospitals. While employees gave a high rating to empathy, patients rated it low. Also, the patients’ poor perception of tangible did not match the employees’ high perception. Other specific findings are patients’ unfavourable assessment of the physical facilities and judged the staff to lack professional dressing. Patients felt the hospitals could not provide necessary equipment for their procedures and thus considered their services unreliable.

Practical implications

Reliability was perceived as a significant problem in this study; therefore, the hospitals management should ensure correct diagnoses and treatment results of the highest quality and timely services. Also, the management should invoke strong relationships between the employees and patients to earn patients’ trust. Employees should ensure to listen to patients’ complaints and find solutions promptly. Patients need health-care workers’ support and rely on their abilities; Therefore, health-care workers should be highly dependable and show empathic behaviour in discharging their duties. Health-care managers must access employees‘ and patients’ particular perceptual gaps and reconcile the difference before further quality improvement initiatives.

Originality/value

The findings in this study strengthen the clamour for assessing service quality from both employees and patients’ views in public hospitals. Hospital service quality is complex and primarily judged from the patients’ perspective. This study showed that health-care quality means different things to all stakeholders.
Why choose technology parks for business location in Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Sami , Sami Abdul , Ahmad Tooba , Mehmood Tariq
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Technology parks (TPs) are used as a tool to improve economic outlook of the region through innovation generation. This study aims to evaluate the perception of tenants of TPs to determine the gap in the expectation and identify types of firms preferring to locate in a TP.

Design/methodology/approach

This is the first study in Pakistan to collect data about perceived benefits of TPs in Pakistan from the decision-makers of 110 tenant firms. The cluster analysis and lift ratios are used to draw statistical inferences.

Findings

The firms can be classified into three clusters – commercial-orientation firms, science and technology-oriented firms and young tech firms – with distinct needs for survival and growth in a TP. Moreover, TPs should not just be treated as property projects for providing support services, also knowledge sharing, training and development opportunities and proximity to hubs of knowledge and markets is vital to attract a variety of industry.

Originality/value

Academia and policymakers have been equally interested in the potential impacts of these innovation hubs. However, there have been lack of empirical evidence on how and what to offer the incumbents of these TPs. The government of Pakistan is trying to build more TPs for promoting business activities under CPEC. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine the needs of tenants of TPs for successful utilization of huge amount of public money to be invested in TPs.
Managing and preventing acts of violence against health workers: results of a review evaluating hospital control procedures
Authors: Ferracuti Stefano , Barchielli Benedetta , Napoli Christian , Giannini Anna Maria , Parmigiani Giovanna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Violence against health-care workers represents a public health issue that affects individuals, organizations and may have legal consequences. In Italy, workplace violence (WPV) constitutes a “sentinel event”, defined as a particularly serious, potentially avoidable adverse event, which may result in death or serious harm to health-care workers, and which leads to a loss of public confidence in the health-care system. In 2007, the Italian Ministry of Health issued Recommendation No. 8, “Preventing acts of violence against health workers”, inviting each Italian Hospital to develop procedures and guidelines for dealing with and preventing acts of aggression. This study aimed at investigating the appropriateness of the procedures and guidelines developed by the Italian hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

Procedures on preventing violence against health-care workers published by 29 Italian Hospitals between 2007 and 2020 were collected retrospectively via Web searches and further evaluated according to their compliance with the 2007 Italian ministerial recommendations.

Findings

A total of 9 documents out of 29 were fully compliant with the 2007 Ministerial Recommendation, 18 were partially compliant, while 2 were totally non-compliant. A total of 24 documents explicitly addressed the management of verbal and physical aggression, whereas 20 set appropriate training on de-escalation techniques for nurses and medical staff. Psychological support was fully considered in 11 procedures, partially considered in 14, while not included at all in 4.

Originality/value

Public procedures on preventing violence against health-care workers in Italian hospitals are scarcely compliant with the Ministerial Recommendations. The absence of specific instructions to address the needs at territorial level and the lack of support provided to health-care workers is a weak point in the effective management of WPV.
Evolving competencies to align electronic medical records – a dynamic resource-based perspective on hospitals' co-evolutionary information systems alignment capability
Authors: Walraven Pien , van de Wetering Rogier , Helms Remko , Caniëls Marjolein , Versendaal Johan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Advanced Electronic Medical Records (EMR) provide many potential benefits to hospitals. However, because of their broad scope, many stakeholders deal with the EMR and a continuous effort has to be made to keep up with internal and external change. Therefore, hospitals need to deliberately shape their organizational competencies considering the pursuit of alignment, i.e. making sure that the EMR remains optimally aligned with strategies, goals and needs of the hospital and its stakeholders. This paper aims to investigate the evolutionary paths of these alignment competencies and their drivers, from a theoretical perspective of co-evolutionary information systems alignment (COISA).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a longitudinal multiple case study of three Dutch hospitals which each recently implemented an advanced EMR system. The authors conducted 35 in-depth interviews in 2 phases (before and after go-live of the EMR), and studied documentation related to the EMR implementations.

Findings

The findings show that each hospital's COISA capability shows a different evolutionary path. However, two of the three case hospitals ended up coordinating part of their COISA capability to an ecosystem level, i.e. they incorporated other hospitals using the same EMR system to coordinate their alignment efforts, either from an operational perspective, or in terms of orchestration and strategy. The found evolutionary paths' key drivers include “stakeholder initiative”, “accumulating experience”, “driving events” and “emerging issues”.

Originality/value

The findings help healthcare practitioners to deliberately shape their organization's COISA capability in pursuit of EMR alignment. Furthermore, the authors add to the knowledge base on co-evolutionary approaches to alignment through the longitudinal approach.
The removal of methylene blue and maxilon blue dyes using a polyvinyl alcohol/poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) composite hydrogel from water
Authors: Shaki Hanieh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/poly[acrylic acid (AAc)-co-acrylamide (AM)] composite hydrogel was prepared by radical copolymerization in the presence of Fe3+ freezing-thawing method. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel was investigated. The novel synthesized hydrogel was used as an adsorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. In this paper, methylene blue and maxilon blue 5G were selected as representative cationic dyes. In addition, adsorption isotherm models were used to describe the dye adsorption process.

Design/methodology/approach

The prepared composite hydrogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible.

Findings

The prepared hydrogel exhibited excellent adsorption ability for both dyes. Various experimental conditions affecting the dye adsorption were explored to achieve maximum removal of both dyes. In addition, adsorption isotherm models were used to describe the dye adsorption process.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, synthesis of PVA/poly(AAc-co-AM) composite hydrogel in the presence of Fe3+ and investigation of the removal of methylene blue and maxilon blue 5G dyes is done for the first time successfully.
Effects of alloying element on mechanical properties of Sn-Bi solder alloys: a review
Authors: Kamaruzzaman Lina Syazwana , Goh Yingxin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review recent reports on mechanical properties of Sn-Bi and Sn-Bi-X solders (where X is an additional alloying element), in terms of the tensile properties, hardness and shear strength. Then, the effects of alloying in Sn-Bi solder are compared in terms of the discussed mechanical properties. The fracture morphologies of tensile shear tested solders are also reviewed to correlate the microstructural changes with mechanical properties of Sn-Bi-X solder alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief introduction on Sn-Bi solder and reasons to enhance the mechanical properties of Sn-Bi solder. The latest reports on Sn-Bi and Sn-Bi-X solders are combined in the form of tables and figures for each section. The presented data are discussed by comparing the testing method, technical setup, specimen dimension and alloying element weight percentage, which affect the mechanical properties of Sn-Bi solder.

Findings

The addition of alloying elements could enhance the tensile properties, hardness and/or shear strength of Sn-Bi solder for low-temperature solder application. Different weight percentage alloying elements affect differently on Sn-Bi solder mechanical properties.

Originality/value

This paper provides a compilation of latest report on tensile properties, hardness, shear strength and deformation of Sn-Bi and Sn-Bi-X solders and the latest trends and in-depth understanding of the effect of alloying elements in Sn-Bi solder mechanical properties.
Longer and warmer prewinter periods reduce post‐winter fitness in a diapausing insect
Authors: Nielsen Matthew E. , Lehmann Philipp , Gotthard Karl
Published: April 2022

Diapause is considered an important adaptation for survival of winter; however, insects often enter diapause long before its onset. Thus, diapausing insects must also be able to survive these prewinter conditions which warm temperatures could make quite energetically taxing despite relative inactivity.

We tested for both immediate and delayed fitness effects of prewinter conditions in diapausing Pieris napi butterfly pupae, experimentally exposing them to different prewinter treatments in a factorial design. We placed diapausing pupae at one of three temperatures (15, 20 and 25°C) for 1 to 16 weeks, followed by the same standardized winter for all individuals.

We monitored survival of pupae at multiple points during the experiment, including after winter, as well as their change in mass. For a subset of individuals, we also made repeated metabolic measurements.

We found substantial weight loss during prewinter warm periods, greater during longer prewinter treatments at higher temperatures. This weight loss was associated with elevated metabolic rates at higher temperatures which increased over the duration of the prewinter treatment.

Although we found little prewinter mortality associated with these conditions, mortality was much greater post‐winter for individuals in long, warm prewinter treatments and the dry mass of adults that did survive these conditions was lower, highlighting the need to understand chronic or delayed effects of stress on fitness.

Ultimately, we found substantial fitness consequences of prewinter conditions for a diapausing insect. Given that climate change will make these prewinter periods both longer and more intense, it will be important to understand how dormant organisms tolerate or reduce the length of these dormant, inactive periods.

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Collective mindfulness: Somatic attention to group and self in meditation practice in Israel
Authors: Pagis Michal , Tal Orly
Published: April 2022

Mindfulness is commonly portrayed as a solitary practice in which one turns attention inward to notice feelings, thoughts and sensations that arise in the mind and body. Yet the training and practice of mindfulness often take place in a group setting, indicating that the process of turning inward is dependent on an intersubjective space. Based on an extended ethnography of Israelis who train in body‐based mindfulness in the context of Vipassana meditation practice, we analyze collective mindfulness spaces, including group sittings, virtual group sittings and the use of mindfulness applications. We show that mindfulness offers a unique kind of togetherness. It opposes direct social engagement while still offering a supportive social space where others move from an audience to bodily co‐dwellers. We track the tensions in replicating this form of togetherness in virtual settings, where, paradoxically, the physical distance ends up exposing people's social identities while still limiting embodied synchronization. We illustrate how the social spaces of mindfulness serve as liminoid sanctuaries beyond everyday social‐interactive life, providing relief from the political and economic stress in which Israelis live.
Creating a safe space for mindfulness: Non‐white practitioner experiences in North America
Authors: Gajaweera Nalika
Published: April 2022

This ethnographic article contributes to anthropology scholarship examining whiteness's privilege, power, and investment in baseline understandings of the modern world. It examines critiques of institutional whiteness in North American mindfulness institutions made by practitioners of colour (PoC) – an emic self‐identifier of participants. Based on ethnographic research among PoC mindfulness practitioner groups conducted in the United States between 2016 and 2021, the article illustrates several strategies some PoC develop – including establishing institutional structures and ritual practice – to counter the whiteness of meditation instructions and meditation centres.
Effects of a Medicaid dental coverage “cliff” on dental care access among low‐income Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Roberts Eric T. , Mellor Jennifer M. , McInerny Melissa P. , Sabik Lindsay M.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate how an abrupt drop‐off, or “cliff,” in Medicaid dental coverage affects access to dental care among low‐income Medicare beneficiaries. Medicaid is an important source of dental insurance for low‐income Medicare beneficiaries, but beneficiaries whose incomes slightly exceed eligibility thresholds for Medicaid have fewer affordable options for dental coverage, resulting in a dental coverage cliff above these thresholds.

Data Source

Medicare Current Beneficiary Surveys (MCBS) from 2016 to 2019.

Study Design

We used a regression discontinuity design to evaluate effects of this dental coverage cliff. This study design exploited an abrupt difference in Medicaid coverage above income eligibility thresholds in the Medicaid program for elderly and disabled populations.

Data Collection

The study included low‐income community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries surveyed in the MCBS whose incomes, measured in percentage points of the federal poverty level, were within ±75 percentage points of state‐specific Medicaid income eligibility thresholds (n = 7508 respondent‐years, which when weighted represented 26,776,719 beneficiary‐years).

Principal Findings

Medicare beneficiaries whose income exceeded Medicaid eligibility thresholds were 5.0 percentage points more likely to report difficulty accessing dental care due to cost concerns or a lack of insurance than beneficiaries below the thresholds (95% CI: 0.2, 9.8; p = 0.04)—a one‐third increase over the proportion reporting difficulty below the thresholds (15.0%).

Conclusions

A Medicaid dental coverage cliff exacerbates barriers to dental care access among low‐income Medicare beneficiaries. Expanding dental coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those who are ineligible for Medicaid, could alleviate barriers to dental care access that result from the lack of comprehensive dental coverage in Medicare.
Low‐density lipoprotein and blood pressure are important risk factors for vasculopathy in children on dialysis: A single center study
Authors: Conkar Tunçay Seçil , Keskinoğlu Ahmet , Bulut İpek Kaplan , Levent Ertürk , Hakverdi Gülden , Kabasakal Caner
Published: April 2022

Introduction

We searched for risk factors of cardiovascular assessment among children on dialysis.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of cardiovascular assessment of all patients on dialysis at Ege University Children's Hospital. Pediatric patients between the ages of 6 and 21 who were on HD and peritoneal dialysis treatment were included in the study. Cardiovascular evaluation included left ventricular mass index (LVMI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) measurements.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in this study. The LDL had a correlation with the cIMT z‐score, but not to PWVz‐score. Binary Logistic regression analysis found that only LDL was significantly associated to increased cIMT.

Conclusion

This study reports an association between high LDL and high BP increased cIMT on dialyzed children. Strategies to reduce LDL and BP in dialysis patients may prevent vasculopathy and long‐term cardiovascular complications.
Beyond impunity: An evaluation of New York State's nonfatal shooting initiative
Authors: Cochran Hannah , Worden Robert E.
Published: April 2022

New York State's nonfatal shooting initiative provided support to police departments and district attorney's offices in two cities, Newburgh and Utica, NY: two investigators and a crime analyst dedicated to nonfatal shooting investigations, training and technical assistance, and timely forensic laboratory analysis of evidence. Evaluation findings show that the initiative positively affected the processes and outcomes of nonfatal shooting investigations. The immediate effect of the initiative was dramatic in Newburgh and less pronounced but noteworthy in Utica. In both sites, however, clearance rates declined over time, as caseloads grew. The initiative consisted of several components: a commitment to evidence‐based prosecutions; investigative personnel dedicated to nonfatal shooting cases; collaboration between investigative and prosecutorial actors. The immediate effects of the initiative suggest how successful nonfatal shooting investigations can be when they are better resourced, while the decay in the impacts over time illustrate the need to ensure that the resources are commensurate with the caseload.